Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 12: PCC secretary, Hira Lal Abrol has appealed to the party high command to announce Ghulam Nabi Azad as Chief Ministerial candidate of the Party for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing workers’ meeting at Ward No 19 of Jammu East Assembly segment, Mr Abrol said that the base of the Congress in the State has become very strong and with optimistic approach, it will be the single largest party in the Jammu and Kashmir State.
He said Mr Azad’s prime concern is to fight for the basic rights of the people of the State and he is committed to take the State to the new heights. He started massive development in bad pocket and far- flung areas of the entire State. This decision would help Congress to secure good seats in the coming elections.
Declare Azad CM candidate: Abrol
Indian travellers splurge on vacation: Survey
NEW DELHI, June 12:
Indians splurge while they are on vacation, says a recent survey which pegged the country’s travellers topmost in the world who begin saving up for their trips at least six months in advance.
“Globally, Indians feel most excited about spending money to go on a vacation at an average of 52 per cent, followed by Mexicans at 46 per cent and Brazilians at 45 per cent,” says the survey by travel portal Expedia.
The “2014 Holiday Spending Index” analyzes preferences among travelers around the world for spending money on a vacation. It highlights “maturation of the Indian traveler who does not shy away from spending money for satisfying their wanderlust.”
The Index has found that Indians (85 per cent) are some of the most likely in the world to save for their vacations in advance. With Mexicans topping at 89 per cent followed by Malaysians 83 per cent and Thais 83 per cent.
“In fact, 63 per cent of Indians say they save for their vacations at least six months in advance- 10 per cent save for more than a year in advance, 21 per cent save for a year, 32 per cent save for 6 months,” says the survey.
By contrast, travelers from Japan 53 per cent and the Netherlands 55 per cent are least likely to save in advance for their vacations.
The research was conducted from March 11 to April 2 this year among 11,165 adults aged 18 years of age and older across 24 countries.
Manmeet Ahluwalia, Marketing Head, Expedia India says, “Indian travellers are the most excited globally to spend on vacations. In fact, they are globally the second highest splurgers on hotel related spends (at 87 percent).”
Indians (41 per cent) have also been most likely to have a dedicated vacation fund. Thais (53 per cent) and French (38 per cent) are the most likely to say they have a dedicated vacation fund, versus the global average at 28 per cent.
An average of 56 per cent of Indians said they decided not to take a vacation in last five years because of the cost, with 32 percent saying cost has prevented them from taking a vacation in the last 2 years .
While travelling Indians say they are most annoyed by taxes (48 per cent) followed by resort or hotel fees (34 per cent) and baggage fees (31 per cent).
Other irritants listed by desi travellers was having to buy a mobile phone package for out of network travel, booking fees, seat selection fares out-of-country medical insurance, rental car insurance in-room wi-fi and tipping.
Survey findings indicate that while on a fixed budget, 40 per cent travellers globally expect “Beach Vacations” to be most cost effective. This expectation is highest among the Danish (55 per cent) and lowest among Japanese (14 per cent).
Indians expect beach vacations to be most cost efficient (32 per cent), followed by vacations centered around historical or cultural sight-seeing.
While on an unlimited budget, travellers globally expect ‘cruises to be most luxurious (39 per cent) with Indians most likely to expect cruises to be most luxurious (33 per cent), followed by beach vacations (19 per cent)
When travelling in their own country, Norwegians expect to spend the most, with spending expectations averaging USD 1,256 per person for transportation, accommodation, food and beverage and activities, followed by the Japanese (USD 1,054) Canadians (USD 937) and Australians (USD 904). (PTI)
Banaras defeats Banihal to lift Gufran Memorial trophy
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
DODA, June 12: Banaras Cricket Club defeated Islamia Cricket Club Banihal in the summit clash to lift the title trophy of the All India 10th Gufran Memorial T20 Cricket Championship 2014, which concluded at Sports Stadium, here.
