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​ISRO bags Space Pioneer Award for its Mars Mission

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Launch of PSLV C25

Bengaluru: The country’s low-cost Mars mission which is in rendezvous with the red Planet for an extended period has been presented with the Space Pioneer award for the year 2015 by the US’ National Space Society.

Space Pioneer award for the year 2015 was presented to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the Science and Engineering category during the 34th Annual International Space Development Conference held at Toronto in Canada during May 20-24, 2015, city-headquartered ISRO said on its website.

It said the National Space Society (NSS) of USA presented the award in recognition of ISRO’s efforts in accomplishing Mars Mission in its very first attempt.

Scripting space history, India on September 24, 2014 successfully placed its low-cost Mars spacecraft in orbit around the red planet in its very first attempt, breaking into an elite club of three — US, Russia and Europe who have successfully undertaken missions to Mars or its orbit.

The ISRO spacecraft was launched on its nine-month-long odyssey on a homegrown PSLV rocket from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on November 5, 2013 and had escaped the earth’s gravitational field on December 1.

In 2009, NSS, an independent non-profit educational membership organisation, dedicated to the creation of a space faring civilisation, presented similar award to ISRO in recognition of the great accomplishment they have made in the success of the Lunar Probe, Chandrayaan-1.

The Space Pioneer Award consists of a silvery pewter Moon globe cast by the Baker Art Foundry in Placerville, California, from a sculpture originally created by Don Davis, the well-known space and astronomical artist, ISRO said.

The space research organisation also said Mars Orbiter Spacecraft (MOM) is under ‘solar conjunction’ at Mars, which will extend till July 1.

The spacecraft is under ‘solar conjunction’ at Mars, which means the spacecraft, which is orbiting Mars, is behind the sun as viewed from the Earth.

As a result of this event which happens once in 2.2 years for Mars, communication signals from the spacecraft are severely disrupted by the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere), it said.

The conjunction for Mars Orbiter Spacecraft began on May 27, 2015 and will extend up to July 01, 2015. No commands are transmitted to the spacecraft during this period for safety reasons and only telemetry (spacecraft’s health related information) is monitored.

All payload (spacecraft’s scientific instruments) operations are also suspended. Health of the spacecraft is normal, ISRO said.

The spacecraft’s life was extended for another six months in March due to surplus fuel.

MOM has outlived the “Prime” mission life of six months in Mars orbit and continues to deliver scientifically significant data sets, ISRO said, adding, the team MOM has proficiently handled the scientific, technical, managerial and financial aspects of the mission.

(Agencies)

Fortis launches exclusive andrology clinics in Bangalore

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The specialised medical facility has highly qualified doctors, who are equipped to address common male sexual health problems

Fortis

Bangalore: It is estimated that one in every 10 Indian men suffers from impotency and the growing trend in stress and lifestyle-related disorders has also spurred an increase in sexual health related problems in the male population.  With an aim to provide better care in the area of man sexual health and address common andrology-related issues through their expertise and state-of-the-facilities, Fortis Hospitals is launching the new MAN Clinic in their hospital premises. The clinics will be started at Bannerghatta Road, Cunningham Road, Rajajinagar and Seshadripuram centres.

Studies have shown that the number of patients diagnosed with conditions such as premature ejaculation (PME) and erectile dysfunction (ED) is steadily increasing and as a consequence almost 20 per cent of marriages in India break because of lack of satisfaction in sexual life. Moreover, many men do not seek medical help owing to myths that abound about sexual health issues.   Contrary to what is normally believed, majority of these problems are a result of physiological causes like diabetes and high BP and can be treated effectively through a variety of methods.

The clinic is a one-of-its-kind medical unit that focuses on providing superior quality treatment for sexual health problems such as Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, Peyronie’s Disease and Micro penis.

“Misinformation and lack of awareness among men about their sexual health is the main reasons why they shy away from seeking help at the right time. Impotence is a condition that affects hundreds of men and diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of ED in almost half of the male population above 40. Since the causes are usually physiological, it can be treated effectively and the success rate is 80 – 100 per cent,” said Dr. Mohan Keshav Murthy Director- Urology, Andrology & Transplantation, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru.It has also to be noted that erectile dysfunction workup can unmask latent cardiac disease in one third of the patients helping them to prevent an emergency room visit in the near future.

