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Japanese model of growth for Punjab proposed Chandigarh, March 30 He was speaking at the valedictory function of a seminar on rural development which concluded at Panjab University, here today. He said that village population was divided on the basis of caste, religion and political considerations in rural Punjab. Prof Johl argued that Punjab needed an industrial model on the lines of Japan where MNCs were in the urban areas but the ancillary industries were located in the rural areas, thereby providing part-time employment. Earlier, in a session on human resource development, Prof S.S. Gill and Dr Sukhvinder Singh of Punjabi University, Patiala, in their joint presentation, emphasised the need for long-term health policy to provide quality health services to the rural population in view of widening rural-urban health services disparities. Dr Swarn Singh of Panjab University discussed the dynamics of population growth in Punjab and submitted that the rural-urban gap existed mainly due to education and health facilities differential in rural areas. Speaking on “Agriculture development and issues in rural transformation”, Dr Gurmail Singh from the Department of Economics, PU, pointed out the shortcomings of the Green Revolution. He said the revolution depended too much on wheat and rice because of which other crops were neglected and agriculture, ultimately, was the loser. The last session was chaired by Prof G.S. Gosal which deliberated on the theme of “development programmes and policy issues”. Prof B.S. Ghuman from Panjab University, exposed the limitations of trickle-down development model. He recommended a grassroot orientated government initiative which was assisted by agencies like the NGOs. Dr Rajesh Gill presented a paper on “Governance in rural Punjab: some social irritants” where she highlighted the problems of unequitable development. The dismal performance with regard to sex ratio and the education of the girl child had posed a serious hindrance in the rural development of villages, she said. The seminar ended with a vote of thanks by Prof Autar S. Dhesi, co-ordinator of the seminar. |
University to acquire
degree-printing machine Chandigarh, March 30 Panjab University might have found a way to rectify this chronic complaint of non-delivery of degrees to its colleges before the convocation deadline. Negotiations are on to acquire a degree-printing machine which would out the work of the calligraphist completely. The degrees would be ready in not more than three weeks after the declaration of results. While this machine, using a computer and specific software, would be able to produce 2000 degrees in one go against 50 degrees by a calligraphist, However, there is one stumbling block which comes by way of the machine’s allergy to dust. Given the high rag and dust content in the handmade paper of which university degrees are made of, the authorities are trying to have a modified version of the machine to suit their needs. “We need a machine that will accept handmade paper and enable printing and writing on degrees simultaneously. The company we are in touch with is working on our requirements and the machine is likely to be ready for use during this session. While the machine will give us degrees complete in all respects, a seal will be a manually fixed on the degrees after which these would be ready for despatch to colleges,” explains Dr Sodhi Ram, Controller of the Examination. The degrees of the university are made of handmade paper and have a water mark which is a check against fake degrees. The university does not want to do away with this. Also, the handmade paper has a life of 100 years while the upper limit of degree on normal paper would be 25 years which makes it a losing proposition. The issue that found mention in the recent meeting of the Senate where principals of private colleges pointed out that the Examination Branch had been directed to furnish degrees within three months of declaration of result which they had failed to do. The Examination Branch admits that it was next to impossible to have degrees of all students of affiliated colleges ready before the convocation on account of delayed revaluation results. It is only after the revaluation result is declared that the university begins the process of writing the degrees. |
Tangori engineering college students stage dharna
Mohali, March 30 Dr S.K. Salwan, Vice-Chancellor of the PTU, along with the former VC, Prof Y.S. Rajan, and others had visited the college to attend a meeting of the academic council. Mr Rajan was also given a farewell at the institute. The protesting students, including those from the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bhaddal, raised slogans against the authorities. They even tried to stop buses from leaving the institute. The protesters alleged that for the 2001 batch, for which 24 credit rule was not even applicable, the university gave a relaxation of getting 24 credits in two academic years to be eligible for the fifth semester. Some students of 2000 batch were detained because they were deprived of this relaxation. One of the students, Paramveer, told Chandigarh Tribune that they had met the Vice-Chancellor in