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.

"

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.

"

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. 

.

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.

DA hike for employees

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has issued an order revising the dearness allowance (DA) for its employees and teachers from the existing level of 53 per cent to 63 per cent with retrospective effect from July 1, 2013. An official release said the employees and teachers would get DA at this revised rate starting from the salary for the month of January, 2014. The DA arrears for the period from July to December, 2013, would be merged with their provident fund accounts. Part-time and part-time contingency employees to would be eligible for the DA hike. The details about the revision had been put on the website of the Public Relations Department (www.prd.kerala.gov.in).

DA hike for employees

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has issued an order revising the dearness allowance (DA) for its employees and teachers from the existing level of 53 per cent to 63 per cent with retrospective effect from July 1, 2013. An official release said the employees and teachers would get DA at this revised rate starting from the salary for the month of January, 2014. The DA arrears for the period from July to December, 2013, would be merged with their provident fund accounts. Part-time and part-time contingency employees to would be eligible for the DA hike. The details about the revision had been put on the website of the Public Relations Department (www.prd.kerala.gov.in).

Knee pain? Surgery may not be a solution

Are your knees troubling you? Physical therapy may be a better solution than undergoing surgery, especially an unnecessary one, according to a new study. Arthroscopic surgery on the torn meniscus -- the crescent-shaped cartilage that helps cushion and stabilise knees -- is quite common, but if we are to believe the study conducted in Finland, thousands of people may be undergoing unnecessary surgery.

According to the study, meniscal surgery should be aimed at a narrower group of patients and for many, physical therapy may be a better option, said a report in The New York Times. Although the Finnish study does say that surgery helps, but it should be performed on younger patients and for tears from acute sports injuries. As nearly 80 percent of tears develop from wear and ageing, surgery in those cases should be significantly limited, it contended.

The Finnish researchers performed the study on volunteer patients. Some received actual surgery while others simulated procedures. They were not told what procedure they went through. A year later, said the report, most patients in both groups said their knees felt better.  “It’s a well-done study. It gives further credence or support to a number of studies that have shown that giving arthroscopy to patients is not always going to make a difference,” David Jevsevar of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons was quoted as saying.

The study would spur research to better identify patients who should have surgery, he added. The study involved five hospitals and 146 patients, ages 35 to 65, with wear-induced tears and knee pain. About half had mechanical problems like locking or clicking knees. The findings of the study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Knee pain? Surgery may not be a solution

Are your knees troubling you? Physical therapy may be a better solution than undergoing surgery, especially an unnecessary one, according to a new study. Arthroscopic surgery on the torn meniscus -- the crescent-shaped cartilage that helps cushion and stabilise knees -- is quite common, but if we are to believe the study conducted in Finland, thousands of people may be undergoing unnecessary surgery.

According to the study, meniscal surgery should be aimed at a narrower group of patients and for many, physical therapy may be a better option, said a report in The New York Times. Although the Finnish study does say that surgery helps, but it should be performed on younger patients and for tears from acute sports injuries. As nearly 80 percent of tears develop from wear and ageing, surgery in those cases should be significantly limited, it contended.

The Finnish researchers performed the study on volunteer patients. Some received actual surgery while others simulated procedures. They were not told what procedure they went through. A year later, said the report, most patients in both groups said their knees felt better.  “It’s a well-done study. It gives further credence or support to a number of studies that have shown that giving arthroscopy to patients is not always going to make a difference,” David Jevsevar of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons was quoted as saying.

The study would spur research to better identify patients who should have surgery, he added. The study involved five hospitals and 146 patients, ages 35 to 65, with wear-induced tears and knee pain. About half had mechanical problems like locking or clicking knees. The findings of the study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Skincare mistakes to be avoided

Taking care of the skin is something that everyone wants to follow strictly and whilst some women maintain it pretty well, others still make mistakes. Expert say avoid skincare mistakes like too much of moisturiser and wrong face mask. Jill Zander, founder of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, lists skin care regime that could go wrong if not properly monitored, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

- Too Much Moisturiser: If a moisturiser is correctly suited to your skin type, it should feel comfortable on the skin and not leave skin feeling greasy or oily. A day moisturiser should always contain an SPF. Night creams should only be used at night as they tend to be richer and don’t contain any sun protection. Never put moisturiser around your eyes as the thinner skin can easily become overloaded with product and cause blockages that appear as little white spots.

- Over Exfoliating: Go easy on exfoliation. Over-exfoliating can lead to redness and irritation and constantly stripping your skin can actually make the skin greasy. Physical exfoliating scrubs that have sharp, uneven grains can tear or damage the skin. Normal to oily skin only needs exfoliating twice a week.  - Anti-Ageing creams before your skin is ready: Don't use anti-ageing skincare before your skin shows signs of ageing. If you use potent anti-ageing ingredients before your skin needs them, they will either have no effect or a detrimental one.

- The wrong face mask: As with moisturisers, select your face mask according to your skin type. For instance clay-based masks, or those with ingredients for oily, spotty skin, such as salicylic acid will cause normal-dry skin to flake off. If your skin is in need of moisture, select one for dry skin with skin nourishing and replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E. 

