This "ad" was NOT created by Carl's Jr., and the "Big Sausage Breakfast" is not a real product. It is a parody video meant to grab attention before the 2014 Super Bowl. This video shows a scantily clad "cowgirl" walking in the desert. She reaches into a Carl's Jr. bag and pulls out a breakfast sandwich with a thick, foot-long sausage on a tiny bun. She licks and sucks it seductively making sure to clean up all the mayo.
Albanian TV newsreaders strip down to boost audience Zjarr TV
Tirana (AFP) - Faced with tough competition to win over audiences, an Albanian TV channel is taking a literal approach towards giving viewers the "naked" truth -- by employing almost-topless newsreaders.
Wearing open jackets and nothing underneath, the young women reading the headlines on Zjarr TV are an unprecedented sight in the conservative Balkan country, where they first appeared on television and Internet screens last year.
The channel's owner says audiences haven't stopped growing since. "In Albania, where the news is manipulated by political powers, the audience needed a medium that would present the information like it is -- naked," Zjarr TV owner Ismet Drishti told AFP.
"We don't sell sex, we reproduce the news as it is. It's both symbolic and good publicity," said Drishti, who plans to launch French and English language bulletins with "bare information" following the same model.
For 24-year-old presenter Greta Hoxhaj, working in a state of near undress has proved to be a shortcut to glory.
Wearing open jackets and nothing underneath, the young women reading the headlines on Zjarr TV are an unprecedented sight in the conservative Balkan country, where they first appeared on television and Internet screens last year.
The channel's owner says audiences haven't stopped growing since. "In Albania, where the news is manipulated by political powers, the audience needed a medium that would present the information like it is -- naked," Zjarr TV owner Ismet Drishti told AFP.
"We don't sell sex, we reproduce the news as it is. It's both symbolic and good publicity," said Drishti, who plans to launch French and English language bulletins with "bare information" following the same model.
For 24-year-old presenter Greta Hoxhaj, working in a state of near undress has proved to be a shortcut to glory.
"I worked hard for five years in local television where I remained unnoticed," a cheerful and relaxed Hoxhaj told AFP in the studio, while her face was made up for the cameras.
"I regret nothing -- in the space of three months I became a star."
Every evening at 7.30 pm, Hoxhaj reads the news in a revealing and preferably pink jacket, but she was quick to point out that she dresses like other women of her age in everyday life.
Her stripped down look "is only for television, for information," said the presenter, who also studies law and psychology when she's not in the studio.
Hoxhaj's newfound fame has landed her a job offer in Sydney as a presenter for a soon-to-launch Australian TV channel -- paying 3,000 euros ($3,280) a week, and requiring her to present the news topless.
"I have not decided yet, I'm still in discussions," said Hoxhaj.
- Dismissing critics -
Preceding her in the anchor job was Enki Bracaj, a 21-year-old student, whose bare bulletins went viral in the Balkans and made international headlines.
Officially she left because she was unhappy with her salary, but according to her colleagues, she managed to land a job as a model at a fashion magazine.
Zjarr TV is not the only place where female anchors have gone bare -- in Venezuela, for example, a presenter on a news website stripped naked last year to toast her country's success in the Copa America football championships.
"I regret nothing -- in the space of three months I became a star."
Every evening at 7.30 pm, Hoxhaj reads the news in a revealing and preferably pink jacket, but she was quick to point out that she dresses like other women of her age in everyday life.
Her stripped down look "is only for television, for information," said the presenter, who also studies law and psychology when she's not in the studio.
Hoxhaj's newfound fame has landed her a job offer in Sydney as a presenter for a soon-to-launch Australian TV channel -- paying 3,000 euros ($3,280) a week, and requiring her to present the news topless.
"I have not decided yet, I'm still in discussions," said Hoxhaj.
- Dismissing critics -
Preceding her in the anchor job was Enki Bracaj, a 21-year-old student, whose bare bulletins went viral in the Balkans and made international headlines.
Officially she left because she was unhappy with her salary, but according to her colleagues, she managed to land a job as a model at a fashion magazine.
Zjarr TV is not the only place where female anchors have gone bare -- in Venezuela, for example, a presenter on a news website stripped naked last year to toast her country's success in the Copa America football championships.
But in traditional Albania, home to a mostly Muslim population of about three million, the risque presenting style has caused a stir on Facebook and other social media sites.
"It's pathetic to have accepted such a thing just to be on screen," wrote one online critic, while another said the move was "outrageous" and "disgustingly sexist".
But Hoxhaj said she was not affected by such reactions, insisting: "I had the courage to do what I do and now I'm a star."
Aside from social networks, Zjarr TV has incited little reaction from feminist groups or journalist associations in Albania.
"There is a diversity of choice and everyone is free to change channel," said Leonard Olli, a journalist and PR specialist in the capital Tirana.
Aleksander Cipa, President of the Union of Albanian Journalists, said Zjarr TV's tactics did little to help traditional news outlets as they struggle with declining audiences and sales.
"Nudity cannot resolve the crisis in the media, which will serve anything to the public to survive," he said.
"It's pathetic to have accepted such a thing just to be on screen," wrote one online critic, while another said the move was "outrageous" and "disgustingly sexist".
But Hoxhaj said she was not affected by such reactions, insisting: "I had the courage to do what I do and now I'm a star."
Aside from social networks, Zjarr TV has incited little reaction from feminist groups or journalist associations in Albania.
"There is a diversity of choice and everyone is free to change channel," said Leonard Olli, a journalist and PR specialist in the capital Tirana.
Aleksander Cipa, President of the Union of Albanian Journalists, said Zjarr TV's tactics did little to help traditional news outlets as they struggle with declining audiences and sales.
"Nudity cannot resolve the crisis in the media, which will serve anything to the public to survive," he said.
Sex for Sale American Escort Prostitution Documentary
Prostitution in the United States is illegal, except in some rural counties of the state of Nevada. Prostitution, however, is present in most parts of the country, in various forms.
The regulation of prostitution in the United States is not among the enumerated powers of the federal government. Under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, it is therefore exclusively the domain of the states to permit, prohibit, or otherwise regulate commercial sex, except insofar as Congress may regulate it as part of interstate commerce with laws like the Mann Act. In most states, prostitution is considered a misdemeanor in the category of public order crime, a crime that disrupts the order of a community. It was at one time considered to be a vagrancy crime.
Currently, Nevada is the only state to allow legal prostitution - in the form of regulated brothels - the terms of which are stipulated in the Nevada Revised Statutes. Only 8 counties currently contain active brothels. All forms of prostitution are illegal in Clark County (which contains the Las Vegas–Paradise metropolitan area), Washoe County (which contains Reno), Carson City, Douglas County, and Lincoln County. The other counties theoretically allow brothel prostitution, but some of these counties currently have no active brothels. Street prostitution, "pandering," and living off of the proceeds of a prostitute remain illegal under Nevada law, as elsewhere in the country.
As with other countries, prostitution in the United States can be divided into three broad categories: street prostitution, brothel prostitution, and escort prostitution.
The regulation of prostitution in the United States is not among the enumerated powers of the federal government. Under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, it is therefore exclusively the domain of the states to permit, prohibit, or otherwise regulate commercial sex, except insofar as Congress may regulate it as part of interstate commerce with laws like the Mann Act. In most states, prostitution is considered a misdemeanor in the category of public order crime, a crime that disrupts the order of a community. It was at one time considered to be a vagrancy crime.
Currently, Nevada is the only state to allow legal prostitution - in the form of regulated brothels - the terms of which are stipulated in the Nevada Revised Statutes. Only 8 counties currently contain active brothels. All forms of prostitution are illegal in Clark County (which contains the Las Vegas–Paradise metropolitan area), Washoe County (which contains Reno), Carson City, Douglas County, and Lincoln County. The other counties theoretically allow brothel prostitution, but some of these counties currently have no active brothels. Street prostitution, "pandering," and living off of the proceeds of a prostitute remain illegal under Nevada law, as elsewhere in the country.
As with other countries, prostitution in the United States can be divided into three broad categories: street prostitution, brothel prostitution, and escort prostitution.
The Deepest Place On Earth
The Mariana Trench or Marianas Trench is the deepest known part of the world's oceans. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean, to the east of the Mariana Islands. The trench is about 2,550 kilometres (1,580 mi) long but has an average width of only 69 kilometres (43 mi). It reaches a maximum-known depth of 10,994 m (± 40 m) or 6.831 mi (36,070 ± 131 ft) at the Challenger Deep, a small slot-shaped valley in its floor, at its southern end,although some unrepeated measurements place the deepest portion at 11.03 kilometres (6.85 mi).
We can see the great difference between the Mariana Trench holes and the well-known russian Kola Superdeep Borehole
The Kola Superdeep Borehole (Russian: Кольская сверхглубокая скважина, Kolskaya sverkhglubokaya skvazhina) is the result of a scientific drilling project of the Soviet Union in the Pechengsky District, on the Kola Peninsula. The project attempted to drill as deep as possible into the Earth's crust. Drilling began on 24 May 1970 using the Uralmash-4E, and later the Uralmash-15000 series drilling rig. A number of boreholes were drilled by branching from a central hole. The deepest, SG-3, reached 12,262 metres (40,230 ft) in 1989 and still is the deepest artificial point on Earth.
We can see the great difference between the Mariana Trench holes and the well-known russian Kola Superdeep Borehole
The Kola Superdeep Borehole (Russian: Кольская сверхглубокая скважина, Kolskaya sverkhglubokaya skvazhina) is the result of a scientific drilling project of the Soviet Union in the Pechengsky District, on the Kola Peninsula. The project attempted to drill as deep as possible into the Earth's crust. Drilling began on 24 May 1970 using the Uralmash-4E, and later the Uralmash-15000 series drilling rig. A number of boreholes were drilled by branching from a central hole. The deepest, SG-3, reached 12,262 metres (40,230 ft) in 1989 and still is the deepest artificial point on Earth.
Rama Setu - Scientific explanation with proof
Adam's Bridge also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu ( Irāmar pālam, rāmasetu), is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
The bridge is 50 km (30 mi) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 1 to 10 metres (3 to 30 ft) deep in places, which hinders navigation. It was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel: temple records seem to say that Adam’s Bridge was completely above sea level until it broke in a cyclone in 1480.
Adam's Bridge starts as a chain of shoals from the Dhanushkodi tip of India's Pamban Island and ends at Sri Lanka's Mannar Island. Pamban Island is semi-connected to the Indian mainland by 2 km long Pamban Bridge. Mannar Island is connected to mainland Sri Lanka by a causeway. The border between India and Sri Lanka is said to pass across one of the shoals constituting one of the shortest land borders in the world. Adam's bridge and neighbouring areas like Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi, Devipattinam and Thirupullani are mentioned in the context of various legends in Ramayana
The bridge is 50 km (30 mi) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 1 to 10 metres (3 to 30 ft) deep in places, which hinders navigation. It was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel: temple records seem to say that Adam’s Bridge was completely above sea level until it broke in a cyclone in 1480.
