A.R.Rahman gets two Grammy nominations for Slumdog Millionaire

Robbie Williams sang “Swing while you are winning”. And who knows this better that the Mozart of Madras A. R. Rahman himself, who’s now dancing that too to his own compositions.

A.R.Rahman has bagged two Grammy nominations for his compositions in the Oscar winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. He has been nominated in the Best Song Written For Motion Picture and the Best Compilation Movie Soundtrack categories.

A.R.Rahman has already won two Oscars for the Best Original Score and the Best Song. He has also won a BAFTA for Best Music.

The Grammy Awards function will be held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on January 31st.

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No minarets for us: Swiss people to Muslims.

Muslims around the world have exhibited anger and shock at the same time over the referendum in Switzerland banning the construction of new minarets. Some Muslims have even called for the banning of Swiss goods and breaking of all ties with Switzerland.

The referendum was voted into power after more that 57 % of Swiss voters voted in favour of the ban on new minarets. Muslim clerics around the world have described the vote as an attack on religious freedom that too in Europe, which is widely regarded as a continent which is democratic and fair.

A minaret is an ancient symbol of Islam. It’s simply a tower from where the imam (the holy priest) tries to call people to pray (not war). However there is so such mention that a minaret is necessary for prayer.

Muslims around the world feel that European countries are trying to take protective measures even when there is no need or threat. “A concept of European Islamization doesn't exist amongst Muslims”. This feeling has been gaining ground since the French ban on wearing the Islamic headscarf and the caricatures of Prophet Mohammed in the Danish newspapers.

However, though Muslims have been very vocal on the Swiss issue, there has been some introspection going on behind closed doors. Many people in Egypt are now beginning to feel that that the azan is more of a disturbance rather than a prayer call. Authorities are rushing through ideas and spending sleepless nights in order to find a solution to the problem before the religious ritual gets tarnished. After all everyone has a right to peace and tranquillity. Prayers should be conducted quietly without disturbing the other even of the same faith.

To counter this problem, the Egyptian government has come up with a proposal to have a unified call to prayer from the minarets in order to cut the chaos and confusion created especially by the thousands of untrained muezzins performing the azan over microphones and loudspeakers for five times a day, often out of sync.

A muezzin would announce the azan from one of the larger mosques and his voice would be beamed across to others through specially designed receivers.

This proposal too has been met with strong opposition as it is said to be un-Islamic to block someone from performing the azan. Also the jobs of thousands of muezzins are at stake.

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Indian Navy to Ambani, Tata: No Helipad

Sometimes it seems that even the rich bend or rather have to. After all, they live in the same world as you and me and thus all their plans and ambitions are way too much for reality or rather for the law of the land.

If the Indian Navy has its way then it’s soon going to clip the wings of the Ambani’s and Tata’s, both top-notch industrialists in India. The Navy has sought cancellation of the flying permissions for the helipad atop the Ambani’s home Seawind at Cuffe Parade and the one used by Ratan Tata atop the Wellington Mews in Colaba.

Why???

Well, the Navy feels that these two helipads are very close to the naval dockyard and other vital naval installations.

The helipad atop Wellington Mews is within the flying area of the INS Shikra which is responsible for all the operations in the area. In case of an error, the pilot might land atop of the naval dockyard and the ships instead of his actual destination. The Navy has therefore sought to object the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for any helicopter operating from Sea Wind. In addition the Navy is also opposed to helipads on top of any private building as they pose a security risk.

This stand of the Navy hasn’t found many takers. The Brinhanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cleared the Ambani’s helipad and a NOC has been received from the Air Force for the Taj Wellington helipad. This has now put people to think whether the Navy’s objections are based on facts or simply ego.

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Get ready for 11-digit mobile phone numbers.

If you are always on the lookout for new handsets, offers, plans and technology then this news will probably will seem like a bolt out of the blue. The DoT (Department of Telecom) has come up with a proposal to increment the mobile number by 1 digit to a 11-digit numbering system to overcome the surge in mobile phone users and the addition of more cell phone companies. (If like me you had trouble remembering the 10-digit number then get ready to pull your hair out).

