Died on 18th

Koose Muniswamy Veerappan, ( January 18, 1952– October 18, 2004) was the most notorious bandit of India. He resided and carried out his activities in the Biligirirangana Betta and Male Mahadeshwara Betta (Hills) and Sathyamangalam and Gundiyal forests, covering 6,000 km² in the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. He challenged three state governments and the paramilitary force of Indian Border security. He once had a mini army with hundreds of armed members in his gang. He was wanted for killing about 184 people including senior police and forest officials, poaching about 200 elephants, and smuggling ivory worth US$2,600,000 and sandalwood of about 10,000 tonnes worth US$22,000,000. He had a price of Rs. 50 million (Rs. 5 crore or US$1.1 million) on his head, but evaded arrest for 20 years until he was killed by police in 2004. Early years Koose Muniswamy Veerappan alias Veerappan was born at 08:17 hrs (IST) on January 18, 1952 in Gopinatham village in Karnataka to a family of cattle-grazers. He was commonly known as “Molakai” in his childhood days by the locals. His gang of forty members indulged in killing and kidnapping, taking revenge for what the government officials have done to the Local people who lived near the forest. Most of his victims were police, forest officials, informers and movie stars. He felt the police were responsible for the suicides of his sister Mala and brother Arjunan. He was also known for his kidnapping of prominent people to make demands, starting with a forest official in 1987. He trapped and brutally killed a senior Indian Forest Service [IFS] officer Mr. Pandillapalli.Srinivas on November 10, 1991 in Namadalli forests of Kollegal taluk in Chamarajanagr district. He also killed Mr. Harikrishna IPS, senior Police officer,SI Mr. Shakeel Ahmed, along with others on August 14, 1992 near Meenyam of Kollegal taluk by ambushing the police party going for a raid. He married Muthulakshmi, in 1991. He had three daughters, Yuvarani, Prabha and another, whom he allegedly strangled to death. Robin Hood image Veerappan had a Robin Hood-like image as a social bandit among the villagers adjoining his native village Gopinatham. Sympathetic villagers are said to have acted as cover to his activities and informed him of police activities. They also provided food and clothing to the gang. However, it has been suggested that the villagers helped him out of fear of reprisal, and that Veerappan helped the villagers with money only to protect himself from being captured. He was very ruthless to villagers who provided the police with information. He was arrested in 1986, but escaped. According to wildlife photographer Krupakar, who was once kidnapped by the bandit, he paid a bribe of Rs. 100,000 (about US$3,000) to a policeman to help him escape. Many have said that Veerappan’s mimicry of birds and deer helped him evade capture. He regularly made his communications to the government through emissary R.R. Gopal, requesting amnesty. Special task force In 1990, the Karnataka government formed a Special Task Force to capture him and put an end to the menace. Soon after, the task force captured several of Veerappan’s men. In February 1992, the special task force killed his lieutenant Gurunathan. SI Shakeel Ahmed, a dynamic police officer, was single-handedly responsible for Gurunathan’s capture. Three months later, Veerappan attacked the Ramapura police station of Kollegal taluk in the Chamarajanagar district, killing several policemen and capturing arms and ammunition. In August 1992, Veerappan laid a trap for SP Harikrishna and SI Shakeel Ahmed and killed them along with four others. In 1993, the task force arrested his wife Muthulakshmi. In July 1993, he reportedly strangled his infant daughter, fearing the child’s cry would get him caught. On Feb 17, 1996 , he ambushed a team of Tamil Nadu STF personnel from a high ground while they were on their patrol vehicle. The police were able to counter attack and called for backup. The ambush which took place in the evening claimed the life of a Police Constable named Selvaraj from Madurai and seriously injured other police officers including Police officer Tamilselvan. By the time the Karnataka police arrived the bandit and his crew fled. On July 12, 1997 , he kidnapped nine forest officials at a place called Marapala in Burude forests of Kollegala taluk of Chamarajanagara district. He made demands for releasing them, including amnesty, but none were met. The hostages were released without being harmed in the last week of August the same year. On July 30, 2000 Veerappan kidnapped popular Kannada film actor Dr. Rajkumar from his ancestral home. This event put the Karnataka government in a political dilemma of whether or not to call in the army. The decision was reached that to do so would set a poor precedent. Rajkumar was released without harm on November 15, 2000 , after 109 days in captivity. There are allegations by several people including Jayalalithaa that about 500,000,000 rupees were paid to Veerappan for releasing Rajkumar. On August 25, 2002 Veerappan abducted H. Nagappa, a former state minister. Nagappa was found dead in the forest three months later. The reward offered by the Karnataka state government was increased to 50,000,000 rupees (US $1.25 million at that time). Death On October 18, 2004 , following a tip-off, Veerappan and his two associates were allegedly killed by Tamil Nadu State Special Task Force headed by the Additional Director-General of Police, K. Vijay Kumar,Superintendent of Police Sentamarai Kannan and Additional Superintendent of Police F.M.Hussain, near the village of Papparapatti in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. His third associate managed to escape. However, the next day his widow claimed that he had been arrested a few days earlier, interrogated and killed by the police (Veerappan had repeatedly threatened, if ever brought to trial, to point a finger at every policemen and politician he had bribed to ensure his three-decade long run from justice). According to media reports, postmortem photos of Veerappan with a bullet hole above his left eye seemed to contradict with the official story that the STF, lying in ambush, stopped the ambulance Veerappan and his gang was traveling in, offered them to surrender and gunned them down when someone from inside the van opened fire. Another possibility, voiced by psychologist, Dr. P. Kodandaram, is that Veerappan and his associates may have committed collective suicide inside the van when faced with capture. Veerappan was buried in the village of Moolakadu, Tamil Nadu. The police said they did not let the burial take place in his home village in Karnataka, fearing the large crowds that had gathered there. Although the police had planned for a cremation, this was objected to by the relatives of Veerappan suggesting that exhumation would be required if there was investigation into his death. Thousands of people turned out for the funeral while others were kept away from the burial ground by heavy security. Velupillai Prabhakaran (November 26, 1954 – May 18, 2009) was the founder and leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (the LTTE or the Tamil Tigers), a militant organization that sought to create an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. For over 25 years, the LTTE waged a violent secessionist campaign in Sri Lanka that led to it being designated a terrorist organization by 32 countries. Prabhakaran was wanted by Interpol for terrorism, murder, organized crime and terrorism conspiracy. He also had arrest warrants against him in Sri Lanka and India. On May 18, 2009, the Sri Lankan Government announced that Prabhakaran had been killed while trying to escape advancing Sri Lanka Army troops. However UK-based Tamil Tiger spokesperson Selvarasa Pathmanathan claimed that Prabhakaran was “still alive”. On May 19, Sri Lanka’s Defence Ministry anounced that a body found by the shore of Nandikadal Lagoon had been identified as Prabhakaran’s and the body was later shown on Sri Lankan media. A week later the LTTE confirmed Prabhakaran’s death Early life Velupillai Prabhakaran was born in the northern coastal town of Velvettithurai on November 26, 1954, to Thiruvenkadam Velupillai and Vallipuram Parvathy. Angered by what he saw as discrimination against Tamil people by successive Sri Lankan governments, he joined the student group TIP during the standardization debates. In 1972 Prabhakaran founded the Tamil New Tigers (TNT) which was a successor to many earlier organizations that protested against the post-colonial political direction of the country, in which the minority Sri Lankan Tamils were pitted against the majority Sinhalese people. In 1975, after becoming heavily involved in the Tamil movement, he carried out the first major political murder by a Tamil militant group, assassinating the mayor of Jaffna, Alfred Duraiappah, by shooting him at point-blank range when he was about to enter the Hindu temple at Ponnaalai. The assassination was in response to the 1974 Tamil conference incident, for which the Tamil radicals had blamed Duraiappah, because he backed the then ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He was also seen by Tamil militants as betraying the Tamil nationalist sentiments in the Jaffna Peninsula, by allying with the Sinhalese majority government. Founding of the LTTE On May 5, 1976, the TNT was renamed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), commonly known as the Tamil Tigers . Religion was not a major factor in his philosophy or ideology, but the LTTE was characterized as anti-Buddhist. The LTTE was also an organization that did not cite any material from religion or religious texts in any of its ideological documents and propaganda but were driven only by the idea of Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism. They focused on this single-minded approach and inspiration toward the attainment of an independent Tamil Eelam. Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism Prabhakaran’s source of inspiration and direction is Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism. His stated and ultimate ideal is to get Tamil Eelam recognised as a nation as per the U.N. Charter that guarantees the right of a people to political independence which has been given in their official web page. The LTTE also proposed the formation of an Interim Self Governing Authority during Peace Negotiations in 2003. Former Tamil guerrilla and later turned politician Dharmalingam Sithadthan, has remarked that “his dedication to the cause of the Tamil Eelam was unquestionable, he was the only man in Sri Lanka who could decide if there should be war or peace.” Militarism of the LTTE Prabhakaran explicitly stated that an armed struggle is the only way to resist asymmetric warfare, in which one side, that of the Sri Lankan government, is armed and the other comparatively unarmed. He argued that he chose military means only after observing that non–violent means have been ineffectual and obsolete, especially after the Thileepan incident. Thileepan, a colonel rank officer adopted Gandhian means to protest against the IPKF killings by staging a fast unto death from September 15, 1987, and by abstaining from food or water till 26 September , he died in front of thousands of Tamils who had come there to fast along with him. This further strengthened Prabhakaran’s resolve that peaceful protests would either be ignored or crushed but never heard. Tactically, Prabhakaran perfected the recruitment and use of suicide bomber units, while his fighters usually took no prisoners, and were notorious for assaults that often left every single enemy soldier dead Personally, Interpol described him as someone who was “very alert, known to use disguise, and capable of handling sophisticated weaponry and explosives.” Modus operandi Prabhakaran is widely reported to have operated in India, primarily in Tamil Nadu prior to 1990s. Sri Lankan Army Commander Sarath Fonseka alleged that he has fled Sri Lanka to a foreign country subsequent to the run of Sri Lankan military victories in 2009. Malaysia’s police force was put on alert on reports that he had either fled there or to Thailand. Death When the Sri Lankan military advanced into LTTE territory, Prabakaran and his top leadership retreated into Mullaithivu, which became the rebels’ last stronghold. Early reports indicated that Prabakaran was killed by rocket attack while trying to flee the conflict zone in a captured ambulance and his body was badly burnt. But after the pro-rebel Tamilnet claimed that he was alive, his body was shown on national TV. According to later reports, his body was found in the adjoining Nandikathal lagoon north of Vellamullivaikkal near Mullaithivu. Its identity was confirmed by Karuna Amman, his former confidant, Daya Master and by DNA testing against his son’s genetic material. Circumstantial evidence suggested that his death was caused by a massive head injury or he was shot dead at close range. There are also allegations that he was executed. Criminal indictments Velupillai Prabhakaran has been wanted by Interpol and many other organizations since 1991 for terrorism, murder, organized crime and terrorism conspiracy. He has been issued a death warrant by the Madras High Court in India for plotting the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May, 1991 and in 2002 Judge Ambepitiya issued an open warrant to arrest him in connection with the 1996 Central Bank Bombing. The judge found him guilty on 51 counts and sentenced him to 200 years in prison. Personal life Little is known of Prabhakaran’s personal life, either from his interviews or from cited media sources, although it is widely known that he was married to Mathivathani Erambu on October 1, 1984. They had a daughter (Duvaraga) and two sons, Charles Anthony and Balachandran. Their whereabouts were not known, but it was widely believed that they were not in Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka military sources stated that they had recovered the corpse of Charles Anthony. A senior Sri Lankan minister later informed that the Sri Lanka Army also found the bodies of Prabhakaran’s wife, Mathivathani, his older daughter, Duvaraga, and his 13-year old son, Balachandran. However, the Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara later stated that there was no information about the whereabouts of the remaining members of the Prabhakaran’s family. “We have not found their bodies and have no information about them,” he said. Yet, it is thought that the entire Prabhakaran’s family actually has been wiped out; the bodies of Madhivadhany, Duvaraga and Balachandran reportedly were found in a bushy patch about 600 metres way from where Prabhakaran’s body was found.

