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Trade Fair comes to a close
Tour de force: 1 b passengers on Metro |
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Sound, light shows to revive Delhi’s history
MCD neglected by Games panel: Mayor
Woman ‘raped’ by two men in Paharganj
Mayor seeks CBI probe
into MCD staff scam
Research an integral part of academics, say experts
BJP leaders and supporters shout slogans during a dharna to protest the revoking of the lottery bill in Parliament, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Friday.
Tribune photo: Manas Ranjan Bhui
Trans-Yamuna Mudrika service flagged off
Heroin worth Rs 15 cr seized, three held
AIIMS accused of torturing animals
BJP decries policy on illegal colonies
Teacher one-up on snatchers
H1N1 claims two more lives
12-yr-old ends life in Narela
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Trade Fair comes to a close
New Delhi, November 27 Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep received the gold and silver respectively in the union territory category. Assam was awarded the gold medal among north-eastern state pavilions. Addressing the media, he said, “India needs to see the global economic crisis as an opportunity to reorient and reinvent not only its portfolio of products but also its geographic focus. India’s diversified economy and its demographic character as well as the strength of the intellectual ability of its younger generation would also help the country propel itself towards the global economic centrestage.” In the foreign pavilion category, Afghanistan received the gold medal, while Thailand was awarded the silver medal. In the central government pavilion and public sector undertaking categories, the National Mission on Bamboo Applications and National Small Industries Corporation received the gold medals. In the private sector category, Bosch Limited and D.S. Group were awarded gold and silver medals, respectively. Besides, special mention was made of ministry of health & family welfare, Coir Board, Power Grid, Nature’s Essence and Club Mahindra. Elaborating on ITPO’s role, Scindia said, “ITPO will also be playing a significant role in the organization of the Commonwealth Games 2010 by providing world-class infrastructure for the Media Centre where almost a thousand media persons would be operating.” “Pragati Maidan would be wearing a new look with the modern infrastructure,” he added. “Over 807 business delegations from 66 countries visited the fair with around 90 per cent exhibitors affirming their willingness to participate again,” said Rajiv Yadav, ED, ITPO. |
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Tour de force: 1 b passengers on Metro so far
New Delhi, November 27 Now, with the network touching nearly 90 km spanning three lines, the average daily ridership has touched 9,00,000 on an average. With the massive expansion in the last seven years, the number of those who have availed of Metro services touched 1,014,955,894 yesterday, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) spokesperson Anuj Dayal told mediapersons today. Also, the Delhi Metro recorded its highest-ever ridership during the India International Trade Fair (IITF) this year with the figure reaching 10.29 lakh on November 24. Dayal said the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation had made elaborate arrangements to handle the extra passengers at Pragati Maidan station during the trade fair. Extra token counters were opened, additional Metro and security personnel deployed and the number of train trips on line-3 from Noida City Centre to Dwarka Sector 9 was increased from 410 to 490. The Delhi Meto Rail Corporation is likely to get beyond Haryana border by opening up the Central Secretariat to Gurgaon line by June next year. The much-awaited airport express line would open right before the Commonwealth Games in September next year. The phase III proposal of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation covers 120 kilometers, out of which 85 kilometers would be in Delhi. Most of the line under this segment would run parallel to the ring roads around the Capital.
