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October
20, 2003,
Chandigarh, India
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5 kids succumb to mystery fever Sonepat, October 19 According to information received from villagers, the deceased children are: Mushaida (5), Rizwan (6), Azam (4), Priyanka (8) and the 8-year-old daughter of Mahabir. Besides, more than 15 persons, including women and children of the village, have been suffering from the fever. Regarding the symptoms, the villagers stated that the fever shoots up to 104-105 degree Fahrenheit. The patient has severe body pain and unbearable headache. He vomits blood sometimes. One of the victims, Priyanka, was taken for treatment to Ganaur, Sonepat, Samalkha and Panipat. But, the doctors failed to diagnose her fever and she died in PGIMS, Rohtak, the villagers said. Meanwhile, with three more cases testing positive for dengue, the number of confirmed dengue patients in the district has gone up to eight; 20 more patients are suspected to be suffering from the disease. According to information, a dozen cases of suspected dengue have been sent to Delhi hospitals for lab testing. When the health authorities learnt that some private labs had tested some patients positive, the authorities reportedly raided the labs and seized their records to authenticate the findings. |
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HEALTH WATCH New Delhi, October 19 Director of Health Services-cum-Municipal Health Officer, Dr. K. N. Tiwari, said that of the total fatalities, 10 were from the Capital while two from other states. Giving details of the dengue cases, Dr Tiwari said that the Central district of the Capital was the most affected area where 198 dengue cases had been reported. In trans-Yamuna area, Shahadra South and North have taken the lead, with 137 and 135 cases, respectively, being reported. Another 134 cases have been reported from Civil Lines, 114 from South district, 99 from Rohini, 90 from west, 79 from Karol Bagh, 74 from Najafgarh, 32 from city, 24 from Sadar Paharganj and 15 from Narela zones. Besides, 53 cases were reported from NDMC areas and 13 from the Delhi Cantonment and railway areas. The Standing Committee Chairman, Mr Ram Babu Sharma, said that the health department of the corporation last week checked 9,50,383 houses and at least 3,351 houses were found infected with the lethal vector. Legal notices were issued to 2,201 offenders and 1,386 prosecutions launched. |
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Rebuffed ‘varsity’ Chhattisgarh-bound Rohtak, October 19 Mahant Chand Nath Yogi, Head of Baba Mastnath Math, and of educational institutions established by it, would be chancellor of the university and Dr Markandey Ahuja, managing director of the Math, would be the founder vice-chancellor. Happy with the performance of these institutions, the Bansi Lal government had proposed in 1998 that the Shikshan Sansthan be granted deemed university status. However, the Bansi Lal government fell and the Chautala
government refused to grant the Sansthan ‘deemed university’ status. Besides the Ayurvedic College, the Baba Mastnath Sikshan Sansthan is running a dental college, an engineering college, a JBT institute, MBA and Sanskrit courses. Those studying Sanskrit courses are being provided free education and free board and lodging. But the Maharshi Dayanand University, at the behest of the INLD government, has ‘disaffiliated’ all these institutions, though they have an excellent infrastructure. All these institutions are today functioning under court orders. Mahant Chand Nath Yogi disclosed that in 1999 the Math had proposed setting up a Medical College at Asthal Bohar and submitted its plans to the government and the Medical Council of India. However, just when the council nominees were visiting the institute the state government had initiated criminal proceedings against him and Dr Markandey Ahuja. “We were then left with no alternative but to shelve this project,” he told newsmen. Mahant Chand Nath disclosed that Shri Baba Mastnath University would be self-financing. Land was being acquired and the construction of the university campus would start immediately after taking possession of the land situated between Raipur and Bilaspur. |
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Graft in post office: How petty can we get? Faridabad, October 19 A sum of Rs 1,239 and Rs 2,773 had been deposited in his savings account by the PF department a few days ago. He was a labourer and required the money, but touts in the department had made it mandatory for him to pay a bribe to get his money released. In another complaint, one Dalip Kumar, also a factory worker, has alleged that a postman employed at Amar Nagar Post Office had been demanding a bribe to get the payment released from his account No. 1148280. An amount of Rs 1,686 had been deposited by the local PF office in his account recently, but he might not get the money till he greases their palms. It is learnt that there are about one lakh savings bank accounts in the post office here and hundreds of people visit the branch daily to open an account or operate them. |
