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More protests, less love, this V-Day
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Banned polythene bags aplenty in markets
4 held for stealing parts from factories
Seminar focuses on IED detection, disposal
Immolation bid near PMO
40% women suffer from
impotency: Docs
‘Mother India is our natural Valentine’
Sri Lankan delegation to visit Surajkund mela today
Fake drug unit unearthed in Gurgaon
Hansraj to celebrate 60 yrs
BJP opposes ‘vindictive’ suspension of councillor
Man robbed of Rs 1.70 lakh in McDonald’s washroom
Khan Paan vendors begin protest
Foggy morning, but warm day
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More protests, less love, this V-Day
New Delhi, February 14 At Connaught Place in the heart of the capital for instance, Namita Jaiswal, a political science student and her group of friends were busy giving last minute touches to their banners. One of the posters against moral vigilants read “Goondaraj will not be tolerated”. “I came to know about this campaign - A Valentine for India - started by a student through a blog and decided that I wanted to join in as well. What they are saying is that protesting on Valentine’s Day is just symbolic of the country’s angst against all the self-appointed moral police who have no better business to do than poke their noses in other’s affairs,” Jaiswal told IANS. “My friends and I are here, therefore, to help the group raise their voice against all such unconstitutional and violent behaviour by goons in the name of Indian culture,” she added. Youth for Equality, another group of youngsters working on social issues, has similar protests planned out at five different locations - Central Park in Connaught Place, PVR multiplex in Saket, Select City Walk mall, Noida’s Atta market and in Gurgaon Saturday. “Our message on this day is very simple - peace. On Valentine’s Day we just want say that our country is our valentine and we want peace to prevail here,” said Kaushal Kant Mishra, president of the group. The All India Confederation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and the Northeast Support Centre are some of the other organisations protesting moral policing and celebrating the day symbolically at various locations in Delhi. Several other groups like the Earth Saviours Foundation and the the Delhi unit of the National Panthers Party are ready to “rescue” any hapless couple harassed by the moral vigilants. Amid all this, Sunita Das, a college goer, said that she and her boyfriend have decided to spend the day with a few other friends at her home, watching movies and steering clear of any fiasco. “The moral police are goons, but why have all these anti-moral policing brigade mushroomed overnight? And why on Valentine’s Day only? Women get harassed everyday, in buses on the road.
— IANS |
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Banned polythene bags aplenty in markets
New Delhi, February 14 Almost a month has passed, but still most of the roadside vendors do not know about any such law. A group of vegetable vendors in Ashok Nagar said, “I do not watch news nor do I read newspaper. Nobody came to tell us about this law. We just do not know anything about it.” Whereas those who are aware about the banned usage of polythene bags less than 40 micron are taking undue advantage of the system. According to the sources, no shopkeeper has been penalised for violating the law so far. Many shops are giving away these bags as they know the administration is not reacting to it. “We are selling items in the polythene bags until the administration takes action as there is no other option. A 40-micron polythene costs around Rs 5. Who is going to pay extra money for it?” asks a shop owner in Sarojini Nagar. All the units manufacturing polythene bags with lower microns are closed for the time being, confirmed president of All India Federation of Plastic Industries, K C Kapoor. He said, “Industries manufacturing these thin polythenes are small-scale industries. There are 2,000 such units in Delhi with manpower of around 4 lakh people. All are jobless now and this is a drastic situation. We have sent a representation to the government, but as the elections are near, it is difficult to expect any reaction from the government.” Secretary of the association says, “The government should take measures for the advanced recycling of polythene bags below 40 micron rather than banning them. There has been a great loss to those small-scale industries. Lakhs of workers have become jobless.” On the condition of anonymity, a Delhi-based polythene bag manufacturer said, “Polythene bags can be recycled, but why we are penalised if people throw them carelessly on streets or in the drains. This is harmful. Action should be taken against them. Even if we make a 40-micron polythene, how many people barring the moneyed are ready to pay extra Rs 5 for it? ” Polythenes below 40 microns are available in the wholesale market of Gandhi Nagar. One can find and buy any number of them easily. An NGO activist Deepak Sahni says, “What is the use of implementing a law if there is nobody to safeguard it. Sharing my personal experience, I too got a polythene bag from a famous shop in Connaught place today. Surprised, when I asked the owner about it, he took it lightly and said, “Law has been made, but no action would be taken. Nobody has come to check us till date. There is no need to worry.” |
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4 held for stealing parts from factories
