Mahakumbh begins, lakhs take holy dip

ALLAHABAD: Ash-smeared naked 'naga' ascetics, sadhus and seers perched atop decked up chariots led millions of pilgrims in taking a holy dip in the Sangam - the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati - marking commencement of the nearly two-month-long Mahakumbh on Monday.

A sea of humanity converged for the religious event dubbed as the "greatest show on earth" and with the break of dawn, 'Mahanirvani akhara', along with 'Atal akhara' began their majestic "royal bathing procession (shahi snan)" with 'naga' ascetics in the vanguard.

Opulence appeared to be rubbing shoulders with austerity in the grand procession wherein 'naga' sadhus with matted hair and little or no clothes on their ash-smeared bodies presented a glowing contrast alongside the 'mahamandaleshwars' and religious leaders of other sects who came atop well-decorated chariots, horses and elephants.

While the naga ascetics wore garlands of marigold and 'rudraksh', others displayed ornaments and crowns of gold in abundance.

Thousands of curious onlookers, with a fair sprinkling of foreigners, watched these processions and presented a vast panoramic view of the country's unity in diversity.

On reaching the riverside, the sadhus first worshipped their traditional weapons like tridents and spears and their deities before proceeding for a holy dip in the Sangam.

These two akharas were followed by 11 other sects with time ranging from 30 minutes to about an hour allotted to each of them depending upon the size of their respective procession.

These 'akharas', originally set up by Adi Sankaracharya in the 8th century to defend and propagate Vedic religion, grew in number and size over the years and are considered pivotal to holding of 'Maha Kumbh' congregations, held after every 12 years.

However, in a discordant note to the congregation the Shankaracharya of Dwarka Peeth and Jyotirpeeth Badrikashram Swami Swaroopanand decided to keep away from the congregation despite it being held in an area under his jurisdiction.

"Swami Swaroopanandji had demanded the setting up of a 'Chatushpath' for the Shankaracharyas of the four Peeths set up by Adi Sankara in order to distinguish them from self-styled ones mushrooming all over the country, but the administration declined the request saying it amounted to creating a new tradition," said the pontiff's close aide Swami Avimukteswarananda, who is camping at the Mela.

Over 8O lakh pilgrims had taken the holy dip in the Sangam by evening, divisional commissioner of Allahabad Devesh Chauturvedi said, adding "streams of people were still pouring in the area and the bathing is likely to continue till late in the night".

No untoward incident was reported from anywhere so far, according to authorities which have made massive security arrangement over the huge township of tents and ornately decorated marquees and "pandals" that has sprung up in 6,000 acres.

Significantly, the sprawling Mela ground has been notified as a temporary district in keeping with the complex administrative machinery involved in conducting the Maha Kumbh.

Over 10,000 security personnel have been deployed. Besides guarding different routes, they kept watch from 56 watch towers and 89 CCTV cameras. Anti-terrorism squads, bomb disposal squads and mine detecting units were also at hand to meet any eventuality, senior superintendent of police, Kumbh Mela, RKS Rathore said.

Indian Air Force helicopters were also seen making aerial survey of the Mela area which falls in the vicinity of a vast swathe of defence land.

Nearly 5,000 voluntary organisations are rendering services as multitudes upon multitudes of people descend on the Kumbh township.

The routes for processions going to the river and returning were separated as to ward off possibility of any clash between rival sects of sadhus, given some past instances of violence.

Over 11,000 shops are catering to the mundane needs of those taking part in the congregation. These include shops selling spices and sandalwood from the south, herbs from mountain region and musk and curios from various parts of the country.

'Nai baras', an enclosure of barbers, was also doing brisk business as getting heads tonsured is considered auspicious on the occasion.

A number of these tents are meant for 'kalpavasis' who will begin their month-long penance from 'Paush Poornima' on January 27.

The 'akharas' will have two more 'shahi snans' on Mauni Amavasya (February 10) and Basant Panchmi (February 15).

Read More..

