Star Web Media

Vivek Oberoi makes a comeback in Kumar Taurani’s film “Prince – It’s Showtime”

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:53:53 PST

Mandeep Puri

Tips Industries Limited presents the forthcoming film “Prince – It’s Showtime” starring ace actor Vivek Oberoi, Nandana Sen, Aruna Shields and Niroo Singh. The action packed thriller film is produced by Kumar Taurani and directed by debutant Kookie V Gulati. The music of the film is composed by Sachin Gupta and is set to release on 26th March 2010.

Prince.. It's Showtime is based on one of the savviest thieves in the world who commits the biggest heist of his life. He wakes up next morning to realize he has a gunshot wound on his arm that he doesn't remember getting.

In his quest to find answers he discovers his name is Prince, he used to work for a man named Sarang and his girlfriend's name is Maya. He is being hunted by the secret service of India- I Grip, the CBI and the biggest white collared criminals in the world. He is the most wanted man in the country because only he knows the whereabouts of the heist, which contains a secret that is linked not only to his loss of memory but threatens the future of the human race.

Prince can rely only on his razor sharp instincts to salvage himself. The web of deception spins and Prince gets even more entangled. Nothing and no one can be trusted. Every day he meets a new girl claiming to be Maya... Every cop and criminal in the country is out for his blood... He doesn't remember where he has hidden the Heist... He doesn't know which side of the law he is on... His life is at stake...

The future of mankind is at stake... Prince has no one but himself to trust ... Nothing and No One Can Be Trusted.... Failure is not an option... He has just 5 Days of his life... Time is running out will he survive...

Financial Assistance to Coir Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:41:55 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is implementing various schemes for the overall development of coir industry in the country like Skill Upgradation and Quality Improvement Programme including Mahila Coir Yojana, Domestic Market Promotion, Export Market Promotion, Development of Production Infrastructure Scheme, Research and Development Programmes etc. through Coir Board, a statutory body under the administrative control of this Ministry.

A new Central Sector scheme on “Rejuvenation, Modernisation and Technology Upgradation of the Coir Industry” was launched in March, 2008 to assist spinners and tiny household sector. Further, another scheme - SFURTI “Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries” envisages holistic development of 26 coir clusters in the coir producing States.

Recently the State Government of Kerala has sought financial assistance for its National Coir Research and Management Institute, Thiruvananthapuram; Market Promotion Fund; External Market Assistance and also funds for transportation subsidy for coir yarn and products. However, the funds are released by the Ministry to the Coir Board and not directly to the State Governments for implementation of various programmes in coir sector.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Shri Dinsha Patel in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Steps for promoting Medicinal Plants

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:28:55 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. Medicinal plant resources in the country are threatened by over exploitation to meet the demand of herbal industries. As per the information received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, about 95% of medicinal plants used by the herbal industries are harvested from the wild primarily from forests.

The total annual demand of botanical raw drugs in the country for the year 2005-06 has been estimated as 3,19,500 MT with corresponding trade value of Rs. 1,069 crores as per the collaborative study conducted by the Department of AYUSH with the assistance of the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). In addition to above, rapid threat assessment exercises for the wild medicinal plants species occurring in different states have also been taken up. These assessments have involved conducting Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization using International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List Categories. These exercises have involved undertaking assessments for a total of 359 prioritized wild medicinal plant species. Out of the 359 species taken up for assessment, 335 have been assigned Red List status ranging from Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable to Near Threatened. In addition, a total number of 15 medicinal plants species recorded in trade have been found threatened.

Some of the rare medicinal plants reported to be threatened have been relocated during the last decade including Utleria salicifolia and Hydnocarpus pentandra in Western Ghats, Gymnocladus assamicus and Begonia tessaricarpa from Arunachal Pradesh and Agapetes smithiana in Sikkim as reported by the Botanical Survey of India.

National Medicinal Plants Board which was constituted on 24th November, 2000 has been implementing a Central Sector scheme for development and cultivation of medicinal plants since the year 2000-01. This scheme was revised and renamed as “Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” during 2008-09. The States Forest Departments have been granted assistance for protection and propagation of endangered species of medicinal plants, especially used by the herbal industries. Projects for setting up of 29 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) have also been implemented in the states covering mainly the medicinal plants viz. Asoka, Guggal and Dashmool varieties. The scheme is being implemented with an outlay of Rs. 321.30 crores during the 11th Plan.

In addition to above, a new “Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Medicinal Plants” with a total outlay of Rs. 630 crores is being implemented since 2008-09 by the National Medicinal Plants Board. A total number of 24 states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal have been covered so far under the scheme. Since the implementation of the Mission started only in the year 2008-09, it is too early to make any impact assessment.

This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha today.

President Awards Standards to 49 Squadron and 107 Helicopter Unit

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:25:27 PST

Star News Agency

Jodhpur (Rajasthan). The President of India and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Smt Pratibha Devi Singh Patil conferred the Presidential Standards to two premiers combat unit of the Indian Air Force - 49 Squadron and 107 Helicopter Unit at an impressive presentation parade held at the Jodhpur airbase.

The Standards were received in the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik by the Commanding Officer of 49 Squadron Group Captain R Dineshan and Commodore Commandant Air Commodore PK Singh and subsequently by Commanding Officer of 107 Helicopter Unit Wing Commander J Yadav and Commodore Commandant Air Vice Marshal PK Roy.

" It gives me immense pleasure to be with you at Air Force Station, Jodhpur a premier Indian Air Force Base, to award Standards to 49 Squadron and 107 Helicopter Unit. Both have a rich history of valour and courage and have rendered distinguished service to the nation since their inception. These two units have put in tremendous efforts as well as followed rigorous discipline in pursuit of excellence and set an example for others to emulate. For their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of the adversary, the nation honours them today with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation", says President Mrs Pratibha Devi Singh Patil on this occasion.

An impressive parade comprising of 415 Air Warriors from both units and those from Jodhpur airbase led by the Parade Commander Captain SC D'souza followed the Standards Presentation.

A fly past by MIG-21, Jaguar, SU-30 enthralled the onlookers. Major attraction apart from the Presidents Standard Presentation was the scintillating and unique display by Air Warrior Drill Team who presented a series of thrilling drill coupled with dexterous handing of rifle, exhibiting highest skill of agility flexibility and strength.

The President later interacted with the Air Warriors of the two units and others from the airbase. Among the senior dignitaries present included Governor of Rajasthan, Mrs Prabha Rau and erstwhile Ruler Shri Gaj Singh. Several other senior serving and retired officers were also present at the ceremony.

