2013, നവംബർ 30, ശനിയാഴ്‌ച

CPM woman councillor hangs to death

POTHENKODE: CPM woman councillor M S Sangeetha, 31, was found to have committed suicide by hanging today. The victim, who represented the Attipra ward of Thiruvananthapuram corporation, is believed to have committed the deed yesterday night after consuming poison. Her death came at a time when her father Mohanachandran was readying to take part in a function to mark his retirement from the post of Madhavapuram co-operative society secretary.
      
Police said the incident occurred at her rented house in Manvila at 11 pm on Friday. Sangeetha committed suicide while her husband was watching TV. He came to know about the incident only when their daughter saw her mother hanging and alerted her father. Though she was taken to the medical college hospital, she died at 12:30pm.   Sangeetha had been a DYFI state committee member and DYFI district vice-president. She was also the district patron of the party wing’s children’s organisation.

She is survived by husband and university college lecturer Manoj, and wards Atheena, Athul, besides her parents and siblings. Though the immediate reason for suicide is not known, it is suspected that she had some issues over her Nedumangadu property. Of late, she also showed less interest in CPM’s activites, it is known.

CPM woman councillor hangs to death

POTHENKODE: CPM woman councillor M S Sangeetha, 31, was found to have committed suicide by hanging today. The victim, who represented the Attipra ward of Thiruvananthapuram corporation, is believed to have committed the deed yesterday night after consuming poison. Her death came at a time when her father Mohanachandran was readying to take part in a function to mark his retirement from the post of Madhavapuram co-operative society secretary.
      
Police said the incident occurred at her rented house in Manvila at 11 pm on Friday. Sangeetha committed suicide while her husband was watching TV. He came to know about the incident only when their daughter saw her mother hanging and alerted her father. Though she was taken to the medical college hospital, she died at 12:30pm.   Sangeetha had been a DYFI state committee member and DYFI district vice-president. She was also the district patron of the party wing’s children’s organisation.

She is survived by husband and university college lecturer Manoj, and wards Atheena, Athul, besides her parents and siblings. Though the immediate reason for suicide is not known, it is suspected that she had some issues over her Nedumangadu property. Of late, she also showed less interest in CPM’s activites, it is known.

Philippine typhoon toll rises to 5,632

Manila: The deaths from typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines Saturday rose to 5,632, a government agency said. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 34 bodies have been recovered in central Tacloban city, one of the worst affected areas in the disaster, reports Xinhua.

The number of deaths till Thursday was 5,598.The NDRRMC said the number of people injured due to the typhoon stood at 26,136. The number of people still missing remained at 1,759, it added. 
The cost of damage to agriculture and infrastructure has been estimated at 30.6 billion pesos ($699.7 million).(IANS)

Philippine typhoon toll rises to 5,632

Manila: The deaths from typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines Saturday rose to 5,632, a government agency said. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 34 bodies have been recovered in central Tacloban city, one of the worst affected areas in the disaster, reports Xinhua.

The number of deaths till Thursday was 5,598.The NDRRMC said the number of people injured due to the typhoon stood at 26,136. The number of people still missing remained at 1,759, it added. 
The cost of damage to agriculture and infrastructure has been estimated at 30.6 billion pesos ($699.7 million).(IANS)

CPM plenum concludes

Thiruvananthapuram:The three-day plenum of the CPM ended on Friday with a resolution to put an end to factionalism  within the party.  Opposition leader V S Achtuthananadan  did not attend the function on Friday after he was criticised by cadres a day earlier at the plenum. The meeting was marred by an advertisement row in which the party was caught off guard. The party newspaper reportedly carried an advertisement from a person who has been accused in a criminal case. V S Achuthanandan called for the removal of the advertisement and has taken up the issue with party General Secretary Prakash Karat and P B member Seetharam Yechuri .

CPM plenum concludes

Thiruvananthapuram:The three-day plenum of the CPM ended on Friday with a resolution to put an end to factionalism  within the party.  Opposition leader V S Achtuthananadan  did not attend the function on Friday after he was criticised by cadres a day earlier at the plenum. The meeting was marred by an advertisement row in which the party was caught off guard. The party newspaper reportedly carried an advertisement from a person who has been accused in a criminal case. V S Achuthanandan called for the removal of the advertisement and has taken up the issue with party General Secretary Prakash Karat and P B member Seetharam Yechuri .

Italian Marines case won’t be resolved by Christmas: Envoy

Rome: Rome's envoy in the case has said that the case of the two Italian Marines facing trial in India for murder will not be resolved by Christmas. Marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone were arrested for the killing of two Indian fisherman off the coast of Kerala in February last year. They are currently on bail pending trial and are living and working at the Italian embassy in New Delhi.

"It won't be possible to resolve this question by Christmas, as was our hope.But we want the case to be concluded so that the two riflemen can return to their home country with their heads held high, "said diplomat Staffan De Mistura.  De Mistura said Italy was waiting for a report due in December from Indian investigators over the alleged killings.

It has been reported that Indian investigators had recommended to the home ministry that Latorre and Girone be sentenced to death. Italian officials have been working to secure the return of the two Marines, who were guarding an oil tanker and claim they merely fired warning shots into the sea in the direction of the fishermen's boat, believing they were pirates.

