lifepace: November 2014

Sunday, November 30, 2014

A chance to win hearts like Vajpayee

Nearly 100 Dead in Terrorist Attacks in Nigeria

‘US legitimacy waning over 9/11 hoax’

Ferguson’s Psyop Race Wargame

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Modi lauds role of The Assam Tribune in NE

As reported in local English Daily 'The Assam Tribune' : Prime Minister Narendra Modi lighting the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of The Assam Tribune in Guwahati on Saturday. Also present on the occasion are (from left) Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, PG Baruah and Kiren Rijiju. - AT Photo

GUWAHATI, Nov 29 – Journalists should be like the honeybees. They should gather ‘honey’, that is, the information that helps society to develop, and attack those who harm society, following the example of honeybees. This was the observation made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was inaugurating the year-long Platinum Jubilee Celebration of The Assam Tribune at the Machkhowa Pragjyoti ITA Centre for Performing Arts auditorium here this evening. Modi said journalists should not spread dirt like flies, but they should be, like the honeybees, collect the ‘honey’ and attack those who harm society. Journalism should also come out of the shell of ‘reliable sources’ for the sake of credibility, he said. Lauding the role of The Assam Tribune in uplifting the North Eastern region’s societies, the Prime Minister said that it is marching with the people of the region, giving them company at the times of their woes and happiness. It never remains quiet when the people are in distress, he said. Despite the massive inroads of the electronic media in the arena of news, The Assam Tribune has remained indispensible for the people of the region. They can spare the morning cup of tea, but not The Assam Tribune, said the Prime Minister. Describing The Assam Tribune founder RG Baruah as a great visionary, Modi said that he was a catalyst of development for the NE societies. Because of him, his newspaper remained at the core of popular consciousness that inspired the society for positive activities. When The Assam Tribune was launched, the time was very hard for the newsmen. Even 40 years back, news gathering was a Herculean task. There was a time when people preferred to shy away from newsmen. At that time, the newsmen had to chase after the happenings and journalism was a mission. In such times, RG Baruah, with his newspaper, took up a mission to make a region learn how to dream dreams. And thus, The Assam Tribune came to the core of popular consciousness, he said. Besides his newspaper, RG Baruah himself was also deeply involved in the efforts to initiate the process of comprehensive development for the NE societies. This was the reason behind his undertaking the initiatives to build a stadium, bringing Bihu to the urban stage from its rural backdrop and organising musical conclaves. Without such conclaves the country would not have got artistes like Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Modi said. Describing newspapers as the medium of freedom of expression in a democratic polity, Modi said that during the time of internal emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi regime, many newspapers refused to compromise on the democratic principles and continued upholding such principles fighting all odds. In this context, he said that The Assam Tribune never let the people down. Saying that information technology has undergone tremendous change and news has also become easily available everywhere, the Prime Minister said, “Therefore, journalists should be more attentive in finding out the right things and the right path.” Modi also released the souvenir brought out on the occasion, at the function. At the function, which was attended among others, by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Kiren Rijiju, the Prime Minister was felicitated by the management and employees of The Assam Tribune. Earlier, welcoming the guests, Chairman and Editor of The Assam Tribune PG Baruah narrated how RG Baruah turned into reality his dream of publishing an English newspaper from this part of the country at a time when the Second World War was making industrial ventures virtually impossible. The Assam Tribune played vital roles first as a weekly and then as a daily in the freedom struggle of the country and it was a part of the NE people’s struggle to resist the move of the colonial rulers to include it in the ‘C’ group – which would have resulted in making it a part of Pakistan, said Baruah.

The legacy lives

Fans go wild over 88-second ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ teaser

As reported in 'The Japan News' : The Associated Press, In this image released by Disney, a scene is shown from the upcoming film "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," expected in theaters on Dec. 18.

