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Lid off 15 robbery cases; three held
Antodya Scheme fails
Reel Gandhi appeals to Gen Next
The way to save your heart
i pill : Some potential but concern too
Three held for old woman’s murder
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Fake currency
Lawyer found dead
DJB sewer lines in unauthorised
colonies soon
DU to improve exam system
Respite from chill
Temple jewellery seized, two held
US jazz artistes play for Deepalaya kids
World Book Fair from Feb 2
Punjabi fest from Feb 1
Amity wins law competition
Poetry contest
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Lid off 15 robbery cases; three held
New Delhi, January 29 The trio arrested, Manish, alias Ravinder, Rahul and Rinku had unleashed a reign of terror in West Delhi and committed a series of robberies which involved looting cash, jewellery and luxury vehicles. The police have recovered two Toyota Innova cars, 11 mobiles, one rifle, a countrymade pistol, two commando knives and gold jewellery worth Rs 40,000 from the arrested persons while three police teams have been sent to different states to trace the stolen vehicles. The secret information received by Rishi Yadav posted in the office of ACP, Punjabi Bagh, that the robbers would be crossing the District Park Picnic Hut, Paschim Vihar, led to the formation of a raiding party headed by Sanjeev Tomar, SHO, Paschim Vihar. A trap was laid and the police officers took their positions, waiting for the robbers who finally arrived around 3 am in a Toyota Innova from Peergarhi side. When the vehicle reached near the main entry gate of the park, it was signalled to stop by the officers. However, the culprits tried to flee but were obstructed with barricades. With no choice, the three youths in the car left the vehicle and started running. Two of them were armed with a rifle and a countrymade pistol. SI Gagan Bhaskar and HC Rishi Yadav put their life in danger and chased them down. Giving information in this regard, Robin Hibu, DCP, West District, said, “Thankfully the accused did not fire the shots. But the officers showed exemplary courage in tracking down the armed accused.” According to Robin, the trio were responsible for five cases of robbery in his district. Manish, 23, is the ring leader of the gang and is a history-sheeter. He was lodged in Tihar from 2005 to 2007 where he came in contact with Rinkoo, 22. The duo had planned to form a gang after their release from jail and commit robberies. They did exactly that when released and roped in another accomplice Rahul. Asked as to why they targeted the west district area, Manish had replied, “The access to highway is easy from here besides the rich Punjabis having fancy cars live in this part of Delhi.” The gang had looted more than six luxury cars at gunpoint.
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Antodya Scheme fails
New Delhi, January 29 According to the scheme, the citizens below the poverty line have to be issued a ration card from the Food and Civil Supply department of the state. They would be given wheat at the rate of Rs 2 per kg and rice Rs 3 per kg. The poor citizens will also be given pulses at half of the market rate. Interestingly, the scheme has been implemented on record but citizens have not been given grain by the Fair Price Shop owners located in their respected areas, Bidhuri alleged. A total of 1,56,000 Antodya cards have been issued to the citizens in various areas of the Capital. He said that shop owners had deposited bank drafts for withdrawing ration for card holders registered with their shops. But they have not been given ration from the store of the Delhi Food and Civil Supply Department. Bidhuri also said that earlier every citizen was entitled to getting ration from Fair Price shop (FPS). Now the Delhi government has directed that those whose annual income is more than Rs 1 lakh would not be entitled to ration. Bidhuri said that nowadays fourth class employees also withdraw more than Rs 1 lakh in a year. But they are poor. They should be given the benefit of the government scheme of ration from FPS, he demanded. He also met Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and food and civil supplies minister Haroon Yusuf in this connection. “We also met the Commissioner of Food and Civil Supplies and discussed the issue of fourth class employees.” “Food items are supplied by the Central government to each state. If Delhi’s share has been reduced, we can raise this issue with the Central government. Delhi is a different kind of state. It cannot be compared with other states as lakhs of people from various states come to the national Capital in search of their livelihood. Most of them settle here,” Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said. However, a senior officer of the Food and Civil Supply department said that shopkeepers were being supplied food items regularly. There were reports of blackmarketing in some areas but it had been worked out, said the officer of the Food and Civil Supply department.