Adam's Bridge starts as a chain of shoals from the Dhanushkodi tip of India's Pamban Island and ends at Sri Lanka's Mannar Island. Pamban Island is semi-connected to the Indian mainland by 2 km long Pamban Bridge. Mannar Island is connected to mainland Sri Lanka by a causeway. The border between India and Sri Lanka is said to pass across one of the shoals constituting one of the shortest land borders in the world. Adam's bridge and neighbouring areas like Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi, Devipattinam and Thirupullani are mentioned in the context of various legends in Ramayana
The Discovery of 1,750,000 Year Old Man Made Bridge
Adam's Bridge also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu ( Irāmar pālam, rāmasetu), is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka. Geological evidence suggests that this bridge is a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
The bridge is 50 km (30 mi) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 1 to 10 metres (3 to 30 ft) deep in places, which hinders navigation. It was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel: temple records seem to say that Adam’s Bridge was completely above sea level until it broke in a cyclone in 1480.
The bridge is 50 km (30 mi) long and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, being only 1 to 10 metres (3 to 30 ft) deep in places, which hinders navigation. It was reportedly passable on foot up to the 15th century until storms deepened the channel: temple records seem to say that Adam’s Bridge was completely above sea level until it broke in a cyclone in 1480.
Megastructures Super Sub USS Submarines Ultimate Structures - BBC Documentary
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability. The term most commonly refers to a large, crewed, autonomous vessel. It is also sometimes used historically or colloquially to refer to remotely operated vehicles and robots, as well as medium-sized or smaller vessels, such as the midget submarine and the wet sub. Used as an adjective in phrases such as submarine cable, submarine means "under the sea". The noun submarine evolved as a shortened form of submarine boat (and is often further shortened to sub). For reasons of naval tradition, submarines are usually referred to as "boats" rather than as "ships", regardless of their size.
Although experimental submarines had been built before, submarine design took off during the 19th century, and they were adopted by several navies. Submarines were first widely used during World War I (1914–1918), and now figure in many navies large and small. Military usage includes attacking enemy surface ships (merchant and military), submarines, aircraft carrier protection, blockade running, ballistic missile submarines as part of a nuclear strike force, reconnaissance, conventional land attack (for example using a cruise missile), and covert insertion of special forces. Civilian uses for submarines include marine science, salvage, exploration and facility inspection and maintenance. Submarines can also be modified to perform more specialized functions such as search-and-rescue missions or undersea cable repair. Submarines are also used in tourism, and for undersea archaeology.
Nuclear submarine
A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor. The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over "conventional" (typically diesel-electric) submarines are considerable. Nuclear propulsion, being completely independent of air, frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for conventional submarines. The large amount of power generated by a nuclear reactor allows nuclear submarines to operate at high speed for long periods of time; and the long interval between refuelings grants a range limited only by consumables such as food.
Megastructures is a documentary television series appearing on the National Geographic Channel in the United States and the United Kingdom, Channel 5 in the United Kingdom, France 5 in France, and 7mate in Australia.
Each episode is an educational look of varying depth into the construction, operation, and staffing of various structures or construction projects, but not ordinary construction products.
Generally containing interviews with designers and project managers, it presents the problems of construction and the methodology or techniques used to overcome obstacles. In some cases (such as the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and Petronas Towers) this involved the development of new materials or products that are now in general use within the construction industry.
Megastructures focuses on constructions that are extreme; in the sense that they are the biggest, tallest, longest, or deepest in the world. Alternatively, a project may appear if it had an element of novelty or are a world first (such as Dubai's Palm Islands). This type of project is known as a Megaproject.
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability. The term most commonly refers to a large, crewed, autonomous vessel. It is also sometimes used historically or colloquially to refer to remotely operated vehicles and robots, as well as medium-sized or smaller vessels, such as the midget submarine and the wet sub. Used as an adjective in phrases such as submarine cable, submarine means "under the sea". The noun submarine evolved as a shortened form of submarine boat (and is often further shortened to sub). For reasons of naval tradition, submarines are usually referred to as "boats" rather than as "ships", regardless of their size.
Although experimental submarines had been built before, submarine design took off during the 19th century, and they were adopted by several navies. Submarines were first widely used during World War I (1914–1918), and now figure in many navies large and small. Military usage includes attacking enemy surface ships (merchant and military), submarines, aircraft carrier protection, blockade running, ballistic missile submarines as part of a nuclear strike force, reconnaissance, conventional land attack (for example using a cruise missile), and covert insertion of special forces. Civilian uses for submarines include marine science, salvage, exploration and facility inspection and maintenance. Submarines can also be modified to perform more specialized functions such as search-and-rescue missions or undersea cable repair. Submarines are also used in tourism, and for undersea archaeology.
Nuclear submarine
A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor. The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over "conventional" (typically diesel-electric) submarines are considerable. Nuclear propulsion, being completely independent of air, frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for conventional submarines. The large amount of power generated by a nuclear reactor allows nuclear submarines to operate at high speed for long periods of time; and the long interval between refuelings grants a range limited only by consumables such as food.
Megastructures is a documentary television series appearing on the National Geographic Channel in the United States and the United Kingdom, Channel 5 in the United Kingdom, France 5 in France, and 7mate in Australia.
Each episode is an educational look of varying depth into the construction, operation, and staffing of various structures or construction projects, but not ordinary construction products.
Generally containing interviews with designers and project managers, it presents the problems of construction and the methodology or techniques used to overcome obstacles. In some cases (such as the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and Petronas Towers) this involved the development of new materials or products that are now in general use within the construction industry.
Megastructures focuses on constructions that are extreme; in the sense that they are the biggest, tallest, longest, or deepest in the world. Alternatively, a project may appear if it had an element of novelty or are a world first (such as Dubai's Palm Islands). This type of project is known as a Megaproject.
Violence grips Rio's City of God slum
A battle for control of a shanty town in Rio de Janeiro has intensified between security forces and drug gangs.
Brazilian police are on the streets of the City of God favela after a helicopter crashed there on Saturday, killing four officers.
Brazilian police are on the streets of the City of God favela after a helicopter crashed there on Saturday, killing four officers.
Australia should follow India's lead and scrap its biggest bank notes
"Removing large denomination notes in Australia would be good for the economy and good for the banks," UBS analyst Jonathan Mott said in a note to clients on Monday. Benefits would include reduced crime and welfare fraud, increased tax revenue and a "spike" in bank deposits, he said.
India last week banned 500-rupee and 1,000-rupee notes as part of a crackdown on tax evasion and the black economy.
While Australia's cash economy isn't as large as India's, the estimated 300 million A$100 ($76) notes in circulation are rarely seen by the general public, Mott said.
If all those notes were deposited with banks, household deposits would rise by about 4 percent, Mott estimated. That would likely be enough to fill the big banks' regulatory-mandated net stable funding ratio and reduce reliance on offshore funding, he said.
Central banks and governments around the world are looking at withdrawing high denomination bank notes as the increasing penetration of electronic payment methods mean there are alternative methods for large purchases. Since 2009, ATM transactions in Australia have fallen 3.4 percent a year, while credit card transactions have increased 7.3 percent a year, UBS said.
The European Central Bank in February said it was considering withdrawing 500-euro notes because of an "increased conviction in world public opinion" such high-value notes are used for criminal purposes.
IS IT time to get rid of the $100 note?
Investment bank UBS thinks so. With India this week moving to demonetise its two highest denomination bank notes, UBS says Australia should follow the lead.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi said the decision was aimed at curbing the use of fake money and corruption. While no longer legal tender, people can still deposit the Rs1000 and Rs500 notes into bank accounts until December 30.
India plans to release new Rs500 and Rs2000 notes, but no date has been set.
In a research note on Monday, UBS said it would be a positive for the banks due to the rapid growth in deposits, the boost to digital and cashless payments, and the reduced reliance on branch networks over time.
And in a country where only 1 per cent of people pay tax, the move in India is expected to “lead to lower interest rates and could uncover large amounts of taxable income currently hidden in the cash economy”, UBS analysts said.
While concerns with the cash economy in Australia may not be as significant as in India, UBS makes the following points. Firstly, there are 300 million $100 notes in circulation, although they are “rarely seen”. Second, there are almost three times as many $100 notes than $5 notes by number in circulation. And thirdly, 92 per cent of all currency by value is in $50 and $100 notes.
“Given the increasing level of digital transaction penetration we believe Australia could move to remove larger denomination notes,” UBS said.
“RBA data suggests the use of cash for transactions continues to fall. Since 2009 ATM transactions are falling at 3.4 per cent per annum while credit card transactions are growing at 7.3 per cent per annum driven by tap-and-go and NFC technology.
“We believe removing large denomination notes in Australia would be good for the economy and good for the banks.”
According to UBS, benefits may include “reduced crime (difficult to monetise), increased tax revenue (fewer cash transactions) and reduced welfare fraud (claiming welfare while earning or hoarding cash)”.
“From the banks’ perspective there would likely be a spike in deposits — if all the $100 notes were deposited into banks (ignoring hoarded $50s), household deposits would rise around 4 per cent. This would likely fill the banks’ Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) gap and reduce reliance on offshore funding.”
1. There are 300 million $100 notes in circulation in Australia, although they are rarely seen.
2. There are almost three times as many $100 notes than $5 notes (by number) in circulation.
3. 92 per cent of all currency by value is in $50 and $100 notes.
“Given the increasing level of digital transaction penetration we believe Australia could move to remove larger denomination notes,” Mr Mott said, adding that RBA data suggests the use of cash for transactions continues to fall.
“Since 2009 ATM transactions are falling at 3.4 per cent per annum while credit card transactions are growing at 7.3 per cent per year driven by tap-and-go and NFC technology.”
Removing big bills from the economy would also be a thorn in the side of criminals, who tend to go to great lengths to avoid a paper trail, according to the analysts, and banks would like the possibility of more transaction fees.
“Benefits may include reduced crime (difficult to monetise), increased tax revenue (fewer cash transactions) and reduced welfare fraud (claiming welfare while earning or hoarding cash),” Mr Mott said.
“From the banks’ perspective there would likely be a spike in deposits — if all the $A100 notes were deposited into banks (ignoring hoarded $50s), household deposits would rise around 4 per cent. This would likely fill the banks’ net stable funding Ratio (NSFR) gap and reduce reliance on offshore funding.”
So, the big question is: Would you miss $100 notes if they were cut from Australian circulation? And would you even realise they’d gone?
India last week banned 500-rupee and 1,000-rupee notes as part of a crackdown on tax evasion and the black economy.
While Australia's cash economy isn't as large as India's, the estimated 300 million A$100 ($76) notes in circulation are rarely seen by the general public, Mott said.
