Social Work for Mankind

Malnutrition in India Is Widespread

2012-01-20T11:05:00.001+05:30

Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when our body does not get enough nutrients. It is the condition that results from taking an unbalanced diet in which certain nutrients are lacking. According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition is the biggest contributor to child mortality.

According to estimates made by the World Bank, India ranks second in the world of children suffering from malnutrition, after Bangladesh (in 1998), where 47 percent of India’s children below the age of three years are malnourished (underweight).

The UN estimates that 2.1 million Indian children die before reaching the age of 5 every year – four every minute – mostly from preventable illnesses such as diarrhoea, typhoid, malaria, measles and pneumonia. Every day, 1,000 Indian children die because of diarrhoea alone.

The 2011 Global Hunger Index (GHI) Report ranked India 15th, amongst leading countries with hunger situation. At the same time more than 100 million people (11% of Indian population) in India are over-nourished.

Nearly 50% of females aged 15 – 19 face under-nutrition, 40% of women in rural areas and 36% of women in urban areas were found to have mild anaemia. 40% of women in rural areas, and 36% of women in urban areas were found to have mild anaemia.

Odisha begins preparation for Panchyat Election 2012

2012-01-06T23:35:00.001+05:30

Panchayat Raj is a system of governance in which gram panchayats are the basic units of administration. It has 3 levels: village, block and district.

Govt of Odisha declared that Panchayat election in Odisha will be held in February 11, 2012. This Panchayat election will be done in 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th and 19th February 2012 in five phases.

After election, calculation of votes will be done in the voting counters. In March 3, voting for Naib Sarpanch,In 11th Voting for Secretary of Panchayat Samiti, In 13th voting for secretary of Zilla parisad will be done.

In this election totally 2,44,82,765 voters will choose 1,00,841 leaders as Sarpanchs, Ward members, Nominees and members of zilla parisad.

From the 1,00,841 leaders, 87,528 persons will be selected as ward members, 6228 will be selected as Sarpanchs, 6231 persons as nominees and 854 persons will be selected as members of zilla parisad.

To 10 Best Things in India 2011

2011-12-31T12:04:00.000+05:30

1. India won ICC Cricket World Cup

India won their ICC Cricket World Cup final match against Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in Mumbai April 2, 2011. It was the tenth Cricket World Cup. It was Bangladesh's first time co-hosting a World Cup. It was estimated that the number of 1 billion TV viewers saw the match worldwide perhaps the most viewed sports event ever.

2. Anna Hazare breaks fast after 288 hours

Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare broke his fast after 12 days. That event was celebrated as the victory of people's power. This movement has created a faith that the country can be rid of corruption and we can go ahead with implementing laws and the Constitution made by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. His future agenda was to chose reforms in election, education systems and working for the betterment of farmers and labourers.

3. India Census 2011

India's population rose to 1.21 billion people over the last 10 years but the growth rate is slower for the first time in nine decades. India has 623.7 million males and 586.5 million women and for every 1000 male infants, there are 914 girls. The literacy rate has increased from 64.83 per cent in 2001 to 74.04 per cent in 2011.

4. Russian court dismisses plea to ban Bhagavad Gita

A Russian court has decided not to ban a religious text central to the global Hare Krishna movemen. Hindus in Russia celebrated their legal victory over efforts to have the Bhagavad Gita banned.The Indian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday it appreciated “this sensible resolution of a sensitive issue.”

5. Death of top Maoist leader Kishanji

Top Maoist leader Koteswar Rao alias Kishenji has been killed in an encounter with security forces at Burishol village in Junglemahal area of West Bengal. He was a a shrewd fighter, a marksman and a ruthless killer. TOI reported that he killed nearly 100 people in the whole life of Kishenji.

6. India's first Formula One Grand Prix

The nation's first Formula One Grand Prix grand finale kicked off today with current world champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull on pole position. Celebrities from India and abroad have reached the stadium for this mega event. Formula 1 has arrived in India and it is here for five years for sure.

