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EDUCATION

Board rejects Education Dept’s proposal
Our Correspondent

Mohali, April 20
The proposal of the Department of Education to give permission to the Sarv Siksha Abhiyan Authority to print books for girl students from Classes I to VII was rejected by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) at its meeting held here today.

According to sources, the members of the board had rejected the proposal as they said only the education board had the copyright for printing books which were distributed free of cost to students. As many as 12 members, including the board Chairman, out of a total of 24, attended the meeting.

It was also decided at the meeting to re-instate three employees of the board who had been suspended in connection with the paper leak scandal. The employees were Mr Tarsem Lal, superintendent, Mr Joginder Singh, junior assistant, and Mr Mohinder Pal Singh, clerk. The PSEB Employees Union had been demanding that the three employees should be given a clean chit as they were innocent.

According to sources, the fact finding committee, constituted to look into the matter of a missing question paper packet of the board examination, had submitted its report at the meeting which was read out to the members. However, a proper discussion on the matter had not yet taken place.

Sources said the issue relating to the implementation of the government notification of regularising the services of employees, who had served more than three years, was again kept pending by the board. The board had to file a reply in the court on the issue of notification by May 12. The issue was kept pending because of the Model Code of Conduct prevailing due to the Lok Sabha elections. The members decided that more time should be taken from the court to file a reply in this regard.
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PU hostellers go without power
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 20
The students of Panjab University boys’ hostel Nos 1, 2 and 3 had to go without power for the second time since the final examinations of the university began on April 12 for over two hours on account of sparking in a nearby transformer.

Students claimed that the library did not provide enough space to accommodate all hostellers and the arrangement made by the invertors was insufficient for study.

The students even tried meeting the Dean Students Welfare, Dr Nirmal Singh. However, he was not available at his residence.

Date-sheet finalised

The datesheet of the Department of Laws, Panjab University, was finalised after a meeting between the faculty and students, here today.

The examination will begin on April 24 and conclude on June 9 according to the revised datesheet. The department representatives (DRs) were pressing for revising dates of certain options after the department released the datesheet.

MFC examination

Students who appeared for the master of finance control (MFC) examination, offered through the Department of Correspondence Studies, complained of out-of-syllabus and wrong questions in the paper.

They claimed that while two questions had wrong data, there were others which did not pertain to the course prescribed by the university.

They will submit a memorandum to the university authorities tomorrow.
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Health quiz for children
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, April 20
Little ones studying in schools had a taste of health and hygiene. As they sat on the benches, members of the Ludhiana-based organisation “Cremica” tested their knowledge about the subject.

In an attempt to create awareness among them about the subject, the organisation today held a national-level “Health and hygiene quiz” at Sanatan Dharam Public School in Sector 32. The students from Classes V to X participated in the contest. The winning team would compete at district and then at the state-level.

Speaking on behalf of the firm, Kanchan Kalia said the competition was a part of “series of quiz contests being organised in all major schools in Punjab”. The intention was to teach young citizens about the necessity of inculcating the habit of health and hygiene.

“We believe in catching them young so that they can grow up into aware citizens who know how to prevent diseases, rather than cure them”. Giving details, she added, “The quiz was designed by reputed doctors and dieticians and questions were on social health, balanced diet and other diseases”. The quiz, she added, was anchored by Aditya Raj Kalia.
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Seminar on computer technology
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 20
Amardeep Singh Shergill Memorial College at Mukandpur, near Nawanshahr, would hold a seminar on "Computer technology and Punjabi language's technical progress" on April 24. This was stated here today by Dr Surjit Singh Bhatti, Principal of the college.
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Three High Court judges summoned
Maneesh Chhibber
Our High Court Correspondent

Chandigarh, April 20
The Chief Justice of India has summoned three senior Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to New Delhi on Saturday for consultations on the crisis that has gripped the High Court.

According to information, the three Judges who have been asked to come to New Delhi are Mr Justice G.S. Singhvi, Mr Justice V.K. Bali and Mr Justice H.S. Bedi. These Judges were among the 25 judges who went on leave to register their protest against the Chief Justice of the High Court. They are also the seniormost Judges of the High Court after the Chief Justice.

