This is just the beginning: PM on NDA govt's 1 year in power Udhay hand over command of J&K unit to Kohli Farmers stages protest outside Tehsil Office Residents of Katra to get local passes: Project Director NHAI P5 | KATHUA P4 |STATE P3 | STATE P11 | NATION the NORTHLINES The Newspaper of Substance Since 1995 Vol No: XX Issue No. 134 Jammu Tawi Wed, May 27, 2015 Pages - 12 Final-hour meet on Jammu Bandh ! NL CORRESPONDENT JAMMU TAWI: The Coordination Committee led by the president of Jammu Bar Abhinav Sharma today held a meeting to give final touches to the tomorrow's Jammu Bandh. The members who spoke on the occasion were Coordination Committee Chairman Transport Tankers Association, Yash Pal President Abhinav Sharma, Association, T. S Wazir, Gupta Federation of Retailer President CCI, Rakesh Gupta, Annan Sharma President Association. P2 College postpones exams due to Jammu Bandh NL CORRESPONDENT JAMMU TAWI, MAY 26 organisations -- has called for a Jammu bandh tomorrow to protest against The Government College the shifting of AIIMS from for Women on Tuesday Jammu to Kashmir. announced postponement of All the examinations of the examinations scheduled students scheduled to be for Wednesday to June 5 in held on May 27 have been the wake of one-day Jammu postponed due to bandh call given by the "unavoidable AIIMS coordination circumstances", according committee here. to Principal Government The AIIMS Coordination College for Women, Parade. Committee -- an amalgam The exams would now be of more than 70 social, conducted on June 5, the religious and political principal said. Price ` 2/- www.thenorthlines.com, www.epaper.northlines.in Regd. No. JK/306/2014-16 Violence aimed at subverting PDP-BJP will be forced J&K’s pol stability: Minister to step down: Cong NL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR, MAY 26 Expressing dismay over the latest incidents of violence, Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday said "such acts are aimed at subverting political and economic stability" in the state. "The violent incidents at Tangdhar along LoC, Yaripora in district Kulgam and Sopore in district Baramulla are a grim reminder that the elements inimical to peace, are out to undermine the efforts of the democratic forces in Jammu and Kashmir which are aimed at bringing political stability and economic prosperity to the State," Education Minister Naeem Akhtar said in a statement here. Seven persons including four army personnel and two 66 medical camps enroute Amarnath yatra NL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR, MAY 26 Over five dozen medical camps would be set up by various agencies along the twin routes leading to the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas during the annual yatra scheduled to start in July. "A total of 66 Medical Camps will be set up by the State Health Department, Army, Central Paramilitary Forces, police and NGOs along the two routes - traditional 45-km Pahalgam-cave route in Anantnag district and shorter 16-km Baltal-cave route in Ganderbal district," an official spokesman said. He said the decision was taken at a high level meeting chaired by Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), PK Tripathi, here. The meeting, attended by senior officers of various security agencies and civil administration, was convened to review and rationalise the number of medical camps to be set up in the Yatra area by the Government, Army, CRPF, BSF, SSB, NGOs and others during the ensuing Yatra, scheduled to commence July 2, the spokesman said. He said the state health department would set up five base hospitals at Baltal, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni and the Holy Cave with specialist P2 militants were killed in the three incidents of violence in the Valley yesterday. While three Armymen and an infiltrator were killed near the LoC in Kupwara, a soldier and a militant were killed in Kulgam district. A civilian was gunned down by militants in Sopore township of Baramulla district. Akhtar, who is also the state government spokesman, said as the state P2 NL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR, MAY 26 In a scathing attack on the PDP-BJP dispensation in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress on Tuesday said the coalition government would be forced to step down in near future owing to its "anti-people" policies. "The people of Jammu and Kashmir have lost faith in the present regime and I can say it with full confidence that people want change and the day is not far when PDP-BJP coalition will be forced by the people to step down," JKPCC president and former minister G A Mir said. Addressing a day-long political convention of the party here, the Congress leader expressed concern over the "political instability" in the state arising due to "antipeople policies" of the PDPled coalition government. "People of Jammu and Kashmir have never in the P2 history Will Jammu Bandh serve as wake-up call for BJP? JAMMU, MAY 26 (KIP) Will the BJP led NDA Government in the centre get awakened by the expected massive response of people to the Jammu bandh being held on Wednesday in protest against discrimination and maltreatment of the people of the region of Jammu especially over the refusal of the Government of India to establish one AIIMs in Jammu. Majority of people are enraged over the way the Government of India sanctioned one AIIMS for Jammu Kashmir which is proposed to be established in the Kashmir valley, where the existing medical facilities are better than the Jammu region, without taking care of the interests of people of Jammu. Various political parties said that there was no need for mobilizing peoples' support for the Bandh because majority of people, including traders, transporters and several categories of employees have voluntarily extended their support to the call for Bandh given by a number of political parties. A section of employees especially doctors and paramedical have decided to wear black badges as a mark of protest against the centre for not having sanctioned separate AIIMs for Jammu. Even leaders of the state unit of the BJP feel embarrassed over the way the Government P2 of India 2 JAMMU | WEDNESDAY | MAY 27 | 2015 Udhay hand over Sikh organizations for united command of J&K face in DGPC elections unit to Kohli NL CORRESPONDENT JAMMU, MAY 26 NL CORRESPONDENT JAMMU, MAY 26 State President Dimpy Kohli Rakesh Gupta, Vikrant Kapoor and G.I Singh of Shiv Sena of Bala Sahib Thackrey Tuesday organized Press Conference. While taking to media person Singh expressed anguish over the attitude of some leaders who pose themselves tall leader of the Shiv Sena of J&K. Bala Sahib Thackrey started this party with the objective to strengthen the Nationalistic forces to fight against antinational and disruptive forces. But some elements posing themselves as leader suing the name of Shiv Sena for their vested interest. They were not following the ideology of Bala Sahib Thackrey Shiv Sena. Keeping all these factors in view high command of Shiv Sena decided to replace the guards of Shiv Sena J&K J&K unit. Thus it was jointly decided by Anil Desai Ji, M.P Vinay Shukla Ji Parbahri coordinator for J&K under the guidance of Udhay Thackrey Ji to hand over the command of J&K unit to Dimpy Kohli after merger of HSS with Shiv Sena high command appointed Dimpy Kohli President of J&K State. News of merger HSS and appointment of Dimpy Kohli published in official as you "Saamna" Daily Newspaper on 22nd May. He warn such elements who still claim to be leader of Shiv Sena in J&K to desist from such acts otherwise disciplinary action will be initiated against them. Romeo Force organises elocution competition JAMMU : Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, under Romeo Force, The NORTHLINES CITY INFO Various Sikh Organizations of J&K State including Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) Akali Dal (Amritsar) Sikh Students Federation & Sikh Intellectuals Circle have appealed to Sikh Community in J&K State to Create Positive Environment for electing Panthik, dedicated and religious candidates in forth coming DGPC Elections on 08.07.2015 and reiterated that only our united voice and strong leadership can safeguard the religious and other legitimate interests of minority Sikh Community in J&K. Chairman J&K Gurdwara Parbandak Board S. T. S. Wazir, While addressing joint press with senior Sikh Leaders here today disclosed that for the sake of united face of community we tried our level best to create selection with consensus, but unfortunately certain agents of Anti-Sikh Forces and disgruntled elements are creating hurdles and have always strived for capturing religious stages for their personal and political interest. Consequently the minority Sikh Community is being neglected in every sphere by successive regimes in J&K.Senior Sikh Leaders with one voice disclosed that we have resolved to face this situation, under the leadership of S. T. S. Wazir in entire state and said we will strive for the supremacy of Sh. Guru Granth Sahib and Uniform Rehat Maryada of Sh. Akal Tofchat Sahib in all the Gurdwaras of J&K State, to further strengthen our dedication and commitment for the cause of Sikh Religion. S. T. S. Wazir, and Sikh Leaders expressed their serious concern over the arbitrary delay in providing updated electoral roles and other formalities by concerned administration and said consequently there is urgent need to extend the time limit for scrutiny etc. of electoral roles.S. T. S. Wazir, Chairman J&K SGPS disclosed for the fair and transparent selection of candidates, core committees comprising of prominent and religious persons are being formed at each District Level in entire state and we have started from Jammu District the most populous District of benefit of the schemes. The girls who have left their studies due to financial problems were asked to avail education loan facilities and continue their studies. The ladies were asked to come forward and take soft loans under various schemes like National Minorities Development Finance Corporation, NBCFDC, NHDFC and ESW from the corporation and start their own small business unit to support their families in running the day to day life. Sh. Iqbal Kelu District Doda, Sh. Ravi Kumar, Field Supervisor and Madan Lal also spoke on the occasion. A team of Disaster Management from District Jammu Headed by Rajinder Kumar also gave demonstration/awareness safe on use of LPG and how to save ourselves during the LPG gas leakage. Among others Smt. Nisha Sharma Smt Gayan Kour and Daljeet Kour were also present in the camp At the end of the camp a refreshment was served to the participants. conducted an elocution competition at Govt School Khorinar, today. The topic of the elocution competition was "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan". The students took active interest in the elocution competition and were full of enthusiasm to showcase their talent. The subject was specially chosen to imbibe the NL CORRESPONDENT habits of cleanliness, hygiene and civic sense amongst the present JAMMU, MAY 26 generation keeping in mind the campaign for a clean India started An awareness camp was by the Govt of India. The students organized by J&K State and the school authorities Women's Development expressed their desire for conduct Corporation at Gole of similar programmes in the Pangpeer, Talab Tiloo future. Such programmes help in broadening the thinking of the District Jammu on youth. On this occasion, Tuesday. More than 60 Headmaster of Govt School Ladies of the village Khorinar conveyed his gratitude to participated in the camp the army for taking up the noble and were apprised about cause of this nationwide the schemes run by campaign. He said that a concrete JKWDC by Vijay Tikoo action plan should be organized with the participation of all Development Officer sections of the society to bring out JKWDC. Every scheme mass awareness and lasting was discussed in detail behavioral change in all to achieve during the camp and the this goal. ladies were asked to take Sikh Community where the core committee comprising of S. Rajinder Singh, S. Narinder Singh Khalsa, S. Giyan Singh, S. Rattandeep Singh Anand, S. Manjeet Singh (KSSS) Ranjit Singh, S. Manjeet Singh (Secy. DGPC), S. Kulwant Singh, S. Mohinder Singh Chatha, S. Rajinder Singh Wazir, S. Amarjit Singh, S. Kuldip Singh & S. Amirjit Singh Simbal Camp. The core committee for Jammu District after proper consultation and scrutiny has finalized the names of S. Harjinder Singh Raina from Digiana, S. Suijit Singh from Gadi Garh, S. Attar Singh from Gandhi Nagar, S. Maiunohan Singh from Guru Nanak Nagar and S. Mohinder Singh from Akhnoor and said soon remaining six candidate of Jammu District will be announced and also a vision based manifesto will also be released for the overall religious and political upliftment of Sikh Community in Jammu & Kashmir. www.thenorthlines.com PYC holds protest against Modi Govt, terms it as Suit-Boot Ki Sarkar NL CORRESPONDENT JAMMU, MAY 26 Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Youth Congress held a massive protest demonstration against the Modi Government and the BJP for its utter failure in all fronts on its one year completion, here today at Press Club Jammu.The PYC President Pranav Shagotra, PYC General Secretary Rajveer Manhas, LYC Presidents Jammu-Poonch & Udhampur-Doda Satish Sharma and Pankaj Basotra along with hundreds of youth Congress activists across the State wearing suits holding banners and pamphlets in their hands amidits raising slogans against the Modi Govt. assembled at Press Club Jammu to registered their protest in a befitting manner.While addressing PYC activists and media personnel Mr. Pranav Shagotra highlighted the drawbacks of Modi Govt. (Suit-Boot Ki Sarkar). He said that Modi Govt. has totally failed during its one year tenure and is working in favour of Corporate Sector and is against the farmers and poor people. He said that Land Acquisition Bill brought recently is an example of its failure which is totally against the farmers and favouring to Corporate Sector. He also JKWDC organizes awareness camp Dimple appeals people to observe FROM PAGE 1... Final-hour meet on Jammu Bandh ! All these associations extended their support and assured their complete co-operation for ensuring the call for the Jammu Bandh. T.S Wazir assured full co-operation and support on behalf of the transporter association and assured that the public transport shall remain suspended in the Jammu Province and also raised the issue of Toll being charged by the Government at Toll Plaza. He also urged to exempt the toll on passenger vehicles visiting Vaishno Devi. The chairman of the co-ordination committee appealed to the people of Jammu Province to extend their full support and commitment towards the call for the Jammu Bandh on 27th of May for establishment of AIIMS at Jammu. It was also decided that the elected representatives from Jammu Province in the government formation to come out with a Public statement on their stand on the AIIMS issue, failing which the movement of the masses from Jammu province shall be intensified. Meanwhile, the co-ordination committee has also appealed to the Union Minster of Home Affairs, Sh. Rajnath Singh who is also addressing a gathering at Jammu on 27th of May, 2015 to clarify the stand of the Central Government on the issue of AIIMS. Rakesh Gupta President CCI and T.S. Wazir, Chairman Transport Association also put forth other demands as rationalization in VAT taxation, exemption of toll on all passenger vehicles visiting Vaishno Devi, Gandola, Mubarak Mandi, Artificial Lake and ISBT at BC Road Jammu submitted to the government from time to time but are still pending redressal. CCI warned the government that their body shall confront the government out rightly and indulge into total non-corporation to the government. More members were co-opted into the co-ordination committee included Sh. Sham Lal Langer (Sr. Vice President, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jammu), Sh. Deepak Aggarwal (Jr. Vice President, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jammu), Sh. Arun Gupta (General Secretary, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jammu), Rahul Mahajan (Secretary, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jammu), Sh. Ashu Gupta ( Treasurer, Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jammu), Sh. Madan Lal (President, Nagrota Shop Association), Sh. Ramesh Chander (President, Central Basic School Marg Businessmen Association, Purani Mandi), Sh. Ramesh Kumar Tak (President, Traders Welfare Association General Bus Stand, Jammu), Sh. Rajan Gupta (Gen Secy, Traders Welfare Association General Bus Stand, Jammu), Sh. Ashutosh Gupta (President, Tour & Travels Association, Jammu), Sh. Sanjay Gupta (President, Gandhi Plaza Merchant Association, Gole Market, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu), Sh. D. R. Sharma (President, J&K Hotel Employees Association, Jammu), Sh. Rajiv Gupta (Gumat Bazar), Sh. Kamal Gupta (All Private School Association), Sh. Mast Nath Yogi (President, Janta Dal Secluar J&K), Sh. V.K. Grover (Gen Secy, Arorabans Sabha), Dr. C.L. Gupta, Sh. S.M. Choudhary (President, J&K Gujjar United Front), Ch. Showkat Gujjar (President, J&K Gujjar Bakerwal Federation), Sh. Anil Padha (Chairman, J&K State Integrations Public Relation Society), Smt. Sureshta Khajuria (Life President, Young Blood Association), Sh. B.R. Choudhary (President, Jaat Kalyan Sabha). Violence aimed at subverting J&K's pol stability: Minister and its people are struggling hard to cope-up with the distressing economic situation complicated by the devastating floods of September 2014, the forces inimical to peace are aiming at destabilising the situation once again to push Kashmir into perpetual suffering. "Violence has neither served any purpose in the past, nor is it going to serve any purpose in future," he said adding "if anything, the violence has only brought miseries to the State and its people by adding to the numbers of the orphans, widows and destitute." The minister said by attacking a telecom franchisee at Sopore and killing an innocent employee there, the perpetrators of violence have made their intentions clear that they do not want people to earn their bread and butter. "Such senseless and dastardly acts of violence have already impeded the progress of the state to a considerable extent and the persistence of the menace is not going to do any good to the people," he said adding "all the right thinking people should rise against such anarchism". Expressing condolences with the bereaved families, Akhtar said "I share the sorrow and pain of those who have lost their loved ones in these reprehensible acts of violence". PDP-BJP will be forced to step down: Cong experienced such a government, despite passing through the complete Bandh on May 27th JAMMU: Talking to media persons Sunil Dimple president Jammu west assembly movement has appealed people in all the ten districts of Jammu region from Lakhanpur to Banihal to observe the complete Jammu Bandh 27 May.Dimple said the BJP-PDP Govt especially BJP pushed the Jammu region, for the "complete Jammu Bandh on 27 May", for its legitimate right of AIMMS, which for the sake of chair and power BJP sold the mandate of the people of Jammu region to PDP.Dimple said the claims of the BJP bhartiya Janta Party Dy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh that the BJP - PDP Govt is stable will complete six years tenure.imple said the Jammu Band on 27 May will speak the volume that how much people of the region are happy with the Anti Jammu people mandate and alliance with the PDP.Sunil Dimple said this fight will not end with this Jammu Band, We will also call for the Jammu Band on the visit of Narinder Modi in the state next month if the AIIMS issue not resolved soon. Sunil Dimple said the Jammu Band call especially has been given on the visit of the home Minister Raj Nath singh on his Jam Smpark Abhiyan mission on 27 May,Dimple also appealed all the Govt employees to also leave one day casual leave to make Bandh successful and to express solidarity for Jammu cause. turmoil. They have wholeheartedly exercised their franchise during the past and recent elections, having reposed faith in electoral process but the present PDP-BJP coalition have disappointed the people to a large extent," he said. Mir said, "...Continuous controversial statements by BJP leaders regarding the state have disturbed the socio-political scenario and the credit for this goes to PDP." "If BJP is in power in the state, the credit goes to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who joined hands with it for the sake of power, not for the well-being of the people, but for the survival of his party," Mir said. "How long PDP-led government will mislead the people on the name of good governance, relief or rehabilitation packages?" he questioned and said, "they will have to answer to the people." Referring to the completion of first year in office by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mir criticised the NDA government and alleged that the BJP government has made the lives of farmers "impossible" and are putting them to great loss to benefit the corporate houses. "BJP government is anti-people and pro-corporate...BJP's one year in office is a complete failure and it is an eye-opener for every man, particular for farmers, poor and down-trodden people," he said. 66 medical camps enroute Amarnath yatra doctors and facilities like Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers, ECG machines, diagnostic kits, pulse oxymeter, Blood sugar and medical and surgical kits, Portable Oxygen Concentrators, Automated CPR machines, Defibrillators and Cardiac Monitors, Portable X-Ray and Ultrasound Machines. The Health department would also set up 14 Emergency Aid centres and Nine Medical Aid Centres along the twin routes besides providing adequate Medicines, the spokesman said. He said the Department will also provide health facilities at Neelgrath Helipad for the convenience of the Yatris.Department of Indian System of Medicines will be establishing eight Medical Camps at Baltal, Brari Marg, Nunwan, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni, Lower Holy Cave and two Mobile Camps which will move along with the 'Charri Mubarak', the holy mace of lord shiva, the spokesman lambasted against the Govt. for its failure to provide job opportunity to the educated youth. He criticized the Centre Govt.(Suit Boot Ki Sarkar) for its failure to provide relief to the flood affected people of J&K State.Mr. Shagotra said that instead of focusing on national interests, Mr. Modi is busy in touring the foreign countries and is without result oriented and is misusing the public money.. He said that PYC in future will hold protest across the State against the failure of Modi Govt. and will fight for the cause of Common people, especially the youth.Prominent others who were present include Vinay Sharma, Paramjeet Singh, Charanjeet Singh, Bikramjeet Singh, Ricky Dalhotra, Vijay Mangotra, Kushwant Singh, Balbir Singh, Sahil Sharma, Jatinder Chib, Vinod Kumar, Hoshiar Singh, Ravi Kumar Seth, Sandeep Sharma, Ashwani Sharma, Vijay Tagotra, , Irfan, Waseem Jalal, Shabir Kohli, Kasturi Lal Khajuria, Prikshit Shagotra, Ramineek Singh, Nimran Deep Singh, Sandeep Singh, Jagjot Singh, Manjot Singh, Gurvinder Singh and others. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER POONCH ADMISSION NOTICE Application are invited for admission 8in class 6th in Kasturaba Gandhi balika Vidyalaya (residential school) from Girls student belonging to SC, ST, OBC minorities and BPL and residing int he concerned zone for the session 2015-16 in class 6th. 01. KGBV SARAL )FOR ZONE NANGALI, POONCH, KANUYIAN), 02. KGBV LORAN (FOR ZONE MANDI, SATHRA). 03. KGBV SURANKOTE (FOR ZONE SURANKOTE, BUFLIAZ). 04. KGBV MENDHAR (FOR ZONE MENDHAR, MANKOTE). 05. KGBV DHARGLOON (FOR ZONE BALAKOTE, HARNI) Reservation of seats is as under:1. 75% reserved from Sc, ST, OBC and minority. 2. 25% from families belonging to BPL. The application must reach the office of concerned zonal Education Officer on or before 30th of May, 2015. There will a test in case, the application exceeds the no. Of vacancies. NO:CEO/P/2578-2581 Sd/DATED:- 25-5-2015 CHIEF EDCATION OFFICER, POONCH NO.DIP/J-1760/2015 DATED:- 26-5-2015 said. He said Army would establish six Medical camps, while BSF will establish 10 such camps, the spokesman said adding seven Medical Camps would be set up by CRPF along the routes. In addition, SSB would set up two medical camps and ITBP and local police will set up one each medical camps, the spokesman said. He said three Medical Camps would be established by different NGOs en route Yatra Track. "These Medical Camps are located at an average distance of two kms on the basis of actual conditions obtaining on the ground and keeping in view the availability of required infrastructure like water, shelter sheds, tents and sanitation facilities," he said. Will Jammu Bandh serve as wake-up call for BJP? ignored their protests. One senior BJP leader said that top functionaries of the state unit of the BJP, including the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh had tried to persuade the prime Minister and other top ministers for sanctioning one separate AIIMS for Jammu but their demand was not conceded so far. The BJP leader admitted that the party had suffered severe erosion in its vote bank in Jammu region because of the AIIMS issue. He said "we do not want that AIIMS sanctioned for the Kashmir valley be stalled only to set up one AIIMS in Jammu. We want AIIMS to be set up in Kashmir but another AIIMS be established in Jammu as was the case with the Central University (CU)." The BJP leaders believe that if the Government of India does not learn a lesson from likely response to the call for Jammu Bandh it will act as a last nail in the coffin of the BJP in the region of Jammu.Leaders of the state unit of the BJP have again pleaded with the central Government tht it should follow the line that was adopted by the previous Congress led UPA Government which sanctioned a separate Central University for Jammu after the people in the region voiced their anger when the Congress Government had sanctioned CU as well as IIM for the Kashmir valley.