MassCoMedia

David Vs Goliath. Revolution at stone’s throw??? On Kashmir

2011-04-21T16:43:00.000+05:30

Among many correct observations of Marx one is that, “revolutions are locomotives of history”. According to Theda Skocpol, “social revolutions are rapid, basic transformations of a society’s state and class structures; and they are accompanied and in part carried through by the class based revolts from below”. In Why Men Rebel? Ted Gurr argues that political Ted Gurr argues that political violence occurs when many people in society become angry. And people became angry when there occurs a gap between the valued things and opportunities they feel entitled to and things and opportunities they actually get –a condition that could be referred to as ‘relative deprivation”.

Chalmers Johnson adds that when such a situation arises then new and popular leaders emerge on the scene and at first a situation of multi-sovereignty or ‘state within state’ is created; then pre -revolutionary authorities lose their legitimacy to rule; and finally give way to the new leadership. Gurr has classified political violence as per to their spontaneity, leadership, planning and scale. For him ‘turmoil’, ‘conspiracy’ and internal war are different from each other. When the discontent in the masses pushes them to resort to the internal war category, large scale terrorism, guerrilla wars, civil wars become order of the day that finally give birth to a revolution. Internal war is different from just turmoil because despite all its disorganisation and spontaneity it is fairly organised and planned; and it is different from conspiracy as it enjoys huge popular support and mass base.

Thus if judged from the Gurr’s premises, the primary causal sequence in political violence is first the development discontent, second the politicisation of the discontent, and finally its actualisation in violent action political objects and actors” – the violence shrouding Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kashmir are by all criteria political violence. People are resentful; they are fighting for their rights, recognition and self-rule. And strange enough they appear fairly successful- stoning their way to freedom despite all the armed might of adversary powers. In this issue, we will glance through the prevailing conditions in some of these areas, the progress of people’s resistance, their sacrifices, its significance and off course possible way outs.

Scholars like James Manor have argued from the outset that Indian state has failed to manage Kashmir. Now this is the least what we could say. The recent agitations rather revolts too were tried to be suppressed with states brutal coercive power that proved too short to meet the will determination and resistance of the stone pelting Kashmiris.

In words of an Urdu Poet;

Every tyrant of the day considers his strategies impregnable

But the time will tell him that; “your sword was blunt’.

Tell the enemy to refill his quivers whenever he wishes

There are thousands of chests by our side if he has countless of arrows.

What should be done is the question that baffles the mind. Simplistically arguing imperialist powers should simply (and truly) pull away from Iraq and Afghanistan. Pre-1948 status quo should be achieved in Palestine. The governments of India and Pakistan must at least show the courtesy to give up their illegitimate and procrastination conditions and come to the negotiating table with Kashmiris to come up with some sort of permanent solution’ once and for all. Afterwards initiatives must be taken to ensure self-government and that will be the end of the ghost of Kashmir Dispute.

However, we are aware of that its not going to be that simple. The current upsurge of the kashmiris is spontaneous and leaderless. And so it is argued that people have no particular end in their mind; they are just angry. The popular passage of the time and so there is no need for any ‘drastic ‘ policy change. ‘beating around the bush’ will once again save the day. We can counter this line of bureaucratic argument with the statement of Jeremy Brecher that “revolutionary movements rarely begin with a revolutionary intention; this only develops in the course of the struggle itself”. Thus; if this discontent is allowed to boil up to its logical conclusion- i.e. revolution- the indian state has all to blame itself and its false sense of arrogance and pride. Like Katherine Chorley all those who believe that, “ no revolution will be won against a modern army when that army is putting out its full strength against the insurrection” will be wonder- and thunderstruck when the inevitable will happen.

REGULATING THE REGULATOR

2011-04-21T16:41:00.002+05:30

In a move that is supposed to abet protectiomism and regulate the press freedom, the Union Cabinet passed the amendments to the Press and Registration of Books Act,1867. The proposed legislation, which has already done the rounds of various concerned ministries is currently being scrutinised by the law ministry. The main purpose of the act is to limit the foreign content(syndication) and bar terror convicts from bringing out any publication. The proposed law, among other things, also makes it mandatory for an editor of a publication or a newspaper to be a citizien of India. The legislation is expected to be tabled in the Budget Session of the Parliament. The Act will hold good for both traditional and new media, which makes it an important attribute of internet freedom, once it comes into force.

The name of the act is to be revised to Press and Registration of Books and Publications Act(PRBP) and the Press Registrar is to be called as the Press Registrar General. According to a suggesgtion made by Information and Broadcasting Ministry, publication will also include electronic media, more pertinent to films and documentaries.To be more precise, it means reproduction of publications, stored in media, magnetic, optical computer memory, micro film, computer generated micro fiche or similar device or in the world wide web. New definitions have been put forward for 'editor', 'newspaper', 'publication', 'journals' and 'newsletter'.

There is also a provision for making mandatory the circulation verification and filing of annual statements by publishers. There are punishments ranging from banning the newspaper to thirty days to cancelling their licences. Cancellation of licences will only take place, if the publisher fails to file the annual statements for three consecutive years. For Title verification, the publications has to be a legal entity registered under Indian legislation, or a citizen of India in case of an individual. Minors, persons of unsound mind; insolvents; persons convicted for a cognizable offence; and persons not Ordinarily Resident in India won't be legally allowed to bring out their publication or newspapers. The owner of any proposed publication may propose one or more titles in the order of preference but not in excess of five titles. The citizen of India who intends to bring out a publication and who is also the owner, then shall make an application to the Magistrate in the prescribed form, accompanied by a nominal fee for his request to be processed.The Magistrate will recommend or reject the application within a period of 3 months. Titles which match other publications, are obscene, similar to symbols of terrorist organizations will not be registered.

There are also provisons in the amended Act to regulate the foreign content or syndication, and foreign investment in a publication. Foreign investments are to be limited by laws prescribed by the investing country for such purpose and 'fascimile edition' or replica of foreign newpaper or publication with minor changes, can be printed after getting sanctioned by GOI.

Whenever any owner or printer or publisher prints or publishes any publication that do not conform to the Act and the Rules made under this Act, he/she shall be liable for penalties ranging from suspension of the publication for a period up to 30 days or a fine of up to Rs. 5000 (five thousand) or both for first offence to cancellation of registration or a fine of up to Rs. 50000 (Fifty thousand) or both for third offence.

The Government is being blamed by various stakeholders for not taking into account their interests and objections, although it invited their suggesgtions and recommendations. Meanwhile, the Association of Indian Magazines(AIM), at their meeting came down heavily on the Government. Paresh Nath, Editor & Publisher, Delhi Press, said, “The proposed amendment by the Government is unnecessary. The old Act was working well during the British reign and after independence also it had been satisfying so far. The industry doesn’t need any amendment which will restrict the fundamental right to freedom of expression in any way.”

INS president Kundan R Vyas, who maintained that the purpose of legislation ought to be to remove anomalies, charged that some of the provisions were still draconian and violative of the Constitution. Vyas urged Soni to take a serious view on concerns of the industry and initiate consulations with the industry. “The suspension of a publication is too wide a power to be granted to a magistrate or even Press Registrar. Any provision that causes cessation of a publication has no place in democracy and is violative of the right to freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution,” he said.

Dr. Binayak Sen Is Speaking Up A Crime?

2011-04-21T16:40:00.000+05:30

A review by MassCoMedia Trainee

A person who fights for Human Rights and Questions the Government policy will be sentenced to life imprisonment. This is what the Law says. According to Section 124(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), “ Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by Law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.” Same was the law (of sedition) that was used to convict Mahatma Gandhi during British Rule. After independence and happily, we inherited the British system.

Dr. Binayak Sen, a doctor by profession is a noted Human right activist who has dedicated his life for a Cause. He worked for the tribal people of Chhittisgarh who are devoid of the basic amenities. On 24^th Dec, the Session court of Raipur found him guilty of sedition and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

His only crime is that he raised his voice against the ‘salwa judum’, a private force armed by the Chhittisgarh Government to take on the Tribals and Maoists, forcing them to leave their land to the big-shot Mining companies. Salwa Judum has committed many crimes, the list of which is endless; burnt houses, looted tribal’s property, raped women and killed people. Though government admits all of these crimes, not a single case has been registered against Salwa Judum, only because it is backed by the state government.

Der. Sen fought for people who have been exploited over years, who are deprived of Education, Healthcare and resources needed to ensure their Sustainability. What they want is not ‘Development’ but protection of their ‘land’ and basic amenities.

In spite of Dr, Sen’s statements that he neither condones the Naxalites nor approves of their violent method, speaking strongly against them several times, he gets falsely accused of sedition and conspiracy.

The evidence that was presented against Dr. Sen is:

· A post card dated 3 June 2006 written to Dr. Sen by Narayan Sanyal (while lodged at the Raipur Central Jail), regarding his health as well as lagal case, which is duly signed by the jail authorities carrying the Seal of the jail Authorities

· A booklet “ on the Unity between CPI (Peole’s War) and Maoist Communist Centre” in Hindi.

· A letter written by Mdanlal Banarjee( a member of the CPI-Maoist) from jail addressed “ Priya Comrade Binayak Sen”

· A photocopy of an article in English titled “ Naxal Movement, Tribals and Woman’s Movement”

· A hand written photocopied note “ how to build an anti-US imperialist Front”

· Eight page article titled “ krantikari Janwadi Morcha (Revolutionary People’s Front) Vaishavikaran Awam Bahrtiye Seva Kshetra (Globalisation and the Service Sector in India)

What is the reason of Dr. Sen’s life-time imprisonment? Is it because, he visited Narayan Sanyal in jail 33 times? Is talking to a prisoner with prior police permission a Crime? The Post card written by Mr. Sanyal was duly signed by the jail authorities. Mr. Sanyal was being treated by Dr. Sen for fibromatosis. Is treating a prisoner a Crime? Moreover, Mr. Sanyal was not jailed as a Naxalite, rather, he was accused of murder. Most importantly, all the meets of Dr, Sen with Mr. Sanyal was under the strict supervision of jail authorities. All that they talked was about Mr. Sanyal’s health and his case. When they never met alone, how is Dr, Sen accused of conspiracy?

Refuting to follow his party’s line in Chhattisgarh, Ram Jethmalani, eminent lawyer and BJP member says that “it is a case of low evidence”

The hard –to-belief reality is that the Chhattisgarh government has signed hundreds of MoUs(Memorandum of understanding) with many Mining companies and other MNCs. It is public that there have been many visits of American Ambassadors to Raipur and other cities of Chhattisgarh in the recent times. All of this suggests that Dr, Sen’s arrest is nothing but a Capitalist agenda in the disguise of ‘development’. As Arundathi Roy suggests, it isn’t Maoist corridor, rather, it must be called a ‘MOUist corridor’.

In this regard, india should not follow the path of China by turning down the Voices raised against the Government. When the Human Rights activist of China, Liu Xiaobo called for the end of communist one-party rule in China, he was incarcerated as a political prisoner. Is India-walking into the foot-steps of China-not ridiculing the “Right to Freedom of speech” by convicting Dr. Binayak Sen of being a conduit between the Naxalites? His is one such case of excesses on basic human rights of the citizens of India, there are thousands such cases but who cares.

It’s high time that we analyze our shortcomings, raise our voices for this cause and let would hear it!! Cry Out!!!

A twinge of Democracy

2011-04-21T16:38:00.003+05:30

Dhairya Maheshwari, Media Trainee, MassCoMedia

Changes,however trivial or revolutionary are often tumultuous and sweat is

their provender. And they go in proportion with their magnitude. National

or regime changes,as history suggests, are always accompanied by chaos, din

and some amount of blood-shedding.For blood is what instils fear and anger,

the two drivers behind revolution.

The Day of Anger, or January 25th, the day when it all started. Egyptians, in

flagrant disregard of their autocratic laws, defied the thirty-year old

emergency-rule and took to streets irrespective of their class or age.Under

the law, police powers are extended, constitutional rights suspended,

censorship is legalised, and the government may imprison individuals

indefinitely and without reason. The law sharply limits any non-governmental

political activity, including street demonstrations, non-approved political

organisations, and unregistered financial donations.Although socially

liberal than most of other Muslim-regimes and having a more inclusive society,

Egyptian people toiled with shackles of poverty and oppression(mostly police)

holding them from integrating with rest of the world.Human rights organisations estimate that in 2010 between 5,000 and 10,000

people were in long-term detention without charge or trial. They could not express

themselves, and number of government dissendents inundated the jails.Egyptian

youth, which was continuously growing restless due to rising unemployment and

social oppression, and not being able to decide its country's fate unlike

elsewhere in the world decided to give it back to the government and take its

rights, forcefully.President Mubarak, no doubt, did a commendable job by

laying emphasis on education. As a result, literacy rate in Egypt is pretty

high as compared to other parts of the Arab World. But even Britishers built

railways in India hoping to gain from it, and it was one reason that led to

their doom. Similarly, Mubarak could not take into account rising aspirations

of the educated youth and it could,very well, be his last fight.

