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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 216

230 CRORE WORTH IRREGULARITIES IN FARM LOAN WAIVER: FM

FATALISM HAS BECOME SECOND NATURE

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ITALIAN POLITICIAN INSULTS BLACK MINISTER, LIKENS HER TO PROSTITUTE

Vested interests cannot disturb Follies of Cong -NC alliance responsible No public, nor public communal harmony in Kishtwar representatives in secretariat People of Jammu for revival of militancy in J&K known for liberal values
Ministers are either in Delhi or in their constituencies'
of the Governor's Rule during early 90's, it presents the same picture, no public representative and no public," the official said adding that the number of visitors to the civil secretariat has considerably gone down due to absence of Ministers from the civil secretariat. He said the important files were gathering dust on the tables of Ministers rendering the administrative secretaries handicapped. "The Ministers have become constituency centric. They either spend time in their constituencies or remain out of state to seek blessings of their mentors in New-Delhi" said a senior bureaucrat. "A Minister holding important portfolio of Public Works is hardly seen in his office because he spends more than 15 days in a month in New-Delhi and 8 to 10 days in his constituency and the department is suffering hugely because of his absence from the office" said the officer. A senior Congress leader who is a regular visitor to the civil secretariat told Early Times that Contd p2

SRINAGAR, AUG 27: At a time when the Jammu and Kashmir State is reeling under economic crises more so because of the limited plan size approved by the Planning Commission of India, the Ministers in Omar Abdullah led coalition Government have virtually turned the civil secretariat defunct by their conspicuous absence from their offices. Though the absenteeism is phenomenal among J&K Ministers, however, for last two or three months most of

them have stayed away from their offices bringing work in the secretariat to a grinding halt. The trend has subjected the public to great inconvenience. Even the employees including the top bureaucrats in the civil secretariat Srinagar express displeasure over the functioning of the ministries. "Either they don't want to work or are scared of people who have voted for them," said a senior official requesting not to be named. "The civil secretariat reminds me

JAMMU, AUG 27: Vested interests and Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and extremists have been trying their best to disturb peace in Jammu province and create schism in the Jammu society for more than two decades now. The August 9 Kishtwar violence was the handiwork of such elements and a few disgruntled elements here and there. Notwithstanding these unfortunate incidents, the people of Kishtwar have once again proved by their actions that no power on earth can divide them on communal lines. Both the communities have resumed their day to day activities and the social ties between the two communities continue to remain as strong as before. Both the communities believe in mainstream politics and share each other's happiness and sorrow. That the Hindus and Muslims of Kishtwar, like other parts of Jammu province, are ardent believers in communal harmony

and national unity could be seen from the fact that the Kashmiri separatists have failed to establish their foothold in any part of the province, including Kishtwar or for that matter in the erstwhile Doda district and twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. The credit for the defeat of the Kashmiri separatists goes to both the communities which have been resisting the communal onslaughts with full might since early 1990, when the separatists turned their attention to the areas in Jammu province where members of the majority community were quite numerous. Medical Education Minister and Congress leader Taj Mohi-ud-Din only hit the nail on the head when he said in Kishtwar some nine days ago that what happened in the district was the handiwork of outsiders and those who wanted to delink Kishtwar from Jammu province and merge it with Kashmir. He Contd p2

JAMMU, AUG 27: The increasing militancy related incidents in the State coupled with cross border firing has fully revealed that militant groups have succeeded in regrouping in the State and all claims made by the State as well as Central Government that the terrorism was down have now proved hollow. The increasing terrorist attacks on police army and civilians in Kashmir valley have set all speculations about the return of normalcy in trouble torn State of J&K to rest and the achievements made during the PDP rule have been lost as terrorist groups have succeeded in reviving militancy in the State by making common man hostage again. According to sources the weak knee policies of UPA Government led by Dr Manmohan Singh has been one of the main causes of providing oxygen to militant groups who were on wane otherwise. The failure of Union Government to assert its position in the State and giving a long rope to Omar Abdullah led coalition has

been one of the causes of the prevailing situation in the State, sources added. Sources said what ever gains were made during the previous coalition rule led by Mufti Mohammad Syeed in bringing people to main stream were negated during this regime by its policies which were framed at keeping the vote bank politics in mind. Soon after the Omar led Government assumed office in the State the incidents like Shopian kidnapping and rape surfaced which saw unrest in Valley for months together. This was followed by the stone pelting incidents for another two Summers in Kashmir followed by worst ever communal violence in Kishtwar this year, sources added. Sources said unprincipled alliance between NC and Congress has been one of the main causes for deteriorating situation in the State as the two parties neither cooperated at Ministerial level in running the coalition smoothly nor at grass root level as there were contradictions every where. The infighting continued in coalition and workers

at grass root level too were annoyed with each other seeking Union Government's intervention and even the Congress leaders open demand of dismissal of Omar led Government, sources added. Sources said with UPA Government as well as Congress high Command paying no heed to the growing demand of the Congress activists in the State who were demanding either pull out from coalition of dismissal of the State Government the situation aggravated in the State further. Taking full advantage of the loopholes of the Government the separatists succeeded in regrouping the militant cadres in the State during these years to revive the militancy and intensify their activities to give a setback to peace process, sources added. Sources said Congress has been at the receiving end due to its own follies as NC by taking a tough posture was trying to cultivate its constituency. The open violence in Bhaderwah in presence of then MoS Home Contd p2

More culprits identified, Many rioters escaped during curfew, 20 stolen weapons recovered
KISHTWAR, AUG 27: Special Investigation Team constituted by the DGP Ashok Prashad on the direction of the State Government to probe into August 9 violence has identified more culprits involved in arson, and looting in violence ravaged town. Sources reveal that SIT has so far identified over four dozen culprits on the basis of various evidences collected by the investigating agency. As per the details available with "Early Times" the officials of Special Investigation Team during continuous raids have recovered at least twenty weapons stolen from Chenab Gun House Kishtwar on the day of August 9 violence. The details further added that many culprits involved behind Contd p2

Kitchloo likely to be booked for slapping official

KISHTWAR, A UG 27: Dismissing the revision petition filed by the Home Department against the order passed by CJM Kishtwar directing the police to register an FIR against former Minister for Home in slap gate case, Principal Sessions Judge, Kishtwar, Pawan Dev Kotwal while citing the judgment of Allahabad High Court in Father Thomas vs State of UP has directed the police to register FIR and conduct the investigation as per CrPC. Pertinently, former Minister of State for Home Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo had allegedly slapped the Chief Executive Officer Kishtwar Development Authority, Reyaz Ahmed Chowdhary forcing him to seek judicial intervention. The Court had expressed anguish over the incident of manhandling of one of the senior officers of the service Contd p2

SRINAGAR, AUG 27: Additional District Judge, Srinagar has directed the owners of Classic ParaMedical Training Centre, Gulberg Colony Hyderpora to make alternate arrangements for the students undergoing various para-medical training courses at the Institute. The court has also made it clear that the higher ups of Institute would be responsible for the consequences if any anything goes awry at the Institute. The order has come after complaints from various departments and agencies that the Institute continues to fall short of criteria set out by them for the functioning of such para-medical institutes in Kashmir valley. Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) have already held that Classic

Court orders Classic Para-Medical Institute authorities Soni to visit capital cities shortly, to make alternate provision for its students announcement of new PCC on cards Congress rescheduling its deferred programmes
Para-Medical Training Institute, Hyderpora cannot function since it is full of deficiencies. DHSK had already ordered for the closure of the para-medical institute and same observations have been made by SMC. In the order dated July 31, 2013, Additional District Judge, Srinagar, RK Wattal has said that alternate provision should be made for the training current batch of students or pending disposal of suit whichever is earlier on the undertaking of plaintiffs (owners of Classic ParaMedical Training Institute) that they will take all steps to ensure the safety of the public and local residents and will not violate any municipal law and will make provision for safe removal and disposal of bio-chemical wastes if at all generated in the Institute. "This order shall also not be deemed to clothe the plaintiffs till powers to make fresh admissions of the students in the institution dehors the rules/regulations which if so shall be at their own risk and cost. This order shall also not come in the way of any other order which may be carried by defendants in exercise/observance of functions or instructions in pursuance of the directions of any PIL which might have been given by the Hon'ble High Court to the municipality/defendant on the subject matter," wrote the Additional District Judge, Srinagar in the order. The Additional District Judge, Srinagar has also ordered the plaintiffs to file objection as to why the local residents and the municipality be also not made a party in the suit for its effective disposal. It would Contd p2 JAMMU, AUG 27: After having put on hold all its activities and programmes in the wake of Kishtwar clashes, state unit of Congress is gearing up once again into active mode with some political functions and meetings on anvil in both the capital cities. The programmes that were deferred in the aftermath of Kishtwar developments are being rescheduled with visits of senior leaders of PCC besides incharge J&K Ambika Soni on agenda . Also on cards is the announcement of newly constituted Pradesh Congress Committee, which is expected any time soon . Sources said that with situation gradually improving in Kishtwar, the major ally of coalition is all set to start its party activities which were

shelved due to attention of the entire Government to tackle and handle serious developments in the aftermath of the clashes. One of the main programmes of Congress, provincial level convention which was scheduled for August 11 and for which all preparations had been made was postponed

after clashes erupted on August 9 . Besides all senior leaders Ambika Soni and Ghulam Nabi Azad were to attend this convention in Jammu, for which cadres at the block level had made gala arrangements in respect of making it a show of strength. Sources said apart from organizing Contd p2

LOC FIRINGS BLEEDS GEELANIS HEART

HINDSIGHT
ROHIT SINGH RANA Syed Ali Shah Geelani who for the last fifty years has continuously bashed and abused India for not accepting his views on Kashmir is today very sad. According to him, the loss of lives on the LoC is sad and his delicate heart wishes to see the firing stop. Human nature is as complex as word complex could be construed. More so with people like Geelani whose mind and heart is not on the same plank when it comes to people of India. Whether they die on the border or in any firing by the militants or if innocent air force personnel are killed in cold blood by Yasin Malik, his heart does not stir a wee bit. Forget the killing spree of brutes like Bitta Karatee who himself acknowledged that he had lost count of how many Pandits were killed by him. These killings have never bled the sensitive heart of Geelani who prides himself as championing the great principles of Islam. The recent spurt in the firing along the LoC, according to Geelani is attributed to, when Indian army without any provocation killed five hunters from Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) and dubbed them as militants." The fake encounters are being staged by forces. Several times in the past they arrest youth, took them to LoC and killed them there and were dubbed as militants. Imagine that the hunters of Pakistan had come so close to Indian posts and were not stopped by the Pakistani army manning their part of border, sound very imaginative. Yes perhaps, according to Geelanis logic, they were sent by Pakistan to fetch some deer or other game flesh so that they could raise toast to beheading of Indian soldiers. The old man has lost his balance and the truth is no such hunters were killed by the Indian army. Instead five of Indian army soldiers were killed while they were sleeping in their post after a long patrol. The so called BAT (Border Action Team) of Pakistan was so chicken hearted that they fired on sleeping soldiers and did not give them any chance to defend themselves. The coward Pakistanis came like snakes and fled like rats. The episode happened and there was not a single word of condemnation from Geelani. He did not utter a single word of condemnation when the Indian soldier was beheaded by another bunch of Pakistani brutes. With such a selective mindset, who will believe Geelani and his propaganda relating to talk of peace? Similarly when five innocent Jawans were killed in Bemina by terrorists again Geelani remained mum. The death of Indian soldiers does not melt his crystalised heart which by the way has been repaired many times over by great Indian doctors in posh Delhi and Mumbai hospitals. There is a limit to ungratefulness and the old man has crossed all limits. Today the heart of eighty plus years old bleeds, because India has inflicted heavy damage and to Pakistan in which they have lost soldiers, bunkers and civilians as well. The lives whether of Indian soldiers or Pakistanis are precious but when people like Geelani remain silent about the loss of lives of Indians; it points to something demoniac in the mindset of the separatists like him. He wants Kashmir issue to be resolved according to wishes of the people. Let him go to Pakistan and tell them why they have merged Northern Terrirtory belonging to Kashmir in Pakistan. Let him catch the neck of Gen Kayani and tell him to return 5000 Sq Km of land ceded to China. Let him go to Beijing and force them to return 50000 Sq kilometers of land of the State in their occupation. When this is all done, then let him tell the Pak leadership to vacate from Pok and under UN aegis do plebiscite. To shed tears selectively and raise frivolous issues cannot help peace Geelani Sahib has to develop universal love for everybody and see reality. That is what is needed from you otherwise the graveyards in Kashmir will swell in numbers and he alone will be responsible for it.

