रोहित तिमिल्सिनाले 'गिनिज बुक अफ वल्र्ड रेकर्ड' मा नाम लेखाउन सफल भएका छन् । ललितपुरको सातदोबाटोस्थित टेनिस कम्प्लेक्समा शनिबार आयोजित एक कार्यक्रमबीच रोहितले सो जानकारी दिएका हुन् ।
आइटिएफ मापदण्डको २१ वटा टेनिस बल एक हातमा उनले एकैसाथ १४ दशमलव ३२ सेकेन्डमै राखेपछि नयाँ विश्व रेकर्ड कायम गरे । यसअघि सो विश्व रेडर्क नाम गिनिज बुकमा समावेश गरिएको हो । उक्त मापदण्डको बलको तौल ५६ देखि ५८ ग्राम र डायमिटर २.५६ सेन्टिमिटर हुनुपर्छ । यसअघि यो विश्व कीर्तिमान फ्रान्सेली नागरिक अर्नान्ड डेस्चेम्पको नाममा थियो । अर्नान्डले १० सेकेन्डसम्म एक हातमा १९ वटा बल राखेर विश्व कीर्तिमान बनाएका थिए ।
सन् २००८ को १४ जुनमा रोहितले विभिन्न प्रतिनिधिको उपस्थितिमा विश्व कीर्तिमान प्रदर्शन गरेका थिए । सोही प्रदर्शनको प्रकाशित समाचारको कटिङ, श्रव्यदृष्यको फुटेजलगायतका प्रमाणसहितको विवरण उनले गिनिज बुक अफ वल्र्ड रेकर्डको मुख्यालय लन्डनस्थित ड्रमन स्टि्रट पठाएका थिए । रोहितका अनुसार अगस्ट पहिलो साता आफ्नो नाम गिनिज बुकमा समावेश भएको आधिकारिक जानकारी बताए । 'गिनिज बुकमा नाम समावेश गर्न पाउँदा खुसी छु,' रोहितले भने । उनले यो प्रयासलाई निरन्तरता दिइरहने समेत बताए । सोही कारण आफ्नो नाम गिनिज बुकमा समावेश भए पनि सन्तुष्ट हुन नसकिएको टिप्पणी दिएका छन् । उनले भने, 'गिनिज बुकमा नाम समावेश भएकोमा खुसी छु, तर सन्तुष्ट छुइन, किनभने सन्तुष्टि भनेको सफलताको पूर्णविराम हो, अझ सफलता चाहन्छु ।' उनले भावी योजनाबारे खुलाशा गर्दै भने, 'नेपाललाई एउटै व्यक्तिको नाममा धेरै विश्व कीर्तिमान रहेको राष्ट्रको नामले चिनाउने इच्छा छ ।' उनको यस साहसिक प्रयासमा पिपल फेसले सहयोग गरेका थियो । पिपल फेस नामक संस्थामार्फत प्राप्त भएको प्रमाणपत्र राष्ट्रिय खेलकुद परिषद्का कोषाध्यक्ष अजर मानन्धरले रोहितलाई हस्तान्तरण गरेका छन् ।
(स्रोतः दैनिकी डट कम www.dainikee.com)
Our Perspective:
It is great to know Mr Rohit Timilsina has successfully registered his name in the guiness Book Of World Records. At a time when pleasant news have become hard to come by for Nepalese people, this one surely refreshes the regular newstream and overjoys the public. We wish Mr Timilsina the best for his future endeavours.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Business : Court Orders Ban on Microsoft Word Sales
A US federal court has ordered Microsoft to pay over $290m (£175m) for wilfully infringing on a patent by Canadian firm i4i. The patent relates to the use of XML, a mark-up language that allows formatting of text and makes files readable across different programs.
XML is integral to Microsoft's flagship word processing software Word. Texas district court judge Leonard Davis also filed an injunction preventing Microsoft from selling Word. The row specifically relates to the use of Extensible Mark-up Language, or XML, documents.
Earlier this year, the court found in a jury trial that Microsoft had infringed the patent and awarded i4i $200m (£120m). In the latest ruling, the court ordered Microsoft to pay $40m (£24m) for the wilful nature of the infringement and interest on the amounts totalling more than $40m.
Microsoft has 60 days to comply with the injunction but said in a statement that it will appeal the ruling. "We are disappointed by the court's ruling," said Microsoft spokesperson Kevin Kutz. "We believe the evidence clearly demonstrated that we do not infringe and that the i4i patent is invalid. We will appeal the verdict."
(Source: BBC Online)
Our Perspective:
It is interesting to see how things turn out to develop. Never knew people could get into trouble using XML in their systems. OpenOffice also uses the XML extensively, but it remains to be seen if any action will be taken against OpenOffice, which is a free software.
XML is integral to Microsoft's flagship word processing software Word. Texas district court judge Leonard Davis also filed an injunction preventing Microsoft from selling Word. The row specifically relates to the use of Extensible Mark-up Language, or XML, documents.
Earlier this year, the court found in a jury trial that Microsoft had infringed the patent and awarded i4i $200m (£120m). In the latest ruling, the court ordered Microsoft to pay $40m (£24m) for the wilful nature of the infringement and interest on the amounts totalling more than $40m.
Microsoft has 60 days to comply with the injunction but said in a statement that it will appeal the ruling. "We are disappointed by the court's ruling," said Microsoft spokesperson Kevin Kutz. "We believe the evidence clearly demonstrated that we do not infringe and that the i4i patent is invalid. We will appeal the verdict."
(Source: BBC Online)
Our Perspective:
It is interesting to see how things turn out to develop. Never knew people could get into trouble using XML in their systems. OpenOffice also uses the XML extensively, but it remains to be seen if any action will be taken against OpenOffice, which is a free software.
