 |
|
|
Cong workers protest
Mukesh should ask CM to quit: Vardhan
RWAs oppose secy's project
Two govt schools get ISO certificate
|
|
|
DU results to be out in 3 months
Security on high alert
Husband's friend plotted attack: Tarveen
Pat kids for reading
Cong workers burn mayor's effigy
Gang busted, 5 held
BJP, BSP councillors trade blows
Sibal releases pigeons
Building plan approval to go online: Mayor
Workshop for soldiers' children
Tikait supports
farmers' agitation
Sweepers block toll bridge
Anti-malaria campaign
Congress leaders’ pledge
Chronic pulmonary disease fourth largest killer
3 patients down with acute viral
Ansal, Pantaloon tie-up
|
|
Cong workers protest
New Delhi, August 13 Mukesh Sharma carried a begging bowl to make up for the alleged losses of the private power companies and the immediate reduction of the domestic power consumption tariff. Among those who came to put 'alms' to Mukesh Sharma's begging bowl were Sajjan Kumar, MP, MLAs Surender Kumar and Anil Bhardwaj, and a larger number of Municipal councillors and leaders of the Congress party. Sharma was arrested by the police and later released. The private companies have proposed for hike in power tariff in lieu of losses incurred due to power theft. A large number of people, raising slogans against the private companies, also donated cheques for 'Discoms Relief Fund' to Sharma's begging bowl. Sharma collected cheques of Rs 1.21,900 lakh and Rs 8, 970 in cash in his bowl to remove the financial 'difficulties' of the private power companies. He said the power situation now was worse than during DESU's time, and unauthorised and resettlement colonies, poor people's streets, DDA flats and villages were facing power cuts up to 15 hours daily. Sharma also criticised those in the power department of the Delhi government for acting against the interest of the people and colluding with the power companies. He said crores of rupees had been spent by the Delhi government on advertisement to favour the power companies, which was unethical and unwarranted. He said a thorough enquiry should be held to probe into the scam, running into thousands of crores, to bring the guilty to book. He alleged that over Rs 500 crore worth equipment had been brought without the sanction of the DERC. Sharma warned the private power companies that unless it reduced the consumer power tariff and withdrew the petition to the DERC for increasing the power tariff by August 15, he would intensify his
|
|
|
Mukesh should ask CM to quit: Vardhan
New Delhi, August 13 Reacting to Sharma's way to protest, Vardhan said that he only wanted to divert the attention of the people from the power tariff hike issue. Vardhan added even after five years of privatisation of power neither the Chief Minister nor the private power companies have been able to fulfill any promise made at the time of privatisation. Meanwhile, the power tariff has increased thrice and the DERC is ready to increase the power tariff for the fourth time. Instead of listening to the case filed by residents, DERC has become the supporter of private companies. Fast reading and sub-standard electronic meters have been installed in the houses of the residents. Due to this, power bills have increased thrice. Besides, there has not been any improvement in the power system of Delhi during the last five years. The BJP Pradesh president said his party has been demanding enquiry into the bungling from the very first day. |
|
|
RWAs oppose secy's project
New Delhi, August 13 Similarly, IP extension residents are mystified as to the people who agreed to the pilot project. "No rational resident of Delhi will ever agree to become a guinea pig for a corrupt regime like the present power establishment," said V. N. Bali of East Delhi URJA. "To D is a mechanism designed for industry and not retail customers," said Sanjay Kaul, president of People's Action. " If a factory owner saves a substantial amount on power rates, he can start the third shift from midnight. But it is unlikely for a family to stop using necessary appliances or start having a bath at 4 a.m. because power is cheaper during that time and they can save on the geyser. The result will be that power bills will shoot up now", he added.. "If this proposal is accepted, electricity bills will shoot up by 20 per cent on an average," pointed out former GM of Transco M.K. Chowdhary. "Remember that electronic meters are configured to record minute power usage, so at peak times, using even your mobile charger will yield higher readings", he added. Meanwhile, RWAs have sought to hold a meeting with the DERC regarding the related issues. " Ramphal of Inderpuri RWA will be leading a delegation of West Delhi RWAs for a meeting with the DERC Chairman," said Atul Goyal of URJA. |
|
|
Two govt schools get ISO certificate
New Delhi, August 13 Two 'Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas' in Dwarka (south-west Delhi) and Surajmal Vihar (east Delhi) were awarded the international certification in June this year, human resource development minister, Arjun Singh said today. The certification is valid for three years, he informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply. Singh said the school in Dwarka, which started functioning in August 2003, had shown excellent results in CBSE examinations from the very first batch of Classes X and XII. He said that the Delhi government had encouraged all the 14 Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas to apply for such certificated in their quest for excellence. Since majority of schools in the country were under the purview of state governments, it was for the concerned governments to encourage competitiveness among its schools to achieve