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Khaleda Zia’s chance DHAKA, May 22: Bangladeshi opposition leader Khaleda Zia faces yet another....more Exercise
can replace COPENHAGEN, May 22: Most older people with so-called type 2 diabetes ....more Person
not eligible LONDON, May 22: Attorney General Soli Sorabjee has refused to comment on the swearing-in of ....more A
prodigy doing NEW DELHI, May 22: "I want to become Junior bill Gates and the second Michael Jackson." It is no child........more |
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Python swallows LUSAKA, May 22: A python swallowed a baby minutes after it was born near the central Zambian town of Serenje, state television reported. ........more
Dalai
Lama to meet WASHINGTON, May 22: In a move that could renew tensions between the United States and.......more China
assures Pakistan on BEIJING, May 21: China today assured Pakistan that friendly ties and cooperation between the two countries would .........more |
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Khaleda
Zia’s chance of returning to power DHAKA, May 22: Bangladeshi opposition leader Khaleda Zia faces yet another tough test to her leadership as the four-party alliance sits soon for climactic negotiation on selecting common candidates for 300 parliamentary constituencies. Her chance of returning to power as well as fate of the alliance virtually hinge on allocation of seats without blowing much dust in the air, news network said in its pre-election analysis on the planned opposition coalition. It said the loose-knit alliance, which now looks slightly brittle because of intriguing politics, had once agreed on a three-point agenda of "united movement, united election and united Government" to end Awami League rule. Now, it’s engaged in quiet parleys to set modalities for seat-sharing among Bangladesh National Party (BNP), Jatiya Party (Matin-Naziur), Jamaat and IOJ. The exercise of fielding common candidates comes a little after the opposition camp was shaken in the final phase of its oust-Government movement, the first of the three-point agenda, with the defection of a major player. The analysis says since it had no option at the moment but to prepare for electoral battle, Begum Khaleda’s allies, especially the Jamaat-i-Islami, exerted pressure on the BNP leadership for completing the seat-sharing job well ahead of the ballotting. The alliance would have liked to settle the matter after the fall of the Hasina Government or announcement of an election schedule. But ground realities have reversed the opposition’s mind for completing the tricky task right away. Another plausible reason for the Jamaat and others to go in for seat-sharing in advance is a report that the bnp has unilaterally finalised candidates and some of them began campaigning in their constituencies. The unconfirmed news scared the Jamaat and others, created doubts and distrust, and forced the smaller allies to tell bnp to distribute seats without delay. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia did not disagree when Jamaat chief Matiur Rahman Nizami and IOJ leaders met her recently with the plea. She was learnt to have asked her secretary-general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan to start initial work by formulating modalities for choosing common candidates. Quoting Jamaat leader Abdul Qader Mollah, the network said the negotiations were likely to start month’s end. A coordination committee, with at least two representatives from each party, would be formed to make primary selection of candidates. The committee would submit the list to top alliance leaders for final approval. Opposition strategists admitted it wouldn’t be easy to select common candidates from the lists of all the four parties keeping everybody satisfied. What could be the guidelines is still anybody’s guess. One criterion may be that the alliance would first select existing MPs of BNP and Jamaat and then it may go for the candidates who secured second position in the last election or those who have by now become popular and promising in their constituencies. The results of 1991 election might also come under consideration. Another criterion may be block allocations — distributing specific number of seats among the four allies and then picking up prospective candidates from the respective quota. It’s a tough and time-consuming exercise, a senior bnp leader said and added that a lot of factors were involved in making a choice — intricate arithmetic, high partisan politics, candidates’ personal charisma and so on. Although a small faction of Ershad’s Jatiya Party (JP) remains with the alliance, bnp has changed it’s mind about distribution of seats. Now BNP may give around 50 to 70 to its partners, which would, of course, depend on bargaining by negotiators from respective parties. Alliance sources hinted that Jamaat would ask for more than 50 seats, JP (Matin-Naziur) 25 and IOJ 15. After handing out seats to its partners, BNP may also consider some nominations from outside the alliance for those who can add weight to the coalition for putting up an effective challenge to the Government, the analysis said. The ’96 election results show that Awami League won 146, BNP 116, Jatiya Party 32, Jamaat three, JSD 1, IOJ 1 and an independent bagged one. A resume on the BNP, JP and Jamaat performances in the last election shows that apart from the seats won, BNP had been in second place in 113, JP in 37 and Jamaat in 14 seats. If claims are laid on the basis of the first and the second places won by parties at the last polls, out of 300 seats, 229 go to bnp, 17 to Jamaat and 69 to Jatiya Party. But this arithmetic would not work as the main JP has deserted the alliance. It is difficult to calculate the strength of JP (M-N) that’s still within the alliance. (UNI) |
