New Delhi With the striking pilots getting back to work, operations of Air India returned to normal on Thursday with 18 of its flights taking off from the national capital.
"Flight operations have returned to normal and 18 of our morning flights have taken off for various destination as per schedule," an airlines official said.
The airlines' flights to Southeast Asia operated as per schedule. Air India also operated its Delhi-Frankfurt-Chicago, Mumbai-Frankfurt-Chicago, Mumbai-London, Delhi-London, Amritsar-London-Toronto and Ahmedabad-Frankfurt flights this morning.
At check-in counters at the airport in New Delhi, AI officials offered passengers roses and apologised to them for the five days of disruption due to the strike.
In an attempt to attract more passengers, the airlines has planned to increase the number of seats offered on special fares, the official said.
Flight operations started to return to normal late last evening after agitating executive pilots started reporting to work following an agreement with the management on keeping the September 24 order regarding cut in their productivity-linked incentive (PLI) in abeyance.
A three-member committee would look into the issues and consult the pilots before any cut.
Protesting against the 50 per cent cut in PLIs, pilots reported sick for their duties since last Saturday forcing the airline to cancel over 400 flights. The airline incurred a loss of Rs 100 crore due to the agitation.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Strong Indonesia quake kills hundreds, traps more
PADANG, Indonesia – A powerful earthquake that struck western Indonesia trapped thousands of people under collapsed buildings — including hospitals, a hotel and a classroom, officials said. At least 200 bodies were found in one coastal city and the toll was expected to be far higher.
The temblor Wednesday started fires, severed roads and cut off power and communications to Padang, a coastal city of 900,000 on Sumatra island. Thousands fled in panic, fearing a tsunami. It was felt hundreds of miles (kilometers) away in Malaysia and Singapore, causing buildings there to sway.
The undersea quake of 7.6 magnitude was followed by a powerful, shallow inland earthquake on Thursday morning with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It hit about 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of Padang at a depth of just under 20 miles (24 kilometers).
Shallow, inland earthquakes generally are more destructive. There were reports that the second quake badly damaged dozens of additional buildings.
In Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, the shaking was so intense from Wednesday's temblor that people crouched or sat on the street to avoid falling. Children screamed as an exodus of thousands of frantic residents fled the coast in cars and motorbikes, honking horns.
At least 500 buildings in Padang collapsed or were badly damaged, said Disaster Management Agency spokesman Priyadi Kardono, adding that 200 bodies had been pulled from the rubble there. The extent of damage in surrounding areas was still unclear due to poor communications. Indonesia, a poor, sprawling nation with limited resources, was cobbling together an emergency aid response, and the government was preparing for the possibility of thousands of deaths.
Padang's mayor appealed for assistance on Indonesian radio station el-Shinta.
"We are overwhelmed with victims and ... lack of clean water, electricity and telecommunications," Mayor Fauzi Bahar said. "We really need help. We call on people to come to Padang to evacuate bodies and help the injured."
Hundreds of people were trapped under collapsed buildings in Padang alone, including a four-star hotel, he said. Other collapsed or seriously damaged buildings included hospitals, mosques, a school and a mall.
"I was studying math with my friends when suddenly a powerful earthquake destroyed everything around me," an unidentified boy told the TVOne broadcaster. He escaped out of the top floor just as the three-story structure, used for after-school classes, crumpled.
TVOne footage showed heavy equipment breaking through layers of cement in search of more than 30 children it said were missing and feared dead.
Thousands were believed trapped throughout the province, said Rustam Pakaya, head of the Health Ministry's crisis center.
Search and rescue teams were working in heavy rain when the second strong quake struck, causing widespread panic and badly damaging 30 houses in Jambi, another Sumatran town. It was not yet clear if there were injuries, said Jambi Mayor Hasfiah, who uses only one name, like many Indonesians. Frantic parents were seen rushing to local schools in search of their children.
"This is a high-scale disaster," Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari told Metro TV, referring to the Wednesday quake.
The first quake struck just off the coast of Padang, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. It occurred a day after a killer tsunami hit islands in the South Pacific and was along the same fault line that spawned the 2004 Asian tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen nations.
A tsunami warning was issued Wednesday for countries along the Indian Ocean, but was lifted after about an hour; there were no reports of giant waves.
The shaking in Padang felled trees and crushed cars. A foot could be seen sticking out from one pile of rubble. At daybreak, residents used their bare hands to search for survivors, pulling at the wreckage and tossing it away piece by piece.
"People ran to high ground," said Kasmiati, who lives on the coast near the quake's epicenter. "I was outside, so I am safe, but my children at home were injured," she said before her cell phone went dead.
The loss of telephone service deepened the worries of those outside the stricken area.
"I want to know what happened to my sister and her husband," said Fitra Jaya, who owns a house in downtown Padang and was in Jakarta when the quake hit. "I tried to call my family there, but I could not reach anyone at all."
Hospitals struggled to treat the injured as their relatives hovered nearby.
Indonesia's government announced $10 million in emergency response aid and medical teams and military planes were being dispatched to set up field hospitals and distribute tents, medicine and food rations.
Local television reported more than two dozen landslides in the province. Some blocked roads, causing miles-long traffic jams of cars and trucks.
On Tuesday, a powerful earthquake off the South Pacific islands of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga — thousands of miles (kilometers) from Indonesia — spawned tsunami that killed at least 120 people. Experts said the seismic events were not related.
The temblor Wednesday started fires, severed roads and cut off power and communications to Padang, a coastal city of 900,000 on Sumatra island. Thousands fled in panic, fearing a tsunami. It was felt hundreds of miles (kilometers) away in Malaysia and Singapore, causing buildings there to sway.
The undersea quake of 7.6 magnitude was followed by a powerful, shallow inland earthquake on Thursday morning with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It hit about 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of Padang at a depth of just under 20 miles (24 kilometers).
Shallow, inland earthquakes generally are more destructive. There were reports that the second quake badly damaged dozens of additional buildings.
In Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, the shaking was so intense from Wednesday's temblor that people crouched or sat on the street to avoid falling. Children screamed as an exodus of thousands of frantic residents fled the coast in cars and motorbikes, honking horns.
At least 500 buildings in Padang collapsed or were badly damaged, said Disaster Management Agency spokesman Priyadi Kardono, adding that 200 bodies had been pulled from the rubble there. The extent of damage in surrounding areas was still unclear due to poor communications. Indonesia, a poor, sprawling nation with limited resources, was cobbling together an emergency aid response, and the government was preparing for the possibility of thousands of deaths.
Padang's mayor appealed for assistance on Indonesian radio station el-Shinta.
"We are overwhelmed with victims and ... lack of clean water, electricity and telecommunications," Mayor Fauzi Bahar said. "We really need help. We call on people to come to Padang to evacuate bodies and help the injured."
Hundreds of people were trapped under collapsed buildings in Padang alone, including a four-star hotel, he said. Other collapsed or seriously damaged buildings included hospitals, mosques, a school and a mall.
"I was studying math with my friends when suddenly a powerful earthquake destroyed everything around me," an unidentified boy told the TVOne broadcaster. He escaped out of the top floor just as the three-story structure, used for after-school classes, crumpled.
TVOne footage showed heavy equipment breaking through layers of cement in search of more than 30 children it said were missing and feared dead.
Thousands were believed trapped throughout the province, said Rustam Pakaya, head of the Health Ministry's crisis center.
Search and rescue teams were working in heavy rain when the second strong quake struck, causing widespread panic and badly damaging 30 houses in Jambi, another Sumatran town. It was not yet clear if there were injuries, said Jambi Mayor Hasfiah, who uses only one name, like many Indonesians. Frantic parents were seen rushing to local schools in search of their children.
"This is a high-scale disaster," Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari told Metro TV, referring to the Wednesday quake.
The first quake struck just off the coast of Padang, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. It occurred a day after a killer tsunami hit islands in the South Pacific and was along the same fault line that spawned the 2004 Asian tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen nations.
A tsunami warning was issued Wednesday for countries along the Indian Ocean, but was lifted after about an hour; there were no reports of giant waves.
The shaking in Padang felled trees and crushed cars. A foot could be seen sticking out from one pile of rubble. At daybreak, residents used their bare hands to search for survivors, pulling at the wreckage and tossing it away piece by piece.
"People ran to high ground," said Kasmiati, who lives on the coast near the quake's epicenter. "I was outside, so I am safe, but my children at home were injured," she said before her cell phone went dead.
The loss of telephone service deepened the worries of those outside the stricken area.
"I want to know what happened to my sister and her husband," said Fitra Jaya, who owns a house in downtown Padang and was in Jakarta when the quake hit. "I tried to call my family there, but I could not reach anyone at all."
Hospitals struggled to treat the injured as their relatives hovered nearby.
Indonesia's government announced $10 million in emergency response aid and medical teams and military planes were being dispatched to set up field hospitals and distribute tents, medicine and food rations.
Local television reported more than two dozen landslides in the province. Some blocked roads, causing miles-long traffic jams of cars and trucks.
On Tuesday, a powerful earthquake off the South Pacific islands of Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga — thousands of miles (kilometers) from Indonesia — spawned tsunami that killed at least 120 people. Experts said the seismic events were not related.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Indian-American wins American Courage Award
Indian-American Human rights activist Mallika Dutt has won the American Courage Award for her human rights work in India and the United States. The 47-year-old activist, who grew up in Calcutta, will receive the award on Oct 1 from the Asian American Justice Center, a leading civil rights organisation in the country.
"Its a huge honour getting an award from AAJC since they're at the forefront of ensuring that the presence of the Asian-American community is not marginalised," Mallika, who left for US at an age of 18, told PTI.
After finishing High School from Welham Girls School in Dehra Dun, she studied international relations at Columbia University, and law at New York University. In 1989, she co-founded 'Sakhi', an organisation that helps South Asian women suffering from domestic violence in New York City.
The law graduate went on to fight immigration cases, and then expanded her field of intervention to women rights, criminal justice, environmental degradation and Native American rights. "I had to get a sense of human rights across the US," she said. The best part of the award, Dutt said, is that it highlights the need for effective immigration reform in a post 9/11 America
"Its a huge honour getting an award from AAJC since they're at the forefront of ensuring that the presence of the Asian-American community is not marginalised," Mallika, who left for US at an age of 18, told PTI.
After finishing High School from Welham Girls School in Dehra Dun, she studied international relations at Columbia University, and law at New York University. In 1989, she co-founded 'Sakhi', an organisation that helps South Asian women suffering from domestic violence in New York City.
The law graduate went on to fight immigration cases, and then expanded her field of intervention to women rights, criminal justice, environmental degradation and Native American rights. "I had to get a sense of human rights across the US," she said. The best part of the award, Dutt said, is that it highlights the need for effective immigration reform in a post 9/11 America
Global technology M&A tally hits $31.4 bn
The global merger and acquisition activity in the technology sector touched a whopping USD 31.4 billion this month, the highest monthly volume for technology targeted M&A since May 2008. For the month of September the technology targeted M&A stood at USD 31.4 billion, led by Xerox Corp's USD 8.4 billion acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services Inc (ACS). On September 28, Xerox Corporation announced the acquisition of outsourcing entity Affiliated Computer Services in a cash and stock deal. Both companies have entered into a definitive agreement in this regard and Xerox would be shelling out USD 63.11 per share for ACS.
"The Xerox-ACS deal is the largest technology deal announced globally this year and the second largest cross industry Technology targeted deal in the past five years," global deal tracking firm Dealogic said. According to Dealogic, USD 31.4 billion is the highest monthly volume for technology targeted M&A since May 2008, when transaction worth USD 35.3 billion were announced. Besides, the month of September saw as many as eight deals, including the world's second largest PC maker Dell's USD 3.9 billion acquisition of Perot Systems.
"The Xerox-ACS deal is the largest technology deal announced globally this year and the second largest cross industry Technology targeted deal in the past five years," global deal tracking firm Dealogic said. According to Dealogic, USD 31.4 billion is the highest monthly volume for technology targeted M&A since May 2008, when transaction worth USD 35.3 billion were announced. Besides, the month of September saw as many as eight deals, including the world's second largest PC maker Dell's USD 3.9 billion acquisition of Perot Systems.
Vijender becomes world number one boxer
Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh has achieved yet another first for Indian boxing by becoming the world's top-ranked pugilist in the middle weight (75kg) category. The 23-year-old Bhiwani boxer, who won India's maiden World Championships medal in Milan earlier this month, has 2700 points and is ranked higher than the reigning champion Abbos Atoev of Uzbekistan. Atoev, to whom Vijender lost in the World Championship semifinals, is third in the list with 2100 points and Olympic silver medallist Emilio Correa Bayeux (2500) of Cuba occupies the second spot in the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) list updated after the Milan event.
