BHUWAN CHANDRA KHANDURI, AVSM,MAJ.GEN.(RETD.)

Father's Name	Late Shri Jai Ballabh Khanduri
Mother's Name	Late Smt. Durga Devi Khanduri
Date of Birth	1, October, 1934
Place of Birth	Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
Marital Status	Married
Date of Marriage	17, February, 1964
Spouse's Name	Smt. Aruna Khanduri
No. of Sons	1
No. of Daughters	1
Educational Qualifications	B.Sc., B.E., M.I.E. (India), Long Defence Management Course Educated at Allahabad University, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), College of Military Engineering, Pune (Maharashtra), Institute of Engineers, New Delhi and Institute of Defence Management, Secunderabad
Profession	Engineer , Management Consultant

 

Permanent Address	Jai Durga Niwas, 12, Vikas Marg, Pauri Garhwal- 246 001(Uttarakhand) Tel.-  (01368)- 222600
Present Address	Office:- IVth Floor, Secretariate Annexe, Subhash Road, Dehradun Tel.- (0135)-2712636, 2656068, Fax- 2712827 Vidhan Bhawan, Haridwar Road, Dehradun - 248 001 Tel.- (0135)- 2665090, 2665100, Fax 2665722 Residence: -          Annexe Circuit House, New Cantt Road, Dehradun - 248001          Tel.- (0135)-2755100,2755101 Fax 2755102
Positions Held
1991-96	Elected to 10th Lok Sabha
1991-96	Chief Whip, Bharatiya Janata Party (B.J.P.), Parliamentary Party, Lok Sabha
1992-97	Member, National Executive, B.J.P.
1996-97	Vice-President, B.J.P., Uttar Pradesh
1998	Re-elected to 12th Lok Sabha (2nd term)
1998-99	Chief Whip, B.J.P. Parliamentary Party, Lok Sabha
	Member, Committee on Public Accounts
	Member, Rules Committee
	Member, Business Advisory Committee
	Member, Committee on Home Affairs; [Departments of, (i) Law and Company Affairs; Personal, Public Grievances and Pensions] and Convenor of its Sub-Committee on Personnel Policy of Central Para- Military Forces (CPMFs)
	Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Defence
1999	Re-elected to 13th Lok Sabha (3rd term)
	Chief Whip, B.J.P. Parliamentary Party, Lok Sabha
1999-2000	Member, Business Advisory Committee
	Member, Committee on Home Affairs; [Departments of, (i) Law and Company Affairs; and (ii) Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions] and Convenor of its Sub-Committee on Personnel Policy of Central Para- Military Forces (CPMFs)
1999-2001	Member, Committee on Public Undertakings
2000-2001	Member, Committee on Ethics
2000-2003	Member, National Executive, Bharatiya Janata Party
Nov. 2000-23May 2003	Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Road Transport and Highways
24 May 2003- 21May 2004	Union Cabinet Minister, Road Transport and Highways
12 July 2003 - 8 Sept. 2003	Union Cabinet Minister, Road Transport and Highways with additional charge as Minister, Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation
May 2004	Re-elected to 14th Lok Sabha (4th term)
June 2004-August 2004	Chief Whip, B.J.P. Parliamentary Party, Lok Sabha
August 2004- 7th March, 2007	Member, National Executive, B.J.P.
	Chairman, Standing Committee on Finance
	Member, General Purposes Committee
	Member, Buisness Advisory Committee
	Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
8 March 2007-Onwards	Chief Minister, Uttarakhand
and 25 June, 2008-Onwards	Member of the Standing Committee of the Inter-State Council.

 

Social And Cultural Activities

Managing "Chandra Ballabh Trust" started in Garhwal, in 1917 by his grand father; Patron, Parvatiya Sanskriti Parishad, Dehradun, 1990-93

Special Interests

Prohibition, cultural heritage of India; environment and forests, defence, social work, population control

Favourite Pastime and Recreation

Sports and reading

Sports and Clubs

Vice-President, Archery Association of India, State President (Uttarakhand); Defence Services Institute, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, and (ii) India International Centre, New Delhi ; Tennis, squash, hockey and football

Countries Visited

Austria, France, Germany, Holland, Japan, Malaysia, Switzerland, Thailand, U.K., Vietnam and U.S.A.

Other Information

Participated in Freedom Struggle as a student; served Indian Army, Corps of Engineers, 1954-1990, held various posts, (i) Commander of Regiment during Indo-Pak War, 1971, (ii) Commander of an Engineer Brigade, (iii) Chief Engineer; (iv) Additional Military Secretary, Army Headquarters; and (v) Additional Director General, Engineer-in-Chief's Branch, Army Headquarters; conferred Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) by the President of India for distinguished services in the Indian Army, 1982; Founder President, (i) Poorva Sainik Seva Parishad, Uttar Pradesh, 1992-2000; and (ii) Uttarakhand Pradesh Sangarsh Samsiti, 1994-96; Member, Wild Life Society of India, 1990-2000; Member, G.B. Pant Himalaya Environment and Development Committee, 1998-2000

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By :  News Team

Contractual teachers held, denied bail

Chandigarh, June 19 : The contractual teachers who have been protesting for the past four days, demanding the regularisation of their services, probably learnt the worst lesson of their life here today.The journey that started from cleaning vehicles has landed them in jail, where they spent the whole night for want of bail.

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By :  News Team

RSS can walk straight without BJP crutches: Govindacharya

 NEW DELHI: Virtually daring the BJP to snap links with the RSS, former party ideologue K N Govindacharya has said the RSS can "walk straight  without the crutches of the BJP". Govindacharya, who parted ways with the BJP sometimes back, accused the party leaders, including its chief Rajnath Singh, of practising "pseudo-Hindutva". Besides, he dubbed Varun Gandhi's election speeches as "pesudo-Hindutva of the reactionary, irresponsible kind" and "not Hindutva".

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By :  News Team

Will 'Gangster' Shiney meet Abu Salem?

