Thursday, July 3, 2014

US names mountain after an Indian-American scientist

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US names mountain after an Indian-American scientist
The United States has named a mountain in Antarctia in honour of an eminent Indian-American scientist whose pioneering biological research expedition has provided critical data about animal populations.
Akhouri Sinha, adjunct professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development at the University of Minnesota, was recognised by the US Geological Survey, which named the mountain Mt Sinha, for his work he did as an explorer in 1971-72
. Sinha was a member of a team that catalogued population studies of seals, whales and birds in the pack ice of the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas using US Coast Guard Cutters Southwind and Glaciers in 1972 and 1974.
The mountain was named by Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) and the US Geological Survey.
Mt Sinha, a mountain (990 m) at the southeast extremity of Erickson Bluffs in the south part of McDonald Heights, overlooks lower Kirkpatrick Glacier from the north in Marie Byrd Land.
“Anyone can see the Mt Sinha, Antarctica on Google.com or Bing.com,” Sinha said in an interview.
“Show to the world that you are capable, don’t be afraid to contact people out in the field today, and grab every opportunity,” he said.
Sinha, who graduated with a BSc degree from the Allahabad University in 1954 and MSc degree in Zoology from the Patna University in 1956, said he was invited to conduct research on reproduction of Antarctic seals by the National Science Foundation Antarctic Program.
He also taught in the Department of Zoology at the Ranchi College from November 1956 to July 1961, before coming to the US.
“I went to Antarctica on two expeditions lasting for about 22 weeks on the US Coast Guard cutters, Southwind and Glacier, during 1972 and 1974, respectively,” said Sinha, who has published over 100 papers and has been teaching graduate level courses for almost 25 years.
Sinha says his forefathers migrated to Buxar in Bihar from Delhi after Nadir Shah of Iran invaded Delhi in 1739.
“I go to my village (Churamanpur) almost every year, preferably in February to escape Minnesota winter and to visit relatives and village friends and others.


 

Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus

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On the occasion of celebration of Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus, which is officially observed on the 3rd July, Ambassador of Belarus in India, H.E. Mr. Vitaly A. Prima held a reception on 2nd July 2014 at Hyatt Hotel in New Delhi. Dignitaries from various embassies including Ambassador of Tajikistan in India HE Saidbeg Saidove, Second Secretary Bayasgalan Naranzul in Embassy of Mongolia in India, Ambassador of Russia, Zambia, Korea were present. Diplomats, politicians and media too joined the party with sumptuous dinner and cocktails.
Belarus is building its own unique model of market economy, the main values of which are:
  • focus on the person,
  • social security,
  • effective government regulation,
  • high technology,
  • resource and energy efficiency,
  • competitiveness,
  • developed entrepreneurship,
  • market infrastructure.


 

Russian president’s visit to Belarus over

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MINSK, 2 July – President of Russia Vladimir Putin visit to Minsk is now overofficial media reports.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko personally saw off the Russian leader in the National Airport Minsk.
On 2 July Vladimir Putin took part in the opening ceremony of the new premises of the Belarusian State Museum of Great Patriotic War History. A bilateral meeting of the presidents of Belarus and Russia also took place in Minsk. Various aspects of cooperation between the two countries were discussed.
Russian and Belarusian heads of state laid wreaths at the monument in Victory Square.


 

600 Indians out of Iraq, more on their way: MEA

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Nearly 600 Indians out of Iraq, more on their way: MEAUpdated on : 02-07-2014 09:36 PM
Nearly 600 Indians have left conflict-hit Iraq after being facilitated by the External Affairs Ministry and about 900 more are to follow even as the Indian embassy in Baghdad was in touch with the 46 nurses stuck in Tikrit who are safe and unharmed.
“By our estimation, the facilitation phase has now gathered pace. We have provided tickets to approximately 530 nationals. Their seats have been booked on commercial flights. In addition, we are processing the documentation of another 850 persons,” the Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Asked about the condition of the nurses who have taken refuge in the basement of their hospital after bombing and firing took place in the vicinity of the building, the Spokesperson said that the Indian Ambassador spoke to them and they remain safe and unharmed.
About the other captives in the conflict zones, he said the understanding was that they are safe.
Giving details of issuance of travel documents to Indians, he said in terms of passports being processed in different locations in Iraq, the largest number are from Najaf.
“Currently, there are 350 passports that are being processed for Indian nationals from Najaf, 290 from Karbala, 190 from Basra and a little bit from Baghdad also. In Baghdad, there is no backlog because we have an embassy there and so all the work that is there is up to date,” the Spokesperson said.
He said seats continue to be available on commercial flights so the ministry was making use of these to fly back Indian nationals to the nearest international airports.
Iraq is witnessing serious strife with Sunni militants, backed by al Qaida, capturing two key cities and marching towards Baghdad.
Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have been displaced in the fighting that broke out on 10th June.
When asked about reports that ISIS has declared holy war against India along with many other countries, the Spokesperson downplayed the reports saying India was in safe hands.
The Spokesperson also noted that there was a curfew in Karbala after a religious strife.


