“Himachal Day” showcased Himachali heritage in USA

First ever Himachal Day in USA was held at Milpitas (California) on June 14, celebrating rich culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh state of India.

It brought few hundred Himachalis and friends of Himachal Pradesh together at India Community Center (ICC) to enjoy Himachali dances, culinary delicacies, music, folk fashions, displays, etc. ICC has dedicated June as "Himachal Month" and is holding displays of Himachali crafts, paintings, pictures, etc., showcasing its cultural heritage.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed was honored on the occasion and was presented with a Distinguished Citizen Award (in recognition of Outstanding Community Leadership, Service and his pioneering efforts in creating World Wide Hindu Identity and fostering Interfaith Dialogue), a Himachali shawl and a Himachali topi, handed over by Vice Mayor of City of Cupertino Kris Wang. Zed has taken up Hindu, interfaith, religion, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. He read the groundbreaking first Hindu opening prayer in United States Senate in Washington DC. He has been bestowed with "World Interfaith Leader Award".

Coordinating committee, which organized this colorful event, included community leaders Mahesh Nihalani, Asha Stokes Sharma, Colonel Vishnu Sharma, Dr. Meena Patyal, Sudha Stokes Puar, etc., who collaborated with "My Himachal" of Philadelphia. Organizers plan to hold it every April. Ash Kalra, Councilmember of City of San Jose; Sandra James, former Mayor of City of Cupertino; and Steven Ting, President of Rotary Club of Cupertino; also attended.

Event included Himachal Group Song lead by Kanta Sud, "An American in Gandhi's India" book introduction by Asha Stokes Sharma, Gaddi Folk Dance by Uma Chitlapatti and others, Chamba Folk Songs by Yamini Mitter, Lahal & Spiti folk dance by Sumaswara and others, Himachali Duet Song by Kanta and Sushma Sud, Himachali Costume Display and Dance by children, Himachali Song by Yamini, Natti Folk Dance lead by Neelam Madaik, etc. 

Lunch comprised of specialty Himachali dishes pachole, palak diyan wadiyaan, tilwale aloo, rajmah da madhra, posti babroo, pahari khichadi, and kesari chwal prepared under the direction of chef R. Rohit Singh.Patricia Proctor, who traveled all the way from rural Nevada with her family to attend Himachal Day, described the whole experience as "wonderful".
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By :  News Team

JU’s march towards quality and excellence leads to an ‘A’ Grade

Jammu, June 16 : The University of Jammu has been reassessed and reaccredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) as an 'A' grade University for the period 2003 to 2008. The University was accredited by NAAC in 2001 and was awarded four star status equivalent to a B grade.
The report from NAAC indicates that the University has obtained a high score of 3.13 out of 4 i.e. 78%. The six major features and strengths of the institution highlighted in the NAAC report are:
• Establishment of quality management system under ISO 9001:2000 certification,
• Good governance and leadership
• Establishment of centre for quality assurance
• Creation of a vibrant ambience to meet knowledge challenges,
• Good progress in spite of functioning in a sensitive environment
• Establishment of satellite campuses
The University, in its post accreditation period i.e 2002 onwards created a niche for itself by becoming the first public university in the country to have its quality management system certified under ISO 9001:2000. The University scaled new heights during the period by laying strong emphasis on institutionalizing and internalizing quality with the establishment of a full fledged Centre for Quality Assurance aimed at establishing Quality Management System in the University. Use of Information and Communication (ICT),providing global exposure to faculty and students and developing world class infrastructure have been the thrust areas of the University during this period leading to transformation of the University from a little known provincial University to an institution which has found its place on the academic map of the country.
The public perception and brand image of the University remarkably improved. The critical role played by the University of Jammu in increasing access and enhancing the quality of higher education through establishment of new colleges and campuses was also widely acclaimed. Apart from making strides in academics, research ,infrastructure, the University won special appreciation for emerging as a socially responsible and responsive institution of higher learning focusing on contemporary,socio economic and political issues of the region and reaching out to the civil society.
 According to Director, Quality Assurance, Dr. Meenakshi Kilam "the quality initiatives which were responsible for transforming the University were also extended to the affiliated colleges. Having benefited from multiple accreditations, the University provided guidance, consultancy, training and an enabling environment to the colleges to go in for accreditation under ISO as well as NAAC, with the result the quality assurance movement gained strength in Jammu region with 22 colleges having obtained ISO certification, 31 colleges having initiated NAAC assessment process and 5 colleges being both ISO certified and NAAC accredited. Further, the colleges which are due for reaccreditation are also being provided guidance and consultancy by the University as well as the Department of Higher Education, J&K Govt."
It is pertinent to mention here that NAAC is an autonomous organization established by the University Grants Commission in 1994 which assesses and accredits institutions which volunteer themselves for this process. The process involves submitting reaccreditation report, sending regular annual quality assurance reports followed by a peer team visit by NAAC to validate the report and strengths and weaknesses of the institution with respect to Quality Assurance.
The peer team which visited the University of Jammu in March 2009, comprised of eminent academic experts like Prof.R.C Sobti,Vice Chancellor,Punjab University,Prof.NJayasankaran, Director General, Bharathidasan Institute of Management ,Prof.Harish Narang ,JNU,Dr.R.C.Sonkawade,Senior Scientist,Inter University Accelerator Centre,Prof. R.Indira,University of Mysore, Prof. Naresh Kumar Kurukshetra University,Mr.C.VRao,Industry Expert and Mr.B.S.Madhukar, Asssitant Advisor,NAAC.

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By :  News Team

NASA Awards Scholarships to 100 College Students

WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected 100 full-time undergraduate students to receive a one-year college scholarship. NASA's Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology, or MUST, project awards scholarships and internships to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields.

"Education projects such as MUST seek to inspire and equip diverse students who are underrepresented in STEM disciplines to pursue a career at NASA," said Joyce Winterton, assistant administrator for Education at NASA Headquarters in Washington. MUST is open to all undergraduates and is particularly focused on engaging students from underserved and underrepresented groups to enter STEM fields.

As part of the program, students benefit from year-round tutoring and professional development training, attendance at lecture series, and mentoring from science, technology, engineering and math faculty and peers. Scholarship recipients who maintain the required minimum grade point average also are eligible for a paid internship at a NASA center.

MUST scholars represent the following colleges and universities:

- Auburn University, Auburn, Ala.
- Brown University, Providence, R.I.
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
- Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta
- College of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph, Minn.
- Duke University, Durham, N.C.
- Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn.
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
- Hampton University, Hampton, Va.
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
- New York University, New York
- North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, N.C.
- Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pa.
- Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas
- Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.
- Rice University, Houston
- Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif.
- Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, La.
- Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas
- Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pa.
- Tuskegee University, Tuskegee Ala.
- University of Colorado at Boulder
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- University of Maryland, College Park
- University of North Texas, Denton
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.
- University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Texas at El Paso
- University of Washington, Seattle
- Villanova University, Villanova, Pa.
- Washington University, St. Louis

This program and the agency's other college and university programs support NASA's goal of investing in students to develop the skills and capabilities critical to creating a strong workforce for NASA and the nation.