He added that the aim of setting up this clinic was to provide the highest standards of andrological treatment for patients who have been suffering silently and don’t know whom to approach. Andrology is the branch of medicine that deals exclusively with disorders of the male sexual and reproductive system.

Some of the medical conditions that will be addressed at the clinic are:

  1. Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence – It is sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual activity. Treatment includes counselling, injectable drugs, medications such as Viagra, penile implants or surgery.
  2. Premature ejaculation is uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration, with minimal sexual stimulation and before the person wishes. It may result in an unsatisfactory sexual experience for both partners. It can be treated through relaxation techniques, medication and behaviour therapy.
  3. Peyronie’s disease – It is a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaques in the soft tissue of the penis. Treatment includes medications, surgery and counselling.
  4. Micropenis – This is a condition wherein the person has an unusually small penis. It can be effectively treated through hormone therapy and surgery.
  5. Male factor Infertility such as oligoasthenospermia secondary to varicocele.

Kapil Mishra named new Delhi Law Minister

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kapil-mishra

New Delhi: Mr. Mishra replaces Jitender Singh Tomar who had resigned after his arrest on charge of possessing fake degrees.

Delhi Jal Board vice-chairman Kapil Mishra was on Wednesday named as the new Law Minister replacing Jitender Singh Tomar who had resigned from the post on Tuesday night following his arrest on charge of possessing fake degrees.

“I had a meeting with Arvind (Kejriwal) ji and have been informed about the development (of appointment as the Law Minister),” Mr. Mishra, a first time MLA, told PTI.

Other names which were discussed were Chandani Chowk MLA Alka Lamba, former Law Minister Somnath Bharti (Malviya Nagar) and Kailash Gahlot, legislator from Najafgarh.

Mr. Mishra’s name was also doing rounds for a ministerial berth when AAP had won a landslide victory in February this year. However, he was made the vice-chairman of Delhi Jal Board.

Known as a Kejriwal loyalist, Mr. Mishra has been associated with him since the India Against Corruption (IAC) days.

When Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan upped their ante against the party leadership, he took a lead in starting a signature campaign urging all MLAs to back Mr. Kejriwal.

Mr. Mishra, a former activist with an international organisation, won from Karawal Nagar by a margin of over 44,000 votes and took oath in Sanskrit in the Delhi Assembly.

Mr. Tomar was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly forging his science graduation and law mark sheets and a migration certificate. He was sent to four days police custody by a court.

He had sent his resignation letter through his lawyer from lock-up to the Chief Minister on Tuesday night which was accepted.

(PTI)

My respect for you ends now: Ram Jethmalani 'breaks up' with Modi

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jethmalani_modi

New Delhi: Noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani on Monday announced his “break-up” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said his “diminishing respect” for Modi has “ended”.

The expelled BJP MP, who had strongly supported Modi’s prime ministerial bid, had been opposed to the appointment of former CBDT chairman K V Chowdary as Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and said he will now fight the government in Supreme Court after his appointment was cleared by the President on Monday.

“Now we shall fight out in the Supreme Court and the court of the people of India. My diminishing respect for you ends now,” Jethmalani wrote in a letter to Modi.

Expressing strong reservations over the move to make Chowdary as next CVC, he had written to President Pranab Mukherjee and Modi, questioning his credentials.

He posted the communication on Twitter and called it “My break-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.

(PTI)

Delhi Law Minister Jitender Singh Tomar arrested over alleged fake law degree

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Jitender Singh Tomar

New Delhi: In a dramatic escalation of the row between the central and AAP governments, Delhi Law Minister Jitender Singh Tomar was arrested here Tuesday over his alleged fake law degree. The AAP cried foul and linked it with its anti-corruption campaign.

Delhi Police, which does not report to the AAP government but to Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and the union home ministry, told IANS that Tomar was arrested on charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy and forgery.

