Health ministry's 'green' plan to generate employment

An ambitious plan of the health ministry to cover one lakh hectares of land with medicinal plants is likely to generate employment to the tune of six crore man-days.According to B S Sajwan, CEO of National Medicinal Plant Board, the Centre has earmarked Rs 1,000 crore in the 11th Five Year Plan to promote medicinal plants farming in the country and this is expected to generate more employment.

"With an investment of Rs 630 crore under the scheme started this year, we are expecting to cover 80,000 to one lakh hectares of land under the cultivation of medicinal herbs, generating employment to the tune of six crore man-days," Sajwan said.

The government has already announced to provide subsidy ranging from 20 to 75 percent to farmers producing herbs with medicinal values."The subsidy would be given to the farmers depending upon the type of plants, their consumption level in the market and yielding capacity in a particular area."

Sajwan said the subsidy scheme will be channelised through state horticulture missions who will assess the requirement of financial aid to agricultural communities and nurseries in different parts of the country.Apart from giving technological guidance, the government will also provide equipment and other assistance to ensure high yield of their produce, he said. 

The NMPB has identified at least 90 odd species having high medicinal values with an increasing demand in the market, Sajwan said.According to him, farmers who take up the cultivation of plants that are easy to grow will get lesser subsidy than those producing difficult medicinal herbs.

The scheme is already being carried out in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Assam, Manipur, Orissa and some other states, he said.Setting up of centres for cultivation, processing and marketing of such produce in key locations and providing additional assistance for prioritised species are also part of the scheme.
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By :  News Team

Govt approves appointment of Armed Forces Tribunal members

23 June ;  Government on Monday approved the appointment of eight judicial and 15 administrative members in the Armed Forces Tribunal for four years for dispensing cost effective and speedy justice to the armed forces personnel.

About 9,000 cases, currently pending in various High courts across the country, will be transferred to the tribunal.The appointments have been made for the principal and various regional benches of the tribunal.

President Pratibha Patil is expected to inaugurate the tribunal by end of August this year.The appointed members will serve for a period of four years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier and will be in the pay bracket of Rs 26,000 as per the Fifth Pay Commission.

The judicial members of the tribunal include serving Justices Janardan Sahai, Manak Lall Mohta and Bhanwaroo Khan.The tribunal has five retired Justices including A C Arumugaperumal Adityan, Anwar Ahmad, K Padmanabhan Nair, Shailendra Shanker and Ghanshyam Prasad.

All the 15 administrative members in the tribunal are retired officers from the armed forces including 13 from the Army and two from the Navy.Interestingly, the Indian Air Force has not been given any representation in the tribunal.

The Union Cabinet had given its approval for the creation of 31 posts for the Armed Forces Tribunal on 24th June last year, paving the way for the creation of the independent adjudicating forum.

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By :  News Team

Sheila directs DCW to probe rape allegations against police

  23 June ;  Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday directed the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) to probe allegations that a Station House Officer and four others raped a woman in a police station. "The case has just come to light. I have asked the Delhi Commission of Women to probe the matter. A team has been sent to look into the matter," Dikshit told reporters in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Asked about the incident, she said, "I must say it is a shameful act if it has happened."Delhi Police has said that the preliminary medical examination report of the woman suggested that she was not raped.Though a case is yet to be registered, Delhi Police transferred the investigations to crime branch besides sending the Inderpuri SHO Pradeep Kumar to Police Lines to ensure "free and fair probe".

The woman who resides in a slum in Inderpuri, claimed she was raped by a Station House Officer and four other policemen in Inderpuri police station in south-west Delhi on Monday.She alleged that she was taken to the Inderpuri station on Monday night by two policemen to enquire about her husband, whom the police said was a "local criminal involved in betting". 

Woman claims SHO, four others raped her in Delhi 

A woman claimed that she was raped by a Station House Officer and four other policemen in a police station in south-west Delhi, sparking violent protests with a large crowd attacking and ransacking the building.  

Though a case is yet to be registered, Delhi Police transfered the investigations to Crime Branch besides sending Inderpuri SHO Pradeep Kumar to Police Lines to ensure a "free and fair probe".
The woman, who resides in a slum in Inderpuri, had alleged that she was taken to the Inderpuri station on Monday night by two policemen to enquire about her husband, who, the police said, was a "local criminal involved in betting"."They took me to the lock-up, locked me inside and started hurling abuses at me besides thrashing me. Then they took me upstairs and raped me one by one. The SHO also raped me besides four other men in uniform. I can recognise them by face," the woman told reporters.She claimed that they let her off after threatening her with dire consequences if she revealed the incident to anyone.
The woman said she informed her husband who took her to Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. The husband said hospital authorities asked him to inform police.Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-West) Kannan Jagadeeshan said they were yet to register a case as they were awaiting the woman's medical examination report.