The Associated Press, A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, a helmetless storm trooper appeared in frame, panicked and sweaty in the middle of vast desert landscape, kicking off the first official look at “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” After months of leaked images and idle speculation around director J.J. Abrams’ film, Disney and Lucasfilm on Friday debuted an 88-second teaser trailer for the seventh entry into the blockbuster franchise online and in about 30 North American theaters. The dark, energetic teaser, which has been watched nearly 3 million times on YouTube, blasts viewers with quick, disjointed images of classic and slightly altered “Star Wars” images, like TIE Fighters, X-Wings, droids and the Millennium Falcon. Set to a new John Williams score, audiences get a peek at newcomers John Boyega (the storm trooper in question), Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and a mysterious caped man in a frozen forest carrying a three-pronged light saber. Many assume the sinister, lumbering figure to be Adam Driver, who is rumored to be playing a villain in the highly secretive movie. Andy Serkis is responsible for the haunting voiceover narration throughout the short spot.Speech

Pope urges more Muslim opposition to Islamic State during Turkey visit

As reported in 'The Japan News' : The Associated Press, Pope Francis is welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara on Friday.

The Associated Press, ANKARA (AP) — Pope Francis urged Muslim leaders to condemn the “barbaric violence” being committed in Islam’s name against religious minorities in Iraq and Syria as he arrived in neighboring Turkey Friday for a delicate visit aimed at improving interfaith ties. Francis sought to offer a balanced message as he met with Turkish political and religious officials at the start of his second trip to the Middle East this year. He reaffirmed that military force was justified to halt the Islamic State group’s advance, and called for greater dialogue between Christians, Muslims and people of all faiths to end fundamentalism. “As religious leaders, we are obliged to denounce all violations against human dignity and human rights,” Francis told Mehmet Gormez, Turkey’s top cleric and other religious officials gathered at the government-run Religious Affairs Directorate. “As such, any violence which seeks religious justification warrants the strongest condemnation because the omnipotent is the God of life and peace.” Francis condemned the “barbaric violence” by IS against Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities and the destruction of their places of worship. The Vatican has voiced particular concern about the expulsion of Christians from communities that have had a Christian presence for 2,000 years and has demanded that they be allowed to return home in safety once the conflict settles. Francis’ three-day visit to the Muslim nation comes at a sensitive moment for Turkey, as it struggles to cope with 1.6 million refugees fleeing the IS advance in Syria and weighs how to respond to U.S. calls to get more engaged with the international coalition fighting the extremists.Speech

Four Ukrainian fighters will be put on trial for the refuse of participation

Four Ukrainian fighters will be put on trial for the refuse of participation in the ATO

Pakistan's state actors behind attacks in India: Centre

HIV on the rise in Assam

The crude oil phenomenon

NEO – West supports Kiev in new East Ukraine war

Happy Thanksgiving and a Joyful Reminder That We Are Not Alone

Back after a lifetime in IS

Pakistan Sabotaging SAARC Meet?

Friday, November 28, 2014

Two Strange New Particles From CERN AND CERN Publishes LHC Data Online

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Mumbai 26/11 Terror Attack- Lost her Daughter

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

‘Nation’ behind spying software

As reported in 'The Japan News' : The Associated Press, SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Cyber-security researchers say they’ve identified a highly sophisticated computer hacking program that appears to have been used by an as-yet unidentified government to spy on banks, telecommunications companies, official agencies and other organizations around the world. The malicious software known as “Regin” is designed to collect data from its targets for periods of months or years, penetrating deep into computer networks while covering its tracks to avoid detection, according to analysts at Symantec, the Silicon Valley security firm that disclosed the program’s existence in a report this week. Citing factors including its complexity and the likelihood it took years to develop, Symantec security manager Vikram Thakur said Monday, “We think it could not have come from anybody except an extremely well-funded, organized nation state.” Unlike malware that’s been used to hack into retailers’ payment-processing systems, the Regin program isn’t focused on collecting large volumes of credit card numbers or other financial account information, he added. Instead, it’s more precisely targeted and can be used to collect screenshots, copy deleted files, steal passwords and monitor digital communications — including mobile phone calls. Evidence from contaminated computers shows the malware has been used since at least 2008, with half the known cases discovered in Russia and Saudi Arabia, Symantec said. Based on its design and behavior, experts at Symantec and other firms said they don’t believe it was developed in Russia or China, two countries that are often blamed for cyber-attacks around the world. Reports on two online news sites, Wired.com and The Intercept, cited circumstantial links to suggest the program was used in European cyberattacks that the former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden has blamed on U.S. and British intelligence agencies. Without drawing that conclusion, researchers at Symantec Corp. and other firms said Regin’s design was reminiscent of a sophisticated program known as Stuxnet, which The New York Times and The Washington Post have reported was developed by U.S. and Israeli agencies. When asked about the reports, a spokeswoman for the NSA said, “We are not going to comment on speculation.”Speech

