PYS presents cultural prog ‘Duggar Theatre’

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent

Artists presenting cultural programme ‘Duggar Theatre’ at Jammu on Tuesday.

JAMMU, July 29: Progressive Youth Society, Ramnagar, district Udhampur organized a cultural programme titled ‘Duggar Theatre’ comprising of folk dances and songs in collaboration with Ministry of Culture Government of India in village Phallain Mandal of block Satwari.
On the occasion, Ajay Sadhotra, Minister for Planning, Labour and Employment was the chief guest.
Manoj Kumar Sharma, senior Lecturer Physics and President Progressive Youth Society presented the welcome address.
Bansi Lal and Party presented folk dance, Geetru and Bhakan. Khem Raj and Party presented Kudd dance. Dhani Ram and Party presented Chhajja dance. Mohan Lal and Party presented Jattar whereas Sudesh and Party presented Haran dance, which were highly appreciated by the audience. Romesh Nath presented Karkan on Dhole.
Ajay Sadhotra asked the people to conserve our folk culture and traditions so as to pass on to next generation.
Prominent among others were Jag Mohan Sharma, retd Deputy Secretary, Cultural Academy Jammu, Subash Chander, Block President National Conference, Raghubir Singh, Vice President National Conference, Sarpanch Bishan Dass and Sarpanch Baru Ram.
OP Deepak coordinator PYS conducted the proceedings of the function.

UP Govt has failed to protect Sikh community

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Daily Excelsior

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent

Sant Baba Swarnjit Singh interacting with media persons at Jammu on Tuesday. -Excelsior/ Rakesh

JAMMU, July 29: Expressing deep concern over the Sharanpur riots in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Sant Baba Swarnjit Singh of Tapasthan Gurudwara Manji Sahib, Una, Himachal Pradesh said that it is total failure of UP Government to protect the Sikh community and their property.
Sant Baba Swarnjit Singh said this while addressing a press conference here today.
He appealed the Sikh community in India and abroad to remain united so as to thwart the nefarious designs of anti-social elements.
He stated that riots can never bring solution to any problem rather many precious lives are lost and properties are destroyed and business is affected. He added that just for the sake of vote bank and vested interests such incidents are flared.
It is the duty of Central and State Government to provide protection to all its inhabitants so that confidence in the Government persists, he said.
On the one hand where Saharanpur communal riots came as shock, the present row between HSGMC and SAD has added worries among everyone, he added.
“Akal Takht is the highest temporal seat of Sikhs and I believe it is not only the duty but also the responsibility of every Sikh to follow its principles, tenets and traditions. Every Sikh should bow to rules and regulations of the panth”, he stated.
He appealed both HSGMC and SAD to find an amicable solution to their difference following panthic traditions.
Regarding forthcoming election in J&K, he said that every new Government comes as a ray of hope for common man. “Everyone expects new developments and progress in every field and mitigation of their problems. It is only possible if right person with right approach is elected and for this, honest and dedicated persons should be elected”, he added.
He also appealed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene into every sensitive issue personally so that the faith with which people of India have chosen him persists and everyone lives without fear under his governance.
Among others present were Captain Baana Singh, Colonel RL Gangal, Pal Singh, Harnam Singh and Parvej.

Female dental surgeons continue chain hunger strike for 17th consecutive day

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Daily Excelsior

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 29: The female dental surgeons under the banner of Dental Surgeons Association (DSA) continued their chain hunger strike for the seventeenth consecutive day, whereas the dharna by the association entered 29th day here today.
Continuing the chain hunger strike, Dr Tanya Gupta was sitting on fast to carry forward the movement of the association.
Addressing the gathering, chairman of the association Dr Pawan Singh Jasrotia said that Government is ignoring the agendas of civil society in lieu of coming elections which will prove as self-inflicting harm to it.
He said that the Coalition Government has no right to remain in power if it cannot fulfill the genuine demands of people who voted for it.
Dr Jasrotia stated that the protest will continue till their demands including complete absorption of unemployed dental youth, recruitment of dental surgeons on yearly basis and establishment of separate directorate for dental health in the State are met with.
Meanwhile, NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana and Jugal Mahajan visited the dharna site of dental surgeons and listed to their grievances.
Rana assured the protestors that he will take up their issues with the Health Minister Taj Mohi-ud-Din for early redressal.

IAF receives 6th C-17 Globemaster III

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Daily Excelsior

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha briefing the Defence Minister Arun Jaitely on the strategic capabilities and role of the C-17 Globemaster III inside the Cargo compartment of the aircraft during his visit to Air Force Station Palam.

