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Authorities found wanting
Amritsar, October 27
Even as the police and the district administration claim to tighten the noose around those resorting to illegal trade of firecrackers and has sealed at least 10 shops in different areas yesterday, the illegal hoarding and manufacturing of firecrackers in and around the district is still rampant.

ASI Gulwinder Singh, who was bitten by dogs in Amritsar on Saturday. Photo: vishal kumar Dogs attack police team
Amritsar, October 27
A police team reportedly came under attack today, but this time not from criminals. The team had to face the wrath of a couple of pet dogs belonging to a bootlegger.



ASI Gulwinder Singh, who was bitten by dogs in Amritsar on Saturday. Photo: Vishal Kumar


EARLIER STORIES


THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS
50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS


Children greet each other after offering prayers at Kharudin Mosque in Amritsar on Saturday (L) and A Pakistani Ranger presents a box of sweets to Border Security Force Deputy Inspector General Baby Joseph during Eid on the Wagah Border on Saturday. Photos: Vishal Kumar

Bharti Singh gets ready to fit in 70mm frame 
Amritsar, October 27

Film stars Bharti Singh, Savvy Dadwal, Teji Sandhu and other cast of Punjabi movie “Yamle Jatt Yamle" pay obeisance at the Golden Temple on Saturday. Photo: sameer sehgal She is a thorough professional, shuffling between her promotion schedules in different cities and her work and umpteen shoots in Mumbai.




Film stars Bharti Singh, Savvy Dadwal, Teji Sandhu and other cast of Punjabi movie “Yamle Jatt Yamle" pay obeisance at the Golden Temple on Saturday. Photo: Sameer Sehgal

Legal literacy youth fest held
Amritsar, October 27
A two-day legal literacy youth festival was organised at the Khalsa College of Education, Amritsar, under the guidance of Justice Jasbir Singh, Executive Chairman, Punjab Legal Service Authority, Chandigarh.

School principals get tips on e-learning
Amritsar, October 27
Technology is taking such fast leaps every second that we have been forced to ask the question, what next? So often.

75 per cent of blindness avoidable, says expert
Amritsar, October 27
As many as 285 million people live with serious vision impairment. Out of these, about 153 million people can be treated and their vision could be restored simply by spectacles or contact lenses.

Importance of training in super specialities highlighted
Amritsar, October 27
Dr SS Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, speaks during the 18th annual conference of “Punjab Chapter of Indian Orthopaedic Association” in Amritsar on Saturday. A Tribune photograph Dr SS Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, today highlighted the importance of training in super specialities and for continued medical education in the field of orthopaedics and trauma care in view of the increasing number of cases in road and industrial accidents.

Dr SS Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, speaks during the 18th annual conference of “Punjab Chapter of Indian Orthopaedic Association” in Amritsar on Saturday. A Tribune photograph

Cases registered against encroachers
Amritsar, October 27
The Kotwali police today registered cases against the persons who had illegally extended their shops and encroached upon the roads and footpaths.

Woman hangs herself to death
Amritsar, October 27
Prabhjit Kaur, a resident of New Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, today committed suicide by hanging herself from a ceiling fan.

Jalandhar athletes bag maximum medals on day 2
Amritsar, October 27
Players in action during a volleybal match in Amritsar on Saturday. Photo: sameer sehgal Jalandhar athletes displayed marvellous sprints and strides as many of its runners bagged maximum medals on the second day of the Punjab State Games for Women being held at the Guru Nanak Stadium here today.






Players in action during a volleybal match in Amritsar on Saturday. Photo: Sameer Sehgal

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Authorities found wanting
Curbing illegal manufacture and sale of firecrackers in city
GS Paul
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 27
Even as the police and the district administration claim to tighten the noose around those resorting to illegal trade of firecrackers and has sealed at least 10 shops in different areas yesterday, the illegal hoarding and manufacturing of firecrackers in and around the district is still rampant.

At Angarh, it has been learnt that except for eight or nine legal units, here, other innumerable units are being operated either from the backyard of homes or under temporary sheds.

