 |
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
LPG-run geysers emerge as silent killers
Ludhiana, January 13 Doctors at city hospitals said inhalation of methane, propane and carbon monoxide was now a leading cause of "brain death" in washrooms during winters. An average of 15 to 20 cases of severe injuries to the brain caused by hypoxia (curtailed oxygen supply to the brain) have been reported in the leading hospitals. People bathing in bathroom with poor or no ventilation become unconscious after inhaling toxic gases and the oxygen supply to the brain is curtailed, which may result in coma. While stressing on the repercussions of using gas-run water heaters, the doctors pointed at the conventions wherein the medical fraternity has called upon the governments to ban the manufacturing and use of gas geysers. Some "medical journals" published recently too refer to such water heaters as a major reason for the sudden deaths caused in bathrooms during winters. Said Dr Gautam Aggarwal, a consultant in medicine at SPS Apollo Hospital: "It’s painful to see patients in coma as many of them will be unable to recover from their vegetative state. There have been over a dozen cases of ‘brain death’ this winter wherein healthy men and women have lost the ability to walk, talk and comprehend”. Another physician, Dr Vikas Bansal, while recounting the tragic death of the four healthy children, said there was a need to create awareness on the dangers of using LPG-run water heaters among people. “All four kids were from middle class families that could afford to buy electric geysers that are much safer than those run on LPG”, he added. Ironically, it is illegal to use water heaters run on domestic cooking gas that is meant to be used only in kitchens. However, the food, civil supplies & consumer affairs department has expressed its helplessness in taking action against manufacturers, retailers and consumers of these appliances.
|
|
|
3 more kids hurt when flying kites
Ludhiana, January 13 Pradeep Kumar, who resides in Railway Colony, and Pradhan Dawar from Kundanpuri were taken to the hospital’s emergency wing in the evening. The former received cuts and bruises on his eyelid and nose from a Chinese made kite string. Ankit, child of a daily wage labourer in Preet Vihar, was brought there after he when he lost his balance fell down from the rooftop of his house when flying a kite. He had a narrow escape as he landed on the ground, getting minor injuries on his hands, feet and legs. Pradhan too received a deep cut on the index finger of his right hand while flying kites with his family and friends. Doctors at the hospital have held the children’s parents responsible for the accidents. “Kids shouldn’t be left alone when flying kites and should be under close watch every second”, one of them said. Citing a recent case of a ten-year-old boy who lost his arms while flying a kite, Dr Vikas Bansal of SPS Apollo hospital stated: "The boy while trying to free his kite from the 9 kV overhead electricity cables received an electric shock. Later we had to amputate both his arms and he is still undergoing treatment at the hospital. Another boy received severe head injuries and is struggling for his life in the hospital’s ICU. The accident could have been averted had his parents kept a close watch on him”.
|
|
Lohri: Coins, currency notes sold on black market
Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 13 While a pack of Rs 1,000 in the denomination of Rs 10 was available at Rs 1,100, coins of Rs 5 and Rs 2 were sold at premium of 20 per cent. Even packs of old and soiled notes of lower denominations fetched handsome bonus to suppliers. Feeling the pulse of parents distributing Lohri, smart children moved in groups and accepted currency notes of higher denomination only. Had some religious organisations not diluted the scarcity, situation could have been harsher. Investigations revealed that demand for Indian coins and currency notes of lower denominations had increased during weeks prior to Lohri. Besides parents of male children born during the past few years, families of newly wed couples were among ‘hoarders’ of new currency notes and coins. Failing to receive pouches of coins and packs of currency notes of their choice from local branches of commercial banks, residents chose to pay premium for the desired coins and notes and ‘purchased’ these from market. While a few shopkeepers sold packs of new currency notes and pouches of coins openly at their counters others did so indirectly. The later posed as if they had sent their men to outside cities to bring coins and notes. A grocer said he had to arrange a few packs of Rs 10 notes on premium from another shopkeeper, to save his valuable customers from going to other counters. The Tribune spoke to one of the suppliers, who said: “We don’t conduct this business to earn money. We bring these stocks from supplier in other towns and cities and pay them premium. They (big suppliers) have a strong lobby in various banks due to which they easily manage to get coins and notes of small denominations in huge chunks.” Bank officials said hey had been supplying new currency notes and coins on first come first serve depending on availability.