If all those notes were deposited with banks, household deposits would rise by about 4 percent, Mott estimated. That would likely be enough to fill the big banks' regulatory-mandated net stable funding ratio and reduce reliance on offshore funding, he said.
Central banks and governments around the world are looking at withdrawing high denomination bank notes as the increasing penetration of electronic payment methods mean there are alternative methods for large purchases. Since 2009, ATM transactions in Australia have fallen 3.4 percent a year, while credit card transactions have increased 7.3 percent a year, UBS said.
The European Central Bank in February said it was considering withdrawing 500-euro notes because of an "increased conviction in world public opinion" such high-value notes are used for criminal purposes.
IS IT time to get rid of the $100 note?
Investment bank UBS thinks so. With India this week moving to demonetise its two highest denomination bank notes, UBS says Australia should follow the lead.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi said the decision was aimed at curbing the use of fake money and corruption. While no longer legal tender, people can still deposit the Rs1000 and Rs500 notes into bank accounts until December 30.
India plans to release new Rs500 and Rs2000 notes, but no date has been set.
In a research note on Monday, UBS said it would be a positive for the banks due to the rapid growth in deposits, the boost to digital and cashless payments, and the reduced reliance on branch networks over time.
And in a country where only 1 per cent of people pay tax, the move in India is expected to “lead to lower interest rates and could uncover large amounts of taxable income currently hidden in the cash economy”, UBS analysts said.
While concerns with the cash economy in Australia may not be as significant as in India, UBS makes the following points. Firstly, there are 300 million $100 notes in circulation, although they are “rarely seen”. Second, there are almost three times as many $100 notes than $5 notes by number in circulation. And thirdly, 92 per cent of all currency by value is in $50 and $100 notes.
“Given the increasing level of digital transaction penetration we believe Australia could move to remove larger denomination notes,” UBS said.
“RBA data suggests the use of cash for transactions continues to fall. Since 2009 ATM transactions are falling at 3.4 per cent per annum while credit card transactions are growing at 7.3 per cent per annum driven by tap-and-go and NFC technology.
“We believe removing large denomination notes in Australia would be good for the economy and good for the banks.”
According to UBS, benefits may include “reduced crime (difficult to monetise), increased tax revenue (fewer cash transactions) and reduced welfare fraud (claiming welfare while earning or hoarding cash)”.
“From the banks’ perspective there would likely be a spike in deposits — if all the $100 notes were deposited into banks (ignoring hoarded $50s), household deposits would rise around 4 per cent. This would likely fill the banks’ Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) gap and reduce reliance on offshore funding.”
1. There are 300 million $100 notes in circulation in Australia, although they are rarely seen.
2. There are almost three times as many $100 notes than $5 notes (by number) in circulation.
3. 92 per cent of all currency by value is in $50 and $100 notes.
“Given the increasing level of digital transaction penetration we believe Australia could move to remove larger denomination notes,” Mr Mott said, adding that RBA data suggests the use of cash for transactions continues to fall.
“Since 2009 ATM transactions are falling at 3.4 per cent per annum while credit card transactions are growing at 7.3 per cent per year driven by tap-and-go and NFC technology.”
Removing big bills from the economy would also be a thorn in the side of criminals, who tend to go to great lengths to avoid a paper trail, according to the analysts, and banks would like the possibility of more transaction fees.
“Benefits may include reduced crime (difficult to monetise), increased tax revenue (fewer cash transactions) and reduced welfare fraud (claiming welfare while earning or hoarding cash),” Mr Mott said.
“From the banks’ perspective there would likely be a spike in deposits — if all the $A100 notes were deposited into banks (ignoring hoarded $50s), household deposits would rise around 4 per cent. This would likely fill the banks’ net stable funding Ratio (NSFR) gap and reduce reliance on offshore funding.”
So, the big question is: Would you miss $100 notes if they were cut from Australian circulation? And would you even realise they’d gone?
Black Money Measures by Sadguru
Sadhguru discusses the measures against black money recently taken in India through demonetization of large-denomination currency. Though these unprecedented steps may cause temporary difficulty to some, he explains, this strategically-planned surgery is necessary to set the nation on stable footing for the future.
Reason behind banning 500 and 1000 rupees notes
The Narendra Modi government has made its big move against black money.
By making the present Rs500 and Rs1,000 currency notes illegal from Nov. 09 onwards, the government has effectively forced the entire country to go to the banks (or post offices) and have their cash (in those denominations) added to their accounts.
It’s still too early to gauge how well the entire replacement mechanism will work, despite the 50-day window the government has announced. But this much is clear: The move will have a massive impact on the black money and counterfeiting ecosystem.
With these notes now going out of circulation overnight, the government has created a solid opportunity to clean up the system. Those hoarding cash at home—which in all likelihood will involve Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes—will have to put the money into the formal system. And terrorist organisations, which according to the government have made repeated use of fake currency, will suddenly find their cash piles containing these notes worth nothing.
India has decided to end the use of Rs500 and Rs1,000 currency notes from Nov. 09.
During a televised address late today (Nov. 08), prime minister Narendra Modi said that the drastic measure was taken to curb the flow of black money and prevent the counterfeiting of notes in Asia’s third-largest economy.
The government will issue new Rs500 and Rs2,000 denomination notes.
Account holders can deposit Rs500 and Rs1000 notes in banks and post offices over the next 50 days with proof of identification such as a PAN card or an Aadhaar card. ATMs in India won’t operate on Nov. 09 and Nov. 10 to facilitate the replacement process. Banks will also remain closed to the public on Nov. 09.
This is, so far, the biggest move made by the Modi government to stop the circulation of illegal currency in the country, which was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s poll manifesto in 2014. Earlier in his term, Modi had opened up an amnesty scheme, allowing people to declare their illegal wealth by Sept. 30 2016, in order to avoid legal action. By Oct. 01, only some Rs65,250 crore worth of black money was declared under this scheme.
The prime minister also emphasised on Nov. 08 that the sudden move will impact the financing of terrorist activities in India, which often uses counterfeit notes and black money channels.
“The Rs500 and Rs1000 notes hoarded by anti-national, antisocial elements will become worthless piece of paper,” Modi said. He added, for the benefit of the public, “There is no need for panic. Your money will remain yours.”
Currently India’s black money economy is about 20% of its GDP, according to estimates from Ambit Research. Apart from cash, Indians also hoard wealth worth over billions of dollars in the form of gold.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an emergency address speech, where he revealed to the country that 500 and 1000 rupee notes are to be discontinued from midnight today. I know how defective decision it is but it is true and will be staunch decision of striking off usage of 1000 and 500 Rupee notes currency in India. This decision has been made by the present government under the PM who says, IMF and World Bank states India is an economic star now.
Every citizen will be allowed to withdraw 10,000 Rupees from Bank or ATM per day and 30,000 per week which seems to be less. This ban on notes can be major stroke on Indian economy but we will, have to wait and watch how it turns out to be.
Why India Banned 500 and 1000 Rupee Notes
By making the present Rs500 and Rs1,000 currency notes illegal from Nov. 09 onwards, the government has effectively forced the entire country to go to the banks (or post offices) and have their cash (in those denominations) added to their accounts.
It’s still too early to gauge how well the entire replacement mechanism will work, despite the 50-day window the government has announced. But this much is clear: The move will have a massive impact on the black money and counterfeiting ecosystem.
With these notes now going out of circulation overnight, the government has created a solid opportunity to clean up the system. Those hoarding cash at home—which in all likelihood will involve Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes—will have to put the money into the formal system. And terrorist organisations, which according to the government have made repeated use of fake currency, will suddenly find their cash piles containing these notes worth nothing.
India has decided to end the use of Rs500 and Rs1,000 currency notes from Nov. 09.
During a televised address late today (Nov. 08), prime minister Narendra Modi said that the drastic measure was taken to curb the flow of black money and prevent the counterfeiting of notes in Asia’s third-largest economy.
The government will issue new Rs500 and Rs2,000 denomination notes.
Account holders can deposit Rs500 and Rs1000 notes in banks and post offices over the next 50 days with proof of identification such as a PAN card or an Aadhaar card. ATMs in India won’t operate on Nov. 09 and Nov. 10 to facilitate the replacement process. Banks will also remain closed to the public on Nov. 09.
This is, so far, the biggest move made by the Modi government to stop the circulation of illegal currency in the country, which was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s poll manifesto in 2014. Earlier in his term, Modi had opened up an amnesty scheme, allowing people to declare their illegal wealth by Sept. 30 2016, in order to avoid legal action. By Oct. 01, only some Rs65,250 crore worth of black money was declared under this scheme.
The prime minister also emphasised on Nov. 08 that the sudden move will impact the financing of terrorist activities in India, which often uses counterfeit notes and black money channels.
“The Rs500 and Rs1000 notes hoarded by anti-national, antisocial elements will become worthless piece of paper,” Modi said. He added, for the benefit of the public, “There is no need for panic. Your money will remain yours.”
Currently India’s black money economy is about 20% of its GDP, according to estimates from Ambit Research. Apart from cash, Indians also hoard wealth worth over billions of dollars in the form of gold.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an emergency address speech, where he revealed to the country that 500 and 1000 rupee notes are to be discontinued from midnight today. I know how defective decision it is but it is true and will be staunch decision of striking off usage of 1000 and 500 Rupee notes currency in India. This decision has been made by the present government under the PM who says, IMF and World Bank states India is an economic star now.
Every citizen will be allowed to withdraw 10,000 Rupees from Bank or ATM per day and 30,000 per week which seems to be less. This ban on notes can be major stroke on Indian economy but we will, have to wait and watch how it turns out to be.
Why India Banned 500 and 1000 Rupee Notes
The History of Hindu India
Part One: From Ancient Times
Part Two: 300-1000 ce
Part Three: 1000-1850 ce
"The History of Hindu India" (Part One) was developed by the editors of Hinduism Today magazine in collaboration with Dr. Shiva Bajpai, Professor Emeritus of History, California State University Northridge. It is intended to provide an authentic presentation of the early history of India and Hinduism for use in American 6th grade social study classes, as well as Hindu temple study groups and general presentations on the Hindu religion and history.
This documentary is based on the first chapter of the textbook, The History of Hindu India, published in 2011. It covers Indian history from the Indus-Saraswati Civilization up to the Gupta period (to 300 ce). The Hindu concept of God is explained, along with the key concepts of karma, dharma, ahimsa and reincarnation, the practice of temple worship, major saints and the main Hindu scriptures.
For more information and for class lesson plans based on the book, visit www.hinduismtoday.com/education/. This documentary is directed and produced by Sushma Khadepaun; produced and narrated by Roger (Raj) Narayan. Funded by the Uberoi Foundation, Institute for Curriculum Advancement, this film may be freely distributed for educational purposes.
