ALAPPUZHA-- VENICE OF THE EAST

A charming town of modest size. Alappuzha's criss-crossing canals that once served as bastling waterways has often evoked comparisons with venice. Lord Curzon, British Viceroy to India, while on a visit to Alappuzha in early 20 th century called it" the venice of the East" during the time of the British, this was a booming trading centre that exported coir products to different parts of the world. To day, however, the town has relinquished its premier position as a trading town to its southern counter parts. How ever, its architectural heritage peaceful streets, a lovely beach and the cabals combine to give it a unique charm
Alappuzha's location and topography have played a definite role in making it a tourist attraction. Sandwictched between the Arabian sea and vembanad Lake on a splinter of Land barely four k.m wide. Alappuzha offers cheap inland water transport on its eastern side and a scluded all weather port on the west. Forming part of the Vembanad Lake is Kuttanad, a vast stretch of backwaters that is unique in many ways. Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of kerala.Kuttanad is the only place in the world where paddy is grown below sea level. The best way to view this unique synergy of Land and water is by a boat ride from Alappuzha to Changanasseri.
One of the best managed private farms in the Kuttnad region is R- Block, encompassing 850 acres, that lies in the ponnamada Lake next to the bigger Vembanad Lake. during the 1920' s due to sarcity of rice, the government alloved locals to reclaim Land from Vembanad Lake on the condition that they grow paddy. these rights continued even after independence. To day however, R Block is almost entirly covered in coconut, areca and banana plantaions.
Another Land mark in the Vembanad lake is the famous pathitamanal. Like geographical Land marks in Kerala. This pecturesque islet in the middle of the vast Lake too has a fable woven in to it. Alappuzha is also home to the annual Nehru Trophy boat race. slender snake- like wooden boats called Chundans, more that 100 feet long and barely five feet wide. The Vembanad Lake comes alive once a year during the months of July Augest and September.
Another attraction of the Alappuzha is its alluring beach. The long beach road sporting tall mast lights has a land scaped park on the beach front and intersting artistic stuates . A red- and white painted light house built in 1862 by the erst while ruler Marthanda Varma stands 28 metres tall just across from the beach. Alappuzha has an illustrious past, a 200 year history as a booming port town
Prof John Kurakar

FOREST FIRE IN KERALA-2009

FOREST FIRE IN KERALA-2009

Kerala has lost 5,457 hectares of Forest Land to forest fire during the summer. As many as 920 accidents of fire out break were reported this season. The worst affection was the Eastern Forest Division covering Palakkad and Nilambur where 1,530 hectares of forest Land was lost in 182 accidents.
The southern circle region comprising kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta districts also suffered heavy loss. Here 408 hectares were destroyed.Thekkady, Munnar, Chinnar, Eravikulam, Silent vally and Parambikulam also faced distress. The loss estimated at 948 hectares in 73 accidents, according to forest authorities. Total 11 Lakh hectares for forest Land of the state.
The Forest department has taken serious note of the loss and intensified the fire prevention activities With most parts of the forest area receiving good rain, the evergreen forest are out of danger. The grass Lands of Thekkady and Eravikulam National Park are now relatively safe. Ervikulam regularly received rain in the evening
Prof John Kurakar

ELECTION-2009( II PHASE-55%

ELECTION-2009
IIPHASE- 55% POLLING
Polling for phase II of the general elections covering 140 Lok Sabha constituencies in 12 states was held on Tuesday, 23 rd April, 2009 about 55 percent of the 19.40 crore voters exercising their franchise. Chief Election Commissioner Vavin B. Chawla told he was extremely satisfied with the poll and it was held with out any large incident.
The voter turnout in the second phase of Lok Sabha election is poor 55 percent. The educated middle class are disillusioned with the political parties and their leaders. The voter turn out in many constituencies has been disappointing. The turnout should be 90 percent. Remedial measures, including making voting compulsory is essential
Prof: John Kurakar.

ONE LAKH CIVILIANS LEAVING AN AOLLED BY TAMIL TIGERS IN NORTH EASTERN SRI LANKA

Announcement by the Sri Lankan military that over one lakh civilians leaving an area controlled by Tamil Tigers in north eastern Sri Lanka. Two LTTE officials surrended. Tamil Nadu chief Minister Mr Karunanidhi has urged prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chair person Sonia Gandhi to 'give an ultimatum to the Sri Lankan government for an immediate and permanent ceasfire in Sri Lanka and save the Lakhs of Tamils in Sri Lanka. The war like situation in Sri Lanka is alarming and predictament of the Tamils is very critical. All nations and U.N had urged the Sri Lankan government to announce a ceasefire immmediately. Priyanka Vadra on tuesday 21 th April 2009 said India as a nati9n could not forgive LTTE Chief V. Prabakaran not forgive the assassination of the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
The Tamil Nadu have strong feelings of solidary to Sri Lankan Tamils. The truth is that after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi on may 21, 1991 by an LTTE squad under direct orders from prabakaran. He was the architect of the human bomb. All right- thinking Indians should face the reality that Sri Lanka has been devasted largely due to the madness of LTE and its leader.
It is very painful find all political parties in Tamil Nadu making Sri Lankan Tamil issue and the LTTE an election issue. They should focus on other serious issues like poverty and unemployment. Thousands of innicent Sri Lankan Tamils are caught between the LTE and the armed forces. Both sides are militant in achieving their goals and the poor people have become pawns in their game
Prof: John Kurakar

