All that you want to Know about Bacillus Thuringiensis Brinjal – Bt Brinjal

Brinjal (king of Vegetables) has been in India for over 4,000 years. It accounts for half a million hectares of land in India with an output of 8.4 million tonne.

Bt brinjal, a genetically modified strain created in collaboration with American multinational Monsanto, claims to improve yields and help the agriculture sector.

However, the debate over the safety of Bt brinjal continues with mixed views from scientists working for the government, farmers and environment activists.

·         Environment activists says the effect of GM (genetically modified) crops on rats have shown to be fatal for lungs and kidneys. It is dangerous to introduce these experimental foods into the market without proper research, they say.

·         A study by French scientist Gilles-Eric Seralini says the tests conducted by Mahyco (Indian partner of Monsanto), the company producing Bt brinjal, were simply not valid and raised serious health concerns.

·         Besides the environment hazards, activists allege that the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has shown a bias towards companies like the Monsanto.

·         This would be a big threat to India's agriculture with MNCs charging Indian farmers for their seeds. The supply of seeds will be regulated and thus costlier. Indian farmers would have to depend on MNCs for seeds.

·         Bt cotton has already been declared a farce with crop failures and mass suicides of farmers in India. What will be the fate of Indian agriculture, farmers and consumers if Bt brinjal and other genetically modified crops are introduced

The issue over Bt brinjal gets worse with central government ministers contradicting each other.

·         Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar reportedly said the committee's decision was final.

·         Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said that "the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee may well be a statutory body but when crucial issues of human safety are concerned, the government has every right. . . to take the final decision."

·         Science and Technology Minister Prithviraj Chavan, said he stood by the committee's findings.

In a GM product, the genetic material is altered to benefit the consumer and producer, as it is pest-resistant and promises to offer a higher yield.

·         Environmental activists have over the years questioned the bio-safety of these products and pointed out that this is a form 'bio-terror' that should be curbed at all costs.

·         If the GEAC decision if approved by the government, it would also lead to other GM food crops, like rice, maize, soyabean, etc in the country.

·         Professor P M Bhargava, GEAC's only independent expert, appointed by the Supreme Court said that a majority of the necessary biosafety tests were skipped before the clearance was given.

Meanwhile, the European Union has followed strict norms and countries in the European Union have banned the genetically modified food crops.

Meanwhile, Mahyco  said this will help millions of brinjal farmers who have been suffering from the havoc caused by the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (BFSB). Bt brinjal will help them tackle this pest in an environment-friendly manner and increase yields and farm income

The making of Bt brinjal involves insertion of a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into the DNA or genetic code of the vegetable to produce pesticidal toxins in every cell.

·         According to Gilles-Eric Seralini "You may not be aware that 99.9 per cent of edible genetically modified organisms are designed to contain toxic pesticides whose effect on the human body and the environment are not known."

o    "Everything is kept confidential by the biotech companies whose data governments accept without validation. We need many more tests on the environmental and health-safety aspects of GMOs and it should be assessed independently. We want science to be used for the benefit of people, not companies," he added.

o    "Bt brinjal has been modified to produce an unknown chimeric insecticide toxin. In the toxicity tests on target and non-target insects, this chimeric toxin was not used. Instead, an improper Cry1Ac toxin was used because this control was easier. Also, Bt brinjal is resistant to antibiotics, at least the well-known kanamycin," he explained.

Bt brinjal has not been properly tested for health or environmental safety. In feeding trials, numerous significant differences were noted compared to the best corresponding non-Bt controls: Bt brinjal appears to contain 15% less kcal/100 gm, has a different alkaloid content, and 16-17 mg/kg Bt insecticide toxin poorly characterized for side effects, and produced by the plant genetically modified for this.

·         GM-fed rats had diarrhoea, higher water consumption, liver weight decrease as well as relative liver to body weight ratio decrease.

·         It may cause diseases like swollen face, itching skins, allergies, et cetera.

·         Moths and butterflies would die and may led to their extinction, if they consume the pollen grains of Bt brinjal

·         Environmentalists have called for a moratorium on commercial GM approvals as she said "Bt brinjal is a test case for the future of our food, our democracy, our science. That is why it should not be introduced in our farms and our kitchens without a proper reassessment, especially in the context of false assumptions made to present Bt. Brinjal as the only alternative available ignoring the proven agro ecological approach to pest control."

