Indian and American officials were in overdrive on Friday to put the sparkle back into prime minister Manmohan Singh's Washington visit after United States president Barack Obama queered the pitch by acquiescing to a role for China in South Asia.Indian hopes are focused on getting the US to agree to a formulation that will shut the door firmly on Beijing's bid to play policeman in the region or intervene as an interlocutor in our disputes with Pakistan, particularly Kashmir.
Film-mediometraggio ambientato in India. Racconta la storia di alcuni bambini che vivono nelle case famiglia Helen e Lakshmi della campagna indiana. Per maggiori info http://www.celestissima.org/ramesh/ramesh-about.htm.Film-mediometraggio ambientato in India. Racconta la storia di alcuni bambini che... more
The deadliest industrial disaster in history took place 25 years ago in Bhopal, India. Thousands died immediately, when just after midnight on Dec. 3, 1984, 40 tons of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas escaped a pesticide plant owned by U.S. chemical company, Union Carbide. Many more died over time due to exposure to the poisonous gas.
The incident occurred because of Union Carbide's various cost cutting measures, leading to a lack of adequate safety mechanisms, enabling the perfect storm to occur. Union Carbide, and its law firm, however, claimed that the incident was due to employee negligence and sabotage.
Many survivors in Bhopal still suffer chronic health problems and continue to fight Union Carbide, now owned by Dow Chemical. Activists demand that the company needs to decontaminate the former site, as well as pay a fairer compensation. Survivors only received about $500 each, and families of those who perished received around $1,000, after Union Carbide reached a $470 million settlement with the Indian government in 1989.
25 years later, Bhopalis are still active in their quest for justice. This film briefly explores what happened in Bhopal 25 years ago, and what is happening today.The deadliest industrial disaster in history took place 25 years ago in Bhopal, India.... more
A short documentary on Swetlana Singh, India's tallest woman, in Meerut, India. Includes an interview with her and her family, including her 2-year-old son Karan, who is already wearing the clothes of a 7-year-old! Perhaps one day he too will hold a height record for India!A short documentary on Swetlana Singh, India's tallest woman, in Meerut, India.... more
A short film documenting train travel in India. A diverse array of shots and scenery, and some basic information on India's extensive railway system. Train travel remains an enjoyable and adventurous way to explore India!A short film documenting train travel in India. A diverse array of shots and scenery,... more
A close-up look at this hardy little bird, the brown dipper, who dives for insects in the freezing cold Himalayan rivers.A close-up look at this hardy little bird, the brown dipper, who dives for insects in... more
Delhi is home countless markets and bazaars selling everything imaginable. Here's a quick look at one of the most diverse food markets, INA market. Spices, sweets, veggies and meats. Enjoy!Delhi is home countless markets and bazaars selling everything imaginable. Here's a... more
"With the faltering climate change talks set to open in Copenhagen next month, the latest figures from the Global Carbon Project show carbon dioxide emissions rising another 2 per cent last year as coal became the dominant source of fossil fuel emissions, taking over from oil for the first time in 40 years."
India has pioneered ahead with the technology revolution and has thus made a name for itself within the online community.India has pioneered ahead with the technology revolution and has thus made a name for... more
A tigress attacked forest rangers in Kaziranga National Park, India, in 2004. This is the story of what actually happened that day, including an interview with forest ranger R. K. Das.A tigress attacked forest rangers in Kaziranga National Park, India, in 2004. This is... more
Indian election authorities Thursday granted what they called an independent identity to intersex and transsexuals in the country's voter lists.
Before, members of these groups -- loosely called eunuchs in Indian English -- were referred to as male or female in the voter rolls.
But now, they will have the choice to tick "O" -- for others -- when indicating their gender in voter forms, the Indian election commission said in a statement.
"Enumerators and booth-level officers (BLOs) shall be instructed to indicate the sex of eunuchs/transsexuals etc as 'O' if they so desire, while undertaking any house-to-house enumeration/verification of any application," a statement from election authorities said.
India, home to more than 1 billion people, has 714 million registered voters.