ELECTION- 2009( II PHASE)

Electioneering for the phase II of general election scheduled for april 23 2009. Chief Election commissioner Navin B. Chawla will supervise this phase and the subsequent three other phase ( April 30, may 7 and may 13). Total of 2041 contestants including 121 women, are in the fray for this phase, which will cover 13 states, including manipur.
The phase II will cover the highest number of 141 Lok Sabha constituencies. In Andrapradesh and Orissa, the Assembly elections for the remaining constituences 140 and 77 will also be covered
II PHASE
Andra pradesh 20
Assam 11
Bihar 13
Goa 2
Jammu & Kashmir 1
Karnataka 17
Madhya prades 13
Maharastra 25
Manipur 1
Orissa 11
Tripura 2
Uttar Pradesh 17
Jharkhand 8
Prof John Kurakar

MR KARUNANIDHI'S STATEMENT IS SHOCKING

MR KARUNANIDHI’S STATEMENT IS SHOKING
The Tamilnadu chief minister Mr M Karunanidhi in a Television interview remarking that The LTTE Chief Prabakaran is not a terrorist is shoking. Prabakaran is responsible for the assassinating of our beloved Prime minister Rajiv Ganhi. LTTE eliminated all its political rivals and thousands of innocent civilians. It is very wonderful that Mr Karunanidhi did not see Prabakaran as a terrorist. Thousands of Indians asked to Karunanidhi that Who is Prabakaran? What is he? Karunanidhi also claimed that Mr Prabakaran his friend- is not terrorist. Mr Karanidhi has not only embarrassed the congress but also shocked very Indians.. The majority of the people in the world were aware that LTTE is a terrorist outfit which has killed its own people for selfish ends. The organization banned India and branded terrorist by almost all the countries
Prof: John Kurakar

VALIYA PADAYANI-2009

VALIYA PADAYANI-2009
The Valiya padayani of the Kadammanitta Bhagavathy Temple will be held on the temple premises on Tuesday 21 th April 2009. The festival will begin with a ceremonial procession of Bhairavi Kolams with the accompaniment of indigenous torch lights made of dry coconut leaves and Thappu,the unique padayani percussion. The event begins immediately after the’athazhapuja.
The rhythmic signing of padayani songs will be another attraction of the customary procession padayani kolams. Different kinds of kolems like Ganapathi, Bhairavi, Yakshi, Kuthira, Pakshi, Madan, Kalan, and Marutha will form the procession.
The Bhairavi Kolam performance to be held on the temple premises will be the main attraction of Valiya Padayani. The Kolam danced in tune with padayani songs.Audience participation during the performance is a speciality of this temple act theatre form. The Legend has it that Goddess Kali, after slaying the demon Darika, went back of mount Kailas to meet Lord Siva in her fiercest form. On the advicee of Lord Subrahmaniya, Lord Siva send various Kolams to greet Goddess Kali in order to pacift her. myth says that Kali laughed at the very sight of the Bhairavi Kolam. The Festival will come to a close with Pakal Padayani to be held from 9.30 am to 11 am on 22nd april 2009.
Prof John Kurakar

RISAT(SURVEILLANCE SATELLITE)

RISAT-2
SURVEILLANCE SATELLITE
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C12) on Monday 20 th April 2009 put in orbit Radar imaging satellite( RISAT-2) a surveillance satellite, which could keep a watch on the country’s borders.
This is the first time the Indian space Research Organization (ISRO) is putting in orbit a RISAT in the microwave band. It can take images of the earth day and night, see through clouds and identify objects on the ground.
The 300 kg RISAT-2 has been procured from Israel. Anusat, built by Anna University, Chennai was also put in orbit by the PSLV-C12. It is an experimental communication satellite meant for storing and relaying information.
The RISAT-2 could precisely look at water bodies and vegetation. Its images would have wide ramifications in managing disasters such as cyclones , floods and landslips.
Prof John Kurakar

