India retain Nehru Cup beating Syria 5-4

Defending champion India retained ONGC Nehru football Cup beating Syria by 5-4 in a penalty shoot out at a jam-packed Ambedkar stadium here on Monday after both the teams scored 1-1.

The two sides were deadlocked 0-0 in the regulation time and equaled in the extra time.
India’s goalkeeper Subrata Paul eventually win the title for India making three saves in the shootout, including the decisive shot from Hamzeh Al Aitoni triggering celebrations among the crowd.

After the score went goalless in the regulation time, Renedy Singh scored through a free kick in the 24th minute of extra time. The title was in India’s kitty; however, India could not retain the upper hand as Syria’s Dyab equalized the score in the last minute of the match taking the game to a tie-breaker.

The highly tensed hyper-extended shootout eventually resulted in India’s favour after the 22-year-old goalkeeper Paul produced a heroic performance saving as many as three penalty shots to script the win.

For Indian side, Climax Lawrence, Sunil Chhetri, Steven Dias, Anwar Ali and Surkumar Singh scored in the shootout while Renedy Singh and Meharajuddin Wadoo missed the target.

Along with the Nehru cup title India earned USD 40,000, while Syria pocketed USD 20,000.

Nehru cup 2009 was almost a repeat of the 2007 edition of the tournament when India had lost to Syria in the league match but won the final 1-0.

Bollywood star Salman Khan and AIFF acting president and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports M S Gill, watched the Nehru Cup final at the Ambedkar Stadium. Salman Khan was appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Climax of shootout

India 1-0 Syria, Climax Lawrence sent the keeper the wrong way
India 1-1 Syria, Raja Rafe straight into the top corner
India 1-1 Syria, Renedy Singh went from hero to zero, striking the post with his penalty
India 1-1 Syria, Wael Ayan hammered it to the keeper's left, brilliant save by Subrata Pal
India 2-1 Syria, Sunil Chetri stroked the ball calmy past Balhous
India 2-1 Syria, Ahmad Haj Mohamad underhit his shot, Subrata's left hand pushing the ball onto the crossbar, another save!
India 3-1 Syria, Steven Dias gave India a cushion
India 3-2 Syria, Balhous - the Syrian keeper - beats his opposite number to keep his team alive in the contest
India 3-2 Syria, Mehrajuddin Wadoo with the chance to win it, but he hits it straight to the keeper
India 3-3 Syria, Abdul Fattah beats Pal who comes racing off his line and gets a warning from the ref
India 4-3 Syria, Central defender Anwar sends Balhous the wrong way to give India the lead again
India 4-4 Syria, Abdelrazaq puts it in the corner past the outstretched hand of Pal
India 5-4 Syria, Sukumar Singh with an excellent shot to keep India ahead
India 5-4 Syria, Excellent save from Subrata Pal from Hamzeh Al Aitounim penatly to win the Nehru Cup!

First int’l conference on Broadcast Media and Climate Change

With a view to enhance awareness on climate change, UNESCO along with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is going to hold an international conference on ‘Broadcast Media and Climate Change: A Public Service Remit’ on September 4 and 5 at its headquarters in Paris.

The purpose of organizing such conference is to raise awareness on climate change as well as to increase the capacities of national broadcasters to report on climate change and foster cooperation among them, as electronic media could be a useful tool in raising awareness. The event is also expected to help improve the quality of information and programmes on climate change.

More than 180 national broadcasters, key international broadcasting associations and scientific organizations will meet to explore current coverage of climate change issues in different regions of the world. Participants will also seek solution to the challenges being faced by broadcasters, particularly those from the developing countries. These challenges include access to essential content and material needed to report effectively on climate change and promote mitigation strategies at local and international levels.

Commenting on the significance of organizing the conference, former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan said that the conference will help to increase awareness and seek better reporting on climate change “at a time when the deathly silence around this crisis is becoming a major impediment for international action.”

The meeting will also look at the mechanisms and frameworks necessary for a global broadcast media partnership on climate change. A number of organizations, including the BBC, France Télévisions, the Global Humanitarian Forum, TVE, the Algerian Ministry of the Environment, and the production companies Dansk AV Produktion and Ki-Productions have partnered with UNESCO to provide a range of quality audiovisual material and resources rights-free to national broadcasters from developing countries.

