Indian student assaulted in Australia, brother seeks justice

Melbourne: A 20-year-old Indian student was seriously injured after he was brutally assaulted and robbed in Australia's Melbourne city, a media report said Monday. The student, Manriajwinder Singh of Reservoir, a suburb in Melbourne, was nearly beaten to death by a gang in a city park Sunday, The Age reported.

According to a CCTV footage released by police, Manriajwinder Singh, standing near the footpath with another friend at Birrarung Marr park, were approached by eight men of African appearance and one fair-skinned woman Sunday.

After a brief conversation between the group and the two victims, one of the attackers kicked Manriajwinder Singh in the jaw, causing him to fall unconscious, the report quoted police officer Adam Foley as saying. Meanwhile, the others 'set upon the other victim, punching and kicking him' before knocking him to the ground.

'While this was occurring, another man picked up a stick and beat the unconscious victim with it,' Foley said. The attackers, aged in their late teens to early 20s, then robbed the two victims of their phones and ran away, the daily's report said. A third man, a friend of Manriajwinder Singh, who was talking on the phone at the time of the attack, managed to run away and alert the police.

Manriajwinder Singh was taken to The Alfred hospital with life-threatening injuries, and has since been transferred to the intensive care unit after being placed in an induced coma, Foley said. His injuries are no longer life-threatening. 
The other victim suffered swelling and abrasions to his face. He was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Police have not been able to track down the stolen phones and are appealing to the public for information on the assault. 'Obviously, this was an opportunistic crime. They saw two vulnerable victims minding their own business, and targeted them. It's just disgusting what they did, they're just cowards,' Foley said.

Meanwhile, Manriajwinder Singh's brother Yadwinder Singh said he wants the attackers to be 'caught and punished so innocent people like my brother and his friend don't get bashed like this'. Yadwinder Singh said his brother was studying for a bachelor of commerce degree at a university in Melbourne, and had only been in Australia for a year.

'I didn't know how to react. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to tell my mother, as she's not really strong of heart. I just couldn't believe it - it was really terrible,' he said. 'My brother is only 20 years old, and he's very innocent and doesn't speak much. He told me he wanted to go out that night, but I said no, not today, maybe another day. But he said he really wanted to see the city.'

Indian student assaulted in Australia, brother seeks justice

Melbourne: A 20-year-old Indian student was seriously injured after he was brutally assaulted and robbed in Australia's Melbourne city, a media report said Monday. The student, Manriajwinder Singh of Reservoir, a suburb in Melbourne, was nearly beaten to death by a gang in a city park Sunday, The Age reported.

According to a CCTV footage released by police, Manriajwinder Singh, standing near the footpath with another friend at Birrarung Marr park, were approached by eight men of African appearance and one fair-skinned woman Sunday.

After a brief conversation between the group and the two victims, one of the attackers kicked Manriajwinder Singh in the jaw, causing him to fall unconscious, the report quoted police officer Adam Foley as saying. Meanwhile, the others 'set upon the other victim, punching and kicking him' before knocking him to the ground.

'While this was occurring, another man picked up a stick and beat the unconscious victim with it,' Foley said. The attackers, aged in their late teens to early 20s, then robbed the two victims of their phones and ran away, the daily's report said. A third man, a friend of Manriajwinder Singh, who was talking on the phone at the time of the attack, managed to run away and alert the police.

Manriajwinder Singh was taken to The Alfred hospital with life-threatening injuries, and has since been transferred to the intensive care unit after being placed in an induced coma, Foley said. His injuries are no longer life-threatening. 
The other victim suffered swelling and abrasions to his face. He was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Police have not been able to track down the stolen phones and are appealing to the public for information on the assault. 'Obviously, this was an opportunistic crime. They saw two vulnerable victims minding their own business, and targeted them. It's just disgusting what they did, they're just cowards,' Foley said.

Meanwhile, Manriajwinder Singh's brother Yadwinder Singh said he wants the attackers to be 'caught and punished so innocent people like my brother and his friend don't get bashed like this'. Yadwinder Singh said his brother was studying for a bachelor of commerce degree at a university in Melbourne, and had only been in Australia for a year.

'I didn't know how to react. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to tell my mother, as she's not really strong of heart. I just couldn't believe it - it was really terrible,' he said. 'My brother is only 20 years old, and he's very innocent and doesn't speak much. He told me he wanted to go out that night, but I said no, not today, maybe another day. But he said he really wanted to see the city.'

Indians threatened in Bahrain asked to approach authorities

Manama: Indian workers who face threats from their employers in Bahrain should immediately approach the authorities, India's ambassador to Bahrain Mohan Kumar has said. "If there is any explicit threat a person faces, they should visit the nearest police station and inform the embassy," the Gulf Daily News quoted the ambassador as saying.

"They should not accept any bodily threats," he said Friday during the monthly Open House. An Indian worker had complained about being threatened by his employer after asking for his passport. The envoy also urged the registered 28 Indian associations in Bahrain to play bigger roles in dealing with the community and labour problems.

He advised Indians not to sign blank documents, which could be misused by some employers to slap travel bans on them. "I would like to emphasise here that no one should sign blank papers or even documents in which they are not aware of the terms and conditions," he said.

Mohan Kumar said the embassy has also come across cases of misuse of identification cards of workers by telecommunication companies, which resulted in workers being banned from travelling.  He said they will write a letter to the companies highlighting the problem. The embassy also issued guidelines concerning labour rights in the middle-east country.

The guidelines will be distributed to ministries, expatriate associations and workers, the report said. 
The guidelines in English will be translated to Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam languages so that more Indians can be aware of their rights, the diplomat said. The document addresses several issues, including steps to file cases of non-payment of wages, passport confiscation, and expired visas among others.

Indians threatened in Bahrain asked to approach authorities

Manama: Indian workers who face threats from their employers in Bahrain should immediately approach the authorities, India's ambassador to Bahrain Mohan Kumar has said. "If there is any explicit threat a person faces, they should visit the nearest police station and inform the embassy," the Gulf Daily News quoted the ambassador as saying.