 

"The investigations have been transfered to the Crime Branch as the allegations were against the SHO and other policemen. The SHO has been transfered to the Police Lines," Jagadeeshan said.

He claimed the woman had not approached police and they could not record her statement.

"We could not record her statement due to the law and order situation in the area," he said.

The allegations have triggered violent protests in Inderpuri with about 300 people pelting stones at the police station. The sign board of the police station was damaged.

A number of vehicles were also damaged in the violence. The protests had began on Monday night and people had ransacked the police station. Adequate police personnel have been deployed in the locality.

The woman's husband said she was inconsolable and told him about the whole incident.

 

"We took her to the hospital where doctors are treating her. I informed the police but they did not register any complaint," he alleged.

RML Medical Superintendent N K Chaturvedi said that they have handed over the medical report to the investigating officer.

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By :  News Team

Notable peaks in Himalayan range

The Himalayas stretches across six nations, i.e. India, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It run west to east   from the Indus river valley to the Brahamaputra river valley. Thus it forms a long arc of 2400 kms. The Himalayan chain consists of three parallel   ranges. They  encompasses a very large number of glaciers. Siachen is notable among them, the largest in the world outside the polar region. Some of other more famous glaciers include Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand, Nubra, Biafo and Baltoro in Karakoram region, Zemu in Sikkim and Khumbu glaciers in Mount Everest region.

            Glaciers are formed during the natural system of snowfall accumulation in the high peaks, where it turns into ice. Excessive snowfall or evaporation respectively increase or decrease the mass of glaciers. The phenomenon is cyclic. Here are some notable peaks in the Himalayas.

 

Peak Name	Other names and meaning	Elevation (m)	Elevation (ft)	First ascent	Notes
Everest	Sagarmatha -"Forehead of the Sky", Chomolangma or Qomolangma -"Mother of the Universe"	8,848	29,028	1953	World's highest mountain, situated on the border of Nepal and Tibet, China.
K2	Chogo Gangri	8,611	28,251	1954	World's 2nd highest. Located on border between Pakistan-administered Northern Areas and Xinjiang, China. Widely considered the most challenging mountains in the world to climb.
Kangchenjunga	Kangchen Dzö-nga, "Five Treasures of the Great Snow"	8,586	28,169	1955	World's 3rd highest, highest in India (Sikkim) and second highest in Nepal.
Makalu	-	8,462	27,765	1955	World's 5th highest situated in Nepal.
Dhaulagiri	White Mountain	8,167	26,764	1960	World's 7th highest situated in Nepal.
Nanga Parbat	Nangaparbat Peak or Diamir, "Naked Mountain"	8,125	26,658	1953	World's 9th highest. Located in Pakistan. Considered one of the world's most dangerous mountains to climb.
Annapurna	"Goddess of the Harvests"	8,091	26,545	1950	World's 10th highest situated in Nepal.
Nanda Devi	"Bliss-Giving Goddess"	7,817	25,645	1936	Located in Uttarakhand, India

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By :  News Team

Community Radio Station to Start at Mussoorie, Uttrakhand

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India has signed a Grant of Permission Agreement for establishing, maintaining and operating a Community Radio Station at Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. The Community Radio Station is expected to be operational within three months as per the agreement. With this, the number of Community Radio Stations will increase to 47 in the country.

Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary Society under whose aegis Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School is run, affiliated with ISC and ICSE New Delhi, has drawn up an unique and utilitarian program to establish the Community Radio Station "Radio Khushi" intended to serve the civil society on issues relating to developmental, cultural, local and national events, civic and traffic issues, calamities and other significant matters. The services of Doctor/ health workers will also be used in conceiving radio programmes.
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By :  News Team

Amar Singh becomes autorickshaw owner , A success Story

Amar Singh who used to eke out an income by driving others' autorickshaws on hire has now become owner of an autorickshaw himself. Amar Singh, son of Vijay Singh Muniya who resides at Deendayal Nagar in Ratlam, had moved an application for loan under self-employment scheme of Tribal Finance Development Corporation conducted by Tribal Welfare Department. Acting speedily on his application, the department officials extended him loan worth Rs one lakh on much cheaper rates. Later, the keys to the autorickshaw purchased from this amount were handed to Amar Singh by Ratlam's additional collector. Deputy Commissioner Tribal Development was also present on the occasion.