- Forgetting SPF: Come rain or shine, we should all wear SPF during the day as the sun is the biggest cause of wrinkles. The trick is to find a sunscreen that slips elegantly under foundation and moisturiser and becomes a seamless part of your morning routine. Better still, wear a daily moisturiser or moisturising tint that contains an SPF. 

- Using face wipes: Some face wipes contain harsh chemicals and high levels of alcohol that can dry the skin out. When rubbed vigorously on the skin, particularly around the delicate eye area, they can cause irritation and even stinging or redness. - Sleeping in make-up: Sleeping with dirt, oil and makeup on can cause acne and enlarged pores. Think of make up removal as washing away the day’s grime!

- Frequently changing products: A very common mistake is changing products too often. It’s really important to try a new product for at least three months to see the true effect it has on the skin. If a product doesn’t agree with your skin, stop using it immediately. 

Skincare mistakes to be avoided

Taking care of the skin is something that everyone wants to follow strictly and whilst some women maintain it pretty well, others still make mistakes. Expert say avoid skincare mistakes like too much of moisturiser and wrong face mask. Jill Zander, founder of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, lists skin care regime that could go wrong if not properly monitored, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

- Too Much Moisturiser: If a moisturiser is correctly suited to your skin type, it should feel comfortable on the skin and not leave skin feeling greasy or oily. A day moisturiser should always contain an SPF. Night creams should only be used at night as they tend to be richer and don’t contain any sun protection. Never put moisturiser around your eyes as the thinner skin can easily become overloaded with product and cause blockages that appear as little white spots.

- Over Exfoliating: Go easy on exfoliation. Over-exfoliating can lead to redness and irritation and constantly stripping your skin can actually make the skin greasy. Physical exfoliating scrubs that have sharp, uneven grains can tear or damage the skin. Normal to oily skin only needs exfoliating twice a week.  - Anti-Ageing creams before your skin is ready: Don't use anti-ageing skincare before your skin shows signs of ageing. If you use potent anti-ageing ingredients before your skin needs them, they will either have no effect or a detrimental one.

- The wrong face mask: As with moisturisers, select your face mask according to your skin type. For instance clay-based masks, or those with ingredients for oily, spotty skin, such as salicylic acid will cause normal-dry skin to flake off. If your skin is in need of moisture, select one for dry skin with skin nourishing and replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E. 

- Forgetting SPF: Come rain or shine, we should all wear SPF during the day as the sun is the biggest cause of wrinkles. The trick is to find a sunscreen that slips elegantly under foundation and moisturiser and becomes a seamless part of your morning routine. Better still, wear a daily moisturiser or moisturising tint that contains an SPF. 

- Using face wipes: Some face wipes contain harsh chemicals and high levels of alcohol that can dry the skin out. When rubbed vigorously on the skin, particularly around the delicate eye area, they can cause irritation and even stinging or redness. - Sleeping in make-up: Sleeping with dirt, oil and makeup on can cause acne and enlarged pores. Think of make up removal as washing away the day’s grime!

- Frequently changing products: A very common mistake is changing products too often. It’s really important to try a new product for at least three months to see the true effect it has on the skin. If a product doesn’t agree with your skin, stop using it immediately. 

Four of family drown in water-filled quarry

.Malappuram: Four members of a family, including three minor children, drowned in a water-filled quarry at Mankada in Malappuram district today, police said. The decesec are Devassia (64), Sino (9), Bino (10) sons of Antony, who is a native of Karimala, Bino (10) son of Joseph.

They said the children went fishing at the quarry when they slipped in and drowned. As they did not return home, their grandfather went looking for them and he too met with the same fate. Fire service personnel and police, assisted by locals, fished out the bodies.

Four of family drown in water-filled quarry

.Malappuram: Four members of a family, including three minor children, drowned in a water-filled quarry at Mankada in Malappuram district today, police said. The decesec are Devassia (64), Sino (9), Bino (10) sons of Antony, who is a native of Karimala, Bino (10) son of Joseph.

They said the children went fishing at the quarry when they slipped in and drowned. As they did not return home, their grandfather went looking for them and he too met with the same fate. Fire service personnel and police, assisted by locals, fished out the bodies.

Government working on 'email' policy

Thiruvananthapuram: All central government employees will soon be expected to communicate through the National Informatics Centre (NIC) email ID, a union minister said Monday adding that the government was chalking out a plan in this regard.

Minister of State for Communications Milind Deora told reporters here that his department is working on a new email policy which will address this issue, among others. 'Once this is ready, then all government officials will have to communicate only through NIC email id,' he said. 'After this, the issue of cyber security can be addressed on a single platform as NIC is taking care of e-governance programmes of the Centre,' said Deora

Government working on 'email' policy

Thiruvananthapuram: All central government employees will soon be expected to communicate through the National Informatics Centre (NIC) email ID, a union minister said Monday adding that the government was chalking out a plan in this regard.