The MUST project is managed at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and administered by a consortium of the Hispanic College Fund, the United Negro College Fund Special Programs and the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers.
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By :  News Team

Frequent failure of Receive Station Kishtwar putting people in adversities

BY MOHD MAJID MALIK : Kishtwar, June 16:- The District Kishtwar is reeling from electricity crises since long despite of the fact that Dul Power Station Kishtwar is generating 390 MHW electricity in its weep . The damages to 132 KV receiving Tower, and thereafter sang developed in the said supply line , and now frequent failure of Receiving Station Kishtwar has added fuel to fire in the sufferings of peoples . The entire Kishtwar plunged into darkness several times all of sudden , and there is no one to hear the public grievances, as the PDD installed the digital meters in the houses and shops of consumers in District Kishtwar, and the electric rent is being charged from them, but the department never bothered to provide the uninterrupted power supply. Last night the panel of City 1st Kishtwar Receiving station develop some defects owing to which the supply remained effected throughout the day and night . The employees of STD Udhampur as well as M&R.E Kishtwar failed to
restore the supply immediately, and are dependent upon the mechanic / experts , despite of the facts that the engineers are available with the department at Kishtwar. Ilyas Ahmad Malik, urged upon the Govt. to ensure the uninterrupted power supply to the business units , and the rent for the period electric remains off be exempted so that they may not suffer double loss .
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By :  News Team

Irregularities, in distribution of Solar Lights in Marwah area alleged

BY MOHD MAJID MALIK : Kishtwar, June 16:- Tehsil Marwah of District Kishtwar is still un-electrified , peoples are still living without electricity and adopting the old methods of K.Oil lamps , wooden torches , patromaxes etc. according to their economic condition. The state government sanctioned Solar Lights on subsidized rates for the inhabitants of Tehsil Marwah , and accordingly two departments viz Science and Technology through JAKEDA, and Rural Development Department was engaged for identification of right beneficiaries and distribution of solar lights to them. The employees of Rural Development Department posted in Marwah collected advance amount @ Rs. 750/- per family during year 2006, onwards but presently the actual beneficiaries are being deprived from the provision of Solar Lights on the instigation of some political leader of particular party . Expressing the resentment and sorrow , the people of Hanzal Marwah through Nariyan Dass , Numberdar said that near about
Rs. 40000/- have been collected by the employees of Rural Development Department receipt of which are lying with them, but presently the actual and right beneficiaries are being deprived from the supply of Solar Lights, as the concerned dealing Officers are misusing their official capacity and obliging his blue eyed persons by providing solar lights to them that too who are living in Kishtwar and other cities, while taking to this media person " he produced the list of 50 beneficiaries who have been deprived from the supply of solar lights.
Meanwhile a deputation of aggrieved residents of Qaderna and Hanzal Marwah under the leadership of Rehmtullah Malik met to Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, and demanded high level enquiry in the discrimination being made by the employees through the hands of some vested interests of particular political party in distribution of Solar Lights, and gross irregularities which is being committed by the employees in this regard they also submitted the representation for its onwards transmission to higher authorities including Chief Minister for redressal of their demands.
The sufferers of Hanzal Marwah threatened that if the discrimination continued with them they will agitate the matter and migrate from Hanzal Marwah to Distt. H.Q Kishtwar as they are being made political victims frequently through the hands of Particular political party self interested so called leaders. They said it is the height that only one Teacher is posted in Middle School Hanzal where 82 students are reading in this school.

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By :  News Team

DSE announces slew of measures to attract companies & trading members

In order to attract trading members to the Delhi Stock Exchange (DSE), when it re-launches its operation soon, the board has floated several attractive schemes. The board of DSE in a recent meeting has taken many important decisions in their bid to revive the operations of the exchange by August, 2009. DSE has floated an application form "New Deposit Based Trading Membership" to expand the base of the trading members and slashed various fees to attract more companies. The board decided to lower the amount of annual listing fee payable by the listed companies having listed capital of Rs 75 crore or above. As per decision of the board, now the companies have to pay Rs 500 for every increase of listed capital of Rs 1 crore and the maximum amount of annual listing fee payable by the companies will be Rs 1, 50, 000/-.

In another major decision by the board, it has decided to waive off the initial listing fee, annual listing fee for the first financial year and processing fee for the companies listed on some other stock exchange and has opted to list with the DSE. This is a follow up of the Amnesty Scheme which has received encouraging response. As many as 203 companies have already availed it. This scheme is to close on 30th June, 2009.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr H S Sidhu, Executive Director, DSE, said, "DSE wants to revive strongly and is likely to be operational soon. We are doing everything to provide an efficient, transparent, safe and fast trading platform to the financial community. This decision will help us to touch base with the investor and broker's community and expand the reach of the exchange. The slashed fees will be an additional impetus to those companies who want to list with DSE. We are confident that these steps will further strengthen our faith among the companies and they will come forward to trade in DSE that offers a safe, efficient, economical means to trade."

The new scheme will expand the network of DSE members. All the eligible players who deal in stock market in India will be able to use the expanded trading members' network. They can trade in all listed companies in normal or permitted segment. The individual or corporation application can be purchased physically in the DSE house in Delhi or online through their website www.dseindia.org.in. The cost of the application form is Rs 2000/-.

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By :  News Team

Dabur Amla Flower Magic Hunts For Magical Voice of Punjab

Hot on the heels of launching the innovative Dabur Amla Flower Magic hair oil, Dabur India Ltd. today announced the launch of a talent hunt 'Magical Hair, Magical Music' to identify the most melodious and magical voice of Punjab.

The talent hunt will be held across four key cities of Punjab – Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar – beginning Tuesday, June 16, 2009. The individual winners of the city rounds will come together for the Grand Finale to be held in Chandigarh on July 19.

The winner of the Magical Hair, Magical Music talent hunt will take home a cash prize, besides a chance to cut a music album and feature in a music video.

"Dabur's in-depth knowledge about nature and natural ingredients has helped us create a unique product in Dabur Amla Flower Magic Hair Oil. We are now taking this natural association to the next level with the launch of this talent hunt that seeks to identify the naturally melodious voice of Punjab, a voice that also embodies the core natural values of Dabur Amla Flower Magic Hair Oil," said Dabur India Ltd Senior Product Manager Anirudh Pandharkar.

Dabur has joined hands with 94.3 MY FM to jointly promote this activity. Listeners can get a wild card entry to the competition by dialling in to the FM station. Besides, the winner will also get an opportunity to become an on-air singing sensation on MY FM.

Dabur Amla Flower Magic Hair oil is a non-sticky hair oil with the nourishing goodness of Amla which makes hair stronger and longer, pleasant fragrance from white flowers such as Rajnigandha, Mogra, Jasmine and White Flowers that make hair more beautiful and attractive. The product, which was introduced recently, has met with immense success in Punjab. "Dabur Amla Flower Magic hair oil is targeted at young college going girls who desire to have beautiful and fragrant hair, thereby creating magic wherever she goes! Hence, the rationale of launching the hunt for a soothing and melodious voice that would create Magic," he added.

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By :  News Team

IDEA takes on the Digital space as it expands nationally Latest Marketing Innovation

17 June : 'Dada' - the 'dhoti kurta' clad, long-haired, easy going, happy-go-lucky character is IDEA Cellular's latest innovation in the Digital space!

After an excellent consumer response to Idea Mumbai Indians campaign, comes IDEA's latest offering in digital space in the form of a virtual character called 'Dada'. Dada's apparent resemblance with a person hailing from East India is a deliberate attempt to create visibility for IDEA amongst the youth community on the internet, as the company rapidly expands its operations in the eastern parts of the country. Dada's apparent speech impediment, which either comes naturally or is caused by the ever-present beetle nut leaf in his mouth, instantly connects with audience from the East.

The viral film revolves around theno-win situation 'Dada' is faced with in Orissa, and the subsequent transformation that he undergoes – thanks to an 'idea' that he gets! IDEA has created a portal www.dadakiduvidha.com which will carry interesting stories about Dada.

In the first film, Dada plays a Tour Guide who is not well aware abouthistory, current affairs, and general informationabout the city of Puri in Orissa, but makes up for it with his affable nature.

Launching the first viral in the digital space, Mr. Pradeep Shrivastava, Chief Marketing Officer, IDEA Cellular said, "We are hopeful that the beloved character of Dada will engage a large number of people in the digital space, thus helping us gain mindshare and establish connect with our TG.

"We see the digital space as a good way to engage with the youth, and expect to create strong connect", added Mr. Shrivastava.

About IDEA Cellular Ltd.:

IDEA Cellular Ltd. is a leading GSM mobile services operator with over 45 million subscribers, under brand IDEA. It has licenses and spectrum to operate in all 22 service areas of India, with commercial operations in 17 service areas, currently. IDEA is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

IDEA Cellular is an Aditya Birla Group Company, India's first truly multinational corporation. The group operates in 25 countries, and is anchored by over 125,000 employees belonging to 25 nationalities. More information on the company is available at: www.ideacellular.com and on the group at: www.adityabirla.com
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By :  News Team

IWTMA Celebrates 'Global Wind Day' at Marina Beach

IWTMA, voice of the Indian wind industry, in association with Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) celebrated Global Wind Day 2009 for the first time in India, today at Marina Beach between 4.30pm to 6.00pm. The wind energy awareness campaign was inaugurated by the Honorable Electricity Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. Arcot Veerasamy.

