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Record-breaking Nepalese Sherpa to scatter Hillary’s ashes on Mt. Everest

April 7, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

Kathmandu, Apr.6 (ANI): A record-breaking Nepalese Sherpa has flown to Mount Everest to prepare to scatter the ashes of its most celebrated climber, Sir Edmund Hillary.

Apa, who with 19 successful climbs holds the record for the most trips to the summit, flew from the Nepalese capital, Katmandu, to Lukla, where he will begin yet another trek up Everest – this time to deposit Sir Edmund’s remaining ashes and clean up the peak, reports the Daily Express.

“I have three goals during my 20th climb of Everest. I will be taking and scattering the ashes of Edmund Hillary at the summit, clean up the mountain and promote Nepal as tourism destination,” said the 49-year-old Apa, who like most Sherpas goes by one name.

Apa and his fellow climbers – 17 other Sherpas and 12 Westerners lan to collect 15,400lb (7,000kg) of rubbish, a growing environmental problem on the Himalayan peak. They plan to pay porters to help bring down the refuse.

Apa and his team plan to scale the summit in May, when the weather is most favourable. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: destination, Himalayan peak, Katmandu, Lukla, nepalese sherpa, sir edmund hillary

India to build more highways than any other country in the world: Kamal Nath

September 17, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Zurich (Switzerland), Sep 17(ANI): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Kamal Nath on Thursday said that in the next two years India will build more highways than any other country in the world.

Inaugurating “Building India: Road Infrastructure Summit” at Zurich, he also invited European investors to invest in the road and highways sector in India, and said that India as a nation is determined to build a comprehensive high quality infrastructure.

Nath also said that the next decade would belong to infrastructure sector, as the last decade had been the decade of IT.

Stressing on the strong fundamentals of the Indian Economy, he said India is a safe destination for investment even in the times of recession and showcased the opportunities and potential of the Indian road sector to investors from across Europe.

Addressing a strong gathering of investors, developers and financial institutions, Nath said that the Government is back with enhanced mandate and building infrastructure is one of its important focus.

Elaborating on the new vision on road sector, he said that Government is committed to increase the pace of highway development to 20 kms per day, which would unleash huge business and investment opportunities, amounting to 70 billion dollars over the next 3-4 years.

In addition, it would also lead to an inclusive growth and provide connectivity to all stakeholders in socio-economic development.

Inviting investors to be a partner in building road infrastructure in the country, the minister said that out of total investment required, 40 billion dollars are expected to come from private sector. (ANI)

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Centre creates “Invest India” company to promote foreign investment in the country

September 10, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep 10 (ANI): The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the formation of a company ‘Invest India’ for the promotion of foreign investments under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Announcing the formation of ‘Invest India,’ Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said “The company will be a joint venture between the Government of India, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the State Governments will be responsible for promoting foreign investments into the country in a more focused, comprehensive and structured manner.”

The new company is expected to assist the government in its efforts towards projecting India as an attractive investment destination for foreign investors. The company will also assist foreign investors in identifying and realizing investment opportunities in India.

“The unique feature of this company is the partnership between the private sector organization and the Government of India and the State Governments. This is, unlike anywhere else in the world and seeks both to leverage the synergies of all three as well as address their investment priorities,” Sharma added.

Sharma informed that “The Board of Directors of the Invest India comprises of six members from Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and six members from FICCI.”

“Secretary DIPP will be its Non Executive Chairman. The Board of Directors will appoint a Managing Director and FICCI will provide the administrative, personnel and management support for day to day functioning,” Sharma said.

The authorized capital of the company will be Rs 10crore and the initial paid up capital Rs. one crore. While FICCI will have 51percent share in the equity, DIPP will have 49 percent share to begin with. DIPP’s share will be reduced overtime to 35 percent of paid up capital with induction of fresh equity by the State Governments.

The company will act as the first reference point for any investor interested in India and will also facilitate in setting up business within the country, by making available sector wise consultants and coordinating with the state government on feasible measures, Sharma said. (ANI)

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‘The Final Destination’ tops weekend box office

September 1, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, Aug 31 (ANI): The latest installment of Warner Brothers’ new ‘The Final Destination’ has topped the weekend box office after raking in 28.3 million dollars.