These 'God men' should be in jail

From Nityanand to Aasaraam to so called Sufi Dervish Gulzar Ahmed Bhat, the story is the same. Create an aura of saintliness, capture huge audience, master some portions of religious scriptures and then wear green, saffron or white robes and turn a saint. Erect huge Ashrams or seminaries with many secluded rooms furnished with all facilities. And when the all paraphernalia is set, lure women by addressing and exploiting their raw nerve, at opportune time, drag them in and either rape them once or make them sex slaves for as much time as possible. There are many such exploiters who have perfected this art of deception and calumny. It is strange how people fall in the lure of such people, perhaps an intense sociological study is needed in this matter. Despite education and modern why lakhs of people turn out their followers blindly is a big riddle. The tragedy is that while the real saints are not sought after these fake god men and Dervishs hog limelight. Take the case of Gulzar Ahmed Bhat in Badgam, he had constructed a room which he curiously named Hujra-e-Pak meaning the hut holy where he raped innocent orphan girls who sought his protection and guidance by joining his seminary. Nityanand is another sex beast who has been charged of raping many well read women not to speak of ignorant ones. What a decline, where once Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Sant Kabir, Swami Dayanad trod, today flesh lovers in the robes of saints are out and the gullible people shower adorations on them. If these conmen are responsible for the evil deeds so are the people who follow them blindly. RANASAHIB

STUDENT AGE
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST, 28, 2013

CONTD
Court orders ..
be in place to mention here that it took the officials of Health and Medical Education and Health departments around 10 years to wake up from the slumber and order for the closure of this Para-Medical Training Institute that was operating in contravention of the prescribed norms and rules on Baramulla-Srinagar-Jammu highway. Deputy Director (Headquarters) at the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) Kashmir issued order number DHSK/SMF/Classic/2381-83 on July 10, 2013 asking for the closure of Classic Para-Medical Training Centre at Gulberg Colony, Hyderpora, Srinagar. The Para-Medical Training Centre had been operating since 2004 without any permission and no such action so far was taken against the proprietors of the institute. The Institute is yet to get No Objection Certificate (NOC) from concerned departments to function. Issuing the order for closure, Deputy Director (Headquarters), DHS Kashmir wrote that his office has received a complaint with regard to allowing the institute to function without having any proper permission to run the said institute and are pressing hard for its closure owing to the fact of being un-registered as on date. "Now therefore, taking cognizance of the said complaint besides not fulfilling the criteria fixed by the Government for running a para-medical institute, you are hereby directed to stop all the functioning of your para-medical institute henceforth," wrote the Deputy Director Headquarters, DHS Kashmir in his order. The order for closure was issued after a communication from Health and Medical Education Department asking the Director Health Services, Kashmir to act against Classic Hospital/ Health Sciences if they fail to fulfill the eligibility criteria within 10 days. This communication under communication number ME-GAZ-46/2012 was issued on November 19, 2012 and it was expected that DHS Kashmir would act by November 30, 2012 against Classic ParaMedical Institute. The area where the Para-Medical Training Centre along with the Classic Hospital is operating is purely residential one, but over the years many commercial establishments have come up there. It would be in place to mention here that Abdul Rashid Khan, a resident of Gulberg Colony, Hyderpora moved successive applications with the different departments while seeking details whether any permission has been granted to the Classic Hospital/Classic ParaMedical Training Institute. Pertinently, Mukhtara Begum mother of Dr. Javed Ahmad Mir, Proprietor, Classic Hospital/Classic Para-Medical Training Institute moved an application with SMC for construction of single storey house at Gulberg Colony, Hyderpora in 2000. Mukhtara Begum's application was entertained and instead of raising a residential structure the lady constructed the Al-Rahat MRI Centre that was subsequently named as Classic Hospital, Hyderpora. This was followed by the illegal opening of Classic Para-Medical Training Centre and the same carried its operation for almost 10 years. taining to this pending task were discussed afresh, sources further said. In the meeting Ambika Soni, Sham Lal Sharma and Ravinder Sharma besides Prof Soz were present. " It is not a delayed matter..our party has a functional PCC which is doing all activities nevertheless reconstituted PCC would be announced shortly ", said a senior party leader confirming an exercise has been set rolling afresh to finalize the names for new body. Pertinent to mention is that new PCC has been reconstituted after over three years. High Command gave nod to continuance of Prof Soz as president of the state unit and this was declared officially as well a month back. In the new panel , sources said care has been taken to give representation not only to all the regions and places where Congress has its strongholds, but also to the fact that Congress still continues to be divided in the J&K where loyalties are divided between Soz camp and Azad camp.

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2008 in the State. The Congress High Command was so soft towards NC at that time that it not only offered NC a Ministerial berth in Union Cabinet but also rejected the rotation Chief Minister in the State as per the previous precedence and thereby ditched its senior leaders in J&K who were demanding the same, sources added. was absolutely right. There are reasons to believe that both the communities will not only co-exist in a peaceful manner as before but would go on defeating those who want to vitiate the atmosphere in Jammu province. At the same time, the administration would do well to identify the bad elements so that they are brought to justice. This is what the communities in Kishtwar want. by a Minister of State and had directed the Police to register an FIR against the accused. The Counsel for the complainant, Advocate Zulqernain Shiekh said that the court had reserved its judgment on Aug 13, as it could not pass it due to volatile situation in the region. "After hearing Public Prosecutor RK Goswami and going through the revision petition, Principal Sessions Judge observed, "the law laid down by Full Bench of Allahabad High Court in Father Thomas vs State of UP squarely applies in the present case. The Court observed that the present revision petition is not maintainable and is liable to be dismissed," he said. After the court judgment, former Minister has come in dock and an FIR would likely to be registered against him. "We have not registered an application in Police Station yet. We are going to soon approach the police station so that an FIR will get registered against National Conference leader Sajad Ahmed Kitchloo," Zulqernain said.

CONTINUATION
No public, ..
the Government was missing from the seat because every Minister is Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir except the Chief Minister. "We don't have Ministers, 25 Chief Ministers", said he adding "Ministers could either be traced in their respective constituencies or in the J&K House Chanakyapuri in New-Delhi." A senior political worker of ruling National Conference said that the civil secretariat employees have a three-day week while as Ministers have single-day week, but nobody knows which day each one of them have fixed. The secretariat employees mince no words in asserting that the "vital public offices there" have turned defunct in absence of Ministers. "Work in the departments involving public dealing has come to a grinding halt. Though higher ranking officials reach the offices but are not able to work in absence of the in-charge Ministers. You need the presence of Ministers if you want to do some work," said a senior bureaucrat.

Vested interests ..

Kitchloo likely .

Follies of ..
has been an indication in this regard. Otherwise had the NC leadership been sincere such a destruction would have not taken in the home town of the Minister who was in charge of Law and order machinery that too in his presence, sources added. Sources said the failure of Congress party to act in time has been to the advantage of separatists who took the full advantage of infighting between two coalition partners especially the rhetoric of NC senior leader Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal and Congress leader Abdul Gani Wakil who have been day in and day out accusing each others party for present political mess in the State. Sources said the situation in Kashmir has reached back to 1989 -90 position due to the follies of UPA Government at Centre which just to satisfy the ego of some leaders preferred alliance with NC than PDP to form the Government in

More culprits ..
the loot and arson after the violence has left the town fearing police action. Many among these culprits had left the town on next day of the violence when strict curfew was in place in entire Kishtwar District, beside the Kishtwar-Jammu and Kishtwar-Sinthan-Srinagar National Highway was also blocked and even media persons' entry into the District was restricted. The escaping of the main culprits from the town despite strict curfew in the area can put the security agencies under question. The sources said that police has issued lookout notice for arrest of the main culprits to various police stations of the state and added that soon the main culprits involved behind the Kishtwar violence will be behind the bars.

Soni to visit ..
rallies across the state, the final shape to re constituted PCC is under active consideration of the party. Though functionaries and office bearers of the new executive body as also the entire PCC has been more or less decided, there were disputes and differences with respect to some names who were recommended by some leaders for the new committee, sources said. However, in order to give a final shape to list of names already in panel, an informal meeting was held few days back at the residence of PCC chief Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz in New Delhi in which matters per-

Tiny brain grown, models embryonic development

The tiny brains mimic early brain development in a human embryo. It is nowhere near a brain in a dish of science fiction lore. However, scientists have successfully cultured stem cells to produce a pea-sized blob that mimics early brain development in a human embryo. In a paper that has just been published online by Nature, Juergen Knoblich of the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science in Vienna and his colleagues reported growing tiny cerebral organoids in the laboratory that had many key features of the brain in a nine-week-old human embryo. Their culture system was able to produce such miniature brains using human embryonic stem cells as well as mature cells that had been reprogrammed. Our system is very useful for us as developmental biologists because it allows us to study the human-specific features of brain development, explained Dr. Knoblich during a press briefing. We can analyse the function of individual genes in a human setting and that gives us much more information about what these genes may be doing. The cells of the cultured version grew around a fluid-filled cavity that was reminiscent of the ventricles in the human brain. The tiny organoids developed two of the six layers found in a brains outer portion, the cerebral cortex, along with cells typically associated with those layers. It also had some of the major regions that an embryonic human brain possesses and which later become more complex. The organoids had a type of neural stem cell that are found abundantly in the human embryonic brain but are hardly seen in lower mammals like rodents, Madeline Lancaster, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Knoblich's laboratory and the papers first author, told journalists. However, the cultured organoids have limitations. They do not yet display all the brain regions organised in the fashion that would be found in a developing embryo. Moreover, without blood vessels taking oxygen and nutrients to cells deep inside, the organoids do not grow and develop beyond about four millimetres in size. The scientists were able to use their culture system to model a disease that affected early brain development. Microcephaly is a devastating genetic disorder that leads to greatly reduced brain size and associated mental disabilities in afflicted individuals. Attempts to study the disease in mice had failed to recapitulate what was seen in humans. The scientists were able to generate tiny brains with reprogrammed skin cells taken from a person with the disorder. The organoids from this individual were much smaller than those created from a healthy person, said Dr. Lancaster. In this form of microcephaly, neural stem cells, which ought to be expanding in number, had started making neurons too soon. As a result, the stem cell population got depleted and, in the end, fewer neurons were made, resulting in a smaller brain. Ultimately we would like to move to more common disorders like schizophrenia or autism, which too produced defects in early brain development, remarked Dr. Knoblich. Culturing these tiny organoids provided a fabulous model system for studying uniquely human aspects of brain development both in healthy and disease states, remarked Shyamala Mani of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore who works on embryonic brain development. Responding to a question, Dr. Knoblich said that he was pessimistic about using the method to grow tissue that would replace damaged or diseased parts of the brain. However, their cultured bits of brain could be very useful in testing new drugs, he suggested. Keywords: cerebral organoids, human embryo, Nature, Jue

Aircel launches its first 'a+' center in J&K

An initiative to empower the youth with computer literacy and vocational training
the age group of 11-30 years. We believe it is very important to empower today's youth and being educated opens a world of possibilities for them. Aircel's a+ initiative aims at the growth and development of underprivileged youth so that they can be on a firm footing with their peers in the society." said, Brinda Malhotra, HeadCorporate Social Responsibility, Aircel. On the launch of first a+ centre in Jammu, Sundeep Talwar, Circle Operations Head - Jammu and Kashmir, Aircel, said "Aircel being a responsible corporate is delighted to contribute to the cause of empowering youth in Jammu and Kashmir. Our a+ center will educate the underprivileged youth on computer literacy which will help them to get employment opportunities. The youth is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir and their growth will enhance the growth and development of the state." JAMMU, AUG 27: Building on its commitment to the development of the youth in J&K, Aircel launched its first a+ center in Jammu. The Aircel a+ programme is an initiative working towards bridging the digital divide in India. The initiative helps empower underprivileged youth with computer, internet education and vocational training to provide them with jobs and a sustainable future. The first a+ center will operate in Girls Higher Secondary School in Nagrota, Jammu. "As part of our commitment to empower communities, Aircel has been diligently working towards computer literacy and skill development since 2010, and is running at present 20 a+ centres in various parts of the country. We have reached out more than 10,000 youth who are undergoing computer literacy programmes wherein each centre caters to more than 500 students per year in Aircel has partnered with various existing reputed and credible training partners to reach out to students and parents. In Jammu, Aircel has associated with NGO 'Yusuf Mehrally Trust' and 'Empower Pragati' as its Associate Training Partner. The Aircel a+ programme is divided into three parts Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. The course content has been given by Microsoft ULIP keeping in mind the needs of children enrolling in these centers. The Training manuals are designed by Aircel and the vocational training in various fields is provided by the training partner. The training equips the youth with skills to work in various sectors. Vocational training is provided in fields such as web designing, data entry operators, cashier, Customer relation and sales - telemarketing, sales executive, Hospitality services - front office, BPOs amongst others.

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STUDENT AGE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

STATE

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Sadhotra directs for early restoration of protection Bunds along Tawi
Visits damaged sites
JAMMU, AUGUST 27Minister for Planning, Development and Labour & Employment Mr. Ajay Sadhotra has directed flood control department to start the restoration work of the damages protections bunds along River Tawi in Marh block. Leading a team of I&FC officers, including Chief engineer of the department, the minister visited Sumpuran Kullian, Sardara Chak, Lachhman Pur, Top Manasa, Makwal, Malka Chak, Gandu Chak Sohanjana, Nandpur, Phallianmadal, and various other villages and assessed the damages caused to the agriculture land due to breaches of protection walls along Niki and Badi Tawi . The recent floods have washed away large tracts of agriculture and pasture land in the area due to the damages caused to the protection bunds along the two tributaries of River Tawi. The Minister visited each site of the damage for on the spot assessment of the damages

Bhalla stresses on time bound completion of developmental projects

Reviews pace of progress on restoration works, services delivery scenario
JAMMU, AUGUST 27Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Mr. Raman Bhalla has asked the government departments to work in coordination to ensure completion of the ongoing projects within stipulated time frame, adding that Government is committed to upgrade infrastructure under all sectors. Addressing a high level meeting of officers convened to review the pace of progress on under execution projects, Mr. Bhalla asked the Roads and Buildings, Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojna and Rural Development Department authorities to expedite restoration of flood damages and distribution of relief to the affected families, adding that the Government has already sanctioned Rs. 71.50 crore for the purpose from State Disaster Relief Fund. Divisional Commissioner , Jammu , Mr. Shantmanu, District Development Commissioner, Jammu Mr. Ajeet Kumar smooth movement of traffic on the vital road. He asked the traffic department to implement the High Court guidelines in solving the traffic congestion problem in the city of temples. The Minister asked PHE and PDD to provide regular power and drinking water supply during ensuing festival season. He asked the JMC to repair faulty street lights and install new lights in the uncovered areas of the Jammu city. He asked the authorities to desilt all the choked drains in the Jammu city. He asked the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to prepare a detailed project report for renovation of lanes and drains in the city and submit the same for funding so that the works could be started for the convenience of general masses. Mr. Bhalla asked the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CA&PDD) authorities to supply Atta, rice and sugar according to the scale fixed by the Government.

Sahu, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Baig, Vice Chairman JDA Mr. Satesh Nehru, Director Horticulture Mr. Anil Kumar Sharma, Chief Engineer M&RE Mtr. Shahnaz Ganai, Chief Engineer PHE Mr. K K Gupta, Director School Education Mr. P K Pole, Director RDD Mr. Shafiq

Ahmed Raina, Joint Commissioner JMC Mr. Kapil Sharma, Deputy Director Information Mrs Jyoti Rani Salathia besides other senior officers of Tourism, School Education, Social Welfare, Horticulture and Traffic departments were present in the meeting. Minister asked the Flood Control department to imme-

diately start the restoration work on the damaged Protection Bund along Nikki Tawi near Chandmari village to avoid soil erosion of the adjoining land. Regarding traffic congestion on Sidhra to Kunjwani road, Mr. Bhalla asked the SSP traffic not to allow parking of vehicles along the road as the same was hampering the

caused in these areas due to recent rains and floods. He directed the concerned officers to ensure correct and accurate assessment of the damage so that the affected could be compensated accordingly. He also directed the concerned department to ensure supply of water for irrigation so that the farmers do not face any problem on this account . He also exhorted upon the people to extend cooperation to the Government agencies in making accurate assessment of damages to private and public assets. . He said that the coalition government, led by Chief

Minister Omar Abdullah, has given first priority to restoration of services and repair of public assets, besides rehabilitation of the flood affected people. He said that the chief Minister would be himself monitoring the entire exercise to ensure that none of the affected areas are left out in the restoration process. The Minister was informed that the paddy crops in these border villages have suffered huge loss due to rise in the water level of Tawi. He asked the officers to assess the losses to the crops in these areas at the earliest for extending timely relief to farmers.