MUMBAI: In a strange convergence of art and life, actor Shiney Ahuja, whose character in the 2006 film 'Gangster' is said to be based on Abu Salem, will serve a 14-day stint in judicial custody at Arthur Road jail, where Salem himself is awaiting trial. Ahuja is accused of raping his domestic help.
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By :  News Team

'Rape can be by woman too'

The media is after her husband's life. And rape, after all can be committed by a woman too (remember Disclosure's Demi Moore or closer home, Aitraaz's Priyanka Chopra?) That was what Anupam Ahuja had to tell the world on Wednesday. At a press conference in Juhu to defend her `soulmate' and the doting father to their daughter, the wounded wife reiterated what she had been saying from day one-that Shiney was innocent and was being framed. "Rape is a very heinous crime and in today's time it can be committed not just by a man. Even a woman can do it and we all know," an aggressive Anupam stated, adding, "I know there will soon be a law that will be formed to protect both the genders in rape cases. I really don't know why he is being framed. It is also possible since he is a celebrity and all celebrities are soft targets.''

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By :  News Team

Shiney gets a character certificate

MUMBAI: Shiney Ahuja may or may not have raped one of his maids, but the allegations have not stopped the other maid, Sangeeta, from giving a
character certificate to the beleaguered actor. Investigators, of course, do not put too much store on this certificate as they feel Sangeeta may have been influenced by her employers. "The probe is still on but this is not too different from what the actor's wife and friends have been saying all along,'' a senior police official said.

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By :  News Team

Tripura Gas Based Power Project, 100 MW (Nominal) + 20% in Tripura

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the implementation of the Tripura Gas Based Power Project, 100 MW (Nominal) + 20% in the State of Tripura in the Central Sector by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO). The estimated cost of the project would be Rs.421.01 crore including Interest During Construction (IDC) of Rs.27.47 crore at December, 2008 price level. The project shall be funded with Debt Equity ratio of 70:30. The debt portion shall be met through commercial borrowing and the equity portion shall be met from internal resources of NEEPCO.

The project is scheduled for commissioning within 30 months from the date of investment approval. The entire power from the project would be allocated to the state of Tripura.

BACKGROUND:

The energy consumption pattern in the State of Tripura has increased considerably which is expected to increase further due the industrialization initiatives taken by the Government of Tripura. With the addition of the approved power station, it is expected that power position of the state shall improve considerably.After meeting the requirement in the State of Tripura, there may be exportable surplus during the initial period of operation which would mitigate the shortages in the Region.
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By :  News Team

STA goes in for single-window system, computerisation

Chandigarh, June 19--The Chandigarh State Transport Authority (STA) is taking sure and steady steps on the road to having single-window system on the lines of the Registering and licensing branch. The objective is to make things convenient and faster for the people by computerizing and bringing under single window the 11-odd services being rendered, and eradicating the non-value adding processes that act as speed-breakers on the service.

         A detailed proposal to this effect has been sent to the Chandigarh Administration and approval is awaited. Disclosing this here today, Mrs Vandana Disodia, Secretary, STA, said, "We hope to have the computerized single-window system in place by August-end, 2009. The civil work is nearing completion and computers have been arranged. The department also plans to provide ramps for the disabled and adequate parking and sitting arrangement for the public. The building will be totally air-conditioned and a generator set will also be in place to provide for failure of electricity", she disclosed.

        The proposal draws strength and outlines from a study conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers which assessed that the STA needs to use   information technology and should avail itself of the benefits of information and communication tools to bring about paper-free office culture and render efficient service delivery. Improved process flows that are customer-centric and help minimize human intervention, are required to fill the gaps and ensure timelines and effectiveness of service and delivery channels.

        Proposed to be implemented in a phased manner, the project has been divided into three phases—conceptualization, business case development and project implementation.

       The move gets impetus from the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) which aims at creating a citizen-centric environment for governance. The Planning Commission has also allocated funds as additional central assistance to all the States and UTs for assessing their capacity building needs and for preparing e-Governance and capacity building roadmaps.

            "In keeping with the guidelines issued by the Central Government, a detailed project report has been prepared on the current level of computerization in the department, processes to be computerized, broad level of process changes, technology, solutions, project plan and total cost of the project," said Disodia.

        Mr. Sanjay Kumar FS cum IT Secretary stated that the Chandigarh Administration has taken several initiatives for modernizing service delivery in tune with the NeGP. The e-Governance roadmaps of the administration have identified eleven priority sectors as mission mode projects and enabled to provide efficient services to the public.

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By :  News Team

Rural Development Ministry releases Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP) Award money to six States

The Ministry of Rural Development has released an amount of Rs. 3219.5 lakh for distribution as cash awards to the Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP) winning Panchayats of six States during 2008. These States are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Kerala has been granted Rs. 5.00 lakh as balance fund for NGP award money as cash award amongst successful Panchayati Raj Institutions of the State. With this release full and final amount of Rs. 2992.00 lakh stands released to Kerala State for awardeees Gram Panchayats in NGP 2008.

Rs. 2757.00 lakh has been granted to Tamil Nadu State Government as full and Final funds for distribution as cash awards under Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP) amongst successful Panchayati Raj Institutions of the State.

Andhra Pradesh has been granted Rs. 29 lakh as balance fund for NGP award money as cash award amongst successful Panchayati Raj Institutions of the State. With this release full and final amount of Rs. 878..00 lakh stands released to Tamil Nadu State for awardeees Gram Panchayats in NGP 2008.

Bihar has been granted Rs. 4.00 lakh as balance fund for NGP award money as cash award amongst successful Panchayati Raj Institutions of the State. With this release full and final amount of Rs. 658..00 lakh stands released to Bihar State for awardeees Gram Panchayats in NGP 2008.

Karnataka has been granted Rs. 188.00 lakh as balance fund for NGP award money as cash award amongst successful Panchayati Raj Institutions of the State. With this release full and final amount of Rs. 1401..00 lakh stands released to Karnataka State for awardeees Gram Panchayats in NGP 2008.

Similarly, Maharashtra has been granted Rs. 236.00 as lakh balance fund for NGP award money as cash award amongst successful Panchayati Raj Institutions of the State. With this release full and final amount of Rs. 4959.50 lakh stands released to Maharashtra State for awardeees Gram Panchayats in NGP 2008.

Of these six States, the successful Panchayati Raj Institutions of Bihar were awarded at a function held in Guwahati on 20th October, 2009 while the remaining five States namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu at a function held in Pune on 8th December, 2008 by the President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil.

The "Nirmal Gram Puraskar" "Clean Village Award" was started in 2005 under Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) to honor, felicitate and encourage those Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) which have achieved full sanitation coverage in their area of operation and become Open Defecation Free and clean villages, for making TSC into a mass movement. This year 12,075 Gram Panchayats have been honored with Nirmal Gram Puraskar by Her Excellency, President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Haryana (Hisar), Assam (Guwhati) and Maharashtra (Pune). 105 Block Panchayats and 8 District Panchayats were also honored with NGP award in a function held on 21st November 2008 in Vigyan Bhavan. These NGP award winning villages showcase the progress made under Total Sanitation Campaign, the flagship programme of sanitation of the Ministry of Rural Development.