"They should not accept any bodily threats," he said Friday during the monthly Open House. An Indian worker had complained about being threatened by his employer after asking for his passport. The envoy also urged the registered 28 Indian associations in Bahrain to play bigger roles in dealing with the community and labour problems.

He advised Indians not to sign blank documents, which could be misused by some employers to slap travel bans on them. "I would like to emphasise here that no one should sign blank papers or even documents in which they are not aware of the terms and conditions," he said.

Mohan Kumar said the embassy has also come across cases of misuse of identification cards of workers by telecommunication companies, which resulted in workers being banned from travelling.  He said they will write a letter to the companies highlighting the problem. The embassy also issued guidelines concerning labour rights in the middle-east country.

The guidelines will be distributed to ministries, expatriate associations and workers, the report said. 
The guidelines in English will be translated to Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam languages so that more Indians can be aware of their rights, the diplomat said. The document addresses several issues, including steps to file cases of non-payment of wages, passport confiscation, and expired visas among others.

Ice storm leaves 500,000 without power in US, Canada; 24 dead

Augusta, Maine: Repair crews worked around the clock to restore power to nearly half a million customers who faced a cold and dark Christmas in parts of the central and northeastern United States and into eastern Canada after a weekend ice storm. At least 24 deaths have been linked to the storm.

It appears the bad weather isn't ready to take a break. The U.S. National Weather Service said more snow is forecast to roll into the Great Lakes and Midwest by Wednesday morning.

In Canada, five people were reported dead from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning. Police said two people in Ontario died after using a gas generator to heat their blacked-out home northeast of Toronto. Police in Quebec said carbon monoxide poisoning was believed to be the cause of three deaths in a chalet on the province's North Shore. Earlier, five people were killed in eastern Canada in highway crashes blamed on severe weather conditions.

In the U.S., the nationwide death toll from the storm reached at least 14 on Tuesday, when a 50-year-old man in Knox, Maine, was overcome by carbon monoxide fumes from a generator. It was the second reported death attributed to fumes from a generator during the storm. Police in Michigan also attributed two deaths in a traffic collision that happened Monday to the storm.

As temperatures plunged into the low single digits (below minus 15 Celsius) in Toronto - where nearly 80,000 customers remained without power late Tuesday - authorities reported a dramatic jump in calls for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, responding to 110 calls in a 24-hour period. Officials said they typically see 20 such calls a day.

'We're looking at approximately six times as many calls,' Toronto Mayor Rob Ford said as the city issued an extreme cold weather alert. 'I understand they want to keep warm but you cannot do this. This is deadly.'

Fire officials warned residents not to use any appliance that burns inside a home, and even cautioned against using a lot of candles. In Toronto, where 300,000 customers lost power at the height of the storm, crews from Ottawa, Windsor, Manitoba and Michigan were helping local teams with their efforts.

Elsewhere in Ontario, more than 44,000 customers were still without power early Wednesday. In Quebec, some 28,000 customers remained without power. In New Brunswick, just over 29,000 customers were still in the dark, and about 300 were without power in Nova Scotia.

Canadian utility officials warned that some customers could be without power until Saturday.
Some U.S. states kept emergency shelters open for people without power. 
The number of customers in Maine without power spiked to more than 100,000 on Tuesday. Central Maine Power said its goal was to use more than 1,000 workers to restore power for all customers by Thursday night, while other utilities in Maine warned customers they could be without electricity until Friday.

That was the case, too, in Michigan, where Jackson-based Consumers Energy - the state's largest utility - said it hadn't had this many outages during any Christmas week since its founding 126 years ago. Close to 17 percent of its 1.8 million electric customers lost power during the storm that hit late Saturday; roughly 152,000 remained without it Tuesday.

At their home outside Flint, Michigan, John Potbury and his family of four lost electricity at 6 a.m. Sunday and since then they have been living in a single bedroom warmed by generator-powered space heaters.Lights on the Christmas tree were dark, of course, but there was no power to the freezer, either. 'Even though the house is freezing cold, the freezer items were starting to thaw out,' Potbury said.

That wasn't the greatest concern, however, for his kids, 8-year-old Jacob and 5-year-old Jackson. Potbury said he told them Tuesday, 'Santa runs on reindeer power, not electricity, so he should be OK.'
AP

Ice storm leaves 500,000 without power in US, Canada; 24 dead

Augusta, Maine: Repair crews worked around the clock to restore power to nearly half a million customers who faced a cold and dark Christmas in parts of the central and northeastern United States and into eastern Canada after a weekend ice storm. At least 24 deaths have been linked to the storm.

It appears the bad weather isn't ready to take a break. The U.S. National Weather Service said more snow is forecast to roll into the Great Lakes and Midwest by Wednesday morning.

In Canada, five people were reported dead from apparent carbon monoxide poisoning. Police said two people in Ontario died after using a gas generator to heat their blacked-out home northeast of Toronto. Police in Quebec said carbon monoxide poisoning was believed to be the cause of three deaths in a chalet on the province's North Shore. Earlier, five people were killed in eastern Canada in highway crashes blamed on severe weather conditions.

In the U.S., the nationwide death toll from the storm reached at least 14 on Tuesday, when a 50-year-old man in Knox, Maine, was overcome by carbon monoxide fumes from a generator. It was the second reported death attributed to fumes from a generator during the storm. Police in Michigan also attributed two deaths in a traffic collision that happened Monday to the storm.

As temperatures plunged into the low single digits (below minus 15 Celsius) in Toronto - where nearly 80,000 customers remained without power late Tuesday - authorities reported a dramatic jump in calls for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, responding to 110 calls in a 24-hour period. Officials said they typically see 20 such calls a day.

'We're looking at approximately six times as many calls,' Toronto Mayor Rob Ford said as the city issued an extreme cold weather alert. 'I understand they want to keep warm but you cannot do this. This is deadly.'

Fire officials warned residents not to use any appliance that burns inside a home, and even cautioned against using a lot of candles. In Toronto, where 300,000 customers lost power at the height of the storm, crews from Ottawa, Windsor, Manitoba and Michigan were helping local teams with their efforts.