The Aam Aadmi Party, which took power in Delhi in February, accused police of roughing up Tomar. Delhi assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel said he wasn’t informed about the arrest.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia accused Lt. Governor Jung of unleashing an “Emergency-like situation” and said vested interests were ganging up against the AAP government because of its anti-corruption campaign. The AAP, he vowed, won’t be cowed down.

A visibly livid Sisodia said although the issue of Tomar’s alleged fake degree was in the court, about 40 policemen swooped on Tomar’s office early in the morning and took him away as if he was a fugitive.

“The police told Tomar they had come to see some documents… They asked him to accompany them to his house. On the way they told his driver to get off and took charge of his vehicle and told him he was being detained.

“They told Tomar that he could ask someone to bring the documents to the police station…

“What is going on?” asked Sisodia. “Was he (Tomar) running away? Did he explode bombs in Delhi? There is an allegation (against him). The matter is in the court. What was the need to arrest him?”

Sisodia added: “There is something wrong… This arrest is illegal. There is an Emergency-like situation. This is supposed to be a democracy… Maybe it is an attempt to teach the AAP a lesson (for what we are doing).”

AAP supporters, including Tomar’s family members, gathered in large numbers at the Vasant Vihar police station in south Delhi where Tomar was being questioned.

Tuesday’s arrest peaked a simmering row between the central and AAP governments over the powers of the Delhi government over the posting and transfer of senior officials. This dispute too is also now facing judicial scrutiny.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said police arrested Tomar without giving any notice.

“If the case relates to a fake degree, will ministers Smriti Irani and Ram Shanker Katheria (of BJP) will also be taken to police station without any prior notice?” Singh asked.

Tomar told CNN-IBN that he didn’t know why he was arrested. “Around 30-40 policemen asked me to accompany me to the police station without any prior notice.”

He said this was done to tarnish the AAP’s image.

Delhi Police said Tomar would be produced in a court later on Tuesday.

Two cases are pending against Tomar in the Delhi High Court, alleging he enrolled himself as an advocate on the basis of a fake law degree and seeking cancellation of his election. Tomar says his degree is genuine.

The Congress took potshot at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, demanding his resignation as the Tomar episode had punctured his claims of ushering in clean politics. It also sought Tomar’s resignation from the assembly.

(IANS)

Journalist burnt to death for a Facebook post against SP MLA Ram Murti

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Journalist burn Facebook

Shahjehanpur: A gruesome incident has been reported in Uttrar Pradesh’s Shahjehanpur, where a journalist was reportedly burnt alive for writing against SP MLA Ram Murti on Facebook.

The victim, journalist Jagendra Singh had written about the Samajwadi Party MLA’s involvement in illegal activities in newspapers, according to a media report.

An eyewitness revealed that a police officer, who wanted to arrest Jagendra Singh, set him on fire and the journalist succumbed to the injuries while he was being rushed to hospital.

However, the Shahjehanpur police stated that journalist Jagendra Singh committed suicide when they were arresting him.

(Agencies)

Those opposing 'Surya namaskar' should drown in sea: Yogi Adityanath

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Yogi Adityanath

Varanasi: Firebrand BJP leader Yogi Adityanath has stoked a controversy with his remarks that those opposing ‘surya namaskar’ should “drown in the sea”.

With certain minority groups protesting against inclusion of ‘Surya namaskar’ exercise during the June 21 International Yoga Day celebrations, the Gorakhpur MP said, “Sun is the source of life giving energy. Whoever thinks Sun is communal, I would like to humbly request them to drown themselves in the sea or they should stay in a dark cell.”

“Sun God has never deprived anyone of its light based on caste, creed or religion. Despite that if they are calling sun communal, I feel amused at their mindset,” said the BJP leader yesterday at a religious event in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency.

“And my request to them would be that they should not take the sunlight or even its warmth,” said the saffron-clad leader, who is known for courting controversy with his inflammatory remarks.

Adityanath’s remarks came after the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board said that it will move the Supreme Court against inclusion of Surya namaskar and Yoga in schools.

Congress and Samajwadi Party hit out the BJP leader, saying he was trying to create a communal divide, and stressed that nobody can force their own belief system on any citizen.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah mocked Adityanath’s remarks saying many people “will have to pack” their bags.