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Sound, light shows to revive Delhi’s history
New Delhi, November 27 “Both will be new shows and will offer spectators a unique date with history. To bring in high-quality installations, Rs 4.8 crore and Rs 3 crore have been sanctioned for both projects,” Ballal told the Tribune. Also, the SLS in Red Fort, which has been an ongoing feature since 30 years, would be upgraded to the world-class standard, and Rs 3.8 crore have been sanctioned for the purpose. Years back, SLS had begun as a phenomenon to showcase rich culture and history, but with technology improving manifold, novel techniques are being used to give the best projection of history, infused with strokes of reality. Ballal said, as of date, ITDC had been carrying out conventional sound and light shows, but techniques of laser, animation, computer graphics imaging (CGI), three-dimensional projection and water screen are being introduced for the first time. Working on the principle of multi-media projection, the upgraded installations would present an artistic delight through an incredible amalgamation of visuals, sounds and voice-overs. Ballal added that the glimpses of life of founder of slave dynasty Qutubuddin Aibak (Slave dynasty) at Mehrauli; picture of the Indraprastha and the life Humayun at PQ would come alive through the spectacular synthesis of animation, dolby system and light emitting diodes. The link between PQ and Indraprastha draws its roots from the ruins excavated by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1955 that suggests PQ was the citadel of Indraprastha—the capital of Pandavas and the first city of Delhi, which finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. Script is crucial to the show, and calls for an unbiased approach, taking care of the sentiments of people. “Historians would prepare the scripts and ASI will approve these. Given that the Indian history is a diverse hub of cultures and religions, lending the nation its unique historical contour, the scripts demand a careful study,” Ballal stressed. Nonetheless, the scripts have scope for playing with the projection, thus, history may be dramatised. But, in case of the Red Fort, there has been no shift from details. Currently, the show at Red Fort unfolds the glorious past of Delhi, from Shahjahan period to the era of Independence till 1947, through an interplay of sounds and lights, but the component of 3D will be introduced soon. Ballal said: “To make the historical Red Fort journey more appealing, several components, including CGI, and water screen are being brought in to cover a spectrum of 180 degrees.” The scale of lights, showing the inception of Chandni Chowk, Meena Bazaar, Peacock, studded with emeralds and diamonds, were in perfect symphony with the blowing of trumpets, beating of drums and tablas. The two most gripping elements in the Red Fort show were the “personification of music” i.e. music stretching arms in vain during Aurangazeb’s rein. |
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MCD neglected by Games panel: Mayor
New Delhi, November 27 “They have not involved us in any project. They did not even ask us to join the ongoing proceedings of the Games like the Queen’s Baton Relay,” said Mayor Kanwar Sain. He spoke at a workshop on provisions of the DMC Act, 1957, Building Bye Laws and Master Plan of Delhi-2021. The workshop was organised by Manjinder Singh Sirsa, chairman, Law and General Purposes Committee, and president, youth Shiromani Akali Dal, in association with the law department of MCD. VK Malhotra, leader of Opposition in Delhi Legislative Assembly, also reiterated the resentment in the civic body and said the Mayor’s role of the Capital could not be neglected. “The Mayor of a city, which will be hosting the Games, holds significance that has been neglected by the organisers,” Malhotra said. However, the Mayor said the matter was discussed with the chairman of the organising committee, Suresh Kalmadi, and he assured that the civic body’s participation would be sought. “We spoke to Suresh Kalmadi in this regard and he has ensured a separate department for the corporation. There would be a few executive officers along with me, who would take care of the workings in coordination with the committee,” he said. Others present on the occasion were KS Mehra, municipal commissioner Ravi Shankar Parsad, member of Parliament, Dr Subhash Kashyap, former secretary general, Lok Sabha, Ram Kishan Singhal, chairman of Standing Committee, Subhash Arya, leader of the House in MCD, Jai Kishan Sharma, leader of Opposition and elected public representatives. “The main purpose was to acquaint the elected MPs, MLAs etc with provisions of the DMC Act, Building Byelaws and Master Plan of Delhi,” said Sirsa. |
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Woman ‘raped’ by two men in Paharganj
New Delhi, November 27 In her complaint to the police this morning, the woman alleged that she was raped by the two men in a Paharganj hotel after they added sedatives in her drink. A case in this regard has been registered at the Paharganj police station and the accused Naresh and Chetan have been arrested. According to information, Shalu (name changed), resident of Madangir, is married to a property dealer. Due to losses in business, she started working for a private company in Gurgaon. “She works on commission basis and makes members to take the company product. Shalu had agreed to meet Naresh in this regard in Connaught Place yesterday. However, he was with another friend and the duo took her to the Priya Hotel in Paharganj. They mixed some sedative in her drink at the hotel and raped her,” said a policeman, quoting the victim. According to Shalu’s complaint, she woke up this morning and found herself in the hotel room. She informed about it to her husband, who along with other relatives and friends approached the police. She was taken to Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital where the medical examination confirmed rape. The mobile number led to the tracing of the accused who were arrested. However, some policemen, on the condition of anonymity, said that the allegations seem to be baseless. “The record at the Priya Hotel showed that Shalu and Naresh checked in as husband and wife making it clear that she went to the hotel on her own. But Shalu said that she was under the influence of some drugs laced in her drinks and had no idea where she was going. On the other hand, the hotel staff and the front desk say that Shalu appeared normal. We have to get to the real story,” said a police official.It said Shalu is from Maharashtra and married after an affair last year. |