Foreign Relations: Prachanda for anti-US strategy
Former Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda says Asian countries should develop a unified security strategy to combat US influence in South Asia. In an interview with the BBC, he said India, China and Nepal should work together to counter American power.
The Maoist, who was a rebel leader before becoming prime minister, was speaking during a visit to Britain. Prachanda resigned in May over the Nepalese president's decision to reinstate the army chief he had sacked.
Speaking at the Nepalese embassy in London, Prachanda said the emerging Asian economies should rely less on the West, especially the United States. He said being the sole super power, the US was trying to have a greater influence in Asia, but India and China should come together to provide security and prosperity to their people.
(Source : BBC Online)
Our Perspective:
Comrade Prachanda, being an ex-prime minister should be very careful in his choice of words. He is no more just a rebel leader. He should remember he will be back at the government again in a few years time. These words might come back to haunt him at that time... Asian unity is required, but that unity should not be an alliance to destroy any other country, rather should be a way to work together in a construtive way. Yes, whatever US has done in Iraq,Afganistan and in Palestine in the recent years and Vietnam in the past is condemnable, but keeping those things in mind, we should not follow the same route. Our Asian unity should be able to develop a common environment where we can realize our common goals and up-lift the living standard of each other.
Prachanda, in the meantime, should be focussing on maintaing stability and leading the peace process in Nepal, rather than seeking ways to combat US influence in south asia. The peace process, currently, is off the track with political parties unable to reach concensus on the key agendas of the constitution. Once that peace process is on track he can start thinking about the other priorities. Comrade Prachanda, you led the revolution, you showed new dreams to the nepalese people, now its you time to act for the people of Nepal. Know your domain, which is Nepali Politics. Stick to it until and unless Nepal is on right track.
The Maoist, who was a rebel leader before becoming prime minister, was speaking during a visit to Britain. Prachanda resigned in May over the Nepalese president's decision to reinstate the army chief he had sacked.
Speaking at the Nepalese embassy in London, Prachanda said the emerging Asian economies should rely less on the West, especially the United States. He said being the sole super power, the US was trying to have a greater influence in Asia, but India and China should come together to provide security and prosperity to their people.
(Source : BBC Online)
Our Perspective:
Comrade Prachanda, being an ex-prime minister should be very careful in his choice of words. He is no more just a rebel leader. He should remember he will be back at the government again in a few years time. These words might come back to haunt him at that time... Asian unity is required, but that unity should not be an alliance to destroy any other country, rather should be a way to work together in a construtive way. Yes, whatever US has done in Iraq,Afganistan and in Palestine in the recent years and Vietnam in the past is condemnable, but keeping those things in mind, we should not follow the same route. Our Asian unity should be able to develop a common environment where we can realize our common goals and up-lift the living standard of each other.
Prachanda, in the meantime, should be focussing on maintaing stability and leading the peace process in Nepal, rather than seeking ways to combat US influence in south asia. The peace process, currently, is off the track with political parties unable to reach concensus on the key agendas of the constitution. Once that peace process is on track he can start thinking about the other priorities. Comrade Prachanda, you led the revolution, you showed new dreams to the nepalese people, now its you time to act for the people of Nepal. Know your domain, which is Nepali Politics. Stick to it until and unless Nepal is on right track.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Swine Flu: What the hell???
In the meantime, we had news from Nepal where more than 230 people died because of Diahrrea, in the last two months. Accute diahrrea is one of the most common cause of death in the developing countries and is the second most cause of infant deaths world wide, according to the Wikipedia. Sometime before, like everyone else i read about the outbreak of swine flu. As the media these day is very agile in its own way and the world, like a global village, swine flu was at the back of everyone's mind. Thus people, equally aware of this new outbreak, acted themselves to prevent from this resurgent flu.
We do not know how many lives did the 2009 swine outbreak claim, the only thing we believe is every human being is as important as any other in this world and each untimely death is a tragic loss for mankind. Saying this, however, we would like to ask the media, why are they only after the new outbreaks, those which give them something to sell their newspapers. As we said before, although unaware of those figures of death caused by swine flu, we are sure it has not climbed above fifty worldwide. But, diahrrea, which almost everyone in the world suffers every year, either due to having too much to eat or having nothing to eat, claimed huge amounts of lives in the south asian countries, remained quite unnoticed.
Hopefully, we will be able to prioritize news based on humanitarian needs rather than the country priority. From those cases where simple information could save the lives of thousands every year should always receive a priority.
We do not know how many lives did the 2009 swine outbreak claim, the only thing we believe is every human being is as important as any other in this world and each untimely death is a tragic loss for mankind. Saying this, however, we would like to ask the media, why are they only after the new outbreaks, those which give them something to sell their newspapers. As we said before, although unaware of those figures of death caused by swine flu, we are sure it has not climbed above fifty worldwide. But, diahrrea, which almost everyone in the world suffers every year, either due to having too much to eat or having nothing to eat, claimed huge amounts of lives in the south asian countries, remained quite unnoticed.
Hopefully, we will be able to prioritize news based on humanitarian needs rather than the country priority. From those cases where simple information could save the lives of thousands every year should always receive a priority.
Nepal: 11 killed in Udaypur mishap
Eleven persons were killed on the spot and 50 injured when a passenger bus met with an accident at Kurini Bhanjyang of Sirise VDC on Katari-Ghurmi section of Siddhartha Highway on Tuesday.
Three women and a child were among those killed. There were 80 passengers on board the bus that was on way to Katari from Ghurmi when it fell 400 m down the road. More than 35 persons have been sent to hospitals. A team of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force from Katari has reached the incident site for rescue operation. Condition of 10 of those injured was critical.
