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Why some women develop breast cancer earlier than others

July 15, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, July 15 (ANI): Researchers at New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center have taken a step towards unlocking the mysteries of why some women develop breast cancer at an earlier age than others.

The researchers have expanded a study to identify genetic markers in women with the disease, and their trial will now include more healthy volunteers as well.

According to state health statistics, roughly 13 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in New Jersey are younger than age 45, while nearly half of the women diagnosed with the disease and seen at CINJ are not yet 50.

And now, the investigators are hoping to shed light on these figures through an ongoing clinical trial whose goal is to identify genetic markers for the disease.

By including larger numbers of healthy women in the study, the researchers could pinpoint genetic differences between women who develop breast cancer and those who don’t.

Researchers led CINJ medical oncologist Dr. Kim M. Hirshfield recently discovered that some genes might be associated with increased risk of developing breast cancer, while others may actually protect against the development of the disease.

These same gene variations may also play a role in breast cancer outcomes.

“If we are able to identify these slight variations, we can learn more about how breast cancer develops and its outcomes. This information could one day lead to more tailored treatment for those with the disease and perhaps even better prevention methods and screening recommendations,” said Hirshfield.

She noted that the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors, and that only five to ten percent of breast cancers are actually caused by changes or mutations in known breast cancer genes.

Study participants will have blood drawn for laboratory analysis. The sample will be used to obtain blood cells as well as DNA. Facts about one’s breast health and overall medical history will be documented.

Both the blood sample and the clinical information will be analyzed and saved for possible future use.

Investigators are looking for more than 3,000 participants to complete the study.

Women and men aged 18 or older with no history of breast cancer, with a diagnosis of breast cancer, or a breast abnormality indicating increased risk for development of breast cancer are eligible to take part in the trial, although other criteria must be met. (ANI)

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Interesting Facts and Figures: Johnny Lever

April 16, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

He was born Janardhana Rao aka ISHAAN NATH

Janardhana Rao famously known as Johnny Lever (born 14 August, 1956) is an actor in Hindi cinema known as a comedian of great regard, who has appeared in several films since the 1980s playing comic supporting roles.

Johnny Lever started off as a comedian in real life while still at school. His beginnings as a comedian in his village consisted mainly of imitations of his teachers, his father and his grandfather. He could not study much though and dropped out of school when he was in seventh grade.

Lever got his first break in Indian cinema was in the film Dard Ka Rishta, thanks to the late Sunil Dutt, who saw him perform at a charity show organized by Kalyanji-Anandji. Since then, Johnny has worked in more than 160 films.

Even though he mimics many people, he has created a style of his own which makes him unique.

His younger brother Jimmy Moses, is too, a stand-up comedian and mimcry artist.

He also starred on Zee TV on his own show called Johny Aala Re. In 2007.

He also appeared as a judge on the stand-up reality show Comedy Circus.

He often appears in cameos with Shahrukh Khan.

On 8 December 1998, Johnny Lever was convicted and sentenced to seven days imprisonment for disrespect to the Indian National Anthem and Indian Constitution during a private performance in Dubai. According to the Police, this private performance was on the occasion of birthday party of the son of Anis Ibrahim, brother of international smuggler and terrorist Dawood Ibrahim.

He is married to Sujatha and they have two children Ishak and Jesse.

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Brother’s book raises questions on Pramod Mahajan’s character

April 12, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Mumbai, Apr 12 (ANI): Pravin Mahajan, who is undergoing life imprisonment for murdering his brother and late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan, has made serious allegations about Mahajan’s character in his book.

The 75-pages book, ‘My Album’, purported excepts of which were published in a leading Marathi daily on Sunday, will be published in Marathi and English soon.

In his book, Pravin alleged that Pramod had extra-marital affair and his wife, Rekha, had even thought of a divorce.

“Pramod Mahajan was not the person he looked like. He had developed the image of a fixer. He did not respect anyone. His lifestyle did not go well with us. He had affairs with several women. His wife Rekha had even thought of a divorce,” Pravin claimed.

Pravin termed Pramod a person with dual personality.

“Pramod supported the Mahajan family after the death of our father in 1971. Pramod was both a hero and a villain,” he added.

Pravin has also stated that Pramod used to term Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Lal Krishna Advani’s speeches as ‘boring’.

Pravin, who is currently lodged in the Nashik Central Jail, compared Pramod with Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Amar Sigh.

“He symbolized everything in politics. He was a fixer, dealer, double-dealer, conspirator, etc, just like Amar Singh,” he has written.

Pravin also claimed that Pramod used his party’s money for personal pleasure pursuits.

Meanwhile, Prakash Mahajan, brother of Pravin and Pramod, refused all allegations made against Pramod.