According to studio estimates, Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Inglourious Basterds’ came second with 20 million dollars.

‘Halloween 2′ landed the third spot with 17.4 million dollars while ‘District 9′ stood fourth with 10.7 million dollars, reports E! Online.

Sienna Miller’s ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’ rounded off the top five with 8 million dollars.

The weekend’s top-grossing films are:

1. The Final Destination, $28.3 million

2. Inglourious Basterds, $20 million

3. Halloween 2, $17.4 million

4. District 9, $10.7 million

5. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, $8 million

6. Julie and Julia, $7.4 million

7. The Time Traveler’s Wife, $6.7 million

8. Shorts, $4.9 million

9. Taking Woodstock, $3.7 million

10. G-Force, $2.8 million (ANI)

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International cricket to return only in ‘safe’ and ‘secure’ Pak : ICC

August 29, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Lahore, Aug.29 (ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured Pakistan that international cricket would return to the troubled nation as soon as it is safe to for the foreign teams to return there.

ICC President David Morgan said international cricket will return to Pakistan as soon as it is ‘safe’ and ‘secure’ for the game to be played there.

Morgan said resumption of international cricket in Pakistan is on top of ICC’s agenda, and the apex cricket authority would not let the game suffer unduly.

“Our number-one priority is that cricket in Pakistan must not be allowed to suffer unduly and I believe this agreement is the best possible outcome for the game,” The Nation quoted Morgan, as saying.

It may be recalled that the ICC had declared Pakistan an unsafe destination for foreign team in the wake of the terror attack on the visiting Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore in March.

The ICC also shifted the 2011 World Cup matches from Pakistan after the attack in which seven Sri Lankan players were injured and six security personnel were killed. (ANI)

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Tourist inflow on rise in Manali

August 26, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Manali, Aug 26 (ANI): Recession might have slowed down tourism businesses elsewhere, but Manali in Himachal Pradesh seems to be untouched by it.

According to officials, tourist inflow has risen by 25 per cent this year.

“Lot of tourists are arriving in Kullu district in general and Manali in particular. This year, there’s been a definite increase in the number. As per the estimations, there’s an increase of 25 per cent compared to last year. If we see global recession, it might sound paradoxical,” said Rajeshwar Goel, district tourism officer, Kullu.

The main reason for tourists getting attracted to Manali is its cool weather. Sometimes its snows even in the month of June while the rest of the country reels under scorching summer.

Manali is also being a centre for adventure sports.

The very unique characteristics of Manali will continue to attract tourists, feels Himanshu, a tour and travel operator.

“We can say there’s 20 per cent boom in overall business. We expect this trend to increase. Himachal Pradesh is a very safe destination and tourist friendly destination. It’s a very rich destination. You can find diverse interest here,” said Himanshu.

Tourism is the mainstay of the region’s economy. Thousands of tourists come here every year generating business and employment for people.

More than 10 million tourists throng Himachal Pradesh as most of them visit Kullu-Manali region. By Prem Thakur (ANI)

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Top Canadian universities to tour India

August 25, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Aug.24 (ANI): Thirteen of Canada’s elite universities will be in India from August 23 to September 4 to hold information sessions on Canada as a destination for higher education.

The delegation is led by Ginette Sanfaçon of HEC Montréal (Business school affiliated with the Université de Montréal) and Michelle Beaton of Ryerson University in Toronto.

The tour is organized by the Canadian Higher Education Committee under the aegis of the Council of International Schools (CIS).

The Council’s fifth annual tour to India will begin in Mumbai and continue in Pune, Delhi and Bangalore.

According to a Canadian High Commission press release, the tour is of special interest to Standard XI and Standard XII students who exhibit strong academic standing, their school guidance counselors as well as to their parents. The schedule includes school visits, information fairs, and an indepth Canadian university admission workshop for guidance counselors.