Maruti Ritz

Maruti Suzuki has launched the Ritz in India. Following the success of the A-Star in India, the launch of Ritz will further consolidate the position of Maruti Suzuki in India. Maruti Suzuki Ritz will comply to the Bharat Stage IV norms and will come with a powerful 1197cc K12M engine, which is the second in the K Series being used by Maruti Suzuki in India. The K12M engine is expected to be fuel efficient, low on emission, high on performance, light weight and with lower noise, vibration and harshness. Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi said: “K12M engine is another example of Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to take engine technology in India to the next level,” Fuel efficient K12M engine. Dual Airbags Attractive looks Bharat Stage IV Compliant Well-designed Tail Lights ABS Brakes Fog Lights Power steering and windows Central locking The Maruti Suzuki Ritz comes with great features and a stylish appearance. The beautiful styling of the car has already generated lot of interest in newly launched hatchback model from Maruti Suzuki. A lot of attention to detail has gone into the design of the Maruti Suzuki Ritz. Comfort and convenience has not been compromised at all. The rear seats provide ample leg room to enjoy the ride in the Maruti Ritz. To provide added comfort the car also comes with power windows and AC climate control features. Like with all Maruti Suzuki cars, safety is an uncompromisable and important feature. The safety features inside the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Ritz include: Airbags, Fog Lamps, Electronic Brake Distribution, Anti Lock Brake System and Power Steering.

TATA NANO

The People’s Car, designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy. Yet with a length of 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas. Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars. When launched, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the car can be customised to an individual’s preferences. The People’s Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system. The People’s Car’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres further enhance safety. The People’s Car’s tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint. (For more information: www.tatanano.com ) Tata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with revenues of US $ 7.2 billion in 2006-2007. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, it is the leader in commercial vehicles and the second largest in passenger vehicles. It is also the world’s fifth largest medium and heavy truck manufacturer and the second largest heavy bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. Tata Motors and Fiat Auto have formed an industrial joint venture in India to manufacture passenger cars, engines and transmissions for the Indian and overseas markets; Tata Motors also has an agreement with Fiat Auto to build a pick-up vehicle at Córdoba, Argentina. The company already distributes Fiat branded cars in India. Tata Motors’ international footprint includes Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd. in South Korea; Hispano Carrocera, a bus and coach manufacturer of Spain in which the company has a 21% stake; a joint venture with Marcopolo, the Brazil-based body-builder of buses and coaches; and a joint venture with Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Company of Thailand to manufacture and market pick-up vehicles in Thailand. Tata Motors has research centres in India, the U.K., and in its subsidiary and associate companies in South Korea and Spain. Summer Blue Champagne Gold Racing Red Lunar Silver Ivory White Sunshine Yellow

