A 23-year-old hotel management student has alleged that she was abducted and raped by four men who kept her confined for about a month, police said Wednesday.
The victim told the police that she was kidnapped from near Pragati Maidan exhibition complex Aug 31 by a man whom she had known for some years.
He first tried to drag her into his car but she resisted. He then beat her and told bystanders not to interfere claiming it was a 'family matter', said a senior police officer.
The victim is a resident of west Delhi's Uttam Nagar area and is an intern in Greater Noida.
'She alleged that the man took her to a friend's residence in Kalkaji in south Delhi. He then allegedly took her to Mussorie, Rishikesh and Greater Noida.
'She said she was raped by four men and they even filmed it,' the officer said.
She said she escaped from their clutches Sep 26 and reached her home. She then approached the police. Her medical tests have confirmed rape.link
Wednesday 30 September 2009
Bottoms up! Delhi to open 83 more liquor shops
The Delhi government Wednesday decided to open 83 more liquor shops in the city and allow opening of alcohol vends in malls too, but said its excise policy encouraged consumption of mild liquor instead of hard drinks.
The decision was taken by a Delhi cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. With these 83 new shops, the number of government controlled liquor shops in Delhi will go up to 590.
'The Delhi cabinet approved the Excise Policy for the year 2009-10, which would encourage mild drinks over hard ones while allowing newer outlets for the sale of liquor,' it was announced after the meeting.
Delhi Finance and Excise Minister A.K. Walia said a new type of licence for wholesale supplies of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) is being introduced where the wholesale supplier would be allowed to open retail shops of his own products registered in Delhi.
'It also permits opening of new vends in malls. A new type of licence for stand-alone restaurants is being introduced where only wine and beer will be served,' Walia added.
The excise minister said that with these new decisions, the government wanted to ensure 'safe and good quality liquor to the people and check illicit trading in liquor'.
The revenue collection for the current year is 14 percent higher than last year and with the opening of new outlets, an extra increase in revenue in terms of duties and fees is anticipated, Walia said without giving details.
The minister said the retail prices of country liquor in Delhi had also been revised in the meeting.
'In view of the revenue potential of increase in retail prices, the Delhi cabinet approved increase in rate of quart from Rs.50 to Rs.60, pint from Rs.25 to Rs.30 and nips from Rs.13 to Rs.15. This would help to increase government revenue to about Rs.35 crore (Rs.350 million),' he said.
Of the 83 new shops, 54 will be of IMFL and 29 will sell country liquor. 'With this, the total number of IMFL vends in Delhi will be 468 and country liquor vends will be 122,' Walia said.link
Monday 28 September 2009
I can't drive in this city anymore
Sachin Arora used to deal in cars but today he is too scared to venture out on the city roads riding his favourite set of wheels.
The 28-year-old has been through hell. Two carjackers, disguised as executives interested in buying a new car, took him on a test drive and blinded him with red chili powder and tried to take away the vehicle at gunpoint.
Arora fought back and the assailants ran away when the car hit a road divider, attracting the attention of passersby. The carjackers fled but Arora is still going through trauma.
"I had heard about the Lal Mirchi gang striking in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh but I am shocked that such a thing can happen in Delhi as well. I don't think I have the guts to drive in this city anymore," said Arora, cleaning his swollen eyes.
The young entrepreneur has eight stitches across his face for the wounds that the carjackers inflicted on him by hitting with the butt of a gun.
Arora was at his cousin's auto showroom in Vikaspuri on Sunday when two men who appeared like MNC executives asked him for a test drive of a luxury sedan.
Later, when they neared the Rajouri Garden police station, the two beat him with pistol butt and threw chilli powder in his eyes.
"There was no police official near the spot. As it was near the police station it would have taken just 5 minutes for a cop to reach the place but they took around an hour. That too after the control room was called thrice. Had there been any police official or even a traffic cop on the road, they would not have dared to rob me in broad daylight," added Arora.
The police said that investigations into the case were on and that they had interrogated a few people in the area. "We will issue a sketch of the two accused to get some leads into the case," said a senior police official.link
The 28-year-old has been through hell. Two carjackers, disguised as executives interested in buying a new car, took him on a test drive and blinded him with red chili powder and tried to take away the vehicle at gunpoint.
Arora fought back and the assailants ran away when the car hit a road divider, attracting the attention of passersby. The carjackers fled but Arora is still going through trauma.
"I had heard about the Lal Mirchi gang striking in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh but I am shocked that such a thing can happen in Delhi as well. I don't think I have the guts to drive in this city anymore," said Arora, cleaning his swollen eyes.
The young entrepreneur has eight stitches across his face for the wounds that the carjackers inflicted on him by hitting with the butt of a gun.
Arora was at his cousin's auto showroom in Vikaspuri on Sunday when two men who appeared like MNC executives asked him for a test drive of a luxury sedan.
Later, when they neared the Rajouri Garden police station, the two beat him with pistol butt and threw chilli powder in his eyes.
"There was no police official near the spot. As it was near the police station it would have taken just 5 minutes for a cop to reach the place but they took around an hour. That too after the control room was called thrice. Had there been any police official or even a traffic cop on the road, they would not have dared to rob me in broad daylight," added Arora.
The police said that investigations into the case were on and that they had interrogated a few people in the area. "We will issue a sketch of the two accused to get some leads into the case," said a senior police official.link
Friday 25 September 2009
Diabetes education portal launched in Delhi
A first of its kind "made for India" diabetes education portal of the Delhi Diabetic Research Centre (DDRC) was launched in the city today.
Launching the website - www.ddrc.in, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said, "DDRC's website will provide information, awareness and education related to diabetes, especially in the context of Indian diabetic patients. It will be different from other websites which primarily cater to western audience and do not have any relativity in the Indian context."
"This website will cater to the Indian diabetic patients' needs. Their queries regarding the disease, all do's and dont's are there in the website," DDRC chairman Dr A K Jhingan said.
The website also has a diabetic matrimony section. More than 1,000 men and women have registered on this website, Jhingan said.link
Launching the website - www.ddrc.in, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said, "DDRC's website will provide information, awareness and education related to diabetes, especially in the context of Indian diabetic patients. It will be different from other websites which primarily cater to western audience and do not have any relativity in the Indian context."
"This website will cater to the Indian diabetic patients' needs. Their queries regarding the disease, all do's and dont's are there in the website," DDRC chairman Dr A K Jhingan said.
The website also has a diabetic matrimony section. More than 1,000 men and women have registered on this website, Jhingan said.link
Thursday 24 September 2009
Sehwag reiterates captaincy stance
India opener Virender Sehwag has revealed he would captain the team but believes the selectors should groom a younger player to take over the role from Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Sehwag, who served as vice-captain of the Indian team until a shoulder injury laid him low, was reported to have told a television channel that he neither wanted to be captain of the Indian team nor did he want the vice-captaincy.
Sehwag, who stepped down as captain of the Indian Premier League side Delhi Daredevils, said age was against him competing with the 28-year-old Dhoni for the captaincy.
"Look, I am 30 and it is unlikely that I will be made captain once Dhoni's reign is over," Sehwag said.
"Right now, I don't think Dhoni should be replaced, but if he is forced away from the game, say through injury, then I have no problem leading the side if the captaincy is offered to me.
"But I think it is better if the selectors groom someone who can take on the responsibility at a later stage.
"I have led India before and when Rahul Dravid quit, I was not part of the team so there was no question of me being made the captain then.
"At this stage there is no point in my being vice-captain either."
Sehwag, missing the Champions Trophy in South Africa due to a shoulder injury, backed Gautam Gambhir, his replacement as Delhi Daredevils captain, to take over the national captaincy from Dhoni.
"I have watched Gautam operate from close quarters and I know he has the talent," he said.
"He thinks positively and he has great leadership skills.
"One of the reasons for giving up the Daredevils captaincy, apart from wanting to concentrate on my batting, was because I felt Gautam should be given the chance to make the team do better.
"I led Daredevils to the semi-finals in two seasons, but I think he can lead us to the final.
"Also, the next edition of the IPL is the only chance for Gautam because the players will change with another auction taking place after that." link
Sehwag, who served as vice-captain of the Indian team until a shoulder injury laid him low, was reported to have told a television channel that he neither wanted to be captain of the Indian team nor did he want the vice-captaincy.
Sehwag, who stepped down as captain of the Indian Premier League side Delhi Daredevils, said age was against him competing with the 28-year-old Dhoni for the captaincy.
"Look, I am 30 and it is unlikely that I will be made captain once Dhoni's reign is over," Sehwag said.
"Right now, I don't think Dhoni should be replaced, but if he is forced away from the game, say through injury, then I have no problem leading the side if the captaincy is offered to me.
