New Delhi, November 14
Delhi Pavilion at IITF has highlighted rich handicrafts apart from pictorial dissemination of different phases of the journey of Delhi.

One can feel the magic of handicrafts as the craftsmen present their skills.

The culturally endowed Delhi has showcased "Royal Dilli represents royal craft" in its pavilion. The place takes the visitors through different eras of the city--Mughal, imperial and contemporary.

The theme of IITF 2011 is "Handicrafts-Magic of the Gifted Hands". As the name suggests, the spirit of the venue is traditional.

The entrance of the pavilion has been recreated to represent Shahjahanabad, the hub of Mughal lifestyle. Huge wooden carved doors and panels, decorated elephants, the haudah (seat), fountain etc. adorn the venue.

Traditional handicrafts popular in Delhi namely meenakari, zardozi, woodcraft, bone craft, lacquer work, metal utensils, gems and jewellery, marble work, terracotta, etc. have been crafted by master craftsmen and exhibited at the pavilion. Some chabutaras (platforms) have live demonstrations of traditional crafts by renowned artisans. The handicrafts products also speak of the valuable contribution of this sector in strengthening the economy of Delhi.

The pavilion has an exclusive exhibition of rare photographs of the transfer of power from the British to India.

The pavilion was inaugurated today by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in the presence of the industries minister Ramakant Goswami, Chief Secretary P. K. Tripathi and MD of the DSIIDC, Chetan B. Sanghi.

New Delhi, November 14
Away from the everyday violence, deadly bomb blasts, screeching gunfires and the constant fear of death, Afghanistani artisans, who have come all the way to Delhi to participate in this year's trade fair, are already creating a lot of buzz.

A major highlight of this year's India International Trade Fair (IITF), the Afghanistan Pavilion remained heavily crowded. Promoters anticipate huge rush once the fair opens to general public on Nov 19.

With a flamboyant display at Hall Number 18, the Afghani stalls-- selling products such as handicrafts, dry fruits, carpets and saffron-- recorded more than satisfactory business on the first day today.

Expressing surprise and happiness, an Afghani stall owner selling traditional dresses and jewellery said even with the limitations of coming from a Taliban-affected land, artists there had a huge talent and still harboured the indigenous Afghani handicrafts and other items.

"Taliban in Afghanistan is a hindrance to our business at times," he said.

Ali (name changed), owner of a stall that had traditional Afghani dresses, said in his country, there was a constant fear of something or other going wrong. Talibani activities affect our business many a times, he said.

"We are selling Kuchi dresses, also known as nomadic attires. We have also displayed Turkmen dresses and antique jewellery. In Afghanistan, we are often stopped by the Taliban from transporting jewellery," he said.

Rasheed (name changed), who is Ali's neighbour in Afghanistan, said transportation can be a problem in his country due to the Taliban.

"The Taliban usually stops the transportation of our goods between villages in Afghanistan. We then have to use the media and some official leverage to help us receive our products," said Rasheed.

Besides traditional dresses and jewellery, the main attractions at the Afghanistan complex were dry fruits, carpets and saffron.

"Dry fruits and fresh fruits such as enormous pomegranates are on sold here. The stalls are selling dried mulberry and chapnomak, which is made from apricots. There is a stall which is also selling figs and badam," said Javid, the exhibitor of the Afghanistan complex.

Carpets handmade from sheep and lamb wool were also being sold at the complex.

"These carpets can last for about 30-35 years. The colour for these carpets is extracted from trees. The costs of the rugs range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh. It takes about a month to make one such carpet. And depending upon the intricacy of the designs, a carpet can even take two-three months," said Abdul Quddos Aminzai, a carpet seller.

New Delhi, November 14
Punjab pavilion in the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2011 showcased its march ahead in trade, business, commerce and other fields of economic activity.

It has definitely looked beyond "makki-di-roti and "sarson-da-saag", especially while projecting itself in the trade fair which opened here today.

"The pavilion this year has displayed the industry of Punjab as a major reckoning force in progress. Achievements, infrastructure and development in the state are displayed through visuals and products. The pavilion is also showcasing development of infrastructure, roads and bridges. Alternative sources of energy are also major highlight of the pavilion," said Rajinder Mohan Singh Chinna, chairman of Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation Limited which has conceptualised the pavilion.

Front façade of the pavilion is designed to justify the IITF 2011 theme - handicrafts - in fusion with Punjab agriculture, colourful visuals of Virasat-e-Khalsa and Punjab culture.

Demonstration of traditional craft making by eminent craftsmen from various corners of the state specialising in various crafts is displaying the art with gifted hands.

Visitors have the opportunity to buy the traditional handicraft items from various stalls in the pavilion.

Punjab has rich collection of handicrafts to offer the world. While phulkari is undoubtedly the main attraction, there are several beautiful ethnic and modern crafts like inlay in furniture items, jooties, durries, parandis, etc.

Skills of craftsmen in Punjab continue to blossom and these crafts reflect colourful identity of the state.

Highlighting the same, the pavilion has been designed both in the exterior and interior in sync with the theme, Chinna said.

