Ludhiana, September 14
Two buffaloes and a bull were electrocuted in the Kasabad area after coming in contact with high voltage lines hanging loosely.

According to Sher Ali, owner of the animals, the incident took place in the evening when a buffaloes were grazing in the fields. Suddenly, three of the animals came in contact with the power cables and got electrocuted.

Soon, the police reached the spot and began investigation. He also informed the power corporation staff about the incident.

Jasjit Singh, a power corporation employee, said he had no information about the power cable hanging loosely there. He said the problem will be fixed soon.

Meanwhile, the police said necessary legal action would be taken in the matter.

Sher Ali said he had suffered a loss of more than Rs 50,000. The villagers expressed anguish against the power corporation authorities.

“While there is no electricity supply to the houses, the high voltage power cables hanging loosely in the fields are killing our animals. Fortunately, no villager ventured in the area,” said a villager, blaming the power corporation for the incident.

Recently, a bus conductor, Ashok Kumar of Mukerian, was electrocuted after coming in contact with naked power cables near bus stand.

Ludhiana, September 14
September 15 is the last date for payment of second quarterly instalment of advance tax, and the Income Tax Department is all set to take action against defaulters after that. If one pays tax after the due date, he/she will have to pay 3 per cent interest.

The Income Tax Department is also keeping an eye on those who fail to pay advance tax on time or even after the due date.

All those traders, manufacturers, whose income or turnover is more than Rs 1 crore, are liable to pay advance income tax, said Jatinder Khurana, executive member of the Indian Taxation Lawyers Association.

Commission agents are also liable to pay advance income tax by September 15 whether their turnover is above or below Rs 1 crore.

As per the section 44 AD of the Income Tax Act, the traders, manufacturers, retailers, whole-sellers, job workers with annual turnover less than Rs 1 crore and pensioners are not liable to pay advance tax.

Ludhiana, September 14
A series of technical snags in a couple of substations here led to disruption in power supply to many city localities for a period ranging from three to six and a half hours. Power, which went off at around 2 pm, was restored in some areas after three hours. But immediately thereafter, the 220 KV Lalton Kalan substation developed a snag, which led to the failure of power in almost half the city.

According to senior officials of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), power supply to several localities on the Ferozepur road, including the PAU campus, parts of Civil Lines and Mini-Secretariat, was disrupted due to a snag in the 220 KV Ferozepur road substation. While supply to some affected areas was restored after about three hours, two grid substations fed from the Ferozepur road unit remained non-functional.

“As the snag was rectified and power supply was about to be restored at around 6.45 pm, the 220 KV Lalton Kalan substation, feeding many city localities, developed some technical fault, which led to failure of power supply for another two hours,” said the PSPCL officials, claiming that power supply was restored in most of the affected areas by 8.30 pm.

Chief Engineer of the PSPCL Rachpal Singh said power supply in the city was normal and there were only a few individual complaints of line faults, which were being attended to.

Due to failure of power supply all through the evening, water supply was also affected and a majority of the residents had to go without water during the evening.

Ludhiana, September 14
In yet another move to clear the extra rush of passengers during the coming festival season, the Northern Railway has introduced two more festival special trains, providing additional rail connectivity to Jammu, Mumbai, Indore and Katra.

According to railway officials, a weekly festival special train 09021/09022 will run between Bandra Terminus (Mumbai) and Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, from October 6 to 28, 2014. The train will leave Bandra Terminus every Monday at 5 am and reach Katra at 1,35 pm the next day. From Katra, it will depart every Tuesday at 10.15 pm and arrive Bandra at 6.45 am.

The Bandra-Katra superfast premium special train will have AC-2 tier, AC-3 tier and sleeper class coaches. It will have commercial halts at Borivali, Vadodara, Kota, New Delhi and Ludhiana railway stations. In all, the train will make eight trips both ways.

