Telegram Breathes Its Last As the Internet Age Takes Over

Telegram was once upon a time the only means of mailing urgent news to the near and dear ones and is on the verge of extinction. It will finally end its long held era this July 15 with the dominance of information technology like mobile phones and internet, as reported by TOI.

It was in the year 1850 when the telegraphic service started its operations in India initially by cable and later wireless as it urged the Indian telecom to overtake it.

Telegraphy which was taken over by cash ridden BSNL from the postal department had increased charges two years ago, from Rs 4 for 50 words to Rs 50. The international telegrams were done away with two months ago and now, the domestic taar is set to come to an end.

BSNL took over the telegram services from the postal department in 1990’s. The BSNL can no longer meet the expenses of continuing the telegram service which has remained inactive with the rising trends of SMSs, emails, fax and smart phones for few years now so it has incurred a loss of over Rs 17,000 crore in the past two fiscals. Even with its losses, BSNL still held on to this 163 year old legacy and made two last-final attempts to keep it alive.

There was a price hiked of telegraph in 2011 after a span of six decades which was priced at Rs 50 for 50 words. This increase in price also failed to make the service possible for the loss-making PSU. Following all the mess, BSNL then seek the government’s help to support the commercially outdated product but the government asked them to find out if it is still in use in today’s world.

BSNL finally decided to stop this service after consulting the department of post in a circular issued by Shameem Akhtar, senior GM (telegraph services).

“The telegram had lost its relevance. The basic idea of a taar was to send a message fast. Now SMS, fax and emails do that job. With smart phones, people send and receive emails on the move. So when we sought government support to keep the telegram alive, we were asked to decide its fate on a commercial basis and hence will now be discontinuing the service,” said a senior BSNL official, reported TOI.

The employees of the telegraph department will now be shifted to mobile services, landline telephony and broadband services over the next few months.

The history of Indian telecom started with the first experimental electric telegraph line that was started between Calcutta and Diamond Harbour. The following year, the British East India Company began to use it.

The telecom service was available to the masses from the year 1854. Till the year 1902, telegraphs were sent by wires after which it adopted the wireless method.

Top Ten Fears of Men/Women

Fear is the oldest and strongest emotion of mankind, it is the basic instinct that is always been a part of us from the day we are born. Fear is sometimes unavoidable, and the best way to overcome the fear is to face it head on, and sometimes the best way is to avoid thinking the same, such as the fear of death.

Human nature is said to be very complex. From the time of Stone Age, people have learned to be strong, competitive and courageous in times of danger. However, they have also developed fear of something which has been passed on from generations. The percentage of fear may differ from person to person and whatever may be the root cause, every sane person in the world would have experienced fear.

Flip over the pages to find out the most common “fears” to humans as compiled by WondersList.

#10 Flying

It is often referred to as aerophobia, where a person is very scared of being in a flying vehicle, such as an airplane or a helicopter. In these cases, when a person is compelled to travel by air, the level of anxiety rises to such extent that it prevents a person from travelling by air.
In a move to keep them relaxed while taking a flight on an airplane, people go ahead and spend loads of money on prescription drugs or Self-help books and behavior modification audio CDs.

#9 Dogs

The man’s best friend may be someone’s worst enemy. Dogs do generate some amount of fear to humans who have experienced dog attacks in the past. However, it is a fact that dogs prone to attack the people who are panicked, if a dog senses any fear from the person’s behavior, it is most likely to attack that person. The unusual fear of dogs is called Cynophobia and is one of the most legitimate fears in this list.

#8 Spiders

Even though we see them very commonly in our houses and gardens, many people fear Spiders the most.  The irrational fear of spiders is called Arachnophobia and is believed that millions around the globe are suffering from it. Psychology professor Jon May says that spider’s angular shaped legs, dark colors and the way they move unpredictably are some of the key elements which cause people to fear this insect.

#7 Rats

Even though rats are small and commonly found everywhere, the very sight makes people restless. Rats make humans to panic and are the cause to one of the most common specific phobias, named Musophobia. It is caused by the unconscious as a protective mechanism. This happens when a person had a traumatic experience with a mouse or rat in the past and the fear is triggered whenever the person encounters it or even seeing them on TV or in movies.

#6 Death

Death is unavoidable and if not all, many fear dying. The best way to avoid fear of death is to avoid thinking about it and enjoy the present life. However, in some cases the fear of death becomes so prevalent; it affects the daily routine of an individual. This fear is often termed as Thanatophobia or Necrophobia, a specific phobia which is the irrational fear of dead things as well as things associated with death.