“Facts given in the book are a bundle of lies. The book is baseless,” Prakash said.

Prakash also questioned that why these questions were being used at the time of elections. (ANI)

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TEXT – Satyam chairman Ramalinga Raju’s letter

February 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

he chairman of Satyam Computer Services resigned on Wednesday, saying profits had been inflated over the last several years.

Following is the text of his letter, which was released by the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Note: references using Indian numerical system of crores and lakhs have been converted to Western system.

————————————————————-

To the Board of Directors

Satyam Computer Services Ltd.

From B. Ramalinga Raju

Chairman, Satyam Computer Services Ltd. January 7, 2009

Dear Board Members,

It is with deep regret, and tremendous burden that I am carrying on my conscience, that I would like to bring the following facts to your notice:

1. The Balance Sheet carries as of September 30, 2008

a. Inflated (non-existent) cash and bank balances of 50.40 billion rupees ($1.04 billion) (as against 53.61 billion reflected in the books).

b. An accrued interest of 3.76 billion rupees which is non-existent.

c. An understated liability of 12.30 billion rupees on account of funds arranged by me.

d. An overstated debtors position of 4.90 billion rupees (as against 26.51 billion reflected in the books)

2. For the September quarter (Q2) we reported a revenue of 27.00 billion rupees and an operating margin of 6.49 billion rupees (24 pct of revenues) as against the actual revenues of 21.12 billion rupees and an actual operating margin of 610 million rupees (3 percent of revenues). This has resulted in artificial cash and bank balances going up by 5.88 billion rupees in Q2 alone.

The gap in the Balance Sheet has arisen purely on account of inflated profits over a period of last several years (limited only to Satyam standalone, books of subsidiaries reflecting true performance). What started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books of accounts continued to grow over the years. It has attained unmanageable proportions as the size of company operations grew significantly (annualized revenue run rate of 112.76 billion rupees in the September quarter, 2008, and official reserves of 83.92 billion rupees). The differential in the real profits and the one reflected in the books was further accentuated by the fact that the company had to carry additional resources and assets to justify higher level of operations — thereby significantly increasing the costs.

Every attempt made to eliminate the gap failed. As the promoters held a small percentage of equity, the concern was that poor performance would result in a take-over, thereby exposing the gap. It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten.

The aborted Maytas acquisition deal was the last attempt to fill the fictitious assets with real ones. Maytas’ investors were convinced that this is a good divestment opportunity and a strategic fit. Once Satyam’s problem was solved, it was hoped that Maytas’ payments can be delayed. But that was not to be. What followed in the last several days is common knowledge. I would like the Board to know:

1. That neither myself, nor the Managing Director (including our spouses) sold any shares in the last eight years — excepting for a small proportion declared and sold for philanthropic purposes.

2. That in the last two years a net amount of 12.30 billion rupees was arranged to Satyam (not reflected in the books of Satyam) to keep the operations going by resorting to pledging all the promoter shares and raising funds from known sources by giving all kinds of assurances (Statement enclosed, only to the members of the board). Significant dividend payments, acquisitions, capital expenditure to provide for growth did not help matters. Every attempt was made to keep the wheel moving and to ensure prompt payment of salaries to the associates. The last straw was the selling of most of the pledged share by the lenders on account of margin triggers.

3. That neither me, nor the Managing Director took even one rupee/dollar from the company and have not benefitted in financial terms on account of the inflated results.

4. None of the board members, past or present, had any knowledge of the situation in which the company is placed. Even business leaders and senior executives in the company, such as, Ram Mynampati, Subu D, T.R. Anand, Keshab Panda, Virender Agarwal, A.S. Murthy, Hari T, S.V. Krishnan, Vijay Prasad, Manish Mehta, Murali V, Sriram Papani, Kiran Kavale, Joe Lagiola, Ravindra Penumetsa; Jayaraman and Prabhakar Gupta are unaware of the real situation as against the books of accounts. None of my or Managing Director’s immediate or extended family members has any idea about these issues.

Having put these facts before you, I leave it to the wisdom of the board to take the matters forward. However, I am also taking the liberty to recommend the following steps:

1. A Task Force has been formed in the last few days to address the situation arising out of the failed Maytas acquisition attempt. This consists of some of the most accomplished leaders of Satyam:, Subu D, T.R. Anand, Keshab Panda and Virender Agarwal, representing business functions, and A.S. Murthy, Hari T and Murali V representing support functions. I suggest that Ram Mynampati be made the Chairman of this Task Force to immediately address some of the operational matters on hand. Ram can also act as an interim CEO reporting to the board.

