Does Bitcoin have a future?

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January 23, 2014

When the Silk Road, the internet’s biggest marketplace for illegal drugs, was taken down the price of Bitcoin plummeted. Chief economist at currency brokers World First, Jeremy Cookalready predicted the negative side of Bitcoin and calling it has no future in present economic scenario. As, no company controls Bitcoin, nor ever could, how it works are rooted into the very operation of trade, including the rate of inflation and how to verify dealings. Bitcoin are an unsigned, unspecified, decentralised, one -to-one digital currency in contrast to the older forms of electronic money we have.

Most Bitcoin exchanges, such as Mt Gox, the best-known, require users to wire money from their banks to the exchange. You can get them in the easiest way; to get Bitcoin is to buy them. But due to strict anti-money laundering controls, even that is very difficult. A small group of hardcore users get extra Bitcoins through ‘mining’ for them: running computers which perform the calculations needed to make the currency work, in exchange for a share of the built-in inflation. Bitcoin have no material subsistence, although some have worked out ways to spend the digital currency by printing the necessary information on paper notes. Instead, there are long lists of the digital signatures of previous owners. When a Bitcoin is spent, the old owner adds their digital signature to the end of the list, combined with the digital signature of the new owner.

Spending this currency is bit difficult, only some conventional places accept Bitcoin, though the number is rising. Now some fashion websites, pubs and online dating services are accepting this virtual currency. If your interest and inclinations are on the geeky side, however, you might have extrafortune to buy web hosting, geeky t-shirts and even membership of the Reddit social network with Bitcoin. Tech savvy people who are 24/7 dealing with virtual trading Bitcoin has opened new avenues for them in trading. Otherwise for common man this currency is of no use. But having a fortune in Bitcoin is a bit like having a fortune in gold: you have to sell your holdings to really make the most of it.The currency has been through two boom-and-bust cycles, with the cost of one Bitcoin rising from $2 to $30 in 2011, and then from $13 to $266 earlier this year. There are timely gains and losses like any other precious asset like bonds, shares, gold. But beyond access to illicit substances, for many fans Bitcoin use is a political statement: its existence proves that a currency with no centralised control is possible.

There is no safety guarantee for Bitcon, it is secure as its user. Security of this currency is purely dependent on the user. Although, there have been some bugs with the currency’s programming, all of the reported thefts have come from the outside. If users don’t keep their “private key”, the password which lets them spend their Bitcoin, well hidden, they can easily lose everything. And, of course, anonymity cuts both ways: if you get tricked by a scammer into parting with your bitcoins, there’s no higher authority to turn to. Moreover, this currency will never come in the category of a mainstream currency? Most economists believe that deflation is disastrous for an economy, but the Austrian school of economics, beloved by the libertarian creators of Bitcoin, disagrees. Economists and developers point to numerous flaws in the functioning of Bitcoin which cause to be it inappropriate for extensive use. One problem is that the currency has devaluation built in to its very core: only 21m Bitcoins will ever be produced, and we’re already halfway there.

Dealings can already understand comparatively prolonged delays in the processing and that’s just with Bitcoin remaining mostly well-liked amongst enthusiasts. Instantly, it is not clear that the backbone of the currency cannot withstand. Increased use of Bitcoin will not overtake the mainstream currency.
Though, it is very uncertain that virtual currency is going through lots of controversy but still Bitcoin may make its way in to Indian trading world.

Eel fish found at Borivali

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Afternoon Voice

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January 23, 2014

A single live specimen of rare Eel fish was found inside a well near bungalow at Borivali (E). The well in which the fish was found was 50 years old.

Doctor Manish Pingle who informed about this species said, “A rare species of fish was found while cleaning the well. In the year 2002, the blind Eel was described by K.C Gopi in a book. Later, no evidence of this species was found anywhere. The scientific name of this species is ‘Monopterrus digressus’ and it belongs to swamp Eel family. Further information of this species was not available.”