“India is a key undergraduate student market for Canadian universities,” said Ginette Sanfaçon of HEC-Montréal and Tour Director. “Indian students are sought for their academic strength and their rich contribution to student life on Canadian university campuses. In turn, increasing numbers of Indian students are making Canada their first choice for study – as evidenced on this tour.

Indian students are drawn to our universities’ common attributes of international reputation for academic excellence, state of the art resources, and safe campuses in welcoming locations,” Sanfaçon said.

Each year, tour organizers strengthen existing relationships with secondary schools in cities they visit and also expand outreach to new regions. For example, guidance counselors from schools in Dehra Dun, Hyderabad, Chennai and Chandigarh as well as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are receiving invitations to attend the Tour’s counselor workshop in Delhi.

List of participating universities:

The University of British Columbia; Carleton University; Dalhousie University; HEC MONTRÉAL (Business School affiliated with Université de Montréal); Memorial University of Newfoundland; University of Manitoba; University of New Brunswick; Ryerson University; University of Saskatchewan; University of Toronto; Vancouver Island University; University of Waterloo; York University.

Canadian universities are engaged internationally as leaders in education through teaching, research and partnerships. Undergraduate education in Canada is a hybrid of US and UK styles offering breadth of program options, flexibility in choice and a degree that is ultimately recognized world-wide.

Indian students choose Canada because a strong education and a positive international experience is the foundation for their exciting and successful futures. The quality, affordability and renowned research opportunities are key factors in this decision. University campuses across Canada offer multicultural environments, beautiful spaces and friendly people. As a leader in business, political diplomacy, arts and culture and technology – Canada’s education system is at the core of its success and its graduates are players on the world stage. (ANI)

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Illegal constructions making Darjeeling vulnerable to landslides

July 10, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Darjeeling, July 9 (ANI): The massive construction of buildings, a majority of them illegal, has led to degradation of soil texture in the Darjeeling Hills area of West Bengal and making the place vulnerable to landslides.

A series of landslides hit Darjeeling and its surrounding areas in May, triggered by overnight torrents.

Local builders, however, have ignored the threat of landslides or public concern.

Geologists say that the construction of unauthorised buildings coupled with improper drainage systems has led to recent landslides.

“For the Since last 100 years, Darjeeling is witnessing an rapid increase in population. This migration of population has led to an increase in unauthorised constructions. This coupled with the lack of a proper drainage system in the Darjeeling Hills culminated in the recent catastrophic landslides,” said Subhir Sarkar, a geologist.

When asked about the problem, the State Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Ashok Narayan Bhattacharya, said the state Government has asked the local civic body to take active measures against it.

“We would be organising a seminar in Kalimpong to ascertain the crisis, and whatever the meteorologists say is very much justified and the municipality must look into the matter,” said Bhattacharya.

Situated at a height of 2,134 meters, Darjeeling is also famous for its 125-year-old railway, a UNESCO world heritage site where the century old miniature steam engine still chugs.

During the late 50s of the 19th century, Darjeeling was developed as a hill station for Britishers, who wanted to escape the heat of the plains.

As time passed, Darjeeling emerged as a tourists destination. By Taruk Sarkar (ANI)

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Tributes paid to eminent theatre personalities in Shimla

July 10, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Shimla, July 9 (ANI): A play based on a famous Indian novel, Devdas was recently staged at 122-year-old Gaiety theatre to pay tributes to some eminent theatre artistes and playwrights.

‘Devdas’ was performed by some promising theatre artistes to pay tributes to late theatre personalities like Habib Tanvir and Manohar Singh.

The director of the play, Abhimanyu felt that the play was perfect to pay tribute to the unforgettable theatre personalities.

“It is a proud moment for us to pay tribute to such personalities because they have given us a path on which we are supposed to walk among all the hurdles and in the end we will reach our destination where we can earn honour and dignity for ourselves. Even they earned it after much hard work and we salute them for that,” said Abhimanyu.

Residents were very happy to see young artists performing in Gaiety where actors like Prithvi Raj Kapoor, K.L Saigal, Pran, Prem Chopra, Anupam Kher, Shashi Kapoor, Jennifer Kendall and Naseeruddin Shan have given performances. Novelist Rudyard Kipling too has performed on the Gaiety stage.