Elsewhere in Ontario, more than 44,000 customers were still without power early Wednesday. In Quebec, some 28,000 customers remained without power. In New Brunswick, just over 29,000 customers were still in the dark, and about 300 were without power in Nova Scotia.

Canadian utility officials warned that some customers could be without power until Saturday.
Some U.S. states kept emergency shelters open for people without power. 
The number of customers in Maine without power spiked to more than 100,000 on Tuesday. Central Maine Power said its goal was to use more than 1,000 workers to restore power for all customers by Thursday night, while other utilities in Maine warned customers they could be without electricity until Friday.

That was the case, too, in Michigan, where Jackson-based Consumers Energy - the state's largest utility - said it hadn't had this many outages during any Christmas week since its founding 126 years ago. Close to 17 percent of its 1.8 million electric customers lost power during the storm that hit late Saturday; roughly 152,000 remained without it Tuesday.

At their home outside Flint, Michigan, John Potbury and his family of four lost electricity at 6 a.m. Sunday and since then they have been living in a single bedroom warmed by generator-powered space heaters.Lights on the Christmas tree were dark, of course, but there was no power to the freezer, either. 'Even though the house is freezing cold, the freezer items were starting to thaw out,' Potbury said.

That wasn't the greatest concern, however, for his kids, 8-year-old Jacob and 5-year-old Jackson. Potbury said he told them Tuesday, 'Santa runs on reindeer power, not electricity, so he should be OK.'
AP

Gunmen open fire on anti-govt protesters in Thailand, one dead

Bangkok: An anti-government protester was killed and three others injured Saturday when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a rally site near Thailand's Government House here, raising fears of violence in deeply polarised country.

The pre-dawn attack follows weeks of protests demanding resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, triggering bloody clashes between police and opposition demonstrators. "All of them were shot around 03.30 a.m. near the gate number 4 of Government House," the Bangkok Administration's Erawan Emergency Medical Services Centre said.

"The dead man is in his 30s. He was shot in the torso," a spokesman for the centre said. It was unclear who fired the shots. The attacks came a day after an injured anti-government protester succumbed to gunshot wounds yesterday. A police officer was killed and 143 people including protesters, journalists and policemen were injured after violence erupted at the Thai-Japanese Stadium on Thursday.

With one more death today, the toll has now risen to three in the latest bout of political violence in Thailand. The protesters have been demanding Yingluck's resignation since mid-October. The protests began after her government tried to introduce an amnesty bill that would have paved the way for the return of her brother, controversial former premier Thaksin Shinawatra currently in self-exile in Dubai.

A rattled Yingluck called the snap polls, scheduled for February 2, after weeks of protests. But the demonstrators have dismissed the election, and the official opposition has refused to field candidates. Protesters have further rejected another offer by Yingluck to form a national reform council intended to run alongside her government.

The Election Commission and the caretaker government are bracing for further violence during registration for constituency candidates which starts nationwide today. Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban last night urged EC officials in every province to listen to the people's demand for reform before the election.

He also told his supporters to prepare for a major rally after the New Year holiday when he warned the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) will shut down the capital. He said the PDRC will not leave "a square inch" of Bangkok for Thaksin supporters and told those who disagreed with this move to leave the capital for good.

Gunmen open fire on anti-govt protesters in Thailand, one dead

Bangkok: An anti-government protester was killed and three others injured Saturday when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a rally site near Thailand's Government House here, raising fears of violence in deeply polarised country.

The pre-dawn attack follows weeks of protests demanding resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, triggering bloody clashes between police and opposition demonstrators. "All of them were shot around 03.30 a.m. near the gate number 4 of Government House," the Bangkok Administration's Erawan Emergency Medical Services Centre said.

"The dead man is in his 30s. He was shot in the torso," a spokesman for the centre said. It was unclear who fired the shots. The attacks came a day after an injured anti-government protester succumbed to gunshot wounds yesterday. A police officer was killed and 143 people including protesters, journalists and policemen were injured after violence erupted at the Thai-Japanese Stadium on Thursday.

With one more death today, the toll has now risen to three in the latest bout of political violence in Thailand. The protesters have been demanding Yingluck's resignation since mid-October. The protests began after her government tried to introduce an amnesty bill that would have paved the way for the return of her brother, controversial former premier Thaksin Shinawatra currently in self-exile in Dubai.

A rattled Yingluck called the snap polls, scheduled for February 2, after weeks of protests. But the demonstrators have dismissed the election, and the official opposition has refused to field candidates. Protesters have further rejected another offer by Yingluck to form a national reform council intended to run alongside her government.

The Election Commission and the caretaker government are bracing for further violence during registration for constituency candidates which starts nationwide today. Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban last night urged EC officials in every province to listen to the people's demand for reform before the election.

He also told his supporters to prepare for a major rally after the New Year holiday when he warned the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) will shut down the capital. He said the PDRC will not leave "a square inch" of Bangkok for Thaksin supporters and told those who disagreed with this move to leave the capital for good.

China formally allows more couples to have second child

Beijing: China's top legislature Saturday made a resolution to allow couples to have two children if either parent is an only child. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) passed a resolution on adjusting and improving the family planning policy through a vote at its bi-monthly session which closed here Saturday, reported Xinhua.

The resolution, equal to a legal document in China, entrusts provincial congresses and their standing committees to make the call about implementing the new policy.'They should amend local family planning regulations, or issue a special act, in time, based on evaluation of local demographic situation and in line with the law on population and family planning as well as this resolution,' the document said.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) decided to ease the only-child policy at the landmark third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee. Since family planning is written as an essential state strategy in the Constitution, it will require a resolution from the top legislature to adjust it.

China formally allows more couples to have second child

Beijing: China's top legislature Saturday made a resolution to allow couples to have two children if either parent is an only child. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) passed a resolution on adjusting and improving the family planning policy through a vote at its bi-monthly session which closed here Saturday, reported Xinhua.

