NEW DELHI, Apr 30:
India and Pakistan have agreed to hold meaningful and result-oriented discussion to demilitarise Siachen glacier region where 26 soldiers died during deployment last year, Government told the Lok Sabha today.
In a written reply, Defence Minister A K Antony said, “The number of casualties in Siachen in last one year is 26.”
On diplomatic measures for demilitarisation of Siachen glacier region, he said, “12th round of Defence Secretary- level talks were held between India and Pakistan on May 30-31, 2011… It was agreed to continue the discussions in a meaningful and result-oriented manner.”
Both sides welcomed the ongoing dialogue process which is contributing to an enhanced understanding of each other’s position, Antony said.
On enrolment of NCC cadets, he said, “Government has accorded sanction for increase in NCC cadet strength by 2 lakh from 13 to 15 lakh by raising five Group Headquarters and 60 Units in a phased manner over a period of five years.
“During 2010-11, one NCC Group Headquarter and 12 NCC Units were raised to induct 40,000 cadets,” he said.
In 2011, the cadet strength of NCC stood at 12,36,338 with enrollment of 50 per cent new cadets, he said.
Referring to use of performance enhancement drugs by youth during recruitment rallies, Antony said, “No candidate has been detected using performance enhancing drugs during the Army recruitment drive.”
However, National Anti-Doping Agency has been requested to deploy suitable teams to conduct random tests at the recruitment rally sites so as to deter aspirants from using performance enhancing drugs, he said. (PTI)
India, Pak ready for talks on Siachen
Bangaru quits BJP’s executive
NEW DELHI, Apr 30:
Former BJP president Bangaru Laxman, who has been sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment in a fake arms deal sting case, today resigned from the party’s National Executive membership.
“Bangaru Laxman served his resignation to party president Nitin Gadkari this morning. His resignation from the National Executive has been accepted by the party president,” BJP national media convenor Shrikant Sharma said.
A special CBI court had on Friday convicted Mr Laxman for accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from Tehelka journalists conducting a sting operation related to a fake arms deal.
He was also fined Rs 1 lakh.
The BJP has distanced itself from Laxman after the court’s verdict saying he acted in his individual capacity and the party was not related to the case.
The CBI had filed a charge sheet against Mr Laxman in 2006 under section 9 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.
He was secretly video recorded in a sting operation conducted by representative of the Tehelka web portal while accepting bribe purportedly meant for pushing the case of procurement of Hand Held Thermal Imagers for the Indian Army.
The representative of the web portal was posing as a dealer of the said equipment, as part of the sting operation. (UNI)
KCCC, Challenger Club enter QF
3rd Rajiv Gandhi Memorial T20 Tournament
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: Kishen Chand Cricket Club (KCCC) and Challenger Cricket Club (CCC) registered resounding wins against their respective rivals and sailed into the quarterfinals of the ongoing 3rd Rajiv Gandhi Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament, being organized by Young Star Cricket Club at MA Stadium, here.
Earlier, in the first match, Challenger Club drubbed JKAP XI easily by 8 wickets. Batting first, JKAP XI bundled out for a paltry total of 61 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. Yasir and Farooq 16 runs each were the only two batsmen to cross the double figure mark as the rest of the batsmen failed to face the disciplined bowling of the Challenger Club bowlers.
Parveen Singh was the pick of the bowlers for Challenger Club, who took 3 important wickets by conceding 13 runs in his 3.4 overs, while Manjeet Singh and Iqbal claimed 2 wickets each. Rakesh Koul also picked one wicket.
Challenger Club in reply scored the required runs in 11.5 overs by losing 2 wickets, thus won the match by 8 wickets. Ashu was the top scorer with 24 runs including 4 boundaries, while Gokul Baru and Rakesh Koul contributed 17 and 13* runs to the total respectively.
Parveen Singh was adjudged man of the match for his superb bowling performance.
Meanwhile, in another match, KCCC thrashed Lions Cricket Club by 10 wickets in a one-sided match. Lions Club electing to bat first collapsed at meagre 64 runs in 14.3 overs. Nikhil (21), Sumit (16) and Rahul (10) were the main contributors.
For KCCC, left-arm spinner Raman Dutta was the wrecker-in-chief, scalping 3 wickets by giving away just 11 runs, while Sumit and Ashok captured 2 wickets each.
