The "Climate Change" Plan

The owning and using of private vehicles could become tougher if the proposals made by the National Action Plan on Climate Change are implemented. Alarmed by the growth of private vehicles in Indian cities and the rise in fuel emissions, a panel under the action plan has suggested numerous measures that promise to change the face of urban transport. It is based on the understanding that all-round costs of using personal vehicles need to be raised even as public transport is strengthened.


The Measures which are proposed by the Mission include :-


-Making ownership of parking space compulsory for those wishing to buy new private vehicles.


-Making parking fee reflect the cost of land.


-Imposing a congestion charge and making parts of the city off limits for cars.


-The mission has also recommended dedicating select corridors to only public transport.


-Limiting the availability of parking space in city centres.


-Banning parking on arterial roads.


-Charging higher parking rates at peak hours.


-Make street parking steep and reducing the use of diesel propelled private vehicles.


-The mission document also recommends creation of a regulatory body which will lay down minimum basic service standards for the industry, impose heavy fines, suspend or even cancel licenses and prosecute the erring agencies or individuals.


-There's also a proposal for a dedicated urban transport fund to pump money into running public transport better in urban areas.


-It has also backed the imposition of tough fuel efficiency norms for vehicles and gone further to recommend that government's purchase of vehicles should be done keeping fuel efficiency in mind.


The report also notes that growth of registered vehicles is four times the rate of growth of population in six major metros like Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai. It has warned that the fuel consumption for road vehicles, if unchecked, would be six times by 2035 and greenhouse gas emissions would go up 5.8 times in the 30-year period. Simultaneously, the share of public transport has declined drastically from 69% to 38% between 1994-2007 period in cities with population above 4 million.
The mission document is to be shared with the PM's climate change council before it gets operational.

Displeasure Over Life-Size Copy Of "Taj Mahal"

Indian embassy in Bangladesh voiced its displeasure over a life-size copy of the Taj Mahal when Bangladeshi film director Ahsanullah Moni unveiled his $ 58 million replica, located about 30 kilometres northeast of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka in Sonargaon. Moni began building it five years ago but came up with the idea in 1980 when he first visited the real “Monument to Love” in Agra, India. He imported marble and granite from Italy, diamonds from Belgium and used 160 kilos of bronze for the dome. Ahsanullah Moni said he wanted his countrymen to experience the beauty of the Indian monument even if they were too poor to travel to see the original.


The 17th Century Taj in India was built by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent monument now counts amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. It has mesmerized many people with its bewitching beauty.
India has expressed great displeasure over the construction of the replica of India's Taj Mahal in Bangladesh saying it would investigate to see if any copyright laws had been breached.

"HAPPINESS" QUOTES

Man only likes to count his troubles, but does not count his joys.
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky


Happiness belongs to those who are contented.


A happy life consists of tranquility of mind.


Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.


One is never as unhappy as one thinks, nor as happy as one hopes.


Happiness is different from pleasure. Happiness has something to do with struggling and enduring and accomplishing.
- George Sheehan


In misery, you can start wanting to laugh. In laughter, the rictus made by the face is like crying. They have the same magic – you can’t separate them - Dennis Potter


Happiness depends on what you can give, not what you can get - Mahatma Gandhi


Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony - Mahatma Gandhi


That action is best which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers - Francis Huchinson


Happiness lies, first of all, in health - George William Curts


How wide the limits stand
Between a splendid and a happy land - Goldsmith


The best secret of happiness is renunciation - Andrew Carneige


The happy only are the truly great - Young


Now the heart is o full that a drop overfills it
We are happy now because God will it - J.R Lowell


Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient - Aristotle

Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections

If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.

