Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Three day training on millets processing concludes at CIPHET





Ludhiana, February 28:



Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) organized a three days training on "Processing and Value addition of small millets". Around ten participants from the states of U.P and Uttarakhand attended the programme, which included lectures, practical, hands on training and field visit.



Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M.R. Manikantan, Course Director of the training proramme, informed that Government of India has allocated Rs. 300 crores under initiative for "Nutritional Security through Intensive Millet Promotion (INSIMP)" realizing the increasing importance of millets for diversification. He also revealed that for increasing the awareness about post harvest millet processing into various value added products, four trainings are scheduled to be organized in this financial year.



Dr. S.N. Jha, Head AS&EC Division apprised the participants about the millet processing and value addition. He also advised them to get benefited from the other technologies developed by the institute. Dr. D.R. Rai, Head TOT division spoke about the activities undertaken by the institute in training, demonstration and transfer of technologies. While Dr Deepika Goswami, Scientist coordinated the inaugural ceremony of the training programme, Dr. Indu Karki, Scientist proposed a vote of thanks.
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PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY TURMERIC PRICE CRASH, DEMAND SUPPLY MISMATCH





LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 28:-----



India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. The country accounts for about 80 % of world turmeric production and 60 % of export. Pakistan, China, Haiti, Jamaica, Peru, Taiwan and Thailand produce the rest of the turmeric. Gulf countries and the USA are the main importers of Indian turmeric. This was shared by Dr. J.S.Sidhu, Incharge, Agricultural Market Intelligence Centre (AMIC) at Punjab Agricultural University, adding that Andhra Pradesh is a leader in turmeric area and production with 40 % and 60 % respectively followed by Orissa and Tamil Nadu with 17 % and 13 % area and 12 % and 13 % production, respectively.



The lucrative prices of turmeric during 2010 which jumped to Rs. 17,000 per quintal induced the farmers of the turmeric producing states to increase the area under turmeric by about 25 % which led to unprecedented demand for turmeric seed and hence price, said Dr. Sidhu. Many farmers spent even more than one lakh per hectare for turmeric seed alone. The production which was 48 lakh bags of 100 kg in 2009-10 increased to 70 lakh bags during 2010-11. The total demand of turmeric is about 35 lakh bags of 100 kg each. The gap between demand and supply during last years increased the carry over stock from 7 lakh bags to 11 lakh bags of 100 kg each during the same period. Consequently, the prices of turmeric slumped to Rs. 4000 per quintal. The farmers stand to incur lose heavily at this price, remarked Dr. Sidhu.



Discussing about Punjab scenario, Dr. Sidhu highlighted that the farmers in Punjab were also tempted to start growing turmeric due to its high returns. The area under turmeric in the state increased to about 3200 hectares with estimated production of about 16,000 tonnes. There is disappointment among the turmeric growers in Punjab due to crash in its prices, he remarked. The AMIC of PAU, Ludhiana is of the view that at the present level of production the turmeric is not a viable enterprise and the growers should take into consideration the demand of turmeric in the country and reduce the area under turmeric at least by half in the coming year to get remunerative prices.


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Various sections of workers and employees of industries, Khet Mazdoors

Ludhiana 28/02/2012 (Tehelkanews.co)

Various sections of workers and employees of industries, Khet Mazdoors, Construction workers, Hosiery workers, Banks, LIC, BSNL, Transport, Power Sector, Anagnwadi, Asha workers and workers working in other government and semi government sectors in Ludhiana went on strike today on a call given by the All Central Trade Unions and several National Federations of Employees for a nationwide strike on 28thFebruary 2012 against the anti people, anti workers and anti employees policies of the central and state governments.



After stopping work in their respective organizations in all the corners of Ludhiana the workers marched with flags and banners and raising slogans of their demands and gathered outside the office of Deputy Commissioner at Mini Secretariat in a big number.



Addressing the massive rally state leaders Com Inderjit Singh Grewal-President CTU, S. Swaran Singh – Central Committee member INTUC and Com Om Parkash Mehta- Senior Vice President AITUC said that the call for the strike has been given to demand revision of minimum wages for the workers as Rs. 10,000-00 per month, filling up of all vacant posts on regular basis and not on contract basis, revised provident fund and bonus to all workers without any pre conditions, increase in gratuity rates, pension to all workers/employees, compulsory registration of trade unions within 45 days of filing registration papers, creation of social security fund for the workers in un organized sector as per recommendations of the permanent Parliamentary committee and implementation of labour laws as per ILO convention 87 and 98.



The speakers decried that as a result of neo liberal economic policies pursued at the diktat of World Bank, IMF and WTO our country has witnessed jobless growth as a result of which the condition of toiling masses in India has become miserable. Unprecedented rise in prices of essential commodities has led to rampant malnutrition. This has been made worse due to rise in unemployment. There is total denial of even present stipulated minimum wages not only by the private but also by the public sector units.



Others who addressed the rally include Comrades Dharm Paul Maur, Vijay Kumar, Kewal Krishan and Gurnam Sidhu of AITUC, Shri Nageshwar, Gurbax Rai, Jia Lal Gautam and Bhagirath Paliwal of BMS, Comrades Jatinder Pal and Jagdish Chand, Com Tarsem Jodhan, Com Subhash Rani from CITU, Comrades Paramjit Singh, Daljeet Singh, Mohan Lal Paswan and Raja Ram of CTU, Shri Gujit Singh Jagpal, S K Tiwari, Kaur Chand and Jagmel Singh Khera of INTUC, Com Naresh Gaur- Secretary Bank Employees Federation, Com Gulzar Goria-Gen Secretary Khet Mazdoor Sabha Punjab, Com Kewal Singh Banwait and Com.Ramesh Rattan.



In their address they took a serious note of the fact that despite raising these demands by the workers for a long time, the government under the pressure of corporate sector is ignoring the demands of the workers which has led to flouting of labour laws with impunity not only by the private but also by the public sector. There is no provision for social security to the unorganized workers. Govt. has failed to curb the rising prices and solve the problem of unemployment causing serious effect on the lives of toiling masses.



Rally expressed satisfaction that it is for the first time that all trade unions have united on one platform on these demands. The leaders warned that if even now the government does not pay heed to the demands and condition of workers, they would be forced to launch more militant struggle in future.


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PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY INNOVATION FOR AGRI-DEVELOPMENT IN PUNJAB VITAL: CHIEF SECRETARY





LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 28:-----



"New innovations are vital for the upgradation of agriculture and allied economy of Punjab. Without this, no success can be achieved," stated Mr. S.C. Agrawal, Chief Secretary, Punjab, while chairing the technical session on "Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture" at two-day "Farmer-Scientist Interface", which began today at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The programme has been organized by the PAU in association with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU). Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, PAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr V.K. Taneja, GADVASU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mangal S. Sandhu, Director of Agriculture, Punjab, Dr L.S. Brar, Director of Horticulture, Punjab, Dr H.S. Sandha, Director of Animal Husbandry, Punjab, and progressive farmers from across the state participated in the interface.



Congratulating the PAU for its 50 years of glorious service to the nation, Mr Agrawal called upon the scientists to make innovations in research to break the deadlock in the food grain production. There is need to overhaul scientific teaching, research, extension and administration, stressed he. The Punjab agriculture will benefit from the commercialization of dairy farming and net-house cultivation of vegetable crops. The farmers are opting for full-time dairy farming, remarked he, adding that the diversification and the new crop varieties are the need of the hour for agriculture development in the state. He inaugurated the exhibition, put up by the farmers and various departments of the PAU and GADVASU, which highlighted the net-house cultivation of vegetables, management of diseases and insect-pests of various crops, PAU technologies such as leaf colour chart and tensiometer, conservation of fodder for silage, balanced feeding of pigs, embryo transfer technology in cattle, importance of mineral mixture in dairy ration, value-added products and farm literature of both the universities.



The Co-Chairman of the technical session, Mr N.S. Kang, Financial Commissioner (Development), Punjab, lauded the tremendous contribution of the PAU to the nation's food buffer. Emphasizing on the sustainable growth of agriculture in Punjab, he said that the neat and clean environment, farm income enhancement and family welfare of the farmers need the attention of the experts. Remarking that the researchers and farmers should work hand-in-hand for developing new varieties, technologies and machinery, he added that the progress of agriculture depends upon the growth of researchers and the farmers. Mr Kang also stressed on curbing the prevailing social vices including drug menace and doing away with the show offs in the state for the benefit of future generations.



Mr G.S. Sandhu, Financial Commissioner, Animal Husbandry Dairy and Fisheries (AHD&F), co-chairing the session, said that same farmers are associated with both the universities. The experts should lay special thrust on developing the nutritious varieties of fodder as it will be of immense benefit to the dairy farmers. For agriculture growth, the prime focus should be on its "allied sectors" and "diversification" be it in terms of livestock, floriculture, fruits or vegetables, he added. The early the farmers adopt the new scientific technologies, the more successful they will be. The dairy sector alongwith the cattle breed improvement are vital segments of the contemporary agriculture, he told.



Dr A.M. Narula, Zonal Project Director, ICAR observed, "This year, 250 million tons of food grain production is expected in the country." India is an emerging economy, but the agriculture growth, in the last ten years, has been only 3 per cent. In view of the ever-increasing population and the rising costs of labour, fertilizers and inputs, the research and development should lay special emphasis on doubling the food grain production, reducing the costs of production and increasing the farm income of the farmers, he said.



Dr Sanjeev Saxena, Intellectual Property and Technology Management Unit, ICAR, spoke on "options for protection of innovations." He dwelt upon defensive mechanisms for protection, protection of innovations and knowledge and plant variety protections. The intellectual property rights (IPRs) are statutory rights and are territorial in nature. The breeder of the crop variety can make application which requires geographical location in India from where the genetic material has been taken, he told.