NEW DELHI, July 29: The IAF received its 6th C-17 Globemaster III when it touched down at Palam Airbase yesterday.
On its arrival, the Defence Minister Arun Jaitley visited the Airbase and familiarized himself with the aircraft. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha conducted the Minister through the aircraft and briefed him on the Strategic Capability and Role of the aircraft. The Minister was also given a detailed brief by the Commanding Officer Group Captain BS Reddy.
The Government accorded approval to buy 10 C-17 Globemaster III along with associated equipment for the IAF in June 2011. The first of the 10 aircraft touched down in India on June 18, 2013 and the delivery of all 10 is expected to be completed by December 2014. This aircraft will enhance the operational potential of the IAF with its payload carriage and performance (about 75 Tones) and would augment the strategic reach (about 4500 Kms) of the nation during Operations, Disaster Relief or any similar mission.
The ceremony was attended by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command (WAC) Air Marshal SS Soman and other senior IAF and MoD Officials.

Bharti Airtel announces IFRS results for first quarter

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Daily Excelsior

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, July 29: Bharti Airtel Limited (“Bharti Airtel” or “the Company”) today announced its audited consolidated IFRS results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2014.
The consolidated revenues for Q1’15 at Rs 22,962 crore grew by 13.3% over the corresponding quarter last year. Consolidated Mobile data revenues at Rs 2,204 crore grew by 73.9% Y-o-Y, consistently contributing more than one-third of the incremental revenues. This was stated in a handout issued here today.
It said SA revenues registered a growth of 11.8% Y-o-Y across segments, led by 9.9% growth in Mobile India, 112.9% in Telemedia Services, 20.7% in Digital TV, 14.8% in ‘airtel business’ (B2B) and tt.7% in South Asia. Mobile voice realisation in India improved to 38.08 p per minute (up 1.49 p Y-o-Y). Mobile Data revenue at Rs 1,559 crore registered a growth of 68.2% Y-o-Y in India, uplifted by increase in data customer base and higher usage per customer. Mobile data revenu1s contributed to 12.4% of Mobile India revenues vis-a-vis 8.2% in the corresponding quarter last year, it added.
It said Africa revenues grew by 17.5% Y-o-Y in INR terms and 12.1% in constant currency terms. Data revenues stood at US$ 102 Mn for the current quarter, contributing 8.8% of overall Africa revenues vis-a-vis 5.3% in the corresponding quarter last year. Data ARPU increased to US$ 1.50 from US$ 1.23 in same quarter last year, enabled by 36.7% increase in data usage per customer. Active Airtel Money cu~tpmers have risen by 222.0% Y-o-Y to 4.3 Mn, it added.
The handout said that consolidated EBITDA at Rs 7,720 crore grew by 18.0% Y-o-Y, WI margin expanding by 1.3% to 33.6%. The resultant consolidated EBIT of Rs 3,684 crore represents a Y-o-Y growth of 36.5%, with EBIT margin improving by 2.7%. Improved operational efficiency and lower forex & derivative losses resulted in consolidated Net Income growing by 60.9% Y-o- Y to Rs 1,108 crore.
The Company’s consolidated net debt has reduced to US$ 9,609 Mn resulting in the Net Debt to EBITDA ratio (LTM) improving to 2.04 times as compared to 2.20 times at the end of the previous quarter.
Gopal Vittal, MD and CEO, India & South Asia, said: “Our revenue momentum in India has been sustained during Q1 with a growth of 11.8%. While the pace across aU segments has been satisfying, Mobile data and DTH stood out with growths of 68.2% and 20.7% respectively.

Sweets exchanged at LoC

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Daily Excelsior

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 29: Notwithstanding tensions on the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in the wake of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts, the troops of India and Pakistan exchanged sweets at Chakan-da-Bagh cross LoC point in Poonch district this morning on the occasion of Eid festival.
However, the BSF and Rangers didn’t exchange sweets at Suchetgarh post on the International Border in RS Pura sector.
Official sources said the Indo-Pak Army officials met at Chakan-Da-Bagh Zero Line on Poonch-Rawlakote route at 10.30 am today in which both sides exchanged sweets and fruits on the occasion of Eid festival. Col Hemant Singh of Poonch Brigade represented the Indian side while Lt Col Hillal Ahmed led the Pakistan Army officials.
The sweets exchange ceremony lasted half an hour.
“There were no talks between the two sides other than exchange of Eid greetings. Both sides extended Eid greetings to each other and dispersed,” sources said.
However, the BSF and Rangers didn’t exchange sweets on the occasion of Eid festival at Suchetgarh sector on the IB today.
It may be mentioned here that tension had gripped the IB in Arnia sector few days back after heavy exchange of firing between the two sides in which the Rangers had also targeted civilian areas.
Meanwhile, Indo-Pak Army officials also exchanged sweets at Roshni Post on LoC in Poonch district.