Address the media personnel later, on the sidelines of the standard presentation, the Chief of the Air Staff replied to a flurry of questions fielded by correspondents of the National and local media on a range of issues relating to Air Force.

Alternative source of gas supply – import from Iran and Turkmenistan

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:22:37 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Murli Deora in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today informed that in order to enhance energy security of the country, import of natural gas is being pursued from Iran through Iran-Pakistan-India(IPI) Gas Pipeline Project. Various important issues concerning the Project are under discussion amongst the participating countries, viz., Iran, Pakistan & India. Such multilateral projects involve protracted discussions, as all the aspects have to be carefully examined and deliberated upon to the satisfaction of the participating countries to protect each country’s interests and to avoid any problems in the future in the successful operation of the project. Implementation of the Project will start only after satisfactory resolution of the issues under discussion amongst the countries participating in the Project.

Shri Deora also said that import of natural gas is being pursued from Turkmenistan as well. India has been formally admitted as a member of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India(TAPI) gas pipeline project in the 10th Steering Committee Meeting (SCM) of the Project held in Islamabad on April 23-24, 2008. “Various important issues concerning the Project are under discussion amongst the participating countries, viz., Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan & India,” Shri Deora added.

In reply to another question in the House, the Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Jitin Prasada informed that in recent years, there have been significant technological advancements in the field of Deep Sea Gas transportation technology. Accordingly, for the last few years, interest has been revived in deep sea gas pipeline route from Middle-East to India. Gas supplies from several gas rich countries of Middle East through Gas Gathering pipeline with hub in Oman (or its proximity) have been proposed, so as to supply gas to Indian Coast through the said Deep Sea Pipeline. “GAIL(India) Ltd. has entered into a Principles of Cooperation with M/s SAGE in the month of July 2009 for developing the pipeline Project. As such, the proposal is at its initial stage,” the Minister added.

Separate Flight Corridors for Helicopters at Delhi and Mumbai

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:11:19 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to introduce separate Visual Flight Route (VFR) corridors at the Delhi and Mumbai Airports to ensure safe and efficient operations of Helicopters and also to meet long pending demands of the Helicopter Industry.

A large number of Helicopters operate within the Control Zone of Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai and Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi and also from Juhu Airfield which lies within the Control zone of Mumbai - for oil exploration, tourism and corporate and business purposes. The Helicopter operations get delayed due to Air Traffic Congestion at these International Airports. Therefore, the decision to introduce Helicopters Flying Corridors within Mumbai and Delhi Control Zone for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Routings.

Also keeping in view the short endurance of Helicopters, promotion of the Industry and for Safe Operations, the need was felt to introduce VFR Routings which was also recommended by KAW Committee.

For this purpose, the DGCA had asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to design the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Helicopter Routings. Suggestions were invited from all Helicopter Operators. Various meetings were held at Bombay and Delhi between Helicopter Operators, AAI and DGCA to discuss the routings. The suggestions were considered and the routes were modified to facilitate the Operations and at the same time ensuring that Air Safety is not compromised at any stage.

The Flying trials have been conducted separately at Bombay and Delhi Region with the help of Helicopter Operators under strict supervision of Flight Operations Inspectors from Flight Inspection Directorate, DGCA. The routes were further modified wherever required and were scrutinized in detail by concerned Directorates in DGCA and approved by Director General of Civil Aviation. AAI has been intimated to progomulate these VFR Helicopter routings and notifications shall be issued on the subject very soon.

Upgradation of National Waterways

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:07:19 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. Five waterways have so far been declared as National Waterways (NWs). First three NWs i.e. NW – 1, 2 & 3 are being developed as per the projected requirement for shipping and navigation by providing basic transport infrastructural facilities. These include navigational channel with targeted depth and width for most part of the year, aids for day and night navigation and terminals at selected locations for berthing and loading/unloading of vessels.

Since substantial cargo is yet not being transported on NWs, not much revenue is generated/accrued on these NWs. Inland Waterways Authority of India however collects charges such as pilotage charges, berthing charges, storage charges as well charges for transporting cargo under demonstrative cargo services. During 2008-09 the revenue generated from these charges was Rs. 5.32 lakhs.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Shipping, Shri Mukul Roy in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Seizure of spurious desi ghee

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:03:01 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. As per information received, 11 cases of seizures of desi ghee (as per details annexed) have been reported only from the state of Rajasthan.

The Parliament has already enacted a comprehensive “Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006” to replace the existing PFA Act, 1954, and other food related Orders. The new Act provides for different tiers of punishment depending upon the seriousness of the offence, whereby inter alia vide sub clause (iv) of section 59, in case of manufacture for sale, storage, distribution and import of any article of food for human consumption which leads to death, may lead to punishment with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life and also with fine which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees. However, these provisions are yet to be notified.

Community Radio Station to start at Dehradun

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:56:55 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi (Uttarakhand). Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India has signed a Grant of Permission Agreement for establishing, maintaining and operating a Community Radio Station at National Institute for Visually Handicapped, Dehradun. Letter of Intent had been issued to the Institute after recommendations of Inter Ministerial Committee and seeking requisite clearances from various Ministries. The Community Radio Station is expected to be operational within three months as per the agreement. With this, the number of CRS will increase to 66 in the country.

The Community Radio Station will be established with the objectives to disseminate information on education, training, employment and other facilities available for blind persons, their families and community institutions and will serve as a platform to showcase talent of blind persons. It will be used as a training studio for blind students of mass communication and Broadcasting. The Community Radio will provide an opportunity for empowerment of women, to conduct, sponsor, co-ordinate or subsidize research into all aspects of education and rehabilitation of the visually handicapped and to promote the integration of visually handicapped children in schools and adults in the society.

The Ministry encourages setting up of Community Radio Station as it promises to provide an opportunity to the local communities to express themselves, share their views and particularly empower women, youth and the marginalized groups to take part in local self governance and overall socio economic and cultural development in the area.

Enquiry against Sports Organisation

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:14:26 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. The Government had received complaints against (i) Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), (ii) Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI), and (iii) Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) regarding misuse of government grants. The Indian Hockey Federation has been de-recognized by the Government on 12.5.2008 on account of serious mismanagement by the Federation and its de-recognition by both Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and International Hockey Federation (FIH). As regards Gymnastic Federation of India, the federation had diverted the government grant amounting to Rs.2.00 lakh which was released on 21.11.1997 and 8.6.1998, in two instalments of Rs.1.50 lakhs and Rs.0.50 lakh, respectively, for conducting national championship. The Federation was suspended for a period of 6-months on 5.3.2008 and was cautioned to ensure proper financial accountability. The amount diverted by the federation was also recovered along with penal interest. This information was given by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in a written reply to a question by Shri M. B. Rajesh in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that in so far as Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) is concerned, it has been decided to withhold sanction of financial assistance to IKCA from the Ministry till clearance of the allegations about mis-utilisation of Government funds by some of the office bearers of IKCA.