KCCC chased the target in just 5.1 overs without losing any wicket as opener Raman Dutta sent the rival bowlers on a leather-hunt in his knock of unbeaten 39 runs which included 7 delectable boundaries and one six. Raman Thaploo also contributed useful 16 not out including 3 crispy boundaries.
For his splendid all-round performance, Raman Dutta was declared man of the match.
The match was officiated by Rajinder Singh and Vijay as umpires, while Sohail acted as scorer.
Inter Panchayat Block Level Tournament commences
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: Pouni Chak panchayat thrashed Akalpur panchayat in the finals by 17-03 points and claimed the title trophy of Kabaddi event of Inter Panchayat Block Level Tournament organised by Department of Youth Services and Sports under centrally sponsored scheme Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abyan (PYKKA) at Government Higher Secondary School, Domana.
In Kho-Kho finals, Kalyanpur panchayat beat Gho Manhasa panchayat by 5-2 points and lifted the trophy whereas in Volleyball finals, Kanachak panchayat outplayed Jaswan panchayat by straight 2-0 sets and secured the trophy.
Earlier, Tirath Ram, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) declared the tournament open, in presence of Govind Ram Sharma, Principal of the school, students and faculty members.
While speaking, Tirath Ram encouraged the participants to take part in such games, which provide beneficial and fruitful platform to the youth of the rural and backward areas.
Meanwhile, Inter Panchayart Tournament of Block RS Pura in different disciplines, organised by Department of Youth Services and Sports, commenced at Government High School Kotli Shah Dullah.
The Touranament was declared open by Government Higher Secondary School, Miran Sahib, BD Gorkha, who was the chief guest in presence of Kamla Devi, Chairperson of the Tournament. A total of 308 players from 17 panchayats of Block RS Pura took part in today’s competitions.
In Kho-Kho, Dhinday Kalan Lower panchayat claimed the title by defeating their opponent Dhinday Kalan Upper panchayat by two innings.
In Kabaddi, Badyal Brahmana Lower panchayat outplayed Bansultan panchayat by 24 points.
In Volleyball, Maralian panchayat thrashed Malik Pur panchayat by 2-1 sets and remained winner.
In Wrestling (48 kg category), Mohd Mustaq of Mian Fateh panchayat defeated Deepak Kumar of Kirpind panchayat. In 43kg category, Pinku Kaith of Kirpind panchayat thrashed Inter Singh of Kotli Mian fateh panchayat, In 38 kg category, Raman Kumar of Kotli Mian fateh panchayat routed Raj Kumar of Kirpind panchayat.
In Hockey only one team of Dinday Kalan lower panchayat reported on the venue, which has been selected for Inter Block Level.
The matches were officiated by Kulbir Singh, Narinder Singh, Hardeep Kour, Balwan Singh, Amolak Singh, Ravinder Singh, Gurcharan Kour and Jugal Kishore.
The tournament was organised under the supervision of S Harcharan Singh, Lecturer, ZPEO, Miran Sahib.
Cosmic College, Kalra College share first position
Jammu Varsity organizes “Darohar”
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: “Darohar”, a programme of marriage songs including Suhag, Ghorian and Sithnian, was organised by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium.
On the occasion, Prof Naresh Padha, Registrar, University of Jammu, was the chief guest, while Prof Jasbir Singh, Chairman, Campus Cultural Committee, presided over the function and Prof Neeru Sharma, Co-chairperson, was the guest of honour.
While speaking, Prof Padha said that the culture is essence of life and identity of the society. Presently the Indian cultural is being invaded by the satellite, so every possible efforts is required to be made to preserve it, Prof Padha added.
In his presenditial address, Prof Jasbir Singh, eulogized the efforts of the Department of Students Welfare for providing a suitable platform to showcase our rich cultural heritage.
The young participants from various institutions mesmerized the audience with their superb performances.
Pangs of separation of a daughter from her family in Suhag “Mein Tugi Aakhi Rayeean Babalji, Dhiyan Door Nayeen Deyo”, “Paawe”-Paawe Door Vi Na Dayeen Babla, Jitther Kaan Uddya Vi Na Jaave”, “Babal Dharma Karendeya Migi Rakhi Lai Ajj Di Raat Ve”, “Meri Bedi De Bolde Ne Tote, Tusi Bolde Kyon Nayee”, “Dhiyan Hoyian Lat-Banwarian, Kusai Naukar De Lad Laa”, virtually moved the audience.
