Like the scourges of dowry and female foeticide a generation ago, honour killings seem to be spreading to newer areas. Not many years back we use to think that this kind of barbarism happens only in remote and tribal areas or countries like Pakistan, Iran and Dubai but unfortunately now it is very much in our home in our own nation.
The question here arises is it really only in the name of honour? These days every few weeks a new honour killing captures headlines, to a chorus of condemnation around the nation.
The double standard we play here is at one end we have not just intercaste or intercommunity but also inter-religion marriages being accepted as normal. At the other end we have parents and relatives poisoning, hacking, and burning alive youngsters because they married on their own, in the name of family honour.
The number of love marriages might have gone up in the metros in past years but the reality remains different honour killing, where men or women are killed by their kin or other members of their caste, is still very rampant in many parts of India. But the question is why this heinous crime is committed?
How can you kill innocent people, your relatives, just to protect your family's so called honour? Is it actually for the sake of family honour? I doubt. Is a family’s honour compromised only when a youngster marries outside the caste? In a country having scams galore from national to local level, isn’t it amazing that there has been no killing to wipe away the blot of corruption?
It is very unfortunate that the caste system and blind beliefs in India has turned into a social evil for many especially the youngsters. I wonder how many young people have lost their lives unfortunately by their own family members or relatives in the name of honour . And there are many more who are at the gunpoint of this rigid belief system. I am not against the traditional belief systems that exist in India. But what baffles me is the fact that so many innocent lives are lost in the name of this belief.
Though many of us associate the term more with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan than with 21st century India, honor killings are shockingly frequent in villages in the northern and northwestern parts of the country, where those daring to cross the barriers of caste are made to pay with their lives
So, what's the answer? Should we make all reasonable efforts to stamp out this practice around the world, or should we leave it well enough alone? If we decide to combat it, how should we go about it?
India is world’s largest democracy and in a country where people have the right to voice their opinions freely, to be young and to marry the person of your choice shouldn’t be fatal anymore. The fact is, what we are seeing are not honour killings at all. These are murders to defend an old order that has nothing but contempt for individual freedom.
-Anubha K. Singh
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
'Buying IPL team not my cup of tea': Saif
Wondering what's brewing with Saif these days? It's all about his cup of tea! At a recent visit to Hyderabad, the actor shared some interesting tea tales, while speaking about his upcoming films and more. The suave and stylish Chote Nawab was dressed casually in denims and a white shirt, Saif looked ready to beat the Hyderabad heat.
Any special reason to visit city of Nizams?
I don't come here often. I was doing some post-production work for my film Agent Vinod and in between all that, I had some time, so I decided to come here.
What's special about your tea?
I love tea and that's why I am the brand ambassador of a tea brand. Drinking tea is an experience. It's special. It has to appeal to all your senses and leave you mesmerised.
What is more interesting acting or producing?
Film production is exciting, more creative than acting. It turns out to be fun if right people are hired.
Tell us more about Agent Vinod?
A lot is being written about the film and the characters that Kareena and I are playing. It would be wrong to say that the heroine plays a spy or has a negative role. Agent Vinod is an action adventure film, that's all I can say for now. Instead of assuming, one should wait for a proper announcement to be made which will happen soon.
Love Aaj Kal in Telugu how do you feel about it?
I am happy that it is now being remade in Telugu. It's always better to generate original stuff than resort to copying. And if you want to re-make a film, buy the rights. I have sold the rights for remake of the film.
Planning to remake films from Tollywood?
I haven't seen many South Indian films. But the kind of response that Ghajini and Wanted received, shows that content from southern cinema is appealing. Of course, not all films from the south will meet the same fate if remade in Hindi, because the sensibilities of the audience vary from region to region.
Any regrets with not winning the IPL bid?
I was interested in buying an IPL team, but only at a certain price. I think IPL's a hugely successful enterprise and a great business venture. But buying an IPL team is not my cup of tea at the moment.
How is life after Padmashree awards?
It's a great compliment and an encouragement for an actor like me to receive such an honour. The responsibility to do good work has increased. After all, I have to be worthy of the award.
—Anubha K. Singh
Any special reason to visit city of Nizams?
I don't come here often. I was doing some post-production work for my film Agent Vinod and in between all that, I had some time, so I decided to come here.
What's special about your tea?
I love tea and that's why I am the brand ambassador of a tea brand. Drinking tea is an experience. It's special. It has to appeal to all your senses and leave you mesmerised.
What is more interesting acting or producing?
Film production is exciting, more creative than acting. It turns out to be fun if right people are hired.
Tell us more about Agent Vinod?
A lot is being written about the film and the characters that Kareena and I are playing. It would be wrong to say that the heroine plays a spy or has a negative role. Agent Vinod is an action adventure film, that's all I can say for now. Instead of assuming, one should wait for a proper announcement to be made which will happen soon.
Love Aaj Kal in Telugu how do you feel about it?
I am happy that it is now being remade in Telugu. It's always better to generate original stuff than resort to copying. And if you want to re-make a film, buy the rights. I have sold the rights for remake of the film.
Planning to remake films from Tollywood?
I haven't seen many South Indian films. But the kind of response that Ghajini and Wanted received, shows that content from southern cinema is appealing. Of course, not all films from the south will meet the same fate if remade in Hindi, because the sensibilities of the audience vary from region to region.
Any regrets with not winning the IPL bid?
I was interested in buying an IPL team, but only at a certain price. I think IPL's a hugely successful enterprise and a great business venture. But buying an IPL team is not my cup of tea at the moment.
How is life after Padmashree awards?
It's a great compliment and an encouragement for an actor like me to receive such an honour. The responsibility to do good work has increased. After all, I have to be worthy of the award.
—Anubha K. Singh
Gold prices soar on Akshaya Tritiya
The onset of Akshaya Tritiya season this year has made the jewellers in the city keep their fingers crossed, with the skyrocketing price of the yellow metal. Yet, with the sentiment of purchasing gold during Akshya Tritiya engrained in the minds of Indians, perhaps, there may not be any dearth of buyers.
It's a day of roaring business for jewellers, with people thronging shops to buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya, considered auspicious for starting new ventures or making new purchases.
Over the years, like many other festivals, Akshaya Tritiya too, with the sentimental value of well-being of the household attached to it, has come to make its own space in the State.
Almost more than 1500 and odd jewellery shops located at Abids, Basheerabagh, Siddiamber Bazaar, Charminar, General Bazaar, Banjara Hills and Pot Market in Secunderabad will be crowded this week as customers, especially women will make a beeline for the gold.
Coins and lightweight jewellery are mostly in demand. After April, things have started to look up and sales have become normal as people are ready to splurge on gold but still rates are fluctuating.
Expressing concern over gold prices hitting the roof, Jitten Parmar, One of the partners from Shree Raj Jwellers said: "We expect 10 to 15 per cent increase in sales from last year though the current high prices are a cause for concern. A lot of advance bookings are already happening."
Banners and posters with special discount offers on diamonds and gold jewellery exclusively made for the brides in connection with the ongoing marriages are placed in many shops. In some centres, the shop owners made arrangements by opening special counters with deploying additional staff to tackle the customer rush.
This time, not only jewellers, but banks also made arrangements for selling gold. "Walk into our bank and purchase pure gold," said the SMS messages sent across by the banks to their customers.
—Anubha K. Singh
It's a day of roaring business for jewellers, with people thronging shops to buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya, considered auspicious for starting new ventures or making new purchases.
Over the years, like many other festivals, Akshaya Tritiya too, with the sentimental value of well-being of the household attached to it, has come to make its own space in the State.
Almost more than 1500 and odd jewellery shops located at Abids, Basheerabagh, Siddiamber Bazaar, Charminar, General Bazaar, Banjara Hills and Pot Market in Secunderabad will be crowded this week as customers, especially women will make a beeline for the gold.
Coins and lightweight jewellery are mostly in demand. After April, things have started to look up and sales have become normal as people are ready to splurge on gold but still rates are fluctuating.
Expressing concern over gold prices hitting the roof, Jitten Parmar, One of the partners from Shree Raj Jwellers said: "We expect 10 to 15 per cent increase in sales from last year though the current high prices are a cause for concern. A lot of advance bookings are already happening."
Banners and posters with special discount offers on diamonds and gold jewellery exclusively made for the brides in connection with the ongoing marriages are placed in many shops. In some centres, the shop owners made arrangements by opening special counters with deploying additional staff to tackle the customer rush.
This time, not only jewellers, but banks also made arrangements for selling gold. "Walk into our bank and purchase pure gold," said the SMS messages sent across by the banks to their customers.
—Anubha K. Singh
Early onset of monsoon likely
It was a pleasant surprise for Hyderabadis who were caught unawares by a sudden spell of rain. Relief from the scorching sun is on the way for Hyderabadis and people living in different parts of the State, especially the Coastal region, in the next few days. The Meteorological Department officials said on Monday that advance rainfall was likely in the State capital and other parts of the State due to a depression that had formed over the Bay of Bengal.
The depression is the result of the strengthening and deepening of westerly winds and increased pressure gradient over the Bay of Bengal. This will gradually bring down soaring temperatures in the next one week. The weatherman said a maximum temperature of 42.3°C was recorded in Hyderabad on Monday and that it would come down to a bearable 38°C by the weekend.