SHOCKING INCIDENT

SHOCKING INCIDENT
The death of 11 year old Shanno in New Delhi, allegedly after being punished by the school teacher, is shocking. The teacher is reported to have made a child stand in the scorching sun for two hours with seven bricks on her back. The act shows the teachers in human nature. The centre and state government should conduct periodical training programmes for the elementary teacher to sensitise them to the dangers of resorting to such punishment.
The violence against students in schools is on the increase. The teacher should understand the not all children have identical abilities. While it is important to screen the candidates who apply for teaching jobs, it is also important to stop blaming teachers for the poor performance of students. The teachers should be given periodical in-service training on how to treat children who fail to comply with the teachers instructions.
In human acts of teachers against students will not only bring a bad name to the noble profession of teaching but also discourage parents, especially the poor and the backwards from sending their children to school. All efforts by the government to ensure compulsory primary education will be rendered futile if teacher do not cooperate.
The Delhi incident is an insult to the very word “ teacher’The Job of a teacher is to prepare a child to face the world. Teacher who resort to such severe punishment are no less than criminals and should be treated as such.
The heart rending death of 11 year- old Delhi School girl Shanno Khan following brutal punishment by her teacher for failing to recite the full English alphabet string is a stark reminder of the torture’ that sometimes goes on in the name of pedagogy in several Indian Schools. Shanno, according to her older sister, was to stand in a murga position for over two hours in the hot sun and even placed seven bricks on her back. When the girl asked for water, the teacher kiked her and her head hit a wall and she began to bleed from the nose. Shanno lost conscious on returning home, and died two days later in hospital after slipping in to a coma. This may seem an extreme case of punishment gone horribly wrong but it does high light a fairly widespread pratice of Indian schools in 2000 the supreme court of India banned corporal punishment for children and directed the state to ensure that they received education in an environment of freedom and dignity, free from fear. In the same year the Delhi High Court struck down the provision for corporal punishment in the Delhi School Education, Rules, nothing that such punishment went against a child is dignity and was not in tune with united and was not in tune with the united Nations Convention on the Rights of the child to which India was a signatory. The National policy on Education .States that Corporal punishment would be firmly excluded from the Educational systems. Following incidents of suicide by students terrorized by teachers, states such as Goa and Tamil Nadu was replaced by a section that recommended that children should be given an opportunity to learn from their errors through corrective measures such as imposition and suspension from class.
How ever, enforcement is weak and instances of corporal punishment continue to be reported from across India. In fact, many schools practise a variety of methods of physical and emotional punishment. Occasionally, when teacher find mild forms of punishment en effective, they resort to third degree methods of the kind that caused Shanno’s death. It is time authorities as well as parents and the public mobilized to make it absolutely clear that corporal punishment or any form of deliberate infliction of pain and humiliation in school children, supposedly for their own good, would not be tolerated any longer
Prof John Kurakar

PROFESSIONAL COURSES-ARCHITECTURE--( CAREER GUIDENCE)

PROFESSIONAL COURSES
ARCHITECTURE
Career Guidence
Architecture is a stream that demands creativity and imagination, if not artistic skills. Archetects are ever in increasing demand and architectural mores are changing
You need no artistic skill to become a good architect. But you should be creative and imaginative. Architectural professionals now need no pencils or painting brushes. Some of the architects have given away even their drawing boards. Computers with powerful software have empowered architects to make virtual buildings both from inside and from outside, and even its surroundings before it is built.
In the words of Einstein” If you can imagine it you create it” Moving continuously between imagination and creation, between the virtual and the real, is the experience you get when you are involved in this creative architectural profession.
Cultural tourism, information technology, and the real estate boom in India have opened up great opportunities to the architects.Information technology has enabled outsourcing of architectural design and drafting work to developing countries from the west. There is a huge shortage of architects within and outside the country. A study shows that there is a demand of more than 12,000 architects every year in India alone
QUALIFICATION
Candidates who have passed 10+2, Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination or examinations recognized as equivalent thereto. With mathematics as a subject of examination, with 50 percent marks in aggregate are eligible. In addition to this only those candidates who score 40 percent marks in National Aptitude Test In Architecture(NATA) will be eligible for admission. Architecture courses are to be allotted on the basis of rank obtained in the NATA, conducted by the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Architecture and the grade/ marks in the qualifying examination. Architecture was earlier classified under arts. However the architecture course has now become multidisciplinary, adding and linking to moredimensions from the technological, environmental, ecological, and cultural realms
The architecture profession has become important in today’s context, as architects are key persons involved with developments utilizing natural resources mostly. The outlook of the profession is changing rapidly as the environmentalist is critical about the efficiency of the usage of material, which demand high energy because of their usage and the embodied energy for producing these. Constructing buildings using less of embodied energy and buildings that uses less energy to sustain themselves is the challenge ahead for the contemporary architectural community.
After this basic in architecture, the avenues are wide open for specialized postgraduate studies. Master of Business administration, Master of Building Management, Landscape architecture, Urban design, Heritage Conservation Programmes, Town and Country Planning, Housing, Product Design, Hospitality Industry Design, and many more courses are offered in different universities, in India and abroad
PRIMARY GOAL
The primary goal of the new architectural curriculam is designed to generate and sustain an environment of creative inspiration and informed understanding of the design of architectural work, cultural and natural heritage properties included.
Architecture finds itself today in a world that resists easy characterization, a world that appears to be constantly buffeted by changes in the ways we conceive, make and inhabit our buildings and cities. Creative Examination of Cultural Context. Artful Making- The poetry of Use, the Craft of Assembly, and Creative Collaborations- are all part of architectural curriculam.
The student architect is initially trained in traditional graphical language such as sketching, and geometrical drawing, which enables him to communicate his ideas graphically Students and faculty explore the discipline of architecture as a cultural, humanistic and artistic phenomenon.
We are committed to the belief that the profession of architecture must provide communities with places that are beneficial, memorable and meaningful for all. The architecture course is designed to introduce concepts, theories, and practices of the discipline pf architecture. This includes the study of perceptual, environmental and historical concepts through lectures and individual projects in observing and making architectural space.
Laurie Baker, who is known for is ingenuity for designing buildings that are affordable to the common man, is an examble of a proponent of sensible architecture. He upheld the value of humanism in architecture.He made a difference; yes you too can, to help the problems of millions of homeless in the world by using your creativity
Reference: Creativity and Imagination by Eugine.N. Pandala
Prof John Kurakar

