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Half marathon: Desisa, Kabuu emerge winners
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Rescued child labourers steal show
at marathon
Walkathon for CAG auditing
Anna gets MCD nod for another hunger strike
Crowd throngs trade fair on last day
Labourer dies in factory fire
Tempo hits bike, couple injured
Two die as cars race on Gzb road
Doc’s nephew goes missing
Teacher booked for abetting suicide
Student shoots self
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Half marathon: Desisa, Kabuu emerge winners
New Delhi, November 27 Last year's runner-up Desisa beat back a strong challenge from Kenyan Geoffrey Kipsang, winning the furious sprint in the last 30-odd m to finish the 21-km race in 59.30 minutes, Kipsang finishing one second behind in 59.31. Kabbu gave a tough beating to her teammate Sharon Cherop and reached the finishing line within 67.04 minutes, with Cherop making it in 67.08. In the men's category, Mike Kigen followed home in 59.58, with the top three runners beating the sub-hour mark whereas for women the bronze went to defending champion Aselefech Mergia who came home in 67.21 and with this women's race saw the top three finishers clock their personal bests. The Indian performances too were encouraging, with Suresh Kumar breasting the tape in 64.08, eight second adrift of the Indian course record of 64.00, while the fastest Indian woman was Lalita Babbar, who stopped the clock at 77.38. Pacemaker Milton Rotich took the runners through a steady pace during the first half of the race, crossing the 10-km mark in 28.28. A large group of around 20 athletes, including last year's runner-up Desisa and pre-race favourite Sammy Kitwara of Kenya, were together in the initial stages of the race. Past Jaipur House on Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Rotich allowed others to take over, with 15 runners still in the lead group, which began to split as the group went past the iconic India Gate and approached the presidential palace, Rashtrapathi Bhavan on Raj Path. At the 20 k point, the fight for the top spot became decisive with Desisa and Kipsang running shoulder-to-shoulder. Mike Kigen was 13 seconds behind the duo and Kitwara a little further. Both Desisa and Kipsang started to sprint as they turned the straight 100 m and then Desia, recording the third fastest winning time today (59:30), went on to become the second Ethiopian to win the men's title at Delhi after the "double-take" by his country-mate Deriba Merga in 2008 and 2009. Last year's World Half Marathon bronze medalist Kitwara finished fourth in 1:00:09 while five out of 10 top finishers registered personal best timings. "The race was good, but I'm a bit disappointed as I could not post a course record. I had discomfort due to cold, otherwise I could have posted a sub-58 mark," Desisa said. The women's category was even more engrossing with defending champion Mergia leading the field for a major part of the race on her fifth appearance in Delhi even as Kabuu pulled away to finish in 67.04, four seconds ahead of Cherop (67.08), while Mergia clocked 67:21 for the third place - all personal best timings - as also the fourth placed Belaynesh Oljira's 67:27. Kenya was dominant in the women's category with Cherop finishing four seconds behind Kabuu, the gold medalist who dedicated the victory to her family and said: "I am happy for clocking my personal best, the race was very enjoyable. I was hoping to break the course, the course was flat. I wish next year I am invited again." |
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Rescued child labourers steal show
at marathon
New Delhi, November 27 A group of over 40 young children, including 11, who have been rescued from the bangle industry in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, participated in the half-marathon here to prove that they also have the right and ability to become the best. "The objective behind their participation in the marathon was to demonstrate that given an opportunity such underprivileged children can also do what others can do," said Dola Mohapatra, national director of ChildFund India, which has been working for the children engaged in the hazardous bangle factories there. "We are here to show the world that we can go anything what a privileged child can do. The only thing we need to achieve that is some support from the society," said Baby, 14, who hails from Bhagwan Nagar near Firozabad. Rajeev, a 13-year-old from Indira Nagar locality of the district, said: "I want to study more and become a teacher. My friends also have similar dreams, but the problem is that we have to support our families in making bangles so that we can feed ourselves."