"I love riding my bike in the rain. It was unexpected but much welcomed. The cool breeze, which accompanied the rain, was a welcome relief. It's been so hot since last week so the sudden change in weather was just perfect," said G Ravi.
In the coastal region, the heavens may open up in the next couple of days.
The depression that has formed over the Bay of Bengal, 1,050 km off the Visakhapatnam coast in south easterly direction, is likely to intensify further and develop into a deep depression.
Under its influence, coastal Andhra Pradesh is likely to experience fairly widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places. Squally winds with speeds reaching up to 45-50 kmph are likely along the coastal region. The state of sea will be rough to very rough and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for the time being.
Meanwhile, the much-awaited southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala by May 31. The monsoon may cross the Andhra coast at Nellore in the first week of June. According to the Met Department, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala three days in advance, if moisture in the air is high. If the monsoon sets in AP early, it would be a record of sorts since southwest monsoon has never arrived in advance. In fact, it was delayed by a maximum of seven days in the past.
The depression is the result of the strengthening and deepening of westerly winds and increased pressure gradient over the Bay of Bengal. This will gradually bring down soaring temperatures in the next one week. The weatherman said a maximum temperature of 42.3°C was recorded in Hyderabad on Monday and that it would come down to a bearable 38°C by the weekend.
"I love riding my bike in the rain. It was unexpected but much welcomed. The cool breeze, which accompanied the rain, was a welcome relief. It's been so hot since last week so the sudden change in weather was just perfect," said G Ravi.
In the coastal region, the heavens may open up in the next couple of days.
The depression that has formed over the Bay of Bengal, 1,050 km off the Visakhapatnam coast in south easterly direction, is likely to intensify further and develop into a deep depression.
Under its influence, coastal Andhra Pradesh is likely to experience fairly widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places. Squally winds with speeds reaching up to 45-50 kmph are likely along the coastal region. The state of sea will be rough to very rough and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for the time being.
Meanwhile, the much-awaited southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala by May 31. The monsoon may cross the Andhra coast at Nellore in the first week of June. According to the Met Department, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala three days in advance, if moisture in the air is high. If the monsoon sets in AP early, it would be a record of sorts since southwest monsoon has never arrived in advance. In fact, it was delayed by a maximum of seven days in the past.
Auto Show South 2010, a big hit
With all major carmakers making their presence felt at the Auto Show South 2010 at the Hitex in Madhapur by rolling out their latest models, the show turned out to be a treat for prospective buyers and car enthusiasts.
An exhibition was set to make drooller out of the entire city, Auto Show South 2010, the premier regional automotive event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in conjunction with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), was held from May 13 to 16 at the Hitex Exhibition grounds. The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association of India (FADA) also supported the event.
The show was intended to focus on the south Indian market. The exhibition comprised the latest in cars, bikes, SUVs, car accessories, video systems and GPS navigation schemes. Participating companies include the global giants, including General Motors, Skoda Auto, Honda, Fiat, Mercedes, Toyota, Tata Motors and M&M.
The Indian automotive industry has witnessed an unprecedented boom in recent years, owing to the improvement in living standards of the middle class, and a significant increase in their disposable incomes. With southern region being one of the most important markets and contributors for this growth, the first Auto Show South in Hyderabad aimed to facilitate larger regional exposure, display of latest products on offer, technology transfer, one to one interaction with the end customers, promote sales and provided opportunities to make network with the automobile and related industries.
Premier vehicles, some of which are the Hybrid Prius, New Prado Diesel, Land Cruiser and Fortuner, were kept on display. The visitors present also took participation in go- karting, torture track, safety rides, vehicle launches, puc campaign, etc.
The first day of the event was exclusively for the media, the second day was for the manufacturers and dealers, and the last 2 days was for the general public.
"To promote automotive manufacturing clusters in AP, the APIIC is developing exclusive automotive parks near Toopran and Chevella on the outskirts of Hyderabad and also at Naidupet in Nellore district," Chief Minister Rosaiah said.
An exhibition was set to make drooller out of the entire city, Auto Show South 2010, the premier regional automotive event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in conjunction with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), was held from May 13 to 16 at the Hitex Exhibition grounds. The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association of India (FADA) also supported the event.
The show was intended to focus on the south Indian market. The exhibition comprised the latest in cars, bikes, SUVs, car accessories, video systems and GPS navigation schemes. Participating companies include the global giants, including General Motors, Skoda Auto, Honda, Fiat, Mercedes, Toyota, Tata Motors and M&M.
The Indian automotive industry has witnessed an unprecedented boom in recent years, owing to the improvement in living standards of the middle class, and a significant increase in their disposable incomes. With southern region being one of the most important markets and contributors for this growth, the first Auto Show South in Hyderabad aimed to facilitate larger regional exposure, display of latest products on offer, technology transfer, one to one interaction with the end customers, promote sales and provided opportunities to make network with the automobile and related industries.
Premier vehicles, some of which are the Hybrid Prius, New Prado Diesel, Land Cruiser and Fortuner, were kept on display. The visitors present also took participation in go- karting, torture track, safety rides, vehicle launches, puc campaign, etc.
The first day of the event was exclusively for the media, the second day was for the manufacturers and dealers, and the last 2 days was for the general public.
"To promote automotive manufacturing clusters in AP, the APIIC is developing exclusive automotive parks near Toopran and Chevella on the outskirts of Hyderabad and also at Naidupet in Nellore district," Chief Minister Rosaiah said.
Voters' enrolment drive from May 28
Special voters' enrolment drive would be conducted between May 28 and June 12 with a target to achieve 100 per cent voter enrolment in the State. The Election Commission of India (ECI) held state-level consultations on Improving Electoral Rolls Management recently in city.
The Chief Electoral Officer has convened a meeting of representatives of political parties, university vice-chancellors, voluntary organisations, welfare associations, senior officials of various departments and others to take their views on voter enrolment programme.
The decision came only after the members and representatives of various political parties in the State urged State Chief Electoral Officer IV Subba Rao to take up necessary corrections in the voters' list and steps for the new voter I-card enrolment.
The members also urged the CEO to take steps ensuring that the names of the voters, who carried EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) be mentioned in the voters' list in the polling stations during elections.
As part of the drive, about 500 voter enrolment centres would be opened in colonies and bastis. A tracking system would also be set up to know the status of those who have applied for enrolment. Besides, e-seva centres will be utilised for the service of voters' enrolment and drop boxes would be set up at every public place.
This time the main focus would be on the first-time voters who have just turned 18 years and are not getting enrolled. According to recent survey by the ECI only about 30 per cent of the eligible voters in this age group were currently enrolled. The remaining 70 per cent needed to be registered in the electoral rolls. The ECI would also enter into an MoU with the Universities, Residential Associations and SHG groups for the purpose.
The 12-day exercise will involve publication of the draft rolls on May 28 followed by submission of claims and objections till June 12. The claims and objections would be disposed of by June 26, the database will be updated by July 10 and the final rolls will be published on July 17. In respect of the 12 Assembly constituencies in the twin city, the database would be updated by June 30 and the final rolls published on July 12.
The Chief Electoral Officer has convened a meeting of representatives of political parties, university vice-chancellors, voluntary organisations, welfare associations, senior officials of various departments and others to take their views on voter enrolment programme.
The decision came only after the members and representatives of various political parties in the State urged State Chief Electoral Officer IV Subba Rao to take up necessary corrections in the voters' list and steps for the new voter I-card enrolment.
The members also urged the CEO to take steps ensuring that the names of the voters, who carried EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) be mentioned in the voters' list in the polling stations during elections.
As part of the drive, about 500 voter enrolment centres would be opened in colonies and bastis. A tracking system would also be set up to know the status of those who have applied for enrolment. Besides, e-seva centres will be utilised for the service of voters' enrolment and drop boxes would be set up at every public place.
This time the main focus would be on the first-time voters who have just turned 18 years and are not getting enrolled. According to recent survey by the ECI only about 30 per cent of the eligible voters in this age group were currently enrolled. The remaining 70 per cent needed to be registered in the electoral rolls. The ECI would also enter into an MoU with the Universities, Residential Associations and SHG groups for the purpose.
The 12-day exercise will involve publication of the draft rolls on May 28 followed by submission of claims and objections till June 12. The claims and objections would be disposed of by June 26, the database will be updated by July 10 and the final rolls will be published on July 17. In respect of the 12 Assembly constituencies in the twin city, the database would be updated by June 30 and the final rolls published on July 12.
Heavy rains bring city life to a grinding halt
Heavy rains lashed twin city on Tuesday bringing the temperature considerably down. While it bought cheer as the first major rain this monsoon, it also exposed the poor preparation of the city to deal with the monsoon.
Normal life was thrown out of gear as several low-lying areas, including Lakdikapul, were inundated with water. Motorists had to negotiate with waterlogged roads near Nampally, Abids, Begumbazaar after pre-monsoon showers lashed Hyderabad.
The tall claims of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and State Government about their preparation for the monsoon were exposed. Tuesday's showers showed that the city is ill prepared to face the monsoons and people are now dreading waterlogged roads and overflowing drains in the coming weeks. Low lying areas in Panjagutta, Khairatabad, Lakdi ka pul, Erram Manzil, Mehdipatnam, Toli Chowki and Dilsukhnagar and several other neighbourhoods were flooded with both drain and rain water.