Over 300 children from Give Life Trust and wind energy enthusiasts supported this rally to spread awareness of wind energy for a clean green India. The children and others took a pledge to promote clean green energy and prevent global warming. This one kilometer walk showcased over 350 children swaying their colorful wind paper fans as they proudly marched from Nethaji statue to the Vivekanandar illam. The rally was followed by an educational street-play titled, '24-am Elikesi' by Expression Academy of Entertainment that emphasized that benefits of wind energy rested on the three pillars of rural prosperity, empowering India's economy and electrifying the future of the Nation. The script was not only humorous but also thought provoking for the need to adopt wind energy for a cleaner tomorrow. The city also witnessed bus back panels with educative slogs that encouraged public participation to the rally at Marina beach.

Mr. D. V. Giri, Chairman of IWTMA said "IWTMA is proud to be the first to celebrate Global Wind Day in India. Tamil Nadu is elated to host this event, as we are pioneers and leaders in wind power generation." He added, "Our aim is to create awareness in the minds of the public to realize that wind energy is one of the best alternate form of renewable energy that will be the key driver for fueling the growth of our Nation."

The phase II of the educational campaign will involve a school activation programme where IWTMA aims to catch the young minds of children with an enthralling theme of Believe in Wind Energy – It is the Future. Competitions will be conducted in over twenty schools for classes VIII-XII in the areas of painting, designing a miniature windmill model and essay writing. Three winners per batch will be taken on an educational trip to enlighten their knowledge on wind technology and understand the benefits of wind energy.

IWTMA aims to drive the development of wind power in India and advocate advantages of wind energy to the Indian Government and other energy manufacturers.

About IWTMA

IWTMA is the voice of Indian wind industry which acts as a catalyst to make India adopt wind energy and contribute to the growth of the renewable energy market for a clean and green tomorrow. The industry currently has an installed capacity of 9587MW as on December 2008 and IWTMA contributes to 90% of the installed capacity in India. The association currently comprises of ten leading wind turbine manufacturers of the country. The members of the association manufacture, develop and maintain the turbines for their customers. More information on Indian wind energy is available at the IWTMA website: www.iwtma.com

About Give Life

Give Life is a small but firm step towards ensuring holistic educational support to thousands of deserving children, providing fees, uniforms, books, nutritional porridge breakfast and general career guidance. It ensures children attain the basic standards of physical, intellectual, socio economic and moral well being.

Give Life has extended educational sponsorship support to 13600 children for the academic year June'08 and hopes to reach out to more than 18000 children by June 2010 so as to save them from conditions of poverty, lack of quality education and general deprivation.

Give Life strives to arrest child labour, trafficking in children, and institutionalization of poverty and disintegration of families. The project implementation is in the true spirit of partnership between the children, families, local school, community, and like-minded public.
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By :  News Team

E filling jai ho

17 June :  The Income tax department has recently introduced new changes to the eFiling process of income tax returns, making it highly convenient and user-friendly. Now tax payers opting for eFiling, need not stand in long queues or visit local income tax office for submitting the signed copy of the return/ ITR-V (acknowledgment). All you need to do now is simply eFile your return, print the ITR-V generated, sign the same and send it over post to the following address within 30 days of eFiling.
 The Income tax department will send an email acknowledging receipt of ITR-V to the specified email address on your return.

Income Tax Department – CPC,
Post Box No - 1, Electronic City Post Office,
Bangalore - 560100, Karnataka

 Other Benefits of eFiling: 1. Convenient & Easy - You can file your income tax return anywhere anytime as per your convenience. 2. Additional Time: Normal paper returns are accepted till 5pm on the due date (e.g. 31-July). eFiling can be done till 11:59pm on the due date. You also get 30 more days to send your signed copy of the acknowledgment to CPC. 3. Easy to prepare - eLagaan offers most easy and simple way to prepare your tax returns. You need not have any knowledge of income tax to prepare your tax return accurately. 4. Eco Friendly - eFiling is GREENER as it saves paper So experience the convenience and comfort of eFiling and enjoy. Jai Ho !
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By :  News Team

Hindus back Beatle Paul McCartney’s Meat Free Monday

17 June : Hindus have thrown their weight behind Beatle Sir Paul McCartney's call for Meat-Free Monday movement, which aims at persuading public to go vegetarian once a week to slow global warming. Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it was good for ethical and health reasons also.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that Hinduism promoted strict vegetarianism insisting on ahimsa (not harming living creatures) and non-killing, and renouncing animal slaughter and meat eating. It suggested taking of sattvik (vegetables, fruits, etc.) and avoiding rajasik (eggs, etc.) and tamasik (meat, intoxicants, etc.) foods.

Rajan Zed argued that there was extensive protection of life in Hinduism and ahimsa was a command. All the major religions of the world were opposed to killing, he added.Zed further said that as eating less meat would help the environment, more celebrities should come out in support of at least staying away from meat once a week, thus contributing to a healthier world.

Other celebrity proponents of idea behind Meat Free Monday reportedly include actors Kevin Spacey and Woody Harrelson; actresses Joanna Lumley and Laura Bailey; singers Sharleen Spiteri, Chris Martin, and Sheryl Crow; comedians David Walliams, Matt Lucas, and Ricky Gervais; media personality Kelly Osbourne; industrialist Sir Richard Branson; poet Benjamin Zephaniah; scientist Sir David King; Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman; socialite Zac Goldsmith; chefs Giorgio Locatelli, Oliver Peyton, Arthur Potts Dawson, Yotam Ottolenghi and Skye Gyngell; food writers Mark Hix and Nigel Slater; restaurateur Oliver Peyton; etc. 

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the world's livestock, which was one of the most critical contributors to global warming, McCartney is advocating Meat Free Monday. According to reports, meat is responsible for 18 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, more than transport's 13 per cent.

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By :  News Team

Mamata does a balancing act, distributes equal work to juniors

17 June :  Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has decided to keep states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal under her direct supervision while allocating equal work to her two junior ministers.

She has entrusted her two ministers of state with seven states each.While Minister of State E Ahamed will look after Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Assam and Jharkhand, the other MoS K H Muniayappa has been allocated Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, according to a Railway Ministry notification.

She has ensured that two ministers are given equal responsibilities.Ahamed will look after punctuality of trains, ticket checking and cleanliness with general upkeep of railway premises and complaints regarding passenger trains.

Muniyappa has been entrusted with the important responsibility of looking after safety and security of railways besides level crossings, construction of roads over and under bridges. 

Muniayappa has also been assigned to look after complaints regarding goods traffic and cases related to Pay Commission.In a balancing act, Mamata has asked Ahamed to handle replies to unstarred questions in the Rajya Sabha along with resolutions, assurances and monitoring of assurances while Muniyappa has been asked to handle replies in the Lok Sabha.

Muniyappa has also been asked to approve items for inclusion of rolling stock programmes not exceeding Rs 5 crore.Ahamed has been given responsibility to look into staff grievances, incentive schemes for production units, labour legislation related work.

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By :  News Team

Orissa extends summer vacation as heatwave continues; toll 49

17 June :  With the prevailing heatwave taking at least 49 lives and monsoon delayed by one week, the Orissa government on Tuesday extended the summer vacation in schools till 24th June, official sources said.The schools were scheduled to open from Wednesday.

In letters to all the district collectors, the secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Department, said the summer vacation was being extended till 24th June in view of heatwave in the state."The order will be applicable to all schools including government, private, public and English medium schools operating in the state," it said.

While the day temperature in the state capital was on Tuesday recorded at 41.4 degree Celsius, maximum of 44.8 degree Celsius was reported from Sambalpur town, Revenue Department sources said.
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By :  News Team

Free education for all up to class XII in Uttarakhand

17 :All the children studying in government and government-aided schools in Uttarakhand will now get free education up to class XII, Chief Minister B C Khanduri announced today.The state government was till date providing free education for all students from class 1 to 8, while the girls up to class XII enjoyed the facility.

