Two killed in scrapyard explosion

PANCHKULA : Two teenagers were killed and five others injured in an explosion in a scrapyard at Bhudapur village near here, today evening. According to the police, the deceased boys were identified as Sonu, 12, and Charan Singh, 16.
A group of boys was sitting near a bonfire that was close to a scrap shop here. Some scrap material was also dumped outside the shop and we suspect that an old bomb shell might have exploded due to the heat," said a police official.
Five people four in early twenties and one who was 60 years old were injured. They were first taken to the civil hospital here. But four of them, who were serious, have been referred to the PGI in Chandigarh.
The bomb disposal squad of Haryana police reached the spot and cordoned off the entire area. There were some more shops of scrap dealers and the district administration has ordered them to close down till the police investigation is over.

Light to moderate showers in Punjab, Haryana

CHANDIGARH : There was light to moderate rainfall in various parts of Punjab, Haryana and their joint capital city Chandigarh Thursday morning. However, the mercury saw a marginal rise in this region and there was also respite from the fog. Met officials have predicted that similar conditions will prevail for the next 24 hours. Light to moderate rainfall has lashed most parts of Punjab and Haryana this morning. It is continuously raining in some parts of these states since yesterday night. Due to rains, weather has become clear and today we had respite from dense fog, said a Met official here.
He added We are expecting showers to continue at regular intervals for the next 24 hours. Our department has also recorded a marginal rise in the mercury as compared to the data of last one-week.
Punjab's holy city Amritsar recorded a minimum temperature of 10.2 degrees Celsius today morning. This was 7.2 degrees Celsius more than the temperature recorded yesterday. Patiala and Ludhiana cities recorded temperatures of 8.7 and 8.5 degrees Celsius respectively.
The centrally administered Chandigarh recorded a low of 10.4 degrees Celsius today that was nearly three notches more as compared to yesterday. Haryana was also warmer as compared to a last couple of days. Ambala, Hisar and Karnal cities in Haryana recorded minimum temperatures of 10.2, 11.1 and 12 degrees Celsius respectively today.

MCM HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS

CHANDIGARH :An year of achievement and still there is hunger for more We are talking about MCM DAV College for Women where success is part of the curriculum. Winning is a tradition here as it rained awards at the Panjab University Zonal Youth and Heritage Festival where MCM won Fourteen First prizes, Nine Second and Twelve Third prizes in the categories of Music, Dramatics, Folk dance, Fine Arts and Home Sc. The
college surpassed the University Results by a huge margin. The brilliant students of MCM captured top positions in Panjab University Annual Examination. Another feathers in the cap of MCM was added by the 3 day international seminar on Scholars in Shakespeare a post modern scrutiny. A galaxy of academicians and scholars from all over the world satiated their intellectual yearning. International stalwarts in the area of Shakespearian studies came to the portals of MCM to deliberate. The two day science seminar on Global Environmental issues and climate change received a holy inauguration by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. To initiate environment friendly approach towards life sessions of the seminar were taken out of the confines of the class room and papers were presented in the lap of nature. Young people from all over the nation cam to attend the one day national seminar on Youth Subculture which focused on the pertinent issues of the youth.
Nav Drishti MCM stall at the Chandigarh Carnival created history by winning the best stall trophy for two years in a row. It once again proved the college’s celebrated capability to combine fun with productive social development.
Kirti a first year students of MCM DAV won two gold medals in the national yoga championship and shall now move on the Pataya, Thiland for the Asian Yoga Championship. Another student of the final year Divya Gurnay “scaled greater higher” literally as she conquered the Rudugaira peak of the Himalayas 19090 ft high. MCM is the first women college to introduce the adventure sport rock climbing in the region. The rock installed for the purpose meets international standard. The college played host to national lead climbing competition in association with Indian Mountaineering federation, New Delhi which saw the participation of more than 100 participants from all over the nation. Lectures by scholars and subject expert, industrial visits, visits to old age home and orphanages, celebration of festivals, social service with the NSS and service of the nation with NCC, Inter College contest, Seminar and Conferences. All this and much more keeps the hands of the MCM team full. The Head of the institution, Principal Dr Puneet Bedi, a source of strength and dignity, inspired her team and students to make the most of their potential. This year proved to be a triumphant one and the college is geared up to set more milestone.

Punjab to start municipal infrastructure development fund :Manoranjan Kalia

CHANDIGARH : The Punjab govt will introduce a municipal infrastructure development fund to ensure overall development of civic amenities in the state, a state minister said here today.
We are all set to introduce state municipal infrastructure development fund for the overall development of urban areas and civic amenities. We will issue an ordinance in this regard after getting an approval from the Punjab governor, Punjab's Industry and Local Bodies Minister Manoranjan Kalia told reporters here today.
After the approval of this fund, we would release Rs. 1,100 crore in January 2011. Of this, Rs. 500 crore will be spent only on municipal corporations, he said.
Kalia also criticised the Amarinder Singh led Congress govt that was in power in the state from March 2002 to March 2007 for neglecting civic amenities.
During its five-year tenure, the Congress government released only Rs. 1,558.71 crore for the urban development and civic amenities. But we have released Rs.2,432.80crore in less than four years, said Kalia.
They also had not sent the detailed project reports about the two major central schemes and it resulted in loss of funds that were being allocated from the central govt. However, we pursued the matter and managed to get nearly Rs.365.22 crore under those schemes, he pointed out.The Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance is in power since March 2007.

Cops suspended as Santa goes up in smoke in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH : Two Chandigarh Police officers were today suspended for negligence after a 35-feet-high Santa Claus was set ablaze at Sukhna Lake, police said.
The dummy, prepared by students of the Government College of Art, was almost completely damaged after some miscreants set it on fire last late nite.
Senior police officials today suspended police control room constables Harminder Singh and Anand Singh. Both have been transferred to the police lines.
Both were deployed at the said place for the protection of the Santa Claus. They have been suspended for negligence on duty, a police spokesman said.
The incident happened in a high-security zone of the city, just 50 metres from the Haryana governor's house.
The Santa Claus, in its traditional red-coloured outfit, had been put up at the Sukhna Lake, the most popular tourist spot in the city, last week by the administration. The lake area attracts hundreds of visitors every day.
The authorities had claimed that the Santa Claus was the biggest one in the country.
In October, a eight-feet-tall fibre-glass replica of the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games (CWG) mascot Shera was stolen from right under the nose of the Chandigarh Police, which has a police post at the lake complex, by miscreants believed to be drug addicts.
The mascot replica was found after nearly one week, dumped in Mohali town in Punjab, 10 km from here.

Fog, overcast skies in Punjab, Haryana

CHANDIGARH : Dense fog and overcast skies prevailed in most parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh Today, disrupting rail, road and air traffic in the region. Besides, cold winds swept through this part of northern India, keeping the mercury below its normal level. Met officials predicted chilly weather and thick fog in the mornings and evenings would continue for the next three to four days.
Amritsar city, in Punjab, recorded a minimum temperature of 1.8 degrees Celsius the lowest temperature this season.
Ludhiana recorded a minimum temperature of 1.5 degrees Celsius, which was five degrees below average, while Patiala registered a low of 4.5 degrees Celsius, a notch below average.
Chandigarh shivered at 4 degrees Celsius, three degrees below average. In Haryana, Ambala city recorded a low of 3.9 degrees Celsius, three degrees below average, while Hisar and Karnal cities recorded minimum temperatures of 4 and 5.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Due to fog, there was almost zero visibility level in various cities of Punjab and Haryana, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Hisar, Karnal, Rohtak and Bhiwani. Road traffic was badly affected and many trains are running behind schedule, an official said. Air traffic was also badly disrupted.
Only six flights, out of 11, operated today. However, it was better than yesterday's four flights, Chandigarh airport director H.S. Toor told

Punjab, Haryana face fog chaos

CHANDIGARH : A thick blanket of fog engulfed most parts of Punjab and Haryana today, disrupting both rail and road traffic. Met officials have predicted similar conditions to prevail in this region in the coming days.
The fog enveloped different cities like Ambala, Bhiwani, Karnal, Hisar, Rohtak, Patiala, Ludhiana and Amritsar.
We expect foggy conditions to continue during early mornings and late evenings in the next couple of days. The fog brought down visibility level, reducing road traffic movement to a snail's pace at various places. Trains were also running late,a weather official said today.
He added that the cold waves sweeping most parts of Punjab and Haryana today brought down the mercury level below the normal.
In a fog-related accident, three members of a family were killed when their car collided with a truck due to poor visibility on the Hisar-Delhi national highway last evening.
Haryana's Narnaul city was coldest in the region with a minimum temperature of 1.5 degrees Celsius five degrees below normal.
Ambala recorded 3 degrees, four notches below average, whereas Hisar saw 4.8, one degree below normal.
Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a minimum temperature of 5.3 degrees Celsius, one degree less than the normal.
In Punjab, Amritsar was the coldest today at 2.4 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal, while Ludhiana and Patiala registered 2.6 and 4.5 degrees, respectively.

