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5 of a family killed in mishap
Move to certify products
free of child labour
Students, workers march against terrorism
Activists of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) protest against terrorism, communalism and
regional chauvinism in New Delhi on Friday. Tribune photo: Manas Ranjan Bhui |
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Polio virus rings alarm bells
BJP likely to review polls on Sunday
BJP considers Tanwar for chief’s post
Oath-taking on Dec 17
An artwork by Nibha Sikander
French award for Raghu Rai
Councillor’s son tries to immolate self
SDM, pradhan booked for loot
Savour the taste of US cuisine
Drug peddler arrested
BPO staffer found dead
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5 of a family killed in mishap
According to information, the incident took place around 12.40 am near Kanhaiya Nagar Metro Station traffic lights. The deceased has been identified as — Rakesh Garg (50), his wife Uma (46) and their sons Mohit (20) and Rishabh (11). The fifth victim of the car was Rakesh’s niece Tanya (18). Mohit and Rishabh died on the spot while the other three succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. “The injured were rushed in a CAT ambulance to the hospitals. The couple was admitted at ISBT Kashmeri Gate situated Trauma Centre where they were declared brought dead, while the children were taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital in Jahangirpuri where they were also declared brought dead,” told a police source. The Scorpio occupants managed to flee from the spot after pulling out their colleague who was slightly injured. Rakesh Garg was a resident of Deva Ram Park in the Trinagar area and dealt in property dealing besides cosmetics wholesale business. He was returning with his family after attending a marriage ceremony in the Alipur area of outer Delhi. According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred when the Maruti was trying to turn right on the indication of green light while the Scorpio coming at a speed of nearly 100 km/ph from Inderlok Metro Station side jumped the red light and hit Maruti on the sides. The Scorpio tumbled thrice before coming to rest. As the result of impact, both the cars were badly mangled while the occupants of the Maruti were thrown out on the roads. The driver of the Scorpio was also injured in the head but the other occupants managed to run from the accident spot along with him. It has been learnt that the Scorpio is owned by a Rohini resident Braham Prakash. Prakash has told the police that his nephew had borrowed the car the previous day. “We have found out the persons involved in the accident which includes Braham Prakash’s nephew and his other three friends. They are absconding currently and we have launched a manhunt to nab them,” told a police official. One person has been detained by the police and his role in the accident is being probed. Braham Prakash has told the police that his nephew along with his friends was also returning from a marriage party. The police is now trying to arrest the occupants of the Scorpio as soon as possible so that their alcohol consumption could be confirmed. “It is important we get them before the lapse of 27 hours as by then the alcohol is washed out of the blood,” told a police official. Meanwhile, the search parties have been formed and the police is raiding every possible hideouts. |
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Move to certify products
free of child labour
New Delhi, December 12 In this cntext, “The ministry would soon launch a new label to certify products that are free of child exploitation and ensure ethical standards in manufacturing,” informed Renuka Chowdhury, minister of state for women and child development at a two-day national convention on the right to education and abolition of child labour that culminated today at Vigyan Bhawan in the Capital. With child labour acquiring endemic proportions, the rights of children need to be protected with a sense of urgency. India merits the top position with an estimated 5.82 million children (2004-05, 11th FYP), under the 5-14 years, are working as labourers. However, those below 5 years and those above 14 years still remain unsheltered and invisible. Renuka said, “The definition of child is non-negotiable, and it has to include children up to 18 years. There needs to be an amendment in the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.” Millions of Indians live in abject poverty without having access to basic requirements. To them, more children contribute to more income, and thus mindsets have to be changed. “There are parents who consider girl children burden, and educating them as poor investment. In order to ensure secure livelihood to our children, a change in the mindset is required. Then, the problem of poverty needs to be dealt collectively to make sure that our children are not exploited. Most of these rehabilitated children come from poor economic backgrounds,” said Renuka. |
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Students, workers march against terrorism
New Delhi, December 12 The protestors held banners and placards and raised slogans proclaiming “Stop importing terror and economic crisis from the US,” “Stop garnering votes in the name of terrorism,” “People’s Security = Democracy + Secularism + Anti-Imperialism; Recipe for Terrorism = Dictatorship + Communalism + Pro-US policies,” “Ban
MNS-Shiv Sena,” “Why bail for Raj Thackeray and jail for protesting students – UPA-NDA must answer.” At the head of the March were
CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, politburo member Swadesh Bhattacharya, AICCTU general secretary Swapan Mukherjee, AISA general secretary Ravi Rai, as well as Kundan Singh, father of Rahul Raj, the young job-seeker killed in a police ‘encounter’ in Mumbai, and Naval Kishore Chaudhury,
HoD, Economics, Patna University. The March culminated in a massive meeting at Parliament Street. The meeting began by paying homage to the victims of terrorism, communal violence and regional chauvinism. Addressing the mass meeting,
CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar said, “Some sections of the media and politicians are trying to peddle dictatorship, army rule, war with Pakistan and partnership with the US as solutions for India’s security. Pakistan’s own experience is proof that this is a recipe for disaster. India’s ruling class – both Congress and BJP – are hellbent on shackling India to the globally hated US imperialist policies, and thus importing the US’ economic crisis as well as terrorism onto Indian soil. To fight terror, India must first of all de-link her foreign policy from the American strategic stranglehold, and must engage Pakistan in a shared struggle against terror.” Condemning the UPA and NDA parties and governments for failing to protect the migrant workers, students and job-seekers of North India from the regional chauvinistic violence of the
MNS-Shiv Sena, Dipankar said, “The Congress, RJD and LJP, as well as Nitish’s JD (U) have all proved equally hollow on the issue of confronting the
MNS-Shiv Sena. It is the students and youths of Bihar and UP who challenged the
MNS-Sena and yet they were punished with lathis and jail.” The mass meeting passed several resolutions, including a demand for a judicial enquiry into the ‘encounter’ of Rahul Raj as well as the Batla House encounter, condemning police firing on adivasis protesting against land grab at
Dumka, release of Binayak Sen and disbanding of the Salwa Judum, and a probe into the role of the Sangh Parivar in terrorism. A delegation headed by Dipankar submitted a memorandum with the above-mentioned demands to the home minister as well as President of India. |
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Polio virus rings alarm bells
Noida, December 12 “It is almost like a red alert for UP. The increasing number of polio cases is a matter of grave concern for the state,” said Dr P.K. Singh, additional CMO and in-charge of the Polio Prevention Operations. The virus was thought to have been wiped out not only from UP, but from the whole country. Its comeback can create a frightening scenario. According to experts, a national level campaign is what is needed to tackle the menace. So far, 285 cases of polio have been reported in UP which in itself is a huge number. However, what is more worrying and dangerous is the fact that 60 out of these 285 cases are P-1 virus cases. The whole of UP is in the grip of the virus, with Western UP being the worst affected area. Districts of Meerut, Ghaziabad, J.P. Nagar, Bareilly, Muzzafarnagar,
Badayun, and Saharanpur are all under its impact. Badayun alone has reported four cases, while one serious case each has come to light in Ghaziabad and Delhi. Further, twelve possible cases have been reported in
G.B. Nagar. A few cases of flaccid paralysis, which always carries the inherent possibility of polio, have also been reported. Meanwhile, authorities claim that preparations are a foot for taking necessary steps to combat the virus. In a recent meeting of state health minister with high officers of health and medical department and divisional commissioners, the officers from district where P-1 virus cases have been detected were reprimanded sternly. The health officers were asked to take immediate and effective steps to tackle the situation. According to experts, P-1 is considered more lethal than P-3 polio virus. It has a tendency to transmit very rapidly. The condition of hands and feet of the patients afflicted with this virus becomes very critical. |
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BJP likely to review polls on Sunday
New Delhi, December 12 The meeting is likely to take place among the Delhi BJP leaders which would be followed by formation of a report to be sent to the party high command. The meeting would probably take place on Sunday, as the party is waiting for the Rajendra Nagar polls to get over on Saturday. According to the sources, the review meeting will take up all the issues responsible for the poor performance of the party. The meeting would also invite the party candidates to share their opinions on the possible weaknesses that led the party to the defeat. Sources said that the role of municipal councilors would be the centre of discussion in the review meeting following allegations that they had not worked for the party candidates during the polls. The state unit of the BJP is reportedly preparing its own report on each of the 69 constituencies which had gone to the polls on November 29. Sources said that apart from the way the electioneering was done, the meeting is likely to take up the candidate selection issues. Senior party leader Vijay Goel said that though he had not been informed about the meeting, the issue of selection of candidates would be important enough for discussion apart from the party’s failure to reach out to the people in the unauthorised colonies, JJ clusters. Sources also said that the party high command is also likely to hold a meeting with a few of the state leaders to zero in on the reasons for the poll debacle. The BJP could win 23 seats in this year’s Assembly elections, while it had won 20 in the 2003 polls. The party is reportedly intrigued about how it could lose the elections despite sweeping the last year’s municipal polls with two-thirds majority and this year’s Delhi Cantonment polls.