7. Indian men, women lift Kabaddi World Cup

India defeated Canada 59-25 to win the kabbadi World Cup.Australia and USA teams were disqualified as most of their players were found dope positive by NADA.after a 20-day long competition in which 14 countries for men section and four countries in women section had vied for Rs 4.11 crore prize money.Nov 20, 2011.

8. Virender Sehwag's 219 Runs in the 4th ODI

Virender Sehwag, made a strong come back in the 4th ODI against West indies at Indore by breaking the record of 200, done by Sachin Tendulkar the highest score in a one-day international, setting up to a new mark of 219. Sehwag’s runs came off just 149 balls.

9.Union Budget of India 2011-12

Finally the much awaited Union budget 2011-2012 has been presented in the parliament. The budget estimates for 2011-12 projects Rs 9,32,440 crore - an increase of 24 per cent. Expenditure in 2011-12 is estimated at Rs 12,57,729 crore, an increase of 13.4%. Union Budget 2011-12 to serve as a transition towards a more transparent and result oriented economic management system in India. Revenue deficit fixed at 2.3% in revised estimates of 2010-11 and 1.8% in 2011-12.

10. Gujarat attracts Rs 20.83 lakh Crore investment in 2 days

Leading industrialists of India have flocked to Gujrat to sign MOU’s during the two-day long Vibrant Gujarat Summit that began on 1/12/2011. Chief Minister announced that the state has been able to attract investments to the tune of Rs 20.83 lakh crores during the two-day long Summit. As many as 7,936 MOUs were signed by the state government with several industrial houses to invest in the state.

Top 12 Tragedies in India 2011

2011-12-27T21:07:00.010+05:30

A tragedy is defined as an event that results in great loss, misfortune, and usually death. Throughout the year many strange and unexpected events have caused pain and suffering to millions of people. From these experiences we learn more about how to predict and prevent these occurrences from happening again. Let's have a look on these 10 Tragedies in India which were occurred in 2011.

1. Hooch tragedy in West Bengal: Toll mounts to 171

The death count in West Bengal's hooch tragedy rose to 171. The victims fell ill after consuming spurious liquor from several illegal joints. The government suspended an excise officer in charge of Diamond Harbour range, for "not conducting raids properly" against illegal liquor dens. The hooch victims included labourers, rickshaw pullers and hawkers.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a CID probe for this tragedy.

2. Kolkata: AMRI hospital fire death toll climbs to 93

At least 93 patient suffocated to death when a massive fire broke in the seven-storey private AMRI Hospital at Dhakuria in south Kolkata on Dec 9, 2011. The AMRI Hospital fire was the worst fire tragedy in any hospital in Indi.

3. More than 50 die in India's doctor strike in Rajasthan

The strike being carried out by government doctors in Rajasthan is nearing a weak now and 50 patients have died in hospitals across the state due to the absence of doctors”.

A total of 410 doctors have been arrested, most of them under the Rajasthan Essential Services Maintenance Act (RESMA), and 40 doctors have been suspended, official sources said.

4. Death of Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Sri Sathya Sai Baba was born in November 23 1926.He is a spiritual leader whose life and message are inspiring millions of people throughout the world. and died in 24 April 2011.

"The news of the death of Sathya Sai Baba has greatly pained to people worldwide. Thousands of devotees, from commoners to VIPs and celebrities are making their way to the pilgrim town for a last glimpse of Sai Baba.

Baba's passing away is a great loss to the country. He will be remembered for his nobel deeds.

5. Death of a Bollywood legend and Ghazal king

Legendary actor Dev Anand was given a tearful farewell by his fans on December 3 at the age of 88. Dev Anand was an actor of distinction who entertained a generation of film lovers as the evergreen romantic hero. He was a Legendary Actor, Director, Writer and Producer of Hindi Film industry. The film industry had lost a creative talent personality of graceful ageing with dignity.

Dev Anand will be given a special tribute by the younger generation of Bollywood at the “57 Idea Filmfare Awards” at Film City in Mumbai on January 29 next year.

Jagjit Singh,The ghazal king died on October 10, 2011 at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after he suffered a brain hemorrhage. He was 70.

