in brief: Jan. 2011

Vedic astrology website launched

A Vedic astrology website developed with assistance from Uttarakhand astrologers has been launched by a US-based company here. "We are hopeful that astrologers from all over India will be able to utilise the benefits of our website," ZoTally Inc's chairman Naresh Belwal told reporters. Apart from accessing various astrology services, the website named www.zotally.com will also help in match making and for social networking, US-based businessman Belwal said. The users will also be able to get the daily predictions on the basis of their birth charts and astrology compatibility match, he said.

Bahuguna turns 85

Environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna, who has voiced his fierce opposition to big hydel projects saying these are destroying the rich eco system of the Himalayan region, turned 85 on Jan. 9, 2011. He celebrated his birthday at HESCO village, located near the city, where he planted a sapling.

Speaking on the occasion, Bahuguna called for taking steps to protect ecology of the Himalayan region. "Construction of big projects have harmed our rivers and the people living there," he said. "Tehri dam is the worst example in Uttarakhand where the Himalayas are highly fragile."

India win all medals in 1000m speed skating

India continued its dominance in ice-skating events of the SAF winter games third day in a row by winning all the medals in 1000 meter speed skating in both men's and women's categories. India's Subodh Patil won gold in 1000m speed skating in men's category, while Mushtaq and Lavish bagged the silver and bronze respectively. In women's category, Shruti Kotwal won the gold, Sonam Tsoma took the silver and Rinchim Dolam clinched the bronze. The players from Bangladesh and Maldives also took part in the 1000m speed skating event. It was curtains for the ice-skating events of the SAF winter games today, which were held in state-of-the-art ice-skating rink at Maharana Pratap sports complex here. The colourful closing ceremony was attended by Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva, which was held from January 10 to 12. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank inaugurated the event on January 10 here.

The second part of SAF winter games comprising of skiing events would be held at Auli in Chamoli district from January 14 to 16. Besides medals, SAG winter games 2011 will also encourage sporting culture in the state and surely help it in emerging a sought-after destination for adventure sports.