Why February 29 is a special day

Yes, 2012 is a leap year and while for some, today is just another day, for many, it is time to rejoice.
Ek extra din... the day that comes once in four years, is, for many, a birthday, an anniversary... and for some, just one extra day at work. So, are you planning to party today or crib?
B'day, after 4 years!
For 25-year-old Shamita Jain, February 29 is as important as her life because she was born that day. It's the most important day of her life as she says, "I am super excited. I always celebrate my birthday every four years in a grand manner. Ab char saal mein ek baar hee toh mera birthday aata hai." Similarly, Karan Lal (25) celebrates his birthday once every four years and this year too, he plans to celebrate in a different manner. "It might sound kiddish, but I call myself a 'leap son' and unlike other people, I don't celebrate my birthday on March 1 or February 28, so for me, February 29 is the D-Day and I throw a huge party for family and friends," says Karan. For Radha Khandelwal (21), the celebrations began from January 1 only. "You tend to be happy when you know that it's a leap year and honestly, I have been happy since January and I am planning a party at my farmhouse," shares Radha. But for Nikki Kuneta (22), her birthday is all about gifts. She tells us, "Who doesn't like to receive gifts and I get this opportunity once in four years so dude, I am overjoyed."
Happy anniversary!
For Ruchi Bhargav, housewife, celebrations started from February 1 as she will be celebrating her 10th anniversary on February 29. "I am elated as I will be celebrating my 10th anniversary and it was by sheer luck that 2012 is a leap year, else we would have to celebrate on March 1." And for Kunal, it is the pain of buying a gift. "The first thing I got to know on January 1 was that 2012 is a leap year and now, I will have to buy an expensive gift for my wife for our anniversary," laughs Kunal Verma, adding, "Jokes apart, I am glad that it is a leap year as we get to celebrate our wedding anniversary on the exact date this year."
An extra day at work
But while some celebrate their birthdays and anniversarys, and some sulk in their office cubicles. Ask them why and pat comes the reply. "Given an option to work for 28 days a month and 29 days a month, what do you think I would prefer?" asks Pooja Malik, BPO employee. And Karan Goyal, banker, seconds the thought. He says, "I've just completed my CA and joined a bank. So, it's my first job and well, it's a leap year so I get to work for 29 days in February, not fair." And yes, there were few people who didn't even know that 2012 was a leap year until we asked them. "Oh, my gosh! That means I have to work one more day in this month," rues Neeraj Chaudhary, banker.
Just another day
And now, for those who think this is just another day of the year, to be spent sleeping, shopping or perhaps, watching a movie. "I am unemployed since six months and for me, it is any other day. I will chill and go shopping," says Lalit Khaitan (25). But Surbhit Singh (26) has the best plan - he plans to attend all leap day birthday parties of his friends. "Since I have nothing to do, I plan to attend parties that day and I guess that's the best thing to do. That will burn a hole in my pocket as I will have to buy loads of gifts, but as long as I am having fun, all is cool."

Indian Fishermen’s Killing

India, Italy stick to their stand on jurisdiction 

New Delhi, February 28
India and Italy today failed to resolve their differences over who should probe the killings of two Indian fishermen by Italian marines off the Kerala coast earlier this month.
The two countries, however, pledged not to allow the incident to cast a shadow on bilateral ties. External Affairs Minister SM Krishna held wide-ranging talks here this afternoon with visiting Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Maria Terzi di Sant’ Agata. However, the February 15 incident in which the two Indian fishermen were killed is understood to have dominated the talks.
Addressing a joint press conference after their meeting, the two ministers were quite forthright in restating the positions of their respective countries. Italy is insisting that the incident should be tried according to international laws since it took place in international waters. India, however, maintains that since the incident involved an Indian vessel and those killed were Indian nationals, the two Italians would be tried under Indian laws.
“We met in the backdrop of an unfortunate incident involving the death of two Indian fishermen and the subsequent detention of two Italian navy personnel. There is strong public opinion on both sides,” Krishna said. He said the Italian minister had agreed that their two countries ‘need to clear the air’ so that their people were reassured of their will and commitment to strengthen the bilateral partnership.
Krishna said the relations between the two countries were mature and based on strong foundations. The Italian minister, who was here on a visit planned much before the February 15 incident, regretted the deaths but underlined that there were differences between the two countries over the jurisdiction issue. “I have explained frankly the position of our government on the legal aspect. International laws should try the Italian men. There is difference of opinion on this and it has not been resolved,” he said.
The Italian minister is also going to Kerala to meet the families of the two fishermen. He is also likely to meet Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna today thanked his Italian counterpart for assuring his personal attention to alleviate the difficulties being faced by members of the Sikh community in Italy. There have been reports of Sikhs being asked to remove their turbans at the security check at the Italian airports.

Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Maria Terzi di Sant’ Agata regretted the deaths but underlined that there were differences between the two countries over the jurisdiction issue Agata said his government’s position is clear on the legal aspect. “International laws should try the Italian men. There is difference of opinion on this and it has not been resolved,” he said The Italian minister is going to Kerala to meet the families of the two fishermen