13TH LOK SABHA ELECTION-2009

13 th
LOK SABHA ELECTION-2009
At 73.33 percent, what kerala witnessed on Thursday (16 th April 2009) was the fifth highest voter turnout in the states electrol history
1967 75.64
1977 79.20
1984 77.13
1989 79.30 had recorded
Higher voter turnout than at present. Among the Lok sabha constituencies, the highest polling percentage was recorded this time in Kannur where 80.91 percent of the voters exercised their franchise.
Voter turn out
Kasargod 76.14%
Kannur 80.91
Wayanad 74.63
Vadakara 80.44
Kozhikode 75.60
Malappuram 76.64
Ponnani 77.11
Palakkad 73.51
Alathur 75.28
Thrissur 69.93
Chalakudy 73.63
Ernakulam 72.76
Idukki 73.86
Kottayam 73.69
Pathanamthitta 65.81
Mavalikara 70.56
Alappuzha 78.79
Kollam 67.84
Attingal 66.25
Trivandrum 65.73
Prof: John Kurakar

PUNISHMENT KILL DELHI PRIMARY SCHOOL GIRL

PUNISHMENT KILL DELHI
PRIMARY SCHOOL GIRL
Eleven year old Shanno, who slipped in to coma after her teacher made her stand in the hot sun in a crouching position as punishment at school.She died in a government hospital on Friday 17 th April,2009.
The class II student of a municipal corporation of Delhi. The teacher Manju punished the girl because she failed to recite the full English alphabet string, after returing from school on Wednesday 15 th April 2009 after noon, she fell unconscious and was taken to the Maharishi Valmiki Hospital by her parents. She was referred to LNJP Hospital the following day after her condition deteriorated and she slipped in to coma.
Prof: John Kurakar

NUMBER OF WOMEN CANDIDATES DOWN IN KERAL- 2009 ELECTION

NUMBER OF WOMEN CANDIDATES DOWN IN KERALA- 2009

LOK SABHA ELECTION-2009
The number and percentage of the women candidates in the Lok Sabha polls has come down in Kerala. The percentage of women candidates which was close to 10 percent in 1999 dropped to 6.5 percent this time. In 2004, the percentage was 8.5. Numerically, the number of women candidates dropped from 15 in 2004 to 14 in 2009. the main stream political parties had fielded six women in 2004 election (UDF-3, LDF-2 & BJP-1) This time UDF has fielded only one women. While the BJP has fielded two, there is no change in the number of women nominated by the LDF.
Prof John Kurakar

COUR ORDERS RELEASE OF VARUN GANDHI ONPAROLE

COURT ORDERS RELEASE OF VARUN GANDHI ON PAROLE

The supreme court on Thursday 16th April 2009 directed to release Varun Gandhi on parole till may 1st to enable him to file his nomination for the Lok Sabha polls. He was asked to give an undertaking that he would not make speeches which would creat dis harmony between community. Mr Gandhi would be released on condition that he execute a bond for Rs 50000 with two solvent sureties for a like amount to the satisfaction of the superintendent of Jail, Etah
Prof John Kurakar

ELECTION-2009( I PHASE POLLS OVER)

