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Vol. 1 No: 174 |

STUDENT AGE
JKENG/2012/41612 | Jammu, Saturday, December 22 (16 - 22 ), 2012 | Pages: 32 | `5

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News Inbox
Dhumal blames selection of candidates for defeat
SHIMLA: Conceding defeat, Dhumal told reporters here Friday that he submitted his resignation immediately after the results were announced. Contd on page 4

Modi to take oath as Guj CM on Dec 26th, Himachal Congress to elect CM Saturday
AHEMDABAD: In Gujarat, Narendra Modi will take oath of the Chief Minster ship on 26th December at the Sardar Patel Stadium in the heart of Ahmedabad city. Mr. Modi will take oath of the Chief Minster for fourth consecutive time after BJP's win in the state assembly elections yesterday. Party sources reports that BJP's top National leaders including Senior leader L.K.Advani, leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, Party's Rajya Sabha leader Arun Jaitly, all Chief Ministers of BJP ruled state and several chief Ministers of NDA partners are also likely to remain present in the oath taking ceremony. In the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, the BJP's Prem Kumar Dhumal government prepared to exit office for the Congress that was poised to comfortably win 36 seats in the 68-member assembly. The BJP, which had got 41 seats in 2007, was down to 26. One all perhaps, but it was not really even stevens, in public perception at least. The win in Gujarat, which sends 26 MPs to the Lok Sabha against Himachal Pradesh's four, dominated the political space. BJP has retain the power in Gujarat by winning 115 seats in 182 member state Assembly, which is 2 seat less in comparison to the 2007 assembly poll. This is the third consecutive time that BJP has won state Assembly Elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Modi yesterday did not just win the state elections but also launched his bid for a bigger role in national politics. While his supporters were cheering "PM, PM, PM" after his electoral hattrick, Modi was already strategizing. In his Contd on page 4

Tripura to launch emergency health service

AGARTALA: The Tripura government, under a central scheme, will soon launch Emergency Response Service (ERS) to provide 24-hour medical facilities to patients at Contd on page 4

Govt to expand FM radio reach across country: I&B Secy

NEW DELHI: The government is committed to expanding FM radio to take its reach to border, far flung and remote areas of the country. Addressing a roundtable conference on Radio in New Delhi Friday, Contd on page 4

J&K State BJP to get new President today

JAMMU: Member of Parliament & BJP National Spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy will announce the name of new Party President on Saturday. On completion of his three years tenure as State President of Jammu and Kashmir BJP, Shamsher Singh Manhas convened last meeting of his team of State Office bearers, senior leaders, District and Morcha Presidents at party headquarters on Friday. Shamsher Singh Manhas,

Malik's visit did not help Indo-Pak friendship: Omar

NEW DELHI: Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik's visit and his remarks on Babri issue have not contributed to the process of normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday. "Clearly, he has not helped cement any sort of friendship between India and Pakistan. If anything, his ill-advised statements have harmed the process of normalisation of relations between our two countries," he told reporters here. "Now whether this is just a case of foot in mouth disease or whether he came with a natural script that he read out here (on Babri issue) that I don't know. That only he would know. But, obviously visits like that, the fewer we have, the better it would be for both our countries." he said. "I think the relations between our two countries Contd on page 4

Two suspected militants held in Jammu

JAMMU:Two suspected militants, who have crossed over to Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) for arms training, were arrested along with their families, police said. The militants, identified as Mohmmad Din and Mohmmad Contd on page 4

State President of J&K BJP, Shamsher Singh Manhas addresing last meeting of his presidentship at Party office.

while expressing his gratitude for cooperation extended to him by the party activists in making the party's

programmes successfully, said that in his three years tenure 1327 programmes, Contd on page 4

Heinous crime shakes Delhi, profound anger on the streets

'Kejriwal demands swift punishment'
NEW DELHI: There were dramatic scenes of Raisina Hill Friday as hundreds of women tried to enter Rashtrapati Bhavan to express their outrage over Sunday night's gangrape of a young woman on a bus. We want justice, we want justice! The embers that were ignited after a 23-year-old was brutally gang-raped and mutilated won't die down. The protesters under the aegis of AIDWA, YWCA and JNUSU among others started their march from Rajpath and as they reached Vijay Chowk, they went past the barricades erected at the entrance of Contd on page 4

Death penalty not the 'final solution': Justice Dharmadhikari

MUMBAI: Holding that death penalty to rapists was not the "final solution", former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari on Friday said sensitising Contd on page 4

India forex reserves up at $296.63 billion on Dec 14: RBI

MUMBAI: India's foreign exchange reserves were at $296.63 billion as of Dec. 14, compared with $294.99 billion in the previous week, the central bank said in its weekly statistical supplement on Friday. Changes in foreign currency assets, expressed in dollar terms, include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of other currencies held in its reserves, theReserve Bank of India said. Foreign exchange reserves include India's Reserve Tranche position in the International Monetary Fund(IMF).

Egypt crisis: Clashes kicked off on final round of referendum

CAIRO: Violent clashes on Thursday returned to the streets of Egypt as Islamist supporters and largely secular opponents of a controversial draft constitution hurled stones at each other, a day before the final round of a referendum on the new charter. Several thousand demonstrators backing President Muhammed Mursi gathered in northern port city of Alexandria's Qaed Ibrahim Mosque for Friday prayers to "defend (Islamic) scholars and mosques", and to call for Sharia (Islamic law). The rally, which was initially peaceful, turned violent when clashes broke out between Islamist demonstrators and rival opposition group. Clashes seem to have been kicked off after opposition protesters picked a fight with one of the Islamist demonstrators, Egyptian media reported. Security forces, who were heavily deployed early today near the rallying point as a pre-emptive measure against possible violence, worked to restore order and fired rounds of teargas into the crowds. According to the reports, 'AlAhram', tens of fire engines and ambulances are also situated in the area. "The people want the implementation of God's Sharia," the crowds said, "we sacrifice our soul and our blood Contd on page 4

Parliamentary Standing panel to meet on Dec 27

NEW DELHI: The parliamentary standing committee on home affairs has summoned union Home Secretary R. K. Singh and Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar to Contd on page 4

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

CONTD
a political problem. Punishment should be handed out within two months." Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said, "We have taken strict measures... we will take more strict measures." Protest marches being held across the country. Today, protesters from various women's organisations started their march from Rajpath and went past the barricades erected at the entrance of Raisina Hill and moved towards Rashtrapati Bhavan and South and North Blocks. Carrying placards and shouting slogans, the protesters demanded stringent punishment for rapists. The protesters also briefly surrounded West Bengal Governor MK Narayanan's vehicle. Yesterday, letter was written by a group of children to President Pranab Mukherjee demanding stringent action against the rape accused. Two days ago in a similar protest, around 200 people had gathered near North Block. They dispersed only after Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde agreed to meet a delegation of students from the JawaharLal Nehru University. The scale of the assault has horrified the national capital where women are used to fending for themselves with minimal assistance from the police. Delhi has seen wave of protests by university students, civil society groups and women's organisations. On Wednesday, students and women protested near the house of the chief minister, Sheila Dikshit; the police used water cannons to check them from approaching her residence. The Delhi government has announced a slew of measures including setting up of a round-the-clock control room for women in distress and proposing a stringent law to check crime against them.

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strong," the (Retd) Justice told a news agency. "Death penalty is not the final solution. The solution is to spread more awareness among people about the whole problem. What happened in Delhi is also happening in Mumbai," he felt. Dharmadhikari said that in the rule of law, respect for law is more important than fear of punishment. "I am surprised that inspite the presence of several persons (mechanisms) such incidents are taking place," he said. Voicing concern over safety of girls in the metropolis, he said, "My pain is not for myself. I am not even concerned for my children. I am worried for my granddaughters and great grand-daughters."

Continued from Page 1

Malik's visit ....
are far too delicate for us to have off the cuff reactions and statements like this which are designed more to appeal one domestic constituency than actually do any thing to further international relations between the two countries," Omar added. To a question on mercy plea of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, he said there has been no discussion between the Centre and state government.

Akbar of Kupwara district, were held last night after their return to Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan via Nepal, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Jammu-Samba-Kathua range J P Singh said. Din and Akbar have crossed over to PoK for arms training in 1990 and 2008 respectively, he said. Further probes are on, the DIG added.

Modi to take....
victory speech in front of a huge crowd, Modi apologised to the people of the state. He said forgive me if I have committed any mistake. For the election of Himachal CM, the meeting would be held at the party's headquarters on Saturday where all the 36 newly-elected legislators would attend, Congress general secretary Sudhir Sharma said. Party sources said Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and AICC general secretary Janardhan Dwivedi will attend the meeting. Speculations in the political circles are rife over the next chief minister. "Some senior legislators have reached Delhi and are against Virbhadra Singh's elevation as the next chief minister," a party leader said. "I don't know who is lobbying for whom. At least I am not lobbying," five-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh said. "I always came (as chief minister) through elections. This time too the leader will be elected by the elected members," he said. Sources in the party said more than 20 legislators have reposed faith in the leadership of Virbhadra Singh. Meanwhile, newly elected Congress MLA from Morva Hadaf constituency in Panchmahal district passed away this morning. She had suffered brain hemorrhage stroke yesterday after winning the elections and since then she was in coma. Due to her death, Congress tally of winning assembly seats reduce to 60.

Egypt crisis...
for Islam." The protest comes after iconic Alexandria Sheikh Ahmed El-Mahalawy was held captive inside the mosque for 14 hours last Friday by worshippers angered by the overt Islamist rhetoric in his sermon.

J&K State BJP ....

including protests, dharnas, Jan Jagran Yatras at State, District and Mandal levels were held, including in Ladakh and Kashmir. He said that it was his sincere effort to run the party affairs in a very transparent manner with the cooperation of party leadership at the Centre as well as in the state. He declared that his services for the party will always be available in whatever capacity the party decides. National Executive Member Dr. Nirmal Singh said that ours is a party which works on democratic principle and has a healthy tradition of team work. It does not matter who is in chair, but what matters is the commitment towards the responsibility showered upon him or her. National Executive Member & MLA Ashok Khajuria said that Manhas proved to a good manager and organizer, who proved his capacity by organizing a record number of programmes throughout the state. He said that National Executive Member & MLA Jugal Kishore Sharma said that during the tenure of Shamsher Singh Manhas the party cadre throughout the state got strength. Although Manhas was President but it was his colleagues in the team who were totally committed towards what was given to them to do. State General Secretary (Org.) Ashok Koul said that the successful tenure of Shamsher Singh Manhas will obviously take the party to new heights. He also briefed the meeting of the party's organization election completed at mandal and district levels. Earlier, Shamsher Singh Manhas and other leaders felicitated the newly elected District Presidents. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Col. Uttam Singh, Suresh Jamwal, Sofi Yousuf, Satish Sharma, Sat Sharma (C.A), Usha Choudhary, Chander Mohan Sharma, Kavinder Gupta, Yudhvir Sethi, Mamta Singh, Sunil Sharma, Dr. Nirmal Kamal, Balbir Ram Rattan, Sham Choudhary, Mohan Singh Chauhan, Lalit Moza, Bansi Lal Bharti, Pawan Khajuria, Sakina Bano, Karan Singh, Subash Bhagat, Sukhdev Singh, Dina Nath Bhagat, Shiv Kumar Gupta, J.R. Gupta, Rajesh Gupta, Dr. Ali Mohd. Mir, Kabla Singh, Haleema, Yogesh Sharma, Sunil Kumar, Bharat Bhushan Vaid, Th. Vijay Mohan, Sat Pal Pappi, Ved Mankotia, Suraj Padha, Balvinder Singh, Raj Singh Charak, Ajay Nanda, Rajiv Jasrotia, Jasbir Singh Lucky, Som Raj Khajuria, Shakti Parihar, Ravi Kumar, Prof. Sain Dass, Chaggar Singh, Bishamber Verma, Dalip Parihar, Rajinder Singh, Mohan Singh Rana, Keshav Dutt, Vipin Kandhari, Inderjit Sharma, Kashmir Singh, Satinder Kotwal and others took part in the meeting.

Dhumal blames....
"There was a problem on the selection of some candidates and the party will shortly analyse to find out where we went wrong," he said. The Congress secured 36 seats and the BJP 26 seats, while Independents and others bagged six seats in the 68-member house.

Tripura to launch....
their doorstep, officials said here on Friday. The health department of the Tripura government will start the ERS under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) by early next year. "To start the ERS, 75 ambulances would be purchased at a cost of Rs 7 crore. Tripura would be the second state in northeast after Assam to launch this emergency health service scheme," Tripura NRHM director Samarjeet Bhowmik told reporters. The central government has already sanctioned Rs 7 crore for the purpose and the state government has also submitted a detailed project report (DPR) in the health and family welfare ministry accordingly. Bhowmik said: "There would be a control room in each district, sub-divisional and state headquarters to operate the scheme. An ambulance would reach the patient's doorstep at any time, once a call is made to the control room through a toll free telephone number."

Parliame....
discuss atrocities against women and the law and order situation in the national capital, sources said Friday. The summons for Dec 27 comes amid growing protests across the country over the gang-rape and torture of a young woman, who is battling for life in a Delhi hospital. According to sources, on Dec 27 the panel "will hear the home secretary along with Delhi Commissioner of Police on growing atrocities against women and the general law and order situation in Delhi". The Standing committee comprises 30 members representing various political parties. "All members, cutting across party lines, expressed concern when this issue was discussed in Parliament. There are four important issues. The panel would also discuss the changes to be made to the laws and the suggestions that can be made to the government, Naidu said. "Some changes need to be made in the laws as well. Fast track courts should be set up and Evidence Act can be changed.

Heinous crime....
Raisina Hills and moved towards Rashtrapati Bhavan and South and North Blocks. A girl identified as Swati managed to go near the Rashtrapati Bhavan but was escorted back later. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal reached Jantar Mantar to begin protest. At Jantar Mantar, hundreds of protesters gather for Aam Aadmi Party's protest. Protesters' groups gather outside Safdarjung Hospital where the victim of the brutal gangrape is admitted. Lashing out at political parties, Arvind Kejriwal said that no justice could be expected from them as they themselves gave tickets to criminals and many of them even had rape charges against them. "We need a strong law and sufficient number of courts", to tackle the menace, he added. Prashant Bhushan said, "The reason why our political class doesn't push for better implementation of rape laws is because several of our MPs and MLAs themselves have similar charges against them." Kejriwal said that it is about time the society introspects itself. "I think this case has shocked us all. The society as a whole needs to introspect." Kiran Bedi tweets, "Every woman has been a victim of indignity! They have gained strength in their unity! Good for all except 'criminal' political representatives." Arvind Kejriwal said, "Rape is

Govt to expand....
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Uday Kumar Varma said that expansion of radio is on government's top agenda and it will be in atransparent and clear manner. He said, the government is open to every suggestion which takes things forward. The Secretary said that government has to keep everything in mind while making policy, which includes interest of consumers or listeners, stakeholders and artists to promote healthy growth of FM radio. Mr Varma said there were some issues, including reduction of inter channel spacing between two adjacent FM Stations, which have been resolved and the third phase expansion of FM radio is on the right track.

Death penalty....
people about sexual abuse and violence was essential to curb such heinous crimes rather than making "strong" demands. "Normally this (demand for death penalty to rape accused) is in anguish. Anger of the people makes them speak of death penalty. It is an immediate reaction and such reactions are very

Two suspected ....

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

NATIONAL

PEOPLE IN NEWS
P. CHIDAMBARAM: Union F i n a n c e Minister P. Chidambaram awarded with the Best Administrator in India Award instituted by K. Karunakaran Foundation. RATAN TATA: Ratan Tata, the o u t g o i n g Chairman of Tata Group was conferred with the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus-the holding company of the 100 billion dollar Tata Group. CYRUS PALLONJI MISTRY: Cyrus Pallonji Mistry was appointed as the chairman of Tata Sons, the firm that holds more than 100 billion dollar Tata Group. SUBHASH JOSHI: Subhash Joshi appointed as the new chief of Border Security Force (BSF) while special secretary in home ministry Ajay Chadha appointed to head the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). RAJESH SINGH: General Motors India appointed Rajesh Singh as the new Vice President-Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

Digvijaya gets bail in Gadkari's defamation case

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Nitin Gadkari is involved in corruption, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said Friday soon after a Delhi court granted him bail in a defamation case filed by the opposition leader. Metropolitan Magistrate (MM) Sudesh Kumar asked Digvijaya Singh to furnish a surety of Rs.50,000. The court's order came on the defamation complaint filed by Gadkari Oct 1. In his complaint, Gadkari said the Congress leader dragged his name into alleged irregularities in the allothe CD produced as evidence against him. "I have no personal fight with Gadkari but will tell the people and the court that though the BJP says it is fighting against corruption, its party chief is involved in corruption," Digvijaya Singh told reporters after the court order. "Gadkari worked as a businessman and had many fake companies to earn profit. I will do more research and tell people who Gadkari is," he said. The court had issued summons to Digvijaya Singh to appear before it. Later, Gadkari's lawyer Pinky Anand told reporters: "Digvijaya Singh appeared before the court and sought bail. He was asked to submit surety of Rs.50,000, which he has submitted. He was also asked to submit a personal bond, to secure his presence before the court." According to Pinky Anand, the Congress leader's plea for personal exemption was declined by the court. "The application moved by him for personal exemption will be considered in the next date Jan 31, 2013, and he should appear," Anand said.

cation of coal blocks. The BJP leader recorded his statement in the court that he was "not responsible for any coal block allocation to anybody". The Congress leader, who was present in the court, sought a copy of

Banking amendment bill to face steep challenges

MUMBAI: The Rajya Sabha approved the long-awaited banking amendment bill as India seeks to attract foreign investment and increase the number of lenders. However, the measures are expected to face steep challenges in their implementation at a time when confidence in the banking sector is low due to high valuations in the private sector and poor earnings at state-run lenders. The bill, which will become law once signed by President Pranab Mukherjee, increases the ceiling on individual shareholders' voting rights at private sector banks to 26 Per cent from 10 Per cent and the limit to 10 Per cent at public sector banks. A second key provision of the new law would lay the groundwork to issue new licences to non-banking financial companies in a bid to increase the number of lenders in India. Despite the recent gains in banking shares and NBFCs expected to apply for new licences, analysts warned against expecting a flood of investments, while the RBI is expected to move slowly in issuing licences. "Not everyone will be laughing all the way to a bank," Citigroup said in a note on Thursday. The bill's main provision to increase shareholding rights are intended to attract individual investors, especially foreign ones, by giving them a bigger say in lending operations. However, valuations will prove a tough hurdle, given private sector banks such as HDFC Bank and YES Bank trade at 3.25.3 times book value, compared with state-run State Bank of India at 1.4 times. Meanwhile, public sector banks, which account for 70 percent of India's loans and deposits, are still dealing with a legacy of bad loans that are constraining earnings. SBI, India's biggest bank, posted its smallest quarterly profit increase in 2012 in the September quarter.

CWG scam: Suresh Kalmadi, 10 others charged for criminal conspiracy and cheating
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Friday pronounced its order on framing of charges against former Commonwealth Games Organising

BJP boycotts Sanjay Nirupam over Smriti Irani barb

NEW DELHI: Irked by Congress member Sanjay Nirupam's personal attack on TV actress-turnedpolitician Smriti Irani during a debate, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday took a tough stand on the issue. Addressing a press conference, BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad informed that Smiriti Irani has filed a defamation case against Nirupam. During a debate on the issue of Narendra Modi's hat-trick of victories in Gujarat, Nirupam told Irani: "Char din hue hain aur aap rajnitik vishleshak bani firti hain. Aap toh TV pe thumke lagati thi, aaj chunavi vishleshak ban gayi (It's only four days of your entry into politics and you have become a political analyst...Till some time ago you were dancing on the TV screens and now you have become a psephologist)!" Slamming Nirupam for his statements, the Rajya Sabha MP said leaders like him were responsible for promoting rowdiness among youth. His remarks sparked an uproar and the BJP today described the Congress MP's behaviour as the 'most unfortunate and cannot be described in words.' "None of our spokesmen will sit with Nirupam," announced Prasad, underlining that the party has taken the personal attack made by Nirupam as very seriously. Prasad further demanded an action by Congress president Sonia

Jharkhand activist Dayamani Barla gets bail

RANCHI: Jharkhand land rights activist Dayamani Barla has been granted bail Friday, after spending almost two months in jail. Mrs Barla was sent to jail on Oct 18 for a case dating back to 2006, where she was accused of leading a protest that caused a roadblock. Two days later, the land rights activist got bail in the case, but was immediately re-arrested and put back in jail in two other old cases where she is accused of disrupting law and order during a protest. Ms Barla has been at the forefront of a protest by residents of the Nagri village, 25 kilometres from Ranchi, where the govt. wants to acquire over 200 acres of farmland for setting up a law university and a campus of the Indian Institute of Management.