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By :  News Team

Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) Project within the outlay of Rs.2000 crore in the 11th Five Year Plan.This project would be initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs and implemented by the National Crime Records Bureau. The CCTNS project is to be implemented in a manner where the major role would lie with the State Governments in order to bring in the requisite stakes, ownership and commitment, and only certain core components would be in the hands of the central Government, apart from the required review and monitoring of project implementation on a continuing basis.

The CCTNS project aims at creating a comprehensive and integrated system for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of policing at the Police Station level through adoption of principles of e-Governance, and creation of a nationwide networked infrastructure for evolution of IT-enabled state-of-the-art tracking system around "investigation of crime and detection of criminals" in the real time. This is a critical requirement in the context of the present day internal security scenario.

The broad objectives of the CCTNS project are streamlining investigation and prosecution processes, strengthening of intelligence gathering machinery, improved public delivery system and citizen-friendly interface, nationwide sharing of information across on crime and criminals and improving efficiency and effectiveness of police functioning. It will also:

• Facilitate collection, storage, retrieval, analysis, transfer and sharing of data and Information among Police Stations, District, State headquarters and other organisation/agencies, including those at Government of India level.

• Help in enabling and assisting the senior Police Officers in better management of Police Force

• Keeping tract of the progress of the crime and criminal investigation and prosecution Cases, including progress of cases in the court

• Help in reducing the manual and redundant record keeping.

This project aims to fulfil the above mentioned objectives over a period of three years.

An indicative list of e-services expected from CCTNS to citizens would be filing of complaints / information to concerned Police Station; obtaining status of complaints / cases registered at Police Stations; obtaining copies of FIRs, post-mortem reports and other permissible documents etc.

BACKGROUND:

The CCTNS Programme was conceived as a Mission Mode Project fully sponsored by the Government of India under the national e-Governance Programme.

With the launching of CCTNS, the erstwhile Common Integrated Police Application (CIPA) programme would be subsumed into it in a manner that the work already done thereunder is not disrupted. CIPA had been initiated to computerize and automate the functioning of police stations with a view to bringing in efficiency and transparency in various processes and functions at the police station level and improve service delivery to the citizens. So far, 2760 police stations, out of a total of around 14000 police stations across the country, have been covered under the Scheme.
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By :  News Team

Acquisition of Aircraft For Disaster Management Support (DMS)

The Union Cabinet today approved the procurement of an Aircraft, exclusively for Disaster Management Support (DMS), by National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) of Department of Space (DOS) from M/s. Embraer, Brazil, at an estimated cost of Rs.179.86 crores for Disaster Management Support.

The availability of the dedicated aircraft would enhance the capability in the country for undertaking real-time as well as systematic scientific aerial survey operations in support of disaster management.

It is essential to have an exclusive jet aircraft for DMS activities, which can fly at higher altitudes avoiding the air turbulence regions normally prevailing during inclement weather and at higher velocity not only to reach the affected areas well in time but also to meet the minimum velocity requirements of the microwave imaging payloads.
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By :  News Team

Tiger Reserves of India- Manas Tiger Reserve- Combination of Scenic Beauty and Wealth of Wilderness

Manas Tiger Reserve is combination of scenic beauty and rare wealth of wilderness which proves to be one of the most enthralling experiences in any wildlife enthusiast's life. It is Assam's first Tiger project created in 1973 at the time of launch of the project Tiger. It is part of UNESCO's Natural World Heritage site Manas which is the most stunning pristine wildlife habitat in India. Its spectacular landscapes are among best in the world.

Manas Tiger Reserve is located at the confluence of Indian, Ethiopian and Indo-Chinese realms resulting in the magnificent biodiversity having unique distinction encompassing a project Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve. The Reserve area falls in six districts Kokrajhar Bangaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, and Darnang.

Situated in the north bank of the Brahamputra river, the Reserve runs along the Indo-Bhutan international border. The enchanting Manas River, named after the serpent goddess Manasa is the largest Himalayn tributary of the mighty Brahamputra coming down the gorges of Bhutan Hills from the north. The crystal clear water splits into two major streams, i.e. separate rivers in India, the Beki river and Bholkaduba river. The coloured pebbles of these rivers are added attraction. There are numerous other rivers criss-crossing the Reserve, namely Sankosh, Saralbangha, Hel, Tanali, Courang, Sidli (Bhor) Aio, Beki, Pathimari, Kaladia, Tihunala, Morapagaldia , Nala, Braalia, Pbornodi and Dhansiri. Waterholes have also been created at Buraburijhar, Makhibaha and Dhaulabil in the core area. These rivers drain the reserve which lies in a wide low-lying alluvial terrace below the foothills of the outer Himalayas. While the core-zone, the Manas National Park is a pristine wildlife habitat, the rest of the reserve is a collection of eighteen Reserved Forests with revenue villages. While traversing the Reserve form West to East, one come across Sal forests , both virgin and degraded, moist mixed deciduous forests, isolated patches of sub-Himalayan high Alluvial Semi evergreen forests, Eastern Valoor type Forests, grassland of both-low alluvial savannah woodland and Assam valley semi-evergreen Alluvial grassland and terai types and miscellaneous forests. Limestone and sandstone form the bedrock of the savannah area in the north while the grassland in the south consists of deep deposits of fine alluvium.

Conservation history

Manas Tiger Reserve was created in 1973, with Manas Sanctuary as its core. Manas Sanctuary with an area of 360 sq.km., was created way back in 1928. Prior to declaration of the sanctuary, the area was reserve Forests (R.F) called Manas R.F. and Northern Kamrup R.F. The Raja of Gauripur and the Cooch-Bihar Royal family were using these areas as hunting preserve. The sanctuary was later extended by two successive additions in 1951 and 1955 to 391sq.km. by including the entire North Kamrup Reserve.Forest and the Manas Reserve Forest and the area was declared as Manas National Park in 1990.

Major Flora

The reserve has 374 species of dicotyledons and 139 speceis of Monocotyledon plants. It is an abode for rare plants such Reinwardia, Desmond motorium, Pueroria subspicota, Biden pilore, Exacum teres, Pygmaeopreme herbacea, Chiloschhiosta junifera, Oplismenus megaphyllus, Magnifere sylvetica etc.There is considerable variety of aquatic flora along the Manas river.