The Sarajevo moment of the uprising is attributed to the Alexandria Church

bombings just after the New Year's eve.The inability of the Mubarak-led

National Security Forces to protect the Church was seen as a breach of trust

by Egyptian people and Christians, along with Muslims, marched to streets

condemning the Mubarak govenrment. The bomb was alleged to have been planted

by Gaza-based Army of Islam and killed 23 people.

The Egyptian Army, after exercising much restraint, had to take up to streets

on January 30th. They have not fired at the protestors, and see this as an

oppurtunity to outster Hosni Mubarak, who has tried in the past to lessen

its influence by forming his own Security outfits. The Army, which enjoys

good rapport with the people of Egypt,in a sign of solidarity with the people

helped them in organising themselves and has really prevented the matters

from going bad to worse. It has thwarted attempts by pro-Mubarak rabble

rousers to cause mayhem. To paraphrase Manu Pubby of Indian Express, who is

reporing from Cairo, there is a carousal atmosphere prevailing with people

singing patriotic songs. They are assisting the army in checking credentials

of foreign journalists and preventing pro-Mubarak supporters from entering

the crowd beyond certain vantage points.The Army, which has direct linkages

with US Defense Department, is closely being scrutinised by all around the

world. It is the single most important entity, whose action or misactions

could change the course of the revolution. It is being alleged that US$1.3

billion of military aid each year in addition to economic and

development assistance from the US has kept the Army quiet until now.The

American clout is clearly visible here. And so is its flak toward a

dictator it has backed for the last thirty years.US have supported the people

and called for a peaceful transition as early as possible. But Mubarak wants

to complete his term and go in September citing instability and chaos that

would follow his retirement.He has made encouraging overtures that suggest

change of guard is imminent in near future.A statement issued from Suleiman's

office after the meeting said that the

government had offered to form a committee to suggest required

constitutional amendments by the first week of March, pursue corrupt

officials, undo curbs on media freedom, liberalise communication, lift an

emergency law in the country and open an office to look into the release of

political prisoners.But people want an immediate switchover.

Another important player in the uprising is Muslim Brotherhood. They have

a considerable presence in Egypt and are leading from the front.The MB stands

for Islamic Law and that is what is feared most by its critics. But MB insist

that they will run their society on tenets of Islam, which stands for tolera-

nce and peace. Women will have a choice to wear what they want. Secularism

will be the order of the day.But they have been involved in violent activit-

ies in the past and thats what is worrying about them.We do not want a second

Taliban.

Who gains from this uprising? Well,ideally it should be the people. But bomb-

blasts from MB dominated Gaza-strip or military suppoting the people and

reverberating the US. It can make one ponder. President Mubarak may be right

to not to relinquish power immediately as it may lead to power struggle in

which people may be left unattended,but who can trust him or his motives

either. One thing is for sure, somebody is gaining big time from this turn

of events.

ANNA

2011-04-21T16:36:00.000+05:30

Neha Kedia, Media Trainee, MassCoMedia

After a nonstop 98 hour fast unto death, Social activist, Anna Hazare was successful in getting the Government to agree on his terms and conditions towards the formation of Joint Drafting Committee for the Lokpal Bill.

Hazare called of his fast on Saturday morning when government agreed to issue an official order to set up a 10-member joint committee of ministers and civil society activists to draft a new Lokpal Bill. The drafting panel is to be headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and include Hazare himself as one of the member from the crusading camp. The panel has given the deadline of June 30 to complete its work so that the Bill can be introduced in the monsoon session of the parliament.

Facebook, Twitter and Short Message Service (SMS) played an important role in making people aware and urging them to fight against corruption. Arvind Kejriwal, the prominent member of the crusading camp, said that the idea to use Facebook and Twitter came from the protests of Egypt and Libya to communicate with the masses and making people to take some action against corruption.

Anna Hazare employed Gandhian way of protest against corruption in India. Last time when Anna sat on fast in 2006, Central Government withdraw its proposal to amend Central RTI Act; in 2002, Maharashtra RTI Act was passed; 400 corrupt officers were dismissed from job; six corrupt ministers in Maharashtra had to resign. “Anna hazare is reborn as Gandhiji. So I am supporting him through my brush by making a potrait of Gandhiji” Tabrez Alam, a painter who came from Bihar said.

Audi TT-Vishal Bawa(B.sc MCAJ 1st sem)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-02-15T13:01:00.002+05:30

German car manufacturing company, Audi launched its latest model - luxury 'TT Coupe' in India in March 2008. Latest technology has been used in the engineering of the car, to produce ultimate driving pleasure. It is dynamic from the outside, roomy and luxurious on the inside. The four-seater coupe comes with all the safety equipments that can provide all-round protection to the passengers. Audi TT Coupe is truly a fascinating car from every perspective. The petrol-driven vehicle offers mind-blowing top speed. The powerful engine of TT coupe is surprisingly agile.

Engine
Under the hood of Audi TT coupe lies a powerful 3.2L Quattro engine, which generates a power of 250 PS @ 6300 rpm and a peak torque of 320 Nm @ 2500 rpm. The car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and promises to deliver a top speed of 250 km/h. The engine is linked to six gears automatic transmission.

Design And Comfort
Audi TT coupe combines the luxury of a sedan with the functionality of a coupe. With a low roofline, the coupe features short front and rear overhangs, which add to its sporty elegance. Adding to the dynamic stance of the vehicle are the prominently flared wheel arches. The ergonomically-shaped folding seats, provided in the rear side of the car, provide comfort to its occupants. The rear seat occupants enjoy equal level of comfort, with ample leg and head room. The seats are positioned at a low level, with effective lateral support that can be adjusted as per the individual's convenience.

Interiors
The plush interiors of Audi TT coupe are neatly appointed. The cabin is characterized by leather trimmed sports seats in the front and foldable seats in the rear side. The front seats are electronically adjustable, with electric lumbar support. The cabin gets a luggage compartment, which offers ample boot space. The seats are upholstered in finest nappa leather. The trendy instrument panel features audio system and a radio symphony with 6-disc CD changer. It also gets a driver information system.

Ride And Handling
The finely tuned suspension system of Audi TT coupe, with Mc Pherson strut with lower wishbones in the front and four-link suspension with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement in the rear, work in combination to absorb the bumps on uneven roads. The coupe also features an 'Audi magnetic ride', which offers crisp handling. The ventilated discs, which act as the front as well as rear brakes, provide forceful stopping power to the automobile.

Safety
Audi TT coupe is fully loaded with advanced safety features. The standard safety equipments, safeguarding the occupants, include Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), dual stage airbags for the front seat passengers, radio remote-controlled central locking, anti-theft device and tyre mobility system. The electro-mechanical steering wheel comes with speed-dependent power assistance.

Variants, Price And Color
Audi TT 3.2 Quattro, the only model of the car available in India, is priced at Rs 46 lakh (approx). It comes in five dazzling colors, including Phantom Black, Sprint Blue, Solar Orange, Brilliant Red and Ibis White.

SPEAK OUT- Edition 2 Swati Jain (MAPR)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-02-10T11:10:00.000+05:30

Sports stars in India beyond cricket-Deepak sharma(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-02-10T10:49:00.000+05:30

India organized 19th commonwealth games in Delhi last year and a large number of players from different games gave his best performance and won medals for India. There is big list of players, those came in lime light CWG held in Delhi last year and got the reputation, name and fame of sports star which was just for cricketers in India. The common mentality of Indian sports ministry, corporate houses and every authority which is responsible for development of sports in India, they always demoralized players, and those are not a cricketer’s. But the circumstances fully changed after CWG held in Manchester in the year was 2002. Indian team won 30 gold’s and total 69 medals. It was the milestone for history sports in India and also a proud movement for every citizen of India. Players, who set identity of the game in india like saina nehwal, who discover the game of badminton in India and same thing did by sania mirza in women’s badminton. Narayan karteken is a formula one player, who established the identity of formula one in Indian subcontinent.

There are many players, who’s are very popular in India. She is a Professnal female Indian tennis player. In April 2003, mirza made her debut in the India fed cup team, winning all three matches. Mirza has begun playing tennis at the age of six. In 2004, she was awarded the Arjuna award by the Indian government. She is also won the 2003 Wimbledon championship girl’s doubles title, teaming with alias kleybaova of Russia. She is known for her powerful forehand ground strokes. Mirza’s highest ranked female tennis player ever from India, with career highest ranking of 27 in singles and 18 in doubles. In winning with Mahesh bhupati, the mixed doubles event at 2009 Australian open, she became the first Indian women to win a grand slam title. at the 2006 doha asian games mirza won the silver in the women’s singles category and the gold in mixed doubles partnering Leander Paes.

She won silver in mixed doubles and a bronze medal in singles in Guangzhou asian games. She also won a silver medal in singles and a bronze in women’s doubles in CWG held in delhi last year. Saina Nehwal is an Indian Khel Ratna winning badminton player currently ranked number fifth in the world by Badminton World Federation. Saina is the first Indian woman to reach the singles quarterfinals at the Olympics and the first Indian to win the World Junior Badminton Championships. Saina nehwal proved her talent across the globe. If consider her performance against top ranked Chinese opponents. she lost a match from Wang Yihan. she was trailing fromWang 0-2. she defeated by Jiang Yanjiao in three back to back matches. Saina lost three matches and a win against Wang. Her record againist Wang Shixian levelling on1-1.

She won two matches and lost a match against Lu Lan. Saina Nehwal made history on June 21, 2009, becoming the first Indian to win a Super Series tournament, by clinching the Indonesia Open with a stunning victory over higher-ranked Chinese Wang Lin in Jakarta. Saina won her second career Super Series title by winning the Singapore Open title on June 20, 2010. She completed a hat-trick in the same year by winning the Indonesian Open on June 27, 2010. This win resulted in her rise to 3rd ranking and subsequently to No. 2. Later in the same year she also won Hong Kong Super Series on December 12, 2010. Saina was the under-19 national champion. Saina created history by the winning the prestigious Asian Satellite Badminton tournament (India Chapter) twice, becoming the first player to do so.

In 2006, Saina appeared on the global scene when she became the first Indian woman to win a 4-star Tournament, the Philippines Open. Entering the tournament as the 86th seed, Saina went on to stun several top seeded players including number seed Xu Huaiwen before defeating Julia Wong Pei Xian of Malaysia for the title. Saina Nehwal was rewarded with Arjuna award in August, 2009 and her coach Gopichand was also rewarded with Dronacharya award at the same time. Saina has been signed up by Olympic Gold Quest to support her in fulfilling her dream of winning the Olympic gold medal. Saina has been aw Saina has been awarded with the highest national sporting award given to players, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award on 29 August 2010arded with Padma Shri award in January 2010. Saina Nehwal won 2010 Commonwealth games gold in the women's singles badminton event held in the Siri Fort Auditorium, Delhi, on 14 October 2010. She was recently voted as the third best Badminton Player of the Year 2010 by readers of an international badminton magazine, Badzine. Pankaj Arjan Advani is a World Champion in snooker and billiards from India.He won his first world championship title in 2003 IBSF World Snooker Championship in China. Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour, 2009. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honour, 2005-06.Rajyotsova award Karnataka's highest civilian award, 2007. After winning the IBSF World Billiards Championship in 2005 at Qawra, Malta, when he defeated fellow countryman Devendra Joshi, he became only the second cueist after Malta's Paul Mifsud to have won both the billiards and snooker world titles. Advani, who is the only player to have achieved a "grand double" of winning both the points and timed formats at the IBSF World Billiards Championships 2005, has repeated the same feat at the 2008 Championships held in Bangalore as well.

Sushil Kumar Solanki is an Indian World Champion wrestler who won the gold medal in the 66 kg freestyle competition at the FILA 2010 World Wrestling Championships and a bronze medal in the men’s event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In india wrestling known as ‘ khusti ‘, begun at age Royal Rajbade’s and wrestlers known as ‘ pehlwan’s’. wrestling is historical game in india and roots of game is everywhere in india. If we cheakout the history , maximum wrestlers are came from rural india. Wrestling schools in india known as ‘Akhada’, there is lack of basic facilities which is very important for a wrestler besides that fact indian wresters proved his talent in wrestling world. Kumar defeated Leonid Spiridonov of Kazakhstan in the repechage round to win the bronze. This was the third medal for India at the Beijing Olympics after shooter Abhinav Bindra claimed the first ever individual Olympic gold medal in the 10 m Air Rifle event and Vijender Kumar won bronze medal in boxing for the country.