(Source : THT Online)
Our Perspective:
We only have our condolences to offer. In a country where people die from diahrrea and dyssentry, it is difficult and unrightful of us to demand the local administration to restrain vehicles from carrying more than allowed capacity. As long as our educated youth continue to migrate abroad, this was not the first time such mishap has occured and this will not be the last time.
Three women and a child were among those killed. There were 80 passengers on board the bus that was on way to Katari from Ghurmi when it fell 400 m down the road. More than 35 persons have been sent to hospitals. A team of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force from Katari has reached the incident site for rescue operation. Condition of 10 of those injured was critical.
(Source : THT Online)
Our Perspective:
We only have our condolences to offer. In a country where people die from diahrrea and dyssentry, it is difficult and unrightful of us to demand the local administration to restrain vehicles from carrying more than allowed capacity. As long as our educated youth continue to migrate abroad, this was not the first time such mishap has occured and this will not be the last time.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Tennis : Federer Rewriting the History Books
Roger Federer created a history by becoming the first player to win 15 grand slams. In a nerve-wrecking encounter at the centre court on 5th july 2009m, he overcame a stubborn Andy Roddick by 5-7 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 16-14 to rewrite the history books. It was a great win and an epic final played in front of the former multiple champions.
(Source: Wimbledon.org)
Our Perspective:
It is no longer a news that Federer won the the wimbledon and thus rewrote the history books. But what we want to do is look at how this epic final changes the dynamics of current men's tennis. We would like to start first by paying our tribute to Federer for his win and his career in which he has reached 21 consecutive semifinals and 19 finals winning 15 of them. It is a lot to ask for and even Rod Laver at his prime might have struggled to beat that feat.
While everyone has been focussing on federers win and rightly so, we want to see the positives that we have been able to witness in these two weeks of glorious tennis. For some times past men's tennis has only been about Federer and Nadal, with sometimes Andy Murray showing flashes of brilliance that he is capable of. But here, during the tournament, we witnessed two former world number one's claiming their stakes at the very top level, in Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt. Although Hewitt lost in the quarter finals, that was against a resurgent and very determined Andy Roddick, who was himself making his own comeback. With his injury problems behind him, it is very clear that Hewitt is destined to become a formidable force once more in his career.
Roddicks dip in form over the last two seasons must have forced him to questioned himself why he was playing this game. With federer and nadal fighting for the grandslams, he had to either improve himself on every department of his game or quit playing forever. He chose the former option and hired Larry Stefanki as his coach. Stefanki helped him lose 6 kgs which resulted him in being more mobile over the court. Also he has worked on his groundstrokes and previously one dimensional roddick who only depended on his serves and looked out-of-sorts when it did not work, seemed to be a match in every department for Federer.
Although federer won the match, it was in fact Roddick who had more break of serves than Federer. Federer didn't have any answer for his serves until the last game, but did his best to hang on there and wait for the right opportunity. Roddick always found a way to get out of trouble with his first serve, and if he continues the way he did here, it will be tough to bet against him at the flushing meadows. Who know what might happen there with the home crowd behind him.
Men's tennis seems to have a lot to offer with Roddick and Hewitt coming back to form, and when Nadal returns from his injury it will be a treat to watch them plying their trade against each other. Andy Murray is still learning and already ranked third in the world. With Fernando Verdasco, big serving Karlovic waiting in the wings it will be a tough ride for Federer to defend his US Open, but who is there to bet against it???
(Source: Wimbledon.org)
Our Perspective:
It is no longer a news that Federer won the the wimbledon and thus rewrote the history books. But what we want to do is look at how this epic final changes the dynamics of current men's tennis. We would like to start first by paying our tribute to Federer for his win and his career in which he has reached 21 consecutive semifinals and 19 finals winning 15 of them. It is a lot to ask for and even Rod Laver at his prime might have struggled to beat that feat.
While everyone has been focussing on federers win and rightly so, we want to see the positives that we have been able to witness in these two weeks of glorious tennis. For some times past men's tennis has only been about Federer and Nadal, with sometimes Andy Murray showing flashes of brilliance that he is capable of. But here, during the tournament, we witnessed two former world number one's claiming their stakes at the very top level, in Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt. Although Hewitt lost in the quarter finals, that was against a resurgent and very determined Andy Roddick, who was himself making his own comeback. With his injury problems behind him, it is very clear that Hewitt is destined to become a formidable force once more in his career.
Roddicks dip in form over the last two seasons must have forced him to questioned himself why he was playing this game. With federer and nadal fighting for the grandslams, he had to either improve himself on every department of his game or quit playing forever. He chose the former option and hired Larry Stefanki as his coach. Stefanki helped him lose 6 kgs which resulted him in being more mobile over the court. Also he has worked on his groundstrokes and previously one dimensional roddick who only depended on his serves and looked out-of-sorts when it did not work, seemed to be a match in every department for Federer.
Although federer won the match, it was in fact Roddick who had more break of serves than Federer. Federer didn't have any answer for his serves until the last game, but did his best to hang on there and wait for the right opportunity. Roddick always found a way to get out of trouble with his first serve, and if he continues the way he did here, it will be tough to bet against him at the flushing meadows. Who know what might happen there with the home crowd behind him.
Men's tennis seems to have a lot to offer with Roddick and Hewitt coming back to form, and when Nadal returns from his injury it will be a treat to watch them plying their trade against each other. Andy Murray is still learning and already ranked third in the world. With Fernando Verdasco, big serving Karlovic waiting in the wings it will be a tough ride for Federer to defend his US Open, but who is there to bet against it???