Italy disputes India's jurisdiction over the case, claming the incident took place in international waters. The case sparked a major diplomatic row between the two countries when Rome refused to return Latorre and Girone to New Delhi after they were allowed home to vote in national elections. 
Amid escalating tension, Italy relented and sent the Marines back when it received assurances from India that the pair would not face the death penalty.

(IANS)

Italian Marines case won’t be resolved by Christmas: Envoy

Rome: Rome's envoy in the case has said that the case of the two Italian Marines facing trial in India for murder will not be resolved by Christmas. Marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone were arrested for the killing of two Indian fisherman off the coast of Kerala in February last year. They are currently on bail pending trial and are living and working at the Italian embassy in New Delhi.

"It won't be possible to resolve this question by Christmas, as was our hope.But we want the case to be concluded so that the two riflemen can return to their home country with their heads held high, "said diplomat Staffan De Mistura.  De Mistura said Italy was waiting for a report due in December from Indian investigators over the alleged killings.

It has been reported that Indian investigators had recommended to the home ministry that Latorre and Girone be sentenced to death. Italian officials have been working to secure the return of the two Marines, who were guarding an oil tanker and claim they merely fired warning shots into the sea in the direction of the fishermen's boat, believing they were pirates.

Italy disputes India's jurisdiction over the case, claming the incident took place in international waters. The case sparked a major diplomatic row between the two countries when Rome refused to return Latorre and Girone to New Delhi after they were allowed home to vote in national elections. 
Amid escalating tension, Italy relented and sent the Marines back when it received assurances from India that the pair would not face the death penalty.

(IANS)

2013, നവംബർ 29, വെള്ളിയാഴ്‌ച

Chandy promises help to endosulfan victims

Kasargod: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Friday promised all help to endosulfan victims who have not got benefits from different schemes implemented by government. Speaking after inaugurating the Mass Contact Programme in the district at municipal stadium here, he said problems of endosulfan pesticide did not confine to this district alone.

Though Central and State Governments had implemented many schemes for the victims, those deserving were not getting the much needed help. 'Government is taking steps to give gram sabhas the right to find the people who deserve help', he added. A medical college hospital was sanctioned to the district considering the health problems faced by people in the district, he said.

Construction work of the College would be inaugurated tomorrow and work would be completed fast, he said. Hundreds of persons suffered varioius types of health problem due to environment and water pollution following aerial spraying of endosulfan in cashew plantations in the district in the 1990s.Government has announced various compensation package, inclduing pension to victims.

Referring to the Jana Sambarka Paripadi, he said it was not just the distribution of assistance that was taking place in JSP. 'It is the begining to bring changes in administration to render the needed help for the people, he said.

The outdated rules and laws are posing problems to resolve problems of people. Officials cannot be blamed for the same, he said. Chief Minister also sanctioned relief to various persons to a tune of Rs.60 lakhs in the early hours of the programme that would contine for the whole day. State Minister K P Mohanan, MLAs and top government officials were present.


Chandy promises help to endosulfan victims

Kasargod: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Friday promised all help to endosulfan victims who have not got benefits from different schemes implemented by government. Speaking after inaugurating the Mass Contact Programme in the district at municipal stadium here, he said problems of endosulfan pesticide did not confine to this district alone.

Though Central and State Governments had implemented many schemes for the victims, those deserving were not getting the much needed help. 'Government is taking steps to give gram sabhas the right to find the people who deserve help', he added. A medical college hospital was sanctioned to the district considering the health problems faced by people in the district, he said.

Construction work of the College would be inaugurated tomorrow and work would be completed fast, he said. Hundreds of persons suffered varioius types of health problem due to environment and water pollution following aerial spraying of endosulfan in cashew plantations in the district in the 1990s.Government has announced various compensation package, inclduing pension to victims.

Referring to the Jana Sambarka Paripadi, he said it was not just the distribution of assistance that was taking place in JSP. 'It is the begining to bring changes in administration to render the needed help for the people, he said.

The outdated rules and laws are posing problems to resolve problems of people. Officials cannot be blamed for the same, he said. Chief Minister also sanctioned relief to various persons to a tune of Rs.60 lakhs in the early hours of the programme that would contine for the whole day. State Minister K P Mohanan, MLAs and top government officials were present.


Golfer Scott leads Australian Open

Sydney: Australian Adam Scott is leading by two shots after the second round of the Australian Open at the Royal Sydney Golf Club here Friday. Scott, 33, fired a 2-under-par 70 taking his tournament total to 12-under and two shots clear of Northern Irish ace Rory McIlroy, who briefly took the lead before Scott won it back as the two golf stars share the attention here, reports Xinhua.

Former World No.1 McIlroy added a seven-under-par 65 to his opening round 69 to reach 10-under after the second day while Australian veteran Richard Green was at nine-under-par overall, just one shot behind the Northern Irishman after shooting a 66 including a hole-in-one at the par-three sixth hole.

Golfer Scott leads Australian Open

Sydney: Australian Adam Scott is leading by two shots after the second round of the Australian Open at the Royal Sydney Golf Club here Friday. Scott, 33, fired a 2-under-par 70 taking his tournament total to 12-under and two shots clear of Northern Irish ace Rory McIlroy, who briefly took the lead before Scott won it back as the two golf stars share the attention here, reports Xinhua.

