Netinfoblog

12th Exam Time Table

2009-12-16T22:05:00.001+05:30

Second PUC exam time-table for 2010

Second PU exams from March 18

BANGALORE,DHNS: The Department of Pre-University Education has released the timetable for the second PUC examination for 2010. The examinations will be held from March 18 to March 31.

The examinations will be conducted in two sessions, morning session from 9 am to 12.15pm and the afternoon session from 2 pm to 5.15 pm.

The first papers of the 2010 examinations will be Chemistry and Accountancy followed on March 19. Students have the benefit of a Sunday for the Mathematics paper which is scheduled for March 22.

Second PUC exam time-table for 2010

DATE MORNING SESSION AFTERNOON SESSION

(9.00am-12.15 noon) (2.00 pm to 5.15pm)

March18 Chemistry Accountancy

March 19 Kannada Tamil Malayalam Marathi Arabic French

March 20 Political Science Basic Maths

March 22 Mathematics Geography

March 23 Economics Geology

March 24 Physics Karnataka music Education Hindustani Music Psychology

March 25 Business studies Logic Home Science

March 26 Biology Optional Kannada

March 27 Sociology Statistics

March 29 English

March 30 History Electronics Computer Science

March 31 Hindi Telugu Urdu Sanskrit

-- Deccan Herald

Republic Day SMS

2009-01-26T00:31:00.000+05:30

Lets celebrate and solute the noble cause,
Its our nation which is shining as it was,
Its REPUBLIC DAY Today…
Don’t forget the effort, make it movement of mass !!

More at mywebdunia.com

ICAI to announce CPT results on January 16

2009-01-16T16:00:00.003+05:30

New Delhi: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is likely to announce the results of the Chartered Accountants Final, Final (New Course) Examinations, Common Proficiency Test (Paper Pencil Mode) and Common Proficiency Test (Online) held in November/December 2008 on January 16, 2009.

The merit list (candidates securing a minimum of 55 percent and above marks and up to the maximum of 50th Rank in the case of Final Examination and candidates securing a minimum of 60 percent and above marks and up to the maximum of 10th Rank in the case of Common Proficiency Test) on all India basis will also be declared on the same day.

The CPT Results will be available through NNE's portal www.ExamResults.net.

(http://www.indiaedunews.net)

ICAI - www.icai.org

2009-01-16T16:00:00.001+05:30

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) established under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy. It is one of the largest and prominent accounting body worldwide. Chartered Accountancy profession has become a challenging career at the cutting edge of trade, industry and economic growth. Chartered Accountancy is seen as a globally acclaimed profession capable of offering new vistas to young talents, a new vision to build a career and a new idea to blossom.

1. The results of Chartered Accountants Final, Final (New Course) Examinations held in November, 2008 will be declared on January 16th, 2009 around 2.00 p.m. The merit list of the candidates who have secured a minimum of 55% and above marks and up to the maximum of 50th Rank on All India basis will be available on the following website.

http://www.caresults.nic.in

2. The result of Common Proficiency Test (CPT) - Paper Pencil Mode held in December2008 will also be declared on Friday, January 16th,2009 around 2.00 p.m. The candidates securing a minimum of 60% and above marks and up to the maximum of 10th rank in CPT exams on all India basis will be available on the following website.

http://www.caresults.nic.in

The result of students of Online Common Proficiency Test (CPT) held in December, 2008 will be available on the following website:

http://icaiexam.icai.org

Further facilities have been made for the students, who have appeared for Final, Final (New Course) Examinations and Common Proficiency Test (Paper Pencil Mode) held in November/December, 2008, to know their results on SMS. This service will be available on MTNL (Dolphin and Trump), India Times and Reliance mobile phones. The details for finding the result on SMS are annexed.

http://www.icai.org

CA results declared

2009-01-16T15:59:00.002+05:30

The results of the CA exams which was held in November/December, 2008 are announced to be available Friday, January 16, ; reported on ICAI official website.

The examinations conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in November/December 2008 include Chartered Accountants Final, Final (New Course) Examinations, Common Proficiency Test (Paper Pencil Mode) and Common Proficiency Test (Online).

Candidates can also conveniently check their results through Reliance Mobile World (R World) (for those who use Reliance Mobile phones) by going through any of the four different methods ;

1. By clicking on R World> Hot N New > Exam Result and entering their Exam Roll Number. The service is charged @ Rs. 5/- per operation.

2. By sending an SMS to 51234 i.e. a.CACPT (SMS format: CACPT 000201:-CACPT -space-six digit roll no) b.CAFNL (SMS format: CAFNL 00201:-CAFNL-space-five digit roll no) c.CAFNLNW (SMS format: CAFNLNW 00201:-CAFNLNW-space-five digit roll no). The service is nominally priced @ Rs. 3/- per SMS.

3. By dialing 51234 and saying “Exams”@ Rs. 6 per minute on Dial 51234 users can get the results. (Voice Portal)

4. By visiting the Education Portal : http://caresults.nic.in/

(thaindian.com)

International toll free services for enterprise customers in India

2009-01-16T15:59:00.001+05:30

By PTI

Chennai: Leading telecom service provider Bharti Airtel has expanded its premium international toll free services to its enterprise customers in India.

These services enable enterprises offer a convenient and cost-effective way to their overseas customers from 80 countries, business partners and employees travelling abroad, to communicate with them through an international toll free number, a company press release mentioned.

The call was free for the calling party as the cost is borne by the customer ‘company’. The most significant benefit of this service for enterprises was that the cumulative billing is done in Indian Rupees, instead of expensive foreign currency, which is the case when calls are routed through international operators, it said.
Airtel is offering two types of premium international toll free services - ‘International Inbound toll free services´ (free phone acess for global users to call into India) and ‘International Outbound toll free service (free phone access for callers in India to call international destination).

“Airtel’s international toll free services can create enhanced business opportunities for our enterprise customers in India by enabling them offer easy and convenient access to their customers and parterns across the globe. With our customers going global, we provide them with every possible support to help grow their business”, the release quoted David Nishball, president (Enterprise services), Bharati Airtel as saying.

- PTI

Metallica and Run DMC for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2009)

2009-01-16T15:58:00.000+05:30

ROCK legends Metallica and ‘80s rappers Run DMC are to be inducted into the US Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

They will be joined on the 2009 list by British guitarist Jeff Beck, as well as soul singer Bobby Womack and doo-woppers Little Anthony & The Imperials, having been voted for by 600 music experts.

The induction ceremony will take place on April 4, 2009, in Cleveland, Ohio, where the Hall of Fame is located.

Commenting on the honour, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich said that he was delighted to hear the news, adding that the band had done it “our way”, adding: “27, 28 years later, we’re here!”

Run DMC supremo Darryl DMC McDaniels, meanwhile, referred to the group’s induction as “inconceivable”, adding: “I’m a rap dude. I’m an MC just rocking the mic.”

He described the feeling of being inducted alongside the likes of Bob Dylan and The Beatles as “ridiculous” but said he was deeply honoured.

Artists become eligible for inclusion in the Hall of Fame 25 years after their first recording is released.

Guitarist Jeff Beck played with The Yardbirds as well as The Jeff Beck Group in the ‘60s before pursuing a solo career, while Little Anthony & The Imperials have been singing since the ‘50s and are best-known for hits such as Tears On My Pillow and Goin’ Out Of My Head.

In addition to the main inductees, rockabilly singer Wanda Jackson will also be honoured in the early influence category, while 2009’s “sidemen inductees” include session musician Spooner Oldham and two of Elvis Presley’s musicians – drummer DJ Fontana and bassist Bill Black.

Source: http://www.indielondon.co.uk

CAT 2008 Results

2009-01-08T20:32:00.001+05:30

CAT 2008 Results

CAT 2008 Results are available at http://results.catiim.in from 9th January 2009.

APPSC: APPSC Group 2 Results Announced

2008-12-29T21:27:00.001+05:30

APPSC: APPSC Group 2 Results Announced

Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission Results

Click here for results.

www.apspsc.gov.in

appsc.ap.nic.in

Happy New Year: New Year Greetings, New Year Wishes

2008-12-26T12:49:00.000+05:30

Happy New Year: New Year Greetings, New Year Wishes

I wish you Health...

So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generousity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...
That you so well deserve.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIEND!

~ Author Unknown to me ~

H ours of happy times with friends and family
A bundant time for relaxation
P rosperity
P lenty of love when you need it the most
Y outhful excitement at lifes simple pleasures

N ights of restful slumber (you know - dont' worry be happy)
E verything you need
W ishing you love and light

Y ears and years of good health
E njoyment and mirth
A angels to watch over you
R embrances of a happy years!

~ Author Unknown to me ~

Happiness deep down within.
Serenity with each sunrise.
Success in each facet of your life.
Family beside you.
Close and caring friends.
Health, inside you.
Love that never ends.
Special memories of all the yesterdays.
A bright today with much to be thankful for.
A path that leads to beautiful tomorrows.
Dreams that do their best to come true.
Appreciation of all the wonderful things about you.

~ Author Unknown to me ~

I look to the new year and my wish for you;

Peace within your heart
Love from family and friends
Faith to guide your way
Hope to to make it through each day
Sunshine to light the day
Heavenly Stars to wish upon
Rainbows to to let you know there is a tomorrow
A tear to show compassion
A heart to hold the love
But most of all I wish for you
to feel my hand in yours,
To know I am here if you stumble or fall.
To bring you cheer, to bring you love,
to return the love you always share with me.

~ Author Unknown to me ~

Perhaps a bit wiser,
a bit kinder, too,
a little bit braver,
a heart that's more true,
a touch of believing
I've not known before,
in joys I'm receiving
a little bit more.

A little more anxious
to reach out my hand,
despite hurt or problems
to still understand,
accepting the heartache
that life often brings,
a little more beauty
in life's simple things.

A prayer when I'm weary
as onward I trod,
a little more trusting,
believing in God,
'tis this I would wish for
within moments dear,
not a lot - just a little
this wondrous new year.

~ Garnett Ann Schultz ~

Source: rosebriar.uk.com

Christmas in Washington 2008

2008-12-18T14:47:00.000+05:30

Christmas in Washington 2008

TNT is going to ring in the holidays in musical style with its annual presentation of CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON, which this

year is scheduled to feature platinum-selling, Grammy-winning Christian music group Casting Crowns, Tony-winning performer

Kristin Chenoweth, rising country star Julianne Hough, Grammy winner Darius Rucker and a cappella sensations Straight No

Chaser.

Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw are slated to host the event for the fifth consecutive year.

See full article at tnt.tv »

Tyler Hansbrough Biography

2008-12-18T02:30:00.001+05:30

Tyler Hansbrough

Andrew Tyler Hansbrough (born November 3, 1985 in Columbia, Missouri), is an American collegiate basketball player for the

North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team. Hansbrough was a unanimous selection for the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Atlantic

Coast Conference All Conference Team, 2006 ACC Freshman of the Year, and 2008 ACC Conference Player of the Year. In 2008,

Hansbrough swept all major individual honors in men's college basketball. For a North Carolina men's player to have his

jersey retired, he must win at least one of six national player of the year awards: the Associated Press, the U.S. Basketball

Writers Association, the National Association of Basketball Coaches, Sporting News, the Naismith Award and the Wooden Award,

and wait until his class has graduated. Since Hansbrough has won all six, and is returning for his senior season, he will

have his number 50 retired when he graduates from North Carolina in 2009. Hansbrough is the son of Tami Wheat and Dr. Gene

Hansbrough and brother of former Mississippi State University and future Notre Dame player Ben Hansbrough.

See full article at wikipedia »

Tyler Hansbrough's Girlfriend

2008-12-18T02:28:00.000+05:30

Tyler Hansbrough's Girlfriend

Does Tyler Hansbrough have a girlfriend?

Yes he does, her name is Christy Wilson and she lives in Lincoln County:)
He loves her very much!

See full article at wiki.answers.com »

Atlantis Airline Missing with 11 people on board

2008-12-17T00:06:00.001+05:30

Atlantis Airline Missing with 11 people on board

Soon after taking off, a plane en route to New York sent a distress call, but it quickly went missing, authorities said Tuesday.

The aircraft sent an emergency signal before disappearing from the radar 35 minutes after taking off from the Dominican Republic at about 3:30 p.m. Monday with 11 people on board according to Director Jose Tomaz Perez of Dominican Civil Aviation Institute.

The plane belongs to Atlantis Airlines, and the flight was scheduled to last for just over an hour. The region where the plane disappeared is close to the Bermuda Triangle.

U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said that the plane disappeared as it left Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos and that its destination was not immediately known.

Aviation officials reports of the planes origin, destination and where it was last reported conflict.

The Coast Guard and other agencies are continuing to search for the plane or survivors.

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Opens Registration

2008-12-17T00:02:00.000+05:30

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Opens Registration

Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler run announces 2009 entry information. On-line registration is already open for Cherry Blossom 10 Miler.

However, here are some interesting facts and pieces of information that you need to know about the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler registration. Some people have already experiences difficulties and unavailability of server while trying to register for Cherry Blossom 10 Miler.

Scurry & Whirl describes her failure experience with Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Miler registration.

Well I attempted to sign up. Got as far as confirm your registration, and then realized I was a dumbass and put my best 5 mile time instead of 10 mile pace. When I tried to edit it, I just got the Server Unavailable message. Then I realized I was a dumbass for doing that and I should have just hit complete register, and I could have changed the corral later.

Now I have just tried to resubmit, started from scratch 3 times. And every time I get to the last step it tells me server unavailable. My hopes are dashed. Now I have to find another good Ten Milers in the area happening around the same time.

The 37th running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and 5K Run Walk will be held on April 5, 2009.

Below is the information provided from Cherry Blossom about the details of the 10 miler registration.

Due to the legal requirement that each individual sign the waiver, online registration is limited to one individual at a time. This is necessary to avoid the practice of one individual signing up multiple individuals during a single on-line session. When this happens, the additional individuals are entering the race without signing the waiver. Family members wishing to enter as as a group will have to initiate a separate on-line process for each member, or can consider downloading copies of the mail-in entry form and submitting them together in an single envelope.

Registration to the Ten Mile is limited to the first 12,000 entrants; registration to the 5K Run-Walk is limited to the first 500 entrants.

The 5K Run-Walk is designed to accommodate individuals running or walking at a pace of 14-minutes per mile or slower (greater than 2 hours and 20 minutes for a 10-mile time). Registration for this event will open simultaneously with registration for the 10-mile run. The 5K Run-Walk will begin at 8:40 on Sunday, Apr. 5, 2009.

If you experience difficulty accessing the on-line registration link, hit your Refresh or Reload button. This seems to be a particular problem for AOL users.

If you have blocked pop-ups from appearing on your web browser, you may need to disable this function to proceed.

Some federal agencies may have Firewalls which prohibit credit card payment. We suggest that you enter by using a different Internet Service Provider or by using a mail-in entry form.

Last Year's Volunteers: If you were a volunteer last year you should have received your 2009 Guaranteed Volunteer Entry Instructions by email. You will be using electronic entry codes for online registration this year instead of printed entry forms. If you were a volunteer in 2008, and you did not receive an email containing your Guaranteed Entry Instructions, please send an email to michelle@cherryblossom.org. If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer for the 2009 race, visit: http://www.cherryblossom.org/volunteer/volunteer.htm

Source: http://www.huliq.com/

DDA: DDA Results - www.dda.org.in

2008-12-16T21:15:00.001+05:30

DDA: DDA Results - www.dda.org.in

DDA housing scheme results out, over 5000 flats allotted

Here's a piece of good news for the applicants of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) housing scheme. The two websites that were displaying the results of the draw are now opening. Earlier, many were facing problems while logging onto the sites. The sites - www.dda.org.in or www.urbanindia.nic.in, were not opening till afternoon.

Besides the sites, the DDA has also promised to publish the results in major newspapers on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, a number of calls were received at NDTV.com with people complaining that they were unable to view the results on the DDA website and asking for an alternative way to do so.

It was a day many in Delhi had been waiting for with fingers crossed - the DDA allotted 5,000 flats through a computer lottery. At the Vikas Sadan office where applicants had been collecting since morning, the display of results had mixed news. An exultant Ratnesh Kumar Maheshwari, whose name appeared in the list, said, Earlier, I used to stay in a rented house. But now, I'll have a flat of my own.

On the other hand, Harish Kumar, whose name did not figure in the list, said he was not lucky this time. I will try next time because it is still affordable, he said.

The lottery process, which began at 12 noon, saw hundreds of applicants protesting and shouting slogans outside the DDA's office at Vikas Sadan. The protesting applicants said they were told that the draw would be shown live to them on a screen to ensure transparency. But they were not being allowed inside the building. Instead, they' d been asked to check the result at 3 pm on the DDA website.