"But I think it is better if the selectors groom someone who can take on the responsibility at a later stage.
"I have led India before and when Rahul Dravid quit, I was not part of the team so there was no question of me being made the captain then.
"At this stage there is no point in my being vice-captain either."
Sehwag, missing the Champions Trophy in South Africa due to a shoulder injury, backed Gautam Gambhir, his replacement as Delhi Daredevils captain, to take over the national captaincy from Dhoni.
"I have watched Gautam operate from close quarters and I know he has the talent," he said.
"He thinks positively and he has great leadership skills.
"One of the reasons for giving up the Daredevils captaincy, apart from wanting to concentrate on my batting, was because I felt Gautam should be given the chance to make the team do better.
"I led Daredevils to the semi-finals in two seasons, but I think he can lead us to the final.
"Also, the next edition of the IPL is the only chance for Gautam because the players will change with another auction taking place after that." link
Delhi Police driver result announced
The much awaited final result of Delhi Police Constable (Driver) has been announced by the Delhi Police Recruitment board.
For results visit following link:
http://www.delhipolice.nic.in/home/recruitment/driverconst24092009.pdf
Delhi Police driver result can also be accessed from http://www.delhipolice.nic.in/
The Written Test for the recruitment of Constables (Driver) was held on August 20, 2009.
For further details you can log on to http://www.delhipolice.nic.in/
We wish best of luck to all the candidates. The selected students will be appointed as drivers in the Delhi Police.
For results visit following link:
http://www.delhipolice.nic.in/home/recruitment/driverconst24092009.pdf
Delhi Police driver result can also be accessed from http://www.delhipolice.nic.in/
The Written Test for the recruitment of Constables (Driver) was held on August 20, 2009.
For further details you can log on to http://www.delhipolice.nic.in/
We wish best of luck to all the candidates. The selected students will be appointed as drivers in the Delhi Police.
Tuesday 22 September 2009
Delhi cabinet accepts better pay for power employees
The Delhi Cabinet today approved enhanced pay package for around 4,000 employees of government power companies.
The Cabinet accepted the recommendations of a wage revision committee that suggested slightly better pay package for the power companies than the recommendations of the sixth Central Pay Commission, officials said.
They said around 4,000 employees of the IPGCL (Indraprastha Power Generation Co Ltd), Delhi Transco Limited, PPCL (Pragati Power Corporation Limited) and DPCL (Delhi Power Company Limited) would be benefited from this decision.
The recommendations would be implemented retrospectively with effect from January 1, 2006.
The Wage Revision Committee headed by Justice (Retd) Lokeshwar Prasad submitted its report to the city government in December last year which was further examined by a review committee.
The officials further said that the approved recommendations are slightly better than the recommendations of the sixth Central Pay Commission.
The Cabinet accepted the recommendations of a wage revision committee that suggested slightly better pay package for the power companies than the recommendations of the sixth Central Pay Commission, officials said.
They said around 4,000 employees of the IPGCL (Indraprastha Power Generation Co Ltd), Delhi Transco Limited, PPCL (Pragati Power Corporation Limited) and DPCL (Delhi Power Company Limited) would be benefited from this decision.
The recommendations would be implemented retrospectively with effect from January 1, 2006.
The Wage Revision Committee headed by Justice (Retd) Lokeshwar Prasad submitted its report to the city government in December last year which was further examined by a review committee.
The officials further said that the approved recommendations are slightly better than the recommendations of the sixth Central Pay Commission.
FIFA World Cup trophy coming to Delhi on Jan 16 2010
Indian Football fans will have a rare chance to have a close look at the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy when it is displayed in Indian national capital New Delhi and Kolkata (the capital of India's eastern state of West Bengal) in January next year.
The trophy, which was unveiled at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich Monday, will reach New Delhi on January 16 and Kolkata next day en route to South Africa, the host country of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Billed as the biggest ever such event, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour under the aegis of Coca-Cola, the sponsors of the sporting extravaganza in South Africa next year, will pass through 86 countries, including every nation in Africa.link
The trophy, which was unveiled at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich Monday, will reach New Delhi on January 16 and Kolkata next day en route to South Africa, the host country of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Billed as the biggest ever such event, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour under the aegis of Coca-Cola, the sponsors of the sporting extravaganza in South Africa next year, will pass through 86 countries, including every nation in Africa.link
Tamiflu to be available in 480 select chemist shops
Tamiflu, the most effective drug against the H1N1 influenza is now available at a chemist near you, but strictly on prescription.
While the ‘not for sale’ tag is out, Tamilfu along with the second line drug Zanamivir or Relenza has been listed under Schedule X of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 2008.
For you, it will mean that Tamiflu will be available only with 480 select chemists across the country, out of which 30 are from Delhi. To buy Tamiflu you will have to provide three copies of the prescription from a doctor, one will be stamped and returned to you, and the other two will be kept by the retail chemist and the distributor.
The prescription must also clearly contain contact details of the doctor.
The sale of Tamiflu and Relenza will be directly monitored by the respective state drug controllers.
The Government believes the restrictions on the sale of Tamiflu is good because experts worry that easier availability may translate into overuse.
“Over prescription is not correct as we know that these viruses or any bacteria can mutate and develop resistance to the drug,” Dr Suranjit Chatterjee said.
Pharma companies like Ranbaxy, Strides Arcolab and Hetero Drugs will be stockpiling Tamiflu as of now. Ten tablets of Tamiflu will cost Rs 450 and you can buy 20 tablets of Relenza, marketed in India as Virenza by Cipla, for Rs 800.
Relenza is an inhaler drug and cannot be administered to children under the age of seven. link
While the ‘not for sale’ tag is out, Tamilfu along with the second line drug Zanamivir or Relenza has been listed under Schedule X of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 2008.
For you, it will mean that Tamiflu will be available only with 480 select chemists across the country, out of which 30 are from Delhi. To buy Tamiflu you will have to provide three copies of the prescription from a doctor, one will be stamped and returned to you, and the other two will be kept by the retail chemist and the distributor.
The prescription must also clearly contain contact details of the doctor.
The sale of Tamiflu and Relenza will be directly monitored by the respective state drug controllers.
The Government believes the restrictions on the sale of Tamiflu is good because experts worry that easier availability may translate into overuse.
“Over prescription is not correct as we know that these viruses or any bacteria can mutate and develop resistance to the drug,” Dr Suranjit Chatterjee said.
Pharma companies like Ranbaxy, Strides Arcolab and Hetero Drugs will be stockpiling Tamiflu as of now. Ten tablets of Tamiflu will cost Rs 450 and you can buy 20 tablets of Relenza, marketed in India as Virenza by Cipla, for Rs 800.
Relenza is an inhaler drug and cannot be administered to children under the age of seven. link
Monday 21 September 2009
Prices of LPG cylinders might go up
Prices of LPG cylinders might go up in the capital with the cash-strapped Delhi Government mulling doing away with or slashing the subsidy offered on them.
"The issue (whether to continue or reduce subsidy on LPG cylinders) will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting tomorrow," Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta said but refused to divulge details.
However, officials said the government might completely withdraw current subsidy of Rs 40 per cylinder or cut down the subsidy by Rs 25 and give subsidy of Rs 15 per cylinder.
In case the subsidy is withdrawn, the consumers will have to shell out Rs 320 per cylinder against prevailing rate of Rs 280 and in case the government opts to cut down the subsidy by Rs 25, a cylinder will cost Rs 305, an official said.link
"The issue (whether to continue or reduce subsidy on LPG cylinders) will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting tomorrow," Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta said but refused to divulge details.
However, officials said the government might completely withdraw current subsidy of Rs 40 per cylinder or cut down the subsidy by Rs 25 and give subsidy of Rs 15 per cylinder.
In case the subsidy is withdrawn, the consumers will have to shell out Rs 320 per cylinder against prevailing rate of Rs 280 and in case the government opts to cut down the subsidy by Rs 25, a cylinder will cost Rs 305, an official said.link
Bagan eyeing revenge, Churchill 2nd title of season
I-League champions Churchill Brothers would look to pocket their second title of the season while Mohun Bagan will have revenge on mind when the two sides face-off in the final of the Durand Cup football tournament in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Churchill had beaten Mohun Bagan 2-0 in the final of the IFA Shield in Kolkata just 10 days ago and Karim Bencherifa's boys would want to settle scores on Tuesday.
Mohun Bagan has another record to chase as a win on Tuesday would make them the side with the most number of Durand Cup titles. If they beat Churchill, they will bag the third oldest football trophy in the world for the 17th time and go past their local rivals East Bengal who have 16 crowns.
Churchill's performance in the tournament so far has been far from pefect. They barely made it to the last four stage, drawing with unfancied Assam Rifles 1-1 after beating Sporting Clube de Goa 1-0 in their opening match.