Dr Mahesh Patil, National Innovation Foundation (NIF), Ahmedabad, shared his views on "Experiences in promotion of grassroots innovations by Honey Bee Network." Dwelling upon the innovations including manual milking machine, dry land forestry techniques and multipurpose processing machine, he told that scouting and documentation, value addition, product development, dissemination and information technology are the major areas of the focus of the NIF.

Two progressive farmers Mr Prabpal S. Dhillon, Kasel, Tarantaran and Mr Surinder Singh Dhindsa, Phillaur, shared their experiences of agricultural activities and dairy farming. Mr Dhillon hailed the efforts of the scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Scheme(FASS) for their timely guidance to the farmers. Mr Dhindsa said that in view of increasing milk prices, net yield per buffalo is very low.



Besides, the technical sessions on "horticulture," and "livestock and fisheries," took place which were chaired by Dr K.R. Dhiman, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, and Dr A.K. Srivastava, Director, National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal.



Earlier, Dr M.S. Gill, Director of Extension Education, PAU, welcoming the dignitaries and the participants, exhorted the farmers to share their views with the experts on the research finding for the agricultural sustainability. He told that new techniques have been adopted by the farmers with the initiatives of PAU and GADVASU. Dr R.S. Sahota, Director of Extension Education, GADVASU, proposed the vote of thanks and said that the two-day interface will be useful for the scientists as well for the farmers for setting up research priorities.



The participants were shown round the exhibition on agriculture, livestock, fisheries and value added products highlighting innovative efforts by scientists and farmers. Two publications were also released on the occasion.


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PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE CONVOCATION ON MARCH 1





LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 28:



The Convocation and Prize Distribution function of the College of Agriculture, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), will be held on March 1 in the Pal Auditorium of the varsity. Mr P.K. Basu, Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi, will be the chief guest while Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, PAU Vice-Chancellor, will preside over the function.



Dr D.S. Cheema, Dean, College of Agriculture, PAU, said that a total of 266 degrees in B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.), 13 B.Ed, 41 Merit Certificates, seven Gold Medals/medals and 27 prizes (for academic excellence) will be awarded to the students passed out during the years 2009-11. He informed that the rehearsal will take place on February 29 at 2.00 p.m. in the Pal Auditorium.


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Newly wed Riteish, Genelia turn baratis

Mumbai, February 28, 2012

Days after actor Riteish Deshmukh married actress Genelia D\'Souza, it was the turn of his brother Dheeraj to tie the nuptial knot as the Deshmukh household was organising a second wedding within a month.



The newly wed actor couple became baratis this time as they attended Dheeraj\'s wedding with film producer Vashu Bhagnani\'s daughter Deepshikha on Monday. Riteish and Genelia danced pretty much their hearts out.



All the attention shifted to Salman Khan as the Bollywood superstar made a grand entry to the function. Riteish welcomed Salman.



There was tight security arrangement at the wedding, attended by the who\'s who of Maharashtra\'s political arena and the film fraternity.



Zayed Khan, Sofie Choudhary and Jacky Shroff were among some of the other attendees.



With the second wedding in the family so soon after the first, it was certainly celebration time for the Deshmukhs.








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Training programme for Veterinary Inspectors by Vet Varsity



Ludhiana-28-Feb, 2012

A two day training programme was organized by Department of Vety & Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Science University (GADVASU), Ludhiana on the topic of "Animal Management and Feeding Practices in domestic animals" sponsored by AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (ATMA) and deputed by Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Bathinda. Twenty Vety Inspectors from Bathinda district participated in the training programme. In inaugural address Dr. HK Verma, Head, Department of Vety & Animal Husbandry Extension Education said that there is an urgent need for training to Vety Inspectors on animal management and feeding practices in domestic animals. As Vet. Inspectors are in direct contact with animal owners so they can also update animal owners about latest managemental and feeding practices recommended by Veterinary University. In this training different lectures were delivered by experts on managemental and feeding practices of animals. A visit to the clinics, clinical lab, University farms and different departments was organized for witnessing the facilities available in GADVASU for the farmers. The Veterinary inspectors appreciated the efforts of the GADVASU for working for the welfare of the livestock and farmers and requested to organize such training programme more frequently and for longer duration. All the trainees procured GADVASU publications and subscribed for monthly magazine "Vigyanik Pashu Palan" Dr. Udeybir Singh, coordinator of the training programme thanked the Animal Husbandry Department and ATMA for sending the trainees to GADVASU.


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The end of Salman’s love life!

Mumbai, Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Dating girls and Salman Khan are believed to be synonymous with each other. The actor has been associated with a long list of beauties in the past, and very recently has fuelled rumours of getting back with his ex-flame Katrina Kaif. However, the actor feels that his dating days have come to an end now.





In an in-depth talk with the media during the launch of a new show, Sallu stunned his audience by saying that he somehow no longer remembers the art of dating girls now. At the age of 46, even though the general observation might seem contradictory, Salman has said that he is no longer adept at dating women. The actor said to a leading daily that he was once very lucky at dating girls, but that is a thing of the past.



Salman's 'most eligible bachelor of Bollywood' tag is something that the actor is not too ready to shed by entering into holy matrimony, it seems. What with three epic break-ups in his past, that with actresses Somy Ali, Aishwarya Rai and Katrina Kaif, looks like Salman is tired of dating girls now. While ex Katrina has decided to go ahead with an arranged marriage later in life, Salman too seems to be in the same court.



Love or no love, you will still rule the roost when it comes to dating girls, Salman. And we sincerely wish that you retain that status, forever and beyond!


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

I\'m fine, thank you: Salman Khan

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 (Mumbai)

Back from Cuba after wrapping up a month-long schedule of his forthcoming Eid release, Salman Khan seems to have shrugged aside any sign of exhaustion. Instead, he appeared in great health and in a merry mood.



In fact, question him on his health and pat comes his reply, \"I\'m fine, thank you. All good.\" Regarding his second round of treatment for his nerve disorder, the actor says, \"The reports are positive. So I\'m good.\"



Ask him about the buzz that Cuba was included in the schedule of Kabir Khan\'s Ek Tha Tiger only later so that the warmth and the sunshine there could alleviate his pain, and Salman states, \"Cuba was always there in the plans. We had a great schedule. The cold weather in Ireland did aggravate the pain in my jaw earlier.\"



Don\'t ask me!



The actor whose films like Dabangg and Bodyguard have registered highest box-office collections in the last couple of years, he is not very forthcoming when you ask him about the buzz of dabangg 2 creating a new record (Rs 48-50 crore) for satellite rights. He says, \"Arbaaz is the producer and director of the Dabangg sequel. So he\'s the right person to talk about the movie.\"



On Saif



Salman who is known for his bad boy image in the industry seems upset with the reports of Saif Ali Khan\'s recent brawl in a South Mumbai five-star restaurant.



He rues, \"Nobody asked Saif whether he got whacked first or not,\" adding that he knows exactly what transpired at the scene since his sister-in-law, Malaika Arora Khan and her sister Amrita Arora were also present during the incident. Salman adds, \"It\'s always us actors who are blamed if anything wrong like this takes place.\"



Present at an event to promote a couple of shows on the History Channel, the actor joked about his rather poor performance in the same subject at school. He laughs and says, \"I\'d dread that red line under the marks (in the report card). If I could go back in history (pun intended), I\'d like to get better grades in the subject.\"





Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?ID=ENTEN20120195454&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=180561&cp
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Angelina Jolie\'s \'leg\' spurs host of online spoofs

Feb 28, 2012

Angelina Jolie\'s dramatic pose at the 2012 Oscars has made her right leg an instant hit on the internet with the exposed limb being riotously superimposed into a range of pictures across the web.



Users of the site BuzzFeed have created photos of the 36-year-old\'s right leg popping up in historic and iconic pop-culture pictures.



For instance, Jolie\'s limb is now featured in the scene of George Washington crossing the Delaware River and she is also photo-bombing The Beatles\' Abbey Road album cover. The concept has since gone viral, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.



Jolie\'s leg was exposed through a black Atelier Versace gown and high slit at the Oscars, and to flaunt her stems, Jolie proudly highlighted her leg all night with a pose.



However, it barely went unnoticed. In fact, while accepting the award for Best Adapted Screenplay for \'The Descendants\', co-writer Jim Rash mimicked the pose by sticking out his right leg.



It sparked so much conversation on social media sites that it has even inspired its own Twitter account now - @AngiesRightLeg. The account already has more than 16,000 followers.



Additionally, a Tumblr blog called AngelinaJolieing has also surfaced with internet users submitting photos to add to the meme.




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Vidya Balan: I didn\'t believe I could be so sexy

February 28, 2012

She is being described as Bollywood\'s new hero. Though Vidya Balan says she is very happy being described as a heroine, a paternalistic industry insists on giving her this accolade.



What has catapulted her into the top league is her latest release, The Dirty Picture, which has won her every film award this year.



In her next film, Sujoy Ghosh\'s Kahaani, she plays a pregnant woman in search of her missing husband.



Vidya talks to Patcy N and Sonil Dedhia about life after The Dirty Picture, and why she will not get married anytime soon.



How does it feel like to be called the new hero of Bollywood?



It\'s a wonderful compliment but I must say that I enjoy being a heroine. It is the time to celebrate woman power. I am happy being me; I am happy being Vidya Balan.



You started your career in a Bengali film; what was it like going back to Kolkata for Kahaani?