Famous Quotes

FAMOUS QUOTES BY FAMOUS PEOPLE

Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas.
- Dontella Versace

If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem wonderful at all.
- Michelangelo

Comedy is acting out optimism.
- Robin Williams

Never step backward, not even to gain momentum.
- Andy Garcia

I have seen karma slap people in the face. You have to be good to people. It really does come around.
- Kirsten Dunst

The best present a man can give a woman is his undivided attention.
- Usher

Learn from the mistake of others. You can’t make them all yourself.
- Usher

Men fall in love with their eyes and women fall in love with their ears.
- Dr. Phil McGraw

Too many people spend their money they haven’t earned to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.
- Will Smith

I hate admitting that my enemies have a point.
- Salman Rushdie

False science creates atheists; true science prostrates Man before divinity.
- Voltaire

Money and success do not change people; they merely amplify what is already inside.
- Will Smith

It is a wise father who knows his child.
- William Shakespeare

Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty.
- Socrates

Never give in – in nothing, great or small, large or pretty – except to convictions of honor and good sense.
- Winston Churchill

“Give me a standing place” said Archimedes “and I will move the world.”


If you are the boss, never take on more work than your assistant.
- Sandor Kopias

The trouble with living alone is that is always your turn to do the dishes.
- Al Bernsten

Mediclaim Policies

IDEAL MEDICLAIM INSURANCE POLICY

In the last couple of decades health care costs have witnessed a significant increase especially in the case of critical illness. In such cases of emergencies that involve huge expenses, you need a proper cover. This is even more important if you are salaried with only fixed access to big emergency expenses. There are other benefits as well. The premium to take health or medical insurance, for self or family also makes you eligible for tax benefits, deductions from income under Income Tax Act Section 80D. While the method of payment is concerned, the insurance company either pays directly to the hospital or it reimburses your expenses. Companies that provide mediclaim insurance policies also have a list of both illnesses they insure and institutions where the policy maybe availed of. Any one of several insurers provides reliable medical cover. Your choice should be based on the amount, the terms and the expediency of payment of the insured amount, as well as the reputation of the insurance company concerned.

TAXABILITY OF PENSION PLANS

PENSION PLANS – with and without life covers

Pension Plans are available with two different options: with life cover and without life cover. The ‘with cover’ pension plan offers a guaranteed life cover in case of a contingency, even if the amount built till the date of death happens to be below the total. Under the ‘without cover’ pension plan, the amount built till the date of death (net of deductions like expenses and premiums due) is given out to the nominees in case of an eventuality, with no sum assured.

The taxability of a pension plan is determined in two stages: first, at the time of making annual premium payments. For life insurance plans, the premium which is paid is eligible for deduction under section 80C. On the other hand, premium payments towards pension plans are eligible for deduction under Section 80CCC. The overall limit for deduction under Sections 80C & CCC is Rs.1 lakh i.e. one is entitled for same tax deduction for the premium mount paid for; with or without life cover pension plans.

At the time of maturity, the commute value of the pension that is received from a life insurance plan is tax-free. However, the monthly pension amounts are fully taxable, irrespective of whether or not the plan holder claimed the deduction under Section 80C or CCC at the time of payment of premium.

FATEHPUR SIKRI

Architectural Marvel- FATEHPUR SIKRI


FATEHPUR SIKRI, which is located 26 miles west of Agra,has been beautifully crafted out of redstone that gives the city its character. This lovely structure is an exceptional blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.

This world heritage site was built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri comprises of a cluster of monuments which also includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.

The new capital 'Sikri' was built by Akbar to mark the birth of his son Jehangir and later on Fatehpur was constructed to celebrate Akbar's conquest of Gujarat so it is also known as the City of Victory.

The city has numerous palaces and courtyards, and it is often said that Fatehpur Sikri is the greatest accomplishment of the Mughal architecture.

