www.thestudentage.

com

Vol. 2 No: 30 |

STUDENT AGE
JKENG/2012/41612 | Jammu, Saturday, January 27- February 2 ), 2013 | Pages: 32 | `5

Read the Need

News Inbox
Congress announces candidate for Mizoram by-polls
AIZAWL: The ruling Congress on February 1 announced that Dr H Ngurdingliana would be the party's official candidate for the coming by-election Contd on page 2

Diesel prices to be hiked 40-50 paise every month: Moily

NEW DELHI: Diesel prices will be hiked by 40-50 paise per litre every month till losses on the nation's most used fuel are completely wiped out, Oil Minister Veerappa Moily said Friday. "Until further orders, oil marketing companies can increase it (diesel price) by 40-50 paise (per litre) every month," he said. The government had on January 17 permitted state-run oil marketing companies to set diesel prices in a move that could help the govDiesel currently costs Rs. 47.65 in Delhi, Rs. 51.51 in Kolkata, Rs. 53.71 in Mumbai and Rs. 50.68 in Chennai. While the price of petrol is purely market-determined, diesel is still under government control, even though oil firms now have the freedom to make minor revisions in the price. India's policy to subsidise retail prices of fuels such as diesel, which accounts for about 40 per cent of refined fuel consumption, is a major drain on the budget. State-run refiners currently sell diesel at a loss of Rs. 10.80 per litre. Moily said the decision to raise diesel prices in small doses every month will stand "until further orders". He, however, did not say when the oil firms will announce the second price increase. The decision for retail price hike was coupled with a move to charge bulk consumers like defence, railways and state transport undertakings the market price, which is almost Rs. 10 a litre more than retail Contd on page 2

World Book Fair will start from Feb 4th with themeIndigenous Voices
NEW DELHI: This year's Delhi World Book Fair will start from 4th of this month at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. With the theme Indigenous Contd on page 2

ernment reduce its budget-busting subsidy bill. A day later, the price of the fuel was hiked by 45 paise.

CBSE pre-exam counselling to aid students overcome stress starts today

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE will start its pre-exam annual counselling from today to help students overcome exam-related stress. The counselling Contd on page 2

Omar meets Sonia, Dr Singh, Shinde,Chidambaram

Seeks assistance of Rs 30000 crore
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had separate meetings with the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde here Thursday in which issues pertaining to the development and prevailing peace situation in Jammu and Kashmir were discussed. Omar had a meeting with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi here this morning in which various matters concerning development and polity of Jammu and Kashmir were discussed in detail. An official spokesman said the President All India Congress Committee (AICC) and the Working President J&K National Conference (JKNC) talked about the functioning and status of NCCongress coalition in the State and expressed satisfaction over it. They also noted with happiness the smooth and tandem functioning of the coalition government in the State. Contd on page 2

Hillary Clinton steps down as US Secy of State

US nudged India to 'Look East'
WASHINGTON: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton steps down as America's top diplomat Friday. Massachusetts Senator John Kerry will be sworn-in to replace her. In her four years as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton said that she has focused on defending universal values and protecting U.S. security. As Hillary Clinton made her final speech as America's top diplomat, she suggested US had encouraged India's "Look East" policy as an exercise in 'smart power' in its pivot to Asia Pacific."There are limits to what soft power on its own can achieve," said Secretary of State Clinton Thursday emphasizing American leadership, and the need to reshape diplomacy to meet the changing landscape of the world. "And there are limits to what hard power on its own can achieve. That's why, from day one, I've been

Surajkund Mela goes international, opens Friday

CHANDIGARH: The popular annual Surajkund crafts Mela begins today in the avatar of an international fair with 21 countries participating in the 15-day long cultural Contd on page 2

J&K SRTC employees to get 20 per cent DA

Corporation earned Rs 83.43 cr revenue in last fiscal:Ramzan
JAMMU: The employees of J&K State Road Transport Corporation will be provided 20 per cent Dearness Allowance prospectively. This decision was taken in the 70th Board of Directors Meeting of the Corporation here today. Minister for Transport, CAPD, Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan was in the chair. Minister of State for Transport Dr Manohar Lal Sharma was also present in the meeting. The instalment of DA was released prospectively keeping in view the encouraging revenue generation by the Corporation during last fiscal. Reviewing the performance of the Corporation, it was informed that the Corporation has earned revenue of Rs. 83.43 crore during 2011-12 against Rs. 55. 26 crore earned in 2010-11 thereby registering growth of 51 per cent. The meeting also adopted Sixth Pay Commission scales with effect from April 1st, 2012 without paying D.A to the employees so far. The meeting also adopted Group gratuity Scheme for the employees of the Corporation through LIC of India, compassionate appointment in favour of dependents of J&K SRTC employees who died in harness on case to case basis and execution of works for providing better amenities to the convenience of both general public, tourists and its employees Contd on page 2

BJP to boycott Home Minister Shinde for 'saffron terror' remarks

NEW DELHI: The BJP here on Friday decided to boycott all public programmes of Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to protest against his Hindu terror remarks till he tenders an apology. It will also not respond to any communication from him to the party top brass in his capacity as Leader of the House. The decision was taken in the first Core Group meeting of the BJP after Rajnath Singh took over as party president on January 23. "The Core Group observed that Mr Shinde's remarks have hurt Hindu sentiments. It condemned his comments that the BJP and RSS run Contd on page 2

talking about smart power," she said during a forum at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington a day before stepping down after four years of hectic high pressure diplomacy. Turning to "America's expanding engagement in the Asia Pacific", Clinton said: "First and foremost, this so-called pivot has been about creative diplomacy." By way of examples, she cited the nudge to New Delhi, an amity and cooperation treaty with ASEAN and use of trade negotiations Contd on page 2

Budget Session of Parl from Feb 21, Union Budget on Feb28

NEW DELHI: The dates for the presentation of the Union Budget and the Railway Budget were announced on Friday. While the Union Budget will be presented on February 28, the Railway Budget will be present two days earlier on February 26. The Budget session will last from February 21 to May 10. The Congress on Wednesday said that a "very promising budget" is on the anvil, indicating that the Union Budget 2013-14 will be replete with populist schemes as also economic reforms. "A very promising budget is going to come. The government is now well in control. Contd on page 2

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

CONTD
pavilion for promoting book reading habits. France will be the guest country, with a large delegation of authors, publishers and scholars. The Delhi World Book Fair will also set up an author's corner in different halls where a number of writers and literary personalities will interact with the public. Besides, 50 to 60 books will be released at the fair. It will conclude on 10th of this month.

2
including NDA Working Chairperson LK Advani, and leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj. Mr Shinde may find it difficult to get government business through during the forthcoming budget session of Parliament if the BJP does not respond to his calls for discussions on crucial issues. However, the BJP president said his party does not intend to boycott Mr Shinde inside Parliament and will not disrupt proceedings when he rises to speak. "But we will raise this issue (Mr Shinde's remarks on Hindu terror) in Parliament," he said. Significantly, this strategy of the BJP appears to be a slight climbdown, as the party had earlier insisted that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi should apologise for Mr Shinde's remarks and that he should be sacked from the post of home minister.

Continued from Page 1

Diesel prices to...
selling rate, to save an estimated Rs. 12,907 crore in annual subsidy. Moily said he had heard of states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu asking their public transport fleet to refuel at petrol pumps instead of buying diesel from oil firms directly as is the current practice. This is being done with a view to avoid paying the market price mandated for them. "We need to look into that (issue). I have also heard about it. We are ceased of that matter," he said, adding when rules are laid there are people who find ways to circumvent it. Instead of buses being asked to refuel at petrol pumps, the states should reduce high local sales tax or VAT on diesel to cut prices, Moily added.

were "trying to write a new answer to the age-old question of what happens when an established power and a rising power meet."

Budget Session...
Economic steps are the most important thing.... In next year we are going to have many programmes, which are going to have far-reaching consequences. "...Some immediate steps are to be taken. These are going to be announced in the coming budget," party spokesperson PC Chacko said. Chacko also said that the party is ready to implement the decisions taken by the Jaipur session of the AICC and "at all levels in the party, reorganisation is being done".

CBSE pre-exam...
process will continue till 17th of April. The class 10th and class 12th board exams will begin from 1st of March, 2013. The CBSE, in its release, said that students can dial a toll-free number 1XXX XX 8004 from any part of the country which will give centralized access to the CBSE helpline. This is the 16th consecutive year that CBSE will be providing counselling to students during the examinations.

Congress announces ...

to the Chalfilh assembly seat scheduled to be held on February 23. Ngurdingliana, son of veteran Congress leader and former state assembly Speaker Dr H Thansanga had contested unsuccessfully in 2008 from the same constituency. With the announcement of its candidate by the Congress, all the major political parties have announced their nominees for the coming by-poll. The main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) candidate was Lalvenhima Hmar, while the Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) nominated its president Lalhmangaiha Sailo, son of the former chief minister and founder president of the party Brig T Sailo. The Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) candidate was C Lalchhandama, a retired government officer while the BJP state unit nominated C Ramkinlova, who had unsuccessfully contested from the seat in 2008 assembly polls. Meanwhile, the MNF nominee Lalvenhima Hmar and MPC candidate Lalhmangaiha Sailo on February 1 filed their nominations for the Chalfilh by-polls and they were the first and only candidates to file nominations so far with the last date of filing nominations fixed on February six.

Hillary Clinton...
over the Trans-Pacific Partnership to find common ground with former adversary Vietnam. "We've encouraged India's 'Look East' policy as a way to weave another big democracy into the fabric of the Asia Pacific," she said making her only reference to a country she has described as "an indispensable strategic partner." Clinton cited five pillars of her brand of smart power: technology, development, human rights and women coupled with military might. "America's military might is and must remain the greatest fighting force in the history of the world," Clinton said as "our diplomatic power, the ability to convene, our moral suasion is effective because the United States can back up our words with action." "We will ensure freedom of navigation in all the world's seas. We will relentlessly go after Al Qaeda, its affiliates, and its wannabes. We will do what is necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon," she declared. Clinton's survey of the issues, however, had one glaring omission. It made no mention of terrorism emanating from Pakistan or the terrorist safe havens in what US officials have described as the most dangerous place on the planet. Her only reference to Washington's key ally in Af-Pak region was in the context of human rights. "It's not a coincidence that virtually every country that threatens regional and global peace is a place where human rights are in peril or the rule of law is weak," she said, "specifically, places where women and girls are treated as second-class, marginal human beings." "Just ask young Malala from Pakistan," Clinton said referring to Malala Yousafzai, the 15-year-old Pakistani girl shot in the head by a Taliban gunman for advocating girls' education, Turning to China, she said US relationship with Beijing was "uniquely consequential" and "uniquely complex" as they

Surajkund Mela...
and handicrafts extravaganza. Haryana's Principal Secretary, Tourism, and Vice Chairman of the Mela, Vijai Vardhan said that the festival this year has been upgraded to international fair and 21 countries from Africa, Eurasia and SAARC nations would participate in it. President Mr Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the annual cultural and handicrafts extravaganza on Saturday. Karnataka is the theme state this year. The Mela will showcase the archaeological heritage of Karnataka, the traditional dance of Yakshagana with display of finest handicrafts and handlooms from across the country and abroad.

Omar meets...
Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to the UPA Chairperson for the unprecedented Central financial and logistic support to Jammu and Kashmir Government in its efforts to realize equitable development of all regions and sub-regions of the State and welfare of all sections of the society. The achievements of the coalition government on peace and development front during last four years were viewed with content and positive note by the two leaders. Omar Abdullah presented to the PM a resume of achievements registered by the coalition government in various development sectors. He also gave brief about the new initiatives taken for inclusive development, uplift of weaker sections and reaching out to people in remote and far-flung areas for holistic and equitable development. He also discussed issues relating to strengthening of panchayat institutions including those relating to providing honorarium, insurance and security cover to panchs and sarpanchs. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his keen interest in the development of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that the Central Government would continue its financial and logistic support to the State Government for realizing development goals and moving ahead on road to peace and prosperity. "The focus of discussion was also on the release of funds by the Centre Government under various schemes in a time bound manner so that these are utilized within the fiscal year these are earmarked for," the spokesman said. Urging strongly for replacing the head of tied special plan assistance by untied special central assistance head, Omar Abdullah highlighted this need as significantly important for the states like Jammu and Kashmir adding that such mechanism is essential to address the development requirements and reach out every area equitably.

J&K SRTC ...

at various locations in the State. The Board appreciated the liquidation of accumulated liabilities of the corporation by Rs 33.45 crore during 2011-12 and 2012-13. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ramzan asked the employees of the corporation to work hard for making it a viable corporation. The Minister asked the corporation to ensure safe and efficient bus services to commuters and tourists besides timely transportation of food grains to every nook corner of the state. Economic Advisor to J&K Government, Jalil Ahmad Khan, Financial Commissioner Finance, Mr. M.I Khanday, Secretary Transport, Mohammad Abass, Transport Commissioner, M. A. Kakroo, Chief Engineer R&B, Jammu, Mr Tehseen Mustafa, MD J&K SRTC, Mr. J. S. Tandon were present in the meeting.

World Book ...

Voices - Mapping India's Folk and Tribal Literature, the fair will celebrate indigenous literature and commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda with a special pavilion exhibiting photographs and books from the spiritualist's life. The fair will host 1,100 Indian and foreign publishers from countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Nepal, the US, Britain, South Korea, Singapore and Sri Lanka. The 7-day fair is being organized by the National Book Trust. An entry fee of 20 rupees for adults and 10 rupees for school children will be charged. The entry to the fair will be from gate number 1, 2,5,7,8 and 10 and the entry tickets will be available at gate number 2, 5, 7 and 10 for general public. Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor will inaugurate the fair on Monday. There will be exclusive children and youth

BJP to boycott ...

terror training camps. The party has decided that its members and workers will boycott all public programmes in which Mr Shinde takes part," BJP General Secretary Ananth Kumar told reporters. The BJP will also not respond to any communication or request for meetings from Mr Shinde to the party's senior parliamentarians,

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

NATIONAL

PEOPLE IN NEWS
SREERAMAMURTHY JANAKI: Sreeramamurthy Janaki, the renowned playback singer, refused to accept the Padma Bhushan award. USTAD ABDUL RASHID K H A N : Hindustani vocalist Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan (105) has become the oldest person to be chosen for this year's Padma Shri award. KAMAL HAASAN: Kamal Hassan is in controversy over his movie 'Vishwaroopam' which was originally slated to be released on 25 January 2013 was once again banned by the Madras High Court on 30 January 2013. SHAH RUKH KHAN: Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar topped the inaugural Forbes India Celebrity 100 list.

Cabinet to bring in ordinance for stronger penalties in rape cases

NEW DELHI: After national outrage over the gang-rape of a medical student on a Delhi bus last month, the government has decided to issue an ordinance that implements tougher jail terms for sexual offenders, as recommended by the Justice JS Verma Commission. Named for the retired chief justice who was its chair, the Verma committee recently recommended major revisions of the laws that deal with crimes against women. The ordinance will enact tougher jail terms for sexual offenders, including life imprisonment that "should mean the rest of the person's life" for extreme rape cases. Parliament is scheduled to meet later this month for its budget session. The ordinance allows for the changes to be enacted before Parliament debates the 600-page report of the Verma commission, which was readied in just 29 days. Justice Verma, who is 80, had urged the government to match his team's commitment by implementing the changes urgently. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister sent him a letter stating, "On behalf of our government, I assure you that we will be prompt in pursuing the recommendations of the committee." Five men have been arrested for the fatal gang-rape and are being tried at a fast-track court in Delhi. A sixth who says he is 17 is being tried separately at a juvenile court. The barbarous gang-rape provoked fierce street protests with thousands of students vowing they would fight for better policing and tougher anti-rape laws. As public anger surged, the government appointed the Justice Verma commission to review existing laws.

Dalit remarks row: SC stays Ashis Nandy's arrest

NEW DELHI: In a big relief to renowned sociologist Ashis Nandy, the Supreme Court on Friday stayed his arrest in connection with his controversial anti-Dalit remarks that triggered criticism from all quarters. According to reports, the apex court directed the police not to arrest the sociologist in connection with the matter. The apex court, however, slammed Nandy for making those irresponsible remarks and cautioned him not to make such comments, which hurt some people's sentiments. The apex court passed its order in response to Nandy's petition notices to Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra governments seeking their stand on Nandy's statements. Nandy landed in a soup after he made those controversial remarks at the Jaipur Literary Festival earlier this week. The sociologist had linked corruption to Dalits and Other Backward Classes. The renowned sociologist had approached the apex court seeking a direction from it the police to quash all FIRs registered against him under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, arguing that there is no mention of any offence in those case against him.

13 BJP legislators quit Karnataka assembly, likely to join KJP

BANGALORE: Former Karnataka CM and Lingayat strongman BS Yeddyurappa continues to tear apart the ruling BJP with thirteen of its rebel MLAs, who had resigned from the party, set to take oath for membership of his Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) on Thursday. The resignations of 12 BJP MLAs was on Wednesday accepted by the State Assembly Speaker KG Bopaiah, who held one back on technical grounds. The resignations have left the Jagdish Shettar government with a wafer-thin majority in the State Assembly, and if more party MLAs quit, the BJP would have to depend on independents for survival. The BJP strength now stands at 106, including the Speaker, in the 225member Assembly. Two seats are vacant. The party has the support of one of the seven independents, who is also a Cabinet minister. The Congress has 71 members, and the Janata Dal-Secular 26. Both Shettar and state BJP chief KS Eshwarappa have expressed confidence that there is no threat to the BJP government although it has a wafer-thin majority in the House. The two also appeared confident that the 10-day Budget Session would be held as scheduled, beginning February 4.Talking to reporters, Eshwarappa said the CM would present the 2013-14 Budget on Feb 8. Jagadish Shettar said that no more resignations were expected from the ruling BJP, though speculation continued that several party law makers would soon quit and join the 13 who have already resigned. The BJP-led Karnataka govt. has been going through a major crisis since Yeddyurappa resigned and launched his own party in Dec, 2012. Many of his loyalists in the BJP even attended the convention where the KJP was launched.

seeking the quashing of all FIRs against him and protection from arrest in connection with the case. Meanwhile, reacting to SC's order, Nandy said, "the court has ordered stay on my arrest and all cases file against me will be probed collectively." The apex court also issued

Mamata ordered police to block my visit: Rushdie

KOLKATA: Taking the West Bengal government head on, author Salman Rushdie Friday said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered police to block his arrival to Kolkata and that organisers of the literary festival were lying when they said he wasn't invited to the event. The controversial author of "The Satanic Verses", who found himself back in the headlines when his visit to Kolkata was called off, hit back with a series of tweets. The 65-year-old was slated to visit Kolkata to promote Deepa Mehta's film "Midnight's Children", based on his novel. Hours before the scheduled arrival, Muslim groups under the banner of Milli Ittehad Parishad demonstrated Wednesday morning near the airport and only relented after authorities said he was not coming.

Tewari for stronger censor board regulatory framework

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI: Amidst controversy over Kamal Haasan's "Vishwaroopam", Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari Thursday said film certification is the central government's "exclusive domain" and it was planning a re-look at the existing statutory framework to ensure that states adhere to it. Film certification falls "within the exclusive domain of the central government in terms of constitutional scheme. And it is imperative that integrity of the constitutional scheme must be upheld. Therefore, a view has been taken to re-examine the statutory framework to ensure optimization of the mandate", Tewari told media persons here He said that a committee would be set up for a relook into the Cinematograph Act as "certain issues have come up as a result of certain decisions which have been taken in the past by certain state governments".

Since then senior ministers and government officials have claimed they had no knowledge of Rushdie intending to visit Kolkata. Rushdie disagreed. "The simple fact is that the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered the police to block my arrival," said one tweet. Rushdie also took on the Kolkata Literary Meet (KLM) organisers for saying they had not invited him and claimed he had email and plane tickets sent to him by them. In a separate tweet, Rushdie slammed the police for giving his itinerary to the "press" and calling Muslim groups.

Under the constitution, the centre has been vested with powers to certify whether a film was fit for viewing or not, said Tewari. "The central government exercises those powers through the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)." Tewari said the committee would see whether there was a need to make the statutory architecture or the regulatory framework of CBFC more robust. "Once a decision is taken then that decision should be implemented. If at all the state government has a difficulty with it then they should have avenues available under the act to see that this grievance is redressed," he said.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

NATIONAL

NEWS IN BOX

Centre refuses to set any fresh deadline

'Six Congress MPs from Telangana firm on resignations'
HYDERABAD: Six Congress MPs from Telangana Thursday made it clear that they will not take back their resignations over the delay in formation of a separate state. The MPs, who met here a day after reports of differences among them, claimed that resignations of seven MPs were submitted to party president Sonia Gandhi's office. However, Madhu Yaskhi Goud, later stated that there is no need for resignations as the party spokesperson has clarified that the party is not against Telangana state. K. Rajagopal Reddy told reporters that Goud's views were his personal and that the remaining MPs stand by their resignations both from parliament and the party. He said the resignations along with a letter addressed tion from the party to Sonia Gandhi. He denied that there were any differences among the members. Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Wednesday refused to give any fresh deadline for making any announcement on Telangana, saying discussion on the issue was still on. "Consultation process is still on," he said when asked whether the Centre has set any fresh deadline on Telangana. A decision on the Telangana statehood demand was deferred on Sunday with the Centre and Congress saying there was need for "further consultations" which will take a "little more time". Shinde had on Dec 28 declared that govt. would make an announcement on separate statehood issue within a month.

Congress sets up poll reforms panel, Soni to head

NEW DELHI: Former union minister Ambika Soni will head the Congress party's panel on poll reforms, especially political funding, set up by party Chief Sonia Gandhi Thursday. "The Congress president has set up the poll reforms panel announced in the Jaipur declaration...It will give suggestions for action plan," Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi told reporters. Besides Soni, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister M. Veerappa Moily, former chief election commissioner and union minister M.S. Gill, Rajya Sabha member Mani Shankar Aiyar, and senior leaders E.M.S. Nachiappan and Mohan Gopal would be in the six member panel. Gandhi had announced setting up of the panel at the All India Congress Committee meeting on the concluding day of the 'Chintan Shivir' or introspection meet in Jaipur Jan 18-20. "Various suggestions are being debated in government and non-government forums. We need to implement them. The party group will suggest an action plan," she had said.

NDMA organising mega drill on earthquake

NEW DELHI: The National Disaster Management Authority is organising a series of drills to generate greater public awareness about the vulnerability to disasters with specific emphasis on earthquakes. During the exercise, people will be made aware of steps to be taken to save themselves during disaster, their families and the community and properties in the event of an earthquake. This mega drill is designed to test the system capabilities for an effective coordinated response to an earthquake having impact on multiple states, an official release said. The drill will be conducted at 60 different locations simultaneously, spread over Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali and Shimla for which experts from NDMA have been extending all preparatory support.

to Sonia Gandhi were sent to Delhi through Goud and another MP, Ponnam Prabhakar. Reddy said they had requested Gandhi to accept their resignations if the party was unable to take a decision for formation of Telangana. "We will continue to put pressure n the leadership till a favourable decision is taken," he added. Senior leader K. Keshava Rao, at whose residence the meeting was held, said he would send his resigna-

SC issues notice to Mayawati in Taj Corridor case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday sought the response of former UP Chief Minister Mayawati on a plea seeking her prosecution in the Rs 17 crore Taj corridor scam case without the sanction of the Governor. "We will examine the case," a bench comprising justices HL Dattu and Ranjan Gogoi said. The court also issued notice to the Centre, the CBI and the Uttar Pradesh government on a petition challenging a judgement of Allahabad High Court giving relief to the BSP chief. The bench also issued notice to Mayawati's former Cabinet colleague Naseemuddin Siddiqui and sought his response in the case. The bench was hearing a batch of appeals against the November 5, 2012 judgement of the Allahabad High Court. The petitioners have contended that the prosecution can be

Meet RTE targets before March 31: Govt to states

NEW DELHI: Ruling out extension of the deadline on Right To Education, the govt. asked the states to expedite the process of meeting RTE targets before March 31 and improve deliverance mechanism for implementing the mid-day meal programme. At the meeting of the state education secretaries here, senior HRD Ministry officials made it clear that there would be no extension of the RTE deadline beyond March 31 by which time the states have to fulfil the provisions under the Act, sources said. Several states including Bihar and UP are lagging behind in meeting deadline, failing to achieve significant targets in fields like teacher-student ratio, school infrastructure and teachers' qualifications. The deadline extension issue was raised by Bihar at the last CABE meeting here last year, which was turned down by M M Pallam Raju.

251 aspirants to contest Tripura assembly polls

AGARTALA: A total of 251 candidates, including representatives of 16 political parties and independents, will contest the Feb 14 elections for the 60-member Tripura assembly, officials said here Friday. Of the 251 contenders, 14 are women and 25 are independents. In the last assembly elections in 2008, 313 candidates, including 18 women, had contested the polls. "Altogether 296 candidates have filed nominations for the elections. During scrutiny, 30 nominations were rejected due to various reasons and 15 candidates withdrew their candidature," Tripura Chief Electoral Officer Ashutosh Jindal told reporters here. Thursday was the last date for withdrawing nominations. Jindal said, "For the first time in Tripura four all-women polling stations will be set up to conduct the elections."

Ensure rape, accident victims not denied treatment: HC

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court asked the Delhi government to issue a direction to all the hospitals in the capital not to deny treatment to victims of criminal offences, especially those of rape and road accidents. The court also wanted that the police be given clear instructions to take those injured to the nearest hospital "without any debate" to identify a government hospital that is nearby. "Why can't you consider issuing standing instructions to all hospitals to treat victims brought to them without any delay?" the court told the police. "A hospital should not delay treatment on any grounds. If the hospital is a small hospital, at least they should give first aid to the victims before sending them elsewhere," the court said. The court's order comes after the brutal gang-rape of a 23-year-old para-medical student on Dec 16. The girl and her friend were stripped off and thrown out of the bus. Later the 28-year-old man said that the policemen who reached the spot, initially, argued over the jurisdiction of the case, rather than taking them to a hospital. They were driven many kilometers to government-run Safdarjung Hospital, though there were many good private hospitals near where she was found in a bloodied condition. The panel slammed the police practice of "approaching only a government hospital and not the nearest available hospital" in a medico-legal case.

launched against them without sanction of the Governor. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had upheld the June 2007 order of the special CBI court which dropped the criminal proceedings against Mayawati and Siddiqui for want of Governor T V Rajeswar's sanction to prosecute them. In 2002, Mayawati launched the corridor project to beautify areas near the Taj Mahal. A year later, the Supreme Court had directed the CBI conduct an enquiry into the alleged scam in the Taj corridor project.

