New Delhi, Dec 31 (UNI) Despite having all kinds of latest and most advanced facilities, criminals still find it easy to dodge the police and take liberty to commit crime at will in the national capital.
In view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in October next year, several new police stations, increased police personnel, latest weapons, vehicles and other security equipment were added in the paraphernalia of the Delhi Police.
However, it seems that the criminals are running ahead of the police as the crime rate has increased this year in comparison to last year.
The most problematic among all the criminals were auto-lifters as more than 27,000 cases of motor theft were recorded during the year, which, according to the police, was 25 per cent higher than 2008 and constitutes about 15 per cent of total crimes committed in Delhi.
A senior police official told UNI, ''Motor Vehicle theft is the biggest crime in the capital that the police have been dealing with. We have found a significant increase in such cases this year.''
The Delhi Police also took several steps to reduce the motor theft cases like sending out letters to vehicle owners requesting them to install security gadgets in their vehicles.
To help them further, the police would also provide them the contact numbers of dealers of such devices in their area.
''Police alone can not prevent vehicle thefts as there are a huge number of vehicles in the city. People have to invest some money in this,'' Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal had said in a press conference held earlier this year.
In addition to the motor vehicle thefts, crimes committed by biker gangs also remained a major concern for the Delhi Police.
Incidents related to such crimes were reported from all parts of the National Capital, mainly South Extension, Saket, Madangiri, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Sangam Vihar, Dwarka, Dabri, Punjabi Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Ashok Vihar, Maurya Enclave, Keshavpuram, Rani Bagh, New Delhi, Seelampur, Bhajanpura, Shakarpur and Mandawali.
These gangs were involved in snatching and robbery as, according to the police, around 14,000 calls received till November 30 were only about snatching by biker gangs.
Out of 14,000, around 800 cases were recorded, which was lower than last year that saw 870 cases.
On an average, the biker gangs struck twice every day and have killed four people so far this year.
The officials informed that a special training programme was introduced at Chawla training camp this year to train all the new recruits in handling the biker gangs.
Likewise, the Delhi Police also started a motorcycle verification campaign. Within five months of its initiation, around three lakh motorcycles were verified. The official noted that due to verification, many criminals were also identified resulting in solving of many cases.
Referring to the heinous and non-heinous crimes committed in the city this year, a senior police official said there was a significant rise in such cases. Total number of cases of heinous crime reported till November 30 was 1278, as compared to last year's 518, while non-heinous crime were 43,414 as against last year's 38,765.
As there were claims made by the police about the reduction in crime figures, many argue that police do not register FIRs to present a rosy picture.
Earlier this year, a sort of debate was started in media about the registration of FIRs and many people expressed their concerns over it.
Police have also devised other ways to show a downward trend in the crime graph as it has started treating the crime of loot under section 382 of IPC which deals with theft cases instead of heinous crimes.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Don't help Soren becoming CM, appeals Shashi Nath Jha's family
New Delhi, Dec 26: Family and friends of Shashi Nath Jha, slain PA of Shibu Soren, here today appealed to political parties not to help him reaching the helm.
Expressing concern about their security, the family of Shashi Nath Jha told mediapersons, at a conference, that his position in power would hamper the path of justice and it was not good for the society, state and country.
''If he becomes Chief Minister then the Governor would be asked for the permission to arrest him which, we fear, will never come our way,'' Jha's friend Mukesh Baba said.
Jha's family and Mr Baba had filed a petition in the Supreme Court which the latter accepted. As Mr Soren has failed to submit his reply within stipulated time the court has fixed the date for hearing on March 8, 2010.
On Mr Soren being given a clean chit by the Jharkhand High Court on August 22, 2007, Jha's brother Vijay Nath Jha said, ''It took several years for the High Court to come to the decision. Ignoring all the witnesses and proofs, the Judge set him free without even providing any reason or basis for the judgement.''
On the issue of political parties supporting Mr Soren after the recent elections in Jharkhand, Mr Baba said, ''He is a murder accused and had been absconding from law earlier. If he becomes the CM, what image would it create? There is a question mark on the stability of the government also as there is a hearing in the case after three months only.''
He also expressed wonder on how the BJP leadership was behaving after the elections. ''Many senior leaders in the BJP were earlier openly calling Mr Soren a murderer but now they are defining him as clean,'' Mr Baba asserted.