Former World No.1 McIlroy added a seven-under-par 65 to his opening round 69 to reach 10-under after the second day while Australian veteran Richard Green was at nine-under-par overall, just one shot behind the Northern Irishman after shooting a 66 including a hole-in-one at the par-three sixth hole.

New Maldives President Abdulla Yameen coming to India in December

New Delhi: Newly-elected Maldives President Abdulla Yameen is visiting India in the third week of December when he would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss bilateral issues, a move that would help India reach out to the new government in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation and remove any past misgivings.

Yameen, the half-brother of former long-time president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, won the presidential run-off on Nov 16. The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leader is Maldives' sixth president.

Yameen is also to be the chief guest at the convocation of the SAARC-established South Asian University (SAU) on Dec 24, knowledgeable sources told IANS.
The university, established in 2010, had to cancel its first convocation of Dec 6 after the SAARC General Secretary Ahmed Saleem was unable to arrive from Maldives citing the political uncertainty in his nation.

India was swift to congratulate Yameen - even though New Delhi was known to back his opponent Mohammed Nasheed - after he won the presidential run-off and said it looks forward to cooperating with him and his government.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a separate congratulatory message, had assured President Yameen of India's full support in his efforts to provide a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Maldives..Replying to the prime minister's letter, President Yameen said that his country's relations with India were a priority and said he looked forward to an early opportunity to discuss issues of common interest.

'I take this opportunity to assure you that I prioritise relations with India, and am keen on finding ways to enhance the longstanding close friendly ties between our two countries,' Yameen said in the letter. India is keen to build bridges with the new government of Yameen, who has said his priority is to build the economy which is in a 'deep pit'.

According to Minivan News, the government of Maldives is currently in discussion with India to secure further budget support to plug the 2014 budget deficit. In the run-off, Yameen had polled about three percent votes higher than his rival, Maldivian Democratic Party's Mohamed Nasheed, Maldives' first democratically elected president who had to step down early 2012 in what he said was a coup.

New Maldives President Abdulla Yameen coming to India in December

New Delhi: Newly-elected Maldives President Abdulla Yameen is visiting India in the third week of December when he would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss bilateral issues, a move that would help India reach out to the new government in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation and remove any past misgivings.

Yameen, the half-brother of former long-time president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, won the presidential run-off on Nov 16. The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leader is Maldives' sixth president.

Yameen is also to be the chief guest at the convocation of the SAARC-established South Asian University (SAU) on Dec 24, knowledgeable sources told IANS.
The university, established in 2010, had to cancel its first convocation of Dec 6 after the SAARC General Secretary Ahmed Saleem was unable to arrive from Maldives citing the political uncertainty in his nation.

India was swift to congratulate Yameen - even though New Delhi was known to back his opponent Mohammed Nasheed - after he won the presidential run-off and said it looks forward to cooperating with him and his government.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a separate congratulatory message, had assured President Yameen of India's full support in his efforts to provide a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Maldives..Replying to the prime minister's letter, President Yameen said that his country's relations with India were a priority and said he looked forward to an early opportunity to discuss issues of common interest.

'I take this opportunity to assure you that I prioritise relations with India, and am keen on finding ways to enhance the longstanding close friendly ties between our two countries,' Yameen said in the letter. India is keen to build bridges with the new government of Yameen, who has said his priority is to build the economy which is in a 'deep pit'.

According to Minivan News, the government of Maldives is currently in discussion with India to secure further budget support to plug the 2014 budget deficit. In the run-off, Yameen had polled about three percent votes higher than his rival, Maldivian Democratic Party's Mohamed Nasheed, Maldives' first democratically elected president who had to step down early 2012 in what he said was a coup.

41 killed in violent attacks in Iraq

Baghdad: At least 41 people were killed and 22 others wounded in the latest wave of violent attacks across Iraq, police said Friday. In the capital city of Baghdad, a total of 18 people were killed and 22 others were injured in bombing and shooting attacks, Xinhua reported citing a police source.

In the deadliest attack, five people were killed and nine others wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near a popular football playground in the Radwaniya area of southwestern Baghdad, the source said.

One person was killed and seven others were wounded when a roadside bomb went off in the Nahrawan area of eastern Baghdad, while another person was killed and six others were injured when a roadside bomb exploded in Abu Ghraib west of Baghdad.

An employee of the environment ministry was killed when a sticky bomb attached to his car exploded in the Iskan area of western Baghdad, the source said, adding that another government employee was killed when a sticky bomb struck his car in the Al Geder area of southeastern Baghdad.

Unidentified gunmen stormed a house in Zayouna of eastern Baghdad and killed a man and five women before they fled, the source said, adding that the bodies of three women were found in the Husseeiniya area of eastern Baghdad.

In a village near Mishahda, 40 km north of Baghdad, unknown gunmen wearing military uniforms and driving vehicles similar to those used by the government forces kidnapped 15 people Thursday night and their bodies were found Friday morning, a source from the interior ministry said.

The bodies of seven beheaded workers were founded Friday in Tikrit, 160 km north of Baghdad, hours after being kidnapped by unknown gunmen, a police source said. Sa'ad Ali Sheet, the mayor of the town of Hamam Aleel, some 375 km north of Baghdad, was killed when a sticky bomb attached to his car went off, the police source said.