The Eel is said to be 6 inch in length and its body resembled like a worm or snake. The whole vertebral column was visible while there eyes were found missing. Research on the population status, ecology, and threat to this species has to be established.

MBMC issues showcause notice to erring officials

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Afternoon Voice

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January 23, 2014

The dead body of 23 year old youth was found half burned for six hours in a crematorium ground at Bhayandar. Mira-Bhyander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has issued a show cause notice to the sweeper and security personnel.

The victim has been identified as Rohit Yadav a Bhayandar resident and he passed away after diagnosed with fever. On Wednesday night Rohit’s dead body was taken to crematorium ground at Kashimira. However, no officials were present at the ground to assist the deceased’s relatives as they had to perform the final rites themselves.

MBMC officials had found the dead body of Rohit early in the morning as they informed the deceased’s relatives. They then complained about this incident with MBMC commissioner Sambhaji Pampate.

Sambhaji Pamapati, Commissioner of MBMC said, “I received information about the half burned dead body. Strict action will be taken against the erring officials for shunning responsibility.”

Reduce disparity between rich and poor

By

Mahendra Singh

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January 23, 2014

The queen’s necklace is mesmerizing as seen from Nariman Point high spots. Many people have been breathing clean fresh air while enjoying the sight of the sea and several lanes of cars opposite. The best song, “Leke pehla pehla pyar…” was picturised on Dev Anand and Shakila and the lovely girl who sang it will be remembered by the audience for years. Perhaps it was the same girl on whom another good song, “Ramaiya Vastavaiya…” was picturised with Raj Kapoor. The song “Jayen to jayen kahan” featuring Dev Anand and Kalpana Kartik was also canned here. Not to forget Johnny Walker and Kumkum on Victoria chugging along Marine Drive. Morarji Desai also lived here.

Republic Day parade will be held on this same ageless Marine Drive. India is a democratic and socialist republic country. Socialism and socialistic pattern of the society have all been discussed and dissected but enough efforts have not been put for achieving this goal. The aim is to create a state where there is minimum disparity between the rich and the poor. Sadly, though we have made good progress as a nation in various fields but the gap between the rich and the poor has been increasing causing dissatisfaction which we witness on the streets. Our democratic rulers have lost touch with the masses. There is no connect between the people and the officials on one hand and the minister on the other.

The institution of the governors has been created in our constitution to provide an ombudsman for every state but here we see one of them sending “Parathas” to someone in clear violation of imposed section 144. Discipline must be followed first and rewards will follow. We must express gratitude towards our Armed forces, the Navy and Air Force who have been doing commendable work, both in war and peace. What a good example of capability and service we have noticed in Uttarakhand. Why should our Chief Ministers and the Ministers be any different?

The biggest threat to our internal security stems from the so called Maoists. Such incidents are occurring due to the government’s alienation from the masses. We have become accustomed to selfish behaviour forgetting the lesson of hard work and self sacrifice taught to us by our grand parents. Gandhiji and Nehruji never thought that India will become independent in their life time and they will reap any benefits out of it, not forgetting that they were highly qualified and proficient in their field before plunging in the national cause. What kind of socialism we see today, a red cap on politician’s heads (that too occasionally) but enjoying all luxuries and riches at home. Let us salute our men in uniform and take an initiative to become strong, united, disciplined and adhering to laws.

You’re right. You can’t turn UP into Gujarat, says Modi to Mulayam

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 23, 2014

Narendra Modi turned a challenge thrown by Mulayam Singh Yadav on its head, ripping into the Samajwadi Party chief, whose party rules Uttar Pradesh.

Mr. Modi, addressing a massive BJP rally in UP’s Gorakhpur said, “In Benaras (Varanasi), Netaji has said Modi does not have what it takes to make another Gujarat out of UP. Do you know what making another Gujarat is? Gujarat means electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

“Netaji,” Mr. Modi said, repeatedly using the name Mr Yadav’s party men use to address him, “you can’t make a Gujarat. That needs a chhappan inch ki chhati (56-inch chest).”

“If UP became Gujarat, then the people of Gujarat would come to UP looking for work, not the other way round. But you can’t do it Netaji,” the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate said.