Honda Jazz

Live big. With Jazz, there are no compromises. The all-new Jazz doesn’t just have a big heart. She’s got lots of room inside. We’ve improved and enlarged what was already one of Australia’s most spacious, best-designed small cars. It’s a car you’ll feel good driving, and one that makes it easy to bring family, friends and all your stuff along. A very sporty makeover The all-new Jazz doesn’t just stand out from the crowd, she helps drivers and passengers fit right in. And after a head-to-toe makeover, she looks better than ever. She’s got just the right combination of aerodynamic balance and refinement, and plenty of eye-candy in her sporty headlights and grille. To drive Jazz is to love her Part sprinter, part marathoner and part gymnast, Jazz is as easy to drive on the open road as she is in a car park. That’s made her a very popular girl, with dozens of awards worldwide. In fact, the new Jazz (also known as Honda Fit in Japan) was recently named Car of the Year Japan (2007-2008). Good on her – and you! Jazz isn’t just easy on the eye Jazz does her part for a cleaner, greener world with Euro 4 compliant emissions, advanced technology for cleaner exhausts, and heaps of recyclable parts. Plus, her aerodynamic shape, innovative engine design and light, high-tensile steel make her an incredibly efficient machine. Jazz takes safety very seriously All Jazz models feature driver and front passenger airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), G-Force Control (G-Con) construction, central locking and childproof rear door locks. The VTi and VTi-S also include standard side and curtain airbags (available in the GLi Safety Pack option). Easy seat adjustment One quick action is all that’s needed to position the seats to a flat position or to bring them back up. How easy is that? Very smart displays Jazz’s brilliant, back-lit dashboard displays are as intuitive and readable as they are blazingly attractive. CD/MP3 compatible Jazz knows life is better with a soundtrack, so she’s made it easy to plug in your MP3 player and let your music set the scene. Clever storage design When it comes to storage, Jazz keeps on giving. Two glove boxes. A front console box. A hidden rear seat box. And ten (yes, ten) drink holders. Halogen headlights Jazz lights the way forward with large, powerful halogen headlights. Fog lights are available as an option on all models. Sharp character lines Jazz’s fresh re-design accentuates her high-spirited performance and efficient aerodynamics. Athletic, yet friendly Jazz’s bonnet lines flow neatly into her attractive grille, giving her a friendly, sporty face. Wider stance For increased stability around corners and enhanced riding comfort, the all-new Jazz has a wider ‘tread’ than before. Cruise control Standard equipment on the VTi-S, Jazz’s cruise control not only makes long drives a little easier, it can optimise fuel economy. 5-speed auto or manual? The all-new Jazz is the first 5-speed auto in her class, enabling improved performance at cruising speeds. Or choose the easy-to-shift 5-speed manual for even more driver control. What’s under the bonnet? Serious smarts: i-VTEC engines deliver efficient combustion and exhaust gas recirculation, higher torque and linear engine performance throughout the rev range. Phew. Got that? Steer with ease All Jazz models feature electric power steering, as well as rack and pinion mechanisms for excellent road feedback (that means it just feels right). Safety alerts Doors fully closed? Everybody belted in? Jazz’s multi-information display and seatbelt reminders alert you to safety issues before they’re a worry (standard on VTi and VTi-S, and included in the Safety Pack Option for GLi). Smart seatbelts When Jazz detects a frontal impact, her seatbelts instantly tighten to secure occupants, then gradually release (as shown) to limit pressure on the chest. Pedestrian injury reduction In the unfortunate event of an accident, Jazz’s impact-absorbing bonnet, front fenders and bumpers help reduce harm to pedestrians. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ABS prevents the wheels from locking in emergencies and on slippery surfaces, increasing stability and control when you want it most.

Yamaha FZ16

LORD OF THE STREETS In this country’s motorcycle history a new chapter begins. A masterpiece is born. While inheriting the quality of the famous brand, the FZ16 was also born to revolutionize the era and carry out a mission. Its appearance more than any other, overflows with dynamism and originality. The running performance is brimming with thrust that overpowers all others. This quality solely belongs to YAMAHA’s advanced technologies. The FZ16 takes attention away from others on the road as it makes its personality felt. Lord of the Streets -FZ16- You will be drawn to this machine that in the next era will become the king of the streets. “LORD MAKES NEW RULES” The rider’s will is spread to the handle, the body and then the engine giving birth to unprecedented torque. This force is truly dynamic. Due to minute calculations and overcoming major challenges, an ultimate body balance has been produced. The agile running performance is extremely exciting. The superior performance brings riding feel, which when you ride provides you an emotional high. Thus this is unique not only for the rider but also a source of great fascination to the onlooker. With the FZ16 you have the sensation of ruling the streets to your heart’s content. “LORD TAKES OVER” Each and every part of FZ16 has been designed with a lot of detailed attention and careful thought. This ultimate degree of perfection means even the slightest feature has not been overlooked. Only YAMAHA ensures this kind of craftsmanship. The rider and the machine share a feeling of oneness, and from different angles the impression is different. This is particularly because the finest components have been used in its precise manufacturing. The FZ16 possesses both a rough and brutish expression as well as a certain subtlety. This high quality masterpiece will without doubt become a rage for the next generation. ENGINE Engine type Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve Displacement 153.0cm3 Bore & Stroke 58.0 × 57.9mm Compression ratio 9.5:1 Maximum output 14PS / 7500 rpm Maximum torque 14 N.m / 6000 rpm Starting method Electric starter Lubrication type Wet stump Carburetor type BS26 Clutch type Constant mesh wet multiplate Ignition type CDI Primary/secondary reduction ratio 3.409/2.857 Transmission type Return type 5-speed Chassis Frame type Diamond Suspension (front/rear) Telescopic / Monocross Wheelbase 1.335mm Brake type (front/rear) Hydraulic single disc / drum Tire size (front/rear) 100/80-17 / 140/60-R17 Dimensions Overall Length × Width × Height 1,975mm × 770mm × 1,045mm Seat height 790mm Wheelbase 1.335mm Minimum ground clearance 160mm Dry weight/Curb weight 126 kg / 137 kg Fuel tank volume 12 liters Engine oil volume 1.2 liters

Maruti A-Star….

The A-Star from the Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) stable is touted to be the most important launch after the Alto for the company. Vikram Gour gets behind the wheel of this crazy little thing to bring you the details… The credentials are high with the A-Star. Born in India , conceptualized and designed with major inputs from Indian designers, yet built for the world, this car is destined for stardom. It’s a sea change in terms of thought, for, till now Indian customers were constantly bombarded with the tag line that a certain car model has been “Altered for Indian conditions”. The A-Star spells the end of that era, for now we have a car that is going to be solely built in India , yet sold across the globe. Not only that, Nissan is set to pick up 50,000 units and sell them under their brand name! It’s a change for the good, and even in grim times of an economic slowdown, such news is bound to get the patriotism genes kicking in, for we can feel nothing but proud about such a car. The stellar looking concept car, going by the same name was unveiled at the Auto Expo in Delhi earlier this year. Since then it has been a wait and watch game which included a preview of the global car at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. Incidentally, for the global market this car will be known as the Alto, but in India it will go by its concept name-A-Star, which, I feel suits us just fine. So, after Paris we knew what the car looked like, and to make a long story short, the A-Star looks like a baby from head on. You just want to walk up and pinch its cheeks (if it had them). Those large headlamps and the round-ish finish to the front all make it look very cute. It’s bound to be a hit with the women for sure! The little bonnet rakes up sharply, ala MSIL Swift style, to merge with the line of the swooped back windshield. Unfortunately MSIL didn’t keep the stellar lights or the front grille from the A-Star concept car, which had a sportier overtone, but opted for a cuter ‘bug’ look. When looked at from the side, the A-Star clearly retains some design elements from the concept. The most prominent is the shape of the front and rear passenger door including the cut of the windows. The rear notch is also a prominent design carried over from the concept as the similarities are very clear in the C pillar of both cars. The rear is rather different from the concept, and in a vague way it actually manages to remind me of the present Alto. It’s more butch, and better rounded, plus it looks more solid, but the design seems to lead back to the Alto for inspiration. The interiors again have design elements taken forward from the A-star concept car, but have been toned down to suit this category as well as to make better business sense. After all, I highly doubt anyone of us expected to find that awesome ‘Start’ button located on the gearshift in the production model. (Alright, I did, and Maruti, I still beg you too do that!) The interiors are governed by a sporty theme. Single form seats, a wedge shaped dash that houses the A/C controls as well as the music player. But what takes the prize on interior design is the position and design of the tachometer. Done up in true racing style, the tacho is a separate unit all together that peeps over at the driver from the right corner of the dash. It’s retro and in your face design, which is sort of the USP that MSIL is going with anyway. Overall, the car is well proportioned and has a wide stance, that gives the car its international look and as promised by MSIL officials, this stance also offers for better drivability, but more of that later, right now we got to see what lies under the hood. A new engine for a star The A-Star ushers in a new series of engines for MSIL. Known as the KB series, this engine is a brand new petrol drinking unit that promises better performance and efficiency as it is modern and encompasses technologies of today. Till date the J series engine has proved to be extremely reliable but the time has come to move forward and further enhance the engine. The new KB 10B engine, the first of the KB series to be manufactured right now is a 998cc, 3 cylinder unit that has a high compression ratio of 10:1 and delivers 67PS @ 6200 rpm and a noteworthy torque o f 90Nm@3500 rpm. It is this engine that will power both the domestic and export versions of the A-Star hatchback. The new lightweight aluminium engine boasts of low NVH levels, enhanced fuel efficiency and linear performance throughout the powerband. Salient features of the new engine include an all plastic engine manifold, a smart distributor-less ignition system with dedicated plug top coils and advanced injectors plus an innovative rocker-less DOHC shaft. The engine has been further optimized by using light weight pistons and nutless conrods. All this has lead to the engine having a dry weight of just 47 kilograms. So, we have a new car and a new engine, but as they say, paper and tarmac speak two different languages and it’s in this translation that we get to know just what mettle a vehicle really packs. A Driver’s hatchback Firing up the 3 pot cylinder engine block, I watch the rev counter steady itself. Idle. The ‘retro’ tacho, if I may call it that, seems to be telling me that this might be a small car, but it’s sporty all right. I take the cue and head out to open roads. I shift my way into 5 th gear just as I finally hit the wide open expressway leading to Greater Noida. I gun the engine to see what everything I’ve seen and heard about this car till today has amounted to. The plastic induction on the KB series engine gives out a pronounced purr, the car moves as though there is a bigger engine under the hood, and getting up to speeds where a traffic cop would just love to ‘chalan’ you at, I found myself pleasantly taken aback by the fact that this car can move and how! The little engine does its duty well and just loves to be revved. The all new 5 speed gearbox is a tad bit notchy, but a big improvement when compared to ‘boxes’ that do duty in the Wagon R or Zen Estilo. The power assisted steering wheel provides decent feedback and even at high speeds it never felt too light or as though the driver has lost touch. MSIL has taken special care to ensure that the driver get his dues in terms of a small hatch that has genes of a sports car. The wide stance of the car also helps a great deal in keeping this little 2 box well planted to the road even at speeds above 140 km/h. It’s surprising enough as it is, but the only thing that came to my mind was the fact that the A-Star is an out and out driver’s car. It’s small, manageable, yet has that zest that if I were to reminisce would remind me of the peppiness that the older Zen had. The A-Star boasts of utilizing gas damped suspension all round, wherein the front suspension has been tweaked for enhanced handling and the rear is more in line with enhanced ride comfort. The best of both worlds is what MSIL has set out to do, and judging from the ride quality it seems that their formula worked. Of course some of the credit in terms of ride also goes to the 155/R13 tubeless tyres that comes as standard on the A-Star. Braking is provided by ventilated discs up front and drums at the rear. ABS is onboard to ensure proper braking even under difficult conditions, which also adds to the safety of this car. MSIL has fitted the A-Star with front airbags to ensure a high level of safety. Further to this, the A-Star’s body is based on the Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept in the form of crushable structures that absorb impact energy and then disperse the energy away from the occupants in the event of a collision. I just took MSIL’s word for this, and have no intention of actually testing this feature, but it does feel good to know that such a small car now comes with so many safety measures. The benefit truly goes to the customer. The brief drive does reveal that the A-Star can live up to its sport overtones, and though I could not get any figures in terms of fuel efficiency, I have been informed by MSIL that the figures will delight me when I do a full blown road test, but from the looks of it, and knowing MSIL’s history of providing fuel efficient small cars, I wouldn’t really argue with them too much on that front. As I head back, after my drive I cannot but help to think that the new A-Star is the new hot hatch in town. Other cars in the A2 segment have their job cut out in terms of competition, and the A-Star is sure going to rough things up a bit. A full blown road test of this new kid in town will reveal more, but from the looks of it, MSIL has a star in their A2 segment portfolio. It’s a crowded segment to be in, but the A-Star seems destined to soak in the limelight, for that is what ’stars’ do. click to enlarge Information & Picture from