Iraq is witnessing its worst eruption of violence in recent years. According to the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, almost 7,000 Iraqis were killed and over 16,000 others injured from January to October this year.

41 killed in violent attacks in Iraq

Baghdad: At least 41 people were killed and 22 others wounded in the latest wave of violent attacks across Iraq, police said Friday. In the capital city of Baghdad, a total of 18 people were killed and 22 others were injured in bombing and shooting attacks, Xinhua reported citing a police source.

In the deadliest attack, five people were killed and nine others wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near a popular football playground in the Radwaniya area of southwestern Baghdad, the source said.

One person was killed and seven others were wounded when a roadside bomb went off in the Nahrawan area of eastern Baghdad, while another person was killed and six others were injured when a roadside bomb exploded in Abu Ghraib west of Baghdad.

An employee of the environment ministry was killed when a sticky bomb attached to his car exploded in the Iskan area of western Baghdad, the source said, adding that another government employee was killed when a sticky bomb struck his car in the Al Geder area of southeastern Baghdad.

Unidentified gunmen stormed a house in Zayouna of eastern Baghdad and killed a man and five women before they fled, the source said, adding that the bodies of three women were found in the Husseeiniya area of eastern Baghdad.

In a village near Mishahda, 40 km north of Baghdad, unknown gunmen wearing military uniforms and driving vehicles similar to those used by the government forces kidnapped 15 people Thursday night and their bodies were found Friday morning, a source from the interior ministry said.

The bodies of seven beheaded workers were founded Friday in Tikrit, 160 km north of Baghdad, hours after being kidnapped by unknown gunmen, a police source said. Sa'ad Ali Sheet, the mayor of the town of Hamam Aleel, some 375 km north of Baghdad, was killed when a sticky bomb attached to his car went off, the police source said.

Iraq is witnessing its worst eruption of violence in recent years. According to the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, almost 7,000 Iraqis were killed and over 16,000 others injured from January to October this year.

Justice Ganguly refuses comment on sexual assault allegations

Kolkata: Dodging queries on the allegations of sexual assault levelled against him, former Supreme Court judge A.K. Ganguly Friday refused to comment on the issue or whether he would step down as head of the West Bengal human rights panel.

Surrounded by clamouring media persons, who repeatedly quizzed him on the allegations, Ganguly kept on repeating: 'I shall not comment on this'. Ganguly, now chairman of the state human rights commission, was faced with a volley of questions from scribes on the sidelines of a programme here.

He was identified as the judge against whom a young lawyer intern had levelled charges of sexual harassment by a three-member panel that probed the charge. The report, submitted to Chief Justice P. Sathasivam, also carries the statements of the victim, a young lawyer who had interned under the Supreme Court judge, and that of Ganguly, the sources said.

She had first alleged sexual harassment on Nov 6, in a blog for Journal of Indian Law and Society. Subsequently she repeated the allegation in an interview to Legally India website. The young lawyer, who is at present working with organization Natural Justice: Lawyers for Communities and Environment, said besides herself she has heard three other girls too were sexually harassed by the same judge.

Justice Ganguly refuses comment on sexual assault allegations

Kolkata: Dodging queries on the allegations of sexual assault levelled against him, former Supreme Court judge A.K. Ganguly Friday refused to comment on the issue or whether he would step down as head of the West Bengal human rights panel.

Surrounded by clamouring media persons, who repeatedly quizzed him on the allegations, Ganguly kept on repeating: 'I shall not comment on this'. Ganguly, now chairman of the state human rights commission, was faced with a volley of questions from scribes on the sidelines of a programme here.

He was identified as the judge against whom a young lawyer intern had levelled charges of sexual harassment by a three-member panel that probed the charge. The report, submitted to Chief Justice P. Sathasivam, also carries the statements of the victim, a young lawyer who had interned under the Supreme Court judge, and that of Ganguly, the sources said.

She had first alleged sexual harassment on Nov 6, in a blog for Journal of Indian Law and Society. Subsequently she repeated the allegation in an interview to Legally India website. The young lawyer, who is at present working with organization Natural Justice: Lawyers for Communities and Environment, said besides herself she has heard three other girls too were sexually harassed by the same judge.

Nuts reduce death risk, says study

New Delhi: Consuming nuts at least seven times a week can reduce risk of death from any cause by 20 percent, says a new study.The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), also establishes a significant association between the consumption of nuts and a lower incidence of death due to heart diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases.

The study said nutrients in nuts, such as unsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may confer heart-protective, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. 'This study adds to the current strong body of evidence which demonstrates that eating nuts daily, including almonds, confers health benefits and supports long-term health. Nuts deliver many good attributes in a small, satisfying package,' said Karen Lapsley, chief scientific officer for the Almond Board of California.

'Part of the reason people consuming more nuts such as almonds tend to be leaner is because may be that these nuts provide satiety. 'Satiating snacks with protein and fiber can help curb hunger pangs between meals, which in turn may helps in reducing the urge to snack on less nutritious options,' said Ishi Khosla, clinical nutritionist and director, Centre for Dietary Counselling. Cardiovascular diseases are estimated to cause nearly three million deaths per annum in India, accounting for 25 percent of all mortality.

Nuts reduce death risk, says study

New Delhi: Consuming nuts at least seven times a week can reduce risk of death from any cause by 20 percent, says a new study.The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), also establishes a significant association between the consumption of nuts and a lower incidence of death due to heart diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases.

