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.
Female dental surgeons continue chain hunger strike for 17th consecutive day
IAF receives 6th C-17 Globemaster III
Excelsior Correspondent
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
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
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
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
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
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
Excelsior Correspondent
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.
Bear kills villager
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, July 29: A full grown bear attacked a villager on the higher reaches of Kandi-Budhal area today.
Reports said that 30 year-old Mohammed Ashraf, son of Mehtab Ali, resident of Gagrote village in Kotranka ( Budhal) had gone to a Dhok along with his cattle at Thandi Bah on Pir Panjal Ranges. Today when he was grazing his cattle, a bear ambushed and caused serious injuries to him. He was left severely bleeding when other members came to his rescue.
The injured Ashraf was removed to Kotranka hospital where he was declared as dead. The doctor told that death was caused due to excessive bleeding.
Eid celebrated with religious fervour, gaiety across Jammu region
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 29: Like other parts of the country, the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr was also celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across the Jammu region today. All the Mosques were fully decorated and markets witnessed huge rush of people purchasing sweets, gifts, clothes.
The biggest congregation took place at Eidgah at Residency Road here where thousands of devotees performed Nimaz –e-Eid and prayed for peace, development and prosperity of the State as well as of the country.
Minister for Planning Ajay Sadhotra, Provincial President National Conference Davender Singh Rana who were present on the occasion exchanged Eid-ul -Fitr greetings with Muslim brethren and hoped that such religious occasions will play a vital role in cementing the bonds of love and brotherhood among different sections of the society.
Muslim brothers also exchanged wishes, sweets and gifts with people from all walks of life.
All elaborate arrangements were also made by civil administration for smooth celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr festival.
Top brass of civil administration were also present on the occasion. Eid Namaz was also offered at other mosques of city and its outskirts including, mosques of Sunjwan and Bhatindi.
District Administration Udhampur hosted an Iftaar Party on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr at Eidgah Adarsh Colony, Udhampur last evening.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC), Udhampur, Mrs. Yasha Mudgal was the chief guest on the occasion.
Extending greetings to the Muslim brethren, the DC said that such religious occasions inspire us to follow the spiritual preaching of great saints and Sufis, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of humanity, to lead a peaceful and prosperous life.
On the occasion, she congratulated and greeted the people of Udhampur and said that such occasions would promote unity, communal harmony and brotherhood in the State as well as in the district.
Among others, SSP Udhampur, Suleman Chowdary, Joint Director Planning, Rakesh Jamwal, Tehsildar (T),Tehsildar (S) Udhampur,Senior officers of various departments and a good number of distinguished personalities attended the Iftaar.
Eid-ul-Fitr was also celebrated at Kathua with religious fervour and gaiety despite the bandh in town a large number of Muslims thronged the Eidgah, Kathua to offer prayers. They were greeted by their Hindu brethren on the occasion.
Reports coming from Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban and Bhadarwah said that Eid was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in these townships also.
At Poonch thousands of Muslims thronged the Eidgah this morning to offer Eid prayers. Another congregation was held at Jamia Masjid, Poonch where also large number of Muslims offered the prayers.
At Eidgah Poonch MLA Aijaz Jan, MLC Bashir Naz were among the prominent Muslims to offer Eid prayers. They were greeted by MLC Yashpaul Sharma, Additional DCs Arvind Sharma and Mumtaz Ali, DIG Rajouri –Poonch, A K Atri, SSP Poonch, Shamsher Hussian and ASP Amit Sharma and other officers of the district greeted the people on the occasion.
Thousands of Muslims offered Eid prayers at Eidgah Rajouri and Jamia Masjid Rajouri. The Hindu brethren greeted members of Muslim community on the occasion.
Eid Namaz was also performed at Jamia Masjid Mendhar and Jamia Masjid Harni by thousands of Muslims under the supervision of Moulana Mohammed Ayub and Moulana Noor Alam Noori respectively.
On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports, Raman Bhalla visited Malik Market, Bathindi, Karayani Talab and Digiana Eidgahs and exchanged Eid greetings with Muslim brethren.
Political leaders of various parties, prominent citizens, officers of various departments were also present and greeted the people on Eid-ul-Fitr.
Interacting with the Muslim brethren, Mr. Bhalla said that this joyous occasion would be a harbinger of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity, which are the hallmark of the State’s glorious pluralistic behaviour. He appealed the people to help the Government in restoring peace and normalcy in the State.
The Minister said that the day symbolises love, compassion and kindness. He asserted that Eid-ul-Fitr reminds us of our responsibility towards poor and needy and inculcates the spirit of sharing happiness and joy with everyone. He maintained that Islam teaches peace, brotherhood, amity and love besides tolerance and patience.