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HIV patients in India do not get dementia, says Bangalore scientist
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Bangalore, Jan.31 (ANI): Studies conducted by Dr. Ranga Uday Kumar, a scientist from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), here have revealed that HIV patients in India do not suffer from dementia due to genetics.
The observations made by Uday Kumar and his team will soon be published in reputed international medical and research journals.
In an exclusive interview to Asian News International on Monday, Dr Kumar said that the HIV viruses are classified into various sub-types. The virus found in Indians is of sub-type C.
"We, for the first time, demonstrated a very important difference in one of the viral proteins in sub-type C and we have proposed that this is the one which is leading to different clinical manifestation, so that is important in this work. So after our publication it's not that everybody started believing us but many people understood that now they can't dismiss subtype differences, there are strong circumstantial evidences to show that virus subtypes can have pathogenic properties," said Dr. Ranga Uday Kumar.
Dr. Kumar, however, said that it is the time factor that determines the end results of all their studies since observations of experiments conducted elsewhere in the world, under different parameters, have to be tallied and analysed before reaching any final conclusion.
"The most important thing to understand is that we know a lot about this American virus. Let's say: family B. All the medical literature 99 percent literature appears on sub-type B. But we have no clue about our own virus sub-type C so many lab is essentially working on this," said Dr. Kumar
"The other thing is American viruses cause only 10-12 percent global infections but subtype C virus actually causes nearly 60 percent of the global infections so the real virus is subtype C not subtype B, though both are HIV only," added Dr. Kumar while noting that there was still a big need of more publications to prove their hypothesis and bringing out a result.
"There are just two only publications so far from our group so unless more data emerge from other groups and other countries rather we don't know whether our hypothesis is really true or not because these kind of things need a few dozens of publication from various different regions. But having said this I know already that sub-type C is a very mellow down virus but it is killing people," he said.
Subtype C is not prone to dementia because the protein TAT that effects the brain cell undergoes a genetic change in India and results in lack of dementia.
The main purpose of the study was to find out whether there were similar differences between the pathogens. But due to the absence of animal model for experimentation in India they depended solely on the cell culture to solve the mystery.
Dr. Ranga Uday Kumar also mentioned that he and his team members have regular interaction with many researchers abroad such John Hopkins University and other institutions in the U.S., Brazil and Africa. (ANI)
--MP
Outbreak of gastroenteritis in Bangalore
Bangalore, Jan 31 (ANI): At least 200 people here have been admitted to various city hospitals over the last four days after they reported symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Unconfirmed reports have put the number of patients at 800.
The doctors are trying to find out the cause of the illness.
The people in the affected area have alleged that the water supplied to them for drinking is contaminated which could be the possible source of the infection.
"This is basically because of contaminated water. The quality of water is really bad and many of us have been affected," said Vidya, a patient.
According to some reports, the water supply of the city has been contaminated with sewage as water and sewage pipelines being old, run side by side.
The doctors fear that it could be possibly Cholera and directing patients to approach hospitals having facilities to treat them.
"Since the past two days, we have been facing problems. We came to a local hospital with complaints of lose motions, but it was declared that we might have cholera. Then, we moved to bigger hospital," said Priya, another patient.
Doctors have conducted bacterial tests but the results are awaited.
"Some medical officers have come from Kormangala area to find out the number of cases. They have been trying to trace the sources of infections but the entire action plan needs to be aggressive in view of the continuing epidemic. A large number of cases are coming," said Soumya, Chief medical officer, Saint Philomena Hospital.
Authorities are, however, investigating to find out the possibility of a foul play as experts claim that Bangalore receives pre-tested water. (ANI)
--MP
Sify launches end-to-end Managed Security Services
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Chennai, Jan 30 (ANI/Business Wire India): Sify Technologies Limited today announced the launch of its end-to-end Managed Security Services (MSS).
This service will be powered by a state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC) set up by the company in Bangalore.
With this launch, Sify will offer its enterprise customers the entire suite of MSS including 24x7 Monitoring and Management of Security Devices, Security Event Correlation and Reporting along with a range of other value added services like vulnerability protection, compliance monitoring and forensics services.
P J Nath, Executive President, Sify Enterprise Solutions, said, "MSS are one of the fastest growing services in India with a market size of about Rs 181 crores last year. We expect robust growth in demand over the next five to six years with many more companies moving towards online processes and storage, or enhancing their current capabilities."
"So, the addition of end-to-end MSS to our enterprise services portfolio is timely, and will build on the considerable expertise we have developed over the years in infrastructure management and information security. The launch of these services makes Sify even more competitive in managed services with our range of enterprise service offerings across connectivity, hosting, applications and security enhanced by their addition," added Nath.
Powered by a high-tech SOC in Bangalore and backed by a strong delivery platform using a dedicated customer web portal developed in-house, Sify is well poised to cater to the Managed Security needs of both domestic and global customers.
Sify's MSS will help customers to proactively secure information assets and preempt security threats, to ensure 24x7-managed security for their mission critical assets with guaranteed SLAs and to ensure 24x7 availability of critical systems and protect information assets more effectively through actionable security intelligence.
Sify's competitive edge comes from its vast and diverse expertise in security technologies, deep domain knowledge in information security consulting, excellence in delivering infrastructure managed services, and a solid understanding of the Internet and the threats associated with it. (ANI)
--MP
Terrorists admit planning to attack Bangalore airport
Monday, January 28, 2008
Bangalore, Jan 28 (ANI): Two persons, who were arrested by Karnataka Police for having alleged links with terrorist organisations, have revealed that they were planning to attack the Hubli Airport in Bangalore.