The study said nutrients in nuts, such as unsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may confer heart-protective, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. 'This study adds to the current strong body of evidence which demonstrates that eating nuts daily, including almonds, confers health benefits and supports long-term health. Nuts deliver many good attributes in a small, satisfying package,' said Karen Lapsley, chief scientific officer for the Almond Board of California.

'Part of the reason people consuming more nuts such as almonds tend to be leaner is because may be that these nuts provide satiety. 'Satiating snacks with protein and fiber can help curb hunger pangs between meals, which in turn may helps in reducing the urge to snack on less nutritious options,' said Ishi Khosla, clinical nutritionist and director, Centre for Dietary Counselling. Cardiovascular diseases are estimated to cause nearly three million deaths per annum in India, accounting for 25 percent of all mortality.

Nuts reduce death risk, says study

New Delhi: Consuming nuts at least seven times a week can reduce risk of death from any cause by 20 percent, says a new study.The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), also establishes a significant association between the consumption of nuts and a lower incidence of death due to heart diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases.

The study said nutrients in nuts, such as unsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may confer heart-protective, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. 'This study adds to the current strong body of evidence which demonstrates that eating nuts daily, including almonds, confers health benefits and supports long-term health. Nuts deliver many good attributes in a small, satisfying package,' said Karen Lapsley, chief scientific officer for the Almond Board of California.

'Part of the reason people consuming more nuts such as almonds tend to be leaner is because may be that these nuts provide satiety. 'Satiating snacks with protein and fiber can help curb hunger pangs between meals, which in turn may helps in reducing the urge to snack on less nutritious options,' said Ishi Khosla, clinical nutritionist and director, Centre for Dietary Counselling. Cardiovascular diseases are estimated to cause nearly three million deaths per annum in India, accounting for 25 percent of all mortality.

Nuts reduce death risk, says study

New Delhi: Consuming nuts at least seven times a week can reduce risk of death from any cause by 20 percent, says a new study.The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), also establishes a significant association between the consumption of nuts and a lower incidence of death due to heart diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases.

The study said nutrients in nuts, such as unsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may confer heart-protective, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. 'This study adds to the current strong body of evidence which demonstrates that eating nuts daily, including almonds, confers health benefits and supports long-term health. Nuts deliver many good attributes in a small, satisfying package,' said Karen Lapsley, chief scientific officer for the Almond Board of California.

'Part of the reason people consuming more nuts such as almonds tend to be leaner is because may be that these nuts provide satiety. 'Satiating snacks with protein and fiber can help curb hunger pangs between meals, which in turn may helps in reducing the urge to snack on less nutritious options,' said Ishi Khosla, clinical nutritionist and director, Centre for Dietary Counselling. Cardiovascular diseases are estimated to cause nearly three million deaths per annum in India, accounting for 25 percent of all mortality.

Nuts reduce death risk, says study

New Delhi: Consuming nuts at least seven times a week can reduce risk of death from any cause by 20 percent, says a new study.The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), also establishes a significant association between the consumption of nuts and a lower incidence of death due to heart diseases, cancer and respiratory diseases.

The study said nutrients in nuts, such as unsaturated fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may confer heart-protective, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. 'This study adds to the current strong body of evidence which demonstrates that eating nuts daily, including almonds, confers health benefits and supports long-term health. Nuts deliver many good attributes in a small, satisfying package,' said Karen Lapsley, chief scientific officer for the Almond Board of California.

'Part of the reason people consuming more nuts such as almonds tend to be leaner is because may be that these nuts provide satiety. 'Satiating snacks with protein and fiber can help curb hunger pangs between meals, which in turn may helps in reducing the urge to snack on less nutritious options,' said Ishi Khosla, clinical nutritionist and director, Centre for Dietary Counselling. Cardiovascular diseases are estimated to cause nearly three million deaths per annum in India, accounting for 25 percent of all mortality.

2013, നവംബർ 28, വ്യാഴാഴ്‌ച

46 killed in Iraq violence

 Baghdad: As many as 46 people were killed and 71 wounded as Iraq witnessed a string of attacks in different parts Wednesday. Ten people were killed and 30 wounded in a suicide bomb attack at a funeral around 25 km from the capital city, reported Xinhua citing a police source. In Ramadi city, two suicide bomber blew themselves, killing four policemen and wounding 12 at a police station. Three policemen were killed and eight injured when some gunmen attacked another station.

Two soldiers were injured when a roadside bomb struck an army patrol in Qaim city on the Iraqi-Syrian border. In Baghdad, police found eight bodies in Arab Jubour area and five bodies in Shula district.

In another incident, five members of a family were shot dead when some gunmen broke into their house in Baghdad's Hurriyah district. Meanwhile, two people were killed and three wounded in a roadside bomb explosion at a crowded market in Baghdad's Doura district.

Also in Baghdad, a roadside bomb killed a person and wounded four. In Diyala province, a security guard was killed and nine wounded when a suicide bomber drove his explosive-laden car into their checkpoint in Jbara town.

A member of the government-backed Sahwa paramilitary group was killed along with his wife when unidentified gunmen broke into their house. Meanwhile, gunmen shot dead a civilian near his house in the Bani Saad town.