It was wonderful. I have a special connection with Kolkata that I can\'t explain. My mother says that in my past life I must have been a Bengali (smiles).



I speak the language pretty well because I have always wanted to learn it. I keep asking all my Bengali friends for new rhymes, poems, songs. I listen to Bengali music and have watched a lot of Bengali films. How all this happened I don\'t know.



My first film was a Bengali film (Bhalo Theko). I did an album with Euphoria, it had me playing a Bengali bride, and then Parineeta was another film where I played a Bengali. Even in Bhool Bhulaiya, Manjulika is a Bengali dancer.



I was happy to go back to Kolkata for Kahaani because it is second home to me. I look for opportunities to go there.






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Rupee gains 5 paise in early trade

Mumbai, February 28, 2012

The rupee appreciated by 5 paise to trade at Rs. 49.17 per dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange on Tuesday on increased foreign capital inflows.



Dealers said increased foreign capital inflows amid higher opening in local equities mainly kept the rupee sentiment firm.



The rupee had lost 29 paise to close at 49.22/23 against the dollar on fresh demand for the U.S. currency from importers on Monday.



Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex shot up by 174.27 points, or 1.00 per cent, to 17,620.02 in early trade.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

L&T looks overseas to offset domestic slowdown

MUMBAI, February 28, 2012

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the engineering and construction giant, is looking at growing the overseas component to 25-30 per cent of its order book by 2014 to tide over the difficult conditions in the Indian infrastructure sector.



At present, overseas orders account for 17 per cent of L&T\'s order book of Rs.1,45,768 crore (as at December 2011).



In an interaction with this correspondent, A. M. Naik, Chairman & Managing Director, L&T, said, "in terms of new projects in India, the current year, like last year, will continue to be extremely challenging."



Exposure

L&T has gradually been increasing its exposure in the international market and securing orders.



From having no presence overseas less than a decade ago, global orders accounted for 7 per cent of L&T\'s order book in 2004. It gradually moved up to 17 per cent.



"We have accelerated knowing that we have a serious problem in India in terms of orders and have upped the target to 25-30 per cent by 2014. If that happens, we would have offset the challenging domestic situation as I see it," Mr. Naik said.



With elections in several states and the model code of conduct in place, there are hardly any economic decisions being made. Mr. Naik felt the pipeline of new projects had come down significantly.



"The capital goods and project industries know about the infrastructure investment patterns a year or 18 months ahead of whatever is being now executed. It usually reflects on other industries after a year or 18 months. In India, there is little new capacity being created."



L&T is increasing its investments overseas for 2013-14 and 2014-15 to neutralise the domestic impact, if it persists.



"We have achieved all the qualifications overseas, and if we swing even two or three mega projects, we will be fine. We have invested and will continue to do so in the Gulf, Africa and elsewhere. Today, we are present in every country in the Gulf region, from only two five years ago."



The company has started looking at CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries and has opened an office in Istanbul to oversee the company\'s CIS foray.



Mr. Naik said the company was in the process of opening offices in Australia for upstream offshore platforms and Brazil to target hydrocarbon equipment sector.



It is also analysing oil and gas-rich African countries and would start by looking to tap into the potential, he added.


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Sharp hike in fuel prices likely after elections

NEW DELHI, February 28, 2012

With the Indian crude oil basket touching $123 per barrel on Monday and the Union government faced with a mounting subsidy bill that threatens to touch Rs. 1,50,000 crore, a sharp hike in the price of diesel, petrol and domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders is likely to take place soon after the conclusion of the Assembly polls in the five States next week.



With the government losses on selling fuel at subsidised rates threatening to go out of control, the oil marketing companies have mounted pressure on the government seeking a sharp hike in prices of petrol, diesel and LPG to cover up the mass losses due to volatility in the crude oil prices in the international markets.



The tensions between the United States and Iran coupled with latest European Union sanctions against Tehran have ignited the crude oil markets worldwide. "With the counting of votes scheduled for March 6, the hike in petrol prices could happen anytime after that. The current losses are virtually unsustainable,\'\' a senior OMC official said.



The Indian basket, which was hovering around $108 to $110 per barrel last month, has touched a new high of $123 on Monday. This has brought the government under tremendous pressure to hike prices of petroleum products immediately. The oil marketing companies (OMC) have already asked the government to give them permission to hike prices of petrol, diesel and LPG without any further delay.



For instance, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has lost about Rs. 443 crore since the last revision in petrol price on December 1 after which rates have not been changed because of crucial assembly elections in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand.



OMCs are currently incurring a loss of Rs. 3-3.50 per litre on petrol, whose pricing was freed by the government from its control in June 2010. IOC lost about Rs. 1,277 crore in first nine months of current fiscal and another Rs. 360 crore after that.



Petrol price were last revised on December 1 when they were cut by Rs. 0.78 per litre to Rs. 65.64 per litre in Delhi. Besides petrol, the OMCs are losing Rs.14.50 per litre on diesel, Rs. 28.76 a litre on kerosene and Rs. 388 per 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder. IOC alone is losing Rs. 239 crore per day on sale of these three products and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limtied are losing around Rs. 445 crore per day.



Sources in the state-owned oil companies said the hike could be Rs. 4 per litre for petrol, Rs. 5 for diesel and Rs. 70 per for LPG cylinder.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Sensex recovers 174 points in early trade

Mumbai, February 28, 2012

The BSE benchmark index Sensex recovered by over 174 points in early trade on Tuesday on fresh buying by funds and retailers at attractive lower levels.



The 30-share Sensex, which had lost over 977 points in the past four sessions, recovered by 174.27 points, or 1 per cent, to 17,620.02.



Nifty, the wide-based index of National Stock Exchange, moved up by 43.25 points, or 0.82 per cent, to 5,324.45 points.



Brokers said buying by funds and retail investors in realty, consumer durable, metal and banking stocks after recent losses lifted the market


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Monday, February 27, 2012

Tomorrow they will be home

NEW DELHI, February 28,2012

For nearly 1,100 workers at 27 hot-rolling steel plants in the Capital\'s Wazirpur Industrial Area, tomorrow, Wednesday, will be their first weekly off in a long, long time. Precisely ten years. All these years they worked without a single holiday – neither weekly, nor the State and national holidays, that the rest of us can take for granted.



Then, on February 15 something snapped. On that day, in a spontaneous outburst of long pent-up grievances, many among them assembled outside their factories, stalled work, and demanded their due. It did not end up as a one-off display of workers\' unity.



With their demands yet to be met, on February 20, these workers called a strike and stalled work again. The next day they returned to work, but factory owners in a display of bravado that, as later events indicated, backfired, told the workers that their services were no longer required.



The workers resumed their strike, with more of their ilk joining in. When work at these hot-rolling factories stopped converting iron blocks into steel, the act had a domino effect. The processed steel produced here is the raw material for several hundred other factories in the area that manufacture steel vessels, implements and a host of other goods.



On February 24, the factory owners caved in. They agreed to two of the workers\' core demands – holidays and providing ESI cards to the workers. The ESI card will go a long way in addressing their healthcare expenses and, indirectly show they are bona fide employees of these plants.



Several more of the workers\' demands remain to be addressed: protective gear, first-aid kits at the plants, minimum wages, and a job card. But they say the owners have promised to address these after the Holi festival and elections to the association of factory owners in early March.



Community organiser Raghuraj, who lives among the workers and was instrumental in encouraging them to mobilise, says: "Until 2002, these workers enjoyed weekly holidays and eight-hour shifts. The introduction of the new hot-rolling plants and the influx of cheap migrant labour undermined their position. The furnaces in these plants take several hours to fire up, if shut down, and thus are run round-the-clock. Instead of eight-hour-shifts, the owners came up with a new work culture – 12-hour shifts and no more holidays."



Amar Dev and Shiv Kumar, helpers to head masons at the factory, say that for every half-an-hour of work put in, the workers require half-an-hour of rest to regain their strength.



So they work in groups of two. "Every hour, each worker here needs to drink at least one litre of water, and this is in the winter. In summer, we trade places ever 15 minutes, because of the unbearable heat," says Dev.



Because of the nature of their work and constant dehydration, they are frequently subjected to injuries and a number of ailments. The lone ESI dispensary in the industrial area will be theirs to visit, once the ESI cards are made. They earn between Rs.5,000 and Rs.8,500. But alcoholism, medical expenditure, and expenditure on basic needs have thrown them into a debt spiral, heavily depending on private lenders who charge an outrageously high 10 per cent monthly interest.



Ram Kumar, pradhan of the workers, and a veteran of several trade union struggles in this industrial hub says the struggle has only begun. An independent union for the workers is a dream that he realises is very close to fructifying.



The distance they have travelled since February 23 last year has been immense. On that day, when several thousand workers converged on Parliament Street demanding labour law reforms, the men here quietly went about their work.



But this Tuesday, when central trade unions embark on their all-India strike, they will have company. The 1000-odd steel workers from Wazirpur Industrial Area - A Block.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Cancel Dow sponsorship, government writes to IOC

New Delhi, February 28, 2012

The Union Sports Ministry has written to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), urging it to cancel the sponsorship of Dow Chemical for the London Olympics.



In a letter, dated February 24, to IOC president Jacques Rogge, the Ministry\'s joint secretary Rahul Bhatnagar said that such a step by the IOC would assuage the "feelings of millions of people" and send a strong message the world over for upholding the noble ideals of the Olympic Movement.



The Ministry had asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) earlier to convey India\'s protest over the IOC and the London Games being associated with a company which is the successor of Union Carbide, which in turn was held responsible for the unprecedented gas tragedy that occurred in Bhopal in 1984.



