Sharadamma Hadapad, wife of artist R.M. Hadapad no more

Sharadamma Hadapad, wife of
artist R.M. Hadapad no more

Bengalure:  Mrs. Sharadamma Rudrappa Hadapad, wife of well-known artist and founder of Ken School of Arts at Sheshadripuram Bangalore Mr. R.M. Hadapad died at Rajeev Gandhi Hospital at Bangalore on Sunday 31^st July 2016 after brief illness. She was 72.

Sharadamma who is also the President of Kuvempu Kala Samsthe which runs the Ken School of Arts, stood as backbone of Mr. R.M. Hadapad  in starting and building of Ken School of Arts at Bangalore.

Born at Gadag and came to Badami after marriage,  Sharadamma, made the Ken School her home in Bangalore for the last 28 years. She not only mingled with students but also looked after them as her own children.  Several students who used to stay at school in nights for study purpose used get meals from Sharadamma.

Sharadamma left behind two sons including Umesh Hadapad, principal of Ken School of Arts and one daughter apart from large number of well-wishers.   

NADA postpones verdict on wrestler Narsingh's doping case

NADA postpones verdict on wrestler Narsingh's doping case

New Delhi: National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) on Saturday, 30^th July 2016, postponed the verdict over wrestler Narsingh Yadav's dope case till Monday, 1^st August 2016 continuing the ordeal of the Rio Olympics-bound grappler.

 
NADA Director General Naveen Aggarwal said that the NADA panel couldn't reach the conclusion on Saturday. "No decision could be taken today," he said.
 
Aggarwal said that the NADA panel is still going through all the documents and records. Narsingh's chances of participating in the upcoming Rio Games came under a cloud last Sunday when he returned a positive result for a dope test conducted by the NADA on June 25. 

The 26-year-old's 'B' sample also tested positive for a banned substance, jeopardising his chances of competing in what will be his second Summer Olympic Games. 

Following this, the Mumbai-based grappler, who was selected to represent the country in the men's 74kg freestyle category ahead of two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, was handed a provisional suspension.

He ran into further trouble on Wednesday after it was announced that a second test conducted on July 5 has also returned a positive result. Narsingh's roommate at Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Sonepat, Sandeep Tulsi Yadav, also failed a NADA dope test on Monday and according to sources, both the grapplers have tested positive for the same banned substance -- methandienone.

Narsingh had claimed of a conspiracy to frame him and had filed a police report in this regard, although he refrained from naming anyone. His father and other family members sat on dharana demanding the CBI proble on the  doping test.

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhishan Sharan Singh had alleged that two junior wrestlers from the Chhatarsaal Stadium had mixed banned substances in his food.

However, it is still unclear whether Narsingh will go to the Rio Games, starting on August 5, and India will be represented by Parveen Rana in his place. 

Literary giant, crusader for tribal rights Mahasweta Devi dead

Literary giant, crusader for tribal rights Mahasweta Devi dead

Kolkata: Eminent activist-writer, honoured with Padma Vibhushan and Magsaysay Award for her decades of crusade for the rights of tribals and the marginalised, Mahasweta Devi died at a city nursing home on Thursday, 28^th July 2016 following prolonged old-age complications. She was 90.

"She passed away at 3.16 p.m. following a cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure," a doctor attending on her confirmed. Mahasweta Devi is survived by her daughter-in-law and grandchild. Her son pre-deceased her two years back.

In a six-decade long literary career, she authored over 120 books, comprising 20 collections of short stories and around 100 novels, and contributed innumerable articles and columns to newspapers and magazines, a large number of them woven around tribal life.

Adopting a simple style laced with colloquial words and expressions, Mahasweta blended oral histories with contemporary events to portray the sufferings of the tribals in the hands of upper-caste landlords, money lenders and government servants.

The novel "Aranyer Adhikar" (The Occupation of the Forest), dwelling on Birsa Munda's revolt against the British, fetched Mahasweta Devi the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979. "Choti Munda evam Tar Tir" (Choti Munda and His Arrow), "Bashai Tudu", "Titu Mir", are among other masterpieces.

