|
|
Mob stones buses in Ghaziabad after youth crushed under wheels
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 31 (ANI): An irate mob damaged about half a dozen buses in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad District after a pedestrian youth was crushed under the wheels of a state-run bus on Wednesday.
The youth was a temporary worker in the sales tax department.
"He was going for work and walking on the road divider when his foot slipped. He fell on the road and immediately a speeding Delhi Transport Corporation bus crushed him. He died on the spot," said Pradeep, an eyewitness.
Roads accidents have increased in the recent past in the country.
Brahm Dutt, secretary of the department of road transport and highways recently said that nearly 1.05 lakh people die in road accidents in India and it is the highest in the world.
Deaths on Indian roads now exceed casualties on Chinese roads, Dutt added.
China, on the other hand, is reported to have brought down the body count on its roads, down from 98,738 in 2005 to 89,455 in 2006. By contrast, fatalities in road accidents in India are moving up at a compounded annual growth rate of four per cent. (ANI)
--MP
CBI court to decide on plea against Pandher in Jyoti murder case
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 30 (ANI): A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court will decide whether Nithari killings accused Moninder Singh Pandher is to also be named an accused in the rape and murder of 14-year-old Jyoti.
The CBI had earlier given a clean chit to Pandher, but charged Surinder Koli, his servant, in connection with the case.
A protest petition challenging the chargesheet filed by the investigating agency in July last year was moved in the court of Special CBI Judge Ram Jain.
According to prosecution counsel Khalid Khan, Jyoti was murdered at Pandher's Noida residence. Based on an account of Jhabbulal, Jyoti's father, charges of murder, rape and concealment of evidence were registered against the accused.
This is the fifth case relating to Nithari killings in which Pandher has been named an accused. He had earlier been accused of the rape and murder of Payal(22), Pinki Sarkar (18), Madhu (14) and Rimpa Haldar(16).
The CBI has already filed eleven chargesheets in connection with the Nithari cases so far. While Koli was named the prime accused in all cases, Pandher was given a clean chit in nine.
Nineteen people, mostly children, were killed inside Pandher's sprawling bungalow in the industrial town of NOIDA, in Uttar Pradesh in December 2006. (ANI)
--MP
CBI to probe kidney transplant racket: Ramadoss
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
New Delhi, Jan 29 (ANI): Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today said the multi-crore kidney transplant racket would be probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing international links to the scam.
Ramadoss said the racket has its roots in several states and has international connections, adding that it would not be possible for the state agencies to conduct investigation properly.
He was reportedly unhappy over the progress of the preliminary investigation by the police.
Ramadoss has also proposed some amendments to the existing Organ Transplant Act. The amended bill would be introduced in the Parliament in the budget session, he said.
Among the amendments, two to seven years of sentence has reportedly been proposed for those found guilty, besides monitoring the functioning of private nursing homes, private medical practitioners, and middlemen involved in the organ transplant business.
Dr Amit Kumar, the alleged kingpin of the racket, has been on the run ever since the scam was unearthed last week. It is suspected that Kumar could have fled to Nepal. The police have initiated the process for issuance of a red corner notice against him.
Last week, five foreigners were arrested in connection with the nine-year-old racket.
Meanwhile, the police are conducting raids at properties owned by Kumar in Gurgaon, and at places across the country.
Ten hospitals and laboratories have come under the scanner and at least five nurses and a score of other employees of two hospitals in Gurgaon are being questioned for their alleged role in the illegal operations.
It is suspected that at least 500 transplants would have been conducted as part of the racket with most of the victims hailing from Meerut, Ghaziabad and Moradabad districts of Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)
--MP
Kanpur girl relishes eating five kilograms of paddy a day!
Kanpur, Jan.29 (ANI): A teenaged girl from Kushalpur village near Kanpur has developed a liking for paddy so much, that she must have five kilograms of raw paddy along with its husk to eat every day.
"I just love eating paddy. I don't recall the exact time when I started eating paddy. But today, I easily ingest five kilograms of paddy per day," said 18-year-old Pinky.
Her parents-- Ramkishore and Munni Devi--are anxious about her strange habit. If she is refused paddy for a day, she rushes to the fields for her daily share.
"Her fascination for the paddy has grown with age. If denied, she arranges paddy by herself from the standing crops," said Ram Kishore, Pinky's father.
Her parents have tried to persuade Pinky on several occasions to take sweets, but in vain. This liking for paddy is affecting her marriage prospects too.
A couple of prospective bridegrooms have rejected her outright on noticing her physique and on learning about her craze for paddy.
"Despite thrashing her literally on many occasions and offering her candies or other sweets, she remains reluctant. She likes eating paddy. The boys visiting our place for a matrimonial alliance reject her for her weight," said Munni Devi, Pinky's mother.
Munni Devi says Pinky picked up the habit as a toddler. If the paddy wasn't available in her house, she would hop over to her aunt's place or to the nearby fields for the same, she added.
Doctors too are at their wits end about Pinky's problem. (ANI) --MP 11 injured in train collision in Gorakhpur
Gorakhpur, Jan 29 (ANI): At least eleven people were injured when the Amritsar-Darbhanga Jan Nayak Express collided with a goods train at the Bodarwar Station on the Narkatiyaganj-Gorakhpur section early this morning.
According to railway officials, the injured included an assistant driver and two other staffers of the 5211 Jan Nayak Express Train. They are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Railway traffic was disrupted following the accident, but train services are expected to resume by this afternoon.
According to sources, prima facie dereliction of duty seems to be the cause of accident. (ANI)
--MP
Jhansi schools shutdown for Mayawati's BSP rally
Jhansi, Jan 29 (ANI): A majority of schools in Jhansi, Madhya Pradesh, have been closed to allow Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati to address a rally of her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers.
Named the 'Haqueqat Rally', Mayawati is likely to target Congress General Secretary and MP, Rahul Gandhi, for his call to bifurcate Uttar Pradesh.
Mayawati is likely to list a series of relief measures that have been initiated by her government since she came to power in May 2002.
She is also expected to announce relief for the drought-hit people of the region.
Rahul had come down heavily on the Mayawati Government for the existing "state of collapse in the Bundelkhand region" of the state.
"The backbone is broken. It is a state of collapse and the people are forced to migrate," he said after visiting Mahoba, Banda, Jalon, Hamirpur and Ullan, where he talked to the families of the farmers who committed suicide suffering due to indebtness and agrarian crisis.
Rahul had also pointed out that central schemes, specially the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (NREGP) not been implemented by the Uttar Pradesh Government.
"There is a drought and there are people in debt, as the farms are not producing anything," claimed Rahul, adding, "There is no delivery on the ground, it is not only the question of money coming."
Bundelkhand is emerging as a prospective political battleground, as there has been a suggestion to make it a separate state.
The region is regarded as a BSP stronghold after it bagged 14 of the 21 seats in the May 2007 assembly election. The Congress won three seats, while four went to the Samajwadi Party. (ANI)
--MP
11 killed in UP road accident
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Hapur (UP), Jan 27 (ANI): At least 11 people were killed and many more were injured when two trucks collided here today.