Meanwhile, a day after they went on mass leave to register their protest against the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, all the 25 dissenting judges returned to work today.

Their decision to calloff the protest was apparently taken after Supreme Court Judge Mr Justice Rajendra Babu talked to some of the judges and asked them to resume to work. Mr Justice Rajendra Babu will become the Chief Justice of India on May 2.

Today, all 25 judges arrived to hold court at the start of the day’s proceedings and it was work as usual for them. Most of the judges took up the urgent matters first, including those which had been pending since yesterday.
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High Court
Status reports
Our High Court Correspondent

Chandigarh, April 20
The High Court on Tuesday asked the government of Punjab, Haryana and the UT Administration to file status reports, informing therein what facilities are being provided to prisoners and under what law.

Noting that reports have said that prisoners have access to colour televisions and coolers in their barracks, a Division Bench asked the three respondents to file status reports about the same.

The directions were issued during hearing in a pubic interest petition (PIL) filed by Mr Viresh Shandilya of Ambala, who claims to be the President of the All India Anti-terrorist Front, in which he has sought that the investigation of the Burail Jailbreak case be handed over to the CBI.

The case will now come up on April 27.

Notice issued

The wife of Mr Amarjit Singh Bawa, president of the Himachal Pradesh unit of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), today moved the High Court seeking an impartial investigation into the case registered against her husband by the Panchkula police. Mr Bawa was arrested in the case a couple of months ago.

In her petition, Harminder Kaur has alleged that the Panchkula police has wrongly arrested her husband in the case of an alleged attack on advocate M.K. Sisodia. Alleging that since Panchkula Superintendent of Police Ranbir Sharma had differences with her husband, the police framed him in the case. She has sought that the investigation in the matter be handed over to some senior police officer for an impartial inquiry.

After hearing counsel for the petitioner, Mr Justice S.S. Grewal issued notice of motion for May 20.
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French film fest from April 22
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 20
Alliance Francaise de Chandigarh and French Embassy will present a French film festival by Nicolas Philibert from April 22 to 26 at 6 pm in Kiran Cinema, Sector 22, Chandigarh. The festival is open to all and is free of cost.

According to a press release, the entry is through passes available at Alliance Francaise, Sector 36, Chandigarh. The festival will open with the film ‘Etre Et Avoir’ (To be and to have) which depicts the still prevalent one-room schools of France where all children of same village are taught by the same schoolmaster. Then ‘Un Animal Des Animaux’ (Animals) be shown on April 23. The film deals with the zoology gallery of the National Natural History Museum of Paris which was closed to the public for a quarter of a century for renovation, leaving hundreds of stuffed animals in a twilight zone. The film describes the resurrection of its strange residents.

On April 24 ‘Une VilIe Louvre (Louvre City)’ will be shown followed by ‘Le Pays Des Sourds’ (In the land of the Deaf) on April 25 which deals with the sensitive issue of how deaf communicate through signs.

The film portrays how seeing and touching are of importance for these people. On April 26 ‘La Moindre Des Choses’ (Every little thing) will be shown which deals with the residents and staff of La Borde psychiatric clinic at a get-together to put on a play.
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Shooting of Indo-Pak film begins in city
Aditi Tandon

In the motley crew of professionals involved in the production of “Pind di Kudi”, the first Indo-Pak film, a suave, young woman stands out for her Pakistani connection. Flaunting her Indian-sounding name — Veena Malik — the Pakistani actress reveals that she is actually called Zaheeda back home. The name was changed only to suit the showbiz.

“In Pakistan, as in India, the norm is to have two names, one for you and the other for the glamour world. In that sense, Lollywood (for Lahore) is much like Bollywood, where actors change their names. I was a student when someone told me to change my name if I wanted the stars to favour my decision of being an actress. I had read the name Veena somewhere, though I did not know Veena was an Indian classical instrument. After consulting my friends, I chose this name and trust me, the fundamentalists in Pakistan never bothered me for it,” declares the lead actress in “Pind di Kudi,” the first Indo-Pak film, to be released in both countries simultaneously.