IOC\'s reply



Mr. Rogge, replying to a letter by IOA president Vijay Kumar Malhotra, said the IOC sympathised with the IOA. He pointed out at the same time that the sponsorship deal with Dow was finalised when the IOC and the Games Organising Committee (LOCOG) were aware of the Bhopal tragedy.



The IOC contended that Dow did not have any connection with the gas tragedy while it had supported the Olympic Movement for over 30 years.



Dow is a Worldwide Olympic Partner since 2010 and part of its funding goes to the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), including the IOA. The IOA has not accepted the IOC\'s stand, but wants the government to come out with a clear statement regarding India\'s participation, or otherwise, in the Olympics. It would be willing to follow any government directive regarding this.



"We are not talking of a boycott," said Mr. Malhotra on Monday. "We will decide on the mode of protest after consultations with the government."



He said the IOA Executive Board meeting here on March 2 would take a decision.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Chennai encounter: Notice to T.N. on CBI probe demand

CHENNAI, February 28, 2012

The Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered notice to the Tamil Nadu government on a writ petition seeking registration of a case of murder against the police personnel involved in the "killing" of five persons, suspected to be bank robbers, in an alleged encounter at Velachery in Chennai last week and transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.



A Division Bench, comprising Justice Elipe Dharma Rao and Justice N. Kirubakaran, ordered notice of motion and posted the case for further hearing on March 6, 2012.



In the public interest litigation petition, P. Pugalenthi, Director, Prisoners Rights Forum, alleged that the police never wanted to investigate the bank robberies and were bent upon killing the suspects. "Instead of investigating a crime of robbery in the manner known to law, the respondent-police personnel entered a thickly populated residential locality and killed five youngsters who were staying in a single-bedroom house which was allegedly locked from within."


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

German deported for ‘aiding’ anti-KKNPP protests

Chennai, February 28, 2012

A German national was picked up by Tamil Nadu Police in Nagercoil for allegedly assisting the protests against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) and deported from the country in the wee hours of Tuesday.



Sonnteg Reiner Hermann (49) was picked up on Monday in Nagercoil by Q branch police officials monitoring the anti-KNPP protests after they were alerted by central intelligence agencies, police sources said.



Mr. Hermann was brought to Chennai in the night for interrogation and was deported from the international terminal of the Chennai airport at around 1 a.m., they said.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Strike evokes mixed response

New Delhi, February 28, 2012

ccThe 24-hour countrywide strike called by major trade unions on Tuesday to protest the "anti-labour" policies of the government and rising prices evoked a mixed response with the banking and transport sector hit in some parts.



In West Bengal, there were fewer vehicles on the road but several schools and government offices remained open following the warning given by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that absence from duty will be treated as a break in service.



State Director General of Police Naparajit Mukherjee said in Kolkata that the situation was normal in the districts. Some arrests have been made in certain places including Hasnabad and Madhyamgram for obstructing traffic, he said.



In Mumbai, the strike had a partial impact with financial institutions getting affected.



Barring the banking and insurance sectors, which have a large presence of trade unions, normal life was largely unaffected in the metropolis with all essential services especially public transport functioning as usual.



"The shutdown in the banking and financial sectors has been complete. The RBI's clearing houses are shut. So the private and foreign banks, where we do not a have a presence, also get affected," general secretary of the All India Bank Employees Association, Vishwas Utagi claimed.



Services at both the city airports were smooth in spite of the strike call given by 11 trade unions.



In Delhi, the strike had little impact though normal functioning of PSU banks were affected and a number of autos and taxi drivers kept their vehicles off the roads to take part in the protest.



Commuters complained that the frequency of the state-run buses were low. Several passengers were stranded in the morning at railway stations and bus terminals.



Normal life was hit in Kerala due to the strike with buses keeping off the roads and shops remaining shut. The strike also affected functioning of banks and offices as pro-Left unions in the State sector also joined the protest against the "neo-liberal economic and labour policies" pursued by the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre.



The Congress-led United Democratic Front government in Kerala has enforced dies non (no work-no pay) order against the strike in government offices.



Reports from across the State said in most places, the mobility of people was hit as the impact of the strike was near total in the transport sector with buses, taxis and auto rickshaws keeping off the road.



Transport and banking services were hit in Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana in the wake of the strike.



Reports pouring from various places in the region said buses on several routes remained off the road in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh even as officials were persuading employees not to join the strike.



With major bank unions observing the strike, financial transactions came to a halt in all branches of public sector banks in the two States.



However, banking services in private sector banks were not affected.



The key demands of the unions include guarantee of labour rights, end to the contract labour system, bringing workers in the unorganised sector under the social security net and pension benefit for all workers.



Besides the Left unions like the Centre of Indian Trade Unions and All India Trade Union Congress and the Hind Mazdoor Sabha, the pro-Congress Indian National Trade Union Congress and the pro-Bharatiya Janata Party Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh are also supporting the strike


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Plane makes emergency landing at Newark Airport

NEWARK, New Jersey, February 28, 2012

Newark Liberty Airport has reopened after a United Express flight from Atlanta made an emergency landing, forcing an hour-long shutdown.



There were no reports of injuries among the 71 people aboard.



Authorities say Flight 5124 landed around 6.20 p.m. on Monday, shortly after the pilot was approaching the airport to land as scheduled and noticed a landing gear problem.



Newark firefighters were called to the scene, but found no smoke or fire aboard the plane.



A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says the airport was closed shortly after the landing. Two of the airport's three runways reopened about an hour later.



Additional details were not immediately available.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

CIPHET licenses technologies of Custard Apple Pulper & Micro-encapsulation





Ludhiana, February 28



Technologies of 'Custard Apple Pulper' and 'Autoclavable Micro-Encapsulation System' was today commercialized during the 'Quinquennial Review Team Meeting' here on Saturday at the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET).



Speaking on the occasion, CIPHET Director Dr R.K Gupta said that before this there was no machine available for extracting pulp from the custard apple. "The machine developed by the CIPHET would provide faster and economical solution to the industry," he said, appreciating the scientists who worked for development of the machine. Dr N.C Patil, Chairman of the review team, handed over the copies of the license to Pune based NEXTGEN Drying System (NGDS), which paid Rs 1.85 lakh as license fee to the CIPHET.



"The large area of Maharashtra is under the cultivation of custard apple and conventional manual method required lot of labour and quality depreciation was the other issue in the process," said Shivanand Shelge, Director of NEXGEN Drying Systems Private limited, hoping that this new machine would provide a boost to custard apple growers and food processing industry.



Similarly, Autoclavable micro-encapsulation system was licensed to Ludhiana based Singh Scientific Glass Work (SSGW) at fee of Rs 50 thousand. The Micro-encapsulation technology is especially useful in development of functional foods. Parvinder Singh, owner of the SSGW, said that technology developed by the CIPHET has lot of potential in the market. Both licenses would be non-exclusive and institute can provide these technologies to other entrepreneurs as well



Letters of appreciation were also handed over to Scientist Dr V Eyarkai Nambi for developing custard apple pupler and to Senior Scientist Dr K. Narsaiah, Senior Scientist Dr M.R Manikantan, AS&EC Head Dr S.N Jha for their role in development of Autoclavable micro-encapsulation system. The review team members Dr J.B Prajapati and Dr Sandeep Kapoor and senior members of the faculty Project Coordinator (PHT) Dr S.K Nanda and Head Transfer of Technology Division Dr Deepak Raj Rai were also present on the occasion.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Stratfor\'s ‘web of informers\' laid bare

London, February 28, 2012

WikiLeaks on Monday revealed how Indian rights activists campaigning against Dow Chemical over its links with the Bhopal gas tragedy had been targeted by a Texas-based data analysis company Stratfor which, while claiming to be an "independent" organisation, "secretly" fed intelligence to American security agencies, military officials and powerful global corporations.



The disclosure is contained in the "Global Intelligence Files," a cache of more than 5 million secret emails, which WikiLeaks began publishing.



The emails, dating from July 2004 and late December 2011, revealed Stratfor\'s "web of informers, pay-off structure, payment-laundering techniques and psychological methods," providing a glimpse of the murky world of intelligence gathering, and the company\'s invisible links with governments and power corporations.



They also revealed Stratfor\'s covert links with Pakistan\'s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Israel\'s Mossad, WikiLeaks said pointing out that the company gave "a complimentary membership" to Hamid Gul, former head of ISI who, according to U.S. diplomatic cables, "planned" an IED attack on NATO-led forces in Afghanistan in 2006.



Releasing the files at a press conference here, WikiLeaks said they exposed how Stratfor recruited "a global network of informants who are paid via Swiss banks accounts and pre-paid credit cards." It had a mix of covert and overt informants, including government employees, embassy staff and journalists around the world.



"Here we have a private intelligence firm, relying on informants from the U.S. government, foreign intelligence agencies with questionable reputations and journalists," said WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.



"What is of grave concern is that the targets of this scrutiny are, among others, activist organisations fighting for a just cause."



Once likened by an American magazine to a "shadow CIA," Stratfor allegedly targets groups and individuals whose activities might embarrass or hurt its clients.



WikiLeaks itself had been a target of Stratfor\'s surveillance, it said.



"The material contains privileged information about the U.S. government\'s attacks against Julian Assange and WikiLeaks and Stratfor\'s own attempts to subvert WikiLeaks," it said pointing out that it contained more than 4,000 references to Mr. Assange or WikiLeaks.



