Isro makes its debut on Facebook, Twitter

Exactly 72 hours after Isro announced that it was initiating legal action against organizations which have created Facebook pages and Twitter accounts using the name of the space agency, department of space and Mangalyaan, the agency launched its own official social media pages on Thursday.

Isro has, for the first time in its 45-year-old history, started its own official Facebook page and Twitter account, which can be accessed at www.facebook.com/isroofficial and www.twitter.com/isroofficial. In the first eight hours following its launch, the new official Facebook page saw 5,233 hits.

According to Isro, the aim of these new pages is to maximize public outreach, provide mission updates and create public awareness about mission objectives and accomplishments of key programmes.One of the major announcements made on the accounts immediately after their launch was that the Geo Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) will be launched at Sriharikota at 4.18pm on January 5, 2014.

It was apparent that Isro finally felt the need to have its own official social media pages following the appearance of the fake ones. "It is ironic that something fake has encouraged Isro to go in, at last, for official social media pages and get the public involved in the missions," said a former Isro official.

Its first experiment in entering the social media arena was with theMars Orbiter Mission (facebook.com/isromom) on October 22, 2013. According to Isro it has proved immensely popular scoring nearly three lakhs hits in just two months and the number is going up steadily.

The MOM facebook states that the Indian Mars mission is among the five-most talked about topics in India on par with Narendra Modi, Sachin Tendulkar, I Phones and Raghuram Rajan.

Isro has warned that impersonation of the organisation is construed to be a seriousoffence and stern legal actions against these pages and their administratorsare being initiated from ISRO/department ofsSpace to bringthem to immediate closure.

More: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/social-media/Isro-makes-its-debut-on-Facebook-Twitter/articleshow/27667249.cms

Communicating climate change

On a frosty November morning in Warsaw, a workshop entitled Be the Movement brought together a wide variety of global climate change professionals to discuss practical strategies for building a stronger and more far-reaching global movement to combat climate change.

My contribution focused on the question of how people can communicate better about climate change and reach new audiences. To answer this, I started by asking my workgroup a series of smaller questions. For the veterans of global negotiations: Is there something they should be doing differently? Is it time to change the language they use? What about those who do not have detailed scientific knowledge of climate change - what do they need to know?

These types of questions are at the core to the project that I've spent the last two years working on called Climate Asia, the largest-ever study of people's understanding and experience of climate change across seven countries in Asia. The aim of the project is to create better ways of communicating so that people will take effective action in response to climate change.

In our morning discussion group, we used BBC Media Action's Climate Change Communication Toolkit, which includes Climate Communication Cards to stimulate discussion of how to reach diverse audiences, ranging from farmers in Kenya to voters in the United States. It was immediately apparent that a 'one-size-fits-all' communication approach does not work.

Diverse audiences have different media preferences. Community radio, for example, is a good vehicle to stimulate discussion of local concerns and how to adapt to climate change in rural Kenya. By contrast, online media is considered crucial in a developed country like the United States.

Content is also crucial. As Eliza Anyangwe of the Guardian Development Professionals Network said later, "A lot of effort is spent on trying to tell people that climate change is happening, but not very much on trying to give the people [...] a sense of what they can do."

In our workshop, participants stressed the need to move beyond awareness-raising about climate change and instead focus on ways to stimulate action. One suggestion was to encourage people to change their environmentally-unfriendly behaviour through television dramas that feature examples of positive behaviour. Other participants stressed the importance of direct face-to-face conversation. As Michelle Kovacevic of the Centre for International Forestry Research pointed out, communication like this can play a positive role by "building awareness, motivation, self-belief, knowledge and skills."

Tan Copsey presenting outcomes of communication Photograph: Wawer Tomasz/Connect4Climate

The workshop, which was co-hosted by Connect4Climate and the University of Warsaw drew a number of Polish academics and climate change experts, as well as scores of Polish students from both the university and surrounding high schools. Some of the Polish participants expressed concerns that Poland's need to rely on coal for the foreseeable future is a real challenge to climate action. Others noted that youth could be the change and help drive climate solutions. As a young Kenyan climate activist pointed out, "I believe one person can make a difference."

This idea was picked up by Rachel Kyte, vice president for sustainable development at the World Bank Group, in her motivational address. She encouraged the youth present to take action and join the global climate change movement. "If you want to make change, you're going to have to take the brave fork in the road. That's your challenge," she said. (see the video of her talk here)

Looking back on the day, it's clear that there is an astonishing array of ideas to stimulate collective action to respond to climate change. Strategies for reaching new, broader audiences need to be encouraged. These should focus on sharing practical ideas for action. New and innovative responses to climate change may come from one person in rural Kenya or one Polish student in Warsaw.

More: http://www.theguardian.com/connect4climate-partner-zone/communicating-climate-change

10 pc urban Indians deficient on thyroid hormone: Research

One in every 10 urban Indians is deficient on an essential thyroid hormone, which may silently trigger several diseases among adults, suggests a new research.

A study, conducted on more than 5,300 individuals in eight cities, including Delhi and Bangalore, found 10.95 per cent prevalence of hypothyroidism among adults.

The disorder is linked to several diseases like diabetes, heart disease and infertility.

Moreover, almost 8 per cent of the people screened for the study have sub-clinical thyroid deficiency and stand a chance of developing symptoms later in their lives.


Almost one-third of hypothyroid patients were unaware of their conditions and detected for the first time. Women were three times more prone than men, particularly in the age group of 46-55 years, says the study published in a recent issue of “Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism”.

“There have been no nationwide study on the prevalence of hypothyroidism in India, either in the pre or post-iodization periods.

A large, cross-sectional, comprehensive study was required to provide a true picture of the evolving profile of thyroid disorders across the country as India is in the post-iodization era,” A G Unnikrishnan, lead author of the study and chief executive officer of Chellaram Diabetes Institute, Pune, said.

Iodine deficiency due to insufficient intake of dietary iodine is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. To counter this, India adopted an universal salt iodization programme in 1983.

But, after three decades, thyroid deficiency continues to be widely prevalent, triggering many other diseases.

“We have an estimated 62 million diabetic and 42 million hypothyroidism patients. Without controlling thyroid problem, diabetes and heart diseases cannot be controlled,” said R K Lalwani, a private doctor associated with Max Hospital, who carried out the Delhi leg of the study.

Delhi statistics were similar to the national trend as 11 per cent people were found short in thyroid level and sub-clinical hypothyroidism was seen in 9.61 per cent people.
The prevalence was marginally less in Bangalore (thyroid deficiency 9.23 per cent) and very high (21 per cent) in Kolkata.

Though India is in the post-iodization phase, the study suggests that prevalence of hypothyroidism in adults is high on a national scale.

Unfortunately, no prevalence data exists on the occurrence of hypothyroidism among adults in the pre-iodization phase.

Globally, thyroid disorders continue to be common yet one of the most under-diagnosed health conditions.

If left untreated, it can cause a host of diseases besides affecting a baby's wellbeing in a pregnant woman.

More: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/375689/10-pc-urban-indians-deficient.html

Canadian experts skeptical of new blood pressure guidelines

Potential new blood pressure guidelines published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association are making waves in the field of cardiovascular medicine: Some Canadian experts are worried that the news could confuse patients and lead to an increase in heart attacks and stroke.

The widely held threshold for a person to be diagnosed with high blood pressure is 140 over 90. People with this blood pressure reading or higher are advised to change their diet and lifestyle habits and possibly initiate drug therapy to lower the pressure on the heart.

But for adults 60 years and older, the panel of American experts who wrote the paper recommended a higher threshold – 150 over 90 – as more reasonable, based on evidence that few additional benefits come with more aggressive treatment.

Canadian hypertension expert Dr. Ernesto Schiffrin said he expects to be fielding many patient queries on the recommendation.

When looking at the over-60 demographic, he says the JAMA authors, led by Paul James of the University of Iowa, didn’t take into account the broad range of risk factors many patients have in addition to high blood pressure.

“They didn’t consider that many patients, after age 60, have elevated cholesterol, they may be smokers, they may be overweight or obese. For those patients, perhaps a majority of patients above age 60, recommending blood pressures under 150 may be under-treating them,” says Schiffrin, who works at the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.

And since Canada has been doing a good job of treating hypertension, Schiffrin says it would be a shame for physicians to take the American advice and risk having patients with blood pressure between 140 and 150 over 90 suffer heart attacks or strokes.

Canadians already have rigorous evidence-based guidelines updated annually by the non-profit organization Hypertension Canada, Schriffin says. According to Hypertension Canada, almost six million people in Canada – that’s about 1 in 5 adults – live with hypertension. And rising blood pressure over the long term is known to cause atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which is a major risk for premature death (before the age of 65), according to Hypertension Canada.

Schiffrin says the Canadian guidelines do include a recommendation aimed at those “rare individuals,” who don’t exhibit other risk factors: 160 over 100.

“There are very few people who have elevated blood pressure and no additional risk factors,” says Schiffrin, who is also the Canada Research Chair in hypertension and vascular research at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and a professor in the department of medicine at McGill University.