Main Species

Main species include Shorea robusta, Artocarpus Chaplasha species,. Bombax ceiba, Careya arborea, Chukarasia tabularis, Dillenia pentagyna, Lagestroemia parviflora, Leea aequata, Leea Crispa, Melastoma Malbathricum, Oroxylum indicum, Toona ciliata, Trewia nodiflora, Duabanga Grandiflora, Holarrhaena antidysentrica, Mallotus, phillippensis , Mukuna bracteata, Pouzlozia Zeylancia, Syzygium formosum, Terminalia bellarica, Zingibar zecumber, Zizyphus mauritiana etc.Grasses include Imperata Cylindrica,Narenga porphyrocoma, Panicum species, Saccharum arundinaceum, thrysanolaena maxima etc.

Faunal

There are a plethora of animals of a variety of wildlife including 55 Mammalian species,36 reptilian species and 3 amphibian species in terms of numbers. It is the greatest protected area in India. The tiger population has been estimated at 89 in 1997.

The main species are tiger, Capped languor, Black Panther, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Large Indian civet, Himalayan palm civet common mongooses, small Indian Mongooses jackal Indian fox leopard cat,. Golden cat, Asian Elephant, Indian pangolin, one-horned rhinoceros.

Besides these, there are golden Langur, Common Langur, Slow Loris Royal Black Panther, Clouded Leopard, wild cat, Fishing Cat , Small Indian Civet, , Binturong, Dhole, Indian Fox, Red Fox, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Smooth Indian otter, Yellow Throated Materna, Chinsees Badger, Yellow bellied Short nosed Fruit Bat, Greater Yellow Bat, three stripped Plam Squirrel, five stripped palm Squirrel, Malayan giant squirrel, Bay Bamboo Rat, Little Indian field mouse,Gaur, Asiatic Water Buffalo, Sambar Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Swamp Deer, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and the Gangetic Dolphin. The rare and attractive red Panda has been spotted occasionally in the higher elevated has been also spotted recently. The Assam roofed turtle has been also spotted recently. The diminutive and extremely rare pigmy hog and hispid has been found in grasslands.

Endangered species

The tiger Reserve harbours 21 highly endangered species of birds and animals. They are listed in the IUCN red data book .

These are capped langur. Garden langur, slow Loris, Tiger, Black Panther leopard cat, clouded leopard, golden cat, Fishing cat, Bear cat, sloth Bear, Asian Elephant , Indian pangolin, one-horned rhinoceros., Asiatic water buffalo, swamp deer, party-coloured flying squired, Hispid hare and Gangetic dolphin.

Avian

Manas gets number of migratory birds like River-chats, forktails, cormorants, ruddy shell-ducks etc. There are regular woodland birds like Indian hornbill and pied hornbill. The rare Finn's baya nests here and Bengal floricans also breed at large. Four different species of hornbill are found near fruiting trees.During winter the ibisbills visit the rivers's edge. Butterflies and reptiles are found aplenty in Manas.

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By :  News Team

Transfer of Defence Land for Delhi Metro

The Union Cabinet today approved the transfer of Defence Land to DMRC for construction of Central Secretariat – Badarpur corridor of Delhi MRTS Project, Phase-II.The Central Secretariat– Badarpur Corridor of Delhi MRTS Project, Phase II is to be taken up for implementation so as to commission it before the Commonwealth Games 2010.
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By :  News Team

Ashbeer completes double with NI title

PANCHKULA (HARYANA), JUNE 19 : Kapurthala-based Ashbeer Singh Saini of Kapurthala returned a card of eight-over 80 and still emerged on top to clinch his second consecutive title on the Lalit Suri Junior Tour with a total of 10-over 298 at the Panchkula Golf Club here today. Ashbeer  emerged winner by six shots as his nearest contender, Bangalore's Chikkarangappa, failed to grab the opportunity.

 Chikka finished with nine-over 81. One shot behind him was Khalin Joshi, with a total of 17-over 305. Rommel Mazumdar, who finished 14th, turned a few heads with an albatross on the par-5 eighth.

 Ankur Chadha was a comfortable winner in Category B, finishing five ahead of Tarundeep Chadha. Delhi's Piyush Sangwan, made a mark in his new age category, winning the U-12 title by finishing six shots clear of Jairaj Sandhu, the overnight leader. Karandeep Kochar completed a double with a facile win in the juniormost category.

 In the girls section, Laverry Kumar finished off the competition with a round of even-par 72 to win the title. Shreya Ghei finished five behind her with a total of 14-over 230. 

Fifteen-year-old Ashbeer got off the blocks with a double bogey but Chikka restored parity with a double bogey of his own on the next hole. Ashbeer's struggles did not cease, as the youngster was four-over after four holes. With Chikka not showing any hint of a charge, Ashbeer went about the task of bringing normalcy back to the proceedings by making birdies on the fifth, eighth and 10th. At one-over for the day, he was nine shots ahead of Chikka with just eight holes to play. 

His lead thinned down dramatically over two holes, with a quadruple bogey on the 12th followed by a double bogey on the next hole. The two young guns will face off against each other in Delhi during the next tournament of the Lalit Suri Junior Golf Tour at the Delhi Golf Club.

 Leaderboard:  Category A&B:  298: Ashbeer Saini (73,71,74,80). 304: Chikkarangappa (75,73,75,81). 305: Khalin Joshi (74,76,75,80).

 Category A:  298: Ashbeer Saini (73,71,74,80). 304: Chikkarangappa (75,73,75,81). 305: Khalin Joshi (74,76,75,80).

Category B:  311: Ankur Chadha (80,75,78,78). 316: Tarundeep S Chadha (80,78,76,82). 318: Kushal Singh (79,77,85,77).

Category C: 330: Piyush Sangwan (85,82,84,79). 336: Jairaj S. Sandhu (89,77,79,91). 338: Viraj Madhappa (83,84,81,90).

Category D:  257: Karandeep S Kochar (84,87,86). 260: Arjun Prasad (88,86,86). 268: Siddarth K (89,92,87).

Girls Category A:  225: Laverry Kumar (75,78,72). 230: Sherya Ghei (77,78,75). 235: Gauri Monga (81,83,71).

Girls Category B: 237: Gurbani Singh (83,77,77). 266: Raksha Phadke (90,85,91). 267: Amrita Sarna (93,85,89).