Erdogan: Women not equal to men

As reported in 'The Japan News' : The Associated Press, ANKARA (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan set off a new controversy on Monday, declaring that women are not equal to men and accusing feminists of not understanding the special status that Islam attributes to mothers. Addressing a meeting in Istanbul on women and justice, Erdogan said men and women are created differently, that women cannot be expected to undertake the same work as men, and that mothers enjoy a high position that only they can reach. “You cannot put women and men on an equal footing,” Erdogan said. “It is against nature. They were created differently. Their nature is different. Their constitution is different.” Erdogan added: “Motherhood is the highest position ... You cannot explain this to feminists. They don’t accept motherhood. They have no such concern.”

Putin: I won’t be president for life

As reported in 'The Japan News' The Associated Press, Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to toast with ambassadors in the Alexander Hall in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Wednesday.

The Associated Press, MOSCOW (AP) — Vladimir Putin has said he won’t remain Russia’s president for life and will step down in line with the constitution no later than 2024, according to an interview with a Russian news agency released Sunday. Staying in office beyond that would be “detrimental for the country and I don’t need this,” he told the Tass news agency. Putin, 62, has effectively led Russia since he was first elected in 2000. He stepped aside after two four-year terms to abide by constitutional term limits, but retained power as prime minister and was elected president again in 2012 to a six-year term. Putin said his decision on whether to run for a fourth term in 2018 will depend on the situation in the country and his “own mood.” Throughout the interview, Putin described efforts at home and abroad that he said were aimed at trying to undermine his rule. He said the Western sanctions against Russian individuals and businesses over Ukraine were an attempt to punish his friends and were “driven by a desire to cause a split in the elite and then, perhaps, in society.” But to the West’s chagrin, Putin said, Russian society remained consolidated behind him.Speech

Operational summary for 24th November

Pervomaysk has being destroyed by MRLS Grad (video)

Ukrainian artillery shelled Donetsk from the new positions

Does Russia need NATO approval to make alliances?

“How MH17 crashed” – documentary by Andrey Karaulov

School damaged by wild elephants in Udalguri

As reported in a local News Channel 'News Time Assam' : Several houses were damaged by a herd of wild elephants in Udalguri early this morning. Wild elephants entered Atherighar village and damaged several houses including a school building, locals said. Forest department officials have not reached the spot, locals claimed.

China communicating with India on Brahmaputra hydropower project issue

As reported in local English Channel 'News Time Assam' A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman has said China is maintaining sound communication with India on exploiting the Yarlung Zangbo river. Hua Chunying made the remarks when asked to respond to the claim that a new hydropower station and other planned stations on the river, known as Brahmaputra after it enters India, could have an environmental impact downstream in India and Bangladesh. Tibet`s largest hydropower station became partly operational Sunday. The Chinese side always took a responsible attitude towards the exploitation of cross-border rivers, said Hua at a routine press briefing. China was committed to carrying out development and protection at the same time and has given full consideration to the impact on the river`s lower reaches, she said. Media reports have said China planned to build three hydropower stations on the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river. The reports quoted China`s 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015). Hua said construction of the planned hydropower stations would not affect flood control or the ecology on the lower reaches. China and India have maintained sound communication and cooperation on trans-border river issues, she said, adding that China has done a lot in providing hydrological data for India in accordance with humanitarian spirit and in handling emergencies, said Hua. The practices have proved that the flood control cooperation and emergency management between China and India were effective, she said. In a joint statement released during Chinese President Xi Jinping`s visit to India in September, the Indian side also thanked China for its assistance in offering hydrological data and in dealing with emergencies, said the spokeswoman. China and India have kept sound communication through expert meetings since the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on trans-border rivers in 2013, she said. Under the MOU, China and India agreed to work together on provision of flood-season hydrological data and emergency management and exchange views on other issues of mutual interest. With an average altitude of 4,500 metres, the Yarlung Zangbo river is the highest river in the world. It originates in the glacial regions of the northern Himalayas, runs 2,057 km through southwest China`s Tibet Autonomous Region, passes into India and finally meets the Indian Ocean in the Bay of Bengal.