This documentary is based on the first chapter of the textbook, The History of Hindu India, published in 2011. It covers Indian history from the Indus-Saraswati Civilization up to the Gupta period (to 300 ce). The Hindu concept of God is explained, along with the key concepts of karma, dharma, ahimsa and reincarnation, the practice of temple worship, major saints and the main Hindu scriptures.
For more information and for class lesson plans based on the book, visit www.hinduismtoday.com/education/. This documentary is directed and produced by Sushma Khadepaun; produced and narrated by Roger (Raj) Narayan. Funded by the Uberoi Foundation, Institute for Curriculum Advancement, this film may be freely distributed for educational purposes.
Part Two: 300-1000 ce
"The History of Hindu India" (Part Two) was developed by the editors of Hinduism Today magazine in collaboration with Dr. Shiva Bajpai, Professor Emeritus of History, California State University Northridge. It is intended to provide an authentic presentation of the history of India and Hinduism for use in American middle and high school classes, as well as Hindu temple study groups and general presentations on the Hindu religion and history.
Covering Indian history from 300 to 1100 ce, this documentary is based on the second chapter of the textbook, "The History of Hindu India," published in 2011. It opens with magnificent footage of the famed Kailasanatha Temple in Maharashtra, then presents the political history of India at a time when a third of the world's population lived there. It explores the Gupta Empire, the Huna invasions, the visits of Buddhist monks Faxian and Xuanzang, the initial incursions of Arab Muslim armies in the 8th century, and the rise of the great Chola kingdom of South India. City and village life is described, along with marriage arranging and jati, the joint family structure. This period also witnessed the beginning of the Bhakti Movement and the construction of thousands of famous and still active Hindu temples.
For more information and for class lesson plans based on the book, visit www.hinduismtoday.com/education/. This documentary is directed and produced by Sushma Khadepaun; produced and narrated by Roger (Raj) Narayan. Funded by the Uberoi Foundation, Institute for Curriculum Advancement, this film may be freely distributed for educational purposes.
Covering Indian history from 300 to 1100 ce, this documentary is based on the second chapter of the textbook, "The History of Hindu India," published in 2011. It opens with magnificent footage of the famed Kailasanatha Temple in Maharashtra, then presents the political history of India at a time when a third of the world's population lived there. It explores the Gupta Empire, the Huna invasions, the visits of Buddhist monks Faxian and Xuanzang, the initial incursions of Arab Muslim armies in the 8th century, and the rise of the great Chola kingdom of South India. City and village life is described, along with marriage arranging and jati, the joint family structure. This period also witnessed the beginning of the Bhakti Movement and the construction of thousands of famous and still active Hindu temples.
For more information and for class lesson plans based on the book, visit www.hinduismtoday.com/education/. This documentary is directed and produced by Sushma Khadepaun; produced and narrated by Roger (Raj) Narayan. Funded by the Uberoi Foundation, Institute for Curriculum Advancement, this film may be freely distributed for educational purposes.
Part Three: 1000-1850 ce
The History of Hindu India (Part Three) was developed by the editors of Hinduism Today magazine in collaboration with Dr. Shiva Bajpai, Professor Emeritus of History, California State University Northridge. It is intended to provide an authentic presentation of the history of India and Hinduism for use in American middle and high school classes, as well as Hindu temple study groups and general presentations on the Hindu religion and history.
This documentary is based on the third chapter of the textbook, "The History of Hindu India," published in 2011. It covers Indian history from 1100 to 1850 ce, from the Arab Muslim invasions to British rule, a time of great difficulty for the Indian people. These extensive foreign invasions are recounted, including the plunder of the great Siva temple at Somnath, and the establishment of the Mughal Empire by the 16th century in most of India, its subsequent decline by the mid-18th century and the gradual control of India by the British. The documentary provides an account of the saints of the powerful Bhakti Movement, including Ramananda and Kabir. One section is devoted to an overview of the Sikh religion, from its founding in the 16th century by Guru Nanak to formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in the 18th century. This is followed by a brief introduction to Indian music and its basic concepts of tala (rhythm), raga (scale) and improvisation.
For more information and for class lesson plans based on the book, visit www.hinduismtoday.com/education/. This documentary is directed and produced by Sushma Khadepaun; produced and narrated by Roger (Raj) Narayan. Funded by the Uberoi Foundation, Institute for Curriculum Advancement, this film may be freely distributed for educational purposes.
This documentary is based on the third chapter of the textbook, "The History of Hindu India," published in 2011. It covers Indian history from 1100 to 1850 ce, from the Arab Muslim invasions to British rule, a time of great difficulty for the Indian people. These extensive foreign invasions are recounted, including the plunder of the great Siva temple at Somnath, and the establishment of the Mughal Empire by the 16th century in most of India, its subsequent decline by the mid-18th century and the gradual control of India by the British. The documentary provides an account of the saints of the powerful Bhakti Movement, including Ramananda and Kabir. One section is devoted to an overview of the Sikh religion, from its founding in the 16th century by Guru Nanak to formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in the 18th century. This is followed by a brief introduction to Indian music and its basic concepts of tala (rhythm), raga (scale) and improvisation.
For more information and for class lesson plans based on the book, visit www.hinduismtoday.com/education/. This documentary is directed and produced by Sushma Khadepaun; produced and narrated by Roger (Raj) Narayan. Funded by the Uberoi Foundation, Institute for Curriculum Advancement, this film may be freely distributed for educational purposes.
ISRO Indian mission to Mars
India, the country of ancient science has created history by reaching Mars in its only and very first attempt. Further, India's mission to Mars has been the cheapest of its kind which makes this achievement even more interesting. Indians who traveled through out the space in the ancient times and the country where the enlightened yogis do so even today has shown to the world that India, if it wishes can do the same in the modern way as well. Karolina Goswami for India in details covers the whole story in her very unique and trademark style.
The ISRO successfully sent the Mangalyaan probe to Mars on the first time of trying, but what has it done and seen since its been there?
The ISRO successfully sent the Mangalyaan probe to Mars on the first time of trying, but what has it done and seen since its been there?
India- the future superpower is reclaiming- by Karolina Goswami
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country (with over 1.2 billion people), and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the south-west, and the Bay of Bengal on the south-east, it shares land borders with Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north-east; and Myanmar (Burma) and Bangladesh to the east. In the Indian Ocean, India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka and the Maldives; in addition, India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a maritime border with Thailand and Indonesia. India's capital is New Delhi; other metropolises include Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
Home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Four religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—originated here, whereas Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam arrived in the 1st millennium CE and also shaped the region's diverse culture. Gradually annexed by and brought under the administration of the British East India Company from the early 18th century and administered directly by the United Kingdom after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, India became an independent nation in 1947 after a struggle for independence that was marked by non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi.
In 2015, the Indian economy was the world's seventh-largest by nominal GDP and third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). Following market-based economic reforms in 1991, India became one of the fastest-growing major economies; it is considered a newly industrialised country. However, it continues to face the challenges of poverty, corruption, malnutrition and inadequate public healthcare. A nuclear weapons state and a regional power, it has the third-largest standing army in the world and ranks sixth in military expenditure among nations. India is a federal republic governed under a parliamentary system and consists of 29 states and 7 union territories. India is a pluralistic, multilingual, and a multi-ethnic society. It is also home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats.
Home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Four religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—originated here, whereas Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam arrived in the 1st millennium CE and also shaped the region's diverse culture. Gradually annexed by and brought under the administration of the British East India Company from the early 18th century and administered directly by the United Kingdom after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, India became an independent nation in 1947 after a struggle for independence that was marked by non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi.
In 2015, the Indian economy was the world's seventh-largest by nominal GDP and third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). Following market-based economic reforms in 1991, India became one of the fastest-growing major economies; it is considered a newly industrialised country. However, it continues to face the challenges of poverty, corruption, malnutrition and inadequate public healthcare. A nuclear weapons state and a regional power, it has the third-largest standing army in the world and ranks sixth in military expenditure among nations. India is a federal republic governed under a parliamentary system and consists of 29 states and 7 union territories. India is a pluralistic, multilingual, and a multi-ethnic society. It is also home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats.
Australia: A Continent Adrift - Full Documentary
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area. The neighbouring countries are Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and East Timor to the north; the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to the north-east; and New Zealand to the south-east. Australia's capital is Canberra, and its largest urban area is Sydney.
For about 50,000 years before the first British settlement in the late 18th century, Australia was inhabited by indigenous Australians, who spoke languages classifiable into roughly 250 groups. After the European discovery of the continent by Dutch explorers in 1606, Australia's eastern half was claimed by Great Britain in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales from 26 January 1788. The population grew steadily in subsequent decades, and by the 1850s most of the continent had been explored and an additional five self-governing crown colonies established. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies federated, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia has since maintained a stable liberal democratic political system that functions as a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy comprising six states and several territories. The population of 24 million is highly urbanised and heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard.
Australia has the world's 13th-largest economy and ninth-highest per capita income (IMF). With the second-highest human development index globally, the country ranks highly in quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and civil liberties and political rights. Australia is a member of the United Nations, G20, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Trade Organization, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Pacific Islands Forum.
For about 50,000 years before the first British settlement in the late 18th century, Australia was inhabited by indigenous Australians, who spoke languages classifiable into roughly 250 groups. After the European discovery of the continent by Dutch explorers in 1606, Australia's eastern half was claimed by Great Britain in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales from 26 January 1788. The population grew steadily in subsequent decades, and by the 1850s most of the continent had been explored and an additional five self-governing crown colonies established. On 1 January 1901, the six colonies federated, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia has since maintained a stable liberal democratic political system that functions as a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy comprising six states and several territories. The population of 24 million is highly urbanised and heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard.
Australia has the world's 13th-largest economy and ninth-highest per capita income (IMF). With the second-highest human development index globally, the country ranks highly in quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and civil liberties and political rights. Australia is a member of the United Nations, G20, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Trade Organization, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Female workers line up and kiss their boss everyday before beginning work at Beijing company
A company in China allegedly makes their female workers kiss their boss on the lips every day before they start work.
The Beijing-based company, from the Tongzhou district if you know the city well, apparently make the female workers line up between 9 and 9.30am to share a kiss with their boss – in an apparent attempt to strengthen the bond between employee and manager.
According to a report from Chinese news company Sohu, many of the women at the business, which sells home-brewery equipment, were initially reluctant to conform with the idea. Almost all do now agree to the practice, but Shanghaiist reports two staff members refused and have since resigned.
More than half of the company’s staff are apparently female and the company’s boss claims the practice will improve the company’s work culture and bond them “like fish and water”.
Pictures and video of the apparent daily routine received a lot of attention on Chinese social media site Weibo, with many questioning how the women could accept the practice.