excellence, Singh added. The introduction of internal assessment and holding of examinations under old and new schemes due to syllabus revision were resulting in delay in announcing results of exams conducted by the University of Delhi. The university is, however, in the process of computerisation of various examination-related works to reduce the time taken in the declaration of results, Singh added. Though there are no fixed time limit for declaration of results of examinations in the university, Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that depending upon the nature of the course and the number of students, the results of regular students are declared within two-to-three months time. For the correspondence courses, the time taken is about four-to-five months, he said in a written reply. The centralised system of evaluation involving 3.5 lakh examinees is also another reason for the time taken by the university in declaring the results, human resources development minister, Arjun Singh said.
|
|
|
DU results to be out in 3 months
New Delhi, August 13 "The centralised system of evaluation, involving 3.5 lakh students is another reason for the time taken in declaring the results," said HRD minister Arjun Singh. There is no fixed time by which the results are expected to be declared, but Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that depending upon the nature of the course and the number of students, results of regular students are expected to be declared within two to three months. "The university is in the process of computerisation of various examination related work to reduce the time taken in the declaration of results," he said. Meanwhile, students who have started
attending classes for the next year, are in a complete fix. |
|
|
Security on high alert
New Delhi, August 13 The heat of the elaborate security measures being taken up by Delhi police and other organisations in response to any threat can easily be felt. Police has made security arrangements in and around the Red Fort, the high security zone of Delhi and other important locations. Adequate air defense measures have also been taken to counter possible threats. Helicopter surveillance will be maintained on roads and multi-storied buildings. The state police is in close coordination with the security forces from the neighbouring areas. Traffic police has taken up special measures to facilitate the movement of V.I.P. vehicles, invitees and public to reach the Red Fort. People have been advised to avoid Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Subhash Marg, J.L. Nehru Marg and Ring Road between Nizamuddin Bridge and ISBT Bridge. They are advised to choose the alternative available routes. Buses ordinarily terminating at Red Fort, Jama Masjid, New Delhi railway station have been diverted elsewhere. Buses approaching from South Delhi have been diverted to J.L. Nehru Marg. However, routes to hospitals have not been restricted. Offices that are located on routes to the venue of the celebration would close at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Security forces would camp on the high rise buildings to scrutinise the movement. Police has requested citizens to provide immediate information of any suspicious person or object by calling 100. |
|
|
Husband's friend plotted attack: Tarveen
New Delhi, August 13 "Mona complained that Rachna had also tried to mow her down near her house. Mona had received minor injuries," revealed police sources. "She also alleged that some people had been chasing her." The initial police investigation has revealed that Mona's husband Naveen was intimate with Rachna. The has got potential clues about the assailants. Meanwhile, Rachna and Naveen have been taken in for interrogation. |
|
|
Pat kids for reading
New Delhi, August 13 The cell, set up under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, will come out with innovative reading material and focus attention on encouraging students to take to reading from early classes. As a first step, the cell is bringing out a series meant for beginners. The series will be initially intended for children of classes 1 and 2 and will later be extended to cover higher classes, officials said. It was planned to have at least 40 titles for classes 1 and 2. The books will touch upon subjects like art, craft, heritage, environment, legends, folklore, fantasy, hygiene, technology and mathematical concepts. The cell has started functioning as a unit focussed on developing a theoretically strong understanding of reading. It will implement its pilot project in Mathura district for which negotiations are on with the administrative body and state project officer of SSA in Uttar Pradesh. The cell was set up according to the recommendation of the National Curriculum Framework, which are the broad guidelines for developing textbooks.The cell will collect and develop new reading material and procure existing materials for children. It will orient teachers in reading pedagogy and create awareness in the community for developing the book reading culture, officials said. The panel will publish an annual magazine for children using reading material developed by them. It will also undertake research in pedagogy. The cell will organise teacher-orientation programmes where teachers would be sensitised towards creating efficient young readers by intervening differently at different stages of development. The bi-monthly magazine, to be developed by the cell for children, will attempt to promote children's literature of the highest quality, drawing upon writers for children in Hindi and other Indian languages. NCERT will also publish an annual compendium of writing by children from across the country.