The present numbering system which was introduced in 2003 was intended to cater to the needs of 600 million users and for the next 30 years. But thanks to the whooping increase in cell phone users, the number of 500 million subscribers will soon be breached. The government has therefore decided to push for a system which would allow for smooth running of services without any hassles and room for more players. The government is thus thinking of making it mandatory to prefix a 9 before the existing mobile number (something similar to a 2 before your landline number).

But the plan of the government hasn’t gone down well with the telecom companies. The change in numbering system will mean a total overhaul of the network equipment. This would not only take days but also involve a lot of technical snags, drop in quality and large investment. The telecom companies are thus proposing an alternate plan. They propose de-reserving certain series reserved for certain companies; like 92 for Tata Teleservices, 93 for Reliance Communication and 94 for BSNL.

But since the government is favouring the 11-digit numbering plan the telecom department has gone ahead and circulated an internal note identifying January 1st as the implementation date. However, insiders reveal that this may be delayed to give the telecom operators more time as they have to also start with implementing number portability from January 2010.

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Act fast before your phone goes dead.

There is alot of Halla Gulla happening over IMEI number and the phones that don’t have it especially after the threatening message that all such phone owners have received that they're phones would go dead soon. Well, it’s a cause for worry but there is some solace. Phone owners can get an IMEI number embedded in their phones from their mobile service operator for a charge of Rs. 199.

What is an IMEI number?

Before we start whining about what the government is doing and why is it after all the phone user’s to ruin their peace instead of concentrating on more meaningful things, we should understand the reason behind such a move.

Firstly, an IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that is embedded in your phone and cannot be changed at any cost. Every phone manufactured has or rather should have it as it enables one to identify a mobile. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number allows security agencies to track down the mobile in case of suspicion or robbery.

If you're wondering how this is done then heres an explanation. When a person makes a call, he basically passes through 3 gateways. The first and the most important is the IMEI number. The IMEI number uniquely identifies the phone that the user is making the call from. In case of phones that do not have an IMEI number especially the cheaply available Chinese phones, 0’s are used. Thus when a call is made from such a phone the IMEI number registered is simply 0000...(15 times).

The 2nd is the SIM card number. This number changes either when we change our operator or we change the plan without changing the operator.

The 3rd gateway is the tower which routes the call. This changes as we change our location. FYI the Delhi police investigation revealed that the bombers of the Delhi bomb blasts made calls from the bomb site few minutes before the bomb blasted. Thanks to the tower that routed the call.

Since it’s evident that it’s only the IMEI number that’s fixed, it plays a very important role in tracking down the movements of a phone especially from a security point of view.

How to check your IMEI number?

All phone models are different. Right from the functions, the key combination to lock/unlock the keypad, everything is different. Even the chargers are not spared. However, we should be happy that atleast the procedure to check the IMEI number is the same no matter which brand or model with the exception of the iPhone.

To check the IMEI number simply dial the number *#06#. On dialling this number your IMEI number will be displayed. This number is very important and should be recorded and kept someplace safe as in case of theft it can be registered with the police.

In case of the iPhone the IMEI number can be located either by accessing the ‘About’ icon or by using the iTunes software which would display the number.

In case this doesn't do it, then simply Google ‘IMEI number+mobile handset model’. This will give you the procedure specific to your phone.

What to do?

With the government’s directive, it is expected that around 25 million phones are going to die. If you have a Chinese phone then there's no reason to panic. Why? Simply because more than you your mobile operator doesn't want to loose you. So just make your way to your mobile operator’s gallery and inform him of the same. He will do the needful for a fee of Rs.199/-.

It’s not that the government hates Chinese phones and the people who use them; it simply hates the phones that do not have an IMEI number. In the interest of national security, all of us have to bear a few hardships.

This incident however makes me think. You get all the top class features for a real cheap price where the Chinese mobiles are concerned. Yet you don’t get something that’s really important. All that glitters is not gold. I’m sure all such phone owners may be saying “Sasta pad gaya mehenga”.

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Women combat pilots in the IAF: A Boon or a Bane?

I in no way mean to offend anyone. All that I’m trying to do is offer my opinion to this sea of opinions that has already been created against/for the statement made by the IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal P K Barbora regarding women combat pilots. For those who don’t know what he has said, here is his statement.

“Nature's way of life is that you get married, bring up a family. Now the latest position on ladies flying is that if a lady goes into family way, she is off-duty for 10 out of 12 months. Now while we can always utilize... a lady in some other job, but in the pure profession in which we have invested so much if the poor lady herself who has contributed so much... if we cannot utilise... then it is not fruitful for either party. But we are looking at it and in a few more years we can see a change coming with certain pre-conditions."

