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Amla has radioprotective potential: Scientists MUMBAI, Dec 2: Several fruits and extracts including ‘Amla’, has tremendous "radioprotective potential" .....more JIH urges govt for wide consultation on anti-riot law NEW DELHI, Dec 2: The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind today urged the Centre to hold consultations on the proposed . .....more Computers a powerful communication tool for the blind AHMEDABAD, Dec 2: Computers, English and plays and poetry are ways that ....more Fence, surveillance raises Army’s ability to curb infiltration NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Erection of fence along the line of control and installation of sophisticated surveillance .....more |
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Dalai Lama hopes China will reconsider Delek’s execution BANGALORE, Dec 2: Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, today hoped that China will reconsider its .......more Film
on JP to be NEW DELHI, Dec 2: A film on Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Narayan, cleared by .....more World’s longest flute on display in Lucknow LUCKNOW, Dec 2: It is perhaps the world’s largest flute measuring 40 inches, the flute up for display at Shilp .....more Opposition sponsored no-confidence motion defeated in Haryana CHANDIGARH, Dec 2: An opposition sponsored no-confidence motion against the .....more |
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Kalyan to reply to all charges before Ayodhya panel today ...... SC orders CBI probe and seeks IG’s report on pappu supporters ...... |
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Amla has radioprotective potential: Scientists MUMBAI, Dec 2: Several fruits and extracts including ‘Amla’, has tremendous "radioprotective potential" which needs to be explored, according to papers presented at an international conference here. Emblica Officinalis, the English name of Amla belongs to the family of Euphorbiaceae and is extensively found in India. The fruits of this plant have been used in ayurveda as a potent "Rasayana". The radioprotective potential of this plant has not been fully explored so far, a team of researchers from the radiation and cancer biology laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, said in the paper. The study by Archana Jindal, Abhilasha Sharma, Inder Singh and P K Goyal, was aimed at finding the "radiomodulatory capacity" of the fruit extract of the plant and the paper was presented at the international conference on "recent trends in radiation biology" which coincided with the seventh biennial meeting of Indian Society for Radiation Biology. The conference was inaugureated yesterday by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar in presence of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Director Srikumar Banerjee. It was pointed out in the paper that recently some plants were screened out against radiation and the results were promising. These include hepatomed, ashwagandha, ocimum sanctum and rasayana. Tests were carried out on mice and the results were encouraging, the paper pointed out. In another paper presented by V Srinivasan, M R Landauer and K Sree Kumar of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Institute, Bethesda, US, it was pointed out that nutraceuticals (medicines prepared from food) as exemplified by flavonoids and isoflavones and nutritious factors such as vitamin E have radioprotective properties. "Our findings suggest additional evaluation of non-toxic nutraceuticals, and nutritional factors may lead to development of novel fieldable radioprotectors," the paper said. "The low toxicity of nutraceuticals and nutritional factors is an advantage over well known radioprotectors such as amifostine. Our institute has evaluated nutraceuticals (genistein) and nutritional factors (vitamin E, its analogs and trace elements like selenium) and is continuing evaluation of various class of compounds for radioprotective efficacy," the scientific paper said. In another paper on emblica officinalis, reseachers have pointed out that gastric ulcer is mainly caused by the imbalance in the "defensive and offensive factors" in gastric juice. The mechanism involved in the disruption of gastric mucosa involves the production of reactive oxygen species. Similar deleterious effect in the gastro-intestinal lining is also reported under radiation exposure. "Compounds with antioxidative and/or immunomodulatory properties can function effectively as an anti-ulcerogenic agent in addition to offering a radio-protection ability," the paper presented by Syanti Bhattacharya, Saurabh Chatterjee, Ajay Bauri, Jaya Kamath, T B Poduval, Subrata Chattopadhyay and Sandip Bandyopadhyay said. The team is from BARC’s bio-organic and radiation biology divisions and Department of Biochemistry of Dr P C Roy post-Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of Kolkata. Their study has revealed that emblica officinalis can exert a strong anti-ulcer action via its antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanism. Further, its in vitro radio protective activity coupled with augmentation of immune system might be useful against radiation-induced damages, including those on the gastro-intestinal linings, the paper said. Similarly, another paper by Prashasnika Gehlot and M R Saini of University of Rajasthan, pointed out the effectiveness of aloe vera leaf extract against low level exposure to gamma radiation-induced injury in intestinal Mucosa of Swiss Mice. Ruchi Pandey, Bhavani Shankar and K B Sainis of BARC in their paper pointed out that medicinal plants are a rich source of clinically important natural products. Tribulus terrestris is one such plant that has been extensively used in the traditional medicinal system over the years and anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties have been ascribed to it. Their research have shown that it too gives protection against radiation. (UNI) |