Election Results 2008

MADHYA PRADESH - 230/230 -


BJP: 143

CONGRESS: 69

BSP: 7

OTHERS: 11


CHHATTISGARH - 90/90 -


BJP: 51

CONGRESS: 37

BSP: 2

OTHERS: 0


DELHI - 69/69 -


CONGRESS: 42

BJP: 23

BSP: 2

OTHERS: 2


RAJASTHAN - 200/200 -


CONGRESS: 98

BJP: 75

BSP: 7

OTHERS: 20


MIZORAM - 40/40 -


CONGRESS: 31

MNF: 4

BJP: 0

OTHERS: 5

Terror Threat Through Air Strikes

Following intelligence inputs that terrorists might carry out airborne strikes, air traffic control officials have been asked to keep a hawk's eye on unidentified flying objects. They have been asked to be extra vigilant and be prepared against terror threats from the air. The intelligence reports had also mentioned that terrorists planning suicide attacks could use unused airstrips as base by using small aircraft. With India's coastal security already breached by terrorists in Mumbai, Defence Minister A K Antony warned the armed forces of possible terror attacks from airborne platforms similar to the 9/11 attacks in the US. Antony asked them to be prepared to counter the threat of terrorists from the air and prevent a repeat of World Trade Centre-type of attacks carried out by the Al-Qaida. The Delhi Police have deployed more armed personnel outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) after intelligence agencies warned that it could be a target. Apart from augmenting their strength, the police have been given sophisticated weapons and hand-held metal detectors. Plain-clothes policemen have also been deployed and roadblocks are put up on the approach roads. There are also inputs on a fidayeen attack on major airports of the country. Airports across the country have been put on high alert in the wake of intelligence reports that terrorists from Pakistan or Afghanistan may strike using a hijacked aircraft. Extra surveillance has been mounted in most of the airports, with additional CISF and police personnel being deployed to keep an eye around the terminal so that any incident can be prevented.

Mumbai Attack Strains Indo-Pak Relations

India's fragile relationship with Pakistan has been badly damaged by the attacks on Mumbai. Tensions between India and Pakistan have further escalated after claims by India that all 10 gunmen who attacked Mumbai killing more than 176 people, were from Pakistan. The terrorists who have been killed in these encounters were of Pakistani origin. India claims all the nine terrorists shot dead by army commandos for laying siege to Mumbai's two luxury hotels - the Taj Mahal and the Oberoi-Trident - and a nearby Jewish centre, after a 60-hour gun battle, belonged to the al-Qaeda-associated Lashkar-e-Taiba group based at Mudrike near the southern Pakistani city of Lahore.


Pakistan and India have suffered a tense relationship punctured by sporadic outbursts of violence. The attack on Mumbai threatened to further strain the two countries relations. Though India has not directly accused Islamabad's civilian government of involvement in the strike but has expressed deep frustration over its neighbour's inability, and unwillingness to prevent armed militant groups from using its territory to train and launch attacks on Indian targets. Indian politicians are demanding that Pakistan's government act decisively to get rid of the violent Islamist extremists operating on Pakistani soil.

Attacks in Mumbai have once again landed India and Pakistan in an embarrasing face-off. The new lull in the relation has cemented the fear of the failure of the joint anti-terror mechanism. Pakistan is feeling the heat not just from India but around the world and it is now making efforts to prove itself.

The rapidly rising tensions could scuttle a tentative peace process between the two nuclear-armed countries and even lead to a military confrontation, but some experts say they thought this might have been the aim of the terror operation.

MUMBAI FIGHTS BACK..

Mumbai attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that occurred across Mumbai (Bombay), India's financial capital and largest city, on November 26, 2008. As the astounding and the heartbreaking images of Mumbai attacks and hostage drama played out on television and splashed across newspapers and websites, the country and the world reacted, first with a mix of shock and horror and then, erupted in rage. These attacks have not only elicited strong responses from the world leaders, stronger responses have been coming in from citizens around the world, who stand united in their condemnation of the bloodbath and in discriminatory shooting in Mumbai.


The predominant emotion seemed to be a mix of anger and helplessness - a reflection on the collective sentiment of the country. Never before in its history of facing some of the bloodiest terrorist attacks has India felt so collectively crippled as it does today.