He was a singer, composer, activist and entrepreneur. He has sung in several languages including Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Nepali.

His death is really a great loss to the music industry and this place will never fulfill.

6. Rupee falls to 53.24 per US dollar

In a crushing blow to the Indian currency, the Indian Rupee plummeted to an all time low against the US Dollar as 53.24 per US dollar.

The domestic currency moved in a range between Rs 53.03 and Rs 53.24 per dollar during morning deals.

7. India experiences tremendous fuel hikes

While fuel hikes in India are fairly common under political pretexts, they’re definitely not welcome. 4th November 2011 saw the fifth oil price hike of the year 2011, with an increase of Rs. 1.82 per liter. That was the second hike within the last 2 months.

8. India Cold Wave Death Toll Surges to 133

At least 133 people have died due to two-week-long cold wave across northern and eastern India.

Most of the death occured in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous place.

9. Big earthquake in Sikkim

The 2011 Sikkim earthquake also known as the 2011 Himalayan earthquake. More than 111 people were killed in the earthquake.

The earthquake was felt across Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern India, Bangladesh and southern Tibet.

10. Sabarimala stampede kills over 106

Sabarimala stampede was the worst recorded accident. The 2011 stampede was a human stampede on 14 January 2011 at Sabarimala in Kerala, India. It broke out during an annual pilgrimage, killed 106 pilgrims and more than 100 are injured.

Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan announced a grant of INR500,000 for families of each of the victims.

11. India: Floods - Jul 2011

By mid-July, Floods have affected more than 2,500,000, killed more than 130 across the country.

Since late August, the monsoon season flooding has affected more than 10 million people in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

12. Naxal attacks in India

Over 500 people including 124 security personnel were killed in 1,476 attacks carried out by Naxals in various states. Out of the total 513 deaths as killed 389 civilians and 124 security force personnel. The highest of 182 were in Chhattisgarh, 137 in Jharkhand, 50 in Maharashtra, 49 each in Bihar and Odisha and 40 in West Bengal.

Centre approves 4.5% minorities quota within OBC Quota

2011-12-23T14:12:00.001+05:30

The cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has cleared a 4.5% minority quota within the existing 27% OBC (other backward classes) quota for government jobs and universities under section 2 (C) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.

The decision comes on a day the government included minorities in the 50 per cent quota in the Lokpal bill.

The BJP says the quota within a quota is unconstitutional. "Backward classes need to be empowered. They are not in favour of this move."

Cabinet Clears Food Security Bill

2011-12-19T16:57:00.001+05:30

Due to more starvation among the poor, centre took a step to provide food security to the poor. The government sunday approved food security bill by which 63.% of the country's population will get benefit.

Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1949) recognizes the right of everyone to adequate food.

The Cabinet, presided by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, gave green signal to the draft National Food Security Bill. The Bill is expected to be tabled in ongoing parliament session.

the food subsidy bill is expected to rise by Rs 27,663 crore at nearly Rs 95,000 crore, while foodgrains requirement would go up to 61 million tonnes from 55 million tonnes, as per the Cabinet proposal.

The bill seeks to provide 7 kg of rice, wheat and coarse grains to all people below poverty line every month at Rs 3, Rs 2 and Rs 1 per kg. In rural area, up to 75% and in urban area 50% of people will be covered by this new bill.

Bharat Ratna for sports persons; Sachin in focus

2011-12-17T12:26:00.001+05:30

Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award. Bharat Ratna means “Jewel of India” or “Gem of India”. Bharat Ratna awarded for the highest degrees of national service.

“Instead of the fields of art, literature, science and public services, now on November 16, government has notified that now the Bharat Ratna covers all fields and it can be awarded in recognition of distinguished performance in any field of human endeavour.

The Centre's decision to modify the eligibility criteria for the Bharat Ratna was really appreciated on Friday.

It will really a great day when any sportsperson is named as an awardee of Bharat Ratna. The hockey legend Dhyan Chand and Sachin Tendulkar are the strong contenders now.

A special thanks to the sports minister for suggesting and recommending a category for sports persons.Not only hockey or cricket but every sports man should get the benefit according to their excellency.