"I am obviously elated at being ranked the highest in the world. It's a fantastic feeling and would motivate me to do better in future events," Vijender, who broke India's Olympic jinx with his bronze in the Beijing Olympics, said. Among the other Indians, former world youth champion Thokchom Nanao Singh has slipped three places to eighth with 1400 points in the light fly weight (48kg) category. Nanao, a silver medallist in this year's Asian Championships in China, lost in the second round of the World Championships. Olympian Akhil Kumar, whose World Championships campaign was cut short in the first round itself due to a wrist injury, has gone down a rung to 10th in feather weight (57kg) category with 1050 points.
Fellow Olympian Jitender Kumar (54kg) also lost some ground because of his first-round exit in Milan as he dropped a place to 14th with 838 points. Suranjoy Singh was 17th in the fly weight (51kg) category rankings. World Championship quarterfinalist Dinesh Kumar held on to his sixth spot with 1550 points in the light weight (81kg) category.
"I am obviously elated at being ranked the highest in the world. It's a fantastic feeling and would motivate me to do better in future events," Vijender, who broke India's Olympic jinx with his bronze in the Beijing Olympics, said. Among the other Indians, former world youth champion Thokchom Nanao Singh has slipped three places to eighth with 1400 points in the light fly weight (48kg) category. Nanao, a silver medallist in this year's Asian Championships in China, lost in the second round of the World Championships. Olympian Akhil Kumar, whose World Championships campaign was cut short in the first round itself due to a wrist injury, has gone down a rung to 10th in feather weight (57kg) category with 1050 points.
Fellow Olympian Jitender Kumar (54kg) also lost some ground because of his first-round exit in Milan as he dropped a place to 14th with 838 points. Suranjoy Singh was 17th in the fly weight (51kg) category rankings. World Championship quarterfinalist Dinesh Kumar held on to his sixth spot with 1550 points in the light weight (81kg) category.
Pratham raises $55,000 at first annual gala
Pratham Chicago hosted its first Annual Gala last week at the Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove. The Gala theme was "Achieving Dreams through Education". Over 150 Pratham supporters and guests were present and enjoyed excellent entertainment and great food. Pratham Chicago raised around $55,000 from its first Annual Gala to support important Pratham initiatives in India. Ashok Kumar Attri, Indian Consul General and Dr. Dipak Jain, Dean Emeritus, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University were guests of honor. Jerome McDonnell, Host of the Worldview at the Chicago Public Radio was an Emcee for the evening. Poonam Bhatia, a Bollywood singer, captivated the audience with her melodious voice.
Dr. Manu Vora, President of the Pratham Chicago welcomed the guests and spoke about the 100 million children in India who need help with reading, writing and basic arithmetic. Pratham is leading the effort to educate 6-14 year old children throughout India since 1994. In his video address, Dr. Madhav Chavan, Co-Founder of Pratham, gave a brief update on Pratham's new initiatives in India. Ashok Kumar Attri highlighted Pratham's contributions in the primary education space in collaboration with corporate houses, NGOs and various state and central governments.
Dr. Dipak Jain in his touching address emphasized the need to put a smile on children's faces in India by educating them so they can continue to dream big. He emphasized that giving is not for recognition but it is our responsibility to the younger generations in India. Dr. Vora thanked all the Pratham supporters for their generosity and kindness. Special thanks to the Core Team members of the young Pratham Chicago Chapter which was started in November 2008.
Dr. Manu Vora, President of the Pratham Chicago welcomed the guests and spoke about the 100 million children in India who need help with reading, writing and basic arithmetic. Pratham is leading the effort to educate 6-14 year old children throughout India since 1994. In his video address, Dr. Madhav Chavan, Co-Founder of Pratham, gave a brief update on Pratham's new initiatives in India. Ashok Kumar Attri highlighted Pratham's contributions in the primary education space in collaboration with corporate houses, NGOs and various state and central governments.
Dr. Dipak Jain in his touching address emphasized the need to put a smile on children's faces in India by educating them so they can continue to dream big. He emphasized that giving is not for recognition but it is our responsibility to the younger generations in India. Dr. Vora thanked all the Pratham supporters for their generosity and kindness. Special thanks to the Core Team members of the young Pratham Chicago Chapter which was started in November 2008.
Punjabi woman seeks to be South Carolina Governor
Indian Americans across the country are set to create history in mainstream politics. The second generation is all set to join the political process seeking elective position. In Chicago, it is Raja Krishnamoorthy who is eyeing a billion dollar Comptroller Office while Dr. Amerish Bera hopes to go to US Congress from 3rd Congressional district in California. Both are young and energetic.
And now comes Nikki Randhawa, State Representative of South Carolina, who has entered the Governor race for 2010 in South Carolina. The State never had a female or a minority governor, but that could change next year with the entrance of Indian-American Nikki Randhawa Haley deemed a rising Republican star in political firmament by Republican Party bosses.
The Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) hosted a reception for Nikki Randhawa Haley on September 19 at Roma Palace Banquet Hall in Dallas. Several Indian American community leaders attended the event. IAFC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization supporting elected officials who help to build better Indo-US relations.
Prasad Thotakura, General Secretary IAFC, introduced the Chief Guest to the audience and mentioned that Nikki is the right person to lead South Carolina State as a Governor. "We are going to one more governor of Indian origin in 2010 after Bobby Jindal's victory as a Louisiana Governor. She has earned a reputation as one of the most honest, hardworking, fiscally conservative government officials in South Carolina. She built a name for herself opposing exploding government spending and, most recently, fighting to put every legislative vote on the record to be accountable to the people," Prasad pointed out.
In her brief response, Nikki Haley said that "unemployment in South Carolina is at 12% and as a Governor her first priority would be to create jobs, provide quality education, maintain a fiscally responsible government just like any business. Running a government is not rocket science, just common sense." Piyush Patel, Vice-President of IAFC, thanked all sponsors, Nikki Haley and her staff who came all the way from South Carolina to attend the reception. IAFC Board of Directors, Rao Kalvala, Dr. Sat Gupta, Taiyab Kundawala, and several other entrepreneurs and community members attended the event.
Nikki's parents migrated from Punjab in 1969. Nikki was born and raised in Bamburg, South Carolina. She graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. degree. Currently, she is serving as the Assistant Executive Director of the Lexington Medical Foundation. The wife of a military officer, mother of two children, and a small businesswoman, Nikki made headlines on the political scene when she defeated a long time incumbent and got elected as the State Representative of South Carolina in 2004.
And now comes Nikki Randhawa, State Representative of South Carolina, who has entered the Governor race for 2010 in South Carolina. The State never had a female or a minority governor, but that could change next year with the entrance of Indian-American Nikki Randhawa Haley deemed a rising Republican star in political firmament by Republican Party bosses.
The Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) hosted a reception for Nikki Randhawa Haley on September 19 at Roma Palace Banquet Hall in Dallas. Several Indian American community leaders attended the event. IAFC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization supporting elected officials who help to build better Indo-US relations.
Prasad Thotakura, General Secretary IAFC, introduced the Chief Guest to the audience and mentioned that Nikki is the right person to lead South Carolina State as a Governor. "We are going to one more governor of Indian origin in 2010 after Bobby Jindal's victory as a Louisiana Governor. She has earned a reputation as one of the most honest, hardworking, fiscally conservative government officials in South Carolina. She built a name for herself opposing exploding government spending and, most recently, fighting to put every legislative vote on the record to be accountable to the people," Prasad pointed out.
In her brief response, Nikki Haley said that "unemployment in South Carolina is at 12% and as a Governor her first priority would be to create jobs, provide quality education, maintain a fiscally responsible government just like any business. Running a government is not rocket science, just common sense." Piyush Patel, Vice-President of IAFC, thanked all sponsors, Nikki Haley and her staff who came all the way from South Carolina to attend the reception. IAFC Board of Directors, Rao Kalvala, Dr. Sat Gupta, Taiyab Kundawala, and several other entrepreneurs and community members attended the event.
Nikki's parents migrated from Punjab in 1969. Nikki was born and raised in Bamburg, South Carolina. She graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. degree. Currently, she is serving as the Assistant Executive Director of the Lexington Medical Foundation. The wife of a military officer, mother of two children, and a small businesswoman, Nikki made headlines on the political scene when she defeated a long time incumbent and got elected as the State Representative of South Carolina in 2004.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Nooyi tops FT’s 50 top biz women list
India-born cola queen Indra Nooyi has topped the list of world's 50 top business women compiled by the Financial Times, which also features three Indians -- Britannia's Vinita Bali, Biocon's Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and HT Media's Shobhana Bhartia. Nooyi, the Chairman and Chief Executive of beverages and soft drinks major Pepsico, is followed by US-based Avon Products' Andrea Jung and French entity Areva's Anne Lauvergeon.
In the league of ‘Top 50 women in world business', Bali who is the head of Britannia Industries is ranked at the 22nd spot while Mazumdar Shaw and Bhartia are placed at 47th and 48th positions, respectively.
"Just three per cent of Fortune 500 chief executives are women. Across Europe, only ten per cent of board directors of the largest companies are female (quotas have made Norway the exception, with more than 40 per cent) and the numbers are even lower in Asia.
"This is all the more surprising given the substantial evidence that better gender balance has a positive impact on performance," the Financial Times said.
In a separate list of '50 top women to watch', the daily has named three Indians. They are UBS India chief executive Manisha Griortra, HSBC India's Group GM Naina Lal Kidwai and Hewlett-Packard India's Managing Director Neelam Dhawan.
India-origin Padmasree Warrior who is the Chief Technology Officer at Cisco, is also part of this list.
In the league of ‘Top 50 women in world business', Bali who is the head of Britannia Industries is ranked at the 22nd spot while Mazumdar Shaw and Bhartia are placed at 47th and 48th positions, respectively.
"Just three per cent of Fortune 500 chief executives are women. Across Europe, only ten per cent of board directors of the largest companies are female (quotas have made Norway the exception, with more than 40 per cent) and the numbers are even lower in Asia.
"This is all the more surprising given the substantial evidence that better gender balance has a positive impact on performance," the Financial Times said.
In a separate list of '50 top women to watch', the daily has named three Indians. They are UBS India chief executive Manisha Griortra, HSBC India's Group GM Naina Lal Kidwai and Hewlett-Packard India's Managing Director Neelam Dhawan.
India-origin Padmasree Warrior who is the Chief Technology Officer at Cisco, is also part of this list.
MyShadi Bridal Expo in Orlando a grand success
Sunrise, Florida. Eighteen thousand square feet of pure, unadulterated wedding bling! That is how one would describe the latest MyShadi Bridal Expo hosted by Desh Videsh in Orlando. The spectacular event, which took place on Sunday, September 13th at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, garnered an attendance of over 1500 people.
For future brides, grooms, and their respective families, the MyShadi Bridal Expo was a one stop shop to peruse anything and everything one would need for a dream South Asian wedding. From venues, event planners, and decorators, to DJs, photographer/videographers, and wedding invitation printers. There were also mehndi artists, travel agents, jewelers, clothing boutiques, and even a horse & carriage vendor. Caterers and cake bakers offered delicious, mouth-watering samples to brides and grooms to give them a taste of their wedding fare.
Every guest went home with a goodie bag filled with gifts, the latest Wedding Issue of Desh Videsh, as well as a MyShadi Bridal Expo booklet listing detailed contact information for each vendor.
The highlight of the afternoon was the entertainment segment of the MyShadi Bridal Expo. This featured three fabulous fashion shows showcasing the hottest trends in bridal wear and grooms wear. The fashion shows were choreographed by Dolly Patel and Faiza Husain, with clothing and jewelry provided by Prerna’s Boutique, Apna Andaaz, Vulcal Boutique, and Vaibhav Jewelers. The audience was further entertained by a surprise dance performance by Fusion; a duo that specializes in teaching couples dance routines for their first dance. The performance was a fusion of Bollywood, hip-hop, and Latin dance flavors. During the entertainment segment, brides lined up for their chance to catch a garland to win one of several door prizes. Three brides went home with the raffled grand prize of a honeymoon trip for two to the Bahamas.
For the over sixty vendors of wedding goods and services, the MyShadi Bridal Expo was the place to be to get tremendous exposure with direct access to brides and grooms. Vendors had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential customers and establish definite leads. Several vendors even went home with signed contracts for their services. Clothing boutiques and jewelers at the MyShadi Bridal Expo were pleased with their sales.
Overall, the MyShadi Bridal Expo was a grand success. Desh Videsh is looking forward to hosting several more events in Atlanta, Tampa and Raleigh. For more information about upcoming MyShadi Bridal Expos, please visit www.myshadibridalexpo.com or call Desh- Videsh at 954-784-8100.