In Benaras, Mr Yadav had said at his own election rally, “They say, they’ll create a Gujarat (here). But please think again. If you make this Gujarat, you will commit atrocities and massacres as you did there.”

Mr Yadav is prominent among Mr Modi’s many critics who accuse him of not doing enough to prevent the communal riots that lacerated Gujarat in 2002, killing hundreds of people, mostly Muslims. Mr. Modi has been cleared of allegations of complicity by a Supreme Court-monitored investigation which was also recently upheld by a court.

Mr Modi says parties like the SP and Congress target him to polarise minority votes. He stressed that caste and community -based politics does not matter anymore. Only development does, he said.

The Gujarat chief minister invoked the other Netaji – Subhash Chandra Bose whose birth anniversary it is today to say, “Bose had said ‘you give me blood, I’ll give you freedom.’ I will say, ‘you’ve given the others 60 years, give me just 60 months. I’ll give you peace and prosperity.”

UP sends 80 legislators to the 545-seat Lok Sabha. The BJP will have to significantly improve its tally in the state to have a shot at forming government at the Centre after general elections this year. It had won only 10 seats in 2009, placing fourth behind the SP, BSP and Congress.

Not returning to Samajwadi Party, says Amar Singh

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Afternoon Voice

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January 23, 2014

Former Samajwadi Party (SP) general secretary and Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh has dismissed speculations about his return to the party fold.

Pointing out that he will never “again fall in the Samajwadi trap”, the leader also announced late Wednesday that he would be distributing blankets to the riot victims at relief camps in Muzaffarnagar on his birthday Jan 27.

Taking on the SP leadership, which he pointed out had accused him of bringing glamour to the party, Singh questioned the Saifai festival glitz in which several film stars, including Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit, participated.

Singh said the SP government in Uttar Pradesh had miserably failed in ensuring safety and governance. He also denied that the Akhilesh Yadav government had withdrawn the money laundering case against him.

“This is factually incorrect. The case was withdrawn during the regime of Mayawati itself,” he said.

He criticised Samajwadi Party’s general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav and Urban Development Minister Mohd Azam Khan, both his arch rivals while he was a party member.

But he praised PWD minister and the chief minister’s uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav.

“I have very old personal association with Shivpal Yadav and that would continue,” he added.

Singh used to be a prominent leader of the party and was seen as the most trusted aide of party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for several years until the two parted ways and Singh was thrown out of the party a few years ago.

He later formed Rashtrya Lok Manch, a party that unsuccessfully contested on many seats in the 2012. Singh has since been lying low, largely due to health issues.

Will consider PM post if party MPs select me after General Elections: Rahul Gandhi

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Afternoon Voice

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January 23, 2014

Amidst clamour among Congress workers that he should be named the Prime Ministerial candidate, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said he would definitely consider it if the party comes to power and the elected representatives select him for the post.

“In Congress, elected MPs select the PM. After elections if our party comes to power and the MPs select me then I will definitely consider it,” Rahul told on the second and last day of his two-day tour to his parliamentary constituency Amethi.

He was asked whether he would be ready to bear the responsibility of the top post.

Rahul said even Manmohan Singh was selected by the elected representatives as in Congress there is no system of selecting the PM candidate before polls.

“To select a PM is the right of the MPs and it should stay with them. Selecting a PM nominee before polls is not a democratic system, but part of personality cult,” he said.

At the CWC meeting held recently, party Chief Sonia Gandhi rejected demands by leaders from various states to anoint Rahul the PM candidate before elections, saying there has been no such tradition in the party.

Rahul told in Amethi that “democracy is not strong enough” in Uttar Pradesh and there is too much of personality cult.

“There is too much of personality cult in Uttar Pradesh. In BSP Mayawati distributes the ticket and in SP only one family distributes it. In UP there are only MLAs and they do not have freedom to work properly,” Rahul alleged.

When told that even Congress is being run by Gandhi family, he said the party was not run by 10 Janpath and has maximum democracy.