ELECTION 2009
I PHASE POLLS OVER
Election in 124 of 543 Lok Sabha constituencies on Thursday 16th April 2009. First phase of the fice phase polls- witnessed the killing of 19 people in violent incidents at 86 polling stations, mostly in the naxal affected areas. Polling how ever, was largely peaceful in 1.85 lakh polling sations coverning an electorate of over 14.31 crore. A total of 1715 candidates, including 122 women were in the fray.
The 19 killed were nine civilians and polling personel The Election Commission , however expressed’ total satisfaction considering the problems. The preliminary reports suggested a 58 to 62 percentage voter turnout. I phase polls- besides the Lok Sabha constituencies, covering 15 states and two union territories. The tentative percentage for the states are
Andhra Pradesh 65%
Arunachal Pradesh 62
Assam 62
Bihar 46
Jammu & Kashmir 48
Kerala 60
Maharastra 54
Manipur 66
Mefhalaya 66
Mizoram 52
Nagaland 84
Orissa 53
Uttar Pradesh 50
Chhattis garh 50
Jharkhand 50
Lakshadweep 86
Andaman Islands 62

BATTLE IN UTTAR PRADESH
Over the past two decades power hasshifted dramatically in Utttar prades- from the congress to the BJP to the S.P to the BSP. The congress, which won a landslide 83 of the 85 Lok Sabha seats in 1984, and the BJP which peaked with 57 of 85 seats in 1998, have been eclipsed since then by the SP and the BSP. Today the battle is largely between the two state parties with the Mayawati-led BSP.
Total Electorate: 6714,87930
Men: 349490864
Women: 321997066
2004 Lok sabha Results: BSP 19 seats,

SP 35 seats , Congress: 9 seat ,BJP- 10 seats, RLD- 3 seats -------------- vote percentage BSP-24.67 %, SP- 26.74 %, Congress -12.04 %, BJP- 22.10 % ,
RLD- 4.49 %
BATTLE IN ANDHRA PRADESH( kuppam constituency)
Totoal electrote: 1,74241
Men 86,549
Women 87,692
The Congress has won this seat only twice in the 11 elections held since 1955 while the TDP has never lost since its formation in 1983. Mr chandrababu naidu has represented this constituency for four terms. Winning in 2004 by a margin of 60000 votes. 2009- it is a proxy war between Telugu Desamparty (TDP) supreme N Chandrababu Naidu and Andrapradesh chief minster Y.S Rajasekhar Reddy
Prof John Kurakar

SAVE ENERGY

SAVE ENERGY
The Government co-ordinating with Global agencies to save energy. As part of this on going exercise the energy management Centre (EMC) recently held a capacity building workshops in co- ordination with the Alliance to save Energy, a non-profit organization in the U.S promoting energy efficiency. The aim was to educate the officials on the mechanisms that could be associated with energy saving projects. The project in Tamil nadu is targeted at improving the municipal water distribution and waste water management. The Kerala government has been trying to make use of the energy sector as a catalyst in promoting a development process in a sustainable manner. EMC has launched programmes to install new energy technology systems in the conventional and non- conventional sectors apart from working on energy conservation education
Prof John Kurakar

VARUN GANDHI PROMISES NOT TO MAKE HATE SPEECHES

Mr Varun Gandhi gave an undertaking promising not to make any more hate speeches following a suggestion by the supreme court raising prospects of his early release on bail. An affidavit in this regard was submitted by 29 year old Mr Varun Gandhi to district magistrate Gaura Dayal who will be despatching the document to the supreme court, which has adjourned hearing on his bail plea to April 16, 2009
Mr Varun Gandhi who moved the supreme court seeking relief to allow him to contest the Lok sabha elections from pilibhit, promised not to give provocative speeches that violated the constitution or led to any law and order problem, Mr Dayal said.
The supreme court on monday 13 th April 2009 said Mr Varun Gandhi's bail plea could be accepted only if he came out with a promise that he would not make provocative speeches. 14 th april Varun's maternal aunt Ambika shukla met him at the Etah jail, where Varun Gandhi signed the affidavit
Prof John Kurakar

VISHU CELEBRATION-2009-VISHUKKANI AT SABARIMALA

Vishu was Celebrated with religious fervour at Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala on tuesday 14 th April ,2009. Thousands of devetees from different parts of south India thronged the, hillock to witness the 'vishukkani' in the morning. Melsanthi N. Vishnu Namboodiri assisted by other priests arranged the vishukkani with flowers, especially that of cassia fistula( Kanikonna), fresh fruits, vegetables, paddy spikes, Jewels, Ashtamangalyom etc inside the sanctum sanctorum after the 'athazhapuja' on monday 13 th evening. The Temple was opened at 4. am for the vishukkani 'darsan' in an atmosphere charged with devotion and 'Ayyappa saranam' mantra rented the air,
The Sannidhanam has been witnessing heavy rush since monday 13 th April night. Deveotees had to wait for five to seven hours for the darsan on tuesday. Both the Tantri, Kandararu Rajeevaru and Melsanthi gave coins to devetees at the temple sopanam as the vishu kaineettom.
A 58 year old pilgrim from Guntur in Andhra predesh was trampled to death and several others were injured in a stampede like situation in front of the holy steps( pathinettapadi) of the sabarimala temple when vishukkani darsan was on the early hours of tuesday.
The Hindu Aikya vedi attributed the tragedy to criminal negligence of the state government and demanted a judicial investigation. The temple will be closed on April 18 evening, marking the culmination of this years vishu festivel.
ProfJohn Kurakar

