Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, July 13: On the request of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) and MoS,Prime Minister Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh, a Tamilian IAS officer of 2002 Bihar cadre M. Saravanan has been appointed as his Private Secretary (PS).
As per an official hand-out,Saravanan, a 2002 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, has been appointed as PS to Dr Jitendra Singh,Minister of State for Science and Technology ( I/C), Earth Sciences, Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and Atomic Energy and Space for a period of five years.
43-year-old Saravanan hails from Tamil Nadu and is presently working in his cadre. He is known to be a competent and serious officer.
Incidentally, earlier as his Additional Private Secretary (APS) also,Dr Jitendra Singh had opted for another Tamilian officer of UPSC cadre M. Venkatesan.
Saravanan is PS to Dr Jitendra
Let law graduates preside over traffic courts: Law panel
NEW DELHI, July 13:
With traffic challan cases constituting 37.4 per cent of the 2.68 crore cases clogging the lower courts, the Law Commission has come out with a novel way to deal with the situation by recommending appointment of law graduates to preside over special traffic courts.
In its latest report submitted to the Law Ministry, the panel has said if law graduates preside over special traffic courts, judges in the lower judiciary can take care of other pressing cases.
“Recent law graduates may be appointed for short duration (three years) to preside over these special traffic courts. These special courts should only deal with cases involving fines. Cases which may involve imprisonment should be tried before regular courts in order to ensure fair process,” it said.
The report ‘Manpower Planning in Judiciary: A Blue Print’ said facilities should be made available for online payment of fines as well as the payment of fines at designated counters in the court complex to reduce pendency of cases.
The panel, which advices Government on complex legal issues, has also recommended that special morning and evening courts be set up for dealing with traffic and police challan cases which constitute 37.4 per cent of all pending cases in the last three years before the subordinate judiciary.
Referring to 270 vacancies in the 24 high courts, the Law Commission said there was an urgent need to increase the strength of judges in the high courts to ensure that appeals and revisions from additional cases disposed of by subordinate courts is dealt with timely. It said the high courts are already burdened with backlogs and increase in the strength will help them overcome the problem. The report said the recruitment of new judges should focus, as a matter of priority, on the number of judges required to break even and to dispose of the backlogs in a three-year timeframe.
The law panel has also batted for increasing the retirement age of judges of lower courts to 62, bringing it on par with judges of the high courts. Any change in the retirement age of judges of lower courts is the prerogative of state Governments.
According to latest data, there are 4,382 vacancies in the subordinate judiciary in the country, with a maximum of 616 in Bihar.
It said there is an “urgent need” to “fix rational, non-mandatory timeframes for different types of cases and use such timeframes as a basis for setting judge performance standards, litigant expectations and making more robust policy recommendations for the judiciary.”
Quoting a Supreme Court directive, it said it is neither advisable nor feasible nor judicially permissible to draw or prescribe an outer limit for conclusion of all criminal proceedings and therefore it was not in favour of mandatory timeframe for disposal of cases. (PTI)
Cricket imbibes camaraderie among youngsters: Rana
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
NAGROTA July 13: Jagti Eleven defeated Bain Bajalta by six wickets in Inter-Panchayat Cricket Tournament at Dhok Waziran in Dhansal Block of Nagrota Constituency.
The event invoked immense interest among the sports lovers of Dhansal and adjoining villages with large number of people, especially youth thronging to witness the six-day tournament. In all 26 teams of the Panchayats spread over in the constituency participated.
While Jagti Eleven was led by Manish, the Bain Bajalta team was captained by Farooq.
The tournament was organised by Raman Wazir, Sarpanch Dhok Waziran.
Provincial President Devender Singh Rana, who was chief guest at the prize giving ceremony, gave away the winners and runners up trophies. He complimented all the participating teams in the tournament, saying the game of cricket imbibes spirit of camaraderie among the youngsters.
Mr Rana said Jammu and Kashmir has produced good cricketers who have made their presence felt during Ranji Tournaments and other events across the nation. In this context, he referred to the distinction achieved by Parvez Rasool and said he has made the State proud by being incorporated in the national squad.