Girls Category C:  270: Aditi Ashok (87,92,91). 271: Ridhima Dilwari (94,92,85). 291: Gurjot Badwal (95,101,95).

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By :  News Team

Sayyim hits fine century

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19 : A fine century by Sayyim paved a 98-run victory for 37 Cricket Academy against LIC Academy by in the LIC Trophy today at Saint Soldier's International School ground in Sector 28 here today.

Lic Academy won the toss and elected to field first. Sayyim Sareen scored 120 in 70 balls with 18 fours and four sixes. 37 Academy put up a huge total of 257  in stipulated 30 overs. The other main contributors were Yogesh 31 in 22 balls with four fours and Arohi 26  with three fours. Shubh (2 for 39) and Pankaj (2 for 45) were the main wicket-takers for LIC Academy.
In reply LIC Academy scored 158 for 9 in 30 overs. Adhyan (26) and Shubh (19) were the main run-getter.

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By :  News Team

MAJOR PENALTY PROCEEDINGS AGAINST 83 OFFICERS RECOMMENED

The Central Vigilance Commission disposed of 389 cases during May 2009 referred to it for advice. The Commission launched prosecution against 2 officers. Of these, one each from D/o Science & Technology and Home Affairs.

The Commission advised initiations of major penalty proceedings against 83 officers. Of these, 39 were from public sector banks, 8 Airports Authority of India, 7 from Central Warehousing Corporation, 4 each from CBDT and Central Coalfields Ltd., 3 each from CBEC and DDA, 2 each from Bharat Coking Coal Ltd.,, NDMC & MHA. The remaining 9 cases pertained to different departments of the Government of India and PSUs.

The Commission also advised imposition of major penalty against 39 officers including 16 from Insurance Companies, 7 from DDAm 6 from Public Sector Banks, 2 from MCD. The remaining 8 cases pertained to different departments of the Government of India and PSUs.

The Commission disposed 546 complaints during the month. Of these, 457 complaints were sent for necessary action/ATR, whereas 89 complaints were sent for investigation and report.

On the Commission's recommendations, the administrative authorities took action against 8 officers. Of these, 7 from Housing & Urban Development Corpn. Ltd. and one from M/o Urban Development.

Recoveries to the tune of Rs.2.25 crore were effected after Commission conducted technical examination of some departments.

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By :  News Team

Russian origin military plane violates Indian airspace

A military cargo aircraft AN-124 of Russian origin carrying ammunitions and five persons on board on Friday night intruded into Indian airspace and landed at the international airport in Mumbai [ Images ].

Indian Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander T K Singha said the plane, which entered the Indian airspace at around 2000 hrs, did not have the permission to fly over the Indian airspace.

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By :  News Team

Rape incident raises serious concerns about tourists’ safety

Shimla, June 19
The shameful incident of rape of a British girl in Palampur has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of tourists, particularly foreigners, in the hill state which has been a place of peace and tranquillity.

The "Dev Bhoomi" has indeed been desecrated by the heinous act and the stray occurrence may give a setback to the efforts of the state to project Himachal Pradesh as a favoured destination for foreign tourists. Over the past five years, tourism industry has witnessed phenomenal growth with total number of tourists visiting the state shooting up from 47 lakh in 2000 to 97.49 lakh last year. More importantly, the number of foreigners went up three-fold from 1.11 lakh to 3.77 lakh over the period. But there is no effective mechanism in place to guide the visitors who often fall prey to lust of anti-social elements.

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BJP to check indiscipline

 

Shimla, June 19
With aspirants for BJP ticket for the by-elections to the Rohru and Jwali assembly segments staking their claim openly, the BJP has issued dictates to all block BJP units not to hold any meetings to extend support or oppose any leader.

Buoyant after the party's victory in three of the four Lok Sabha seats, claimants for the party ticket from Rohru and even Jwali are openly staking claim as they feel the BJP has a fair chance of winning. This has resulted in bickering in the party with the party unit at the mandal level also throwing in its weight behind such leaders.

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Power crisis continues

Solan, June 19
Investors in the state's industrial hub of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) and Parwanoo continued to face power crisis with the state electricity board imposing daylong power cut for the second day today.

Peeved at the non-availability of power in the peak summer season residents of Nalagarh gheraoed the local office of the state electricity board after facing power cuts in their residential areas late last night. The irate residents gathered around the Nalagarh office of the board around 11 pm and shouted slogans against the department till 12:30 am. They expressed resentment against imposition of power cuts in the residential areas though the board had assured them of uninterrupted power supply.

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Food Poisoning
Incident exposes poor hygiene at schools

Hamirpur, June 19
While five children out of 32 admitted to regional hospital, Hamirpur, yesterday after eating "poisonous" mid-day meal in Government Primary School, Tikkar Khatriyan, are still undergoing treatment, the incident has exposed the state of drinking water and mid-day meal cooking in government schools.

Since it was reported that students of the school had suffered from food poisoning after eating food made from water contaminated by a dead snake found in the water tank, the incident speaks volumes about the condition of drinking water arrangements in the schools.

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By :  News Team

Jeev five-over after 8 holes in rain-marred US Open

The inclement weatherthrew Jeev Milkha Singh's campaign in complete disarray withthe Indian going five-over after eight holes before rain dropped curtains on the opening round of the US Open golf tournament in USA.

On a truncated day when just four players returned sub-par scores at the soggy Bethpage Black, Jeev began with a bogey and that became a recurring theme.He dropped another stroke on the third and parred the next before shooting a bogey hat-trick on those par-four holes. 

The Indian, battling a rib injury, had barely parred the eighth hole when steady rain made play impossible and Jeev returned with an unfinished business.Jeff Brehaut, Johan Edfors, Andrew Parr and Ryan Spears were going one-under before the rain suspension.(AM-19/06)
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By :  News Team

Asia could see economic recovery in 2010: ADB

19 June : Asian economies, which have been hit hard by the current global economic crisis are expected to recover by next year if fiscal stimulus measures taken by their governments prove effective, a senior official at the Asian Development Bank has said.

However, Rejat Nag, MD, ADB Manila, also warned that economic recovery in Asia's export-dependent markets can be delayed until the global trade shows signs of recovery at a faster pace.