INDIA BECAME A REPUBLIC IN 1950. tHE BHARAT RATNA AND THE PADMA AWARDS WERE INSTITUTED IN 1954

India became a Republic in 1950.India's own system of honouring as introduced in 1954. The highest of these Bharat Ratna and the others were in three categories called padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. It is a regognition by a grateful nation of the contribution made by these outstanding citizens to the country and the people.
The first person to receive the prime honour of Bharat Ratna was scientist C.V Raman. so far 41 have veen conferred this honour and that includes Rajaji and economist AmartyaSen The latest in the list is Bhimsen Joshi, Classical singer. Tamil Nadu has the distinction of having the highest number of Bharat Ratna awards, eight of themincludes Kamaraj and M.G Ramachandran. Some have got the honours twice M.S Subhalakshmi got the Padma Bhushan in 1954 and the Bharat Ratna in 1998 Some leaders out side India have also been given thistitle. One is Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela. These awards have been given since 1954 for four years from 1977 to 1980 they were not given
Prof John Kurakar

SEVEN ELEPHANTS DIED IN PERIYAR

The expert team that stdied the circumstances leading to the death of seven Elephants in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala over the last six weeks has concluded that the killings could be the work of a wild tusker in musth. When the musth elephants become aggressive and sexually active. This is a perodic condition in male bull elephants. Elephants in musth secrets a thick tar- like fluid from their temporal ducts on either side of the head. such a full- grown tusker has been spotted in the area from the killings were repoted, but no injuries sustained fatal injuries in the neck and skull and other parts of the body. Similar incidents have been reported fromother parts of the world too, both among Africaqn Elephants and Asian Elephants. But a majority of them involved fights between tuskers for dominance as they moved after herds to seek out receptive cow elephants.
Eleven tusker deaths were repoted in fights among elephants in the corbett National Park in 2008. There had also been six cow elephants killings in various wildlife tracts of TamilNadu during the last two years.
Periyar sanctuary is also a project Elephant area with a roaming elephant population of more than 1000 according to the last wild life census
Prof John Kurakar

CEASFIRE IS ESSENTIAL IN SRI LANKA

We Welcommed the Sri Lankan government ceasefire announced in their country on sunday ,12 th April 2009, calling on the Tamil Tiger rebels to do like wise while insisting that civilians had to be free to leave the conflict zone. An estimated 1,oo,ooo people joined a Tamil protest in Londan calling a ceasefire. Sri Lanka's president Mahinda Raja paksa ordered a two- day halt to the offensive against cornered separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Rebels to give tens of thousands of civilians a chace to escape the fighting. It will be essential to ensure international access to provide humanitarian relief, and journalistic access, given the scale of alleged abuses on bothsides
Prof John Kurakar

EASTER CELEBRATION-2009

EASTER CELEBRATION-2009

Christians across the world celebrated Easter Sunday (12-04-2009) by attending church very early in the morning and ending the period of Lent with a sumptuous traditional breakfast. Churches serve a piece of cake made of egg and milk to end the 50 day Lent period during which most people forgo non- vegetarian food. In orthodox churches Easter Ceremonies began with mid night prayer on Saturday.
After Easter mass devotees reach home for special breakfast which includes the traditional ‘ appam’ made out of rice powder and mixed with a rice powder and mixed with a fresh toddy or yeast. The other delicacies include baked bananas, egg curry and stew made with either mutton or chicken.
Easter, marking the culmination of the Holy week was celebrated in the world on Sunday, 12 th April 2009. The faithful turned out in large numbers to attend the special Easter service at parumala church. The Easter service began around 10.30 p.m on Saturday and continued till early Sunday morning. The faithful took out a procession commemorating the resurrection of Christ.
Prof John Kurakar

TIGER TOURISM IN INDIA

Madhya pradesh is the heart of India, one of the prime destinations for tiger tourism in the country with more than 6000 sq km of forests protcted as six tiger reserves and tiger numbers amongst the highest in any state. Madhya pradesh's claim to being the tiger state of the country. The latest tiger census conducted by the wildlife Institute of Inda projected the tiger population in the state to be between 236 and 364 In 2008 alone, the central government allocated nearly Rs 25 crores to Madhya pradesh for Tiger conservation and two crores were allocated to Tamil Nadu for the same purpose
Prof John Kurakar

MISSILE DEAL WITH ISRAELI AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES

