Monsoon is at West Bengal’s doorstep but the ‘hilsa’ from Bangladesh, the Bengali’s culinary delight — usually abundant in the city’s fish markets at this time of the year — is almost absent.This is reported mainly to due to minimum export price(MEP) imposed by bangladesh government.A kg of hilsa fish costs around Rs.380 - 400.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
NORTH KOREA CONDUCTS 2nd NUCLEAR TEST
Unfazed by global pressure, a defiant North Korea today conducted a second “more powerful” nuclear test and test-fired three missiles, triggering an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting and calls for a global “action” against a “reckless” Pyongyang.
Russian experts said the North Korean blast was up to 20 times more powerful than the its first nuclear test on October 9, 2006. Some South Korean experts said the power of the second blast was comparable to the bombs which hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
Japan, South Korea and the U.S. — along with China and Russia — (six party talks) have been negotiating since 2003 to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear programmes in exchange for energy aid and security guarantees.
Russian experts said the North Korean blast was up to 20 times more powerful than the its first nuclear test on October 9, 2006. Some South Korean experts said the power of the second blast was comparable to the bombs which hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.
Japan, South Korea and the U.S. — along with China and Russia — (six party talks) have been negotiating since 2003 to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear programmes in exchange for energy aid and security guarantees.
CYCLONE ALIA HITS WEST BENGAL
The cyclone named alia has hit west bengal and parts of bangladesh.The storm disrupted life and paralysed transport in Kolkata. Gales swept through at more than 80 km an hour, causing trees to fall at more than a hundred places, killing five persons and injuring others.
Naming cyclones
List of cyclone names in north Indian ocean
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) jointly established the Panel on Tropical Cyclones in 1972 as an intergovernmental body. Its membership comprises countries affected by tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Originally its member countries were Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Later Maldives joined this Panel in 1982 followed by Sultanate of Oman in 1997.This is responsible for naming conventions.
All over the world, Cyclone advisories are given by RSMC(regional specialised meteorological center).there are 6 centers in the world.They are co -ordinated by WMO(World meteorological station),Geneva-swiss.
WARNING SYSTEM IN INDIA
Tropical cyclone warnings in India are provided through three Area Cyclone Warning Centres (ACWCs) located at Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai and three Cyclone Warning Centres at Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Ahmedabad. The entire cyclone warning work is coordinated by the Deputy Director General of Meteorology (Weather Forecasting) at Pune and Deputy Director General of Meteorology (Cyclone Warning) at New Delhi.Tropical cyclone warnings from RSMC tropical cyclones, New Delhi are provided to All India Radio, New Delhi and to Doordarshan, New Delhi for broadcast and telecast respectively.
Naming cyclones
List of cyclone names in north Indian ocean
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) jointly established the Panel on Tropical Cyclones in 1972 as an intergovernmental body. Its membership comprises countries affected by tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Originally its member countries were Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Later Maldives joined this Panel in 1982 followed by Sultanate of Oman in 1997.This is responsible for naming conventions.
All over the world, Cyclone advisories are given by RSMC(regional specialised meteorological center).there are 6 centers in the world.They are co -ordinated by WMO(World meteorological station),Geneva-swiss.
WARNING SYSTEM IN INDIA
Tropical cyclone warnings in India are provided through three Area Cyclone Warning Centres (ACWCs) located at Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai and three Cyclone Warning Centres at Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Ahmedabad. The entire cyclone warning work is coordinated by the Deputy Director General of Meteorology (Weather Forecasting) at Pune and Deputy Director General of Meteorology (Cyclone Warning) at New Delhi.Tropical cyclone warnings from RSMC tropical cyclones, New Delhi are provided to All India Radio, New Delhi and to Doordarshan, New Delhi for broadcast and telecast respectively.
Monday, May 25, 2009
GATEWAY TO FACTUAL QUERIES
Wolfram Alpha ( www.wolframalpha.com) is all about.
It would be simpler to understand Wolfram Alpha as a service provided over the Internet for obtaining answers based on “factual information rather than opinion,”.This includes the weather, the number of calories in your lunch or financial calculations for your shares.
The data is pulled from many sources and then we work with that data with both human and computer intelligence. We put it into a standardised structure, add meaning and we work out how to compute results from it. It uses mathematica software.
