Senior diplomat and former high- profile spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry Syed Akbaruddin has been appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, succeeding Asoke Mukerji.
A 1985 batch IFS officer, Akbaruddin, currently serving as an Additional Secretary in MEA, is credited with bringing a whiff of fresh air into the Ministry’s External Publicity division during his three-and-half year tenure as the spokesperson.
He had also brought an effective mix of social and digital media into the External Publicity division.
As India’s Permanent Representative to the global body in New York, Akbaruddin’s main task would be to push for India’s bid to gain permanent membership of the UN Security Council as well as to strongly advocate its position on key issues.
Akbaruddin was Chief Coordinator of the recently-held Indo-Africa Summit here which was participated by heads of state and government of 41 countries from African continent.
He had served at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Geneva and is considered an “expert” on the West Asia where he had served in various capacities.
Vikas Swarup, author of best-selling novel “Q&A” which formed the basis for Oscar-winning movie “Slumdog Millionaire”, had replaced Akbaruddin as MEA spokesperson in April.
source: http://www.ptinews.co.in / Press Trust of India / Home> National / New Delhi – November 16th, 2015
The All India Urdu Development Organisation has observed World Urdu Day to mark the birth anniversary celebration of noted Urdu writer Sir Mohammad Iqbal, at Iqra Public School in Yadgir recently.
Rafiq Soudagar, district president of the organisation, who presided over the function, said young writers should be encouraged to write Urdu poems.
He told youths to follow Iqbal, who was one of the most significant Urdu writers in the country, and write extensively.
Other speakers
Akbar Sagari, Principal of the Iqra Institution, and Urdu writers Sabir Faqruddin and Fazal Afzal also spoke. Journalist Syed Sajid Hayat, teachers, students and others were present.
A book – Mehrab-e-Shab Se Giri Roshni – written by Sabier Faqruddin was released at the event.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Correspondent / Yadgir – November 12th, 2015
District Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad is seen lighting the lamp to inaugurate Tipu Jayanti organised by District Administration at Kalamandira in city this morning. Others seen are (from left) MLC R. Dharmasena, ZP President Dr. Pushpa B. Amarnath, MLA Tanveer Sait, MP R. Dhruvanarayan, Sir Khazi Moulana Mohammad Usman Shariff, MLA Vasu, Zoo Authority Chairperson Rehana Banu, MLA M.K. Somashekar, MUDA Chairman K.R. Mohan Kumar and DC C. Shikha.
Mysuru :
District In-charge Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad, who inaugurated Tipu Jayanti celebrations here today, said that Tipu Sultan always dreamt of a welfare State during his rule.
Speaking at the celebrations jointly organised by the District Administration, Department of Minority Welfare and District Wakf Consultative Committee at Kalamandira, he said that people who are unaware about the history of Tipu Sultan were indulging in raking up a controversy over the issue and added that Tipu fought against British who were looting the wealth of our country. Calling for maintaining religious harmony, Minister Sreenivasa Prasad said that India was a secular country where people belonging to various religions, castes, culture and traditions lived in harmony.
Stating that the entire six crore population in Karnataka should participate in the Jayanti celebrations, the Minister said that Tipu worked for the welfare of the people and the title ‘Mysore Tiger’ would not have been given to him if he had any other intention.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Tanveer Sait said that Tipu Jayanti was not restricted to one particular community and added that the controversy behind the Jayanti celebrations were being created by people unaware of Tipu history.
Calling for a debate to resolve the controversy, Tanveer Sait said that though there was a demand to name the Bengaluru International Airport after Tipu Sultan initially, the Muslim community raised no objection after it was named after Kempegowda.
“The demand for celebration of Tipu Jayanti was long-pending. We are grateful to Chief Minister Siddharamaiah who passed the orders to celebrate the Jayanti by the State Government,” the MLA said.
Referring to yesterday’s incident in Kodagu, Tanveer Sait called upon the people not to indulge in violence and to live in peace and harmony.