2. Merrill Lynch can be entrusted with the task of quickly exploring some Merger opportunities.

3. You may have a restatement of accounts’ prepared by the auditors in light of the facts that I have placed before you.

I have promoted and have been associated with Satyam for well over twenty years now. I have seen it grow from few people to 53,000 people, with 185 Fortune 500 companies as customers and operations in 66 countries. Satyam has established an excellent leadership and competency base at all levels. I sincerely apologize to all Satyamites and stakeholders, who have made Satyam a special organization, for the current situation. I am confident they will stand by the company in this hour of crisis.

In light of the above, I fervently appeal to the board to hold together to take some important steps. Mr. T.R. Prasad is well placed to mobilize support from the government at this crucial time. With the hope that members of the Task Force and the financial advisor, Merrill Lynch (now Bank of America) will stand by the company at this crucial hour, I am marking copies of this statement to them as well.

Under the circumstances, I am tendering my resignation as the chairman of Satyam and shall continue in this position only till such time the current board is expanded. My continuance is just to ensure enhancement of the board over the next several days or as early as possible.

l am now prepared to subject myself to the laws of the land and face consequences thereof.

(B. Ramalinga Raju)

Copies marked to:

1. Chairman SEBI

2. Stock Exchanges

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UNICEF, Prasar Bharati sign pact for phase two of “Facts for Life” TV show

January 28, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Jan.28 (ANI): Prasar Bharati CEO B.S. Lalli and UNICEF India Representative Karin Hulshof have signed a broadcast agreement for Phase 2 of the Facts for Life entertainment-education drama serial, Kyunki…Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai (Because… That’s What Life Is).

In an unprecedented partnership between India’s public broadcaster and UNICEF, the signing is a go ahead for the telecast of an additional 130 episodes of Kyunki… The series is a prime time telenovela that promotes crucial messages from the UN publication Facts for Life, messages that can change and even save the lives of many children and women.

“This is indeed a very significant event,” said B.S. Lalli; “Prasar Bharati strongly believes in communicating social causes in a wholesome and purposeful manner. This is a very important initiative for us and we on our part will always be walking step in step to achieve the goals of this particular enterprise.”

Kyunki… was launched in April 2008 in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which has provided significant financial and technical support to the programme. The TV show forms the flagship of a multi-level, multi-channel Facts for Life communication initiative designed to generate behavioural results in support of key government initiatives such as the National Rural Health Mission-and through them to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Adopting the entertainment-education format on an ambitious scale, Kyunki… aims to reach families, caregivers, and health workers with messages relating to health, education, protection, and equality. It does so, however, through an engaging soap opera format designed as much to entertain and bring audiences back night after night as to promote pro-social behaviours.

“The second phase is as important, if not more important, than the first phase because it is about continuing the messages from Facts for Life so that viewers make informed decisions at the household level and change behaviors,” said Karin Hulshof; “Kyunki… provides a very good opportunity for us to address important issues, in order to raise the living standards of many women and children in India in a way that is both enjoyable and recognizable to them.”

Emphasizing self-efficacy, the practices and behaviours explained and promoted through Kyunki… are largely derived from Facts for Life, a publication developed by a number of UN agencies to deliver pertinent, rights-based information in a manner that is relevant and practical to people all around the world. The creators of Facts for Life and Kyunki… recognize that their primary audience of under-served women in states with high rates of infant and maternal mortality may not have another source of credible, reliable information on matters of child and maternal health and welfare.

With an initial 130-episode phase wrapping up next month, Kyunki… has already tackled topics like promoting health and hygiene within the home and in the community, understanding and averting preventable childhood diseases, safe motherhood and HIV prevention, as well as social issues such as girls’ education, discouraging early marriage, and child labour.

In 2008 the serial reached at least 55 million viewers as measured by TAM Media Research and has consistently been amongst the top three daily serials in the country. Monitored in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, the latest audience survey revealed that 55% of all respondents find Kyunki… more entertaining and 95% find it more educational than any other show they watch on television.

Kyunki… airs every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:30pm on DD1.(ANI)

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Jordan Islamists cautiously optimistic over Obama’s policies

January 21, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Amman – Jordanian Islamists on Wednesday expressed cautious “optimism” over the policies the new US president Barack Obama was expected to pursue towards the Arab-Israeli conflict, but said the test would be how he was going to behave on the ground.

“We have optimism that Obama will come up with real changes and honour the promises in this respect he had made during his election campaign and in his inaugural speech,” Zaki Banir Ershaid, Secretary General of the Islamic Action Front (IAF), told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

“The real test for the changes Obama is going to make will be the Palestinian question – is he going to dissociate himself from the blind bias the Bush and the previous US administrations used to show for Israel’s aggression, terrorism and crimes, the latest of which was the Gaza massacre,” Bani Ershaid said.

