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-Rambler
In general, latest TV sting operations, related to the MPs bribery scandal, do not reveals much, as in the power corridors it was a well-known fact, although lesser known in public. But it is the sheer timing of expose that has raised a question about these operations. But there is another angle to this also, that is MPs are also given money not to ask a question. It happened in the case of a top Indian company, in past whose name was also involved in paying regular money to ULFA in the north-east, who paid Rs 2 lakh to either an MLA or an MP in Gujarat to withdraw a question.
But there are small questions to ask. Why have these so-called journalist not tried their pranks on the Left MPs? If they were clean, why not go on record? It seems BJP had been particularly targeted. Also it looks Operation Duryodhan and Operation Chakravuyha had an agenda.
National campaign on birth certificates
To provide certificates to all the children born during the past 10 years in the country, the Government of India has launched the second phase of the National Campaign on Birth Certificates with a target to cover those children below 10 years whose birth was registered but not covered in the 1st phase of the Campaign as well as the unregistered children. During the 1st phase of the National Campaign, nearly 3.44 crore children were issued birth certificates. The current level of registration of births in the country is about 58 per cent and that of deaths is about 54.5 per cent. Major states that have low level of registration of births and deaths are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Rajasthan. The provisions of Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 need amendment for which a committee has already been formed. The government is working towards attaining the target mandated under the National Population Policy, 2000.
Global trade of cultural goods
Three countries-the UK, the US and China-produced 40 per cent of the world'scultural trade products in 2002, such as books, compact disks, videogames and sculptures, while Latin America and Africa together accounted for less than four per cent, according to a new United Nations report. Between 1994 and 2002, international trade in cultural goods increased from $38 billion to $60 billion, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) report said. But while globalisation offers great potential for countries to share their cultures and creative talents, it is clear that not all nations are able to take advantage of this opportunity. Without support to help these countries participate in this trade, their cultural voices will remain marginalised and isolated. According to the report-Flows of Selected Cultural Goods and Services, 1994-2003-Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for only three per cent of the total trade of cultural goods in 2002, one point more than in 1992, though far behind other world regions. Oceania and Africa have not shown any progress, with a combined share of less than one per cent in 2002. The United Kingdom was the biggest single exporter of cultural goods in 2002 with $8.5 billion followed by the United States of America ($7.6 billion) and China ($5.2 billion). The US was the biggest importer of cultural goods at $15.3 billion, followed by the UK ($7.8 billion) and Germany ($4.1 billion), according to data-based mainly on customs declarations.
India has nominated Majuli Island in Assam for consideration of inclusion in the world heritage list in the year 2006. The Central Government is also going to submit the nomination of Delhi'sRed Fort for consideration in the year 2007. The 14 cultural sites in the tentative list at the World Heritage Centre for which nominations would be submitted in due course include Ancient Buddhist site at Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh), Buddhist Monastery Complex known as Alchi Chos-Kor at Alchi (Jammu and Kashmir), Harappan City at Dholavira, Dist. Kuchchh (Gujarat), Golconda Fort, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), Group of Monuments at Mandu, Dist. Dhar (Madhya Pradesh), Hemis Gompa (Jammu and Kashmir), Mattanchery Palace, Emakulam (Kerala), Rani-Ki-Vav (Queen'sStep-well) at Patan, Dist. Mahesana (Gujarat), River Island of Majuli in Midstream of river Brahmaputra (Assam), Sri Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar (Punjab), Temple at Bishnupur (West Bengal), Tomb of Sher Shah Suri at Sasaram (Bihar), Kalka-Simla Railway (Haryana/H.P) and Red Fort, Delhi (Delhi).
So far 21 cultural and five natural sites have been inscribed from India in the UNESCO world heritage list.
Day-by-day the life of women folk in the national capital is becoming unsafe and insecure, although Delhi has a woman Chief Minister. The latest figures related to crime against women testify the deteriorating condition in the national capital. There has been a general increase in crime against women particularly rape cases in Delhi in recent years. Another disturbing factor is that the data pertaining to rape cases reveals that in the years 2003, 2004 and 2005, in more than 97 per cent cases neighbours, family members, close friends, relatives and other known people were involved in committing rapes. During the period from July 1 to November 15, 2005, 2120 (including 234 rape cases) crimes against women were registered in Delhi for which 2495 persons were arrested. In such cases, 1307 persons were challaned, 945 persons are facing trial, 358 persons have been convicted and investigation is pending against 1188 persons, whereas only four were acquitted.
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