New Delhi, November 14
The Tihar Jail stall at Delhi Pavilion is one of the main attractions of the India International Trade Fair (IITF). It registered heavy footfalls in the wake of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's visit to the venue today.

Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Tihar Jail, said that last year the sale of products was to the tune of Rs 4 lakh. "This year we aim to earn Rs 6 lakh," he said.

The Tihar Jail stall displayed a variety of products that were produced by the inmates. Food products such as pickles, spices, mustard oil, papadums and biscuits were sold at discounted prices.

Bedsheets and mats woven by the inmates who used a traditional machine called Khandi was also a prominent feature of the stall.

"The bedsheets, mats and blankets are made from cotton. The money we receive from selling our products is given to the inmates who use it for their families' welfare," said a police official.

Paintings of Lord Buddha adorned the walls of the stall. They too were created by the inmates. Some NGOs provide vocational training to them, according to the official.

The price of a painting of Lord Buddha depends on the intricacy of the details. Handicraft products and jute bags were also displayed at the stall.

A wooden sculpture of India Gate gave a patriotic yet powerful impression to the people who visited the stall today. While, incense sticks produced an aromatic experience for the visitors.

Greater Noida, November 14
About 500 farmers have filed their petitions in the Allahabad High Court against land acquisition by Greater Noida Authority.

The cases have been listed for hearing next week, it is learnt.

Leader of the farmers Sant Ram Bhatti said farmers from more than 40 villages had filed their plea in the high court in September, but since a larger bench had already been set up the pleas could not be taken up for hearing. Now, these would be heard next week.

The farmers, who have gone to the high court, held a panchayat at Qyampur village. Farmers from Dabra, Dadha, Fatehpur, Rampur, Sirsa, Dhandhola and many other villages attended the panchayat.

Bhatti said about 500 farmers of Greater Noida have filed their petition after the constitution of the high court larger bench.

Farmers from Modipur village have decided to go to the Apex Court against the decision of the high court.

The farmers in panchayat said the forms distributed by GNIDA for disbursement of land compensation had included some conditions.

They said the Greater Noida Authority should first issue letters to them for 10 per cent abadi plots. In case authority wanted to disburse compensation without 10 per cent abadi, then GNIDA should specify the rate on which the payment would be made.

Only after this, the farmers said, they would prepare their cases for receiving the compensation amounts.

Greater Noida, November 14
Normalcy seems to be returning to Noida Extension. Offices of builders all again buzzing with new bookings and leaflets and pamphlets are being distributed to attract investors for flats.

The rates in Noida Extension, which were Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000 per sq ft six months ago, have been hiked to Rs 2,400 to 2,600 per sq ft now.

The Allahabad High Court had ordered the Greater Noida Authority to get its Master Plan for 2021 approved by the NCR Planning Board before restarting the construction work in Noida Extension.

The Master Plan of GNIDA was approved by the UP Region Board on November 11.

According to sources, Master Plan for 2031 of Greater Noida Authority will also get approval of the NCR board with a month or so.

Meanwhile, discussions and negotiations between the builders and the investors are warming up.

Flat owners of Noida Extension association have decided not to pay any interest to builders as the construction work in the area was at stand still for the past six months.

A meeting between builders and investors is being called shortly to discuss the issues, including the question of floor area ratio and other problems of investors shifted from Shahberry.

New Delhi, November 14
As the city celebrated Children's Day, small children could be seen begging or selling articles with their migrant parents though a few among them have emerged as agents of change.

The children who stand as holders of their rights gathered here today. The day was an opportunity for these young leaders to share their triumphs.

Among a bunch of such children from Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh were Obita (13) from slum cluster of Badli's industrial area and Samrat from Nardan Basti on Lal Kuan Road.

These two children, Obita, a student of class IX in Government Senior Secondary School in Rohini, is engaged in sensitising unlettered children of her locality in Northwest Delhi about the importance of education and Samrat who managed to mobilise a children's group for advocating a bus stand in his area. They stand as role models for other children who fail to muster strength and fight out the adversities.

Before Obita took charge of her rights some time back, she was almost broken after her father, employed in a plastic factory, was diagnosed with cancer.

"The family's financial condition was bad and hence I decided to quit the school. But with the help of Pahal (an NGO), I continued my studies," Obita said.

In fact, she went on to don the hat of a community mobiliser and managed to pull children of Raja Vihar, a hub of child labour, from the trap of child employers.

Well conversant with child right issues, she bubbled with confidence while narrating her experience. While her efforts through street plays have not resulted in the desired change, she has managed to encourage some to enrol themselves in nearby school. A lot remains to be done to ensure that children learn about their rights and entitlements, she said.

A student of Senior Secondary School, Railway Colony, Samrat, is leading the Child Federation of NGO Matri Sudha. He is also engaged in sensitising children of his area and had earlier written to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for constructing a bus stand in Nardan village. While the bus stand is their victory, there remain many unresolved issues, including the availability of drinking water in their school that they have been demanding for long.

With the similar tales of empowerment, there were children from three other states who took the opportunity to narrate their experiences.