'Indian Parliament Attack', Dec 13 2001

2011-12-13T17:22:00.000+05:30

On 13 December five gunmen entered to the India Parliament house with Home Ministry and Parliament labels. While both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha had been adjourned 40 minutes prior to the incident, many Members of Parliament (MPs) and government officials as LK Advani and Minister of State for Defence Harin Pathak were still been in the building at the time of the attack.

The 2001 Indian Parliament attack by Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists was a painful incident which led to the death of dozen people, five terrorists and six police men. Mohammed Afzal Guru who was the main accused of this incident was sentenced to death and he should be hanged. But he and his family member appealed for mercy petition to the president. After a decade also, Indian Govt. have failed to take any decision regarding Mohammed Afzal Guru's death sentence.

Though the family of Kamlesh Kumari, a CRPF Jawan who died in the attack has said that they would return the Ashok Chakra awarded to her, if the president accepts the petition, but it is unclear if it had been done so. On 13 December 2006, the families of the deceased returned the medals to the government.

Stop Violence against Women

2011-11-25T11:11:00.001+05:30

Violence against women and girls is still one of the world's most widespread human rights violations. It affects women of all ages, races, cultures and social backgrounds, and it happens everywhere: at home and at work, on the streets and in schools, in times of peace and during and after conflict. That's why November 25, marking as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over another.It does not discriminate. It happens among heterosexual couples and in same-sex partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. And while women are more commonly victimized.

The United Nations defines violence against women as 'any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.'
Domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse, occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence.

According to United Nation Population Fund Report, around two-third of married Indian women are victims of domestic violence and as many as 70 per cent of married women in India between the age of 15 and 49 are victims of beating, rape or forced sex. In India, more than 55 percent of the women suffer from domestic violence, especially in the states of Bihar, U.P., M.P. and other northern states.

Orissa becomes 'Odisha' & Oriya is 'Odia'

2011-11-06T14:24:00.001+05:30

The Lok Sabha made minor amendments to the Orissa Bill and the Constitution (113th) Amendment Bill, which have already been approved by the Rajya Sabha.

From today onwards in every place within odisha and everywhere, people will use Odisha instead of Orissa and Odiya becomes Oriya.

Thanks to President of India Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Chief Minister of Odisha, Mr. Naveen Patnaik, that after a long 75 years of struggle Odisha now got its real identity.

October - The Breast Cancer Awareness Month Worldwide

2011-10-23T20:07:00.001+05:30

October is the national breast cancer awareness month. Due to poor hygiene conditions breast cancer cases are more among rural women and it's common in urban women. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women today, after lung cancer.

According to WHO 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. The lifetime probability of developing breast cancer in India is one in 22 women compared to one in eight in US. UK and other developed countries. In India, the number of new breast cancer cases is about 115,000 per year and this is expected to rise to 250,000 new cases per year by 2015.

Each year 10.9 million people suffer from breast cancer worldwide that results in 6.7 million deaths each year.

Breast Cancer Rate Worldwide
Age 20-29: 1 in 2,000
Age 30-39: 1 in 229
Age 40-49: 1 in 68
Age 50-59: 1 in 37
Age 60-69: 1 in 26
Ever: 1 in 8

Celebration of The World Food Day Worldwide

2011-10-16T12:44:00.001+05:30

The World Food Day is celebrating across the world on October 16th. It's celebrated in honor of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945.

The World Food Day is also called as the Food Engineer day.It's main aim is to make awareness about the hunger and poverty and how to reduce this evil.

The theme for 2011 is "Food prices - from crisis to stability".

The objectives of World Food Day are to

Encourage attention to agricultural food production
Encourage economic and technical cooperation among developing countries;
Make awrareness for participation of rural people, particularly women and the least privileged categories, in decisions and activities influencing their living conditions;
Heighten public awareness of the problem of hunger in the world
Promote the transfer of technologies to the developing world
Strengthen international and national solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty and Draw attention to achievements in food and agricultural development

Anna Hazare breaks fast after 288 hours

2011-08-28T10:19:00.001+05:30

A historic Parliament debate regarding anti-corruption legislation that ended with the broad acceptance of key demands of the social reformer.