He appealed to the Election Commission to stop such criminals and tainted people from contesting elections. ''If it will not be stopped a crop of such politicians will grow and affect the democracy,'' he stated. When quizzed about the threat to their lives, Mr Jha said, ''We have written to all the authorities about providing security to us but to no avail. We got no reply.''
''The Supreme Court is our last hope for justice,'' he said with tears in his eyes.
Shashi Nath Jha's daughter, Preeti Jha, also requested the Prime Minister to give justice to her father.
''I have no other demand. Just give us justice,'' she said.
''If the government can not give us justice at least hand over the remains of Shashi Nath Jha so that his last rites could be performed.'' Mr Baba requested.
Links:
http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-19224.html
http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20091226/1413029.html
Give some 'happiness' to war widows: Sudesh Singh
By Amit Chaudhary
''Armymen sacrifice their lives fighting for us but it is unfortunate that their families live miserably after their death or retirement,'' Ms Singh said, who lost her husband after a long and painful battle with cancer in 1979.
Remembering her suffering after the death of her husband, she said, the families of Defence personnel should be taken care of properly by the government and providing ''shelter and security'' is the foremost responsibility of the government.
Ms Singh started social work when she was in her teens only, though she began working for widows and their families in 1974, who were left abandonned by the government. She said she could identify herself with them.
In 1975, she arranged the re-marriage of 47 war widows of different castes and creeds in Chandigarh, where she had set up her base after the death her husband Major General Gurbaksh Singh, a gallant soldier who was awarded Padma Shree, Distinguished Service Order(DSO) and Order of British Empire(OBE) for his services during Second World War.
However, she had to shift to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh from Chandigarh in 1980s due to security reasons.
Though, the Bharat Gaurav awardee Ms Singh believes that only getting them re-married is not enough as they should be properly rehabilitated. ''We talked to some universities to reserve some seats for the widows so that they can get quality education,'' She elaborated.
Due to her constant and sincere efforts, Himachal Pradesh University and Jammu and Kashmir government have both reserved seats in various courses.
Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had hugely commended her efforts and she was made a member of All India Congress Committee(AICC).
When she shifted to Shimla, she was appointed as the Chairperson of Himachal Pradesh Handloom Board. She claimed to have worked quite efficiently while holding the post but she was removed from the post after the change in government and, more painfully, she was considered an ''outsider'' even after working so earnestly for the welfare of the people of that region.
She now feels broken, tired and aloof. Indifferent behaviour of politicians towards her and hatred of other widows towards her. She said, ''The people who have power only look for two things, money and easy availability. We are not easily available to anyone. I will not stoop low or succumb to any pressure. Being a soldier’s wife, I consider myself a soldier.'' During the talk, she got nostalgic and recalled the time when her father was killed by the invaders in Muzaffarabad (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) after partition and she along with her mother and two sibblings spent life in captivity. It was much later that the family was rescued, due to the efforts of late Sarojini Naidu.
Considering the difficulties Ms Sudesh G B Singh has faced in her life, she is an appropriate example of strength and bravery, who has always kept her pace ahead of life despite endless adversities.
She has spent over four decades in the service of people and considers herself a very rich person, not in worldly goods, but in spirits.
She was the first lady commander of the women’s wing of Home Guard and Civil Defence in New Delhi. She is also largely associated with the promotion of cultural activities. She is also the president of International Punjabi Society, which is another feather in her cap.
She also visited Afghanistan as a representative of World Health Organisation(WHO) to propagate family planning and help them to discard Purdha (veil) System. She was also invited by the Return Services League(RSL) of Australia as a goodwill ambassador. Her work was much appreciated by the Indian Government.
Ms Singh regretted the fact that while other countries like Australia, England, Korea and Japan have given her so much of respect and recognition, but in her own country she always felt ignored.
Ms Singh lamented that despite her dedication to the cause of war widows, ex-servicemen and her family's ''sacrifices'' for the nation, she got nothing in return not even ''respect'' a martyr’s wife should get. ''Politicians pay only lip service to us but do nothing for our welfare,'' she bemoaned.
''To make your voice heard you should have someone, who have faced the difficulties and understand your pain, to speak for you but there is no one who can raise voice for us in the Parliament,'' Ms Singh said.