The IAF chief also cited any steps to be taken by Obama to help the Arab and Islamic worlds to get rid of their “corrupt and despotic” regimes as an indication of “translating promises into facts on the ground”.

Bani Ershaid revealed that he sent a message on Wednesday to Obama through the US embassy in Amman setting forth what the peoples of the region expected from the new US president.

“Obama spoke in his inaugural speech Tuesday about forging good ties with the Islamic world and I say the shortest way for achieving this is opening dialogue with all powers which represent peoples in the region and not only with governments,” he said.

“I think starting real dialogue among faiths, civilizations and cultures is the best way to achieve this goal,” he added.

The IAF, the political arm of the influential Muslim Brotherhood movement, is Jordan’s largest parliamentary political party. (dpa)

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World leaders greet Obama inauguration with hope, caution

January 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

World leaders lined up on Tuesday to pay tributes to Barack Obama on the occasion of his inauguration as the 44th president of the United States, with the new president drawing comment from America’s allies across the globe – as well as from current enemies.

In the Middle East, where American stock has fallen furthest in recent years, guarded welcome for the president-to-be was evident.

Iran expressed a hope that Barack Obama will “choose the right path” toward Iran, ISNA news agency reported Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said that the US had no correct approach towards Iran and always been the “troublemaker.”

“But if Obama chose the right path, compensated the past, lifted hostility and [US] hegemony, and revised the previous political mistakes, we would have no hostility,” Mottaki said.

Iran and the US have been engaged in a protracted face-off over the former’s supposed nuclear weapons programme, an issue unresolved by the end of George W Bush’s presidency.

“We hope that angles of optimism would be created [with Obama] but the facts tell us we should not be optimistic,” Mottaki added.

The United States’ firmest ally in the region, Israel, was suitably enthusiastic about the new resident of the White House.

Israeli President Shimon Peres said that the inauguration of Obama is a “great day” for the United States because his “most unusual hope and election, only ten years ago, would have been unimaginable,” Israeli President Shimon Peres said Tuesday.

“What made history ugly, unmistakably, was basically slavery and there were two sorts of slavery: men upon women and white upon black,” Peres said.

In Europe, Obama was welcomed as the beginning of a new, perhaps more multilateral era.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a television interview that she is hoping for improved US-German relations under the Obama presidency.

“I hope that our cooperation is shaped by listening to one another, and making decisions on the basis that one country alone cannot solve the world’s problems,” Merkel said Tuesday on German state broadcaster ARD.

“This is the spirit in which I will encounter him,” the chancellor added.

Merkel said Obama was taking office at a time marred by problems, “for one thing, the economic situation in the world and also in the United States of America, but also many international conflicts”

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Tuesday that he was impatient for Obama to take office so that the two of them could “change the world.”

“We are eager to see him go to work so that we can change the world with him,” Sarkozy said during a stop in the city of Provins.

However, Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner warned that Obama could not work political miracles.

“He is an exceptional man,” Kouchner said, “but he does not have a magic wand.”

The European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said he looked forward to working with Obama “to promote a politics of global engagement that will support international institutions reformed to address effectively our global responsibilities, from climate change to development aid, trade, democracy and human rights, and sound financial systems.”

In Britain, Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent messages of support to Obama as parties were held across Britain to mark the handover of power.

The European response was also marked with a touch of the bizarre. Former French presidential candidate Segolene Royal said Obama was inspired by her campaign and copied it, according to the online edition of the daily Le Monde.

“Yes, I inspired Obama and his teams copied us,” Royal said in Washington, where she was to be the only French politician of note to take part in Obama’s inauguration later on Tuesday.

In Asia, Thailand’s 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej congratulated Obama on his inauguration and sent his wishes for greater “progress and prosperity” for the American people.

“I am pleased to extend to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations and best wishes for your success and happiness as well as for the greater progress and prosperity of the United States of America and her people,” said the king in a congratulatory message to Obama.

Long-standing US ally Japan said that it hopes to build stronger ties with the United States under the new administration, while Obama’s inauguration would provoke changes also in Japan, officials said Tuesday.

“What is most important is that we continue to make the Japan-US alliance a firm one even when there is a change in administration,” said Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, quoted by Kyodo News Agency. (dpa)

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Tehran hopes Obama will “choose right path” towards Iran

January 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Tehran – Iran hoped that new US-President Barack Obama will “choose the right path” towards Iran, ISNA news agency reported Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said that the US had no correct approach towards Iran and always been the “troublemaker.”

“But if Obama chose the right path, compensated the past, lifted hostility and [US] hegemony, and revised the previous political mistakes, we would have no hostility,” Mottaki said.