Boy's father threatens suicide

CHANDIGARH: The family members of the kidnapped boy, Khushpreet Singh, have started losing patience. For the first time since their child was abducted, they held a protest march from Burail to Sector-17 piazza on Sunday, with the boy's father threatening to commit suicide if police did not find Khushpreet.
More than hundred people, family members, distant relatives, residents of Burail and activists of some welfare societies, were part of the march. Anandpur Sahib MP Ravneet Singh Bittu also jointed hands with the aggrieved family and prayed for the wellness of the child. "I was in Sector 17 for a personal reason. Moved by the family's plight, I decided to lend my support to them, he added.
Avjit Singh, a distant relative of the family, said it had been six days since the kidnapping but police had done nothing. We don't where our boy is and in what state, he said.
Bikramjit Singh, an office-bearer of a social society, said, Chandigarh police is considered the best force in the country but this case has exposed its inefficiency.
Senior officials should be embarrassed about the lack of action, he added.
The boy's father said none of the cops who had visited their house on Sunday assured that Khushi would return home safe. DSP (south) Vijay Kumar and SHO of police station-34 visited the house of the boy, along with area councillor Vijay Rana.

Onion prices have come down, will be in control soon: Pranab

KOLKATA: Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee said prices of onions have come down from the sky-high levels seen earlier this week and the situation will be in control soon, as the government is taking all steps.
Export of onion has been banned and the import duty has been made zero, besides some imported onions are reaching the market. The prices have come down, he told reporters at his residence here.
Some fruits, vegetables and milk have an element of seasonality in them and sometimes in the market, there is gap in the demand and supply of products, which leads to the increase in their prices. Ultimately, it depends on the series of the core chain, Mukherjee said.
Onion prices had jumped to as high as Rs 85 per kg in retail markets earlier this week, due to a severe supply crisis. This was attributed to the damage suffered by crops in Maharashtra, the main producing state, on account of unseasonal rains, though some quarters have alleged that hoarding by traders was responsible.

Pakistani onions poor, claim wholesalers

CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh has refused to accept poor quality onions from Pakistan and wholesalers here on Saturday said they will take supplies of the commodity whose prices have been skyrocketing from Rajasthan and Gujarat at competitive prices.
As many as 177 truckloads of onions reached Punjab from Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border check-post Tuesday. Each truck carried around 10 tonnes of onions.
However, Chandigarh did not accept onions coming from Pakistan and sent them to other places Thursday.
The Pakistani onions were of poor quality. They were wet and unripe. Therefore, we sent two trucks of onions to Himachal Pradesh, said Balbir Singh, chairman of the Chandigarh wholesalers association.
No truck will come from Pakistan on account of Christmas holiday and day after tomorrow is Sunday. So we can expect another consignment of onions only on Monday, Punjab-based importer Rajdeep Uppal said. This two-day gap in the supply of onions can again escalate the prices of onions. In fact, onions prices have also gone up in the Pakistani markets as they also have limited stocks, he said. Most onions coming to India are from Pakistan's Sindh province.
Balbir Singh said We are expecting more onions to arrive here from Rajasthan and Gujarat over the next couple of days. Our talks are on with the traders there. We are getting very good quality onions at very competitive prices from there.
Around 40 tonnes of onions reached Chandigarh on Wednesday.In some parts of India, the retail prices of onions touched Rs.100 a kg earlier in the week. Following this, Indian traders bought onions from Pakistan at Rs300-350 a quintal.

45 truckloads of onions arrived from Pakistan

AMRITSAR: Forty-five trucks loaded with onions arrived here Friday from Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border check-post today, an importer said. So far, 177 truckloads of onions have reached India since Tuesday to check spiralling prices of the vegetable in the country. Each truck carries around 10-12 tonnes of onions.
Today around 45 trucks, carrying 450 to 500 tones of onions, reached here from pakistan. We are getting onions at Rs. 300-350 a quintal and supplying them equally in the mandis (vegetable markets) of Punjab and New Delhi," Rajdeep Uppal, an importer.
However, increased demand from Indian traders has also escalated the onion prices in Pakistani mandis. Tomorrow, no truck will come from Pakistan on the account of Christmas holiday and day after tomorrow is Sunday. So we can expect another consignment of onions only on Monday,he added.
There was a decline in onion imports Thursday. Yesterday only 34 trucks, carrying 340tonnes of onions, arrived in India. This was comparatively less than Wednesday when 60 trucks had reached here, another Amritsar-based importer, Mahinder Singh, said.
There are few factors that led to this decline in imports. There was dense fog in Pakistan Thursday morning that disrupted the road traffic. Pakistan is also getting orders from Gulf countries, so prices have also gone up in their markets, Mahinder Singh added.
With retail onion prices touching Rs. 100 a kg in some parts of the country earlier in the week, Indian traders are buying it from Pakistan at Rs. 300-350 a quintal.
Most of the onions coming to India are from Pakistan's Sindh province. However, traders say the quality of the Pakistani onions is not as good as that produced in India.
In Punjab's capital Chandigarh, around 40 tonnes onions reached from Rajasthan and Gujarat Thursday evening. However, Chandigarh had not accepted onions coming from Pakistan and sent them to other places Thursday.
The Pakistani onions were of poor quality. They were wet and unripe. Therefore, we sent two trucks of onions to Himachal Pradesh, said Balbir Singh, chairman of the Chandigarh wholesalers association.

Cops release kidnapped boy’s photo, announce reward for any infomation

CHANDIGARH: Khushpreet Singh's family is struggling to keep their hopes alive. When they paid Rs 4 lakh ransom to get their boy back from kidnappers, they had thought that the nightmare would end soon.
However, with the child still missing, the question whether top cops' instructions to the investigating team for maintaining a distance from kidnappers - fearing they might hurt Khushpreet - lead to the failure of the trap is haunting everybody.
An officer of Chandigarh police said, Enough force was deployed at Desumajra to catch the kidnappers and the area was cordoned off. Special motorcycles were also stationed more than 100 metre from the spot so that the culprits could not flee. However, right in the midst of the operation, senior officials passed verbal orders for maintaining a distance from the kidnappers, lest the child was hurt.
Police sources said neither did the abductors make the child talk to his parents nor showed him to anybody while collecting the ransom on Wednesday. Therefore, the survival of the five-year-old is of prime concern, the sources said. An officer part of the investigating team said, It seems like the kidnappers are professionals.
How it happened Tuesday 8.30am Khushpreet left for school 1pm Returned home 2pm Boy's elder brother returned from school and looked for him 2.15pm Family launched search 4pm DDR at Burail police post 4.22pm Ransom call on uncle's cellphone Wednesday Morning Police get ransom call 7pm Trap laid around Desumajra fails Rs 1 lakh for clues On Thursday evening, UT police announced Rs 1 lakh reward for information or clues that could lead cops to the accused. In case of any information, citizens could contact police on 0172-2741900, 100 or 9779580934. The identity of the informer would be kept secret. The kid was wearing a blue pant, blue shirt and yellow 'patka' when he went missing.