According to the police, the duo - a cook and a medical student - Mohammad Ghouse and his friend Assadullah Abbubukar were having links with Pakistan-based terror organisation.
The police also came to know that Ghouse's father Naseeruddin Mohammad is a Lashkar e Toiba (LeT) operative and has received training in Pakistan.
Naseerruddin was trained as a suicide bomber at Muzafarabad in Pakistan, intelligence officials have revealed.
The police teams from Delhi, Hyderabad and Gujarat will soon arrive in the city to interrogate Ghouse and Abbubukar, rediff.com reported.
The police are trying to get more information about Naseeruddin, who was allegedly involved in the Haren Pandya murder as well as the Hyderabad blasts.
The media reports suggest that Assadullah met Ghouse at a religious congregation in Hubli last year.
The police have also recovered CDs and maps of various installations from the duo's possession. (ANI)
--MP
Over 1, 000 techies run for better infrastructure in Bangalore
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Bangalore, Jan 27 (ANI): Demanding a better infrastructure for IT hub Bangalore, over 1,000 techies took out a 'run' on the Republic Day to register their voice against the attitude of district authorities towards the city's bad infrastructure.
Braving the morning chill, the techies took part in the corporate run that was organized by the Electronic City Industries Association (ECIA) and flagged off by Lead India finalist R K Misra.
"This is all about Bangalore infrastructure. We feel that there are a whole lot of things that can happen and the whole reason why we are doing this today is to draw attention to the fact that lot more needs to be done," said Charles, President, Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA).
The run was divided into 3.5 and 7 kilometres distance and saw the participation of professionals from renowned companies like Wipro and Infosys.
A woman participant, who is a corporate honcho, said that pedestrians used to cross the road without any proper safety arrangements at over 10 junctions. (ANI)
--MP
Indian HIV Patients are spared from Dementia
Friday, January 25, 2008
Bangalore, Jan 25 (ANI): Indian HIV patients are said to live a better life compared to their US counterparts.
Recent studies conducted by the Indian scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) at Bangalore and National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), at Delhi, have shown that HIV does not cause dementia in India due to genetic change.
"The HIV virus are classified into various sub type and virus found in Indians are Subtype C, which is not prone to dementia because the protein Tat that effects the brain cell undergoes a genetic change in India resulting in lack of dementia," said Dr.Ranga Uday Kumar, team leader of study at JNCASR.
He further added that with the difference in subtype, the main purpose of the study was to find out whether there are similar differences between the pathogens, but due to absence of animal model for experimentation in India we had to depend solely on the cell culture to solve the mystery.
And Dr. Pankaj Seth at NBRC has conducted the study on the brain of dead foetus to examine the effect of HIV on the neuron informed Dr. Kumar.
India has roughly 2.5 million people infected with HIV, less than half the number of cases that previous studies estimated.
An earlier U.N. study had estimated 5.7 million HIV cases, which would have been the highest total in the world.
But as per the latest available data, India, which has a population of 1.1 billion, has fewer HIV cases than South Africa and Nigeria. (ANI)
--MP
Scholars still trying to understand Indian religion
Thursday, January 24, 2008
New Delhi, Jan.23 (ANI): Scholars participating in the conference on "Rethinking Religion in India" on Wednesday here were still trying to understand religion as is practiced in the sub-continent.
The feeling was that there was a negative picture of India religion elsewhere in the world.
According to Dunkin Jalki, a Ph.d student on Cultural Studies from Bangalore,"Only when Asians reflect upon themselves or each other, a positive picture on (social systems) emerges."
Prof. J.S.Sadananda of the Kuvempu University in Karnataka, who has been conducting research work on caste in Karnataka's 40 villages, said: "The perception of India appears influenced by Christian theological framework of Europe. They haven't been able to understand the phenomenon they are studying."
According to Professor Rajeev Ranjan Sinha, Head of the Department of Sanskrit Vidya and Dean Faculty of Shamana Vidya at Sampoornanand Sanskrit University, Varanasi, the speakers appear to have misunderstood the concept "Jaati" during their research.
"The word Jaati is not caste. I am speaking from the studies of Sanskrit texts. 'Jaati' is a technical term in Indian Nyaya philosophy where it means the element which covers the whole race (i.e ness).But nowhere it means as a caste in the Sanskrit texts. You cannot term Jaati as a religion, sect or caste." Prof.Sinha said.
Prof. Purushottam Bilimale pointed out that Jati in the Indian context does not mean caste Dravidian. He said: "Entire 27 communities of the Dravidian world don't have a single world equalling to "Jaati". If you accept that as a fact, because it is a Sanskrit world, we have to see the entire Dravidian world in a different way with a question "what else is there?"
"When you look at the Dravidian rituals the basic functioning tools are kinship and family," he added. (ANI)
--MP
Rahul 'baba' discusses mature politics over "kesari bhath"!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
New Delhi, Jan 23 (ANI): Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi came, saw and conquered the media, while party stalwarts, including veteran Motilal Vohra, Margaret Alva, MoS at Prime Minister Office Prithviraj Chauhan, and Janardhan Dwivedi, were left on the sidelines at the New Year reception hosted by the Congress Party media in-charge Veerappa Moily.
Rahul Gandhi sat down for an impromptu press conference, receiving a barrage of questions from the media, and did not avoid answering any of them. .
