• A village with more than 1,000 peacocks!
• Janani Express scheme launched
• UP's 11th plan outlay stepped up to Rs 2.8 lakh crore
• Amer 2 ancient shrines found in Thane
• NRI, American friends to popularis polio drive in India
• From Peon to Lecturer, a Tribal's Success Story
• Eminent Social Worker Baba Amte Dies
• 74-year-old NRI to run London marathon

• Health mission to cover 100 cities in phase I
• Games hope for Gulmarg
• Party of disabled, orphans, widows in J-K
• Vitamin supplements 'may do more harm than good'
• 'India good enough to play Davis Cup World Group'
• Indian Navy takes new initiative
• Force India launches Formula One car
• Nation mourns death of Baba Amte

The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) will cover 100 cities, including the four metros and Bangalore, in the first phase. Of the 429 cities identified for the five-year-mission, which aims at improving the health of the urban poor and other disadvantaged sections, facilitating access to the health system, the remaining 329 will be covered in the second phase. This will benefit 22 crore people, with the focus on a five-crore slum population. All cities with a population above one lakh, State capitals and even district headquarters will be brought under NUHM purview. "This is the second largest health programme that will fill the lacunae created after the implementation of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and take care of the unmet needs in the fast urbanisation process," Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss told The Hindu here on Wednesday. The Rs. 9,159-crore mission, to be launched in a few months, would focus on private participation and insurance. "The scheme is likely to take off much faster due to awareness, presence of non-governmental organisations and better accessibility in the cities." The mission would need 4,500 Urban Health Centres acting as focal points; of these 2,500 existing structures would be strengthened, followed by priority to private-public partnership and creation of infrastructure. Each centre would be a referral point with the facilities of out-patient department and maternal healthcare. Accredited Social Health Activists of the NRHM in the cities would be known as Urban Social Health Activists, each catering for a population of 2,000.

Courtesy: www.hindu.com, February 25, 2008

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Yeh dil mange 'mor'
This is a village that lives up to its name, in every which way. Mor, in India's desert state of Rajasthan, has 1,500 peacocks living in harmony with the villagers. Sighting India's national bird may have become increasingly rare in Rajasthan, but not in Mor, the Hindi word for peacock, about 500 km from the state capital Jaipur. According to village lore, the family of Lasiyaji Gharawat from a village in Madhya Pradesh was the first to come and settle in this area years ago. On seeing the dense forests and the large number of peacocks inhabiting the place, they named the village Mor. "In a recent census, the place was found to be home to over 1,500 peacocks. Due to the good climate this year, the number of peacocks has multiplied and one can see many baby peacocks," a forest official told IANS. Villagers consider peacocks their family members. The birds, with their multi-hued plumes, walk in and out of courtyards fearlessly, proving the affinity the people have towards them.

And their safety is of prime concern.
"Peacocks have given recognition to our village and their safety is the concern of every person in the village. Villages even decorate their cattle with peacock feathers. The government should declare the area a peacock park," said Alkoo Bhai, a villager. "No poaching is reported from the area and we always keep a watch. All the villagers care for them," said Pappu, another villager. According to a recent survey by animal rights group People For Animals, as many as 10 peacocks are killed on an average every day in the state.

Courtesy: sify.com, February 20, 2008

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From a distance, all that is visible of Nissar Ahmad's village is a frozen white carpet dotted with ghostly rooftops. But that did not stop him plodding miles through knee-deep snow to reach Gulmarg. The young man has not come here to relish the beauty of the ski resort where the fifth national winter games got under way today. He believes a big sporting event will bring tourists to Dreng, his village barely 16km away. Buried under six feet of snow last month, Dreng made it to militancy-hit Kashmir's tourist map a few years ago, thanks to its mesmerising landscape. "My village is as beautiful as Gulmarg but very few tourists go there. When the national games were held here last time (in 2003), many tourists came to Kashmir later," said Ahmad, whose father earns a living by driving tourists on his sledge. This is precisely why the 8,700ft-high resort is hosting the games for the third time in 10 years. Around 450 players from 11 states are taking part in the five-day event that includes ice hockey, figure skating and slalom skiing. "We welcome tourists from every part of the country and abroad. Gulmarg has always remained peaceful even during turmoil from which our state is now emerging…. It is a valley of flowers and flower is a symbol of peace and love," said chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Sarmad Hafeez, the joint director of the state tourism department, said: "We are desperate to see Gulmarg play host to the Commonwealth winter games and today's event will boost our chances." The state has been struggling to revive the industry since militant strikes in 2005 saw tourists turning their backs on Kashmir after two good years. The numbers, however, started picking up last year with four lakh people visiting the Valley. Varun Thakur, a participant from Himachal Pradesh, said he did not understand why people should stop coming to "fascinating" Gulmarg. "Visitors feel safe here," added Gul Mustafa, Kashmir's lone Olympian and coach of the state skiing team.