While Stratfor claimed that it operated "without ideology, agenda or national bias," yet the emails revealed "private intelligence staff who align themselves closely with U.S. government policies and channel tips to the Mossad…"



Revealing the company\'s hidden links with the American government, it said: "Stratfor\'s Vice-President for Intelligence, Fred Burton, was formerly a special agent with the U.S. State Department\'s Diplomatic Security Service and was their Deputy Chief of the counter-terrorism division. Despite the governmental ties, Stratfor and similar companies operate in complete secrecy with no political oversight or accountability."



It also claimed that Stratfor did "secret deals with dozens of media organisations and journalists."



"While it is acceptable for journalists to swap information or be paid by other media organisations, because Stratfor is a private intelligence organisation that services governments and private clients, these relationships are corrupt or corrupting," it said.



WikiLeaks did not say how it obtained the emails.



In a statement ahead of the WikiLeaks disclosure, Stratfor said : "In December, thieves compromised Stratfor\'s data systems and stole a large number of company emails, along with other private information of Stratfor readers, subscribers and employees. Those stolen emails apparently will be published by Wikileaks. This is a deplorable, unfortunate — and illegal — breach of privacy."



WikiLeaks said there was a systematic campaign to destroy it by choking off its funds through an "unlawful" and "arbitrary" financial blockade imposed on it by the Bank of America, VISA, Mastercard, PayPal and Western Union as part of a "politically motivated" attack by American authorities. Last October, it was forced to suspended its publishing operations to focus on raising funds .



Mr. Asssange described the financial blockade as an "existential" threat to the organisation and said if it continued, WikiLeaks would not be able to carry on its work.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Stratfor\'s ‘web of informers\' laid bare

London, February 28, 2012

WikiLeaks on Monday revealed how Indian rights activists campaigning against Dow Chemical over its links with the Bhopal gas tragedy had been targeted by a Texas-based data analysis company Stratfor which, while claiming to be an "independent" organisation, "secretly" fed intelligence to American security agencies, military officials and powerful global corporations.



The disclosure is contained in the "Global Intelligence Files," a cache of more than 5 million secret emails, which WikiLeaks began publishing.



The emails, dating from July 2004 and late December 2011, revealed Stratfor\'s "web of informers, pay-off structure, payment-laundering techniques and psychological methods," providing a glimpse of the murky world of intelligence gathering, and the company\'s invisible links with governments and power corporations.



They also revealed Stratfor\'s covert links with Pakistan\'s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Israel\'s Mossad, WikiLeaks said pointing out that the company gave "a complimentary membership" to Hamid Gul, former head of ISI who, according to U.S. diplomatic cables, "planned" an IED attack on NATO-led forces in Afghanistan in 2006.



Releasing the files at a press conference here, WikiLeaks said they exposed how Stratfor recruited "a global network of informants who are paid via Swiss banks accounts and pre-paid credit cards." It had a mix of covert and overt informants, including government employees, embassy staff and journalists around the world.



"Here we have a private intelligence firm, relying on informants from the U.S. government, foreign intelligence agencies with questionable reputations and journalists," said WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.



"What is of grave concern is that the targets of this scrutiny are, among others, activist organisations fighting for a just cause."



Once likened by an American magazine to a "shadow CIA," Stratfor allegedly targets groups and individuals whose activities might embarrass or hurt its clients.



WikiLeaks itself had been a target of Stratfor\'s surveillance, it said.



"The material contains privileged information about the U.S. government\'s attacks against Julian Assange and WikiLeaks and Stratfor\'s own attempts to subvert WikiLeaks," it said pointing out that it contained more than 4,000 references to Mr. Assange or WikiLeaks.



While Stratfor claimed that it operated "without ideology, agenda or national bias," yet the emails revealed "private intelligence staff who align themselves closely with U.S. government policies and channel tips to the Mossad…"



Revealing the company\'s hidden links with the American government, it said: "Stratfor\'s Vice-President for Intelligence, Fred Burton, was formerly a special agent with the U.S. State Department\'s Diplomatic Security Service and was their Deputy Chief of the counter-terrorism division. Despite the governmental ties, Stratfor and similar companies operate in complete secrecy with no political oversight or accountability."



It also claimed that Stratfor did "secret deals with dozens of media organisations and journalists."



"While it is acceptable for journalists to swap information or be paid by other media organisations, because Stratfor is a private intelligence organisation that services governments and private clients, these relationships are corrupt or corrupting," it said.



WikiLeaks did not say how it obtained the emails.



In a statement ahead of the WikiLeaks disclosure, Stratfor said : "In December, thieves compromised Stratfor\'s data systems and stole a large number of company emails, along with other private information of Stratfor readers, subscribers and employees. Those stolen emails apparently will be published by Wikileaks. This is a deplorable, unfortunate — and illegal — breach of privacy."



WikiLeaks said there was a systematic campaign to destroy it by choking off its funds through an "unlawful" and "arbitrary" financial blockade imposed on it by the Bank of America, VISA, Mastercard, PayPal and Western Union as part of a "politically motivated" attack by American authorities. Last October, it was forced to suspended its publishing operations to focus on raising funds .



Mr. Asssange described the financial blockade as an "existential" threat to the organisation and said if it continued, WikiLeaks would not be able to carry on its work.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

1 dead, 4 wounded in U.S. high school shooting

CHARDON, Ohio, February 28, 2012

A teenager opened fire in the cafeteria at a suburban Cleveland high school Monday, killing one student and wounding four others before he was chased from the building by a teacher and captured a short distance away, authorities said.



A student who saw the attack up close said it appeared that the gunman targeted a group of students sitting together and that the one who was killed was gunned down while trying to duck under the cafeteria table.



FBI officials would not comment on a motive. Police Chief Tim McKenna said authorities "have a lot of homework to do yet" in their investigation of the shooting, which sent students screaming through the halls at the start of the school day at 1,100-student Chardon High.



Teachers locked down their classrooms as they had been trained to do during drills, and students took cover as they waited for the all-clear in this town of 5,100 people 48 kilometres from Cleveland. One teacher was said to have dragged a wounded student into his classroom for protection. Another chased the gunman out of the building, police said.



The suspect, whose name was not released because he is a juvenile, was arrested near his car half-kilometre away, the FBI said. He was not immediately charged.



Fifteen-year-old Danny Komertz, who witnessed the shooting, said the gunman was known as an outcast who had apparently been bullied. But other students disputed that. "Even though he was quiet, he still had friends," said Tyler Lillash, 16. "He was not bullied."



Long before official word came of the attack, parents learned of the bloodshed from students via text message and cellphones and thronged the streets around the school, anxiously awaiting word on their children.



Two of the wounded were listed in critical condition, and another was in serious condition.



"I looked up and this kid was pointing a gun about 10 feet away from me to a group of four kids sitting at a table," Komertz said. He said the gunman fired two shots quickly, and students scrambled for safety. One of them was "trying to get underneath the table, trying to hide, protecting his face."



The slain student, Daniel Parmertor, was an aspiring computer repairman who was waiting in the cafeteria for the bus for his daily 15-minute ride to a vocational school. His teacher at the Auburn Career School had no idea why Parmertor, "a very good young man, very quiet," had been targeted, said Auburn superintendent Maggie Lynch.



Teacher Joe Ricci had just begun class when he heard shots and slammed the door to his classroom, yelling, "Lockdown!" to students, according to Karli Sensibello, a student whose sister was in Ricci's classroom.



A few minutes later, Ricci heard a student moaning outside, opened the door and pulled in student Nick Walczak who had been shot several times, Sensibello said in an email. Ricci comforted Walczak and let him use his cellphone to call his girlfriend and parents, Sensibello said. She said her sister was too upset to talk.



"Everybody just started running," said 17-year-old Megan Hennessy, who was in class when she heard loud noises. "Everyone was running and screaming down the hallway."



Rebecca Moser, 17, had just settled into her chemistry class when the school went into lockdown. The class of about 25 students ducked behind the lab tables at the back of the classroom, uncertain whether it was a drill.



Text messages started flying inside and outside the school, spreading information about what was happening and what friends and family were hearing outside the building.



"We all have cellphones, so people were constantly giving people updates about what was going on, who the victims were, how they were doing," Moser said.



The school had no metal detectors, but current and past students said it had frequent security drills in case of a shooting.



Anxious parents of high school students were told to go to an elementary school to pick up their children.



Joe Bergant, Chardon school superintendent, said school was cancelled Tuesday and grief counselors would be available to students and families. "If you haven't hugged or kissed your kid in the last couple of days, take that time," he said.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Occupy protesters clash with police in California

SACRAMENTO, California, February 28, 2012

At least two law enforcement officers were injured on Monday during a clash with members of the Occupy movement who were at the State Capitol to counter a rally by a group protesting violence by blacks against whites in South Africa.



The clash erupted as California Highway Patrol and police officers were escorting about 35 members of the South Africa Project to a parking garage following their protest.



About 50 members of Occupy Oakland began throwing cans and bottles, then rushed the officers.



Two officers suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital. CHP Capt. Andy Menard said one officer who was struck in the face by an object was released from the hospital. The second officer was getting X-rays after apprehending a person suspected of throwing objects, Capt. Menard said.



Three Occupy members were arrested on suspicion of disobeying an officer.



Members of the South Africa Project were trying to draw attention to what they said is black-on-white violence in that country. Organisers said similar demonstrations were planned in other States and elsewhere in California.



The group was mostly male and white, some with shaved heads and prominent tattoos.



Many of the Occupy protesters, some wearing hoods or masks, said they came from the San Francisco Bay area to counter what they called a racist group affiliated with former Louisiana Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.



Morris Gulett, a spokesman for the South Africa Project, called the clash in Sacramento unfortunate.



"It's not surprising that the counter-protesters got in the way of the peaceful march we wanted it to be," Mr. Gulett said. "Our intention was to conduct a peaceful march."