The 5,000 DDA flats range from Rs 7 to 77 lakh in cost. They've been built in some of Delhi's most-wanted colonies like Dwarka, Rohini and Vasant Kunj.

The fact that they are 50 per cent cheaper than market rates for these areas makes them priceless. And to avoid any controversy, the lottery was supervised by IIT teachers.

Source: ndtv.com

Jennifer Aniston Desktop Calendar 2009

2008-12-06T12:45:00.001+05:30

Jennifer Aniston Desktop Calendar 2009

Jennifer Aniston's wet T-shirt look for desktop calendar

IT'S only a 2009 desktop calendar, but the rather prim Jennifer Aniston has revealed herself like never before. news.com

Jennifer Aniston looks stunning on 2009 Calandar Photo.

Click here for Calendar Pictures.

Christmas Decorations

2008-12-05T01:07:00.000+05:30

Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations extend well beyond the Christmas tree. Christmas is an occasion to decorate the entire home – outdoors,

indoors, window decor, lighting displays, mantle garlands, Christmas stockings, beautiful door wreaths – the list never ends!

lick Celebrations.com experts have tips and

ideas to help you and your family spread Christmas cheer throughout your home.

Click here for more.

Part Time Online Jobs

2008-12-01T23:17:00.001+05:30

Make $250-$1000 daily. Part time online jobs offered from home.

make money, earn extra income, work at home, work from home

Visit www.home-profits.biz

Today December 1 is World AIDS Day

2008-12-01T14:51:00.000+05:30

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children. The concept of a World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since then, it has been taken up by governments, international organizations and charities around the world.

World AIDS Day Themes 1988 - present

1988 Communication
1989 Youth
1990 Women and AIDS
1991 Sharing the Challenge
1992 Community Commitment
1993 Act
1994 AIDS and the Family
1995 Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities
1996 One World. One Hope
1997 Children Living in a World with AIDS
1998 Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People
1999 Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children & Young People
2000 AIDS: Men Make a Difference
2001 I care. Do you?
2002 Stigma and Discrimination
2003 Stigma and Discrimination
2004 Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS
2005 Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
2006 Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Accountability
2007 Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Leadership
2008 Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Lead - Empower - Deliver

Read more.

Cornwell Tools

2008-11-30T01:59:00.001+05:30

Cornwell Tools

At Cornwell Tools, our commitment is to provide you with the highest quality products and service in the industry.

Cornwell Tools are only available through authorized Cornwell Dealers. If you do not have a local dealer or are unable to

contact yours, please let us know. Either call us toll free at (800) 321-8356 or use our online Dealer Locator form.

If you have Cornwell manufactured product that needs to be warrantied, please ship it prepaid with packing slip enclosed to

the following address:

Cornwell Tools
Attn: Warranty Return Department
635 Seville Road
Wadsworth, OH 44281
Tel: (800) 321-8356 or (330) 336-3506
Fax: (330) 336-3337

Source: http://www.cornwelltools.com/custservice.asp

Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom resigns

2008-11-30T01:47:00.000+05:30

Mississippi coach Sylvester Croom has resigned.

ESPN is reporting the news.

Croom, the first African-American head coach in the history of SEC football, took over the Bulldogs in 2004.

Source: http://blogs.suntimes.com

Plaxico Burress Shot

2008-11-30T01:45:00.001+05:30

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was involved in an accidental shooting at a night club Friday night.

Giants wideout Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at a nightclub Friday night. Burress spent the night at the hospital, and his wound is not considered life-threatening.

Burress had already been sidelined for this Sundays’ game against the Washington Redskins due to a hamstring injury. He was not at team meetings and did not attend Saturday’s walkthrough. Specific details of the shooting are not available, and the Giants are not commenting on the incident.

This marks another black spot in what has not been a good year off the field for Burress. He has been suspended and fined several times this season for missing meetings and arguing with officials. After all his woes, Burress insisted he was not a distraction to his team. Burress is currently playing on a $35million contract that he signed after the Giants won the Super Bowl last season.

Source: sports.rightpundits.com

Chris Matthews For Senate?

2008-11-30T00:31:00.000+05:30

Rumors have been flying around over the past year or so about the possibility of MSNBC political commentator and host of

“Hardball,” Chris Matthews, running for the Senate in Pennsylvania. He was born in Philadelphia.

Could it really happen? Two separate reports today indicate that it just might. FiveThirtyEight reports that Matthews has

been in discussions with veteran Obama staffers to “enlist in his campaign.”

Additionally, the Associated Press picked up on the story today to report that a Pennsylvania Democratic party leader has

heard some serious rumblings of a potential run as well.

A Pennsylvania Democratic party leader says MSNBC pundit Chris Matthews may be considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2010.

The Patriot-News of Harrisburg reports Matthews met with state party leaders this past week in Washington to discuss a

possible bid to unseat Republican Sen. Arlen Specter.

Party official Mary Isenhour says she left the meeting feeling that Matthews still hadn’t made up his mind.

The 62-year-old Matthews hosts MSNBC’s “Hardball” and provides political commentary on NBC’s “Today.” He ran unsuccessfully

for a Pennsylvania congressional seat in 1974.
But of course, the inevitable “that’s crazy!” retort was given by a spokesperson at MSNBC to Politico in response to the

rumors which have suddenly gained newsworthy attention today.

UPDATE: Through a spokesperson, Matthews gave the following statement to Politico about the FiveThirtyEight report: “It is

absolutely not true.”
Matthews would reportedly run as a Democrat against veteran incumbent Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA). Some pundits, including

the Cook Political Report, see Specter as a possible candidate for retirement when his term runs out in 2010. Specter would

be 80 at that time and has had two serious battles with cancer over the past few years.

The Cook folks have Specter’s seat currently rated as “Leans Republican” which means it would likely be a competitive race.

A recent poll shows Specter would have a significant lead to start with, largely due to the fact that voters don’t know much

about Matthews.

Source:
target="_blank">http://senatus.wordpress.com

Linux 2.6 kernel ported to the iPhone

2008-11-30T00:21:00.001+05:30

Linux 2.6 kernel ported to the iPhone

A rather interesting report has been filtering out of various websites: a 2.6 version of the Linux kernel has been ported to

the iPhone. This Linux operating system can be used on the iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G, and first-generation iPod touch platforms.

This site: http://linuxoniphone.blogspot.com/2008/11/linux-on-iphone.html announced that the Linux 2.6 kernel has been ported

to Apple’s iPhone and is fully (more or less) functional, with support for the first and second generation iPhones as well as

the first generation iPod touch. They do warn that this is a rough first draft

of the port, and many drivers are still missing, but it’s enough that a real alternative operating system is running on the

iPhone.

This could be an important stepping stone for the true acceptance of the iPhone for a new breed of higher-end tech user.

What’s included so far: the Framebuffer driver, a Serial driver (and over USB as well), and interrupts, MMU and clock.

Read-only support for the NAND is nearly complete as well. Touchscreen, sound and wireless networking as still being added,

but he anticipates those will be in soon.

Source: http://www.iphonestalk.com/

Suzuki Unveils The Hayabusa’s 2009 Version

2008-11-30T00:16:00.000+05:30

Suzuki Unveils The Hayabusa’s 2009 Version

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Ltd. (SMIPL), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan, on Wednesday launched two

hyper sports bike — Hayabusa and Intruder M1800R. Both priced at Rs. 12.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), Hayabusa comes with a

1,340-cc engine, while Intruder is available with a 1,783-cc V-twin engine. Hayabusa has a four-stroke, four cylinder and

liquid-cooled DOHC (double overhead cam) engine that comes with radial mount breaks in the front.

The company aims to sell over 350 super bikes at the rate of one bike per day. Already, Yamaha has launched its 1,000 cc

YZF-R1 superbike and the 1,670 cc MT-01 priced in the Rs 10-15 lakh range. Italian moto-major Triumph has also launched its

Monster, Multistrada and 1098 superbikes in the Indian market priced in the Rs 15-55 lakh range.

Depending upon the response to these products, Suzuki —among the largest manufacturer of bikes in the world after fellow

Japanese makers Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki—also plans to bring its GSX -R series of motorcycles to India.

Source: autoracingdaily.com

Haryana to implement sixth pay commission scales from Jan 2006

2008-11-29T23:21:00.000+05:30

Saturday, 29 November 2008

CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said that the revised pay scales according to the

recommendations of sixth pay commission to all State Government employees would be implemented from January 2006. The State

Government had already made a provision of Rs. 1500 crore in the annual budget
this financial year.

The Chief Minister while replying the questions of Media Persons at Rohtak said that a committee had been formed under the

Chairmanship of Haryana Chief Secretary to look into the matter and to decide the revised pay scales as per the

recommendations of sixth pay commission.

He said that the committee had received about 225 suggestions from different departments about the revision in the pay

scales. For the transparency in the fixation of pay scales the committee had given personal hearing to all the request and

suggestions. He assured that the new pay scales would be satisfactory and justifiable to each and every category of

employees.

Hooda said that "employees are the back bone of the administration set up and the present Congress Government is well-wisher

of the employees". He said that almost all the retrenched employees by the previous Government had been merged in the various

departments by this Government only. They had also been given relaxation to appear again in the departmental examinations.

He said that keeping in view the interest of the employees the Government had made the ex-gratia scheme more effective for

their dependents. This scheme would provide financial security besides giving social security to the employees.

Source: www.punjabnewsline.com

Live Earth India canceled following Mumbai attacks

2008-11-29T20:21:00.005+05:30

Live Earth India canceled following Mumbai attacks

MUMBAI, India (CNN) — A star-studded concert meant to highlight the global environmental crisis has been canceled following the coordinated series of deadly attacks in Mumbai.

Bon Jovi, Roger Waters and Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am were among the acts expected to take part in Live Earth India, scheduled for December 7 at a stadium in Mumbai.

But the show’s organizers said the show is being canceled “due to circumstances far beyond our control.”

Source: cnn.com

IGNOU Hall Ticket

2008-11-29T20:21:00.003+05:30

IGNOU Hall Ticket

Indira Gandhi National Open University

Hall Ticket June -2008 Term End Exams

For Hall Ticket, IGNOU Hall Ticket Dec 2008, Hall Ticket June -2008 Term End Exams visit ignou.ac.in

IGNOU sets up 650 examination centres

2008-11-29T20:21:00.001+05:30

IGNOU sets up 650 examination centres

NEW DELHI: IGNOU has set up 650 centres across the country, including 15 in various jails, for its ensuing 'term-end examination' beginning December 1.

"More than 2.73 lakh candidates will appear for the examinations," IGNOU spokesperson Ravi Mohan said.

"We have also established 15 examination centres in jails for inmates who have enrolled to our various undergraduate courses," he said.

Tihar Jail is one among the several jails in the country where such programmes are being offered. Inmates here are also being offered computer education.

Recently, IGNOU vice chancellor V N Rajasekharan Pillai had announced waiving off the tuition fees for the inmates and the varsity also plans to train qualified inmates into prospective teachers to impart education to other inmates.

For the ensuing examination, Mohan said, all students may download the hall tickets from the university website and appear in the examination.

For Hall Ticket, IGNOU Hall Ticket Dec 2008, Hall Ticket June -2008 Term End Exams visit ignou.ac.in

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

CBSE Exam Results

2008-11-29T20:20:00.003+05:30

CBSE Exam Results

Click here for CBSE Exam Results.

Learn Hindi Through English

2008-11-29T20:20:00.001+05:30

Learn Hindi Through English

English - Hindi

I : Mein

He : Woh / Usne

She : Woh

You : Tum / Aap (respect)

It : Yeh

A : Ek

Come : Aao / Aaiye (respect)

Came : Aaya ( he) / Aayee (she) / Aaye (plural)

Will come : Aayega (he) / Aayegi (she) / Aayenge ( plural)

Open : Kholo / Kholiye (respect) / Kholna

Opened : Khola

Will open : Kholega (he) / Kholegi (she) / Kholenge (plural)

Sit : Baitho / Baithiye (respect) / Baithna ( to sit)

Walk : Chalo / Chaliye ( respect) / Chalna (to walk)

Eat : Khao / Khaiye (respect)/ Khana (to eat)

Drink : Piyo / Peejiye (respect) / Peena (to drink)

Win : Jeetna(to win)

Go : Jaao / Jaaiye (respect) / Jaana (to go)

Run : Daudna

I go : Mein jaata hoon

He goes : Woh jaata hai

He eats an apple : Woh sev khaata hai

He is eating an apple : Woh sev khaa raha hai

He ate an apple : Usne sev khaya

I saw the film last week : Meine pichhle saftah film dekhi

She came by bus yesterday : Woh kal bus se aayee

They went to the temple : Ve mandir gaye

He slept the whole night : Woh raat bhar soya

He wrote well in the examination : Usne exam achcha likha

He has eaten : Usne khaa liya

He had eaten : Usne khaa liya tha

He had gone : Woh chala gaya tha

He had come : Woh aaya tha

He will eat : Woh khaayega

He will go : Woh jaayega

He will come : Woh aayega

What is your name? : Tumhara /Aapka naam kya hai ?

What : Kya

Is : Hai / Hein (respect)

Your : Tumhara / Aapka (respect)

Name : Naam

What did you do? : Tumne / Aapne (respect) kya kiya ?

What should I do? : Mein kya karoon ?

What can I do? : Mein kya kar sakta hoon ?

What are the questions? : Kya sawal hein ?

What were the questions? : Kya sawal the ?

What is the last question? : Aakhiri sawal kya hai ?

What is written in the letter? : Khat mein kya likha hai ?

What you had been told? : Tumhein kya kaha gaya tha ?

What will be the answer? : Jawab kya hoga ?

Why did you come? : Tum / Aap kyon aaye ?

Why did you sleep? : Tum / Aap kyon soye ?

Why did you tell him to go? : Tumne use jaane ko kyon kaha ?

Why did he bring the bag? : Woh bag kyon laya ?

Why did she pay the money? : Usne paisa kyon diya ?

Why did they sit there? : Ve wahan kyon baithe the ?

Why do you drive the car? : Tum / aap car kyon chalate ho ?

Why did they come late for the meeting? : Ve meeting ke liye deri se kyon aaye ?

How did you come? : Tum / aap kaise aaye ?

How did you sleep? : Tum kaise soye ?

How did you drive the car? : Tumne car kaise chalayee?

How did you write? : Tumne kaise likha ?

How many apples are there in my hand? : Mere haath mein kitne sev hein ?

How many did you take? : Tumne kitne liye ?

How much did he pay you? : Usne tumhen kitna paisa diya ?

How much distance to go? : Aur kitni door jana hai ?

How was the journey yesterday? : Kal ki yatra kaisi thi ?

Which way did you come? : Tum / Aap kis raaste se aaye ?

Which is your favourite colour? : Tumhara /Aapka pasandida rang kaun sa hai?

In which room did you sleep? : Tum / Aap kaunse kamre mein soye ?

Which story did you tell? : Tumne kaunsi kahani batayee ?

Which is the sweetest fruit? : Sabse meetha fal kaunsa hai ?

Which is the best newspaper in Hindi? : Hindi mein sabse achcha newspaper kaunsa hai ?

Which Indian state has the largest population? : Kis bharatiya rajya ki jansankhya sabse jyada hai ?

Where are you coming from? : Aap / tum kahan se aa rahe ho ?

Where did you sleep? : Tum kahan soye ?

Where is the manager’s cabin? : Manager ka cabin kahan hai ?

Where should I go? : Mujhe kahan jaana chahiye ?

Is it a book? : Kya yeh kitab hai ?

Yes, it is a book : Haan, yeh kitab hai

Is it the answer? : Kya yeh jawab hai?

Yes, it is the answer : Haan yehi jawab hai.

Will you come with me? : Kya tum mere saath aaoge ?

I shall come with you : Mein tumhare saath aaunga.

Will you give me your pen? : Kya tum mujhe apna pen doge ?

Yes, of course. : Haan, zaroor

Do you love me? : Kya tum mujhe pyar karte ho ?

Yes, I love you. : Haan mein tumhein pyaar karta (m) / karti(f) hoon

Can you give me your pen? : Kya tum mujhe apna pen de sakte ho?

Can you lift the box? : Kya tum box utha sakte ho ?

Can you write the exam? : Kya tum pariksha likh sakte ho ?

Did you have your lunch? : Kya tumne dopehar ka khana khaya ?

How are you? : Tum kaise ho / Aap kaise hain ?

I am fine : Main achha hoon

Courtesy: www.languageshome.com

English Grammar: The Easy Way - Everyone Can Learn English

2008-11-29T20:19:00.004+05:30

English Grammar: The Easy Way - Everyone Can Learn English

English The Easy Way

Everyone Can Learn English!