Three soldiers were injured when a roadside bomb went off near an army patrol in Hashmiyat area. In Mosul city, gunmen shot dead a taxi driver and two teachers in Hadhar town. In another incident, a taxi driver was killed in Hadhar when a bomb exploded in his car. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.


46 killed in Iraq violence

 Baghdad: As many as 46 people were killed and 71 wounded as Iraq witnessed a string of attacks in different parts Wednesday. Ten people were killed and 30 wounded in a suicide bomb attack at a funeral around 25 km from the capital city, reported Xinhua citing a police source. In Ramadi city, two suicide bomber blew themselves, killing four policemen and wounding 12 at a police station. Three policemen were killed and eight injured when some gunmen attacked another station.

Two soldiers were injured when a roadside bomb struck an army patrol in Qaim city on the Iraqi-Syrian border. In Baghdad, police found eight bodies in Arab Jubour area and five bodies in Shula district.

In another incident, five members of a family were shot dead when some gunmen broke into their house in Baghdad's Hurriyah district. Meanwhile, two people were killed and three wounded in a roadside bomb explosion at a crowded market in Baghdad's Doura district.

Also in Baghdad, a roadside bomb killed a person and wounded four. In Diyala province, a security guard was killed and nine wounded when a suicide bomber drove his explosive-laden car into their checkpoint in Jbara town.

A member of the government-backed Sahwa paramilitary group was killed along with his wife when unidentified gunmen broke into their house. Meanwhile, gunmen shot dead a civilian near his house in the Bani Saad town.

Three soldiers were injured when a roadside bomb went off near an army patrol in Hashmiyat area. In Mosul city, gunmen shot dead a taxi driver and two teachers in Hadhar town. In another incident, a taxi driver was killed in Hadhar when a bomb exploded in his car. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.


Shoma Chaudhury resigns from Tehelka

New Delhi: Managing Editor of Tehelka Shoma Chaudhury resigned today a week after its Editor Tarun Tejpal was exposed as having allegedly sexually assaulting a woman journalist colleague.

Chaudhury's resignation early this morning comes as Goa police appeared to be closing in on Tejpal who has to appear before it by 3 PM today and speculation that she may also be named in the FIR for certain acts of commission and omission after the alleged offence became public.

'Over the past week, I have been accused of an attempt to cover-up and for not standing by my feminist positions. While I accept that I could have done many things differently and in a more measured way, I reject the allegations of a cover-up because in no way could the first actions that were taken be deemed suppression of any kind.

'As for my feminist positions, I believe I acted in consonance with them by giving my colleague's account precedence over everything else,' Chaudhury said in her resignation letter. 'However, despite this, as a result of what's transpired over the past few days, my integrity has repeatedly been questioned by people from our fraternity and, in fact, by the public at large. I would like to take cognisance of this.

'I have worked hard for Tehelka for many years and what we have stood for is very dear to me and I hold it in high esteem. I do not want questions raised about my integrity to tarnish the image of Tehelka, which it has done in the past week.

'Therefore, I resign as Managing Editor with immediate effect,' Chaudhury said. Ever since the scandal became public Chaudhury, a share holder in Tehelka and associated companies started by Tejpal, was accused of cover up and not taking proper action the case demanded.

Initially, Chaudhury sought to portray it as an internal matter and was more interested in getting an apology from Tejpal to the victim rather than reporting it to police because of the nature of the cognisable offence. Later, she tried to set up an internal complaints committee with Urvashi Butalia, a friend of Tejpal, as its head.

The committee never took off and Butalia also refused to be part of it. Meanwhile, a number of editors resigned from the magazine accusing Chaudhury of not doing justice to the victim and being interested only in protecting Tejpal. 

Tejpal, who failed to get any immediate relief on his anticipatory bail petition in the Delhi High Court, was yesterday summoned by the Goa police to appear before it in connection with the probe in the case. DIG of Police O P Mishra refused to discuss their strategy if he does not turn up before the Investigating Officer.

The police may issue a non-bailable warrant against Tejpal if he does not appear before the IO or prolong the questioning till Delhi High Court comes out with its order on his anticipatory bail plea on Friday, experts say.

The police move also came on a day the victim, a former journalist of Tehelka, who was allegedly sexually assaulted in a lift in a five-star hotel in Goa earlier this month, arrived here and recorded her statement under Section 164 of CrPC before a local court.

The statement of the victim under section 164 CrPC is being recorded in a local court here. The process is still on, said Mishra. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had yesterday dismissed Tejpal's accusations that the BJP government in the state was pursuing vendetta against him because of the sting operation conducted by his organisation that unseated party President Bangaru Laxman and other issues.

Shoma Chaudhury resigns from Tehelka

New Delhi: Managing Editor of Tehelka Shoma Chaudhury resigned today a week after its Editor Tarun Tejpal was exposed as having allegedly sexually assaulting a woman journalist colleague.

Chaudhury's resignation early this morning comes as Goa police appeared to be closing in on Tejpal who has to appear before it by 3 PM today and speculation that she may also be named in the FIR for certain acts of commission and omission after the alleged offence became public.

'Over the past week, I have been accused of an attempt to cover-up and for not standing by my feminist positions. While I accept that I could have done many things differently and in a more measured way, I reject the allegations of a cover-up because in no way could the first actions that were taken be deemed suppression of any kind.

