Rediff and its sloppy coverage of Cricket
Please see the Sachin's Score card and you will how Rediff Enjoys humiliating the second best batsman of all time
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Saturday, May 19, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Train passengers asked to get out and push
From http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSDEL8709820070516
Hundreds of Indian rail passengers got more than they had bargained for when the driver of their train asked them to get out and push.
It took more than half an hour to move the stalled electric train 12 feet so that it touched live overhead wires and was able to resume its journey, officials said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred in the eastern state of Bihar on Tuesday after a passenger pulled the train's emergency chain and it halted in a "neutral zone," a short length of track where there is no power in the overhead wires.
"In so many years of service in the railways, I have never come across such a bizarre incident," said Deepak Kumar Jha, a spokesman for Indian Railways.
A train's momentum usually allows it to continue moving through neutral zones.
India's rail network carries more than 15 million people daily -- more than the combined population of Norway and Sweden -- but its safety record often comes in for criticism
Analysis reveals rural students may still find the going tough
At last, there has been a documented proof of what I (alone) have been crying all these days..... That Entrance Exams FAVOUR Rural Candidates
Well... It seems that No One believed me at that time...... Though fellow bloggers like Badri and Abi were willing to examine my claims, they too were a little skeptical
But Now an Objective Analysis my Mr.Gandhi has finally proved that I was correct
Let us see what I had told and what is being found now
I had previous told
- This year there is going to be NO Entrance Exams in Tamil Nadu for MBBS Admission. You will see that there is atleast 70 % of girls in the allotment list
- And then, Not even 50 Students from Rural Areas will be getting seats (as Entrances are removed)
- This may sound funny, but the truth is that the Amount of Coaching needed (read as money spent) for Entrance Exams is just 10 % of the Coaching (read money spent) that is being given for Board Exams to enable the candidate get centum.
- Hence, Rural Students will be at a great disadvantage because of Cancellation of Entrance Exams....
- After seeing the pathetic result of the regulation, they will bring back the entrance in few years.. !!!
From http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/18/stories/2007051815510600.htm
CET abolition may not have actually given them a level playing field
CHENNAI: The scrapping of the common entrance test for professional admissions by the State government may not have actually given rural students the promised level playing field — in terms of the best of engineering and medical seats — an analysis of the Plus Two Board examination results has shown. No requisite cut-off marks
Out of a total of 66 educational districts, no student has scored the requisite engineering cut-off marks of 197 out of 200 in ten rural districts, and 30 districts had only less than six students meeting the score, according to an exclusive analysis done for The Hindu by Salem-based consultant, Jayaprakash Gandhi. Similarly, no student in eight rural educational districts has scored the requisite cut-off for medical admission either — 194 marks out of 200. Almost 27 rural districts had less than six students touching the score. On the contrary, out of a total of 1,326 students scoring the necessary engineering cut-off, 90 per cent are urban. Similarly, out of 1,289 students with the required medical cut-off, 90 per cent are from cities. Namakkal alone has 229 students with the engineering cut-off score, Chennai city (which has four educational districts) has 215 students, Coimbatore has 86 students, and Tiruchi and Madurai have 30 students each. Three rural districts — Gudalur, Aranthangi and Udaiyarpalayam — did not have any candidate scoring even 195 marks out of 200, required for admitting MBC students. A total of 24 districts had less than ten candidates making the mark. Namakkal alone had 458 students, followed by Chennai with 437 students and Coimbatore with 184 students. In medical admission, Usilampatti, Gudalur, Aranthangi and Nagapattinam rural districts did not have any student in the 192 marks out of 200 slot (required for MBC admissions), 28 rural districts had less than ten students. Namakkal alone had 433 students making the grade. Students from Chennai, Namakkal and Gobichettipalayam will hold sway over medical seats, followed by urban centres such as Tirunelvei, Madurai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore, Salem and Pondicherry. The analysis also found that while there would be no need to be apprehensive about tied marks in the top tier of medical admission, the problem would arise only when scores go below 197.5, when at each level of 0.25 marks, anywhere between 50 to 120 students would be tied, necessitating selection based on date of birth. In engineering admissions, the ties would begin at the cut-off of 199.75 marks where 38 ties would be tied. Not many seats in a single branch
