Info Udaipur - Blog for Udaipur News

Gas Cutter, Hammer Used To Rescue Driver From Overturned Trailer In Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:03:00 +0000

Udaipur, Nov 29: A truck-trailer carrying several tonnes of iron sheets overturned on National Highway-8 near Udaipur on Monday, and the driver was trapped inside the badly damaged cabin in a deep hole.

Udaipur police and fire brigade brought in four cranes, and used gas cutter and hammer to prise over the damaged door and rescue the driver Bilal Mohammed, a native of Mewat, Haryana.

The rescue operation continued for nearly two hours, during which Bilal Mohammed was bleeding profusely.

Soon after he was rescued, he was rushed in an 108 ambulance to MB Hospital here, where he is in a serious condition.

The accident took place when the driver suddenly applied brakes while descending from a culvert, and the heavy iron shoots moved forward in inertia and damaged the driver's cabin putting the vehicle out of control. The truck-trailer overturned and then began the rescue operation.

source: indiatvnews

The Kingfisher Calendar Girl shoot in Udaipur disrupted by rain

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:59:00 +0000

We reach Udaipur at around 6 pm. The night falls early in the city of lakes. An hour later, our driver drops us at the Udaipur Sheraton, which at first glance looks deserted. We enter the lobby and there’s still no sign of human activity, except for the hotel staff. Two levels below, as we move into

our room, we hear noises, which only grow louder with each step.

There are dozens of people running around the place, all focused on making sure the shoot equipment reaches the hotel’s terrace on time. Seems like the entire property has been taken over by the crew of the NDTV Good Times show, Hunt for The Kingfisher Calendar Girl.

It had rained a few hours ago and the shoot had to be stalled midway. Funnyman Cyrus Broacha has flown down to feature as a guest on the episode. He says, “The show’s organisers wanted someone at the last moment. They had a few people in mind, and since half of whom they wanted were in Delhi, running the country, they had no option but to get me.”

Sneha, Shruti, Ellen, Priyanka, Mariette, Nathy and Ciara are the contestants for the episode. Having already mastered being a combination of sexy and sultry, this time, the girls had the additional task of keeping a straight face during the shoot. Cyrus pouts, preens and jokes with the girls.

The next day’s task has former winner Angela Jonsson as a guest judge. Contestants are required to pose atop the dome of the hotel’s entrance, in a bid to match Jonnson. As most of the contestants pose, the rain Gods show up in all their glory. Some are left stranded, drenched and looking for cover. The expensive equipment is quickly taken indoors, followed by the girls. Hours later, the shoot starts in an all-new indoor setting, following the age-old rule of thumb when it comes to television — repeat until desired results are achieved.

source: hindustantimes

Stolen Benz found in Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:20:00 +0000

The Mercedes Benz, which was stolen from Parle Point area on November 3, was found in Udaipur on Thursday by the local police. The car was lying in RNT Medical College campus.

The car was spotted by medicos at the college who informed the local police. The local police could not trace the car's origin as the registration number was missing. The police then contacted MB company on their toll free number and provided basic details like chassis and engine numbers on the basis of which the the car was identified as the one stolen from Surat.

After the car was stolen from Surat, its owner Manish Sabu informed the police and the company as well about the theft.

The car was stolen from Sabu's bungalow during the wee hours of November 3. The miscreants had entered in the house and stolen valuables like video camera, imported shoes and a mobile phone, collectively worth Rs 82,000. While leaving the house they found the car keys and drove away in it. The miscreants did not start the car in parking to avoid noise which would wake up the Sabu family. The car was pushed outside the bungalow and then driven away.

source: toi

Blasphemy protests in Udaipur, 12 injured

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:49:00 +0000

At least 12 stone-throwing protesters were injured, as police baton charged hundreds of Muslims, who took to streets to protest blasphemous content posted on a social networking site in Udaipur on Tuesday.

Dungarpur had reported similar protests against morphed pictures of Islam's holiest shrine posted on the site a day earlier.

"There were some miscreants who stoned the police. In order to maintain law and order, we had to use mild force. Six policemen and ADM (city) M L Chauhan were also injured in the incident," said a senior police officer. He said Section 144 was imposed in the town. "At least 20 people were arrested for disturbing peace, law and order in town.''

Reports from Dungarpur said the town remained tense for the second day.

But no untoward incident was reported. Markets and the businesses remained shuttered in response to Muslim traders' bandh call.

source: timesofindia

Fresh violence in Udaipur, SP hurt

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:48:00 +0000

A police officer was injured and several vehicles and shops were damaged as fresh violence erupted in the city on Tuesday with protesters clashing with police demanding release of their leader.

Mohammed Farukh, Secretary of the Anjuman, a religious group, was detained last night following violent protests over objectionable comments against a religion on Facebook.

The members of a particular community gathered in Hathipole area this morning opposing the arrest of Farukh.

They also laid siege to the Hathipole police station following which the police released Farukh.

However, violence erupted when the mob forcibly tried to shut shops in Hathipole and Chetak Circle areas.