'As for my feminist positions, I believe I acted in consonance with them by giving my colleague's account precedence over everything else,' Chaudhury said in her resignation letter. 'However, despite this, as a result of what's transpired over the past few days, my integrity has repeatedly been questioned by people from our fraternity and, in fact, by the public at large. I would like to take cognisance of this.

'I have worked hard for Tehelka for many years and what we have stood for is very dear to me and I hold it in high esteem. I do not want questions raised about my integrity to tarnish the image of Tehelka, which it has done in the past week.

'Therefore, I resign as Managing Editor with immediate effect,' Chaudhury said. Ever since the scandal became public Chaudhury, a share holder in Tehelka and associated companies started by Tejpal, was accused of cover up and not taking proper action the case demanded.

Initially, Chaudhury sought to portray it as an internal matter and was more interested in getting an apology from Tejpal to the victim rather than reporting it to police because of the nature of the cognisable offence. Later, she tried to set up an internal complaints committee with Urvashi Butalia, a friend of Tejpal, as its head.

The committee never took off and Butalia also refused to be part of it. Meanwhile, a number of editors resigned from the magazine accusing Chaudhury of not doing justice to the victim and being interested only in protecting Tejpal. 

Tejpal, who failed to get any immediate relief on his anticipatory bail petition in the Delhi High Court, was yesterday summoned by the Goa police to appear before it in connection with the probe in the case. DIG of Police O P Mishra refused to discuss their strategy if he does not turn up before the Investigating Officer.

The police may issue a non-bailable warrant against Tejpal if he does not appear before the IO or prolong the questioning till Delhi High Court comes out with its order on his anticipatory bail plea on Friday, experts say.

The police move also came on a day the victim, a former journalist of Tehelka, who was allegedly sexually assaulted in a lift in a five-star hotel in Goa earlier this month, arrived here and recorded her statement under Section 164 of CrPC before a local court.

The statement of the victim under section 164 CrPC is being recorded in a local court here. The process is still on, said Mishra. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had yesterday dismissed Tejpal's accusations that the BJP government in the state was pursuing vendetta against him because of the sting operation conducted by his organisation that unseated party President Bangaru Laxman and other issues.

Six killed in Bangladesh violence

Dhaka: At least six people were killed and 75, including 27 policemen, injured in blockade violence witnessed across the country Wednesday, the second day of the opposition called 60-hour blockade, The Daily Star reported.

A total of 13 people have been killed in the two days of blockade of roads, rail and waterways that Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led opposition alliance called to reject the schedule for 10th parliamentary elections due to be held Dec 5, The Daily Star reported.

The pro-blockade activists also torched eight vehicles and vandalised 14 vehicles in Chittagong city and districts of Manikganj and Kurigram. Law enforcers also detained 22 blockaders including an sub-district-level leader of BNP in Chittagong, Barisal, Rajshahi and Kurigram.

Six killed in Bangladesh violence

Dhaka: At least six people were killed and 75, including 27 policemen, injured in blockade violence witnessed across the country Wednesday, the second day of the opposition called 60-hour blockade, The Daily Star reported.

A total of 13 people have been killed in the two days of blockade of roads, rail and waterways that Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led opposition alliance called to reject the schedule for 10th parliamentary elections due to be held Dec 5, The Daily Star reported.

The pro-blockade activists also torched eight vehicles and vandalised 14 vehicles in Chittagong city and districts of Manikganj and Kurigram. Law enforcers also detained 22 blockaders including an sub-district-level leader of BNP in Chittagong, Barisal, Rajshahi and Kurigram.

2013, നവംബർ 27, ബുധനാഴ്‌ച

Monica is Miss India USA ’13

Miss India USA 2013
New Jersey: Monica Gill, a clinical affairs associate from Boston, Massachusetts, is the new Miss India USA 2013, an annual pageant where Indian American beauties compete for the grand Miss India Worldwide crown.

Gill, 24, was crowned by outgoing Miss India USA 2012 Priyam Bhargava at the pageant organised on Sunday by the Indian Festival Committee at Royal Albert's Palace at the Fords, New Jersey.

Gill will now compete against other beauties in the international contest for the title of Miss India Worldwide.

Alycia Rehmatullah, 15, from Atlanta Georgia was declared new Miss Teen India USA 2013.

Gill, who was previously crowned Miss India New England at the pre-elimination round held Nov 9, has in the past worked with various social organisations in the New England area.

Monica is Miss India USA ’13

Miss India USA 2013
New Jersey: Monica Gill, a clinical affairs associate from Boston, Massachusetts, is the new Miss India USA 2013, an annual pageant where Indian American beauties compete for the grand Miss India Worldwide crown.

Gill, 24, was crowned by outgoing Miss India USA 2012 Priyam Bhargava at the pageant organised on Sunday by the Indian Festival Committee at Royal Albert's Palace at the Fords, New Jersey.

Gill will now compete against other beauties in the international contest for the title of Miss India Worldwide.

Alycia Rehmatullah, 15, from Atlanta Georgia was declared new Miss Teen India USA 2013.

Gill, who was previously crowned Miss India New England at the pre-elimination round held Nov 9, has in the past worked with various social organisations in the New England area.

