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Crop of questions
As the debate rages on about the pros and cons of genetically modified (GM) crops,
Vibha Sharma talks to a cross section of experts from various fields and puts together varying viewpoints on this complex issue.
Genetically
modified crops are viewed in contrary ways: As a nutritious food
option, revolutionary scientific alternative for resource-constrained
small and marginal farmers or a health hazard for consumers and
death-knell for the farming community.
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Workers tend to the Bt cotton
crop at PAU, Ludhiana. — Photo by Sayeed Ahmed |
Dogra heritage in a shambles
The old palace complex and other monuments of the Dogra regime in Jammu and around are gradually crumbling because of neglect, writes
S. P. Sharma
A
number of palaces in Jammu have already collapsed or are in an
advanced stage of decay as no steps have so far been taken to preserve
them.
The historical Gol-Ghar palace that was gutted in a fire
in the early 1980s |
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Sikhism is eco-friendly
The uniqueness of identifying gurdwaras with common trees is unprecedented.
Even the Gurbani refers to various species of trees, which are useful to mankind,
says Prabhjot Singh
"Sikhism
is not only one of the most modern and scientific religions but is
also environment friendly," says Mr Damanbir Singh Jaspal, an IAS
officer of the 1976 batch, who has just completed his research,
documenting 48 historic Sikh shrines that are commemorated by the
names of 17 native species of trees.
The Kalp Vriksh in a gurdwara of the same name in Attari village, Ropar.
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The wildlife Down Under
Queensland is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts as well as tourists.
Sarbjit Dhaliwal finds echoes of India in Australia
It
was an extremely entertaining experience to watch the famed Indian
Bengal tigers perform acrobatics in the Dreamworld Park, Queensland in
Australia, which is visited by 1.5 million people every year. Australia and its people
recognise India’s rich tradition and culture.
Brisbane is a truly modern and uncongested city |
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Selling dull sequels
Randeep Wadehra
Sequels seldom live up to the standards set by their originals. This maxim has held true in case of Hindi sitcoms. The original Hum Paanch had proved to be one long guffaw. Contemporary topics, crisp dialogues and perfect timing lent extra edge to the humour.
One can almost predict the sequence of events in Instant Khichdi |
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Channels bet big on kids
V. Kumara Swamy
With television
channels going whole hog on talent hunt shows to find ‘Amazing Kid’
and ‘Superkid’, children in India couldn’t have asked for better
times not only to showcase their talents in front of a national audience
but rake in the moolah. Whether it is POGO’s Amazing Kid, National
Geographic Channel’s Nat Geo junior Hunt or Zee TV’s Saregama Li’l
Champs, the focus is on churning out little champions.
Maverick maestro
Legendary film-maker John Huston, whose birth centenary fell on August 5, was a perfectionist who produced several classics, writes
Vikramdeep Johal
John
Huston had an adventurous streak that he shared with some of his most
famous characters. Driven by greed, ambition or circumstances,
protagonists of his films took great risks to get what they wanted,
only to be humbled or destroyed by forces beyond their control.
Huston, motivated by the power of art, largely escaped his characters’
fate. Most of his gambles paid off, and he bravely took all his
failures in his stride.
After the huge musical hits Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Naa Ho, Karan Johar has hit the right note again with Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, says
Priyanka Bedi
Karan
Johar has once more teamed up with composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and
lyricist Javed Akhtar, who gave the music of Kal Ho Naa Ho, and the
outcome is enthralling.
The music of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is already a chartbuster. |
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