While intelligence failure is being blamed for the terror attacks, most readers have lashed out against politicians and the political system. The city of Mumbai is angry, as is the rest of the country. Mumbaikars were on the streets, saying that enough is enough. People across Mumbai reacted by holding candle lights for those who died in the recent terror attacks. They also asked why the government failed completely in protecting them and their city.


The Mumbai terrorist attacks show that the fight with terrorism is necessary. These acts of terrorism shows that the problem exists and it can't be easily solved. These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism. Such violence is totally unacceptable. We need to step up and unite against terrorism..

MUMBAI'S SAVIOURS

Names of the Martyrs:-


Mumbai Police/ATS Personell/Railway Police:


Shaheed ATS chief Hemant Karkare

Shaheed Anti-extortion cell chief Vijay Salasker

Shaheed Additional Commissioner Ashoke Kamte

Shaheed Deputy Inspector Baburao Sahibrao

Shaheed Assistant Inspector General Nana Saheb Bhonsle

Shaheed Shashank Shinde

Shaheed Prakash More

Shaheed B G Ombade

Shaheed N C Chaudhary

Shaheed Jayvant Patil

Shaheed Yogesh Patil

Shaheed Ambadas Pawar

Shaheed A.R Chitle


NSG/Indian Military:


Shaheed NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan

Shaheed NSG Commando Gajendra Singh

Politics in Terrorist Attack

India on 26th November, 2008 (Thursday) faced its bloodiest suicide squad attack. The series of attacks in South Mumbai unfolded into hostage crisis. As the Army, navy and national security guards engaged the militants in a gunbattle, the death count rose to 160 and the number of injured to around 400.


Hemant Karkare, head of the anti-terrorism squad (ATS), was known as a gentleman. A no-nonsense, soft spoken policeman, was a tight lipped intelligence man who was secular to the core and was known to have no enemies. That was partly why he was considered the best man for the tough task of heading the ATS.


Karkare died after the terrorists shot him three times in his chest and waist as he was outside the cama hospital. He laid down his life fighting terrorists from the front. Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi arrived in Mumbai to pay his last respects to senior police officers killed while fighting the terrorists who attacked India's financial capital. Modi also announced Rs 1 crore compensation to the family of terror victims. There are reports that Hemant Karkare’s wife refused compensation offered by Narendra Modi which proved to be a big blow.


India's political parties have swooped down on the tragedy to score points vis-a-vis their political rivals and consolidate their vote banks. It is not just laws, that will prevent attacks but the political will to prevent them. And the political will is often not there because politicians are constantly eyeing their vote banks even when decisions related to national security need to be made. With terrorism in India increasingly taking on an Indian face, India will need to focus on setting its house in order. Its politicians will have to stop playing politics with terrorism.

AWAKENED ?? OR STILL IN SLUMBER ??

The 59 hour terror strike on the Indian Business Capital - Mumbai has shocked and horrified not just Indians but also has left a huge impact on the world population. Terrorism, in the last decade, has spread its wings to most of the nations and are now not just limited to India, Chechnya, Sri lanka and Bangladesh. There have been numerous awakening calls or attacks but its really depressing that after every terrorist attack we get back to our normal lives just within a few hours after lighting candles either outside our homes or at India gate.


This time, lets all stop marching and protesting against such heinous acts and rather gear up to fight terrorism.


Why do we have to blame the government for everything that happens? Aren't we also at fault somewhere. This time lets just not play politics and play the blame game. It is we who choose our representatives in the government. It is high time that we equip ourselves on our own and fight terrorism at grass root level itself.


- We must, as responsible global citizens not just Indian citizens, keep all our eyes and ears open.


- We must have some kind of Disaster Mangement, Crisis Management, etc classes in the schools itself so that our next generation can be well prepared to stop, avoid or face any kind of crisis.


- We must co-ordinate with the defence forces at the time of crisis and not be demanding.


- Suspicious incidents, articles and people must be immediately reported to the nearest police station.


- Employers must thoroughly verify the employees identity.