Furthermore, there is also a Canadian age-based recommendation for people over 80 which takes into account the fact that we all experience rising blood pressure as we age: less than 150 systolic (at that age, the systolic pressure – which occurs when your heart contracts rather than the diastolic, when the heart is relaxed – is the key measure physicians look at.)

Still, some experts say allowing more wiggle room in the blood pressure measurements of those 60 and older may be an idea worth exploring. Dr. Peter Liu, the scientific director of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, says the spotlight on this “grey area” in hypertension treatment highlights if not a change, the need for individualized treatment.

“As we get older our blood pressure increases – this is just part of the aging process. If that’s the only thing that you have, then trying to bring down blood pressure may not be realistic or necessary.”

While the JAMA paper didn’t mention side-effects, Liu says for some patients, the side effects of blood pressure medications may outweigh the benefits. Side effects can include swelling of the legs and dizziness, which could lead to falls.

Adding to the guideline controversy is the fact that the panel who wrote the recommendations is acting independently, after being relieved of their duties by their sponsoring body, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), one of the National Institutes of Health government agencies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This June, NIH discontinued the project, looking to other organizations such as the American Heart Association to create guidelines instead.

Liu says despite the fuss south of the border, all physicians and cardiologists would do well not to get too caught up in the numbers.

“At the end of the day, guidelines are guidelines. At the patient-doctor-interaction level you want to personalize these things for the patient.”

More: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/canadian-experts-skeptical-of-new-blood-pressure-guidelines/article16061997/

Ishant Sharma, the comeback story

Having sent back Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis off successive deliveries, Ishant Sharma ran in to bowl for a hat-trick. The ball went well outside off, left alone safely by the batsman — AB de Villiers. The lanky bowler appeared disappointed. But given the way his recent past has been, he would take this any day.

A four-ball duck, 18 overs, three wickets and a warning for running onto the danger area –– Thursday was nothing short of a swinging day for Sharma. But it is nothing compared to the rollercoaster that his career has been off late. The days when he was a bad dream for Ricky Ponting are long over.

Owing to a string of prolonged bad shows, Sharma had been reduced to a Facebook joke, a pun intended on the Twitter. However, on the second day of the first Test against South Aftrica at the Wanderers, it was the 25-year-old bowler who had the last laugh.

When the last ball of the day was bowled, the pacer had picked up three for 64. It is not earth-shattering. But it could be a sign that he is breaking the shackles.

It is not a sudden revival. Sharma had showcased his form with his five-for against Haryana in a Ranji Trophy tie late in November. On Thursday, he took India well ahead of South Africa. That Vernon Philander and Faf du Plessis stemmed the rot is a different story.

Disciplined but largely unlucky during the first two sessions –– he did get Alviro Petersen early –– but Sharma reaped the benefits after the tea interval. He got Graeme Smith to play and miss, and when he did find the edge, the ball sped to the boundary in streaky fashion. Sharma got the length right — pitching it up worked for him.

At 130/1, South Africa seemed to be running away with it. Just then, Sharma stormed in from nowhere to hand the hosts a double jolt and the crowd a flurry of flying kisses.

Amla had no answer to Sharma. Getting the ball to reverse, he got the right-hander to shoulder arms to a delivery bowled outside the off stump. Kallis got a fuller, straighter and one on middle stump, he had the all-rounder caught in plumb for a first-ball duck.

There is a TV commercial doing rounds, based on skipper MS Dhoni’s surprise decision to hand the ball to Sharma in the rain-affected Champions Trophy final and how it proved to be a correct choice. Many had questioned Sharma’s selection for the ongoing series, seems like Sharma is proving them wrong all over again.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-ishant-sharma-the-comeback-story-1937925

World Test Championship 'in doubt'

The future of the World Test Championship has been thrown into doubt after it emerged that broadcasters and sponsors still hold grave reservations over the value of the event and the various parties organising it have failed to reach any agreement over the format.

The inaugural Test Championship, which the ICC hopes will become the showpiece event in the Test schedule, is due to be staged in the UK in 2017. But, with only four teams due to compete - the top four in the Test rankings as of December 31, 2016 - doubts remain over its global appeal.

The key concern of the sponsors and broadcasters is the identities of the competing teams. If any of the major draws cards - especially India or England - should fail to qualify, the attraction and value of the event would fall markedly. England's rapid descent in the world rankings has rendered this a real danger and could also result in some of the games being played in less-than-full stadiums.

The ICC's current broadcast deal ends in 2015. The last deal, agreed with ESPN Star Sports* in 2006, was worth around $1.1 billion and helped fund a huge increase in funding for Associate and Affiliate nations. Any decrease in the value of the next deal, a genuine possibility bearing in mind broadcasters' lukewarm response to the World Test Championship, will have serious consequences for the game at every level in most parts of the world.

Little progress has been made with the practicalities of the event, either. While a simple option would see the event consist of nothing more than two semi-finals and a final, there are doubts over what happens in the event of poor weather - hardly an unlikely event in the UK - and whether such a format provides enough cricket to capture the imagination of spectators and the interest of sponsors.

Any other format - such as round-robin - threatens to become too long, with at least three days rest required between games to ensure any sort of veracity in the event. The fact that day-night Test cricket remains an unrealised dream - and, in England at least, may always do so - also compromises the ability to reach a global audience.

As a result, the ICC is under increasing pressure to rethink its commitment to the Championship.

The World Test Championship was originally scheduled to be held for the first time in 2013, but waspostponed due to the reservations of broadcasters. The ICC had hoped it would replace the Champions Trophy but was unable to reach an agreement and the 50-over tournament was staged in the UK, with some success, instead. It was subsequently confirmed that the Champions Trophy would not be played again.

While the ICC remains committed to hosting one showpiece event for each format of the game - World Twenty20, World Cup and Test Championship - the fact is that the Champions Trophy was popular with broadcasters, spectators and sponsors. Its revival cannot be ruled out.

More: http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/701969.html

Rahul Mahajan fights for Kushal Tandon's ‘unfair eviction’

TV reality show actor Rahul Mahajan triggered off a debate on Kushal Tandon’s “unfair eviction” when he tweeted, “Friends if you think

When contacted, Rahul said, “Though I am not watching this season, I am surprised to see Kushal getting evicted on grounds that he got less votes and that’s why I took to Twitter to ask if my followers also feel the same. He is very popular, and in all the reality shows that he has been part of, he has got huge votes. And I can’t understand how can Ajaz get more votes than him?”

Soon after, ‘Kushal Tandon’ started trending on Twitter and trended all through Wednesday and Thursday.

 - See more at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/television/rahul-mahajan-fights-for-kushal-tandon-s-unfair-eviction/article1-1164377.aspx#sthash.hcMQJofY.dpuf

Filmy Friday: The wait is over, 'Dhoom 3' releases today

Yash Raj Films' much-awaited action flick, 'Dhoom 3' finally releases today. Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, 'Dhoom 3' stars Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles.

The promos of the film have created a rage giving us a glimpse of Aamir Khan's death defying stunts and perfect six abs. The actor plays the role of the clown thief Sahir as he performs some daring acrobats with his onscreen lady love Katrina Kaif.

Much has been said about Katrina Kaif's sizzling avatar in the film. The actress will play Aaliya an acrobat expert as she romances Sahir in the film. The sizzling Dhoom girl is also seen doing some action sequences with Mr. Perfectionist.

Abhishek Bachchan reprises his role of ACP Jai Dixit, who is on the hunt of the thief that leaves his signature message and trademark joker mask at each robbery site. Jai Dixit's sidekick is played by none other than Uday Chopra who was also a part of the previous Dhoom films.

Only two of the films songs have been released but nonetheless, the music created quite a buzz, with Aamir Khan stealing the limelight in one number as he flaunts his tap dance skills. Katrina Kaif has her own dance solo as she moves sensuously to the pumping beats.

Aamir Khan, who is known not to follow in the footsteps of others has been pretty clear about not taking 'Dhoom 3' to any television shows for promotional purposes.

However, his good friend Salman Khan did promote the action flick on his own reality show, 'Bigg Boss'.

Apart from a few media interactions, the promotions for 'Dhoom 3' have been largely low-key. But, will the star cast manage to create the magic at the Box office? That remains to be seen.

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/filmy-friday-the-wait-is-over-dhoom-3-releases-today/1209873/0

The big picture: LG, Samsung to unveil 105-inch Ultra HDTVs

The "next big thing" is no exaggeration when it comes to describing the latest TVs from LG and Samsung. The two electronics giants are introducing mammoth Ultra HDTVs— as in 105 inches — for the consumer market next year.

On Wednesday, LG revealed in a press release its first 2014 model television — a 105-inch (diagonal) curved Ultra HDTV. Unlike LG’s 55-inch curved OLED, this giant TV will use an LED-lit LCD panel. The extra-wide screen represents the largest consumer television ever offered.

