2013, ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 31, ശനിയാഴ്‌ച

Diesel price may be hiked by Rs 3-5 a litre, LPG by Rs 50

NEW DELHI: Diesel prices may be hiked by Rs 3-5 per litre, kerosene by Rs 2 and LPG by Rs 50 per cylinder as Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take steps to tackle a record Rs 180,000 crore of losses arising from dipping rupee and surging oil rates. Moily, who had on Thursday met Finance Minister P Chidambaram on the issue, on August 30 wrote to Singh saying without a price increase the government will have to shell out a record Rs 97,500 crore to subsidise diesel and cooking fuel. "If the present position persists, the total under- recovery (revenue loss) would reach to a level of Rs 180,000 crore in the current financial year as compared to Rs 161,000 crore during 2012-13," he wrote to the Prime Minister.

A 25 per cent drop in rupee value has resulted in losses on diesel sales widening to Rs 10.22 per litre despite prices being raised by 50 paise a litre every month since January. 
This coupled with Rs 33.54 a litre loss on kerosene and Rs 412 on sale of ever 14.2-kg cooking gas (LPG) cylinder, the total revenue loss this fiscal comes to Rs 180,000 crore, he said adding even after upstream firms like ONGC chip in Rs 70,500 crore, a gap of Rs 97,500 crore would be left. An increase in rates is possible after monsoon session of Parliament ends on September 6. Moily, who sent an almost identical note to Chidambaram, said a one rupee increase in diesel price will cut loss by Rs 4,522 crore in remainder of current fiscal while a Rs 3 per litre increase would trim losses by Rs 13,565 crore. If rates are raised by a one-time Rs 5 per litre, the losses would be cut to Rs 29,390 crore. The hikes proposed are one-time and are outside monthly revision in rates of 50 paisa happening since January. Similarly, a Rs 50 per cylinder increase in LPG rates would trim cooking gas losses by Rs 2,604 crore. Besides, a possible Rs 2 per litre hike in kerosene price would cut losses by Rs 1,014 crore. The three price increases together would bring down government's subsidy outgo to Rs 50,928 crore, he argued.

Diesel price may be hiked by Rs 3-5 a litre, LPG by Rs 50

NEW DELHI: Diesel prices may be hiked by Rs 3-5 per litre, kerosene by Rs 2 and LPG by Rs 50 per cylinder as Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take steps to tackle a record Rs 180,000 crore of losses arising from dipping rupee and surging oil rates. Moily, who had on Thursday met Finance Minister P Chidambaram on the issue, on August 30 wrote to Singh saying without a price increase the government will have to shell out a record Rs 97,500 crore to subsidise diesel and cooking fuel. "If the present position persists, the total under- recovery (revenue loss) would reach to a level of Rs 180,000 crore in the current financial year as compared to Rs 161,000 crore during 2012-13," he wrote to the Prime Minister.

A 25 per cent drop in rupee value has resulted in losses on diesel sales widening to Rs 10.22 per litre despite prices being raised by 50 paise a litre every month since January. 
This coupled with Rs 33.54 a litre loss on kerosene and Rs 412 on sale of ever 14.2-kg cooking gas (LPG) cylinder, the total revenue loss this fiscal comes to Rs 180,000 crore, he said adding even after upstream firms like ONGC chip in Rs 70,500 crore, a gap of Rs 97,500 crore would be left. An increase in rates is possible after monsoon session of Parliament ends on September 6. Moily, who sent an almost identical note to Chidambaram, said a one rupee increase in diesel price will cut loss by Rs 4,522 crore in remainder of current fiscal while a Rs 3 per litre increase would trim losses by Rs 13,565 crore. If rates are raised by a one-time Rs 5 per litre, the losses would be cut to Rs 29,390 crore. The hikes proposed are one-time and are outside monthly revision in rates of 50 paisa happening since January. Similarly, a Rs 50 per cylinder increase in LPG rates would trim cooking gas losses by Rs 2,604 crore. Besides, a possible Rs 2 per litre hike in kerosene price would cut losses by Rs 1,014 crore. The three price increases together would bring down government's subsidy outgo to Rs 50,928 crore, he argued.

Delhi gangrape: Juvenile sentenced to three years

NEW DELHI: A lawyer said a juvenile court has convicted one person of rape and murder in the December 16 gang rape of a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus in New Delhi. The conviction on Saturday was the first handed down in the case. Defence lawyer Rajesh Tewari says the juvenile faces a maximum sentence of three years at a reform centre. The defendant was 17 at the time of the attack and was tried as a minor.

Delhi gangrape: Juvenile sentenced to three years

NEW DELHI: A lawyer said a juvenile court has convicted one person of rape and murder in the December 16 gang rape of a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus in New Delhi. The conviction on Saturday was the first handed down in the case. Defence lawyer Rajesh Tewari says the juvenile faces a maximum sentence of three years at a reform centre. The defendant was 17 at the time of the attack and was tried as a minor.

Girl harassed by relative commits suicide


  KANPUR: A 16-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide by setting herself on fire after being harassed by a relative, in Kalyanpur district, police said today. The victim, a Class IX student, was allegedly being harassed by Guddu, a resident of the same area and a distant relative of the girl. On Friday, the youth harassed the girl while she was on her way back home from college. After she reached home, she reportedly locked herself in one of the rooms of her house, poured kerosene and set herself ablaze, police said. The girl's parents were not at home when the incident occurred, but on coming back they found burning smell emanating from the girl's room and when the door was broken the girl was found severely injured. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Station officer Kalyanpur Anand Mishra said, "A case against the accused has been registered by the victim's father and raids are being conducted to arrest him while the body has been sent for postmortem.



