Mumbai under attack

Late Wednesday night, Mumbai, India found itself the target of a ferocious terrorist attack, and the situation remains unresolved even now, three days later. According to reports, upwards of 60 young men entered Mumbai in small inflatable boats on Wednesday night, carrying bags filled with weapons and ammunition, and spread out to nine locations to begin their attacks. Lobbing grenades and firing their weapons, they entered hotels, a railway station and several other buildings, killing scores and wounding even more. As of this moment, the identity of the attackers has yet to be definitively determined, though there are reports indicating some of the gunmen were Pakistani - at least nine of them have been killed, nine more arrested. As of this writing, there were a reported 151 people killed from 11 different countries - though nearly 100 were Indian. More than 300 injuries have also been reported - those numbers may yet rise as several hostage situations still exist in the city. (35 photos total) - full story on http://www.boston.com

A city bleeds, nation mourns and an army of heroes who have dedicated their lives to the country fight a savage battle with extremists to restore peace and order. But the truth is the terrorists have claimed victory and a small section of their inhumane breed will call them martyrs. Cowards they are. If this what their religion teaches them to do, then I am proud not be born as one among them. Its true, they only represent a small fraction and others from their community cant be held responsible, but my heart cries looking at these images. These are common people from all walks of life. People who are at peace with the word while they fight their own individual battles. Do they deserve to be caught in this ghastly act.
Shame on those who participate and perpetuate these. Shame on your so called religion.

Posted by Bleeding Soul November 28, 08 12:18 PM to www.boston.com | The Big Picture

From the Big Picture.



A reporter talks on her phone as smoke is seen coming from Taj Hotel in Mumbai November 27, 2008. Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from the top of the landmark Taj Hotel in Mumbai on Thursday and heavy firing could be heard, a Reuters witness said. (REUTERS/Arko Datta)
--



Injured Indian security personnel lie at the Chatrapathi Sivaji Terminal railway station in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008. The two men later died from their wounds. (AP Photo/Mumbai Mirror, Sebastian D'souza)
--



A gunman walks through the Chatrapathi Sivaji Terminal railway station in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Mumbai Mirror, Sebastian D'souza)
--



Employees and guests of the Taj Mahal hotel, site of one of the shootouts with terrorists, are recued by firefighters as fire engulfs the top floor on late November 26, 2008. (LORENZO TUGNOLI/AFP/Getty Images
--



Firefighters try to douse a fire at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai November 27, 2008. Indian commandos freed hostages from Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel on Thursday but battled on with gun-toting Islamist militants. (REUTERS/Punit Paranjpe)\

- full story on http://www.boston.com

its wrong to blame pakistan or any other muslim country ...[PS: im NOT A MUSLIM]
its the western countries like US and Britain who milk feed terrorism and its centres .....and then pretend to show solace to the victims ......why the hell does US support Pakistan and afghanistan (previously) ....there is a deep divide and rule policy that these countries adopt against asian countries ...and yess ...fuck china too!!!! ....bye take care...love u all ...nothing personal!!!

Posted by varun November 30, 08 09:21 AM to www.boston.com | The Big Picture

- full story on http://www.boston.com

How to quit your job in the middle of Global Financial Crunch!

Tonight, I & Rashmi Sinha (An inspirting friend & Chief Executive at SlideShare.net) had a hot discussion over GoogleTalk on this fucked-up global financial system & it's impact over tech. I know, the subject-line of the mail is hillarious, but that applies to the sense of the discussion and the situation we're having in the system right now. I though, I should just share some thoughts to extend the discussion & invite all you to join-in... Grab a coffee & get ready to fly... ;)

 

In last whole month, I'm hearing & reading lot about the Global Credit Crunch we're having in our planet. I'm seeing people relating this crisis to each & everything which matters & even not matter at all. That is really crap!

I seriously hate when people directly relate technology with this crunch and then directly target India like this is the slowdown of Indian Technology Ecosystem; and it is more frustrating when many Indians itself support this crap-talk! My question why people act so blindly like our nation is all about off-shoring, why don't they see the innovation. Surely, a large part of our technology ecosystem is based on outsourcing, But that is not the only thing that defines the system, there is major part of innovation which is driven from small start-ups incubating to large enterprises, there is innovation driven by small technologists like us, there is innovation driven by the most talented pool of minds in whole world we have.

Let's take a typical Bangalore scenario. Out of city's 5.8 million population almost 1.6 million people work here for technology. And, you may be one of them. Let me be very specific here... You work for "technology"; you do not work for your big IT company. Give a big hug to Big Uncles that your piece of job which you thought you were working for your Big IT company, might be part of lay-off movement. You never know. And, you've seen it too that corporate-culture sucks. Especially in remotely controlled technology ecosystem like ours. This really sucks!