Ryan Stark, 26, who said he is part of Occupy Sacramento, said he joined the protesters challenging the South Africa Project demonstration because there needed to be a showdown.



"I didn't throw anything... but these sorts of demonstrations need to happen," he said, referring to the counter protest. "They do have the right to say what they want, but we're not going to let it fly."



Earlier in the day, a 17-year-old girl with Occupy Oakland was taken to Juvenile Hall after she became combative and assaulted an officer who asked her to pick up litter, California Highway Patrol Officer Sean Kennedy said.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

BEE-KEEPNG BENEFITS FARMERS IN MULTIPLE WAYS: DR L.S. BRAR





LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 26:-------



Dr L.S. Brar, Director,Department of Horticulture, Punjab while addressing the concluding session of 'Advance training course in bee breeding, mass queen bee rearing techniques & hive products production' organized by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) said that the practical trainings are greatly beneficial for the agricultural and horticultural officials in the development of beekeeping in the State. Punjab has become a leading Indian state in honey production , he said. The officials equipped with information and knowledge during the training will be able to do well in this highly knowledge-intensive venture, he said. He shared that the State provides subsidies to the farmers for starting beekeeping and purchase of related equipment and to the beekeepers in initiating breeding programmes for the supply of the bee colonies. He highlighted the useful schemes of National Horticulture Mission (NHM), which the farmers should get benefit from. Dr Brar lauded the role of PAU in beekeeping development in the State and the country and shared that there is enormous scope of development and expansion in beekeeping in the country. He distributed the certificates among trainees. Two booklets on apiculture by the PAU beekeeping experts were also distributed among the participants.



Dr D.S. Cheema, Dean, College of Agriculture, PAU who was Guest of Honour , shared that Punjab is the leading state in apiculture with 37 % share in the national apiary honey production. Sharing the benefits associated with bee-keeping, he said that besides providing hive products, the bees also are the most efficient pollinators that help in augmenting crops' productivity and farm returns. Farmers can enhance their farm income by taking up bee-keeping as a subsidiary occupation, said Dr Cheema adding that PAU has trained a large number of beekeepers in the state.



Dr D.S. Brar, officiating as Head of the Department of Entomology shared that beekeeping is highly specialized economic activity which is less labour intensive and more remunerative. He shared that intensive research and extension efforts of the PAU have made Punjab to lead in beekeeping and in honey production over a very short period. Dr Brar suggested the participants to employ the knowledge they learnt on their fields.



Earlier, Dr P.K. Chhuneja,Technical Coordinator of the programme, delved that 32 extension officers/ scientist acquired the training and informed that apiculture scientists conducted six trainings during the last four months under the aegis of a National Horticulture Mission funded project. He revealed that the trainees were imparted practical knowledge on selection of stock, techniques of mass rearing of queen bees, quality drone bees, establishment of mating nuclei, gyne cell grafting, selective breeding, queen bee banks and on preparing bee packages. The trainees were also imparted training on new queen bee rearing techniques involving Karl-Jenter & Cup-Kit Systems, he said adding that the participants were made aware about techniques for production of royal jelly, propolis, pollen, bees wax, etc.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

RALLY/DEMONSTRATION ON STRIKE DAY I.E. 28TH FEB. 2012 IN FRONT OF CANARA BANK, BHARAT NAGAR CHOWK, LUDHIANA

Ludhiana 28th Feb. 2012,

we are observing All India Bank Strike alongwith all the Central Trade Unions against anti-labour and anti-worker policies of the Government. On the strike day, we are going to hold a Rally/Demonstration at 10.00 A.M. in front of Canara Bank, Bharat Nagar Chowk, Ludhiana on the following points :



• We support to 10 Point Charter of demands of the National Trade Union Convention.

• We oppose Banking Law (Amendment) Bill and other reform measures.

• We oppose Khandelwal Committee recommendations.

• We demand stringent measures to recover bad loans in banks.

• We demand – Stop outsourcing of permanent bank jobs.

• We demand settling of pending issues of bank employees.



Prominent leaders of Punjab Bank Employees Federation will address the bank employees.



You are requested to attend the same for covering it for the press release and press photographs.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Five day training for rural catchments concluded at CIPHET





Ludhiana, February 27:



A valedictory function was organized at the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) to mark the completion of five-day training on "Post Harvest Technology for Rural Catchments" for the participants from ATMA Vaishali, Bihar from February 21st to 25th.



During this period, farmers were trained in post harvest management and value addition of fruits and vegetables, low cost storage of fruits and vegetables & preparation of composite cattle feed from waste potato, food packaging for quality and safety, processing and value addition of technologies for soyabean, agro-processing techniques, cereal crops for value addition, practical of chilli processing, utilization of potato waste for cattle feed etc.



Speaking on the occasion, Head Transfer of Technology Dr Deepak Raj Rai, hoped that farmers would have got hands-on-experience in foods processing technologies. "Farmers can contact us anytime for information and technical support," he assured, adding that food processing sector is going to expand many times owing to demand coming from urban areas. Raj Kumar Singh, one of the farmer, said that they especially liked technologies of soyabean milk and cattle feed. "We would like to start some venture on returning to Bihar," he added.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY 2-DAY FARMER-SCIENTIST INTERFACE AT PAU





LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 27:------



A two-day farmer-scientist interface will be jointly organized by the

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and

Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) on February 28 at Borlaug Wheat

Auditorium of the University. Mr S.C. Aggarwal, Chief Secretary,

Punjab, will inaugurate the exhibition and chair the technical session

on "Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture." Mr G.S.

Sandhu, Financial Commissioner, Animal Husbandry Dairy and Fisheries

(AHD&F) and Mr N.S. Kang, Financial Commissioner (Development),

Punjab, will co-chair the session while Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, PAU

Vice-Chancellor, will chair the plenary session.



Besides, the technical sessions on "Horticulture," "Live Stock and

Fisheries," "Crop Improvement," "Farm Power and Machinery,"

"Diversification" and "Secondary Agriculture" will also take place. Dr

K.R. Dhiman, Vice-Chancellor, Yashwant Singh Parmar University of

Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Dr A.K.

Srivastava, Director, National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI),

Karnal, Dr A.S. Khera and Dr K.S. Aulakh, former PAU Vice-Chancellors,

Dr G.S. Kalkat, Chairman, State Farmers' Commission, Punjab and Dr

V.K. Taneja, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, will chair the other technical

sessions.



During the programme, the PAU experts will equip the farmers with the

latest technological practices for efficient farm management and

improved economics. In the technical sessions, the farmers will

represent their views about the technology innovation and needs.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Soya processing training begins at CIPHET





Ludhiana, February 27:



Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) has today initiated two-day training programme on Soyabean processing here at its campus. Around six participants from across country are taking part in the programme.



"Participants would be given hands-on-training in milk and tofu processing from soyabean," said Head Transfer of Technology Division, CIPHET, Dr Deepak Raj Rai, adding that soyabean processing could become a high potential business due to increased demand in the market. "The milk and tofu from soyabean contains high proteins and vitamins and health conscious people especially prefer this over cow/buffalo milk," he added.



Assuring participants all the assistance, Dr Rai said that good quality soyamilk could be prepared with help of standardized process by the institute. Transfer of Technology Division Scientist Dr Indu Karki and Technical Official Dr O.P Moondam, revealed the participants about the details of the training given to them. The training programme will include practical on soyabean milk and tofu. Paramjit Kaur, one of the participant from Jalandhar, said that they want to start soyabean milk production alongwith their dairy business.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Punjab Infoline - ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਖ਼ਬਾਰਾਂ - Mobile Version

Punjab Infoline - ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਖ਼ਬਾਰਾਂ - Mobile Version

GCW WON PRIZES in INTER-COLLEGE FINEARTS COMPETITION

Ludhiana 26/2/2012

GCW won many prizes in inter-college competition held at Khalsa Institute of Management for Girls Ludhiana. The teams of our College participate in many events in this competition. The Principal of the college MRS.Gurminder Kaur congratulated Prof Mrs Mandeep Kaur and the students participated in this competition. The students were honoured by the Principal of the college. She praised the efforts put by the teachers of Fine Arts in preparing the teams.

The following were the prizes won by the college team.

POSTER MAKING

1. First - Gurpreet Kaur- 4152 M.AII

FACE PAINTING

1. First - Nishi- 4169 M.AII

MEHNDI

1. First – Swati- B.COM-II

FLOWER-ARRANGEMENT

1. First – Neha- 4162 M.AII

CARTOONING

1. Second- Anku- 4156 M.AII



On this Occasion others present were Meenu, Prof Parveen Kumar.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

GCW WON PRIZES in INTER-COLLEGE FINEARTS COMPETITION



Ludhiana 26/2/2012

GCW won many prizes in inter-college competition held at Khalsa Institute of Management for Girls Ludhiana. The teams of our College participate in many events in this competition. The Principal of the college MRS.Gurminder Kaur congratulated Prof Mrs Mandeep Kaur and the students participated in this competition. The students were honoured by the Principal of the college. She praised the efforts put by the teachers of Fine Arts in preparing the teams.

The following were the prizes won by the college team.

POSTER MAKING

First - Gurpreet Kaur- 4152 M.AII

FACE PAINTING

First - Nishi- 4169 M.AII

MEHNDI

First - Swati- B.COM-II

FLOWER-ARRANGEMENT

First - Neha- 4162 M.AII

CARTOONING



Second- Anku- 4156 M.AII



On this Occasion others present were Meenu, Prof Parveen Kumar.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Saturday, February 25, 2012

WiMax deal: BSNL officials houses raided

New Delhi, February 25, 2012

The CBI on Saturday registered a fresh case in connection with alleged irregularities in awarding BSNL's WiMax franchise to a private firm, considered close to ex-Telecom Minister A. Raja, and carried out searches across four cities.