Anwar-Ul-Haq joins BSP with his supporters

CHANDIGARH : Anwar-Ul-Haq, who last fought the MP elections in 2009 general elections and got more than twelve thousand votes in it, today joined Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) along with his supporters here in a press conference jointly addressed by Narendra Kumar Kashyap, M.P Rajya Sabha & National General Secretary, BSP and Avtar Singh Karimpuri, M.P Rajya Sabha and BSP President – Punjab and Co-ordinator, Chandigarh.
Welcoming Anwar-Ul-Haq, on this occasion into the party, Narendra Kumar Kashyap, said, We are very happy that a humble leader like Anwar-Ul-Haq is joining BSP from Chandigarh. Chandigarh is an important territory for our party and Haq with his supporters will now be the face of BSP in city. He further added that, Under the supervision of Haq, Birthday of Respected Behanji Mayawati ji, President of BSP and Chief Minister, UP, will be celebrated in full fervour in Chandigarh.
Avtar Singh Karimpuri, President Punjab Unit of BSP and Co-ordinatior BSP Chandigarh Unit, on this occasion, said, We extend a very warm welcome to Anwar-Ul-Haq in the party and his joining with his supporters will indeed give a boost to the party’s standing in Chandigarh as well as Punjab. He further said that, The party is very much ready to take on the coming Council elections of Chandigarh. From now on the membership drives, the organization of the party and all the other things related to the coming elections will totally be re-organized in the city.
Anwar-Ul-Haq, on this occasion, said, I am very happy to be a part of the Bahujan Samaj Party today. It is the policies of the party, stature of its leader, Mayawati the developmental works going-on in UP under her leadership has inspired me to join the Party.
Abdul Mannaan Siddiqui is a minister in Mayawati cabinet BSP is the party of people. Main motive is to serve people through the party who stands for minorities, poor people specially, he further added.
Speaking on the coming council election of the city, he told the media persons, We are in to the preparations from today itself, we will contest elections on all the 26 seats and the people’s support with us will stun other parties.
Some major people from other parties from the city who joined BSP with Anwar-Ul-Haq are Sanjiv Babbar, General Secretary, District 2, Congress territorial, Chandigarh Unit and General Secretary Anti Corruption Cell, Jalil Ahmed, President, Lok Jan Shakti Party, Master Sajid, Chairman, Minorities Cell, RJD, Maulana Qasim, Chairman, Minorities Cell, BJP, Vandana Rana, General Secretary, RJD and Raees Ahmed Qureshi, Senior General Secretary, RJD.

INIFD Christmas Party 2010

CHANDIGARH : To Welcome the New Year in style and to celebrate the spirit of Christmas,the students of Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD), Sector-8, Chandigarh organized theme based Christmas party today.
Students of INIFD enthusiastically participated in the X-MAS celebration and decorated the venue in the eternal colours of Christmas White ‘n’ Red with dashes of green. INIFD, sector-8 students made handmade cutouts of beautiful Santa Caps,golden and silver bells, vibrant stars, pretty mistletoes, golden lights and innovative stockings to create the true Christmas Eve atmosphere by using their imagination and creative talent. The highlight was a huge backdrop hand painted by the INIFD Interior design students showing the arrival of Santa on his famous sledge at midnight. All these truly helped in creating the ambience for the Christmas bash. The entire hall was ornamented with a huge Christmas tree, beautifully decorated with vibrant knick-knacks and gifts.
The arrival of Santa Claus and distribution of gifts added to the festive spirits. The students of INIFD Sector 8 danced to festive tunes rendered by DJ Bhanu. Dressed in ‘Red n White’ (the colors of Christmas) with bits of green thrown in to compliment the matching accessories, students celebrated Christmas in its true spirit. Christmas carols “Jingle bell, Jingle bell”, “Rudolf the red nosed reindeer, Silent night holy night, were sung by the faculty members to further add on to the gusto of celebration. The Party witnessed games and contests. Prizes were given to the winners of best Dancer- Male & Female, Best dressed- Male & Female, Best dressed Faculty, Winners of Musical Chairs Game.
Everyone enjoyed the XMAS bash to the utmost and wanted it to continue forever, but all the good things have to end sometime, therefore, they all hugged and wish each other a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, as the institute would be reopening on 3rd January, 2011.

City's winter guests warm up to Sukhna

CHANDIGARH: The Bar-headed Goose, Mallard, Spot-billed Duck, Common Pochard, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler and Common Moorhen are the new winged guests at Sukhna regulatory end. Every year, around 8,000 migratory birds come to Chandigarh from Central Asian countries like Siberia and travel towards Afghanistan and China, before touching down in India.
According to wildlife and forest officials, migratory birds start arriving in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary from early November and their stay lasts till March or April, depending on the climatic conditions. The winged guests have been visiting here since 25 years due to the suitable conditions of habitat. They will be in their full strength by December end. Last year, around 8,000 migratory birds had flocked in UT.
Pleasant weather and an encouraging amount of reptile and fish in the water bodies provide an ideal habitat. Birds like Brahmany Ducks and Garganey have already started flocking to Sukhna Lake and 190 water bodies of the catchment area, an officer said. Chandigarh wildlife and forest conservator Santosh Kumar stated that migratory birds from colder countries and Himalayan regions had started coming to Chandigarh.
They can be seen at Sukhna Lake and other water bodies in the wildlife sanctuary. Bar-headed goose, Mallard, Spot-billed Duck, Gargney, and Common Pochard have been noticed in groups at the regulatory end, he added.
Migratory birds travel thousands of miles for several weeks to reach Chandigarh. Due to intense cold and heavy snowfall, there is shortage of food and water for them in their home countries," said Anuvir Singh, a city-based wildlife expert.

A bagful of onions for Mrs Manmohan Singh

CHANDIGARH : Anguished over the skyrocketing price of onions, the residents of Mohali and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders on today sent a "bagful of onions" packed in a sweet box to the Prime Minister's wife Gursharan Kaur as a mark of their protest.
The soaring prices of essential commodities has made it difficult for the common man to run his kitchen, the residents said adding that they sent the onions to Gursharan Kaur so that she could apprise the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about common people's sufferings.
Senior SAD leader and district planning committee chairman N K Sharma addressing the residents demanded that the PM should sack union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar for his failure to control prices of essential commodities.
He said that the PM could not shrug off the responsibility by merely writing a letter to his minister on the issue. Wholesale rates of onions in Delhi and the main producing region of Nashik on today fell by up to 42 per cent, but retail prices of the commodity continued to rule at Rs 70-80 per kg in the national capital.
In the wholesale market of Lasalgaon, in Nashik district of Maharashtra, onion prices fell to Rs 3,702 per quintal from Rs 5,200 per quintal on yesterday, as per National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF) data.
Likewise, in Pimpalgaon, wholesale rates for onions fell by 42 per cent to Rs 3,134 per quintal from Rs 5,411 per quintal on yesterday. In Manmad, wholesale prices fell by 36 per cent from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,900 a quintal, the data showed.
The impact of the fall in wholesale onion prices in Nashik was felt in Delhi's Azadpur wholesale market too.
Wholesale prices of onions crashed by up to 29 per cent in comparison to yesterday rates in the Azadpur market which is Asia's largest fruit and vegetable market due to higher stock availability, official and trade sources said.
Rajasthan variety onions were being sold at Rs 3,550 per quintal in the Azadpur market today, compared to Rs 5,000 per quintal on yesterday.
Similarly, Nashik variety onions were sold at a price of Rs 4,250 per quintal as compared to Rs 5,250 a quintal yesterday, a 19 per cent fall.
Though wholesale prices of onion have come down, it will take some time before they have an impact on retail prices, traders said.
Meanwhile, the government has banned onion exports till further notice and abolished import duty on the commodity with a view to improve domestic supply. Private traders have started importing onion from Pakistan since Monday.

MCM’s Keerti sets “Keertimaan”

CHANDIGARH : For Keerti of MCM College for Women, Yoga is not just a professed art but a way of living. Words fall short to describe her chart of remarkable achievements as they begin from the age of ten. Six times national Champion, Keerti won her first position in Yoga World Championship held in Portugal , Europe. In 2005, she won silver medal in the World Championship held in Talkatora Stadium, Delhi. For her outstanding accomplishments she has been felicitated by the DC, Panchkula on the Republic Day, four times consecutively. She participated in the State level Yoga Championship held at Kurukshetra and won the gold medal. Furhermore, she was selected for the National Championship in Goa where she won Gold medals in Yoga Aasana and Artistic Yoga and Bronze Medal in Rhythmic Prayer Yoga.
Adding another feather in her cap, she has now been selected for the World Yoga Championship to be held in Argentina and the Asian Yoga Championship to be held in Pattaya, Thailand in 2011. An international player she is an asset to the institution. The college is encouraging her potential by giving her a scholarship of Rs. 40,000/- that will help her to polish her talent.
The Principal of the College, DR. Puneet Bedi congratulated the six times National Champion on her noteworthy feat and blessed her to scale greater heights. She added that MCM is proud to have such gifted students and the college shall encourage them to hone their skills further.