The protesters hurled stones at police injuring Additional SP Tejraj Singh, police said.

As many as ten vehicles and several shops were damaged in the clash between the police and the protester

source: zee

Dungarpur tension spreads to Udaipur, 12 injured

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:46:00 +0000

Monday's violence in Dungarpur spread to Udaipur on Tuesday where hundreds of people from the minority community, protesting over the morphed pictures of a holy Muslim shrine on the social networking site, clashed with the police. At least 12 persons were injured after police resorted to baton charge to disperse the mob who pelted stones after violating Section 144 of CrPC.

"There were some miscreants who started pelting stones on the police. In order to maintain law and order, we had to use mild force. At least 12 persons including 6 policemen and ADM (city), ML Chauhan, were injured in the incident," said a senior police officer.

He added that Section 144 was already in place in town but while some people violated it and police asked them to disperse. But they started pelting stones on the police.

"At least 20 people were arrested for allegedly disturbing peace, law and order in town," he added.

Meanwhile, Dungarpur town that witnessed clashes on Monday remained tense for the second consecutive day. However, no untoward incident was reported in town. As per a bandh call given by the traders and members of the muslim community, markets and the business establishments remained closed throughout the day. Amid the heavy force, people preferred to stay back to their homes.

"At least five companies of various police units were camping in the town since Tuesday. The situation is a bit tense yet it is under control," said superintendent of police, Don K Jose while talking to TOI.

The SP added that at least 30 people were arrested so far for disturbing peace in the region.

Meanwhile, sources from Dungarpur claimed that the cable television networks were blocked. Likewise, police and district administration urged people not to spread any kind of rumours.

source: timesofindia

Latest Posts in RSS Subscribe by E-mail Follow on Twitter Connect on Facebook Download iPhone App Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 | Posted by LeVar Thomas The Oberoi Udaivilas Luxury Resort – Udaipur, India

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:34:00 +0000

Also known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is a favorite tourist destination in western India that is a beautiful place to visit year round. With winter temperatures reaching no higher than 83°, the region is a perfect place to see beautiful restored lakes and feel like royalty in palaces that have been converted into lush hotels. A prime example of these hotels is the Oberoi Udaivilas

Guests to the Oberoi Udaivilas are transported by boat to the hotel across Lake Pichola and received with fanfare. Some will enjoy rooms with terraces that open on to semi-private swimming pools and present exquisite views, unique to Udaivilas. Fine international cuisine is featured while luxurious spa treatments make you forget all your worries.

source: stupiddope

Vanity Fare in Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:31:00 +0000

From Latino pop singer Shakira to American author Jack Welch, the 80th birthday celebrations of KP Singh, chairman and CEO of DLF Pvt Ltd, has hogged headlines. Shakira performed at a private party thrown by the Singhs in Udaipur on Tuesday and Welch launched Singh’s autobiography via satellite at a Delhi function the day before. “The Shakira event was chic, not filmy, it had sophistication of the kind I have never seen before,” says a guest. “Shakira connected with her hosts and guests through warmth, a value Indians genuinely respect,” says another. Attendees came from all over the world, though, contrary to speculation, neither Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan nor Hrithik and Suzanne Roshan were present.

On Monday, the launch of Singh’s autobiography, Whatever the Odds: The Incredible Story Behind DLF, (Harper Collins, Rs 699) was termed by many as “Delhi’s flashiest book launch”. It had, in attendance, the city’s socialites, industrialists and politicians. A rare guest at a Delhi event was Martina Navratilova.

Singh, who once served as a cavalry officer in the Indian army, had troopers and horses from the President’s Bodyguard outside the Emporio Mall in Vasant Kunj, the venue of the function. Inside, there were buglers from the Indian cavalry. A large screen looped photographs from his family album while another showed a film on his life made by Bollywood filmmaker, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Book readings, an anchored question-answer session and the formal launch by Welch kept the guests hooked. That wasn’t all.

indianexpress

In Udaipur : Raghu Sharma to pose difficulty for Gehlot?

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:29:00 +0000

Among reports of resentments and protests by the ruling party and the independent legislators against changes in the Gehlot government on Wednesday, the eye-catcher was the reported resignation threat by Kekri (Ajmer) legislator Raghu Sharma

As the TV channels flashed reports around mid day that Sharma would not be accepting the post of ruling party's chief whip in the assembly and was, in fact, considering to resign as legislator, the news spread like wildfire. It received a mixed response, though. Some thought Sharma would go the Udaipur MP Raghuveer Meena's way in not accepting the post, while most believed the Kekri legislator was using pressure tactics.The legislator, who is observing the 12-day mourning on his mother's demise, could not be contacted.