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sports: Rubina creates cricket history
Rubina Chhetri became the first ever Nepali cricketer to take a hat-trick in international cricket when she took five wickets in five balls against Singapore in the ACC Women’s Twenty20 Cricket Tournament at the Selangor Turf Club in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Asked to bowl the last over of the match by skipper Ritu Kanoujiya with Singapore just two runs away from victory, Rubina made a confident start with a dot ball. She then claimed three wickets in the next three balls to complete the hat-trick - the first ever by a Nepali player in any form of cricket in international level.
Her next ball went wide that put both the teams level at 79. But Rubina’s heroics were not over yet and she claimed two more wickets in the next two balls. The match was decided in the bowl-out and Nepal registered a 2-1 victory. “I was scared and not willing to bowl when captain (Ritu) came to me and gave me the ball,” Rubina told The Himalayan Times. “I was not happy even when I got the first wicket as I had a feeling that we are going to lose the match,” said 15-year-old Rubina, who hails from Kakkarvitta of Mechi Municipality in Jhapa district.
“When the fourth ball went wide, I was so scared that I was on the verge of crying while bowling the next ball,” said emotional Rubina. “I got five wickets but I came to know about the hat-trick only during the presentation ceremony,” said the multi-talented Rubina, a 10th
grade student at North Point School in Jhapa, who also plays volleyball in school. She also holds the domestic record for best bowling figures in women’s cricket, taking six wickets for three runs in 3.4 overs against Nepalgunj during the Fifth National Games.
“I got into cricket by watching others play around me,” she said. Her brother, Pawan Chhetri, also played cricket in school and college. “My family (mother and brother) have been supporting me,” she said.
(Source: TheHimalayantimes.com)
Our Perspective:
Well done Rubina. When all others are faltering at their responsibilities, the ladies cricket team has held its head high. Congratulations once again to Rubina and her captain Ritu, who believed in her at the time of crisis, and her team which made it possible.
Our sports is well dominated by the officials, rather than the players. We have had very good players in the past, who have done well in one tournament and then fade away, because of different reasons. In a male dominated country where even the male sportspersons have struggled in their livelihood as players and have fade way in time to other professions, it is hard to believe Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) will be able to forge this team together for long. The long history shows that as long as they are well supported by their family, players keep playing but then gradually stop playing due to their family responsibilities. Unless extraordinarily rich, an average nepalese family cannot support anyone for long period, thus it is harsh but real that players have to give up playing.
An example of CAN's lack of responsibilities can be seen from its website, where almost every sections of the webpage are under construction, Players Profile page has an invalid link, but the organization chart showing the officials of the CAN is pretty well constructed. We might have been cynical, but it is the reality. Anyone can check the website at CAN's Website.
We hope CAN starts a contract system for its players so that they have a ray of hope that they can live and build their career as a player. Until then we have to learn to live with this harsh reality that we may never hear about these talented players again.
Asked to bowl the last over of the match by skipper Ritu Kanoujiya with Singapore just two runs away from victory, Rubina made a confident start with a dot ball. She then claimed three wickets in the next three balls to complete the hat-trick - the first ever by a Nepali player in any form of cricket in international level.
Her next ball went wide that put both the teams level at 79. But Rubina’s heroics were not over yet and she claimed two more wickets in the next two balls. The match was decided in the bowl-out and Nepal registered a 2-1 victory. “I was scared and not willing to bowl when captain (Ritu) came to me and gave me the ball,” Rubina told The Himalayan Times. “I was not happy even when I got the first wicket as I had a feeling that we are going to lose the match,” said 15-year-old Rubina, who hails from Kakkarvitta of Mechi Municipality in Jhapa district.
“When the fourth ball went wide, I was so scared that I was on the verge of crying while bowling the next ball,” said emotional Rubina. “I got five wickets but I came to know about the hat-trick only during the presentation ceremony,” said the multi-talented Rubina, a 10th
grade student at North Point School in Jhapa, who also plays volleyball in school. She also holds the domestic record for best bowling figures in women’s cricket, taking six wickets for three runs in 3.4 overs against Nepalgunj during the Fifth National Games.
“I got into cricket by watching others play around me,” she said. Her brother, Pawan Chhetri, also played cricket in school and college. “My family (mother and brother) have been supporting me,” she said.
(Source: TheHimalayantimes.com)
Our Perspective:
Well done Rubina. When all others are faltering at their responsibilities, the ladies cricket team has held its head high. Congratulations once again to Rubina and her captain Ritu, who believed in her at the time of crisis, and her team which made it possible.
Our sports is well dominated by the officials, rather than the players. We have had very good players in the past, who have done well in one tournament and then fade away, because of different reasons. In a male dominated country where even the male sportspersons have struggled in their livelihood as players and have fade way in time to other professions, it is hard to believe Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) will be able to forge this team together for long. The long history shows that as long as they are well supported by their family, players keep playing but then gradually stop playing due to their family responsibilities. Unless extraordinarily rich, an average nepalese family cannot support anyone for long period, thus it is harsh but real that players have to give up playing.
An example of CAN's lack of responsibilities can be seen from its website, where almost every sections of the webpage are under construction, Players Profile page has an invalid link, but the organization chart showing the officials of the CAN is pretty well constructed. We might have been cynical, but it is the reality. Anyone can check the website at CAN's Website.
We hope CAN starts a contract system for its players so that they have a ray of hope that they can live and build their career as a player. Until then we have to learn to live with this harsh reality that we may never hear about these talented players again.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Crisis in Nepal: Problem In Cabinet Extension
(Source:Nagariknews.com)
Our Perspective:
The above cartoon clearly depicts the current crisis, being faced by the new Madhav Kuram Nepal led government. Ironically, the PM Madhav Kumar Nepal, who, himself lost the last constituent assembly election on two fronts has around 9 ministers who have lost their elections. The problem just does not end there. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sujata Koirala, who is the leading the representation of Nepali Congress, has also lost her elections. Similarly, Defence Minister Bidhya Bhandari also lost from her constituency during the constituent assembly elections.