The Provincial President hoped that holding of such events would promote cricket among youngsters and inspire them to make their presence felt at the State and national level.
The Sarpanches and Panches of all the Panchayats were present on the occasion.
Binny’s 78 saves first Test for India
Nottingham, July 13:
Stuart Binny struck a match-saving 78 on his debut as India overcame some anxious moments to manage a draw in the first cricket Test against England here today.
India were in deep trouble midway into the morning session as Virat Kohli (8), Ajinkya Rahane (24) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (11) were dismissed in quick succession with the visiting side 145 runs ahead and just four second innings wicket in hand.
But, Binny made a mark in his maiden Test with a memorable performance as he not only pulled India out of the woods but also took his side to a lead of more than 300 runs to shut the door on England at Trent Bridge.
Binny also found an able ally in Ravindra Jadela (31) as they put on a crucial 65-run stand for the seventh wicket to keep England — who had scored 496 all out in their first innings — at bay.
India, however, continued to bat and declared their second innings at 391 for nine. The two sides then decided to end the match.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who shared 91 runs with Binny for the eighth wicket, remained not out at 63, his second half century of the match after his first innings 58.
Binny’s solid 78 off 114 balls was studded with eight fours and a six and he was out just before tea break after taking the match out of England’s reach.
Binny, who showed fantastic temperament in his debut match, looked on course for a century before Moeen Ali had him LBW with 10 minutes to go for tea.
India were 347 for eight at tea break, an overall lead of 308, and by then it was clear that the match would end in a draw.
The two sides now move to Lord’s in London for the second of the five-match Test series, which begins on July 17.
Treat juveniles accused of rape on par with adults: Minister
CHENNAI, July 13:
Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi today favoured treating juveniles accused of heinous crimes like rape on par with adult offenders.
Speaking to reporters here, she said according to the police, 50 per cent of all sexual crimes were committed by “16-year-olds who know the Juvenile Justice Act so they can do it.”
“But now for premeditated murder, rape, if we bring them into the purview of the adult world, then it will scare them,” she said.
Former WCD Minister Krishna Tirath during the previous UPA regime had proposed that juveniles above 16 years guilty of heinous crimes be treated on par with adult offenders.
The move was however opposed by various NGOs and National Commission of Protection of Child Rights which stated that such a proposal was against child rights. (PTI)
‘Doonya’ Bollywood workout workshop organized
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 13: In continuation of practice of value addition on fitness among the females, Doonya-The Bollywood workout, one day workshop was organized at Auditorium Red Cross Bhawan Kacchi Chawni here by Shape N Smile in collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu Region.
The workshop was second workshop conducted by Aarti Mahajan, a fitness enthusiast, who is certified Reebok and Doonya Trainer, who is playing a large role in educating women on fitness and its role in one’s life.
Describing details about her new initiative she said, our goal for this workshop is to encourage females to take control of their health, to learn the facts they need to make smart health choices, and to make time for regular physical activity.
The highlight of the workshop was participation of the young girls from Neha Garh, a home being run by ASHI which provides shelter to women and adolescent along with other participants.
The young girls danced to the beats of some of the hottest Bollywood numbers featuring Ni Mein Kamli Yaar Di Kamli, Malang Malang, Jugni, Oh Rangreza, Party Toh Banati Hai and Bolo Tara Rara.
The girls from the home were delighted with this first ever experience in life which till date they watched on the Television screen.
It took them to the music’s upbeat and made them just to dance to their own moves and rhythm when they couldn’t keep up with the trainers. For them it was a real fun.
R C Puri Secretary of Indian Red Cross Society Jammu Region was the chief guest, who distributed certificates of participation on the occasion.
He asserted his commitment for providing platform to such girls who need a opportunity and push up for their better upliftment in the society with the support of such organization.
Doonya is a dance-based fitness workout.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were Neha Bhogal, Shriya Gupta, Danish Samotra and Sushant Singh Sudan.