CM Ashok Gehlot, however, categorically refuted reports about the Kekri legislator's reported 'infuriation'. "If he (Raghu) has said any thing to the media, show it to me," he asserted.Sharma, the Congress's former vice-president and spokesperson, has been offered a cabinet status as the chief whip in the Gehlot ministry's reshuffle and expansion. But the legislator, who is known more for his criticism of the Gehlot-government in the assembly, was hopeful to get included as a full-fledged cabinet minister in the reshuffle and expansion exercise.

source: timesofindia

In Udaipur: CP Joshi loyalists sidelined in the reshuffle

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:27:00 +0000

The reshuffle and expansion of the Ashok Gehlot's council of ministers appears to have further sidelined union minister C P Joshi in the state politics.The state's political circles were abuzz on Wednesday about how two of the five ministers dropped in the reshuffle were Joshi loyalists.

Added to this, none from the union minister's camp could find a place among the Congressmen who were added in the ministry on Tuesday.As happened in the appointment of Congress's state president and in the constitution of the Pradesh Congress Committee's executive, it was chief minister Gehlot who emerged as the one with the last say in the state Congress politics.

At the nod of the Congress high command, the ministers who were dropped in the reshuffle included Pramod Jain 'Bhaya' (public works department) and Ramlal Jat (forest, environment and mines). Both the Congressmen are considered closer to union minister Joshi than chief minister Gehlot. Of the remaining three ministers who got the boot, Golma Devi is an independent legislator, while Bhanwar Lal Meghwal and Bharosi Lal Jatav are said to be equidistant from both the Congress leaders.

A couple of Joshi loyalists, including Jaipur's Civil Lines legislator Pratap Singh Khachariawas, were hopeful to get a ministerial post in the reshuffle. Ajmer's Kekri legislator Raghu Sharma was once counted among the Joshi loyalists.From Joshi's Lok Sabha constituency Bhilwara, not a single legislator has been included in the new ministry. Sahara MLA Kailash Chandra Trivedi, the third time legislator from Bhilwara district, was considered a strong contender in the ministerial race.

In fact, from the entire Udaipur division-Joshi's home turf-the union minister's loyalists could not find a place in the reshuffle. The only Congress MLA in Rajsamand district, Ganesh Singh Parmar (Kumbhalgarh), too, was left out.The two legislators from Udaipur division inducted in the reshuffle-Dayaram Parmar (Kherwara) and Gajendra Singh Shaktawat (Vallabnagar)-are considered Gehlot loyalists. Dayaram has been included as minister of state with an independent charge, while Gajendra would take oath as parliamentary secretary on Thursday.

source : timesofindia

In Udaipur Ricky Martin, Bono to rock Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:24:00 +0000

We've been telling you about KP Singh's star-studded 80th birthday bashes in Gurgaon, Delhi and Udaipur, the highlight of which was to be Shakira's performance at the Jagmandir Palace on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, on Tuesday.

While it had been learnt that David and Victoria were to be in attendance there, it was also heard that U2 frontman Bono , his wife Ali Hewson, Ricky Martin, and Priyanka and Robert Vadra were also expected. Apparently, 30 chartered planes were pressed into service to ferry the guests to Udaipur.

Shakira's plane landed in Delhi at 8.20pm on Monday, from where she was ferried to Udaipur, touching down at 8.45pm. The popstar was whisked straight to her hotel. Her packed schedule for Tuesday included attending a UNICEF programme for adolescent girls, and then her performance, after which she was expected to leave by 5.30pm for Beunos Aires.

source: timesofindia

Forts less travelled in Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Heritage in Rajasthan is often embedded in the lonely cenotaph, in ruins that are yet to be discovered, in restored palaces that have rescued some part of ancient glory and most importantly, of tiny moments in time that have been stitched up to form the big picture.

Often in the road most travelled, you tend to be less searching of its smaller delights. So, in Udaipur, I decided to stop, listen and look for anything that had been swept outside the purview of technology, by which I mean no trip advisories on the Net. Clearly, Udaipur’s backyard didn’t feature in digital scans except for being mentioned as localities for future real estate expansion of an ever-burgeoning city. Good for me. For this is how I wanted to slow down, in the middle of nowhere, reclaiming my own place as the first traveller.

Sardargarh Fort: Elegantly defensive

It took the travails of invasions, displacement, a journey that involved crossing the Arabian Sea and relocation once again. It has been a long and perhaps a difficult journey for the Dodiya family. But they found their home. And the journey of the traveller who sets out for the Sardargarh Fort might not have the same gravity of difficulty, but it is nonetheless unpredictable.

The NH-8 from Beawar to Deogarh leads you to believe that heaven is ahead but what lies ahead of Deogarh is a jungle that would be dark even during the day. And after an 11-hour journey from Delhi, you reach the fortress, a journey that took the Dodiya family 12 centuries to cover. As you enter the gates of the 300,000 sq ft fortress, you suddenly realise that the journey was worth it.

And that journey was made possible because of the vision of one man — Thakur Sardar Singh. Not much is known of him but as you walk through the fortress, you know everything about him — or at least what needs to be known. He had vision. And the skill of Songaras artisans from Maharashtra at his disposal.

It was the same man who built the famous Lake Palace in Udaipur. But that came later. Long after the last stone of the Sardargarh fortress had been laid. Every stone of the fortress is elegantly defensive. Like most forts and palaces of Rajasthan, this too has been turned into a heritage hotel. Ten generations after Sardar Singh, elegance is not lost to the family.