Today with globalization of the world, English is becoming more and more important worldwide. We want to assure that everyone has the ability to learn, improve and use their English to the fullest.

A good working knowledge of English is a requirement and/or a necessity for:

many jobs

entrance to many academic instructions

international communication for both personal, business & political

job advancement

traveling

surfing the internet

media matiral - both writing and visual

We offer a wide rage of different subjects relating such as:

grammar skills

writing skills

writing essays

resumes & cover letters

proofreading & editing tips

job tips

communication

Click here for more.

Download Motherboard Software - Drivers

2008-11-29T20:19:00.003+05:30

Download Motherboard Software - Drivers

Intel(R) PRO/100 S Mobile LAN on Motherboard

License: Freeware
OS: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP
Download Now

Intel(R) PRO/100 S Mobile LAN on Motherboard

License: Freeware
OS: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP
Download Now

Click here to download Motherboard Software - Drivers.

Where do I locate motherboard sound drivers?

2008-11-29T20:19:00.001+05:30

Question:

Where do I locate motherboard sound drivers?

Answer:

Users who have motherboards with on-board audio (often with VIA, Realtek, or C-Media chipsets) may have issues with their audio or AC'97 errors in Device Manager. Often this is caused because the operating system has been reinstalled and the motherboard chipset drivers are not installed. To resolve this issue try following the below steps.

Let Windows redetect drivers

If you have not recently reinstalled Microsoft Windows it's possible that your audio drivers are simply corrupt. Open Device Manager and remove all devices under "Sound, video and game controllers" and any "Other devices". Once removed reboot the computer and let Microsoft Windows re-detect the audio drivers.

Motherboard chipset drivers

Reinstalling the motherboard chipset drivers will usually resolve this issue. If your computer came with a Motherboard CD, install the chipset drivers from the CD and the sound drivers if also available on the CD.

If you do not have a motherboard CD, obtain the motherboard chipset drivers from the motherboard manufacturer.

Sound card drivers

If after installing the motherboard chipset drivers you continue to have issues install the sound drivers. We suggest you download the sound drivers from the computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer.

A listing of motherboard manufacturers and their drivers can be found on our motherboard chipset drivers page.

Check the sound card

If after following the above steps try going through our sound card troubleshooting document CH000208. To make sure another sound related issue is not causing your issues.

Source: http://www.computerhope.com

Rajasthan University Results 2008 - Rajasthan Examination Results

2008-11-29T20:18:00.004+05:30

Rajasthan University Results 2008 - Rajasthan Examination Results

- B.E. IV Semester (Mech & Civil) Results 2008

- Announced on 29th November, 2008

Rajasthan Examination Results » University of Rajasthan Results

Click here for results.

Sambalpur University Results 2008 - Orissa Exam Results

2008-11-29T20:18:00.003+05:30

Sambalpur University Results 2008 - Orissa Exam Results

- M.Phil. (Education) 2nd Sem Results July'08

- Announced on 29th November, 2008

Orissa Exam Results » Sambalpur University

Click here for results.

IGNOU Results - www.ignou.ac.in/results.htm

2008-11-29T20:18:00.001+05:30

Indira Gandhi National Open University - IGNOU

RESULTS

Grade Cards (All Programmes except BIT / ADIT)
Term End Results
BIT Examination Result (Latest)
ADIT Examination Result (Latest)

REVALUATION

June 07
Dec 07

ENTRANCE RESULTS

PG Cert. in Oral Implantology Entrance Result June 2008
PG Cert. in Endodontics Entrance Result June 2008

Entrance Result B.Ed. 2007
Entrance Result OPENMAT-XXIII
Entrance Result OPENMAT-XXII
Entrance Result OPENMAT-XXI
Entrance Result OPENMAT-XX
Result OPENMAT-XVIII
Result OPENMAT-XIX held on 5th February, 2006

Click here to check the above results.

http://www.ignou.ac.in/results.htm

World AIDS Day 2008

2008-11-29T20:17:00.002+05:30

Parul Chopra
Asst. Editor
DoctorNDTV

World AIDS Day on 1 December is the day when individuals and organisations from around the world come together to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The Day is one of the most visible opportunities for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high prevalence countries and around the world.

There are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, according to 2007 figures released by WHO. An estimated 2.5 million were newly infected with the virus and 2.1 million died of AIDS the same year.

As of 2008, a small number of countries are already providing universal access to antiretroviral treatment and to services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Others are well on the way to doing so. In more and more countries, HIV infection levels are falling. Twenty-seven years into the epidemic, AIDS continues to challenge all of our efforts. Today, for every two people who start taking antiretroviral drugs, another five become newly infected. Unless we take urgent steps to intensify HIV prevention we will fail to sustain the gains of the past few years, and universal access will simply be a noble aspiration.

This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is ’Lead – Empower – Deliver’, building on last year’s theme of ’Take the Lead’. Designating leadership as the World AIDS Day theme for 2007 – 2008 provides an opportunity to highlight both the political leadership needed to fulfill commitments that have been made in the response to AIDS – particularly the promise of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010 – and celebrating the leadership that has been witnessed at all levels of society.

Leadership was selected as the theme for World AIDS Day to encourage leaders at all levels to stop AIDS. Building on the 2006 theme of accountability, leadership highlights the discrepancy between the commitments that have been made to halt the spread of AIDS, and actions taken to follow them through. The theme empowers everyone from individuals to organisations to governments to lead in the response to AIDS. This anniversary offers us an opportunity to highlight how much more still needs to be done. For example:

Leaders in most countries from around the world now acknowledge the threat of AIDS, and many have committed to do something about it. As of 2007, nearly all countries have national policies on HIV. However, despite these policies, most have not been fully implemented and many lack funding allocations.

While treatment for HIV and AIDS has improved and become more widespread since 1988, many still do not have access to it – in 2007 only 31% of those in low- to middle-income countries who need treatment received it.

Despite HIV awareness now reaching nearly all areas of the globe, infection rates are still happening 2.7 times faster than the increase in number of people receiving treatment.

While the number of countries protecting people living with HIV continue to increase, one third of countries still lack legal protections and stigma and discrimination continues to be a major threat to universal access.

More broadly, real action on HIV and AIDS and human rights remains lacking. Legal barriers to HIV services still exist for groups such as women, adolescents, sex workers, people who use drugs, and men having sex with men, and programmatic responses promoting HIV-related human rights have yet to be prioritised.

To achieve this goal, leadership and action is needed now. Governments must deliver on the promises they have made. Communities must encourage leadership of its members. Individuals must feel empowered to access treatment, to know their rights and take action against stigma and discrimination, and to know and use methods of prevention against receiving and transmitting HIV.
Progress remains uneven, however, and the epidemic’s future is still uncertain, underscoring the need for intensified action to move towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.

Achieving the many political commitments made on HIV will require stronger leadership, building on recent successes, taking account of lessons learnt, increased financial resources, improved coordination of effort, and effective action to address societal determinants of HIV risk and vulnerability.

Monitoring and evaluation systems are being strengthened, largely with external funds, because countries are only beginning to avail themselves of the standard provision that up to 10% of programme funds can be directed to strengthening such systems.

World AIDS Day in India

Approximately 2.5 million people were living with HIV in India in 2006. Whilst almost 25% of the country’s population is between the ages of 15-29 years, this age group accounts for 31% of people living with HIV, demonstrating that young people are at particularly high risk of contracting HIV. To face this risk and turn around the epidemic, young people must be encouraged and supported to take leadership roles within their communities.

This year, World AIDS Campaign, Wake Up Pune campaign and the Naz Foundation (India) Trust (Naz India), with the support of UNFPA and Aids Fonds, are organising two large-scale World AIDS Day events in two cities in India: Pune and New Delhi. The events will focus on young people as leaders and increase awareness around HIV and AIDS. The events will take note of the effects that HIV has on the population (particularly young people), stigma and discrimination, youth rights and needs regarding HIV and AIDS, as well as highlight the importance of young people being actively involved in the HIV and AIDS response. They will focus on accountability, calling upon leaders to keep their promises to stop AIDS - specifically fulfilling commitments on universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support for young people by 2010.

SMS Pledge Campaign in India: Stand up. Make a difference.

Take the lead and Pledge your support for World AIDS Day, December 1st. If you are in India, you can TEXT us your pledge by doing the following:

SMS "PLEDGE" to the number: 56070

Source: WHO

http://doctor.ndtv.com/

Google Talk - Chat online and make free internet calls

2008-11-29T20:17:00.001+05:30

Google's approach to IM adds internet calls, file sharing, notifications and other features for a richer instant communications experience.

Download Google Talk and get:

Instant messaging

PC-to-PC voice calls

Gmail notifications

File transfers

Download Google Talk

Or connect to Google Talk on the web:

Download Google TalkLaunch Google Talk Gadget (No Download Required!)

Britney Spears: Pretty in Paris

2008-11-29T20:16:00.002+05:30

Continuing on her European promotional tour for her forthcoming album Circus, Britney Spears was spotted out and about in Paris, France earlier today (November 28).

The “Womanizer” songstress smiled and waved to fans and paparazzi as she peered over the balcony of the Plaza Athenee, later making an exit out the main entrance.

In related news, Brit’s mom Lynne Spears recently told press that she’s watched the “Toxic” mommy make a complete rebound from her personal and professional troubles, and “with a lot of love and care and help,” she’s on the right track once again.

“Sometimes you have to just settle down. You have to stop, think. And there are a lot of people that care about Britney and love Britney – and Britney’s doing great now.”

As for Brit’s parenting skills, Lynne praised, “Oh she’s a wonderful mother – she’s funny, she’s extremely affectionate. [At] home, where there’s nobody around, she’s very normal.”

Source: http://www.celebrity-gossip.net

Photo Credit: BauerGriffin.com

Miley Cyrus Greets Her NYC Fans

2008-11-29T20:15:00.003+05:30

Always willing to take time out for her fans, Miley Cyrus was spotted signing autographs in New York City on Friday afternoon (November 28).

The “Hannah Montana” starlet is staying in the Big Apple following an appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, Miss Cyrus recently confessed to Us magazine that she’s looking forward to the holidays and hopes to celebrate with her underwear model beau Justin Gaston.

“I love to spend the holidays with my friends,” Miley told Us, adding of Justin, “I think that we are really good friends, and we love hanging out and spending time together”

Meanwhile, Mr Gaston isn’t locking into any set agenda quite yet, saying, “I don’t know where she’ll be, but I hope she has a good time. I’ll probably be around somewhere and hanging with the family.”

Source: celebrity-gossip.net

Photo Credit: INF Daily

Vanessa Hudgens: Holiday Relaxation

2008-11-29T20:15:00.002+05:30

Enjoying a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday, Vanessa Hudgens was spotted paying a visit to Ashley Tisdale’s house on Friday afternoon (November 28).

The “High School Musical” hottie looked cute in a plaid buttondown shirt with jeans and bright red lipstick as she made her way up to the door for some quality time with her Disney co-star gal pal.

Earlier in the week, Miss Hudgens and her mother Gina paid a visit to the “Dancing with the Stars” set to cheer on her backup dancer Nolan - who showed off his moves during Miley Cyrus’ performance of “Fly on the Wall”.

Explaining that it was the first show that she’s ever been to, Vanessa told People magazine, “It was great!”

Source: http://www.celebrity-gossip.net

Photo Credit: INF Daily

Demi Moore Slows Down The Workouts

2008-11-29T20:14:00.001+05:30

Actress Demi Moore has learned to ease off her punishing gym sessions - because she "killed herself" by working out so much early on in her career.

The Ghost star spent hours getting in shape for tough roles in action films such as 1997's G.I. Jane and Charlie's Angles: Full Throttle in 2003.

But she soon realized she was working herself towards an early grave and has now ditched the intense exercise regime in favor of a more relaxing workout.

She tells Britain's Hello magazine, "I must admit that I did nearly kill myself years ago, but I've not had that kind of time for quite a while. There was a time when I took on several film roles that made it absolutely necessary for me to be buff, but I took it a bit too far I think.

"I used to love running, but I have replaced that with brisk walking - it's less impact on the bones. I also do Pilates to stretch and elongate the muscles, and some light weights. I don't kill myself any more."

Source: http://www.starpulse.com

Winona Ryder 'Loses' Expensive Jewelry, Police Investigate

2008-11-29T20:13:00.003+05:30

Actress Winona Ryder is at the center of a new controversy after reportedly losing $125,000-worth of borrowed Bulgari diamonds loaned to her for an awards ceremony appearance in Spain.

The Girl, Interrupted star had been given a diamond-encrusted bracelet and ring to wear to a Marie Claire magazine party in Madrid earlier this week.

She reported the items missing after allegedly handing them in to her hotel's front desk in an envelope to be kept in the venue's safe.

But according to French magazine Voici, the hotel bosses have not yet been able to locate surveillance footage to prove Ryder's claims - and Bulgari executives have now asked police to investigate the Jewelry disappearance.

A spokesperson for the actress, who was arrested in 2001 for failing to pay for goods taken from Beverly Hills store Saks Fifth Avenue, has yet to respond to requests for comment.

Bulgari representatives have refused to address the reports or confirm the disappearance of the jewels.

Source: http://www.starpulse.com

Nokia 5800 XPress Music Now Available

2008-11-29T20:12:00.003+05:30

Nokia's touch-screen 5800 XpressMusic phone is already available in Russia, Spain, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Finland, and others just to name a few. Although Nokia didn't mention when it will become available in other markets, they have announced that it will cease selling handsets in Japan. It will keep its luxury Vertu brand, but Nokia will no longer develop phones for the Japanese market.

You can visit the link at: Nokia - ShowPressRelease

Source: cellphoneforums.net

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic now shipping

2008-11-29T20:12:00.001+05:30

November 27, 2008

Espoo, Finland - Nokia announced today that the highly anticipated Nokia 5800 XpressMusic is now, or soon will be, available in select markets globally, including Russia, Spain, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Finland, among others. The latest in Nokia's XpressMusic range, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic delivers an affordable music device with a touch screen interface to the mass market.

Aiming to put music into the hands of millions, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic offers all the music essentials including a graphic equalizer, 8GB memory for up to 6000 tracks, support for all main digital music formats, and a 3.5mm jack. Built-in surround sound stereo speakers offer the industry's most powerful sound.

"When it comes to music phones, people all over the world want a device that is a great music experience and still works really well as a mobile phone, without sacrificing features," said Jo Harlow, Vice President, Nokia. "The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic delivers on this and allows consumers to quickly and easily access and share the content that is most important to them with the people that are most important to them."

Making the most of touch screen technology, the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic delivers easy and fast access to all music, video and photos through a one-touch 'Mediabar' drop down menu. The Media Bar also offers a direct link to the Web and to online sharing. Because the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic supports Flash content, individuals can surf the entire web.

The innovative 'Contacts Bar' lets people highlight four favorite contacts on their home-screen and, through a single touch, track a digital history of recent text messages, emails, phone logs, photos and blog updates.

For the best screen resolution available on a mobile phone, the 3.2" widescreen display brings photos, video clips and web content to life in vibrant color and true clarity. With a 16 by 9 aspect ratio and 30 frames-per-second playback and recording, the device is ideal for VGA quality video recording and playback. The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic also features a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens and, with a single touch, images or videos can be shared via a favorite online community, such as Share on Ovi, Flickr, or Facebook.

Ensuring a seamless music experience, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic also provides easy access to browse and purchase tracks from the Nokia Music Store, where applicable, while the newly updated Nokia Music PC software allows for easy drag-and-drop transfer of songs and management of any music collection.

The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic supports 60 languages worldwide and offers a variety of input methods including a virtual alphanumeric keypad, a virtual computer-style QWERTY keyboard, a pen stylus -- and for true music enthusiasts, a plectrum -- are all available.

Photos of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic are available at www.nokia.com/press

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. We make a wide range of mobile devices with services and software that enable people to experience music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games, business mobility and more. Developing and growing our offering of consumer Internet services, as well as our enterprise solutions and software, is a key area of focus. We also provide equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.

Media Enquiries:

Nokia
Communications
Tel. +358 7180 34900
Email: press.services@nokia.com

www.nokia.com

Barack Obama: Americans Must Come Together

2008-11-29T20:11:00.002+05:30

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is encouraging Americans to come together to help renew the U.S. economy and "make a new beginning" for the country.

During his weekly radio address released early Thursday for Thanksgiving, Mr. Obama reminded U.S. citizens that this year's holiday comes at a difficult time.

He said that his newly announced economic team is working hard to confront an economic crisis of historic proportions.

But the president-elect said policies alone will not revive the U.S. economy. He said it also will take "the hard work, innovation, service and strength of the American people."

Mr. Obama thanked members of the armed forces and their families for their service and sacrifice.