This was also the second medal for India in wrestling, and the first since K D Jadha's bronze medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. On July 2009, he received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratn - India's highest On 3 October 2010, honor for sportspersons. Sushil Kumar was the final baton bearer who handed the Queen's Baton to Prince Charles in the Queen's Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Leander Adrian paes is an Indian professional tennis player who currently features in the doubles events in the ATP tour and the Davis Cup tournament. he made his debut in international tennis arena in 1991.He won 6 Doubles and 6 Mixed Doubles Tennis Grand Slam titles and finishing runners up in numerous other Grand Slam finals, he is considered to be one of the greatest and most respected contemporary doubles and mixed doubles players in the world.

After winning the Mixed Doubles title with Cara Black at The Championships, Wimbledon in 2010, he became only the third male tennis player in tennis history (after Rod Laver and John McEnroe) to win any Wimbledon title in three different decades. He is among the most successful professional Indian tennis players and is also the former captain of the Indian Davis Cup team. He is the recipient of India's highest sporting honour, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 1996–1997, the Arjuna Award in 1990, and the Padma Shri award in 2001 for his outstanding contribution to tennis in India. Apart from his twelve Grand Slam victories at doubles and mixed doubles events, he is famous for his several memorable Davis Cup performances playing for India and also for winning a bronze medal for India in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Peas partnering with Mahesh bhupati in men’s duubles pair known as ‘Indian express’. Which was a very good combination ever for india. He went one better at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics,where he beat Fernando Meligeni to win the Bronze medal, thus becoming the first Indian to win an individual medal since KD Jadhav won Bronze at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics more than four decades earlier.He also achieved the rare Men's Doubles/Mixed Doubles double during the 1999 Wimbledon. His consecutive Olympic appearances from 1992 to 2008.

Krishna Poonia, is a national woman discus throw champion of India. She led an Indian clean sweep in the women's discus final on 11th October 2010, winning the Delhi Commonwealth Games gold Medal with a throw of 61.51 metres. Poonia is a girl came from a small vilage of haryana, proved that talent come out as thunder, if someone demorlized or lack of opportunity never stoped talent. She won bronze medal in 2006 Doha Asian Games. Krishna Poonia threw the discus to 61.53, her personal best, in the second try and finished behind Aimin Sing of China (63.52) and Ma Xuenjun, also of China (62.43).Krishna Poonia had won gold medal in the 46th Open National athletics championships to nose ahead of favorites Seema Antil and Harwant Kaur while registering a career-best 60.10 meters distance .She contested at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but failed to reach the finals, after finishing 10th in the qualifiers with a throw of 58.23.She is the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in track and field events of Commonwealth games and the first Indian to win a gold medal in such events after Milkha Singh who had won the gold in Men's440. Viswanathan Anand is an Indian chess Grandmaster and the current World Chess Champion. He held the FIDE World Chess Championship from 2000 to 2002, at a time when the world title was split.After sunil Gvaskar and Sachin Tendulkar third sportsman who is real champion from india.we can say his reputation in chess like tendulkar in cricket.

He became the undisputed World Champion in 2007 and defended his title against Vladimir Kramnik in 2008. He then successfully defended his title in the World Chess Championship 2010 against Veselin Topalov. As the reigning champion, he will face the winner of the Candidates Tournament for the World Chess Championship 2012.Anand became India's first grandmaster in 1987.He was also the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 1991Padma Shri, National Citizens Award and Soviet Land Nehru Award in 1987. The inaugural Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honour in the year 1991–1992. British Chess Federation 'Book of the Year' Award in 1998 for his book My Best Games of Chess. Padma Bhushan in 2000.Jameo de Oro the highest honor given by the Government of Lanzarote in Spain on 25 April 2001. The award is given to illustrious personalities with extraordinary achievements. Chess Oscar (1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2008).Sport star Millennium Award in 1998, from India's premier Sports magazine for being the sportsperson of year.

Abhinav Bindra is an Indian shooter from Zirakpur, Mohali, Punjab and is the current World and Olympic champion in the 10 m Air Rifle event. By winning the gold in the 10 m Air Rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, he became the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympic Games and India's first gold medal since 1980, when the Men's Field Hockey Team won the gold. At 15, Abhinav Bindra became the youngest participant in the 1998 Commonwealth Games. His fame to honour though came when he won a Bronze in the 2001 Munich World Cup with a new junior world record score of 597/600. Bindra was also the younge st Indian participant at the 2000 Olympic Games. He won six gold medals at various international meets in 2001. In 2001 he was honoured with the Arjuna Award and the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2001.In the Air rifle event at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Manchester, he won Gold in the Pairs event. Bindra also won Silver in the individual event. On July 24, 2006, Bindra became the first Indian shooter to win a World Championship gold in Zagreb. Dr. Karni Singh's Silver in 1962 was the previous best by an Indian in a World Championship meet.

At the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, he won the Gold in the Pairs event and the Bronze in the Singles event When the 2010 Commonwealth Games was held in New-Delhi, Abhinav Bindra got the honour of being the Indian contingent's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Abhinav Bindra won the gold for the Men's 10m Air Rifle final after shooting a total of 700.5. Abhinav Bindra along with Gagan Narang shot in unison to set a Games record 1193 in 10m air rifle pair's event for men to win the first gold for India in the 19th Commonwealth Games,Sydney cup 2007.

Vijender Singh Beniwal also known as Vijender Singh or Vijender Beniwal) is an Olympic Medalist Indian boxer from Kalwas, Bhiwani district in Haryana.He practiced boxing at the Bhiwani Boxing Club where coach Jagdish Singh recognized his talent and encouraged him to take to professional boxing. Vijender took part in the middleweight (75 kg) division at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, where he won the bronze medal in a lost semifinal bout against Kazakhstan's Bakhtiyar Artayev with the final score of 24–2.Vijender took part in the middleweight (75 kg) division at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, where he won the bronze medal in a lost semifinal bout against Kazakhstan's Bakhtiyar Artayev with the final score of 24–29onal boxing .He beat southpaw Carlos Góngora of Ecuador 9–4 in the quarterfinals on 20 August 2008 which guaranteed him a medal, the first ever Olympic medal for an Indian boxer. In July 2009, Vijender accompanied by Sushil and boxer Mary Kom were felicitated with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award—India's highest sporting honor. In September 2009, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) announced Vijender as the top-ranked boxer in its annual middle-weight category. In January 2010, Vijender was awarded the Padma Shri award, for outstanding contribution to Indian sports. Vijender won gold medal in the 2010 Asian games in Guangzhou ,china. He thrashed the defending World champion Abbos Atoev of Uzbekistan 7-0 , thus taking revenge for the earlier loss suffered to him Ashish Kumar is an Indian gymnast from Allahabad, who won the first-ever medal in gymnastics for India, in October 2010 at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, when he won a Silver in Men's vault and a Bronze in Men's floor to become the most successful Indian gymnast in Commonwealth Games history, by winning bronze and silver medals in different gymnastic events. At the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China Ashish Kumar won a bronze medal in Artistic Gymnastics. World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2011 JAPAN- He is looking forward for the 2011 World Championship being held in Japan and will be looking to qualify for the Olympics.

Qila Rai Pithoria-Neha Kedia MSC-MCAJ 1st sem(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-02-09T17:04:00.001+05:30

Delhi is a city with a remarkable history, monuments and rich cultural heritage. From Old Fort to various monuments in the city, each one represents a separate period in the history of Delhi. Besides Red Fort, Old Fort, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, Qutab Minar, etc., there exists one more monument, named Qila Rai Pithoria, not well known to the people. Also known as the ‘First City’ of Delhi created in 10^th century in Mehrauli, Qila Rai Pithoria got its identification due to the presence of recorded historical facts.

Qila Rai Pithoria was built by Prithviraj Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithora, who was the popular during the then Hindu confrontation against Muslim invader. Qila Rai Pithoria was built on the grounds of the Lal Kot, which was a fort of Anang Pal, a Tomar Rajput ruler. Prithviraj captured Lal Kot and extended it to build the Qila Rai Pithoria. The city was surrounded by a wall of 10 to 18 meters for safety and protection. Quila Rai Pithora in Delhi was the first seat of urban settlements in Delhi region.

“The ruins of the Qila Rai Pithora have been conserved in a 20-acre DDA Conservation Park, but due to the presence of historical facts it was taken by the archeological department” said Pradip Upadhyaye, Security Guard, Quila Rai Pithoria.

The park has an 18-foot high statue of Prithviraj Chauhan and a library, and is being developed as a tourist destination, housing an interesting museum and artifacts belonging to the medieval period.

“The fort looks especially beautiful in the evenings when its ramparts get all lit up, and is a good place to spend time with our children as we cannot take them to any other park nearby as they basically turned into the couple’s park and we don’t want our children to have a bad effect on them” said Rashmi, resident of Madangir who has been coming to the park from the last five years.

The park also attract to the young chirpy crowd through its entertaining activities like music concerts, shooting for videos and photo shoots. Hence, Qila Rai Pithoria is an ideal place where one can not only enjoy the historical monument, but also relax in the sprawling park. People can have entertainment under one roof

Amateur click-Vishal Bawa (B.sc MCAJ 1st sem)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-02-08T16:43:00.001+05:30

Long and high,Till I touch the Sky;

The sun will rise and shine so bright.

My leaves have shed,but I'm still not dead.

My roots are strong and I'll go on....

India's place in current world order, a critical overview by a MassCoMedia student

2011-02-01T14:43:00.004+05:30

Noor Khan, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

A famous saying “History repeat itself” has been again proven with the development of world’s largest democracy – India.

India was once believed to be a land that was symbolised as golden bird which has now emerged as the land of golden economy after 60 years of its independence.

The India of today is quite different from what is used to be in the past, as far as close study of its growth chart presents. It has changed for the better as the analyst all over the world find. They present their view in a very objective way relying on the data collected painstakingly over the year All expert, both at home and abbroad , agree that India hash made a remarkable progress with regard to the income of people, individually as well as collectively. Common people as well as the knowledgeable one emerged and atmosphere has become conducive for the commencement as well as growth of business today. On the whole, we can say though the modern advancement and growth of our country have benefited mainly the urban middle classes, quantum of benefit has varied across classes throughout the country. The most significant fact is that oour country moved a step forward in the direction of development, while the biggest economies of the world reeled under the worst impact of global meltdown. As our country fared well during the time of global slow down dat the world witness during the later years of the first decade of the 21 century, we can hope do the best during the year it is passing through and in the decade to fallow. The factor that ensured the growth of Indian economy are chiefly said to be the country’s manpower ( which consisted of younger and more productive person than in the past), money ( to fund investment and consumption), confidence (that entrepreneurship and investment will result in significant returns) and competition (that proved fiercer yet healthier and ever-increasing). As far as the factors are concerned, thy are still present and not going to vanish very soon, so we can look forward to more growth and prosperity.

We should, however, not ignore d factor that impeded our growth in the past. When the country ushered in the past new century, the greatest problem that it faced was uncontrollable population explosion. Now, the scene has completely changed. The country is harvesting its population’s strength to its benefit rather than considering it unmanageable. How ironical it looks now when we are in a position to give international Monetary Fund, There fore the scene is just the reverse now. The vistas of opportunity during the first decade of this century fallowed the change in perception when business-idea not the business-licence came to regarded as the key ingredient for a start-up. That becomes possible when the politicians at the helm of affairs started recognising, new political parties. They not only promised but many of them actually fulfilled also what they had promised. And un like their past behaviour, they start talking on growth without any hesitation. In 2007, the Finance minister of India Mr. P. Chidambaram told a gathering abroad that “without growth, India will remain a poor, rich nation”. What he meant to say was that the size of the cake is necessary to determine the slice of the cake. In other word, economic policies should stress more on wealth creation which would in turn decide the wealth distribution.

Impact of Indian economy was seen when U.S.A ‘s president mentioned in his speech at Mumbai at “India is not emerging, but has already a emerged Nation. It has a very crucial role to play in global economy rise. The rock of Indian economy was even excepted by world biggest economy’s when Chinese president said dat India is not a rival but a partner for its rise.

The rise of India can be seen in every possible field. India holds the record of worlds second largest arm buyer and is said to be a pool of engineers and doctors. Beside these India is making a marvellous development in field of agriculture after been declared as third most producer of wheat and second most producer of tea after china. In field of technology India holds the number one position in software technology.

India’s capacity in sports was seen when its sport stars performed wonderfully in Commonwealth Games (CWG) and Asian games. Indian cricket always proved to be his iron in world.