Chopped body parts of woman found in a suitcase

CHANDIGARH : The chopped body parts of a woman were found dumped at two different places in Haryana's Sirsa district, police said today.
While the woman's head and two lower limbs were recovered from a blood-stained gunny bag in Kanganpur village, over 300 km from here, her torso and two upper limbs were recovered from a suitcase from a vacant plot near Agrasen Colony in Sirsa,SSP, Sirsa, Satinder Kumar Gupta told.
Though the woman has not yet been identified, it appears that she was in her 20s and hails from Sirsa or a nearby area. Prima facie, it looks like she was married,he said.A case has been registered under IPC Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence) and investigations are on, he said.

Morning walk can make your pet ill

CHANDIGARH : It's time to reschedule your pet's morning walk to later in the day with veterinarians advising owners to keep the animals indoors during the biting cold mornings. With cold winds sweeping the region, even the four-legged creatures have fallen on ill days. On Friday alone, 12 dogs were rushed to Panchkula-based government pet clinic with problems like vomiting and nausea.Apart from cold-related symptoms, Tricity vets have also seen an increase in number of pets suffering from Parvo diseases during winter.
In charge of Panchkula clinic, Dr MR Singla, said pets should be protected from direct exposure to cold winds. ''Avoid taking the dogs for early morning walk. A protein-rich diet is important to boost their immunity,he added.
Chandigarh-based veterinarian JC Kochar said the biggest sufferers of this season are puppies, who require a minimum of 28 degree C to survive. A warm place, mattress and round-the-clock monitoring is required during this season,he advised.
Highlighting that the canines were as prone to lung and viral infections as humans, Dr HS Grover of Mohali said, ''Make sure they're not left outside for long. Vaccination is also a must as it helps fight early infection, he said.

Amritsar shivers at 3 degrees & Cold conditions intensify in Punjab and Haryana

CHANDIGARH : Cold conditions today intensified in Punjab and Haryana with mercury dipping by upto three notches below normal. Amritsar remained the coldest place in the region with a minimum temperature of 3 deg C, down by one degree, MeT office said here. Chandigarh shivered at 5.1 deg C, down by two notches below normal.
In Haryana, Ambala recorded a low of 4.3 deg C, while Hisar was at 4.2 deg C. Karnal and Bhiwani recorded identical lows at 6.2 deg C. Narnaul and Rohtak had a minimum of 3.4 deg C and 6 deg C respectively, dipping by up to three notches. Ludhiana and Patiala recorded minimum temperature of 3.9 deg C and 5.5 deg C, down by 3 and 2 degrees respectively. Fog and mist would continue to prevail at a few places in two states.
Most parts of Punjab and Haryana Saturday saw a sharp dip in the mercury and Amritsar was the coldest in the region with a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius, a weather official said. We have recorded a plunge in the mercury in most parts of Punjab and Haryana. We have predicted a further dip, especially during nights in the coming days," the official said here.
Punjab's Patiala city recorded 5.5 degrees Celsius, two degrees below normal for this time of the season and industrial city Ludhiana registered a minimum temperature of 3.9 degrees Celsius, three notches below average. Chandigarh, which is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a minimum temperature of 5.1 degrees Celsius, which is two degrees below normal. In neighbouring Haryana, Ambala saw a minimum temperature of 4.3 degrees Celsius Saturday while Karnal and Hisar were 6.2 and 4.2 degrees respectively.

Chopper crashes minutes before flying Punjab minister

CHANDIGARH: Ten days after aviation authorities issued an airworthiness certificate to it, a Punjab government helicopter crashed at Chandigarh's civil airport on Thursday. The helicopter crashed barely 30 minutes before it was to fly state industries and local bodies minister Manoranjan Kalia to Mukerian in Hoshiarpur district to attend a public function.
The Pawan Hans helicopter crashed shortly after refuelling, but two pilots on board Manreet Singh Brar and Surinderpal Singh Brar escaped unhurt.
The helicopter had flown deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal on Wednesday. It had been leased to the Punjab government for the last three years.
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry into the crash. Its three-member team, which reached the crash site in the afternoon, is expected to release a preliminary report on Friday. Operations at the airport came to a halt for almost an hour, where the glass wall of departure lounge broke due to the impact.
Officials said the helicopter, used by VVIPs like the chief minister and his deputy, the governor and other senior ministers, has been "written off completely". In fact, it had just flown in from Kaljharani after an overnight halt there.
According to Chandigarh airport director Capt HS Toor, "The chopper was on a local sortie and lost balance when it was taxiing after refuelling, tilting on its right side." The pilots were rescued by others after breaking its window-panes.
Airport Authority of India's general manager, public relations, GS Bawa told that one of its rotor blades touched the ground, causing it to crash on the bay itself. However, Punjab civil aviation secretary Vishwajeet Khanna maintained that it was undergoing a routine start-up process when it came down from a height of approximately 25-30 ft.
Tej Jauhar, a resident of Sector 8, who had gone to drop his wife at the airport, claimed that the chopper crashed after one of its rotors touched a crane parked near the terminal building. "It turned over several times before coming to rest just outside the departure lounge, he recalled.
Later in the day, the Punjab government issued a statement, describing the incident as a simple accident. The statement, which was reportedly drafted by Khanna, stated that the Pawan Hans helicopter, on lease with Punjab government, met with an accident as it started to taxi at the Chandigarh airport in the morning.
The pilots walked away from the wreckage and suffered minor scratches. They were provided first aid on the spot and then taken to the Command Hospital in Chandimandir, where the doctors declared them to be absolutely fine.

Sixth Chandigarh Golfing Tour inaugrated by Kumari Selja

CHANDIGARH :Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Minister for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, Kumari Selja inaugurated the three day 6th NRI Chandigarh Golfing Tour today. The honorable minister was accompanied by Sanjay Kothari, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, Ram Niwas, Home Secretary UT Chandigarh, D.K. Tiwari, MD, CITCO, Chandigarh and Amandeep Kaur, Director, Tourism, UT Chandigarh. J.S.Cheema, President CGA welcomed the chief guest and the officers of the Administration. After the ribbon cutting ceremony and the ceremonial release of the score card, play commenced. Kumari Selja was introduced to Francisco Amros, Director Golf COSTA Del Sol, Spain and Karen Hovhannisyan of Golf Federation of Armenia.
Hon’ble Minister also interacted with a group of upcoming amateur caddy players of this region. Renowned golfer Jeev Milkha Singh also graced the occasion. Kumari Selja was taken around the golf course by J.S.Cheema, President CGA.
Kumari Selja then proceeded to the Chandigarh Golf Range and was quite appreciative of the golfing facility. She made a particular mention of how golf was becoming popular among girls and how the Chandigarh Golf Range was playing a pivotal role in popularising golf and golf tourism in this region. Ashwani Sharma, Secretary, CGA, thanked the minister for her time and the assistance provided by the Ministry of Tourism Govt.of India and the Chandigarh Administration to conduct the 6th NRI Chandigarh Golfing Tour 2010.