Girl harassed by relative commits suicide


  KANPUR: A 16-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide by setting herself on fire after being harassed by a relative, in Kalyanpur district, police said today. The victim, a Class IX student, was allegedly being harassed by Guddu, a resident of the same area and a distant relative of the girl. On Friday, the youth harassed the girl while she was on her way back home from college. After she reached home, she reportedly locked herself in one of the rooms of her house, poured kerosene and set herself ablaze, police said. The girl's parents were not at home when the incident occurred, but on coming back they found burning smell emanating from the girl's room and when the door was broken the girl was found severely injured. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Station officer Kalyanpur Anand Mishra said, "A case against the accused has been registered by the victim's father and raids are being conducted to arrest him while the body has been sent for postmortem.



Need to end all acts of violence against women: Sonia

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of rising crimes against women, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said making laws for their empowerment is not enough as they will have to be implemented properly on ground. “We realise that by just making laws and announcing policies would not be enough to empower women. Along with it, policies and laws will have to be implemented properly on ground,” she said while addressing a gathering at the launch of the Ahimsa Messenger scheme, under which volunteers will be created to spread awareness on women’s issues. “We should end all acts of violence against women and initiate all steps so that women feel safe and become fearless, empowered and they are given the respect,” Ms. Gandhi said. The Congress president’s statement on the issue comes at a time when the number of incidents of crime against women is witnessing a rising trend. Urging the people to launch a “social revolution” for empowering women, the Congress president said, “The most fundamental issue that the mindset and old thoughts of our society have to be changed. Giving women equal status as men is a very big challenge and the wall of discrimination amongst women has to be demolished.” Ms. Gandhi said it is the collective responsibility of all women to initiate this process of giving equal status to women right from their homes. “We all know that the social outlook of our children is formed inside the four walls of our homes. The girl in the family should be given the same status as that of her brother in a family. Girls too have a right to get education, development and employment as that of the boy in the family,” she said.

   

Need to end all acts of violence against women: Sonia

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of rising crimes against women, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said making laws for their empowerment is not enough as they will have to be implemented properly on ground. “We realise that by just making laws and announcing policies would not be enough to empower women. Along with it, policies and laws will have to be implemented properly on ground,” she said while addressing a gathering at the launch of the Ahimsa Messenger scheme, under which volunteers will be created to spread awareness on women’s issues. “We should end all acts of violence against women and initiate all steps so that women feel safe and become fearless, empowered and they are given the respect,” Ms. Gandhi said. The Congress president’s statement on the issue comes at a time when the number of incidents of crime against women is witnessing a rising trend. Urging the people to launch a “social revolution” for empowering women, the Congress president said, “The most fundamental issue that the mindset and old thoughts of our society have to be changed. Giving women equal status as men is a very big challenge and the wall of discrimination amongst women has to be demolished.” Ms. Gandhi said it is the collective responsibility of all women to initiate this process of giving equal status to women right from their homes. “We all know that the social outlook of our children is formed inside the four walls of our homes. The girl in the family should be given the same status as that of her brother in a family. Girls too have a right to get education, development and employment as that of the boy in the family,” she said.

   

5.9 magnitute earthquake jolts southwest China, three killed

BEIJING: An earthquake hit a mountainous area in southwestern China on Saturday morning, killing at least three people injuring several more, according to state media and the China Earthquake Administration.The quake, which measures 5.9 on the Richter scale by the administration and 5.8 by the US Geological Survey, shook several counties in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, including the scenic Shangri-La county. A Chinese report said the epicenter was in a village in Shangri-La, but the USGS put it in Benzilan, a small town in a neighboring county.The China Earthquake Administration said two people were killed in Benzilan, where homes for 22 families collapsed, and that a driver died on a highway in Shangri-La, where falling rocks hit a tour bus and stranded three more buses. It said a total of 17 tourists were trapped.The party-run People's Daily also reported three fatalities and said six others were seriously injured.The administration said another major quake hit Shangri-La three days ago, and the US Geological Survey recorded three major aftershocks on Saturday.China's mountainous areas in its southwest are prone to earthquakes. In May 2008, a powerful quake in Sichuan left nearly 90,000 people dead or missing. In April this year, another quake in Sichuan killed 193 people.

5.9 magnitute earthquake jolts southwest China, three killed

BEIJING: An earthquake hit a mountainous area in southwestern China on Saturday morning, killing at least three people injuring several more, according to state media and the China Earthquake Administration.The quake, which measures 5.9 on the Richter scale by the administration and 5.8 by the US Geological Survey, shook several counties in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, including the scenic Shangri-La county. A Chinese report said the epicenter was in a village in Shangri-La, but the USGS put it in Benzilan, a small town in a neighboring county.The China Earthquake Administration said two people were killed in Benzilan, where homes for 22 families collapsed, and that a driver died on a highway in Shangri-La, where falling rocks hit a tour bus and stranded three more buses. It said a total of 17 tourists were trapped.The party-run People's Daily also reported three fatalities and said six others were seriously injured.The administration said another major quake hit Shangri-La three days ago, and the US Geological Survey recorded three major aftershocks on Saturday.China's mountainous areas in its southwest are prone to earthquakes. In May 2008, a powerful quake in Sichuan left nearly 90,000 people dead or missing. In April this year, another quake in Sichuan killed 193 people.

