Kalam frisked at Delhi airport: every VVIP is outraged -- except Kalam

Three months ago, the staff of Continental Airlines at Delhi airport frisked former president A P J Abdul Kalam as part of the security drill for its passengers bound for the US. Kalam never complained but the entire VVIP political establishment, united in this “assault on protocol,” has erupted in outrage.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) filed an FIR against the staff of Continental Airlines, the Civil Aviation Minister vowed the most “stringent” action and met the PM, MPs — Left, Right and Centre — slammed this “shocking insult” to the country’s “honour,” some called for shutting down the airline, others invoked American hegemony, still others a bias against Islam.

The airline stood by its decision saying there were no exceptions to its security rule and it believed that “Dr Kalam was not offended.”

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For Maya 'slur,' Uttar Pradesh Congress chief jailed, her house attacked

UP Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi, arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Mayawati, was remanded to 14 days judicial custody on Thursday.

Joshi was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Prashant Kumar who sent her to 14-day judicial custody.

Police said she was arrested on National Highway 24 on her way to Delhi.” A case has been filed under Sections 153 (A) (promoting enmity between groups) and 509 (insulting a woman’s modesty) and Sections 3 (1) and 10 of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

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Scientist dies in Antarctica, kin agree to last rites in icy station

Ranshu Wali’s only hope and prayer is that her Papa gets a decent cremation. Because in icy Antarctica where her father, Assistant Meteorological Officer (Research) Kuldeep Wali who was part of the 28th Indian mission to study climate changes, died three days ago, even the last rites are not easy to perform — the wind has been blowing at over 100 miles per hour.

The family in Delhi has been told that Wali, 57, suffered a massive heart attack and despite efforts, both by Indian doctors and those from a Russian research facility eight kilometres away, could not be saved.

“My father went there (he left on November 17 2008) despite the fact that he could have easily excused himself citing his age.

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Rush to open IITs is a disaster: Prime Minister Science Advisor

In its hurry to boost higher education before elections, the Centre has pushed through six new IITs, setting up some in infrastructure challenged temporary campuses, and packing others into existing IIT complexes. It is a “disastrous” move, feels Prof C N R Rao, head of the Prime Minister’s Scientific Advisory Council.

“There was no proper discussion on this issue. Things could have been planned better. It took over 50 years to make IITs what they are today. After all it’s not like opening primary schools. These are institutes of excellence that have international standing. I am very upset that eight new IITs have been announced for implementation at one go. In July, I had written to the PM as well as the HRD Ministry and have made my views known to the PM when I met him later,” Rao said. He added that the move would bring down the brand value of the IITs.

Of the eight new IITs, six have started functioning in the current academic session in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat and Punjab. For the time being, IIT Rajasthan, Punjab and Orissa will operate from existing IIT campuses in Kanpur, Delhi and Mumbai. IIT Patna and IIT Gandhinagar will function out of temporary campuses.

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Yves Saint Laurent's Delhi connection remembers from Paris

Legendary French designer Yves Saint Laurent , who passed away on last Sunday in Paris after a prolonged illness, had a great friend in Delhi girl Kirat Young, nee Kirat Bhinder.

Young, born in the capital and raised in Dehradun, went to London to do her ‘A’ levels. On a holiday in Paris in 1976, Young, a statuesque’s 5’ 11’’, met Saint Laurent ” by chance” and began modeling for his run way. “This was his Ballets Russes line, is very important collection for him”, she says over the phone from Paris.

It was very different from the androgynous look he known for. He immediately took me on as the face of the collection", she recounts. French and US Vogue photo shoots, with famous lens – men like Helmut Newton, followed soon after.

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Government taking no Tibet chance, seals torch route for 5 hrs

The Olympic torch landed in Delhi late tonight for the India leg of the relay tomorrow. Hours earlier, the Union Home Ministry issued strict security guidelines which includes sealing all government buildings overlooking the Rajpath. The Ministry issued instructions stating that "all windows and doors" of these buildings should be closed from 1 pm to 6 pm tomorrow, and visitors barred.

In measures in line with those seen during the Republic Day parade, rooftops and balconies of these buildings will be secured, open only to security personnel.

The Olympic torch relay is planned along a 2.3 km route, from the main gate of the Rashtrapati Bhawan to India Gate, between 3 pm and 6 pm. In keeping with concerns expressed by the Chinese, the Ministry has come out with a comprehensive checklist that it hopes will keep potential Tibetan protesters at bay.

The measures, reviewed at a meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta, includes a multi-layered security along the torch route that will involve thousands of military, paramilitary and police personnel. Crack commandos will form the inner cordon.

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