Cosmic College of Education, Lakhanpur and Kalra College of Education, Kud, Patnitop, shared first position while the team from Government Women College, Parade and Trikuta College of Education were adjudged second and third respectively.
Among others present were Dr Samridhi Arora, Dr Aruna Thakur, Dr Savita Nayyar, Dr Seema Sharma, Pooja Langeh, joint secretary, Students Cultural Committee, teacher incharge, faculty members, college teachers, research scholars and students.
The programme was compered by Rani Kumari, secretary, Students Cultural Council and at the end, vote of thanks was presented by Prof NK Tripathi, Dean Students Welfare, University of Jammu.
Wrestler Benia lifts 25th Annual Reasi Mahadev Kesari title
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: Wrestler Benia of J&K Police outplayed Wrestler Kaka of Amritsar and lifted the 25th Annual Reasi Mahadev Kesari title, organised by Mahadev Dangal Committee, Reasi under the aegis of J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association at Reasi.
On the occasion, Shiv Kumar Sharma, president, J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association, was the chief guest, who distributed prizes amongst the winner and runner-up in presence of Rajesh Dogra, SI Kamal Preet Singh and Diwan Chand, who were the guests of honour.
During the championship a total of forty six bouts were fought and the technical officials were Devinder Sharma, Sanjay Dogra, Palwinder Singh, Joginder Singh, Pritam Singh, Rajinder Singh, Mohan Lal Bali, Yashwant Singh, Diwan Chand, Hazi Karam Din, Satish Kumar, Captain Lehar Singh (Rtd), Mohd Fareed and Vijay Singh.
Workshop on Teaching Aids held
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: Kawa College of Education organised a Workshop on Teaching Aids in the college premises.
On the occasion, Dr Meenakshi Kilam, Director, DIQA, University of Jammu, was the chief guest, who had glimpses of the Teaching Aids and Rangoli prepared by the pupil teachers of BEd.
While speaking, Dr Kilam stressed the regularity of the students and appreciated the efforts of the faculty members.
Earlier, Dr Anita Bali, Principal of the college, presented the welcome address and at the end, Richa Dubey, Lecturer in Education, presented vote of thanks.
Handball Association organising trials for Nationals
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: J&K Handball Association is conducting selection trials in men and women, mini boys and sub junior girls categories.
The selection trials will be conducted for the coaching camp of the forthcoming 14th Mini Boys National Handball Championship from May 23 to 28, 29th Sub Junior Girls National Handball Championship from May 23 to 28 and 18th North Zone (Men Women) National Handball Championship from May 25 to 28 to be held at Bilaspur, HP.
The trials of Mini Boys and Sub Junior Girls will be conducted at Dogra Ground, Shastri Nagar on May 3 and 4 at 9 am and 4 pm and the trials for North Zone (Men and Women) will be conducted at Mini Stadium Parade Ground on May 1 and 2 at 9 am and 4 pm.
All the players from affiliated units of the State should report at the venue on scheduled date and time.
KKR beat CSK by 5 wickets
CHENNAI, Apr 30:
Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in the Indian Premier League here today.
Electing to bat, Chennai Super Kings set the Knight Riders a target of 140.
Brief Score:
Chennai Super Kings: 139 for five in 20 overs (Suresh Raina 44, M S Dhoni 34 not out; J Kallis 2/21).
Kolkata Knight Riders: 140 for five in 19.4 overs (Gautam Gambhir 63, Jacques Kallis 26; Dwayne Bravo 2/27). (PTI)
Indian weightlifters earn two quota places for London Olympics
NEW DELHI, Apr 30:
Indian weightlifters earned two quota places for London Olympics one each in men’s and women’s sections in the Senior Asian Championships which concluded at Pyeongtaek, South Korea today.
Indian women lifters collected 93 points and stood fourth in the Championships by virtue of which the country earned a berth for the London Olympics.
N Soniya Chanu was the best performer among the seven Indian women who participated in the championships, winning a bronze in 48kg category.
The men’s team of eight lifters collected 134 points and stood fifth in the championships which also gave India a quota place for London.
This is the first Olympic quota place India has earned in men’s weightlifting after a gap of 12 years since the 2000 Sydney Games.
Thandava Murthy Muthu competed in the men’s 56kg in 2000 Sydney Olympics and finished 16 with a total lift of 245kg.
Indian Weightlifting Federation secretary general Sahdev Yadav said that the selection committee will meet shortly to pick the two lifters who will take part in the July 27-August 12 London Olympics. (PTI)