Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 14: Little Champs Abacus Academy , Talab Tillo, affilated with UC MAS India Private Limited today organised 3rd Graduaton Ceremony of the 8th level students.
In the 8th level of the course, Shubam Jain and Siksha Handoo bagged first position, whereas second position was secured by Kshitij Jain and Nikshan jain. Manas Jain and Ritvik Gupta secured third position.
Other students who completed their graduation were Arham Jain, Akash Kakroo, Ashna Kesar and Simridhi Raina.
On this occasion, Rupesh Masson, Master franchisee J&K State along with Centre Head Rashmi aggarwal, presented trophies to the graduates.
While speaking centre head Rashmi Aggarwal said that the students completed the abacus mental arithmetic system in nearly two and a half year time.
Rashmi aggarwal said that their two year learning would help them in solving any calculation, multiplication or division very easily and that to without the use of calculator.
Rupesh Masson in his speach impressed upon the students to implement these skills so as to achieve sucess in every part of the life.
Earlier CI Kalpana Jain presented the welcome address, while vote of thanks was presented by CI Anjana Kumari.
UC MAS organises 3rd Graduation Ceremony
Advani rewrites history, enters quarters of Welsh Open
New Delhi, Feb 14:
Pankaj Advani continued his dream run in the BetVictor Welsh Open Pro Snooker Series as the eight-time world champion today rewrote history by entering the quarterfinals of a major ranking event, defeating Scotland’s Graeme Dott 4-1 at Newport, Wales.
Continuing his great run after ousting World No. 4 Shaun Murphy in the pre-quarterfinals, the reigning world billiards champion comfortably defeated 2006 world champion Dott to once again stamp his authority on the professional snooker circuit.
Advani had yesterday become the first Indian cueist ever to reach the pre-quarters of the Welsh Open when he overcame a spirited challenge from the former world champion Murphy 4-3 in the Round of 32. (PTI)
PoK refugees
Sir,
How many more protests they have to stage that the Government wakes upto their problems which have remained unresolved since 1947, 1965 and 1971. If the Government is in a position to say so these refugees will do so. And in case, the Government is not in a State to State so, then it should without wasting energy and resources settle the issue of refugees once for all. Non-redressal of their genuine problems amounts to violation of fundamental rights of this community.
They have been assured umpteen times that their grievance will be looked into seriously, but these assurances have turned out to be mere rehtoric.
It is high time the State Government takes up the issue with Central Government with seriousness and find a solution to this old problem. More than 60 years have passed since partition but these people continue to heal their wounds. The simmering discontent should not be construed as weakness of this community. Rather it is a strength which provides Government an opportunity to find an everlasting solution. Otherwise, the simmering couldron may explode sometime and cause damage. Let’s not let that opportunity come.
Yours etc….
Krishan Chand
Talab Tiloo
Apple Kids students’ blossom
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 14: The students of Apple Kids, Sainik Colony blossomed by winning 15 medals in the 4th State Kofukan Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Championship, organized by Kofukan Shito-Ryu Karate School, here.
Dhairya Mehra and Saila Nazir bagged gold, while the silver went to Abhayjyot Singh, Prithvi Singh, Rajvansh, Rasik Jamwal and Tanish Khajuri. The bronze medal was claimed by Tanish Bali, Karanveer Singh, Simardeep Singh, Asit Gupta, Vidhant, Vishav Jamwal, Udhay, Harmandeep Kour and Ranya Rajput.
The School Principal Veena Aswal and Centre Head Bindu Mehra felicitated the winners along with their coach Umesh Rekhi.
Lecture on basic life support, first aid delivered
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Feb 14: As a part of the six days training programme for Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS), under Pilot Project Scheme being organized by Civil Defence Organization, an expert lecture on “Basic Life Support and First Aid” was held in the premises of Civil Defence Complex, here today.
Deputy Medical Superintendent District Hospital Udhampur, Dr Deepak Kumar delivered the lecture.
In the power point presentation, Dr Deepak imparted awareness among the volunteers about the different facets of the basic life support and first aid to the victim at the time of any incident. He said that human life is precious and all efforts have to be made by the first responder at the incident site to save the human life.
Deputy Controller, Civil Defence, Udhampur, Dy SP Bodh Raj presented vote of thanks, while Deputy Chief Warden, Advocate Swatantra Dev Kotwal, Civil Defence conducted the proceedings of the function.
Afzal Guru’s execution
Sir,
Having gone through most of the comments and responses of various leaders reported in the media over the execution of Parliament attack victim , Afzal Guru , the observations made by Union Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah were the most balanced, mature, sensible and statesman – like . His appeal to the media not to play with the sentiments of the people for the sake of highest ratings is worth consideration . Had the plan succeeded no one knows how many representatives would have fallen prey to the bullets of the terrorists . In Mrs. Indira Gandhi , Rajiv Gandhi and Beant Singh the country has already lost two prime ministers and a Chief Minister and many more in such terrorist acts as in Mumbai.