The president-elect is spending the holiday in Chicago, Illinois, with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters.

Source: http://www.voanews.com

Rahul Gandhi stands in queue; casts vote

2008-11-29T20:11:00.001+05:30

29 Nov 2008, 0922 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi was today among the early morning voters to exercise their franchise in the Delhi Assembly
elections.

The Gandhi scion, accompanied by a heavy posse of security personnel, cast his ballot at Nagar Palika Secondary School in Rajesh Pilot Lane in New Delhi constituency from where Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is contesting.

There were five others in the queue when the 39-year-old Amethi MP arrived at the booth at around 8:30 am and was offered to vote straight away.

However, Gandhi refused to jump the queue and cast his vote.

"I am running late," Gandhi said when confronted by waiting media personnel and did not respond to any question.

- PTI

120 Television channels to BSNL Broadband subscribers

2008-11-29T20:10:00.002+05:30

Monthly Rental Rs.150. security Deposit Rs.999 for a set top box.

BSNL forays into IPTV service

Ludhiana: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited would soon start its much-awaited Internet Protocol Television (ITPV) service in the city. With this, Ludhiana will become first city to have this service in Punjab.

According to official sources, “BSNL is all set for the soft launch of the service in the first week of December. After successful feedback, it will be launched at commercial level in the city.”

Through the service, BSNL will provide 120 television channels to its broadband subscribers at a monthly rental of Rs 150. Subscribers will also have to deposit a security of Rs 999 for a set top box.

According to Mohan Lal, Deputy General Manager (Administration and Marketing), Bharat Nagar Telephone Exchange,”The testing is on. We will see how it works in 15-20 days. We hope to launch it by January commercially.”

It needs to be mentioned here that broadband service of BSNL, which was started about three years ago, has still not reached all customers. A senior official, however, said,”Some areas are still technically non-feasible for broadband, but we are working hard to expand our reach.”

Source: indianexpress.com

Apple offers limited Black Friday price cuts

2008-11-29T20:10:00.001+05:30

Fri Nov 28, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Inc's much-anticipated Black Friday event offered consumers discounts on Mac computers, iPods and accessories at levels similar to years past, despite speculation about deeper price cuts.

Apple, a company renown for its marketing prowess, had stoked consumer excitement by announcing a one-day Black Friday "shopping event," without giving any further details.

The company cut prices by roughly 5 to 10 percent on certain items. A 13-inch MacBook was being offered for $1,200, a discount of $100, while an iPod touch was being sold for $378, a discount of $21. The iPhone, which has been hugely popular since its launch last summer, was not on sale.

However, analysts said at least some Apple stores were matching the bigger price cuts of other resellers if a shopper brings in proof.

At an Apple retail store in downtown San Francisco, more than 150 people lined up ahead of the 8 a.m. opening time. Many people knew in advance about the sale.

Nicolas Mac Ferran, an exchange student from France, arrived at the store at 6:30 a.m., looking for a deal on a laptop. But he left empty-handed and disappointed after seeing the small discount on the MacBook.

"I can do better at the school bookstore," he said.

Apple products are generally more expensive than those of competitors, and the company does not cut prices very often. However, with consumer spending a huge question mark this holiday season, many retailers desperate to lure shoppers are offering steep discounts.

Stephen Baker, a vice president with research group NPD, said consumer electronics stores in general were busy on Black Friday, and he expects the sector to hold up better than others during the holiday season.

Baker said Apple will outperform its rivals, even in tough economic times. The company knows it does not have to slash prices to bring in business, he said.

"They feel like their brand and their product maintain their value better than others do, and they don't have to resort to wholesale price cutting."

UBS analyst Maynard Um said in a research note that Apple's discounts could have some limited impact.

"We believe Black Friday One-Day discounts should help stimulate some demand, though we would think less than last year given the tougher economic environment," Um said.

Shares of Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple fell $2.33, or 2.45 percent, to $92.67 in early afternoon trading.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/

Mumbai attack: Taj freed of terrorists after intense gun battle

2008-11-29T20:05:00.004+05:30

29 Nov 2008

MUMBAI: Security forces freed the landmark Taj hotel here after an intense night-long firing amid a series of explosions, with three terrorists gunned down by the commandos, authorities said this morning.

"Three terrorists have been killed but we are still continuing our operations," Director General of NSG, J K Dutt, told reporters outside the hotel.

The operation to flush out terrorists from Taj Hotel is over, signalling an end to the 62-hour siege by terrorists three of whom were killed this morning in an assault by the elite commandos of National Security Guards (NSG).

However, the NSG is still sanitising the hotel to check if any remaining terrorist or explosive is still in the 400-room hotel, NSG Director General J K Dutt told reporters.

An AK-47 rifle was also recovered from them. "There was lot of shooting. Grenades were lobbed and explosives were used by the terrorists," he said.

On whether all the terrorists have been killed and hotel is now free, he said that it could be ascertained after the combing operation is over.

During the night, terrorists holed out in the hotel engaged in a fierce gun battle with security forces as some places in the first and the ground floors of the 565-room building set afire by terrorists amid explosions in the over 100-year-old heritage complex in the Colaba area.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: GDP growth outlook not encouraging

2008-11-29T20:05:00.003+05:30

29 Nov 2008

The good news is the finance minister’s confidence in India’s growth story has been vindicated. For now! The economy clocked a reasonably robust GDP
growth of 7.6% in the second quarter.

Together with the first quarter GDP growth of 7.9%, that gives us a respectable 7.8% growth for the first half of 2008. At a time when most advanced economies are barely growing or have already tipped into a recession, that is certainly good news.

Even if it is the lowest quarterly GDP growth since the third quarter of 2004-05, surprisingly gross fixed capital formation seems to be holding out. In fact, it was 35.3% during the second quarter, up from 32.3% in the first quarter.

Unfortunately, the bad news is there are a number of clouds to this silver lining. One, the full impact of the global crisis hit us only after the iconic investment bank Lehman Brothers went into liquidation mid-September. Global liquidity dried up and risk aversion, especially against emerging markets like India, increased dramatically. Hence, going forward, third and fourth quarter numbers are likely to be much less encouraging.

Two, with the exception of electricity, gas and water supply, every other sector saw a dip in second-quarter performance, with mining, quarrying and construction and, to a lesser extent community, social and personal services showing a particularly sharp dip.

The Sixth Pay Commission largesse may help reverse some of the decline in services in the next quarter. But there is little reason to expect any improvement in the other two sectors, mining and construction. Given that these are labour-intensive sectors, employing large number of unskilled workers, any slowdown here does not auger well from the welfare perspective.

Add to that the slowdown in manufacturing, which is also likely to intensify as demand contracts, and the picture looks far bleaker than the latest GDP figures would suggest.

For all the resilience shown by the BSE sensex when markets opened in Mumbai after a day’s closure, the recent terror attacks are likely to adversely impact the investment climate. So, not much reason for us to cheer.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Three cheers: Judges get 300% pay hike

2008-11-29T20:05:00.001+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Three cheers: Judges get 300% pay hike

29 Nov 2008

NEW DELHI: Judges in the supreme court and high courts will now draw salaries almost three times higher than their present levels. The hike,
approved by the union cabinet this week, comes in the wake of an increase in salary for central government employees in line with the sixth pay commission recommendations.

The chief justice of India, whose existing salary is Rs 33,000 plus allowances, will now draw a monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh plus dearness allowance (DA). Other judges in the apex court will have a monthly pay package of Rs 90,000 plus allowances. Under the revised scale, judges in the state high courts will get a salary of Rs 80,000 plus DA. Chief justices of the high courts will enjoy the same salary as the supreme court judges.

The revised pay package will be effective from January 2006. While 40% of the arrears of the salary will be given in the current financial year, the balance 60% would be paid in the next fiscal. The government has also decided to double the existing limit of both sumptuary allowance and furnishing allowance for all supreme court and high court judges, with effect from September 2008.

The revised salaries for the judges were recommended by a three-judge committee. The recommendations became a matter of debate within the government factions with the finance ministry initially objecting to the law ministry’s suggestion to bring such a sharp hike in the salaries of judges, a government source said.

The committee, which comprised Justices Ashok Bhan (now retired) and Altamas Kabir of the Supreme Court and Madras High Court Chief Justice (CJ) AP Shah, had proposed that the CJI’s monthly salary be raised from the present Rs 33,000 excluding allowances to Rs 1.10 lakh while that of the other apex court judges and CJs of high courts be hiked to Rs 1 lakh from the present Rs 30,000 excluding allowances. With the cabinet reaching a decision on the issue, a Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament as salaries of higher judiciary are governed by an Act of Parliament.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Cabinet nod to recommendations of Sixth Pay Commission

2008-11-29T20:04:00.002+05:30

Cabinet nod to recommendations of Sixth Pay Commission

Lucknow : Big buck awaits the state Government employees with the state cabinet formally endorsing the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission on Thursday.
Chief Minister Mayawati said the cabinet accepted the report of the pay parity committee set up in August. The new pay scale, which would benefit nearly 18 lakh state employees, will be applicable from December 1.

The revision of the pay scales — dearness allowance (DA) and pension — will cost the state exchequer an annual recurring burden of Rs 4,674 crore. The pay scale will come in force with retrospective effect from January 1, 2006. The arrears of salary, DA and pension will be paid in three instalments in the next three years. The total burden on account of the arrears is Rs 13,662 crore.

Twenty per cent of the arrears will be paid in cash during the current fiscal 2008-09. The remaining 80 per cent will be deposited in the provident fund account of the employees in two equal instalments in 2009-10 and 2010-11. The arrears of the pensioners will be paid during the current fiscal. Mayawati said that the state government had decided to pay the house rent allowance as recommended by the Sixth Pay panel.

This is the first time the government has also decided to pay compensatory allowance to the employees posted in cities with a population of 1 lakh and above.
In order to meet the additional burden on the exchequer, the chief minister has taken several measures, which includes a curb on the budgetary provisions of Rs 1,115 crore to the various departments. Besides, the purchase of new vehicles by all government departments will be banned. All departments have been asked to reduce the size of their fleet of vehicles by five per cent by the next financial year. The chief minister said the compensation for death on duty has been raised to Rs 10 lakh, while the compensation for death in terrorists or extremist attacks would be Rs 15 lakh.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com

6th Pay Commission: Employees await hike

2008-11-29T20:04:00.001+05:30

6th Pay Commission: Employees await hike

Rajendra Khatry

Nov 29, 2008 at 2255 hrs IST

Chandigarh: Disappointed with the delay in implementation of the 6th Pay Commission, the Haryana Karmachari Sangh has announced a rally in Rohtak on November 30.

The state Government employees are anxious over the non-implementation of the recommendations, despite the assurance given by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda that employees would get a hike soon. Meanwhile the IAS officers in the state availed a fat hike in their salaries two months ago.

A spokesman of the Haryana Karmachari Sangh said there was resentment among the employees over not getting an increased pay.

He said the sangh had earlier submitted a 30-point memorandum of demands to the Haryana Chief Secretary, Dharamvir, but the government is yet to respond to their demands.

The demands included a 30 per cent hike in the house rent allowance and Rs 1,000 per child per month to the employees. They also demanded a 6 per cent hike in rural compensatory allowance for the government employees.

The spokesman said they would continue to pressurise the government till their demand was met. The Haryana government had set up a committee under the chief secretary to look into the issue to decide the actual hike in the salaries of the employees according to the new recommendations. The committee is yet to finalise its report.

Talking to The Indian Express Dharamvir, Chief Secretary, said he had received about 225 suggestions on the 6th Pay Commission from the employees which had to be looked into. “ We have cleared most of the suggestions received by us. The committee is likely to hand over its report to the government soon,’’ he said.

In anticipation of the 6th Pay Commission, the Haryana government had already made a provision of Rs 1,550 crore in the annual budget this financial year.

The total burden on the government with the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations is expected to be around Rs 6,000 crore.

The per year burden on the state budget would be around Rs 1,200 crore, according to sources. The state government is expecting a 25 per cent hike in the Value Added Tax (VAT) collections which would be handy in making payment to the employees, according to Birender Singh, Finance Minister of the state.

Karamvir Singh, president of Confederation of SC/BC Organisations said the employees are expecting a pay hike at the earliest.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com

Ind vs Eng - India vs England

2008-11-14T18:00:00.001+05:30

Watch 1st ODI Ind Vs Eng 2008 Series LIVE

November 14th, 2008

Follow Ind vs England 2008 your way!

The 1st ODI India Vs England Series started at 0900 am IST and is currently played at Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground, Rajkot.

England won the toss and elected to bowl. At the time of writing India has made 247 at the loss of four wickets with Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni on strike.

India’s players for today are Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, RP Singh, Munaf Patel.

Representating England : Kevin Pietersen (Captain), Ian Bell, Matt Prior, Owais Shah, Paul Collingwood, Ravi Bopara, Andrew Flintoff, Samit Patel, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Steve Harmison.

The Umpires for today are Russel Tiffin and Suresh Shastri.

The cricket match livescore can be followed at

1. Visit www.thaindian.com main page, the live scores are shown on the right side. The score changes dynamically as the match progresses.
2. Cric Buzz is updating the scores at : http://live.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores-and-commentary.html
3. CricInfo is giving live ball by ball updates at : http://content-www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/361043.html?CMP=OTC-GCN
4. Follow Rediff’s score card at : http://imsports.rediff.com/score/in_match9231.html

Source: http://www.thaindian.com

Sixth Central Pay Commission: DRDO facing attrition problem: Defence Minister

2008-10-21T00:02:00.004+05:30

Sixth Central Pay Commission: DRDO facing attrition problem: Defence Minister

20 Oct 2008, 2214 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: Country's premier defence research organisation DRDO is facing the attrition problems as 785 defence scientists have resigned in the last three years.

The government has offered various incentives for scientists in the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) report, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.

"A number of incentives were recommended by the CPC, which have been accepted and implemented by the government, " defence minister A K Antony said in a written reply to a question on exodus of scientists from DRDO.

Incentives to arrest the attrition rate in DRDO include providing career enhancement opportunities to scientists by granting them study leaves, sending them to attend conferences and seminars and long term training courses.

"DRDO is providing study leaves to scientists for acquiring higher qualifications like PhDs, Masters Degrees. Scientists are sponsored to go and attend conferences and seminars and for long term courses for research both within and outside the country," Antony said.

The minister added that a lot of stress was being laid upon by DRDO to mentor young scientists along with improving their work environment and social life in DRDO campuses.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Sixth pay commission: 584 Army officers seek pre-mature retirement: Antony

2008-10-21T00:02:00.003+05:30

Sixth pay commission: 584 Army officers seek pre-mature retirement: Antony

New Delhi, Oct 20: As many as 584 officers from the Army have sought pre-mature retirement from services since March this year but the Government said it was not due to resentment over the sixth pay commission recommendations.

"No officer of navy, air force has sought pre-mature retirement on the ground of dissatisfaction with the Six Central Pay Commission report. However, in the Army, since March 2008, a total number of 584 officers have applied for premature retirement/resignation," Defence Minister A K Antony said replying to a question in the Lok Sabha.

Antony said the officials seek retirement on the "ground of non-empanelment, compassionate ground, low medical category, failure to acquire minimum technical qualification and better employment in civil life".

"From this, it cannot be ascertained that they have sought an exit due to resentment against the Sixth Pay Commission Report," he said.

The Defence Services, led by their Chiefs, have refused to implement the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, alleging that their status and honour were compromised.

Antony, while replying to a question by BJP's V K Malhotra and Santosh Gangwar, said the Services had submitted a detailed representation to the Government brining out certain issues arising out of the Sixth Pay Commission report.

"The Government has reached a decision on most of the issues," he said adding that a few more subsequent issues have been raised by the Services namely grant of higher grade pay to Service officers, placement of Lt-Col and equivalents in Pay Band 4 and reinstatement of pensionary weightages for Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR).

The Centre on September 25 set up a committee headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee with Antony and Finance Minister P Chidambaram as members to look into the grievances of the armed forces.

"The Government has decided that External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will look into the issues raised by the Services and give recommendations in consultation with the Defence Minister and Finance Minister," Antony said.

After the government notification was issued on August 29, issues of "anomalies" in the pay for officers were first raised by Air chief Fali Homi Major in his letter in his capacity as acting Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee.

Chiefs of Navy and Army too have voiced their resentment in letters to the government.

The armed forces are demanding that the government place Lieutenant-Colonels and their equivalents in Pay Band-4, ensure parity in Grade Pay of officers from Captains to Brigadiers with their civilian counterparts, accord the Higher Administrative Grade Plus status in pay scales to Lieutenant Generals and restore 70 per cent pensionary benefits to jawans.