The accident reportedly occurred when the trucks vying to out-speed each other collided around 3.20 a.m. (IST) in Hapur.
While six people died on the spot, police said, five succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
"One of the trucks was coming from Rajasthan and was carrying sawdust. The other was ferrying labourers from Haryana to Hapur," said Vijay Bhushan, Superintendent of Police, Ghaziabad.
According to eyewitnesses, the trucks were in a bad shape and looked as if the collision was "severe".
Police say investigations are on and the cause of accident is yet to be ascertained. However, locals feel that reckless driving may have been the reason.
Also, foggy weather causing low visibility during early hours cannot be ruled out as cause of the mishap. (ANI)
--MP
Carla Bruni to join President Sarkozy at Taj Mahal on Jan 26
Friday, January 25, 2008
New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): After intense speculation, ultimately Italian-born supermodel turned singer Carla Bruni is finally coming to India and will visit the monument of love -- Taj Mahal -- on Saturday along with French President Nicholas Sarkozy.
Carla Bruni will skip the Republic Day parade, as also the official ceremonies but not a visit to the Taj Mahal with President Sarkozy. The media in Delhi is in tizzy to capture in camera the most celebrated couple.
Bruni has been making headlines around the world for her relationship with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, which started late last year.
Sarkozy will travel to the 17th century monument after witnessing the Republic Day parade in New Delhi and his 40-year-old Italian-born lady love is virtually all set to accompany him there, sources said.
However, sources did not indicate when Bruni would arrive in India and then travel onwards to Agra.
The guessing game over her coming here has been going on for days, with both Indian and French governments keeping the suspense on.
The French side had initially indicated to India that Bruni might accompany Sarkozy, raising questions over the protocol issue.
Sarkozy will be at the Taj Mahal briefly as he has to return to Delhi to attend President Pratibha Patil's 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 3.45 p.m.
Bruni had sought to end the speculation by telling a French daily that she would not be travelling along with Sarkozy, as she is yet not married to the French President.
Earlier, the name of Bruni did not figure in the list of official delegates accompanying French President Nicholas Sarkozy on a visit here.
"As far as the delegation list is concerned her name is not there," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters. (ANI)
--MP
Special oil massage for jumbos at Lucknow zoo
Lucknow, Jan.25 (ANI): While the entire north India is under cold wave, the jumbos at a zoo here are being given a special oil massage to prevent them from chill.
The mahouts at the zoo use about two and half kilogram of lukewarm mustard oil and massage the pachyderm for at least one hour after bath to keep their body warm.
According to Ranu Singh, the Director of the zoo, such a massage helps in improving blood circulation and generating heat.
"Due to extreme cold, we felt that the animals must be facing problems. Hence, we first give the elephants a bath for cleanliness. Then we give them a hot oil massage. We massage them with mustard oil. This generates heat in their body. They get tremendous relief and their skin starts shining. Mustard oil helps them get rid of all kinds of infections," she said.
Besides these elephants are being given a special diet of sugarcane.
India has over 50 percent of Asiatic elephants but their population has been dwindling due to frequent poaching.
In the last census held in 2005, the number of wild elephants in the region was 350, an increase of eight animals since 2000. A national census in 2005 shows there were 25,000 to 28,000 elephants in India, including only 1,500 male tuskers of breeding age.
(ANI)
--MP
North India continues to shiver under severe cold wave
Allahabad / Shimla, Jan 25 (ANI): An intense cold wave continued to grip north India as several regions reeled under extremely low temperatures.
In Allahabad, the temperature plummeted to around 2.4 degree Celsius, causing immense hardship to people particularly during the intensely cold nights.
Srikanth, a priest said: "It is intensely cold in Sangam. We would have died yesterday night if there had been no bonfire. It was excessively cold."
Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, the mercury touched sub-zero temperatures, freezing lakes and water pipes.
Shimla recorded a temperature of minus 3.5 degree Celcius, affecting day-to-day activities of the residents.
Jeetram Sharma, a resident said that the cold was unbearable.
"We haven't experienced such intense cold wave ever. Water pipes are frozen. We are not even able to set up shops due to the intense cold. We cannot do anything in such cold wave conditions," he said. (ANI)
--MP
Protesting seers compel Spicejet officials to apologise
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Varanasi, Jan 23 (ANI): Protesting seers here compelled officials of the Spicejet airline to sack errant workers and apologise for their misconduct.
The issue reportedly surfaced on Monday when a prominent seer, Avimukteshwaranand of Vidya Mutt, protested against the lewd comments passed on a teenage girl by some Spicejet employees.
Errant workers jeered the sage when he protested against their behavior. This enraged his followers who gathered at the Babatpur Airport here on Tuesday and raised slogans.
The protestors were pacified only after the Spicejet sacked the four accused and tendered an official apology.
"We have already suspended those who were involved in the misconduct. The seer has forgiven us," said Nalin Srivastava, Station Manager, Spicejet.
"I am happy that the Spicejet people have realised their mistake and they have sacked the four employees and apologized in writing. They have also promised to keep the pride of Varanasi and the honour of females," said Avimukteshwaranand. (ANI)
--MP
Koreans on a hugging campaign in Varanasi
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Varanasi, Jan 22 (ANI): The Korean students of Gyanjoo University are spreading the message of love by hugging poor people in Varanasi, as a part of their "Free Hug Campaign." They believe that their method can eradicate social divide by giving
dignity to the deprived. "Hugging each other is a small step to understand each other without
speaking, without being violent. It may work over all castes but only
if they hug each other more and more," said Frank, a student, The Korean students spoke passionately about the urgent need to bring
a change in the mindset of the people so that they could think beyond
barriers of castes. The students not only hugged the people but also washed the feet of
those belonging to Musahar caste, which is considered one of the lower
social groups. "If we need to focus on anything at this point, it is the mindset of
people. If we can change the mindset of the people and people start
understanding each other, then it would be perfect," said Saisna Inko,
a resident. The Korean students have planned to visit 40 countries to propagate
the message of brotherhood in the memory of those fellow countrymen
who participated in the fight in 1985 to end the military dictatorship
in Korea. (ANI)
--MP BCCI's Shukla defends ODI team selection
Monday, January 21, 2008
Kanpur, Jan 21 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Vice President, Rajiv Shukla, has defended the national selectors decision to drop experienced players -- Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and V. V. S. Laxman -- for next month's triangular series in Australia, but said it was not the end of the road for them.
"They (the selectors) have struck a good combination in the form of both young and experienced players. And now, the game has many formats such as Tests, One Day and Twenty20. Therefore, we selected the best players for the tests, like Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, whose performances have been excellent," he said.
"The team has been selected keeping in mind the Australian conditions, but this does not mean that the players like Dravid and Ganguly have been dropped permanently from one-dayers. Whenever the selectors feel they need them, they would be chosen as well," he added.
Gautam Gambhir, who has cracked three centuries in the Ranji Trophy this season, has been included in the team, as have Suresh Raina, Praveen Kumar and Dinesh Karthik.