#5 Blood

The life giving blood is also the factors to cause fear. Some people get paranoid at the sight of blood. The fear of blood is known as blood phobia or Hematophobi. It is an abnormal and persistent fear of blood. People suffering from this phobia dread the sight of their own blood. The fear is also triggered by the sight of blood of another person or an animal and even filmed image of blood. It may remind a person of their own vulnerability to injury.

#4 Heights

It is natural to humans to fear when exposed to heights and that too if there is minimal or no protection. Some people love heights, they adventure themselves to skydiving to thrill their spine. However, many people suffer from this legitimate fear of heights. The interesting fact is that a person who is suffering from fear of heights has no set limit for how high is too high, the person shows equal intense reactions when he is exposed to the height on top of a mountain or a ladder.

#3 Darkness

Many are scared of dark, the fear of darkness is usually not fear of darkness itself, but it is the fear of unknown, the possible or imagined dangers concealed by darkness. In most cases this fear is mixed with the fear of ghosts and other mystical figures. People suffering from excessive fear of dark is named Lygophobia, it is the intense fear of something that does not pose a real danger.

#2 Thunderstorms

This fear is called Astraphobia. Both humans and animals may develop a fear of thunder and lightning. Many children and even grownups are afraid of storms, sometimes they do not get over it and the fear remains ingrained when they grow older. This is an age old fear and from generations people have trembled at the sound of thunder and have placed a huge respect for this magnificent power of nature.   

#1 Snakes

The graceful, long and slender nature, Snake tops the list of most feared things to humans. Snake is one of the most dangerous and deadliest animals in the world and the fear of snakes is one of the most common phobias, yet many have not encountered a snake. Generally, people fear snakes for their venom, and the possibility that their lives may be in danger.  However, being afraid of the serpent is natural, which signifies a healthy respect towards them.

9-year-old UK girl passes through Turkish customs with toy passport

Emily Harris‘ parents were stunned after officials stamped the ID their daughter had made especially for her pink toy unicorn Lily.

A nine-year-old girl managed to pass through Turkish customs officers with a passport identifying her as a ‘unicorn’.

Emily Harris’ parents were stunned after officials stamped the ID their daughter had made especially for her pink toy unicorn Lily, the Daily Express reported

When the family passed through customs at Antalya airport to start their one-week holiday, mum Nicky accidentally handed over the wrong passport at a control stand

Nicky, 43, from Cwmbran, South Wales, told the publication that she didn’t realise until she was putting the passports away.

The passport is not only a completely different size and shape to the official document, but that it also has gold teddy bears on the front.

Nicky realised that instead of handing in daughter’s passport, she had shown Emily’s Bear Factory passport for a Unicorn toy called Lily Harris after they got outside

The mother said that it’s a worry to any parent, how easy it would be to smuggle a child through customs and into another country.

ANI

Cauvery panel finds T.N. demand for water not feasible

The committee agrees for decisions by consensus

The Cauvery Supervisory Committee that met here on Wednesday did not find “feasible” the demand of the Tamil Nadu government for directions to Karnataka for release of Cauvery waters as per the award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

 The panel, chaired by Union Water Resources Secretary S.K. Sarkar, agreed to the suggestion of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to modify its Rules of Business to decide that decisions shall ordinarily be taken by consensus. If no consensus is reached, then the decision may be left to the Chairperson. Noting that the situation was “very grim” for both the basin States as the storage levels in their respective reservoirs were deficient, the committee decided to review the position in its next meeting slated to be held in the first week of July.

 The meeting observed that the southwest monsoon had arrived on time in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and has so far been in excess of normal in the first 10 days of June. It is expected to pick up in due course.

 “Looking into the data such as deficit in inflows and very low storages in the reservoirs in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the request of Tamil Nadu for release of water by Karnataka was considered and found not feasible as of now. However, the position will be reviewed in the next meeting proposed to be held in the first week of July 2013,” said the six-page order signed by Mr. Sarkar.

 The live storage in Karnataka reservoirs on June 10 was 3.716 tmcft, while it was 3.58 tmcft in Mettur dam as against 15.8 tmcft and 41.96 tmcft respectively in the previous year on the same date.

 The outflow from Karnataka reservoirs is 0.83 tmcft and drawals, including evaporation, is 0.04 tmcft, while outflow at Mettur is 0.49 tmcft. “It is evident from the data that the situation in both Karnataka and Mettur (Tamil Nadu) is very grim,” the order said. Both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka raised objections to certain provisions in the Rules of Business, particularly the clauses pertaining to quorum and decision by majority vote. While Tamil Nadu sought early constitution of the Cauvery Management Board, Karnataka wanted that the panel should not adopt the guidelines of the Cauvery Management Board (as prescribed in the final award). The Supervisory Committee has been formed on the directions of the Supreme Court. Karnataka also suggested that water account be done at the end of December instead of from June to May. Besides, Tamil Nadu that sought 24 hours average water flows at Biligundlu for kuruvai crop and other needs.