She also advocated the need of creating a separate cell for the welfare of war widows headed by a person who understand the needs and sufferings of widows.
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Sanjay Suri's heart bleeds for Kashmir
New Delhi, Dec 27 (UNI) Emphasising that ''GenNext'' needs to connect with the cause of Kashmiri Hindus, Bollywood actor Sanjay Suri today said his generation might be the last whose ''heart bleeds'' for Kashmir.
Speaking at the Panun Kashmir Foundation Convention here, Suri, who himself is a Kashmiri Hindu, said, ''If next generations do not learn about our culture, our history, our belongings and connect with the cause, there will not be anyone to raise voice for us and I am afraid that the cause will die.''
He appealed to all the Kashmiri Hindus to educate their children and make them aware of their culture and that they belong to Kashmir.
''Once we are broken, we will never be able to go back to where we belong to,'' Mr Suri warned.
Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan G Parthasarthy was also present among the distinguished guests at the Convention.
Amid apprehensions about worsening situation in Kashmir, Mr Parthasarthy said, ''India is not a fragile state. We have shown a lot of resilience in face of terrorism.''
''Once we are broken, we will never be able to go back to where we belong to,'' Mr Suri warned.
Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan G Parthasarthy was also present among the distinguished guests at the Convention.
Amid apprehensions about worsening situation in Kashmir, Mr Parthasarthy said, ''India is not a fragile state. We have shown a lot of resilience in face of terrorism.''
He stated, ''Kashmir is not a cause of our problem with Pakistan but a symptom of our problem with the neighbour.''
Saying that Army, as an institution, is very dominant in Pakistan which throws a difficult challenge to India, he opined that India needs to develop its internal structure so strong which can deal with any challenge and the leadership should think on the lines of giving fitting diplomatic reply to the enemy.
Commenting on the presence of strong separatists in the Kashmir Valley, Mr Parthasarthy said, ''I do not believe in buying peace with the appeasement of separatism.''
Commenting on the presence of strong separatists in the Kashmir Valley, Mr Parthasarthy said, ''I do not believe in buying peace with the appeasement of separatism.''
Supporting the cause of Panun Kashmir, the veteran diplomat advised, ''Never ever give up and keep educating succeeding generation about the heritage of Kashmiri Hindus.''
Internet is a great medium to make your voice heard and you people can keep your movement alive through websites, he added.
Links:
Kashmir times : http://www.dailykashmirimages.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17134:my-news&catid=1:news
Sheila ''misleading'' people, alleges Khandelwal
New Delhi, Dec 27 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister's statement that one per cent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) would have no impact on common man did not go down well with Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, who today called it ''misleading''.
Talking to UNI, Mr Khandelwal said, ''The statement of the Chief Minister was misleading as all the commodities on which VAT has been increased are of common man's use.'' Ms Dikshit made the statement in an interview with a news agency.
The VAT was recently increased by one per cent on 176 heads by the Sheila government in Delhi.
Mr Khandelwal stated that the increase in VAT would increase in the prices of raw material, finished goods, plants and machineries subsequently increasing the base price by five per cent.
He informed that the government had to increase the tax rate to compensate the loss incurred due to expected phasing out of Central Sales Tax (CST) in September but it did not happen.
''So logically VAT should not have been increased as CST did not phase out,'' Mr Khandelwal argued.
''The government has betrayed not only the people but also the other states as it was agreed that no state will increase the rates of VAT,'' he alleged.
It is against the agreed principles of 21-point convergence signed by all the states, he added.
Demanding the roll back of hike in VAT rates, Mr Khandelwal said it was ''illogical'' as Goods and Services Tax (GST), a uniform tax applicable on all the states, would be levied from next financial year.
Talking to UNI, Mr Khandelwal said, ''The statement of the Chief Minister was misleading as all the commodities on which VAT has been increased are of common man's use.'' Ms Dikshit made the statement in an interview with a news agency.
The VAT was recently increased by one per cent on 176 heads by the Sheila government in Delhi.
Mr Khandelwal stated that the increase in VAT would increase in the prices of raw material, finished goods, plants and machineries subsequently increasing the base price by five per cent.
He informed that the government had to increase the tax rate to compensate the loss incurred due to expected phasing out of Central Sales Tax (CST) in September but it did not happen.