Suresh Raina, who last played an ODI in January 2007, and Praveen Kumar, the allrounder who played an ODI last season, benefited from good performances in Uttar Pradesh's Ranji Trophy season to make the squad.
Piyush Chawla, who was impressive during last year's tour of England, takes the second spinner's spot partnering Harbhajan Singh.
Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag,
Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan,
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma,
Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla and Pravin Kumar. (ANI)
--MP
Future Cities Design competition won by APJ school
Saturday, January 19, 2008
New Delhi, Jan 19 (ANI): The project designed by students of Apeejay School, Noida has bagged the top honors in the Future Cities India 2020 competition.
The award was presented by Union Minister for Science, Technology and Earth Sciences, Kapil Sibal, at a ceremony here today. The Ministry of Science and Technology and Bentley Systems had launched the programme in 2006.
In his address, Sibal urged Bentley Systems and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to organise a competition to develop the historic stretch from Fatehpur to Lal Quila into a truly world-class heritage site.
Terming Chandni Chowk as one of the most unique living heritage sites, Sibal expressed concern over the fact that it is rapidly losing its unique character.
In all, 14 teams representing 10 high schools participated in the competition. DAV Public School, Gurgaon won the second place.
On his experience during the five-month long competition, Apeejay School Team Leader Ajaypat Jain said: "Future Cities India 2020 gave us an opportunity to serve our country in a special way - and it was an opportunity we did not take lightly. We are truly fortunate to be part of this initiative as it has given us practical experience for our future endeavors."
Distinguished experts from the infrastructure community judged the project presentations based on five criteria: project design solution report, computer model, expenditure summary report, physical model and team presentation.
The competition encourages students to use their design skills, along with Bentley's software for the world's infrastructure, to help prepare India's cities for the year 2020 as it is estimated that more than 50 percent of India's citizens will live in the country's largest cities.
All submissions provided a plan for the future redevelopment of the Commonwealth Games 2010 international zone, which will consist of temporary structures - everything from media centers, entertainment facilities, and practice grounds to a commercial center and transportation system - that will be dismantled at the conclusion of the Games.
The Science and Technology Ministry had opened the design competition to all 11th class students from Delhi and the National Capital Region. (ANI)
--MP
Suviving Khansamas keep alive Muharram spirit in Lucknow
Lucknow, Jan.19 (ANI): Successors of royal chefs of the olden times in Lucknow have kept alive the tradition of cooking exclusive four-course elaborate meals on the occasion of Muharram.
In the past, the Nawabs of Lucknow used to have family cooks known as Shahi Khansamas or Nawabi Bawarchis (or, the royal family chefs). These cooks would prepare the foods for distribution in the neighbourhood, irrespective of faith, class and caste.
Today, though the era of Nawabs doesn't exist anymore, these descendants of Shahi Khansamas (chefs) are keeping the old tradition alive. But today the meal that used to be prepared in ghee (clarified butter) is prepared in refined oil.
"Items like fried potatoes and Dal used to be distributed among all regardless of religion. Then they used to participate in the activities of the mosque. The food used to be distributed and people used to come here during Muharram to taste our delicacies," said Yawar Hussein, one of the Khansamas (chefs).
During Muharram, these Khansamas remain busy throughout the night preparing food. It is said that during Muharram, these Shahi Khansamas distribute the meal for 13 days.
"It is because of Muharram, the food is prepared which is distributed among all. People are fond of this kind of food and enjoy the food to the fullest," said Nawabu, Chief Shahi Khansama (chef).
Around 200 kilograms of wheat and 100 kg of vegetables are used for this public feast by Shahi Khansamas.
"Earlier, Pulao (flavoured rice with additional ingredients) used to be prepared and two Chapatis and Kulfi were distributed to all. Later, for four days, Pulao would be distributed followed by chapatis and Salan (gravy) for another four days. These days, however, Dal, chapatis, Salan and four days Dal, and for four days Salan are distributed," said Nawab Zafar Mir Abdulah, a trustee member of the Husainabad Trust in Lucknow. (ANI)
--MP
Ten-day old abandoned leopard cubs find home in Lucknow zoo
Friday, January 18, 2008
Lucknow, Jan 18 (ANI): Two ten-day old leopard cubs abandoned by their mother have found a new home in a zoo in Lucknow.
The cubs were rescued by forest officials from the Lakhempur area after being spotted by a guard and brought to the zoo on Thursday.
Runa Singh, Director, Lucknow zoo said, "Deputy Director P. P. Singh from the Tiger Reserve had brought them. Both are female leopards. We have named them Suheli and Sharda."
The cubs are being bottle fed goat's milk and zoo authorities are taking every care to nurture the young cats back to health.
"We will have to keep them under observation for one and half months to two month and once they are strong enough we will decide what to do with them," she added.
Singh, however, is concerned as the rescued cubs could not be restored to the wild till they have grown enough to protect themselves.
With the increasing demand for animal hides in the international market, the leopard and tiger population of India is under constant threat from poachers.
According to an estimate made several years back there were 10,000 leopards in the country. (ANI)
--MP
Not even 5 percent of allocated money reaches Bundelkhand: Rahul Gandhi
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Jhansi, Jan 17 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi today said not even five Paisa out of a Rupee reaching the people here.
Recalling the words of Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul said, "My father used to say that only 15 Paisa out of the Rupee reaches people, after the seeing the situation here I feel that not even five Paisa of a Rupee is reaching the people."
He expressed his anguish over the poor state of implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) scheme in the region.
"I have met people and saw around fifty job cards with the same serial numbers. Most of the job cards do not have a single work entry you can imagine the what the situation is," he said.
Coming down heavily on the Mayawati Government for existing "state of collapse in Bundelkhand region" of the state, Rahul on Wednesday favoured trifurcation of Uttar Pradesh.
"Administratively its too big, I personally think smaller state could be a solution but how it has to done is to be looked into," he said. (ANI)
--MP
A young Muslim kneels on embers to offer Muharram prayers
Lucknow, Jan 17 (ANI): A young devout evokes the spirit of sacrifice during Muharram by offering prayers on embers in Lucknow.
Other devotees' watch in awe as Asif Ali kneels on a rug placed atop a pit of burning coal and offers namaz.
Sixteen-year-old Ali has been observing what he believes is a self-purifying act for three years.
"I have been offering this namaz for three years. Nobody has asked me to do this, but I myself decided to offer prayers on embers," he said.
Ali's parents said they were proud of his voluntary act.
"I feel good that he offers prayers for Imam Hussain," said Najaf Ali, Asif's father.
Muharram falls on January 19 this year. It is marked by prayers, processions and self-flagellation, which they believe negates their sin.
In the Islamic calendar, Muharram is the first month and its first day is the beginning of the Islamic year.
The Shia Muslims mourn during this month and commemorate the Battle of Karbala. The tenth day of Muharram is called Ashurah.