Google SketchUp Pro 7

Google SketchUp Pro 7 is a suite of powerful features and applications for streamlining your professional 3D workflow. All the intuitive modeling, visualization and collaboration features of SketchUp 7, plus exporters for a long list of 2D and 3D vector file formats. Also, generate tabular reports based on the entities in your models.

SketchUp even more intuitive, added tools for power users, and made it easier to find and share models with the world.

SketchUp easier to use.

With edges that automatically break other edges where they cross, objects that are smart enough to know how they should behave when you interact with them, and drawing hints that are clearer and more consistent, Google SketchUp 7 is the most intuitive SketchUp ever.

It’s all about collaboration and sharing.

In SketchUp 7, you can search for models in the Google 3D Warehouse right from the Component browser, take credit for what you contribute, keep track of your collaborators, and generally bask in the glow of knowing you’re part of the worldwide 3D community.

There’s even more in SketchUp Pro.

LayOut is officially out of beta and ready to go. LayOut 2 is faster, more reliable and includes vector rendering, improved text handling and more. SketchUp Pro power users can also create Dynamic Components: models that animate, scale and replicate intelligently.

FEATURE’S OF SKETCHUP PRO

Edges and Faces: Thats all there is to it

Every SketchUp model is made up of just two things: edges and faces. Edges are straight lines, and faces are the 2D shapes that are created when several edges form a flat loop. For example, a rectangular face is bound by four edges that are connected together at right angles. To build models in SketchUp, you draw edges and faces using a few simple tools that you can learn in a small amount of time. It’s as simple as that.

Push/Pull: Quickly go from 2D to 3D

Extrude any flat surface into a three-dimensional form with SketchUp’s patented Push/Pull tool. Just click to start extruding, move your mouse, and click again to stop. You can Push/Pull a rectangle into a box. Or draw the outline of a staircase and Push/Pull it into 3D. Want to make a window? Push/Pull a hole through your wall. SketchUp is known for being easy to use, and Push/Pull is the reason why.

Accurate measurements: Work with precision

SketchUp is great for working fast and loose in 3D, but it’s more than just a fancy electronic pencil. Because you’re working on a computer, everything you create in SketchUp has a precise dimension. When you’re ready, you can build models that are as accurate as you need them to be. If you want, you can print scaled views of your model, and if you have SketchUp Pro, you can even export your geometry into other programs like AutoCAD and 3ds MAX.

Follow Me: Create complex extrusions and lathed forms

You use SketchUp’s innovative, do-everything Follow Me tool to create 3D forms by extruding 2D surfaces along predetermined paths. Model a bent pipe by extruding a circle along an L-shaped line. Create a bottle by drawing half of its outline, then using Follow Me to sweep it around a circle. You can even use Follow Me to round off (fillet) edges on things like handrails, furniture and electronic gadgets.

Paint Bucket: Apply colors and textures

You can use SketchUp’s Paint Bucket tool to paint your model with materials like colors and textures.

Groups and Components: Build smarter models

By “sticking together” parts of the geometry in your model to make Groups, you can create sub-objects that are easier to move, copy and hide. Components are a lot like Groups, but with a handy twist: copies of Components are related together, so changes you make to one are automatically reflected in all the others. Windows, doors, trees, chairs and millions of other things benefit from this behavior.

Shadows: Perform shade studies and add realism

SketchUp’s powerful, real-time Shadow Engine lets you perform accurate shade studies on your models.

Sections: See inside your models

You can use SketchUp’s interactive Sections feature to temporarily cut away parts of your design, enabling you to look inside. You can use Sections to create orthographic views (like floorplans), to export geometry to CAD programs using SketchUp Pro, or just to get a better view of your model while you’re working on it. Section Planes can be moved, rotated and even animated using SketchUp’s Scenes feature.

Scenes: Save views and create animations

We created Scenes to enable you to easily save precise views of your model so you can come back to them later. Need to create an animation? Just create a few Scenes and click a button.

Look Around and Walk: Explore your creations firsthand

SketchUp lets you get inside your model with a set of simple navigation tools designed to give you a first-person view. Click with Position Camera to “be standing” anywhere in your model. Use Look Around to turn your virtual head. Finally, switch to Walk to explore your creation on foot; you can even climb and descend stairs and ramps, just like you’re playing a video game.

Dimensions and Labels: Add information to your designs

You can use the super-intuitive Dimension and Label tools to add dimensions, annotations and other glorious detail to your work.

The Instructor: Catch on quickly

SketchUp’s Instructor dialog box, which you can choose to activate at any time, provides context-sensitive help.

Layers and the Outliner: Stay organized

When you’re building a big, complicated model, things can get messy very quickly. SketchUp provides two useful ways to keep your geometry manageable:

Google Earth: See your models in context

SketchUp and Google Earth are part of the same product family, meaning you can exchange information between them easily. Need a building site for your project? Import a scaled aerial photograph, including topography, directly from Google Earth to SketchUp by clicking one button. Want to see your SketchUp model in context in Google Earth? Click another button, and you can. Anyone can use SketchUp to build models which can be seen by anyone in Google Earth.

Sandbox tools: Work on terrain

SketchUp’s Sandbox tools let you create, optimize and alter 3D terrain. You can generate a smooth landscape from a set of imported contour lines, add berms and valleys for runoff, and create a building pad and driveway.

3D Warehouse: Find models of almost anything you need

The Google 3D Warehouse is a huge, online repository of 3D models which you can search through when you need something. Why build something when you can download it for free?