Both houses of Parliament Saturday adopted a 'sense of the House' on Anna Hazare’s three conditions for an effective Lokpal bill as establishment of Lok Ayuktas in the states, a Citizen’s Charter, and inclusion of the lower bureaucracy in the Lokpal bill.

After 12 days fight, Anna Hazare is poised to end his fast. Anna responded by announcing that he will break his fast at 10am today. “But the battle is only half-won,” he said.

It's really a great achievement for the common citizen and a land mark for the country that a 74-year-old Hazare began his fast for a strong bill to have a Lokpal institution to tackle pervasive corruption and some how he succeed in this field.

May God give patience and that spirit to all our citizen to go against corruption.

Jai Hind........

Major Mitali Madhumita becomes the first woman officer to get gallantry award

2011-08-20T10:33:00.001+05:30

Major Mitali Madhumita became the first woman officer to be awarded the gallantry medal for her bravery. She played a significant role in rescuing colleagues who were trapped beneath the debris. Major Madhumita, of the Army Education Corps, was the first officer to reach the Indian guesthouse that came under attack by suicide bombers on February 26..

She not only made proud to Odisha but also made a remarkable history. Her courage, bravery and pioneering work sets a bold example for women everywhere.

India celebrates its 65th Independence Day

2011-08-15T12:35:00.000+05:30

"A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new…India discovers herself again." - J.L.Nehru

India got its independence from the clutches of British rule on 15th August 1947. It was this day when India’s tricolor flag was unfolded by Pandit Nehru on the Red Fort at Delhi.

Today we are celebrating 65th Independence Day. The significance of the Independence Day in the existence of a nation is of greater value. We can called the day as celebrating the anniversary of India’s free statehood. This is the memorable day when we feel proud as we are free to live as a human being not as a bonded labour.

It's alo the day to remember and give tribute to to the great freedom fghters who gave us freedom "A Beautiful Nation As Bharat".

The Prime Minister said the government will establish a new Education Commission to suggest improvements of education at all levels. Health will also be given high priority in the 12th Five Year Plan. Malnutrition in women and children is a matter of concern. Mr Singh also inspire people to fight against the battle of terrorist. He is admitting that it's the time to end corruption from the land and also give respect to Anna Hazare’s agitation to end it.

Thanks to Google to celebrate Indian Indepenence Day by using a doodle on its home page.

Dengue alert in Balangir, Odisha. Check it's Symptoms & How to Prevent it

2011-07-22T10:24:00.001+05:30

Diptiprakash Ray, A native from Balangir died of Dengue. He was suspected of dengue and reffered to Burla medical. He tested positive and referred to Ispat General Hospital (IGH) in Rourkela for treatment. But he died immediately reaching at Rourkela. The district administration alert the people to prevent the spread of the disease.

To prevent the spread of dengue fever, you must first prevent the breeding of its vector, the Aedes mosquito. The Aedes mosquito is easily identifiable by its distinctive black and white stripes on their body. It prefers to breed in clean, stagnant water easily found in our homes. You can get rid of the Aedes mosquito by frequently checking and removing stagnant water in your premises.

Symptoms of Dengue:

Headache, fever, exhaustion, severe muscle and joint pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy), and rash. bleeding gums, severe pain behind the eyes, and red palms and soles.

Prevention:

Mosquito coil and electric mosquito mat/ liquid has to be placed near possible entrance, such as window, for mosquito
Proper solid waste disposal, elimination of stagnant water in domestic environment and improved water storage practices
Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers when going outdoors. Bodies could be protected from mosquito bite by applying insect repellent
Mosquito bednet could be used when the room is not air-conditioned

Lokpal Bill Draft Panel to Meet Today

2011-05-07T15:06:00.000+05:30

The Government and civil society members of the lokpal bill joint committee are to hold their third meeting in New Delhi on Saturday evening to draft a stringent anti-draft law.