Overflowing open drains added to people's woes. Vehicular traffic was thrown out of gear in several areas in the central part of the city as almost all the roads were waterlogged. A traffic police official, who was trying to manage traffic at the busy Panjagutta crossing, said the waterlogging was mainly due to the outdated drainage system.
The southwest monsoon is all set to reach Andhra Pradesh from June 5 and the State is expecting copious rains this time. Southwest monsoon is very crucial for State as it brings around 80 per cent of the rainfall that the State annually gets. The State witnessed drought in many districts last year because of adverse weather conditions between June-October.
The Indian Meteorological Department said southwest monsoon would hit the State in next five days. Normally, southwest monsoon enters AP on June 5," said Dr M Satya Kumar, director of Hyderabad Meteorological Centre.
—Anubha K Singh
Normal life was thrown out of gear as several low-lying areas, including Lakdikapul, were inundated with water. Motorists had to negotiate with waterlogged roads near Nampally, Abids, Begumbazaar after pre-monsoon showers lashed Hyderabad.
The tall claims of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and State Government about their preparation for the monsoon were exposed. Tuesday's showers showed that the city is ill prepared to face the monsoons and people are now dreading waterlogged roads and overflowing drains in the coming weeks. Low lying areas in Panjagutta, Khairatabad, Lakdi ka pul, Erram Manzil, Mehdipatnam, Toli Chowki and Dilsukhnagar and several other neighbourhoods were flooded with both drain and rain water.
Overflowing open drains added to people's woes. Vehicular traffic was thrown out of gear in several areas in the central part of the city as almost all the roads were waterlogged. A traffic police official, who was trying to manage traffic at the busy Panjagutta crossing, said the waterlogging was mainly due to the outdated drainage system.
The southwest monsoon is all set to reach Andhra Pradesh from June 5 and the State is expecting copious rains this time. Southwest monsoon is very crucial for State as it brings around 80 per cent of the rainfall that the State annually gets. The State witnessed drought in many districts last year because of adverse weather conditions between June-October.
The Indian Meteorological Department said southwest monsoon would hit the State in next five days. Normally, southwest monsoon enters AP on June 5," said Dr M Satya Kumar, director of Hyderabad Meteorological Centre.
—Anubha K Singh
Rising mercury gives residents a tough time
Soaring mercury coupled with constant power cuts has put residents in the city in hardships. Residents who are already facing a tough time with Hyderabad experiencing a maximum of 41.5 degrees Celsius to 42.5 degrees Celsius, the season's highest temperature so far, are also worried over the sudden power cuts in different spells in many parts of the city that is continuing throughout the day and even in night-- sometimes in various localities.
The local Meteorological office has forecast that the heat wave conditions would prevail over Telangana and isolated parts of Rayalaseema during next two to three days. Besides, mainly dry weather is likely to prevail over coastal Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema regions. The Met officials warned that the mercury would increase a couple of degrees further with maximum temperature likely to hover around 43 degrees Celsius in coming days.
Many parts of the State are in the grip of a heat wave with day temperatures shooting up rapidly in the last few days. Heat wave conditions are prevailing in Adilabad, Karimnagar Mahbubnagar, Krishna and other districts apart from Hyderabad. After a gap of 10 years, Hyderabad has been experiencing the highest day temperature of around 42.5 degrees Celsius for the last few days.
The mercury is continuing to soar and there is no respite from the heat in sight. The constant power cuts are also not a very good news for many schools that are revising their academic calendar, making changes to protect children from the harsh sun.
Delhi Public School, Gachibowli, has reduced school timings by an hour and the management has announced vacations would start a week in advance, from April 17 as against on April 24 citing "summer'' as the reason. "The normal school timing is 8 am to 3 pm but now it has been changed to 7.45 am to 1.30 pm.
Schools designated as SSC exam venues have been asked by the state government not to run afternoon classes because of the sweltering conditions. In addition, almost all CBSE schools in the city have either cut short school timings or have announced an early vacation.
The local Meteorological office has forecast that the heat wave conditions would prevail over Telangana and isolated parts of Rayalaseema during next two to three days. Besides, mainly dry weather is likely to prevail over coastal Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema regions. The Met officials warned that the mercury would increase a couple of degrees further with maximum temperature likely to hover around 43 degrees Celsius in coming days.
Many parts of the State are in the grip of a heat wave with day temperatures shooting up rapidly in the last few days. Heat wave conditions are prevailing in Adilabad, Karimnagar Mahbubnagar, Krishna and other districts apart from Hyderabad. After a gap of 10 years, Hyderabad has been experiencing the highest day temperature of around 42.5 degrees Celsius for the last few days.
The mercury is continuing to soar and there is no respite from the heat in sight. The constant power cuts are also not a very good news for many schools that are revising their academic calendar, making changes to protect children from the harsh sun.
Delhi Public School, Gachibowli, has reduced school timings by an hour and the management has announced vacations would start a week in advance, from April 17 as against on April 24 citing "summer'' as the reason. "The normal school timing is 8 am to 3 pm but now it has been changed to 7.45 am to 1.30 pm.
Schools designated as SSC exam venues have been asked by the state government not to run afternoon classes because of the sweltering conditions. In addition, almost all CBSE schools in the city have either cut short school timings or have announced an early vacation.
Hoardings, a cause of concern as GHMC shows double standards
Motorists, two-wheeler riders, auto-rickshaw passengers and bus commuters in Hyderabad, particularly those zooming around the VVIP zones, can breathe easy. That is if the twin developments in the past ten days are taken as pointers and are implemented in totality.
The decision of the city police urging the GHMC authorities and the respective advertisers to do away with billboards and hoardings from areas frequented by VVIPs is a significant development.
The police top brass feels that this would go a long way in curbing terror menace as they apprehend that the billboard boxes could be used to plant bombs. Perhaps that may hold true from the security point of view. However, it comes as a whiff of fresh air for drivers and riders for altogether different reasons.
Saidulu, who operates Route No 49M that passes through most of the VIP roads, has a more pragmatic opinion. He points out, "By removing hoardings, I can assure you that there will be a dramatic reduction in the number of road accidents. The blaring and gaudy hoardings are major distractions." The GHMC has decided to remove advertising lollipop boards in three roads frequented by the Chief Minister and other VVIPs.
The lit up boards will now be replaced with single sheet lollipops on the central medians of Raj Bhavan, NTR Marg and Secretariat to begin with. Altogether 10 roads have been identified as those having regular VVIP movements requiring a change in the boards of the more than 20 such roads having box type illuminated lollipops.
However, instead of the box-type lollipops, new slate-type ones will be allowed. But no permission would be given for any kind of advertisement board under flyovers.
On one side, GHMC looks more concerned about the VVIPs and on the other hand it doesn't seems so caring for the common public by permitting the LED hoardings to light up again. Earlier, there was a strong opposition from the traffic department for allowing such hoardings as it was causing distractions and leading to road accidents.
The then Chief Justice pulled up the Municipal Corporation to High Court for allowing such hoardings as it was causing "distractions" and leading to road accidents and High Court had ordered to shut down these hoardings.
Earlier decision was taken up in the wake of a unipole collapse incident on Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, near KBR Park in April 2007, which claimed a life. The High Court also viewed it seriously and asked the GHMC to shut hoardings. Close on the heels of this incident, another life was lost when an advertisement board had fallen off a shopping mall at Santosh Nagar.
But now such LED hoardings already installed at the old spots of Rasoolpura, Greenlands and Somajiguda circle will come to life soon. Now the interesting part will be to see how the traffic department will react to the decision of the GHMC.
As of now, there are about 3,000 lollipops, including some under flyovers, on 12 main roads where VVIPs frequent. The GHMC earns Rs 37 crore advertisement revenue through hoardings, unipoles, and lease of advertisements on bus shelters, lollipops, ads on central median and electricity poles.
—Anubha K Singh
The decision of the city police urging the GHMC authorities and the respective advertisers to do away with billboards and hoardings from areas frequented by VVIPs is a significant development.
The police top brass feels that this would go a long way in curbing terror menace as they apprehend that the billboard boxes could be used to plant bombs. Perhaps that may hold true from the security point of view. However, it comes as a whiff of fresh air for drivers and riders for altogether different reasons.
Saidulu, who operates Route No 49M that passes through most of the VIP roads, has a more pragmatic opinion. He points out, "By removing hoardings, I can assure you that there will be a dramatic reduction in the number of road accidents. The blaring and gaudy hoardings are major distractions." The GHMC has decided to remove advertising lollipop boards in three roads frequented by the Chief Minister and other VVIPs.
The lit up boards will now be replaced with single sheet lollipops on the central medians of Raj Bhavan, NTR Marg and Secretariat to begin with. Altogether 10 roads have been identified as those having regular VVIP movements requiring a change in the boards of the more than 20 such roads having box type illuminated lollipops.
However, instead of the box-type lollipops, new slate-type ones will be allowed. But no permission would be given for any kind of advertisement board under flyovers.
On one side, GHMC looks more concerned about the VVIPs and on the other hand it doesn't seems so caring for the common public by permitting the LED hoardings to light up again. Earlier, there was a strong opposition from the traffic department for allowing such hoardings as it was causing distractions and leading to road accidents.