Three months later in December the United Nations Climate Change Conference will be organized in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Jaswant Singh and controversy not apart

Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) senior leader Jaswant Singh and controversies are not new to each other. In fact, both are two sides of the same coin. The fresh controversy erupted from the releasing of his new book 'Jinnah — India, Independence, Partition' in which he made Jinnah as custodian of secularism and Nehru as the culprit of partition of India.

Cutting across the party lines in thought and principle, Jaswant Singh has been expelled from the party for eulogising Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, in his latest book.

The 71-year-old leader, perhaps, has to pay the price for creating needless controversy through his book. Had he been known that by going against the BJP and above all its ideological boss Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) principle through his nascent discovery – a secular Jinnah, he would have thought twice before praising Jinnah.

RSS once again has proved its hegemony over the BJP, and driven home the straightforward message that the party is still driven by the Hindutva message and any kind of dissent in the party will no longer be tolerated. However, grabbing public attention by touching off controversy through his writing is not new for Jaswant Singh.

He had used the same gimmick during the releasing of his previous book “A Call to Honour: In Service of Emergent India in 2006”, when he alleged that there was a mole in the prime minister’s office in the nineties during the tenure of Congress prime minister PV Narsimha Rao who leaked vital information to American sources.

But, he dramatically backtracked when contradicted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who asked him to name the mole. The former external affairs minister said he had a strong hunch that information was being leaked from the PMO.

And now in his latest book that released on Monday, he has glorified Jinnah and held India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and its first home minister Vallabhbhai Patel responsible for the country's partition in 1947. He claimed Nehru as the culprit of partition and Jinnah as a supporter of federal polity, which even Gandhi accepted.

He has also earned disgrace for escorting terrorists to Kandhar, Afghanistan who were released by the government in exchange of passengers from the hijacked Indian Airlines plane. The decision, however, was taken mutually by bringing all political parties in confidence, but he personally faced ridicule and criticism as he accompanied terrorists when he was the then foreign minister.

He again found himself in the midst of controversy last year after being accused of illegal drug possession. He was accused of offering saffron milk laced with opium to his guests at his home in Jasol, Barmer during the feast known as ‘riyan’. Jaswant Singh, however, denied the charge in the court.

Team India announced for tri-series, Champions Trophy

The Indian selectors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have ended meeting in Chennai on Sunday picking up the 15-member squad for the ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy. Skipper MS Dhoni attended the meeting whereas Coach Gary Kirsten was connected via phone from South Africa.

Virendra Sehwag has not been included in the 15-member squad, where as Rahul Dravid has made a comeback. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Pragyan Ojha could not make a place in the squad.

The triangular ODI series will be held in Sri Lanka from September 8-14, and subsequently the Champions Trophy tournament in South Africa from September 22- October 5.

While as it was almost clear that explosive batsman Virendar Sehwag would be out of both the tournaments owing to his right shoulder injury, he has been kept out. The 36-year-old former captain Rahul Dravid has made a comeback to the ODI team after a gap of nearly two years. Dravid had played the last ODI in October 2007.

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is also back. He had made himself unavailable for the four-match ODI series in the West Indies in June-July. Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir will open the batting with Rahul Dravid likely to be coming in at No. 3.

Rohit Sharma has been kept out of the 15-member team following patchy performances in the World T20 and the West Indies series. Abhishek Nayar has been included in the team while Virat Kohli could not make a place for him. Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan and Dinesh Karthik are the other mainstream batsmen in the 15-member team. Suresh Raina has also been included in the team.

In absence of the paceman Zaheer Khan, who is also to be ruled out for a shoulder surgery, Ashish Nehra is certainly to partner Ishant Sharma as the new ball pair, besides R P Singh and Praveen Kumar. The two spinners are Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra.

Before flying to Colombo, the selected players will have a four-day training camp in Bangalore from August 27 and will participate in Corporate Trophy.

Squad: Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (skipper/wicketkeeper), Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, RP Singh, Ishant Sharma, Ashish Nehra, Amit Mishra, Praveen Kumar, Dinesh Karthik, Abhishek Nayar.

Team to be announced today for tri-series, Champions Trophy

The Indian selectors of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are meeting in Chennai on Sunday to pick up the 15-member squad for the ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy. Skipper MS Dhoni will attend the meeting whereas Coach Gary Kirsten will be connected via phone from South Africa.