''So logically VAT should not have been increased as CST did not phase out,'' Mr Khandelwal argued.
''The government has betrayed not only the people but also the other states as it was agreed that no state will increase the rates of VAT,'' he alleged.
It is against the agreed principles of 21-point convergence signed by all the states, he added.
Demanding the roll back of hike in VAT rates, Mr Khandelwal said it was ''illogical'' as Goods and Services Tax (GST), a uniform tax applicable on all the states, would be levied from next financial year.
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
Fair, ambitious, legally binding treaty to save planet: CSCC
The Climate Satyagraha Camp coalition (CSCC), a group of several big NGOs like Greepeace, Oxfam India and WWF as its members, today organised a rally from Rajghat to Parliament street here and a signature campaign to press for a ''fair, ambitious and legally binding treaty to avert catastrophic climate change.''
Archbishop of Delhi Vincent Concesseo while flagging off the six km rally said, ''The time for everyone to act is now - especially the leadership.''
Saying that people are not going to accept anything short of a real deal as an outcome of the Copenhagen talks, Climate Satyagraha Camp coalition Spokesperson Ajay Mahajan, while talking to UNI, said developed countries are responsible for the grave situation the world is facing today so ''the onus is on them to lead the world out of this crisis.''
He said, ''The people in western countries living completely a wasteful life. The way they live, it will need many earths to sustain their lifestyle.'' They go around in big cars, travel so much in planes and use much more resources than they are required to lead life, he added.
''In America, for example, there is no rail network to commute between two cities. They travel by plane even if they have to go to a neighbouring state. They are so much dependent on oil and it is pretty obvious why they are so much after oil fields,'' Mr Mahajan said.
The campaign was organised in 14 cities across the country. Around 30 thousand people including civil society groups, artists, and youngsters from schools and colleges signed and wrote their message on the 700 metre long banner unfurled by the CSCC, which they called 'Fabric of Hope' on the Global Day of Action.
The banner will become part of the ''sign a real deal'' wall at the Climate Satyagraha Camp at the Constitution Club from December 13 onwards.
''In America, for example, there is no rail network to commute between two cities. They travel by plane even if they have to go to a neighbouring state. They are so much dependent on oil and it is pretty obvious why they are so much after oil fields,'' Mr Mahajan said.
The campaign was organised in 14 cities across the country. Around 30 thousand people including civil society groups, artists, and youngsters from schools and colleges signed and wrote their message on the 700 metre long banner unfurled by the CSCC, which they called 'Fabric of Hope' on the Global Day of Action.
The banner will become part of the ''sign a real deal'' wall at the Climate Satyagraha Camp at the Constitution Club from December 13 onwards.
Global Climate Campaign member Naveen Mishra said, ''Millions of people in India are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Our monsoons are being hit, and so are our glaciers receding rapidly. We cannot squander this opportunity to avert runaway climate change. Our message to the 120-odd Heads of State who would arrive next week in Copenhagen is loud and clear: The time to change the future is now.''
Advising that India should change its attitude towards climate issues Mr Mahajan asserted that rather than 'adapting' from western countries it should make its own efforts to 'mitigate' the effects of carbon emission on the environment.
When asked if he wanted to extend any message on behalf of the coalition to the leaders meeting in Copenhagen Mr Mahajan said, ''No business as usual while our climate and planet is in peril. The deal should be about people and nature and not about emission, omission and commission.''
When asked if he wanted to extend any message on behalf of the coalition to the leaders meeting in Copenhagen Mr Mahajan said, ''No business as usual while our climate and planet is in peril. The deal should be about people and nature and not about emission, omission and commission.''
''They should not get lost in jargons, denials, lies and unnecessary arguments. Reality of climate change should not lose behind these arguments and jargons,'' he added.
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
India vulnerable to terror attacks: Home Secy
New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) Union Home Secretary Gopal Krishna Pillai today admitted that India, particularly its coastal boundaries, is vulnerable to terror attacks and there is a need to plug the loopholes in the security system.
Speaking at the conference on 'The Challenge of Terrorism to India's Infrastructure and Economy', organised by Security Watch India (SWI) here, Mr Pillai said, ''There is a need to strengthen the security, especially of sensitive installations like atomic plants and refineries located along the coastline.'' Security forces have been acquiring latest technologies to face the challenge and it will take at least two years to do that, he added.