 

Army Chief holds talks with top brass of China’s PLA

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Army Chief General Bikram Singh, who is in China on a four-day official visit, held talks with People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui on Tuesday.
The Indian army chief’s visit to China comes after a nine year gap. The then army chief Gen N C Viz had visited China in 2005.
Later in the day, Gen Singh is scheduled to meet Vice Chairman of China’s Military Commission Gen. Fan Changlong, the all powerful body headed by President Xi Jinping which controls all wings of the armed forces. Gen.
Singh, also the Chairman of the tri-services Chiefs of Staff Committee, is scheduled to meet Vice President Li Yuanchao besides Vice Executive Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui.
On Wednesday he is due to address cadets of the National Defence University and later travel to Shanghai on July 5 where he would visit a Chinese naval ship.
Commenting on Gen. Singh’s visit, the PLA said it is of “great significance” as it aimed at strengthening high-level strategic communication and mutual trust between the two militaries. The visit is of great significance as it contributes to healthy and steady development of Sino-Indian relations as well as the ties between the two armed forces and create a good atmosphere, the Chinese Defence Ministry said.
Relations between the two armies, the regional security situation besides the issues of common concern and exchanges will come up for discussion between Gen. Singh and the Chinese military officials, the ministry said.
The two sides will implement consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries to strengthen border exchanges and cooperation between the two armies to jointly safeguard the peace and tranquillity in the border areas, it added.
Gen. Singh’s visit is an important event in this year’s planned military exchanges under the ongoing ‘Sino – Indian Friendship Exchange Year’, it said.
His visit comes after the just concluded tour of Vice President Hamid Ansari and ahead of the first meeting between Chinese President Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brazil later this month.


 

AIRASIA X LANDS IN XIÁN!!!

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CELEBRATES FIRST FLIGHT INTO XIÁN, SOLIDIFYING ITS PRESENCE IN CHINA
Offering guests promotional inaugural launch fares from as low as MYR199* (CNY588*) from Kuala Lumpur
Photo Caption: Azran Osman-Rani the CEO of AirAsia X flanked by Terracotta Warriors revealing the Xi’an Inaugural fare
XIÁN, 3 July 2014- AirAsia X, the long-haul, low fare affiliate of the AirAsia Group touched down XiÁn, Xianyang International Airport International Airport at 23:20pm yesterday from Kuala Lumpur marking its inaugural flight into XiÁn from Kuala Lumpur.
XiÁn is the airline’s 5th destination in China after Hangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai. AirAsia X will commence 4 weekly flights into XiÁn, China from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and will be the only airline servicing direct flights between the two cities. The arrival of AirAsia X into XiÁn will further expand the airlines reach in North Asia.
AirAsia X officially celebrated the inaugural launch at Tang Dynasty West Market Hotel today with the attendance of AirAsia X’s Chief Executive Officer, Azran Osman-Rani and Director, Dato’ Fam Lee Ee. Also present were the Deputy Director of Tourism Section of the Embassy, Mr. Rohaiza Haris, The Director of the Primary Industries Department of Municipal Development and reform Commission of Shan Xi Province, Ms. Ma Li and the Chief Marketing Officer of XiÁn Xianyang International Airport, Mr. Fu LiSheng, representatives from tourism bodies, Xianyang airport, and business associates including members of the media.
To commemorate this special occasion, AirAsia X will be offering promotional fares to XiÁn from Kuala Lumpur from as low as MYR199* (CNY588)* on Economy and from just MYR699* (CNY1499*) on its Business Class. The fares are available for online bookings from now to 13 July, 2014 for immediate travel between now and 31 March, 2015. For more details, log on to http://www.airasia.com.
Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said, “I am pleased to announce that AirAsia X is the first airline that flies direct into XiÁn. Adding XiÁn into our ever growing network in China proves our commitment in our growth strategies in the Asia Pacific region and will further expand the airlines reach in North Asia. The airline has in total carried 2.7 million passengers to date into/from China from Kuala Lumpur with an average passenger load of 82%. With XiÁn added on our network, we expect to see our total revenue increase to over 17% with more than 1 million guests flying into/from our China routes from Kuala Lumpur this year.”
“With the addition of the 8th Wonder of the World; XiÁn to the AirAsia X family, guests may now discover more exotic and exciting destinations in China and similarly guests from XiÁn and its surrounding region may tap onto our strong group network to discover South East Asia and beyond” Azran concluded.
XiÁn has always been a global destination and attract visitors from all over the world and thou more famous as the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta warriors of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has a lot more historical culture to offer. Attractions include the discovery site of The Lantian Man, and the Great Wild Goose Pagoda which was built to store the translations of Buddhist sutras obtained from India. XiÁn also has a famous Muslim Quarter where guest can experience the Chinese Muslim food, learn about Chinese Islamic culture and visit China’s biggest and oldest mosque a. Nature lovers can also opt for a hiking tour up the Green Dragon Ridge, to take in breath taking views of the surrounding areas.
AirAsia X was the first long-haul, low fare carrier to introduce Business Class Premium Flatbed seats, which have standard business class specifications of 20″ width, 60″ pitch and stretch out to 77″ in full recline position.
The Business Class Premium Flatbed seats feature universal power sockets, adjustable headrests and built-in personal utilities such as tray table, drink holder, reading light and privacy screen. Business class guests also enjoy premium complimentary products and services including Pick A Seat, Priority Check-in, Priority Boarding, Priority Baggage, 25kg Baggage Allowance, Complimentary Meal and Pillow & Duvet.