Crunch like these works typically as a fuel to more technological innovation. 8 years ago we've seen when the bubble burst during the start of this century. That was a similar situation, though the center that time was the world wide web, this time the center is the Wall-Street & Markets around the world. For example, Take a look at YouTube, Facebook, Skype, Ning, Mozilla, WebMD all these companies started right in the middle of the bubble's burst, all are valued over a billion dollar companies today. 

Let's talk about the tech now... Look closely, technology is anywhere & everywhere. It is wheel that drives innovation. Finance, Money etc is definitely an essential part of the system which is build by technology. But look separately, technology alone always keeps moving, it is completely a different matter that large tech companies are in crisis now, because we've really fucked-up the whole planet-wide financial system! Both are part of same system, but specifically both are different things. That is why I called you you work for "technology"... So be proud that you work for technology, not for your company! You're a free bird!

Recently, I heard Barack Obama on saying via Krishna's blog... 

Bigness of purpose is what separates 20th century and 21st century organizations: Yesterday, we built huge corporations to do tiny, incremental things - Tomorrow, we must build small organizations that can do tremendously massive things...

 

Obama is 99% correct in recognizing the patterns here. I'm just hoping they do not fuck the system again, like they did.

Definitely, this is a major shift we're witnessing. The trend is changing, this is a new era when new frontiers in technology / technology enabled systems will come up and redefine the system. And, we (India) have a major role to play... remember, you work for technology!

 I'll just finish this mail with lines below...

• ...Get involved » more coffee » quit your job » start a company » crunch blooms entrepreneurship »»»
• ...We all have ideas. Those ideas, by themselves are worthless unless you enterprise them »»»
• ...It takes a lot to jump-in to entreprenuship, but trust me. It is even better than orgasm! »»»
• And, your twenties are time to take risks & it is a roller coaster ride »»»
• And, lastly... This is the best time to quit your job & start something you always dreamed about »»»

 // Discussion on this is open here.

Via: Sheklog

9 Things I Hate

1. People who point at their wrist while asking for the time...I know where my watch is pal, where the hell is yours? Do I point at my crotch when I ask where the toilet is?


2. People who are willing to get off their ass to search the entire room for the TV remote because they refuse to walk to the TV and change the channel manually.


3. When people say "Oh you just want to have your cake and eat it too". Damn right! What good is cake if you can't eat it?


4. When people say "it's always the last place you look". Of course it is. Why the hell would you keep looking after you've found it?


5. When people say while watching a film "did you see that?" No Loser, I paid Rs.125 to come to the cinema and stare at the damn floor.


6. People who ask "Can I ask you a question?".... Didn't really give me a choice there, did ya sunshine?


7. When something is 'new and improved!' Which is it? If it's new, then there has never been anything before it. If it's an improvement, then there must have been something before it, couldn't be new.


8. When people say "life is short". What the hell?? Life is the longest damn thing anyone ever does!! What can you do that's longer?


9. When you are waiting for the bus and someone asks "Has the bus come yet?" If the bus came would I be standing here, dumbass?

Wealth Special: How to get your tax refund fast!

In January 2005, Ruchi Das resigned from her stint as a newspaper journalist to join an online media company.

Her provident fund (PF) balance was worth Rs 38,500, and she wanted to transfer this amount to her new employer's PF account, since a withdrawal before five years would be taxed.

In January 2007, Ruchi applied to her current employer for the transfer of PF balance. In December 2007, Ruchi, still has no clue about the status of her transfer.

When she made an inquiry, she discovered that her former employer had issued a cheque for Rs 38,500 in May 2007 in favour of the Recognised Provident Fund Commissioner (Delhi) with whom her current employer maintains the PF account. But the money was not credited into her account.

According to social activist Shailesh Gandhi, who perseveres in his fight with government agencies for the right of information, cases of pending provident fund are not uncommon.

If you are in the same boat as Ruchi, the Right to Information Act is a good bet, to help you find out the status of your dues (PF, tax refunds or old age pensions) from the Government.

The waiting period for tax refunds is usually one year from the time of filing your returns.

Plan of action for Ruchi

Shailesh outlines these steps to help Ruchi get the information she needs (for a draft format, turn to page 4 ):

1. Format

Central Government bodies have not prescribed a format for requesting information. But the State of Maharashtra has. You could use a similar format, because it is clear and concise.

2. Language of communication

Write your application in Hindi, English or the local language.

3. To whom

Address the application to the public information officer (PIO) of the organisation. In Ruchi's case, it is the Recognised PF Commissioner of Delhi. Do not forget to affix an Indian postal order stamp of a Rs 10 denomination, on your application.

4. Documents and records

Attach a photocopy of proofs like your transfer form or tax return copy to your application. If you don't have a copy of the transfer form, make sure you get your PF account numbers. Sign the RTI application and maintain a copy.

5. Content

Keep your language usage, simple. For instance, Ruchi could quote her PF number and other relevant details and frame it like this: What is the status of my PF transfer?