Action against Satyam Computers

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:18:04 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. The Government has informed Lok Sabha that the successor in interest to the Satyam Computer Services Ltd. brought to the notice of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the United States of America, vide its letter dated September 17, 2009 offered it the opportunity to make a Wells Submission to a notice from the Commission for action against the company.

In reply to a question Shri Salman Khirshid, Minister for Corporate Affairs, informed the House that the Chairman, SEBI, has drawn the attention of Chairman, SEC, USA, to the various steps taken by the Government of India and Enforcement Agencies in India including SEBI regarding action against the wrongdoers and simultaneously for protecting the company and its investors. SEC has also been requested by SEBI to keep in mind the interest of both the Indian and American investors in the company.

National Mission for Empowerment of Women launched

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:50:26 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away Stree Shakti Puruskar for year 2008 and 2009 to eminent personalities drawn from diverse fields and launched the National Mission for Empowermewnt of Women. The President struck a personal note when she said that the launch of the Mission gave her the happiness of fulfilment of a dream. She thanked the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for his support for the Mission and acceding to her desire for the Prime Minister to Chair the Mission. Smt Patil said this is a gift to women on the occasion of Women’s Day.

The President said that all round development of women require that both economic and social empowerment is taken care of. She said that for meaningful participation of women in the economic process they should have access to credit at low rates.

Deputy Chairperson of Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Pointed out that gender perspective is integral part of the 11th plan and launch of the mission will lead to better implementation of the gender specific programmes.

Minister of State (independent Charge) Smt Krishna Tirath thanked the president for envisioning the Mission and providing unflinching support for it. The Minister said that the winners of the Stree Shakti Puruskars are a source of inspiration for us and it is important that thir example should be made known more widely.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8th of March, the Government of India presents national awards called the Stree Shakti Puraskars as a measure of recognition of achievements of individual women in the field of social development. The awardees have been nominated by state governments and selected by a national level Screening Committee.There are six awards instituted in the name of eminent women personalities of Indian history like Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, Kanngi, Mata Jijabai, Rani Gaidenlou Zeliang, Rani Laxmibai and Rani Rudramma Devi. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh and citation and is awarded to a woman who has excelled in providing support and rehabilitation to women and children, upliftment of women in tribal areas, empowering women to enable them to participate in political life, has worked with women in distress or has shown an exemplary courage in her life.

The list of the Awardees for Stree Shakti Puraskar 2008 and 2009 is enclosed.

The National Mission for Empowerment of Women which has a mandate to achieve inter-sectoral convergence of all pro-women / women centric programmes across Ministries. It is an attempt by the Government to put women’s concerns at the very heart of public policy and governance. The National Mission will strive to achieve social, economic and legal empowerment of women by identifying gaps in developmental goals and setting up of an appropriate institutional framework to overcome bottlenecks in the process of ensuring coordinated and effective service delivery to women at the grassroots level. The Mission will focus on:

economic empowerment of women.

progressive elimination of violence against women

Social empowerment of women with particular emphasis on health and education.

gender mainstreaming of programmes, policies, institutional arrangements and processes of participating Ministries, institutions and organizations.

awareness generation as well as advocacy activities to fuel the demand for benefits under various schemes and programmes at the grassroots level.

STREE SHAKTI PURASHKAR 2008

Rani Lakshmi Bai Award

Dr. Sunita Devi, Haryana

Kannagi Award

Smt. Maha Jabeen, Andhra Pradesh

Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award

Smt. Jhingubai Shrawan Bolake, Maharashtra

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award

Smt. Hina A. Shah, Gujarat

STREE SHAKTI PURASHKAR 2009

Rani Lakshmi Bai Award

Dr. M. Vijaya, Karnataka

Kannagi Award

Smt. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, Chhattisgarh

Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award

Dr. Ved Kumari Ghai, J&K

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award

Smt. Rashmi Singh, Delhi

Rani Rudramma Devi

Smt. Sugatha Kumari, Kerala

NCW should named as to National Commission of Daughter-in-laws: APMPA

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:42:19 PST

Mandeep Puri

Accusing the National Commission of Women (NCW) of being “biased”, three national level organisations that are active in combating dowry harassment and other atrocities against women, said the body “should change its name to the national commission of daughters-in-law”.

The organisations held a seminar on the occasion of International Women’s Day seeking parity in women’s rights. They alleged NCW was ignoring complaints filed by women against the misuse of laws to prevent dowry harassment.

Celebrating Women’s Day at the Chandigarh Press Club, the All India Forgotten Women’s Association (AIFWA), True Equity Network (TEN) India and Andhra Pradesh Mothers-in-Law Protection Association (APMPA) lauded the achievements and successes of women. At the same time, members of these groups addressed present day dilemmas faced by women and discussed the ways for them to achieve “true empowerment.”

Representatives of these organizations called upon the central government to “recognise that promoting women's welfare did not mean weakening and destroying the institution of marriage”.

They demanded the government should ensure “empowering women did not in any way lead to encouraging blackmail, extortion and parasitism by women by misusing the provisions of various legislations enacted”.

“India should be prevented from becoming an anti-marriage, anti-family, fatherless ‘welfare state’. Laws and policies must be based on the principles of equity and fairness and not on radical feminist ideologies and false statistics. The feminist culture of mass irresponsibility should be done away with”, said Manjit Puri coordinator of APMPA’s local unit.

The members referred to the “inequality and gender bias being perpetrated by NCW and the women’s cells”. A month back, these organisations had posted letters to the NCW president, but till date no correspondence had been received from the commission, they added.

“It appears NCW doesn’t consider mothers-in-law as women, hence it is biased. Why are they treated as criminals and their complaints flatly ignored?” asked Jaswinder Kaur, a representative of AIFWA.

“Women’s empowerment is not meant to be misuse of women’s power; rather it refers to using women’s power in an effective way. The way the laws are being misused the day is not far when men will stop marrying”, added Manjit Puri.