— PTI |
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They come out on streets for their pride
New Delhi, November 27 The parade sought the end of the discrimination against the community in one voice. The candlelight march began from Barakhamba Road and ended at Jantar Mantar. Not just LGBTs and their supporting friends, but even children and married women participated in the parade. Colorful masks, scarves and bling jewellery could be easily spotted. Cross-dressers in heavy saris and salvar kameez danced along the crowd as the dhol and drum beats set the mood. "The march is to take ownership of the streets of Delhi and to walk on the street like a normal person, without fear of being harassed or made fun of," said Rahul Sharma, a member of the Delhi Queer Pride Committee. At culmination of the march at Jantar Mantar, Sharma demanded framing of a legislation to end discrimination against the community while deliberated on key demands of the LGBTs like ending police action against the community, targeting of them by hooligans and ensuring equal health services by the government. "We request the government to enact an anti-discrimination law that would end discrimination at educational institutes, work places and other institutions against members of the LGBT community," said Sharma. Supporters maintained a two-minute silence at the end of the parade to mourn the loss of 14 eunuchs who lost their lives in the recent Nand Nagri mishap along with others who succumbed to death because they were "different" as they succumbed to societal pressures, Sharma added. Karen, 24, a participant, lives with her partner Rose in Gurgaon, said, "It is still quite difficult for people from lower social and economic classes to come out of the closet. By lending support and our presence to such marches, we hope to spread more awareness and acceptance. I have a happy life with Rose today, but still it's difficult for some of our relatives to understand." Its not just families, workplace is no better when it comes to discrimination. Be it roads, inside the Metro, at a government office or a club or a restaurant, there are glances that pierce through the inner most heart. Young boys and girls who face confusion about their sexual preferences are the worst victims as they feel that they cannot talk to anyone. "Through just efforts we want to reach out to them and tell them that they are normal and its okay to talk about it," said Bini Joseph, a media student at a private Delhi college. The participants had more reasons to celebrate as a rock concert was held in the evening at the Lalit Hotel, organised by Engendered - a New York-based NGO working on gender and sexuality issues. "The concert celebrates human rights and queer solidarity among other issues. Artists and bands like Rekha Bhardwaj and the East India Company will also perform," said Engendered director Myna Mukherjee. |
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RWAs begin stir against power tariff hike
New Delhi, November 27 In a jam-packed stadium, Goel declared that the next meeting would be held at the Ramlila Ground to "expose the unholy nexus between power distribution companies and CM Sheila Dikshit. Goel said the tariff rate had been increased by 22 per cent and that it would be increased by 58 per cent in subsequent years on the pretext that the discoms were suffering losses. "Even after getting 16 per cent assured returns, if discoms claim to be in loss, they should get out of business and fresh tenders for the distribution of power should be invited. It is strange that the NDMC, which is supplying power at a much lower rate of Rs 1.80 per unit, is still making profit," said Goel. He said that the statements of the Prime Minister and the deputy chairman of the Planning Commission that the financial condition of the discoms should be taken care of indicated rampant corruption in the distribution system, leading to a further increase in the power tariff by various state regulators. "The citizens of this country will not tolerate any more scams. The citizens will also not accept ill- conceived policies like allowing FDI in the retail business," said Goel. Former chief of the Delhi unit of the BJP Om Prakash Kohli said the indiscriminate increase in the power tariff had been completely ignored by the government for the reasons best known to it. "The citizens must come on the streets against the anti-people policies of the Congress government in the city led by Sheila Dikshit," he said. Anil Sood, president of Chetna, an NGO, said, "The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) does not even know the distribution cost of one megawatt of power. According to the norm world over, a power regulatory committee must be aware of the cost of power production. This raises serious issues about the credibility of the commission itself." DS Vohra, chairman of the East Delhi Federation of RWAs, demanded an audit of the accounts of the discoms by the CAG and said that the tariff should not be raised till this was done. |
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Walkathon for CAG auditing
New Delhi November 27 Kaul said Dikshit conceded the demand for the CAG audit but chose to suggest that it was a long drawn affair. She evaded the RTI aspect taking cover behind the court stay. Ashutosh Dixit, member of People's Action, said, "Kaul has walked over 400 km on foot across Delhi since November 3 when he started the walkathon with the aim to meet MLAs of Delhi in their constituencies and apprised them of the dire need for a CAG audit into discoms' accounts before any tariff can be effected." Kaul had also discussed with the MLAs to bring the private power companies under the RTI Act, as they have escaped through legal protection by way of a stay on the matter in the court. Speaking at the public reception organised by the URJA to celebrate the end of the walkathon, Kaul said the experience was a revelation in many more ways than he had expected. In terms of achievement of the essential objective, Kaul said with the exception of two MLAs who showed no interest in the issue, everyone else accepted on principle that the power distribution companies should be investigated by the CAG and should fall within the purview of the RTI Act. |
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Anna gets MCD nod for another hunger strike
New Delhi, November 27 IAC media coordinator Aswathi Muralidharan told IANS that the MCD told them that the Ramlila ground in the heart of the capital was free from December 27. IAC is the umbrella organisation of Hazare's anti-graft movement. "We will now approach the Delhi police," Muralidharan said, adding the fast is planned if "Parliament fails to pass a strong anti-corruption Lokpal bill in the winter session". The bill presently being considered by the parliamentary standing committee is expected to be tabled by December 7 in the winter session. IAC members have been meeting political leaders and parliamentary committee members, fearing that the government might go back on its assurance to strengthen the proposed legislation. There are concerns that standing committee on law and justice, examining the Lokpal bill, may recommend retaining the autonomy of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Central Vigilance Commission, an idea opposed by the anti-corruption campaigners Team Anna. Most of the members of the standing committee want the Lokpal to keep out the CBI, judiciary and the lower bureaucracy, according to sources. Simultaneously, the IAC members have been holding meetings with various parties on the same issue. Hazare had written to the Prime Minister recently, threatening to launch another hunger strike if the Lokpal bill was not passed in the Nov 22-Dec 21 winter session. His close aides said his fight against corruption would go on till a strong legislation is passed. After the winter session, he would travel across the country, campaigning for the Jan Lokpal bill, Team Anna's version of the ombudsman legislation, said his aides. The anti-corruption campaigner was on a 12-day hunger strike in August, demanding from the government an effective law to deal with corruption in India.