Besides men, a large number of underage children and women were involved in manufacturing crackers in these illegal units, being operated from dingy houses. The annual business of this trade rolls in several crores.

Even as the norms demand crackers not to have specific intensity, yet the warnings issued by the administration, the police or the state Pollution Control Board remain just on papers.

The police team led by DCP Kashmir Singh raided at the Angarh area yesterday to observe safety measures being taken by firecracker manufacturers and sellers.

It was learnt that around 20 manufacturers and sellers have been given green signal by the police. Thereafter, the police party also gave caution notes to firecracker dealers.

This action was outcome of an initiative taken by transporters whose offices were located behind this fireworks market. After approaching the district and the police department, one of the transporter had even approached the high court against the violation of safety norms by most of the firecracker sellers, which goes unchecked.

The manufacturers enjoy such an influence that outsiders hesitate to object to this illegal trade, being prospering for many years.

The administration as well as the Police Department too hesitated to intervene, as the negligible number of cases registered with the police indicates the same. 

Do’s and Don’ts for those stocking or selling crackers

Do’s

Restrict entry to the store where fireworks are kept. Don’t store more than you are allowed to store under your licence or registration.

Keep adequate fire extinguishing equipment in shop, sand pots and water containers can be of added help in case of emergency.

Make sure that there shouldn’t be loose electric connections or naked wires near the firecracker stock.

Make sure that the stock should be kept away from parked vehicles. 

Don’ts

Don’t let anyone smoke near the shop.

Don’t store fireworks with caustic substances such as drain cleaners, paint strippers and wood preservatives.

Don’t keep fireworks near fertilisers and products containing peroxides (eg fibreglass hardeners) or paper.

Don’t let firecrackers become wet or damp.

Don’t store fireworks near parked vehicles. 

Official speak

I urge residents to buy crackers from licenced shops only. This year, the police and the district authorities are committed to ensure safe and peaceful festive season. Our teams would check stock of dealers at random and we have been keeping a vigil on the illegal trade. Safety violations will be dealt with strictly. Firecracker shops will not be allowed to set up their businesses near residential complexes and they are bound to follow security measures as listed under the Fire Explosives Act. — Ram Singh, Police Commissioner

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Dogs attack police team
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 27
A police team reportedly came under attack today, but this time not from criminals. The team had to face the wrath of a couple of pet dogs belonging to a bootlegger.

An ASI, who was leading the police party, sustained injuries due to dog bites, while other members of the team managed to escape from the spot.

According to information, the police received a tip-off that one Harinderjit Singh Khalsa of Guru Nanak Colony near the Bhagtanwala Grain Market was involved in bootlegging.

A police team headed by ASI Gulwinder Singh, ASI Mangal Singh, head constable Asa Singh and four constables raided the spot. However, the accused reportedly shooed his two pet dogs at the police party.

Seeing the ferrous pet dogs, the police party tried to escape away. However, the dogs bit Gulwinder Singh at several places, who was later taken to a government hospital for treatment.

The C-Division police authorities preferred to downplay the case saying no such incident had occurred. They said the raiding party returned empty-handed as no recovery was made during the raid.

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Bharti Singh gets ready to fit in 70mm frame 
Neha Saini
Tribune news Service

Amritsar, October 27
She is a thorough professional, shuffling between her promotion schedules in different cities and her work and umpteen shoots in Mumbai.

But Bharti Singh, the adorably funny face we all love on television, is all smiles.

“Being a part of an industry that never sleeps, it’s a adapted habit,” says Bharti.

The city girl is gearing up to start an innings in filmdom.

In holy city to promote and pray for the success of her first Punjabi film, “Yamley Jatt Yamley”, along with Savvy Dadwal and Khushi Rajput, other stars of the film, she was as usual confident.

“It’s a fun film about three friends and how their life takes turns after they get married. And mind you I am playing a very serious role in it, it’ll make you cry,” she says.

Yeah, we believe you!

She warns, “beware” as paired up against another funny man, Gurpreet Ghuggi, there will be sure some killer doses of laughter.