Another famous novel published in 1975 -- "Hajar Churashir Maa" (Mother of 1,084), inspired by Maxim Gorky's "Mother" -- has the backdrop of the Maoist movement.

From the late '70s, she began to intervene directly and championed the cause of two tribal groups -- the Lodhas of erstwhile Midnapur district and the Kheria Sabars of Purulia -- who were among those notified by the British in 1871 as "criminal tribes".

Mahasweta Devi later came to be revered as "The Mother of the Sabars". Simultaneously, she lent her weight to the tribal struggles in various other states.

People from across the fields of art, culture, cinema and politics paid tribute to her.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described her as "a voice of compassion, equality and justice", while Congress President Sonia Gandhi described Mahasweta Devi as "India's conscience keeper, whose words echoed her inner voice, representing the voiceless and faceless countrymen".

 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Jnanpith winner would be given a state funeral on Friday.

Swiss solar plane ends round-the-world tour

Abu-Dhabi: Solar Impulse – the Swiss solar aircraft – created history on Tuesday, 26^th July 2016 with completing the first-ever round-the-world flight by a solar plane on Tuesday, 26^th July 2016. It started its journey on 9 March 2015.

The record-breaking flight covered more than 40,000 km without a single drop of jet fuel. After about 48 hours of flight time, the plane landed in Abu Dhabi at circa 4am on Tuesday.

What is the Solar Impulse?

Solar Impulse is a Swiss long-range experimental solar-powered aircraft project, and also the name of the project's two operational aircraft. The privately financed project is led by Swiss engineer and businessman Andr’e Borschberg and Swiss psychiatrist and aeronaut Bertrand Picard, who co-piloted Breiting Orbiter 3, the first balloon to circle the world non-stop. The Solar Impulse project's goals were to make the first circumnavigation of the Earth by a piloted fixed-wing aircraft using only solar power and to bring attention to clean technologies. Reflecting on these goals, Mike Scott wrote in Forbes magazine: "If we can fly around the world using only the power of the sun and the optimisation of energy efficiency technologies, the potential of clean technologies in other applications is immense." The aircraft are single-seat monoplanes powered by photovoltaic cells; they are capable of taking off under their own power. The prototype, often referred to as Solar Impulse 1, was designed to remain airborne up to 36 hours. It conducted its first test flight in December 2009. In July 2010, it flew an entire diumal solar cycle, including nearly nine hours of night flying, in a 26-hour flight. Piccard and Borschberg completed successful solar-powered flights from Switzerland to Spain and then Morocco in 2012, and conducted a multi-stage flight across the United States in 2013.

A second aircraft, completed in 2014 and named Solar Impulse 2, carries more solar cells and more powerful motors, among other improvements. On 9 March 2015, Piccard and Borschberg began to circumnavigate the globe with Solar Impulse 2, departing from Abu-Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft was scheduled to return to Abu Dhabi in August 2015 after a multi-stage journey around the world. By June 2015, the plane had traversed Asia, and in July 2015, it completed the longest leg of its journey, from Japan to Hawaii. During that leg, however, the aircraft's batteries sustained thermal damage that took months to repair. Solar Impulse 2 resumed the circumnavigation in April 2016, when it flew to California. It continued across the United States until it reached New York City in June 2016. Later that month, the aircraft crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Spain.It stopped in Egypt before finally returning to Abu Dhabi on 26 July 2016, completing the approximately 42,000 kilometer (26,000 mile) circumnavigation over a period of more than 16 months.

Watch the Video here by clicking the image below:

Watch another Video here by clicking the image below:

Irom Sharmila to End Fast After 16 Years

Irom Sharmila to End Fast After 16 Years

Imphal: Manipuri human rights activist Irom Sharmila, who has been on a fast for 16 years to press for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), will break her fast on 9 August, according to CNN-News18.