Minister of State for Communications Milind Deora told reporters here that his department is working on a new email policy which will address this issue, among others. 'Once this is ready, then all government officials will have to communicate only through NIC email id,' he said. 'After this, the issue of cyber security can be addressed on a single platform as NIC is taking care of e-governance programmes of the Centre,' said Deora

Four minors forced into prostitution rescued

Meerut, Dec 24 (PTI) Four teenage girls, including twoNepal nationals, who were forced into prostitution were rescued from a red light area in Kabadi Bazaar here.
Based on a tipoff, the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Meerut police at night raided a house from where a sex racket was being run by a woman named Sumitra and rescued the four girls, SSP Omkar Singh said.

The girls are aged between 16 and 17 and two of them are Nepali nationals while the other two are from Jaipur, he said. Sumitra managed to escape and a hunt is on for her, he said.One Rajkumar, also from Nepal, was taken into custody and is being questioned, the officer said.

Four minors forced into prostitution rescued

Meerut, Dec 24 (PTI) Four teenage girls, including twoNepal nationals, who were forced into prostitution were rescued from a red light area in Kabadi Bazaar here.
Based on a tipoff, the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Meerut police at night raided a house from where a sex racket was being run by a woman named Sumitra and rescued the four girls, SSP Omkar Singh said.

The girls are aged between 16 and 17 and two of them are Nepali nationals while the other two are from Jaipur, he said. Sumitra managed to escape and a hunt is on for her, he said.One Rajkumar, also from Nepal, was taken into custody and is being questioned, the officer said.

US officials made a mistake in Devyani Khobragade's arrest: lawyer

New Delhi: Devyani Khobragade's lawyer Wednesday said US authorities goofed up in the investigation and arrest of the Indian diplomat on visa fraud charges as a federal agent made a "serious" mistake in reading the paperwork submitted regarding her maid's salary.

Daniel Arshack, Khobragade's lawyer, said Mark Smith, the Diplomatic Security Services agent handled the investigation and arrest of Khobragade and drew up and swore to the accuracy of the formal complaint in the case.

Smith "simply made an error in reading the DS-160 form which supported the visa application for the domestic worker, Sangeeta Richard," Arshack said.

"He erroneously and disastrously believed that the USD 4,500 per month salary entry on the form was Richard's expected salary when, in fact, it was clearly a reporting of the base salary to be earned by the employer, Khobragade, in the US," he said.

The lawyer said Khobagrade's base salary figure of $4,500 per month was required and appropriately reported on the DS-160 form, which is the online non-immigrant visa application required to be submitted by those seeking US visas.

It was submitted so that US Embassy officials in New Delhi could determine that Khobragade would be earning enough money to afford to pay Richard the USD 1,560 per month (9.75/hour for 40 hours a week) which had been agreed to according to the contract between Richard and Khobragade.

"Somebody who messes up on the paperwork and causes a terrible thing to occur is very very serious," he said.

Meanwhile, UN spokeswoman Morana Song confirmed Khobragade's accreditation to the UN headquarters here, saying, "The United Nations has received notification to register Ms Khobragade as a member of the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations."

"We can confirm that the United Nations has processed this request per its standard procedures," she said.

Khobragade was arrested on December 12 on charges of making false declarations in a visa application for her maid Richard. She was released on a USD 250,000 bond after being charged with visa fraud.

Subsequent revelations that she was strip searched and held with criminals triggered a row between the two sides.
  

US officials made a mistake in Devyani Khobragade's arrest: lawyer

New Delhi: Devyani Khobragade's lawyer Wednesday said US authorities goofed up in the investigation and arrest of the Indian diplomat on visa fraud charges as a federal agent made a "serious" mistake in reading the paperwork submitted regarding her maid's salary.

Daniel Arshack, Khobragade's lawyer, said Mark Smith, the Diplomatic Security Services agent handled the investigation and arrest of Khobragade and drew up and swore to the accuracy of the formal complaint in the case.

Smith "simply made an error in reading the DS-160 form which supported the visa application for the domestic worker, Sangeeta Richard," Arshack said.

"He erroneously and disastrously believed that the USD 4,500 per month salary entry on the form was Richard's expected salary when, in fact, it was clearly a reporting of the base salary to be earned by the employer, Khobragade, in the US," he said.

The lawyer said Khobagrade's base salary figure of $4,500 per month was required and appropriately reported on the DS-160 form, which is the online non-immigrant visa application required to be submitted by those seeking US visas.

It was submitted so that US Embassy officials in New Delhi could determine that Khobragade would be earning enough money to afford to pay Richard the USD 1,560 per month (9.75/hour for 40 hours a week) which had been agreed to according to the contract between Richard and Khobragade.

"Somebody who messes up on the paperwork and causes a terrible thing to occur is very very serious," he said.

Meanwhile, UN spokeswoman Morana Song confirmed Khobragade's accreditation to the UN headquarters here, saying, "The United Nations has received notification to register Ms Khobragade as a member of the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations."

"We can confirm that the United Nations has processed this request per its standard procedures," she said.

Khobragade was arrested on December 12 on charges of making false declarations in a visa application for her maid Richard. She was released on a USD 250,000 bond after being charged with visa fraud.

Subsequent revelations that she was strip searched and held with criminals triggered a row between the two sides.