The triangular ODI series will be held in Sri Lanka from September 8-14, and subsequently the Champions Trophy tournament in South Africa from September 22- October 5.

While it is almost clear that explosive batsman Virendar Sehwag will be out of both the tournaments owing to his right shoulder injury, it could be the moment of truth for the former Indian captain Rahul Dravid, The Wall. The 36-year-old is all set to make a comeback to the ODI team after a gap of nearly two years. Dravid had played the last ODI in October 2007.

Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is also making a comeback. He had made himself unavailable for the four-match ODI series in the West Indies in June-July. Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir will open the batting with Rahul Dravid likely to be coming in at No. 3.

Rohit Sharma may be out of the contention following patchy performances in the World T20 and the West Indies series. Abhishek Nayar and Virat Kohli may be likely probabilities. Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan and Dinesh Karthik are among the certainties.

In absence of the paceman Zaheer Khan, who is also to be ruled out for a shoulder surgery, Ashish Nehra is certainly to partner Ishant Sharma as the new ball pair, besides R P Singh and Munaf Patel. The two spinners could be Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha.

Before flying to Colombo, the selected players will have a four-day training camp in Bangalore from August 27 and will participate in Corporate Trophy.

Likely squad: Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (skipper/wicketkeeper), Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, RP Singh, Ishant Sharma, Ashish Nehra, Amit Mishra (Pragyan Ojha), Praveen Kumar (Munaf Patel), Dinesh Karthik, Abhishek Nayar.

Independence Day: Salient features of PM's speech

On the auspicious occasion of 63rd Independence Day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hoisted the flag on Red Fort and called upon the countrymen to remember the sacrifices of lakhs of Indians to bring us where we are today.

The Prime Minister in his address from the ramparts of Red Fort said the best way of paying homage to those brave sons of our country will be to resolve today that we will always stay committed to strengthening the unity and integrity of our nation. Let us all together take a vow that we will spare no effort to take India to greater heights.

"I wish to assure you on this sacred day that we will work with sincerity and dedication to fulfil the expectation of each and every citizen of India. It will be our effort to ensure that every citizen of India is prosperous and secure and is able to lead a life of dignity and self respect."

Appealing to all businessmen and industrialists to fulfill their social obligations by helping government to tackle the economic crisis, the Prime Minister expected that there would be an improvement in the situation by the end of this year, but till that time we will all have to bear with the fallout of the global economic slow down.

Dr. Singh said, "Our economy grew at a rate of about 9% from the year 2004-05 to the year 2007-08. This growth rate came down to 6.7% in 2008-09 due to the global economic crisis. It is only a result of our policies that the global crisis has affected us to a lesser extent than many other countries. Restoring our growth rate to 9% is the greatest challenge we face." He said that government will make every necessary effort to meet this challenge whether it is for increasing capital flows into the country, or for encouraging exports or for increasing public investment and expenditure.

Here are some salient features of PM's speech

On Farmers:

Underscoring contribution of farmers in India’s development, PM said India’s prosperity is not possible without the prosperity of our farmers. He said our government had waived bank loans of farmers, and now have increased the support prices for agricultural products by far more than ever before. He said deficiency of monsoons this year would definitely have some adverse impact on our crops. But we will provide all possible assistance to our farmers to deal with the drought. In view of the deficiency in the monsoons, we have postponed the date for repayment of bank loans of our farmers. We are also giving additional support to farmers for payment of interest on short term crop loans.

More attention will have to be paid to the needs of those farmers who do not have means for irrigation. The country needs another Green Revolution and we will try our best to make it possible. Our goal is 4% annual growth in agriculture and I am confident that we will be able to achieve this target in the next 5 years.

On Rising Food Grain Prices:

Expressing strong concern over the rising prices of food grains, Dr. Singh said all efforts will be made to control the rising prices of foodgrains, pulses and other goods of daily use. “I appeal to all State governments to exercise their statutory powers to prevent hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities.”

On Food Security Law:

It is our ardent desire that not even a single citizen of India should ever go hungry. This is the reason why we have promised a food security law under which every family living below the poverty line will get a fixed amount of food grains every month at concessional rates. It is also our national resolve to root out malnutrition from our country. In this effort, special care will be taken of the needs of women and children. We will endeavour to extend the benefit of ICDS to every child below the age of six years in the country by March 2012.

