WhatsApp Android App Now Has Free Voice Calling For Everyone

After an extended beta test, WhatsApp has added a free voice calling feature to its Android app. This makes WhatsApp more competitive against services like Skype, Viber and Apple AAPL -1.5% iMessage/FaceTime. The calling feature on WhatsApp launched for Android last month in beta to a small number of users, followed by availability on an invitation-only basis. Now voice calling is available for every WhatsApp user on Android.

The WhatsApp calling feature is available on version 2.12.5, but the Google Play Store currently offers the older version 2.12.19. The older version of WhatsApp enables the calling feature, but app reviewers have reported that it does not work properly yet. This means that there is a bit of extra work necessary if you want access to the calling feature right now. You can download the Android application package (APK) file of WhatsApp version 2.12.5 through the WhatsApp website or an APK Mirror website. After installing the APK file and opening WhatsApp, you will see a new tab for Calls next to the Chats and Contacts tab. Tap on the Calls tab and select the name of the person that you want to call.

WhatsApp Calling / Credit: WhatsApp

WhatsApp launched in 2009 as a simple group text messaging app, but a voice messaging feature was added in August 2013. And then, WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook for $19 billion in February 2014. By April 2014, WhatsApp was hitting over 500 million monthly active users, 700 million photos shared per day, 100 million videos shared per day and 10 billion messages sent per day. A few months ago, WhatsApp launched a desktop client service called WhatsApp Web — which is activated by Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone or Nokia S60 devices.

When someone calls you from WhatsApp, you will see an incoming WhatsApp call screen. You will be able to tap and slide the green button to answer the call or slide the red button to decline the call. Otherwise, you can tap on the message icon on the call screen to decline the call with a quick message. The Calls tab has a list of all your incoming, outgoing and missed WhatsApp calls. The WhatsApp calling feature lets you switch to speakerphone, mute the call and view the time spent during the call. It is worth mentioning that you cannot access 911 and other emergency service numbers through WhatsApp.

WhatsApp’s calling feature does not come as a surprise. Last year, WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum said that voice calling will be added to WhatsApp. First it would roll out on Android and iPhones. This would be followed by Windows Phone and certain BlackBerry models. Last week, WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton specifically said that the voice calling feature will be added to the iOS app within the next few weeks. WhatsApp spent the last year refining the voice calling feature before it was released on Android.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:-  http://www.forbes.com/

When Did The Eiffel Tower Open To The Public? Today’s Google Logo Marks 126th Anniversary Of Paris Attraction

Built by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel for the World's Fair, the now iconic structure opened to the public on March 31, 1889.

Today’s Google doodle marks the March 31, 1889 public opening of Paris’ Eiffel Tower. 

Created by guest doodler and French visual development artist Floriane Marchix, the illustrated logo links to a search that asks the question, “when did the eiffel tower open to the public?” but – as of writing this story – Google has not included a quick answer in search results to answer its own doodle question. 

Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, the iron structure was created by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel’s construction company. Eiffel and his employee Maurice Koechlin previously had worked together to create the Statue of Liberty’s metal armature. 

According to History.com, the Eiffel Tower receives more tourists than any other paid attraction in the world since its opening 126 years ago today. 

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://searchengineland.com/

World No.1 Saina Nehwal Wins Maiden India Open Super Series

Saina Nehwal won the final of the India Open Super Series against Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon in New Delhi on Sunday. 

Saina Nehwal: India Open 2015 Winner                                                   © AFP

New Delhi: First Indian women shuttler to achieve world number one ranking, Saina Nehwal clinched her maiden India Open Super Series title after notching up a dominating straight game victory against former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the summit clash here on Sunday.(Highlights)

The London Olympic bronze medalist played like a champion to get the better off a Intanon 21-16 21-14 in a battle that kept the crowd hooked from the first point to the last at the Siri Sports Complex here.

Coming into the match with a 5-3 overall advantage over her rival, Saina was not tested much as the Indian was prepared for Intanon's deceptive game.

Saina encountered her rival with her better movements and powerful and accurate smashes to eventually wrest her second title of the season.

The girl from Hyderabad, who has been on a roll ever since her victory at the China Open, played like a champion as she anticipated her opponent's moves and caught her on the wrong foot during rallies.

Intanon, seeded third, seemed to be affected by her marathon semifinal match against Carolina Marin of Spain which lasted for close to an hour and and half yesterday.

The energy-sapping clash seemed to have made her movements slow on the court as she struggled with her returns.

The deafening cheers of the near-packed house crowd which chanted 'India India' and 'lets go Saina lets go', seemed to disrupt Intanon's concentration as nothing went for her in the match.

Saina used her powerful smashes and rode on her opponent's unforced errors to lead 11-5 early on. She was up for the deceptive drops and half smashes which Int-anon used to trouble the Indian.