 Panel takes note of poor storage levels in the two States

 It will review the position in the next meeting in July

Source : The Hindu

Image : Representation Only

CBI files fresh FIR in coal scam, books Naveen Jindal, ex-MoS coal for cheating, graft

The agency team carried out coordinated searches at the 6-Prithviraj Road residence of Jindal and offices of his firms in Bikaji Cama place.

In a major embarrassment to the Congress, its MP Naveen Jindal and former Minister of State for Coal Dasari Narayan Rao have been accused of alleged cheating and graft by CBI in its fresh FIR in the coal scam.

After registering the 12th FIR in coal block allocation scam probe, CBI sources said the agency today carried out searches at 15 locations including residence and offices of Jindal in the national capital and Rao in Hyderabad.

The agency team carried out coordinated searches at the 6-Prithviraj Road residence of Jindal and offices of his firms in Bikaji Cama place.

Besides Jindal and Rao, CBI has also booked companies Jindal Steel and Power Limited and Gagan Sponge which were allotted Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block in Birbhum, Jharkhand in the year 2008.

The agency also booked Jindal’s companies–Jindal Realty and ND Exim and Rao’s company Saubhagya Media.

The agency has accused Jindal, Rao and the companies of alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating and relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Rao, a former Congress Rajya Sabha MP, held position of Minister of state for Coal between 2004-06 and between 2006 and 2008. He has already been quizzed by the agency in connection with the probe in coal block allocation scam.

Reacting to the development, Head of External Affairs, Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Manu Kapoor said, “JSPL, as a law abiding company, is governed by a strong ethical code of conduct. This is an ongoing CBI investigation into coal block allocation. At this stage of investigation, JSPL is committed to fully cooperate with CBI.”

BJP Spokesperson Prakash Javdekar termed the action of agency too little too later and demanded that action should not be limited to searches alone. 

PTI

Nelson Mandela breathing on his own, says spokesperson

The 94-year-old former South African president and anti-apartheid hero was admitted to hospital early on Saturday after battling the infection for a few days.

Nelson Mandela. – AFP

Nelson Mandela is able to breathe by himself after being admitted to hospital for a recurrent respiratory infection and that is a positive sign, a spokesman for South Africa’s presidency said on Saturday.

The 94-year-old former South African president and anti-apartheid hero was admitted to hospital early on Saturday after battling the infection for a few days.

“What I am told by doctors is that he is breathing on his own and I think that is a positive sign,” presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said.

“Madiba is a fighter and at his age, as long as he is fighting, he will be fine,” Maharaj said, referring to Mandela by his clan name.

Check Whether your Toothpaste is Non-Toxic ?

Toothpaste makers are constantly striving to build a better paste, but what exactly goes into these products that allows for their cavity-fighting, breath-taming, shine-inducing, gum-soothing, white-boosting magic?

 

Toothpaste may be one of the more taken-for-granted products that we put in our mouths. It’s not a food product so it gets less scrutiny than, say, Diet Coke and Twinkies. But if you brush your teeth two or three times a day, that’s 730 to 1,095 times a year. Toothpaste isn’t meant to be swallowed, but with that many brush-and-rinses annually, it’s safe to assume that at least a smidge of toothpaste will go down the hatch. Probably not enough to worry about, but it’s interesting to know what’s going in our mouths.

 

Ancient toothpastes included ingredients such as ox hoof ashes, burnt eggshells, crushed bones, oyster shells, powdered charcoal and bark.

Modern ingredients aren’t quite as poetic. What are we using to keep our pearly whites their healthiest today?

The following is a combined list of ingredients (many of them overlap between products) found in three leading toothpaste brands: Colgate Total Toothpaste, Fresh Stripe; Aquafresh All Tartar Control; and Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid Toothpaste. We’ve come a long way from the charred remains of cows’ feet.

Carbomer 956
A polymer used for thickening and as an emulsion stabilizer.

 

Carrageenan
Food-grade carrageenan is an extract of red seaweed (Chondrus crispus). It is used to thicken and stabilize a large array of food products, including frozen yogurt and reduced-fat ice cream. It’s used as a thickening agent in toothpaste.

 

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium, also known as cellulose gum, is used as a thickener for creamy toothpastes.