It would be simpler to understand Wolfram Alpha as a service provided over the Internet for obtaining answers based on “factual information rather than opinion,”.This includes the weather, the number of calories in your lunch or financial calculations for your shares.
The data is pulled from many sources and then we work with that data with both human and computer intelligence. We put it into a standardised structure, add meaning and we work out how to compute results from it. It uses mathematica software.
NEW GOVT.'S FISCAL AGENDA
The revised budget estimates for 2008-09 raise many important issues with medium and long term fiscal repercussions.
An important one is the ability of the government to handle the massive increase of expenditure efficiently - budgetary provisions are made without working out project schemes in detail , thus resulting in implementation deficiency and cost over - runs.
transfer of central plan assistance Rs. 87,053 crore directly to state district level autonomous body societies and non-government organisations and not through State governments poses special problems in monitoring the use of funds
Special arrangements like special purpose vehicles (SPV) and Public Private Partnership (PPP) raise problems in monitoring whether full benefits of government funding are realised.
SUPERVISORY MECHANISM
Review of ongoing schemes, projects and activities is crucial to eliminate non-priority and non-productive expenditure. This should cover Plan and non-Plan expenditure including subsidies.
A Fiscal Code of Conduct has to be prepared as guideline for proper implementation of the Act in letter and spirit. Till now we have seen a mechanical compliance with quantitative targets and efforts to stick to deficit targets through off budget items rather than focusing on the basic revenue and expenditure reforms.
Results of progress can be periodically publicized through various means of media including internet.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052550011300.htm
An important one is the ability of the government to handle the massive increase of expenditure efficiently - budgetary provisions are made without working out project schemes in detail , thus resulting in implementation deficiency and cost over - runs.
transfer of central plan assistance Rs. 87,053 crore directly to state district level autonomous body societies and non-government organisations and not through State governments poses special problems in monitoring the use of funds
Special arrangements like special purpose vehicles (SPV) and Public Private Partnership (PPP) raise problems in monitoring whether full benefits of government funding are realised.
SUPERVISORY MECHANISM
Review of ongoing schemes, projects and activities is crucial to eliminate non-priority and non-productive expenditure. This should cover Plan and non-Plan expenditure including subsidies.
A Fiscal Code of Conduct has to be prepared as guideline for proper implementation of the Act in letter and spirit. Till now we have seen a mechanical compliance with quantitative targets and efforts to stick to deficit targets through off budget items rather than focusing on the basic revenue and expenditure reforms.
Results of progress can be periodically publicized through various means of media including internet.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052550011300.htm
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is a space telescope that was carried into orbit by the space shuttle in April 1990. It is named after the American astronomer Edwin Hubble.
The HST is a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency, and is one of NASA's Great Observatories, along with the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope.
The Hubble is the only telescope ever designed to be serviced in space by astronauts. There have been five servicing missions, the last occurring in May 2009. Servicing Mission 1 took place in December 1993 when Hubble's imaging flaw was corrected. Servicing missions 2, 3A, and 3B repaired various sub-systems and replaced many of the observing instruments.STS-125 was launched in May 2009, and installed two new instruments and made numerous repairs. Assuming testing and calibration of the new equipment goes well, the Hubble should resume routine operation in September 2009.
telescope to function until at least 2014, when its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), is due to be launched. The JWST will be far superior to Hubble for many astronomical research programs.
Another similar effort is the European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory, launched on May 14, 2009. Like JWST, Herschel has a mirror substantially larger than the Hubble, but observes only in the infrared.It was launched with Plank spacecraft.
Hindu opinion
The HST is a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency, and is one of NASA's Great Observatories, along with the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Spitzer Space Telescope.
The Hubble is the only telescope ever designed to be serviced in space by astronauts. There have been five servicing missions, the last occurring in May 2009. Servicing Mission 1 took place in December 1993 when Hubble's imaging flaw was corrected. Servicing missions 2, 3A, and 3B repaired various sub-systems and replaced many of the observing instruments.STS-125 was launched in May 2009, and installed two new instruments and made numerous repairs. Assuming testing and calibration of the new equipment goes well, the Hubble should resume routine operation in September 2009.
telescope to function until at least 2014, when its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), is due to be launched. The JWST will be far superior to Hubble for many astronomical research programs.