UN inspectors leave Syria, Obama weighs 'limited' strike

Washington: President Barack Obama said the United States was weighing 'limited, narrow' action against Syria, as UN inspectors left the country on Saturday and opened a window into a possible strike. Obama emphasized he had made no 'final decision' on unleashing military strikes against Bashar al-Assad's regime, but gave his clearest indication yet that an attack was imminent. His remarks came after the United States released an intelligence report that concluded the regime had launched a chemical onslaught in the suburbs of Damascus last week, killing 1,429 people, including at least 426 children. 'This kind of attack is a challenge to the world,' Obama told reporters at the White House. 'We cannot accept a world where women and children and innocent civilians are gassed on a terrible scale,' he said, calling the attack a threat to US national security interests. 

'The world has an obligation to make sure we maintain the norm against the use of chemical weapons,' the president said, slamming the failure of the UN Security Council to agree on action. Obama said he was looking at a 'wide range of options' but had ruled out 'boots on the ground' or a 'long-term campaign.' 'We are looking at the possibility of a limited, narrow act,' he added. UN experts meanwhile left Syria and crossed by land into Lebanon in a convoy early Saturday after completing their investigation into the attacks around Damascus and said they would 'expedite' a report on whether chemical weapons had been used there. 

The team is due to report back immediately to UN chief Ban Ki-moon, who has appealed to the West to allow time for their findings to be assessed. France gave its backing to the US plans, saying a 'strong message' should be sent to the Assad regime, but British lawmakers have voted against any involvement in military action and other close US allies said they would not sign up. Russia, Syria's most powerful ally, has questioned US intelligence about the August 21 gas attacks and has warned against any military strikes without UN backing. 

US Secretary of State John Kerry cited 'multiple streams of intelligence' indicating that the Syrian government had carried out the chemical attack and that Assad himself is the 'ultimate decision maker'. Kerry said failure to act would not only erode the nearly century-old norm against the use of chemical weapons, but would embolden Syrian allies Iran and Hezbollah. 

But the United States, faced with an impasse at the security council and the British parliament's shock vote Thursday, has been forced to look elsewhere for international partners.  While Germany and Canada ruled out joining any military strikes, French President Francois Hollande — whose country was a strident opponent of the US-led war on Iraq — said the British decision would not affect his government's stance. 

Hollande said he and Obama 'agreed that the international community cannot tolerate the use of chemical weapons, that it should hold the Syrian regime accountable for it and send a strong message.'  Turkey, Syria's neighbor, went further still, demanding not just surgical strikes to send a message about chemical weapons but a sustained campaign to topple the regime. 'A limited operation cannot be satisfactory for us,' Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying by the NTV news channel. 

Gruesome pictures of some of the reported victims of the attacks, including children, have shocked the world and piled on the pressure for a response that could draw a reluctant West into the vicious Syrian civil war.  But Russia and Iran, and even some US allies, have warned against any intervention, saying it risks sparking a wider conflict.  Leftist Latin American leaders from the UNASUR bloc expressed their 'extreme' concern about the situation in Syria and condemned any possible US intervention. 

Divisions over Syria have further chilled the frosty relations between Washington and Moscow ahead of the G20 summit next week in Saint Petersburg, where pointedly there will be no face-to-face talks between Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Syria has denied using chemical weapons, and the foreign ministry said that the US intelligence report was 'nothing but tired legends that the terrorists have been circulating for more than a week, with their share of lies and entirely fabricated stories.' 

The military buildup was meanwhile continuing, with US warships armed with scores of cruise missiles converging on the eastern Mediterranean. In Damascus, the mood was heavy with fear and security forces were making preparations for possible air strikes, pulling soldiers back from potential targets.  More than 100,000 people have died since the conflict erupted in March 2011 and two million have become refugees, half of them children, according to the United Nations. 

Some commentators have questioned the wisdom of Obama dragging the United States into another conflict after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- particularly as Al-Qaeda militants are among the rebels fighting the Assad regime.  Some members of the US Congress have voiced support for limited missile strikes, while urging transparency from the administration.  But a new opinion poll found that half of all Americans oppose any US intervention. 

UN inspectors leave Syria, Obama weighs 'limited' strike

Washington: President Barack Obama said the United States was weighing 'limited, narrow' action against Syria, as UN inspectors left the country on Saturday and opened a window into a possible strike. Obama emphasized he had made no 'final decision' on unleashing military strikes against Bashar al-Assad's regime, but gave his clearest indication yet that an attack was imminent. His remarks came after the United States released an intelligence report that concluded the regime had launched a chemical onslaught in the suburbs of Damascus last week, killing 1,429 people, including at least 426 children. 'This kind of attack is a challenge to the world,' Obama told reporters at the White House. 'We cannot accept a world where women and children and innocent civilians are gassed on a terrible scale,' he said, calling the attack a threat to US national security interests. 

'The world has an obligation to make sure we maintain the norm against the use of chemical weapons,' the president said, slamming the failure of the UN Security Council to agree on action. Obama said he was looking at a 'wide range of options' but had ruled out 'boots on the ground' or a 'long-term campaign.' 'We are looking at the possibility of a limited, narrow act,' he added. UN experts meanwhile left Syria and crossed by land into Lebanon in a convoy early Saturday after completing their investigation into the attacks around Damascus and said they would 'expedite' a report on whether chemical weapons had been used there. 

