BANI, June 27: The newly renovated community centre was inaugurated by Master Lal Chand, MLA, Bani, today.
The community centre has been renovated by Sewa-II Power Station of NHPC Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility-Sustainable Development (CSR-SD) scheme. P K Langer, Chief Engineer – Incharge, Sewa-II Power Station was also present on the occasion alongwith Mohd Anwar Banday, SDM, Bani and other senior NHPC officers and local authorities.
The Community Centre has been renovated by NHPC at an approximate cost of Rs 30 lakh only. The Community Centre will be highly useful to the local population of Bani for various community purposes.
JABALPUR, June 27:
Citing growth of agriculture sector as an effective tool to fight poverty, President Pranab Mukherjee today stressed on re-orientation of agriculture universities and encouraged students to spearhead next farm revolution.
Speaking at a function here, the President said agriculture universities have a huge stake in the success of the farm sector as well as welfare of the common man.
“The yardstick of their (universities) performance is the quality of graduates being produced. We require committed, capable and hard working professionals from our agricultural institutions to spearhead the next farm revolution,” he said at Golden Jubilee Convocation ceremony of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya here.
Asserting that agriculture is a sector crucial on many counts, Mukherjee said, it determines the performance of our economy, ensures food availability and nutritional security, creates rural employment and boosts grassroot income.
“A great challenge before our nation is to end the curse of poverty and deprivation. Poverty has no religion, hunger no creed, and despair no geography. Mere poverty alleviation is not enough. It is poverty elimination that can truly herald India’s arrival in the comity of advanced nations.
“Studies have inferred that a one percentage growth in agriculture is two to three times more effective in fighting poverty than a one percentage growth in non-farm sectors,” the President said.
Mukherjee said development and management of skilled human resource is vital for realising the potential of the agricultural sector.
He also suggested improvement in country’s educational system to ensure that Indian universities find their place among world’s best institutions.
“India has been a front runner in higher learning from ancient times. Agriculture was taught at the world-renowned universities of Takshashila and Nalanda.
“Yet over the years, we have not been able to maintain our position. Global recognition eludes our agricultural universities today.
“It is a reflection of our overall higher education system, which cannot boast of a single Indian institution in the top 200 universities in the world,” he said stressing on “academic excellence”.
Mukherjee said the interest of bright students in the agricultural profession has to be stimulated.
“For that, proper counselling at the school level has to take place.This would sow the seeds of fascination amongst children for agricultural education.
“Agriculture has to evolve into a rewarding occupation for those who want to make it their career. This calls for steps at the institutional level,” the President said.
Mukherjee also suggested that stronger ties with the private sector have to be forged and potential entrepreneurs encouraged through networking, internship opportunities, sensitisation workshops and facilities for business incubators.
“An innovative model of agri-entrepreneurship could result in a boom not only for the food sector but for the rural economy as well,” he said.
Students in agricultural disciplines have to be infused with skills and competencies to enable them to work in a multi-functional set up, he added.
Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan among others were present during the function. (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 27: Departmental Related Standing Committee (DRSC-IV) of Legislative Council has instructed the authorities of the Tourism Department, J&K Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) and other Development Authorities to increase efforts in order to attract more and more tourists to the State for the promotion of the tourism sector.
The Committee which met here today under the chairmanship of MLC, Nayeem Akhtar Andrabi reviewed overall functioning of the Department, Corporation and Development Authorities and got feedback about the activities being carried out by them in the State.
Legislators, Rani Gargi Bloeria, Aga Syed Ahmed Rizvi and Sham Lal Bhagat also attended the meeting and gave their valuable suggestions for overall improvement and development of tourism infrastructure across the State.
Threadbare discussion was held on various issues pertaining to the functioning of Tourism Department.
The meeting also discussed status of various projects, steps being taken to promote tourism along the historic Mughal Road as a tourist destination besides promoting eco-tourism, development of huts and spiritual places. The status of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and Nagar Nagar projects were also discussed during the meeting.
On the occasion, Secretary, Tourism, Zaffar Ahmad Bhat briefed the Committee about the ongoing projects being executing by the department in detail.
JAMMU, June 27: J&K Non Gazetted Accounts Employees Association (NGAEA) held a meeting which was attended by large number of accounts personnel.
During the meeting, the speakers highlighted various demands including SRO-160 (Benefits of Monitoring) increment bar to be fully implemented, SRO-272 also to be fully implemented, change of designation (AA to Acctt, Acctt to Senior Acctt) as per pattern of provisional head accounts, creation of Deptt Exam (Acc, Part-I, II in the NZATI Jammu/ Srinagar).
They said that the association submitted memorandums to the concerned authority several times regarding their demands but nothing has been done till today.