Pictures: Civil War Shipwreck Revealed by Sonar

Photograph by Jesse Cancelmo

A fishing net, likely only decades old, drapes over machinery that once connected the Hatteras' pistons to its paddle wheels, said Delgado.

From archived documents, the NOAA archaeologist learned that Blake, the ship's commander, surrendered as his ship was sinking. "It was listing to port, [or the left]," Delgado said. The Alabama took the wounded and the rest of the crew and put them in irons.

The officers were allowed to keep their swords and wander the deck as long as they promised not to lead an uprising against the Alabama's crew, he added.

From there, the Alabama dropped off their captives in Jamaica, leaving them to make their own way back to the U.S.

Delgado wants to dig even further into the crew of the Hatteras. He'd like see if members of the public recognize any of the names on his list of crew members and can give him background on the men.

"That's why I do archaeology," he said.

(Read about other Civil War battlefields in National Geographic magazine.)

Published January 11, 2013

Read More..

Newtown Parents Launch Anti-Violence Initiative













On the one-month anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the parents of Anna Marquez Greene, one of the 20 children killed during the attack, are aiming to start a national dialogue through the non-profit group Sandy Hook Promise.


Appearing on "Good Morning America" today, Jimmy Greene and Nelba Marquez-Greene spoke of their grief for their little girl, and honored her memory.


"She was kind, she was loving, she was smart -- and she was also a fashionista -- she loved those gaudy flowers. I'm wearing it for her today," Nelba Marquez-Greene said, referring to her flower headwear. "We're hoping that through Sandy Hook Promise, we can bring awareness to issues, and start a conversation based on love and respect."



FULL COVERAGE: Newtown, Conn., Elementary School Shooting








Gun Violence Debate: Joe Biden to Make Announcement Watch Video









Newtown Shooting: Moment of Silence in Connecticut Watch Video









Newtown Children Return to School After Sandy Hook Massacre Watch Video





The non-profit, which was formed in the days following the December 14 shooting under the original name Newtown United, asks people to sign a pledge to "encourage and support common sense solutions that make my community and our country safer from similar acts of violence."


Tom Bittman, co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise, said the group aims to get past the polarization that the shooting has caused in the national debate.


"We need to approach it differently," Bittman said on "GMA." "We need a national conversation on the things that need to change, so that this doesn't happen again. We think it's holistic, we don't think it's one piece of legislation and one change. We think it's going to be a number of things."


Greene said that he agrees that a multi-faceted approach is ideal.


"I don't think it's wise to focus on one thing," he said. "Obviously we need to make our schools, our streets, our malls, our public places safer. Obviously there needs to be a better discussion on mental health, and access to it."


Speaking of her daughter -- who caught the nation's attention in a video where she sang "Come Thou Almighty King" while her 9-year-old brother Isaiah played the piano -- Marquez-Greene said that she wants her work now to be a tribute to her little girl.


"[She was] passionate, she was abut loving God and loving people, and I hope that that can be the legacy that we leave," she said. "That love wins, and that love will prevail in this."



Read More..

Football: Man Utd beat Liverpool to move 10 points clear






LONDON: Manchester United went 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League, for a few hours at least, after a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Goals from Robin van Persie and Nemanja Vidic gave United a 2-0 lead before Liverpool substitute Daniel Sturridge pulled one back for the visitors in this latest clash between England's two most successful clubs.

Reigning champions Manchester City, currently in second place, will reduce the gap on local rivals United to seven points if they win away to Arsenal in a match kicking off at 4pm local time (1600GMT) on Sunday.

Van Persie gave United a 19th minute lead when he swept in Patrice Evra's cross from eight yards out.

It was the Dutch striker's 17th Premier League goal this term, and 21st in all competitions, since he arrived at Old Trafford in a 24 million pounds pre-season move from top-flight rivals Arsenal.

United made it 2-0 nine minutes after half-time when full-back Evra's header from van Persie's free-kick deflected in off centre-half Vidic.

But three minutes later Sturridge, on at the start of the second half for Lucas Leiva, marked his Premier League debut for Liverpool with a goal when he followed up the rebound after David de Gea saved skipper Steven Gerrard's shot from outside the box.