Called the 105UB9, this behemoth boasts 11 million pixels, the highest ever for any production television. Unlike all other UHDTVs to date (3840 x 2160 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio), this LG’s screen resolution is 5120 x 2160. Based on this number we believe the aspect ratio is actually 21.3 x 9 (2.37:1) and LG is rounding down, or maybe it is to compensate for the curve? We asked an LG spokesperson by email for clarification and will update if and when we get a response.

LG’s press release states this large curved LED LCD overcame technical the “challenge for uneven backlighting by refining its TFT (Thin Film Transistor) pixel circuit technology to prevent color leakage and ensure a superior viewing experience from virtually any angle.”

This massive display will debut to the industry on Jan. 7 at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Price and availability were not provided, though we bet it will be very expen$ive.

The styling appears different in the two photos LG provided and we have no idea of the purpose (if any) of the rectangular opening below the screen. LG did not state whether the 105U9 could be wall mounted. However, it appears the built-in stand is part of the overall design.

Samsung 105-inch Curved UHD TV

Just hours after LG’s announcement, Samsung issued a press release stating it will be showing its own 105-inch curved widescreen LED-lit LCD at the CES.

The Samsung 105-inch Curved UHD TV adopts a new proprietary picture quality algorithm that delivers optimized color and a greater feeling of depth. Its curved Ultra HDTV screen provides more vivid images when viewed from the side than other LED LCDs and boasts 11 million pixel (5120X2160) screen resolution with a 21:9 aspect ratio.

Samsung also claims its 105-inch UHDTV is the “most curved” and the signal processing achieved with its Quadmatic Picture Engine “delivers all content in UHD-level picture quality no matter what the source is.”

No other features, pricing, model number or availability information was provided. The “screen only” photo was the only one issued by Samsung with the press release.

More: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/big-picture-lg-samsung-unveil-105-inch-ultra-hdtvs-2D11779431

Cabinet okays interest-free loans to sugar mills

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs ( CCEA) approved interest-free loan for the ailing sugar industry to pay off cane arrears.

Food minister KV Thomas said: "A loan amount of around Rs 6,000-7,000 crore would be extended to the sugar industry."

The interest amount would be paid by the Centre and through the Sugar Development Fund.

This bailout package has been announced in the wake of mounting cane arrears.

Due to high state-advised cane prices and fa ..


Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/27668245.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Gold crashes to six-month low after Fed taper

Gold hit its lowest in around six months in intraday trade on Thursday, extending a 1% drop a day before, on the US Federal Reserve's decision to scale back its bullion-friendly stimulus measures that had propelled a rally in the precious metal's prices to record highs in recent years.

After hitting their lowest level since late June of $1,200.25, spot gold gained slightly to $1,203.85 an ounce by 1000 GMT, still down by 1.2%. US February gold futures shed $32 an ounce at $1,203.00.

The bullion dropped as much as 1% on Wednesday after the Fed announced a cut of $10 billion in its usual bond purchase programme of $85 billion a month starting January next year, contending that the world's largest economy was on a relatively strong footing. Although it ended uncertainties, investors began to worry about the impact on the precious metal despite the US central bank minimising its taper with a continued dovish signal on interest rates. A 0.5% rally of the dollar against a basket of currencies and a 1.5% rally in European shares pointed to loss of lustre of the precious metal.

Importantly, gold had advanced by 16% and 12% in the first six months of the QE1 in 2008 and the QE2 in 2010.

The precious metal’s prices have crashed roughly 27% this year, mainly on apprehensions that the Fed might curtail its bond purchases before the end of 2013. Uncertainty over the timing of the move had also stoked volatile trading. An end to the Fed's quantitative easing programme hurt gold, as the precious metal's rally in recent years was aided by a low interest rate environment, which prompted investors to shift to haven assets like gold to beat inflationary pressures. Gold prices peaked in 2011 at $1,920.30 an ounce after the US economy was downgraded by rating agency Standard &Poor's.

Muted physical demand from India and China, the world's leading consumers, have also taken the shine off the precious metal. Gold imports in India dropped 79% in the three months through September to $3.5 billion from the quarter before following a series of official crackdown, including a hike in import duty on the precious metal to 10% from 8% and norms mandating that 20% of the gold imported must be kept aside for re-exports.

In November, the imports were to the tune of $1.2 billion compared with the monthly average of more than $4 billion last fiscal, despite the wedding season.

Analysts said prices of gold over the next few days could determine its long-term movement. Meanwhile, investors continued to shy away from gold-backed exchange-traded funds, with holdings of the largest gold ETF, SPDR Gold Shares, falling another 4.2 tonne on Wednesday. Gold ETFs have lost 800 tonne in holdings so far this year.

Tracking gold, silver lost 2.2% at $19.29 an ounce while spot platinum shed 0.5% at $1,324.25 an ounce.

More: http://www.financialexpress.com/news/gold-crashes-to-sixmonth-low-after-fed-taper/1209660/0

Winter bonanza: SBI, HDFC slash home loan rates day after Raghuram Rajan's RBI puts hike on hold

Two biggest housing financiers State Bank of India (SBI) and HDFC today cut home loan rates by up to 0.4 per cent for new borrowers, a day after Governor Raghuram Rajan's Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its key policy rates on hold.

Women borrowers would get an additional 0.05 per cent concession on card rates, SBI, country's biggest lender, said in a statement.

SBI home loans will now be available under two slabs -- under Rs 75 lakh and above Rs 75 lakh.

SBI loans of up to Rs 75 lakh would be available to fresh borrowers at 10.15 per cent against the existing rate of 10.50 per cent. For women borrowers, the rate of interest after an additional concession of 0.05 per cent would be 10.10 per cent for home loans of up to Rs 75 lakh.

With regard to loans of above Rs 75 lakh, the new rate would be 10.30 per cent. For women borrowers it is 10.25 per cent.

The new SBI rates would be effective from tomorrow.

Country's largest housing finance company HDFC Ltd cut rates by 0.25 per cent. "This is a limited period offer and is valid for all new applications submitted before January 31, and first disbursement taken by February 28, 2014," HDFC said in a statment.

The new rates for HDFC home loans of up to Rs 75 lakh will be 10.25 per cent as against the existing 10.50 per cent.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its monetary policy review yesterday kept short-term lending rate unchanged at 7.75 per cent, while the cash reserve ratio (CRR) remained at 4 per cent.

In October, SBI had reduced interest rates on loans for car and consumer durables and also decided to lower processing charges to cash in on the festival season demand.

Fanatics who hacked soldier to death show no remorse

British soldiers are at risk from "thousands" of lone wolf terrorists such as the Islamist fanatics who murdered Drummer Lee Rigby, the country's most senior counter-terrorism officers have warned.

Assistant Metropolitan CommissionerCressida Dick said troops will always be a target for those with a "perverted ideology" and the threat can never be eliminated.

The warning came as Muslim converts Michael Adebolajo (29) and Michael Adebowale (22) were yesterday convicted of the murder of 25-year-old Fusilier Rigby.

HACKING

Adebolajo showed no remorse and kissed his Koran as he was found guilty at the Old Bailey.

The pair ran the father-of-one down in the street in broad daylight before hacking him to death and dumping his body in the road in what was the first terror-releated murder on British soil since the July 7 bombings in 2005.

As they faced life in prison:

* Questions intensified over whether MI5 and the police could have done more to prevent the murder by two fanatics who were known to them.

* Security sources revealed others almost certainly knew of their plot to kill a soldier.

* The family of Mr Rigby spoke of their devastation and suggested his killers should be treated the same way he was.

* Police vowed to monitor every word of hate preachers like Anjem Choudary, who helped radicalise the pair, to see if prosecutions can be brought.

* Muslim leaders condemned their actions, saying it was a "barbaric act".

The death of Drummer Rigby was the latest in a series of terror plots to target British soldiers, often in so-called revenge for Britain's foreign policy.

Asst Comm Dick said: "Every year we've stopped a major plot designed to cause mass murder, and trials earlier this year of people intending to kill people on the streets of the UK including soldiers.

"Sadly we know that some people have a completely perverted ideology and do regard soldiers as a target.

"It's important that we recognise that and try to protect our military colleagues as best we possibly can.

But she added: "There are thousands of people who are subject to security service interest and investigations."

"We cannot reduce the risk of something like this happening to absolute zero but we will do everything in our power to do so."

More: http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/fanatics-who-hacked-soldier-to-death-show-no-remorse-29854331.html

Three UN peacekeepers from India killed in South Sudan violence

Less than three years after its creation, the world's newest country is beginning to fracture along ethnic lines in violence that has killed hundreds of people, including three UN peacekeepers. What could come next, some warn, is ethnic cleansing. South Sudan's numerous ethnic groups have

battled each other for decades, but for years their animosity was united in hatred of the government in Khartoum, Sudan, the country's former capital. When the south gained independence in 2011, the groups' common enemy receded, exposing the fault lines - this week, even among the presidential guard.

On Thursday, armed youths breached a UN compound in Jonglei state, causing an unknown number of casualties.