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JIH urges govt for wide consultation on anti-riot law NEW DELHI, Dec 2: The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind today urged the Centre to hold consultations on the proposed law on communal violence, especially with the minorities. "The Government should not act in haste, as it has in the case of scrapping POTA and setting up a commission on minority educational institutions. It should do proper homework and hold wide consultations, especially with the minority communities, while drafting the law," JIH president Muhammad Abdul Haq Ansari told reporters here today. He said that due to the Government’s "half-hearted" approach and haste, the ordnance replacing POTA was "not so effective" and carried on the legacy of the controversial terror law. The JIH also demanded a retrospective repeal of the anti-terror law. "The Commission on minority educational institutions also has been formed in haste, not taking into account several important issues," he said. Ansari also announced a 10-day national human rights campaign to be launched by the organisation tomorrow, as part of which a signature drive will be undertaken on the demands for a Prevention of Riots Act (PORA), Prevention of Genocide Act (POGA), including right to livelihood as a fundamental right and free and early justice for all citizens. The campaign will aim at creating awareness on human rights and will focus on the vulnerable sections such as dalits, minorities, women and children. "On December six, the day on which the Babri Mosque was demolished, special focus will be on protection of religious places of minorities," Ansari said. (PTI) |
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Computers a powerful communication tool for the blind AHMEDABAD, Dec 2: Computers, English and plays and poetry are ways that have helped the visually impaired in Gujarat ‘communicate’ and assert their Independence. "In today’s world, learning computers and English empowers the visually disabled", says Ranchod Soni, an instructor at the city-based Blind People’s Association (BPA), on the eve of the world disabled day tomorrow. "Computers bring independence to the blind. They have to equip and adapt to the changing technological scenario", Mr Soni, who is himself visually impaired, said. He said learning computers was most importance and BPA provided an in-service two-week training programme for the blind. Mr Soni shot to limelight after a documentary film ‘listening to shadows’ based on his life was shown at the International Film Festival of India in 1998. "Here, visually disabled persons working in various fields are taught the basics of computers including MS-word. At BPA, we have computers equipped with a software which speaks and helps the user navigate. Using this software, I can read any book after putting it on a scanner", Mr Soni said. "Computers have helped many visually disabled like me to communicate with the rest of the world. We now send and receive e-mails, write articles, read. In short, it has improved ‘communication’ in our lives. Computer skills, coupled with knowledge of English, have made us tremendously independent," he added. "We have an active computer club for the visually-disabled in Gujarat. The club members from different parts of the state like Rajkot, Botad, Vadodara and others meet once a month to exchange their views and discuss new developments in the field of computers", Mr Soni said. "We also occasionally hold poets’ meet, where blind poets from all over the state gather," said Mr Soni, who has himself written many poems. "These poems inspire the young students and help instil the creative element in them", he added. They also hold state-level drama competitions which have been a regular feature in the city since 1990. "Till now about 15 Gujarati dramas, all of them one-act plays, have been staged", Mr Soni said. Moreover, the blind children are also trained to read news on television. "News on braille is read out by blind persons on television once every year on January 4 and we train the students for that too", he added. (UNI) Fence, surveillance raises Army’s ability to curb infiltration NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Erection of fence along the line of control and installation of sophisticated surveillance devices has enhanced the Army’s ability to neutralise infiltration bids by terrorists, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Replying to written questions, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said electronic devices such as unattended ground sensors, battlefield surveillance radars, infra-red sensors, long-range reconnaisance and observation system and hand-held thermal imagers have been co-opted with the fence increasing the Army’s ability to detect and intercept terrorist infiltration bids resulting in substantial drop in infiltration. Mukherjee said the current strategy was adequate and has helped reduce infiltration compared to previous years and added that constant re-assessment of the strategy is undertaken to ensure that infiltration is further minimised. Replying to another question, Mukherjee ruled out revision of contract with the French fighter aircraft manufacturer dassault aviation and informed that delivery of mirage aircraft is expected between before January next year. Siachen: There is no shortage of winter clothing for soldiers manning the frontiers in Siachen glacier area and under the existing arrangement