When framing questions, Shailesh suggests that you don't ask 'Why has there been a delay?'. Instead, focus on "What is the status?"

Questions that use words like 'what' and 'where' have a definite answer unlike the question 'why', because the person in charge may not know be able to trace the exact reason for the delay.

What next?

The PIO of the concerned office -- in this case, the PF office in Delhi -- will have to provide information within 30 days of receiving the application.

If you don't get a response within the time-frame, a first appeal can be made to the first appellate (an officer who is a rank senior to the PIO). He is bound to give you a response within 30 days.

Despite this, if the information is not provided or is refused, approach the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). The CIC is an autonomous body that inquires into citizen complaints. If the PIO has no justifiable reason for not providing the information or if he provides incorrect information, the act penalises him with an amount of Rs 250 per day.

According to Shailesh, in the case of PF transfers and tax refunds, the chances of a refusal are very, very low. Narayan Varma, a senior chartered accountant agrees.

He says, "I used RTI to get my tax refund. In my case, the dues were credited within 30 days. I mentioned my telephone number in the RTI application. The assessing officer called me to say he would act, immediately."

According to Varma, he has personally helped in approximately 50 cases of tax refunds. Of these, more than 95 per cent, have been successful.

Application sample

To,

The Public Information Officer

Recognised Provident Fund Commissioner

New Delhi

From,

Ruchi Das

No 18 Chamiers Road

Mumbai

Subject: Pending provident fund transfer

Description of the information required: I applied for transfer of my PF from account number xxx with company abc to account number yyy in company pqr.

Company abc tells me that the amount has been paid to you vide cheque number 12345 dated 5th May 2007. However, the transfer has not been effected into my account number yyy.

I want the following information:

a. What is the progress of the file?

b. Which officer dealt with this file and with whom is the file pending?

Place: Mumbai

Date: xxx

Signature

Note: In case you are awaiting a tax refund, address the 'The Assessing Officer/ Joint Commissioner of Income Tax' (who is the appellate authority).

Disclaimer: While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in the content, the web site or the author shall not be held responsible for any loss caused to any person whatsoever who accesses or uses or is supplied with the content (consisting of articles and information).

- ibnlive.com

In the Limelight!: Orientation Adventure Camp - Jogimatti

In the Limelight!: Orientation Adventure Camp - Jogimatti

Recession is coming

--
Recession is coming .... make your own judgment, don't panic !! Dowhat iswise.

The recession looks very eminent. It is really time to take pro active
steps to avoid a painful time in the next two years which is how long
the recession is expected to last.

Suggestions:

1. Don't take any loans; buy homes, properties with loans, or even cash.
Keep as much cash as possible.

2. Pay off as much of personal loans, private loans, as debt collection
will be hastened.

3. Sell any stocks you can even at lower prices.

4. Take money off from Trust Funds.

5. Don't believe in huge sales forecast from customers, be extremely
prudent, lowest inventories, reduce liabilities.

6. Don't invest in new capital.

7. If you are selling homes/ properties/ cars, do it now, when you can
get good prices, they are going to fall.

8. Don't invest in new business proposals.

9. Cancel holiday plans using credit cards.

10. Don't change jobs, as companies will retrench based on 'last in
first out'.

Stay cool, wait, and if you took all of the above actions and more, you
probably will be better off then many. This is not a rumor.
Bear Stearns is the first of many banking and financial institutionsthat
will start falling in the not too future. If Bear Stearns can fall, socan
JP Morgan, Citibank, HSBC, and the whole world. US economy falls, therestwill crumble.

India and all those self economies will be the most protected, but not
gullible.

Europe may be a little stronger, but not China , another giant! :place
Malaysia will see significant impact.


A friendly reminder from a friend!!!
--

A mail i received..!

Problem: Where Can I Get The List Of MICR Codes For Indian Banks?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintains the list of MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) codes for all Indian banking institutions (ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, et al.) at the following location:

http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/content/pdfs/68774.pdf

The Life of a BMTC Bus

If a BMTC bus could talk it would probably say “Ayyo Devare! Ee Bengaluru janara sahavaasa bedave beda”. (Translation: “Oh God! I do not want to have any association with the people of Bangalore”). A BMTC bus is a very faithful, un-complaining people ferrying machine. Despite its loyalty, it is the first thing to be attacked whenever a situation turns violent. People stone, set fire to, and puncture a BMTC bus for reasons that are not even remotely connected to it. For example, BMTC buses were attacked when,

1. Dr. Rajkumar was kidnapped by Veerappan
2. Tamil Nadu wanted Cauvery water
3. Babri Masjid was demolished
4. US invaded Iraq

Think your job is tough? Try being a BMTC bus for a day.

Moral: A BMTC bus is like a faithful pious wife. An easy target

- Vinaya HS | vinayahs.com

New knight rider - preview

knightrideronline.com