"Unfortunately, just this very morning such militia groups have targeted and killed three soldiers from India in South Sudan," India's UN Ambassador Asoke Mukerji told a UN meeting on peacekeeping Thursday evening.

It was the first announcement of UN personnel killed in this week's upsurge of violence. Pakistan's UN Ambassador Masood Khan asked for a minute of silence, and diplomats rose to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.

In the capital, Juba, emergency evacuation flights took away American and British citizens, aid workers and United Nations personnel to escape the violence.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon again urged political dialogue.

"The future of this young nation requires its current leadership to do everything possible to prevent South Sudan descending into the chaos that would be such a betrayal of the ideals behind its long struggle for independence," a statement from his office said late Thursday.

South Sudan's government declared that its security forces "are in absolute control of the situation," but admitted later Thursday that the central government had lost control of Bor, the capital of the country's largest and most populous state, where barrages of gunfire were reported.

"The situation in South Sudan can be best described as tense and fragile. If it is not contained, it could lead to ethnic cleansing," said Choul Laam, a top official with the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement, who spoke in Nairobi, Kenya.

Violence broke out late Sunday when the presidential guard splintered along ethnic lines. Guards from the president's majority Dinka tribe tried to disarm guards from the Nuer ethnic group, said Laam. Violence in Juba spiraled from there, and then extended out into the country.

"The awful accounts of killings in Juba may only be the tip of the iceberg," said Daniel Bekele of Human Rights Watch. "Government officials - whatever their politics - need to take urgent steps to prevent further abuses against civilians and quickly deescalate rising ethnic tensions."

President Salva Kiir earlier said an attempted coup had triggered the violence, and the blame was placed on ousted Vice President Riek Machar, an ethnic Nuer.

Machar disputed Kiir's allegations that he had attempted a coup, but said he wants Kiir out of power.

"We want him to leave. We want him to leave. That's it," Machar told Radio France Internationale. "He can't unite the people and he kills them like flies."

Machar, an influential politician who is a hero of the brutal war of independence against Sudan, is Kiir's rival for top leadership of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement party. Tensions had been mounting since Kiir fired Machar as his deputy in July. Machar later said he would contest the presidency in 2015.

Regardless of the cause, the South Sudan government said the violence has already killed up to 500 people.

Armed ethnic Nuer youths breached a UN compound in the tiny Jonglei village of Akobo, near the Ethiopian border, to reach civilians believed to be Dinkas seeking shelter there, said UN spokesman Farhan Haq in New York. "We fear there may have been some fatalities but can't confirm who and how many at this stage," Haq said.

At the time, 43 Indian peacekeepers, six UN police advisers and two UN civilian employees were present at the base, as were about 30 South Sudanese who had sought shelter, according to the UN mission in South Sudan. The mission said it would dispatch aircraft early Friday to evacuate UN personnel who remain at the base.

South Sudan's capital was mostly peaceful Thursday, and the government tried to assure the UN and foreign embassies "that civil tranquility has been fully restored."

US President Barack Obama said in a letter to Congress that 45 military personnel were dispatched to South Sudan on Wednesday to protect US citizens and property.

Countries such as the US, Britain, Italy and Germany continued to evacuate residents. A plane with a mechanical malfunction blocked the runway during the day, jamming up inbound and outbound flights.

The US evacuation plane - the fourth group of Americans flown out in two days - was eventually able to take off heading for Kenya. "Runway clear. Wheels up," the embassy said on Twitter. Two military flights and a charter took off on Wednesday. Britain's evacuation plane landed in Uganda late Thursday.

The government said it lost control of Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, to forces loyal to Machar. Gunfire was reported early and late in the day, and the UN used four helicopters to transport 75 people - a mix of aid workers and UN staff - to Juba, said Challiss McDonough, a spokeswoman for the UN's World Food Program.

"We lost control of Bor to the rebellion," said Philip Aguer, the South Sudanese military spokesman.

Aguer said renegade officers wrested control of the town from loyalist forces. At least 19 civilians had been killed in Bor, said Martin Nesirky, a spokesman for the UN secretary-general's office, citing figures from the South Sudan Red Cross.

In oil-rich Unity state, fighting broke out in oil fields on Wednesday and Thursday, said Mabek Lang De Mading, the state's deputy governor. He said five people died Wednesday and 11 on Thursday.

Foreign ministers from neighboring countries Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Djibouti traveled to South Sudan to try and diffuse the crisis.

Human Rights Watch said Thursday that South Sudanese soldiers fired indiscriminately in highly populated areas of Juba earlier in the week and targeted people for their ethnicity.

Citing witnesses and victims, the group reported that "soldiers specifically targeted people from the Nuer ethnic group." In some cases, the group added, the Dinka may have been targeted by Nuer soldiers.

An estimated 20,000 people have sought refuge at two UN compounds in Juba and another 14,000 in Bor. UN officials warned of a humanitarian crisis.

Deputy secretary-general Jan Eliasson said in New York on Thursday that the UN will do its best to protect those who have sought refuge. "Clearly, civilians are in danger," said Eliasson.

- See more at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/three-un-peacekeepers-from-india-killed-in-south-sudan-violence/article1-1164533.aspx#sthash.s4CCwh5b.dpuf

Singapore starts deporting Indian nationals involved in December 8 riot

Singapore today started deporting 52 Indian nationals for their role in the December 8 riot, the city state's worst street violence in 40 years.

Sixteen of the men were interviewed by the state-appointed Committee of Enquiry (COI) into the riot in the Little India area, a report The Straits Times said. The riot was sparked by a fatal accident involving an Indian national.

The 53 had allegedly obstructed the police or failed to obey police order to disperse during the riot, in which 39 Home Team officers, including policemen were injured and 25 police and Singapore Civil Defence Force vehicles damaged.

They were deemed to have posed a threat to the safety and security of Singapore, conditions that allow the authorities to deport them from entering the country again under the laws such as Immigration Act.

Twenty-eight Indian nationals were arraigned on riot charges and would have their cases heard in court on Monday.

Meanwhile, police have warned 200 other South Asian workers who were at the scene of the riot. Police have issued advisories to the 200 to obey the law and would be allowed to remain in Singapore and work.

Foreign Minister K Shanmugam has stressed that the repatriation of the 53 became judicial rather than administrative matter. Under the Immigration Act, the government could ask an individual to leave once it has been determined that he acted contrary to Singapore's interests or acted in a manner prejudicial to public security or safety, stressed Shanmugam.

Earlier this week, a civil group had questioned the "arbitrary deportation" of these people, citing the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants.

The repatriation is done in groups. A Bangladesh national was also being deported. Some 400 South Asian workers rioted when the 33-year old Indian National, Sakthivel Kumaravalu, was killed in the accident with a bus on the night of December 8.

More: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/singapore-starts-deporting-indian-nationals-involved-in-december-8-riot-460893

With corruption a poll issue, will Congress tie up with Lalu in 2014?

Ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress is trying to work out its pre-poll alliances. Both RJD chief Lalu Prasad and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan have assured the Congress of their support.

With corruption being a major issue this time in elections, the Congress is finding it hard to make up its mind.

Out on bail, Lalu Prasad has announced that the Congress and RJD will form an alliance for the coming months. But the question is whether the former Bihar Chief Minister jumping the gun or the Congress is ready to forge an alliance with old friends RJD and LJP.

Sources say the party is strongly considering the option with a large section of Bihar Congress favouring a pre-poll alliance with Lalu Prasad and Ram Vilas Paswan.

"I have told the high command about the political situation in Bihar and now its up to them to take a call," said Bihar Pradesh Congress Chief Ashok Chaudhary.

The final decision will have to be taken by Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi after an election committee headed by AK Antony gives its report on options ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

But the biggest dilemma before the Congress is whether it would like to be seen fighting an election with Lalu, especially when the party has been trying to show its commitment to fighting corruption by rejecting the ordinance on convicted MPs and the passing of the Lokpal Bill.

LJP's Ram Vilas Paswan is committed to supporting the Congress and RJD, but is not ready to stick his neck out just yet. Sources say this is because the Congress hasn't made up its mind and is talking to JDU as well.

"The Congress has to decide that at a time when corruption is such a big issue, will they like to tie up with the RJD," said JDU leader Sabir Ali.

While Lalu may be an old friend, the Congress is keeping all options open especially after the drubbing in four state polls. Certain Congress leaders feel that tying up with Lalu, a convicted MP, could hurt the party's image. So while Lalu Prasad may have made his intentions clear, the Congress isn't going to reveal its cards just yet.

More: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/with-corruption-a-poll-issue-will-congress-tie-up-with-lalu-in-2014/440622-3-232.html

RIL shares jump after Cabinet okays gas price hike

Shares in Reliance Industries gained as much as 2.5 per cent after the Cabinet on Thursday allowed the company to charge higher prices for gas from April. RIL was the top gainer on the 50-share Nifty benchmark.