They appealed the higher concerned authorities to look into the issues including transfer/promotion, creation of posts, as cell system in every department, pay normally, fresh recruitment, welfare fund, fill-up vacant posts, redressed to issues of class-IV, computer operator, stenographer, driver, clerical staff and cashier.
Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, June 27: BJP district vice president Ravi Kumar Thakur has criticized the Government for harassing the SPOs in district Kishtwar and alleged that this all is done to force them to quit the job by some politicians belonging to NC supported by some officers in the administration and police.
Mr Thakur in a statement issued here today said that the SPOs and VDCs have done a yeoman’s service to the nation in curbing terrorism in the hilly belt of Doda and Kishtwar and stopped mass migration of minorities from there. He said they have become an eye sore for the politicians of ruling NC which is hell bent to harass them by one way or the other.
He in an appeal to Union Government in general and MoS in PM’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh in particular who also represents the Doda-Kathua Parliamentary Constituency urged him to take up the issue with Union Home Minister and ensure that the SPOs services are regularized so that they don’t face harassment and humiliation in future.
He said the officers were harassing the SPOs in far flung areas and asking them to deposit their uniforms and arms immediately. This has caused an insecurity among the SPOs, he added.
Prof Neelam Saraf, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu presenting cricket gear to players of Hiranagar tehsil.
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: Cantt Cricket Club Satwari, one of the oldest Clubs in the City distributed cricket gear among the Cricket Clubs of Hiranagar tehsil in Jammu, today.
In the function organized by the Club, the cricket kits and allied equipments were distributed among the cricketers by Prof Neelam Saraf, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu.
It is pertinent to mention here that the members of the Cantt Cricket Club have contributed from their personal earnings to present the cricket gear for the upcoming cricketers of Hiranagar, tehsil and help them hone their skill up to the maximum level.
Prof Neelam Saraf, while speaking on the occasion appreciated the Club and its members for this noble gesture. She hoped that the beneficiary cricketers will make full use of the cricket equipment to fine-tune their cricketing skill and talent.
Among others present on the occasion were Ranjeet Kalra, Member BCCI and president of the Cantt Cricket Club, besides Vinay Thusoo and Ranji trophy player Rajkumar Bakshi, the executive members of the Club. Cricketer Sonu and Attar-Din were also present on the occasion.
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: T20 specialist, Sahil Bhalwal scored magnificent 95 runs, while talented Parveen Singh shone with both bat and ball and Ashwani Bhat displayed composure to help their teams register easy victories over their rivals and consolidate their positions in the ongoing Chevrolet Cricket Cup 2014 tournament sponsored by KC Motors Jammu and being played at KC Public School ground adjacent to KC Sports Club.
KCSC defeated Kacha Talab Cricket Club in an easy contest by 70 runs.
Winning the toss and batting first, KCSC scored a decent total of 169 runs in the stipulated 20 overs, losing 3 wickets in the process. Sahil Bhalwal played a brilliant innings of 95 runs off 56 balls, studded with 14 boundaries and one six, while Ashwani Bhat contributed valuable 48 runs off 30 balls with 7 fours and one six. For KTCC, Mukesh, Sourav and Arun claimed 1 wicket each.
In reply, KTCC bundled out for 99 runs in 18.4 overs, thus lost the match by 70 runs. Tony contributed 16 runs to the total, while Sourav and Sudhir chipped in with 11 runs each. For KCSC, Arjun Choudhary, Ashwani Bhat and Sahil Lotra took 2 wickets each, while Sahil Bhalwal, Amritpal Singh and Mayank Goutam claimed 1 wicket each. Sahil Bhalwal of KCSC was declared man of the match for his fabulous knock.
In another match, New Challengers Cricket Club drubbed Star Eleven Cricket Club by 5 wickets in an easy contest. Batting first, Star Eleven Cricket Club scored a paltry total of 88 runs in the stipulated 20 overs, losing 8 wickets in the process. Sanju and Nasir scored 23 and 19 runs respectively. Parveen Singh was the pick of the bowlers from New Challengers Club, who took 3 important wickets, while Deepak Singh Manhas and Ramdayal Punia claimed 2 and 1 wicket resepctively.
In reply, New Challengers Club scored the required runs in 14.3 overs by losing 5 wickets, thus won the match by 5 wickets. Parveen Singh top scored with 34 runs off 20 balls with 6 boundaries, while Hardeep Singh chipped in with 14 runs. For Star Eleven, Vivek and Robin bagged 3 and 2 wickets respectively. Parveen Singh of New Challengers Club was adjudged man of the match for his brilliant all-round display.