On this day, Imam Hussain Ibn Ali was martyred with his family and friends in the Battle of Karbala. (ANI)
--MP
Rahul Gandhi favours reconstruction of Uttar Pradesh
Bundelkhand, Jan 17 (ANI): Congress General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi has favoured the reconstruction of Uttar Pradesh and called for the creation of a Bundelkhand State to solve problems in the backward areas of the state.
Talking to reporters while on an outreach programme in the drought-hit Bundelkhand today, he said, "The Central Government programmes for development in backward regions in the state were not being implemented properly".
"The situation is bad here and people do not have access to drinking water. People are migrating to Delhi and Mumbai. The programs of the central government are not being implemented properly in the state," added Rahul.
Rahul dodged the question about making Bundelkhand a separate state as a solution to the problems in Uttar Pradesh, but said that he personally feels it would be a 'good thing'.
"Discussions are on. My personal view is that, reconstruction would be a good thing. The rate of growth of the state had declined over a period of time, which needs to be looked into," he said.
Rahul is expected to visit other drought- struck districts. (ANI) --MP Rahul Gandhi favours bifurcation of UP
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Jhansi, Jan 16 (ANI): Coming down heavily on the Mayawati Government for existing "state of collapse in Bundelkhand region" of the state, Congress General Secretary and MP, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday favoured bifurcation of Uttar Pradesh.
"Administratively its too big, I personally think smaller state could be a solution but how it has to done is to be looked into," he told reporters.
After visiting Mahoba, Banda, Jalon, Hamirpur and Ullan, where he talked to the families of the farmers who committed suicide suffering due to indebtness and agrarian crisis, Rahul Gandhi said: "The backbone is broken. It is a state of collapse and the people are forced to migrate."
Rahul also pointed out that the central schemes specially the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme has not been implemented by the state in an appropriate way.
"There is drought and people in debt as farms are not producing anything," said Rahul, adding, "There is no delivery on the ground, it is not the question of money coming."
The Congress General Secretary is slated to address a public rally in Jhansi town after a meeting with the local leaders tomorrow, said his media release. (ANI)
--MP
Varanasi handloom industry hoping for a windfall with Jodha Akbar
Varanasi, Jan.16 (ANI): Varanasi's handloom industry is anticipating that they would gain an image boost across the country after learning that Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai will be seen dressed in popular Banarasi saris in her upcoming film Jodha Akbar.
Banarasi sari industry had earlier witnessed a high demand when former Miss World Aishwarya Rai bought some of the Banarasi saris for her marriage with actor Abhishek Bachchan, son of Amitabh Bachchan, the Bollywood superstar.
The industry is already witnessing an increase in demand for Banarasi saris.
Apart from the Banarsi saris used by Aishwarya, who plays Jodha in her latest film Jodha Akbar, the demand for Sherwanis (the traditional long coat for men) is also likely to witness a surge in demand. Actor Hrithik Roshan, playing Emperor Akbar, wears Sherwanis in the film.
According to the owners of handloom units, this movie will show the real art of Benaras and create mass awareness.
"During marriage of Aishwarya and Abhishek, there was a boom in the handloom industry in Benaras. In the latest film Jodha Akbar, Banarasi saris and Sherwanis made of Benaras silk have been worn. All of us are really happy that Banaras sari business is doing well. We also hope that their will be a boom in this business," said Abu Sahi, a handloom unit owner.
As one of he owners of a handloom unit mentioned, no sooner than any film features the matchless artistry of Benaras, a huge demand is seen despite short skirts and other designer ware dictating the trends in fashion industry.
"It's a very big budget film. We hope that when Banarasi saris used in the movie will captivate pubic attention in India and abroad. Even people in the villages and cities will notice it. When the celebrities wear the saris, their demand grows," said Abdul Wasi, owner of a handloom silk unit.
Popular fashion designer Neeta Lulla has taken fabrics for costumes in the film from Benaras. She wanted the characters in the film to create a feel of traditional as well as authentic.
Aishwarya will be seen wearing Banarasi saris with a detailed work of embroidery done on her costumes in the period film.
Widely known for their appeal, the traditional Banarasi saris have been a prized possession for almost any well-off woman's wardrobe for generations. Besides, these saris are also a big fascination for various celebrities, especially from Bollywood. (ANI)
--MP
If Centre agrees, Mayawati ready for Uttar Pradesh's division
Lucknow, Jan 15 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati today said that her Government would support the division of the State, if the Centre agrees.
Mayawati said that it was not the State's prerogative, but would offer her full support once the Central Government gave the green signal for division of the State into - Poorvanchal, districts of western region and the Bundelkhand region --, as she marked her 52nd birthday today.
"Declaring Bundelkhand as a separate State is not in our hands. It is the discretion of the Central Government. Whenever the Central Government decides to give Bundelkhand the status of a separate state, then our government will immediately get an order passed from the Uttar Pradesh Assembly to declare it as a separate State," she said.
Mayawati's remarks came close on the heels of the Congress party's demand to carve out a separate state of Bundelkhand.
The Bundelkhand Mukti Morcha has also been demanding a separate state.
Meanwhile, although Mayawati had given her party workers clear instructions to keep it simple, they left no stone unturned to make her birthday celebrations special.
Entire Lucknow was painted blue, the colour of BSP's flag. Hoardings were put up across the city bearing messages congratulating Mayawati on her 52nd birthday.
Mayawati also cut a gigantic 52-kilogram cake ordered by her party workers.
On the occasion, Mayawati announced the country's biggest road project -- a 1,040-km long, eight-lane Ganga Expressway connecting Noida with Ballia. The expressway will be completed in four years.
Besides this, she announced a slew of projects, including a health insurance scheme for those living below the poverty line, the Rs 1600 crore-drought relief, and an ultra-mega thermal power project. (ANI)
--MP
Mayawati (52) wants her birthday to be simple
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Lucknow, Jan 15 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati turns 52 today, even as her party workers celebrate her birthday in a simple way because party supremo has given them clear instructions to provide relief to the downtrodden and destitute all over the state to mark the day.
Unlike last year, when Mayawati's birthday was celebrated with much pomp and who, which subsequently attracted much criticism, this time she has decided to keep the occasion low profile.
She will present special gifts for all round development of most backward areas of the state and poor families.
To mark the day, she will launch her government's Rs 30,000-crore "Ganga Expressway Project" between Ballia and Noida. Besides, she will also release book " Mere Sangharshmai Jeevan Evam BSP Movement Ka Safarnama Part - 3".
But, her supporters have planned a big fanfare on the occasion across Uttar Pradesh. The party has ordered a 52-kg cake besides leaving no stone unturned to ensure as much glitterati on the occasion.
Entire Lucknow is painted blue, the colour of BSP's flag. Public places like the 'Prena Sthal', 'Parivartan Chowk' and 'Ambedkar Sthal' in Lucknow have been lit up on the eve of her birthday.
Also, in a bid to observe the day as "Arthik Sahyog Diwas", the party MLAs, MLCs and MPs had been asked to contribute funds for strengthening the party economically. (ANI)
--MP
Benazir portraits fly in the sky in Varanasi
Monday, January 14, 2008
Varanasi, Jan.14 (ANI): Several ardent fans of former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto in Varanasi have paid their heartfelt tributes to the assassinated leader on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Lohiri festivals by kites.