Mir inaugurates video conference facility at Krishi Bhawan Jammu

Reviews achievements under centrally sponsored schemes

Sham, Ajaz, Gurezi inspect restoration works in flood affected areas of Tral-Pulwama
Assure adequate relief to affected
PULWAMA (TRAL), AUGUST 27 - Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma, accompanied by Minister of State for Revenue & Rehabilitation, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, MLA Tral, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Shah and MLC, Mr. B.A. Magray today undertaken an extensive tour of flood affected areas of Tral and took stock of the restoration works on the damages caused due to recent rains and flash floods. The Minister expressed satisfaction on the pace of progress of restoration works and directed the District Administration to further step up the efforts to restore the essential services like damaged road links, PHE and electricity services which were badly hit due to floods and rains. He also directed the concerned departments to work on war footing to pro-

Rumours of Taxing Saffron crop a mischief

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 27: Refuting the rumours of taxing saffron crop, Director Agriculture Kashmir has termed it as baseless and figment of imagination being spread by the vested interests with ulterior motives to discourage the farmers to revive the saffron cultivation in the traditional areas of Pampore and adjoining areas. He has said that under National Mission on Saffron, Saffron cultivation is revived over 3700 hectares of land by planting quality and healthy saffron corms of appropriate size with the objective to enhance the productivity from 2.5 Kg per hectare to 5 to 6 Kg per hectare and for making the mission a success, ban has been imposed on the conversion of saffron land for purposes, other than saffron cultivation. He has further said that the overwhelming response of the saffron growers to the mission has frustrated the nefarious designs of land mafia who want to use the saffron land for nonAgricultural activities.

JAMMU, AUGUST 27Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir today inaugurated video conference facility here at the Directorate of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan Jammu. Commissioner Secretary, Agriculture, Asgar Hassan Samoon, Director Agriculture Jammu, Ajay Khajuria, Chief Agriculture Officers and other senior officers of the department were also present at the launching of the high-tech facility. The Minister said that the video conferencing facility will help in better monitoring of the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes and other programmes of the department so that the benefits/assistance could reach the farmers in a more effective manner. Moreover it will

also help in strengthening communication with the field functionaries at different levels and help in getting the timely feedback. Later, the Minister also chaired a meeting to review the physical and financial achievements registered in the current financial year. Director Agriculture informed the chair that Rs. 6 crore have been received for implementation of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Programme and its sub schemes like National Mission on Saffron and vegetable initiative for urban clusters in Jammu. The Minister stressed for timely submission of utilization certificates for the funds received under various centrally sponsored schemes to avoid delay in the release of the next instalment. He directed for maintaining

smooth supply of seeds for various crops, besides meeting the targets for seed replacements. He said that timely availability of agriculture inputs to the farmers is imperative for substantial increase in the production. Mir also stressed on putting in extra efforts to achieve desired results under National Mission on Saffron and the Rajmash project- the schemes aimed at to promote Indigenous and traditional crops. He said that beneficiaries should be provided all help for setting up of biogas units adding that these can serve many purposes in rural area. He directed the officers of the department to work in close coordination with revenue agencies to assess the loss of crops due recent rains and floods.

vide relief to the affected people. While interacting with the people at different places, Mr. Sham said that it is endeavor of the Government to respond quickly to the natural calamities in every part of the State and provide necessary relief to the affected people. He said that great damage has been occurred to the assets of Government and public due to natural calamities like, cloudbursts, earthquakes, flash floods and rains etc in different parts of the State and Government immediately swung into action and

started immediate relief and rehabilitation measures. He said at some places the loss has been assessed and in certain areas, the process of assessment is still on and after completion of entire process, the relief would be provided to the affected people. He asked the people to cooperate with the administration for ensuring expeditious restoration of damaged infrastructure. The Minister said that Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has already held a high-level meeting on Disaster Management with the

Cabinet Ministers and top brass of administration to deal with the emergent situation arisen due to natural calamities and issued specific instructions to the administration to release necessary funds immediately for undertaking necessary repairs to the essential infrastructure and private properties, besides providing cash relief to the affected people. He said that the Government is contemplating to formulate a well-knit strategy to deal with the natural calamities on the basis of experiences of past some years.

Div Com releases funds under SDRF DDC Doda reviews functioning of Engg Dept
JAMMU, AUGUST 27Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr Shantmanu has released funds to the tune of Rs.6231.155 lakhs and Rs.950.40 lakhs separately under State Disaster Responsive Fund (SDRF) for the year 2013-14 to the concerned Deputy Commissioners for temporary restoration of damaged public utilities and infrastructure caused due to recent rains and floods and ex-gratia relief to the sufferers respectively. As per the official handout, the funds have been released as approved by the State Executive Committee meeting held on August 22. The Deputy Commissioners have been directed to utilize the funds for the purpose these have been released after completing all necessary codal formalities as envisaged under SDRF norms.

Joint delegation of PHE Employees' Association, EJAC call on PHE Minister, discusses demands
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 27 A joint delegation of PHE Welfare Association, Jammu Province, All Kashmir PHE Employees Federation and Members of Employees Joint Action Committee called on the Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control here today and discussed several issues pertaining to the welfare of the PHE employees. Commissioner/Secretary PHE, Dr. Pawan Kotwal and Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Kashmir, Mir Javed Jaffer was also present on the occasion. The delegation put forth charter of demands pertaining to the difficulties and welfare of the employees, especially the field staff and requested the Minister to consider these demands sympathetically and resolve at the earliest. They pleaded that the field staff is the backbone of the department which is responsible for ensuring essential services at the ground level and they deserve fair treatment and Government must address their all outstanding issues. The demands included, regular disbursement of wages to all daily rated/need based/CP workers, implementation of SRO 3 of Labour Department, increasing of daily wages, regularization of daily rated workers who have completed 5 years of regular service, regular conduct of DPCs to fill up all vacant posts, introduction of Welfare Fund Scheme for all cadres of employees, computerization of GPF accounts, framing of new recruitment policy, creation of more posts for different categories and so on. The Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that all genuine demands will be examined on priority and resolved in a phased manner.

Touts dupe students under PMSSS

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 27: Blaming touts for playing with the careers of students for their petty interests, Coaching Centre's Association (CCA)Tuesday claimed that in the name of Prime Ministers Scholarship scheme, Kashmiri students have been duped by touts of more than Rs 100 Crores. Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Chairman CCA, Er Ghulam Nabi Var claimed that sixty percent of Kashmiri students face expulsion from outside state colleges as touts misuse Rs 1200 Crore Scholarship scheme for their own benefits. He said that the much publicized Rs 1200 Crore Prime Ministers Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) announced in 2010 to win the hearts of youth has created more animosity as thousands of youth have become more frustrated. "Kashmiri student had made Ministry of Human Resources aware about the role of touts and they had told them how touts have duped them.

ADDC inspects development projects, listens to people's problems

UDHAMPUR, AUGUST 27:- Additional District Development Commissioner Udhampur, Mr. Ajay Singh Jamwal today visited various panchayats at block Panchari of district Udhampur to inspect the pace of progress on the under construction works and listen to the problems of the people. While reviewing the damages caused by recent rains and measures undertaken to restore these , the ADDC issued directions to the concerned departments for immediate restoration of damaged roads , PHE and other public utilities . During the tour the ADDC visited panchayat Pathi, Pangara, Lower Meer, Upper Meer and Panchari. He inspected construction works being executed by PWD, PMGSY and Rural Development Department. He gave necessary instructions to the engineers cautioned against any compromise with the quality of material. He also asked the concerned officers of Rural Development and Works departments to accelerate

DODA, AUGUST 27- District Development Commissioner Doda, Mubarak Singh today convened a meeting of Engineering Departments to review the functioning and

Tarigami chairs Environment Committee meet

progress of R&B, PHE, JKPCC, PMGSY, PDD, I&FC and Urban Development sectors. After detail deliberations the Officers and Engineers were asked to speed up the pace of work in view of limited working season available in the District and wherever necessary the works to be put in double shifts by engaging additional men and machinery. While discussing the scheme-wise progress of various projects, it was desired that the projects be completed within the timeframe. The Executive Engineer of JKPCC was asked to pace up the execution and complete Thathri Bridge, Degree College Kilothran, SDH Bhaderwah, Trauma Hospital Khellani and new District Hospital Doda within stipulated time.

tempo of under construction and restoration works to ensure completion in a stipulated time frame. Mr. Jamwal also interacted with the locals panchayats members and took stock of problems being faced by them. He assured all possible steps for redressal of their genuine problems. Additional District Development Commissioner was accompanied by Asst Executive Engineers of PWD, PMGSY, Deputy Director Planning DRDA, Block Development Officer Panchari and other field staff.

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 27: A meeting of the Environment Committee of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly headed by MLA Kulgam, Mr. M. Y. Tarigami was held here today to examine and discuss the various representations received with regard to heavy environmental pollution and establishment of stone crushers and other industries in violation of environmental norms in various areas of Kupwara and Budgam districts. The Committee which met here with its members including Legislators Mr. A .R Veeri, Mr. Javaid Mustafa Mir, Mr. Mohammad Khalil

Bandh, Mr. Rafi Ahmad Mir, Mr. DurgaDass and Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganai discussed the issues related to safeguarding the environment of the State. Threadbare discussion was held on the extraction of stones and sand from Nallahs in Kupwara District, establishment of illegal stone crushers in the area which pose gigantic threat to human health and the environment. The Committee underscored that such activities put negative impact on the environment due to which eco-balance is disturbed and preventive measures have to be taken on war-footing basis to save it.

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petroleum engineers, mining engineers and other professionals, and may be responsible for the supervision of a team of other professionals, technologists and support staff. They may have to spend a considerable amount of time in the field, sometimes in remote locations. Seismology Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth or through other planet-like bodies. The field also includes studies of earthquake effects, such as tsunamis as well as diverse seismic sources such as volcanic, tectonic, oceanic, atmospheric, and artificial processes (such as explosions). Geodesy Geodesy also named geodetics, a branch of earth science deals with the study of earth as a whole planet. Geodesists study the size, shape, and gravitational field of the Earth and other planets. They also study phenomena such as crustal motion, tides and polar motion. Atmospheric physics Atmospheric physics is the application of physics to the study of the atmosphere. In other words, it is the study of the atmosphere in terms of its physical properties and dynamics. Geophysicists investigate the earth's magnetic and electric fields, and compare its outer atmosphere with those of other planets. Geomagnetism Geomagnetism is the study of the Earth's magnetic field, including its origin, telluric currents driven by the magnetic field and the interaction of the magnetic field with the solar wind. Geomagnetists work to discover the origins of the planet through the study of magnetic fields. Marine Geophysics Marine geophysics is a scientific discipline that is concerned with the application of geophysical methods to problems of marine geology. Marine geophysics is associated with the concepts and problems of seafloor spreading, continental drift, and plate tectonics. Environmental Geophysics A branch of earth science where Geophysical techniques may be used to monitor environmental impact of, for example, water contaminants by creating maps of the subsurface and investigating groundwater movement. Paleomagnetism Paleomagnetism is the study of the record of the Earth's magnetic field preserved in various magnetic minerals through time. Meteorology It is the study of earth's atmosphere as well as the atmospheric conditions. Meteorology also deals with weather forecasting by applying physical and mathematical principles to atmospheric conditions. Meteorologists can find work in meteorological departments, military, TV/ radio stations, education institutes, and consulting meteorology businesses. Oceanography It is the scientific study of the oceans which cover about 70 percent of the earth's surface. It includes ocean's physical properties, oceanic mapping and exploration. REMUNERATION Salary of geophysicists varies depending on education, experience, position, employer and geographical location. In mining and oil exploration sector salary is lucrative. A fresher can expect to start with anything between Rs.15000/- to 25000/- per month which can shoot up with experience and talent. One can go ahead and reach administrative level after gaining experience and career advancement. The salary ranges from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.2 lakh per month in administrative jobs depending upon the sector one has joined.

