Category Archives: World Opinion

World heritage tag for city scientist

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Lucknow:

Geologist from Lucknow S B Mishra’s research on fossils in an ecological park ‘Mistaken Point’ in Newfoundland, Canada has made it world heritage, the UNESCO declared in Istanbul on Sunday.

In a message to Mishra, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav stated that Mishra’s work has brought laurels to the state.

Mishra had gone to Canada as a geologist in 1967 and spotted some fossils in the Newfoundland in Canada.

He submitted a research paper highlighting the evolution of life on planet earth. On the basis of his studies, Canadian government had declared the region where fossils had been recovered an ecological park.

Speaking to TOI, Mishra said when he had started studying the single cell organism in the Newfoundland, it was totally inaccessible as the terrain on the seashore was nearly impossible to access.

But Mishra stayed there for months and completed his studies which got international acclaim.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / July 25th, 2016

Presenting, at 332kg, world’s largest samosa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel, World Opinion

SamosaGuinnessLUCKNOW13jul2016

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HIGHLIGHTS

– A group of 10 enthusiasts have sought a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by preparing, what they claim, world’s biggest samosa

– The quintessential Indian snack, weighing 332 kg, was made at Gopal Nagar colony of Maharajganj district.

– The group, led by 20-year-old Ritesh Soni, has now approached the Guinness Book Committee to get their feat ratified.
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Gorakhpur:

A group of 10 enthusiasts have sought a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by preparing, what they claim, world’s biggest samosa. The quintessential Indian snack, weighing 332 kg, was made at Gopal Nagar colony of Maharajganj district. Thousands of people thronged the venue where the feat was being achieved. The group, led by 20-year-old Ritesh Soni, has now approached the Guinness Book Committee to get their feat ratified.

Soni , who runs a small roadside restaurant at Gopal Nagar, says that he was inspired by the world’s largest jalebi which was made by another group in the district. “Last year, a group in Katharia Bazar made world largest jalebi and now it is in the Guinness Book. Like them, we also want to make our town famous through our feat,” Soni told TOI.

” Earlier, Bradford College of England made the biggest samosa weighing 110 kg. Our samosa is three times bigger,” said Naveen Tewari, another group member. “Through the Guinness recorgnition, I want to get the attention of leaders towards my small town as after so many years of independence it is still facing illiteracy, basic infrastructure and electricity problem,” he added.

“From the past 15 days, we are preparing for and started working on the final preparation on Monday evening. By Tuesday morning, it was ready for display,” Sonia said. Since then thousands of people have visited the site to see it. The group earlier planned to make it on Eid but later it was extended administration didn’t give them permission.

The group spent around Rs 40,000 in the making, “It took 90 litre refined oil, 1.75 quintal wheat flour and 2 quintal potato to prepare it. The samosa is 3 meter high and its three sides are 2 metre, 1.5 metre and 1.5 metre. Its radius is around 36 inch,” Ritesh said.

Most group members are involved in catering business and aged between 16 and 30 years. Four of them are class 12 students. “We all pooled in around Rs 30,000 and rest of the amount came through donations,” Ritesh said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / July 13th, 2016

Varanasi-based violinist strikes a chord with Srilanka

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Records, All, World Opinion
Noted violinist and professor at department of music at BHU, Dr V Balaji was awarded the title 'Violin Chakravarthy' on the occasion
Noted violinist and professor at department of music at BHU, Dr V Balaji was awarded the title ‘Violin Chakravarthy’ on the occasion

Varanasi:

Noted violinist and professor at department of music at BHU, Dr V Balaji, has been felicitated in Colombo recently.

Sri Lankan President Maithrieala Sirisena rewarded him during a programme ‘The State Music Award Ceremony’ organized by ministry of cultural affairs of Sri Lanka at Colombo, on the occasion of World Music Day.

Balaji presented a portrait of Bharat Ratna and BHU founder Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya to the Sri Lankan President on behalf of BHU.

Balaji was in Sri Lanka to participate in various events including a three-day workshop organized by Sandhwani Sangeet Niketan to mark its golden jubilee and also the centennial celebration of BHU.

He was awarded the title of ‘Violin Chakravarthy’ on the occasion.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / July 09th, 2016

Cancer survivor team bags ten medals in Russia

Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Allahabad:

A contingent of seven young Indian students who fought and beat cancer has bagged several medals in Russia in the World Children Winners Games held in Moscow between June 30 and July 2. All these participants are under 14 years of age and won 10 medals in indoor and outdoor games that were also attended by players from 14 other countries.

Yash Chandra, a 13-year-old Allahabad boy, won a silver medal in chess and a bronze medal in football. The Indian contingent won three gold, four silver and 3 bronze medals in total.

He and the other six members of the team who hail from UP, Mumbai and Hyderabad regularly visit the Tata Memorial Cancer Center for follow up check-ups. The event encourages young cancer survivors from all over the world. It is organised by the Gift of Life Foundation founded by two Russian actresses Chulpan Khamatova and Dina Korzun.