After the break, Intanon gave a glimpse of her superb game as she engaged in a long rally with the Indian and her wristy dribbles to narrow the gap to 10-12.

However, Saina didn't allow the Thai to threaten her as she anticipated well and retrieved everything that was thrown at her end. She closed the points with a smash whenever there was a chance.

Intanon had no answer to Saina's accurate and powerful strokes as she ended up sending them wide and long or at net to allow Saina gain a massive nine game point advantage at 20-12.

Intanon saved four game points before Saina sealed the opening game when the Thai girl hit long.

The change of side didn't alter anything as Saina once again rushed to a 5-0 lead. Intanon gained a few points with her half smashes and deceptive strokes but the Indian still managed to zoom into the break with a 11-6 lead.

After the break, Intanon caught Saina a few times at the forecourt but those were few as Saina raced to a 17-11 lead.

Intanon reduced the gap to 18-14 but the Thai girl once again hit out twice to first give Saina the match point and then the title.

Saina won the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold in Lucknow in January, before becoming the first Indian women to reach the final of the All England Championships. She achieved her dream of becoming the world number one yesterday after Carolina Marin lost in the semifinals.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://sports.ndtv.com/

Christians Celebrate Palm Sunday Around The World As Holy Week Begins

Christians around the world are marking Palm Sunday by waving fronds, attending church services and visiting sites in the Holy Land at the start of the Holy Week that ends with Easter.

Crowds of faithful gathered in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Many waved the fronds to symbolize how worshippers greeted Jesus over 2,000 years ago as he triumphantly returned to Jerusalem.

Later in the day, hundreds of Christian pilgrims are expected to march behind a white donkey from the Mount of Olives to the holy city, retracing Jesus' traditional route into Jerusalem.

Worshippers also gathered in the Nativity Church in Bethlehem, the traditional site of Jesus' birth, clutching olive branches and bouquets as they sung in praise.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis marked Palm Sunday in St. Peter's Square. In keeping with the simple tone of his 2-year-old papacy, Francis leaned on a plain wooden pastoral staff instead of a traditionally more ornate one as he stood under a red canopy on the basilica steps.

In Nigeria, the faithful attended church a day after millions voted in a presidential election too close to call, many praying for peace after violence marred its 2011 poll.

Christians also prayed in religiously diverse Lebanon as well, some of those refugees who have fled Syria's four-year conflict.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Delhi's Aditi Arya crowned fbb Femina Miss India World 2015

 

Miss India winner Aditi Arya (extreme right) Image Courtesy: Facebook

Delhi girl Aditi Arya was crowned fbb Femina Miss India World 2015 at a glittering ceremony at Yashraj Studios here.

Afreen Racheal Vaz was adjudged first runner-up while Vartika Singh second runner up at the grand finale of 52nd year of fbb Femina Miss India, which took place late tonight. Aditi will represent the country at Miss World pageant and the runners-up. Afreen and Vartika will compete for various international titles.

The event was judged by eminent personalities from the industry like John Abraham, Manisha Koirala, Sonu Nigam, Anil Kapoor, Firoz Nadiadwala, Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla, Shilpa Shetty, Sonali Bendre, Shiamak Davar and Chitrangada Singh.

John Abraham said, "We judge the personality. It is not just about the looks, it is about the character, because a Miss India represents our country at Miss World. It is more about personality, more than just plain looks." While Sonu Nigam said, "This is my third year judging Miss India. It is great because you see so many aspirants who want to make it big in life." Anil Kapoor said that every girl has something special.

The red carpet saw celebs like Rocky S, Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal. The show was hosted by Manish Paul, who entertained the audience along with Neha Dhupia.

The 2015 edition saw electrifying performances by Bollywood stars-- Kareena Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandes, Shahid Kapoor and famous singers like Kanika Kapoor, Meet Brothers, and Shalmali Kholgade. The stunning 21 finalists were introduced in gorgeous saree gowns by ace designer Mandira Wirk.

They were then seen in the special collection of fbb created by Sailex that featured the finalists draped in luxuriously elegant styles of the house, crafted as per the fbb Spring Summer 2015. The Top 5 finalists Afreen Racheal Vaz, Tanya Hope, Vartika Singh, Aditi Arya and Deeksha Kaushal, were escorted on the ramp by popular TV actors including Gautam Gulati, Karan Tacker amongst others.

The grand finale also saw the crowning of two sub-titles- fbb Miss Beauty with a purpose, Vartika Sing and Reliance Digital Miss Multimedia, Rewati Chetri. This year the pageant featured 13 city auditions, 3 regional auditions and 2 pageants. 

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.dnaindia.com

Closure of Calicut University's overseas centres leaves over 1,000 students stranded

KOZHIKODE: The academic lives of as many as 1,109 students enrolled in the 25 overseas centres of Calicut University in the Gulf are in jeopardy and in danger of being terminated midway for no fault of their own. These include students from Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh and several African countries.