Import DXF, DWG and 3DS: Get a headstart on your modeling

You can import DXF, DWG and 3DS files directly into your SketchUp models, which makes it very easy to start with drawings and even other 3D models. Have a floorplan of the space you need to model? Import it in, and start building right on top of it.

Import images: Paint walls with photos

With SketchUp, you can import image files like JPGs, TIFFs, PNGs and PDFs. You can use them by themselves (kind of like posters), but you can also stick them to surfaces to create photo-realistic models of buildings, package designs, and more.

Export TIFF, JPEG and PNG

SketchUp lets you export raster images up to 10,000 pixels square, so generating an image which you can send in an email, publish in a document, or project on a wall is as easy as choosing a few options and clicking Export.

PRO Export DXF and DWG: 2D line drawings and 3D models

Google SketchUp Pro allows you to export DXFs and DWGs, giving you an easy way to move plans, sections, elevations or even your whole model into your favorite CAD program. Exported geometry remains at 1:1 scale, and layers are preserved.

PRO Export PDF and EPS: 2D vector images

With the Pro version of Google SketchUp, you can export views of your models in PDF and EPS format, allowing you to continue to work on them in vector editing programs like Illustrator and Freehand. For 2D images that need to be resolution-independent, nothing beats exporting to these formats.

PRO Export 3DS, OBJ, XSI, FBX, VRML and DAE

If you’re using Google SketchUp Pro, you can export your models to a number of useful 3D formats. Pros use a number of different tools, and these exporters allow SketchUp to join most professional workflows by offering interoperability with just about every popular 3D modeling application in existence.

Toyota – Corolla Altis

:::The all new Corolla Altis::::

THE NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch’in) Dynasty (221 B.C – 206 B.C.). In Chinese the wall is called “Wan-Li Qang-Qeng” which means 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km).

After subjugating and uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defense against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.

The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added.

The Great Wall can be seen from Earth orbit, but, contrary to legend, is not visible from the moon, according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Jim Irwin.

PETRA, JORDAN

Petra is a famous city carved out of stone, hidden by towering sandstone mountains in Jordan. It was an important city, and was the main city of an ancient people called the Nabataens, who lived in southern Jordan, Canaan and the northern part of Arabia, and created a kingdom with its capital at Petra. Lying in the centre of an ancient caravan trade routes, Petra benefited from the resulting commerce. Caravans pass through Petra for Giza in the south, Bosra and Damascus in the north, Aqaba on the Red Sea, and eastward to the Persian Gulf.

Until they settled at Petra, the Nabateans were largely nomadic. They founded Petra around the 6th century BC and ruled over it until AD 100, when the Romans conquered Petra. In AD 106 it was absorbed into the Roman Empire and was known as Arabia Petraea. Although having lost its autonomy, Petra continued to flourish for another one hundred years. It then began to decline when trade routes changed. An earthquake in AD363 devastated Petra and destroyed its waterworks. Petra lay in ruins until the 12th century, when the Crusaders occupied it and built a citadel there. After they were gone, Petra was left to its native inhabitants. It was first seen by a Westerner in 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt discovered it. Petra was made popular in recent times by the Indiana Jones movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The name Petra, which means “rock” in Greek and Latin (derived from the word petrae), is actually a modern name for the place. This is because the city was carved from the friable sandstone cliffs of the area. The rocks take on a multitude of hues ranging from cream to orange, to red, and to dark brown. Layers of these rocks form whorls of colours which were incorporated into the Nabatean architecture.

Scholars are unable to confirm the actual ancient name of Petra, though the most likely is Rekem. Rekem is a site mentioned in the Dead Sea scrolls and closely resembled Petra in description. Nevertheless, it has been known as Petra, or Petraea, since Roman times. Petra was recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage Site since 1985, and was described as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage.”

CHRIST REDEEMER, BEAZIL

The Statue of Christ the Redeemer history starts in the XVIth Century when the Portuguese named the mountain Pináculo da Tentação (The Pinnacle [peak] of Temptation), alluding to the Biblical Mountain. A century passes and the mountain is re-baptized to Corcovado, a name derived from its form, which resembles a hump or hunchback. The next recordings of christ the redeemer history is in 1924 when Dom Pedro personally led the first official expedition to Corcovado Mountain, resulting in the opening of an accessable way up.

Then in 1859 the Vincentian father Pedro Maria Boss arrived Rio de Janeiro and was struck by the mystorious beauty of the corcovado mountain and suggested the the construction of a religous monument in honour of Princess Isabel, which in 1921 gave way for the idea of a great statue of christ viewable by all in the marvelous city of Rio. From 1859 to 1921, Dom Pedro gave his consent for the building of the Corcovado Railroad line between Cosme Velho and Paineiras, which would be an essential part of undertaking the Redentor. In 1922, on the markation of Brazilian independence and a mile peal in the Statue of Christ the Redeemer history, the work began for fulfilling the ambitious project with the fundamental stone being put in place on the 22.april.

After a hard competition, the project by the engineer Heitor da Silva Costa is chosen and in September, a national fundraising campaign for the works is organized. Finally, in 1927, the construction of the statue begins after models of diverse sizes had been constructed. All calculations were done by Coast Hisses, helped by Pedro Viana and Heitor Levy, which during the years of construction, resided in a shed of wood at the foot of the monument

MACHU PICCHU, PERU

The ruins of Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, are one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. While the Inca people certainly used the Andean mountain top (9060 feet elevation), erecting many hundreds of stone structures from the early 1400’s, legends and myths indicate that Machu Picchu (meaning ‘Old Peak’ in the Quechua language) was revered as a sacred place from a far earlier time. Whatever its origins, the Inca turned the site into a small (5 square miles) but extraordinary city. Invisible from below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces sufficient to feed the population, and watered by natural springs, Machu Picchu seems to have been utilized by the Inca as a secret ceremonial city. Two thousand feet above the rumbling Urubamba river, the cloud shrouded ruins have palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms and some 150 houses, all in a remarkable state of preservation. These structures, carved from the gray granite of the mountain top are wonders of both architectural and aesthetic genius. Many of the building blocks weigh 50 tons or more yet are so precisely sculpted and fitted together with such exactitude that the mortarless joints will not permit the insertion of even a thin knife blade. Little is known of the social or religious use of the site during Inca times. The skeletal remains of ten females to one male had led to the casual assumption that the site may have been a sanctuary for the training of priestesses and /or brides for the Inca nobility. However, subsequent osteological examination of the bones revealed an equal number of male bones, thereby indicating that Machu Picchu was not exclusively a temple or dwelling place of women.

One of Machu Picchu’s primary functions was that of astronomical observatory. The Intihuatana stone (meaning ‘Hitching Post of the Sun’) has been shown to be a precise indicator of the date of the two equinoxes and other significant celestial periods. The Intihuatana (also called the Saywa or Sukhanka stone) is designed to hitch the sun at the two equinoxes, not at the solstice (as is stated in some tourist literature and new-age books). At midday on March 21st and September 21st, the sun stands almost directly above the pillar, creating no shadow at all. At this precise moment the sun “sits with all his might upon the pillar” and is for a moment “tied” to the rock. At these periods, the Incas held ceremonies at the stone in which they “tied the sun” to halt its northward movement in the sky. There is also an Intihuatana alignment with the December solstice (the summer solstice of the southern hemisphere), when at sunset the sun sinks behind Pumasillo (the Puma’s claw), the most sacred mountain of the western Vilcabamba range, but the shrine itself is primarily equinoctial.

Shamanic legends say that when sensitive persons touch their foreheads to the stone, the Intihuatana opens one’s vision to the spirit world (the author had such an experience, which is described in detail in Chapter one of Places of Peace and Power, on the web site, www.sacredsites.com). Intihuatana stones were the supremely sacred objects of the Inca people and were systematically searched for and destroyed by the Spaniards. When the Intihuatana stone was broken at an Inca shrine, the Inca believed that the deities of the place died or departed. The Spaniards never found Machu Picchu, even though they suspected its existence, thus the Intihuatana stone and its resident spirits remain in their original position. The mountain top sanctuary fell into disuse and was abandoned some forty years after the Spanish took Cuzco in 1533. Supply lines linking the many Inca social centers were disrupted and the great empire came to an end. The photograph shows the ruins of Machu Picchu in the foreground with the sacred peak of Wayna Picchu towering behind. Partway down the northern side of Wayna Picchu is the so-called “Temple of the Moon” inside a cavern. As with the ruins of Machu Picchu, there is no archaeological or iconographical evidence to substantiate the ‘new-age’ assumption that this cave was a goddess site.

CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO

The sacred city of the Itza, called Chichen-Itza (chee-chehn eet-sah) in Maya, is located 75 miles east of Merida, the Capital of the State of Yucatan, Mexico. This archaeological site is rated among the most important of the Maya culture and covers an area of approximately six square miles where hundreds of buildings once stood. Now most are mounds, but about thirty may still be seen by tourists. The ruins are divided into two groups. One group belongs to the classic Maya Period and was built between the 7th and 10th centuries A.D., at which time the city became a prominent ceremonial center. The other group corresponds to the Maya-Toltec Period, from the later part of the 10th century to the beginning of the 13th century A.D. This area includes the Sacred Well and most of the outstanding ruins.

When Chichen-Itza was first settled it was largely agricultural. Because of the many cenotes in the area, it would have been a good place to settle. During the Central Phase of the Classic Period, referred to as Florescence, (625 -800 A.D.) arts and sciences flourished here. It was at this time that Chichen-Itza became a religious center of increasing importance, evidenced by the buildings erected: the Red House, the House of the Deer, the Nunnery and its Annex, the Church, the Akab Dzib, the Temple of the Three Lintels and the House of Phalli.  Toward the end of the Classic Period, from 800 to 925 A.D., the foundations of this magnificent civilization weakened, and the Maya abandoned their religions centers and the rural land around them. New, smaller centers were built and the great cities like Chichen-Itza were visited only to perform religious rites or bury the dead. The Itza people abandoned their city by the end of the 7th century A.D. and lived on the west coast of the peninsula for about 250 years. However, by the 10th century A.D. they returned to Chichen-Itza.

Around 1000 A.D. the Itza allied themselves with two powerful tribes, Xio and Cocom, both claiming to be descendants of the Mexicans. This alliance was favorable to the Itza for about two centuries. During this time, the people of Chichen-Itza added to the site by constructing magnificent buildings bearing the touch of Toltec art: porches, galleries, colonnades and carvings depicting serpents, birds and Mexican gods. The Toltec influenced the Itza in more ways than just architecture. They also imposed their religion on the Itza, which meant human sacrifice on a large scale. They expanded their dominions in northern Yucatan with an alliance with Mayapan and Uxmal. As the political base of Chichen-Itza expanded, the city added even more spectacular buildings: the Observatory, Kukulcan’s Pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, The Ball Court, and The Group of the Thousand Columns.

The Temple of the Warriors has pillars sculptured in bas-relief, which have retained much of their original color. Murals once adorned its walls. It is surrounded by numerous ruined buildings known as the Group of a Thousand Columns. The Cenote of Sacrifice was reserved for rituals involving human sacrifice involving the rain God. The victims were not only young women, but also children and elderly men and women.

Possibly the best known construction on the site is Kukulcan’s Pyramid. El Castillo (Kukulkan-Quetzalcoatl), a square-based, stepped pyramid that is approximately 75 feet tall. This pyramid was built for astronomical purposes and during the vernal equinox (March 20) and the autumnal equinox (September 21) at about 3 P.M.. the sunlight bathes the western balustrade of the pyramid’s main stairway. This causes seven isosceles triangles to form imitating the body of a serpent 37 yards long that creeps downwards until it joins the huge serpent’s head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway. Mexican researcher Luis El Arochi calls it “the symbolic descent of Kukulcan” (the feathered serpent), and believes it could have been connected with agricultural rituals.

THE ROMAN COLOSSEUM, ITALY

The huge theater was originally built encompassing four floors. The first three had arched entrances, while the fourth floor utilized rectangular doorways. The floors each measured between 10,5-13,9 meters (32-42 feet) in height. The total height of the construction was approximately 48 meters (144 feet). The arena measured 79 x 45 meters (237-135 feet), and consisted of wood and sand. (The word “arena” is derived from the Latin arena, which means “sand.”) Nets along the sides protected the audience.

The Colosseum had a total spectator capacity of 45,000-55,000. The Amphitheater is built of travertine outside, and of tufa and brick in the interior. The main pedestals were built of marble blocks weighing 5 metric tons (11,000 pounds.) Initially the huge marble blocks were held together by metal-pins. However, the pins were soon carried off by thieves, and had to be replaced by mortar. The total amount of marble needed for the construction measured approximately 100,000 cubic meters. It was carried by 200 ox-pulled carts, which supplied a sufficient flow of needed materials.

There were no less than 76 numbered entrances and 4 additional entrances reserved for the Emperor, other VIP’s and the gladiators. The Colosseum was designed for easy crowd dispersal; the entire audience could exit the building in five minutes. The interior was divided into three parts: the arena, the podium, and the cavea. Now more than two-thirds of the original building has been removed and the rows of the seats in the cavea are missing. It is very similar to other amphitheaters except this one is much bigger. The audience, upon entering, climbed sloping ramps to their seats, according to gender and social class. Obviously, the higher one’s social status, the better their seating arrangement would be. For example, women (excepting spouses and perhaps imperial family) and the poor, stood or sat on wooden benches in the fourth tier. For inclement or very hot weather conditions, an enormous, colored awning (velarium) could be stretched overhead to protect the crowd.

A wooden floor covered subterranean chambers where the gladiators and animals were kept waiting to perform. There is some debate over the idea that the Colosseum was occasionally flooded for mock naval battles. There were canals in place that could have been used for this purpose but the brick used in construction was not the same type of material that they normally used in water resistant materials. The Colosseum was the Empire’s primary stage for gladiatorial combat for nearly 4 centuries. In a show of Rome’s wealth and extravagance, during the opening ceremonies in 80 AD, 100 days of the games were held.

THE TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an “elegy in marble” or some say an expression of a “dream.” Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan’s real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.

Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed. In addition, many renowned Muslim craftsmen from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized tasks.

The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.

Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur’an and the bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.

The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.

GREAT PYRAMID, EGYPT

(Honorary Candidate)

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest monument on the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is also the only one left standing. It is a marvel of human engineering and construction, and its sheer size and scale rivals any structure built within the last few hundred years. It’s construction, though, has always been the subject of much debate among scholars, because of its massive size and near perfect proportions.

The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for the Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh Khufu (or Cheops), and was completed around 2560 B.C. It is part of a complex of 3 large pyramids in the Giza Necropolis located in modern Cairo, Egypt. The Great Pyramid is the largest of the three pyramids, and it is part of its own smaller complex that also contains 3 small pyramids that were built for Khufu’s wives.

The Great Pyramid took approximately 20 years to complete, and several theories are debated by scholars as to how it was built and by whom. Some theories point to slave labor, but it seems more plausible that Egyptians themselves lent their efforts, working during the times of year when the Nile was flooded and their farm work would not have been possible. It would have been a sort of civil service.

How the pyramid was constructed has always been the subject of very passionate debate by scholars. Some evidence and theories suggest that 20,000 workers over the course of 20 years built it, and were even paid to do so. This would have required a great deal of organization and manpower in the way of accounting and record keeping. The Egyptians were known for their excellent documentation.

The pyramid was constructed out of stone blocks, each weighing at least 2 tons. There are theories suggesting that multiple men together maneuvered each block over a ramp that encircled the structure as it rose, or that they moved each stone up long ramps that got higher and longer as the pyramid got taller, or even that scaffolding was used. Many eschew each of these theories for different reasons, including the idea that wood that could have been used for scaffolding or ramps would have been at a premium, and using mud brick for those purposes would not have held under the enormous weight of each massive block. And, of course, there are the ideas that aliens built the pyramids. However the pyramid was constructed, it is a marvelous feat, and should be awed and respected, especially because it is standing today with relatively minor damage.

The Great Pyramid, when completed, was faced in the gleeming white Tura limestone, which must have presented quite the spectacular appearance in the Egyptian desert. It was 481 feet high (it has since lost its top and is currently 25 feet less tall) and covers 13.1 acres. It is estimated that 2.3 million stone blocks were used, weighing between 2 and 15 tons each. The pyramid itself is filled with internal passages and chambers that would have housed the Pharaoh’s granite sarcophagus and all the necessary goods for a fruitful journey to the afterlife. This would have included a great deal of precious metals and stones, food products, and hand-carved furnishings.

There is no wonder why the Great Pyramid of Giza was on the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is a testament to human ingenuity and strength, and its size and near-perfect proportions must have been awe-inspiring to behold.