The resolution, equal to a legal document in China, entrusts provincial congresses and their standing committees to make the call about implementing the new policy.'They should amend local family planning regulations, or issue a special act, in time, based on evaluation of local demographic situation and in line with the law on population and family planning as well as this resolution,' the document said.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) decided to ease the only-child policy at the landmark third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee. Since family planning is written as an essential state strategy in the Constitution, it will require a resolution from the top legislature to adjust it.

23 charred to death as Nanded Express catches fire in AP

Anantapur (AP): At least 23 people, including two children, were charred to death when an AC coach of Nanded-Bangalore Express caught fire in the district early Saturday. The fire broke out at 3:30 AM at Kothacheravu railway station between Pennukonda and Dharmavaram stations. "Rescue operations are underway. 23 persons including two children were charred to death in the accident,", District Collector, Anantapur, Lokesh Kumar told reporters.

Senior Railway officials have rushed to the spot and relief and medical team have been pressed into service, the collector said. Railway officials suspect that the incident occurred due grief over the loss of lives in the fire accident. He also spoke to Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge and inquired about the steps being taken for rescue and relief work at the accident site.

Describing the incident as "tragic" and "most unfortunate", Kharge ordered an enquiry into the incident by Commissioner of Railway Safety. The Railway Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh in case of grievous injuries and Rs 50,000 for simple injuries. He has also asked senior railway officials such as Member Electrical and Director General Health to rush to the spot. 

Chairman, Railway Board, Arunendra Kumar said the reason behind the accident is yet to be ascertained. However, prima facie there could be two reasons - one is short circuit and the other presence of inflammable material. The magnitude of the accident suggests that short circuit was unlikely, he said. Asked whether it could be inflammable material, he said it could be and the inquiry would go into it.

"We have asked for forensic experts from Bangalore and Hyderabad to examine the site," he said. The Railway Minister and the Railway Board Chairman are rushing to the site. 
The affected coach has been detached and train has resumed its onward journey.

23 charred to death as Nanded Express catches fire in AP

Anantapur (AP): At least 23 people, including two children, were charred to death when an AC coach of Nanded-Bangalore Express caught fire in the district early Saturday. The fire broke out at 3:30 AM at Kothacheravu railway station between Pennukonda and Dharmavaram stations. "Rescue operations are underway. 23 persons including two children were charred to death in the accident,", District Collector, Anantapur, Lokesh Kumar told reporters.

Senior Railway officials have rushed to the spot and relief and medical team have been pressed into service, the collector said. Railway officials suspect that the incident occurred due grief over the loss of lives in the fire accident. He also spoke to Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge and inquired about the steps being taken for rescue and relief work at the accident site.

Describing the incident as "tragic" and "most unfortunate", Kharge ordered an enquiry into the incident by Commissioner of Railway Safety. The Railway Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh in case of grievous injuries and Rs 50,000 for simple injuries. He has also asked senior railway officials such as Member Electrical and Director General Health to rush to the spot. 

Chairman, Railway Board, Arunendra Kumar said the reason behind the accident is yet to be ascertained. However, prima facie there could be two reasons - one is short circuit and the other presence of inflammable material. The magnitude of the accident suggests that short circuit was unlikely, he said. Asked whether it could be inflammable material, he said it could be and the inquiry would go into it.

"We have asked for forensic experts from Bangalore and Hyderabad to examine the site," he said. The Railway Minister and the Railway Board Chairman are rushing to the site. 
The affected coach has been detached and train has resumed its onward journey.

Actor Farooque Sheikh dies in Dubai

Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood actor Farooque Sheikh died of a sudden cardiac arrest in Dubai late Friday, his long-time co-star and friend Deepti Naval said. "I don't have the details yet, and I have not been able to speak to any of his family members, but a friend confirmed it to me. I also spoke to Shabana Azmi who was also aware of the sad, shocking and unbelievable news," Naval told IANS. Sheikh is known for his roles in "Chashme Budoor", "Saath Saath" among others.

"It is unbelievable. I am in a state of shock. He is one of the finest actors in the film industry. He is the one who has always encouraged me to work," a teary Naval told IANS. "I just got a call from Shabana Azmi. She said he had a massive heart attack in Dubai. They will be getting his body to India. I am in Himachal right now. I am flying back to Mumbai," she said. She said that his body will be brought to Mumbai for the last rites after completing the relevant formalities in Dubai.

Sheikh, 65, was reported to be in a fit condition and had interacted with Naval two months ago at the Sharjah book fair. She recalled the promise she and the late actor had made, and said: "After our last film Listen Amaya, Farooque and I had promised to each other that we will work together again and there were many films in the pipeline. We had decided to be in touch in terms of work."

Born March 25, 1948, Sheikh started his Bollywood career in 1973 with the classic "Garm Hava" and later excelled in both parallel and mainstream cinema. Over the years, he became known for his roles in many notable movies, including Satyajit Ray's "Shatranj Ke Khiladi", "Umrao Jaan", "Kissise Na Kehna", "Noorie", and "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" in which he played Ranbir Kapoor's father. He was last seen in Club 60.  Sheikh is renowned for his immense contribution to parallel cinema, low-budget high quality movies, theatre and television - the last medium where he hosted a popular talk show, "Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai".


IANS

Actor Farooque Sheikh dies in Dubai

Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood actor Farooque Sheikh died of a sudden cardiac arrest in Dubai late Friday, his long-time co-star and friend Deepti Naval said. "I don't have the details yet, and I have not been able to speak to any of his family members, but a friend confirmed it to me. I also spoke to Shabana Azmi who was also aware of the sad, shocking and unbelievable news," Naval told IANS. Sheikh is known for his roles in "Chashme Budoor", "Saath Saath" among others.

"It is unbelievable. I am in a state of shock. He is one of the finest actors in the film industry. He is the one who has always encouraged me to work," a teary Naval told IANS. "I just got a call from Shabana Azmi. She said he had a massive heart attack in Dubai. They will be getting his body to India. I am in Himachal right now. I am flying back to Mumbai," she said. She said that his body will be brought to Mumbai for the last rites after completing the relevant formalities in Dubai.