The joint drafting committee comprising five union ministers and social activist Anna Hazare's representatives will meet here today to take forward the latest version of the Jan Lokpal Bill to combat corruption. The meeting, to be held at 4.30pm in North Block, is likely to see some progress in drafting of the anti-graft bill.

The Committee has five union ministers and five social activists on the panel. Both the government and civil society have exchanged the drafts of the proposed legislation prepared by them and held discussions on several major issues in the second meeting. The next two meetings are scheduled for May 23 and May 30.

The first meeting of the joint committee was held April 16 when a modified draft of the Jan Lokpal Bill, the activist's version of the anti-graft legislation, was presented to the government.

This bill has taken 40 years, still not passed by our elected representatives. We had different government in power, but none wanted this to come up as this would be the biggest hurdle for the corrupt politicians.

The Lokpal bill is an outcome of the findings of the Santhanam Committee for the Prevention of Corruption in 1966.

Every political party has included the Lokpal bill issue in their election manifesto, but none has implemented it.
In 2004 our current Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh had promised on this issue, but still nothing has happened.

Please Go Through This Petition to know more about the Lokpal Bill

http://www.petitiononline.com/lokpal/petition.html

US forces kill Osama bin Laden in Pakistan

2011-05-02T14:02:00.001+05:30

Almost 10 years after the 9/11 terror strike, Al-Qaeda Leader Osama bin Laden was Sunday night killed by US forces after being hounded in a special operation in Abbottabad in Pakistan. Bin Laden, 54, is dead and his body is in US custody, President Barack Obama announced today.

He was reported dead Sunday night, was killed during a carefully coordinated U.S. military operation. The plan to kill bin Laden was put into action at Abbottabad, a city about 75 miles north of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.

Laden studied business administration at King Abdulaziz University. He was a graduate in civil engineering and public administration. He was doing so many charitable works.

He had raised his voice against the injustices done to Muslims by the United States and other non-Muslim states. He was supporting to the Taliban group, which was indeed torturing Muslim women in the name of religion.

A Tribute To Sathya Sai Baba

2011-04-24T23:29:00.001+05:30

A human body is associated with six stages of transformation: birth, growth, change, evolution, death and destruction.
Death accepts no excuse.

Sathya Sai Baba (Sathyanarayana Raju) was born in Puttaparthi in the Ananthpur district of Andhra Pradesh on November 23 1926. His mission would be to create spiritual regeneration of humanity. Sathya Sai Baba and his organisations support a variety of free educational institutions, hospitals, and other charitable works in India and abroad.

Sai Baba was hospitalised on March 28. He died of cardiac and respiratory failure. He was 85.

Sathya Sai Baba who was in critical condition for last 28 days passed away on April 24, 2011 at 7.40 am. He was admitted in a super-specialty hospital at Prashantigram at Puttaparthi which he himself had created for the common people. After being on ventilator support for many days with all his vital parameters failing, Sai Baba died of cardio-respiratory failure.

Celebration of Earth Day & The Theme for Its Sustainability

2011-04-22T12:29:00.000+05:30

Earth Day Is The World’s Birthday!
Save Earth or Die!!!!!!!!!!!

Earth Day has actually gained much political support since the first Earth Day in 1970 in the United States when a senator in Wisconsin called for an environmental teach-in. Senator Nelson got the idea for Earth Day when he saw an oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969 and wanted to raise awareness of the effects such man-made disasters can have on ecosystems. Thousands of organizations joined in and supported that first Earth Day with events taking place in New York City and Philadelphia. The 20th and 30th anniversaries of Earth Day mobilized the caused to countries around the world and the United Nations has since designated April 22nd as Earth Day.

The fight for a clean environment continues in a climate of increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day.

The message is loud and clear: Our planet needs help to sustain us and we need to stand up and be counted. The Earth today faces many problems; global warming is one of the major ones. Other problems include pesticide overuse, unplanned drilling of oil-wells, reckless deforestation, overfishing of certain delicate marine species, denudation of coral reefs and expansion of deserts.