“Actually I was supposed to do the lead heroine, but then the director tricked me into working as a side heroine. Never mind, he has promised to cast me as the lead in his next,” shares Bharti, in her typical style. The film releases on November 2, 2012.

The actor, now with a trimmed down, diva- like avatar, is grateful to reality show “Jhalak Dikhla Jaa”, for showing her glamorous side to the world.

“I had a blast on the show, I had never danced in my life before. And Savio is like the man I swear by, for he is the only one who could lift me like I was a feather,” she says. And of course her ‘true’ love for Remo, too, made the show special.

Work wise, the film would be her debut in the Punjabi film industry. And doing what she does best, Bharti says, her focus will always be comedy.

“While all other characters in the industry have short shelf life, a comedian has a lifelong guarantee,” shares the stand-up comedian.

While in city, she also remembered late Jaspal Bhatti. “His death came as a huge blow for the industry. He was truly someone who could make people think by making them laugh. I don’t think there would be anyone who could do that again, ever,” says Bharti, who was one of his favorites.

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Legal literacy youth fest held
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 27
A two-day legal literacy youth festival was organised at the Khalsa College of Education, Amritsar, under the guidance of Justice Jasbir Singh, Executive Chairman, Punjab Legal Service Authority, Chandigarh.

The festival aimed at creating legal awareness among students and general public and making them aware of various activities being undertaken by the Punjab Legal Service Authority, Chandigarh.

More than 275 participants from 21 colleges across Amritsar participated in activities like skit, documentaries, poetry, declamation, slogan making, poster making, photography and power-point presentation in the festival. These events were organised on various legal topics such as cruelty against women, domestic violence, fundamental right and duties, etc.

AS Brar, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, was the chief guest on the occasion, while Mayor Bakhshi Ram Arora was also present at the function.

HS Madaan, District and Session Judge, presided over the prize-distribution ceremony. The winners were given away prizes in the form of mementos, books, certificates, etc.

All participants were given away participation certificates. The winner of the festival would take part in the zonal festival.

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School principals get tips on e-learning
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 27
Technology is taking such fast leaps every second that we have been forced to ask the question, what next? So often.

While some may argue that we have become technology slaves, others believe there is still more to be done.

Taking a cue, Next Education India Private Limited, one of the leading e-learning technology companies in the country, organised a national education seminar for principals of various schools from the city at Ista.

In an interactive session involving principals and prominent academicians from the city and across the region, the focus was on inculcating various digital and technological applications into classrooms.

Education has gone beyond textbooks today. An average Indian student is well versed with all forms of technology and is probably amongst the maximum user group. So, why stick to traditional methods to impart knowledge? We emphasise the use of life-like 2D and 3D graphics, voice-overs, highly interactive content of international standards, clear sound and innovative course design, which are easily accessible via inbuilt IR Remote.

Animation and concepts like illustrations make it easier and smarter way to learn,” said Yograj, assistant vice-president Next Education India Private Limited.

In an interactive session, he highlighted the advantages of using technology to empower schools to deliver effective teaching–learning in digital classrooms of the future.

“When we are looking and adapting to a futuristic lifestyle in every possible area, then education is something that really needs it,” he said.

The seminar provided an opportunity for experts from the industry and school decision-makers to share their experiences and challenges faced by them in imparting quality education to children.

The principals were given a run through the Next Education product, “TeachNext”, an e-learning solution that offers advanced interactive tools and virtual activities to ensure that the teacher is able to explain and illustrate concepts using life-like animations and engrossing voice-overs. Some other technology solutions: “NextLabs” for maths, science and English, “LearnNext” and also their ERP software “NextERP” for the smooth running of the school administration.

To convey e-learning knowledge and show its application in classrooms, Next Education also used a variety of engaging formats, demonstrations, case studies, debates, presentations, panel discussions & ended the session with a Q&A round.

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75 per cent of blindness avoidable, says expert
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 27
As many as 285 million people live with serious vision impairment. Out of these, about 153 million people can be treated and their vision could be restored simply by spectacles or contact lenses.

These views were expressed by expert ophthalmologists arrived here to participate in the national conference on oculoplasty commenced today.