The Home Secretary also warned that software industry too is high on the terror list. ''We are world leaders in software but the software industry figures high on the terrorists' target list,'' Mr Pillai stated.
He said all software companies in the country were now realising this fact and were taking their own measures to protect themselves.
Indian software exports have risen from Rs 28,350 crore in 2000-01 to an estimated Rs 216,300 crore in 2008-09 and is expected to grow by 16 per cent this fiscal despite the global slowdown, he said.
Mr Pillai assured that the government is working in coordination with the IT companies to consolidate the security of their establishments.
''Standard operating procedures and mock drills needs to be up to the mark and both the government and the industry need to work in coordination,'' he emphasised.
Replying to a question, the Home Secretary said the government was working on establishing a National Intelligence Grid to integrate the intelligence inputs and create a coordination among various intelligence agencies.
Speaking at the conference on 'The Challenge of Terrorism to India's Infrastructure and Economy', organised by Security Watch India (SWI) here, Mr Pillai said, ''There is a need to strengthen the security, especially of sensitive installations like atomic plants and refineries located along the coastline.'' Security forces have been acquiring latest technologies to face the challenge and it will take at least two years to do that, he added.
The Home Secretary also warned that software industry too is high on the terror list. ''We are world leaders in software but the software industry figures high on the terrorists' target list,'' Mr Pillai stated.
He said all software companies in the country were now realising this fact and were taking their own measures to protect themselves.
Indian software exports have risen from Rs 28,350 crore in 2000-01 to an estimated Rs 216,300 crore in 2008-09 and is expected to grow by 16 per cent this fiscal despite the global slowdown, he said.
Mr Pillai assured that the government is working in coordination with the IT companies to consolidate the security of their establishments.
''Standard operating procedures and mock drills needs to be up to the mark and both the government and the industry need to work in coordination,'' he emphasised.
Replying to a question, the Home Secretary said the government was working on establishing a National Intelligence Grid to integrate the intelligence inputs and create a coordination among various intelligence agencies.
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Terrorism can be countered through ''dialogue'': Lt Gov
New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) Delhi Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna today said bringing all sections of society to the ''dialogue'' table can be the answer to terrorism.
Mr Khanna was speaking at a conference on 'The Challenges of Terrorism to India's Infrastructure and Economy' organised by Security Watch India (SWI) here to discuss the threat posed by the global terrorism to the country and its economy.
During his address, he observed that it is more important to prevent any act of terror than to chase the culprits after the incident, and technology is a big factor in this.
''Global cooperation in the field of technology and training programme for intelligence officials are very significant for ensuring security,'' the Lt Governor told reporters.
''We are very keen in exchanging training programme for our intelligence officials. We welcome international cooperation in the field of intelligence and security,'' he added.
He also pointed out that arms and ammunition is readily available now-a-days, thanks to the thriving arms industry.
Emphasising that fight against terrorism needs peoples' participation Mr Khanna said citizens need to be aware of the happenings around them and immediately inform the police about any suspicious person or thing.
Mr Khanna was speaking at a conference on 'The Challenges of Terrorism to India's Infrastructure and Economy' organised by Security Watch India (SWI) here to discuss the threat posed by the global terrorism to the country and its economy.
During his address, he observed that it is more important to prevent any act of terror than to chase the culprits after the incident, and technology is a big factor in this.
''Global cooperation in the field of technology and training programme for intelligence officials are very significant for ensuring security,'' the Lt Governor told reporters.
''We are very keen in exchanging training programme for our intelligence officials. We welcome international cooperation in the field of intelligence and security,'' he added.
He also pointed out that arms and ammunition is readily available now-a-days, thanks to the thriving arms industry.
Emphasising that fight against terrorism needs peoples' participation Mr Khanna said citizens need to be aware of the happenings around them and immediately inform the police about any suspicious person or thing.
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To tackle terrorism think the unthinkable: Home Secy
Speaking at the conference on 'The Challenge of Terrorism to India's Infrastructure and Economy', organised by Security Watch India (SWI) here, Mr Pillai said, the terrorists are switching to newer strategies to be successful in their subversive activities.
Mr Pillai said, ''We have seen from the Headley case that one can still slip through the radar because we are not looking for them. This is one of the big problems. Because nobody would look for a US citizen, with a US passport and a business visa, you would not think that he is a terrorist.''