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Reel Gandhi appeals to Gen Next
New Delhi, January 29 Be it Richard Attenbourgh’s “Gandhi” or Raj Kumar Hirani’s “Lage Raho Munnabhai”, the audience lapped it up. Darshan Jariwala, who played Gandhi in “Gandhi, My Father” summed up the phenomenon saying: “The films succeed because the audiences see the kind of leader they want to have and the kind of values they need to succeed in life. They relate to it instantly.” “But in real life they opt for the convenient way which Mahatama Gandhi never did. I would also love to make the choices Gandhi makes in the film.” Way back in 1982, when Attenborough made an attempt to transform Gandhi’s life on screen, nobody knew the film would be such a big hit. The film showed how a lawyer became a leader of Indian revolts against the British through his philosophy of non-violent protest in “Gandhi” and British actor Ben Kingsley’s performance as Gandhi earned him the best actor Oscar. Later in 1996, Shyam Benegal made “The Making of the Mahatma” with Rajit Kapur in the lead. Benegal’s film was based on Fatima Meer’s book, “The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma” and it not only won him critical acclaim, but also bagged the National Award for best actor and the best feature film in English. Non-violence and peace is on everybody’s mind, especially when the world is in the grip of terrorism. There may be different views and perspectives about him but each one of us follow him, consciously or unconsciously. “Whatever I knew about Gandhi was through text books and lessons in school and there he is portrayed as a holy man. Today, people are presenting Gandhi in different ways, which was not done earlier. The films, which are coming now, presents him as a human being and shows that his ideals are applicable in day-to-day life,” said Jahnu Barua, who made “Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Maara”. Barua’s “Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Maara” dwells on the values of Mahatma Gandhi that are missing in today’s society. Starring Anupam Kher and Urmila Matondkar, the film didn’t deal with Gandhi conventionally. It won critical acclaims all over the world and Anupam won a Special Jury Award at the National Film Awards for his performance. “Gandhi”, “The Making of the Mahatma” and “Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara” were classics, but Raj Kumar Hirani’s “Lage Raho Munnabhai” was an out and out commercial film with Gandhism at its plot. Nobody expected it to click at the box office. Belying it, the Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi-starrer turned out to be a smashing hit. The director dared to employ Gandhian philosophy to cure the society of its ills as the main theme, “Lage Raho...” was enjoyed thoroughly by all and sundry because it was a perfect blend of humour and intellect. The film established the fact that Gandhi’s lessons on non-violence can be seen everywhere in daily life. Last year in Feroz Abbas Khan’s “Gandhi: My Father”, the director showed the friction between the Mahatma and his son and the audiences liked the film because they got to see the human side of his personality, which was not seen earlier. There were other films where Gandhi made special appearance like Ketan Mehta’s “Sardar”, Jabbar Patel’s “Babasaheb Ambedkar”, Veer Savarkar and not to forget Kamal Hasan’s “Hey Ram”. The current lot of filmmakers are trying to make films by unveiling the human side of Gandhi’s personality and interpreting his philosophy in a more practical way. “When Gandhi said if someone slaps you, offer another cheek - he used it as a metaphor. He didn’t mean it literally. Similarly, his charkha was the symbol of self-reliance,” Barua said. — IANS
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The way to save your heart
New Delhi, January 29 His family was taken aback for he had no previous symptoms or a family history of the deadly ailment. As a matter of fact, the news of a bypass surgery being performed on the young employee aggravated the shock and remorse of his dear ones. His wife was totally clueless on how to go about the post-attack, recovery measures and whether he could experience a normal sex life, after the disheartening incident. According to a report by American Academy of Family Physicians, it is safe to practise sex after four to five weeks of a heart attack. However, immediate sex indulgence takes a toll on heart, increasing the chances of another attack. The anxiety in the minds of men about their reproductive power is credited to reports suggesting high levels of erectile dysfunction and decreased levels of sexual contact experienced by men after an attack. Dr Umesh Gupta, senior cardiologist, Umkal Hospital, recommends avoiding immediate sex along with precautionary lifestyle changes to eliminate the need for coronary angioplasty and coronary bypass surgery in the future. According to Dr Gupta, the golden rule while preparing a heart patient’s diet is to cut down on salt, sugar and saturated fats. This, however, does not imply eating a bland meal, but a prudent selection of good fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats) found in nuts, fish and monounsaturated butter. Consumption of whole grain foods such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice and oatmeal helps lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar and insulin levels, control weight, protect the heart and guard against diabetes. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E, present in fruits and vegetables help in preventing a heart stroke. Smoking is an absolute no as it increases the probability of another heart attack. Therefore, patients are strongly advised to quit smoking. A well-drafted exercise plan according to individual body type helps in decreasing blood pressure and increasing the supply of oxygen to the heart. Aerobic exercise, such as jogging, biking or brisk walking, three to five times a week for at least 30 minutes can prevent high blood pressure and improve overall health. Yoga and breathing exercises help effectively in the recovery process. The doctor suggests that a heart patient should avoid taking stress, because stress can prove catastrophic for him, Regular chanting of mantras, positive thinking, motivation of the family, can help to cope with stress. Enrolment at a cardiac rehabilitation centre becomes fruitful for patients with multiple heart surgeries. Besides, family must ensure that patient is kept away om daily household stress. |
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i pill : Some potential but concern too
New Delhi, January 29 But concerns are being voiced over their impact if taken too frequently or by those too young. “In India, there is a lack of awareness - among both providers and clients – about the use and indications, dosage schedule and possible side effects and social availability of the pill,” noted an online discussion on the issue conducted on the UN-run Solutions Exchange Maternal and Child Health Community. ECPs (levonorgesterol pills)) were included in India’s national health programme about four years ago. The government has allowed distribution of these pills through its social marketing programmes. The government is also considering their inclusion in ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) kits that are given to women community health activists under the National Rural Health Mission. Besides, the drug controller general of India has permitted over-the-counter sales and pharmaceutical companies have launched advertisement campaigns to raise awareness. Evidence suggests that these pills are safe and have limited side effects. Medical experts say that no medical condition rules out the use of ECPs and they can be used any time during the menstrual cycle. But there is a counter view too.
Nandini Gopalamenon of the Health and Family Welfare Training Centre, Kozhikode, warns of the dangers of the social marketing of the pills. “The best way to promote e-pills is training for doctors and field workers on the availability, use, side effects and the result of misuse of the drug. Social marketing is highly dangerous in the way that the drug may be misused and without any desired result,” argued Gopalamenon. Shibu Vijayan of Kerala State Health Services, Kollam, said the pills may replace barrier methods of contraception like condoms. “I fear that the way EC pill is coming up will reduce the use of condoms that in a way increase the spread of STDs. EC pills can be promoted in a knowledge society, which have the capacity to choose,” said Vijayan. Those who participated in the online discussion suggested a staggered and monitored approach to the distribution of these pills in India. In the first phase, an attempt should be made to integrate family welfare services with primary health centres (PHCs) and provide prescriptions for the use of the pills through PHC and community health centre (CHC) doctors. The second phase should aim to make ECPs available through auxiliary nurse midwives. In phase three, ECP could be offered through anganwadi workers, village health nurses, accredited social health activists and members of self-help groups. The need to make ECPs available in emergency rooms and at the doctor’s clinic for emergency situations such as contraceptive failure (like burst condoms or a dose of oral pills being missed) and rape was also stressed. Some raised the issue of corporate social responsibility while designing marketing campaigns on ECPs. Kaushik Desai of Gujarat Voluntary Health Association, Ahmedabad, voiced his concern over the lack of
awareness. — IANS |
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Three held for old woman’s murder