 

यमुना जागरण अभियान पर विहिप ने दी शुभकामनाएँ

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नई दिल्ली जुलाई 02, 2014. जागरण समूह द्वारा आज प्रारम्भ किए गए यमुना हिंडन बचाओ अभियान पर विश्व हिँदु परिषद दिल्ली के महा मंत्री श्री ऱाम कृष्ण श्रीवास्तव ने शुभ कामनाएं देते हुए अभियान की चहुँ-मुखी सफलता हेतु समस्त दिल्ली व एन सी आर वासियों से जुट जाने की अपील की है।
दिल्ली के यमुना घाट पर यात्रा से पूर्व यमुना पूजन व रथ क़ो हऱी झंडी दिखाने के बाद विहिप दिल्ली के मीडिया प्रमुख़ श्री विनोद बंसल ने कहा कि यमुना दिल्ली के शरीर रूप में बह रहे रक्त के समान है जिसके दूषित होने पर होने वाले खतरों को हम भली भॉँति जानते हैं। इस रक्त रूपी जल को अविलम्ब शुद्ध किया जाना दिल्ली के स्वास्थ्य व अध्यात्मिक दृष्टि से नितांत आवश्यक है। उन्होंने आशा व्यक्त की कि जागरण परिवार द्वारा प्रारम्भ किया जा रहा यह जागरण अभियान नागरिकों को जागरूक कर व्यापक जन जागृति खड़ा कर यमुना जी के माध्यम से पतित पावनी माँ गंगा को भी निर्मल बनाने में मील का पत्त्थर साबित होगा।
राजघाट स्थित हरिहर उदासीन आश्रम में रथ यात्रा का स्वागत कर कलश पूजन करते हुए यमुना घाटवासी युवा सँत व विहिंप के चान्दनी चौक जिला-मंत्री श्री मंगल पाण्डे ने कहा कि हम सभी लोग अब यमुना मैया कि रक्षार्थ जुटेंगे और लोगों को इस अभियान से जोड़ेंगे।
धन्यवाद
भवदीय
विनोद बंसल


 

AAP: Electricity tariff hike will be resisted at all costs

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From: Media Cell AAP1 Wed, 2 Jul ’14 4:54p
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Show full Headers
Wednesday, July 2
The Aam Aadmi Party warns the BJP-led NDA’s central government against trying any misadventure of hiking electricity tarrifs in Delhi, since any such move will be met with stiff resistance by the people.
The Narendra Modi government, which is controlling the national capital indirectly, will be solely responsible for this anti-people and blatantly pro-corporate decision, in case the tarrif hike announcement is made next week.
The BJP cannot fool the people and go back on its repeated election promise of bringing down the electricity tariffs in Delhi by 30%.
Modi government has no right to humiliate the overwhelming verdict in favour of lowering the electricity tariffs in the existing Delhi assembly, in which 60 MLAs in the 70-member assembly were elected on the promise of slashing the electricity tarrifs, which had been systematically increased by the Shiela Dikshit government in collusion with private power distribution companies (discoms) over the last decade.
The BJP can no longer rely on the old excuse used by the Congress that tariffs are fixed by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), and the government has no role in it.
Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government had dispelled this wrong notion by having implemented its election promise of slashing the electricity tariffs by 50% within 72 hours of coming to power.
If the AAP government could implement its promise within hours of assuming office, why is the BJP silent on its promise even more than five weeks after it assumed control of Delhi through backdoor ?
Why is the union power minister Mr Piyush Goyal and his ministry so reluctant to give a clear message to the DERC that it would be highly improper to hike electricity tariffs at a time when the account books of discoms are being audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General to ascertain whether any records have been fudged ?
Can the BJP set the record straight by publicly stating how its stand is any different from the Congress on the issue of dealing with discoms which have been looting the people of Delhi since a decade ?
The AAP is of the clear view that the BJP is forcing the people of Delhi to take to streets by imposing a completely unjustified decision, which must be stopped at all costs.
Regards
AAP Media Cell

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