India’s strength was seen in international sphere when many ‘Veto Nation’ themselves showed their open support for India’s seat for (UNSC) United Nation Security Council. Hillary Clinton herself said dat India has herself earned a seat in UNSC.

Girls 'stand out', a report on increasing female infanticide and foeticide by a MassCoMedia student

2011-02-01T14:23:00.001+05:30

Rahul Chaturvedi, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

India has completed 63 year of independence but why newborn girls are not safe?

In India most of the children are abandoned by their parents and most of them are killed.It is shocking that killed ones are girls.

They are killed because they are girls?

Thousands of girls have been killed by their parents in India in the past 20 years.

A UNICEF report said 4000 fewer girls are born in the country every day than

global average would suggest ,largely because female fetuses are aborted after sex determination test but also through murder of new born.

Highlight of few cases:

-On January 19,2011 a newborn girl was found floating in a sewage drain near Sarai Rohilla in North Delhi.

-Two couples who left their newborn daughters at the city Kalawati Sran and Bara Hindu Rao Hospital.

I have a question here that, Why men are seen as bread winners? and Why social prejudias deny women opportunities for education and jobs? Who has killed these girl childrens?there own parents?

The minute the child is born and she opens her mouth to cry because they put sand into her mouth and her nostrils so she chokes and dies.

According to the 2001census the national sex ratio was 933 girls to 1000 boys while in the worst affected northers state of punjab,it was 789 girls to 1000 boys.

Clicks by a MassCoMedia student

2011-02-01T14:10:00.002+05:30

I am blessed.

Every day that I live, I am blessed.

When I wake up in the morning

Till I lay my head to rest,

Yes, I am blessed.

Nandita Anand, MassCoMedia

Article 377 – changing structure of the society, a feature by a MassCoMedia student

2011-01-31T17:08:00.002+05:30

Subhadra Bhadauria,Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

My recent trip back home was a real serene. Family’s affection and chomping frightlessly despite of augmenting fat and flab was immaculately perfect. Friday night around 9 we all planned to dine, TV was on and mom was screaming on dad for the number of chapatti’s he wants but daddu’s eyes were glued to the worlds news from every hook and corner, completely oblivious to the surrounding, he was stuck to broadcast with strips reading “Gays won’t be allowed to enter the pubs and bars during 31^st December 2010 night“I felt an itch and thought to pen down my outlook to reach you all out there. Homosexuality is not a social vice and the every state should uphold these notions publicly and be empowered to contain it. Decriminalizing homosexuality may be an infringe to peace.

Section 377 of Indian Penal Code is a piece of legislation which was introduced in India during British times that criminalises sexual activity “against the decree of nature”. The law also rapt in itself “no coercive sex”. But 2 years back Delhi high court‘s verdict on legalizing article 377 not only gave few hidden souls to breathe freely and share a social platform but also vetoed many suicide attempts by the youth as earlier their burdened life was a grudge they hold to the creator.

A man and woman getting married and reproducing themselves, this is what we consider ideal life of two, sharing “love bond” for entire life, but here the man and woman chose to live life this way .In the same way censuring an individual who falls for same sex and wants to be with that mortal, becomes a sin. Deity biggest recipe of heart and soul makes everyone to bow before him. Drafting a human is tough and the one above us is perfect in this .When his machine didn’t find a flaw then how do we under his umbrella can raise a question on his crafting. Our epics and monuments are live example of homosexuality .Inscription and pictures that we share on Taj Mahal, Ajanta Ellora corroborates the race of homosexuality .

Being neglected and devoid of social rights because you are just not another bigotry in the crowd. Is this to what we say humanity?

Convictions are always difficult and so is this .It has been analysed that homosexuality will not only help in controlling the ever growing population but would also support the individual sentiment. Many celebs like American singer Tracy chapman, actor Dan butler, famous pop singer Ricky martin who declared themselves as gay , were not conceited because this world though free don’t have legroom for homosexuals . A member is denied of roof in his own house .

This value system is deeply ingrained in Indian society and nurtured over several generations. The Indian society displayed that in every aspect of life the government is manifesting in realizing a role in society for everyone. Where society can display inclusiveness and understanding, there such persons can be assured a life of dignity and non discrimination. Our society shouldn’t be captive to the stereotypes and LGBT’s shouldn’t be seen as extraterrestrial ,the changing mindset can change the world.

It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is converse of equality and this equality exhibitions will foster dignity of every individual.

So many controversies on lottery system in nursery admission, parents get more worried for this session., a report by a MassCoMedia student

2011-01-31T16:46:00.003+05:30

Tazeen, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

This is the time to start admission in new session in nursery schools. The lottery system to new admission process in nursery classes has been become the subject of many controversies in this year that is why parents get more worried for their children admission. The central board council saying that it would give more peoples a better chance of entering popular schools. But some schools and parents are against for this admission process. R.K.Morden school’s councilor, Nidhi shrivastav said, “We have already reservation n management quota in admission then why is government making this system. Middle class family’s children are studding in this school but they can’t afford our study. After sometime parents came and said that they can’t afford school’s fee and other charges infect they can’t afford our study material. Then how it is possible for a lower class family. If their children finally get admission through the lottery system, how will they afford our fees and other charges?” She said that she is also against on parent’s interview in admission process because some students are more intelligent but they do not get admission because of their parent’s interview.

Parents get more worried because the admission time has been started and the schools are still waiting for the final decision of board. Anita Giri in noida, a parent, who teach her five years old son Kartik for his admission said, “The admission forms are not out. I have no clue when the decision will come and the new process will start. Actually government gives a golden and lucky chance to those students who do not clear the admission test and interviews and finally they feel embracement infront of their friends and colleague. It’s good for students at least parent will not blame them.” Sunita Giri supports the lottery system but she is also selecting 5 or 6 schools because she doesn’t want to depend on fortune of her son. Shalu shrivastav who has a four years old son Pravesh said, “I am worried about the lottery system. I am teaching my son daily but I don’t know when the decision will come.

That is why I am selecting four or five school. Parents are doing handwork with their children. If their child will not select through the lottery system, not only parents but also children will feel so much embrace. In my opinion it’s not a good step in education system if the government takes but I am happy to know that government still thinking about this system.” Her neighbored Mr. Imran Khan who has a three years old daughter said, “The random selection also has its negative points but now if the name fails to make it in the draw of lottery, we might end up blaming the child. That would be very unfortunate. So point system is better than lottery system.”

Mostly parent are still waiting the final Decision of education ministry. The system of admitting students to nursery classes through a lottery would not be a fair decision because the brightest student as well as the poorest once lost out through the lottery system. Some schools and parents are like point system more than lottery system and they want to continue the point system in admission process.

Sari: Symbol of beauty and grace, a feature by a MassCoMedia student

2011-01-31T16:41:00.000+05:30

Pratibha Agnihotri, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

The word sari is derived from the Sanskrit word Sati. In the history of Indian clothing the sari is traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished during 2800-1800 BC around the western part of the Indian subcontinent. The earliest known depiction of the sari in the Indian subcontinent is the statue of an Indus Valley priest wearing a drape.

In ancient Tamil poems the sari is described as exquisite form of dressing for women. As the time change saree has taken many new forms and variety. It has been the symbol of our traditional form or cultural form of dressing which our ancestor use to give us. The most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the waist, with the loose end of the drape to be worn over the shoulder, baring the stomach.

The nivi style is today's most popular sari style. The nivi drape starts with one end of the sari tucked into the waistband of the petticoat, usually a plain skirt. The cloth is wrapped around the lower body once, then hand-gathered into even pleats just below the navel. The pleats are also tucked into the waistband of the petticoat. They create a graceful, decorative effect which poets have likened to the petals of a flower.

The Indian sari, believe it or not, is more than 5000 years old! It was first mentioned in Rig Veda, the oldest surviving literature of the world, written somewhere around 3000 BC. The Sari, originally intended both for men and women, is probably the longest incessantly worn dress in the history of mankind. In modern era sari is used as one of the prominent dressing which is stylish & seductive. This old dressing of India has witness many changes with all the trends including the seductive dressing. Other parts of India have their own specialties too, like the bandhani or bandheja saris of Rajasthan and Gujarat, gadhwal silks from Andhra Pradesh and paithanis of Maharashtra. Each sari is identified by the distinctive quality of the silk used and the patterns woven into the saris.

RamLeelas to Multiplexes, a feature on growth of Indian Entertainment Industry by a MassCoMedia student

2011-01-29T14:15:00.000+05:30

Upendra Sharma, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

Ramlila(plays depicting stories from the Ramayana)Maidan, the place where from many generations we tribute to “The Lord RAMA” by act their stories in proper manner like dresses , make-up, lighting, costumes and sets etc. We saw Ramlila like a big function in month of oct.-november, which connects us directly to that period of Ramayan. “Ramlila” term as by which we present some leelas (activities) of Lord Rama.

In the evening we finish our work, to see Ramlila. We prepare like we are going in a function, to see Ramlila with family, we closely attached with the characters and believe that they are real not artist. Artist also do they work very passionately, they totally admire their character and perform in front of audience very realistically.

But now time has been changed, audience’s interest is going down they feel bore and they move from Ramlila maidan to mall.

Actually we are adopting western culture beside this we forgetting our real culture or our real root and history. Today people are quit interest in Ramlila and the number of audiences also decreases. People more involve in parties, shopping, and other activities. Basically they regret Ramlila and our culture and turn toward the mall. Mall culture is can be main reason for unpopularity of Ramlila these days. Earlier the time was not like that the maidan (ground) was totally full by audience and they relates artists with the real characters like RAMA,SITA, RAVAN, and HANUMAN.

But today’s condition is Ramlila maidan looking for audiences and mall full by people. Even our reputed personalities and government are not looking this situation. Actually are not interested in Ramlila, they seeing their profit because of this they want to change ‘MAIDAN TO MALL’.

A report published on august 05, 2005 says that, the BJP by demanding that party President L K Advani step down, former Delhi Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana today trained his guns on the civic authorities claiming that they had secretly tied up with a private company to convert the historic Ram Lila ground into a business complex.

He claimed that top officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had "selected" a Kolkata-based company for the purpose without inviting bids or informing the standing committee.

Under the agreement, underground parking lots are to be constructed under business complexes at the Ram Lila and parade grounds, on this account Khurana said, "Ram Lila (plays depicting stories from the Ramayana)has been enacted on the Ram Lila ground for 150 years and I will not allow it to be converted into a mall".

So, only because of politics & lack of interest in people, we could forget our culture and also spiritual stories (lila / kahaniya of Lord Ram).We need to see what could be best to preserve or secure our culture by this types of programme or activities and by this we can transform our culture, literature and sanskaar to the next generation which is most important for personality growth as well as nation growth.

52 years of Armed Forces Act, a critical analysis by MassCoMedia student

2011-01-29T14:08:00.001+05:30

Veeyang Yirang, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

Manipur – the land of jewels is famous for bestowing the nation world class sports persons, the most prominent being Mary Kom - the 5 time world women boxing champion but sadly, it is also a place known for the naked demonstration staged by a group of women against the Army brutalities in front of the Kangla Fort in 2004 as well as the epic hunger strike that still continues even after 11 years by a frail soul Sharmila against the draconian Act - Armed Forces Special Power Act which has marked its 50 years of reprehensible presence in this small state.

50 years of AFSPA in Manipur also marks the 50 years of Armed forces brutality and gross human right violence in this sports state of North East. Reportedly, the act which also empowers the Army to shoot at suspicions has led to many fake encounters in the hills of Manipur. Fearing fake encounters many Manipuri’s have migrated to other states in small groups and the youths are sent out of the state by their parents to study or to work. The land is no more of the Manipuri’s but it has become the playground for the Indian Army and their brutalities.

In fact, the imposing of AFSPA has not stabilized the state so far but it has only added to the suffering of poor villagers who are victimized by the Army in the name of interrogation, leading to human right violation. Presumably, it is the only Indian state where highest numbers of Military and Pare Military battalion are posted that has only enhanced the fear and insecurity of the locals due to its rampant records of human rights violations. Stepping in those villages, one can witness the scar marks on most of the villagers left by the Army. The story of rape and brutality is inscribed at the door steps of every village and every family has some agonies to share meted out by the armed forces.

The AFSPA provides special power to arrest, detain and kill civilians on mere suspicion. The Act also empowers the armed forces to search and destroy properties on mere suspicion in "disturbed areas". But wherever AFSPA is in operation, enforced disappearance, extra judicial executions, torture, rape and arbitrary detention comes to rise.

In 1958 when the Union Home Minister introduced the law in the parliament, he assured that the Act would be in operation for a mere 6 months. 52 years since then, it is still in operation in Manipur, increasing violence in a peace loving state. It is just hard to believe that some armed insurgent groups operate with the support of the state and central security agencies.