With the varsity recently asking overseas counselling centres to close down operations following a Kerala high court order, the students have urged the varsity to at least allow them to write their remaining exams.

The students said that denying them the chance to write exams could bring international disrepute to the varsity as it had enrolled and collected hefty fees from students hailing from over half a dozen countries.

The high court had in December 2014 asked the varsity to close down all its overseas centres citing that their functioning was against the varsity's act and statutes. The court upheld the contention of petitioners that the CU Act 1975 has set the territorial jurisdiction of the university as the regions under the revenue districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur and Wayanad.

In a letter to the registrar, the students pointed out that the court direction was to close down the off-shore centres and not stop the conduct of examinations by the varsity for those already enrolled. They also said that varsities like Alagappa University, which is shutting down its overseas centres, had taken steps to conduct examination for the students who were already enrolled.

"We had joined various courses under the university believing in the promise and practice of the university of holding examinations in the Gulf for over a decade. We have paid huge fees to the varsity in US dollars, which is ten times more than what our counterparts in India pay. The university is duty bound to take steps for conducting examinations at least till the completion of our course of study," said Nicky Anthony Cajetan Pereira, a foreign student enrolled in one of the CU counseling centres.

"Any delay would impact our future as already the third and fifth semester examinations are due," said another student, adding that the varsity could conduct examinations either online or in coordination with embassies/consulates of India without the involvement of the counselling centres.

Member of the syndicate standing committee for distance education, Abid Hussain Thangal said the varsity would approach the high court with a plea to allow the conduct of exams for the existing students till their courses are over.

"We feel the students should be allowed to write their remaining exams on humanitarian grounds. We will also inform the court that we have already taken steps to comply with the HC order to close down the centres," he added

School of distance education (SDE) director Mohammedunni Alias Mustafa said students from Pakistan, Bangladesh and several African nations are enrolled in the centres. "Already, their exams scheduled for February have not been held," he said.

SDE authorities have also pointed out that students of other nationalities would not be able to write the exam if the varsity implements the proposal to permit students to write exams in any of the five district headquarters. ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

CMAT February 2015 Results Out: Check Here

CMAT or the Common Management Admission Test February 2015 session has been declared. The results can be viewed on the official CMAT website.
 
AICTE or All India Council for Technical Education conducts the CMAT - a national-level online test to help institutions select students for admission in management programmes.

CMAT candidates will not receive any hard copy of the result and can only view them online. It can however be downloaded from the CMAT website.
 
CMAT candidates can click on this link to view or download the results.

According to AICTE, 13 state niversities of Chhatisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland,  Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and other private business schools approved by AICTE will accept the CMAT scores.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO: -  http://profit.ndtv.com

Ozone to offer free public Wi-Fi service to Android users

 

India’s largest public Wi-Fi provider Ozone Networks has launched a new app called Ozone Connect, which will allow mobile phone users to connect to free Wi-Fi hotspots automatically. With this app, Ozone hopes to increase the number of its Wi-Fi users in India, the Economic Times reports.


The app will show free Wi-Fi zones, and intimate the user when they are around one. If there is an Ozone Wi-Fi hotspot available. the Ozone Connect app will allow customers to log in. Users will have to do a one-time registration procedure on the app, followed by an SMS authentication. After the registration is complete, users will be notified of all free Wi-Fi hotspots, and can use them on the go.

Ozone says that they provide free Wi-Fi to over 100,000 locations across the country, and is available at all major airports, including leisure joints like McDonald’s, Haldirams etc. This initiative will help users save on precious data, while increase the time spend on Internet.

“The app will make public Wi-Fi ubiquitous and seamless for customers and manual log-ins every time will not be required any more to access high-speed Wi-Fi at all our locations,” Pallab Mitra, chief operating officer at Ozone Networks told the publication.

It is important to note, that only the first 30 minutes at each Wi-Fi hotspot is free. Beyond the free limit, users can pick up data packages of Rs 30 upwards. Delhi-based Ozone Networks says that data usage in India has seen a substantial increase in just the last year. The average data usage per customer on its network has increased to 39.95MB in March this year, compared with 10MB a year ago. The Ozone Connect app is currently available only on Android, and can be downloaded for free.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.bgr.in/

CAT score scam of 2012: 1 held for tampering with scores

The Kochi unit of CBI on Tuesday arrested an employee with Lucknow-based Web Weavers in connection with the tampering of the score of Common Admission Test (CAT) of 2012. Admission to IIMs and a host of premier B-schools in the country is based on the CAT score.

Web Weavers was in charge of hosting the CAT score in the website http://www.catiim.in in 2012, when IIM-Kozhikode had handled the exam, then written by about 2 lakh aspirants. The arrested Muhammed Aafaque, 34, had access to the original results which was handed over to Web Weavers for hosting.