International Women Day : Focus on the heart of your beloved

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:07:58 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. All women are at risk of heart disease. Take all women older than 65 to a family doctor and ask for a prescription of 325 mg aspirin if not contraindicated.

For younger women to reduce the risk advise them to indulge in minimum of 60–-90 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (e.g., brisk walking) on most, and preferably all, days of the week.

These are a few of the updated guidelines of prevention of heart disease in the women released by Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India and Editor, eMedinewS on the occasion of International Women’s day. He said that woman’s heart is different. They get less attention when there is a heart attack and when they get one, the attack is more serious.

He said that women are at risk for heart disease and heart attacks, just like men. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over 65. Urban women are 4 to 6 times more likely to die of heart disease than of breast cancer. Heart disease kills more women over 65 than all cancers combined.

Facts and guidelines

1. Women develop heart problems later in life than men -- typically 7 or 8 years later. However, by about age 65, a woman's risk is almost the same as a man's.

2. Women are less likely to survive heart attacks than men.

3. Recommended lifestyle changes to help manage blood pressure include weight control, increased physical activity, alcohol moderation, sodium restriction, and an emphasis on eating fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.

4. Advice women to quit smoking by counseling, nicotine replacement or other forms of smoking cessation therapy.

5. Physical activity recommendations for women who need to lose weight or sustain weight loss includes minimum of 60–-90 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (e.g., brisk walking) on most, and preferably all, days of the week.

6. All women should reduce saturated fats intake to less than 7 percent of calories.

7. Healthy women should eat oily fish at least twice a week for omega 3 fatty acids. Women with heart disease take a capsule supplement of 850–1000 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which to be increased to 2-4 grams if associated high triglycerides.

8. Hormone replacement therapy and selective estrogen receptor modulators are not recommended to prevent heart disease in women.

9. Antioxidant supplements (such as vitamin E, C and beta-carotene) should not be used for primary or secondary prevention of heart disease.

10. Folic acid should not be used to prevent heart disease.

11. Routine low dose aspirin therapy may be considered in women age 65 or older regardless of heart disease risk status, if benefits are likely to outweigh other risks in other means if not contraindicated.

12. The upper dosage of aspirin for high-risk women is 325 mg per day rather than 162 mg. 13. Reduce bad LDL cholesterol to less than 70 mg/dL in very high-risk women with heart disease.

Top 10 points: Preventing heart diseases in the women

1. Increased Emphasis on Lifestyle Changes

2. Hormone Replacement Therapy Doesn't Help Heart Disease

3. All Women Need Adequate Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

4. All Women Should Decrease Intake of Saturated Fats

5. All Women Need Frequent Exercise

6. Nicotine Replacement Therapy May be Used

7. Antioxidants Don't Prevent Heart Disease

8. Folic Acid Doesn't Prevent Heart Disease

9. All Women Older Than 65 Should Consider Daily Aspirin

10. High Risk Women Need More Aggressive Cholesterol Treatment

Stop all herbal medicines seven day before any surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:08:24 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. Herbal medications are frequently used by patients undergoing surgery. Some of these agents have physiologic effects that could be deleterious in the preoperative period, including precipitation of clotting disorders and interactions with anesthetics.

Most patients may not disclose their during the preoperative assessment, said Dr K K Aggarwal, president, Heart Care Foundation of India. Since there is no evidence that herbal medications improve surgical outcomes, and there are theoretic reasons that these agents may increase preoperative morbidity, they must be stopped before surgery.

1. Ephedra (ma huang) may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and should be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to surgery.

2. Garlic may increase bleeding risk and should be discontinued at least 7 days prior to surgery.

3.Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk and should be discontinued at least 36 hours prior to surgery.

4. Ginseng lowers blood sugar and may increase bleeding risk and should be discontinued at least seven days prior to surgery.

5. Kava may increase the sedative effect of anesthetics and should be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to surgery. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a safety alert about an association between kava use and fatal hepatotoxicity.

6. St. John’s wort may diminish the effects of several drugs by induction of cytochrome p450 enzymes and should be discontinued at least five days prior to surgery.

7. Valerian may increase the sedative effect of anesthetics and is associated with benzodiazepine–like withdrawal. There are no data on preoperative discontinuation. Ideally it is tapered weeks before surgery; if not, withdrawal is treated with benzodiazepines.

8. Echinacea is associated with allergic reactions and immune suppression. There are no data on preoperative discontinuation.

Take home message: Herbal drugs should be stopped at least one week before surgery.

MOUNTAIN DEW TEAMS UP WITH KINGS XI PUNJAB

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:20:56 PST

Mandeep Puri

Mountain Dew, the fastest growing beverage in the carbonated soft drink category for three consecutive years from the PepsiCo India stable, is doing it again! And this time, it is set to ignite a cricket fever never seen before by associating itself with Kings XI Punjab as the official beverage partner.

Mountain Dew is a perfect partner for KXIP, who with their energy, verve and aggression, had displayed their true ‘Punjabi’ spirit in the last two Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons. KXIP which had been one of the most popular and cheered teams for the last IPL, and remain one of the favourites and strongest contenders to win the IPL this year.

In keeping with its inherent characteristic of youthful irreverence and adventure, Mountain Dew, the favourite beverage brand in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, today rolled out a unique consumer campaign offering an opportunity to true lovers of the game an opportunity to play against the cricketing icons of their favourite IPL team – KXIP.

Titled “Daar ki Wicket Girayega to Hamare Saath Khelega”, the unique campaign offers an opportunity to fans to demonstrate their all-round cricketing skills in a daringl environment, and win a slew of exciting value-added gifts such as complimentary tickets to IPL matches involving KXIP, branded merchandise, “Meet & Greet” with the players and the top prize to 11 lucky fans to be part of the Mountain Dew team to take on the KXIP in an exciting cricket match.

Announcing this here today, Ms Alpana Titus, Executive Director (Flavours), PepsiCo India Holdings, said “Mountain Dew is all about setting new benchmarks by challenging the conventional parameters. The ‘Daar ki Wicket Girayega to Hamare Saath Khelega’ campaign symbolizes this brand positioning. It challenges the clutter created by the commonality of consumer promotions surrounding the game of cricket these days, and brings to its fans a unique medium to reach out to their favourite cricketing icons.”

Through this partnership, Mountain Dew gains exclusive pouring rights at home matches besides being the official beverage for the KXIP, one of the eight teams of the IPL. Additionally, this association also brings with it branding rights on the players’ uniform with the logo at the back.