Afghanistan: Empty Peace

Monday, November 24, 2014

SAARC Meets in Nepal - What is It? - And What to Expect

Sunday, November 23, 2014

In-Pictures: New York snow - In Pictures

In-Pictures: New York snow - In Pictures - Al Jazeera English

Controlling the internet China style

Controlling the internet China style - Features - Al Jazeera English

Putin dismisses talk of Iron Curtain's return

Putin dismisses talk of Iron Curtain's return - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Iraqi forces claim progress against ISIL

Iraqi forces claim progress against ISIL - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

West and Iran to make 'last push' for deal

West and Iran to make 'last push' for deal - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Suicide blast kills dozens in Afghanistan

Suicide blast kills dozens in Afghanistan - South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Al Qaeda-linked fighters target two Shia towns in Syria

First Italian female astronaut ready for spaceflight

British-Iranian woman jailed for attending men's sports event gets bail

More Than 100 Nuns Expelled From Convent in Tibetan County

Manga gateway to Japanese culture for Taiwan youths

As reported in 'The Japan News' : The Yomiuri Shimbun, An anime-related goods store in Taipei on Nov. 17

By Yuko Mukai / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent, TAIPEI — In Taiwan, where pro-Japan sentiment is strong and many people have studied the Japanese language, movements are under way to deepen cultural understanding of Japan among younger generations by using manga as an educational tool. Although, Japanese pop culture goods, such as manga and anime, are extremely popular, some educators in Taiwan are worried that younger Taiwanese only have a shallow knowledge of Japan. Most avidly pro-Japan Taiwanese, often described as “Japan lovers,” are 80 years old or older. “Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso is also fascinating.” This was part of the introduction to a seminar titled “Understanding Japan through Manga” that is popular at National Chengchi University. In the class, students learn about Japanese corporate culture using “Bucho Shima Kosaku” (Manager Kosaku Shima) and about Osaka’s culture and dubious, behind-the-scenes financing via “Naniwa Kinyudo” (The Way of Osaka Financing). Prof. Cai Zeng-jia, an expert on Japanese politics who teaches the seminar, took the unusual approach after becoming alarmed by the lack of knowledge about Japan among young Taiwanese. When Cai showed a portrait of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to dozens of students, only one of them could correctly identify him. Some students guessed it was former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. About 230,000 people in Taiwan have studied the Japanese language, the fifth highest figure in the world, according to the Japan Foundation’s research in fiscal 2012. As the population totals about 23 million, a simple calculation reveals that one out of 100 Taiwanese has studied Japanese. But even in places where Japanese is taught, anxieties remain strong. Sumie Kamijo, a Japanese language instructor at National Chiao Tung University in northern Taiwan, began holding debate contests in Japanese for university students. The events organized by Kamijo and her peers have been spreading in the local community. “Through such debates, I hope to foster human resources who can actively take part in commerce between Japan and Taiwan using the Japanese language,” Kamijo said. Taiwanese are generally very sympathetic to Japan, with about half of them saying Japan is their favorite country. Until now, Japan-Taiwan relations have been spearheaded by those who have been educated in Japanese when Taiwan was ruled by Japan and are fluent in the language. One representative figure is former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui, 91. Young people born since 1990s, when Japanese pop culture began to flood the Taiwan market, have had many opportunities to learn about Japan. But experts in Taiwan say their understanding of various aspects of Japanese culture and society is superficial. Cai warned, “Unless we foster whole generations of young people who understand the Japanese language, Taiwan-Japan relations in the future will be shaky

Strong China quake kills 4

As reported in 'The Japan News' : The Associated Press, BEIJING (AP) — A strong earthquake that hit a sparsely populated, mountainous area of western China killed at least four people and injured 54 others, including schoolchildren in a stampede, officials said Sunday. The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude-5.9 quake hit Saturday about 30 kilometers from the county of Kangding in Sichuan Province. China’s seismological agency put the magnitude at 6.3. The four dead included a woman in her 70s who was struck by a falling window pane, the official Xinhua News Agency and state broadcaster CCTV said, citing Chen Yunbing, a doctor at the region’s Ganzi People’s Hospital.Speech