According to CBI sources, Aafaque had tampered with the results of 80 candidates in such a manner that they got the 99 or 98 percentile of score. “Ghaziabad-based consultant Career Guardian had collected money from these candidates promising them to ensure admission in prominent institutes. The candidates paid in the range of Rs 6 lakh to 15 lakhs. The firm got only 80 candidates in their trap although they had approached hundreds of candidates from across the country.’’

Sources said the arrested Aafaque too has got a part of the collected money. “More arrests would be made later. The career consultant and candidates who had paid the money to get higher scores are under the eye of the probe,’’ sources said.

The convener of the CAT-2012 at IIM-Kozhikode had got an anonymous letter, indicating about the irregularities in the published results. Subsequently, the institute lodged a complaint with local police in Kozhikode. In April, 2014, the probe was handed over to the CBI considering the inter-state angle of the crime.

The conduct and the evaluation of the CAT-2012 were entrusted to US-based Prometric, which handed over the results to IIM-Kozhikode, as that year’s exam coordinator. The IIM-Kozhikode handed over the result to Web Weavers for hosting in the official website of the CAT. The manipulation happened at the stage of publication of the results. The arrested employee had conspired with the Career Guardian to inflate the scores of candidates who had paid the money. He had rigged the scores and even some of the candidates who got the lowest scores turned eligible for admission for premier b-schools.

Following the alert from the anonymous complaint, the CAT convener at IIM-Kozhikode made a comparison between the scores published by the Web Weavers and the master database of the scores got from Prometric. The comparison revealed that scores of 80 candidates were manipulated, leading to the expose of the CAT score scam.

Subsequently, the CAT convener had asked all IIMs and other institutes to drop the 80 candidates from their admission list, if anyone of them was already admitted.

Sources said 77 candidates were removed accordingly, but three persons were still studying in some non-IIM institutes with their petitions pending in courts.

CBI sources said role of individual students in the scam would be verified before deciding to make them accused. The firm Web Weavers is also an accused in the scam. Aafaque has been absconding after the scam surfaced, but the CBI forced him to come to Kochi, where he was arrested. He was charged under sections 120b (conspiracy) and 409 (criminal breach of trust) of IPC.

 

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://indianexpress.com/

Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 edge launched in India

Samsung has formally announced the new flagship devices - Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge in India. The Galaxy S6 will be offered in three storage options - 32 GB for INR 49,900 ($800), 64 GB for INR 55,900 ($894) and 128 GB for INR61,900 ($993). The flagship Galaxy S6 will be offered in White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum and Blue Topaz.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is priced at 32 GB for Rs 58,900 ($945), 64GB for Rs 64, 900 ($1041), and 128 GB for INR 70,900 ($1138). It will be offered in White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, and Green Emerald. Check out the prices of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge in different countries.

Samsung is taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge starting today and will ship it on April 10. Those pre-order the handset before availability date will get 10,000 points in case the price of the device falls and also a free screen replacement warranty for twelve months from the purchase date.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.gsmarena.com/

Martyrs’ Day: Bhagat Singh’s ‘Death Warrant’ trends on Twitter and Facebook on 84th Shaheed Diwas

 

Social networking site Twitter got hands on the Execution letter of the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. India celebrates Martry’s Day on March 23, which also marks the death anniversary of India’s youth freedom fighters- Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru. On the day when netizens were celebrating Shaheed Diwas in India, an image of Bhagat Singh’s execution letter surfaced on social media.

Bhagat Singh who is known as Shaheed Bhagat Singh was hanged-till-death by Britishers in the Central Jail in Lahore at 7.15 pm on March 23, 1931. Protesting against the colonial rule by Britain in India, Bhagat Singh and B K Dutt threw a gas-bomb inside the Central Assembly hall in New Delhi on April 8, 1929. The famous quote of, ‘To make the deaf hear, a loud noise  (like a bomb) is needed’ was then penned by Bhagat Singh when he was arrested.

Bhagat Singh along with Sukhdev and Rajguru was hanged on March 23, 1931 at 7.30 pm by a judge who signed death warrants of the three freedom fighters as their original warrants had expired. After the hanging, which saw thousands of supporters swarming the jail on the hanging date, the jail authorities broke the real wall of the jail and then cremated their bodies secretly outside Ganda Singh Wala village.

Twitterati and Facebook users trended #BhagatSingh, #ShaheedDiwas, and #MartyrsDay; paying homage to three known revolutionaries of the freedom struggle in India, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. Below is the picture of the death warrant that Bhagat Singh was issued by the Superintendent of the Central Jail of Lahore. (READ: Narendra Modi to visit Hussainiwala to pay homage to martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru)

Titled, ‘Warrant of Execution on Sentence of Death’ the following death warrant is currently trending on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on their martyrdom day. Modi also tweeted about the same which read, “In Punjab today. Will pay homage to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev & Rajguru at Hussainiwala & will go to Golden Temple & Jallianwala Bagh.” Twitterati are tweeting and paying respects to the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our nation.  