Dr P. Namperumalsamy, a Padma Shri awarded and winner of the Outstanding Humanitarian Award, USA, who was chief guest on the occasion, said 75 per cent of the blindness was actually avoidable. In the absence of major intervention on part of the government, this rate was likely to shoot up further in the future.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Namperumalsamy said oculoplasty field had brought many varied fields on a single platform for the treatment of eyes and its surrounding parts and has acquired a vast proportion.

In presidential remarks, Dr (Air Marshal) MS Boparai, founder of the Oculoplastic Association of India and one-time ophthalmological advisor to the President of India, said human eyes could also suffer from cancer, but these could be treated by using advanced techniques.

He compared the crude techniques of yesteryears with the present-day advancements and talked about state-of-the-art technology that is possible in future in the oculoplastic field.

Dr Raman Mittal, a famous oculoplast of the region, in his opening remarks, said: “Oculoplastic is a relatively new branch that connects eye problems with other multi specialities. As it deals with the areas of eye, along with its surroundings, including treating facial fractures, visible or invisible tumors, cosmetic correction, besides other related treatments, it has therefore established a niche for itself in the past decade with many state-of-the-art advancements".

Earlier, Dr Namperumalsamy inaugurated the conference, while Dr M. Vachhrajani, Ahmedabad, Dr Daljit Singh, patron, Dr Gangadhar Sundar, Singapore, besides many international and national-level doctors in the ophthalmology (eye) and related fields were present on the occasion.

Dr Rohit Omparkash, patron, and Dr Raman Mittal, chief organiser, extended a warm welcome to the guests.

As many as 300 delegates, including seven delegates from abroad, attended the conference from Singapore, US, Israel, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and UK, besides from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Guwhati, Hyderabad, Ranchi, Kanpur, Kolkata and Coimbatore.

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Importance of training in super specialities highlighted
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 27
Dr SS Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, today highlighted the importance of training in super specialities and for continued medical education in the field of orthopaedics and trauma care in view of the increasing number of cases in road and industrial accidents.

Dr SS Gill inaugurated the 18th annual conference of “Punjab Chapter of Indian Orthopaedic Association” being held at the Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research at Vallah near here.

The two-day conference is divided into two parts with hands-on workshop on the first day regarding pelvic fracture and live arthroscopic surgeries. The second day of the scientific session is dedicated to joint replacement, trauma care and latest technique in bone and joint malignancies. There is a special session on foot and ankle injuries addressed by surgeon of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada).

Emphasising on the strengthening of infrastructure in health and trauma care services in the semi-rural and district-level hospitals, Dr SS Gill admitted that these services were lacking at present.

He called upon the medical faculty to be upgraded with the modern techniques to provide the best services to the humanity.

The conference was attended by eminent surgeons from all over the country, which included Dr Vijay Sharma, Dr Ravi Gupta, Dr Avtar Singh, Dr Pushpinder Singh Bajaj, Dr IPS Oberoi and Dr Sudheer Kapoor, Dr Hardas Singh Sandhu, Dr JPS Chhina, and Dr Madan.

The conference was inaugurated in the presence of Joginder Singh, secretary of the Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital Trust, Dr Geeta Sharma, director principal, Dr AP Singh, additional secretary (Trust) and Dr Yogeshwar Saini, Prof and Head, Orthopaedic, Dr RK Arora, Dr Raj Kumar Aggarwal and S Amandeep Singh, in charge, trust branch.

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Cases registered against encroachers
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 27
The Kotwali police today registered cases against the persons who had illegally extended their shops and encroached upon the roads and footpaths.

This was done to decongest the areas in the walled city where encroachments by the shopkeepers have been rampant and this has resulted in severe traffic chaos.

Besides, the police teams also marched in the walled city areas, including Katra Jaimal Singh, Guru Bazaar, Telephone Exchange, Katra Baggia, etc.

The police authorities had warned the shopkeepers and traders against encroaching the footpaths and illegal extension of their shops in the roads. Senior police officials had held a meeting with the traders a few days ago in this connection urging them to cooperate. The traders have also assured the Police Department of all possible help.