The 9307/09308 superfast special weekly train will run between Indore and Jammu Tawi from October 6 to 29, 2014. From Indore, the train will leave every Monday at 11.55 pm and arrive Jammu at 1.20 am while on its return journey, the train will leave Jammu at 5 am to reach Indore at 6 am the next day. In all, the train will make eight trips both ways.

With AC-2 tier, AC-3 tier, sleeper and general coaches, the train will have stoppages at Dewas, Ujjain, Nagda, Bhawani Mandi, Kota, Sawai Madhopur, Gangapur City, Mathura, Delhi Safdarjang, Panipat, Ambala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Pathankot railway stations.

Senior railway officials said in addition to running several festival special trains on many routes, extra coaches of all classes were be attached to many other trains to cope with the extra rush of passengers during the festival season.

Ludhiana, September 14
A youth sedated a man and stole his cash and mobile phone. The police has registered a case and started investigation.

The victim, identified as Sukhdev Singh of South City here, told the police that on September 8, he was returning from Delhi on a Haryana Roadway bus. A youth was sitting next to him. The youth engaged him in a conversation and befriended him. When the bus reached near Doraha, the youth offered a cold drink to Sukhdev.

Sukhdev said soon after consuming the cold drink, he started feeling uncomfortable. He alighted from the bus at the Shepur chowk. He hired a rickshaw and reached home. He was taken to a private hospital.

On regaining consciousness, he told the members of his family that the youth had stolen his mobile phone and purse containing Rs 8,000 and important documents.

Ludhiana, September 14
The police have booked four members of a family, including a jilted lover, in an abetment to suicide case after a 28-year-old man committed suicide at his house at Dhole village in the Meharban area yesterday.

The accused include the jilted lover, her father, mother and brother.

The victim has been identified as Avtar Singh. He had returned from the Middle East a few days ago.

The case has been registered on a compliant of the victim’s father Sucha Singh.

Sucha Singh said the woman harassed his son and drove him to commit suicide. She works as a nurse at a private hospital and was pressing Avtar to marry her. But Avtar rejected her marriage proposal. She used to make frequent calls and send long messages on Avtar’s mobile.

Sucha Singh hoped everything would be fine with the passage of time. Finally, Avtar got married and left for the Middle East. However, the nurse kept on harassing him there too. She was pressing Avtar to desert his wife and marry her. Finally, he returned from the Middle East on August 30 and decided to meet the woman to resolve the issue.

Sucha Singh told the police that when Avtar reached the hospital to meet the woman, the latter, along with the members of her family, thrashed him. Feeling humiliated, Avtar committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan at his house in Dhola village yesterday.

Ludhiana, September 14
Hindi Diwas was celebrated by the Punjab Hindi Parishad along with SCD Government College on the premises today. Apart from a cultural presentation, a play was presented by the students on the importance of the national language.

A choreography on Sufi literature was presented by the students. Experts present on the occasion spoke on the importance of the national language. Prof Mukesh Arora and Dr Charan Singh also participated in the event.

Yashpal Bangia, General Secretary of Punjab Hindi Parishad, said, “Hindi was made the national language after a Bill regarding it was passed in 1949.”

On the occasion, the topper in MA Hindi from Panjab University was honoured with a trophy, while 12 students pursuing PhD in Hindi were also honoured.

As many as 50 teachers working towards the promotion of Hindi across the state, besides five principals from schools and colleges — Master Tara Singh College, Ramgarhia Girls College, SDP College, International Public School, SCD Government College and Adarsh Public School — were also honoured. 

Ludhiana, September 14
The Post Graduate Department of Commerce and Business Innovations of SCD Government College organised a seminar on the semester system. Principal Dr Dharam Singh Sandhu presided over the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sandhu said, “The quality of education can be improved when we listen to students regarding problems faced by them in the present system.”

He said, “Students and teachers need to have a dialogue on various issues. Seminars on the effective implementation of semester system can play a key role in improving the system.”

