A Bihar born Richa 29 years old,.won the Mrs India Queen first runner-up crown.

 

A Bihari woman made it to a beauty pageant recently organized in Haryana. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? But Richa Sinha has done more than that: She has won the Mrs India Queen first runner-up crown keenly contested at Crown Plaza, Gurgaon.

Born in Bihar, Richa, now 29, did her schooling from Notre Dame Academy and intermediate in science from Patna Women's College. Her father, a senior official of South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd in Patna, is thrilled. And so is her husband, an IIT graduate currently in South Africa, working for a French company. In fact, it was he and one of her friends who motivated her to participate in the pageant.

Richa, incidentally, is a also a computer engineer from MIT, Pune, and a working woman. Incidentally, she came all the way from South Korea to participate in the event as her husband was then deputed there. It was when the contest began, that he was shifted to South Africa.

Incidentally, she does not intend to take up fashion or modelling as a career. It was all by chance that she decided to participate in this event. "I have recently cleared GMAT with a very good score and after a few months my husband and I will move to Paris from where I will pursue my MBA," said Richa ,

She is now all set to represent India at the Mrs India International in 2014, which will be either organized at Atlanta or Chicago in the US.

The pageant was organized by Glamhunt and Glimmer International and was judged by eminent personalities like Femina Miss India 2013 Navneet Kaur Dhillon, Miss India Earth 2012 Vanya Mishra, president of IG International Globe Nilanga Senanayke and Cynthia Ong, Mrs Asia All Nations 2013.

Richa also performed a dance to the accompaniment of modern Hindi film number, a medley, in the opening ceremony. The contest this year had a nail-biting finish, in which a medico, Manpreet Kaur, emerged the winner, while a UP-based woman, Rubi Yadav, was the second runner-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

source : TNN

A Bihar-born scientist makes groundbreaking research in new therapies to treat breast and pancreatic cancer.

                                                                                                                

Anti-CCN1 antibody [3H3] (ab115541)

                                                                                                                                                  DARBHANGA: A Bihar-born scientist is member of a small team which has identified a new gene, CCN1, and new biological pathways that help in healing pancreatic cancer.                                                                    
Dr Inamul Haque, a native of Supaul Bazaar, Biraul, in Darbhanga district, is an assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA, and investigated the biochemical activity and the molecular targets of CCN1 in pancreatic cancer cells. The study was published recently in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and accepted by American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology meeting, 2013, held at Boston, USA.

The lead author of the study, Dr Haque said, "The treatment of this disease has largely been unsuccessful due to higher resistance offered by pancreatic cells to conventional drugs. Therefore, our aim was to make these pancreatic cells more sensitive towards drugs. We have identified CCN1 as a key regulator for drug resistance and our studies have resolved how the CCN1 system becomes rewired at the molecular and cellular levels to promote pancreatic cancer."                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                          During the study, the researchers used mice in which human pancreatic cancer cells with or without CCN1 gene had been placed. The tumours in mice having CCN1 positive cancer cells began growing in less than a week, while no tumor was formed even three weeks after the placement of genetically engineered CCN1-negative cancer cells.      
                                                                                                                                                                         Dr Haque said, "When we blocked the CCN1 pathway, the stem cells were unable to self-renew, which resulted in long term and irreversible impairment of tumour growth. In other words, the cancer was permanently shut down."                                                                                                                              
His mentor, Dr Sushanta Banerjee explained that this finding is valuable in both scientific and clinical aspects. "Scientifically, we identified the molecular mechanism of local invasiveness in pancreatic cancer. Clinically, our results provide a drug-able target, CCN1, for developing therapeutic strategy against advanced pancreatic cancer. This study will provide important information for developing the personalized medicine of pancreatic cancer."

source :TOI

A state-of-the-art studio for films is likely to come up in Bihar.

  Way back in 1985, when Arvind Ranjan Das headed for Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, for doing a course with specialization in film editing after virtually leaving his banker's job, some of his family members and friends were quite sceptical about his move. He had done much here as a theatre person under the banner of Antarang, but Bollywood was considered too uncertain a place and too competitive for building a career for a person with middle class background.    But Arvind was undeterred by the thought of struggle to carve out a place in the world of filmmaking. And the struggle is not over yet, even though he has worked for several years for many big names in the field of TV and films like Balaji Telefilms, Time (a film-production company) and Bombino, a video company, in various capacities of senior director, creative and programming head and subject expert. Unfortunately for him, his big banner film 'System', produced by Jhamu Sugandh of the Lagaan and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam fame, was stalled in post-production phase due to Sugandh's untimely death.

Today, Arvind is at a crucial juncture. His feature film - Ghazab Nagaria - written, produced and directed by him is likely to be released shortly. And he has taken up a much more ambitious project of a film that would be 100 per cent produced in Bihar with everything local, from actors, financers to equipment.