But from now onwards, boys will also get free education till their intermediate level, Khanduri told reporters in Dehradun and added that extension of the facility will put a financial burden of Rs 3.95 crore on the state exchequer.

The government has also decided to provide merit scholarships to students of general category from weaker economic backgrounds for pursuing courses in professional institutes, he said, adding students belonging to scheduled caste and scheduled tribes will also get the similar facility.

Khanduri said the decision to launch Chief Minister's state employment complimentary scheme was taken in addition to the centre-funded National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) to benefit maximum number of people in villages.

Under NREGA, an unemployed person gets guaranteed employment for minimum of 100 days "but it has been seen that sometimes, due to shortage of materials used for construction work, the unemployed men do not get the maximum benefit of the scheme," he said.
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By :  News Team

Wildlife of Kumaon

Corbett National Park
India's first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms. along the banks of the Ramganga river, just 300 kms. northeast of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas is the Corbett National Park. Established initially as Hailey National Park on August 8, 1936, in honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952. In 1957, it was finally named as Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the latc Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries. Corbett is regarded as one of the true bird parks of the world. Out of the 2,060 species and subspecies of birds recorded in the Indian subcontinent, over 600 species/subspecies of birds have been recorded from Corbett at one time or another. This number is greater than the total number of bird species found in Europe and represents around one fourth of the available diversity found in India. Out of the 69 species of raptors found in India, 49 can be seen in Corbett making it a striking element of the local avifauna. The reserve, which covers 520 sq. kms. is not less than a paradise for bird-watchers. European bird-watchers are some of the keenest visitors to the reserve during winters when the bird diversity is at its peak.Birds which can be spotted at the banks of River Ramganga on the outskirts of Corbett Park include Brown Fish Owl, Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Plumbeous/White-Capped Redstarts. One can also see Little/Staty backed Forktails and Mountain/Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagles here. Inside Corbett Park, Blue Whistling Thrush and Red Jungle Fowl are immediate possibilities. But with some efforts one can spot Oriental White-eye, Jungle Owlet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Lesser Fish-Eagle or even Great Thick-knee, Stork-billed Kingfisher and many more. Mammals include Tiger, Indian Elephant, Chital, Sambhar, Muntjack (Barking Deer), Hog Deer and Common Langur. A trip to these magnificent Sanctuaries will also take you through Jaipur (Pink City) and Agra (City of Taj) which will add the experience of Indian culture, heritage, history and hospitality to your memories.
With elevations in the Park ranging from 400m to 1210m there is a rich diversity in habitat. Animals of the Himalayas and those of peninsular India can both be seen here and over 50 mammal and 25 reptile species have been recorded at Corbett. Among the predators are the tiger, leopard, diverse species of lesser cats and the dhole - the wild dog.

General Information
Area : 520.8sq.km.
Altitude : Between 400mt and 1,100mt.
Temperature : Summer: 46°C 19°C & Winter: 25°C 4°C
Main entry point : Dhangarhi, Main Tourist Centre & Dhikala.
Tourist Season : Nov. 15 to June15

Nanda Devi National Park
Spread over an area of 630 sq. kms., just next to the Nanda Devi Peak (which is the second highest mountain in India -7816 mts.), is the Nanda Devi National Park. It was established in 1980. The first men on record to have reached this Sanctuary, while yet in its pristine form, were the the British Mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman. The area had largely remained undisturbed till then, except for Tilman's successful attempt on Nanda Devi in 1936. However, from 1950 onwards the increasing number of treks & climbing expeditions to the area has somewhat affected the virgin character of this place. A unique mix of flora and fauna is characteristic of this park. The fauna inlcudes the brown and Himalayan black bears, Himalayan thar, snow leopards, serow and chir pheasants.

General Information
Area : 630 sq. kms.
Altitude : Bewteen 2,400 mts. and 6,817 mts.

Raja Ji National Park
It is the biggest park of Uttaranchal Surrrounded by mountains, Dehradun endures as a perfect retreat with beautiful spots for picnic and excursions. Its pleasent climate adds further to its charm and makes it an attractive tourist destination. Established in 1996 on the edge of the Dehradun valley is Rajaji National Park, covering an area of approx 820sq.kms. The wildlife here includes elephant, tiger, panther, bear, chital, sambar, wild boar, kakar, python, monitor lizard and a large variety of avian fauna. You find many opportunities of viewing these animals in their natural habitat here.

General Information
Area : 820sq.km.
Altitude : 300 to 1350 mts.
Tourist Season : Nov.15 to june 15

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttar Pradesh,was established in 1955. Spread over an area of 957,969 sq. kms., the altitude varies from 1300 mts.to 6323 mts. The entire area of the sanctuary is subjected to light-heavy snowfall. The snow leopard inhabits the inner Himalayas above the altitude of 3500 mts. To improve the protection of this rare animal, the upper reaches of the sanctuary were notified as a National Park which covers an area of 472.08 sq. kms.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Binsar wild life sanctuary encompasses an area of about 50 sq. Kms in the middle Himalaya near Almora. This tract is considered to be one of the most beautiful tracts in kumaon. The slopes vary from step to very step. The terrain has been shaped by the action of running water. The climatic conditions prevailing in the Binsar sanctuary range from temperate to sub-arctic. Winters are very cold and Heavy snowfall is received.
The main forests types found in this sanctuary are listed below :
• Oak and moist mixed deciduous forests.
• Temperate moist coniferous forests including deodar and blue pine.
• Sub-alpine birch, fir and spruce forests.
• Sub-alpine pasture and scrub.
This sanctuary is the home of many high altitude species of animals and birds which includes the leopard, civet cat, serow, gharial, musk deer, brown bear and khaliji pheasant.
Places Of Interest :

Jageshwar Temple
65 kms from the resort is Jageshwar, the temple town. It is situated in a beautiful narrow valley surrounded by magnificent Deodar trees. Most of the temples here are dedicated to the various manifestations of Lord Shiva.
Getting There :
Nearest Railhead : Kathgodam (75km from the resort)
Nearest Airport : Delhi : 383 kms (10 hrs from the resort)

Askot Sanctury
Pithoragarh, the picturesque hill district of Uttaranchal Pradesh, houses amidst its greens, the Askot Sanctuary, which adds more dazzle to its already splendid beauty. Lying in the lap of Kumaon Himalayas at a height of 5412 ft., snow-capped mountains peaks and fine temples are an integral part of Pithoragarh. The highlights of the sanctuary are snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahra, bharals, monals, chirs, koklas,pheasants and chukors.

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By :  News Team

Nanda Devi National Park

In the vicinity of Nanda Devi (7817 m), the second highest peak in India, is situated the Nanda Devi National Park, which has some of the most unique high altitude flora and fauna in the world. The spectacular views, sylvan environment, and richness of biosphere make it quite different from the other wildlife sanctuaries of India. The park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and In its vicinity are the Valley of Flowers, Badrinath Temple, and Hemkund Sahib. Though the park was notified only in 1982, it has a long history. W.W. Garden was the first person to reach this region in 1883, but his expedition to the Nanda Devi Peak failed to create any impact. In 1936, Tilman and N.E. Odell scaled the Nanda Devi and opened its vista for others to follow. This led to the region becoming a game sanctuary in 1939. The area of the park remained undisturbed until 1950's when organized expeditions for Nanda Devi started. To save the park from these disturbances, the Government of India declared the region a National Park in 1982 and later it was given the special status of a Biosphere Reserve.

Location
The Nanda Devi National Park is located in the Indian state of Uttaranchal in the upper Himalayan ranges. A part of the Garhwal Himalayas, the park extends from the latitude 30°24' in the North to the longitude 79°53' in the East. The entry to the park is from Lata village around 23 km from Joshimath. Mountain peaks surround it from all sides except the west where it is bounded by an inaccessible gorge.

