Western Ghats in world heritage........

 A cluster of 39 sites spread over 7,953.15 sq km in the Western Ghats will now be inscribed in the World Heritage list. These include tiger reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved forests in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Kerala leads with 20 sites being inscribed in the heritage list followed by Karnataka with ten,Tamil Nadu five and Maharashtra four. In Maharashtra, the Kas plateau, the Koyna wildlife sanctuary, the Chandoli national park and the Radhanagari Wildlife sanctuary in the Sahyadri range have been given the world heritage site tag.

The decision to include the 39 sites was taken by a 21-nation panel of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) at its meeting currently on at St Petersburg, Russia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the official World Heritage advisory body on nature, in its recommendation did not include the Western Ghats as four of the sub-clusters were not contiguous as contended by India and many did not have buffer zones. Among the concerns expressed were mining in Sindhdurga district (Radhanagari Sanctuary) and that there was no overarching management plan for the nominated sites.



India had submitted the nomination dossier to the Unesco World Heritage Centre, Paris, in February 2010. Former environment minister Jairam Ramesh had pushed hard for their inclusion and had also set up the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel to study and provide recommendations to protect the ghats.

In its media release, the WHC said a series of protected areas across the Western Ghats in India were added to Unesco's list of iconic places after a persistent campaign for world heritage statusby the Indian government. "Mountains, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls are all part of the 160,000 sq km area, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. The Western Ghats are home to a number of flagship mammals including the endangered endemic lion-tailed Macaque, the endangered Asian elephant and the tiger.''

Lena Pillars Nature Park in Russia was also added to the prestigious list by the WHC.

new ISAC director

Scientist and associate director of the Indian Space Research Organisation Satellite Centre S. K. Shivakumar took over as its director on Saturday. Photo: ISRO

Scientist and associate director of the Indian Space Research Organisation Satellite Centre (ISAC) S. K. Shivakumar took over as its director on Saturday. He succeeds T. K. Alex.

ISAC is ISRO's centre for conceptualisation, design, fabrication, testing, integration and in-orbit commissioning of satellite systems involving various cutting edge technologies.

Mr. Shivakumar’s tenure with ISAC spans two decades, between 1978 and 1998 during which he contributed immensely to the mission planning, analysis and operations of several Indian satellite missions including Bhaskara, APPLE, IRS and INSAT, a press release from ISRO stated. Significantly, he was the project director for realising India’s first indigenous Deep Space Network antenna at Byalalu, near Bangalore, used for communicating with India's first moon mission Chandrayaan-1. The release added: “He played a key role in realising the entire ground segment for Chandrayaan-1 mission including the Indian Space Science Data Centre at Byalalu.”

After he left ISAC in 1998, he worked as the director of ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), which maintains the large constellation of Indian Remote Sensing Satellites in orbit and provides support to satellite launch vehicle missions with a world-wide network of ground stations.

He obtained his bachelors degree in science from Mysore University and went on to do a BE in Electrical Communications Engineering, followed by an MTech in Physical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He started working in ISRO in 1976
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Thattathin Marayathu..... a perfect love story

  Thattathin Marayathu is an upcoming Malayalam romance film written and directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, starring Nivin Pauly and Isha Talwar in the lead roles. While the supporting cast is played up by Aju Varghese, Manoj K. Jayan, Sreenivasan, Sunny Wayne, Bhagath Manuel, Manikuttan, Niveda Thomas along with a list of new debutant actors. The film is produced by Mukesh and Sreenivasan under the banner of Lumiere Film Company.  Distribution of the film is done by LJ Films.

The story is about a Hindu boy who falls in love with a Muslim girl.

Thattathin Marayathu is an upcoming Malayalam romance film written and directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, starring Nivin Pauly and Isha Talwar in the lead roles. While the supporting cast is played up by Aju Varghese, Manoj K. Jayan, Sreenivasan, Sunny Wayne, Bhagath Manuel, Manikuttan, Niveda Thomas along with a list of new debutant actors. The film is produced by Mukesh and Sreenivasan under the banner of Lumiere Film Company.  Distribution of the film is done by LJ Films.