For future brides, grooms, and their respective families, the MyShadi Bridal Expo was a one stop shop to peruse anything and everything one would need for a dream South Asian wedding. From venues, event planners, and decorators, to DJs, photographer/videographers, and wedding invitation printers. There were also mehndi artists, travel agents, jewelers, clothing boutiques, and even a horse & carriage vendor. Caterers and cake bakers offered delicious, mouth-watering samples to brides and grooms to give them a taste of their wedding fare.
Every guest went home with a goodie bag filled with gifts, the latest Wedding Issue of Desh Videsh, as well as a MyShadi Bridal Expo booklet listing detailed contact information for each vendor.
The highlight of the afternoon was the entertainment segment of the MyShadi Bridal Expo. This featured three fabulous fashion shows showcasing the hottest trends in bridal wear and grooms wear. The fashion shows were choreographed by Dolly Patel and Faiza Husain, with clothing and jewelry provided by Prerna’s Boutique, Apna Andaaz, Vulcal Boutique, and Vaibhav Jewelers. The audience was further entertained by a surprise dance performance by Fusion; a duo that specializes in teaching couples dance routines for their first dance. The performance was a fusion of Bollywood, hip-hop, and Latin dance flavors. During the entertainment segment, brides lined up for their chance to catch a garland to win one of several door prizes. Three brides went home with the raffled grand prize of a honeymoon trip for two to the Bahamas.
For the over sixty vendors of wedding goods and services, the MyShadi Bridal Expo was the place to be to get tremendous exposure with direct access to brides and grooms. Vendors had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential customers and establish definite leads. Several vendors even went home with signed contracts for their services. Clothing boutiques and jewelers at the MyShadi Bridal Expo were pleased with their sales.
Overall, the MyShadi Bridal Expo was a grand success. Desh Videsh is looking forward to hosting several more events in Atlanta, Tampa and Raleigh. For more information about upcoming MyShadi Bridal Expos, please visit www.myshadibridalexpo.com or call Desh- Videsh at 954-784-8100.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
2 Indian Intellectuals among 24 MacArthur Foundation Fellows
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation today named 24 new MacArthur Fellows for 2009. The new Fellows work across a broad spectrum of endeavors. They include an infectious disease physician, an ornithologist, a painter, a photojournalist, a bridge engineer, a climate scientist, an economist, a papermaker, a mental health lawyer, and a poet. All were selected for their creativity, originality, and potential to make important contributions in the future.
Lakshminarayanan Mahadevan of Harvard University, Cambridge, is a mathematician who applies complex mathematical analyses to a variety of seemingly simple, but vexing, questions across the physical and biological sciences — how cloth folds when draped, how skin wrinkles, how flags flutter, how Venus flytraps snap closed. Through his explorations of shape and motion, in many different material types, sizes, and time frames, Mahadevan strives to identify commonalities of the fundamental nonlinear and nonequilibrium behavior driving them. One line of his research considers the relationship between the biochemistry and mechanics of structural molecules that form polymers, such as actin, within the cell. These investigations have parallels in his work on the hydrodynamics and elasticity of thin films and sheets (e.g., made of fabric). Mahadevan also considers properties of materials at larger scales, such as cell shape, adhesion, and migration in developmental biology, avalanche dynamics, or the role of water in determining the tensile characteristics of plants. Though he searches for and elucidates mathematical principles underpinning these complex behaviors, his focus remains on developing hypotheses that can be confirmed or rejected empirically in the lab. The unusually broad scope of his theoretical and experimental investigations defies facile categorization, but they are linked by an effort to discover the geometric and mechanical principles that determine the behavior of complex biological and physical systems.
L. Mahadevan received a B.Tech. (1986) from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, an M.S. (1987) from the University of Texas at Austin, and an M.S. (1992) and Ph.D. (1995) from Stanford University. Since 2003, he has been affiliated with Harvard University, where he is currently the De Valpine Professor of Applied Mathematics. He served previously as an assistant and associate professor (1996-2000) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and as the Schlumberger Professor of Complex Physical Systems (2001-2003) in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and a fellow of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. He holds visiting professorships at the University of Oxford’s Mathematics Institute and the National Center for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, India.
Maneesh Agrawala of University of California, Berkeley is a computer scientist designing visual interfaces that enhance our ability to understand large quantities of complex information. Working at the intersection of visualization, human-computer interaction, and computer graphics, Agrawala draws on cognitive psychology to identify the key perceptual and design principles underlying graphic illustrations. His algorithms automatically generate legible and effective designs for a variety of data types. As a graduate student, Agrawala developed LineDrive, a fully automated system for rendering route maps that both takes into account myriad cognitive factors involved in a user’s navigation of routes and adapts cartographic techniques for emphasizing essential information. The resulting maps resemble hand-drawn sketches in which unnecessary details are simplified or omitted and a larger scale is used at key locations to avoid confusion. Agrawala also developed a system that generates accurate and intelligible step-by-step assembly instructions for everyday items as well as complex machines (e.g., aircraft engines). The system utilizes exploded views — so that individual components of the object are spatially separated — in order to provide the user with a more direct understanding of the actual steps required for assembly. Agrawala and colleagues subsequently expanded on this work to create a program that produces illustrations of complex, three-dimensional objects, such as anatomical models. The program includes an interface that allows users to explore the spatial relationships among components by isolating parts of an object to magnify, expand, or collapse. Agrawala’s novel approach to visualization and computer communication in these and many other projects is transforming how we use, synthesize, and comprehend the ever-increasing volume of digital information we encounter in our daily lives.
Maneesh Agrawala received a B.S. (1994) and a Ph.D. (2002) from Stanford University. He was affiliated with Microsoft Research (2002-2006) prior to joining the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, where he is currently an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellows Program awards unrestricted fellowships to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. There are three criteria for selection of Fellows: exceptional creativity, promise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishment, and potential for the fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work. The Program is intended to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations. In keeping with this purpose, the Foundation awards fellowships directly to individuals rather than through institutions. Recipients may be writers, scientists, artists, social scientists, humanists, teachers, entrepreneurs, or those in other fields, with or without institutional affiliations. They may use their fellowship to advance their expertise, engage in bold new work, or, if they wish, to change fields or alter the direction of their careers.
Lakshminarayanan Mahadevan of Harvard University, Cambridge, is a mathematician who applies complex mathematical analyses to a variety of seemingly simple, but vexing, questions across the physical and biological sciences — how cloth folds when draped, how skin wrinkles, how flags flutter, how Venus flytraps snap closed. Through his explorations of shape and motion, in many different material types, sizes, and time frames, Mahadevan strives to identify commonalities of the fundamental nonlinear and nonequilibrium behavior driving them. One line of his research considers the relationship between the biochemistry and mechanics of structural molecules that form polymers, such as actin, within the cell. These investigations have parallels in his work on the hydrodynamics and elasticity of thin films and sheets (e.g., made of fabric). Mahadevan also considers properties of materials at larger scales, such as cell shape, adhesion, and migration in developmental biology, avalanche dynamics, or the role of water in determining the tensile characteristics of plants. Though he searches for and elucidates mathematical principles underpinning these complex behaviors, his focus remains on developing hypotheses that can be confirmed or rejected empirically in the lab. The unusually broad scope of his theoretical and experimental investigations defies facile categorization, but they are linked by an effort to discover the geometric and mechanical principles that determine the behavior of complex biological and physical systems.
L. Mahadevan received a B.Tech. (1986) from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras, an M.S. (1987) from the University of Texas at Austin, and an M.S. (1992) and Ph.D. (1995) from Stanford University. Since 2003, he has been affiliated with Harvard University, where he is currently the De Valpine Professor of Applied Mathematics. He served previously as an assistant and associate professor (1996-2000) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and as the Schlumberger Professor of Complex Physical Systems (2001-2003) in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics and a fellow of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. He holds visiting professorships at the University of Oxford’s Mathematics Institute and the National Center for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, India.
Maneesh Agrawala of University of California, Berkeley is a computer scientist designing visual interfaces that enhance our ability to understand large quantities of complex information. Working at the intersection of visualization, human-computer interaction, and computer graphics, Agrawala draws on cognitive psychology to identify the key perceptual and design principles underlying graphic illustrations. His algorithms automatically generate legible and effective designs for a variety of data types. As a graduate student, Agrawala developed LineDrive, a fully automated system for rendering route maps that both takes into account myriad cognitive factors involved in a user’s navigation of routes and adapts cartographic techniques for emphasizing essential information. The resulting maps resemble hand-drawn sketches in which unnecessary details are simplified or omitted and a larger scale is used at key locations to avoid confusion. Agrawala also developed a system that generates accurate and intelligible step-by-step assembly instructions for everyday items as well as complex machines (e.g., aircraft engines). The system utilizes exploded views — so that individual components of the object are spatially separated — in order to provide the user with a more direct understanding of the actual steps required for assembly. Agrawala and colleagues subsequently expanded on this work to create a program that produces illustrations of complex, three-dimensional objects, such as anatomical models. The program includes an interface that allows users to explore the spatial relationships among components by isolating parts of an object to magnify, expand, or collapse. Agrawala’s novel approach to visualization and computer communication in these and many other projects is transforming how we use, synthesize, and comprehend the ever-increasing volume of digital information we encounter in our daily lives.
Maneesh Agrawala received a B.S. (1994) and a Ph.D. (2002) from Stanford University. He was affiliated with Microsoft Research (2002-2006) prior to joining the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, where he is currently an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellows Program awards unrestricted fellowships to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction. There are three criteria for selection of Fellows: exceptional creativity, promise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishment, and potential for the fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work. The Program is intended to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations. In keeping with this purpose, the Foundation awards fellowships directly to individuals rather than through institutions. Recipients may be writers, scientists, artists, social scientists, humanists, teachers, entrepreneurs, or those in other fields, with or without institutional affiliations. They may use their fellowship to advance their expertise, engage in bold new work, or, if they wish, to change fields or alter the direction of their careers.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Marathi film on Phalke is India’s Oscar entry
Mumbai: In 1914, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, widely known as Dadasaheb Phalke, declined an offer to make films in London. "I have to keep making films in my country so that it gets established as an industry at home," said the man who gave India its first full-length feature film Raja Harishchandra. Nearly 95 years have elapsed since then and the Indian film industry has become the biggest in the world, but the father of Indian cinema continues to inspire and contribute to the industry. The latest instance of this is Harishchandrachi Factory.
This Marathi film about how Phalke made his first film has been nominated as India's official entry to this year's Oscars in the Foreign Film Category. It's the second Marathi film after Shwas (2004) to bag this honour. Its selection was announced by the Film Federation of India (FFI) and the jury was headed by veteran actress Asha Parekh.
"The inspiration for the film came from Dadasaheb Phalke. His adventure of filmmaking is the basis of the film," says Paresh Mokashi, director and writer of the film. Harishchandrachi Factory —which faced competition from 15 films including New York and Delhi 6 — captures the first two years of Phalke's cinematic career. The two-hour-long film starts with Phalke giving up his printing business after a fight with his partner. Soon, he accidentally comes across a tent theatre, screening a silent film. An awestruck Phalke decided to make a film and was encouraged by his wife and two enthusiastic children. The Oscar-nominated film ends with Phalke delivering Indian film industry's first hit using his advertising acumen.
Mokashi started working on the film in 2005. The script was ready after three months of research on Phalke's life. "After that started the magical hunt for money to make the film. I didn't want to make a low-budget film and make absolutely no comprises in creating this period drama," he says.
This Marathi film about how Phalke made his first film has been nominated as India's official entry to this year's Oscars in the Foreign Film Category. It's the second Marathi film after Shwas (2004) to bag this honour. Its selection was announced by the Film Federation of India (FFI) and the jury was headed by veteran actress Asha Parekh.
"The inspiration for the film came from Dadasaheb Phalke. His adventure of filmmaking is the basis of the film," says Paresh Mokashi, director and writer of the film. Harishchandrachi Factory —which faced competition from 15 films including New York and Delhi 6 — captures the first two years of Phalke's cinematic career. The two-hour-long film starts with Phalke giving up his printing business after a fight with his partner. Soon, he accidentally comes across a tent theatre, screening a silent film. An awestruck Phalke decided to make a film and was encouraged by his wife and two enthusiastic children. The Oscar-nominated film ends with Phalke delivering Indian film industry's first hit using his advertising acumen.
Mokashi started working on the film in 2005. The script was ready after three months of research on Phalke's life. "After that started the magical hunt for money to make the film. I didn't want to make a low-budget film and make absolutely no comprises in creating this period drama," he says.