Lauding the initiative as one of the most innovative cricket-led consumer drives, Mr Anil Srivatsa, CEO, Kings XI Punjab, said “It is really exciting to see Mountain Dew launch this initiative to coincide with the IPL. We at Kings XI are absolutely looking forward to playing with our fans. It certainly adds a lot of fun into the whole concept of playing for your home team. Outside of the field, we are sure they will be cheering us in each match to see us win the IPL 2010.”

Mountain Dew will be unleashing a 3600 marketing campaign for the “Daar ki Wicket Girayega to Hamare Saath Khelega” initiative, involving on-ground activities in colleges, multiplexes, marketplaces, outdoor, radio, and TV – engaging consumers in the cricket-led initiative like never before.

In order to win these cricketing goodies, all that the consumers need to do is to present two crowns or one PET label of Mountain Dew bottles and get to play a game of cricket on the decked-up floats visiting their colleges and marketplaces.

The matches on the floats will test the consumers’ all-round skills – batting, bowling and fielding. These skills will be tested through very exciting and innovative games such as ‘Crazy Catches’ and ‘Speed Ball’. Keeping in mind the growing popularity of the game amongst women, Mountain Dew has something for its female fans too. The floats will have cricket-based trivia quiz for the female fans of cricket fans, and winners will be given exciting prizes including match tickets.

Each float will have a graffiti board to announce the winners’ names. Winners will be judged on the spot to receive their prizes. Prizes on offer include branded bands, gripper and match tickets, of course, the top lucky winners a chance to play with the KXIP. For the winners it will be a lifetime experience! For each KXIP match, as many as 50 consumers will be brought to the stadium in specially decked-up branded luxury buses, and they will be given personalized kits, including T-shirts, backpacks, sippers, trumpets and inflatable hands. Treated like true superstars, they will get to enter the stadium with much fanfare.

Some of the select winners will also get yet another golden opportunity – to meet and greet the KXIP player while they are practicing at the nets in the stadium.

The final Mountain Dew winners will be selected from amongst all the winners basis a certain selection process, who will then get to play a unique 5-over-a-side daring cricket match with the KXIP team in Dharmashala. The “Daar ki Wicket Girayega to Hamare Saath Khelega” consumer initiative is in keeping with Mountain Dew’s long-term commitment to add fun and excitement in our mundane everyday life and bring a lot of cheer to everything that we do.

Yamuna severally polluted between Nizamuddin Bridge and Etawah

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:44:59 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. As per Central Pollution Control Board, the stretch of the river Yamuna between Nizamuddin Bridge (Delhi) and Etawah (Uttar Pradesh) exceeds the standard in terms of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 3 miligram per litre due to the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents and large scale extraction of water for drinking purposes. The level of dissolved oxygen at Nizamuddin Bridge (Delhi) and Palwal (Haryana) is reported to be less than 3 miligram per litre.

Implementation of river pollution abatement works is an ongoing and collective effort of the Central and State Governments under which various schemes of pollution abatement are implemented by the Government based upon the estimated pollution loads. Besides the schemes undertaken by State Governments, the Government of India is implementing Yamuna Action Plan for abatement of pollution of river Yamuna with assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency, Government of Japan in a phased manner. A total of 276 schemes have been completed in 21 towns of the three states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and 753.25 million litres per day of sewage treatment capacity has been created so far under YAP. The water quality in river Yamuna has not shown the desired improvement owing to the large gap between the demand and availability of the sewage treatment capacity and lack of availability of fresh water in the river during the lean period.

Women are the focus of efforts for inclusive growth: Prime Minister

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:40:22 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, has said that women have been a special focus of the government’s efforts regarding making development inclusive. While acknowledging that the country has a long way to go towards social, economic and political empowerment of women, the Prime Minister reiterated government’s resolve to provide equal opportunities and an enabling environment. “We, as a government, are committed to this and our commitment is reflected in our policies and programmes”, He said after the inauguration of Women’s Leadership Summit- 2010 on ‘Inclusive Growth & Empowering Women of Rural India’, here today.

Outlining the initiatives by the government the Prime Minister pointed out “today nearly half of those who get work under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme happen to be women. Out of the 3.5 million Self Help Groups formed under the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana, 2.3 million are those of women. This scheme is being restructured as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, and I hope that this will improve the scheme and remove some of its deficiencies. I also hope that the restructuring of the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, which provides collateral-free micro-credit to women Self Help Groups, announced last year will be taken to its logical conclusion soon by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.” Speaking on the increasing participation of women in politics, The Prime Minister referred to 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. He hoped for a further fillip to women participation by increasing the number of seats reserved in Panchayats and City and Town Government to 50%. “More importantly, we are moving towards providing one third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislature.” The Prime Minister added.

Speaking on the occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker, Smt Meira Kumar emphasized that widespread discrimination and lack of recognition of women’s contribution need to be tackled on war-footing. Referring to violence against women, the Speaker opined that in order to combat this violence legislative efforts need to be combined with large scale efforts to change mindset by development of public consciousness. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Women and Child Development, Smt Krishna Tirath emphasized that the dream of developed India will not be fulfilled unless the women in general and rural women in particular are empowered. Smt Tirath said that initiatives like Self Help Group Promotion, universalization of ICDS and legislative measures against domestic violence and dowry indicate government’s resolve to empower women from all walks of life. She said that very soon the government will be able to operationalize SABALA – Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) and Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahayog Yojana with an allocation of Rs 9000 crore for Eleventh Plan Period. She underlined hike in budgetary allocation for the Ministry and social sector in general. She also pointed out that the Cabinet has approved the Women Reservation Bill to be introduced in Parliament. The Minister also read out the Message from UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi.

Air India’s all women pilots to fly Mumbai-JFK non-stop on Women’s Day

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:35:58 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi.To celebrate Women’s Day on 8 March 2010, Air India will make history by using only women pilots to fly Ultra Longhaul flight AI-141 from Mumbai to JFK non-stop on, using a B777-200 Long Range aircraft. The flight is approximately of 14 hours duration and will be operated with a double set of all women crew and supported by women of the National Aviation Company India Limited (NACIL).