 According to reports, Irom Sharmila has said she will break her fast on August 9, nearly 16 years after she started her protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur.

Sharmila told mediapersons outside the Imphal Court on Tuesday, 26^th July 2016, that she wanted to contest elections after breaking her fast. Sources close to her said she would contest as an independent.

Activists associated with her said her decision would mark a new beginning in the fight against AFSPA in the state. "It is a bit of a surprise. We are trying to get in touch with her for more details," said Babloo Loitongbom, an activist close to her.

Sharmila’s decision to contest in the elections is likely to have a huge impact on Manipur's political scene. In the past, she had always said there was no question of ending her fast till the AFSPA is withdrawn.

Ceasar, 26/11 sole survivor police dog hospitalized

Ceasar, 26/11 sole survivor
police dog hospitalized

Mumbai: Ceasar, the sole surviving polce dog of 26/11 terror attack, admitted to veterinary hospital in parel (Mumbai) on Monday, 25^th July 2016. Caesar’s caretaker Fizzah says that Caesar got depressed after his colleague, retired 26/11 police dog ‘Tiger’ passed away.

Retired police dog ‘Tiger’, who helped police officials in detecting bombs during the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai and was on duty for several days outside the Taj hotel in Colaba, has passed away on Saturday, 23^rd July 2016.

The 26/11 hero was laid to rest in a farmhouse he was living in post-retirement. Tiger, the black Labrador, was suffering from lung infection.

Fizzah Shah, animal activist, whose Fizzah Farms in Virar was home to four 26/11 sniffer dogs-Max, Sultan, Tiger and Caesar, said the dog was on regular treatment for lung infection but its condition worsened on Friday, 22^nd night.

 “It was the most beautiful experience of my life to have our brave soldiers in my farm. I am fortunate,” she told.
 

Shah also recalled after Tiger’s childhood buddy and colleague Sultan passed away in the farm, he became lonely. Tiger, a Labrador was part of the bomb detection dog squad at Goregaon, which also comprised of Max, Caesar and Tiger. Max had died in April this year.

Locals thrash a Police Sub Inspector in Public

Locals thrash a Police Sub Inspector in Public

Surat (Gujarat): Locals thrash a police sub inspector in public, after alleged death of a youth in Surat (Gujarat).

This video went viral in social media. However details of the incident are yet to emerge.

 Watch the Video by clicking the image below:

80 killed, 230 wounded in Kabul suicide bombing

80 killed, 230 wounded in Kabul
suicide bombing 

Kabul : At least 80 people were killed and over 230 injured when Islamic State suicide bombers targeted a mass demonstration in the Afgan capital on Saturday, 23^rd July 2016.

IS fighters detonated explosive belts amidst a "gathering of Shi'ites" in Deh Mazang, said the group's Amaq News Agency.

President Ashraf Ghani addressed the nation and condemned the attack that also claimed the life of at least one journalist, said Tolo News. "I will get revenge on those who shed the blood of our citizens," said Ghani. He ordered Sunday be observed as a day of national mourning. "Our enemies, by attacking civil liberties, think that they can divide us. But they will fail," he said.

Ghani confirmed that one of three suicide bombers, who had joined demonstrators at the mass rally on Saturday, had been gunned down by security forces before he could detonate his explosives. "I have directed a special commission and the attorney general to investigate the incident and find those responsible," he said.

The incident took place as thousands of demonstrators gathered for a sit-in protest at Deh Mazang against the route of a planned power line project.

The Taliban militant group has denied any hand in the deadly attack. Taliban group spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the group has no link with the explosions in Kabul city, calling it a move to create divisions among the people, said Khaama.com.

The Ministry of Interior on Saturday night confirmed the death toll had risen to 80 and that over 230 people were wounded.

Shooting rampage in German shopping mall

Shooting rampage in German shopping mall

MUNICH: Gunmen went on a shooting rampage in a shopping mall in the southern German city of Munich on Friday, 22ns July 2016 killing and wounding many people, police said. According to ANI report about 15 people killed.