RIL shares traded 2.45 per cent higher at Rs. 874.95 as of 09.16 a.m. outperforming the broader Nifty, which gained 0.3 per cent in early trade. (Track stock)

In June, the government had approved a move to higher, market-related rates for locally-produced gas from April 2014, but the finance ministry later said prices for Reliance should be capped because the company's gas production from the offshore D6 block was far below its supply commitment.

Now, RIL has offered financial guarantees to the government to settle any claims against it over a shortfall in its gas output.

"Bank guarantee will be equivalent to the incremental revenue that Reliance will get from the new gas pricing," Oil Secretary Vivek Rae told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

Goldman Sachs said the Cabinet decision has cleared the uncertainty on gas prices and the clarity on D6 gas pricing is a positive.

Global brokerage Macquarie said RIL will be the biggest beneficiary followed by ONGC & Oil India. The development is positive for India's exploration and production sector, it added.

Other energy stocks also rose. State-run Oil India traded 1.8 per cent higher, while ONGC gained 1.4 per cent.

Background:

Reliance, which operates the D6 block off India's eastern coast, has reported a sharp decline in gas output since 2010.

Reliance and partner BP have blamed geological complexities for the fall in output, but the oil regulator believes they failed to drill enough wells.

Output from the fields D1 and D3 at the block has plunged to about 10 million cubic meters a day (mmcmd), a company official has said, compared to the planned 80 mmcmd.

Falling output had already prompted the government to disallow proportionate cost recovery to Reliance, leading to arbitration proceedings over the issue.

Gas from D6 was earmarked for strategic domestic industries including fertiliser production, cooking gas and power, but has fallen so much that only some fertiliser plants now get supplies from the offshore block.

What brokers say?

Ambareesh Baliga of Edelweiss Global Wealth told NDTV that the production issues were related to gas pricing and not because of technical difficulties and production from the D6 fields should now rise.

Mr Baliga is bullish on RIL and has a target of Rs. 1125 on the stock.

More: http://profit.ndtv.com/news/market/article-ril-shares-jump-after-cabinet-okays-gas-price-hike-375382

London: Apollo Theatre's ceiling collapses, 88 hurt

The ceiling of a packed London theatre collapsed on the audience during a performance on Thursday, wounding 88 people including children and leaving terrified theatregoers covered in blood and rubble. A sell-out crowd of around 720 people was in the Apollo Theatre watching "The Curious

Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" when ornate masonry fell some five storeys onto their heads.

Witnesses said they heard creaking noises in the 112-year-old theatre before the collapse but thought it was part of the show, which was packed out with families the week before Christmas.

Rescuers commandeered three iconic red London double-decker buses to transport dozens of the wounded from the so-called "Theatreland" district to hospital.

Paramedics said they had taken seven "seriously injured" patients to hospital, although their wounds were not life-threatening, and treated 81 walking wounded. Emergency services said they did not believe there were any fatalities or people trapped.

"A section of the theatre's ceiling collapsed onto the audience who were watching the show. The ceiling took parts of the balconies down with it," senior firefighter Nick Harding told reporters.

"In my time as a fire officer I've never seen an incident like this. I imagine lots of people were out enjoying the show in the run-up to Christmas."

Witnesses told of terror inside the theatre after the ceiling collapse, with people crying in shock and coughing because of the dust as they fled to safety.

Desmond Thomas, 18, part of a school party watching the show, said they heard noises before the accident.

"Maybe 10 minutes into the performance we heard a tap-tap noise, we thought it was rain," he told AFP.

"There was a crack and then it suddenly seemed to get bigger and suddenly it collapsed. The next thing we knew the whole theatre filled with dust and smoke."

A thunderstorm had hit London in the hour before the incident.

Simon Usborne, a journalist for The Independent newspaper who was watching the show, said there was "chaos".

"Loud bangs, cracks. Thought was part of show then whole interior of theatre filled with curtain of dark grey dust and debris, falling on heads of anyone not sheltered," he tweeted afterwards.

"People emerging soon after bloodied -- children crying -- family show -- people dumbfounded."

Prime Minister David Cameron said he was being kept updated on the incident and was "grateful for the fast work of the emergency services in helping the injured."

Police said they were investigating the cause of the incident alongside structural engineers from the local council.

"There is no suggestion at this stage that this was as a result of a criminal act, however, at this stage we of course are keeping an open mind," said Chief Superintendent Paul Rickett.

A fire brigade cherry picker could be seen stretching high over the theatre after the incident.

Several people were stretchered out of the theatre while others with bandages on their heads were being treated in triage centres set up in the lobbies of the nearby Gielgud and Queen's theatres.

"In the finest traditions of Theatreland, they very quickly rallied around," said fire brigade spokesman Graham Ellis.

Ellis said that "heavy ornate plaster" had fallen from the roof onto theatregoers in the circle, dress circle and stalls.

Audience member James Kearney, who was given a ticket to the show as a present, told AFP there were "people with blood on their heads in shock" behind them.

Kearney's companion Dee Stephenson said there was so much dust afterwards they had to feel their way out.

"Everybody was in a trance-like state. A lot of people were in absolute shock," Stephenson told AFP.

"We were extremely fortunate."

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" has been running in London since August 2012 and won a record seven Olivier awards.

It is based on an award-winning novel by Mark Haddon.

The Apollo is one of London's top theatres. It was built in 1901 and refurbished in 1932, and the balcony on the third tier is considered the steepest in London.

The current owner of the Apollo, Nimax Theatres, said the ceiling collapse was a "shocking and upsetting incident".

- See more at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/london-apollo-theatre-s-ceiling-collapses-88-hurt/article1-1164543.aspx#sthash.imK36gxD.dpuf

India will be eyeing for a psychological advantage over SA on Day 3

India`s pace bowlers staged a dramatic turnaround with a devastating exhibition of swing bowling as South Africa suffered a stunning collapse to leave the first cricket Test more or less on an even keel here on Thursday.

The Indians lost five wickets for just 25 runs to be bundled out for 280 in their first innings but clawed back brilliantly to leave the hosts at 213 for six at close in an action-packed second day.

The hosts were cruising along comfortably at 130 for one before the Indian pacers wreaked havoc to completely change the complexion of the game on a Wanderers track which gave assistance to the quick bowlers.

The lanky Ishant Sharma (3/64)triggered the shocking batting collapse by dismissing Hashim Amla (36) and Jaques Kallis (0) off consecutive deliveries before Zaheer Khan got rid of captain Graeme Smith (68) -- all three wickets falling without a single run being added.

Mohammed Shami then struck for his team by evicting J P Duminy (2) and A B De Villers (13) in the same over to bring the Indians back into the game.

From 130 for one, the Proteas were suddenly struggling at 146 for six, losing five wickets in the span of 16 runs in the eventful last session.

The Proteas, however, recovered some lost ground with Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander stitching 67 runs for the unbroken seventh-wicket stand as Indian bowlers went wicketless for the last 21.3 overs.

Philander and du Plessis were batting on 48 and 17 respectively at stumps with South Africa still trailing by 67 runs.

The Indians were unlucky not to have the wicket of du Plessis as he was dropped on 17 by Rohit Sharma off Shami at the fag end of the day.

Smith and Hashim Amla started proceedings after tea, at 118/1, looking to further frustrate the Indians and increase their 81-run partnership for the second wicket. They could add only 12 runs though, before the drama began and wickets started falling in a heap.

Amla was the first to go. In the 37th over of the innings, he had cut Ishant over slips and it seemed like there might be some slow reverse swing available for the medium pacers.

In his next over, Ishant was on the money again, bringing the ball back into Amla sharply, as the batsman looked to leave and was bowled. Amla scored 36 runs off 74 balls, with six fours, as the floodgates opened.

Kallis walked in and walked out the very next minute, missing the line of another in-swinger and out plumb LBW. Ishant was on a hat-trick, but de Villiers had no problems facing up.

Buoyed by this revival, Zaheer got Smith trapped LBW in the very next over, as South Africa lost three wickets for no runs in nine deliveries.

The Proteas` captain made 68 runs off 119 balls, with eleven fours. This was the seventh time in 10 Tests that Zaheer dismissed him, and 14th overall across all formats, with 68 being the highest Smith has managed in those 14 innings.

Shami came on to bowl in the 45th over and the mayhem continued, as he struck on his first ball, removing Duminy caught at first slip by Murali Vijay. Two overs later, and it was de Villiers walking back, out LBW, as South Africa lost five wickets for 16 in just 39 balls.

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni had rotated his three quicker bowlers all day as R Ashwin (0/25) bowled only six overs in the South African innings.

Perhaps they were tired towards the end, as du Plessis played with patience and Philander threw his bat around to put together 67 runs for the seventh wicket, taking them to stability.

Earlier, South Africa seemed to be in a solid position, scoring 118/1 at tea. Smith scored his 38th Test fifty -? and his eighth against India -- beginning the post-lunch session at 22 for no loss.

They only lost the wicket of opener Alviro Peterson (21), a sharp incoming delivery from Ishant trapping him LBW in the 14th over.