"Asia will lead the way out of the crisis for the rest of the world," said Nag at the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Seoul, projecting a growth of 6 per cent for the Asian region next year, up from an estimated 3.4 per cent growth for the current year."However, Asia is still reliant on the rest of the world," Nag said.For decades, East Asia's growth model has been vulnerable to economic turmoil in developed nations in the West because it relies on the buying power of Western economies.
The current economic crisis provided a rare opportunity for Asia to retool its export-dependent growth model, Nag pointed.The International Monetary Fund had recently predicted a 4.8 per cent growth for Asian economies this year and 6.1 per cent for the next year.

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By :  News Team

State Bank of Indore recommends merger with SBI

19 June : Paving way for further consolidation of State Bank of India (SBI), State Bank of Indore on Friday proposed merger of the bank with the parent SBI.The decision comes a couple of weeks after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee asked public sector banks to look at consolidation as a serious option in order to reduce risks to financial stability and to face competition.
"The board of Directors of State Bank of Indore has passed a resolution recommending the merger or acquisition of State Bank of Indore with or by State Bank of India," SBI informed the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The decision to this effect was taken by the central board of the bank on Friday.The proposal for the acquistion of State Bank of Indore by the SBI will be subject to approval by RBI and the governemnt, it said.State Bank of Saurashtra (SBS), the smallest associate bank of SBI, was merged in August 2008.Currently, SBI have six associate banks namely State Bank of Indore, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore and State Bank of Hyderabad.

Last week, SBI Chairman O P Bhatt had said, "Once we get the signal (from the government), the process will not take more than three to six months... we have taken initiative on our own for the merger."
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By :  News Team

Plans on track to make IIMC a global media university: Soni

19 June :  Plans to convert Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) into a global media university is on track, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni said on Friday."Under the 11th Plan period, Rs 45 crore has been sanctioned for making IIMC a global media university and the Planning Commission had already approved it," Soni told reporters at an informal meeting.

She added that the consultant appointed by her ministry has given its report, which has been accepted by the task force formed for the project.

"Currently we are awaiting clearance for spending the funds and once that is done, we will start work on it".

The minister said that though initially they had thought of converting IIMC into a deemed university, the idea was dropped by the ministry as it is a lengthy process.

"We considered all options but opted for the Special Act route rather than the deemed university status option as there are a lot of UGC's procedures involved in the latter," the Union minister said.

"Moreover, we give diplomas and not degrees and due to this reason also we chose to make IIMC a global university through the Special Act route. Our consultant also suggested this option," the minister added.

Soni said that the ministry has even kept the drafts of the Special Act ready and once the funding is available, work will start on converting IIMC into a global university.
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By :  News Team

It’s jungle raj in Punjab, says Tewari

LUDHIANA, June 19: Ludhiana MP, Manish Tewari today said, it was jungle raj prevailing in Punjab with total lawlessness around. Reacting to the murderous assault on a tehsildar in Ludhiana on Friday, Tewari pointed out, this incident had no parallel in a civilized society, not at least in Punjab. 

The MP said, the state government should better resign as it has lost all moral authority to continue in power. "When the officers with magisterial powers are not safe, what should be the plight of common masses", Tewari wondered, while adding, the culprits must be thoroughly dealt with. 

Tewari pointed out, these were the same people who had attacked his mother during the election campaign in the parliamentary elections. They had also assaulted a party leader and the administration had not taken any action against these people.

He said, it is quite natural for such people to get encouraged and emboldened as they know that they can take law into their own hands. He said, the government should better resign and admit that it had stopped functioning. 

The Ludhiana MP pointed out, the assault on Ludhiana tehsidar comes only a day after an Akali MLA went into the official residence of a senior minister and abused and threatened him just because he was not being allowed to raise an illegal construction.Tewari said, the situation was being closely monitored and the Congress would soon be filing a comprehensive report to the government of India over the state of affairs in the state as common man was feeling unsafe and insecure under the Akali raj. "So much so their coalition partners and the BJP ministers are not feeling safe what would be the plight of others", he pointed out.
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By :  News Team

10 project officers increment withheld due to delay in payment of honorarium

19 June : Orders have been issue to withhold one increment of all the ten project officers of Jabalpur district with immediate effect over delay in payment of honorarium/additional honorarium to anganwadi workers and assistants. Besides, three accountants of Sidhi district have been suspended over delay in payment of honorarium.

Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan had reviewed departmental activities on June 11. He had instructed not to delay payment of honorarium to anganwadi workers and assistants. In this context, review of delay in payment of honorarium in ten angawadis in Jabalpur and three in Sidhi district was undertaken. It was found that honorarium was not paid by 5th day of the month as instructed. District Programme Officer and Project Officers of Panagar, Bargi, Patan, Jabalpur Urban No. 1, Kundam, Sihora, Majhauli, Urban No. 2, Shahpura and Urban No. 3 were summoned and explanation was sought from them about delay. When these officers could not come out with satisfactory replies, it became evident that they were not carrying out their duties properly and it caused delay in payment of honorarium.

In this connection show cause notice has been issued to District Programme Officer, Jabalpur. Meanwhile, process has been started to transfer those Project Officers who are posted at one place for more than 5 years.

A complaint about delay in payment of honorarium was also received from Sidhi district. Review of payment in three projects namely Majhauli, Kusmi and Rampur Nekin was undertaken. Three accountants namely Shri Rajbhan Singh, accountant Majhauli, Shri SK Tripathi, accountant Kusmi and Shri RS Patel, accountant Rampur Nekin were found guilty and have been suspended.

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By :  News Team

Sarod maestro ali akbar khan no more

19 June : Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, (87), belonging to Sania Maihar Gharana, noted player of the 25- stringed instrument Sarod, passed away on Friday at his residence in San Anselmo, San Francisco, USA.Ali Akbar Khan was born in 1922, in the village of Shibpur, Comilla in Bangladesh. His parents were Baba Allauddin Khan, the illustrious multi-talented maestro and Madina Begum.

Khan had his training in both vocal and Sarod from his father at a very early age. He was also adept in playing several other instruments like Sur Bahar, Sitar, Tabla, Drums etc. He became a court musician of Jodhpur Kingdom at the nage of 22.

He had performed all over India and extensively in the West. He founded Ali Akbar Khan College of Music in 1956 at Kolkata and another College of the same name at Berkeley, California in 1958. A branch of this college was opened in Basel, Switzerland in 1985. The School at US was moved to its present location at San Rafael, California in 1968.

His style of Sarod playing was to bring out more melody with fewer strokes. He was known for his long expansion of Raga in Alap and Jod and mesmerising Gat and Jhala. He had also performed many Jugalbandis with the likes of Pt. Ravi Shankar, Pt. Nikhil Bannerjee, Pt. Vilayat Khan, Vid. L. Subramanyam and many western musicians. He was the first Indian to cut a Long Play record of Indian music in the West.