Mukherjee held discussions with Chidambaram last week on the issue after consultations with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Girl asks Rahul about safety of women in Delhi Ramnagar (Uttarakhand), Oct 20 (PTI) Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, who began his three-day tour to Uttarakhand today, was asked by a young girl why women are not safe in Delhi.

"Girls are not safe in Delhi. What is your Congress government doing in this regard," was the poser to Rahul. "I cannot say what the government is doing. Political leaders do not have much information. I will definitely look into the matter," said Rahul, as he faced a volley of questions from college girls at Ramnagar.

As he arrived in this Corbett City, Rahul drove to Dhikuli area where he interacted with nearly 2,000 girls from different colleges of Kumaon region.

Another girl asked Rahul why the voice of the youth is being suppressed in Congress.

To this question, Rahul said: "It is not true. NSUI is a very good organisation where we welcome new talent and one can easily create a niche at the national level."

The programme "Talaash Nai Pratibha Ki" (search for new talent) was organised by NSUI in which its top leaders like Meenakshi Natrajan and Amrita Dhawan were also present.

Earlier in the town, police took into custody nearly a dozen ABVP workers for showing black flags and raising slogans against Rahul.

Savitri Sharma asked Rahul whether he took a bath after having food with Dalits.

"You wait for another four years, you will get the answer in Uttar Pradesh," was his refrain.

When a girl wanted to know about his reaction to the alleged beating of north Indians in Mumbai, Rahul said some political parties are indulging in petty politics for small gains.

Bureau Report

http://www.zeenews.com/

Sixth Central Pay Commission: Resentment Among Personnel Against Report of Sixth Pay Commission

2008-10-21T00:02:00.001+05:30

Sixth Central Pay Commission: Resentment Among Personnel Against Report of Sixth Pay Commission

Monday, October 20, 2008

Lok Sabha

The Services had submitted a detailed representation to the Government bringing out certain issues arising out of the report of the Sixth Central Pay Commission. The Government has decided on most of the issues. Subsequently, few more issues have been raised by the Services viz. grant of higher grade pay to Service officers, placement of Lt. Col. and equivalent in PB-4, reinstatement of pensionary weightages for Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR), providing HAG + Pay Band for Lt. Generals and equivalent holding post of Principal Staff Officer, Director Generals, Controllers, etc.

No officer of Navy, Air Force has sought pre-mature retirement (PMR) on the ground of dis-satisfaction with the Sixth Central Pay Commission Report. However, in the Army, since March, 2008 a total number of 584 officers (less Army Medical Corps/Army Dental Corps & Military Nursing Service) have applied for pre-mature retirement/resignation on ground of non-empanelment, compassionate ground, low medical category, failure to acquire minimum technical qualification and better employment in civil life. However, from this it cannot be ascertained that they have sought an exit due to resentment against Sixth Pay Commission Report.

The Government have decided that the Minister of External Affairs will look into the issues raised by the Services and give recommendations, in consultation with the Defence Minister and the Finance Minister.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra and Shri Santosh Gangwar in Lok Sabha today.

Samir/RAJ

Source: http://pib.nic.in/

Tags: Sixth Pay Commission,6th Pay Commission,6th Central Pay Commission

Sixth Pay Commission: Armed forces short of 13,830 officers

2008-10-21T00:01:00.003+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Armed forces short of 13,830 officers

The armed forces are facing a shortage of 13,830 officers. This was stated by Defence Minister A K Antony while replying to a question in Parliament on shortage of officers in the armed forces.

"There is a shortage of 11,119 officers in army, 13,59 officers in navy and 13,52 officers in air force. Armed forces have 53,849 officers against a sanctioned strength of 67,679," Antony said.

The Defence Minister listed the various steps taken up to tackle the shortfall of officers by the government. These steps include extension of Short Service Commission (SSC) officers, implementation of both phases of A V Singh Committee report and implementation of the Sixth Central Pay Commission (CPC) report.

"Tenure of SSC officers has been increased to 14 years, Phase 1 of A V Singh committee was implemented earlier, which resulted in upgrade of 750 Lieutenant-Colonel level posts to the Colonel level,” he said.

"Phase 2 of the report has also been cleared for implementation creating or upgrading 1,896 additional posts in ranks of Colonel, Brigadier, Major-General and Lieutenant- General and equivalents in other two services," the Defence minister said.

Antony said implementation of the 6th pay commission recommendations will help in arresting shortfall of officers in armed forces.

Source: http://howrah.org/

Tags: Sixth Pay Commission,6th Pay Commission,6th Central Pay Commission

Sixth Pay Commission: Too serious a business to be left to the car dealer

2008-10-21T00:01:00.001+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Too serious a business to be left to the car dealer

When you buy a car, usually the car dealer offers first-year insurance free of cost. Instead of passively accepting this freebie, look closely at the policy to see if it offers you comprehensive and adequate cover

September and October have always been favourable months for car manufacturers as the festive season propels their sales higher. This year, besides festive fervour, the Sixth Pay Commission's payouts have filled car showrooms to the brim with prospective buyers. According to industry estimates and company figures, in September the top six manufacturers in India notched up a 2.4 per cent year-on-year rise in car sales.

If you are buying a car this season, pay heed to the insurance cover and make sure that it is comprehensive and adequate. Vehicle insurance protects you against several risks: theft, damage, death of driver or passenger, and damage caused by your car to some other vehicle, person or property. Although tailor-made covers have not debuted in the market yet, cut throat competition is working in the interest of consumers. With the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) freeing up prices in the general insurance space — motor, fire and engineering — in January this year, there is much scope for you to bargain and get the best possible rate.

Tumbling rates, soaring discounts
Motor insurance consists of two main parts: own damage and third-party liability. According to the law of the land, every vehicle owner must have at least third-party liability cover. The regulator has freed only the own damage insurance cover rates so far. Depending on the size and the make of the car, own damage rates have come down almost 20 to 40 per cent. Says Rahul Aggarwal, chief executive officer, Optima Brokers: "The premium for a comprehensive insurance cover has fallen between 25 and 40 per cent depending on the type of car. The fall has been more in case of premium cars that cost Rs 10 lakh and above. For smaller cars like the Santro and Maruti Alto, the drop has been nearly 20 per cent."

While the regulator freed up pricing in January, the premium rates fell steeply only during the last four months. Insurers initially started off by offering 10 per cent discount, then slowly graduated to 20 per cent, and now are giving discounts as high as 40 per cent.

Main components of the policy
A vehicle insurance cover has the following main components:

Own damage. This cover entitles you to claim compensation in the event of damage or theft of your vehicle. Various factors dictate the premium of a standard policy: type of vehicle, its engine capacity, its age, and the region in which it is registered. While these are the broad parameters, the exact premium for your car is calculated on the basis of its insured declared value (IDV). When buying a policy, never compromise on this value as this is the amount that the insurance company will pay you if your car gets completely damaged or stolen. Beware: a steep discount in premium might mean a lower IDV. While buying the policy always ask for the exact IDV to get an idea of the insurance amount you are likely to get in case of a casualty. The IDV of a vehicle declines with age (insurers generally give a depreciation schedule for up to five years).

Third party. According to the Insurance Act, it is compulsory to have third-party liability cover. In metropolitian cities it becomes imperative to have such a cover due to higher chances of accidents.
"Third party liability under the insurance law in India is unlimited," says M. Ramadoss, chairman and managing director, Oriental General Insurance. That means if you hit a person on the road, then the liability is unlimited. In case of property damage, the liability is limited to Rs 7.5 lakh.

Points to remember
Here are key aspects that you should keep in mind while buying vehicle insurance:
Premium. The insurance regulator has freed the pricing of products but not the wordings. Therefore, the whole industry is selling more or less the same product. Pricing is the only tool in their hands for driving sales. Use this to your advantage. "A customer must insist on getting quotes from different companies. Ask a friend who has the same car what premium he pays. By doing a bit of legwork and haggling, a customer can get discounts as high as 40-50 per cent," says Ramadoss.
You can bargain for a lower premium in case you have a no-claim (or fairly low claim record) history. “Longer the claim history, higher is the premium levied by companies,”says Eswaranatarajan N., head, motor insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance.

Moreover, keep in mind that you can transfer the vehicle insurance from your old vehicle to the new one. “The no-claim bonus goes with the driver and not with the vehicle. So when you sell a vehicle and buy a new one, the no-claim bonus from the earlier vehicle can be transferred to the new one,” he adds.

Co-payment clause. Watch out for the co-payment clause, also known as excess. While offering a lower premium, insurers pass on some of the risk to the customer using this clause. In case of a claim, the expense will then have to be borne by both the insurer and the insured. Hence, avoid the co-payment clause even if it means paying a higher premium.

Claims and customer service. These are the two most important criteria that should be kept in mind while buying or renewing a policy. Today one out of every three vehicles meets with an accident. Hence customer service plays an prominent role. According to Darvesh Panchal, practice leader, Prudent Brokers, "The ease of getting a claim settled without any hassles is a big factor in motor insurance. Always look for companies that offer cashless facility (i.e., they get the vehicle repaired at an empanelled garage). Also check out what other value-added services they provide."
A few dealers or brokers help their customers in getting the claim. "The most important thing to look for in the dealer or the intermediary is the services he offers. See how qualified and geared up the intermediary is to provide claim support and information," says Aggarwal.

In case of total loss or theft, it takes more than three months to settle the claim. In case of theft, the insured has to lodge a complaint in the local police station and wait till it issues a non-traceable report. The process takes about three months. And needless to add, it requires you to make several rounds of the court and the police station. It is only after this report is submitted that the insurance company starts its work of paying you the claim. Any help that you can get from the broker or dealer will come as welcome relief.

More regulatory changes needed
While the regulator has freed up pricing control, general insurance companies do not yet enjoy the freedom to alter the wordings of the policy. Says Eswaranatarajan N., “Today only the premiums have been de-tarriffed and not the products. What we sell in the market is basically one product with a common set of policy wordings. To open up the market and in the interest of the consumer, it is anticipated that the regulator will introduce flexibility in wordings and allow new products.”

N.K. Kedia, director (marketing), Iffco Tokio General Insurance too feels the same. “Freedom in wordings would allow us to come out with innovative products. The industry would then develop on the lines of matured markets. This move will be in the consumer's interest as it will allow introduction of new products, and lead to greater choice."

Ramadoss of Oriental Insurance is of the view that greater regulatory vigil is the need of the hour. “There should be strict vigilance against uninsured vehicles. The government should take action against them. Because so many vehicles remain uninsured, there is a lot of leakage of premium. After this is taken care of, premium rates will come down further,” he says.
Till these regulatory changes come about, make the best of the current regime and get yourself a comprehensive cover at the lowest possible cost.

Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Sixth pay panel triggers hike for PSU employees

2008-10-21T00:00:00.002+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Sixth pay panel triggers hike for PSU employees

20 Oct, 2008, 0123 hrs IST,Dheeraj Tiwari, ET Bureau

NEW DELHI: The government has finally decided to revise the pay scales of employees working in 69 public sector undertakings (PSUs) on the lines of the Sixth Pay Commission offered to central government staff.

The benefit of pay revision will be allowed only to employees of those CPSUs that are not making losses and are in a position to absorb the additional expenditure from their own resources without any budgetary support.

The PSUs include Mahanagar Telecom Nigam (MTNL), Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), NHPC and North-Eastern Electric Power Corporation (Neepco) among others. These PSUs follow the central dearness allowance pattern and are governed by a separate high power pay committee.

“The pay scales of the employees will be revised with effect from January 2006. It will be now up to the board of directors of the respective public sector company to consider the pay revision, keeping in mind the affordability and capacity of the CPSU. They’ll have to submit a proposal to their respective administrative ministry, which will approve the proposal with the concurrence of its financial advisor,” a department of public enterprise official said.

As per the recommendations, there will also be a revision in city compensatory allowance, house rent allowance and dearness allowance (DA).

Already in April this year, the government had increased the DA for PSUs by 6% with effect from January this year.

“This will make a stronger case for the early implementation of the second pay revision committee report for the companies following the industrial dearness allowance pattern. However, not all companies following the CDA pattern will be able to adopt the new pay revisions as some of them are sick or loss-making units,” the official said.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Bharti Airtel to launch internet TV

2008-10-21T00:00:00.001+05:30

Bharti Airtel to launch internet TV

According to a top company official, Airtel plans to launch its commercial services in six cities soon.

Bharti Airtel is going great guns into the media business. After launching the DTH service, they have started a trial run of their proposed internet protocol television (IPTV) services in New Delhi and are now planning to launch its commercial services in six cities soon, according to their top official.

President of Telemedia Services of the company, Atul Bindal told reporters during the launch of Airtel's DTH service in Kolkata "We are currently covering 1,000 households in New Delhi on a pilot basis. Issues like infrastructure capabilities and different pricing models are being tried there."

Since it requires a very high bandwidth, Airtel would restrict IPTV to metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, as of now, where the broadband speeds of up to 8 Mbps are available.

When asked, Mr. Bindal declined to comment about the date of IPTV launch, but he said "We will soon be having services like IPTV, DTH, landline telephone and mobile telephony. Various combo packages are being worked out."

Airtel currently has 2.5 milion Telemedia customers for both landline and broadband, whom it plans to target with IPTV services. Mr. Bindal also added that the recent guidelines by the I&B ministry about downloading IPTV content has prompted Airtel to work aggressively on its IPTV launch.

Source: techtree.com

Sixth Pay Commission: Paramilitary forces unhappy with pay panel

2008-10-20T23:59:00.000+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Paramilitary forces unhappy with pay panel

Sudhi Ranjan Sen
Saturday, October 18, 2008, (New Delhi)

For the UPA government, the Sixth Pay Commission has created more problems than it has solved. The paramilitary -- the third largest force in the world -- too is unhappy over the recommendations and feels cheated.

Mohinder Lal was a star of the Border Security Force. But despite his 35 years in the force and medals for shooting competitions, he couldn't go beyond Deputy Inspector General.

Most cadre officers of the paramilitary face hit a promotion and pay barrier unlike their counterparts in the military. And this is taking a toll on recruitments.

Individual officers have written to the Home Minister and Congress president Sonia Gandhi saying that pay panel recommendations are unacceptable.

A delegation has also met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee who heads the committee reviewing the pay and perks of the armed forces.

The paramilitary are demanding more senior level post for cadre officers instead of IPS officers and parity with military specially in the cutting edge level of lieutenant Colonels.

Most of the BSF spends 90 per cent of their career guarding the borders or fighting insurgencies.

"People will join the paramilitary but good people will not come anymore," said Mohinder Lal, Deputy Inspector General, BSF.

Like the military, the points raised by paramilitary is valid and has serious implications. But what is surprising and baffling is the inability of bureaucracy to deal with them satisfactorily.

Source: http://www.ndtv.com/

Barack Obama - Barack Obama website - Official Barack Obama website - Barack Obama Biography

2008-10-19T00:00:00.001+05:30

www.barackobama.com : Official Barack Obama website

Barack Obama

aka Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.
(1961–)

Barack Obama is the junior U.S. Senator from Illinois and the 2008 Democratic presidential nominee.

During their third and final presidential debate, Obama and Republican presidential nominee John McCain clashed sharply over

tax policies and some of the heated rhetoric that had been tossed between their campaigns.

McCain accused Obama of waging "class warfare" with his tax plans and said his proposals would harm the economy."

"Why would you want to increase anybody's taxes right now?" McCain asked.

Obama countered that he would cut taxes for 95 percent of earners while raising it on the richest Americans, those making

more than $250,000 a year.

"When it comes to economic policies, essentially what you're proposing is four more years of the same thing, and it hasn't

worked," Obama responded.

The debate was held October 15, 2008, at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, on Long Island, with CBS' Bob Schieffer

moderating.

Obama and McCain also held debates on September 26 in Oxford, Mississippi, and October 7 in Nashville, Tennessee. The vice

presidential nominees, Republican Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden, met for their only debate on October 2 in St. Louis,

Missouri.

Voters cast their ballots on Election Day, which is November 4.

Barack Hussein Obama was born Aug. 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father, Barack Obama, Sr., was born of Luo ethnicity in

Nyanza Province, Kenya. He grew up herding goats with his own father, who was a domestic servant to the British. Although

reared among Muslims, Obama, Sr., became an atheist at some point.

Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham, grew up in Wichita, Kansas. Her father worked on oil rigs during the Depression. After the

Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he signed up for service in World War II and marched across Europe in Patton’s army.

Dunham’s mother went to work on a bomber assembly line. After the war, they studied on the G. I. Bill, bought a house through

the Federal Housing Program, and moved to Hawaii.

Meantime, Barack’s father had won a scholarship that allowed him to leave Kenya pursue his dreams in Hawaii. At the time of

his birth, Obama’s parents were students at the East–West Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Obama’s parents separated when he was two years old and later divorced. Obama’s father went to Harvard to pursue Ph. D.

studies and then returned to Kenya.