Another similar effort is the European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory, launched on May 14, 2009. Like JWST, Herschel has a mirror substantially larger than the Hubble, but observes only in the infrared.It was launched with Plank spacecraft.
Hindu opinion
END - USER VERIFICATION AGREEMENT WITH U.S
The agreement is needed for important defence purchases
This will avoid fresh negotiations and signing of documents each time India wants bare minimum requirements for purchases.
The agreement is currently needed for acquisitions such as the Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for the Indian Navy and other defence procurement.
As per the U.S. laws, all foreign military sales are guided by the Golden Sentry programme that is governed by its Department of Defence while the Blue Lantern programme is governed by the Department of State.
This is to ensure that the product sold to a country is being used for the stated purpose.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052559421400.htm
This will avoid fresh negotiations and signing of documents each time India wants bare minimum requirements for purchases.
The agreement is currently needed for acquisitions such as the Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for the Indian Navy and other defence procurement.
As per the U.S. laws, all foreign military sales are guided by the Golden Sentry programme that is governed by its Department of Defence while the Blue Lantern programme is governed by the Department of State.
This is to ensure that the product sold to a country is being used for the stated purpose.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052559421400.htm
PEACE PIPELINE
Iran and Pakistan on Sunday signed a deal to lay a gas pipeline for taking Iranian gas to Pakistan.
As originally proposed, the project envisages construction of 1,100 km of pipeline in Iran, 1,000 km in Pakistan and 600 km in India. It will help to transfer 150 million cubic metres of gas a day. Construction of the 56-inch-diameter pipeline will be completed in five years.
project was conceptually attractive, but the turbulence in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province posed practical difficulties in its implementation.This makes india rethink about india joining the project.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052556920100.htm
As originally proposed, the project envisages construction of 1,100 km of pipeline in Iran, 1,000 km in Pakistan and 600 km in India. It will help to transfer 150 million cubic metres of gas a day. Construction of the 56-inch-diameter pipeline will be completed in five years.
project was conceptually attractive, but the turbulence in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province posed practical difficulties in its implementation.This makes india rethink about india joining the project.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052556920100.htm
PROJECT HIGHNOON
- A Project by EU to assess the impact of retreat of himalayan glaciers and possible changes of monsoon on distribution of water resources in north India.
- A project involving research insti. from netherlands,Britain,swiss & India.TERI, IIT DELHI & Kharagpur to participate
- aim is to integrate available climate data,hydrological data and state of art regional models. also link results of estimation and applicable adaptive measures.
- develop scenarios for snow melt and monsoon patterns and various simulation models.
Read full excerpts here
- A project involving research insti. from netherlands,Britain,swiss & India.TERI, IIT DELHI & Kharagpur to participate
- aim is to integrate available climate data,hydrological data and state of art regional models. also link results of estimation and applicable adaptive measures.
- develop scenarios for snow melt and monsoon patterns and various simulation models.
Read full excerpts here
S.M.KRISHNA spells FOREIGN POLICY
- Stengthen ties with the country's neighbours
- consoliate strategic partnership with U.S,Russia,China,japan and E.U
- Continue Look east Policy
- aim of non aligned foreign policy and strengthening its autonomy
- economy : sustain growth rate of 9 - 10%
- pakistan : friendship tie if islamabad took credible action to dismantle terror infrastructure
- Srilanka : Political steps towards the effective devoltion of power within Srilankan constitution in such a way, all including tamil can feel at home and lead dignified living at their own free will
also see
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Invasive Alien Species
International day for biological diversity -- may 22
Invasive alien species are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem, and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health.Since the 17th century, invasive alien species have contributed to nearly 40% of all animal extinctions for which the cause is known
threat
Invasive alien species exacerbate poverty and threaten development through their impact on agriculture, forestry, fisheries and natural systems, which are an important basis of peoples’ livelihoods in developing countries. This damage is aggravated by climate change, pollution, habitat loss and human-induced disturbance.
Is all alien invasive ?
NO ! For a species to become invasive, it must successfully out-compete native organisms for food and habitat, spread through its new environment, increase its population and harm ecosystems in its introduced range.There are many plants which are not invasive.