They were at their best in the tournament against their Goan rivals Dempo in the semifinal with star striker Odafe Okolie coming up with an inspiring performance.
In contrast, Mohun Bagan's march to the semifinals was much more convincing. They thrashed ONGC 5-1, before prevailing over JCT 2-0. In the semifinal, they were the deserving winners, beating defending champions Mahindra United 2-1.
For Mohun Bagan, the strike duo of veteran Jose Ramirez Barretto and Nigerian Chidi Edeh have been clicked well.
Barretto did not play in the IFA Shield due to an injury but in their first tournament together, he and Chidi have scored six goals out of nine for Mohun Bagan.
Chidi is the leading goal scorer with four goals to his credit while Barretto has struck thrice so far.
On the other hand, Churchill will be hoping that their star striker Odafe comes up with his best on Tuesday. He showed glimpses of top form against Dempo in the semifinal.
With both teams having quality players upfront, eventually it will all boil down to the performance of players in the backline. Defenders on either side have their task cut out.link
Churchill had beaten Mohun Bagan 2-0 in the final of the IFA Shield in Kolkata just 10 days ago and Karim Bencherifa's boys would want to settle scores on Tuesday.
Mohun Bagan has another record to chase as a win on Tuesday would make them the side with the most number of Durand Cup titles. If they beat Churchill, they will bag the third oldest football trophy in the world for the 17th time and go past their local rivals East Bengal who have 16 crowns.
Churchill's performance in the tournament so far has been far from pefect. They barely made it to the last four stage, drawing with unfancied Assam Rifles 1-1 after beating Sporting Clube de Goa 1-0 in their opening match.
They were at their best in the tournament against their Goan rivals Dempo in the semifinal with star striker Odafe Okolie coming up with an inspiring performance.
In contrast, Mohun Bagan's march to the semifinals was much more convincing. They thrashed ONGC 5-1, before prevailing over JCT 2-0. In the semifinal, they were the deserving winners, beating defending champions Mahindra United 2-1.
For Mohun Bagan, the strike duo of veteran Jose Ramirez Barretto and Nigerian Chidi Edeh have been clicked well.
Barretto did not play in the IFA Shield due to an injury but in their first tournament together, he and Chidi have scored six goals out of nine for Mohun Bagan.
Chidi is the leading goal scorer with four goals to his credit while Barretto has struck thrice so far.
On the other hand, Churchill will be hoping that their star striker Odafe comes up with his best on Tuesday. He showed glimpses of top form against Dempo in the semifinal.
With both teams having quality players upfront, eventually it will all boil down to the performance of players in the backline. Defenders on either side have their task cut out.link
Sehwag quits as Delhi captain in IPL
Aggressive opener Virender Sehwag quit as captain of Twenty20 Indian Premier League's Delhi Daredevils on Monday.
Sehwag, who is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during this year's IPL tournament held in South Africa, said he wanted to focus on his batting.
Daredevils franchise chairman Srinivas Bommidala said the team respected Sehwag's decision.
"When he expressed a desire to step down in order to fully focus and concentrate on batting, we respected his decision and accepted his request," Bommidala said in a statement.
Sehwag's opening partner, Gautam Gambhir, will lead Delhi Daredevils in next month's Champions League tournament featuring top provincial T20 teams from five countries.
Sehwag, who will turn 31 next month, averages 24.5 in 47 T20 internationals, with a top score of 94 not out and six half centuries.
That's down on his average of 34.33 in limited-overs internationals for India and 50 in test cricket.link
At 100, Delhi's oldest Durga Puja turns green
Starting September 23, the Kashmere Gate Durga Puja Samiti is set to recreate the magic in its centenary celebrations from the unique craftsmanship that goes into creating the idol of the goddess, to traditional pujas, right up to the immersion where a bullock cart ferries the idol. Interestingly, the capital's oldest puja also happens to be eco-friendly.
"As the city gears up for Durga Puja celebrations with pandals coming up in several colonies, the Kashmere Gate function will be an occasion of pride for all Delhiites as it will link them to a tradition that is 100 years old,'' said an office-bearer of the Delhi Durga Puja Samiti, which organizes the event in the area. The samiti is set to highlight the culture and tradition that puja pandals in the area have been showcasing over the past century.
The tradition of celebrating Durga Puja started in Delhi around 1910. Puja was performed by ritually consecrating the mangal ghata, the symbol of the Devi. Pratima puja started in 1912. A year earlier, when Delhi was officially declared the capital of British India, there was a major increase in the Bengali population with a number of government offices shifting here.
From 1948 till today, the Kashmere Gate Durga puja remains among the most popular ones and is thronged by people from across the capital. In 1950, Durga Puja celebrations reverberated with the sound of dhaks. In those days, dhakis were not called from Kolkata and locals played the puja percussionists.
The joint Bijoya procession was held in 1952 for the first time. Prior to this, it was a part of the Ramlila procession. This year also saw the Kashmere Gate idol of Goddess Durga being carried on a bullock cart a tradition that is maintained to date.
The samiti is also sending out an eco-friendly message on its centenary. To begin with, the idol will be made of biodegradable material so that the Yamuna does not get polluted after immersion. In addition to this, the colours used to paint the idol would be vegetable dye-based shades. Non-biodegradable accessories will be removed before the final send-off. While clothes adorned by idols would be given away to the poor, flowers collected during the puja period will be preserved and handed over to an NGO for making eco-friendly colours. link
"As the city gears up for Durga Puja celebrations with pandals coming up in several colonies, the Kashmere Gate function will be an occasion of pride for all Delhiites as it will link them to a tradition that is 100 years old,'' said an office-bearer of the Delhi Durga Puja Samiti, which organizes the event in the area. The samiti is set to highlight the culture and tradition that puja pandals in the area have been showcasing over the past century.
The tradition of celebrating Durga Puja started in Delhi around 1910. Puja was performed by ritually consecrating the mangal ghata, the symbol of the Devi. Pratima puja started in 1912. A year earlier, when Delhi was officially declared the capital of British India, there was a major increase in the Bengali population with a number of government offices shifting here.
From 1948 till today, the Kashmere Gate Durga puja remains among the most popular ones and is thronged by people from across the capital. In 1950, Durga Puja celebrations reverberated with the sound of dhaks. In those days, dhakis were not called from Kolkata and locals played the puja percussionists.
The joint Bijoya procession was held in 1952 for the first time. Prior to this, it was a part of the Ramlila procession. This year also saw the Kashmere Gate idol of Goddess Durga being carried on a bullock cart a tradition that is maintained to date.
The samiti is also sending out an eco-friendly message on its centenary. To begin with, the idol will be made of biodegradable material so that the Yamuna does not get polluted after immersion. In addition to this, the colours used to paint the idol would be vegetable dye-based shades. Non-biodegradable accessories will be removed before the final send-off. While clothes adorned by idols would be given away to the poor, flowers collected during the puja period will be preserved and handed over to an NGO for making eco-friendly colours. link
Saturday 19 September 2009
SARAS Mela begins at Dilli Haat Pitampura
A 16 day long SARAS Mela showcasing a rich tapestry of works from the rural artisans, craftsmen , self help groups and the beneficiaries of Swarna Jyanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana begins this Saturday (19th September,2009) at Dilli Haat Pitampura, New Delhi. The fair has been organized by the Ministry of Rural Development and Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART). The fair will be on till 4th October. It will be inaugurated by Ms. Agatha Sangma, Minister of State for Rural Development.
The Mela aims at facilitating the SGSY beneficiaries, rural artisans, craftsmen and self help groups (SHGs) to exhibit and sell their products. It also provides them the opportunity for additional income as well as wide scale interactions and significant exposure. This exhibition-cum-sale under the brand name of SARAS will display a wide range of products manufactured by the rural artisans, craftsmen and beneficiaries of Self Help Groups from all over the country. It will create an unique platform for developing linkages between the buyers and sellers and also provides an opportunity to deal directly with the buyers.
Around 195 SHGs representing 22 States & different parts of the county are participating in this SARAS Mela at Dilli Haat Pitampura.
Some of the special attractions for this SARAS are Metal work products from Madhya Pradesh, Sambalpur Saris from Orissa, Wood-works from Tamil Nadu, Bamboo Craft from Tripura, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, Terracotta’s from Chhattisgarh, Shawls & Carpets from Jammu & Kashmir and Kantha stitch work from West Bengal. Arrangements are also being made to set up attractive food stalls. Another major attraction of the mega event is the presentation of cultural programs of different States which will be held throughout the duration of the Mela.link
The Mela aims at facilitating the SGSY beneficiaries, rural artisans, craftsmen and self help groups (SHGs) to exhibit and sell their products. It also provides them the opportunity for additional income as well as wide scale interactions and significant exposure. This exhibition-cum-sale under the brand name of SARAS will display a wide range of products manufactured by the rural artisans, craftsmen and beneficiaries of Self Help Groups from all over the country. It will create an unique platform for developing linkages between the buyers and sellers and also provides an opportunity to deal directly with the buyers.