Ritasha Dua, student of MA-II (Economics), said, “The semester system is a positive change as it reduces the dropout rate in higher education and helps to clear the backlog.”

“With the semester system, classroom interaction has improved. This will lead to improvement in the participation of students in subject-related issues,” said Dua.

On the other hand, Harpreet Kaur, student of MA-I (Economics) expressed apprehensions on the success of the semester system and questioned its validity on the overall development of personality.

“The semester system has hindered the growth of students in extra-curricular sector. Students are forced to bear the unwanted syllabi and are burdened with more examinations,” she added.

Aadil Manzoor, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir and studying in MCom (business innovations) said, “The semester system is not helpful for students having lesser IQ and needs to be reformed with innovative techniques to develop their IQ level.”

Muskan Sharma said, “The semester system needs to be improved with more participation of students in seminars/conferences and research orientation.”

Jasmeet Kaur of MCom-II (business innovations) expressed dissatisfaction over the assignments given by the teachers and asked the university to improve the participation of students which can give them flexibility in their studies.

Dr Ashwani Bhalla, Prof and programme coordinator, Department of Commerce and Business Innovations said, “The semester system has not been implemented in the true spirit of the University Grants Commission and Ministry of HRD.”

“It should have been implemented in a composite form with choice-based credit system and autonomy of the colleges in terms of their syllabus formation and examination system,” he added.

Ludhiana, September 14
Acting swift on the alleged beating of a five-year-old student, Ananya, by her teacher at Government School (No. 5), College Road, on Saturday, DEO (primary), Gurjot Singh, today held a meeting with teachers. Singh has marked an inquiry into the incident. He said the teacher accused of beating the student was also present on the occasion.

The DEO said, “An inquiry has been marked in this case. As it was a holiday due to Sunday, the probe could not be completed.” “The further course of action will be taken on Monday once the inquiry has been completed,” he said.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, September 14
Even four days after the formal conclusion of Chhapar Mela, thousands of devotees continued to visit Gugga Mari Mandir in Chhapar village near here today.

The bonus mela days, as known among the locals, witnessed a large number of men and women visiting the fair. As most of the police parties from other districts had returned, the Jodhan police found it difficult to control the unexpectedly large gathering.

As no untoward incident was reported during all days of the mega event, Ludhiana (rural) police chief Ravcharan Singh Brar, who is also the mela in charge, appreciated the efforts of the cops on duty in controlling the gathering. The smooth conduct of the event is also viewed as a success in view of recent shoe hurling on Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during the Issru conference a month ago.

“As the incident had occurred shortly before the commencement of the mela, we were supposed to take extra care without creating panic among devotees. Rank and file deployed on the challenging duty were motivated to ensure that the prestige of the uniform was saved at all costs,” said Brar adding that he had sent appreciation messages to respective circle officers for diligence of their staff. Correct planning and meticulous execution of the same, was identified as main reason of the success, Brar said.

Meanwhile, organisers of fun rides, ‘Maut Ka Kuan’, magic shows and mini circuses did brisk business today as children and women came in large numbers. However, commuters between Ahmedgarh and Lohatbaddi remained a harried lot for obvious congestion of the main road.

Langar was served by the Sidh Sulakhan Guga Mari Langar Committee led by Jatinder Sharma Happy Baba. 

Jagraon, September 14
Sabzi Mandi (vegetable market) in Jagraon portrays a perfect picture of negligence on the part of government. The local Sabzi Mandi has been in utterly bad condition for a long period of time but the authorities concerned have paid no attention towards this problem so far.

Litter along with rotten vegetables and fruits scattered everywhere shows lack of proper cleanliness due to government apathy towards improving the condition of the market.

Heaps of garbage, stinking stagnant water and herds of stray animals wandering in the mandi are a few examples among several other problems which continue to galore at the local Sabzi Mandi. Vegetables and fruits are being sold under extremely unhygienic condition at the market which might lead to various kinds of health hazards to the consumers.