Mahipal Singh and his wife Dharitri Kumari gave a new life to the fortress when they turned it into a hotel. The `5 crore given by them and the `21,08,799 and 11 annas of their predecessors is well spent.

The fortress is not imposing, either in its majesty or splendour. The entry and parking to the hotel is austere, but the moment you step into the main building, you walk into the Ganesh Chowk — a tastefully done lawn on the right of which lies what was earlier used as the darbar. Now here, at the entry of the former darbar lies a picture of Lord Ganesh.

Up ahead is the Khush Mahal, a sort of entertainment and dining area which earlier served similar purposes. Connected to it is the Wadi Mahal with a small swimming pool which was earlier a water reservoir.

As you walk forward you come to the Ravla or the royal home, which earlier served as the women’s quarters and have now been turned into 21 suites. The rooms are comfortable and sufficient, not overpowering you with luxury and not starving you for comfort. The doors were, however, built low for strategic reasons, and yes while the enemy would have been delayed in making an entry, the guests could end up with a bump on the head if not careful — but then you are in a fortress.

For sheer size and drama, Sardargarh Fort is unbeatable, while the intimate size of the hotel itself makes for an exclusive stay.

Gogunda Rawala: The soul of Udaipur

Sometimes history is more important than restored grandeur. It always has a way of rescuing the present. A sandstone specimen, it is Maharana Pratap’s spirit that resides here. One of the rooms shown to us is where he held his first meeting after his coronation.

Such is its sanctity that no designer or architect has yet decided on playing with its original sobriety. The fortress, which was built in the early 16th century (though basement structures and other findings date back to previous times).

It was built on the tableland of the Aravalli mountains to protect the way leading from the north to Udaipur and it was later on transformed into a watch station. Rana Pratap held his final war council here prior to the battle of Haldighati (June 18, 1576), which is sometimes called the battle of Gogunda, although the town is several kilometres south of the township of Haldighati.

The alternative name possibly came about because following the battle, Mughal commander Man Singh of Amber captured Gogunda and made it his temporary headquarters. Around 1611, while Maharana Amar Singh was regrouping his forces in the Aravallis, Mughal emperor Jahangir captured Gogunda, along with other areas and Udaipur, in a desperate effort to crush Mewar resistance. In 1615, Amar Singh met Mughal prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) and negotiated a peace treaty at Gogunda. This became the first instance of Mewar submitting to the Mughals.

Earlier in time, Akbar did send a peacemaking mission to Udai Singh, suggesting a matrimonial alliance. In reality, it would be a political alliance, with Mewar becoming the empire’s vassal, the same ploy of peaceful subjugation Akbar had used to annex Marwar. Maharana Udai Singh indignantly and proudly refused matrimonial relations with the Mughals and this independent attitude was too much for a man of Akbar’s ambition. He resolved to subdue the proud Maharana. In 1567, the ultimate showdown arrived, and the Maharana received the news with a mixture of regret and renewed bravado. Immediately, he sent out a call for all loyal Mewari chieftains to assemble at the capital.

Though the emperor admired Maharana Udai Singh’s courage, nothing would stop him now. Before Akbar arrived on the scene, Udai Singh and his family retired to Gogunda, laving Udaipur to be guarded by four Rajput chiefs — Jaimal, Patta, Kalla and Sain Dass — all of whom were killed in the subsequent battle. Many historians have labelled Udai Singh II a coward for deserting Chittorgarh in its hour of peril; others insist he acted wisely to protect the family line. Had he not, of course, the magnificent city of Udaipur would not exist today. And this little fortress wouldn’t have been dug up for many secrets.

source: dailypioneer

Raj Kumar, son of Udaipur MP Raghuvir Singh Meena cheate the Govt.

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:57:00 +0000

Raj Kumar, son of Udaipur MP Raghuvir Singh Meena, furnished a fake income certificate, provided by the local tehsildar, in which he claimed his father was a labourer whose annual income was less than Rs. 1 lakh. The income certificate helped Raj Kumar, whose father was a four-time MLA in the Rajasthan assembly and a former president of the All India Adivasi Development Council, to bag a scholarship to the tune of Rs. 2.40 lakh to finance his studies at Jaipur Dental College.

What was more surprising was that Raj Kumar had managed to bag the scholarship for two consecutive years (2007-08 and 2008-09) without anyone detecting the anomaly. The scholarship, handed out by Rajasthan's department of social justice and empowerment, was worth Rs. 1.20 lakh each year and covered Raj Kumar's admission and tuition fee.

Sources said the irregularity first came to the notice during a departmental audit.

And just as any politician happens to say in this part of the world when he sniffs trouble, Raj Kumar's father also said he had no clue that something like this had happened.

"I don't know how he availed the scholarship twice. But I have instructed him not to avail it anymore," Meena said in his son's defence.

Raj Kumar said he had first applied for a scholarship in 2007- 08 when he was in the first year in college.

