NASA: Days Shortened.

        The massive earthquake that struck Japan last Friday(11/03/2011) was so powerful that it accelerated the Earth's rotation speed, shortening the length of the day by 1.8 microseconds, according to a new analysis by NASA.     

      According to scientists at the U.S space agency, the 8.9 magnitude quake shifted the way the Earth's mass is distributed, which made the planet spin a little faster, cutting the 24 hour day by an estimated 1.8 microseconds.That is less than two-milionths of one second.

      Initial data suggested the quake moved Japan's main island about eight feet and shifted the Earth's figure axis, around which the Earth's mass is balanced, by about 17 cm, said Richard Gross, a geophysicist at NASA.

Sharmila's case to be highlighted to Patil

The case of Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been fasting for more than 10 years, demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, would be raised among other issues concerning women in Manipur to the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil during her two-day visit to the State, Chairperson of Manipur State Social Welfare Advisory Board RK Nayansana has assured.

Talking to The Sangai Express in her office, Nayansana informed that the State Social Welfare Advisory Board is planning to raise various issues related to development of women in Manipur including the issue of Sharmila who has been fasting for more than 10 years now demanding repeal of AFSPA, 1958.

Nayansana observed that the struggle of Irom Chanu Sharmila is for the entire Manipur and as a woman, she is very proud of the fact that such an unprecedented struggle has been launched by a woman.

She pointed out that in a  armed conflict situation like Manipur, it is the women who suffered the most. This is despite the fact that Manipuri women have been contributing their mite in every sphere of the society.

‘‘So, when President Pratibha Devisingh Patel arrived here on a two-day visit to the State, we would ensure that the issue of Irom Chanu Sharmila is brought to her notice and exert pressure for repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958’’, Nayansana said, adding that the timing of the visit of the President, which comes  just ahead of International Women’s Day, too, is most appropriate for taking up other important issues related to development of women in Manipur.

Right To Education:

Right to Education Act.

The Right of children to Free and Compulsory Education Act has come into force from today, April 1, 2010. This is a historic day for the people of India as from this day the right to education will be accorded the same legal status as the right to life as provided by Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. Every child in the age group of 6-14 years will be provided 8 years of elementary education in an age appropriate classroom in the vicinity of his/her neighbourhood. Any cost that prevents a child from accessing school will be borne by the State which shall have the responsibility of enrolling the child as well as ensuring attendance and completion of 8 years of schooling. No child shall be denied admission for want of documents; no child shall be turned away if the admission cycle in the school is over and no child shall be asked to take an admission test. Children with disabilities will also be educated in the mainstream schools. The Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh has emphasized that it is important for the country that if we nurture our children and young people with the right education, India’s future as a strong and prosperous country is secure. All private schools shall be required to enroll children from weaker sections and disadvantaged communities in their incoming class to the extent of 25% of their enrolment, by simple random selection. No seats in this quota can be left vacant. These children will be treated on par with all the other children in the school and subsidized by the State at the rate of average per learner costs in the government schools (unless the per learner costs in the private school are lower). All schools will have to prescribe to norms and standards laid out in the Act and no school that does not fulfill these standards within 3 years will be allowed to function. All private schools will have to apply for recognition, failing which they will be penalized to the tune of Rs 1 lakh and if they still continue to function will be liable to pay Rs 10,000 per day as fine. Norms and standards of teacher qualification and training are also being laid down by an Academic Authority. Teachers in all schools will have to subscribe to these norms within 5 years. Right to Education Act, 2009 Rules The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has been mandated to monitor the implementation of this historic Right. A special Division within NCPCR will undertake this huge and important task in the coming months and years. A special toll free helpline to register complaints will be set up by NCPCR for this purpose. NCPCR welcomes the formal notification of this Act and looks forward to playing an active role in ensuring its successful implementation. NCPCR also invites all civil society groups, students, teachers, administrators, artists, writers, government personnel, legislators, members of the judiciary and all other stakeholders to join hands and work together to build a movement to ensure that every child of this country is in school and enabled to get at least 8 years of quality education. Benefits of Right to Education Act, 2009 RTE has been a part of the directive principles of the State Policy under Article 45 of the Constitution, which is part of Chapter 4 of the Constitution. And rights in Chapter 4 are not enforceable. For the first time in the history of India we have made this right enforceable by putting it in Chapter 3 of the Constitution as Article 21. This entitles children to have the right to education enforced as a fundamental right.

Tourist spots:

 Particularly, the Ichum Keirap Village has no picnic spot or other tourist centre. On the suburb of its border, lies a newly famous ‘EEshing Chaibi’ or Waterfall which is situated at Thangthilon or Sadu Chiru village. This natural Waterfall, despite of dispute for ownership between its local villages-Sadu Chiru and Sajal, has been attracting many peoples from the state. Today, it has become a picnic spot.

         The Agape Garden : This Garden’ owned and managed by Kamlun Telien which is situated just near to the above waterfall has also been becoming a known place for picnic and outing. This Garden is worthy to visit especially on holidays and other half days. Its entry charge is fixed at Rs.5/- per head.(Call for detail: K.T.Kom@09862897237)

      This park or garden has become a desire place for outing and picnic within the region excluding its locals. The fantastic arrangement of different flowers in a boulevard manner producing a pleasant scenery is worth visiting.
Sa-Sen Lon Tlang: This place was once known for its arial viewing good place. It was visited often when an  annual picnic or pantras were organised. Today, it has become a bushy covered with trees and scrubs.Gone is the days but recalling, it take us back to the past life where lesser pain and agonies were experienced.