Since they have been nominated to the constituent assembly from other means, it is not a question of technicality. But the question remains, does this do a justice to the votes of nepali people?? Did they reject Mr Nepal from two constituencies to elect him as a prime minister?? Or did they reject Sujata Koirala, so that she would lead the voice of Nepalese people onto the international front??
Is this the new Nepal, we have been asking for??
Comrade Nepal, unlucky not to be primeminister on several previous attempts, has been dismantling ministries into multiple ministries, so that he can find place for almost everyone as minister. That would enable him to garner support from every one else, and thus complete his tenure.
Our best wishes for Mr Nepal led government to complete its tenure and we hope he does not break any other established constitutional recognitions for the sake of his governments continuity. Maoists showed a great positive character when they resigned from the government after the President overrode their decision to take action against the CoAS Katwal on disciplinary grounds. CPN UML, a coaliation partner at that time back-stabbed maoists at that crucial time deferring from their earlier decision to punish Mr Katwal.
Under Nepal's leadership for last 16 years, CPN UML, although with its large public support base, hasn't been able to show its maturity and determination in its actions and has always been seen as a party without any firm opinion on any matters, always changing its decision at crucial times. So, we hope Mr Nepal will learn from his past mistakes and lead the government in the way people want it to be led. But sadly, his current activities only show the false positives:(.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Victory : Gurkhas win right to settle in UK
All Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years' service will be allowed to settle in the UK, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has said.
Ms Smith told MPs she was "proud to offer this country's welcome to all who have served in the brigade of Gurkhas".It comes after a high-profile campaign by Joanna Lumley and other supporters of Gurkha rights - and an embarrassing Commons defeat for the Government. Some 36,000 Gurkhas who left before 1997 had been denied UK residency. Gurkhas, who are recruited from Nepal, have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years.
Sacrifice and Distinction:
Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said the U-turn by the government was a "great victory for a well-run campaign, that has publicly embarrassed ministers".She told the Commons: "I'm delighted that we have now been able to agree - across government, across the House and with the Gurkhas' representatives - new settlement rights that all those who have served us so well, so highly deserve."
Under the measures outlined in the House, Gurkhas will be allowed to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children under 18. Ms Smith said she expected to welcome 10,000 to 15,000 applications from Gurkhas over the next two years. Ms Smith added that the Gurkhas had served the UK "with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world". The prime minister suffered a shock Commons defeat on the issue, forcing ministers to reconsider existing rules on how many Gurkhas can settle in the UK.
(Source: BBC News)
Our Perspective:
A moral victory for the legendary Gurkhas. It is difficult to say as a country what it means to Nepal, but surely a better life for the Gurkhas. This will definitely not help the small mountainous country, which not only fast forwards the brain drain but also reduces the foreign currency income through remittance. All the best for the Gurkhas for their new life.
And most noteworthily, this is the time we feel, we need to pay tribute to all those Gurkha soldiers who lost their lives in various wars, including the world wars, for their effort, hardwork and bravery, the result of which, the current generation of Gurkha soldiers and their families are enjoying.
Ms Smith told MPs she was "proud to offer this country's welcome to all who have served in the brigade of Gurkhas".It comes after a high-profile campaign by Joanna Lumley and other supporters of Gurkha rights - and an embarrassing Commons defeat for the Government. Some 36,000 Gurkhas who left before 1997 had been denied UK residency. Gurkhas, who are recruited from Nepal, have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years.
Sacrifice and Distinction:
Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said the U-turn by the government was a "great victory for a well-run campaign, that has publicly embarrassed ministers".She told the Commons: "I'm delighted that we have now been able to agree - across government, across the House and with the Gurkhas' representatives - new settlement rights that all those who have served us so well, so highly deserve."
Under the measures outlined in the House, Gurkhas will be allowed to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children under 18. Ms Smith said she expected to welcome 10,000 to 15,000 applications from Gurkhas over the next two years. Ms Smith added that the Gurkhas had served the UK "with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world". The prime minister suffered a shock Commons defeat on the issue, forcing ministers to reconsider existing rules on how many Gurkhas can settle in the UK.
(Source: BBC News)
Our Perspective:
A moral victory for the legendary Gurkhas. It is difficult to say as a country what it means to Nepal, but surely a better life for the Gurkhas. This will definitely not help the small mountainous country, which not only fast forwards the brain drain but also reduces the foreign currency income through remittance. All the best for the Gurkhas for their new life.
And most noteworthily, this is the time we feel, we need to pay tribute to all those Gurkha soldiers who lost their lives in various wars, including the world wars, for their effort, hardwork and bravery, the result of which, the current generation of Gurkha soldiers and their families are enjoying.
Everest : Appa Sherpa scales Everest for Record 19th time
Legendary climber Appa Sherpa, also know as "Super Sherpa", has scaled the Mount Everest for the record nineteenth time, on thursday, breaking his own previous official record, according to the officials. Apa Sherpa, 49, reached the summit of the world's highest peak early in the morning, Jitendra Giri, of the Nepalese mountaineering department, told AFP.
"He reached on top of Everest this morning and spent around half an hour on the summit," Giri said, adding that he was in good health and already heading back to base camp.
Apa unfurled a banner that read "Stop Climate Change, Let the Himalayas Live!," after reaching the summit.Apa, who bagged his first Everest summit in 1990, climbed the mountain this spring season in an effort to raise global awareness about climate change and its impact on the Himalayas.