Capt. Rashmi Miranda and Capt. Sunita Narula will be the Commanders alongwith Capt. Swati Rawal and Capt. Neha Kulkarni as First Officers. Mrs. Harpreet A De Singh, Head-QMS will carry out a Line Observation Safety Audit, the flight will be despatched by Ms. Nandita Deshpande and the Load and Trim Sheet will be prepared by Ms. Ferzin Kuruvilla. Various additional flights will also be operated by All Women Crew on that day. On the Airbus A310, Capt. Trisha Mohan will operate as the Commander of AI 815/816 from Hyderabad-Damam-Chennai along with First Officer Capt. Thanmai Papagari. Other flights from Mumbai to be operated with All Women Crew will be IC-686, IC-105 and IC-129. Capt. S. Deshmukh, Capt. Sangita Bangar and Capt. L. Nagrath will be the Commanders and Capt. Rikita Singh, Capt. Deepali Pratape and Capt. Aprajita Lal the First Officers. The flights will be despatched by Ms. Anjali Dhiman and the Load and Trim Sheet will be prepared by Ms. Archana Patki. In the Southern Region, Capt. Deepa will operate IC 573/574 accompanied by First Officer, Capt. Sonia Jain on Chennai-Colombo-Chennai sector. The Northern and Eastern Regions also operated with All Women crew on various sectors.

Ms. Neetu Sharma who is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) on the B737-800, in Air India Express, will certify the aircraft from Sharjah. Lady Doctors Dr Varsha Sawant and Dr Alka Mathur will carry out the breathalyzer tests at Mumbai.

NACIL has more than 136 women pilots flying various international and domestic sectors. Women Pilots, Flight Despatchers, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Safety and Quality Auditors, Cabin Crew, Doctors, Technical Officers, Simulator Maintenance Engineers, Ground Instructors for training pilots etc. all form part of a highly skilled, technically proficient team of women in Air India.

Long-term conservation of Asiatic Lion in Greater Gir Region

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:47:10 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. The Planning Commission has been requested to provide additional funds under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats' (IDWH) for conservation of Asiatic Lions. The Government of Gujarat has submitted a project entitled " A plan for consolidating long-term conservation of Asiatic lion in the Greater Gir region". The project proposal is for an amount of Rs. 262.36 crores for 5 years of which Central Government's share is 90% and State Government's share is 10%.

There is no decrease in the lion population in the country. There is an increase in the population of Lion. Present population of Asiatic Lion is 359(+10) as per estimation carried out in April 2005 as against 322 to 332 in 2001.

Schemes to enhance production and productivity of foodgrains

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:15:38 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. Government has launched various schemes to enhance the production and productivity of foodgrains in the country. Major initiatives in this regard include Rastriya Krishi Vigyan Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM) integrated crop developing programme for rice and wheat under Macro Management of Agriculture and Micro Irrigation. Availability of concessional credit, improved seeds and fertilizers has been increased to farmers to boost foodgrains production.

Further, despite decline in production of foodgrains, the position of stocks of rice and wheat in the central pool is comfortable. In Rabi Marketing Season 2008-09 and 2009-10 there has been record procurement of 226.89 lakh tonne and 253.82 lakh tonne of wheat respectively in the country. Similarly, there has also been record procurement of 287.36 lakh tonne and 336.84 lakh tonne of rice during Kharif Marketing Season 2007-08 and 2008-09 respectively. With considerably higher procurement of wheat and rice during the last two years and estimated procurement of about 260 lakh tonne of rice in the current year, stocks of rice and wheat in the central pool are sufficient to meet the requirement of TDPS and other welfare schemes.

This information was given by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

SJVN – Target 6500 MW

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:04:40 PST

Firdaus Khan

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVN), a joint venture of the Government and the State Government of Himachal Pradesh has set out on the path toward becoming a 6500 MW company for which a number of projects in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Bhutan and in Nepal have been taken up for preparation of DPR and subsequent execution. These include Rampur HEP (412 MW), Luhri HEP (775 MW) on river Satluj in H.P., Dhaulasidh (40 MW) also in H.P.; Devasari HEP (252 MW), Naitwar Mori HEP (59 MW), Jakhol Sankri HEP (45 MW) in Uttaranchal, and Tipaimukh (1500 MW) as a joint venture in Manipur; Wangchhu (900 MW) & Kolongchhu (486 MW) in Bhutan & Arun-III (402 MW ) in Nepal. On being allotted the prestigious Arun-III project by Nepal, SJVN became the first CPSU to bag a hydropower project outside India on Open Competition Basis (ICB). Projects are also shortly due for allocation in Bhutan.

NJHPS

The Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station-NJHPS (1500 MW), the largest underground run-of-the-river hydro project in the country and abroad was the first project undertaken by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd for execution and has since been commissioned, during the 10th Plan, progressively between September 2003 to May 2004 and the same is now providing valuable 1500 MW of peaking power to the Northern grid. To understand the immensity of NJHPS (250MW×6 units), it could be said to be tantamount to four big run-of-the-river hydroprojects of India working together at one site.

Project Benefits

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd is a corporation dedicated to ethical practices and social responsibility, using its business venture to open up the landlocked hinterland to economic and social hope and aspiration, helping agricultural and industrial productivity, providing gainful employment to local workers, skilled and unskilled, allowing them essential facilities such as schools and hospitals. It generates valuable 1500 MW peaking power, the design energy being about 6612 MU considering the silt vagaries which hydro plants are subject to. The State of Himachal Pradesh benefits tremendously getting 34% additional power in lieu of being a home state and its partnership stake.

Environment and R&R Policy

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd has adopted a benign Environment Resettlement & Rehabilitation policy, which reiterates the company’s commitment to sustainable development, which is well within the carrying capacity of the eco-system and which also promotes improvement of the Quality of life. The World Bank has highly commended SJVN for its R&R and development works undertaken in the vicinity of Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station. SJVN has been constantly winning awards at the National level for Exemplary Performance, Corporate Leadership, Outstanding Contribution to Betterment of Society, Environment Management etc. In February 2008, SJVN was awarded the prestigious Golden Peacock Award - 2007 for Eco-Innovation and environmental management activities of NJHPS.

Achievements

SJVN has consistently been rated as either Very Good or Excellent in the MOUs signed with MOP, GOI (right since the commissioning of NJHPS in 2003-04). Thus, within four years of being commissioned (a landmark in India), SJVN has been upgraded both as a Mini Ratna Category I company on 12.05.08 and as a Schedule ‘A’ company on 30.05.2008, for which all the preparatory work was done in 2007-08 only, and the achievements of 2007-08 contributed in this direction.

SJVN has consistently been increasing its profits through increasing its operational efficiencies. NJHPS’s Capacity Index is one of the best in the hydro industry. Within five years of being fully commissioned (on May 18, 2004), the net profit increased to more than Rs 1000 crore, which is quite an achievement in the power sector.