If it can happen to a US national, it can happen to the citizen of any other country, he added.
He also empahsised the need to take necessary steps to tackle such issues.
He also empahsised the need to take necessary steps to tackle such issues.
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Thursday, December 3, 2009
Left criticises privatisation of PSBs
| New Delhi, Dec 3 (UNI) Terming Banking sector reforms a ploy ''to serve the purpose of corporate sector'', CPI National General Secretary D Raja today said privatisation of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) is 'anti-poor'. Thousands of bank employees, wearing red shirts, under the banner of All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) and All India Bank Officers' Association (AIBOA) today gathered at Parliament Street here to oppose the government's plan to dilute the government equity capital in the PSBs. Mr Raja said, ''The government should not undermine the importance of Banking sector, which undeniably plays an important role in strengthening the economy of the country.'' The government has planned to reform the Banking sector through privatisation of the PSBs, closure and merger of Associate banks and other PSBs with the SBI and amendment of the Banking Regulation Act to allow full voting rights to foreign investors in the Banking sector. Addressing the agitators, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury assured them that his party would take their voice to Parliament. Criticising the Congress government, he said on one hand they say that nationalisation of banks had helped India to face the challenge of economic slowdown and on the other, they were conspiring to privatise the PSBs. On the issue of taking Rs 10,000 crore (2 billion dollar) loan from the World Bank to capitalise the PSBs, he said, ''We have enough money in our country to do that and taking loan from the World Bank will only put sanctions on us which will hinder our growth.'' Saying that the only PSBs were under poor people's reach, AIBEA General Secretary C H Venkatachalam told UNI, ''We want government to adopt people-oriented banking policy rather than corporate oriented.'' ''The government's plan to expand the Banking sector through consolidation and privatisation will not help the poor because big banks only care about big customers hence there won't be any bank left to give loans to the farmers and small traders,'' he added. Replying to a question whether India should have a central bank like other developed nations, Mr Venkatachalam replied, ''There is no need of such a bank but a Central Banking Authority is necessary.'' The representatives of the organisation submitted a memorandum in this regard to Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee demanding that there should be no dilution of government equity in the PSBs and no merger of PSBs. Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) president Sanjeeva Reddy said, ''We want government to strengthen the Banking Sector rather than destroy it.'' The merger and privatisation of the PSBs would cut the employment potential of the Banking industry which would have adverse effect on the growth of the country, he added. Mr Venkatachalam said if the government refuses to listen to the demands, they would observe a nationwide bandh on December 16 Links: http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-3732.html http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20091203/1397061.html http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Organizations/International+Agencies,+Alliances,+Cartels/World+Bank/02Zse3l4CW5dz/1 |
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sonia flags off AIDS awareness train
New Delhi, Dec 1 : On the World AIDS Day today UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi flagged off the second Red Ribbon Express, which will travel across the country to disseminate information about prevention and cure of HIV/AIDS, at Safdar Jung railway station here.
The Red Ribbon Express is an initiative to spread awareness among the masses about one of the most fatal diseases in the world, HIV/AIDS, by reaching to the people living in far flung areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Gandhi said through this train knowledge would be spread to outreach places and spread awareness about the disease.
She also expressed satisfaction that the fight against AIDS is on the right track.
She opined that 'knowledge is empowerment' and it can save many lives by making people aware. ''We are committed to continue to work towards containing and reversing the HIV/AIDS pandemic,'' Ms Gandhi asserted.
The trian, in Phase-II, would halt at 152 stations in 141 districts across 22 states and would hold awareness programmes in about 10,000 villages during its year-long journey.
Addressing the gathering, Union Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee said, ''If we all work together it is very much possible to eradicate this evil from the society.'' It is necessary to provide economic as well as social security to the victims in order to wipe out the pandemic, she added.
Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad while giving the statistical information about the disease said, ''The idea behind the train was to take the information to the people residing in remote and far flung areas instead of dispensing the information while sitting in one corner.'' There are around 23 lakh HIV affected people in India.
The Health Minister said the number of HIV patients in India have been reducing significantly.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit while praising the initiative said the train would help in providing knowledge to the people about how to prevent and fight the disease besides how to treat affected people.