Shocked and aggrieved over Benazir's killing, these kite makers and fliers found the two major Hindu festivals celebrated on Sunday and Monday, as the perfect occasion to express their love for Benazir, who was a leader of masses beyond geographical confines.
Varanasi's Dal Mandi market and its neighbourhood in the holy city were flooded with kites. But the most sought after kites were the ones bearing a picture of Benazir Bhutto on them.
"The demand of the kites that have a picture of Benazir on them is high in the market this year because of the incident that has happened to her in Pakistan. So the people are demanding these kites more to pay tribute to the slain Pak leader," said Chand, one of the shopkeepers.
Though there are a variety of kites right from Britain to China available in the market, the kites with Benazir's picture on them were sold like hotcakes.
"Benazir died recently and we are paying our tribute to her in this fashion through kites," said Saud Ahmad, one of the local kite-flyers.
The festivals of Lohri in Haryana and Punjab, Uttarayan in the west, Makar Sankranti in North India and Pongal in South India when people of all the faiths celebrate together. But this was the first occasion when the kite-flyers used the festive occasion to pay tribute to a political leader from Pakistan. (ANI)
--MP
Mayawati wants Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Lucknow, Jan 12 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief, Mayawati today said that the Bharat Ratna should also be conferred on her party's founder Kanshi Ram for his contributions in the uplift of the Dalits.
"Kanshi Ram should also be conferred Bharat Ratna for his invaluable contributions in the uplift of Dalits and the oppressed," she said.
Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L K Advani wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recommending that the top civilian award be given to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
After that the name of the CPI-M veteran Jyoti Basu had also cropped up.
But, today, the Left has put cold water on its suggestions, saying that the party does not accept state awards.
On Thursday, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi had said that the issue must not be raised in public. (ANI)
--MP
String making artisans flock to Rajasthan ahead of 'Makar Sankranti'
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Jaipur, Jan 12 (ANI): String makers from Uttar Pradesh are flocking the desert of Rajasthan ahead of a popular festival 'Makar Sankranti' which is marked by kite flying.
On January 14, the skies will be dotted with innumerable colourful kites of various shapes and sizes to celebrate 'Makar Sankranti'.
String-makers are all set to cash in on the festive season. Hailing from Bareilly, they have set themselves up in the pink city of Jaipur, busy preparing 'manja', a glass coated string used in kite fights, with hopes of doing good business.
Chote Bhai, a kite string maker, said: "There are at least 15 to 20 of us who come here to make manja and some also make beautiful varieties of kites. One person gets on an average around rupees 100 to 150 per day from morning to evening."
The craftsmen claim that the 'Bareilly string' is of better quality and is preferred by kite-flyers.
"There (Bareilly) we get all the material. We get the mixtures, which are heavy in weight at about rupees 25 to 30 per kilogram. The material we get there is of good quality and that is why people prefer the Bareilly string," said Jakir Hussain, another kite string maker.
Makar Sankranti, marks the transit of the sun to the northern hemisphere every year on January 14, and is celebrated in many parts of north and west India with kite flying. (ANI)
--MP
Clashes continue between SP and BSP in UP
Lucknow/Etawah/Agra/Faizabad, Jan 12 (ANI): Clashes continued between Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) activists in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.
Senior leader of the SP and son of party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav staged protest along with party workers outside a prison in Lucknow.
"Our aim is to protest against the behaviour meted out to the students. SP will support students protesting anywhere. This government will have to change its language and attitude towards students," he said.
In home district of Mulayam, Etawah, violence continued for the third day, as protesters set a bus on fire.
Security has been beefed in the city in wake of continuing clashes.
"If such kind of incidents are repeated then strict action would be taken, and in this case also, we have gathered information and will make arrests," said S. R. S. Aditya, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
Meanwhile, SP workers staged protest and burnt an effigy of the state chief minister Mayawati in Agra. A state-run bus was damaged.
Earlier, the SP has blamed Mayawati and her BSP for the violence in the state in which at least one person was killed and many others were injured.
Clashes between police and SP activists were also reported from Faizabad. (ANI)
--MP
AIDS affected widow ostracised with kids in Uttar Pradesh village
Pratapgarh (Uttar Pradesh), Jan.11 (ANI): Wide scale misinformation about HIV and AIDS is making life impossible for victims in an Uttar Pradesh village.
A 25-year-old woman along with her three children here has been turned an outcast by her in-laws for being affected with AIDS that she contacted from her husband.
Her in-laws have ostracized the mother and her kids after her taxi driver husband died. He used to work in Mumbai.
"My in-laws told me to leave the home. I pleaded and asked how I could leave the home just like that. They told me that till the time my husband survived you were allowed to stay but now since he is no more, it is better if I leave their place as well," said Badrunnisha, the widow and AIDS affected.
Although the Government has launched a nation-wide programme to educate the people about the disease, the stigma is still widely prevalent.
Social workers from a voluntary forum have taken up her cause to help Badrunnisha to regain her rightful place in the society.
"The way Badrunnisha has been forced out of her husband's home is absolutely unfair. She got this (disease) from her husband. They can't blame her for this. She should get all her due rights and be allowed to stay with her family again," said Pooja Yadav, a social worker in Pratapgarh District.
District health officials call the unfortunate development as the result of social stigma.
"We have told our (health) workers to explain and enlighten the villagers about the disease, and that it can happen to anybody, anywhere and anytime. And we are following up with the development," said Dr. Ram Gopal Verma, Chief Medical Officer, Pratapgarh.
India has roughly 2.5 million people infected with HIV, less than half the number of cases that previous studies estimated.
An earlier U.N. study had estimated 5.7 million HIV cases, which would have been the highest total in the world. But as per the latest available data, India, which has a population of 1.1 billion, has fewer HIV cases than South Africa and Nigeria. (ANI)
--MP
Mayawati says student violence was SP-led conspiracy against her govt.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Lucknow, Jan 9 (ANI): Coming down heavily on Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for accusing her of ordering police firing on his party workers, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday said that the students' violence in the state was a conspiracy orchestrated by the SP against her government.
Mayawati has also warned that no party would be allowed to take law and order into their hands.
Protests across the state by SP workers led to the release of party leaders Shivpal Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav, hours after UP Police in Lucknow arrested them during a student-organised agitation.
Talking about the violence that occurred in Mulayam's village Saifai, Mayawati said the police fired at protesters only after the mob started pelting stones at the police.
According to sources, at least two persons were killed and several others were injured in the police firing at protesting students.
Earlier in the day, party workers participated in a state-wide protest that turned violent in places like Etah and Saifai.
In Allahabad, Samjawadi Party activists stalled the movement of Ganga-Gomti Express train.
"Today, all of us have gathered here to protest against the arrest of our leader Akhilesh Yadav and our state in-charge Shivpal Yadav by stalling the Ganga-Gomti Express in Allahabad, "said Ravindra Yadav, the district head of the Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha.