Best Time to Visit
Being in the high altitudes, Nanda Devi National Park has a distinct climate. For six months of the year, the region remains under a snow cover. For the rest of the year, the region has a dry climate with heavy rainfall from June to August. April to June are the months when the temperature increases a bit and they are the months when one can visit this place.

Tourists Attractions
• Flora
The forest cover in this park is mainly restricted to the Rishi Gorge and the main vegetation is of fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper. In the inner sanctuary, conditions are drier and near the Nanda Devi Glacier, there is almost no vegetation. From Ramani, the vegetation changes to alpine and only juniper scrubs are the dominating vegetation. The Juniper scrubs gradually give way to grasses, prone mosses, and lichens. In total, 312 floral species have been found here of which around 17 are considered rare.
• Fauna
Animal population of species like bharal, Himalayan tahr, serow, goral, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, leopard, common langur, Himalayan musk deer, and brown beer dominate the park area.
Warblers, gresbreaks, rose finches, and ruby throat represent avifauna here. Approximately 80 species have been spotted in this park.

Places Around Nanda Devi National Park
Joshimath, at a distance of around 23 km from the Nanda Devi National Park, is an important place in any expedition to the higher altitudes of the Garhwal Himalayas. Badrinath, Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib are all wonderful destinations in this region and all can be approached from the Nanda Devi National Park. The Nanda Devi peak is considered to be one of the toughest peaks to climb in the world and a favorite destination of mountaineers from across the globe.

How to Reach
BY AIR - The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant at Dehradun at a distance of around 295 km from the Nanda Devi National Park. There are regular flights to Delhi from this airport.
BY RAIL - The nearest railhead is Rishikesh at a distance of 276 km. Rishikesh is approachable by a metalled road from Joshimath.
BY ROAD - Metalled roads are there till Joshimath from where one has to trek to reach this place. The place is inaccessible for six months of the year and it is only in summers that treks to this region can be organised.

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By :  News Team

Thrift use of electricity necessary

Bhopal:Tuesday, June 16, 2009:The State Government is making all out efforts to meet the prevailing power crisis in the state. The Chief Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has made an in-depth review of the steps being taken to tackle the electricity crisis. Shri Chouhan said that the state would overcome the power crisis soon. The power companies have expected the electricity consumers to help cooperate in minimizing demand of electricity adhering to its thrift use.

It may be mentioned that due to paucity of rains, the power generation from the hydel power stations has been hit to a great extent in the state. As a result of this, there has been a decline of about 2277 lakh units (39 percent) in electricity generation over the last six months as compared to last year. Further, due to non-availability of adequate water in the dams, the power generation from Gandhisagar, Rajghat and Marhikheda hydel power stations has almost stopped. Besides, now water between one to two metre is available in the Pench, Bargi, Tons, Indirasagar (1000 MW), Omkareshwar (520 MW), Sardar Sarovar (826 MW).

On the other hand, electricity generation is also badly affected due to shortage of coal in Birsinghpur and Amarkantakk Thermal Power Stations. In the year 2008, rainfall of merely 777 millimeter was recorded in place of average rainfall of 1524 millimeter in the catchment area of the Satpura Thermal Power Station (1142.5 MW). Because of this, the water level has gone to the minimum level. As a result of this, necessary water is not available to cool the machines of this thermal power stations and further it is not possible to run these machines on full load.

Moreover, Kakrapar, Vindhyachal and Korba units of central sector have been closed down for annual maintenance. Besides, the state had to receive 400 megawatt electricity from the Damodar Valley Corporation, which is not being received from this power station as it is not generating electricity. It is hoped that the people would be relieved of the power crisis with the state receiving good rainfall.
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By :  News Team

'Slumdog' star Rubina Ali writes memoir

16 June : From a tarpaulin hut in a Mumbai slum to the red carpet at the Oscars nine year old Slumdog child star Rubina Ali is chronicling her extraordinary journey in a memoir, which is expected to release in July.

Rubina's autobiography, 'Slumdog Dreaming: My Journey to the Stars', will be published by London-based publishers TransWorld and will be released in the UK and US on 16th July 2009, a website report quoted a statement from the publishers as saying.

"Ali tells her own incredible story from playing marbles with her friends beside the sewers of Garib Nagar in Mumbai to dancing along to the Bollywood films she and her family watch on their old television set," the statement said.

Rubina was plucked from the slums of Mumbai to star as young Latika in Danny Boyle's multiple Oscar-winning movie.The star was recently in news when she was left homeless after the civic authorities in Mumbai razed her shanty in a demolition drive.Rubina has since been offered two new homes by the Indian government and a trust set up by Slumdog's filmmakers for her and young co-star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail.
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By :  News Team

The ultimate stars of IIFA 2009

16 June : The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) celebrated the 10th edition of the VIDEOCON IIFA Weekend and IDEA IIFA Awards in the exotic locale at Macao-Resort-Hotel during 11th to 13th June, 2009.The winners of the IIFA Awards 2009 winners were announced. 

Hindi film star Hrithik Roshan and dusky beauty Bipasha Basu were honoured with the Bollywood Style Icon awards at the Idea International India Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Macau on Saturday.Jodha Akbar was declared as the best film of the year & Ashutosh Gwarikar was awarded for the same. 

Bollywood superhero Hrithik Roshan Was awarded with Best Actor in Leading Role (male) for Jodha Akbar & Priyanka Chopra won the Best Actor in Leading Role (Female) for Fashion.The Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai starrer Jodha Akbar won maximum awards at the International Indian Film Academy. 

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was honoured with the Star of the Decade award while Aishwarya Rai was adjudged the female Star of the Decade.Farhan Akhtar got the Best Male Debutant of the Year Award for Rock On!, while Asin Thottumkal got Best Female Debut award for action thriller Ghajini. 

  The Complete list of the winners

·         Best Film - Jodhaa Akbar

·         Best Actor in a Leading Role Male - Hrithik Roshan for Jodhaa Akbar

·         Best Actor in a Leading Role Female - Priyanka Chopra for Fashion

·         Best Director - Ashutosh Gowariker for Jodhaa Akbar

·         Best Actor in a Supporting Role Male - Arjun Rampal for Rock On!!

·         Best Actor in a Supporting Role Female - Kangna Ranaut for Fashion

·         Best Actor in a Negative Role - Akshaye Khanna for Race

·         Best Story - Neeraj Pandey for A Wednesday!

·         Best Debutant Star Male - Farhan Akhtar

·         Best Debutant Star Female - Asin

·         Outstanding Achievement by an Indian in International Cinema - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

·         Best Actor in a Comic Role - Abhishek Bachchan for Dostana

·         Best Music - A R Rahman for Jodhaa Akbar

·         Best Playback Singer Male - Javed Ali for Jashn-e-Baharaa (Jodhaa Akbar)

·         Best Playback Singer Female - Shreya Ghoshal – Teri Ore (Singh is Kinng)

·         Star of the Decade Male - Shah Rukh Khan

·         Star of the Decade Female - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

·         Music Director of the Decade - A R Rahman
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By :  News Team

Russian Soyuz-ST carrier rocket to be launched in 2009 or 2010

16 June : Russian Soyuz-ST carrier rocket's maiden launch from Kourou in French Guiana is scheduled for the end of this or the beginning of 2010, Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) chief Anatoly Perminov said.  "Our first serious project with the ESA, specifically with France, is the construction of the launch pad for Soyuz carrier rockets at Kourou. We have a heavy obligation. We should complete the construction by the end of the year" Perminov said on Monday.

The first launch should be made at the end of this or the beginning of next year."Roskosmos is negotiating with the European Space Agency (ESA) and several potential partners for the launch of up to 20 Soyuz-ST carrier rockets from Kourou in French Guiana.The Yekaterinburg-based Research and Production Association of Automation has designed and made all control systems for the carrier rocket.

Arianespace pins big hopes on the Russian launch vehicle. "The missile will be used to put communications satellites weighing up to three tonnes into geostationary orbits," the head of the space agency said.
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By :  News Team

IGL raises CNG prices by Rs 2.10

16 June : Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL), the sole supplier of CNG in the national capital, raised CNG price by Rs 2.10 to Rs 21 per kg effective from midnight Monday."The revision in prices would result in an increase of Rs 2.10 per kg in the consumer price of CNG, increasing from the current price of Rs 18.90 per kg," a company official said. 