Earlier, the programme was inaugurated by offering floral tributes to the portrait of Tipu Sultan and by lighting the lamp. The event was presided by MLA Vasu. Journalist T. Gururaj spoke on Tipu Sultan.
Sir Khazi of Mysuru Moulana Mohammed Usman Shariff, Mili Council President Moulana Zakaullah, ZP President Dr. Pushpa B. Amarnath, Vice- President L. Madappa, MLA M.K. Somashekar, MP R. Dhruvanarayan, MLC. R. Dharmasena, MUDA Chairman K.R. Mohan Kumar, Zoo Authority of Karnataka Chairperson Rehana Banu, DC C. Shikha, former MLA Mukthar Unnisa Begum, Tahsildar Naveen Joseph and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / November 11th, 2015
• The duo also received a trophy in acknowledgment of their feat presented by Dubai Duty Free
• Saina and Hingis are 8-1 in finals this season
• The pair also reached their 10th final of the year together at WTA Finals
Indo-Swiss pair of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis secured the Year-End WTA No. 1 doubles ranking on Saturday. The duo also received a trophy in acknowledgment of their feat presented by Dubai Duty Free.
“Dubai Duty Free congratulates Serena, Sania and Martina on reaching the No. 1 spot in singles and doubles of the 2015 WTA Year-End ranking,” said Salah Tahlak, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Dubai Duty Free as quoted by the WTA website. “We are delighted to present the Year-End No.1 trophies to these players which signifies their outstanding results in 2015. We are a proud partner of the WTA and look forward to welcoming Serena, Sania and Martina back to Dubai in February 2016 to participate in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.”
Saina and Hingis are 8-1 in finals this season, with two Grand Slam titles (Wimbledon, US Open), five WTA Premier titles (BNP Paribas Open – Indian Wells, Miami Open, Family Circle Cup – Charleston, Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open, China Open – Beijing), and one WTA International title (Guangzhou International Women’s Open).
The pair also reached their 10th final of the year together at WTA Finals overcoming Chinese Taipei’s Chan Hao-Ching and Chan Yung-Jan 6-4, 6-2 and extended their winning streak to 21 matches with the win. Their last loss was against the Chan sisters in the semi-finals at Cincinnati.
The No.3-seeded Taiwanese went up 3-1 in the first set but the No.1-seeded Indo-Swiss duo reeled off 11 of the next 14 games to completely run away with the match.
“On the court I feel very fortunate to have Sania on my side because she’s an incredibly positive person,” Martina said after the match on Saturday.
“When I get myself down, I’m not really a morning person, so she was out there and kept fighting and kept keeping me up there. That’s why we were able to come back in the first set.”
“Once I felt better, that’s when everything started to click. They’re a great team, so they’ve always come out strong in the past six matches that we played them. And they know how to play against us.
“We came out with a strategy against them. It’s very different to what we played against players like yesterday who have more power, different strategy,” Sania said.
“We kind of have to stick to our guns, stick to what we have planned. We have to trust our abilities. That’s what really takes us through a lot of the times, is that trust in each other’s ability. We know sooner or later we’re going to break.
“It happened at 3-2. If it didn’t happen there, we would still keep fighting to make it happen.”
Sania-Martina have won eight titles together this year.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> Sports> Tennis / by TNN & Agencies / Photo: Getty Images / October 31st, 2015
State Archaeology and Museums all set to put new life into most neglected heritage monument of the 17th century Armenian Cemetery situated at Uppuguda (Opiguda) in Hyderabad’old city will likely to opened for the general public and tourists. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf
The existence of the cemetery of Armenians was brought to light by Mohammed Ziauddin Ahmed Shakeb, a historian from the city in 1970.
Two of Hyderabad’s most famous Armenians, Albert Abid and Alexander Jacob, are not buried at the Armenian cemetery in Uppuguda. But the cemetery is preparing to enlighten people on the role of the two Armenians in the 16 and 17 century. After lying in a state of neglect for decades, the Armenian cemetery, will be opened to public shortly.