“We hope that angles of optimism would be created [with Obama] but the facts tell us we should not be optimistic,” he added.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said last week that “if the changes [as proclaimed by Obama] were real and the new approach was based on respect and friendship, then we would welcome it.”

Iran and the United States have had no diplomatic ties for almost three decades but Tehran hopes that at least direct talks could be resumed with the Obama administration. (dpa)

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Brit cop compiles guide to teach colleagues how to spell

January 12, 2009 By Rajesh Leave a Comment

London, Jan 12 (ANI): A police superintendent has complied a new guide that will teach Brit cops how to spell, after being fed up with the clangers in crime reports.

Superintendent Gary Knighton has compiled a booklet for 2,000 officers who struggle to spell even the simple words.

It explains that someone who provides information is a source – not a sauce.

For those uncertain about how many ‘c’s and ‘s’s are there in “necessary”, the booklet asks to remember that shirts have one collar and two sleeves.

The booklet also explains the differences between “two” and “too”, “threw” and “through” and “weather” and “whether”.

Some of the important spelling included in the booklet are alarm, appeal, court, custody, forms, gender, know, liar, paid and swab.

Copies of the Fast Facts for Policing booklet are being handed to members of the Derbyshire force.

“It is so patronising. This is like a primary school not a modern police force,” the Sun quoted a cop as saying.

“It is gobsmacking that thousands of pounds have been spent on this booklet. It has upset a lot of the older guys.

“Recruits are taken from all types of social and economic backgrounds and some can’t spell.

“Next we will get a guide on how to apply handcuffs,” the cop added. (ANI)

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Annie Lennox: I””m not anti-Israeli

January 9, 2009 By Rajiv Gupta Leave a Comment

Jerusalem, Jan 9 (ANI): Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox has posted a message on her Facebook site, claiming that “she is not an anti-Israeli”.

The Eurythmics star participated in an anti-Israeli rally in London on January 3 slamming Israel””s actions in the Gaza Strip.

Responding to those calling her stand as betrayal, Lennox posted a comment entitled “Annie””s Second Official Statement regarding the Situation in Gaza.”

“I am not anti-Israeli nor have I ever been, and for anyone to say that I am is profoundly offensive and completely wrong,” The Jerusalem Post quoted her as saying in the post.

She wrote: “The reason why I spoke out when I did was because at that point in time there was a tiny window of opportunity to prevent a blood bath on both sides before the ground troops went in. I have never condoned suicide bombings, or the firing of missiles into Israel. I repeat… The slaughter of innocent lives on both sides is abhorrent.”

Her comment came in the wake of a number of angry postings on her Facebook site, one of which said that she picked a fine way to make a “fading career relevant.”

Lennox””s first greatest hits compilation, The Annie Lennox Collection, is scheduled to be released in March.

Another posting on Lennox””s facebook site read: “Where were you all this time as Israel has been bombarded by missiles over and over again. A continuous rain of attacks, we have lived in a constant state of alert, living in fear.

“We waited and waited and did nothing and now when we finally – finally – take a stand to defend ourselves are we treated like a terrorist nation. Unfortunately you were clearly oblivious to these events all this time. You have proven your ignorance and are standing on your soapbox without your facts.” (ANI)

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Mel B gears up to whip fans into shape with her ‘Totally Fit exercise DVD’

January 9, 2009 By Rajiv Gupta Leave a Comment

New York, Jan 09 (ANI): Want to shape-up like the super hot Melanie Brown? Well, the singer is offering once in a lifetime opportunity to be like her – via ‘Totally Fit fitness DVD’.

Melanie, who once revealed that she moans “all the way through” her workout session, believes that her DVD will help people workout with enthusiasm.

“I”m going to give you all the tools that you need to get the body that you”ve always wanted,” Brown promises in an video promoting her fitness routine,” The New York Daily News quoted Melanie, as saying.

“For anyone with jubbily bits, I”m going to tighten you up, make you laugh and enjoy your workout no matter what level of fitness you are,” Melanie added.

Melanie, who is mother of two, is leaving no stones unturned to promote her new venture in her native England, as she is traveling around the country in a bus emblazoned with her image.

She has also been promoting the DVD on her Web site, with a photo of her rock-hard abs next to her post stating facts about her DVD like “fantastic full body workouts, plus four 10-minute workouts, that work specific parts of the body.” (ANI)

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Satyam fraud – The Key persons are involved

January 9, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

The scandal at Satyam Computer Services Ltd (NYSE:SAY) ( ironically, Satyam means ‘Truth’) has put under the scanner the role of the auditors at Satyam- PricewaterhouseCoopers or PwC.