|
|
MC gets tough with reckless drivers
Ludhiana, January 13 A truck driver was fined Rs 10,000 for damaging a divider on the Ferozepur Road. According to information, the driver had rammed the truck into the divider on Wednesday night. The truck had overturned and the railings and the newly built divider were damaged. The MC geared into action and a team of the buildings and road (B&R) branch led by Executive Engineer HC Salaria inspected the site. Salaria asked officials to prepare a rough estimate regarding the loss to public property so that it could be recovered from the driver. The MC warned the driver that if the payment was not made, it would ask the police to take action and get an FIR registered. Only after the driver agreed to pay the amount did the MC officials allow him to take the truck. Confirming it, Salaria said the loss had been recovered and the move was initiated because the incidents of reckless driving were on the rise. He said the step had been taken to tighten the noose around reckless drivers.
|
|
Theft at Idea showroom
Ludhiana, January 13 Gurmeet Singh, owner of the showroom, said he learnt about the theft in the morning when he opened the showroom. “The shutters were broken as the thieves failed to break the huge locks. We do not keep cash in the showroom, so they took away three PCs, a scanner and a printer worth Rs 1.25 lakh,” he said, adding that he had sacked an employee about two months ago. “I suspect he may be involved in the theft as he used to steal things even when he was working for me,” he said. |
|
Low on cash, MC passes
300 items
Ludhiana, January 13 Though the MC authorities had maintained that the items would be passed only after scrutinising facts and figures, at the meeting, the F&CC members just discussed the agenda without going into the depth of facts related to the development work. The items were first approved by Additional Commissioner MC
Jaggi, Pal Singh Grewal, member of the F&CC, said the committee had passed the agenda after looking into all facts and figures related to various development works. “We have passed only those items which were approved by the authorities after a lot of deliberations,” he added. Pertinently the items passed by the F&CC on Thursday were included in the list of agenda that was discussed by the high-powered committee about two weeks ago. However, as the MC is facing acute shortage of funds and the media has criticised the corporation’s approach to start all works just to woo voters ahead of the Assembly elections, the committee has deferred it. But owing to the continuous pressure of political leaders, the MC has now decided to pass the agenda irrespective of the fact that the civic body is yet to make the payment for the previous works. |
Govt’s assurance mere lip service: Traders
Ludhiana, January 13 The department has failed to issue a notification in this regard so far. Although this was announced during the Punjab’s cabinet meeting in September, but nothing has been done so far to implement it in reality. This has shattered the hope of traders and industrialists. Badish K Jindal, chairman, Federation of Associations of Small Industries, Punjab Chapter, said, “Industrialists were not getting their VAT refunds on time due to the non-availability of forms C and H for the past few years. We thought the problem would be resolved once we start getting 75 per cent of VAT refunds after submitting the indemnity bonds. But this, too, has not materialised. We are facing problems in carrying out our business as huge amount of money is lying with the department.” Though this was on the agenda during the Punjab cabinet’s meeting, but was not discussed even, Jindal added. Rajeev Jain, president, Laghu Udyog Bharti, Ludhiana division, said though the department had issued a notification regarding change in VAT rate on a few items, but it has failed to issue a notification for giving VAT refunds against the indemnity bonds so far.