Congress leader Rita Bahuguna said, “Every time he (Adityanath) speaks, he spits venom. He tries to create a communal divide by giving communal statements. What is the reason to say that those who don’t want to do this should leave the country?

“Talking about certain communities that have certain reservations about some parts of yoga, what is the use? It is an exercise for physical and mental well-being. Those who don’t want to do it should be allowed not to do it.”

SP’s Gaurav Bhatia recalled that the Prime Minister had recently told his partymen that such statements will not be tolerated.

“And again we hear the habitual offender Yogi Adityanath making such a statement. In our country everyone has the right to profess his religion, to have his own belief system and no body can force his own belief system on any citizen,” he said.

Reacting to Adityanath’s remarks, Omar said on Twitter, “The solution to overcrowding in India since so many of us will have to pack our bags. Ek teer do shikar (killing two birds with one stone).”

(PTI)

Greenpeace activist barred from entering India

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Expulsion of Australian activist despite having visa is government’s latest attempt to stifle free speech, group says.

The government has previously frozen bank accounts belonging to the organisation and banned activists from travelling [AFP]

The government has previously frozen bank accounts belonging to the organisation and banned activists from travelling [AFP]

by Al Jazeera

An Australian member of Greenpeace has been prevented from entering India without explanation, according to the environmentalist lobby group’s Indian arm.

Aaron Gray-Block was not allowed to enter the country on Saturday despite having all relevant visas and documents needed to enter, the group said, adding the Australian was not officially deported despite being put on a flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

“There is absolutely no reason why one of its staff members should be treated in such an arbitrary way, and we expect the Ministry of Home Affairs to offer a full explanation,” said Divya Raghunandan, the programme director for Greenpeace India.

If confirmed, the incident will be the latest episode in a dispute between the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Greenpeace.

Activist Priya Pillai was prevented from boarding a flight to London in January and had a travel ban placed on her until it was overturned by a court in March.

In April, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs banned the group’s domestic branch from accepting donations from abroad after accusing the group of not declaring transactions, and in May, bank accounts belonging to the group were shut down over the same issue.

At the time, Nalin Kohli, a spokesman for the ruling BJP party, told Al Jazeera that Greenpeace was not following the provisions of the law and did not disclose how they obtained their funds.

Greenpeace says it is being targeted by the Indian government over its activism.

“Denying entry to a Greenpeace employee with a valid visa is yet further proof of the extent to which the Indian government is prepared to go in violating Greenpeace’s right to freedom of expression under international law and under India’s Constitution,” a statement by the group said.

Telangana: Case registered against KCR for illegal phone-tapping

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KCR

Visakhapatnam: A case has been registered here against Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for alleged illegal tapping of phones of his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu in the backdrop of the cash-for-votes scam, police said Monday.

According to Inspector of III-Town Police Station, B Tirumala Rao, a Vizag-based advocate NVV Prasad lodged a complaint against KCR for violating the basic rights of Naidu and “tarnishing” his image by tapping his telephone lines.

In his complaint, the assistant Public Prosecutor accused TRS of deliberately trying to snoop on TDP members.

Based on the complaint, a case has been registered against KCR under Sections 464, 647, 471, 166, 167 and 120/B of IPC.

Meanwhile, a purported conversation in an audio tape between Chandrababu Naidu and nominated MLA Elvys Stephenson, aired in a section of local TV channels has given a new twist to the cash-for-votes controversy.

Sunday, Parakala Prabhakar Advisor (Communications) to the Andhra government strongly denied reports saying that the tapes were fabricated and the AP government will take up the issue seriously.

The reported conversation suggested that the Andhra CM was giving “assurance of all sorts” to the MLA if he votes for TDP nominee in the Telangana Legislative Council election.

Prabhakar further alleged that the Telangana government is trying to malign the image of the AP chief minister by resorting to cheap tactics.

“It is not the chief minister’s conversation. How come they are available outside. Telangana Government has to give answer to this. Telangana CM and Home minister should give answers,” Parakala had said.

He said that the Telangana CM is trying to mislead the people of Andhra Pradesh by resorting to “cheap tricks”.