Authorities were evacuating people from the Olympia mall but many others were hiding inside. The Bavarian Interior Ministry said three people were dead, NTV television reported. A Munich police spokeswoman said multiple people were killed or wounded.

"We believe we are dealing with a shooting rampage," the spokeswoman said.  More than one gunman was believed to be involved and no one had been arrested, she said.

"We believe there was more than one perpetrator. The first reports came at 6 p.m., the shooting apparently began at a McDonald's in the shopping center. There are still people in the shopping center. We are trying to get the people out and take care of them."

Police special forces had arrived at the scene, NTV said.

BSP men harassing my 12 year old daughter

BSP men harassing my 12 year old daughter

Lucknow: Expelled BJP Vice President of Uttara Pradeh Dayashankar's wife Swati Singh alleges BSP people of mentally harassing her 12-yr old daughter. She said she will take action, ANI reported.

FIR must be lodged against all those who spoke agnst me, my daughter.Case must be registered for mentally harrassing my daughter, urged Swati Singh.

People are saying they'll give Rs 50 lakh to anyone who gets my husband's tongue, can say anything they want because they represent weaker sectionss? Swati questioned.

What BSP people are saying, is it not condemnable? Shouldn't such people be also removed frm party? Swati Singh, asked

BSP people are publicly making statements saying "Unki patni, beti ko pesh karo". My daughter is in trauma said Swati Singh.

My husband got expelled from party, FIR was lodged against him, He apologized for his statement. Stilll Mayawati ji is not satisfied, she added.

India lashes out at Pak over J&K

India lashes out at Pak over J&K

New Delhi: India on Thursday, 21^st July, 2016,  lashed out at Pakistan for "inciting and supporting" terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and instead asked it to vacate its illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (POK).

In a sharp reaction over anti-India rallies being held in Pakistan and other statements emanating from there over the situation in Kashmir, External Affairs Ministry said India strongly condemns encouragement and support to UN-designated terrorists and their activities from Pakistan

Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said that in view of the threats of marches and protests at the High Commission of India in Islamabad, Pakistan should ensure full safety and security of Indian officials and their families there

"We have seen reports about rallies, events and statements related to J&K in Pakistan and POK over the last two days. We have also noted that the events were led by UN- designated terrorists, who had in the past protested the elimination of dreaded terrorists including Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Akhtar Mansour in Pakistan

"India strongly condemns the encouragement and support which such terrorists and their activities receive from Pakistan?s state. "We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting and supporting violence and terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner," the Spokesperson said

Asserting that the observance of 'Kashmir?s Accession to Pakistan Day' exposes Pakistan?s longing for the territory of J&K, Swarup said,"India demands that Pakistan must fulfil the obligation to vacate its illegal occupation of POK." 

India also asked Pakistan to stop "misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections on Thursday in POK which Pakistan ironically calls ?Azad? (free)

At least 43 people have died and more than 3,000 have been injured in the violence that erupted in Kashmir after the killing of 22-year-old terrorist Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8. India has accused Pakistan of not only pushing in terrorists but also fanning discontent within the Valley by providing support to terrorist outfits in fomenting the recent trouble in Kashmir

Pakistan used Wani's killing to needle India at the United Nations and issued statements where it accused India of atrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan also observed 'Black Day' on July 19 to express solidarity with the people of the Valley over the killing of Wani. 

BJP sacks UP VP for remarks against Mayawati

BJP sacks UP VP for remarks against Mayawati

New Delhi: BJP on Wednesday, 20^th July 2016, sacked its Uttar Pradesh vice president Dayashankar Singh from all party posts and expelled him from party for six years for his derogatory slur against BSP chief Mayawati sparked massive uproar and pushed the saffron party in a tight corner.

UP BJP President Keshav Prasad Maurya told reporters that Singh has been relieved of all posts and said "such language has no place in the party".