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.india.com/

GoAir Offers Discount on Fares, Lowest at Rs 999

New Delhi: In a fresh round of fare cut, budget carrier GoAir on Saturday rolled out a limited period low fares scheme, offering one way ticket prices as low as Rs 999 with a more than four months validity period for travel across its network.

The bookings for the three-day offer commence on Saturday.

The fares, offered under the scheme are non-refundable and available only for a limited number of seats, the airline said in a statement today.

In case of a cancellation, only airport taxes will be refunded, the airline said adding the travel period booked during the offer period will remain valid from June 23 to October 31, 2015.

So far this year, many domestic carriers have announced a series of discounted ticket 

schemes to attract customers in the January-March and July-September quarters, which are traditionally considered a low-travel demand period.

Domestic carrier Jet Airways also introduced a new scheme on Saturday, offering up to 25 per cent discount on premiere and economy fares from India to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Singapore. (Read: After SpiceJet, Jet Airways Offers Discounts on International Routes)

Earlier in the week, SpiceJet had announced 'Let's Go Abroad Sale', offering one-way fares as low as Rs. 2699 on international routes. This all-inclusive sale is valid for travel between 19 March and 30 June for which bookings can be done between 19 March and 22 March. (Read: SpiceJet Introduces 'Let's Go Abroad Sale' Starting Rs. 2699)

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://profit.ndtv.com

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Live Stream, El Clasico Info: Watch Spanish La Liga Online

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.christianpost.com/

 

Barcelona will play Real Madrid on Sunday in a massive Spanish La Liga clash that could go a long way to deciding who will claim this year's title. The game takes place from the Nou Camp and has a scheduled start time of 8 p.m. GMT (4 p.m. ET) and can be watched online through live stream (details below).

 

(Photo: Reuters/Gustau Nacarino)

 

Barcelona's Lionel Messi (C) controls the ball against Valencia's Gago during their Spanish first division soccer match against Valencia at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona September 2, 2012.

Coming into this game it is Barcelona who have the upper hand in La Liga, although by the end of today that could change. The Catalan club have a one point advantage over Real with 65 points from their 27 games so far, where as the Madrid team have 64 points from the same number of games.

That means a draw today wouldn't change anything, although a win for Barcelona would put clear space between themselves and Real. A Real win would see them leapfrog Barcelona into top spot, and with just 10 games of the season to go in La Liga after today that could prove decisive.

However, Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has claimed that today's big El Clasico game will not decide the title, although no doubt he will be desperate to claim the three points in front of a home crowd today.

Enrique has said, "It's an important game but not a decisive one. These games are certainly different to any others. They are our eternal rivals. There's also our head-to-head goal difference to bear in mind."

The Barca boss added: "There are no clear favorites in games like these. But playing in front of our own fans always gives us that extra boost. This is a nice chance to put some space between us. It's not quite as intense as a manager. You have to control what's happening on the pitch. It's more about keeping your cool and making decisions at the right time."

Real will be confident having won the last two El Clasico games, and if they can make it three in a row today then it will be their best El Clasico run of results since way back to 1978.

However, Barcelona have history on their side; while they have been top of the Spanish La Liga they have never lost at home to Real Madrid since way back in the 1929-1930 season.

Today's huge El Clasico game between Barcelona and Real Madrid will kick off at 8 p.m. GMT (4 p.m. ET) and can be watched online through live stream by clicking here.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.christianpost.com/

Navroz Mubarak Iranian New Year: Google Celebrates with Doodle, Obama, Modi Offer Greetings

• By Johnlee Varghese
  March 21, 2015 12:45 IST

Google has joined a host of world leaders to greet the people on the Iranian New Year Navroz, also spelled Nowroz.

Google is celebrating the Iranian New Year Navroz with a colourful doodle on its homepage. Google homepage logo has been designed in a colourful way with flowers and bees to mark the observance of Navroz 2015.

Navroz, the Iranian New Year, marks the beginning of spring and the start of the year in the Persian calendar.

It is usually celebrated on March 21 with families gathering together to observe rituals. It marks the first day of the Persian New Year, or Nowruz year 1394. This event has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years. The festival is considered a 'holy' day for Zoroastrians.  

Obama's Message to Iran on Nowruz

President Barack Obama marked the Persian holiday Nowruz with a video message to Iranians in which he urged citizens to support a plan for nuclear de-escalation in the country.

In the video, which is subtitled in Farsi, Obama calls on Iranians to seize a "historic opportunity" for peace."

"Now it is up to all of us, Iranians and Americans, to seize this moment and the possibilities that can bloom in this new season," Obama says.