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BJP considers Tanwar for chief’s post
New Delhi, December 12 He is a Rajput and has a good record of winning elections and he is also considered loyal to the party. The sources said that a senior leader of the party had proposed the name of Karan Singh Tanwar who had worked with national president of the BJP, Raj Nath Singh, when he was president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. This may benefit Karan Singh Tanwar. Karan Singh has won the elections from Naraina assembly constituency with a margin of 7,500 votes while 50 per cent of the constituency area was new after delimitation. A total of 75,000 votes were there. Of them 42,000 votes were polled and Karan emerged victorious. He has been in the politics since his college days. He was also in jail for 19 months during the Emergency. Karan Singh has always given defeat to senior leaders of the Congress in Cantonment Board, metropolitan council and the Delhi assembly. Sources said that Karan was not so strong but he was just an option as he does not have state-level stature. As far as Vijay Goel and Jagdish Mukhi are concerned, they have higher status and before elections Vijay Goel has proved his following by organising a rally at Ram Lila Grounds where thousands of people turned up from various parts of the Capital. The sources said that if high command of the BJP has given nod for Goel’s name for the Delhi unit chief, he would accept. The sources said that instead of doing national level politics, he would like to concentrate in Delhi.
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Oath-taking on Dec 17
New Delhi, December 12 Earlier, it was to be held on December 15. Now it will be held on December 17 at Raj Niwas, sources said. Result of Rajinder Nagar constituency, which is going for poll tomorrow, will be announced on Sunday. Congress candidate and one of the confidential men of Sheila, Ramakant Goswami is contesting from Rajinder Nagar. If he wins the elections, he would be another aspirant for the ministry. Sources said that old ministers like A. K. Walia, Rajkumar Chauhan, Haroon Yusuf, Yoganand Shastri, Mangat Ram Singhal, Arvinder Singh Lovely are insisting to retain their posts. They said that the Congress had won the election in the name of development and ministers have major contribution in the development. Sources said ministers claimed that it would be injustice to them if their position was not retained. |
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Art Konsult presents Baroda artists
New Delhi, December 12 In its exhibition “Class of 2008”, Art Konsult has boldly come forward to present an exhibition by seven young artists from M.S. University Baroda who have completed their Masters only this year. They are showcasing a new brand of experimental work in mixed media at the gallery at Hauz Khas Village. The participating artists are Sandip M. Pisalkar, Boshudhara Mukherjee, Shreyas Karle, Bhrigu Kr. Sharma, Swetha B.V., Bhavin Mistry and Nibha
Sikander. According to Bhavna Kakar who has brought together the young guns of the next era: “The show is conceptualized as a dialogue of varying visual sensibilities and understanding that reflects not just the artist’s individual preoccupation with the idea and material but also is indicative of their involvement, their interaction with each other and reactions to surrounding events. The pattern of display and presentation highlights an assortment of divergent themes.” The urban context of these young artists finds expression in the picture-plane along with the memories of contemporary motifs. They belong within the specific contexts as visualized by each artist, which tends to lean on nostalgic recollections. The issues of identity are also crucial to the contemporary scheme of events, especially those of sexuality, ethnicity among others. The very struggle to cope with such issues as identity, freedom (of expression, of speech, of being) and love has been construed into the subject matter of the works. Says Sandip Pisalkar, “Whenever I see an object of historical reference, I wish to transform it through the use of technology. That means the practical context, and historical references are still there but I only try to manipulate the way of seeing that object. I would like to use the word REMIX (past tense + future tense = present