Dont repeat History !!!
History is rich with tales of the disastrous outcomes of some intentional introductions such as that of the Nile Perch, which resulted in the extinction of more than 200 other fish species. Careless behavior leads to unintentional introductions. So-called ‘accidents’ now account for the majority of successful invasions.
what can we do ?
awareness about invasive alien species is needed to reach public.
Once you are in the know, remove invasive plants from your land and replace them with alternative non-invasive plants suited to your site and needs.
know more
also this article on hindu
Invasive alien species are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem, and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health.Since the 17th century, invasive alien species have contributed to nearly 40% of all animal extinctions for which the cause is known
threat
Invasive alien species exacerbate poverty and threaten development through their impact on agriculture, forestry, fisheries and natural systems, which are an important basis of peoples’ livelihoods in developing countries. This damage is aggravated by climate change, pollution, habitat loss and human-induced disturbance.
Is all alien invasive ?
NO ! For a species to become invasive, it must successfully out-compete native organisms for food and habitat, spread through its new environment, increase its population and harm ecosystems in its introduced range.There are many plants which are not invasive.
Dont repeat History !!!
History is rich with tales of the disastrous outcomes of some intentional introductions such as that of the Nile Perch, which resulted in the extinction of more than 200 other fish species. Careless behavior leads to unintentional introductions. So-called ‘accidents’ now account for the majority of successful invasions.
what can we do ?
awareness about invasive alien species is needed to reach public.
Once you are in the know, remove invasive plants from your land and replace them with alternative non-invasive plants suited to your site and needs.
know more
also this article on hindu
national biodiversity authority india
National Biodiversity Authority India setup in october 1,2003 in chennai under Ministry of environment and forestry.
CHAIRPERSON --- Dr.P.L.Gautam
It also includes members from ministries of
(i) Environment and Forests, two members of whom one shall be ADG (Forests) or DG (Forests)
(ii) Tribal Affairs
(iii) Agricultural Research and Education
(iv) Biotechnology
(v) Ocean Development
(vi) Agriculture and Cooperation
(vii) Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy
(viii) Science and Technology
(ix) Scientific and Industrial Research.
theme 2009 is Invasive Alien Species.
CHAIRPERSON --- Dr.P.L.Gautam
It also includes members from ministries of
(i) Environment and Forests, two members of whom one shall be ADG (Forests) or DG (Forests)
(ii) Tribal Affairs
(iii) Agricultural Research and Education
(iv) Biotechnology
(v) Ocean Development
(vi) Agriculture and Cooperation
(vii) Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy
(viii) Science and Technology
(ix) Scientific and Industrial Research.
theme 2009 is Invasive Alien Species.
BIODIVERSITY IN INDIA
India has documented over 45,000 species of flora and 75,000 known species of fauna and contains with its borders two of the world's 10 biogeographic zones. The country is one of the world's 12 megacentres of biodiversity.
Contained within the subcontinent are tropical wet evergreen forests, deserts and alpine vegetation and vast coastal systems.
To conserve such a natural gift, India is party to the Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) 1992 which recognizes the sovereign rights of states to use their own Biological Resources.
In order to help in realizing the objectives of CBD, India has enacted an umbrella legislation called the biological Diversity Act 2002(No.18 of 2003) aimed at conservation of biological resources and associated knowledge as well as facilitating access to them in a sustainable manner and through a just process.
The Biodiversity Bill 2002 seeks to create a three tier structure
(i) At the national level, a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), set up at Chennai. The approval of this authority will be needed by any foreign company, entity or individual for obtaining any form of intellectual property rights (IPRs) on an invention based on a biological resource or traditional knowledge originating in India. NBA will also develop guidelines for granting this approval and for sharing benefits arising from such an invention.
(ii) At the state: level, each state will constitute a State Biodiversity Board (SSB), which will have to be intimated by domestic firms, entities or individuals, of any commercial utilization of biological resources; however, they will, simply register and will not need th approval of NBA. The Bill exempts hakims, vaids and practitioners of Indian Systems of medicine from this obligation of intimating SSB for using the biological resources; the. practices that are currently in use in agriculture, poultry, animal husbandry and bee-keeping are also exempted,
(iii) At the local level, each local body (Gram Panchayat or MandaI Panchayat) will constitute a Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), which will maintain registers (called Peoples Diversity Register) of local resources and knowledge, and will also promote conservation, documentation and sustainable use of biological resources at the grass root level.