The story is about a Hindu boy who falls in love with a Muslim girl.

"In 2010 September, when I was reading a short story written by M.J.Akbar, the second page of the short story hooked me on a thought which started following me ever since then. I wanted to do a love story for my second film and the characters Vinod and Aisha caught their places in my mind. When I went to Prague [I think in November 2010], I carried them along with me. Before even finishing the scene order of the screenplay, I wrote the first scene there. It is scene no: 19 of my final draft where Vinod is proposing to Aisha. When I wrote it, I felt his state of mind, I felt his breath, I visualized Aisha trembling with fear. 16 months later, I actually saw whatever I felt back then. Nivin was Vinod, Isha was Aisha and I was making the film I had carried for a long time – Thattathin Marayathu.

Mind blowing trip is what I had when I was making this film. I had a cinematographer who stood by me like my right hand, Jomon T John, who gave me his infinite support to do everything possible to spread romance in every frame. I had the best crew ever working with me. We had our back ground scores ready before shooting certain pivotal scenes. We shot a handful of songs without a dance master, we shot struggles and fights without a stunt director. We shot through the length and breadth of Thalassery trying to capture the essence of this beautiful small town. We all really had a blast."

—Vineeth Sreenivasan about the film.

SREE PADMANABHA TEMPLE..... the wonder...

Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in Kerala hogging the limelight with the multi-crore treasure haul, Kerala lived up to its name as 'Gods' own country'. With the estimated Rs 1 lakh crore worth of wealth that was found to be kept under underground stone cellars, the matter has raised eyebrows of believers and others across the world. 

But if Rs 1 lakh crore floored you completely, there are claims that suggest the actual worth of the assets could well be above Rs 5 lakh crore. The claim was made by former chief secretary of Kerala, CP Nair. He said that the real market value of the treasure could be much higher than reported in the media making it easily the richest temple in the world. [Read: What history says on the Sri Padmanabha Temple]

Another former chief secretary, R Ramachandran Nair also backed the claims and was quoted as saying to reporters that all the articles, ornaments and precious jewels are the sole property of the temple and nobody has any right over it. He said, “The Maharaja is the Trustee of the temple and hence the official custodian of the wealth. The royal family has not touched a single paisa from these offerings. Neither the government nor the politicians can interfere with these offerings in any manner."

The Supreme Court had earlier slammed the court observers for talking to the media briefing them about the contents of the vaults and has instructed them not to reveal the details of the assets. They have also ordered the seven-member panel to videograph the inventory and list all the assets. With the 'B' vault still remaining to be opened, the decision whether to open the cellar will be arrived at the SC after due consultations with all parties. 

The antique nature of the massive wealth has sparked considerable curiosity among historians and others interested to study the history of the state. Princess Gouri Lakshmi Bai, the niece of Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma, who is the present title holder of the Travancore State stated that it would not be advisable to term the wealth as treasure and said, “It is offerings made by the Lord"s devotees and hence it is his wealth. They are not treasures." 

With the exact date of the temple's consecration yet to be ascertained, there are records that suggest the temple was in existence since AD 910. Ramachandran Nair commented, “There are records indicating offerings made by Raja Raja Cholan and Krishna Devaraya of the Vijayanagaram Empire."

An immaculate piece of architectural marvel, the Padmanabhaswamy temple stands forthright as a perfect example of the Dravidian architecture. Incidentally, the temple is located near the Arya Samaj office from where non-Hindus can convert into the Hindu religion by paying a nominal Rs 50. This approval stamp from the Arya Samaj will qualify them to worship and enter the temple .