Sheikh, 65, was reported to be in a fit condition and had interacted with Naval two months ago at the Sharjah book fair. She recalled the promise she and the late actor had made, and said: "After our last film Listen Amaya, Farooque and I had promised to each other that we will work together again and there were many films in the pipeline. We had decided to be in touch in terms of work."

Born March 25, 1948, Sheikh started his Bollywood career in 1973 with the classic "Garm Hava" and later excelled in both parallel and mainstream cinema. Over the years, he became known for his roles in many notable movies, including Satyajit Ray's "Shatranj Ke Khiladi", "Umrao Jaan", "Kissise Na Kehna", "Noorie", and "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" in which he played Ranbir Kapoor's father. He was last seen in Club 60.  Sheikh is renowned for his immense contribution to parallel cinema, low-budget high quality movies, theatre and television - the last medium where he hosted a popular talk show, "Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai".


IANS

Using date palm seeds for water treatment

Muscat: A leading university in Oman has made significant progress in using date palm seeds for the treatment of polluted water, a media report here said. Researchers at the College of Engineering of the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) have found that date palm seeds were more effective in treating polluted water than traditional means, such as active carbon, one of the most commonly used methods to eliminate particles and toxins from water, Times Of Oman reported Thursday. The project to treat polluted water is also studying the feasibility of using date palm seeds with methylene blue. The project will help in recycling and reusing wastes, reducing the concentration of methylene blue or other chemicals used before discharge of industrial waste into the environment.

Using date palm seeds for water treatment

Muscat: A leading university in Oman has made significant progress in using date palm seeds for the treatment of polluted water, a media report here said. Researchers at the College of Engineering of the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) have found that date palm seeds were more effective in treating polluted water than traditional means, such as active carbon, one of the most commonly used methods to eliminate particles and toxins from water, Times Of Oman reported Thursday. The project to treat polluted water is also studying the feasibility of using date palm seeds with methylene blue. The project will help in recycling and reusing wastes, reducing the concentration of methylene blue or other chemicals used before discharge of industrial waste into the environment.

Now apply online to Indian schools in Oman

Muscat: Indian schools in Oman will go online with their admission process for the academic year 2014-2015, a media report Thursday said. The website related to admissions, www.indianschoolsoman.com, will go online with updated information and online registration forms from Jan 1, Times Of Oman reported.

The Board of Directors (BoD) of Indian schools in Oman - the apex body of the 19 Indian schools in the country with more than 37,000 students - is finalising the admission process for the academic year. According to the report, the Centralised Admission System (CAS) for the six capital area schools, and a computerised random draw system introduced in 2011 had worked well.

Due to a large number of children seeking admission in Indian schools, the demand generally outstrips the total number of available seats, the report said. 
The Indian Schools, which are established primarily to impart education to the students of the Indian community residing within the country, operate as a non-political, secular, and non-profit making self-sustaining institutions.

Now apply online to Indian schools in Oman

Muscat: Indian schools in Oman will go online with their admission process for the academic year 2014-2015, a media report Thursday said. The website related to admissions, www.indianschoolsoman.com, will go online with updated information and online registration forms from Jan 1, Times Of Oman reported.

The Board of Directors (BoD) of Indian schools in Oman - the apex body of the 19 Indian schools in the country with more than 37,000 students - is finalising the admission process for the academic year. According to the report, the Centralised Admission System (CAS) for the six capital area schools, and a computerised random draw system introduced in 2011 had worked well.

Due to a large number of children seeking admission in Indian schools, the demand generally outstrips the total number of available seats, the report said. 
The Indian Schools, which are established primarily to impart education to the students of the Indian community residing within the country, operate as a non-political, secular, and non-profit making self-sustaining institutions.

Over 30,000 Ethiopian maids ran away in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia registered over 30,000 cases of Ethiopian domestic workers walking out of their jobs over the past year, authorities said. According to official statistics from the Ministry of Labour, around 31,700 Ethiopian maids ran away from their jobs. Economists estimate that the citizens were left with a heavy financial burden as a result of these cases. The overall number of domestic workers who left their sponsors high and dry was estimated at 58,715 based on a report prepared by the Ministry of Labour.

The report indicated that 54 percent of absconding expatriates were maids, while 45 percent were drivers. 
Riyadh registered the highest number of runaway housekeepers, followed by the Eastern Province and Makkah. The Northern Province and Al-Baha witnessed the least number of absconding domestic workers.  The report also pointed out that around 500,000 expatriates were absent from their jobs in various companies and establishments across the country during the first quarter of the year, with rates of absenteeism pegged at 6 percent. 

Around 59 percent of those who had walked out of their jobs had left the country on multiple exit/re-entry visas, while 40 percent remained in the country. The number of absconding women working for private companies was 9,454. The phenomenon of runaway domestic workers was a cause for concern for many Saudi families especially since domestic recruitment offices were previously not required to supply families with alternative maids after the end of the three-month trial period. 

Khalid Al-Azhari, an employee working at a domestic recruitment office, highlighted that the new recruitment regulations provide clients with guarantees against absconding maids, including providing an alternative housekeeper even if she had one remaining month of service.  The new regulations are considered to be an improvement to the previous system, which compensated clients for absconding domestic workers only during the first three months of employment.

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Over 30,000 Ethiopian maids ran away in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia registered over 30,000 cases of Ethiopian domestic workers walking out of their jobs over the past year, authorities said. According to official statistics from the Ministry of Labour, around 31,700 Ethiopian maids ran away from their jobs. Economists estimate that the citizens were left with a heavy financial burden as a result of these cases. The overall number of domestic workers who left their sponsors high and dry was estimated at 58,715 based on a report prepared by the Ministry of Labour.

The report indicated that 54 percent of absconding expatriates were maids, while 45 percent were drivers. 
Riyadh registered the highest number of runaway housekeepers, followed by the Eastern Province and Makkah. The Northern Province and Al-Baha witnessed the least number of absconding domestic workers.  The report also pointed out that around 500,000 expatriates were absent from their jobs in various companies and establishments across the country during the first quarter of the year, with rates of absenteeism pegged at 6 percent. 