|
|
Residents share Lohri warmth, dance to dhol beats
Ludhiana, January 13 Screams of “bo kata” by boys could be heard throughout the day. While a few had arranged dholis for the music, others played it on their music systems. “It is the best time of the year. I along with my friends have been enjoying since morning. A special lunch comprising saron da saag and makki di roti was relished by everybody at our home,” said Preetpal, a college student. Girls, who knew how to fly kites, also took part in the celebrations during the daytime. “This year, I hosted a kite-flying party for my friends. All those close to me came home and we enjoyed every bit of the festival,” said Preety, a college student. This occasion was also special for those blessed with kids and those who had got married recently. Lavish functions were arranged at the resorts and farmhouses to celebrate the same. A large number of NRIs have also arrived at their native places to celebrate the festival with much fanfare. “Since it was the first Lohri of my daughter, Nimrit, so we thought of celebrating it among our family and relatives in our own country. Nothing can match the kind of celebrations we have here. It is memorable to celebrate Lohri with your family in the traditional way,” said Kiran, an NRI from the United Kingdom. Punjabi singers Malika Jyoti regaled visitors with their numbers at MBD Neopolis. They sang various songs and the festive spirit reached its crescendo once they started singing Lohri songs. New Hope, an NGO, celebrated Lohri among inmates of Swami Vivekanand Ashram.
|
|
|
Institutions keep the tradition alive
Ludhiana, January 13 Dr Manjit Singh Kang, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, expressed concern over the decline in the sex ratio and exhorted everybody to celebrate Lohri with fervour for both newborn girl and boy. He laid emphasis on the need to educate people that girls were as precious as boys. Harish Rai Dhanda, chief parliamentary secretary, was also present on the occasion. Dr Kushal Singh and Gurbhajan Gill, senior editor, Punjabi, centre for communication and international linkages, also spoke on the occasion. Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University also celebrated today. Dr VK Taneja, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, said Lohri symbolizes change of season, which in turn depicts acceleration of life. Mandi Gobindgarh: The Desh Bhagat Group of Institutes, Mandi Gobindgarh, celebrated Lohri with great fervour and religious devotion. Dr Zora Singh, chairman, and Tejinder Kaur, vice-chairperson, greeted the staff on the occasion. . Shalini Gupta, director-general, said we should pledge to celebrate Lohri of newborn girls, who were the foundations as well as roots of the family. If we want to improve the status of women in society, we must educate our girls so that they are able to become self-dependent. Staff members presented a cultural programme on the occasion. PIMT staff members also celebrated Lohri. Director AS Joshi lighted the bonfire. Faculty members also sang Lohri songs on the occasion. Lohri was celebrated with fervour in the town. Cultural programmes were organised at various schools to mark the day. Students were dressed in colourful attires. Apart from singing folk songs, girls danced to the beats of dhol. Students and staff of Bhutta College of Education, Guru Har Krishan College, Phallewal, and Shanti Tara College lit bonfires. The colleges wore a festive look. Students and staff were greeted by members of management committees of these institutes. Dr V K Sharma, principal, Bhutta College of Engineering and Technology, presided over the function. Popcorns, peanuts and sweets were distributed among students.
|
|
|
Government schools
Mandi Ahmedgarh, January 13 Christened as “Shining stars of the school”, they will now be at par with students achieving top positions in sports and academics. The higher authorities in the education department have advised heads of all state-run schools to display names of those students who have achieved distinguished positions in society. While the names of board exam toppers used to be displayed on these boards earlier, the authorities wanted that names of old students be displayed on notice boards from now on. However, the school authorities are finding it difficult to finalise the names of politicians to be included in the list of achievers. As artists and social activists are also associated with one or the other political party, the authorities are scared of writing their names. “There are a large number of old students. While mentioning names of all of them is not practical, choosing the best is difficult for us,” argued principal of a government senior secondary school of the area. Head of another senior secondary school of the area said he had been approached by some sarpanches and former sarpanches to get names of members of civic bodies written on the board. Apprehending factionalism some schools have decided to write names of achievers in academics and sports at various levels only. Directions to display the names of prominent personalities on notice boards of schools were issued a few months ago. Referring to earlier communications on May 28, 2010, July 6, 2010, September 17, 2010 and November 2, the director-general (school education) has once again directed all district education officers of the state to ensure that the orders are followed in all schools without any delay.
