Obama tells New York Times scribe he’s levitating!

Buffalo (New York), May 14 (ANI): Undertaking a tour of Industrial Support Inc., a Buffalo company, US President Barack Obama saw what amounted to a hovercraft, a board that levitates on bed of compressed air.

He put New York Times reporter Sheryl Stolberg on the board and as the device was fired up, Stolberg appeared to levitate an inch or so off the ground and traveled in circles near his feet.

The president was overjoyed with this. “you”re levitating!” he exclaimed, reports CBS.

He then went to a station where plastic soda bottles are “shot” across the room using compressed air.

The bottle-rocket device is used in high school science classes for students to figure out the distance a bottle will travel. (ANI)

Nepali cyclist attempts to scale Mt Everest on a bike

Kathmandu, May 14 (ANI): Pushkar Shah, who has acquired fame by cycling through 150 countries, has begun his first attempt at scaling Mt Everest by bike.

Calling it the “Peace expedition 2010″, the Nepali cyclist had earlier told the media that he was going on this expedition to pray for world peace.

Accoding to Xinhua, he said his request for financial aid for the undertaking had been turned down by the Nepal Government, forcing him to sell off his belongings, including the cycle on which he rode around the world.

A five-member team led by Shah, which was stationed at the Base Camp situated at an altitude of 5,343 meters, left for the second camp situated at an altitude of 6,900 meters Thursday morning, according to Nepalnews.

The team aims to reach the top of Mt. Qomolangma, the Nepali name for Everest, on May 16. (ANI)

Karzai visits wounded Afghan troops at Bagram Air Force base

Bagram Air Force Base (Afghanistan), May 8 (ANI): Wounded Afghan troops received a surprise visitor on Saturday — their President, Hamid Karzai, at the Bagram Air Force base medical facility on the outskirts of Kabul.

Praising their courage, Karzai handed over envelopes of cash to them.

The Afghan President was accompanied by General Stanley McChrystal, the commander of U.S. and Nato forces in Afghanistan.

A foreign news agency quoted him, as saying: “Afghanistan and the United States have began a journey together now for almost eight years to bring security and stability to Afghanistan and to the United States and by extension to the rest of the world and in this undertaking you alongside the Afghan forces are doing all that you can to bring us success.” (ANI)

No date for draft basin plan

The chairman of the Murray Darling Basin Authority has refused to commit to when the draft basin plan will be released.

Communities around the basin are anxiously awaiting the draft plan, which will include the sustainable diversion limits that are expected to take water away from irrigators.

Despite media releases and authority documents indicating a mid-year release, Mike Taylor says it is impossible to be specific.

“It’s a very comprehensive and complex task and this is a very major undertaking and we’ve made it clear right from the beginning that we’re working as hard as we can to get this plan out and into the public arena,” he said.

Police called as koala sighting halts Mumbulla logging

Police have been called to the site of an anti-logging protest in the Mumbulla State Forest, on the New South Wales far south coast.

Conservationists say the timber harvesting which began this week will harm a key koala colony.

The program was halted yesterday after evidence was found that a koala was two kilometres from the site.

Forests New South Wales says a pause in the logging will allow for further investigation into evidence of koalas in adjoining areas.

Anti-logging campaigner Harriet Swift says around 70 people are at the protest site, and a barricade was in place this morning until the police intervened.

“We held up loggers and log trucks going into the logging area for about four hours this morning, but eventually they did pass through,” she said.

“But they’ve given us an undertaking that they won’t actually be logging, they’ll just be processing and transporting trees already cut.”

Railway employees to receive bonus

New Delhi, Sep 17 (ANI): The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Railways for payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 75 days’ wages for all eligible non-gazetted Railway employees.

The move will benefit 13.05 lakh employees and it will cost the xchequer Rs 889 crore

The salient features of the PLB scheme evolved as a result of review of the scheme and approval of the cabinet on September 23, 2000.

Railways were the first departmental undertaking of the Government of India wherein the concept of PLB was introduced. The main consideration at that time was the important role of the Railways as an infrastructural support in the performance of the economy as a whole.

In the overall context of Railway working, it was considered desirable to introduce the concept of PLB as against the concept of Bonus on the lines of ‘The Payment of Bonus Act – 1965′.

The PLB scheme for the Railways came into force from the year 1979-80 onwards and was evolved in consultation with the two recognised federations viz. All India Railwaymen’s Federation and National Federation of Indian Railwaymen and with the approval of the Cabinet. The scheme envisages a review every three years. (ANI)

Melinda Messenger vows never to strip off for Page 3 again

London, September 16 (ANI): Glamour model Melinda Messenger has pledged that she will not drop her layers for a Page 3 spread again.