(KIP) Printer, Publisher & Proprietor Neelam Singh Gill. Published from Gurudwara Sunder Singh Road, Jammu-180001 and Printed at Northlines Offset Printers & Publishers, Jeewan Nagar, Digiana, Jammu. Phone Editorial : 2574109 Telefax : 2548103. Advertisements: 9858183354; RNI No. 69574/98 e-mail:-< northlines@gmail.com, northlinesdaily@gmail.com, daily_northlines@rediffmail.com > Visit www.thenorthlines.com, http://www.northlines.in. Epaper: www.epaper.thenorthlines.com The NORTHLINES STATE www.thenorthlines.com Minister raids flour mills, imposes fine NL Correspondent JAMMU, MAY 26 : Acting on complaints regarding substandard quality of flour and violation of Public Distribution System (PDS) norms, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Choudhary Zulfkar Ali conducted raids in various flour mills on Tuesday. The minister conducted surprise raids at 'New Jammu Flour Mill' and 'New Nav Flour Mill', an official spokesman said. The minister took notice of Punjab-made flour packing bags being used in New Jammu flour mill which, he said, can be used for commercialised purpose bringing a bad name to the department. He immediately suspended the mill supervisor and asked the mill employees to use bags tagged with J&K, PDS, batch number besides quantity and manufacturing date in future. He also observed that the mill was not adhering to certain norms like separate compartment for grinding of PDS flour and sale of underweight flour bag both in case of commercial and PDS. He imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the mill and asked the director to suspend lifting of PDS flour from the mill and issue a show-cause notice in this regard. At New Nav Flour Mill, the Minister noticed multiple MRPs on flour bags besides use of un-calibrated filling machine and underweight bags. He imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the mill. This mill was also not using separate compartment for grinding of PDS wheat. The Minister constituted a committee headed by Deputy Director Food and Supplies to monitor functioning of flour mills and CAPD stores in all the districts besides ensuring strict adherence to the fixed norms by these units. The Minister appealed to the people to register their complains at the department's grievances cell regarding the services of CAPD as timely and quality supply of essentials is prime concern of present dispensation. "All efforts would be made to ensure that the people get hygienic and quality rations as they have to be dependent on our supply only", he said. Earlier, the Minister also paid surprise visit to CAPD stores to get feedback on the directions issued by him regarding timely dispatch of rations to all destinations. 3 JAMMU | WEDNESDAY | MAY 27 | 2015 Shiksha Niketan achieved commendable result in class 10th Board Exams JAMMU, MAY 26 : The result of class 10th (JKBOSE) declared and Shiksha Niketan once again achieved the high standard of academic excellence. Giving out the details of this unprecedented result of class 10th, Rameshwar Mengi (worthy Principal of the School) said that this year a total number of 200 students appeared for board examination in which the students secured 100% result. The apprentices of Shiksha Niketan brought laurels to the institution by achieving total no. of 26 positions and 179 distinctions and 211st Divisions and elevated the school's flag high. Rameshwar Mengi said that this ceremony is significant for the students as it gives them opportunity to move ahead and set the goal, he also encouraged others to attain same height. He advised the students that it is just the beginning and you still have to reach the pinnacle. Worthy Principal of the school also congratulated the parents and the faculty members of the institution. Besides this, Rameshwar Mengi showered his blessings to the position holders and boost them for their future life. All the students and the 300 teachers celebrated this occasion on the beat of Dhol with great enthusiasm. The names of the meritorious students are as follows: Imbroz Singh, Tamana Choudhary, Biranjot Kour, Simran Gupta, Shubam Saini, Ashu Bassan, Simran Choudhary, Amandeep Choudhary, Shivani Sharma, Karandeep Kour, Riya Balowria, Manpreet Singh,Naman Sharma, TusharSangra, Dushant Singh, Balvinder Kour, Sonali Sharma, Varun Magotra, Tezsvi Jamwal, Akhil Jandyal, Gunpreet Singh, Ankit Kumar,Sudhanshu Bhogal and Prajwal Bagal. Dawood under watch: HM KOLKATA, MAY 26: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said that the Indian Government did not shut its eyes on underworld don Dawood Ibrahim but international relations at times created obstacles. "On Dawood, I would only say we have not shut our eyes on him. But at times there are obstacles due to international relations," Singh told reporters here. The Government recently found itself embroiled in a controversy over its statement that it had no idea where Dawood Ibrahim was. Later, the Union Home Minister said that the Mumbai blast mastermind was in Pakistan and that it would not "rest" till he was brought back to the country. (AGENCIES) Militants snatch rifle from hospital guard NL Correspondent Srinagar: Miltants on Tuesday snatched an automatic rifle from a policeman deployed at a hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said. "Militants today afternoon snatched an INSAS automatic rifle from a police guard at Pulwama hospital and escaped," a senior police officer told a news agency here. Yash Birla among 7 Indian names Kupwara MLA's son 207 die in 24 Hr taking toll to 757 made public for Swiss a/c dies in road accident BERNE/NEW DELHI (AGENCIES): Industrialist Yash Birla and son-in-law of late realty and liquor baron Ponty Chadha are among seven Indians with Swiss bank accounts whose names have been made public in Switzerland's official gazette with regard to ongoing tax probes against them in India. Two Mumbai-based individuals named in the famous City Limousines scam, a Delhi-based businesswoman Ritika Sharma and two others Sneh Lata Sawhney and Sangita Sawhney- are the other Indians whose names have been made public. The names of these seven "Indian nationals" have been published in Switzerland's Federal Gazette with regard to details sought about them by the Indian authorities. Among these, some details have already been shared by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) with India, including about Birla and Sharma of Blessings Apparel, as per the gazette notifications. In case of Sayed Mohamed Masood, being probed for a major ponzi scheme run from Mumbai through City Limousines, some details were shared by Swiss authorities in the past. His accounts were also frozen a few years ago following a request from the Enforcement Directorate.Fresh details about him and about Kauser Mohamed Masood have been sought by the Indian authorities, as per the notifications published in Switzerland's official gazette. While asking the named persons to appeal within 30 days, the notifications mention the names and date of birth of all the seven, including Gurjit Singh Kochar, who is married into the Chadha family and is said to be outside India now. (Agencies) 68 bovines Modi committed to protect minorities: Heptullah rescued Rajesh Tandon POONCH, MAY 26 Continuing its drive against bovine smugglers, District Police Poonch has laid multiple nakas at various places in the district to prevent the illegal transportation of Bovine animals to the Valley especially on Mughal road. Police parties headed by Sh. Reyaz Ahmed Tantray-DySP Surankote, SI Zaheer Mushtaq of PS Surankote and SI Amrit Katoch of PP Behramgalla under the supervision of Sh. Amit GuptaASP Poonch, S. Jatinder Singh Johar SSP Poonch and Sh. Ashok Kumar Atri-IPS DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range, arrested 10 bovine smugglers and seized 07 vehicles used for illegal smuggling of bovine animals to the Valley through Mughal road. The recoveries were affected at Buffliaz and Behramgalla on Mughal road. In this regard 04 cases have been registered at Police Station Surankote i.e. FIR No. 101,102,103 and 104 of 2015 U/S 188 RPC, 3 PCA against the accused persons. SRINAGAR, MAY 26 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fully committed to protection of minority communities living in the country as enshrined in the constitution, Union Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptullah said today. "The Prime Minister has clearly said that our constitution is the holiest book for us and we are committed to protecting the minorities," Heptullah told reporters here. The Union minister highlighted the achievements of the Modi-led Government during its first year in power. Asked why Modi had remained silent in the wake of several attacks on minorities in the country, Heptullah said no attacks had taken place against minorities. "The Prime Minister has spoken loud and clear on this issue four times in one year. He spoke about it from the ramparts of Red Fort in his Independence Day speech, then again at vigyan bhawan, during the reply to motion of thanks to President's speech and in interviews to international media. The previous Government would not even talk," she said. She said there were no attacks on minorities or riots in the country, apparently referring to the one-year BJP rule. "Only verbal attacks were taking place but that has stopped now," she said. (Agencies) NL Correspondent SRINAGAR, MAY 26: Peoples Conference legislator Bashir Ahmad Dar's son today died while his sibling was injured in a road accident in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, police said today. Basharat Bashir Dar along with his younger brother Fida Hussain were on way to Srinagar when their private car collided with a minibus near Pattan, 27 kms from here, a police officer said. Dar brothers were injured and immediately evacuated to hospital where Basharat, a lawyer by profession, was declared dead by doctors on arrival, the officer said. Peoples Conference Chairman and Minister for Animal There have been protests against the directives, the advocate appearing for the state submitted and sought stay on certain directions. However, the bench said "when such steps are taken there will be a hue and cry" and gave the example of SC order directing the implementation of CNG operated public transport system in national capital. The bench also said when the apex court had delivered the directions on the issue of CNG, there was a lot of criticism and hue and cry. Even the then Delhi Chief Minister had publicly stated that she would disobey the order and go to jail, it added.The bench, while asking the taxi operators to approach the NGT, noted that they were not heard properly before it as they had made an oral plea before it. It asked the taxi operators to file their application within a week and requested the NGT to consider it on the next available day of hearing. Him-Aanchal Taxi Operators Union through senior advocate Vibha Dutt Makhija submitted that the NGT order was coming in the way of not only taxi operators but also the middle-class tourists. On the direction of the green panel that all vehicles should be subjected to pollution check and get certificates at the check posts to comply with BS-IV standards, Makhija said such fuel was not available in any petrol pump in the state. The union had also approached the apex court against the environmental cess of Rs 2,500 on diesel vehicles and Rs 1,000 on petrol vehicles for each trip between Manali and Rohtang Pass. Rohtang is a 13,050 feet high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km from Manali and acts as the gateway to the remote district of Lahaul and Spiti from the picturesque Kullu Valley. The NGT in its order has restricted the number of vehicles passing through Rohtang Pass for tourism purposes to 600 petrol and 400 diesel per day on first-come, NL CORRESPONDENT ( WITH INPUTS FROM AGENCIES) JAMMU TAWI, MAY 26: Temperatures across the Valley were in similar range recorded at 22.1 degree Celsius but Jammu, the winter capital of the state, was also going through a heat wave.Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.3 degrees Celsius, he said, adding the mercury settled at a low of 23.6 degrees Celsius last night. The maximum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 22.1 degrees Celsius today while the minimum temperature was 10.4 degrees Celsius, an official of the MeT department told PTI here. The sizzling heat wave 'Centre has to move carefully on nuclear projects' SHILLONG, MAY 26 (PTI): Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said the Centre had to move cautiously while dealing with projects related to nuclear and atomic energy looking carefully into their sensitivity aspect, security angle and also the budget implications. "The Centre is always cautious while moving ahead with projects related to nuclear energy and atomic energy as they carry a lot of sensitivity element with them, security angle and also huge budget implication," the minister of State for Atomic Energy said here.He was here to highlight the achievements of the one-year- old NDA Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His statement also came as a reaction to the stiff opposition voiced from several quarters on the proposed mining of Uranium in Meghalaya, also a uranium reserve state. Plying vehicles in Rohtang Pass: SC refuses to stay NGT order NEW DELHI, MAY 26: The Supreme Court today refused to stay the operation of NGT directions limiting the entry of all diesel and petrol tourist vehicles in Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh till August 14 to 1,000 per day. The apex court only stayed one direction of the green tribunal that all vehicles would be subjected to pollution checks and should get certificates at the check post to comply with BS-IV standards before being allowed to operate on the 13,050 feet pass which links the Kullu Valley to the remote district of Lahaul and Spiti. A vacation bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and U U Lalit said the taxi operators could argue their case before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) which would give them expeditious hearing. The taxi operators have got the support from the Himachal Pradesh government which said there were lot of problems in complying with the directives of the NGT. Husbandry Sajad Gani Lone, on hearing about the incident, rushed to Kupwara to express solidarity and sympathy with the bereaved family. "Lone postponed all his official appointments and participated in the funeral prayer of the deceased. He visited the residence of MLA Kupwara and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul," an official spokesman said. Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh expressed their grief over the demise of legislator's son and expressed solidarity with Dar and other members of his family, the spokesman said. first-serve basis and directed that each vehicle allowed would pay an environmental cess. The NGT has said the amount thus collected would be kept in the account under a separate head by the state government and utilised only for the purpose of restoring ecology and environment. It had also directed the state government to post a team of police, transport and other departments at Vashisht and Gulaba areas between Manali and Rohtang with complete infrastructure and machinery. Each vehicle, which carries more than six passengers, would be liable to pay compensation of Rs 5,000 as environmental compensation for single entry. NGT had also directed the state to take all requisite steps and call a meeting of manufacturers and suppliers for supplying CNG vehicles to ensure that there was least pollution in the eco-sensitive area of Rohtang Pass. (AGENCIES) sweeping many parts of the country claimed 207 more lives since yesterday, raising the overall toll to 757, with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana bearing the brunt. Besides Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, sweltering conditions persisted in Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal with temperature hovering around 45 degree celsius in most places in these states. According to Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, Angul in Odisha recorded 47 degree, while Chandrapur and Wardha in Maharashtra witnessed 46.6 and 46.5 degrees, respectively. Delhi recorded 45 degree celsius, 0.5 degrees less than yesterday which was the hottest day. There could be some respite from the sweltering heat as some parts of north and south India are expected to experience thunder storm in next two days, thus bringing down the temperature by a few notches. Kashmir Valley, on the other hand, is witnessing pleasant weather with maximum temperature around 22 degree celsius. The scorching heat claimed the maximum lives in Andhra Pradesh where 149 people died since yesterday, raising the toll in the State to 551. The number Appx ‘A’ to GE Partapur letter No.8102/Adv/04/E8 MILITARY ENGINEER SERVICE E-PROCUREMENT Garrison Engineer Partapur on behalf of President of India invites application from eligible enlisted contractors of MES and enlisted/unlisted Contractors working with other Govt Departments meeting eligibility criteria for selection of Contractors for issue of tender of under mentioned work as per Appx ‘A’ attached :S.No Name of work Estimat Completion ed cost period of work (in lakhs) Amount of Earnest Money/ Standing security deposit for contractors not enlisted with MES Eligibility class and category Cost of Tender Demand Draft/ Bankers cheque of Rs.500/- in favour of GE Partapur C/O 56 APO 1. Repair to road furniture at AOR of AGE B/R-I and AGE B/R-II under GE Partapur 15.00 06(Six) Months Rs.30,000.00 Rs.50,000.00 Class ‘E’ Category a(i) 2. Cleaning and repairs 15.00 06(Six) of sewer lines, blocked Months WCs, Soakwells etc at AOR of AGE B/R-I under GE Partapur Rs.30,000.00 Rs.50,000.00 Class ‘E’ Category a(ii) -do- 3. Cleaning and repairs 12.00 06(Six) of sewer lines, blocked Months WCs, Soakwells etc at Base Camp, Sasoma & Khalsar under GE Partapur Rs.24,000.00 Rs.50,000.00 Class ‘E’ Category a(ii) -do- 4. Repair/Maint of Furniture under GE Partapur Rs.24,000.00 Rs.50,000.00 Class ‘E’ Category d(i) 12.00 06(Six) Months -do- CRITICAL DATES Ser No Description Para 11 Date and time publishing of tender documents (a) Date 03 Jun 2015 (b) Date & time of tender documents downloading (c) Seeking clarification date & time 04 Jun 2015 04 Jun 2015- Start 12 Jun 2015-End (d) Date & time for online bid submission (cover 1- 04 Jun 2015- Start 1 and 2) 12 Jun 2015-End (e) Date & time of bid opening (cover No 1) (f) Date & time of bid opening (cover No 2) Para 12 Name of CE Name of CWE Name of GE Time 1500 hrs Remarks 1500 hrs 1500 hrs 1500 hrs 13 Jun 2015 or subsequent days 1500 hrs Will be intimated online after 0900 hrs completion of evaluation of tech bid/application (cover No 1) HQ Chief Engineer 31 Zone HQ 138 Works Engineers GE Partapur Notes:1. Further details can be seen from the e-procurement portal www.eprocuremes.gov.in 2. The brief advertisement is also available on MES website www.mes.gov.in. 3 Tenders will be uploaded only on portal www.eprocuremes.gov.in and contractors registered on this website will be able to submit their bid online. All other terms and conditions, instructions to bidders regarding etendering process etc. may kindly see Notice Inviting Tenders (NIT) available on the above noted web site. The department reserves the right to reject any or all tenders without assigning any reason(s). (Sandeep Negi) Capt Offg GE Partapur The NORTHLINES STATE www.thenorthlines.com Lal Singh announces Rs 3.5 cr for DH REASI, MAY 26Minister for Health and Medical Education, ARI and Trainings departments, Choudhary Lal Singh paid surprise visit to District Hospital Reasi last evening to review the healthcare facilities being provided to the patients. The surprise inspection was conducted by the Minister at 9 PM following public complaints that most of the pregnancies and other patients were being referred to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu due to the nonavailability of doctors at DH Reasi. MLA Reasi-Ajay Nanda, Deputy Commissioner ReasiSushma Chauhan, Director Family Welfare Dr. Baldev Sharma, Mission Director NHM Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Reasi-Sujit Kumar and CMO Reasi-Dr Parminder Singh accompanied the Minister during his visit. Ch Lal Singh clarified to the people that there is no shortage of doctors and paramedics in the hospital. He asked the MLA, Reasi to pay surprise visits to the hospital on regular intervals to monitor its functioning. During the inspection, the Minister also fined the medical staff, including Medical Superintendent for dereliction of duty. A fine of Rs 6,000 was imposed on Medical Superintendent of the hospital for not providing available medicines to the patients, while Rs 1000 fine was imposed on a dentist for not attending the duty as per the time mentioned in the duty roaster. In the male ward of the hospital, the Minister found that some of the patients were without pillows and bed sheets for which the staff nurse was fined Rs 500. The Minister directed the medical superintendent to conduct frequent rounds to check cleanliness in the wards and other sections of the hospital. He also warned the staff against unauthorized absence from duties. Later talking to the locals, Choudhary Lal Singh said that the Government has taken several innovative steps in last about three months to revive health sector in State. He said deployment of the staff in remote areas and procuring ASL (Advanced Life Support System) ambulances was the first step in this direction. He said the enhancement of the incentives of doctors working in remote areas was also under consideration of the government to ensure parity in healthcare facilities in urban hospitals and health institutions in the remote and far-off areas. He also announced Rs. 3.5 crores for the construction of the additional block of District Hospital Reasi. District Development apprised about the Gyan Setu workshop being conducted in the schools of Solki, Siot and Lamberi regarding the innovative ways in which science education could be made interesting for school children. The workshop is being conducted by the Deputy Commissioner who herself headed various sessions of this 3 day workshop and created interest in the children towards overall education. The Minister appreciated this initiative of district administration. Earlier Chief Education officer Rajouri gave a brief resume regarding functioning of Education Department of the district besides presenting various issues and problems faced by the department. Giving patient hearing to the problems of the teaching fraternity, the Minister assured for early and speedy disposal of the issues and called upon the fraternity to work with zeal and missionary spirit, adding that the image of education department has to be changed by showing excellent performance. Residents of Katra to get local passes: Project Director NHAI JAMMU, MAY 26 : A delegation of Hotel & Restaurant Association Katra led by its President Shyam Lal Kesar & Sr. Vice President Rakesh Wazir met Project Director National Highway Authority of India R P Singh and while submitting a memorandum apprised him that instead of clear directions and guidelines of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways the people at Ban Toll post are charging the exorbitant money from the people who are exempted under different categories including locals who are eligible for monthly passes under local Category. They said that as per rules the residents of areas falling within the 20 KM of Toll post are eligible for a monthly passes and since Katra falls under that category and as such the residents of Katra and around are eligible for that passes but Delta Force organises Medical Camp Doda: To commemorate 250 years of Army Medical Corps, a Medical Outreach Camp for the Locals, Veterans and their dependents was organised by Delta Force. The camp was inaugurated by General Officer Commanding, Delta Force at Gwari, District Doda on 26 May 2015. The camp was organised to deliver comprehensive medical services at the doorstep of the locals and veterans and their dependents in remote and far flung villages. A team of doctors including a Medical Specialist, a Surgeon, an Orthopedic Surgeon, Eye & ENT specialist, a Gynecologist, a dentist and other general Medical Officers including Nursing Officers carried out the medical checkup as part of this endeavour.The camp was attended by 1950 persons from the area of district. Wani expresses resentment over shortage of ration DODA, MAY 26 : Ex-Minister for Roads and Buildings and General Secretary JKPCC Abdul Majid Wani resented shortage of ration and other essential commodities in entire Doda constituency. Situation are appalling. BJPPDP government is more interested in transfers and postings on communal and sectarian lines while this backward and constituency of poor people is facing drought like situation with water and ration missing, said Wani. He said ministers and MLAs of the