Gandhi against Nirupam. "We would like Sonia Gandhi to take action against Sanjay Nirupam and apologise herself," he said, adding otherwise the BJP would protest against the Congress chief. Meanwhile, Nirupam on Twitter tried to defend himself by saying: "Smriti Irani things taken out of context people have to see the full debate and understand the context."

Committee (OC) Chairman Suresh Kalmadi and 10 others in a gamesrelated graft case. Kalmadi along with CWG OC Secretary General Lalit Bhanot has been charged for criminal conspiracy under section 120(B), cheating (section 420), forgery (section 468 & 471) of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court has fixedJanuary 10 for formally framing charges against all the accused in the case. Special CBI Judge Talwant Singh had on November 21 slated for today the pronouncement of order on charges in the case also involving former as an accused in the case. Besides Kalmadi and Bhanot, nine others have been charge-sheeted by the CBI for allegedly "illegally" awarding a contract to install Timing, Scoring and Results system for the 2010 CWG to Swiss Timing at an inflated rates causing a loss of over Rs 90 crore to the public exchequer.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

NATIONAL
government, and said his party would deliberate over the issue when "the time comes". "The party will think over the issue at the appropriate time," Mulayam Singh told reporters here when asked whether he would continue to support the United Progressive Alliance government. He also accused the UPA government of using the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against him. "The government has entrapped me through the CBI," he said, adding, "I am not afraid of the CBI." Mulayam's subtle hint came on the day his party demanded proportionate reservation for Muslims through a constitutional amendment in an apparent move to counter the push for quota in promotion for the SCs and the STs in governmen't jobs. Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas

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Paswan and Rashtriya Janata Dal members supported. When the House met for the day, Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said he has given a notice for suspension of Question Hour to take up the issue. As SP members rushed into the well of the House, Chairman Hamid Ansari said, "Please raise in Zero Hour." Standing near the podium, they raised slogans demanding implementation of the Sachar Committee report. The Rajinder Sachar Committee, appointed in 2005 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was commissioned to prepare a report on the latest social, economic and educational condition of the Muslim community of India. It had concluded that the status of Indian Muslims are below the conditions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

NEWS IN BOX

Rajya Sabha passes quota bill; faces obstacle from BJP, SP in LS

NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the constitution amendment bill to provide reservations in promotions for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs). The Constitution (One Hundred Seventeenth Amendment) Bill, 2012 was passed with 206 members voting for the amendment and 10 voting against after a two-day debate. The bill, a major demand of the Bahujan Samaj Party, was strongly opposed by the Samajwadi Party (SP). Earlier in the day, Samajwadi Party forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha for half an hour demanding reservation for Muslims in education and government jobs. Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav remained ambivalent about supporting the UPA

Number of casualties in Naxal violence sees decline

NEW DELHI: The number of casualties in Naxal violence has shown a decline in the past one year compared to 2010 and 2011. According to official statistics, Naxal violence claimed the lives of 287 civilians and 113 security force personnel this year till Nov 30. In 2011 and 2010, the casualty figures were 611 and 1005 respectively. Incidentally, West Bengal, which had 223 civilian casualties in 2010 and 43 in 2011, reported no civilian death in 2012, the home ministry said. Thirty-five security personnel were killed during 2010, two in 2011 and none in 2012 in the state. The CPI (Maoist) was said to be the largest Left-wing extremist group operating in India and responsible for almost 80% of the total Naxal violence reported during the current year. The violence also left 65 CPI Maoists dead this year, as compared to 96 in 2011 and 166 in 2010. Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand reported high number of casualties, compared to other states. While civilian casualties in Jharkhand were 132, 149 and 130 for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively, the number of security personnel killed in that period were 25, 33 and 29. However, Chhattisgarh saw a fall in the number of civilian deaths this year. The count of 57 is much lower than the casualties in 2010 and 2011 which stood at 171 and 124 respectively. The figures also show that though there was not a single attack on a school building this year, seven incidents of attacks on mobile towers and one attack on a panchayat building were reported. According to the Home Ministry, to combat Naxal violence, the govt. has adopted a twopronged holistic approach that supplements the efforts of state govts.

Lokpal Bill to be brought in next session

NEW DELHI: The much-hyped Lokpal Bill will be delayed further with the government on Wednesday saying it will bring the measure in the Rajya Sabha in the Budget Session with required amendments in the light of the report of the Select Committee. Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy said in the Upper House that the Bill will be brought in the next session after the Opposition protested over the non-tabling of the report of the Select Committee. "Government has to take Cabinet into confidence. Government will bring it (Lokpal Bill) in the Budget Session with required amendments as given by the Select Committee. Then the House can consider it," he said. The statement came after Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley supported the protest by K N Balagopal and P Rajeeve (both CPI-M) for not placing the report of the Select Committee before the House for discussion. The Lokpal Bill was referred to the Select Committee of the House and not Standing Committee. The report has come... It is the property of the House. Fixing a time for the Select Committee report to be taken up for debate and consideration of the House is prerogative of the Chair, Jaitley said. Explaining the government's position, Narayanasamy said, "The Select Committee had submitted its report after the Parliament session had started. It was sent to the Law Ministry for consideration and it has given its approval. We are taking the report to the Cabinet for getting the amendments approved." The controversial Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha last year, faced opposition hurdle in the Rajya Sabha on various provisions, including the one making it mandatory for states to set up Lokayuktas.

HIV cases down by 57% in India: Health Min

NEW DELHI: India is witnessing a significant reduction in fresh cases of deadly HIV, which have come down by as much as 57 per cent, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said Tuesday. "There have been significant falls in MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), IMR (Infant Mortality rates) and TFR as well as reduction in new HIV cases by as much as 57 percent," he said, while addressing the India Health Summit organised by CII here. Azad said this will be the second successive year which will see a polio-free India, which is the longest polio-free period ever since eradication efforts were launched. "We have stepped up efforts to meet public health challenges such as Influenza A- H1N1 pandemic and the credit goes to ICMR and our Indian manufacturers to have domestically develop testing regents and vaccines to combat H1N1," Azad said. He said ICMR is currently working on 75 leads of potential public health importance for development and evaluation of affordable diagnostics, including indigenously developed test for diabetes, TB and cancer. The minister said the health ministry in the last three years have focused on reforming policies related to medical and paramedical education in order to meet the acute shortage of human resources in health.

Shinde announces measures to make Delhi safer

NEW DELHI: Facing flak in view of the Delhi gang-rape case, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday morning chaired a meeting of her Cabinet at her residence here. The meeting decided to call a oneday special session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly to discuss the law and order situation in the national capital. The Delhi CM has also summoned Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar to discuss the situation with him. Separately, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde also summoned Delhi Police officials after he received a strongly-worded letter from Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Shinde announced a series of steps to prevent the recurrence of such crimes.

India to see a dip in malaria cases by 2015: WHO Report

UNITED NATIONS: New A report by World Health Organisation, WHO, said, India will see a decrease of 50-75 per cent in malaria cases by 2015. The WHO's World Malaria Report 2012 said, a concerted effort by endemic countries, donors and global malaria partners during the past decade has led to strengthened malaria control around the world. It, however, warned that a significant slowdown in global funding of anti-malaria campaigns threatens to roll back the gains made against the preventable mosquito-borne disease over the last 10 years. In the south-east Asia Region, Bhutan, Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand have registered decreases of 75 per cent or more in the malaria incidence rates between 2000 and 2011. The report said, India, Nepal and Thailand could also potentially move from the control to the pre-elimination phase by continuing their progress. The report indicates that international funding for malaria appears to have reached a plateau well below the level required to reach the health- related Millennium Development Goals and other internationally-agreed global malaria targets.

'Rs 600 per month enough to feed family of 5': Sheila Dikshit
NEW DELHI: In what came as a shock to many, Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit said that Rs 600 a month was enough to feed a family of five. The CM was speaking on the occasion of the launch of Delhi government's cash-for-food programme, Annshree Yojana. According to a reports, the CM maintained that Rs 600 - the cash subsidy - was sufficient for buying the monthly 'dal, roti and chawal' for around five people. Congress president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was also present on the dais at Thyagaraja Stadium to launch the scheme. Sheila Dikshit said that the Delhi govt. had set aside Rs 200 crore for funding the Annshree subsidy. "We got a voluntary organization to carry out a study in the target population to see if people wanted cash or ration. We found that 99% people wanted cash as women felt it would give them the freedom to buy what they need. For instance, some women said they could buy medicines if a family member was ill," Dikshit said. It is said that about 13,300 people will benefit from the scheme with immediate effect. The govt. has set a target to register a total of two lakh beneficiaries. However, as per reports many of the beneficiaries who were present at the venue said that rations for families with five to seven members would come for Rs 1000-Rs 3000. One Maya Devi was quoted by the newspaper as saying - The amount of Rs 600 was nothing but a 'sahara' (support). Another woman, Ganga Devi was quoted as saying that she spends Rs 3000 on rations every month for a family of seven. While on the one hand the UPA believes that the cash subsidy scheme will be a game changer, experts feel that the Rs 600 subsidy will have to be increased over time.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

INTER NATIONAL
ligerent North Korea, a slowing economy and soaring welfare costs in one of the world's most rapidly ageing societies. With 85 per cent of the national vote counted, Park had an insurmountable lead of 51.6 per cent to 48 per cent over her liberal rival, Moon Jae-In of the main opposition party. The election was largely fought on domestic economic issues, with both candidates offering similar policies as they went in search of centrist voters beyond their conservative and liberal bases. Park had pushed a message of "economic democratisation" - a campaign buzzword about reducing the social disparities thrown up by rapid economic development and promised to create new jobs and

5
increase welfare spending. "I will be a president who fulfills in every way the promises I made to the people," Park told cheering, flagwaving supporters at an open-air victory celebration in central Seoul. On North Korea, Park has promised a dual policy of greater engagement and "robust deterrence", and held out the prospect of a summit with the North's young leader Kim Jong-Un, who came to power a year ago. She also signalled a willingness to resume the humanitarian aid to Pyongyang suspended by current President Lee Myung-Bak. But she will be restricted by hawkish forces in her New Frontier Party as well as an international community intent on punishing North Korea for its long-range rocket launch last week.To some extent today's election was seen as a referendum on the legacy of Park's father, Park Chung-Hee.

PEOPLE IN NEWS
BARACK OBAMA: US President Barack Obama was named TIME's Person of the Year for 2012, because of his historic win over the re-election in November 2012. JIROEMON KIMURA: J i r o e m o n Kimura (115 years) became the world's oldest person after the death of his predecessor, an American woman named Dina Manfredini who died two weeks after receiving the title of oldest person of the world. PARK GEUN-HYE: Park Geunhye was elected as the president of South Korea the first woman who acquired this post. QUEEN ELIZABETH: Queen Elizabeth became first peacetime British ruler ever since 1781, who attended the cabinet meeting.

'Will try to promote reconciliation, cooperation and peace', says Park Geun-hye
SEOUL: The newly elected South Korean President, Park Geun-hye, says her country faces what she calls a grave security reality as a result of North Korea's long-range rocket launch last week. South Korea elected its first woman president on Wednesday, handing a slim but historic victory to conservative ruling party candidate Park Geun-Hye, daughter of the country's former military ruler. Miss Park is the first female President of South Korea. Opponents have questioned how serious Miss Park is about seeking warmer ties with the North, something she said she would pursue cautiously while in power. Miss Park also said she would try to promote reconciliation, cooperation and peace in the region, her comment that is seen as directed towards Japan where a new rightwing government has been elected. US President Barack Obama has

congratulated the South Korean first female president Park Geun-Hye on her historic victory and sought extensive cooperation with the newly elected leader. "I look forward to working closely with the Park Administration to further enhance our extensive cooperation with the Republic of Korea on a wide range of important bilateral, regional and global issues," Obama said in a statement. As leader of Asia's fourthlargest economy, Park, will face numerous challenges, handling a bel-

New Japan leader vows no compromise on islands

TOKYO: Japan's incoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated his country's claim to islands at the centre of a dispute with China, saying there can be no compromise on the sovereignty of islands at the centre of a dispute with China. China reacted with alarm to Mr Abe's victory, after his conservative Liberal Democratic Party crushed opponents in national polls and he immediately restated Tokyo's claims. "The Senkaku islands are Japan's inherent territory," Mr Abe told a press conference, referring to an archipelago Beijing calls the Diaoyus. "Japan owns and controls the islands under international law. There is no room for negotiation on this point." Beijing declared itself ready to work with Japan on "further development of stable relations" but expressed alarm at where Abe was taking Japan. "We are highly concerned about which direction Japan will take," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing. Bilateral relations are at their lowest point since 2005 over the disputed islands, with China stepping up sea and air patrols, and Abe seeking greater control over the chain.

Prez orders inquiry into shooting outside home of Lanka Bar Assn Chief
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ordered an immediate inquiry into the shooting incident outside the residence of president of the Bar Association and opposition parliamentarian Wijedasa Rajapakshe. Police spokesman Prishantha Jayakody said, police had recorded statements of 16 people. Two teams headed by the Colombo SSP have been assigned to probe the incident. President Rajapaksa had visited the parliamentarian Thursday at his residence and inquired about his wellbeing. Lawyer groups have alleged that the shooting was a terror tactic to suppress their opposition to impeachment of Chief Justice. President of Bar Association is at the forefront of the opposition to impeachment probe against the top judge. Meanwhile Sri Lanka's court of appeal has admitted a petition against the parliamentary panel that probed the impeachment charges against the Chief Justice. In a ruling today, the court said that it has the jurisdiction to see whether the proceedings of the Parliamentary Select Committee,PSC, against the top judge were fair and in accordance with law and constitution.

China, US discuss bilateral ties

WASHINGTON: Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan Thursday discussed bilateral ties with US President Barack Obama at the White House. Wang stressed the importance of building a new type of relations between major countries, saying that the two countries should constantly enrich and expand the connotation of the bilateral relations and translate their consensus and intentions into policies and actions, reports said. The party, govt. and leaders of China highly value the development of the relations with the US and look forward to developing economic and trade cooperation with the US towards a wider range and a higher level, he said. Bilateral trade volume has approached $500 billion. China is willing to discuss the ways to maintain and perfect the economic dialogue mechanism with the US under the new situation, Wang said. Obama said the energetic, frank and fruitful relations between the US and China should be continued during his second term.

UN sanctions on Iran firms for Syria arms supply

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council slapped sanctions on two Iranian firms accused of supplying arms to the Syrian government, a UN statement said. Yas Air and the SAD Import Export Company were added to a growing Iran sanctions list for breaching an arms embargo ordered against the Islamic republic for its nuclear drive. According to diplomats, Turkish authorities intercepted arms shipments organized by Yas Air to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011. US ambassador Susan Rice said that Yas Air and SAD were significantly involved in Iranian arms smuggling. The sanctions action orders an assets freeze against the firm and bans dealings with the companies. US-Pak bilateral ties have weathered another storm: Sherry Rehman Washington: Pakistan has said it has "ramped up" its cooperation with the US in the past few months which indicates that their bilateral ties have "clearly weathered" another storm. Sherry Rehman, Pakistan Ambassador to the US said, "The Pak-US Relationship has clearly weathered another storm. In the past six to eight weeks both the governments have ramped up their cooperation as well conversations." "Five working groups that have recently concluded intensive engagement in either Washington or Islamabad include Defense, Economic cooperation, Energy security, CT (counter terrorism) and Law and Order, Strategic Security," Rehman said on Wednesday responding to a question on the state of Pak-US relationship. "High level meetings in Brussels have been productive," she said referring to the meeting between the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. "In London USTR (US Trade Representatives) and Pakistan Government ran a successful Business Opportunities in Pakistan conference, and the USG (US Government) launched a PPII ( Pak Pvt Investment Initiative), which is already oversubscribed. Other trilateral meetings on Afghanistan continue," Rehman said. The Pak Ambassador to the US was responding to questions on the improvement in their bilateral ties with US. In the last six months, the US has reimbursed more than USD 1.8 billion in the coalition support funds, with the last installment of USD 688 million was notified to the Congress by the Pentagon early this month. Early this week, the US Government told a New York court that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its two former director generals, Ahmed Shuja Pasha and Nadeem Taj, "enjoy immunity" in the case related to 26/11 case filed by the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack.

C MY K

C MY K

C MY K

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

EDITORIAL

6
the fact that none less than the prime minister's office has directed ministries to take up preparatory work for implementation of the cash transfer scheme from January 1 on a war footing. Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi has gone on record to say that successful implementation of DCT would win the party not just the 2014 polls, but also the next. The Planning Commission will oversee the preparedness in states before its commencement in the new year. It is social schemes like loan waiver and NREGA that fuelled the UPA's 2009 election victory, but analysts say, the situation this time around is different. The government has very little fiscal space and resources to erect welfare planks such as direct cash transfer. Under the scheme, the government seeks to transfer over Rs 300,000 crore in a year to beneficiaries, whereas the government's subsidy budget for the current fiscal is only Rs 1,09,000 crore. This includes food and fertiliser subsidies, which have been kept out of the cash transfer scheme for now. Another Rs 5,000 crore has to be paid out as commission to banking correspondents to disburse the enormous cash. "Where is the money? The government laden with deficits can illafford to carry forward such schemes," said an expert, who did not want to be named. For, M S Sriram, visiting faculty, IIM Bangalore, it is different. Sriram, speaking to Deccan Herald, was optimistic the ambitious DCT can run successfully if some creaking infrastructure is put in place. "Conceptually it is not a new scheme. India has age-old public distribution system. But that has limited benefits due to huge leakages and wastage. DCT will strive to plug that," he said, adding: "it is only the re-allocation of existing resources". India currently has a cash transfer system where banks and post offices are used to pay pensions to poor. Aadhaar-enabled payments are only expansion of this, according to the proponents. Drawbacks Then, the bigger issue is the lack of infrastructure for basic welfare services. The basic banking facilities are not present in many of the villages. According to official data, only 1.50 lakh villages had banks till March 2012 out of 5.95 lakh inhabited villages in the country. Besides, 60 per cent of India's population does not have bank accounts. Banks are reluctant to go to rural areas as it is not a profitable venture. Where there are no banks or ATMs, the business correspondents (BCs)are expected to pay money to beneficiaries. Not much headway has been made in this area too. There is also a fear that the self-help groups or aanganwadi workers, who are expected to disburse cash in unbanked areas may act as middlemen in due course. The other drawback to starting the scheme in a haste is absence of Aadhaar numbers with people. Only 21 crore of country's 120 crore people have Aadhaar numbers as yet. Most of those who have Aadhaar, reside in urban areas, but 46 per cent of country's Below Poverty Line people, whom the scheme is expected to benefit the most, live in rural India. This implies without an Aadhaarenabled bank account, they will not be able to access the benefit of direct cash transfer, if BCs are not in place in time. With just a fortnight to kickstart the scheme, there still lies a lot of confusion about how to identify the beneficiaries. Apparently because of this, the petroleum ministry has suggested pushing the deadline for LPG cash transfer by three more months citing lack of clarity over identifying the beneficiaries. Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh claims that the new list of BPL beneficiaries will be ready by July 2013, experts take his words with a pinch of salt. India conducted the last BPL census in 2002, another exercise, which was to be completed by 2006, is still underway. Chinks in the armour have already started showing in the handful of places where the scheme is implemented. In Alwar district of Rajasthan, for example, cash transfer for kerosene was started a year ago, but the beneficiaries are still to get their monies in their accounts and have to buy kerosene at market price. It was intended primarily to replace the state subsidy of Rs 14 a litre on kerosene. With the withdrawal of the subsidy, prices increased while the cash transfer got delayed or did not take place at all. Reports said, in Jharkhand, where Aadhaar-enabled payment for MNREGA scheme started in 2011, people are yet to get their payments.

MODI

MAGIC ONCE MORE

that even that strategy of the Congress has failed. The BJP has managed to make significant inroads into the minority votes as well, and which clearly indicates that the Muslims of the State are by and large disgusted by the hate propaganda unleashed by the Chief Minister's critics. They are willing to leave the past behind and move forward. Additionally, neither the dreaded anti-incumbency factor nor the Keshubhai factor has worked to the advantage of the Congress. The BJP has held on to its support base in Saurashtra region which has a significant Patel community presence that was supposed to shift to the Chief Minister's arch rival Keshubhai Patel, and the party has performed no less better than it did in 2007, as the number of seats and the share of votes plainly indicate. True to form, the Congress refuses to see the writing on the wall and, much less, refuses to acknowledge the fact that neither Ms Sonia Gandhi nor Mr Rahul Gandhi has been able to make much difference to the party's fate in the State. As it had happened in the case of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election and earlier of the Bihar Assembly poll, the two tallest leaders of the Congress have led their party to an emphatic defeat in Gujarat as well. The party's senior leaders must stop giving pathetic explanations and accept defeat gracefully. But, even as the BJP celebrates its triumph in Gujarat, it must introspect on its debacle in Himachal Pradesh, where it has ceded control to the Congress. There appear to be a slew of reasons ranging from internal rebellion to a perception that the BJP Government had been less than clean in its governance. There can be a dispute over whether those perceptions have a basis, but the fact is that the people have voted out the party in the hill State. The BJP must not go the Congress way by trying to explain away its defeat in silly terms.