The then Chief Justice pulled up the Municipal Corporation to High Court for allowing such hoardings as it was causing "distractions" and leading to road accidents and High Court had ordered to shut down these hoardings.
Earlier decision was taken up in the wake of a unipole collapse incident on Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, near KBR Park in April 2007, which claimed a life. The High Court also viewed it seriously and asked the GHMC to shut hoardings. Close on the heels of this incident, another life was lost when an advertisement board had fallen off a shopping mall at Santosh Nagar.
But now such LED hoardings already installed at the old spots of Rasoolpura, Greenlands and Somajiguda circle will come to life soon. Now the interesting part will be to see how the traffic department will react to the decision of the GHMC.
As of now, there are about 3,000 lollipops, including some under flyovers, on 12 main roads where VVIPs frequent. The GHMC earns Rs 37 crore advertisement revenue through hoardings, unipoles, and lease of advertisements on bus shelters, lollipops, ads on central median and electricity poles.
—Anubha K Singh
Green Murder: GHMC flout rules, cuts trees for CM's smooth ride
All over the world people are talking of climate change. It seems India, especially Hyderabad, doesn't seem to be concerned about it. The puffed-up clouds of pollution are only growing day by day and have stretched across the city. Environmentalists say unauthorised felling of trees should be stopped and should set off alarm bells in Hyderabad and residents must unite to expand the city's green cover. But the irony is that the State Government itself is not concerned about it.
GHMC around the helipad near the State Secretariat has cut nearly 24 trees recently. The trees were cleared to ensure a smooth ride for the CM's flight in his chopper. The trees had been translocated to the spot a few years ago to add aesthetic value to the drive. The GHMC officials did not even bother to take permission from the forest department, as per the Water, Land & Trees Act (WALTA), before initiating the operation.
While the neighbour state Tamil Nadu had recently set up an example by making its assembly and secretariat building a green home, the other way round Andhra Pradesh government seems to be more interested in green murder.
Branches of four neem trees surrounding a small temple inside the helipad complex were also cut in the process. Most of the trees were planted around 8-10 years ago. According to WALTA, permission has to be sought from the forest department to fell any tree in the city and nobody, GHMC included, is authorised to take such arbitrary decisions.
On any given day, Chief Minister K Rosaiah may use Begumpet helipad with his convoy for any state tour but on Wednesday morning Rosaiah chose to avoid Begumpet and instead heli-hopped to Mahbubnagar from the Secretariat helipad and this gives a clear clue of why suddenly more than 24 trees were cruelly chopped on Tuesday night.
This is the season when trees are most useful as they keep the atmosphere cool. This is unfortunate that the state government is not bothered about them. The green murder was done in the presence of five officials including SP (Intelligence) security wing SA Quadri, city security wing ACP Moosa bin Ibrahim, secretariat section officer Raja Reddy and secretariat health inspector Govardhan. A landscape manager from Huda, Hari Mohan Reddy, was also present at the site when the trees were felled.
GHMC around the helipad near the State Secretariat has cut nearly 24 trees recently. The trees were cleared to ensure a smooth ride for the CM's flight in his chopper. The trees had been translocated to the spot a few years ago to add aesthetic value to the drive. The GHMC officials did not even bother to take permission from the forest department, as per the Water, Land & Trees Act (WALTA), before initiating the operation.
While the neighbour state Tamil Nadu had recently set up an example by making its assembly and secretariat building a green home, the other way round Andhra Pradesh government seems to be more interested in green murder.
Branches of four neem trees surrounding a small temple inside the helipad complex were also cut in the process. Most of the trees were planted around 8-10 years ago. According to WALTA, permission has to be sought from the forest department to fell any tree in the city and nobody, GHMC included, is authorised to take such arbitrary decisions.
On any given day, Chief Minister K Rosaiah may use Begumpet helipad with his convoy for any state tour but on Wednesday morning Rosaiah chose to avoid Begumpet and instead heli-hopped to Mahbubnagar from the Secretariat helipad and this gives a clear clue of why suddenly more than 24 trees were cruelly chopped on Tuesday night.
This is the season when trees are most useful as they keep the atmosphere cool. This is unfortunate that the state government is not bothered about them. The green murder was done in the presence of five officials including SP (Intelligence) security wing SA Quadri, city security wing ACP Moosa bin Ibrahim, secretariat section officer Raja Reddy and secretariat health inspector Govardhan. A landscape manager from Huda, Hari Mohan Reddy, was also present at the site when the trees were felled.
Not many doctors for Parkinson's disease
This could be your grandfather or even your father expecting to bask in the sunset of his life, he gets a dire prognosis Parkinson's Disease (PD) is going to be his firm friend for the rest of his life. Parkinson's is a complex disease that varies greatly among affected individuals.
The "cardinal" symptoms of PD are resting tremor, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), postural instability (balance problems) and rigidity. Some other physical symptoms such as gait problems, reduced facial expression, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, speech and swallowing problems, etc are also of note.
The surgery for Parkinson's Disease, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been available in India since1999 but there have been not too many takers. Cost of the around Rs 5.5 lakh in a private hospital and approximately 3.5 lakh in government hospitals. In Hyderabad NIIMS is the only hospital to give treatment for Parkinson's disease and in all over India only 10 centres including NIIMs provide treatment for PD.
India is also observing a major shortage of specialists for movement disorder and that is the main reason that there are no good numbers of training centers or specalised centers for the cure of disease. In India, there is not a single training center in movement disorder. Training in movement disorder abroad is offered in US, UK and Canada in the form of a fellowship programme.
Shortage of movement disorder specialists, movement disorder clinics and genetic lab facilities plague the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder, which encompasses diseases like Parkinson's disease.
"The number of patient with Parkinson's disease is significantly increasing with the passing years. Many people don't know the dos and don'ts of the disease. There is a need of awareness among the people," said Dr Manoj Kumar Singh, Consultant Neurologist, Medwin Hospital.
"Many hospitals don't give treatment for PD because the patient needs to be hospitalised and given special care. It's not a contagious disease but again the patient requires special attention and need to be kept in a separate room. To some extent, PD also depends upon the hereditary conditions in family," he added.
Speaking on shortage of movement disorder specialist he said, "After spending as many as 11 years to become a neuro surgeon or a neuro physician, a neurologist does not evince interest in undergoing further training in movement disorders. By the time, a person becomes a neurologist; he is at least 35-year-old and does not prefer further education".
Statistics say one per cent of the older population above the age of 60 years suffer from PD. In India, that is around one million, given that the elderly constitute almost 10% of the population. "The extrapolated figures based on a Swedish study puts the number affected at 2 million by 2010. What is more worrying is that about 15-20% of the cases being detected are among the relatively young those below the age of forty, in the prime of their life. "What is shocking is that out of the nearly one million patients of this disease in our country, so far only about five thousand have reportedly contacted any expert doctors.
To popularise the specialty and enhance cure of movement disorder patients, experts suggest that the government should support setting up genetic lab facilities. "Private organisations should participate in setting up genetic lab facilities," opines Dr U Muthane, additional professor, neurology, NIMHANS, Bangalore.
—Anubha k. Singh
The "cardinal" symptoms of PD are resting tremor, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), postural instability (balance problems) and rigidity. Some other physical symptoms such as gait problems, reduced facial expression, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, speech and swallowing problems, etc are also of note.
The surgery for Parkinson's Disease, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been available in India since1999 but there have been not too many takers. Cost of the around Rs 5.5 lakh in a private hospital and approximately 3.5 lakh in government hospitals. In Hyderabad NIIMS is the only hospital to give treatment for Parkinson's disease and in all over India only 10 centres including NIIMs provide treatment for PD.
India is also observing a major shortage of specialists for movement disorder and that is the main reason that there are no good numbers of training centers or specalised centers for the cure of disease. In India, there is not a single training center in movement disorder. Training in movement disorder abroad is offered in US, UK and Canada in the form of a fellowship programme.
Shortage of movement disorder specialists, movement disorder clinics and genetic lab facilities plague the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder, which encompasses diseases like Parkinson's disease.
"The number of patient with Parkinson's disease is significantly increasing with the passing years. Many people don't know the dos and don'ts of the disease. There is a need of awareness among the people," said Dr Manoj Kumar Singh, Consultant Neurologist, Medwin Hospital.
"Many hospitals don't give treatment for PD because the patient needs to be hospitalised and given special care. It's not a contagious disease but again the patient requires special attention and need to be kept in a separate room. To some extent, PD also depends upon the hereditary conditions in family," he added.
Speaking on shortage of movement disorder specialist he said, "After spending as many as 11 years to become a neuro surgeon or a neuro physician, a neurologist does not evince interest in undergoing further training in movement disorders. By the time, a person becomes a neurologist; he is at least 35-year-old and does not prefer further education".
Statistics say one per cent of the older population above the age of 60 years suffer from PD. In India, that is around one million, given that the elderly constitute almost 10% of the population. "The extrapolated figures based on a Swedish study puts the number affected at 2 million by 2010. What is more worrying is that about 15-20% of the cases being detected are among the relatively young those below the age of forty, in the prime of their life. "What is shocking is that out of the nearly one million patients of this disease in our country, so far only about five thousand have reportedly contacted any expert doctors.