Arvind's obsession, so to say, with Bihar is not new. After completing his FTII course in 1987, he returned to Patna with the objective of making films in Bihar. For five years, he tried to give a boost to film industry in Bihar, even while working part-time for Doordarshan, Patna. Those who knew him wondered what he was doing in Patna instead of heading for Mumbai to earn name, fame and money.

Finally, he quit his banker's job in 1992 and headed for Mumbai. But his longing to work in Bihar persisted. His feature film project 'Chand Mera Hai' is the result of that. Speaking about this, he says, "This film is conceptualized with the idea of a film whose actors and technicians are all from Bihar, for which camera, lighting and other equipment are not brought from outside. Not only the entire film shooting will be done in Bihar but the post-production work will also be completed in the state itself." For this purpose, Arvind says, he is currently training 25 youths in acting and technical aspects of filmmaking in the state capital. He will be the writer and director of this proposed film.

If 'Chand Mera Hai' takes off as planned, it may herald a new era so far as filmmaking in Bihar is concerned. For, the Bhojpuri films made in Bihar are essentially Bollywood productions in nature. Arvind's project has received support in various ways from people like film distributor Raju Barelia, Bollywood's technician Dinesh Jaiswar, Patliputra Film and TV Academy's Santosh Prasad, All India Radio's retired official Ashok Shrivastava and Filamchi's Captain Mohan Rawat, among others.    source TNN                             

Bhojpuri's inclusion in 8th schedule of the Constitution demand by Akhil Bharatiya Bhojpuri Sahitya Sammelan.Patna.

 

The two-day silver jubilee convention of Akhil Bharatiya Bhojpuri Sahitya Sammelan (ABBSS), being held here from December 23, would be attended by the lawmakers of all parties from the state, and would forcefully demand inclusion of the Bhojpuri language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution by adopting a resolution to this effect.

Incidentally, Bhojpuri is spoken in 14 countries and in various metros and towns of India. However, nationally, its core area comprises 27 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In Bihar, Bhojpuri is one of the five local languages, the other four being Maithili, Magahi, Angika and Vajjika. Of the five.
Maithili is the only language included in the eighth schedule of the Constitution.

 
Bihar legislative council chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh, who heads the ABBSS reception committee, said Bhojpuri is a living and rich language. It is the language of people who are rooted in the soil. "A resolution demanding its inclusion in the eighth schedule of the Constitution would certainly be adopted."

He said formal invitations have been sent to all the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members from the state, besides MLAs and MLCs. CM Nitish Kumar had been invited, but he had other engagements on the two days, Singh said, adding that Kerala governor Nikhil Kumar would inaugurate the opening function while Bihar governor D Y Patil is expected to grace the concluding function.

ABBSS national general secretary Gurucharan Singh, a resident of Rohtas district, said around 300 delegates from within the country would participate in the convention. Jagdish Govardhan and Sarita Budhu, from Nepal and Mauritius, respectively, would provide international colour to it. Bhojpuri language has been given due "constitutional recognition" in the two countries, said Gurucharan Singh.

Patna had hosted the ABBSS convention for the first time in 1976, which was presided over by famous Hindi litterateur Hajari Prasad Dwivedi.

The cultural functions to be held during the convention include discussions on Bhojpuri literature, present status and direction of Bhojpuri language cinema and release of new books written in the language. Artists and stars from the Bhojpuri language film industry would perform songs and dance.

On Sunday, Bihar legislative council chairman and Gurucharan Singh, among others, released a book of ghazals titled 'Rangmahal' written in Bhojpuri by Jauhar Shafiabadi from Chhattisgarh.

source : Abhay singh TNN

Learn How to express yourself Clearly.

If you are good at expressing yourself outwardly — either through a creative pursuit or by speaking your heart out — it will free your mind and connect you to the here and now

Do you realise that almost everything we do is a form of creative expression of our inner self? Each of us has aspirations, dreams and desires, not all of which have found their way into reality. And yet this inner self peeps out, it paces around within us, chaffing against the confines – seeking an outlet, a creative expression.  
People express themselves through creative forms such as writing, music, theatre, painting and dance. Almost everything we do, say or think is a form of self-expression that reveals a lot about us.
 
Our imagination and the flights of fancy it takes in the form of fantasies is also a creative form of our self-expression, known to us alone, unless we choose to share it. Fantasies play an important role in revealing to us our innermost desires and also help us visualise goals and aspirations. These then, when tempered with reality, become the goalposts we strive towards. The ability to use imagination and suspend reality also helps us enjoy fiction, movies and theatre with keenness. 
 