On Education: Elementary to Secondary:

Recently enacted the Right to Education Act provides each child of our country the right to elementary education. Funds will not be a constraint as far as education is concerned. We will give special attention to the needs of disabled children. Now we need to pay greater attention to secondary education. Secondary education will be expanded through a programme that will ensure that every child in the country gets its benefit. We will endeavour to provide bank loans and scholarships to the maximum possible number of students to support their education. A new scheme will be started to help students from economically weaker sections of society by way of reduced interest rate on their education loans.

On Swine Flu and Rural Public Health:

The National Rural Health Mission that we have started aims at strengthening the infrastructure for rural public health services. We will expand the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana so as to cover each family below the poverty line.

Some parts of our country have been affected by flu that is spreading owing to the H1N1 virus. The Central Government and the State Governments will together continue to make all necessary efforts to control the spread of this infection.

On Cleaning Ganga and Save Water:

The sacred Ganga is the life source for crores of Indians. We have constituted the National Ganga Authority in which the Central and State Governments will jointly work towards this end. The cooperation of the public is also needed in this effort.

Our natural resources are limited, so we must use them more efficiently. We need to prevent the misuse of water. We will pay more attention to programmes for water collection and storage. "Save Water" should be one of our national slogans.

On Terrorism:

Terrorism has emerged as a threat to peace and harmony in all parts of the world. After the horrific terror attacks in Mumbai in last November, our government has taken many steps against terrorism. To root out terrorist activities, our security forces and intelligence agencies are being constantly upgraded. I am sure that with cooperation from all sections of our society, we will be successful in eliminating terrorism from our country.

On Naxalite Menace:

Some parts of our country continue to be affected by the Naxalite menace. Those who think that they can seize power by recourse to the gun do not understand the strength of our democracy. The Central Government will redouble its efforts to deal with Naxalite activities. We will extend all help to the State Governments to make their police forces more effective. Central forces will be provided wherever they are needed. Simultaneously, we will endeavour to remove those causes of social and economic dissatisfaction which give rise to problems like Naxalism.

On Minority Communities:

People belonging to minority communities are our own brothers and sisters. Taking special care of the deprived sections of the society does not amount to appeasement. We have started many schemes for the welfare of the minorities. These programmes will be taken forward. The funds for the special schemes taken up for the development of minority concentration districts have been enhanced quite substantially this year. Similarly, we have allocated increased funds for scholarship schemes for minorities that the first UPA government had started. A Bill to prevent communal violence has been introduced in Parliament and efforts will be made to convert it into a law as soon as possible.

On Women's Reservation Bill:

Female foeticide is a shame on all of us. We must eliminate it as early as possible. Our government is committed to the early passage of the Women's Reservation Bill. This legislation will provide one-third reservation for women in Parliament and the State Assemblies. We are also working on a legislation to provide 50% reservation for women in rural and urban local bodies. In fact, we should find ways and means to increase the participation of women in all democratic institutions. We have decided to launch a National Female Literacy Mission, through which female illiteracy will be reduced by half in the next three years.

Morakot hit Taiwan calls for int’l assistance

Rescue and rehabilitation efforts in Taiwan are being stepped up to save the life of stranded people following floods and landslides unleashed by Typhoon Morakot last weekend that took death toll of nearly 500 people. The country, however, needs international assistance to effectively continue its rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan has released a detailed list of items that Taiwan needs in terms of international assistance, including specialized helicopters and pilots capable of transporting very heavy payloads, 1,000 prefabricated houses to provide temporary refuge for homeless flood victims.

The MOFA press release also stated that the country badly needs 100,000 bottles of phenolic disinfectant or Benzyl-p-chloropherno, 200,000 Aquatab water purification tablets, 100,000 liters of sterilizing agent for sanitation, 1,000 portable sterilizers and 500 automatic sterilizers.

"On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China, we would like to express our most sincere appreciation for all the support and concern expressed by the countries and international organizations," the MOFA said in the press release.

Earlier President Ma Ying-jeou called the damage caused by typhoon as the most severe to the island in more than 50 years. He said that floods and landslides unleashed by Typhoon Morakot from August 7-9 had killed about 500 people, and destroyed the homes of 7,000 people.

Right to Education is now a reality

A new era begins with the approval given by the Parliament to a landmark Education Bill which ensures free and compulsory education for children in the age bracket of 6 to 14 years. The law is unique in the sense that no student will be failed till class 8th, including all government and private schools will have to provide 25% quota to “disadvantaged” children.