Around 195 SHGs representing 22 States & different parts of the county are participating in this SARAS Mela at Dilli Haat Pitampura.
Some of the special attractions for this SARAS are Metal work products from Madhya Pradesh, Sambalpur Saris from Orissa, Wood-works from Tamil Nadu, Bamboo Craft from Tripura, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, Terracotta’s from Chhattisgarh, Shawls & Carpets from Jammu & Kashmir and Kantha stitch work from West Bengal. Arrangements are also being made to set up attractive food stalls. Another major attraction of the mega event is the presentation of cultural programs of different States which will be held throughout the duration of the Mela.link
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Delhi may be short of 6,500 rooms for Commonwealth Games
On a day when Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi claimed India would stage "a great Games", a review conducted by the tourism ministry reveals a different reality - at least as far as availability of hotel accommodation during the event is concerned.
Only 3,952 of the 'confirmed' 9,500 rooms - a mere 41% - are currently ready with just about six months to go for the March 2010 deadline to expire. That's not all. Of the 2,194 'likely' rooms expected to come up in time for the October 2010 event, only 50% will be ready, according to the ministry's review.
The 'confirmed' rooms were certain to come up in time for the event, while the 'likely' rooms were those expected to be ready. So, as of now, there's a shortfall of some 6,500 rooms. How much of this would be made up by the time the event is held, is anybody's guess. The deadline for completion of these rooms had been fixed for March 2010 to give time for guests to make bookings etc.
The ministry had estimated a demand for 40,000 rooms. Of this, 10,150 were already available, with plans to construct at least 10,000 more, with the rest to be made up from guesthouses and other sources. link
Only 3,952 of the 'confirmed' 9,500 rooms - a mere 41% - are currently ready with just about six months to go for the March 2010 deadline to expire. That's not all. Of the 2,194 'likely' rooms expected to come up in time for the October 2010 event, only 50% will be ready, according to the ministry's review.
The 'confirmed' rooms were certain to come up in time for the event, while the 'likely' rooms were those expected to be ready. So, as of now, there's a shortfall of some 6,500 rooms. How much of this would be made up by the time the event is held, is anybody's guess. The deadline for completion of these rooms had been fixed for March 2010 to give time for guests to make bookings etc.
The ministry had estimated a demand for 40,000 rooms. Of this, 10,150 were already available, with plans to construct at least 10,000 more, with the rest to be made up from guesthouses and other sources. link
Over 300 DDA employees face corruption charges
High-ranking officials are among over 300 employees of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) who are facing anti-corruption cases, some of which are pending for more than two decades.
Out of the total 305 cases, 167 were being investigated by its own Vigilance departments, 72 by Anti-Corruption Branch of Delhi Government and 66 were probed by the Central Bureau of Investigations. The corruption cases were pending against top officers like commissioner, directors, joint directors and deputy directors. Even the superintendent engineers and executive engineers were facing vigilance enquiries.
A total of 39 junior engineers, 11 assistant engineers, six executive engineers and three superintendent engineers among others are found to be allegedly involved in graft charges. Surprisingly, 18 senior officials from DDA retired without completing the pending probe against them.
The revelation came in response to an RTI filed by a social activist, Vivek Garg who sought details of pending corruption cases against DDA employees.
"It is surprising to know that despite several measures, authorities at DDA have failed to curb the menace of corruption," Garg said.
According to a senior official, the strength of Delhi Development Authority is about 22,000. Commissioner (Planning) Vijay Risbud, Directors V K Singhal and Jagdish Chander, Senior PS Ashok Kapoor, three Assistant Engineers Kapoil Deo, P S Rai, S C Verma and 15 junior engineers are among 66 officers against whom cases were registered by the CBI, the RTI reply said.
Whereas, cases were also pending against R C Jain and A K Sharma, both Superintendent Engineers, who have been superannuated from the DDA, it said. Out of the total 72 cases registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch of Delhi Government, four were against assistant engineers and seven were against junior engineers.
The cases were pending against Assistant Engineers S C Garg, Raghunandan, I S Panwar, Brijesh Kumar Garg and Junior Engineers Raj Kumar Malhotra, R C Jai, M S Anand, Kailash Chand Verma, Rajesh Kumar Baliyan, Sat Pal Dabas and Suresh Chand Solanki, the reply said.
The Vigilance Departmental cases were also pending against P M Parate, Director, Joint Director Shashi Kant, Deputy Directors K K Marwah and J B Malik, Executive Engineers S N Paul, S S Bhalla, A K Goel, Lalit Kumar, I J Gupta, Vijay Kumar and Assistant Engineers Shyamlal Singh and B P Badolait, the RTI response said.link
Out of the total 305 cases, 167 were being investigated by its own Vigilance departments, 72 by Anti-Corruption Branch of Delhi Government and 66 were probed by the Central Bureau of Investigations. The corruption cases were pending against top officers like commissioner, directors, joint directors and deputy directors. Even the superintendent engineers and executive engineers were facing vigilance enquiries.
A total of 39 junior engineers, 11 assistant engineers, six executive engineers and three superintendent engineers among others are found to be allegedly involved in graft charges. Surprisingly, 18 senior officials from DDA retired without completing the pending probe against them.
The revelation came in response to an RTI filed by a social activist, Vivek Garg who sought details of pending corruption cases against DDA employees.
"It is surprising to know that despite several measures, authorities at DDA have failed to curb the menace of corruption," Garg said.
According to a senior official, the strength of Delhi Development Authority is about 22,000. Commissioner (Planning) Vijay Risbud, Directors V K Singhal and Jagdish Chander, Senior PS Ashok Kapoor, three Assistant Engineers Kapoil Deo, P S Rai, S C Verma and 15 junior engineers are among 66 officers against whom cases were registered by the CBI, the RTI reply said.
Whereas, cases were also pending against R C Jain and A K Sharma, both Superintendent Engineers, who have been superannuated from the DDA, it said. Out of the total 72 cases registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch of Delhi Government, four were against assistant engineers and seven were against junior engineers.
The cases were pending against Assistant Engineers S C Garg, Raghunandan, I S Panwar, Brijesh Kumar Garg and Junior Engineers Raj Kumar Malhotra, R C Jai, M S Anand, Kailash Chand Verma, Rajesh Kumar Baliyan, Sat Pal Dabas and Suresh Chand Solanki, the reply said.
The Vigilance Departmental cases were also pending against P M Parate, Director, Joint Director Shashi Kant, Deputy Directors K K Marwah and J B Malik, Executive Engineers S N Paul, S S Bhalla, A K Goel, Lalit Kumar, I J Gupta, Vijay Kumar and Assistant Engineers Shyamlal Singh and B P Badolait, the RTI response said.link
Tuesday 15 September 2009
Delhi ill-prepared for Games: Tourism ministry
Delhi it seems is losing the race to host the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Close on the heels of Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president's SOS to prime minister, now Union secretary of tourism has admitted to the lapses on part of state government.
After several false assurances by the state government, the warning bells are now ringing loud and clear. Will preparations be complete in time for the Commonwealth Games or will it prove to be a major embarrassment? Officials cast doubt about capital's preparedness.
Union Secretary of Tourism Sujit Banerjee said, "It is a difficult task, impossible. I can only leave it as a challenge for you."
The nation's worst sporting fears are close to coming true as these ominous words by the tourism secretary were a clear acceptance of the capital's ill-preparedness to host the Games.
The official also saw merit in the doubts raised by CGF president Michael Fennel. He blamed the situation on those involved in the preparations not realising the gravity of the situation.
"They don't realise that it is a matter of prestige, all thinking that there are still 365 days to go," he said.
But the tourism secretary was not alone in worrying about the slow pace of the preparations for the prestigious games. After being under attack by the CGF for delay in various projects, Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikhsit too had on Monday admitted her nervousness in meeting the deadline.
After the CGF president shot a letter seeking the prime minister's intervention to put things in order, the capital is slowly waking up to the reality. But the big question is whether Delhi will be able to meet the challenge and save itself from the embarrassment of failing to host a prestigious multi-sport event?link
After several false assurances by the state government, the warning bells are now ringing loud and clear. Will preparations be complete in time for the Commonwealth Games or will it prove to be a major embarrassment? Officials cast doubt about capital's preparedness.
Union Secretary of Tourism Sujit Banerjee said, "It is a difficult task, impossible. I can only leave it as a challenge for you."