“A tribute to the senior artistes that is what this play is all about. As you just said that the play has been performed on the stage for the first time after its reopening on June 25, I think it’s a great tribute to the artistes who have gone,” said Captain Dhiman, a resident.

Built by the British in 1889, in Victorian gothic style and said to be a copy of the Royal Albert hall in London, the theatre was closed for renovation and was reopened on June 25. By Hemant Chauhan(ANI)

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Tevez refuses to believe he has betrayed Man U

July 6, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, July 6 (ANI): Former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez is confident he will not be viewed as a traitor by the Old Trafford faithful if he completes a transfer to Manchester City.

According to The Sun, the Argentina star rejected a permanent Manchester United deal last month. He has since been linked with a lucrative move to wealthy Manchester City.helsea are also reportedly tracking the 25-year-old’s availability, but Eastlands is believed to be Tevez’s likely destination this summer.

Tevez told The People: “If I play for Manchester City I don’t think the United fans will feel I am a traitor. They have to remember that at least as far as I know I have been thrown out of the club and I have to study the best offers available.” (ANI)

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Carnivorous clock that tells time by killing bugs!

July 3, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, July 3 (ANI): Two artists in London have come up with a bizarre invention in the form of a ‘carnivorous digital clock’, which catches bugs, then dissolves their bodies to create electrolytes to power itself.

A strip of sticky flypaper moves in a loop over the surface of the unit, much like a treadmill or moving sidewalk.

When an insect lands on the paper, it’s trapped and slowly moves toward its final destination, a drop-off into a bath full of carnivorous microbes that break down its body.

“As soon as there is a predatory robot in the room the scene becomes loaded with potential,” artist James Auger told New Scientist magazine.

“A fly buzzing around the window suddenly becomes an actor in a live game of life, as the viewer half wills it towards the robot and half hopes for it to escape,” he added.

Auger and his collaborative partner Jimmy Loizeau have also built a coffee table that catches and kills mice, and a light that lures buzzing moths to their dooms. (ANI)

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Michael Jackson ‘wanted to be buried at Neverland’

June 28, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, June 28 (ANI): Michael Jackson wanted Neverland to be his final resting place, his pal has revealed.

Michael was forced to abandon Neverland after facing child abuse claims.

Yesterday, family of the King of Pop held a conference to decide whether to grant his wish, reports the Mirror.

A friend revealed: “Michael wanted Neverland to be his final resting place but wasn’t sure the authorities would give permission.

“It would give fans a place to focus on and a place to visit. Neverland would become a place of pilgrimage. It would also leave his heirs a legacy which could be worth billions.”

On Friday night, Michael’s body was handed over to his family by a coroner and taken to a secret destination.

The legend passed away at the age of 50. He died of an apparent heart attack stemming from drugs overdose. (ANI)

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Chandigarh, an important fashion destination

June 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Chandigarh, June 26 (ANI): Chandigarh has emerged as an important fashion destination from market as well as promising designers’ perspective.

Fashion has taken centre stage in the region following the setting up of several fashion technology institutes like NIIFT, IIFT and IIFD in and around Chandigarh. These institutes provide talented young designers an opportunity to make their mark in the rapidly growing industry.

Top models recently sashayed down the ramp in Chandigarh in outfits created by budding fashion designers. The show full of style and glamour got an excellent response.

Apparel industry leaders, renowned fashion designers and marketing gurus were all there to pick best out the best designer. There is great enthusiasm in the industry despite the global meltdown.

“Because of the recession that impact is there on garment industry but its not that much that have affect on IT sector because in garment industry, they want fresh / young designers to come and show their talent because now a days new generation is so practical and these designs itself shows that it’s a very practical collections of the industry demands the young designers from us and they want us to send our students from GMT, who have learnt the garment manufacturing techniques, who have learnt the designing section. Students from the apparel merchandising also they want from us,” said Shamir Kaur, Principal of International Institute of Fashion Technology, Mohali.