Seven Malayalees killed in Pazhani accident

Pazhani: Seven Malayalees, including two children, were killed in an 
accident near Pazhani in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. A group from Thrissur on their way to Velankanni met with the accident near Satrapetti of Pazhani today morning at 9.30 am.  Their car hit a lorry, killing everyone inside the car. Four of the deceased are identified and are Johnson, his wife Lissy, Alex and Reji. 

Seven Malayalees killed in Pazhani accident

Pazhani: Seven Malayalees, including two children, were killed in an 
accident near Pazhani in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. A group from Thrissur on their way to Velankanni met with the accident near Satrapetti of Pazhani today morning at 9.30 am.  Their car hit a lorry, killing everyone inside the car. Four of the deceased are identified and are Johnson, his wife Lissy, Alex and Reji. 

Anti-nuke protesters booked in connection with explosion

Chennai: Police have booked anti-nuclear protesters including S P Uthayakum in connection with the explosion at a village near Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in which six persons including three children were killed. Uthayakumar, head of the anti-nuclear People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy, his associates Pushparayan, Mukilan and 'others' have been booked under different sections of IPC and Explosive Substances Act, top police sources said.

They have been booked for offences including culpable homicide not  mounting to murder and criminal conspiracy among others, the sources said.
PMANE is spearheading the protests against the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tirunelveli.

A country-made bomb had gone off 'accidentally' when some miscreants were making the explosive in their hut at around 6.40 PM in Idinathakarai Tsunami colony yesterday, about 15 km from the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.
Among the dead were a woman and three children who were all aged below five. Two persons were injured in the incident. The plant was however running safe, DAE officials had said.

Anti-nuke protesters booked in connection with explosion

Chennai: Police have booked anti-nuclear protesters including S P Uthayakum in connection with the explosion at a village near Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in which six persons including three children were killed. Uthayakumar, head of the anti-nuclear People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy, his associates Pushparayan, Mukilan and 'others' have been booked under different sections of IPC and Explosive Substances Act, top police sources said.

They have been booked for offences including culpable homicide not  mounting to murder and criminal conspiracy among others, the sources said.
PMANE is spearheading the protests against the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tirunelveli.

A country-made bomb had gone off 'accidentally' when some miscreants were making the explosive in their hut at around 6.40 PM in Idinathakarai Tsunami colony yesterday, about 15 km from the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.
Among the dead were a woman and three children who were all aged below five. Two persons were injured in the incident. The plant was however running safe, DAE officials had said.

40 killed in fresh Nigeria attacks

Abuja: At least 40 people were killed in fresh attacks by gunmen in Nigeria's state of Plateau, where ethno-religious crises have claimed hundreds of residents in the past, Xinhua reported citing sources Tuesday. Police spokesperson Felicia Anselm confirmed the attacks in Barkin Ladi local government area of the Nigerian state.

Although many people have been confirmed dead and several others were injured, the exact number of total casualties were yet to be ascertained. She said the overnight attacks were carried out concurrently at four different locations including Foron, Gurabok, Rawuru and Tasu, all in the restive local government area also known as battle field for Fulani herdsmen and the native Berom people.

'We cannot give the exact number of the casualties yet because our men are collating the figures,' she told reporters in Jos, capital of the state. According to her, the casualties figure would be publicized after collation. Spokesperson of the Special Task Force (STF) instate Capital Salisu Mustapha said the coordinated attacks were carried out around 2 a.m., Tuesday morning by unidentified gunmen.

Mustapha said the attacked communities were Katu Kapang, Daron, Tul and Rawuru villages in Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas. He said the attackers killed about 13 peoples in Katu Kapang, eight in Daron, nine in Tul and seven others in Rawuru. Local residents said more than 40 lifeless bodies, including those of pregnant women and children, were deposited at a nearby morgue Tuesday and that scores of people had been taken to hospital for treatment. A mass burial was held for at least 15 victims of the overnight attacks in Tatu, one of the places that were attacked.

40 killed in fresh Nigeria attacks

Abuja: At least 40 people were killed in fresh attacks by gunmen in Nigeria's state of Plateau, where ethno-religious crises have claimed hundreds of residents in the past, Xinhua reported citing sources Tuesday. Police spokesperson Felicia Anselm confirmed the attacks in Barkin Ladi local government area of the Nigerian state.

Although many people have been confirmed dead and several others were injured, the exact number of total casualties were yet to be ascertained. She said the overnight attacks were carried out concurrently at four different locations including Foron, Gurabok, Rawuru and Tasu, all in the restive local government area also known as battle field for Fulani herdsmen and the native Berom people.

'We cannot give the exact number of the casualties yet because our men are collating the figures,' she told reporters in Jos, capital of the state. According to her, the casualties figure would be publicized after collation. Spokesperson of the Special Task Force (STF) instate Capital Salisu Mustapha said the coordinated attacks were carried out around 2 a.m., Tuesday morning by unidentified gunmen.

Mustapha said the attacked communities were Katu Kapang, Daron, Tul and Rawuru villages in Barkin Ladi and Mangu Local Government Areas. He said the attackers killed about 13 peoples in Katu Kapang, eight in Daron, nine in Tul and seven others in Rawuru. Local residents said more than 40 lifeless bodies, including those of pregnant women and children, were deposited at a nearby morgue Tuesday and that scores of people had been taken to hospital for treatment. A mass burial was held for at least 15 victims of the overnight attacks in Tatu, one of the places that were attacked.