Amla and Smith then frustrated the Indian bowlers, who toiled hard and bowled better line and length as compared to the Proteas` attack on day one.

Smith was lucky as Zaheer induced an edge in 17th over of the innings, only for Ashwin to drop him at first slip. Smith was on 19 at that time. Thereafter they brought up their 50-run partnership in the 25th over, striking Ishant for two fours. The hundred for South Africa came up in the 31st over.

In the morning session, South Africa dismissed India for 280 runs in their first innings, their last five wickets falling for just 25 runs. India had begun the day at 255 for 5. Philander finished with 4 for 61 from 27 overs, while Morkel picked 3 for 34.

Dale Steyn bowled three overs on the second morning but he failed to add to his tally, finishing with 1 for 61. Kallis (1/37) took a wicket as well, while Imran Tahir (0/47) and Duminy (0/30) had gone wicket-less in their short spells on day one. For India, R Ashwin was the unbeaten batsman, 13 not out off 11 balls, with one four.

Starting at their overnight score, Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane looked to build on the platform provided by Virat Kohli`s hundred. The former was accounted by Morkel in the 99th over, out for 19 runs adding only two from yesterday. He faced 72 balls and hit three fours.

In the very next over, Philander made the ball leave off-stump just a tad and Rahane was out caught behind. He made 47 runs, adding only five to his overnight score, as India`s hopes for a 350-plus total were undone. He faced 137 balls and hit eight fours in his long stay at the wicket.

Philander then trapped Zaheer Khan (first-ball-duck) plumb off his next ball, and although Ishant denied him a hat-trick, he was bowled in the 102nd over for an 11-ball duck. Morkel then bowled Shami (0), finishing off the visitors` first innings.

On Day 3, Indian bowlers will try to bundled out SA in the first session of the day to take the psychological advantage over the home team, where as South African batsmen -- Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander – will try to take a good lead in their first innings.

More: http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-south-africa-2013/india-will-be-eyeing-for-a-psychological-advantage-over-sa-on-day-3_775999.html

BJP flays any move to inquire into snooping of Gujarat woman

Hours after Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde indicated the Centre may order an inquiry into the snooping of a woman in Gujarat, allegedly involving BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, the party condemned such a move, charging it would be violative of Constitution.

BJP's spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said the entire matter is a law and order issue, which is a state subject, and any interference by the Centre would be against the Constitution.

He warned Congress against such "dirty action" after it faced a "shameful rout" in recent assembly polls.

"We warn the government of India against such dirty actions. Narendra Modi is our PM candidate. His popularity is at a new high. Recently, Congress faced a shameful rout in assembly polls. Now please don't adopt such dirty methods," he said.

The woman, who was allegedly snooped on by state authorities, and her family have not made any complaint, he said, stressing that his father wrote against any probe.

Shinde had said many women's organisations and NGOs had given representations to President Pranab Mukherjee demanding a probe into alleged snooping and the President had referred the applications to the Home Ministry.

Two investigative websites had released tapes which, they claimed, carried conversations between the then Gujarat home minister Amit Shah, considered a close aide of Modi, and an IPS officer about spying on the woman.

Congress has accused Modi's involvement in the matter, saying his aides were spying at his behest. BJP said it was done to give her security.

dna exclusive: Lokpal done, Anna Hazare eyes right to reject and recall

After successfully getting the Congress-led UPA government to approve the Lokpal Bill, anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare is planning to rekindle his struggle for electoral reforms such as the ‘right to reject’ and ‘right to recall’.

In addition, in an attempt to stop the use of money power in the elections, Hazare and his associates may also go around administering oath to people to desist from casting their votes for money.

One of Hazare’s close associate told dna that the right to reject and the right to recall were “likely to be on their agenda” to weed out corruption along with a campaign to persuade people to vote without taking money or inducements from candidates or political parties.

“Even though we may not plunge into politics directly, we will focus on the cleansing of the political system and elections,” the aide added.

Earlier, Hazare had stressed on the right of voters to reject all candidates in an election to keep away criminals and tainted people from becoming lawmakers, and the right to recall elected representatives in case their performance was found wanting.

Though the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced the ‘none of the above’ button on the electronic voting machines, the right to reject, which will be on the lines of provisions in some western countries, will also include the elections being countermanded in case a majority of the votes cast were in the NOTA category.

The Gandhian had also written to prime minister Manmohan Singh in 2011, seeking electoral reforms.

However, Hazare’s associate and social activist Vishwambhar Choudhari pointed out that electoral reforms were superficial without wider political reforms. “We must go beyond this (electoral reforms) and press for introduction of political reforms,” he said.

Choudhari said this could include formulation of a code of conduct and protocol for political parties as compared to the present system which kicks in only during elections. “We need to plug the supply side,” he said, referring to the use of money power in elections, adding that the demand side could be robust in a country like India where poverty was endemic.

In the past, Hazare and social activist Medha Patkar had campaigned during polls for “clean candidates” like home minister R R Patil. However, his aides said Hazare has not yet decided on campaigning for such candidates in the 2014 elections.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-dna-exclusive-lokpal-done-anna-hazare-eyes-right-to-reject-and-recall-1937922

Devyani Khobragade case: no apology, no dropping of charges, says US

The US has apparently hardened its stand on Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, who was arrested last week over alleged visa fraud. A US State Department spokesperson today rejected India's demand for dropping of charges against the diplomat, calling it a "law enforcement issue." India has said it won't react to the spokesperson's comments, and will go only by conversations held at "senior levels" between New Delhi and Washington.

HERE ARE THE 10 BIG DEVELOPMENTS IN THE STORY:

US State Department spokesperson Marie Harf said, "We certainly take these types of allegations very seriously... We very clearly have said every year in diplomatic notes to every country that has diplomats here throughout the world that there are obligations they have for their staffs when they bring them to the United States. We make those obligations very clear and we take any allegations that they haven't done so very seriously."

This comes hours after senior US official Wendy Sherman spoke to India's foreign secretary Sujatha Singh and reportedly discussed specific steps to deescalate the matter and distanced the US administration from a statement made by US attorney Preet Bharara justifying the arrest.

This was Ms Sherman's second call to Ms Singh in 24 hours. It was a follow-up to a phone call made by US Secretary of State John Kerry to National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon to express "regret" over the manner in which the diplomat's arrest was handled.

India has said it will accept nothing short of an apology. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid told NDTV in an exclusive interview, "We want more than a regret." He also said, "What was done is unacceptable." (Watch full interview)

In marked contrast to the regret expressed by Mr Kerry, Preet Bharara issued a statement saying that Ms Khobragade had been "accorded courtesies well beyond what other defendants, most of whom are American citizens, are accorded." He noted that she was served coffee and was allowed phone calls during detention and denied that she was handcuffed in front of her children. He did not, however, deny that she was strip searched.

Mr Bharara also said in his statement, "One wonders why there is so much outrage about the alleged treatment of the Indian national accused of perpetrating these acts, but precious little outrage about the alleged treatment of the Indian victim and her spouse?" He was referring to Sangeeta Richard, the domestic help that Ms Khobragade is accused by the US of exploiting. (Read: 'Agents brought her coffee', says Preet Bharara on diplomat's arrest)

Mr Khurshid was dismissive, saying "Who is Preet Bharara that we should take him seriously?" A spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin later rebutted Mr Bharara's statement and said, "There is only one victim in this case. That victim is Devyani Khobragade - a serving Indian Diplomat on mission in the United States. The action taken against her was not in keeping with the Vienna Convention." (Read)

Ms Richard's lawyer, meanwhile, welcomed the action against the diplomat. Speaking to NDTV, Dana Sussman also said that "India tried to silence and intimidate my client and her family."

After her arrest last week, Ms Khobragade was strip-searched, swabbed for DNA and cavity searched and was then placed in a cell with drug addicts. The US has accused Ms Khobragade of lying on the visa application for Sangeeta Richard and paying her less than minimum wages and forcing her to work for more than 40 hours a week.

India has informed the United Nations that Devyani Khobragade is now a member of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, which will entitle Ms Khobragade to full immunity. The US State Department has to issue a new identity card that would give her this immunity. (Read: Diplomat transferred to UN Mission)

More: http://www.ndtv.com/article/cheat-sheet/devyani-khobragade-case-no-apology-no-dropping-of-charges-says-us-460894

Gene discovery offers clues to reverse balding

Scientists have identified a complex network of genes that control the cycles of hair growth, a finding that may offer ways to reverse baldness and receding hairline.

Researchers from the University of Southern California have described some of the factors that determine when hair grows, when it stops growing and when it falls out.

Krzysztof Kobielak, Eve Kandyba and colleagues focused on stem cells located in hair follicles (hfSCs), which can regenerate hair follicles as well as skin.

These hfSCs are governed by the signalling pathways BMP and Wnt - which are groups of molecules that work together to control cell functions, including the cycles of hair growth.

The research focuses on how the gene Wnt7b activates hair growth. Without Wnt7b, hair is much shorter, scientists said.