Chandra Shekhar, the Jaipur district in-charge of the social justice department's scholarship programme, pointed out that the scholarship was released on the basis of the income certificate issued by the local tehsildar. Once such a certificate was submitted there was no need of doubting the application, he added.

Principal secretary in the social justice department Aditi Mehta expressed surprise at the incident. "An MP's son can't get a scholarship just like that. I don't know the details but I have sought a report," she said.

A scholarship meant to benefit a poor and needy student from an SC/ ST family had been usurped by a Congress MP's son in Rajasthan, thanks to the help from an unscrupulous tehsildar.

source: indiatoday

In Udaipur : Receptive, encouraging audiences, says Jeff Lang

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:47:00 +0000

Staying in a lake palace, playing the sarangi with Rajasthani folk musicians, 'surviving a crazy' road trip from Udaipur to Jodhpur and of course, spending hours and hours rehearsing… life has been moving at a frenetic pace for Jeff Lang ever since he arrived in India a week ago. The Australian slide guitar legend is on his first trip to India along with Australian tabla whiz Bobby Singh to participate in the The Hindu Friday Review November Fest. It has “been an exhilarating and enriching time. Meeting so many people, visiting beautiful cities and playing to enthusiastic audiences… what more can a musician ask for,” says the folk and blues virtuoso during a phone-in.

“I am amazed at and humbled by the technical knowledge of musicians here. They are open to everything and quick to adapt to something new,” says the Melbourne-based guitarist, expressing his gratitude to the Australian Embassy and The Hindu for making his dream of touring India a reality.

Talking about his concerts at Delhi and Bangalore, “I enjoyed playing at these venues. The audiences have been very receptive and encouraging, which gave us the chance to play without much restraint. Our set list has songs which have a structure but give us scope to improvise,” explains Lang. “Our aim is to take audience with us on a journey to unknown planes, and also build a musical bridge.”

Lang, who is looking to work closely with folk musicians from Rajasthan, among others, says, “There are very few musicians who have been able to match the high level of technique that you have here… somebody like John McLaughlin, who can play with Indians effortlessly. I too want to do something with them,” says Lang, an independent producer who has been coming out with an album every year since 1994!

On his music, which he has often described as 'disturbed folk that marries folk, blues, rock and much else', Lang is candid. “I have a story to tell, and I do it my way. I do not pretend to be someone I am not. I want to perform and connect with my listeners. Music is a transcendental experience for me, and I hope that quality of my playing reaches my listeners.”

Lang is also all praise for his collaboration with Bobby. “In the past six years that we have played together, Bobby and I have connected beautifully as musicians; we are in perfect sync and that comes through in our performance.” The award-winning Bobby Singh, who has trained under Aneesh Pradhan, is much sought-after in Australia, and has worked with the likes of Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Karaikudi Mani.

Lang continues, “Bobby has introduced me to different genres of Indian music, especially old Hindi film scores. Thanks to him I've discovered the genius of Sunil Ganguly (whose Hawaiian electric guitar lent a special touch to old Hindi and Bengali film song), Pt. Brij Bhushan Kabra, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Pt. Debashish Bhattacharya.” In fact, Lang played with Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt at an Adelaide concert and now hopes to collaborate with the mohanaveena expert on an album.

Lang is looking forward to performing to Chennai-ites. He and Bobby Singh will celebrate Australia's musical diversity at The Hindu Friday Review November Fest on Monday at 7.30 p.m. at The Music Academy.

source: thehindu

Shakira to perform in Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:28:00 +0000

Way back in August, we'd told you about real estate tycoon KP Singh's 80th birthday celebrations and how his daughter Pia was organising nothing less than an extravaganza for him.

And she seems to have outdone everyone's expectations. While the birthday was celebrated in August, the megabucks worth celebrations reportedly haven't stopped. DT has learnt that a three-day gala has been planned, from November 13-15, in Delhi, Gurgaon and Rajasthan, and that the various parties are expected to see attendance from many Bollywood names. The icing on the cake - a performance by pop star Shakira for select family and friends in Udaipur on November 15.

The festivities start in Gurgaon, followed by a public function at the DLF mall in Vasant Kunj, and finally culminating with Shakira's performance in Udaipur. The Vasant Kunj function will see Singh's autobiography being launched, after which there is a dinner for guests at a restaurant in the same mall. But we hear that the bigger surprise has been reserved for Udaipur. A highly placed source reveals that the guests in attendance at Udaipur, numbering at least 500, will also be shown a short movie that has been made on Singh.

Earlier, we had heard that the celebrations were planned for Las Vegas, for which guests were expected to fly down from all over the globe. But that plan was dropped subsequently. However, the glitterati will still be in attendance and we hear that different Bollywood names are being debated every day. There was a strong buzz that Hrithik Roshan, Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra had confirmed, but in all probability, all three will not be able to make it. While Hrithik has an ailing back, SRK is flying out of the country and Priyanka is already in Los Angeles. However, sources say that SRK might just make it for the Udaipur party.