It was Sturridge's second goal in as many games for Liverpool following his move from European champions champions Chelsea after he was on target in the 2-1 FA Cup win over Mansfield last weekend.

However, Sturridge failed to make the most of two more chances and United held on for a victory that gave them a league double over Liverpool, who remained in eighth place, this season.

- AFP/fa



Read More..

Fresh firing by Pak troops ahead of flag meeting

JAMMU: Ahead of Monday's Indo-Pak flag meeting to defuse tension along line of control (LoC), Pakistani troops on Sunday evening violated the ceasefire again, targeting Indian posts in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier today, Pakistan agreed to hold a 'brigade commander' level flag meeting along the LoC in Poonch to discuss the recent intrusion and brutal killing of jawans besides continued ceasefire violations by its soldiers that have flared tension in the region.

Pakistani troops fired on the Indian posts in Nangitikri forward area along LoC in Poonch district around 4.30pm, after heavy overnight firing in Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch, a Army officer said.

The overnight heavy exchange of fire came after a 48-hour lull on the LoC.

Pakistani posts opposite Nangitikri targeted the Indian side on Sunday evening and Indian troops guarding the borderline retaliated, he said.

The exchange continued for a brief period before coming to a halt, he said, adding there was no loss of life or injury to anyone on the Indian side.

There was firing on five Indian posts --Kranti, Kripan, Gordha, Chajjaman and Dogra from Pakistan posts- Daku, Chooha, Roza and Battal. Mortars were fired intermittently from Pakistan side.

The ceasefire violation was the fourth by Pakistan troops along Poonch sector after the killing of two jawans.

On the overnight firing, defence spokesman Col R K Palta said movement of six to seven persons was detected close to LoC opposite Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch sector around 9.45pm yesterday.

Troops guarding the border line with Pakistan opened fire on them, the spokesman said adding that thereafter heavy firing exchanges took place between two sides.

After 30 minutes, the group of suspected infiltrators disappeared, Col Palta said.

It is believed that either a group of militants or Border Action Team (BAT) could have been undertaking movement close to LoC opposite Krishnagati sub-sector in Poonch.

Pakistani troops had also violated the ceasefire by firing mortars shells and from small arms on Indian posts along LoC in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district from 5pm to 9.30pm on Thursday.

Indian troops had retaliated resulting in the exchange of fire. There was no casuality or injury to any one in the Pak firing.

Thursday's was the third ceasefire violation by Pakistan troops along Poonch sector.

"The border with Pakistan is tense but the situation is under control along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army is maintaining utmost vigilance along the border with Pakistan," the spokesman said.

Read More..

Pictures: Civil War Shipwreck Revealed by Sonar

Photograph by Jesse Cancelmo

A fishing net, likely only decades old, drapes over machinery that once connected the Hatteras' pistons to its paddle wheels, said Delgado.

From archived documents, the NOAA archaeologist learned that Blake, the ship's commander, surrendered as his ship was sinking. "It was listing to port, [or the left]," Delgado said. The Alabama took the wounded and the rest of the crew and put them in irons.

The officers were allowed to keep their swords and wander the deck as long as they promised not to lead an uprising against the Alabama's crew, he added.

From there, the Alabama dropped off their captives in Jamaica, leaving them to make their own way back to the U.S.

Delgado wants to dig even further into the crew of the Hatteras. He'd like see if members of the public recognize any of the names on his list of crew members and can give him background on the men.

"That's why I do archaeology," he said.

(Read about other Civil War battlefields in National Geographic magazine.)

Published January 11, 2013

Read More..

Poisoned Lottery Winner's Kin Were Suspicious













Urooj Khan had just brought home his $425,000 lottery check when he unexpectedly died the following day. Now, certain members of Khan's family are speaking publicly about the mystery -- and his nephew told ABC News they knew something was not right.


"He was a healthy guy, you know?" said the nephew, Minhaj Khan. "He worked so hard. He was always going about his business and, the thing is: After he won the lottery and the next day later he passes away -- it's awkward. It raises some eyebrows."