                                                             

SINGHAM 2 . SURYA NEW MOVIE

Suriya and director Hari already delivered a hat trick with 'Aaru', 'Vel' and 'Singam'. The duo is all set to join hands again for 'Singam's sequel, 'Singam 2'. This sequel is touted to be a high voltage action entertainer and will continue from where the first part ended.

Suriya will start work on this project immediately after he wraps 'Maatraan' with KV Anand.

Anushka Shetty and Hansika Motwani are the lead ladies of this project. Vivek, Vijayakumar, Radha Ravi and Nassar who were all part of the original will be seen in the sequel as well. Adding to Vivek's presence for providing comic relief will be Santhanam who has become a must in all biggies. Rahman will also be seen in this film.

Music is by Devi Sri Prasad again.

The film will be canned in Chennai, Hyderabad, Thoothukudi, Tirunalveli and Karaikudi. For the first time ever, director Hari will cane some of the songs, important scenes and fight scenes in South African and Kenya.

GERMANY PERISHED........

The Manchester City forward has hit the headlines for all the right reasons, opening the scoring with a powerful header before smashing home an emphatic second to clinch a date with Spain at the Olympic Stadium on July 1.

It was a deserved victory for Italy, who could have added further goals in the second half had they taken one of the numerous chances afforded to them by Germany's rushes forward to find a way back into the match. 

SUPER MARIO USES HIS HEAD

Balotelli proves he is world class

Mesut Ozil ensured a nervy finish to the encounter with a penalty in second-half stoppage time, but there was to be no miracle for Germany, who bowed out at the semi-final stage for the second major tournament in a row. 

Joachim Low restored Mario Gomez and Toni Kroos to his starting XI after the Bayern Munich pair were benched for the quarter-final victory over Greece in the quarter-finals.

Cesare Prandelli made only one change from the side that eliminated England on penalties, with Giorgio Chiellini recovering from an injury in time to replace Ignazio Abate.

It was Germany who threatened first only six minutes in, after Mats Hummels’ scrambled shot was blocked on the line by Andrea Pirlo, allowing Gianluigi Buffon to smother.

The Azzurri skipper nearly forced an own goal moments later after inadvertently diverting a Jerome Boateng cross into Andrea Barzagli, but the deflection rolled just wide of the post.

Despite the scares at the back during the opening exchanges, Italy were quicker to settle into the match, and began to establish a rhythm with some patient play in midfield.

Riccardo Montolivo blasted into the arms of Manuel Neuer from the edge of the box, but the Germany keeper was forced to work much harder by Antonio Cassano, whose curler towards the bottom corner was tipped away.

Italy started to get into their stride, were asking growing questions of the suspect German defence. Then, with 20 minutes gone, the Azzurri carved them completely apart.

Chiellini fed Cassano on the overlap down the left, and the Milan forward delivered a superb cross into the heart of the area, where Balotelli rose above Holger Badstuber to head Italy into the lead.

Italy were buoyed by the goal, with Germany still unable to shake off the erratic edge to their play. Montolivo’s hesitation allowed Badstuber to strip him of possession deep inside the area, but the new Milan signing would make a far more decisive contribution with 36 minutes gone.

His searching ball over the top caught the German back line out completely and releasedBalotelli, who stormed towards goal and smashed an unstoppable finish high into the back of the net.

The Manchester City man was booked for ripping his shirt of in a passionate celebration, but there were no such signs of desire from Germany, who were showing none of the verve from their entertaining win over Greece in the previous round.

THEY THINK IT'S ALL OVER

Germany bottle it as Low gets it all wrong

Low was facing an uphill battle to get his side back into the match, and responded in kind, hauling off Gomez and Lukas Podolski at half-time for Marco Reus and Miroslav Klose.

Germany improved in the second-half but Phillip Lahm should have done a lot better after the restart, blasting over from the edge of the box after he was teed up in space by Kroos.

Reus was next to try his luck with a powerful free-kick from 20 yards out, but Buffon was equal to it and managed to punch over the crossbar.