On getting the autorickshaw, Amar Singh said from now onwards he will not have to hire others' autorickshaw. Now he will drive his own vehicle, work hard and repay the loan installments apart from supporting his family financially in a better way. He is happy that he will now get full reward of his hard labour.
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By :  News Team

Better resources to be provided to Raja Mansingh Tomar Music University

Minister for Culture and Public Relations Shri Laxmikant Sharma reviewed the activities of Raja Mansingh Tomar Music University, Gwalior here today. He instructed the officers to expedite works of university's set-up and other resources. Vice-Chancelloer of Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University Prof. Dr. Chitranjan Jyotishi and Secretary Culture Shri Manoj Shrivastava were also present at the meeting.

The meeting discussed additional arrangements of building of the music university. It also finalised the mono of the music university which depicts music and fine arts, painting, sculpture, dance as token signs. The construction of new building of the university and availability of government land for it were also discussed.

The meeting also took up for discussion the issues pertaining to finance committee, board of education and executive committee. Instructions were given to convene the general body meeting at the earliest.

The Culture Minister also discussed courses of the university. He instructed that all the important courses of music and arts should be included in the syllabus. He said that the state government has established this university with a view to giving fillip to music and arts and attracting youths towards these fields. He instructed to undertake integrated action in connection with the university set-up. The meeting also discussed the university budget.
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By :  News Team

M.A. Course in Community Education & Development in the Department of Community Education & Development

CHANDIGARH-June 23, 2009: Applications are invited for admission to two years M.A. Course (semester system) in Community Education & Development in the Department of Community Education & Development. Being an interdisciplinary course. This programme aims at enabling the students to understand the issues pertaining to Community Development and its various perspectives at global as well as at the national level. The course will further provide an opportunity to the students to work in collaboration with public, private, social and corporate sectors.
Students with Graduation Degree in any discipline with 50% marks are eligible to apply for admission in this course for the session (2009-10). 

The admission will be made as per university rules and regulations and other criteria approved by the Panjab University Syndicate.For information and queries contact the Office/Dr. Manjeet Paintal, Director Regional Resource Centre-cum-Department of Community Education and Development, Panjab University, Chandigarh (near Boys Hostel No.7). Telephone Nos. 0172-2779517, 0172-2534154.

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By :  News Team

Khanduri resigns; successor to be elected today

23 June : Uttrakhand Chief Minister Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri has resigned more than a month after Bharatiya Janata Party's rout in the Lok Sabha election in the state and mounting dissidence against him.75 year old Khanduri gave his resignation to party Chief Rajnath Singh on Monday night after a meeting of senior leaders at the residence of L K Advani when it was decided to replace him. 

A meeting of the BJP legislature party has been to called New Delhi on Wednesday to elect a successor to Khanduri amidst reports that two ministers in his cabinet, Prakash Pant (Tourism and Parliamentary Affairs) and Ramesh Pokhriyal (Health) are said to be in the race for the top post. 

"Khanduri had taken moral responsibility for the party's defeat in the five Lok Sabha seats in Uttrakhand and had offered to resign which has been accepted," Singh told a news agency. 

The Chief Minister, a former Major General and a former Union minister who took office in March 2007 after his party won the elections but managed to get a majority on its own only after the Lok Sabha debacle by winning an assembly by-election, has sent his resignation to the Governor. 

The decision to replace Khanduri came after a patch-up with dissident leader B S Koshiyari who had last week taken back his resignation from the Rajya Sabha after assurances that his demand for removal of the Chief Minister would be considered.Singh said Koshiyari, former Chief Minister, has given an assurance that he will work to strengthen the party.When asked whether Koshiyari will replace him, he said "Koshiyari had called me and offered to work to strenghten the party." 
By :  News Team

New Student Toolkit Shows Climate Change Impacts on Wildlife and Habitats

WASHINGTON  -  EPA is releasing a new toolkit to enhance middle school students' understanding of climate change impacts on our nation's wildlife and the habitats on which they depend.The kit, "Climate Change, Wildlife, and Wildlands Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators," contains case studies and activities based on climate science, environmental education and stewardship information. It is designed to educate and engage students to become stewards of wildlife and ecosystems. EPA partnered with six other federal agencies in developing this new kit, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. 
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By :  News Team

Tenon acquires Delhi FM Company

Tenon Property Services, a subsidiary of Singapore-headquartered,AIM-listed Mortice Ltd. has acquired Delhi-based Rotopower Projects PrivateLimited for Rs 100 million (£1.28 million) after making adjustment for debtsand sufficient working capital.