SRK to party in Hong Kong

One reason why Shah Rukh Khan might be missing this major Delhi bash is because on
November 11, the actor is scheduled to perform at a big-ticket party in Hong Kong. He will be flying out of the country in a charter plane and is only going to perform for an hour, at a party for a big businessman.

source: timesofindia

20 cases of chikungunia detected in Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:26:00 +0000

At least 20 Chikungunia cases have been reported so far in Udaipur. The cases seemed to be increasing with each passing day.

The Usarda village in Udaipur is in complete surveillance of the state medical and health department as various residents of the area are complaining about joint pain and fever.

Targeting a population of around 5,000 people, the department has started door-to-door survey to find out if there are any more patients of the disease. Officials claimed that during the surveillance of the area, only three malaria cases were detected and no dengue case was reported.

Deputy chief medical and health officer Dr Poonam Poswal said, "There were patients who came with complaint of fever and joint pains. We decided to conduct test for Chikungunia and they tested positive for the vector-borne disease."

She said after seven patients tested positive for the disease, the officials decided to conduct a survey in the area to check spread of the disease and identified 20 patients.

Out of the 20 patients, seven of them are confirmed cases and rest 13 cases are declared clinically positive cases of Chikungunia.

It is the first time after 2006, such a large number of Chikungunia cases were found in Udaipur district.

Block chief medical officer Dr Gajanand Gupta said, "The severity of the disease this time is not much in comparison to 2006. At that time, patients could hardly move because of pain. But this time, the patients are coming to us by themselves."

He said after seven patients were confirmed of suffering from Chikungunia, other patients who came to us with the same complaints and symptoms were also considered as cases of Chikungunia.

Gupta further said no death has been reported due to the disease but at least three to five cases are being reported everyday.

The department is now carrying out anti-larvae activities in the area to check mosquito breeding.

This year, vector-borne diseases, specially malaria, have played havoc as in comparison to last year's figures. Cases of malaria got doubled this year.

source: timesofindia

Incandescent India

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:24:00 +0000

I'm in the floating Lake Palace in Udaipur, a place I first read about, and vowed to visit, when I was 10.

A pearly white marble palace -- carved domes and arches, courtyards and splashing fountains -- it's on its very own island. Not one inch of land is visible, so the palace appears to float majestically on Lake Pichola, in the state of Rajasthan in north India.

The floating Taj Lake Palace

Back when Richard Halliburton penned The Complete Book of Marvels for kids -- the reason I became a travel writer -- the Lake Palace wasn't a hotel, merely a wonder of the world. But it's been one of the world's most extraordinary hotels for decades now, the Taj Lake Palace.
My room is a poem. From my round jacuzzi tub, in a niche of glass walls and marble floors, a perfect view of another white domed marble island palace floats on the lake. It's Jag Mandir, which reportedly inspired Shah Jahan, the future Mughal emperor of India, to build the Taj Mahal as a tomb for his beloved wife, after his stay here in the early 1600s.
Every detail in my room reveals thoughtful craftsmanship, from the gold-enameled soap, the mother-of-pearl tray that holds nightly turn-down chocolates, to a window seat plumped with pillows.
A poem is, in fact, on my bed: "God bless the inventor of sleep, the cloak that covers all men's thought," from the writer Cervantes.
Visiting the City Palace the next day, across the lake, I'm delighted to see its treasure trove of miniature paintings features many of the Lake Palace, built in 1746 as the summer palace of the Maharani of Udaipur -- his royal descendants still live in the City Palace -- and of Jag Mandir, too.

It's in the Details

"Miniature" refers not to the size of the exquisite, richly colored artworks of hunting scenes and battles -- where the king's head is always encircled in a gold halo -- but to the fine details in every face, tree and animal.
The fineness is due to brushes made from eyelashes of camels and hairs from squirrel tails; and colors are created with natural materials like stone or plants, like lapis lazuli for blue and malachite for green. Some artworks are away at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, where an exhibit, "India's Master Painters: 1100-1900," is on display until Jan. 8.
After passing women in saris of magenta, pumpkin-orange and purple on the street -- India's an explosion of color -- I pause at a nearby shop and art school, and a miniature of a peacock on a gold background becomes my very own.
In Hyderabad in south-central India, Taj Falaknuma Palace offers a total contrast: European opulence and a setting on its own hilltop 2,000 feet above the city.