More than 100 climbers have already made it to the summit this spring season, in which 29 expedition teams are in action.
(Source : THT Online, Dainikee.com)
Our Perspective:
Its a great thing that legendary climber has scaled the everest once again. Our best wishes to him for scaling many more heights and re-writing the history books.
"He reached on top of Everest this morning and spent around half an hour on the summit," Giri said, adding that he was in good health and already heading back to base camp.
Apa unfurled a banner that read "Stop Climate Change, Let the Himalayas Live!," after reaching the summit.Apa, who bagged his first Everest summit in 1990, climbed the mountain this spring season in an effort to raise global awareness about climate change and its impact on the Himalayas.
More than 100 climbers have already made it to the summit this spring season, in which 29 expedition teams are in action.
(Source : THT Online, Dainikee.com)
Our Perspective:
Its a great thing that legendary climber has scaled the everest once again. Our best wishes to him for scaling many more heights and re-writing the history books.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Crisis in Nepal: Maoists to permit vote for new govt
Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) have agreed to stop blocking parliament proceedings so that lawmakers can choose a new government to ease the country's political crisis, the parliament speaker said Thursday. However, the maoists lawmakers said that although they agreed to lift their protests for Thursday, they would permanently end them only on condition that the chamber take up a motion censuring President Ram Baran Yadav.
The country's Maoist prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, sparked the latest political upheavel early this month when he resigned to protest Yadav's refusal to fire the country's army chief in a dispute over integrating former Maoist rebels into the military. The Maoist lawmakers who represent the Himalayan nation's ex-rebels had held up the selection of a new prime minister, but were now agreeing to allow the process to go forward, parliament Speaker Subash Nemwang said Thursday.
(Source:THT Online)
Our Perspective:
We have repeatedly continued to stress against the establishment of multiple power centres in the country. The people elected government should be allowed to rule the country. If we cannot trust an elected government over the disciplinary actions against one of the government employees, it is difficult to understand how we can respond to the process of transformation of our society.
Although we all may not agree, but, Maoists represent the symbol of change in the modern era of Nepalese politics, and not all people can accept and adapt to the change. Unfortunately, our honourable president belongs to that faction of the political spectrum, which has been identified as the symbol of status quo. The president has shown he is not able to act as a true leader of the country, and the resolution motion against the president is only necessary.
The country's Maoist prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, sparked the latest political upheavel early this month when he resigned to protest Yadav's refusal to fire the country's army chief in a dispute over integrating former Maoist rebels into the military. The Maoist lawmakers who represent the Himalayan nation's ex-rebels had held up the selection of a new prime minister, but were now agreeing to allow the process to go forward, parliament Speaker Subash Nemwang said Thursday.
(Source:THT Online)
Our Perspective:
We have repeatedly continued to stress against the establishment of multiple power centres in the country. The people elected government should be allowed to rule the country. If we cannot trust an elected government over the disciplinary actions against one of the government employees, it is difficult to understand how we can respond to the process of transformation of our society.
Although we all may not agree, but, Maoists represent the symbol of change in the modern era of Nepalese politics, and not all people can accept and adapt to the change. Unfortunately, our honourable president belongs to that faction of the political spectrum, which has been identified as the symbol of status quo. The president has shown he is not able to act as a true leader of the country, and the resolution motion against the president is only necessary.
Reports : Doubts Over Prabhakaran's Death
The Sri Lankan military has released pictures of Tamil Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran which it says prove conclusively that he is dead. The state and private stations aired footage of what they said was the body of Prabhakaran, along with what looked like his Tamil Tiger identity card and tag. The army also says his body has been positively identified with DNA testing. But the questions remain about when and how he and other rebel leaders were killed, and over apparently contradictory statements in relation to his reported death.
Denial:
Following the release of the photographs most Indian Tamil newspapers appear to have accepted that Prabhakaran is dead. But so far the most influential pro-rebel website, TamilNet, has not acknowledged the death. Speaking before the release of the photos, a rebel official abroad denied Prabhakaran had been killed and said the Tamil Tiger leader was "alive and safe".
"He will continue to lead the quest for dignity and freedom for the Tamil people," Selvarasa Pathmanathan said in a statement posted on the pro-rebel TamilNet Web site on Tuesday.
But he offered no further details or evidence to support the claim, only drawing attention to what he said was Colombo's "treachery" in the killings of senior unarmed Tamil Tiger political wing leaders in the north-east, who he said had been shot as they carried white flags.
(Source : BBC News)
Our Perspective:
Only time will tell whether one of the most influencial south asian rebel leaders is alive. But as it appears now, until further evidences appear in public, we can not help feeling that this could be the worst to happen to LTTE and its freedom movement. We can only hope that the war claims no more civil life.
Denial:
Following the release of the photographs most Indian Tamil newspapers appear to have accepted that Prabhakaran is dead. But so far the most influential pro-rebel website, TamilNet, has not acknowledged the death. Speaking before the release of the photos, a rebel official abroad denied Prabhakaran had been killed and said the Tamil Tiger leader was "alive and safe".
"He will continue to lead the quest for dignity and freedom for the Tamil people," Selvarasa Pathmanathan said in a statement posted on the pro-rebel TamilNet Web site on Tuesday.
But he offered no further details or evidence to support the claim, only drawing attention to what he said was Colombo's "treachery" in the killings of senior unarmed Tamil Tiger political wing leaders in the north-east, who he said had been shot as they carried white flags.
(Source : BBC News)
Our Perspective:
Only time will tell whether one of the most influencial south asian rebel leaders is alive. But as it appears now, until further evidences appear in public, we can not help feeling that this could be the worst to happen to LTTE and its freedom movement. We can only hope that the war claims no more civil life.