He talked about issues ranging from law and order conditions prevailing in Uttar Pradesh to the problems being faced by the youth in his party. He also dwelt on the future challenges his party would face on the electoral front during the assembly polls in ten states this year and elaborated on his mother being a workaholic
After his encounter with the media, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, Rahul decided to savour Moily's lunch, by saying 'aao kucch khayein" (let's eat something). Keen to savour Karnataka cuisine, he asked for dessert. He had more than one serving, and seemed to like it. He asked his host ".kya hai ye", and pat came the reply from all the sides "kesari bhath".
The media kept on asking him about the health of his mother Sonia Gandhi. Rahul said that both he and his sister Priyanka Vadra Gandhi had been repeatedly asking their mother to take a break from her normal routine, but she has been unyielding. He told the media: "I appeal, please ask her to have a break."
He told the media that the prevailing conditions in Uttar Pradesh were 'bad", and that he had apprised the Congress President about it.
About the youth in his party, he admitted that they often complained about the "distance" the party's leadership maintained from them. He personally wanted more young persons to participate in politics
Rahul Gandhi said that he planned to undertake extensive tours across the country, and would start from one of the southern states.
When asked about his New Year's resolution, he said he doesn't believe in New Year's resolutions, Resolutions have to be made every day. (ANI)
--MP
Gaalipata
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Gaalipata directed by Yograj Bhatt promises to be a good film with visually appealing sequences and good performances altogether. Ganesh can take all the credits for his lead performace in the film. The film is told on a simple story yet presented lively. Cinematography, camera work, dialogues all excels. Exotic locales of Kodagu and Kodachadri adds flavor to the film. Most of the songs are memorable too.The story is about 3 friends who wants to move away from the fast pace city life. Dignath, Daisy Bopanna, Rajesh etc play their respective roles well. Altogether a well packaged film worth a watch. --MP
Victims of misuse of anti-dowry law demand Welfare Ministry for men
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Bangalore, Jan 20 (ANI): Victims of misuse of anti-dowry law and Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), held a protest demonstration here today, and demanded the setting up of the Welfare Ministry for men.
Members of the Save Indian Family Foundation held the demonstration at the M G Road in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue.
They held placards and demanded redrafting of domestic violence laws and making gender issues neutral. They also demanded a commission to address men's issues.
"Its not just men, but also women of their family, who are victim of the misuse of anti-dowry laws. In every 10 minutes a husband commits suicide in India, but why that is not considered as domestic violence?" asked Uma Challa, a non resident Indian. (ANI)
--MP
Udupi's Paryaya controversy raises questions on the role of seers
Bangalore, January, 20 (ANI): Even though the issue of ascension of Paryaya Peetha and worshipping of famous deity Lord Krishna in Udupi has been resolved, it has raised many questions pertaining to the role of seers and maths.
In fact the Seer of the Puttige Math Sugunendra Tirtha created history in the coastal town of Udupi on Friday by becoming the first Swamiji of the Ashta Maths (eight monasteries) to ascend the Paryaya Peetha despite having travelled abroad.
Foreign travel is taboo for the Swamijis of Ashta Maths, as it is considered polluting. It is evident other seven seers boycotted the traditional ascension ceremony allowing further controversy and confusion.
The high drama marred the Paryaya and many devotees felt that it was a shame that the seers fought openly on a non-issue.
They recalled that according to tradition when the priests controlling the temple centuries ago did not allow Kanaka, a lower-caste devotee, to enter the temple, he went to the back side and prayed. The image of Lord Krishna turned around and a special window had to be opened at the back of the sanctum sanctorum. Even today, the window is called the "Kanakana Kindi", and is kept open.
The Paryaya issue even divided the devotees to take sides. Thanks to some mediation, it was temporarily resolved and Swami Sugunendra Tirtha adorned the throne.
The issue of Paryaya stirred the peace of the coastal town Uduipi. Even though God Krishna is the mute witness, the fight between the seers brought many issues regarding the role of seers in taking control of the math.
The Paryaya allows one of the eight seers in every two years for once the right to perform Puja to God Krishna. But the controversy over transferring the power to Sugunendra Tirtha has brought the fight to open. Even it has reached the courts to find a solution.
Talking to ANI the Pejawar seer, one who created the storm by opposing the ascension, has said that he and the Puttige Swamiji had reached an agreement on the issue of ascension of Paryaya Peetha and worshipping Lord Krishna.
According to the agreement, the Puttige seer could ascend the Paryaya Peetha and do "Pujas" without touching the idol. But some seers of the Ashta Maths considered both the issues ('puja' and 'peetharohana') to be important.
"It is unfortunate that the other seers of the Ashta Maths did not agree. I tried sincerely to solve the problem. I am sad that I could not succeed. But I do not blame anybody," he said.
He also clarified that the non-participation of the seers of the seven maths in the Paryaya procession and the Paryaya Durbar function was only their way of showing their disagreement over the issue of ascension and worship of Lord Krishna.
"It was not a boycott," he clarified.
Udupi is a divine shrine in the coastal region of Western Ghats, Situated about 60 kilometres from Mangalore, Udupi is a fairly large and upcoming town that was the sanctum of Madhvacharya, the great exponent of Bhakti movement. (ANI)
--MP
Fans, relatives of players celebrate Team India's victory
New Delhi/Bangalore, Jan 19 (ANI): Fans and relatives of cricket players across the country celebrated Team India's victory over Australia by 72 runs in the third Test match at Perth, by dancing to the tunes of Bollywood hits.
India's victory over Australia has kept alive team's hope of drawing the four-match series, and has brought an end to Kangaroos 16 match winning streak.
Last time India stopped Australia's victory wagon in Kolkata, when Sourav Ganguly's men halted the progress of Steve Waugh's team. This is India's first ever victory at Perth.