Nine teams of CBI officials searched the residences of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) officials and the officials of Starnet, the alleged beneficiary, which got the franchise, in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Gurgaon, CBI sources said.



The agency has not named Mr. Raja in the present case, they said. It is alleged that Starnet Communication was given letter of intent for the WiMax franchise of BSNL for its six circles despite the fact that it was not eligible for the same and fudged its balance sheet to grab the deal.



The eligibility conditions stipulated that the company should have a turn over of Rs 100 crore and above, which was allegedly achieved by manipulation in the balance sheets by Starnet, the sources said.



The Central Vigilance Commission has also found alleged irregularities in the allotment of franchise to Starnet.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Fire guts Russell Market

Bangalore, February 25, 2012

More than 150 shops and goods worth crores of Rupees were damaged in a fire that ravaged Russell Market in Shivajinagar early on Saturday morning.



The fire, which started around 3.30 a.m. and lasted till 8 a.m., claimed no life. The vegetable, fruit and flower market on the ground and first floor, as well as the line of toy stores near the front of the entrance were completely gutted.



A total of 28 fire tenders were rushed to the market. Fire authorities at the scene said the fire, which started in the ground-floor vegetable market, could have started due to a short circuit.



Sagayanathan, who was sleeping in his shop on the first floor of the complex, said he was alerted by plumes of smoke around 3.30 a.m. "There was an over-whelming stench. We ran outside, to find that one side of the Market was ablaze," he said.



Livelihood



In the slush of ash, half-burnt vegetables and seared furniture lies Mustaq Sharief\'s livelihood for more than half a century.



"The shop was set up here by my grandfather when Russell Market was commissioned. We have lost over Rs. 80,000 worth of goods in the fire," he said.



Like Mr. Sharief, most traders in the market had inherited the business. Sundar Raj, who owns a toy store there, said the nearly 90-year-old business now faces an uncertain future. "I have lost over Rs. 2.5 lakh worth of goods in the fire. Being a physically handicapped person, this is the only trade I know," he said.



Sitting by their shops, they sullenly waited for officials of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike [BBMP] to assess the damage to their property.



A new complex



On his visit to the complex in the morning, BBMP commissioner M.K. Shankarlinge Gowda assured the traders of adequate compensation. He also said that work on the construction of a new complex would begin "immediately".



With the roof showing signs of caving in, and with 100-year-old steel girders and columns (some of them wilted in the heat of the blaze) exposed, BBMP engineers who inspected the structure, said the complex could not be salvaged. "Some columns are irreparably damaged. The complex has to be razed completely and rebuilt," said an engineer from the Shivajinagar sub-division


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Manmohan for hassle-free outpatient care in public hospitals

New Delhi, February 25, 2012

Noting that insurance schemes tended to focus on inpatient care, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said India needs to work towards hassle-free and cashless outpatient care in its public hospitals.



While speaking at the polio summit here, he also said that education and health will be the key priorities of the 12th Five Year Plan and stressed that more efforts were required to reach the goals of increasing public expenditure on health to 2.5 per cent of GDP.



Crediting the 23 lakh volunteers who helped India achieve the feat of a year free of polio cases, Dr. Singh said the government needs to accelerate efforts to achieve the goal of providing universal access to health care. "This needs first and foremost a determined effort to strengthen our public health system," he added.



Demonstrating his commitment to take forward the goal of universal access to health, the Prime Minister said two-thirds of private health care expenditure is on outpatient and diagnostic care and purchase of medicines.



Noting that insurance schemes tended to focus on inpatient care, Dr. Singh said the government needed to work on cashless OPD care in public hospitals.



This is also a major recommendation of the high-level expert group of the Planning Commission to show the vision of universal health care which had also proposed cashless health package for all.



Backing universal health care, Dr. Singh said the vision would unite all in a concerted effort to promote everyone's health.



"Just as the polio campaign saw the state and central governments working closely with a common purpose, I am confident that the vision of universal health care will unite all of us in a concerted effort to preserve, protect and promote the health of all our people," he said.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Chennai encounter: NHRC to send fact-finding team

Patna, February 25, 2012

The National Human Rights Commission will soon send a team to Chennai to find out the truth of the alleged encounter in which five persons were shot dead by the police, NHRC chairman K.G. Balakrishnan said on Saturday.



"We have come across the reports. We will send a team to find out the truth", Justice Balakrishnan who was in Patna to attend a seminar at Magadh Mahila College told reporters.



"The team will go through post-mortem and forensic reports and try to unravel the truth", he said.



Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed Director General of Police Abhayanand and the State Home Department to find out details of the alleged encounter in Chennai in which four persons from the State were shot dead by the police.



A total five persons — four from Bihar and one from West Bengal suspected to have been involved in two recent bank heists were shot dead in the alleged encounter in the early hours at Velachery in Chennai on Thursday.



"Let the DGP and Home Department find out the facts first," Mr. Kumar said when asked about the State government's next course of action in the matter.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Thursday, February 23, 2012

PAU MADE HATRIK BY WINNING OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 23:--



The PAU Vice Chancellor, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon congratulated

the winning members of the contingent lauded the achievements of PAU

sportspersons who brought laurels for the University in the XIII All

India Inter-Agricultural University Sports & Games Meet for the

session 2011-12 which was organized by Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi

Vidyapeeth, Akola (Maharashtra) from February 16 to 19, 2012.



According to Director Students' Welfare, Dr Devinder Singh

Cheema, the PAU students completed hatrik by winning overall

championship trophy in sports and games meet consecutively for third

year. The PAU won 8 Gold, 1 each Silver and Bronze medals during the

meet. The PAU sportspersons got distinction in different games/events

such as Athletics the PAU won championship men section with 27 points

by winning four Gold, one Silver and one Bronze Medals.



1. Raj Kamal Singh Dhillon (COAE&T) won Gold Medals each in Long Jump

and High Jump.

2. Amrit Pal Singh, (COAE&T) won Gold Medals each in Discus Throw & Shot Put.

3. Satinder Singh (COA, Taranjit Singh (COA), Arjun Singh (COA),

Azadwinder Singh (COAE&T) and Gurbrinder Singh (COA) won Silver Medal

in 4x100M Relay.

4. Taranjit Singh (COA) won Bronze Medal in 200M.



Basketball (Men) PAU won Gold Medal in Basketball by defeating

GADVASU, Ludhiana by 51-24.



In Badminton PAU won Gold Medal in both the section (Men and Women) In

men section PAU defeated Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture

& Technology, Pantnagar by 2-0 and women section PAU defeated Govind

Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar by 2-0.



PAU won Gold Medal in Table Tennis (Women) by defeating KVAFUS, Bidar by 3-1.

Shri Jaspal Singh, SAI Table Tennis Coach led the contingent along

with Shri Charanjit Singh, Badminton Coach, PAU, Shri Harjinder Singh,

SAI Basketball Coach and Shri Inderjit Singh, SAI Handball Coach.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

RESEARCH AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST’S WORKSHOP FOR KHARIF CROPS BEGINS AT PAU

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 23:-----



A two-day "Research and Extension Specialists' Workshop for Kharif Crops," organized by the Directorate of Extension Education of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), began here today. Joint Directors, Chief Agricultural Officers and Agricultural Officers from State Agricultural Departments, Directors of Regional Research Stations of PAU, Deputy Directors of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farm Advisory Service Scheme (FASS), PAU Deans, Directors, senior officers and faculty of various departments are participating in the workshop.



Inaugurating the workshop, the chief guest Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, PAU Vice-Chancellor, said that there is a very strong relationship between the farmers and the university scientists. Calling it a two-way process, he said that the new developments, innovations and feedback from the farmers help the PAU in re-orienting the research programmes. "The growth in foodgrain production in Punjab in 1960s was 9.45 per cent whereas in 2000s, it has declined to 1.17 per cent," disclosed Dr Dhillon. Calling upon the farmers to stick to cotton cultivation, he stressed on maintaining the quality of basmati for export or domestic market, judicious use of pesticides and weedicides and doing away with the Pusa 44 variety of paddy. There is a need to promote direct seeded rice, happy seeder technology and to motivate rural youth to embrace agriculture as their profession. Besides, the issues of climate change and paddy straw burning also demand attention of the experts, he added. Kharif season is full of challenges, he said adding that scientists should convert these into opportunities through developing need based technologies and their efficient transfer to the farmers and other stakeholders.



The Director of Agriculture, Punjab, Dr Mangal Singh Sandhu, shed light on the targets and production problems of kharif crops in the state. Nursery raising of paddy, rain tolerant varieties of pulses, new varieties of oil seed crops and promotion of hybrid varieties of cotton, agro-forestry and use of paddy transplanter are some of the key areas of focus. Dr Sandhu urged the scientists to lay emphasis on guara as it can fetch good returns to the farmers. He advised the farmers to bring more area under sugarcane for income enhancement. Calling for the second green revolution, he said that agriculture could not succeed without the participation of women. Voicing concern over the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, Dr Sandhu remarked that farmers need to be educated about the minimum use of pesticides. "I want to see Punjab as pesticide free zone in coming years," he added. Dr. Sandhu said that the need-based farm literature produced by PAU will be spread in each district so that farmers are able to succeed in scientific farming.