Down the list, 151 students would be tied at 197.75 marks. "The problem is that no college has so many seats in a single branch, which means students with the same marks cannot hope to get into the same college. Being born a few days or weeks later would mean you lose out on preferred colleges," Mr. Gandhi says. |
Ragging awareness: Tamil Nadu does `bit better' than others
From http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/18/stories/2007051816180400.htm
Ragging awareness: State does `bit better' than others
Vani Doraisamy
| Panel acknowledges media role R.K. Raghavan panel acknowledges role played by media |
CHENNAI: Ten years after it became the first State in the country to pass a law to prevent ragging on campuses, Tamil Nadu seems to have learnt well from the bitter experiences of the past. The R.K. Raghavan Committee, appointed by the Supreme Court to recommend ways of curbing the menace, has found the State to have done "a little better" than most others, especially in creating awareness about ragging. "There was no one particular State which had completely eliminated the problem. In some cases, ragging had even taken the form of extreme sexual harassment. In Tamil Nadu, however, greater awareness among the public and the media was also a positive factor," Mr. Raghavan, who headed a seven-member panel, told The Hindu . On Wednesday, based on the Raghavan committee recommendations, the Supreme Court had asked educational institutions across the country to deal with ragging "with an iron hand." "In several instances, we found managements of educational institutions in various parts of the country had tried to suppress instances of ragging, at times even conniving with the abusers. The committee, apart from submitting its recommendations, will also take on the role of a watchdog now, rigorously monitoring implementation of the Supreme Court order by institutions," Mr. Raghavan said. Some of the committee's recommendations, which will now have to be implemented, include allowing freshers to start classes two to three weeks ahead of seniors, mandatory submission of implementation reports by colleges to universities and mandatory assistance by institutions to parents of students who wish to file FIRs. For students of city medical colleges who have borne the brunt of the menace, the apex court order could not have come at a better time. "We were apprehensive about sending our daughter to medical college as we had feared for her safety. Now that the court order has come just ahead of the admission season, we need fear no more," S. Purushothaman, whose son was a victim of ragging in a city medical college three years ago, said. Students relieved
Students of Stanley Medical College, who had deposed before the Raghavan Committee when it held its public hearing in Chennai in February, are relieved. "Junior students can now look forward to being treated with dignity," one of them said. Tamil Nadu will take a decision on implementing the recommendations after receiving a copy of the Supreme Court order, Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy said. |
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
12th Exam in Tamil Nadu
This post is a follow up of Badri's post and Abi's Post
My Comments for few observations
மொத்தத் தேர்ச்சி விகிதம் மிக அதிகமாக உயர்ந்துள்ளது நல்ல விஷயமா? அல்லது தேர்வு முறை எளிதாகியுள்ளதா?It was because
1. தேர்வு முறை எளிதாகியுள்ளது
2. Lot of portions were removed from Syllabus
3. Marks were added for every one in some subjects
இம்முறை நுழைவுத்தேர்வு இல்லாத காரணத்தால் பொறியியல், மருத்துவம் ஆகிய இரண்டிலும் நுழையும் பெண்கள் ஆண்களைவிட அதிக எண்ணிக்கையில் இருப்பார்கள்.Definitely in Medicine, but may NOT be in Engineering, because usually (only usually and not always) boys outscore girls in Maths and Girls outscore boys in Biology (Diagrams)
நான் எப்பவுமே இட ஒதுக்கீட்டுக்கு ஆதரவானவன்!Definitely ... At least ஸ்டவ் வெடிப்பது குறையும்
பெண்கள் கல்வி+வேலைல அதிகமா இருக்கறது பலவிதங்களில் நல்ல பலனைத் தரும்.
வளர்ந்த நாடுகள் அனைத்திலும் பெண்கள் வேலையில் இருக்கும் சதவிகிதம் இந்தியாவைவிட வெகு அதிகம்.But we have to accept the fact that there are LOTS and LOTS of Engineers and Doctors who don't work, but are happily settled as house wives !!!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Chandramukhi completes its 100-day run in South Africa too.
From http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/08/05/stories/2005080503230700.htm
Rajnikant's "Chandramukhi" has broken box office records at many places. It has been released in a dozen countries.
It is not a surprise that the film is doing well in Singapore and Sri Lanka or for that matter even in the U.K. and the U.S. where Tamil population is quite high. But the film's success in South Africa is interesting. Shyam Kumar, distributor of "Chandramukhi" for South Africa (S.A.), was recently in Chennai. Hailing from Bangalore, Shyam has settled down in South Africa and his first distribution venture was `Balu,' a Telugu film which did well. So he decided to buy more South Indian films and came to Chennai.