During a visit to the local Sabzi Mandi, it was found that the shopkeepers and the vendors were selling vegetables and fruits amid stagnant dirty water, filth and heaps of garbage. Moreover, rotten vegetables were also seen scattered all over the area making the situation worse.

There is no proper arrangement of cleanliness at the vegetable market. In lack of proper cleanliness, the shopkeepers and traders are forced to sell the fruits and vegetables amid dirty surroundings.

According to the shopkeepers, the local Sabzi Mandi has been neglected since last many years despite the fact that business to the tune of several lakh rupees is done here every day. “The local administration seems to be least bothered about the cleanliness in the vegetable market. One can easily understand the apathy of the authorities concerned towards maintaining the sanitation level and hygiene in the market even after seeing the condition prevalent there,” said Dalmohan Singh, a shopkeeper at the vegetable market.

The shopkeepers rued that though they had brought the issue into the notice of the authorities concerned several times but to no avail. “All our requests seem to be falling on deaf ears as the authorities have taken no necessary step towards maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene in the market,” said Ramandeep Lali, another shopkeeper.

Jagraon Market Committee, secretary, Jaswinder Singh claimed that the department had made cleanliness arrangement at the vegetable market. “The area becomes dirty only during the rainy season due to lack of proper drainage system. We have already written to the higher authorities of the department to release funds for revamping vends at the vegetable market,” he added.

Ludhiana, September 14
After successful industrial visits to Taiwan, China and Germany, a 16-member delegation of the Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation (FICO) under the chairmanship of Jagatveer Singh, joint secretary of FICO and president of Ludhiana Bicycle Engineering Park, attended Inter Bike show at Las Vegas, the US, and visited high end bicycle parts units in the US.

“In the Inter Bike 2014 show, we saw high end cycles, including carbon, magnesium and even folding cycles. All cycles were imported from China. We even saw high end bikes with aluminium alloy/titanium frames and forks, oil and air controlled suspension assembly with disk brakes and quick release seat post with gel saddles,” Jagatveer said.

“If we want to cater to the buyers in Europe/USA, we have to be updated with the new technology and attending such shows becomes compulsory as we are updated with the bicycle demand and international market,” added Gurmeet Singh Kular, president, FICO. — TNS

Ludhiana, September 14
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has sent out a stern directive to all its field officials and asked them to ensure that taxpayers do not have to wait to make their point in scrutiny hearings and are heard in allotted time slots. “Many taxpayers are called for hearing in a single day by an official.

Ludhiana, September 14
Onam, the most important festival of Kerala, was celebrated in the city with gaiety. More than 1,000 people gathered at Veer Palace to attend a function organised by Kerala Kalavedi.

Floral rangoli made the venue all redolent.

Traditional cultural dance forms, including mohiniattam and thiruvathira, were presented by children. Pulikali, tiger dance, was also presented. Fifteen varieties of dishes, including avial, pachadi, paripu, pulicheri, thoran and sambhar, were relished during the celebrations. These were served on banana leaves. The traditional kheer, adapradhanan, was savoured by all.

K Babu from Kerala Kalavedi said the organisation had been celebrating the festival for the past many years. “We get a chance to share our culture with people of different communities,” said Babu.

He said the festival marked 10 days of celebrations starting with Atham and ending with Thiruonam. This is also an occasion to honour achievers and students.

Babu said Kerala Kalavedi was formed by migrant Malayalis in the city 33 years ago.

Ludhiana, September 14
They were shooting down enemies all animated, almost ducking to save themselves and grimacing when they lost a man.

Sarabjit and his 5-year-old son teamed up to win the game, all absorbed into the video game they were playing on their game console.

What began as simple animated video games have become closer to reality with simulated graphics. Not only children, but grown-ups too are seen all absorbed in speeding their vehicles through treacherous roads. “Video games are different now. Consoles that involve body movement make you feel as if you are a part of that environment,” said Vikrant, a resident. “I think the best part of the video games have come now, with the games that challenge you to move. These provide a welcome break from reality, as you not only stimulate your mind, but get into physical activity as well,” he added.