The British TV presenter, 38, cited her three kids as the reason behind the undertaking.

“I’ve got three children – and I’ve breastfed!” the Sun quoted her as saying.

“I wouldn’t want to do it, it’s just not appropriate. Can you imagine my poor kids’ reaction?” she added.

The 38-year-old has previously posed for underwear lines by lingerie giant Ultimo. (ANI)

K. H. Muniyappa to attend flagging off ceremony of Standard Gauge Metro Car

Bangalore, Sep. 9 (ANI): The Minister of State for Railways, K. H. Muniyappa, will attend a programme here on Friday where country’s first Standard Gauge Metro Car will be flagged off.

Standard Gauge Metro Car is being manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence.

The Minister of State of Defence, Dr. Pallam Raju will also be present on the occasion.

Later, both the Ministers will travel to Kolar where they will hold meetings with various employees Unions/Associations of BEML at KGF Complex.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for employees of BEML to put forth their grievances and pending issues before the Ministers. (ANI)

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PM says will focus on global issues relating to economic crisis at G8-G5 summit

New Delhi, July 7 (ANI): Hours before his departure for the G8-G5 summit in Italy, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said he would project India’s views on major global issues relating to the world economic and financial crisis.

“During my visit, I will discuss several issues relating to the world economic and financial crisis and its impact on development, food and energy security, climate change, international trade negotiations and reform of international with G-8 leaders and those from outreach countries like China, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa,” Dr. Singh said.

“I will also participate in the meetings of the Major Economies Forum on trade matters and climate change, as well as a meeting on food security being organized by Italy with the participation of several African nations,” he added.

“The global financial and economic slowdown that we are witnessing is particularly detrimental for the development objectives of developing countries such as India. This has not been a crisis of our making, but we have had to bear its consequences. The slowdown in the advanced economies has affected our exports, strengthened protectionists sentiments and impacted credit and capital flows,” he said.

“We would, therefore, like to see a concerted and well-coordinated global response to address systemic failures and to stimulate the real economy. In the longer run, we would like to see a much higher level of stability and sustainability in the growth patterns of the developed world, and in international financial governance.” he said.

“The issues of food and energy security and climate change are closely interlinked. They have to be approached as a single undertaking if we are to give meaning to the concept of sustainable development,” he added.

About climate change, Dr. Singh said, “India will actively participate in the international negotiations on climate change within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change and the Bali Action Plan.”

During his four-day visit, Dr. Singh is expected to meet US President Barack Obama and other world leaders.

Prior to the G-8 leaders meeting, he will attend a meeting of the G-5 group China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa.

The summit will primarily focus on winding down expensive stimulus packages for recession-hit financial systems.

Besides the financial crisis, the summit will also discuss the issue of protectionism, food and energy security. (ANI)

Illegal Indian, Chinese temples to be demolished in Kedah: DAP chief

Ipoh (Malaysia), July 6 (ANI): The Democratic Action Party chief of Malaysia’s Kedah state, Thomas Su, has claimed that illegal Hindu and Chinese temples are about to be demolished in the state, and he has evidence to back his claim.

His revelation is set to widen his rift with Kedah Mentri Besar (Chief Minister) Azizan Abdul Razak, who had accused him of stirring up racial issues.

“If the Mentri Besar wants to know, he just needs to call the Alor Setar Datuk Bandar or the exco member in charge,” The Star Online quoted Su, as saying.

Showing a letter, purportedly from the Alor Setar Municipal Council (MBAS), ordering a Hindu temple to move, Su said Azizan should give his undertaking that the temple would not be demolished.

“The DAP never plays race politics. We defend issues of people’s interest regardless of race,” he said

On Saturday, Azizan had claimed that neither the state government nor the MBAS had discussed this a demolition plan.

Su also said issues affecting illegal places of worship should be handled sensitively.

“They are not illegal by choice. The authorities have refused to legalise them,” he said.

He also pointed out that the illegal pig slaughterhouse that was demolished recently was built in the 1970s.

Su also claimed that the party had the support of the people in Alor Setar.

When asked if the Kedah DAP would reconsider its decision to pull out from the Kedah Pakatan Rakyat government, Su said: “There is no turning back.” (ANI)

Varun Gandhi’s ‘hate speech’ a legal issue, says Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, June 22 (ANI): Commenting on Varun Gandhi’s ‘hate speech’ tapes, Bharatiya Janata Party President Rajnath Singh has said let the law take its own course.

A probe panel found that Varun Gandhi’s tapes of hate speech were not doctored.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi on the sidelines of a party conclave, Singh said, “Varun has no objection to it, he was also of the view that let the law take its own course.”