"It is early spring, try to be joyful in your heart," Obama says, quoting the Persian poet Hafez. "For decades, our nations have been separated by mistrust and fear. Now it is early spring. We have a chance ... to make progress that will benefit our countries and the world for many years to come."

The Persian new year,which coincides with the spring equinox, is celebrated as a national holiday in Iran.

Jordan's Greets Iranian Leaders on New Year

King Abdullah II of Jordan also released a separate message addressing the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani. He shared his best wishes for the Iranian people on the occasion of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.

Indian Leaders Greet Parsi's on Navroz

The President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister of India  greeted people on the occasion of 'Navroz,' reported DNA.

President Pranab Mukherjee in his message on the occasion hoped the New Year brings happiness, prosperity and fulfillment to all sections of people and "instill pride in the glorious diversity of our plural nation".

Vice President Hamid Ansari in his Navroz message said: "May this year's festivities be a celebration of our multi-cultural and multi-religious society."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted people on the occasion. "Wishing my Parsi sisters and brothers 'Navroz Mubarak'. May the coming year fulfil all your wishes and bring happiness in your lives."

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.ibtimes.co.in

Chaitra Navratri 2015: know Puja Vidhi and rules for fasting

Navratri is amongst the most auspicious festival of Hindus that is celebrated in the honor of nine different forms of the Goddess Durga. know the Puja Vidhi and rules for fasting.

This time, Chaitra Navratri is commenced for eight days instead of nine. Usually, decline of days in Navratas is not considered good but this time, six days out of eight Navratas are considered as Auspicious days.
According to Pandits, Beginning of Navratas from Saturday indicates good sign of prosperity.
In fact, On 21st March, day and night are of equal timings. After several years, Sunrise at Six in the morning and Sunset at Six in the evening on that day.
Chaitra Navratri festival commenced from March 21, 2015 and will end on March 28, 2015 with Ram Navmi celebration and this period is not only good for any Auspicious Work but also bring prosperity with purchase of Land, buildings, vehicles and jewelery.
According to Pandits, the first day of Navratra will be the most Auspicious day. 

Puja Vidhi-
Navratri puja is very simple. One can easily observe the fast, even if one cannot observe the fast he can simply recite mantra "Om Ang Haring Kalim Shree Maha Durgay Namah".
One must carefully work upon his/her aahar (food), vyavhaar (behaviour) and acharan (character) during these sacred days.
Aahar- One should always avoid non vegetarian foods and consuming 'Satvik' food like fruits, Kutu Ka Aata, Singara Ka Aata, Curd and Potatoes is considered to be auspicious. Usage of Onion and Garlic should be avoided.
Vyavhaar and Acharan- During Navratri festival all devotees should worship Maa Durga with spiritual emotion.
Get your house cleaned and ready. You are inviting Goddess into the home. Usually this is done on the Amavasya, a day before the beginning of Navratri.
On the first day of the Navaratri, a small bed of mud (taken from any auspicious place) is prepared in the puja room of the house and barley seeds are sown over it.
On this Bed a Kalash made of Earthen/ Copper is kept and filled with water. Above the pot a bowl filled with rice is kept.
A dry Coconut wrapped with mango leaves is then kept over this Kalash. This Kalash is believed to be a symbolic form of Goddess Durga. By keeping Kone invocate the goddess in the Kalash.
On the tenth day, the shoots are about 3-5 inches in length. After the puja, these seedlings are pulled out and given to devotees as a blessing from god.
This Kalash must not be touched during the nine days. One diya is lit close to this Kalash which is supposed to burn endlessly for nine days. This is known as Akhand Jyoti.
Many people believe that the length of the Shoots determines the Quantum of income that they will have in coming six months.

This belief could have been because India is basically an agrarian economy wherein the productivity of the land determined one's income.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.saharasamay.com

Download UP Police Constable Medical Admit Card 2015 Here

UP Police Constable Admit Card Download 2015 Medical: Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board has invited applications from the interested candidates to recruit dynamic staff for the Police Constable Medical posts. Candidates applied for the UP PRPB Police Constable Medical exam are curiously waiting for admit card to release.

Candidates appeared for the UP Police Constable exam on 14.12.2014 and got qualified in the exam are only eligible for this exam. UP Police Constable Medical/PST Exam will be conducted from 27th March 2015. Candidates qualified in the exam and going to appear for Medical/PST Exam can download the hall ticket or admit card from the official website or we have provided direct link below.

How to Download UP Police Constable Medical Admit Card 2015 :

• Visit the official Site of UP Police or open the direct link given below.
• Search for UP Police Constable Medical Admit Card 2015.
• Click on the link.
• Enter your Registration number DOB and verification code.
• Then click on log in you can find your Admit card on the screen.
• Download and save it.
• Take a printout and save it for future use.