Before allowing my mind to take a sortie of its own, I would like to say one thing. Why is it that everyone in India gets opinionated on every topic. In one way it’s good to have one, but it’s not necessary. I say this in response to the way our news channels and the press operates. Its good to give news, but giving news painted with a certain hue is not good. By offering this kind of news, you are forcing the listener/reader to think in a particular fashion. News should be given in such an impartial manner that it allows the listener to take his own stand if he must. The onus should lie on the listener as to which side he wants to be on. That is something that’s called impartial journalism.

Now coming back to the statement. I have listened to the IAF Vice Chief atleast twice now. To be honest I don’t feel he has said anything wrong. In fact he himself has tried to clarify that he sees no difference in the capabilities of a man and a woman. But the facts that he is pointing out to are true and cannot be denied. Unfortunately, the IAF is a 24x7x365 institution. There are no excuses for being absent. The times ahead are uncertain. If the war bugles are sounded, everyone has to report for duty. After all, just like football, a single player being absent changes the balance of the team. In war, every single pilot is a prized possession. Not having even a single one at your service is like operating with a handicap. If a woman combat pilot is pregnant, then as per the IAF she gets a maternity leave of 10 months. That means for 10 out of 12 months she is out of service. What during her leave, the nation goes to war? No one can demand or expect her to press herself into service in that critical condition. Unfortunately, she will have to be left behind.

Though I personally don’t like equating money with people, but it shouldn’t also be ignored. To train a combat pilot costs the exchequer a sum of 11 crores. 11 crores is no big deal where the nation and its security is concerned, but that money when it goes down the drain is unfortunate.

Another concern is what if these women pilots are taken as POW’s (Prisoners Of War). Already we have if not seen atleast heard of the ghastly tortures that the POW’s are made to undergo. Human rights violations, sexual, physical and mental abuse, etc. If all these things take place where men are involved wouldn’t it be worse if women were prisoners?

Another discussion is that women are inducted as combat pilots in US, China and even Pakistan, then why not India. Well at the onset, I would like to actually meet the man/woman who came up with such a phrase. Before asking him/her for the reasons behind such a phrase, I would actually want to ask her as to where was she all these years? Doesn't he/she know that India and the rest of the world are not just different but greatly different? In US you have tough laws, unbiased and lawful judiciary imparting justice not only impartially but also promptly, a serious clampdown on corruption, not allowing people who without any sense fight for the enforcement of a particular language to take law in their own hands, cleanliness and obedience. If India and US were so similar, you wouldn’t have any difference as of today. Everyone of us should realize that India is India and the US is the US. If in the US people look at the system to better the nation, in India we look at the system to search for loopholes which we can take advantage of. Just because it happens in some other nation, it doesn’t mean it will work in India too. Here in India, unfortunately things are not understood, they need to be explicitly mentioned. There have to be guidelines speaking of what protocol needs to be followed by all in times of need. Once decided there can be no two-way about it.

I wouldn’t say that I stand for the Vice Chief neither would say I stand against him. All I would like to say is to offer an unbiased opinion on the subject. I believe that a woman and a man are equal in every right. But unfortunately, biology doesn't agree. If it did, then men too would get a paternity leave. So, if you're a woman then please don’t see this issue being a woman. Place yourself in an unbiased position and judge. Only then formulate your opinion.

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Dear Sachin, Thank You for the cricket…

Very few times in life you have something that you come across that truly lifts your heart, something that even would make an old man jump on his feet and whistle. That something, at present would probably be Sachin Tendulkar.

Unfortunately, for the people of my age group watching Sunil Gavaskar or Sir Vivian Richards playing was not possible. Even if we were fortunate enough to see some glimpses of them, I feel we probably were too small at that time to understand the finer nuances and nitty gritties of batting. For those who did, well they are very fortunate.

It’s shocking to know that Sachin Tendulkar has completed 20 years playing for India. For a person like me he has always been playing for India (that’s from when I’ve started watching cricket on television). Whether opening the batting or rising like a phoenix from the ashes by taking the team out of loosing situations he has always been there. Looking at his videos when he had just joined the team really makes me wonder. Atleast now he has grown in built and stature. What it must have been for him at that time to face the fast bowling greats like Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Walsh, Ambrose, etc. At that time with no limits on the number of bouncers, I’m sure that it might have been more of defence rather than attack. But even though, he made sure they never got the better of him.