|
|
Surprise check at market committee
Khanna, January 13
|
|
Parents at wits' end as wards say no to woollens
Ludhiana, January 13 While the mother, concerned about her girl's well-being, tries hard to persuade her to wear ample warm clothing to keep her cozy through the day at school; the fashionista daughter, on the other hand, feels too much of clothing makes her look "wimpy". The argument ends with the Class X student leaving home in her sleeveless uniform pullover with her school blazer hung on the shoulder and the mother grumbling about "young generation's tantrums". If parents are to be believed, the scene is typical of every house having teenaged school goers. “Neither my son nor daughter likes wearing school blazers. They just carry their coats over the shoulders to school. They don't even wear any warmers beneath their school uniforms despite repeated arguments over the matter," complains Harmohinder Kaur. Gurinder Kaur, too, concedes that her sons do not like wearing too much of warm clothes to school. "Reason is purely fashion and peer pressure. And I know as a matter of fact that the blazers too, come off, the moment they step out of the house," she says. Another mother Sarita Dhanda has a similar tale to narrate. "The weather is so harsh but these children just don't listen! According to them, these heavy woolens make them look 'uncool'. What they do not understand is that they can fall ill if not properly clothed," rues the mother of two teenagers. On the other hand, Dhanda's daughters Shipla and Sumedha argue, "Wearing so many sweaters to schools topped by a blazer is just too much. One feels so uncomfortable and it even hinders activity." Their friend Neha adds, "No one in our group of friends wears blazers. They make one look so shabby. So every morning, we just carry them on our shoulders and wear them in the morning assembly at school, as it is mandatory to be properly dressed. As soon as the assembly is over, we again remove these horrible things." The "woolen phobia" of children has the parents at their wits' end. Sakshi Pahwa, a parent, tries to find the reason. "May be children don't like the dull and drab grey school uniforms. Because otherwise, they love to wear fancy woolens, including heavy jackets and coats. I guess schools should relax their winter dress code to enable the children to keep warm during the harsh and cold weather," she suggests. On the other hand, school authorities, argue that their dress code for winters ensure that the child is adequately protected against the cold winter draughts. "School uniforms are to be worn by everyone. If some children don't like them, we will not change the entire dress code," retorted a school principal.
|
|
From Schools
Ludhiana: Lohri was celebrated with great zeal on the premises of St GDS Convent School. Students of KG block were dressed in Punjabi attires. All of them were looking beautiful. Students sat around a huge bonfire lit on the campus, sang songs and danced to the beats of Punjabi numbers. Groundnuts and rewaris were distributed among students and staff members. Director of the school Manmohan Singh and principal Manisha Talwar encouraged students to follow their tradition and culture. They also appreciated staff members for their efforts. GN International
Students of GN International Senior Secondary Public School, Model Town, today celebrated Lohri, the festival of bonfire, music and dance. They were acquainted with the history of Lohri and folk tales were narrated. Students from nursery to Class XII joined the celebrations with great enthusiasm. Boys of senior section (VI to XII) had an inter-house kite-flying competition. Girls sang songs like “Sundar Mundriye” and “Dulha Bhatti”. Later, they were joined by principal and faculty members. Bhangra and giddha were also presented. The school wore a festive look and everyone could be seen enjoying. Everest Public
Lohri was celebrated with great pomp and show by the nursery wing of Everest Public Senior Secondary School, Moti Nagar. Tiny Tots presented an impressive show. Asha Sharma, principal, spoke on the importance of the day. Rajinder Sharma, president, Association of the Punjab School Education Board, affiliated schools, Punjab (regd) presided over the function. He said, “Lohri is celebrated every year on January 13. It is a festival to worship fire. Lohri is celebrated with great pomp in North India. Asha Sharma told students about various aspects of India and its cultural heritage. People gather around the bonfire and throw til, puffed rice and popcorns into the flames. Students sang song. Principal Asha Sharma distributed groundnuts, rewaris and sweets among students. Guru Gobind Singh school