Punjabis are becoming more fashion conscious. And, the NRI influence has played a major part in triggering this off.

Budding designers are now keep in mind the desires and aspirations of their well-heeled customers in Punjab and across India. From ethnic to contemporary, there is tremendous scope to explore.

Models who have performed in Chandigarh say that the city has arrived on the fashion scene due to high-level of fashion consciousness among girls and boys here.

“Chandigarh has improved a lot in terms of fashion. The young designers who are coming from Chandigarh are simply amazing, the kind of collection that they have got. The shows that I do here for two best institutes, I think their collections are amazing. They are becoming better year after year, so talent in Chandigarh is growing and its world class. I feel that its high time that Chandigarh’s designers should be a part of India Fashion Week and I also suggested last time when I came here that there should be a Chandigarh Fashion Week. If somebody offers me, I will be there to choreograph the show. A Chandigarh Fashion Week showcasing the collection only by Chandigarh and Punjab designers,” said Kaushik Ghosh, Fashion Choreographer.

The upcoming Fashion Technology Park in Mohali displays the rapidly expanding global fashion market.

The boom necessitates a streamlined and synergized organization of talent and resources in the Fashion and Lifestyle sectors. The Indian fashion industry is in the process of building future brands. And Punjab’s contribution in this direction is creditable. By Sunil Sharma (ANI)

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Wilkinson wants honeymoon where she can “walk around nude”

June 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, June 26 (ANI): Stunner Kendra Wilkinson and fiance Hank Baskett will honeymoon in an isolated island where she can walk around naked.

The former Playboy Playmate is set to walk down the aisle with American football star Baskett this weekend and is looking forward to relaxing in the secluded place, as no one will be able to see her.

“We’re keeping the honeymoon destination a secret. It’s a private island, I want to be able to walk around naked if I want and not have paparazzos!” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

Kendra recently announced she is expecting her first child with Hank, and admits being pregnant has had a strange effect on her body.

“I’ve been craving hot cheese sauce. I’m not afraid to eat. It’s so weird. I used to eat all vegetables before I was pregnant, but now I can’t even think of vegetables,” she said.

“I can’t wait to start building the nursery and putting things together,” she added. (ANI)

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Ludhiana has air-conditioned taxi service

June 22, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

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Ludhiana, June 22 (ANI): An air-conditioned Radio taxi service has been introduced in Ludhiana, which makes it the third city after Mohali and Amritsar to have such a facility in Punjab. /pp
Air-conditioned radio cabs will now ensure a comfortable journey in Ludhiana. /pp
The new service was recently flagged off by Punjab’s transport minister Master Mohan Lal. /pp
The service can be availed by just dialling 4141414 anytime of the day and within no time a metered taxi will arrive to take you to your destination. /pp
We have launched this service to provide commuters hassle-free traveling. It is already running successfully in cities such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Mohali and Patiala, said Master Mohan Lal, State transport minister of Punjab. /pp
The reliable Mega Cabs offer perfect transport metering system and point-to-point charges of 3 USD per km fixed by the Punjab government. Each cab has been fitted electronic tamper-proof meters ensuring accurate billing of passenger ride. /pp
The service is available within a radius of 25 miles covering places like Khanna, Jagraon, Malerkotla and Phagwara. /pp
Ludhiana is an industrial hub and it entertains business travellers from Punjab and from across India. Commuting within the city was a major problem for visitors. The launch of the radio taxi service will hopefully solve this problem. /pp
I have come from Delhi. When I came out of the station I saw that mega cab, whose service were started from today so I thought why not enjoy the service. The rates are very reasonable. It costs only 15 rupees per kilometer. There is a big problem of parking in Ludhiana, said Jasminder Singh, a visitor. /pp
Ludhiana will benefit a lot from this service. It is an international hub where sewing machine, cycle parts and hosiery industry has a very big market. Whenever we go be it Delhi or Mumbai, taxi service is available at a call. Now we can also avail of this service in Ludhiana, said Harinder Pal, a resident. /pp
Punjab Government’s main agenda is to improve public transport in the state. Such radio taxi services will shortly be launched in other cities like Jalandhar. /pp
The transport ministry also intends to transform at least 50 per cent of the busses of the Punjab transport into air-conditioned vehicles as well as construction of ultra modern air-conditioned bus stands at Mohali, Patiala and Bathinda. By Karan Kapoor (ANI)/p

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Oz Immigration Minister meets Indian students

June 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Melbourne, June 19 (ANI): Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans, today met representatives from the Indian community in Melbourne to listen directly to their views on the racial attacks involving Indian students.