Google in its very own special way reminds us all that today is Earth Day with a beautiful Google doodle. In India the 2011 theme for Earth day is ‘Sustainable Water Resources: Rural and Urban Challenges’. In the United States this year Earth Day is themed after A Billion Acts of Green according to earthday.org. The elements of the 2011 Earth Day campaign includes; The Canopy Project, Green Schools, Women and Green Economy, Athletes for the Earth, Creating Climate Wealth and Arts for the Earth.

Earth Day Network and Facebook are collaborating to engage people worldwide in environmental action through the Billion Acts of Green campaign. The two organizations have created a new application to motivate people to reduce their impact on the environment.

5 Disturbing Parts Of Indian Census 2011

2011-04-18T22:56:00.001+05:30

The Indian Census is the most credible source of information on Demography (Population characterstics), Economic Activity, Literacy and Education, Housing & Household Amenities, Urbanisation, Fertility and Mortality, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Language, Religion, Migration, Disability and many other socio-cultural and demographic data since 1872.

Census 2011 is the 15th National Census of the Country. This is the only source of primary data in the village, town and ward level, It provides valuable information for planning and formulation policies for Central and the State Governments and is widely used by National and International Agencies, Scholars, business people, industrialists, and many more.

Disturbing part of the statistics
1.Unemployment Rate
2. Poverty Rate
3. Hunger and Malnutrition
4. Housing/Slum Problem
5. Environment Pollution

Unemployment
The unemployment rate in India is estimated at 9.4 percent or 94 persons out of 1000 persons in the labour force for the fixed reference period of FY 2009-10, according to employment-unemployment survey by the Labour Bureau under the Labour and Employment Ministry.From 1983 until 2000, India’s Unemployment Rate averaged 7.20 percent reaching an historical high of 8.30 percent in December of 1983.

Poverty
As per the findings of Tendulkar Committeeon Poverty , India’s poverty rate is estimated at 37.2% of the total population, rather than a figure of 27.5% used previously. This implies an increase in the number of BPL households from 65.2 million to almost 80 million. on Poverty , India’s poverty rate is estimated at 37.2% of the total population, rather than a figure of 27.5% used previously. This implies an increase in the number of BPL households from 65.2 million to almost 80 million..

Hunger and Malnutrition
India ranks 67 on the Global Hunger Index 2010, conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) among 88 nations.India may be the second fastest growing economy in the world, but it fares far worse than lesser deve-oped countries such as Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the neighbourhood, when it comes to taking care of its malnourished children. India is home to 42% of the underweight children under the age of five year in the world.

Housing/Slum Problem
As per the report of Pranab Sen Committee constituted to look in to various aspects of slum cesnus, country’s slum population had grown by 17.8 million people in the last decade.The committee projected the slum population in 2011 at 93.06 million, up from 75.26 million in 2001 as per the new definition poverty. The 2001 census figures pegged the slum population at 52.40 million.

Environment Pollution
Poverty combined with escalating population has placed undue pressure on the forests as they are being cut down
without any remorse. Some other effects of population tsunami on surrounding environment (directly or indirectly) are given here :
     • Air Pollution
     • Water Pollution
     • Noise Polltuion
     • Deforestration which further responsible for :
           global warming,decreased biodiversity, soil erosion,
           reduce rainfall, desertification, flooding, removal of
           habitats for animal, removal of topsoil.

World Health Day – Awareness Campaign for Antimicrobial resistance and its global spread

2011-04-07T11:48:00.001+05:30

“He who has health, has hope. And he who has hope, has everything.”
The greatest wealth is health. ~Virgil

World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO conducts public awareness campaign including a special focus on the HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics. Various governments and non-governmental organizations are also doing so many health awerness programmes and capaigns with interests in public health isssues.

The main aim of World Health Day, this year is "Antimicrobial resistance and its global spread" and focuses on the need for governments and stakeholders to implement the policies, prevent and counter the emergence of highly resistant microorganisms. WHO is calling to safeguard antimicrobial medicines for future generations.