MISSILE DEAL WITH ISRAELI AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES (IAI)
The Israeli IAI Company has not been black listed. The missile deal proposal was initiated in 2002 and approved in 2005. The deal was discussed at length by various defence agencies for two years (2007-08) The security committee discussed it and referred it to the cabinet for approval.
Defence Minister Sri A.K Antony said that the left parties should remember that India has Defence cooperation with 45 countries, including china and Russia. Israel is one among them.
The Defence Minister again said if any irregularities were found in missile deal with Israel company criminal proceedings would be initiated. If there is credible evidence, the matter will be investigated. If there is credible evidence, the matter will be investigated and the Company will be debarred from Defence relations with India for five years.
Mr Antony alleged that the LDF’s criticism of Israel was dubious. There was huge investment by Israeli Companies in the left- ruled west Bengal in the Information Technology, tourism and hospitality sections. Deligations from west Bengal. Including the former chief minister Jodi Basu, had visited Israel several times. A Keral Minister in the CPI(M) led E.K Nayanar Government had visited Israel and sought cooperation in 1977, Israeli leader Moshe Dayan visited new Delhi when the Janatha Party, led by Morarji Desai was in power in 2003, during the NDA rule, the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, visited India. As for diplomatic ties with Israel, which were established in 1992. The UPA was only following what earlier governments did
Prof John Kurakar

VAIKO SPEECH ISSUE

VAIKO SPEECH ISSUE
MDMK General Secretary Mr Vaiko stating that Tamil Nadu would witness a blood bath if something happened to LTTE Chief Velupillai Prabakaran. That is a law and order issue, and the state government will take action. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Mr Vaika on Thursday 9th April , 2009 said that his speech as a warning in a good faith and with good intentions for protecting the unity and integrity of India. Mr Vaiko told the journalists that his speech was aimed at urging the union government for bringing the war in sri- Lanka to an end. If the Sri Lankan Government used weapons to kill the Tamils. Mr Vaiko again added “ no body need to teach patriotism to us. We are second to none in patriotism.
The Chennai police’s decision to register a case of sedetion against MDMK leader Vaiko for his inflammatory speech is in the right direction. Although every body is sympathetic to the plight of the sriLankan Tamils. But it is difficult to simpathise with the LTTE chief, who masterminded Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. I think Mr Vaiko raised his voice for the innocent Sri Lankan Tamils. Every body should understood his sentiments.
Prof John Kurakar

GOOD FRIDAY-2009

GOOD FRIDAY-2009
With fasting and prayers Christians all over the world observed Good Friday by commemorating the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
While the church ceremonies began in the evening, the faithful arrived at the churches in the morning itself to engage themselves in prayers.
The way of the cross ritual was of the highlights of the Good Friday observance. The ritual organized by many of the parishes was held through the streets with the faithful symbolically erecting the 14 stations of the cross enroute. Those participating in the ritual stood at each station for prayers and hymns.
Many among the faithful also engaged in the traditional custom of visiting several churchs after the conclusion of the formal ceremonies at their respective parishes.
Good Friday is followed by the celebration of Easter Sunday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter ceremonies will begin with Mid- Night mass on Saturday at most churchs. Special prayer session and retreats were held at various churchs and the faithful were served with rice gruel in the evening. Various churches also organized joint processions at various towns and cities as part of Good Friday observance
Prof John Kurakar

SIKH PROTEST OUT SIDE THE COURT(1984 ANTI- SIKH RIOT CASE)

SIKHS PROTEST OUT SIDE THE COURT
(1984 ANTI- SIKH RIOT CASE)
A large number of people in the Sikh Community staged a demonstration out side the Karkardooma court on Thursday 9th April 2009 to protest the C.B.I “ clean chit” to congress leader Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti- sikh riot case. They carring placards action against Mr Tytler and Mr Sajjan Kumar. The protesters should slogans urging the congress to with draw their candidature for Lok sabha polls.
The Congress on Thursday 9th April 2009 evening decided to drop Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar as its candidates for the Lok sabha elections.The decision was taken by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in consultation with the party’s senior leadership.
The Congress is welcome. It shows its sensitivity to the feelings of the Sikh community.
Prof John Kurakar

CHIDAMBARAM HAS SHOWN GREAT MAGNANIMITY

The action of Jarnal singh, the Dainik Jagran reporter who hurled his shoe at Union Home Minister Sri P Chidambaram during a press meet to protest againt the Congress decision to field Jagdish Tyter and Sajjan kumar, accused in the 1984 anti- sikh riots case, in the election was unfortunate and condemnable. Bi\ut Mr Chidambaram for handling the incident in a cool and level headed manner. He asked the security personnel to handle the journist gently and then forgave him is indeed laudable- and also Mr Chidambaram continued the press conference. This shows his maturity and Magnanimity. We are proud of him for the excellent gesture.
Mr Jarnail Singh's act was uncivilised and against all the ethics of journalism. The journist could have surely chosen the pen as his means of protest. In many countries the incident would have attracted aa ail term. Any way the shoe hurling incident has rpved the maturity of our politicians and Media. Mr Chidmbram kept his act later. Iraqi lournist who hurld his shoe at George W, Bush, did not regret. in this incident both parties displayed maturity.
Prof John Kurakar