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Demand for CBI probe into foodgrains scandal New Delhi, October 19 It held a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Sunday to protest against the alleged black-marketing of Rs 1,300 crore worth of foodgrains, meant for distribution among the below poverty line (BPL) families. The ‘Third Front’ chairman, Mr Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Shoaib Iqbal of Janata Dal (S), Mr H. N. Sharma of Samajwadi Janata Party, Sukhbir Singh Panwar of Nationalist Congress Party and Lalit Gautam of Lok Janshakti Party took part in the demonstration. Mr Bidhuri said dengue continued to spread in NCT of Delhi. More than 5,000 people have been affected and more than 10 deaths have been reported by the Government of NCT of Delhi. The government, he said, has done precious little to contain the spread of the disease. He alleged the government had turned a blind eye as the wheat and rice worth Rs 1,300 crore, meant for distribution to BPL families, was siphoned off to the black market. He said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) ought to probe the matter.
Burglar held The South-West district police today claimed to have apprehended a burglar and recovered 33 items, including gold ornaments, electronic goods and Rs 2.75 lakh. The accused, Azad Singh, resident of Shahpur Jat, was caught by the public when he was trying to break into a house in Munirka village. The accused was handed over to the police. |
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SPECIAL FOCUS ON SONEPAT Sonepat October 19 The highways account for over 60 per cent of road accidents in the country, even though they constitute just 35 per cent of the country’s road length. Every fourth accident reported from a highway claims a life and every second accident leaves a person seriously injured. The officials of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) said that till 1998, the road between Murthal and Pipli near Kurukshetra had high accident rate of 4.42 per kilometre with fatality rate of 1.99. However, medical facilities in most of the hospitals near the highways are inadequate. Moreover, in most of the hospitals there are no neurosurgeons to take care of accident victims, most of whom sustain head injuries. The 100-bed civil hospital in this city, which is a district headquarter, has virtually turned into a referral hospital as it lacks most of the basic medical facilities. The doctors on emergency duty ‘conveniently’ get rid of serious medical cases by referring the patients to either PGIMS at Rohtak or to Delhi for further treatment. The patients are sent to the trauma centres and advised to get themselves treated there or in other private nursing homes. During the past seven months, as many as 350 patients involved in road accidents or having received bullet injuries or burn injuries were administered first-aid and referred to Delhi or to the PGIMS at Rohtak. Similar practice is followed in community health centres and primary health centres of this district, which are more enthusiastic to get rid of the patient by sending them to hospitals at Delhi and Rohtak. While the Health Department authorities complained about the shortage of funds and medical officers, the people suspect “an unholy alliance” between the government doctors and the owners of the private nursing homes and clinics. It is alleged that in many cases, the referred patients have died on the way to other hospitals. The instructions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court for providing an emergency ward, exclusive equipped with all modern facilities for such cases, have been ignored by the authorities. |
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Let the
sparkle of Divali not take away the sparkle from your eyes New Delhi, October 19 Divali celebrations go on for almost a whole month with people beginning to burst firecrackers much before the festival and they enjoy doing so even after the festival. The harmful smoke and suspended articles, therefore, remain in the air for almost a week after
Divali. As a result, there is absolutely no way we can prevent these harmful particles from entering our eyes. The joy of
Divali might last for a few days only but the impact it has on your health could last for long after the celebrations. Some startling facts on pollution levels during
Divali: * In Delhi alone, for instance, an additional 4,000 metric tonnes of garbage approximately, comprising burnt paper and chemicals like phosphorous, sulphur and potassium chlorate, are released on
Divali every year. This is just an indication of the rise in pollution throughout the country. * Fireworks contain sulphur, which on burning converts to sulphur dioxide proves to be harmful if the concentration reaches more than the limit of 30.5 parts per billion (24 hour standard for
SO2). * In 2000, air pollution levels skyrocketed during
"Divali" by over 2000 times the permissible level in the capital alone. Following intensive campaigns aimed at stopping the use of firecrackers, the 2002 levels were only 15 times higher. In order to prevent eyes from exposure to the excessive pollution emissions during