New Delhi, January 29 The police team has also recovered Rs 9,000, a pair of gold ear tops, and gold ring from their possession. The arrested are Mohd. Shabuddin, 27, Khokhan, 19 and Alamgeer 19. During the course of investigation, the police team had found that a few Bangaldeshi nationals had recently left Delhi and therefore, a police team was sent to Taki Hasnabad border, West Bengal to track down the movement of such persons. The team developed sources there with the help of Border Security Force as well as local police of West Bengal. An information was received by the police team from one of the sources at West Bengal that one of the accused Shabuddin along with three others had committed this crime. The police team at Kerala made some investigation and was able to apprehend the brother-in-law of Shabuddin, who during investigation disclosed that Shabuddin is staying in his native house at Village Narayanpura, 24 Pargana (North) West Bengal, just ½ km from India-Bangladesh international border. The police team already stationed there raided the place with the co-ordination of BSF and local police and apprehended Shabuddin who was brought to Delhi.
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Fake currency racket busted
New Delhi, January 29 The police team has also recovered half-printed notes of Rs 100 denomination in bulk with one computer, printer, scanner and UPS etc. The police team of Special Staff/South District had received a specific information that two persons would arrive in the area of Press Enclave Road, Saket and are in possession of fake currency notes. Accordingly, the police team was formed to nab the criminals. As per the information, the team made a deal through a decoy customer and apprehended the two accused persons, while they were delivering notes of Rs 3,000 against Rs 1,000 of genuine currency. Accordingly, a search was made and more fake notes valued at Rs 5,700 were recovered from the possession of Jaspreet, alias Gagan. More fake notes of Rs 1,000 were also recovered from the possession of Ravi. All the fake notes were in the denomination of Rs 100. The accused revealed that another accused Gunni, who also resides in the area of Mahavir Nagar, is involved with them in this racket. On their pointing out, the police recovered a computer, a printer, a scanner and UPS from the house of accused Ravi at Tilak Nagar. Gunni is still at large. Police team also recovered semi-printed fake notes of Rs 100 denomination. Efforts are being made to apprehend him. They used to scan the genuine currency and took out prints and then changed these fake notes three times with the genuine notes. They used to supply these fake notes in the different areas of Delhi and adjoining district of Delhi as per the deal.
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Lawyer found dead
New Delhi, January 29 The body of Om Prakash was recovered when the police broke open the door of his small chamber No. 563, after his wife Renu informed the police that he did not respond to her repeated calls. According to the police, Prakash was a heavy drinker and some liquor bottles were found from his chamber. No suicide note was recovered. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. The police suspect it could be a case of suicide as Prakash was suffering from depression and had not visited his home at Yamuna Nagar in east Delhi, for the past three days. “Prakash didn’t open the door to his elder son who visited him here late Monday. He just waved from inside and asked him to go. We are ruling out foul play as the door was locked from inside and he had no injury marks,” deputy commissioner of police (North Delhi) Devesh Srivastva
said. — IANS |
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DJB sewer lines in unauthorised
colonies soon
New Delhi, January 29 Speaking at a function after laying the foundation stone of 20 million litre capacity Underground Reservoir (UGR) and Booster Pumping Station (BPS), the Chief Minister said that the DJB would ensure equitable drinking water distribution and adequate availability of water before 2010 in Delhi. The DJB would construct 53 UGRs before the beginning of Commonwealth Games 2010. There is bound to be substantial improvement in water supply position in the coming years. Dikshit urged people to avoid wastage of drinking water. A scheme of construction of 14 UGRs or BPS at different locations in West, North-West amounting to Rs 263 crore was approved by Jal Board. This UGR is a part of the main scheme. Development minister Raj Kumar Chauhan said that the work of Mukarba Chowk flyover is in full swing and four sleep roads would start in the next month. The project of Signature Bridge would also start in April this year. The Delhi Government has started development works in 1450 unauthorised colonies and with a budget of Rs 700 crore, Delhi Rural Development Board is working for overall development in rural areas. He described this as an important project which once completed would overcome scarcity of drinking water in Shahbad Daulatpur and Mangolpuri Assembly segments apart from enhancement of pressure of supply even at tail end. The UGR at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore would become functional by June 2009. It is being constructed by Mohini Electricals Limited. Around 3 lakh people of Rohini Sector-I to IV, Mangolpur Kalan, part of Mangolpuri, Gopal Vihar Phase-I to II, Vijay Vihar and their adjoining area would be benefited with new UGR and BPS. |