To popularise the specialty and enhance cure of movement disorder patients, experts suggest that the government should support setting up genetic lab facilities. "Private organisations should participate in setting up genetic lab facilities," opines Dr U Muthane, additional professor, neurology, NIMHANS, Bangalore.
—Anubha k. Singh
IT youth welcome ESMA Act
For the first time in the country, the State government has come out with an order bringing the IT industry under the purview of Essential Services Maintenance Act of 1971. The main intention to bring the IT industry under the cover of ESMA was because of political and communal tension in the city.
The move has come in the State at a time when it is finding ways to tackle the Telangana issue, which threatens to jeopardise the prospects of the economy. A representation was made by the National Association of Software & Service Companies (Nasscom), the industry's representative body, on February 15 this year in the wake of the agitations for a separate Telangana state, which started in December 2009 that crippled business and threatened the image of 'Brand Hyderabad'.
The Hyderabad Software Exporters Association and Nasscom had taken up the issue with Chief Minister K Rosaiah because the IT professionals had to stay away from work in December because of the ongoing Telangana agitation. The week-long curfew during the recent communal riots had also hit the movement of personnel and food supplies across Hyderabad.
The allied services, which kept the software industry running such as travel, transport and hospitality, would also be exempted and the employees in those services would not be allowed to go on strikes under the ESMA Act.
"It's a good step by Nasscom and State Government. The ESMA act will ensure proper functioning of software and other IT industries in State. This move by the government would help the IT industry in Hyderabad in winning back the confidence of the clients and bring back the lost glory," said, A Prabhakar, software engineer.
Not to forget, some offices of IT companies were attacked in Hyderabad, and during the frequent bandhs, attendance in IT offices was badly affected impacting productivity and customer confidence.
"It's a positive step by the State government, now any employee or organisation cannot resort to strikes. Also, they cannot cite bandhs or a curfew as an excuse not to report to work. With the industry being declared an Essential Service, all this will be passé," said Aditya Sarat, an IT employee. Since 1995, the software industry had driven a blooming BPO and ITeS services industry in Andhra Pradesh, providing jobs to over 3.2 lakh software engineers directly and another 15 lakh persons indirectly.
—Anubha K. Singh
The move has come in the State at a time when it is finding ways to tackle the Telangana issue, which threatens to jeopardise the prospects of the economy. A representation was made by the National Association of Software & Service Companies (Nasscom), the industry's representative body, on February 15 this year in the wake of the agitations for a separate Telangana state, which started in December 2009 that crippled business and threatened the image of 'Brand Hyderabad'.
The Hyderabad Software Exporters Association and Nasscom had taken up the issue with Chief Minister K Rosaiah because the IT professionals had to stay away from work in December because of the ongoing Telangana agitation. The week-long curfew during the recent communal riots had also hit the movement of personnel and food supplies across Hyderabad.
The allied services, which kept the software industry running such as travel, transport and hospitality, would also be exempted and the employees in those services would not be allowed to go on strikes under the ESMA Act.
"It's a good step by Nasscom and State Government. The ESMA act will ensure proper functioning of software and other IT industries in State. This move by the government would help the IT industry in Hyderabad in winning back the confidence of the clients and bring back the lost glory," said, A Prabhakar, software engineer.
Not to forget, some offices of IT companies were attacked in Hyderabad, and during the frequent bandhs, attendance in IT offices was badly affected impacting productivity and customer confidence.
"It's a positive step by the State government, now any employee or organisation cannot resort to strikes. Also, they cannot cite bandhs or a curfew as an excuse not to report to work. With the industry being declared an Essential Service, all this will be passé," said Aditya Sarat, an IT employee. Since 1995, the software industry had driven a blooming BPO and ITeS services industry in Andhra Pradesh, providing jobs to over 3.2 lakh software engineers directly and another 15 lakh persons indirectly.
—Anubha K. Singh
Residents get contaminated water
It is just like rubbing salt on the wounds, when the people who are facing scarcity of water in the peak of the summers get contaminated water in their homes. Residents of the Road No 14, Lambadabasti, who line up for collecting drinking water from the tap provided by the local corporator, had got contaminated water in the water supply a few days ago.
"Since, pressure of water at houses is low we prefer to collect water from this tap that serves more than 20 households," points out one of the women. The usage of motor-pumps has prompted several women to go to the tap for fetching water.
As usual on April 29, when women started collecting water, they felt something unusual. Some sewage material along with the water fell into their containers and after witnessing that there has been change in the colour, these women stopped collecting water for more than two days. After the issue was taken up with the department, an assurance from an official of the Waterworks was made. Even though the women who were reassured started collecting water from the same place, there is a growing concern about the safety of the drinking water.
Local corporator B Bharati said that the issue which was taken up with the authorities has been solved and there would be no further problems related with the issue. "I have personally taken up the issue on Tuesday and Wednesday, which has been solved," she assured. She said that scarcity of water might have been in few of the areas, on the whole people are being provided alternative supply of water. "At several places, a project to install syntax tanks has been taken up," she added.
"Since, pressure of water at houses is low we prefer to collect water from this tap that serves more than 20 households," points out one of the women. The usage of motor-pumps has prompted several women to go to the tap for fetching water.
As usual on April 29, when women started collecting water, they felt something unusual. Some sewage material along with the water fell into their containers and after witnessing that there has been change in the colour, these women stopped collecting water for more than two days. After the issue was taken up with the department, an assurance from an official of the Waterworks was made. Even though the women who were reassured started collecting water from the same place, there is a growing concern about the safety of the drinking water.
Local corporator B Bharati said that the issue which was taken up with the authorities has been solved and there would be no further problems related with the issue. "I have personally taken up the issue on Tuesday and Wednesday, which has been solved," she assured. She said that scarcity of water might have been in few of the areas, on the whole people are being provided alternative supply of water. "At several places, a project to install syntax tanks has been taken up," she added.
Many historical structures yet to be notified
Seeking to provide impetus to the initiative on conservation of heritage structures in and around the city, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has come out with new concepts. As part of this, it has been proposed to earmark heritage zones and avenues in places to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) that boast of historicity and architectural values too.
In addition to this the authority has also mooted another proposal to have property tax for the listed heritage structure, which has been ignored till now. Thus the money can be saved and ploughed back into the maintenance and upkeep of these structures. The idea had been discussed with the GHMC and is to be forwarded to the government for consideration.
But what is more shocking is the present status of the prominent historical sites of twin cities. According to a recent survey by the civil groups and archeaological experts, more than 50 historic buildings of the city are awaiting notifications from the heritage conservation committee, for more than four to five years now.
There are still many prominent historical sites, which are yet to be notified in the historical listings of Hyderabad's heritage. Many of these structures are lying in dilapidated condition and if any further and instant step is not taken the city may lose the heritage value of these structures.
Even restoration work of several listed heritage structures are yet to take off. Experts now fear that such negligence might further dampen Hyderabad's already deteriorating heritage value. Among the several listed heritage structures that are, for long, awaiting restoration and are under consideration for notification are the Nampally Sarai, the old Jail Khana in Monda Market, the Moazzam Jahi market, Chest Hospital, King Koti Palace and many more such structures in city.
As per the heritage rules, once a heritage structure or monument is notified or certified by the concerned authorities they are bound to protect it or ensure about its upkeep, but the irony here is neither the State Government nor the concerned department officials are solemn about the issue. Meanwhile, a recent presentation for the Heritage Conservation Committee brought out by the HMDA stresses the need to suggest and prescribe architectural guidelines for heritage areas on the basis of certain unique characteristics and with respect to urban design, heritage and environment.
—Anubha K. Singh
In addition to this the authority has also mooted another proposal to have property tax for the listed heritage structure, which has been ignored till now. Thus the money can be saved and ploughed back into the maintenance and upkeep of these structures. The idea had been discussed with the GHMC and is to be forwarded to the government for consideration.
But what is more shocking is the present status of the prominent historical sites of twin cities. According to a recent survey by the civil groups and archeaological experts, more than 50 historic buildings of the city are awaiting notifications from the heritage conservation committee, for more than four to five years now.
There are still many prominent historical sites, which are yet to be notified in the historical listings of Hyderabad's heritage. Many of these structures are lying in dilapidated condition and if any further and instant step is not taken the city may lose the heritage value of these structures.
Even restoration work of several listed heritage structures are yet to take off. Experts now fear that such negligence might further dampen Hyderabad's already deteriorating heritage value. Among the several listed heritage structures that are, for long, awaiting restoration and are under consideration for notification are the Nampally Sarai, the old Jail Khana in Monda Market, the Moazzam Jahi market, Chest Hospital, King Koti Palace and many more such structures in city.
As per the heritage rules, once a heritage structure or monument is notified or certified by the concerned authorities they are bound to protect it or ensure about its upkeep, but the irony here is neither the State Government nor the concerned department officials are solemn about the issue. Meanwhile, a recent presentation for the Heritage Conservation Committee brought out by the HMDA stresses the need to suggest and prescribe architectural guidelines for heritage areas on the basis of certain unique characteristics and with respect to urban design, heritage and environment.
—Anubha K. Singh
Wanna have a cup of coffee
These days the determined couples are seeking in new-age cafeterias such as Barista, Café Coffee Day, Costa Coffee, Café Rico and Café Earth! While Hyderabad has relished the taste of its Irani chai, it has welcomed the coffee culture with open hands too. In fact, these coffee shops have become second home to young couples and teenagers.