Earlier forensic experts have said that hate speech CD of Varun Gandhi, is not doctored.

The Forensic Science Laboratory in Hyderabad has submitted its report to the District Magistrate of Pilibhit.

Varun Gandhi, who was arrested in Pilibhit on March 28, on the charges of making inflammatory communal remarks at election meetings in his constituency on March 6, was released from the Etah district Jail in Uttar Pradesh on April 16, after he gave a fresh undertaking that he would not make any inflammatory speeches.

He had been recorded as saying, “If anyone raises a finger towards Hindus or if someone thinks that Hindus are weak and leaderless, if someone thinks that these leaders lick our boots for votes, if anyone raises a finger towards Hindus, then I swear on Gita that I will cut that hand.” (ANI)

Menaka says forensic report on Varun Gandhi’s hate CD ‘one sided’

New Delhi, June 21 (ANI): In the wake of Varun Gandhi’s hate speech CD being declared “not doctored”, his mother and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Maneka Gandhi has termed the forensic report to be a “one sided version.”

“The entire tape was doctored. Nobody has seen the tape. We are talking about voices. The point is that this is a version which is a one sided version. We will answer this and prove it in court. But the entire tape has not proven to be authentic. We have said the words are interchanged. 50 other things have gone wrong there. Now lets see,” Maneka told reporters in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Congress party spokesman Manish Tewari held the entire BJP responsible for supporting Varun Gandhi’s hate speech, and trying to reap political dividend out of it.

“He has been caught out. And it is not Varun Gandhi who alone is responsible, the responsibility is of the entire BJP, the entire Sangh Parivar that stood by him, they thought that they could reap political dividend out of it. When you sow the wind you reap the whirlwind. This is exactly what has happened in this case,” Tewari said.

Varun had been embroiled in a controversy for making inflammatory comments against Muslims during an election rally in Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh state.

Varun Gandhi, who was arrested in Pilibhit on March 28, on the charges of making inflammatory communal remarks at election meetings in his constituency on March 6, was released from the Etah district Jail in Uttar Pradesh on April 16, after he gave a fresh undertaking that he would not make any inflammatory speeches.

He had been recorded as saying, “If anyone raises a finger towards Hindus or if someone thinks that Hindus are weak and leaderless, if someone thinks that these leaders lick our boots for votes, if anyone raises a finger towards Hindus, then I swear on Gita that I will cut that hand.” (ANI)

Varun Gandhi’s hate speech CD not doctored: Forensic experts

New Delhi, June 21 (ANI): Forensic experts have said hate speech CD of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and MP from Pilibhit, Varun Gandhi, is not doctored.

According to sources, the Forensic Science Laboratory in Hyderabad has submitted its report to the District Magistrate of Pilibhit.

Varun had alleged that the CDs were doctored. He had also refused to give his voice samples for examination.

Varun Gandhi, who was arrested in Pilibhit on March 28, on the charges of making inflammatory communal remarks at election meetings in his constituency on March 6, was released from the Etah district Jail in Uttar Pradesh on April 16, after he gave a fresh undertaking that he would not make any inflammatory speeches.

He had been recorded as saying, “If anyone raises a finger towards Hindus or if someone thinks that Hindus are weak and leaderless, if someone thinks that these leaders lick our boots for votes, if anyone raises a finger towards Hindus, then I swear on Gita that I will cut that hand.” (ANI)

Cabinet ministers from Kashmir take charge

New Delhi, May 29 (ANI): National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah assumed charge of the New and Renewable Energy Ministry here on Friday.

Addressing reporters after assuming charge, Abdullah rubbished claims that he was unhappy with the ministry that he had been allotted.

He described the ministry as the biggest challenge that he was facing, as in times to come, there would be a paradigm shift from conventional energy to renewable energy.

“It is not an ordinary ministry, if you come to think of it. There was no question of being sad or sorry. I am very happy that I have got a challenge to face,” he added.

He said he would go to the people, especially to students in universities and spread awareness about the nature of work, his ministry was undertaking, and encourage them to take up research oriented careers in the field of new and renewable energy.

Senior Congress Party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad also took charge of the Ministry of Health and Family.

Azad expressed happiness over being given an opportunity to work for people in the health sector.

Outlining his priorities, he remarked that the implementation of the National Rural Health Mission would top his agenda as Health Minister.

“My priority in the ministry would be to implement the National Rural Health Mission in letter and spirit. This cannot be done sitting here in the health ministry. I would in every six months sit with the State Government and review the situation,” said Azad. (ANI)

UGC to set up national ragging helpline by June 15

New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) The University Grants Commission (UGC) Wednesday issued guidelines for a national call centre to be set up to enable ragging victims from across the country to register their complaints by dialling a toll free number.
“The Education Consultancy India Ltd (ECIL) has been entrusted with the job of setting up of the national call centre. By June 15, it will be operational,” UGC Chairman Sukhadeo Thorat told reporters Wednesday.