Probably the most vivid memory I have of Sachin is his Operation Desert Storm. The 134 runs against Australia at Sharjah is something I’m sure that I and also the millions of Sachin fans will never ever forget. The array of shots played was as if a simulation of the coaching manual was going on. May it be Warne, Fleming or whoever, Sachin showed that all hope was not lost. And though with defeat being in the face, he fought harder and harder and made sure that the two teams would be having an appointment again. There's a common saying that “Fortune favours the brave”. I would like to modify that its not only fortune but also God that favours the brave. The sandstorm was like a large group of angels that had come to descend on the field with all the good wishes and blessings of each and every Indian just hoping that we atleast qualify for the finals. After all, the God Almighty didn’t want to leave the God of Cricket alone in this hour of need. The sandstorm finally abated and out walked a man, with just one thing on his mind; not qualification but victory. In came the Aussie bowlers and out flowed the runs from the Master’s bat like blood oozing out of a fresh cut. Neither Fleming’s speed nor Warne’s spin web could stop him. The rest they say is History. India not only qualified, but also went on to win the finals.

Sachin’s career has been, in one word, illustrious with all the records in all formats (almost) of the game to his name. His charisma, style of batting, humility has caught the eye of one and all. So much so that even the all time great, the legendary, Sir Don Bradman took a note of it. Sachin is the only cricketer of the current generation to be included in the greatest of all time. So much so that even all the top-class bowlers of the world pray that they don’t have to bowl to him. The Indian bowlers on the other hand are the happiest as they never need to have that fear.

Even though of his genius and power on field, Sachin has not been a stranger to injuries. Whether it may be his back problem or his tennis elbow, everytime he has proved detractors wrong and has made a comeback harder and much stronger. Innings after innings, runs after runs, he just continues to inspire one and all. No one can and probably will never in a long long time match his abilities. Such a man is born just once in a century. His talent and prowess, uncanny ability to find gaps, running between the wickets and sheer presence at the wicket is so exquisite that it seems that God has taken special care and own sweet time to see that he is perfect. The beauty of Sachin is that even though he may have all the records to his name he always regards himself to be a student of the game. No matter what, there's always room for improvement. That’s the way to keep moving forward. Humility, I must say is Sachin’s motto.

With a staggering 12,773 runs in 159 Tests at a robust average of 54.58 with a mind-boggling 42 centuries and a whopping 17,178 runs in 436 ODIs at a healthy average of 44.50 with 45 centuries in the process, Sachin’s authority over the game is undefiable. His 44 Test wickets and 154 scalps in ODIs underline the fact that Tendulkar has been underbowled.

So, as Sachin makes his way out in the open on Sunday, the same way as he has been doing for 20 years, let us just stop and take a moment to say,” Thank You Sachin. Thank You for the cricket. May you keep going on and on.”

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Raj Thackeray: The uncalled-for Hero.

Raj Thackeray is to the Marathi people what the Spanish were to Christianity, a perfect bad example. In fact, Raj has so well lived up to this task that if you ask any Bombay city lover what is his worst fear, he’ll say Mr.Raj coming up with some of his paintras.

Starting from agitations about North Indians filling up posts to getting all sign boards in Marathi, this guy just seems to go on and on (I wonder what’s the secret behind such tremendous stamina). If that all was not enough, he went up to the extent of pulling up KJ’s movie just for the use of Bombay instead of Mumbai. Whatever Raj or his party workers and loyalists claim, I feel that Raj is nothing but a man of double standards.

If the Maharashtrians think that Raj is their friend then let me tell you or rather warn you. Raj is neither there for you nor for me. He may speak of many things like if necessary taking birth a thousand times to protect the rights of Maharashtrians (this same line seems to be on the lips of every MNS worker who’s caught for creating some ruckus). You only have to protect the rights of people whose rights are trampled upon. Which employer says that he will not give Maharashtrian’s jobs? If jobs were give on the basis of caste and creed you would only see one section of the country developing. Jobs are given to the competent and not for any other reason. When a job applicant applies for a job, the employer only sees to of what benefit he will be for the organization. He doesn't see that because he is a North Indian it’s good. Nothing like that.