Around 59 percent of those who had walked out of their jobs had left the country on multiple exit/re-entry visas, while 40 percent remained in the country. The number of absconding women working for private companies was 9,454. The phenomenon of runaway domestic workers was a cause for concern for many Saudi families especially since domestic recruitment offices were previously not required to supply families with alternative maids after the end of the three-month trial period. 

Khalid Al-Azhari, an employee working at a domestic recruitment office, highlighted that the new recruitment regulations provide clients with guarantees against absconding maids, including providing an alternative housekeeper even if she had one remaining month of service.  The new regulations are considered to be an improvement to the previous system, which compensated clients for absconding domestic workers only during the first three months of employment.

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Video game tech can improve rehab for stroke patients"

London: In a unique study, researchers have used 3D technology from the film and video game industry to analyse everyday movements of stroke patients. The results of the study indicate that computerised motion analysis increases the knowledge of how stroke patients can improve their ability to move through rehabilitation. 
In the film and video game industry, motion capture technology is used to convert people's movements into computer animations--famous examples include the character Gollum from the Lord of the Rings and Na'vi from the blockbuster film Avatar. 

Margit Alt Murphy and colleagues at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg in Sweden, have brought the technology into the research laboratory.  Researchers used motion-capture technology to film everyday movements among roughly one hundred people, both healthy people and people who suffered a stroke.  The 3D animations have provided a completely new level of detail in terms of mobility in stroke patients--knowledge that can help patients achieve more effective rehabilitation. 

"Computer technology provides better and more objective documentation of the problem in terms of the everyday life of the patient than what human observation can provide." Murphy said. "With 3D technology, we can measure a patient's movements in terms of numbers, which means that small changes in the motion pattern can be detected and can be fed back to the patient in a clear manner."

"Our results show that computerised motion analysis could be a complement to a physician's clinical diagnosis and an important tool in diagnosing motion problems." Murphy added.  The technology is highly advanced, but for the patient, the method is simple. In the study, the test subjects were equipped with small, round reflex balls on their arm, trunk and head, and they were then instructed to drink water out of a glass. 

The motion is documented by high-speed cameras whose infrared light is reflected by the balls and sent back to the computer where they create a 3D animated image in the form of a stick figure.  "With 3D animation, we can measure the joint angle, speed and smoothness of the arm motion, as well as which compensating motion patterns the stroke patient is using. This give us a measurement for the motion that we can compare with an optimal arm motion in a healthy person." said Murphy. "Our study shows that the time it takes to perform an activity is strongly related to the motion quality." "Even if this technology is not available, we can still obtain very valuable information about the stroke patient's mobility by timing a highly standardised activity, and every therapist keeps a stopwatch in their pocket," said Murphy. 

.

Video game tech can improve rehab for stroke patients"

London: In a unique study, researchers have used 3D technology from the film and video game industry to analyse everyday movements of stroke patients. The results of the study indicate that computerised motion analysis increases the knowledge of how stroke patients can improve their ability to move through rehabilitation. 
In the film and video game industry, motion capture technology is used to convert people's movements into computer animations--famous examples include the character Gollum from the Lord of the Rings and Na'vi from the blockbuster film Avatar. 

Margit Alt Murphy and colleagues at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg in Sweden, have brought the technology into the research laboratory.  Researchers used motion-capture technology to film everyday movements among roughly one hundred people, both healthy people and people who suffered a stroke.  The 3D animations have provided a completely new level of detail in terms of mobility in stroke patients--knowledge that can help patients achieve more effective rehabilitation. 

"Computer technology provides better and more objective documentation of the problem in terms of the everyday life of the patient than what human observation can provide." Murphy said. "With 3D technology, we can measure a patient's movements in terms of numbers, which means that small changes in the motion pattern can be detected and can be fed back to the patient in a clear manner."

"Our results show that computerised motion analysis could be a complement to a physician's clinical diagnosis and an important tool in diagnosing motion problems." Murphy added.  The technology is highly advanced, but for the patient, the method is simple. In the study, the test subjects were equipped with small, round reflex balls on their arm, trunk and head, and they were then instructed to drink water out of a glass. 

The motion is documented by high-speed cameras whose infrared light is reflected by the balls and sent back to the computer where they create a 3D animated image in the form of a stick figure.  "With 3D animation, we can measure the joint angle, speed and smoothness of the arm motion, as well as which compensating motion patterns the stroke patient is using. This give us a measurement for the motion that we can compare with an optimal arm motion in a healthy person." said Murphy. "Our study shows that the time it takes to perform an activity is strongly related to the motion quality." "Even if this technology is not available, we can still obtain very valuable information about the stroke patient's mobility by timing a highly standardised activity, and every therapist keeps a stopwatch in their pocket," said Murphy. 

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He was strong till the end, recalls man who oversaw Saddam hanging

BAGHDAD: Mowaffak al-Rubaie sits in his office with a statue of Saddam Hussein behind him, the rope used to hang the dictator around its neck, recalling his final minutes. The former national security advisor, who oversaw Saddam's 2006 execution, said he remained strong until the end, and never expressed any regret. "A criminal? True. A killer? True. A butcher? True. But he was strong until the end.

"I received him (Saddam) at the door. No one entered with us -- no foreigners, and no Americans," Rubaie said in an interview with AFP at his office in the Kadhimiyah area of north Baghdad, near the prison where the execution took place seven years ago. "He was wearing a jacket and a white shirt, normal and relaxed, and I didn't see any signs of fear. "Of course, some people want me to say that he collapsed or that he was drugged, but these facts are for history," Rubaie said.

"I didn't hear any regret from him, I didn't hear any request for mercy from God from him, or request for pardon. 
"A person who is about to die usually says, 'God, forgive my sins -- I am coming to you.' But he never said any of that," Rubaie told AFP. Saddam Hussein, who ruled Iraq for more than two decades marked by brutal repression, disastrous wars and punishing international sanctions, was hanged after being found guilty of crimes against humanity for the 1982 killing of 148 Shiite villagers in Dujail.