``I met Sanjay, a distributor of Tamil films, who wanted to know if I was interested in "Chandramukhi." I grabbed the offer. It was a pleasure to find people queuing up to buy tickets," says a happy shyam.The 100-day run was a bonus. The film crosses the landmark today (Aug 5) and celebration is on the cards. What exactly has contributed to the success of the film in S.A.? ``First, `Chandramukhi' is a film for the family, answers Shyam. He points out that, "Wherever the Tamil-speaking audience applauded, the S.A. people did the same. All the songs are a big hit. The youngsters dance to the songs and clap every time Rajni delivers the dialogue."
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
WHich is the better Entrance Exam
Taken from another Blog
The Main Post, which is critical of the Tamil Nadu Entrance Process
Why is this not even reported by socialists? Why is a monster being allowed to destroy the AIIMS while our greatest self-styled Education expert remains silent? Meanwhile take a look at what the Monster's greatest fan says:ALL MULTIPLE Choice Exams are biased against women in the same way all memory based exams (where marks depend also on the "presentation" of answers) are biased against men.What? While the same self-styled Educationist makes a salvo of posts on IIT-JEE's alleged gender bias?
Then, get this, read this very slowly:If more than one student had obtained the same marks, the following aspects will be taken into account to determine their seniority: percentage of marks in Mathematics; percentage of marks in Physics; percentage of marks in the elective subject; date of birth and random allotment of numbers.Yeah, I am delusional, just not delusional enough to open the door to a socialist or a Muslim or an OBC or a Dalit without a gun in my hand, and no, I am not talking about the God given one.
But please read The Comments to know there is an exam WHICH DOES NOT EVEN PUBLISH THE MARKS.... Which Exam needs IMMEDIATE REFORM... (No No, I am not talking about the Question Pattern, but at least the admission process).....
Sunday, May 06, 2007
2 guys on the same mark
As per Hindu http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/05/stories/2007050518460100.htm
The Higher Education Department has released the counselling and admission schedule for B.E., B.Tech., and B.Arch. courses for the current academic year.
Notification inviting applications for the courses will be issued on May 13. Distribution of applications will begin on May 16. The last date for receiving filled-in applications will be June 5.
The rank list will be released on June 25 and the list of reserved category candidates will be released on June 30.
The counselling process, which would commence on July 9, will conclude on August 15.
Classes are scheduled to commence on August 20.
Yeah.. That is all fine.. But reading on I see that
Allotment of colleges, under both government and management quota, will be made on the basis of marks scored in the qualifying examinations.
If more than one student had obtained the same marks, the following aspects will be taken into account to determine their seniority: percentage of marks in Mathematics; percentage of marks in Physics; percentage of marks in the elective subject; date of birth and random allotment of numbers.
That is if TWO Candidates BORN on the Same Date scores the same mark, the ranking is done based on Toss
I don’t think that it has happened so far (when we
OK... tell me a way to solve this....
How are they doing when two students get the same marks in AIIMS or IIT-JEE
Sunday, May 06, 2007 5:10:00 AM
Can any one tell the methods followed in institutes like AIIMS, IIT or even foreign universities when two students get the same mark
How is the "Inter-se" merit decided...
Sunday, May 06, 2007 5:13:00 AM
"Why is this not even reported by socialists?"
Because they are so busy with their Modi-baiting and the newest stick they have to beat him is by making a martyr out of a terrorist (sohrabbudin)
Sunday, May 06, 2007 5:57:00 AM
It is unfortunate if a perfectly deserving candidate becomes a victim of statistics. It is despicable if the system is deliberately designed to increase the effect. It is appalling if among other things, artificial ideas such as caste and creed are introduced into the game. We are basically back to the medieval ages.
Sunday, May 06, 2007 9:22:00 AM
//It is unfortunate if a perfectly deserving candidate becomes a victim of statistics//
But this occurs in ALL EXAMS which are open and honest and declare the marks....
Only few partisan exams which do not reveal the marks etc will not have this "statistical" mode of deciding as in those exams, even a student with less marks can get selected, if he knows the right person....
Tell me the method followed across all exams where two students land on the same marks....
Can anyone tell the facts...
Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:23:00 PM
Barbar, before accusing Anna Univ, can YOU TELL SOME SYSTEM better than this in deciding the "inter se" merit when 2 guys having the same birthday land with same marks
1. Personal Interview. But how are you going to be sure that the person who conducts is a honest person. He can be biased.