Noida, February 14 This possibility came to light today after the Noida police arrested four workers of a mobile phone component manufacturing company, for allegedly stealing parts. According to the police, they used to steal parts from companies and used them to manufacture mobile phones which they sold to dealers at cheaper rates. Superintendent of police A.K.Tripathi said, “Multinational company Samsung India had outsourced the work of manufacturing phone components to a private company Ripe Components. Some of the parts were manufactured at Ripe Components while other parts were manufactured at Samsung India’s factory.” “The three factory workers were arrested on the complaint of Ripe Components. Later on their instance, a worker at Samsung’s factory was also arrested. Together they, in connivance with some staff, used to steal parts from both the companies. Thereafter, using the stolen parts, they would assemble mobile phones at their homes and sell them to dealers at a cheaper price. These mobile phones had no IMEI number,” said Tripathi. “Those arrested have been identified as Dharmedner Kumar, Kamal Singh and Vijay Kumar of Ripe Components and Deepak Kumar of Samsung India,” said Tripathi. “They used to sell the mobile phones worth Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 for just Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000. We are now trying to trace the dealers who bought their phones,” added Tripathi. Finished, semi-finished and other parts worth Rs 1.25 lakh have been recovered from rooms of those arrested in Salarpur and Bhangel.
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Seminar focuses on IED detection, disposal
Manesar, February 14 Delegates from the USA, England, Japan, Malaysia, Cambodia and India deliberated on topical issues concerning internal security and global terror during the seminar. Papers were presented on eclectic subjects covering various aspects of counter-terrorism operations. The NSG director-general, Jyoti Krishan Dutt, inaugurated the NBDC’s ninth international seminar titled “IEDs - Strategic Imperatives, Tactical Concepts and Technological Solutions” and released “The Bombshell”, an annual publication of the centre. Luminaries from various security establishments and knowledge workers in the field of national security attended the seminar as delegates and observers. Recognising that modern-day terror transcends international borders, the NSG invited eminent security experts from friendly countries as well. The delegates were also sensitised on the current expertise of terror organisations through field demonstrations and visit to the IED model room of the NBDC. Underlining the significance of the seminar, Dutt asserted that constant interaction between the NBDC experts and the security forces was vital as it facilitated dissemination of critical technical intelligence on unlawful use of explosives and transfer of knowledge and skills. “Back-end knowledge workers at the NBDC have been supporting the troops fighting terror in various parts of the country,” he said, adding that these silent soldiers are experts on composition, detection and safe disposal of IEDs and work behind the scenes, studying and monitoring bombing incidents in the country. Experts participating in the seminar observed that terrorist violence in various parts of the world was being perpetrated by terror groups with varying ideologies, which was reflected in their tactics, modus operandi and design of the IEDs. “The purveyors of terror constantly upgrade their IED-making skills and technology, while the security experts attempt to negate this edge by their diligent research efforts,” they opined. |
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Immolation bid near PMO
New Delhi, February 14 Abhiskek, who sustained over 70 per cent burns, is presently in a critical condition at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. A fire tender had to be called in to control the fire. “We received a phone call about the incident at 3:35 pm. We are yet to ascertain the reasons that caused the man to take the extreme step,” said the police. However, sources said that the man wanted to meet officials of some ministries in the South Block. “He is from Ranchi in Jharkhand. He told us that he was trying to meet prime minister Manmohan Singh for the last five days but the security guards used to rebuff him,” a police officer said. An yewitnesses said none of the policeman present came forward to help Kumar. Instead, passersby came forward and helped douse the fire. “He told us that he has working in Kuwait as a computer professional. We don’t have any details about his family. He is currently unfit to make a statement,” the police officer said. “Further investigations are on. We are waiting for him to get fit so that his statement can be recorded.” In May 2007, a 42-year-old businessman Kishori Lal Sehgal had attempted suicide just outside the prime minister’s 7 Race Course Road residence. He had shot himself in the shoulder in order to “attract attention”, as he was upset with his wife’s alleged illicit relations with someone. He claimed that he was depressed and was being harassed and threatened by my wife and her lover. The incident had forced the security agencies to beef up security in the vicinity of the prime minister’s residence and have a closer look at the traffic arrangements. |
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40% women suffer from
impotency: Docs