Divali, a few rudimentary precautions are an absolute must while handling fireworks. Some dos: * Wear eyeglasses or goggles for protection. Even spectators should consider eye protection since 25 per cent of those hurt each year are bystanders. * Place a bucket of water nearby to put out fires or douse those devices that fail to ignite (duds.) * Never allow children to handle explosives. * Light fireworks only one at a time and outside in a clear area away from houses, dry leav3s and grass, and flammable materials. * Make sure all onlookers are out of range before igniting fireworks. * Keepunused fireworks away from firing areas, and in a cool, dry place. * Dispose of used fireworks properly. A few don'ts too are in order: * Don't stand too close to fireworks. * Don't ignite fireworks indoors. * Don't give fireworks to a small child. * Don't put them in pockets; or a container, especially tin
can, clay pot, or glass bottle. Such containers can shatter upon impact and produce shrappel, showering fragments of
glass or metal. * Don't try to relight duds or make homemade fireworks. If
they don't light or malfunction, douse them with water and discard them. What causes irritation of the eyes? Pollution levels rise by about 15 per cent during
Divali, with nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide levels rising considerably. This often causes eye irritations like redness of the eyes, continuous watering, burning sensation etc that are usually tolerated as necessary evils. |
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NCR BRIEFS Rohtak, October 19 Ms Mandeep, district president, SFI, alleged that the undemocratic step had clearly exposed the vindictive attitude of the university authorities against Mr Ratnoo, who is also the secretary of Maharshi Dayanmand University Teachers’ Association (MDUTA). She appealed to the Chancellor-cum-Governor to direct the university authorities to restore the services of Mr Ratnoo with immediate effect and order a high-level inquiry into the irregularities committed in various matters in the university. She also sought the restoration of election to the various students’ bodies.
SPIC MACAY programme The Rohtak Chapter of the Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) will present a classical dance concert by the well- known exponent of Mohiniattam dance form, Ms Bharati Shivaji, at Shri Ram Rangshala here on October 21. Mr Vishav Deepak Trikha, secretary, Rohtak Chapter of SPIC MACAY said the Deputy Commissioner who is also the president, Rohtak Chapter of the organisation, would preside over this cultural evening.
Blood donation camp Sonepat: At least 26 persons donated blood at a one-day blood donation camp organised by the District Red Cross Society in coordination with a voluntary organisation “Ahuti” at Juan village, about 15 km form here yesterday. According to a report, Mr Rajinder Singh Dahiya, District Education Officer, inaugurated the camp. The camp was organised on the campus of the Government Senior Secondary School of the village. |
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DELHI DIGEST New Delhi, October 19 The Chairman of the NDMC, Mr Ramesh Narayanswami, unveiled the road name plaque in a ceremony here, which was also attended by the Rev. Vincent M Concessao, the Archbishop of Delhi. Recalling the work done by the Mother, Mr Narayanswami said that she served the ailing and the down trodden without any bias and prejudice. Paying tributes to the Mother, the Archbishop also thanked the Lt-Governor for having agreed to the proposal put up by the Inter Religious group for naming the road after Mother Teresa. Concern over crime against women Protests against the lack of security for women in the Capital and the increasing number of incidents of crimes continued here today with the National Akali Dal staging a protest near Jantar Mantra. Led by party president, Mr Paramjit Singh Pamma, the protestors expressed concern at the increase in the number of rapes and other cases of violence against women. Seeking the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr L. K. Advani, the protestors said that the recent rape of a Swiss woman had tarnished India’s image abroad. Raising slogans against the inability of the government and the Delhi Police to curb crimes against women, the protestors demanded stern action against the offenders. The Union Government was severely criticised for its inability to provide a safe and secure environment for women in the national Capital. Mr Pamma said that from school going girls to elderly women, a feeling of terror and insecurity is looming large. |
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Priest looted of Rs 10,500 Sonepat, October 19 Suicide by housewife A housewife, Mrs Nirmala, is reported to have committed suicide by taking sulphas tablets in her house at Bandepur village, about 3 km from here yesterday. According to a report, she took this extreme step following a family quarrel. The police are investigating the case. |
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BRAZEN STRIKE Noida (Dadri): More than a dozen armed dacoits attacked a transport company near a police post,
Chhapraula, under the Dadri Police Station and decamped with 26 tyres and a truck. The criminals had first snatched the rifle of the security guard at the main gate at about 1 am and then huddled 30-odd people and locked them up in a room. They reportedly removed 26 tyres from the truck, parked on the company premises, loaded them in a new truck and sped away. Bhupender Kalra’s National Transport Co’s office is situated near the Chhapraula police post. There were 30 drivers and cleaners sleeping on the premises after taking their dinner.
