India's Chandrayaan-1 Finds Ice On Moon

A radar experiment aboard India's Chandrayaan-1 lunar spacecraft has identified thick deposits of water-ice near the Moon's north pole.

The NASA backed Mini-Sar experiment aboard the Chandrayaan found upto 40 craters containing water ice in the moon’s North Pole. Yet another experiment, LCROSS found traces of hydrocarbons mixed in the lunar ice. It is believed that there must be atleast 600 million metric tonnes of water ice within the craters. The water ice remains stable because the interiors of most of these craters are permanently darkened and remain well below freezing point at all times.
Dr. Paul Spudis of the Lunar and Planetary Institute who presented the findings observed, “now we can say with a fair degree of confidence that a sustainable human presence on the Moon is possible. It’s possible using the resources we find there.”

“The results from these missions, that we have seen in the last few months are totally revolutionizing our view of the Moon.” He concluded.

Europe storm death toll at 59 - In Pictures

The violent winter storm, dubbed as "Xynthia," has lashed most eastern European countries as of Sunday with heavy rain and strong gust, leaving over 59 deaths and massive devastation on its routes.

Developed in the Atlantic off the Portuguese island Madeira, storm Xynthia landed on France's western coast late Saturday after causing three deaths in Spain, and went on to Germany via Belgium on Sunday afternoon.

France, the worst hit country, recorded at least 45 victims and several disappearances, mainly in Vandee and Charente-Maritime, the two western coastal departments which registered the biggest toll.

Most victims died from drowning or impacts from falling trees and buildings. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is going to visit the worst hit areas on Monday morning, the presidential office said.

Over 500,000 households remained in the dark and power supply is not expected to resume at least three days later, said the national power company Electricity of France.

Paris was also affected by the storm as the gust speeded up to over 100 km per hour in the day. Air France announced Sunday the cancellation of more than 100 flights at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle international airport as well as some delays and diversions.

The state-run railway company SNCF also warned of massive delays on lines linking western districts.

News Sorce: news.xinhuanet.com

Sangh Parivar pays last respects to Nanaji

The entire BJP leadership and the larger Sangh Parivar turned up to pay their last respects to Nanaji Deshmukh, before his body was donated to AIIMS for medical research, on Sunday. The RSS veteran, who created an “alternative model of development based on Deendayal Upadhyay’s ideals of Integral Humanism” while working in some 500 villages around Chitrakoot (on Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border), wanted his body to be donated for medical research after his death.

Founder of the nation’s first rural university, the Chitarkoot Gramodya Vishwavidyalaya, Nanaji, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, had pledged his body for medical research. Suffering from age-related ailments, he had refused to be taken to Delhi for treatment.

The body was kept at the RSS headquarters in the capital before it was handed over to AIIMS. A wreath was laid on the body on behalf of President Pratibha Patil.

He had held various high posts in the RSS at the national and state level and his lectures on the RSS ideology and nationalism are considered memorable.

Advani described Deshmukh as a dedicated worker who made an unparalled contribution in the formation of Bharatiya Jan Sangh.

"It is more than a personal loss for me. We had been together for so many years....When there is so much attraction towards posts, he gave inspiration for idealism," Advani said.

Indian Air Force displays its power at Pokhran - In Pictures

India conveyed its deep concern about 42 functional terror camps across the border to Islamabad, though New Delhi did not expect any ''miracle'' from the just-concluded foreign secretary level talks with Pakistan.

“Forty-two terror camps across the border are intact. It’s our biggest concern. There is no serious attempt (on the part of Pakistan) to dismantle them,” Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters minutes after witnessing a day-dusk-night fire power demonstration by the Indian Air Force (IAF) here.

Only a ‘beginning’

“Resumption of dialogue is only a beginning. We did not expect any miracle,” he said when asked about the outcome of the dialogue.

As many as 107 aircraft participated in the Vayu Shakti exercise, which is being held after a gap of six years. Among the visitors were 28 defence attachés from friendly countries who were awe struck by the display.

A MiG-29 flying low and supersonic at 1,250 km per hour velocity leaving in its wake, a deafening sonic boom signalled the start to the proceedings.

This was followed by photo-reconnaissance missions, flypast and air strikes by Jaguar, MiG-21 Bison, MiG-27, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft. They were supported by the transporters like AN 32, IL-76 and IL 78.

Behind the scene was an Indian Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle and its latest acquisition Phalcon AWACS (air-borne early warning and control system) which fed continuous information on the targets to the fighters.

News Source: Deccanherald.com

India celebrates Holi "Festival of Colors, Love and Joy"

People across the India are celebrating the festival of colours 'Holi' today with enthusiasm and gaiety.

The festival, which marks the onset of spring, brings together people from all classes and age groups as they play with colors distribute sweets and take out processions.

India beat Pakistan 4-1 in the men's Hockey World Cup

Sandeep Singh banged in two penalty corners to help India record their first win in the last four matches against Pakistan at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Shivendra Singh and Prabjot Singh chipped in with a goal each .India led 4-0 before Sohail Abbas, the world's only player to score more than 300 international goals, narrowed the margin for Pakistan.