Café Coffee Day and Barista are the most well-known ones in the city simply because you can find an outlet at every alternate bend or corner. These coffee shops flaunt their casual ambience to the best, be it in their furniture, the décor, and the clothes of the staff or even the menu.
Café Rico also allows you a board game over some grub and coffee. Carrom, snakes and ladders, chess, ludo, spell 'o' word and more are all available here. So a great place to spend a couple of hours with friends or for any lovebirds.
Sweet Nirvana, which offers a truly luxurious option to sit back and relax in its green and serene ambience. The music here is not loud and jarring like in the other coffee shops. Worth a visit for a romantic date.
Mocha is surely something different to try; every room in this kitsch coffee shop has a theme and is an experience in itself. The dimly lit smoking lounge where the sheesha is brought in is contemporary in its décor and suave in its feel.
Another interesting coffee shop, Café Earth, serves pizzas, wraps, sandwiches and burgers apart from coffee and smoothies and fruit juices.
Café Latte is for the cine lovers. With several technicolor posters of golden oldies from both Hollywood and Bollywood making for kitsch wall-art, this place also has an awesome amphitheatre with super-comfortable seats where you can have your own private movie screening with friends.
At one time believed to be casual hangouts for the family, these so-called cafes have become one of the most wanted dating spots for couples to come, sit, relax and get cozy or a café culture has re-defined the very concept of dating in the city.
Café Coffee Day and Barista are the most well-known ones in the city simply because you can find an outlet at every alternate bend or corner. These coffee shops flaunt their casual ambience to the best, be it in their furniture, the décor, and the clothes of the staff or even the menu.
Café Rico also allows you a board game over some grub and coffee. Carrom, snakes and ladders, chess, ludo, spell 'o' word and more are all available here. So a great place to spend a couple of hours with friends or for any lovebirds.
Sweet Nirvana, which offers a truly luxurious option to sit back and relax in its green and serene ambience. The music here is not loud and jarring like in the other coffee shops. Worth a visit for a romantic date.
Mocha is surely something different to try; every room in this kitsch coffee shop has a theme and is an experience in itself. The dimly lit smoking lounge where the sheesha is brought in is contemporary in its décor and suave in its feel.
Another interesting coffee shop, Café Earth, serves pizzas, wraps, sandwiches and burgers apart from coffee and smoothies and fruit juices.
Café Latte is for the cine lovers. With several technicolor posters of golden oldies from both Hollywood and Bollywood making for kitsch wall-art, this place also has an awesome amphitheatre with super-comfortable seats where you can have your own private movie screening with friends.
At one time believed to be casual hangouts for the family, these so-called cafes have become one of the most wanted dating spots for couples to come, sit, relax and get cozy or a café culture has re-defined the very concept of dating in the city.
Hyderabad catches up with FIFA World Cup
While South Africa will play host to the FIFA World Cup 2010, soccer fans in Hyderabad will not be left behind either. As the football fever is setting in with FIFA World Cup; various brands are all set to give leverage on the occasion.
From discounts to special merchandise, one can make most of the football mania. Star hotels are to arrange live screenings for its clients along with free snacks and beverages. Hyderabadis have a huge variety of exclusive World Cup offers to make the most of it.
Hypercity brings the World Cup collection with a wide range of apparels for boys and girls with jerseys of the various FIFA teams. Accessories like sweatbands, studs, key chains, stockings, etc are also being sold like hot cakes. FIFA World Cup 2010 merchandise at Hypercity is a colorful and exciting collection for all footie fans and priced between Rs 49-Rs 399 for the accessories, Rs 249-Rs 399 for the apparel range and Rs 99-Rs 349 for footballs. So rush to Hypercity and choose merchandise that describes your way of cheering your favourite teams of the FIFA World Cup.
Ista Hyderabad brings 'KICK OFF' - FIFA World Cup 2010. Enjoy live screening of World's biggest sporting extravaganza - FIFA World Cup 2010 matches at Ista Hyderabad. The screening begins from June 11 and will end on July 11. Ista Hyderabad is screening live all the matches from 7:30 pm onwards. The Live Screening is available at Rs 699 plus taxes with unlimited snacks and beer. One can also enjoy the games from the comforts of their homes.
From discounts to special merchandise, one can make most of the football mania. Star hotels are to arrange live screenings for its clients along with free snacks and beverages. Hyderabadis have a huge variety of exclusive World Cup offers to make the most of it.
Hypercity brings the World Cup collection with a wide range of apparels for boys and girls with jerseys of the various FIFA teams. Accessories like sweatbands, studs, key chains, stockings, etc are also being sold like hot cakes. FIFA World Cup 2010 merchandise at Hypercity is a colorful and exciting collection for all footie fans and priced between Rs 49-Rs 399 for the accessories, Rs 249-Rs 399 for the apparel range and Rs 99-Rs 349 for footballs. So rush to Hypercity and choose merchandise that describes your way of cheering your favourite teams of the FIFA World Cup.
Ista Hyderabad brings 'KICK OFF' - FIFA World Cup 2010. Enjoy live screening of World's biggest sporting extravaganza - FIFA World Cup 2010 matches at Ista Hyderabad. The screening begins from June 11 and will end on July 11. Ista Hyderabad is screening live all the matches from 7:30 pm onwards. The Live Screening is available at Rs 699 plus taxes with unlimited snacks and beer. One can also enjoy the games from the comforts of their homes.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Choose the perfect camp for your kid
Choosing a summer camp can seem like a daunting task. There are literally thousands to choose from, and even when the programs appear similar, each camp has its own personality. Summer camps have a significant impact on a child's life. It is important for parents to learn how to make an informed decision when choosing a camp. Many issues must be considered before locating the perfect camp. Careful planning will ensure that your child's summer camp is enjoyable and memorable. Keep the below points before enrolling your child’s name in any summer camp.
List the goals and activities you and your child want to gain from summer camp. There is a wide range of camps available, such as athletic camps, religious camps, academic camps, adventure camps and fantasy camps to name a few. Start with an evaluation of your child's needs and your family's requirements.
Create a short list of only 4 or 5 camps that meet these criteria. Look for reasons to exclude each camp from your short list. Request brochures’s from each of the selected camps and speak to their staff. Visit the camp if at all possible.
Involve your child in choosing the camp. Determine the needs of your child. All children are different and all have different needs to consider. The camp you choose needs to be age appropriate and should meet the physical, emotional and mental needs of your child.
Verify who sponsors the camp. Camps are run by a variety of organizations. Camps run by municipalities or by agencies tend to be lower-cost. Private camps tend to fill-up early and are usually more expensive but may offer more number of activities.
Find out the cost of the camp. By planning ahead, many camps offer ways to assist parents with the cost of the camp. There are also many camps available that are free if the child or family meets certain requirements.
If your child has medical issues such as asthma or seizures make sure there are medical personnel at the camp who can properly care for your child in case of an emergency. Find out what their medical emergency policy is and what hospital would be used if an emergency took place.
Nearest summer camp from your place:
Kids Gurukul
8-2-547/M Dharam Mansion Compund, Near Meridian School, Road No 7 Opp Krishnama House, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Kalanidhi Institute Of Music
10-1-726, Opp; Shenoy Nursing Home, 10 Line No 7, West Marredpally, Hyderabad
Tricias Chocolates
115 Gordhanpuri Garden, Near Rsi Army Club, Rsi Army Club, Yapral, Hyderabad
Satnav Pre Schools Pvt Ltd
203, Lake Shore Towers, Opp Reliance Foot Print, Raj Bhavan Rd, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
Magical Minds
Plot No 4, Lane Next To Yoko Sizzlers, Ubi Colony, Road No-3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Siri Math AcademyG4, Sarada Gopalan Apartments,, Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad
Vibgyor Kids
Beside Lane To Eshwarya Silk Showroom, Raj Bhavan Road, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
Colors Kidz Play School
Plot No: 157 MIG I Opp Plot No 139, Malayasia Town Ship, 9th Phase, Kphb Colony, Hyderabad
Kidzee
4-822/1, Diagonally Opp To Pargon Apartments, Street No 1, Barkatpura., Hyderabad.
-Anubha K. Singh
Drop the Degrees with Ice creams
The mercury's rising and to top it up, the power cuts and the massive Current bills! There's nothing you can't cool down with an Ice cream though. Though one really doesn’t need an excuse to lick from a cup of frozen dessert, yet one is bound to say that Hyderabad’s warm climate makes it less of an indulgence and more of a necessity to cool off with an ice cream.
Here are the top places where you can get this season's chill pill.
Move N Pick: To really appreciate their flavoured ice creams and sundaes, you need to dig between the layers. The pistachio comes all the way from Italy, vanilla from Madagascar and chocolate from Switzerland. So much for a scoop!
Ice & Jelly: A lush lawn, a choice of fruity flavors to sink your teeth into and good summer discounts, Ice & Jelly is a treat to both the eyes and tongue. Try their Hazelnut Quest or Plain Raspberry and stay tuned for their seasonal Alfonso flavor.
Temptations: Is just what its name implies. This otherwise sundae-specialty joint offers 100 per cent vegetarian natural ice creams, sugar-free ice creams, American-style soda pops and milk shakes. Temptations have every imaginable “frozen temptation” you’ll love submitting to.