Indo-Pak Cross-LoC trade resumed Tuesday

JAMMU: Trade across the Line of Control (LoC) that divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan resumed Tuesday after being suspended due to tension over the Jan 8 killing of two Indian soldiers. Six Pakistani trucks entered the Indian side. An official handling the crossLoC trade at Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch district said that Indian trucks could not go to the Pakistani side due to late security clearance. "The trucks can cross LoC between 10 a.m. and noon, but trucks from India got delayed during security clearance. They are lined up at trade and facilitation centre at Chakan-da-Bagh and will go to the Pakistani side tomorrow," he said. Pawan Anand, president of cross-LoC traders association in Poonch, said: "Onions and dry dates have come from Pakistan today while six Indian trucks, carrying tomatoes and bananas, could not cross the LoC due to delay in security check." These Indian trucks, along with some more carrying embroidery items, will go to Pakistan Wednesday, he said. "It is a great feeling to see the cross-LoC trade resume on Chakan-da-BaghRawalakot route as this is not simply trade but it carries sentiments of people of this area," he said. Trade takes place from Tuesday to Friday every week. Goods worth Rs.2 crore are traded every day with about 25 trucks crossing over. The trade was halted Jan 10 when Indian officials said Pakistan did not open gates for the trucks at Chakan-daBagh.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

INTER NATIONAL

PEOPLE IN NEWS
MILOS ZEMAN: Milos Zeman became Czech Republic's first directly elected President as per the Czech Republic Presidential election results declared. He won 55 percent as compared with 45 percent of Karel Schwarzenberg. JIGME KHESAR NAMGYEL WANGCHUCK: Bhutan King Jigme Khesar N a m g y e l Wangchuck was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade for the year 2013. NOVAK DJOKOVIC: The Serbian professional tennis player Novak D j o k o v i c became the first man to win three successive Australian Open titles in the professional era when he beat Andy Murray in the finals of men's singles at Australian Open 2013.

Sri Lankan Cabinet reshuffle: President appoints ten new ministers

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa reshuffled his cabinet on Monday and appointed ten new ministers, the President's office said. Presidential Spokesman Mohan Samaranayaka said that six new deputy ministers were also appointed during the cabinet reshuffle. Among the major notable changes were those of the Power and Energy Ministry and Petroleum Resources Ministry. Pavithra Wanniarachchi was appointed as the new minister of Power and Energy while the minister who held that post earlier, Champika Ranawaka, was appointed as the Minister of Technology and Research. Meanwhile, former Petroleum Resources Minister Susil Premajayantha was named the new minister of Environment while Anura Priyadharshana Yapa took over as the new minisBoard began to suffer losses. Meanwhile Lakshman Seniviratne was named the Minister of Sugar Industries, Jayaratna Herath the Minister of Botanical Gardens and Public Enterprises, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena the Investment Promotion Minister, Duminda Dissanayake the Education Services Minister, Basir Segu Daud the Minister of Productivity Promotion and Wijith Wiheyamuni Soyza the Minister of Wildlife Conservation. Nirmala Kotalawala was named the Project Minister of Highways and Rohitha Abeygunawardena the Project Minister of Ports. Meanwhile Sri Lanka's Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratna remained at his post despite speculation being rife that he would be replaced due to his present ailing health condition.

ter of Petroleum Resources. The former ministers of Petroleum and Power and Energy had been in the media spotlight in the recent past after both the state owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Ceylon Electricity

China approves construction of dams on Brahmaputra River

ly mentioned three dams to be built at Dagu, Jiacha and Jiexu on Brahmaputra, Indian officials here said. The document listing projects to be completed in China's 12th five year plan made a passing reference to the three dams Chinese Foreign Ministry without any details, they said. Hong Lei India has not been informed BEIJING: China has about the move so far, they approved construction of three said. Asked about the plans to more dams on Brahmaputra build the dams, Chinese River in Tibet in addition to the Foreign Ministry spokesman, one being built, and much to Hong Lei told a media briefing the disquiet of India, it has not here that "China has always been informed about the plans taken a responsible attitude so far. A document approved towards the development of by the Chinese cabinet recent- cross Border Rivers". India urged China to ensure its plans to construct upstream dams on Brahmaputra River do not harm interests of lower riparian states. On a query about China's move to build three hydropower dams in the middle reaches of the Brahmaputra, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said India carefully monitored all developments on the river and had conveyed its views and concerns to China. "India urges China to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas," the spokesperson added.

Israel boycotts U.N. human rights review

JERUSALEM: Israel became the first country to boycott a periodic review of its practices by the U.N. Human Rights Council, citing what it called the body's strong bias against it. Israeli representatives did not attend the session of the 47-member council in Geneva, and the review was postponed to no later than November. All U.N. member states are required to submit to a council review every four years, and nearly all have attended, including nations accused of extensive human rights abuses, such as Syria and North Korea. Council spokesman Rolando Gomez said that Israel's absence from the mandatory Universal Periodic Review put the council "in new territory." The United States had urged Israel to participate. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said the move was in line with a decision taken in March to suspend Israel's participation in the work of the council after the body decided to form a fact-finding mission to examine the effect of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem on the human rights of Palestinians.

Mali plans to hold elections by July 2013

ADDIS ABABA: The Malian president announced plans to hold elections by July as French-led troops battled Islamists in the last major northern town under militant control. A battle is under way to secure Kidal, the last major town in the sweep to flush out militants in the north. The French military said it seized the airport in Kidal, thus gaining control of a major point of access. French forces are focusing on recapturing airports while Malian forces take over the cities, French army spokesman Col. Thierry Burkhard said. Mali's former colonial power, France, is leading the offensive in the north. As troops made gains in the region, the French Defense Ministry hailed President Dioncounda Traore's transition plan as a crucial step forward. "France welcomes the unanimous adoption by Mali's parliament of the road map for the transition, which makes provision for the holding of elections and the opening of negotiations with the north," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Australia to go to the polls on Sep 14

SYDNEY: Australian PM Julia Gillard on Wednesday said the nation would go to the polls on Sept 14, announcing the date early to give "shape and order" to the year. Australians usually know only weeks before when an election will be held, but the Labor leader, whose minority govt. holds power by only a narrow margin, surprised pundit by giving close to nine months' notice. Gillard, who is tipped to lose the election to conservative opposition leader Tony Abbott, said announcing the date of the polls would give individuals, businesses and investors the ability to plan ahead. "It gives shape and order to the year, and enables it to be one not of fevered campaigning, but of cool and reasoned deliberation," she said. Parl will be dissolved on Aug 12.

Russia, UNSC urge Iran to halt nuclear enrichment

MOSCOW: Russia and other UN Security Council members have again urged Iran to freeze its uranium enrichment programme, after Tehran announced plans to install new centrifuges at its Natanz nuclear facility, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday. Tehran notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) earlier this month that it plans to install more modern equipment at the Natanz site, which has previously enriched uranium to five percent purity. That has caused concern because the new gas centrifuges might allow Iran to refine large amounts of uranium to higher levels of purity, which would be suitable for a "But they are doing everything in line with their commitments under the Safeguards Agreement," he added. The Safeguards Agreement between the IAEA and Iran was signed in 1974, and sets out safety measures covering Tehran's nuclear activity. The Iranian move comes despite international sanctions aimed at slowing Tehran's nuclear programme and amid international efforts to launch a new round of talks between Iran and the "sextet" of international mediators, comprising Britain, China, France, Russia, the US and Germany. The group, known as P5+1, held three rounds of talks over the Iranian nuclear issue last year, following a one-year break in the negotiations.

nuclear bomb, rather than fuel for an atomic power plant or other peaceful uses. "The IAEA has been notified, and the IAEA will be there and will supervise this, but I'd like to repeat that this is a legal aspect of the matter, while the political aspect is that we, along with the other Security Council members, have called on Iran to freeze enrichment operations during the negotiations," Lavrov said.

C MY K

C MY K

C MY K

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

EDITORIAL

RBI does its bit; Centre should now perform

FRIENDLY HANDSHAKE
Change is unlikely in India-US relations in the next four years
By Kanwal Sibal ooking ahead, what could President Barack Obama's second term mean for relations between India and the United States of America? Will the relationship stay more or less at the level that it has already reached or will it see a surge in the years ahead? Can it begin to wane? There is no reason for the relationship to wilt, even if it has not lived up to its promise in the eyes of some Americans. India's nuclear liability law and the ouster of US suppliers from the 126 fighter aircraft deal are cited as evidence. The other areas of disappointment are the lack of convergence in views on developments in the Gulf and West Asia, India's reluctance to accept burden-sharing in upholding the international order as it is obliged to do by its rising global status, as well as its inadequate bureaucratic expertise and capacity to deal with the expanded scope of the India-US engagement. A less transactional assessment of the state of relations would highlight the great shift in Indian perceptions about relations with the US - from strategic distrust to strategic cooperation. This is best manifested in the $9 billion worth of defence contracts won by the US in the last seven years, with more to come as India diversifies its sources of supplies, as well as the numerous joint military exercises conducted with strategic objectives in view. Counter-terrorism cooperation is acknowledgedly much better than before, as is the quality of exchange of views on regional and global issues. India-US relations are now stable, with a remarkably rich bilateral agenda whose implementation will occupy both sides in the years ahead. The chance of any dramatic upswing in relations in the next four years, however, seems unlikely. For one, the economic backdrop is not very favourable. With US economic recovery still sluggish, unemployment high and the debt problem unresolved, Obama will remain preoccupied with the domestic agenda. He is anyway not seen as a 'foreign policy' president temperamentally. In India, too, growth rates have fallen and investor sentiment, both domestic and foreign, remains unenthusiastic in spite of some reform measures by the government. Regulatory, taxation, environmental, land acquisition, and implementational issues in general remain to be addressed. With growth rates high, market sentiment buoyant and optimism in the air, countries can deal with each other in a more positive spirit than when they are preoccupied with protecting their own interests first - and those of others become even more second-

lthough marginal, the cut in the interest rates which the Reserve Bank of India announced on Tuesday goes to show that the RBI is open to revising its monetary policies if the Government demonstrates a tangible commitment to put its fiscal house in order. But the rate revision does not mean that the country's premier bank is gung-ho about the prospects of a fiscal revival. The cut by a small 0.25 per cent - and that too coming after nine long months - signals that the RBI is still not entirely convinced of the UPA's oft-repeated commitment to fiscal prudence, the lack of which commitment has plunged the country into a financial mess and spurred inflation. In fact, the premier bank has trimmed the growth figures for fiscal 2012-13 to 5.5 per cent of the GDP from the earlier 5.8 per cent, unambiguously indicating its lack of confidence in the kind of revival which the Government's money managers have been claiming is round the corner. The reason why the RBI has effected the downward revision is primarily because it wanted to be seen as giving a helping hand to efforts at shoring up the sagging economy. And, by simultaneously reducing the cash reserve ratio to release `18,000 crore into the market, the RBI has in fact left no scope for the Government to find excuses for the latter's laggard performance on the economic front. Because, while consumers will benefit, even if not too largely, from the reduction of interest rates, the financial system too will have more money to deploy for economic growth. If the Centre is unable to make good use of this opportunity, it will have little reason left to explain away the failure. The Union Ministry of Finance will, in the meantime, do well to take with seriousness some of the remarks that RBI Governor D Subbarao made in the course of announcing the cuts, that the widening current account deficit is "by far the biggest risk for inflation". The Government may argue that it has tried to address the issue by deregulating the price of diesel, given that the fuel bill comprises a vast segment of our imports. But the fact is that the deregulation at this point in time will help inflationary trends and negate the very initiatives that the RBI has taken to ease control over the flow of money into the system. It must not be forgotten that, while headline inflation has been under relative control in recent months, it needs just the kind of pressure that a hike in diesel price provides, to begin spinning away madly. After all, dips in inflation are meaningful only if they are sustained and not be limited to fits and starts. It remains to be seen whether the UPA regime, in its last lap before the Lok Sabha election, can manage the feat. The coming Union Budget should provide an answer.

ary. This means that on issues of concern to us relating to the hike in visa fees and the denial of visas to our income tax professionals, making US companies which outsource work ineligible for federal government grants and loans and the totalization agreement that would address the problem of Indian professionals in the US having to compulsorily contribute to social security, the US, already unresponsive, is unlikely to give us satisfaction. Apart from the populism of opposing outsourcing at a time of high domestic unemployment, Obama seems to have an ideological bias against the transfer of jobs abroad even if that improves the competitiveness of US firms. India-US economic ties are not as dynamic as some may suppose. In the last three to four years our negotiators feel that we have not been able to secure any tangible concessions from the US for our merchandize and services exports. The Trade Policy Forum has not met for two years, although it should do so in a couple of months. The US has dropped to third place as our trading partner, down from 17 per cent to a 10 per cent share of our trade. Investment levels are also low. The US Consumer Protection Act, the extension of the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 to foreign companies currently under Congressional consideration, the foreign manufacturers liability bill, the 'Buy America' campaign and so on are all potential hurdles for building a stronger trade partnership with the US. Some US trade initiatives would need to be watched closely for their impact on India.The Trans-Pacific Partnership that the US is promoting does not include India, or, for that matter, China and Japan. India's focus is on the East Asia-centred Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The contemplated trans-Atlantic free trade area between the US and Europe, if established, will affect Indian interests. Bilaterally, regulatory issues on our side need resolution for allowing trade in US agricultural products. In the education sector there are complementarities but legislation on foreign universities operating in India is languishing in Parliament. The stipulation of local content in the solar power and telecommunications sectors has raised US objections. Internet governance is a contentious issue ahead. Our energy dialogue continues, with India hoping to obtain exemption for importing liquefied natural gas from the US. If that happens on a significant scale, it can change India's energy equations and concomitant strategic calculations. The ambitious goal ahead is to finalize a bilateral investment treaty with the US, the

prominent sticking issues being US demands on intellectual property rights (India is on the US watchlist on IPRs), environmental and labour issues and preestablishment rules. In our strategy, an India-US FTA, for which we discern no appetite in the US as of now, should follow the BIT. All said and done, in spite of issues, it is well to keep in mind that our economic cooperation with the US generally builds our strategic capacities whereas that with China erodes them. The US envisages a key Indian role in its pivot towards Asia, but we are not clear about its scope given the complex texture of trade and financial interdependence between the US and China. Moreover, the US financial downturn will inevitably lead to a reduction of the country's defence budgets, whereas any credible pivot will require enhanced US military presence in Asia with a concomitant increase in defence outlays. Obama's domestic priorities could also over-ride any robust Asia pivot. India is already distancing itself from the pivot by the notable friendly discourse towards China by the foreign minister, Salman Khurshid. During the Australian foreign minister's recent visit, both countries poured cold water on the idea of a trilateral India-Australia-Japan dialogue, not to mention any quadrilateral dialogue involving the US in addition. The contours of Obama's policy towards Afghanistan turning on the accelerated and effectively complete withdrawal of troops, the offer of a share in power to the Taliban, the use of Pakistan as a facilitator - entailing greater deference to its ambitions in Afghanistan - are all causing concern in India. India could be pushed into an opposing axis in Afghanistan. India and the US will need, therefore, to reconcile their respective visions of Afghanistan's future in the period ahead. Pakistan's renewed agressiveness towards India is complicating the situation further. There are some question marks in New Delhi about the new team in Washington, especially with regard to the naming of the senator, John Kerry, as secretary of state because of his perceived softness towards Pakistan and the expected departure of some India-friendly state department officials. The changes in the Pentagon and the Central Intelligence Agency, however, are not causing any particular unease. How much attention Obama pays personally to the India-relationship, which is fundamentally on track, is open to question too. All in all, therefore, India and the US will neither enter into an embrace nor disengage; they will continue to shake friendly hands as Obama's second term unfolds.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

EDITORIAL

Let's look beyond the Verma panel

By Hiranmay Karlekar hat we now need is the constitution of a committee to scrutinise all instances of surprising acquittals in rape cases The country must not lose its focus on crimes against women as it waits to see how soon and to what extent the Union Government implements the Verma Committee's report. The statistics are alarming. According to the National Crime Records Bureau's publication, 'Crime in India 2012', the number of cases of rape and kidnapping and abduction of women and girls, and molestation reported all over India in 2011 was 24,206, 35,565 and 42,968 respectively. Cases of sexual harassment, cruelty by husbands and relatives and importation of girls numbered 8,570, 99,135 and 80 respectively. According to 'Crime in India 2008', reported cases of rape, kidnapping and abduction of women and girls, and molestation num-

bered 15,151, 16,351 and 30,959 respectively in 2007. In the same year, cases of sexual harassment, cruelty by husbands and relatives and importation of girls numbered 8,053, 41,375 and nil respectively. Going by the same two documents, reported cases of dowry deaths were 6,975 in 2007 and 8,618 in 2011. This is a serious matter, particularly since the incidence of crimes against women has continued to rise despite growing awareness of the importance of women's rights since the appointment of the Committee on the Status of Women in India in 1971 and the judiciary's astonishing response to the case in which two policemen, charged with raping a 16-year-old tribal girl, Mathura, inside a police station on March 26, 1972, were acquitted. As the rape and torture of a 23-year-old woman inside a bus in Delhi, who subsequently succumbed to her injuries, on the night of December 16, 2012, underlined, the police's response to crime against women

remains scandalous, the recommendations of the various commissions and the National Commission for Women, constituted in 1992, notwithstanding. All this spurs the apprehension that the Verma panel's admirable report will gather dust as politicians and male-dominated legislatures debate over translating its recommendation into law. Indeed, the Verma Committee itself would not have been appointed but for the upsurge of intense public anger over the December rape, and angry demonstrations staged by students and youth at the heart of Delhi. Pressure, therefore, has to be maintained and the suggestion that December 16 be observed every day as Anti-Rape Day merits support. According to the NCRB, the number of rape cases registered in India increased by a startling 873.3 per cent, from 2,487 in 1971 to 24,206 in 2011, which makes it the fastest growing crime in the country. Pressure should be maintained

on the police throughout the country to ensure that its generally atrocious treatment of rape victims improves. It may be a good idea to reopen some of the old cases in which the accused were surprisingly acquitted, to examine whether there were shortcomings in investigation or systemic flaws thwarting conviction. As a report by Joseph Goldstein in The New York Times of January 10 this year states, New York City's medical examiner's office had undertaken an unusual review of more than 800 rape cases in which critical DNA evidence had been mishandled or overlooked by a lab technician. The exercise had, the report points out, found 26 cases in which the technician failed to detect biological evidence when some actually existed and that this had hindered the ability to develop rape cases in respect of some suspects. According to the report, the technician concerned resigned in November 2011, after the office

moved to terminate her employment. India has heard numerous allegations of shoddy investigation in rape and sexual assault cases, and the abysmally low rates of conviction suggest that these are not baseless. While the need to lay down stringent norms for recording and investigation of complaints, and to install devices embodying stateof-the-art technology for detection, is imperative, it is also necessary to examine some of the past cases for the purposes stated earlier. This will convey to the policemen that lax investigation or deliberate sabotage can be found out and that they can be punished even after a case has been closed. The Union Home Ministry will do well to appoint a body, headed by a serving or retired judge of a High Court, to look at all cases of acquittal in rape charges where there seems to be more than what meets the eye.

Driving into an eco-friendly future

By Kota Sriraj iven the delicate state of environment, and the ever-increasing fuel and compressed natural gas prices, electric vehicles provide a promising alternative. But that alternative can be successful only if we change our mindset The recent decontrol of diesel prices would now mean that fuel cost is headed only one way now: Northward. But the good news is the recent move by the Union Government to infuse `14,000 crore to promote electric and hybrid vehicles besides incentives that will be offered to manufacturers of such vehicles. The ambitious National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, 2020 unveiled by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh aims to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. Electric vehicles emit least amount of carbon dioxide and, therefore, ensure lesser emissions. This helps reduce global warming and climate change. Many car manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda and Mahindra with cleaner environment as one of the corporate goals have fully committed

facilities, design team and research and development for such vehicles, but lack of Government support till now has ensured that electric and hybrid vehicles remained expensive and out of reckoning for the regular buyer. NEMMP 2020 aims to ensure the fund availability for research and development and infrastructure for electric vehicles, besides giving original equipment manufacturer and component manufacturers tax breaks. Further, the Government can explore customs duty reduction on lithium-ion batteries and other imported parts that are used to produce these vehicles and can help reduce input costs for the manufacturers and coupled with tax rebates can lower the entry costs for the consumer. Also, the demand for these vehicles and the technology involved in the manufacture of such vehicles will get a shot in the arm if the Government reduces interest rates that banks charge on loans for electric vehicles, and provide other benefits such as lifetime free parking at authorised

municipal parking lots and subsidised insurance premiums. The National Council for Electric Mobility, set up last year, has proposed exemption on various taxes like sales tax, value added tax etc with the ownership of an electric car, like the Belgian Government, which offers tax deduction of upto 30 per cent including VAT on purchase of a new electric vehicle. In India, two-wheelers hold a large chunk of the market and pollution too. But the number of electric two wheelers has steadily increased over the past three years. Currently there are approximately 4,00,000 electric two wheelers on roads and over 1,500 electric cars. Eventually, the Government's idea is to ensure conservation of up to 20 lakh tonnes of liquid fossil fuels. However, electric recharge points across the urban landscape are an essential component of this green initiative. For this, the Government can take a leaf out of the social development sector where international multinational companies specialising in electric power supply and

components have tied up with NGOs to set up rural recharge stations for recharging community batteries that provide power to streetlights or run pump sets. The same organisations with Government support can set up urban recharge stations as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility mandate. As a buyer who is faced with ever increasing fuel and compressed natural gas prices, the electric vehicles provide a promising alternative. The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy provides for a subsidy of `1 lakh on electric cars that will be replaced by an incentive scheme after April 2013, whereby electric vehicles will be made cheaper by `1.5 lakh. However, our mindset as a 'customer' also needs to undergo a change. Given that an average of 1,000 vehicles are registered everyday in Delhi alone, the glaring absence of a respectable numbers of electric vehicle registrations is very much evident. With an annual production of around 40 lakh automobile units per year, India has more than 4.5

crore passenger vehicles, and it is thus one of the largest markets in the world. Electric cars, as environmentally right as they may sound, have failed to create an impact on people. Given the ambitious target of the Government to have 60 lakh electric vehicles on road by 2020 the above measures and subsidies suddenly seem feeble. Take for instance the allocations made by China of US$15 billion (`80,000 crore) for research and development on electric vehicles and US$4.4billion (`23,000 crore) on pilot projects and US$5billion (`26,000 crore) on public charging amenities. Compared to the above, India still has a lot to do to promote the cause. Given the delicate state of environment and the fact the even today one can actually go out and 'purchase' a non-pollution certificate for his/her vehicle speaks volumes about how systems and laws are being mocked. How the Government introduces norms that are actually followed in letter and spirit, remains to be seen, but we have an undeniable role in ensuring the same.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

STATE

NEWS IN BOX

Hideout busted, five IED defused in REASI IN J&K

UDHAMPUR: Security forces today detected and defused five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in a hideout in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. On a specific information, a joint team of Army and Police detected five IEDs in a hideout at Shekhari in Mahore area of Reasi district on Friday, officials said. The IEDs were later defused and the hideout busted, they said.

Set up Analysis & Research Centres to ensure efficiency of agro products: Mir
JAMMU: With a view to ensure quality pesticides products to the farmers, Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir today asked Sarswati Agro Chemicals (India) Pvt. Ltd to setup Analysis & Research Centres in the State. The Minister passed these directions during the inspection of pesticide manufacturing company at Bari Brahmana, this morning. He said that "our main objective should be to address the concerns of farmers and they must be satisfied with the quality products which they use. He said this factor should be the motto of the companies dealing with the pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. Director Law Enforcement, Mr M.S.Katoo, Chief Agriculture Officer Samba, Mr. R.K. Sharma and other senior officers of Agriculture and Law Enforcement accompanied with the Minister.

Gov summons J&K Legislature session on Feb 28

JAMMU: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him under section 53 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, has summoned the State Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council to meet at Jammu on Thursday, the 28th February, 2013, at 10.30 a.m. The Governor has called upon the Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council to assemble together in the Central Hall of the Legislature Building in the New Secretariat premises, Jammu, on Thursday, the 28th February, 2013 at 10.30 a.m. to hear his Address to both the Houses of the Legislature under the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 55 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. After the said Address, each House of the Legislature will meet as a separate body at the time specified by the Speaker or the Chairman, as the case may be. The Governor approved the proposal of the State Government to this effect today.

Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir during the inspection of pesticide manufacturing company at Bari Brahmana The Minister went round all the units of the company and was briefed about the functioning and management. The Minister was apprised about the detailed functioning of world class manufacturing facility & equipments installed with high quality labs and qualified staff. The Pesticide, insecticide and herbicide units of the company are housed in separate buildings to prevent them from cross contamination.Mr Mir emphasized on all the anufacturing units for maintaining the quality standards while manufacturing of such pesticides for the benefit of the farming community and also stressed to adhere pollution norms as laid by the respective authorities.

Centre approves Rs. 13.20 cr. under CAMPA: Mian Altaf

Asks for implementation of scheme in a time bound manner
JAMMU: Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf Ahmad today directed the officers to implement all approved projects by the Centre under CAMPA scheme expeditiously which are aimed at to improve wildlife infrastructure in the State. While reviewing the progress of projects approved under CAMPA scheme for protection and conservation of wildlife in Jammu and Kashmir, at a meeting of officers held here today, the Minister laid stress on expeditious implementation of all the sanctioned projects strictly under the Supreme Court guidelines. He issued categorical instructions to the concerned officers to make judicious use of funds in a time bound manner to achieve the financial targets. The Minister maintained that Centre has approved Rs. 13.20 crore under CAMPA for protection and conservation of wildlife habitats in the State and directed the officers to gear up men and machinery to complete the projects in a time bound manner. He said the officers who will perform better and achieve targets in time will be suitably rewarded and poor performers will face action, the Minister asserted. Giving details about the features of sanctioned projects under CAMPA scheme, the Chief Wildlife Warden said that necessary guidelines and instructions have been issued to the field functionaries for taking up the projects at the earliest. He said the work on some social conservation projects whcih address man-animal conflict and related to eco-tourism have already been taken up and work is in progress. He said an amount of Rs. 1.53 crore stands expended out of Rs. 2.73 crore approved during 2010-11 under the scheme, he added.