He was married three times and was the father of 11 children. His son Aashish Khan is a noted Sarod player. He has left a huge pupilage, including Pt. Rajiv Taranath and admirers.He has been awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1989, National Heritage Fellowship (1997) highest award for traditional Arts in the US, MacArthur Genius Grant (1991), several Grammy awards.

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By :  News Team

Govt approves agreement with Denmark for safe labour migration

19 June : The government approved an agreement with Denmark facilitating safe and legal migration of Indian workers to meet the growing demand for skilled and trained personnel in the European country.

The decision to sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was taken by the Union Cabinet in its meeting on Friday."The objectives of the MoU are to facilitate safe and legal migration of workers ...and to prevent illegal migration and the smuggling of people for financial benefits," Home Minister P Chidambaram told media after the Cabinet meeting on Friday.

 The proposed MoU provides for cooperation between the two countries in the areas of labour market expansion, employment facilitation, orderly migration and exchange of information and cooperation in introducing best practices, he said.

"The MoU also provides for constitution of a joint working group of both the countries, which will study employment opportunities ...oversee its implementation ...recommend measures to prevent misuse of visit visas by unscrupulous employers and recruiting agencies," he added.
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By :  News Team

Forest Department to make available 40 lakh saplings under Hariyali Mahotsava

This year Forest Department will make available 40 lakh saplings under Hariyali Mahotsava to common people, Panchayats and other institutions. The saplings include sagon, aonla, neem, bamboo, jackfruit, shami, sissu, mahua, harra, bahera etc. Meanwhile, State Forest Research Institute has also made arrangements to supply saplings of Rudraksh and other rare species under Hariyali Mahotsava. The Forest Department will charge Rs 5 against supply of each sapling while the saplings of jatropha will be made available at the rate of only Rs 2 per sapling.

Chief Conservator of Forests Research and Extension Jabalpur circle Shri Ajit Shrivastava has informed that so far 18 lakh saplings have already booked by various institutions.

Shri Ajit Shrivastava said that the Forest Research Institute is committed to increase green cover in Jabalpur with the help of citizens. Maximum number of saplings will be made available during the rainy season under Hariyali Mahotsava, Vandoot and My City Green City schemes. Shri Shrivastava said that with a view to ensuring easy access to saplings, stalls will also be established at various points in Jabalpur including Sadar Bazar, Vijay Nagar, near Railway Station and Damoh Naka so that citizens can get saplings of their choice easily.

Besides, Forest Department officials can also be contacted directly on their mobiles including Chief Conservator of Forest Central Circle Shri Satish Tyagi (9424792625), Chief Conservator of Forest Research and Extension Shri Ajit Shrivastava (9425800772), Conservator of Forests Research and Extension Institute Shri HU Khan (9425163536), Conservator of Forests General Forest Division Jabalpur Shri KV Divakar (9427992626), Deputy Conservator of Forests Research and Extension Shri GS Shrivastava (9425156007) and Shri HK Soni (9300984004).

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By :  News Team

Tribal Film Festival to be held regularly: Chief Minister Shri Chouhan

19 June : This title might be confusing to many as what I am trying to say. Is it about what the ex-president of India, Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam said about India that it will become a developed country in 2020? No. It has nothing to do with politics. This is about the World Champions India in cricket's newest and shortest format, Twenty20. India will start the World Cup Twenty20 as title favorites and defending champions. They are the best team on the paper. But games are not won on paper. It had to be won on the field. On given day, team that plays well can beat any other team.

Conditions in England will help fast bowlers and seamers; hence we can witness a fair contest between bat and ball. Going by the current form, every member of the Indian team is capable of winning matches on their own. But one should not count out the mental fatigue of the players. They have been playing round the year without any break. However they should get their act together in order to repeat the magic of last world cup. Their bowling looks like an area of concern as Zaheer Khan is injured and Ishant Sharma is not at his best. Onus will be on R.P.Singh to deliver following his super bowling in IPL. Men in Blue must blend together and should play as a team in order in defend their title as world champions.The Chief Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has described the International Tribal Film Festival as unique and said that it will be held regularly in the coming years as well. Shri Chouhan said that this film festival will showcase tribal culture before the international community. He hoped that this will become a medium of exchange of cultural specialties of tribal communities of the world. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan was addressing the inaugural function of International Film Festival here today at Ravindra Bhawan. The film festival has been organised by Tribal Welfare Department and its creative cell 'Vanya'. As many as 40 countries including Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Egypt etc are taking part in it.

While mentioning the TV channel focusing on tribal awakening, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan urged the Union government to help in the launch of this TV channel. He said that Madhya Pradesh is also ready to organise an International Tribal Olympics with the help of the Union government.

Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that since time immemorial tribals have been paying the price of the so-called civilised society's requirements. Shri Chouhan said now the time has come to give tribals their rights. Shri Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh is leading in the implementation of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition to Forest Rights) Act 2006.

Function's chief guest and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Kantilal Bhuria praised the state government for organising this film festival. He said that it will become a sign of new awakening for tribal culture's protection and augmentation. Shri Bhuria dwelt in detail on the tribal welfare schemes of the Union government.

Describing the Forest Rights Act as historic, Shri Bhuria praised Madhya Pradesh for progress made by it in the Act's implementation. The Union Minister also expressed his best wishes to the all the participants, filmmakers and actors taking part in the film festival.

Function's special guest and state's Tribal Welfare Minister Shri Jagannath Singh said that despite all odds tribals have been able to preserve their cultural identity. Shri Singh threw light on the tribal welfare schemes launched by the state government. Welcome address was delivered by Minister of State Shri Hari Shankar Khatik.

Earlier, Union Minister Shri Kantilal Bhuria and Chief Minister Shri Chouhan released various books brought out by Vanya on history, culture and arts of tribals. Shri Bhuria and Shri Chouhan also inspected a tribal photo exhibition on the premises of Ravindra Bhawan.

Tribal Welfare Minister Shri Jagannath Singh presented folders of Gond pictures to guests. The five-picture folder comprises the portraits made by tribal artists Durga Bai and Heerman Uraiti.

Czech Republic's Indian ambassador Shri Dr. Hynek Kmonicek said that culture cannot be sold or purchased. But it can be exchanged. He said that the Tribal Film Festival has become a forceful medium of this very exchange.