The people of manipur has done everything humanely conceivable to register their protest against the AFSPA -- naked protest by mothers, self immolation by student leaders, mass demonstration, petition to the Supreme Court, complaints to the United Nation are to name a few. The civil society groups including the media, political parties, jurists, expert groups appointed by the government and the United Nations have constantly called upon the government to withdraw AFSPA from Manipur and has held that the withdrawal of AFSPA is essential to end the culture of violence in Manipur. However, the government has failed to give any heed to these considered opinions.

50 years of brutal oppression of the Armed forces, 50 years of suffering of the innocent souls and 50 years of gross human rights violations on the state of Manipur is enough to divulge the veracity of the draconian Act, AFSA. The verity is that the draconian Act has not been able to suppress the struggle of the many insurgent groups spread across the hills of Manipur but it has only added more miseries in the life of common man and most significantly, inscribed gross human rights violation in the history of the state.

Manipur known for its beauty, dance, culture and sports is losing its grace and essence because of the cruelty meted out by AFSA. Record says, peace has been absconding since the baton was handed over to AFSA. Solidifying the fact, with iron fist, peace will never prevail or be gained. The history has it; violence has accomplished nothing except devastation, humiliation, frustration, poverty and suffering for humankind. To safeguard those virtues of humanity AFSA has to go from the hills of Manipur or else humanity will die agonizingly, each second, everyday, silently.

Free Medical Aid by DMRC, report by a MassCoMedia student

2011-01-29T14:03:00.000+05:30

Manisha Bharti, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

New Delhi: Recently, a free medical health checkup camp was conducted by Max Health Institutes at Shastri Park and Metro Enclave, Pushpa Vihar.

This camp was only for Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) employees and for their family members which was Free of Cost, according to Mrs. Shobha Dwiwedi, President of Women’s Welfare (Mahila Samiti) Shastri Park.

“The medical camp was all for the (executive and non executive) residing in Shastri Park and Metro Enclave and its adjoining areas,” said Tripti Rani, Station Controller and member of the Metro Quarter, Shastri Park.

Many such medical camps took place for the betterment of employees and their families. Three medical camp already took place. This was the 4^th medical camp and the 1^st medical camp of this year and a New Year gift from Delhi Metro to it’s employees and of course for their families, as said by Neha, the residing member of Metro Quarter, Shastri Park.

Noida Authority planning green belt, a report by MassCoMedia student

2011-01-29T13:54:00.002+05:30

Gopal Choudhary, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

Noida Sector-57 (UP): Noida development authority with the collaboration of Noida Municipal Corporation (NMC) has taken the initiative to renovate the city by greeneries during the first quarter of this year.Around 150 parks and 50 fountains are under this renovation.

Navratna Udhyaan, one of the biggest parks of Noida with lots of other parks which are in sector-57, is under construction during these days because of initiative taken by development authority. This park has been given a very beautiful look with a fountain in the midst and also a boundary like a green belt around. A chain of flower’s plant is being set along with the boundary to give a centre of attraction to it. The same is being done with other parks too.This will be continuous for next three months with different parks situated at many more sectors in the area.

“Noida is an industrial area, so parks like this (Navaratna Park) are must be here to maintain the balance in environment.” Said Vipin, who had come there with his colleague to get some rest of the work.Authority also said that this renovation will be continue in Nearby Ghaziabad, Shahibabad and Bulandshar area in the early of second quarter of the year as all three cover a big portion of industrial sector.

As every coin has its two sides, the same is with this also. One hand this initiative is boon of nature to the people of Noida, On the other hand there are some security issues. “This has definitely a good step taken by the govt. but just because of not having proper security arrangements for parks or historical monuments, these are sometimes misused by some anti- social peoples irrespective they are from out or in of country. Authority should look into the matter in this regard too. ” Said a resident living in the house nearby.

Anyways, the initiative has already been taken and should be completed during the time span given by the concerned department, and it’s for sure that it will be beneficial for the city if it is got done within the time span given by the concerned department.

SPEAK OUT- Edition 1 by MassCoMedia student

2011-01-27T16:28:00.002+05:30

Swati Jain, Trainee Reporter & Creative Designer,MassCoMedia

NOIDA- THE CRIME CAPITAL, a MassCoMedia student report

2011-01-27T15:42:00.000+05:30

Nimisha Karmani, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

Noida is rated as the crime state of the NCR and security is the biggest concern of the city. Noida being named as the IT hub of NCR is one of the dangerous place for the girls in the evening hours.

Lack of security being a major concern troubles not only the girls but also to their parents. Mrs. Mehra living in sector 18, whose daughter works at sector 82 says “when my daughter is late only by 15 mins, I start keep calling her to be at home as early as possible”. In the modern era of today parents are not willing to let their daughters work or roam around the city even in the daylight. So is the case with Yamini’s mother who does not allow her to leave the house after six in the evening. “My mother is so possessive that she sends my brother to pick me up after my tuitions which generally end by 5:30pm” quotes Yamini.

“Offices at Noida entrust the female employee by providing them with perfect security” says Mr. Ram Prakash Pandey, security in-charge at HCL: N4 branch at sector 59. He continues “If a girl is dropped at the end then we make sure a security guard is also present in the cab to make her feel secure”. On being asked about the security, the HR of the company confidently says “if there is a complaint by any of the employees regarding the cab drivers or the security guards, an immediate action is being taken on them”.

Mr. Anil Sharma, the supervisor of the security team of Global Logic, another office at sector 59 was not willing to reveal any of the details regarding the same. He was manipulating all the information given by the guard present at the main gate of the office. The guard told that the shifts get over by 10 in the evening but the supervisor bluntly answered that “the office gets closed by eight”.

“We parents are still not convinced by the security measured taken by the offices” said Mrs. Mehra (mentioned above). She added “Only security is the main reason why the parents fear to send their daughters to work at the offices in Noida. Not only are these girls from whole Delhi/NCR not willing to work at this dangerous place”.

India – The next superpower, a startegic review by a MassCoMedia student in the light of 63rd Republic Day

2011-01-27T11:35:00.002+05:30

Jitendra Kumar, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

Reckoned as the emerging superpowers of the world, Republic of India adds another yet other feather to its defense line. Indian navy is poised to take its undersea capabilities to a new level with launch INS Deepak. This new fleet tankers replenish fuel and stores on warships out on extended patrol. By allowing ships to patrol at great distances for home shores they impart strategic reach to a country’s navy.

India is strategically moving from an era of ‘non-alignment’ to ‘poly-alignment’, and by doing so it is growing from a regional military power to a global power. The country has fourth largest air force in the world. And introduction submarines with nuclear warhead like Arihant demonstrate the steep concern of the country about its defense line.

India has strategically increased the number of countries with which it has defense-specific agreements. It has also conducted more joint military exercises with other countries, and the recent series of joint military exercises have now become an annual affair.

Deploying new technology has become the focus of the country. The military establishment of the country is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. Defense strategists have shown more interest in working with West apart from its old defense partner Russia. Through this new policy, Delhi seeks to become a regional power across the Indian Ocean basin. Further, it aims to secure agreements from partners in this region that support this goal, while building up expeditionary capabilities in its navy and air force.

In the mean time India is also developing "strategic partnerships" with countries perceived as leaders of a global, multi-polor order and seeking modern military capabilities from many of those countries. India will likely emphasise balance in its defense relations, especially with the larger powers of the United States, Russia, the EU, UK, and Israel.

This balance will often be reflected in defense procurement decisions, as these are enduring symbols of the bilateral relationship.

The country’s military strategy is entirely based upon Pakistan or China’s counter strategies. It’s military power boasts of offensive, broad front, and highly lethal strategies.

ARE GIRLS NOW SECURED IN BPO? an exclusive survey by MassCoMedia student

2011-01-25T16:26:00.000+05:30

Subhadra Bhadauria,Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

A recent survey conducted by MassCoMedia on security of females in business process outsourcing industry (BPO) especially during night shifts may be a good sign for those .girls who wished to work and be independent but couldn’t due to the insecurity epidemic.

A Chatwal administrative head of Infopro , a BPO in sec 58 Noida briefed on the an assortment of measures taken by the organization to cope up with the quandary .The organization has well guarded security from renowed and established security agencies like forcetech who resort to the problem under question.These agencies focus on various strategy of security as a whole and help the organizations implementing the same. the guard accompanies each cab having females employees with the first pick and first drop stratagem i.e female employee will be picked first and dropped first. And in case of any last drop the guard will escort her to the nearest end.

This tactic has actually reduced the panic that prevailed due to graveyard shifts in BPO. Guards are between the age group 18-35 who are supervised by the experienced senior on the safety grounds . Proper training of handling the guns and permission to fire in case of mishap ensures better safety. Girls have ball in their court with increased female workshops .

But when a question was raised on the safetykeeper’s character Chatwal promptly replied that’s “its trust that we firmly believe in”. Saniya (name changed) 21 working with EXL another bpo in the same sector is all nine pins due to the shuttle services started by their company and head over heels as her onlyu parent her mother is not perturbed by her working hours and doesn’t spend sleepless nights until she reaches home as earlier.All these measures has build confidence in girls thereby increasing the female employee ratio in recent times in BPO sector.

BPO’s evolved as the fastest developing industry tapping the youth brains to the fullest and serving as the giant employer the the masses and hence the security is indispensable.

Notwithstanding to above still many organizations remain handicapped when it comes to the female security cells and female cabbies .

PAYING GUEST- MOST LUCRATIVE BUSINESS, a survey report by MassCoMedia

2011-01-25T16:18:00.000+05:30

Akansha Goel, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

From 2008, the number of paying guest has increased by three-fourth according to the survey conducted by MassCoMedia.

Increasing in number of paying guest is directly proportional to increase in number of migrants. Maximum students studying in different college and Employers working are not from this capital so demand of paying guest is high.

These days paying guest is considered as business. Owners are money minded and don't focus on the facilities and securities of their tenants. To earn big amounts people rent their lavish houses and stays in the nearby area at lesser prices.

Sumatra, 21, one of the tenants said, “There is no time limit, our uncle only wants money on 1st of every month and after that he never visit this place".Another paying guest, Roli, 24, employer at SIAM said, “Our aunty is charging reasonable and we enjoy homely environment".

Jay, 42, owns the paying guest from last 5years said, “I am very strict and never allow girls to enter or exit the house after 10 O'clock at night".

Manju, 58, owns the paying guest from last 25years said" Number of paying guest are increasing but the quality is deteriorating. I provide girls with food as well and employed a security guard for their safety".

Crime rate is increasing its high time for girls to open their eyes and to gear up for their safety and security as "Society prepares the crime and criminal commits it".

Price increase pinches pocket

2011-01-25T16:12:00.000+05:30

Neha Kedia, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

NEW DELHI: Due to rise in the cost of onions because of unseasonal rains and hoarding by unscrupulous traders, now, common man is asking a lot of questions and the Government does not seem to have any answers.

From the last two months it can be seen that the prices of onions are soaring. Previously which was being sold at Rs.10 to Rs.15 per kilogram (KG), now it is being sold at Rs.50, Rs.60 and even Rs.70 per Kg. If one has a look at the statistics then the prices of onion is Rs.34 per Kg at all Mother Dairy outlets, whereas the barrow boy sells it at Rs.40 per kg. However, the market price of onions is Rs.35 per Kg in Azadpur vegetable market.

“I have been selling onions on my barrow from the last four years at the rate of Rs.12 per kg. But from the last two months due to the shortage in the supply of onions the cost has increased. To maintain the stock we used to buy 30 sacks of onion on weekly basis from Azadpur subji mandi at Rs.6 per kg and sold it at Rs. 12 per Kg. With the effect of increasing rates, our sale has decreased due to which we are hardly bringing five sacks of onion per week” said Vijay Kumar, barrow boy, Pushpa Vihar.

“Due to the lack of Government policy we have to suffer. Having knowing about the hoarding by corrupt traders to fill their own pockets by grabbing the income of common people, Government has not taken any action to charge them” said Reenu Aggarwal, House Wife.

The increased prices have not only affected the sale of the vendors, but it has also affected the budget of the family. “In spite of being known that there is a shortage of onions due to freaky weather, the Government did not take corrective measures to ban the import. Why the Government is not taking any action against crooked traders “said Dr.Nitin, Gastroenterologist, Neelu Angel’s Hospital.

The Government about 10 days back reiterated its intention to curb the prices and said that it will relieve import restrictions, impose export controls, and increase the purchase of essential commodities as it has come under fire from the opposition on rising food prices. Although it does not seem that the prices of onion would decline till the next two months.