If Maharashtrians are nowhere where it comes to having high posts and degrees then no other but they themselves are to blame. Who told the Maharashtrian’s to be so lazy and lethargic? Why is it that they are always associated with everything that’s slow and dumb? Don’t the Maharashtrian’s students have the intellect to crack exams like CAT, IAS, etc. Who stopped them from putting up stalls besides the so called outsiders? Just because Bombay geographically lies in Maharashtra that doesn't mean that the Maharashtrians can exercise they're right over it. All Maharashtrians should look back on their history. There was a time when Maharashtrian’s were considered pioneers and stalwarts. The beauty of the Marathi language and songs has inspired one and all. But that does not mean by just banking upon your past your future is going to be bright. Though Sachin Tendulkar may have 17K runs to his credit, yet he has to give his best everytime he plays. Unfortunately I think my Maharashtrian friends may have forgotten this. By showing through brutal force that you are a Maharashtrian does not help. Infact it attracts only strong criticism and flak. Rise to the top through hardwork and perseverance. All the Maharashtrian stalwarts too did the same. Shivaji didn’t steal his right from others, he commanded it.

If you think that just because Raj is fighting for Maharashtrian’s so he’s good. Let me tell you that he only fights for his agenda and getting all the media attention to get ahead in politics. Something that he has inherited from this uncle. Not surprising, whenever Raj lands up doing something, after a few days you see the other Sena too raising up the issue. Is this a case of one beating the other or some internally decided explicit timing? If Raj Thackeray is so much in love with Mumbai, then why doesn't he change the Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) to MSE; the Bombay High Court to Mumbai High Court and the IIT-Bombay to IIT-Mumbai. Why did he have a problem with Bombay being used in Wake up Sid and not Rock On? Why does Raj only see to the affairs in Bombay? Why doesn't he see to the backward areas of Maharashtra where majority of people live below poverty lines? After all in Raj’s own words, Bombay alone is not Maharashtra. Unfortunately, Raj will never do that. Why? Simply because there's no media attention in it. It’s also unfortunate to know that where Raj should have being dealt with an iron fist, he was dealt with a velvet glove. The congress party keeping they’re vote bank in mind have allowed Raj to grow, rather than nipping him in the bud. History is a witness that in cases where one uses the other for his own gains he lands up being the biggest loser. During the times of the cold war, the US supplied arms, ammunition and monetary assistance to terrorist outfits like the Taliban to fight the Russians so as to curb the ever growing power of the USSR. Today the US is themselves fighting it. Its their so called own creation.

If you think that the other Sena is good then also let me tell you this. This Sena has attacked many communities too in the past. When the Gujrati's played a pivotal role in the affairs, the Sena had a problem. Even so, they removed all the local station names that were in Gujrati. On seeing the south Indians putting up hotels and road side food joints, they attacked them. It seems that these two Sena’s are nothing but two sides of the same coin. Instead of working in a constructive manner for the Maharashtrians(like as if they are its rightful caretakers) like educating them, grooming them, providing job opportunities they teach them to destroy and bring about an atmosphere of fear. Why do I get the feeling that this is the same that the jihadi groups do?

Raj Thackeray talks about a progressive Maharashtra, but how is it supposed to the progress when the damages done by Raj and his band of hooligan’s runs in crores of Rupees. Is Raj and his MNS ready to pay for all the damages caused? Moreover is Raj a real well wisher of Maharashtra? If yes, then what about his alleged irregularity of funds in the Kohinoor Mills’ deal?

With respect to the attack on north Indians and also on Abu Azmi I would just say that instead of seeing outside Raj should first see within. His own son hasn’t taken Marathi in college. His son studied and studies in an English medium institution. Around 95% of all Maharashtrian families send their children to English medium schools. I think from now on, they should send them to Marathi medium schools. I wonder how many will be in favour for it.
If Raj feels that all outsiders have come and taken up jobs leaving none for the locals, then he should be happy and proud of the attacks on Indians in Australia as the same thing is going on there. The Australians are probably feeling too that the Indians are taking up they're seats in universities and jobs. So Raj should now either come out in the open expressing his happiness or should stop parents from sending they're students abroad altogether.

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