DOMESTIC DIRECT INVESTMENT

BY ANNAPURNA SINGH ith just a fortnight to kickstart the direct cash transfer scheme, there is a lot of confusion about how to identify the beneficiaries. The petroleum ministry has suggested pushing the deadline for LPG cash transfer by three more months. Come January 1, a sizeable number of the country's needy will get cash deposited into their bank accounts as an alternative to numerous benefits they received hitherto, and the UPA, yet another ground to anchor its 2014 poll expectations on. But, the progress of the government's ambitious direct cash transfer scheme (DCT), proposed to be rechristened as Direct Benefit Transfer to off criticism by opponents, hinges on solving various issues, including extending the banking outreach. This will be the first time in independent India's history that the government is planning to transfer monies mainly for scholarships, pensions and other welfare schemes to beneficiaries directly through the Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts. The whole exercise is expected to reduce the scope for exploitation by middlemen and excessive pilferage of subsidies. The government is aiming to implement 34 subsidy schemes in 51 districts from the New Year's day in its first phase. Many countries in the world have adopted the schemes involving cash transfers instead of doling out subsidies in order to benefit their poor and needy. Countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Philippines and our immediate neighbour Bangladesh have embraced cash transfer rather than the provision of goods and services, and studies show they have achieved a reasonable amount of success. And, that is why the proponents of the scheme have welcomed it. The UPA, which brought it into being, has gone a step further in terming it "Aapka Paisa Aapke Haath" (your money in your hand), prompting comments from the opponents, according to whom the government is projecting the scheme to be run on public money as a gift of Congress to poor. On the doorsteps of 2014 elections, the government is in a hurry to implement its flagship programme in major parts of the country in the next 12 to 16 months. Government's haste is evident from

he resounding victory of the BJP in the Gujarat Assembly election is an endorsement by the people of the politics of development and a rejection of the politics of hate. Chief Minister Narendra Modi has led the party to a third convincing win in as many consecutive State polls, and he fought this election purely on the plank of the development work that his Government has done for the people of the State. On the other hand, the Congress campaign, weak and insipid as it was, kept taking potshots at the Chief Minister without offering its own model of development. The voters of Gujarat, unfortunately for the Congress, have already seen and tasted the fruits of progress during the decade of Mr Modi's rule, and it was difficult to mislead them with the shallow criticism that the Chief Minister's rivals kept levelling against him. This is not to say that every segment of the population in every part of the State has benefitted; there are many that have been sadly left out in the wave of development. But even they seem to have realised that their situation is not a deliberate creation of the Modiled regime, but rather one of an administrative failure at some level - which, they believe, the BJP will address in the coming months. For weeks in the run-up to the election, detractors of Mr Modi, and that included the Congress and so-called civil rights activists who have created a career of sorts out of demonising the Chief Minister, had been spreading the message that Mr Modi was a polarising figure and that he was absolutely reviled by the Muslims in the State. Although the Congress, scared as it was after the 2007 experience, did not once raise the issue of the 2002 violence or the 'persecution' of the minorities by the Modi-led Government, the fact remains that its workers had continued to spread venom against the Chief Minister throughout the election campaign at the grassroots level. But the results seem to suggest

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

EDITORIAL

Saffron Surge in South Gujarat

BY SUMIT KHANNA n the 2002 assembly polls, BJP had won 15 out of 29 seats in south Gujarat region BJP had increased its tally to 18 in 2007 elections, and has literally swept the region this time In Bharuch district, hometown of Ahmed Patel, Congress has not won a single seat in this election The ruling Bharaitya Janata Party (BJP) has blown away the Congress in south Gujarat, bagging 80% of the seats in the region. The Narendra Modiled saffron party has literally swept the urban and semi-urban seats, which is a strong indicator of the chief minister's popularity among middle class voters in the region. The party has also made strong inroads into the tribal belt of the region, winning more tribal-dominated seats than the Congress, which has suffered major reverses. South Gujarat has delivered a rich haul for BJP over the years. The party has consistently won 60% or more seats during every election in the region, but its performance this year has even surpassed previous norms. In the 2002 elections, which took place just a few months after the post-Godhra communal riots, the BJP had won 15 of the total 29 seats in south Gujarat - which comprises of Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Navsari, Valsad and Dangs districts. The Congress party had won 12 seats, with two seats going to JD

(U) at that time. That was also the first election the BJP had contested under Modi's leadership in the state. In 2007, the saffron party increased its tally in south Gujarat to 18 seats, while the number of seats won by Congress came down to 10. The JD (U)'s tally also slipped to a sole seat. The trend seems to have continued in 2012 - in fact, it seems to have become stronger. Post-delimitation, the number of seats in south Gujarat has gone up to 35, of which BJP has won 28 seats. The number of districts has gone up to seven with the addition of Tapi. The Congress's tally, on the other hand, has fallen from ten in 2007 to six, while JD (U) has maintained its one seat. The BJP has swept each of the 12 seats in Surat city. The minority-dominated Surat East seat was the only real hope for Congress in the city, but the party's nominee Kadir Pirzada suffered a big loss to minister and BJP candidate Ranjit Gilitwala. The Congress has also lost much ground in the rural areas of Surat. As against three seats in 2007, the party has managed only one - Mandvi-ST, losing Mahuva and Bardoli to the saffron party. Speaker Ganpat Vasava, contesting from the Mangrol-ST seat, won comfortably against Congress candidate Tejas Chaudhary - son of late former CM, Amarsinh Chaudhary and brother of union minister Tushar Chaudhary. Resentment among local

Congress workers towards Chaudhary's candidature is believed to have cost the party. "Delimitation, which resulted in the number of seats in Surat city going up from five to 12, benefited the BJP. We didn't have any chance in these seats," concedes a Congress leader in Surat. In tribal-dominated Tapi district, the Congress has retained its Vyara seat, while losing Nizar to the BJP. In Bharuch, hometown of Congress president Sonia Gandhi's political advisor Ahmed Patel, the Grand Old Party has failed to win a single seat. The party had won Jambusar and Vagra in 2007, but both seats have gone to BJP this time. Ahmed Patel had spent a lot of time in Bharuch ahead of the polls and also campaigned extensively. He had directly taken on chief minister Narendra Modi, calling him a 'sultan', but this doesn't seem to have furthered the Congress' cause in the region. The BJP comfortably won the urban Bharuch and Ankleshwar seats as well, while tribal strongman Chhotu Vasava of JD (U) from Jhagadia recorded his sixth straight victory. The saffron outfit also won both the seats in Narmada district. Sitting MLA and Congress nominee from Dediapada-ST seat, Amarsinh Vasava lost by a margin of 2,555 votes. The BJP also won the newly-carved-out Nandod-ST seat. Further down south, in Navsari, the BJP had won all four seats in 2007. This time, the BJP has

retained Navsari, Gandevi (ST) and Jalalpore, while the Congress laid claim to Vansda. Forest minister Mangu Patel won his sixth straight assembly election defeating former MLA Bharti Patel. The minister had won all previous elections from Navsari, but he had to move to Gandevi after Navsari became a general seat. Sitting MLA RC Patel also posted a comfortable win from Jalalpore, while BJP nominee Piyush Desai defeated Congress candidate AP Patel for the Navsari seat. The Congress won the newly-formed Vansda constituency, which was a fight between two sitting MLAs - Chhana Chaudhari of Congress and Naresh Patel from the BJP. The interesting battle ended in Chaudhari defeating Patel by a margin of more than 25,000 votes. In Valsad, BJP had won three seats in 2007, while Congress had bagged two. The tally has remained unchanged in this election with the BJP winning Valsad, Umargam and Pardi, while Congress has won Dharampur and Kaprada. "The results show that the Congress influence over south Gujarat has waned. The party has also lost ground in rural areas, which is even more worrisome," says a Congress leader from the region. Dangs, the lone constituency of the southernmost Dangs district, was won by Congress candidate Mangal Gavit, who defeated sitting MLA and BJP nominee Vijay Patel by more than 2,400 votes.

Tough times call for more bold decisions

BY G PARTHASARATHY ndia has already provided Afghanistan with substantial economic assistance and is preparing the ground for large-scale investments. But now it must help out with military equipment like battle tanks as well On December 6, Asadullah Khalid, the head of Afghanistan's intelligence set-up, the National Directorate of Security, was seriously injured in a bomb attack by a Taliban suicide bomber posing as a peace envoy. President Hamid Karzai announced the following day that the suicide bomber had come from Pakistan. While not directly naming the ISI, President Karzai described the suicide bombing as a "very sophisticated and complicated act by a professional intelligence service". Mr Khalid is one of President Karzai's closest aides. He has held crucial gubernatorial appointments in Ghazni and Kandahar and had escaped Taliban assassination attempts in 2007 and 2011. He has been playing a crucial role in attempts to wean away Pashtun tribal support from the Taliban, as the American 'end game' in Afghanistan picks up momentum. Mr Khalid is seen as a dangerous adversary in Pakistan. Unlike his Tajik predecessor Amrollah Saleh, against whom the ISI could whip up Pashtun nationalistic sentiments, he is a blue blooded Pashtun, who can better deal with Pakistani machinations of seeking to unite Pashtuns under the tutelage of the Mullah Omar led-Quetta Shura and their protgs in the North Waziristan based Haqqani network. In its quest for 'strategic depth', the Pakistan military establishment has based its entire political strategy on pretending to champion the cause of

Pashtuns, who constitute 40 per cent of the country's population, with the Tajiks constituting 33 per cent of the population and the Shia Hazaras and Uzbeks constituting 11 per cent and nine per cent respectively. Interestingly, the language which unites Afghanistan is not Pashtu, which is spoken by 35 per cent of the population and almost exclusively by Pashtuns, but Dari, which is spoken by 50 per cent of the country's people. Within the Pashtuns, the ruling class has predominantly been drawn from the land-owning Durrani clan. Apart from Nur Mohammed Tarraki and his Soviet backed successors, the only non-Durrani leader of Afghanistan, from the influential Ghilzai clan was Mullah Omar. Two thirds of all Pashtuns belong to the Durrani-Ghilzai confederacy. The Taliban, though led by a Ghilzai, have drawn in a large number of Durrani fighters. In addition, they enjoy the backing of the Haqqani network, led by Jalaluddin Haqqani, operating out of the tribal belt of Pakistan in North Waziristan. The Haqqani network also exercises predominant control of the bordering Afghan Provinces of Khost, Paktia and Paktika. Pakistan's strategy is to pretend that it supports an 'Afghan led' process of national reconciliation, while ensuring that the Quetta Shura and the Haqqani Network, which has strong ties to Al Qaeda and international Islamist causes, negotiate from a position of strength, so that southern Afghanistan initially, and thereafter the entire Pashtun belt, come under the control of its 'strategic assets'. This would be a prelude to obtaining a dominant role across the entire country. It is primarily in pursuit of this objective that the senior-most Taliban leader from the Durrani tribe, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, has

been incarcerated and kept incommunicado in Pakistan. Mullah Baradar, like Mr Karzai, hails from the Popalzai tribe of Durrani Pashtuns and was known to be close to and in touch with President Karzai. While championing the cause of Pashtuns, Pakistan does not want any Pashtun leader to undermine its larger ambitions. Pakistan has its own Achilles heel. Firstly, no Pashtun worth his salt recognises the Durand Line. Moreover, after the Pakistani Army's assault on the Lal Masjid in 2007, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, has made common cause with other jihadi outfits in Pakistan, to challenge the writ of the Pakistani Army and the Pakistan state. Unable to directly take on the TTP, the Pakistani Army is fomenting tribal animosities between the Mehsud and Waziri tribes in South Waziristan. It is also clear that should a Government led either Mr Imran Khan's Tehriq-e-Insaf, or Nawaz Sharif's PML(N) assume office after the 2013 elections in Pakistan, one can write off any prospect of the Pakistani Army taking any action whatsoever, against the Haqqani network or other Al Qaeda affiliated groups, as the American drawdown in Afghanistan proceeds. In these circumstances, there are now concerns that, if not properly equipped, motivated and backed, the Afghan National Army could well lose control of the entire Pashtun belt in the country. This could have serious consequences for the very unity of Afghanistan. It is significant that influential Afghan leaders like Mohammed Atta and Ismail Khan are preparing the ground to be able to defend areas they control, in the event of the ANA being unable to effectively deal with the Taliban challenge. There

should also be no doubt that the primary objective of the Taliban would be to seize control of Kandahar, because of its importance in Pashtun minds, as the traditional and spiritual capital of the country. There would also be efforts by the Taliban to cut off the Line of Communications from Khyber to Jalalabad. India would have to work closely with foreign partners including the US, its Nato allies, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia, to ensure that the international community remains on course to back the elected Government in Afghanistan, economically and militarily. While India has already provided Afghanistan with substantial economic assistance and is preparing the ground for large-scale investments in areas like iron ore, coal, steel, copper and gold, the military cooperation envisaged its strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan remains relatively modest. Indian military analysts, with expertise on Afghanistan's armed forces, note that in order to ensure that the ANA can stand up to challenges from across the Durand Line, India should readily supply 105mm Mountain Artillery, armoured personnel carriers, Vijayanta Tanks, apart from transportation, demining and communications equipment. It remains to seen whether an establishment wedded to its 'Aman Ki Asha' illusions, will pick up the courage to act decisively on major, emerging security challenges in our neighbourhood. Equally importantly, India and its partner states need to recognise that, given Pashtun sentiments and historic realities, we should agree that the Durand Line is a 'disputed boundary' between Pakistan and Afghanistan, while expressing the hope that the dispute will be resolved peacefully, keeping in view Pashtun sentiments.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

STATE

NEWS IN BOX

Panic after leopard enters Srinagar residential area

SRINAGAR: Panic gripped residents of a locality near the Dal Lake here after a leopard sneaked into the area, before being trapped by forest officials. The big cat, which was noticed at Ishber locality of Nishat on the foothills of Zabarwan range last night, managed to enter into the house of one of the residents, a police spokesperson said. The panic-stricken family raised an alarm after locking the leopard in a room. Police, along with a team of wild life officials rushed to the scene and trapped the wild cat, which was later released in nearby Dachigam National Park, he said.

No possibility of NC allying with NDA: Omar

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday ruled out possibility of an alliance between National Conference and NDA, saying their previous association was only due to his party's relationship with former Prime Minister and BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "The National Conference and the NDA were unnatural alliesTherefore I do not see a possibility of the NC returning to the NDA fold. The relationship between NC and NDA was (due to) the relationship between the NC and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He was a sort of leader that brought people together," Omar told mediapersons during an interaction at Press Club. He said it was not a relationship between the NC and the BJP. "It was a relationship between NC and the NDA, the NDA headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. No matter how carefully I look, I don't see anybody in the NDA, particularly in the BJP who is even close to the credentials of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. And unless such a leader is thrown up by the NDA, the possibility of the NC returning (to the alliance) does not exist," he said. The National Conference was a part of Vajpayee led-NDA government, which was in power from 1998 to 2004. However, the Kashmir-based party had later snapped ties with the BJP-led alliance. To a question on supporting NDA if it is headed by Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, Omar refused to respond saying it was a "hypothetical situation".

Postings in Information Department

JAMMU: The Government here on Friday ordered transfers and postings of newly appointed Junior Scale KAS officers in the Information Department. According to the order issued by the Information Department, the five officers have been posted as District Information Officers (DIOs). Mr. Tanveer-Ul-Majid has been posted as DIO, Anantnag, Vinay Kumar as DIO, Kishtwar, Mr. Vikas Anand as DIO, Samba, Mantasha Binti Rashid as DIO, Budgam and Parvinder Kour has been posted as DIO, Reasi with immediate effect.

Sakina meets union ministers, calls for timely release of central scheme funds
NEW DELHI: The Minister for Social welfare Ms Sakina Itoo called on Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Ms. Krishna Tirath, here on Friday and discussed the implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes in Jammu and Kashmir and the problems being confronted by it due to the delay in the release of funds. The Minister, while apprising the Union Minister about the progress achieved under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), SABLA and IGMSY, pleaded for timely release of funds for the effective implementation of these schemes and to ensure that the benefits reach to the targeted lot. In another meeting with Minister for Tribal Affairs, Mr. V. Kishore Chandra S.Deo, Ms. Sakina Itoo apprised that the state face problems in implementation of schemes due to the release of funds under Tribal sub plan and Article 275(1) of India Constitution at the fag and end of the financial year. She informed the Minister that the State Social Welfare Department has already submitted an action plan worth Rs. 36.92 crores under TSP and Article 275(1) of Indian Constitution well in time but funds are still awaited. She expressed her concern about the delay in the release of funds and pleaded for early release of the same to enable the state to take up works in far flung areas. After the discussion, both the Central Ministers assured for timely and sufficient release of funds.

Disaster Management meet held at Kishtwar

DODA: District Development Commissioner Kishtwar Mr. Saleem Mohamad chaired the natural disaster management committee meet in which the officers of various departments and defence forces participated. The DDC asked the concerned officers to work in tandem and ensure that the all the necessary action and arrangements are made well in time .He said that the men and machinery should be well prepared to deal with any exigency and stressed on the need for making coordinated efforts

Bhalla shall be available at Winter Sectt Srinagar from Dec 24

SRINAGAR: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Raman Bhalla will be available in Winter Secretariat from December 24 to 28, 2012 to redress the grievances of people of Kashmir Division. All those desirous persons are hereby intimated to visit Winter Secretariat for apprising the Minister about their problems and getting their grievances redressed.

Rajendra Chairs officers meeting, reviews functioning of Armed Police

JAMMU: Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Armed, L&O Mr. K. Rajendra Kumar today chaired a meeting of Commandants of Armed and India Reserve Police, to review the functioning of battalions of Jammu Range. Threadbare discussions were held to bring more improvements in the functioning of Armed Police in the region. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajendra complimented the commandants for their performance during the concluding year. He said that various events, activities were conducted during the year under Civic Action Programme including Youth Promotional Sports Camp, Jammu Marathon, Jashn-e-Dal, Volleyball tournaments, Police Martyrs Memorial Football Tournament and All India Police Hockey Championship, recently held at Jammu. During the meeting, Mr. Rajendra exhorted upon the participants for setting up of objectives, targets for the coming year . He also

Cabinet approves creation of 322 posts of Dental Assistants

JAMMU 17 DEC: The cabinet which met here today with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in chair accorded sanction to the creation of 322 posts of Dental Assistants. This would go a long way in mitigating the unemployment problem of qualified medical staff in the State.

Mayur Public School celebrates annual day

JAMMU: Mayur Public School Kalyanpur Jhiri celebrated its annual day today. MLC Ajay Sadhotra was the chief guest and Director Industries & Commerce Mr. G. A. Qureshi was the guest of honour on the occasion. Mr. I. D. Soni President of the School Management welcomed the Chief Guest and the parents and highlighted the achievements of the school. The students of the school presented very attractive and fascinating cultural items having educative and moral values which were highly appreciated by the audience. The Chief guest and the guest of honour felicitated and congratulated the management, the principal, the faculty for maintaining rich traditions and shaping the morals of the young students at their impressionable age. The deserving and meritorious students were also awarded on the occasion. Sh. Adil Khan special Award was given to Miss Vidisha Sharma who secured above 90% marks. The vote of thanks was presented by Mtr. Nasreen Khan M.D of the school.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Armed, L&O Mr. K. Rajendra Kumar chairing a meeting of Commandants of Armed and India Reserve Police at Jammu.

impressed upon them for starting preparations for the upcoming events including, celebration of Republic Day, Inter Battalion Tournament, Inter Zone Sports Meet, Police Public Mela and other cultural events. He asked the Commandants to hold Darbars of Jawans on regular basis and ease their problems faced by them while

performing the government duties. He said that darbars are a better way to establish bonds with the ranks. Among others, attended the meeting include DIsGP, Mr. T. Punchok and Mr. Johny William, SO to ADGP, Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Untoo and Commandants of all Jammu based Armed, IRP battalions.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

STATE

Rather announces remaining 34% of 6thpay revision to the Corporation

JAMMU: Underscoring the need to ensure hassle free credit to the entrepreneurs coupled with zero default in recoveries, the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather on Friday asked the J&K State Financial Corporation (J&K SFC) to gearup for playing its assigned role in the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and allied sectors for employment generation and growth of the state's economy. Speaking at the 228th meeting of the Board of Directors of J&K State Financial Corporation (J&KSFC) here this afternoon, Mr. Rather said that corporation's contribution in the development of MSME sector in the State has, earlier also, been significant adding that all the possible logical support would be provided to it for restoring its past glory, provided the Corporation improves its performance upto the mark. "Infact, Government support to every Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) will now be strictly performance linked," Finance Minister asserted. The Economic Advisor to the Government, Mr. Jalil Ahmad Khan, Financial Commissioner, Finance, Mr. Iqbal Khanday, Managing Director, SFC, Mr. A.R.Makroo, Divisional Manager assigned target. The M.D. informed that the Corporation proposes to introduce Group Credit Plan Scheme to hedge the life risk of the loanees availing loans from the Corporation till the tenure of the loan. The salient features of this Insurance scheme includes comprehensive protection against various types of loans and providing coverage against all types of loans like home loan, education loan, car loan, personal loan etc. The scheme envisages that the family does not have to repay loan in case of death during the tenure of loan. The home loan is repaid if loanee suffers from major critical illness. The scheme also provides coverage against multiple contingencies like illness like major cancer, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart attack, kidney failure, major organ transplant etc. The package recommended by the task force constituted by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh on rehabilitation of sick MSME and Dr. C Rangaranjan Committee recommendation for rival of SFC also came up under thread bare discussion and need was felt to follow up the issues vigorously by the concerned administrative departments.

Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather speaking at the 228th meeting of the Board of Directors of J&K State Financial Corporation at Jammu.

LIC, Mr. D.C.Thakur, Sr. DGM, Punjab National Bank (PNB) Mr. A.K.Gupta, Dr. Nissar Ali and Mr. Shakeel Qalander, AGM, SIDB, Mr. Ajun Jain and other concerned officers were present in the meeting. Mr. Rather enjoined upon the management of the SFC to put in place a strong monitoring mechanism to ensure target oriented recoveries which, he said, was imperative for its fiscal health as well as for a sustained credit cycle. As the Corporation (SFC), has now reached to the breakeven point, all the efforts should now be to make it available financial Institution, strong enough to compete other banking players in the market, Mr. Rather said and asked the Corporation to complete its

statutory Audit for the year 201112 upto ending March 2013 positively. Noting considerable improvement in the performance of the Corporation, Mr. Rather announced payment of remaining 34% of 6th Pay revision in favour of the employees of the Corporation, thereby making 6th pay commission recommendations fully applicable to the Corporation. Earlier the Board had released two installments of 33% each in favour of the employees, linking release of the remaining 34% to the performance of the employees. The Managing Director informed that SIDBI has agreed in principle to restore refinance facility to the Corporation from April 2013, which will restore the credit

line of the Corporation on sustained basis. He said with the financial support of State Govt. and waiver of SIDBI on account of refinance of Rs. 12.50 crore and IDBI with regard to un-paid dividend of Rs. 7.20 crore, waiver of unpaid dividend by State Govt. of Rs. 4.00 crore, the net worth of Corporation has improved substantially to Rs. (-) 10.98 crore at the end of November, 2012 as against (-) Rs. 104.58 crore as at the end of March, 2009. It was also informed that the Corporation has sanctioned credit to the tune of Rs. 11.40 crore in favour of about 200 entrepreneurs during first seven months of the current financial year besides recovering about Rs. 15.60 crore which constitutes 80% of the

CAG flays railways for delay, cost overruns in Kashmir project

NEW DELHI,DEC 20: Taking note of the long delay and cost escalation in the Kashmir rail link project, one of the key works taken up by railways since Independence, government auditor CAG has blamed "poor planning and due diligence before its execution for it. The 29-km long UdhampurSrinagar-Baramulla railway line project's originally estimated cost of Rs 3,077 crore in 1999-2000, has escalated to Rs 19,565 crore and the project is still not complete. "The single most important reason for delay and other related problems in execution of the project is poor planning," observed the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in its latest report tabled in Parliament on Thursday. Considering the difficult and unexplored terrain of the region, the CAG has noted that the critical decision on selection of alignment should have been preceded by requisite field investigations to establish its workability. "Had the project authorities conducted due diligence during the initial stage including expert consultation, it would have been possible to minimise uncertainty on account of constructibility paving the way for smoother implementation," it said. It noted that the inadequacy of project estimates thus heavily contributed to time and cost overruns as well as major changes in scope of work as field investigations were taken up during construction. The project cost from the approved estimates of Rs 3077 crore in 1999-2000, the project was currently estimated to cost Rs 19,565 cr resulting in cost overrun of Rs 16,488 crore. It observed that the railways should have carried out a detailed survey of the area in the section between Katra-Qazigund, the most difficult terrain in the project, before deciding on the alignment and gradient that was to connect maximum neighbouring habitations. This alignment passed through various thrust areas and fault lines in the Himalayas making the line vulnerable to seismic disasters. "However, the planners failed to conduct due diligence by way of geo-technical investigations of the proposed alignment in a hitherto unexplored territory and relied entirely on aerial maps and satellite imagery," auditors noted. CAG has pointed out that the final location survey was not drawn up before commencement of works. "On the contrary construction works on the alignment were taken up simultaneously along with ground investigations resulting in uncertainty in progress as a result of difficult terrain and geological conditions," it observed.

SRINAGAR: A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) guerrilla, allegedly responsible for the killing of a sarpanch (village headman) in north Kashmir, has been arrested, police said Friday. "Baramulla police achieved a breakthrough by arresting an LeT militant involved in the killing of Sarpanch Ghulam Mohammad Yatoo of Raipora Palhalan," said a police statement issued here. "In an operation carried out by Baramulla police, 29 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 45 battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at village Raipora Palhalan, Baramulla, LeT militant Mohammad Altaf Ganie alias Cheema, son of Abdul Hamid, resident of Raipora Palhalan was arrested." According to police, Ganie's other accomplice in the killing is still at large. Police said they had recovered an AK-47 rifle, four AK magazines, 192 rounds of AK ammunition, a pistol, four pistol rounds, a pouch, a wireless set and 32 IED circuit packs in the operation. Widespread panic had spread among the panches and sarpanches in north Kashmir after the killing of two sarpanches there earlier this year.

LeT guerrilla involved in Sarpanch's killing arrested

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

INDIA AND THE WORLD

10

Vietnam seeks support, India cautious on South China Sea dispute

NEW DELHI: India and the 10nation ASEAN grouping Thursday robustly backed freedom of navigation, but New Delhi treaded cautiously on the South China Sea dispute, saying the issue of sovereignty should be resolved by the countries which claim disputes areas of the sea, including China. "There are some issues like those of sovereignty which should be resolved between the countries concerned," External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid told about Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's remarks that India should play a role in resolving the dispute in the South China Sea by peaceful means. Doing something about conflict also means not doing something about it, said Khurshid. In a veiled allusion to China's increased assertiveness in the South China Sea, leaders of various Southeast Asian countries attending the summit backed freedom of navigation and increased cooperation among ASEAN countries in the maritime domain. The vision document issued at the end of India-ASEAN summit came out strongly in support of maritime security. "We are committed to strengthening cooperation to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation and safety of sea lanes of communication for unfettered movement of trade in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS," said the vision document. Issues relating to the South China Sea figured in discussions between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the leaders of the 10 countries from Southeast Asia, said reliable sources. China claims sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. Recently, China objected sharply to Indian Navy chief Admiral D.K. Joshi's remarks that the navy was ready to protect Indian economic interests in the disputed South China Sea.

reporters after the end of the plenary of the India-ASEAN commemorative summit. There are better ways than intervention, he said when asked

Closer US-India ties benefit US: Mississippi senator

WASHINGTON : Noting that the dynamic and productive US-India relationship continues to grow from strength to strength, a leading US lawmaker believes this partnership will play a major role in US foreign policy. "This is good news for the United States and the State of Mississippi," wrote Roger Wicker, top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, who represents Mississippi in the Senate, in the Asia Pacific bulletin of the East West Centre. Noting "India's growing importance on the world stage, in particular its influence as an anchor of democracy and stability in Asia," he wrote "Allies and strategic alliances are the best force multipliers as the United States confronts the emerging threats of the 21st century." India and the United States share many security concerns, Wicker wrote citing "the scourge of transnational terrorism, the necessity of a stable and secure Afghanistan, the uncertainties of an increasingly belligerent Iran, along with a Chinese military eager to expand its influence, are some of the diverse and complex challenges both nations face." "As US troops withdraw from Afghanistan, continued vigilance is essential to keeping terrorist networks from finding a haven there, and no doubt India will continue to be a major player in promoting regional and global security," he wrote. A large labour force and strong base for hightech industry have made India a key US partner for trade in goods and services valued at almost $100 billion--up from only $18 billion in 2001, over a five-fold increase in a decade, Wicker wrote. "Furthermore, the importance of the Indian Ocean for global trade and commerce will only continue to grow, which will require maritime strength and preparedness in maintaining open Sea Lanes of Communication, another shared US-India goal," he wrote. Suggesting that "US future defence strategy should recognize the power of collaborating with proven and steady allies like India," Wicker wrote that a cooperative defence trade relationship requires a serious commitment from the United States to the modernisation of its Cold War-era export control system. "In turn, India must be committed to a fair and open defence acquisition process that upholds transparency and interoperability with friends and partners," he concluded.

Illegal Bangladeshi immigration being tackled: Govt

NEW DELHI: The central government is taking adequate steps to curb illegal infiltration from Bangladesh into northeastern states like Assam, the Lok Sabha was told Tuesday. "The government has taken steps like equipping the BSF (Border Security Force) with modern equipment, reducing gaps between border posts and intensifying patrolling along the IndiaBangladesh border. Fencing along the international border has been strengthened and a scheme for flood lighting along the border is being implemented," said union Minister of State for Home Affairs M. Ramachandran. He was responding to a question on the influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants into Assam, particularly its Bodo areas. "We are also taking up the issue with Bangladesh at various fora. Dhaka has been urged to check infiltration by its nationals. India and Bangladesh are also jointly working on coordinated patrolling, identifying vulnerable gaps and strengthening riverine patrolling," added Ramachandran. The minister also said that adequate measures were in place for detecting illegal migrants. "Thirty-six foreigners tribunals have been set up for the detection of illegal migrants in Assam. In order to ensure speedier disposal of cases in these tribunals, the Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 1964 has been amended in April this year to dispose off cases within 60 days," he said. On being asked whether illegal migrants had also grabbed a large chunk of tribal land in Assam, Ramachandran said: "There have been instances of encroachment and transfer of land in Assam's tribal areas by ineligible persons. The state government is taking all necessary steps for removing encroachment in tribal areas."

Security transition in Afghanistan must ensure lasting peace: India

UNITED NATIONS: India has noted that the drawdown of the US-led forces in Afghanistan could create "a security vacuum" even as the country "continues to face an existential threat from terrorism" with the terror infrastructure drawing upon "support from beyond its borders". Hardeep Puri, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressing a Security Council debate on 'Situation in Afghanistan', also said the security transition in Afghanistan with the drawdown of the US-led forces in 2014 "must ensure lasting peace and security for all sections of Afghan society". Puri said the international community and Afghanistan "have achieved important milestones this year on the long road towards peace, progress and security in the country", said a statement Thursday. He said the Delhi Investment Summit held in New Delhi in June was an "important endeavour in focussing regional and international attention towards investments in Afghanistan and their potential in providing economic development and stability to Afghanistan during the transition period". However, he noted that "amidst these salient developments, Afghanistan continues to face an existential threat from terrorism. The infrastructure of terror is still intact in the region drawing upon ideological, financial and logistical support from beyond its borders". "The syndicate of terrorism which includes elements of the al-Qaida, Taliban, Lashkar-eTaiba and other terrorist and extremist groups, is active in the region and is far from being isolated. While the security situation continues to remain fragile, ISAF draw down has proceeded apace." The drawdown has "accentuated the uncertainties with the risk of creating a security vacuum coupled with an economic downturn in Afghanistan, which could undermine the hard fought gains we have achieved together during the last decade. The security transition must ensure lasting peace and security for all sections of Afghan society." Puri also noted that regional cooperation and connectivity "are critical for Afghanistan's political and economic progress. We are fully cognizant that the economic viability of Afghanistan depends on its fuller integration into the neighbourhood, so that it can regain its historical role of a landbridge between South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Eurasia. Conscious of this imperative need, India has taken the lead in two commercial Confidence Building Measures under the Istanbul process." Puri said, "India remains unwavering in its commitment to assisting the people of Afghanistan in their endeavour to build a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous nation." "India has pledged up to $2 billion in development and humanitarian assistance. We have managed to carry out some of the most economical and cost-effective projects in Afghanistan." He said India supported the good work done by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. "As we enter in the New Year, we must create an enabling environment where the Afghan people could live in peace and security and decide their future themselves, without outside interference, coercion and intimidation," Puri said.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012 Russia plans to test-fire 11 intercontinental ballistic missiles in 2013
MOSCOW: Russia's Strategic Missile Force plans to test-fire 11 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in 2013, after firing only five this year, its commander said Friday. "In 2013, we plan to fire 11 ICBMs, the main aim being the life-extension of existing missile systems and state acceptance trials of future systems," said Col. Gen. Sergei Karakayev. A new automated battle management system (ASBU) is also being introduced for the force which will allow rapid re-targeting of ICBMs, he said. "The force is currently undertaking introduction of a fourth-generation automated battle management system, which, while undertaking the traditional role of authentication of commands, collating reports and controlling launch stations, will also guarantee automated alteration of plans and operational re-targeting of missiles," he said. By 2020, the whole of the force will be equipped with modern digital communications, he added.

DEFENCE

11

Maoist problem is the biggest security threat: CRPF

AGARTALA: The Maoist problem is the biggest security threat for the CRPF currently, para-military force's chief Pranay Sahay said here Tuesday. "It (Maoist terrorism) is definitely the largest threat in terms of task given to the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)," Sahay told reporters. He said that the CRPF troopers are also geared up with all modern weapons and gadgets to curb the Maoist terrorism in India. The CRPF director general arrived here Monday on a two-day state visit to review the para-military forces' preparedness ahead of the Tripura assembly elections, due in February next year. According to Sahay, of the total of 207 CRPF battalions, around 37 to 38 percent forces have been deployed in the Maoist affected areas of the country alone, followed by 33 percent in Jammu and Kashmir, 28 percent in the northeast region and remaining in various the Rashtriya Rifles and state police have killed three militants." He asserted that the para-military force is well-equipped and have the latest arms and technology to counter Maoist and other threat. "In modernisation, we have procured very high degree of equipment especially with reference to the threat to Maoist areas. In fact, the CRPF uses the best weapons. We are much better than our adversaries," Sahay added. He said: "We also used unmanned aerial vehicles and observe the movement of unwanted people on the ground." "Our cadres have got expected skills. We don't have problem." Sahay, former director general of Tripura Police, during his stay here met Governor D.Y. Patil, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Chief Secretary S.K. Panda and senior security officials and discussed the various pre-poll strategies.

parts of the country. "Our thrust area right now is in the Maoist area only," said the CRPF chief. Quoting from the union home ministry's report, he said Tripura is the 'model state' in the country in the context of containment of four and a half decades old terrorism. "In all circles, including the ministry of home affairs, Tripura has

been referred to as the model state in terms of taming violent activities of the separatist outfits and there is no doubt about it." On Jammu and Kashmir, Sahay said: "The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is well contained but we are very much alert so that there are no problems in the future. Only two days back in Kashmir, we along with

DRDO To Develop an indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System

NEW DELHI: India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has proposed to develop an indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS), described as an 'eye-inthe-sky' force multiplier that can keep a watch on enemy military activity, aircraft getting airborne or missile being fired. Defence Minister AK Antony informed the Indian Parliament on the DRDO proposal to begin work on the project called AWACS (India). "The project proposal for indigenous development of AWACS (India) has been submitted by the DRDO for government approval," Antony said in a written reply to a question from members of the Council of States. He also said that the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) of the Defence Ministry envisages deployment of a mix of large AWACS and small Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System aircraft. AWACS have better capabilities and are mounted on larger aircraft, while AEW&C are mounted on smaller planes. "While three AWACS already stand operationalised in the Indian Air Force (IAF), there is a proposal for procurement of two additional AWACS. Simultaneously, DRDO is engaged in indigenous development of three AEW&C systems," he added. The procurement of two additional AWACS will be follow-on to the $1.1 billion contract signed by India, Israel and Russia in 2004. Under the contract, IAF got three Israeli-made PHALCON AWACS that were mounted on Russian IL76 aircraft in 2009 and 2010. The larger AWACS and the smaller AEW&C systems can detect incoming fighter jets and missiles, apart from keeping a tabe on troop's movement across the border. This early warning enables military commanders to take quicker decisions to counter the enemy's military activities on time. DRDO's plans on kick-starting its AWACS project comes even as China has amassed capabilities in this regard, having inducted a mix of 20 old and new AWACS.

Subhash Joshi is new BSF chief, Ajay Chadha to head ITBP

NEW DELHI, DEC 17: Subhash Joshi was Tuesday appointed as the new chief of Border Security Force (BSF) while Special Secretary in Home Ministry Ajay Chadha would now head the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Joshi, who is at present Director General of elite National Security Guard, will lead the 1.8 lakh strong border force BSF as the post had fallen vacant on December one due to retirement of U K Bansal. A 1976 batch IPS officer from Uttrakhand cadre, Joshi is due to retire in February 2014. He has also served in CRPF as Special Director General of Police. In another appointment cleared by Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chadha, Special Secretary (Internal Security), has been appointed as Director General of ITBP. A 1977 batch IPS officer of AGMU cadre, Chadha will have a tenure till August next year. The post had fallen vacant after Ranjit Sinha was appointed as Director of CBI. Special Director General of BSF Arvind Ranjan has been appointed as Director General, National Security Guard (NSG).

India Navy gets its most sophisticated warfare aircraft Boeing P-8I
WASHINGTON: Boeing has made an on-site delivery of the first of the eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare P-8I aircraft it's building for the Indian Navy in Seattle. India will receive this aircraft and two more of its eight contracted P-8Is in 2013, Boeing said in a press release Thursday. The programme is progressing on schedule as Boeing assembles the fourth and fifth P-8Is, which are designed for long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, it said. The first P-81 for the Indian Navy, a derivative of the Boeing demonstrating its flying qualities and handling characteristics in a test flight. Over the next few months, Boeing test pilots put the first P-8I through its paces over a US Navy test range west of Neah Bay, Washington, and a joint US/Canadian test range in the Strait of Georgia, Boeing said. The P-8I features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment. P-8I aircraft are built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International.

Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, began its official

flight test programme last July with a fully loaded version of the plane

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

DEFENCE

12

India Tests Prithvi-II Indian Coast Guard Inducts New Interceptor Boat N-Capable Missile
BALASORE: India has successfully tested its Prithvi-2 indigenous nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a test range off Odisha coast in the Bay of Bengal, in what is termed as an user-trial by the nation's strategic forces that handle nuclear weapons. The 350-km-range surface-tosurface missile blasted off from a mobile launcher at the launch complex of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) of Chandipur-on-sea in Balasore district, around 230 km from Bhubaneshwar, Odisha's capital."The mission was successful," ITR director MVKV Prasad was quoted as saying soon after the test.The training exercise by the strategic forces was monitored by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists.Prithvi was India's first missile under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme that began in mid-1980s to develop five key missiles for the Indian armed forces.Prithvi, being a mediumrange missile, is capable of carrying a one-tonne warhead. During the test, it had a flight duration of 483 seconds and reached a peak altitude of 43.5 km.Using an PORBANDER: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has inducted the first of 36 high speed interceptor boats to boost the coastal security force's capability to prevent terror attacks like the one on Mumbai in 2008 and illegal activities close to the 7,516km coast. The $200-million order for the 36 interceptor boats had been placed by the Indian government post-26/11 terror strikes as part of the new coastal security measures. Designed and built in-house by Indian private sector Larsen and Toubro at its Surat unit, the interceptor boat was commissioned at Porbander in Gujarat by Gandhinagar-based South Western Air Command chief Air Marshal A K Gogoi. Commander Coast Guard Region (North West) Deputy Inspector General B S Yadav was also present. The 30-metre Interceptor Boat C-401, with 90-tonne displacement, can achieve a maximum speed of 45 knots or 83 km per hour, according to an ICG officer. The vessel is fitted with state-ofthe-art navigation and communica-

advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring capabilities, the missile can hit targets with greater accuracy.Already inducted into the Indian armed forces, the ninemeter-long missile has been successfully flight-tested a number of times from the same test range in the past.The missile had its maiden test flight in January 1996 and had its last successful test in October this year.

tion equipment and medium-range armament, and is designed for high speed interception, close-coast patrol, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue and maritime surveillance, the officer said. The commissioning of the interceptor boat has taken the ICG force level to 77 vessels and with more planned inductions in the future; it is expected to double by 2018. The interceptor boat will be based at Mundra under the administrative and operational control of

the Commander Coast Guard Region (North-West), the officer said. Commanded by Deputy Commandant Lakshya Sharma, it will have a crew of an officer and 11 enrolled personnel. The interceptor boat has a full aluminum-alloy body for reduced weight and is powered by twin water-jet propulsion systems. It can operate effectively in shallow waters, critical for actions close to the shore.