Intersexual people are seen as a marginalized community in India. Many end up begging on the streets, becoming prostitutes or earning their livelihood by dancing at celebrations.
In July, an Indian court delivered a landmark ruling legalizing gay sex between consenting partners in the country.
The July verdict meant the law -- Indian penal code section 377, which had previously criminalized consensual homosexual acts between adults -- was partly struck down but remains in place as far as forced homosexual acts are concerned.
It was not clear whether the ruling -- which was later challenged by an astrologer in India's highest court -- would eventually lead to legalization of gay marriages in the country.
Delhi Metro has connected nearby cities Delhi and Noida. This comes as a great milestone for the project that has been remarkably efficient under Delhi's Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. While many other large-scale government projects in India suffer from corruption and delays, the metro project has remained relatively corruption-free and on schedule. Its relative success so far may be linked its status as a private-public entity, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which largely stays out of reach of the hands of corrupt politicians and government employees. Perhaps continued praise of successful and effective government undertakings will hold India to a higher standard, allowing it to reach its full potential for sustainable growth and a higher quality of life for all its citizens. Positive but honest media and publicity, such as the Discovery Channel's "24 Hours with the Delhi Metro," will hopefully garner support for effective management in Indian government undertakings, and for this project designed to reduce pollution and traffic. The metro project, however, has experienced at least two fatal accidents in the course of its construction. Continued press coverage of this project and others, alongside public demand for quality results, will decide how well the Indian government will tackle its many challenges going forward.
This pod is a quick look at the holy town of Pushkar and its Camel Festival that just took place in Rajasthan, India. This is my first pod... and first time out filming... so apologies for the shaky footage and beginner's editing! Despite all of this, I highly recommend a visit to Pushkar, in the middle Rajasthan's deserts, to witness the pilgrims at the ghats and enjoy the backpacker scene. Milkman is an incredible hostel to stay at, for those interested. Be warned, however, that hawkers, beggars and others will try for your money constantly. All in all, a worthwhile place to stop by on a trip to India.This pod is a quick look at the holy town of Pushkar and its Camel Festival that just... more
A landslide triggered by torrential seasonal rains swept through a hilly region in southern India, killing at least 42 people, an official said Tuesday.
The landslide demolished nearly 300 tin-roofed mud huts Monday in the Ooty and Coonoor region of Tamil Nadu state, a state flood control official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. The region is nearly 1,120 miles (1,800 kilometers) south of the capital, New Delhi.
India has blocked entry to a former US naval ship heading for break-up at a scrap yard on its west coast, citing environmental and pollution concerns.India has blocked entry to a former US naval ship heading for break-up at a scrap yard... more
Tensions have flared between both China and India militaries along their disputed 2,175 mile-long border, with both sides alleging more frequent troop incursions in recent weeks. China is upset when the Indian prime minister recently visit the disputed region. China considers an Indian-occupied piece of it’s own Tibetan Autonomous Region, has added flames to the fire.
China of course already deeply resents the fact that the top Tibetan leader, and several hundred thousand exiled Tibetans, are allowed to reside in India.~y2009m10d31-India-is-preparing-the-military-for-possible-war-with-China-and-Pakistan... more
A devastating fire engulfed 10 million liters of fuel at an Indian Oil facility in Jaipur, India last week. Experts blame negligence and failure to extinguish the fire early on for the toll in human life and environmental damage, as well as for the huge financial loss. Governments, corporations and communities worldwide should take note to ensure that this disaster does not repeat itself.A devastating fire engulfed 10 million liters of fuel at an Indian Oil facility in... more
Professor John Beddington, the UK's chief scientist, would not be drawn on whether the Home Secretary was wrong to sack Professor David Nutt.
David Nutt was chair of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.
He was fired after using a lecture to say cannabis was less harmful than alcohol and tobacco.
Asked whether he agreed with Professor Nutt's view that cannabis was less harmful than cigarettes and alcohol, Professor Beddington replied: "I think the scientific evidence is absolutely clear cut. I would agree with it."Professor John Beddington, the UK's chief scientist, would not be drawn on whether the... more
