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Delhi gets 100 new low-floor buses
Showers bring respite
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Mafia encroaches on 10 acres
Pak and JNU students meet
Why Pakistanis not deported, asks HC
Check-in at Dhaula Kuan station on Airport Express Line soon
AI pilots booked for molesting hostess
mid-air
Ghandy has got medical aid, police tells court
Noida to have first
foot-overbridge
Over 4 lakh babies die within 24 hours of birth per year
DSIIDC to build NIIT’s extension
Rs 2 lakh withdrawn on fake cheque
Youth’s body found
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Delhi gets 100 new low-floor buses
New Delhi, October 4 A total of 77 non-AC and 30 AC buses were dedicated to the people of Delhi today. These buses have a number of new features introduced for the extra comfort and safety of the passengers. Some of the facilities of these buses are: barrier-free access to elders, children and women, wheelchairs with wrap-around type ramp for the disabled, speed control through software, three—front rear and side—displays which will be visible both in day and night, display of approaching bus stops, integrated voice announcement system, global positioning system, passenger information system, gas leakage detection alarm, tubeless tyres, sliding top and bottom window glasses, emergency exit door, automatic temperature control and 2,10,000 km or 3 years’ operation warranty, whichever is later. At present, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is plying 3,559 buses, including 631 low-floor non-AC , 25 low-floor AC buses and 2,903 standard floor buses. In accordance with its augmentation programme, the DTC has placed an order of 1,744 low-floor non-AC and 1,163 low-floor AC buses. Sheila Dikshit said that introduction of the new buses would change the scenario of public transport system in Delhi and discourage people to use private vehicles, resulting in less congestion on roads, less fuel consumption and comfort to the passengers. She also stressed upon proper maintenance and cleanliness of the new buses. The Chief Minister further added that this was the first time when so many new low floor AC and non-AC buses had been added to the DTC fleet. It is a known fact that London has 10,000 buses in its public transport system, hence, Delhi, with a population of 16 million people and three lakh visitors per day require more and more new and modern buses, she said. Addressing the transport officials present on the occasion, the Chief Minister suggested that more AC buses should be dedicated for ‘Delhi Darshan’. Transport Minister Arvinder Singh said that with the commissioning of the new buses, the government would be able to phase out Blueline buses. He said a programme to train DTC drivers in etiquette ahead of the Games was going on. The minister added that DTC’s per km earning had gone up from Rs 16 to Rs 18.
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Showers bring respite
New Delhi, October 4 A large number of people, including children, were seen enjoying the pleasant weather at the India Gate, Indraprastha Park and some other places in the Capital. Anil, a student of Tagore Public School, who was enjoying at Indraprastha Park, said during the Dassehra vacation he could not go to parks. But today’s showers had changed the weather. He along with his cousins was playing in the park. Insiya, a student of Hamdard Public School, said that she was in the park since morning as the weather was pleasant. According to a weather official, the weather will be cloudy on Tuesday and Wednesday with a few spell of rain and thunder shower at one or two places. There might be heavy rains in some areas which might bring down the temperature. He said that the change in weather had come because of the easterly winds blowing in the Capital and cyclonic circulation over Maharashtra. The maximum humidity level was 86 per cent while the minimum was 56 per cent. The maximum temperature was 29.4 degree Celsius and the minimum was 25 degree Celsius. |
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Mafia encroaches on 10 acres in Noida
Noida, October 4 The land that earlier housed bamboo and junk market now has footpaths and service lanes. Some residents from Bheelwada in Rajasthan have set up shanties on the 100-mt long footpath and have dumped dates on the service lane. As a result, the public is not able to use the footpath or the service lane. Though the concerned authorities are aware of the encroachers, no action has been taken yet. The Noida Authority had acquired the land way back in 1975. But the villagers claim it to be Abadi land, which could not be acquired. It is alleged that the public land could not be encroached without the connivance of the Noida Authority staff. Now land under Khasra numbers 227 and 232, along with nine and half acres in Mamura village has been occupied by land mafia. A satellite survey was conducted for shifting the bamboo and junk market that now stands on the land. Deputy CEO of the Noida Authority N.P. Singh said action would be taken against those who have occupied the service lanes, footpaths and the area under green belt.