Red Cross Volunteer, Deepika Pandita conducted the proceedings of the workshop and vote of thanks.
India should focus on innovation, not outsourcing: V K Singh
GUWAHATI, July 13:
India should focus more on innovation to make it a centre of industrial activities instead of just becoming a mere destination of outsourcing, DONER Minister Gen (retd) Vijay Kumar Singh said today.
“Technology development can take place through imitation, transplantation and innovation. Becoming a mere destination for outsourcing should not be the goal of India. Ownership and pride lie not in imitation and transplantation of technology, but in innovation,” Singh said at the 16th convocation the IIT-Guwahati.
The Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) said the country needed to devote its energy to the manufacturing sector with efficient and robust processing techniques.
“There is an overriding priority to undertake technology development in different fields and make India a nerve centre of our industrial activities,” he added.
To remain at the forefront of technological and scientific developments, research in institutions like IITs demand for international collaboration and the association with the industry, he said.
“Knowledge is recognised as a key resource for achieving economic growth and social development. The knowledge revolution has restructured manufacturing processes, redistributed markets, redefined relations among nations and refined methods of governance,” the former Army chief said.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors of IIT-Guwahati R P Singh said the institute would create a centre for art and culture soon to harness the talent of the north eastern region.
During the convocation, a total of 1,232 students were conferred degrees for successful completion of BTech, BDes, MTech, MDes, MSc, MA and PhD courses from IIT-Guwahati.
In 2013-14 financial year, the premier institute spent a total of Rs 336.17 crore compared to Rs 271.67 crore in the previous fiscal, the institute sources said. (PTI)
Indian Air Force Women Cycling Expedition flagged off
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, July 13: Indian Air Force Women Cycling Expedition from Pathankot to Leh was flagged off by Air Officer Commanding at Air Force Station, Pathankot, today.
The team comprising of 9 young and enthusiastic women officers will pedal all the way in three segments to cover a total distance of about 1500 kilometers.
At Pathankot base camp, the pedal pushers were given toughening and rigorous training where participants were taught how to cycle better and faster and how to stay fitter.
The women officers were trained on all aspects focusing on riding, yoga and grueling riding sessions in and around Pathankot.
The first two segments, are all acclimatization segments from Pathankot to Palcham (Manali) and Palcham (Manali) to Leh.
The third segment is the high attitude cycling route in Leh circuit.
The aim of this Expedition is to foster team spirit, inculcate zeal for adventure, encourage better understanding of the terrain and appreciate diverse environment in south east region of Leh.
The organizers said that this is an opportunity for the women with flair of adventure to enhance synergy between the sister services and to add on to the glory of IAF.
St Peters’ Catholic, Pentecostal seal berth in finals of Inter-Church Tournament
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, July 13: St Peters’ Catholic Church and Pentecostal Church registered wins over their rivals to qualify for the finals of the ongoing 2nd Inter-Church Cricket Tournament at Alexander Memorial High School, here.
The Tournament is being organized jointly by the Christian Sports Organization and J&K Police.
The first match was played between Church of North India and Evengical Church. Batting first, Evengical Church scored 152 runs for loss of four wickets. Ranchun, Jerry and Rishu scored 47, 35 and 33 runs to the total respectively. From CNI Church, Stephan Moon took 2 wickets, while Adonis and Davian shared 1 wicket each.
In reply, Church of North India bundled out for 96 runs in 11.4 overs. Vasu, Justin and Tony contributed 23, 17 and 10 runs respectively. For Evengical Church, Rippan and Rinku took 3 wickets each, while Rishu and Sonu took 2 wickets each. Rishu was declared man of the match.
The second match was played between the Catholic Church-A XI and Catholic Church-B.
The Catholic Church-A XI, batting first scored 166 runs in the allotted 12 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Main scorers were Ambroose with 80 runs, Avinash with 30 runs and Vinod with 18 runs. From Catholic Church-B, Neeraj and Sajan took 2 wickets each.