IGL Managing Director Rajesh Vedvyas said: "We have been constrained to increase the price of CNG after a period of three years, mainly because of increase in the overall input cost of natural gas sourced by IGL and due to increase in the operating expenses." 

"Still, only half of the total increase in operating expenses is being passed on to the consumers and the rest is being absorbed by us."He said the increase in CNG retail prices will marginally impact the per kilometre (km) running cost for the vehicles. 

For autos, the increase would be 6 paisa per km, for taxi it would be 10 paisa per km and in case of buses, the increase would be 60 paisa per km, which translates into one paisa per passenger per km.He added that the increased price of CNG in Delhi at Rs 21 per kg would still remain the cheapest in the country. 

Speaking about CNG prices in NCR towns of Noida and Greater Noida, IGL Director (Commercial) Manmohan Singh said: "IGL is not revising the price of CNG in Noida and Greater Noida, which remains at Rs 22.10 per kg".

He added that despite the aforesaid price increase, CNG would still offer around 62 per cent savings towards the running cost when compared to petrol driven vehicles at the current level of prices.When compared to diesel-driven vehicles the economics in favour of CNG at revised price would be 31 per cent.
By :  News Team

Extend five-year tax holiday scheme to 5 star hotels: Assocham

16 June : With just 16 months left for the Commonwealth Games industry chamber Assocham has sought extension of the five-year tax holiday scheme to five star hotels in the national capital region and infrastructure status for the sector in the Union Budget.

The chamber also said that the hotel industry should be exempted from tax on services received outside the country.It said the tax holiday scheme of five years, announced in the Union Budget of 2007-08 for two star, three star and four star hotels besides convention centres in NCR should also be extended to five star hotels.

"This facility needs to be extended to all categories of hotels including five star hotels so that their capacity expansion takes place at desired speed to accommodate large number of travellers to India during the games," Assocham said.Further, it said to accelerate the pace of construction of more hotels, the hotel industry should be accorded an infrastructure status so that it can enjoy fiscal benefits.

Assocham's demand came as some of the leading hoteliers are looking for ideal sites in Delhi and the NCR region for establishing their chains to strengthen hospitality industry.In the NCR alone, around 27 new hotels are coming up with about 4,900 rooms in various categories over the next three to four years the chamber said. 

Groups like Radisson have already set up its hotel in Noida and other players like J P Group, Inter-continental, Clark Group and Chatwal Group are also planning to build 250-300 rooms hotel in the NCR area, Assocham said.Besides, there are already 70 new hotel projects that are under various stages of development to add 19,000 rooms in the next two years, it said.

The chamber has recommended to the Delhi Government that it should persuade the Finance Ministry to announce extension of 5 years holiday scheme so that hotels get tax benefits and are incentivised to execute their expansion plans."The chamber has forwarded the same proposal to the Ministry of Finance demanding that infrastructure status for hotel industry should not be delayed since the industry is highly capital-intensive and has very long period of return on investment," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.Assocham also said tax on services received by hotels outside India like commission paid to foreign travel agents be exempted.
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By :  News Team

Kerala to seek PM intervention on Mullaperiyar issue

16 June : Kerala government will seek Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention to resolve the Mullaperiyar reservoir dispute with Tamil Nadu.This comes in the light of an expert committee warning that the safety of the 100-year-old dam was under threat.

Giving details of the Committee's findings at a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, State Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran said Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan would write to the PM, seeking his intervention, considering the gravity of the situation.

He said the committee has suggested that construction of a new dam would be a permanent solution to the problem.The state government was awaiting the final verdict of the Supreme Court in the case to proceed further on construction, he said, adding that work on the design and other details was on.

The committee found that there were a number of openings created due to large-scale peeling of plaster and that water seepage through these cavities had increased, he said.It also pointed out that the equipment installed by the Tamil Nadu government to measure the uplift pressure did not yield expected results, he said.

Water storage level in Mullaperiyar reservoir, located in Kerala's Idduki District and maintained by Tamil Nadu, has been a matter of dispute between the two states.While Kerala wants to maintain the water level at 136 feet considering the safety of the dam, Tamil Nadu has been insisting on raising the water level to 142 feet.

Tamil Nadu is opposed to the construction of the new dam.

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By :  News Team

Four jawans killed, 11 others injured in J’khand Naxal strike

16 June : At least four jawans, including one of Jharkhand Armed Police, were killed and 11 others injured at Baherakhad under Manatu police station in a four-hour encounter with proscribed CPI (Maoist) ultras in Palamu district on Tuesday.

The ambushed ultras opened fire on the police team, which was returning from Log Range patrolling, police said, adding four jawans were killed and 11 wounded.The three other deceased were jawans of district police.The injured were rushed to state capital by helicopter.About 21 policemen had been killed in separate Naxal strikes in the last one week in the state.

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By :  News Team

Pilgrims offer prayers at Amarnath shrine

16 June : Over 5,000 devotees paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir on Tuesday even as the pilgrimage remained suspended from Jammu owing to inclement weather. "As many as 5,457 pilgrims offered prayers at the shrine," Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner and Yatra Officer Syed Iftikhar Bari said on Tuesday.

Earlier, over 11,000 devotees, chanting "Bam Bam Bole" and "Har Har Mahadev", began their 16-km trek to the shrine from the Baltal base camp, some 100-km from Srinagar.The officer said nearly 5,500 pilgrims were, however, brought back to Baltal following torrential rains and snowing on the route.No fresh batch of pilgrims left Jammu for Baltal on Tuesday morning in view of hostile weather on the mountainous route, a Shri Amarnath Shrine Board spokesman said.

The pilgrimage from Jammu would remain suspended tomorrow also, a police spokesman in the winter capital said on Tuesday.The annual two-month pilgrimage commenced from Monday when the first batch of 900 devotees left Jammu amid tight security.The pilgrimage to 3,880-ft high shrine was to commence on 7th June but was put off due to heavy accumulation of snow on the Pahalgam route.
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By :  News Team

Indian women reach semi-final of T20 World Cup

16 June : India booked a semi-final berth in the women's Twenty20 World Cup after humbling Sri Lanka by five wickets in a rain-marred pool B match, in Taunton on Tuesday.Punam Raut hit a patient 30 off 40 balls, while Mithali Raj cracked an unbeaten 22-ball 32 to help India romp home after restricting the Lankans to a paltry 94 for six in a rain-reduced 18 overs per side match at County Ground here.

 Chasing 95 to win, openers Punam and Anjum Chopra (11) made a watchful start scoring 27 in the first seven overs before the latter was sent packing by Udeshika Prabodani.India soon suffered a mini-collapse, losing Sulakshana Naik (2) and Rumeli Dhar (0) and were reduced to 39 for 3 in 10 overs. 

Mithali then joined Punam and clubbed two fours to share a crucial 24-run stand between them before the opener run herself out in the 13th over.However, Mithali continued and stitched 19 runs with Reema Molhotra first and later forged an unbeaten 16 run stand with Amita Sharma to score the winning runs with seven balls to spare. 

Earlier, fast bowler Rumeli and left-arm spinner Gouhar Sultana bagged two wickets each to help India restrict a hapless Sri Lanka after skipper Chamari Polgampola elected to bat first.
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By :  News Team

Tendulkar likely to miss Caribbean ODI tour

16 June : Sachin Tendulkar may miss the forthcoming cricket tour of the West Indies as he feels he is yet to regain full fitness.According to sources, Tendulkar, who is recovering from a finger injury, has conveyed to the selectors that he is still not entirely 100 per cent fit and would like to skip the one-day series, the first of the four matches beginning on 26th June.Tendulkar had revealed towards the latter part of the Indian Premier League last month that the finger injury he had sustained during the Test series in New Zealand in April was actually not a bruise but a hairline fracture.