J&K Legislature Session: Members to submit questions by 7thFeb: Secretary

JAMMU: According to the Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Ramzan the Members of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly have been requested to send not more than ten starred and ten un-starred Questions by or before Thursday, the 7th of February, 2013 in relaxation of Rule 32 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Similarly, not more than five Bills by or before Thursday, the 7th of February, 2013 and not more than four Resolutions by or before Wednesday, the 13th of February, 2013 should be submitted.

DAT launches its websites

JAMMU: The Directorate of Accounts and Treasuries, J&K has launched its official website and information pertaining to this Directorate can be accessed under URL www.jkdat.nic.in. This website provides information about who-is-who, organizational set up, various aspects of functioning of the Directorate and the measures taken from time to time for good governance. With the launch of this website, a long pending requirement under the J&K Right to Information Act, 2009 has also been fulfilled. Information seekers under the Act can benefit from the material available on this website.

Govt moots New Master Plan-2021 for Jammu city

JAMMU: The Government is working on new Master Plan 2021 for winter Capital Jammu to be implemented in next ten years envisaging its expansion over twice of the present area of the city from Purmandal to Akhnoor. The Master Plan having been framed by CEPT University, Ahmadabad was discussed here today at a high-level meeting with Minister for Urban Development Mr Nawang Rigzin Jora in the chair. Threadbare discussion was held on wide ranging issues related to the prospective requirements of Jammu city and its development on scientific lines with focus on modern sanitation system, green area and clearly divided residential and commercial areas, besides adequate roads to meet the increasing traffic rush. The meeting was informed that at present the existing Jammu city, with a population of 9,32,500 souls, is spread over on 175 sq km, while as the projected population of the city in 2021 is estimated to be near to double with 17,62,425 souls requiring an area of 404 sq kmt. A power point demonstration of the concept model envisaging requirements of next ten year was presented by experts from CEPT University, Ahmadabad, who were assigned the job to draw a comprehensive plan for the modern Jammu city. The new Master Plan for the city proposes development of modern sanitation with Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) , channelizing of water bodies, construction of new and widening of existing roads , flyovers, separate areas for Hospitals, Educational Institutions, gardens, parks, industrial areas, commercial areas besides by-passes on the National Highway starting from Kathua to ease traffic rush in the city. Discussing the proposed Master Plan, the Minister stressed the need to protect forest and agriculture land during the implementation of the New Plan.

J&K Panel set up to probe Master Plan violations

JAMMU: Jammu & Kashmir government has reconstituted a panel tasked with probing violations of Master Plan in residential colonies in Jammu and Srinagar, and named former advisor to CM, Devinder Singh Rana, as its Chairman. Amrit Malhotra, Chairman of the Legislative Council, re-constituted the House Committee to look into the issue of conversion of residential areas into commercial ones in violation of Master Plan in the two capital cities. This was done in partial modification of the order dated October 8, 2012 when the first panel was constituted by the Council. The panel had not submitted any report. Devinder Singh Rana has been nominated the Chairman of the sixmember panel that has Murtaza Ahmad Khan, Jugal Kishore, B R Kundal, Sheikh Ghulam Rasooland Mohammad Ashraf Mir as its members.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

STATE

9
"Our recommendations were thrown in dust bin": Radha Kumar
JAMMU:Admitting for the first time that their efforts, hard work and interactions with Kashmiri people have gone all in vain, the woman interlocutor, Professor Radha Kumar Wednesday said that people of Kashmir were disappointed the way Central Government made a fun of their report and recommendations made by the team of interlocutors headed by renowned journalist Dilip Padgounkar. "Central Government cared a fig for our report and recommendations. Kashmiri people are disappointed and I am admitting that. If our recommendations don't suit the Central Government at least it should do something concrete to address the problems of Kashmiri people on its own." Radha Kumar told News Agency and added that Kashmir has witnessed no major changes in its institutions and governance from last 2 years. Professor Radha Kumar said that most of the recommendation.

DGP addresses maiden durbar, asks cops to serve people with dedication
JAMMU: The Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Ashok Prasad has asserted that Jammu and Kashmir Police would take all measures to maintain complete and lasting peace in the state. He said that various measures have been taken to strengthen the police public relations. Mr. Prasad was addressing a maiden Durbar at District Police Lines here today. A large number of jawans and officers of executive police from all districts of Jammu province participated in the first provincial level Durbar taken by Mr. Prasad. Besides Additional primary role in maintaining peace and order in the society, to ensure dignity and honour of citizens. He said that police serves as a bride DGP Mr. Ashok Prasad addressing a maiden Durbar at Jammu between pubDirector General of Police lic and the government, and we (Headquarters), Mr. S. P. Vaid, IGP, have to work with more consciousJammu Zone, Mr. Dilbag Singh ness and sincerity to keep the trust of the people they have pinned with was present in the Durbar. The DGP said that police has a the force.

Amarnath Yatra to begin from June 28

JAMMU: The 55-day religious voyage to Amarnath, the holy Himalayan cave shrine of Lord Shiva in south Kashmir, will begin from June 28 this year, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) decided on Thursday. The Board finalised the pilgrimage to Amarnath, which would commence on June 28 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August 21, CEO SASB Navin Choudhary said. This decision was taken by SASB headed by its chairman N N Vohra, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during a three-hour meeting of the Board which was held in New Delhi. The Board directed the CEO to arrange a special Pooja on Jyesth Purnima on June 23. The Board noted that even on June 25, the date on which yatra had commenced in 2012, there was heavy frozen snow accumulation in the Domel, Sheshnag and holy cave camp areas because of which it was difficult to set up power and water supply facilities in the yatra camps, a spokesman said. The CEO, said that the yatris will have to furnish a Compulsory Health Certificate while seeking registration for yatra 2013. He said a committee of medical experts from Union Health Ministry and the state health department had designed the format of the Compulsory Health Certificate and the pilgrims shall now be required to submit information in the form of a self declaration about his and her current health status, past medical history and various ailments from which they may be suffering or may have suffered in the past. To prevent the use of fraudulent health certificates, the Compulsory Health Certificate would be issued only by duly authorised doctors and medical institutes, he said. All the states and UTs have been asked to furnish a list of doctors and medical institutes who would be authorised to issue the Compulsory Health Certificate to the eligible Yatris of the state and UT, he said.

J&K delegation on tourism promotional campaign in Spain

MARDID: The Jammu and Kashmir government has requested the Government of Spain to lift the negative travel advisory issued to its citizens against visiting the State as the situation here has improved considerably. The request to lift the advisory was made by state Tourism Minister Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir during his meeting with Spanish Tourism Officers here on Friday. The Minister during his meetings and interaction received positive response from the Spanish functionaries and hoped that government of Spain would also lift the negative travel advisory and allow its citizens to visit and avail holidays in mesmerizing tourist destination of the State. The Tourism Minister along with the officers of Tourism Department is on the 4-day visit of Spain, where they represent the State in International Trade and Travel Event to showcase the world famous tourism potential of the Jammu and Kashmir. The State government has installed various stalls depicting varied tourism potential of all the regions of the State, besides publicity counters to familiarize the participants about serene beauty of spots, besides adventure, heritage and spiritual tourism of Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation will also utilize the trip as promotional campaign in the cities of Spain and motivate Spanish people about the innovative measures taken by the State government for developing new destinations like Yousmarg, Doodpatheri, Lolab- Bangus valley, Mughal road etc., besides creating of world class tourism infrastructure with focus on development of new attraction like gondola riding and eco- tourism. Mr. Mir told the Spanish officials that Germany and UK have already lifted its similar travel advisory against Jammu and Kashmir following which a large number of foreign tourists have visited the State this year.

Jora speaks on various issues confronting to Ladakh

NEW DELHI: Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies on Friday said that Ladakh is one of the most important regions of Jammu and Kashmir State. He said though region having its own cultural and linguist identity, the people of Ladakh are very peace loving people, like co-existence, and natural born of communal harmony society. The Minister was speaking at a Seminar on Ladakh, organised by Institute of Peace and Conflicts in collaboration with India International Centre here today. Highlighting varied issues faced by the people of Leh and Kargil, its empowerment, functioning of Ladakh Hill Development Council, its empowerment, problems being faced by the Council, influx of tourists in the region, impact of fast growing tourism industry and tourists on Ladakhi society and culture, positive and negative aspects on education and environment. The seminar was also addressed among others by various prominent Scholars having indepth studies of Ladakh including Mr. S .S Blouria, Vice Chancellor, Central University, Jammu, Mr. Sadiq Wahid, former Vice Chancellor, Islamic University Kashmir, Mr. Motup, Dr.Kavita Suri and put light on various issues confronting to the people of the Ladakh region in with the new scenario emerging in this Himalayan region. Mr Jora while thanking to the organisation for giving him an opportunity to express his views on this vital issue is concerning to the people of his region and challenges being faced by them and their possible solutions. He said the seminar have also provided a platform to the students of Ladakh in studying various Universities of National Capital, including Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia to present their view papers, express their view points before the galaxy of scholars. The Minister said that Ladakh remains landlocked between November to June as SrinagarLeh and Leh-Manali highways remain closed because of snow and rigorous winter, the people of the region are facing tremendous problems and hardships. Calling the Ladakh the roof of the World with an elevation of 11000 kms from the sea level, best tourist destination. He said that in the ancient times, the Ladakh was a hub of trade activities.

'Apply Justice Verma panel's AFSPA suggestions in J&K'

SRINAGAR: Welcoming the assurance of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the implementation of Justice Verma Committee's recommendations, Jammu and Kashmir unit of CPI(M) on Thursday said the part of the report with regard to AFSPA needs prompt implementation in the state and Northeast. "The assurance from the Prime Minister (on the Justice Verma Committee recommendations) is welcome... The recommendation about reviewing the contentious AFSPA and bringing armed forces under ordinary criminal law to prevent sexual offences against women in the state and the Northeast is highly appreciated and needs prompt implementation," CPI(M) state secretary M Y Tarigami told reporters here. Referring to corruption and unemployment in the state, the CPI(M) leader said that the government in power had not been able to address these issues satisfactorily.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

INDIA AND THE WORLD

10

India, Bangladesh ink extradition treaty, new visa regime

DHAKA: India and Bangladesh Monday inked an extradition treaty and a friendlier visa regime, as New Delhi appreciated Dhaka's role in helping address India's security concerns, especially in tackling Indian insurgent groups operating out of Bangladesh. The agreements, inked during the visit of Indian Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde to Dhaka, also saw both the sides reiterate their resolve to "act against elements inimical to both countries". Shinde and his Bangladesh counterpart Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir, during the fourth Bangladesh-India home minister-level talks at Dhaka, also expressed satisfaction at the "smooth operation" of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and agreed to increase joint patrolling to curb criminal activities along the border. In a joint media statement, the to "enhance understanding and resolve issues for mutual satisfaction", said an official statement. Bangladesh and India agreed to cooperate with each other in "apprehending wanted criminals and fugitives". The Bangladesh home minister "once again urged for immediate tracking, arresting and handing over the killers of the father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman". Shinde "assured that all possible assistance would be extended in this regard, if they are found in India". India is expected to ask for handing over of Anup Chetia, alias Golap Barua, a founder-member of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), who is in a Dhaka jail. Other northeast militant leaders that India is likely to ask to be deported include Tripura militant leader Vishwa Mohan Deb Barman and National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) leader Thulunga alias Tensu Narzary. Bangladesh is seeking India's help in nabbing and handing over of two killers of Sheikh Mujib -Captain (retd) Abdul Mazed and Risaldar (retd) Moslehuddin -- who were believed to be hiding in India. The two sides also agreed to take immediate measures for repatriation of released prisoners and victims of trafficking. The home ministers noted the "excellent and friendly bilateral relations" and that the visits by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in 2010 and that of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Bangladesh in September 2011 had "infused a new dynamism in the bilateral relations". On the liberalized visa agreement, the two sides hoped it would "ease the visa obtaining procedure and promote peopleto-people exchanges between the two countries". The new visa regime, named revised travel arrangement, proposes to remove restrictions on visits of businesspersons, students, patients, senior citizens above 65 years and children below 12 years. Businessmen would be given five-year multiple entry visa, while those travelling for medical purposes would be given two-year multiple entry visa along with visa to three attendants of a patient, under the proposals. They also discussed the Land Border Agreement of 1974 and noted that its early ratification would pave the way for implementation of provisions of the agreement and resolve long pending boundary related issues, the statement said.

two sides agreed to allow development work within 150 yards of the zero line. For better border management, both sides agreed to immediately start consultations between the district commissioner and district magistrate of border districts for resolving local issues. Both ministers agreed to intensify cooperation in areas such as human trafficking, drugs, and with Interpol. They noted that interaction of different bilateral mechanisms had helped

India, Spain to finance joint research on renewable energy

NEW DELHI: India and Spain Wednesday agreed to finance joint research projects in the area of forecasting of wind power and fabrication of cost effective solar cells.Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah and visiting Spanish Minister of State for Research Development and Innovation, Carmen Vela Olmo, agreed to initiate a second call for research proposals to encourage joint research and development between research institutions as well as industry groups of both the countries, an official release said. A joint call for project proposals was published following the agreement in May, 2012 on the Indo-Spanish programme for technological cooperation in renewable energy. Proposals can be submitted covering any aspect of renewable energy, and can involve industry and R&D institutions in both countries. India is globally the fifth largest country in terms of wind power installed capacity. Spain is the 4th largest producer of wind generated power and is top-ranked worldwide in terms of photovoltaic solar power capacity.

UNDP should focus on decimating poverty: India

resolution adopted by the UN general assembly has a section dedicated exclusively to poverty eradication, in which the UNDP has been given the mandate by 193 member states to "assign the highest priority to poverty eradication", which is the "greatest global challenge". Puri said while preparing the next strategic plan for 2014-2017, "it is absolutely imperative that all the actionables that the UN Development System and its agencies have been called upon by member states to pursue are not just incorporated but also implemented as part of the strategic plan being so developed". He said India, along with Brazil and South Africa has partnered in the IBSA Trust Fund Initiative, which has been a flagship project under the overall canvas of South South cooperation. The initiative has concluded several key developmental projects including rural electrification through solar energy systems in Guinea Bissau, improving the health infrastructure services for children in Cambodia among others. He said India reaffirms its steadfast commitment and support to UNDP and is willing to walk the extra mile in helping the organization achieve the mandate of poverty eradication.

India to deepen ties with Latin America with Khurshid visit

to a free trade agreement. The two countries have a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) reached in 2007. The CEPA would help reduce or eliminate duties on maximum number of products they trade in. India is pressing for a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with Chile and has asked the Latin American nation to further liberalise its visa regime to help the movement of professionals and businessmen. India-Chile bilateral trade increased to $2.6 billion in 2011-12 from $1.9 billion in 200910. Chile's main export to India is copper, and with the inking of the new trade agreement the product is expected to reach India with zero tariffs. Chile also exports paper pulp among other things to India. The two countries are seeking cooperation in areas like information technology, oceanography, science and technology, agriculture and food processing and engineering and infrastructure. India and Colombia have a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) which came into effect in June 2012. India has also urged Colombia to expedite ratification of a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to boost investor confidence. Colombia is rich in natural resources such as petroleum, coal, minerals - that India needs to sustain its high growth rate. On the other hand, India's strength and expertise in IT, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotech and railway construction are sought by Colombia. Earlier this month, NGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), has discovered oil on an onland block, CPO-5, in Colombia. OVL holds 70 per cent participating interest in the block located at the Ilanos basin of Colombia. The project was under phase-1 of exploration, with a commitment of drilling two exploratory wells.

NEW DELHI: India is set to deepen its ties with Latin America, where China has a marked presence, with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid to visit Argentina, Colombia and Chile on a 10-day visit. Khurshid, who has been very busy ever since he became the external affairs minister Oct, returns Thursday after a four-day visit to Germany and Belgium. After a day's break, Khurshid is to leave for Argentina, Colombia and Chile, an official source said Wednesday. India and Chile are near to formalizing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), an arrangement equivalent

UNITED NATIONS: India has stressed that the UNDP should focus on "decimating poverty" and that UN development systems need to be "firmly rooted in its core focus area" of only development-related work in order to be successful. Hardeep Puri, India's permanent representative to the UN said the Rio+20 outlined the imperative of poverty eradication as the greatest global challenge, and laid down the roadmap for the "future we want". He said UNDP "must ensure that effective implementation mechanisms and the means that developing countries need to achieve it are followed up, and provided for, by the multilateral system", according to an official statement Tuesday. Puri said Monday that India, "as a country that has one of the longest relationships with UNDP and is the biggest contributor to its core budget among developing countries" has an abiding interest in UNDP's success and its efforts in the global development agenda. He said for the first time ever, a

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

DEFENCE

11

BrahMos takes part in 'Techspardha 2013'

KURUKSHETRA: BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile system being showcased at the ongoing 'Techspardha 2013' organised to celebrate the golden jubilee year of NIT Kurukshetra has attracted a large number of students. Chief Guest at the inaugural function on Thursday, Distinguished Scientist, CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, A Sivathanu Pillai, who was recently conferred the 'Padma Bhushan' in a message encouraged the students to equip themselves with 'knowledge' which is the most important tool for growth and development of the nation. He said, "Knowledge, quality education and innovation used together in the right direction will take us to the path of desired growth and development in all spheres, particularly in technology discipline.Youngsters are the pillars of developed India. Ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful resource on the Earth." Indian-Russian Joint Venture BrahMos Aerospace along with Defence Research and Development Organisation edge in the fields of science and technology, and defence and aerospace.

Navy, Air Force adjudged best marching contingents

NEW DELHI: The Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been jointly declared the best marching contingents among the services and the CISF among the para-military forces in this year'sRepublic Day parade, an official said Wednesday. Kerala won the prize for the best Republic Day tableau while Rajasthan was chosen second and Chhattisgarh third in the category of "best three tableaux", the official said. The tableau presented by the Central Public Works Department has been selected for a special prize. Children of the Eastern Zone Cultural Centre, Kolkata won the prize for "best school children item" for Purulia's Chhau Dance. The consolation prize was won by Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Amalwas, New Delhi. The official said the Navy and IAF had been jointly declared best marching contingent among the three services. The IAF bagged the title consecutively for the third time. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was chosen the best marching contingent among the para-military forces and other auxiliary marching contingents. Earlier, the force has won best marching contingent awards in the year 2007 and 2008. The official said three panels of judges were appointed for assessing the performance of marching contingents from the three services and paramilitary forces, the various tableaux and items presented by school children.

(DRDO) laboratories are taking part in the festival by putting up exhibition to demonstrate their R&D potentials which will enthuse budding engineers and technologists and also motivate them for a career in defence technology development. BrahMos also conducted quiz contests to encourage young students and test their depth of knowl-

'Techspardha 2013' will be held from 31 January to 3 February 2013. A host of events are being organised during the festival which includes 'TechBest 2k9' in which all the best projects of Literati'12 will be showcased, exhibition of the best design projects of Techspardha 13, workshops to train students in various technologies besides many others.

India tests Pinaka rocket system

Upgraded Sindhurakshak Handed Over To India

NEW DELHI:An upgraded and refitted diesel-electric submarine from the Indian Navy fleet was handed back to India by Russia after ove two years of overhaul and refurbishing works. The major refit of the Russianorigin INS Sindurakshak (S63) was carried out at Russia's Zvezdochka shipyard. The upgrade and modernisation of Sindhurakshak, a Project 877 EKM NATO Kilo-class submarine, was done under a contract signed in June 201, according to officials. Under the refit programme, the submarine got Klub-S 3M54E1 anti-ship and 3M14E land attack 200-km-range cruise missiles systems retrofitted. It also got another 10-odd Indian and foreign-made systems such as the USHUS hydroacoustic sonar system and CSSMK-2 radio communication system newly integrated, they said. The Sindhurakshak upgrade programme cost India $80 million and it will include a complete overhaul of the vessel's hull structures. The programme also included improved electronic warfare systems, control systems and integrated weapon control system.

The vessel's cooling system too underwent modifications, apart from a 'Porpoise' radio-locator fitted and more works carried out to enhance its capabilities, safety and security. The submarine will leave the Russian shipyard and sailed for Mumbai, taking the North Sea route off United Kingdom. A Russian ice-breaker ship will accompany the submarine, which is the first Indian vessel to be handed over after a refit programme in icy winter season. Zvezdochka shipyard specialises in overhaul and dismantling of

nuclear-powered submarines and since 1997, it had upgraded four Indian conventional submarines of Russian origin INS Sindhuvir, Sindhuratna, Sindhughosh and Sindhuvijay. Its experts are at present carrying out modernisation of similar class of submarine Sindhukirti at Indian naval base Visakhapatnam. This class of submarines are designed and built for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, defence of naval bases, securing of coasts and sea lanes of communication, reconnaissance and maritime patrol operations.

BALASORE, ODISHA: 'Pinaka', the country's indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) weapon system, was successfully test fired from a defence base at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from here, on Wednesday. The trial was conducted by the personnel of Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) firing point-2 at Chandipur as part of a routine test exercise, defence sources said. 'Pinaka', which underwent several tough tests since 1995, has already been inducted into the armed forces. "These are routine trials and some more rockets are likely to be tested tomorrow," they said. "Four rounds of rocket test were successfully carried out today," said a defence official adding the MBRL, capable of act-

ing as a force-multiplier, can gradually replace the current artillery system. The sophisticated 'Pinaka' is a weapon system aimed at supplementing the existing artillery gun at a range beyond 30 km. Its quick reaction time and high rate of fire gives an edge to the army during low-intensity war-like situation, he said. The unguided rocket system is meant to neutralise bigger geographical area with rapid salvo of rockets. With a range of 40 km, 'Pinaka' can fire salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds. One salvo each (12 rockets) from the battery of six launchers can neutralise at a time a target area of 3.9 sq km, the sources said. The system's capability to incorporate several types of warheads makes it deadly for the enemy as it can even destroy their solid structures and bunkers, they added.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

DEFENCE

12

Navy Plans USD 8 Billion Chopper Tender

NEW DELHI:The Indian Navy is planning to issue a bid for procuring more than 120 multirole choppers which could be world's largest tender expected to be worth around USD eight billion. The navy had recently issued a global request for information in this regard and has plans of acquiring more than 120 Naval Multirole Helicopters (NMRH), navy sources said here. The navy had recently asked global helicopter vendors to provide details about their choppers in this category and is planning to issue a global request for proposal in this regard in near future, they said. The navy is planning to procure these new NMRH for carrying out anti-submarine warfare, Special Forces' operations and anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. The companies expected to take part in the tender include all major chopper manufacturers like

UAE and US carry out military exercise

European Eurocopter and Agusta Westland and American Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin. "We are planning to offer our EC725 helicopter once the Indian Navy issues a tender for these NMRH," Eurocopter's Vice President for South Asia region Rainner Farid said here. The Indian Navy is already holding a competition for procuring 16 multirole helicopters in which European NH-90 and American

Sikorsky S-70 Bravo are in the race. The navy at present relies on its fleet of Sea King helicopters which were inducted in two different phases in the 80s. The navy would require these multirole choppers in view of its expanding fleet size and expansion in its area of responsibility with the government stating that country's strategic interest ranges from the Gulf of Aden to the Malacca Straits.

ABU DHABI: The UAE and the US, along with a number of friendly countries, on Sunday began a 12day joint air, land and naval military exercise. The exercise which will continue until February 7, aims to enhance national capabilities of countries, as well as international cooperation to prohibit the distribution and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and dual-use goods and the exchange of expert-

ise in this field. The exercise is being carried out through cooperation between the UAE Armed Forces and US Central Command, with the participation of a number of countries. It is part of the UAE Armed Force's constant commitment to enhance its capabilities and teamwork with the objective of ensuring the readiness of the nation's forces. Several UAE federal authorities and bodies are also partaking in the training.

India Inches Towards N-Triad Capability, Successfully Tests Missile

NEW DELHI: India got a step closer to having a nuclear weapon triad capability to fire missiles with nuclear warhead from under the sea with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completing the development trials of the K-15 missile. With the test, India became the 5th nation in the world after US, Russia, France and Chine with such a capability and is gearing up to induct the missile in its first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant, which itself is readying to head for the sea trials later this year. Probably, this is what Indian Navy chief Admiral DK Joshi alluded to last month when he promised "good news soon" on the nuclear weapons capability of the nation. This was the 12th test of K-15 carried out from a submerged platform or pontoon in the Bay of Bengal, DRDO officials said here. The 750-km missile is a submarinelaunched ballistic missile and is now ready for induction. "The DRDO-developed underwater launched missile B05 was successfully flight tested from the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Visakhapatnam. "The missile, launched from a pontoon, was tested for the full range and met all the mission objectives. "All the parameters of the vehicle were monitored by the radar all through the trajectory and terminal events have taken place exactly as expected," a DRDO statement said. Defence Minister AK Antony and DRDO chief Dr VK Saraswat congratulated all the defence scientists and technicians on the successful test. The nuclear triad is the capability to launch nuke carrying missiles from land, air and the sea. India already has missiles that can be fired from land- and air-based platforms. India already has in place Agni series of missiles and Sukhoi-30MKIs and Mirage-2000s fighter jets that can deliver nuclear warheads. The K-15 test is a step towards having the capability to launch such missiles from under the sea. The two-stage missile, during the test, rapidly climbed to a 20-km altitude after being launched from the pontoon, officials said, adding that it was tested for its 750-km range, thereby completing its last of developmental tests when all mission objectives were met. The 10metre missile can carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead. It will undergo a user-trial in a month before it is ready to be integrated in INS Arihant and tested from the missile. "That is when the missile's work is complete," officials said. Arihant itself is to undergo "seaacceptance trials" in the near future as soon as its 83 MW pressurised light water reactor goes critical. The vessel is now at Visakhapatnam undergoing extensive "harboracceptance trials" with all its pipelines being "cleared and tested" on shore-based steam for several months now. The vessel is built with four silos to carry 12 K-15s or four of the 3,500-km range K-4 missiles that are currently under-development. A submarine launched ballistic missile with nuclear weapons capability is critical to India's critical second strike capability as propounded in its decade-old nuclear doctrine and for it to have a credible deterrent against a nuclear strike by its enemies. India also operates INS Chakra, an Akula-II class nuclear-powered submarine leased from Russia for 10 years. But this vessel cannot be armed with nuclear weapons under international treaties and is only meant for training of Indian Navy personnel in handling such a platform.