Nepal : Maoists expel Ramechhap leader
The Unified CPN (Maoist) on Wednesday expelled Rajan Dahal, deputy in-charge of Ramechhap district, from the party for attacking CPN-UML general secretary Ishwor Pokharel. According to Dinanath Sharma, speaker of the party, a meeting of the party's central secretariat held at PM's official residence decided to expel Dahal from the party.
Meanwhile a meeting of the CPN-UML has decided to stage a nation-wide protest against the Maoists on Friday.
Our Perspective:
Maoists cadres must show respect against other parties and the general public. Their actions can only justify their own downfall. There is still time to grow up before its too late. Nepali people are kind to forgive, but don't try to test their resolve too much. Backfire could destroy everything they have earned till date.
Meanwhile a meeting of the CPN-UML has decided to stage a nation-wide protest against the Maoists on Friday.
Our Perspective:
Maoists cadres must show respect against other parties and the general public. Their actions can only justify their own downfall. There is still time to grow up before its too late. Nepali people are kind to forgive, but don't try to test their resolve too much. Backfire could destroy everything they have earned till date.
Crisis in Nepal: Maoists move House against Prez
The UCPN-Maoist tabled a resolution motion (संकल्प प्रस्ताव) against the President Dr Ram Baran Yadav in the Legislature-Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. According to Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Subash Chandra Nembang, deputy parliamentary party leader of the UCPN-Maoist Narayan Kaji Shrestha tabled a proposal against the President in the CA secretariat demanding that the head of state is not accountable to the parliament as per the interim constitution. The motion also asked the President to withdraw his decision to reinstate CoAS Rookmangud Katawal.
Nembang said that he would take necessary decision on the Maoists’ move after holding discussion in a meeting of the Task Management Committee of the Legislature-Parliament.
A secretariat meeting of the party held at the PM's residence in Baluwatar Wednesday morning had decided to move the proposal.
Earlier today, during his meeting with Speaker Subas Nemwang, caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had said his party would allow the parliamentary to function if it takes up the commitment proposal.
(Source : The Himalayan Times, Nepalnews.com)
Our Perspective:
Maoists must be really sure of what they are doing. Unless they are this is a difficult path they have chosen. But we would say this is something required to establish the people's superiority over the president. As we have always stressed, the executive powers should be in the hands of those elected by the people and president should always remain above the debate.
Nembang said that he would take necessary decision on the Maoists’ move after holding discussion in a meeting of the Task Management Committee of the Legislature-Parliament.
A secretariat meeting of the party held at the PM's residence in Baluwatar Wednesday morning had decided to move the proposal.
Earlier today, during his meeting with Speaker Subas Nemwang, caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had said his party would allow the parliamentary to function if it takes up the commitment proposal.
(Source : The Himalayan Times, Nepalnews.com)
Our Perspective:
Maoists must be really sure of what they are doing. Unless they are this is a difficult path they have chosen. But we would say this is something required to establish the people's superiority over the president. As we have always stressed, the executive powers should be in the hands of those elected by the people and president should always remain above the debate.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Technology : World's thinnest LCD TV
South Korea's LG Display said on Tuesday it has developed a liquid crystal display (LCD) television panel that is thinner than a pencil, describing it as the world's slimmest.
The panel, which can be 42 or 47 inches wide, uses an edge-lit light emitting diode (LED) backlight system that allows it to achieve a thickness of just 5.9mm, LG Display said in a statement. The world's second biggest LCD maker said the product weighs 6.1 kg and 7.3 kg, about half as much as a conventional panel.
"The displays can reproduce a rich range of natural-looking colours with a colour saturation level of 80 percent," it said, adding the televisions can eliminate motion blur and boast full high-definition resolution.
Executive vice president Chung In-Jae said the new products demonstrate "our leading edge-lit LED backlight technology that enables thinner designs".
LG Display and local rival Samsung Electronics have led the global flat panel screen market and are now competing to produce thinner panels for high-definition televisions.
(Source: AFP)
The panel, which can be 42 or 47 inches wide, uses an edge-lit light emitting diode (LED) backlight system that allows it to achieve a thickness of just 5.9mm, LG Display said in a statement. The world's second biggest LCD maker said the product weighs 6.1 kg and 7.3 kg, about half as much as a conventional panel.
"The displays can reproduce a rich range of natural-looking colours with a colour saturation level of 80 percent," it said, adding the televisions can eliminate motion blur and boast full high-definition resolution.
Executive vice president Chung In-Jae said the new products demonstrate "our leading edge-lit LED backlight technology that enables thinner designs".
LG Display and local rival Samsung Electronics have led the global flat panel screen market and are now competing to produce thinner panels for high-definition televisions.
(Source: AFP)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Crisis in Nepal: PM wants House to debate Prez move
conLawmakers of the Unified CPN-Maoist on Monday continued disrupting the regular business of the parliament, raising voices against the President’s move to revoke the government decision to sack the army chief.
Constituent Assembly chairman Subas Nembang today called a meeting of chief whips of the six major political parties in a bid to find a way out to the House impasse. But the meeting could not make any breakthrough, as the Maoist leaders insisted that the House discuss the President’s move.
Earlier, caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, after concluding the parliamentary party meeting of the UCPN-M, told mediapersons that they were doing groundwork to resume the House proceedings at the earliest. “But other parties should be ready for discussion, debate and voting against the President’s decision on the army chief issue,” he added. Dahal said the House business might resume if the parties agreed on a procedure on debating and voting on the President’s move.
Following the disruption of the House proceedings, Nepali Congress vice-president Ram Chandra Poudel said the parliament had the right to discuss any issue that is sub-judice.