FAQ in biodiversity
Contained within the subcontinent are tropical wet evergreen forests, deserts and alpine vegetation and vast coastal systems.
To conserve such a natural gift, India is party to the Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) 1992 which recognizes the sovereign rights of states to use their own Biological Resources.
In order to help in realizing the objectives of CBD, India has enacted an umbrella legislation called the biological Diversity Act 2002(No.18 of 2003) aimed at conservation of biological resources and associated knowledge as well as facilitating access to them in a sustainable manner and through a just process.
The Biodiversity Bill 2002 seeks to create a three tier structure
(i) At the national level, a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), set up at Chennai. The approval of this authority will be needed by any foreign company, entity or individual for obtaining any form of intellectual property rights (IPRs) on an invention based on a biological resource or traditional knowledge originating in India. NBA will also develop guidelines for granting this approval and for sharing benefits arising from such an invention.
(ii) At the state: level, each state will constitute a State Biodiversity Board (SSB), which will have to be intimated by domestic firms, entities or individuals, of any commercial utilization of biological resources; however, they will, simply register and will not need th approval of NBA. The Bill exempts hakims, vaids and practitioners of Indian Systems of medicine from this obligation of intimating SSB for using the biological resources; the. practices that are currently in use in agriculture, poultry, animal husbandry and bee-keeping are also exempted,
(iii) At the local level, each local body (Gram Panchayat or MandaI Panchayat) will constitute a Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), which will maintain registers (called Peoples Diversity Register) of local resources and knowledge, and will also promote conservation, documentation and sustainable use of biological resources at the grass root level.
FAQ in biodiversity
India - Brazil economic sync
India exports minerals, fuels, iron and steel, energy equipments to Brazil and imports sugar as Brazil is the largest producer of sugar.
Brazil is also important exporter of iron ore, vegetable fat, ethanol and leather.
Dairy products, food processing, high end fashion, leather, machining equipment, technology and healthcare were broad areas for potential collaboration.
Brazil is also important exporter of iron ore, vegetable fat, ethanol and leather.
Dairy products, food processing, high end fashion, leather, machining equipment, technology and healthcare were broad areas for potential collaboration.
snow leopards
Three snow leopard cubs born at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling in West Bengal . The PNHZP is the only zoological park in the country that has successfully carried out the breeding programme of endangered snow leopards, in addition to red pandas and Tibetan wolves.
project snow leopard
snow leopard
RBI on Fiscal Consolidation
RBI spells that “Given the still soft economy, the pressure to provide more stimulus will persist. While this may help in the near term, the sustainability of recovery requires returning to responsible fiscal consolidation,”
Challenge for RBI would be “The challenge for fiscal policy is to balance immediate support for the economy with a need to get back on track on the medium-term fiscal consolidation process,”
how will be 2009-10 ?
There is guarded optimism about the coming year in some quarters. The industrial and financial climate is expected to benefit from the huge tax concessions and high government spending. Reports indicate that the tax concessions for Rs. 60,000 crore in a full year and those announced after the interim budget have had a stimulating impact. The latest concessions will cost the Exchequer Rs. 23,000 crore in a full year and Rs. 3,000 crore in 2008-09.
The RBI believes that it has to “take calibrated monetary policy actions as necessary and at the appropriate time” to maintain the flow of credit to productive sectors.
RBI & Fiscal consolidation
What caused the global economic crisis?
Challenge for RBI would be “The challenge for fiscal policy is to balance immediate support for the economy with a need to get back on track on the medium-term fiscal consolidation process,”
how will be 2009-10 ?
There is guarded optimism about the coming year in some quarters. The industrial and financial climate is expected to benefit from the huge tax concessions and high government spending. Reports indicate that the tax concessions for Rs. 60,000 crore in a full year and those announced after the interim budget have had a stimulating impact. The latest concessions will cost the Exchequer Rs. 23,000 crore in a full year and Rs. 3,000 crore in 2008-09.