FRANKFINN STUDENTS SOAR HIGH

CHANDIGARH : Frankfinn Institute of Airhostess Training Chandigarh centre organized a
function in the honor of students to felicitate them on their selection in the airlines, hospitality and customer service.We have placed more than 65 students in this quarter.
Students got placed as cabin crew in the following airlines. Seven in Go Air out of these 3 boys got selected as flight steward named Gagan Thakur, Vipul Kumar Rajput , Stephen and four girls as Airhostess named Nidhi Chopra, Inderjeet Kaur,Parvinder Bhatti, Richa Thakur. Frankfinn students who got selected with Saudi Arabia named Lovely Kaishik and Navjot Kaur. Kumkum, Balwinder Kaur, Sweety Chopra, and Sheetal Thakur got selected in Spicejet.
We have also placed Sunita Kasela, Sharanjeet Kaur, Twinkle Aerry, Rakhi thakur, Tanu, Jagmandeep Singh in Air India as ground staff. Sunny Shalu in Combata
In addition to above mentioned, many Frankfinn Students who got placed in hospitality Industry are Pallavi Prashar In Hyatt, Uma, Jyoti, and Prabhjot Kaur in ITC Kakatiya. Isha Pipat, Neha Chandel, Sonam Kumari, and Harpreet Kaur in Park Plaza Ludhiana. Sonam Raghuvanshi, Parul, Sonia, TM Manoj, Orniella, and Sachin got selected in DLF. Many other got slected in 5 Star properties like Hotel Taj, Hotel Toy, JP Vasant and ITC Shereton and many more.
A Special thanks to Frankfinn for turning our lives around and helping as achieve our dream” said Placed students.In words of frankfinnians selected in GO AIR “The course in Frankfinn is so professional that it helped us to make a smooth transaction between classrooms to flying. Frankfinn helped us to enhance our personality and confidence” said by students.
Who got placed in said “Just because of immense contribution and assistance
by the outstanding trainers and management we could achieve these heights” and similar statements were made by the students who got made to hospitality and customer services.
The students from the current batches congratulated their seniors on their success in their own way. They presented colorful choreography, heart beating songs and dance.
On this occasion, Kamal Saini, Territory Head of Frankfinn said, “ In last quarter Frankfinn has had campuses from the following International airlines like Qatar airways, Emirates airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Royal Jordanian and Domestic sector campus interviews with Indigo Airlines, Air India, Jet Lite Airways. Their Exclusive walk-Ins were made to Jet Airways, Air India, and Jet Lite and through walk-In Frankfinn students got selected in Kingfisher Airlines, Air India Express. Hence no domestic airline was left untouched by selected Frankfinnians. Still most of the above airlines have more vacancies and many Airlines
have announced to recruit the staff in December and coming months.
International qualification provided by Frankfinn accredited by ICM, UK made them employable even internationally and these words really motivated the students.

19-kg poppy husk seized two held

CHANDIGARH: Police seized a consignment of narcotics (poppy husk) from the possession of two passengers of a Punjab Roadways bus plying between Jaipur and Delhi on Thursday. Devinder Kumar and Vijay Kumar, residents of Hoshiarpur district, have been arrested and about 19-kg poppy husk kept in two bags recovered.
Sources said Devinder and Vijay were apprehended by the bus driver, Parlahad Ram, near Sector 29 and Hallomajra roundabout.
SHO of Industrial Area police station Malkit Singh said Ram and conductor Sarabjeet Singh became suspicious about the two and took the bus to Punjab Roadways depot in Industrial Area. "After the recent arrest of driver Satpal Singh and conductor Jagdish Kumar, Punjab Roadways had issued instructions to their staff to keep an eye on peddlers,he added.
A case under NDPS Act, 1983, has been registered. The accused will be produced in district courts-17 on Friday. Operation cell had arrested the driver and the conductor of another Punjab Roadways bus plying on the same route and recovered 60-kg poppy husk on December 13.

Chandigarh Congress councillor files complaint against Gadkari

CHANDIGARH: A criminal defamation complaint was filed against the Bhartiya Janata Party president Nitink Gadkari in the court of First Class Judicial Magistrate Chandigarh Barjinderpal Singh. January 9, 2011 has been fixed the date for recording the preliminary evidence.
The complaint has been filed against Gadkari by local Congress councillor Chandermukhi Sharma for his remarks against the Congress that the convicted and condemned terrorist Afzal Guru was the son in law of the Congress.
The complaint has been filed under section 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code.
It is learnt that a similar criminal complaint was filed against Gadkari in Chennai also. The move is reportedly aimed at countering his criminal defamation case filed against the Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari.
The party high command is learnt to have asked the Pradesh Congress Committees to examine all the statements and cases where it amounts to criminal defamation.
Similarly the party is learnt to be now vigorously pursuing the cases against former RSS Chief K Sudershan for his remarks and wild allegations against the party president Sonia Gandhi.

Chopper crashes in Chandigarh airport, pilots injured

CHANDIGARH : A helicopter which was to fly a Punjab minister crashed at the airport here immediately after taking off Thursday morning, catching fire and injuring both the pilots.
The Pawan Hans helicopter was heading to a helipad near Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's residence in Sector 1 here when the crash took place.
It was to fly Industry and Local Government Minister Manoranjan Kalia to Mukerian in Hoshiarpur district.
We were to take off at 10 a.m. As I was heading for the helipad, I got the message that the helicopter caught fire and crashed,' Kalia said.
The pilots, S.P.S. Brar and M.S. Brar, suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Command Hospital near Chandigarh. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an inquiry.
Airport officials said the helicopter caught fire just after it took off. It crashed in the airport.
Airport manager H.S. Toor refused to say anything when he was contacted. He said the matter was being investigated.
Fire engines doused the fire. The helicopter was on lease with the Punjab government and was used to fly VIPs including the governor, chief minister, deputy chief minister and ministers.
Flights to and from the Chandigarh airport, which is with the Indian Air Force (IAF), were affected following the crash. Passengers were stranded at the airport.
The area where the helicopter crashed was cordoned off by police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and airport officials.
In March 2005, two ministers of the then newly sworn-in Bhupinder Singh Hooda government in Haryana -- industrialist O.P. Jindal and Surender Singh -- were killed along with the pilot when an helicopter owned by Jindal crashed near Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal escaped unhurt earlier this year when his helicopter, leased to the Punjab government, hit the branches of some trees while landing.
Former chief minister Amarinder Singh also survived two accidents -- one in Gurdaspur district and another at Pinjore, 20 km from here.
In the first incident, his chopper fell just after take off, while in the second the helicopter landed on the ground of a school after suddenly losing height.

Reliance Communication launches 3G services in four cities

CHANDIGARH : Reliance Communications, a part of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, Monday launched its third generation (3G) mobile phone services in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Chandigarh with wider applications choice at much greater speeds.
The company also announced that it will launch 3G services across its 13 telecom circles by the end of this fiscal, while targeting a national footprint in association with some other operators in the rest of the nine circles during the next year.
'The launch of Reliance 3G is an integral part of our 'Vision 2015' of a wire-free India built on an affordable-for-all platform, simplified tariffs, personalised services and content-rich portfolio,' said Syed Safawi, chief executive of wireless with the company.
According to him, the 3G services will offer features such as video-calling, mobile TV, video streaming and applications access at super-fast speeds on a wide variety of both mobile phone and personal computing devices.
The company has also lined up packages on a daily basis starting from Rs.10 and beyond depending on the application and content requirement of the customer. Subscribers will also have the option to pay based on per-use, per-second or per-week basis.
The company said that it has also forged pacts with Universal Music for content, Nokia and Ericsson for applications and Motricity for web portal. Existing subscribers will be automatically upgraded to 3G services if they have a 3G-enabled smart phone.
On video-calling, the company said that they are awaiting the government's permission to launch the service in the country. It is optimistic about getting the clearances along with other operators.
'We are fully ready to launch video-calling as soon as we have the government clearance along with all the other operators,' said Mahesh Prasad, president of the company.
The company currently holds 3G licences in telecom circles of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharasthra, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, North East, Jammu and Kashmir, Orissa and Assam.
Part of the $13.6 billion Anil Ambani group, Reliance Communications says it ranks among the top four telecom companies in the world in terms of subscribers in a single country with a customer base of over 124 million.

Film Actress Kreesha in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH :Kreesha Khandelwal, a noted actress of both Tamil and Hindi Films, was in Chandigarh, to meet the local media, on her way to Manali in connection with the shooting of a South film. Shagreen Motion Picture Company’s Producer Chetan Dogra and Harwinder Singh were also present on this occasion. Kreesha told media persons that she originally belongs to Rajathan, has been living with her parents in New Delhi. Her father is a businessman.
Kreesha came to Bolloywood to try her luck in films few years ago. Her maiden hindi Film was Miss India 2003 as a leading lady. Unfortunately, the film failed to click at the box office. Determined and confident Kreesha did not lose heart and moved to the South.
Before late, she grabbed a Telugu Film Hamsa Lekha in which she was noted and appreciated by the audience. There was no looking back. She worked in a few movies afterwards. Her new Tamil Film named Eirupu is slated for an early release. The film is directed by Jaycee.
Besides an actress, Kreesha is also a popular model. She has already appeared in ads of Ayur, Tasty snacks, scotish yards fashion suiting. She enjoyed working with Hritik Roshan as a Model in Acer Ad. Film. Her Bhojpuri film Aaj Ka Karan Arjun was an instance hit an extrovert as she is, Kreesha is proud of her achievements. She would not hestitate to do a Punjabi Film provided its on a decent topic or Banner. Kreesha is also good at classic dasncing. Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Kajol are her favourite bollywood stars.