The train later moved only after police intervened into the matter. (ANI)
--
-AA
Samajwadi Party activists protest arrest of Shivpal, Akhilesh Yadav in U.P.
Lucknow, Jan 9 (ANI): Protests across Uttar Pradesh by Samajwadi Party (SP) workers today led to the release of party leaders Shivpal Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav, hours after they were arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police in Lucknow during a student-organised agitation.
Earlier in the day, party workers participated in a statewide protest that turned violent in places like Etah and Saifai.
In Allahabad, Samjawadi Party activists stalled the movement of Ganga-Gomti Express train.
"Today, all of us have gathered here to protest against the arrest of our leader Akhilesh Yadav and our state in-charge Shivpal Yadav by stalling the Ganga-Gomti Express in Allahabad. We want to uproot the inefficient Mayawati Government, which wants to curb democracy, put a stop to student unions and resort to using force against the activists of the Union who raised their voices against injustice at the Lucknow University. Today we have stalled the train to protest against the injustice meted out to us,"said Ravindra Yadav, the district head of the Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha.
The train moved after police intervention.
The Samajwadi party leaders were arrested for protesting against the incarceration of two leaders of the party's student wing, the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha.
The Sabha was protesting against a ban on the student unions elections in the state by the Mayawati Government.
The situation got out of hand when the police resorted to a baton charge and ill treated the two party leaders. (ANI)
--
-AA
Mayawati alleges threat to her life from Congress leaders; Congress refutes
New Delhi, Jan 7 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's allegation that certain Congress leaders were conspiring to eliminate her has been refuted by the Congress party.
Alleging threat to her life, Maywati told reporters that the names of the Congress leaders would be disclosed at "an appropriate time."
The reported refusal of the Central Government to give her a Special Protection Group (SPG) cover has perhaps been a cause for this controversy. The provision of SPG cover to her needs an amendment to the law on the subject.
At a press conference here, Mayawati also said the BSP would withdraw support to the UPA at the Centre anytime after January 15. She noted that her party has 19 MPs in the Lok Sabha and seven in the Rajya Sabha.
When asked to elaborate on her statement alleging threat to her life, she said: "I am the Chief Minister of UP. Our intelligence department is not that weak,"
She further alleged that these Congress leaders were "patronising" expelled BSP MP Atiq Ahmed whom she called as "mafia".
She said that despite the Central and State intelligence agencies apprehending that certain forces were trying to assassinate her, the Centre has not sanctioned SPG cover for her.
"I see a big conspiracy of the Congress party and seeing its attitude if anything untoward happens to me then the Congress will be solely responsible," she claimed.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has dismissed Mayawati's allegations.
"I am unable to understand why is she levelling such charges. She has the complete police force of Uttar Pradesh, she has all commandoes", AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh told reporters.
The in-charge of Congress party affairs in Uttar Pradesh said that the Union Government can "never be part of such conspiracies, especially Congress can never be a participant in such matters".
Mayawati's comments come in the wake of some Congress leaders criticising her on issues, including security in the state and her government's failure to avert the January 1 terror attack at Rampur CRPF Group Centre. (ANI)
-AA
Photo exhibition on terrorism hosted in Varanasi
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
By Girish Kumar Dubey Varanasi, Jan.6 (ANI): Having witnessed the holy city Varanasi
becoming the target of terrorists' attack in the recent past, a social
organisation here has organised a photo exhibition to showcase how
terrorism is affecting society and the nation. Organised under the banner of Hindu Janjagruti Manch (HJM) at a
Varanasi court, the objective of the three-day photo exhibition is to
spread public awareness about terrorists' evil intentions. "The purpose of this exhibition is based on real-life experience.
Everybody, mainly the Hindu society, should understand the menace of
terrorism affecting the religious places. They should be aware about
it. We want the people to rise to challenge posed by terrorists," said
Nilesh Singh, a member of the Hindu Janjagruti Manch. Through this exhibition, the HJM hopes that the general public will
unite in countering terrorism through a collective fight. The photo exhibition which started on Friday (January 4) has put on
display various photographs depicting tragedies occurred in the
Kashmir Valley due to terrorist activities and the horrific faces of
individuals misguided by Taliban. (ANI) The exhibition concludes on Sunday (January 6). (ANI)--
-AA Post terror attacks: UP police carrying out identification drive
Gorakhpur, Jan 5 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Police have launched a massive identification drive in Gorakhpur almost eight months after a serial blasts rocked the town.
The identification drive also comes in the wake of recent terror attacks in the State and the investigations revealing that the accused in one of the blasts had links with the city.
An alert has been sounded along with the launching of an identification drive.
"The first thing is that all criminal elements in the region will come under the scanner," said K. Satyanarayan, SSP, Gorakhpur.
To register the information, the police is preparing a list by filling up two kinds of forms one meant for tenants while another is for servants along with their photographs.
People are extending their full co-operation to ensure that the verification process goes on smoothly.
"The whole process is to be appreciated and we have no hassles with that. The co-operation of people is a must and we are not interfering in the process. It is for our benefit," said Shailesh Pandey, a tenant.
"The verification is important. It is undertaken to ensure that terrorists don't take shelter here," said Meena Chaudhry, another resident of the city.
The increasing incidence of terror acts including the Gorakhpur serial blasts, blasts in the court premises in the three cities of Lucknow, Faizabad and Varanasi and the very recent attack on the Rampur paramilitary camp have set alarm bells ringing. (ANI)
--
-AA
Media coverage leads officials to capture pythons hibernating in a UP village
Bakharia Village (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 5 (ANI): It was only after intense media coverage in local news channels that led to officials of the State Forest Department to send a team to a remote village of Bakharia in Basti district of Uttar Pradesh to capture over half a dozen pythons which were found hibernating in the village.
For the last eight months, eight pythons were found dwelling in one of the villager's homes. Consequently, the entire community was living under fear and limited their movement outside their home.
"Despite repeated complaints, nobody from the forest department came here. Only when the media intervened and my complaints were shown by news channels and the press, the forest department came to catch these pythons," said Ramji Mishra, owner of the house from where pythons were caught by Forest officials.
Aided by a professional snake catcher, officials on Saturday caught six out of eight pythons from a house here.
"Six pythons have been caught. We went there with our team and the snakes were found in hibernation mode hidden amidst foliage. We have now caught each and every python and ensure that there is none there anymore," said NK Singh, Zonal director, Forest department.
However, officials of the forest department have denied the allegation, and said that they did not get any information about the pythons before this.
It is also alleged that there are many more such villages in the district, where pythons are taking shelter and the forest department is completely ignoring the fact. (ANI)
-AA
Supporters offer prayers for Sonia's speedy recovery
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 5 (ANI): Supporters of Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi held a special prayer at Sidheshwar temple here for her speedy recovery.
The prayer meeting was organised by Akhilesh Singh, the MLA from the Sadar Assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh.
"Sonia Gandhi has taken the lead in many development works in the country. We wish her speedy recovery," said a priest at the temple.
Srikrishna, another priest at the temple, said they offered prayers for Sonia's long life.