IT’S TIME FOR DRINK!

2011-01-25T15:56:00.000+05:30

Upendra Sharma, Trainee Reporter MassCoMedia

Winter brings happiness for liquor lovers, because it gives opportunity for them to drink and to give relief them selves from cold. During winters the sale of liquor goes high and it break the sale of essential part of human life i.e. WATER…People of Noida and N.C.R are crazy about liquors including Scotch,rum,vodka,whiskey and beer in this season.

“Especially in winters the more demand of whiskey and rum but in summer, it’s time for beer” and per month sale more than one lakh, said by Yogendra Singh28, Junior Traitor sale UB GROUP.

“The main reason of high sale in winters could be because of marriage season and party days like 25 December and new year etc.” said by localist.According to a survey, last year the sale was Rs.188crore in December, while it was 165 crore in December 2009, Rum topped the list of sold liquor segments, with 1,80,601 cases sold in N.C.R in December2010 as against 1,19521 cases in December 2009.

So it is clearly indicating that day by day and year by year the number of liquor lovers’ increases and party on all the time in Noida and N.C.R region. It also helps to increase revenue which from liquors sales government gets a big amount.

Roadside food, people’s choice, a report by MassCoMedia student

2011-01-25T15:40:00.000+05:30

Gunjan Anand, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

GHAZIABAD: Sometimes the demands and choices of people go beyond the legal boundaries. The same has helped the street food corner and small Dhaba owners at Hapur road in Ghaziabad. A small belt of street food shops of approximately a kilometer long is situated there for last 30-40 years but considered as illegal by the Police as the shops are unregistered and the owners also doesn’t possess any legal license to run the shops.

In the past, the shops also have got uprooted many times by the Police but later on the owners somehow managed and made themselves established again and again at the ground zero. When asked about the reason, why the cops get fails every time to make this illegal business shutdown? Constable, Brijesh Kumar said, "There is definitely lack of strict steps taken by police as well as corruption being the primary causes of their failure." On the contrary, Dhaba owners say that they are not doing anything illegal. Customers come to their shops in large number and they have good business all day long since long time. "Police harass us just to make money from us, as our business is going in flow", said a Dhaba owner, Satpal Singh.

Though the fight is on and both the parties are blaming each other but the customers have no concern with this. The small food hub is liked by everybody from a student to truck drivers and they just enjoy the tasty food out there every day. "We get food at reasonable rates almost 24 hours and also the Hapur road gets safer, especially at night." said by a customer, Rahul. "May be its illegal but still its good" he added.

Sector 58 in the state of civic apathy, reports a MassCoMedia student

2011-01-25T15:16:00.000+05:30

Mehak Zubair, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

While the whole world was busy preparing to welcome the New Year the municipal workers of sector 58 had been on a strike for three days. The result of this strike was such huge heaps of garbage that the place could be easily mistaken as a dumping ground. This spot has conveniently become the dumping point for all the industries of this region and the accumulation of garbage has made it a breeding place for diseases .on being asked Sauraj Balnuki, the union leader explained that the workers were divided in two categories.one category consisted of workers directly in contact with the authorities and the other of those who are indirectly in contact with the authorities.

The first group had been promised that after the end of the year they would be allowed to work in sector 58 and areas around it.These workers have been working in these areas for a long time ,Maipal Sanop Mahaveer has been here for almost twenty years and Dayawati for ten years amongst several others.The workers say that they were assured that they could work in this area but now the authorites are not only turning their backs they are allegedly giving this place to workers under Tehlisdars.Sauraj ,while referring to the declaration of June 1988 says tehsildari was banned ever since.They have also kept with them a copy of this declaration.The reason for this injustice they claim is not only the authorities being bribed but also the greed for vote banks.The workers claim that those under Tehsildars give their votes in exchange of such favors and since they are locals it is highly beniftial for those in power.

The list of their grievances goes a long way back.It was during the government of Maulayam singh,that 1460 plots were allotted to them in sector 122.The change of government led to these being allotted on paper only.Suraj narrates how promises of making 100 workers permenant each year were never fulfilled.The wages of those who are indirectly in contact with the municipal corporation are 5152/- and those under direct control get 3500/-,both the groups are not amongst those who have been the benificaries of the sixth pay commission . In case a worker dies the former are given 5000 for cremation and a job to anybobdy eligible in the immediate family and no other compensation what so ever .while the former are not satisfied with these provisions the latter are not given any at all. Maipal, while narrating an incident said that in 2007 an old woman worker had died in a road accident .It was after this incident that again false promises of making them permanent were made.

In a complete ignorance of all hygiene standards, the municipal corporation has failed to provide gloves, masks, uniforms and even gumboots for the past three years, says Suraj. On being asked why they don’t complain or move the court they have a story in explanation to share. Some years back 61 workers filed a case not only was it futile, it also resulted in them loosing their jobs. Manoj kumar who had been a silent spectator till now could not stop himself and with a sigh and surety said that ‘’we live on the road and will die here’’.

When the students of Massco Media tried to contact the municipal authorities they refused to say anything. It was only after the students showed interest in and raised questions on grounds of hygiene that the authorities intervened and the garbage was disposed off and the strike ended.

Youth fall in drugs, an exclusive report by MassCoMedia student on children going for cheap drugs

2011-01-25T15:13:00.000+05:30

Deepak Sharma, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

An eight year old boy, might have not much in common with other kids of his age who are from different families like sachin and gouav but sniffing ever is common thread between them.

Raja’s daily routine includes tedious job of collecting plastic bags and bottles. This provides him a meager of Rs 30-40 a day. It is in such circumstances that he gets relaxation from sniffing ever. Two years back when he saw his friends taking fluid, it became a part of his life too. Access was never a problem as it is easily available at any stationary store and is also an inexpensive drug.

This addiction has passed on from a stage of smelling the liquid diluter to drinking it. This apparently minor addiction is what has led his mother, a maid in sector 35 Noida, to think that her son is not mentally well. She narrates how her doctors could not detect any kind of problem and yet son never behaves normally. He even goes to the extent of beating his sibling for money.

Sachin is a young boy living in the village morna in sector 35 of Noida. His family back ground is stable and his father is a financer. His daily routine includes buying and drinking fluid every day with his friends behind the church in sector 34. He also revealed that the amount of consumption is three to four bottles per head each day.

Gourav who hails from a high class family is also not free from his addiction. All these details most definite make one inquisitive as to why these children’s have such easy access, fluid addiction amount from the age 8-20 is an established fact. Yet nothing much is done. A shopkeeper denied being responsible in any way for such problems and shunned all this away by saying that it cannot be known whether it will be used as a stationary product or as a drug. He also explained that since he like several others cannot judge whether the child is an addict, he is left with the option of thinking of it being used for it is being used for it is supposed to i.e. to make correction.

Another situation had different options to share. He said that boys are mere involved in this type of addiction eventually leads to a disturbed mind. Expressing helplessness he said if they are not given fluid in one store they are never short of others like him and others like him only the wish of being able to stop such children but not with any means of doing so.

According to Dr. Ramerh mittal (psychiatrist) “these kids feel relaxation after took fluid as toluene is the main chemical which relieve stress from brain, but slowly and steadily they became habitual of this.

· Effects of drugs:-

-Fast heart beat

- Hyper active

- Extra emotions

- Swelling in brain veins

Slowly the nervous system broke down and leads to mental disturbs, heart attack and gone to destination to death. fluid is not only one way of addiction, there are huge range of alternatives like as disprin tabs, Iodex, cough syrups are other modes of addiction. This can’t be stopped at once.

Sipping Tea, a feature on Kadak Chai ki Dukaan

2011-01-24T16:23:00.000+05:30

Swati Jain, Trainee Reporter MassCoMedia

A man fully clad, barely open eyes, sits on a bench and says in his shivering voice "One tea please" then "one more, one more, one more…!" and the person who is most pleased by listening these words is the Chaiwala. Such type of scene could be seen easily in any street corner of National Capital Region (NCR).

The hot vapor of tea is the best healer of cold wintry breeze, so the tea makers are fully encashing the warmth of hot tea in this frosty weather. Where most of the people are only having problem with the low temperature, the tea makers are very much happy with the situation. "The sales has increased a lot, now a days", said a tea maker, Rajesh. With the downfall in temperature, the tea business is rising day by day. The work hour span has increased and most of the tea stalls are open late nights. There is a rapid growth in frequency of drinking tea. "I usually had one-two cups of tea per day but now I am taking four-five cups a day" said a BPO employee, Ankit Aggarwal.

The non drinkers are also switching towards it, some to get relief from their cold and some just to enjoy the weather with friends. And for the regular tea lovers, this is the golden time as a student, Puja says," Nothing can be better than a cup of hot tea in such a cold day". Winter also has added different flavors to the tea, with tea at its best in the season.

So whether this winter has taken anything good or not, but it surely has brought smile on some faces.

India Art Summit - An Intimate Affair with Modern & Contemporary Art, a report by MassCoMedia student

2011-01-24T13:44:00.000+05:30

Jitendra Kumar, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

India Art Summit was a mesmerizing experience for the connoisseurs. The third edition of the event was a grand success with visitors from across the continents. This three day (20^th Jan – 23^rd Jan) event was held at Pragati Maidan, Delhi. Art enthusiasts from across 20 countries flocked to see the third edition of the exhibition. There were visitors from Australia, France, Germany, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, UK and USA.

The exhibition showcased the largest and most diverse collection of modern and contemporary art in India. It hosted 84 of the world’s leading art galleries. Medium presented included paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, prints, photography, performances and digital art.

An affair with art witnessed participation of galleries like the Delhi Art Gallery, Art 18/21 of London, Art Lounge Gallery of Portugal, Arteria of Canada, Indigo Blue Art of Singapore, Art Gallery 21 of Latvia and Grey Noise of Pakistan.

The much acclaimed Indian, Art Summit also entered into controversy for taking down Hussain’s painting from its gallery. Still the grand event was a great success in quenching the thirst of collectors and enthusiasts.

A young visitor from Delhi school of art made an interesting remark “what brings me here is passion to paint and appreciate the work of others. Beside, the seminars held alongside with the exhibition help budding artists like me to understand the changing dynamics of the contemporary and modern art”

As the name of the event itself proclaims- Art Summit, apart from painting there were other medium also at display such as sculptures, installations, photographs and digital art.

Highlights of the Summit

Ø 3 days

Ø 84 Exhibiting Galleries

Ø More than 10,000 visitors

Ø 550 modern & contemporary artworks displayed

HORNBILL FESTIVAL, an exclusive report by a MassCoMedia student

2011-01-24T13:05:00.002+05:30

Veeyang Virang, Trainee Reporter, MassCoMedia

It’s not that simple to dream and redeem them at the same time. But when there is faith and the will, that we can do it, the mountain can crumble at your feet. Hornbill Festival is an upshot of such grit and determination that has elongated multifarious changes within the region and most importantly, in the way, the world viewed the land of the Naga’s - Nagaland.
Hornbill Festival termed as festival of the festival is one of the biggest and the most revered festival of the North Eastern state. Annually, celebrated on the hills of Kisama, a Naga heritage village some 22 Km away from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. It begins from December 01 and concludes on Dec 07. It’s the best time to comprehend about the Naga culture and cuisines.
Situated on the hillocks of Kisama, its chilling zephyrs don’t curtail the movement of the crowds as it’s also the only time for the trouble torn Nagaland to showcase their culture and cuisine to the world. Thanks to the diligent effort of Naga people who dared to dream differently and paved the wave of alternation. It is their vision that Hornbill Festival is no more a regional or a festival of single community; but it has been curved into an imperative medium of celebrating the diversity and ethnicity of Nagaland, the North Eastern states as well as neighboring Myanmar and Thailand all under the same roof. The collective endeavors of the local community has authentically composed a soothing music- a masterpiece- the Hornbill Festival that has touched hundreds of life and retraced back the forgotten smiles.
Since last many years, the splendor of it has been mesmerizing and weaving unforgettable memories. Memories that reconnected to their ancient lineages and reminded them to be blissful and fearless of who they are. The melody has also crafted an ambience for the younger generation to be comfortable with their cultural heritage, inspiring them to flaunt ethnicity.
During the initial years, no one ever speculated the journey of Hornbill festival to be so enriching and enduring. It was possible due to the hardworking local populace. Hornbill Festival that has become a significant part of Naga community, also tells that how unified efforts can change the scenario so rapidly. Few years back no one thought that HF could survive for such long, everyone thought it was flash in a pan due to ranging insurgency problem but the festival has been able to prove it wrong.
In today’s world, subsisting with ancient culture and traditions has never been easy nor will it ever be. Because, compulsion of changing phases and influences of contemporary civilization are too intense and immediate. But in such tempting backdrop, the remarkable achievement of Hornbill Festival divulges that if we adore our culture, we’ll earn respect from others and if we preserve it, no matter what, it’ll magnetize the globe to have a glimpse of it.
Beside blazon of culture and nature, blending Hornbill Festival with innovative ideas like eco-tourism and indirect source to uplift the regional economy has also contributed in the phenomenal success of it. Opening the barricade of this secluded province for the global explorer’s has witnessed the improvement of local economy that has brought back the smiling faces on the streets, speaking volumes in silence.
All these years since the inception of Hornbill Festival the world has altered for good. Fortunately, the essence of HF has not faded nor the tribal spirit has declined. In fact the changes it has elongated will never disappear or forgotten. For instance, as per the official statistics, HF’10 has recorded awesome figure of tourist influx – both international and domestic. Perhaps such enormous numbers of tourist has never explored any other festival of North Eastern state in past years. Indeed it’s an achievement – a remarkable achievement.