However, for all Germany’s increased endeavour in the second half, they still lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, and with their urgency in the Italian half, were increasingly vulnerable to the counterattack.

A sweeping break just past the hour mark saw Alessandro Diamanti slip in Claudio Marchisio behind Badstuber, but his finish was driven the wrong side of the post.

The Juventus midfielder spurned an even greater chance with a quarter of an hour to play, when Badstuber’s slip allowed him with a clear sight on goal, but he disappointingly dragged his shot wide.

Germany were simply nowhere to be found, and could not make their forward pressure pay as Italy continued to take them apart on the counter.

Substitute Antonio Di Natale wasted the pick of the chances on 82 minutes after being put one-on-one with Neuer, but with all the time in the world to pick his spot, he instead found the side netting.

Germany were handed a late lifeline after Balzaretti's handball was spotted in the box, givingOzil the chance to bury from the spot.

However, there was nothing left from Low's side despite an even later surge forward, giving Italy a nervy, but deserved victory and setting up a second meeting with Spain in this European Championship.

RAFAEL NADAL WASHED OUT ........

 Rafael Nadal crashed to his worst Grand Slam defeat in seven years on Thursday when Czech journeyman Lukas Rosol, the world number 100, pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Wimbledon history.

Rosol, whose previous five visits to Wimbledon had ended in first round losses in qualifying, stunned the 2008 and 2010 champion, and 11-time Grand Slam title winner Nadal, 6-7 (9/11), 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the second round.

It was a stunning upset as Nadal slumped to his earliest exit at a major since the same stage of the 2005 Wimbledon championship when he was beaten by Luxembourg's Gilles Muller.

It was also eerily similar to Nadal's stunning 2009 French Open fourth round loss to Robin Soderling when the Swede unleashed a barrage of destructive free-swinging tennis to destroy the Spanish star.

A dramatic evening of Centre Court action, which saw a 45-minute delay as the roof was closed to allow the fifth set and the match to be completed, will go down in history as one of the sport's biggest shocks.

Nadal had played in the last five Grand Slam finals and was fresh from a record-breaking seventh French Open triumph which had confirmed his status as one of the sport's greatest players.

But Rosol put on an awesome display of sustained, big-hitting that left Nadal stunned and bewildered.

Nadal, the champion in 2008 and 2010, and arriving at Wimbledon having captured a record seventh French Open title, had taken the first set on a tie-breaker before his campaign unravelled.

After Rosol had levelled the tie and taken a 2-1 lead on a break in the third, it was clear that the Czech was getting under the Spaniard's skin.

Nadal complained to the umpire over his 26-year-old opponent's constant skipping around on the baseline and his distracting habit of swishing his racquet from side to side as he was preparing to serve.

He was broken to trail 2-1 and the players were involved in a shoulder-charge at the changeover.

When Nadal went long to drop the third set, the historic upset was on the cards, especially with Rosol regularly hitting returns at 85 mph.

But Nadal dominated the fourth set, stretching to a 4-2 lead with a break and securing it 6-2 with a combination of stirring defence and thrilling counter-attacks.

All England Club officials insisted the match should be finished so the Centre Court roof was closed which meant a 45-minute delay before the conditions were right for a fifth set.

On the resumption, Rosol, playing a five-set match for just the third time in his career, broke in the first game and then held his nerve.

He sent down his 21st ace to go to match point and then claimed his historic win with a 22nd to take his place in the record books.

Rosol will face German 27th seed Philipp Kohlschreiber for a place in the last 16.

JAYACHANDRAN IN TRIVANDRUM LODGE..

Trivandrum Lodge is a Malayalam drama film written by Anoop Menon and directed by V K Prakash starring Jayasurya, Anoop Menon and Dhwani in the lead roles. The film is produced by PA Sebastian under the banner of Time Ads Entertainment and features music composed by M Jayachandran, whilst cinematography is handled by Pradeep Nair and is edited by Mahesh Narayanan. Trivandrum Lodge tells a story of an array of interesting characters residing in an ancient lodge in Kochi. With a very unconventional screenplay which unfolds through these peculiar characters, their experiences and transformations rather than sticking to the usual beginning, middle and end format.