"The children reflected a confidence that even those from the affluent schools cannot boast of. It is really inspiring to see them affirming their powers for basic rights, including hygiene, midday meals," CRY's chief executive Puja Marwaha said.

New Delhi, November 14
On Children's Day today, students of three Delhi schools met President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil and requested the first lady to join their fight to save the forests and wildlife.

For the meeting, organised by NGO Greenpeace, the children carried banners, saying 'Save the Forests'.

"More than 15 lakh acres of forests are under threat due to unbridled coal mining and thermal power plants. The government is bent on compromising our forests and its diversity to mine a few tonnes of coal in the name of producing electricity for people, even though there are alternatives. The forests and their resources are crucial for our future and it is our responsibility to protect them for the next generation. It's important for the children of today to stand up for the forests and wildlife to save them for the children of tomorrow," said Usha Saxena, public engagement campaigner with Greenpeace India.

Greenpeace had organised the children's meet with the President as part of its effort to raise awareness on the growing threat to forests from mining and show how citizens, especially children, can act to protect them.

"I am here to tell the President to join us in protecting the forests so that the tigers, other animals and the people dependent on them can have a safe home. This is possible only if we come together tell the government to stop destroying the forests," said Vaishnavi Nair, a Class IX student of The Mother's International School.

New Delhi, November 14
Dressed in colourful attire, the students of municipal primary schools danced, did aerobic exercises and spread the message of national integration as they celebrated Children's Day.

The students from all 12 zones of the MCD schools gave an enthralling performance that won acclaim from the audience.

Addressing a mega function at Ambedkar Stadium, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, lauded the role of MCD schools in transforming the lives of children, who are unaware of the worldly things. Emphasizing the need of education, Swaraj said that increasing just literacy should not be the aim of an institution, the focus should be on imparting education.

According to her, literacy and education are not co-related or synonyms. "While literacy is just the knowledge of alphabets, education is something that helps one rise above caste, creed, colour, religion, etc," she said.

She appreciated the efforts put in by the children to make the function successful.

New Delhi, November 14
Varsha Gupta, a student of Class III at Ryan International School in Greater Noida, has been declared the winner of this year's Doodle4Google competition.

Varsha's doodle was chosen from over 1,55,000 doodles submitted by students from across the country. The doodles were drawn on the theme, India's gift to the world.

Explaining her doodle, Varsha writes, "India is a land of different cultures. In India, music plays a very important role. India has given many musical instruments to the world. Goddess Saraswati plays veena, God Shiv plays Damaru. According to our mythological stories, musical instruments were played on all occasions, including wars. Lord Krishna's flute is known in the whole world for its magical effect. In modern days, Zakir Hussain is famous in the world as tabla maestro and Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma as santoor player."

Varsha's winning doodle, titled, Indian Musical Instruments, appeared on the Google India homepage all day today.

Managing director and VP (sales and operations) for Google India Rajan Anandan presented Varsha with the winning certificate at a celebration held recently in Delhi. She was also given a technology starter's package that included a laptop, a year's Internet connection and a technology grant worth Rs 2 lakh for her school.

Congratulating Varsha, Anandan said, "I am delighted to see the enthusiasm that the youngsters have put in to showcase their creativity. As they say, be like a child, as a child has fresh ideas and is unbiased."

The Doodle4Google competition was open to all students from classes I to X. The participants were challenged to imagine their own version of the Google logo based on the theme.

New Delhi, November 14
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today launched cluster buses in Delhi with the introduction of 50 non-AC semi low-floor buses. This launch follows the launch of the first cluster in May 2011.

Delhi Integrated Multi-Model Transit System (DIMTS) Limited will continue as the integrated mechanism on behalf of the city government.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the orange coloured buses under cluster-two will supplement the existing public transport system apart from providing comfortable service.

She stated that private stage carriage buses under cluster-two with a number of new features will be liked by passengers.

A total of 119 buses will operate in the next cluster, starting with the Teevra Mudrika from Punjabi Bagh crossing on Ring Road. The remaining buses will be introduced shortly. The concessionaire for this cluster is AB Grain Sprits Private Limited. Every cluster of routes is to be serviced by two fleet owners - DTC and a concessionaire. The new buses are equipped with GPS for real-time monitoring of their location.

New Delhi, November 14
A 17-year-old girl has alleged that she was abducted and molested by a Delhi police constable and his two friends in Burari on November 12.

However, the police is denying the allegation. It has registered a case of abduction.

Sources said the police is probing whether the girl was molested.

The girl stays with her family in Burari. She alleged that on November 12, she went out of her house for some work. Some youths in a car abducted her on the way. She, however, managed to escape and reach the Nizamuddin railway station. From there she telephoned her father.

Her family brought her back and reported the matter to the Burari police station. She informed the police that one of the men who abducted her is a constable posted at the same station.

The minor earlier stayed at Bhalswa Dairy.

She had earlier also reported a case of abduction and gangrape by two youths at the Bhalswa Dairy police station.

The police had arrested both the accused. After this incident, the girl and her family had shifted to Burari.