|
|
Cong workers burn mayor's effigy
New Delhi, August 13 Outer Delhi MP Sajjan Kumar addressed the protestors. Former Mayor Satbir Singh and several municipal councilors were also present at the demonstration. Criticising the ruling party in the corporation, Kumar and Sharma stated that BJP had converted Town Hall as its headquarters. They alleged that the BJP leaders had ignored the established norms of the corporation. All elected representatives across the party line are invited in official functions. But, from the time BJP has come to power in the MCD only BJP leaders are invited. BJP flags and banners were put up on the venue in such a manner, as if any party function was going on. Congress workers, who were opposing this peacefully, were allegedly attacked. Kumar and Sharma warned MCD officials that they would be held accountable, in case they organise functions at the instance of BJP leaders for "saffronisation" of the corporation. They warned BJP that Congress would not remain silent and would organise mass agitation against it.
|
|
|
Gang busted, 5 held
New Delhi, August 13
|
|
|
BJP, BSP councillors trade blows
New Delhi, August 13 It started with a group of BSP councillors vociferously complaining that they were not being allowed to speak and rushing to the seat of the Mayor Arti Mehra. The ruling BJP councillors objected to this and amidst the chaos the mayor adjourned the house for 15 minutes. However, BSP's Satpal and BJP councillor Ramesh Chauhan indulged in a physical fight. Soon, the house was witness to unprecedented scenes of corporators coming to blows as the BJP and BSP members clashed with each other. |
|
|
Sibal releases pigeons
New Delhi, August 13 Addressing the schoolchildren of the area, Sibal said that they should emulate the leaders who had brought independence to the country by studying hard and working honestly, as they were the nation's future. The minister said that there were more than 50 crore men aged less than 25 years in the country and they could all help in making the nation strong. The schoolchildren presented a colourful cultural programme with patriotic songs dominating the two-hour extravaganza. |
|
|
Building plan approval to go online: Mayor
New Delhi, August 13 Mehra was speaking at an interactive session with the members of the PHD Chamber in Delhi on the subject Delhi Vision 2010. "We are endeavouring to put in place a public-friendly transparent system to reduce if not eliminate the hassles being faced by the citizens. Online approval of the building plans and similar steps that are being contemplated by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will attack the root of the malaise, eliminate Inspector Raj and drudgery being faced by the citizens for complying with various rules and regulations of the MCD," she said. Online filing of property tax introduced by the MCD, designed and executed by the TCS was a great success. More than 1.5 lakh assesses preferred to file the tax returns online and yet a few still wanted to file manually. She hoped that more and more people would avail easy system of online tax filing in the coming years. Maintaining that the MCD was committed to develop Delhi into a modern city with world class civic amenities, Mehra said that such image makeover should be above party politics. Multi-agency involvement in the administration of Delhi has had its own problems since the accountability could not be traced to a single agency. For instance, important civic amenities like water, transport, land development and sanitation are supervised and development programmes are implemented by different agencies. "Ordinary people get confused in the midst of several agencies involved in the development works. A glaring example is the implementation of zonal plans, which are under the purview of the Centre, while local area plans are with the MCD," she added. Yet, the mayor said that she was taking utmost care to have periodic meetings and consultations with the Lt Governor and the Chief Minister for co-ordinating the development works. Sometimes vote bank politics also comes in the way of undertaking development works. An area like Qutub Institutional Area does not have voters and, therefore, may not be the priority area for undertaking development works by the elected representatives using funds allocated to them. Yet, she said that considerable amount had been spent to develop the civic facilities in that area. Mehra disclosed that the MCD would import the best technology for solid waste management and to make Delhi a 'zero waste' region. Plans are afoot to