The New York Stock Exchange-listed Satyam’s strenght lies in Enterprise Application Services like SAP, Oracle etc. Satyam had a BPO which was initially named Nipuna.

Some of the key Executives of Satyam ( according to icicidirect website) are
Mr. Vijay Rangineni, Chief Operating Officer
Mr. G Jayaraman, Co.Secretary & Compl. Officer
Mr. V Srinivas, Sr. Vice President & CFO

Company Secretary -Mr. G Jayaraman

The auditor who signed the audit report was Srinivas Talluri, Partner, Price Waterhouse, Membership No. 29864

ICAI will seek an immediate explanation from Satyam Computer’s auditors, PriceWaterHouse Cooper (PwC), on the financial fraud unearthed by the software company’s chairman B Ramalinga Raju, before taking any action.
“ICAI will write a letter to PwC on 8 January and will seek an immediate reply on the issue and inform them about the process of investigation, which is on,” ICAI president Ved Jain told PTI.

The Registered office of Satyam COmputer Services Ltd is Mayfair Centre, Floor I, 1-8-303/36, Secunderabad – 500003 Andhra Pradesh, India.

The following is the text of outgoing Satyam Computer Services Limited Chairman B Ramalinga Raju’s letter to the Board who resigned after admitting to the fraud at Satyam.

To the Board of Directors,Satyam Computer Services Ltd.Dear Board Members, It is with deep regret, at tremendous burden that I am carrying on my conscience, that I would like to bring the following facts to your notice:
The Balance Sheet carries as of September 30, 2008
Inflated (non-existent) cash and bank balances of Rs.5,040 crore (as against Rs. 5361 crore reflected in the books)
An accrued interest of Rs. 376 crore which is non-existent
An understated liability of Rs. 1,230 crore on account of funds arranged by me
An over stated debtors position of Rs. 490 crore (as against Rs. 2651 [cr.] reflected in the books)
For the September quarter (02) we reported a revenue of Rs.2,700 crore and an operating margin of Rs. 649 crore (24% Of revenues) as against the actual revenues of Rs. 2,112 crore and an actual operating margin of Rs. 61 Crore ( 3% of revenues). This has resulted in artificial, cash and bank balances going up by Rs. 588 crore in Q2 alone.
The gap in the Balance Sheet has arisen purely on account of inflated profits over a period of last several years (limited only to Satyam standalone, books of subsidiaries reflecting true performance). What started as a marginal gap between actual operating profit and the one reflected in the books of accounts continued to grow over the years. It has attained unmanageable proportions as the size of company operations grew significantly (annualized revenue run rate of Rs. 11,276 crore in the September quarter, 2008 and official reserves of Rs. 8,392 crore). The differential in the real profits and the one reflected in the books was further accentuated by the fact that the company had to carry additional resources and assets to justify higher level of operations — thereby significantly increasing the costs.
Every attempt made to eliminate the gap failed. As the promoters held a small percentage of equity, the concern was that poor performance would result in a take-over; thereby exposing the gap. It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten.
The aborted Maytas acquisition deal was the last attempt to fill the fictitious assets with real ones. Maytas’ investors were convinced that this is a good divestment opportunity and a strategic fit. Once Satyam’s problem was solved, it was hoped that Maytas’ payments can be delayed. But that was not to be. What followed in the last several days is common knowledge.
I would like the Board to know:
1. That neither myself, nor the Managing Director (including our spouses) sold any shares in the last eight years — excepting for a small proportion declared and sold for philanthropic purposes.
2. That in the last two years a net amount of Rs. 1,230 crore was arranged to Satyam (not reflected in the books of Satyam) to keep the operations going by resorting to pledging all the promoter shares and raising funds from known sources by giving all kinds of assurances (Statement enclosed, only to the members of the board). Significant dividend payments, acquisitions, capital expenditure to provide for growth did not help matters. Every attempt was made to keep the wheel moving and to ensure prompt payment of salaries to the associates. The last straw was the selling of most of the pledged share[s] by the lenders on account of margin triggers.
3. That neither me, nor the Managing Director took even one rupee/dollar from the company and have not benefited in financial terms on account of the inflated results.
4. None of the board members, past or present, had any knowledge of the situation in which the company is placed. Even business leaders and senior executives in the company, such as, Ram Mynampati, Subu D, T.R. Anand, Keshab Panda, Virender Agarwal, A.S. Murthy, Han T, SV Krishnan, Vijay Prasad, Manish Mehta, Murali V. Sriram Papani, Kavale, Joe Lagioia, Ravindra Penumetsa, Jayaraman and Prabhakar Gupta are unaware of the real situation as against the books of accounts. None of my or Managing Director’s immediate or extended family members has any idea about these issues.
Having put these facts before you, I leave it to the wisdom of the board to take the matters forward. However, I am also taking the liberty to recommend the following steps:
1. A Task Force has been formed in the last few days to address the situation arising but of the failed Maytas acquisition attempt. This consists of some of the most accomplished leaders of Satyam; Subu D, T.R. Anand, Keshab Panda and Virender Agarwal , representing business functions; and A.S. Murthy, Han T and Murali V representing support functions. I suggest that Ram Mynampàti be made the Chairman of this Task Force to immediately address some of the operational matters on hand. Ram can also act as an interim CEO reporting to the board.
2. Merrill Lynch can be entrusted with the task of quickly exploring some Merger opportunities.
3. You may have a testatement of accounts’ prepared by the auditors in light of the facts that.I have placed before you.
I have promoted and have been associated with Satyam for well over twenty years now I have seen it grow from few people to 53,000 people, with 185 Fortune 500 companies as customers and operations in 66 countries. Satyam has established an excellent leadership and competency base at all levels. I sincerely apologize to all Satyamites and stakeholders, who have made Satyam a special organization, for the current situation. I am confident they will stand by the company in this hour of crisis.
In light of the above, I fervently appeal to the board to hold together to take some important steps Mr T R Prasad is well placed to mobilize support from the government at this crucial time. With the hope that members of the Task Force arid the financial advisor, Merrill Lynch (now Bank of America) will stand by the company at this crucial hour, I am marking copies of this statement to them as well.
Under the circumstances, I am tendering my resignation as the chairman of Satyam and shall continue in this position only till such time the current board is expanded. My continuance is just to ensure enhancement of the board over the next several days or as early as possible.
I am now prepared to subject myself to the laws of the land and face consequences thereof.
(B. Ramalinga Raju) Copies marked to: 1. Chairman SEBI 2. Stock Exchanges