Even as a man watches cricket, it is a form of selfexpression as he aligns himself with one team and totally identifies with them in his desire to compete and win. The vicarious victory is an important element of his self-expression and a balm to his ego. Another person may express himself through the food he cooks or a dress he designs. A poet, in his poetry; a singer in his song.
 
As desires and aspirations grow, fed upon an explosion of available choices and exposure to success stories, the average middle-class finds itself able to think and fantasise about much bigger things. The 70-inch wall mounted TV no longer seems that distant a possibility, nor does ownership of a dream house, a luxury car or a world cruise. All this helps give expression to our desire for material acquisitions and expansion. Along with this, the fantasies embrace other modes of happiness, such as romance, love and relationships.
 
Says Dr Deepak Raheja, psychiatrist and director, Hope Foundation, “When we talk of expressing ourselves, we are referring to our ability to sublimate the libidinal energy, which as Sigmund Freud says, is the basis of all biological fuels that drive us. For a long time, we have forgotten to sublimate this energy into creative expression. Today, we find more and more people able to do so. If the gap between the real and the fantasized self increases, it increases frustration in life. Self-expression helps us feel more complete and helps bridge the gap between the real and the imagined self. This brings us to a more philosophical and spiritual fulfillment.”  

How does expressing yourself help you? Expressing your inner self through various means gives you an opportunity to sublimate your impulses into identifying with something that gives you catharsis. Expression gets us into a consistent tranquillity, explains Dr Raheja. If we are good at expressing ourselves outwardly, thus allowing bits of our inner self to find real expression, this helps bring us to a state of what Dr Raheja calls “consistent bliss and tranquillity”. This naturally then helps us in real life as well. Because now the state from which you will approach all your mundane tasks and even your critical business decisions, is a more consolidated, tranquil one. The big difference is that now, apart from giving importance to material acquisitions, you have also simultaneously learnt to be happy. And in that state of tranquility, you are able to see your circumstances more realistically since you are better able to connect to the here and now.
 
Creative expression brings about changes in the brain. Research has quantified those changes. It helps the brain move to a meditative state from where we are able to act in a state of calm that helps us synchronise our actions better; what occurs is a convergence of energy . This convergence leads us to a state of consistent bliss and this bliss eventually begins to make the difference in our everyday living and is what eludes us, almost like a butterfly we are chasing, which at will may come and perch on our shoulder, suggests Dr Raheja poetically.  

Self-expression is a way of beating stress, detaching yourself from the burnouts of day-to-day reality. It is a self-defence mechanism where we let ourselves go into a state of meditation and return healed.  
So then, what is your favourite mode of self-expression? Is it to talk aloud, listen to music, garden, play tennis, indulge in charity, paint or to write? Or, is fantasy your favourite way to express your innermost being?

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source :TOI,

DM Kundan Kumar of saran stressed the need to develop a dedicated zone at Sonepur to make the biggest annual cattle fair of Asia more attractive.

A permanent campus on the confluence of the Ganga and the Gandak would be beneficial for the fair, also known as 'Harihar Kshetra Mela', as its area has been shrinking due to the buildings constructed by the locals, he said.

Addressing the valedictory function of the fair on Tuesday, the DM congratulated the Saran and Vaishali administrations for maintaining law and order, especially in the backdrop of terrorist threat. "It was a remarkable achievement that no case was registered in Sonepur during the monthlong fair," he said.

 Principal secretary, tourism department, B Pradhan asserted that mahaarati, mushaira and Swiss cottages were the centres of attraction this year. Praising the efforts of 'community police' comprising teenagers led by Rajeev Munmun, Pradhan announced to give tracksuits to all its 500 volunteers.

Chief secretary A K Sinha also praised the team effort of the government officials and local citizens. He congratulated the tourism department for making the fair vibrant. He felicitated the government officials associated with the fair.

As per the folklores, the fair venue was initially at Hajipur and only the puja rituals along with the sacred dip at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak used to take place at the Harihar Nath Temple, Sonepur. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built by Lord Ram on his way to the court of King Janak. Since then, several local legends have been associated with the place and the temple. Of them, the clash between 'Gaj' (the elephant) and 'Graha' (the crocodile) is the most prominent one. Later, under Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, the fair venue was shifted to Sonepur. Though livestock trade has been the mainstay of Sonepur fair, it also boasts of entertainment with religious and culinary delights.












source : TNN

You want to know about Lokpal Bill -10 points of the Lokpal Bill which make it stronger

 

* Lokpal will have power of superintendence and direction over any central investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them by the ombudsman.

* A high-powered committee chaired by the PM will recommend selection of CBI director. The collegium will comprise PM, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India PM has been brought under purview of the Lokpal, so also central ministers and senior officials.

* Directorate of prosecution will be under overall control of CBI director. At present, it comes under law ministry.

* Appointment of director of prosecution to be based on recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission.