the evening today. He claimed that the VC had ordered the formation of a committee to look into the matter. The committee had been asked to give a report in about 15 days time to the VC. He said their case had already been recommended by the college authorities. Dr M.S. Garewal, Registrar, PTU, told mediapersons that students were supposed to clear 40 per cent, out of 60 per cent, of the subjects to go to the next year. Students had to clear the first semester to get admission to the fifth semester and second semester to take admission to the sixth semester. He said at the end of the first year these students had requested authorities to let them continue and they would clear the remaining subjects by the time they reached the fifth semester. He said even after getting four chances these students had not cleared the remaining subjects and had to be detained. |
Tiny tots display dance talent Chandigarh, March 30 Children belonging to the age group of three to seven years, contested for the title in three rounds - traditional, funny and western. They showed enough confidence and poise. The programme also showcased dancing talent of children between four years to 15 years during the cultural part of the function. Categorised in three groups — junior (upto four years), senior I (between five years to 10 years) and senior II (between 10 years to 15 years) — the participants performed dance items. |
AET (Main) results declared Chandigarh, March 30 |
Payment no basis for granting bail to dowry accused Chandigarh, March 30 Taking up a petition filed by a Ghaziabad resident, along with another accused, Mr Justice S.K. Mittal of the High Court held: “Merely because the petitioners have offered some payment, they cannot be granted the concession of anticipatory bail keeping in view the other facts and circumstances of the matter”. The Judge also directed that the interim orders of anticipatory bail, passed by the court on November 7 last year, were being withdrawn and the petition for pre-arrest bail was being dismissed. The two — S.K. Aggarwal of Ghaziabad and his son Atul Aggarwal of Panchkula — were apprehending arrest in a first information report registered on October 27 last year under Section 406, 498-A, 506 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code. The complainant, Mamta Aggarwal, had alleged that her husband Atul Aggarwal and his father S.K. Aggarwal had mentally and physically harassed, even tortured, her for not bringing sufficient dowry, including cash and jewellery. Ms Aggarwal had added that she was thrown out of her matrimonial house after being thrashed within two weeks of the marriage. Seeking the grant of bail, counsel for the petitioners had submitted that the petitioners had deposited Rs 1,50,000 for settling complainant’s claim and Rs 4,000 as maintenance. He had added that both the petitioners had joined the investigation in the matter. Moreover, dowry articles, in their possession, had been handed over to the police. Opposing the plea, counsel for the complainant had contended that the amount was taken by Ms Aggarwal in protest. Actually, she was not willing to accept the money. Furthermore, the petitioners had surrendered few dowry articles to the police. Jewellery, cash and other articles had not been returned. Accusing them of misusing the concession of interim anticipatory bail, counsel had added that the relatives of the accused had threatened the complainant and other family members. After hearing the arguments and going through the documents, Mr Justice Mittal observed that he was not inclined to confirm the orders of anticipatory bail. “In my view, the petitioners have misused the concession of anticipatory bail... Though the petitioners have offered to make the payment, the amount is not acceptable to the complainant.... The petitioner was dismissed”. |
Liquor auction petition to come up today Chandigarh, March 30 In his petition, contractor Sanjeev Bhandari had alleged that the Punjab Government was encouraging monopoly in liquor trade in favour of baron Ponti Chadha. He had alleged that liquor vends in Nawanshahar were allotted to Mr Chadha’s firm for Rs 37 crore against an available bid of Rs 40 crore. Appearing before the court, counsel had submitted on the petitioner’s behalf that the auction for vends in Hoshiarpur was closed at Rs 70 crore despite the fact that the petitioner and his associates had offered Rs 72 crore. He had further alleged that the entire process of auctioning liquor vends of Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Jalandhar was completed within a few minutes in violation of the licence rules, auction conditions and directions issued by the High Court. Denying the allegations of favouring Mr Chadha, the state of Punjab had claimed that he was neither the owner, nor the partner of firm which secured the bid. In a written statement, the state had asserted that Mr Chadha’s name was not figuring in the list of successful bidders for Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr vends. Seeking directions for dismissing the petition, the state had asserted that the auction was carried out in accordance with the excise policy, besides directions issued by the courts. Public interest was also kept in mind.