Chairman of Indian Infotainment Media Corporation Shri Devendra Khandelwal said that about 60 selected films of 40 countries are taking part in the film festival. These films will unravel various hidden facets of tribal life apart from their culture and history.

Earlier, Union Minister Shri Bhuria and Chief Minister Shri Chouhan inaugurated the film festival by lighting a lamp. Tribal Welfare Minister Shri Jagannath Singh, Minister of State Shri Hari Shankar Khatik, Principal Secretary Shri OP Rawat and managing director of Vanya Prakashan Shri Shriram Tiwari welcomed the guests as well as special invitees film actors Sushri Rameshwari, Shri Ashutosh Rana and film producer Shri Jagmohan Mondra by presenting bouquets. The function was conducted by Shri Vinay Upadhyay while Vanya Prakashan's managing director Shri Shriram Tiwari proposed a vote of thanks.

Under the film festival, films are being screened at Bharat Bhawan, Ravindra Bhawan and Shaheed Bhawan from today. Entry is free.

Those present at the function included Union Minister Shri Bhuria's wife Smt. Kalpana Bhuria, former minister Shri Vijay Shah, MLA Shri Bisahulal Singh, Commissioner Tribal Welfare Shri Jaideep Govind, Commissioner Scheduled Castes Smt. Saleena Singh, Secretary Culture and Public Relations Shri Manoj Shrivastava, Secretary Tribal Welfare Shri VK Batham, film actor Shri Rajendra Gupta, actors, producers and directors of participating films and distinguished personalities of art, film and cultural fields.

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By :  News Team

CPI(M) holds detailed discussion on Lalgarh situation

As operations to flush out Maoists from Lalgarh continued on Friday, the CPI(M) Politburo held detailed discussion on the emerging situation there, besides reviewing its organisational problems that led to its worst-ever poll performance.

Senior party leaders quoted Maoist statements to say that their charges that Trinamool Congress was aiding and abetting the extremist outfit had been vindicated.

Politburo member and West Bengal leader Biman Bose said "the game plan of Trinamool Congress and its 'rainbow coalition' (parties from extreme Left to extreme Right) has been exposed. He (Maoist leader Kishanji) has said we helped them in Nandigram and now we seek their (TC) help in Lalgarh. We have been saying this since long."

The main concern of party leaders was to find ways and means to tackle the Maoist violence which they alleged was being "actively" backed by Trinamool Congress in its bid to "destabilise" the Left Front government in West Bengal.

The "self-critical" review of the party's electoral performance, which saw its Lok Sabha strength decline from 42 to 16, was also taken up at the meeting, party sources said, adding that the findings of the review would be placed before the two-day meeting of the Central Committee starting from Saturday.

 

In this context, the CPI(M) leadership has accepted that the idea of Third Front championed by Left parties was completely rejected by the people. The issue of withdrawal of support on the Indo-US nuclear deal and its timing is also likely to be discussed on Saturday.

The Central Committee would finalise measures to rectify the drawbacks so as to enable the party to confidently face assembly polls in its bastions of West Bengal and Kerala in 2011.

On whether there was any internal feud in the CPI(M) that led to the poll debacle in West Bengal, Bose said there was no feud within the party.

"A section of media has always tried to find internal feud within CPI(M) or Left forces," he said.

By :  News Team

Snag in northern grid leads to power crisis

Solan, June 18
Investors in the state's industrial hub of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) and Parwanoo have been forced to sit without work with the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) failing to provide ample power to the industry.

While a daylong power cut has been imposed from 7 am to 5.30 am in the industrial areas today, low voltage led to the assumption that there was not much hope of the situation improving immediately.

SLDC officials, however, said a major fault had occurred in the northern grid that supplied power to the state and the frequency, which was normally supposed to remain at 49.5 hertz, had touched a low of 49 and at times had gone even below that.

This has created an alarming emergency situation and as a member of the central grid, Himachal was now supplying almost 250 MW power to the grid to help maintain its desired frequency.

In this effort, power cuts had been imposed on major consumers, which comprise the industrial belt of the BBN and Parwanoo, while domestic consumers had been left undisturbed.

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By :  News Team

Kangra MP talks of amending forest laws

Dharamsala, June 18
Newly elected Kangra BJP MP Rajan Sushant today held a meeting with district officials for the first time. While talking to mediapersons, he said people were facing problems due to stringent forest and wildlife sanctuary laws.

Unmindful of the fact that felling in notified forest areas and the wildlife sanctuaries has been banned after the rulings of the Supreme Court, Rajan Sushant said he would get the laws changed. He said the laws that were not beneficial for people, should be changed.

However, the MP did not consider protection of forests and green cover to be beneficial in the larger interest of the mankind.

Rajan Sushant also claimed that he would take up the matter of the Pong Dam, Bhakra and Chamera project oustees in the Lok Sabha.

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Govt to bring apple, mango crops under insurance

Shimla, June 18
The government today decided to bring apple and mango crops under insurance cover to protect interests of horticulturists in the state in the form of a pilot project in parts of Shimla, Kullu and Kangra districts.

The decision was taken by the Cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister PK Dhumal. The scheme will be implemented as pilot project in Jubbal, Rohru, Theog, Narkanda and Chirgaon blocks of Shimla district and the Ani area of Kullu for apple crop and Nurpur, Indora, Nagrota Surian and Fatehpur blocks in Kangra district for mango crop. It will cover about 25 to 30 per cent of the total horticultural area of the state initially.

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By :  News Team

No mirage, it’s water dug by ONGC in Thar

Dehradun, June 18
After successfully having drilled 'black gold' in several locations around the world, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has now dug out water in the parched desert area of Rajasthan.

Usually known for exploring petroleum and gas ('black gold') options, the Indian oil giant has achieved the rare feat in Thar desert (under Jaisalmer) by using its expertise in geological studies and drilling capabilities under its 'ONGC Project Saraswati'. The underground water has been dug out.

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Mayawati, Bhajan forge alliance

Chandigarh, June 18
In a major political development in Haryana, the BSP and the Haryana Janhit Congress joined hands today for the forthcoming Assembly elections and the Lok Sabha elections to be held in 2014. The announcement came after a meeting between BSP supremo Mayawati and HJC leaders - former Haryana Chief Minister Bhajan Lal and his younger son Kuldeep Bishnoi - in Lucknow. The father-son duo had specially flown to the UP capital for the meeting.
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By :  News Team