PDPBJP government are more interested in photo-sessions and cutting ribbons of the projects which were started by the previous Congress government in the state, caring little about the poor people of Doda constituency. Wani said most of the PHE schemes which were started or inaugurated or made functional by previous Congress government are lying defunct. He said huge labourer class lives in Doda constituency. This new government has instead of addressing the issue of unemployment increased the number of unemployed youth by being unable to keep treasuries functional, said Wani. He also criticised state government for extreme power crisis in erstwhile District Doda. Wani also appreciated gesture of exUnion Health Minister and now, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad for having requested Prime Minister Narinder Modi to grant an AIIMS like institution to Jammu region also. He said by seeking AIIMS for Jammu region, Azad has once again proved himself as the only trustworthy, sincere leader of this region and of the entire state. He applauded the efforts and demanded construction of AIIMS in Doda District. MLA inaugurates exhibition Priya reviews functioning of Educatin Department RAJOURI, MAY 26: Minister of State for Education, Information and Culture Priya Sethi chaired a meeting of officers of Education Department at Rajouri today. Member Legislative Assembly, Rajouri Ch. Qamar Hussain, Member Legislative Council Vibodh Gupta, District Development Commissioner Deepti Uppal, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chief Education Officer, Principals, ZEOs and other officers attended the meeting. Stressing for providing quality education in government schools, Priya exhorted upon the principals and teachers to provide quality education to students to compete with private institutions. The Minister was also 4 JAMMU | WEDNESDAY | MAY 27 | 2015 the same are being denied to them on one pretext or the other by the people deployed at Ban Toll Post and requested the Project Director for his immediate intervention so that the people may not have to pay exorbitant rates and regular mechanism of issuing of passes be adopted over there. R.P. Singh listened the delegation patiently and gave on spot instructions for immediate issuing of those monthly passes to the local people around toll post particularly the residents of Katra etc. @225/- per month and asked the delegation that now onwards the people of Katra can have that passes from Toll post on the submission of resident proof & registration certificate of the vehicle. The delegation among others was comprised of Harish Dubey, Virender Kesar, Parbhat Singh, Gardhari Lal, Varun Jamwal etc. Commissioner Ajay Singh Jamwal, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Basholi, S Gurmukh Singh besides senior officers of R&B, RDD, Health, PDD, Education, Municipal Committee including Sarpanchs and Panchs were also present on the occasion. The Minister said BJP-PDP led Government was fully aware about the problems of the people and it was making all out efforts to redress the same in a phased manner. He appealed the people to cooperate with the Government in developing every corner of the State on modern lines. He informed the people that Basholi town is developed with all basic amenities. District Silambam & Speedball C'ship gets underway Reasi, May 26 The District level interschool Silambam and speedball championship organized by District Youth & Sports Services Department Reasi gets underway today at Bhartiya Vidya Mandir Reasi.District Sheep Husbandry Officer-Dr H S Rana was the chief guest and Dy SP(DAR) Reasi Jugal Kishore was guest of honour. Prominent among others present on the occasion were District Youth & Sports Officer-Dr SS Chib, ZEPO Reasi-Om Prakas, ZEPO Chassana-Manohar Lal, Principal Bhartiya Vidya Mandir-Nresh Singh, Ram Lalji Sharma, and a large number of locals.Earlier, in "Vel Kambu Veechu" Silambal U-14, Rohit Sharma of Amba Kids Katra emerged as winner, and Vishal Puri of Trikuta Shiksha Niketan Reasi got second place, while in U-17 Deeraj of Trikuta Shiksha Niketan got first place and Aman Sharma of Bhartiya Vidya Mandir got second place.In Silambal , "Otrai Kambu Vecchu" U-14 Hari Om of Bhartiya Vidya Mandir got first place and Raja Mohd Asif of Amba Kids Katra got second place, whereas in U-17 Sahil Verma of GHSS Reasi emerged as winner and Bharat of Trikuta Siksha Niketan Reasi got second place. Government failed to deliver on all fronts: Niaz BHADERWAH, MAY 26 : While addressing a huge protest rally lead by former Minister Mohammed Sharief Niaz , Niaz said that govt has failed on all fronts . Speaking on the occasion Niaz alleged that Govt has proposed to reduce 100 beded hospital to 50 beds in Gandoh and has cancelled the construction of residential quarters for Doctors in Bhaderwah which is deep concern . Niaz said that this disparity will not be tolerated and Congress will protest against such decision . Niaz said that Bhallessa Bhaderwah being a remote area of State needs attention in medical facilities but on the contrary present govt is reducing the facilities also which were provided by previous government . Niaz alleged that Doctors have been transferred from Bhallessa and Bhaderwah leaving hospitals without doctors . Furthermore Niaz said that Govt has failed to check inflation and public is facing hardship due to everyday price hike in all goods due to increase of price in fuel. Niaz alleged that govt has failed to cope with inflation due to inefficient governance. Not only price rise has brought miseries to general public but ever since PDP BJP has formed govt most of the employees of all departments have not been paid salaries . He further said that MGNREGA which gave job guarantee to all has been diluted and Contractors are not being paid their dues creating a great chaos. Niaz said that there is acute shortage of education staff in all schools of Bhaderwah assembly which needs to be addressed at an earliest so that education of students doesn't get effected . Niaz said that the speed of developmental works is too less and most of the villages of the assembly are without electricity due to damaged transformers which have not been changed for many months . Niaz while addressing said that PDP and BJP has compromised with the fundamental principles of their parties like AFSPA , Article 370 and various others for the lust of power. Govt has forgotten the issue of kashmiri pandit rehabilitation . Niaz demanded that all the issues of public should be addressed at an earliest since the public of state is feeling cheated after voting BJP and PDP to power. REASI, MAY 26 : To mark one year of coming to power of the Narendra Modi government an exhibition projecting achievements and policies of the government was today inaugurated by MLA ReasiAjay Nanda in an impressive function here at Reasi. General Manager Salal Power Station-AG Ansari, officials from Salal Power Station and a large number of locals were also present on the occasion. The exhibition is organised by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) Prasar Bharti in coordination with Salal Power Station of NHPC Limited. At the exhibition, different initiatives of the government in various sectors including 'Jan Dhan Yojana' for financial inclusion, 'Annadata Sukhi Bhava' for farmers' welfare, 'Shramdeva Jayate' for ensuring dignity of labour, Beti Bachao, Beti Padao Abhiyan , Pradhan Mantri Bhima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and 'Swacch Bharat' for cleanliness were shown.Outside the exhibition premises, a video summarizing the initiatives with the tag-line "Utkarsh ka ke varsh, Achhe din ki aur agrasar'' (A year of prosperity, en route to good days) was also shown. Nanda while speaking on the occasion said an elaborate plan has been made to take government's achievements to the people and the idea is to capture all the initiatives which have been taken by the government in different sectors whether it is economy, social sector, infrastructure, transparency through pictorial designs and multimedia exhibition. Appx ‘A’ to GE Partapur letter No.8102/Adv/03/E8 MILITARY ENGINEER SERVICE E-PROCUREMENT Garrison Engineer Partapur on behalf of President of India invites application from eligible enlisted contractors of MES and enlisted/unlisted Contractors working with other Govt Departments meeting eligibility criteria for selection of Contractors for issue of tender of under mentioned work as per Appx ‘A’ attached :S.No Name of work Estimat Completion Amount of Earnest Eligibility class Cost of Tender ed cost period Money/ Standing and category of security deposit for work contractors not (in enlisted with MES lakhs) 1. Repair/Maint of Internal Electrification at Zone ‘A’, ‘B’,’C’&’D’ and Spl Repair to bldg No T283,T-278 & T- 270 by providing New Electrical fittings under GE Partapur 19.36 06(Six) Months Rs.38,720.00 Rs.50,000.00 Class ‘E’ Category b(i) 2. Repair/Maint of 18.78 06(Six) Internal Months Electrification at Hunder, Khalsar, Sasoma & Base Camp and Spl repair to bldg No T-95(OT) for Rewiring at 403 Fd Hosp under GE Partapur Rs.37,560.00 Rs.50,000.00 Class ‘E’ Category b(i) -do- 3. Repair/Maint of Solar BP light and replacement of backup Battery for Solar BP light at various locations under GE Partapur 06(Six) Months Rs.39,600.00 Rs.50,000.00 Class ‘E’ Category b(i) -do- 4. Repair/Maint of External water supply pipe line, Hamam and puff insulated Tank and lagging to pipe at Zone ‘A’,’B’ & Hunder under GE Partapur 06(Six) Months Rs.38,000.00 Rs.50,000.00 Class ‘E’ Category a(ii) 19.80 19.00 Demand Draft/ Bankers cheque of Rs.500/- in favour of GE Partapur C/O 56 APO -do- CRITICAL DATES Ser No Description Para 11 Date and time publishing of tender documents (a) Date 02 Jun 2015 (b) Date & time of tender documents downloading (c) Seeking clarification date & time 03 Jun 2015 03 Jun 2015- Start 11 Jun 2015-End (d) Date & time for online bid submission (cover 1- 03 Jun 2015- Start 1 and 2) 11 Jun 2015-End (e) Date & time of bid opening (cover No 1) 12 Jun 2015 or subsequent days (f) Date & time of bid opening (cover No 2) Para 12 Name of CE Name of CWE Name of GE Time 1500 hrs Remarks 1500 hrs 1500 hrs 1500 hrs 1500 hrs Will be intimated online after 0900 hrs completion of evaluation of tech bid/application (cover No 1) HQ Chief Engineer 31 Zone HQ 138 Works Engineers GE Partapur Notes:1. Further details can be seen from the e-procurement portal www.eprocuremes.gov.in 2. The brief advertisement is also available on MES website www.mes.gov.in. 3 Tenders will be uploaded only on portal www.eprocuremes.gov.in and contractors registered on this website will be able to submit their bid online. All other terms and conditions, instructions to bidders regarding etendering process etc. may kindly see Notice Inviting Tenders (NIT) available on the above noted web site. The department reserves the right to reject any or all tenders without assigning any reason(s). (Sandeep Negi) Capt Offg GE Partapur The NORTHLINES www.thenorthlines.com Farmers stage protest outside Tehsil Office KATHUA/NAGRI, MAY 26 In support of their long pending demand of crop loss compensation, a large number of farmers of Nagri area marched to Tehsil office to lodge a strong protest demonstration on Tuesday. Before, marching, hundreds of farmers gathered at Nagri Bus stand and delivered speeches demanding an adequate and genuine compensation against the crop which was lost to heavy rains and floods in past. In their speeches farmers alleged that state government is totally failed to address farmers issue and to give them justified crop loss compensation. The adamancy and callous attitude of state government has proved that the new PDP-BJP coalition is full arrogance and undemocratic approaches and not interested to entertain the ABVP submits memo to CEO KATHUA 26 MAY: - Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) highlighted subject lacking and inadequate infrastructure issues of students of Girls Government Higher Secondary School Kathua and urged state government to meet out the said issues in short time. In this connection, ABVP under the leadership of ABVP city president Navin Jasrotia met with CEO Kathua and submitted a memorandum at his office Kathua on Tuesday. While speaking in front of media ABVP unit Kathua said that in Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kathua there are about 880 students but only 13 class rooms due to which it is very difficult to accommodate such huge number of students. Despite this problem, ABVP has also pointed out the non- availability of commerce and geography subjects in Government Girls Higher Secondary school while both the Degree Colleges have these subjects. To sort out this issue of the students, ABVP urged the state government to bring commerce and geography subjects in this school as regular and routine subjects and provide the proper accommodation which is required for the students so that students could get a better education in an institution of full and proper infrastructure. They said a separate examination hall and a common room have not been given to this school till date that is also affecting the study and counted as lacking in proper infrastructure. This is also demanded in the school by ABVP for the welfare of student community. farmers plights, speakers said. After concluding speeches, the farmers started to march in form of a big procession from Nagri Bus Stand to Tehsil office Nagri with shouting slogans "We Demand Justice" and "State Govt Down-Down". The protest demonstration was led by mainly Mohinder Sharma, Gulzar Singh, Ramesh Chander, Garu Ram and Shiv Ram. Early childhood educators training workshop organized at JPS Jammu, May 26 PG Department of Home Science, University of Jammu in collaboration with Jodhamal Public School organized one day training programme for early childhood educators at the school premise today. The chief guest on the occasion was Prof. Rajni Dhingra, Dean Faculty of Science and Head, Department of Home Science, University of Jammu. The Guest of Honour was Dr. Chand Trehan, a eminent counsellor of the state. Dr. Sarika Manhas, Assistant Professor, Department of Home Science, University of Jammu was the resource person for the training along with Prof. Dhingra and Dr. Trehan.Dr. Chand Trehan in her introductory session underlined the objectives of the training programme. JAMMU | WEDNESDAY| MAY 27 | 2015 Ex-Servicemen rally organised at Tangste Jammu: An Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Rally was organized today at Village Tangste well as to mitigate the problems of ESM, veer naries, widows and their dependents by an Army battalion under the agies of Trishul Division. Informative stalls such as a helpline, ZSWO Cell, DPDO Cell, SBI Counter and a medical camp were established. The ExServicemen and veer naries interacted with the Commander Tangste Garrison. Existing and future welfare schemes were discussed and propagated by ZSWO Cell, Leh. IRCS organises interactive session KATHUA MAY, 25TH:- Based on seven Fundamental Principles of Red Cross which are lifeline of the organization, the Red Cross (IRCS) Kathua unit organized an interactive session at Shiva Public School Kathua.A demonstration cum interactive session was organized in the school in which Staff members & around fifty students participated. During the session, a brief history of Red Cross was shared and the of importance of distinctive emblem "Red Cross", how to stop its misuse and knowledge of the authorized users i.e. "Red Cross Volunteers & Army Medical Corp" was also discussed at length.While speaking on the occasion Executive Secretary, IRCS Kathua Ashish Singh said that the main objective was to educate the students so that they can act as First Medical Responder (FMR) responsibly during any exigency. He said Red Cross Kathua unit is vigorously working to generate awareness regarding the best procedural action to be taken in vague of emergency and during other unforeseen accidents. The staff was also given demonstration of the basic Students of MHS DAV Senior Secondary School, Kathua, Little Angel Higher Secondary Kathua and Spring dales Kathua brought laurels for Kathua people, school staff and their parents after bagging top positions in yesterdays declared result of 10th class by J&K Board of school education on Monday. Students of MHS DAV School bagged four positions and continued the school's traditional routine of producing meritorious students. Mega Bhola of bagged 13th position by securing 96% marks, Himanshi Sirivastava also bagged 13th position by securing 96% marks, Hardeep Kour clinched 19th position by securing 94.6% and Anjali Mishra also bagged 20th position by obtaining 94.6% marks in the result of class 1oth declared by JKBOSE on 25th of May 2015. All the four students are of MHS DAV Senior Secondary School Kathua. Their meritorious performance was celebrated with great pomp and show jointly by parents, students and school staff. Similar delightful moments were also seen in Spring Dales and Little Angel School. Two positions were also bagged by the students of Little Angel School Kathua in which Tanishka stood to hold 15th with 95.6% and Saurav achieved 18th positions in current result of class 10th declared by JKBOSE a day ago. While greeting to the students and school staff, the principal of MHS DAV School Ashu Bhola said that it is a jubilant moment for all toppers, school staff, students as well as parents. IN THE COURT OF JMIC(MUNSIFF), SAMBA Present : Manzoor Hussain Inter school Athletic meet concludes NOTICE KATHUA 26 MAY: - Over the frequent defunctioning of water pumping motor of PHE department at Sawan Chack, the residents expresses resentment and lodged a massive protest demonstration against the PHE department by keeping the National Highway block for one hour at Hatli Morh Kathua on Tuesday. The protest was led by Blinder Singh Raju who alleged the PHE department for being failed to put in place a quality water pum motor at Sawan Chack due to which it gets damaged after every two or Salman Restaurant A Family Restaurant NOTICE I, Sardari Singh S/o Gain Singh R/o Janglote, Tehsil and three days nad forced the people dire consequences if the water District Kathua have to face water crisis. He warned problem in the area is not lost of Registration the PHE department to face the addressed soon. certificate of my vehicle ONGRATULATIONS ONGRATULATIONS bearing no. JK08D7551. I am applying for To To Parnav S/o Arun Kumar the duplicate of the Sh. Joginder S/o Ashwani same. Objection, if any, Kumar and Smt. Suman R/o Jakhbar. may be conveyed to Kumari R/o Student of Krishna R.T.O Lakhanpur Bhartiya Colony, within seven days from Kathua. Public High School,Jakhbar Student of R.S.J.N higher Sec. on getting 76% marks in the date of publication School Kathua on getting 92% class 10th exam. marks in Class 10th Exam. of this notice. C C office of the registrar of societies/firms under society r e g i s t r a t i o n ACT.1998(1941AD).objections by post or in person if any from individuals, institution, state or semi state governments organization may kindly be communicated to the office of registrar of societies/firms (Directorate of industries and commerce ) Ist floor Jawahar Lal Nehru udyog Bhawan, Rail head Complex , Jammu Within a period 21Days from the date of publication of this notice. Vikramjeet Singh- President, Anil Kumar-Vice President ,Vinay Jasrotia- General Secretary, Smt. Deepti SharmaSecretary,Smt. Jaspreet kour Cashier. EXCEL PACKAGING PLOT NO 6 SIDCO INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX, KATHUA CONT NO. 09796241086, 09419152086 MANUFACTURING BUCKETS, MUGS, TASLAS, BASIN, PEDDLE BIN, DUSTBIN UNBRAKEABLE & FROSTY. In the matter of Application for Registration of birth/death of:Gungun Koul Date of birth 10-04-2000. At Home Father's Name: Sh. Vinay Koul Mother's Name Smt. Reeta Koul THINKING OF NOTICE TO GENERAL PUBLIC Sd/JMIC(Munsiff)Samba Jammu : The Army's Miran Transporters extend support to Jammu Bandh call Vinay Koul S/O Tribawan Nath Koul R/o. Chak Manga Rakwal, Teh & District Samba V/S S.H.O. Police Station, Samba Whereas, an application stand filed in this court for registration of birth of above mentioned persons R/o Chak Manga Rakwal, Teh & District Samba in Police Station, Samba and through the medium of this publication notice at large and any other interested person is/ are informed that in case anybody has any objection in respect of aforementioned application then he/she/they shall file their objections in this court within 7 days from the date of publication of notice, failing which appropriate order shall follow. Given under my hand and seal of this court today 26th day of May 2015 techniques of CPR & recovery position in case of unconscious person to harness their skills. The students were also taught the hand washing techniques.Later, the student groups were also made to practically display the preliminary techniques taught. The proceedings of the interactive session were conducted by, Executive Secretary, IRCS Kathua Ashish Singh and supported by other members of the Red Cross team. The Chairman of the School Marru Ram Gupta and Principal, Rajesh K. Gupta appreciated the efforts of the Red Cross Kathua team. Tiger Division conducts various camps Sahib Brigade, under Tiger Division organized a Medical, Veterinary and Awareness Camp for the people dwelling in the border areas at Kanali Tibba in the RS Pura Sector. Major General Dushyant Singh, GOC, Tiger Division inaugurated the camp and also interacted with the village heads of Jammu region. A team of doctors from Army and the local health administration, comprising of experts of varied specialties attended to the women, children and men and were provided with free medical aid and medicines. Cattles were also treated by associations. Mr. Singh said that the demand of Jammu province who are being Veterinary doctors. JAMMU, MAY 26 : Transporters declared a Chakka Jam in of AIIMS for Jammu is the most genuine repeatedly discriminated against. He raised support of the demand of AIIMS, Lake and demand and the transport organizations will questions about the conduct of Jammu Nagbani students Other Developmental Activities of Jammu fully support the Bandh Call on 27th of Kashmir High Court Bar Association for province said Mr. Surinder Singh Kala, May,2015.Kala further said that despite the projecting certain so called elements as shine in CBSE Convenor, J&K Motor Transport fact that JKHCBA( Jammu Kashmir High transport representatives and interacting Companies Association Jammu. While Court Bar Association) has not bothered to with them who have a dubious and Class XII results addressing a joint press conference of consult the transport industry with regard to questionable past having no association with various Transport Organizations especially announcing an agitational programme transport industry. These are the same Jammu: It was joy and J&K Motor Transport Companies concerning all issues dear to the people of people who are responsible for looting and jubilation in Maharaja Association and All J&K Oil Tankers Driver Jammu but the transporters will support any destruction in of the most successful and Harisingh Agricultural and Cleaner Union and other allied transport issue pertaining to the wishes of the people thriving transport industry. Collegiate School Nagbani Jammu. The School has been consistently showing excellent results in CBSE Board Exams in both Class XII & X.This year however the excitement is even successfully and total (1st),Meenakshi Rani (CMP Samba) (2nd),Pinki Devi (RAKESH PARBHAKAR) more as 33 students scored participants were 555. The Nud) (2nd),Shalini Saini (GHS Rajpura) (3rd).In SAMBA, MAY 26 above 90% marks, 102 Students dignitaries present on the (GHSS Nandpur) (3rd).In Discuss Throw U/17 Today on 26TH of May got above 80% in class XII opening ceremony are 400 mtrs U/14 event, Prinka event,Sofia Rajput (Kristu 2015 the Department of CBSE Board Exams declared Marshal of the Meet Sh. Devi (CMP Nud) Jyoti Convent School Youth Services and Sports on 25.05.2015. (1st),Sabjeet Kour (GHSS Samba) (1st),Monika Devi District Samba has organized Anirudh Singh Slathia, Science group is topped by two Activity Incharge Smt. Nandpur) (2nd),Samita Devi (GHS Birpur) (2nd),Huma Inter School District Level students - Reshab Gupta and (GHS Ghagwal) (3rd).In 600 Bibi (GHS Sujwan) Athletic Meet U/14, U/17yrs Rekha Sambyal, Sh. Vijay Singh Slathia, Smt. Rakesh mtrs U/14 event, Shalini (N (3rd).Overall Championship Aryan Magotra with 96.4% Boys & Girls under the marks in the aggregate. Arshiya V Dhalote (1st),Sonia (HPS Girls: -GHS Sarna bags supervision of District Youth Verma, Sh. B. D. Sharma, Gupta topped in the Commerce Bassi Kalan (2nd),Punita U/17 title,Humanity Public Services and Sports Officer Sh. Pardeep Singh and Sh. group with 94% marks in the Samba Sh. Subash Chander Raghubir Singh all are Zonal (Calvary Mission Ghagwal) School Bassi Kalan bags aggregate. U/14 title. Bhardwaj. DYSSO welcome Physical Education Officers, (3rd).In long Jump U/14 The school Principal Mr. Alok event,Yasmeen (HPS Bassi Overall Championship the Chief Guest, prominent Dr. Sunil Dubey and Dr. Betab congratulated the Monika. & Sh. Zorawar Kalan) (1st),Sneha Devi Boys: -Parveen Model dignitaries and all the Students, Parents and the staff School Supwal bags U/17 participants. The Chief Guest Singh Sambyal.Results of the (GHS Sarna) (2nd),Saloni Meet: Kundal (M I Sumb) (3rd). In title,N V Dhalote bags U/14 for this outstanding result. DAV of the Occasion was the Management also congratulated In Shot Put U/14 (Girls) Discuss Throw U/14 title, Hon'ble District the school on this achievement The