Developmental trial of Astra missile conducted

BALASORE: India on Friday conducted developmental trial of its indigenously developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile 'Astra' from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, 15 km from Balasore. The sophisticated missile was test-fired from a launcher in launch pad-2 of the ITR at about 01.25 pm targeting a flying object being supported by a pilotless target aircraft 'Lakshya', defence sources said. The single stage, solid fuelled Astra missile is more advanced in its category than the contemporary BVR missiles and is capable of engaging and destroying highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets. The 3.8 metre long missile, having a diameter of 178 mm with an overall launch weight of 160 kg, can carry a warhead containing conventional explosives weighing 15 kg. It can be fitted to any fighter aircraft. It is intended to be eventually integrated with Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft of the Indian Air Force, the sources said. Describing Astra as a futuristic missile, DRDO scientists said the weapon could intercept the target at supersonic speed. "Before being made fully operational, the complex missile system will undergo some more trials, though tests of its navigation, control, air frame, propulsion and other sub-system have been validated," the sources said. DRDO scientists are working to ensure that Astra performs effectively at different altitudes - one at an altitude of 15 km with 90 to 110 km range, another at an altitude up to 30,000 ft having a range of 44 km while the third at sea level with a range of 21 km, the sources added.

Uzbekistan pulls out of post-Soviet security treaty

MOSCOW: Uzbekistan has officially suspended its membership in a Russian-led collective security organization, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Wednesday. Uzbekistan announced the suspension of its Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) membership six months ago. "We have granted their request and halted, suspended [Uzbekistan's] CSTO membership," he told an expanded meeting of the CSTO Council in Moscow. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) chief Alexander Bortnikov said Uzbekistan's withdrawal will not affect bilateral or multilateral efforts in combating terrorism. Uzbekistan has confirmed its commitment to cooperate with Russia in countering terror, he said. "Work along these lines will continue," Bortnikov said. Uzbek President Islam Karimov said on Tuesday Tashkent is looking for ways to strengthen strategic ties with Moscow despite Uzbekistan's withdrawal from the treaty. Uzbekistan's new foreign policy strategy rules out Tashkent's membership in any military alliances and bans foreign military bases on Uzbek territory. Uzbekistan previously withdrew from the CSTO in 1999 but then restored its membership in August 2006.

Chopper deal: Def Min asks vendors to extend commercial offer

NEW DELHI : In view of delays in the tender to procure 197 light helicopters, Indian Defence Ministry has asked the two vendors in the race for the multi-billion dollar deal to extend the validity of their commercial offer. "One of the firms, Europe's Eurocopter has told the Ministry that "in absence of any visibility regarding the finalisation of the case, we are unable to grant a further extension to our commercial offer'," defence sources told PTI. The other company in the over 48-month-old tender is Russia's Kamov, which is offering its Ka-226 Sergei choppers. The 197 light helicopters are being procured for the Army and the IAF to replace their fleet of vintage Cheetah/Chetak fleet of choppers, which are critical for providing supplies to troops deployed in Siachen Glacier and other high altitude areas. "In a letter written to Director General (Acquisition) S B Agnihotri, Eurocopter has said it 'shares concern regarding the delay of the on-going procurement case considering the importance of this programme for the Indian armed forces'," they said. The field evaluation trials have been concluded at the end of 2010 but there is no indication concerning the start of the commercial negotiations which has become a serious concern for them, the European company has told the ministry. The Eurocopter has sought a "clarification from the Defence Ministry regarding the expected time frame of this procurement programme," the sources said. The trials of the two helicopters in the race were completed in December 2010. Army Aviation Corps had submitted trial reports to the Defence Ministry after the trials. The project has been delayed by more than five years as the earlier tender had to be cancelled at the last moment in 2007 after a five-year process.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

DEFENCE

13

Irkut Delivers First Su-30SM Fighters to Russian Air Force

MOSCOW: Aircraft maker Irkut delivered the first two Sukhoi Su30SM fighter aircraft to the Russian Air Force on Thursday, the company said. Flight testing of the multirole fighter jet began around two months ago, following the first flight of the Su-30SM on September 21, Irkut said. "It is significant that the aircraft is in series production, and will enter air force service not in ones and twos but in squadrons," said Maj. Gen. Alexander Karchevsky, commander of the air force's Gagarin and Zhukovsky training academy, who was present at the handover. The Su-30SM is the latest development of the twin-seat Su-30 jet fighter family, itself a derivative of the long-serving single-seat Sukhoi Su-27, one of the air force's most important warplanes. The new aircraft has an improved radar, communications and identification-friend-or-foe system, new ejection seat and new weapons. It also has thrust-vectoring engine nozzles and canard foreplanes, providing supermaneuverability at low airspeeds. The contract between the Defense Ministry and Irkut for 30 of the new jets by 2015 was signed in March.

China must not make nuke aircraft India, ASEAN to strengthen cooperation in maritime security carriers recklessly: Expert
BEIJING: China possesses the ability to build nuclear-powered aircraft carriers but should not start 'recklessly' expanding before sorting out issues relating to application of nuclear technology, a defence expert has said. The comments followed reports that China plans to build nuclear power aircraft carriers in future to follow up the first carrier, which is not nuclear-powered, commissioned recently converting the hull of a former Soviet ship into a carrier platform. "China now has the ability to build high-power aircraft carriers but should not recklessly carry out construction," Li Li, professor with National Defence University, told the state-run Global Times. "There are a lot of things to think about clearly first, such as nuclear power technology. Before solving all high-end technology issues, it is inappropriate to blindly start construction. China has ability to take the next aircraft carrier to a higher level," Li Li said. Some Russian strategic analysts recently spoke of China's plans to build big nuclear-powered carriers even as Russia itself is carrying out research to build big nuclear-powered aircraft carriers which can accommodate 80 fighter planes. About the combat effectiveness of the Chinese Army, Li said that China has already made some substantial progress in terms of new equipment, judging from the disclosure of heavyweight equipment since 2006. "The level of training of the armed forces, especially combat training, has been greatly improved. Nevertheless, we still have to make improvement in terms of understanding the high-tech war," she said. With her experience of longterm research on the development of weaponry worldwide, Li said whatever higher stage that the war may develop into, the essence is still the conquer of high-tech against low-tech, behind which is a more profound kind of competition. The development of high-tech military technology is a realistic choice for national security, she said. Another story in the Global Times said China's maritime surveillance planes made "new breakthroughs" in technology, equipping with more advanced surveillance equipment, which had been quickly and efficiently applied in patrolling. The air-sea patrols are more advanced than before, Wang Xiaopeng, a scholar with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said without elaborating what exact technology. Due to institutional problems and lack of advanced technology, the previous patrols were mainly carried out in offshore areas, he said. "They involved in salvage at sea and pollution regulation, rather than maintenance of the territorial sovereignty and administrative jurisdiction," he said. A Chinese maritime patrol plane made a brief appearance over the disputed islands with Japan recently and left before Japanese fighters scrambled into space. NEW DELHI: India and Southeast Asian countries on Thursday agreed to strengthen cooperation in strategically crucial areas of maritime security and freedom of navigation, a move which comes at a time of increasing assertiveness by China in resource-rich South China Sea. At ASEAN-India Summit here, leaders of the 10-member group and India adopted a vision statement, elevating their ties to strategic level and deepening cooperation in key areas of security, political and economic. "We are committed to strengthening cooperation to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation, and safety of sea lanes of communication for unfettered movement of trade in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS. "We agree to promote maritime cooperation, including through engagement in the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) and its expanded format, to address common challenges on maritime issues, including sea piracy, search and rescue at sea, maritime environment, maritime security, maritime connectivity, freedom of navigation, fisheries, and other areas of cooperation," the vision document said. During their addresses, the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam also referred to tensions in their region. Other members of ASEAN include Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos. "At this time of rising concerns about maritime issues, the need to maintain a high level of maritime security and freedom of navigation offers us ... An opportunity for enhanced cooperation," Philippines Vice President Jejomar Binay said. In his speech, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said there should be enhanced maritime cooperation with India given that 70 per cent of the world's traffic in petroleum products passes through the Indian Ocean from the Middle East to East Asia. The vision document also said the leaders will continue to exert efforts and cooperate to effectively implement the Plan of Action to implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2010-2015). However, the negotiations witnessed differences in the views of some ASEAN countries, particularly from the Philippines and Indonesia. It is understood that the pact agreed today was on the pattern of "8+1+1" with specific terms in case of these two countries. Out of the total 35.06 million work force in the Philippines, 51 per cent are engaged in services sector. In a way, it is a strong competitor for India in the global BPO market. India, whose services sector contributes about 55 per cent to the country's economic growth, was very keen to enter the ASEAN market. The pact would also help India to increase its stake in the region in sectors like infrastructure. "Together we constitute a community of 1.8 billion people, representing one-fourth of humanity, with a combined GDP of USD 3.8 trillion. It is only natural that India should attach the highest priority to its relationship with ASEAN," Singh said.

All IAF aircraft to have anti-collision devices

NEW DELHI: All Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft to be procured in future will have anti-collision technologies incorporated in them, Defence Minister A K Antony has said. IAF has decided that all aircraft to be procured by them in future will have anti-collision technologies incorporated in them. The type of equipment will depend on the role and operational employability of the aircraft, he said in reply to a written query in Lok Sabha on Monday. He said the Embraer Executive Jets and Boeing Business Jets for VIP I WIP duties are equipped with Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance Systems and Ground Proximity Warning Systems as anti-collision features. "The total cost of procurement of these aircraft and associated equipment is inclusive of the collision avoidance systems mentioned above," Antony said. Meanwhile, answering another query, the Defence Minister said the 13th Round of Siachen talks between the Defence Secretaries of India and Pakistan were held at Rawalpindi from 11th to 12th June, 2012. "They reaffirmed their resolve to make serious, sustained and result oriented efforts for seeking an amicable resolution of Siachen issue. It was agreed to continue the dialogue on Siachen in keeping with the desire of the leaders of both countries for early resolution of all outstanding issues", he said. To a query on Tatra trucks, he said, "The number of such vehicles with the Indian Army is 7,983 and it is about four per cent of total vehicles authorised for use by the Army." At present there is no further procurement of Tatra Trucks and their spare parts, Antony said.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

ECONOMY

14

Foreign Investments through PNotes Increased to 8-Month Highest

NEW DELHI: Foreign investments in the Indian markets through Pnotes or PNs (Participatory Notes) increased to 8-month high of around 1.75 lakh crore Rupees or 32 billion dollar in October 2012. This happened because different reform measures attracted the overseas investors towards the Indian markets. Market regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) revealed in its data that the overall value of PNote investments in India (debt, equity or derivatives) by October 2012 end increased to highest since February 2012, when the total value of investments like these were 1.83 lakh crore Rupees. Apart from this, the overall value of P-notes issued with the derivatives as basics stood at 95536 crore Rupees by October 2012 end.

NEWS IN BOX

India lowers 2012-13 growth forecast to 5.7 percent

NEW DELHI: The Indian government Monday lowered the economy's growth forecast for the current financial year to 5.7 percent, down sharply from an earlier projection of 7.6 percent announced in March, owing to unfavourable global and domestic conditions. In the mid-year economic analysis tabled in Parliament, the finance ministry, however, said it was on track to meet the fiscal deficit target of 5.3 percent. Growth has slumped in recent quarters due to the lingering uncertainties in the global economy and domestic policy inaction. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) has expanded by just 5.4 percent in the first half of 2012-13. The finance ministry said in the report that growth was likely to improve in the second half the current financial year and it would remain between 5.7 and 5.9 percent. "It should be possible for the economy to improve the overall growth rate of GDP to around 5.7 percent to 5.9 percent for the year 2012-13," the report said. Addressing a press conference, Chief Economic Advisor Raghuram Rajan said the Indian economy had bottomed out and the growth was likely to improve in the second half of 2012-13. He said a series of reform measures taken by the government would help propel economic growth above 6 percent in the second half of the current financial year. The economy grew by 5.5 percent in the first quarter and 5.3 percent in the second quarter of 201213. "This is not the growth rate that we feel comfortable with," Rajan said. In the report, the finance ministry said the slowdown were due to a combination of domestic and global economic conditions. "The slowdown in growth in advanced economies and near recessionary conditions prevailing in Europe resulted not only in lower growth of international trade but also lower capital flows," it said. Turning to domestic factors, rainfall in the monsoon season of 2012-13 has been below normal, particularly in the key months of June and July. This affected sowing and resulted in a lower growth rate of agriculture and allied sectors, the report said. High cost of borrowings due to the tight monetary policy of the Reserve Bank of India has also negatively affected the economic growth. "The cost of borrowing remains at elevated levels and this has had an impact on investment and growth in the economy, particularly that of the industry sector," it said. "Bottlenecks in project implementation have made financing more difficult and investors more cautious," the ministry added.

UN Slashed World Growth Forecast to 2.4 Percent for year 2013

NEW DELHI: United Nations on 18 December 2012 slashed its global growth predictions to 2.4 percent for 2013 and 3.2 percent for the following year and warned of a lasting employment crisis for western countries. The UN's World Economic Situation and Prospects 2013 report warned that the Debt crises in Europe and the United States and a slowdown in China could all throw the world economy into recession. Earlier in the t month of June 2012 UN had predicted a growth forecast 2.7 percent for 2013 and 3.9 percent for the year after. As per the Report, With existing policies and growth trends, it is going to take at least another five years for Europe and the United States to make up for the job losses caused by the Great Recession of year 2008-2009. The report also predicted growth in South Asia averaging 5 percent in 2013, up from 4.4 percent in 2012, led by a moderate recovery in India.

RBI keeps key rates unchaged

MUMBAI: Maintaining a status quo, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday kept the key rates unchanged with Repo Rates and Reverse Repo Rate at 8 and 7 per cent respectively.Cash Reserve ratio also remained unaltered at 4.25 per cent in RBI's mid quarter review for the third quarter of the current fiscal.Markets were expecting the RBI to continue to tinker with the Cash Reserve Ratio by a quater per cent and expected the rate cut to happen in the fourth quarter. However. RBI Governor D Subbarao maintained a status quo in the policy, stating that Liquidity conditions will be managed with a view to supporting growth as stated in the second quarter review, thereby preparing the ground for further shifting the policy stance to support growth. RBI said GDP growth is evolving along the baseline projection of 5.8 per cent for 201213 set out in the second quarter review. The recent policy initiatives by the Government and further reforms should help to boost business sentiment and improve the investment climate.

New Delhi, world's fifth most expensive office market

MUMBAI,DEC 19: New Delhi is the fifth most expensive office marketin the world, a survey released here Wednesday said. New Delhi (Connaught Place) now ranks fifth in the world with an overall occupancy cost of $183.30 per square feet per annum, according to CBRE Global Research & Consulting's semi-annual Prime Office Occupancy Costs Survey. In contrast, Mumbai's Nariman Point fell from 20th position in July to 25th rank in September this year, while the newlydeveloped Bandra-Kurla Complex stood 11th, the survey said. Hong Kong Central remains the world's most expensive office market, followed by London West End, Tokyo and Beijing in the top four slots. The latest survey provides data on office rents and occupancy costs as of September 30, 2012. "In prime central business district locations, the supply of space is extremely limited with almost no new supply expected in the near future. This is especially true for quality office space which has led to occupancy cost remaining high," said CBRE South Asia Pvt Ltd Chairman Anshuman Magazine. Similarly, he said, the dominance of Asia-Pacific in the top 10 "most expensive" business locations worldwide continued, led by Hong Kong-Central, which has an overall occupancy costs of $246.30 per sq. ft. per annum. The economic slowdown notwithstanding, occupancy costs increased by an average of 2.1 percent worldwide over the past year, led by the Americas with a 5.2 percent annual rise and Asia-Pacific with a 2.6 percent rise, Magazine said. Overall, the prime office occupancy costs increased in 74 markets worldwide, dropped in 37 and remained unchanged in 22 markets.

CAG faults NMDC for Rs.746 crore revenue loss during 2007-10
NEW DELHI: State iron ore miner NMDC bore revenue losses of Rs.745.94 crore during 2007-10 for not revising the domestic prices of the raw material in line with prevailing market rates, India's official auditor said Thursday. "...due to non-revision of domestic prices by the company (NMDC) in line with movement of market price, the company has suffered a revenue loss of Rs.754.94 crore during 2007-10," the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) said in a report tabled in parliament. The CAG also said by extending unwarranted price reductions, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) had passed Rs.600.83 crore benefit to its customers during 201011. "... not increasing the prices by full percentage in line with increase in export prices led to a loss of Rs.227.40 crore during the same period," the CAG said. The national auditor also faulted NMDC's way of price fixation, saying the method of net realisations followed is deficient, which results in charging lower prices to domestic customers who sell their finished products at prices driven by market forces. "As the lower iron ore prices charged by NMDC do not necessarily result in keeping the steel prices low as these are market driven, it is imperative that NMDC safeguards its financial interests and realises optimum prices for its ore," the CAG said. NMDC exports iron ore through long-term agreements (LTA) with Japanese Steel Mills (JSM), at prices that are at par with what Australian and Brazilian exporters get from JSM.

Internet to contribute $100 bln to India's GDP by 2015

WASHINGTON: The Internet's contribution to India's gross domestic product by 2015 may cross 100 billion dollars mark by 2015, a report has said. According to a new a study by global consulting firm McKinsey and Co, this would happen because the number of Internet users in the country is expected to reach anywhere between 330 million and 370 million by then. "India will add more Internet users than any country in the world over the next three years," said the report. According to the Wall Street Journal, the report also said that 28 percent of India's population is set to have Internet access by 2015. Currently, only 120 million people, or about 10 percent of India's 1.2 billion population - use the Internet, the Journal said. By 2015, McKinsey projects India will overtake the U.S. to become country with the second highest number of Internet users after China. Globally, about two billion people currently use the Internet. In 2010, the Internet contributed 1.7 trillion dollars to the world economy, according to McKinsey. That's roughly the current size of India's economy.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

ECONOMY

15
'Bihar recorded lowest per capita NSDP in 2011-12'
NEW DELHI: Bihar had the lowest per capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) at Rs 23,435 in FY'12 among the Indian states at current prices, Finance Minister P Chidambaram informed Rajya Sabha on . "As per information published by Directorate of Economics and Statistics of respective state governments, the per capita NSDP at current prices of Bihar was the lowest at RS 23,435 in 2011-12," he said during Question Hour. The Finance Minister, however, said Bihar's per capita income growth during the same year at constant prices was the highest amongst the states. "Comparable information for all states in respect of Gross Capital Formation (Investment) is not available from official sources," he said. Replying to a supplementary, Chidambaram said there was no proposal for any specific area-based fiscal concession for Bihar at present. "The design of fiscal transfers to states takes into account the inter-state difference in economic parameters including NSDP," he said. "Many plan schemes have been designed to ensure balanced regional development and attach greater weights to lower initial conditions of the level of development of various states," he added.

Govt close to services FTA with Asean

NEW DELHI: The government says it has "successfully" concluded negotiations on a long-pending free trade agreement for services and investments with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and that signing of the pact is now a mere formality. The agreement, which seeks to liberalise the market in services and ease investment rules, has been in the works for the past nine years. "The negotiations have been concluded. While follow-up is needed for signing the agreement, there are no hiccups, no rough edges left," External Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed told journalists at the end of a two-day India-Asean commemorative summit in Delhi. While the two sides entered into a free trade agreement (FTA) on goods in January 2010, a deal on the services and investments pact had remained elusive as India had sought a more liberal visa regime for its professionals compared to what the 10-nation grouping has offered to New Zealand and Australia in its FTA with the two countries. Asean has offered longer visa permits and other qualification relaxations to professionals from Australia and New Zealand, which go beyond the commitments made at the multilateral trading forum of the World Trade Organisation. Experts say India lost is bargaining power after signing the FTA in goods. "As the India-Asean free trade agreement in goods has already been signed and implemented, India did not have much bargaining power in the services and investments negotiations. It had no choice but to give in to the demands of the Asean countries," said a trade expert at a Delhi-based research agency. However, there was a glimmer of hope when India decided to scale down its ambitions and agreed to accommodate the concerns of the Asean countries who were apprehensive about giving concessions to Indian professionals. Members such as the Philippines went to the extent of saying that it would not offer much to India and was prepared to get less than other members as part of the pact. Besides the Philippines, the Asean comprises Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia. "Not only has the Asean refused to give us the concessions given to Australia and New Zealand, they have offered us very little in excess of what is on offer under the multilateral trade regime of the WTO," a government official had told ET. However, India is now relieved that the services and investments agreement is finally on the verge of conclusion. "It's a matter of great satisfaction that negotiations on India-Asean trade in services and investment were brought to a successful conclusion," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said. "While negotiators from all the countries brought different perspectives to the table, political mandate from the highest level ensured that all outstanding issues were resolved appropriately. This will pave way for larger Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership taking shape in the East Asian Region." Prime Minister Manmohan Singh termed the successful conclusion of talks as a "valuable milestone". "I am confident it will boost our economic ties in much the same way FTA in goods has done," Singh said addressing the summit. Singh said that after the implementation of FTA in goods, bilateral trade grew 41% in 2011-12. Trade between India and Asean is worth $80 billion, and the two sides aim to increase it to $100 billion by 2015 and $200 billion by 2022. "Together we constitute a community of 1.8 billion people, representing one-fourth of humanity, with a combined GDP of $3.8 trillion. It is only natural that India should attach the highest priority to its relationship with Asean," Singh said.