crush the wastes within hours of its collection and convert it into bricks that can be used for construction purposes. She also disclosed that vigorous exercise was on to clean the drains round the year in order to insulate the city from water logging. This year, during the heaviest of the rains, clogged water had been removed or drained on its own within three to four hours, she added. Plans had also been drawn up to improve the civic facilities in Okhla Industrial area, she added. Underscoring the need for genuine public-private partnership in toning up the civic facilities, she said that the past experience in this regard was not encouraging. Land was allotted to the private sector for running charitable purpose of building schools and hospitals at Re 1. "But often, such institutions have found violating the agreement and running institutions on commercial lines," she said. Sanjay Bhatia, president, PHD Chamber said that there should be greater participation of the common citizen in management towards improving civic services and that there was a need for simplicity, transparency in the system in functioning manpower planning, right sizing the existing set up and reduction in wastage of resources for overall improvement of the quality of civic amenities provided by the MCD and also better governance. Others spoke at the meeting included VK Gupta, chairman, Standing Committee, MCD and Vijay Mehta, chairman, Delhi and NCR Committee, PHD Chamber.
|
|
|
Workshop for soldiers' children
New Delhi, August 13 The children in the age group of 6-12 years were part of the painting, origami and material craft workshops organised by students of the Pearl Academy on the theme - 'Freedom or Independence'. These creations were mounted and auctioned at PAF for internal staff and students. Funds raised through this auction were handed over to the NGO for the welfare of these children. The academy also treated these children with a special token of appreciation. Speaking on the occasion, group director, Pearl Academy of Fashion, A. K. G Nair, said, "I am very happy to note that our students have spearheaded this initiative to contribute to the society in whatever small way."
|
|
|
Tikait supports
farmers' agitation
Greater Noida, August 13 Addressing farmers' Maha Panchayat yesterday, president of Bhartya Kisan Union Mahinder Singh Tikait, said that farmers' biggest asset was his land. Thus, farmers of the area decided not to part with their land even at the cost of their life. The farmers appeared to be prepared for a long-drawn battle with the authorities on the issue. The Maha Panchayat seems to have emboldened farmers to fight till the end. Some advocates also offered to lead farmers' batches for 'fill the jails movement', if need be. With Tikait joining farmers, the entire plan of agitation seems to have been redrawn. Earlier, farmers' demanded higher land compensation, but now they appear to have resolved not to part with their land at all. This decision could cause a big problem for Phase II in Greater Noida, as all development projects will be affected, if farmers decide to go ahead with their decision. According to knowledgeable sources, the development plans of the state government in the area could also be jeopardized.
|
|
|
Sweepers block toll bridge
Noida, August 13 The Noida authority sweepers sat on a dharna at the toll plaza since 11 am and despite police warnings, did not disperse till 4 pm. The police then called for additional reinforcements to forcibly remove the protestors. The Noida authority has said regularisation for the sweepers was not possible as they had been appointed on contract basis. Heavy snarls were seen at several sectors in this satellite town as well as at points linking Noida with Delhi. The police diverted traffic from Noida to Delhi via Kalindi Kunj and Mayur Vihar. Vehicles moving from Delhi to Noida were also diverted via the new link road which connects the DND flyway with Mayur Vihar. —PTI
|
|
|
Anti-malaria campaign
New Delhi, August 13 He said that in a survey carried out by the National Institute of Malaria Research in Delhi, it had been observed that the breeding status of Aedes was much more as compared to previous years. It is an alarming situation since increase in larval breeding will lead to Aedes density and there will be more dengue cases. It is, therefore, imperative that citizens through group meetings of RWAs and NGOs should be sensitized to curb breeding of mosquito. Dr Monga requested all councillors to inspect the attendance and activities of anti-malaria staff working in their wards.