matches were Development Commissioner event, Prinka Slathia (M V event,Prinka (N V Dhalote) International) (1st),Prinka (1st),Shobna Choudhary officiated by Sh. Bhupinder of students. Sheetal Nanda (IAS) Jamwal (N. V. Dhalote) (GHS Sarna) (2nd)Parul Singh, Sh. Dildar Singh, Sh. inaugurated the meet by (2nd),Sonia (HPS Bassi Charak (GHS Birpur) (3rd). Kulbir Singh, Sh. Purab giving the start to 100mtr Kalan (3rd). In 100 Mtrs In 200 mtrs Chander, Sh. Vinod Sharma, Sprint Race. She also Race U/14 (Girls) U/17event,Shameem Akhtar Sh. Naresh Sharma, Smt. awarded the medal and trophies to the winners and event,Yasmeen Akhtar (HPS (GHS Sarna) (1st),Ruksana Roopa Sambyal Smt. Sushma The below Mentioned persons (GHS Bainglar) (2nd),Neha Rani, Smt. Shashi Bala, Smt. have applied for the registration runners. During her address Bassi Kalan) (1st),Isha Jaral (HPS Bassi Kalan) Navjyoti Slathia, Smt. she praised the participants Jamwal (N. V. Dhalote) of society (NGO) under the name (2nd),Sneha Devi (GHS (3rd). In Shot Put Chanchala Devi, Sh. Raj (Boys and Girls) for their and style IBN 24 Sarna) (3rd).In 200 mtrs U/17,Huma Bibi (GHS Singh Chib, Sh. Sudesh mass participation in the U/14 (Girls) event,Yasmeen Sujwan) (1st),Sofia Rajput Sharma, Sh. Avtar Singh, Sh. Society(Immediate Breaking athemtic meet. Today the News 24 Society),Kathua in the Akhtar (HPS Bassi Kalan) (Kristu Jyoti Convent School KeshaV Singh, athletic meet concluded Students brought laurels Residents stages protest against PHE Dept to Kathua District KATHUA 26 MAY:- 5 MBA/MCA BANK PO/SSC JOIN THE LEADER All Types of Arrangement, Like Birth Day Parties, Marriage Parties, Kitty parties and Official Meeting. Address; Near Ward no.17, Police line Kathua Contact No. For Booking: 9086728518 IN THE REGION Kathua Center Opp. Canara bank College Road ,Kathua .01922-238791,9419151992 6 The NORTHLINES Modi Govt. has done well, but more is needed M Nationalism seen in elite terms www.thenorthlines.com JAMMU, WEDNESDAY | MAY 27 | 2015 uch is said for and against the one year performance of the Narendra Modi Government in the last few days before even completion of one year in power. A more accurate analysis of the performance of the Narendra Modi Government's first year in office will be possible if the evaluation is done from the prism of where it has reached from what it had inherited, along with a balance sheet of expectations and delivery. While the two are inter-connected, given that high expectations arose out of the mess the Congress-led UPA had left behind, it is also true that these hopes rode on Mr Modi's track record of good governance as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and the emphatic promise of change he made repeatedly throughout the 2014 election campaign. When the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Government came into office exactly 12 months ago, the economy was not the only crisis. A series of high-profile scams had dented the country's image. Worse, the Prime Minister's office had landed in discredit, with enough to indicate that the then Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh, was not in control. The result was a debilitating policy paralysis. The year gone by has seen the emphatic re-assertion of the office of the Prime Minister and Mr Modi's hold over Government and governance. No one can say that the Prime Minister plays second fiddle to a power-centre outside the Government. There may be some snide There may be remarks from the some snide Opposition that the BJP-led remarks from the Opposition regime is taking directions from the Rashtriya that the BJP-led regime is taking Swayamsevak Sangh, but directions from there has been nothing to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak suggest that the RSS has Sangh, but determined the course of there has been daily governance or that nothing to Union Ministers have been suggest that the RSS has demonstrating loyalty more determined the to an extra-constitutional course of daily authority than to the Prime governance or Minister. that Union Ministers have been demonstrating loyalty more to an extra-constitutional authority than to the Prime Minister. The primacy of the Prime Minister is essential because, from thereon, flows good governance. A weak Prime Minister is the fountainhead of every governance failure including corruption and other serious forms of irregularity. With an assertive Prime Minister at the helm, decision-making has made a comeback. Since the broad economic indications over the past year - inflation, foreign direct investment flow, fiscal deficit, current account deficit, ease of doing business etc - tell the story of a turnaround in the making, the Opposition has latched on to perceptions instead of facts to claim failure on the Government's part. The suitboot ki sarkar jibe falls flat when viewed from the slew of social security initiatives, such as the insurance and pension schemes for the last man in the line, the Modi Government recently launched. The other in the list announced earlier is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. If these have the potential to mark an unprecedented social change, others such as Make in India, Skill India and Digital India can trigger large-scale employment in the months and years ahead. But there have also been hiccups which the Modi Government will need to address if they are not to derail its ambitious plans. The land acquisition Bill remains the biggest problem. The Opposition has to an extent created an impression (even if flawed) that the Government is out to snatch land from farmers on the pretext of development. Modi and his team should more effectively counter this propaganda before it begins to stick as a metaphor for the antipoor/pro-rich image the Opposition is out to construct of the Government. T Sachida Nand Jha he central premise behind an embodiment of a nation focuses on the establishment of an order of dharma. It is this distinctive character of Indian nationalism that historian Partha Chatterjee ignores while he places the Gandhian thought outside the scope of nationalism The incumbent political dispensation at the Centre has completed the first year of its tenure. For the maiden journey that the Modi Government has made so far, it has evoked divergent responses - like fulsome praise for the focussed and fruitful approach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to international relations and almost equal fulsome brickbats for the economy not going the way it was intended to - where no visible transformation has taken place, in fact nothing much has really happened, if we are to believe Mr Arun Shourie. And liberal traditions in educational institutions have been ignored, autonomy has been undermined and secular principles have been demolished with gay abandon for the simple reason the academic reforms are bound to go the saffron way, subverting the very idea of India - if we have to listen to secular intellectuals. Therefore, the first anniversary gives us an appropriate occasion to rethink whether we can develop a sense of India bereft of stereotypes, ideological or otherwise. The evolution of Indian nationalist discourse in the colonial world has been debated and discussed a great deal by Partha Chatterjee, the noted historian of subaltern persuasion. In the Nationalist Thought and Colonial World: A Derivative Discourse, Mr Chatterjee suggests that our nationalist ethos is not only heavily influenced but also primarily caused by an ambivalent approach to the Western notions of nationalisms which were largely responsible for the emergence and upsurge of colonialism. His book focuses on three diverse representatives of nationalist thought and they are Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. The book locates the genesis and growth of the first two nationalists' worldview in their ability to make a distinction between the domains of material and those of spiritual. Both these leaders focused on the superiority of the East in the domain of spiritual but acknowledged perhaps with deep gratitude, the advancements made by the West in the areas of science and technology, of economy and statecraft, and emphasised the need to 'learn the material skills from the West without losing our spiritual heritage'. But the book places the Gandhian thought outside the scope and parameter of nationalism. Mahatma Gandhi, for Mr Chatterjee, does not either make an attempt "to establish the superior spiritual claims of Hindu religion" or care to be consistent, because of his "universalist religiosity" with the "dominant thematic of postenlightenment thought". In his next book, The Nation and its Fragments: Colonial and Postcolonial Histories,Mr Chatterjee maintains the theorical premise that Indian nationalism is ambivalent in its character because of its indebtedness to both 'the forms of postenlightenment scientific thought and a sovereign, superior spiritual tradition of India'. The absence of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is inexplicable. Regardless of the fact that Mr Chatterjee may agree or disagree with Savarkar's vision of Hindutva, the idea should have found its rightful place in Mr Chatterjee's scheme of things. One way to look at its conspicuous absence is that this celebrated scholar may have faced tremendous difficulties in robbing the indigenous traits and attributes inherently embedded in the concept. Moreover, his attempt is contradictory since the discovery of a superior spiritual heritage Mr Chatterjee so vigorously claims to be an essential characteristic of Indian nationalism, cannot be located anywhere else so completely and illuminatingly as in Gandhian thought. It adds to the Mahatma's greatness that he did not believe in the advertisement of such superiority. Modi-government completes a year at Union I Amit Srivastava t is slightly more than a year for Modi-government in New Delhi. On 26 May, 2014 Prime Minister Modi and his afresh cabinet took oath of office to administer Republic of India. Since then Prime Minister Modi and his cabinet colleagues are trying hard to deliver on many of their promises--many time successfully, many times not so. The fact is that Mr. Modi was my favorite since he was anointed as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the BJP. He has great oratory skills. His caste and his Gujarati identity do help him significantly provided he is able to deliver. The fact is that despite of him being very patriotic he is slightly regional as well and this should be clear to any reasonable person as he was Chief Minister of Gujarat for 13 long years before taking the oath as the Prime Minister of the nation. But then these things never bother me and I also find me being Hindi as one of the reasons as to why I am not that regional. The fact is that for whatever reasons, Hindis are the least regional but at the same time most casteist people in India. May be they are least regional because they do not have too many big icons except in politics. I tell you, Prime Minister Modi has great public relations skills; probably higher than that of Rajiv Gandhi. But then this is not what is always sufficient. While good speeches do make differences; many times significantly, but they are not suffice in themselves. It requires all to change-all segments of Indian society; contributors and inert alike--not the chosen few standalone--to make a marked difference in political, economic and social aspects of a nation's life. India is very vast and probably a nation with the widest distributions possible in the world and thus participation from masses becomes more important and even urgent. But I must say that Prime Minister is a very patriotic and committed politician and he definitely exceeds the performance by his many predecessors, including that by former Prime Minister Vajpayee. It is a slightly hard fact to accept as Mr. Vajpayee was from the same constituency where I live and I have had some admiration for him for quite a long time. Prime Minister Modi is far better performer than his immediate predecessor Dr. Singh. I think most of us would agree on that. While no body can disagree that Prime Minister Modi is very dedicated and nationalistic Hindu leader, the fact is that he is simply and slowly loosing emotions that he had when he was Prime Minister-elect on May 13, 2014. The fact is that he has become more authoritative and less consensual and I hesitate to say though, but he probably disagrees with many of his cabinet colleagues. May be he underestimates many among them. It appears more evident in Foreign and Defense portfolios. But I believe he is quite comfortable with Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley. Frankly speaking, these two gentlemen are also my favorite among India's cabinet members but I do admire Sushma Swaraj and General (Retd.) V K Singh as well. Nevertheless Prime Minister Modi's performance on many fields have been excellent, particularly that during his foreign visits. Indian diaspora have found a new voice in him and they themselves may have been benefited because of Prime Minister Modi. The fact is that world is paying more attention to India since Prime Minister Modi's coronation. Indians are becoming more assertive though there are constraints as well. In the end, Indians are Indians and it becomes difficult for them to fully accept Prime Minister Modi's brand of Indian nationalism. Greed and selfishness would stop Indian expatriates from fully falling into the great luring trap of Indian nationalism. This was quite evident from response he received from Indian expatriates in Beijing and Seoul. I think Prime Minister Modi should take note of it and should also adapt to the situation in appropriate ways to the extent possible for him without diluting his agenda of creating a global pan-Indian identity. Nationalism is an attractor though at the same time not that big; not even for domestic population, particularly for elites amongst them! However, criticisms of his foreign visits by opposition parties, particularly by the INC, are definitely unfounded. The fact is that in this interconnected world making good relationship with foreign countries are the most required things for any Indian government after putting its house on order. The fact is that India requires huge capital and expertise from other countries, particularly from the United States-led West to actualize its potential and fulfill its dreams of becoming global Asian power by being on the path of sustainable high growth. For that Prime Minister Modi needs to woo the investors and create business-friendly environment in India. But I will caution him one thing-never let foreign investors over-compete with each other. In particular Prime Minister Modi should not believe that by letting investors compete more FDI and expertise would come to India as individual investors and companies would look for their own selfishness and profits and thus they each would bring better products, more capital with higher efficiency because of competition and noncompiling among them would die-out as a consequence. The fact is that free hands do not operate in India-in fact not even in the West in the strictest ideal sense-Indian government is Godfather for most of Indians, including for big businesses. So, if there is excessive competition, foreign investors would segment among themselves and they would include their Indian partners in that as well and together they could form cartels; formal or informal. The Indian Union government would loose influence as a consequence and Indians a good deal for them. Many anguished and dissatisfied investors could withdraw as well. On economic front he is mostly following the policy of social inclusiveness of the previous governments. But his style is completely different. The fact is that Modigovernment has launched several popular schemes but in my opinion, it should be aware of fiscal health of the nation as too many subsidies can put downward pressure on INR and upward pressure on inflation as the Indian Central Bank; the RBI, may be on printing spree because of political diktats. On domestic front, things are literally quite and Modigovernment is acting cautiously. The fact is that one year is too small a time to judge any government whose full term lasts five years. But still there has been stalemate in dealing with various insurgencies the nation is facing, particularly that in Kashmir. The fact is that Modigovernment should use its position in Jammu and Kashmir government to strike out a mutually acceptable and working solution to the long pending dispute. On Naxalite front the response from government, as expected, has been conservative. In my opinion, natural resources do not belong to aboriginals and autochthons as they have never bought land nor paid any tax on them. But still they should be properly and humanly rehabilitated and amnesty should be granted to maximum among them. I think that there are uphill tasks for Modi-government in coming years. The biggest challenge that it faces is to get legislative work done as the government and its supporters do not have a majority in the Upper House of the Parliament. The fact is that in order to perform governments in democracies have to pass bills but then because of competitive politics, political parties and their leaders in India mostly work on the principle of selfishness and not necessarily on emotive nationalism. The same was true about the BJP when it was in opposition at the Center except with the exception of it tacitly letting Dr. Singh government survive a no confidence vote brought by the Left parties and it itself over the UPA1 signing 123 civilian nuclear agreement with the United States. I remember the BJP scuttling the Land Acquisition Bill brought about by the UPA2 and I think it also expressed some reservations on Goods and Service Tax bills as well. Now the BJP is bringing these very same bills with some amendments and the INC is opposing it tooth and nail. I think the BJP needs to prove the utility of governing and governance to the INC and it will have to prove it in tangible terms to the Centrist party. The fact is that Prime Minister Modi has charisma and he is a die-hard pragmatic politician with immense urge to rule over India. As long as he does it nicely everything is fine. But it so happens that Prime Minister Modi looks tiring and without energy many times he appears on television. I cannot guess the reason properly but my observations just cannot go wrong. See it yourself and do not always relate tiring with workload. However, I would suggest Modi-government one thing-to address growing regional and sub-regional asymmetries throughout the nation and never take for granted the provinces of UP and Bihar. I know that this is an uphill task for any Indian leader as a lot depends on provincial governments as well but I think that in the best interests of the nation, Prime Minister Modi should give it a hard try. Rest is fine with me. The fact is that Modigovernment's performance is well above average and if that is not the case then I wonder which alliance can do it for India. The fact is that I have biases in favor of Prime Minister Modi and his team but not those big that I loose objectivity. It needs to be accepted that Modigovernment has been clean, neat, and corruption and scandal free to the extent an Indian government can be. Sure, there are motormouth in the party and in the NDA alliance but then that is what makes this government what it is today. 7 The NORTHLINES NATIONAL JAMMU | WEDNESDAY | MAY 27 | 2015 www.thenorthlines.com Parrikar downplays Mukherjee’s AAP govt moves assembly resolution, remark on Bofors scandal seeks to impeach LG Najeeb Jung New Delhi : Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday avoided commenting on President Pranab Mukherjee’s remark that the Bofors arms scandal was more of a ‘media trial’ and none of the charges have been proved in any Indian court. “I can’t comment on that. You will have to ask him (President Mukherjee) under what condition he was in when he spoke. If you ask me, the quality of Bofors is good,” he said. President Mukherjee, had earlier in an interview with Dagens Nyheter newspaper ahead of an official visit to Sweden next week, said that the Bofors scandal had had not been proven to be a scandal in a court of law. “First of all – it is yet to be to be established that there was a scandal. No Indian court has established it. I was the defence minister of the country long after Bofors, and all my generals certified that this is one of the best guns we are having. Till today, Indian army is using it. The so-called scandal which you talk of, yes, in the media, it was there. There was a media trial. But I’m afraid, let us not be too much carried by publicity,” said President Mukherjee, who was earlier the country’s Defence Minister. “I do not know. I’m not describing it, you’re putting that word. Don’t put that word. What I am saying is that in media it was publicised. But up to now, no Indian court has given any decisive verdict about the alleged scandal,” he added when asked if the Bofors scam was just a media scandal. The Bofors scandal was a USD 285 million contract between the Indian Government and Swedish arms company Bofors, signed for supply of 155mm howitzer field guns in 1986. The Bofors gun was used during the Kargil conflict with Pakistan and the gun proved very effective and it is still one of the main artillery weapons of the Indian Army. New Delhi : The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) cleared a resolution in the assembly on Tuesday seeking powers to impeach the lieutenant governor in a move that deepened an allout turf war between the Delhi government and the Centre. The resolution pushed by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was ratified on the first day of a special assembly session that was called to discuss a union home ministry notification giving absolute powers to the L-G in appointment and transfer of bureaucrats and issues of police and public order. The power struggle between chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and L-G Najeeb Jung is rooted in Delhi’s unique position as a union territory functioning as the Capital, with the state government having no power multinational company at the over several important time of his arrest. departments and agencies that He was originally booked function under the lieutenant under provisions of the Indian Penal Code for “waging war” against the state and under the UAPA for supporting a terror group. Home ministry sources said there has been no delay from DELHI: There does the Karnataka government, but notNEW to be any respite the team working on Biswas' fromappear severe wave prosecution is getting conditions in manyheat parts of the impatient. as the Indian "If the state government's country Department clearance comes in the next two Meteorological (IMD) on Tuesday afternoon days, we will be able to wrap up and submit the charge-sheet on predicted such conditions to time. If we delay, he might get continue in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Vidarbha bail," said a police source. Media reports suggested that region of Maharashtra and parts information provided by of Odisha for at least next two Twitter on accounts linked to days. Asking people to be vigilant the IS and its supporters will be included in the charge-sheet of such conditions, the IMD said, " Andhra Pradesh and against Biswas. Telangana which experienced severe heat wave conditions Bengaluru police racing to charge-sheet youngster who operated pro-IS Twitter handle Bengaluru : The city police are racing against time to complete their charge-sheet against Mehdi Masroor Biswas, who was arrested in Bengaluru last December on the charge of operating the pro-Islamic State Twitter handler @shamiwitness. Sources in the police said that under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,UAPA, which was used to book Biswas, the accused is entitled to bail if authorities do not complete investigations and file charges within 180 days. "We have around 15 days before the 180-day deadline expires," a source told Hindustan Times. The Centre has granted permission to city police to press charges of international terrorism against Biswas under the UAPA for allegedly running the pro-IS Twitter handle. The Karnataka government, however, is yet to give similar permission to the police. Biswas, 24, was arrested after Britain’s Channel 4 named him as the person behind @shamiwitness. He was working as an executive in a Ramdev's Divya pharmacy if there were objections. "The name of the medicine is like that, nothing has been added. Even the scriptures call the jadi booti (herb) by the same name," Naik said. The medicine had sparked off a debate in Parliament, after a section of the Opposition accused Ramdev of peddling a product which promised delivery of male children. While Ramdev later clarified that 'putrajeevak beej' (seed that gives life to a son in its literal translation) was only meant to treat infertility and had only borrowed the name from ayurvedic scriptures, AYUSH ministry had set up a committee to probe the issue. While Naik confirmed the committee had not submitted its report yet, he also ruled out that the medicine was marketed in a misleading way. "The (committee's) decision has not come... Suppose there are objections, then there would no problem in changing the name," Naik said. The newly formed AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) ministry oversees affairs related to alternative medicines in the country. Ramdas Athawale not allowed to board aircraft for arriving late Mumbai: Republican Party of India (A) chief Ramdas Athawale was