·         Above all, to avoid conflict of interest, developers of GM crops should not be engaged in the biosafety testing, they argue.

Courtesy: The Indian News Papers

HOMAGE to BAL THAKEREY

HOMAGE to BAL THAKEREY

Bal Thackeray undoubtedly, the most influential leader, still not being in power anytime.

Conducting his funeral through state of honors itself is a proof for this.

He was a cartoonist, turned journalist type.

When he saw Maharstrians being exploited and not getting any Jobs at the cost of Gujarathis, Rajasthanis, North Indians and South Indians – he decided to launch agitation to protect their intersects.

The pro-Marathi Siva Sena, became Pro-Hindu looking for broader political opportunities. Thus it has become a force to reckon. It captured even power in the assembly with the support of BJP.

But the separation of Raj Thackeray  (nephew from his son Udhav Thackeray)– made a dent and it could not come back to the power last time, which otherwise could have been a cake-walk. Thus they are out of power for 15 years.

After Babri Masjid demolition, the bomb blasts took place in Mumbai. But for Siva Sena and Thackeray – the Mumbai would have been lost out of control and would have become another Kashmir. Though his party retaliated in violent manner – it put the anti-social elements, Mafia, Terrorists at Bay to a great extent.

There were many instances where he was targeted by the anti-factions – but he survived till 17^th Nov 2012 without any inch of damage.

His favorite Shivaji Park itself has become his final laying place. He used to address Dashara rallies every year since 1960s till 2011.

An estimated 20 laksh population for his funeral, that too in peaceful way shows that he is Public and mass leader in the heart of common and middle class.

Bala Saheb Amar Rahe.  He is a Tiger of Mumbai and Maharshtra

Obama Vs Osama

Osama Bin Laden was killed by US army on 2nd May early hours. A dreaded No: 1 terrorist of world was at last killed after almost 10 years of his highest crime of attack on Twin Towers in 9/11/01.
US has avenged on Al-Quaeeda, already it killed Saddam Hussain of Iraq. Has split USSR long back, demolished East Germany. Recently siding with demonstrators of democracy in Middle East nations.
But the current question is Osama was killed in Pak’s army area – so it is clear that Pak supported Osama and co. Also it is clear that Dawood and gang is in Pak only.
While US says it has right to kill anyone in any nation – it will not allow others to avenge the terrorism. It is supporting Pakistan in terrorism against India. That is a pure opportunism.
Pakistan also not playing any double game. It is playing multiple games.
1. Pak is supporting world terrorism
2. Pak is supporting especially all Terrorist outfits against India.
3. Pak is taking huge funds from US in the name of war against Terrorism.
4. The same money is being used to fund terrorists.
5. At the same time it wants to protect itself as Muslim protector.
It is not too much to suffer from all angles.
1. Its leaders will be attacked by Al-qaeeda.
2. Every chance of military coup.
3. US itself can dump it once it is proved that there is a support by Pakistan.

Homage to Sri Sathya Sai Baba

On 24th April at 7:40 Am – Sri Sathya Sai Baba passed away from the physical avatar.
HE is a world renowned Swamy. HE has been struggling with health since 28th March. There were many stories during that time and now about the genuine communication gap both the trust members, hospital authorities have created along with Baba relations.
So many controversies and the inability of Government to intervene.
Keeping them aside – one should praise great Baba’s contribution to the society in the form of LOVE and SERVICE.
HE is not a Hindu Swamy – though wears saffron. HE is Baba for all religions. Hardly HE has done any Hindu religion canvas or contribution. But followed True Hindu principles.
On 23rd Nov 1926 HE was born at Gollapalli (Puttaparthi) and became Baba at the age of 14. HE settled in Puttaparthi only and hardly travelled once out of India.
HE only made devotees to reach to him.
HE contributed to education, Hospitals, Water development especially to AP and also to Karnataka and TN.
I came to know about Sai baba almost since my childhood. I saw Baba closely face to face – many a times in the early 80s. When I was in JNTU Anantapur visited many a times. That time in the place of Sai Kulwanthall – sand land used to be there. Baba used to come to each line and many a times saw with naked eye – HE taking out Vibhudhi and giving too many.
More than devotion – I liked HIS service, Love and the discipline in Ashram
Whenever I visited Puttaparthi – I made a point to live like “A day of Sai Devotee in Puttaparthi” – having darshan both in the morning and evening. Participating in Bhajans, visiting HIS nearby sites/museums – even some time Nagara Sankeerthana.
If devotees believe him as GOD then one should feel that HE reached back t HIS place – of course for the devotees who used to see daily in person – it is a hard thing to believe.
If Puttaparthi also becomes like another Shirdhi, Trust goes into reliable sources – then devotees will have peace in mind.
If Prema Sai is going to come in Mandya in 2022 – it will be another miracle.