Man ends life

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Daily Excelsior

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, July 29: A middle aged man committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substance at his residence here last night.
A police spokesman said that 37-year-old Rajesh Kumar, son of Bansi Lal, resident of Shiv Nagar ( Ward No. 10), in Udhampur town consumed some poisonous substance at his residence last night. The family members noticed him in serious condition and vomiting and rushed him to District Hospital. The doctors washed his stomach but he died after some time. Later, the body was sent for postmortem. The police after completion of all the formalities and postmortem handed over the body to family members.

2 killed, 5 injured in road mishaps

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Daily Excelsior

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 29: Two persons died while five other persons were injured in different road accidents across the valley.
A bus bearing registration No JK01B-8184 hit and injured a pedestrian, Ghulam Hasssan Mir, 65, of Khan Mohalla Bomhama Kupwara. He was shifted to sub District Hospital Kupwara where from referred to SKIMS Soura but succumbed to his injuries while on way to SKIMS Soura. The body of deceased was handed over to his relatives for last rites. Kupwara police has registered a case in this regard.
Meanwhile, a Fire Tender vehicle of Fire and Emergency Services Shopian bearing registration No. JK01M/4495 fell down in a Nallah near Kajiwar Bridge in Shopian, resulting in on spot death of one fire man, Abdul Qayoom (No. 1537) and injuries to 04 others including driver. The injured referred to District hospital Shopian and Kulgam, where from two were referred to Srinagar for further treatment. The body of deceased was handed over to his relatives for last rites. Shopian Police has registered a case In this regard.
In another accident a Motor Cycle bearing registration No. JK01J/8910 collided with an embankment at Fore Shore Nishat, resulting in injuries to Motorcyclist namely Tanveer Ahmad Kanoo son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Saidakadal and damage to the motor cycle. The injured shifted to hospital for treatment. Srinagar police has registered a case in this regard.

Woman consumes poison

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Daily Excelsior

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 29: A woman in a bid to commit suicide consumed some poisonous substance in Bandipora.
A 23 years old woman wife of Sheer Mohammad Khatana resident of Quil Muqam Bandipora in a bid to end her life consumed some poisonous substance at her home. She was shifted to sub District Hospital Bandipora where from she referred to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard.

Science and society share reciprocal relationship: Dr Jitendra

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Daily Excelsior

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July 30, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh addressing the Foundation Day function of Ministry of Earth Sciences at New Delhi.

NEW DELHI, July 29 : Speaking at the Foundation Day function of the Ministry of Earth Sciences as chief guest here today, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Space & Atomic Energy said that science and society shared a reciprocal relationship and therefore neither Science can realize its full potential without social participation nor society can achieve its full progress without scientific temper.
Dr Jitendra Singh quoted Mahatma Gandhi to emphasize the utility of Science as a means to serve humanity and said this attitude has to evolve in the natural course among individual human beings and the nation.
Referring to the need to enhance self-esteem among scientists, Dr Jitendra Singh suggested that a mechanism should be developed to reach out to the students at 10+2 or graduation level and catch them young for developing their inherent aptitude for Science.
Spelling out the achievements of the Department of Earth Sciences during last eight weeks, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Department of Earth Sciences distinguished itself by making absolutely accurate predictions regarding the pattern of monsoon and also regarding the adverse weather conditions during the Badrinath Yatra last week which helped to avoid any mishap as witnessed last year.
Similarly, he said, India launched its first indigenously built research vessel into the ocean at Goa last week. Tsunami Warning Centre system and ocean research achievements of the Department are of world class, he added.
On the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh presented “Life Time Excellence Award” for Science to eminent Scientist Prof. Vinod K Gaur and National Awards for Science to Prof. T. Balasubramanian, Prof. Goswami, Dr Rishi Narain Singh and Dr Kulkarni.
Earlier, Secretary Earth Sciences Dr Shailesh Nayak welcomed Dr Jitendra Singh and said it was a good fortune to have a Minister who himself belonged to Science fraternity.