CAREER IN GEOPHYSICS
INTRODUCTION Geophysics, a major branch of the Earth sciences and a sub discipline of Physics, is the study of the Earth by quantitative physical methods, especially by seismic, electromagnetic, and radioactivity methods. As the name implies, geophysics involves the application of physical theories and measurements to discover the properties of the earth. Geophysics is the term used to describe the study of the Earth's surface, core, geological levels and anything impacting the planet such as gravity, electric and magnetic forces. Geophysics is applied to societal needs, such as mineral resources, mitigation of natural hazards and environmental protection. Career fields in geophysics include working in magnetics, seismology and geodesy. Although geophysics was only recognized as a separate discipline in the 19th century, its origin dates back to ancient history. Many geophysical phenomena such as earth's magnetic field and earthquakes have been investigated since the ancient era. The first magnetic compass and use of geophysics for navigation, exploration dates back to ancient period. Geophysicists study the structure, composition and the physical aspects of the earth and its atmosphere and apply scientific principles in order to solve problems. These scientists use geophysical methods to study the Earth and its composition, including its atmosphere, internal make-up, oceans, electrical and other fields. Geophysicists, involved in field investigation; measure, examine, and explore the physical properties of earth, from below the ground to the atmosphere or from the depths of the ocean to the top of the volcanoes. Geophysicists are involved in environmental studies, archaeological excavations, water resource management, forensic investigations, the Earth's climate, and the causes and prediction of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides and tsunamis. Geophysicists examine the physical aspects of earth with the help of radar, dynamite, computers, magnetometers and gravimeters. Geophysics being an interdisciplinary field, apply the principles and concepts of physics, mathematics, geology and engineering to the study of the physical characteristics of the Earth and other planets. Exploration for coal, petroleum, minerals and water, concern about the environment, and the disposal of hazardous waste are just a few of the challenging areas which will require the skills of trained geophysicists. Geophysics can be divided into two broad categories (i) whole earth geophysics, and (ii) applied geophysics. Whole earth geophysics or global geophysics involves the study of physical processes spanning the entire earth such as those associated with plate tectonics, earthquakes and the earth's magnetic field. Applied geophysics involves the application of geophysical principles and methods for locating subsurface petroleum, mineral deposits, and water supplies, the investigation of subsurface structures etc. Geophysicists may specialize their study in areas like the Earth's magnetic and gravitational fields, planetary movement and seismic activity. ELIGIBILITY & COURSE AREAS Educational To become a Geophysicist a degree in earth science, geophysics or geology is required. Those with a strong background in physics, mathematics or computer science can take a course in Geophysics. Geophysics can be studied at the masters and Ph.D. levels. IITs in India offer M.Sc/ M.Sc.-Ph.D Dual Degree programme. For M.Sc. program in geophysics candidates with minimum 50 per cent marks in B.Sc mathematics and physics as subjects are eligible. Positions in research requires masters degree. Studies include a foundation in geology, geophysics, physics, mathematics and chemistry and geophysical fundamentals covering geophysical exploration, global studies, rock properties, and data acquisition methods. Personal attributes

A geophysicist must have a strong science background, a curious mind, and a fascination for natural phenomena. They must have an analytical mind and good communication skills, both verbal and written as many geoscientists work in teams. Candidates must also have ability to solve problems and enjoy technical work. Geophysicist must be detail-oriented, organized, and methodical in their approach to researching and evaluating samples and other items in their field of study. As most of their work involve field work, they must be physically fit and have stamina. JOB PROSPECTS & CAREER OPTIONS Aspirants with specialisation in geophysics have job possibilities both in India and abroad. Most of the geophysicists are employed by industries in the mining, oil, and natural gas sector. These geophysicists locate areas where there is high probability of finding deposits of minerals. There are another category of geophysicists who evaluate earth properties for environmental hazards and evaluate areas for dams or construction sites. They are employed by Marine survey companies and environmental consulting companies. In the government sector, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) mainly employs Geophysicists. With

Ph.D in geophysics one can take teaching positions in universities/institutes. Geophysicists can further advance to management and administrative positions. Most geophysicists spend at least part of their working career doing fieldwork, sometimes in remote areas in difficult conditions. Frequent travel, hard physical labor, long hours and limited companionship are all part of their fieldwork. They may have to stay away from home for many days, which may be depressing to a few. Hours of work varies with the type of work performed. If one holds administrative positions they can work regular hours. Some career avenues and specialisations for Geophysicists are Exploration Geophysics Exploration geophysics is the applied branch of geophysics which uses surface methods to measure the physical properties of the subsurface Earth, in order to detect or infer the presence and position of ore, minerals, hydrocarbons, geothermal reservoirs, groundwater reservoirs, and other geological structures. Exploration geophysics is a highly recognized field in terms of mineral prospecting, mapping and acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the geoscience of specific terrain. Exploration geophysicists work with geologists, geotechnical engineers,

JEE-Advanced may become a computerbased exam next year

MUMBAI: Next year, the JEE-Advanced may change from being a paper-pencil entrance exam to a computerbased one. The decision on the switch will be taken when the Joint Admission Board meets in early Sept. On Sunday, members of the board, the highest body that takes decisions on admissions to theIndian Institutes of Technology (IITs), said the JEE-Advanced in 2014 could be offered as a computerbased exam since "it is the way forward". "We discussed a proposal to offer the test on computer or, at least, to keep it as an option in the first year," said IIT-Bombay director Devang Khakhar. A total of 12.82 lakh highschool graduates applied to take the JEE (Main) exam in 2013 when India took its big step towards the 'one nation, one exam system'. Among them, only 1.74 lakh candidates took the computerbased test. The next level, which is the JEE (Advanced) test for admissions to the IITs, received 1.5 lakh candidates. IIT-Kharagpur, which is in charge of conducting the JEE (Advanced) for 2014, will parse through the 2013 database. "As a starting point, we'll see how many of the students who qualified for the IIT (Advanced) took the main test on computer," said an IIT official. Some logistical deviations will have to be considered. "We'll have to run the computer-based tests and the paper-pen tests at the same time at all the centres across India," he said. "We'll have to be extremely cautious."

Visually-challenged don seeks justice for disabled

KOLKATA: A visually-challenged senior professor here has questioned the central government on the noninclusion of disabled persons in the recruitment drive initiated for the socially vulnerable. Samit Kar, 51, teaching at the Presidency University's sociology department, has written to the union ministry of social justice and empowerment. Kar said: "I have written a letter to them asking why have the disabled not been included in the recruitment drive for the socially vulnerable. The scheduled castes and tribes have been included in the drive but what about us?" He added: "This is a result of votebank politics. Whenever the government sees some opportunity to gather votes it gets tempted to pay attention. This is the general approach across the country ... politicising caste, etc." Kar resigned from the Presidency University here after it failed to sanction a special allowance entitled to him. In the profession for the past 17 years, Kar had earlier brought to the notice of the Disability Commissioner in New Delhi that the varsity was depriving him of the Rs.3,000 per month special allowance since 2011. After the varsity did not respond to Kar's repeated pleas, he put in his papers. He said: "I have a permanent blindness as a result of undetected diabetes and I am entitled to an amount by the UGC (University Grants Commission) which is not being paid by the university (formerly Presidency College)." He said: "The standard procedure is that UGC doesn't pay in advance. Initially, the university has to pay from its own coffers. But it has not been done even after I submitted the requisite documents to the varsity as requested. The UGC had issued the university necessary papers to start giving me allowance. But they have been unresponsive." In protest, Kar will stop working at the varsity starting Sep 30. The professor, earlier associated with Presidency College, opted for university teaching and got through the selection interview when the institution was upgraded. Kar said: "Initially, they gave assurance but later the registrar used to put off my calls and the vice-chancellor also did the same a couple of times in May. This is injustice." He also accused the university administration of withholding his conveyance allowance. He also claimed that the three percent job reservation allowance under the public works department is not being given to him. However, Presidency University Registrar Prabir Dasgupta said the "information is not correct". He said: "We had sanctioned the allowance but he resigned. How will we pay if he resigns? He will get his allowances and other arrears this month." Meanwhile, Kar plans to join a government college. He added: "I have approached Bikash Bhavan (the state higher education department headquarters) and they have assured they will try to secure a post for me in a government college. First, I will have to work there and then they will arrange a suitable post."

IIT-K hosts meet on cloud computing

KANPUR: The electrical engineering department of IIT-K and IETE (Kanpur centre) organised a workshop on cloud computing at the institute on Sunday. The students and faculty members from different engineering colleges, including Hartcourt Butler Technological Institute and Ambedkar Institute of Technology for Handicapped took part in it. The students were told that with the help of cloud computing, a comman man can access his data files from any place. With the help of cloud computing, there is no need to purchase software, instead data can be accessed directly on internet. The chief guest was A Joshi, acting head of electrical engineering department.The speakers were TV Prabhakar and Amitabha Roy of IIT-K, Ashish Agarwal and Johnson Whiteford of electrical engineering department of IIT-K. Associate professor Narendra Kohli of HBTI, who is also the chairman of IETE (Kanpur Centre), was also present.

Himachal to regularise services of 6,318 teachers

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh Tuesday informed the state assembly that services of over 6,000 teachers recruited through parents and teachers association (PTA) in schools and colleges would be regularised systematically. "The government will take back all the 6,318 PTA teachers who were removed from service for some reasons during the previous BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) regime," he said during question hour. The chief minister said that in the next one-and-half years, when they will complete eight years of service, they would join on contract and after that, their services would be regularised. Earlier, the eight-month-old Congress government had announced it would bring the PTA teachers on contract after completion of eight years of continuous service since 2006. Singh said none of the PTA teachers would be affected by the conditions of educational classifications as per the Right to Education Act as they are qualified. The chief minister said the BJP government had victimised the PTA teachers and had tried to crush their agitation. Raising the question, BJP member Jairam Thakur said the Congress had made big promises to the PTA teachers during the election time and had misused them by even making them polling agents. "Eight months have passed since the Congress took over reigns of the state, but the PTA teachers have not been regularised," he said. Another BJP member Randhir Sharma denied that the BJP government had victimised the PTA teachers.

Students ready to sacrifice studies for Gorkhaland: GJM

DARJELLING: Claiming that the Gorkhaland issue was more important for students, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supremo Bimal Gurung Tuesday said the learners were ready to sacrifice their education to secure their demand for a separate state. "The students of Darjeeling are ready to sacrifice their education for Gorkhaland. The truth is that the issue of Gorkhaland is more important for the students right now," Gurung said on a social networking site asserting that thousands of students voluntarily participated in a rally supporting Gorkhaland. "Their (students) participation is entirely of their own choice. We in the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, while welcoming it, would like to remove all misgivings and reiterate that the party has imposed no instructions to students to join in the ongoing movement," he said. The Gorkha outfit intensified their separatist movement, after the United Progressive Alliance central government approved the carving out of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has joined hands with several proGorkhaland parties and formed the Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee -which is now spearheading the stir. "Students in the hills want their own state and I will give them their Gorkhaland. The fight for a separate state is not me for me or my party but it is for these children and their future," said Gurung in his Facebook post. However, there are some who do not concur with Gurung's views. "This should be the last and final sacrifices. I have sacrificed in 1980-86 movement and still unemployed and now my son is sacrificing... please think about it," said one comment against Gurung's post. "Gorkhaland is very important for us... but if we can't get good education now, it'll destroy our future n that time we will have nothing but regrets," read another comment. Incidentally, a Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee constituent -the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists (CPRM) -- had earlier said they were planning to keep out educational institutions, particularly schools, out of the ambit of the stir.

Gauhati Medical College and Hospital students demand increase in PG seats

GUWAHATI: Around 100 students of theGauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) took out a rally on Monday demanding equalization of under-graduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) seats in medical studies. The rally was a part of nationwide campaign called 'Save the Doctors'. There are 45,600 UG seats in the entire country. But, the number of PG seats is only 19,000, of which 12,000 are clinical studies-related seats. They said that the number of UG and PG medical seats in the country is not sufficient and should be increased. The president of the Junior Doctors Association, Manash Jyoti Taw, said, "Pursuing post-graduation in any stream of medicine is essential for a doctor to become a specialist such as a gynaecologist, neurologist, surgeon, radiologist etc. India lacks specialist doctors due to the low number of PG seats. Though there are many medical institutions, the disparity in the number of seats allotted for PG and UG students, along with the mandatory rural posting, is affecting young doctors." The scenario in the state is no better. In the civil hospital and first referral units, there are no specialized doctors. "The GMCH authorities and the Directorate of Medical Education recently appealed to the Medical Council of India to increase the number of PG seats in the state. The authorities have asked for around 71 seats but only six seats have been increased. The doctorpatient ratio should be around one doctor for 3,300 patients but, at present, the ratio is around one doctor for around 6,000 patients," he added.

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affected by the crime to act on the criminals themselves. Yes, the law can get a bit out of hand. But by not taking cognisance or punishing authorities and individuals for negligence, the need for change is not seen. There need to be cases of exemplary punishment, the Government ought to be fined for its negligence. Municipal authorities would realise that unsafe construction, often leaving building material on main roads without cordoning them off is not safe. Insurance companies often pick up the tab for motor vehicle accidents caused by negligence, but why are the traffic police allowed to get away without punishment? Why should electricity distributors and their executives be allowed to get away with what can clearly be termed as murder when someone dies due to an exposed electricity main wire? Their lawyers will do their jobs and ensure clients do not get punished and cases often fizzle out. The upper middle classes and rich will sometimes raise a stink if one of their own die due to official apathy, but when was the last time you heard of a child from a rich family fall down a borewell or die due to an open manhole cover? This apathetic view we have towards personal health and safety has to change. Children ought to be taught that the system of jugaad, or short-cuts is dangerous. And courts and authorities have to crack down, both on the public that regards safety as someone elses problem, as well as the authorities, who ignore the problem and issue apology letters and a pittance as compensation a few times a year. What is the value of a life in India? Two lakh rupees? That is what the pilgrims who were run over by the train got. We value life at $3,000. That says a lot about us as a people.

NEEDLESS BRUTE FORCE

The Samajwadi Party Government in Uttar Pradesh may gloat that it has effectively foiled the 84-Kosi Yatra that had been planned by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the State, covering various places including Ayodhya. But it is mistaken in believing that it has had the last word on the matter. The issue echoed forcefully in Parliament on Monday and has spilled on the streets. The Akhilesh Yadav regime has claimed that it clamped down because the yatra could have vitiated communal harmony in the State. But he has not provided any material to substantiate the contention. If the Chief Minister has inputs from intelligence agencies that say the yatra could have led to a communal flare-up, he must reveal them. Not even prominent religious leaders of the minority community in the State had objected to the religious event. In fact, they, and the residents of the minority community in the State, could not have cared less because the yatra is an annual event which has not led to any serious communal discord in the recent past. On its part, the VHP had discussed the programme with the State regime beforehand and seemed to have got the green signal, presumably after the administration was convinced that the yatra posed no threat to communal accord. What led to the State Government's change of heart should not be much of a mystery. The Samajwadi Party has been desperately trying to woo the minorities as the Lok Sabha election draws near, and it is willing to do just about anything to win over their support. What accounts for the desperation is the fear that the minorities, having already seen through the party's game and its poor record in meaningfully empowering them, are perfectly willing to dump the ruling party. The Akhilesh Yadav regime is prepared to, therefore, conjure fears of communal violence where none exists and position itself as a saviour of the Muslims. By coming down heavily on the 84-Kosi Yatra, the Chief Minister is hoping to send across the message to the minorities that he will not allow Hindu fundamentalists' to have their way and destroy communal harmony. But if Mr Yadav is so committed, why have there been more than two dozen communal riots in the State since he took charge a little over a year ago? What action has he taken against the people, including allegedly his party leaders, who had a hand in the violence? If only he had deployed a fraction of the massive police force which he used to crush the VHP's yatra, the communal outbreaks could have been either avoided or contained. Not surprisingly, many prominent Muslim religious leaders have slammed the Samajwadi Party Government for its overreaction to the VHP's programme. The Akhilesh Yadav regime had only recently tried to similarly invoke fears of a terrible communal crisis to win over the minorities over the Durga Shakti Nagpal issue. It didn't matter to the Government that the IAS officer had done absolutely nothing to arouse communal passion, and that no communal tension had in fact arisen out of her directive to demolish an illegal wall adjoining a mosque. Besides, she was merely following a Supreme Court directive. If there is no communal issue, create it and milk the minorities for votes', has become the State Government's stated policy.