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Touch of class with Italian furniture
Look no further for the stylish Italian furniture. Your search ends at The Furniture Shopee, an exclusive shop dealing in Italian designer furniture ‘Spazio’. This one stop shop for all your furniture needs, provides a range of exclusively designed Italian furniture. The shopee provides furniture to suit the needs of all rooms. The furniture is funky, yet suits the Indian home needs. Providing a wide variety of choice and range, the furniture includes fibre glass bar tables and stools in crimson and black, funky chairs with spiked backs for the dining table; leather couches and sofas, office furniture and beds. You can recline and relax on the comfortable sofas made on the principle of ergonomics. “Italy is known for its ergonomically designed, trendy, stylish and exclusively crafted furniture and we’ve brought the best in India”, says Mr. Dinesh Kakkar, Partner, in the shopee. “The products are a blend of modern technology and traditional material,” he adds. Besides having furniture for people of classy taste, The shopee also houses a wide range of latest designs for the more adventurous at heart. From having the regular design of furniture to latest design in most striking colours - pinks, blues and crimsons. Beds that have a lighting arrangement in its reclining backs or with a music system fitted in it, the shopee has something in store for everyone. The Italian furniture on display boasts of a combination of elegance and style with functional equipment. Imported from Italy, Malaysia and Indonesia, the entire range is collapsible, hence, easily portable and can be re-assembled within minutes.
— TNS |
Jewellery inspired by beauty of life Trendsmith, a jewellery and lifestyle store, today launched the signature line collection of Mr Nirmal Zaveri. The new line brings alive the colours of the rainbow — from violet amethyst to the sparkling red rubies. The beautiful designs in diamonds set in white gold have stones like emeralds, amethyst, rubies, peridot and aquamarines juxtaposed to create an enticing effect, and are an evocative tribute to the contemporary woman. This collection, being exhibited at the Sector 17 store here, is being showcased for the first time in the country. Mr Nirmal Zaveri says the new collection from the stables of Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri — Trendsmith — is inspired by the beauty of life. From the chic everyday wear pieces, to trendy party wear, and the traditional heavy sets, there is one to please all. The designs are innovative with intricate filigree and granulation on gold. Vibrant gemstone — green emeralds, blue jades and aquamarines and yellow peridot — have been used extensively. Crafted with the finest gems, colour stones, full-cut and rose-cut diamonds, the new collection by Mr Zaveri is in a class of its own. The range begins from Rs 25,000 and the designs — both abstract and floral — are contemporary. A necklace need not be tied at the back; it can be wrapped like a muffler. Bangles need not be round, they can be in D-shape. Mr Zaveri says with the concept of buying jewellery having seen a shift towards adornment, rather than investment, people are now experimenting with jewellery. “Like clothes, people want jewellery in all colours. So the concept of coloured jewellery is in.” Ask him about the hottest colour in gemstone this season, and green comes the reply. Yellow and aquamarines will also sparkle with diamonds, he adds. Are the jewellery designs inspired by our “desi” film people, we ask. Certainly no, he says, reminding us how the Jennifer Lopez earrings were a big hit last year. He says just like in several western countries, Indians too have come out of their mould and started experimenting with designs, shapes and cuts of diamonds. TNS |
Swimming pools being spruced up WITH the mercury soaring skywards, everyone seems to be eagerly waiting for a splash in the pool. The high temperature since mid- March has had the city folks ready to jump in the pools the moment they are declared open. So before the heat gets to you, and you are ready to jump in the Sukhna Lake, we get you a list of better places for cooling off . So get set with your swimming costumes, head gear, goggles and sun screens for beating the heat, while you exercise. Most of the swimming pools in the city and its satellite townships of Panchkula and Mohali are being spruced up before they are opened to the public. From the pools at clubs, meant exclusively for the members and their dependents, to the commoner's cooling destination at Government Yoga Centre pool, Sector 23-A, and Swimming Centre, Sector 23 C, and from the institutional pools at Panjab University, the PGI and the CSIO to the chic Hotel Mountview pool, each one is out to offer the best of facilities. While the changing rooms at Lake Club pool are in the process of renovation — they have been tiled and recarpeted — the other pools are vying with each other in terms of coaches, filtration plants and monthly/ seasonal charges. From Rs 500 for the entire season (mid- April to September) to Rs 1000 for the season, the swimming pools are offering the "fun-filled exercise" for less than the monthly membership to any of the jazzy gyms or health clubs in the city, and at both morning and evening hours. The Chandigarh Club proposes to convert its pool to a heated pool for winters, as does the Government Yoga Centre pool. Informs Dr J.P.S. Sidhu, Joint Director, Sports, Chandigarh Administration, "We have been sanctioned Rs 38 lakh by the Administration for converting our pool into a heated pool. We did'nt want to miss out on the summer season, so we have postponed the work for conversion to a heated pool till after the summer season." |