— IANS |
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Crowd throngs trade fair on last day
New Delhi, November 27 Such maddening was the sight around the ground that the entire to-and-fro route, such as Mathura Road, ITO road, was choked with vehicles and people were waiting outside the various gates to get tickets and enter. According to organisers, the 31st IITF has touched the right chord of Indians, especially through its theme "Indian Handicrafts--The Magic of the Gifted Hands". The presentation of indigenous handmade products was not new, but the concept of thematic display pavilion remained the highlight this time. "The thematic display section was unique. Works here depict the theme with artisans from remote parts of the country displaying their skills. We try to reach out to the villages to identify all those who show a potential for crafts work," said in-charge of the stall, P D Mathur. Meanwhile, as the fortnight exposition came to a close today, those with best display of handicrafts were awarded, with South Africa, Kerala, Chandigarh and Nagaland bagging the top prizes in international, states, UTs and northeast region category, respectively. |
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Labourer dies in factory fire
New Delhi, November 27 According to the police, the cause behind the fire was a blast in one of the boilers in the factory. A fire official said a call regarding fire in a cloth factory was received around 2.30 pm. Six fire tenders were sent to the spot. After an hour-long struggle, firemen succeeded in controlling the fire. A police official said one of the boilers in the factory went off with a blast around 2.25 in the afternoon. After which fire broke out in the factory. Three injured were taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre, where one was declared brought dead. The deceased has been identified as Aslam (30) and the injured have been identified as Azhar (23) and Pankaj (22). |
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Tempo hits bike, couple injured
New Delhi, November 27 The couple lives in the Maidan Garhi area of south Delhi. The tempo driver fled the scene soon after the incident. However, the police has registered a case against him for rash and negligent driving. A police official the speeding Tata-407 hit the couple's bike under the railway flyover in the area. The police reached the spot and took the couple to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital. Hari Kishan received minor injuries and was discharged by the evening. However, Manju continues to be in a critical condition. |
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Two die as cars race on Gzb road
Ghaziabad, November 27 Sonu, a resident of Morti, was killed in the crash after his speeding car knocked down an unidentified boy and hit a pole. A friend was sitting next to Sonu in his car when he raced his i10 car with an Accent car. Sonu accelerated too much and could not control the car when he went past the Kallupura-Nehru Nagar crossing and hit an electric pole after knocking down the boy. Sonu and the boy, who was on foot, died on the spot, said circle officer Praveen Ranjan Singh.
— IANS |
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Doc’s nephew goes missing
New Delhi, November 27 In the matter, the police today lodged an FIR following a complaint filed by Dr Krishan Kumar Singh. In his complaint, Dr Singh said Purushotam was ill and he was brought to Delhi from Bihar on September 23 by his relative for treatment. Purushotam went missing on November 23 from a chemist shop where he had gone to buy medicines for himself around 6 pm. |
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Teacher booked for abetting suicide
Ghaziabad, November 27 Jyoti (16), a student of class 10, reportedly had an affair with the teacher and since the relationship was not acceptable to their families, they allegedly entered into a suicide pact, the police said. The girl immolated herself and died on July 27, the police said, adding that the teacher reneged on its promise. Four months later, Jyoti’s mother, approached the court, alleging that the teacher was responsible for the death.
— PTI |
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Student shoots self
Ghaziabad, November 27 Family members of the deceased had cremated the body without informing the police. The boy was believed to be having an affair with a girl in his neighbourhood and his family members were opposed to it, the police said.
— PTI |
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(Clockwise):
Winners of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2011 — Geoffrey
Kipsang of Kenya, Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia and Mike Kigen of
Kenya — in New Delhi on Sunday; Participants run at the event;
Actors Bipasha Basu and Shah Rukh Khan wave to fans. Tribune
photos: Manas Ranjan Bhui