The nation's worst sporting fears are close to coming true as these ominous words by the tourism secretary were a clear acceptance of the capital's ill-preparedness to host the Games.
The official also saw merit in the doubts raised by CGF president Michael Fennel. He blamed the situation on those involved in the preparations not realising the gravity of the situation.
"They don't realise that it is a matter of prestige, all thinking that there are still 365 days to go," he said.
But the tourism secretary was not alone in worrying about the slow pace of the preparations for the prestigious games. After being under attack by the CGF for delay in various projects, Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikhsit too had on Monday admitted her nervousness in meeting the deadline.
After the CGF president shot a letter seeking the prime minister's intervention to put things in order, the capital is slowly waking up to the reality. But the big question is whether Delhi will be able to meet the challenge and save itself from the embarrassment of failing to host a prestigious multi-sport event?link
Turkish Tourism to organise film & food festival in October 2009
Turkish Tourism will organise Turkish film and food festival in Delhi next month as a prelude to Turkish national day celebrations. The three-day film festival will be organised in partnership with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of Government of India at Siri Fort Auditorium from October 11 to 13.
According to Sevgi Boz, Culture & Tourism Counsellor of Turkey in India, all together seven Turkish films will be screened as part of the festival. “Three Monkeys, a film directed by famous Turkish director, Nuri Bilge Ceylan will be screened on the inaugural day,” she informed.
She also said that a week-long Turkish food festival will also be organised in the capital city as part of the celebrations. “The food festival will be held at ITC Maurya from 22 to 29th of October,” the Tourism Counsellor informed.
Turkey commemorates the proclamation of Turkish Republic by their great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on October 29 every year. The country became a Republic in 1923.link
According to Sevgi Boz, Culture & Tourism Counsellor of Turkey in India, all together seven Turkish films will be screened as part of the festival. “Three Monkeys, a film directed by famous Turkish director, Nuri Bilge Ceylan will be screened on the inaugural day,” she informed.
She also said that a week-long Turkish food festival will also be organised in the capital city as part of the celebrations. “The food festival will be held at ITC Maurya from 22 to 29th of October,” the Tourism Counsellor informed.
Turkey commemorates the proclamation of Turkish Republic by their great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on October 29 every year. The country became a Republic in 1923.link
Monday 14 September 2009
Commonwealth Games will be on time, but we're nervous: Sheila Dikshit
Under attack for delay in various projects related to the Commonwealth Games, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday said her government will complete all work "well in time" although it was little "nervous" about the preparation.
"We are satisfied as well nervous about the preparation for the prestigious event," Dikshit told reporters replying to a volley of questions about delay in implementation of various infrastructure projects in the city.
Asked about Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennel seeking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention to put things in order, she said the CGF chief has every right to meet Singh.
"He (Fennel) met me one month ago and conveyed his concern about the power situation. I told him that the city will have adequate power during the event," Dikshit after a Cabinet meeting which is understood to have discussed the issue.
On the recent criticism by the CAG about slow progress of the infrastructure projects, she said the audit body had prepared the report last month back based on status of works six months back.
"They have the right to criticise. But we are working very hard. We are looking at all alternatives. Nation's pride is involved with the event and we will do everything possible to make it a success," she said. link
"We are satisfied as well nervous about the preparation for the prestigious event," Dikshit told reporters replying to a volley of questions about delay in implementation of various infrastructure projects in the city.
Asked about Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennel seeking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's intervention to put things in order, she said the CGF chief has every right to meet Singh.
"He (Fennel) met me one month ago and conveyed his concern about the power situation. I told him that the city will have adequate power during the event," Dikshit after a Cabinet meeting which is understood to have discussed the issue.
On the recent criticism by the CAG about slow progress of the infrastructure projects, she said the audit body had prepared the report last month back based on status of works six months back.
"They have the right to criticise. But we are working very hard. We are looking at all alternatives. Nation's pride is involved with the event and we will do everything possible to make it a success," she said. link
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Heavy rains lash city, traffic jams in many areas
Heavy rains lashed the national capital since last night, leading to water logging in many areas and huge traffic snarls.
The city received 93.2 mm of rains since 8:30 pm last night.
The rains led to a dip in temperature with the minimum being recorded at 23.3 degree Celsius.
The heavy rains led to traffic jams in Mayur Vihar, Vasant Vihar, Munirka, Dhaula Kuan, Pragati Maidan, Moolchand, Lajat Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Bhajanpura and Nizamuudin areas.
Traffic lights were also not working in many areas, adding to the woes of the motorists. Office-goers had a tough time reaching their destination with most of the roads waterlogged.
Delhi has received a total of 538.6 mm of rain this monsoon against an average of 573 mmlink
The city received 93.2 mm of rains since 8:30 pm last night.
The rains led to a dip in temperature with the minimum being recorded at 23.3 degree Celsius.
The heavy rains led to traffic jams in Mayur Vihar, Vasant Vihar, Munirka, Dhaula Kuan, Pragati Maidan, Moolchand, Lajat Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Bhajanpura and Nizamuudin areas.
Traffic lights were also not working in many areas, adding to the woes of the motorists. Office-goers had a tough time reaching their destination with most of the roads waterlogged.
Delhi has received a total of 538.6 mm of rain this monsoon against an average of 573 mmlink
Ask Delhi drivers to follow lane: Mauritius High Commissioner
Please ask Delhi drivers to drive in lanes!
This unusual suggestion came from M Choonee, High Commissioner of Mauritius to India during a meeting here today of Heads of Missions on security arrangements for Commonwealth Games due in October next year here.
"Delhi drivers are very bad. They do not drive in lanes. Please ask them to drive in lanes," Choonee said.
Some 30 Heads of Missions or their senior representatives participated in the briefing conference chaired by the Union Home Secretary G K Pillai.
A smiling Home Secretary could only say that he would try to launch a traffic campaign to discipline drivers as soon as possible.
Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal was also present at the meeting.link
This unusual suggestion came from M Choonee, High Commissioner of Mauritius to India during a meeting here today of Heads of Missions on security arrangements for Commonwealth Games due in October next year here.
"Delhi drivers are very bad. They do not drive in lanes. Please ask them to drive in lanes," Choonee said.
Some 30 Heads of Missions or their senior representatives participated in the briefing conference chaired by the Union Home Secretary G K Pillai.
A smiling Home Secretary could only say that he would try to launch a traffic campaign to discipline drivers as soon as possible.
Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal was also present at the meeting.link
Shastri's watch stolen from his memorial in Delhi
A gold wrist watch gifted to late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri by his Russian counterpart Alexei Kosygin has been stolen from his memorial in the national capital, police sources said today.
The theft came to light on September three but the authorities of Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial, located adjacent to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's residence, reported the matter to police only four days later, they said.
Memorial Director Prof A K Das approached police on Monday about the theft of the watch, gifted to Shastri during the 1966 Tashkent conference to broker peace with Pakistan, the sources said.
Das told police that an internal inquiry was conducted by his staff but they could not locate the watch and hence decided to lodge an FIR, they said. Das could not be reached for comments.link
The theft came to light on September three but the authorities of Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial, located adjacent to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's residence, reported the matter to police only four days later, they said.
Memorial Director Prof A K Das approached police on Monday about the theft of the watch, gifted to Shastri during the 1966 Tashkent conference to broker peace with Pakistan, the sources said.
Das told police that an internal inquiry was conducted by his staff but they could not locate the watch and hence decided to lodge an FIR, they said. Das could not be reached for comments.link
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Bomb scare at different areas in Delhi
Panic spread in the national capital on Tuesday with bomb scares being reported from four crowded places, the New Delhi Railway Station, the Safdarjung Hospital as well as the high rise Palika Kendra and Vikas Minar.
The sprawling Safdarjung Hospital in south Delhi was being evacuated.
Intensive searches were also underway at the New Delhi Railway Station, Palika Kendra in Connaught Place and at Vikas Minar near ITO.
"Police got a call in the morning and all precautions were taken. The building was evacuated," NDMC spokesperson Anand Tiwari told.
Police said the call at Safdarjung Hospital was received at 9.30 am and the bomb disposal squad was combing the complex, a police official said.
The sprawling Safdarjung Hospital in south Delhi was being evacuated.
Intensive searches were also underway at the New Delhi Railway Station, Palika Kendra in Connaught Place and at Vikas Minar near ITO.
"Police got a call in the morning and all precautions were taken. The building was evacuated," NDMC spokesperson Anand Tiwari told.
Police said the call at Safdarjung Hospital was received at 9.30 am and the bomb disposal squad was combing the complex, a police official said.