NASA Spacecraft Prepares for Valentine's Day Comet Rendezvous-Vishal Bawa B.sc MCAJ 1st sem (MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-22T10:09:00.002+05:30

PASADENA, Calif., -- NASA's Stardust-NExT spacecraft is nearing a celestial date with comet Tempel 1 at approximately 8:37 p.m. PST (11:37 p.m. EST), on Feb. 14. The mission will allow scientists for the first time to look for changes on a comet's surface that occurred following an orbit around the sun.

The Stardust-NExT, or New Exploration of Tempel, spacecraft will take high-resolution images during the encounter, and attempt to measure the composition, distribution, and flux of dust emitted into the coma, or material surrounding the comet's nucleus. Data from the mission will provide important new information on how Jupiter-family comets evolved and formed.

The mission will expand the investigation of the comet initiated by NASA's Deep Impact mission. In July 2005, the Deep Impact spacecraft delivered an impactor to the surface of Tempel 1 to study its composition. The Stardust spacecraft may capture an image of the crater created by the impactor. This would be an added bonus to the huge amount of data that mission scientists expect to obtain.

"Every day we are getting closer and closer and more and more excited about answering some fundamental questions about comets," said Joe Veverka, Stardust-NExT principal investigator at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. "Going back for another look at Tempel 1 will provide new insights on how comets work and how they were put together four-and-a-half billion years ago."

At approximately 336 million kilometres (209 million miles) away from Earth, Stardust-NExT will be almost on the exact opposite side of the solar system at the time of the encounter. During the flyby, the spacecraft will take 72 images and store them in an onboard computer.

Initial raw images from the flyby will be sent to Earth for processing that will begin at approximately midnight PST (3 a.m. EST) on Feb. 15. Images are expected to be available at approximately 1:30 a.m. PST (4:30 a.m. EST).

As of today, the spacecraft is approximately 24.6 million kilometers (15.3 million miles) away from its encounter. Since 2007, Stardust-NExT executed eight flight path correction maneuvers, logged four circuits around the sun and used one Earth gravity assist to meet up with Tempel 1.

Another three maneuvers are planned to refine the spacecraft's path to the comet. Tempel 1's orbit takes it as close in to the sun as the orbit of Mars and almost as far away as the orbit of Jupiter. The spacecraft is expected to fly past the nearly 6-kilometer-wide comet (3.7 miles) at a distance of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles).

DUCATI 1198-S (Vishal Bawa B.sc MCAJ-1st sem)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-19T11:28:00.003+05:30

Even as I bask in the 1198's glow, I wonder what sense spending Rs 23.64 lakh of my hard earned money (if I had it, that is) on it, makes. Why? Well, I'm having a tough time justifying the premium the Italian Duke commands over the Japanese competition as well its own more comfortable and madder sibling, the Streetfighter. Don't get me wrong now - the 1198 is one of the finest motorcycles that exist, exquisite in turn out and colossal in performance. Besides, there's the Ducati heritage that stays with you for every moment that you ride it. And I can't deny the 1198's inimitable V-twin charm coupled with the Italian romance that reeks from every fibre of the bike's being. Surely, for an experienced rider who's looking for an exotic and precise track tool, the 1198 will be more rewarding than most motorcycles. However, all of the race-inspired tech that you pay a premium for will only work at speeds that are beyond most mortals' abilities. Hence, lost as I am in the 1198's charm, I cannot ignore the R1 that calls out to me.

MOTODATA
DUCATI 1198 S

POWERTRAIN
Displacement: 1198 cc, 90-degree V-twin
Max power: 170 Bhp 9750 rpm
Max torque: 13.4 kgm@8000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed

CHASSIS

Type: Tubular steel Trellis frame

Brakes: 330 mm twin discs (f), 245 mm disc (r)

Suspension: 43 mm USD telescopic forks (f), Single-sided swingarm with monoshock (r)

Tyres: 120/70 ZR17 (f), 190/55 ZR17 (r)

DIMENSIONS

L/W/H (mm): NA

Wheelbase: 1430 mm

Dry weight: 169 kg

Fuel tank: 15.5 litres

PRICE

Rs 23.64 lakh, ex-showroom, all-India

Media trial: A step forward or backward?Rahul Chaturvedi,B.Sc MCAJ 1st sem(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-17T11:28:00.000+05:30

Media is a fourth pillar of Indian democracy. The responsibility of media is to aware public. I saw ‘No one Killed Jessica’ last week, according to the movie- the alleged murderer got free from the court and only when media got involved in the case, the justice was rewarded.

Here, I am bit confused so to how media can get involve in a particular case, if we consider the press codes and ethics?

I agree that the movie was crafted considering the audience entertainment in mind but to what extent this can be justified?

Rising Prices-Manisha Garg B.Sc Sem 1-MCAJ(MassCoMedia)

2011-01-17T11:18:00.000+05:30

Everything in the market is going expensive day after day. The cost of vegetables have reached its extreme height, it has made situation difficult for common man to survive.

Not only vegetables but also the cost of other basic commodities like LPG, Petrol, Milk and cereals are rising tremendously. This has ultimately left the poor in the state of despair. It is time that government takes a concrete step to lower down the cost so that it no longer pinch the pockets of the people.

STARBUCKS INDIAN ENTRY-Shikhar Shukla B.Sc Sem 1- MCAJ(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-17T11:07:00.000+05:30

Starbucks is planning to set up retail outlets in India in partnership with Tata Coffee. It will be interesting to see how Starbucks will sustain in Indian market with highly extensive food chain like McDonalds.

“Tata and Starbucks will jointly explore the development of Starbucks retail outlets in associated retail outlets and hotels,” said US Company in statement.

Starbucks is the world’s biggest coffee chain managing over 16,000 stores and operates in more than 50 countries.

Amateur Clicks-Nandita Anand B.sc MCAJ(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-13T23:15:00.001+05:30

I have no Boundaries , no Religion , no Race and no Colour .. Yet I have a beautiful and a free life ..

AGHROI-The Flesh Eating Monks(Vishal Bawa-B.sc MCAJ)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-13T16:43:00.003+05:30

An aghori lives in the cremation ground and is able to support himself there – his clothing comes from the dead, his firewood comes from the funeral pyres, and food from the river. When a person is cremated, an aghori will coat himself in the ashes of the body and meditate on the dead. Aghoris survive by begging with a bowl made from a human skull. The most shocking aspect of the Aghori life is their cannibalism. Dead bodies that are found floating in the river are gathered up and meditated on. The limbs are then removed by the Aghori and eaten raw.

The corpses, which may be either pulled from a river (including the Ganges) or obtained from cremation grounds, are consumed both raw and cooked on open flame, as the Aghoris believe that what others consider a “dead man” is, in fact, nothing but a natural matter devoid of the life force it once contained. Therefore while for ordinary folks cannibalism may be seen as primitive, barbaric as well as unclean, for aghori’s it’s being both resourceful and subverting the common stereotypes placed on such taboos into a spiritual ascertainment that indeed nothing is profane nor separate from God, who is hailed to be all and in all. In fact, the Aghoris see it as a scientific approach in trying to discover how matter converts from one form to another.

There are many aghoris walking the streets of northern India with their skull cups. These aghoris eat anything, including rotten food, food from the dumps, animal feces, animal urine, etc. They regularly perform rituals to attain the highest level in enlightenment.

Experience of winters in Village-Akhilesh Singh(B.sc MCAJ 1st sem)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-11T18:47:00.001+05:30

The chilling and foggy weather is the greatest property of this season in the Indian villages. The shaky cold wind makes the inhabitants to remain in blankets all the time if they have no work. Chilling winters is a great boon to the children, school closed and they have a plenty of time to play Cricket and Volley Ball.

One of the most important time pass arena is to seat around the fire and discussing the issues related to village and welfare of the people. Also this the spot for enjoying the varieties of winter dishes at the same time.

I had spent 3 days which includes New Year this time in village. The way to celebrate is quite different from the cities. I think nobody of us ever think of God in the New Year celebration, but they have thank God for the past year and prayed for the coming year.

The natural scenic beauty of winters which includes a lush green fields and flowers of different crops is calling us to feel the lovely creation of God, which at present, we are depleting at a very fast rate.

Winters is marked as the pearl of natural beauty and if anyone wants to feel it, they have to overcome the habit of AC and Room Heaters, and have to heed towards the villages which is more close to nature.

Comment on Mayawati’s Birthday-Priya Purwar B.sc MCAJ 1st sem(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-11T13:16:00.000+05:30

It could well be the most expensive political felicitation. Politicians have been weighed in coins and garlanded with notes but chief minister and BSP Supremo Mayawati’s supporters took the cake on Monday by presenting her with a mammoth garland strung with 1000rs notes estimates of how much money was around the Dalit leader’s neck as stood on the dais ranged from Rs 2 Crore to Rs 5 Crore.

Mayawati has been in controversy in the past for collecting public donations on her birthday. An Enthusiastic BSP Worker from Kanpur had gifted a plot on the moon on her birthday this year. The BSP Supremo’s diamond jewellery sets and her statues carrying a purse have been hot topic of discussion in political circles.But Monday’s Extravaganza to celebrate 25 years of BSP existence and 76^th anniversary of a Founder Kashiram Birthday’s in a New bar.

IPL 4 Auction gave a big shock -Drishti(B.sc MCAJ 1st Sem)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-11T13:12:00.000+05:30

IPL 4 auction was the talk of the town last weekend. All the franchises rolled it big to make their team perfect but few well known players who were supposed to be the favourites were not even bided for the same. Like Sourav Ganguly, who was a successful captain of Indian cricket team and is an icon in sports world, Chris Gayle ferocious opener in the world, had not taken because of his national commitment, Brian Lara finest batsman in the world, Mark Boucher was one of the finest wicket keeper of South Africa for more than a decade. These players being so well known for their abilities to win matches were sit not given place in any dugout could be because of their age, base price or other commitments. Franchises were given a budget to spend money. So they were looking for young players in lesser amount.T-20 format only demands for energetic and enthusiastic players rather than being experienced or aged.

U2 - The Most Popular Rock Music Acts (Nandita Anand B.sc MCAJ)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-11T13:09:00.001+05:30

Indisputably one of the most popular rock acts in the world, Irish unit U2 began their musical career at school in Dublin back in 1977.

Bono (b. Paul David Hewson, 10 May 1960, Dublin, Ireland; vocals), The Edge (b. David Evans, 8 August 1961, Barking, Essex, England; guitar), Adam Clayton (b. 13 March 1960, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, England; bass) and Larry Mullen Jr. (b. Laurence Mullen, 31 October 1961, Dublin, Eire; drums) initially played Rolling Stones and Beach Boys cover versions in an outfit named Feedback.

They then changed their name to the Hype before finally settling on U2 in 1978. After winning a talent contest in Limerick that year, they came under the wing of manager Paul McGuinness and were subsequently signed to CBS Records Ireland.

Their debut EP U2:3 featured "Out Of Control" (1979), which propelled them to number 1 in the Irish charts. They repeated that feat with "Another Day" (1980), but having been passed by CBS UK, they were free to sign a deal outside of Ireland with Island Records.

Their UK debut "11 O'Clock Tick Tock", produced by Martin Hannett, was well received but failed to chart.

Two further singles, "A Day Without Me" and "I Will Follow", passed with little sales while the group prepared their first album, produced by Steve Lillywhite.

Boy, a moving and inspired document of adolescence, received critical approbation, which was reinforced by the live shows that U2 were undertaking throughout the country.

Bono's impassioned vocals and the band's rhythmic tightness revealed them as the most promising live unit of 1981. After touring America, the band returned to Britain where "Fire" was bubbling under the Top 30. Another minor hit with the impassioned "Gloria" was followed by the strident October.