Key US review of airport safety standards in India begins today
New Delhi: The US aviation regulator will begin on Tuesday a final audit of its Indian counterpart, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on safety oversight that will be key to the future international expansion plans of Indian airlines.
The two-day audit is the culmination of a review begun by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) earlier this year after the International Civil Aviation Organization, or Icao, found India lacking in around 70 areas, including shortage of flight safety inspectors and other technical personnel.
Since the review began, no new direct flights to the US from India have taken off. No new code share agreements have been approved between Indian carriers such as Jet Airways (India) Ltd and National Aviation Co. of India Ltd-run Air India, and US airlines such as United Airlines and US Airways, according to officials at the DGCA and the civil aviation ministry.
Both Jet Airways and Air India connect cities in the US and have sought expansion of code-share agreements with US carriers that will depend on the audit. The outcome is also crucial for airlines such as SpiceJet Ltd and Paramount Airways Pvt. Ltd that are preparing to fly international routes starting next year.
Code sharing refers to a ticket marketing practice among airlines that allows carriers to share the two characters in codes used in airline reservation systems. This helps customers purchase a single ticket on a journey that has two flights such as a New Delhi-London leg and a London-New York one on two different airlines.
If the FAA downgrades its safety standards rating for India to so-called category II after completing the review, no new services by Indian carriers can be started to the US. Once placed in category II, no new code-share agreements can also be allowed. Climbing back to category I, the highest class of safety, could take months or years.
The two-day audit is the culmination of a review begun by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) earlier this year after the International Civil Aviation Organization, or Icao, found India lacking in around 70 areas, including shortage of flight safety inspectors and other technical personnel.
Since the review began, no new direct flights to the US from India have taken off. No new code share agreements have been approved between Indian carriers such as Jet Airways (India) Ltd and National Aviation Co. of India Ltd-run Air India, and US airlines such as United Airlines and US Airways, according to officials at the DGCA and the civil aviation ministry.
Both Jet Airways and Air India connect cities in the US and have sought expansion of code-share agreements with US carriers that will depend on the audit. The outcome is also crucial for airlines such as SpiceJet Ltd and Paramount Airways Pvt. Ltd that are preparing to fly international routes starting next year.
Code sharing refers to a ticket marketing practice among airlines that allows carriers to share the two characters in codes used in airline reservation systems. This helps customers purchase a single ticket on a journey that has two flights such as a New Delhi-London leg and a London-New York one on two different airlines.
If the FAA downgrades its safety standards rating for India to so-called category II after completing the review, no new services by Indian carriers can be started to the US. Once placed in category II, no new code-share agreements can also be allowed. Climbing back to category I, the highest class of safety, could take months or years.
Quake kills at least 11 in Bhutan, shakes India
GAUHATI, India—A 6.3-magnitude earthquake shook the remote mountain nation of Bhutan on Monday, killing at least 11 people, damaging an ancient monastery and forcing hundreds to flee, officials said. At least 15 people were also injured. The afternoon earthquake was initially reported in Gauhati, the capital of India's northeastern Assam state, but it was centered in a little-populated eastern region of the tiny nation of Bhutan.
Much of Bhutan, a Himalayan nation sandwiched between India and China, is sparsely populated, reachable only by walking paths and without electricity or telephones.
"We're trying to piece together information to assess the damage," Ugyen Tenzing, the country's director of disaster management said from Thimphu, Bhutan's capital.
He said at least seven people were killed when their houses collapsed in the eastern districts of Munggar and Trashigang, and rescuers were searching for survivors under the debris of other buildings. Most buildings in that region are small farmhouses made by hand from mud and stone.
Four Indian highway workers were also killed in Bhutan's Samdrup Jhongkar district, near the border with India, when the road they were working on collapsed, Tenzing said, adding that at least 15 people had been injured across the earthquake zone.
In the Trashigang district, more than 200 Buddhist monks and 100 local officials were forced to flee an ancient monastery when it was left damaged by the quake.
For centuries, much of Bhutan was governed from fortified monasteries, and today many of those buildings are also used as government offices.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake's magnitude as 6.3 and said it was centered about 80 miles (125 kilometers) north of Gauhati and 115 miles (180 kilometers) east of Thimphu at a depth of 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers).
"I dragged my family out. ... We ran down the staircase from our third floor apartment," said Sadeq Hazarika, an Assam state official who lives in Gauhati. "We saw our building developing a big crack. This was the biggest tremor I felt in many years."
The region has been hit by major earthquakes in the past, including in 1950 and 1897. Assam has been shaken by a series of small quakes in recent weeks.
The quake briefly rocked Bhutan's capital.
"We felt a strong shock for a moment—one second. People panicked and rushed out of their homes and businesses," said Tashi Dhendup, who runs a travel agency in Thimphu. He was not aware of any damage to buildings in that city.
The quake was also felt in Bangladesh and Lhasa, the Tibetan capital in southwest China, but there were no signs of damage in either place, officials said.
Coloradans mark Ramadan's end
The call to prayer Sunday morning to close the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and begin the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr was answered by about 12,000 Denver area Muslims, their largest known communal prayer in state history. The Colorado Muslim Council and other organizers had projected attendance of 8,000 at the "Festival of the End of the Fast" and were stunned by the turnout at Denver's Crowne Plaza Hotel near Denver International Airport. "It's a joyful day for us. To see our sheer numbers here in Colorado adds to our joy," said Mohammad Noorzai of the Colorado Muslim Council.
The crowd's size was impressive given that the day of the event, either Sunday or Monday, could not be set until late Saturday night. By then it was known that a sighting had been made of the crescent moon of the next Islamic month, Shawwal. Ramadan's 30 days of prayer, daylight fasting and devotion had ended. Because crowds overflowed the massive hotel conference room and spilled into the halls, a second service was added that nearly filled a room all over again. "It's historical for us," said volunteer organizer Mohamad Muraweh. "It's the first time we have had all the different Muslim communities in one place." The faithful knelt and bowed in prayer in diagonal rows, facing east, upon prayer rugs or long strips of white paper. The women were in the back or the next room.
The imam said Allah would bless their Ramadan, one marked by effort, sacrifice and patience, on this "day of the great reward." "Your sins are forgiven," Imam Hamdi Basha told them. Many Muslims wore their finest traditional clothing from all corners of the Muslim world of more than 1 billion people. There were jeans and T-shirts too. "The kaleidoscope, the breadth of all the cultures, always impresses me," said council spokesman Taj Ashaheed.
Noorzai said the investigation and arrest of two local Muslims on Saturday night in connection with an alleged terrorism plot has not diminished the joy of this occasion for the greater Muslim community. "We celebrate like anybody else — with families and lots of food and sweets," he said. "People exchange gifts. Children usually get new clothes and money." The council hopes to do a community-wide Eid ul-Fitr next year in a park or other outdoor setting, Noorzai said. The lunar month of Ramadan will fall and end 10 days earlier in 2010.
The crowd's size was impressive given that the day of the event, either Sunday or Monday, could not be set until late Saturday night. By then it was known that a sighting had been made of the crescent moon of the next Islamic month, Shawwal. Ramadan's 30 days of prayer, daylight fasting and devotion had ended. Because crowds overflowed the massive hotel conference room and spilled into the halls, a second service was added that nearly filled a room all over again. "It's historical for us," said volunteer organizer Mohamad Muraweh. "It's the first time we have had all the different Muslim communities in one place." The faithful knelt and bowed in prayer in diagonal rows, facing east, upon prayer rugs or long strips of white paper. The women were in the back or the next room.
The imam said Allah would bless their Ramadan, one marked by effort, sacrifice and patience, on this "day of the great reward." "Your sins are forgiven," Imam Hamdi Basha told them. Many Muslims wore their finest traditional clothing from all corners of the Muslim world of more than 1 billion people. There were jeans and T-shirts too. "The kaleidoscope, the breadth of all the cultures, always impresses me," said council spokesman Taj Ashaheed.
Noorzai said the investigation and arrest of two local Muslims on Saturday night in connection with an alleged terrorism plot has not diminished the joy of this occasion for the greater Muslim community. "We celebrate like anybody else — with families and lots of food and sweets," he said. "People exchange gifts. Children usually get new clothes and money." The council hopes to do a community-wide Eid ul-Fitr next year in a park or other outdoor setting, Noorzai said. The lunar month of Ramadan will fall and end 10 days earlier in 2010.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Seven 26/11 suspects arrested: Pakistan
Pakistani authorities today said they have arrested seven suspects in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case. The arrested included Zakir-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Zarar Shah, according to TV reports. Authorities added that boat used by the suspects to carry out the attacks has been seized.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Ambassador-Designate Vinai Thummalapally arrives in Belize
September 15, 2009
Today, U.S. Ambassador-Designate Vinai Thummalapally arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport and was met by Deputy Chief of Mission J.A. Diffily and Management Officer Sharon Featherstone. The Ambassador-Designate greeted the Belizean media with a message of goodwill to the Belizean people and promised continued cooperation with the Belizean Government. The Ambassador-Designate will present his credentials to the Governor General later this week.
Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Mr. Thummalapally, from Colorado, was the President of MAM-A Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of recordable optical discs. Prior to his role at MAM-A Inc., he served as the plant manager for Mitsui Advanced Media Inc., which also manufactures recordable optical discs. He has served in several other similar roles in his 31-year career, including positions as General Manager for WEA Manufacturing, as a Managing Partner of Clines Office Products, and as Manufacturing Manager of Disc Manufacturing, Inc. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California State University and completed post graduate courses in Business Administration. Mr. Thummalapally speaks Telugu, Hindi, and Urdu. He is married to Barbara Thummalapally and has two children. Ambassador Thummalapally was nominated by President Obama on June 11, 2009 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 23, 2009.
Today, U.S. Ambassador-Designate Vinai Thummalapally arrived at the Philip Goldson International Airport and was met by Deputy Chief of Mission J.A. Diffily and Management Officer Sharon Featherstone. The Ambassador-Designate greeted the Belizean media with a message of goodwill to the Belizean people and promised continued cooperation with the Belizean Government. The Ambassador-Designate will present his credentials to the Governor General later this week.
Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Mr. Thummalapally, from Colorado, was the President of MAM-A Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of recordable optical discs. Prior to his role at MAM-A Inc., he served as the plant manager for Mitsui Advanced Media Inc., which also manufactures recordable optical discs. He has served in several other similar roles in his 31-year career, including positions as General Manager for WEA Manufacturing, as a Managing Partner of Clines Office Products, and as Manufacturing Manager of Disc Manufacturing, Inc. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California State University and completed post graduate courses in Business Administration. Mr. Thummalapally speaks Telugu, Hindi, and Urdu. He is married to Barbara Thummalapally and has two children. Ambassador Thummalapally was nominated by President Obama on June 11, 2009 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 23, 2009.
World Bank to provide $3 bn for road projects
The World Bank has agreed to provide a USD 3 billion-loan for developing national highways. The World Bank assistance will be utilised for converting 6,372 km of one-lane highways to two-lane, out of the total of 19,702 km of single lane highways in the country. "They have (World Bank) for the first time informed me that they will be willing to fund the viability gap funding and also fund 50 per cent of our annuity projects," Nath said after concluding his week-long tour to the United States on Wednesday.
Nath also announced the construction of 18,000 kms of expressways in the country. "We are going to set up an expressway division in the next fortnight and I propose bringing in legislation for Expressway Authority of India," he said. "Roads in India are not merely a matter of connectivity but is an important component of inclusive growth," he said, adding the total project costs for 2009-2010 is estimated at USD 20 billion.
Nath also announced the construction of 18,000 kms of expressways in the country. "We are going to set up an expressway division in the next fortnight and I propose bringing in legislation for Expressway Authority of India," he said. "Roads in India are not merely a matter of connectivity but is an important component of inclusive growth," he said, adding the total project costs for 2009-2010 is estimated at USD 20 billion.
2 Aurora homes raided in terror probe; man questioned
Federal investigators released an Aurora man late Wednesday night after 8 1/2 hours of questioning in connection with a multi-state anti-terrorism investigation. Najibullah Zazi, 24, left the Byron G. Rogers Federal Building after 10:30 p.m. — but is scheduled to return this afternoon for another round of questioning, according to his attorney, Art Folsom. The move came after a day that saw federal agents raid Zazi's apartment and a house where his aunt and uncle live. Agents clad in white "clean suits" and others using dogs executed search warrants on the residences, the latest move in an investigation that has centered on a plot involving peroxide- based explosives.
Folsom said Zazi went into the meeting voluntarily in an effort to "get the air cleared." He said the FBI questioned Zazi about a recent trip to New York City — one that apparently spurred authorities to conduct raids on three homes in Queens — and also took handwriting samples and fingerprints, and swabbed the inside of Zazi's mouth for a DNA sample.