The medical examiner initially ruled Urooj Khan, 46, an immigrant from India who owned dry-cleaning businesses in Chicago, died July 20, 2012, of natural causes. But after a family member demanded more tests, authorities in November found a lethal amount of cyanide in his blood, turning the case into a homicide investigation.


"When we found out there was cyanide in his blood after the extensive toxicology reports, we had to believe that ... somebody had to kill him," Minhaj Khan said. "It had to happen, because where can you get cyanide?"


In Photos: Biggest Lotto Jackpot Winners


Authorities could be one step closer to learning what happened to Urooj Khan. A judge Friday approved an order to exhume his body at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago as early as Thursday to perform further tests.








Lottery Winner Murdered: Widow Questioned By Police Watch Video









Moments after the court hearing, Urooj Khan's sister, Meraj Khan, remembered her brother as the kind of person who would've shared his jackpot with anyone. Speaking at the Cook County Courthouse, she hoped the exhumation would help the investigation.


"It's very hard because I wanted my brother to rest in peace, but then we have to have justice served," she said, according to ABC News station WLS in Chicago. "So if that's what it takes for him to bring justice and peace, then that's what needs to be done."


Khan reportedly did not have a will. With the investigation moving forward, his family is waging a legal fight against his widow, Shabana Ansari, 32, over more than $1 million, including Urooj Khan's lottery winnings, as well as his business and real estate holdings.


Khan's brother filed a petition Wednesday to a judge asking Citibank to release information about Khan's assets to "ultimately ensure" that [Khan's] minor daughter from a prior marriage "receives her proper share."


Ansari may have tried to cash the jackpot check after Khan's death, according to court documents, which also showed Urooj Khan's family is questioning if the couple was ever even legally married.


Ansari, Urooj Khan's second wife, who still works at the couple's dry cleaning business, has insisted they were married legally.


She has told reporters the night before her husband died, she cooked a traditional Indian meal for him and their family, including Khan's daughter and Ansari's father. Not feeling well, Khan retired early, Ansari told the Chicago Sun-Times, falling asleep in a chair, waking up in agony, then collapsing in the middle of the night. She said she called 911.


"It has been an incredibly hard time," she told ABC News earlier this week. "We went from being the happiest the day we got the check. It was the best sleep I've had. And then the next day, everything was gone.


"I am cooperating with the investigation," Ansari told ABC News. "I want the truth to come out."


Ansari has not been named a suspect, but her attorney, Steven Kozicki, said investigators did question her for more than four hours.






Read More..

Shaken survivors remember Italy cruise disaster






GIGLIO ISLAND, Italy: Shaken survivors and grieving relatives of the 32 victims of the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster began arriving on the island of Giglio for a first anniversary commemoration of the tragedy on Sunday.

"It's terrible coming back here," one survivor, Clara Stara, said in the tiny Italian port where the giant hulk of a ship twice as big as the Titanic still lies keeled over on its side.

"I've been anxious since yesterday and I hadn't felt any fear for a whole year," she said.

Among the arrivals was the family of Erika Fani Soria Molina, a Peruvian waitress who died.

"This is very difficult for us," said her sister Maddelein Soria, 35, as her father held back tears.

"This is something that will stay with us our whole lives. I am here to pay tribute to my sister. I feel as if I am with her again," she told AFP.

Indian-born Kevin Rebello, whose brother worked as a waiter on the ship and is still officially reported missing, said: "It's not easy to return."

"I have still not found peace," he said.

The 290-metre (951-foot) liner crashed into a group of rocks just off Giglio, veered sharply and keeled over just as many passengers were sitting down for supper on the first night of a Mediterranean cruise.

There were 4,229 people from 70 countries on board.

Hundreds were forced to jump into the freezing waters after some of the lifeboats failed to deploy, while others climbed down a rope ladder across the hull in the dark to waiting boats.

Salvage workers have been labouring around the clock for months to stabilise the wreck and eventually refloat it and tow it away in an operation that has never been attempted before.