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Pak and JNU students meet
New Delhi, October 4 The meeting that went on till 1am highlighted the warmth between people on the either sides of the border despite the political hostility between the two countries. Hajra, a management student from Peshawar, narrated how her family was initially against her visit. “My perspective has changed totally after coming to India. Everybody, from the auto driver to the bus driver, is so supportive. It is like our homeland,” she said. “When the food, culture and tradition of both the countries are same why do people need visas to cross the border,” she added. The delegation was led by noted peace activist Saeeda Deep. Deep castigated forces on both the sides that did not want Indo-Pak friendship for their small gains. Inviting Indian students to Pakistan, she urged them not to judge Pakistan on the basis of media reports. Half of the students in the delegation were girls. The students were from different courses, including journalism, business studies, international politics, environmental science, biotechnology, law and social sciences. Hasaan Sadat, a student of environmental sciences at Punjab University, Lahore, got equally loving response from the JNU students when he greeted them. “There is no difference in the cultures of the two Punjabs on either sides of the border. The people on both sides are friends and chhoti chhoti mulaakatein (small gatherings) like these bring bigger changes,” he said. The delegation also criticised the fanatic elements in their country and asked JNU students to suggest them “revolutionary strategies” to counter the fundamentalist forces in their educational institutes. Taiyaba Suhail, a research student of sociology, underlined the need of academic exchanges among students and teachers. The interaction also witnessed students from both sides quoting couplets in Urdu and Punjabi stressing the need for love and friendship. Students appealed to the audience to ask the Indian government to allow Pakistani channels in India as the Indian media was propagating a “very bad picture of Pakistan”. Discussion touched a vast amount of issues like Maulana Abul Kalam Azaad, Bhagat Singh, the status of minorities in Pakistan, text books and history writing in Pakistan. The jam-packed meeting was also attended by JNU students’ union (JNUSU) president Sandeep Singh, former JNUSU president Dhananjay Tripathi, NSUI general secretary Anand Pandey, president of JNU foreign students’ association Nemat Solat, lecturer from Delhi University Zahid-ul Haque and professor Vijay Kumar from Bhagalpur University. The meeting culminated with the announcement by Saeeda Deep that a delegation of Indian students would be visiting Pakistan soon under the convenorship of a senior student from JNU, Prakash Ray.
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Why Pakistanis not deported, asks HC
New Delhi, October 4 Counsel Arvind Nigam told a bench of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice Manmohan that many foreign nationals have been languishing in foreigners regional registration office (FRRO) deportation camps since 2006 and no effort has been made by the government to deport them. “Some people have been there for 2-3 years without any detention order,” Nigam told the court. The exact number of people detained in these camps is not known. Last year, 11 detainees wrote a letter to the Chief Justice complaining about the poor conditions of living in deportation camps. They said the camps faced perennial shortage of drinking water and the quality of food served was also poor. The court took the letter as public interest litigation and initiated legal proceedings. Government counsel Zubeda Begum said some of the people have been detained for security reasons. Others have been detained for crimes like not possessing proper visa documents and not completing basic immigration formalities.
— IANS |
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Check-in at Dhaula Kuan station on
New Delhi, October 4 Earlier, check-in facilities were planned at the New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium stations, the two other CAT. DMRC officials said introduction of the facilities at the Dhaula Kuan station was likely to benefit thousands of commuters as it was located at a major traffic intersection serving West, South, South-West and Central Delhi. Thus, three of the six stations on the Airport Express Line would now serve as CAT. The other stations are National Highway 8, Indira Gandhi International Airport and Dwarka Sector-21. “Passengers can get boarding passes at the Dhaula Kuan station but would not be able to check-in luggage as there will be no baggage handling facilities,” said Anuj Dayal, spokesperson, DMRC. He added, “However, they can carry small briefcases or bags which are meant as cabin baggage. This will be useful for business travelers and other professionals who make day trips with little luggage.” Luggage check-in will be available along with boarding passes at New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium stations. Half of one coach of the six coach Airport Metro train would be used as special luggage compartments. The 22.7-km Airport Express Line would connect the New Delhi Station with the Indira Gandhi International Airport and up to Dwarka Sector 21. Trains would run at a speed of 135 km per hour and cover the distance from New Delhi to Airport in 18 minutes and to Dwarka Sector 21 in 21 minutes.