It's a magnificent white palace, behind whose neo-Classical facade lie scores of crystal chandeliers, silk drapes, tapestries, Louis XIV furnishings, stained-glass panels, gilded ceilings and marble floors.
Built in the 1880s, it was a guest palace for the Nizams, the Muslim royal rulers of Hyderabad, who gained a fondness for British, Italian and French palaces on their visits abroad.
You're a princess for the day on your arrival here. A horse and carriage, bearing the royal insignia, took me from the gate to the palace, where a shower of rose petals greeted me as I ascended the staircase.
A woman in a gold sari anointed my brow with a red bindi, and I was given a refreshing coriander-mint lemonade as I entered the palace where Russia's last czar, Nicholas II, and Britain's Queen Mary and King George V had preceded me.
Most of India's roughly 5,000 Jews live in on near Mumbai (Bombay), the country's biggest city, financial capital and home of the world's biggest film industry, Bollywood -- a one-hour flight from Hyderabad.
Called the Bene Israel, this ancient community is believed to be descended from Jews shipwrecked in 175 BCE about 40 miles from Mumbai. Due to their total isolation from other Jews and living in peace surrounded by their Hindu neighbors, they didn't work on Shabbat and kept kosher, but developed their own customs -- such as the malinda ceremony, where an offering of flattened rice, coconut and five symbolic fruits is made to the prophet Elijah on festive occasions and in times of crisis.
The Bene Israel deck synagogues with flower garlands on Jewish holidays, as Hindus decorate their temples. Until the late 19th century, they didn't eat beef out of deference to Hindus.
"We Jews never failed in conserving our identity and not giving in to idol worship, though we accepted local traditions," said Nathaniel Jhirad, a 20-year-old accounting student, who eagerly shared that his family is interviewed in a YouTube video about Mumba's Bene Israel.
I met him at Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, a striking powder-blue structure built in 1884, one of nine synagogues in Mumbai, and one of two Baghdadi synagogues here.
Baghdadi Jews are another tiny Jewish community in India, traders who emigrated from Iraq in the early 19th century to Mumbai. The wealthy and influential Sassoon family founded not only both synagogues but funded the construction of Mumbai's first public library, the Venetian Gothic-style Sassoon Library, which opened in 1847.
The city's Sassoon Docks, where a big public market is located, are also named after the family.

source: jewishexponent

In Shrinathji for the big day

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:05:00 +0000

Nita Ambani celebrated her birthday yesterday in the holy town sans fanfare

Neeta Ambani spent her birthday yesterday in the holy town of Shrinathji, 48 kilometres from Udaipur in Rajasthan. Initially, she was set to go to Badrinath but had to cancel plans due to bad weather. Instead, she flew to Shrinathji in her private jet with husband Mukesh Ambani last afternoon.

The couple visited the famous Shrinathji temple and offered prayers there. Although she doesn't believe in rituals, Nita is very spiritual and chose to spend her birthday in the quiet town rather than at a glittering party at her new home, Antilla. Yes, the Ambanis have finally moved into their billion-dollar home since October 21. It has been reported that they hadn't moved into their new residence due to Vastu issues, but Nita told us last month that Mukesh and she hadn't moved in as they wanted to do so when their three children were in the city. "It's very important that my children are here. As soon as all five of us are here together, we will move in," she said. And so, when Akash and Isha were in town from university last month, the big move finally happened.

Although their youngest son Anant was not in Mumbai, Mukesh told her that they'd waited long enough and it was time to finally move. When asked if she would miss her old home, Nita said, "I am not a person who can let go of things very easily. I hold on to a lot of memories." Nita and Mukesh flew back into town late last night.

source: timesofindia

Udaipur cop dumps team, goes missing

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Ten days after the dramatic case of 'lost and found' Sylvester Daniel - a key witness in Sohrabuddin fake encounter case - another setback by Vadodara police has surfaced. On Tuesday, Udaipur police found an abandoned Vadodara police car near Hiran Magri area of Udaipur.

After searching the white Tata Sumo bearing a red beacon, the Rajasthan cops were shocked to find important case papers of Vadodara's Chhani police station, a .303 rifle and seven live cartridges. Later, it was revealed that the Tata Sumo belongs to Chhani police and was abandoned by the driver after fleeing with the car on Monday night.

After arresting a key accused for smuggling 196 kg of opium a week ago, Chhani police acquired the remand of Narendra Patidar, a resident of Mandsaur in MP,till October 19. To arrest one of the Naresh's accomplices, Vadodara police had decided to go to his village in Mandsaur.

On October 16, five policemen of Chhani police took Naresh with them and went to his village in Mandsaur. After arresting Naresh's aide Shyamlal Patidar, the team was coming back to Vadodara via Udaipur. The policemen included PSI RS Kharadi, ASI Bharatsinh, constables Santosh Shyam Bihari and Kiran Baliya and drivers Jesing Abhesing and Dinesh Vala.

On their way back on Monday night, the team halted at Poonam Restaurant near Kherwada in Rajasthan on the highway. When all of them were having dinner at 11 pm, driver Dinesh Vala sneaked out and drove away the Tata Sumo without giving any reason to his colleagues.

Clueless as to why Dinesh fled with the police vehicle containing case papers and a rifle, the other policemen and the two accused came to Vadodara in a private bus after waiting for Vala for more than an hour at the restaurant.

On their way back, they informed the Shamlaji check-post and Himmatnagar police to look for their 'stolen car'. They also tried to call on Vala's mobile phone, but both of his numbers were switched off. After investigation, Chhani police came to know that Vala had spoken to his wife last at 12:30 am that night and then switched off his phone.