Green Ministry eases SEZ clearance norms

NEW DELHI: The environment ministry has simplified the procedures for granting clearances to special economic zones as it seeks to shed the anti-industry image. A recent order issued by the environment ministry states that the environmental clearance process for SEZs will now follow the system laid out for National Industrial and Manufacturing Zones under the National Manufacturing Policy 2011. Under the new system, the central and state governments will delegate power to the State Pollution Control Board official posted in the zone to implement environmental laws and regulations. The ministry has exempted individual units from meeting the requirement of public hearing in cases where the entire SEZ has gone through the public hearing process. In practice, clearance is mandatory for 30 notified industries. These include petroleum refineries, chemical fertilisers, pesticides, petrochemical complexes, bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals, oil exploration, synthetic rubber, distilleries, raw skins and hides, dyes, cement, foundries and electro-plating. However, if new units in the SEZ project area are not of the type for which clearance was given in the first place, then fresh public hearing would be required for the unit. With a view to improve industrial growth, the ministry has said that both the central and state governments would issue "facilitative instructions and guidelines" from time to time. While these instructions will be aimed "at promotion of SEZs" these will also seek to safeguard "environmental integrity". The Environmental Impact Assessment Notification of September 2006 stipulates a time limit of 60 days from the day the complete application has been submitted to set out the terms of reference for a project. It also sets out 105 days for appraisal of the project and a decision. The environment ministry is seen by industry as a big hurdle in project execution as many large investment proposals have been blocked because of issues with the ministry. The coal ministry has repeatedly complained that environmental clearances were a big hurdle in its effort to raise coal output. Numerous coal mines cannot be developed because they do not have environmental clearance.

What are PNotes or PNs?

P-Notes or PNs or Participatory Notes are used by the HNIs or High Networth Individuals, foreign institutions as well as hedge funds. P-Notes allow them to invest their money in Indian markets via registered FIIs or Foreign Institutional Investors. This saves them cost as well as time related to direct registrations. So basically, PNs are the tools or instruments which are issued by the registered FIIs to the overseas investors who are willing to invest in stock market of India without registering with market regulator SEBI.

India plans to cut Iran oil imports 10-15 % in 2013: Sources

NEW DELHI: India plans to cut oil imports from Iran by 10 to 15 percent in the next fiscal year, and more if Tehran does not lower prices to help cover higher costs resulting from Western sanctions, a government source said. Iran's top Asian oil buyers China, India, Japan and South Korea, have all reduced imports after the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The sanctions have more than halved Iran's oil exports this year, costing Tehran up to $5 billion a month in lost revenue. "Next year our imports will be 10 percent to 15 percent less than this year," said a government official with direct knowledge of the matter, who declined to be identified because he is not authorised to speak to the media."If they don't cut prices, the decline will be substantial. Indian refiners have genuine problems with credit availability." India, the world's fourth-biggest oil importer and Iran's second-biggest client, relies on outside supplies for 80 percent of its oil needs or about 3.5 million barrels per day (bpd). Officials at state refiners said they had yet to receive any directive from the government to cut imports from Iran in the year beginning April 2013, when annual contracts start. But refiners would probably cut imports anyway because of high costs, the officials said. The push for cheaper prices is similar to a move by Chinese refiner Sinopec, Iran's biggest buyer, last year. As rising international pressures forced other buyers out of the market for Iranian oil, Sinopec strong-armed Iran into giving it better terms for its annual oil purchases. The United States wants importing countries to make further cuts in purchases from Iran in 2013 to avoid sanctions, a State Department source said this month. South Korea has already told the United States it will cut imports by about a fifth from a year earlier in the six months to May, government and industry sources said this month. On Wednesday, Japan's top refiner said the country's crude oil imports from Iran would be about 15 percent lower next year. There is no clear indication yet on 2013 imports by China. Daily imports into China in the first 10 months of 2012 were down 22 percent on the 2011 figure.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

FASHION
oes your nails peeling off continue even after taking proper care? Few women have soft nails which tear off in layers due to nutritional deficiencies. Even household work like cleaning or gardening breaks the nails and make them weak gradually. Even climate change, water absorption and fungal infections in the nail can lead to removal of nail plates. Following are the tips to help protect your nails peeling off: 1. Dry air or overexposure to water due to household work in water like washing dishes, cleaning etc, women find their nails peeling off easily. These nails brittle with age as natural oils begin to diminish. Wear gloves while doing work which keeps your hand wet for more than 10 minutes. Put a hand lotion or a moisturizer onto your nail beds to keep it soft and moisturized. 2. Food diet can strongly help in coming out of weak nails. Add multivitamin and multi mineral to your diet which are easily digestible too. Nutritional deficiencies mainly iron, calcium and vitamin B results in nails peeling . Eat vitamin C reach food to increase iron absorption like

16

Beauty Benefits Of Orange for Skin

range is one fruit that can do wonders to your skin. It has astringent and toning properties that can make your skin healthier and fairer. Orange has a good amount of vitamin C that can improve your skin texture as well as makes it glow. This citrus fruit also helps your skin in restoring collagen tissue; collagen is responsible for skin firming and it also prevents early ageing. So if you regularly get nightmares about your skin problems, then its time you go and get oranges. Here we give you tips on how you can use every part of orange to get a younger, healthy and glowing skin. Skin benefits of oranges are: 1. After eating pulp of an orange you can keep the orange peel and dry them. After they have dried well, grind them to make powder. Mix this powder in rosewater and apply it as a body scrub. 2. You can also mix the peel powder in milk or milk cream and apply on your face. It will give you instant glow and even reduces dark spots & blemishes. Regular use of this pack will even your skin tone. You can also take the fresh peel and apply it to your face if don't want to go through the tiring process of grind-

Tips To Protect Nails Peeling

ing the orange peel. It will refresh your skin and make it radiant. Word of advise from our side: Don't forget to close your eyes while following this step as it can create eye irritation. 3. Mix 4-5 spoons of boiling water with orange peel together and keep it for overnight. Next day, filter it and apply the liquid on your face using a cotton balls. Keep the liquid on your face for about 10-15 minutes then rinse off with cold water. It will make your skin glowing and firm. You can refrigerate the left over liquid and apply for about a week.

4. You can also mix a little amount of concentrated orange juice to your hair oil. It will help in removing dandruff, giving you shiny hair. 5. Take the juice of 2 oranges and freeze it in an ice tray. Rub your face with these frozen orange juice cubes regularly. It will instantly freshen you up and will give instant relief from tiredness. This is always very effective for those who have big skin pores. This provides relief to acne prone skin and pimples. So, next time you eat an orange do remember to keep some for your skin.

strawberries, cereals and green vegetables. Omega 3 fatty food like flaxseeds, fish and walnuts moisturize the nails internally. 3. Nail strengthener is a good product to strengthen nails and add subtle gloss to it. Buy a strengthener which contains keratin, vitamin E, nutrients like copper, magnesium and calcium to toughen up the nails. You can use it as a top coat over nail polish or directly. 4. File and shape your brittle nails with fine four sided grit filers instead of metal files. Metal filers tend to scratch the nails and tear off the layers of nails. 5. Dryness cause nail cuticles to peel off gradually and convert them brittle nails. Apply moisturizer or lotion on your hands especially on nails at least 4 times in a day to strengthen nails. Remember to apply at night before going to sleep.

How To Identify Gold Jewelry

old jewelry is quite an investment, but how to make sure you're not paying the price of real gold for a fake gold piece? There are some types which are easy to confuse with gold jewelry, such as the plated gold jewelry, leaf-gilding jewelry, copper jewelry or some other copper alloy ornaments. By learning how to identify fake gold, you can save yourself from being swindled or find out if the gold jewelry you already have is real. . 1. Wear your gold jewelry for at least a day. If you notice a mark or discoloration on your skin where you were wearing the jewelry, it is most likely fake. 2. Lightly stick a pin into your piece of gold jewelry. If it is real gold, the pin will not break because gold is a soft metal and fakes are not. 3. Place your gold jewelry near a magnet. Real gold is not magnetic; if your jewelry pulls toward the magnet, it is fake. 4. Rub your gold piece with a jewelry-cleaning cloth three times. If your gold is fake, the cloth will remove the gold color off the jewelry.

t is very important to have a hairstyle that goes well with your outfit and personality. There are many hairstyles that you can try this festive season. However, straight hair is always the most popular and classic option for women. But straightening your hair with an iron or chemicals can damage your hair. So, you can go natural by trying some homemade hair packs. Here are few homemade hair packs that can straighten your hair naturally. 1. Banana and papaya pack: Mash ripe banana and papaya in a bowl and mix them well to form a pack. Now, add two teaspoon of honey to it. Apply this hair pack to your hair. Once the pack dries up shampoo your hair with cold water and then comb your hair. Don't fold your hair till they dry up completely. Apply this pack two times a week to get straightened hair naturally. 2. Fuller's earth and rice flour: Add 1 cup of multani mitti (fuller's earth), 5tsp of rice flour and 1 egg white in a bowl and stir

Homemade Packs To Straighten Hair

well. Now, add a little water to it and make a fine paste. Before applying this pack, take a warm oil hair massage. Keep the paste for about 30 minutes then rinse off with cold water. Apply this homemade hair straightening pack once in a week for about months. Regular use of this homemade hair pack can straighten your hair completely. 3. Coconut and lime juice: Take coconut milk in a bowl. Then, mix lime juice to it. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator until it becomes creamy. Now, apply the creamy pack on your hair including the scalp. Wrap a hot towel for 1 hour before you rinse off this homemade hair pack. Apply it thrice a week for naturally straightened hair. 4. Amla powder and shikakai with rice flour: Mix about half a cup of amla powder (Indian Gooseberries), half a cup of shikakai powder and same amount of rice flour in a bowl.

Now, add 2 egg whites to the mixture and form a paste. You can now apply this pack on your hair and keep it for about an hour. Then shampoo your hair. You can apply this hair pack twice a week. Regular use of this hair pack can straighten your hair naturally. 5. Deep conditioners:

Conditioners are one hair care product that can help you get straightened hair naturally. Apply it after shampooing your hair. Massage gently especially at the end of the hair strands. Wash and dry your hair. You can try these homemade hair packs to give a straighten look to your hair.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

BOLLYWOOD

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Kangana Ranaut goes sans make-up for 'Queen'

Miss USA, Olivia Culpo Crowned Miss Universe 2012

Olivia Culpo
Celebrity Stylist and Star of Bravo's It's a Brad, Brad World; Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Star of Iron Chef and Award-Winning Chef; Ximena Navarrete, Miss Universe 2010 and Face of L'Oreal; Claudia Jordan, TV & Radio Personality and competitor on the upcoming series All-Star Celebrity Apprentice; Kerri Walsh Jennings, three-time US Olympic Gold Medalist in Beach Volleyball; Lisa Vanderpump, Star on Bravo's hit series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and new series Vanderpump Rules. Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from nearly 90 countries and territories around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview. Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes of Angola, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast. Final Results: First Runner-Up: Miss Universe Philippines, Janine Tugonon will assume the duties of Miss Universe 2012 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities. Second Runner-Up: Miss Universe Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero. Rest of Top Five: Miss Universe Australia, Renae Ayris and Miss Universe Brazil, Gabriela Markus. Rest of Top Ten: Miss Russia, Elizabeth Golonova; Miss Universe France, Marie Payet; Miss Universe Hungary, Agnes Konkoly; Miss Universe South Africa, Melinda Bam; and Miss Universe Mexico, Karina Gonzalez. Rest of Top Sixteen: Miss Universe Turkey, Cagil Ozge Ozkul; Miss Universe Peru, Nicole Faveron; Miss Universe Poland, Marcelina Zawadzka; Miss Universe Croatia, Elizabeta Burg; Miss Universe Kosovo, Diana Avdiu; and Miss Universe India, Shilpa Singh. Miss Photogenic Universe(TM) Award: Miss Universe Kosovo, Diana Avdiu. An expert panel chose the delegate they thought best exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from pageant sponsor Diamond Nexus Labs. Miss Congeniality Universe(TM) Award: Miss Universe Guatemala, Laura Godoy Calle. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and a gift from Diamond Nexus Labs.

n front of a worldwide audience of approximately 1 billion viewers, Miss USA, Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The 61st Annual "MISS UNIVERSE Competition" was broadcast live on NBC with a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo. Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island as the middle child of five. The 20 year-old comes from a family of avid musicians. Culpo and her siblings each play different instruments and she is an accomplished cellist. The last time Miss USA won the title of Miss Universe was in 1997. The judges who sealed the fate of this year's winner included: Pablo Sandoval, Two-Time World Series Champion and MVP with the San Francisco Giants; Nigel Barker, Photographer and host of Oxygen's new series The Face; Diego Boneta, Singer and Actor best known for starring role in "Rock of Ages" film; Scott Disick, TV Personality from the E! Network; Brad Goreski,

angana Ranaut is all set to go de-glam for her upcoming film, 'Queen'. Here is the first look and Kangs looks very sweet and innocent. The film requires her to be natural and so, Kangana has been asked to use minimal make-up for the film. Queen is directed by Vikas Bahl of Chillar Party fame. It is heard that the director hasn't even hired a make-up artist for the slightest of make up touch ups. The film essays Kangana Ranaut as a simpleton who decides to go solo on her honeymoon after her marriage falls through. If sources are to be believed, Kangana's past experiences have been incorporated into the script. "The character is quirky whimsical emotional and volatile like Kangana. The line between the real Kangana and her character is so flimsy that Kangana many times ended up borrowing from her experiences to play the role," a source is quoted as saying.

lia Bhatt has had a dream start. The actress received wonderful reviews for her performance in SOTY and now according to reports, the actress will be seen opposite Randeep Hooda in Imtiaz Ali's 'Highway'. Imitiaz Ali, who has directed some of the finest romantic movies in recent times like Jab We Met and Rockstar, is all set to direct the newcomer Alia and Randeep who was last seen in Jism 2. It is being said that the film is a love story of two extremely opposite people. It will be exciting to watch the young and chirpy Alia romancing Randeep Hooda. A month back news were rife that Imitiaz was very keen on casting Ranbir and Deepika for a film, but due to Ranbir's busy schedule, who's is currently shooting for two back-

Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda in Imtiaz Ali's 'Highway'!

Dabangg 2 is typical Salman Khan entertainer

ecember 21 has marked its significance as it will be getting special treat in memory lane with getting tagged with D-factors. The trepidation of Doomsday, a prediction of ending world on December 21 from scientist fraternity, has coincided with the thrill of Dabangg 2 release, spiraling up the enthusiasm and gusto from reel to real world. Salman aka Chulbul is again ready to scorch the

to-back films, Abhinav Singh Kashyap's BESHARAM and Anurag Kashyap's BOMBAY VELVET, Imitiaz decided to move ahead and start his other project HIGHWAY. The film will be produced by Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Nadiadwala. Imtiaz is famously known for the magic he can create between a new lead pair. Do you think he can recreate the magic with Randeep and Alia?

screen with his latest release Dabangg2, action-comedy movie and sequel to Dabangg. Dabangg 2

is a complete package and a wholesome entertainer that is not-to-bemissed even if you are not a Salman Khan fan. Arbaaz Khan, who has donned the hat of a director for first time, has done a commendable job. He doesn't give our mind a single scope to remember what Abhinav Kashyap had done in Dabangg 2 prequel. Arbaaz deserves thumbs up for making Dbagg2 a complete entertainer.

Lootera is Back featuring Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha

ootera is an upcoming movie featuring Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha which is going to release on July 05, 2013. The movie is directed and co-produced by Vikramaditya motwane. There are number of producers who made investment in the movie. Music in the movie is given by Amit triwedi. The movie Lootera has been inspired by American author O Henry's short story."The Last Leaf". Star Cast of Lootera Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha wil play the lead role in the movie.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

WASHINGTON: Clay minerals, rocks that usually form when water is present in them for long periods, cover a larger portion of Mars than previously thought. James Wray, assistant professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology and his team, say clay was in some of the rocks studied by Opportunity when it landed at Eagle Crater on Mars in 2004. The rover only detected acidic sulphates and has since driven about 22 miles to Endeavour Crater, an area on the planet Wray pinpointed for clay in 2009, the journal Geophysical Research Letters said. The project, which was led by Eldar Noe Dobrea of the Georgia's Planetary Science Institute, identified the clay minerals using a spectroscopic analysis from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The research shows that clay also exists in the Meridiani plains

18
that Opportunity rolled over as it trekked toward its current position, according to a Georgia Institute statement. "It's not a surprise that Opportunity didn't find clay while exploring," said Wray. "We didn't know they existed on Mars until after the rover arrived. Opportunity doesn't have the same tools that have proven so effective for detecting clays from orbit." "It was also surprising to find clay in geologically younger terrain than the sulphates," said Dobrea. Current theories of Martian geological history suggest that clays, a product of aqueous alteration, actually formed early on when the planet's waters were more alkaline. As the water acidified due to volcanism, the dominant alteration mineralogy became sulphates. "This forces us to rethink our current hypotheses of the history of water on Mars," he added.

Scientists have detected five new planets close to Earth

MELBOURNE: Scientists using an intra-galactic speed gun have detected five new planets, relatively close to Earth, and one of them is orbiting a star's habitable zone, where conditions are suitable for life. It would take only 12 years to reach the planets when travelling at the speed of light. Scientists analysing about 6000 measurements of the star Tau Ceti's velocity, believe that slight inconsistencies in its speed and direction are being caused by the gravitational pull of other celestial bodies. "We believe the star is going very slightly backwards and forwards and shows the evidence for doing that at five different periods," said Professor Chris Tinney of the University of New South Wales. "We think five different planets are going around that star tugging on it making it move backwards and forwards," Tinney said. An international team of researchers from Australia, Chile, the United Kingdom and the United States believe one of the five planets orbiting Tau Ceti is it might take that long again before scientists are certain of what lurks in Tau Ceti's neighbourhood. "But

Water bearing rocks cover Mars

within the star's habitable zone, where conditions are suitable for life. The planet in the habitable zone has a mass about five times that of Earth, making it the smallest known planet orbiting in the "Goldilocks" zone - where conditions are just right - of any Sun-like star. Tinney said scientists believe smaller, rocky planets have the best chance of hosting life. The finding comes after 14 years of research and analysis, and

if somebody else could prove that we're wrong, I'd be more than happy with that," Tinney said. The planets, of which the smallest is at least twice the size of Earth, are too far away to send probes to explore. "Even if we could send something at the speed of light, it would take 12 years to get there and 12 years to send a signal back," Tinney said. "At the moment we have no way of even getting close to a 10th of the speed of light," Tinney added.

Soyabean can replace petrol as versatile chemical

WASHINGTON: The humble soyabean can replace petroleum as a cheaper source of a widelyused chemical in plastics, textiles, drugs, solvents and as a food additive, says a research. The research by chemists George Bennett and Ka-Yiu San of Rice University is focussed on succinic acid, which is traditionally drawn from petroleum. In 2004, the US department of energy named succinic acid as one of the 12 "platform" chemicals that could be produced from sugars by biological means and turned into high-value materials. Several years ago, Rice patented a process by Bennett and San for the bio-based production of succinic acid that employed genetically modified E. coli bacteria to convert glucose into succinic acid in a way that would be competitive with petroleum-based production. The new succinate process developed by Bennett, San and Chandresh Thakker, and reported recently in Bioresource Technology, promises to make even better use of a cheap and plentiful feedstock, primarily the indigestible parts of the soybean, according to a Rice statement. "We are trying to find a cheaper, renewable raw material to start with so the end product will be more profitable," said Thakker, research scientist in the Bennett lab at Rice's Bio Science Research Collaborative, who led the study. "The challenge has been to make this biomass process cost-competitive with the petrochemical methods people have been using for many years," added Thakker. "A lot of people use plant oils for cooking - corn or soybean or canola - instead of lard, as they did in the old days. The oils are among the main products of these seeds. Another product is protein, which is used as a high-quality food," said Bennet, professor of biochemistry and cell biology at Rice. "What's left over is indigestible fibre and small carbohydrates," said Bennett. "It's used in small amounts in certain animal feeds, but overall it's a very lowvalue material."