The team is due to report back immediately to UN chief Ban Ki-moon, who has appealed to the West to allow time for their findings to be assessed. France gave its backing to the US plans, saying a 'strong message' should be sent to the Assad regime, but British lawmakers have voted against any involvement in military action and other close US allies said they would not sign up. Russia, Syria's most powerful ally, has questioned US intelligence about the August 21 gas attacks and has warned against any military strikes without UN backing. 

US Secretary of State John Kerry cited 'multiple streams of intelligence' indicating that the Syrian government had carried out the chemical attack and that Assad himself is the 'ultimate decision maker'. Kerry said failure to act would not only erode the nearly century-old norm against the use of chemical weapons, but would embolden Syrian allies Iran and Hezbollah. 

But the United States, faced with an impasse at the security council and the British parliament's shock vote Thursday, has been forced to look elsewhere for international partners.  While Germany and Canada ruled out joining any military strikes, French President Francois Hollande — whose country was a strident opponent of the US-led war on Iraq — said the British decision would not affect his government's stance. 

Hollande said he and Obama 'agreed that the international community cannot tolerate the use of chemical weapons, that it should hold the Syrian regime accountable for it and send a strong message.'  Turkey, Syria's neighbor, went further still, demanding not just surgical strikes to send a message about chemical weapons but a sustained campaign to topple the regime. 'A limited operation cannot be satisfactory for us,' Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying by the NTV news channel. 

Gruesome pictures of some of the reported victims of the attacks, including children, have shocked the world and piled on the pressure for a response that could draw a reluctant West into the vicious Syrian civil war.  But Russia and Iran, and even some US allies, have warned against any intervention, saying it risks sparking a wider conflict.  Leftist Latin American leaders from the UNASUR bloc expressed their 'extreme' concern about the situation in Syria and condemned any possible US intervention. 

Divisions over Syria have further chilled the frosty relations between Washington and Moscow ahead of the G20 summit next week in Saint Petersburg, where pointedly there will be no face-to-face talks between Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Syria has denied using chemical weapons, and the foreign ministry said that the US intelligence report was 'nothing but tired legends that the terrorists have been circulating for more than a week, with their share of lies and entirely fabricated stories.' 

The military buildup was meanwhile continuing, with US warships armed with scores of cruise missiles converging on the eastern Mediterranean. In Damascus, the mood was heavy with fear and security forces were making preparations for possible air strikes, pulling soldiers back from potential targets.  More than 100,000 people have died since the conflict erupted in March 2011 and two million have become refugees, half of them children, according to the United Nations. 

Some commentators have questioned the wisdom of Obama dragging the United States into another conflict after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- particularly as Al-Qaeda militants are among the rebels fighting the Assad regime.  Some members of the US Congress have voiced support for limited missile strikes, while urging transparency from the administration.  But a new opinion poll found that half of all Americans oppose any US intervention. 

India in Asian Cup final, World Cup berth certain

Ipoh (Malaysia): India booked a berth in next year's World Cup hockey as they marched into the Asia Cup final with a 2-0 win over hosts Malaysia in the semi-final at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium here Friday. India took an early lead in the eighth minute through drag-flicker V.R. Raghunath and forward Mandeep Singh doubled it at the hour-mark.

India will face South Korea in the final here Sunday. South Korea ended Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup with a 2-1 win. Pakistan, record World Cup champions, will be missing the show-piece event for the first time since its inception in 1971. India have now qualified for the World Cup, in the Dutch city of Hague, along with Korea and Malaysia. But they will have to wait for a final confirmation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

With the odds stacked against them, India put on a spirited performance againts the hosts, who were dominating but failed to convert the chances that came their way. Having taken an early lead, India defended well and managed to cut out all the Malaysian attacks from the right-flank.

Raghunath and Rupinderpal Singh manned the Indian defence well for 60 minutes before promising 18-year-old striker Mandeep doubled the lead for the visitors with just 10 minutes left for the hooter. Malaysia's Saari brothers - Faizal and Fitri - combined well to keep the Indian defence busy but they lacked the penetration. India goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh also put up a great show to thwart the moves by the Malaysian forward line.

Malaysia enjoyed 55 percent of the ball possession as compared to India's 45. Malaysia also had nine shots on the goal while India had seven. After the breather, Malaysia looked desperate for the equaliser but found themselves on the backfoot as a clever pass from Rupinder set-up the second goal for India. 

Rupinder's through pass from behind the centre-line found an unmarked Ramandep Singh on the top of the circle. Ramandeep laid it for Mandeep, who dribbled the ball into an open Malaysian goal.




India in Asian Cup final, World Cup berth certain

Ipoh (Malaysia): India booked a berth in next year's World Cup hockey as they marched into the Asia Cup final with a 2-0 win over hosts Malaysia in the semi-final at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium here Friday. India took an early lead in the eighth minute through drag-flicker V.R. Raghunath and forward Mandeep Singh doubled it at the hour-mark.

India will face South Korea in the final here Sunday. South Korea ended Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup with a 2-1 win. Pakistan, record World Cup champions, will be missing the show-piece event for the first time since its inception in 1971. India have now qualified for the World Cup, in the Dutch city of Hague, along with Korea and Malaysia. But they will have to wait for a final confirmation from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

With the odds stacked against them, India put on a spirited performance againts the hosts, who were dominating but failed to convert the chances that came their way. Having taken an early lead, India defended well and managed to cut out all the Malaysian attacks from the right-flank.