The research identified a complex network of genes - including the Wnt and BMP signalling pathways - controlling the cycles of hair growth.

Reduced BMP signalling and increased Wnt signalling activate hair growth. The inverse - increased BMP signalling and decreased Wnt signalling - keeps the hfSCs in a resting state, scientists said.

Further research clarified the workings of the BMP signalling pathway by examining the function of two key proteins, called Smad1 and Smad5.

These proteins transmit the signals necessary for regulating hair stem cells during new growth.

"Collectively, these new discoveries advance basic science and, more importantly, might translate into novel therapeutics for various human diseases," said Kobielak.

"Since BMP signalling has a key regulatory role in maintaining the stability of different types of adult stem cell populations, the implication for future therapies might be potentially much broader than baldness and could include skin regeneration for burn patients and skin cancer," Kobielak said.

The findings were published in the journals Stem Cells and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/gene-discovery-offers-clues-to-reverse-balding/1209560/

Smoking can alter your genes: Study

Smoking can cause changes in several genes, increasing the risk of developing cancer and diabetes, a new study has found.

Researchers from Uppsala University and Uppsala Clinical Research Center in Sweden found that smoking affects genes which increase the risk for cancer and diabetes, or are important for the immune response or sperm quality.

They examined how the genes are changed in smokers and users of non-smoke tobacco. The study identified a large number of genes that were altered in smokers but found no such effect of non-smoke tobacco.

“This means that the epigenetic modifications are likely not caused by substances in the tobacco, but by the hundreds of different elements that are formed when the tobacco is burnt,” said Asa Johansson, researcher at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University and Uppsala Clinical Research Center, who led the study.

“Our results therefore indicate that the increased disease risk associated with smoking is partly a caused by epigenetic changes. “A better understanding of the molecular mechanism behind diseases and reduced body function might lead to improved drugs and therapies in the future,” said Johansson.

It has been previously known that smokers have an increased risk of developing diabetes and many types of cancer, and have a reduced immune defence and lower sperm quality.

More: http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/LoaSUOAKUN3ltPfbEC9awK/Smoking-can-alter-your-genes-Study.html

Mars Orbiter has spent 55 per cent fuel on 60 lakh km of travel so far

ISRO's Mars Orbiter that is currently at a distance of 60 lakh kilometers from Earth has so far burnt about 55 per cent of the 850 kilograms of fuel it is carrying.

"We have already spent 470 kilogram of the bio-propellant we are carrying. We have however, not overspent, in spite of the glitch that we encountered during the fourth burn (while circling the earth). We are well within the nominal limit of spending," said A S Kiran Kumar, a senior scientist working on the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) and director of the city-based Space Application Centre (SAC), an arm of ISRO.

Instead of the scheduled five burns, the orbiter had to conduct six earth burns before the Trans-Mars Injection phase.

"This is a mission where we are using the minimal energy possible. The next round of fuel will be burnt in the Trajectory Correction Maneuvers (TCM) that will be undertaken in the months of April and August 2014. About 200 kg of fuel will be burnt in 28 minutes on September 24, 2014, during the Mars Orbit Injection phase," said Kiran Kumar while talking about the mission on the sidelines of a talk on ISRO's Mars Mission organised at Ahmedabad Management Association on Wednesday evening.

The first TCM was carried out on December 11.

The senior ISRO scientist said that indigenously developed Ceramic Servo Accelerometer (CSA), that measures the precise amount of velocity the satellite gains when the thrusters are burnt, have "enabled in preserving the fuel on-board." This CSA on MOM is an improved version of the one deployed during the Chandrayaan Mission.

"About 190 kg of fuel was spent on Tran-Mars Injection phase on December 1 which was perhaps the toughest part of the mission so far," said Kiran Kumar.

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Mars-Orbiter-has-spent-55-per-cent-fuel-on-60-lakh-km-of-travel-so-far/1209341/

Astronauts prepare for first spacewalk since helmet leak problem

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station prepared for an unexpected series of spacewalks by fabricating spacesuit snorkels they can use for breathing in case of another helmet water leak, NASA officials said on Wednesday.

The spacewalks, the first of which is slated to begin at 7:10 a.m. EST (1210 GMT) on Saturday, are needed to replace one of two cooling pumps outside the $100 billion complex, which flies about 250 miles above Earth.

U.S. spacewalks have been suspended since July after a spacesuit helmet worn by Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano filled with water, causing him to nearly drown.

The underlying cause of the leak remains under investigation but engineers have learned enough to make modifications so the problem will not happen again, NASA managers told reporters during a conference call.

"I would be surprised if we have a problem with the suits," said space station program manager Mike Suffredini.

As a contingency, the spacewalkers' helmets will be outfitted with absorbent pads and home-made snorkels to funnel air from the body of the water-cooled suits into an astronaut's mouth, if needed.

The snorkels, which were fabricated by the crew on Sunday, are made from plastic water line vent tubes used in the spacesuits.

"This is your last resort," said Allison Bolinger, lead spacewalk officer. "If water is encroaching your face, similar to what happened to Luca, the crewmember can lean down and use this (the snorkel) to breathe."

First-time spacewalker Michael Hopkins will wear Parmitano's spacesuit, but it has been outfitted with a new fan pump separator, a device that circulates water and air and removes moisture from air.

The fan pump separator from Parmitano's suit was flown back to Earth for analysis and engineers found tiny holes in the water-separator portion of the device were clogged.

That allowed water to back up into the fan portion, get into a vent loop and enter the helmet, said space station flight director Dina Contella.

Still unknown is how the water was contaminated.

"Unfortunately, it's a pretty complicated water chemistry problem," Contella said.

Suffredini said: "We believe the lines we're using today are clean. We've put in new filters and we think the filter system works."

A new fan pump separator is among the cargo aboard Orbital Sciences Corp's first supply ship to the station which had been slated to launch this week. But it is being delayed until mid-January so NASA can tackle the higher-priority work of getting the station's cooling system back in operation.

One of two ammonia cooling systems shut down on December 11, forcing astronauts to turn off unnecessary equipment and suspend some science experiments.

The U.S. side of the station has a second cooling system, but it cannot accommodate all the gear.

Hopkins will be joined by six-time spacewalker Rick Mastracchio for three spacewalks to replace the faulty cooling system with a spare that is in storage outside the station.

In addition to Saturday's 6.5-hour outing, spacewalks are planned for Monday and Wednesday.

More: http://zeenews.india.com/news/space/astronauts-prepare-for-first-spacewalk-since-helmet-leak-problem_897855.html

Kapil Dev finally ‘eligible’ for lifetime award

There could be very few unanimous choices like Kapil Dev for the Indian cricket board’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and it comes as a really heartening piece of news. It also marks the formal end of a frosty relationship between the legend and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that lasted more than five years.

However, those who are aware of the sub-plot behind the recognition know what it had taken the country’s best-ever all-rounder — Wisden’s Indian Cricketer of the Century — to finally be ‘eligible’ for the C.K. Nayudu award. It’s not much different from the manner the BCCI has its way on issues of world cricket administration — be it opposition to the Decision Review System (DRS) or the cold shoulder to Cricket South Africa for daring to appoint Haroon Lorgat as its CEO against the BCCI’s wishes.

It was in July last year that Dev finally decided to bury the hatchet with the board by resigning from his post at the Zee TV-owned company that launched the long-defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL). Following Dev’s association with the ICL, which had been a bone of contention over five years of the conflict, the board settled for nothing short of a written apology from the cricketer before he could be welcomed back into the mainstream.

Dev had, in his statement, likened the board to a father figure and the likes of him as its “children”, while he had wholesome praise for its boss N. Srinivasan’s contribution to the game. For someone who had earlier refused to seek the Indian board’s so-called amnesty in 2008 for the cricketers who were blacklisted by the BCCI (the board also influenced the ICC to ban the international cricketers who were part of ICL), the compromise perhaps made more sense then fighting a losing battle.

The BCCI had, all along, withheld his pension and did not release his one-off benefit purse of nearly $270,000 (Dh991,567) until Dev tendered his apology. The moment his involvement with the ICL became public, it had summarily sacked him as Chairman of the National Cricket Academy and shunned him at its official functions. The only occasion during Dev’s exile when he was part of any BCCI celebrations was when he turned up at the silver jubilee of India’s first-ever World Cup triumph in 2008.

Mind you, it was not Srinivasan but Sharad Pawar who was the board supremo when it decided to punish Dev for his role in the ICL. While the so-called rebel league zeroed in on retired or semi-retired cricketers along with predominantly first class cricketers to line up the teams, the BCCI simply hijacked the idea and came up with its dream project — the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Now that he is part of the BCCI fold, it may be only a matter of time before he is inducted into the IPL governing council or handed any other plum post. The cycle would then be complete!

More: http://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/kapil-dev-finally-eligible-for-lifetime-award-1.1268736

Abhishek Bachchan: Not my daughter, please!

Abhishek wants to keep his daughter away from the Dhoom 3 promotions.