In the special occasion of World Health Day, WHO is introducing a six-point policy package to combat the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

    * develop and implement a comprehensive, financed national plan
    * strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity
    * ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines of assured quality
    * regulate and promote rational use of medicines
    * enhance infection prevention and control
    * foster innovation and research and development for new tools.

Ban a book that says Mahatma Gandhi is bisexual

2011-04-03T14:07:00.000+05:30

Mahatma Gandhi was bisexual and left his wife to live with a German-Jewish bodybuilder & a wealthy architect, a controversial biography has claimed. The leader of the Indian independence movement is said to have been deeply in love with Hermann Kallenbach.

Government should initiate steps to ban sale of a controversial book on Mahatma Gandhi by Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Joseph Lelyveld. Gandhiji was a respected leader and is known as the father of nation. He led the freedom movement of India. The government should initiate steps to ensure that the book is not published in the India.

"This is very serious that the author of the book has raised questions about the character of Gandhiji who initiated non-violence movement.

The revelations about Gandhi are likely to be deeply contested by his millions of followers around the world for whom he is revered with almost God-like status.

Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1370554/Gandhi-left-wife-live-male-lover-new-book-claims.html

Celebrate the Utkal Divas or Odisha Day

2011-04-01T10:03:00.004+05:30

Utkal Divas or Odisha Day is celebrated on 1st April in Odisha in the memory of the formation of the state as a separate province on 1st April, 1936. Utkal Divas in Odisha (Oriya: ଓଡିଶା), also known as Orissa (Oriya: ଓଡି଼ଶା), is a state of India, located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. Now with the changes in name from Orissa to Odisha it get the proper status.

Odisha was formed after a long struggle of around 350 years. The last Hindu ruler of the Odisha was Mukunda Dev. Utkal Sammilani lead by Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Bhubanananda Das and many others played a key role in the formation of Odhisha state.

Odisha was the first state to be delineated on the modern line of languages. As part of Utkal Divas celebrations, cultural programmes, seminars and various competitive activities are organised in various parts of the state. The Day is celebrated as State Holiday in Odisha.

Bande Utkala Janani is the poem written by Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra, which is the official Anthem of the state Odisha. In this auspicious occasion i present the complete poem to all Odisha people. This is what i want to say about Odisha (Udro, Kalinga, Ekamra, Utkal.) :

Bande utkala janani
charu hasmayi charu bhasamayi
janani, janani, janani
puta-payodhi-bidhyota-sharira
talatamala-susobhita-tira
shubhra tatnikula-shikara-shamira
janani, janani, janani
ghana bana bhumi rajitaange
nila bhudh aramala saje tarange
kalakara mukhrita charu bihange
janani, janani, janani
sundarashali-susobhita-kshetra
gnyana bignyna-pradarshita-netra
jogi rushingana utaja-pabitra
janani, janani, janani
sundara mandira mandita-desha
charu kalabali-shobhita-besha
punya tirthachaya-purna pradesha
janani, janani, janani
utkala surabara-darpita-geha
arikula-shonita-charchita-deha
biswa bhumandala-krutabar-sneha
janani, janani, janani
kabikulamouli sunandana-bandya
bhubana bighoshita-kirti anindya
dhanye,punye,chira sharanye
janani, janani, janani.

….. Jai Jagannath …...

Let's join the Earth Hour 2011 from 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM Today

2011-03-26T13:52:00.000+05:30

Earth Hour came from a think tank initiated by Earth Hour Executive Director and Co-Founder, Andy Ridley, resulting in the formation of a partnership between WWF Australia, Leo Burnett and Fairfax Media to address the climate change issue.

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and over 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. India joined the campaign in 2009.

Earth Hour is organised annually on the last Saturday of March by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Over 4,000 cities from 131 countries will be turning off their lights during the global campaign. People across the globe will vote for planet earth by switching of all non-essential lights, on Saturday, from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

During Earth Hour 2010, more than five million people in India switched off the lights. In 2011, every household of the over 31 million Scouts in the 161 member countries of WOSM all over the world, can set a global record by coming together in action for a common cause – the planet. Let's join the Earth Hour 2011 event and make sure that you are a part of this global event.