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India, Taiwan synergy could propel exports Gurgaon, October 19 This suggestion was made by the president of Phdcci, Mr P K Jain, while he was addressing a Taiwan Convention at Taipei, sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan. Mr Jain said that in view of the inherent strengths of the two countries, strategic alliances between them could go a long way, especially in the small and medium sector. A copy of his speech, circulated in Gurgaon today, quotes him as saying that India is looking for an export thrust which the Taiwanese firms could provide. Taiwan has made rapid economic strides in the past two decades and has emerged as a role model for other developing nations. The country bears testimony to the fact that lack of natural resources is not an impediment in the development of an economy. The rich experience and business acumen of entrepreneurs in Taiwan are of great relevance to the contemporary Indian situation. To an emerging economy like India, Taiwan offers varied opportunities for a mutually beneficial relationship, he added. Mr Jain further said that there existed scope and potential for increasing trade between India and Taiwan, especially now that there is shared perception between the governments of the two countries to catch up on the lost opportunities. India’s agricultural and metal exports to Taiwan have increased to almost $ 590 million in the last five years. The imports mostly include raw silk, textile yarn, organic and inorganic chemicals and electronic goods, worth about $ 600 million. Joint ventures in the field of watch and watch components, food grade phosphoric acid, pneumatic rubber tyres, industrial motors and paper and pulp products can go a long way in increasing the bilateral trade between the two countries, he added. |
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SHOWCASE RayBan has launched its international collections in the market. These premium semi-rimmed models available at RayBan outlets across the country come in variety of colour options in APX lenses. The three attractive frame colours – gun metal, gold and silver APX- is an advanced version of polycarbonate material with a much higher strength and is compatible with all frame materials. This attractively styled RayBan collection combines great styling without compromising on the legendary functional performance of 100 per cent UV protection and problem free vision. Super PBX system National Panasonic has launched the first-ever imported ‘Super Hybrid IP PBX’ communication system for Indian offices. Panasonic’s ‘Super Hybrid IP PBX systems’ will come in two variants – the KX-TDA 100 with 64 extensions (108 ports), and the KX-TDA 200 with 128 extensions (216 ports). The director, Mr Takeshi Ikeda, said, “Panasonic India SPD endeavours to benefit its customers by bringing in the latest technologies from its international R and D.” Luminous Electronics Limited has launched emergency lights with unique features like ‘battery overcharge as well as deep discharge protection,’ which has a long battery back up time up to eight hours. The light with advance technological features is extremely light and are available in different colours of maroon, white and blue. Cardiac tonic SBL limited, a leading homeopathic medicine manufacturing company has launched ‘Tonicard Gold Drops,’ the cardiac tonic for common heart ailments like high blood pressure, change in pulse rate, breathlessness, palpitation and sinking of heart. It can also be used as an adjunct therapy for persons having high cholesterol levels, diabetes, angina, a case history of heart attack or cardiac surgery, and also for women during menopause as it alleviates the palpitation and anxiety. Integrated ERP Suite Bersoft Infotech has launched a first of its kind integrated ERP suite for schools. The ERP suite titled “Mira Skool,” developed with intellectual seed capital from the Apeejay Education Society will integrate all aspects of school operations onto a single platform, creating a space for effectively planning, managing and governing day to day operations. Low fat cocoa