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DU to improve exam system
New Delhi, January 29 The varsity authorities have decided to introduce OMR examination forms for all students with a view to curb cheating, impersonation, and above all clerical errors. The OMR forms will be directly scanned by the computer. The OMR forms are presently used only for the common admission tests. The varsity is planning to do away with the general forms where the students have to paste their photographs Now, only computer -scanned photographs will be used on admit cards. Among other reform plans, DU is finding ways to reform the internal assessment module. A specialised committee may be formed to entertain students’ grievances and a monitoring body may be set up to oversee day-to-day counseling facilities for students. |
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Respite from chill
New Delhi, January 29 According to the Met office, the minimum is likely to hover around 4 °C for two-three days due to westerly disturbances over the northern states, including Jammu and Kashmir. The capital has been experiencing intense cold for the past few days with the minimum and maximum temperatures plummeting many notches below normal. |
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Temple jewellery seized, two held
New Delhi, January 29 While patrolling in the Civil Lines area on Sunday, police team saw four persons sitting in a park and shouting at one another. As the police tried to approach them, the alleged accused dispersed and started running in different directions. However, two persons were overpowered. On search, two silver ‘mukuts’ and three silver ‘chatters’ along with some house-breaking implements were recovered from the alleged accused. On interrogation, the accused disclosed that they stole the items from a temple in the north Delhi area.
Further investigation is on.
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US jazz artistes play for Deepalaya kids
New Delhi, January 29 Deepalaya is an NGO that works for providing education to underprivileged children. The culture affairs minister of the embassy of United States of America was also present on the occasion. While music remained the binding force for the event both children and the artistes performed for each. Jazz artistes Alan Hampton, Helen Sung and Otis Brown are in India on an educational and cultural tour. Alan Hampton is a well known musician who has performed with some of the most prominent names in the jazz world. The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz offers public school-based jazz education programs for young people around the world, helping students develop imaginative thinking.
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World Book Fair from Feb 2
New Delhi, January 29 Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), an autonomous organisation under the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry, the nine-day knowledge extravaganza would be held at Pragati Maidan. “The New Delhi World Book Fair is one of the best books shows across the globe. This year around, 1,300 publishers are taking part in the mega biannual event,” a senior NBT official said. A total of 23 countries including Germany, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and Vietnam will participate in the 18th edition of New Delhi World Book Fair. “2008 has been declared as the ‘Year of Russia’ and Russia is the guest of honour in this edition of book fair. There will be separate panel discussions, literary programmes and special activities related to Russia and its book culture,” the official added. Authorities said in commemoration of 60 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom, there would be an international rights exhibition on books written by Gandhi and books written on him.
There will also be a number of programmes dedicated to youth and children. “The fair provides a wonderful opportunity for book lovers to buy books related to their interest and hobbies. It will offer an opportunity to meet their favourite authors as well,” the official added. From business point of view, the fair will be a podium to exchange ideas and business networks for publishers and booksellers. “I am sure, we will get a wide range of books from across the world to choose from. I want to purchase some good books by Tolstoy,” said Sabitri Das, a book lover in the Capital.