The star bastman is presently in London with his family, as is chief selector Krish Srikkanth and Raja Venkat, selector from East Zone. The BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan is joining them in England on Tuesday.It is not yet clear when the team for the West Indies is to be announced but sources indicate it could be by tomorrow, a day after India's campaign in the Twenty20 World Cup gets over at Nottingham.Left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan may also be unavailable for the tour and lack of fitness could be cited as the reason for it. 

Selectors are also toying with the idea of dropping Irfan Pathan as the wickets in the Caribbean are slow and his lack of pace might be a handicap.According to sources, there is little chance of Virender Sehwag, who missed the Twenty20 World Cup, making it to the Caribbean tour.India play four one-day matches in the West Indies, with two games being scheduled in Jamaica (26th – 28th June) and two in St. Lucia (3rd – 5th July).The Indians are expected to leave from England itself for the West Indies on 22nd June.
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By :  News Team

Arun Jaitley quits as BJP Gen Secy

16 June : Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley, the target of several party leaders who have questioned his appointment as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha after the electoral debacle, quit as General Secretary of the organisation on Tuesday.However, Jaitley, who was the chief election strategist and has attracted a lot of flak for the party's performance in the Lok Sabha polls, has not quit as leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha which enabled him to become the Leader of Opposition in the upper house.

BJP President Rajnath Singh said that Jaitley gave his resignation six-seven days ago before he left on a holiday to London."In his resignation letter, Jaitley said he was resigning from the post of general secretary under the one-man, one-post rule of the party after his appointment as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha," Singh said, adding that he has accepted it on Tuesday. 

Asked if the resignation has anything to do with the criticism levelled by leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Jaswant Singh on the way people like Jaitley were being rewarded despite election defeat, the President said the resignation had nothing to do with the latest developments in the party.In a stinging letter to Singh, Sinha on Saturday had demanded that all the office-bearers should quit their posts accepting responsibility for the defeat. 

He had questioned the appointments to the parliamentary party posts, saying there seemed to a premium on failure in the party.Jaswant Singh, another senior leader, had at a meeting of the Core Group last week, had said that there should have been a link between performance and rewards, in what was seen as an attack on Jaitley being nominated the Leader of the BJP in Rajya Sabha.
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By :  News Team

Drinking water facility to every household

June 16, 2009   : All efforts would be made to provide drinking water facility to every household in far-flung and remote areas of the State. Irrigation and Public Health Minister, Shri Ravinder Singh Ravi stated this, while addressing a mammoth gathering on the concluding ceremony of 'Lt. Hari Singh Volleyball and Kabaddi Tournaments' at Chopal today.

While lauding the efforts of the organisers, the Minister said that our traditional games like wrestling, kabaddi and volleyball etc. has maintained their dignity, glory and importance in rural and semi rural areas of the State. People from all walks of life gather in abundance to watch these competitions.

He said that sports hostel exclusively for kabaddi players would be looked into for Chopal as kabaddi players of this area have represented at National and International levels. He said that he would also take up the matter with Department of Youth Services and Sports on priority.

The Minister also announced a sum of Rs. five lacs for renovation of Lt. Hari Singh stadium at Chopal. The Minister also distributed prizes to the participants and presented winning trophy of volleyball to A.G. H.P. Shimla. It is pertinent to mention that the final match was between the A.G., HP and Himachal Police team.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Virender Kashyap, MP thanked the people of Chopal for giving him mandate in recent Lok Sabha Elections. Earlier, the President of Chopal Cultural and Sports Club, Jagdish Zinta welcomed the Minister. The Minister also released souvenir on the occasion.

Earlier, Minister laid the foundation stones of Flow Drinking Water Supply Schemes (FWSS), which include FWSS- Kayari, Dogri and Bhuran (47.42 lac) under Gram Panchayat Sarahan, FWSS-Gayaoo and Serti (18.01 lac) and FWSS –Karai (25.70 lac) under G.P. Khaddar when completed these would benefit population of around two thousand of nine villages falling under above Gram Panchayats. He further said that Rs. 88 lacs has been released for Seri Water Supply Scheme by NABARD and assured water supply scheme for Churdhar temple and sewerage system in Chopal.

Shri Virender Kashyap, MP, Shri Virendra Kanwar, MLA, were present on the occasion among others.

By :  News Team

CM attends Shri Guru Arjun Dev Ji 'Shahidi Parv'

16 June : Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, offered his obeisance to Shri Guru Arjun Dev Jee on his 403rd Martyrs Day by visiting the Gurudwara Saheb here today. He listened to 'Shabad Kirtan' and devotional sermons delivered by the 'Granties' to mark the 'Shahidi Parv' celebrations organised by Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Shimla.

Addressing the congregation Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Arjun Dev jee had made supreme sacrifice for the cause of the community. He said that Guru Arjun Dev jee consolidated members of the community, appealed them to stay united, overcome injustice and follow the path shown by the founder of Sikhism, Shri Guru Nanak Dev jee, which was the ultimate solution to all such problems.

Prof. Dhumal said that Sikhism was a combination of all the faiths and has best of every religion in it. He said that the teachings of Shri Guru Granth Sahib jee happens to be the guiding force for leading a successful life and people adopting them in their day to day activities had been achieving success on all fronts. He said that Sikhism was a way of life which teaches people to lead a disciplined and devotional life attain eternity and underlines the need to follow the same for better and successful life. He said that 'Shahidi Parv' reminds people of renewing the pledge to follow the path shown to the society by the great 'Gurus'.

Chief Minister assured that the demands raised by the Sabha were under consideration with the State Government and positive outcome was expected in the near future. He assured all possible assistance to facilitate the devotees in carrying their devotional services conveniently.

Sardar Ravail Singh, President, Shri Guru Singh Sabha, Shimla, welcomed the Chief Minister and presented him a 'Siropa' as a token of thanks giving for the visit.

Shri Suresh Bhardwaj, MLA, Shri Ganesh Datt, Vice Chairman, HIMUDA and other senior officers also accompanied the Chief Minister.

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By :  News Team

Now an indoor GPS system!

Finding your way around shopping plazas or airports may soon get easier, thanks to scientists who have developed an indoor positioning system for cellphones similar to GPS.

Global Positioning System doesn't work in buildings as the satellite signals it uses cannot get through walls.

But in this system a cellphone can use nearby Wi-Fi transmitters instead of satellites. It triangulates their signals to calculate its position which it then displays on a map, a science magazine reported.

The system is being currently tested in Finland.

In fact, it is not the first indoor system but the others have mostly been for specialist uses such as helping firefighters find colleagues in smoke-filled buildings. This system is developed by Nokia; system will work with existing handsets and infrastructure, according to the scientists.

However, one thing it does need is access to maps of the inside of buildings. This may not be feasible for private homes but many public sites such as big sports centres and universities already make maps available.

And if the ongoing test at Kamppi shopping centre in Finnish capital Helsinki is a success then the system could be rolled out much more widely, said project leader Christian Prehofer.

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By :  News Team

NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR ECONOMICALLY BACKWARD CLASSES CALLS ON GENERAL RODRIGUES

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 16: The National Commission for Economically Backward Classes led by its Chairman Major Gen. (Retd.) S.R. Sinho called on Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, General Dr. S. F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM (Retd.) at Punjab Raj Bhavan, here this evening and discussed various issues relevant for upgrading the economic status of backward classes and the measures required to be introduced, for giving a push to the various empowerment programmes for these vulnerable sections of Society. 

 During the discussion, General Rodrigues gave a brief account of the steps taken by the Chandigarh Administration and told the Commission that the Chandigarh Administration has laid a special focus on the emancipation and economic empowerment of the backward classes by integrating them in programmes and giving them the opportunities to develop their potential, to enable them to move forward with faith and confidence.  He said that their all round development has been made an essential component of our planning and developmental processes and special emphasis has been laid on improving their living conditions, providing self employment avenues, by giving them skill training in different trades and extending them financial assistance for setting up their own business, promoting health and education. He said that as part of upliftment plan of the poor, the Chandigarh Administration has prepared an ambitious plan to construct and allot 25,782 one room tenements to be given on rent for the rehabilitation of the needy. He said that various innovative projects for the whole region has been launched which included Home-cum-Vocational Training Center for Street Children, Crippled Children and Mentally Retarded Children. Similarly he said that the project of Education City has been conceived with focus on empowerment of disadvantaged section of society.  He made it clear that all these programmes initiated in the City have been processed with the participation of experts and professionals in the larger interests of society.  He said that the e-Jan Sampark and e-Sampark programmes

launched in Chandigarh has greatly benefited the poor people of our society, saving their time and energy.  He said that the mid day meal scheme, scholarships and the computer interactive programmes launched in our schools have a special focus on benefiting students of the disadvantaged sections, to enhance their interest level in studies.