“Democracy is not strong enough in UP. Without associating people, neither the democracy will get strong nor development will take place in the state. I am confident that I will bring Congress government in the state,” he added.

Evading direct reply to a question that the party was levelling allegations against the state government, but why it was not opposing it, Rahul said recently the party staged demonstrations against the SP regime and even the state president Nirmal Khatri faced lathis.

Rahul alleged that while the previous Mayawati government halted the entire development of Amethi, the current SP regime overlooked the area on power and road front.

“UP was deprived of development from the last 30 years and unless Congress government comes the situation will remains the same,” he said.

Dismissing allegations that development work has been neglected by him in his parliamentary constituency, Rahul said, “We constructed a number of national highways in Amethi due to which this area will be connected with prominent cities in the next five years and industries will be set up.”

Somnath Bharti holds on with Kejri power; Congress meets LG

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Afternoon Voice

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January 23, 2014

Despite the growing chorus of opposition to Somnath Bharti, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday remained disinclined to take action against the controversial state law minister.

Kejriwal met Lieutenant Governor (LG) Najeeb Jung on Thursday morning. He later said the meeting was a routine one, and added that there was no discussion on or about Bharti.

“It was a routine meeting. There was no discussion on SomnathBharti,” he said.

Hours after Kejriwal’s discussions with Jung, a delegation of Delhi Congress leaders led by state party chief Arvinder Singh Lovely also headed to Raj Bhavan and demanded that LG should intervene and direct Delhi Police to act according to the law.

Later talking to reporters, Lovely said, “LG has assured that he will see to it that impartial probe takes place. Our support to AAP is on 18 issues, if they drift from any of those issues then will think over withdrawing support.”

Kejriwal has been reluctant to take action against Bharti and has defended him even after a Ugandan woman, who was among the four women assaulted in a midnight raid in south Delhi, accused him of having led the group of AAP workers that barged into her house and attacked them.

“We were attacked on Wednesday night by Indians, who were led by Somnath Bharti. We were harassed and hit with sticks they were carrying. They told us to leave the country or else they will kill us one by one,” the woman said.

Besides Bharti, the four women have identified some of his supporters. In their complaint, the women said that they were slapped, molested and subjected to racial slurs. Bharti and his supporters have also been accused of illegally detaining the Ugandan women and forcing them to undergo medical tests.

The Delhi Police, which had earlier filed an FIR against “unknown people”, will have to book Bharti in the case as the Ugandan woman has named him in her statement before the magistrate.

Meanwhile, a fifth Ugandan women has also approached a Delhi court seeking action against Bharti on similar charges.
Acting on her plea, the court has sought a report from Delhi Police and listed the matter for January 25.

Clearly, Bharti is on shaky ground but Kejriwal has, so far, backed him firmly but the whole episode has hit AAP’s image.

Bharti attracted more ire after he said that he would spit on the faces of BJP leader ArunJaitley and senior lawyer Harish Salve for being critical of him.

One of AAP’s main demands during its two-day dharna was the suspension of the Malviya Nagar station house officer for alleged inaction in the raid case.

The party, which later settled for paid leave as ‘punishment’ to the police officer, seems unwilling to take action against Bharti, which may help in ensuring fair probe in the case.

The opposition has alleged that the dharna was an attempt to save Bharti.

By using different yardstick when it came to his own minister, Kejriwal has exposed himself to criticism of not being willing to admit any wrongdoing by AAP leaders.

Congress has nothing to sell, nothing to show to electorate of India: Arun Jaitley

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 23, 2014

Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley slammed the Congress on Thursday and said that the party had nothing to sell and nothing to show to the electorate of this country.

Jaitley took on Union Finance Minister, P Chidambaram and Law Minister, Kapil Sibal and said that both of them had decided to speak out after UPA government had displayed a lack of will to fight in an adverse political scenario.

The BJP leader said that Chidambaram, who was in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum, was expected to market the Indian economy but instead chose to speak on Modi.