— IANS |
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Punjabi fest from Feb 1
New Delhi, January 29 Singers from India and Pakistan expected to participate are : Daler Mehndi , Hansraj Hans, Gurmeet Bawa, Hamid Ali Khan from the family of Fateh Ali khan from Pakistan, Abdul Niazi Qawwal from Pakistan, Idu Sharief Dhadi from Patiala, Wadali Brothers , Manpreet Akhtar, Kamal Heer, Major Singh. Audiences will be treated to variety of styles folk, sufiana, Kafian, qawwalis, Kirtan sung in jotian or halle tunes. Day performances would also include Malvai Gidda – a folk dance performed by men, Saal- Folk Drama, Gatka – Martial art, Dhadi- Martial Bards, Jangam – Folk Drama, Folk Orchestra, Naqaal- Mimicry, Bazigar- Acrobats, Nag Been- Snake Charmer’s Flute. Apart from cultural performances numerous stalls selling Punjabi artifacts, items and crafts have also been set up. Delhites can get to shop here the most exquisite and ethnic articles under one roof presented by sellers from the interiors of Punjab. Also visitors will get to savour the ethnic food at Food Bazaar and enjoy the exhibition of vibrant Punjab. The ambience of the festival would be that of a typical Punjabi village exhibiting the fast vanishing cultural traditions of Punjabi music, arts and crafts. The event includes a seminar on Anhad Naad, spiritual musical Heritage of Punjab, lecture - Demonstrations and a Mela Exhibiting the cultural Heritage. The Punjabi Festival would provide a profound scholarly contribution to the understanding of the spiritual musical heritage of Punjab on the one hand and on the other it would bring together different art forms and musical expressions through cultural performances during the day.
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Amity wins law competition
New Delhi, January 29 University School of Law and Legal Studies, GGSIPU in association with Surana and Surana International Attorneys had organised the competition. The competition was held from January 25-27. The team from West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences stood second. Both the teams will now compete at the finals of the competition to be held at Washington DC. Law students from more than 80 countries will participate in the competition. The competition is held every year. Inaugurating the three-day event, Union minister for law and justice Dr H. R. Bhardwaj encouraged budding lawyers to work hard to become successful lawyers. “You are special because you fight for justice and you should aspire to be the best among legal professionals,” he said. Prof K.K. Aggarwal, vice-chancellor, GGSIPU; Prof Nomita Aggarwal, chairperson, Moot Court Society, GGSIPU; V.K. Jain, registrar, GGSIPU, and Prof Suman Gupta, dean, USLLS, GGSIPU were also present. Seventeen teams from different law institutes participated in the North India round of the International Law Moot Court Competition. Teams from Army Institute of Law, Mohali; Faculty of Law, Delhi University, New Delhi; Dr Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, Lucknow; National Law Institute University, Bhopal; National Law University, Jodhpur and University School of Law, Jaipur participated in the competition. The Moot involved arguing on cases involving issues of international law such as — Doctrine of Sovereign Immunity, Humanitarian Law and Right of Self-Defense of States and Terrorism.
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Poetry contest
New Delhi, January 29 Students from classes IX and XI recited poems written by well-known writers like — Vikram Seth, Nizzim Ezekiel and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Some recited their self-composed poems. Mother’s International school bagged the first prize, in the self-composed category from Class IX. DPS R.K.Puram and Mount Carmel School won the second prize while DPS Ghaziabad won the third prize. DPS Vasant Kunj, DPS R.K. Puram and Convent of Jesus & Mary won the first, second, and third prize respectively, for class XI in the same category. Recognition awards were given to students of Mount Carmel School and Air Force School. DPS RK Puram bagged the overall trophy. DPS Vasant Kunj and Gyan Bharti School were adjudged as runners-up in the over-all performance category.
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