But it is not just the gaming consoles, smartphones too are making gaming possible sitting anywhere and everywhere. Even the middle-aged and the elderly play games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds. Rajinder, a 35-year-old mother of two, said she liked playing Candy Crush.

But many people said the games should be played for a brief period. “One must watch out and play these for not more than half-an-hour or so,” said another resident. “It is best to play the games and puzzles that challenge your brain and memory, rather than games that are played purely for entertainment,” said Kirat, a student. 

Ludhiana, September 14
Dhruv Kapila of Ludhiana stole the show clinching three titles in the Punjab State Inter-District Badminton Tournament for Junior Boys and Girls which concluded at Shastri Hall near Guru Nanak Stadium.

Dhruv was in his true elements today and proved his class as he bagged the top honours in the boys singles (U-17 and U-19), besides boys’ doubles events.

In the U-17 category, Dhruv survived some anxious moments against Shivam Sharma from Gurdaspur before coming out triumphant. He won the first set comfortably 21-11. However, in the next set, Dhruv had to fight it tooth and nail to tame Shivam 22-20. In the final (U-19) Dhruv again had to fight a pitched battle against Ramandeep Singh of Ropar whom he eventually overpowered in straight sets 21-11, 21-16 to fetch his second title.

Then, Dhruv teamed up with Ramandeep Singh from Ropar to outplay the pair of Shubham of Amritsar and Vikash from Gurdaspur to win the doubles title. They won the verdict in three sets 21-11, 20-22 and 21-12.

In the girl’s section Dapasha of Jalandhar proved her mettle to win two titles. She wrapped up titles in the U-17 as well as U-19 categories.

MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu distributed prizes. Mohinder Singh Grewal, president, District Badminton Association, Ludhiana (DBAL), thanked the chief guest and congratulated the position holders.

Former international players, including Vijaydeep Singh, Arun Dhand, Vinod Vatrana,Jai Parkash Dhand and Anupam Kumaria, vice-president and general secretary, respectively of the DBAL, were among others present at the prize distribution function.

Results

Boys Singles (U-19): Dhruv Kapila (Ludhiana) beat Ramandeep Singh (Ropar) 21-11, 21-16; boys’ doubles: Dhruv Kapila and Ramandeep Singh (Ludhiana, Ropar) beat Shubham and Vikas (Amritsar,Gurdaspur) 21-11, 22-20, 21-12; girls singles (U-19): Dapasha (Jalandhar) beat Aditi Mahajan (Ludhiana) 21-18, 21-17; girls’ doubles: Aditi Mahajan and Trisha Gosain (Ludhiana, Patiala) beat Amanjot and Dapasha (Sangrur, Jalandhar) 15-21, 21-14, 27-25; mixed doubles: Deepak Nakra and Aditi Mahajan (Jalandhar,Ludhiana) beat Vaibhav and Parul Thakur (Gurdaspurp, Jalandhar) 21-18, 21-19; boys singles (U-17): Dhruv Kapila (Ludhiana) beat Shivam Sharma (Gurdaspur) 21-11, 22-20; boys’ doubles: Shivam and Prajwal (Gurdaspur, Jalandhar) beat Dhruv Vasisht and Mitaksh Gandhi (Ludhiana) 21-11, 21-16; girls singles: Dapasha (Jal)andhar) beat Simranjit Kaur (Ludhiana) 21-15, 21-13; girls doubles:Amanjot Kaur and Anam Chohan (Sangrur) beat Dhriti Vohra and Neha Rani (Ludhiana) 21-15, 21-18; mixed doubles: Rishav Goyal and Amanjot Kaur (Sangrur) beat Manpreet and Shubhpreet Kaur (Fazilka) 22-20, 21-16.