Jaitley said, “He questions the BJP’s ability to administer the national economy. The audience still had fair memories of management of India’s economy between 1998 and 2004. Not many critical mentions are there for that period,” adding, “Coincidentally, on the day that he chose to speak about the BJP and Narendra Modi at Davos, Moody’s has come out with its India report which is highlighted in the media. Its reporting indicates that the Industry is today waiting for a political change led by Narendra Modi for a major turn-around to take place.”

Reacting to Sibal’s blog wherein he had dubbed Gujarat CM and BJP’s PM candidate for 2014 General Elections as a ‘salesman par excellence’, Jaitley wrote, “Kapil Sibal in his customary style has chosen to talk down on the Opposition. His blog refers to Narendra Modi as a ‘salesman’ and Arvind Kejriwal as a ‘showman’. He and the Finance Minister have not only overlooked the fact that Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa are today regarded as one of the better administered states where the GDP growth is much higher than the national average though three of them have earlier been in the Bimaru category.”

On the criticism of BJP by Sibal for re-inducting former Karnataka CM back into the party, Jaitley said that BS Yeddyurappa was asked to resign as soon as the chargesheet was filed. “This caused a split in its Karnataka unit and eventually cost it the state government. Today he has unconditionally joined the party. A few charges against him have been quashed by the High Court and in the balance the trial is not proceeding,” he wrote.

Politicians have lost their self respect

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 23, 2014

I seriously don’t know what is wrong with all the politicians these days. No matter whether it is Narendra Modi, Somnath Bharti, Arvind Kejriwal or Rahul Gandhi their actions are understood as we have been witnessing these baseless stunts during the onset of every election. What is wrong with the leaders of Shiv Sena? It seems that they have lost their self-respect and have become greedy for money and power which could only maintain their standards as politicians but have degraded our culture and are not following the rituals of Hindutva.

Chandrakant Khaire (62) a veteran Shiv Sena leader and Lok Sabha member had touched the feet of 24 year old Aditya Thackeray at a public function held in Aurangabad recently. Aditya who leads the Sena’s youth wing named Yuva Sena has already setup an extremely bad example of selfdom and haughtiness. He could have stopped Chandrakant Khaire and should have touched the latter’s feet to prove that he was wrong. However, Aditya didn’t resist when Khaire touched his feet.

On the other hand, leaders like Chandrakant Khaire had touched Aditya’s feet not because he had respect for him. He might be craving for a ticket for contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha election. If he was denied a ticket then he won’t have done this drama. Such kind of leaders is only making a mockery of democracy and parliament. He might have licked his shoes too.

Seriously what a shame!!! … Hail of shame. Physical slavery may be on its way out mental slavery is not. Khaire should be given basic briefing about Indian culture and rituals.

And youngsters like Aditya Thackeray should understand that respect or honour can never be claimed forcefully or with the family influence. Try to stand on your own feet and be what you are.

Balasaheb Thackeray’s demise has already saddened us. It’s not only about the tears but his death has almost left a void in politics. Even though his son Uddhav Thackeray has succeeded him but he lacks his charisma. We could only suggest Aditya Thackeray to kindly mind his actions. He must work hard to maintain the legacy of Bal Thackeray. He must consider himself lucky to be a part of such a great dynasty.

Just Google and you may come across this answer
Why do we touch feet?

Touching feet of elders or saints is a unification of point of SHRADDHA and KARUNA .

‘SHRADDHA’ reduces ‘ego’ and lowers emotions along with
solar plexus chakra .

‘KARUNA’ activates HERT- CHAKRA of the saints or elders.

‘SHRADDHA’ increases receptivity of the person, while
‘KARUNA’ Start to discharge energy from HEART CHAKRA towards
the person who is receptive with ‘SHRADDHA’
This technique is also applicable in divine puja.
If their is no SHRADDHA towards god,
Devotees can’t get “KARUNA” [Energy of blessings] from God.
Thus,

When we touch the feet of elders /saints with ‘SHRADDHA’
We receive energy of ‘KARUNA’ / blessings from them.”