The Department of Archaeology and Museums, which is the custodian of the cemetery, renovated the premises some months ago.
“ A caretaker will be posted at the cemetery to look after its maintenance,” said Sunita M. Bhagwath, Director, Archaeology and Museums Department.
Armenians came to India between 16th and 17th centuries as traders travelling through Persia, Afghanistan and Tibet. “A large number of Armenians settled in Hyderabad during the 17th century. Though there are no written records of their activities, traditions and social conditions , the Armenian epitaphs acknowledge their presence,” M.A. Qayyum, former Deputy Director Archaeology and Museums said.
There are about 20 graves in the cemetery, 19 are of Armenians and one is of a Dutch trader.
The graves of two priests Rev Johannes, who died in 1680, and Rev. Margar, who died in 1724, are also here. A single dome on the premises representing the Qutb Shahi style of architecture and two mandapa-like structures, one square and the other octagonal, are distinct features of the cemetery.
The existence of the cemetery of Armenians was brought to light by Mohammed Ziauddin Ahmed Shakeb, a historian from the city in 1970.
“Dr. Shakeb chanced upon a letter written by British Resident W. Haig in Hyderabad to a government official in 1907 about the Armenian cemetery. Soon, officials were informed about it and the place was identified,” Qayyum explained.
Rs. 25 lakh for renovation
The department spent around Rs. 25 lakh for renovating the place. Wild shrubs were cleared and the height of the compound wall has been increased. The authorities took care to see that the wall was renovated using granite, lime and mortar to keep in tune with the character of the precinct.
The tough task ahead for them is to see that the basalt stones with Armenian engravings on the graves are restored. “We will be seeking the help of experts for the job,” Ms. Bhagwath said. Historians suggest that the government seek the Armenian authorities’ help in establishing the identity of all those who are buried here.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Asif Yar Khan / Hyderabad – October 31st, 2015
Lord Noon was brought up in Mumbai before setting up the hugely successful Noon Products
Sir Gulam Noon, who was known as the curry king, has died aged 79 PA
Labour peer Gulam Noon, who was known as the curry king, has died aged 79, it has been announced.
The prominent entrepreneur made his fortune selling Indian food and was a significant party donor.
He became caught up in the cash for honours scandal after making a significant contribution to Labour coffers.
Tony Blair led tributes to “great character” who he said would be “deeply mourned” while senior Labour MP Keith Vaz said the Asian community had “lost one of its greatest stars”.
Mr Blair said: “Gulam was a great character, brilliant businessman and above all someone dedicated to our country and its future. He was devoted to getting those of different religious faiths working together and was a wonderful role model in the Muslim community. He will be deeply mourned.”
Lord Noon was born in a single-room house on Mumbai’s crowded Mohammed Ali Road and lived in it along with eight others. He later made his way to the UK where he set up his sweet stall Bombay Halwa in Southall, west London, in 1972 and Noon Products 17 years later.
In 2006 amid claims that financial support was being rewarded with honours, the tycoon joined other donors in asking for his nomination for a seat in the House of Lords to be withdrawn saying he had been left in an “invidious position”. He was made a life peer in 2011.
The decision to award him a knighthood in 2002 sparked criticism by current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who said at the time he was “very disturbed” about the move.
But the businessman said he believed that he had received the honour on merit.
Mr Vaz said: “Today we have lost a giant, not only of the British Asian community, but also of British entrepreneurship. A decent, honourable and generous man, who was dedicated to his family, but also to his country, the United Kingdom.
“Rightly known as Britain’s first curry king, he brought curry to the high street. There are thousands of people in Britain, in India and throughout the world who have benefited from his enterprise, jobs he created, and his big heart. The world of cricket will also miss one of its most devoted followers.
“He was the epitome of everything a first generation immigrant can achieve, someone who literally came with nothing, but was also grateful to Britain for giving him the life chances to prove what an extraordinary man he was, whilst never forgetting his roots in India.