on Tuesday allegedly not allowed to board a Jet Airways aircraft despite the airline having issued boarding pass to him, prompting irked party workers to protest outside the private carrier's office here. Athawale had to board the Jet Airways aircraft 9W 313 this morning scheduled at 5.15 am. He had planned his journey from Mumbai to Aurangabad from where he was scheduled to go to Maharashtra's Beed district to attend the funeral of deceased to uproot corruption and offer of cheap water and power. The NDA government’s notification barred Delhi’s anticorruption branch (ACB) from registering cases against officers and political functionaries of the central government. However, the Delhi high court ruled on Monday that the ACB had the authority to investigate central government officials, including the city’s police personnel. Alleging that the notification IMD predicts continuation of severe heat wave conditions for next two days Ramdev's 'Putrajeevak beej' is named after herb: AYUSH minister Panaji: Giving a clean chit to 'Putrajeevak Beej', an ayurvedic medicine promoted by yoga guru Baba Ramdev's trust, Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik on Tuesday said the medicine was named after a herb of a similar name. He said the medicine does not guarantee birth of male children, as claimed by the Opposition. Speaking to reporters at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) state headquarters here Naik, a North Goa MP, however, also said that his ministry was also open to changing the name of the product manufactured by governor, who reports to the Centre. “Tomorrow the central government can say that you don't have control over the sources of water so you can't supply water to the city,” Sisodia said. “The issuance of the notification is an insult to the biggest mandate given by Delhi’s people.” The AAP scored a landslide victory in this year’s Delhi elections, winning 67 of the Capital’s 70 seats with promises activist Eknath Ahvad. "The flight was scheduled to take off at 5.15 am and I reached at airport 27 minutes before departure and got the boarding pass also. But I was shocked to hear from the ground staff that I cannot get entry into the plane as I was late by 4-5 minutes," Athawale told a news agency. The leader said that being a frequent and disciplined flyer with Jet Airways, he should have been allowed to travel. "I will file a complaint with Aviation Minister and also raise this issue in Rajya Sabha," Athawale said. Later, Jet Airways' spokesperson issued a statement and denied the allegations. "Jet Airways airport staff had briefed the guest's protocol team in advance about the departure time of the flight to ensure on-time boarding. Unfortunately, the guest could not reach the airport in time. We offered to make alternate arrangements for his travel," the statement said. Later, some RPI(A) workers held a demonstration outside the Jet Airways' office here and demanded an apology from the management. over the last few days will continue to have heat wave conditions over today and tomorrow also. "Heat wave conditions are also to prevail in parts of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh over next two days". The country's national weather forecaster, however, predicted fall in temperature in many areas from May 28 onwards. It at the same time in its latest weather bulletin predicted heavy rainfall in parts of northeastern states from Wednesday onwards for the next three days. Youth enjoy a dip in Krishna river close to Prakasam Barrage after a sizzling day where temperature touched 44 degrees in Vijayawada on Saturday. (TOI photoby Mahesh G) It said, "Fall in day temperatures by about 2°C over Andhra Pradesh,Telangana and Vidarbha from May 28 onwards leading to abetment of heat wave conditions is predicted. "On the other hand in the north-eastern states of the country, heavy rainfall is predicted in isolated places for tomorrow and over next three days". was in violation of the Constitution, Sisodia said his government moved the resolution in the House as attempts were being made to “curb the rights” of a democratically-elected government. “Delhi was plagued by corruption. People have given us a massive mandate to run the government. This government has taken corruption head on and achieved unprecedented success,” he said. “The Centre is trying to thwart the Delhi government's attempts. The ACB has done unprecedented work in the last 100 days despite several odds.” During a 49-day stint in 2013-14, the AAP administration ordered the ACB to register an FIR against then union petroleum minister M Veerappa Moily and Reliance Industries Limited chief Mukesh Ambani for alleged corruption in gas pricing. under control. The languishing economy was rejuvenated, building on stable, policydriven proactive governance. Discretionary allotment of our precious natural resources to a about in work culture, nurturing a combination of empathy as well as professionalism, systems as well breaking of silos. State governments have been made chosen few was replaced with transparent auctions. Firm steps were taken against Black Money, from setting up a SIT and passing a stringent black money law, to generating international consensus against the same. Uncompromising adherence to the principle of purity, in action as well as intent, ensured a corruptionfree government. Significant changes have been brought equal partners in the quest for national development, building the spirit of Team India. Most importantly, we have been able to restore Trust in the government. Guided by the principle of Antyodaya, our Government is dedicated to the poor, marginalized and those left behind. We are working towards empowering them to become our soldiers in the war Kolkata: India on Tuesday said its eyes were not shut on underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, but "some international compulsions" were hindering his extradition from Pakistan. "On Dawood, I will only say we have not kept our eyes closed," union Home Minister Rajanth Singh told a media conference at the Press Club here. "But you know there are some international compulsions due to which there are often some obstacles," the minister said to questions about Dawood's extradition from Pakistan. There was a controversy recently over junior Home Minister Parathibhai Chaudhary's reply in the Lok Sabha that location of Dawood was unknown and extradition proceedings against him would start once he was traced. However, Singh then clarified that India has credible information that Dawood is in Pakistan and the central government would not rest till he is brought back. Pakistan has denied time and again the fugitive's presence on its soil. CBSE Class 10th results 2015 will be published on cbse.ac.in, cbseresults.nic.in New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will declare CBSE Class 10th results 2015 on cbse.ac.in and cbseresults.ac.in at 12 pm today (Wednesday). CBSE Class 10 results 2015 can be accessed by students by logging on using their roll number. Over 13 lakh students and their tense parents are waiting with bated breath for the declaration of the Class X board results. Board Exam Result plays an important role in defining career avenues for students. Arts, Science, commerce or vocational, the choices open up depending on marks earned in the Class 10 Board. Personal This is just the beginning: PM on NDA govt's 1 year in power New Delhi: As the Narendra Modi-led NDA government completes one year in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tuesday, reached out to the nation. In his message, the PM said that he devoted every moment of his time last year in the service of the nation. The Prime Minister termed the first year of his government as "just the beginning", adding that the aim is to transform the quality of life of all sections of the society. Service, in our Indian ethos is the ultimate duty – Seva Parmo Dharma. One year ago, you had entrusted me with the responsibility and honour of serving you as your Pradhan Sevak. I have devoted every moment of every day, and every element of my body and spirit, in fulfilling the same with fullest sincerity and honesty. We assumed office at a time when confidence in the India story was waning. Un-abated corruption and indecisiveness had paralyzed the government. People had been left helpless against ever climbing inflation and economic insecurity. Urgent and decisive action was needed. We systematically went about addressing these challenges. Runaway prices were immediately brought Our eyes not shut on Dawood : Rajnath inclination towards a particular stream of study also plays a role. CBSE had declared Class 12 results on May 25 with 82 per cent students passing the exam and girls faring better than boys. The pass percentage of girls stood at 87.56 as compared to 77.77 per cent of the boys. The overall pass percentage was marginally lower than last year where 82.70 per cent students had passed the exam as against 82 per cent this year. Thiruvananthapuram Region registered the highest pass percentage at 95.41. M Gayatri of New Green Fields school, New Delhi has topped the exam in the country securing 99.2 per cent. UPSC encourages women to apply for civil services exam against poverty. Numerous measures and schemes have been initiated – from making school toilets to setting up IITs, IIMs and AIIMS; from providing a vaccination cover to our children to initiating a people-driven Swachh Bharat mission; from ensuring a minimum pension to our labourers to providing social security to the common man; from enhancing support to our farmers hit by natural calamities to defending their interests at WTO; from empowering one and all with self attestation to delivering subsidies directly to people’s banks; from universalizing the banking system to funding the unfunded small businesses; from irrigating fields to rejuvenating Ma Ganga; from moving towards 24x7 power to connecting the nation through road and rail; from building homes for the homeless to setting up smart cities, and from connecting the NorthEast to prioritizing development of Eastern India. Friends, this is just the beginning. Our objective is to transform quality of life, infrastructure and services. Together we shall build the India of your dreams and that of our freedom fighters. In this, I seek your blessings and continued support. New Delhi: In order to ensure gender balance in workforce, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has encouraged women candidates to apply for the prestigious civil services examination to select IAS and IPS officers. "Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply," the UPSC said in the notification issued for civil services preliminary examination 2015. Women had bagged the top slots in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 civil services examinations. Whereas, a male candidate topped in the 2013 exam. There were 15 males and 10 females in top 25 positions in 2013 civil services exam results. The result of civil services examination 2014 is yet to be declared. The civil services examination is conducted by the UPSC annually in three stages - preliminary, main and interview -- to select candidates for prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others. This year, the preliminary examination will be held on August 23 in 71 centres at about 3,000 venues. This time the candidates are required to apply only through online mode for the civil services and Indian Forest Service examinations and "no other mode for submission of applications is allowed", it said. Speaker throw out BJP MLA OP Sharma from Assembly New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has convened a two-day emergency session of the Legislative Assembly beginning Tuesday amid a bitter fight between Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung. If Kejriwal thinks that the MHA notification is not right they should reach the court. AAP MLAs were using unparliamentary language against the LG and PM Narendra Modi, says BJP MLA OP Sharma. Speaker calls Marshals to throw out BJP MLA OP Sharma from Delhi Assembly. The BJP MLAs were protesting against Speaker's criticism of the LG. AAP MLA Adarsh Shastri seeks amendment in Article 155 of the Constitution seeking powers for Delhi Assembly to impeach the LG. Delhi Assembly adopts the motion to discuss the notification issued by MHA. MHA notification disrespects people's mandate given to the AAP government, says Sisodia. It appears the Centre is afraid of the action Delhi government is taking against corrupt officials, says Sisodia in Assembly. Sisodia says the MHA notification is opposite of what is stated in the Constitution. Deputy CM Manish Sisodia introduces resolution in the Assembly to discuss Centre's notification on LG's powers. Delhi Assembly special session proceedings are underway. As per reports, the Kejriwal government may, during the Assembly session, pass a resolution against the Centre's notification granting more powers to the LG. Special Assembly session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly begins. Meanwhile, ANI reports that the Kejriwal-led Delhi government today transferred nine IAS officers including one principal secretary and six others. Kejriwal discussed with LG issues relating to functioning of the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Delhi government, reports PTI. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal meets Lt Governor Najeeb Jung ahead of the special Assembly session. Also present are Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Chief Secretary KK Sharma. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has convened a two-day emergency session of the Legislative Assembly beginning Tuesday amid a bitter fight between Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung. The main aim of the 'emergency' Assembly session is to deliberate on the Central government's notification giving absolute powers to the LG in appointment of bureaucrats and issues of police and public order. The Assembly was originally scheduled to meet in June for the passage of Budget. Officials said the session will deliberate on the gazette notification issued by the Centre as well as issues relating to sharing of power between the elected government and the LG. They said the government had sought legal opinion from constitutional expert KK Venugopal and former Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium and both felt that the notification is against the provisions in the Constitution and laid down norms. "Legal opinions from noted constitutional expert KK Venugopal and former Solicitor General of India Gopal Subramanium were placed before the Cabinet and discussed in the meeting," the Chief Minister's office said. The Cabinet also decided that depending on the requirement, the session can be extended further. In the notification issued on Friday, the Centre gave absolute powers to the LG in appointment of bureaucrats while also clarifying that he need not "consult" the chief minister on subjects like police and public order. The notification had also barred the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Delhi government from registering any case against officers and political functionaries of the Central government. However, in a victory for the Kejriwal government the Delhi High Court yesterday ruled that the ACB can act against Delhi Police officials. The High Court also noted that Lieutenant Governor of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi is bound to act upon the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers who are directly elected by the citizens of Delhi and the Centre's "executive fiat" siding with him is "suspect". After the notification was issued, Kejriwal had launched a frontal attack on the Centre, accusing it of "back-stabbing" the people of the city by "siding" with the Lt Governor to run Delhi through "backdoor" and protect the corrupt. Yesterday, in an address at an "open cabinet" to mark 100 days of the AAP government, Kejriwal said that the Centre's notification giving absolute powers to the Lt Governor reflected its "dictatorial attitude" and accused the BJP-led government of taking revenge against people of the city for handing the party a crushing defeat in the assembly polls. The appointment of senior bureaucrat Shakuntala Gamlin as acting chief secretary by LG earlier this month had triggered a full-blown war between the ruling AAP and LG Jung, with Kejriwal questioning the LG's authority and accusing him of trying to take over the administration. the NORTHLINES Jammu BJP's stand on Art 370 has exposed PDP: Sagar NL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR, MAY 26 National Conference Tuesday said that BJP's formal demand for the abrogation of Article 370 had exposed PDP's sellout for power on key issues that concern the political rights and honor of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement issued from Party Headquarters in Srinagar, NC General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar lashed at out PDP for maintaining a criminal silence over BJP's recent overtures demanding the the abrogation of Article 370. Pertinently BJP's National Spokesperson, Dr. Sambit Patra raked up the issue on Monday had raked up BJP's demand to abrogate Article 370 while clarifying that BJP had not compromised on this stand. Ali Mohammad Sagar said National Conference had strived for the restoration of Article 370 to its original, pristine form and would continue to stand by this demand.NC General Secretary said Article 370 was the constitutional bridge between J&K and the rest of the country and those issuing statements about its abrogation should know that any such move would make the State's accession to India null and void. The statement was also signed by NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Senior NC Leaders Mohammad SayeedAkhoon, Ali Mohammad Dar and Peer Mohammmad Afaq. DAK expresses concern over deteriorating condition of GMC Sgr NL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR, MAY 26 Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and its associated hospitals. President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said that GMC Srinagar which was known for its standards of patient care and medical education is crumbling. The previous dispensation ignored and gave step motherly treatment to GMC Srinagar which hollowed the pillars of mother of all health institutions. The premier teaching and research institution is headless and is run by a re-engaged principal which has created disinterest among aspirants and has led to uncalled for stagnation. The re-engaged principal of GMC Srinagar enjoys the privilege of continuing to hold his post despite termination of re-employment by government. The favorite official instead of focusing on restoring devastated GMC spends most of his time in power corridors to retain his illegally occupied position. The menace of private practice by doctors has eroded GMC Srinagar which is in complete shambles. Patient care and medical education in GMC are worst hit and quality research which is critical for a tertiary care institution is a distant dream because of bug of private practice. Patients have to wait for ages for procedures and surgeries in GMC associated hospitals because of dual practice of doctors and they are forced to go to private sector. Patients during emergency hours are left to the mercy of trainees when senior doctors are needed most who at that time are in their private clinics. It is agonizingly painful to see our premier institution dying down and government is duty bound to save it. If government is serious in restoring GMC Srinagar, it should immediately appoint a permanent principal and impose a blanket ban of private practice of doctors. Governor, CM BJP's one year in office a complete condole demise of failure: Mir MLA Kupwara's son SRINAGAR: Pradesh Congress Committee held a one day political convention of Party Functionaries, Senior Leaders, Block Presidents, etc of District Anantnag today. The convention was presided over by Former Minister & President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee G.A. Mir. Speaking on the occasion, Mir expressed concern over the political instability in Jammu and Kashmir State arising due to anti people policies of Coalition Govt. He said from the day one PDP BJP coalition came into existence, it seems Jammu and Kashmir State have lost its identity. He said people of Jammu and Kashmir have never in the history, experienced such a Government. Despite passing through the turmoil, people of Jammu and Kashmir have wholeheartedly exercised their franchise during the past and recent elections, they have always reposed faith in Electoral Process every time, but the present regime of PDP BJP Coalition have disappointed them. Referring to the NDA Govt's one year in office, he said NDA Govt led by Narinder Modi has made the lives of Farmers impossible and termed BJP Govt anti people and Pro Corporate. Mir said that BJP's one year in office is complete failure and it is an eye opener for every country men. Referring to the PDP BJP Coalition in the State he said if BJP is in power in the State, the credit goes to Mufti sahib who joined hands with BJP for the sake of power, not for the well being of the people. Akhtar felicitates Yellow poplar dangerous environment, human meritorious students for health : LA Panel NL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR, MAY 26 NL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR, MAY 26 Felicitating the students, who qualified Higher Secondary Part Two examination meritoriously, Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar today said meritorious students, especially those from Government schools, have shown that government-run schools in the State can achieve better results. The Minister said the meritorious students have not only brought laurels to their schools but their families as well. He said that another heartening thing to note is that the top positions have been again bagged by girls. He said the Education Department would reach out to well-performing government schools with additional facilities to encourage and motivate them. Akhtar said government schools in the State have the ability to achieve better results; only thing needed is the motivation and encouragement, to bring about the much-needed turn around in the academic environment. The Minister said various initiatives are being taken by the Government to encourage excellence among the students. Akhtar said while the pass-percentage of Higher Secondary Part two examinations is around 55%, he would have liked it to be more than that. The Committee on Environment of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly headed by G. M. Saroori has expressed serious concern over the pollution and its impact on environment in the State. The Committee which met here discussed threadbare the measures to be taken to control the pollution. It decided to seek detailed report from the Pollution Control Board about the measures taken for the purpose. The Committee decided to call Pollution Control Board and Environment Departments in the next meeting of the Committee. Legislators Shamima Firdous, Abdul Majid Larmi, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Muhammad Amin Bhat, Deleep Singh, Dr. Krishan Lal, Muhammad Abbas Wani, Aijaz Ahmad Mir, Neelan Kumar Langeh, Davinder Kumar Manyal, Gulzar Ahmad Wani, Dr. Gagan Bhagat and Anjum Fazili attended the meeting. They unanimously said that the court directions in respect of cutting of yellow poplar needs to be implemented with letter and spirit as these poplars are not only dangerous for environment but are unsafe for human health also. Earlier, Secretary Legislative Assembly M. Ramzan briefed newly nominated members of the Committee about its way of working. Besides the Secretary Assembly, senior officers of Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting. Bukhari orders anti-encroachment drive on highway, other roads NL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR, MAY 26 Stating that quality of works is the essence of the Government's envisaged road communication development programme, Minister for Public Works, Floriculture and Gardens & Parks, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today ordered setting up of inspection teams in R&B Department to supervise and make sure that the works being executed by the department conform to the prescribed specifications and standards. Speaking at a meeting to review the progress of ongoing projects in Public Works sector, the Minister said it will be the responsibility of the inspection teams headed by the officers of the rank of chief engineers, to make sure that up gradation of roads, especially the blacktopping, conforms to the prescribed norms. Bukhari said in addition to checking the quality of material at site, there will be regular inspection of works carried out by these teams who in turn will report to his ministry. Emphasizing on 8 KASHMIR WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 ensuring usage of standard material in the works, Bukhari said there would be no compromise on quality of work. He said the department has huge and important responsibility and asked officers to improve their working to ensure visible change on the ground. The Minister said accountability would be made more effective at all the levels of administration so that delinquent officials are dealt with as per the law. He said that construction of drainage facilities alongside roads besides using the right mix will ensure greater durability of the roads. Bukhari said the Enforcement Wing will start functioning