The removal has been hit by delays but the head of Italy's civil protection agency, Franco Gabrielli, said it would happen by September at the latest.

Franco Porcellacchia, an executive from ship owner Costa Crociere who is overseeing the project, said the budget had increased from $300 million to $400 million (300 million euros) and could rise further.

Mayor Sergio Ortelli said islanders were keen to welcome back those who lived through that night, even though Costa Crociere asked survivors to stay away from the commemoration because of logistics.

Many survivors sought shelter in local homes and a church in the port after being pulled shivering from the sea following a panicky evacuation.

"The idea is to exorcise a horrible episode, and to share the pain and drama of those who lost a loved one," Ortelli said.

"Many survivors and relatives of victims have returned to thank us, and share their memories with us. Some, a year on, still send us emails," he said.

The commemorations on Sunday will include replacing where it once stood the rock that the ship crashed into and tore away. There will then be a mass.

Father Lorenzo Pasquotti said he would display objects that survivors left behind -- life jackets, emergency blankets, even discarded rolls of bread -- next to the altar, underneath a Madonna statue salvaged from the ship's chapel.

Flowers and candles line the aisles of the church, where extra pews have been squeezed in for survivors, salvage workers and government officials.

Rebello said he hoped the ceremony would not be overshadowed by talk about the Concordia's infamous captain Francesco Schettino.

Schettino is accused of causing the crash through reckless seamanship and then abandoning ship before all the passengers had been rescued.

He is one of 10 people under investigation, including other crew members and three executives from Costa Crociere.

Rebello said he had spoken to Schettino by phone several times because the Italian captain knew his brother personally.

"I'm not expecting answers from him. I've forgiven him," he said.

-AFP/ac



Read More..

President's rule looms large over Jharkhand, no party stakes claim

RANCHI: President's rule loomed large over Jharkhand as no party has staked claim to form government so far after Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) withdrew support to the BJP-led government reducing it to a minority.

"The Governor separately met the leaders of JMM, Congress and RJD today but did not get any firm assurance from them about formation of government in the near future. A second status report is likely to be sent soon to the Centre," sources told PTI here today.

The Governor had sent the first status report on January 8.

Meeting the Governor for the first time today after handing him over the letter of withdrawal of support to the Arjun Munda-led government, JMM's Legislature Party leader Hemant Soren urged the Governor to allow JMM some more time in his quest for forming a new government.

"Only 38 MLAs are in favour of dissolution of the House while others favour formation of an alternative government. So, allow us some more time as we are holding talks on formation of government with like-minded other parties," sources in the Raj Bhavan said quoting Soren as having told the Governor.

A delegation of Congress leaders also met the Governor during the day and said discussions were on to form a government but a final decision would be taken by its central leadership, the sources said.

The RJD Legislature Party delegation told the Governor that time should be allowed to explore the possibility of formation of a government, the sources said.

The Legislature Party leader of AJSU Sudesh Mahto, met the Governor and favoured dissolution of the assembly to pave the way for a new mandate.

Soon after JMM withdrew support to the 28-month Arjun Munda government on January 8, the latter recommended dissolution of the House and submitted his resignation.

Read More..

Pictures: Civil War Shipwreck Revealed by Sonar

Photograph by Jesse Cancelmo

A fishing net, likely only decades old, drapes over machinery that once connected the Hatteras' pistons to its paddle wheels, said Delgado.

From archived documents, the NOAA archaeologist learned that Blake, the ship's commander, surrendered as his ship was sinking. "It was listing to port, [or the left]," Delgado said. The Alabama took the wounded and the rest of the crew and put them in irons.

The officers were allowed to keep their swords and wander the deck as long as they promised not to lead an uprising against the Alabama's crew, he added.

From there, the Alabama dropped off their captives in Jamaica, leaving them to make their own way back to the U.S.

Delgado wants to dig even further into the crew of the Hatteras. He'd like see if members of the public recognize any of the names on his list of crew members and can give him background on the men.

"That's why I do archaeology," he said.

(Read about other Civil War battlefields in National Geographic magazine.)

Published January 11, 2013

Read More..