CURRENT AFFAIRS: 08/23/11

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Words like charabanc, wittol, drysalter, alienism no longer used by people

London, August 22 (ANI): A new research from Collins Dictionary has indicated that words like aerodrome, charabanc, wittol, drysalter, alienism and many others are no longer used by people.

Collins Dictionary experts have compiled a list of words, which have fallen out of use and presumed to have become extinct in the past year, by tracking how often they appear.

New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) The health of activist Anna Hazare who has been fasting for a stronger anti-corruption bill here continued to deteriorate as his protest entered its ninth day Wednesday.

According to a health bulletin issued by the doctors treating Hazare, his blood pressure has shot up to 140/80 and pulse has increased to 82 per minute.

Shahrukh Khan’s most awaited December release Don 2 to now be showcased in 3D

The overwhelming response to the first teaser of Don 2 received a frenzied response and the makers of the film wanted to give viewers a different experience to live up to the hype. The result: SRK’s ‘Don 2’ will now be showcased in 3d.

Kolkata, Aug 22 (IANS) India could have the world's third largest GDP by 2025 if the country maintained its present growth rate, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday while conceding that the target of nine percent growth for the next five years was 'very ambitious' given the current state of the global economy.

How 8 in 10 women struggle with 'toxic friends'

A new survey has revealed that 84 percent of women put up with so-called "toxic friends", who are self-absorbed, emotionally draining, critical or backstabbing.

Men did not fare much better, with three-quarters admitting to having had such a friendship.

Sixty-five percent of those polled complained of having a self-obsessed friend, and 59 percent accused their closest acquaintances of being emotional "vampires", draining all their energy reserves.

Perhaps the most anticipated car ever? A car that has been the subject of speculation for over a year. A car that has clocked nearly 50K pre-launch bookings. Does this car need an introduction?

The RBI has hiked its repo rate in an effort to contain inflation, for the 11^th time since March 2010 and still inflation worries continue to haunt the common man currently. One must be feeling the pinch of inflation — with costs rising even with basic necessities of everyday living. In such a scenario — if you have been saving all your life for a home and now find costs are too high to afford one, you may have to wear your thinking cap and mull over this again. Is this really the case or can you explore some more avenues to see if you can still make the dream of a budget home come true. The key is landing a good deal! Now, how do you go about this? Here are a few tips. If in spite of exploring these you still want to wait, you should ofcourse do so — this will help you save more money towards your down payment, in case you intend to procure a loan — helping you save on interest outgo, or wade through aspects related to home loan eligibility.

Soon, bulletproof human skin made from spider silk and goat milk

London, Aug 22 (ANI): Bulletproof vests have been around for decades but skin that can stop them has only been the preserve of science fiction.

The most famous example is Superman, or the Man of Steel - bullets simply ricochet off of him.

Now, scientists have claimed to be making this science fiction into a reality with the development of bulletproof human skin made from spider silk and goat milk.

GETTING THE MOST FROM THAT SIP

ONE ARE the days when the only kind of milk we knew was plain and boiled. Today there is a range of milk in the market — full cream, skimmed, tetra pack, organic and flavoured. Condensed milk has become popular in most households and milk powder has replaced the fresh kind in offices and commercial establishments.

PM, ministers decided against 2G auction, says Kanimozhi

New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) The prime minister and the then finance minister P. Chidambaram were fully aware of the 2G license allocations and had decided with the now jailed telecom minister A. Raja not to auction these, DMK MP Kanimozhi, who has been named co-conspirator in the scam, Tuesday told a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court here.

SRK shoots for a cameo in Dia-Zayed starrer, despite postponing Yash Chopra’s directorial comeback

New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) Expressing 'deep concern' over the deteriorating health of Anna Hazare, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday appealed to him to end his eight-day hunger strike and said parliament may consider his version of the anti-graft Lokpal bill.

Jours Apres Lunes website (Censored by Handbag)

French fashion brand ‘Jours Apres Lunes’ (which translates as Days after Moons) has launched a ‘loungerie’ range for four to twelve year olds, including sets of bras and knickers. The collection is being promoted with pictures of very young girls wearing makeup, their hair in beehives as they pose seductively with sunglasses.

Running is one of the best forms of exercise, not only for getting fit but for weight control too. A 30-minute run, three to four times a week, trims your waistline, strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves muscle tone and definition and helps foster a positive mental attitude. Running can also be a great social activity. Here are the top 25 tips on why you should start running today.

Sex and Sun Signs

Sex is really important to keep your relationship sailing smooth forever. It is not just about physical pleasure but by giving in, you are expressing 'trust' that you have in your mate. It reflects affection, care, love and a feeling that you are wanted. If your sex life has gone for a toss, you have to work on it before your relationship is hit hard. In fact, sex has the power to put an end to conflicts in your relationship. So, discover your partners' passion points through their sun sign and keep the magic in your relationship alive.

Tripoli, Libya: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son and one-time heir apparent, who was reported arrested by rebels on Sunday when they advanced on the capital Tripoli, is free.