India manages to protect nearly 1,504 species of butterflies

NEW DELHI: India has managed to protect nearly 1,504 species of butterflies discovered in the subcontinent despite threats to their survival by sporadic forest fires and depleting green cover, says leading butterfly researcher and environmentalist Peter Smetacek. "The most beautiful and endangered of the five specimens of butterflies collected from an unknown valley in Bhutan in 1934 have been rediscovered in India," said Smetacek, who manages the Butterfly Research Centre at Bhimtal in Uttarakhand. The researcher believes the delicate winged creatures are not threatened by extinction. "There are several species of butterflies, believed to be on the verge of extinction, found in the inaccessible regions of Kumaon and Garhwal," said the researcher, who was in the capital to launch his new book on butterflies. Providing insights into the research work on butterflies in Asia, Smetacek said: "The Japanese researchers have identified and documented more than 250 new species of butterflies from Asia, including India". "The new species of butterfly found in India was the Nilgiri Grass Yellow. Their work is more than what any government has ever done," the naturalist said. Smetacek has written more than 60 papers on butterflies and has pioneered the use of lepidoptera (butterflies) as indicahe said. While in the high Himalayas, moth fends off the butterflies, in the lower reaches cattle are the traditional butterfly destroyers, the researcher said. "Until 1990, no cattle was allowed outside our home in Bhimtal. But after Cobras were discovered around the house we decided to let the cattle out to graze... Species like the Chocolate Pansy, Orange Oakleaf, Common Jester, Indian Fritillary, Yellow Coster disappeared. "We could link the disappearance of their larval posts to their larval host plants being eaten up...," Smetacek said. The researcher regretted that "a lot of work on butterflies has gone underground because no one wants to come out and say 'I collect butterflies' since the bio-diversity act came into force." The law does not allow collection of butterflies for commercial use. "When I predicted Predicta, a species discovered several years ago, I had to collect 117 specimens of the butterfly to identify its species," Smetacek said. The butterfly tracker has now limited his research to moths as there is no law to stop him from collecting moths.

tors of climate change. He has put his work together in "Butterflies: On the Roof Of the World (Aleph Book Company)." The writer's most fertile hunting ground is the Himalayan region, where he says some of the most exotic specimens of butterflies are found between the elevation of 1,200 metres and 5,000 metres. "While the Swordtails occupy the belt between 1,500 to 2,000 metres, there are several groups restricted to the high altitude of the Himalayas. Among them, some sub-species of Clouded Yellow butterflies are recorded at an elevation of 5,000 metres." "During the last 50 years, at least 200 species have been recorded in Tibet and the Himalayan region."

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

YOUTH POLITICS

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NSF holds protest demonstration against university authorities

JAMMU: Agitated over the lack of response from the Controller of Examination on the issue of nondeclaration of results of the Department of Economics, English, History, Sociology, Math, MCA and Med exams which were held 8 months back. Today students of the University of Jammu (JU) held protest demonstration across the campus under the banner of National Secular Forum (NSF). The protesting students led by , Vikram Madhyal Chairman National Secular Forum University Unit, the students were raising slogans against the University Authorities for not taking note of their demands and maintaining stoic silence over the entire matter. He said that nothing is being done for the welfare of the students and they have being taken for granted. He said that where 45 days have been fixed by the university for coming out with the result but more than 190 -210 days are being taken by the university and university authorities are least concerned for the same. Vikram Madhyal said that Med Ist Semester which was held the last paper on 25 May 2012 is delaying be 210 days, MCA 4th Semester which was held the last paper on 2 July 2012 is delaying be 172 days, MA Sociology 4th Semester which was held the last paper on 30th June 2012 is delaying be 207 days, MA History 4th Semester exam which was held the last paper on 2ndJune 2012 is delaying be 235 days where as English 4th Semester exam held the last paper on 15th June 2012 is delaying by 222 days, MA Economics 4thSemester which was held the last paper on 26th June is delaying by 211 days, MA Maths 4th Semester which was held the last paper on 1st Aug 2012 is delaying by 139 days. Whereas MA commerce 4th Semester which was held the last paper on 12th June 2012 got its result after 182 days on 17th Dec 2012, MA Hindi 4th Semester exams which was held the last paper on 5th June 2012 got its result after 235 days on 20th Dec 2012, MA Pol. Science which was held the last paper on 15th June 2012 got its result after 177 days on 7thNov 2012, MA Geography 4th Semester which was held the last paper on 25th May 2012 got its result after 200 days on 11th Dec 2012 and same is the case of Semester 2nd. Addressing the gathering, Vimal Singh Vice-President University Unit said that where chilling cold is on peak no arrangement is being made for the students in the examination centers and university authorities are only concerned for their own comfort where heavy heating arrangements are being made in their rooms. He further said that Vice Chancellor is least concerned about the welfare of the students and statues that are being floated by the university authorities. He said that where university authorities are busy in misusing the funds and vehicles allotted to them nothing is being done for the welfare of the students. He said that future of the students is in dark and students have to come forward to save them from being ruined. Among those who were present in the Protest included, Shafqat Malik, Nitin, Rahul Sharma, Kamaldeep Singh, Manu Sharma, Sunil Kumar, Ankit, Abhimanyu, Jagmohan Singh ,Sunil Kumar, sarwan Singh, Ankit Raina, Ashwani and others.

ABVP SkUAST R.S Pura unit protest against Gang Rape

JAMMU: ABVP SkUAST R.S Pura unit protest against Gang Rape A large no- of students of Veterinery science skuast-j R.S Pura today marched on the streets of r.s pura to protest against the Gang Rape of a young of a Young Girl in a moving bus & demand strict action against the Rapiest. The protesters criticized the govt for its jailed to ensure a safe environment for women in the national capital. Demanding a strong punishment for the culprits, the President (Dr. Anavil bharadhwaj ) a Vice president (Dr.Navjot Singh Resum, Dr. Varun Khajuria) said said that "these culprits should get strong get strong Punishment & Should be hanged within a period of no time" The protesters marched toword towords the S.D.M office, where they raised slogan against the Govt & demanded Strict action against the accused.

ABVP & YAC protest against FDI Scam and corruption

JAMMU: ABVP & YAC (Youth Against Corruption) J&K today jointly lodged a strong protest demonstration against FDI scam and corruption, under the leadership of Kailash Goswami, State Jt. Sect. ABVP demanding immediate revocation of FDI bill and eradication of corruption from India. A large number of ABVP & YAC activists led by Kailash Goswami gathered at Parade chowk and shouted slogans against FDI and UPA govt. who is hell bent to bring slavery back in India. While addressing the gathering Kailash Goswami said that FDI in multi brand retail will harm small shopkeepers, adversely affect domestic manufacturing sector and create joblessness in the country, as about 5crore retailers and about 25 crore people will get affected by this move of govt. He termed this move of UPA govt. as anti people, as the foreign retailers will not only destroy the domestic traders, but take away the hard-earned money of the people to their respective countries. He further said that ABVP and YAC will fight tooth and nail against UPA govt.'s corruption scams chain i.e. 2G scam, Commonwealth scam, Coal gate Scam and recent FDI bill scam in which Govt. plays with the future of India and its economy. Kailash Goswami further disclosed that ABVP & YAC is holding same protest demonstration at Kathua, Samba, Ghagwal, Vijaypur, R.S. Pura, Udhampur, Hiranagar, Chadwal and other places across the state and these protests will continue till the eradication of corrupt congress from India. Others who addressed on this occasion include Rahul Singh, Shakti Uppal, Ankush Rajput, Atul Sharma and others.

MAM PG COLLEGE NSF questions out siders' role in defaming college professors STUDENTS STAGE A
MASSIVE PROTEST
JAMMU: Students of Government MAM PG College today stage a massive protest under the banner of Shoromani Akali Dal and alleged that some political parties are playing with the future of students and harassing administration of RS Pura Degree College. Lucky Singh, college president led the protest and addressed the gathering of students. Speaking on the occasion, Lucky Singh said that some political parties for their personal benefits are playing politics and are framing charges of misbehave on a professor. Lucky alleged that political parties are also mounting pressure on police, Principal of college to take action against the professor but none of the parties have any evidence against the professor. Lucky further added that every day one or another party is disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of the college over the issue owing to which studies of the students is suffering. Others who were present on the occasion included Sandeep Thakur, Ankur, Dilpreet Pritpal Singh Ramneek, Jaswinder. JAMMU: National Secular Forum (NSF) has castigated the role of some out siders who are trying to vitiate the peace on R.S.Pura Degree College at the behest of a political group. A large number of students of Degree College of R.S.Pura today took out strong protest rallies in R.S.Pura town and culminated in front of SDM Office, under the banner of National Secular Forum (NSF), demanding the strict action those who disturb the atmosphere of College and misguided the student's community. The Forum also took serious note of the wild allegations leveled by these out siders against the professors of the college and urged the authorities to take strict action against them. Addressing the media persons here today, Surjit Choudhary, senior vice-president, NSF, said that the so-called protest launched by the out siders students demanding action against Principal and Professor and pre-planned move to defame the College authorities at the behest of a political group. He warned that the out siders, students and NSF would not tolerate the malicious campaign launched by these people against the senior and respected professors of the College. "The irony is that they are playing in the hands of those so-called political leaders who have always hurt the sentiments of the R.S.Pura people and betrayed them time and again. The students must remain cautious of these elements and give them a befitting reply," Choudhary said. Later, NSF delegation also met SDM R.S. Pura S.P.Rakwal in the leadership of Surjit Choudhary, senior vice-president, NSF and interact with him the issues. Among those who addressed the Protest Rally were Parvinder singh, Atul sharma, Pawan kumar, Rama Sharma, Shefali bhagat, Sonia Choudhary, Rakesh Kumar, Supinder Kour, Madhu Devi, Anita Devi, Rakesh Bajala, Taranjeet Singh, Gulzar Singh, Gavit Kour, Ramandeep Kour and others

Candle march outside Sonia's residence

NEW DELHI: Expressing anger over the gang-rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student here, hundreds of people Friday took out a candle-light march outside 10 Janpath, the official residence of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, shouting slogans and demanding justice for the victim. Over 100 people, including women and students, claiming to be supporters of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), took out the march around 7.30 p.m. They were stopped by police a few metres short of Gandhi's residence.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

EDUCATION WATCH
and physics," he said. "Good mental training for studies, chess is not only an academic tool but fun as well," said Anand Speaking on the occasion, Harish Doraiswamy, deputy CEO and COO of Global Schools Foundation (which runs the GIIS chain of 20 campuses in India and six other countries including Singapore, UAE and Japan), said Anand was a good role leader. "Anand became the first Indian Grandmaster. Since then, there have been 28 more," he said, adding the attributes for a good chess player persistence, practice, memory - are as important in education and life," he said.

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GSF's country head, India, Rajeev Katyal said the aim of the chess centre, which will come up at other campuses too, was not to create chess champions but impart a way of thinking, problem solving, handling pressure and other life skills among the students. However, any promising player would be encouraged, he added. "If we find someone who had potential, we will encourage them to go in for coaching," said Katyal. GIIS Noida principal Punam Singhal said that students of Class 2 onwards would be encouraged to use the new facility. "We find it will be appropriate for students six years and above," she said.

Tharoor for improving quality of higher education

NEW DELHI: Not all young graduates are employable and there is an urgent need to change our education system to make them so, Union Minister Shashi Tharoor said on Tuesday. Employers tell me that not all graduates are 'not employable', Tharoor told reporters. "Many companies have their own training programmes to train those they have hired to make up for what they have not learned in their own university. So there is clearly a great deal which needs to be done to make sure every graduate are employable," the Minister of State for Human Resources Development said. Emphasising the need to strengthen the education system so that the youth can match global standards, he said emphasis should be laid on quality. "By focusing on inclusion, we cannot forget quality. Quality is very important. We need to strengthen the quality of the education system, particularly at the higher level. So for those who come out are prepared to take on the challenges of the 21st century," said Tharoor.

Chess instills skills for education, life: Anand

NOIDA: Chess is not only a game but a fun activity for schoolchildren as it inculcates useful skills for education as well as for life, chess wizard Viswanathan Anand said Thursday. "Playing chess enhances the memory, gives confidence, teaches problem solving, increases concentration," the five-time world champion said after inaugurating an NIIT Mind Champions Academy at the Global Indian International School (GIIS) here. "Chess teaches you that all moves have consequences," he said, adding this was a important lesson to learn for impressionable minds. Anand, who set up the academy in a venture with IT trainer NIIT, said the idea had come almost 12 years back after talking to world chess federation (FIDE) chief and then Kalmykia president, Kirsan Nikolayevich Ilyumzhinov, who told him how chess introduced in schools of his republic in Russia had led to a rise in the students' educational standards. "We have seen the same results in India where the academy encompasses 17,000 schools and almost 17 million students all over India. A survey among 8,000 students and teachers showed the students have more confidence.. gave better answers. They showed better aptitude to tackle subjects like maths

Revived Nalanda University invites global architects for its buildings

PATNA: The upcoming Nalanda International University, near the ancient seat of learning inBihar, has initiated a global competition to select the best architectural designs for its buildings, an official said. "We have invited expression of interest from architects and architectural firms from India and abroad for a global competition to finalise the design for the university," Vice Chancellor Gopa Sabharwal said here. The last date for applying is Jan 8, 2013. The university has, however, mandated that only those foreign architectural firms that had a joint venture with an Indian firm could apply. "We have decided to keep the history of Nalanda central to the design of the university," Sabharwal told the media The new university is set to come up on 446 acres in Rajgir, 10 km from the site of the ancient university in Nalanda district, southeast of Patna. The university will be fully residential, like the ancient Nalanda university. It will offer courses in science, philosophy and spiritualism, along with social sciences. The idea of the university was first mooted in the late 1990s. The project took shape in early 2006 at the initiative of then president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The excavated site of the ancient university at Nalanda is a place of national importance. A fifth century architectural marvel, the university was home to over 10,000 students and nearly 2,000 teachers. Named after the Sanskrit term for 'giver of knowledge', the varsity, which existed until 1197, also attracted students and scholars from South Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia (nowIran) and Turkey.

Education legislation fall casualty to parliament chaos

NEW DELHI: Crucial legislative measures aimed at improving the country's educational system are getting sidelined as both houses of parliament witness unruly scenes and are disrupted over different issues. Human Resource Development Minister M.M. Pallam Raju has however not lost hope although just four days are left for the winter session of parliament to end. "We hope to get the bills passed. They are being listed every day, but the house is getting disrupted," Raju told media when asked about the fate of the education bills. Three bills - on forming an education tribunal, restricting unfair practices in education and establishing a nodal accreditation authority - were listed for debate and passage in the current session. The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2012, providing for setting up two central univesities in Bihar, was listed for introduction and this was done amid din in the Lok Sabha on Nov 26. A government source said that for the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance's main agenda during the session - that began Nov 22 and ends Dec 20 - was to push major economic bills and thus the education bills were kept on the back burner. "It is important to pass some bills to revive the economic situation. That's why only the three most crucial bills were listed for the session. We hope that after the quota bill (set for voting on Monday), the education bills will be taken up along with the other economic bills," the source, who did not wish to be identified, told IANS. Shortly before the session started on Nov 22, Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor had said 20 education bills - 11 on higher education and nine on school education - were pending in parliament. Of these only three were listed for passage in this session, apart from the bill that was listed for introduction. But not a single one has been debated in spite of being repeatedly listed. This was because the first two weeks were mostly spent on the issue of foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail. The opposition parties, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stalled proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, forcing the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to agree to the demand for a debate with voting. The government eventually carried the day. The third week saw disruptions in both the houses by the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) over the bill on quota in promotions for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Raju, who replaced Kapil Sibal in the Oct 28 cabinet reshuffle, had raised the matter and requested the members to pass the education bills. "I take this opportunity to urge the members to pass the bill for setting up an education tribunal and another one for an accreditation authority," Raju said during question hour in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. His comment was however soon countered by BJP member Chandan Mitra, who said the bills were controversial and need to be first discussed. Among the three bills is the Educational Tribunal Bill, which provides for establishing tribunals at the national and state levels to expedite adjudication of disputes in the education sector. It has been passed by the Lok Sabha but is pending in the upper house where the government does not have a majority. The National Accreditation Regulatory Authority (NARA) for Higher Educational Institutions Bill provides for setting up a mandatory accreditation authority for educational institutions in order to standardise and avoid malpractices. It was repeatedly listed in the Lok Sabha last week but could not be passed. The third bill for passage in this session is the Prohibition of Unfair Practices in Technical Educational Institutions, Medical Educational Institutions and Universities Bill, 2010. Seeking to protect the interests of students, this bill aims to check malpractices in technical and medical educational institutions. It specifies guidelines under which unfair practices such as charging capitation fees, demanding donations and questionable admission processes could be treated as civil or criminal offences. "All the bills are crucial, and so are many of those not listed. But we can just wait," an HRD ministry official told media Pointing to the sorry state of private universities in the country, Raju had informed the Rajya Sabha that the University Grants Commission, which had inspected 53 out of 145 such universities in the country, had found only five in order. Among other important education bills which were not even listed for passage is the Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill that aims to regulate the entry and operation of foreign educational institutions in India.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

SPORTS

21

T-20 Cricket : Second India England match in Mumbai on Dec 22

Sun Group unveils name and logo of team

players Shivlal HYDERABAD: Sunrisers Yadav and will be the new cricket team Venkatpathy Raju from Hyderabad in the highand top officials profile Indian Premier of Hyderabad League. C r i c k e t The IPL's Hyderabad Association franchise, now called the (HCA) were pres'Sunrisers', have appointed ent. former Australian cricketer The Sunrisers Tom Moody as the team's has retained the new coach, along with forfollowing players mer India cricketers Kris from the Deccan Srikkanth and VVS Laxman Chargers squad: as mentors. K u m a r Kalanithi Maran and Sangakkara Chennai-based Sun TV Network own the team, A. Shanmugham, CEO of the new IPL outfit Sunrisers, K. Srikkanth, mentor and Tom (capt), Cameron Moody, coach at the launch of the logo of the cricket team from Sun Group, White, Dale which replaced Deccan in Hyderabad . Steyn, J.P. Chargers, the terminated strategic analyst, coach Tom Moody and Duminy, Juan Theron, Chris Lynn, Ishant franchise. The Sun Group on Dec 21 unveiled the Chief Executive Officer Shanmugam. The Sharma, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Akash name and the logo -- an eagle soaring high, team management will have some local Bhandari, Amit Mishra, Anand Rajan, Ankit flavour with former cricketer VVS Laxman Sharma, Bharat Chipli, Shikhar Dhawan, looking into the core of a rising Sun. D.B. Ravi Teja, Parthiv Patel, Veer Pratap Present at the glittering ceremony were as the mentor and brand ambassador. While Laxman could not attend the func- Singh, Biplab Samantray, Akshath Reddy former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who will be the mentor and tion due to some personal reasons, former and Ashish Reddy.

MUMBAI:In Cricket, the second T-20 match between India and England will be played at Mumbai on Dec 22. India defeated England by 5 wickets in the first Twenty-20 of the 2-match series at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium in Pune last night.Put into bat, England posted 157 for 6 in the stipulated 20 overs. For India, Yuvraj Singh bagged 3 wickets, while R. Ashwin took 2. Chasing 158 for victory, India overhauled the target with 13 balls to spare and 5 wickets intact. Yuvraj, who did wonders with the ball, was the leading scorer for the home side as he made a brilliant 38. Yuvraj was adjudged man of the match.

Saina retains third place in the latest world badminton rankings

LUCKNOW: London Olympics bronze medallist, India's Saina Nehwal has retained her third place in the latest world badminton rankings announced on Dec 21. Saina had a chance of equalling her best-ever ranking of No.2 and finishing the largely successful year on a high but some of the results in the recent tournaments she participated did not go in her favour. She lost in the semi-finals of the World Super Series Finals in China last week and retired controversially from the first round of the ongoing Syed Modi International India Grand Prix Gold Championship . Meanwhile, another rising star from Hyderabad, PV Sindhu dropped a place to be ranked 24th on the ranking chart. Reigning Olympic champion Li Xuerui replaced compatriot and current World Champion Wang Yihan as the World No.1. In the men's singles, London Olympics quarter-finalist Parupalli Kashyap held on to his 20th position.

Jharkhand to bid for hosting SAF games in Ranchi

RANCHI: Jharkhand government has decided to take part in the bid to host next year South Asian Federation, SAF, Games in Ranchi. The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting, in which it was also decided to develop 15 stadiums in the state as Centers of Excellence and open a Sports Academy. Speaking to media at Ranchi, State Cabinet Secretary said that the bid for hosting SAF games would done through Jharkhand Olympic Association. SAF Games are a biannual multi-sport event held among the athletes from South Asia. The first South Asian Games were hosted by Kathmandu, Nepal in 1983 and have since been held every two years.