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Boucher meets Menon, discusses Mumbai terror attacks

January 9, 2009 By Rajiv Gupta Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Jan.8 (ANI): US Assistant Secretary of State fior Central and South Asia, Richard Boucher met Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshanker Menon here today and reviewed the latest developments relating to the November 2008 terror attacks on Mumbai.

A statement released after the meeting said Boucher had expressed the United States determination to find out who was behind the 26/11 attacks that claimed 179 lives and maimed more than 300.

He also said that the initiatives taken by Pakistan so far, are promising, but there was still a long way to go.

Boucher is believed to have told Menon that the people involved in the attack on Mumbai must be brought to justice, and added that the steps taken so far, have not eliminated the terror threat completely.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian Government”s spokesperson had questioned Pakistan”s decision to reject the evidence provided toit in relation to the terror attacks.

“Since the terrorist attack on Mumbai on November 26, the Government of Pakistan has asked India for evidence. On January 5, we gave them the evidence. Less than 24 hours later, the Pakistan Foreign Office has chosen to reject this evidence. How can this rejection be credible or be based on a real examination and investigation of the evidence? This is a political rejection without any basis,” the spokesman said in a statement.

“It is unfortunate that the Pakistan Foreign Office has chosen to regress into its previous patterns of denial of facts, evidence and reality. The Pakistan Foreign Office statement also reiterates so-called “constructive” proposals for a new mechanism and a high level visit. There are existing bilateral mechanisms set up at the highest level, such as the Joint Anti Terror Mechanism, which Pakistan’s evasion and denial have made infructuous,” he said.

“It is, therefore, unclear what purpose would be served by yet another mechanism, or by a high level visit, especially if Pakistan continues to maintain the attitude revealed by the Foreign Office Press Release. The issue is not words or statements or the situation in South Asia. The issue is what Pakistan does about terrorist attacks on India from Pakistan,” he concluded. (ANI)

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Radio Pakistan sees Punjabi language being erased in India

January 7, 2009 By Rajiv Gupta Leave a Comment

Abohar Jan.7 (ANI): Even since the partition of the sub-continent and the migration of a large number of Punjabi refugees from Pakistan to India, the Punjabi language and cuisine has become popular all over the country. The All India Radio and Doordarshan beam Punjabi programmes in many of their broadcasts and telecasts.

But the Punjabi Durbar programme of Pakistan Radio seems to think otherwise. For the Punjabi Durbar, Hindi ‘imperialists’ are working hard to eliminate Sikhism and Punjabi from India.

In its latest broadcasts Radio Pakistan has been projecting that attempts are being made in India deny funds for promotion of Punjabi literature. It is also alleged that there is conspiracy to remove Punjabi and Gurmat teachings from academic syllabus.

Punjabi intellectuals were surprised to hear the broadcasts. They made a reality check about the actual state of affairs of Punjabi language.