there are two sets of clothing. Hence, the proposal for a third set of clothing for the jawans was not under Government consideration. Pay anomaly: The Union Government has already implemented the recommendations of the group of ministers in October, 2000, which had removed certain anomalies in the pay scales of personnel below officer rank in the navy and air force arising out of trade rationalisation in the Army, the Defence Minister informed the Lok Sabha. He said the GoM, however, did not revise the remaining 19 pay scales because of the wide impact such revision would have on the pay scales of the central para-miitary forces and other civilian personnel. In reply to another query, Mukherjee said there is no proposal to set up coast guard stations as of now, saying that the country already had 27 coast guard stations at various locations. Tehelka: The Central Bureau of Investigation is yet to begin its inquiry into the Tehelka case and no time-frame has been laid down by the Government for completion of investigation by the agency, the Defence Minister said in reply to another question. Army land: The minister conceded that instances of transfer of land leases in cantonment areas have come to the notice of the Government and necessary action in such cases. Keltron: About Kerala Government’s offer to the Centre to transform all the units of Keltron into sophisticated units of defence production, the Government may examine this in detail, Mukherjee said in reply to another question in the Lok Sabha. (PTI) |
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Opposition sponsored no-confidence motion defeated in Haryana CHANDIGARH, Dec 2: An opposition sponsored no-confidence motion against the Om Parkash Chautala led INLD Government in Haryana was defeated in the State Assembly today amidst a walk out during the discussion stage itself by the opposition Congress following heated exchanges with the ruling benches. The defeat of the motion was known in hand as the inld had a comfortable majority in the 90-member House which has an effective strength of 72. Six members have no voting right, 10, including six of the BJP, have resigned and two have been disqualified. Of the effective 72 the ruling INLD has 46 while 19 are from Congress, one of BSP and five independents besides the Speaker Satbir Singh Kadian. The motion was moved by the acting leader of the opposition Ajay Yadav and signed by 24 other legislators. When the motion was put to vote the opposition benches were empty. Initiating the two-hour discussion former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal said that the Chautala Government in its more that four years od rule had failed on all front and they know that they will not return to power. The Government has failed to implement its pre-poll promises, including of free power and water and creating more jobs, he said. He said that the INLD was taught a lesson by the voters in the recent Lok Sabha poll when none of its 10 candidates could win. Bhajan Lal referred to the 123 page "charge sheet" submitted to the State Governor recently and urged the Chief Minister to set up a commission. "No body can save you," the former Chief Minister told Chautala adding that supplementary "charge sheet" were to come soon and they would send copies to the President and the Prime Minister. He charged the Chautala Government with not having been serious on the issue of SYL canal completion to bring Haryana’s share of Ravi beas water due to his friendship with former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Ajay Yadav said the Government through its brute majority had rejected 70 call attention notices submitted by the opposition in over four years. There have been irregularities in appointments, including those made through the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC), Yadav said adding that all powers had been centralised by the Chief Minister with himself. Another former Chief Minister Bansi Lal, who merged his Haryana Vikas Party (HVP) with the Congress recently charged the Government with having committed atrocities with the farmers, retrenching employees of various corporations, including minor irrigation tube well corporation and failing to maintain law and order in the state. Karan Singh Dalal, who recently merged his RPI with the Congress, dared Chautala to file defamation case against the seven member party committee which had prepared the charge sheet against Chautala and his family members and detected his assets which were disproportionate to his income. (PTI) |
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Kalyan to reply to all charges before Ayodhya panel today NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh will for the first time tomorrow reply to the Liberhan Commission probing the Aydohya demolition on all the charges against him related to the incident. The affidavit will be very comprehensive and will not need any further arguments, said Mr Singh’s counsel B B Saxena. However, the commission’s counsel Anupam Gupta said the witness may be cross-examined after he makes his submissions to the commission. The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, during whose tenure the disputed structure was demolished, had so far failed to appear before the commission despite summons. The commission was instituted in December, 1992, shortly after the demolition on December six. The senior BJP leader had also gone to the High Court to prevent the commission from forcing him to depose before it on the ground that his statement before it may prejudice the criminal case instituted against him in connection with the ayodhya demolition. He, however, appeared before the commission last month after the court vacated the stay granted