Of course, this problem is not faced in few so called pillars of excellence, because those frauds never release the mark... So no problem at all
All these problems occur only when the authority conducting the exam is open and honest
Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:31:00 PM
The IIT-JEE selection criteria appears to be straightforward. What is somewhat ambiguous is the branch allotment. In other words, the cutoffs are usually low and set after the exams are evaluated. They set the cutoff to take the top 5000. You could say perhaps 100,000 students score the cutoff marks. Well, they claim it does not happen and it is futile to argue without more data.
I agree that some students may get zypped in branch selection.
Whatever the case, it is much better than letting 100,000 students score 99 and above by setting absurdly low standards and then doing a lottery.
Sunday, May 06, 2007 11:04:00 PM
//Well, they claim it does not happen and it is futile to argue without more data.//
What do you mean by the data...
Doesn't IIT-JEE releases the Marks along with the rank
Is there is something (marks, number of question attempted ) that is at present NOT RELEASED by IIT-JEE...
Monday, May 07, 2007 1:08:00 AM
//Well, they claim it does not happen and it is futile to argue without more data.//
What are the details released by IIT-JEE
For record Anna Univ used to release the following
1. The candidates answer sheet (on line)
2. Answer Key (on line)
Hence there was no confusion at all
Don't they release the individual marks in IIT-JEE ???? Are you sure that IIT-JEE does not release the candidates marks, Barbarindian ... I am amazed...
Monday, May 07, 2007 1:17:00 AM
//absurdly low standards and then doing a lottery.//
About the absurdly low standards, I am not sure as to how you come to that conclusion.....
Can you explain
Monday, May 07, 2007 1:18:00 AM
//and then doing a lottery.//
I think that what Anna Univ has done is what it has been doing for the past few years...
So far there has been no confusion.... (but it does not guarantee anything)..
The method is same
If two or more students from the same community has taken the same marks, we have to decide the "inter-se" merit
So the candidate with more marks in Maths is given the better rank
If they have taken same marks in Maths, the one with more marks in Physics is given the better rank
If they have taken the same marks in Physics (then chemistry mark is also same) then younger one is given the seat
if they are both born on the same date of birth, the ranking is done by lot....
Now This may not be 100 % ideal, but this is the most practical method
There is NO CHANCE OF MANIPULATION by this method.
1. Anna Univ has given the guideline well in advance
2. No subjective factor is involved...
Before criticising this, we have to see whether IIT, AIIMS etc have a better method....
Then only we can criticize this method...
Can some one tell what is a better method than this in determining an inter se merit
(if that is going to be an interview, then we all know that money is going to play a role)
Monday, May 07, 2007 1:23:00 AM
I don't think it is necessary for schools to release all data for entrance examinations. It may not always be practical. Just because the data is not released does not mean they are not fair. First of all, it is not as though a bunch of Brahmins read the scripts and one by one call out the names and castes etc.
The panel involved for evaluating JEE practically includes (or used to include) all professors of IITs and Government appointed bureaucrats. I don't see why they would be lying.
The unfairness of the absurd methods of the South requires some statistics and a different philosophical bent of mind. You will not appreciate the difference.
Monday, May 07, 2007 5:36:00 AM
//It may not always be practical. Just because the data is not released does not mean they are not fair.//
Fully Agreed... But do you understand that they DID NOT HAVE TO INCLUDE THE LAST CLAUSE (about lots) just because THEY DO NOT RELEASE the marks....
Which do you think is better..... Releasing the marks and then having fixed criteria for ranking
OR
Not releasing the marks at all....
(By the way, I am not criticising at JEE.. Don't just get angry with that... I think you will be helped if you stop reading too much into my words)...
And then
you have not given a better system than what is proposed.... Hiding the marks IS AN INFERIOR system than releasing the marks and when two guys score equally, rank them on fixed criteria...
If any of the readers feel that there is a better system, please jot down. We can represent to the concerned authorities...
And thanks for the information about JEE. I did not know that JEE hides their marks and the evaluation system.. That is an eye opener.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007 1:06:00 AM
I think you will be helped if you stop reading too much into my words
Of course not Doc. We just have a different way of looking at things.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007 3:46:00 PM
Now, you had cried loud and high that Anna Univ System is Unfair...
But you have not been able to produce another system which is MORE CORRECT than the one proposed....
Do you think that this post of yours is justified....