The Minister reassured the Indian community that the Australian Government welcomes students from India and values their decision in coming to Australia to further their studies.

Australia is a tolerant, multicultural society that prides itself on its diversity and the Rudd Government takes very seriously Australia’s reputation as a safe destination for international students seeking high quality education, Evans said.

Nearly 500,000 international students were enrolled in Australian institutions last year, including more than 90,000 students from India.

“All Australians have been shocked and appalled by reports of violence against international students. Such attacks will not be tolerated and the Rudd Government has joined community leaders in condemning these crimes,” the minister said.

Evans reassured the community representatives that the reporting of incidents to police would not impact on the visa status of international students.

Australian Prime Minister has established a Taskforce on Crimes Against International Students under the leadership of the National Security Adviser to coordinate action across all levels of government.

Steps have already been taken to increase protection for the student community including increased police operations and public safety information sessions. (ANI)

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Mamata Banerjee announces special monthly railway pass for the poor

May 26, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Kolkata, May 26 (ANI): Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today announced a special monthly pass for the poor, enabling them to travel 100 km for just Rs 20.

Those earning below Rs 500 per month can avail of this facility,Banerjee said.

Indian Railways would also extend full cooperation and assistance to all passengers stranded across various railway stations in North India due to the unrest in Punjab.

Banerjee assured harried passengers that as soon as the security clearance came through, Railways would make arrangements to reach each one of them to their scheduled destination.

Banerjee said passengers who had gone to Amarnath and stranded in Jammu would be taken care of as well as passengers stranded at stations like Saharanpur, Jalandhar etc. She said those stranded at Delhi were assisted to reach their respective destinations yesterday and others in different places too would be helped as soon as CRPF gave the security clearance.

She admitted that there was some problem related to supply of food to the passengers. She thanked the Gurudwaras which had come forward to offer food to stranded passengers. She said the food problem had arisen due to the curfew in different places in Punjab leading to all shops being closed. Ms Banerjee assured that the food problem too would be sorted out soon.

Pending the Railway budget, scheduled to be placed in Parliament before July 31, Banerjee also showed a keenness to improve commercial activity and support industrialization and economic growth through the Railways.

The Ludhiana-Kolkata freight corridor would be completed on a priority basis to commercially help states like Punjab, Delhi, UP, Bihar and West Bengal and also to help in employment generation in these states, the new minister announced.

She said modernization of railway stations would be taken up on a war footing and special focus would be given to develop Rail facility in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Railways would emphasize connectivity from ports, from coastal areas and link all tourist destinations in the country to promote trade and tourism, Ms Banerjee said.

Expressing condolences to the kith and kin of those killed under the impact of Cyclone Aila in West Bengal, Banerjee asked all present at the media conference to observe a minute’s silence in their memory. Ms Banerjee is scheduled to take a special train to Kakdwip, one of the worst Cyclone hit areas, to meet the victims and offer assistance. By Ajitha Menon (ANI)

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Archaeologists endeavour to conserve ancient temples in Jharkhand

May 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Maluti (Jharkhand), May 20 (ANI): Maluti, a village 55 kilometres from Dumka in Jharkhand and bordering West Bengal, is famous for centuries old 108 temples.

Today, expert archaeologists are trying to conserve the ancient village temples.

Reportedly, the village did boast of 108 temples, but presently only 72 remain.

It is said that all these temples in the village belong to the Mughal period and they are built out of terracotta stone.

No wonder, Maluti village has been a popular tourist destination, particularly those who love ancient and historical spots.