* Director of prosecution will also have a fixed tenure of two years like CBI chief.

* Transfer of CBI officers investigating cases referred by Lokpal with the approval of watchdog.

* Bill incorporates provisions for attachment and confiscation of property acquired by corrupt means, even while prosecution is pending.

* Bill lays down clear timelines for preliminary enquiry and investigation and trial. Provides for special courts Public servants will not present their view before preliminary enquiry if the case requires 'element of surprise' like raids and searches.

* Bill grants powers to Lokpal to sanction prosecution against public servants.

* CBI may appoint a panel of advocates with approval of Lokpal, CBI will not have to depend on govt advocates.

Important features

Lokpal will consist of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members, of which 50% will be judicial members 50% members of Lokpal shall be from SC/ST/OBCs, minorities and women Selection of chairperson and members of Lokpal through a selection committee consisting of PM, Speaker of Lok Sabha, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a sitting Supreme Court judge nominated by CJI Eminent jurist to be nominated by President of India on basis of recommendations of the first four members of the selection committee "through consensus" Lokpal's jurisdiction will cover all categories of public servants All entities (NGOs) receiving donations from foreign source in the context of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in excess of Rs 10 lakh per year are under the jurisdiction of Lokpal Centre will send Lokpal bill to states as a model bill, states have to set up Lokayuktas through a state law within 365 days

Points of discord on Lokpal

Aam Aadmi Party and NCPRI have said the Lokpal bill passed by Parliament is a "sarkari jokepal'' that does not adhere to the resolution which Parliament passed in August 2011 besides raising other concerns.

Lokpal's appointment

Govt | Lokpal will be selected by 5 members (PM, leader of opposition in LS, Speaker, CJI and one jurist nominated by these four) AAP | Majority of those who will select Lokpal will be from the political class who will have a vested interest in a weak Lokpal. Jan Lokpal had recommended a 7-member committee including 2 SC judges, 2 HC judges, one nominee of CAG+CVC+CEC, PM and LoP.

Lokpal's removal

Govt | Only govt or 100 MPs can complain to SC. AAP | Will keep removal under political control. Jan Lokpal said any citizen can complain and seek any Lokpal member's removal.

Investigating machinery

Govt | Lokpal would have to get complaints probed by any investigating agency, including the CBI, all of which would continue to remain under the administrative control of govt. AAP & NCPRI | CBI officers' transfers, postings will be under govt control compromising independence of the investigative machinery. CBI should be under the Lokpal's administrative control.

Ambit of the Lokpal

Govt | Judiciary excluded and MPs' actions in respect of speeches and vote in Parliament excluded. AAP & NCPRI | Include all public servants including judges and MPs in discharging public duties.

Whistleblower's protection

Govt | Absent from govt law. AAP & NCPRI | Protection for whistleblowers must be addressed in this law or a separate one.

Citizen's charter 

Govt | Absent from govt law. AAP & NCPRI | This was part of the resolution passed by Parliament in August 2011 and must be adhered to.

Lokayuktas

Govt | Have been left to the discretion of state govts. AAP & NCPRI | Bill should have been a model legislation for states to adopt mandatorily.

Frivolous complaints

Govt | Any person making a false complaint can be jailed for up to 5 years. AAP | Penalty for frivolous complaint is up to Rs 1 lakh; no imprisonment. 

source:TNN

Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has initiated steps to redevelop four of its hotels as star-category hospitality facilities.

 

 Despite the year witnessing an increase in foreign tourist inflow in Bihar, a five star enterprise is still a distant dream with no private player expressing willingness to open top rated hotels in the state. However, the state tourism department has ambitious plans to develop city's Kautilya Vihar and three other hotels in Bihar into a four star enterprise offering latest facilities such as Ayurvedic clinic, health club etc in next few months. The other three hotels will come up at Bodh Gaya, Muzaffarpur and Rajgir. Presenting the annual report, principal secretary of tourism department B Pradhan said, "The state now ranks sixth among the top 10 states when it comes to foreign tourist inflow as per the ministry of tourism. Nearly 65 lakh domestic visitors came to Bihar till August 2013. We are acquiring land for more hotels but a five-star hotel is not yet in the offing."

While the department plans to develop water, health and rural tourism in the state, altogether 66 projects worth Rs 12.5 crore is lying incomplete under the department. "There are many pending projects and our plan outlay was cut from Rs 145 crore to Rs 45 crore by the Central. But, we hope the outlay would be increased by December end. At present, we are struggling to provide even basic amenities at tourist spots with our limited resources," Pradhan said. 

Throwing light on reports of forming a special police force for tourist spots in the state, Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation ( BSTDC) managing director Vinay Kuma said, "Police is a unified organization and we cannot form a force out of it. However, the department recruits private security guards for supervising the visitors."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
source: TOI