The Master Builder play in Chandigarh Ibsen theatre Festival

CHANDIGARH :The first ever Chandigarh Ibsen theatre Festival concluded with the staging of the play The Master Builder, Directed by B. Jayashree at Tagore theatre today.The Event organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs offered a slice of english theatre to the elite city audience and Administration’s endeavour found the response and appreciation. The renowned thespian and nominated member of Parliament B. Jayashree presented an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen play The Master Builder,structuring on the Kannada folk theatre tradition to relate to the North Indian Audience.
The Characters in the play include :-Halvard Solness master builder, Aline Solness, his wife, Doctor Herdal, physician, Knut Brovik, formerly an architect, now in Solness' employment, Ragnar Brovik, Knut Brovik's son, a draftsman, Kaia Fosli, a book-keeper, Hilda Wangel,
The Master Builder is a tale of a fear conquering the powerful. Halvard Solness, the master builder, came to be the most powerful builder by strange occurrences that he happened to wish for, but never acted upon. These facts haunt him and are driving him insane. His wife's childhood home burned down, which allowed him to build magnificent structures. She was deeply hurt when she lost her past and their marriage has suffered since then. Two men work for Solness, a father and son. The father he learned from and stole business.
The son he taught and is ready to steal some business of his own. He has learned the craft and trade. Solness is trying to keep his business away from the youth. Solness refuses to lose his position, even if it is the dying father's wish to see his son succeed in life. Out of the past comes a young woman to Solness. She claims to have been kissed by him. He apparently also agreed to build her a castle and run away with her. It is for the audience to figure out if she's telling the truth. But Solness believes her. She tells of a time he defied his own fears and climbed to the top of a tower he built. After he has lost his power to the son, the youth, she manages to convince him to return to those dizzying heights. Tragedy ensues, and Solness falls to his death.
B. Jayashree is the complete theatre person who has given her felicity with acting, music and dane. B. Jayashree was born in the year 1950. She was born in Bangalore and was the granddaughter of the legendary Gubbi Veeranna. B. Jayashree debuted as a child in his company before going on to study at the National School of Drama. After graduation in 1970, and acting under such directors as Alkazi and Karanth, she started directing her own group, Spandana, in Bangalore. It made a name across India with Lakshapati Rajana kathe i.e. `Raja Lakshapati`s Story` in 1986. This was a production resplendent with folk energy and vibrant music. She also directed Chandrasekhar Kambar`s Karimayi in 1987. This was on ritualistic worship of the goddess by that name, in the same style. About the Play
Balura Gudikara (The Master Builder)
It had been decided that this play would be directed by B. Jayashree, the well known director of Kannada theatre. Therefore it was inevitable that this play of Ibsen had to have elements of professional theatre as well as the folk elements in its adopted version. We chose the Veera Ghaase folk format. In Veera Ghaase , we have ‘Veerabhadra’s who dance holding sword in their hands. These people are followers of lord Shiva. It is said in folklore that when Daksha humiliated Lord Shiva, the Veerabhadras made their incarnation on this earth and killed him. We decided that it would be better to use these Veerbhadras directly and characterize Ibsen’s Master builder through them.
Ibsen’s master builder is a wordy play. Here clashes and explosions appear through words only. There is an experiment of unveiling the history and character of the characters through words. Apart from this, Ibsen’s plays demand realistic theatre. This is difficult in contemporary Kannada theatre. Therefore it was inevitable to stylize Ibsen’s play while adapting it to Kannada. For this reason we had to convert some of the details appearing through word to action. To overcome the limitation of time and location constraints we decided to take the help of the Veeraghaase. This group indicates the progress of the scenes and takes the story forward.
After this it was decided to use only one character to act as counter voice of Master builder as well as Veerabhadras and therefore thought of using the character ‘Hilda Wangel’ in the original play as the hero’s shadow and questioning mentailty. Since we were using the Veeraghaase form, it was impossible to make the play contemporary. We therefore we took Ibsen’s play to the 14th century.
During that time many Kings of Karnataka had built temples . The hero of this play, is one such ‘gudikara’ (temple builder). If the atrocities committed by the gudikara are introduced in the first scene, the character ‘Thara’ (Hilda wangle) which appears in the subsequent scenes, directly causes the Gudikara’s death by removing his Ego and inspiring him to climb the tower by himself. This way it was decided to use Thara to counteract the plays Hero as well as the Veerabhadras.
In order to adapt the play I had to first translate the original play entirely, as this play had not been translated previously into Kannada. Therefore a literal translation was prepared first. After that I had to decide on the format we wanted to create.
Ibsen’s master builder is a wordy play. Here clashes and explosions appear through words only. There is an experiment of unveiling the history and character of the characters through words. Apart from this, Ibsen’s plays demand realistic theatre. This is difficult in contemporary Kannada theatre. Therefore it was inevitable to stylize Ibsen’s play while adapting it to Kannada. For this reason we had to convert some of the details appearing through word to action. To overcome the limitation of time and location constraints we decided to take the help of the Veeraghaase. This group indicates the progress of the scenes and takes the story forward. Since we were using the Veeraghaase form, it was impossible to make the play contemporary. We therefore we took Ibsen’s play to the 14th century.
My main intention is to create more visuals to reach the common audience, even though Ibsen’s master builder is a wordy play. When I direct a play I visualize every character and its depth. Being an actress myself I enact the character in my mind first and try to take the best from my artists. While working on the script itself I visualize the sequences to convey its meaning to the audience in the best way possible. The centre character of the play is Gudikara (Master Builder) himself, whose ego is the set of un co-ordinated instinctual trend which plays the critical and moralising role,who is terrified of losing his power or place to the younger generation,hence has a conflict within himself. This is the main reason I took the folk form Veeragase, which is a martial art form. In puranas Veerabhadra is sent to destroy Dakshabrahma who is the personification of ego, hence I felt Veeragase is the apt form to bring out the theme of the play.Ibsen’s attitude towards truth, illusion and imagination is very complex, but they are always present in his characters. While ‘Indianizing’ such complexities, I as the director have to be very cautious. Here I have tried to bring out the struggle of character for a higher truth and the ability to envision a life beyond ordinary. During this process, we took the play into the 12th century. It was a period art, architecture; primarily the temple architecture, was at its peak in south India. Hence, it was complexly challenging to do justice to Ibsen’s characters, which he had created with such great intensity and detailing.
Keeping of each character’s tradition, morality and reputation intact, and applying it to the present time is a big task. For instance Solness( Honna) represents ego, Hilda (Saakshi) represents conscience of every character.Though Ibsen has created complex female character; with a local backround and situation I have to expose the limitations of both men and women with their selfishness, ego, cruelty and also sacrifice.
Music is an integral part of Indian culture. Though I underwent a cultural shock while connecting Ibsen’s thoughts to nativity music helped me in bridging the gap. Also, through music it was easier to portray the magical resonance of objects and spaces that are symbolic in Ibsen’s play. The nativity, the aggression of Veerabhadras and the director’s vision, are conveyed effectively through music in ‘Balura Gudikara’

SYNERGY 2010 ORGANISED AT ST. JOSEPH'S

CHANDIGARH : After the stupendous success of the Cultural Event at St. Joseph’s Sr. Sec. School, it was now time for the Junior Wing to showcase its talent in the Annual Drill Display ‘Synergy 2010’. There was mass participation with around 1400 students taking part in the event. The function was presided over by Mr. S.M. Sharma I.P.S. Additional Director General Police, Information Technology and Telecom (Punjab).
The function commenced with the Welcome Song and the Hoisting of the School Flag. The audience was visibly impressed by the precision with which the March Past was conducted by House representatives. The adorable tiny tots of Play Class danced their way into our hearts as they gyrated to the tune of Coco Jumbo. The children of Pre K.G. set the grounds ablaze with a riot of colours with their Rainbow Drill. The little cherubs and fairies of KG cast their spell on everyone with their Fairy Drill. The patriotic fervor was brought to the forefront with the enthusiastic ‘Bravo India’ – a dance by Class I. The Primary Block presented a myriad of items from Class II reminding us of the importance of saving our beautiful and endangered birds to Class III dressed as Robots suggesting that the day is not far when machines will become indispensable to us. Students of Class IV attired in vibrant costumes representing various states of India and Class V with Western Dance earned a well deserved applause and appreciation by all. The function concluded with the effervescent Beats of Punjab - the Bhangra which had everybody enthusiastically tapping their feet.
30 National Players were honoured on this occasion.