Zazi returned to his residence, accompanied by an older man and two woman, Najibullah Zazi left his apartment early Wednesday morning at about 11:40 p.m.
Monday, September 14, 2009
India inks Uranium deal with Mongolia
India and Mongolia signed a crucial civil nuclear agreement for supply of Uranium to New Delhi. It was signed following summit level talks between the visiting Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. India also extended a 25 million US dollar stabilisation fund to mitigate the global financial crisis affecting Ulanbattar. Another agreements signed included cooperation in the fields of health, cultural exchange and statistical affairs. In a joint media interaction following the signing of agreements, Dr. Manmohan Singh said both the leaders have agreed on deeper cooperation in the field of mining and agriculture.
Dr. Singh said they have already agreed on bilateral investment protection and ways to avoid double taxation. The visiting dignitary President Elbegdorj said that Mangolia is grateful to India for providing stabilisation funds for the recovery of its staggering economy. AIR correspondent understands, Mongolia’s huge uranium reserves could boost and energize the country’s starving civil nuclear fuel cycle. Mongolia is the sixth nation with which India has signed the civil nuclear agreement after getting a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group in September last year.
Similar agreements have already been inked with America, Russia, France, Kazakhstan and Namibia. Mongolia's decision to supply uranium to India assumes greater significance in the wake of Australia’s reluctance to do so. Under the Agreement, the two sides will trade uranium and exchange expertise in designing of atomic plants and train personnel. Mongolia recently signed an inter-governmental agreement with Russia to establish a joint venture to develop, produce and process Uranium. It has also signed uranium-linked cooperation with China.
Dr. Singh said they have already agreed on bilateral investment protection and ways to avoid double taxation. The visiting dignitary President Elbegdorj said that Mangolia is grateful to India for providing stabilisation funds for the recovery of its staggering economy. AIR correspondent understands, Mongolia’s huge uranium reserves could boost and energize the country’s starving civil nuclear fuel cycle. Mongolia is the sixth nation with which India has signed the civil nuclear agreement after getting a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group in September last year.
Similar agreements have already been inked with America, Russia, France, Kazakhstan and Namibia. Mongolia's decision to supply uranium to India assumes greater significance in the wake of Australia’s reluctance to do so. Under the Agreement, the two sides will trade uranium and exchange expertise in designing of atomic plants and train personnel. Mongolia recently signed an inter-governmental agreement with Russia to establish a joint venture to develop, produce and process Uranium. It has also signed uranium-linked cooperation with China.
Google Dominates Internet Landscape in India and Brazil
Google’s dominance of the Internet in the United States is hard to overstate. The company accounts for two-thirds of all Web searches, it owns YouTube, which is 10 times more popular than its nearest competitor, and it is No. 1 in areas like maps and blogging. Over all, Internet users in the United States spend 9 percent of their time online on some Google service, according to comScore. Yet there are places were Google is far more dominant. India and Brazil stand out, according to new data that comScore made available to The New York Times. In those countries, for every hour people spend online, about 18 minutes are on a Google service.
To be precise, Google accounts for nearly 30 percent of people’s online minutes in Brazil and nearly 29 percent in India. The next country in terms of Google"s dominance is Ireland, where it accounts for 16 percent of online minutes. The global average is 9.4 percent, or slightly higher than in the United States. Google’s gaping lead over rivals in Brazil and India is in part the result of an anomaly: Orkut, Google’s social network, which has been a failure pretty much everywhere else in the world, is No. 1 in those two countries. But Orkut is only part of the story.
In Brazil, Google captures nearly 90 percent of all searches, 71 percent of the time spent on maps (compared with just 42 percent here) and 43 percent of the time spent on blogs (compared with 30 percent here). In India, it represents 88 percent of searches, 64 percent of maps and 48 percent of blogs. Gmail accounts for nearly half of the Indian Web e-mail market, compared with just 6.4 percent here. Andrew Lipsman, director of industry analysis for comScore, said that Google's dominance in those countries has historical reasons. While on opposite sides of the world, when it comes to the Internet, India and Brazil developed in parallel, he said. "Part of the explanation was that Google emerged onto the scene at the time these markets were developing," Mr. Lispman said. "As Google became the default search engine, the brand extended to these other services."
There are other countries, of course, where Google has not been able to beat local brands — notably China, the Internet market with the most users, where it lags behind Baidu, and Russia, where Yandex is the leading search engine. But India is ranked seventh, and Brazil ninth, in terms Internet use globally. They are also two of the fastest-growing markets. That growth obviously bodes well for Google. It also suggests that Google still has room to increase its dominance in the United States and makes it clear just how challenging it is for a rival like Microsoft to compete against Google globally.
To be precise, Google accounts for nearly 30 percent of people’s online minutes in Brazil and nearly 29 percent in India. The next country in terms of Google"s dominance is Ireland, where it accounts for 16 percent of online minutes. The global average is 9.4 percent, or slightly higher than in the United States. Google’s gaping lead over rivals in Brazil and India is in part the result of an anomaly: Orkut, Google’s social network, which has been a failure pretty much everywhere else in the world, is No. 1 in those two countries. But Orkut is only part of the story.
In Brazil, Google captures nearly 90 percent of all searches, 71 percent of the time spent on maps (compared with just 42 percent here) and 43 percent of the time spent on blogs (compared with 30 percent here). In India, it represents 88 percent of searches, 64 percent of maps and 48 percent of blogs. Gmail accounts for nearly half of the Indian Web e-mail market, compared with just 6.4 percent here. Andrew Lipsman, director of industry analysis for comScore, said that Google's dominance in those countries has historical reasons. While on opposite sides of the world, when it comes to the Internet, India and Brazil developed in parallel, he said. "Part of the explanation was that Google emerged onto the scene at the time these markets were developing," Mr. Lispman said. "As Google became the default search engine, the brand extended to these other services."
There are other countries, of course, where Google has not been able to beat local brands — notably China, the Internet market with the most users, where it lags behind Baidu, and Russia, where Yandex is the leading search engine. But India is ranked seventh, and Brazil ninth, in terms Internet use globally. They are also two of the fastest-growing markets. That growth obviously bodes well for Google. It also suggests that Google still has room to increase its dominance in the United States and makes it clear just how challenging it is for a rival like Microsoft to compete against Google globally.
Obama Aide Meets With Dalai Lama in India
A high-level delegation representing U.S. President Barack Obama has met with the Dalai Lama ahead of the Tibetan spiritual leader's scheduled trip to the United States next month. The group met Monday at the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India. Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser and assistant to the president, led the U.S. delegation.
A spokesman with the U.S. National Security Council said Mr. Obama wanted to convey his respect for the Dalai Lama as a religious leader and representative of Tibetan culture. The spokesman said Jarrett heard the Dalai Lama's ideas about how Tibetan identity can be preserved, and his commitment to dialogue with China. He said the Tibetan spiritual leader repeated his position that he does not seek independence for Tibet. China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and disapproves of him meeting with foreign governments. The Dalai Lama's office said in a statement that Jarrett reiterated President Obama's commitment to support the Tibetan people in protecting their distinct heritage and securing respect for their civil liberties.
The Dalai Lama has said he hopes to see Mr. Obama when he visits New York and Washington October 4-9. Jarrett and the senior U.S. diplomat accompanying her, State Department Undersecretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero, are the highest-level U.S. officials to visit the Tibetan center in India's Himalayan region since March 2008. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, traveled to Dharamsala last year just weeks after major protests in Tibet and a crackdown there by Chinese authorities. Jarrett and Otero met with the prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Samdhong Rinpoche, on Sunday, but no details of their talks were released.
A spokesman with the U.S. National Security Council said Mr. Obama wanted to convey his respect for the Dalai Lama as a religious leader and representative of Tibetan culture. The spokesman said Jarrett heard the Dalai Lama's ideas about how Tibetan identity can be preserved, and his commitment to dialogue with China. He said the Tibetan spiritual leader repeated his position that he does not seek independence for Tibet. China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and disapproves of him meeting with foreign governments. The Dalai Lama's office said in a statement that Jarrett reiterated President Obama's commitment to support the Tibetan people in protecting their distinct heritage and securing respect for their civil liberties.
The Dalai Lama has said he hopes to see Mr. Obama when he visits New York and Washington October 4-9. Jarrett and the senior U.S. diplomat accompanying her, State Department Undersecretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero, are the highest-level U.S. officials to visit the Tibetan center in India's Himalayan region since March 2008. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, traveled to Dharamsala last year just weeks after major protests in Tibet and a crackdown there by Chinese authorities. Jarrett and Otero met with the prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Samdhong Rinpoche, on Sunday, but no details of their talks were released.
Peaceful Vigil in front of Ground Zero in New York on 9/11
Facing gusty winds and heavy rains members of Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI), an apex body of 35 organizations listed below, staged a peaceful vigil in front of Ground Zero in New York on 9/11/2009.
HRCARI members – Christians, Jews, Moslems, Hindus, Sikhs and secular leaders gathered there to mourn the loss of all victims of Radical Islam – from the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, from Mumbai to Madrid, Lockerbie to London, Bali to Beslan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, from Somalia to Sudan, from Iraq to Israel, from the sailors on the USS Code to the Coptic Christians in Egypt, and from Kenya to Kashmir.
This multi-ethnic, diverse, rainbow coalition for human rights demanded American government officials, President Barak Obama and the mainstream media to connect the dots and report the truth about Radical Islam’s worldwide assault on human rights ( including mass murders and suicide bombings, hanging of gays, stoning women, honor killings, suppression of free speech, etc.) .
HRCARI also demanded the governments to take appropriate action to protect the civilized world and to slow, if not stop, the spread of Islamic Supremacism; this oppressive, bigoted, homophobic, misogynist, racist and violent doctrine which has spawned so much death and destruction.
The volunteers carried various posters saying “Since 9/11 Radical Islam has committed 11,961 attacks and killed 75,038 and injured 115,255 people”, “Stop billions of Saudi oil money funding worldwide to Radical Islam”, etc.
“The root cause of the murder and mayhem in Middle East, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, Kashmir, Madrid, Mumbai, Beslan, Bali, Manila, USA, UK and other parts of the world is Radical Islam. Radical Islam is the greatest threat to human civilization. We should recognize the gravity of this threat”, warned Dr. Marvin Belsky of HRCARI.
Andrew Upton from the Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam spoke of the difficulty in challenging an intolerant, bigoted , hate-filled and violent political doctrine when it hides behind the veil of religion; especially in America where tolerance of religious beliefs is so important to so many of us. Yet he emphasized the importance of unveiling the terrible truth about this doctrine as he recalled standing and watching in horror from just one block away as the second plane struck the World Trade Center on 9/11/01.
Narrating the tragic story of the death and destruction wrought by Radical Islam, Rajinder Singh Khalsa, President, Sikh Recognition Trust said: “Our Ninth Guru Shri Teg Bahadur Singh ji was killed by Radical Islam and our Tenth Guru’s two sons also were bricked alive in the walls by Radical Islamists.
One of the organizer of the Vigil, Narain Kataria said: “Radical Islamic preaches an ideology that is intolerant, exclusive, oppressive, totalitarian, violates human rights of others, and is incompatible with American Constitution. Radical Islam has unleashed a war on humanity. For the survival and protection of humanity as a whole, it is absolutely essential for the civilized governments and the United Nations to nip in bud this totalitarian ideology masquerading as a religion.
Bhupinder Singh Bhurji, Chairman of Namdhari Sikh Foundation, USA said: “What happened on 9/11 in New York has been happening for the hundreds of years in our country of origin - India. A couple of months ago thousands of our Hindu and Sikh brothers were asked to pay special tax (jazia) by Talibans in Pakistan. When they refused to pay the Dhimmi tax, their houses were ransacked, burnt and their businesses destroyed. According to a report in yesterday’s Times of India, as a result of torture and brutalization by Talibans, more than 5000 Hindus and Sikhs have fled Pakistan.
What America is doing now in Afghanistan, we Sikhs had done it 200 years ago and taught a befitting lesson to terrorists from Afghanistan. We Sikhs organized our army under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab, and pushed all the Islamic invaders back to Afghanistan. Under our Commander Hari Singh Nalva we attacked Afghanistan and defeated them and broke their backbone. We built a very powerful human wall on the western front of India and insulated India from foreign attacks for ever.
Arish Sahani, one another member of HRCARI informed the audience that during the last 8 years, more than 13,000 terrorist attacks have taken place all over the world in which thousands of innocent men, women and children have been murdered. Referring to ethnic cleansing of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Christians from Islamic nations, Mr. Sahani said that during the last 60 years, Hindu population in Pakistan has been reduced from 23 to 1%, and it has been brought down from 30% to 7-8% in Bangladesh.