The anti-corruption bureau of Telangana is in the process of questioning TDP MLA Revanth Reddy and two others who have been arrested in cash-for-vote case.

On May 31, the ACB arrested Reddy for allegedly trying to bribe the nominated MLA Elvis Stephenson to vote for TDP nominee in the Telangana Legislative Council election.

Based on a complaint by Stephenson, ACB officials held Revanth, Sebastian Harry and Uday Simha after they were caught while allegedly handing over Rs 50 lakh to Stephenson.

(IANS)

Cash-for-vote scam: Andhra CM's audio tape made public

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ChandrababuNaidu

Hyderabad: The cash-for-vote scam in Telangana took a dramatic turn on Sunday with the release of an audio tape of a purported telephonic conversation between Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and nominated Telangana legislator Elvis Stephenson.The Andhra government denied that it’s Naidu’s voice.

This is perhaps for the first time in India that a chief minister of a state has been tapped while allegedly trying to lure a legislator. Denying that it is Naidu’s voice, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken the release of audio tape seriously and vowed to fight it legally, constitutionally and politically.

The new twist may create a constitutional crisis as Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Telangana is planning to summon Naidu for questioning in the case. Hyderabad is the common capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Both Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) governments have taken up the issue with E.S.L. Narasimhan, who is the governor for both the Telugu states.

The audio tape was released three days after Telangana Home Minister N. Narasimha Reddy said the government has proof that Naidu spoke to Stephenson and some other MLAs of TRS to lure them to vote for TDP-BJP candidate in Telangana legislative council elections.

The audio tape was first played T News, a Telugu news channel owned by ruling TRS and was later picked up by others.

During the conversation, Naidu purportedly assured the nominated member that he is with him. “Our people briefed me. I am with you don’t bother. For everything I am with you. What all they spoke we will honour,” Naidu was heard as telling the legislator.

In swift developments on Sunday night, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao met Governor Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan while Naidu called a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police J.V. Ramudu and other officials to take stock of the latest situation.

Rao’s meeting with the governor, the second in three days, came minutes after the release of the audio tape.

Telangana TDP legislator A. Revanth Reddy was arrested by the ACB on May 31 when he was offering Rs.50 lakh to Stephenson to make him vote for TDP-BJP candidate in the elections to Telangana legislative council.

ACB, which had laid a trap on a complaint by Stephenson, also arrested Revanth Reddy’s aides Sebastian Harry and Uday Simha.

TRS leaders have been alleging that Naidu is the mastermind in the scam and he should be booked.

The audio tape came to light a few hours after ACB questioned Revanth Reddy and two others for a second day. A city court had sent them to four-day custody of ACB.

Earlier in the day, Naidu met Narasimhan, who is governor for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The TDP chief reportedly complained to the governor about TRS government tapping his phone.

Meanwhile, Naidu’s media advisor Prakala Prabhakar told reporters on Sunday night that the voice in the audio tape is not the voice of Naidu.

He said the government was taking the release of the audio tape seriously and will not keep quiet. “We will fight it legally, constitutionally and politically,” he said.

He wanted to know from the TRS government as to how it got the audio tape. “If you have done telephone tapping, it is a crime and if you have recorded Mr. Chandrababu Naidu’s voice on different occasions, tampered it and presented to mislead people that it is his conversation, it is also a crime,” he said.

Naidu’s aide wondered how the audio tape could be released as evidence when the same should be produced in the court, where the case is being heard. Prakala condemned the attitude of Telangana government towards Andhra Pradesh chief minister in the common capital. He said both the governments and both the chief ministers had equal rights in the common capital.

He pointed out that under section 8 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the governor is responsible for law and order, protection of lives and property of people and vital installations in Hyderabad.

He alleged that the release of audio tape was a conspiracy to tarnish Naidu’s image and disrupt the public meeting scheduled to be held in Guntur on Monday to mark TDP government’s first year.

The media advisor said the government would go ahead with the meeting and fight the conspiracy.

Andhra Pradesh’s Finance Minister and senior TDP leader Y. Ramakrishnudu said the audio tape was a proof that the TRS government was violating law by tapping phones.

(IANS)

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