LOK SABHA ELECTION 2009

The world's largest democracy will go to the polls to choose leaders to serve them for next five years. According to our constitution elections for the Lok sabha ( Parliament ) must be held at least every five years. As the term of the current 14 th Lok sabha ends on june 1, 2009. the next one has to be formed june 2, 2009. to form Lok sabha India has been divided in to 543 parliamentary constituencies. Each one elects a member. The president can nominate two members from the Anglo Indian Community. The first phase of the elections begns on April 16, 2009. Other days were April-22, April 23, April 30, May 7 and Nat 13,2009. The results will be announced on may 16,2009.
The electrol rolls of all states and union Territories have been updated and the total electrate is now 714 million. 2004 General election the figure was 671 million. The cost 2009 election Rs 1,120 crore has been budgeted 13,68430 e4lectronic voting machine (EVM) will be used in 2009 election. In terms of its scale and size and issues involved, elections in inda are, with out doubt, the single largest democratic exercise in the world. Prof: John Kurakar

POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE IN ITALY

At least 300 people died when a powerful earthquake in Italion town of L'Aquila on monday 6th April 2009 measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale. It made several thousand people homeless. It destroyed ancient buildings and monuments and Baroque architecure dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Rescue worked through the night to free survivors trapped under the debris.
The quake had a magnitude of 6.3 according to the Italian geophysical institute. thousnts of the 60'ooo residents fled in to the streets as more than a dozen aftershoks rattled the town
Pre History
1997----- 13 lives lost - a pwer earth quake
1980-----2570 killed, injuring- 8850
2002----30 people killed
1908-----power ful earth quake 200,ooo dead
Prof: John Kurakar

VEL-TECH UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIPS-2009

Wel Tech Dr R.R and S.R Technical University in collaboration with the Hindu has launched an All- India Merit Scholarship under the Mahatma Gandhi National Merit Scholarships Scheme for 25 deserving B.E or B.Tech students this year. The total value of the scholarship is Rs 50 Lakh.
Students from across India who have scored a minimum of 85 percent inaggragate in their class 12 Examinations inPhysics, chemistry, mathematics/ Biology will be eligible to participate in the scheme. All candidates must write the Vel Tech All-India Engineering Entrance Examination on may 10. The last date for application is april 30. Female candidates receiving preference. Each selected students will receive a scholarship amount Rs 2 Lakh, which is equivalant of half the tuition fee over four years. The theme behind these scholarship schemes is that though technical education is ava9lable on a large scale in our country. It is yet to reach the deserving students. Technology is the key to a safe to a safe and secure India and so technical education is a key ingredient for prosperous India
Prof: John Kurakar

MAKE CHINA CLEANER AND GREENER(Chinese leaders join green drive)

Chinese president and other senior leaders joined millions of people in Beijing for voluntary tree planting. The president said the Beijing olypic Games had greatly improved the city's enviornment and he hoped the achievements would be maintained and improved upon. He also called on the public to continue to be actively involved in tree planting activities so as to make china cleaner and greener.

The leading officials from government ministeries as well as local residents planted trees over weekend. That is total 1.8 million people actively participated the tree planting. Chinease citizens aged from 11 to 55 should plant three to five trees every year as way to increase china's forest coverage

Prof John Kurakar

SATELLITE LAUNCH BY NORTH KOREA

SATELLITE LAUNCH
BY NORTH KOREA
The Democratic people’s Republic of Korea on Sunday, 5th April 2009 announced the “ successful launch of an Indigenous Communications satellite. A home-made three stage rocket Unha-2( Milkway) carrying the satellite, lifted off the launch pad at 11.20 am local time. Several countries denounced North Korea for its implicit action of testing a dual-use rocket with potential military applications.
China emphasized the need for “Calm” and advocated a constructive approach in addressing the issues. Japan took the initiative for the emerging U.N debate. Japanese spokesman told that North Korea had now acted in clear violation of the U.N Security Council Resolutions. The Japab\nise official said now was to ensure” appropriate action by the security council.
The Japanese official again said the first part of North Korea’s “ flying objects” fell in to the sea at a point about 280 km west off Japan. The second part :fell in to the pacific occan about 1270 km off Japan’s eastern coast.
U.S President Barack obama led global condemnation of north Korea’s rocket launch on 5th April 2009. He said it is a orovative act” Must be punished.
The South Korea sai it was reckless. The fear is that a similar rocket could be used to fire a nuclear weapon. “Rules must be binding violations must be punished. Words must mean something The world must stand to gether to prevent the spread of these weapons. Now is the time for a strong international response.
U. S ambassador to the United nations Susan Rice said Washigton would seek the strongest possible response from the security council. The European union, Britan, France Germany, Australia and Newzealand joined the chorus of condemnation
Prof John Kurakar