He was president from July 1979 until the March 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, and was found by American forces hiding in a hole on a farm in December of that year. Saddam was executed three years later on December 30, 2006 after a  summary trial. Some Iraqis, particularly Sunni Arabs, look back fondly on the time of Saddam's rule, especially the periods of internal stability that stand in stark contrast to the brutal violence that has plagued the country since his overthrow.

Saddam is also held in high regard by some Arabs for his 1980-88 war with Iran, his confrontations with the United States, his strikes against Israel, and his composure during his execution, which was recorded on mobile phone videos. "When I brought him, he was handcuffed and holding a Koran," said Rubaie, ignoring the statue of Saddam behind him, which depicts the dictator dressed in a uniform bearing the insignia of his exclusive military rank.

"I took him to the judge's room, where he read the list of indictments, as Saddam repeated: 'Death to America! Death to Israel! Long live Palestine! Death to the Persian magi!" Rubaie then took Saddam to the room in which he was to die. "He stopped, looked at the gallows, then he looked me up and down... and said: 'Doctor, this is for men'." When it was time for Saddam to mount the gallows, his legs were still bound, so Rubaie and others had to drag him up the steps

He was strong till the end, recalls man who oversaw Saddam hanging

BAGHDAD: Mowaffak al-Rubaie sits in his office with a statue of Saddam Hussein behind him, the rope used to hang the dictator around its neck, recalling his final minutes. The former national security advisor, who oversaw Saddam's 2006 execution, said he remained strong until the end, and never expressed any regret. "A criminal? True. A killer? True. A butcher? True. But he was strong until the end.

"I received him (Saddam) at the door. No one entered with us -- no foreigners, and no Americans," Rubaie said in an interview with AFP at his office in the Kadhimiyah area of north Baghdad, near the prison where the execution took place seven years ago. "He was wearing a jacket and a white shirt, normal and relaxed, and I didn't see any signs of fear. "Of course, some people want me to say that he collapsed or that he was drugged, but these facts are for history," Rubaie said.

"I didn't hear any regret from him, I didn't hear any request for mercy from God from him, or request for pardon. 
"A person who is about to die usually says, 'God, forgive my sins -- I am coming to you.' But he never said any of that," Rubaie told AFP. Saddam Hussein, who ruled Iraq for more than two decades marked by brutal repression, disastrous wars and punishing international sanctions, was hanged after being found guilty of crimes against humanity for the 1982 killing of 148 Shiite villagers in Dujail.

He was president from July 1979 until the March 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, and was found by American forces hiding in a hole on a farm in December of that year. Saddam was executed three years later on December 30, 2006 after a  summary trial. Some Iraqis, particularly Sunni Arabs, look back fondly on the time of Saddam's rule, especially the periods of internal stability that stand in stark contrast to the brutal violence that has plagued the country since his overthrow.

Saddam is also held in high regard by some Arabs for his 1980-88 war with Iran, his confrontations with the United States, his strikes against Israel, and his composure during his execution, which was recorded on mobile phone videos. "When I brought him, he was handcuffed and holding a Koran," said Rubaie, ignoring the statue of Saddam behind him, which depicts the dictator dressed in a uniform bearing the insignia of his exclusive military rank.

"I took him to the judge's room, where he read the list of indictments, as Saddam repeated: 'Death to America! Death to Israel! Long live Palestine! Death to the Persian magi!" Rubaie then took Saddam to the room in which he was to die. "He stopped, looked at the gallows, then he looked me up and down... and said: 'Doctor, this is for men'." When it was time for Saddam to mount the gallows, his legs were still bound, so Rubaie and others had to drag him up the steps

McDonald's closes employee website amid criticism

ILLINOIS: McDonald's Corp has shut down a website intended to provide employees with work and life guidance after it generated negative publicity for the fast-food company. The McResource program has been criticized for creating unrealistic budgets and offering advice that was out of touch with its workers' pay. The website, which was run by an outside company, also reportedly discouraged workers from eating fast food.

McDonald's, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, said Thursday that it is having its vendor take down the website. "Between links to irrelevant or outdated information, along with outside groups taking elements out of context, this created unwarranted scrutiny and inappropriate commentary," the company said in a statement.

Earlier this year, media and labor groups criticized the website for content including sample budgets for employees that were based on holding two jobs and included no costs for heating, as well as suggestions on what to tip a personal fitness trainer or au pair. One critic, the ``Low Pay is Not Okay'' campaign, was one of the groups behind strikes and rallies by fast-food workers and labor organizers earlier this month that demanded better pay. While efforts vary by state, organizers are hoping to build public support to raise the federal minimum wage of $7.25, or about $15,000 a year for full-time work.

And in an embarrassing moment for McDonald's, the world's largest hamburger chain, CNBC reported last week that the McResource website discouraged eating fast food as part of its tips for healthy living. While it has shut down the website, McDonald's said it plans to continue an internal telephone help line through which the majority of its employees access its work-life help resources.

McDonald's closes employee website amid criticism

ILLINOIS: McDonald's Corp has shut down a website intended to provide employees with work and life guidance after it generated negative publicity for the fast-food company. The McResource program has been criticized for creating unrealistic budgets and offering advice that was out of touch with its workers' pay. The website, which was run by an outside company, also reportedly discouraged workers from eating fast food.

McDonald's, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, said Thursday that it is having its vendor take down the website. "Between links to irrelevant or outdated information, along with outside groups taking elements out of context, this created unwarranted scrutiny and inappropriate commentary," the company said in a statement.

Earlier this year, media and labor groups criticized the website for content including sample budgets for employees that were based on holding two jobs and included no costs for heating, as well as suggestions on what to tip a personal fitness trainer or au pair. One critic, the ``Low Pay is Not Okay'' campaign, was one of the groups behind strikes and rallies by fast-food workers and labor organizers earlier this month that demanded better pay. While efforts vary by state, organizers are hoping to build public support to raise the federal minimum wage of $7.25, or about $15,000 a year for full-time work.