Chetana Kumble, wife of Skipper Anil Kumble's wife, rejoiced in the victory of the team, and congratulated the entire team.
She said that Anil captured his 600th Test wicket during this match against Australia, which made the series more memorable.
"Of course I am very happy, we are all very proud. And it is a very proud moment for India. I congratulate the entire team and also Anil. The victory is made sweeter because Anil has completed his 600 wickets. And we won, this is what matters," said Chetana Kumble.
The mood was joyous at fast bowler Ishant Sharma's house, who claimed the crucial wicket of captain Ricky Ponting after which Australia failed to recover.
"I am very happy that we have won against Australia after such a long time. The entire team has given a brilliant performance," said Grisha Sharma, Ishant's mother.
Ishant's uncle, Ashok Sharma, said that the team performed well and turning point of the match was fall of Ponting's wicket.
"We are very happy, we are celebrating and distributing sweets. I am proud of India. Irfan Pathan has done well, he should be given the due credit," said Shekhar Gupta, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir.
India sealed the victory in the final session of the fourth day when they bowled the Australians out for 340 after setting them an unlikely victory target of 413 runs.
Australia had gone into the match as overwhelming favourites to set a new world record of 17 consecutive Test wins, but crashed to defeat with a day to spare, sparking wild celebrations from India's players and supporters.
The last time the Australians lost any test was the fourth Ashes match at Trent Bridge in August 2005 and the last time they lost a test at home was against India at Adelaide in December 2003. (ANI)
--MP
A banyan tree with 600 bee colonies
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Bangalore, Jan 19 (ANI): A million bees have colonized in a single banyan tree here.
The tree has the world's largest number of beehives -- as many as 600.
It has become a centre of attraction for the curious onlookers at Ramagovindapura village near Nandagudi, where Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been proposed.
The 200-years-old tree is a vital proof for social and environmental activists, who are against the setting up of SEZs fearing that such zones might disturb the ecological balance.
According to city's well-known ornithologist and naturalist MB Krishna, the bees have colonized on a single tree because it is surrounded by forest area.
Since the bees travel far distances for collection of honey, the surrounding area also need to be protected from being disturbed.
"It's a pride to protect the tree which has been a host to a record breaking 600 bee colonies. We would do our best to protect this natural heritage," said Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Wildlife IB Srivastava.
Uthanallappa, village head, said: "Because of these bee colonies the agricultural production has increased and we get five crops a year, which is rare".
"Existence of such a large number of colonies on a single tree is a living testimony to the ecological and agricultural prosperity of the area, but we feel threatened by the SEZ proposal," added Ananda, a villager.
Every year from October to November 600 bee colonies are found on this tree, but they start decreasing in March when the bees start vacating.
The bee colonies are making significant contribution to the socio-economic needs of the rural population, adding value to the economy. (ANI)
--MP
A fresh look at Religion in India, at Indira Gandhi Centre
New Delhi, Jan.19 (ANI): Scholars from India and abroad, who feel that religion in India has been seen from European or 'colonial' eyes, are going to give a fresh look and try to evolve a framework for interpreting it at a conference which will commence on Monday.
The joint effort is being organised by the Ghent University of Belgium in cooperation with the Kuvempu University and the Karnataka Academy for Social Sciences from Karnataka.
Too much effort at 'liberalisation' and making religion 'secular' is not the answer to current problems and efforts to avoid violence. What is required for Indians is to understand the true significance of religion, said Dr. Balagangadhara Rao of Ghent University of Belgium, who is going to give the keynote address at the conference opening on Monday, January 21, said at a press meet here yesterday.
Dr. Rao said: "We have a rich past. How our traditions, culture and religious way of living have been in the past and how they hold significance even in the present time that needs to be understood. We will make an attempt to do so at the conference"
"The way religion is today explained or understood in India is actually how the Europeans interpreted it. Ours is an attempt to understand the religion in India by evolving a new concept that is distinct from the way Europeans viewed and expressed it for us, the Indians," Professor Dr. Balagangadhara Rao added.
According to Dr. Rao, "If you don't understand your past, and you don't understand who you are today, you may not be able to understand what you are going to be tomorrow". The purpose of the cluster of conferences is to find an answer to these questions.
The international conference is claimed to be a sincere attempt to explore an alternative approach and discover new forays that can draw more research students in the study of religion in India.
If necessary the conference would explore to evaluate the importance of religion in India and would not desist from revisiting Vedic culture or beliefs as has been in practice in the past.
The concern for religious studies emerged with the observation of some scholars that in the present time not many intellectuals were coming forward to do studies on religion.
Similar conference would be held every year in Belgium, the United States and the rest in India.
When asked about the utility of studying religion for youth instead of concentrating on the study of modern sciences, he said: "It is useful to have happiness in one's life. After achieving money and fame, all of us, as human beings, wish to be happy, and for this, we need to study religion."
In the first conference being held here the focus would be on topics like, "Are there native religions in India," on colonialism and religion, the caste system and Indian religion.
Of the total 250 to 300 expected participants in the discussions, at least 220 will be Indians belonging to all walks of life which include researchers, and individuals from universities and people from Delhi to partake in the attempt of rethinking about religion in India.
Among the invited speakers that have agreed to participate are: Prof.David N.Lorenzen, Prof.T.N.Madan, Prof.Timothy Fitzgerald, Prof.S.N.Balagangadhara, Prof.Purushottam Aggarwal, Prof.Richard King and Prof.Geoffrey Oddie. (ANI)
--MP
Bangalore to host South India Jewellery Show 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Bangalore, Jan 17 (ANI/Business Wire India): The second edition of South India Jewellery Show 2008 (SIJS) will be held here from January 18 to 20.