Outlining details of the acquisition, Mr Manjit Rajain, ExecutiveChairman, Mortice, said that the acquisition will be funded through the company'sexisting resources. Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, theconsideration is payable immediately on the closing date. The sellers have agreedto deposit Rs 15 million (approximately £190,000) with the company in respectof representation and warranties to be paid to the sellers on the secondanniversary of the acquisition which would be subject to any claims made underthe indemnities provided to Tenon by the sellers under the Agreement.

Tenon entered theIntegrated Facilities Services business in India just prior to the economyhitting the current downturn. However, the company has offered the market asuperior product, as a result of which it has built a portfolio of over 5million square feet under management in its 18 months of existence. Tenonoffers corporations a truly national service spread through its network of over50 offices across India.

Together, Tenon andRotopower will provide FM services to over 100 clients, managing an area of overseven million sq ft across India. The acquisition will increase the combinedworkforce of approximately 20,000 employees.

The acquisition willstrengthen the FM business of Tenon and significantly enhance its existingrevenue streams by increasing the capabilities of the company'svertically-integrated FM service delivery model. "Rotopower's strong presencein North India and growing presence in East India will complement Tenon's strongpresence in South India and consolidate its pan-India services capability,"said Mr Rajain. "The acquisition demonstrates the group'scommitment to deliver superior quality service to customers, by providingadditional technical capabilities under the combined delivery platform ofRotopower and Tenon," he added.

"We are delighted aboutthe acquisition of Rotopower, which has concluded after an exhaustive searchover several months during which we had researched a number of potentialacquisition targets to identify the ideal strategic and cultural fit. Rotopowerundoubtedly has all the advantages that we were seeking through the acquisitionand we look forward to working together and maximising the opportunitiesidentified for growth," said Mr Andrew Barker, CEO, Tenon Property Services.

The customer base ofTenon comprises both traditional market segments and non-traditional ones. Thecompany today has mandates from educational institutions, hospitals, fleetmanagement companies, etc. apart from real estate giants or MNCs.

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By :  News Team

Global economy is stabilising, but a recovery is distant, says the Economist Intelligence Unit

Global GDP in purchasing power parity terms (PPP) to contract by 1.8% in 2009, a post-second world war low.· Emerging Asia will be the world's fastest-growing region over the next five years (2010-13); India's real GDP growth to average 7.2% over the next five years.

· Growth over the next two years will be marked by a high degree of volatility, with a substantial slowdown of quarter-on-quarter growth rates once stimulus fades; a sharp-quick bounceback may not be sustainable.· India is likely to see negative inflation for three to six months, but it is not a grave concern for India.

An improvement in forward-looking economic indicators in recent weeks has triggered a debate about the possibility of an imminent global recovery, which has in turn helped to boost global share prices. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research and advisory arm of The Economist, however, believes that a sustainable recovery is distant. The EIU expects global GDP in purchasing power parity terms (PPP) to contract by 1.8% in 2009, a post-second world war low. Growth in 2010, at 2.1%, will be sluggish and would still qualify as a global recession (commonly defined as growth of less than 3% in PPP terms).

Emerging Asia will be the world's fastest-growing region over the next five years (2010-13), but this mainly reflects a relatively strong growth performance by India and China. The EIU expects India's real GDP growth to average 7.2% over the next five years.

"The worst of the contraction in global GDP is over and we may see some more green shoots of recovery as destocking gives way to inventory rebuilding and fiscal and monetary stimulus starts to have an impact. However, growth over the next two years will be marked by a high degree of volatility, with a substantial slowdown of quarter-on-quarter growth rates once stimulus fades," said Manoj Vohra, Director of Research at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

It is, of course, also possible that the aggressiveness of the global macroeconomic response produces a much sharper snap back in growth over the coming months. However, a sharp bounceback would also create problems for policymakers, who would then have to weigh the merits of tightening macroeconomic policy in order to contain inflationary expectations against the need for continued loose policy as households and the financial sector continue to retrench. "A sharp, quick bounceback may not be sustainable and will ultimately result into a "W-shaped" recovery", said Manoj Vohra of the EIU.

According to the EIU, the risks to the global economy remain high. The most serious concern is that various stimulus packages being implemented globally will not be sufficient to trigger self-sustaining recovery. As government fiscal positions have already deteriorated dramatically, it may not be possible to ramp up further support for the economy if this should prove necessary and an increasing number of countries may even be forced to tighten fiscal policy in order to avert a sovereign crisis.

"Other concerns on global growth in the medium term are continued impaired financial intermediation in many large economies, and higher savings and reduced consumption by US households as they adjust to lower house prices and reduced expectations of future wealth," added Vohra.