A TV actress based in Lahore, Veena took to films with a Pakistani production “Yeh Dil Aapka Hua”, which became a resounding hit. “Ever since I have been accepting offers in Pakistan. But a film with an Indian producer and director is virtually a dream come true for me. I am committed to put in my best,” she says.

Flanked by Sukhwant Dhadda, director of the film that started with a shooting schedule in Chandigarh today, Veena said: “Pakistan has no acting schools or academies. There is no dearth of talent but refinement is lacking. I always wanted to seek training as an actress. I have heard much about the National School of Drama in India. I plan to visit it this time.”

For his part, Sukhwant Dhadda, a director famous for films like “Ek Chadar Maili Si” and “Siyasat” and TV serials like “Kanyadaan” and “Swabhimaan”, says: “Veena is untutored, but gifted. She fits in her role in the film, which is a comedy, modelled on Pakistani film, “Bauji”. He adds that the film has two Pakistani lyric writers and four Pakistani actors, besides Indian professionals.

The producer of the film, Mr Iqbal Dhillon, said the film would be released within six months and it was being made on a large scale. “The budget would run into crores,” he said. TNS
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Fitness Trail
Little traces of big importance
Renu Manish Sinha

In the concluding part of this series on minerals, we will discuss the last of the trace elements. Minerals are present in all body cells. The amount of these minerals required may be very small, but the lack of required amount of these trace elements can lead many dysfunctions in the body.

Even a slight change in their concentration in the blood may pose danger to life, asserts Dr Neelu Malhotra, Diet Consultant, Silver Oaks, Mohali.

Cobalt

It is found in blood, liver, kidney, spleen and pancreas. Cobalt’s most important function is the body is that it forms an integral part of Vitamin B12.

Sources: Cereals, beans, legumes, organ meat, wholegrains, seeds.

A good wholesome diet can provide the cobalt required by body. Deficiency is not common in human beings.

Chromium

It exists as a trace metal in body and is found mainly in hair, skin, adrenal glands, brain, muscles, body fats. It is required to activate and regulate insulin and metabolises carbohydrates and fats. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels and to supply protein where it is needed and also aids growth, particularly in protein-deficient children.

Sources: Brewed yeast, liver, eggs, mushrooms, wholegrains, wheat germ, poppy seeds, ginger and fenugreek leaves.

The RDA is 50-500 mcg.

Deficiency can result in increased risk of glucose intolerance disorders and also heart disorders.

Tip: The chromium requirement of the body increases with stress levels. Also eating large amounts of refined carbohydrates decreases body’s level of chromium.

Manganese

This trace metal exists in pancreas, pituitary glands, liver, kidney and in bones. It is an important component of many enzymes which are involved in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It helps nourish nerves and brain and assists in coordination between brain, nerves and muscles in the body, says Dr Malhotra.

Sources: Nuts and seeds, wholegrains,cereals, legumes and tea.

The RDA is 5 mg.

Since the human body obtains sufficient manganese through a normal healthy diet, a deficiency syndrome is rare.

Excess may occur in mine workers due to inhalation which can affect some brain functions.

Molybdenum

It is found in tissues, liver, kidneys, bones, and less but significant quantities are also found in lungs, spleen and muscles. It is needed for synthesis of haemoglobin and iron absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates and fat.

Sources: Legumes and pulses, wholegrains, leafy vegetables, organ meat, nuts.

The RDA is 75-250 mcg.

Selenium

It is deposited in all body tissues except fat. Higher concentrations are found in liver, kidney, heart and spleen. It is component of an anti-oxidant enzyme that protects cell and lipid membranes.

Sources: Broccoli, celery, mushrooms, wholegrains, cereals, seafood.

The RDA is 50-200 mcg.

Deficiency may result in cancers of colon, rectum lungs.

Tip: It works as anti-ageing agent.
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Market Pulse
Chill out with ice-creamy thanda

COCA-Cola India on Tuesday announced the launch of Vanilla Coke in Punjab and Chandigarh. Vanilla Coke offers the taste of Coca-Cola with a hint of vanilla flavour.

Mr Sanjay Lamba, Region General Manager, Coca-Cola India, said, “the launch of Vanilla Coke is a continuation of our endeavour to offer new products to our consumers. It has been very successful in the international markets.” Targeted at urban youth, the new product is a blend of ice-creamy flavour and Coca-Cola.