The premier B2B jewellery show is being organised by The Art of Jewellery, India, in association with World Gold Council (WGC).
In addition to the World Gold Council, the event is supported by All India Gem and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), Bangalore Jewellers Association, and all the major jewellery trade bodies of South India.
Martin Rapaport, Chairman of the Rapaport Group, USA will inaugurate the show on January 18. He is a well-known figure in the diamond industry, best known for establishing the Rapaport Diamond Price List -- the primary source of diamond price and market information for the diamond trade.
K Shivram, Vice President, World Gold Council said: "We at WGC strongly believe that if design upgradation and choice of latest quality hand and machine made products has to reach the far corners of the state, then the jewellers need to be given an opportunity to see what is currently available with the manufacturers."
"In this regard, SIJS 2008 provides an excellent opportunity for the jewellery trade to see for themselves the latest product designs on offer and latest jewellery machinery as well, thus enabling businesses to be built better," K Shivram added.
Sumesh Wadhera, Convenor, SIJS 2008 said, "SIJS 2008 is the ideal platform for a B2B interaction for manufacturers and wholesalers with a wide spectrum of the South India jewellery retail trade. The show will be instrumental in bringing a wide variety of designs, from various parts of India, to the South Indian region."
Over 150 exhibitors will be participating in SIJS 2008. These participants are from Mumbai, Jaipur, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Thrissur, Junagadh, Rajkot, Delhi and Kolkata.
Nearly 10,000 trade visitors of the jewellery retail trade from across South India are expected to attend the show.
A wide variety of product categories will be exhibited at the event. These include gold and diamond jewellery, colour stone jewellery, silver jewellery, loose stones, machinery and allied products.
The show provides an excellent opportunity to make new business connections, tie-ups, trade partnerships and most importantly make face-to-face contacts with the right people.
It is also a unique platform to promote and showcase latest designs, products and services that can cater to the growing needs of the retail jewellery sector.
It is pertinent to note that jewellery design preferences change every 100 km in a multi-hued society like India. Hence providing accessibility to a variety of designs through platforms like SIJS 2008 is very essential.
SIJS 2008 will also be a platform to showcase new technologies and processes to the jewellery trade, enabling it to scale up efficiency and productivity.
The show is conveniently timed to tap the market before the wedding season and the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya. Moreover, the timing of the show is scheduled in such a way that it does not clash with other jewellery trade events in India.
With regards to the selection of Bangalore, there are many factors in addition to its central location to the South India.
The silicon city of India is an ideal location for the exhibition because of its cosmopolitan culture and consuming and purchasing power.
Ranked as 'Asia's Fastest Growing City', Bangalore is one of the top three retail destinations in India.
Most importantly, it is well connected and has proximity to all major towns across South India, which ensures right flow of visitors from far and near.
Product categories exhibited at SIJS 2008 are gold and diamond jewellery, colourstone jewellery, loose stones, silver jewellery, machinery and allied products.
Some of the special events at the event will be educational trade seminars, launch of the "TRUST MARK" programme by All India Gem and Jewellery Trade Federation and judging of the final winners of 'AAKAAR' jewellery design competition. (ANI)
--MP
Oz govt calls it quits in Dr Haneef's case, but Police still investigating
Sydney, Jan 17 (ANI): The last ditch effort by the Australian Government to scuttle restoration of Indian doctor Dr Mohammed Haneef's work visa failed yesterday when Immigration Minister Chris Evans announced that there would be no appeal to the High Court in the case.
But, Australian Federal Police (AFP) said that they were still investigating the case against Dr Haneef that he might have a hand in the car bombing at Glasgow Airport in Scotland last June.
An AFP spokeswoman confirmed that Dr Haneef still remained under investigation.
"The investigation into Operation Rain is continuing. We are unable to make any further comment," Australian daily The Age quoted her as saying while referring to the name of the police investigation related to Dr Haneef.
Dr Haneef's working visa was restored to him on December 21 when the full Federal Court dismissed a federal government appeal against an earlier court decision that the visa should be reinstated. Yesterday the Australian Government had decided not to appeal against the Federal Court's decision.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Federal Labour Government is also learnt to have pledged to hold an inquiry into the handling of Dr Haneef's case.
A spokesman for Attorney-General Robert McClelland said yesterday that arrangements for establishing the inquiry were still being considered, including its timing.
The former Gold Coast doctor was initially charged with supporting a terrorist operation after his old mobile phone SIM card was linked to figures involved in the Glasgow bombing, but the charge was dropped within a fortnight. (ANI)
--MP
Beauty parade for Cows and Bulls in Bangalore
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Trichy/ Bangalore, Jan 16 (ANI): People at Basavanagudi Village in Bangalore, celebrated Sankranti in a unique and unconventional way by organising a fashion show of cows and bulls.
The fashion show was organised by Radio Mirchi, a popular FM channel who plan it to make it bigger in future.
"This festival Sankranti, people decorate their cows everywhere, but we thought we'll call it a fashion show, so that people get to know that we need to respect our tradition. I am very happy that Basavanagudi people have shown fantastic response and we plan it to make it bigger," said Avinash, Radio Jockey.
Around 40 cattle as models walked on ramp in their brightest wardrobes like bling sarees and shawls, jewellery, colour balloons, ribbons, and paper streamers. The youngest participant to scorch the floor was a seven day old, cute calf.