The volunteers on the train would visit the nearby residential areas and counsel the people about HIV/AIDS. There is counselling facility inside the trian.
The Red Ribbon Express is a joint endeavour of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, National Aids Control Organisation and Railways.
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Saturday, November 28, 2009
India 'Cruises' into Indian Ocean, govt to promote cruise tourism
New Delhi, Nov 28 (UNI) With the year nearing an end and vacation plans on the anvil, one need not cross the Seven Seas to soak oneself in the leisurely experience of a cruise ship.
Incredible India, in collabration with Louis Cruises, is launching India's first cruise ship, Aquamarine, on December 1.
The four-star cruise will soon anchor at the port of Cochin and will be cruising between India, Maldives and Sri Lanka providing rich experience of a culturally affluent region.
On the occasion, Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said with such a long and scenic coastline India would be a fabulous destination for cruise tourism. ''Our people used to go abroad to enjoy the cruise ships but now it is available here. Even foreigners can also enjoy the virgin coasts of India.'' India announced cruise tourism policy last year only and 'Aquamarine' would be the first cruise ship to anchor the Indian coast. Earlier, a river cruise ship, Pandava, sailed between Kolkata and Varanasi for a brief period.
The Tourism Ministry also provided funds to the Cochin port to develop the required infrastructure to host the cruise ships. ''Since Indian coasts are meant for cargo services only, there is a need to upgrade them for the cruise ships,'' said Ms Selja.
She added, ''We are offering assistance to the port authorities to upgrade the ports and make them comfortable for the tourists.'' Cruise shipping is swiftly growing as a new marketable product with the growth rate of around 12 per cent per annum.
Emphasising the importance of cruise Tourism Industry in providing employment, Managing Director, Louis Cruises India Oneil Khosa said it had generated around 350 million jobs in the United States.
He also informed that the crew of the ship would consist of 40 per cent Indian nationals in order to make customers comfortable in conversing with the crew.
Giving details about the on board facilities Country head, Sales and Marketing Vijay Puthran said Aquamarine would have facilities like spa, gym, swimming pool, duty-free shops, beauty salon, bar and restaurants and specially installed bowling machines to target the cricket crazy people of India.
Links to the story:
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Cope India-09 Begins: IAF, USAF Come Closer
By Amit Chaudhary
Agra, Oct 19 (UNI) C-130 H, C-130 J and C-17 planes of the US Air Force and AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft of the Indian Air Force soared in tandem into the clear blue skies today as India and United States initiated five-day long joint exercises at Air Force Station (AFS) Agra.
The director of the exercise representing India, Group Captain Mathews Mammen said, ''The exercise will see the two Air Forces working to enhance their knowledge levels and understand the employment philosophies of both tactical and heavy lift platforms of USAF and IAF in joint operations.'' The main objectives of this exercise are to know each other’s operational aspects through joint planning and execution of missions and to train and expose exercise personnel for joint operations in a simulated hostile scenario.
Col Raymond Le Marche of USAF, the exercise director representing US, said this exercise would increase cooperation, friendship and understanding between the two forces as well as countries.
The US contingent comprised C-130 H, C-130 J and C-17 carriers, while IAF contingent included An-32 and IL-76 mainly.
Around 160 USAF and 250 IAF personnel are participating in the exercises. IAF is fielding its Rapid Action Medical Team and Special Forces Garuds.
US Ambassador Timothy J Roemer, present on the occasion said, ''The healthy and growing defence relationship between India and United States is part of a broader strategic partnership that derives from common principle and shared national security interests.'' These exercise will help the two forces to improve their performance in handling the disaster situations. The focus will be on humanitarian relief, casualty management and rescue operations.
As part of the exercise the Para-troopers from both the air forces performed Para jumping from different heights and with different parachutes. ''The use of different parachutes and different planes, as C-130 J and C-17 are new planes to us, helps us learning and experience new and better technologies,'' one of the para jumpers told reporters.
India is in talks with USAF for the purchase of one C-130 carrier plane and is also contemplating to buy C-17 carrier. This purchase, if it materialises, will give a great boost to the IAF in terms of rescue and relief missions.
Special mobile hospital recently procured from American company Alaska Structures Ltd was also displayed at the air base. This mobile hospital consists of 25 beds including Operation Theatre.
Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) Commanding Officer A Mukherjee said,''These mobile hospitals can easily be transported and be set up with in six to eight hours, which is much less than the older ones. It will help in providing instant relief to the victims.'' He added that it can only be used to perform limb and life saving surgeries only.
The cost of this fully air conditioned mobile hospital is around two million dollar.
Joint defence exercises between India and the US will help the establishment of a cordial relationship between the two countries besides India getting a new dimension in its defence power, Mr Roemer said.
He said the US was committed to increasing the strength of the Indian Air Force.
'' This joint exercise would stress upon crisis management, ground warfare, air combat training and will promote ways and means to establish peace'', he added.
This was the sixth such joint Indo-US exercise in the country and will continue till October 23.
The US Ambassador also stressed that these exercises would certainly draw both the countries closer.'' Both the countries would have better relationship in culture, industry and on the economic front besides in the field of crisis management and human relief'', Mr Roemer said.
He said by such joint exercises the US has given recognition to the Indian Air Force.
'' It is an honour for both the countries to go for such a joint exercise'', he added.
Links:
http://www.newkerala.com/nkfullnews-1-134055.html
http://topics.treehugger.com/article/09vH9SU2Kn17q
http://www.newstin.co.uk/tag/uk/151619892
http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20091019/1364336.html
Scrap CWG if it deprives people of their livelihood: CPI(ML)
New Delhi, Nov 14 (UNI) The Delhi unit of CPI(ML) today held a demonstration demanding rollback of bus and Metro fares hike.
Addressing the protestors at ITO, CPI(ML) Secretary (Delhi) Sanjay Sharma alleged that the Delhi government is burning a hole in the common man's pocket for meeting the expenses of organising Commonwealth Games.
He also alleged that government has been working as an ''agency'' to guarantee profit to private investors through the taxpayers' money.
''Sheila Dikshit government has reduced DTC into a revenue collecting agency for TATA company. Government is purchasing buses from TATA at a price two to three times higher from actual price,'' Mr Sharma said.
''The same ''corporate appeasement'' policy is being implemented against roadside vendors. Around five lakh vendors will be evicted from Delhi by July next year. If organising CWG means depriving people of their livelihoods than we should scrap the games,'' he told UNI.
CPI(ML) Delhi Office Secretary Govind Uniyal said, ''We condemn the Chief Minister's statement that citizens have to pay for development.''
Pension scheme for auto drivers in Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 9 (UNI) In a unique and first of its kind initiative, Nyaya Bhoomi, an NGO, and Invest India Micro Pension Services (IIMPS), today launched a pension scheme for the autorickshaw drivers at the 9th IIEF Annual Pension Conference at India Habitat Centre.
The Secretary of Nyaya Bhoomi, Rakesh Agarwal presented the cheque of Rs 60,000 on behalf of 200 autorickshaw drivers to the Director of IIMPS Renana Jhabvala.
The Micro Pension model is designed in such a way that the driver is encouraged to invest more and more of his savings into pension schemes. ''We are contributing Rs 300 per month for each auto driver, under the aegis of ''Auto Star Club'', towards pension fund and if any driver voluntarily contributes any amount over and above the said amount that will be matched by Nyaya Bhoomi,'' Mr Agarwal said.
He added that after 25-30 years, the driver would receive, depending on his age at the time of joining, around Rs five to 15 lakh, which would be enough for him to get a monthly income of around Rs six thousand. The NGO has taken an innovative approach to generate revenues for the pension scheme, Mr Agarwal said, adding the autorickshaws have been specially modified for display of advertisements so that the brand can get maximum visibility, while the vehicles look aesthetically appealing.
The space has been sold to companies like Tata Indicom, Chhabra Triple Five Fashions and Reliance Communications. Under the Micro Pension model developed by IIMPS, the pension savings of auto drivers would be invested in a Central Government-notified Pension Scheme managed by UTI Asset Management Company called UTI Retirement Benefit Pension Fund.
The scheme, according to the Managing Director of IIMPs, Ashish Aggarwal, is providing an average return of 11.5 per cent for the last three years.
There are around 80,000 auto drivers in Delhi and IIMPS and Nyaya Bhoomi plan to cover at least 20,000 drivers under the scheme within the next six months.
In addition to pension, the drivers would also be provided health and accidental insurance, cash incentives and many other benefits soon.
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