The helpline will be equipped with software that will pass on the complaints directly to the head of the institution within 15 minutes to help the administration protect the victims.

Thorat said the helpline will operate around the clock and the UGC will monitor its functioning.

Under the anti-ragging laws, student offenders can be fined up to Rs.250,000 or rusticated for one to four semesters if found guilty of ragging.

The offence will be treated as a severe criminal act, he added.

The new provisions laid down by the UGC also requires that the parents and students give a written undertaking, at the time of admission, that they are aware of the ragging guidelines and will report any such incident.

Hubble Servicing Mission 4 comes to an end with successful landing

Washington, May 25 (ANI): The historic and successful Hubble Servicingission 4 – the fifth and final visit of the Space Shuttle to the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope – came to an end with a perfect landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Sunday.

During a series of unprecedented spacewalks, Space shuttle Atlantis’ astronauts replaced and repaired a total of four instruments.

The Wide Field Camera 3 and Cosmic Origins Spectrograph were installed and the Advanced Camera for Surveys and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph were successfully repaired.

Servicing Mission 4 was an intense, 13-day undertaking that revitalized Hubble, making the telescope more capable than ever.

All mission objectives were accomplished during five spacewalks that totalled 36 hours, 56 minutes.

“This is not the end of the story but the beginning of another chapter of discovery by Hubble,” said Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Science at NASA Headquarters.

“Hubble will be more powerful than ever, continue to surprise, enlighten, and inspire us all and pave the way for the next generation of observatories,” Weiler added. (ANI)

Hubble Servicing Mission 4 comes to an end with successful landing

Washington, May 25 (ANI): The historic and successful Hubble Servicing Mission 4 – the fifth and final visit of the Space Shuttle to the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope – came to an end with a perfect landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Sunday.

During a series of unprecedented spacewalks, Space shuttle Atlantis’ astronauts replaced and repaired a total of four instruments.

The Wide Field Camera 3 and Cosmic Origins Spectrograph were installed and the Advanced Camera for Surveys and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph were successfully repaired.

Servicing Mission 4 was an intense, 13-day undertaking that revitalized Hubble, making the telescope more capable than ever.

All mission objectives were accomplished during five spacewalks that totalled 36 hours, 56 minutes.

“This is not the end of the story but the beginning of another chapter of discovery by Hubble,” said Ed Weiler, associate administrator for Science at NASA Headquarters.

“Hubble will be more powerful than ever, continue to surprise, enlighten, and inspire us all and pave the way for the next generation of observatories,” Weiler added. (ANI)

Varun Gandhi misbehaves with journalist in Pilibhit

Pilibhit, May 19 (ANI): After being in the limelight for his hate speech against a minority community, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi on Tuesday allegedly misbehaved with a journalist here.

“Today Varun had come to Pilibhit after becoming a Member of Parliament and people had organised a grand reception to welcome him. I had gone to cover the event and as I was covering the event near Varun Gandhi, he threw a garland of flowers at me and asked me to shut my camera. He then made a gesture toward his security guards who then misbehaved with me and snatched my camera,” said Pankaj Saxena, a media person from TV channel Live India.

Varun Gandhi, who was arrested in Pilibhit on March 28 on the charges of delivering hate speech, was released from the Etah district Jail in Uttar Pradesh on April 16 after he gave a fresh undertaking as per the directive of the Supreme Court that he would not make any inflammatory speeches. (ANI)

Pictorial warning to be displayed on cigarette tobacco products from May 31

New Delhi, May 6 (ANI): The Centre would implement the rules on issuing statutory pictorial warning on cigarette and tobacco products from May 31.

Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, who appeared for the Union Government gave the undertaking before a bench of Justices B N Agrawal and G S Singhvi on Wednesday.

Earlier, the apex court had sought a response from the Centre on the allegations of an NGO that the government under pressure from the “tobacco lobby” was dragging its feet on issuing statutory pictorial warning on cigarette and tobacco products.

The petitioner contended that thousands of people in the country are succumbing to cancer mostly due to the widespread use of cigarettes and tobacco products.

In its application, the NGO complained that though the government originally brought in the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules in 2006 to making it mandatory for all tobacco products to display statutory pictorial warnings, “it was not implemented so far under pressure from the tobacco lobby”.

Under the 2006 rules, the government had initially planned to display “skull and bones” besides a dead body on the packages and labels to caution people on the adverse effects of smoking and using tobacco products. (ANI)