“Maluti is known for 108 temples in the village. The temples are very beautiful and made of terracotta stone. I have not seen so many Shiva temples before. I like the peace and serenity of the place,” said Subir Chatterjee, a tourist from Kolkata.

As most of the temples are dedicated to Shiva, Maluti has earned the name ‘Gupt Kashi’. The style in which these Shiva temples are built is known as Shikarshaili.

The temples don’t have any particular architectural style but constitute certain patterns and styles integrated from various regions of eastern India.

“Some of the temples have architectural style similar to Bengal and Birbhum patterns. But, by and large, the temples of Maluti have their own unique and exclusive architecture,” said Surendra Jha, a history scholar.

Out of 72 temples, 58 have Shiva as the deity while the rest 14 are variously dedicated to Vishnu and Goddesses Kali and Maulisha.

The temples also have lovely sculpted terracotta art works, depicting mythological stories of Ramayana and Krishna.

Earlier, the government of Jharkhand had taken up the task of preserving these ancient temples, but they didn’t have the proper experts.

Consequently, they were handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for proper conservation and further improvement. By Girija Shankar Ojha (ANI)

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Archaeologists discover pottery from 3rd millennium BC in UAE

May 18, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, May 18 (ANI): A team of archaeologists has discovered pieces of pottery dating back to the third millennium BC, among other finds in Al Dour area of in Umm Al Quwain of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to a report in the Gulf News, the team was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, UAE.

The finds are believed to be from the Umm Al Nar civilisation.

The archaeological team also found bronze spearheads which date back to the Iron Age in the first millennium BC.

The team also found a number of iron tridents, known to have been used in the first century BC. Some agate beads and fish bones from the same period were also found.

The national team is trying to ascertain the source of the finds.

The ministry is working in cooperation with the Department of Archaeology and Heritage in the emirate and aims to turn Al Dour into a tourism destination. (ANI)

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Miss Nude South Africa dismisses claims Sexpo event exploited women

May 16, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Johannesburg, May 16 (ANI): After a handful of Christians protested outside Cape Town’s Sexpo, Miss Nude South Africa has rejected claims that the event exploited women.

Bella Anderson, who is conducting lap dancing workshops at Sexpo, hoped that visitors to the event would leave more comfortable with who they were, instead of worrying about what other people said.

“We are all here by our own choice: no one’s been forced to be here,” 24.com quoted a topless Anderson as saying at her stall in the expo.

“I mean, I love sitting here… I enjoy this. It’s not like I’m a prostitute or anything.

“I’m just enjoying the fact that I’m a woman first of all, and second of all I’m using my womanly side and my femininity… to have fun with people.

“It’s not like I’m sleeping with anyone or doing bad things,” she added.

Outside the Cape Town Convention Centre, where Sexpo is being held, about 15 Christian conservatives held a placard protest and handed out pamphlets.

Spokesperson for the Christian Action Network Taryn Hodgson said that Christians believed that sex was a gift from God and should be expressed only within the confines of marriage.

“We shouldn’t take something that’s private and personal and make it public,” Hodgson said.

She also said it was outrageous that an industry that promoted the “objectification and exploitation” of women should be given space at a premier tourist destination in the heart of the city.

The protesters handed out a statement expressing concern that Sexpo would lure members of the public into experimenting with porn and attending strip clubs, which were hubs for criminal activity including prostitution.

Making a statement in reaction to the protest that the event was a “health, sexuality and lifestyle” show, Sexpo organiser Silas Howarth said: “We are quite happy there are people in the democracy who are… exercising their freedom of speech, but we also believe they should respect the fact that we have a massive expo, with massive, massive following.”

He said that attendances of some 100 000 over the past year in various centres showed that most South Africans were comfortable with the event.

“At the end of the day all we’re doing is saying ‘this is what’s out there, this is what is happening in the adult industry, this is what it feels like to be comfortable with your sexuality and sensuality and to have fun,’” he said.

“When it’s between two consenting people – or more than two consenting people – at the end of the day, if people are willing, if they’re wanting to do it, if they’re doing it safely, where’s the harm in that?” he added. (ANI)

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