Remember and do not forget whatever happened in Mumbai. We must start fight against Terrorism on an individual level and then proceed further. "Mumbai fighting spirit" must now be converted into "Mumbai's Anti-Terror Fight".

STUNNED!!

Mumbai terror attacks that lasted for about 60 hours has left me in deep shock. I was speechless and didn't really understand how to react to such a terrible situation. When it started on the night of 26th November I presumed things would be normal in a few hours but I was horrified to see the television news the next morning. This time it was a real long wait. It was completely unbelievable and will definately take a very long time to heal. It was insane and scary. These terrorists need medical attention. They must be treated for their diseased minds, who can take such horrifying tasks.


I appeal to all my fellow beings....This is no time to blame the system or any particular political party. We must stand united alongwith our security forces and put an end to "TERRORISM". Lets all get together and unroot the problems.


Whatever happened in Mumbai was not heart-breaking but heart-paining. We must stop being ignorant. It is time that "WE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA" get up and answer back to these sick minded terrorists. Do not sit back at your homes and keep cribbing. There is lot to do. Lets come together and not be sacred. The terrorists must be defeated just the way they have been in Mumbai by our security forces.

I salute to all police officers and NSG Commandos who are the real heroes of the "Bollywood City", Mumbai. My heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.


At the end, I would just say that iam really very proud to have been born in India, a nation of fighters and its my firm belief that very soon we will
eradicate "TERRORISM" from our holyland.

MOLES "n' more...

What does your mole say?


FOREHEAD : On the right it denotes some outstanding ability, on left it could signify extravagance. While in the right middle, it brings luck in love.

CHEEK : If it is on right, there is a happy marriage in store for you, if on left, there is trouble in store!

LIP : Sensual

CHIN : Content and successful

EAR : Serious and thoughtful

EYE : Frugal

EYELID : Sensitive but also self centred

EYEBALL : Emotional

EYEBROW : On the right portends a happy marriage and good fortune, but not when on the left.

MOUTH : The nearer to the mouth, the greater will be the wealth and good fortune brought by the spouse.

NOSE : Success and prosperity. A mole on the side of the nose (specially in women) reveals you will make a good sex partner.

JAW : Weak health and a hampered career.

NECK : Faithful friends

NAPE : Patient and diligent

ARM : Successful and anxious

SHOULDER : If it is on right, you are resolute. If it is on left, you have a quick temper.

ELBOW : Scholarly

ARMPIT : Unkind, temperamental and ambitious.

HAND : If it is on back of the hand, it signifies talent. If it is on the left, it is not that fortunate.

WRIST : Intelligent and talented

BACK : Romantic and materialistic

BREAST : Fortunate but tends to be depressed

HIP : You will have a healthy child.

STOMACH : Lazy and selfish

NAVEL : Moody, impatient and uncaring

WAIST : If it is on the right, it shows you are honest, loyal and patient. If it is on left, it shows a leaning towards spirituality.

RIBS : Weal and cowardly disposition

KNEE : When on right, it denotes a happy married life and if it is on left, it could signify troubled relationships.

THIGH : Warm and enthusiastic temperament

LEG : Careless

FOOT : On the right, it shows a great love of travel and on the left it denotes intelligence.

ANKLE : Refined and independent



NOTE -----

Dark mloes signify obstacles in your way.

A round mole indicates good nature, an oblong one signifies acquired wealth.

An angular mole suggests positive as well as negative qualities.

The larger the mole, the greater the force of the omen it indicates.

Hairy moles indicate great misfortune.

A hairless mole is usually a sign of good things to come.

A single longish strand of hair growing on the mole is believed to be a hindering factor when it comes to money, but if it is short, it signifies sudden acquisition of wealth.

Ideal Daily Routine

ROUTINE FOR A GOOD HEALTH

MORNING --- best to wake up between 6 - 8 am. Drink a glass of warm water with lemon juice in it. Finish your morning ablutions. Wash hands and face & brush your teeth. Scrape the tongue. Then massage your body with warm water, never hot or cold. Then exercise. Dress in clean clothes. Limit your salt intake in breakfast and avoid oily, fatty, fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, hot spices, chemicals, preservatives, cheese, yogurt and soy sauce. Before breakfast, sip hot water often throughout the morning, for about 30 to 60 minutes. Drink herbal tea.