Revised Defence Procurement Procedure from April: Antony

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the revised defence procurement procedure (DPP) would come into force from April and urged private and public sector companies to shed their "miserly attitude" towards spending on research and development of defence equipment. Terming India's defence procurement procedure "dynamic", Antony said: "(We) Will be able to introduce the revised DPP April onwards." He said efforts were made to bring "accountability and transparency" in the revised DPP and emphasis was on the technology transfer to boost indigenisation. Seeking more investment from companies on research and development to realise the aim of faster indigenisation, the defence minister said: "Except few (companies), budget for research and development of many is not enough." Antony was speaking at NAVARMS-2013, an international seminar-cum-exhibition on naval armament organised in the national capital. Among the defence forces, the minister said, the navy has made sustained efforts towards indigensation. "Navy's focus on self-reliance has opened a host of opportunities for the (Indian) industry," he said. Antony added that the government was trying to meet objectives

of defence forces of acquiring worldclass armaments and expanding the Indian defence industry. Describing offsets as an integral part of the country's policy to promote indigenisation, he said the government has been keen on encouraging the industry to realign its business processes for strategic alliances and joint ventures. He said the Indian industry was at the threshold of becoming a global player in the field of information and communication technology, engineering and manufacturing. The country's defence sector is open to Indian private sector for 100 percent participation. Foreign direct investment is permissible up to 26 percent. The defence minister hoped that the Indian industry would gradually assume the role of system integrator and manufacturer of complete defence equipment and systems. "This provides a major shift in the role of private sector in India

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

DEFENCE

13

Army rejects calls to raise new units based on caste or religion

NEW DELHI: The Army has once again strongly rejected calls for raising new "single-class" units like the Gujarat, Kalinga, Dalit, Ahir, Paswan or Tribal regiments as well as attempts to tinker with its "time-tested" regimental system. "The policy since Independence is not to raise any new regiment on the basis of a particular class, creed, community, religion or region but to have a force in which all Indians have representation. This is the well-defined position of both the defence ministry and Army," said a senior official. Added a top general, "Politics should not be played with the apolitical armed forces. The Army is an inclusive, secular force, open to all. It's for that reason the force had even opposed the religious headcount proposed by the Sachar Committee in 2005-06." Having just finished with the Republic Day celebrations as well as the Army Day on January 15, which marks the day when Field Marshal K M Cariappa became the first Indian chief of the force in 1949, the 1.13million-strong Army is equally steadfast about resisting any changes in its regimental system. But it's the existence of this system, with a preponderance of "single-class" regiments like the Sikh, Gorkha, Dogra, Garhwal, Jat and the like, which propels politicians and others to demand a Dalit Regiment, like LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan often does, or a Gujarat Regiment, as proposed by L K Advani when he was the deputy prime minister. Single-class or "pure" regiments were raised during the Raj based on the classification of certain communities as "martial races". After 1947, India, however, decided to continue with these caste or communitybased units because "regimental history, ethos and loyalty" was considered to be the main driving force in combat effectiveness and operational performance. "Soldiers from the same clan fight better from the same foxhole. These tradition-bound regiments have proved themselves in combat in all conflicts since 1947. They should not be dismantled," said a major-general. This "battalion esprit de corps" was quite evident during the 1999 Kargil conflict. Quizzed why they had made those daredevil assaults against fortified positions held by Pakistani intruders, the common refrain among jawans was that the "paltan's izzat" (the battalion's honour) was at stake, more than loftier notions about fighting for the flag and the country. While officers can be commissioned into any unit, the infantry's 23 regiments - with over 350 battalions under them - are basically of three types. Single-class units constitute around 60% of the whole. Even among them, the further sub-divisions are based on community or caste. The Army's seven Gorkha Rifles, for instance, recruit separately from the Gurung, Rai, Limbu, Magar and other communities, both from India and Nepal. The aim after Independence has been to raise "All India-All Class" regiments, like the Brigade of Guards, where jawans are recruited from all over the country irrespective of class and percentage. "The endeavour is to progressively move towards such regiments," said a Brigadier. In between these two are the "mixed" and "fixed" class units like the Grenadiers or the Mahar Regiment. The 4 Grenadiers, for instance, has two companies of Jats, one company of Muslims and one company of Dogras. Similarly, Rajputana Rifles has an equal mix between Rajputs and Jats, while the Rajput Regiment mainly has Rajputs and Gujars with a sprinkling of Muslims and Bengalis. "Jawans, with similar language and eating habits, have kinship, brotherhoodthey form a cohesive fighting force. Even in mixed class regiments like Grenadiers, individual companies - the basic fighting units - are `pure'," said a Colonel. The other "fighting arms" like the armoured corps and artillery also have several instances of "pure" units among them. Many artillery medium or field regiments, for instance, are "pure" ones recruiting only Gorkhas, Sikhs, Jats, Ahirs or Marathas into their respective folds. But "support" arms like ASC, EME, Ordnance, Signals and the like are resolutely "all-class" units.

DRDO Scientists Named For India's Highest Civilian Awards

NEW DELHI:India has named its three key defence scientists for receiving their highest civilian awards this year. President Pranab Mukherjee approved their names to receive the Padma awards as part of the 108 persons chosen for the honour. Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Director General, was chosen for the Padma Bhushan award, which is the second highest civilian award of the country. Saraswat is also the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and Secretary to the Department of Defence Research and Development in the Ministry of Defence. "It is DRDO that has got the award and it is recognition of DRDO's contribution towards nation-building," said Dr. Saraswat as the first reaction to the news of three DRDO scientists getting honored with Padma awards this year. Dr. Sivathanu Pillai, IndoRussian Joint Venture BrahMos supersonic cruise missile Chief Executive Officer, too was named for Padma Bhushan by the President on the occasion. Pillai is also a Distinguished Scientists and Chief Controller of Research and Development in the DRDO. The third defence scientists to be named for Padma Shri, the third highest civilian award, this year is Avinash Chander, Distinguished Scientist and Chief Control Research and Development (Missiles and Strategic Systems). Chander headed the Indian project for Agni-V, the over 5,000-km range long range ballistic missile that is capable of hitting targets deep inside India's traditional adversaries on the western and the northern fronts. President had approved the conferment of 108 Padma Awards this year, including four Padma Vibhushan, 24 Padma Bhushan and 80 Padma Shri Awards. Of all the awardees, 24 are women and the list also includes 11 persons in the category of foreigners, non-resident Indians, persons of Indian origin and posthumous awardees. Padma Awards, the country's highest civilian awards, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities, such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. 'Padma Vibhushan' is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; 'Padma Bhushan' for distinguished service of high order and 'Padma Shri' for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. The awards are conferred by the President of India at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan sometime around March-April.

CRPF mulls fitting guns with GPS to track Maoist moves

NEW DELHI: Call it an out of the box idea or absolute desperation. Due to repeated intelligence failures leading anti-naxal forces walking into ambushes, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is exploring technology to fit their guns with GPS systems. The idea is that if Maoists loot them, it will reveal their location and movements. The only problem is no GPS device available in India has a battery life of more than a day. "We are exploring this idea. But we do not have that kind of technology at disposal at the moment. If some company can provide a device with long battery life that can last for a few days then it can be of some consequence operationally," said a CRPF official. In the recent Latehar encounter, which claimed lives of 10 security personnel, there was a clear intelligence lag that meant Maoists were always a step ahead. CRPF sources said that they had been tracking senior leader of CPI (Maoist) Arvindji since December 10, 2013 but every time they got information of his location, he had already left the place. "In one particular village, he had stayed for over 10 days, but we got know about it only after he left the village," said a CRPF official. Contrary to this, Maoists got real-time information on troop movements and were waiting onthe hills for CRPF contingent when it reached Katiya village in Amwatikar jungles where the encounter took place. If the technology is available, CRPF is mulling redesigning of their guns to fit the GPS device innocuously. "But the battery life should be at least 10 days to give any operational benefit to us. Maoists move in the jungles on foot. So movement is not very rapid. To ascertain a pattern one needs tracking over a few days," said the official. CRPF's intelligence network is still at a nascent stage with its intelligence department set only a year ago. It largely depends on intelligence provided by state police and Intelligence Bureau. While IB has been providing the bulk of technical intelligence, state police has its human intelligence network that assists the forces. However, there have been constant issues of lack of coordination between the three arms, say sources - one of the reasons why CRPF set up its own intelligence department. Lack of state penetration in tribal areas has led to poor human intelligence network adding to the problem of conducting operations in naxal-infested areas.

Lt Gen Ashok Singh to be Southern Command chief

PUNE: Lieutenant General Ashok Singh will Friday take over as the general officer commanding-inchief of the Indian Army's Southern Command here. Lt. Gen. Ashok Singh earlier commanded 7 Guards in Operation Orchid in Nagaland, led a mountain brigade on the Line of Control and took part in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, said an army release here Thursday. He was also the defence and military adviser in the High Commission of India in Islamabad from 2006 to 2009 and commander of Army War College's Junior Command Wing in Mhow. He is also a recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. A second generation officer, Gen. Ashok Singh was commissioned into 7 Guards in 1974. He is an alumnus of St. Anselm's in Ajmer.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

ECONOMY

14

EGoM to discuss spectrum auction on Jan 3

NEW DELHI: The Empowered Group of Ministers on telecom is likely to discuss on Friday the number of slots operators should be allowed to bid for in the upcoming spectrum auction. The notice inviting application (NIA) issued by the Department of Telecom has already said that the minimum and maximum number of blocks for which a bidder can bid is subject to final confirmation on approval. Sources said the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has proposed removing restriction on the number of slots that a company should be allowed to bid in the auction for both CDMA and GSM spectrum. "The EGoM is meeting on Friday to discuss number of slots operators should be allowed to bid for," sources said. The DoT is of the view that auction would witness aggressive bidding if restrictions on the number slot is removed. In the last auction held in November, new operators were mandatorily bid for a minimum of 4 blocks of 1.25 MHz each and a maximum of five for GSM spectrum. It was a minimum of two and a maximum of three in case of CDMA airwaves.

NEWS IN BOX

Government making efforts to boost investor confidence, growth: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI: Expressing commitment to follow the path of fiscal consolidation, Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said efforts are being made to boost investor confidence and revert to the high growth path. "Efforts (are) being made to turn the economy around and create a more investor-friendly climate," Chidambaram said . He reiterated government's commitment on observing the path of fiscal consolidation and imposition of fiscal targets and policies that will make necessary fiscal correction needed for the economy and take the economy back to the path of higher growth. Chidambaram held road shows IRDA Chairman J Hari Narayan, besides other senior finance ministry officials. The financial sector regulators presented their suggestions for Budget 2013-14, which would be unveiled by the Finance Minister on February 28. Chidambaram had in November last year outlined a fiscal consolidation roadmap. It plans to restrict the fiscal deficit for the current fiscal at 5.3 percent of GDP in the current year and bring it down to 3 percent by 2013-14. The growth in the current fiscal is likely to slip to a decade low of 5.7 percent, but is expected to rebound in 2013-14. In 2011-12 fiscal, economy grew by 6.2 percent.

RBI suggests bank charge for cash withdrawal & deposit through cheques
NEW DELHI: RBI has suggested that banks should charge for cash withdrawal and deposit through cheques while the government agencies should do away with convenience charges for online payment of utility bills. As per the discussion paper floated by RBI, high cash withdrawals and deposits of cash by individuals may also be charged in order to avoid increased dependence to cash-based transactions. The other major suggestions include restriction on number of free cheque books, high fee on cheque books, mandatory online payment of credit card bills and ban on post-dated cheques. It also suggested that the government should discourage cheque collection boxes at public places. The suggestions, on which the RBI has invited comments from public by February 28, seek to encourage greater adoption of electronic mode of payment.

in Asian and European nations last month, seeking to attract foreign investment and address investor concerns. He "hoped to get positive results" from the roadshows. The FSDC meeting was held as a pre-budget consultations' exercise and was attended by RBI Governor D Subbarao, Sebi Chairman U K Sinha, PFRDA Chairman Yogesh Agarwal and

ONGC Videsh's plan to buy assets in Azerbaijan gets nod

NEW DELHI: The cabinet has cleared ONGC Videsh's (OVL) proposal to acquire minority stakes of Hess Corporation in prolific oil fields and a pipeline in Azerbaijan for $1 billion. "The acquisition shall provide OVL, oil production of about 1 million tonnes per year for about a decade," the oil ministry said after the cabinet cleared the proposal on Jan 31. OVL had announced in September that it would acquire Hess Corporation's 2.7% stake in the Azeri, Chirag and Guneshli oilfields in Azerbaijan and a 2.36% interest in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. The acquisition is expected to close by the first quarter of 2013, ONGC officials said. The assets are located in the south Caspian Sea, about 95 km off the coast of Azerbaijan, and are one of the largest oil-producing fields in the world, ONGC officials said. BP is the operator of the oilfields, where other partners are state oil company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR),Chevron, Statoil, Exxon-Mobil, Inpex, Turkish NOC-TPAO and Itochu. Average daily production from the field is around 700,000 barrels per day. The 1,768-km pipeline is one of the main export routes for Caspian crude oil production with a capacity of around 1 million barrels of oil per day to the Ceyhan terminal in the Mediterranean Sea in south east Turkey. The acquisition will bring 9% additional proved reserves to ONGC Videsh's portfolio, the official said. ONGC has recently formulated its perspective plan - 2030 envisaging that the oil and gas production of OVL would increase from the current level of 8.8 million tonnes to 20 MT by FY18 and 60 MT by 2030.

April-December fiscal deficit at Rs. 4.07 lakh crore

NEW DELHI: The country's fiscal deficit during the AprilDecember period was Rs. 4.07 lakh crore, or 78.8 per cent of the budgeted full fiscal year 2012-13 target, government data showed on Jan 31. During the same period in the previous fiscal year, the deficit was 92.3 per cent of the budgetary target. Net tax receipts for AprilDecember stood at Rs. 4.84 lakh crore while total expenditure was Rs. 9.91 lakh crore. In March 2012, the government had budgeted a fiscal deficit of Rs. 5.14 lakh crore, or 5.1 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), for the current fiscal year that ends in March. However, in October, strained finances forced New Delhi to revise the deficit target to 5.3 per cent.

Exide Industries to acquire ING stake in Indian life insurance joint venture
MUMBAI :Dutch banking and insurance group ING has decided to sell its 26% stake in an Indian insurance venture to local partner Exide Industries. ING is in the process of selling all its Asian insurance and investment management operations. Exide would acquire ING's 26 % percent in ING Vysya. It would also buy 24% from two other private Indian investors - Enam Group and Hemendra Kothari Group - for a total of about 5.5 billion rupees ($102 million). Within the period of a year, ING is second company to exit Indian insurance market after New York Life sold its 26% stake in a life insurance joint venture with Max India to Japan's MS&AD for about $530 million.

'Vision Life Income' launched by Birla Sun Life Insurance

NEW DELHI: Birla Sun Life Insurance has launched its first participating plan 'Vision Life Income'. It offers a perfect blend of income and financial protection for the customer's family as it pays survival benefits every year from the end of the premium paying term till maturity and life insurance benefit. The plan offers guaranteed regular income for life post-premium paying term, a discount in premium on high sum assured and incometax benefits.

Govt hikes sugarcane FRP by 23.5% to Rs 210 per quintal for 2013-14
NEW DELHI: The government raised the sugarcane price that mills are required to pay farmers by 23.5 per cent to Rs. 210 per quintal for the year starting October 2013. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), the minimum price that sugarcane farmers are legally guaranteed, was Rs. 170 per quintal in the 2012-13 marketing year (OctoberSeptember). "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved sugarcane FRP for 201314 at Rs. 210 per quintal. This is an increase of Rs. 40 per quintal from the last year," Food Minister K V Thomas said. The CCEA has approved the proposal of the Food Ministry, which was in line with the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) which suggested a Rs. 40 increase in the FRP at Rs. 210 per quintal for 2013-14. The CACP is a statutory body and advises the government on the pricing policy for major farm produce. The FRP is the sugarcane price fixed by the Centre but there are some states like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu which announce their own rate called state advisory price (SAP). The SAP is much more than the FRP.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

ECONOMY

15

RBI hikes provisioning requirement for restructured loan to 5%

MUMBAI: Concerned over rising bad debts in the banking system, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Jan 31 sharply raised the provisioning requirements for restructured loans of banks to 5 per cent from existing 2.75 per cent. The announcement comes less than three months after the apex bank raised provisioning on restructured accounts to 2.75 per cent to 2 per cent to mitigate risk attached with such loans. "It has now been decided to increase the provision to five per cent in respect of new restructured standard accounts (flow) with effect from April 1, 2013 and in a phased manner for the stock of restructured standard accounts as on March 31, 2013," RBI said in a notification. For accounts restructured prior to March 31, 2013, banks would have to make provision of 3.75 per cent in the first phase effective March 31, 2014. The increase of one per cent additional provisioning in case of restructured accounts prior to March 31, 2013 will be spread over the four quarters of 201314, it said. In the next phase it will be 5 per cent with effect from March 31, 2015. The additional provision would be spread over the four quarters of 2014-15, it added. However, corporate guarantee can be accepted in those cases where the promoters of a company are not individuals but other corporate bodies or where the individual promoters cannot be clearly identified, it added. The notification further said: "It has been decided that promoters' sacrifice and additional funds brought by them should be a minimum of 15 per cent of banks' sacrifice, or 2 per cent, of the restructured debt, whichever is higher." This stipulation is the minimum and banks may decide on a higher sacrifice by promoters depending on the riskiness of the project and promoters' ability to bring in higher sacrifice amount, it said. Further, it said, such higher sacrifice may invariably be insisted upon in larger accounts, especially CDR (corporate debt restructuring) accounts. The decisions are based on recommendations made by Working Group headed by B Mahapatra to review the existing prudential guidelines on restructuring of advances. The group recommended that the RBI may do away with the regulatory forbearance regarding asset classification, provisioning and capital adequacy on restructuring of loan and advances in line with the international prudential measures. "However, in view of the current domestic macroeconomic situation as also global situation, this measure could be considered say, after a period of two years," it had said. RBI has decided to accept the above recommendation and give effect to this with effect from April 1, 2015, it added. "Accordingly, the extant asset classification benefits available on restructuring on fulfilling certain conditions will be withdrawn from that date," it said. "It implies that a standard account on restructuring would be immediately classified as sub-standard on restructuring as also the non-performing assets, upon restructuring, would continue to have the same asset classification as prior to restructuring and slip into further lower asset classification categories as per the extant asset classification norms with reference to the prerestructuring repayment schedule," it said.

Manufacturing sector slowed to 3-month low in Jan: HSBC

NEW DELHI: New orders received by manufacturers increased for the 46th successive month, although at a slower pace compared to December, mainly on account of stronger demand and improved product quality. Meanwhile, new export orders increased for the fifth consecutive month, and also at a solid rate, HSBC said adding panel members stated that demand from foreign clients was higher. Besides, manufacturers raised their workforces further during the month under review, in line with the increase in workloads. Input costs rose for the 46th successive month in January amid higher fuel and raw material prices. Firms raised their output charges to protect margins in the face of higher costs. The Reserve Bank of India cut interest rates on January 29 for the first time in nine months, in a move to propel economic growth by easing fund flow to perk up consumption and investment demand.The bank also lowered country's GDP forecast to 5.5 percent in 2012-13 as against 5.8 percent estimated earlier.

Jet fuel price hiked by 2%

NEW DELHI: Jet fuel prices were hiked by 2%, reversing the two month declining trend in rates. Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price at T3 terminal in Delhi was hiked by Rs 1324.84 per kilolitre (kl), or 2%, to Rs 67561.04 kl from today, according to Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest fuel retailer. The increase comes on back of successive reductions in December and January when rates were cut by Rs 688.4 per kl and Rs 1472.92 per kl respectively. In Mumbai, jet fuel will cost Rs 69,826.98 per kl as against Rs 68,446.91 currently. Rates at different airports vary because of differential in local sales tax or VAT. Kolkata would see price increase of Rs 1432.19 to Rs 76,586.20 per kl while it will cost Rs 73,516.67 in Chennai as against Rs 72,057.08 previously. Jet fuel constitutes

Core sectors growth down in Dec 2012: Govt data

NEW DELHI: Contraction in the output of coal, natural gas, and fertiliser pulled down the growth of the country's eight core sectors to 2.6 percent in December 2012. Official data released on Jan 31 said that the key infrastructure sectors had grown 4.9 per cent in December 2011. However, the growth in December was better than November's growth of 1.6 per cent. During the April to December 2012 period, growth in these industries slowed to 3.3 per cent, from 4.8 per cent in the same period of the previous year.

over 40 per cent of an airline's operating costs and the increase in prices will add to burden of the cash-strapped airlines. No immediate comments were available from the airlines on the impact of the price increase on passenger fares. The three fuel retailers - IOC, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum - revise jet fuel prices on the 1st of every month, based on the average international price in the preceding month.

RBI slashed Repo Rate to 7.75 % and CRR to 4 %

he Reserve Bank of India on 29 January 2013 slashed its key interest rates by 0.25 per cent and released 18000 crore rupees additional liquidity into the system to perk up growth through reduced cost of borrowing. RBI in its third quarter monetary policy review surprised the market by cutting short-term lending rate called repo, by 0.25 per cent to 7.75 per cent and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by similar margin to 4 per cent. The repo rate cut will reduce the cost of borrowing for individuals and corporates, whereas the reduction in CRR, which is the portion of deposits that banks have to park with RBI, would improve the availability of funds. Unveiling the policy review in Mumbai, RBI stated that the stance of monetary policy in this review is intended to provide an appropriate interest rate environment

to support growth as inflation risks moderate. CRR cut will have impact on long term interest rates. The RBI, however, has reduced the growth projections for the current financial year to 5.5 per cent from its earlier estimate of 5.8 per cent. On inflation, it moderated the

rate to 6.8 per cent for March-end from earlier projection of 7.5 per cent. The repo rate, which was cut last in April 2012, stands revised at 7.75 per cent with immediate effect, while the liquidity infusing CRR stands at 4 per cent effective 9 February 2013. Inflation has been the prime inhibiting factor that has prevented the RBI from cutting repo rate in the last nine months, which have seen a host of liquidity infusing measures like a cut of 1.75 per cent in CRR, government bond buybacks and a one percentage point cut in SLR. RBI however, added the caveat stating that the stance will depend on how the government manages the risk from the twin deficits on the fiscal and current account

side, and the evolving growth-inflation dynamics. Stating that the widening current account deficit, which represents the differential between the foreign exchange earned and expended through trade and services, is a big concern, RBI said the number is expected to widen in third quarter,beyond the 5.4 percent in the preceding quarter. RBI praised government's recent reform measures including liberalisation of FDI in retail, deferment of GAAR and progressive deregulation of fuel prices saying these actions will help engender stable macroeconomic conditions and return the economy to its high growth trajectory. The RBI will come out with mid-quarter review on 19 March 2013 and the annual policy on 3 May 2013.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

FASHION

16

Homemade Hair Packs For Winter Try Lemon Manicure

old temperature and bonfires are something that many people like about winters. But there is something more about this season that many of us really don't like; and that is hair problems. Seasonal changes affect the hair. That is why hair fall, dry and rough hair are common hair problems during winter season. To get rid of all these hair havocs we often spend a lot of money on hair treatments. There are many cost- effective home remedies that can give you wonderful results. You can try homemade winter hair packs that can help you get the perfect shiny, long and thick hair. Unlike chemical hair care products that are available in the market, homemade hair packs are easy to apply and they have no side effects also. Dry and frizzy hair: For dry hair you can use banana hair pack. Take one banana and mash it with 1tablespoon of honey and lemon juice. Mix well and apply on your hair focusing more on the roots. Leave it for 30 minutes and then rinse off with a mild shampoo. Your hair will become soft and manageable in this

To Get Shiny Nails!

dry and chilling season. Damaged hair: If your hair is damaged then use this homemade hair pack. Whisk two egg yolks and one egg white in a bowl. Now add one lemon juice and few drops of honey to it. Apply and leave for 45 minutes. Rinse off your hair with water. In a separate bowl stir 1 cup of curd. Now apply it for another 15 minutes and then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. You will be amazed to see the result of this homemade hair pack. Static hair: The remedy for static hair is very simple. Fenugreek does wonder to hair. Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning grind it well with a cup of curd to form a thick paste. Now apply this paste on your hair. Wait till it dries. Wash your hair with a

shampoo and feel the difference. Dull hair: Mix equal proportions of vinegar and honey in a cup of warm water. Apply this homemade hair pack and it will add more bounce and volume to your hair. Make sure that you do not use this hair pack very often. Vinegar if used for a prolonged period of time can have bad effects on your hair. Hair breakage: Combine one egg yolk with one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoon of castor oil. Apply the mixture for 45 minutes and then rinse off. Regular use of this homemade hair pack can help you prevent hair breakage in winters. Apply these winter homemade hair packs and fight against many hair problem that you face during this season.

ands have few oil glands, so the nails and fingers tend to get dry easily. Regular contact with chemicals, dust and dirt damages the nail and cuticles. To have beautiful and clean nails, manicure should be done weekly. Visiting parlors can be really expensive. You can try home manicures which are natural and effective. Lemon is one of the best beauty ingredient. How to use it for manicure? Check out lemon manicure recipes to get shiny nails naturally. Lemon manicure recipes to get shiny and glossy nails: Lemon: If you are too lazy to mix many ingredients, then just cut a slice of fresh lemon and start doing your manicure. Soak the fingers in warm water for 2-4 minutes and then rub the lemon slice on the nails. Lemon helps get rid of dark finger joints. Gently rub the nail cuticles. Rinse with warm water and then apply a moisturizer. Lemon and salt: This is similar to the first lemon manicure recipe. While rubbing the lemon slice on the nails, sprinkle salt and remove dead skin around the nails. This is a natural scrub for your manicure. Rinse your nails in warm soap water and then apply a moisturizer to get soft and shiny nails naturally. One easy way to do home lemon manicure is

by adding a pinch of salt and lemon juice in warm water. Soak your fingers for 5-7 minutes and then gently scrub with a soft brush. Clean with fresh water and follow up with a moisturizer. Lemon and glycerin: Lemon cleans out the nails and makes the cuticles look white and shiny, but lemon also dries the skin. If you have dry skin, add few drops of glycerin in lemon manicure. In a bowl, add warm water and mix lemon juice and 4-5 drops of glycerin. Soak your fingers in the solution for 5-7 minutes and then scrub gently to remove dead skin around nails. This also helps get rid of dark finger joints. Lemon and sugar: As lemon cleanses the nails and is an easy home manicure, you can add sugar for the natural scrub recipe. Sugar is a natural scrub and also moisturizes the skin. Mix sugar with lemon juice and little water. Soak your fingers for 4-5 minutes and then rinse with clean water. Follow up with a moisturizer.