"Sonia has always been there with us during our difficult times. We are praying for her speedy recovery. When Akhilesh Singh came to know of her illness, he guided us to organise a Mahamritunjay Jaap (a special prayer for longevity)," he said.
UPA Chairperson Sonia, 61, is recuperating in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi after she was admitted there following chest pain on Monday midnight. (ANI)
Cold wave continues in North India
Thursday, January 3, 2008
New Delhi, Jan 2 (ANI): At least 10 more lives have been claimed by a cold wave gripping North India.
Eight have died in Uttar Pradesh and two in Punjab.
Punjab and Haryana are the two states that have been most severely affected by the cold wave.
In the capital, the night temperature on Wednesday plummeted to around one degree celsius.
Many people in New Delhi claimed that they noticed 'snow-like' ice on their cars when they woke up in the morning.
"We have seen that there is frost over a few cars. This is the first time in this season that we are experiencing such cold wave conditions," said Balwinder, a resident.
There is no cheer from Meteorological department too which has said that the cold wave conditions are likely to persist for a couple of more days.
The mercury level has went down to 1.8 degrees Celsius in Agra where the death count has reached at 30.
The situation in Bihar is equally bad where many people have died because of severe cold.
In Patna, the poor people are the worst affected due to lack of warm clothing and wood to make bonfires to keep themselves warm.
"It's so cold out here. We are somehow trying to cope up with the conditions. But we do not have warm clothes and no wood to burn fire. All this is making life difficult. Even the government is not helping us," said Shiv, a resident.
The mercury level plunged to minus one degree Celsius in Churu in Rajasthan.
Surprisingly, the hill resort of Shimla is warmer with mercury levels pegged at 3.5 degrees Celsius.
In the Kashmir Valley, summer capital Srinagar recorded minus four degrees Celsius. (ANI)
Chandra Shekhar's son wins Ballia Lok Sabha by-polls
Lucknow, Jan 2(ANI): Son of late former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, Neeraj Shekhar has won the prestigious Ballia Lok Sabha seat on a Samajwadi Party ticket. The Parliamentary constituency had fallen vacant after Chandra Shekhar's demise on July 8, 2007. He was suffering from multiple myeloma, a form of cancer of the plasma cell. Neeraj Shekhar defeated Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP's) Vinay Shankar Tewari by over 1,30,000 votes. He got 2,95,000 votes in his favour, while the BJP's Virendra Singh and Congress' Rajiv Upadhya lost their deposits. Both polled over 22,000 and over 10,000 votes respectively. The polling was held in the constituency on December 29, 2007. (ANI) Labels: Politics Farmers burn sugarcane after mill owners refused to buy their produce
Moradabad, Jan 1 (ANI): Farmers in Moradabad were forced to burn their sugarcane produce following the refusal by sugar mill owners to procure their produce.
"We are burning our crop. We are not getting payment for our production and cannot sow wheat in our fields," said Tej Pal Singh, a farmer.
However, the Sugarcane Commissioner has refused the charge levelled by farmers.
"This is a political stand. No such instance has been reported to me. Those who have burnt the sugarcane have not contacted me," said Murtaza, the Sugarcane Commissioner.
Uttar Pradesh is the largest sugarcane producing state in the country. (ANI)
Mayawati announces compensation for kin of Rampur attack victims
Lucknow/Rampur/Kanpur, Jan 1 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati today announced a compensation of one lakh rupees to the next of kin to each of those killed in the terror attack at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp.
"The Rampur incident is an act of cowardliness of the terrorists and we condemn it thoroughly," Mayawati told reporters in Lucknow.
Union Home Minister of State Sriprakash Jaiswal said that an enquiry into the incident would be initiated.
"We will set up an enquiry into the matter and we will keep fighting such terrorist activities in future," Jaiswal said.
At least seven CRPF personnel and a civilian were killed in militants' attack on their camp.
According to the CRPF and police officials, militants armed with AK-47 rifles and grenades attacked the camp at around 2:20 a.m.
According to media reports, Intelligence Bureau (IB) had warned on November 28 against a Fidayeen attack in Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)
Cold wave in North India, claims five lives in Uttar Pradesh
Allahabad/Delhi, Jan 1 (ANI): Intense cold wave conditions prevailing in North India claimed five lives in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad District on Monday, official sources said today.
In Uttar Pradesh, minimum temperatures dipped to three degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, residents in Delhi woke up to the coldest day of the season on New Year today with the minimum temperature dipping to 2.6 degree Celsius.
The minimum temperature has fallen to four points below normal and two points lower than yesterday's 4.7 degree Celsius.
The maximum temperature was recorded at 20.8 degree Celsius against yesterday's 21.5 degree Celsius.
The Weather officials have predicted further fall in the temperature from tomorrow. They attributed the fall to cold wave conditions, currently prevailing over Haryana, north Rajasthan and eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh.
However, with the weather clear, there was no disruption of flights.
Freezing cold gripped Punjab and Haryana today with minimum temperatures dropping to the season's lowest at some places.
The Meteorological Department in Chandigarh said, the city witnessed the season's coldest night as minimum temperatures dropped to 1.4 degrees Celsius, five degrees below normal. In Amritsar, the minimum temperature was minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, five below normal, while minimum temperature in Patiala was 1 degrees Celsius, six below normal, making it the coldest night so far.
A thick layer of ice has enveloped the famous Dal Lake in Kashmir as the cold wave sweeps the Valley.
The Valley recorded a minimum temperature of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on Monday night.
The local people are facing hardships due to the sub-zero temperatures.
"The Dal Lake has become frozen. It is so thick that it does not break even if
a person walks on the lake. Children and adults are falling sick due to cold weather conditions," said Inayat, a resident.
Coupled with intense cold, Kashmir Valley is also facing a dry spell compounding the problems of the people, who are apprehending a severe shortage of water and electricity during the winter months as the flow in Valley's rivers, streams and springs has drastically reduced.
The power shortage, already at a perturbing eighty per cent, might assume the proportions of a grave crisis if the situation persists.
The snowfall, widely expected with the onset of 40-day long 'Chilla-e-kalaan' in last week of December, has eluded the Valley so far. It is hoped that the snowfall could break the current intense dry cold spell. (ANI)
Gorakhpur in UP has a Krishi Panchang
By Vipul Goel
Gorakhpur, January 1 (ANI): To enable farmers to select the right crop in the right season, Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group (GEAG), a voluntary forum of Chauri Chaura town near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh has prepared an agriculture calendar.
Claimed to be first of its kind, "Krishi Panchang" is based on conventional knowledge and scientific methods.
"This calendar is mainly for marginal farmers and women farmers. Actually, the information that the State Agriculture Department and various agriculture universities publish, remains with big farmers only. The information never reaches small and marginal farmers," said Dr. Siraj Vaji, President, Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group.
"Also this information revolves around wheat and paddy and fertilisers and seldom has it spoken about mixed farming. Hence, to bridge this gap we have made a Krishi Panchang," Dr. Vaji added.