The album had a thrust reinforced by a religious verve that was almost evangelical in its force. In February 1983 the band reached the UK Top 10 with "New Year's Day", a song of hope inspired by the Polish Solidarity Movement.

War followed soon afterwards to critical plaudits. The album's theme covered both religious and political conflicts, especially in the key track "Sunday Bloody Sunday", which had already emerged as one of the group's most startling and moving live songs.

Given their power in concert, it was inevitable that U2 would attempt to capture their essence on a live album. Under A Blood Red Sky did not disappoint and, as well as climbing to number 2 in the UK, it brought them their first significant chart placing in the USA at number 28.

By the summer of 1984, U2 were about to enter the vanguard of the rock elite. Bono duetted with Bob Dylan at the latter's concert at Slane Castle and U2 established it’s own company, Mother Records, with the intention of unearthing fresh musical talent in Eire.

Lamborghini-The sensation(Vishal Bawa B.sc MCAJ 1st sem)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-11T13:08:00.000+05:30

Ferrucio Lamborghini was born during 1916 in a Italian farming village called Renazzo di Cento, Ferrara. He was drafted into the Italian service during World War II where he repaired vehicles. After the war, Ferrucio began building tractors out of his garage using army surplus left behind by the Allied Forces. There was a strong demand for his products and which allowed for him to move into larger facilities. In 1959 the Lamborghini production was extended to burners and air conditioning units. The businesses became so successful that he became one of the wealthiest individuals in Italy.

Ferrucio Lamborghini owned a Ferrari that started giving him problems. The problems could not be solved by the local repair shop so he took it to Modena and confronted Enzo Ferrari himself. Enzo Ferrari, a man known for his arrogance, told Ferrucio that the problem was not with the car but rather with the 'farmer'. After being insulted, Ferrucio decided to build his own GT car.

Automobili Lamborghini SpA was founded in early 1963 at SantAgata Bologna. He used his birth sign, Taurus the bull, as a symbol for his cars. Most of his cars were named in connection with bulls. Giotto Bizzarrini, a former employee of Ferrari was recruited to design and build a V-12 for Lamborghini. The engine was soon completed and produced 400 BHP. Since Ferrucio wanted a GT car and not a race car, the engine was de-tuned to 280 BHP.

In March of 1964, Lamborghini's first production car arrived and was named the 350 GT. The 350 GT was succeeded by the 400 GT and the 400 GT 2+2. When the Miura was introduced, a true super-car, it was named after a famous bull's race, and this practice became a tradition for the House of the Bull.

Support the weak-Amature Clicks(Nandita Anand B.sc MCAJ 1st Sem)(MassCoMedia) student

2011-01-11T13:00:00.001+05:30

Burdened by the weight of centuries they lean ,

Their frail and weak shoulders toiling to make ends meet.

Their shrill cries, always falling on people’s ears but never reaching their hearts.

Lets take their hand, lift them up,

Save them from being exploited.

Big Boss 4 and its controversies came to end, Shweta Tiwari Winner - Kamal Dhaliwal (B.sc MCAJ 1st sem)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-10T16:36:00.001+05:30

The longest reality film on the Indian Tele scene came to a dazzling end with Shweta Tiwari emerging as the winner. She became the first woman to win the show and with tears in her eyes hugged her daughter and thanked the audience who supported her to walk away with the trophy and a cash price of Rs. 1 crore. Shweta seems to have won the hearts of the public.

Her straight forward nature worked well for her. The audience chose Shweta Tiwari over the three other finalists-actor Ashmit patel, outspoken Dolly Bindra and international wrestling star –The Great Khali.

Green terrorism -Vishal bawa(B.sc MCAJ 1st sem)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-10T16:34:00.002+05:30

A recent movie “The Losers” explores a different concept and served as an eye opener to the public making them aware about the new biological weapons that might sooner or later be a part of your community.

Green terrorism or Eco- terrorism is a new age tem used for a different form of terrorism, which was never known to the public till the evolution of new age weapons. Green terrorism is a form of eco-friendly terrorism as it has mass effect without any dust or smoke, not like the nuclear and atomic weapons. A ‘SNOOK’ is a biological device that can dissolve a huge landmass within seconds, without any remains and works with a detonator. Green terrorism subscribe to the idea of “Biocentrism”, which is described as “a belief that human beings are just an ordinary member of the biological community”. Some Eco-Terrorists are motivated by others aspects of deep ecology, like the goal to return the environment to its nature, Pre-industrial state. It is that one weapon that can silently re-shape the world map.

NO ONE KILLED JESSICA -Shradha Bajaj(B.sc MCAJ 1st sem)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-10T16:26:00.001+05:30

No one killed Jessica starring Rani Mukherji and Vidya Balan, directed by Raj Kumar Gupta. “It is a Complete Re-attachment of Jessica lal murder case.”But there was a flip side, Gupta like so many other directors dealing with real controversies on the screen refuses to take names. Except Jessica’s crusading sister “Sabrina”(played by Vidya Balan)even name of the culprit has been changed.

To refresh your memory Jessica Lal, a model who was working as a celebrity bartender at a big shot party in Delhi. The son of a powerful politician demanded a drink. (Everyone knows him as Manu Sharma, son of Vinod Sharma).She refused to serve him the drink. He shot her as 300 guests watched him. This was exact on the real story.

Gupta blends these facts with drama to setup a fine political thriller. The film looks at how the accused were initially acquitted by the lower court before the nationwide protest, law to re-open the case and change the sentence.

Rani Mukerjee, Acts as a T.V. reporter “Meera”. While no particular female journalist can be credited with the real Jessica murder. This was just to add box office twist to the movie.

Moreover Gupta represented the ugly side of Delhi rather that the real Delhi.

The film is brilliant but reveals an awful truth. Indian Cinema is ready to tackle real subject in real way but, unlike Hollywood it is still coy when it comes to naming actual names.

MUSTANG-The Name Says It All(Vishal Bawa)B.sc MCAJ(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-08T18:46:00.001+05:30

In 1967 the first big-block Mustang was introduced, the S-code 390 which was rated at 320 hp. This Mustang was not able to compete with the hot new SS 396 Camaro , so in 1968 the 428 Cobra Jet engine was introduced, giving the Mustang true muscle car status. The Ford Mustang has past a major milestone of fourty years! April 17, 1964 is when the first classic 1964 1/2 came out into the public and heads have been turning since. Check out a chronology of events.
The Ford Mustang was introduced in 1964. The car was an instant success that set a new record for first year sales. One story describes how a truck driver drove right through a showroom window, staring and enchanted by the car.

The car was the brainchild of Lee Iaococca, who envisioned an inexpensive, sporty car for the masses. On April seventeenth, 1964 Ford unveiled the Mustang Convertible at the New York Worlds Fair. These cars and others with early production features are often referred to as 1964 1/2 model year. The car was also offered as a hardtop coupe, the fastback was available to the public five months later.

LET THE EXPERTS TALK-Vishal Bawa(B.sc MCAJ)(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-07T20:44:00.001+05:30

IS IT REALLY THE BEST

Looking out over several cameras and select one for someone who has passed the point and shoot, I returned to the Nikon D3000. There is no question that once a model out of an expert photographer, but it covers the basics and more.
First time DSLR users will appreciate the guided mode. We have literally gone through different scenarios via the fixed shoot 3 "LCD screen. An excellent tool, its step by step instructions allowed my niece to go to the brochure operating in no time. The fast shutter was a nice surprise to be noticed.
In manual mode, indoor shots were a mixture of balanced and perfect shade and color. As usual, with shots in low light, noise, will make an appearance. However, this system can be tweaked to deliver some outstanding photos inside. Ultimately the appropriate settings.
A patch is based on VR (Vibration Reduction) feature located on the lens. This should be activated, especially inside. A tripod will certainly help. In auto mode, just as the camera portrait night and sit and enjoy the rest of your flight.
Shooting outdoors dynamic, strong and rich in color without editing. The system board flash is more than capable of meeting the requirements in plenary flash. Without a doubt the overall performance of the device, features and image quality is excellent.
With 10.2 million pixels to work with, this device is, by far, an update on any of the puffed-up point and shoots there.
Its interface is easy to see that the real jewel of this model is the autofocus system. With six settings of the automatic mode (Landscape, Sport, Children, Close Up, Portrait, and Night Portrait), each photo may be a keeper. Tweakers mounting board will not be disappointed by this model. It covers the basics. The D3000 operates with both SD and SDHC cards.

The Nikon D3000 is paired with a Nikkor 18-55mm AF-S DX. It will work with any and DX Nikkor AF-S lens. Older or similar Nikkor AF is a no go when shooting in auto, but will run in manual mode. Since this model is not equipped with built in optical image stabilizer, Its recommend switching on the Vibration Reduction (VR) located on the lens. Still the best anti-vibration tool is a tripod.
Nikon makes things very simple with a thumb dial for Aperture refinement and speed. Metering, focus modes and exposure compensation are easily controlled via the menu. The D3000 does not shoot in video mode. This model takes easily more than three images per second in continuous mode. The sensor 3D tracking works very well in low light.
The Nikon D3000 camera kit comes packaged with a EN/EL3e Li-ion battery,
charger, USB cable, video cable. strap, LCD cover, body cap and eye, eyepiece, CD-ROM software, 18-55mm Nikkor lens, lens cap, instruction booklet and a year Nikon warranty.
Leaving the door, I still find this model a bit expensive for a basic digital SLR. I'm sure route to the fall and holiday buyers will start to see a significant price drop. Even so, the D3000 is a refined replacement for the extremely popular entry-level Nikon D40. Newcomers to the community DSLR certainly appreciate this outstanding alternative.

Aston Martin releases sketches of new Vantage GT2 racer-Vishal Bawa B.sc MCAJ(MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-06T15:29:00.002+05:30

Aston Martin has released sketches of a new GT2 race car, based on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage road car. The Aston Martin Vantage GT2, as it will be known, will feature likely feature a race-spec version of the V-8 engine found in the road going Vantage, but whatever the configuration, we do know that it has been designed to run on either standard race fuel or E85 bio-ethanol.

With the introduction of the Vantage GT2 to Aston’s racing lineup, the UK-based luxury sports car manufacturer has a vehicle for every GT racing class. Aston Martin already offers its DBR9 for the GT1 category, the DBRS9 for GT3, and the Vantage N24 in the GT4 class. Primary GT2 competition will likely be the Ferrari F430 GT2, Porsche 997 GT3 RSR, and Dodge Viper GTSR in both the Euro-centric FIA GT series, as well as the U.S.-based American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

Aston Martin will officially unveil the Vantage GT2 at the Autosport International show January 10th, so we should have more pictures and information for you then. Keep in mind that Aston Martin chairman and head of Prodrive Racing, David Richards, is also slated to divulge Aston’s racing plans for 2008 at the show, meaning we should find out if Corvette Racing’s all-conquering C6.R GT1 racers should have a pack of DB9Rs to be concerned about in the 2008 ALMS season.

Let’s Begin to Click-Vishal Bawa B.sc MCAJ (MassCoMedia Student)

2011-01-06T15:22:00.005+05:30

For those who’ve always loved the art of photography but never dared to go beyond taking an occasional photo of your family, here are a few tips to help you out. While it’s true that anyone with a pocket camera can create images, what’s important is to create images that are spectacular and manage to capture the viewer’s attention. There are many aspects of photography that a beginner needs to know even before he could be labelled as an amateur. A beginner is someone who can understand and appreciate a good image, because of his ingrained knowledge about basic photography, but needs help on composition and exposure.

More often than not, when you come across a website that’s dedicated to photographers you are likely to come across terms like the rule of thirds, leading lines etc. Make sure that you are aware of at least the basic terminologies. These help to give you a better understanding of the discussions on these forums. For example when it comes to composition, the rule of thirds is the most important rule, where in photographers imagine that the image is divided into nine different segments by two vertical and two horizontal lines and the most important elements in the scene are placed along these lines. Also make sure you know some of the abbreviations that are commonly used in photography. Understanding these abbreviations help beginners to understand popular photography terms and direct them to articles that explain these in detail.

As earlier said, taking a good photo is not just about clicking randomly. It takes a sound understanding of photography techniques like composition, and exposure.

For those who would need to take control over the image that the camera displays, need to understand about exposure. You need to learn about the ISO settings in your camera. A beginner also needs to understand different elements like shutter speed, f-stop, aperture etc. Also get to understand about the elements that control the depth of feel.

Although beginners have the advantage of being blissfully ignorant about the essential elements of photography, it’s important to know about these elements for those who’d love to take their passion to the next level to compete with amateurs. For those who’d love to know more on these techniques, you can always get help from professional photographers.