According to a report from Chinese news company Sohu, many of the women at the business, which sells home-brewery equipment, were initially reluctant to conform with the idea. Almost all do now agree to the practice, but Shanghaiist reports two staff members refused and have since resigned.
More than half of the company’s staff are apparently female and the company’s boss claims the practice will improve the company’s work culture and bond them “like fish and water”.
Pictures and video of the apparent daily routine received a lot of attention on Chinese social media site Weibo, with many questioning how the women could accept the practice.
The End of China Economy
China's socialist market economy is the world's second largest economy by nominal GDP, and the world's largest economy by purchasing power parity according to the IMF, although China's National Bureau of Statistics rejects this claim. Until 2015 China was the world's fastest-growing major economy, with growth rates averaging 10% over 30 years. Due to historical and political facts of China's developing economy, China's public sector accounts for a bigger share of the national economy than the burgeoning private sector.
China is a global hub for manufacturing, and is the largest manufacturing economy in the world as well as the largest exporter of goods in the world. China is also the world's fastest growing consumer market and second largest importer of goods in the world. China is a net importer of services products.
China is the largest trading nation in the world and plays the most important role in international trade, and has increasingly engaged in trade organizations and treaties in recent years. China became a member of the World Trade Organization in 2001. China also has free trade agreements with several nations, including Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, New Zealand, Switzerland and Pakistan.
On a per capita income basis, China ranked 72nd by nominal GDP and 84th by GDP (PPP) in 2015, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The provinces in the coastal regions of China tend to be more industrialized, while regions in the hinterland are less developed. As China's economic importance has grown, so has attention to the structure and health of the economy.
To avoid the long-term socioeconomic cost of environmental pollution in China, it has been suggested by Nicholas Stern and Fergus Green of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment that the economy of China be shifted to more advanced industrial development with high-tech, low carbon emissions with better allocation of national resources to innovation and R&D for sustainable economic growth in order to reduce the impact of China's heavy industry. This is in accord with the planning goals of the central government.
Xi Jinping’s Chinese Dream is described as achieving the "Two 100s": the material goal of China becoming a "moderately well-off society" by 2021, the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, and the modernization goal of China becoming a fully developed nation by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic.
The internationalization of the Chinese economy continues to affect the standardized economic forecast officially launched in China by the Purchasing Managers Index in 2005. At the start of the 2010s, China became the sole Asian nation to have a GDP (PPP) above the $10-trillion mark (along with the United States and the European Union). As China's economy grows, so does China's Renminbi, which undergoes the process needed for its internationalization. China initiated the founding of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in 2015.
China has been criticized by Western media for unfair trade practices, including artificial currency devaluation, intellectual property theft, protectionism, and local favoritism due to one-party oligopoly by the Communist Party of China and its socialist market economy.
The rate of economic growth of the Chinese economy has started slowing with fears of an impending hard landing of the economy. The slowdown manifested in industrial regions as excess capacity in basic industries such as coal, steel, and cement, in the auto industry as reduced sales
China is a global hub for manufacturing, and is the largest manufacturing economy in the world as well as the largest exporter of goods in the world. China is also the world's fastest growing consumer market and second largest importer of goods in the world. China is a net importer of services products.
China is the largest trading nation in the world and plays the most important role in international trade, and has increasingly engaged in trade organizations and treaties in recent years. China became a member of the World Trade Organization in 2001. China also has free trade agreements with several nations, including Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, New Zealand, Switzerland and Pakistan.
On a per capita income basis, China ranked 72nd by nominal GDP and 84th by GDP (PPP) in 2015, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The provinces in the coastal regions of China tend to be more industrialized, while regions in the hinterland are less developed. As China's economic importance has grown, so has attention to the structure and health of the economy.
To avoid the long-term socioeconomic cost of environmental pollution in China, it has been suggested by Nicholas Stern and Fergus Green of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment that the economy of China be shifted to more advanced industrial development with high-tech, low carbon emissions with better allocation of national resources to innovation and R&D for sustainable economic growth in order to reduce the impact of China's heavy industry. This is in accord with the planning goals of the central government.
Xi Jinping’s Chinese Dream is described as achieving the "Two 100s": the material goal of China becoming a "moderately well-off society" by 2021, the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, and the modernization goal of China becoming a fully developed nation by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic.
The internationalization of the Chinese economy continues to affect the standardized economic forecast officially launched in China by the Purchasing Managers Index in 2005. At the start of the 2010s, China became the sole Asian nation to have a GDP (PPP) above the $10-trillion mark (along with the United States and the European Union). As China's economy grows, so does China's Renminbi, which undergoes the process needed for its internationalization. China initiated the founding of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in 2015.
China has been criticized by Western media for unfair trade practices, including artificial currency devaluation, intellectual property theft, protectionism, and local favoritism due to one-party oligopoly by the Communist Party of China and its socialist market economy.
The rate of economic growth of the Chinese economy has started slowing with fears of an impending hard landing of the economy. The slowdown manifested in industrial regions as excess capacity in basic industries such as coal, steel, and cement, in the auto industry as reduced sales
Earth from Space NASA live camera
24/7 Stream: Earth from Space (2016) #SpaceTalk Live Chat - Rotate HD Camera - NASA Video Space Documentary - No #CGI #GreenScreen is presented.
Earth from space - Feed From the ISS HDEV cameras aboard the International Space Station. Watch the earth roll by courtesy of the ISS cameras (2016). EVA astronaut in space footage of Earth from the International Space Station, This is HD footage captured by ISS HDEV cameras on board the International Space Station.
#Disclaimer:
This Stream may upset those who believe in a #Propaganda or #Conspiracy Theory such as Flat-earth (Flat Earth Society), Please make an effort to share a constrictive comment (Fake is filtered) about your beliefs on live chat.
#Privacy:
Please do not share any personal information on LIVE CHAT (#Snapchat #Whatsapp). We will never ask you for any kind of donation! BEWARE.
Earth from space - Feed From the ISS HDEV cameras aboard the International Space Station. Watch the earth roll by courtesy of the ISS cameras (2016). EVA astronaut in space footage of Earth from the International Space Station, This is HD footage captured by ISS HDEV cameras on board the International Space Station.
#Disclaimer:
This Stream may upset those who believe in a #Propaganda or #Conspiracy Theory such as Flat-earth (Flat Earth Society), Please make an effort to share a constrictive comment (Fake is filtered) about your beliefs on live chat.
#Privacy:
Please do not share any personal information on LIVE CHAT (#Snapchat #Whatsapp). We will never ask you for any kind of donation! BEWARE.
Secret of the Himalayas
The Himalayas, or Himalaya, are a mountain range in Asia separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau.
The Himalayan range is home to the planet's highest peaks, including the highest, Mount Everest. The Himalayas include over a hundred mountains exceeding 7,200 metres (23,600 ft) in elevation. By contrast, the highest peak outside Asia – Aconcagua, in the Andes – is 6,961 metres (22,838 ft) tall.
The Himalayas are spread across five countries: Bhutan, India, Nepal, People's Republic of China, and Pakistan, with the first three countries having sovereignty over most of the range. The Himalayan range is bordered on the northwest by the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges, on the north by the Tibetan Plateau, and on the south by the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Some of the world's major rivers, the Indus, the Ganges, and the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra, rise in the Himalayas, and their combined drainage basin is home to some 600 million people. The Himalayas have profoundly shaped the cultures of South Asia; many Himalayan peaks are sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Lifted by the subduction of the Indian tectonic plate under the Eurasian Plate, the Himalayan range runs, west-northwest to east-southeast, in an arc 2,400 kilometres (1,500 mi) long. Its western anchor, Nanga Parbat, lies just south of the northernmost bend of Indus river, its eastern anchor, Namcha Barwa, just west of the great bend of the Tsangpo river. The range varies in width from 400 kilometres (250 mi) in the west to 150 kilometres (93 mi) in the east.
The name of the range derives from the Sanskrit Himā-laya (हिमालय, "Abode of Snow"), from himá (हिम, "cold, winter, frost") and ā-laya (आलय, "receptacle, dwelling"). They are now known as the "Himalaya Mountains", usually shortened to the "Himalayas". Formerly, they were described in the singular as the "Himalaya". This was also previously transcribed "Himmaleh", as in Emily Dickenson's poetry and Henry David Thoreau's essays.
From the same name, they are known as the Himālaya in Nepali and Himālay in Hindi (both written हिमालय), the Himalaya (ཧི་མ་ལ་ཡ/གངས་ཅན་ལྗོངས) in Tibetan, the Hamaleh Mountain Range (سلسلہ کوہ ہمالیہ) in Urdu, and the Ximalaya Mountain Range (t 喜馬拉雅山脈, s 喜马拉雅山脉, p Xǐmǎlāyǎ Shānmài) in Chinese.
The Himalayan range is home to the planet's highest peaks, including the highest, Mount Everest. The Himalayas include over a hundred mountains exceeding 7,200 metres (23,600 ft) in elevation. By contrast, the highest peak outside Asia – Aconcagua, in the Andes – is 6,961 metres (22,838 ft) tall.
The Himalayas are spread across five countries: Bhutan, India, Nepal, People's Republic of China, and Pakistan, with the first three countries having sovereignty over most of the range. The Himalayan range is bordered on the northwest by the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges, on the north by the Tibetan Plateau, and on the south by the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Some of the world's major rivers, the Indus, the Ganges, and the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra, rise in the Himalayas, and their combined drainage basin is home to some 600 million people. The Himalayas have profoundly shaped the cultures of South Asia; many Himalayan peaks are sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Lifted by the subduction of the Indian tectonic plate under the Eurasian Plate, the Himalayan range runs, west-northwest to east-southeast, in an arc 2,400 kilometres (1,500 mi) long. Its western anchor, Nanga Parbat, lies just south of the northernmost bend of Indus river, its eastern anchor, Namcha Barwa, just west of the great bend of the Tsangpo river. The range varies in width from 400 kilometres (250 mi) in the west to 150 kilometres (93 mi) in the east.
The name of the range derives from the Sanskrit Himā-laya (हिमालय, "Abode of Snow"), from himá (हिम, "cold, winter, frost") and ā-laya (आलय, "receptacle, dwelling"). They are now known as the "Himalaya Mountains", usually shortened to the "Himalayas". Formerly, they were described in the singular as the "Himalaya". This was also previously transcribed "Himmaleh", as in Emily Dickenson's poetry and Henry David Thoreau's essays.
From the same name, they are known as the Himālaya in Nepali and Himālay in Hindi (both written हिमालय), the Himalaya (ཧི་མ་ལ་ཡ/གངས་ཅན་ལྗོངས) in Tibetan, the Hamaleh Mountain Range (سلسلہ کوہ ہمالیہ) in Urdu, and the Ximalaya Mountain Range (t 喜馬拉雅山脈, s 喜马拉雅山脉, p Xǐmǎlāyǎ Shānmài) in Chinese.