Courtesy: www.telegraphindia.com, February 19, 2008

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National Rural Health Mission and Orissa Health & Family Welfare Department have jointly launched a new scheme called Janani Express to provide round the clock free transportations facilities to pregnant women. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and Orissa Health & Family Welfare Department have jointly launched a new scheme called Janani Express to provide round the clock free transportations facilities to pregnant women with a view to promote institutional deliveries. Official sources here said initially the scheme would be implemented in 124 blocks having a delivery load of more than 50 deliveries per month. The Janani Express aims at helping expectant women to deal with any emergency circumstances during the pre and post-delivery period. Besides, the eligible beneficiaries of the IMR Mission like sick infants would also be benefited by the transportation facility for their casual medical treatment under the scheme. The vehicles to be used would be available at the government hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres or any other suitable place in the respective areas. The vehicles would be well equipped with all the necessary facilities for carrying the expectant mothers to the health institutions. Drivers of these vehicles would have mobile phones to help them furnish information about the health status of the patients to the hospitals.

Courtesy: www.deccanherald.com, February 19, 2008

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Finding a democratic way to fight for their rights, the disabled, orphans and widows have floated a political party in Jammu and Kashmir that plans to contest the assembly elections later this year. The decision to field candidates in all 87 assembly constituencies was taken at the executive committee meeting of the All Jammu and kashmir Handicapped Party, its president G M Lone told reporters here today. The candidates' names would be announced shortly, he said adding the party would also act as a pressure group on the government "to discharge its responsibilities towards the handicapped". AJKHP has also demanded three per cent reservation for the disabled in government jobs, enhancement of the monthly honourium from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 and 50 per cent exemption on bus fares and electricity tariffs to enable them "to live like humans", Lone said. The assembly elections in the state are scheduled in September.

Courtesy: www.zeenews.com, February 19, 2008

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The eleventh plan (2007-2012) outlay for Uttar Pradesh has been stepped up to Rs 2,80,000 crore, a three and half times increase over the allocation made during the tenth plan. This was conveyed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to state Chief Minister Mayawati at a meeting to discuss issues pertaining to development of the state here on Monday. During the eleventh plan, the central government will provide an assistance of Rs 80,000 crore to the state, he told Mayawati. While assuring Mayawati of all central assistance for promoting welfare of the people of the state, Singh said the government had constituted a special group under the chairmanship of Planning Commission member B K Chaturvedi to prepare a roadmap for rapid economic development of UP. The Prime Minister told her that a special plan would be prepared for development of Bundelkhand, a backward region, with the help of the Planning Commission. While assuring Mayawati that the state's energy and connectivity needs would be met, Singh said that a Group of Ministers (GoM) was considering the state government's proposal to set up an international airport in Gautambudh Nagar district.

Courtesy: www.zeenews.com, February 19, 2008

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If you are banking on a vitamin supplement daily to make up for any deficiencies in your diet, you may be getting a whole lot more, or actually less, than you bargained for. Researchers in Europe have carried out a study and found that people who rely on vitamin pills, instead of eating a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, are doing more harm than good. According to them, three supplements -- Vitamin A, Vitamin E and beta carotene -- can increase mortality rates among those taking them. However, Vitamin C and selenium pills have no effect as such. "Our findings contradict the findings of observational studies claiming that antioxidants (commonly found in Vitamin supplements) improve health," the British media quoted lead researcher Goran Bjelakovic of Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark as saying. The researchers combined results of a number of clinical trials to judge the overall effects of vitamin pills. They analysed 47 low-bias trials, involving 180,938 people and found that vitamin supplements as a whole increased their death rate by five per cent. When the supplements were taken separately, beta carotene increased death rates by seven per cent, Vitamin A by 16 per cent, and Vitamin E by four per cent. Vitamin C gave contradictory results, but when given singly or in combination with other vitamins in good-quality trials, increased the death rate by six per cent, the researchers found. They, however, noticed that selenium was the only supplement to emerge with any credit -- it can cut death rates by ten per cent when given on its own or as supplements, but "the result is not statistically significant".