Seif al-Islam turned up early on Tuesday morning at the Rixos hotel, where about 30 foreign journalists are staying in Tripoli under the close watch of regime minders. He then took reporters in a convoy of black, armoured SUVs on a drive through parts of the city under the regime's control.

New York: A judge formally ordered the dismissal of all criminal charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn on Tuesday, but he said his order would be stayed until an appellate court decides whether a special prosecutor should be appointed.

Tripoli, Libya: The son and heir apparent of Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, Seif al-Islam, resurfaced free and defiant early on Tuesday, a day after rebels claimed to have captured him, boasting in a bizarre reappearance that his father's loyalists still control parts of Tripoli and would crush the rebellion.

US doctor amputates trucker's penis without his consent

London: A US doctor is being sued for amputating a truck driver's penis without his permission, a media report said on Tuesday.

The doctor has defended his actions claiming he saved the man's life.

US Businessman held after threat to stab pilot

London: A drunken US businessman was held after he allegedly threatened to stab a plane's pilots during a flight to Britain.

Tim Bradley, 32, is said to have downed wine and beer at 30,000 feet before threatening fellow passengers and spitting at cabin crew, The Sun reported on Tuesday.

Tripoli, Libya: Hundreds of Libyan rebels stormed Muammar Gaddafi's compound on Tuesday, charging wildly through the symbolic heart of the crumbling regime as they killed loyalist troops, looted armories and knocked the head off a statue of the besieged dictator. But they found no sign of the man himself.

Washington: A 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered northwest of Richmond, Va., shook much of Washington, D.C., and was felt as far north as Rhode Island, New York City and Martha's Vineyard, Mass., where President Barack Obama is vacationing.

Tripoli, Libya: Backed by NATO airstrikes and seasoned reinforcements, rebel fighters crashed through the gates of Col. Muammar el-Gaddafi's fortresslike compound on Tuesday, running madly across its sprawling lawns, ransacking its barracks for weapons and carting off mementos of his 42-year dictatorship.

Anna's BP normal, eyes watery: Manish Sisodia

New Delhi: Doctors have advised Anna Hazare, whose fast entered eighth day on Tuesday, not to venture into the Sun as it could have a negative impact on his health.

The medical advice came after doctors examined Hazare at the Ramlila Maidan, where he is sitting on an indefinite fast demanding a strong Lokpal Bill, late in the night.

New Delhi: After 160 hours without food, Anna Hazare has lost six kilos. The 74-year-old Gandhian has made it clear he will not end his hunger strike till his version of the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill is adopted.

Mumbai: For the Centre's crisis managers who have been writing off Anna Hazare's anti-graft movement as an uprising of the city-bred middle-class, here's refreshing news: rural India is standing by the corruption crusader and is ready to die for him.

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh MP Jagan Mohan Reddy could soon be questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the disproportionate assets case against him. Jagan Mohan quit the Congress late last year, and launched his own party - the YSR Congress - named after his father.

New Delhi: Anna Hazare has lost around 5.5 kg but his vital parameters were fine, aides of the anti-corruption campaigner said on Tuesday as his fast for a strong anti-corruption law entered day eight.

"He is weak but all his vital parameters are fine. Ketone particles (created by the body during starvation) have been found in his blood but they are in the safe limit," Arvind Kejriwal told reporters at Ramlila Maidan here.

New Delhi: The Anna-Hazare-government standoff continues, the 74-year-old Gandhian is still fasting. But moves are afoot now to ensure a compromise is reached to break the impasse.

The government is making frantic efforts and seems willing to give in on key sticking points.

At the Ramlila Maidan, where Team Anna has set up camp, there seems to have been a softening of stand too. What started out as two different draft Bills after members of a joint committee failed to agree, may yet be put together in a new draft.

New Delhi: In court today, DMK leader Kanimozhi, like others arrested for the telecom scam, included the Prime Minister and P Chidambaram in her line of defense.

New Delhi: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has sought registration of FIRs against policemen accused of raping seven women in Bhatta and Parsaul villages during an agitation against by farmers.

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New Delhi: Hours after Anna Hazare vowed to continue his fast against corruption despite his frail health, a member of his core team has met with Law Minister Salman Khursheed. Anna's aide Arvind Kejriwal reportedly met with the minister. This morning, Mr Kejriwal had said that despite comments to the media about being open to negotiations with Team Anna, the government had yet to formally offer a meeting to the activists.

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New Delhi: Anna Hazare's fast is in its eighth day now, he is weak, and the government is pulling out all stops to find a solution to the Lokpal impasse. Tuesday has been a day of meetings and confabulation, of talking permutations and combinations. The latest in a series of closed-door discussions on the Lokpal Bill brings the hint of compromise. Arvind Kejriwal, a key member of Team Anna met Law Minister Salman Khursheed - the first such meeting between the two sides.

Hyderabad: Andhra legislators who resigned on Monday to protest the late Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy's inclusion by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a disproportionate assets case against his son Jagan Mohan Reddy, plan to launch a "bus yatra" to take the issue before the people.

New Delhi: On the eighth day of Anna Hazare's fast for a strong Lokpal Bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has written to the activist, urging him to end his hunger strike.