FATALISM HAS BECOME SECOND NATURE

KUSHAN MITRA
The death of 30-odd pilgrims on the railway tracks started a litany of allegations, but a key fact remains that Indians on the whole pay little attention to their own personal safety. The deaths of 37 pilgrims at Dhamara Ghat station in Bihar a few days ago grabbed national headlines. If the Railway Board is to be believed, the pilgrims who had alighted from another train and were crossing the tracks, thought they could stop the train. It is doubtful that the pilgrims understood basic physics; stopping a speeding train takes an immense amount of energy. Of course, the other tragedy was the wanton destruction of public property after the incident, but that is another story. Every year, hundreds of people die crossing the tracks or falling off trains in Mumbais suburban rail system. Hundreds more die across India because they travel on train rooftops, over-crowded buses and transport vehicles. Our rush to low cost products has more often than not come at a massive cost of personal safety. India aspires to be a developed nation. It has been portrayed by economists as part of a group of fast-growing nations, the so-called BRICS group. It is true that India has progressed immensely over the past few years. However, the overall perception of life, or the value of life, in India is the biggest single gap between the rich and poor. A gap that is several times that of the income gap. It might be a gross generalisation to say that Indians have a fatalistic attitude towards life, but incidents every day on Indian highways seem to prove the point. Motorcyclists rarely wear helmets and people drive on the wrong side of the road with abandon. From the way

What is the value of a life in India? Two lakh rupees? That is what the pilgrims who were run over by a train in Bihar have been promised. We value life at $3,000! But let alone Governments, even people do not value their lives and those of others
we treat electrical appliances to the tangle of wires on light poles, our lack of concern for human life is evident. This lack of safety consciousness is not just restricted to people but also governmental agencies: Look at the way pavements are designed, if they even exist in many parts of the country. This year, several people, many young people among them have died in flood-hit areas, not because of the water but because they inadvertently touched live electrical wires that they could not even see. The number of children who die when they fall into open civic manholes and in borewells that are carelessly left open is stunning in this country. For every case of a successful rescue of Prince, there are hundreds of children who die due to sheer negligence. While such accidents occur everywhere in the world, they are seen as tragic exceptions. Here, we see them as just another accident. That reflects a sense of selfishness that we have, a selfishness that proscribes the view that I want to save driving for 300 metres and taking a U-Turn, so I will drive on the wrong side of the road. And that is possibly a bigger tragedy than the death itself. This is also reflected in the way that we in the media also report these incidents. Car crashes, which occur with alarming regularity on newer highways when cars and trucks crash into vehicles parked on the road usually find mention on an inside page. Sometimes a bigger accident might make it onto the front pages and action might follow, but many of us, and that includes journalists, rarely give them a second glance. The lack of safety consciousness is a disease that inflicts most Indians. People drive on the wrong side of the road or even reverse in the face of heavy traffic to save some time and fuel. The concern that we as a people show towards our own lives, and particularly towards the lives of our fellow Indians is abysmal. Take for example the steel-bar frame fitted on the front and back of some vehicles, which are clearly illegal because vehicles have not been certified with these bars, and god forbid the car hits a pedestrian! The additional steel bar could shatter bones. And we fit these bars to protect our own cars from damage. This needs to change. And the change needs to come from the judicial system. Many people make fun of the United States as a litigation-happy society where, if I, a consumer, do not like something, I sue. In the United Kingdom, Health and Safety laws have apparently gone so bizarre that recently policemen refused to act on burglars on a roof because they did not have equipment, forcing the businessmen

On a closer look, the entire resource-grab spree would reveal a couple of interesting and economically-intelligent strategies. China is tapping into the resources of those nations that are relatively weaker. In other words, they are entering nations that are politically weak and have poor governance (including India). Moreover, these are precisely those nations where the West had never paid heed and had left them to their own fate. Various nations of Latin America, which were subjugated by the West through sanctions and regular invasions, and Africa where the West only went with an objective of plundering and looting, are the prime-interest areas of China.The dragon nation is offering countries in these geographies trade offers that are more than lucrative. Not only is China commercialising their dead industries but is also allowing them to develop support infrastructure. In any case, it's a win-win situation for China from both the ends! Such deals give them free access to hinterlands and hidden resources and the support infrastructure removes the transportation bottlenecks too.

SOME TRIAL, MORE TAMASHA

Ever since Mr Bo Xilai found himself at the centre of his country's biggest political scandal, China's Fallen Prince' has grabbed headlines across the world. To that extent, it was only to be expected that all eyes would be on his fiveday trial, which concluded on Monday, even though few will deny that its result might have been decided in advance. By stripping Mr Bo of all his positions within the Government and expelling him from the party soon after the scandal came to light in February 2012, the Communist Party of China had made known its position on the Chongqing branch's tainted Secretary. There is no reason to believe that the judiciary will now not toe the ruling party's line. But those who had assumed that just because the final ruling is a given, there would be little to look forward to in the trial, were mistaken. The tainted politician put up a spirited defence that seemingly took the prosecutors by surprise he recanted his earlier confessions and denied involvement in any wrongdoing. Essentially, he sought to demolish the prosecution's case by claiming that of the two of its key witnesses, one his wife Gu Kailai was crazy, while the other his former aide Wang Lijun was a liar. And while this line of defence is unlikely to produce a verdict in favour of Mr Bo, it provided for some wholesome court-room entertainment, with doses of sex, lies, money and meat. And so it was that as Mr Bo tried to shake off responsibility for the actions of his wife, who has been convicted for the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood, he also shed light on his dysfunctional marriage. For one, he confessed to having cheated on Gu, often described as China's Jackie Kennedy. But Mr Bo portrayed her as a relatively fragile woman and then turned the tables on her to argue that, it was because of the affair that his estranged wife was trying to implicate him. Yet, he claimed, he still had feelings for her. But that was not all. As the trial progressed, Mr Bo added yet another twist to the amusing tale when he testified that the other key witness, Wang, who was once his right-hand man, had fallen in love with his wife: His emotions were in a knot and he, therefore, couldn't control himself, said Mr Bo. No wonder, he so mercilessly hounded Wang in court! Not only did the disgraced party leader call the former vice-mayor of Chongqing a person of very vile quality who was filled with deception, he also mocked at the prosecution for producing a witness who was beneath legal credibility. The details of the trial have been made public courtesy the Intermediate People's Court in Jinan which has been posting parts of the transcript on Weibo, the Chinese microblogging website, in an attempt to bring more transparency to proceedings. Certainly, nobody is complaining. How else would we have known that Mr Bo tried to steam an exotic South African meat that is not supposed to be cooked?

SYRIAS CHEMICAL WEAPON DILEMMA

GWYNNE DYER
A dilemma is by its very nature a choice between evils, and that is what now faces other countries over the use of poison gas in Syria. All the options may be on the table, but none of them are good. Nobody denies that poison gas was used in rebelheld parts of Damascus on August 21, not even the Syrian Government. Medecins Sans Frontieres says 3,600 patients with symptoms of poisoning were treated at three hospitals it supports in Damascus after the attack, and that at least 355 of them died. The real total may be as high as 1,000 dead. That's a whole week's normal death toll in the Syrian civil war in just one day. After that, however, we run out of facts. The rebels claim that the Baathist regime was responsible, while the Syrian Government says that the rebels did it themselves in the hope of triggering foreign military intervention. Sending United Nations inspectors will not settle that argument: If nerve gas was actually used, it must have come from Government stocks, but that doesn't mean that the regime did it. Everybody knows that the Syrian military

The historic ban on poison gas is a valuable deterrent, but it has survived some previous breaches. To that extent, preventing this one is not worth a war
have stocks of poison gas, but what's happening in Syria is a civil war. The rebels have not overrun any of the known storage sites for Syrian chemical weapons, but they could have secret supporters inside those sites who smuggled some out to them. If you apply the old test of who benefits?, the rebels, who are currently losing ground, have a strong incentive to get the Assad regime blamed for using illegal weapons. If that gets the United States and other Western powers to impose a no-fly zone, or bomb the regime's military bases, it helps the rebel cause. So maybe they acted to provide the necessary evidence: Some of them are certainly ruthless enough. It's easier to imagine the regime using chemical weapons: It's just as ruthless, and it actually owns them. But it is manifestly not to its advantage to do so. President Bashar al-Assad's troops are winning the war without them, and the last thing he needs is foreign military intervention. Using
The Catholic Church is active in Third World countries and has a valuable role to play in education and health care unlike in the rich first-world countries. Yours, etc., H.N. Ramakrishna,

chemical weapons could lead to just such an outcome, and it would be exceptionally stupid for the regime to do so. On the other hand, Armies and regimes have done exceptionally stupid things in the past, particularly when they are isolated and under great pressure. The emerging consensus among Western Governments, at any rate, is that Mr Assad was responsible. So what to do about it? France has already called for the use of force, and the United States and Britain seem to be teetering on the brink: After a 40-minute phone call last Saturday the US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron agreed that a significant use of chemical weapons would merit a serious response. But that is about the least they could say, in the circumstances. The US military intervention is unlikely to lead to the outcome American foreign policy really desires: The preservation of Syria's existing secular state, with a change of
Yours, etc., P.S.S. Murthy,

leadership at the top. If Mr Assad is overthrown, he'll probably pull the whole edifice down with him. If the rebels win, it's almost certainly the Islamist radicals who will take over. So if a military intervention is practically bound to end in tears, then why not just skip it? Because chemical weapons are classed as weapons of mass destruction, and there is an international treaty banning their use. If you let Mr Assad get away with this, goes the argument, he will have breached an important international taboo on the use of WMD. Well, not really. Biological weapons (germ warfare) are truly horrifying weapons of mass destruction, banned by treaty, and nobody has ever used them. Nuclear weapons can kill billions; they have never been banned, but they haven't been used in war for 68 years now. Poison gas, however, is not really a weapon of mass destruction at all. Napalm, fuel-air explosives and cluster bombs are just as nasty as poison gas, and perfectly legal. The historic ban on poison gas is a valuable deterrent, but it has survived some previous breaches, and preventing this one is not worth a war. Especially if it is, from the point of view of the potential interveners, an unwinnable war.

READER SPACE

Touching the poor

Dear Editor, That Mother Teresa chose to serve the poor and the dying through her Missionaries of Charity is well known (editorial page, Aug. 26). There are critics who will say she deliberately promoted poverty to ensure her image while conserving donations, instead of using them for the poor. Dr. Larivie, one of the university researchers from Canada, says, Given the parsimonious management of Mother Teresas works, one may ask where the millions of dollars for the poorest of the poor have gone. Many leading medical journals like BMJand Lancet have been critical of the quality of care offered to the terminally ill. Like many religious personalities, Mother Teresa held strong views on contraception, a dire need for India. During her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1979, Mother Teresa said abortion was the greatest threat to world peace.

Sonias optimism

VHPs renewed push

Dear Editor, The Uttar Pradesh government deserves all praise for handling such a sensitive issue deftly (Ayodhya seers flay VHP for playing politics with Rama & Togadia, Singhal arrested, Aug.26). The VHP should not impose its will by claiming that it upholds the unwritten code of conduct for Hinduism. It must remember that there are many devout Hindus. Conducting such padayatras affects the foundations of Hinduism. Peace will be threatened. It is time the VHP got the message. India does not need a wall between religion and peaceful living.

Dear Editor, The remark made by the Congress president and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi (Aug. 25), that the UPA will win for a third time, in 2014, can only be construed as customary political rhetoric. The statement has to be viewed in the backdrop of recent remarks made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the rising expectations of people make them impatient with the speed at which we can deliver results. People today resent apathy, sloth and corruption in any form and at any level of government more than ever before. Ms Gandhi needs to remember that it is the aam aadmi which will decide things. Also, terming the by-election results in Mandya and Bangalore rural as a morale booster for the Congress is exaggerated. Yours, etc., Ettirankandath Krishnadas,

It's easier to imagine the regime using chemical weapons: It's just as ruthless, and it actually owns them. But it is manifestly not to its advantage to do so. President Bashar alAssad's troops are winning the war without them, and the last thing he needs is foreign military intervention. Using chemical weapons could lead to just such an outcome, and it would be exceptionally stupid for the regime to do so.

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STUDENT AGE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

NATIONAL

230 crore worth irregularities in farm loan waiver: FM

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 27: Irregularities to the tune of Rs. 230 crore have been found in the farm loan waiver scheme and action is being taken in this regard, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said on Tuesday. Irregularities have been observed in 3,36,516 accounts involving Rs. 230 crore. These are the irregularities. Action is being taken....nobody will be spared. Nobody is being defended for the mistakes. But the mistakes are extremely small, he said. Mr. Chidambaram was replying to supplementaries during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha. He said 3.73 crore farmers benefited to the extent of Rs. 52,259.86 crore under the Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, 2008. With the scheme of the scale and magnitude that has been implemented, there will naturally be some errors of inclusion, some errors of exclusion, he said.The CAG had pointed errors in implementation of the farm debt waiver scheme and subsequently NABARD and RBI issued directions to lending institutions to examine cases of any irregularity.He said the RBI and NABARD together have

examined bulk of the accounts and work is going on. He added that the RBI had 1.85 crore beneficiary accounts to be inspected, of which they have verified 1.76 crore. RBI found 56,322 cases of error involving Rs. 98.97 crore. NABARD had to verify 1.88 crore accounts and it has completed 1.72 crore

accounts. It found irregularities in 2,80,194 accounts involving Rs. 131.70 crore. Under the scheme, direct agricultural loans disbursed by banks between April 1997 and March 2007 to farmers, which were overdue on December 31, 2007 and remained unpaid up to February 29, 2008 were eligible for debt waiver and debt relief.

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 27: Two TDP members from Andhra Pradesh were suspended from Rajya Sabha for the second day on Tuesday for continuously disrupting the House on Telangana issue. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien suspended C.M.Ramesh and Y.R.Chowdhary for the day under Rule 255. The two TDP MPs were suspended from House for a day on Monday also on same ground. The rule states that the Chairman may direct any member whose conduct is in his opinion grossly disorderly to withdraw immediately from the Council and any member so ordered to withdraw shall do so forthwith and shall absent himself during the remainder of the days meeting. Members from AIADMK, BJP, CPI, CPI-M and Trinamool Congress registered their protest to the action by saying a loud no, when Mr. Kurien read out rule and took the action. The action came after Mr. Ramesh and Mr. Chowdhary trooped into the Well holding placards as part of their continuous protests since the Monsoon session began on August 5. In the meanwhile the two TDP members kept telling the Chair that the matter they were raising concerns the life of people in Andhra Pradesh and that something should be done. Mr. Kurien repeatedly asked the members to withdraw from the

2 TDP MPs suspended from RS for second day

House, saying, I will be forced again to take action against you. Please dont make me do the unpleasant job. You are my friend....I request you to go back to your seats. If you do not go back, I am invoking Rule 255. However, as his repeated appeal to them to go back to their seats and

allow functioning of the House went in vain, Mr. Kurien suspended them invoking the Rule 255 and adjourned the House for 15 minutes telling them your conduct has been grossly disorderly. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla walked up to the

seat of Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitely and was seen having discussion with him. Mr. Ramesh sat on the floor for a while after the House was adjourned but went back after members from other parties including Congress talked to him.