Tips for Buying Kundan Jewelry

Value of kundan jewelry depends on several factors such as gold weight, purity of gold, size, weight and quality of diamond and other stones. Kundan jewelry Care 1. Kundan in particular, may react to the metals in a jewelry box thus must be wrapped in soft cloth to store. 2. Place your jewelry in between layers of cotton wool and seal it. 3. Do not spray perfume, body spray, dye or any other chemicals on any part of Kundan jewelry. 4. Keep the jewelry away from water as water tends to blacken the stone or uncut diamonds and enamel. 5. Do not even use plain cloth to clean the blackened portion of Kundan. If the blackness is not removed, then take it to the nearest jewelry shop for help.

Ways to Avoid Oily Skin This Winter

our skin becomes dry during winter. And applying winter creams makes your skin looks oily and greased. The reason is simple! Winter creams are meant to moisturise the skin and prevents it from drying. As winter is a dry season, you have to care for your skin to prevent it from looking dry. People with oily skin find it difficult to get rid of those greasy and oily layers from their face even during winter. That is why they avoid winter creams. However, avoiding creams make the skin look dry and dull. There are many winter creams in the market that guarantees an oil-free skin. However, everything fails. So, here are few natural home remedies to avoid oily skin during winters. Home remedies to avoid oily skin in winter: Milk massage: Cleaning the face

with milk not only removes dirt and dead skin but, it also helps moisturise your skin. After coming from outside, make sure you cleanse your face. Wash off with water and pat dry. You can also massage with milk few minutes before going out. Wash off with water and a mild face wash to avoid the shiny and oily skin. Applying cleansing milk regularly moisturises your skin naturally. Avoid using hot water on face: Hot water not only open up the skin pores but also secretes a lot of oil from the glands. To avoid getting an oily skin in winters, always wash your face with cold water. Cold water closes the skin pores thus reducing the chances of pimple or acne breakout. You can use lukewarm water to fight the chilling cold. Tomato massage: The juice of tomato removes excessive oil from

your skin. If you have an oily skin, you can add few drops of lemon juice to the tomato juice and massage gently on your face. Lemon juice removes extra oil, dirt, dead skin and also exfoliates the skin. Wash your face with cold water. This is one effective way to avoid getting oily skin in winters. However, lemon can dry your skin so follow up with a sunscreen (if going out) or moisturiser. Exfoliate: To avoid oily skin, you need to exfoilate the skin at least 2 times a week (depending on the skin). There are many scrubs that works great with people having oily skin. Applying an oatmeal or almond based scrub is one of the natural home remedies to avoid oily skin in winter. Wash your

face with water and then apply this scrub. Massage for 1-2 minutes so that the dead skin cells, blackheads, whiteheads and extra oil comes out from the skin. Wash with cold water to get a clear skin.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

BOLLYWOOD

17

List of Winners of 58th Idea Filmfare Awards 2013

award for her role in "Jab Tak Hai Jaan", while lyricist Gulzar bagged the award for 'best lyrics' for the song "Challa" from the film. The 'best debut director' award was bagged by Gauri Shinde for her film "English Vinglish", while Ayushmann Khurrana won the 'best debut (male)' for his film "Vicky Donor" and Ileana D'cruz won the 'best debut (female)' for her film "Barfi" The 'best actor female (critics)' was won by Richa Chaddha for "Gangs Of Wasseypur" and the 'best actor male (critics)' was given to Irrfan Khan for "Paan Singh Tomar". "Gangs of Wasseypur" also bagged the award for 'best film (critics)'. HERE IS THE COMPLETE LIST: Best Film: Barfi! Best Actor (Male): Ranbir Kapoor (Barfi!) Best Actor (Female): Vidya Balan (Kahaani) Best Director: Sujoy Ghosh (Kahaani) Best Film (Critics): Gangs Of Wasseypur Best Actor Male (Critics): Irrfan Khan (Paan Singh Tomar) Best Actor Female (Critics): Richa Chaddha (Gangs Of Wasseypur) Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Male): Annu Kapoor - Vicky Donor Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Female): Anushka Sharma - Jab Tak Hai Jaan Best Debut (Male): Ayushmann Khurrana Best Debut (Female): Ileana D'cruz Best Debut Director: Gauri Shinde (English Vinglish) Best Music Director: Pritam Barfi! Best Lyrics: Gulzar - Challa - (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) Best Playback Singer (Male): Ayushmann Khurrana - Pani da rang - (Vicky Donor) Best Playback Singer (Female): Shalmali Kholgade - Pareshaan (Ishaqzaade) Best Story: Juhi Chaturvedi (Vicky Donor) Best Screenplay: Sanjay Chouhan & Tigmanshu Dhulia (Paan Singh Tomar) Best Dialogue: Anurag Kashyap, Akhilesh Jaiswal, Sachin K Ladia & Zeishan Qadri (Gangs of Wasseypur) Best Sound Design: Sanjay Maurya & Allwin Rego (Kahaani) Best Production Design: Rajat Podar (Barfi!) Best Editing: Namrata Rao (Kahaani) Best Cinematography: Setu (Kahaani) Best Action: Sham Kaushal (Gangs Of Wasseypur) Best Background Score: Pritam (Barfi!) Best Choreography: Bosco-Caesar (Aunty Ji - Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu) R.D. Burman Award: Neeti Mohan Best Costumes: Manoshi Nath & Rushi Sharma (Shanghai) Sony Trendsetter of the Year: Barfi! Lifetime Achievement Award: Yash Chopra

ujoy Ghosh's "Kahaani" and Anurag Basu's "Barfi" struck big at the Filmfare Awards this year. "Barfi" was adjudged best film and got Ranbir Kapoor the 'best actor (male)' award while Vidya Balan bagged the 'best actor (female)' title for "Kahaani" that also won Sujoy Ghosh the best director prize. The Filmfare Awards held Sunday were a star-studded experi-

ence. Amongst those attending the awards ceremony were Madhuri Dixit, Ranbir Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Sidharth Roy Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Boney Kapoor, Sridevi, Sonali Bendre, Goldie Behl, Deepika Padukone and Rekha. The lifetime achievement award went to late director Yash Chopra who passed away in October last year. Anushka Sharma won the 'best actor in a supporting role (female)'

After six long years KJo and Rani will be working together
together in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna in 2006. Karan Johar is all set to cast Rani in Bombay Talkies opposite Randeep Hooda. Karan Johar will begin shooting soon as he's quite excited about the project. The film will see four contemporary directors - Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee collaborate for the first time.

Priyanka to shoot Zanjeer introductory song with 100 men

ctress Priyanka Chopra, who is busy working on Zanjeer remake, will be shooting a special introductory song for the film with 100 men. "The song will be the introductory song in the film, which will be choreographed by Ganesh Acharya and is composed by Meet brothers. It is going to be a fun-filled song," the source said. While Ram Charan reprises megastar Amitabh Bachchan's role of Vijay from the original film, Priyanka essays the role of Mala, earlier played by Jaya Bachchan.

Emraan Hashmi and Huma get sensuous in Ek Thi Daayan!

t was Karan Johar who had introduced Rani Mukerji to stardom with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (KKHH). Since then the duo has shared a great rapport. They last worked

Sonakshi Sinha turns into a 1980s Disco girl for Himmatwala

onakshi Sinha is doing an item number of Sajid Khan's Himmatwala. In this film Sonakshi Sinha is going to perform a 1980s kind of disco item. This song will take you in 1980s decade where disco dancer used to wear tight leather pants and shiny dresses. Himmatwala is set to release on 29 March 2013. Himmatwala is Bollywood star Ajay Devgn's an upcoming movie. It is an

action film directed by Sajid Khan and produced by Vashu Bhagnani & UTV Motion Pictures. Ajay Devgn and Tamannaah is in lead roles. 1983s Himmatwala's superstar Jeetendra and khiladi Akshay Kumar will be seen

as special appearance. Himmatwala (2013) is remake of the Himmatwala (1983 film starring Jeetendra and Sridevi) which itself was a remake of a Telugu film Ooriki Monagadu( 1981 film starring Krishna and Jayapradha).

mraan Hashmi and And Huma Qureshi are gearing up for their release Ek Thi Daayan. Directed by newcomer Kannan Iyer, the movie is a spooky thriller. The dialogues of the movie have been written by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Vishal and Ekta Kapoor. Now, there is a sensuous romantic number to be shot between Emraan and Huma, and Vishal has specially stepped in to direct the song. Ek Thi Daayan is Emraan Hashmi's next release after his consecutive hits Raaz 3 and Jannat 2. Ek Thi Daayan, a spooky thriller, also stars Huma Qureshi,Konkona Sensharma and Kalki Koechlin. It releases worldwide on April 18, 2013.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

18

Nasa launches next generation Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid repairing protein could communication satellite prevent cancers
orbiting the Earth and the new satellite adds new and greater capabilities to that aging network. The satellite reached its planned orbit with no complications and NASA says that it will now conduct a three-month test phase on the satellite before putting it in the service. The new TDRS-K satellite has several modifications making it different than the older satellites in the TDRS network. The modifications include redesigned telecommunications payload electronics and a new higher performance solar panel design intended to generate more power. NASA says that additional power is needed to meet growing Sband requirements. Another of the satellite's design changes includes a return to ground-based processing of data allowing the system to serve more customers and meet growing communications requirements. NASA plans to launch the next satellite in the system called TDRSL in 2014 with TRDS-M expected to complete the manufacturing phase by 2015. WA S H I N G T O N : Certain methods of killing cancerous tumours can end up creating resistant cells, but researchers have now discovered a protein which helps prevent tumours from coming back. Researchers from University of Central Florida found KLF8, a protein present in several types of cancer, including those of the breast and ovaries that could prevent tumours from returning. KLF8 appears to protect tumour cells from drugs aimed at killing them and even aid the tumour cells' ability to regenerate, the Journal of Biological Chemistry reports. "All cells have a DNA-repair mechanism," explained Jihe Zhao, doctor and professor researching the role of proteins, among others, said. "That's why we survive constant DNA damage threats. But

CAPE CANAVERAL: NASA successfully launched the next generation communications satellite called the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites, known as TDRS-K. This is the 11th TDRS satellite to be launched by Nasa. The satellite headed into orbit atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The rocket lifted off at 8:48 PM EST on Wednesday from Cape Canaveral, Florida NASA says the launch went off without a hitch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in

Florida. NASA says that the satellite system is designed to provide tracking, telemetry, command, and high-bandwidth data return services for numerous science and human exploration missions in orbit around the Earth. NASA says the missions the satellite servers include the ISS and the Hubble space telescope. The space agency says the launch of this new satellite has started its refurbishment of the aging space network. NASA currently has a fleet of seven satellites

KLF8 is over expressed in specific cancers, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer. "The thought is that if we can stop it from switching on, we may be able to stop the tumours from coming back as part of therapy. We still need to do a lot more research, but it is plausible," said Zhao. Current treatment options, depending on the stage of cancer, include surgical removal followed by chemotherapy using a combination of cancer killing drugs. Each year about 22,200 women are also diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Russian scientists approve space-grown vegetables

Scientists closer to cheaper hydrogen fuel

WASHINGTON: Hydrogen has unparalleled potential as a low cost eco-friendly fuel, but it is expensive to produce. Now, researchers from Princeton and Rutgers Universities have edged a step closer to harnessing nature to pro-duce hydrogen for us. The team, led by Annabella Selloni, a Princeton chemistry professor, takes inspiration from bugs that make hydro-gen from water using enzymes called di-iron hydrogenases, according to a Princeton statement. Selloni's team uses computer models to figure out how to incorporate the magic of these enzymes into the design of practical synthetic catalysts that humans can use to produce hydrogen from water cheaply. The catalysts designed so far are susceptible to poisoning by the oxygen present during the reaction. By making changes to the catalyst to improve the stability of the structure in water, the researchers found that they had also created a catalyst that is tolerant to oxygen without sacrificing efficiency. What is more, their artificial catalyst could be made from abundant and cheap components, such as iron, indicating that the catalyst could be a cost-effective way of producing hydrogen.

Water flow on Mars suggests ancient life on planet

MOSCOW: Vegetables grown on board the International Space Station (ISS) can be consumed without fearing food poisoning, Russian scientists believe. Scientists have been studying "orbitalgrown" vegetables, including Misuna, or Japanese Cabbage, for several years. "The samples of cabbage have been brought to Earth," said, for the Moscow-based Institute of Medical and Biological Problems. "We have not detected any deviations in their biomass composition compared with cabbage grown on Earth." From a microbiological perspective, these samples were absolutely safe to consume," the scientist said. Microbiological safety is a key parameter for determining space travellers' diet, as fruits and vegetables cannot be washed with water on board a spacecraft. Russian scientists plan to use the results of these experiments for compiling a list of plants suitable for cultivating during prolonged space missions, including manned flights to Mars and beyond. WASHINGTON: Water flowing beneath the surface of ancient Mars suggests life may once have been possible on the Red planet, according to a new analysis by researchers from Brown University. The study conducted by Lee Saper and Jack Mustard suggest the ridges, many of them hundreds of meters in length and a few meters wide, had been noted in previous research, but how they had formed was not known. Saper and Mustard thought they might once have been faults and fractures that formed underground when impact events rattled the planet's crust. Using high-resolution images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the researchers noted the orientations of the ridges and composition of the surrounding rocks. The orientation data is consistent with the idea that the ridges started out as fractures formed by impact events. Importantly, researchers also found that source available. That water would have flowed along the path of least resistance, which in this case would have been these fracture conduits," Saper said. As that water flowed, dissolved minerals would have been slowly deposited in the conduits, in much the same way mineral deposits can build up and eventually clog drain pipes. The results suggest the ancient Martian subsurface had flowing water and may have been a habitable environment.

the ridges exist exclusively in areas where the surrounding rock is rich in iron-magnesium clay, a mineral considered to be a tell-tale sign that water had once been present in the rocks. "The association with these hydrated materials suggests there was a water

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

YOUTH POLITICS
MAJALTA: National Secular Forum (NSF) has demanded immediately opening of Degree College at Majalta to facilitate needs of the student community. The activists of Majalta Unit of NSF today protested against concerned authorities at Manwalfor delaying the opening of Degree College at Majalta. The protesting activists raised slogans against the State Government and demanded immediate opening ofa Degree College at Majalta. Addressing the protesters,Sukdev Singh, State vice president, welcomed all the members in the organization and hoped that they will work unitedly for the organization. NSF accused the State Government of ignoring Majalta tehsil where the people lack facilities for higher educational institution. He said as the Majalta is located about 48 kilometers away from Udhampur, the students of Tehsil have to either go to Udhampur or Samba for higher studies. Singh

19
said that the opening of a Degree College in Tehsil would benefit the students. I do not know what the criteria of opening degree colleges are. Colleges have been sanctioned in some areas where only two or three higher secondary schools function while as in Majalta belt there are as many as 10 plus two schools," argued Singh, adding, "population of this belt have been facing stepmotherly treatment for so many years."

NEWS IN BOX

NSF demands Degree College at Majalta

NSF stages protest at Jammu University

JAMMU: National Secular Forum (NSF) staged a protest demonstration at Jammu University (JU) expressing concern over the increasing incidents of molestation and sexual assault on women in Jammu and its peripheries. Dozens of NSF activists assembled at JU cafeteria and raised slogans against state government as well as central government. Addressing the protesters, state president of NSF Vikas Sharma alleged that the police department has failed to curb the increasing incidents of molestation and harassment of women, particularly school girls who have been living under great stress and trauma. "A situation of complete lawlessness is prevailing in the city and its peripheries and the police authorities are turning a blind eye to the present situation," Sharma said. Others who participated in protest included Surjit Choudhary, Sukdev Singh, Shafqat Malik.

Students protest against power crisis

POONCH: The students from several local schools held massive protest demonstration and took out a large rally against the Power Development Department here today. The students from local Govt Higher Secondary School, Bal Vikas Vidyalaya, SD Sabha School and Sant Mela Singh Public School assembled near Fort building complex and then started protest demonstration. They sat on dharna at the main Shahidi Chowk here and started raising slogans against Chief Minister and the Power Minister besides Chief Engineer and Executive Engineer PDD. These students boycotted their classes and then took to streets to lodge their protest. They alleged that due to worst ever power crisis, the students Community is the worst sufferer. They said after breakdown during heavy snow fall, hardly 3- 4 hours power supply is being given out of 24 hours. The voltage is very low and additional candles are needed to be lit even when bulbs are on in a room. They alleged that Government has failed to provide basic amenities and due this problems water supply is also badly hit. These agitating students supported by local youth also disrupted movement of vehicles for about two hours and after taking out march through various markets, they concluded the programme at Fort building complex. This programme was held under the banner of Poonch Youth Club, led by Nishu Gupta and Sarbjeet Singh.

ABVP organizes seminar on System Reforms

UDHAMPUR: ABVP Udhampur organized a seminar on System Reforms (Vyavstha Parivartan) at Bhartiya Vidya Mandir School Udhampur. The seminar was held under the leadership of Ex-National Executive Member Mann Singh. Chief Spokesperson of Organizing Secretary of ABVP Pawan Sharma was also present. The seminar was divided in five parts-election reform, educational reform, administrative reform, judiciary reform & police reform. The election reform panel was lead by Er. Pawan Gupta, Administrative Reform by Raj Guru, Judiciary Panel by Sameer Khajuria, Education Reform Panel by Vikram Gulati & Police Reform Panel lead by Retd. DSP O.P Sharma.

ABVP organizes quiz competition

KATHUA: Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarathi Parishad (ABVP) today held a quiz competition on the life history of Swami Vivekananda in the premises of Minerva Public School where Brigadier (Retd.) Piare Lal Choudhary was the main guest on the occasion who delivered lecture on the life history of Swami Vivekananda and highlighted his life history and ideology. While addressing to students, Piare Lal encouraged them to follow the ideology and advice given by Swami ji. He urged the youth to keep away from drug addiction and other anti-social activities which divert youth from their moral and social responsibilities towards nation. Mahi Paul Director of the School also urged students of the school to follow principles of Swami ji. He also criticized violence and other ill-wills of the society which were once condemned by Swami Vivekananda and asked students to fight against these social evils. Rahul Dev Sharma State Joint Secretary of ABVP also encouraged the Youth to follow the ideology of Swami Vivekananda who sacrificed his whole life for the development of Indian Culture at International Level.

Delhi VC holds student durbar amid protests

NEW DELHI: Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh today heard grievances from students over a range of issues including the cases of "special chance" even as a group of students held a protest against the varsity administration. A group of students gathered for a protest this afternoon to demonstrate against a number of issues including problems with evaluation and revaluation and the semester system among other things. Tempers flared after Academic Council's standing committee rejected all 25 cases of "special chances" which the Delhi High Court earlier this week had recom-

Two day National Scholars' seminar commences at JU

JAMMU: Two day National Scholars' seminar for the best paper award organized by Post Graduate Department of Commerce, University of Jammu. In the seminar, about 140 research scholars and students from various Universities across India are participating. On the first day today, Prof NK Sharma from IIT Kanpur and Dr Gurmeet Singh, Associate Prof and Associate Dean, University of South Pacific, Fiji, were external experts, while Prof RD Sharma, Chairman, BOPEE and Prof Neetu Andotra, Coordinator, AP, Commerce were the internal experts. The seminar began with a special lecture on current trends in review of the literature by Dr Gurmeet Singh, followed by three technical sessions with seven papers in each session on various themes vis--vis Market orientation, OCB, Outsourcing, Customer experience transformational leadership etc.

mended to the panel to be "reconsidered". As the Vice Chancellor held a 'special durbar' to listen to the problems of the students, protesters gathered outside the venue to protest the denial of special chance to students to clear their degrees in

extraordinary situations. The students led by DUSU President Arun Hooda then entered the venue and spoke to the Vice Chancellor to demand that the varsity consider their plea for another chance to clear their exams.

NPSU protest against fee hike

JAMMU: The students of Jammu University boycotted their classes in protest against the fee hike today. Expressing their resentment against the decision the protestors demanded immediate withdrawal of the decision. The Demonstration was held under the banner of National Panthers Student Union (NPSU). The protest was led by Thakur Virender Singh, President Jammu University and Provincial President NPSU. Early in the morning NPSU activists along with the students of Jammu University assembled at outside the Urdu Department of JU and started raising slogans against the University authorities and held them responsible for fee hike. Later the protesters blocked the traffic for near about one and half hour. Addressing the gathering Thakur Virender Singh came heavily upon authorities of University of Jammu for hiking the fees for hostels, examination and various forms etc which I totally illogical and unnecessary burden on students community. He demanded that the University of Jammu should clear their stand that on what ground and under which criteria they have hiked the fee all of a sudden.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

EDUCATION WATCH

20

Punjab Technical University 'flouts' UGC norms on PhD courses

LUDHIANA: In Complete violation of UGC norms for PhD courses, the Punjab Technical University (PTU) has allegedly been allowing candidates to complete their mandatory six-month course work in their respective colleges while in some institutes under the university, non-PhD teachers have been taking classes for students pursuing post-doctoral degrees. As per norms prescribed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for PhD courses in 2009, universities that award PhD degrees have to ensure that candidates complete six months of their course work at the concerned university campus. PTU, on the other hand, does not have a campus and to overcome this problem has designated certain colleges as regional centres that have been authorized to conduct the PhD course work. University authorities, however, have been allowing candidates to of anonymity, said. Further, as per UGC norms, if a tioning them leave. "Teachers of Guru Nanak Institute of Management and Technology pursuing PhD are taking classes with post graduate students in GNIMT itself without taking leave. They are not even completing the research norms of UGC and their marks and attendance are sent to PTU by fellow teachers who themselves are not PhD holders and PTU is sanctioning them degrees," said a source from GNIMT. The regional centre prescribed for Ludhiana is the Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College but course work is being conducted at GNIMT itself. PTU Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajneesh Arora, while responding to an email from The Indian Express, stated: "Classes are running as per UGC norms in our colleges." Dr A P Singh, the dean of research and innovation consultancy at PTU, also denied that classes were being held in colleges and not in the regional centres. The director of GNIMT, Colonel H.S. Singha, however, admitted that the institute was conducting PhD course-work on its premises. "Yes we are running unofficial PhD classes for our own teachers in GNIMT. The regional centre does not have proper arrangements," Singha said. Educationalists are warning that UGC could cancel these degrees any time. Dr Karamjit Singh, professor at Punjab University, Chandigarh, said: "PTU is making a mockery of the system and this is illegal. As per norms, a minimum of 135 hours needs to be devoted to three papers." The former dean of research at Punjabi University (Patiala), Dr S.S Tiwana, added: "This is completely wrong and such degrees are useless.

complete the six month course in their respective colleges than in the regional centres. "Classes are not being conducted even in the regional centres and are virtually happening in the respective colleges and institutes. All UGC norms are being flouted," a student pursuing PhD from PTU in Ludhiana, on the condition

teacher wants to pursue a PhD, he or she has to take leave for 6 months and, in case of colleges under PTU, and then visit the authorized regional centre to complete their post-doctoral course work. PTU authorities, however, have been allowing such teachers to complete their course-work at their own colleges without sanc-

CBSE to start assessment training for teachers

NEW DELHI: A programme for professional development of teachers and principals of schools affiliated to the CBSE, the Assessment Training Programme (ATP), will be started in February. All schools in the country that are affiliated to the Board have been requested to nominate staff to undergo the ATP in February. A calendar of events in this regard was released recently by the Board. However, schools in Bangalore have not warmed up to the idea as yet. "It is definitely a good step forward and will strengthen the existing system of assessments and evaluations set up by the Board. However, we already have a number of teachers' training programme within our system. We have a Zonal Institution of Education Training and teachers go for in-service training of 21 days after every six years. We will think about sending our teachers once we get the directive from the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghatan," said Shilbala Singh, principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), DRDO Complex. The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghatan office in the City, which monitors 39 KVs in the State, is yet to look at this particular proposal of the CBSE, according to an official. Started under the Centre for Assessment, Evaluation and Research (CAER) that was set up by the CBSE in August 2012 to improve pedagogic skills and for its better assessment, the ATP is a series of training modules in this direction. "Training of teachers here takes place according to the need and, whenever we feel that it is required, we usually tie up with some other entities to serve the purpose. Moreover, the teachers by now are well-versed with all the plans that have been launched by the CBSE such as the Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation. We will look at the feasibility and decide accordingly," said Shreedevi, principal, Vagdevi Vilas, Marathalli

37 teachers to contest in polls for DU statutory bodies today

NEW DELHI: Delhi University will conduct the elections for its executive and academic councils, the elections are being conducted to elect the teachers representatives to the highest statutory bodies of the university.Teachers will send 26 of their representatives to the academic council and 2 teachers to the executive council for a term of two years. In all, 37 candidates are in fray for the AC elections, of which Indian National Teachers Congress has fielded 6 candidates, followed by National Democratic Teachers' Front with 5 and 4 each by Democratic Teachers' Federation and Academics for Action and Development. There are 18 others from smaller groups and independent candidates. For EC, there are 5 candidates in the fray while AAD, DTF, NDTF, Common Teachers' Forum have fielded one candidate each. The results of the elections will be interesting especially if the candidates from DTF and CTF manage to win as it will indicate a leaning against the proposed radical reforms, such as the 4-year-degree programme. So far, the left-back teachers' organizations have been vocal about their reservations on various reforms introduced. Last years' DUTA elections had reflected upon the antisemester mood when teachers voted for the DTF.