The tournament was organized by Young Star Cricket Club (YSCC) Doda and sponsored by J&K Bank, Bajaj Allianz and Rashtriya Rifles Rajput Unit Doda.
Batting first after winning the toss Banaras Cricket Club made 163 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in stipulated 20 Overs. Galib Ansari scored 88 runs while Nishant made 35 runs. For Islamia Cricket Club Banihal Shakel and Imran Dar got 3 wickets each.
In reply, Islamia Cricket Club Banihal could not chase the target and made 137 runs in 20 overs by losing 9 wickets, thus lost the match by 26 runs. Mukhtiwer (27) and Atif Nabi (22 ) contributed for Islamia Club. For Banaras Cricket Club, Jatinder and Himant Rai took 2 wicket each. Galib Ansari of Banaras Cricket Club was declared as man of the match for his best Bating performance and was awarded with cash price of one thousands. Kuldeep Pal was awarded as the man of the Series which got 18 wickets and scored special 124 runs. He was awarded with Motor Bike (Platina).
The award was given by MLC Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy who was the chief guest on the occasion and guest of honour Col. Sunil Mishra Commandant 10 RR. Winner team got Rs 80,000 as cash prize and runners-up bagged 40,000 as cash prize.
Manzoor Ahmed Batt Patron YSCC and Mehboob Kripak Manager YSCC presented vote of thanks.
The match was officiated by Darmesh Bhardwaj and Sanjay Singh as umpires, while Waseem Raja acted as the scorer.
Awareness prog on ‘World Day Against Child Labour’ organised
Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, June 12: To commemorate the “World Day against Child Labour”, as per the calander of activities of the National Legal Service Authority, Tehsil Legal Service Committee, Doda in collaboration with District Labour Dapartment, organised an awareness programme.
The programme commenced with meeting of the Tehsil Legal Service Commitee with the officials of the Labour Department namely, Tabish Saleem, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Doda, Pradyot Gupta, Labour Officer, Doda, Legal Aid Panel Lawyers, Para-legal Volunteers, Legal Aid officials, police officials, lawyers and court staff at Court Complex Doda, to sesitize the concerned about the prevalent practice of child labour. Need was felt to spread the awareness among the general public.
A team of officials of Labour Department, Legal Aid Panel lawyers, police officials and official of Tehsil Legal Service Committee was constituted which conducted inspection of number of shops and commercial establishments to find out the instances of child labour in the Doda town.
Alarming number of such shops and commercial establishments were found employing children to work on menial works. Some of the shop owners were found to have engaged such children on hazardous jobs in the name of training, even without payments of salary. Children employed in such jobs were freed on spot and sent to their parents.
Afterwards the offenders were brought to the office of Chairman Tehsil Legal Service Committee, Doda where counselling session was held. Rajeev Gupta, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Doda (Chairman TLSC Doda) and Tabish Saleem, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Doda counselled them about the child rights under the Constitution of India nd International Conventions, and also about prohibition under various laws for employing children in business and commercial activities. The offenders were made to undersand the legal and social implications of employing children in such jobs.
Some parents of children employed in shops also attended counselling session and aired their grievance that there was no scheme for rehabilitation of such children after they are removed from jobs. Parents also keep them in such jobs for supplimenting their income and after removal of children from jobs the parents lose source of income.
ALC apprised the parents about number of welfare schemes which can be handy for rehabilitation of children. District Labour Department was asked to carry on the drive against child labour practices and to send the message across that such practices will not be allowed. The inspection team was sent to other parts of District Doda to spread the awareness against child labour practices.
Elderly person missing
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU June 12: Gopal Dass R/o Chack Jaffer is missing from the last 10 days. He left the house for some work and did not return back. A case in this concern has been registered at Police Station, Kana Chack.
Anybody, who has any information regarding the missing person may please contact Parshotam Lal at mobile nos 8803743750, 8716801355 or Police Station Kana Chack, immediately.