No politics need to be played over the execution . The delay in execution and not informing the Guru’s family timely reflect the sensitivity of the matter and dilemma of the Union Government which had to weigh all the pros and cons .
The warning of Dr. Farooq Abdullah to beware of the enemy within and call for unity to fight such divisive and separatist forces to strengthen democracy and fulfill the vision of the founding fathers is timely and needs sincere action on the part of all the citizens who wish to serve their country.
Had the execution not been carried out even now , what message it would have sent to other such anti-national fanatics , the families of the martyrs , law enforcement agencies , Indian society and other nations of the world. The citizens expect rule of law to prevail irrespective of threat of fanatics and terrorists who need to be given a strong message.
Yours etc….
Arun Jandial
Talab Tillo,Jammu
SDKV Jullaka Mohalla celebrates 113th Annual Day
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 14: Sanatan Dharam Kanya Vidyalaya (SDKV) Jullaka Mohalla Jammu celebrated its 113th Annual Day function in the school premises with pomp and show, here today.
MLA Jammu East, Ashok Khajuria was the chief guest on the occasion, who lighted the traditional lamp to mark the opening of function which was followed by Saraswati Vandana by the students.
The students presented a colourful cultural programme on the occasion, which was held under the supervision of Neeru, Rakesh Malhotra and other staff members.
Ashok Khajuria released Rs 10,000 for the performing students and announced Rs 10,00000 from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the development of this educational institution.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were Jagdish Dogra, president SD Sabha, Jammu, Prof BR Sharma, Prof SK Malhotra, ML Vidyarthi, Sat Pal Singh, Kuldeep Sharma, Dr Vikas Nagar and Shailender Sharma.
The function ended with vote of thanks presented by the School Principal, Madhuma Marwaha.
J&K International Rafting Cup from Feb 22
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 14: To explore the adventure sports potential of the Chinab region, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is going to organize Jammu and Kashmir International Rafting Cup, 2013 on Chinab River from February 22 to February 28, 2013 on Chinab River.
In view of this forthcoming event, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Doda convened a meeting of District and Section Officers and reviewed the necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event.
The meeting among others was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Doda, Anil Koul, CPO Doda, Dr Yassir Balwan, SSP Doda Arif Rishu, SDM Bhaderwah, Dr RK Bharti, Nodal Officer of event, AD Tourism Pahalgam Srinagar, Tariq Hussain besides Executive Officer Municipality Doda, Thathri, Army Officers and other District and Section Officers.
Various arrangements were discussed in the meeting which include boarding and lodging of teams and their stay in District Doda, security arrangements, uninterrupted Power Supply, Deployment of Chinab Rescue teams (Divers) at the venue, Maintenance of normal water level during the event, Deployment of Medical teams and ambulances, Regulation of Traffic, Maintenance of sanctity of town, road and venue area besides various other arrangements.
DDC impressed upon the officers to put in place all the arrangements well in time for the smooth and successful conduct of this International event in the District and asked the officers to work in coordinated manner.
He said that this event will go a long way in promoting tourism potential of the District and also prove a milestone for development of the District and future tourism seasons in the region.
He said efforts must be made to explore 100 percent tourism potential of the region.
JU constitutes Advisory Board for Sports infra development
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 14: The University of Jammu constituted a 9-member Sports Advisory Committee to develop sports infrastructure in the Varsity and promote sports and games.
The Committee comprises the 9-member Committee includes Ranjeet Kalra, Assistant Director Academic Staff College, University of Jammu, Kirupalli Singh, Arjuna Awardee and gymnastics coach, Aman Sharma, basketball coach, Vikas Sharma, swimming coach, J&K State Sports Council, Baljinder Singh, athletic coach, Sports Council and an executive engineer, University Works Department, besides Dhian Singh Bhau, Director Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu and Jai Kumar Sharma, Special Secretary to Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu.
It is pertinent to mention here that the University is planning to build sports infrastructure in a big way. The proposal which have been finalized includes full-flegged Sports Hostel, Olympic Size Swimming Pool with diving facilities, Lawn Tennis Courts and renovation of the existing infrastructure.
Arctic Ocean Resources India-Russia collabiration
Nitya Chakraborty
The race is on among the big global powers including USA, Russia, China and the European Union to take part in the massive efforts that are currently on to explore the vast untapped resources of the Arctic Ocean. The Arctic Council’s eight member nations are under tremendous pressure to give full observer status to China, Japan, European Union and India at its meeting in May this year when Canada assumes chairmanship of the Council.