Courtesy: www.hindu.com, February 19, 2008

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Mahesh Bhupathi India's doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi Thursday said the country had a team promising enough to qualify for the World Group of Davis Cup tennis. "India now has a big chance of moving to the World Group if they play well," he said while addressing media in the city. The Asia-Oceania Davis Cup Group I semi-final against Japan is scheduled in April. If India beat Japan, they will advance to the World Group play-off and be within hand-shaking distance of regaining their position in the World Group. India, earlier, entered the semi-final last week, beating Uzbekistan 3-2 at the R K Khanna Stadium in Delhi. Lauding the youngster Prakash Amritraj for his courageous win over Farrukh Dustov in the decider, Bhupathi said, "I have great faith in Prakash Amritraj. I am a great believer in his ability. He is a great prospect for the Indian tennis. He can really do well in the coming days," On being asked about him pairing with Leander Paes, he said, "We don't see playing together before the Beijing Olympics." The Leander-Mahesh pair has not played together since December 2006, when they won the Asian Games doubles gold medal in Doha, after which they announced that they would never play together again. But lately both the players have said that country was much bigger than individual egos and they would always team up if it were a matter of playing for India. Talking about Sania Mirza opting out of the two tournaments in India this year, he said, "She is not fully fit. She is mentally fatigued. She is not in a position to play." Commenting that Sania has lot of tennis still left in her, Bhupathi said, "She has around six more years of tennis left and so skipping two tournaments in the country in one year will not make a big difference." Asked about the proposed Mahesh Bhupathi Tennis Academy in Kolkata, he said: "I went to see the land in Rajarhat New Town. The academy should be ready in a year's time. It will have four synthetic courts."

Courtesy: www.headlinesindia.com, February 15, 2008

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Sixty-four-year-old Anil Garg left India in 1970 for the United States, but for the last few years he has been visiting his homeland to motivate people to "fight the last battle against polio". "I have been visiting India every February since 2000 and have so far brought over 200 US nationals to this country to participate in the polio drive, interact with religious leaders and tell people about the benefits of polio drops," said Garg. A member of Rotary International in California, Garg is currently leading a group of nine American nationals and has already visited polio-prone districts like Moradabad and Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. "In 1999, we at Rotary International discussed the problem in India and senior officials told me to lead a group of volunteers to India for the cause," told Garg. Over the years, Rotary International has given India $74.3 million to fight the disease. A financial advisor by profession, Garg said when people come know that he and his friends have come from the US to make the drive effective, they look at the immunisation campaign differently. "The government of India is doing a good job to eradicate polio and our participation helps the larger cause. A lot of children come out of their homes to watch a group of white men (US nationals), and eventually they get polio drops," he smiled. His friend John Kenyon said, "I have been in Jaipur, Lucknow and Bareilly to participate in the immunisation drive. Interestingly, groups of village kids follow us and get polio drops from us." Indian Muslim clerics too have changed a lot over the years and are now listening to us. We generally tell them that polio drops are not against their kids' health but for their good health." And since religious leaders wield influence on their devotees, roping them helps the campaign immensely. Health authorities have been making a point that some Muslim clerics are against the drive, as they believe it aims at making Muslims impotent. However, things are changing slowly. India is number one in polio prevalence across the globe. In 2007, India reported 844 cases as against 676 cases the previous year. Across the globe, over 1,260 cases were reported in 2007. Garg said bringing US nationals also helps in raising money for the Rotary and finally this fund comes to India and other polio prevalent countries. "These people come to India, see the situation here and return as changed people. They either join the Rotary or donate money for the cause," he said pointing to another member of his team, Maud Kenyon. "I was not a Rotarian but after my husband (John) told me about the situation in India, I joined the Rotary. I am here to help the polio campaign become popular among people," said Maud, a psychologist by profession. "The field visit also helps us renew our commitment towards health causes. Let me tell you that the religious leaders in India are much more receptive than their counterparts in Nigeria. India's commitment to polio eradication is much stronger than others and that's why the most dangerous polio strain (P1) has been controlled in a major way in India," Maud added.