Both Abhishek Bachchan and Aamir Khan are being asked about their respective babies at various events and press meets pertaining to Dhoom 3. While Aamir Khan seems most comfortable discussing his little son Azaad in public Abhishek was never in favour of including Aaraadhya in his professional ambit.

At a recent event both Aamir and Abhishek were asked if their toddlers danced to theDhoom songs. Aamir, whose son is just two, happily admitted that Azaad indeed dances toDhoom Macha Le. Abhishek on the other hand, was appalled by the question.

Says a source, “How can a two-year old girl dance to the Dhoom song? Abhishek has never been comfortable discussing his daughter in public. He has decided to not entertain any queries on Aaraadhya in his film-promotion activities. Abhishek and the whole family wants Aaraadhya to have a normal childhood.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-abhishek-bachchan-not-my-daughter-please-1937498

Bombay High Court directs Central Board of Film Certification to re-consider its certification to 'Ramleela'

Observing that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) did not apply its mind while granting certification to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Goliyon ki Rasleela--Ramleela', the Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed it to re-consider the U/A status given to the movie.

A division bench of Justices VM Kanade and MS Sonak directed the CBFC to consider whether guidelines of the Cinematograph Act were followed before granting certification to Bhansali's movie.

"Although the board has said that the guidelines were followed in our view there has been non-application of mind," the court said.

The CBFC shall also see if any content of the movie or its title has violated any fundamental rights of citizens.

The directions were passed by the bench while hearing a petition filed by Sandeep Shukla, Congress member and vice president of Shree Maharashtra Ramleela Mandal which has been holding Ramleela every year during Navratri at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai.

Shukla in his petition had claimed that the film's title is misleading and the contents have hurt the religious sentiments of Lord Ram and Hanuman followers.

The CBFC has been directed to hear the petitioner and pass an order within four weeks.

The bench also noted that the CBFC has to be careful in future while issuing certification to movies.

"Utmost care has to be taken by the Board in such cases and ensure that the guidelines are followed and there are no violations," the court said.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-bombay-high-court-directs-central-board-of-film-certification-to-re-consider-its-certification-to-ramleela-1937337

Datawind surprise package in Indian tablet PC market

According to Cyber Media Research's (CMR) India Quarterly Tablet PC Market Review, 3Q (July-September) 2013, December 2013, about 1,204,410 Tablets were sold in the quarter by as many as 43 domestic and international vendors. However, only thirteen vendors shipped in significant volumes of more than 20,000 units during the period. The overall growth in shipments of Tablets in the India market registered a 9.0% year-on-year (3Q CY 2013 over 3Q CY 2012) growth, but a more modest 4.7% quarter-on-quarter (3Q CY 2013 over 2Q CY 2013) increase due to limited offerings from vendors battling BIS certification guidelines.

Dwelling on individual vendor performances, Tarun Pathak, Analyst, CMR Telecoms Practice said, "While Samsung leads, Lenovo has figured for the first time amongst the Top 3 India Tablet PC vendors, while Datawind continues to maintain its position in this exclusive club.

"However, we saw quite a few vendors exiting the Tablet category altogether, or launching their offerings in the Enterprise Tablets space. Key reasons for this are low profitability in the entry-level Tablets market vis-à-vis a more promising future for growth of the Enterprise Tablets market," he said.

"The market is expected to pick up towards the end of the year, once Tablet PC vendors are through with their BIS certifications. This is also expected to lead to some market consolidation. Only serious players with a long term vision are likely to remain committed to this category of devices. As far as technological trends are concerned, the 3G Tablets market will continue to grow and Android will remain the dominant OS, though it is expected to lose some share to the Windows and iOS platforms, once Windows 8.1 OS-based Tablet devices, the Apple iPad Air and Apple iPad Mini 2 launch in India during the October-December 2013 quarter," Pathak concluded.

Faisal Kawoosa, Lead Analyst, CMR Telecoms Practice stated, "It is becoming interesting to watch this space as the market grows and matures. Like the consumer segment, Android OS-based Tablets dominate the India Enterprise Tablet PC space as well. But with more vendors committing to Windows OS-based Tablets, the interest levels amongst customers are showing increasing trend. In a couple of quarters we expect Windows OS-based Tablets gaining significant traction within the India Enterprise segment."

"There is no clear leading industry vertical where the adoption has been distinctly higher than others. But going forward, BFSI, Pharmaceuticals and Retail are a few segments that are expected to take the lead. Some interesting developments are taking place in these sectors on the Tablet PC as a platform. However, solutions-oriented ODMs are most likely to rule the roost," Kawoosa cautioned.

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/datawind-surprise-package-in-indian-tablet-pc-market/1209542/0

Vodafone Music mobile streaming service launched in India

Vodafone India today launched what it is calling a unique service - Vodafone Music - which will allow its customers to experience a 'new age of entertainment via mobile Internet'.

"Vodafone Music is designed to perfectly fit the digital generation. It's simple, immediate and unique.

"This service offers a large selection of music genres with incredible personalisation that enables our entire customer base to enjoy and discover new music for free at the touch of a button," Vodafone India Chief Commercial Officer Vivek Mathur said here.

This service offers a wide range of music content, which consumers can access on their WAP browsers or through an application.

Vodafone Music, a platform is developed by Hungama Digital Media Entertainment, offers features like audio and video streaming and downloads, and an advanced search option.

The advanced version of the service will also include features like cloud sync, radio, playlist sharing, predictive search.

More: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/telecom/news/vodafone-music-mobile-streaming-service-launched-in-india-460599

Logitech Z600 speakers: Sweet sound, elegant looks

Bluetooth speakers now come in different shapes and sizes. Cylindrical, drum or tube-shaped or even saucer like, we have seen them in various appearances. The Z600 Bluetooth speakers from Logitech are a work of fine art; with gentle curves, a fabric finish and pleasant colours, the Z600 perfectly complement the good looks of your Apple Macintosh or the present-day, thin and good-looking notebook computers from numerous vendors. When placed next to the computer, the Z600 look like beautiful flower vases with gray fabric grilles. On or off, they add a graceful note to any space.

Out of the box, the silver coloured Z600 are pretty light and look more like computer speakers but Logitech wants us to use them more as wireless speakers, hence the Bluetooth capability. There is a white strip that runs up the length of the satellite from the audio cable connection.

On the right speaker, the white strip holds the Bluetooth and power buttons and, behind a rubber door, an 3.5 mm auxiliary input. Other than that, the top of the control speaker holds a touch disc and Bluetooth status light, micro-USB port and AUX jack.

Set up was a simple affair at my end. While the speakers are wireless, they still have cords. You connect the speaker wires to the Y-connector and plug the power supply into an outlet. On the control speaker, you will need to press the power button and a tone tells you that the speakers are powered and ready for use. When pairing a Bluetooth device, such as a notebook computer or a mobile phone, you need to press the Bluetooth button. The status light will blink rapidly to indicate that the speakers are ready for pairing.

Often, Bluetooth connections can be a little troublesome with computers. That is why Logitech has included the USB transmitter so the speakers will quickly and easily pair up with your computer and stream audio more reliably. The transmitter also allows for smooth switching between connected devices.

To better fit your audio devices and personal style, the Z600 speakers offer a choice of wireless connection options: You can use the USB transceiver if your computer does not support Bluetooth wireless technology. Or, you can use Bluetooth wireless technology to play audio from multiple devices or a device lacking USB.

You can connect your computer or any other device to the speakers with the included 3.5 mm audio cable, but take my word, it is much more convenient to go wireless. You can pair upto three devices at a time and switch between them easily. And wherever your audio is stored—computer, tablet or mobile phone—switching is as easy as pressing Pause on one and Play on another.

The Z600 has a touch volume control and this really impressed me a lot. You can adjust the volume with an intuitive touch instead of fussing with a tiny control knob. Just glide your finger around the edge of the top panel of the right speaker to dial the volume up or down. The Power button, Bluetooth pairing button and 3.5 mm auxiliary input are hidden discreetly in back of the right speaker. They are easy to access when you need them and invisible when you don't.

Let us come to the actual performance of the Z600 speakers. Despite its small footprint, the speakers deliver clear, room-filling sound. And this the first thing you will notice about the Z600s; that they are capable of playing very loud and will fill small to medium sized rooms with sound. With three drivers in each speaker, this system is engineered to provide superior acoustics for any space.

I connected the speakers with a BlackBerry phone, Dell laptop and an Apple MacBook Pro. The performance was solid and you have got to hear it to believe it! They offer good clarity and a reasonable amount of bass. In my opinion, the Z600 is a perfect audio solution for living rooms, offices and other spaces that don't need powerful sound to fill them.

Overall, I liked the look of the speakers. They are attractive and sound good at modest volume levels and will connect effortlessly with your laptop, tablet or mobile phone. With a price tag of R12,990, they won't burn a hole in your pocket too!

Estimated street price:

Rs 12,990

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/logitech-z600-speakers-sweet-sound-elegant-looks/1209209/0