1983 Vs 2011

I have watched both World Cup crickets of 1983 and 2011. Few observations, comparisons, similarities · In 1983 for whole India it was a stunned Happiness – in 2011 it was a relieved happiness. · Those days we could see the Live telecast in B&W TV only from SFs – whereas now it is from knockout. · We heard Radio commentary in 1983 and in 2011 it is Live in web coverage – even streaming. · AS everyone says in 1983 no one considered India to reach SF. Even after reaching – no one thought we will beat WI in Finals. Whereas from day one for 2011 – India was one of the hot favorite · Kapil saved the match against Zimbabwe by scoring 175 n.o when the score was 17/5 in 1983 – we did not have such danger stage in 2011. · In 1983 and even in 2011 – it was a team work · Both Captains Kapil and Dhoni are young. · The 1983 Master Gavaskar did not show any impression – whereas 2011 Master Sachin had shown great impact, the 2nd Highest run scorer in the overall tournament. · Mohinder Amarnath made matches to win both in SF and Final, thus he was the man of the tournament; similarly Yuvraj had won the matches for us as allrounder. · The Team of 1983 is with many semi-retired persons whereas 2011’s team is of youngsters and has great future. Also this will inculcate more energy in the bench people. · In 1983 we have decent bowling squad, that is lacking now. But batting is great and superb now compared to 1983. · After 1983 – we won many cups / tournaments – hope so now after 2011 also. · In 1987 we lost in SF, 1991 did not enter into SF, 1996 lost in SF, 1999 – did not qualify for SF, 2003 lost in Finals, 2007 – lost before Super-Six. · Thus the ups and downs lead for 2011 win. · We are equal to WI by winning twice WC – whereas Aus – 4 times. · Cricket became a glamorous game after 1983 and now after 2011 India’s Cricket mania will increase further. · Sachin is short of 2 centuries for 50 100s – while just 1 short for 100 100s. These 2 milestones are very important for India. Sachin then can be declared as “Cricket God” of world. Jai Ho India