And in an embarrassing moment for McDonald's, the world's largest hamburger chain, CNBC reported last week that the McResource website discouraged eating fast food as part of its tips for healthy living. While it has shut down the website, McDonald's said it plans to continue an internal telephone help line through which the majority of its employees access its work-life help resources.

India to be world's 3rd largest economy by 2028 after China,US

NEW DELHI: India is likely to overtake Japan in 2028 to become the third largest economy in the world after China and United States, according to London-based economic consultancy Cebr. As per Cebr's World Economic League table report for 2013, India has lost a place in the league table in 2013 to Canada and is now the 11th largest economy in the world.

"But demographics and economic growth will eventually drive the Indian economy up the table and the forecast for 2028 has India becoming the world's 3rd largest economy overtaking Japan," the report said. The Cebr World Economic League Table (WELT) is an annual calculation by the consultancy. The base data for 2012 is taken from the IMF World Economic Outlook and the GDP forecast draws on Cebr's Global Prospects model to forecast growth, inflation and exchange rates.

The report gives an end of year report on GDP in the 30 largest economies in the world and forecasts countries that will be in the 'top thirty' after 5, 10 and 15 years. In the 2013 league table, India is at the 11th place with a GDP of USD 1.7 billion, and by 2018 the country is likely to be at the 9th place with a GDP of USD 2,481 billion, and by 2023 it would be at 4th place, with GDP size of USD 4,124 billion, and it will claim 3rd spot with GDP of USD 6,560 billion by 2028, it said.

The 2013 league table shows only two changes in the list of top 20 economies. Firstly, Russia overtook recession- stricken Italy to gain 8th place and Canada overtook India as a result of the collapse of the rupee to retake its position as the second largest economy in the Commonwealth and the 10th largest economy in the world, the report said. By the year 2018, the emerging economies will be "on the move". Russia would be at the 6th place; India 9th, Mexico 12th, Korea 13th and Turkey 17th, it said.

By 2023, India and Brazil would be "on the march" and are likely to claim the 4th and 5th place, respectively. 
By the year 2028, the league table will be reordered. China will move to the number one place, followed by the United States (2nd), India (3rd), Mexico (9th) and Canada (10th).The report further said China's GDP in dollar terms is likely to overtake the US in 2028 – much later than most previous predictions. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom would overtake Germany to become the largest Western European economy 'around 2030', it added.

India to be world's 3rd largest economy by 2028 after China,US

NEW DELHI: India is likely to overtake Japan in 2028 to become the third largest economy in the world after China and United States, according to London-based economic consultancy Cebr. As per Cebr's World Economic League table report for 2013, India has lost a place in the league table in 2013 to Canada and is now the 11th largest economy in the world.

"But demographics and economic growth will eventually drive the Indian economy up the table and the forecast for 2028 has India becoming the world's 3rd largest economy overtaking Japan," the report said. The Cebr World Economic League Table (WELT) is an annual calculation by the consultancy. The base data for 2012 is taken from the IMF World Economic Outlook and the GDP forecast draws on Cebr's Global Prospects model to forecast growth, inflation and exchange rates.

The report gives an end of year report on GDP in the 30 largest economies in the world and forecasts countries that will be in the 'top thirty' after 5, 10 and 15 years. In the 2013 league table, India is at the 11th place with a GDP of USD 1.7 billion, and by 2018 the country is likely to be at the 9th place with a GDP of USD 2,481 billion, and by 2023 it would be at 4th place, with GDP size of USD 4,124 billion, and it will claim 3rd spot with GDP of USD 6,560 billion by 2028, it said.

The 2013 league table shows only two changes in the list of top 20 economies. Firstly, Russia overtook recession- stricken Italy to gain 8th place and Canada overtook India as a result of the collapse of the rupee to retake its position as the second largest economy in the Commonwealth and the 10th largest economy in the world, the report said. By the year 2018, the emerging economies will be "on the move". Russia would be at the 6th place; India 9th, Mexico 12th, Korea 13th and Turkey 17th, it said.

By 2023, India and Brazil would be "on the march" and are likely to claim the 4th and 5th place, respectively. 
By the year 2028, the league table will be reordered. China will move to the number one place, followed by the United States (2nd), India (3rd), Mexico (9th) and Canada (10th).The report further said China's GDP in dollar terms is likely to overtake the US in 2028 – much later than most previous predictions. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom would overtake Germany to become the largest Western European economy 'around 2030', it added.

Manju Warrier out from Renjith’s film

The Malayalam film industry was elated after hearing the return of Manju Warrier and that too with Mohanlal. The audience was anxiously waiting to see the on screen chemistry between the two when news came in that she will be paired opposite the superstar in a film directed by Renjith named G for Gold. But the latest news has disappointed all as the actress is not in the film.  

Her comeback film will be Roshan Andrews How Old Are You. Mohanlal posted in the Facebook that actor Prithviraj too has a role in Renjith’s film.  But he is also not acting in the film. Manju is not a part of the film as the female lead has not much importance in G for Gold. Sources close to the director said he is not interested in casting the actress in a simple role where she has nothing to perform. Reports said the actress has been informed about it. The shooting of the film directed by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Ashirwad Cinemas will start in January.

Manju Warrier out from Renjith’s film

The Malayalam film industry was elated after hearing the return of Manju Warrier and that too with Mohanlal. The audience was anxiously waiting to see the on screen chemistry between the two when news came in that she will be paired opposite the superstar in a film directed by Renjith named G for Gold. But the latest news has disappointed all as the actress is not in the film.  

Her comeback film will be Roshan Andrews How Old Are You. Mohanlal posted in the Facebook that actor Prithviraj too has a role in Renjith’s film.  But he is also not acting in the film. Manju is not a part of the film as the female lead has not much importance in G for Gold. Sources close to the director said he is not interested in casting the actress in a simple role where she has nothing to perform. Reports said the actress has been informed about it. The shooting of the film directed by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner of Ashirwad Cinemas will start in January.