|
|
|
Congress leaders’ pledge
Faridabad, August 13 The two leaders visited the city for the first time after assuming the new charges. In response to questions from mediapersons, Maulana said the Congress MP Kuldip Bishnoi, son of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, had been expelled from the party on disciplinary ground and all those party workers who sided with him would also be
penalised.
|
|
|
Chronic pulmonary disease fourth largest killer
New Delhi, August 13 Dr Paul Ramesh Thangaraj, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon in the dept of cardiothoracic surgery Apollo Hospital, Chennai and Prof Subrahamanyam of the dept of semiconductor physics, IIT Madras have developed a method of splitting water present in blood into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen thus formed binds to blood and is delivered to the tissues circumventing lungs. Prof Subrahamanyam and Dr Thangaraj have used the properties of photocatalytic reaction. This reaction helps plants to make oxygen using sunlight. They used thin film technology to develop a nano porous layer of titanium dioxide/indium or tin oxide, which is about 50A thick. It is for the first time that UV rays has been used to demonstrate oxygenation of human blood. The experiments were conducted in vitro under a controlled laboratory. This technology is capable of a wide range of applications in space travel, mining, deep sea diving, mountaineering, reducing environmental pollution and global warming. The current therapy involves the use of the ventilators or Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO). After a point, ventilators cannot increase the amount of oxygen in the tissues, especially in severely damaged lungs and can also injure lungs. ECMO has several limitations and requires multiple blood transfusion. Simultaneously, it is expensive and is of limited value in adults and can lead to respiratory failure. Dr Thangaraj and Prof Subrahmanyam presented their findings at the 53rd annual conference of the American Society for Artifical Internal Organs (ASAIO) held at Chicago in June 2007. The results of their experiment have appeared in the July 2007 edition of ASAIO's journal and will be appearing in the November 2007 edition of the Artificial Organs' journal. The research is still being carried out to establish the nature of the reaction and its effect on blood. The clinical expertise of the Centres of Cardiology and Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at Apollo Hospitals is expected to help in identifying the potential beneficiaries of this technology and initiate a clinical breakthrough.
|
|
|
3 patients down with acute viral
Noida, August 13 Like dengue, acute viral syndrome is a fatal disease which, in acute cases, can cause multi organs failure in patients who have to be put on ventilator or their platelets augmented. If a medicine course is not completed in a viral fever, it can result in infection again in the form of acute viral syndrome, which is a lot more dangerous. Three patients of this disease are admitted in the ICU of a private hospital in Sector-27. Last year also, three patients had died of acute viral syndrome in Noida. According to doctors, if viral affects vital organ like upper respiratory track, then medicine course has to be completed. In case full medicine course is not taken, then infection can recur in the form of acute viral syndrome which can be fatal. Sometimes, it leads to multi organ failure and acute fall in platelets takes place like in dengue and many patients who experience difficulty in breathing have to be put on ventilators. In the absence of proper treatment, patients can bleed to death. In spite of steep fall in platelets, result of serological examination in some patients is found negative. Dr Mahesh Sharma of Kailash hospital said the root cause of both dengue and viral was the virus. In different forms of acute viral syndrome of dengue, multi organ failure can take place. In case immediate medical treatment was not available, it can be fatal. According to physician Dr S. C. Singal of the government district hospital, it is must for patients to go in for medication in viral if one wants to avoid secondary infection. A self-limiting viral can affect wind pipe, brain and bones and can ultimately prove fatal. From 5 to 7 per cent viral patients could get acute viral syndrome, Dr Singal said.
|
|
|
Ansal, Pantaloon tie-up
New Delhi, August 13 The institute has tied-up with Pantaloon Group to start a two-year post-graduate diploma in retail management. Under the arrangement, the company will absorb at least 50 per cent of the students on completion of the course, a release said. The institute has also been holding discussions with Coca-Cola, Fortis Healthcare and Bajaj Alliance Insurance. While the cola giant will prepare the students for jobs like retailers and floor managers. AIT is consulting with Fortis to introduce an MBA programme in Hospital Management.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