Dr. Vasudev Murthy, Mohinder Singh Gulati, a businessman, Kamal Pandey, Sher Bahadur Singh of Nepalese Foundation, , Bidyut Sarkar of International Foundation of Bangladeshi Hindus, Satya Dosapati, Pabitra Choudhury and other activists also expressed their outrage and disgust against Radical Islam.
The Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam includes:
9/11 Families for a Secure America
ACT for America, Long Island & Manhattan
AISH Center
Alliance of Interfaith Resistance
AMCHA
American Coptic Union
American Center for Democracy
Americans for Peace & Tolerance
Arabs for Israel
Artists4Israel
Center for Security Policy
Chinese Community Relations Council(CCRC)
Clarion Fund
Damanga( Darfur Muslims)
David Project
Forcefield
Foundation of Nepalese
Global Movement Against Radical Islam
Hasbara Fellowships
Hindu Human Rights Watch
Indian-American Intellectuals Forum
Institute for Religion & Democracy
International Foundation of Bangladeshi Hindus
Jewish Action Alliance
Mothers Against Terrorism
Muslims Against Sharia
Namdhari Sikh Foundation
R.E.A.L Courage
Security & Law Society, Fordham University School of Law
Sikh Recognition Trust
Stand With Us
Sudan Freedom Walk
The Intelligence Summit
The United Nationalist Nepalese (UNN)
Women United: Code Red
Zionist Organization of America
Sunday, September 13, 2009
High alert along India-China border in Uttarakhand
Indian security forces were on high alert on the vast India-China border amid reports of fresh Chinese incursions into Uttarakhand.
The reports of incursions came from border areas of Rimkhim and Barahoti in Chamoli district with a worried Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank asking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to deploy more troops along the long, porous borders with Tibet, which had not reported any major incident since the 1962 conflict.
Pokhriyal added that the state government had urged the Centre to set up a specialised mountain force in Uttarakhand keeping in view its 370-km-long border with China. Last month also,
the chief minister had demanded a similar force from the Centre.
On the other hand, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) said its personnel were on high alert along the border, but denied reports that the Chinese army had made any incursions into the Indian border. DIG Sanjay Singhal said the ITBP personnel had not sighted any movement of Chinese troops along the border.
However, Singhal said some civilians, mostly shepherds, from China came into the Indian side during the monsoon season, which he said was not an “unusual” thing on the Uttarakhand-Tibet border, particularly in the Barahoti area in Chamoli district.
Meanwhile, the army has also been put on alert on the border particularly along the snow-clad mountains of Chamoli district.
India recently accused Chinese troops of entering into its territory in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.
The reports of incursions came from border areas of Rimkhim and Barahoti in Chamoli district with a worried Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank asking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to deploy more troops along the long, porous borders with Tibet, which had not reported any major incident since the 1962 conflict.
Pokhriyal added that the state government had urged the Centre to set up a specialised mountain force in Uttarakhand keeping in view its 370-km-long border with China. Last month also,
the chief minister had demanded a similar force from the Centre.
On the other hand, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) said its personnel were on high alert along the border, but denied reports that the Chinese army had made any incursions into the Indian border. DIG Sanjay Singhal said the ITBP personnel had not sighted any movement of Chinese troops along the border.
However, Singhal said some civilians, mostly shepherds, from China came into the Indian side during the monsoon season, which he said was not an “unusual” thing on the Uttarakhand-Tibet border, particularly in the Barahoti area in Chamoli district.
Meanwhile, the army has also been put on alert on the border particularly along the snow-clad mountains of Chamoli district.
India recently accused Chinese troops of entering into its territory in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
India billiards champion rules the world
 Advani, at just 24, has won virtually every billiards title on offer |
But the comprehensive win against Mike Russell, the legendary 41-year-old Englishman, now settled in Qatar, UAE, was the icing on the Indian's cake.
Advani, at just 24, has won virtually every billiards title on offer at the national, Asian and world levels.
The world professional crown was missing in his showcase despite two previous attempts. But it was only a matter of time before this prodigiously talented Bangalorean won it.
To cap it, he is the only Indian to have won the world title in both snooker (2003 IBSF Championship) and billiards. Thus, the sheer weight of his achievements puts Advani in the big league.
Frustration
Yet, he nurses frustration.
"All the awards and accolades are fine with me, but there is no recognition. I have virtually given up on playing professional snooker because of a lack of sponsorship. It is not like I have any particular bias for billiards, but I feel, I can do well in pro snooker too," Advani said.
Billiards, by its very nature, is not a spectacle and lacks global following.
There are only three coloured balls on the table and as many scoring shots that are repetitive. Though the authorities have introduced a points-up format (first to 100 or 150), the 150-year-old game has not taken off.
Advani is well aware of the reality, but having taken to the game as an 11-year-old soon after his family moved from Kuwait to Bangalore in 1990, he courted success almost immediately.
He won his first title defeating his elder brother Shree in the final within months after his 11th birthday.
Training under Arvind Savur, often referred to as the "father of Indian snooker" in Bangalore, Advani rapidly improved as the two developed a deep bonding.
 Advani has proved to be a worthy inheritor of India's billiards legacy |
As regards Advani's billiards career, Savur said: "I cannot say how much more he will improve because there are hardly any billiards tournaments. The more he plays, the better he will get and that's for certain," he observed.
In India, Advani has no worthwhile competition in billiards.
With his idol Geet Sethi, winner of eight World billiards titles (three in amateur category and five as a professional) on the wane and young players preferring snooker to billiards, the field is wide open, but depleted.
Internationally, billiards practitioners are mainly from India and England and the absence of a global spread that snooker enjoys has pegged its popularity.
Worthy inheritor
Though the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India boasts of a thousand-odd registered players, the fact remains that the three-ball game suffers in comparison to snooker that is played with 22 balls of seven different colours, and is a viable career option. Top professional snooker players are millionaires.
Nevertheless, Advani has proved to be a worthy inheritor of India's billiards legacy that began with the late Wilson Jones who won the World titles in 1958 and 1964.
In his wake came Michael Ferreira (1977, 1981, 1983), Geet Sethi (8 times), Manoj Kothari (1990) and Ashok Shandilya (2002).
 Advani says there is no recognition for billiards in India |
While there has been a noticeable increase in the number of youngsters taking to the game in the wake of Sethi's exploits in the last two decades besides profusion of pool parlours, they are more inclined towards snooker than billiards.
Advani too had his first exposure to cue sport when he visited a pool parlour and thus began a lasting love affair with the sport.
Even as a teenager, Advani was noticeably different from others in his age-group not just because he played better.
Impeccably groomed and attired, and deferential, a trait drilled into him by his widowed mother Kajal, he consciously modelled himself on Sethi.
"I wanted to be like Sethi on and off the table," he says. Being modest and a willing learner helped Advani to develop not only as a player but also a personality.
Yet, there remains a question mark over his powers of concentration that is often related to big breaks.
Advani's best break in billiards has been 876. Only three players in modern era belong to the 1,000-break club - Peter Gilchrist from England, but settled in Singapore (1,346), Sethi (1,276) and Michael Ferreira (1,149).
Savur believes that Advani is capable of getting into the club.
"Pankaj can become the greatest billiards player in modern era. It is just a matter of time," he predicts.
EMC plans big investment in India
EMC Corp., the Hopkinton-based data storage giant, said that it plans to invest $1.5 billion in India from 2010 to 2014. That amount represents a threefold increase to previous investments made by EMC in India over the previous five years, the company said in a press release.
The announcement was made as EMC marked the inauguration of a new facility that consolidates research-and-development and EMC Global Services organizations from four locations into one campus that forms a company Centre of Excellence in India, EMC said.
The campus in Bengaluru represents one of EMC's largest R&D centers outside the United States, said EMC, which added that it opened its India operations in 2000.
David Goulden, EMC executive vice president and chief financial officer, said in a statement: "India offers tremendous opportunities in innovation and market potential. In these economic times, leaders get stronger by their ability to make smart investments. EMC's commitment of $1.5 billion over the next five years illustrates the important role India will play in the company's long-term strategic APJ (Asia-Pacific-Japan) and global growth plans."
The announcement was made as EMC marked the inauguration of a new facility that consolidates research-and-development and EMC Global Services organizations from four locations into one campus that forms a company Centre of Excellence in India, EMC said.
The campus in Bengaluru represents one of EMC's largest R&D centers outside the United States, said EMC, which added that it opened its India operations in 2000.
David Goulden, EMC executive vice president and chief financial officer, said in a statement: "India offers tremendous opportunities in innovation and market potential. In these economic times, leaders get stronger by their ability to make smart investments. EMC's commitment of $1.5 billion over the next five years illustrates the important role India will play in the company's long-term strategic APJ (Asia-Pacific-Japan) and global growth plans."
Friday, September 4, 2009
Indian priests beaten in Pashupati temple
Two Indian priests were on Friday severely thrashed and their clothes and sacred thread torn by dozens of Maoists who stormed into Nepal’s famous Pashupatinath temple, giving a violent turn to the protest against their recent appointment.
Some 40-50 Maoists, posing as devotees, barged into the 5th century Hindu shrine at around 1.30 pm and broke open the door of a room where the priests — Girish Bhatta and Raghavendra Bhatta — were preparing for daily prayers.
The priests, both aged 32 and hailing from Karnataka, were beaten up, their clothes and sacred thread torn.
They were then dragged to the outer gate, the officials said.
The priests were badly injured with one suffering a black eye.
The policemen with the help of local people rescued the duo, who were recently brought here by the temple authorities, said Shiva Sharan Raj Bhandari, a temple aide and part of a three-member selection committee that recommended their names.
Taking a serious view of the incident, the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Mr Rakesh Sood, took it up with the Nepal Home minister, Mr Bhim Bahadur Rawal and Culture minister, Mr Sarat Singh Bhandari, who assured him that steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the priests.
Subsequently, the head priest of the temple was provided a personal security officer and a platoon of armed police was deployed at the shrine.
Some 40-50 Maoists, posing as devotees, barged into the 5th century Hindu shrine at around 1.30 pm and broke open the door of a room where the priests — Girish Bhatta and Raghavendra Bhatta — were preparing for daily prayers.
The priests, both aged 32 and hailing from Karnataka, were beaten up, their clothes and sacred thread torn.
They were then dragged to the outer gate, the officials said.
The priests were badly injured with one suffering a black eye.
The policemen with the help of local people rescued the duo, who were recently brought here by the temple authorities, said Shiva Sharan Raj Bhandari, a temple aide and part of a three-member selection committee that recommended their names.
Taking a serious view of the incident, the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Mr Rakesh Sood, took it up with the Nepal Home minister, Mr Bhim Bahadur Rawal and Culture minister, Mr Sarat Singh Bhandari, who assured him that steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the priests.
Subsequently, the head priest of the temple was provided a personal security officer and a platoon of armed police was deployed at the shrine.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
YSR's chopper deviated from route, hit a cliff
The helicopter carrying Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy from Hyderabad to Chittoor on Wednesday deviated 18 km from its path towards east, near Rudrakoduru in the Nallamala forest range in Kurnool district, before it hit a cliff and crashed. "The chopper hit the cliff, crashed and exploded. All the five persons in the ill-fated helicopter were burnt to death," state Finance Minister K Rosaiah and Chief Secretary P Ramakanth Reddy said in Hyderabad on Thursday. The chopper might have drifted from its path because of a large cloud formation due to inclement weather and ended up hitting the cliff, they said. Except the tail portion, the body of the Bell-430 helicopter of AP Aviation Corporation was reduced to bits and pieces in the mishap.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
YSR's chopper goes missing over dense Naxal & tiger-infested Andhra jungle
A helicopter carrying Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Rajashekhar Reddy, two of his staff and two pilots went missing in pouring rain A file photo of Andhra Pradesh CM YSR Reddy. Wednesday morning over the Naxal and tiger-infested Nalamalla forests and with no contact until early Thursday, experts and officials feared the worst.
Soon after the chopper lost contact, multiple agencies of the state launched a massive hunt for possible wreckage in the desolate terrain. By evening, it expanded into the country's biggest-ever search operation with satellites in the sky joining remote sensing aircraft, fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, troops on the ground and even barefoot deer-hunting tribals with bows and arrows. The Air Force pressed its topline Sukhoi 30 MKI into a night search and flew in Dornier and Avro reconnaissance aircraft. US ambassador to India Tim Roemer and Union home minister P Chidambaram spoke several times through the evening and the US volunteered to provide information picked up by its satellites.