Water supply to remain affected in Udhampur
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 12: Water supply in Udhampur town and outskirts will remain affected tomorrow due to prolonged power cuts during the day.
This was stated by PHE Executive Engineer, Udhampur, Ashwani Anand.
He urged the people to use water judiciously.
Gymnasts Mitali, Palak to represent country in Commonwealth Games
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 12: Ace gymnasts of Jammu and Kashmir State Mitali and Palak have been selected to represent the country in the Commonwealth Games to be held at Scotland in July, 2014.
The selection in this regard was made during the ongoing 23rd National RG Championships at Thane, Maharashtra in which Mitali and Palak Kour were declared second and third all-round best gymnasts in Rhythmic Gymnastics respectively. Prabhjot of Punjab won gold in the championship.
Police should be ready for challenges: DGP
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 12: Director General of Police, K Rajendra today said that Police should be ready to face challenges as they have faced many challenges in the past.
Rajendra today paid a day long visit to Baramulla where he reviewed the security with the top brass of police officers and security forces besides addressing the police jawans.
While addressing the policemen, DGP said that about 1500 police officers and jawans have given sacrifices. “It is huge keeping in view the size of our department, keeping the sacrifices of our martyrs in sight we must continue their mission of securing the life and property of the people and eliminating terrorism from the State”, he added.
The DGP said: “We need to work hard and remain prompt in delivering our services to the people.” “People approach police with the hope that they will be heard and their problems will be addressed”, he said adding, “We have to come up to their expectations and work honestly while discharging our duties.”
DGP reiterated that corruption and violation of human rights will not be tolerated. “Miniscule black sheep among us who damage our image need to be identified and sidelined. These few will not be allowed to jeopardize our efforts of public goodwill”, he added.
Rajendra said that he will take up the matter for providing hassle free loans to the policemen with the Government.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, G H Bhat, assured that the Range will try its best to meet the expectations of the DGP.
PDP to develop all regions: Yashpal
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 12: Seeking support of every section of the society to change the present corrupt system in J&K, general secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Yash Pal Sharma, (MLC) today said that PDP has agenda and vision to address problems of all regions and sub-regions of the State.
Welcoming some political activists from Bani Assembly segment and Rajbagh area of Kathua district who joined PDP today, Mr Sharma said that PDP has emerged as genuine, strong and credible voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through its convictions and visionary policies.
“The pro-people visionary agenda of the party is formulated by incorporating wishes and aspirations of all sections of the society”, he said.
Mr Sharma said that it was result of the visionary political and economic agenda of the party that PDP has emerged as real voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and has earned credibility of the common masses through its convictions.
Seeking cooperation of the people, he said that PDP with the help of the masses wants to change destiny of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “It is the people who ensure peace, security and development in their respective areas so with the power of people PDP wants to establish lasting peace in this region”, he said.
Reminding the people about policies adopted by the previous Government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed from the period of 2002 to 2005, he said, “the PDP led regime has, not only rekindled a new hope among the State’s distressed, agonized and traumatized masses, but it had also devised and started implementing focused developmental strategies for every area of the State”.
“After suffering decades of deprivation and neglect, for the first time all the regions and sub-regions of the State had started tasting development with the change of guard in 2002,”, he said.
Mentha oil futures slide 0.24 pc on weak demand
NEW DELHI, June 12: Mentha oil prices declined by 0.24 per cent to Rs 793.30 per kg in futures trade today as speculators trimmed positions, driven by weak spot demand.
Further, higher supplies from producing regions also put pressure on mentha oil prices.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, mentha oil for delivery in June shed Rs 1.90, or 0.24 per cent to Rs 793.30 per kg in business turnover of 122 lots.
Similarly, the oil for delivery in July traded lower by the same margin to Rs 806.10 per kg in 49 lots.
Market analysts attributed the fall in mentha oil futures to offloading of positions by speculators amid weak demand from consuming industries in the spot market mainly led to the fall in mentha oil prices at futures trade. (PTI)