Courtesy: www.headlinesindia.com, February 15, 2008

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Indian Navy, the strongest in the region is now taking steps to strengthen the policing of the nearly 74 million square kilometres of the Indian Ocean, an effort to deal with the new emerging security threats. Last year 25 warships from five countries participated in ''war games'' in the Bay of Bengal. Now to police 73.6 million square kilometres of the Indian Ocean Region, the Navy will launch the first ever consultative mechanism on maritime issues, the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). It will have 31 countries including France, Djibouti, Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. Its goals include developing common doctrines and operational processes for speedy disaster relief. Strengthening the capability of members to counter maritime security challenges. The United States too has a similar platform, the Western Naval Pacific Symposium, comprising 21 members to achieve similar goals. However, the Indian Navy says it is not a military alliance. ''IONS is a non-hegemonic consultative mechanism designed to promote cooperation among navies in the Indian Ocean region,'' said Rear Admiral Pradeep Chauhan. But what does the new step signify. ''It is just a sign of growing India. India has one of the strongest navy in the region and it is good that they have taken the lead,'' said Kanwal Sibal, former Foreign Secretary. While several questions remain about the new security structure, one thing is clear - the Indian Navy has taken the lead to deal with new emerging security threats in the Indian Ocean Region.

Courtesy: www.ndtv.com, February 14, 2008

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Coming from an impoverished tribal background, he worked as a peon in a Jharkhand university. But now Sushil Tudu has beaten all odds to qualify as a lecturer in the same varsity. Tudu, in his 30s, is to be a lecturer in the Santhali language in Siddhu and Kanhu University in Dumka, around 400 km from here. "My selection has fulfilled my long cherished dream. I passed through some tough times in life," Tudu told IANS on phone from Dumka. He qualified for the post by sitting in the competitive Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination. Three tribal lecturers have been appointed in the Santhali language and Tudu is one of them. Tudu, who hails from the Simildohi village of Pakur district in Jharkhand, had been appointed a peon in Siddu and Kannhu University on compassionate grounds in 2004 after his elder brother died. Tudu lost his father at the young age of eight. He cleared his secondary examination in 1991 and despite financial difficulties continued his studies. He did his post-graduation in Santhali from Ranchi University and cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination in 2002. NET is a must for one to become a lecturer. But he was unable to get a job until the peon's job came his way. The highly qualified Tudu said: "It was indeed a difficult decision to work as a peon." He never gave up and finally Tudu qualified for the lecturer's post. Victor Tigga, the vice chancellor of Siddhu and Kanhu University, said: "It is a matter of great happiness that a tribal person has qualified for the lecturer's post. "I came to know that he was working as a peon in my university only after media reports on the matter. We will felicitate him later." Tudu, however, does not want to attract too much attention right now. He points out that candidates who did not make it in the JPSC exam have moved the Jharkhand High Court against the appointment of lecturers. "I will talk to you at length after I get the appointment letter," said Tudu.

Courtesy: www.boloji.com, February 09, 2008

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Force India launched their 2008 Formula One car on Thursday in Mumbai and co-owner Vijay Mallya was confident that the Ferrari-powered VJM01 would mark the start of better performances. An emotional Mallya said, "when India hosts her Grand Prix in 2010, Force India Formula One will be on the podium." With $120 million invested in the team, Mallya and his co-owners are looking for nothing less than a podium finish.

Courtesy: http://in.reuters.com, February 09, 2008

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Eminent social worker Murlidhar Devidas Amte, popularly known as Baba Amte, died Saturday at his Anandvan ashram here. He was 94 years old. The world-renowned leprosy worker had been suffering from blood cancer since the last six months and was being kept on life support system. He died at 4.15 a.m., his son Vikas told IANS. Baba Amte is survived by his wife Sadhana and sons Vikas and Prakash. His funeral will be held Sunday. A recipient of several national and international awards, including the Magsaysay, Padma Shree and Padma Vibhushan, Baba Amte established his leprosy rehabilitation centre at Anandvan in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra in 1951. The Gandhian held the nationwide Bharat Jodo campaign from December 1985 to April 1986 to promote peace and unite people across the country. The social worker was also famous for his environmental crusades, particularly the campaign against the building of the Narmada dam.