Sunday 6 September 2009
CBSE plans online school map of Delhi
For parents looking for their child’s nursery admission, the exact location of all schools in their neighbourhood will soon be just a mouse-click away. As a pilot project, CBSE plans to put all its affiliated schools in Delhi on a public mapping system that will be available online.
‘‘There are so many schools in the capital that parents often have difficulties locating many of them,’’ said a senior CBSE official. ‘‘That’s why we want maps and location of all our schools in the city available online. This will help parents during nursery admissions where distance is such an important parameter.’’
The facility will also help the board analyse the physical distribution of schools in different areas of the capital. Parents may also use the online facility to gather information and basic statistics about the school of their choice as the board will maintain data of all its affiliated schools in Delhi. CBSE also intends to build a blog for each school whose link will be available on the GIS maps of schools.link
‘‘There are so many schools in the capital that parents often have difficulties locating many of them,’’ said a senior CBSE official. ‘‘That’s why we want maps and location of all our schools in the city available online. This will help parents during nursery admissions where distance is such an important parameter.’’
The facility will also help the board analyse the physical distribution of schools in different areas of the capital. Parents may also use the online facility to gather information and basic statistics about the school of their choice as the board will maintain data of all its affiliated schools in Delhi. CBSE also intends to build a blog for each school whose link will be available on the GIS maps of schools.link
Friday 4 September 2009
Drink this poison you must
As Delhi gears up for the Commonwealth Games, how is the city going to treat waste water and effluents?
Wazirabad barrage in north Delhi is the last point where Yamuna is just about partially clean. After that there is no freshwater flow in the dirty river. The water is brownish, but many people are swimming in it, risking skin and other infections. "It is hot and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) water supply doesn't suffice," says Jamal. There is not even a signboard to warn people that the water they are wallowing in isn't fit for bathing or any human contact. "Even the ground water is filthy and the water of the river causes skin allergies and irritation," Abdul Sattar, a 'self employed life-saver' told. He saved several school-children from drowning after their bus fell into the waters in 1997.
Recently, when Haryana suddenly increased its deadly chemical effluents discharge in the river, the chloride levels shot up to 500 mg/litre, 20 times the normal level. People from east, north and even south districts of Delhi complained of salty and yellowish water. Kinley, Bisleri and their locally bottled cousins sold like hot cakes. "We are getting yellow water from the past few days. We have no other option, but to buy bottled water," a Delhi University professor complained.
Officials say that chloride is not harmful but renders a salty taste to water. As normally there isn't any chloride in the raw water, DJB has no infrastructure to treat this chloride content. This high chloride content isn't a new phenomenon. In June 2009, people had complained of foul taste as the Chandrawal and Wazirabad water treating facilities could not treat the water. In December 2008, ammonia levels were so high that Chandrawal and Wazirabad plants had to be shut down and taps remained dry in most of the households across the city.
Haryana has a history of dumping sewage and other toxic industrial waste in Yamuna. "The problem of polluted water is not new," Sattar lamented. Delhi gets nearly 300 mgd of water after much haggling as Haryana complains of shortage of water for its own irrigation needs. The tanneries, paper mills and sugar factories in Panipat and Yamuna Nagar in Haryana are allegedly responsible for dumping filth in Yamuna. Reportedly, the water of Yamuna at Yamuna Nagar has all hues, green, red and even black because of the industrial effluents.
It is this water that reaches Delhi. And because of low rainfall, the toxins are not getting diluted. There is no mechanism to check this brazen criminal violation of daily life, leaving the people of city exposed to serious diseases, allergies and long-term side-effects. Besides, DJB's faulty water pipelines and sewage getting mixed up with drinking water is routine.
As Delhi gears up for the Commonwealth Games, how is the city going to treat waste water and effluents? Can this poisonous episode of chemicalised taps be repeated with international athletes and tourists in town? And, will any civilised modern nation ever accept and allow such criminal pollution of mass drinking water?link
Wazirabad barrage in north Delhi is the last point where Yamuna is just about partially clean. After that there is no freshwater flow in the dirty river. The water is brownish, but many people are swimming in it, risking skin and other infections. "It is hot and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) water supply doesn't suffice," says Jamal. There is not even a signboard to warn people that the water they are wallowing in isn't fit for bathing or any human contact. "Even the ground water is filthy and the water of the river causes skin allergies and irritation," Abdul Sattar, a 'self employed life-saver' told. He saved several school-children from drowning after their bus fell into the waters in 1997.
Recently, when Haryana suddenly increased its deadly chemical effluents discharge in the river, the chloride levels shot up to 500 mg/litre, 20 times the normal level. People from east, north and even south districts of Delhi complained of salty and yellowish water. Kinley, Bisleri and their locally bottled cousins sold like hot cakes. "We are getting yellow water from the past few days. We have no other option, but to buy bottled water," a Delhi University professor complained.
Officials say that chloride is not harmful but renders a salty taste to water. As normally there isn't any chloride in the raw water, DJB has no infrastructure to treat this chloride content. This high chloride content isn't a new phenomenon. In June 2009, people had complained of foul taste as the Chandrawal and Wazirabad water treating facilities could not treat the water. In December 2008, ammonia levels were so high that Chandrawal and Wazirabad plants had to be shut down and taps remained dry in most of the households across the city.
Haryana has a history of dumping sewage and other toxic industrial waste in Yamuna. "The problem of polluted water is not new," Sattar lamented. Delhi gets nearly 300 mgd of water after much haggling as Haryana complains of shortage of water for its own irrigation needs. The tanneries, paper mills and sugar factories in Panipat and Yamuna Nagar in Haryana are allegedly responsible for dumping filth in Yamuna. Reportedly, the water of Yamuna at Yamuna Nagar has all hues, green, red and even black because of the industrial effluents.
It is this water that reaches Delhi. And because of low rainfall, the toxins are not getting diluted. There is no mechanism to check this brazen criminal violation of daily life, leaving the people of city exposed to serious diseases, allergies and long-term side-effects. Besides, DJB's faulty water pipelines and sewage getting mixed up with drinking water is routine.
As Delhi gears up for the Commonwealth Games, how is the city going to treat waste water and effluents? Can this poisonous episode of chemicalised taps be repeated with international athletes and tourists in town? And, will any civilised modern nation ever accept and allow such criminal pollution of mass drinking water?link
City to get 22 new police stations soon
Twenty-two new police stations will come into existence in the capital by September 21. With these, the total number of such facilities in the city will rise to 155. The maximum number of police stations will come up in areas where the number of residential colonies has gone up.
"We are in expansion mode. We will have enough forces in these police stations. More police stations will surely help in tackling crime," Delhi Police commissioner Y S Dadwal said.
"This will help in better policing. There will be more beats which will help reduce the response time besides simplifying the police-public ratio. This will also help in better handling of complainants," Dadwal added.
Dadwal said the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) had recently given the sanction to set up 29 new police stations in the city, out of which seven were already functioning. Out of the 29 new police stations, 24 are outside the Outer Ring Road where the number of residential colonies has gone up. Four new police stations are added in North-West Delhi followed by three each in South, Outer and North-East districts, two each in South-East, South-West, West and East districts and one in Central Delhi.
Dadwal said that in 1991, there were only 100 police stations in Delhi. Another 16 were added eight years later, he added. "In less than one year, from October 2008 to September 2009, the government has given the nod for creation of two police districts, 12 sub-divisions and 40 police stations," he said.
Replying to a question on mob justice, the police commissioner said, "When a thief barges into your house, what will you do? If he tries to harm you, how will you react?" Dadwal said. He, however, added, "We are not supporting mob justice. One has to follow the due course of law."
His comments came to a question on a 19-year-old boy who was thrashed badly by residents of Geeta Colony after he was caught allegedly stealing mobile phones and other valuables from three houses on Wednesday.
"We are in expansion mode. We will have enough forces in these police stations. More police stations will surely help in tackling crime," Delhi Police commissioner Y S Dadwal said.
"This will help in better policing. There will be more beats which will help reduce the response time besides simplifying the police-public ratio. This will also help in better handling of complainants," Dadwal added.
Dadwal said the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) had recently given the sanction to set up 29 new police stations in the city, out of which seven were already functioning. Out of the 29 new police stations, 24 are outside the Outer Ring Road where the number of residential colonies has gone up. Four new police stations are added in North-West Delhi followed by three each in South, Outer and North-East districts, two each in South-East, South-West, West and East districts and one in Central Delhi.
Dadwal said that in 1991, there were only 100 police stations in Delhi. Another 16 were added eight years later, he added. "In less than one year, from October 2008 to September 2009, the government has given the nod for creation of two police districts, 12 sub-divisions and 40 police stations," he said.
Replying to a question on mob justice, the police commissioner said, "When a thief barges into your house, what will you do? If he tries to harm you, how will you react?" Dadwal said. He, however, added, "We are not supporting mob justice. One has to follow the due course of law."