tense) to explain my art world. I look at objects of historical importance with an eye of interrogation.” Hence, in one of his works titled Piau (cooling), one can see that Sandip has created a mini-bar within the traditional format of a water pump! A similar experimentation in form is being sought by Boshudhara Mukherjee who says, “The canvas, for me, is more than just a surface to paint on. Not restricting my work to one context, their meanings, like the work are multilayered – some obvious and bold while others are hidden. The canvas is cut and woven, sometimes more than once, to create the work.” Yet, in another installation by Shreyas Karle - Shout, listen and let go... consists of three cone-like structures done in steel that hangs from the ceiling. Says
Karle, “The first cone acts like an instrument to shout, with holes in the structure, which makes it useless for its functional use. This portrays the attitude of a person always wanting to shout about his or her own greatness, but their attempts are futile. The second cone has three openings which symbolizes the voice of society one has to hear from time to time.” On the other hand, Bhrigu Sharma too looks for an amalgamation of various styles in his works. He says, “Drawing for me is to ‘draw’ (to pull out) and is the base of my work. My work is all about casualness, spontaneity, intuitiveness and one can also find wit and humour in my work. My work and its process try to question the so-called ‘seriousness’ of painting. Colour also adds plane to my work and it is devoid of any environmental effect. I try to remove the physicality of an object (almost like a child’s drawing) to induce a feeling of subjectivity.” For Swetha B.V, it was her inquisitiveness towards experimentation and an attempt to move beyond the conventional format of easel painting that paved way for textiles into her works. Another young artist from MSU, Baroda, Bhavin Mistry has consciously avoided human presence in his works, a “no-man’s landscapes” in his words. Some of his works also comment upon the overpowering of manmade technology. Lastly the works of Nibha Sikander talks about consumerism, particularly fashion. “I like to paint clothes and accessories which are in fashion and juxtapose them with my own images and designs. I use images which you do not usually see on clothes and which adds humour to the work. I feel that in our globalized world, the identity of a person is based on what he or she wears and not who they really are.” “The purpose of the exhibition,” says Bhavna Kakar, “is not to display brilliant rendering and drafting skills but to attempt the shaping of a personal language that translates formal, conceptual as well as thematic concerns into creative expression.” |
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French award for Raghu Rai
New Delhi, December 12 The text was unveiled by the ambassador with election commissioner SY Qureshi, director of Asia Pacific programme of Amnesty International Saman Zia Zarifi and head of delegation of European Commission Daniel Smadja. The ambassador also decorated two eminent personalities, photographer Raghu Rai and author Upmanyu Chatterjee, with ‘Officier des Arts et des Lettres’ (Order of the Arts and Literature) award. While awarding Raghu Rai, the ambassador said, “Raghu Rai’s pictures are full of human values. We appreciate his contribution.” Raghu Rai said the award held a special significance for him. “The award comes from France. Paris is an international centre of art and has special place in every artist’s heart. The legendary photographer Henri Cartier Bresson also comes from France. He was the one who introduced me to Magnum Photos and the rest of the world of photography,” he said. Author Upmanyu Chatterjee, who is known for his best-selling novel ‘English August: An Indian story’, said, “It is a great honour. I am delighted to be the recipient of this award.” Talking about the significance of unveiling the text of 1948 UN Human Rights Declaration at the entrance of the embassy, the ambassador said, “It has a symbolic value. Anybody who enters the embassy knows our set of values and principles written at the entrance and our daily activities here have a human rights component. Whenever we talk of culture, diplomacy, social development, we have to keep in mind that our activities aim at promoting human rights worldwide.”