Lohri was celebrated with fervour at Guru Gobind Singh Public School. Staff of the school relished sweets, rewaris and groundnuts. They sat and danced around the bonfire. Every year Lohri is celebrated on January 13. Children fly kites. Love Dale
Students of Love Dale celebrated Lohri. Children were dressed in traditional folk costumes. They sang folk songs. A bonfire was lit and nuts and gachaks were distributed. KVM
Lohri always brings fun and joy to everyone and Lohri celebrations are a treat to watch. It was a very special occasion in the kindergarten, primary section and middle section of KVM, Civil Lines. The tiny tots had a gala time celebrating this winter festival with all its festivities. The children were also apprised of the importance of this day. A bonfire in the centre of the campus added to all the fun. The officiating principal Navita Puri, Sonia Verma, in charge, middle section, Annu Sehra, in charge, primary section, and Ranjana Dhanda, in charge, KG section, made special arrangements for the children. Special arrangements were made to make it a special day with kite flying being a major attraction for the children. Software
introduced
To keep a finger on the pulse of development all around and to meet the challenges of modern and technical life, Nankana Sahib Public School has introduced and uploaded a new software-Pariksha.com. According to principal Harmeet Kaur Waraich, information related to students will now be sent to parents on their mobile phones through this software. School results, attendance and achievements will be uploaded on school’s website. Every student’s individual profile has been made and every student has been given an ID and password. Now parents while sitting at home can monitor the progress of their wards. Adopted
KVM School has adopted Hindu Purti Pathshala, an under-privileged school. Students of the school have formed a Prarth Club. Students visited an old age home in Model Town Extension. They gifted them shawls and blankets. Visit
Ruby Dhalla, Canadian MP visited DRV DAV Public School, Phillaur, with the members of her team. They were extended a warm and hearty welcome by Yogesh Gambhir, Principal of the school, Karan Sharma, Principal of DAV College, Phillaur, Prof. Ravinder Kalia and the teachers of the school. Tiny tots presented a colourful programme. Guests were given floral welcome, mementoes and Phulkaries. The principal of the school appreciated Dhalla for her achievements. While Dhalla encouraged the students to work hard. Industrial visit
At Kundan Vidya Mandir, Civil Lines, a visit for the students of Class III A to Kitty Industries Pvt Ltd was organised on Wednesday. There they saw the making of bread, biscuits, pizza base, cream rolls and different types of buns. It was a new experience for the students. They were amazed and surprised to see the various stages of making and baking of bread, biscuits etc with the help of various machines. They also visited the different packing departments of these things. This visit has increased their knowledge and has solved their queries about the making of bread and biscuits. They enjoyed their visit. Stock exchange visit
The senior secondary students of commerce stream from BVM Schjool on Wednesday visted Ludhiana Stock Exchange. Students were given basic knowledge
about capital market, discussion about presence of Indian capital market along with a session of live trading. Pooja M. Kohli, executive director, LSE, interacted with the students during question session round. — TNS
|
|
PAU Notes
LUDHIANA: Lohri was celebrated with zeal on Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus by the faculty club, department of floriculture and landscaping, College of Agriculture, and the department of farm machinery and power engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology. Dr Manjit Singh Kang, Vice-Chancellor, expressed concern over the dwindling number of girls and exhorted everyone to celebrate Lohri for both girls and boys.