Following is the text of the PM's letter:

Gurgaon: Amid the high-rise office buildings, towering apartment complexes and sprawling construction sites, green pockets are hard to find in Gurgaon, home to the back-office operations of some of the world's biggest companies. So the local government, private companies and citizens have banded together to plant a million trees.

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New Delhi: On the eighth day of Anna Hazare's fast, hours after the 74-year-old told an audience of thousands "I am fine...my doctors will not permit me to die," the government finally took some real steps to end the impasse with the anti-corruption crusader and his associates.

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New Delhi: Anna Hazare has refused to be hospitalised despite doctors warning that his blood pressure and vital signs are worrying. A visibly weakened Anna explained to thousands of supporters, "My conscience doesn't permit me to end my fast. Even if my kidney fails, won't one of you donate one to me? I will die for this country. If the government sends someone to forcibly move me to hospital, block the exits. But I am stressing, do not engage in any violence."

New Delhi: After days of waffling over how to handle Anna Hazare and the frenzy of national support for his fast against corruption, the Government is trying to find its footing.

So, entire bouquets of olive branches are being delivered. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee who doubles up as the Government's main trouble-shooter has been deputed to hold talks with three of Anna's associates. The Prime Minister has written to Anna, urging him to end his hunger strike, now on its eighth day. And spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar is mediating between the government, Team Anna and the Opposition.

Mumbai: All of 17 years, Vijay Shroff had his task cut out for him. 'Stay underground, remember you are young and have a role to play.' And play he did, working on 'Swatantra Patrika' to keep freedom seekers in the loop on what was happening in the times of the British Raj.

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New Delhi: On a night when Anna Hazare's health was declared worrying by doctors attending to the activist, the 74-year-old activist refused to end his fast, and talks between his aides and the government ended without a breakthrough over the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill. However, sources say, the government is keen on delivering a compromise tomorrow. (Read: Who is Anna Hazare?) | (Read: What is Jan Lokpal Bill?)

New Delhi: Sources in the Congress party say Sonia Gandhi is expected to return to Delhi on August 30.

The UPA President has been in the US, where her party said she was recovering from surgery. The Congress said it would not confirm the nature of her medical problem. Different media reports said Mrs Gandhi was at the Sloane-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, though this was not confirmed by Congress spokespersons.

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Thiruvananthapuram: The controversy over the priceless treasure in Kerala's Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple refuses to die down. Veteran Marxist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan has said that he will approach the Supreme Court against the custodians of the temple-- the Travancore Royal Family, for allegedly smuggling its wealth. The Marxist leader claims that he was prompted to do so after complaints from temple employees.

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New Delhi: Much is expected to happen after an all-party meeting called by the government late in the afternoon today to discuss the Lokpal Bill issue. A breakthrough is expected in the Anna-Hazare-Government stand-off, after a flurry of meetings all of Tuesday and at least one that continued into the early hours of Wednesday.

Yeddyurappa moves HC seeking bail in two cases

BANGALORE: Apprehending arrest, former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Tuesday moved the High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the Upper Bhadra case as well as in one of the five denotification cases filed against him.

She is one of the busiest actors of South India at present. For Anushka the going is getting better and better in the Tamil industry. After her resounding success with elder bro Suriya in 'Singam' Anushka will soon be seen pairing opposite younger bro, Karthi. The tall and lissome actress loves to juggle between modeling for ads and films.

A supermodel and an NFL star. That's the winning combination, when it comes to cash. New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bundchen pocketed $76 million over the 12-month period from May 2010 to May 2011, according to Forbes' "World's Highest-Paid Celebrity Couples" list.

The HinduMembers fo the Tamil Film Industry observe a one-day fast in Chennai, in support of Anna Hazare's protest. Photo: M. Vedhan

Tamil film industry today came out in support of Anna Hazare’s campaign for a strong Lokpal bill with over 200 of its members observing a fast here.

“This is a token fast in support of Anna Hazare. We will continue this fast until 5 pm today,” producer and director KRG, one of the organisers of the event said.

Amitabh Bachchan, after hosting four seasons of Kaun Banega Crorepati (two on Star Plus, and two on Sony Entertainment) and one season of Bigg Boss (Colors), admits he can never produce TV shows.

The actor, under contract for one more season of the reality-game show that went on air a week ago, says, “I don’t think I have the talent or the acumen for it. I don’t think I am capable of designing a TV programme, although it’s something that I have dabbled with in the past. It’s something that requires a certain set of talent, which I don’t believe I have.”

Amitabh Bachchan in Anna-inspired film

Mumbai: If you thought the whole Aarakshan experience would put off filmmaker Prakash Jha and actor Amitabh Bachchan from taking on the issue of corruption in Indian politics, think again!

Their next collaboration Satyagraha scheduled to go on the floors in January will address the ethos of a peaceful mass protest against corruption, an issue currently occupying much of the Indian middle class mind space thanks to Anna Hazare.

Cautious about revealing details on what sources close to Jha describe as his most hard-hitting film on politics and corruption in India, the filmmaker says, "I am at the moment working on the script of Satyagraha.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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