The RBI believes that it has to “take calibrated monetary policy actions as necessary and at the appropriate time” to maintain the flow of credit to productive sectors.
RBI & Fiscal consolidation
What caused the global economic crisis?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
PRIME MINISTER TRIVIA
LONGEST PM TERM
Nehru ( 1947 - 1964 ) - 16 yr 9 month
indira - 15 yr 11 month
SHORTEST PM TERM
Saran Singh - 5 months 17 days ( 1979)
CONSECUTIVE TERMS
manmohan singh - 2
nehru - 3
no. of times sweard in
nehru,indira,vajpayee - 3
nanda,rajiv,manmohan - 2
Non Congress PM
MORAJI DESAI - 1977
SARAN SINGH - 1979 - congress alliance , never been in congress
V.P.SINGH - 1989
CHANDRASEKAR - 1990 - congress alliance
VAJPAYEE - 1996, 1998,1999 - never been in congress
DEV GOWDA - 1996 - congress alliance
GUJRAL - 1997 - congress alliance
DEPUTY PM
1.vallabhai patel - (1947 -1950)
2.moraji Desai - (1967 - 69) ---became pm
3.Saran Singh - (1979 - 80) -- became pm
4.jagjivan ram - 1979
5.yashvanthro chavan (1979-80)
6.Devi lal - (1989 - 91)
7.advani - (2002 - 04)
REFER
PM RESIDENCE
Nehru - Teen murti bhavan
Sastri - 10, janpath
Indira - 1,Safdarjung Road
Rajiv - 7, Racecourse Road
V.P.Singh - made it PM permanent residence
FURTHUR ON
Nehru ( 1947 - 1964 ) - 16 yr 9 month
indira - 15 yr 11 month
SHORTEST PM TERM
Saran Singh - 5 months 17 days ( 1979)
CONSECUTIVE TERMS
manmohan singh - 2
nehru - 3
no. of times sweard in
nehru,indira,vajpayee - 3
nanda,rajiv,manmohan - 2
Non Congress PM
MORAJI DESAI - 1977
SARAN SINGH - 1979 - congress alliance , never been in congress
V.P.SINGH - 1989
CHANDRASEKAR - 1990 - congress alliance
VAJPAYEE - 1996, 1998,1999 - never been in congress
DEV GOWDA - 1996 - congress alliance
GUJRAL - 1997 - congress alliance
DEPUTY PM
1.vallabhai patel - (1947 -1950)
2.moraji Desai - (1967 - 69) ---became pm
3.Saran Singh - (1979 - 80) -- became pm
4.jagjivan ram - 1979
5.yashvanthro chavan (1979-80)
6.Devi lal - (1989 - 91)
7.advani - (2002 - 04)
REFER
PM RESIDENCE
Nehru - Teen murti bhavan
Sastri - 10, janpath
Indira - 1,Safdarjung Road
Rajiv - 7, Racecourse Road
V.P.Singh - made it PM permanent residence
FURTHUR ON
Presidents and PM swearing in ceremony
| President | List of pm | No. In total |
| Rajendra prasad | Nehru | 3 |
| Rathakrishnan | Gulzari lal nanda ( interim pm)- 2 Lal bahadur sastri Indira gandhi -2 (1966 , 1967) | 5 |
| Zakir hussain | | 0 |
| Fakrudin ali ahmed | | 0 |
| V.v.giri | Indira (1971) | 1 |
| Jatti | Moraji desai (1971) | 1 |
| Neelam Sanjeev reddy | Saran singh (1979) Indira (1980) | 2 |
| Zail singh | Rajiv - 2 ( aug & dec 1984) | 2 |
| R.venkatraman | V.p.singh (1989) Chandrasekar (1990) Narasimha rao (1991) | 3 |
| Shankardayal sharma | Vajpayee (1996) Dev gowda (1996) Gujral (1997) | 3 |
| K.r.narayanan | Vajpayee - 2 (1998,1999) | 2 |
| Kalam | Manmohan singh (2004) | 1 |
| Prathibha patel | Manmohan singh - (2009) | 1 |
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thermal Imaging in medcine
Now , thermal imaging has found use in medicine apart from other conventional earth sensing. yes, It helps sense people with fever. Very useful to isolate people affected with swine flu, SARS and other infectious diseases in public places
yet not a fool proof , because
an infected person can spread the virus even before symptoms show up. The incubation period for H1N1 is 24-48 hours.