New Delhi, February 14 Impotence, a sexual problem that affects mostly men at some point of their lives, is generally not associated with women. The problem affects four in 10 women. The female form of impotence, Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD), is slowly gaining acknowledgement, says a study. “Enjoying sex is important and impotence should be taken seriously,” said Dr Ratan Ahuja, who deals with sexual problems. Doctors opine that many sufferers can be helped to regain potency. The reluctance to seek help is the biggest problem. The first step in overcoming the problem is to accept it and discuss it with one’s partner, doctor or therapist. “The first step is the toughest. To confide into someone is the most difficult and challenging task. Impotence often occurs due to psychological problems like depression, poor self-esteem, feelings of shame or guilt about sex or even stress and fatigue. One should not ignore it – it is not an unusual and you can be helped out,” he assured. The symptoms of sexual dysfunction include lack of sexual desire, inability to enjoy sex, insufficient lubrication or pain during sex. In most FSAD cases, sufferers are unable to achieve orgasm despite being aroused to have sex. There are medications that can counteract impotence. According to a research study, male anti-impotence pill ‘Viagra’ can help treat sexual disorders in women. However, any document supporting the claim is yet to be published. Besides, psychiatric, psychological and psychotherapeutic counselling is available to help sufferers overcome impotence. Such counselling and therapy can improve or cure long-term cases of psychological impotence. |
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‘Mother India is our natural Valentine’
New Delhi, February 14 The journey was different. The participants were carrying placards which bore live clones of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra
Bose, Chandrashekhar Azad, Rani Laxmi Bai, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and
Rajguru. The yatra, which was accompanied by the reverberating tunes of patriotic songs, was attended by senior trade leaders along with CAIT general secretary Praven
Khandelwal. At Ghantaghar, where the journey celebrating the endurance and extraordinary greatness of our national heroes culminated, rich tributes in the form of
tri-coloured flags and flowers were paid to the martyrs and a look-alike of Bharat Mata. The
yatris, on their way, offered roses and national flags to people and reminded them of the long-cherished love and sacrifices of martyrs for our motherland and said “The motherland is always a Valentine for each one of us.”
Praveen Khandelwal, addressing a press conference after the padyatra, said that the western trend of celebrating Valentine’s Day has made inroads into our culture; especially the younger generation that has adopted it as a prime day for expression of love.
Emphasising upon instilling patriotism in love, he said, “Through this
yatra, we wish to revive the dying feeling of love for our motherland and remind everybody that besides any Valentine, the motherland is the natural Valentine of each citizen. We shouldn’t forget the contributions of the great freedom fighters who have forgone their lives. |
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Sri Lankan delegation to visit Surajkund mela today
New Delhi, February 14 A spokesperson for the Surajkund Crafts Mela, which is annually organised by the Haryana government, said the Sri Lankan delegation will explore the possibility of organising such a fair in their country in April. “Sri Lanka’s ministry of rural industries and self employment promotion plans to hold an art and crafts festival in Sigiriya, an ancient city, with the assistance of those visiting Surajkund,” the spokesperson said. The Surajkund Mela, first held in 1981, celebrates the handlooms and handicraft traditions of the country. It is a fortnight long event in February. Beneath thatched roof platforms, master craftsmen display the finest of handlooms and handicrafts. Shops bustle with the brilliance of mirror encasing embroidery, delicate lace work, folk motifs on terracotta forms, metal and cane-ware, the tinkle of bangles, shimmer of iridescent silks and the jingle of toys and trinkets. The Surajkund Mela is more than a celebration of crafts. At the fan shaped open-air-theatre named Natyashala, rich folk dances and musical evenings are held throughout the fortnight. Buddhi Keerthisena, chairman of Sri Lanka’s National Crafts Council, will lead the delegation. Sri Lanka has an abundance of traditional arts and crafts. These goods are manufactured using age-old techniques, tools and natural indigenous materials. These cover a wide spectrum including brasswork, silverware, coir goods, dumbara mats, lacquer ware, batik textiles and masks. — IANS
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Fake drug unit unearthed in Gurgaon
Gurgaon, February 14 During the operation, which continued till the time of filing this report, nearly 2 lakh spurious Viagra tablets were seized. The owner of the unit, S.C.Bhardwaj, has been booked under Sections 63 of the Copyright Act and 420 of the IPC. According to sources, some other sex-power-enhancing medicines were also found, which were being thoroughly examined. The sources said the licence of the factory, located on plot no. 329 of Udyog Vihar phase II here, was cancelled in July, 2008, following allegations of spurious drug making and packaging these in wrappers of popular brands. However, a resident of Kalkaji in New Delhi recently complained to the state crime bureau that the factory was still operating. The allegation was found true after preliminary investigation, following which officials of the crime bureau, a drug department team headed by a senior drug controller and the local police conducted a joint raid on the premises today. The spurious drugs were seized from the godown during the raid, which was continuing till the time of filing this report.