Enthusiastic owners trying hard to clinch the title were seen decorating their cows with best of the costumes. But the crown fell on the crowd pullers 'Satyabhama' and 'Krishna' dressed as bride and bridegroom.
"It's altogether a new Makar Sankranti and it has been a different way. Usually we go to relatives houses and celebrate by sharing sweets. But this time it's been actually with cows. It's awesome, "said Sindu, owner of the winning cattle.
The Pongal for cows festival is part of the harvest festival celebrated as Pongal in the south on the occasion of Makar Sankrati marking the northward journey of the sun as it enters a new zodiac which coincides with the beginning of longer days of sunlight.
Meanwhile People in Tamil Nadu, celebrated "Mattu Pongal" (Pongal for cows) with traditional gaiety and fervour.
Mattu Pongal is a day when cattle are given a well deserved day of rest and are given pride of place. The farmers honour their cattle by celebrating the second day of Pongal as thanks-giving day for bringing in prosperity to them. They offer prayers to bulls, cows and other farm animals.
The cattle are washed, their horns are painted and covered with shining metal
caps. Multi-colored beads, tinkling bells, sheaves of corn and flower garlands are tied around their necks. Women apply turmeric and vermilion paste on the animals and garland them.
"There are over 200 cows in this shelter. We bath them and paint their horns. We put noose in their nose then we worship them and offer Pongal (religious food). We perform the same rituals year after year to mark the Pongal festival," said Krishnan, a resident.
Pongal or the Harvest Festival is celebrated by way of paying tribute to various elements like the Sun, the Nature and cattle for helping them with a rich harvest. (ANI)
--MP
Indian Vulture spotted near Bangalore after four years
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Bangalore, Jan 11 (ANI): The Indian Vulture or the Long-billed Vulture, which was believed to have become extinct, has been spotted near Bangalore after a gap of four years.
The tracing of the giant birds at the rocks of Ramangarama, about 50 kilometers from Bangalore, has instilled hope among the conservationists.
Jayakumar, a senior Karnataka forest official, who had been struggling to trace Indian Vultures for a long time, has finally traced it on the rocks of Ramanagaram recently.
Jayakumar, the Chief Conservator of Forests and a well-known wildlife photographer, and his wife have successfully photographed these vultures.
In an exclusive interview to the Asian New International (ANI), Jayakumar said that around six to seven Long-billed Vultures were spotted at Ramanagaram and have shown the signs of breeding.
"These vultures are known to feed on contaminated flesh that have non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, because of which their eggs don't hatch and this is one of the main reasons for the depletion of vulture population," said Jayakumar.
The Long-billed Vulture is a typical vulture, with a bald head, very broad wings and short tail. It is smaller and less heavily built than European Griffon Vulture, and usually weighs between 5.5 kg and 6.3 kg.
It breeds on crags or on trees in mountains of Pakistan and India.
The Indian Vulture and the Indian White-rumped Vulture have suffered nearly cent percent population decrease in Pakistan and India due to poisoning caused by the veterinary drug diclofenac.
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and when given to working animals it can reduce joint pain and keep them working for longer.
The drug is believed to be swallowed by vultures with the flesh of dead cattle, which were given diclofenac in the last days of life.
Diclofenac causes kidney failure in several species of vultures.
In March 2005, the Indian Government announced its support for a ban on the veterinary use of diclofenac. However, a year later, diclofenac was still being used for animals throughout India and the changes in Indian legislation are awaited. (ANI)
--MP
Jumbo Circus hits Bangalore after six years
Bangalore, Jan 10 (ANI): The Jumbo Circus, one of the oldest remaining circuses in India, has organised its show in Bangalore after six years.
With 350 staff and 120 artists, the main attractions of the circus were the Russian artists.
The performances by the Russian team included lasso by Natasha and hula-hoop by Razina. The other highlights were the "Globe of Death" by three men and women involving stunts on motorcycles horizontally and vertically.
And, of course, there were the old favourites such as the "Three Sword Act", "Ladder Balance", "American Ring of Death", besides, ring balance, fire dance,
flying trapeze, vertical swinging, clown chair act, elephant cricket, dental dance and spring net.
Jamanlal who has been with Jumbo for last 50 years said, "He is very happy entertaining people all his life."
But on the other hand, circus is having a set back due to lack of governmental support.
The promoter of Jumbo Circus, A K Premnath said that the restriction on having wild animals in circus have resulted in 30 per cent loss in business.
"There are very few big grounds left in the cosmopolitan cities to conduct huge circus shows," Premnath added.
Bahaduri, a Russian artist, who has been with Jumbo Circus said, "Unlike Russia in India, circus artists are not treated well. Russian artists have a security of pension but Indian circus artists are left helpless in their old-age."
Founded in 1977 by M V Shankar in Bihar, the Jumbo Russian Circus has travelled through all the states of the country. (ANI)
--MP
Once abandoned as a child without limbs, she grew up becoming artist
Bangalore, Jan.10 (ANI): Having been born without limbs twenty years ago, a U.S-based girl is exploring the art world to earn a dignified place for herself as an artist. She was abandoned at a local hospital in Manipal by her biological parents.
The hospital staff took care of the newborn and handed over to an orphanage from where she was adopted by a U.S-based couple that took her to their home at Bolivar, Missouri. She was christened as Minda Cox.
Cathy Cox, the adoptive mother, brought her up with maternal love. Minda was drawn to paintings and developed a deep liking for art. Today, she conducts painting exhibitions and art is her passion.
"I have got my inspiration from people and from books but I have loved it from the time when I was a child. I have my very first pictures of returning from India. I am trying to figure out a marker or pencil or drawing something. I am always dreaming and painting and I loved it since I was very young," said Minda Cox.