The EIU also sees deflation as a serious concern, particularly in developed markets. Sustained deflation will make it more difficult to service debt that was contracted based on assumptions of healthier revenue growth. This could hit the real economy by forcing companies to cut back on investment and employment even more than they are already.

"India is likely to see negative inflation for three to six months, making a case for further rate cuts by the central bank. We expect the repo rate to be cut by a further 50 basis points, to 4.25%, in the next few months," Vohra said.

For India, the EIU says, the biggest risk to growth remains its ballooning fiscal deficit.
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By :  News Team

Gandhi in vogue among American celebrities

23 June : Peace icon Mahatma Gandhi appears to be back in vogue among Hollywood and other celebrities.Saturn award winner actress Kristen Bell (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) was spotted in New York City streets wearing V-neck T-shirt displaying Gandhi's large picture.

 Actress-supermodel Jessica Szohr (Gossip Girl), Oscar winner Angelina Jolie (Changeling), Golden Globe nominated Jessica Alba (Dark Angel), Grammy nominated Rihanna (Good Girl Gone Bad), etc., also reportedly carry Gandhi T-shirts. DJ I-Dee (Isaac DeLima), scratch music prodigy and winner of DMC USA, was seen in a Miami (USA) club wearing neon Gandhi T-shirt. 

A prestigious fashion themed exhibition titled "Italian knots: Evolution, language and style of the tie", organized by Associazione Culturale Colosseum Roma, showing at Embassy of Italy in Washington DC (USA) till July two, displays Gandhi's picture prominently along with the pictures of the likes of Oscar winner George Clooney (Good Night, and Good Luck). 

Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, welcoming Gandhi's rediscovery by American celebrities, urged them also to look deeper into Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, his commitment to world peace, and his work for the upliftment of the downtrodden. 

Rajan Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, further said that although Gandhi never set foot on America, yet he was on Time magazine covers in 1930, 1931, and 1947; Time Person of the Year in 1930; and was runner-up for Time Person of the Century. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was one of the few men in history to fight simultaneously on moral, religious, political, social, economic, and cultural fronts.
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By :  News Team

VAHAN & SARATHI PROGRAMME LAUNCHED AT MOKOKCHUNG

23 June : The launching function of Vahan and Sarathi programe at Regional Transport Office Mokokchung was held on 23rd June 2009 with Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, C.M Tsanglao as the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest stated that as we are living in a sophisticated world endowed with faster and better communication services we should be capable and efficient enough to take full advantage of the technology and also to guard ourselves from its misuse.

RTO, Mokokchung, E. Lotha delivered the welcome address while Er. Lanusungkum Aier, Principal Systems Analyst, NIC Kohima highlighted some of the aspects and working system of Vahan and Sarathi programme which is a client server technology to provide faster connectivity under National e-Governance Plan. S.P Mokokchung and District Informatics Officer, NIC Mokokchung also spoke on the occasion. Vote of thanks was pronounced by MVI, Mokokchung.
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By :  News Team

TRAINING ON INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW UNDERWAY AT MOKOKCHUNG

A training on 'International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law' for Officers of Nagaland Police, which would be conducted for two days is underway from June 23rd 2009, at Tourist Lodge, Mokokchung.

Addressing the participants at the inaugural function, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung C.M. Tsanglao said that as members of the World Community, every individual has the responsibility to bring about changes in the society by helping one another in times of trouble by setting aside  their differences. He said that in times of war or disaster, it is not only the responsibility of the government or societies like the Red Cross Society, but every individual must perform his duty by reaching out a helping hand in whatever ways he can. Tsanglao also thanked the organizers and the resource persons for organizing the training for the uniformed personnel in Nagaland, which he said would surely benefit the general public as well.

Delivering the keynote address, Consultant to International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) New Delhi, Mr. D.K Arya  said that International Humanitarian Law which is different from Human Rights, aims at protecting peoples from different types of conflicts. He said that since police personnel are the Law enforcing agency in the land, they must be well versed with the laws that concern human values. Moreover, Arya said that the actions of the uniformed personnel are important and needed not only in times of trouble but in peaceful times as well.

The Ao Senden President, Lendinokdang, while exhorting the participants said that it is important for the uniformed personnel to know how to handle or react in situations which is not favourable for human beings, saying that by handling a situation wisely we are keeping the value of life in the highest stage. He also thanked the resource persons for showing deep concern for the people of Nagaland by organizing such training programme and also assured them that the people of Nagaland and the Aos in particular would always co-operate and help each other in the days to come.