A UML CA member quoted Nembang as advising the Maoist leaders to raise the issue of President’s decision even after the House business became regular.
Meanwhile, the Maoists didn’t move sankalpa prastab (parliamentary stricture) against the President’s decision, despite discussing it. (Source : The Himalayan times )
Our Perspective:
It would be a good thing to see the parties discussing the presidents actions in The House. This would remind the president he is not above the constitution. But as for the maoists disrupting the parliamentary process, they should stop doing so and pave the way for new government to be formed. But one has to keep in mind that CPN-Maoists are new to the parliamentary process and may require a steep learning curve to settle down in terms of House-Politics. After all in the past few months we have seen those self-proclaimed "saviours of democracy" disturbing the parliament as a symbol of protest.
One thing for sure is that maoists are going to learn the same way of staging protests as conducted by the other mainstream political parties. Now we have seen the road blockades in various parts of the countries by minorities groups as a symbol of protest. Maoists initiated the ethinicity based protest, and now it has been a headache for them anyone else concerned about the social harmony.
The moot point here is for the political parties to realize the verdict they have been given by the people and work according to it.
Constituent Assembly chairman Subas Nembang today called a meeting of chief whips of the six major political parties in a bid to find a way out to the House impasse. But the meeting could not make any breakthrough, as the Maoist leaders insisted that the House discuss the President’s move.
Earlier, caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, after concluding the parliamentary party meeting of the UCPN-M, told mediapersons that they were doing groundwork to resume the House proceedings at the earliest. “But other parties should be ready for discussion, debate and voting against the President’s decision on the army chief issue,” he added. Dahal said the House business might resume if the parties agreed on a procedure on debating and voting on the President’s move.
Following the disruption of the House proceedings, Nepali Congress vice-president Ram Chandra Poudel said the parliament had the right to discuss any issue that is sub-judice.
A UML CA member quoted Nembang as advising the Maoist leaders to raise the issue of President’s decision even after the House business became regular.
Meanwhile, the Maoists didn’t move sankalpa prastab (parliamentary stricture) against the President’s decision, despite discussing it. (Source : The Himalayan times )
Our Perspective:
It would be a good thing to see the parties discussing the presidents actions in The House. This would remind the president he is not above the constitution. But as for the maoists disrupting the parliamentary process, they should stop doing so and pave the way for new government to be formed. But one has to keep in mind that CPN-Maoists are new to the parliamentary process and may require a steep learning curve to settle down in terms of House-Politics. After all in the past few months we have seen those self-proclaimed "saviours of democracy" disturbing the parliament as a symbol of protest.
One thing for sure is that maoists are going to learn the same way of staging protests as conducted by the other mainstream political parties. Now we have seen the road blockades in various parts of the countries by minorities groups as a symbol of protest. Maoists initiated the ethinicity based protest, and now it has been a headache for them anyone else concerned about the social harmony.
The moot point here is for the political parties to realize the verdict they have been given by the people and work according to it.
Crisis in Nepal: Vice-President blames Prez, PM for crisis
Vice President Paramandand Jha has accused the president and prime minister for the current on-going crisis in the country. VP Jha accused prime minister of ignoring the cabinet, in sacking CoAS, who was later reinstated by the president. He said both the president and prime minister committed the mistakes in the Katwal issue. Jha also accused the political parties of being involved in power games rather than concentrating on the constitution drafting process. He stressed on the need for parties to move ahead with consensus for the long-lasting peace rather than conflict. (Source: THT)
Our Perspective:
President should always be a ceremonial, when there is an elected prime minister ruling the country. He should not have interfered with the decision making process. But this will finally sort out the difference of power between the president and the governent. As always we would reiterate there should not be multiple power stations in a country.
But the actual problem lied somewhere else. Inability of defence minister Ram Bahadur Thapa to get full support of army chiefs, led to current problem. It was never going to be easy, but as a minister, it was his first task to get full support of the army chief, which he failed to do.
Our Perspective:
President should always be a ceremonial, when there is an elected prime minister ruling the country. He should not have interfered with the decision making process. But this will finally sort out the difference of power between the president and the governent. As always we would reiterate there should not be multiple power stations in a country.
But the actual problem lied somewhere else. Inability of defence minister Ram Bahadur Thapa to get full support of army chiefs, led to current problem. It was never going to be easy, but as a minister, it was his first task to get full support of the army chief, which he failed to do.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
LTTE Leader Prabhakaran Could Be Dead : Reports
Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE) chief V Prabhakaran could be dead, with the Srilankan forces telling the CNN-IBN that his body has been recovered and being taken to an army camp in Colombo. The report comes as the Srilankan government announced it had captured the final stronghold of LTTE, and that top LTTE leaders could have committed mass suicide. The Srilankan army claims to have intercepted LTTE messages of mass suicide of rebel leaders.
(AFP)
Our Perspective:
Anyone who knows the history of Srilanka also knows about the government created rifts between the majority Sinhalese and the minor Tamils. Unless the Lankan government changes its attitude and treats both of the factions equally, it is difficult not to predict revolutions of some kind in the near future. You can kill people, but you can't supress their voices.
It is good to learn from past experiences, but the most important thing is not to repeat those mistakes again. Hopefully, peace will prevail in the Lankan Island for the good this beautiful country.
(AFP)
Our Perspective:
Anyone who knows the history of Srilanka also knows about the government created rifts between the majority Sinhalese and the minor Tamils. Unless the Lankan government changes its attitude and treats both of the factions equally, it is difficult not to predict revolutions of some kind in the near future. You can kill people, but you can't supress their voices.
It is good to learn from past experiences, but the most important thing is not to repeat those mistakes again. Hopefully, peace will prevail in the Lankan Island for the good this beautiful country.
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