Famous / Shah Ice Cream: This famous joint serves up season's best like sitafal, chikoo and juicy mango for as low as Rs.12 per serving. Great reward for all that sweat that will go into getting to Mozamjahi Market.
Baskin 31 Robbins: Sundaes and ice creams in thirty-one flavours are equally palatable. Drop by at any of their kiosks that dot the shopping malls for your share of the lick.
Melting Moments: Claim-to-fame are natural ice creams, made with fresh fruits, and not fruit concentrate. Dig into their almond, date or apricot concoctions and get hooked for life.
Amoré Gelato: Super thick and delightfully creamy, Gelato is Italy's gift to us. Try their Passion Fruit Yoghurt or Blueberry Cheesecake gelato. With no preservatives and added sugar, this is probably the only thing on an Italian menu that won't force you onto a treadmill instantly.
Cream Stone: This franchise brought back the much loved sorbetto or slushy. So order up your brain freezes and top it with blue berry. Also try their Fruit Exotica and the ultra chocolaty Willy Wonkie that are all time favorites here.
Other worthy mentions:
Exotica Sinspot - GVK One
Naturals - Sri Nagar Colony
Ohri's Havmor - Basheer Bagh & Banjara Hills (Try their Bullseye or Awful)
How about a quick bite of sandwiches rounded off with ice cream? Ice Station at Banjara Hills helps you do just that. Keen on the pizza–ice-cream combo? Check out Softy House at Abids. Finally, surprise your guests with pan-flavoured ice creams from Rasranjan’s takeaway counters at Secunderabad, Bogulkunta and Jubilee Hills.
Hurry … Eat before it melts!
-Anubha K. Singh
Soaring mercury coupled with constant power cuts
Soaring mercury coupled with constant power cuts has put residents in the city to hardships. Residents who are already facing a tough time with Hyderabad experiencing a maximum of 41.5 degree Celsius to 42.5 degrees Celsius the season’s highest temperature are also worried over the sudden power cuts in different spells in many parts of the city that is continuing throughout the day and even in night sometimes in various localities.
The local Meteorological office has forecast that the heat wave conditions would prevail over Telangana and isolated parts of Rayalaseema during the next two to three days. Besides, mainly dry weather is likely to prevail over Coastal Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema regions. The Met officials warned that the mercury would increase a couple of degrees further with maximum temperature likely to hover around 43 degrees Celsius in coming days.
Many parts of the state are in the grip of a heat wave with day temperatures shooting up rapidly in the last few days. Heat wave conditions are prevailing in Adilabad, Karimnagar Mahbubnagar, Krishna and other districts apart from Hyderabad. After gap of 10 years, Hyderabad has been experiencing the highest day temperature of around 42.5 degrees Celsius for the last few days.
The mercury continuing to soar and with no respite from the heat in sight and adding woes to it is the constant power cuts but one good news is many schools are revisiting their academic calendar, making changes to protect children from the harsh sun.
Delhi Public School, Gachibowli, has reduced school timings by an hour and the management has announced vacations would start a week in advance, from April 17 as against April 24 citing "summer’’ as the reason. "The normal school timing is 8 am to 3 pm but now it has been changed to 7.45 am to 1.30 pm.
Schools designated as SSC exam venues have been asked by the state government not to run afternoon classes because of the sweltering conditions. In addition, almost all CBSE schools in the city have either cut short school timings or have announced an early vacation.
The temperature was six to seven degrees above normal in most districts of Telangana this week. Already, heat wave warnings have been issued by the Met department across Hyderabad, Adilabad, Mahbubnagar, Karimnagar and Nizamabad..
A weather bulletin put out by the Indian Meteorological Department has cautioned people from moving around in the scorching sun between 12 noon and 3 pm as temperatures are likely to remain high.
In Hyderabad, the mercury touched 42.8ºC on April 30, 2000, but it has never crossed 41.6ºC in the intervening eight years in the corresponding month.
Weathermen also blamed the failure of monsoon in 2009 for high temperature in April. Normally, mercury touches around 41-42ºC only in May.
But this year, the summer has peaked in mid-April itself. With the lack of sufficient moisture in the atmosphere, temperatures have gone up in Hyderabad and other parts of the state.
-Anubha K. Singh
The local Meteorological office has forecast that the heat wave conditions would prevail over Telangana and isolated parts of Rayalaseema during the next two to three days. Besides, mainly dry weather is likely to prevail over Coastal Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema regions. The Met officials warned that the mercury would increase a couple of degrees further with maximum temperature likely to hover around 43 degrees Celsius in coming days.
Many parts of the state are in the grip of a heat wave with day temperatures shooting up rapidly in the last few days. Heat wave conditions are prevailing in Adilabad, Karimnagar Mahbubnagar, Krishna and other districts apart from Hyderabad. After gap of 10 years, Hyderabad has been experiencing the highest day temperature of around 42.5 degrees Celsius for the last few days.
The mercury continuing to soar and with no respite from the heat in sight and adding woes to it is the constant power cuts but one good news is many schools are revisiting their academic calendar, making changes to protect children from the harsh sun.
Delhi Public School, Gachibowli, has reduced school timings by an hour and the management has announced vacations would start a week in advance, from April 17 as against April 24 citing "summer’’ as the reason. "The normal school timing is 8 am to 3 pm but now it has been changed to 7.45 am to 1.30 pm.
Schools designated as SSC exam venues have been asked by the state government not to run afternoon classes because of the sweltering conditions. In addition, almost all CBSE schools in the city have either cut short school timings or have announced an early vacation.
The temperature was six to seven degrees above normal in most districts of Telangana this week. Already, heat wave warnings have been issued by the Met department across Hyderabad, Adilabad, Mahbubnagar, Karimnagar and Nizamabad..
A weather bulletin put out by the Indian Meteorological Department has cautioned people from moving around in the scorching sun between 12 noon and 3 pm as temperatures are likely to remain high.
In Hyderabad, the mercury touched 42.8ºC on April 30, 2000, but it has never crossed 41.6ºC in the intervening eight years in the corresponding month.
Weathermen also blamed the failure of monsoon in 2009 for high temperature in April. Normally, mercury touches around 41-42ºC only in May.
But this year, the summer has peaked in mid-April itself. With the lack of sufficient moisture in the atmosphere, temperatures have gone up in Hyderabad and other parts of the state.
-Anubha K. Singh
Simply Thai for You.......
Thai Food Festival at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Master Chefs from Bangkok create Thai Food Magic
The ongoing Thai Food festival at The Square Novatel has something for everyone in your family. Chefs Worawit and Satit from Bangkok are being flown to Hyderabad to serve the authentic delicacies of Thai every evening. The festival has elements of Thai music, subtle décor and beautiful display of carved fruit.
As it is always said that Thai food is incomplete without Satays, and to ensure that the veggies don’t miss the taste and authenticity of Satays the chefs had ensured special signature veg satays like Mushroom, Panner and Tofu satay.
The other dishes that can be tried are Tom Kha Thai, sliced beef with spicy vegetables, crispy fried assorted vegetables, Thai-rice noodles pan fried with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice or tamarind pulp, chopped peanuts, and egg combined with chicken, seafood, or tofu. Khao phat kai - fried rice with chicken. Veg Red and Green curry, Thai styled spring rolls. Authentic Thai desserts are a specialty and beside the use of coconut and coconut milk, it also uses eggs in abundance.
The festival is not only showcasing an array of authentic and sumptuous Thai cuisine but is also featuring elements of Thai culture, giving Hyderabad a unique Thai experience.
Chefs will jazz up menu daily for dinner. The festival is featuring a lavish Thai buffet comprising salads, soups, Thai curries, desserts and also live cooking Thai stations. The Thai food buffet is priced at Rs. 950 plus taxes per person.
According to Master Chef Worawit Ngoenngam, “Thai cuisine has been gaining popularity worldwide. It is considered among the world's most delicious, with a unique blend of tastes consisting of hot, sour, sweet, and always highlighted with natural and healthy herbs. We wish to bring out the best of this cuisine during the festival at Novotel to give Hyderabad the real taste of Thai.”
To name a few dishes from the menu-Lab Moo, Boiled Prawn w/Chilli Paste Lemongrass; Plah Tao Hu Deef Fried Bean Curd With Herb & Chilli Paste; Tom Yam Goong; Hot&Sour Spicy Prawn Soup w/ Lemon Grass; Khao Phad Poo Fried Rice w/Crab Meat; Hed Phad Nam Plik Phow Spicy Deep Fried Corn Cake; Satays in veg and non veg; Red and green Thai curries; Lychee Loy Kaew Lychee in Syrub; Assorted Thai Mixed Fruit; Assorted Thai Sweet
-Anubha K. Singh
Jab Miya Biwi Raazi to kya karega Qaazi
In another dramatic turn, tennis star Sania Mirza married Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik at a five-star hotel around 1 pm as per Muslim customs on April 12, ahead of the earlier announced date of April 15. Sania-Shoaib's hi-profile wedding is the latest buzz in both India and Pakistan. After plethora of debates, finally, the wedding bells rang in Hyderabad.