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By :  News Team

3rd INTER DISTRICT CATCH THEM YOUNG TOURNAMENT 2009 BEGINS

 23 June : The 3rd Inter District Catch Them Young Tournament for under fourteen 2009 was inaugurated by the Director General of Police, Nagaland, K. Kire, IPS as the chief guest on 23rd June 2009 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

                The chief guest in his inaugural speech said this kind of tournament is a good chance for young talented boys and girls to expose their talents so that they can take up sports as a profession. Kire challenged the young sportspersons to dedicate themselves and represent Nagaland in the national and international levels. He also appealed to the parents to give due importance to their children in sports as the department of Youth Resources & Sports has already given more proposal to the Government for creation of more Coaches in different fields so that that standard of games and sports in the state can improve where Nagas can represent in the national and international levels in the near future. He thanked the Chief Minister Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio for his sincere contribution towards sports and added that the Chief Minister himself is a sport person.

Director, Youth Resources & Sports, Beiu Angami in his welcome speech said the main objective of organising the 'Catch Them Young Tournament' under fourteen was to identify and tap their talents and also to nurture them to be more disciplined in the field of games and sports. It may be mentioned that this year only Handball, Archery and Sepaktakraw will be hosted both for girls and boys. Representatives from all the eleven districts of Nagaland are participating in the tournament.

The tournament was declared opened by the Chief Guest and was followed by the march past by the contingents and oath taking. The first match of the tournament, Handball match was played between Kohima and Dimapur.
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By :  News Team

CHB will handover 512 small flats in Sector 38 W and 576 in Ramdarbar

Chandigarh, June 23:- The officials of Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) have been aggressively pursuing for several months for finishing up various ongoing housing schemes under various categories including General Housing Scheme, Small Flats Scheme and Economically Weaker Section. Now there focus will also be on the allotments of houses along with the construction work as this year CHB is going to handover around 2400 houses under various categories.

          CHB officials informed that this year CHB will handover 512 small flats in Sector 38 W and 576 in Ramdarbar with approximate cost of Rs. 9 crores and Rs. 10 crores, respectively, under the Chandigarh Administration's most prestigious Slum Rehabilitation Project of making the city Slum Free. In addition to this, CHB has already completed 288 houses in Sector 38 W at a cost of around Rs. 9 crores  and 400 units in Sector 49 with an approximate cost of Rs. 12 crores for EWS, for which allotments have already been done and soon these houses will be handed over to their beneficiaries. It was also informed that another chunk of 160 houses under the same category would be completed by December 2009 in Sector 26 (E) at a cost of around Rs. 4.5 crores, for which the allotment process will be initiated with in two months.

          The small flats coming up in Sector 38 W are four storeyed with an approximate area of 307 square feet for each unit, where as one room flats being constructed under the EWS are of 425 square feet per unit.

Under the General Housing Scheme the Board will complete a total of 464 houses including 208 two bedroom and 256 one bedroom in Sector 49 by August 2009 at an estimated cost of Rs. 40 crores. Other than this, CHB is also constructing 320 one room flats in Sector 56 under Dr. Ambedkar Awaas Yojana, being implemented on behalf of Department of Social Welfare. The flats will be handed over by December 2009.   

UT Finance Secretary, Mr. Sanjay Kumar said that in the process of making Chandigarh a Slum Free city, CHB has been assigned the task of constructing around 25000 slum dwelling units, of which around 11,000 houses will be handed over to the slum dwelling families by the end of 2010. However, CHB will give possession of around 1100 houses this year. Once the project, with an approximate cost of Rs. 1115 cores, is completed all the identified 23,841 slum dwelling families will be rehabilitated in these units, thus making the city slum free, added Mr. Kumar. 

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By :  News Team

Curtain raiser onGaiety Theatre

Stage is set for inauguration of Gaiety Theatre after completing its restoration work at a cost of Rs. 11.48 crore for about five years and nine months. Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, will formally dedicate it to the people on 25 June, 2009.

Shri Jagmohan the then Union Minister in the NDA Government visited Shimla in the year 2003 and has advised the State Government to send the proposal for the restoration of the Gaiety Theatre . The proposal was sent to the Central Government immediately. The initial estimate was Rs. 5.13 crore and with the passage of time and restoration work taken in hand the cost went up to Rs. 11.48 crore to give it the final shape. The peculiarity of the restoration work is that it has been done as per the traditional conservation norms along with the application of modern conservation method during restoration.

The restoration work has been done under the guidance of Mumbai based specialized architect Ved Segan in an original gothic style. Its structure has been raised without putting any extra load by ensuring adequate reinforcement for structural safety.