Chrysanthemum Show Begins in City

CHANDIGARH :The City Beautiful known as "City of Gardens” is witnessing the beautiful Chrysanthemum Show at Terraced Garden, Sector 33. The flower show was today inaugurated by Advisor to the Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh,Pradip Mehra. The show would be open till December 12 and is being organized by the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh.
On the occasion, Mehra released a brochure dedicated to the show. He then went around the Garden alongwith Mayor, Anu Chatrath, Municipal Commissioner, Dr. Roshan Sunkaria, area councilor Rajesh Gupta, Brig. Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, XEN Hotriculture, Arun Kumar Kansal, organisar of the show and other councilors and officers of Corporation to see the various flowers exhibited there with different permutations and combinations. Mehra applauded the efforts of the officials of Municipal Corporation, especially the XEN Horticulture and his team. Advisor said that any city is not just known because of its shops, malls and departmental stores but is known for how good its infrastructure is and how the civic departments maintain it. He also distributed sweets to the underprivileged children on the occasion. He said that Chandigarh is world-wide known for its beautiful and magnificent gardens supplemented by green patches. The beautiful displays of the Chrysanthemum in the Show have helped Chandigarh in acquiring international fame. This is one of the best flower shows arranged by MCC and his team of Officers. The combination of multi coloured flora was beautifully used to create fauna which was clearly evident in the show. Gardeners and participants in the show have made camel, peacock, cow, giraffe, lion and many other animals and birds using flowers. Arun Kansal said that about 261 varieties of Chrysanthemum have been displayed in the show. The beautiful displays of the Chrysanthemum in the Show have helped Chandigarh in acquiring international fame. He said the show was a great success and with the help of such events Chandigarh has been able to come into the bracket of the top 'flower friendly' Indian cities. Chief Engineer, S.S. Bidda, , S.E. B&R, Mukesh Anand, S.E. Public Health R.K. Goyal and other councilors & senior officers of the Municipal Corporation were also present on the occasion. Earlier, a cultural programme was also organized by the students of Gurukul Global School, Panchkula.

Krome woos Youth with international brands

CHANDIGARH : Krome which opened its retail outlet in Chandigarh recently organized a Fashion Show to depict the wide range of international brand and styling available to the youth today. Various models from Mumbai and Delhi including those who walked the ramp at Lakme India Fashion Week, participated in the fashion show here today. KROME fashion stores targets the youth with an entire range of cool, lively and fresh look of international brands like Puma, Lee, Arrow Sports, Wrangler, United Colors of Benetton, US Polo, and Indian Terrain, informed Mr. Akshay Kapoor, CEO, Krome. KROME offers youngsters’ a range of cool, rugged casuals to semi-formal shirts from most preferred brands that portray their zest for life and energy. Krome wishes to expand its horizons at PAN India Level and launched their stores in Chandigarh, Mansa, Yamunanagar and Patiala recently, and has plan to open shortly in Amritsar, Jalandhar and Sirsa, followed by making their presence in J&K and Himachal Pradesh. In second phase we shall target Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and have plans to open 40 stores across the country by March 2012, informed, Akshay Kapoor.

United Kingdom companies to participate in PITEX next year: Sanders

AMRITSAR : The United Kingdom investors are exploring investment opportunities in agriculture, education, and infrastructure. We shall showcase our products and services in food processing, education, and infrastructure at PITEX next year”, said Jane Sanders, Deputy Head, UK Trade Investment, UKTI, New Delhi. Sanders was interacting with media persons during her visit to PITEX 2010 organised by PHD Chamber at Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar.
She informed that besides training people from Punjab and Haryana in agricultural techniques, experts from Haul University, United Kingdom shall share the techniques and technologies of crop management to lower the losses of crops in transit and storage.
She said that in India, 35% of the crop is lost in transit and lack of proper storage techniques. She informed that soon an MOU shall be signed to this effect.
Sanders appreciated the trade expo and said that PHD Chamber had played the role of a bridge by bringing traders from eight countries at one platform. She said that this step of PHD Chamber shall boost trade and industry.
Speaking about UKTI, she shared that UKTI receives 3000 to 4000 trade queries each year regarding Indian market and the available trade opportunities.
She informed that under a British education programme, stress is being laid on student and faculty exchange programme between the two nations. She said that they had meetings with officials from Rayat & Bahra University and Thapar University. They discussed the same with Dr Rajneesh Arora, VC, PTU as well.
Sanders observed that there are many opportunities which the UK traders are exploring in the field of infrastructure in India. Likewise many companies are interested in agriculture, education, manufacturing, innovation, engineering, and financial services.
She informed that a UK based company, A4E has signed an agreement with Ministry of Rural Development, under which, A4E shall provide training in agriculture to more than 9000 illiterate and poor youth from 6 states including Punjab and try and enhance their agri-skills.
Sanders informed that any company from India can settle itself in United Kingdom. By doing so, the company can enhance its trade possibilities throughout Europe.
She shared that as of now, the bilateral trade between India and UK stood at 11.5 billion pounds and this would scale new heights with mutual cooperation and understanding.
Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber said that a delegation from PHD Chamber shall visit UK. To enhance bilateral trade between both the nations, PHD Chamber shall share with UK industry and trade community, the possibilities and opportunities available here in India, especially Punjab, to encourage them to invest in India in general and Punjab in particular. He said that Punjab is an agriculture based economy with lots of opportunities for foreign investment.
The United Kingdom investors are exploring investment opportunities in agriculture, education, and infrastructure. We shall showcase our products and services in food processing, education, and infrastructure at PITEX next year”, said Ms Jane Sanders, Deputy Head, UK Trade Investment, UKTI, New Delhi.
Sanders was interacting with media persons during her visit to PITEX 2010 organised by PHD Chamber at Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar.
She informed that besides training people from Punjab and Haryana in agricultural techniques, experts from Haul University, United Kingdom shall share the techniques and technologies of crop management to lower the losses of crops in transit and storage.
She said that in India, 35% of the crop is lost in transit and lack of proper storage techniques. She informed that soon an MOU shall be signed to this effect.
Sanders appreciated the trade expo and said that PHD Chamber had played the role of a bridge by bringing traders from eight countries at one platform. She said that this step of PHD Chamber shall boost trade and industry.
Speaking about UKTI, she shared that UKTI receives 3000 to 4000 trade queries each year regarding Indian market and the available trade opportunities.
She informed that under a British education programme, stress is being laid on student and faculty exchange programme between the two nations. She said that they had meetings with officials from Rayat & Bahra University and Thapar University. They discussed the same with Dr Rajneesh Arora, VC, PTU as well.
Sanders observed that there are many opportunities which the UK traders are exploring in the field of infrastructure in India. Likewise many companies are interested in agriculture, education, manufacturing, innovation, engineering, and financial services.
She informed that a UK based company, A4E has signed an agreement with Ministry of Rural Development, under which, A4E shall provide training in agriculture to more than 9000 illiterate and poor youth from 6 states including Punjab and try and enhance their agri-skills.
Sanders informed that any company from India can settle itself in United Kingdom. By doing so, the company can enhance its trade possibilities throughout Europe.
She shared that as of now, the bilateral trade between India and UK stood at 11.5 billion pounds and this would scale new heights with mutual cooperation and understanding.
Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber said that a delegation from PHD Chamber shall visit UK. To enhance bilateral trade between both the nations, PHD Chamber shall share with UK industry and trade community, the possibilities and opportunities available here in India, especially Punjab, to encourage them to invest in India in general and Punjab in particular. He said that Punjab is an agriculture based economy with lots of opportunities for foreign investment.