Decision on RTE for convent schools soon

BHOPAL: The state education department is soon going to dispel the ambiguity that looms over the 'leased' convent schools whether they come under the ambit of the Right to education (RTE) Act or not. A decision in this regard is likely to be taken in a couple of days. Highly placed sources in the education department said, Carmel Convent BHEL, St Xavier, St Mary, Campion School, St Theresa, St Thomas, All Saint's, St John's and Hema Higher Secondary among others are on leased land and hence it was not clear whether these schools would have to reserve 25% of their seats for the BPL children coming under the RTE Act. Notably, most of these schools, barring Carmel Convent BHEL, have also either completed their KG and class I admissions or are in the process. Hence, parents are in a fix over whether their dreams of sending their children to such schools stand good. District education officer (DEO), C M Upadhyay said, "Recently at the meeting held at Rajya Shiksha Kendra (RSK) we have brought this issue to the notice of its commissioner and have asked for clarifications. A decision in this regard is likely to be taken in a couple of days." He also said that since it is in lieu of a Supreme Court judgment, any decision taken would be done keeping in mind the consequences of that verdict. "If the land is leased, on grant or on concessional rates, we need to ascertain in what proportion it was taken and what permissions need to be taken for the admissions," he said. On the issue of how the admissions would be affected as most of these schools as they are already through with the admission of the junior classes, he said, "Even if there is some delay in the procedure, it is acceptable as the future of children depends on it. Whatever that is done will be under the ambit of the apex court's judgment." Last year, after the SC ruling on exemption of unaided minority schools, the Catholic Church of MP had issued a statement in July that there are no aided Catholic schools in Bhopal. Only the Hindi section of one school is partially aided. Hence the schools do not come under the ambit of the Right to Education Act (RTE).

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

SPORTS
Virat Kohli becomes second fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in ODIs

21
Mumbai on 28 Jan 2013. Mumbai won the final match against Saurashtra by an inning and 125 runs on the third day of Ranji Trophy final. The Mumbai team so far has played in 44 finals of Ranji Trophy. Mumbai in their first inning scored 355 runs while Saurashtra in reply could manage only 148. In its second inning Saurashtra was bundled out for merely 82. Mumbai pacers Ajit Agarkar (4-15) and Dhawal Kulkarni (5-32 & 9-56) did an excellent job. Wasim Jaffar was declared Man of the Match. Ajit Agarkar was the captain of the winning team.

ICC Women's World Cup: India registers convincing win against West Indies
MUMBAI: Thirush Kamini's 100 off 146 balls helped India defeat the West Indies by 105 runs in the opening game of the ICC Women's World Cup at Brabourne Stadium here on Jan31. Put in to bat, India posted a massive score of 284 for six, largely owing to the 175-run stand between Kamini and Poonam Raut (72) for the first wicket. In reply, the West Indies lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 179 in 44.3 overs. Indian bowlers bowled in good areas and extracted movement off the pitch and in the air. Nagarajan Niranjana picked up three for 52 but it was the opening spell of new ball bowlers Jhulan Goswami (2-13) and Amita Sharma (1-28) that put the team from the Caribbean on the backfoot.

ndian cricket star Virat Kohli became the fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Virat Kohli played 96 ODI matches and 93 innings to reach this milestone. Before Sourav Ganguly was the fastest Indian to score 4000 runs in ODI who had played 105 inning.

Woods wins 75th PGA title at Torrey Pines

i g e r Wo o d s on 28 January 2013 won his 75th PGA Tour title in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Woods entered into the fifth day of play with a six-shot lead over his closest competitors, Brandt Snedeker and Nick Watney. Although, he was far from his fluent best and he dropped four strokes in three holes from the 15th, it did not stop his progress to victory and he finished on 14-under 274 to win the $6.1 million event by four shots. It was the 23rd time Woods has won by such a margin or more on the U.S. circuit and was his record eighth victory at the Torrey Pines course, where he also claimed the last of his 14 majors in 2008. He parred his first five holes without any problem before birdieing the 13th after two putting from 52 feet. Woods dropped another shot on the 17th and missed a 15ft birdie putt on the last, however, his level-par 72 was enough to secure him victory. Snedeker had just five holes to try and put any type of pressure on Woods, but he could produce no late wonderful stint and had to settle for a final-round 69 and a tie for second place alongwith Josh Teater, who also carded a three-under-par round. Watney was placed at the best position to challenge Woods but four bogeys in 10 holes undermined his effort and he finished in joint fourth, alongside Jimmy Walker on nine under.

Earlier, after a brilliant start by Kamini and Raut, Goswami smashed her way to 36 off 21 balls. It was the impetus the hosts needed as the lanky all-rounder hit six fours in a blitzkrieg off an innings. Harmanpreet Kaur (36) too played a good hand as India went on to post a big score. The West Indies batters were in trouble from the outset, finding it hard to play the moving ball. Deandra Dottin's 39 off 16 balls

was the only bright spot for an otherwise poor batting performance. Brief Scores: India: 284 for six in 50 overs (Thirush Kamini 100, Poonam Raut 71, Jhulan Goswami 36, Harmanpreet Kaur 36; Deandra Dottin 3-32) vs West Indies: 179 all out in 44.3 overs (Deandra Dottin 39, Shanel Daley 28, Shemaine Campbelle 21; Nagarajan Niranjana 3-52, Jhulan Goswami 2-13, Gouher Sultana 2-38).

India wins ODI series against England 3-2

Australian Open 2013: Djokovic and Azarenka are Champions

ovak Djokovic of Serbia defeated Andy Murray of UK in four sets to win Australian Open 2013 final. The tournament was held in Melbourne. It was Djokovik's third consecutive Australian Open title and fourth overall. Nine other tennis players had won consecutive Australian open tournament, but none three straight years. Djokovic had five break-point chances in the opening set, including four after having Murray at 0-40 in the Djokovic poses with seventh game, but couldn't convert any of them. In 2012, Djokovic had started with an epic 5-hour, 53-minute trophy five-set win over Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open, the longest Grand Slam final. Djokovic won his first major title in 2008 Australian Open. He now has six Grand Slam titles altogether. Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on 26 January 2013 won the Women's Singles title of the Australian Open Tennis tournament at Melbourne. The World Number One defeated Azarenka poses with Li Na of China, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the final to win the title for the second successive time. trophy The match lasted for 2-hour and 40-minutes which featured 16 service breaks, with Li losing her service nine times. Top seeded American brothers Bob and Mike Bryan won the men's doubles title. Americans Mike and Bob Bryan won their record 13th Grand Slam doubles title, defeating the Dutch team of Robin Haase and Igor Sijsling 6-3, 6-4.

Australian Open 2013: Winners at a Glance

TITLE Men's Singles Women's singles Men's doubles Women's doubles Mixed Doubles WINNERS Novak Djokovic(Serbia) Victoria Azarenka(Belarus) Bob and Mike Bryan(USA) Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci(Italy) Jarmila Gajdosova and Matthew Ebden(Australia) RUNNERS -UP Andy Murray(Britain) Li Na(China) Robin Haase and Igor Sijsling(Netherlands) Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua(Australia) Lucie Hradecka and Frantisek Cermak (Czech Republic)

ngland defeated India by seven wickets in the fifth and the last ODI played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala on 27 January 2013. Despite England's win in this match, India won the series against England by 3-2. India batted first in the match and scored 226 in 49.4 overs. In reply, England easily reached the target with seven wickets remaining. The details of the remaining matches are as following: First ODI- Played at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot on 11 January 2013. England won by 9 runs. Second ODI-Played at Nehru Stadium, Kochi on 15 Jan 2013. India won by 127 runs. Third ODI-Played at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on 19 January 2013. India won by 7 wickets. Fourth ODI-Played at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh on 23 Jan 2013. India won by 5 wickets. Suresh Kumar Raina of India was declared player of the series. Alastair Cook was the skipper of England ODI team while Indian ODI team was led by Mahender Singh Dhoni.

Ranji Trophy: Mumbai claim their 40th title, defeat Saurashtra

umbai won its 40th Ranji trophy at Wankhede Stadium in

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

SPORTS

22
Shuttler Saina Nehwal retains World No.2 spot
NEW DELHI: India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal has managed to retain the second position in the women's singles ranking issued by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) released on Jan 31. London Olympic bronze medallist Saina has 80461.7444 points in her kitty and is placed behind reigning Olympic champion Li Xuerui (94626.7153) of China, who tops the women's chart. Among other Indian in the fray, promising P V Sindhu also remained static at a career-best 16th spot in the women's singles ranking. In the rankings for the men's singles, Olympic quarterfinalist Parupalli Kashyap of India also retained his career-best World No. 9 position.

MS Dhoni named vice-president of India Cements

CHENNAI: Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has been appointed as vice-president of India Cements, a company which is headed by BCCI President N Srinivasan. Dhoni, who recently resigned from Air India, is expected to play for his new employers in the BCCI Corporate Trophy which began on Friday despite his earlier intention to take a break ahead of the important home series against Australia. India Cements are the owners of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings of which Dhoni has been the captain since 2008 and Srinivasan is the Managing Director-cum-vice-chairman of the company. That Dhoni had joined the company had come to light when his name was included in the India Cements squad a few days back. A Chennai Super Kings official has confirmed his position in the company. The inclusion of Dhoni's name in the India Cements squad for Feb 1-8 Corporate Trophy had come as a surprise since the Indian captain had expressed a desire to rest and had made himself unavailable for the Irani Trophy. Dhoni is known to have the complete backing of Srinivasan who had vetoed a move to remove him from Indian captaincy after a string of Test losses. The Corporate Trophy will be held in four cities - Pune, Nagpur, Indore and Raipur. The Irani Trophy will be held in Mumbai from Feb 6 to 10.

Australia announces 17-man squad to tour India

MELBOURNE: All rounders Glenn Maxwell and Moises Henriques were handed a Test call up in Australia's 17-member squad as the selectors decided to go for a strong bowling attack for their four-Test tour of India starting next month. Xavier Doherty and Steven Smith were also included in the team along with Nathan Lyon as Australia went for four spinners to exploit the spinfriendly conditions in the subcontinent. James Pattinson, who was out of cricket due to a rib injury and side strain, also made a comeback to the Test team, while Peter Siddle, Jackson Bird, Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson are the other pacers who were included in Australia's fivestrong pace attack. Australia will play two warmup games in Chennai on Feb 12-13 and Feb 16-18 ahead of the first Test starting at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Feb 22. Squad: Michael Clarke (c), Ed Cowan, David Warner, Phil Hughes, Shane Watson, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Xavier Doherty, Jackson Bird.

Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia continues to top the men's ranking with Chinese duo of Chen Long and Du Pengyu occupying the second and third spots respectively.

Pakistani players left out of the IPL auctions again

NEW DELHI: Considered pariahs by the Indian Premier League since 2008, Pakistani cricketers were once again left out of the list of players to be auctioned for the event's sixth edition in April-May. The 101-strong list of players, to be auctioned on Jan 3, does not feature a single Pakistani player despite the resumption of bilateral cricket ties between the two neighbours in December last year. Pakistani players have been ignored by IPL since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Even though the Pakistan Cricket Board has been pushing for their inclusion, the efforts have not paid off even this year. And it has got nothing to do with the recent tension that gripped the Line of Control earlier this month after an Indian soldier was beheaded during a violation of the ceasefire. The move to keep Pakistani players out was initiated in December last year even though BCCI had hinted about having them for the auction at least. The BCCI's apprehension stemmed from the fear of controversies given that having sportspersons from across the border remains a sensitive matter in India. "It is for the franchises to decide their teams. The franchises invest a lot of money and they do not want to take risk by including Pakistani players. The idea is to play it safe", a top IPL official said.

India flex muscle in ICC meet, threaten pull-out over DRS

NEW DELHI: India has once again threatened to pull out of any tour in which the host country insists on using the Decision Review System, according to a report. According to a report in a sports website, at the ICC executive council meeting in Dubai BCCIpresident N Srinivasan has shot down a proposal in favour of a policy change where the approval of the host country would be enough to implement the DRS. The report said that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Giles Clarke was the lone man who spoke in favour of a policy change regarding the implementation of DRS. "Srinivasan's concerns are understood to still centre on a belief that the technology could be easily manipulated and is unreliable. It has been learnt that he made the claim that India would pull out of bilateral series if a system was in place where the home side could insist on the DRS," the report said. "Though the DRS issue was not even listed on the agenda, or in the post-meeting press release dispatched, it was discussed at length in the wake of a renewed push during the ICC chief executives committee (CEC) meeting last month, for universal implementation of the referral system. "At that meeting, held on December 4, every member with the exception of India had backed a change in the DRS implementation policy," the report added. The existing playing conditions as laid down by the ICC require the approval of both countries on DRS during a bilateral series. "In the end there was no vote as most of 13-man strong board (10 Full Members plus three Associates) failed to stand up to Srinivasan. Only Clarke, who supported the CEC recommendation, felt it warranted a discussion this week again," the report read.

Australia humiliates West Indies by 9 wickets in opening ODI

PERTH: Australia's Mitchell Starc claimed five wickets as the West Indies were bundled out for just 70 on their way to an embarrassing defeat in the first one-day international on Friday. Australia made light of the feeble score -- the West Indies' thirdlowest ODI total -- romping to victory in just 9.2 overs for the loss of one wicket. Left-armer Starc snared five wickets for 20 runs as the tourists imploded after winning the toss and electing to bat in the first game of the five-match series. The tourists' score was well short of Australia's 91 against the West Indies at the same venue in 1987, the previous lowest total at the WACA Ground. The home side put their opponents' performance into context when they came out to bat, with Glenn Maxwell smashing 51 off 35 balls. Usman Khawaja, dropped before he scored, was unbeaten on eight. When the West Indies slumped to 19-5 after Starc claimed his fourth wicket in eight balls, they appeared in grave danger of falling short of their lowest ever tally of 54, against South Africa in 2004. Darren Bravo's dismissal for 11 left them 39-7 before captain Clint McKay (3-10) started the rot for the tourists when he claimed the prize scalp of big-hitting opener Chris Gayle, caught by Aaron Finch at second slip for just four. The match was effectively over as a contest when Starc used his combination of pace and swing to destroy the West Indian top order. He claimed the wickets of Kieran Powell (11) and Ramnaresh Sarwan, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, all for ducks, in the space of eight balls. West Indies paceman Holder took his first one-day wicket in Australia's reply, when he had Finch caught behind for 10.

Darren Sammy contributed 16 in a stand of 26 for the eighth wicket with debutant Jason Holder.

Sammy was the top-scorer with the bat, his tally only eclipsed by the 17 extras Australia conceded.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

EMPLOYMENT NEWS

23

SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam 2013

SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam CGL 2013 notification has been released. The preliminary exam for SSC CGL is scheduled to be held on 14-04-2013 and 21-04-2013. The candidates can apply online beside besides sending application by post. The candidate can download application form to apply for SSC CGL 2013. The last date of filling application for SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam CGL 2013 is 15th February 2013. The candidate can also make online applications for this examination that offers a golden opportunity to graduates to join as assistant in various ministries. Educational qualification: The minimum qualification for the Combined Graduate Level exam is gradation from a recognized university. Age Limit: The age limit for SSC CGL 2013 is 18-27 years. The candidate must have been born not earlier than 02.01.1986 and not later than 01.01.1995 The age limit for the post of Statistical Investigator Gr.II is 26 year (upper age limit) the candidate must have been born not earlier than 02.01.1987. The age limit for the post of Assistant/Sub Inspector in CBI is 20-27 years. That means the candidate must have been born not earlier than 02.01.1986 and not later than 01.01.1993. However the age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PH is applicable as per the government rules. Exam Fee: The exam fee for SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam CGL 2013 is INR 100(hundred rupees only however women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, PH, and Ex-Servicemen are exempted from paying application fee according to the Government orders. Important Dates: Online Application: Exam Date: 14-04-2013 & 21-04-2013 PART-I REGISTRATION: 13.02.2013 (5:00 PM) Last date to apply: 15.02.2013 PART-II REGISTRATION: 15.02.2013 (5.00 P.M.)

Bank of Baroda Notified Recruitment Specialist Officers 2013

Bank of Baroda invited applications for recruitment to the posts of 90 Specialist Officers. The eligible candidate candidates can apply through online format before 9 February 2013. Important Dates * Opening Dates for Online Registration: 28 January 2013 * Closing Dates for Online Registration: 9 February 2013 Details of Vacancies Post Code Category Grade/Scale Number 01 Planning JMG/S I 40 02 Planning MMG/S II 05 03 Risk Management MMG/S II 05 04 Treasury MMG/S II 10 05 Security MMG/S II 30 Grand Total 90 Reservation in Post Grade/ Total SC ST OBC Gen PWD Scale OH VI HI JMG/S I 40 6 3 11 20 1 - MMG/S II 50 7 5 18 20 1 - -

Dena Bank Recruitment 2013

Dena Bank invites Application from the eligible candidates who fulfill the following eligibility criterion for filling up the vacancies given below Important: - Candidates are required to apply on-line through Bank's web site www.denabank.com. (Where full advertisement is available) No other means/modes of application will be accepted. Detail of Vacancies: - 482 Vacancies * Agriculture Officer - 201 posts * Personnel Officer - 14 posts * Officer (IT) - 70 posts * Officer (Legal) - 06 posts * Rajbhasha Adhikari - 11 posts * Civil Engineer - 03 posts * Electrical Engineer - 02 posts * Officer ( IT - CISA) - 08 posts * Officer ( Credit/FA) - 100 posts * Officer ( Forex) - 36 posts * Officer ( MIS/Economics) - 04 posts * Architect - 01 post * Fire Officer - 02 posts * CA/ICWA - 10 posts * Security Officer - 14 posts Educational Qualifications: - (Please download advertisement detail given below for more information.) Application Fee :Post Code For all others (Including OBC/ Ex-Servicemen) Rs 20/Rs. 100 (only intimation & (Including intimation Postal Charges) charges) Rs. 50/Rs. 400 (only intimation & (Including intimation Postal Charges) charges) For SC/ST/PWD

ALLAHABAD BANK
Engagement of IT Advisor on Contract Basis
Last Date of Receipt of Application: 04.02.2013 Allahabad Bank, a leading Public Sector Bank, invites applications from eligible candidates having experience of working in different capacities with IT exposure in any Public Sector Bank (preferably other than Allahabad Bank),for engagement of IT Advisor on Contract basis as follows: 1. Age & Eligibility (As on 31.12.2012): Age Eligibility

S.No 1.

For Post Code from 1 to 7 For Post Code from 8 to 15

How To Apply :- Candidates are required to apply online through website www.denabank.com. No other means/mode of application will be accepted. Application link on website will be open from 21.01.2013 to 04.02.2013.

* Candidate must be Graduate in any discipline with CAIIB. Any degree / diploma in the field of Computer Science / IT would be an added qualification. * Minimum 20 years experience of working in different capacities in Banking with IT exposure in Public Sector Bank. * Minimum 5 years experience on providing consultancy / advisory services in implementation of CBS software / other IT related projects in any Public / Pvt. Sector Banks in India. 2. Tenure: The IT advisor would be engaged for a period of 3 years with annual performance review and the engagement for the subsequent year would be subject to satisfactory performance of the advisor for the previous year as well as further requirement of the Bank. 3. Remuneration: Negotiable 4. Job Profile: IT Advisor shall be the focal point for defining Information Technology Road Map for the next 2-3 years to align Corporate Business Plan of the Bank [included but not limited to a) upgradation and revamping of Network architecture including devices, connectivity technologies etc.; b) enhancement of electronic delivery channels of the Bank including ATMs, internet banking, mobile banking, e-payments-commerce etc. and expansion of its operations; c) formulation of RFP document]; Testing of IT Services; Provide Project Management Assistance for all IT and business related Project Implementations; IT Security; IT Governance; Business Process Re-Engineering and e-governance etc. 5. Selection Procedure: The eligible candidates will be called for personal interview and decision of the Bank in this regard shall be final. 6. Submission of Application: Application has to be submitted in the given format, available on Bank's website in Recruitment link. Last date for receipt of application is 04.02.2013. No application shall be entertained beyond the stipulated date. Ineligible /incomplete application shall be rejected. The application super scribed as "Application for the post of IT Advisor" should be addressed to : The General Manager(IT), Allahabad Bank, DIT, Head Office, 2, N.S. Road, Kolkata-700001. 7. General Instructions: While applying for the post, the applicant should ensure that he/she fulfils the eligibility and other norms mentioned above and that the particulars furnished are correct in all respects. In case it is detected at any stage of engagement that a candidate does not fulfil the eligibility norms and/or that he/she has furnished any incorrect/false information or has suppressed any material fact(s), his /her candidature will automatically stand cancelled. If any of the above shortcomings is/are detected even after engagement, his/her contractual engagement is liable to be terminated without any notice. Mere submission of the application against the advertisement and apparently fulfilling the criteria as prescribed in the advertisement would not bestow on him/her right to be called for interaction/interview. Website: www.allahabadbank.in

Name of the Post/ No. of Post IT Advisor Not more than 60 years

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

EMPLOYMENT NEWS

24

MHA Recruitment 2013 Saptagiri Grameena Bank Recruitment 2013

Ministry Of Home Affairs 76 ACIO Recruitment 2013 Online applications are invited from Indian nationals for direct recruitment to the post of Assistant Central Intelligence Officer, Grade II/Tech & Assistant Central Intelligence Officer, Grade II/Wireless Telegraphy, General Central Service, Group-C (Non-Gazetted/Non-Ministerial) in the Intelligence Bureau, (Ministry of Home Affairs), Government of India Detail of Vacancies :* Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) II/WT - 57 posts * Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (ACIO) II/Tech - 19 posts Age Limit :- Between 18-27 years as on the closing date for receipt of applications. The closing date will be 30 days from the date of publication of this advertisement in the Employment News. Upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC. Pay Scale :- pay scale of Rs.9300- 34800/- with Grade Pay of Rs.4200/(plus admissible Central Government allowances in the Bureau). Educational Qualifications :- Bachelor's Degree OR Diploma (Please Download advertisement detail given below for more information.) Application Fee :- Rs. 100/- (RUPEES ONE HUNDRED ONLY). General and OBC candidates need to deposit Rs. 100/-. However, SC/ST candidates and all women candidates are exempted from paying examination fee. How To Apply :- Applications should be submitted on or after the opening date only through ON-LINE registration by logging on to the website www.mha.nic.in. LAST DATE :- 18 Feb. 2013* Saptagiri Grameena Bank invites applications from Indian citizens, for the post of Officer in Middle Management Grade (Scale II), Officer in Junior Management (Scale I) Cadre and Office Assistant (Multipurpose) from Indian citizens who have appeared at the Common Written Examination for RRBs conducted by IBPS in September 2012 and declared qualified. Detail of Vacancies :- 129 posts 1 Officer Scale-II ( Law Officer) :- 02 posts 2 Officer Scale-II (Information Technology) : - 04 posts 3 Officer Scale-II (Agricultural Officer) : - 02 posts 4 Officer Scale-I :- 48 posts 5 Office Assistant (Multipurpose) :- 73 posts Age Limit :- As on 01.06.2012 For Officer Scale- II Above 21 years - Below 32 years. For Officer Scale- I Above 18 years - Below 28 years. For Office Assistant Between 18 years and 28 years. Educational Qualifications :- (Please Download advertisement detail given below for more information.) Application Fee :- Rs. 20/- for SC/ST/PWD/EXSM candidates. Rs.100/- for all others. Requisite Application Fee may be paid as under The candidates belonging to the Operational Area of Saptagiri Grameena Bank i.e., districts of Chittoor and Krishna of A.P. may remit Fee through CBS at any of the Branches of Saptagiri Grameena Bank, by means of a Payment challan available in the Bank's website to the A/c No: 93384340. How To Apply :- Candidates are required to apply online through Bank's website www.saptagirigrameenabank.in between 28.01.2013 and 09.02.2013. No other means/ mode of application will be accepted. LAST DATE :- 09.02.2013

CISF Recruitment 2013

Applications are invited from Male Indian citizens for filling up the following vacancies of Asstt. Sub Inspector (Fitter/Motor Mechanic/Auto Electrician) in Central Industrial Security Force. Detail of Vacancies :ASI(Fitter/Motor Mechanic/Auto Electrician) - 19 Posts Age Limit :- 18 to 25 years as on 05.02.2013 on the closing date of receipt of application. Pay Scale :- PB-1 Rs.520020200 +GP 2800 plus usual and admissible allowances to the Central Government employees from time to time. Educational Qualifications :Matriculation or equivalent examination of a recognized University/Board. Application Fee :- application fees of Rs.50/- (Rupees fifty only) in the form of Postal Order SC/ST and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from application fee. How To Apply :- Application should be sent so as to reach the concerned DIG of CISF as shown in the Advertisement Below by 05.02.2013 and in case of residents of North East region by 12.02.2013 No application will be entertained which is received after the due date. LAST DATE :- 05 Feb. 2013