"This bill provides for the inclusion of children who are disadvantaged because of disability. The government is not only setting up special schools for them but doing all it can to provide education to them in all types of schools," said Kapil Sibal, Human Resource Development Minister.

As far as minority institutions are concerned up to 50 per cent of those seats could be offered to students from their communities. The curriculum would be less rigorous and it would ensure all-round development of children.

The law provides for building neighbourhood schools in three years whose definition and location will be decided by states. The bill aims to do away widespread practices by which schools impose admission fees on parents to guarantee their children a place.

The RTE (Right to Education) would empower the 86th Constitutional amendment that made free and compulsory education a fundamental right. The RTE bill sets down guidelines for states and the Centre to execute and enforce this right. Earlier, education was part of the directive principles of state policy.

The bill was passed by the Lower House (Lok Sabha). The bill was passed by the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) last month. The legislation will now soon be enacted after getting the assent from President Pratibha Patil. The finance will be managed by both the Centre and states. The Centre will prepare the capital and recurring expenditure and provide it as grants-in-aid to each state.

UNESCO releases a manual on investigative reporting

UNESCO and Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) release the Arabic version of an important guide to basic methods and techniques in investigative journalism, filling a gap in the literature of the profession. Story-based inquiry: a manual for investigative journalists, which is also available in English and French, can be downloaded online for free.

The manual focuses on the hypothesis-based inquiry approach, which takes the basic assumption that a story is only a hypothesis until verified. The methods and skills applying to every step of the investigative process, from conception to research, writing, quality control and dissemination, have been thoroughly analyzed and are well illustrated by case studies in each chapter.

The official launch will take place at the Second ARIJ conference in Amman, Jordan, from 20 to 22 November 2009. More than 250 investigative reporters representing 14 countries from the Arab world are expected to attend.

To download the manual in English please click the following URL:
http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/files/29032/12494586523story_based_inquiry_en.pdf/story_based_inquiry_en.pdf

For French, click:
http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/files/29032/12494586535story_based_inquiry_fr.pdf/story_based_inquiry_fr.pdf

For Arabic,
click: http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/files/29032/124945865311story_based_inquiry_ar.pdf/story_based_inquiry_ar.pdf

Legalising Gay Sex against Indian ethos

The “global sex industry”, with massive business hubs in Thailand, Philippines, Mexico and Brazil, is poised to extend its tentacles to India taking advantage of gradually relaxing sexual ethos, Purshothaman Mulloli, general convenor Joint Action Committee Kannur said in New Delhi today.

He was speaking in a seminar on “The Delhi High Court Judgment: Section 377, IPC and its consequences” called by the Institute of Objective Studies at Indian Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi.

Mr Mulloli, whose committee has been fighting legal battles against legalisation of homosexuality, said the Delhi High Court judgment decriminalising homosexual acts between consenting adults in the privacy of homes, would create a conducive environment for the global sex industry to step in.

He said it was not true that because section 377 (prohibiting unnatural sex with men, women or animals) was a 19th century law that had to be “read down”. The fact was that it was reviewed twice after 1947. He said that the Delhi HC, going beyond its area of operation, has asked Parliament in the judgment to enact appropriate laws protecting gay rights.

The Delhi HC in a controversial judgment on July 2, 2009 had read down the Section 377 to decriminalize same-sex behavior among consenting adults. Section 377 continues to apply in the case of sex involving minors and coercive sex. It is to note here that out of two commissions set up by the Parliament that had examined the relevance of Section 377, one had supported it while the other wanted gay rights. It has gone to the cabinet for consideration.

Earlier, in his inaugural address Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam, chairman of the Institute of Objective Studies, said that it was a struggle between the values of small westernized elite and the common people of India. The outcome of the struggle would show “whether we would live by God-given laws, or guided by our basic instincts”. He cautioned the government not to force a law on people that would destroy “India’s moral fibre”.

Dr. DBS Sehra, president of Delhi unit of Buddhist Society of India, said that homosexuality was an aberration that was against the ethos of the country. It should never be given legal sanction. He said that consent between two adults to indulge in something undesirable should not become the criterion for its being right.