It is expected that NJHPS would be generating nearly 7000 MU in 2009-10. Capacity Index, which is a true reflection of a hydro company’s efficiency was 96.671% in 2008-09, 96.671% in 2007-08, 92.366% in 2006-07 and 61.681% in 2005-06.

It is noteworthy that there is a huge power demand-supply gap in India. The market expects SJVN to harness the hydro-potential of the Himalayan region and cater to their needs (which is an opportunity for SJVN to expand) and SJVN has always endeavored to meet their expectations. NJHPS, being the single largest contributor to the Northern Grid, the market also expects that NJHPS should have minimal downtime and sustain the Grid frequency. Thus, SJVN has compressed the maintenance cycle of the Units in the winter months from 70 days to 20 days in 2008-09 for two concurrent Units. This is being further compressed.

However since the commencement of generation, NJHPS has been facing the problem of high silt contents in the river Satluj in comparison to the designed capacity during monsoon seasons leading to closure of the plant for the day/ part of the day. High intake of silt through the turbines resulted into extensive damages to the underwater parts of the machines. During the inspection of turbines, it was observed that parts coated with plasma nitride had also suffered damages but HVOF (High Velocity Oxy-Fuel) coated guide-vanes were found to be in better condition. The turbine underwater parts in NJHPS got heavily eroded due to silt. HVOF coating of Tungsten Carbide was tried on some of the under water parts i.e. guide vanes, cheek plates, labyrinth seats and wear rings etc. It has proved to be successful to the extent that these parts can withstand silt load upto 8-9 lac tones now, instead of 3-3.5 lac tones when uncoated. Further, in the year 2007-08, NJHPS dam height was increased so as to give full peaking power of 1500 MW for 3 hours against the earlier peaking of 800 MW for 3 hours. On account of this, there was an enhancement in the ‘Still pond’ conditions in the reservoir resulting in better settling of the silt particles in the reservoir itself

The Silt erosion problem was thus innovatively tackled, and the technology and measures introduced were a landmark in the hydro sector. All other hydro companies in India are now introducing the hard coating methodology for enhancing the effective life of their silt-prone turbine components which SJVN had pioneered, leading to generation saving of more than 1500 MU power every year.

For the hard coating, a coating workshop having six-axis robots and closed-loop computerized powder feeding systems, and a 40 ton turn-table have been installed at the Project site in 2007-08 which is a critical success factor for SJVN. No other hydro utility in India has this workshop. Besides, Indigenous Vendor Development has also been done in this area.

Totally eco-friendly. For a gigantic project like NJHPS, only 107 landless families were displaced (who were all relocated and rehabilitated), and the complete project is underground save for the dam and the pothead yard. A total quality approach was followed for their construction leading to minimal costs which can be well seen from the fact that in spite of two major calamities, the cost/MW was only Rs 5.4 crore/mw. No environmental degradation was allowed and all the muck is systematically being reclaimed.

SJVN’s achievements and strengths can be gleaned from the fact that for the first time, an Indian CPSU bagged an International Project (402 MW) Arun III in Nepal on BOOT basis, during the year 2007-08. It is located about 300 km from Biratnagar.

SJVN has bagged several awards at the National level which speak of its Excellence in the fields of Quality, Environment, CSR, Safety, Leadership, Promotion of Official Languages etc. On Dec 17, 2009, it received the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi National Quality Award – Best of All, from the Government.

Apni To Pathshala

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:54:35 PST

Shirish Khare

Osmanabad (Maharashtra). Lalita, Seema and Vaishali reached an hour before school could start. The three of them are in standard III. Lalita is standing near the school steps and reading from her book and her friends Seema and Viashali are sitting on the ground writing the lesson for today. All three are clothed in a white shirt and blue skirt with black shoes. Vaishali the one in long plaits is so involved in the activity that her bag is still on her back although she is sitting on the ground. This may be a common sight in any school but for the local people it is an amazing sight, because this school that one is talking of is that of the Pardhi tribals. The erstwhile British rulers had declared these people as Criminal in one sweeping ‘Criminal Tribes Act 1871’. The British have left but their mentality still continues that is why even today Pardhi communities are located miles away from the village habitation in remote forests. There are no state roads leading to where these communities live or any government schemes for these people to avail of. No electricity, drinking water, food supply or health facilities. That is why in the 60 years after Independence the people of this community thank the government for the only school in the area the Mahadev Basti School.

The Mahadev basti is scattered on a hillock and located 15 kms away from the Tehsil office. There are around 60 families made up of approximately 279 people. These people are still afraid of the local government authorities which became evident when they quickly made themselves scarce on seeing us approaching in a jeep. They felt that some incident had occurred in the vicinity and the police had come to conduct investigations. After some time they understood that their own people had come to see them. The place where we met was the sole pucca structure in the basti which was the school. The blackboard in the classroom proudly announces the date of the school as being set up in 1998, total number of children attending school is 27 from which 10 are Girls and 17 are boys. A large hall leads to 2 big rooms in which classes are held for children from standard 1-4. The full picture of this 30x60 school emerged when I learnt from the people that in the last two years the results of this school have been 100% successively and this distinguishes the school as among the best in the district.

Subbra Rao Shinde an elder of the village fondly recollects in the early days because of frequent rounds by the police no school teacher ventured into the village then there used to be school but no classes were held. If the teacher rarely came the children were missing from the classroom they used to be playing and teasing the teacher. I think the police were using the school as an excuse to monitor the villagers.

When Lok Hith Sanstha along with Child Rights and You entered the picture they had to face many challenges. Bajrang tate from Lok Hith sanstha shared that the local people used to think of us as friends of the police and if we asked their name they would reply as Salman Khan or Sharukh Khan names of film personalities and would never stand for photographs with us. Lots of time was spent in calling the children to school. Kalyan Kale a local from the community shares that slowly by spending time with the lok hith people our fears of them became less and through daily interaction we followed that education is very useful. We used to discuss for hours the challenges faced by our community in encountering problems faced in education.

A survey conducted by Lok Hit and CRY involving 135 women and 149 men came up with their idea of what would be model for their community and in 2007 the people decided that they wanted the Pathshala to change to a community owned school.

Prathibha Dikshit a teacher at the school shares her view on community owned school. The school follows the government syllabus which needs to be completed on time and so 2 teachers are employed. Our work is to help the government teachers. We have been trained to make classroom experiences interesting for children. Sanjay Tambare the government appointed teacher shares the first challenge I faced with the children is that they used to speak and understand the Pardhi language which I was not familiar with so to understand their language I had to used various games and songs. Slowly the children were able to follow through songs and games hindi, marathi and even English. Sundihi Shinde a local shares how the schools strength is actually its committee which is managed by the local women. They are responsible for the children’s attendance and their meals in the school. We have a group that collects Rs. 50/- every month which is spent on the children.