Raghunath and Rupinderpal Singh manned the Indian defence well for 60 minutes before promising 18-year-old striker Mandeep doubled the lead for the visitors with just 10 minutes left for the hooter. Malaysia's Saari brothers - Faizal and Fitri - combined well to keep the Indian defence busy but they lacked the penetration. India goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh also put up a great show to thwart the moves by the Malaysian forward line.

Malaysia enjoyed 55 percent of the ball possession as compared to India's 45. Malaysia also had nine shots on the goal while India had seven. After the breather, Malaysia looked desperate for the equaliser but found themselves on the backfoot as a clever pass from Rupinder set-up the second goal for India. 

Rupinder's through pass from behind the centre-line found an unmarked Ramandep Singh on the top of the circle. Ramandeep laid it for Mandeep, who dribbled the ball into an open Malaysian goal.




2013, ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 30, വെള്ളിയാഴ്‌ച

Brain protein linked to age-related memory loss

Washington:A brain protein called RbAp48 may be responsible for the memory loss that normally occurs in older individuals, a US study has revealed. The findings offer 'compelling evidence' that age-related memory loss is a condition distinct from Alzheimer's disease, researchers at the Columbia University Medical Centre reported online in the Science Translational Medicine journal Wednesday.

According to the researchers, the study suggests that this form of memory loss may be reversible and that therapies designed to boost the protein could benefit some older individuals, Xinhua reported. The researchers examined eight healthy brains, a mix of young and old, from the New York Brain Bank at the Columbia University. They found 17 genes that did not work properly in old brains compared with young brains in a part of the hippocampus, a brain region that plays a vital role in memory.

From these 17 genes, the gene that was most severely affected was RbAp48. Its expression, as well as the amount of the RbAp48 protein produced by the gene, was reduced by almost 50 percent in the so-called dentate gyrus of old brains, the researchers said. To determine whether RbAp48 plays an active role in age-related memory loss, the researchers turned to mouse studies. They found that switching off the protein in younger mice made them forgetful, while increasing the protein in older mice restored their memory.

The researchers described the findings that age-related memory loss in mice may be reversible as being 'very encouraging'. 'Of course, it's possible that other changes in the DG (dentate gyrus) contribute to this form of memory loss. But at the very least, it shows that this protein is a major factor, and it speaks to the fact that age-related memory loss is due to a functional change in neurons of some sort,' said Nobel laureate Eric Kandel, who led the Columbia University team. 
'Unlike with Alzheimer's, there is no significant loss of neurons,' said Kandel. 
Further research is needed to uncover exactly how aging reduces the amount of RbAp48 in the brain, and to determine if the protein can be targeted in the human brain, the researchers added.



Brain protein linked to age-related memory loss

Washington:A brain protein called RbAp48 may be responsible for the memory loss that normally occurs in older individuals, a US study has revealed. The findings offer 'compelling evidence' that age-related memory loss is a condition distinct from Alzheimer's disease, researchers at the Columbia University Medical Centre reported online in the Science Translational Medicine journal Wednesday.

According to the researchers, the study suggests that this form of memory loss may be reversible and that therapies designed to boost the protein could benefit some older individuals, Xinhua reported. The researchers examined eight healthy brains, a mix of young and old, from the New York Brain Bank at the Columbia University. They found 17 genes that did not work properly in old brains compared with young brains in a part of the hippocampus, a brain region that plays a vital role in memory.

From these 17 genes, the gene that was most severely affected was RbAp48. Its expression, as well as the amount of the RbAp48 protein produced by the gene, was reduced by almost 50 percent in the so-called dentate gyrus of old brains, the researchers said. To determine whether RbAp48 plays an active role in age-related memory loss, the researchers turned to mouse studies. They found that switching off the protein in younger mice made them forgetful, while increasing the protein in older mice restored their memory.

The researchers described the findings that age-related memory loss in mice may be reversible as being 'very encouraging'. 'Of course, it's possible that other changes in the DG (dentate gyrus) contribute to this form of memory loss. But at the very least, it shows that this protein is a major factor, and it speaks to the fact that age-related memory loss is due to a functional change in neurons of some sort,' said Nobel laureate Eric Kandel, who led the Columbia University team. 
'Unlike with Alzheimer's, there is no significant loss of neurons,' said Kandel. 
Further research is needed to uncover exactly how aging reduces the amount of RbAp48 in the brain, and to determine if the protein can be targeted in the human brain, the researchers added.



8,000 Indians queue up for one-way trip to Mars

Chennai: As the deadline for registrationnears, over 8,000 Indians have so far signed up for the one-way trip to Mars and settle down on the red planet, as 'Mars One' project is planning to establish a colony there in the next 10 years.'Mars One', a not-for-profit foundation intends to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars in 2023 and is registering those interested to make it up there. India stands fourth among other countries of the world with 8,107 applicants, as on August 27.The top 10 countries to enrol are the USA (37,852), China (13,124), Brazil (8,686), India (8,107), Russia (7,138), Britain (6,999), Mexico (6,771), Canada (6,593), Spain (3,621) and Philippines (3,516) as on August 22, Aashima Dogra of 'Mars One' told PTI.