powder Weikfield, the culinary giant, has launched its Cocoa powder for Indian customers. Keeping its commitment to provide the best to the customers, Weikfield has introduced the versatile Cocoa powder in a reusable poly jar. The Cocoa powder is manufactured by roasting and grinding well-selected fermented cocoa beans. It is a low fat cocoa powder and contains a variety of minerals and vitamins and serves as an essential ingredient in many food items. Multi-Player
Systems Salora International has now come up with range of DVD, VCD and 5-in-1 multi-player systems for the festive season. Salora’s new range is packed with futuristic technology that ensures hi-fi sound, clear picture, powerful performance and hi-tech features. This unique blend of international quality, advance technology and highly economical prices makes these products a “must buy” during the festive season. Salora’s next product, VCD player has also got features like zoom, surround sound, random play, built in amplifier, repeat, slow and fast- forwards multi disc compatible. Scar-Free Win Medicare has launched Contractubex for treating scars. A patent formulation from Merz GmbH, Germany, Contractubex has been used extensively by surgeons, gynaecologists, dermatologists and cardio-thoracic surgeons in over 50 countries for 20 years for treating scars resulting from burns, accidents, injury and acne. Consistent usage for a period of 16 weeks to nine months, depending on the scar size, skin and certain other parameters, helps to reduce the scar, making it less visible and facilitates the natural movement of the affected area. Weight Gain Tonic Here’s the latest way to gain weight –Endura Mass. Loaded with the necessary minerals and vitamins, Endura Mass is absolutely safe and 100 per cent vegetarian. Packed with a no-side effects assurance, Endura Mass delicious flavour will leave your taste-buds thoroughly pampered. According to the company, Endura Mass is not just about gaining weight but is about adopting a whole new healthy lifestyle and staying fit. Eye care Oriflame has launched the ‘Eye Repair Retinol Treatment Cream’, specially formulated for maximum skin tolerance. Oriflame’s ‘Eye Repair Retinol Treatment’ cream regenerates the skin around the eye, making it firmer, smoothing the fine lines and diminishing the under eye bags. The cream contains ‘Retinol Cylaspheres’, that accelerates cell renewal and reduces wrinkle, hydrogenated canola oil, which have anti-irritant properties that help combat the effects of exposure to the environment. Hi tech mobile phone Siemens has introduced a special ‘silver’ variant of their C55 mobile phone. The C55 Silver caters to the Indian festive season gift buyer with reference to the traditional purchase of precious metal and jewellery at this time. The C55 Silver is designed to impress with its soft curves and sleek appearance. Innovatively designed with the latest technology, the C55 silver features exceptional audio quality that allows recording or downloading of voices, noises and melodies, which can be used as ring tones. Leh Berry Ladakh Foods has launched ‘Leh Berry’, a fruit juice of a wonder plant called ‘Seabuckhorn’ berries, which are a storehouse of over 100 nutrients vital for proper body functions. ‘Seabuckhorn’ fruit keeps you in good health. It keeps the entire body metabolism in good order and fights common cold. It improves the body immunity system, strengthens memory and helps in proper functioning of the liver. Watch for the festive season Tissot has launched its collections– ‘Tissot Oval-T’ for women and the ‘Tissot TXL Automatic’ for men. G Kannan, country manager, Swatch Group, said, “Tissot has the unique ability to blend the traditional with the contemporary. These latest offerings are chic and trendy, in addition to being backed by the Tissot reliability, making them an ideal gift this festive season.” Electrolux Kelvinator Limited has launched its new top of the line washing machines–‘Fabriglow’, the wonder machine. Sanjeev Wadhwa, general manager, said “Electrolux Kelvinator is committed to bring innovative and technologically advanced products at affordable prices to its customers.” |
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