BJP has been wooing dalits, a politically crucial community in Uttar Pradesh which goes to the polls early next year, and Singh's comments have the potential to damage its efforts. The party hopes that it will be able to contain the damage by acting swiftly against him.

As his remarks drew all-round flak, even from his own party, Singh tried to do some damage control by apologising and claimed it was a "slip of tongue".

A furious Mayawati, who is a dalit leader, demanded that Singh be expelled and warned the government in the Rajya Sabha that she will not be responsible if people hit the streets. Her party threatened to take legal action against the BJP leader.

She was joined by leaders from other parties, including Congress. Union Minister Arun Jaitley immediately distanced the BJP from Singh's comments and offered his regret.

"It is not right and I condemn the use of such words. I express personal regrets. I associate our dignity with yours and stand with you," Jaitley said.

India, S Africa to deepen ties in defence, manufacturing sectors

India, S Africa to deepen ties in defence, manufacturing sectors

Pretoria:  Ratcheting up their traditional ties, India and South Africa on Friday, 08^th July 2016 agreed to deepen engagement in key areas of defence production, manufacturing, mining and minerals while vowing to cooperate "actively" in combating terrorism and dealing with issues at multilateral fora.

After extensive talks with South African President Jacob Zuma, Prime Minister Narendra Modi projected India as an attractive destination for manufacturing of defence equipment and platforms and said both countries can join hands in not only meeting needs of each other but also to respond to regional and global demand.

South Africa is a major player in defence production globally. During the meeting, Modi thanked President Zuma for South Africa's support to India's membership bid to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"We know that we can count on the active support of our friends, like South Africa," he said. There were reports that South Africa was among countries which had reservations about India's bid to join the 48-nation grouping.

Holding that ties between India and South Africa have been a story of strong advances and concrete achievements, Modi said there was potential to ramp up cooperation in trade and investment, especially in areas of minerals and mining, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and information technology.

In a joint press interaction with Zuma, Modi invoked Mahatma Gandhi and said he belongs as much to India as to South Africa. "For me personally, this visit is an opportunity to pay homage to two of the greatest human souls to have ever walked this Earth - Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela," said Modi.

Later Modi went to Johansburg and visited Constitution Hill and Nelson Mandela Foundation. He inaugurated a special exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. Prime Minister also met anti –apartheid revolutionaries and families at Johansburge.

A cultural programme was arranged by Indian Community on the occasion of Mod’s Visit to South Africa. Modi addressed the members of Indian Community after the cultural events, reports said.

Terror is gravest threat to world, says PM

Terror is gravest threat to world, says PM

Maputo (Mozambique): Amid a spurt in terror attacks in various countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 7^th July 2016 said terrorism is the "gravest threat" to the world, "equally impacting" India and Mozambique which agreed to strengthen security and defence ties and bolster cooperation in food security.

After Modi's wide-ranging talks with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi here, the two countries signed three pacts, including a significant "long-term agreement" under which India will buy pulses from this African nation to meet its recurring shortfall and contain prices of this commodity.

Declaring India as a "trusted friend" and a "reliable partner" of Mozambique, the Prime Minister also announced that essential medicines, including those for treating AIDS, would be donated to this country as part of efforts to strengthen its public health system.

India will also help build capacities of Mozambique's security forces, Modi said with a vow to "walk every step" with this country on its path of development and progress.

He identified agriculture, healthcare, energy security, security, defence and skill development as some of the areas having potential for cooperation.

"We want our development and economic ties to benefit our societies. We also want our partnership to ensure the safety and security of our people," he said at a joint media interaction with Nyusi after their talks during which the two leaders discussed ways to enhance trade and investment and step up cooperation in other fields.

While talking about the challenges, Modi said, "President Nyusi and I recognize that terrorism is the gravest security threat facing the world today. Mozambique and India are no exceptions. Terrorism impacts India and Mozambique equally." 