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Councillor’s son tries to immolate self
Faridabad, December 12 The operation started in the morning and continued till the evening. The HUDA demolition squad with about 40 police personnel swooped on Sector-48. About half a dozen houses set up on government land were demolished. Boundary walls and other structures of over a score of complexes were also demolished. Some of the complexes that were attacked include a bakery factory, an under construction school and office buildings. The demolition team had divided these unauthorised structures into six centres. Mild protests were reported from all centres. The agitation turned intense when residential complexes were being demolished. The son of a councillor in the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) tried to set himself on fire when the team targeted his residence. However, the police prevented him from committing the crime. The squad left the building after demolishing it marginally and gave him time to prove that the building was authorised. He has to furnish the relevant documents to prevent the demolition squad from visiting his residence any more. Rattan Singh Siwatch of HUDA, who was leading the demolition squad, said that some people had encroached the government land. The sector came into being a long time ago. But houses were built on just 40% land. Many residents indulged in encroachments with impunity. There are many such buildings that have been set up by way of breaking some rules or by encroachments. The authorities were, however, hemmed in on account of stay order against any action granted by the courts. The action was initiated against only those buildings that did not have any stay order. The HUDA personnel said that demolition would be carried out soon after getting clearance from the court.
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SDM, pradhan booked for loot
Greater Noida, December 12 An FIR has been registered against them on the orders of a local court. They allegedly usurped the belongings of one Bihari Lal on the pretext of removing encroachment. According to DSP Javer Dev Karan Jain, a report against 15 persons, including SDM Harish Chandra, tehsildar R.P. Srivastav, Kisoripur pradhan Zahoor Khan and former pradhan Devinder has been registered at Javer police station. They allegedly posses the looted belongings of Bihari Lal son of Khubi Ram, a resident of Banwari Bas. According to the complaint, Bihari Lal has allegedly installed flour grinding and paddy separator machines on his Kisoripur village land that he had bought some time ago. Former pradhan Devinder wanted to usurp this land projecting it as the primary school land. He had demolished a room built on the land. While Zahoor Khan had allegedly demanded the removal of encroachment from the school land on Tehsil Day. On the order of sub-divisional magistrate, tehsildar and revenue official, some people had looted Bihari Lal’s machines and other properties. Bihari Lal had moved the court of chief judicial magistrate Gautam Budh Nagar against this. After hearing the matter, the court ordered the case to be registered in Javer police station against 15 persons, including SDM, tehsildar, lekhpal, pradhan and others.
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Savour the taste of US cuisine
Gurgaon, December 12 It was inaugurated by Holly Higgins, agricultural counselor, US Embassy and renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor. The latter also conducted an interactive cookery session on California Prunes immediately after the launch. The festival, running simultaneously in Bangalore, NCR, Kolkata and Mumbai till December 21, focuses on American cuisine and food brands. The store has stocked a wide variety of American merchandise of famous food brands. A major attraction of the festival is the live culinary shows by chefs specialising in American cuisine and innovative visual merchandising. Tarun Arora, general manager, Spencer’s Retail Limited, said, “The range of food products include a variety of processed foods and beverages from the Midwest and Northeast Regions of the USA.” Higgins commented, “I’m thrilled to be here to inaugurate the American food festival. This is a wonderful opportunity for Indian consumers to taste and experience a wide range of food products from all over the United States. Indian buyers are more interested in our foods and flavours.” Kapoor stated, “US is known globally for its high quality food products and I am glad that Indian consumers are now having a chance to get a taste of America in their neighbourhoods.” While talking to The Tribune he said, “I am going to start a food channel soon which will be dedicated just to food lovers.”
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Drug peddler arrested
New Delhi, December 12 According to DCP (crime), 410 grams of heroin has been seized from him. Amit of Najafgarh had come to Jhandewalan to sell it off. The police is trying to ascertain his source of supply and other accomplices.
— TNS |
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BPO staffer found dead
New Delhi, December 12 The police suspects it to be a case of suicide, as the body was found hanging from a ceiling fan. However, no suicide note has been found.
— TNS |
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A massive march to Parliament was organized by students and workers in the Capital on Friday to protest against terrorism, communalism and regional chauvinism.
New Delhi, December 12