Surprising Sex Stats
The average male loses his virginity at age 16.9; females average slightly older, at 17.4. And a new study shows that genetics may be a factor: inherited traits, such as impulsivity, can make a person more or less willing to have sex at an earlier age.
Islamic State Terrorist Group Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Allegedly Poisoned
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (Arabic: أبو بكر البغدادي; born 28 July 1971 as Ibrahim Awad Ibrahim al-Badri إبراهيم عواد إبراهيم علي محمد البدري السامرائي) is the leader of the Sunni militant jihadist organisation known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which controls territory in western Iraq, Syria, Libya and Afghanistan. The group has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the United Nations. In June 2014 he was elected by the majlis al-shura (consultative council or Shura council), representing the ahl al-hall wal-aqd (its people of authority) of the Islamic State, to be their caliph, which he claims to be.
On 4 October 2011, the U.S. State Department listed al-Baghdadi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and announced a reward of up to US$10 million for information leading to his capture or death. Only the leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, has a larger reward offered for his capture or death (US$25 million). The United States has also accused al-Baghdadi of kidnapping, enslaving, and repeatedly raping an American citizen who was later killed. Over time, there have been a number of reports of al-Baghdadi's death or injury; however, none have been verified.
On 4 October 2011, the U.S. State Department listed al-Baghdadi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and announced a reward of up to US$10 million for information leading to his capture or death. Only the leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, has a larger reward offered for his capture or death (US$25 million). The United States has also accused al-Baghdadi of kidnapping, enslaving, and repeatedly raping an American citizen who was later killed. Over time, there have been a number of reports of al-Baghdadi's death or injury; however, none have been verified.
The Mathematical Mysteries Of The Universe
Human beings have always looked at nature and searched for patterns. But what do patterns tell us? Why should the spiral shape of the Nautilus' shell be so similar to the spiral of a galaxy, or the spiral found in a sliced open head of cabbage? There are still many unanswered questions that keep psysicists and mathematicians busy to this day.
Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on Pak terror training camps across LoC
A surgical strike is a military attack which results in, was intended to result in, or is claimed to have resulted in only damage to the intended legitimate military target, and no or minimal collateral damage to surrounding structures, vehicles, buildings, or the general public infrastructure and utilities.
A swift and targeted attack with the aim of minimum collateral damage to the nearby areas and civilians is a surgical strike. Neutralization of targets with surgical strikes also prevents escalation to a full blown war. Surgical strike attacks can be carried out via air strike, airdropping special ops teams or a swift ground operation or by sending special troops
Precision bombing is another example of a surgical strike carried out by aircraft – it can be contrasted against carpet bombing, the latter which results in high collateral damage and a wide range of destruction over an affected area which may or may not include high civilian casualties. The bombing of Baghdad during the initial stages of the 2003 Iraq War by US forces, known as Shock and Awe is an example of a coordinated surgical strike, where government buildings and military targets were systematically attacked by US aircraft in an attempt to cripple the Ba'athist controlled Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein.
A swift and targeted attack with the aim of minimum collateral damage to the nearby areas and civilians is a surgical strike. Neutralization of targets with surgical strikes also prevents escalation to a full blown war. Surgical strike attacks can be carried out via air strike, airdropping special ops teams or a swift ground operation or by sending special troops
Precision bombing is another example of a surgical strike carried out by aircraft – it can be contrasted against carpet bombing, the latter which results in high collateral damage and a wide range of destruction over an affected area which may or may not include high civilian casualties. The bombing of Baghdad during the initial stages of the 2003 Iraq War by US forces, known as Shock and Awe is an example of a coordinated surgical strike, where government buildings and military targets were systematically attacked by US aircraft in an attempt to cripple the Ba'athist controlled Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein.
Indian Currency Value in Other Countries - True Facts About Indian Currency
The Rupee, or more specifically the Indian rupee (symbol: ₹; ISO code: INR) (Unicode U+20B9) is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India. It is named after the silver coin, rupiya, first issued by Sultan Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century and later continued by the Mughal Empire.
The modern rupee is theoretically subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa), though as of 2011 only 50 paise coins are legal tender. Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of ₹5, ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹500 and ₹1000. Rupee coins are available in denominations of ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10. For special bank uses there are coin of ₹20,₹60,₹100,₹150 and ₹1000. (These coins are recently launched in India by the Reserve Bank of India.)
The Indian rupee symbol '₹' (officially adopted in 2010) is derived from the Devanagari consonant "र" (ra). The first series of coins with the rupee symbol was launched on 8 July 2011.
The Reserve Bank manages currency in India and derives its role in currency management on the basis of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
The modern rupee is theoretically subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa), though as of 2011 only 50 paise coins are legal tender. Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of ₹5, ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹500 and ₹1000. Rupee coins are available in denominations of ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10. For special bank uses there are coin of ₹20,₹60,₹100,₹150 and ₹1000. (These coins are recently launched in India by the Reserve Bank of India.)
The Indian rupee symbol '₹' (officially adopted in 2010) is derived from the Devanagari consonant "र" (ra). The first series of coins with the rupee symbol was launched on 8 July 2011.
The Reserve Bank manages currency in India and derives its role in currency management on the basis of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Amazing facts Behind Indian Traditions & Culture
The culture of India is the way of living of the people of India. India's languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food, and customs differs from place to place within the country. The Indian culture, often labelled as an amalgamation of several cultures, spans across the Indian subcontinent and has been influenced by a history that is several millennia old. Many elements of India's diverse cultures, such as Indian religions, Indian philosophy and Indian cuisine, have had a profound impact across the world.
Biggest secrets of Aghori Sadhus
The Aghori (Sanskrit aghora) are ascetic Shaiva sadhus. The Aghori are known to engage in post-mortem rituals. They often dwell in charnel grounds, have been witnessed smearing cremation ashes on their bodies, and have been known to use bones from human corpses for crafting kapalas (which Shiva and other Hindu deities are often iconically depicted holding or using) and jewelry. Because of their practices that are contradictory to orthodox Hinduism, they are generally opposed by other Hindus.
Many Aghori gurus command great reverence from rural populations as they are supposed to possess healing powers gained through their intensely eremitic rites and practices of renunciation and tápasya.
Many Aghori gurus command great reverence from rural populations as they are supposed to possess healing powers gained through their intensely eremitic rites and practices of renunciation and tápasya.
Border Security Force - India's First Line of Defence
The Border Security Force (BSF) (Hindi: सीमा सुरक्षा बल) is the primary Border guarding force of India. It is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces of the Union of India, it was raised in the wake of the 1965 War on 1 December 1965, "for ensuring the security of the borders of India and for matters connected there with". It is a Central Armed Police Force charged with guarding India's land border during peacetime and preventing transnational crime. It is a Union Government Agency under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs. The BSF has its own cadre of officers but its head, designated as a Director-General (DG), since its raising has been an officer from the Indian Police Service. It is an Armed Force of the Union of India tasked with various assignments from time to time. The BSF has grown exponentially from a few battalions in 1965, to 186 battalions with a sanctioned strength of 2.5 lakh personnel including an expanding air wing, marine wing, artillery regiments, and commando units. It currently stands as the world's largest border guarding force. BSF has been termed as the First Wall of Defence of Indian Territories.
Khabardar: Pakistan Says India Is Putting The Blame Without Probe
First images of a terrorist involved in Uri attack revealed
The 2016 Uri attack was a terrorist attack by four armed militants on 18 September 2016, near the town of Uri in the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was reported as "the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir in two decades".
At around 5:30 a.m. on 18 September, four terrorists attacked an Indian Army Brigade headquarters at the town of Uri near the Line of Control in a pre-dawn ambush. They are said to have lobbed 17 grenades in 3 minutes. As a rear administrative base camp with tents caught fire, 13–14 army personnel were killed. A gun battle ensued lasting six hours, during which all the four terrorists were killed. An additional 19 - 30 soldiers were reported to have been injured in the attack. Combing operations continued to flush out additional terrorists thought to be alive.
Most of the soldiers killed were from the 10 Dogra and 6 Bihar regiments. One of the injured soldiers succumbed to his injuries on 19 September at R&R Hospital in New Delhi. As of 19 September 2016, total casualties on the military side is poised at 18.
The high casualties are primarily believed due to non-fire retardant transition tents. This was the time of a troops shift, whereby the 6 Bihar regiment was replacing 10 Dogra regiment. The incoming troops were housed in tents, which are normally avoided in sensitive areas around LOC like Uri. The attackers sneaked into the camp breaching heavy security and seemed to know exactly where to strike. Seven of the personnel killed were support staff, including cooks and barbers.
The army personnel recovered a map from the slain terrorists which had markings in the Pashtun language and indicated a detailed plan of action. Four AK-47 rifles and four under barrel grenade launchers along with ammunition were also recovered. As per the army some of the items had Pakistani markings. The Director General of military operations, Lieutenant- General Ranbir Singh, said that there was evidence that the attackers belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad, an Islamist militant group active in the Kashmir region. He established a hotline contact with his Pakistani counterpart and conveyed India's serious concern on the issue.
Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh has also stated that the militants used incendiary ammunition to set fire to the tents. Such incendiary material was used for the first time in attacks, according to sources.
The Diplomat noted that the timing of the attack coincided with the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly the following week.
The India Today magazine reported that there was specific intelligence input from the Intelligence Bureau two days earlier that terrorists were planning to strike army formations close to the Line of Control. The intelligence agency had said that three fidayeen squads were launched from Pakistan-administered Kashmir. One of them attacked Uri, another went to Poonch where it was engaged by the security forces, and the third is believed to be targeting Srinagar highway. The India Today Television mentioned that, according to the intelligence sources, Pakistan has plotted a "spectacular event" ahead of Nawaz Sharif's speech to the UN General Assembly.
The National Investigation Agency filed a case regarding the attack took over the investigation on 20 September.
Reactions
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of his cabinet vehemently condemned the attack, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh held an emergency meeting to discuss further steps to take in response. Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar and Indian Army cheif General Dalbir Singh visited Kashmir soon after the attack to assess the ongoing military operations and review the security situation in the region. Parrikar instructed the Army to take firm action against those responsible for the attack and also stated that the deaths of the 17 soldiers "will not go in vain". Home Minister Rajnath Singh accused Pakistan for its "continued and direct support to terrorism and terrorist groups", calling Pakistan a "terrorist state" that should be "isolated".
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre stated that the "entire nation was traumatised" over the death of the 17 soldiers and the whole nation was "united in this hour of grief". He also stated that the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister had come to a conclusion that a response needs to be given to Pakistan.
Minster of State for External Affairs and former Army cheif Vijay Kumar Singh stated that India will give a "befitting reply” to the attack. He called upon the Indian Armed Forces to scale up their security and described a cold and calculated response as the need of the hour. He also called for an investigation into the shortcomings which led to the attack while stating that the Army should decide its response "coolly" with proper planning.