Yash was first diagnosed with cancer in his left kidney at a young age of three in 2003. He has not only survived the dreaded disease but has also become an inspiration for many who lose the fighting spirit in the life.

“I enjoyed the trip. I am so happy that I could bring medals for my country. What if these are not Olympic medals? For me and others in my team, these are nothing less than Olympics medals.” said Yash. Adding to his experience, the brave kid said, “I was very impressed by the way Russians have preserved their heritage buildings. They are so systematic.”

Manoj Kumar Srivastava, Yash’s father, said, “Events like these not only boost the morale of young cancer survivors but also spread awareness about this dreaded disease. If cancer is detected on time, these kids can also lead a normal life like my son.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Allahabad / Rajeev Mani / July 08th, 2016

Author eyes Guinness record with huge yoga envelope

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion
Musical yoga
Musical yoga

Varanasi:

City-based author and film-maker Jagdeesh Pillai claims to have made a 60 x 45.30 ft paper envelope to carry the message of ‘Benefits of Yoga’ to get the city registered with the Guinness Book of World Records.

The envelope was made in 10 days by Pillai with help of a yoga trainer, social worker and owner of printing press. It was put on display at the committee hall in the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) on the occasion of second International Day of Yoga on Tuesday.

Pillai said that he had started working on the envelope from June 12 after prior intimation to world record officials at London. The main purpose of the envelope is to popularize yoga which has now become a global entity. The envelope is made of brown paper joined by glue and is 18.29 metres long (60 ft) and 13.80 metres wide.

Current record for largest envelope was set by Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College of Aligarh Muslim University on April 3, 2013 by making an envelope measuring 58 ft and 7.15 inch x 42 ft and 11.75 inch. The envelop has a photograph of PM in Yoga pose along with official logo of Yoga Day and states a hundred advantages of Yoga. “I will send the video recording and proof along with photographs to Guinness world record office in London within a couple of days,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / June 22nd, 2016

Meerut shooter wins silver in 8th Int’l junior shotgun cup

Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

Meerut :

Thirteen-year-old Shapath Bharadwaj has brought laurels to the city by winning a silver medal in the 8 th International Junior Shotgun Cup held at Orimattila in Finland from May 23 to 29.

The youngest participant in the competition, Shapath, scored the highest 128 points among his teammates and ensured a silver medal to India in the double trap event held at Orimatilla on May 25. It was the second international match of the budding shooter in which he succeeded to play in the semifinals after scoring the highest 128 among his teammates.

Earlier, in the first week of May, he participated in the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup held at Suhl in Germany and impressed his coach and well-wishers by obtaining a score of 125 in his first international competition. He was the youngest participant in the World Cup and Junior Shotgun Cup.

Earlier, he was selected in the National Team of Double Trap by giving an outstanding performance in selection trials in which he scored 120 and 135. The trials were held at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, New Delhi, wherein he ensured his place in the national team to represent India in international competitions at the age of 14.

An elated Bharadwaj told TOI, “I’m happy for what I’ve achieved for the country but there is still a long way to go.”

Shapath attributed his success to his coach Yogender Pal Singh, who himself is a double trap player of international repute, and all those who supported him throughout his preparations and at the time of need.

“This was all because of my coach and still I have to work hard to bring laurels for my country and people,” said Shapath.

Discussing Shapath’s feat, Yogender said, “Shapath’s showed promise from an early stage and considering his achievement, the boy will go a long way representing India in international events.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Meerut / Sandeep Rai / TNN / May 30th, 2016

Bonjour Lucknow as city gets French language center

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, World Opinion

Lucknow :

Learning French will now be easier for citizens. Alliance Francaise, an institution that provides French language education and certification worldwide, has picked Lucknow to open its first centre in Uttar Pradesh in September. This will be their 13th centre in India. In fact, in northern India, it will be the third centre after Delhi and Gurgaon.

Delegate general Jean-Francois Ramon said Lucknow centre will operate from La Martiniere College. “The Francaise will not only promote French language but also provide Indo-French cultural exchange. The institution will also spread awareness of the Francophone cultures,” he added.

The uniqueness of the centre, said La Martiniere principal Carlyle McFarland, is that it will come up in a school (La Martiniere) established by a Frenchman, Claude Martin.

The centre will open to people in the 7 to 77 age group, said Richard Franco , UP coordinator. “We will have trained teachers who would provide high quality teaching of French language and culture. French education will be imparted using mediums like films and songs,” said Richard. The first project to be launched in Lucknow would be learning French through video games, added Richard.

Welcoming the opening of Alliance Francoise, Meeta Ghosh, a French expert in Lucknow, said, “French is not taught in the correct way in Lucknow. Even after completing the advanced level of French course many are unable to speak French,” said Ghosh, adding that the centre will focus on all four skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Interested people can register online.