Abhijyot Singh Bedi, Sandeep Manchanda, Sadiq Hussain Malik, Rajinder Singh and Sohail Yusuf were the officials of the matches.
Westside Coupons worth Rs 1000 each were presented to the winners of man of the match awards. The prizes are being sponsored by KC Motors, Narwal, Jammu.
UDHAMPUR, June 27: A youth was mauled by a wild bear in forest area of Latti, where the victim had gone for grazing cattle.
Identified as Bihari Lal (29), son of Amar Nath of Kaithel, Latti, the youth was critically injured in the attack by bear. Some locals shifted him to District Hospital Udhampur where his condition was stated to be critical.
Meanwhile, another youth namely Amjad Hussain (27) son of Manzoor Hussain of Dalah, Udhampur, was stabbed by some unidentified assailants in Housing Colony Udhampur. The victim has been shifted to hospital while cause behind the incident could not be ascertained.
JAMMU, June 27: Kashmira Vahini demanded that Government of India should first acknowledge Kashmiri Pandits who were forced for migration and consider their demands at the earliest.
In it’s executive meeting here, today chaired jointly by Dr Kshama Kaul and Sudesha Kaul members passed a resolution unanimously urging Government of India to announce at least these two steps as confidence building measure before it invites the genuine representatives of the displaced community.
Members also made an appeal to the Union Government not to encourage scores of self style leaders sponsored by the Relief Organization to assume the role of creating confusion at the upcoming meeting of KP leaders with the Union Home Minister and Defense Minister at New Delhi.
Kashmira Vahini demanded a much awaited geo- political dispensation under which all seven lac Kashmiri Pandits are rehabilitated in a single and separate Homeland with Union Territory status in Kashmir and appealed to the community to remain united and watchful particularly at this juncture of our history.
Members warned the vested interests of dire consequences at the hands of suffering community members if they try to speak in different voices to derail the whole process.
Among others who attended the meeting include Kirti Kalla,Sushma Reshi,Gayatri Hashia,Vijaya Saproo, Sarojini, Veena Trisal, Rajkumari, Vibhuti Pandit and Meenakshi Sidha.
Curitiba (Brazil), June 27:
Rising star Islam Slimani helped realise million Algerian dreams when the striker gifted the African side its maiden last-16 entry in the World Cup after closing the door on Russia with a 1-1 draw as 10-man Belgium edged past South Korea 1-0 to stay atop Group H.
Trailing 0-1, Slimani’s header in the 60th minute ensured that Algeria put their disappointment of three failed attempts — 1982, 1986 and 2010 — to qualify for the knockouts of the World Cup behind them and create history.
Russian forward Aleksandr Kokorin gave his team the lead with a thumping header in the sixth minute and Algerian goalkeeper Adi Mbolhi could do little to stop the ‘Brazuca’ whizz past him in the right corner.
Algeria though kept testing the Russian defence and a few good strikes also put goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev on high alert.
The game though kept swinging from one side of the goal to another as the first half didn’t see much action as far as goals were concerned.
Come the second half and Russia once again tried to double the lead through Aleksandr Samedov, but the Algeria keeper thwarted the midfielders’ effort.
Soon hell broke loose in the Algerian camp when Slimani, who has three World Cup goals to his credit so far, headed the equaliser much to the joy coach Vahid Halihodzic.
The Russians were looking edgy after two bookings and Algeria soon capitalised on Yacine Brahimi’s free kick as Akinfeev missed the ball completely and Slimani was there to power home a towering header.
In Sao Paulo, group toppers Belgium cannot be accused of 0-0 a scoreline till half-time against a gritty South Korea as the stadium surface hindered the smooth run of play for either side.
Belgium though controlled the pace of the game in the first half and the Taeguk Warriors were only able to break forward on the counter.
But just when the jeers from the impatient crowd were getting louder the referee showed Belgium midfielder Steven Defour the red card to bring some drama to the game.
The F.C Porto player was sent off in the 45th minute after a tough tackle on Kim Shinwook as the No.16 stepped on the strikers shin in reckless fashion.
Coming onto the field with 10 players, a brave Belgium was gifted the winner by skipper Jan Vertonghen in the 78th minute.
South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu did well to save
Divock Origi’s initial shot but he let slip up a rebound and the Belgium midfielder had little problem scoring the lone goal of the match.
Belgium will take on USA in the last 16 encounter while Algeria have booked their German date in the pre-quarterfinals.
It is ironic that Algeria will play Germany in the knockout stage, when in 1982 West Germany were instrumental in pushing the Africans out of the league stages post a 1-0 pre-decided win against Austria.
It was then that FIFA introduced a revised qualification system at subsequent World Cups in which the final two games in each group were played simultaneously. (PTI)