His comments came to a question on a 19-year-old boy who was thrashed badly by residents of Geeta Colony after he was caught allegedly stealing mobile phones and other valuables from three houses on Wednesday.
Delhi Stock Exchange to begin trading next month
Delhi Stock Exchange Limited (DSE), one of India’s premier demutualised regional stock exchanges, has received 110 membership applications from brokers for its deposit based trading memberships. DSE will become operational soon and trading is expected to commence from next month onwards.
Pursuant to its well-formulated revival strategy, DSE’s new deposit based trading membership scheme has received encouraging response from the brokers community in Delhi, Lucknow, Banaras, Moradabad, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bhuvneshwar, Indore, Shri Ganganagar, Mumbai and Nanded (Maharashtra) amongst others. It has received an encouraging response from renowned stock broking houses such as Alankit Assignments Limited, Abhipra Capital Limited, Shri Parasram Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Kunwarji Finstock, Globe Securities, Chug Securities, Rajasthan Global Securities, Crimson Financial Services Limited, Smart Equity Brokers Pvt. Ltd. and Master Capital amongst others. Many of these are leading broking houses of NSE and BSE as well as depository participants.
Mr. H. S. Siddhu, Executive Director, DSE, said, “We are very pleased to receive an encouraging and positive response for DSE’s deposit based trading membership scheme. We are expecting that the membership number will cross the 200-figure mark by the launch date because of the enthusiastic responses and the requests for extension of the deadline. We are also getting positive responses from far-flung areas. This is also an indication of the brokers’ confidence in our exchange and we are confident of making it a success.”
The membership, which offers trading rights, is being offered against non-refundable deposit of Rs. 5 lakh and one-time admission fee of Rs. 1 lakh. DSE is also implementing amnesty scheme to revive trading in inactive stocks and encourage compliance among companies. According to the scheme, existing companies would have to comply with the exchange requirements only for two years and a concession up to 50% is being offered on listing fees. New companies will not be charged initial listing and processing fees. Out of the 2,800 listed companies, 300 have so far complied with the amnesty scheme.
About Delhi Stock Exchange (DSE): DSE was incorporated in 1947 as a limited company under the Indian Companies Act, 1913. DSE was granted recognition under section 4 of the Securities Contract (Regulation) Act, 1957 The Central Government vide its Notification dated 1st March, 1982 granted permanent recognition to DSE. Located in Delhi, DSE is the second largest exchange in India in terms of number of scrips listed with 2833 companies. Among these, there are 1800 companies which have been exclusively listed with DSE. As per SEBI guideline, DSE successfully completed its demutualization process on 28th August, 2007. The board of directors of DSE comprise of 16 members out of which seven are shareholder director, four are trading member directors, four public interest directors and one executive director. DSE is establishing a new Online Trading Platform namely Delhi Online Trading System (DOTS-08) for cash, derivatives and debt segments with state-of-art technology which has been constructed in association with Financial Technologies (India) Limited (FTIL) equipped with Exchange Technology Framework Product Suite (ETFPS), a software suitable for promotion and successful operation of the Exchange.link
Pursuant to its well-formulated revival strategy, DSE’s new deposit based trading membership scheme has received encouraging response from the brokers community in Delhi, Lucknow, Banaras, Moradabad, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bhuvneshwar, Indore, Shri Ganganagar, Mumbai and Nanded (Maharashtra) amongst others. It has received an encouraging response from renowned stock broking houses such as Alankit Assignments Limited, Abhipra Capital Limited, Shri Parasram Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Kunwarji Finstock, Globe Securities, Chug Securities, Rajasthan Global Securities, Crimson Financial Services Limited, Smart Equity Brokers Pvt. Ltd. and Master Capital amongst others. Many of these are leading broking houses of NSE and BSE as well as depository participants.
Mr. H. S. Siddhu, Executive Director, DSE, said, “We are very pleased to receive an encouraging and positive response for DSE’s deposit based trading membership scheme. We are expecting that the membership number will cross the 200-figure mark by the launch date because of the enthusiastic responses and the requests for extension of the deadline. We are also getting positive responses from far-flung areas. This is also an indication of the brokers’ confidence in our exchange and we are confident of making it a success.”
The membership, which offers trading rights, is being offered against non-refundable deposit of Rs. 5 lakh and one-time admission fee of Rs. 1 lakh. DSE is also implementing amnesty scheme to revive trading in inactive stocks and encourage compliance among companies. According to the scheme, existing companies would have to comply with the exchange requirements only for two years and a concession up to 50% is being offered on listing fees. New companies will not be charged initial listing and processing fees. Out of the 2,800 listed companies, 300 have so far complied with the amnesty scheme.
About Delhi Stock Exchange (DSE): DSE was incorporated in 1947 as a limited company under the Indian Companies Act, 1913. DSE was granted recognition under section 4 of the Securities Contract (Regulation) Act, 1957 The Central Government vide its Notification dated 1st March, 1982 granted permanent recognition to DSE. Located in Delhi, DSE is the second largest exchange in India in terms of number of scrips listed with 2833 companies. Among these, there are 1800 companies which have been exclusively listed with DSE. As per SEBI guideline, DSE successfully completed its demutualization process on 28th August, 2007. The board of directors of DSE comprise of 16 members out of which seven are shareholder director, four are trading member directors, four public interest directors and one executive director. DSE is establishing a new Online Trading Platform namely Delhi Online Trading System (DOTS-08) for cash, derivatives and debt segments with state-of-art technology which has been constructed in association with Financial Technologies (India) Limited (FTIL) equipped with Exchange Technology Framework Product Suite (ETFPS), a software suitable for promotion and successful operation of the Exchange.link
My dwarka, my delight
Dwarka sub-city is a well planned and an organised residential area located in the Southwest of Delhi. Around six to seven years back, this place was nothing more than barren land. With huge apartments, tall buildings, clean wide roads and plenty of greenery, it has become one of the healthiest places in the capital.
As a resident of Dwarka, I do face a few problems within the locality. To start with, people here often fall victim to problems like less parking facility, shortage of water, power and lack of transport available and so on. Each problem has to be sorted out meticulously keeping in mind that no place on earth is perfect. As residents of Dwarka, it is not only our duty to make it suitable for living but is also our responsibility to make sure that our area is made better.
Dwarka is my home since seven years and I have seen this bare piece of land turn into a posh locality. Even basic necessities like grocery, water and electricity used to be a problem. People were not only hesitant to visit Dwarka but also stayed away from exploring this unknown piece of land on earth. But today, it is known as the largest sub city of Asia. Some may argue saying, Dwarka does not have theatres or malls. In a way Dwarka-ites should consider it to be a blessing in disguise. Coming up of theatres or malls will pull in more crowd. More crowds would pull in more traffic. People would throng along from different parts of Delhi causing congestion and would make way for unscrupulous activities. As it is, Delhi is called the crime capital and no place in Delhi is free from crime; at least the number of crime happenings in Dwarka are less as compared to the other areas in Delhi.
The minute I slide down from the flyover and enter Dwarka, I get the feeling of entering a new world all together. It appears to be away from the crowds and happenings of the main city. Every sector or rather every plot in Dwarka is developed after a great deal of planning. Almost each sector has a DDA park for the kids to spend their evenings. Not only this, most apartments in Dwarka are spacious and have parking facility inside their apartments. So, one need not worry about parking their cars somewhere outside. Whereas, in the much talked about areas of South Delhi, parking one’s own car nearby becomes a problem.
The domestic as well as the international airports lie in the vicinity of Dwarka. Metro has been Dwarka’s pride ever since the beginning. The metro line connects Dwarka to Central, North and East Delhi. Dwarka has certainly been a blessing to its residents and I would call myself lucky enough to stay in such a place. Right from temples to churches, schools to colleges and hospitals to clinics, Dwarka-ites need not worry about anything.
After setting up a number of schools within Dwarka, the government is already planning to set up colleges here. Delhi University’s Bhaskara Charaya College of Applied Sciences is already functional and along with it Indraprastha University is also hopeful of coming up with colleges within an year. Private colleges like Apeejay Institute of Management and Mass Communication has students from various parts of Delhi. All these colleges offer a variety of regular courses to students. This takes away the burden of commuting to far flung places for a degree or a diploma.
Popular joints have also opened their branches putting an end to travel all the way till Connaught Place or South Delhi. Pizza Hut, Bercos, Dominos, Pizza Corner, Costa Coffee and KFC have all reduced the strain of going out of Dwarka. Everything is made available in an easy manner. Restro-bars like Club 7 and Godavari have come up for those who love to share a drink of beer or whisky.