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New Delhi, October 4 The actor, accompanied by wife Anupam, arrived at the New Delhi domestic airport aboard a Kingfisher flight No.303 on Sunday about 11.30 am. Shiney’s parents were also there and they left the airport in a Honda Civic car which had an Uttar Pradesh registration. “He left for Delhi by Kingfisher flight around 7 am. He will be coming back to Mumbai for the court hearing on October 7,” said Shiney’s lawyer Shrikant Shivade. The actor was granted bail on Thursday on a surety of Rs 50,000 by the Bombay High Court in the rape case and was released from the Arthur Road Jail on Saturday. Strict conditions have been imposed on the actor by Justice A.P. Deshpande, who has ordered Shiney to live outside Mumbai, but not leave India till his trial begins in a fast-track court in Mumbai. Shiney was arrested on June 14 for allegedly raping his teenaged domestic help at his Andheri (west) home. He was in custody since then. On two occasions, lower courts in Mumbai had rejected Shiney’s bail application and he had been lodged in the Arthur Road Jail where Pakistani terror accused Mohammed Ajmal Amir, alias Kasab, is also lodged. If the charges against him are proved, Shiney faces a seven-year jail sentence. His wife Anupam and his lawyer have maintained that he is innocent and is being framed. — IANS
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AI pilots booked for molesting hostess
mid-air
New Delhi, October 4 He said, "The air-hostess had bruises on her hand. Medical examination also confirmed that she had been assaulted." The joint commissioner said so far the actual culprit has not been nailed. The matter is being investigated and it would take some time, he said. The incident took place on early Saturday around 4:30 am when flight no. IC-884 was cruising over Pakistani territory. There was reportedly, a heated argument between the air-hostess and the accused during a briefing ahead of take-off from Sharjah. The joint commissioner refused to name the suspects but confirmed that they were pilots who allegedly tried to molest the air-hostess. When she resisted, they allegedly pushed her outside the cockpit. The flight was carrying 106 passengers and seven crew members and had reached Lucknow when the matter was reported. A case has been registered under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 354 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. Meanwhile, Air India too is conducting an inquiry into the matter. Its enquiry panel is questioning the pilots and the cabin crew, including a flight engineer and other staff who were on duty. |
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Ghandy has got medical aid, police tells court
New Delhi, October 4 Submitting Ghandy’s medical records, police said he was getting the best available medical aid at the G.B. Pant Hospital. The police said the medical records also show that he had stayed in Delhi under fictitious names. “As per the records recovered from him, he was getting treatment at the Sitaram Bhartia hospital here, though he was registered as Narsee Patel,” the public prosecutor informed the court. The court was hearing an application filed by Ghandy alleging that he was being denied basic medical aid in Tihar jail. — IANS
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Noida to have first
foot-overbridge
Noida, October 4 The Noida Authority has given its nod for the FOB with escalators which would save time and the trouble of climbing up and down the stairs. The decision comes in wake of persistent demands by shoppers and management of commercial establishments in the area. The FOB will help residents and shoppers who throng the markets. According to sources, a private construction company will construct the FOB. Tenders for it will be floated soon. The construction company will not just build the FOB, but would also maintain it for 10 years. The company would generate revenue through advertisements. After 10 years, it will share the revenue with the Noida Authority. “Once this FOB is constructed, other busy roads would also have FOBs,” said Noida Authority CEO Mohinder Singh. Residents have welcomed the Noida Authority’s decision. “There is heavy traffic on this road and people are often seen running amidst heavy traffic, risking their life, to cross the road. The situation has become more precarious ever since the Great India Palace came up,” said architect Atul Gupta who has been promoting the cause of pedestrians. “There is a need for footpaths on many Noida roads,” opined Vineet Choudhary of NGO Hai Umeed. “Now that a beginning is being made, more subways and FOBs can be expected in the city,” he added.