SBI PO Recruitment 2013 AAI Senior Asst. Recruitment 2013

State Bank of India invites online Application from eligible Indian Citizen for appointment as Probationary Officers (POs) in State Bank of India. Detail of Vacancies: - 1500 posts 1 SC :- 225 2 ST :- 112 3 OBC :- 405 4 GEN :- 758 Probationary Officers: - 1500 posts Age Limit :- Not below 21 years and not above 30 years as on 01.01.2013 i.e candidates must have been born not earlier than 02.01.1983 and not later than 01.01.1992 (both days inclusive) Educational Qualifications :- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. Application Fee :- SC / ST / PWD Rs. 50/- (Intimation Charges only) . General and Others Rs. 200/- (App. fee including intimation charges) After which candidates are required to pay the requisite application fee through one of the following mode i.e. Offline and Online mode How To Apply :- Candidates will be required to register themselves online first through Bank's website or through given below apply online link. www.sbi.co.in LAST DATE: - 23/02/2013 Airport Authority of India (AAI) invites Applications from the eligible candidates for Senior Assistant (Official Language) posts. Detail of Vacancies:Assistant (Official Language) - 06 Posts Age Limit (as on 15.02.2013) :- 18-30 Years. (See Relaxation Detail In Advertisement). Pay Scale :- Rs. 14500/- - Rs. 33500/- and other allowances as per AAI rules. Educational Qualifications :- Post Graduate. (Please Download advertisement detail given below for more information). Application Fee :- A Demand Draft of Rs. 400/- (Rupees One hundred only) (non - refundable) drawn in favour of Airports Authority of India, and payable at Delhi. SC/ST/PWD and Women candidates are Exempted from payment of fee. How To Apply :- Candidates fulfilling the above conditions may submit their application in Hindi/English to THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA, NORTH REGION, Ranpuri Gurgaon Road New Delhi-110037 so as to reach on or before 15-022013. LAST DATE: - 15 February 2013

CMRL Recruitment 2013

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), a joint venture of Govt. of India and Govt. of Tamil Nadu, is entrusted with the implementation of the rail based Mass Rapid Transit System for Chennai. CMRL invites applications from Indian Nationals for the following posts in CMRL: Detail of Vacancies: - 719 Vacancies * Station Controller/ Train Operator /Jr. Engineer (Stations) - 244 Posts * Jr. Engineer (Mechanical/Electrical/ Electronics/Civil) - 210 posts * Technician (Mechanical/Electrical/ Electronics/Civil/ Plumbing/ Blacksmith/Welding/ Information Technology) - 265 Posts Educational Qualifications: - (Please download advertisement detail given below for more information.) Application Fee :- The candidates have to take Bank Demand Draft (DD) for Rs.500/- (Rupees five hundred only) and Rs.100/- (Rupees One hundred only) in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST towards application fee in favour of Chennai Metro Rail Limited, Chennai from any nationalized Bank payable at Chennai. (Candidates are advised to keep the DD ready before applying online). Cheques, Money Orders, Postal Orders, Pay Orders, Banker's Cheques, postal stamps, etc., will not be accepted, towards application fee. How to Apply: - Candidates applying for the Various Positions in "Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL)" are required to apply only through the CMRL website: http://www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in. From 19 January 2013 to 16 February 2013 No other Means/Mode of application will be accepted. First, Candidates have to apply online, and then send the hard copy of the already submitted application through online, with ink signature, photograph, thumb impression, declaration etc. by post / courier, to; Manager (HR), Chennai Metro Rail Limited, "Harini Towers", No. 7, Conran Smith Road, Gopalpuram, Chennai - 600086 Latest by 20-02-2013. LAST DATE:-16 Feb. 2013

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

EMPLOYMENT NEWS

25

Recruitment For Estates Officer In Shere-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences & Technology (SKUAST)
Estates Officer Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Address: Registrar, Sher-eKashmir, University of Agril. Sciences & Technology of Jammu, Chatha Postal Code: 180009, City Jammu, State Jammu & Kashmir Pay Scale: Rs.37400-67000 + Grade Pay Rs.8900/Educational Requirements: Second class Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering Date Posted: 01/08/2013 No of Post: 01 Experience Requirements: 20 year's experience of Civil Works in University Institution, Project, Government, PWD out of which 10 years in the rank of Deputy Estates Officer/Executive Engineer. How To Apply: Application form complete in all respects duly supported by attested copies of certificates, testimonials and accompanied by Demand Draft for 1500/- drawn in favour of Comptroller, SKUAST of Jammu payable at Jammu should reach through Registered/Speed Post to the office of the Registrar, Sher-eKashmir, University of Agril. Sciences & Technology of Jammu, Chatha by or before 15.02.2013 upto 5 p.m. Applications received after expiry of the said date will not be entertained. Last Date: 15.02.2013 upto 5 p.m. Age Limit: 20-55 Years

ASSOCIATED HOSPITRALS OF GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE JAMMU ADVERTISEMENT

Consequent upon the creation of additional/vacant posts in the GMC and its Associated Hospitals Jammu, applications for the below mentioned vacant posts on the enclosed performa are invited from the permanent residents of J&K State for their recruitment to the Class-IV posts in the pay band as per details given below with fixed salary for the first five yrs. in terms of Govt. Order No. 257-F of 2011 dated 27.10.2011 read with SRO-332 of 2011 dated 28.10.2011 in different categories (Divisional Cadre Jammu). These posts shall be filled up as per SRO 144 of 28-05-2008. Details of 403 Posts category wise with prescribed qualification as per recruitment Rules are as under:S. No Category/ Pay Scale Qualification as per DRR Total no. of Name of the Post road with SRO 99 of 2008 Posts Dated: 07-4-2008 Line Man 2610-3540 Matric + Diploma from 07+1=8 (Revised Pay Scale I.T.I in the electric trade 4440-7440+1400) Cleaner 2610-3540 Matric + with driving licence 03+1=4 (Revised Pay Scale / cleaner chit from RTO 4440-7440+1400) Jr. Cook/Cook 2550-3200 Matric + 10 years experience 07+05=12 (Revised Pay Sacle in relevent line 4440-7440+1300) 1 Dark Room Attendant/ 2610-3540 Matric or its equivalent from 90+4=94 Attendant Theatre Boy/ (Revised Pay Scale the recognised board X-ray Boy/ Attendant/ 4440-74440+1400) Lab. Boy/ Head Gardner/ Senior N.O. 2 Nursing orderly/Jr. N.O. 2550-3200 Matric Pass 58+27=285 / Office orderly/ (Revised Payu Scale Class IV/ Gatekeeper/ 4440-7440+1300) Hospital attendant/ Attenmdant Bearer (Stretcher)/Chowkidar/ Khansama/ Gardner/ Room attendant The applicant must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:1. The Age of the applicant should not exceed the age limit as mentioned below as on 01.01.2013 a. Minimum 18 years b. Maximum (General) 37 years. c. SC/ST/RBA/ALC/OSC 40 years. d. Handicapped 39 years. e. Ex-servicemen 48 years. 2. Qualification: a. Minimum - Matriculate from recognized Board. b. Maximum- 10+2 from recognized Board. c. No weight age shall be given to higher qualification other than the required as per DRR read with SRO 99. 3. The applicant must be permanent resident of J&K State. 4. The candidates belonging to concerned Division should apply. 5. The applicant must attach the attested photo copies of the following certificates/testimonials with their application forms:a. Permanent resident certificate. b. Matriculation certificate. c. DOB Certificate. d. Academic qualification certificate along-with marks certificate. e. Character certificate (from Gazetted Officer). f. Reserved category certificate, if any, issued by competent authority. g. Self addressed envelope affixed with postal stamp worth Rs.5/h. Treasury receipt of Rs.10/- under account head "0210 Revenue" i. Two copies of recent passport size photographs of the applicant duly attested by the gazette Officer, one pasted on the application form. 6. The application form duly filled and completed in all respects should be deposited in person or through registered post in the office of the Personnel Officer, Associated Hospitals, Jammu. 7. Reservation Rules are applicable as per standing directions of the Government. 8. Applicant found incomplete in any manner during the scrutiny of applications shall be rejected without assigning any reasons to the applicant. 9. Candidate found guilty of impersonation or submitting fabricated document which have been tempered with or making statement incorrect or false suppressing material information shall render himself /herself liable for criminal prosecution. 10. The Govt. may increase or decrease the number of vacancies. No application shall be considered after the expiry of the last date. 11. The last date for receipt of application forms in the office of the Personnel Officer, Associated Hospitals, Jammu in para 06 above is 21.02.2013. No: AHJ/NG/ 3300-06 Sd/Dated: - 28 -01-2013 (Dr. Aniece Choudhary)Principal Govt. Medical College, Jammu

Govt of J&K State Level Nodal Agency for Integrated Watershed Management Programme Rural Development Deportment & Panchayti Raj, Civil Secretariat Jammu
ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE Application on plain paper are invited from the permanent residents of J&K State for contractual engagement against following posts initially for two years in the office of Chief Executive Officer State Level Nodal Agency for IWMP Rural Development Department & Panchayti Raj, Civil Secretariat Jammu. The Contractual engagement shall be terminable at the notion of one month from both the sides. Title of No. of Requiired the Posts Posts Qualification Data Entry 01 Graduate with 55% marks from a recognized University Operator & having Diploma in Computer application Candidate having additional qualification in the relevant subjects /experience will be preferred Office 01 B.Com with 55% marks from a recognized University. Assistant Candidates with experience in maintaining commercial Accounts accounts and having knowledge of Computer application will be preferred. Office 01 Graduate with 55% marks from a recognized University. Assistant Candidates having knowledge of computer application with short hand typing will be preferred
The eligibility and other terms and conditions governing the engagement will be as under: 1 The applicant should be permanent resident of Jammu and Kashmir State 2 The candidate must be in the age group of 18 to 37 yrs as on 31-12-2012 3 Ther shoud not be any case of criminal nature pending against the candidate in any Police Station/Crime Branch/Vigilance Organization or in any Court of Law 4 The Contractual engagement shell be initially for a period of two yrs. 5 The selected candidates will be offered Rs. 8000/- as monthly remunerations. 6 While submitting the application the candidate must submit their detailed bio-data with details of their academic qualification, experience and other relevant information. All details must be supported with attested photocopies by a Gazatted Officer. 7 The selected candidate shall have to file an affidavit duly attested by Judicial Magistrate that he will not claim any regularization in Govt. Service on the basis of his engagement in the SLNA The application should reach to the office of Chief Executive Officer State Level Nodal Agency for IWMP, Rural Development Deptt, Mini Block Civil Secretariat Jammu by or before 11-02-2013. Any application received after expiry of this date shall not be entertained. DIPK-13420 Sd/- Chairman, SLNA for IWMP Commissioner/ Secretarty to Govt. Rural Development Department &PR

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

EMPLOYMENT NEWS

26

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir High Mountain Arbi Agricultural Research Institute, Leh
ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE Application on plain paper with full biodata, control address/ contact No. and attested copies of testimonials are invited from eligible candidates for the following positions, at the Precision Farming Development Centre, Leh. S.No. Position Vacancies Salary Qualification 1 Senior Research 02 ** M.Sc (Ag) Fruit Science/ Pomology/Horticulture/ Fellow Soil Science/ Plant, Physiology/ Agri. Engg/ M.Tech (Agri Engg) 2 Computer Assistant 01 ** Graduate, Computer knowing **Shall be subject to ICAR norms Terms & Conditions for appointment are as under 1. The appointment shall be contractual in nature and last till completion of project. Continuation in the project is subject to consistant performance and good conduct. 2. The services of an appointee can be terminated any time, his/ her work and conduct is not satisfactory. 3. The candidate age should be between 18 to 40. 4. Candidates having experience and knowledge of cold arid conditions shall be preferred. The applications complete with biodata and testimonials shall reach Directorate of Research - Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus-II Srinagar, 191121 (J&K) by or before February 13th, 2013. The envelope containing application must be superscribed "Application for DIP/KNB-2788 Principal Investigator SRF/computer Assistant PFDC, Leh". Dt: 25-1-13 PFDC, Leh Sd/-

JKSSB Recruitment 2013, jkssb.nic.in Application Form 2013

JKSSB Jammu has released notification for filling up 3193 vacancies of Driver, Junior Engineer and Junior Assistant etc. Candidates who are eligible and willing can apply online on or before 9th Feb, 2013. Other details like Selection procedure, Age Limit, Qualification, How to apply, Important Dates are mentioned below: jkssb Recruitment Details 2013 are as below: Age Limit: Candidates age must be between 18-37 years. Education Qualification: Candidates must possess SSC/ITI/Diploma/Degree/Pg from a recognized university. Application Fees: Interested candidates have to pay Rs 200/- as an application fees. How to Apply: Eligible and interested candidates have to apply online on or before 9th Feb, 2013. Important Dates: Start Date for Online Application: 23rd Jan, 2013. Last Date for Online Application: 9th Feb, 2013

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA No.1 AKHNOOR

(Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govty. Of India) NEAR CHENAB RIVER OLD BRIDGE AKHNOOR- 181201 Ph: (01924) 252810 Fax No. 253250 Website: www.kvno.1akhnoor.com Email:kvno1akhnoor@yahoo.co.in F.4/KV.1-Akh/2009-10_______/29.1.2013 Fax/Post/By Hand Application are invited upto 12.2.2013 for the following posts, purely on part time/ contractual basis for the session 2013-14 to prepare a select panel for Teachers/Coaches/Doctors and Nurses etc as per KVS rules. List of eligible candidates for interview will be displayed on 18/2/2013 on school notice board & in front of gate. Elegible candidates are supposed to appear in interview at Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1 Akhnoor at 10.00 AM as per schedule given below Name of Educational Date of the Post Qualification Interview Post Graduate Teachers Master Degree in Concerned 20-2-13 in English, Hindi, Physics, subject with at least 50% marks Maths Chemistry, Biology, and B.Ed Commerce, Economics, For PGT Comp. Sc. Computer Science MCA/MSc/MA in Computer Sc. Computer Instructor BCA/PGDIT/PGDCA/ 20-2-13 Graduate with 2 Years diploma Spoken English/ Graduate with English German 20-2-13 German Language as one of the elective subject with profiviency in spoken English Doctor & Nurse 1 Doctor (minimum MBBS 20-2-13 and registered with MCD, with BLS certificate 2 Nurse (Diploma holder) with BLS certificate Trained Graduate Teacher Bachelor degree in concerned 21-2-13 in English, Hindi, Maths, subject with at least 50% marks Science, Sanskrit, and B.Ed Social Studies, Bio Sports Coaches Kho-Kho, B.PEd/NIS/SAI/SAT/Expert 21-2-13 Basketball, Volley Ball & Athletics Primary Teacher (PRT) Intermediate with 50% marks 22-2-13 and JBT/B.Ed Vocational Skills Music Graduate/Post Graduate in Music 22-2-12 & Art & Craft Teacher Vocal/ Instrumental or fine Arts Experience preferred
Note: 1. Bring all original documents along with one set of attested copies at the time of interview. 2. Candidate with working knowledge of computer will be preferred. 3. No TA/DA will be paid for attending interview.

OFFICE OF TH CHAIRMAN DIVISIONAL LEVEL COMMITTEE FOR RECRUITMENT TO THE CLASSS IV POSTS IN LIBRARIES DEPARTMANT (DIVISIONAL CADRE JAMMU)
ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE NO. 01 OF 2013 DATED: 22-01-2013
Subject: Recruitment to the Class IV posts in Libraries Department (Divisional Cadre) Consequent upon the vacant posts in libraries Department applications on the enclosed performa are invited from the permanent residents of J&K State in pursuance to Govt Order No. 735-GAD of 2008 dated. 30-05-2008 read with govt. Order No. 731 GAD of 2010 dated. 24-06-2010 for their recruitment to the Class IV posts in the pay band IS of 4440-7440 + Grade pay of Rs 1300/- with fixed salary for the first five years in term of Govt.257-F of 2011 dated. 27-10-2011 read with SRO-332 of 2011 dated. 28-10-2011 in different categories (Divisional Cader Jammu) Breakup of 34 Posts OM RBA ST SC ALC 20 07 03 03 01 Details of 34 posts with prescribed qualification S.No Name of Posts No. of Vacant Posts Total 34 Prescribed qualification Minimum Matric and Maximum 10+2

1 Library bearer/orderly 34 The applicant must fulfill the following eligibility criteria: 1 The age of the applicant should not exceed the age limitas mentioned below as on 01-01-2013 a) Min 18 yrs, b) Max 37 yrs, c) SC/ST/RBA/ALC/OSC 40 yrs, d) Handicapped 39 yrs, e) Ex-Servicemen 48 yrs 2 Qualification: a) Minimum - Matriculation from recognized board b) Maximum - 10+2 from recognized board 3 The applicant must be permanent resident of J&K State 4 The candidates belong the Jammu Division should apply 5 The applicant mustn attach the attested photo copies of the following certificates/testimonials with their application form: a) Permanent Resident Certificate, b) Matriculation Certificate, c) DOB Certificate, d) Academic qualification certificate along with Marks certificate, e) Reserved category certificate, if any, issued by competent authority, f) 2 copies of recent passport size photographs of the applicant duly attested by the Gazetted officer, one pasted on the application form, g) Character Certificate (from Gazetted officer), h) Self addressed envelope affixed with postal stamp worth Rs 5/-, i) Treasury receipt of Rs 10/- under Account Head 0202 - Revenue 6 The application form duly filled and completed in all respect should be deposited in person or through registered post in the office of Directorate of Library and Research, J&K SRS Library Complex, Kachi Chawni, Jammu. 7 Reservation Rules are applicable as per standing directions of the Govt. The Horizontal Reservation of 2 posts should be provided to Ex-Servicemen and 1 posts to Physically Handicapped Persons 8 Applications found incomplete in any manner during the scrutiny of applications shall be rejected without assigning any reasons to the applicant. 9 Candidates found guilty of impersonation or submitting fabricated documents which have been tampered with or making statement incorrect or false suppressing material in information shall rander himself/herself liable for criminal prosecution 10 No application shall be considered after the expiry of the last date 11 No last date for receipt of application forms at the office as mentioned in para 5 above in 21-02-2013 DIP/J-7759 Sd/Dt: 24-01-2013 Chairman

Sd/Principal

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

SCHOOL LIFE
studies. Some shortterm certificate courses in servicing & repair of records, reprography, and archives management are also conducted. The basic idea behind enrolling in such courses is to gain knowledge of basic archival theory, methods, and/or practice of appraisal, including records management, aspects of library and information science management, and historical and research methods. These days, most archivists acquire fundamental computer soft skills, like XML, to work as researchers online. Career Prospects Archivists can start their career in several archival government agencies and private authorities. They can also join commercial business groups, libraries, educational institutes, religious authorities, museums, hospitals, historical conservatories, and voluntary organi-

27
zations, and draw handsome salary packages. Archivists with a PhD degree are offered higher ranked positions in educational institutes with faculty status. Those who have started their career in small-scale industries can eventually achieve long-term job stability and high levels of professional and personal satisfaction. Institutes Offering Almost all major colleges, institutions, and universities running regular arts and humanities courses, offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs required to become an archivist. Apart from these, diploma, PG diploma, and certificate courses are offered at: Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad; Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu; Gandhigram Rural Institute, Gandhigram; Osmania University, Hyderabad; Pondicherry University, Pondicherry; Maharshi Dayanand Saraswathi University, Ajmer; and School of Archival Studies, New Delhi. Remuneration Pay packages offered to archivists differ largely, based on the nature of the employers. To start off with, an archivist can earn anywhere from Rs. 6000 to Rs. 8000 per month. With increase in experience, one can easily generate lakhs of rupees per annum.

CAREERS AS AN ARCHIVIST
As a storehouse of knowledge, archives have to be preserved and verified at regular intervals of time. The unique and valuable history can better be understood in context to the modern world through archives. To help in understanding the past records, professionals, known as archivists, are hired who exploit the archival heritage and convey the right information preserved by it to the world. As such, the main task of an archivist is to conserve, repair, rehabilitate, store, and handle the heritages scientifically. Besides, he/she also identifies and preserves a wide range of records, like historical letters, manuscripts, diaries, photographs, coins, maps, films, and video recordings by maintaining their originality. Today, almost every field needs an archivist to store its valuable records and documents in a professional manner. Out of the enormous distinct opportunities available to make a flourishing career in, one can opt for archival science and become a successful archivist. Course Details A graduate in history, political science, library science, public administration, and archival science can work as an archivist with archival coursework and some practical knowledge.

The minimum qualification to get a bachelor's degree in aforementioned subjects is 10+2 pass. For some specialized courses, like science for reprography, students from science and medicinal background can also apply. On completing a bachelor's degree in archival science, one can further enroll in MA, M.Phil, and PhD programs in the same subject. Certain institutions offer other courses, such as PG certificate in archives, PG diploma in archives keeping, PG diploma in archives, documentation, and management, PG diploma in archival Science and manuscriptology, and PG diploma in archival

Funny Riddles
1 What has a face and two hands but no arms or legs? A clock 2 What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it? Short 3 What word begins and ends with an 'e' but only has one letter? Envelope 4 Why can't a man living in New York be buried in Chicago? Because he's still living! 5 How many letters are there in the English alphabet? There are 18: 3 in 'the', 7 in 'English' and 8 in 'alphabet'. 6 What type of cheese is made backwards? Edam 7 What begins with T, ends with T and has T in it? A teapot 8 What gets wetter as it dries? A towel 9 Why did the boy bury his flashlight? Because the batteries died. 10 Which letter of the alphabet has the most water? The C 11 What starts with a 'P', ends with an 'E' and has thousands of letters? The Post Office! 12 What has to be broken before you can use it? An egg 13 Which month has 28 days? All of them of course! 14 What has a neck but no head? A bottle

MAZE

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

SCHOOL LIFE
ous features. To complete the remote sensing process, the data captured and recorded by remote sensing systems must be analyzed by interpretive and measurement techniques in order to provide useful information about the subjects of investigation. These techniques are diverse, ranging from traditional methods of visual interpretation to methods using sophisticated computer processing. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that data is not information. Accordingly, the two major components of remote sensing are data capture and data analysis. The Need for a Name By the early 1960s, many new types of remote sensing devices were being introduced that could detect electromagnetic radiation in spectral regions far beyond the range of human vision and photographic film.

28
This was also a time when many in the scientific community had great hopes for earth observations from orbiting satellites on a routine basis. To encompass these concepts, the term "remote sensing" was coined by Evelyn L. Pruitt, a geographer formerly with the Office of Naval Research, to replace the more limiting terms "aerial" and "photograph". The new term, promoted throughout a series of symposia at the Willow Run Laboratories of the University of Michigan, gained immediate and widespread acceptance. Although the term remote sensing has a recent origin, the technique has been used by humans since the dawn of our history. Every time we sense our surroundings without eye-brain system we are determining the size, shape, and color of objects from a distance by collecting and analyzing reflected visible light. In a similar manner, certain poisonous snakes use special heat sensors to perceive impressions of their surrounding environment, and bats use sound echoes to navigate and detect prey.

REMOTE SENSING
emote sensing is defined as the technique of obtaining information about objects through the analysis of data collected by special instruments that are not in physical contact with the objects of investigation. As such, remote sensing can be regarded as "reconnaissance from a distance," "teledetection," or a form of the common adage "look but don't touch." Remote sensing thus differs from in situ sensing, where the instruments are immersed in, or physically touch, the objects of measurement. A common examples of an in situ instrument is the soil thermometer. Traditionally, the energy collected and measured in remote sensing has been electromagnetic radiation, including visible light and invisible thermal infrared (heat) energy, which is reflected or emitted in varying degrees by all natural and synthetic objects. The scope of remote sensing has been recently broadened to include acoustical or sound energy, which is propagated under water. With the inclusion of these two different forms of energy, the human eye and ear are examples

of remote sensing data collection devices. The instruments used for this special technology are known as remote sensors and include photographic cameras, mechanical scanners, and imaging radar systems. Regardless of type, they are designed to both collect and record specific types of energy that impinges upon them. Remote sensing devices can be differentiated in terms of whether they are active or passive. Active systems, such as radar and sonar, beam artificially pro-

duced energy to a target and record the reflected component. Passive systems, including the photographic camera, detect only energy emanating naturally from an object, such as reflected sunlight or thermal infrared emissions. Today, remote sensors, excluding sonar devices, are typically carried on aircraft and earth-orbiting spacecraft, which has led to the familiar phrase "eye in the sky." Sonar systems propagate acoustical energy through water for the reconnaissance of subaque-

WORD SEARCH

Rudolph - The red nosed reindeer

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose And if you eve saw it You would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas eve, Santa came to say. ?Rudolph with your nose so bright, Won?t you guide my sleight?? Then how the reindeer loved him And they shouted out with glee Rudolph the red nosed reindeer You?ll go down in history.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

SCHOOL LIFE
my best friend. There are three different types of magic: the healing magic (that helps people), the touchstone magic (that makes things appear and disappear) and come along magic (that brings you anything you want. This is my friend Ee-oor he is a little pocket dragon not like his cousins who are Wedge dragons (this means they are big and purple!) or like his other cousins who are minute dragons (this means they a r e almost invisible!) Anyway I just thought you might like to know a few things about what it is like to be a fairy.

29

FANTASY
on't tell anyone this but I'm a fairy. Nobody knows you see because I never transform around other people. My name is Pixie and I am a green fairy. You see in the fairy tribe I come from they have three different types of fairies: the purple fairy, the green fairy and the yellow fairy. The purple fairies are the queen fairies the fairies that live inside the Queen fairies castle. The green fairies are just normal fairies and the yellow fairies are people such as nurse fairies etc... I am glad I am a green fairy because I get to do whatever I like and I have a really nice fairy house inside a giant mushroom. I usually

transform at night when nobody is around. I started transforming into a fairy one day when I was about 9 and I think it was because I ate this crab apple and you're not supposed to eat them! I am 11 now so that was 2 years ago. Now that I'm a fairy it gives me the ability to fly around which is great because at night I go to all my friends houses and check that they are okay. Sometimes if they are having trouble getting to sleep or they are feeling ill or anything I use my magic to help them. The house I go to most often is Amie's house because she's

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

"What's the use of having developed a science well enough to make predictions if, in the end, all we're willing to do is stand around and wait for them to come true?" ~ Frank Sherwood Rowland

FUN TIME
1 . INTERVIEWER: What is your birth date? SANTA: 13th October INTERVIEWER: Which year? SANTA: Oye ullu ke patthe EVERY YEAR 2. Banta mujra dekhne gaya, Sari raat mujra dekhta raha BAI: Saheb humne aap ko khush kiya, Ab aap hamein khush karo. Toh banta utha aur khud nachne laga. 3. Santa apni sister ke saath bike pe ja raha tha. BOY: Oh! Paaji girlfriend k saath kaha ja rahe ho. S A N TA : O y e ! Girlfriend hogi teri meri to sister hai. 4. SANTA: Yaar aaj pehli bar maine accha kaam kya, jiss par logon ne mujhe bohat mara! BANTA: Woh kya.. SANTA: Ek makan mein aag lagi thi, aur andar kuch log thay, maine window tori aur andar ja kar sab logon ko bahar nikal diya. BANTA: Toh logon ne kyun mara SANTA: Yaar, kyun ke woh sab log fire fighter thay!