There will be six levels – A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, with A1 being the beginners level and C2 making the person proficient in the language. Each level has an average of 60 hours teaching, varying from four hours to eight hours per week, informed Jawahar Lal Sarin, prsident, Alliance Francoise de Delhi. Registered candidates before taking the classes, will have to undergo an online assessment to know whether the level, the person has enrolled is fit to him/her.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / Isha Jain, TNN / June 02nd, 2016

Azamgarh Tulsi farmers get international exposure

Agriculture, Business & Economy, World Opinion

Lucknow :

Tulsi farmers of village Haripur in Azamgarh on Friday hosted a gathering of international guests when 12 international distributors of Organic India dropped into their village. The international delegation experienced, first hand, village life and the experience of organic farming.

Following a presentation on the company’s humble beginnings by chief operating officer, Balram Singh – of three farmers who started farming on three acres of land – Singh talked about how the company now works with 300 marginal farmers across 400 acres of land, in Azamgarh, and with more than 2000 farmers across over 10, 000 acres of certified organic land.

With guests from France, New Zealand, Norway, Dubai, Czech Republic, Australia, Bulgaria and Singapore the meeting, some said, provided an opportunity for those working on the ‘front line’ of sales and those growing tulsi and other herbs to understand the importance of each other’s roles.

This also gave our international distributors firsthand experience that their efforts make a big difference to the lives of small and marginalised farmers in rural areas,” said Balram Singh, COO, Organic India.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / by Swati Mathur, TNN / May 27th, 2016

Son may take forward legacy of man who guided Queen Elizabeth, Diana

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel, World Opinion
Princess Diana at Deewan-e-Aam at Agra Fort in 1992. (File Photo)
Princess Diana at Deewan-e-Aam at Agra Fort in 1992. (File Photo)

Two guides in Agra have been contacted by British High Commission for the royal couple’s visit on April 16. However, there is still no confirmation as to who will be deputed to guide the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
One of them is Varun Rawat, whose father Mukund Mohan Rawat was the official guide to Queen Elizabeth (II) who visited the Taj Mahal in 1961, and Lady Diana in 1992. He was contacted by British embassy about six days ago.

Princess Diana signs the visitor book at Taj Mahal in 1992. (File Photo)
Princess Diana signs the visitor book at Taj Mahal in 1992. (File Photo)

The other guide contacted by British High Commission is Shamsuddin, who is the former president of Approved Guides’ Association.

“My father was the official guide to Queen Elizabeth (II) in 1961 and her daughter-in-law Lady Diana who visited the Taj Mahal in 1992,” Varun said.

“My father used to talk about Lady Diana being a down to earth person with immense interest in the history and architecture of Taj Mahal,” he recollected. “He would tell me how Lady Diana interacted politely with the Taj Mahal ‘khadim’,” Varun said.

Varun had guided former US President Bill Clinton when he visited the Taj Mahal in 2000 and again in 2003.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / Hemendra Chaturvedi, Hindustan Times,Agra / April 15th, 2016

Kashi lad to represent UP in Japan-Asia youth exchange prog

Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, World Opinion

Varanasi:

A class X student of Bangali Tola intermediate college of the city, Gaurav Patel is among the students selected for ‘Inspire’ award scheme (under the department of science and technology) who will represent UP in the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science (SAKURA Exchange Program in Science) in Japan from April 17 to 23. He is the only student from the state to have been selected for the scheme.

Gaurav secured sixth position at the national level on the basis of his science model aimed at conservation of energy by incorporating optical fibre. He was among the 60 students selected for the award scheme held at IIT-Delhi last year aimed at promoting scientific talent among children. The district inspector of schools (DIOS) Awadh Kishore Singh had recently informed the principal of Bangali Tola intermediate college about Gaurav’s selection for the programme along with a letter from ministry of science and technology, GOI on April 2.

Gaurav had participated in the science exhibition organized as a part of ‘Inspire’ award scheme last year. His model on ‘energy conservation by optical fibre’ ranked first in district and he finally bagged sixth rank at national level thus making his place among top 10. “We are all happy and proud of him,” said principal of BTIC, Jai Prakash Pandey.

When TOI contacted Gaurav, who will leave for Japan from Delhi on Saturday night, said, “I am looking forward to this visit as it will not only introduce me to some of the brilliant young minds but also expose me to the eminent people associated with field of science.”

Talking about his model, he said, “Energy conservation is one of the concerns of our government much is being done to reduce the energy consumption. I had been reading about renewable energy and upon realizing its importance, decided to prepare a model on the same by incorporating optical fibre, which consumes far less energy.”

“He is a very hardworking and it was because of his interest in science that his model has been selected. The teachers of his college have also been very supportive and I hope he gets to learn more about his subject from his abroad visit and make our country proud”, his father, Munna Lal Patel,said who works as a textile designer with a private firm.

Notably, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is an innovative programme sponsored and managed by the department of science and technology. The basic objective is to communicate to the youth of the country the creative pursuit of science, attract talent to the study of science at an early age and thus build the required human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the science and technology system.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Varanasi / Punkhuri Kapoor / TNN / April 17th, 2016