Information Courtesy ::: www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/greatwall/Allabout.html ::: www.worldgreatestsites.com/petra.htm ::: www.copacabana.info/Christ-the-Redeemer-history.html ::: www.sacredsites.com/americas/peru/machu_picchu.html ::: www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/archaeology/sites/meso_america/chichenitza.html ::: www.unrv.com/culture/colosseum.php ::: www.islamicity.com/culture/Taj/default.htm ::: www.ancienthistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_great_pyramid_of_giza :::www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_wonders_of_the_world :::

HIGH COURT BENCH AT TRIVANDRUM

The process to reinstate a bench of the Kerala High Court in Thiruvananthapuram is in the final stage. The state government is waiting for the nod of the law ministry, which is seriously considering the matter following Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s intervention. A final decision in this regard would be made immediately with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Law minister for the sate Mr. Vijayakumar, who discussed the matter with Defence Minister A.K. Antony, said.

The law ministry has to put up a proposal and will present it in the cabinet and once the cabinet gives its nod, the president can issue the order, the minister said. ‘Antony assured me that the issue of high court bench would be discussed when he meets the prime minister,’ the minister said. Besides, Antony would also take up the issue with Law Minister H.R. Bharadwaj, he said, adding the defence minister has assured all possible help to fulfill the long-standing demand of the people of the state.

Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthananthan and Vijayakumar had raised the issue before the prime minister. Kerala legislature has unanimously passed two resolutions to reinstate the high court in the state capital, where it functioned till 1958, the minister said. ‘There was a high court in Thiruvananthapuram in 1947 and it became a high court bench following the establishment of Kerala High Court in Kochi after the formation of the state in 1956,’ the minister said.

Lawyers in Thiruvananthapuram Bar Association are on strike demanding the reinstatement of the high court bench.

Getting a job and to continue as a Winner

Job seekers unintentionally make some common mistakes during interviews, which reduces their chances of getting hired. Here are some major interview blunders that you need to avoid:

1. Arriving late: Never be late for your job interview, because it is just inexcusable. We suggest you rather arrive 10 minutes early so that you have enough time to settle in and ease your frayed nerves. Also arriving late means that you are going to enter into the interview looking all sweaty and disturbed hair. So make the most of those extra minutes to present your best self.

2. The wrong dress code: It is very important to be dressed right when you go for an interview. But make sure you find out what the work culture of that organization is like and dress accordingly. Your dress code will also differ according to the post you have applied for. For instance if you have applied for a middle management post, make sure you wear formals with a tie. You don’t need to wear a blazer. Ladies may keep away from loud colors, junk jewelry and revealing clothes.

3. Avoid one-liners: There are some common questions you should be prepared to answer like: What kind of work were you doing in your previous job? Why do you think we should hire you? How can you value add to the company? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your salary expectations? Make yourself comfortable and be sure to elaborate on your experience, skills, and background. Don’t give monosyllable answers like ‘yes or ‘no’ One-liners are conversation stoppers. Your interviewer will not have gleaned any extra information that what you have penned down in your resume.
4. Poor body language: Remember that body language always speaks louder than words. At times an interviewer may pay more attention to how you react to a particular question than to what you actually say. So never ever:

a) Slouch in your chair: The interviewer will think that you are not interested in the job you have applied for.
b) Avoid eye contact: We are not asking you to stare at the interviewer like a psycho, but at least don’t look around while answering the interviewer. Instead maintain eye contact while replying. It shows how confident you are.
c) Sit with your hands crossed.
d) Interrupt the interviewer.

After getting the job it is not the end of the world. One has to be a winner meaning successfully achieving the organization’s tasks while getting the cooperation of peers and where applicable subordinates as well as clients or customers. Given below are some suggestions to achieve this:

Believing in your self when nobody else does is truly difficult but not impossible. So, the first quality needed to be a winner is to believe in yourself and respect your decisions in no matter what you do. Never think negative before you take up a task. Believe in yourself and do good.

While working on an assignment, you need to have a positive attitude. There are chances that you may be criticized for doing good in life. There are equal chances of you being criticized when you do bad. So just do good in life and don’t worry about criticism that ensues.

The fact is winners have better attitude than losers. Also, winners always form the habit of doing things that losers don’t like to do vice versa. Moreover, a winner’s attitude is characterized by his/her self-esteem, a positive outlook of life, a willingness to learn, self-discipline and self-control. Remember, winners persist, losers desist. So decide which category do you fall in. Have a winning attitude.

Commitment is the key factor to be a winner. You should take charge and establish a course of action that will help you achieve your goals. You should be determined not to be side-tracked by outside influences and stay committed towards your goals. Remember, whenever you put your heart and mind in whatever you do, nothing is impossible to achieve. So be serious in life, be committed and you will surely be successful.

A true leader is someone who realizes that there is absolutely no substitute in life for hard work. If you want to succeed in life, the quickest way is to be prompt in volunteering responsibility. You will become a leader soon.

Instead of being upset and harming yourself after you have been rejected, think positively and resolve to reverse your failure into success. Sit down and think about what went wrong and if you manage to lay hands on your folly, try not to repeat that mistake again. Remember, making a mistake is not the end of the world, but realizing and repeating the same mistake is the end of the world. So, take charge of your life and happy winning. Learn from your past experiences.

::::Information Courtesy::::

Suggestions for improving Performance Evaluation

The performance evaluation process is a potential minefield of problems. For instances, evaluators can unconsciously inflate evaluations (positive leniency), understate performance (negative leniency), or allow the assessment of one characteristics to unduly influence the assessment of others (the halo error). Some appraisers bias their evaluations by unconsciously favoring people who have qualities and traits similar to their own (the similarity error). And, of course, some evaluators see the evaluation process as a political opportunity to overtly reward or punish employees they like or dislike. Although there are no protections that will guarantee accurate performance evaluations, the following suggestions can significantly help to make the process more objective and fair.

Use Multiple Evaluators: As the number of evaluators increase, the probability of attaining more accurate information increases. If rated error tends to follow a normal curve, an increase in the number of appraisers will tend to find the majority congregating about the middle. We often see multiple evaluators in competitions in such sports as diving and gymnastics. A set of evaluators judges a performance, the highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the final evaluation is made up of those remaining. The logic of multiple evaluators applies to organizations as well.

If an employee has had 10 supervisors, 9 having rated her excellent and 1 poor, we can safely discount the one poor evaluation. Therefore, by moving employees about within the organization so as to gain a number of evaluations or by using multiple assessors (as provided in 360-degree appraisals), we increase the probability of achieving more valid and reliable evaluations.

Evaluate Selectively: Appraisers should evaluate only in areas in which they have some expertise. This precaution increases the inter-rater agreement and makes the evaluation more valid process. It also recognizes that different organizational levels often have different orientations towards those being rated and observe them in different settings. In general, therefore, appraisers should be as close as possible, in terms of organizational level, to the individual being evaluated. Conversely, the more levels separate the evaluator and the person being evaluated the less opportunity the evaluator has to observe the individual’s behavior and, not surprisingly, the greater the possibility for inaccuracies.

Train Evaluators: If you can’t find good evaluators, the alternative is to make good evaluators. There is substantial evidence that training evaluators can make them more accurate raters.

Common errors such as halo and leniency have been minimized or eliminated in workshops where managers practice observing and rating behaviors. These workshops typically run from 1 to 3 days, but allocating many hours to training may not always be necessary. One case has been cited in which both halo and leniency errors were decreased immediately after exposing evaluators to explanatory training sessions lasting only 5 minutes. But the effects of training appear to diminish over time. This suggests the need for regular refresher sessions.

Provide Employees with Due Process: The concept of due process can be applied to appraisals to increase the perception that employees are being treated fairly. These features characterize due process systems: (1) Individuals are provided with adequate notice of what is expected of them; (2) all evidence relevant to a proposed violation is aired in a fair hearing so the individual affected can respond and (3) the final decision is based on the evidence and free of bias.

There is considerable evidence that evaluation systems often violate employees’ due process by providing them with infrequent and relatively general performance feedback, allowing them little input into the appraisal process, and knowingly introducing bias into performance ratings. However, when due process has been part of the evaluation systems, employees report positive reactions to the appraisal process, perceive the evaluation results as more accurate, and express increased intent to remain with the organization.