Holding a paintbrush between her neck and shoulder, Minda astonished many onlookers here recently by her skill during an informal gathering.
"Minda's determination is something that appeals me the most. She was to spend 8-10 hours a day on her art work. She doesn't want to give me something that she doesn't like herself. She practices a work at least four to five times till it is exactly what she wants it to be. She has worked so hard and been so successful. Her first painting exhibition sold all her 43 art works," said Emily Frost, teacher of Minda Cox.
Cathy Cox, Minda's mother says that she has grown to be an independent young woman. So much so, Minda herself sponsored this trip to her land of birth.
"She is so independent. She always wanted to learn things to try things herself. She cooks. She takes complete care of herself. At home, she has an electronic wheel-chair where the seat raises and goes down to the floor, so she does anything. She goes to university, she is studying," said Cathy Cox, Minda's mother.
Minda does not waste time brooding over her fate, rather looks ahead on a note of cheer as a optimum with an entirely positive focus.
Today, Minda Cox is a living inspiration for many girls. Truly, Minda Cox is an ambassador of hope for people having latent abilities. (ANI)
--MP
Once abandoned as a child without limbs, she grew up becoming artist
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
By K.G.Vasuki
Bangalore, Jan.9 (ANI): Having been born without limbs twenty years ago, a U.S-based girl is exploring the art world to earn a dignified place for herself as an artist. She was abandoned at a local hospital in Manipal by her biological parents.
The hospital staff took care of the newborn and handed over to an orphanage from where she was adopted by a U.S-based couple that took her to their home at Bolivar, Missouri. She was christened as Minda Cox.
Cathy Cox, the adoptive mother, brought her up with maternal love. Minda was drawn to paintings and developed a deep liking for art. Today, she conducts painting exhibitions and art is her passion.
"I have got my inspiration from people and from books but I have loved it from the time when I was a child. I have my very first pictures of returning from India. I am trying to figure out a marker or pencil or drawing something. I am always dreaming and painting and I loved it since I was very young," said Minda Cox.
Holding a paintbrush between her neck and shoulder, Minda astonished many onlookers here recently by her skill during an informal gathering.
"Minda's determination is something that appeals me the most. She was to spend 8-10 hours a day on her art work. She doesn't want to give me something that she doesn't like herself. She practices a work at least four to five times till it is exactly what she wants it to be. She has worked so hard and been so successful. Her first painting exhibition sold all her 43 art works," said Emily Frost, teacher of Minda Cox.
Cathy Cox, Minda's mother says that she has grown to be an independent young woman. So much so, Minda herself sponsored this trip to her land of birth.
"She is so independent. She always wanted to learn things to try things herself. She cooks. She takes complete care of herself. At home, she has an electronic wheel-chair where the seat raises and goes down to the floor, so she does anything. She goes to university, she is studying," said Cathy Cox, Minda's mother.
Minda does not waste time brooding over her fate, rather looks ahead on a note of cheer as a optimum with an entirely positive focus.
Today, Minda Cox is a living inspiration for many girls. Truly, Minda Cox is an ambassador of hope for people having latent abilities. (ANI)
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-AA
Grannies and Mummies to play cricket tournament in Bangalore
By K.G.Vasuki
Bangalore, Jan.9 (ANI): While the Bangalore boy Anil Kumle-led Team India is taking the Australian team and ICC umpires head on these days, cricket lovers in his home city are eager to watch a Mothers' and Grannies' Cricket Tournament here.
Teams comprising members between 45 to 75 years age group will participate in the tournament held in two categories. The players are practicing here ahead of the day-long tournament that starts on January 12.
Around 50 women will be seen in action but the suspense remains: Which team will clinch the Spurthi Cup?
Being hosted by Hanumanthnagar Spurthi Mahila Samaja in the city, the tournament is all set to attract cricket lovers' attention regardless of age. The matches will be played at Kohinoor Fields, Gavipuram in a quiet middle-class neighbourhood in south Bangalore.
With just a few days left for the D-Day, the coaches of respective teams are seen egging on their 'wards' to further their skills on the cricket ground.
"We, as a team, will be playing against another team under the age of 45. These ladies will be playing against group of other women from other club. They are group of enthusiastic ladies. Most of them have 2-3 kids. We have been practicing from last 15 days. Some of the ladies have picked up very well," said Krishna, coach for the Spurthi Ladies Cricket Club.
Many of the women, who have never played cricket before, are enthusiastic about the matches.
"These are all memories of my college days. It just takes me to 20 years back to my college time when I was an athlete. I am feeling very proud and happy to have become a member of one of the teams. They have given me an opportunity to play cricket as an all rounder," said Janani, a member of women cricket team.
For the group of 40-plus ladies, cricket has now become the most sought after game.
"I have played other sports but cricket. I never thought that I can play cricket but after I started playing cricket under Spurthi Club, I have gained a lot of interest and I am enjoying the game," Jaya, another member of women cricket team.