Performance Feedback of India’s wining world cup Team

Now that India won the ICC Cricket world cup – 2011 – let us analyze how each player has performed and let us give feedback with a probable % range. 1. Veerendra Shehawag – started the tournament in high spirit with 175 against Bangladesh. His ambition of playing entire Innings was fulfilled. But he could not live up to the same expectation in any of the other game. But he played quick scores in couple of matches. Thus he stands a score of 80-85% 2. Sachin Tendulkar – He is the 2nd highest run scorer in this tournament. Though he missed the 100 100s and did not bat well in the finals, he has contributed in many matches and done up to the expectation. He clearly stands at 90-95% 3. Gautham Gambhir – really done well – more than expected. Has saved the final match. Also played well in couple of previous matches. A man who has great future. Stands at 85-90% 4. Virat Kohli – Got many chances. Though did not spoil any match, but at the same time did not prove any point. But his fielding helped a lot. Has a great future. 80-85% 5. YuvaRaj – undoubtedly the man of the tournament and the team. Proved a point against the critics in all most all the matches. 4 MoM awards. Batted, bowled, and fielded. Undoubtedly 95-100% 6. Suresh Raina – got very few chances – but done well in his capacity. A great fielder. Lot of future ahead. 80-85% 7. Dhoni – man of cool, who just lost control only once in the tournament against Yuvi during a mess up in running in the finals between wickets. He did not give much chance to Ashwin. Reasons to be known to him only. Gave too many chances to Piyush. Did not drop Harbhajan. Took Sreesanth in Final match. But all these are forgotten – by promoting himself in the final match against SL in advance to YuvaRaj and steered India for a win by scoring at faster pace and remaining at 91 no. Mr Cool withstood the pressure. He can improve further a lot if he does learn on his own from this tournament. He stands at a good score of 85-90%. This score he could get only because of the final match. 8. HarBhajan – Failed to show up to his reputation. Though he did not give too many runs, but could not get his wickets. At times he lead into a situation – why Harbhajan? Why cannot Ashwin? Thus stands at 75-80% 9. Zaheer Khan – Undoubtedly the best bowler. Got highest wickets of 21 (equal to that of Afridi – but a bit costly). He lived up to the expectation throughout the tournament – except in the last few overs of the final match, which was a surprising. Because of this only – he got reduced rating. He rates at 90-95% 10. Munaf Patel – OK bowler. He supported Zaheer. He has to improve a lot and aim for 2nd spot. Stands at 80-85% 11. Sreesanth – a miserable player of the tournament. He did not do well in both the games. In the final also – though luckily included at the cost of Ashwini – could not control. Thus stands at 65-70% 12. Ashwin – Has good future. He was not given many chances by Dhoni. But he played great in both the matches offered to him. He really stands at 80-85% - perhaps could have been more had he been given few more chances. 13. Piyush Chawla – Not so great performance. Got chances at the cost of Ashwin. Stands at 70-75% 14. Ashish Nehra – Done reasonably well. Injuries costed him. But supported Zaheer wherever possible. He also stands at 80-85% Thus The Ranking is as follows: 1. YuvaRaj Singh – 95-100% 2. Sachin Tendulkar – 90-95% 3. Zaheer Khan – 90-95% 4. Gautham Gambhir – 85-90% 5. Mahendra Singh Dhoni – 85-90% 6. Veerendra Shehwag– 85-90% 7. Suresh Raina – 80-85% 8. Virat Kohli– 80-85% 9. Ashwin R– 80-85% 10. Ashish Nehra– 80-85% 11. Munaf Patel– 80-85% 12. HarBhajan Singh- 75-80% 13. Piyush Chawala-70-75% 14. Sreesanth-65-70% The overall performance of the Team · India’s batting is superb. Needs consistency to build on the initial scores established. · Bowling consistency to be worked seriously. Fast bowlers need to be developed upon · Fielding peaked in the right time and need to work on further. Should thank Gary Kristen who has helped the team to be a “One Team”. Great India Team – maintain the winning habit.

Congratulations India – The world Champions in Cricket.

India started the tournament as hot favorites and they proved that correct at the end. India is world champions in Cricket by defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets at wankhade stadium on 2nd April 2011. Though India was tipped as hot favorite, there are equally doubts over it to be realized. While Australia and SA were equally considered as favorite, SL and Pak were also considered as probables. AS the tournament gradually progressed till the QF stage, India seemed to be out of control. If you observe match by match – India exposed its weakness in all areas. · Against Bangladesh – India showed its batting skills, but failed in Bowling and fielding, thus the victory margin was not that great. It exposed Bowling weakness clearly · Against England though it had good score, match lead to tie. The batting collapse from middle order onwards raised doubts, as usual the bowling weakness. · With Ireland – same story as above. But we could win comfortably. · Against Netherlands – though we showed good bowling skills, in a hurry to gain run-rate - won with few overs left – lost initial wickets. · Against SA biggest drama again – established high score in 40 overs, lost 7 wickets in 10 overs with just 30 odd runs, failed to protect that big total. · Against WI – we won, but same story of batting collapse, but bowling improved. · The defeat against SA looks now a good one as it made Indians to stand on their toes. Then the rest two matches – India played like professionals. · In QF against Australia – we could bowl, field well and restricted the strong batting line-up. Then in batting also maintained calm – could win convincingly with 5 wickets. · In SF against Pak – a much better performance. Though a bit struggle in batting – but managed a reasonable good score – which is good against Pak’s batting strength. Like in any other world cup again defeated Pak with a perfect balance in bowling and fielding. India’s win against in SL had its element of hic-ups in between– but managed well at the end. Though we restricted SL very well in most of the overs, lost the control in last 5 overs by giving 60+ runs, also lost in the first 5 overs of our batting by losing 2 quick wickets. But otherwise the rest of 90 overs the match was in our control. Dhoni – who had not batted till now – made a Captain’s knock and won the cup for us. Tendulkar’s dream, India’s dream come true. This will change India’s dominance in cricket again. More craze, more heroic worship, more love. Sachin missed to reach 100 100s. So two more milestones away to get Bharat Ratna. · One more One day hundred – so that he will reach 100 100s. · 2nd more One day hundred to reach 50 100s in one day.