His mother married Lolo Soetoro, another East–West Center student from Indonesia. In 1967, the family moved to Jakarta, where

Obama’s half-sister Maya Soetoro–Ng was born. Obama attended schools in Jakarta, where classes were taught in the Indonesian

language.

Four years later when Barack (commonly known throughout his early years as "Barry") was ten, he returned to Hawaii to live

with his maternal grandparents, Madelyn and Stanley Dunham, and later his mother (who died of ovarian cancer in 1995).

He was enrolled in the fifth grade at the esteemed Punahou Academy, graduating with honors in 1979. He was only one of three

black students at the school. This is where Obama first became conscious of racism and what it meant to be an

African–American.

In his memoir, Obama described how he struggled to reconcile social perceptions of his multiracial heritage. He saw his

biological father (who died in a 1982 car accident) only once (in 1971) after his parents divorced. And he admitted using

alcohol, marijuana and cocaine during his teenage years.

After high school, Obama studied at Occidental College in Los Angeles for two years. He then transferred to Columbia

University in New York, graduating in 1983 with a degree in political science.

After working at Business International Corporation (a company that provided international business information to corporate

clients) and NYPIRG, Obama moved to Chicago in 1985. There, he worked as a community organizer with low-income residents in

Chicago’s Roseland community and the Altgeld Gardens public housing development on the city’s South Side.

It was during this time that Obama, who said he "was not raised in a religious household," joined the Trinity United Church

of Christ. He also visited relatives in Kenya, which included an emotional visit to the graves of his father and paternal

grandfather.

Obama entered Harvard Law School in 1988. In February 1990, he was elected the first African–American editor of the Harvard

Law Review. Obama graduated magna cum laude in 1991.

After law school, Obama returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer, joining the firm of Miner, Barnhill &

Galland. He also taught at the University of Chicago Law School. And he helped organize voter registration drives during Bill

Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign.

Obama published an autobiography in 1995 Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. And he won a Grammy for the

audio version of the book.

Obama’s advocacy work led him to run for the Illinois State Senate as a Democrat. He was elected in 1996 from the south side

neighborhood of Hyde Park.

During these years, Obama worked with both Democrats and Republicans in drafting legislation on ethics, expanded health care

services and early childhood education programs for the poor. He also created a state earned-income tax credit for the

working poor. And after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Obama worked with law enforcement officials to

require the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.

In 2000, Obama made an unsuccessful Democratic primary run for the U. S. House of Representatives seat held by four-term

incumbent candidate Bobby Rush.

Following the 9/11 attacks, Obama was an early opponent of President George W. Bush’s push to war with Iraq. Obama was still

a state senator when he spoke against a resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq during a rally at Chicago’s

Federal Plaza in October 2002.

"I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars," he said. "What I am opposed to is the cynical attempt by Richard

Perle and Paul Wolfowitz and other arm-chair, weekend warriors in this Administration to shove their own ideological agendas

down our throats, irrespective of the costs in lives lost and in hardships borne."

"He's a bad guy," Obama said, referring to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. "The world, and the Iraqi people, would be better

off without him. But I also know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors,

that the Iraqi economy is in shambles, that the Iraqi military a fraction of its former strength, and that in concert with

the international community he can be contained until, in the way of all petty dictators, he falls away into the dustbin of

history."

"I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U. S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost,

with undetermined consequences," Obama continued. "I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without

strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses

of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of al-Qaeda."

The war with Iraq began in 2003 and Obama decided to run for the U.S. Senate open seat vacated by Republican Peter

Fitzgerald. In the 2004 Democratic primary, he won 52 percent of the vote, defeating multimillionaire businessman Blair Hull

and Illinois Comptroller Daniel Hynes.

That summer, he was invited to deliver the keynote speech in support of John Kerry at the 2004 Democratic National Convention

in Boston. Obama emphasized the importance of unity, and made veiled jabs at the Bush administration and the diversionary use

of wedge issues.

"We worship an awesome God in the blue states, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the red

states," he said. "We coach Little League in the blue states, and yes, we've got some gay friends in the red states. There

are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq, and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people, all of us

pledging allegiance to the Stars and Stripes, all of us defending the United States of America."

After the convention, Obama returned to his U.S. Senate bid in Illinois. His opponent in the general election was suppose to

be Republican primary winner Jack Ryan, a wealthy former investment banker. However, Ryan withdrew from the race in June

2004, following public disclosure of unsubstantiated sexual allegations by Ryan's ex wife, actress Jeri Ryan.

In August 2004, diplomat and former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, who was also an African American, accepted the

Republican nomination to replace Ryan. In three televised debates, Obama and Keyes expressed opposing views on stem cell

research, abortion, gun control, school vouchers and tax cuts.

In the November 2004 general election, Obama received 70% of the vote to Keyes's 27%, the largest electoral victory in

Illinois history. Obama became only the third African American elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction.

Sworn into office January 4, 2005, Obama partnered with Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana on a bill that expanded

efforts to destroy weapons of mass destruction in Eastern Europe and Russia. Then with Republican Sen. Tom Corburn of

Oklahoma, he created a website that tracks all federal spending.

Obama was also the first to raise the threat of avian flu on the Senate floor, spoke out for victims of Hurricane Katrina,

pushed for alternative energy development and championed improved veterans´ benefits. He also worked with Democrat Russ

Feingold of Wisconsin to eliminate gifts of travel on corporate jets by lobbyists to members of Congress.

His second book, The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream, was published in October 2006.

In February 2007, Obama made headlines when he announced his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. He

was locked in a tight battle with former first lady and current U.S. Senator from New York, Hillary Rodham Clinton until he

became the presumptive nominee on June 3, 2008.

Obama met his wife, Michelle, in 1988 when he was a summer associate at the Chicago law firm of Sidley & Austin. They were

married in October 1992 and live in Kenwood on Chicago's South Side with their daughters, Malia (born 1998) and Sasha (born 2001).

Source: http://www.biography.com/

Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic

2008-10-18T23:59:00.001+05:30

Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic

Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic is a 2005 comedy written by Sarah Silverman. It is notable for its edgy jokes and comedic

style. It was directed by Liam Lynch and distributed by Roadside Attractions.

The movie is a concert film consisting of 72 minutes of clips taken from Silverman's previous stand-up show of the same name,

interspersed with flashbacks and comedic sketches. Silverman addresses a number of issues, including religion, AIDS, The

Holocaust, race, sexism, political parties, the disabled, the homeless, and midgets. Silverman also performs several original

songs in the film.

The film was released November 11, 2005 in eight theatres. Receiving positive reviews, it made just under $125,000 opening

weekend. Its performance led to an expanded release in as many as 57 theatres, resulting in a box office take of more than

$1.2 million. The movie was released on DVD on June 6, 2006 in the United States and on June 13 in Canada. A soundtrack CD

was also released featuring most of the musical numbers, excerpts from Silverman's stand-up comedy, and several additional

non-movie songs.

Sarah Silverman

Directed by Liam Lynch
Written by Sarah Silverman
Starring Sarah Silverman
Laura Silverman
Brian Posehn

Music by Liam Lynch
Sarah Silverman
Distributed by Roadside Attractions
Release date(s) 2005
Running time 72 min.
Country USA
Language English

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Silverman:_Jesus_Is_Magic

Sixth Pay Commission: Bonus hiked

2008-10-18T13:01:00.001+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Bonus hiked

HERALD REPORTER

PANJIM, OCT 17

After the declaration of implementing the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, there is more good news awaiting Government

servants ahead of Diwali as the Centre has decided to hike the bonus by Rs 1,000.
According to information available, the Centre has increased the bonus from existing Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500.
Moreover, the increase will be effective from last year (2006-07) which means the employees would get Rs 1,000 in form of

arrears.

“We normally follow guidelines of the Centre on bonus and since it has been increased we were bound to do so”, sources told

Herald when asked whether Government would implement the same to its employees.
“We have issued circulars to all departments and employees will get the bonus ahead of Diwali”, sources claimed.
In addition to the Rs 300 crore expenditure after the Sixth Pay Commission implementation, the financial liability for the

increased bonus would be approximately Rs 6 crore.

Source: http://oheraldo.in/

Sixth Pay Commission: CM demands larger share in Central taxes

2008-10-18T13:00:00.000+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: CM demands larger share in Central taxes

Statesman News Service

BHUBANESWAR, Oct. 17: "The share of the states in the total Central taxes should be enhanced to 50 per cent," said chief

minister Mr Naveen Patnaik here today.
While inaugurating the workshop on ‘State’s Memorandum to the Thirteenth Finance Commission’ Mr Patnaik also pointed out that

the states also have rights on various surcharges and cess collected by the Union government.
Mr Patnaik said that the 13th Finance Commission would take the Union government’s budget assistance for various central and

state projects, and also its liability for oil, food and fertiliser supply into consideration. "This will affect the state's

righteous share on central resources," he noted.
"While figuring out the state's share, special attention must be paid to states like Orissa in terms of her poverty, SC/ST

population," he suggested.
Acting on the recommendations of the 12th Finance Commission, many states have started cutting their expenditure, but that

ultimately affects crucial sectors like health, education and infrastructure. “Hence, the Union government should ensure

eradication of financial disparity of various states by sanctioning adequate grants to the weaker states,” Mr. Patnaik

exhorted.
"Steps should also be taken to help the states as they are burdened with the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission," he

said. The royalty on coal and other mineral resources should be calculated on the ‘ad valorem’ method, the chief minister

demanded.
The chief minister informed the meeting that the empowered committee of States’ Finance Ministers has formulated a National

Goods and Services Tax, which will be in force from April 2010. Disapproving attempts to curtail the states’ powers to

collect taxes, the chief minister expressed concern that that would affect the states’ financial freedom.
"There is an urgent need to simplify the procedure to get aid from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF)," he

observed. Against the backdrop of empowerment of panchayati raj institutes, the Finance Commission should recommend for

strengthening of the bodies’ capacity and resources.
Talking about the financial state of affairs of Orissa, he said that the state has become a surplus state and started many

development programmes like Biju KBK yojana from own resources.
Speaking on the occasion, state finance minister Mr Prafulla Chandra Ghadei said: "The state should demand for more grants in

public enterprises and power reform sectors."

Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/

Sixth Pay Commission: Gujarat employees to Strike on Nov 5

2008-10-16T14:56:00.001+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Gujarat employees to Strike on Nov 5

There seems to be a wide-spread anger in the government employee committee in Gujarat state regarding the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations. The Gujarat government employees are planning mass strike on November 5, 2008 or better to say take a Mass Casual leave. This strike is against the delay by the government in implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.

It is expected that around 8 lakh employees will be taking part in the mass strike across entire Gujarat. The protest is because the salary hike of Sixth Pay Commission recommendation is not yet implemented. The employee organization, called Gujarat Rajya Karmachari Mahamandal convened by Girish Raval has also threatened that if the implementation is not made till Diwali, the protest will be intensified.

As per the news, a 5-member Cabinet sub-committee, set up to study the implications of the Commission’s recommendations, had on Monday last, submitted its report to the government, suggesting that it could be implemented in the state.
Despite the "positive" report submitted by a sub-committee headed by Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala, the Modi government was dilly-dallying in announcing the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations, he said.

The Mahamandal leader said that apart from the Central government, six other state governments had announced that they will implement the recommendations in toto. But, the Gujarat government continues to keep its employees on tenterhooks, he said.

What is the stand of the Gujarat Government in implementing the Sixth Pay Commission Recommendations?
The state Finance Department official are putting the blame on the additional burden of about Rs 3,000 crore in the first year when it decides to implement the Commission’s recommendations for its employees with retrospective effect from January 2006.

Later, the government would have to shoulder an additional burden of Rs 1,000 crore annually if the recommendations hiking the employees’ salaries were implemented in toto, at par with the Central government employees.

There are over eight lakh government employees, including those serving in the state-owned Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Gujarat. Besides, there are over two lakh pensioners in the state, who will also benefit from the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations.

Source: http://www.khabrein.info/

Sixth Pay Commission: Realty cools but home retail still hot

2008-10-16T11:36:00.003+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Realty cools but home retail still hot

Tanvi Shukla

Thursday, October 16, 2008 03:46 IST

Despite tight purse strings, furniture and home accessories are flying off the shelves

MUMBAI: The real estate market is facing tough times, home loans have become expensive and consumers have tightened their purse strings. But there is one related sector that is still growing at 35% —home retail.

Simply put, buyers are still spending on furniture and home décor accessories at organised retail outlets.

@Home, the Rs 150-crore lifestyle furniture retail venture of Nilkamal Ltd, saw its same store sales grow at 42% in the first half of FY09. Same store sales is a statistic used to compare sales of stores that have been open for a year or more.

Manish Parekh, the director of Nilkamal Ltd, said the @Home venture hasn’t witnessed a slowdown. “The middle and upper-middle class still have access to high disposable incomes with steady increments continuing. Also, the Sixth Pay Commission has brought in a new segment of consumers for us,” he added.

One of the consumers in this new segment is the ‘normally conservative’ Rama Tiwari, a Pune resident and wife of a retired railways officer. Thanks to the Sixth Pay Commission, she can now indulge some of her wants. “I recently bought a couch for Rs 70,000 from one of the big showrooms. Our new house is still under construction, but since we have the money now, we might as well buy what we will need someday,” she said.

The organised home furnishings and décor business has a small base and so, is expected to post healthy growth. The fact that it hasn’t seen a slowdown despite the global economic turmoil is good news for those in the business. Interestingly, though the option of consumer loans exists, less than 5% of sales are through these loans. This means that consumers do have cash in hand.

So what are people buying? “Showpieces, artefacts, paintings, artificial flowers and furniture sell the most,” Parekh said.

Mahesh Shah, the chief executive officer of HomeTown, the home improvement format of retail giant Future Group, added that furniture is still selling ‘like hot cakes’. “Modular kitchens and wardrobes are very popular. We have seen a certain amount of downtrading, but being a value retailer, we will only benefit from such a trend,” Shah said.

Of the Rs 70,000-crore furniture market, just Rs 3,500-4,000 crore comprises organised retail, led by HomeTown, @Home and Lifestyle retail chain.

However, the consumer seems to have shifted from calling a carpenter to make furniture to buying completely designed and matched furniture sets from a showroom. This shift is what is driving the home retail segment.

At HomeTown, same store sales growth stood at 30.3% for the month of September. The group intends to add seven more stores by the end of this year.

But not everyone is witnessing similar growth. The same store sales at Godrej Interio, the furniture division of Godrej Industries, grew at an average of just 15% over the last year. Subodh Mehta, senior general manager, Godrej Interio (home division), said, “We are growing but the fact is that people are not buying houses with the same momentum as they were. That has brought down our same store sales growth from 30% to 15%.”

Godrej Interio might be an exception more than the rule. The industry is betting big on home retail, especially décor and accessories, and its expansion plans are on track.
Though shying away from buying new homes, consumers are going in for interior decoration, opting for expensive tiles, designer drapes and elaborate colour schemes, even if it is for a cramped one-bedroom-hall house.

With dreams of a new house postponed, they’re content to make the most of what they have. The retailers aren’t complaining.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Government staff to go on mass leave in protest

2008-10-16T11:36:00.001+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Government staff to go on mass leave in protest

Ahmedabad, October 15 Anger against delay in implementation of pay panel’s recommendations

Over eight lakh Government employees across Gujarat will go on a day’s mass casual leave on November 5, to protest against the government’s delay in announcing the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations to hike employees’ salaries.

“We have already served an ultimatum to the government that the employees will go on a mass CL on November 5. We have also decided to intensify our agitation if the government fails to make an announcement on the Commission’s recommendations before Diwali,” said Girish Raval, Convenor of the Gujarat Rajya Karmachari Mahamandal.

Raval told Newsline today that a five-member Cabinet sub-committee, set up to study the implications of the Commission’s recommendations, had on Monday last, submitted its report to the government, suggesting that it could be implemented in the state.
Despite the “positive” report submitted by a sub-committee headed by Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala, the Modi government was dilly-dallying in announcing the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations, he said.

The Mahamandal leader said that apart from the Central government, six other state governments had announced that they will implement the recommendations in toto. But, the Gujarat government continues to keep its employees on tenterhooks, he said.

The various government employees’ bodies in the state expected that the government would take a decision on this issue at the weekly Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. But, the Cabinet failed to take a decision on this, causing a great deal of disappointment among lakhs of its employees, Raval said.

Meanwhile, a senior official in the state Finance Department said the government would have to entail an additional burden of about Rs 3,000 crore in the first year when it decides to implement the Commission’s recommendations for its employees with retrospective effect from January 2006.