The Co-ordinator of this community owned school Vithal Khangale credits the youth group of the school as being responsible in setting up the electricity structures, bathrooms, playgrounds and huge black boards on the grounds. Each year the youth aged 18-30 conduct an annual mela on 15th of August and invite the local officials. This year the President of the Zilla Parishad Godavari Kendre was invited and she promised to ensure electricity, roads and drinking water for the basti. The local police official Vijay Mahale has also conducted a workshop for the pardhi community to interact with the police and reduce the fear factor. Vinayak Taur a community worker with Lok Hith shares how a doctor of PHC –Idkur conducts a health camp for children and adults of the community. Our further demands are for separate toilets for girls, library facilities and building a boundary wall for the campus.

On 5th December 2007 the Mahadev panchayat took an unprecedented decision that if children are not able to go to school because of parents keeping them away then they would pay a fine. Ironically the village that was isolated and had no education facilities its adults had chosen education as a way out for its children. From that time onwards children’s attendance in the school is 100% with no dropouts. The headmaster Ram Dahave expressed his happiness and says how the collector also praises this school. Along with time the kind of education is also changing. Now every task is done through computers whereas other schools in the district have not yet got computers. But the Sanstha has donated two computers to the school which the children are learning how to operate through the classes.

According to Nilendu, General Manager with CRY all over the country there is a movement advocating for common school system and this school is an example of this effort. Towards Free and good quality education this is but one step. In a remote Pardhi village if one school can create such a huge difference they why not the same for government schools in other places.

Some of the villagers shared how they want the right to Identity. Being located at the outskirts of the village or the fringes their names are left out from the voter lists. The land they occupy is not their own including the homes they have been living in from many decades.

Pardhis migrate for 6-10 months in a year for sugarcane harvesting and some even reach Mumbai in search of employment with their children. From such wandering groups and children that we see at traffic signals they join the crime world. Everyday the media exposes incidents against the Pardhi community focusing on the triviality rather than the underlying causes resulting in the deemed criminal act.

Phooladevi (name changed) shares that the police atrocities have not stopped. As soon as there is any robbery in the neighbourhood they straight away come to us. Inspite of these surprise police raids our children reach school on time. It is only fair that new changes in their living ways should be maintained but one cannot ensure if after standard 4 these changed ways among the children will continue because to attend class 5 children will have to travel 5 kms from their homes towards Itkur. To leave this basti and travel as a Pardhi let alone children, even adults will not travel. The tribals have preserved may facets of their culture which can be witnessed from the way they live and their wall paintings displayed on the school wall. The sun has set but the pardhi songs sung by the children continue as I prepare to leave some children of class I surrounded me and one of them Deepak Shinde earnestly begged me to listen to his poem, which one I asked? He replied `to pluck the sun’ I told him, next time pluck the sun and we will hear the poem.

Restarting of closed fertilizer units

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:22:01 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. Pursuant to Cabinet decision dated 30.10.2008, it has been decided to explore the feasibility of revival of the closed public sector fertilizer units of Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Ltd. (HFCL) and Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd. (FCIL) subject to assured availability of natural gas, to meet the emerging demand production gap of urea in the country. An Empowered Committee of Secretaries (ECOS) has been constituted with the mandate to evaluate all investment options for revival of the closed units of FCIL/HFCL and to make suitable recommendations for consideration of the Government. ECOS has considered various possible investment options for revival of each of the closed units and have finalized its recommendations regarding the suitable options. The recommendations of ECOS are under consideration of the Government.

The revival of closed plants is likely to reduce the supply and demand gap regarding availability of urea in the country. As regards prices of urea to the farmers, urea is made available to farmers at same maximum retail price irrespective of imported or indigenously produced.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Major impetus to ‘Mission Clean Ganga’ initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Star Web Media) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:20:03 PST

Star News Agency

New Delhi. The government has decided to provide a major impetus to the programmes for the cleaning of River Ganga under the ‘Mission Clean Ganga’ initiative.

In his Budget Speech on February 27, 2010, the Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, announced the doubling of the allocation for the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), the apex body for the Ganga River Basin, to Rs.500 crore for the financial year 2010-11.

In addition, in the first phase, the projects worth Rs 1,394.11 crores have been cleared by the Empowered Steering Committee (ESC) of the NGRBA. These include projects worth in Uttar Pradesh (Rs 800 crore), Bihar (Rs 440 crore), West Bengal (Rs 105 crore) and Uttarakhand (Rs 45 crore). These include projects for development of sewer networks, sewage treatment plants and sewage pumping stations, electric crematoria, community toilets, development of river fronts, resuscitation of canals, and public campaigns.

The Minister of State for Environment & Forests (I/C), Mr Jairam Ramesh, noted: “These measures signify the importance and urgency that we are placing on the River Ganga, which has such an important place in our culture, and which is so central to the livelihoods of millions of our people. In addition to these measures, we are negotiating a major loan of about US$ 1Bn with the World Bank for Ganga cleaning, which is progressing on track.”

These measures constitute an unprecedented impetus to the renewed efforts at Ganga Cleaning as part of ‘Mission Clean Ganga’. It may be recalled that in the first meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) held on 5th October, 2009 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister, it was decided, inter alia, that under ‘Mission Clean Ganga’, no untreated municipal sewage and industrial effluents will flow into the river Ganga by year 2020.

An Empowered Steering Committee (ESC) of the NGRBA was constituted in December, 2009 under the chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests for appraisal and sanction of project proposals on a Fast Track Mode. The Committee comprises of members representing other Union Ministries, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Central Water Commission (CWC) and the States concerned.

In its first meeting on 5.2.2010, the ESC considered and approved proposals for pollution abatement of river Ganga amounting to Rs. 747.20 crore, consisting of sewer networks and sewage treatment plants at Begusarai, Buxar, Hajipur and Munger in Bihar, and Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. The projects at Munger and Allahabad, which are of more than Rs. 150 crore each, will be taken up for final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

Earlier, a Rs. 496.90 crore project for Varanasi was approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) which is now being taken up for approval by the CCEA. Besides the above, a number of pollution abatement projects have been sanctioned under the NGRBA in Uttarakhand and West Bengal.