Jayalalithaa case: SSPs appointment withdrawn

BANGALORE, AUGUST 27: Karnataka government has withdrawn the appointment of Bhavani Singh as the Special Public Prosecutor in the disproportionate assets case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. The appointment of senior advocate Singh as SPP to conduct the disproportionate case against Jayalalithaa and others in the special court is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect, a government notification issued on Monday said. The High Court had on Monday issued notice to the government on a petition filed by DMK General Secretary Anbazhagan praying for quashing the notification appointing Mr Singh as SPP, contending that it was contrary to the Supreme Courts direction. Mr Anbazhagan had also alleged that Mr Singh was not discharging his professional duties and had not chosen to crossexamine important witnesses. Ms Jayalalithaa on Monday moved the High Court seeking to implead herself in the petition.The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has been charged with accumulating Rs 66.65 crore wealth disproportionate to her known sources of income when she was CM for the first time from 1991 to 1996

VHP yatra will continue as planned: Togadia Huge fund outlay for food security 4 BSF men killed, 3 injured
ETAH, AUGUST 27: VHP leader Pravin Togadia on Tuesday said the outfits controversial yatra would continue as planned through its decided route. The 84 kosi parikrama yatra would continue as per its schedule from its decided route and there would be no change in it, Mr. Togadia, who was released from temporary jail, told reporters here. Claiming that the yatra has started on August 25 following puja at the Saryu ghat, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader appealed that it should be allowed to continue in a peaceful, non-violent and democratic manner. Mr. Togadia said MPs of all the political parties have been urged to frame a law for the construction of Ram temple and also include it in their respective manifestos.He accused the administration of not making arrangements for food and medicine during his illegal detention, and claimed that despite the high court order yesterday, he was released only this morning at 8 am. I was kept in detention illegally and not even doctor was provided when I fell ill, he said, adding that he would approach the high court in this matter. Mr. Togadia alleged he was not allowed to talk to media after his release which was an infringement of his right. The VHP leader said Uttar Pradesh government is being run not by Akhilesh Yadav but Azam Khan and alleged that the yatra was banned because of Mr. Khan. If Azam Khan is dreaming of turning Uttar Pradesh into Mughalistan, we would not allow its and give a befitting reply to it democratically, Mr. Togadia said.VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Pravin Togadia were on Monday released along with 957 fellow cadres, a day after nearly 2,500 activists were arrested in a massive crackdown by Uttar Pradesh authorities to foil its yatra which also led to protests by its workers.The release of the VHP leaders came shortly after the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court directed the state government to release them in case they have been detained in violation of section 151 (2) of the CrPC. Under this section, a person cannot be detained beyond 24 hours in case of apprehension of breach of peace unless he is not required in some other offence.

to raise fiscal deficit: India Inc

in Naxal attack in Odisha

Genocide in Attappady: VS Achuthanandan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, AUGUST 27: Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan has said that the State government should be booked for genocide in the context of the report of a Central expert team that squarely blamed it for the child deaths in the tribal hamlets of Attappady in Palakkad district. In a statement here on Monday, Mr. Achuthanandan said report of this expert team from the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad had pointed out that 49 per cent of the children in the Attappady tribal hamlets had stunted growth due to malnutrition. The report had also noted that the death of 24 newborn children in Attappady during a short period prior to the teams visit to the place

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 27: The massive outlay of funds required for rolling out the Food Security programme is bound to raise the fiscal deficit by putting an additional burden of thousands of crores on the exchequer, India Inc on Tuesday said.Such a large outlay at this point in time would definitely have a negative impact on the fiscal deficit. This needs to be managed, CII President Kris Gopalakrishnan said. The UPA governments ambitious food security programme, passed in the Lok Sabha on Monday, will give the countrys two-thirds population the right to 5 kg foodgrains every month at between Re 1 to Rs 3 per kg. As far as the issue of additional burden is concerned, it would add to Rs 25,000 crore annually to the food subsidy, Assocham President Rana Kapoor said, adding, however, that with proper implementation the long term benefits in terms of human capital will far outweigh the costs.The plan is seen as the biggest in the world with the

government expected to spend about Rs 1,25,000 crore annually on supply of 62 million tonnes of rice, wheat and coarse cereals to 67 per cent of the population. Commenting on the passage of Food Security Bill, Mr Gopalakrishnan said: With a significant section of the population living below the poverty line, government intervention to provide nutritious food is essential. However, he also raised concerns related to the effective implementation of such a high profile and critical social agenda of the Government. The use of PDS (public distribution system) raises questions about the efficacy of the model. Targeting is another area that would need special attention, Mr Gopalakrishnan said. Raising similar concerns, Partner at KPMG India Rajat Wahi said: The government should ensure that they have the checks and balances in place to ensure there is minimum leakage and wastage and severe penalties for people who abuse it.

BERHAMPUR/KORAPUT, AUGUST 27: Four personnel of Border Security Force (BSF) were killed and three others were seriously injured in a landmine blast targeted at the vehicle of the security personnel in Koraput district of south Odisha on Tuesday morning.There were seven BSF personnel in the vehicle that faced the blast. Out of the three injured two are being shifted to Visakhapatnam. Another one, who received minor injuries is being shifted to Koraput hospital.According to police sources, this landmine blast occurred at a culvert near Ralegada of Sunki ghat under Pottangi police station limits between 7.30 am to 8am. Senior police officials including Koraput Superintendent of Police, Avinash Kumar and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, south-west range, Devdutta Singh have rushed to the spot.As per Koraput district police headquarter sources, four jawans of the BSF are confirmed to have died in this landmine blast.Maoists triggered off the blast while the vehicle carrying the BSF jawans was crossing the culvert. It was suspected that there were around ten BSF personnel in the vehicle when the blast occurred. Extra security forces including paramilitary forces have been rushed to the area after the incident.It may be noted that on Feb 10, 2012 a Maoist ambush had led to death of four BSF personnel of near Balimela in Malkangiri district adjoining Koraput district. Meanwhile, threat of Maoists has stalled motorboat service to five panchyats of cut off area of Balimela reservoir in neighbouring Malkangiri district since Aug 21.

Food Bill for the hungry or for polls, asks Mulayam

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 27: Even as Congress president Sonia Gandhi described the UPA governments Food Security Bill as an integral part of an empowerment revolution, a key ally, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav demanded in the Lok Sabha that the measure be not passed without consulting all Chief Ministers. Why didnt you bring this Bill earlier when poor people were dying of hunger? Is this for elections or for the hungry? asked Mr. Yadav participating in the debate on the National Food Security Bill, 2013. Arguing that the Bill was being brought with an eye on general elections, he said it should be kept in abeyance until all Chief Ministers were consulted as it would pass on additional financial burden on the States. Mr. Yadav said the Bill would badly hurt farmers as there was no guarantee in the provisions that all produce would be bought by the government. He questioned the government whether it had any assessment of the number of the poor. It finds no mention in the Bill. You dont have any figure. You are only going by assumptions. The main Opposition BJP fielded senior leader Murli Manohar Joshi, who said the UPA governments flagship measure suffered from a number of flaws. This is a vote security bill not Food Security Bill, Dr. Joshi said. Though favouring the Bill, he said a number of rectifications were needed to correct its flaws. Taking on the government on varying figures of those living Below the Poverty Line (BPL) as different committees had given different figures, Dr. Joshi wondered how to quantify adequate food.What is adequate food? Is it going to be based on purchasing power, calorific value or nutrition? The BJP leader also raised doubts over funding of the scheme. The Bill should have the objective of providing universal food security.About 67 per cent of the countrys population was dependent on agriculture but small farmers were committing suicide. In the last 15 years, more than three lakh farmers had killed themselves, the BJP leader said. Bahujan Samaj Party leader Dara Singh Chauhan, whose party is extending outside support to the UPA government, backed the Bill, saying it would provide food security to the poor. He demanded 100 per cent coverage for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav lauded Ms. Gandhi for speaking in the language of the country Hindi while participating in the debate. However, the JD(U) chief said since the measure was a national scheme of the Centre, it should not result in passing the burden on the States. The government did not have sufficient godowns for storage of foodgrains and huge funds would be needed to construct new facilities. He also wanted universal coverage for all.

Shekhar Gupta to give up Express Groups corporate leadership

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 27: Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express Group, has announced that he is stepping down from his leadership role of the corporate side of the media group. While he did not officially have the title of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gupta had the combined role of the being the groups editorial and managerial chief. In an email to employees late on Monday evening, Mr. Gupta wrote that his job on the corporate side was now done. He said he had taken over in an unusual set of circumstances, but the sense of imminent crisis no longer existed. The company, he noted, was in an unprecedentedly robust shape with six stellar quarters, and heading for an even better seventh. Mr. Gupta wrote that this was the perfect time for him to hand over the flourishing company back to Viveck Goenka, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Group, now that he has the time to take over the management. The new arrangement would commence on August 28. Mr. Goenka would be assisted by a new CEO, George Varghese. The editorial leadership would, however, remain with Mr. Gupta. He said all the editorial teams (except Loksatta), brand innovation, archive and CSR teams would work with him. He would also devote more time to EXIMS, the Groups media school. There has been speculation in media circles in the past few weeks about the return of the Express management to the Goenka family. Viveck Goenkas son, Anant, took over as the head and director of the New Media of the Group last year.

Jodhpur police summon Asaram

JAIPUR, AUGUST 27: The Jodhpur police on Monday issued summons to godman Asaram Bapu who faces charges of sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh, an inmate of his ashram at Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh.Asaram Bapu has been asked to appear before the investigating officer on or before 30th August, the police said. The police said that they have established the veracity of the minor girls allegations against him.It has been established that Asaram Bapu was with the girl in isolation for about an hour and a half in the evening on 15th August, DCP, Jodhpur (West), Ajay Pal Lamba told The Hindu.The police located Asaram Bapu at his ashram in Ahmedabad and the summons was served to the chief executive officer of the ashram.It took us fourfive days to establish these facts because the FIR was forwarded to us late, said Mr. Lamba. But what if the godman failed to appear before the investigating officer in time? Then, there are other legal remedies and we would be forced to explore them, he said.Meanwhile, several women's organisations protested outside the Rajasthan Assembly on its opening day and demanded that Asaram Bapu be immediately arrested. The groups that led the protest included the People's Union for Civil Liberties, the Rajasthan University Women's Association, the National Federation of Indian Women and the All India Democratic Women's Association, and gender documentary film makers VIVIDHA, among others.

to study the issue was also due to the absence of adequate hospital care. The report observed that at least 20 of these deaths could have been averted. He alleged that the State government had thrown these children to death by neglecting its duty to provide nutritious food and medical attention to the mothers during their

pregnancy period. Mr. Achuthanandan noted that a medical team led by senior doctor B. Iqbal constituted under the initiative of the CPI(M) and another led by senior paediatrician Sathyanji constituted under the initiative of some of the tribal organisations had drawn the attention of the government to the same issues.

West Bengal govt. issues flood alert Court admits appeal against Sajjans acquittal K O L K A T A , water pouches disAUGUST 27:M The West Bengal government issued a flood alert here on Monday and urged people in the low-lying areas and in the coastal region to remain vigilant. Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra, following a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, told journalists that fishermen were also advised against venturing into the sea. Mr. Mitra said the government was geared to deal with any situation. Teams from the disaster management group have already been sent and food supplies and patched to vulnerable areas. The State government has urged the Centre to ensure that it was informed in advance about the amount of water being released from the reservoirs in neighbouring Jharkhand. Heavy discharge of water from Chandil and Galudih water barrage in Jharkhand often results in flooding in the south-western districts of the State.Meanwhile the city and nearby districts were lashed by rains accompanied by thunderstorms during the day. NEW DELHI, AUGUST 27:M The Delhi High Court on Tuesday admitted an appeal filed by the CBI against Congress leader Sajjan Kumars acquittal in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. A division bench of Justice G.S. Sistani and Justice G.P. Mittal would next hear the case on October 30. The CBI said that the trial court erred in acquitting Mr. Kumar as it was he who had instigated the mob during the riots. The trial court on May 30 acquitted Mr. Kumar in a case related to the killing of five people in Delhi Cantonment area during violence against the Sikhs following the assassination of

Indira Gandhi. The court had let off Mr. Kumar saying he deserved the benefit of doubt as key

witness Jagdish Kaur did not name him as an accused in her statement given to a panel.

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INTERNATIONAL & ECONOMY

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LONDON: An Italian politician has compared the country's first black minister, Cecile Kyenge, to a prostitute because of her frequent visits to the black-dominated prostitute area. Cristiano Za Garibaldi, the rightwing deputy mayor of Diano Marina in Liguria, suggested on his Facebook page that Kyenge frequented an area used by prostitutes, many of whom were black, reports. Cecile Kyenge, who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but has Italian citizenship, has faced repeated racial slurs since being appointed minister for integration in April. Earlier, a former government minister with the Northern League party, Roberto Calderoli, had compared her to an orangutan in July. A northern Italian winemaker, Fulvio Bressan, who allegedly called Kyenge a 'dirty blackmonkey' on his Facebook page last week, prompted a debate in the wine world about boycotting his wines. Another local councillor for the Northern League called for Kyenge to be raped earlier in June, in order to make her understand the seriousness of the attempted rape of two women in Genoa by a Somali. Bananas were thrown at Kyenge during a

WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday announced to postpone a meeting with Russia on Syria due to "ongoing consultations" over alleged use of chemical weapons in the Middle East country. The U.S. State Department said in a statement that the meeting will be rescheduled, noting it is imperative that Washington and Moscow

Italian politician insults black U.S. postpones meeting with Russia on Syria minister, likens her to prostitute
reach "a comprehensive and durable political solution" to the crisis in Syria. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said on Tuesday that it was regrettable that the meeting was canceled, adding that the United States had made the decision unilaterally. The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday in The Hague between senior diplomats from the two countries, would have discussed plans for an international peace conference in Geneva to end Syria's conflict, reported. U.S. Under Secretary Wendy Sherman, U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford as well as Russian deputy foreign ministers Gennady Gatilov and Mikhail Bogdanov were to have been at the meeting. The Syrian government slammed the allegations of chemical weapon use on Monday while the United States along with its Western allies move closer to a military intervention in the conflict-torn country. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the chemical weapons use against civilians in Syria is "inexcusable" and "undeniable," noting President Barack Obama will be making an informed decision on how to respond. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Monday that calls for military intervention in Syria will wipe out efforts to hold an international meeting for peaceful settlement of the crisis, urging them to "draft their policy not reactively but strategically."