Later, the government would have to shoulder an additional burden of Rs 1,000 crore annually if the recommendations hiking the employees’ salaries were implemented in toto, at par with the Central government employees, the official said.

There are over eight lakh government employees, including those serving in the state-owned Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Gujarat. Besides, there are over two lakh pensioners in the state, who will also benefit from the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Centre to pump in Rs 30,000 crore through supplementary demand

2008-10-16T11:35:00.004+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Centre to pump in Rs 30,000 crore through supplementary demand

Economy Bureau

Oct 16, 2008

After announcing a slew of measures to address concerns over inadequate liquidity, the government is expected to pump in at least another Rs 30,000 crore of cash when it raises the first and second batch of supplementary demand for grants in Parliament next week.

With its obligations under the Sixth Pay Commission, farm loan waiver and oil and fertiliser bonds, back of the envelope calculations reveal that this year it could rise to as much as Rs 60,000 crore. The government raised a total of Rs 53,703 crore in the first and second supplementary demand for grants in 2007-08.

Of this about Rs 30,000 crore is likely to be raised as cash while the balance would be matched through savings and recoveries by administrative departments and ministries. The money would come in handy at a time when the economy is reeling under a credit crisis.

In fact stressing that the domestic credit situation would improve, finance minister P Chidambaram had said last week, “Ten or 12 days from today, when the supplementary (spending bill) is passed, a substantial amount of liquidity will be infused into the market.”

Getting additional funds through the demand for grants for the fiscal will be a key issue for the UPA government since this is the last full session of the Lok Sabha before general elections are announced. Government functioning and more importantly implementation of key social sector programmes will be affected without the requisite funds.

Although the government is trying to cut down costs, it has to foot a heavy expenditure bill with payouts for the sixth pay commission pay out. As per the pay commission’s recommendations, the salary hikes will cost Rs 22,100 crore this fiscal, while the farm loans to be waived in three installments is estimated at Rs 71,680 crore. The government has also budgeted Rs 7,500 crore for fertiliser bonds. Oil bonds for the fourth quarter of 2007-08 amounting to Rs 14,956 crore and for the first quarter of 2008-09 estimated at Rs 24,408 crore will be issued after parliamentary nod.

Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Delhi govt's no to fee hike by pvt schools

2008-10-16T11:35:00.003+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Delhi govt's no to fee hike by pvt schools

15 Oct 2008, 1756 hrs IST,PTI

NEW DELHI: Delhi Government is considering the demand of private schools to hike the fees ostensibly to pay their teachers as per the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission but will not concede to their proposal for a 50 per cent increase across the board.

The Government will not allow any across the board hike and the schools' demand will be examined on a case-by-case basis, a senior official of the Education Department said.

"We are considering their demand and a decision on this matter will be taken soon," the official said.

He said there was no question of accepting the demand for a 50 per cent hike as some schools have surplus money in their kitty to increase salaries of their teachers as per the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.

"We will examine the financial health of each and every school before taking a decision on it," he said.

The private schools are demanding a hike of 50 per cent in fees ostensibly to pay salaries to their teachers on the lines of recommendations the Sixth Pay Commission. However, parents are opposing the move.

The BJP has termed the demand as unjustified and said any hike in school fees would be gross injustice with the guardians of the students studying in private schools.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Any govt decision on pay issue will be good for country: Army

2008-10-16T11:35:00.001+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Any govt decision on pay issue will be good for country: Army

New Delhi, October 15: As the committee headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee is looking into the armed forces’ grievances over their new pay scales, the army on Wednesday said any decision by the government on the issue will be for the good of the country and the Services.
“The pay anomalies issues is currently with the Cabinet and I am sure it will take care of it. Whatever it decides, it will be for the good of the country and the armed forces,” Vice-Chief of the Army, Lieutenant-General M L Naidu, said on the sidelines of an Army Postal Service Awards ceremony ihn New Delhi.

“They (the committee members) are our national leaders and they will keep all issues in mind before taking a decision. It (pay issues) is not a matter of our expectations,” Naidu said, replying to a query on the course of action the armed forces would take if all their expectations are not met by the Mukherjee committee.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had late last month set up the Mukherjee committee with Defence Minister A K Antony and Finance Minister P Chidambaram as members to consider the four “core issues” raised by the armed forces on what they called a “discriminatory” 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC) report.

In fact, the issues had snowballed into a controversy over the armed forces’ reluctance to implement the Cabinet decision on the CPC taken last month.

Consequently, the 1.5 million armed forces personnel took home their old pay scales in October, while their 3.5 million civilian counterparts got their revised pay scales under the CPC.

To another query, Naidu said pointing out some discrepancies in the CPC was not “defiance”, but professional duty (of the armed forces).

The armed forces are demanding that the government place Lieutenant-Colonels and their equivalents in Pay Band-4, ensure parity in Grade Pay of officers from Captains to Brigadiers with their civilian counterparts, accord the Higher Administrative Grade Plus status in pay scales to Lieutenant Generals and restore 70 per cent pensionary benefits to jawans.

To another question over the misuse of army’s combat fatigues by paramilitary and police forces, Naidu said the army had already informed the Centre and the state governments about it.

“Now, the state governments have taken very strict action, because they have realized that by not insisting on this, it is causing some confusing. Now they have done it (enforce laws against misuse of army uniforms). And hopefully it will be sorted out,” Naidu said.

Asked about the uniforms and camouflages being freely available in the open market, the army vice-chief said as far as clothes, low-quality products are concerned, they were available (but not the Army’s).

“A solution is being worked out and the Home Ministry is doing what is necessary to curb such sales. By law, sale of military uniform in the open market is banned. It should not be available. If it is, there is a separate enforcement agency working on curbing the sale of military uniform. In J&K, they are very actively curbing the sale,” he added.

Source: http://www.expressindia.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Ministerial committee to resolve pay anomalies of armed forces shortly

2008-10-16T11:34:00.004+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Ministerial committee to resolve pay anomalies of armed forces shortly

New Delhi, Oct 13(ANI): A ministerial committee led by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, set up to look into the armed forces’ grievance about pay anomalies, is likely to sort out the matter soon.
Mukherjee, who heads the three-member committee, said on Monday that he had discussed the matter with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister A K Antony.

“Shortly, I am going to discuss with the Finance Minister P Chidambaram,” he told reporters here when asked about the issue.
Without giving details of his discussions with the Prime Minister, Mukherjee merely said: “I do hope we will be able to sort out the issue shortly.”

The Prime Minister set up the committee, which also includes Antony and Chidambaram, on September 25 in the wake of deep resentment in the armed forces, who complained that there were “anomalies” in the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations and that it had lowered the status of their officers.

After the government notification was issued on August 29, the issues of anomalies in the pay for officers was first raised by Air Chief Fali Homi Major in his letter in his capacity as acting Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).
Chiefs of Navy and Army too have been voicing their resentment.

Antony has strongly favoured resolution of core issues raised by the three services chiefs in their representation to the government. (ANI)

http://www.newspostonline.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Police, paramilitary raise pitch for better pay scales

2008-10-16T11:34:00.003+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Police, paramilitary raise pitch for better pay scales

15 Oct 2008, 1046 hrs IST,PTI

NEW DELHI: After the three armed forces, it is now the turn of the central police organisations (CPOs) and paramilitary forces (CPMFs) to raise a pitch for "parity" in pay scales with their military counterparts.

With the government setting up a three-member ministerial committee headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to consider the armed forces' plea, the CPOs too have decided to seek a political intervention to resolve issues concerning their pay scales.

The chiefs of ITBP, BSF, CRPF and SSB will meet Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta to submit a memorandum seeking a political decision on the lines of Mukherjee committee for inclusion of their "second-in-command" rank officers in Pay Band-4, if the tri-services' Lieutenant Colonels and equivalents are included in this pay bracket.

The Pay Band-4 for Lt Cols is among the four "core issues" raised by the Army, Navy and Air Force in the 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC) and that led to Services refusing to implement the CPC, a decision taken by the Cabinet in August this year.

"The Director Generals (DGs) of all the CPOs and CPMFs will present a memorandum to the Home Secretary this week. We will urge Home Minister Shivraj Patil to request his cabinet colleague, Pranab Mukherjee, to include 'Second-in-Command' ranks also in Pay Band-4," Home Ministry sources said.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: GM's special offer for govt employees

2008-10-16T11:34:00.001+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: GM's special offer for govt employees

15 Oct 2008, 0210 hrs IST,TNN

NEW DELHI: Aiming to cash in on the salary revision by Sixth Pay Commission recently, carmaker General Motors India has announced a limited-period discount of up to Rs 62000 on various models during the festive season.

Under the scheme government employees would get a discount of Rs 31000 on Chevrolet U-VA and Rs 62000 on Chevrolet Spark, inclusive of all discounts and special offers that already exist.

"Similar special discounts would also be available on Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Optra," the company said.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Sixth Pay Commission: Demand for 50 pc fee hike by private schools improper: BJP

2008-10-16T11:33:00.000+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Demand for 50 pc fee hike by private schools improper: BJP

New Delhi, Oct 13: The Delhi BJP today termed as "improper" the demand for 50 per cent hike in fee by private schools ostensibly to pay their teachers as per the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.

The demand is unjustified as any hike in school fees will be gross injustice done to guardians of students studying in private schools, Delhi BJP president Harsh Vardhan said.

The private schools have been constructed on the land provided by Government at concessional rates and therefore the commercialisation of these schools was not justified at all, he said.

The private schools are demanding a hike of 50 percent in fees ostensibly to pay salaries to their teachers on the lines of recommendations the Sixth Pay Commission. However parents are opposing the move.

These schools increase the fees by about 10 percent every year and hence the demand for increasing fees by 50 percent on the pretext of the recommendations of Sixth Pay Commission should not be accepted, Vardhan said.

He said the people are already hit hard by the price rise and an increase in fees would have a severe impact on the citizens.

Noting that education is the fundamental right of the children, he said if the BJP came to power then it will not allow the commercialisation of education.

Bureau Report

Source: http://www.zeenews.com/

DBRAU - DBRAU Results - www.dbrau.ac.in

2008-10-15T21:23:00.001+05:30

DBRAU - DBRAU Results - www.dbrau.ac.in

Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University (earlier known as Agra University) – www.dbrau.ac.in announced DBRAU results. Dr.BR Ambedkar University or Agra University results can be accessed at http://www.dbrau.ac.in/result.asp
For more go to : http://www.dbrau.ac.in/

Tags: www.dbrau.ac.in, agra university, dbrau.ac.in, dbrau agra, dr. bhim rao ambedkar university

Airtel DTH: Airtel to enter direct-to-home television market

2008-10-07T18:11:00.000+05:30

Airtel DTH: Airtel to enter direct-to-home television market

NEW DELHI: Telecom operator Airtel on Tuesday announced the launch of its direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television service.

The service will be available in 62 cities from October 9, a senior company official said here.

"This is a right time for Airtel to enter the market. We are very clear at Airtel and will take over as a leader of the

sector as soon as possible," Airtel chief executive officer and managing director Manoj Kohli said.

According to Kohli, the company's DTH services will have universal remote for both set top box (STB) that receives signal

from the antenna, and the television set, besides other features such as high STB memory, exclusive interactive applications,

onscreen games and more efficient battery.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Jai Mata Di - www.jaimatadi.org

2008-09-30T16:13:00.003+05:30

Jai Mata Di - www.jaimatadi.org

Jai Mata Di

Rani Ma Vaishno Devi followed and worshiped Lord Vishnu and considered him as HER ideal.

At about 2 kms from Katra, from where we start our Rani Ma Yatra today, is situated an old village, Hansal, also called (Hansalli). Around 700 years ago, there lived a very poor priest named Pandit Shirdhar, who was very heartily devoted to Rani Ma Vaishnodevi. He used to sing his daily prayers and performed Rani Ma Puja daily. He also used to worship little girls (called Kanya Pujan) regularly. And as faith was, he was childless and had no children of his own.
His daily Puja and Prayers for Rani Ma Vaishnodevi went on for many years. At last seeing his firm-faith and the true devotion, Rani Ma one day came to Panditji, in the form of a little innocent girl.

Pandit Shridhar had been busy in his daily preparation of Kanya Pujan, where, some little girls were present before him. Rani Ma Vaishnodevi manifested herself in those little-girls. As per the Hindu tradition, while Pt. Shirdhar had been washing the feet of these little girls, his sight fell on Rani Ma manifested Herself in the form of a little girl. Panditji was astonished to see HER celestial beauty in vermilion garbs; SHE wore on HER divine body.. Read more

Tags: vaishno devi, navratri, durga mata, navratri 2008, navratri fasting

Navratri SMS

2008-09-30T16:13:00.001+05:30

Navratri SMS

The happiest of wishes for a Deepawali, that will be happy in every way for someone like you.

Love SMS, Friendship SMS, Birthday SMS, SMS Jokes, New Year SMS, Hindi SMS
href="http://www.sms-love-sms.com/category/navratri-sms/" target="_blank">Read more

Tags: navratri greetings, navratri wallpapers, navratri, navratri wishes, navratri cards

tnusrb - TNUSRB Results

2008-09-27T00:08:00.001+05:30

tnusrb - TNUSRB Results

Uniformed Services Recruitment Board, Government of Tamil Nadu

The Notification for the recruitment of 354 Gr.II Jail Warders (Men) for the year 2007 was published in the Dailies on 03-02-2008. (Ref. No. A1/5000/2007). Out of a total of 30,043 applications received, 28,566 applicants were found eligible to appear for the Written Test and remaining 1477 applicants were rejected. Accordingly, call letters were sent to eligible candidates for the Written Test on 04-05-2008. 26,187 candidates attended the test and 2379 candidates were absent. The candidates who got the required minimum marks of 40 and above will be called for Physical Measurement Test / Endurance Test / Physical Efficiency Test on 04-06-2008 and 05-06-2008. Intimation to the eligible candidates will be sent by post shortly.

Click here for more.

www.dpisepunjab.org - Directorate of Public Instructions Secondary Education

2008-09-27T00:07:00.005+05:30

www.dpisepunjab.org - Directorate of Public Instructions Secondary Education

The Directorate of Public Instructions (Secondary Education), Punjab. The Directorate is housed in Shop-cum-Office number 95-97, Sector 17-D, Chandigarh (Union Territory), India.

The origin of this Directorate can be traced back to the year 1854. Lord Dalhousie, the then Governor General of India, during British Rule, established education department in each state on the recommendations of Charles Wood, President, Board of Control.

As the number of institutions increased and the field of education also expanded at all levels, the Directorate was bifurcated into the Directorate of Schools and Directorate of Colleges in the year 1976, to make the Department more level specific. To facilitate better and efficient administration of the organization, the directorate was further divided into Secondary Directorate-DPI(SE) and Directorate of elementary education. The DPI(SE) deals with the education from ninth to twelth class of schooling in the state and manages the affairs of Middle, High and Senior Secondary Schools under the State Government through three Circle level and twenty district level authorities.

Your interest to know about the Directorate is appreciated.

Click here for more.

iit - Indian Institutes of Technology

2008-09-27T00:07:00.003+05:30

iit - Indian Institutes of Technology

Indian Institutes of Technology

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), are a group of seven autonomous engineering and technology-oriented institutes of higher education established and declared as Institutes of National Importance by the Parliament of India. The IITs were created to train scientists and engineers, with the aim of developing a skilled workforce to support the economic and social development of India after independence in 1947. The students and alumni of IITs are colloquially referred to as IITians.

In order of establishment the Eight are located at Kharagpur, Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur, Delhi, Guwahati, Roorkee and Patna. The Government of India has announced plans to add nine more IITs, to be established in states that don't yet have an IIT. Some IITs were established with financial assistance and technical expertise from UNESCO, Germany, the United States, and Soviet Union. Each IIT is an autonomous university, linked to the others through a common IIT Council, which oversees their administration. They have a common admission process for undergraduate admissions, using the Joint Entrance Examination (popularly known as IIT-JEE) to select around 4,000 undergraduate candidates a year. Postgraduate Admissions are done on the basis of the GATE, JMET, JAM and CEED. About 15,500 undergraduate and 12,000 graduate students study in the seven IITs, in addition to research scholars.

IIT alumni have achieved success in a variety of professions.[1] The autonomy of the IITs has helped them to create specialised degrees in technology at the undergraduate level, and consequently to award the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree, as opposed to the Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree awarded by most other Indian universities. The success of the IITs has led to the creation of similar institutes in other fields, such as the National Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institutes of Management and the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIIT).

Click here for more.