Journalist and former MP Santosh Bhartiya cautioned that the international sex industry was eyeing India for expanding its business here. It was possible under lax laws only. He urged the nation against opening the gates to such interests.

The following resolutions were passed at the end of seminar:

1. oppose the judgment and its far-reaching implications for the physical health, emotional security, public morality and spiritual wellbeing of the people of India and its future generations;

2. support legal challenge to the ruling in the Supreme Court of India for the protection of our values;

3. mobilise and educate our society to resist such moral decline; and

4.request the Union government to bring legislation that prevents further erosion of our moral values.

BREASTFEEDING has no substitution

BREASTFEEDING WEEK (Aug 1-7) SPECIAL

This is an eye-opener article for all those mothers who avoid their infants from breastfeeding for the fear of their breast will go shapeless and unattractive. Modern mothers, who fear that they will lose their charm, their beauty, and their sex and energy if they breastfeed their child, should know that breastfeeding has no substitution. No any formula milk or top feeding can fulfill requirements a baby needs. In fact, breast milk is an infant’s birthright which he must not be deprived of.

Breast milk is quite natural and full of appropriate nutrients for the baby which he needs at the time when the growth and development rates are maximal. Breastfeeding promotes health, helps to prevent diseases and reduces health care. Breast milk is clean, free from bacteria and has mother’s antibodies that helps the baby avoid or fight off infections. Besides other benefits breast milk is readily availabe to the baby as well as it is economical and free from contamination.

On the other hand, formula feeding helps increase lower morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then supplemented breastfeeding for up to one year or two years or more. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life "provides continuing protection against diarrhoea and respiratory tract infection" that are more common in babies fed formula. Study shows that 16 per cent of neonatal deaths could be averted if all infants were breastfed from the very first day of birth and 22 per cent if breastfeeding was started within the first hour itself.

Breastfeeding is not only essential for babies but for mothers too. It enhances emotional bond between the child and the mother, provides warmth, love, and affection. Study shows that long duration of lactation reduces risk of heart disease in women, and breastfeeding mothers also have less risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

This year, World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1-7) under the theme of “Breastfeeding - A vital emergency response. Are you ready?” is being organized with an aim to encourage breastfeeding among mothers and improve the health of babies. The theme emphasizes the need to protect, promote and support breastfeeding to make children healthy and strong.

FRIENDSHIP an eternal bonding

On this occasion of Friendship Day, I give you a simple but complex thought. Just imagine your life without a friend. Dull, boring and colorless, isn’t it? I knew your answer because this is one such relation we are not born with like other family relations. This is one such relation we make ourselves with a complex blend of heart and mind. True friendship is a gift of God and a friend’s affection is a greatest treasure of life. Many people say a boy and girl can never be friend. This is utterly ridiculous. In fact, a true friend can be anyone irrespective of gender and class. Second thought (?) never comes if one is a true friend.

History speaks in volume about how one sacrificed its life for his friend, and also how one stabbed on the back of his friend. This is just part of life. Sometimes we may be wrong in making right friend, but not always. I mean to say be careful while making friends because you share ever secrets of your life with your friend even those which you can not share with your family members. Oops! I must not speak like this on this very day. So just chill out and enjoy the day with your friends. But do not forget my one advice. Never let build wall between friends. If any problems occur, try to solve it soon. Because communication gap can be perilous for your relationship. Fingers crossed.

MASSAGE by opposite sex not illegal: HC

People belonging to both genders, particularly who go to health spa for a massage by members of opposite sex, and the owner of health spa have no problems to use/ provide such facilities. The police, however, could inspect the spas and take appropriate action in accordance with law, if find there any illegality, but can not prohibit massages done by the opposite sex in spas.

The Madras High Court on Friday ruled that the city police do not have any legal right to interfere with such activities. Police, as on date, has no legal right to prevent a massage parlour being operated by any citizen of this country, even if it (massage) is done by persons belonging to the opposite sex.

Justice Chandru reading out the order cited judgments of the Supreme Court that the apex court and several high courts had on occasions interfered with police powers to prohibit dance shows in restaurants, video parlours running video games for youth and children, and women serving liquor in bars.

He, however, added that the police can inspect and take appropriate action in accordance with law in cases of any criminal activities prohibited by the law is carried out covertly in the name of spa centres.

The application in this regard was filed by Influence Lifestyle Stores Private Limited seeking to restrain the city police from interfering with its business.