Speaking on the salient finding in research for kharif crops, Dr S.S. Gosal, Director of Research, PAU, said, "Keeping in view the environmental concerns, national food requirements and changing agricultural scenario, the university is giving a new direction to its research programmes." He also delved on various production and plant protection technologies developed and emphasized on the conservation of natural resources. Dr. Gosal shared the new recommendations on sunflower, American cotton and highlighted the new production and protection technologies, including groundnut, toria and gobhi sarson based cropping. He appealed to the participating extension specialists to emphasize on conservation of natural resources.



Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries and the participants, Dr D.S. Cheema, Dean, College of Agriculture, said that this is the first workshop of Golden Jubilee year of the PAU. Referring to the PAU as "Grain bowl of India," he added that partnerships and team work are required to combat the agricultural challenges and for diversification in farm sector.



Dr M.S. Gill, Director of Extension Education, proposing vote of thanks, said that to bring back agriculture on track, it is essential to have close interaction on various issues such as cost-effective agriculture, conservation of natural resources, recycling of crop residue with the use of happy seeder, climate change and effective steps for agri-diversification. He asked the participants to connect with PAU publications regularly and play a joint role for sustainability in agri-sector.



Two technical sessions, on "Package of practices for rice and cotton crops" and "Pulses," were held today and chaired by Dr Sandhu. An exhibition, put up by various departments of the PAU, highlighted varieties of basmati and paddy, new recommendations for inclusion in package of practices, iron deficiency in rice, symptoms and management of foot- rot in rice and other aspects of agriculture.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

PAU MADE HATRIK BY WINNING OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 23:--

The PAU Vice Chancellor, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon congratulated

the winning members of the contingent lauded the achievements of PAU

sportspersons who brought laurels for the University in the XIII All

India Inter-Agricultural University Sports & Games Meet for the

session 2011-12 which was organized by Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi

Vidyapeeth, Akola (Maharashtra) from February 16 to 19, 2012.



According to Director Students' Welfare, Dr Devinder Singh

Cheema, the PAU students completed hatrik by winning overall

championship trophy in sports and games meet consecutively for third

year. The PAU won 8 Gold, 1 each Silver and Bronze medals during the

meet. The PAU sportspersons got distinction in different games/events

such as Athletics the PAU won championship men section with 27 points

by winning four Gold, one Silver and one Bronze Medals.



1. Raj Kamal Singh Dhillon (COAE&T) won Gold Medals each in Long Jump

and High Jump.

2. Amrit Pal Singh, (COAE&T) won Gold Medals each in Discus Throw & Shot Put.

3. Satinder Singh (COA, Taranjit Singh (COA), Arjun Singh (COA),

Azadwinder Singh (COAE&T) and Gurbrinder Singh (COA) won Silver Medal

in 4x100M Relay.

4. Taranjit Singh (COA) won Bronze Medal in 200M.



Basketball (Men) PAU won Gold Medal in Basketball by defeating

GADVASU, Ludhiana by 51-24.



In Badminton PAU won Gold Medal in both the section (Men and Women) In

men section PAU defeated Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture

& Technology, Pantnagar by 2-0 and women section PAU defeated Govind

Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar by 2-0.



PAU won Gold Medal in Table Tennis (Women) by defeating KVAFUS, Bidar by 3-1.

Shri Jaspal Singh, SAI Table Tennis Coach led the contingent along

with Shri Charanjit Singh, Badminton Coach, PAU, Shri Harjinder Singh,

SAI Basketball Coach and Shri Inderjit Singh, SAI Handball Coach.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

PAU PRODUCES SEEDS OF POTATO VARIETIES, SEED SALE TO BEGIN FROM FEBRUARY 27

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 23:-----



The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has produced the seeds of the potato varieties in view of their rising demand, informed the Director of Research, Dr S.S. Gosal. He told that the foundation seed (stage-II) of potato varieties namely "Kufri Pukhraj" and "Kufri Jyoti" have been produced at University Seed Farm, Ladhowal, which are ready for distribution. The PAU Director (Seeds), Dr S.R. Sharma, informed that the seed sale will begin from February 27. For queries, the interested farmers and potato growers can contact Director of University Seed Farm, Ladhowal, at phone no. 0161-2801566 and Mob. no. 8146300541.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

PAU ENGINEERS ORGANISE HOSTEL FUNCTION









LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 23:-----



The agricultural engineering students of Hostel no.4 of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) organized a function "Elixir 12 of Engineers," recently, wherein various sports events, both indoor and outdoor, also took place.



Speaking on this occasion, the chief guest Dr D.S. Cheema, Dean, College of Agriculture-cum-Director Students' Welfare, PAU, exhorted the students to work with team spirit. Participation in sports and co-curricular activities helps the students to exhibit their talent and creativity. It plays a vital role in all-round personality development of the youth, he added. He gave away the prizes to the winners of sports events and lauded the efforts of the organizers Mr Ramandeep S. Romana and Ms Manpreet Kataria.



Inaugurating the sports events, the Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr PPS Lubana motivated the students to continue participating in sports and cultural activities. By organizing such programmes, the feeling of brotherhood develops amongst the seniors and juniors. He also advised the youth to maintain discipline in life and inculcate a sense of social responsibility.



During the events, the team of B.Tech-III year (SPARTANS) clinched overall Champions Trophy and registered victory in table tennis, chess, sweep, cricket, volleyball and tug of war. The team of B.Tech-II year (WARRIORS) won runners-up trophy.



Present on the occasion were senior officers of PAU including Dr J.S. Mahal, Estate Officer, Dr Jaspal Singh, Chief Engineer, Dr S.S. Sooch, Director, School of Energy Studies and heads, faculty members and hostel wardens of the university.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

PAU ENGINEERS ORGANISE HOSTEL FUNCTION

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 23:-----



The agricultural engineering students of Hostel no.4 of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) organized a function "Elixir 12 of Engineers," recently, wherein various sports events, both indoor and outdoor, also took place.



Speaking on this occasion, the chief guest Dr D.S. Cheema, Dean, College of Agriculture-cum-Director Students' Welfare, PAU, exhorted the students to work with team spirit. Participation in sports and co-curricular activities helps the students to exhibit their talent and creativity. It plays a vital role in all-round personality development of the youth, he added. He gave away the prizes to the winners of sports events and lauded the efforts of the organizers Mr Ramandeep S. Romana and Ms Manpreet Kataria.



Inaugurating the sports events, the Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr PPS Lubana motivated the students to continue participating in sports and cultural activities. By organizing such programmes, the feeling of brotherhood develops amongst the seniors and juniors. He also advised the youth to maintain discipline in life and inculcate a sense of social responsibility.



During the events, the team of B.Tech-III year (SPARTANS) clinched overall Champions Trophy and registered victory in table tennis, chess, sweep, cricket, volleyball and tug of war. The team of B.Tech-II year (WARRIORS) won runners-up trophy.



Present on the occasion were senior officers of PAU including Dr J.S. Mahal, Estate Officer, Dr Jaspal Singh, Chief Engineer, Dr S.S. Sooch, Director, School of Energy Studies and heads, faculty members and hostel wardens of the university.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

GOLDEN JUBILEE FLOWER SHOW AT PAU ON MARCH 1-2

LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 23:-----

The Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana is organizing Dr. M.S.Randhawa Golden Jubilee Flower Show and Competition in collaboration with the Estate Organization and the Department of Family Resource Management near Examination Hall of College of Agriculture on March 1-2. The competition will be open to individuals, private institutions, amateurs, government and semi-government institutions and Nurseries. There will be 10 classes and more than 100 sections comprising of fresh/dry flower arrangements, different flowers, foliage, cacti, ferns and bonsai plants.



Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon , Vice-Chancellor, PAU shall inaugurate the show on March 1. The show will be open for general public till 6.30 p.m. The Prize Distribution Function will be held at 3.00 p.m. on March 2.



All flower lovers are invited to participate in the competition, win prizes and grace the occasion with their presence to make the event more colourful. The entry forms are available at PAU
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Home Ministry disowns counsel’s stand on gay sex

New Delhi, February 23, 2012

Shortly after a top law officer disapproved gay sex as highly "immoral" in the Supreme Court, the Home Ministry on Thursday said it has not taken any stand on the Delhi High Court order decriminalising homosexuality.



It said the Attorney General has been asked only to assist the apex court.



In a hurriedly-issued press statement, the Home Ministry said the matter was considered by the Cabinet and the decision of the Cabinet was that Central Government may not file an appeal against the judgement to the Supreme Court.



"However, if any other party to the case prefers an appeal, the Attorney General may be requested to assist the Supreme Court to examine the matter and to decide the legal questions involved," the statement said.



The Home Ministry conveyed the decision of the Union Cabinet to the Attorney General.



"Ministry of Home Affairs has not taken any position on homosexuality...Ministry of Home Affairs has also not given any instruction apart from conveying the decision of the Cabinet," it said.



Earlier in the day, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) P P Malhotra, who said he was appearing for the Home Ministry, argued that the Indian society is different from other countries and it cannot imitate the practices prevailing in foreign countries.



"Gay sex is highly immoral and against social order and there is high chance of spreading of diseases through such acts," ASG Malhotra contended before a bench of justices G S Singhvi and S J Mukhopadhaya.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Early morning attacks across Baghdad kill 31

BAGHDAD, February 23, 201

Iraqi officials said string of morning attacks across Baghdad has killed at least 31 people.



The officials said the bombings and shootings on Thursday mostly appeared to target police.



The worst blast detonated in the Shia neighborhood of Karradah during rush hour, shaking buildings and windows blocks away. Police said nine people were killed and 24 wounded in the explosion at the center of Baghdad's downtown shopping district near a security checkpoint.



Attacks in Baqouba, Kirkuk and in Salahuddin provinces were also reported.


News From: http://www.7StarNews.com
 
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