Courtesy: www.boloji.com, February 09, 2008

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President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday mourned the death of noted social activist Murlidhar Devidas alias Baba Amte, describing him as a "saint" and a "true Gandhian" who committed his life to the welfare of the destitute. "Baba Amte is a great example of a person who committed his life for the welfare of the destitute and needy," the President, who is on a visit to Jalgaon, said in her condolence message. Baba Amte, 94, died at his 'Anandvan' ashram in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district in the wee hours on Saturday. The Prime Minister in his condolence message described Amte as a "legend", and said the Gandhi Peace Prize winner's work in the upliftment of leprosy patients puts him in a "unique class of great national figures". "It is with a deep sense of grief and loss that I heard the demise of Baba Amte. A true Gandhian who worked hard to uphold Gandhian values in their true spirit, Baba Amte became a legend in his own lifetime," the prime minister said. He said Amte's efforts to unite people on national and Gandhian values and to eliminate all forms of discrimination and bias makes him a "saint of our times". "In this hour of sorrow, my heart reaches out to all those associated with Baba Amte and his millions of admirers across the nation. I pay homage to a truly great son of India," he said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said the country will forever remember the works done by Baba Amte for leprosy patients and poor people. Deshmukh described Amte as "a great social activist".

Courtesy: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com, February 09, 2008

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The sleepy village of Gunj in Wada taluka, about 60 km from Thane, was charged up after two ancient temples in complete ruins were discovered in the dense forest on Friday. The revelation was made by senior BJP leader Om Prakash Sharma when he visited the village recently. "I had undertaken the task of renovating the Parshuram temple that is located in the Mandakini Hills. As I was climbing the hill, I came across these two medieval temples. They were in complete ruins. It is said that they were plundered by the Moghuls hundreds of years ago. One of the temples belongs to Shiva and the other to Renukamata, who was Parshuram's mother," Sharma told TOI. Sharma has undertaken the task of renovating Parshuram temples in the state. According to him, there are only two Parshuram temples, one of which is at Chiplun in Ratnagiri district. Sharma had also embarked on a Parshuram yatra in November. Lord Parshuram is revered by Hindus and it is believed that it was he who created the coastal land from Kerala to Gujarat running through Kokan. Kokan is also known as Parshuram bhoomi. There are also mythological references suggesting that Parshuram, who strongly opposed evil, was gifted his bow and arrow by Lord Shiva. 'Parsha', a weapon given to him by Lord Ganesh, gave him the nomenclature by which he is known. Parshuram is also known as the sixth manifestation of Lord Vishnu. According to Sharma, the Shiva temple has carvings on its entrance and also has a 'pindi'. The temples are located near a lake at the foothills of Mandakini Hills, which is on the border of Wada and Bhiwandi talukas. The idols from the Renukadevi temple were reinstated in 1732 by Chimaji Appa, a warrior from Vasai, who renovated the Vajreshwari temple after it was destroyed by invaders. Sharma has planned a procession on February 17 to create awareness among villagers about monuments that lie hidden in jungles and other remote places. The village, which has a population of around three hundred people, is gearing up for the event.

Courtesy: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com, February 03, 2008

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74-year-old NRI Biman Mullick, a campaigner for clean air and self-confessed jogging addict, plans to run the 26.2 miles in the London marathon on April 13 this year. Biman, who is the honourary director of Cleanair: Campaign for a Smoke-free Environment, wants to draw public attention to smoking and its effects on health and the environment. He also wants to promote jogging as the simplest way to keep fit. Biman participated in the London marathon two years ago for the first time and finished in 6 hours and 42 minutes. Biman, a grandfather of three and, a former design lecturer at the Middlesex University, said: "Jogging is fun. I am totally addicted to jogging and, I am sure, it is a better addiction than an addiction to tobacco. Jogging costs nothing, it is the easiest way to keep fit and most people can jog." He also wants to raise funds for worthy causes.

Courtesy: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com, February 01, 2008

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