VIKRAM AND SHANKAR AGAIN..........

Director  Shankar  decided  to  starts  his  new  film “  I  “ 

Starring       vikram

                     Suresh  gopi

                     Santhanam.  Ram kumar     

Music    done  by  A R RAHMAN

Shoot  will  starts  on july……

PORTUGAL vs SPAIN LIVE SCORE

THE  11  SPAINS  Vs  RONALDO

Having swept past France to reach the Euro 2012 semifinals, Spain can expect a more exacting ordeal on Wednesday when it faces a Portugal team which beat it 4-0 in their last meeting.

Spain has largely held the upper hand against its Iberian rival, losing just nine times in 37 encounters, and it edged Portugal 1-0 in the last 16 en route to its triumph at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

However, Portugal claimed emphatic revenge less than five months later with a four-goal victory in Lisbon that condemned the reigning world and European champion to its heaviest defeat in 47 years.

The teams have changed little since. Nine members of Portugal’s likely starting line-up at Donbass Arena in Donetsk on Wednesday featured in the game, while Spain is expected to start with eight of the same players.

Meanwhile, Spain captain Iker Casillas can become the first player to notch up 100 victories in international football if his team beat Portugal in the Euro semifinal.

To do so, on his 136th appearance for his country, the Real Madrid goalkeeper will have to thwart his club team-mate and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who has three goals at the tournament and has been on scintillating form.

Casillas believes former World Player of the Year Ronaldo has still not quite reproduced the form that helped Real win La Liga for the first time in four years last season.

SAINT IKER

“His season at Madrid was incredible in terms of the way he played, the goals and the records,” the 31-year-old, known in Spain as “Saint Iker” thanks to his miraculous saves, was quoted as saying in Monday's Marca sports daily.

“I don't think that right now he is at his best level,” he added.

Cristiano Ronaldo terrorised the Spanish back line at Estadio da Luz two years ago and would have claimed one of the finest goals of his career had Nani not headed his goal-bound shot over the line from an offside position.

The 27-year-old is not short of scores to settle against a team who can call upon five of his Real Madrid colleagues.

After match-winning performances against the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, he is finally making his mark at a major tournament and Spain’s ability to keep him quiet will be pivotal.

The match should provide an intriguing clash of styles, with Spain likely to dominate possession while Portugal awaits opportunities to spring forward on the counter-attack.

UNPRECEDENTED TREBLE

Spain has lost only three times in 47 competitive matches and is closing in on an unprecedented treble of major honours, but Portugal right-back Joao Pereira says his side can take heart from its own recent form.

For the first time at the tournament, Portugal coach Paulo Bento will be obliged to change his starting line-up due to the thigh injury sustained by striker Helder Postiga in Thursday's 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.

Werder Bremen’s Hugo Almeida is set to deputise, while defenders Pepe and Fabio Coentrao both returned to training on Sunday after sitting out Saturday’s session to rest injuries.

Spain reported no new injuries after its victory over France, but coach Vicente del Bosque must decide whether to persevere with Fabregas in the ‘false nine’ role or restore Fernando Torres to his starting XI.

While Spain is gunning to become the first team to win three consecutive major international tournaments, Portugal is aiming to reach a first final since its heartbreaking loss to Greece as host of Euro 2004.

CONTRASTING RECORDS

The two sides’ records in semifinals are sharply contrasting. Spain has never been beaten at this stage of an international competition, but Portugal has won only once in five attempts.

Even the great Eusebio succumbed to the country’s semifinal jinx, with a late penalty not enough to prevent Portugal losing 2-1 to England at the 1966 World Cup.