::::information Courtesy::::

Careers available in the field of geography

Geography is one of those subjects we all studied in school, but it’s a rare few who actually dreamed of making a career in it. Today, however, expertise on locations and climatic conditions can land you a well-paying job. The avenues in geography have opened up not only internationally, but also in our country. Below, here we have given careers available in the field of geography today.

GIS (geographic information systems) is the new knowledge source in these times when the travel is getting easier. GIS captures, stores, analyses, manages, and presents data about any given location. The GIS specialist works at mapping the location according to the requirements of the projects. For example, GIS can enable disaster management planners to calculate response times in the event of an emergency. GIS can help identify locations that need protection from pollution. It could be used by a company to best situate a new business so as to take maximum advantage of a previously underserved market. A GIS professional needs to remain up-to-date on the latest software in the field. The earnings would more than pay back the effort put in.

At present, there between 15,000 and 20,000 geographers in the country. More than 80% of them are in academia. But for those with a penchant for exploration, there are more possibilities than before to go back to the traditional geographer’s path. Studying nature and relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena can yield enough good research material to fill up a book. One can conduct research focused on the physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soil, plants, and animals. The resulting data could be of use to private or government bodies. Likewise research on the interdependence between regions on scales ranging from the local to the global can be undertaken. This job profile would require extensive travel, and the ability to be out in the field for long periods-ideal for those who love the outdoors.

Environment conservation is already a high priority, and it will only rise in the future. It has spurred thousands of government and non-government programs. If you combine a geography honors degree with a qualification in environmental studies, you can be part of those efforts. The job profile would call upon you to plan strategies for working with existing assets in an optimal way. There is a demand for such expertise in the private sector, too, as environmental concerns become increasingly integral to business strategy. As an environmental management expert, you would focus on resource management, natural area management, and environmental issues in policy and implementation.

As a geography major, you could focus your training and skills on preparing for emergency management. As India becomes more conscious of the need to have extensive disaster management plans in place, this emerging field is in constant need of new recruits at the national and state level. The job would call on you to plan for emergencies by charting disasters that could potentially affect a given location, and in formulating a plan to avert or respond to them. Preparedness, response and recovery would all benefit from a geographers opinion. Disaster management is a concern of most governments and many private organizations and a geography major can expect to be involved at the higher levels of planning and management.

Bureaucrats opt for geography at the post graduate level-to improve their prospects for the civil services. Civil services also demand planning abilities. A sound understanding of your region in terms of environment, location and livelihood issues would stand you in good stead as a bureaucrat.

The role of an urban planner is to try to avoid or minimize congestion, and to ensure that all sections of the population have access to parks, recreation, and open space. Planners work closely with builders to ensure that cities develop within the limits of the master plan. A lot of geographical information is necessary to do all this.

With combined qualifications in geography and tourism, you would be able to better prepare travelers about what kind of clothes to wear, what sights to see. Travel agents also need to be knowledgeable about the unique features of various destinations, such as mountains, valleys, and glaciers, as well as potential dangers to travelers.

Information Courtesy

DUBAI – PROJECTS

The following are some of the world class projects in Dubai

PALM ISLAND

Three artificial islands in the shape of palm trees will shelter nearly 500 apartments, 2 000 villas, 25 hotels and 200 shops of luxury.  Palm Jumeirah, the most advanced, will be completed as of the end of 2005.  Hundred twenty-five kilometers of coast additional will be thus created.

THE WORLD

The World. With broad of Dubaï, nearly 300 artificial islands, seen sky will form a planisphere.  If you want to acquire one of these islands, it will cost some to you between 6,2 to 36,7 million dollars.  Work of fill, already begun, should be completed at the end of 2005.

DUBAI WATERFRONT

Advancing on water of the Gulf, this whole of islands in the shape of crescent will extend on 81 square KMs.  Becoming the greatest sea front in the world, it détrône thus the island from Manhattan in New York

OLD TOWN

It is the final district of the building site located at the foot of the tower Burj Dubai.  This great real complex will include the highest tower of the world, the greatest shopping centre of the world as well as a gigantic residential district.

HYDROPOLIS

Entirely assembled in Germany, this underwater hotel will be immersed with broad of Dubai at the end of 2006.  It will comprise 220 continuations whose panoramic windows will give on sea-beds.  The price of a room for the night would rise with 500 dollars.
www.crescent-hydropolis.com

BURJ DUBAI

This phenomenal tower from which construction began last January and will end in 2008 should reach the 800 meters height.  The building, built in three parts around a central column, finishes in spiral.  It will count 160 stages.

MADINAT AL ARAB

Here the representation of the one of the districts of the future greater sea front in the world, Dubai Waterfront.  This sight accounts for the architectural ambition and the spectacular development of real constructions with Dubaï.

DUBAI MARINA

The new city, of a total cost of 10 billion dollars, will be built on a way of artificial navigation of 4,5 km.  It will be able to lodge 120 000 people.  Three principal towers will be set up and will bear the name of      Arab perfumes.

DUBAI  SPORTS CITY

This immense sporting complex of 7.5 km² will accomodate sports such as the cricket, the golf, Rugby, football, the sports of ground, track, and interior (tennis shoe, handball, volley ball).  Hotels, residences and villas are also envisaged.

GOLDEN DOME

With its 455 m height and its 2,2 million m² of total surface, it will be one of bulkiest and higher buildings of the world.  It will shelter 500 000 m² offices, commercial spaces like 3 000 residential apartments.

DUBAI LAND SKI DOME

This ski resort indoor, will comprise inter alia a directional ski piste and tracks of snowboard (with 6 000 tons of true snow).  “Pinguinarium”, aquariums four seasons, spa cold and hot… are also envisaged
with the program.

SPACE SCIENCE WORLD

Space is one of the subjects exploited in the immense park with topics of Dubailand which has the ambition to become the largest tourist park and of attractions in the world.

Information courtesy

Pride of India…

Abhinav Singh Bindra, (born September 28, 1982) is an Indian shooter from Zirakpur, Mohali, Punjab and is the current World and Olympic champion in the 10 m Air Rifle event. By winning the gold in the 10 m Air Rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, he became the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympic Games and India’s first gold medal since 1980, when the Men’s Field Hockey Team won the gold. Abhinav Bindra comes from an affluent Sikh family. His parents, Dr. Apjit and Babli Bindra, are promoters of the Hitech Group of companies. Bindra is a fifth generation descendant of legendary Sikh warrior Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa on his mother’s side. Bindra has one sister – Divya, a fashion designer, married into the family that owns Atlas Cycles(Haryana). Bindra studied at the Doon school, Dehradun and later at St. Stephens School, Chandigarh. He earned his BBA from the University of Colorado.

International performance

· Bindra won six medals at various international meets in 2001. In the 10 m Air rifle event at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, he won Gold in the Pairs event and Silver in the individual event.

· At the 2004 Olympic Games, he scored 597 in the qualification round and was placed third behind Qinan Zhu (599 – Olympic Record) and Li Jie (598). In the finals, Abhinav finished with 97.6 points, last in the field of eight and was the only player below 100 points. His sub-par finals dropped him from third to seventh.

· At the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, he won the Gold in the Pairs event and the Bronze in the Singles event. Abhinav missed the 2006 Asian Games at Doha because of a back injury.

Awards and recognitions

• 2000 – Arjuna award.
• 2001 – Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (India’s highest sports award).

Awards for Olympics Gold medal

• Rs. 1 crore cash prize by State Government of Punjab.
• Rs. 2 lakh cash prize by Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee
• Rs. 25 lakh cash prize by the Board of Control for Cricket in India
• Rs. 15 lakh cash prize by Steel Ministry of India
• A free lifetime railway pass by the Railway Ministry of India
• Rs. 10 lakh cash prize by Chief Minister of Maharashtra state
• Rs. 5 lakh cash prize by State Government of Orissa
• Rs. 1.5 Crore by L N Mittal, Arcelor Mittal.
• Rs. 10 lakh cash prize by the State Government of Karnataka
• Rs. 11 lakh cash prize by the State Government of Bihar. The Patna Indoor Stadium will be renamed after Abhinav Bindra.
• Rs. 1 lakh cash prize by the State Government of Chhattisgarh
• Rs. 25 lakh cash prize by the State Government of Haryana.
• Rs. 5 lakh cash prize by M. Karunanidhi, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu
• A Gold medal by the State Government of Kerala.

:::: Information from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhinav_Bindra ::::