"We have published about lucrative agricultural patterns, like what should be sown, irrigated and harvested when and what manures and pesticides are good for which crop. This Krishi Panchang is a combination of traditional practices and scientific methods," added Dr. Vaji.
The calendar provides comprehensive information about beneficial agricultural practices apart from dates and holidays for the year 2008.
Starting with January, the calendar includes the crops that should be sown in a particular month, information about the pests that may harm the crop, potential cure for the pests, irrigation needs, time of harvest, ways of storing the crop and even marketing avenues.
Several NGO members are visiting one village to another in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur District to disseminate information about the Krishi Panchang.
The Krishi Panchang is distributed free of cost to the women farmers, who are also given detailed information to understand it, during special camps by the NGO members. The women are supposed to explain the same to their fellow men at home.
Women farmers are happy to receive such a calendar devoted to their actual needs in arranging livelihood.
"I have seen something like this for the first time ever. In future, we would be able to reap the benefits of this Krishi Panchang, as now we have started using the fertilisers and pesticides mentioned in this calendar as per a schedule," said Hakikun Devi, a women farmer.
"Earlier whatever little information we used to get about profitable agricultural practices, it used to go into oblivion with time. But now, if we forget something, we can always see it in this Krishi Panchang," she added.
"This Krishi Panchang is helping us a lot. Earlier, we were unaware of various crops and the right time to sow and harvest them but this calendar has everything in it. Now we can read it and choose our next step accordingly to get a good crop," said Manorama Devi, another women farmer.
This agriculture calendar also informs about various manures, ways to make vermipost, information about pesticides and fungicides. It also has conventional proverbs in vogue about various agriculture related facts. (ANI)
Shivraj Patil condemns militant attack on CRPF in Rampur
New Delhi, Jan 1 (ANI): Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today condemned the attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Group Centre at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh. "I condemn today's attack on the CRPF Group Centre at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh. The Home Ministry is in touch with the Uttar Pradesh Government and CRPF authorities following the incident," said Patil in a message.
Patil said a detailed report has been sought about the facts and circumstances of the incident. He also added that the concerned authorities have been asked to take immediate and effective measures to identify and trace the culprits and bring them to book.
"I convey my sympathies to the kin of those killed in the attack and pray for speedy recovery of the injured," Patil said.
At least seven personnel belonging to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in militants' attack on their camp in the wee hours on Tuesday.
A civilian person was also killed in the attack.
According to the CRPF and police officials, militants armed with AK-47 rifles and grenades attacked the camp at around 2:20 a.m.
The security personnel and police patrolling the area intercepted the attackers leading to a fierce gun battle in which seven CRPF personnel and a civilian were killed, they said.
The entire area has been cordoned off.
According to media reports, Intelligence Bureau (IB) had warned the Uttar Pradesh Government on November 28 against a Fidayeen attack. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh to implement VAT from today
Lucknow, Jan 1 (ANI): Amid opposition from a section of traders' organisations, Uttar Pradesh is all set to implement Value Added Tax (VAT) from today. State Governor T V Rajeswar issue an ordinance today, for implementation of VAT in the state. In the wake of threats from various traders' organisations to protest the imposition of VAT, the State Government has decided to invoke Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA). With Uttar Pradesh deciding to implement VAT, this tax system has now been adopted across the country. In the absence of the VAT regime, manufacturers and traders were unable to take benefit of Input Tax Credit, resulting into higher cost of goods as compared to other states. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Vyapar Mandal and the transport associations today continued their four-day long hunger strike to protest VAT. As per the tax reforms announced by Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on his 2004 budget speech, all states were to implement VAT from April 2005. (ANI) Labels: Business Seven killed in a militant attack on a CRPF camp
Rampur, Jan 1 (ANI): At least seven personnel belonging to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
were killed in militants' attack on their camp in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur District in the wee hours
on Tuesday.
A civilian person was also killed in the attack, which the CRPF uses for its recruitment purpose.
According to the CRPF and police officials, militants armed with AK-47 rifles and grenades
attacked the camp at around 2:20 a.m.
The security personnel and police patrolling the area intercepted the attackers leading to a fierce
gun battle in which seven CRPF personnel and a civilian were killed, they said.
The entire area has been cordoned off and search operation is going on. Senior official have
rushed to the site.
According to media reports, Intelligence Bureau (IB) had warned on November 28 against a
Fidayeen attack in Uttar Pradesh. (ANI) Labels: Top-Stories Largest Muslim congregation begins in Uttar Pradesh
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh), Dec 31 (ANI): A large number of Muslims have gathered in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh District for the Alami Ijtema, the largest international congregation.
This time, congregation is being held in Sherwan, a nondescript hamlet, where discussion will take place on ways to combat targeting of the community worldwide.
The Sherwan village now boasts of a 4.6 million square foot shamina that can accommodate the gathering and includes hostels, clinics and cellular service providers.
Besides devotees from all over India, delegates from Saudi Arabia, France, Canada and the UK are taking part in the meet.
The delegates at the meet said the main problem confronting the religion was that the followers did not follow the tenets of Islam in their daily life.
"All the people living in this world who fears Allah and believe in Allah and follows the tenets of religion set by the god. Everybody who offers Namaz (prayers) and show allegiance to Deen (faith) should try to become honest, start loving each other and stop the bloodshed and violence," said Riyaz Ahmed from Aligarh.
Anwar Hussain from Meerut, said: "Any Muslim living anywhere either in Pakistan, America or Iraq. If they are persecuted anywhere then its impact is felt in Azamgarh, because we are one family and believe in one faith."
The meet also turned out to be a mass marriage venue with 500 couple getting married at a simple ceremony.
The three-day meet concludes on January 1.
Similar congregations were held in Jaunpur, Allahabad and Barabanki in the 90s. The largest international congregation is the brainwork of global Islamic movement Tablighi Jammat.
--
-AA
VAT to be effective in Uttar Pradesh from tomorrow
Lucknow, Dec 31 (ANI): Amid opposition from a section of traders' organisations, Value Added Tax (VAT) will be effective from tomorrow, in Uttar Pradesh.
The State Government has issued an ordinance in this regard, after it had decided to implement the new tax system in October.
Uttar Pradesh is the only state left to implement VAT.
In the absence of the VAT regime, manufacturers and traders were unable to take benefit of Input Tax Credit, resulting into higher cost of goods as compared to other states.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Vyapar Mandal and the transport associations have called a state-wide shutdown tomorrow to protest against the implementation of VAT in the state.
As per the tax reforms announced by Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on his 2004 budget speech, all states were to implement VAT from April 2005. (ANI)
--
-AA
Earlier Stories:
SP expels Amar, Jaya Prada |
Amar Singh quits top party post |
Lawsuit filed against 'Paa' in Patna court |
Man dies after baton charge at Patna reality show ... |
Amitabh in fresh trouble over Uttar Pradesh farmla... |
Hooligans harass Kangana Ranaut in Lucknow |
Parties demand Maya's removal |
Maya, Maneka in war of words |
BJP condemns NSA imposed on Varun |
Alliance with SP, LJP till polls: Lalu |
|
|