 

Cocamidopropyl betaine
A foaming ingredient derived from coconut oil, cocamidopropyl betaine helps to emulsify and maintain consistency in flavors while the product is in the tube. When brushing, the foaming action helps distribute the paste in the mouth and then helps to remove debris from the mouth for better rinsing.

 

D&C Yellow #10 and D&C Red #30
Synthetic dyes produced from petroleum or coal tar sources; these dyes are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

FD&C Blue #1
Synthetic dye produced from petroleum; this dye is FDA-approved for use in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

 

Glycerin
Glycerin is a compound which can be used to balance and maintain moisture levels. In toothpaste, it prevents the product from drying out and helps to preserve the product — it also contributes to a good mouth-feel and improves flavor. It may be of animal origin, and is thus listed in the PETA’s Caring Consumer guide as a byproduct of soap manufacture which typically uses animal fat.

 

Hydrated silica
Hydrated silica is a derivative of silicon dioxide (found in nature as sand or quartz). It is a clear gel that acts as an abrasive in gel toothpastes. In opaque toothpaste, hydrated silica acts as a secondary abrasive. 

 

Mica
Mica is from the phyllosilicate mineral family — powdered white mica is used in a number of cosmetics, including toothpaste, for its sparkle. It is also used as a mild abrasive to aid in polishing of the tooth surface.

PEG-8 and PEG-12
The term “PEG” (polyethylene glycol) is used for synthetic polymers of ethylene oxide — in toothpaste they are used as a humectants and solvents. Humectants prevent water loss and act as stabilizers. (According to Environmental Working Group or EWG, these polymers can be contaminated with potentially toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane.)

 

Poloxamer 407
Derived from petroleum, poloxamer 335 and 407 belong in the surfactant category, which allows oil-based ingredients to be dissolved into a water-based solution.

 

Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin conditioning agent and in toothpaste as a humectant. It has been associated with irritant and allergic contact dermatitis as well as contact urticaria (hives) in humans; these sensitization effects can be manifested at propylene glycol concentrations as low as 2 percent.

 

PVM/MA copolymer
PVM/MA Copolymer is a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride and is used as a binder.

 

Sodium benzoate
Sodium benzoate prevents the buildup of micro-organisms in the toothpaste, which is good because keeping toothpaste cold in the fridge might make brushing sensitive teeth rather uncomfortable.

 

Sodium fluoride

Fluoride is one of the more controversial ingredients in toothpaste. According to the ADA, fluoride is the most important ingredient for healthy teeth: It strengthens enamel, prevents cavities and fights plaque. The debate surrounding the safety of fluoride stretches back to the 1950s when the move to add fluoride to drinking water began. Fluoride ingested in unsafe levels is toxic to humans, and the FDA mandates warning labels on all products containing the chemical that reads: “Keep out of reach of children aged 6 and under. If more than is used for normal brushing is swallowed, contact your physician or local poison control center.”
 

Except in rare cases of allergic reaction resulting in continued vomiting and dehydration, the worst symptoms of fluoride poisoning in children are diarrhea and nausea, according to the New York Times. Of the 4,453 cases of unintended ”fluoride exposure” reported to poison-control centers last year, 99 percent were minor and not one was life-threatening.

 

Sodium hydroxide

Otherwise known as lye or caustic soda. In toothpaste it works to neutralize the pH of other ingredients.

 

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

Before the 1940s, toothpaste contained soap. Now SLS is used as the detergent part of the toothpaste, which makes the toothpaste lather in your mouth. (It’s commonly found in shampoos for the same purpose.) SLS has a reputation for being a skin irritant, and in a study located in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it was found that a significantly higher frequency of aphthous ulcers (canker sores) was demonstrated when the patients brushed with an SLS-containing toothpaste.

 

SLS Bonus! The ingredient is also responsible for the unpleasant taste of orange juice after you brush your teeth. SLS desensitizes the taste buds that pick up sweetness, so your tongue is getting only the sour and bitter flavors.

 

Sodium saccharin

Since toothpaste manufacturers aren’t going to add sugar to mask the many bitter flavors listed here — they turn to artificial sweeteners, like saccharin.

 

Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used in food products and is used in toothpaste for sweetening, but it is also used as a humectant and texturizing agent.

 

Titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide is an inorganic compound used as a colorant in a range of body care products such as sunscreens and makeup. It gives non-gel toothpastes their bright whiteness.

 

Titanium dioxide has been described as a possible human carcinogen by the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety.
 