Lifestyle products: OSIM International Ltd and Paramount Surgimed Ltd. are bringing to India healthy lifestyle products. Paramount Surgimed Ltd. has signed a master franchisee agreement with OSIM International Ltd. to import and trade OSIM products, like massage chairs, in India through OSIM India, a division of Paramount Surgimed Ltd.

Rs 2-lakh watch: The Times of Lord, a retailer for Swiss watch Breitling in India, has unveiled the Breitling Chronomat collection.

The chronomat comes in a choice of 18 K yellow or white gold case. It is distinguished by an unusually heavy gold weight due to its solid construction. Priced at Rs 2,00,000, the chronomat collection is available at the Times of Lord boutique.

Designer Jewellery: Cygnus Diamond jewellery has launched the little star collection, diamond jewellery for babies in Chandigarh. “Of course diamonds are a lifestyle and fashion accessory for women, but we thought that we could expand the market little further by bringing in diamond jewellery for babies and children,” said Mr Shekhar Wadke, CEO — Cygnus.

The range currently has pendants in the collection. Crafted in gold and diamonds, the range has designs that suit the children of zero to eight age group, like teddy bears, kittens and puppies. The jewellery is lightweight and priced between Rs 1500 and Rs 5000.

TVS Scooty: TVS Motor Company has signed Bollywood actress Preity Znta as its brand ambassador for TVS Scooty PEP, its scooterette.

New muesli: Bagrrys India has introduced three new varieties of muesli, light ‘n’ Crunchy Muesli, 7 am Muesli and Swiss style Muesli. Made from various combinations of oats barley, corn and or wheat, Bagrry’s muesli is nutritious, wholesome and delicious health food. TNS
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Hairstylist with eyes shut

Thought of styling your hair by burning it? Or letting your hair dresser blindfold himself and then chop your lovely locks to shape?

Scared? Don’t be. Rush to Nadeem Ahmed at Rex Salon in Sector 17. This young hair stylist promises to make your problem of split ends disappear by burning the ends with a medicated candle. So adept is he in styling the hair, and familiar with the structure of head that with a blindfold on, he can give you any style that you want.

This young hair stylist is also an expert beautician (he can cure your skin problems with numerous herbal products devised with the help of dad Haji Shakeel). He is a computer whizkid and works as a public relations officer at Mohali’s Indus Hospital. “In fact, I learnt hair-styling techniques by surfing various hair-stylists’ sites on the Net.

Nadeem says that once he was on the Net, and he read how men in the earliest civilisations would cut their hair using sharpened stones. “It was then that I embarked upon the idea of using fire to cut hair and do away with the problem of split ends and have a better grip of hair. Since a normal candle would burn my own hands with wax, and would also emit a foul smell when in contact with hair, I devised my special candle - a medicated cotton wick, laced with wax for the job,” says Nadeem, as he demonstrates his skill on a customer.

In fact, Nadeem wanted to make a career in computers. “I did my course in computer programming from here, and then shifted to Mumbai for higher education. There I opened a cyber cafe, while looking after my dad’s Mumbai parlour. But slowly my interest in honing my hair styling skills got the better of me, and I closed the cafe and pursued my career as a stylist.”

But how many of his customers are willing to try the ‘candle cut” or are ready to experiment with him as he works blind-folded? “The candle cut is gaining popularity and 10 per cent of my daily customers try it, when we recommend, and list out the benefits. But styling with a blindfold is not everyone’s favourite,” he says. TNS
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Women’s day

IT was women’s day out at VLCC centres in Chandigarh and Panchkula. They jived and danced , participated in fun games and let their hair down.

Over 100 women participated in fun games, quizes, played tambola and had mazza while they won prizes sponsored by VLCC, Leh Berry fruit juice, Sweet Sixteen Fashion Store, star jewels, Dr Morepen Home Health, Godrej, Lays.

The major attractions and the evening’s highlights were Japanese nail art, body tattooing and Arabian mehandi. Beauty experts shared various beauty tips and contemporary make up techniques with the women. Special demonstration on body polishing especially for back and arms was also given. — TNS
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