Since clothing can alter the thermal image produced, only the exposed parts of the body can reveal the real body temperature.
futhur reference
yet not a fool proof , because
an infected person can spread the virus even before symptoms show up. The incubation period for H1N1 is 24-48 hours.
Since clothing can alter the thermal image produced, only the exposed parts of the body can reveal the real body temperature.
futhur reference
TB - AIDS CO INFECTION
It was earlier considered that TB symptoms would flare up when a person with TB was given antiretroviral therapy (ART) for AIDS.
Also, treating patients with Nevirapine (an AIDS drug) when already on Rifamycin, a TB drug, would be a problem. That is because Rifamycin induces some enzymes which in turn metabolise Nevirapine. Hence the level of Nevirapine in the blood drops, making it very favourable for HIV to mutate and develop drug resistance.
Use of efavirenz along with these drugs reduced this problem , hence safe for treating co infection
Phalcon AWACS arrives
Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots will fly home the first of the three Phalcon Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) on Sunday, making India the first country in the South-Asian region to have this capability.
The AWACS will provide India the means to track incoming missiles and look deep into the neighbouring countries under all weather conditions.
AWACS are primarily used for detection of incoming hostile cruise missiles and aircraft from hundreds of km away in all weather conditions and directing air defence fighters during combat operations against enemy jets. It also helps detect troop build-up in hostile territories.
With the induction of the Phalcons, frontline IAF fighters like Sukhoi-30MKIs, Mirage-2000s and Jaguars will now be backed by “eyes in the sky” to look much beyond the country’s borders through direct data linking.
Isreal's PhalconRoad to Energy efficiency in US
The new policy requires U.S. auto makers to produce cars and trucks that achieve an average 35.5miles per gallon by 2016, and will reduce America’s carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent.
Environmentalists said the new policy would do more to reduce global warming pollution than any of the other measures taken by Mr. Obama so far.
Mr. Obama said the policy would help America’s ailing car industry to meet the challenges of moving to a low-carbon policy. Tuesday’s plan will require auto makers to improve fuel efficiency by 5 per cent every year, starting in 2012. By 2016, all new cars will have to achieve 39mpg while trucks will have to get 30mpg. Each class of vehicle will be assigned an efficiency target, which means that carmakers will have to adapt SUVs as well as trimmer vehicles.
furthur notes
Environmentalists said the new policy would do more to reduce global warming pollution than any of the other measures taken by Mr. Obama so far.
Mr. Obama said the policy would help America’s ailing car industry to meet the challenges of moving to a low-carbon policy. Tuesday’s plan will require auto makers to improve fuel efficiency by 5 per cent every year, starting in 2012. By 2016, all new cars will have to achieve 39mpg while trucks will have to get 30mpg. Each class of vehicle will be assigned an efficiency target, which means that carmakers will have to adapt SUVs as well as trimmer vehicles.
furthur notes
World Heritage sites
Three sites — Jantar Mantar, the 18th century observatory at Jaipur, the eco-regions of the Western Ghats and the Matheran light railway in Maharashtra — have been nominated for possible inclusion in the world heritage list next year.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that is on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 state parties which are elected by their General Assembly for a four-year term. A World Heritage Site is a place of either cultural or physical significance.
The programme was founded with the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on November 16, 1972. Since then, 185 state parties have ratified the convention.
Italy has largest monuments on list with toll as 43.
What should we do ?
India is more concerned with antiquity being nominated to list every year. There is also provision for signifying a city to cultural heritage based on modern structures. E.g Brazilia , berlin.
We could take effort for cities like chandigarh, jaipur etc.
Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List in India
Cultural
* Agra Fort (1983)
* Ajanta Caves (1983)
* Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
* Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
* Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
* Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
* Elephanta Caves (1987)
* Ellora Caves (1983)
* Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
* Great Living Chola Temples (1987)
* Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
* Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
* Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
* Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
* Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
* Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
* Mountain Railways of India (1999)
* Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
* Red Fort Complex (2007)
* Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
* Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
* Taj Mahal (1983)
Natural
* Kaziranga National Park (1985)
* Keoladeo National Park (1985)
* Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
* Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988)
* Sundarbans National Park (1987)
Properties submitted on the Tentative List
* Temples at Bishnupur, West Bengal (1998)
* Buddhist Monastery Complex, Alchi, Leh, known as Alchi Chos-kor (1998)
* Golconda Fort, Hyderbad, Andhra Pradesh (1998)
* Dholavira: a Harappan City, Gujarat, Disstt, Kachchh (1998)
* Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen's Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (1998)
* Mattanchery Palace, Ernakulam, Kerala (1998)
* Tomb of Sher Shah Suri, Sasaram, Bihar (1998)
* Group of Monuments at Mandu, Madhya Pradesh (1998)
* Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (1998)
* Hemis Gompa (1998)
* Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab (2004)
* River Island of Majuli in midstream of Brahmaputra River in Assam (2004)
* Kalka Shimla Railway (2004)
* The Matheran Light Railway (extension to the Mountain Railways of India) (2005)
* Western Ghats (sub cluster nomination) (2006)
* Namdapha National Park (2006)
* Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch (2006)
* Kangchendzonga National Park (2006)
* Urban and Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in Chandigarh (2006)
* The Kangra Valley Railway - Extension to the Mountain Railways of India (2009)
* Churchgate - Extension to Mumbai CST (2009)
* The Maharaja Railways of India (2009)
* Oak Grove School (2009)
* Excavated Remains at Nalanda (2009)
* The Jantar Mantars : Astronomical Observatories of India (2009)
further refer
State wise heritage sites in india
hindu editorial
more info about World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that is on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 state parties which are elected by their General Assembly for a four-year term. A World Heritage Site is a place of either cultural or physical significance.
The programme was founded with the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO on November 16, 1972. Since then, 185 state parties have ratified the convention.
Italy has largest monuments on list with toll as 43.
What should we do ?
India is more concerned with antiquity being nominated to list every year. There is also provision for signifying a city to cultural heritage based on modern structures. E.g Brazilia , berlin.
We could take effort for cities like chandigarh, jaipur etc.
Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List in India
Cultural
* Agra Fort (1983)
* Ajanta Caves (1983)
* Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
* Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
* Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
* Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
* Elephanta Caves (1987)
* Ellora Caves (1983)
* Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
* Great Living Chola Temples (1987)
* Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
* Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
* Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
* Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
* Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
* Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
* Mountain Railways of India (1999)
* Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
* Red Fort Complex (2007)
* Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
* Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
* Taj Mahal (1983)
Natural
* Kaziranga National Park (1985)
* Keoladeo National Park (1985)
* Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
* Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988)
* Sundarbans National Park (1987)
Properties submitted on the Tentative List
* Temples at Bishnupur, West Bengal (1998)
* Buddhist Monastery Complex, Alchi, Leh, known as Alchi Chos-kor (1998)
* Golconda Fort, Hyderbad, Andhra Pradesh (1998)
* Dholavira: a Harappan City, Gujarat, Disstt, Kachchh (1998)
* Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen's Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (1998)
* Mattanchery Palace, Ernakulam, Kerala (1998)
* Tomb of Sher Shah Suri, Sasaram, Bihar (1998)
* Group of Monuments at Mandu, Madhya Pradesh (1998)
* Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (1998)
* Hemis Gompa (1998)
* Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab (2004)
* River Island of Majuli in midstream of Brahmaputra River in Assam (2004)
* Kalka Shimla Railway (2004)
* The Matheran Light Railway (extension to the Mountain Railways of India) (2005)
* Western Ghats (sub cluster nomination) (2006)
* Namdapha National Park (2006)
* Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch (2006)
* Kangchendzonga National Park (2006)
* Urban and Architectural Work of Le Corbusier in Chandigarh (2006)
* The Kangra Valley Railway - Extension to the Mountain Railways of India (2009)
* Churchgate - Extension to Mumbai CST (2009)
* The Maharaja Railways of India (2009)
* Oak Grove School (2009)
* Excavated Remains at Nalanda (2009)
* The Jantar Mantars : Astronomical Observatories of India (2009)
further refer
State wise heritage sites in india
hindu editorial
more info about World Heritage Site
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