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Exercise can replace insulin for elderly diabetics: Research COPENHAGEN, May 22: Most older people with so-called type 2 diabetes could stop taking insulin if they would do brisk exercise for 30 minutes just three times a week, according to new medical research results reported in the copenhagen newspaper Berlingske Tidende. Results from tests conducted on diabetics at the Copenhagen Central Hospital Rigshospitalet’s Center for Muscle Research showed that physical exercise can boost the body’s ability to utilise insulin by 30 per cent, the newspaper reported yesterday. This is equal to the effect most elderly diabetics get from their insulin medication today, it said. Reseachers had a group of non-diabetic men and a group of men with type 2, all more than 60 years of age, exercise on bicycles six times a week for three months. After the three months the doctors measured how much sugar the test subjects’ muscles could utilise as a measure for how well their insulin worked. Associate Professor Dr. Flemming Dela of the Muscle Research Center said the tests demonstrated that the exercising diabetics had just as high insulin utilisation as the healthy non-exercising persons. "This means that the insulin works just as well for both groups. Physical exercise is not a cure people of diabetes, but it can eliminate almost all their symptoms. At the same time it can put off the point at which they have to begin taking insulin or perhaps completely avoid insulin treatment," Dela was quoted as saying. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, controlling sugar in the body and used against diabetes. Dela said that to achieve the desired effect diabetics need only exercise to the point where they begin to work up a sweat, but that the activity has to be maintained since it wears off after five days without sufficient exercise. Most diabetics realise that they have to watch their diet while remaining unaware of the importance of exercise, dela added. (DPA) |
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Person not eligible for election if conviction not stayed: AG LONDON, May 22: Attorney General Soli Sorabjee has refused to comment on the swearing-in of Jayalalitha as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister despite her conviction in a corruption case but feels there is a "strong view" that if the conviction is not stayed, the person is not eligible for contesting election. "The Governor thought there was no legal impediment in the way of her being sworn in and there are two opinions - and one of them, a strong one, is that if the conviction is not stayed, the person is not eligible for election," he told `Asia Today’ programme of BBC world last night. He, however, hastened to add he could not say any more about it because "it’s likely I may have to take a stand in the court of law on this issue." Asked whether there was a question of morality on the issue, Sorabjee said "I don’t think morality plays very much in the elections, and as far as I can see corruption doesn’t seem to be a very major issue with the people not only in India but...In other parts of South East Asia also." To a question whether there was a growing disenchantment among the people about corruption cases like the Bofors, which has been dragging on for more than ten years, he said "it started ... In 1990 when V P Singh was Prime Minister. Thereafter, when the Congress Government came it was very clear that they had completely slowed down the process. Then it has started again and now the investigations are over and the trial has started." "But mind you, of course, the wheels of the criminal justice system move slowly. But don’t forget the conviction of former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. Jayalalitha has also been convicted," Sorabjee said. He said the courts were too much pressured. "These courts should take up these cases on a day-to-day basis and be very strict about requests for adjournment, which are made on account of the counsel’s illness or the client’s illness." Asked what he as Attorney General proposed to do to speed up justice, Sorabjee said in the Indian system "this really falls under the lot of the law minister. The Attorney General is the constitutional office-holder but he is very serious about it." He said he has started a scheme known as fast track courts which will recruit the services of retired judges and "we do hope to clear it up as soon as we can." (PTI) |
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A prodigy doing Gates, Jackson proud NEW DELHI, May 22: "I want to become Junior bill Gates and the second Michael Jackson." It is no child fantasy for 12-year-old Priyanshu Roy, who is already the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and Microsoft Certified Internet (MCP+I) and System Engineer (MCSE) in the country. He is also the youngest classical guitarist in the world, set to compose his own raga and has already edited a book of poems. When Priyanshu’s sixth class final exams were going on, he cleared the MCP within 15 days to set a new record. He followed this by doing his (MCSE) in three months. Priyanshu is also the youngest Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) in the world and has passed the fifth year Sr Diploma in Instrument Music from Allahabad. He is also a diploma holder in vocal music and has edited a book of poems "Hamari Tehran Kavitain - Kargil Hamara Hai", besides performing on numerous television shows. "I manage my time properly and therefore I have time for all the activities that I want to do," says Priyanshu, who has got double promotions and is now in the ninth standard. "It is all god’s gift and due to the support of my parents who recognised my talent and gave me the encouragement to pursue my interests," says the prodigy in Delhi’s Apeejay School, Saket. Priyanshu’s father Pravin Kumar is an engineer with DDA and his mother Asha Mutreja is a teacher. "Everything about the computers excites me especially browsing the internet and learning new skills on the machine," says the computer whizkid who has his own website now cuite-commerce.Com. But how does it feel to be the centre of attention and that too at such a young age? "It feels good as you can meet so many important people who tell you interesting things," says Priyanshu while asserting that it does not in any way interfere with his enjoying a normal childhood. "Besides working on computers, I like playing cricket, table tennis and video games," says Priyanshu who "rarely watches movies". Priyanshu has a place in the Limca Book of Records for being the youngest stage performer at an age of three years and three months. "His interest in music developed at a very early age when we gifted him with a guitar on his third birthday. We