“Our community has lost one of its greatest stars.”
source: http://www.independent.co.uk / Independent / Home> News> UK> UK Politics / by Sam Lister / October 28th, 2015
In the absence of any concrete effort, the jewels are confined to RBI vaults in Delhi. Photo: AP
In the absence of any effort, they are confined to RBI vaults in Delhi.
Vows forgotten and proposals put on backburner have resulted in priceless heritage of Hyderabad staying away from the city and remaining confined to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) vaults in New Delhi.
It had been almost a decade since the Nizam’s jewels, a precious collection with value running into several thousand crore rupees, was exhibited on temporary basis in the city. The then A.P. government vowed to have the collection brought to the city and put on a permanent display here and several proposals were drafted too.
Comprising 173 exquisite pieces, including the famed 184.50-carat Jacob diamond from the treasury of the erstwhile Nizams of Hyderabad, the collection has been with the Union government and deposited in the safe vaults of the RBI.
Few other pieces of the royal compilation include priceless uncut Colombian emeralds, rare carat Alexandrite ring, a necklace with 12 flat diamonds and emerald armbands weighing 150 carats said to have belonged to the Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan.
Hyderabad, the city to which the jewellery actually belongs, twice hosted exhibition of the collection in the year 2001 and 2006 at Salar Jung Museum which had large crowds thronging for a look.
‘Security not an issue’
Former Director of Salar Jung Museum A.K.V.S. Reddy, who supervised the temporary exhibitions in the city, says the priceless collection belonged to the city and argues a permanent facility to display them here was not unviable.
“Security is key aspect for such galleries and a decade ago when it was displayed here, we had to deploy nearly 120 security personnel. However, with more advanced technologies in the form of camera surveillance and alarms, the requirement will be less,” he says.
Salar Jung Museum officials rule out the possibility of hosting a permanent exhibition of such precious collection at its premises now given the developments at the museum.Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali describes the collection of erstwhile Nizam rulers as an asset of the city and says all efforts will be made to get it here for a permanent display.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by T. Lalith Singh / Hyderabad – October 28th, 2015
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg visited Taj Mahal on Tuesday, along with group of seven people who were supposedly his colleagues.
At around 4:20pm (GMT + 5:30) Zuckerberg posted an image of him which was clicked by his colleagues while he was sitting on the east side of Taj Mahal watching the magnificent structure.
Confirming Zuckerberg’s visit to Taj, Image Public Relation Pvt Limited — which handles Facebook public relation in India — said, “Yes, CEO of Facebook did visited Taj Mahal on Tuesday.”
However, Ram Ratan, Archaeological Survey of India conservation assistant, Taj Mahal claimed, “We had no idea about his visit to Taj. It might be possible that he wanted to keep his visit low profile to avoid unnecessary attention.”
According to CISF official source, “Since nobody knew about Mark visit, he must had walk through long queue of security check like all ordinary tourist do.”
The tech entrepreneur will visit IIT Delhi tomorrow to interact with students and faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi in a town hall.
Last month during PM Modi visit to US, Zuckerberg had shared an anecdote about his earlier visit to India and claimed that, “when things weren’t really going well — we had hit a tough patch and a lot of people wanted to buy Facebook — I went and I met with Steve Jobs and he said that to reconnect with what I believed was the mission of the company, I should go visit this temple in India that he had gone to early in the evolution of Apple, when he was thinking about what he wanted his vision of the future to be.”
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Tech / by Arvind Chauhan, TNN / October 27th, 2015
Illuminated by earthen lamps and torches (mashals), the idol of Ma Raj Rajeshwari looks resplendent in the Akbar-era Natmandir at the Krishnagar Maharaja’s palace.
The serenity is suddenly shattered by the town crier’s shrill call: “Attention! Agnihotri Bajpeyi Raj Rajendro Maharajadhiraj Nabadwipadhipati Mahashaya Krishno Chandro Roy Bahadur is arriving.”
On cue, 108 dhakis beat drums to frenzy.