Direct link to download the Admit Card 

Click Here : To Download UP Police Constable Medical Admit Card 2015

Solar eclipse shines on Ireland despite cloudy weather

Everyone in Ireland was an astronomer on Friday as a near-total eclipse of the sun tracked its way across the island. Clouds spoiled the fun in most places but many enjoyed a quick glimpse as overcast skies parted and the sun appeared with a deep bite caused by the passing moon.

Some areas had no weather problems at all. Cork was mostly clear during the eclipse, which started around 8.30am and ended at 10.30am. Galway also reported almost no cloud cover when the eclipse was at its peak at around 9.30am and 90 to 95 of its surface was blocked by the moon.

Social media was buzzing all day on Friday, with pictures being shared on Facebook and on Twitter using the hastag #eclipse2015. These show that even where cloud was thickest, it was worth watching in the hope that occasional short breaks might occur, and they did. Not everyone was lucky, however, with #anticlimax also trending in the UK for a time. 

And as if to prove every cloud has a silver lining, the overcast skies probably allowed more to experience the eclipse than in areas where it was clear. The cloud was thick enough to block out the sun’s intensity making it easier to see the eclipse with the naked eye. 

The clouds refused point-blank to break above Trinity College Dublin’s Front Square where more than 1,000 people gathered to watch the eclipse. All told there were about 10 seconds of viewing over two hours, but this did not dampen the mood with the enthusiastic crowd cheering when the sun got through. 

Shared photos show however there were breaks in O’Connell Street, in Ballinteer, Swords and other places around Dublin and its suburbs. 

Deep eclipse

The clouds were also a help in emphasising the dramatic loss of light that takes place with such a deep eclipse. A gloom enveloped Front Square as the midway point was reached, causing smart phones and cameras to activate their flashes for pictures.

But this disappeared as quickly as it had arrived and it was during this time when the sun peaked through.

Most of the crowd were young people, presumably students missing class to see the show. But there were people of all ages from kiddies in push chairs to seniors and everything in between.

Judy lives in Wicklow but was house-sitting for a friend in Dublin and decided to come to the event. “I am trying to do as many things as I can find to do that I wouldn’t do in Wicklow,” she said. “I will never see this again.”

Karen was there with Sam who turns two next month. Sam was not impressed but Karen was with the size of the crowd and the eclipse itself. “It is a unique event that you should try and see,” she said.

Eve, based at Trinity, and her partner Kevin were there to experience the gathering. “It must have been a terrifying thing in the past for those who didn’t understand what was happening,” Kevin said.

Eve was not deterred by the shelf of cloud overhead: “This is Ireland, you don’t expect to get clear skies.”

The organisers were delighted with the numbers who came to take part. “We are extremely happy with the public engagement, there are over 1,000 here,” said Dr Shaun Bloomfield of Trinity’s school of physics. 

“It was great to see so many turn up when they knew it was cloudy, but they still came out,” he said. “This is a recurring interest. People come out whenever we do a science event. Everyone has an interest, students, parents, children.”

So now comes the long wait until the next eclipse of this magnitude, which won’t arrive until 2026. Whatever your chances of seeing that one, the next total solar eclipse won’t arrive until 2600.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.irishtimes.com

SpiceJet assures to continue normal service

SpiceJet, which has been hit by an adverse court order, has assured passengers that it would continue services with the normal schedule. This assurance comes a day after the Delhi High Court pronounced its judgment relating to de-registration of six aircraft belonging to two lessors who had moved the court to take possession of the aircraft due to non payment on lease rental for a long period. 

"These cases originated when the airline was in financial crisis in December 2014, before change of ownership and the infusion of fresh funding," SpiceJet said on Friday. 

It said discussions had been going on with the lessors for an amicable settlement, in parallel with the court proceedings, 

"SpiceJet fully expects the matter will be resolved shortly and positively with the lessors, and there will be no grounding of aircraft or disruption of operations," SpiceJet said in a statement. 

The low cost airline which recently underwent ownership said it has reached an in-principle understanding with one of the two lessors already, and is in advanced discussions with the other lessor. 

It is exploring all legal remedies to safeguard its interest to maintain continuity of operations, the statement said. 

"SpiceJet would like to assure its partners and customers that the situation of the airline is very different from what it was in late 2014, and that it has received its first tranche of funding already and is in the process of paying off creditors in a phased manner," it said. 

It said all taxes have been paid, all salaries are current, and several lessors who supported the airline during the crisis have already been paid off in full while payment plan discussions are actively ongoing with remaining lessors. 

"Operations are normal, on-time performance now amongst the top 2 in the country, and confidence in the market is high." It claimed. 

As part of the revival plan, SpiceJet said it is in the process of adding more aircrafts to the fleet and expects to add 8-9 Boeings starting in April to take the active Boeing fleet to 25-26 aircraft in the summer, in addition to the 15 Bombardier Q400 aircraft that are owned by SpiceJet. 