Sania, wearing her mother's red wedding saree, emerged from her Jubille Hills bungalow an hour before the wedding, and got into a black Mercedes, with mediapersons falling over each other to take a shot. She was accompanied by her sister Anam, parents Naseem and Imran and friend and Bollywood actress Rakshanda Khan. The convoy reached hotel Taj Deccan which is opposite Taj Krishna, and Sania was taken through an underground passage to the venue. The nikah was performed in the presence of a select gathering comprising only the family members and friends of the newly-wed couple.
The reason why this marriage took place prior to its scheduled time is believed to be the protests by some NGOs and other political parties, who didn't breathe easy since the time Sania-Shoaib wedding news was in the air.
A Sunni Ulema board had issued a fatwa on April 11, raising objection against the proximity of the yet-to-be-married Sania with Shoaib as the groom was staying in the Mirza's home in Hyderabad. However, the families steered clear of possible legal hurdles before going ahead with the ceremony by seeking necessary counsel.
All papers were in place before the arrival of the bride and groom, and the ceremony was over within five minutes. The Qutbah was read by the head Qazi. Shoaib agreed to Rs 61 lakh as meher amount to Sania at the time of the nikaah.
The marriage ceremony was a very simple affair. Sania's family members and Shoaib's close relatives, including his sisters and brothers-in-law, attended the function. Some of the basic rites and rituals that are performed prior to the nikaah like mehendi and sangeet ceremony could not take place because of the constant threats that both the families were facing. However, there is no ritual of mehendi among Muslims but some families have started having it in the last few years.
The Sania-Shoiab marriage is not less than a bollywood flick with so many twists and turns ending with a happily married tag. Bollywood could have scripted this, sporting superstars in love, getting married across the Indo-Pak border. A wedding in Hyderabad, a reception in Lahore, a home in Dubai, a great story indeed.
—Anubha K.Singh
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Telangana agitation keeps students on stake !
What a beautiful gift from our government to students! “Our entire academic year is wasted thanks to some dumb issues. Plz conduct our exams on schedule”. This is what every student is pleading to the so called politicians of our state. But here the question is does it really fell on the ears of bureaucrats and how many of them are really serious on the issue?
Protests for and against a new Telangana state in Andhra Pradesh have forced universities and colleges to shut, jeopardising the future of lakhs of students. And there is a real danger of students losing an academic year. Many students in city are worried, They say the January 5 meeting in Delhi on Telangana has not taken away any of the uncertainty.
"Not getting to know when I will write my exams, what is the state of it. And if my exams get postponed even further and further, I may even lose an year and that will become a real problem for me later on," says Ankita, student of Aurora P.G. College.
“This is really very painful. We have been waiting for our Masters certificates. All the two years went quite well, but i dont know why we have become victims now. As we are in the final year, we have to think of our future. Due to this agitation, we are unable to do so”, she adds.
For over a month now, pro-Telangana protests on the Osmania University campus have forced colleges in the region to be closed. Exams have had to be postponed twice. Protestors may be aiming to correct the wrongs of the past, but that still can't justify putting the future of so many youngsters at stake.
The worst affected are the 10th and 12th class students. If the 12th class students loose one year, their dreams of becoming an engineer or doctor may collapse. With half yearly exams getting postpone due to the sankranthi week in many colleges, students staying in hostels will have to miss the festival as they can not go home and spend the festival there. The politicians and student leaders should realise that in these days of competions at all india level, the students of AP will go behind by one year because of this agitation. It is a pity that even the central government is only consulting political parties about Telanagan, leaving out intellectuals and educated persons out of it. Is a consensus among a few politicains is sufficient and justified to bifurcate a state?
Even as student union leaders and political parties are agitating for a separate Telangana state, forcing the city’s universities to stay shut for over a month, thousands of students studying in these universities and their affiliated colleges stand a risk of losing an academic year. JNTU and OU officials admit that if the current situation continues for more days, nothing can be done to salvage the year. If the exams are not held soon, city professors fear the students will have to forego a whole year as they will be behind schedule.
What’s worse is the fact that agitating students are ready to “forego” this academic year for separate statehood and are calling it the “Telangana sadhana year.”Caught in this crossfire are students of 300 engineering colleges and 98 MBA institutions affiliated to JNTU. The university which should have commenced its second semester by now, hasn’t yet completed its first semester exams”
Students who had plans to go abroad or appear for competitive examinations are also in panic mode. G.Sailaja, an engineering student of OU College of Technology, says, “From this year onwards, they have permitted third year students to apply for GATE. The exam will have questions from the final year syllabus too. We haven’t even started our second semester classes yet. The political issue that is being debated on is important, but not at the cost of our careers.”
Swati, student of VNR College of Engineering says, “To study abroad, we need recommendation letters and graduation certificates. We’ll lose six months if we can’t apply for the current intake.”
Some students are of view that this is collateral damage! The people of Telangana are not feeling the damage because they think were denied their share, they have nothing to lose. This is expected.. they don't care, there will be falls and spills before stability.
The Osmania university students Joint action committee on Wednesday clued-up the central government to come on a decision on the T-issue before 28th January or ready to face worst consequences in Hyderabad.
Anubha k. Singh
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Millennium's longest annular solar eclipse on January 15!
The first solar eclipse of the year will be visible partially in the early hours of January 15 till 6.47 a.m. across different parts of the country. This is the best until the year 2019 and the next solar eclipse visible on June 21, 2020.
People living in the southern tip of the country at Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu will get to watch the 'Ring of Fire' when the moon will cover the sun's disc during the millennium's longest annular solar eclipse.
However, sky gazers in Hyderabad will also have something to cheer about as they will get to see more than half of the eclipse. Annular solar eclipse occurs when the sun and the moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the moon's shadow is smaller than that of the visible disc of the sun. The covered sun, therefore, appears as a 'Ring of Fire', with its rays appearing spread out from the outline of the moon.
Last time India saw this 'Ring of Fire' was Nov 22, 1965, and it will not be witnessed again before June 21, 2020. In India, the eclipse will start around 11 a.m. and end around 3:15 p.m. The eclipse will first be seen in south of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and then move obliquely to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. It will then move to Kerala and end in Mizoram in the northeast.
As part of the annular solar eclipse campaign, the Planetary society of India will provide imported German solar filters at a cost of Rs. 30 to students besides making available a special compact disc containing videos and presentations to schools.
They will also conduct observations sessions for the general public on the day of the annular eclipse.
Interested schools can contact 9295352988 or visit www.ournewplanets.com for more information.
The eclipse will be the longest of the millennium - that is between 2001 and 3000. People in most parts of India will witness the partial phases of the eclipse. The maximum duration of the solar eclipse or sun eclipse would be 11 minutes and 8 seconds over the Indian Ocean, thus making it the longest annular eclipse of the millennium.
The first annular solar eclipse of the year on January 15, 2010 will be seen in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu and first and then travel to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, where people will enjoy the best view. It will then move to Kerala and end at northeastern state of Mizoram around 3:15 PM” said, Raghunandan Kumar, general secretary of Planetary Society, India.
Experts say, people should not watch the eclipse with naked eyes, and advised them to take precautionary measures while watching the celestial activity.
Anubha K.Singh
Rise in demand of division of states how benefeciary is it for common man?
Creation of small states on the basis of administration may be considered necessary for the sake of faster growth, smooth administration and quickest execution of policy framed by the government and also the best monitoring of the plan and policy executed at the ground level. But what is the guarantee that small states will function properly and there will be all round development?
There are still many states like Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizorem, Jharkhand, Chattishgarh etc., where no sign of development or growth is visible because entire energy is lost in change of government. State government is too small to be stable.There are many tiny political parties and groups which have got no actual party manifesto or plan to do work. There is more dirty politics and tug of war for power among politicians of various colour and group. Democracy is meant for people but in real terms government in these smaller states is for political party leaders, by the leaders and of the leaders.
So far as the smooth functioning and monitoring of policies and real development is concerned, we have for this purpose already in place a reliable set up called as District administration. But if head of the states fail to do their duty, fail to monitor the progress of every district and indulge in cheap party politics to serve their vested interest, there is no question of development taking place.
Not to forget UP government headed by Mayawati is now advocating for breaking of UP states just to deviate the minds of common men from her failures and to trap the Congress Party in a different ensnare. She has forgotten that Congress party has already submitted proposal in state assembly for carving out two smaller states out of UP.In actual sense there is no neeed for small state if each district works honestly for the development and execute the policy framed by state and central government on their respective subjects enlisted in the constitution. Unfortunately district administration is not allowed to function properly, seriously and honestly by dirty politicians of our country. Politicians in general have more faith in cheap agenda to earn cheap popularity. They have an inclination towards making money and accumulating wealth for their future generation and have a common tendency to become richest person in shortest period. This is why it can be rightly said that it is immaterial whether states are small or large. As long as people are corrupt one cannot dream of developmemt.
We have in the recent past created small state like Jharkhand carved out of Bihar and seen and experienced the pathetic position of Jharkhand in the hands of Koda and all his predecessors. In actual sense solution of all these problems lies in quality of people and not size of the state or district. After all India is one and should remain as one and every one is duty bound to maintain federal structure of the country.
If however there is consensus on formation of small states it should be well discussed, planned and structured jointly by all dominant political groups. There should be one national policy defining the area and population fit for efficient state.
Anubha K. Singh
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