The search operation is now focussed on a 5 km radius, news channels reported early Thursday morning. Rains and bad weather are hampering the search operation.
It was a flight that should not have taken off at all. The Met office had forecast not only heavy rainfall but the likelihood of fierce lightning and thunderstorms. But the 60-year-old politician was adamant. He was to kickstart a new village mass-contact programme called Rachabanda from Chittoor district (better known for housing the Tirupati temple) at 10.30am and there was no way that he was missing his appointment.
The Bell 430 took off at 8.38am from Begumpet airport, not more than 2km from Reddy's residence, on its 500-km journey. For about 30 minutes, things were fine and the pilot was in touch with the air traffic control (ATC). But soon after entering the space over the Nallamalla forests, it ran into problems. Rain was thick and visibility was zero. What happened thereafter remains a mystery so far but in all probability, the helicopter went down. The helicopter was last in contact with the ATC at 9.12am. The chopper had fuel to fly for 2.45 hours, enough to make it to Chittoor.
Apart from Reddy, the chopper was carrying principal secretary to CM S Subrahmanyam and YSR's chief security officer ASC Wesley. The craft was being piloted by group captain S K Bhatia and captain M S Reddy.
"It was last sighted by villagers between Atmakur and Bandiatmakur close to Rollapenta entering the Nallamalla forests from Kurnool district towards Prakasam district between 9.15 am and 9.30 am," chief secretary P Ramakanth Reddy said.
In New Delhi, there was a flurry of activity in the Congress and the home ministry went into a tizzy, setting in motion all emergency procedures possible. Minister of state for defence P Raju said the emergency locating transmitter (ELT) had not been activated and this gave hope that the chopper had made a safe landing.
What is causing immense worry is that Nallamalla, or 'Black Hills' in Telugu, is a dense, hilly, forest that is an extension of the Eastern Ghats. It was once the main area of operation for AP Naxals and armed cadres are still suspected to be hiding out in the forest camps. But what is known for sure is that the forest is tiger territory.
"For the last three days, the forest region has seen heavy rains and zero visibility. The Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers are overflowing and the Srisailam reservoir is full. The area is full of water," A V Rao, a Kurnool resident, told TOI. The area is sparsely populated with Chenchu tribals. "It is an inaccessible area with no cellphone towers, radio signals," Rao added. Strangely enough for a helicopter carrying the chief minister, the Bell 430 did not have a satellite phone connection.
Alarm bells started ringing in the state government headquarters from mid-day but police parties which were sent out drew a blank as they could not venture out too far in pouring rain. Meanwhile, the rumour mill was active with stories flying thick and fast about how the chief minister had been rescued. Faced with a barrage of queries, finance minister K Rosiah called a press conference to deny that Reddy had been found.
Later in the day, chief secretary Ramakanth Reddy said two IAF helicopters from Bangalore and one private chopper from Krishnapatnam in Nellore district scoured the area but found no sign of the CM's chopper. "Earlier, two IAF choppers from Hakimpet had set out but had to return halfway because of the inclement weather. The state has now deployed an aircraft belonging to the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) which is operating throughout Monday night at a height of 1.5 km over the forest area where the helicopter was last sighted," the chief secretary said.
Teams which entered the Nallamalla forests during the day on foot had to return because of adverse weather conditions. "We went upto 20 km into the forest but had to return as the rivers are in spate," K Subba Reddy, a local resident of Velgodu village, told TOI over phone after returning to the village.
Late on Wednesday night, hundreds of Greyhound personnel, raised to fight Naxals, moved into the Nallamalla forest riding on tractors borrowed from Nallakaluva village in Kurnool district as part of the search operations. Officials from the revenue and forest departments, AP Special Police and tribals were also pressed into service, the chief secretary said.
Race against time: missing since Wednesday morning
8.38am: Chopper takes off from Hyderabad for Chittoor (approx 500 km), where YSR was to launch mass contact plan. Accompanied by principal secy S Subrahmanyam & chief security officer ASC Wesley
9.35am: Copter declared missing. Last known coordinates: 168°, 79 nautical miles from Hyderabad. Around 10.15am, private choppers pressed into search operations
1.30pm : Defence Chetak choppers join search but are forced to return within an hour because of bad weather
2.30pm: 2 IAF MI-8 choppers mobilized. Dornier and Avro planes called in. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle put on stand-by
5.30pm: 5 companies of CRPF (600 men) enter Nallamala forest with night vision devices. By sunset, 20 teams, including 3 columns of Army, state police (including anti-Naxal squads), forest and revenue officials enter 1,000 sqkm area
Primitive tribe of Chenchus, who hunt with bows and arrows, approached for assistance
6.30pm: Chopper search called off due to poor light & bad weather. After sundown, IAF’s Sukhoi-30 MKI with thermal imaging devices used
Soon after the chopper lost contact, multiple agencies of the state launched a massive hunt for possible wreckage in the desolate terrain. By evening, it expanded into the country's biggest-ever search operation with satellites in the sky joining remote sensing aircraft, fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, troops on the ground and even barefoot deer-hunting tribals with bows and arrows. The Air Force pressed its topline Sukhoi 30 MKI into a night search and flew in Dornier and Avro reconnaissance aircraft. US ambassador to India Tim Roemer and Union home minister P Chidambaram spoke several times through the evening and the US volunteered to provide information picked up by its satellites.
The search operation is now focussed on a 5 km radius, news channels reported early Thursday morning. Rains and bad weather are hampering the search operation.
It was a flight that should not have taken off at all. The Met office had forecast not only heavy rainfall but the likelihood of fierce lightning and thunderstorms. But the 60-year-old politician was adamant. He was to kickstart a new village mass-contact programme called Rachabanda from Chittoor district (better known for housing the Tirupati temple) at 10.30am and there was no way that he was missing his appointment.
The Bell 430 took off at 8.38am from Begumpet airport, not more than 2km from Reddy's residence, on its 500-km journey. For about 30 minutes, things were fine and the pilot was in touch with the air traffic control (ATC). But soon after entering the space over the Nallamalla forests, it ran into problems. Rain was thick and visibility was zero. What happened thereafter remains a mystery so far but in all probability, the helicopter went down. The helicopter was last in contact with the ATC at 9.12am. The chopper had fuel to fly for 2.45 hours, enough to make it to Chittoor.
Apart from Reddy, the chopper was carrying principal secretary to CM S Subrahmanyam and YSR's chief security officer ASC Wesley. The craft was being piloted by group captain S K Bhatia and captain M S Reddy.
"It was last sighted by villagers between Atmakur and Bandiatmakur close to Rollapenta entering the Nallamalla forests from Kurnool district towards Prakasam district between 9.15 am and 9.30 am," chief secretary P Ramakanth Reddy said.
In New Delhi, there was a flurry of activity in the Congress and the home ministry went into a tizzy, setting in motion all emergency procedures possible. Minister of state for defence P Raju said the emergency locating transmitter (ELT) had not been activated and this gave hope that the chopper had made a safe landing.
What is causing immense worry is that Nallamalla, or 'Black Hills' in Telugu, is a dense, hilly, forest that is an extension of the Eastern Ghats. It was once the main area of operation for AP Naxals and armed cadres are still suspected to be hiding out in the forest camps. But what is known for sure is that the forest is tiger territory.
"For the last three days, the forest region has seen heavy rains and zero visibility. The Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers are overflowing and the Srisailam reservoir is full. The area is full of water," A V Rao, a Kurnool resident, told TOI. The area is sparsely populated with Chenchu tribals. "It is an inaccessible area with no cellphone towers, radio signals," Rao added. Strangely enough for a helicopter carrying the chief minister, the Bell 430 did not have a satellite phone connection.
Alarm bells started ringing in the state government headquarters from mid-day but police parties which were sent out drew a blank as they could not venture out too far in pouring rain. Meanwhile, the rumour mill was active with stories flying thick and fast about how the chief minister had been rescued. Faced with a barrage of queries, finance minister K Rosiah called a press conference to deny that Reddy had been found.
Later in the day, chief secretary Ramakanth Reddy said two IAF helicopters from Bangalore and one private chopper from Krishnapatnam in Nellore district scoured the area but found no sign of the CM's chopper. "Earlier, two IAF choppers from Hakimpet had set out but had to return halfway because of the inclement weather. The state has now deployed an aircraft belonging to the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) which is operating throughout Monday night at a height of 1.5 km over the forest area where the helicopter was last sighted," the chief secretary said.
Teams which entered the Nallamalla forests during the day on foot had to return because of adverse weather conditions. "We went upto 20 km into the forest but had to return as the rivers are in spate," K Subba Reddy, a local resident of Velgodu village, told TOI over phone after returning to the village.
Late on Wednesday night, hundreds of Greyhound personnel, raised to fight Naxals, moved into the Nallamalla forest riding on tractors borrowed from Nallakaluva village in Kurnool district as part of the search operations. Officials from the revenue and forest departments, AP Special Police and tribals were also pressed into service, the chief secretary said.
Race against time: missing since Wednesday morning
8.38am: Chopper takes off from Hyderabad for Chittoor (approx 500 km), where YSR was to launch mass contact plan. Accompanied by principal secy S Subrahmanyam & chief security officer ASC Wesley
9.35am: Copter declared missing. Last known coordinates: 168°, 79 nautical miles from Hyderabad. Around 10.15am, private choppers pressed into search operations
1.30pm : Defence Chetak choppers join search but are forced to return within an hour because of bad weather
2.30pm: 2 IAF MI-8 choppers mobilized. Dornier and Avro planes called in. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle put on stand-by
5.30pm: 5 companies of CRPF (600 men) enter Nallamala forest with night vision devices. By sunset, 20 teams, including 3 columns of Army, state police (including anti-Naxal squads), forest and revenue officials enter 1,000 sqkm area
Primitive tribe of Chenchus, who hunt with bows and arrows, approached for assistance
6.30pm: Chopper search called off due to poor light & bad weather. After sundown, IAF’s Sukhoi-30 MKI with thermal imaging devices used
AP student dies in car accident in US
A 22-year-old student from Hyderabad was killed in a freak car accident in the US. Naresh Dacha, first year MS (EE) student at Wright State University, was driving from his home to the university on Monday morning along with his friend Varun when his car hit a tree on Route 22 in Dayton, Ohio. The incident happened around 5.30 am when Naresh hit the tree in an effort to save a cat.
Varun, who was in the front passenger's seat, is safe with minor injuries, said Prasad Thotakura, president-elect of Telugu Association of North America (TANA)."We have informed the parents of Naresh. We are making all the necessary arrangements to send the body of Naresh to Hyderabad as soon as possible," Thotakura said.
Naresh completed his BTech from Arora Engineering College, Bhuvangiri, Nalgonda district in 2008 and joined Wright State University in January 2009. He is survived by his parents and brother who live in Hyderabad. "It is very sad to see a young bright student losing his life in a freak, horrific accident. Bhaskar Dacha, father of Naresh, was in a great shock seeking TANA help to send Naresh's body to Hyderabad to pay last respects to his beloved son," said Jayaram Komati, president, TANA.
Varun, who was in the front passenger's seat, is safe with minor injuries, said Prasad Thotakura, president-elect of Telugu Association of North America (TANA)."We have informed the parents of Naresh. We are making all the necessary arrangements to send the body of Naresh to Hyderabad as soon as possible," Thotakura said.
Naresh completed his BTech from Arora Engineering College, Bhuvangiri, Nalgonda district in 2008 and joined Wright State University in January 2009. He is survived by his parents and brother who live in Hyderabad. "It is very sad to see a young bright student losing his life in a freak, horrific accident. Bhaskar Dacha, father of Naresh, was in a great shock seeking TANA help to send Naresh's body to Hyderabad to pay last respects to his beloved son," said Jayaram Komati, president, TANA.
Indian cricketers dominate 2009 ICC awards list
India's recent superb run in Test and one-day cricket on Wednesday reflected in the ICC's annual awards nominations as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was listed in three categories for honour.
Dhoni was nominated for ICC Cricketer of the Year, Test Player of the Year and ODI Player of the Year awards.
Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh were the other Indian nominees for the prestigious Cricketer of the Year award.
VVS Laxman joined the trio of Dhoni, Gambhir and Harbhajan to be in the line for the Test Player of the Year award while Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag were also in the fray for the honour of ODI Player of the Year.
Dhoni has already been the ODI Player of the Year in 2008 besides being named in the ODI Team of the Year.
Zaheer Khan was nominated for Twenty20 Performer of the Year award while Amit Mishra will be vying for the honour in the Emerging Player of the year category as Indians led the overall nominations for the award.
Mithali Raj was nominated for the Women's Cricketer of the year award.