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Over 4 lakh babies die within 24 hours of birth per year
New Delhi, October 4 A new Save the Children report revealed that the figure was highest in the whole world. The number is a part of total two million babies, who die within 24 hours in the whole world. According to Save the Children, these deaths could be easily avoided. The report noted that infections were a direct cause of death and sanitised conditions could be provided to children with low-cost interventions. The international rights organisation would launch “Every One”, its biggest global campaign in India and in 40 countries of the world to call for renewed commitment to ensuring the survival of millions of newborn babies and children under age five. The report published before the campaign highlights, “Despite a decade of rapid economic growth, India’s record on child mortality at 72 per 1000 births is worse than that of neighbouring countries like Bangladesh.” “Every child, no matter where or to whom they are born, has an equal right and deserves an equal chance to survive. And everyone of us has a moral responsibility to act,” said Thomas Chandy, CEO, Save the Children. In 2000, 189 heads of state and governments, including India, made promise to reduce the under five mortality rate by two thirds by 2015 (millennium development goal 4). On present trends, however, India will not meet MDG4 until 2020, five years after the promised date. Poor countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Peru and the Philippines that are on track to meet MDG4 explode the myth that the cost of reducing new born and child mortality were high. The report pointed out that there was full evidence that in Maharashtra, low cost home based child care could reduce neonatal mortality by up to 70 per cent. Interestingly, another survey done by Save the Children showed that people around the globe think it was far more expensive to save millions of children than it really was.
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DSIIDC to build NIIT’s extension
New Delhi, October 4 The DSIIDC has been awarded the prestigious contract for the construction of the extension building of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Hauz Khas. The building would be the first green building to be constructed by the organisation. To be build over the next two years at a cost of Rs 40 crore, the building would comprise an academic building, a fashion centre, hostels, multi-purpose basement and an auditorium with seating arrangements for 250 people. According to Chetan Sanghi, managing director, DSIIDC, building design has been prepared as per the climate of Delhi and will have flow of natural light and latest energy saving fixtures. |
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Rs 2 lakh withdrawn on fake cheque
Greater Noida, October 4 The account holder has accused the bank of usurping his money. However, branch manager A.K. Jain asserts that the signature on the cheque through which the amount had been withdrawn was genuine and bonafide. Meanwhile, a departmental probe is being carried out. The signature on the cheque will be examined by signature experts and if they don’t tally, a report will be lodged and the victim, Pratap, will be given the amount back. Pratap, a resident of Kailashpur Colony in Dadri, has an account with Oriental Bank of Commerce, Railway Road, Dadri. He had deposited Rs 22.50 lakh in his account a few months ago. He had received the amount as compensation for his land. He had bought a plot with a part of the amount and had kept Rs 8 lakh in the name of his daughters. On Thursday, Pratap received a message on his cell phone that Rs 2 lakh had been withdrawn from his account. He rushed to the bank and showed the branch manager the message he had received on his cell phone. The branch manager enquired about the matter from all customers present on the bank premises, but of no avail. The money had been withdrawn through a cheque. Pratap alleged the involvement of some bank officials and said that the signatures had not verified at the time of giving the amount. He asserted the signatures on the cheque were fake, while the manager said the amount had been withdrawn with a used cheque. |
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Youth’s body found
Gurgaon, October 4 According to the police, the victim Uttam Mehto was strangled to death by some unknown assailants here on Saturday night. Injury marks were found on his neck and body. Uttam was native of West Bengal and was putting up at Hira Nagar. The police said that he was working in a medical store at Khandsa Road. Meanwhile, the medical store owner Sanjay has lodged a complaint against unknown assailants. He told the police that Uttam had left the store last night but had not come to work today.
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New Delhi, October 4