to him on his appearance before the panel. He requested for some time to go through the records with the commission before making his submissions. The court had granted his request and fixed today and tomorrow for the hearing. Mr Singh today appeared before the commission and heard the audio cassette of a speech made by him at Kolkata on February two, 1993 which was submitted to the commission by former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu as evidence against him. The audio cassette was played on Mr Singh’s request to the courtafter which his counsel requested Justice Liberhan to give him time till tomorrow to prepare his affidavit in the light of the recordings in the audio cassette. Later, talking to mediapersons, Mr Singh confirmed that the speech recorded in the audio cassette produced by Mr Basu was made by him. "I have nothing to refute what I have said in connection with the demolition of the disputed structure in my speech," he said. Mr Kalyan Singh said he was not ashamed of what he had said and accepted the tape as genuine. In the speech, Mr Singh had said the demolition of the disputed structure was not a matter of shame and he had no regrets over it. Refusing to answer any questions on the stand he proposed to take tomorrow, Mr Kalyan Singh said, "just wait for tomorrow." The Commission had earlier closed all oral hearing in the case and asked all parties concerned to make written submissions if they wanted to make. Its term was to have been expired on September 30 but was extended by the UPA Government for another six months till March 31. Babri Masjid counsel Bahar U Barqui said they would request for cross examination of Mr Kalyan Singh after he submits his affidavit. The Commission headed by Justice M S Liberhan was set up by the Centre on December 16, ten days after the destruction of the disputed structure in 1992 . The commission is probing the sequence of events leading to the demolition of the disputed structure and into the charges of involvement of top leaders of the BJP, VHP, Shiv Sena and other organisations. Its terms of reference also include a probe into the allegedly inadequate security arrangements at the time of the Kar Seva on Decmber six which led to the demolition of the 16th century structure. Prominent among the perosns who have deposed before the commission so far are former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao during whose tenure the demolition took place, former deputy Prime Minister and now BJP president L K Advani and his party leader Uma Bharti. Other prominent figures who have appeared before the commission are former Prime Minister V P Singh, Union Ministers M M Joshi and some former officials of the UP Government. Mr Kalyan Singh is the last among the prominent persons connected with the whole episode to depose before the commission. (UNI) SC orders CBI probe and seeks IG’s report on pappu supporters NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Continuing to keep RJD MP Pappu Yadav under scanner, the Supreme Court today ordered CBI probe into the unruly behaviour of a large number of his supporters who had visited him unauthorisedly in Beur central jail. The court also sought a detailed report from Inspector General (prisons) of Bihar, Deepak Singh, on the incident which occurred during his surprise visit to the jail where Pappu Yadav is lodged in judicial custody after the Apex Court cancelled his bail in Ajit Sarkar murder case. The order was passed by a bench comprising Justice N Santosh Hegde and Justice S B Sinha taking suo motu notice of media reports about the large number of unauthorised visitors of Yadav, who created unruly scenes during the surprise check conducted by the IG. The court asked both the CBI and IG (prisons) to submit their reports on or before December 13 and posted the matter for hearing a day later. "We take notice of the news reports in media regarding the incident in Beur jail regarding unauthorised entry of certain persons. We direct the IG (prisons) to send a report in this regard to the court," the bench said. "The CBI is directed to make an independent inquiry into the matter and both the reports should be submitted to the court on or before December 13," the bench said. Right at the beginning of the hearing of the case, the bench asked additional Solicitor General Amarendra Saran, who appeared for CBI, as to whether he has seen the news reports about the incident pertaining to the Beur jail. Saran was quick to point out that an application has been filed by Ajit Sarkar’s brother seeking transferring Yadav from Beur jail to a prison outside the state. However, the bench decided to get the inquiry reports from the CBI and the IG (prisons) first before proceeding further in the matter. The Supreme Court has been monitoring the activities of Yadav for some time and had taken exception to the manner in which he was found "roaming" in the Madhepura constituency despite being in judicial custody. Thereafter, the Apex Court had cancelled the bail granted by the Patna High Court to Yadav in the murder case. A scuffle broke out yesterday between security personnel at the Beur central jail and supporters of Yadav during a surprise check by IG (prisons), who objected to the presence of "large number of unidentified visitors" meeting the MP. "There was a heated argument between supporters of Yadav and the jail staff during the visit of IG (prisons) Deepak Kumar Singh, but there was no violence," Bihar Minister for Jails Raghvendra Pratap Singh had said. IG (prisons) made a surprise inspection of the jail in the wake of reports that several jailbirds were making extortion calls to doctors and other professionals. (PTI) |
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