The nominations were announced by dashing Indian opener Virender Sehwag and former captain Ravi Shastri in the presence of International Cricket Council Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat while the awards will be presented on October 1 in Johannesburg, South Africa during the Champions Trophy.
The nominations were based on performances from August 13, 2008 to August 24, 2009 and were selected by a five-member selection panel, headed by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd.
The panel also included former India Test captain Anil Kumble, Mudassar Nazar of Pakistan, Bob Taylor of England and New Zealand's Stephen Fleming.
The awards include eight individual prizes and also features the selection of the Test and ODI Teams of the Year and the award to the side that has adhered most to the Spirit of Cricket.
Besides Dhoni, Tillakaratne Dilshan has also been nominated in three different categories, while 18 players make appearance in two distinct categories in the sixth edition of the awards.
The individual player awards will be selected by an academy of 25 highly credentialed cricket personalities from around the world.
The academy includes a host of former players and respected members of the media, representatives of the Emirates Elite Panels of ICC Umpires and ICC Match Referees.
The nominations for Women's Cricketer of the Year were decided after a committee of former players, current administrators and journalists created a long-list. The Spirit of Cricket Award was voted on by all international captains as well as all members of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.
The Umpire of the Year Award was voted on by the captains and the match referees based on the umpires' performance statistics.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
[Lists of nominees (in alphabetical order)]
Cricketer of the Year:
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI), Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind), Gautam Gambhir (Ind), Saqib Al Hasan (Ban), Mitchell Johnson (Aus), Graham Onions (Eng), Thilan Samaraweera (SL), Kumar Sangakkara (SL), Harbhajan Singh (Ind), Graeme Smith (SA), Andrew Strauss (Eng), Daniel Vettori (NZ), AB de Villiers (SA)
Test Player of the Year:
Stuart Broad (Eng), Michael Clarke (Aus), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind), Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL), Gautam Gambhir (Ind), Saqib Al Hasan (Ban), Mitchell Johnson (Aus), VVS Laxman (Ind), Jesse Ryder (NZ), Thilan Samaraweera (SL), Ramnaresh Sarwan (WI), Peter Siddle (Aus), Harbhajan Singh (Ind), Graeme Smith (SA), Dale Steyn (SA), Andrew Strauss (Eng), Graeme Swann (Eng), Daniel Vettori (NZ), AB de Villiers (SA).
ODI Player of the Year:
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind), Andrew Flintoff (Eng), Chris Gayle (WI), Umar Gul (Pak), Martin Guptill (NZ), Michael Hussey (Aus), Nuwan Kulasekara (SL), Ajantha Mendis (SL), Muttiah Muralidaran (SL), Yuvraj Singh (Ind), Virender Sehwag (Ind), Thilan Thushara (SL)
Emerging Player: Martin Guptill (NZ), Ben Hilfenhaus (Aus), Philip Hughes (Aus), Amit Mishra (Ind), Graham Onions (Eng), Kemar Roach (WI), Jesse Ryder (NZ), Peter Siddle (Aus)
Twenty20 International Performance of the Year:
Shahid Afridi (Pak), Saeed Ajmal (Pak), Dwayne Bravo (WI), Alex Cusack (Ire), Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL), Chris Gayle (WI), Umar Gul (Pak), David Hussey (Aus), Sanath Jayasuriya (SL), Zaheer Khan (Ind), Ajantha Mendis (SL), Wayne Parnell (SA), Abdur Razzak (Ban), David Warner (Aus).
Women's Cricketer of the Year:
Suzie Bates (NZ), Holly Colvin (Eng), Charlotte Edwards (Eng), Laura Marsh (Eng), Sana Mir (Pak), Shelley Nitschke (Aus), Mithali Raj (Ind), Karen Rolton (Aus), Priyanka Roy (Ind), Lisa Sthalekar (Aus), Claire Taylor (Eng), Sarah Taylor (Eng), Stafanie Taylor (WI), Haidee Tiffin (NZ), Aimee Watkins (NZ)
Umpire of the Year:
Billy Bowden, Aleem Dar, Steve Davis, Ian Gould, Tony Hill, Daryl Harper, Asad Rauf, Simon Taufel.
Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year:
Rizwan Cheema (Can), Khurram Chohan (Can), Alex Cusack (Ire), Ryan ten Doeschate (Ned), Trent Johnston (Ire) Neil McCallum (Sco), Kevin O'Brien (Ire), Niall O¿Brien (Ire), William Porterfield (Ire), Boyd Rankin (Ire), Edgar Schiferli (Ned), Steve Tikolo (Ken), Regan West (Ire), Bas Zuiderent (Ned).
Dhoni was nominated for ICC Cricketer of the Year, Test Player of the Year and ODI Player of the Year awards.
Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh were the other Indian nominees for the prestigious Cricketer of the Year award.
VVS Laxman joined the trio of Dhoni, Gambhir and Harbhajan to be in the line for the Test Player of the Year award while Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag were also in the fray for the honour of ODI Player of the Year.
Dhoni has already been the ODI Player of the Year in 2008 besides being named in the ODI Team of the Year.
Zaheer Khan was nominated for Twenty20 Performer of the Year award while Amit Mishra will be vying for the honour in the Emerging Player of the year category as Indians led the overall nominations for the award.
Mithali Raj was nominated for the Women's Cricketer of the year award.
The nominations were announced by dashing Indian opener Virender Sehwag and former captain Ravi Shastri in the presence of International Cricket Council Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat while the awards will be presented on October 1 in Johannesburg, South Africa during the Champions Trophy.
The nominations were based on performances from August 13, 2008 to August 24, 2009 and were selected by a five-member selection panel, headed by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd.
The panel also included former India Test captain Anil Kumble, Mudassar Nazar of Pakistan, Bob Taylor of England and New Zealand's Stephen Fleming.
The awards include eight individual prizes and also features the selection of the Test and ODI Teams of the Year and the award to the side that has adhered most to the Spirit of Cricket.
Besides Dhoni, Tillakaratne Dilshan has also been nominated in three different categories, while 18 players make appearance in two distinct categories in the sixth edition of the awards.
The individual player awards will be selected by an academy of 25 highly credentialed cricket personalities from around the world.
The academy includes a host of former players and respected members of the media, representatives of the Emirates Elite Panels of ICC Umpires and ICC Match Referees.
The nominations for Women's Cricketer of the Year were decided after a committee of former players, current administrators and journalists created a long-list. The Spirit of Cricket Award was voted on by all international captains as well as all members of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.
The Umpire of the Year Award was voted on by the captains and the match referees based on the umpires' performance statistics.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
[Lists of nominees (in alphabetical order)]
Cricketer of the Year:
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI), Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind), Gautam Gambhir (Ind), Saqib Al Hasan (Ban), Mitchell Johnson (Aus), Graham Onions (Eng), Thilan Samaraweera (SL), Kumar Sangakkara (SL), Harbhajan Singh (Ind), Graeme Smith (SA), Andrew Strauss (Eng), Daniel Vettori (NZ), AB de Villiers (SA)
Test Player of the Year:
Stuart Broad (Eng), Michael Clarke (Aus), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind), Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL), Gautam Gambhir (Ind), Saqib Al Hasan (Ban), Mitchell Johnson (Aus), VVS Laxman (Ind), Jesse Ryder (NZ), Thilan Samaraweera (SL), Ramnaresh Sarwan (WI), Peter Siddle (Aus), Harbhajan Singh (Ind), Graeme Smith (SA), Dale Steyn (SA), Andrew Strauss (Eng), Graeme Swann (Eng), Daniel Vettori (NZ), AB de Villiers (SA).
ODI Player of the Year:
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Ind), Andrew Flintoff (Eng), Chris Gayle (WI), Umar Gul (Pak), Martin Guptill (NZ), Michael Hussey (Aus), Nuwan Kulasekara (SL), Ajantha Mendis (SL), Muttiah Muralidaran (SL), Yuvraj Singh (Ind), Virender Sehwag (Ind), Thilan Thushara (SL)
Emerging Player: Martin Guptill (NZ), Ben Hilfenhaus (Aus), Philip Hughes (Aus), Amit Mishra (Ind), Graham Onions (Eng), Kemar Roach (WI), Jesse Ryder (NZ), Peter Siddle (Aus)
Twenty20 International Performance of the Year:
Shahid Afridi (Pak), Saeed Ajmal (Pak), Dwayne Bravo (WI), Alex Cusack (Ire), Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL), Chris Gayle (WI), Umar Gul (Pak), David Hussey (Aus), Sanath Jayasuriya (SL), Zaheer Khan (Ind), Ajantha Mendis (SL), Wayne Parnell (SA), Abdur Razzak (Ban), David Warner (Aus).
Women's Cricketer of the Year:
Suzie Bates (NZ), Holly Colvin (Eng), Charlotte Edwards (Eng), Laura Marsh (Eng), Sana Mir (Pak), Shelley Nitschke (Aus), Mithali Raj (Ind), Karen Rolton (Aus), Priyanka Roy (Ind), Lisa Sthalekar (Aus), Claire Taylor (Eng), Sarah Taylor (Eng), Stafanie Taylor (WI), Haidee Tiffin (NZ), Aimee Watkins (NZ)
Umpire of the Year:
Billy Bowden, Aleem Dar, Steve Davis, Ian Gould, Tony Hill, Daryl Harper, Asad Rauf, Simon Taufel.
Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year:
Rizwan Cheema (Can), Khurram Chohan (Can), Alex Cusack (Ire), Ryan ten Doeschate (Ned), Trent Johnston (Ire) Neil McCallum (Sco), Kevin O'Brien (Ire), Niall O¿Brien (Ire), William Porterfield (Ire), Boyd Rankin (Ire), Edgar Schiferli (Ned), Steve Tikolo (Ken), Regan West (Ire), Bas Zuiderent (Ned).
Obama hosts Iftaar at White House; praises Islam
US President Barack Obama praised Islam and American Muslims during an Iftaar party hosted by him at the White House and said he was committed to build a better relationship between the US and Muslim world. "Together, we have a responsibility to foster engagement grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect. And that's one of my fundamental commitments as President, both at home and abroad," Obama said at the Iftaar, the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, last evening - his first at the White House. "That is central to the new beginning that I've sought between the United States and Muslims around the world. And that is a commitment that we can renew once again during this holy season," Obama said before a host of diplomats including Indian Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar, lawmakers, his cabinet colleagues and eminent American Muslim leaders.
"Tonight, we celebrate a great religion, and its commitment to justice and progress. We honour the contributions of America's Muslims, and the positive example that so many of them set through their own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to the work of building a better and more hopeful world," he said. Ramadan, a month long period of prayer, reflection and sunrise-to-sunset fasts, began on August 22 in most of the Islamic world. Nearly two dozen Ambassadors were invited to attend the White House Iftaar wherein the menu included dates, kitchen garden green salad, spiced marcona almonds, Charlie's honey vinaigrette, organic chicken, potato and leek puree, late summer peas, kataifi wafers, oranges and lemon sorbet.
Quoting from one of the statements of the legendary American boxer Muhammad Ali, the US President said: "Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams -- they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do - they all contain truths." They all contain truths, Obama said. Among those truths are the pursuit of peace and the dignity of all human beings. That must always form the basis upon which we find common ground, he said. "And that is why I am so pleased that we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding Muslim Americans and representatives of the diplomatic corps, but people of many faiths -- Christians, Jews, and Hindus -- along with so many prominent Muslims," Obama said.
White House dinners marking the holy month are nothing new. Former President George W Bush held Iftaars during his eight years in office.
"Tonight, we celebrate a great religion, and its commitment to justice and progress. We honour the contributions of America's Muslims, and the positive example that so many of them set through their own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to the work of building a better and more hopeful world," he said. Ramadan, a month long period of prayer, reflection and sunrise-to-sunset fasts, began on August 22 in most of the Islamic world. Nearly two dozen Ambassadors were invited to attend the White House Iftaar wherein the menu included dates, kitchen garden green salad, spiced marcona almonds, Charlie's honey vinaigrette, organic chicken, potato and leek puree, late summer peas, kataifi wafers, oranges and lemon sorbet.
Quoting from one of the statements of the legendary American boxer Muhammad Ali, the US President said: "Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams -- they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do - they all contain truths." They all contain truths, Obama said. Among those truths are the pursuit of peace and the dignity of all human beings. That must always form the basis upon which we find common ground, he said. "And that is why I am so pleased that we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding Muslim Americans and representatives of the diplomatic corps, but people of many faiths -- Christians, Jews, and Hindus -- along with so many prominent Muslims," Obama said.
White House dinners marking the holy month are nothing new. Former President George W Bush held Iftaars during his eight years in office.
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