Triclosan

Triclosan is an ingredient added to many consumer products as an antimicrobial ingredient, especially in antibacterial soaps and body washes — but also in cosmetics and some toothpastes, where it is used to fight gingivitis. The chemical is so prevalent that a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the chemical present in the urine of 75 percent of Americans over the age of 5. Scientists have also found that one-third of the bottlenose dolphins tested off South Carolina and almost one-quarter of those tested off Florida carried traces of triclosan, from wastewater, in their blood.

 

Triclosan is listed by the EPA as a pesticide.

 

According to the FDA: “Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation. However, data showing effects in animals don’t always predict effects in humans. Other studies in bacteria have raised the possibility that triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. In light of these studies, FDA is engaged in an ongoing scientific and regulatory review of this ingredient. FDA does not have sufficient safety evidence to recommend changing consumer use of products that contain triclosan at this time.”

 

Xanthan gum

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide, a sugar-based polymer produced by bacteria; it is used as a viscosity agent in personal care products and foods.

 

So there you have it. Most of us are careful and don’t gulp down massive amounts of toothpaste, but according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, swallowing a large amount of regular toothpaste may cause stomach pain and possible intestinal blockage. As well as convulsions, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, drooling, heart attack, shock, tremors and vomiting.

The moral of the story? Rinse and spit well.

 

 MI

Indians in Kuwait gathered at Embassy to seek help

Hundreds of Indian expat workers, majority of them from Rajasthan, gathered on the Indian embassy premises seeking the embassy’s help in securing either release or information of people who were arrested during a raid in Bneid Al- Gar last week. The workers numbering over 300 request the embassy to intervene on their behalf. They complained to the embassy officials that there was no information about them after the arrest.

Acting Ambassador Vidhu P Nair spoke to the gathered people and held separate talks with their representatives in his office. He will be meeting the consular director at the Kuwait Foreign Ministry on Monday morning, informed the Embassy officials.

Embassy officials informed IndiansinKuwait.com that they visited detained Indians at deportation centers. The embassy is also in constant touch with foreign ministry officials in New Delhi.

According to the present residency law in Kuwait, people who enter the country on Article 20 visas are permitted to work only under their sponsors. Authorities are targeting those who are illegally staying in the country, those holding domestic work permits but not working for their sponsors and those holding work visa but working for other companies that their original sponsor.

Source : http://www.IndiansinKuwait.com

Austrian bank employee ‘drops 90,000 euros into river’

An Austrian bank employee has found himself in hot water after he unloaded bags containing 90,000 euros ($117,000) from his car boot to fix a puncture — only to see the money to fall into a river below.

The incident reportedly happened on May 7 as the employee was transporting the cash from a small bank branch in Obertauern in western Salzburg province to the main office in nearby Radstadt, the daily Salzburger Nachrichten reported on Saturday.

As he was repairing the flat tyre, the bags of money which he had placed on a steep slope slipped into the river below, the worker claimed.

The police, fire department and mountain rescue teams conducted a thorough search of the waterway but were only able to recover 3,000 euros, the Austria Press Agency said. 

No witnesses have confirmed the employee’s story but the police said no criminal investigation has been launched.

The employee, who was using his own car for the money run, has been sacked for not following procedure, according to the bank.

The police has warned potential fortune hunters not to go searching for the money: given the tricky mountain terrain and waterfalls along the river, it would be “absolutely senseless,” said police spokesman Anton Schentz.

Pressure from Kristen Stewart led to break-up with Robert Pattinson

The 27-year-old actor was allegedly given an ultimatum by Stewart, 23, and decided to break up with her after she ignored his pleas to take their relationship slowly.

Kristen Stewart with Robert Pattinson in happier times – Getty Images

Actress Kristen Stewart reportedly put too much pressure on actor-boyfriend Robert Pattinson and that led to their break-up again.

The 27-year-old actor was allegedly given an ultimatum by Stewart, 23, and decided to break up with her after she ignored his pleas to take their relationship slowly, reports contactmusic.com.

A source said, “Kristen wanted to go straight back to where they’d been before they first split up and pushed Rob really hard on it. She wanted the whole package- the house, the wedding and even the baby. It was all way too much for Rob to handle.”

“If Rob had got his way, they would still be dating but taking things slow. Rob asked for space and it sent her over the edge. She told him if he wanted a break, it would be permanent,” the source added.

Stewart is reportedly furious that Pattinson took the “easy way out”.

A friend of Pattinson said, “Rob has been a mess. He’s the one that ultimately pulled the plug, but that doesn’t mean it’s any easier on him. Rob loves Kristen and he truly wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.”

Related articles

• Pressure from Kristen Stewart led to her break-up with Pattinson (ibnlive.in.com)
• Kristen Stewart’s pressure on Pattinson (contactmusic.com)