ELEPHANTA CAVES
bearing a gigantic image of a dvarapala. The panel on the east has a figure of ardhanarisvara, a form of Siva with the combined energies of male and female; and on the west figures of Siva and Parvati playing chausar is carved. The central recess holds the most famous and remarkable sculpture of this period known as the Mahesa-murti. It is a colossal bust of the three forms of Siva, the aghora, turbulent and fearsome; tatpurusha, benign and meditative and vamadeva, mild pleasing and lovable. The other notable panels in the main cave are Andhakasuravada murti; cosmic dance of Nataraja; Kalyanasundara murti; Gangadhara murti; Ravana shaking Kailasa and Siva as Lakulisa. A panel depicting Saptamatrikas near the eastern opening is also remarkable.

Question Answers
Q1: If a plane crashed on the border of England and Scotland, where would they bury the survivors? Q2: Twelve pears hanging high, twelve men passing by, each took a pear and left eleven hanging there. How can this be? How can eleven pears be left? Q3: If there's a frog, dead in the center of a lily pad which is right in the middle of the pond, which side would it jump to? Q4: You're a bus driver. At the first stop 4 people get on. At the second stop 8 people get on, at the third stop 2 people get off and, at the forth stop everyone got off. The question is what color are the bus driver's eyes? Q5: What never gets any wetter, no matter how much it rains? Q6: A man went outside in the pouring rain with no protection, but not a hair on his head got wethow come? Q7: David's father has three sons: Snap, Crackle and _____? Q8: What has a mouth but doesn't eat? A bank with no money? A bed but doesn't sleep - and waves but has no hands?

ANSWERS: 1. You don't bury survivors., 2. 'Each' is a man's name!, 3. Neither, the frog is dead!, 4. The same as yours, you're the bus driver., 5. The sea, 6. He was bald., 7. David, 8. A river

Elephanta Caves (1987), Maharashtra The Elephanta Caves (180 56' 20" N; 720 55' 50" E), taluka Uran, district Raigad is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km from the shore of the mainland, approximately covering an area of 7 km in circumference. The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly known as 'Gharapuri'. At present, the statue of elephant is housed at Jijamata Garden in Mumbai. In ancient period, the place is variously identified as Puri which is mentioned in the Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II. It seems, different dynasties held their sway over this island, namely, the Konkan-Mauryas, Trikutakas, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Yadavas of Deogiri, Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad and then by the Portuguese. The Marathas also had this island

under their control and from them it passed into the control of the British. There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group and these are datable from circa 6th 7th centuries A.D. Among the cave excavations, the Cave 1 is the most impressive which represents the evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures. On plan it almost resembles the Dumar Lena (Cave 29) of Ellora. The cave has a main entrance on the north with two other openings on the east and west respectively and a central hall with six rows of pillared columns, six in each row except on the western corner, where a shrine of lingam is provided. On plan, there are three large square recesses divided off by pilasters each of them

E-MAIL YOUR ARTICLES, POEMS, ACHIVEMENTS OR WISHES FOR A HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO US AT
editors@thestudentage.com or mail at: Paramount Publications 12/12, Nanak Nagar

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

GADGETS

30
RCOM and Lenovo to launch CDMA+GSM smartphones in India
eliance Communications (RCOM), India has tied up with Lenovo to introduce smartphones that will work support CDMA as well as GSM. The company plans to introduce a slew of device by Sept 2013. These Reliance Lenovo co-branded smartphones will be available only to RCOM subscribers. This range of smartphones will be spread across various screen sizes and come with dualcore 1GHz processor. The initial set of smartphones will run on Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). RCOM is claiming that these devices will Reliance 'Dual Core' network advantage that switch calls between the two networks automatically based on the strength and quality of RF signals. However, for now the switching can happen only if the subscriber is using the RCOM's CDMA and GSM SIM. Announcing this partnership, Gurdeep Singh, President and CEO - Wireless Business, Reliance Communications Limited said, "We are happy to announce our partnership with Lenovo to offer the most innovative dual technology smartphones in the country. In line with our endeavour to develop the CDMA device ecosystem, the cobranded smart-phones are set to offer a superlative customer experience in terms of device, speed and coverage on our high speed data network offering the widest footprint across the country. "The Indian smart-phone market represents solid growth opportunities where CDMA / GSM smart-phone penetration is still low. The consumer response to our smart-phones in these few months has been very encouraging. With this partnership, we aim to replicate our China success and gain market share in the booming smartphone market in India," said Liu Jun, President, Lenovo Business Group. On the occasion RCOM also shared that they would be looking at migrating their voice-only CDMA subscribers to these smartphone through various attractive plans. RCOM is also planning to launch a new CDMA tablet in collaboration with Lenovo. This Android tablet too will come with Reliance 'Dual Core' network advantage. However, the company has not shared by when this tablet will be available or what will be its price.

Panasonic Viera 32 Inches LCD Model TH-L32C53D Now Available in India

ture that allows viewers to enjoy high picture quality. In addition, the Viera LED LCD television also features ports for PC input terminal, USB v2.0 and HDMI giving users the advantage of connecting external devices to the television. There are three HDMI ports available in the television allowing the users to play HD videos and movies. The two USB v2.0 ports let users enjoy music, watch videos and movies and see photographs directly off USB devices. Built-in media player is also available which can play the user's preferred videos and songs. The Off-timer and the remote control are other features which makes the whole experience user-friendly. The Off timer allows the user to save electricity as well. The LED LCD TV also supports several picture modes like Normal, True Cinema, Cinema, Game and Dynamic. The TH-L32X50D TV is equipped with two integrated speakers which deliver audio at 10 watts power. It also boasts of the Dolby Digital System which imparts high quality audio output offering a holistic cinematic experience. Virtual Surround Sound is another feature. During normal mode of operation, the television consumes only a power of 60 watts and during standby mode, the power consumption significantly reduces to 0.25 watts. TH-L32X50D LED LCD TV offers a viewing angle of 178 degrees as well. The model has been priced at Rs. 32,500.

anasonic has offered a new range of Viera LED LCD television to fill the living room with unlimited entertainment - the new 32 Inches TH-L32C53D HD. Panasonic TH-L32C53D HD LCD TV is sized 32 inches with 1,366 (W) x768 (H) resolution HD panel and has a 24p playback fea-

Apple 128GB iPad with Retina Display Black Ops 2 Revolution DLC Announced, Available from Feb 5 Trailer Released By Treyarch
CALIFORNIA: Apple has announced a new iPad with Retina Display model will be joining the ranks starting Tuesday, February 5, effectively doubling the maximum storage capacity from 64GB to the 128GB. Available in black or white and in Wi-Fi only ($799) or Wi-Fi + Cellular ($929) editions, the 128GB capacity model is otherwise the same as an existing fourth-generation iPad with Retina Display -just one with a whole lot more storage. "With more than 120 million iPads sold, it's clear that customers around the world love their iPads, and everyday they are finding more great reasons to work, learn and play on their iPads rather than their old PCs," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With twice the storage capacity and an unparalleled selection of over 300,000 native iPad apps, enterprises, educators and artists have even more reasons to use iPad for all their business and perl a c k Ops 2, game trailer has been launched recently for Xbox 360. To keep the fans more excited, the video game developer Treyarch and Activision have now released the revolution DLC. The newly launched DLC has 5 maps included in it, a special weapon and a new game mode. The trailer shows the snippets of the new zombie mode along with allowing the players to control zombies. The picture collage for SMG is fascinating and it shows the shooting, reloading, recoil and the design. The rest of the trailer just shows the typical Smoke-and-Stomp, run- and- gun Call of Duty game play, for which there are so many addicted fans. The game is available for download in Xbox 360 for free or for 1200MS points. The PS3 and PC gamers have been handed the shaft as Newell and Tretton failed to pay their DLC fees. So users who do not own an Xbox360 have to wait for few more days to have their hands on Revolution.

sonal needs." The move would seem to all but confirm that a new fifth-generation iPad isn't likely to appear until later this year, but offers a way for Apple to keep the current version in the limelight while staking claim to being first to offer a larger-capacity model.

Portronics Handmate Pen adds touchscreen experience to any Windows 8 machine

ortronics Handmate Windows 8 Pen is one of those nifty little devices that seem too good to be true when you first read about them. Setting up the Handmate Windows 8 Pen is simple - just connect it to any available USB port on your Windows 8 laptop and fix the receiving unit on one of the edges of the screen, about halfway from the top. Go to Control Panel to calibrate the screen (the device comes with instructions on where exactly to go) and a barely a minute later, you are good to go.

Put in the batteries into the pen-shaped stylus and start operating your Windows 8 device by touching your laptop screen - swipe around

the Windows 8 home screen, touch to start applications, swipe from edge to bring up the system menu and more, just like your device always had touch. The device really comes into its own when playing games like Cut The Rope or when you want to put finishing touches to your masterpiece in Paint. The Handmate Windows 8 Pen comes bundled with spare stylus and batteries that power the stylus. Portronics claims 500 hours of battery life given working/ standby ratio of 1:9. The sensors on the Handmate Windows 8 Pen use a

combination of infrared and ultrasound technologies and work on screens sized 16-inches and below, which means it is good to use with laptops and even desktop monitors of that size. A newer generation product that will work with screen sizes of up to 25-inches is expected soon. All in all, Handmate Windows 8 Pen offers a decent option for those looking to add a dash of touch to their Windows 8 experience. At Rs. 4,999 it's a not-so-expensive option to see if touch fits in your workflow before you take the plunge and buy an expensive native touchscreen device.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

NEWS ANALYSIS

31

Time to change the Juvenile law?

27 JAN: A massive debate has sparked out after the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) declared the sixth accused in the December 16 Delhi gangrape case as minor. Political parties and activists have demanded that the juvenile accused, who was the most brutal amongst the six accused, be treated at par with the rest. The clamour is now also growing to amend the Juvenile Justice Act, with activists questioning how the 17-year-old can be let off so easily. The minor accused, who was described as the most brutal of the six accused by the Delhi Police in its charge sheet, was declared as 17 years and 6 months and 24 days old by the JJB, which relied on his birth certificate and school documents produced before it. In the midst of it all a new demand has come to light, the demand for the reduction in juvenile age from 18 to 16; a juvenile is a person below the age in which his/her criminal prosecution is not possible. As per the rule, a juvenile is kept in some reformatory school or a borstal jail to inculcate good ethics and manners. The want of reducing a juvenile's age has gained momentum after a young boy was found to be one of the perpetrators in the heinous Delhi gangrape and the subsequent death of the girl. People are advocating in favour of this by contending that minors are maturing fast and indulge in criminal offences including sexual crimes. Recently, the Delhi police commissioner had come forward in support of this demand.

Extradition pact with Bangladesh Telangana issue on hold again

28 JAN: The new extradition treaty and a friendlier visa pact that India and Bangladesh formally inked in Dhaka on Monday has infused a new energy and dynamism to a relationship that has strengthened deeply after the Sheikh Hasina Government came to power. The signing of two deals is a significant forward movement in bilateral relations after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh in September 2011. Coming as it does amid New Delhi's serious security concerns, especially in tackling Indian insurgent groups operating out of Bangladesh, the extradition treaty provides a winwin situation for both countries and should be whole-heartedly welcomed. The very fact that both New Delhi and Dhaka have expeditiously actuated the process, which had been agreed upon only in the December gone by, is not just proof of the 'excellent and friendly bilateral relations' that the two countries share, but also a reiteration of the resolve to "act against elements inimical to both countries". For starters, the extradition treaty will enable India to bring back fugitive separatists who have fled to Bangladesh, including the most wanted founder-member of the United Liberation Front of Asom, Anup Chetia. The extradition treaty also paves the way for Bangladesh to put on trial several crime bosses who reportedly have crossed the border into India and are still running their gangs by telephone. 29 JAN: For more than 50 years now, the people of Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh have been agitating for a separate State of Telangana. The agitators include activists and leaders cutting across political lines. There is absolutely no doubt in anybody's mind that the demand is genuine and reflects the deep desire of the people of the region to have a State which they can call their own. From the time it came to power, first in 2004 and later in 2009, the Congress-led UPA Government has been assuring the leaders of the pro-Telangana movement that their demand would be met. The regime has been offering one deadline after another since then, and breaking every single one of them. Just a month ago, Union Minister for Home Affairs Sushil Kumar Shinde had promised leaders of the movement including his own party leaders who have been elected from the Telangana region in Parliament that the Government would take a decision positively by January 28. That date too has come and gone, and Mr Shinde has pleaded for "some more time" to settle the matter. The bare fact is that the UPA regime is terrified of taking a decision either in favour of carving out a State of Telangana or against it, and it hopes that it can continue to buy time under one pretext or the other till matters truly come to a head. The Congress-led Government has failed to keep its word on so many occasions that the pro-Telangana leaders have stopped taking its assurances at face value

RBI turns pro-growth

30 JAN: For the first time since April 2012 the RBI has cut the repo rate, the rate at which the apex bank lends money to banks, by a quarter of a percentage point and also lowered the CRR (cash reserve ratio), the minimum cash banks are required to keep with the central bank. The repo rate cut signifies the RBI has changed its hitherto pro-inflation stance to pro-growth. The RBI change in approach has been guided by three factors: (a) inflation has started moderating (7.18 per cent in December); (b) growth has touched a decade low (it is expected to be 5.5 per cent this fiscal); and (c) the widening current account deficit and fiscal deficit. The repo rate and CRR cuts are meant to supplement the government's efforts to push growth and boost investor sentiment. But the RBI action was not greeted with the usual enthusiasm in the stock markets. There are skeptics who believe a small lending rate cut is not enough to perk up economic growth. The government will have to improve the over-all investment climate and rein in its own profligacy. All eyes are now on the coming Union budget. Though Finance Minister P. Chidambaram is pro-growth and pro-reform, he is under pressure to mop up resources for preelection giveaways. If the Union fiscal health worsens and inflation reverses its downward trend, the RBI may not be able to carry forward its rate cut spree.

Modi closing in for PM candidature? Rahul Gandhi's elevation

31 JAN: Though the higher echelons of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are yet to endorse the candidacy of Narendra Modi to head its campaign in the next general election, some leaders are lining up behind the Modi in a move that may lead to a faceoff. A day after Modi met BJP's new President Rajnath Singh to discuss 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Sr BJP leader Yashwant Sinha pitched for Modi as the party's Prime Ministerial candidate. Sinha said that party will benefit if Modi is selected as a PM candidate. Sinha also advised key NDA ally JD(U), which has reservations against Modi because of the 2002 Gujarat riots, not to target the Gujarat CM, but to accept BJP's decision in "good grace" without picking and choosing who is secular and who is not. But a jittery JD(U) clearly unhappy with Sinha's comment, quickly demanded an NDA meeting. JD(U) said that Sinha's demand as his "personal" view while making it clear that it has no love lost for Modi. The party said it will wait for BJP's "official stand" on the issue as its leader Nitish Kumar has already conveyed JD(U)'s views on NDA Prime Ministerial candidate. Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh also agreed that Modi is a popular leader and said any decision on such an issue will be taken by the Parliamentary Board. The political activity on Monday raised question whether Modi is becoming first among equals in the PM candidate race. 1 FEB: Rahul Gandhi has always had as much power as he wanted to exercise. The difference after Jaipur is that the Regent, Sonia Gandhi, will start to fade from decision-making . Sonia has not withdrawn fully only because she is still uncertain about her son's ability, as if it was a puberty transition rather than an adult transfer of power. Rahul Gandhi may have stepped into only one of the two shoes his mother wears, but there is no confusion over who will be Congress candidate for prime minister in the next general elections , and indeed in the elections after that, irrespective of victory or defeat. Merit, or its absence, is never an issue when you have been anointed with a divine right to rule. If there is a law of averages then Rahul Gandhi is possibly headed for better things. He has had such a miserable record so far, the nadir reached in Uttar Pradesh, that his fortunes surely must improve at some point. He could, in the short term, also become beneficiary of a fine paradox. So far the wrap of glamour has raised expectations that were clearly beyond his ability. But once expectations are lowered, even ordinary statements begin to sound above par. That is a distinct advantage when you need to reinvent yourself. The old avatar, in which Rahul Gandhi could disappear for weeks on holiday while rage against rape swept the streets, will obviously no longer do.

WEEKLY NEWS ANALYSIS

While listening to Kamal Haasan addressing the media some time back, and when the veteran actor almost seemed on the verge of his tolerance, there`s a certain chord that has been struck. Somewhere from within the core of the heart, a feeling of empathy reaches out to Haasan. The actor - buckling under pressure - has ripped bare that face of politics that people usually want to sweep under the carpet. He and his `Vishwaroopam`, being the rallying point of protests from Tamil Nadu first and several other parts of the country later, has brought before us that very question, yet again, where is cultural freedom in this country of ours? Controversies, protests, sparking off a blame game - a handful in the higher echelons of power don`t ever shirk from any of these. When somebody as unimportant as Hafiz Saeed or Rehman Malik wanted to provide `security` to Shah Rukh Khan, the receiving end of all the blame - mostly - was Khan. And for no fault of his. The actor had to address the media in words that clearly portrayed what Khan was - an Indian first, and then anything else. Kamal Hasaan, now, is another facet of the dirty politics that certain people play - and get away with it without even soiling their hands. His film, `Vishwaroopam`, has been banned in parts of the country, despite being cleared by the Censor Board - which, by the way, is a `national` body. In a way, it is pretty easy to target a celebrity. Any gossip, any shadow of a scandal, any controversy - sells best when it is a denizen of filmdom at the centre of it all. People lap it up with a crazy eagerness. And if there`s a religious side to it, nothing could be better than that. Many films have earlier been banned, many books have faced taboos, many artistes have been forced to take up residence elsewhere. The shame is ours. One thing is for sure. If an artiste like Kamal Haasan is compelled to leave the country, we will need to hang our heads in shame. It is a loss for India. We indeed are falling prey to a `cultural terrorism`, as Kamal Haasan so rightly puts it.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 2, 2013

32
BJP core group meets today, focus on 2014 polls
NEW DELHI: With a focus on the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the core group of the main opposition party BJP will meet on Friday for the first time since Rajnath Singh took over as the party's national president. According to reports, the BJP top brass will discuss the party's strategy for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled to be held in 2014. The deliberations will also focus on the upcoming national council meet of the party. BJP sources say that the parliamentary board of the party will be reconstituted and senior leaders will be allotted various organizational responsibilities keeping in mind the assembly elections in several states this year and the 2014 General Elections. The core group meeting comes a day after the top BJP and the RSS leaders met to chalk out a strategy for the fast approaching polls. It is believed that BJP and the RSS is planning to shift the focus on the issue of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Sangh Parivar wants BJP to announce a time line for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. Giving a larger role to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has emerged as the top contender for the prime minister's post, and the upcoming Sangh-backed saints meet at the Mahakumbh in Allahabad are also likely to be discussed. The BJP and RSS may also appoint Modi as the head of the party's campaign committee soon. Yesterday's meet was attended by new party president Rajnath Singh, BJP veteran LK Advani, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj and the RSS leaders- Bhaiyaji Joshi and Suresh Soni. After the meeting, Singh told reporters, "There is no question of a clash with RSS. I am the president of BJP and a member of RSS, so where is the question of a clash?" Quashing suggestions of pressure from the Sangh in BJP's appointments, he said, "In such meetings, we have never discussed who should be office bearers of BJP or in the government. The Parliamentary board is the correct forum for deciding on who will be our prime ministerial candidate should be." Singth had earlier urged party leaders to exercise restraint while airing their views on their choice for the prime minister's post. His remarks came in the backdrop of senior BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha, CP Thakur and Ram Jethmalani voicing their open support to Narendra Modi's candidature for the top job. The party has been officially maintaining that it will take a decision on its PM candidate at an appropriate time.

Assam group claims China constructing 40 dams on Brahmaputra system

GUWAHATI: With China admitting to constructing three dams in upstream Brahmaputra river in its Tibet region, an Assam-based NGO today claimed that the neighbouring country had at least 40 similar projects in various stages of construction, which when completed could have catastrophic results in downstream areas of India in its North Eastern states. Jana Jagriti, a social organization here, had earlier also raised the same apprehension and maintained that China was building dams in the upper reaches of Brahmaputra and its tributaries that originate in the sub-Himalayan region. Ashokananda Singhal, president of Jana Jagriti, said, 'We had submitted evidence, collected from our sources, to the government three years back and also gone to the media with it.' ' But many had refused to believe our claims. And with China admitting now, it vindicates our stand,' he added. Mr Singhal maintained that there were at least 26 projects going on in China and presented satellite maps, detailing location, to substantiate his claims. He pointed out that if these projects were completed, water levels would recede alarmingly in the Brahmaputra and the river system may dry up eventually in the downstream areas of India's NE states, including Assam. 'China is taking up several projects in the tributaries of the Brahmaputra also,' he added. Mr Singhal urged the chief ministers of NE states to take up the matter with the Centre and ensure that water flow to India is not affected. Revealing average figures of water for the last 20 years, he said India receives 78.10 BCM water from China through Brahmaputra at entry point at village Gorging. In monsoon period (June-September), 56.12 BCM water is received, whereas in non-monsoon period 21.98 BCM water flows in. 'Once the projects on Brahmaputra are completed, India will receive 64 per cent less water during monsoon, while during nonmonsoon 85 per cent less water will come from China at the entry point in India,' Mr Singhal maintained. China's confirmation of three projects at Degu, Jiexu and Jiacha earlier this week has led India to official lodge complaint with Beijing. India has asked China to ensure that the dam construction does not harm interests of the downstream states due to the upstream activities.

Vaid commissions residential qtrs at Gulshan Ground

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Police is upgrading its building infrastructure to provide living and working facilities to its personnel. Various residential and office accommodations have been constructed across the state to strengthen the building infrastructure under the modernization scheme. This was disclosed by the Additional Director General of Police. Headquarters (ADGP), Mr. S. P. Vaid while commissioning the residential block at Gulshan Ground here this morning. He said that in view of the increasing manpower, the Organization has been focussing to upgrade the facilities for its personnel as per the latest requirements. Constructions are made keeping in mind the modern facilities and techniques of construction, he added. Mr. Vaid appreciated the efforts of the officers and engineers for ensuring quality material and time bound completion of the work. He said that residential accommodation was a dire need for the staff and with the completion of the Block 32 families have been accommodated in the new building. Before commissioning the building, the ADGP was briefed by DIG, (Administration), Mr. R. P. Resutora, AIG (Provision) Mr. Aftab Ahmed Kakroo and Executive Engineer, Police Construction Division, Mr. N. D. Khawaja about the facilities and the material provided for the construction of the building. He was told that the accommodation is having latest facilities of living which could ease the hardships of the personnel. He was also told that the work has been completed at a cost of Rs. 1.5 crores and has been completed within a record period of six months.

Government has betrayed us: Anna Hazare rejects Lokpal Bill

NEW DELHI: Activist Anna Hazare, who fronted a campaign for the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill, has described the proposed legislation as weak and "a betrayal of the country." The 75-year-oldGandhian said he will tour the country to raise protests against the government, and to demand a stronger Lokpal or national ombdusman, empowered to investigate complaints of graft against government servants. However, his close aide Kiran Bedi has said the bill is much-needed accelerant in the battle against systemic corruption. Yesterday, the government cleared a new version of the Lokpal Bill. Anna says that despite many discussions, the government has not relinquished its control over the CBI, the country's premier investigating agency, meant to handle probes requested by the Lokpal. He also said that the Prime Minister has reneged on a threepoint deal struck with Anna in August 2011. To persuade the activist to end a lengthy fast, the Lok Sabha had agreed in principle that the new law must mandate the creation of Lokayuktas or ombdusmen in different states.

Revised Lokpal Bill draft meets most concerns: Kiran Bedi

NEW DELHI: While main opposition BJP and the anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare have rejected the revised Lokpal Bill draft cleared by the Union Cabinet, former IPS officer and activist Kiran Bedi has backed the amended antigraft legislation, saying it meets most of the concerns. Social activist Bedi Friday said, "The revised Lokpal bill draft meets most of our concerns." Bedi, also a key member of the Team Anna, further said that it is time to give up the opposition. Hours after the Union Cabinet approved the recommendations made by the Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha and cleared the amended draft of the bill, Bedi also posted her reaction on the popular social networking website Twitter. "It will do us no harm if we begin with proposed lokpal and keep improving it as we go along!Being very high powered it will carry weight!" Bedi's support to the revised Lokpal Bill draft assumes significance since her mentor and the anticorruption crusader Anna Hazare yesterday rejected it, terming it as a "farce". The Gandhian activist also threatened to launch a massive agitation if the UPA government pushed forward a "weak" legislation. The 75-year-old anti-graft activist also questioned UPA government's commitment to root out corruption in the country, saying he does not "trust" Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi to bring a stringent Bill for creating an anticorruption ombudsman.

CHIEF-EDITOR, PUBLISHER, OWNER: Rohit Singh Rana, ADMINISTRATIVE HEAD (J&K):Pawan Rathore, DY. CHIEF EDITOR : Vikram Singh Shan, Bureau Chief Kashmir: Allayee Faizan, LEGAL ADVISOR: Advocate Ashok Parihar EDITORIAL BOARD: NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Shweta Bhat, STATE AFFAIRS: Jaswant Singh Rana, SPORTS EDITOR: Naina Jamwal, DEFENSE EDITOR: Kewal Singh Rajput GRAPHIC DESIGNER : Baleshwer Bali, DESIGNER: Gagandeep Kour, Abhishek Kashyap CIRCULATION TEAM: Sunil Gupta, Rohit Bakshi, Nikhil Raina. PRINTED AT JK PRINTING & PUBLICATIONS, SUJWAN, JAMMU TAWI.
For Contributing articles mail us at callme.ranasahib@gmail.com, editor.studentage@gmail.com. For Complaints, Querries or Advertisement Contact us: 0191-2459701, 2459702. Address: Sector-12, H.No-12 Nanak Nagar, Jammu (All disputes are subjected to the exclusive jurisdiction of Jammu District courts only.)