“Punjabi language is flourishing in Punjab. Nobody can replace it. Before spreading or passing on any illogical comment, our neighbour should check the facts,” said G. S. Chahal, an expert on Punjabi culture

“As far as my relations with the Punjabi literature is concerned, the Punjabi script that has developed in Punjab is called Gurmukhi. People in Punjab follow Gurmukhi . People in Punjab do not write in Devnagri or Roman script. Every language adopts words from other languages which helps them develop,” said Prof. I. S. Godara, the Head of Punjabi department of DAV College in Abohar.

“In Pakistan, Punjabis write in Shamukhi script, which we also call as Farsi. They are trying to adapt Gurmukhi as their script. The propaganda of Pakistanis that Punjabi is language of Sikhs only is completely false. Punjabi is the language of the people of all the religions living in Punjab. The rumour of confiscating Punjabi from Punjab is completely wrong,” said Prof. I. S. Godara added. (ANI)

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Leona Lewis inks autobiography deal

January 6, 2009 By Rajiv Gupta Leave a Comment

London, Jan 06 (ANI): Popstar Leona Lewis has signed a lucrative deal to pen her autobiography with publishing house Hodder & Stoughton.

In the book, Leona, who is just 23 years old, will be telling about her life and her journey to stardom.

The tome will be launched in October.

“The last two years have been an unbelievable experience for me. So to have it documented in pictures and to be able to tell people in my own words what it feels like means a lot to me,” The Sun quoted Leona, as saying.

Leona revealed that she is overzealous about putting her life’s memorable moments together in the much-awaited book.

“I know the book will be full of special moments and I’m already having a brilliant time putting it together,” Leona added.

The book will include facts about Leona’s incredible boom from Hackney Pizza Hut waitress to X Factor winner and to global popstar. (ANI)

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Sleep loss produces false memory, caffeine straightens them out

November 3, 2008 By admin Leave a Comment

Hamburg, Germany – If you don’t get enough sleep at night, be sure to drink a strong cup of coffee before trying to remember important facts – otherwise your sleep-deprived mind will play tricks with your memory, according to a team of German researchers.

Lack of sleep impairs the mind’s ability to recall facts efficiently. Still in a dream-like state, the mind jumbles memory so that you may claim with high confidence to remember things that in fact never happened, typically due to strong semantic associations with actually encoded events, say the researchers at Luebeck University, Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf and the universities of Geneva and Zurich.

In other words, sleep deprivation means the mind has not finished sorting and storing memories. It is a bit like when your computer warns you that some unsaved files may be lost, if you reboot your computer without waiting for it to save everything first.

But a good jolt of caffeine is often sufficient to speed up the “saving files” process so that memories are all sorted and clear, the researchers write in the journal Popular Library of Science One (PLOS One).

Sleep is known to provide optimal neurobiological conditions for consolidation of memories for long-term storage, whereas sleep deprivation acutely impairs retrieval of stored memories.

The German researchers found that sleep deprivation at the time of memory retrieval resulted in false memories. Test subjects who had a good night’s sleep were able to remember new facts perfectly. Those who had not had enough sleep remembered “false facts,” the researchers found.

They also found that caffeine prevents the inaccurate memory retrievals.

“Sleep deprivation at retrieval, but not sleep following learning, critically enhanced false memories of theme words. This effect was abolished by caffeine administration prior to retrieval,” writes Dr. Susanne Diekelmann of the Department of Neuro-Endocrinology, University of Luebeck in Germany.

Subjects were divided into three groups and were given new facts to learn. Two groups learned in the evening and were tested the next morning, after they had either slept or stayed awake during the intervening night. The third group learned in the morning and was tested in the same evening after normal daytime wakefulness.

The test subjects had learned lists of semantically associated words, such as “night”, “dark”, “coal” but without the strongest common denominator or theme word – such as “black”.

Those who were sleep-deprived later insisted that the word “black”, for example, had been on the list when in fact it had not been on the list. Those who had “slept on it” correctly stated that “black” was not on the list.

“Subjects of the ‘night wake’ group, who were acutely sleep deprived at retrieval testing, exhibited significantly more false memories than subjects in the two other groups,” Diekelmann writes.

Those subjects falsely recognized 88 per cent of the theme words, whereas after sleep and diurnal wakefulness false memory rate was negligible, she writes.

“Importantly, subjects did not produce more false memories in the ‘night sleep’ group than in the ‘day wake’ group, which would be expected, if consolidation processes during post-learning sleep were critical for the development of false memories,” the author points out.

A good strong dose of caffeine cleared the cobwebs from the minds of the sleep-deprived test subjects, so that they remembered correctly that “black” had not been on the list, contrary to their initial memories – false memories. (dpa)

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