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Mayor seeks CBI probe
into MCD staff scam
New Delhi, November 27 “A CBI inquiry is crucial
because an investigation needs to be done to find those who approved
fake employees, and are drawing their salaries each month and the likes,”
he added. The Mayor also said keeping more staff in place of the missing employees is out of question. “The
MCD is functioning without these 22,853 employees. So they are extra,
thus, we are not planning to recruit more staff, but need to ensure that
non-performing staff does not get paid,” he said. The MCD has 1, 27,094 employees on record, but only 1, 04,241 are registered on the biometric attendance system that came into place in August. Thus, there are 22,853 bogus employees, who were paid total Rs 17 crore on a monthly basis. As
a large chunk of the ‘non-existent’ employees draw salaries, the
people want new employees to be appointed. In the biometric
attendance system, a staffer has to scan a finger or a card with the ‘reader’
to register his presence. The system was introduced at the MCD
headquarters in Town Hall on August 1, 2008. Subsequently, machines were
also put up at 12 zonal offices. “If these employees do not exist,
then it is MCD’s duty to employ people in the cleaning and sanitation
department. If you are paying non-existent employees, you might l employ
fresh employees as well,” said Rajkumar Jha, a south Delhi resident.
Whereas, some are glad that the biometric system revealed the scam. “It
was good to introduce the biometric attendance system in the MCD. For,
it has revealed the bogus employees of the organisation,” said Yamini
Sharma, senior executive in Malviya Nagar. |
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Research an integral part of academics, say experts
New Delhi, November 27 It was a part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the university. The professors at Indira Gandhi International Open University said open universities are generally not known as research universities in India. However, such universities across the world are producing quality research in various domains. The workshop focussed on the capacity building of teachers of national and state open universities and dual mode institutions to undertake quality research. Inaugurating the workshop, vice-chancellor Prof VN Rajasekharan Pillai said: “It is not only desirable to focus on quality assurance in our field through research initiatives, but equally important to dispel the current misperception that doctoral research is not possible at a distance mode.” The university vice-chancellor, Prof VN Rajasekharan Pillai, said: “There is a need to develop storehouse of research in distance education.” “Not only those involved in knowledge creation, but also those associated with knowledge dissemination,” he added. The five-day-long workshop, ‘Research in Distance and Online Learning’, discussed the techniques of developing quality research proposals, using anthropological community-based information and quantitatively in the field of distance and online learning. |
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BJP dharna against revoking of lottery bill
New Delhi, November 27 Addressing hundreds of supporters and party workers at Jantar
Mantar, Goel demanded a total ban on lottery across the length and breadth of India. Accusing the union government of being hand in glove with the lottery mafia, Goel said that the Congress government is trying to revoke the lottery bill under pressure from the powerful pro-lottery lobby. He warned that ‘Lok
Abhiyan’ would start a nationwide campaign against the reintroduction of lottery unless the government presents anti-lottery bill in Parliament again.
BJP leader Vijay Goel observed that though the Communist Party posed to be sympathetic towards the poor, its governments in West Bengal and Kerala were openly running lotteries there. He observed, “We are against the lottery trade as it is a sort of gambling. The lotteries are driving the poor to ruin and suicide. It should be totally banned.” The Delhi unit BJP president, Om Prakash
Kohli, observed that all steps taken by the government following this Lottery bill were in favour of the lottery mafia. He said it would harm society. |
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Trans-Yamuna Mudrika service flagged off
New Delhi, November 27 The minister said that this had been done to connect the remote areas of the east and north east districts. This will also help the increasing population of the area to get better bus service. The Trans-Yamuna Mudrika bus service will cover 36-km distance every day. Eight air-conditioned (AC) and eight other buses will be plied on the route. The buses will be plied at the frequency of 15 minutes. The number of AC buses will be increased if it is demanded by the commuters. The bus service will start from Kashmiri Gate Inter State Bus Terminus and cover ISBT flyover, Dharmpura, Shastri Park etc. There are two Mudrika bus services—one plus and the other is minus. The bus of minus sign will have limited stoppage. The minister also said that 40 new low- floor buses had been added.