immediately and launch a massive drive to remove all illegal structures raised along the highways and other roads in the State. The Minister gave three weeks to the land grabbers/encroachers to remove all the structures raised by them in violation of Ribbon Development Act on the highway and other roads or otherwise the department will take action. The Minister also instructed the officers to launch an anti- encroachment drive on National Highway both old and the new alignment and dismantle all illegal structures. He asked them to sensitize people through print and electronic media about the repercussions of encroachments. He said that no construction should be allowed on both the sides of expressways and directed the officers to keep close watch on such illegal activities. NL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR, MAY 26 N.N. Vohra, Governor, has expressed grief over the sad demise of Basharat Bashir, son of Bashir Ahmad Dar, MLA Kupwara, who died in a road accident in Pattan this morning. In a message of condolence, the Governor has expressed sympathy with Dar and his family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, has expressed grief over the tragic death of Basharat Bashir. In his condolence message, Mufti Sayeed expressed solidarity with Bashir Ahmad Dar and other members of the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul. Mir's statement absurd, self-contradictory: Mattu SRINAGAR: National Conference on Tuesday called Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir's statement on Afzal Guru execution as absurd and selfcontradictory and said such statements don't behove the PCC Chief and also goes against facts. NC Spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu said while reacting to NC Working President Omar Abdullah's factual statement that UPA hanged Afzal Guru for political motives, the PCC Chief had issued a statement that contradicted the fact that Congress MLAs in the State had signed a letter ahead of the MLC elections in J&K apologizing for the Guru execution and terming it as a miscarriage of justice. The NC Spokesman said Mir seems to have forgotten that he was a Cabinet Minister in the NCCongress Government in the State headed by Omar Abdullah. EJAC condoles demise of Basharat Dar SRINAGAR: A condolence meeting of EJAC third Front and J&K trs Welfare Association was held at Handwara over the sad demise of Adv Basharat Ahmad Dar in a tragic road accident at Pattan. late Basharat who was son of MLA Kup Adv Bashir Ahmad Dar was travelling to Sgr. Every person in the meeting was in tears because Basharat was a young, talented, kind, humble and a nice human being. The tragic road accident took his life and with it all snatched the ambitions, aims and hopes of his parents. Basharat's death was termed as a huge loss to whole community nd especially for the people of Distt Kupwara. EJAC third Front paid rich tributes to the departed soul nd offered full sympathy with MLA Kup Bashir Ahmad Dar nd his whole family. We the Employees of the state are with them in this crucial juncture. A high level delegation of EJAC third Front including state Gen Sec Syed Gh Rasool Geelani, State Spokesman Pir Nisar Ahmad, Gh Nabi Khan, Gh Mohd Dar, Ali Mohd Dar and others went to Jaggerpora to attend funeral of Basharat. OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER PWD (R&B) CONST. DIV. NO. II, JAMMU SHORT FRESH NOTICE INVITING TENDER (2nd TIME) Fresh e-NIT No. 24 of 2015-16 Dated 23-05-2015 Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Const. Div. No. II, Jammu on behalf of Governor of J&K State, invite tenders by e-tendering mode from approved and eligible contractors registered with J&K State Govt./CPWD and Railways upto 1600 Hrs on 29-05-2015 for the following work. 1/ Date of Publishing from 23-05-2015 S . N NAME OF WORK O Name of Divn Estimat ed Cost (in lacs) Cost of Earnest Money Time Allowed for Time and date Class of Position of document (in Rs.) completion of opening of Contrac Funds (in Rs.) tender tor 1 1 3 PWD (R&B) Const. Div. No. II Jammu 5 6000 2 Upgd. of roads by way of providing and laying 30mm thick SDBC on:- 4 124.57 6 7 @ 2% of the 03 Months Estimat ed cost (a) Jewel Canal road (Jewel Rotary to Canal Head) (b) Commerce College Gate to Canal Head Via Dr. Goyal and Fishery Office. 8 30-05-2015 (1400 hours) 9 Hot Mix Plant Holders Demanded 2/ The Bidding documents can be downloaded from the website http://jktenders.gov.in from 0900 Hrs on 24-05-2015 to 29-05-2015 (1600Hrs). 3/ a/ The Bids shall be deposited in electronic format on the website http://jktenders.gov.in from 24-05-2015 to 29-05-2015 upto 1600 Hrs. The bids received will be opened at 1400 Hrs on 30-05-2015 on line. b/ The complete bidding process will be on line. c/ A Pre-bid meeting will be held on 25-05-2015 at 1200 Hrs in the office of the Superintending Engineer PWD (R&B) Jammu - Kathua Circle, Jammu to clarify the issues and to answer question on any matter that may be raised at that stage as stated in Clause 9 of instruction to bidder of the Bidding documents. d/ Technical bids of bidders shall be opened on line in the office of Superintending Engineer PWD (R&B) Jammu - Kathua Circle, Jammu on 30-052015 at 1400 Hrs 4/ Bid documents can be seen at and downloaded from the website http://jktenders.gov.in Bid documents contain qualifying criteria for bidder, specifications, bill of quantities, conditions and other details. 5/ The site for the work is available 6/ Bids must be accompanied by bid security and cost of Tender Document as specified in column 5 & 4 of the table payable at Jammu Pledged in favour of Superintending Engineer PWD (R&B) Jammu - Kathua Circle, Jammu Bid security will have to be in any one of the forms as specified in the bidding documents and shall have to be valid for six months or more after last date of receipt of Bid.. The cost of downloaded tender documents in form of DD shall be in separate envelope with cover marking cost of document pledged in favour of Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Const. Div. No. II, Jammu. 7/ The original instruments in respect of cost of Documents, EMD/Bank Guarantee and relevant technical bid documents etc must be delivered to the Superintending Engineer PWD (R&B) Jammu - Kathua Circle, Jammu, Lok Nirman Bhavan, Rail Head Complex Jammu w.e.f. 28-05-2015 to 30-052015 upto 1100 Hrs. If the office happens to be closed on the date of receipt as specified, the EMD Documents fee will be received on the next working day at the same time and venue. 8/ Bids will be opened in the office of the Superintending Engineer PWD (R&B) Jammu - Kathua Circle, Jammu. If the office happens to be closed on the date of opening of the bids as specified, the bids will be opened on the next working day at the same time and venue. 9/ The bid for the work shall remain open for acceptance for a period of 90 days from the date of opening of bids. If any bidder/tenderer withdraws his bid/tender before the said period or makes any modifications in the terms and conditions of the bid, the said earnest money shall stand forfeited. 10/ No Engineer of Gazetted rank or other Gazetted Officer employed in Engineering or Administrative duties in an Engineering Department of the State Government is allowed to work as a Contractor for a period of two years after his retirement from Government service, without permission of the Government. This contract is liable to be cancelled if either the contractor or any of his employees is found any time to be such a person who had not obtained the permission of the Government as aforesaid before submission of the tender or engagement in the Contractor's Service. 11/ Other details can be seen in the bidding documents. 12/ Instruction to bidders regarding e-tendering process a/ The interested bidder can download the NIT/bidding document from the website http://jktenders.gov.in b/ To participate in bidding process, bidders have to get (DSC) "Digital Signature Certificate" as per Information Technology Act-2000, to participate in online bidding. This certificate will be required for digitally signing the bid bidders can get above mentioned digital certificate from any approved vendors. The Bidders, who already possess valid (DSC) Digital Signature Certificates, need not to procure new Digital Signature Certificate. c / The bidders have to submit their bids online in electronic format with Digital Signature. The bids cannot be uploaded without Digital Signature No Proposal will be accepted in physical form. d/ Bids will be opened online as per time schedule mentioned in Para 3(a). e/ Before submission of online bids, bidders must ensure that scanned copy of all the necessary documents have been attached with bid. f/ The department will not be responsible for delay in online submission of bids whatsoever reasons may be. g/ All the required information for bid must be filled and submitted online h/ Bidders should get ready with the scanned copies of cost of documents & EMD as specified in the tender documents The original instruments in respect of cost of documents, EMD and relevant documents be submitted to the Tender Inviting Authority by Registered post/courier as per time schedule specified. i/ The details of cost of documents, EMD specified in the tender documents should be the same, as submitted online (scanned copies) otherwise bid will not be accepted. j/ Bidders can contact the undersigned for any guidance for getting DSC or any other relevant details in respect of e-tendering process. k/ The guidelines for submission of bid online can be downloaded from the website http://jktenders.gov.in 13/ The key constructional material viz bitumen of grade 60/70 shall have to be used and purchased by the executing firm, all the requisite test of the bitumen i.e Ductility, Penetration, Striping value and Elongation etc. shall have to be got done by the firm at its own cost and submit the same to the concerned Executive Engineer/Nodal Officer before the start of work. In case the firm intends to buy bitumen from the Department, the same shall be supplied at the stock issue rate of Rs. 51000/Per M.Ton. 14/ Bitumen issued if any by the Department shall be accounted for 30mm thick SDBC layer only. 15/ As per Circular No. CEJ/G/9993-10017 dated 04-10-2014 issued by Chief Engineer, PW (R&B) Department Jammu, qualification criteria required for the work is as under :S.NO Particulars Amount Financial Turnover Similar Nature 1 All Civil Works UPTO RS. 100.00LACS NIL NIL 2 ALL CIVIL WORKS ABOVE RS. 100.00LACS UPTO RS. 200.00LACS 40% OF THE ADVERTISED SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST COMPLETED ONE WORK AMOUNT IN ANY ONE OF SIMILAR NATURE 1/5TH OF ADVERTISED YEAR IN LAST FIVE YEARS AMOUNT AS A PRIME CONTRACTOR IN ANY ONE YEAR IN LAST FIVE YEARS ABOVE RS. 200.00LACS AS PER TERMS & AS PER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF CONDITIONS OF NOTICE NOTICE INVITING TENDER (NIT) INVITING TENDER (NIT) 3 BITUMINOUS WORK Only registered plant holder can of other eligibility conditions. participate in tendering process, subject to fulfillment 16/ 5% extra bank guarantee shall have to be given by the lowest eligible bidder within 05 days from the date of intimation failing which the offer will be given to 2nd lowest eligible bidder at the rates offered by the first lowest bidder having a minimum period of 03 Years (Defect Liability Period). It will be the responsibility of the firm executing the work to maintain the road surface during the Defect liability period. Any pot holes/patches/bleeding developed or any other type of failure on the road shall be repaired by the contractor, failing which the bank guarantee shall be operated upon and repair shall be done at risk and cost of contractor / Firm. 17/ The design mix formula shall have to be got approved from the concerned Executive Engineer/Nodal Officer before the start of work. 18/ Labour for Traffic control/watch and ward as per necessity at site shall be supplied by the firm and nothing extra shall be paid in this behalf by the Department. 19 / No payment shall be made without the required test from the PWD lab for density test as well as bitumen quality test. NO: 3088-3160 DT: 23-05-2015 DIP/J-1713/2015 DATE:-26-5-2016 Sd/Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Const. Div. No. II Jammu 9 The NORTHLINES JAMMU | WEDNESDAY | MAY 27 | 2015 www.thenorthlines.com The NORTHLINES 10 BUSINESS www.thenorthlines.com Nokia withdraws plea to sell Govt has put derailed economy Chennai unit as buyer backs out back on track in one year: PM New Delhi: Nokia India on Tuesday withdrew from Delhi High Court its plea seeking permission to urgently sell its mobile manufacturing unit in Chennai, which was frozen over a Rs-10,000 crore claim raised by the Income Tax department, saying the proposed buyer has backed out. At the same time, Nokia and I-T department told the court that a report has been received from Ernst and Young India Pvt Ltd (EY) on valuation of the company's assets. As per the report, Rs 361 crore was the valuation of assets if they were to be sold as 'on going concern' (company not bankrupt) and Rs 417 crore if 'non going concern' (company has gone bankrupt), they said. Nokia submitted before a bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Sanjeev Sachdeva that it was withdrawing the plea seeking permission to urgently sell the unit as the proposed buyer has withdrawn. It told the court that the buyer had offered it Rs 400 crore for the assets. In response to Nokia's Adequate food stocks to help contain inflation: Subramanian New Delhi: India's adequate food stocks would help contain inflation, even if summer monsoon rains turn out to be weak, Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian said on Tuesday. The June-September monsoon season is vital for India as half its croplands lack irrigation, but a forecast of less rain than usual this summer due to the emergence of the El Nino has threatened farm output. India's retail inflation in April cooled to a four-month low of 4.87 percent on slower annual increases in food costs, government data showed earlier this month. submission, the court noted the proposed buyer had also offered a price that was in the same range as the valuation by EY. The matter was listed today after the court had on May 19 agreed to give it an urgent hearing after Nokia said a buyer had been found for its Chennai unit. Initially, the matter was listed for hearing on September 7. EY was appointed by the court as the valuer for Nokia India's Chennai mobile plant and its other assets. The court had said that EY would do the valuation of the assets of the company on both 'on going concern' (company not bankrupt) and 'non going concern' (company has gone bankrupt) methods. On April 24, the Income Tax department had told the court that the amount offered by an "arm's length buyer" for Nokia India's Chennai plant was "very little". An 'arm's length' transaction is one in which the buyer and seller of a product act independently and have no relationship with each other to ensure that they act according to their self-interest and are not influenced by other party. The I-T department had said that the offer amount was very little and if the unit and related assets were sold, it would be difficult to recover the tax amount which it has tentatively placed at Rs 10,000 crore. This tax amount was only for one assessment year and there were demands for other assessment years, it had said. On April 17, Nokia had submitted before the court and IT department the name of the prospective buyer and the offer made in a sealed cover. The court had on that date asked the department to examine if the offer was acceptable and if not, it should consider appointing an independent valuer to carry out valuation of the plant and related assets. Another alternative, the court had suggested, was to put up assets for auction, by making amount offered as a reserve price, saying "ultimately we have to maximise the price". The department had claimed in the court that according to previous orders, Nokia or its parent company in Finland had to secure the department up to an amount of Rs 3,500 crore, but this was not done. Nokia had argued that each day the assets remained attached and unused, their value decreases and suggested the department was free to sell it and take the sale amount towards the company's tax liability. It had said it had met all the "players" in market and was finally able to find an "arm's length buyer" for its assets, but cannot confirm whether the buyer will buy the assets if too much time lapsed. The high court in December 2013 had directed de-freezing of Nokia's assets and allowed the company to sell them subject to fulfilment of certain conditions including safeguarding the I-T department for a minimum of Rs 3,500 crore. The alleged tax evasion pertains to royalty payment made against supply of software by its parent company, which attracted a 10 percent tax deduction under the Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) category. Samsung to merge two major units Seoul: Samsung Group Samsung C&T 8.6 trillion won key units in recent years as he announced Tuesday the merger of two major affiliates, as the South Korean business giant accelerates restructuring efforts ahead of a generational power transfer within the founding Lee family. The all stock deal, approved by the boards of both companies would see Samsung`s de facto holding company Cheil Industries -- which has interests from fashion to theme parks -acquire general trade and construction affiliate Samsung C&T. The merger, which is expected to be completed by September pending shareholder approval, will see Cheil offer 0.35 new shares for each Samsung C&T share. The two companies are both listed on the Seoul stock market, with Cheil valued at 22 trillion won (US$2 billion) and Dish TV makes first profit at Rs 35 cr in Q4 New Delhi: DTH service provider Dish TV India Ltd on Tuesday reported standalone net profit of Rs 35.01 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2015, coming into the black for the first time in 11 years of existence. The company had posted net loss of Rs 149.05 crore for the January-March period of the previous fiscal, 2013-14, Dish TV said in a filing to the BSE. Dish TV net income from operation on standalone basis during the quarter under review was Rs 752.49 crore, up 18.53 per cent, as against Rs 634.85 crore in the year-ago period. Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor told PTI: "This is a turning point for us. We have been improving quarter after quarter. We have been focusing on increasing the average revenue per user (ARPU)." During 2014-15 fiscal, Dish TV reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 3.14 crore as against a net loss of Rs 157.61 crore in the year-ago period. Dish TV's net sales/income from operation during fiscal 2014-15 was Rs 2,773.20 crore, JAMMU | WEDNESDAY | MAY 27 | 2015 up 10.97 per cent, compared with Rs 2,499.04 crore a year ago. "ARPU has increased now to Rs 174 this fiscal. Moreover, we have added 1.5 millions of new subscribers and the profitability has increased due to measures as price increase and differential pricing. This gave a boost of 11 per cent in our operating revenue," Kapoor said. Dish TV has introduced differential pricing after successful absorption of higher pack prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata. It has now extended it to 38 cities covered under digitisation, he added. On the future outlook, Kapoor said: "From here onwards, we would keep on increasing." Dish TV Managing Director Jawahar Goel said: "Fiscal 2015 was a satisfying year. Our single-minded devotion to being the leader in the DTH industry along with uncompromised financial discipline, enabled us to reach the net profitability milestone much ahead of our peers".Dish TV stock was trading at Rs 92.80, up 9.43 per cent, on the BSE. as of Tuesday morning. The combined company -- to be called Samsung C&T -- will target annual sales of about 60 trillion won in 2020, compared to their combined sales of 34 trillion won in 2014, Samsung said in a statement. "The two companies expect to create synergy by combining their construction businesses, while Samsung C&T`s global network will help develop new opportunities overseas for Cheil`s fashion, resort and catering businesses," the statement said. Tuesday`s announcement was the latest in a series of moves apparently aimed at solidifying the Lee family`s grip on the sprawling behemoth. The family-run Samsung Group, currently chaired by Lee Kun-Hee, has merged, broken out or newly listed some of its prepares to hand over helm to his son, J.Y. Lee. The Lee family controls the vast Samsung Group via a complex web of cross shareholdings across the group`s subsidiaries, including Cheil, where J.Y. Lee has a controlling stake. Samsung C&T has a four percent stake in Samsung Electronics -- the group`s flagship unit which is the world`s top maker of smartphones and mobile phones. The Lee family currently has a less than five percent stake in Samsung Electronics, a holding that will be boosted by the merger. "This is a merger of the two most important Samsung units from the perspective of the heir," said Lee Kwang-Soo, analyst at Seoul-based Mirae Asset Securities. Retail stake in NSE companies zooms to 6-year high at 21.35% New Delhi: Retail investors' holding in NSE-listed companies has hit a 6-year high of 21.35 percent at the end of March 2015, with a valuation of nearly Rs 8 lakh crore, primarily due to a sharp jump in equity markets. Interestingly, retail investors opted for smaller companies to invest as institutional investors typically gave them a miss. According to Prime Database, the holding went up to 21.35 percent at the end of March 2015, from 20.99 percent as of March 2014. Foreign portfolio investors' (FPIs) ownership in NSE-listed firms read 6.44 percent while that of domestic institutional investors (DIIs) came in at 5.01 percent. "The retail ownership at 21.35 percent is the highest in the last six years, rising from 20.96 percent in June 2009... The value of retail holdings has recorded a handsome increase, reaching the highest level at Rs 7.94 lakh crore, up 50 percent from a year ago, courtesy the buoyant markets," the report stated. However, the retail share in Nifty companies stood at a meagre 7.31 percent whereas for the top 100 NSE-listed firms, it read 8.19 percent. The increase was driven largely by the optimism about reform measures taken by the Narendra Modi government, according to experts. The analysis is based on shareholding patterns filed by 1,467 of the total 1,471 companies listed on NSE for the quarter ended March this year. Overall, retail holding rose in 712 companies listed on NSE while their stake fell in 718 firms. The increase in retail shareholding is in sync with the BSE benchmark Sensex surging 25 percent in the past fiscal. In terms of retail shareholders by numbers, the Reliance Group took the lead. The top five companies with highest number of retail shareholders are Reliance Power (37.82 lakh), Reliance Industries (27.44 lakh), Reliance Communications (16.35 lakh), State Bank of India (11.95 lakh), Reliance Infrastructure (11.48 lakh) and Reliance Capital (10.25 lakh). Rakesh Jhunjhunwala (along with his wife Rekha Jhunjhunwala) is the largest 'individual' public shareholder with their cumulative holding as of March 2015 at Rs 8,331 crore compared with Rs 5,262 crore a year ago. New Delhi: The government has put the derailed economy back on track, contained inflation and improved investor confidence in the last one year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday while promising to do more in the coming days to meet "high expectations" of people. "Economic growth has been revived, and (India) is amongst the fastest in the world. Inflation is substantially down. Fiscal prudence has been restored. Confidence is up. Foreign investments have increased. "This positive outlook is endorsed by major rating agencies and international institutions across the world," he said in an open letter to citizens on achievements of his government on the economic front in the last one year. The government, he said, has implemented the pending "bold reforms" like decontrol of diesel, raising Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit on insurance and defence and is moving ahead to roll out the Goods and Services Tax (GST). "One year ago, you had entrusted me with the task of building a new India and putting a derailed economy back on track. We have achieved a lot," he said, adding "this is just the beginning. There is much more to be done and I know your expectations are high." The Indian economy is expected to grow at over 8 percent in the current fiscal, up from 7.4 percent in 2014-15. The fiscal deficit is budgeted to come down to 3.9 percent of the GDP this fiscal, from 4 per cent a year ago. "Bold reforms pending for decades have been implemented", Modi said, stressing that the benefits of growth should reach all sections of society, especially poor, farmers and women. "Economic growth benefits all Indians. Growth, however, has meaning only if it empowers the poor, farmers, women, as well as middle and neo-middle classes of all communities. To enable us to continue paying remunerative prices to our farmers, we secured a permanent 'peace clause' at the WTO," he said. He further said that through a financial inclusion drive a record 15 crore plus bank accounts have been opened and deposits of over Rs 15,800 crore mobilised. An affordable social security system including pension, life insurance and accident insurance has already witnessed 6.75 crore enrolments in its first week, he