AFTERNOON --- have lunch between 12 - 1 pm. Have 1/8th teaspoon fresh grated ginger with few drops lemon juice before lunch and follow with a few sips of warm water. Choose foods such as soups, whole grain breads, grains, salads, steamed or stir fried vegetables, beans or legumes. Avoid drinking with meals. Sip warm water five minutes after eating to aid digestion. Sit quietly for 5 minutes. Walk for 5 - 15 minutes to aid digestion. Do eat small amount of sweet like fruits.


NIGHT --- take dinner between 6 - 7:30 pm. Eat fresh vegetables, salads, cooked veggies, whole grains, legumes followed by something sweet. (Rest same as lunch regime). Do not read or watch TV while eating. Always leave three hours gap between dinner and going to bed. Only consume warm herbal teas or warm water after dinner. Try to avoid any kind of stressful activity in the evenings. Retire to bed by 10 - 10:30 pm. Do not read, eat or watch TV while in bed.

Limit your intake of animal meat as it helps to stay fit and have a long healthy life.

WOMEN SAFETY

Over the last few years , the issue of Women's safety has become a major focus of public attention and concern. Women face high levels of violence. They are certainly unsafe on streets, running the daily risk of harassment, attack, assault, rape and murder. The traditional approach to women's safety is based on restrictions and fear. Women are told to stay away from places and situations that are potentially violent, to avoid public spaces and stay at home as much as possible, not to go out at night, not to travel alone, not to protest if someone misbehaves with them and so on.This restrictive approach does not really make women safer - if anything, it increases their vulnerability by forcing them to live in fear and creating the feeling in their minds of being helpless victim. Violence against women is not just a women's concern. Women's safety and security cannot be ensured through the efforts of women's organisation alone, no matter how committed or active they are. We believe that making women safer will have beneficial consequences for all citizens, and can happen only through partnerships between women and women's organisations, citizen's groups and community organisations, the police and law enforcement agencies, the administration and elected representatives. Discussions on women's safety must therefore begin from the recognition of women's right to a life free of violence. From this perspective , the responsibility for preventing violence and making women feel secure lies with society as a whole, not with women alone.
Although efforts have been taken to improve the status of women, the constitutional dream of gender equality is miles away from becoming a reality. The dominant tendencies have always been to confine women and women's issues in the private domain.

Get set to face the WINTERS!!

5 habits to help you face the winters


EAT WELL: winter is the perfect time to nourish yourself.this is because as the intake of the food increases, the body burns more energy in an attempt to keep you warm. The best way is to keep away from junk and oily food and binge on curries and chillies as they both fill you and keep you warm.

Increase the intake of Vitamins : vitamin C is present in fruits like amla, oranges, lime and lemons, which fights infection by enhancing the immune system. Vitamin A is present in carrots and papaya which you can relish under the sunlight and protect your skin as well. Vitamin prevents dry skin and wrinkles.

Exercise: the best way to keep yourself healthy is to eat hard but exercise harder. Regular exercise in winters improves the blood circulation, works up your muscles and keeps you warm.

Avoid excessive heat: any kind of direct exposure to cold air or to direct heat dries up your skin. Limit the use of open electric heaters and extremely hot water which dehydrates the skin.

Keep yourself hydrated: last but not the least drink at least 8 glasses of water to keep up your metabolism. Instead of regular tea and coffee, switch over to green tea that is rich in antioxidants.

Winning loser

BE A WINNER

The winner always has an answer
The loser always has a problem
The winner sees an opportunity in every difficulty
The loser sees a difficulty in every opportunity
The winner always plans
The loser always excuses
The winner says, " I will make it possible"
The loser says, "Its just impossible"