USA, as one of the major Arctic nations, has done major investigation and exploration work on Ocean resources and this has been followed by Russia which has also collected massive data. India which is associated with the exploration work in the Ocean for long, has been doing extensive data collection and India has applied for full observer status on the basis of its record of having wealth of experience to contribute to the strengthening of the information pool of the Council. Indian experts have extensive experience in exploration work in the oceans and all the areas covered by the Arctic Council, are of crucial importance to India.
Indian experts believe that Arctic is going to be an important hub for possible sources of energy and it could be a passage which shortens transit lines for shipping. Apart, the region contains many areas for scientific investigation in which India has deep interests. India has been working with Arctic Council’s eight member nations and India has offered its experts to the Arctic pool for investigations. India feels that through its size of technological personnel including those in navigation, it can contribute a lot to the human resources of the existing Arctic Circle activities. Already an experimental station of India is working in Norway with the objective of carrying out deep sea research.
Russia, being a member of the Arctic Council, has been active for long and Russian researchers have collected sufficient probative data to substantiate Russian continental shelf boundaries. This, within the framework of three month geological and physical expedition Arctic 2012 on validation of outer boundaries of Russian continental shelf, researchers have gathered more than 22 thousand rock samples from the Arctic ocean. The Russians say that the results of ocean floor seismic exploration denote that Mendeleev Ridge is of similar nature of continental structure
Russia has submitted to the United Nations a request for recognition of Lomonosov shelf as its territory and in its bid, Russia wants India’s support. Russian argument is that among all Arctic states, Russia is the most tested partner of India and supporting the position of Moscow now, New Delhi significantly consolidates its chances to get access to the richest Russian shelf deposits, North Sea route flow lanes and well developed infrastructure on favourable conditions in future. There is another political angle to this. China is equally active in the region and Beijing’s geographical position places it in a more advantageous position vis a vis India for using Arctic resources to satisfy raw material needs. An understanding between Russia and India will be far beneficial to India in getting maximum benefits from the Arctic resources.
Russian sources maintain that the results of the US scientific investigations coincide with Russian assessments. In particular, evaluation of analysis data of Latest expeditions into the high latitudes on icebreaker Healey made US researchers change their earlier assessments of Lomonosov ridge and Mendeleev Ridge geological nature. Presently US Arctic Research Commission experts are inclined to admit that Arctic underwater mountain chains have continental nut not volcanic character. The dismissal of the second Russian application by the UN committee is considered by Russia as politically motivated, biased towards USA and may cause undermining of international maritime law principles.
Since the head of the UN committee is an Indian nominee, Russia is looking forward towards a favorable decision taking into account the possibilities of collaboration between both countries in the Arctic Ocean region. Further, none of the Sub-arctic states will ever allow uncontrolled mining operations in its zone. Thereupon, countries without direct outlet to Arctic Ocean waters will probably be either totally deprived of the opportunity to exploit Arctic Region deposits or will have to collaborate with companies of USA, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Russia on evidently unprofitable terms. An understanding with Russia can facilitate this process smoother for India.
According to the Arctic report card 2012, observations of the Arctic marine ecosystem provide further evidence of linkages between sea ice conditions and primary productivity, with impacts on the abundance and composition of phytoplankton communities. For instance, new satellite remote sensing observations show the near ubiquity of ice-edge blooms throughout the Arctic and the importance of seasonal sea ice variability in regulating primary production. These results suggest that previous estimates of annual primary production in waters where these under-ice blooms develop may be about ten times too low. At a higher trophic level, seabird phenology, diet, physiology, foraging behavior and survival rates have changed in response to higher water temperatures, which affect prey species.
Changes in the terrestrial ecosystem are exemplified by vegetation and mammals. The tundra continues to become more green and in some locations above-ground plant biomass has increased by as much as 26% since 1982. The length of the growing season increased throughout much of the Arctic, e.g., by ~30 days in Eurasia, between 2000 and 2010. There is evidence that the lemming population cycle is decaying, i.e., the time between population peaks is increasing, and the amplitude of the cycle is collapsing to relatively low population densities.
One species most directly affected by lemming population dynamics is the Arctic fox, which depends on them as a primary food source. In Europe, the Arctic fox population has declined to near extinction due to failure to recover from over-harvesting at the start of the 20th Century and the recent absence of lemming peaks. In contrast, the Arctic fox is abundant in North America. However, in both regions, the larger Red fox has been expanding northward, leading to increased competition with the Arctic fox for resources.
The present global geopolitical reality demands that India takes a holistic view of the moves in the Arctic Ocean region and its impact on the energy security of the country. A firm understanding between India and Russia is of long term interests for both the countries. (IPA)