Besides, the old Theatre, the restored structure has a bigger multipurpose hall with sitting capacity of 400 in top floor . Besides it has a old theatre with setting capacity of 138 in ground floor and 180 in second floor. Art Gallery by Lalit Kala Academy has been set up in the second floor. It has also provision of Conference and Seminar Rooms. The provision for setting up City Museum has also been made in the ground floor.

The new facility added after the restoration is multi-purpose hall, Gallery, Conference Hall/ Seminar Hall , and Museum.The Gaiety Theatre is located in the centre of the Mall. This heritage building is more than 120 years old. Situated in the North-West Himalayas,Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh now-a-days. It has also remained the Summer Capital of the British.

The architect Henary Irwin, who built the Viceregal Lodge where Indian Institute of Advanced Study is housed now , has designed the Gaiety Theater building. It was opened in 1887 but a formal inauguration of the Shimla ADC(Amateur Dramatic Club) took place in 1888. It remained the hub of cultural activities during the British Raj and also thereafter. Prominent theatre artists has given their performance in it. They include K.L. Saigal, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Madan Puri, Shashi Kapoor, Jenifer Kendall, Raj Babbar, Anupum Kher and Manohar Singh.

From the year 1986, the Gaiety Theatre is being managed by Department of Language, Art and Culture after taking over from Municipal Corporation, Shimla.The Gaiety Theatre in new shape will go a long way in promotion of cultural activities besides an attraction for the tourists.
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By :  News Team

School Dental Health Programme

June 23, 2009 :A spokesman of the Health Department said here that the School Dental Health Programme for dental check up of school children is being launched from 25th of this month through out the State.He said that first such camp would be held in Government Senior Secondary School Hamirpur on 25th June, 2009 adding that the programme aims to reduce incidence of dental decay by creating awareness about regular dental check up and good oral hygiene practices.

He said that Medical Officers (MO) would carry the dental check up of school going children once a week and the treatment as such will be provided in the dental clinics of particular areas.He said that Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Health and Family Welfare Minister would inspect the dental check up camp on its launching.
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By :  News Team

CM requests Centre to sanction another National Highway to the State

June 23, 2009 :Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister has requested the Union Minister for Rural Transport and Highways, Shri Kamal Nath to sanction another National Highway to the State connecting Shimla with the Industrial area of Nalagarh-Baddi-Barotiwala and further Ropar in Punjab. He said that the State Highway No. 6 with a length of 106.40 kms. originating from Shimla and passing through Jubbarhatti (Shimla Airport)-Kunihar-Ramshehar-Nalagarh upto Ghanauli (Ropar in Punjab) may be declared as National Highway. Chief Minister wrote a letter to the Union Minister in this regard.

Chief Minister said that Sansari Nallah-Killar Thirot (SKT) road which falls in the tribal district of Lahaul &Spiti in Himachal Pradesh bordering China was being maintained by the Border Roads Organization. He said that this road was of strategic importance as an important alternative road for the border areas in J&K. The road is situated in most inhospitable and difficult terrain and continues to be strategically important in view of the sensitive position in J&K border areas and Government of India is well aware about the same.

Chief Minister apprised that this road was transferred to the State Government on 17.10.2007 with the clear understanding that entire expenditure on its maintenance incurred by the State Government would be fully reimbursed by the Government of India. He said that Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Government of India has informed that the road in question will be improved and maintained under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of State Roads of Economic Importance (EI) which provides 50% Central Government share and 50% share will be of the State Government. The State has already conveyed its views that the State Government with its very limited resources was not in a position to provide 50% of State share for maintenance of this road and has requested the Ministry to allow the expenditure on the maintenance of this road to be met out of the Strategic Roads Funds in line with decision earlier conveyed in 2007.

He urged the Union Minister to consider the request of the State Government and order to allow the entire expenditure on the maintenance of this road out of the Strategic Roads Funds.
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By :  News Team

Admission and Fee Committee for Homeopathic Medical Colleges constituted

Himachal Pradesh Government has constituted Admission and Fee Committee in respect of Private Homeopathic Medical Colleges in Himachal Pradesh. Principal Secretary, Ayurveda will be Chairman of the Committee.

Vice Chancellor of H.P. University or his nominee, Director Medical Education, Director, Ayurveda, Shri V.K. Mehta, Manager, Finance, H.P. Handicraft and Handloom Corporation, representative of Central Council of Homeopathy, Assistant Controller (F&A), Directorate of Ayurveda will be its Members. Deputy Secretary, Ayurveda will be its Member Secretary.