Malala Yousafzai awarded 2013 Children's Peace Prize

THE HAGUE: Teenage activist Malala Yousafzai, shot in the head by a Taliban militant last October after campaigning for girls' right to education, has won the prestigious International Children's Peace Prize, KidsRights announced today. The Pakistani 16-year-old will receive the award from 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner and women's rights campaigner Tawakkol Karman at a glittering ceremony in The Hague on September 6, the Amsterdam-based organisation said. Malala "risked her life in the fight for access to education for girls all over the world," KidsRights said in a statement. "By awarding the 2013 International Children's Peace Prize... KidsRights shines the spotlight on a brave and talented child who has demonstrated special dedication to children's rights," it added. The passionate advocate for girls' education was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman while on a school bus near her home in Pakistan's Swat Valley last year. She was given life-saving treatment in Britain where she now lives, but the attack galvanised her campaign for greater educational opportunities for girls. Malala's brave fight back from her injuries and her speech at the United Nations in July have made her a lead-

Japan's new, cheap rocket fails to lift off

TOKYO: Japan's first new rocket in 12 years failed to lift off on Tuesday, dealing an apparent blow to hopes that Japan might be able to muscle in on the growing, multibillion dollar satellite launch industry. The countdown for the launch of the Epsilon rocket at Japan's Uchinoura launch centre, broadcast over the Internet, went down to zero, but nothing happened. JAXA, Japan's space agency, later said countdown operations were halted. A three-stage rocket, the Epsilon named for the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet - is 24.4 metres (80 feet) high, about half the size of Japan's workhorse H2A rocket. It weighs 91 tonnes and has been touted as a new, low-cost alternative.

speech in July. Za Garibaldi, meanwhile, repented on Sunday, and said that his comments were in bad taste and offensive. He clarified that the reason for making such offensive comments was his stress from having to pay high Italian taxes, the report added. Kyenge reacted that this was the umpteenth episode in a constant attack that was not only targeted at me, but anyone in this country who dares to think differently. Kyenge has, since she got appointed, pushed for a law granting Italian citizenship to children born in Italy to immigrants. Recently, she suggested second homes in Italy could be rented out to homeless people.

ing contender for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. But the response to her in Pakistan has been mixed, with many hailing her as a national heroine while others have criticised her for promoting a "Western" agenda. The International Children's Peace Prize, an initiative of the Dutch-based KidsRights Foundation, was launched in 2005 by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, when he chaired the Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome. It carries a cash value of 100,000 euros ($133,000) that is invested in projects relating to the winner's cause. Last year's winner was 13-year-old Cris "Kesz" Valdez for his work with Filipino street children while he himself was destitute. Cris received the prize from South African peace icon and Nobel Peace laureate Desmond Tutu, who is the award's patron.

Iran to name its first ever female ambassador

TEHRAN: Iran plans to appoint a woman ambassador and a spokeswoman for the foreign ministry for the first time in the Islamic republic's history, Iranian media reports today. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif "wants to employ women for two post: as spokesperson and to lead an embassy," current ministry spokesman Abbas Araqchi said. A final decision is expected "within a week," Araqchi said. President Hassan Rowhani, a moderate cleric whose all-male cabinet took power earlier this month, has reportedly asked the government to appoint women to high-level posts in the Islamic republic, which was founded in 1979. Rowhani has already named two women: Elham Aminzadeh, who like himself holds a doctorate in law from the University of Glasgow, as vice president for parliamentary affairs, and Parvin Dadandish as his women's affairs advisor.His predecessor as president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, secured approval from the conservativedominated parliament to appoint Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi as the republic's first-ever female minister. Dastjerdi was sacked as health minister in late 2012 over disagreements with Ahmadinejad over price hikes for imported drugs. Reformist former president Mohammad Khatami, in office from 1997 to 2005, appointed Massoumeh Ebtekar as vice president in charge of environmental protection.

Pervez Musharraf's formal trial in Bhutto murder case begins

ISLAMABAD: The formal trial of former Pakistani former military ruler Pervez Musharraf in connection with the 2007 assassination of Benazir Bhutto began today. "The trial began with the antiterrorism court in Rawalpindi recording evidence of a witness," state prosecutor Chaudhry Azhar said. He said four witnesses were summoned but only one turned up to testify. Azhar said he was unsure how long the trial would take. Musharraf was not present in court as he was excused from personal appearances because of security reasons. Musharraf, who was President at the time of former p r e m i e r Bhutto's death, has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and facilitation of murder. If convicted, he can be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. Apart from Musharraf, seven more persons, including members of the Taliban and two senior police police officials, have been indicted. Musharraf has denied the

charges and promised to prove his innocence. He is currently being held at his farm house in a suburb of Islamabad. Bhutto was assassinated by a suicide bomber shortly after addressing an election rally in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007.

ECONOMY

India to have just 4-5 national level operators: Anil Ambani

MUMBAI: The telecom sector is going through a virtual consolidation and within a few years the country will have just 4-5 big operators offering services at the national level, RCom Chairman Anil Ambanisaid today. He also said RCom will have greater cooperation on a wide range of services with Reliance Jio Infocomm, which is led by his elder brother Mukesh Ambani. "We believe that the telecom sector is going through a virtual consolidation and we expect in the next few years India will see 4-5 large operators who will be there on nation wide basis," Ambani said while addressing shareholders on its 9th annual general meeting of Reliance Communications here. India has about a dozen telecom players at present, with 6-7 operating on pan-India basis. On the National Telecom Policy, Ambani said it is forward looking, progressive and will support competition, choices for the consumer and consolidation in the sector. Stating that RCoM will continue offering CDMA services, Ambani said the company will participate in future auctions to acquire spectrum for offering 4G and other services. "Our licences (CDMA) are valid till 2021... We will continue to provide worldover Rs 14,000 crore and we believe there will be much more cooperation in the months and quarters to come as Reliance Jio Infocomm gets ready for launch," he said. On demerger of RCom's real estate assets into a separate company, Ambani said the board has given in-principle approval on the issue and Reliance Properties will be listed as a separate firm. "The board has given in-principle approval for the demerger of real estate. The current independent valuation of the properties that we have is over Rs 12,000 crore. Reliance Properties will be a separate listed company, all shareholders of RCom will be given fully tradable shares of this new company free of cost," Ambani added. The proposed separation of real estate into a separate unit is part of RCom's strategic plan to divest non-core assets and focus on wireless and enterprise business. Commenting on data penetration in the country, he said RCom has taken various pro-consumer initiatives such as offering 3G services at 2G rates which will give results in the coming quarters. RCom has a base of 31 million data customers, which includes 7.7 million 3G users. On the depreciating rupee, Ambani said Indian economy is integrated with the world economy and companies will have to figure out and form their own strategies to deal with the challenges. "This is clearly something that affects the whole of India. India is not isolated or insulated from global events... Based on economic reforms which began in 1991, we are integrated with the world economy and companies and countries will have to really figure out and form their own strategies to deal with these challenges," he said. The rupee today ended at life-time low of 66.24 against the US dollar, down 194 paise or 3.02% from yesterday's close in its biggest one-day fall. Stating that RCom is in a uniquely distinctive position, its President and CEO for Wireless Business Gurdeep Singh said the company possesses the largest bandwidth of spectrum at over 150 Mhz, including 2G, 3G and CDMA, along with 2 lakh kilo meter of fibre. He said RCom's data centre in partnership with HDFC will be operational by the end of this year. The centre was set up with an investment of Rs 500 crore.

UNESCO extends help to restore Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

KOLKATA: Mamata Banerjee had promised that Darjeeling would become the Switzerland of India, but the authorities have even failed to restore some of its well-known attractions like service of iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) or popularly known Toy Train -which is in the UNESCO's world heritage list. With the concerned authorities passing the buck and failing to restore the 80-km toy train service between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, which is only partially operational following a landslide back in 2010, UNESCO has now decided to come to its rescue. Besides, a reminder to the Railway ministry in the form of an official letter suggesting that it has not done enough to maintain its status within the World Heritage List, UNESCO has also offered to provide $600,000 to restore the toy train service. An agreement is this regard is likely to be signed in the coming month. "There was a communication from UNESCO recently. There can be no denying of the fact that the Toy train service needs to be completely restored as soon as possible," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, minister of state for railways, said. The train, which covers an 88-kilometre stretch originally passed through places like Siliguri, Sukna, Tindharia, Gayabari, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Tung, Sonada and Ghum. The DHR, which started in 1881, was included in the World Heritage Site list by UNESCO in 1999. But since the landslide in June 2010, the train operates only in parts - Siligudi to Tindharia and Kurseong to Darjeeling. North Eastern Frontier Railways, which operates the service, however, blames the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. "The National Highway-55 that runs alongside the track was also damaged during the landslides. Unless that is completed, we can not restore the train-route," a spokesperson of the North Eastern Frontier Railways said. According to the district administration of Darjeeling, the restoration of road service is on the verge of completion. When asked about the blame game, Chowdhury promised to look into the matter. "We will do everything possible, what would be best for the early restoration of Toy Train service. I am personally looking into the matter so that there is more co-ordination between the authorities," he said.

class CDMA services in addition to offering GSM and 3G services. We will participate in future auctions as the need of spectrum comes and we will be in a position, as we acquire new spectrum, to offer 4G and other services," Ambani said. However, he added: "By the time we participate and spectrum is found there will be development where India will move ahead of 4G and we will be participating with dual technology platform in the future." He said RCom has already signed two pacts worth over Rs 14,000 crore with Reliance Jio, which has pan-India spectrum to offer 4G services, and expects even greater cooperation with it going forward. "...We have already signed two different agreements with overall value of

Six CPSEs closed down in 5 yrs: Patel

NEW DELHI: As many as 6 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) have closed down in the last five years, Parliament was informed today. "Six CPSEs have been closed in the last 5 years. These are Bihar Drugs and Organic Chemicals Ltd, Indian Oil Technologies, Brushware Ltd, Pyrites Phosphastes and Chemicals, National Instruments Ltd and Bharat Yantra Nigam," Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Praful Patel said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. As on March 31, 2012, there were 260 CPSEs in the country employing 13.98 lakh people. Of these, 225 were in operation, and 63 had reported losses. As many as 68 have been referred by various ministries/ departments for revival of closure or winding up to the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE) till July 31, 2013. Replying to another query, Patel said Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability norms for PSUs may have to be modified to align with the provisions of the Companies Bill recently passed by Parliament, after it is enacted and notified. As per present guidelines, all profit-making CPSEs are mandated to create budgetary allocation on a yearly basis for CSR activities/projects to be undertaken during the year with the approval of board of directors.

FM announces Rs 1.83 lakh crore boost for Infrastructure

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister P Chidambaram announced the Cabinet Committee on Investments (CCI) has given its approval for speedy execution of 36 infrastructure projects entailing investments of Rs 1.83 lakh cr. The approval, aimed at bolstering investor confidence, covers 18 projects in power sector alone. 'The message we are sending through the approval is that we are keen to get the investment cycle restarted. The cycle has started and we are pushing it further,' Chidambaram said. The development comes within a few days of the FM assuring banks and foreign institutions of the government's intent to expedite clearance for large projects. Power sector projects cleared by CCI involve investment of Rs 88,773 cr. These include Reliance Power's 4,000 Mw Sasan Ultra Mega Power project (UMPP) which was stuck up owing to forest clearance and Essar Power's 1,800 Mw Jharkhand power project. The FM said banks have already disbursed Rs 30,000 cr for power sector projects and, with clearances in place, more funds for these projects are expected to flow in. He also said Fuel Supply Agreements (FSAs) will be put in place by 6 September for projects stuck for want of coal supply. Apart from power projects, the CCI has also cleared nine projects with an outlay of Rs 14,084 cr. Additional nine projects reviewed by CCI involve an investment of over Rs 85,000 cr, he informed. He added approvals have been granted for L&T's Metro Rail project in Hyderabad. The company is currently obtaining clearance for quarrying for the Rs 16,375 cr project. In road sector, GMR Group's Kishangarh-Udaipur-Ahmedabad project will be brought to the Cabinet by 15 Sept. Other projects which have received the go-ahead from CCI include Hindalco Industries' manufacturing plant in Odisha which is awaiting Special Economic Zone (SEZ) clearance and Jaiprakash Power's MP Power plant which is stuck owing to compensatory forestation issues.

Govt opts for management contract model for AAI airports

MUMBAI: The civil aviation ministry has dropped its plan to privatise six AirportAuthority of India airports on a long term lease basis. Instead the government wants to appoint private companies to run these airports on a management contract on a revenue share basis. 'We are going in for management contract. A request for proposal is being prepared,'' said civil aviation minister Ajit Singh. The ministry has planning to develop six AAI run airports Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur and Guwahati on a public private partnership basis. Last month an inter ministerial group gave its nod to develop Chenai and Kolkata airports on the PPP model on the lines of Mumbai and Delhi airport. The Planning Commission too has been in favour of PPP model of development for AAI airports on a long term lease basis. Singh, however, said the AAI airports will not be sold or leased to private companies and the govt. will continue to own the asset. He said these airports will require expansion and some would require construction of new terminals in next 3 to 5 years and the govt. would take a call on development model for expansion at a later date. The plan to privatise Chennai and Kolkata airports is being opposed by AAI employees unions and Trinamool Congress which runs the West Bengal govt. Trinamool Congress has been planning to take up the issue along with AIADMK heads Tamil Nadu govt.