In reply Catholic Church-B could not chase the target and were all out in 11 overs for 77 runs only. Main batsmen namely Joshva, Raju and Neeraj scored 32,18 and 15 runs. From Catholic Church XI Sahil and Avinash took 3 wickets each while Austin Peter and Ajay took 2 wickets each.
Ambroose was declared man of the match. The match was officiated by Danis and Prince Subh.
The Third match was played between Pentecostal Church and Evengical Church.
Batting first Pentecostal Church scored 100 runs in the allotted 12 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. Sunny Mattoo 31, Sunny Gill 20 and Pattric 15 were the main scorers. From Evengical Rishu took 2 wickets, Rippan, Sony and bubby shared one wicket each for their team.
In reply Evengical Church tried hard to chase the target but they could make only 93 runs for 9 wickets in 12 overs thus lost the match by 7 runs. Tuffy with 35 runs and Jerry 11 runs were the main scorers. From Pentecostal Rohit took 3 wickets, Nitish took 3 wickets while Romario and Sunny Gill shared 1 wicket each.
Sunny Mattoo was declared man of the match. The match was officiated by Suhail Yusuf, Sandeep Manchanda and Vinod.
Rajesh Gill, Former Ranji Player and President of the Christian Sports Organization, J&K was the chief guest, who was introduced with players of both teams.
The final match will be played between St Peters’ Catholic Church and Evengical Church and Shakeel Beig, DIG Jammu, will be the chief guest and Fr Kuriakose Incharge Priest of Gandhi Nagar Church, will be the guest of honour.
CBI to look into NDA meeting for VVIP chopper; may examine its own special Director
NEW DELHI, July 13:
After recording statements of three Governors in connection with the alleged bungling in purchase of VVIP helicopters, the focus of CBI’s probe into the Rs 3,600 crore deal has shifted to meetings held in this connection in 2003 when the previous NDA regime was in power and it may go through the records of meetings held in November that year.
Official sources said the agency would be probing every aspect of the case to corroborate the statements made by former Governors of West Bengal and Goa—M K Narayanan and B V Wanchoo respectively—and Governor of Andhra Pradesh E S L Narsimhan, who claimed that a decision to decrease the flying altitude was taken in principle in 2003.
The sources did not rule out the possibility of recoding statement of CBI’s own Special Director Anil Kumar Sinha, a 1979 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre, as he was the then Inspector General in the elite Special Protection Group, a force which guards the Prime Minister of the country.
After completing the formalities of examining Narayanan, Narsimhan and Wanchoo, the CBI decided to see whether any such decision was taken in principle during the 2003 meetings.
During extensive recording of statement, Wanchoo, who resigned as Goa Governor on July four, informed the CBI about a meeting held by top officials of the Prime Minister’s Office in 2003 in which it was decided in principle for having a “realistic operational requirement” after consulting elite SPG, the sources said here.
CBI will also approach the Air Headquarters and the then Air Chief, Air Chief Marshal Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy, on a letter from the then PMO asking for taking a realistic approach and ensure competition in purchasing helicopters for flying the VVIPs including the President and Prime Minister of the country.
The helicopters form a part of VVIP squardon maintained by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
63-year-old Wanchoo, who was chief of SPG from 2004 onwards, put in his papers after he received a call from Union Home Secreatary Anil Goswami conveying Government’s wish that he submit his resignation. Narayanan, 80, who was the National Security Advisor till 2010, demitted his office on June 30.
All the three Governors were part of March one, 2005 meeting in which a decision was taken to reduce “service ceiling” (the altitude at which a helicopter can fly) from the 6,000 meters to 4,500 meters and all of them told the CBI that the meeting reiterated in principle decision taken in the 2003 meeting which had been taken keeping in mind to encourage competition as well as change the rules framed for purchasing VVIP chopper in 1970s, the sources said.
CBI registered a case against former IAF Chief S P Tyagi along with 13 others including his cousins and European middlemen in the case.
The allegation against the former Air Chief was that he had reduced flying ceiling of the helicopter so that AgustaWestland company was included in the bids. Tyagi has refuted the allegation against him. (PTI)