Fitness Trail CONTINUING with our saga of the unsung heroes of nutritional requirements of our body — the minerals — we will discuss the last of major minerals required by our body in large amounts. Eating too few of the right nutrients can weaken the body, leaving it vulnerable to a host of infections and diseases. So a good diet is the most important and most easy way to stay well, advises Dr Neelu Malhotra, Diet Consultant, Silver Oaks, Mohali. A wholesome diet replete with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, poultry products, nuts, seeds, cereals etc can provide us the with the required amount of minerals needed by the body. Magnesium and chloride are the last of minerals which our body needs in large amounts. Magnesium This important mineral was named after the Greek city of Magnesia where large reserves of magnesium carbonate were found. About 50 per cent of magnesium in our body is found in bones, while other the 50 per cent is found in cells. Magnesium is required for muscle contraction, nerve conduction and toning of blood vessels. This mineral is also needed for metabolism of carbs. Also, calcium is absorbed better in the presence of magnesium. Calcium works with magnesium for nerve functions, says Dr Malhotra. Magnesium is crucial for growth and maturation of white blood cells and the production of certain hormones. It can be useful for the treatment of PMS problems. Sources:
Milk, dark green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, citrus fruit, pulses, garlic, onion, potatoes, chicken, sweetcorn, raisins, aubergines, carrots, tofu, almonds, brown rice, egg yolks etc. The RDA is (300-500 mg). Deficiency of magnesium:
Drinking alcohol can cause magnesium deficiency and also reduces the absorption of magnesium from food. Excessive intake of diuretics can also cause deficiency of magnesium. Bones, muscles and teeth can weaken due to this deficiency, also heart disorders may happen, says Dr Malhotra. Magnesium is vital for nervous system and is particularly effective at dealing with cramps of any sort in body Deficiency symptoms:
Muscle cramps, insomnia, nervousness, depression, high BP, constipation, breast tenderness and water retention. Deficiency or low levels of magnesium in tissues are associated with lower levels of antibody-forming cells and immunoglobulin. Deficiency can also increase production of all-damaging free radicals Excess of magnesium:
It can happen in renal failure cases or people suffering from ulcers and taking antacids rich in magnesium. Excess symptoms: Low BP, lethargy, weakness, slurring of speech, nausea, cardiac arrest etc. Tip: People having kidney problems should not take supplemental magnesium. Chloride Chloride is an electrolyte and accounts for 3 per cent of the body’s total mineral content, mainly as part of fluid outside the cells. Chloride helps in controlling water in the acid-base balance of body. Spinal fluid has the highest concentration of chloride. It provides an acid media for activating digestive enzymes as well as enabling digestion in the stomach. Chloride activates an enzyme called Amlyases which helps in digestion of carbohydrates. The RDA is 1500-2000 mg Sources:
Sodium chloride or common table salt, milk, meat, eggs, carrots, potato, spinach, cabbage, tomato, bananas, dates, etc. Chloride deficiency: Severe deficiency can happen in cases of excessive vomiting and diarrhoea. Its deficiency can also weaken bones. Deficiency symptoms:
Weakness, stiffness in joints, lethargy etc. The metabolism of chloride is closely associated with the metabolism of sodium. Chloride is excreted from the body through sweat and urine. |
Shekhar to take a shot at politicians Shekhar Suman is at it again. Actor-turned-talk show host Shekhar will be ripping apart the political heavyweights who retract from their pre-poll rhetoric. To appear on Star News channel every day from April 1 to May 15 from 10.30 pm to 11 pm, Shekhar will enjoy himself and enthrall viewers with his poll histrionics. The show, “Poll Khol”, will try and expose politicians, promises Shekhar. “The show aims at unravelling facts, reconstructing the retracting statements made by politicians and painting the real picture for voters. The voters are always taken for a ride during election time, when new political marriages of convenience take place. We hope to educate the public in our programme,” promises Shekhar. In order to bring this flip side of elections to the forefront, the channel has already put its team in place, and archives of what each of the politicians cried hoarse are now in place. So beware, warns Shekhar. His no-holds-barred show is sure to catch anybody and everybody in the poll arena, shifting from his/her pre-poll stands. The show will be honest and hard- hitting, and project honesty in its starkness to the public, so that they make the right choices in electing their representatives. We will separate wheat from the chaff, so that the electorate gets a true picture of each party and candidate in the fray, he says.
TNS |
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