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://www.thehindu.com

DK Ravi’s death: Officer was planning raids on big developers, says activist

BENGALURU: With tension gripping Karnataka's capital following the death of IAS officer DK Ravi, social activist and whistleblower Ganesh S Koundiny has claimed that DK Ravi was planning raids on some big developers to unearth commercial tax evasion.

Ravi, after taking over as Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes (Enforcement) in October, had recovered an income tax of Rs 400 crore from housing societies.

"I had a conversation with Ravi on Thursday and Friday, if I remember. He told me that he had conducted raids on some developers and housing societies and recovered Rs 400 crore as income tax ... Ravi was looking at raiding some big developers in Bangalore and he wanted to recover the evasion of taxes," Koudinhy told reporters in Bengaluru.

READ ALSO: IAS officer DK Ravi's death snowballs into major controversy

The activist said that the deceased officer was eager to meet him to get some documentary evidence in his possession so they both could work together to unearth commercial tax violations.

"Since Ravi wanted some documents from me, he got in touch with me so that we both could work together to see that commercial tax violation could be unearthed," he added.

READ ALSO: An upright officer, who brooked no interference from politicians

Koundiny also said he was planning to meet Ravi in a couple days. "Ravi told me to meet this week and I was contemplating to meet him today or tomorrow, but before that this incident happened," he added.

READ ALSO: Supporters, fans gather outside home

He flayed the government for "concluding" in the Assembly that it was a suicide even before the investigation commenced. "What is annoying is that even before the investigation has commenced, the government has taken a stand that it is a suicide," he said.

The 35-year-old IAS officer, who had taken on the sand mafia known in Kolar district of Karnataka was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his room at his official flat here yesterday.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner MN Reddi said that forensically, medically and examination of the situation all point to "prima facie understanding of a suicide."

Earlier, anger spilled on to the streets of Karnataka on Tuesday as sea of crowd gathered outside Ravi's residence to pay tributes and accompany the IAS officer's body on his final journey.

Meanwhile, minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said that the death of IAS officer DK Ravi is a serious matter, but added that the Central Government will not intervene at this stage. "This is a serious issue because it involves a senior official. We have raised the issue in the house also," said Rijiju. "It is difficult for the Central Government to intervene in the functioning of the State Government because this case is directly related to them," he added.

Condoling the death of Ravi, an upright IAS officer who had taken on the sand mafia, Kejriwal also pledged to continue his fight against corruption. "IAS officer D K Ravi, who took on Mafia, found dead. Heart felt condolences 2 his family.

"Let's pledge to continue his fight against corruption," he tweeted.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

CBI arrests FCI officials under graft charges

Searches have been conducted at the residential premises of the accused. - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/cbi-arrests-fci-officials-under-graft-charges/#sthash.wt50QP5t.dpuf

 By: Press Trust of India | New Delhi | Published on:March 17, 2015 10:28 am 

CBI Tuesday arrested an area manager and an assistant of Food Corporation of India for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a farmer for getting rice staked in the depot.

CBI spokesperson said here that a case was registered U/s 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC and section seven of PC Act, 1988 on a complaint wherein it was alleged that 70 trucks/consignments of rice of the complainant (A rice miller) were to be checked and stacked at CWC, FCI Depot, Nabha.

“An Area Manager of FCI, Nabha was allegedly demanding bribe of Rs.50,000 from the complainant for getting his rice checked/stacked in the depot. CBI laid a trap, wherein the Area Manager and Assistant(Grade-I) were caught while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 50,000 from the complainant. Searches have been conducted at the residential premises of the accused,” CBI spokesperson said here today.

The spokesperson said both the arrested accused will be produced tomorrow in the Competent Court at Patiala(Punjab).

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://indianexpress.com/

How to activate WhatsApp calling

New Delhi: WhatsApp's latest voice calling feature that had been under testing is finally available. The WhatsApp voice calling feature is enabled in the latest version of the WhatsApp Messenger that is now available for download for Android devices on Google Play (version 2.11.561). 

However, the feature doesn't come right away to the users. Those who want to have the voice calling feature will need an invite, in the form of a WhatsApp call from any other WhatsApp user who has the feature activated on his/her app. 

The steps involved are fairly simple:

The new calling feature is enabled in the latest version of the WhatsApp Messenger.

#whatsapp #messenger #calling feature

 

1. Go to Google Play and download/update the free WhatsApp Messenger app.

2. Ask any other WhatsApp user you know with the voice calling feature activated to call you via WhatsApp. 

Post the call, a user can find the WhatsApp voice calling feature activated on their phones and a new 'Calls' tab to the left of the Chats and Contacts tab on the WhatsApp home screen. 

While there have been unofficial APKs floating around promising the feature, but it is advisable that users install the app from Google Play or the official WhatsApp website.

ALL CREDIT GOES TO:- http://ibnlive.in.com/