"Nobody of us has ever tried cricket before. They have seen their children and grandchildren play cricket. They are fit to pick the ball and pass it to children. We took it as challenge thinking why not we also play as we are also quite capable of and strong. Many of us practice yoga and some go to the gym," said Bhagyalakshmi, member of one of the teams. (ANI)
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-AA
Election Commission to review Karnataka poll preparedness
Election Commission to review Karnataka poll preparednessNew Delhi, Jan 9 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalswami
alongwith two Election Commissioners Navin Chawla and Dr. S Y Quraishi
will review the poll preparations in Karnataka for the State Assembly
elections that are likely to be held soon. The team will review preparation of the electoral rolls and general
law and order situation. During their visit, the Election Commission will interact with
political parties and senior officials in the state. President's rule was imposed in Karnataka in November, 2007. (ANI)
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-AA
Karnataka to cross Rs 70000 crore in IT export
Karnataka to cross Rs 70000 crore in IT export
By K G Vasuki
Bangalore, Jan 7 (ANI): In a significant development the Information Technology exports for the year 2007-2008 the software exports from Bangalore are expected to cross rupees 70000 crores compared to rupees 49000 crores last year. Software exports are expected to cross rupees 8500 crores compared to rupees 4500 crores last year.
Talking to ANI in an exclusive interview the Information and Bio Technology Secretary MN Vidhyashankar has said Karnataka will cross rupees 100 thousand crores by 2011. The fall in dollar and rupee appreciation has not affected the IT sector at all.
"IT sector is expanding in a big way with addition of 78 new companies in Bangalore, Mangalore and Hubli last year and we have crossed over 500 thousand employees. And Karnataka is the only state were IT sector has more employees than the state sector," added Vidyashankar.
Commenting on the various new initiatives complementing the growth in the sector he said: 'We are going to have the biggest IT park and country's first International Centre for Nano Science and Technology will be set in Bangalore and Professor CNR Rao would be heading the vision board."
He said the Global University of Bio Technology (BT) sector will also be housed in Bangalore and the state of art BT park with the investment of over rupees 5000 crore will be developed by Alexandria, who have developed around 150 biotech parks in US.
He further said that Bangalore has added 23 new companies in BT sector Last year and there has been a tremendous growth initiative in Marine BT. Therefore IT and BT growth rate has been stable in the state. (ANI)
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-AA
EC to review poll preparedness in Karnataka from tomorrow
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
New Delhi, Jan 8 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalswami and two Election Commissioners Navin Chawla and S Y Quraishi will visit Karnataka tomorrow to review the poll preparedness for the State Assembly elections that are likely to be held soon.
They will review preparation of the electoral rolls and general law and order situation, according to Election Commission sources.
The Election Commission is likely to hold consultations with political parties and senior officials in the state.
President's Rule was imposed in Karnataka in November last year. (ANI)--
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Mysore, Udupi, Hadagali Mallige flowers patented
Thursday, January 3, 2008
By K.G.Vasuki
Bangalore, Jan.2 (ANI): To protect the three local rare and unique flower species--Mysore Mallige (Jasmine), Udupi Mallige, and Hadagali Mallige-of Karnataka have been patented.
The GI (Geographical Indication) status has provided excusive rights to the local community to cultivate these three crops and continue to grow for 10 years and more.
All the three flowers are household names in Karnataka and known around the world. The new status helps protect its commercial interest too.
'Three flowers Mysooru Mallige, Udupi Mallige and Hadagali Mallige along with Mysore betel leaf and Nanjangud bale (a variety of Banana) were registered under Intellectual Property Right (IPR)," said K.Ramakrishnappa, the Director of Horticulture.
"Favorable weather condition have nurtured rare plant species and six out of ten plant species that have been registered under the intellectual property rights
are from the State," K.Ramakrishnappa added.
Awareness of Genetic Programming is essential to protect rare plant species and the government is conducting workshop to create more platforms for individuals to discuss and patent rare species.
Karnataka has 411 Horticulture farms in the State, where information on these flowers by way of demonstration is given. The State government is actively promoting the cultivation of these rare species.
Mysore Mallige derives its name since it is grown mostly around Mysore and partly in Srirangapatna taluk in Mandya district. The uniqueness of this jasmine variety is its lingering fragrance. Besides, Mysore Mallige is grown in Hadagali and Udupi places.
Hadagali Mallige, locally known as "Vasane Mallige", is grown mainly in Hoovina Hadagali and surrounding areas in Bellary district.
However, the cultivation of Udupi Mallige is of relatively recent origin. Cultivation of this variety of jasmine started in Shankarapura in Udupi district about 100 years ago. The flower is in high demand in places such as Mumbai, besides the coastal region.
These flowers have a long shelf life and can stay fresh for about three to four days in the bud condition.Labels: Science
Chitra Sante, or Art Fair, draws 100,000 art lovers in Bangalore
By K.G.Vasuki
Bangalore, Jan.2 (ANI): Art lovers in Bangalore had a great fun on the weekend when over 3,000 artists from across Andhra Pradesh converged here to participate in the Chitra Sante, a popular art fair that is held here on the last Sunday of the year.
Organised by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad, the local body for the promotion of art, the art fair held on the road captivated an overwhelming response. The beguiling fair brought back art and creativity alive on a boulevard.
According to Chitrakala Parishad President, the Chitra Sante links and brings the aspirations of the artists and art lovers.
"It was a riot of colours at the Kumarakrupa Road in Bangalore. Thousands of people through out the day thronged and interacted with the artists taking the culture to a new high. Responding to the Chitra Sante many of them shared their thoughts and felt elated on reviving the art link," said T.Prabhakar, the President of Chitrakala Parishad President.
Over 100,000 visitors thronged the annual art fair to witness the exhibited works displayed on road by so many artists from different places. The fair was into its fifth edition this time.
The art fair is aimed at reviving the relation between artists' and art lovers. It is held as a part of art tradition of Bangalore.
The artists showcased their artistic skills displaying their old and new works. Many of these artists did on the spot sketching for the art lovers.
Art works worth Rs.100 to 150,000 were on display. (ANI)
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