General Rodrigues impressed upon the members the need to study the ground realities about the living conditions and economic status of the backward classes, for introducing innovative steps for formulating plans and programmes. A special emphasis must be laid on implementing these measures, leaving no scope of red-tapism, or bureaucratic hurdles. He said that everything is moving forward in the Union Territory with the positive attitude of the official machinery and the participation of NGOs and concerned social activists and suggested they use Chandigarh as a laboratory, for programmes on ameliorating the lot of the backward classes. Chairman Major Gen. (Retd.) S.R. Sinho, while appreciating the vision of Administrator said that the para-meters set by the Chandigarh Administration for bringing social economic change and removing economic backwardness are really praiseworthy. The members of the Commission also discussed various legal, constitutional and administrative procedures for recasting their strategies for upliftment of backward classes. 

The other members of the Commission included Shri Narendra Kumar, Shri Mahendra Singh, IAS (Retd.) and Shri A.K. Srivastava. Shri M.P. Singh, Secretary to Governor, Shri Ram Niwas, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration and Shri T.R. Sarangal, Secretary Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Punjab,  Shri Rahul Bhandari, Executive Director, Punjab Backward Classes Corporation, Mrs. Amandeep Kaur, Director Social Welfare, Chandigarh Administration and Shri Lakha Singh, Additional Director, Social Welfare attended the meeting. 

By :  News Team

27 Chandigarh doctors leave for Singapore

Chandigarh, June 16 -- A team of 27 doctors, 18 from GMCH-32, eight from PGI and one from an NGO in Chandigarh, left for Singapore today to participate in the second part of the Singapore-India Joint Training Programme on Enhanced Healthcare Management (SIGNET) to be held from June 17-20 at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.

        It aims at giving healthcare in Chandigarh a shot in the arm. The faculty of GMCH-32, PGIM and NGO of UT who went through strenuous classroom teaching and had completed their three-day internal training course in Chandigarh, have been sent to Singapore for the second leg of the programme.

        An ambitious project of the Chandigarh Administration, Signet has been brought to City Beautiful by Prof Lazer Mathew of Vellore. It envisages imparting training to 500 doctors of north India within the next three years. The first part was inaugurated by the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Gen (Retd) S. F. Rodrigues, a few days ago at GMCH-32.

      Prof Raj Bahadur, Director Principal, GMCH-32, said that Singapore spent less money on health sector as compared to the USA but provided better health services. "Since Chandigarh resembles Singapore, it was thought to emulate it here and our efforts are to bring our health indicators close to that of Singapore," he said.

        The project has been funded by the Catholic Health Association of India, an NGO. The first-ever workshop of its kind to sensitize senior faculty of both institutions . It was followed by the trainers to be trained at GMCH, including the faculty of GMCH, PGIMER, NGOs dealing with rural dispensaries under the Director, Health Services, Chandigarh

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By :  News Team

UT steps up surveillance to prevent H1N1

Chandigarh, June 16--In the wake of detection of H1N1 influenza cases in the adjoining state of Punjab among the students who recently visited the USA, the Health Department, UT, has geared up surveillance to counter any possible threat. Senior medical officers and medical officers of hospitals and dispensaries have been alerted to gear up surveillance activities, especially on those who have recently come back from the affected countries. Fever screening of students is being done on a priority basis.         In a communication, the Chandigarh Health Department has requested the DPI (Schools) to provide the list of schools and students who were sent abroad on educational tour or on an educational exchange programme. "There is no need to panic as sufficient anti-viral drugs are available with the Health Deptt and the isolation wards, located in PGIMER-12, GMCH-32 and GMSH-16, are fully equipped with PPE, masks and other equipment to treat the patients", said Dr Manjit Singh Bains, Director Health and Family Welfare,

For detailed information one can contact 102, 0172-2782457, (influenza cell) and 0172-2740408. Instructions have been issued to the para-medical staff working in the field to keep a close watch on the symptoms of flu-like illness and bring such cases to the notice of the nearby dispensary. The situation is being reviewed and monitored constantly and regularly and steps being taken accordingly. 

        The IEC materials in the form of posters were being supplied at all dispensaries and hospitals for creating awareness about the symptoms of H1N1 influenza among the general public, Dr Bains added.

        At the anti-malaria camps being organized in labour colonies, stress has been laid on searching cases of influenza-like illness. For this purpose, special teams have been trained to find out such cases. The general public is also advised to inform each and every case having symptoms of H1N1 or influenza to the notice of the health authorities at the nearby health facility so that timely and appropriate action is taken accordingly.

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By :  News Team

Ashbeer, Kunal share lead in Lalit Suri Northern India Championship

Panchkula, June 16: It had threatened to be a battle between the in-form players Ashbeer Singh Saini and Chikkarangappa, and it was the Kapurthala boy who made the first move at the Lalit Suri Northern India Junior Golf Championship being played at the Panchkula Golf Club. Ashbeer shot one-over 73 on a day of tough scoring to be in joint lead along with Kunal Bhatia. Close on their heels, just a shot back, is Khalin Joshi, who shot a two-over 74 to be placed third.

 

Chikkarangappa, fresh from his win at the amateur tour event in Bangalore last week, is in fifth place after having shot a three-over 75. He shares the fifth spot with Rishi Raj Singh and Pawan Kumar.

 

Patiala lad, Shubhankar Sharma raced ahead in Category 'B' with a round of four-over 76. Shubhankar had finished second at the Southern India to Vashist Pawar. Vashisht, however, had a bad day in office and could only put together a round of 17-over 89.

 

Category 'C' is being led by Harsh Gangwar and Viraj Madhappa, each shooting 11-over 83. Piyush Sangwan is in third place, two shots back after his 13-over 85. Vidit Singh, who strolled to a win in this category at the Southern India, didn't start very well here. He is placed tied 12 ^th as he only managed an 18-over 90.

 

Ashbeer didn't have a very good start, with two bogeys through his first holes – the par-four first and the par-three fourth. He picked up a shot on the fifth hole, but dropped another bogey right after, finally making the turn at two-over. He then bogeyed the par-four 14^th to go three-over for the day, before pulling off a run of three straight birdies from the 15^th to the 17^th to get back on even par. Unforunately, another bogey on the finishing hole ensured he would only be sharing the lead after the end of Day 1.

 

Kunal Bhatia had a bogey but three birdies on the front nine to be two-under at the turn. But he followed that up with a bogey on the 10^th and a double bogey on the par-five 15^th to drop back to one-over for the round.

Chikka had four birdies, five bogeys and a double bogey in his dramatic round.

 

Players in the U-10 category will start their campaign on Wednesday as they compete over 54 holes to determine the winner in category 'D'.

 

 The Lalit Suri Northern India Golf Championship is the second leg of the Lalit Suri Junior Golf Tour 2009-10.

 

Leaderboard-:

 

 

Category A

 

73: ASHBIR SAINI

73: KUNAL BHATIA

 

74; KHALIN JOSHI

 

75: RISHI RAJ SINGH

75: CHIKKARANGAPPA

75: PAWAN KUMAR

 

 

Category B

 

 

76: Shubhankar Sharma

 

79: Manpreet Mann

 

80: Ankur Chadha

 

81: HARMAN VIRK

81: ARJUN SINGH

 

 

Category C

 

83: HARSH GANGWAR

83: VIRAJ MADHAPPA

 

85: PIYUSH SANGWAN

 

86: YUVRAJ SANDHU

86: ARUSH AHUJA

 

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By :  News Team