added. MUDRA has been set up with a corpus of Rs 20,000 crore to help small businessmen, who despite being the biggest job creators have historically been starved of credit, he said. In order to combat the menace of black money, the Prime Minister said, the government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and successfully piloted a new stringent law in Parliament. Parliament recently passed the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Bill, 2015, which provides for a steep 120 percent of tax and penalty on undisclosed foreign assets and income besides a jail term of up to 10 years to deal with black money stashed abroad. The government, Modi said, is focusing on ease of doing business and working through 'Make in India' initiative to create new jobs. The other initiatives of the government include transferring cooking gas subsidies directly into the bank accounts to ensure that "right amount of subsidy, reaches the right people, at the right time." Besides increasing the FDI limits in insurance, railways and defence production, Modi said, "we have embraced the states as equal partners in national development, working as Team India in the spirit of cooperative and competitive federalism." More Swiss a/c names tumble out; Yash Birla among notified ones Berne: Industrialist Yash Birla, as also two Mumbai-based individuals behind City Limousines scam, are among five Indian nationals with Swiss bank accounts whose names have been made public in Switzerland's official gazette with regard to ongoing tax probes against them in India. The other two are Gurjit Singh Kochar, son-in-law of late realty baron Ponty Chadha, and a Delhi-based businesswoman Ritika Sharma. The names of these five "Indian nationals" have been made public in Switzerland's Federal Gazette with regard to details sought about them by the Indian authorities. Among these, some details have already been shared by the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) with India including about Birla and Sharma of Blessings Apparel. These are in addition to the two other Indians -- Sneh Lata Sawhney and Sangita Sawhney - whose names have also been made public in similar manner for being probed by the Indian tax authorities. In case of Sayed Mohamed Masood, being probed for a major ponzi scheme run from Mumbai through City Limousines, some details were shared by the Swiss authorities in the past. His accounts were also frozen a few years ago following a request from the Enforcement Directorate. Fresh details about him and about Chaud Kauser Mohamed Masood have been sought by the Indian authorities, as per the notifications published in Switzerland's official gazette. There was no reply to queries mailed to Birla's office, while repeated calls to Sharma did not elicit any response. Earlier also, when Birla's name had come out in a leaked HSBC list of Swiss bank accounts, he had declined to comment. A family representative declined to comment on the notification issued about Kochar, who is believed to be outside India. He is facing probe by the Income Tax Department and other agencies for quite some time. No contact details were available for comments from Masoods. Sony India launches Xperia M4 Aqua smartphone for Rs 24,990 New Delhi: Sony on Tuesday launched a new smartphone – Xperia M4 Aqua at a price tag of Rs 24,990. Sony Xperia M4 Aqua was announced in March this year. The smartphone is water and dust proof smartphone which measures 145.5 x 72.6 x 7.3 mm and weighs 136 grams. It runs on Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system. Sony Xperia M4 Aqua sports a 5 inch HD IPS display protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It is powered by a 64 bit Octa core (Quad-core 1.5 GHz + Quad core 1.0 GHz) Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Processor with 2GB of RAM. It offers a 13MP rear camera with LED flash and a 5MP front camera. It comes with 16GB inbuilt storage which can be expanded upto 128 GB through MicroSD card. The connectivity options include 4G, LTE, GPRS/EDGE, 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS/AGPS, GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth, DLNA and Micro-USB. It packs a 2,400 mAh battery which offers 13 hours of talktime. The Xperia M4 Aqua will be available at Sony Centers, Sony Smartphone Lounges and all major electronic stores in Black, White, and Coral colours. Political interference in public sector banking decisions is a thing of the past, he said, adding "transparent coal auctions and allotments have mobilised potential revenues of Rs 3.35 lakh crore to coalbearing states over the lifespan of mines. And reform in the Mines Act has replaced a discretionary mechanism with a transparent auction process." Modi said nearly Rs 1 lakh crore of public investment has been allocated in this year's budget to improve physical as well as digital connectivity. "A comprehensive transformation of the railways into a locomotive of growth has begun. Stalled highway projects are being restructured and revived. Power generation is at an all-time high. A new National Infrastructure Investment Fund has been set up with an annual government funding of Rs 20,000 crore," he said. Zappos, the company that believes in a world without bosses San Francisco: A world without bosses is possible, or at least that is the firm belief of companies like Zappos, the online shoes-and-more marketing firm that last April eliminated all managerial positions and handed over the reins of the business to its employees. The e-tailer Zappos is part of a small but growing corporate movement that says the absence of a hierarchical structure promotes the entrepreneurial spirit among employees and stimulates collaboration, innovation and the flow of ideas. Defenders of this trend champion management philosophies like "holocracy", a system in which the taking of decisions is divided among selforganised teams instead of being the province of the corporate structure`s top echelons. Zappos started trying out holocracy with a small group of employees in 2013, and soon afterwards its CEO Tony Hsieh announced his intention of eliminating managerial positions altogether while letting the company`s approximately 1,500 workers take the helm. Since then, the firm has launched "circles" to which are added employees depending on the kind of work they do and in which the roles and responsibilities of each, as well as the goals accomplished, are established in meetings. The process has had its ups and downs -- this month Zappos announced that 14 percent of its staff or slightly more than 200 employees have decided to leave the company -- but even so the firm believes the advantages well outweigh the drawbacks. Manmohan warned him of harm on 2G issue : Baijal New Delhi: Yet another book has come out damming the previous UPA government with former TRAI Chairman Pradip Baijal alleging that the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had warned him of harm if he did not cooperate on 2G telecom licenses. An accused in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case, he also claimed that the CBI wanted him to "implicate" Arun Shourie and Ratan Tata in the case. In his self-published book, "The Complete Story of Indian Reforms: 2G, Power and Private Enterprise - A Practitioner's Diary', Baijal, who was appointed head of the telecom watchdog by the NDA government in 2003, said the 2G scam trail began under UPA's Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran regime. "They (CBI) had warned me in each case that I would be harmed if I didn't cooperate. Incidentally, this was exactly what the eminent economist Prime Minister had told me would happen if I did not cooperate in their scheme of things in the 2G case," Baijal writes in an apparent reference to 2G case and disinvestment issues. There were no immediate comments available from the former Prime Minister, while Baijal told PTI "I have said everything. It is 100 percent correct and I have evidence to prove everything." This is the third book in last more than a year that has come to haunt Singh and his government about state of affairs during his regime. The first book was written by his aide and media advisor Sanjaya Baru and later by former coal secretary P C Parekh who is also an accused in the case relating to coal blocks allocation. Baijal said he was "not treated properly" after he gave recommendations on the unified licensing regime. "That led to many problem and that led to adverse inference against me by the ruling party then." "When I met Prime Minister late, he said that you must listen to your minister and you must take his view in to consideration. I said his view will get me in to lot of trouble," he said. Maran, who was telecom minister in UPA-1 from May 2004 to 2007, threatened Baijal with "serious consequences" if he gave recommendations on Unified Licences that would have replaced the old system of giving out permits on first-come-first-serve basis. "Dayanidhi Maran told me in my first meeting with him not to give Unified Licensing recommendations as directed by the Cabinet of the previous government. He further indicated that there would be serious consequences if If I did," Baijal wrote. When he took up the matter with the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he wrote that "The PM also told me to cooperate with my Minister in the coalition government he headed, since non-cooperation could compromise his government." Baijal said that both Maran and his successor A Raja suppressed his recommendations and sold spectrum to "a selected few without following any rules or procedures." He claimed that CBI wanted him to implicate "Ratan Tata and Arun Shourie". Baijal writes that Maran knew exactly about discussion between him and Singh. "I can only surmise that they were all working in tandem possibly along with the PM, Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal at different stages and were guiding the CBI enquiry, getting files removed and, making false statements in the media to make a case against the erstwhile TRAI." Baijal has alleged that Ratan Tata in 2004 informed him that "he was being threatened by Dayanidhi Maran that unless he accepted the merger of Tata Sky with Sun TV, he would ruin him. Ratan Tata refused to cooperate." "They would alternatively threaten to harm me and my family and then dangle a carrot of sparing me if I implicated Ratan Tata and Arun Shourie," he wrote. Baijal said that his recommendation was meant to replace Unified Access Services Licence that were allocated with spectrum but TRAI's "recommendation was not considered and the old regime continued which led to 2G scam later." The recommendation on UL was followed by another recommendation on spectrum related issues in May, 2005 that suggested bidding of spectrum in case adequate spectrum is not identified despite best efforts. He said that bidding process must be avoided in view of the existing high burden of license fee, service tax, spectrum charges, etc. "Had I cooperated with Dayanidhi Maran and the PM, I would have been in jail today, held guilty for the 2G scam," Baijal said. Baijal said that he flagged issue of Maran being appointed as minister as he is also a broadcaster but the "PM dismissed the concerns with serious argument that there is no conflict of since TRAI was an independent regulator." The NORTHLINES SPORTS www.thenorthlines.com GHS Sarna girls bag under- Teachers, officers sports meet of JU Raj Kumar 17 trophy in athletics SPORTS & ALLIED NEWS SAMBA, MAY 26 Government High School Sarna girls clinched the overall trophy in under-17 category in the inter-school athletics meet of district Samba. The meet was organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), here today. The overall title trophy in girls under 14 category went to Humanity Public School Bassi Kalan. Similarly, in boys section, Parveen Model School Supwal secured the under-17 trophy while overall championship in under-14 year age group bagged by NV Dhalote. In the finals and prize distribution function, District Development Commissioner, Samba, Sheetal Nanda was chief guest, who gave away the title trophies to the winning teams. Speaking to the gathering, she appreciated the district officer of DYSS, Subash Chander Bhardwaj for making the event a success. Prominent among others present were Anirudh Singh Slathia, Rekha Sambyal, Vijay Singh Slathia, Rakesh Verma, BD Sharma, Pardeep Singh, Raghubir Singh, Dr Sunil Dubey, Dr Monika and Zorawar Singh Sambyal. Today's events officiated by the technical penal comprising Bhupinder Singh, Dildar Singh, Kulbir Singh, Purab Chander, Vinod Sharma, Naresh Sharma, Roopa Sambyal, Sushma Rani, Shashi Bala, Navjyoti Slathia, Chanchala Devi, Raj Singh Chib, Sudesh Sharma, Avtar Singh and KeshaV Singh, The Detailed Results: GIRLS: Under-14: Shot Put: Prinka Slathia (M V International), Isdt; Priyanka Berlin: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has emerged as the clear winner in a battle for influence over international sports federations as rival organisation SportAccord has been left in tatters. A rare public confrontation that began last month with a scathing attack by SportAccord President Marius Vizer on the IOC has essentially ended with the complete isolation of SportAccord, an umbrella organisation for some 100 sports federations. Dozens of them, including most Olympic federations, have either withdrawn their membership of SportAccord or made their opposition to Vizer`s comments public, siding with the IOC. Vizer had accused the IOC of lacking transparency and blocking new events, calling their system "expired, outdated, wrong, unfair and not at all transparent." Even after Vizer proposed a meeting with the IOC to clear the air with a 20-point agenda that included major demands in favour of his members, federations continued to drop out of SportAccord en masse. In an interview with Reuters last week, Vizer, the head of the International Judo Federation, cried foul, accusing IOC President Thomas Bach of pulling federations` strings in the background. "They (the IOC) did not analyse my proposals but just took measures to punish me because I expressed a voice on behalf of me and millions of sports people," Vizer said. "I was straight and direct and I feel that president Bach has stayed just behind all the story, in the shadows." COMPLETE CONTROL It is clear that Bach, elected in 2013, has emerged the big winner in this conflict against a potential competitor, who was eager to increase his control over federations. Vizer took over SportAccord two years ago and immediately announced the United World Championships, an event the IOC saw as possible competition to the Olympics. It never materialised after he opted to break them down into four smaller events so as not to threaten the IOC -- but the battle lines had been drawn. Federations are the lifeline of the Olympics. They bring the big names to the Games, making them the IOC`s most valuable stakeholder. A lack of top athletes would mean no top sponsors nor top broadcasting deals. "I believe it was about making a point, about telling IOC emerge as clear winners in SportAccord battle advance in men's Carrom Jamwal (N V Dhalote), 2nd and Sonia (HPS Bassi Kalan), 3rd. 100 mts: Yasmeen Akhtar (HPS Bassi Kalan), Ist; Isha Jamwal (NV Dhalote), 2nd and Sneha Devi (GHS Sarna), 3rd.200 mts: Yasmeen Akhtar (HPS Bassi Kalan), Ist; Meenakshi Rani (CMP Nud), 2nd and Shalini Saini (GHSS Nandpur), 3rd. 400 mts: Priyanka Devi, (CMP Nud), Ist; Sarbjeet Kour (GHSS Nandpur), 2nd and Samita Devi (GHS Ghagwal), 3rd. 600 mts: Shalini (NV Dhalote), Ist; Sonia (HPS Bassi Kalan), 2nd and Punita (Calvary Mission Ghagwal), 3rd. Broad Jump: Yasmeen (HPS Bassi Kalan), Ist; Sneha Devi (GHS Sarna), 2nd and Saloni Kundal (MI Sumb), 3rd. Discuss Throw: Priyanka (NV Dhalote), Ist; Shobna Choudhary (GHS Sarna), 2nd and Parul Charak (GHS Birpur), 3rd. GIRLS: Under-17: Shameem Akhtar (GHS Sarna), Ist; Ruksana (GHS Bainglar), 2nd and Neha Jaral (HPS Bassi Kalan), 3rd. Shot Put: Huma Bibi (GHS Sujwan), Ist; Sofia Rajput (Kristu Jyoti Convent School), 2nd and Pinki Devi (GHS Rajpura), 3rd. Discuss Throw: Sofia Rajput (Kristu Jyoti Convent School), Ist; Monika Devi (GHS Birpur), 2nd and Huma Bibi (GHS Sunwan), 3rd. SPORTS & ALLIED NEWS Today's matches officiated by JAMMU, MAY 26 the technical penal comprising Ravish Vaid and Raj Kumar Bakshi today Gagan Kumar. advanced in the next round of Other Detailed Results: the carrom event in the TABLE TENNIS: Men: ongoing teachers and officers Tarsem Singh beat Akash sports meet, organised by the Bhola 11-05, 11-07. Women: Directorate of Sports and Dr Aarti Bakshi bt Dr Sarita Physical Education, Sood 12-10, 11-08; Dr University of Jammu (JU), Madulika Bhagat bt Dr here. Kavita Suri 11-05, 11-08. Raj Kumar outplayed Dr BADMINTON: Men: Vivek Sushil Sharma in an easy Salathia (Deputy Registrar) game. Earlier, Dr Sushil beat Raj Kumar Bakshi 21Sharma, in his opening round 15, 21-18; Vikas Karlopia game, defeated Dr Daud Iqbal beat Goutam Sharma 21-10, Baba. In another scheduled 21 - 17; Vikas Karlopia beat match, Prof PVKS Baba Akash Bhola 21-13, 14-21, outplayed Ameet Targotra. 21-17. Men's Doubles: Vivek Similarly, in women's carrom Slahtia and Ameet Targotra bt event, Dr Kavita Suri won her Tarsem Singh and Dr both the games to move Sandeep Arya 21-18, 17-21, ahead of her competitors. In 21-15; Gautam Sharma and the second round, Kavita Vikesh Sharma bt Raj Kumar defeated Dr Madulika Bakshi and Vikas Karlopia Bhagat. In earlier game, Dr 21-17, 21-14. Women: Dr Kavita trounced Dr Aarti Madulika Bhagat beat Dr Bakshi. Dr Sarita Sood also Kavita Suri 21-15, 21-10; Dr won her match played against Madulika Bhagat beat Dr Dr Meghna Dhar. Savita 21-18, 21-10. London: Formula One champions Mercedes will be in full gremlin-hunting mode when they regroup at their factory on Tuesday after committing one of the sport`s biggest strategic blunders at the Monaco Grand Prix. Although they won Sunday`s showcase race for the third year in a row with Germany`s Nico Rosberg, the headlines were all about how the dominant team blew a surefire victory for Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton had the race under control until the safety car was deployed some 14 laps from the end and the Briton was called in for a needless pitstop while rivals stayed out. The world champion finished third, his overall lead over Rosberg halved to 10 points. Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff said an extensive debrief had been carried out already involving about 100 personnel from the factory, engine side and trackside operations on Sunday evening. "We discussed it in an overview and we get back together on Tuesday morning to analyse it and by then we will know where we had a gremlin in the system," the Austrian told reporters. Hamilton, who was Mercedes to hold factory inquest after Monaco gaffe excused the post-race debrief and usual team media duties in Monaco, is unlikely to attend after struggling to comprehend what had happened. Others were equally mystified, with former racer David Coulthard among those saying the driver was badly let down. Wolff said the decision to declare a `virtual safety car`, a new development since last season, followed by a real safety car and Hamilton complaining about the state of his tyres had caught the team out. They thought he had enough time to pit and rejoin the race in the lead but the figures were Surrey: Shiv Kapur grabbed a spot in the US Open for the second year running through the International Sectional Qualifiers at Walton Heath, here on Tuesday. Playing two rounds on the same day, Kapur totalled 10-under 134 for to finish one shot behind medallist Alexander Levy of France, who earned his a debut appearance at the US Open. He shot 67-67 in the two rounds. Jeev Milkha Singh, however missed out, finishing two shots away from getting into a playoff. Jeev carded 69 and 72. A total of 11 spots were available from the qualfiers, where 82 players started off. In the first round played in the morning, Kapur had four birdies and two bogeys on front nine and then birdied times 13th, 15th and 16th on back nine for a 67. In the afternoon round, he was flawless as he birdied third and eighth and birdied the same holes as morning for another 67. Kapur will join his friend and colleague Anirban Lahiri in the second Major of the year a Chambers Bay from June 18 to 21. This will be Kapur?s fourth appearance in a Major and he has come through a qualifier each time. He has twice played at British Open (Hoylake 2006 and Muirfield 2013) after gaining spots in qualifiers and for US Open in 2014 (Pinehurst) and now 2015 in Chambers Bay. Kapur was ecstatic with his performance, saying,"That's two years in a row now I've qualified from here (for US Open) so it is my happy hunting ground. I had a decent showing at Pinehurst last year (tied 23rd) so hopefully I can do even better this year. This afternoon I was blemish free ? five birdies, no bogeys, so I'm very pleased." He added,"Last year, was the coolest event I've played. I got cheered around all the way and coming up 18, I remember finishing with a birdie and it was the biggest cheer I've ever heard, so the US Open is really, really cool. At the end of the day, we play the sport to play the Majors and compete against the best, so it is a dream come true." Commenting on being at the US Open, he said,"Michael Campbell showed it can be done (winning the US Open after coming through qualifiers in 2005). Last year, I was on the leaderboard for a while and I know if I play my best it is not out of the equation. But I just want to go out there and enjoy playing in another US Open." Levy earned a debut appearance in the US Open after finishing one shot clear of Kapur even as one-handed chipper Jason Palmer secured a Major Championship debut. Two-time European Tour winner Levy followed a six under par round of 66 on the Old Course in the morning with a five under par 67 on the New Course in the afternoon to finish on 11 under par, heading the 11 players to earn a spot at Chambers Bay Golf Club, in Washington. Others making the grade were Englishman John Parry, Sweden's Alex Noren, who was one over par after 19 holes of the 36 hole qualifier and then surged up the leaderboard with eight birdies and an eagle in the space of 15 holes to earn his third US Open appearance with a closing 64 to take fourth spot on eight under par. Denmark's Lucas Bjerregaard, Englishman Palmer, Germany's Marcel Siem, Australian Marcus Fraser and the South African trio of Van Der Walt, Thomas Aiken and Garth Mulroy secured their spots at the third play-off hole. Welshman Oliver Farr the man to miss out on a Major debut to be one of the two alternates with Fabrizio Zanotti. New Delhi: Young West Indies ODI captain Jason Holder feels that his stint at Chennai Super Kings was a well spent one as he learnt about the nuances of captaincy from none other than India's limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. "MS is an influential figure. In true sense, he is a leader and I found that during my stint with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. As a captain, I have always looked upto MS's leadership qualities for inspiration," Holder told PTI during an interaction. Asked which qualities of Dhoni he would like to imbibe in his captaincy, Holder said,"The manner in which Dhoni handles pressure is exceptional. That is the reason he has achieved so much while leading a team with players from different countries. There is so much to learn from him." The 23-year-old Holder is one of three international captains that West Indies have currently. For the record, he played for SunRisers Hyderabad during the 2014 IPL season but didn't take part in the IPL due to West Indies' international commitments. While Holder enjoyed watching IPL from back home, he was happy playing the Test series against England during the window. "I would only be too happy to be involved in IPL again but this time I had a different goal. I was trying to help the West Indies and solidify our position. At the international level, you will have good days and bad days but you need to have self-belief to perform," said the tall all-rounder, referring to his match-saving maiden Test hundred against England at Antigua. Holder was appointed captain last year during West Indies' tour to South Africa replacing Dwayne Bravo and he said that he was neither weighed down by the pressures of the job nor by the presence of many senior players in the dressing room. During my first tour as captain to South Africa, my job was to assess the individuals. We needed to put some solid plans in place. I needed to understand how as a team we react to certain situations. I was an U-23 captain and the situations provided me with a challenging experience," said Holder, recollecting the experiences of his first tour as captain. The youngster also insisted that the "change of role" hasn't changed his equation with the senior players as he still shares a very cordial relationship with them. Holder will be representing Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) but currently his whole focus is on the West Indies' home series against Australia, with the first Test starting in Roseau on June 3. "Right now, my entire focus is the Australia series and after that I will think about the CPL," the all-rounder made his priorities clear. On the composition of the Tridents side that has players like Kieron Pollard, Justin Ontong, Shoaib Malik, Holder termed it as a "very balanced side". "It's a side which has got good players and especially with guys like Pollard and Ontong, ours is a very good fielding unit," said Holder. Sardar Singh to lead India