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Heroin worth Rs 15 cr seized, three held
New Delhi, November 27 The accused were identified as Mohammed Masoom(45) and Mohammed (30) while their Indian link Raju Dawar (33) is resident of Lajpat Nagar in south Delhi. The smugglers were apprehended when they reached IGI Airport from Afghanistan via Ariana Afghan flight to deliver the consignment of heroin to Raju Dawar. “The activities of the suspected receiver in Delhi were tracked by the police. Around 7.30 pm, Raju Dawar proceeded towards Gate No. 2 and later emerged with an Afghan. Both were checked by the team, and Raju Dawar was found in possession of 7.1 kg heroin in the suitcase. The consignment was concealed in a cavity created inside the suitcase. Masoom was found carrying ½ kg of heroin/smack in a polythene packet which was kept in his jacket,” said Amulya Patnaik, joint commissioner. Raids were conducted and the third smuggler, Mohammad, was apprehended from the Hotel Kabli in Jangpura Bhogal, Delhi. Another consignment of 7.4 kg heroin was recovered. Mohmmad who had checked in the Hotel Kabli to deliver his consignment of heroin to another link, had also reached Delhi in the same flight with the Mohd. Masoom.He had managed to come out of the airport separately. |
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AIIMS accused of torturing animals
New Delhi, November 27 It is highly insensitive on the part of the AIIMS officials, who have deprived many animals of the right to live with dignity, said an activist of PETA. At AIIMS central animal house, 90 rabbits, 68 monkeys, several sheep, guinea pigs and rats are reportedly being subjected to both physical and psychological trauma, with some of them caged for 20 years, said the activist. According to PETA activists, more than half of the 90 rabbits at the facility suffer from infectious diseases even as many others have gone blind. |
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BJP decries policy on illegal colonies
New Delhi, November 27 Malhotra said the fact that such a minuscule number of colonies had been shown the green flag for regularisation means that Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s declarations regarding provisional regularisation certificates before the Delhi Assembly elections were just propaganda. He petitioned the Lieutenant-Governor to call a meeting of the forest department, the Indian archeological department and senior officers of the DDA to solve problems of clearing colonies within protected zones. |
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Teacher one-up on snatchers
New Delhi, November 27 According to information, Chandresh, a teacher at MCD School in Mehrauli, not only pushed the pillion rider on the bike but also thrashed him when they tried to snatch her purse. The incident took place around 3 pm yesterday when Chandresh was returning along with her students, who had come to participate in an inter-school competition at MCD School. “As she stood at the bus stand and was helping students to board the bus, two bikers slowed down and pretended to cross the road. However, they tried to snatch her purse. But, the bikers were taken aback when she had caught hold of the pillion rider’s shirt and pulled him down with the driver losing balance and falling down,” the police said. The teacher then beat up one of the snatchers. Students and passers-by also joined in. However, the duo were later handed over to the police.
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H1N1 claims two more lives
New Delhi, November 27 The nodal officer of H1N1, Dr Debasis Bhattacharya said, “Both the patients are residents of Delhi and had come with severe respiratory problems for medication. And the death that was reported yesterday at Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital was not a case of the novel flu, but that of routine influenza.” While 105 fresh cases of novel H1N1 were confirmed, including 68 children, there was a decrease in the number of dengue cases, with seven people testing positive for infection from aedes mosquito. With this, the cumulative tally of H1N1 and dengue goes up to 1,061 and 4,698 respectively. |
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12-yr-old ends life in Narela
New Delhi, November 27 “Santosh stood on the cot and tied herself by a rope to the ceiling fan and then jumped down,”the police said. “The deceased, Santosh, was found dead by her father. We got a call in this regard around 4.30 am,” the police added. The exact cause has not been ascertained yet. The police said no suicide note had been found. Father of the deceased, Ram Raj, is a flower-seller in Connaught Place. |
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