The Maharaj arrives in an elaborately carved silver palanquin that was gifted to one of his forefathers by Emperor Jahangir. He approaches the pulpit. Shortly thereafter, the palace cannon booms, a signal for the beginning of sandhi puja. A hundred and eight buffaloes are assembled before the Goddess. At shandhikshan, the heads are severed and placed before the Goddess as offering to cleanse the human spirit of its evils. “As a child, I grew up watching these rituals being performed while sitting on my grandmother Maharani Jyotirmoyee Debi’s lap. Growing up, I always held a grudge against Ma Raj Rajeshwari. How could the divine mother, the supreme protector of good and the destroyer of evil, devour so many harmless, helpless lives? I would often bring this up with my father. Being a God-fearing man, he would stick to tradition till the resistance melted away when he saw my infant son Manish crying on witnessing the sacrifice.The practice was stopped in 1987,” said Saumish Chandra Roy , the 39th descendant of Nadia royal family .
Nadia Rajbari’s Durga Puja remains the oldest puja in what was then Anga-Banga-Kalinga or undivided eastern India region. Started in 1603 by Maharaj Rudra Rai, the great grandfather of Krishno Chandro, it has continued uninterrupted till date. “The puja began two years before the death of Emperor Akbar. Since it all happened at the height of the Mughal era, the influence is very strong in the architecture of the natmandir,” said Saumish’s son Manish. However, though the grandeur of celebrations have shrunk over the centuries, the rituals have remained intact.
Ma Raj Rajeshwari has seen Nadia during the most tumultuous of times. In medieval India, persecution and heinous tyranny on the grounds of religion was common.
Blood was spilt for the protection and defense of Nadia’s “honour”, for the protection of the freedom to choose and profess the religion of our choice.”Jato dharma Stato jayo” (Stay in the path of good dharma and victory will be yours) is embedded in the Krishna gar royal family’s coat of arms.
Ma Raj Rajeshwari’s power was tested during Partition. Nadia had initially been ceded to what was then East Pakistan on grounds of religion. “For three nightmarish days, we were Pakistanis. My father Saurish Chandra Roy , the last officially recognized maharaja, had told Sir Cyril Radcliffe (the chairman of the Boundary Commission in British India) that if Nabadwip was lost to Pakistan, then what would remain of the great Hindu faith in the Anga-Banga-Kalinga region?
After three days of rioting, rape and arson, a significant portion of Nadia was returned back to India. The entire population went wild with joy when the news was broadcast over All India Radio. People arrived in trucks from far and wide and assembled in front of the palace gates, shouting ecstatically “Ma Raj Rajeshwari’r Jai!”
Though the princely order was abolished by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, some royal customs are still followed. The Maharaj was believed to be the protector of his people.Accordingly a clay model of a “shatru”, symbolizing evil, is created which is slain by the Maharaj every year during the Durga Puja. Saumish does the slaying now.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Kolkata / by Subhro Niyogi, TNN / October 19th, 2015
Attinad Software, a leader in SMACT (Social, Mobile, Analytics, Cloud and IoT) space announced that it has been named as ‘Vendor to Watch’ in the upcoming product space of Rapid Mobile Application Development. Attinad Software’s flagship product called Cantiz Mobility platform has been featured in the Gartner report.
Attinad Software CEO, Mohammed Rijas, credits this acknowledgement by worlds renowned IT research firm to its award winning products in the SMACT space. He said, “I dedicate this fabulous recognition to the entire team at Attinad Software and thank them for the hard work and dedication which has got us this recognition.”
Attinad Software has been on a fast track growth path over the years aiming at being the preferred SMACT partner for enterprises across the globe. Attinad Software has a strong footprint in verticals such as Oil n Gas, Education, Media and Entertainment, Healthcare and Logistics.
Attinad, had won numerous international awards including the prestigious Deloitte Technology Fast 50, Red Herring Top 100 Global Award. “Cantiz Mobility platform has created immense value for number of leading enterprises,” said Shafeer Badharudeen, CTO, Attinad Software.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by Express Features / October 17th, 2015