However, even after repeated warnings, the shopkeepers continued to indulge in encroachments. The Kotwali police today booked two persons, including a migrant, identified as Jamaldeen of Bihar, now residing at Sultanwind Road, and Qadir Sheikh of Katra Ahluwalia. The police also confiscated their belongings.

Sukhwinder Singh Randhawa, SHO, Kotwali police station, said the illegal installing of hoardings would also be discouraged.

He said nobody would be allowed to install hoardings without the requisite permission of the Municipal Corporation Commissioner.

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Woman hangs herself to death
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 27
Prabhjit Kaur, a resident of New Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, today committed suicide by hanging herself from a ceiling fan.

Her husband, Sukhdev Singh, who is a SGPC employee, has gone to his office when she took the extreme step of ending her life.

The exact cause of the incident is yet to be known.

The incident came to light when Sukhdev returned home and found her hanging.

She was married to Sukhdev Singh about two years ago.

The police took the body of the woman in its custody for postmortem examination and initiated the investigations.

The deceased used her dupatta to hang herself from the ceiling fan.

The police said the exact cause of Prabhjit taking the extreme step was yet to be investigated.

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Jalandhar athletes bag maximum medals on day 2
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 27
Jalandhar athletes displayed marvellous sprints and strides as many of its runners bagged maximum medals on the second day of the Punjab State Games for Women being held at the Guru Nanak Stadium here today.

Harmanpreet Kaur of Jalandhar won gold in 200m clocking 26:81sec. Amandeep Kaur also from the sports city won silver timing 27:15sec and Naini Bala of Ludhiana got bronze in 27:38sec.

Surinderpal Kaur of Sangrur bagged gold in 400m in 1:00.35sec, Hardeep Kaur of Jalandhar won silver in 1:01.05sec and Nainai Bala again from Ludhiana got silver in 1:02.81sec, whereas in 400m hurdles gold medal was won by Bhupinder Kaur of Jalandhar in 1:05.9sec, Hardeep Kaur of Jalandhar got silver in 1:07.22sec and Rajni from Gurdaspur got bronze in 1:11.18sec.

In 3000-m race, Roma Devi and Harpreet Kaur of Patiala won gold and silver in 10:44.95sec and 10:48.08sec, respectively, whereas Seema Devi of Gurdaspur remained third in 11:04.26sec.

Jalandhar bagged gold in 4x400m relay in 4:11.43sec, Ludhiana won silver in 4:15.37sec, whereas Tarn Taran finished timing 4:19.86sec.

In long jump, Kulwinder Kaur of Sangrur pocketed gold by jumping 5.05m long, Pardeep Kaur of Bathinda won silver with 4.73m and Amarbir Kaur of Amritsar got bronze with 4.72m distance.

Ludhiana outplayed Ferozepur in a one-sided quarter final match of handball 23-5, whereas in other quarterfinals, Jalandhar defeated Hoshiarpur 12-6, Patiala defeated Mukatsar Sahib 12-7 and Roop Nagar beat Tarn Taran 15-3.

In basketball quarter finals, Jalandhar crushed Fazilka 45-2, Amritsar outclassed Sangrur 66-38, Kapurthala outplayed Patiala 53-17, whereas Ludhiana defeated Hoshiarpur 38-9.

Jalandhar defeated Patiala 2-0 in the first quarterfinal match of badminton, SBS Nagar beat Gurdaspur 2-0 , Ferozepur outplayed Amritsar 2-0 and Ludhiana defeated Sangrur 2-1.

Gurdaspur won the team championships in gymnastics by pocketing 195.70 points, Amritsar won silver with 180.85 points and Patiala got bronze with 155.60 points. Rohika of Amritsar was declared the best gymnast with 42.65, Monika also from Amritsar got silver with 42.25 and Kulwinder of Gurdaspur got bronze with 40.45 points.

In hockey, Amritsar outplayed Pathankot 6-1 in the quarterfinals, Patiala defeated Muktsar by 5-0, Jalandhar defeated Tarn Taran 3-1 and Bathinda beat Ludhiana 2-1.

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