Dr Kushal Singh urged people to put an end to the menace of foeticide as girls also contributed to socio-economic stability, making the family prosperous. Gurbhajan Gill, senior editor of Punjabi, Centre for Communication and International Linkages, called upon the people to protect the girl child, especially in Punjab where foeticide was rampant. Livestock care
The festival of Lohri and Maghi is the symbol of change in season, which depicts acceleration of life. These views were expressed by Dr VK Taneja, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. He said absence of proper care and management can reduce livestock productivity and affect health. He suggested that livestock farmers should discuss remedies with experts of the university from time to time for seasonal changes. Approval
The Academic Council of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) at a meeting today approved a fellowship after the name of Sardar Gurdit Singh Kang and a medal after the name of Dr Manjit Singh Kang. These have been instituted to encourage academic excellence in BSc (agriculture honours) and MSc biotechnology programmes, respectively. According to registrar Dr RK Mahey, the academic council further approved more awards and medals which would be given to excelling students during the annual convocation of the university.—TNS
|
|
SOI to hold camps, interact with students
Ludhiana, January 13 This was stated by SOI district president Gurjodh Singh Gill while addressing a news conference at Circuit House recently. He said the students’ body was committed to safeguard the interests of the students community and it would strive to ensure that they had a better future. He said in bid to strengthen the organisational set up of SOI, various wings and units were being set up so that the body could reach out to the vast majority of students. Gill also announced nomination of new office-bearers of the district unit.
|
Wife booked for poisoning man to death
Ludhiana, January 13 As per information, the victim, thirtytwo-year-old Tejinder Singh, a resident of Nawanshahr died under “mysterious” circumstances on May 23, 2010, when he had gone to his in-laws' house at Subhash Nagar. After the postmortem of the deceased, the police had registered a case under Section 174, IPC. Tejinder’s mother had alleged that her son had been murdered. The viscera was sent to Kharar, and its report, which the city police got recently, revealed that he had been poisoned. Tejinder’s mother told the police that her son had got married four years ago and his wife, Madhu Bala, wanted a divorce. A case has now been registered against Madhu Bala and six others for allegedly poisoning Tejinder to death. A case has also been registered against Madhu Bala’s mother Usha, father Rolu Ram, sister Seema, brother Amar, sister-in-law Khushi and Raj, who had bought the poison. No arrest has been made so far and a search is on for the accused who are absconding.
|
150 take part in bodybuilding meet
Ludhiana, January 13 Dr Randhir Hastir, general secretary, PABA, inaugurated the championship and Punjab Cabinet Minister Hira Singh Gabria distributed the prizes. Dr Diepak Prashar, GL Sharma, Dr Raj Hastir and Vijay Kumar, all international judges, national judge Brijesh Kaushal and state judges JS Ubee and Arvinder Singh supervised the contestants. Results: Jr Mr Punjab: Below 55 kg: 1 Honey Mittal, 2 Jagdeep Singh and 3 Surya Bahadur; 55 to 60 kg: 1 Robin Masih, 2 Gurdeep Singh and 3 Ramandeep Singh; 60 to 65 kg: 1 Ashok Kumar, 2 Narinder Singh and 3 Adesh; 65 to 70 kg: 1 Vishal Kumar, 2 Hardit Singh and 3 Varinder Sharma; 70 to 75 kg: 1 Vishal Khanna, 2 Rajesh Kumar and 3 Nishant Bansal; above 75 kg: 1 Satbir Singh, 2 Parminder Singh and 3 Gurbhej Singh. Veterans: Above 40 years: 1 Shashi Kapoor, 2 Sat Pal Singh and 3 Raj Kumar. Punjab handicapped bodybuilding: 1 Avtar Singh, 2 Tinku and 3 Sandeep Kumar. 
|
|||
|
Handball meet from Jan 15
Ludhiana, January 13 According to BS Brar, general secretary, PHA, Hira Singh Gabria, Punjab Cabinet Minister will inaugurate the championship on Saturday, while SS Channy, president of the Handball Federation of India, will preside over the inaugural function.
|
|||
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