With August 31 this year being the last date for registering, 'Mars One' has already received interest from more than 1,65,000 people hoping to be the first humans on Mars. 'The Mars One Application Program is turning out to be the most desired job vacancy in the world. People from over 140 countries are looking towards the final frontier and envisioning their life on another planet,' she said. Mars One believes that human settlement on the red planet was possible with existing technologies and it plans to integrate components that are well tested and readily available from industry leaders worldwide.'The first footprint on Mars and lives of the crew thereon will captivate and inspire generations; it is this public interest that will help finance this human mission to
Mars,' she said .
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8,000 Indians queue up for one-way trip to Mars

Chennai: As the deadline for registrationnears, over 8,000 Indians have so far signed up for the one-way trip to Mars and settle down on the red planet, as 'Mars One' project is planning to establish a colony there in the next 10 years.'Mars One', a not-for-profit foundation intends to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars in 2023 and is registering those interested to make it up there. India stands fourth among other countries of the world with 8,107 applicants, as on August 27.The top 10 countries to enrol are the USA (37,852), China (13,124), Brazil (8,686), India (8,107), Russia (7,138), Britain (6,999), Mexico (6,771), Canada (6,593), Spain (3,621) and Philippines (3,516) as on August 22, Aashima Dogra of 'Mars One' told PTI.

With August 31 this year being the last date for registering, 'Mars One' has already received interest from more than 1,65,000 people hoping to be the first humans on Mars. 'The Mars One Application Program is turning out to be the most desired job vacancy in the world. People from over 140 countries are looking towards the final frontier and envisioning their life on another planet,' she said. Mars One believes that human settlement on the red planet was possible with existing technologies and it plans to integrate components that are well tested and readily available from industry leaders worldwide.'The first footprint on Mars and lives of the crew thereon will captivate and inspire generations; it is this public interest that will help finance this human mission to
Mars,' she said .
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Lived in Nepal for 6 months, readied 100 hardcore terrorists, Bhatkal tells police

PATNA/NEW DELHI: Arrested terrorist Yasin Bhatkal is reported to have told his interrogators he was living in Nepal for the past six months and had readied around 100 hardcore associates who could do anything at his bidding. Bhatkal and his close associate Asadullah Akhtar were on Friday remanded in 12-day police custody by a Delhi court after the National Investigation Agency brought them from Bihar where they were arrested on Wednesday at the Indo-Nepal border. As Indian intelligence agencies mounted their surveillance in the hunt for Bhatkal, sending Rs one lakh home as an 'eidi' (gift) to his wife before the Eid festival early this month perhaps proved to be his undoing and gave away the Nepal hideout of one of India's most-wanted terrorists.

The transfer of money done through normal banking channels alerted sleuths of Intelligence Bureau(IB) whose suspicions were aroused on the possible plans by the co-founder of the banned Indian Mujahideen to enter India to indulge in terror attacks or flee from Nepal's Pokhra area. Known as a ghost bomber, Yasin, who managed to give the slip to police after the terror attacks in which he was involved, told his interrogators that the money sent to his wife in India was meant for expenses for Eid festivities on August 9. Sources privy to the probe said Bhatkal told interrogators he was living in Nepal for the past six months and had readied around 100 hardcore associates who could do anything on his orders. Yasin also told them he used to frequently change residences in Nepal where he treated Muslims as a Unani doctor.

The sources said Yasin got angry on some occasions during interrogation. Yasin and his associate were remorseless in acknowledging that they carried out bomb blasts to 'send a message', according to Motihari SP Vinay Kumar. Yasin is wanted in around 40 terror cases. "Bomb blast karta hu message dene ke liye (I carry out bomb blasts to send a message)," Yasin was quoted as saying by Kumar, who played a key role in the arrest of the two top IM operatives. Kumar told PTI the two men expressed no remorse for triggering blasts that killed a large number of people in different cities. Yasin is also reported to have said he had expertise in making IEDs.

Investigators have found a laptop and mobile phone from Yasin's possession which are expected to throw up vital clues in unraveling a number of terror modules. The sources said a forged driving licence and a voter ID were also recovered from Yasin who was nabbed by Indian agencies with a "lot of help" from Nepal police.

Lived in Nepal for 6 months, readied 100 hardcore terrorists, Bhatkal tells police

PATNA/NEW DELHI: Arrested terrorist Yasin Bhatkal is reported to have told his interrogators he was living in Nepal for the past six months and had readied around 100 hardcore associates who could do anything at his bidding. Bhatkal and his close associate Asadullah Akhtar were on Friday remanded in 12-day police custody by a Delhi court after the National Investigation Agency brought them from Bihar where they were arrested on Wednesday at the Indo-Nepal border. As Indian intelligence agencies mounted their surveillance in the hunt for Bhatkal, sending Rs one lakh home as an 'eidi' (gift) to his wife before the Eid festival early this month perhaps proved to be his undoing and gave away the Nepal hideout of one of India's most-wanted terrorists.

The transfer of money done through normal banking channels alerted sleuths of Intelligence Bureau(IB) whose suspicions were aroused on the possible plans by the co-founder of the banned Indian Mujahideen to enter India to indulge in terror attacks or flee from Nepal's Pokhra area. Known as a ghost bomber, Yasin, who managed to give the slip to police after the terror attacks in which he was involved, told his interrogators that the money sent to his wife in India was meant for expenses for Eid festivities on August 9. Sources privy to the probe said Bhatkal told interrogators he was living in Nepal for the past six months and had readied around 100 hardcore associates who could do anything on his orders. Yasin also told them he used to frequently change residences in Nepal where he treated Muslims as a Unani doctor.