always found him keen to learn music," says Priyanshu’s mother. It is no surprise that the talented youngster is also involved in synthesizing music with the help of the computer. "I want to use the modern technology to create a Ragaa called the Ragaa Peelii on Mohan Veena. Here Peelii stands for peace, education, environment, love, integrity and independence," he says. But is there something he dislikes? "Powercuts," he says immediately. "We have them two or three times a day and they don’t allow me to work on my computer," says Priyanshu who has not lost his innocence inspite of his innumerable achievements and the accolades he has received. "I also want to change the education system in my country," he says emphatically. "I want to take my tenth standard examination, but I am not being allowed to because I am underage. In other countries there is no such restriction and I want this restriction to be removed in India too." Priyanshu’s parents are seeking the permission of the authorities for him to appear in the examination. "He has received offers from outside but we want him to complete his initial education in the country itself," says asha. "I like Michael Jackson because he is an amazing performer and Bill Gates for his innovative mind and contribution to information and technology. And I want to be like both of them," says Priyanshu. But isn’t it a strange combination? "yes, but then it is also the best," points the young achiever. (PTI) |
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Python swallows new-born Zambian baby LUSAKA, May 22: A python swallowed a baby minutes after it was born near the central Zambian town of Serenje, state television reported. Heavily pregnant Joyce Mibenge was on her way to plough fields two kilometres (one mile) from her home when she went into labour, ZNBC reported yesterday. Halfway home, she was overwhelmed by labour pains and retreated into a nearby bush to rest. "She gave birth there on her own. After a few moments when she had recovered enough to hold her baby she saw a happy python licking the legs of the baby with the rest already swallowed," ZNBC said. The traumatised mibenge pulled herself to her feet, fled to her home and raised the alarm, but searching villagers were unable to find the snake. She did not even know whether she had had a boy or girl. (REUTERS) |
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Dalai Lama to meet with Bush today WASHINGTON, May 22: In a move that could renew tensions between the United States and China, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama is scheduled to meet with President George W Bush and his entire foreign policy team during his three-day visit to the US commencing tomorrow. A State Department official told UNI that the Dalai Lama would also meet with US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage. He, however, clarified they were meeting him in his capacity as a spiritual leader. A Tibetan official said the Dalai Lama, who has been in the US for a week now, will arrive here tomorrow on the last leg of his visit for a meeting with Mr Bush. He is also slated to address the John Hopkins University on Thursday. The Bush administration had appointed a senior State Department official as coordinator for Tibet last week, while the US Congress has introduced a bill seeking to legitimise the Dalai Lama as the leader of tibet. It says China should hold talks with him to arrive at a negotiated settlement of the tibetan issue. (UNI) |
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China assures Pakistan on friendship and cooperation BEIJING, May 21: China today assured Pakistan that friendly ties and cooperation between the two countries would remain intact despite changes in the domestic and international scenario. In separate congratulatory messages to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Chinese President Jiang Zemin as well as Premier Zhu Rongji noted that "both countries trust and understand each other and have been cooperating closely with each other". "Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan 50 years ago, the two sides have always been abiding by the five principles of peaceful coexistence and respecting, understanding, trusting and closely cooperating with each other," Jiang was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua news agency. In his message to Pakistan’s military ruler Pervez Musharraf, Rongji said the mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of politics, economy, culture and science and technology between the two countries has progressed in an all-round way. "No matter how the domestic and international situation changed, the Sino-Pakistani friendly cooperative relations have always maintained a healthy trend of development," he said. Jiang noted that "the friendly bilateral relations not only accord with the common wishes and fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, but also benefit the maintenance and promotion of peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large". Pakistani leaders, including President Muhammad Rafiq Tarar and military ruler Gen Musharaf have also sent congratulatory messages to their Chinese counterparts, Xinhua said. In his message to Jiang, Tarar noted that Pakistan-China friendship had stood the test of time and has been growing in strength and vitality despite far-reaching changes in the international environment. "Our two countries oppose international and regional hegemony and have been striving for a just international political and economic order," he said. Gen Musharaf said, "both Pakistan and China are resolved to reinforce their abiding friendship and all-round partnership during the new century for the mutual benefit of their two peoples and for peace, stability and development in the region." "In the years ahead we will continue our high-level contacts, enhance our economic cooperation and intensify people-to-people contacts," he said. Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan also sent a message to his Pakistani counterpart, Abdul Sattar, to mark the anniversary. Two Chinese navy warships are also visiting Karachi port as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations. People-to-people contacts," he said. (PTI) |
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