New Look launches Tricity’s largest Salon

MOHALI: “Patience and Experience always pays and hard work never fails”. This is the motto by which “New Look Salon” blends with “Leaps & Bounds” the Education Academy and announces its opening at Kharar. Brainchild of Ms Sharmita Bhinder, personality and grooming coach, this holistic venture aims to ensure that each individual is bestowed with complete personality development. Beauty and personality being vital aspects of life are brought under common roof at New Look.
The one of its kind and largest Salon of the tricity New Look Salon is located at SCO-34, Sector 125, New Sunny Enclave, Greater Mohali, near Kharar. It offers all the latest beauty groomings including Day Spa, Hair and Beauty Enhancement & Treatment. “Total transformation of your beauty and wits is what we aim at”, says Bhinder. The venture targets not only the regular niche cliental but also the people from the vicinity of Chandigarh and offers unique opportunity to get the taste of ultimate luxury at budget prices.
The exclusivity of New Look ranges from high-end products like O3, Dermalogica, Phytomer, and Thalgo to renowned Indian brands including Shehnaz, Aroma and Biotique. The beauticians spell magic on the beauty of the clients with specialized Facials and Treatments like Dead Sea minerals, Sea Bed minerals, Wine chocolate Volcanic Ash et al. The imported original Products like fresh Chocolate, Wine fruits ensure ultimate results for the patrons.
New Look has a wide range of hair products including L’Oreal, Matrix, Schwarzkopf, Kerastase. Crystalline Nail Art with beads add to the exquisite. Bridal make-up being another speciality at New Look is done with international products of Krylon and Mac and focuses on Modern Trends with a blend of Tradition.
New Look is a one stop shop for the brides and offers Pre Bridal, Bridal and Trousseau under one roof. It will be mentally relaxing for the bride to know that all is taken care of by the experts of the beauty industry. A special PERSONALITY AND GROOMING COURSE offered for brides including Trousseau Management, Home Care as well as Personality Development, enriches the experience many folds.
LEAPS AND BOUNDS is successfully established in Chandigarh and now gets another branch in Sunny Enclave. The institute focuses on spoken English, Personality Development, IELTS, TOEFL, MBA-GD and courses for children with Public speaking and Handwriting. The boutiques division of New Look offers Bridal Wear, Traditional, Ethnic, Indo Western, Western dresses and Ball Gowns. With the opening of New Look the heart of the city seems shifted from 17 and 22 to the suburbs.

GOVERNOR CONFERS PRESIDENT’S POLICE MEDAL UPON 48 PUNJAB POLICE PERSONNEL

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Governor, Sh. Shivraj V. Patil today conferred President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service and Police Medals for Meritorious Service upon the 48 Punjab police personnel in an impressive investiture ceremony held first time here at Punjab Raj Bhawan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor underlined the need to chalk out an immediate plan to counter the challenges of radiological, chemical and biological weapon usage in near future as per the intelligence gathered by the International agencies. He said that time has come to upgrade weaponry, training methodology and communication equipment of the state police forces to prepare the forces to meet the growing challenges of rapidly changing crime patterns especially white collared crimes and ever increasing usage of technology by criminals.
The Governor further asked for specialized training of Police officers and men so that there should be a specialized set up to deal with different type of crimes. He said that the State police must have its specialized units for effective traffic management, mob control, neutralizing terrorists and other hard core criminals, ensuring law and order situation and others responsibilities undertaken by the force.
The Governor pointed out that the Punjab Police had made a mark itself by crushing decade long terrorism in the State with most professional acumen and made innumerable sacrifices during this war against terrorism. Appreciating the Punjab Police for the exemplary efficiency and gallantry displayed by it while fighting sponsored terrorism in Punjab, the Governor cautioned the State police against any complacency as it has a long international border besides a hostile neighbour.
The Governor said that it becomes imperative to change the public perception of Police and it was only possible by instilling the sense of security amongst common masses and listening to their grievances in a sympathetic manner.
Congratulating the medal recipients, the Governor pointed out that their bravery and dedication to the service has been recognized by the nation and he was also feeling proud to honour such decorated officers with President's Police Medal for distinguished services and police medal for meritorious services.
Earlier, Punjab DGP Mr. P.S. Gill welcomed the Punjab Governor and congratulated medal recipients for their rare feat. He said that the Punjab police during its 150 years’ history have passed through many difficult times and always boldly withstood the challenges of time proved victorious and successful. He said that the Punjab police emerged as one of the bravest and competent police force of the country which effectively handled the most dreadful phase of terrorism. He said that to ensure better professional functioning it becomes imperative that appreciation and honour to be bestowed upon the thoroughly devoted and hard working police personnel in suitable ways. Mr. S.K. Sharma, ADGP/HRD & C.P. (TRG) proposed a vote of thanks on the occasion.
It may be mentioned here that President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service has been conferred upon Sh. Lok Nath Angra, IPS,SSP/Gurdaspur now DIG Bathinda Range, Sh. Pawan Kumar Uppal, PPS, SP, RTC, JRC, Sh. Braham Paul, PPS, AIG/CI, Punjab; Sh. Jagtar Singh, PPS, DSP 343/PAP/PPA/PHR and ASI Gurdev Singh 20/ Khanna, PS Sahnewal, Ludhiana City.
Similarly, Police Medal for Meritorious Service has been conferred upon Mr. B.K. Garg, IPS, IGP/Security, Punjab, Mr S.S. Chauhan, IPS, DIG, Jalandhar Range now IGP(Hqrs.), Mr. R.N.Dhoke, IPS, DIG/Int.-II, Punjab now Addl. Commissioner of Security, ( Civil Aviation), Bureau of Civil Aviation, Security, New Delhi, Mr. P.K. Sinha, IPS, SP, now Deputy Director, SVP, NPA, Hyderabad, Mr. Kamal Kumar, PPS, SP/Z, crime, Jalandhar, Mr. Makhan Singh, PPS, AIG, Counter Intelligence, Amritsar, Mr. Mandeep Singh, PPS,SP/ Excise & Taxation, Punjab, Mr. Gurdev Singh, PPS, SP PSHRC, Chandigarh, Mr. Inder Mohan Singh, PPS, SSP Mukatsar, Mr. Opinderjit Singh Ghuman,PPs, AIG, Counter-Intelligence, Jalandhar, Mr. Ashwani Kapoor, PPS, AIG/Personnel-II, Mr. Avtar Singh, PPS, DSP 298/PAP PRTC/JKN, Mr. Narinder Singh Rana, PPS, DSP, North Ludhiana City, Mr. Hardevinder Singh, PPS, DSP/Rural, Patiala, Mr. Dharm Singh Uppal, PPS, SP/Operation, SBS Nagar, Mr. Des Raj, PPS, DSP,Vigilance Bureau Unit, Bathinda, Mr. Balraj Singh Gill, PPS, ACP/Sahnewal, Ludhiana City, Mr. Lakhbir Singh, PPS, DSP, CID Unit, SAS Nagar, L/Inspr. Leela Devi, 1198/BTI Incharge Women Cell DPO, Jalandhar, Inspr. Mohinder Lal, 7/PPA, Phillaur, Inspr. Jagir Singh, 138/PAP CID Unit, Amritsar, Inspr. Ranjodh singh, 17/PR, Reader to DGP/Prison, Punjab, Inspr. Dilbagh Singh, 407/PAP, PPa, Phillaur, Inspr. Sukhjit Singh No. 388/PR, Incharge Training School, Fatehgarh Sahib, SI/ Inspr. Kabal Singh, 75/66, O/o AIG/CI/Amritsar, SI Sohan Lal, 800/PAP, RTC, PAP, JRC, SI Mohinder Pal, 217/PAP, PPA/PHR, SI Bahadur Singh, 837/PAP, RTC, Jalandhar, SI Amrik Singh, No. 472/W, O/o IGP Training Punjab, SI Deepak Rai, No. 771/PAP, Intelligence Hqrs., Punjab, SI Manjit Singh, 2012/Batala, PRTC, Jahan Khelan, SI Ashok Kumar, No. 884/PAP, 5th IRB, Amritsar, SI(Adhoc) Kulbir Singh, 16/RTC, PRTC/JKN, SI(LR) Kartar Singh, 262/LDH, Police Lines, Ludhiana City, Late ASI Hardev Singh, 380/ASR(R), ASI Harpal Singh, 2335/PAP, O/o ADGP/IVC-cum-HR, Punjab, ASI Sukhpal Singh, 57/PTL,PS city Rajpura, HC Satpal Singh, 249/JGN, LDH( R ), HC Balwant Rai, 7/PPA, PPA/PHR, HC Baldev Raj, 506/ GSP Police Control Room, Gurdaspur, HC Devinder Kumar, 988/LDH( R ), DPO, LDH ( R), HC Inder Mohan, 158/PTL, Accounts, Fatehgarh Sahib and HC Harjit Singh , 35/Moga, Police Lines, Moga.