in World League semis Look upto Dhoni's leadership skills for inspiration:Holder New Delhi: Veteran midfielder Sardar Singh will lead an 18-member Indian hockey team in the FIH World League semifinal to be played in Belgium from June 20 to July 5. The League featuring ten teams is divided in Pool A and Pool B. India is placed in Pool A along with France, Poland, Pakistan and Australia whereas China, Ireland, Malaysia, Great Britain and Belgium are in Pool B. Sardar, who has to his credit of 216 International caps, will be supported by PR Sreejesh as his deputy. Playing their first match on June 20, India are slotted against France in their opening match of the tournament. Speaking on the announcement of the team, India Chief Coach Paul van Ass said, "The team is full of confidence which they proved Dexamethasone is not in the recent Japan series where performance-enhancing but a commonly administered antiinflammatory corticosteroid that is not forbidden when used off-season for rehabilitation but deemed illegal if discovered in an athlete`s body during competition. Facing a careerending two-year ban, Lee argued that he gained no benefit from a supplement he had taken Paris: World number one inadvertently, convincing the Djokovic, nine-time BWF to reduce his back-dated Novak Rafael Nadal and suspension to eight months. He champion women`s title winner was able to return to double Serena Williams get their 2015 competition in early May. French Open campaigns under LOST POINTS Tuesday. Lee is now racing against wayToponseed bidding to time to get match-fit for what is win a first Djokovic, Garros and likely to be his last world become just Roland the eighth man to championships in Jakarta this achieve the career Slam, August before he ends his is scheduled to faceGrand Nadal in the career at the 2016 Olympics in quarter-finals. Rio. The lost ranking points But his first job is to take on during his ban dropped him to Finland`s Jarkko Nieminen, one third among Malaysian shuttlers of 39 men over 30 to start the and with only two slots per main draw this year. country available, he was Nadal, with a record in Paris controversially selected for the of 66 wins and just one defeat, is world championships ahead of seeded six, his lowest rank for a higher-ranked compatriot decade. Chong Wei Feng. He starts against French 18Building form and fitness in year-old Quentin Halys, ranked team competition before the 296 in the world and making his more taxing challenge of Grand Slam debut. individual action, Lee Women`s top seed Serena impressed with three victories Williams, the 2002 and 2013 in as many matches in the champion, begins against the Sudirman Cup earlier this Czech Republic`s Andrea month and will be tough to beat Hlavackova. in Singapore. The 190th-ranked Czech lost they gave Japan a tough time and beat them 3-0. "As they will be clashing with the finest of the teams, the boys are working upon their strategies and confident to put up a good show in the tournament. Their pool is tough but the boys are confident of putting up a great show. The team is excited to face Australia yet again." The Team: GOALKEEPERS: PR Sreejesh, Harjot Singh DEFENDERS: Manpreet Singh, Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, VR Ragunath, Jasjit Singh Kular, Gurmail Singh MIDFIELDERS: Gurbaj Singh, Dharamvir Singh, Sardar Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Lalit Upadhyay FORWARDS: SV Sunil, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Yuvraj Walmiki, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh. Lee Chong Wei happy to be team player in quest for individual goals Former world number one Lee Chong Wei is by far the biggest name in the Southeast Asian Games` badminton tournament but the Malaysian shuttler is happy to keep his return from a doping ban lowkey as he eyes bigger goals. For 32-year-old Lee, his appearance in the men`s team event will end a 10-year hiatus from the multi-sports gathering and while his presence will install Malaysia as favourites, an elusive world or Olympic title remains his ultimate target. Lee has spent more than 300 weeks at the top of the rankings since 2006, collecting 55 titles along the way, yet has never been able to claim one of badminton`s biggest prizes, falling short in two Olympic finals and in three world title showdowns. Four of those defeats came against arch-nemesis Lin Dan and the Malaysian had put off retirement for one last tilt at overcoming his Chinese rival and crowning his career with either title before his world came crashing down last August. Lee tested positive for dexamethasone at the world championships in Copenhagen and when his `B` sample confirmed the findings, he was temporarily suspended by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as he appealed the decision. 11 JAMMU | WEDNESDAY | MAY 27 | 2015 Shiv Kapur grabs spot in US Open, joins Anirban Lahiri Novak Djokovic, Nadal, Serena Williams star in super Tuesday 6-0, 6-0 to Williams in their only other meeting three years ago at the US Open. Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, the fourth seeded Czech, opens play on Court Slovakia`s Lukas Lacko. Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki, who has never got beyond the quarterfinals, faces Italy`s Karin Knapp, the weekend winner of the Philippe Chatrier against Marina Erakovic of New Zealand. Spanish seventh seed David Ferrer, the runner-up to Nadal in 2013, starts proceedings on Court Suzanne Lenglen against Nuremberg title. Canadian sixth seed Eugenie Bouchard, who made the semifinals in 2014, plays France`s Kristina Mladenovic. French Open order of play on showcourts on Tuesday, the third day of the 2015 tournament at Roland Garros (x denotes seeded player; 0900GMT start): Court Philippe Chatrier Petra Kvitova (CZE x4) v Marina Erakovic (NZL) Quentin Halys (FRA) v Rafael Nadal (ESP x6) Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) v Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) Serena Williams (USA x1) v Andrea Hlavackova (CZE) Court Suzanne Lenglen Lukas Lacko (SVK) v David Ferrer (ESP x7) Karin Knapp (ITA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x5) Richard Gasquet (FRA x20) v Germain Gigounon (BEL) Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Eugenie Bouchard (CAN x6) Court N.1 Kiki Bertens (NED) v Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x18) Jeremy Chardy (FRA) v Michael Berrer (GER) Andrea Petkovic (GER x10) v Shelby Rogers (USA) Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x10) v Jack Sock (USA) www.thenorthlines.com 12 JAMMU | WEDNESDAY | MAY 27 | 2015 Pak Taliban video shows Chinese tourist begging govt to pay ransom BEIJING: China today said it with Pakistan to verify the al-Hadeed have told him that Global is verifying a video released by the Pakistani Taliban which showed a kidnapped Chinese tourist appealing to his government to pay the ransom demanded by his captors to secure his freedom. Hong Xudong, a cyclist, went missing after he crossed over from India to Pakistan and was kidnapped by the TTP in May last year from Daraban area in Dera Ismail Khan which is close to the lawless northwestern tribal region. The Chinese embassy in Islamabad is in close contact information, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a media briefing here. "We will check on whether the video footage is true or not and will properly deal with the relevant issue," she said referring to the payment of ransom to his kidnappers. In the video released on Sunday, Hong asked the Chinese government to meet the ransom demand but did not mention a specific amount. He also said that the Taliban splinter group Jaish he would be killed if the money is not paid. "Any cyclist should know that northwestern Pakistan is a nopass zone, but an increasing number of people are lured to 'prove themselves' by some chicken soup travel books," Li Rui, a well-known Chinese cyclist said. Online posts by Hong's friends after he lost contact, said that he entered Pakistan from India in April, 2014 and was planning to head for Iran, which looked "random and carelessly planned," the Times reported quoting Li. Acquaintances of Hong told the daily that they are also waiting for the official confirmation on the identity of the man in the video. Pakistani police said that they found his passport, bicycle and belongings. Wang Guoxiang, an associate professor at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, said that this is not the first time the Taliban has targeted Chinese nationals and in Afghanistan alone, at least 20 Chinese were killed in 2014. Two Chinese engineers were kidnapped by Taliban militants in Pakistan in 2008. One escaped, but the other one was freed after nearly 167 days as a hostage. Three Chinese nationals were kidnapped and killed in Afghanistan in August, 2013. "The released video feels like a provocative gesture as it gives China a dilemma. A direct ransom payment would not only look like a compromise to international terrorism, but may also encourage terrorists at home," Wang said. help the fraudsters, 'The Sun' newspaper reported. London-based Asma Khanam, 46, a trustee of Families for Survival UK, was among 13 arrested as part of the investigation and has already appeared before Redbridge magistrates. Several people were expected to appear in court this week charged with conspiracy to defraud after a joint investigation by Scotland Yard, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Redbridge council in east London, the report said. The charity's website says that it runs projects in Bangladesh and Kenya, as well as supporting elderly and disabled people in the UK. The investigation is believed to have discovered many of the claimants left the country hours after lodging their benefit claims. It is said that fraudsters allegedly made millions of pounds over three years. Councils such as Newham and Tower Hamlets are probing whether they have been defrauded. The migrants obtained EU citizenship in Italy before flying to London and using one address in east London to carry out their scheme. An investigation was started after reports of a significant number of Bangladeshis with Italian passports arriving at Stansted airport with return flights booked for the same day. "Our fraud investigators have powers to track benefit cheats around the world and bring them before the courts. "We are determined to crack down on people who abuse the system, so that benefits only go to those who really need this help. In addition to any sentence imposed by the courts, fraudsters must pay back all the money they falsely obtained and face a criminal record for life," a DWP spokesperson said. Scotland Yard has refused to comment at this stage. Bangladesh teacher jailed Bangladeshi migrants fraudulently for life for raping student make millions in UK, 13 held DHAKA: A court in Bangladesh on Tuesday sentenced a school teacher to life imprisonment for raping a five-year-old student. Tanjina Ismail, judge of the fifth Women and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal in Dhaka, gave the sentence to 24-year-old Md Minhaz Uddin, a teacher of Holy Crescent School in Shewrapara and also fined him 200,000 taka ($2,570) for the rape on March 11 last year, bdnews24.com reported. The parents of the child found out about the incident when she was crying in pain on her way home from school. They saw blood on her pants when undressing her. When asked, the five-year-old said the teacher lured her with a chocolate to a washroom of the Holy Crescent School and College and raped her. She was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and her father filed a report with Mirpur Model Police Station mentioning Minhaz Uddin as the culprit while his daughter was undergoing treatment. Statements of nine witnesses were recorded during the trial, said their lawyer Salma Ali, executive director of the Bangladesh Jatiya Mohila Ainjibi Samiti. State prosecutor Ali Asgar Swapan said the convict was brought to court from prison during the trial and on the day the judgment was read out. He added that the court has ordered half of the fine to be paid to the family of the victim. LONDON: Italy-based Bangladeshi migrants are accused of making millions of pounds by misusing the UK's taxpayer funded welfare schemes, prompting authorities to arrest 13 people following a probe. Each claimant is said to have received an average of 9,000 pounds (USD 13,868). The migrants are believed to have attended interviews at Jobcentres in London to get national insurance numbers which are compulsory to claim any state-funded support. Hundreds of Bangladeshis have been flying to Britain from Italy for the day to con the system out of millions of pounds in housing benefit. Five organisations, including a charity, are suspected of providing fake job details to France suspends security cooperation Greece talks need to `speed with Burundi: Diplomat up`: EU commissioner BUJUMBURA: France has suspended its security cooperation with the crisis-hit central African nation of Burundi, a French diplomat told AFP Tuesday. The source said aid to the country`s police and defence establishment had been halted amid a crackdown on protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza`s controversial bid to stand for a third consecutive term. Litany of problems keep Iraqi army weak BAGHDAD: Iraq`s leadership was indignant after US accusations that its forces lack the will to fight but assessments of the army`s ability suggest the rank-and-file have reasons to shy from battle. Pentagon chief Ashton Carter said Sunday, a week after the loss of Ramadi to the Islamic State group, that there was "an issue with the will of the Iraqis to fight". The fall of the capital of Iraq`s largest province to the jihadists saw a chaotic retreat of security forces and dealt Baghdad its worst blow in almost a year. OFF BEAT M ATHENS: Talks between to tell there is no progress on Greece and its creditors need to "speed up", the EU`s Economic and Financial Affairs Commissioner said Tuesday, as the Greek government warned that it was running out of money. "We are aware of the liquidity problems in Greece and this is why it`s so important now that negotiations that take place in Brussels speed up," Greece? told reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Dublin. "We want that agreement, we want it fast -- we are working on it hard," said Moscovici, a former French finance minister. "It would be wrong substance -- we are now discussing on concrete proposals," he said. But he added: "We still have a way to go if we want an agreement". The cash crunch has been caused by Greece`s inability to agree with its creditors -- the International Monetary Fund, the European Union and the European Central Bank -- on reforms that would unlock 7.2 billion euros ($7.9 billion) in promised bailout cash. "There is no plan B. There is a plan for a solid Greece remaining in the eurozone," Moscovici said on Tuesday. Hey, you look gorgeous any celebrities from the fashion and film world have to thank make-up ace Natasha Nischol when they are complimented for their looks. Her father, the late Hindi film actor Navin Nischol, was popular in the 1970s for his chocolate-boy looks. Daughter Natasha is known for her newage ways to make people look good and put their best face forward. Her first brush with the world of glamour would have been through Bollywood, but Natasha arrived on the scene by mastering the art of make-up. Balancing her time between modelling and film shoots and guiding students at her Mumbai-based make-up academy Fat Mu that she runs with Virginia Holmes, Natasha is excited about the growing awareness on cosmetics and make-up. “The Academy is my way of filling the void in make-up education in the country. How many can afford to go abroad to get trained? The courses are not just for those who want to take it up professionally; there are also finishing workshops for women who want to learn make-up techniques to present themselves in the best possible manner.” It wasn’t an easy decision though when Natasha decided to pursue a career as a make-up artiste. A graduate from the London College of Fashion, she shifted base to Mumbai about a decade ago after working at London and Hong Kong. Natasha had trained FUNNY PHOTO OF THE DAY Litany of problems keep Iraqi army weak BAGHDAD: Iraq`s leadership was indignant after US accusations that its forces lack the will to fight but assessments of the army`s ability suggest the rank-andfile have reasons to shy from battle. Pentagon chief Ashton Carter said Sunday, a week after the loss of Ramadi to the Islamic State group, that there was "an issue with the will of the Iraqis to fight". The fall of the capital of Iraq`s largest province to the jihadists saw a chaotic retreat of security forces and dealt Baghdad its worst blow in almost a year. Carter`s words were criticised in Iraq as insulting and divisive and US Vice President Joe Biden later had to call Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to acknowledge "the enormous sacrifice and bravery of Iraqi forces over the past 18 months". The problem is not whether Iraqi security forces are valiant enough but just about everything else, analysts said. "The Iraqi forces that left Ramadi this weekend did so under great pressure and only as a last resort," said the Soufan Group intelligence consultancy in a recent brief. "It is not bravery the forces lacked but weapons and leadership and rapid logistics," it said.Ahmed alFadhily wanted to fight IS when it captured swathes of Millionaire especially was enriching. You are exposed to the trends and demands of a global market and being a part of an international set-up boosts your self-confidence. As for Hindi films, Paa was a challenging project with the kind of experiments in makeup the story necessitated,” says Natasha, who is now busy with Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do. “It’s on the ramp though that I can put my wackiest and wildest ideas to test,” she laughs. “Quite like in films where I have to know well the storyline, characterisation and the personality of an actor, fashion shows call for enough research. You have to create looks that go with the designer’s line, the theme of the creations and the location of the show,” explains Natasha. She’s happy that designers these days work on the total appeal of an outfit. It’s not just cut, colour and pattern; it’s also the accessories and make-up that bring out the beauty of a dress.” And what according to Natasha are musts in a woman’s make-up kit? Concealer to cover imperfections. Powder to set the concealer. Blush to add some colour to the face. Mascara to add depth to the eyes. Brow gel to groom your brows. Gloss to add shine to your lips. PS: Buy make-up according to your requirements, lifestyle and skin type. Iraq last year and imposed a reign of terror. But to do so, he quit the army and joined a Shiite militia. "When I was in the military, we never got ammunition when we asked for it. Sometimes we would be marooned on a base with no supplies," he said. "We knew nobody would make any sacrifice to rescue us. It`s different in the Hashed al-Shaabi... The fighters have faith," said Fadhily, who now fights for Ketaeb Hezbollah. The Hashed al-Shaabi (`popular mobilisation` in Arabic) is an umbrella for many Iran-backed Shiite militias and volunteers which is only nominally under the prime minister`s control. "We are fighting to protect our land from Daesh (IS), while most soldiers and officers work for the salaries," said Fadhily. Yet corruption is still rampant in the security forces despite recent government measures, and low oil prices and the high cost of war are emptying Iraq`s coffers fast. That means some fighters in the security forces have not been paid for months while some corrupt top officers get rich, policemen and soldiers say. Iraq is still paying the price of the de-Baathification campaign that followed the US-led toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003, with many of the former Sunni regime`s best-trained military commanders defecting to the jihadists. The US-led coalition fighting IS sent thousands of military advisers and trainers to Iraq last year. But transforming what was still recently derided as a million-strong "checkpoint army" into a lean, efficient and professional military cannot be achieved overnight, or even in months, analysts say. The much-vaunted UStrained Golden Division has stood out since IS seized swathes of the country. It successfully spearheaded the fightback on several fronts but it has been overused and, according to several reports, it retreated just the like the rest in Ramadi.IS`s hyperaggressive tactics -- including the use of terrifying, armoured suicide truck bombs -- have played no small part in the Iraqi army`s modest showing. Ahmed Ali, an analyst with the Education for Peace in Iraq Centre, argued that Carter`s remarks were inopportune but admitted that the list of woes afflicting the army was long. "These issues include logistics challenges, poor command and control, lack of unit coordination, intelligence deficit, and difficulty securing supply lines," he said. January, when the left-wing government of Alexis Tsipras took power on promises of ending austerity and reversing some reforms agreed with the creditors by the previous government.Despite progress on other issues, a deal cannot yet be reached because the creditors believe that to repay its huge public debt, Greece should be running a higher primary surplus, or the balance before debt servicing costs, than Athens is prepared to accept. To achieve that surplus, the creditors believe Greece should raise its Value Added Tax rate and balance its pensions budget. Greece, however, believes a lower primary surplus would make the economy grow faster, increasing the chances of the creditors getting repaid. Sand ripples have caused Curiosity a lot of drive slip in the past but there appeared to be terrain with rockier, more consolidated characteristics directly adjacent to these ripples. "So we drove around the sand ripples onto what we expected to be firmer terrain that would give Curiosity better traction," Roumeliotis added in a NASA statement. The drive of about 72 feet up slopes as steep as 21 degrees brought Curiosity close to a target area where two distinctive types of bedrock meet. The rover science team wants to examine an outcrop that contains the contact between the pale rock unit the mission analysed lower on Mount Sharp. Curiosity has been exploring on Mars since 2012. It reached the base of Mount Sharp last year after fruitfully investigating outcrops closer to its landing site and then trekking to the mountain. Germany sees progress on Greece, EU officals to confer on Thursday BERLIN: A senior German likely to default on the IMF official said on Tuesday there was no reason to believe Greece would be in default after a 300 million euro payment to the IMF falls due on June 5. Separately, euro zone officials said deputy finance ministers would hold a teleconference on Thursday to follow up on days of negotiations between representatives of Greece and creditors the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Central Bank and the European Commission. Greece must repay four loans totalling 1.6 billion euros ($1.76 billion) to the IMF next month, starting with a 300 million euro payment on June 5. If no deal is reached within EU/IMF for new loans to be disbursed to Athens, Greece is loan repayment. This would start a process that could lead Greece out of the euro zone. But in Berlin a senior German official, speaking on condition of not being named, said it was encouraging that Greece had signalled its desire to meet the looming debt obligations. "I find it encouraging, if it is true, that the Greeks signalled yesterday their desire to repay the 300 million euros to the IMF on June 5," the official said. "I think there is reason to believe that we will not be talking about a default situation around June 5, neither before or immediately thereafter." Talks between Greece and its creditors on more funding have been dragging on since late Science and Technology with Oscar-winning make-up designer Jenny Shircore in the U.K. and assisted her on a variety of projects such as The Phantom of the Opera and The Four Feathers. “It took quite some convincing about the importance of designing a look for a commercial or cinema. People here were wary of coming out of their stereotyped images and feared lack of acceptance. A few, of course, dared to be different and began playing with their looks. And when they found success, the rest followed. Thus began my tryst with faces.” Now, she has a roster full of assignments and an array of celebrity clients. “I see every opportunity as a new beginning and every face as a blank canvas. Working on Slumdog The NORTHLINES Curiosity rover begins new journey on Mars WASHINGTON: Unable to reach a comparable geological contact farther south on Red Planet, NASA's Curiosity rover has now approached an alternative site for investigating a geological boundary. Such geological contacts can reveal clues about how environmental conditions that produced one type of rock were related to conditions that produced the other. Two weeks ago, Curiosity was headed for a comparable geological contact farther south. Foiled by slippery slopes on the way there, the team rerouted the vehicle and chose a westward path. The mission's strategic planning keeps multiple route options open to deal with such situations. "Mars can be very deceptive," said Chris Roumeliotis, Curiosity's lead rover driver at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California.
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