Sci-Tech Archive

Congress upset with Raja for dragging PM into spectrum row

Published: October 23, 2009Posted in: Business, National, Politics, Sci-TechTags:

New Delhi, Oct 23 – The Congress party is ‘unhappy’ with Communications Minister A. Raja for dragging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s name into the controversy over the allotment of 2G spectrum licences.

‘The PM is not in the picture at all. The Congress is unhappy over his remark,’ a party leader said here Friday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Thursday raided the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) headquarters here.

Raja later denied any wrongdoing in the spectrum licensing and allocation, and said he took decisions in consultation with the prime minister.

‘The question of my resignation does not arise. All decisions on spectrum licensing have been taken in accordance with procedures and in consultation with the prime minister,’ Raja told reporters late Thursday.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has demanded the minister’s resignation.

‘In the interests of having a fair probe, it is essential that the minister not continue in office,’ the CPI-M said in a statement.

However, Congress spokesman Manish Tewari refused to comment on the resignation issue, saying the ‘matter is under investigation’.

‘We should stick to the nature of the law,’ he told reporters here Friday.

Congress upset with Raja for dragging PM into spectrum controversy

Published: October 23, 2009Posted in: Business, National, Politics, Sci-TechTags:

New Delhi, Oct 23 – The Congress party is ‘unhappy’ with Communications Minister A. Raja for dragging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s name into the controversy over the allotment of 2G spectrum licences.

‘The PM is not in the picture at all. The Congress is unhappy over his remark,’ a party leader said here Friday.

Raja, whose office here was raided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Thursday, later denied any wrongdoing in the spectrum licensing and allocation and said he took decisions in consultation with the prime minister.

‘The question of my resignation does not arise. All decisions on spectrum licensing have been taken in accordance with procedures and in consultations with the prime minister,’ Raja told reporters late Thursday.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has demanded the minister’s resignation.

‘In the interests of having a fair probe, it is essential that the minister not continue in office,’ CPI-M said in a statement.

However, Congress spokesman Manish Tewari refused to comment on the resignation issue, saying the ‘matter is under investigation’.

‘We should stick to the nature of the law,’ he told reporters here Friday.

Globetrotting exhibition on Darwin reaches Bangalore

Published: October 23, 2009Posted in: National, Sci-TechTags:

Bangalore, Oct 23 – Bangalore schoolchildren are exploring the works of noted 19th century English naturalist and ‘The Origin of Species’ author Charles Darwin at an exhibition here honouring his vast contribution to human knowledge.

The event titled ‘Darwin Now’ has been curated by British Council to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his famous book.

The 15-day long exhibition got under way Thursday at the Forum mall on Hosur Road. It will move to Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium from Oct 27 to Nov 5.

‘The purpose behind bringing the globally travelling exhibition to Bangalore is to re-introduce the works of the noted scientist among the youths of Bangalore and thereby inculcate the scientific spirit among the young minds,’ Charu Sapra of the British Council told IANS.

‘The exhibition in detail brings to light the works and theories of Darwin, including his book. By exhibiting his works, we want to emphasise the importance and relevance of his works, including the theory of evolution in today’s world,’ Sapra added.

Experts believes that although controversial, Darwin’s works impacted biology, medicine, economy and society at large.

Not only youths, but many adults with a scientific bent of mind are also visiting the exhibition. It greets people with colourful posters talking in detail about Charles Darwin the man, the scientist and his works.

‘It’s a well-done exhibition and I have learnt so many new things about Darwin whose theory of evolution completely revolutionised society and is still making an impact on modern biology,’ said Deepa Rao, who visited the exhibition with her seven-year-old son Friday.

‘I am thoroughly enjoying the exhibition and am learning a lot about Darwin’s work,’ said Shikha, a college-goer.

A science quiz and other programmes for schoolchildren are also part of the exhibition.

After Bangalore, the exhibition will be hosted at Chennai, Ahmedabad and Pune. Earlier Darwin’s works were exhibited in Delhi and Chandigarh.

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