After the recovery of the Tata Sumo (GJ-18-G-2835) near Udaipur, Chhani police are still on the hunt for their missing driver. Vadodara cops are also investigating the reasons behind Vala taking such a step.

source: dnaindia

Maintenance work not behind Maharaja Exp damage, clarifies CR

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:43:00 +0000

The Central Railway has denied that maintenance work on the tracks at Vikroli station on Wednesday led to external damages in three coaches of the Maharajas Express. Instead, it claimed that investigations are underway to ascertain whether any of the footboards of train were defective and lower than usual, causing it to collide with the platform, before breaking down and clashing with the wall, break pipe and footboards of other coaches.

“Now the train is in Udaipur. Investigations are on to ascertain if a footboard of the train was lower, leading to the incident. As many as 104 mail and express trains and around 600 local trains pass through the route daily. But only the last few coaches of the Maharajas Express were damaged,” said a senior official on the condition of anonymity. “It is premature to say anything. The investigation will bring out the truth,” said Rahul Jain, Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Division, Central Railway

source: indianexpress

Court fines Mobile operator for stoping service without proper notice

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 04:38:00 +0000

Udaipur : Mr. Udairam son of Pannalal filed a case against Tata Indicom outlet situated at Shaktinagar, Udaipur for stopping his connection without any notice.

Because of this Consumer court representative Mr. Shaktisingh found Tata Indicom guilty and asked them to compensate Mr. Udairam with fine money of Rs. 50,000

One died in road accident near Dhola Pani #Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 07:40:00 +0000

On saturday, during accident of two bikes near Dhola Pani place, one victim died in hospital on Tuesday. Total five people were injured in this accident.

Victims are: Unkar Lal Meena, his wife Bherki, Bapu Lal Meena, Sagar Meena, Khemraj Meena.

Unkar Lal Meena is no more since he was badly injured during accident.

Manish Paliwal is new leader of Paliwal Student Union in #Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 07:37:00 +0000

Mr. Manish Paliwal was the only candidate who was elected without any opposite leader. All the union students and teacher were happy about it. Sir, D.N. Nagda was there at the time of oath taken by new leader of student union.

HRD Ministry drops IIM-A as mentor of IIM, #Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 05:31:00 +0000

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) today said that it has lost the role of mentoring the upcoming IIM at Udaipur in Rajasthan to IIM- Indore.

"Yes a decision has been taken that IIM-Indore will mentor IIM-Udaipur," Director IIM-A Prof. Samir Barua said, confirming the development.

The decision was taken by the Union Ministry of Human Resource and Development.

Asked the reason behind the decision by the HRD ministry, Barua said he would not like to comment and added, "We have never said no for mentoring IIM, Udaipur."

In June last year, IIM-A had announced that it would be mentoring the upcoming IIM in Rajasthan.

The institute was to provide the curriculum content as well as faculty on deputation had the need arisen.

"IIM, Udaipur is expected to begin its first academic session this year itself and efforts are underway to appoint its director," sources at IIM-A said.

In the face of faculty shortage, the mentoring role for IIM-A could have meant resource constraint for it, thereby forcing it to put on hold plans to set up campus abroad, they said.

source: economictimes

Kirori Lal Meena arrested, rally foiled in #Udaipur

noreply@blogger.com (ahmjaynath) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 05:30:00 +0000

In a dramatic turn of events, the state government on Wednesday evening arrested Dausa MP Kirori Lal Meena for disturbing peace' in Udaipur. The Independent MP, whose wife is a minister in Ashok Gehlot government, is being brought to Jaipur under custody.

Meena had been camping in Udaipur for the past three days preparing for a protest march against the state government for allegedly disregarding welfare of the tribal people residing in the southern districts. Meena had carried out a similar demonstration against the government in Udaipur last year also.

The Udaipur district administration had refused permission for the march, which was scheduled for Thursday. Despite the refusal, the MP was allegedly preparing to go ahead with the programme, the district police said. Soon after the arrest, collector Hemant Gera banned Meena from entering the district.

However, the MP threw the district administration into a tizzy by alleging that Udaipur's additional SP Tejraj Singh slapped him in the hotel room where he was arrested. "The additional SP forcefully entered my room and scuffled with my personal assistant. When I intervened, he (Singh) slapped me," Meena alleged. As the news spread, Meena's supporters blocked roads in Dausa demanding action against the police officer.

Udaipur SP Alok Vashishtha, on the other hand, denied any of his subordinates misbehaved with Meena. "No one slapped the MP," Vashishtha said.

IG, Udaipur Range, T L Meena, meanwhile, said the Dausa MP was arrested on charges of disturbing peace and violating prohibitory orders. "The divisional commissioner, district collector and the police had denied permission for the protest march scheduled for April 7. Our intelligence reports said the MP was still preparing to go on with his plans that could lead to law and order problem," IGP Meena said justifying the police action. "We are taking him (Meena) to Jaipur in police custody," the IGP told TOI.

The leader from eastern Rajasthan had been touring the villages of Udaipur division seeking support for his mahapadav (mass sit-in) in the Lake City to highlight issues related to the tribals. Meena had planned a march from Balicha on the Udaipur-Ahmedabad national highway to the offices of district collector and divisional commissioner.

source: timesofindia