His comments assume significance as these came against the backdrop of spurt in terror attacks in various parts of the world. This included the second major terror attack in less than a week in India's neighbour Bangladesh just hours before Modi spoke. Terrorists even struck at the mosque of Prophet in Saudi city of Medina a few days back.

Later Modi visited the Centre for Innovation and Tech and interacted with scientists and students. He also planted sapling of a African Mahagani in the premises of Centre. He also met Indian community members at Maputo. 

Modi’s new team begins work

Modi’s new team begins work

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made reshuffle of his cabinet on Tuesday, 5^th July 2016 inducting 19 new faces including including BJP leaders S S Ahluwalia, M J Akbar and Vijay Goel, and Ramesh Jigajinagi from Karnataka while elevating Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in the second expansion of his government ahead of political battles in Uttar Pradesh and other states.

Modi changed the portfolios in the night in which Anantha Kumar and DV Sadananda Gowda from Karnataka were given the portfolios of Parliamentary Affairs and Statistics and Programme Implimentation respectively. New comer Jigjinagi was given drinking water and sanitation department.

Here is the new portfolio list:

 Ravi Shankar Prasad gets additional charge of law 

Smriti Irani moved to Textile Ministry.

Venkaiah Naidu new I &B Minister.

Prakash Javadekar replaces Smriti Irani as HRD minister.

Smriti Irani has now been given Textiles Ministry.

Ananth Kumar is the new Parliamentary Affairs minister

Santosh Kumar Gangwar given Finance department
Faggan Singh Kulaste given health and family welfare.

Hansraj Gangaram given Home affairs

Ramesh Chandappa Jigajinagi given drinking water and sanitation department

Anupriya Patel gets Health and family welfare.
Ajay Tamta given textiles department.Jayant Sinha given Civil aviation

Arjun Ram Meghwal given finance, corporate affairs.

Ramdas Athawale given social justice and empowerment department. 

MJ Akbar given External affairs.

SS Aluhwalia given agriculture and farmers welfare, parliamentary affairs department.

Sports ministry given to Vijay Goel.Sadananda Gowda given Statistics and Programme implementation.
RS Prasad given Law and Justice department

Five ministers of state were dropped in the second exercise undertaken by Modi in a little more than two years since he took over in May, 2014 which saw a number of dalit and OBC leaders being given ministerial positions apparently with an eye on assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand next year and Gujarat later.

Javadekar, who held independent charge of Environment, was the lone minister to be promoted to the cabinet rank while all new inductees took oath as Ministers of State. Earlier, there was speculation that Power Minister Piyush Goel and Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be elevated to the Cabinet.

Ajay Tamta (Uttarakhand), Arjun Ram Meghwal (Rajasthan), Krishna Raj (UP), Athawale (Maharashtra), Ramesh C Jigajinagi (Karnataka) were among the dalit MPs administered the oath of Office and Secrecy by President Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan attended by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Modi, his cabinet colleagues, BJP President Amit Shah and leaders allied parties among others. No Congress leader was present.

Others who were inducted included P P Chaudhary, C R Chaudhary (Rajasthan), A M Dave, Faggan Singh Kulaste (Madhya Pradesh), Mahendra Nath Pandey (UP), Purshotam Rupala, J Bhabhor and Mansukhbhai Mandaviya (Gujarat), Rajen Gohain (Assam) and S R Bhamre (Maharashtra).

Dozens of foreigners taken hostage in Dhaka

Dozens of foreigners taken hostage in Dhaka

Dhaka (Bangladesh): Several foreigners believed to be taken hostages inside Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in diplomatic zone in the Bangladeshi capital: police on Friday, 1^st July 2016 night.

According to Bangladesh media reports 8 armed gunmen entered the holey Artisan Bakery  café in diplomatic area in Dhaka and opened fire.

Reports say that gunmen in early 20’s entered the café shouting slogans and and taken dozens of people  hostages. Gun battle is on report said.

US embassy in Dhaka tweets advisory about hostage situation in Dhaka, to take shelter and monitor news.