MAT Result has been declared

2008-09-27T00:07:00.001+05:30

MAT Result has been declared

MANAGEMENT APTITUDE TEST (MAT) RESULTS:

MAT Result can be accessed online on http://www.aima-ind.org/matresults/mat_result.asp

Tags: mat result 2008, aima ind.org, www.aima ind.org, mat admit card, aima

ITI Results

2008-09-27T00:06:00.001+05:30

ITI Results

ITI Results: Check ITI Results online at http://karnataka.freehostingworld.info

Tags: iti results 2008, karnataka iti results, iti results karnataka, www.kar.nic.in, iti result

MAT Result declared

2008-09-26T15:53:00.000+05:30

MAT Result declared

MANAGEMENT APTITUDE TEST (MAT) RESULTS

MAT Result has been announced. Check your result at http://www.aima-ind.org/matresults/mat_result.asp

Tags: mat results, aima, www.aima ind.org, mat

6th Pay Commission : Defence Forces reject revised salaries under Pay Panel

2008-09-26T15:39:00.001+05:30

6th Pay Commission : Defence Forces reject revised salaries under Pay Panel

New Delhi, Sept 26 (PTI) The Defence Forces today did not submit their revised salary bills to the ministry's accounts office, effectively deferring implementation of the 6th Pay Commission report "with the existing anomalies" that affect personnel across all ranks.
"The Armed Forces have not raised their pay vouchers in the revised scales in accordance with the 6th Central Pay Commission (CPC) notification and have submitted bills in the old pay scales," a Defence Ministry source told PTI here.

Though the government had yesterday in principle accepted the Services' demand for restoring 70 per cent "extant pensionary weightage" to jawans on the basis of their last drawn pay, the Armed Forces are cut up with the Finance Ministry over the rejection of their three other demands concerning officers.

The CPC had recommended that the jawans be given 50 per cent "pensionary weightage" and provided an option of lateral entry into paramilitary and central police forces.

The Armed Forces wanted the lateral entry scheme to be first approved and implemented by the government before the CPC recommendation on the 50 per cent "pensionary weightage" came into effect.

"We have accepted salaries this month under the old pay scales, as we expect the government to take a quick decision on all our demands soon after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh returns from his US visit on October 1," an Armed Forces officer said. PTI

Source: http://www.ptinews.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Armed Forces to withhold pay panel’s report

2008-09-26T15:38:00.005+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Armed Forces to withhold pay panel’s report

New Delhi, Sept 26: Clearly unhappy with the Pay Commission, the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) have decided not to implement the recommendations alleging discrepancies in parity and status in comparison to their counterparts in civil services and Central police organisations, media reports said.

To express their unhappiness, personnel of the three services have decided to withhold the implementation of Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations which were to come into effect from October 01.

“It is quite a serious matter. We can’t just accept something half-hearted like this. In fact, there were too some anomalies in the 5th Pay Commission recommendation for the Armed forces which are yet to be resolved,” said former Army Chief General VP Mallik.

The forces have now sought direct intervention of the Prime Minister to resolve the matter.

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry has also asked the Finance Ministry to look into the matter.

The forces reportedly complained that Colonels, Lt Colonels (and their equivalent ranks in other two services) are paid Rs 10,000 less than civilian counterparts. Also, the forces are furious at the fact that Lt Generals, Admirals and Air Marshals have been kept at a lower status and pay scales than DGPs.

Review of a proposal of pay panel that reduced the pensions for jawans are also on the list.

Source: http://www.zeenews.com/

6th Pay Commission recommendations: Revised salary from Nov l Uncertainty over arrears

2008-09-26T15:38:00.003+05:30

6th Pay Commission recommendations: Revised salary from Nov l Uncertainty over arrears

PANJIM, SEPT 25 — The Goa Cabinet today took the much-awaited decision to implement the 6th Pay Commission recommendations.
The actual payment through monthly salary under the revised pay scales will commence from November 2008.
Addressing a press conference in the city, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said, “the Government in principle decided to implement the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission from November 2008”.
The revised pay scales will be implemented in respect of all the Government employees and those serving in aided-institutions (teaching and non-teaching staff) with effect from January 1, 2006.
Replying to queries, Kamat couldn’t give a clear picture over payment of arrears.
Sources in the Government, however, told Herald that the arrears for the period 1-1-2006 to 31-8-2008, for employees appointed prior to August 5, 2005, will be credited to their GPF Account in three equal installments with a lock-in period of three years. In the process, this will become a loan to the State Government carrying interest applicable to GPF (presently it is 8% per annum).
There are nearly 7,000 new employees appointed on or after August 5, 2005 who are covered under the New Defined Pension Contribution Scheme and they do not have a separate GPF account, the sources said.
For them, a separate account would be opened under the Public Account to deposit their arrears in three equal installments with a lock-in period of three years.
Kamat announced that the arrears for September and October will be disbursed later after making a budgetary provision in the Supplementary Demand for the current year.
The total financial implication including the two years arrears would be around Rs 700 crore.
The additional expenditure this year itself would be around Rs 150 crore, he claimed adding the additional burden would be approximately Rs 25 crore per month.
Asked how the Government intends to pay the arrears, Kamat said that his officers are working out the modalities.
He also looked non-committal when asked whether the arrears would be credited to GPF.
To a question whether the recommendations would be accepted with effect from January 1, 2008, he said, “Let us see we are still working on it.”
Asked what he means by word “in principle approval” here, Kamat said that the recommendation has various minute things which are being studied by the Government.
“The recommendations were for Central Government employees and the State is examining whether those things can be implemented here,” he said.
When asked whether the State had the finances to pay or would go in for a loan, Kamat replied we have not decided on that as yet but ruled out taking any loans for the purpose.
“We will have to take ‘some saving’ measures by curtailing expenditures”, he maintained.
We have taken some measures in this regard like the fixation of land rates for stamp duty etc and are trying to get in some more revenue, he added.
Meanwhile, sources told Herald that modalities would be worked out for which a meeting will be held next week.
Directorate of Accounts will be asked by the Government to compile arrears for the period from 1-1-2006 to 31-10-2008 by end of the year.
Sources said the 6th Pay Commission will not be made applicable to employees governed by UGC and AICTE scales.
TA: The employees will also be entitled to traveling allowance in place of CCA (City Compensatory allowance).
PARITY: The sources said that there’s a high possibility that pay fixation for those employees who enjoy upgraded pay scales (excluded) will be done corresponding to their pre-upgraded scales. With this, the Government intends to bring parity in pay scales as it has been a long-pending demand of Goa Government Employees Association.
However, sources say, this will not be an easy task as strong lobbies are working to retain the upgrades scales.

Source: http://oheraldo.in

Sixth Pay Commission: Antony urges PM to address forces’ pay panel demands

2008-09-26T15:38:00.001+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Antony urges PM to address forces’ pay panel demands

September 22, 2008

As the armed forces have refused to take their salaries recommended by the pay panel unless their “core issues” are addressed, Defence Minister A.K. Antony has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take their demands into consideration.

Antony's letter comes after the three services' chiefs put their foot down and sought redressal of their demands pertaining to the Sixth Pay Commission.

“Antony last week strongly recommended that the prime minister and the finance minister (P. Chidambaram) consider the four issues raised by the forces,” a defence source said Monday.

The reviewed report of the Sixth Pay Commission has upgraded the civilian and paramilitary counterparts of officers of the rank of lieutenant colonel and equivalent to a higher pay band.

As a result, civilian officers who were in the lower pay bracket and were hitherto drawing lesser pay than lieutenant colonels and officers of equivalent rank would now draw a higher basic salary.

The armed forces have been contending that these “core issues” would affect the joint operations of the armed forces and paramilitary forces.

The report of the Sixth Pay Commission, headed by Justice (retd) B.N. Srikrishna, was submitted to Finance Minister Chidambaram March 24.

It led to protests from both civilian and defence personnel, following which the government appointed a committee under Cabinet Secretary K. Chandrashekhar to study the various demands for financial corrections.

Source: http://www.freshnews.in/

Sixth Pay Commission: IPS officers allege anomalies in pay-scale, meet CM

2008-09-26T15:37:00.003+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: IPS officers allege anomalies in pay-scale, meet CM

Shimla, September 25 Indian Police Services (IPS) officers in the Himachal cadre are upset with the “serious anomalies” that have allegedly cropped up in their new pay-scales on the basis of the Sixth Pay Commission report.
The IPS Officers’ Association today met Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and pointed out that the latest notification, issued by the government, has put the police officers at a loss.

However, as compared to them, they said the IAS officers are understood to have got two increments, resulting in anomalies in the scales.

Said S.R. Mardi, an office-bearer of the IPS Association, “We have explained the issue to the Chief Minister and asked him to take up the matter with the Central government. If the notification issued now is implemented, the IPS officers will suffer injustice.”

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/

6th Pay Commission: Pay parity battle: Navy, Army chiefs meet cabinet secy

2008-09-26T15:37:00.001+05:30

6th Pay Commission: Pay parity battle: Navy, Army chiefs meet cabinet secy

26 Sep 2008

NEW DELHI: The armed forces continue to wage their battle against the notification of the new pay scales. Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta and Army chief General Deepak Kapoor met cabinet secretary K M Chandrashekar on Thursday to seek urgent corrective steps to resolve their pending "core issues".

With the armed forces seething with anger at the delay in restoring their parity with their civilian and paramilitary counterparts, defence minister A K Antony was virtually forced to write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday to seek his personal intervention in the matter.

This came after the finance ministry rejected the "core issues" raised by the armed forces, including the main one connected with Lt-Colonel rank officers, without giving any reasons. The government has so far only indicated its willingness to restore the earlier 70% "pensionary weightage" given to jawans, overruling the 50% recommended by the 6th Pay Commission.

The top military brass, in turn, is upset with "bureaucratic attempts" to drive a wedge between their officers and PBOR (personnel below officer rank). The military leadership, in fact, has sent a message down its ranks that the battle is being fought for both officers and PBOR in "a united, cohesive" manner.

While civilian government employees will get their new pay scales and 40% arrears on October 1, the armed forces are holding firm that they will continue with their old pay scales till the matter is resolved. The armed forces are particularly angry that the "extant parity" of Lt-Cols has been lowered by retaining them in Pay Band-3 (Rs 15,600-39,100), while raising similarly placed civilians and paramilitary officers to PB-4 (Rs 37,400-67,000).

The "lowering of status" of Lt-Cols and their equivalent ranks in IAF (Wing Commander) and Navy (Commander) is of major concern since these ranks constitute the bulk of the fighting force among officers. Almost 18,950 of the 54,770 officers in the 13-lakh strong armed forces, after all, are Lt-Col rank officers.

Another core issue is that all directors-general of police and their equivalents have been placed over Lt-Generals by the creation of a new "higher administrative grade-plus". The forces want all Lt-Gens to be placed in this grade.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Sixth Pay Commission: Services to hold pay report till Lt Cols moved to higher band

2008-09-26T15:36:00.000+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission: Services to hold pay report till Lt Cols moved to higher band

New Delhi, September 25 Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, in consultation with the Army and Air Force Chiefs is learnt to have decided to withhold the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission report in the armed forces until the Government agrees to the place Lieutenant Colonels and their equivalents in the higher pay band even as the Defence Ministry has again asked the Finance Ministry to reconsider this key demand. The contentious issue has now become a war of nerves between the Armed Forces and the government with only five days left to implement the pay commission report.

Government sources said that Admiral Mehta has decided not to issue “government draft letter” that is required by the Defence Ministry to implement the new pay scales and arrears on October 1. The three service chiefs apparently took this decision as the existing pay band 3, as per the Pay Commission, is unacceptable to Lt Colonels and their equivalents. Backed by their seniors, the Lt Colonels want the next pay band, which is 4, so that they at least get more salary than their counterparts in the Coast Guard. Even though the Defence Ministry has quietly reminded the services for issuing the draft letter, the service chiefs are under tremendous pressure not to yield to the government till the pay disparities are rectified.

The Defence Ministry has again requested the Finance Ministry to reconsider the armed forces demand of placing the Lt Colonels in pay band 4. But this time they have not referred to the other key demand that Lt Generals be placed in the Higher Administrative Grade plus scale so that their parity with the Director Generals of Police is maintained. Defence Minister A K Antony has already written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the Lt Colonel issue after Finance Ministry rejected the South Block request on grounds that it did not want to reopen a Pandora’s box by revisiting the Pay Commission report.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/

Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations: Top babus will now fly first class

2008-09-25T11:49:00.002+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations: Top babus will now fly first class

NEW DELHI: First class travel on international airlines has become a reality for top officials with the government issuing

orders to substantially improve all travel rules in line with the Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations.

The high-end journeys can be undertaken by cabinet secretary and secretaries while officials a notch below can enjoy business

class and all others can travel economy class.

For domestic official tours, all officers with a grade pay of Rs 10,000 or above can travel in business class or by AC first

in trains. The entitlements of other officials have been revised from September 1 with the minimum being AC-III for those

drawing Rs 4,200 or less as grade pay. The government has taken a strong view on personal use of "mileage points" of

frequent-flier officials and ordered that these points would accrue to the department concerned for concessional travel by

others on official tours.

"Any usage of these mileage points for purposes of private travel by an officer will attract departmental action. This is to

ensure that the benefits out of official travel, which is funded by the government, should accrue to the government," the

order says. To ensure that tours are taken judiciously, the government has clarified that no additional funds would be

provided on account of revision in entitlements. The departments are expected to restrict official tours only to "absolutely

essential" requirement.

Journeys undertaken in buses and taxis, including air-conditioned ones, will be reimbursed on the basis of actual expenses

for officers in grade pay up to Rs 4,200.

Official tours in own cars or taxis can be reimbursed at the rate of Rs 16 per km. It would be Rs 8 per km for auto-rickshaws

and scooters. The highest daily expense for hotel stay would be Rs 5,000 now with additional food bills up to Rs 500. The

limit goes down as per grade pay to a minimum daily entitlement of Rs 300.

A composite transfer grant equal to one month's basic pay can be taken for change of stations beyond 20 km. The weight limit

for shifting household goods has been revised upwards.

If an officer's spouse is working, he or she can claim 50% of the transfer grant if moving between same stations within six

months but after 60 days of the spouse's transfer.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Sixth Pay Commission recommendations: Antony seeks PM’s intervention

2008-09-25T11:49:00.001+05:30

Sixth Pay Commission recommendations: Antony seeks PM’s intervention

Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister A. K. Antony has sought the Prime Minister’s intervention to correct the anomalies in the pay

scales of armed forces personnel, who have refused to accept the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations till the defects are

rectified.

Mr. Antony has approached Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the Finance Ministry turned down the armed forces’ demand for a

review of the anomalies without assigning any reason, said informed sources.

The sources pointed out that the armed forces are so upset over the downgrading of certain key posts vis-À-vis their civilian

counterparts that for the first time they are not implementing the revised pay scales recommended by a pay panel.

The salaries of all armed forces personnel for this month will be as per the previous pay panel’s recommendations, they said.

Mr. Antony, the sources said, was compelled to write to the Prime Minister after his missive of September 16 to the Finance

Ministry did not elicit a satisfactory response. The Defence Minister on Tuesday said the services’ point of view was being

examined by the government.

This is not the first request to the Prime Minister from the Defence Ministry. Earlier this month, Navy Chief and Chairman of

the Chiefs of Staff Committee, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, wrote to Dr. Singh about lowering of the status of defence officers and

men. This was preceded by a letter from the Chief of the Army Staff, Gen. Deepak Kapoor, to the President and ‘Supreme

Commander of the Armed Forces,’ Pratibha Patil, raising the same issue.

The letters to the Prime Minister and the President reflect their disappointment with the bureaucratic mechanism to

satisfactorily resolve the grievances of the armed forces personnel, said another source. “We are not going to settle for

another committee comprising civilian officers. The government had set up a review committee of officers but they did not do

anything. So we thought it was better to approach the political leadership directly,” he explained.

The armed forces want the resolution of four core issues but they are specifically agitated over the lower pay and

downgrading in the warrant of precedence of Lieutenant Colonels (and equivalent), considered the backbone of the armed

forces, and Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) plus for all Lieutenant Generals (and their equivalent in the other two

services).

Source: http://www.hindu.com/

ksrtcjobs.com: www.ksrtcjobs.com

2008-09-24T01:08:00.001+05:30

ksrtcjobs.com: www.ksrtcjobs.com

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation: Online Notification/Recruitment Service
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation - KSRTC, Govt. of Karnataka Transporation
ksrtc, KSRTC, Bus, Transportation, Karnataka, Bangalore, Travel

www.ksrtcjobs.com

www.rgtu.net - rgtu results

2008-09-24T01:07:00.004+05:30

www.rgtu.net - rgtu results

Rajiv Gandhi Technological University

rgtu results declared and check your results online at www.rgtu.net

rgtu site is down and try again later.