The sources said Yasin got angry on some occasions during interrogation. Yasin and his associate were remorseless in acknowledging that they carried out bomb blasts to 'send a message', according to Motihari SP Vinay Kumar. Yasin is wanted in around 40 terror cases. "Bomb blast karta hu message dene ke liye (I carry out bomb blasts to send a message)," Yasin was quoted as saying by Kumar, who played a key role in the arrest of the two top IM operatives. Kumar told PTI the two men expressed no remorse for triggering blasts that killed a large number of people in different cities. Yasin is also reported to have said he had expertise in making IEDs.

Investigators have found a laptop and mobile phone from Yasin's possession which are expected to throw up vital clues in unraveling a number of terror modules. The sources said a forged driving licence and a voter ID were also recovered from Yasin who was nabbed by Indian agencies with a "lot of help" from Nepal police.

Minor girl gangraped, 7 arrested

Ranchi:A minor girl was allegedly gangraped by seven persons who were arrested within 12 hours of the crime near Bundu area, about 40km from here, police said today. The girl, her 'boyfriend' Rajesh, and his friend had set out for Jamshedpur to board a train for Pune on the intervening night of Aug. 27 and 28 when the alleged incident occurred, said SP Saket Kumar Singh. The girl, a student of class IX, who belongs to Bundu, and the two boys chose to drop in at the residence of her 'boyfriend's' uncle near Bundu for a night halt. The seven accused intercepted them near Kumhara basti in Bundu, thrashed the two boys and chased them away before taking the girl to a secluded place where they allegedly raped her, the SP said.

The two boys had in the meantime informed police, who swung into action and rescued the girl in a state of unconsciousness from near Pagla Baba Ashram in Bundu, he said, adding that she was thereupon admitted to hospital. After she regained consciousness, she narrated her plight to police who launched raids in the surrounding areas and nabbed all the accused yesterday. 'The accused have confessed to the crime during interrogation,' the SP said, adding that the girl's actual age was being determined through medical tests to initiate the proper legal process.

The police were also interrogating the girl's 'boyfriend', he said. The accused have been identified as Suraj Kumhar, Shiv Kumhar, Sudan Kumhar, Phijul Kumhar, Jeet Kumhar, Rajan Munda of Kumhar Toli area and Suraj Oraon of Oraon Toli.
The girl is recovering at the hospital, he added. PTI

Minor girl gangraped, 7 arrested

Ranchi:A minor girl was allegedly gangraped by seven persons who were arrested within 12 hours of the crime near Bundu area, about 40km from here, police said today. The girl, her 'boyfriend' Rajesh, and his friend had set out for Jamshedpur to board a train for Pune on the intervening night of Aug. 27 and 28 when the alleged incident occurred, said SP Saket Kumar Singh. The girl, a student of class IX, who belongs to Bundu, and the two boys chose to drop in at the residence of her 'boyfriend's' uncle near Bundu for a night halt. The seven accused intercepted them near Kumhara basti in Bundu, thrashed the two boys and chased them away before taking the girl to a secluded place where they allegedly raped her, the SP said.

The two boys had in the meantime informed police, who swung into action and rescued the girl in a state of unconsciousness from near Pagla Baba Ashram in Bundu, he said, adding that she was thereupon admitted to hospital. After she regained consciousness, she narrated her plight to police who launched raids in the surrounding areas and nabbed all the accused yesterday. 'The accused have confessed to the crime during interrogation,' the SP said, adding that the girl's actual age was being determined through medical tests to initiate the proper legal process.

The police were also interrogating the girl's 'boyfriend', he said. The accused have been identified as Suraj Kumhar, Shiv Kumhar, Sudan Kumhar, Phijul Kumhar, Jeet Kumhar, Rajan Munda of Kumhar Toli area and Suraj Oraon of Oraon Toli.
The girl is recovering at the hospital, he added. PTI

British parliament opposes military intervention in Syria

London:Britain's House of Commons Thursday voted to reject a government motion on military action against Syria after an eight-hour intense debate. 
The parliamentary motion, calling for 'a strong humanitarian response from international society' that includes military action, was defeated by 272 votes to 285, Xinhua reported. Speaking after the vote, Prime Minister David Cameron said it was clear that 'the British parliament, reflecting the views of the British people, does not want to see British military action...I get that, and the government will act accordingly'. 

However, the vote was not binding. The opposition leader, Ed Miliband, has called on the prime minister to confirm he would not use the royal prerogative to order Britain to take part in military action before another vote in the parliament. 'I can give that assurance,' Cameron said, insisting 'I strongly believe in the need for a tough response to the use of chemical weapons.'

Britain is facing strong internal question about military intervention in Syria, with polls showing 50 percent of people against missile strikes and 40 percent against any form of British involvement, while 25 percent supports missile strikes against Syria. The Labour party also demands the government release 'compelling evidence that the Syrian regime was responsible for the use of these weapons', stressing that any response would be legal in international law and that the parliament can vote on Britain's participation. 