Many Indian politicians and public figures have condemned the attack. Former Indian diplomats and foreign policy experts have said that India had been driven to the wall and that a measured and effective response was needed. The opposition party, Indian National Congress, has said that there was no more scope for constructive dialogue with Pakistan.
On 19 September, Rajnath Singh, Manohar Parrikar, Dalbir Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and officials of Home and Defence ministries met to review the security situation in Kashmir, particularly in areas along the Line of Control.
Later in the same day, India called upon the United Nations Human Rights Council to urge Pakistan to put an end to cross-border infiltration and dismantle the terrorism infrastructure. Since known terrorists like Hafeez Saeed (the chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba) and Syed Salahuddin (the chief of Hizbul Mujahideen) can hold huge rallies in Pakistan's main cities, it said that active support for such terrorists has become the "new normal" in Pakistan. It highlighted that "Zero tolerance" to terrorism is an international obligation.
Pakistan
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry issued statements in which it rejected India's accusations that Pakistan had masterminded the attack. The ministry also condemned India's statements as "vitriolic" and deemed India's stance a "blatant attempt" to deflect attention from human rights abuses in Kashmir. It said the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir was "not of Pakistan's making but a direct consequence of illegal Indian occupation and a long history of atrocities," and that India's reaction of accusing Pakistan without investigations was "deplorable."
Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif claimed that India was propagating a "hostile narrative" in response the Uri attack and also stated that the armed forces of Pakistan were "prepared to respond to the entire spectrum of direct and indirect threat”
The 2016 Uri attack was a terrorist attack by four armed militants on 18 September 2016, near the town of Uri in the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was reported as "the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir in two decades".
At around 5:30 a.m. on 18 September, four terrorists attacked an Indian Army Brigade headquarters at the town of Uri near the Line of Control in a pre-dawn ambush. They are said to have lobbed 17 grenades in 3 minutes. As a rear administrative base camp with tents caught fire, 13–14 army personnel were killed. A gun battle ensued lasting six hours, during which all the four terrorists were killed. An additional 19 - 30 soldiers were reported to have been injured in the attack. Combing operations continued to flush out additional terrorists thought to be alive.
Most of the soldiers killed were from the 10 Dogra and 6 Bihar regiments. One of the injured soldiers succumbed to his injuries on 19 September at R&R Hospital in New Delhi. As of 19 September 2016, total casualties on the military side is poised at 18.
The high casualties are primarily believed due to non-fire retardant transition tents. This was the time of a troops shift, whereby the 6 Bihar regiment was replacing 10 Dogra regiment. The incoming troops were housed in tents, which are normally avoided in sensitive areas around LOC like Uri. The attackers sneaked into the camp breaching heavy security and seemed to know exactly where to strike. Seven of the personnel killed were support staff, including cooks and barbers.
The army personnel recovered a map from the slain terrorists which had markings in the Pashtun language and indicated a detailed plan of action. Four AK-47 rifles and four under barrel grenade launchers along with ammunition were also recovered. As per the army some of the items had Pakistani markings. The Director General of military operations, Lieutenant- General Ranbir Singh, said that there was evidence that the attackers belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad, an Islamist militant group active in the Kashmir region. He established a hotline contact with his Pakistani counterpart and conveyed India's serious concern on the issue.
Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh has also stated that the militants used incendiary ammunition to set fire to the tents. Such incendiary material was used for the first time in attacks, according to sources.
The Diplomat noted that the timing of the attack coincided with the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly the following week.
The India Today magazine reported that there was specific intelligence input from the Intelligence Bureau two days earlier that terrorists were planning to strike army formations close to the Line of Control. The intelligence agency had said that three fidayeen squads were launched from Pakistan-administered Kashmir. One of them attacked Uri, another went to Poonch where it was engaged by the security forces, and the third is believed to be targeting Srinagar highway. The India Today Television mentioned that, according to the intelligence sources, Pakistan has plotted a "spectacular event" ahead of Nawaz Sharif's speech to the UN General Assembly.
The National Investigation Agency filed a case regarding the attack took over the investigation on 20 September.
Reactions
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of his cabinet vehemently condemned the attack, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh held an emergency meeting to discuss further steps to take in response. Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar and Indian Army cheif General Dalbir Singh visited Kashmir soon after the attack to assess the ongoing military operations and review the security situation in the region. Parrikar instructed the Army to take firm action against those responsible for the attack and also stated that the deaths of the 17 soldiers "will not go in vain". Home Minister Rajnath Singh accused Pakistan for its "continued and direct support to terrorism and terrorist groups", calling Pakistan a "terrorist state" that should be "isolated".
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre stated that the "entire nation was traumatised" over the death of the 17 soldiers and the whole nation was "united in this hour of grief". He also stated that the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister had come to a conclusion that a response needs to be given to Pakistan.
Minster of State for External Affairs and former Army cheif Vijay Kumar Singh stated that India will give a "befitting reply” to the attack. He called upon the Indian Armed Forces to scale up their security and described a cold and calculated response as the need of the hour. He also called for an investigation into the shortcomings which led to the attack while stating that the Army should decide its response "coolly" with proper planning.
Many Indian politicians and public figures have condemned the attack. Former Indian diplomats and foreign policy experts have said that India had been driven to the wall and that a measured and effective response was needed. The opposition party, Indian National Congress, has said that there was no more scope for constructive dialogue with Pakistan.
On 19 September, Rajnath Singh, Manohar Parrikar, Dalbir Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and officials of Home and Defence ministries met to review the security situation in Kashmir, particularly in areas along the Line of Control.
Later in the same day, India called upon the United Nations Human Rights Council to urge Pakistan to put an end to cross-border infiltration and dismantle the terrorism infrastructure. Since known terrorists like Hafeez Saeed (the chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba) and Syed Salahuddin (the chief of Hizbul Mujahideen) can hold huge rallies in Pakistan's main cities, it said that active support for such terrorists has become the "new normal" in Pakistan. It highlighted that "Zero tolerance" to terrorism is an international obligation.
Pakistan
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry issued statements in which it rejected India's accusations that Pakistan had masterminded the attack. The ministry also condemned India's statements as "vitriolic" and deemed India's stance a "blatant attempt" to deflect attention from human rights abuses in Kashmir. It said the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir was "not of Pakistan's making but a direct consequence of illegal Indian occupation and a long history of atrocities," and that India's reaction of accusing Pakistan without investigations was "deplorable."
Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif claimed that India was propagating a "hostile narrative" in response the Uri attack and also stated that the armed forces of Pakistan were "prepared to respond to the entire spectrum of direct and indirect threat”
The Hidden Genocide Documentary by Al Jazeera TV
Earlier this year a Buddhist woman was raped and murdered in western Myanmar. The authorities charged three Muslim men.A week later, 10 Muslims were murdered in a revenge attack. What happened next was hidden from the outside world. Bloodshed pitted Buddhists against minority Rohingya Muslims. Many Rohingya fled their homes, which were burned down in what they said was a deliberate attempt by the predominantly Buddhist government to drive them out of the country.
Martial Arts shaolin kungfu Top Documentaries
Shaolin Kung Fu (Chinese: 少林功夫; pinyin: Shàolín gōngfu), also called Shaolin Wushu (少林武術; Shàolín wǔshù), is among the oldest institutionalized styles of Chinese martial arts. Known in Chinese as Shaolinquan (Chinese: 少林拳; pinyin: Shàolínquán) or Shaolin wugong (Chinese: 少林武功; pinyin: Shàolín wǔgōng), it originated and was developed in the Buddhist Shaolin temple in Henan province, China. During the 1500 years of its development, Shaolin kung fu became one of the largest schools of kung fu. The name Shaolin is also used as a brand for the so-called external styles of kung fu. Many styles in southern and northern China use the name Shaolin.
Zanzibar: Spices, slaves and the spirit of independence - Street Food
The Indian Ocean is one of the world's oldest and largest free trade zones. For centuries, trade and migration have marked the history of the many communities living along its shores.
But the name of one place on the coast of Africa has long captured people's imagination: Zanzibar, also know as the spice island.
For centuries, merchants of of all colours and creeds came to the island off the Tanzanian mainland on wooden vessels - and each of them left their own mark on the island.
As a result, Zanzibar has one of the richest and most diverse food cultures in East Africa encompassing influences from Arabia, India and Europe.
Street food is a term often interpreted literally as food served on the streets, but in Zanzibar the real roads are the ocean, dhows are the link between sea and the land, and the presence of seafood is everywhere on the menus.
The island's wealth was largely founded on the spice trade.
Zanzibar's original settlers were Bantu-speaking Africans. But Arabs, especially Omanis, had a huge influence. They set up trading companies in Zanzibar in the 17th century, ending 200 years of Portuguese dominance on the island.
In 1832, the Sultan of Oman moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar, which had become a major slave-trading centre.
He encouraged the commercial farming of cloves, so when the slave trade was abolished in 1873, the spice trade continued to flourish - giving Zanzibar wealth and prestige as well as its legendary name, the spice island.
As anti-colonialism spread across Africa, Zanzibar gained independence in 1963. The following Zanzibari revolution, which aimed to give power back to Africans, became one of the bloodiest chapters in the island's history.
"Most of the Omani people were killed, more than 14,000 people were killed, tortured, cut into pieces, murdered, butchered," says Nassor Mazrui, a businessman.
Professor Abdul Sherif from the Zanzibar Ocean Research Institute explains that Arabs were targeted in particular because "they were the big land owners in the 19th century, who also owned slaves, so the ideology of slavery was revived to serve in the politcal struggle of the 1960's.... If something like that would happen now, we would call it ethnic cleansing."
The island's Indian community also suffered during the unrest.The aftermath of the revolution saw an exodus of the Asiatic community, but the trading port lost not only its traders, its whole identity was under threat too.
In 1964, after the bloody revolution, Zanzibar hastily entered a union with Tanzania. The union was designed to prevent the spread of chaos in the region, but for many in Zanzibar, this was the beginning of Zanzibar's decline as one of the most prestigious trading ports in East Africa.
In the last four decades, Zanzibar's spice trade has gone into sharp decline. Today, the spice island, once the world's largest clove producer, is more of a tourist resort.
Its cultural heritage has given Zanzibar a rich and varied cuisine, and it continues to inspire the islanders in their struggle for greater autonomy and a new identity.
Al Jazeera visits the island to discover its turbulent history, its culinary heritage and the changes taking place.
Editor's note: This film was first broadcast on Al Jazeera English in 2008.
Partner rating
No mature content
Show
Featured Documentaries
Season
2016
Episode
17
Release date
9/12/16
Running time
23:12
But the name of one place on the coast of Africa has long captured people's imagination: Zanzibar, also know as the spice island.