The committee shall recommend the mode of admission, reservation, allocation of seats and fixation of fees etc. to the State Government in respect of Private Homeopathic Medical Colleges in the State. The Director Ayurveda and Member Secretary shall be responsible for preparing the proposal and place the same before the Admission and Fee Committee at least one month prior to commencement of the session every year.
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By :  News Team

Film by Indian-origin on Mandela to publicize FIFA 2010

23 June :  South Africa, the host of FIFA World Cup 2010, will screen Indian-origin producer Anant Singh's film on Nelson Mandela playing football with other political prisoners on Robben Island to keep their spirits high in their fight against apartheid in the run-up to the mega event.

The film 'More Than Just a Game', documents the Robben Island prisoners' Makana Football Club, which was started in the 1960s after Mandela and other top leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment there."More Than Just a Game will be broadcast by the BBC in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup next year," Singh, who is now producing a film on the life of Nelson Mandela, said. 

"The film is a tribute to the people on Robben Island who fought for the privilege of playing football. It demonstrates our continent's love for the game, validating the FIFA World Cup finally coming to Africa," Singh said. 

Based on the book More Than Just a Game: Soccer vs Apartheid by Professor Chuck Korr, the film, produced in 2007, was also played at the House of Lords in Britain recently."It was truly an amazing experience to have the film screened at the House of Lords and I am delighted that the

audience was moved and impressed by the film. I was especially pleased that a number of those who attended the screening were involved in the anti-apartheid movement and in football and made a special effort to be there," Singh said.
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By :  News Team

Australian authorities propose 24-hr helpline for Indian students

23 June : Australian authorities have committed to provide all assistance to Indian students and have proposed to launch a helpline for Indian students.Australian Education Secretary Lisa Paul met Minister for Overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi in the capital where she informed that Australian Education Minister interacted with Indian students. 

She said that Australia is committed to have a helpline for Indian students to lodge their complaints and to seek other support. She also said that more information centres will be opened for overseas students.In his response, Vayalar Ravi expressed satisfaction over the steps being taken by Australian authorities. He, however, said that the results must be seen on ground. 

Hyderabad youth latest victim of racial assaults in Australia 

Racial attacks on Indian students in Australia continued unabated with a 20-year-old youth from Hyderabad becoming the latest victim of a spate of assaults on the community members when he was badly punched on the face. 

M A Khan, pursuing hospitality course from Victoria Institute of Technology, was walking near a railway station in eastern suburb of Melbourne on Monday evening when two Caucasian men, wearing hooded jackets, walked-up to him and punched him without any provocation. 

Khan was punched so badly that he suffered cuts below his eyes and forehead and was admitted to a local hospital were he received multiple stitches on his face."Two guys came from the side in front of me and gave a very bad punch on my face and ran away. This incident happened around 5.30 p.m, the peak hour of traffic on the road," Khan, who had moved to Melbourne last year, said. 

"They did not ask for any money or anything, they did not try to snatch anything from me. After 10 minutes, police came down there and ambulance also," he added.This was the 15th attack on Indian students in Australia in less than a month. 

Meanwhile, Khan's mother, who went into depression after hearing the news, requested the Australian government to ensure safety of Indian students."I request the Australian government to ensure safety of Indian students and help my son," she told a TV channel in Hyderabad. 

Khan's cousin Syed Maqbool said, "We were very worried when we came to know of his condition after his friends called up. Particularly his mother went into depression after hearing the news".
Pvt detectives to suggest security measures for Indians in Oz , In the wake a series of racial attacks in Australia, a group of private detectives from the national capital are now going Down Under to suggest security measures for Indians there.

Following a meeting with officials of the Australian High Commission, which was also attended by Australian private detective agencies, it was decided to send a team to allay fears of Indians.
"We were called by the Australia High Commission here to talk about different security measures to be provided to the Indian community in Australia. Representatives from private security agencies in Australia also attended the meet," President of Central Association of Private Security Industry, Kunwar Vikram Singh, said.During the meet, the participants agreed that there was a strong feeling of fear among the Indians, who are working or studying there and decided to form a mechanism to provide security to them, he said.

"A three-member special team will be going to Australia to analyse the security situation there. The team will also be meeting administrative authorities, representatives of Indian communities and family members of the victims of racial attacks," Singh said. 

Singh said Indian community members in Australia have also asked them for help following the racial attacks. A total of 16 students were attacked there during the past one month."Our main aim is to work to create safe security environment for Indian students and professionals in Australia. A number of parents, professionals and community members have also contacted us seeking private security for them," he said.He added, "We have chalked out a number of plans for the Indians living there. We will, with the help of Australian security agencies, form quick response teams to help people in need," Singh added.According to Singh, private security agencies in Australia are flooded with requests from Indian community members seeking security.
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By :  News Team