British parliament opposes military intervention in Syria

London:Britain's House of Commons Thursday voted to reject a government motion on military action against Syria after an eight-hour intense debate. 
The parliamentary motion, calling for 'a strong humanitarian response from international society' that includes military action, was defeated by 272 votes to 285, Xinhua reported. Speaking after the vote, Prime Minister David Cameron said it was clear that 'the British parliament, reflecting the views of the British people, does not want to see British military action...I get that, and the government will act accordingly'. 

However, the vote was not binding. The opposition leader, Ed Miliband, has called on the prime minister to confirm he would not use the royal prerogative to order Britain to take part in military action before another vote in the parliament. 'I can give that assurance,' Cameron said, insisting 'I strongly believe in the need for a tough response to the use of chemical weapons.'

Britain is facing strong internal question about military intervention in Syria, with polls showing 50 percent of people against missile strikes and 40 percent against any form of British involvement, while 25 percent supports missile strikes against Syria. The Labour party also demands the government release 'compelling evidence that the Syrian regime was responsible for the use of these weapons', stressing that any response would be legal in international law and that the parliament can vote on Britain's participation. 


India might buy gold from citizens to ease rupee crisis: report

Reuters

Mumbai: India is considering a radical plan to direct commercial banks to buy gold from ordinary citizens and divert it to precious metal refiners in an attempt to curb imports and take some heat off the plunging currency. A pilot project will be launched soon, a source familiar with the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) plan told Reuters, although the idea was met with some scepticism. India has the world's third-largest current account deficit, which is approaching nearly $90 billion, driven in a large part by appetite for gold imports in the world's biggest consumer of the metal. That has played a major role in driving the rupee to a record low.

With 31,000 tonnes of commercially available gold in the country - worth $1.4 trillion at current prices - diverting even a fraction of that to refiners would sate domestic demand for the metal. India imported 860 tonnes of gold in 2012. 
The RBI will ask the banks to buy back jewellery, bars and coins for rupees. Lenders will have to offer better rates than pawn shops and jewellers to lure sellers. 'We will start a pilot project among some banks where we will allow them to buy back gold from individual households,' the source, an official familiar with the apex bank's plan, said. 'This will start soon, we have discussed (it) with banks.'
The RBI did not immediately have an official comment, a spokeswoman said. 
The RBI proposal was a talking point in world gold markets, although prices were reacting more to an easing of concerns that a US-led attack on Syria was imminent. Spot gold prices fell by around 1 per cent.

The source said banks in the pilot project would be given a regulatory directive to purchase the gold. It will initially be limited to those with big gold portfolios. Several Indian banks already offer a gold deposit scheme that pays out interest.
'I don't think it is going to work. It has to be more structured, like a gold bond,' said Samiran Chakraborty, chief economist at Standard Chartered Bank. 
That's exactly what trade minister Anand Sharma suggested on Thursday. He said the RBI should look into the possibility of monetising gold holdings, and issuing bonds for privately-held gold was one way to do it. The RBI holds 557.7 tonnes of gold in its own reserves. However, any talk of using the central bank's gold to help meet India's international obligations revives memories of a 1991 balance of payments crisis - when India flew 67 tonnes of gold to Europe as collateral for a loan to avoid a sovereign debt default. 'I have not said there should be any mortgaging of the gold, or auction of the gold, that is incorrect. I have just said the RBI should look into ... how they can benefit the people, particularly with regard to the bonds or the monetisation,' Mr Sharma said in response to a question in Parliament.

Earlier this week in comments reported in the national media, Sharma said that in a country with 31,000 tonnes of declared gold 'even if 500 tonnes is monetised at today's value it takes care of your CAD (current account deficit)'. Selling the country's gold reserves may sit badly with Indians, many of whom saw the 1991 sale as a public humiliation. The secret operation was only exposed after a vehicle carrying the first consignment of bullion broke down on its way to the airport from the central bank.

'It (pledging gold) will be a desperate measure, and it will send a very wrong signal to the entire country because all the time we've maintained that things are under control even though things are adverse,' said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at CARE Ratings. Such a sale would also dent international gold prices which took a hit earlier this year after Cyprus said it was considering selling its gold reserves to shore up its finances.

Some economists said India should improve the current gold deposit scheme, which allows individuals to effectively hold gold in a bank account in exchange for a certificate. They receive interest payments and can redeem the same weight in gold when the certificate matures. Analysts say this scheme would also allow the government to funnel gold to the refinery industry and reduce import demand.

However, Indians are currently put off by the 500 gram minimum requirement. Offering higher interest rates could also draw out gold stashed in the country's temples. South India's Tirupati temple, considered one of the world's richest, is estimated to hold gold worth up to $80 billion. Gold is considered auspicious as a gift or offering at religious festivals in India and forms an essential part of a bride's dowry.

'The biggest avenue the government has to monetise gold is the gold deposit scheme,' said Shekhar Bhandari, executive vice president of treasury at Kotak Mahindra Bank, adding, 'It has the maximum potential and (encourages) recurring behaviour.' India has taken multiple steps this year to curb imports of gold, its second-biggest import after oil, including raising duty three times to 10 per cent.

The rupee, the worst-performing emerging market currency in Asia this year, rebounded from a record low on Thursday after the RBI said it will provide dollars directly to state oil companies to shore up the currency. In comments published by The Hindu newspaper last week, David Gornall, chairman of the London Bullion Market Association, said India could raise $23 billion by swapping gold for a payable currency for a period of its choice, while remaining the long-term holder of the gold. 
Copyright: Thomson Reuters 2013


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