For centuries, merchants of of all colours and creeds came to the island off the Tanzanian mainland on wooden vessels - and each of them left their own mark on the island.
As a result, Zanzibar has one of the richest and most diverse food cultures in East Africa encompassing influences from Arabia, India and Europe.
Street food is a term often interpreted literally as food served on the streets, but in Zanzibar the real roads are the ocean, dhows are the link between sea and the land, and the presence of seafood is everywhere on the menus.
The island's wealth was largely founded on the spice trade.
Zanzibar's original settlers were Bantu-speaking Africans. But Arabs, especially Omanis, had a huge influence. They set up trading companies in Zanzibar in the 17th century, ending 200 years of Portuguese dominance on the island.
In 1832, the Sultan of Oman moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar, which had become a major slave-trading centre.
He encouraged the commercial farming of cloves, so when the slave trade was abolished in 1873, the spice trade continued to flourish - giving Zanzibar wealth and prestige as well as its legendary name, the spice island.
As anti-colonialism spread across Africa, Zanzibar gained independence in 1963. The following Zanzibari revolution, which aimed to give power back to Africans, became one of the bloodiest chapters in the island's history.
"Most of the Omani people were killed, more than 14,000 people were killed, tortured, cut into pieces, murdered, butchered," says Nassor Mazrui, a businessman.
Professor Abdul Sherif from the Zanzibar Ocean Research Institute explains that Arabs were targeted in particular because "they were the big land owners in the 19th century, who also owned slaves, so the ideology of slavery was revived to serve in the politcal struggle of the 1960's.... If something like that would happen now, we would call it ethnic cleansing."
The island's Indian community also suffered during the unrest.The aftermath of the revolution saw an exodus of the Asiatic community, but the trading port lost not only its traders, its whole identity was under threat too.
In 1964, after the bloody revolution, Zanzibar hastily entered a union with Tanzania. The union was designed to prevent the spread of chaos in the region, but for many in Zanzibar, this was the beginning of Zanzibar's decline as one of the most prestigious trading ports in East Africa.
In the last four decades, Zanzibar's spice trade has gone into sharp decline. Today, the spice island, once the world's largest clove producer, is more of a tourist resort.
Its cultural heritage has given Zanzibar a rich and varied cuisine, and it continues to inspire the islanders in their struggle for greater autonomy and a new identity.
Al Jazeera visits the island to discover its turbulent history, its culinary heritage and the changes taking place.
Editor's note: This film was first broadcast on Al Jazeera English in 2008.
Partner rating
No mature content
Show
Featured Documentaries
Season
2016
Episode
17
Release date
9/12/16
Running time
23:12
Juno: Piercing Jupiter’s Clouds
Juno is a NASA space probe orbiting the planet Jupiter after entering orbit on July 5, 2016, 03:53 UTC; the prelude to 20 months of scientific data collection to be followed by a planned deorbit. It was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on August 5, 2011, as part of the New Frontiers program, and ranged into Jupiter's orbit on July 4, 2016.
Juno's maneuver on July 4 has put it into a polar orbit to study Jupiter's composition, gravity field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere. Juno will also search for clues about how the planet formed, including whether it has a rocky core, the amount of water present within the deep atmosphere, mass distribution, and its deep winds, which can reach speeds of 618 kilometers per hour (384 mph).
Juno is only the second spacecraft to orbit Jupiter and the first solar powered craft to do so, following behind the nuclear powered Galileo probe, which orbited from 1995 to 2003.
Unlike all the earlier nuclear powered spacecraft to the outer planets, the Juno spacecraft is powered only by solar arrays, commonly used by satellites orbiting Earth and working in the inner Solar System, whereas radioisotope thermoelectric generators are commonly used for missions to the outer Solar System and beyond. For Juno, however, three solar array wings, the largest ever deployed on a planetary probe, play an integral role in stabilizing the spacecraft as well as generating power.
“The spacecraft's name comes from Greco-Roman mythology. The god Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief, but his wife, the goddess Juno, was able to peer through the clouds and see Jupiter's true nature.”— NASA mission pages
The mission had previously been referred to by the backronym JUpiter Near-polar Orbiter in a list of NASA acronyms.
Juno's maneuver on July 4 has put it into a polar orbit to study Jupiter's composition, gravity field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere. Juno will also search for clues about how the planet formed, including whether it has a rocky core, the amount of water present within the deep atmosphere, mass distribution, and its deep winds, which can reach speeds of 618 kilometers per hour (384 mph).
Juno is only the second spacecraft to orbit Jupiter and the first solar powered craft to do so, following behind the nuclear powered Galileo probe, which orbited from 1995 to 2003.
Unlike all the earlier nuclear powered spacecraft to the outer planets, the Juno spacecraft is powered only by solar arrays, commonly used by satellites orbiting Earth and working in the inner Solar System, whereas radioisotope thermoelectric generators are commonly used for missions to the outer Solar System and beyond. For Juno, however, three solar array wings, the largest ever deployed on a planetary probe, play an integral role in stabilizing the spacecraft as well as generating power.
“The spacecraft's name comes from Greco-Roman mythology. The god Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief, but his wife, the goddess Juno, was able to peer through the clouds and see Jupiter's true nature.”— NASA mission pages
The mission had previously been referred to by the backronym JUpiter Near-polar Orbiter in a list of NASA acronyms.
Balochistan: Pakistan's other war documentary by Al Jazeera
Balochistan or Baluchistan (Balochi: بلوچستان, lit. Land of the Baloch) is an arid desert and mountainous region on the Iranian plateau in south-western Asia, northwest of the Arabian Sea and the national homeland of the Baloch people. It stretches across southwestern Pakistan, southeastern Iran, and a small section of southwestern Afghanistan. The southern part of Balochistan is Makran.
The second most populous linguistic group in the region is the Pashto-speaking Pashtun people. Brahui is spoken by the Brahui people. Punjabi and Sindhi are also spoken as first languages in Pakistani Balochistan and by Hindki in Afghanistan. Urdu is used as second language in Pakistan. Persian is used as a second language in Iran and Afghanistan.
The Baloch people once referred to their land as Moka or Maka, a word which later became Makran. Moka might have been an adaptation of Mahi-khoran, Persian for "fish eaters," an appellation used by the Persians of the west for the people of coastal Balochistan. Arrian, in his Anabasis Alexandri, referred to the people of the region as the ichythophagi, a Greek translation of Mahi-khoran.
The Pashto word for Balochistan is Gwadar or Godar (also Godar-khwa, i.e., the land by water). The Greeks, who derived the names of Iranian lands from the Bactrian language, Hellenised it to Gedrosia.
In an eleventh-century Sanskrit compilation of Jataka tales (Avadānakalpalatā) by Kshemendra of Kashmir, the land is called Baloksh (बलोक्ष). From Baloksh, the name evolved and was Persianised to Balochistan.
The second most populous linguistic group in the region is the Pashto-speaking Pashtun people. Brahui is spoken by the Brahui people. Punjabi and Sindhi are also spoken as first languages in Pakistani Balochistan and by Hindki in Afghanistan. Urdu is used as second language in Pakistan. Persian is used as a second language in Iran and Afghanistan.
The Baloch people once referred to their land as Moka or Maka, a word which later became Makran. Moka might have been an adaptation of Mahi-khoran, Persian for "fish eaters," an appellation used by the Persians of the west for the people of coastal Balochistan. Arrian, in his Anabasis Alexandri, referred to the people of the region as the ichythophagi, a Greek translation of Mahi-khoran.
The Pashto word for Balochistan is Gwadar or Godar (also Godar-khwa, i.e., the land by water). The Greeks, who derived the names of Iranian lands from the Bactrian language, Hellenised it to Gedrosia.
In an eleventh-century Sanskrit compilation of Jataka tales (Avadānakalpalatā) by Kshemendra of Kashmir, the land is called Baloksh (बलोक्ष). From Baloksh, the name evolved and was Persianised to Balochistan.
The Secret About Yamashita Gold - Documentary
Yamashita's gold, also referred to as the Yamashita treasure, is the name given to the alleged war loot stolen in Southeast Asia by Japanese forces during World War II and hidden in caves, tunnels and underground complexes in the Philippines. It is named for the Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita, nicknamed "The Tiger of Malaya". Though accounts that the treasure remains hidden in the Philippines have lured treasure hunters from around the world for over fifty years, its existence is dismissed by most experts. The rumored treasure has been the subject of a complex lawsuit that was filed in a Hawaiian state court in 1988 involving a Filipino treasure hunter, Rogelio Roxas, and the former Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos.
10 Countries And Their Shocking Death Penalty Laws
The death penalty is the most extreme consequence most people can think of for a crime. Therefore, it should be reserved for the most unconscionable of all crimes. At least, that’s what you would think. Not all countries are as liberal as those in what is considered the “first world”. Some countries consider petty crimes like theft, and public intoxication, extreme offenses worthy of the worst punishment possible. Of course, as always, that is only if you get caught. But would you be willing to risk death to steal a loaf of bread?
Canada abolished the death penalty in 1976, and only 32 states in the USA still uphold capital punishment for extreme cases. In Europe, Belarus and Kazakhstan are the only countries that still allow the death penalty, although it is rare.
Some people believe the death penalty is the only thing that murderers and rapists deserve, but others believe in forgiveness, and that an eye for an eye will not solve anything. Besides, what would be worse, death, or being confined in a single cell for the rest of your life? Prison in a lot of the countries that uphold the death penalty have the potential to be a lot worse than death. For some, the death penalty ends up being a form of mercy.
Countdown titles
10. Saudi Arabia – Homosexuality
9. China – Tax fraud
8. Iran – Execution of minors
7. Iraq – Coerced confessions leading to execution
6. Yemen – Execution without trial
5. North Korea – Public execution
4. Sudan – Prostitution
3. Somalia – Adultery
2. Afghanistan – Apostasy
1. Turkey – Forced to commit suicide
Thanks for Watching! :)
Canada abolished the death penalty in 1976, and only 32 states in the USA still uphold capital punishment for extreme cases. In Europe, Belarus and Kazakhstan are the only countries that still allow the death penalty, although it is rare.
Some people believe the death penalty is the only thing that murderers and rapists deserve, but others believe in forgiveness, and that an eye for an eye will not solve anything. Besides, what would be worse, death, or being confined in a single cell for the rest of your life? Prison in a lot of the countries that uphold the death penalty have the potential to be a lot worse than death. For some, the death penalty ends up being a form of mercy.
Countdown titles
10. Saudi Arabia – Homosexuality
9. China – Tax fraud
8. Iran – Execution of minors
7. Iraq – Coerced confessions leading to execution
6. Yemen – Execution without trial
5. North Korea – Public execution
4. Sudan – Prostitution
3. Somalia – Adultery
2. Afghanistan – Apostasy
1. Turkey – Forced to commit suicide
Thanks for Watching! :)
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