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Hansraj to celebrate 60 yrs
New Delhi, February 14 Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actors Shiney Ahuja and Praveen Dabas, director Anurag Kashyap and politician Naveen Jindal are some of the famous alumni of the college and teachers at the college inform that the college has already sent people out to interview these celebrities. The college also plans to launch a bilingual magazine ‘Smarika’ on the day. Further, to commemorate the occasion, the postal department will launch a Rs 5 stamp in the name of the college which will have the picture of the college building on it. The stamp will be launched on March 7 by a celebrity. The authorities at college are leaving no stone unturned to make the occasion memorable. The college building is being decorated and its 575-seater auditorium will be made fully air-conditioned and will also be equipped with the latest light and sound system. The capacity of the parking lot will also be doubled to accommodate 100 cars. A sum of Rs 10 million is being invested on the renovation of the college. A part of this money— Rs 5 million— has been given by the management and the rest will be collected through donations.
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BJP opposes ‘vindictive’ suspension of councillor
Faridabad, February 14 The suspension of the councillor Omvati Kanwar was announced by the MCF this month, following an inquiry into the case. She had joined the BJP this month. About half-dozen councillors of the BJP and the INLD led by senior BJP leader and former minister of Haryana Krishanpal Gurjar staged a protest march and later submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda via the office of commissioner of the MCF
R.K.Khullar. The memorandum alleges that the incident, in which Omwati was “fabricated”, happened a long time back. Why action was not taken then, the memorandum asks. The memorandum alleges that councilor was suspended after she joined the
BJP. The BJP and INLD leaders alleged that the suspension suggested “conspiracy” and “vindictiveness” on the part of the Congress against the councillor for joining the
BJP. |
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Man robbed of Rs 1.70 lakh in McDonald’s washroom
Noida, February 14 Deepankar Mukherjee told the media that his bag containing Rs 1.70 lakh was snatched by someone inside the washroom. He said that when he tried to follow him he was obstructed by two men. By the time he could come out, the man had vanished. A.K.Tripathi, S.P. (City) said, Mukherjee had withdrawn Rs 1 lakh from Axis Bank and had Rs 70,000 in the bag from before. He went to have snacks at Mcdonald. We have seen the CCTV footage of the restaurant. The footage shows the face of the man who snatched the bag around 11.41 am and are trying to identify and arrest him.”
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Khan Paan vendors begin protest
New Delhi, February 14 President of the Akhil Bhartiya Railway Khan Paan Licenses Welfare Association Ravindra Gupta says, “We got to know from our sources that the railway ministry, in connivance with corporate forces, wants to capture our
business. The ministry seems unmoved by the prospects of snatching the livelihoods of 25 lakh families which have been associated with it for several decades.” |
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Foggy morning, but warm day
New Delhi, February 14 For tomorrow, partly cloudy sky with shallow fog and mist in the morning. The minimum temperature could settle at 12 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature will hover around 28 degrees Celsius.
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Traffic drive
New Delhi, February 14 |
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It’s Valentine’s Day. But barring a few couples walking around with flowers in their hands or cosying up over coffee in cafes, one could see more people marching with banners to protest against self-proclaimed moral policing groups on Saturday morning.
At Connaught Place in the heart of the capital for instance, Namita
Jaiswal, a political science student and her group of friends were
busy giving last minute touches to their banners.