Dwarka was earlier considered to be a dreadful place with no connectivity to the outside world; but looking at so much of developments, Dwarka has blossomed from a desolate land into a world class habitat in just no time and is no longer a godforsaken place as it was thought to be. Dwarka has changed beyond recognition and in no time it will be among the list of avant-grade places of the country.link
article by: Shilpa Attavar
As a resident of Dwarka, I do face a few problems within the locality. To start with, people here often fall victim to problems like less parking facility, shortage of water, power and lack of transport available and so on. Each problem has to be sorted out meticulously keeping in mind that no place on earth is perfect. As residents of Dwarka, it is not only our duty to make it suitable for living but is also our responsibility to make sure that our area is made better.
Dwarka is my home since seven years and I have seen this bare piece of land turn into a posh locality. Even basic necessities like grocery, water and electricity used to be a problem. People were not only hesitant to visit Dwarka but also stayed away from exploring this unknown piece of land on earth. But today, it is known as the largest sub city of Asia. Some may argue saying, Dwarka does not have theatres or malls. In a way Dwarka-ites should consider it to be a blessing in disguise. Coming up of theatres or malls will pull in more crowd. More crowds would pull in more traffic. People would throng along from different parts of Delhi causing congestion and would make way for unscrupulous activities. As it is, Delhi is called the crime capital and no place in Delhi is free from crime; at least the number of crime happenings in Dwarka are less as compared to the other areas in Delhi.
The minute I slide down from the flyover and enter Dwarka, I get the feeling of entering a new world all together. It appears to be away from the crowds and happenings of the main city. Every sector or rather every plot in Dwarka is developed after a great deal of planning. Almost each sector has a DDA park for the kids to spend their evenings. Not only this, most apartments in Dwarka are spacious and have parking facility inside their apartments. So, one need not worry about parking their cars somewhere outside. Whereas, in the much talked about areas of South Delhi, parking one’s own car nearby becomes a problem.
The domestic as well as the international airports lie in the vicinity of Dwarka. Metro has been Dwarka’s pride ever since the beginning. The metro line connects Dwarka to Central, North and East Delhi. Dwarka has certainly been a blessing to its residents and I would call myself lucky enough to stay in such a place. Right from temples to churches, schools to colleges and hospitals to clinics, Dwarka-ites need not worry about anything.
After setting up a number of schools within Dwarka, the government is already planning to set up colleges here. Delhi University’s Bhaskara Charaya College of Applied Sciences is already functional and along with it Indraprastha University is also hopeful of coming up with colleges within an year. Private colleges like Apeejay Institute of Management and Mass Communication has students from various parts of Delhi. All these colleges offer a variety of regular courses to students. This takes away the burden of commuting to far flung places for a degree or a diploma.
Popular joints have also opened their branches putting an end to travel all the way till Connaught Place or South Delhi. Pizza Hut, Bercos, Dominos, Pizza Corner, Costa Coffee and KFC have all reduced the strain of going out of Dwarka. Everything is made available in an easy manner. Restro-bars like Club 7 and Godavari have come up for those who love to share a drink of beer or whisky.
Dwarka was earlier considered to be a dreadful place with no connectivity to the outside world; but looking at so much of developments, Dwarka has blossomed from a desolate land into a world class habitat in just no time and is no longer a godforsaken place as it was thought to be. Dwarka has changed beyond recognition and in no time it will be among the list of avant-grade places of the country.link
article by: Shilpa Attavar
Thursday 3 September 2009
Nilekani promises unique ID for Delhites in three years!
As it appears, Nilekani means business. After being appointed by the CM as the chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India, Nandan Nilekani has made it a point to ensure smooth transaction.
In a recent report, we hear that the residents of Delhi would be receiving their ID in next three years time. The newly formed body to create Unique Ids is getting full co-opration from the govt.
Nilekani recently met Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to give her an overview of the project and talk about various aspects of the project.
Nilekani is also keen to use the Mission Convergence database for this purpose which has been prepared by the City Govt.
This data base has records of about nine lakh households and 42 lakh people and gives biometric information on each resident.link
In a recent report, we hear that the residents of Delhi would be receiving their ID in next three years time. The newly formed body to create Unique Ids is getting full co-opration from the govt.
Nilekani recently met Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to give her an overview of the project and talk about various aspects of the project.
Nilekani is also keen to use the Mission Convergence database for this purpose which has been prepared by the City Govt.
This data base has records of about nine lakh households and 42 lakh people and gives biometric information on each resident.link
New BMW Showroom Launched in West Delhi
BMW India announced the opening of the new showroom and workshop facility by Deutsche Motoren in West Delhi. Located at Shivaji Marg, Moti Nagar, West Delhi, this is the second facility in New Delhi from Deutsche Motoren. The showroom and workshop are headed by Mr. Yadur Kapur, Dealer Principal, Deutsche Motoren.
Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, “BMW India dealerships are presently leading in offering high quality services that are at par with international standards. Deutsche Motoren is our flagship dealership in New Delhi, and we are pleased to see further expansion of Deutsche Motoren in order to support our growing sales in the region.”
Deutsche Motoren is fully equipped to manage this 4S facility comprising of sales, service, spare parts and business systems to ensure that customers receive best-in-class pre and post sales ownership experience.
Mr. Yadur Kapur, Dealer Principle, Deutsche Motoren said, “Our partnership with BMW India has consistently been successful with premium customers in New Delhi. In order to serve our growing clientele with the same enthusiasm and passion we are proud to launch our second BMW showroom and workshop facility in Delhi.”
The facility is spread over 11,500 sq ft. The showroom can display up to three BMW cars and offers the customers a unique retail environment. The showroom is evolved on the signature-BMW concept of street display and the pavement flanking alongside as the customer area. All operations related to sales are efficiently covered from the space, which ensures comfort to the customer at the point of sales.
The workshop has 3 service bays and offers customers a high quality service experience which ensures comfort at all times. The facility will have a staff of 15 people.
As with every other BMW dealership, Deutsche Motoren has provided its staff intense training in management of sales, service, spare parts and business systems to ensure that customers receive best-in-class pre and post sales ownership experience. A team of service engineers have also been trained at BMW’s training centers in Singapore, Malaysia and Germany. link
Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, “BMW India dealerships are presently leading in offering high quality services that are at par with international standards. Deutsche Motoren is our flagship dealership in New Delhi, and we are pleased to see further expansion of Deutsche Motoren in order to support our growing sales in the region.”
Deutsche Motoren is fully equipped to manage this 4S facility comprising of sales, service, spare parts and business systems to ensure that customers receive best-in-class pre and post sales ownership experience.
Mr. Yadur Kapur, Dealer Principle, Deutsche Motoren said, “Our partnership with BMW India has consistently been successful with premium customers in New Delhi. In order to serve our growing clientele with the same enthusiasm and passion we are proud to launch our second BMW showroom and workshop facility in Delhi.”
The facility is spread over 11,500 sq ft. The showroom can display up to three BMW cars and offers the customers a unique retail environment. The showroom is evolved on the signature-BMW concept of street display and the pavement flanking alongside as the customer area. All operations related to sales are efficiently covered from the space, which ensures comfort to the customer at the point of sales.
The workshop has 3 service bays and offers customers a high quality service experience which ensures comfort at all times. The facility will have a staff of 15 people.
As with every other BMW dealership, Deutsche Motoren has provided its staff intense training in management of sales, service, spare parts and business systems to ensure that customers receive best-in-class pre and post sales ownership experience. A team of service engineers have also been trained at BMW’s training centers in Singapore, Malaysia and Germany. link
Tuesday 1 September 2009
Delhi will have animal identification system to track record of slaughtered animals
The municipal corporation of Delhi (MCD) will introduce a modern livestock identification system to keep a record of the slaughtered animals and ensure that they were handed over to the right owners at Ghazipur. This will streamline the operations at its Ghazipur abattoir.
The 'jhatka' section of the state-of-the-art slaughter house in Ghazipur was launched in December last year, while 'halal' and 'buffalo' sections started operating in February and March this year, respectively.
A proposal to engage a private agency for the project to introduce Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID)-based livestock identification and tracking system was adopted by the MCD Standing Committee.
The system would also help in avoiding any mix-up between halal and jhatka goats, officials said. The civic body had received complaints of jhatka and halal meat being mixed, which could hurt the religious sentiments of some communities.link
The 'jhatka' section of the state-of-the-art slaughter house in Ghazipur was launched in December last year, while 'halal' and 'buffalo' sections started operating in February and March this year, respectively.
A proposal to engage a private agency for the project to introduce Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID)-based livestock identification and tracking system was adopted by the MCD Standing Committee.
The system would also help in avoiding any mix-up between halal and jhatka goats, officials said. The civic body had received complaints of jhatka and halal meat being mixed, which could hurt the religious sentiments of some communities.link
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