STUDENT AGE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

MISC
for just 17 runs, as Hendricks struck three early blows. Cheteshwar Pujara, who resumed today on 2, failed to add to his overnight total as Jutin Ontong ran him out. Hendricks, who dismissed opener Murali Vijay (2) yesterday, accounted for the other three wickets -overnight batsman Shahbaz Nadeem (5), Dinesh Karthik (0) and Ambati Rayudu (1) -to leave the Indians in tatters, before Rahane and Saha came to the team's rescue. Both Rahane and Saha played with a lot of caution and made sure that the Indians do not lose any more wickets. The duo frustrated the host bowlers by completing their fifties. But just after the tea, Hendricks got the breakthrough for his team by sending back Rahane for a wellmade 156-ball 86, studded with 10 fours. Saha tried his best to keep one end intact but quickly ran out of partners. Unfortunately for India, barring Rahane and Saha, no other batsmen could reach the double-figure mark. Along with Hendricks, Harmer saw off the tail in virtually no time to bundle India all out for 185 in their second innings. Stuart Binny (4), Parvez Rasool (1), Ishwar Pandey (0) and Siddarth Kaul (0) failed miserably even as Hendricks and Harmer wreaked havoc. Earlier, India's first innings had folded for a meagre 201 in reply to South Africa's 341. In the second essay the Proteas declared at 166 for five to set the visitors a stiff target. NEW DELHI: The triumphant Indian women's recurve team, which clinched the World Cup Stage IV crown in Poland, returned home in the wee hours on Tuesday to a lukewarm response. The archery team, comprising Bombayla Devi, Deepika Kumari and Rimil Buriuly, were later felicitated at the resident of President of Archery Association of India (AAI), V K Malhotra. The archers were, however, a little disappointed that no top officials had come to receive them at the Indira Gandhi International airport. "We are a bit disappointed. If we compare with other sports, there are lot of people receiving the players at the airport. This is a very big achievement, we defeated Korea. It would have been great had we received a big welcome but its okay our job is to do better and we will do it," Rimil said. Malhotra, who is also the acting president of Indian Olympic Association (IOA),

Rahane, Saha fifties in vain as South Africa 'A' level series Triumphant Indian women archers return home
PRETORIA: India A's batting collapsed when it mattered the most as they crashed to a 121-run defeat in the second unofficial 'Test' against South Africa A who rode on seamer Beuran Hendricks' six-wicket haul to level the two-match series 11 on Tuesday. The visitors lost despite fighting half-centuries by Ajinkya Rahane (86) and Wriddhiman Saha (77 not out) who made a gallant effort to try and take India to victory after a top order collapse. Chasing a stiff 307-run target for victory, Rahane and Saha by tea had brightened India's chances of registering a series win with an unbeaten 160-run stand for the sixth wicket after they were struggling on 18 for five at one stage. India A had won the

first 'Test' by an innings and 13 runs at Rustenburg. They were cruising on 177 for five at tea with both Rahane and Saha at the crease before the tables completely turned around after the break with the visitors losing five wickets for just seven runs. Rahane's dismissal triggered the collapse as the tailenders caved in meekly.

Even as Saha tried hard to put up a brave fight but he kept losing partners at the other end. He remained unbeaten on 77 off 183 balls including 11 boundaries. Hendricks finished with figures of 6 for 27 from 17 overs, while Simon Harmer chipped in with three for 79. Earlier, resuming the day on three for one, India lost four wickets in quick succession

Bangladeshi cricketers deny corruption charges

DHAKA: Two Bangladeshi cricketers declared their innocence on Tuesday after confirming they were among those charged with match-fixing following a probe earlier this month by the sport's world body. Paceman Mahbubul Alam and left-arm spinner Mosharraf Hossain said they would defend themselves against charges of fixing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), a scandal that has already brought down teammate and national hero Mohammad Ashraful. Hossain, 31, also confirmed he would contest the charges laid under the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) anticorruption code, ahead of the deadline later Tuesday for officially responding to the allegations. Selim Chowdhury, owner of the Dhaka Gladiators BPL franchise, confirmed that he and his son, co-owner Shihab Chowdhury, have also been charged along with the franchise's Indian CEO Gaurav Rawat. Selim Chowdhury said they would all plead not guilty at the hearing. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced this month that seven unidentified people had been charged with fixing involving the Dhaka Gladiators, following an investigation by its anti-corruption officials. English all-rounder Darren Stevens became the first among the nine accused to reveal his identity, when he confirmed that he has been charged with failure to report a corrupt approach made to him. The scandal has already ensnared Ashraful, the former Bangladesh captain, who made a tearful confession to match-fixing on national television in June after being quizzed by the ICC's officials. He was allegedly involved in fixing a match between the Dhaka Gladiators and the Chittagong Kings. Local media have reported that the batsman was paid about one million taka ($12,800) to lose the match on February 2.

Zimbabwe beat Pakistan in first ODI

HARARE: Zimbabwe recorded their first win over Pakistan for 15 years as they cruised to a seven-wicket victory in the opening one-day international at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday. Chasing 245, Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda enjoyed a century opening stand to lay the platform for only Zimbabwe's third limited-overs victory over Pakistan in 45 matches. Skipper Brendan Taylor played a steady hand to see his side to their target along with a swashbuckling cameo from Sean Williams who smashed 39 from 23 balls to ease home nerves at the death. Pakistan, who won the toss, were lifted by the experienced Misbah-ul-Haq (83) and Mohammad Hafeez (70). While they were scoring at a run-a-ball, it looked as though the visitors would set a target of around 280, but they lost momentum as wickets fell and even the usually explosive Shahid Afridi (11) struggled to find the boundary.

praised the women archers for their winning effort. "It is a great effort by the archers. They have made India proud," Malhotra said. The senior BJP leader, however, said that they wanted the team to get all the attention and so no top official had gone to receive them at the airport. "We were having the welcome lined up for the team at my residence. Also the trainers had accompanied the team. I didn't want only the officials to be shown on the channels. It should be the archers only, it is their day,"

Malhotra said. Asked about rewards, Malhotra said: "That will be discussed with the federation." The Indian women's recurve team on Sunday had defeated the formidable South Koreans, comprising -- Yun Ok-hee, Ki Bo-bae, and Joo Hyun-jung -- 219-215 to clinch the World Cup Stage IV crown in Poland. It was the Indian women's second consecutive World Cup title, following their success in Medellin (Colombia) last month.

ECB to investigate England players urinating on Oval pitch

LONDON: An investigation has been launched into reports that three top England players allegedly urinated on the pitch at The Oval hours after the fifth and final Ashes Test ended on Sunday night. The allegations, which originated from Australian journalists who were at the press box as darkness enveloped the ground, involved Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen and Jimmy Anderson who had all made significant contributions to England's 3-0 triumph in the series. According to the 'Daily Telegraph', officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board had been in talks with Surrey -- the county Pietersen plays for -- and they are likely to ask for an apology from the ECB for the incident. Surrey chief executive, Richard Gould, has described the behaviour as irresponsible. "We are very disappointed. Nobody wants to put the mockers on any England celebration but that will be viewed by many people and by us as an irresponsible thing to have done. Knockabout stuff is one thing. But it is a very silly thing to do on a pitch at the Oval where there is so much heritage and history," Gould said. "I have spoken to the ECB let them know what we are aware of we will let them investigate further from within. We will see what they come back to us with," he added. The players are alleged to have taken turns to urinate on the pitch after they sat on the ground with their post-match drinks, according to an Australian journalist. The three players relieved themselves on the pitch to the cheers of teammates as the England players celebrated the victory. According to media reports, about five hours after the last Test was stopped due to bad light with England close to victory, the players gathered near the pitch to continue their celebrations. While the center of the ground was quite dark, lights were on in the grandstands with people still cleaning up after a late finish, which saw the game go beyond usual time. The incident has taken some sheen away from England's win over Australia who failed to rise to the occasion.

"We misread the pitch, it looked like it was going to be slow in the second innings, but it just played slow from the start. Still, Zimbabwe bowled better than us," Pakistan captain Misbah said at the presentation ceremony. "We were maybe 30 runs short, but you need to bowl and field well to defend this total. We were missing something in our bowling line-up today, especially with the new ball." Zimbabwe appeared to have little trouble, though, as

Masakadza (85) and Sibanda (54) put on 107 for the first wicket by manoeuvring the ball cleverly around the ground. Taylor (43 not out) and Williams guided their side to a famous win with 10 balls to spare, the latter launching a six over mid-wicket to end the match. "It's a pretty awesome feeling, we have shown a lot of character from a couple of weeks back when we were badly beaten by India, so I couldn't be happier," Taylor said.

Malaysia join Pakistan in semis of Asia Cup from Pool A

IPOH (MALAYSIA): Hosts Malaysia recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat a fighting Japan 4-2 while Pakistan mauled debutants Chinese Taipei 13-0 in final round matches of Pool A at the ninth Asia Cup hockey tournament on Tuesday. By virtue of this win, Malaysia became the second team to qualify for the semifinals from Pool A. Pakistan had already sealed their place in the last-four stage ahead of Tuesday's inconsequential encounter. With three wins from as many matches, Pakistan have topped Pool A with nine points, while Malaysia finished second with six. In all likelihood, Pakistan will take on defending champions South Korea in the first semifinal on Friday, while Malaysia will face India in the other last-four match. India are presently at the top of Pool B with two wins from as many games, while Korea are in the second place. The Indians play minnows Bangladesh in their final pool match on Wednesday, while Korea will be up against debutant Oman. With both the teams in the fray for a semifinal berth, the second match of the day between Malaysia and Japan was expected to be an exciting encounter. It turned out to be one. Malaysia were in for a rude shock early in the match as Japan were the first to seize the initiative when Toshiro Tachibana scored from their first penalty corner in the sixth minute, much to the disappointment of the home spectators gathered at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium. Japan stunned Malaysia again two minutes later through a field goal from Kei Kawakami to quickly surge to a 2-0 lead. But the Malaysians did not give up and worked relentlessly to claw their way back into the match. Malaysia put the Japanese defence under continuous pressure and earned seven penalty corners, out of which five came in the first half. But their execution rate was poor. Credit should also go to the Japanese defence and goalkeeper Akira Morishima who made some good saves.

India eye big win over Bangladesh ahead of Asia Cup semis
IPOH: Already through to the semifinals, an upbeat India would aim to keep their winning juggernaut rolling and end their pool engagements with a thumping victory over minnows Bangladesh in the Asia Cup hockey tournament on Wednesday. After back-to-back victories against Oman and defending champions South Korea, the Indians are brimming with confidence but they cannot afford to relax in the eightnation tournament, which they desperately need to win to qualify for next year's World Cup at The Hague, Netherlands. India sealed their semifinal place after shocking title holders South Korea 2-0 in their second Pool B match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium on Monday. A win against Bangladesh tomorrow would ensure India top Pool B which means they will most likely take on hosts Malaysia in the semifinals and avoid arch-rivals Pakistan till the final hurdle. Taming Bangladesh shouldn't be much of a problem for Roelant Oltmans' boys as the Tigers' would be morally down after consecutive defeats, especially after yesterday's 2-4 loss against Oman, a side which is five expectations. In the absence of quartet of Danish Mujtaba, SV Sunil, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Akashdeep Singh -- all out of the tournament due to injuries, India fielded a young, untested forward line for this tournament. But the likes of Mandeep Singh, Nithin Thimmaiah, Malak Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Nikin Thimmaiah managed to rise to the occasion and did not let anyone feel the vacuum created by the injuries to senior players. Young Mandeep, in particular, is in superb form and so far scored four goals in the tournament, including three against Oman the other day. On the goalkeeping front, P R Sreejesh is in rollicking form and against Korea he showed why he is considered as India's best goalkeeper. Against Korea, Sreejesh made as many as six-seven clear saves, which included some acrobatic efforts, to earn the man-of-the-match award and help India keep a slate clean. But India will have to do away with their habit of providing easy scoring chances to their opponents ahead of the important classification matches.

Smriti leads on Day 1, Sharmila returns post injury

BENGALURU: Veteran Delhi golfer Smriti Mehra with a score of six under 64, played a spectacular round of golf on Tuesday to lead the opening round of the 9th leg of Hero Women's Professional Golf Tour 2013. The INR 6,00,000 event is being played at the par-70, Clover Greens golf course situated on the outskirts of the city. Rookie Shweta Galande is placed second, carding a total of four under 66 at the end of the first round. Smriti started her round in great style carding an eagle on her very first hole. Her early lead was however dented slightly with a bogey on the fifth hole. Smriti however stabilised the rest of her round with birdies on the 7th, 10th, 12th, 14th and 18th holes, carding a total of six under 64 at the end of the first round. Rookie Pune golfer Shweta Galande who has been very impressive in her first two outings on the tour, finished her first round with birdies on the 4th, 11th, 12th, 17th and 18th holes. Shweta is trailing Smriti by two shots and is currently placed second after 18 holes. Delhi's Shraddhanjali Singh along with local amateur Aditi Ashok are tied for the third spot with identical scores of two under 68 after the first round. Shraddhanjali had a patchy start to her round with two bogeys on the 4th and 9th holes in her front nine. She however managed to retrieve the situation by carding four birdies on the 7th, 10th, 12th and 18th holes and a bogey free back nine. Local amateur Aditi Ashok had an average round with bogeys on the 6th, 14th, and 16th holes and birdies on the 7th, 8th, 10th, 15th and 17th holes. The event also saw the return of Hero MotoCorp sponsored local golfer Sharmila Nicollet, who was out of action nursing an ankle injury. Sharmila put forward a good show with a mixed round of birdies and bogeys which included a double bogey on the 1st hole and two eagles on the 7th and 10th holes. Her bogeys came on the 3rd, 8th, 13th and 15th holes. She managed only two birdies on the 2nd and 17th holes. She finished her first round with an even par score and is placed fifth.

places below them in the world rankings. Bangladesh had earlier lost 0-9 to Korea in their opening tie. For both eight-time Olympic champions India and neighbours Pakistan, it is a do-ordie tournament as one of them faces the prospect of missing out on a World Cup berth for the first time since the launch of the tournament in 1971. But having impressed all and sundry with their game so far, the Indians would be hoping to carry on the momentum to crucial classification matches. The Indian midfield under inspirational captain Sardar Singh blossomed against the Koreans yesterday. Not only the mid-fielders, India's everfragile backline too dished out

a fine show yesterday and stood tall to thwart Korea's relentless attacks. And Oltmans would hope for similar performances from his players in the remainder of the event. "I am very happy with the performance of all the midfielders - Sardar, S K Uthappa, Chinglensana (Singh), Manpreet (Singh). Our defenders also did very well. I am happy with the overall team performance. This is a huge experience for youngsters of our team," Oltmans said. It would not be fair to overlook the performance of India's young and inexperienced forward line which so far managed to live up to the

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