Knight Riders-Daredevils clash in 2013 IPL opener

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will open their campaign at home against last year's semifinalist D e l h i Daredevils in the inaugural match of the Pepsi Indian Premier League 6 at the historic Eden Gardens on April 3. The 2013 season's lung opener could not have got any better as two of the strongest teams in the tournament will set the tone for the highoctane Twenty20 tournament over the next eight weeks. One of the many highlights of the sixth edition of the tournament will be the debut of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who joined the IPL fraternity in October this year. They will begin their IPL innings with a home game against Pune Warriors India on April 5. The tournament will be played in the same format as the 2012 edition. Each of the nine participating teams will play the other eight twice, at home and away basis. The top four teams, at the end of the round-robin stage on May 19 will qualify for the Playoffs. The Qualifier 1 and Eliminator games will be played at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai the home ground of the IPL 2012 runners-up - on May 21 and May 22 respectively.

Phelps outshines LeBron James to win ``AP male athlete of year`` award
WASHINGTON: Olympic great Michael Phelps added another feather to his cap after he was voted The Associated Press male athlete of the year in a poll by U.S. editors and broadcasters ahead of basketball player LeBron James. The champion swimmer edged out James to win the award for the second time, not only a fitting payoff for another brilliant Olympics (four gold medals and two silvers in swimming at the London Games) but recognition for one of the greatest careers in any sport. Phelps finished with 40 votes in balloting, while James was next with 37. Track star Usain Bolt, who and 84. The only men honored more than twice are golf`s Tiger Woods and cyclist Lance Armstrong (four times each), and basketball`s Michael Jordan (three times). Phelps said: "Obviously, it`s a big accomplishment. There are so many amazing male athletes all over the world and all over our country. To be able to win this is something that just sort of tops off my career." Phelps retired at age 27 as soon as he finished his final race in London, having won more gold medals (18) and overall medals (22) than any other Olympian.

won three gold medals in London, was third with 23. Carl Lewis is the only other Olympic-related star to be named AP male athlete of the year more than once, taking the award for his track and field exploits in 1983

The Qualifier 2 encounter and the Final, will be played at the Eden Gardens - the home ground of the 2012 edition winners - on May 24 and 26 respectively. As many as eleven venues have been confirmed to host the matches. The nine home venues apart, matches will be played at two arenas that will be making their ODI debuts in January. The last two 'home' games of the Kings XI Punjab will be played at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, which has hosted seven IPL matches since 2010. The Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Stadium Complex at Ranchi, will host the last two 'home' games of the Kolkata Knight Riders. "The countdown to PEPSI IPL 2013 has begun. We are poised to witness a competition that will be as, if not more, spectacular, than its predecessors," said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

SPORTS

22
Asian Champions Hockey: India beat China 4-0 in Doha
DOHA: In the opening match of the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey tournament, India beat China 4-0 in Doha. India will take on Japan in their second match of the Men's Asian Champions Trophy Hockey tournament in Doha, Qatar on Dec 21. In their opening encounter o Dec 20, India defeated China 4-0 to begin their campaign on a positive note. V Raghunath found the net twice, while SV Sunil and Bimal Lakra were the other goal scorers.In other results, Pakistan defeated Oman 8-3, while Malaysia beat Japan 4-1.

Praful Patel re-elected AIFF president

NEW DELHI: Praful Patel was unanimously re-elected president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) at its Annual General Body meeting on Dec 21. Patel, a union minister, said the AIFF followed its constitution and the spirit of the government'ssports code while conducting the elections. "We haven't violated any rules. We have gone by the AIFF constitution and the spirit of the sports code," Patel said. All the members were elected unopposed in the AGM. Goabased industrialist Srinivas Dempo (west), K.M.I. Mather (south), Subhash Chopra (north) and Larsing Sawyan (north-east) are the new vice-presidents while Subrata Dutta will be enjoying his third term as vicepresident. The elections were held in the Praful Patel presence of observers from the government, world body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Mun Si Song represented AFC. FIFA was represented by Shaji Prabhakaran, a regional developmental officer, south and central asia and consultant Monika Staab. SK Agarwal, a retired judge of Delhi High Court, was the returning officer. "The elections have been held in consonance with the Sports Code guidelines and the AIFF Constitution at the same time. All nominated persons for the post of Office-bearers and Executive Committee members were elected unanimously," said Agarwal.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) officials Radhica Sreeman and P.C. Makholia were present on behalf of the government while

India retained their Number Five Position as per the Latest ICC Test Ranking
NEW DELHI: India retained their number five position as per the latest ICC Test Championship rankings issued in Dubai on 17 December 2012 despite losing to England 1-2 in the home Test series. South Africa topped the ranking at 123 points. India, however, dropped a ratings point to 105, and is now fourpoints behind arch-rival Pakistan who are placed at the fourth position. England, on the other hand, consolidated their number two slot by adding a point after drawing the final Test at Nagpur, thereby winning a Test series in India after a long gap of 28 years. England now stands just five points behind South Africa. Australia is positioned at number three in the rankings.

Rahim Nabi voted AIFF India, Sri Lanka, West Indies Player of the Year 2012 for Tri-Nation Series
Kushal Das also lauded the footballer for his achievements and said that he deserved the award. "Nabi is a versatile player. His commitment as a player is exemplary. He is a deserving recipient of the award." Nabi today joined a list of illustrious players who have won this prestigious award since 1992. Heaping praise on Nabi, national coach Wim Koevermans said, "I congratulate Rahim Nabi on being chosen the winner by the various I-League club coaches. I wish him all the best for the future." ST. JOHN'S, (ANTIGUA): The West Indies and Sri Lanka will renew their rivalry then they face each other in a limited overs TriNation Series next year, that also involves powerhouse India. The tournament, which runs from June 28 to July 11, will be hosted in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The West Indies were originally scheduled to host Sri Lanka in two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals but the tour has now been deferred to allow players from both teams to participate in the Indian Premier League. While the Tests have been put back, the one-dayers will be absorbed in the Tri-Nation Series. The West Indies will open the tournament with a clash with India at Sabina Park June 28 and two days later face Sri Lanka, who they beat in the final of the World T20 Championship last October. Three matches will be played at Sabina Park while four matches, including the final, will be staged at Queen's Park Oval. The final will be contested by the two teams with the most points after the six preliminary round matches. For the West Indies, the TriNations is part of a busy 2013 schedule which also sees Zimbabwe touring the Caribbean for two Tests, three ODIs and two Twenty20s, and Pakistan arriving for a limited overs series.

NEW DELHI: Winger Syed Rahim Nabi has been voted the AIFF Player of the Year 2012 by the I-League club coaches, the AIFF president Praful Patel announced during the Annual General Meeting on December 21. "Nabi has been a pillar of strength in the national team for long. I wish him success in his future endeavours," said Patel. The AIFF General Secretary,

Roger Federer Named Swiss Male Athlete of the Year 2012

BERNE: Roger Federer, 31, the No. 2 of the world and 17 times Grand Slam champion, was named Swiss Male Athlete of the Year on 16 December 2012. Federer received the honour for the fifth time. Earlier in 2012, Federer had grabbed the 17th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon Championships, London, while also reclaiming his No. 1 ranking in the month of July 2012. He also acquired top most position by the end of the season. Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis player acquired the same title in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. The female Athlete of the year was Nicola Spirig, the Olympic triathlon champion of Switzerland.

India won the World Cup Kabaddi Tournament 2012

LUDHIANA: India on 15 December 2012 won the 3rd World Cup Kabaddi Tournament for the third consecutive time in the Men's category and second consecutive time in the Women's category. Indian men defeated arch rival Pakistan with a decisive margin of 37 points whereas, Indian women thrashed Malaysia 72-12. Both the finals were played at the Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana. The Kabaddi world cup was a 15-day tournament. In men's category, third prize went to Canada and in women's category, it was given to Denmark. Indian m e n registered a h a t trick by outclassing Pakistan in every aspect of game. At the end of the first half, Indian men squad was leading with a point difference of 34-9. India's raider and stoppers showed an extraordinary sport in collecting points for their country. Women's final was virtually a one sided show as Malaysian team was no match against Indian eves.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

EMPLOYMENT NEWS
ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL AKHNOOR
REQUIRES STAFF

23

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board

Walk-in-Interview
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, a statutory automonous organization, invites eligible candidates for 'Walk-in-Interview' for filling up the post of 'Jr. Engineer (Civil)' in the pay scale of PB-2 with Grade Pay Rs.4260/- The qualification required for the post is Bachelors in Civil Engineering or 3 Year diploma in Civil Engineering with minimum of 2 years of experience.

ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL NAGORTA

Walk - in -interview
Walk-in-interview for the post of Nurse (preferably Lady), below 45 years of age, Qualification BSc. (Nursing) on 31 Dec 2012 at 1200h. Application forms will be issued on 31 Dec 2012 on cash payment of Rs.100/each from 0900h to 1100h at Army Public School, Nagorta Principals

Vacancies Eligibility 1.Adm Supervisor: Graduate & computer literate (Retd. JCO preferred). 2. LDC (i) Graduate or ten yrs of service as a clerk (for Ex-servicemen). Computer Literate. (ii) Typing with a minimum speed of 40 WPM. (iii) Knowledge of Computer MS Office (Speed 8000 key depression per hour) (iv) Basic knowledge of accounting. 3. Science Lab Attendent Graduate with Science & Computer literate. Age: Upto 40 yrs. Relaxation of age as per AWES Rules. Salary: As per AWES Rules. Application forms are available in office of Army Public School Akhnoor on all working days at the cost of Rs 100/-. Last date for filling up of forms will be 05 Jan 2013. Date of interview will be communicated accordingly. Website:www.armypublicschoolakhnoor.com E-Mail:apsakhnoor12@gmail.com. Tele No 01924-213044 (Civil), 6807 (Army) (KCS Mehta) Principal

The interview will be held at 10.00 am on dated 25.12.2012 at Vashnavi Dham, Jammu (Near Railway Station, Jammu)
The appointment shall be on 'term employment basis initially for a p[eriod of one year and shall be governed by the services conditions prescribed by the shrine board. For appearing in the interview candidates are required to bring the following documents. a) Application will be complete Bio-data (In Original) b) Qualification experience certificates/Degrees (In original & photocopies duly attested). c) Proof of date of birth d) Two self attested passport size photocopies e) State Subject.

IRCON ISL
IRCON Infrastructure and Services Limited has issued notification against recruitment of 10 Work Engineer Vacancies for posting in Projects of Ircon International Ltd at Sri Lanka. Total No of Vacancies: 10 Names of the Posts: Works Engineer (Civil) Age Limit: Candidates must be born on or before 01-07-1978. Educational Qualification: Candidates should have passed Degree in Civil Engineering. Preference will be given for the candidates with experience in construction related works. Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on the performance in Personal Interview. How to Apply: Candidates can apply through prescribed application format available in the notification, fill the application, attach photograph, attest signature and send it along with copies of all relevant certificates to the Ircon Infrastructure & Services Limited C-4 District Centre, Saket, New Delhi 110 017 on or before 05-01-2013. On the envelope super scribe the name and code of post applied for and Advt number. Eligible candidates must walk in for Interview at the same venue. Important Dates: Last Date for Receipt of Application: 05-01-2013 Walk In Date for Interview: 08-01-2013. For Detail Visit: http://www.irconisl.com/images/works-engineerc03_2012.pdf

National Textile Corporation

Application are invited for the Posts of Assistant Manager (Trainee Costing/ HR) in National Textile Corporation Limited. Post Name : Assistant Manager (Trainee Costing/ HR) Qualifications: :CA/ICWA/MBA (Finance) (2 year full time.). No. Of Post : 09 Posts. Age Limit : 28 Years. Pay Scale : Rs.12600-32500/Application Fee : A non-refundable Account Payee? demand draft for Rs. 300/- drawn in favour of NATIONAL TEXTILE CORPORATION LIMITED on any Nationalized Bank payable at Coimbatore, is to be enclosed along with the prescribed application form, applicable for General and OBC candidates only. How to Apply : All the above should be sent in a sealed cover duly super scribing the NAME OF THE POST / CATEGORY as the case may be so as to reach by 12.01.2013 by ordinary post addressed to Senior Manager (HR)-HOD, National Textile Corporation Limited, Southern Regional Office, 35-B Somasundaram Mills Road, Coimbatore-641009 Tamil Nadu. Last Date: 12.01.2013 For More Information http://ntcltd.co.in/images/stories/d ocs/Adv_No_NTCL_SRO_2012_ 02.pdf

Central Industrial Security Force

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) under Ministry of Home Affairs invites applications for recruiting 113 Assistant Sub Inspector/ Executive and Head Constable/ GD against Sports Quota Total Number of vacancies: 113 NAMES OF POSTS: 1. Assistant Sub Inspector/ Exe 52 Posts 2. Head Constable/ GD 61 Posts Disciplines: Individual Event: 1. Boxing (Men & Women) 13 Posts 2. Judo (Men & Women) 18 3. Weightlifting (Men) 16 Posts 4. Wrestling (MEN) 20 Posts 5. Gymnastic 08 Posts 6. Athletic (Men & Women) 20 Posts Team Event: 1. Hockey (Men) 18 Posts

Age Limit: Candidate should have between 20 to 25 years for Assistant Sub Inspector/ Executive post and 18 to 23 years for Head Constable/ GD post as on 31-12-2012. (Age relaxation will be applicable as per rules). Educational Qualification: Candidate must possess 10+2/ equivalent for Head Constable/ GD post and Bachelor Degree for Assistant Sub Inspector/ Executive post and have relevant sports qualification. Application Fee Details: General and OBC candidates need to pay Rs. 50/- (SC/ ST/ EXSM are exempted from payment of fee) in form of crossed Indian Postal Order in favour of Officers mentioned in the notification. Selection Process: Selection will be done on the basis of Trail/ Test in Sports Event, Merit basis and Medical Examination. How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply through prescribed application format as given in the notification, fill it completely, affix self attested recent passport size photograph on it and sent along with the relevant enclosures, application fee receipt, two recent passport size photographs at the mentioned addresses in the notification. Last Date for Receipt of Application: 31-12-2012 For Detail Visit: http://cisf.nic.in/RECRUITMENT_files/ENGLISH%20NOTIFICATION%20FOR%20SPORTS%20PERSONNEL2012.pdf

G.A.I.L.
Application are invited for the Posts of Executive Trainees in GAIL. Post Name : Executive Trainees Qualifications : Bachelor Degree in Engineering in Mechanical / Production / Production & Industrial / Manufacturing / Mechanical & Automobile with minimum 65 % Marks. No. Of Post : 153 Posts. Age Limit : Max 28 Years as on 15.01.2013 Pay Scale : Rs.24900-50500/Important Dates : Last date for submission of online application:18.01.2013 GATE-2013 Online Examination : 20.01.2013 GATE-2013 Offline Examination : 10.02.2013 How to Apply : Candidates will be required to Apply Online. For More Information https://gailebank.gail.co.in/Online_recruitment_et/career.asp

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

EMPLOYMENT NEWS

24
U.C.I.L
Application are invited for the Posts of Diploma Trainee in Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL). Post Name : Diploma Trainee Qualifications : Three years Diploma in Electrical Engineering from a Government recognised Engineering College with minimum 60% marks(aggregate). No. Of Post : 01 Posts. Age Limit : 30 Years. Pay Scale : Rs.19256 /-Per Month. How to Apply : Application giving full details, certificates with a recent passport size photograph and name of 02(Two) referees(non-relative), attested copies of certificates and testimonials and Demand Draft of Rs.50/(Female candidates are exempted from application fees) drawn in favour of Uranium Corporation of India Limited payable at State Bank of India, Jaduguda should reach the office of Dy.General Manager(Personnel)-IRs., Uranium corporation of India Limited, PO : Jaduguda Mines, Dist : East Singhbhum, Jharkhand 832 102 by post/courier For Detail Visit: 11/01/2013. For More Information http://ucil.gov.in/web/jobs/DT%2 8Elect.%29%20for%20Advt.pdf

Staff Selection Commission

Staff Selection Commission North Western Region (SSCNWR), under Government of India, Chandigarh, is hiring personnel for 39 various vacancies. Number of Vacancies: 39 Names of Posts: 1. Assistant Plant Protection Officer (Chemistry) 34 Posts 2. Zoological Assistant 02 Posts 3. Senior Technical Assistant (Chemical) 02 Posts 4. Senior Technical Assistant 01 Post Age Limit: Candidate should have not exceeding 30 years for Assistant Plant Protection Officer (Chemistry), Senior Technical Assistant & Senior Technical Assistant (Chemical) posts and 18-25 years for Zoological Assistant post as on 28-12-2012. Qualification: Degree/ B.Sc/ M.Sc/ PG in relevant disciplines. Application Fee Details: Applicants need to pay application fee of Rs.50/- (SC/ ST/ EXSM/ PWD/ Women candidates are exempted from payment of fee). Fee must be paid in form of Central Recruitment Fee Stamps (CRFS) in all post offices. Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates after screening would be called for Interview/Proficiency Test /Skill Test. How to Apply: Eligible candidates may apply through prescribed application format as given in the notification, fill it with all given mandatory details, attach photograph and attest signature. Then these applications should be sent along with CRFS attached, and copies of all relevant certificates must be reach to the Deputy Regional Director (NWR), Staff Selection Commission, Block No. 3, Kendriya Sadan, Sector-9 Chandigarh-160017 on or before 28-12-2012. Last Date for Receipt of Application: 28-12-2012 For Detail Visit: http://www.sscnwr.org/notice_down_file/advt_on_01.12.12.pdf

Union Public Service Commission

Union Public Service Commission has issued Recruitment Notification for filling up of 27 various vacancies. Total No. of Vacancies: 27 Name of the Post: 1. Deputy Director 01 post 2. Live Stock Officer 05 posts 3. Regional Home Economist 01 post 4. Translator (Chinese) 02 posts 5. Translator (Dari) 01 post 6. Translator (Pushto) 01 post 7. Junior Technical Officer (Naval) 07 posts 8. Junior Technical Officer (Naval) 06 posts 9. Research Officer 02 posts 10. Pathologist 01 post Age Limit: Candidates age not exceeding 40 years for Sr. No. 1 & 4 posts, not exceeding 38 years for the Sr. No. 4 post, not exceeding 35 years for Sr. No. 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 posts, not exceeding 30 years for Sr. No. 7 & 8 posts. Relaxations will be as per the rules. Educational Qualifications: Candidates must possess Degree/Masters Degree in relevant discipline with experience in relevant field. Application Fee: Unreserved and OBC Male candidates are requested to pay Rs.25/- only either by remitting the money in any branch of SBI/Associate branches of SBI by cash /net banking/visa/Masters credit/debit card. No fee for SC/ST/PWD/Women candidates. Selection Process: On the basis of written exam and interview basis. How to Apply: Apply online through the website www.upsconline.nic.in on or before 27-12-2012. After the submission candidates have send the hard copy of online submitted application along with the documentary proofs in support to age, caste, education and technical qualification, experience certificates, fee receipt, attach self addressed post card by affixing Rs.6/- worth stamps and send it by post/by hand by super scribing the envelope as RECRUITMENT BY SELECTION to the Joint Secretary (Recruitment), Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House Shahjahan Road, New Delhi 110069 on or before 10-01-2013. Last Date for online submission: 27-12-2012 by 23.59 Hrs. For Detail Visit: http://www.upsconline.nic.in/ora/candDemo/VacancyNoticePub.php

Income Tax Department

The Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Hyderabad has issued notification for recruitment of meritorious sports person in different games/sports for the posts of Income tax Inspectors, Stenographers Gr.II, Tax Assistants and Multi Tasking Staff. Total No of Vacancies: 41 Name of the posts: 1. Income Tax Inspectors (PB-II): 05 Posts 2. Stenographers Gr.II (PB-I): 01 post 3. Tax Assistants (PB-I): 26 posts 4. Multi Tasking Staff (PB-I): 09 posts Age Limit: Between 18years to 27 years for Inspectors, Stenographer post and between 18 years to 25 years for the post of Tax Assistants and Multi Tasking Staff. (Age relaxation as per Government rules). Educational Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university for the post of Income Tax Inspector and Tax Assistant, Intermediate or 12th Standard for the post of Stenographers, Matriculation or equivalent for the Multi Tasking Staff Post Application Fee Details: Application fee of Rs.100/- payable by way of DD or Bankers Cheque in favour of ZAO, CBDT, HYDERABAD. Fee exempted for SC/ST and Women candidates. Selection Process: Basis of performance in written test & interview. How to Apply: Candidates can download the application form from the departments website www.incometaxindia.gov.in .should be submitted in a closed cover superscribe with Application for recruitment of Meritorious Sports Person in Income tax department and addressed to Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax (H.Qrs) (Admin), O/o The CCIT, Hyderabad-1, Room No.1047, 10th floor, D Block, Income Tax Towers, AC Guards, Hyderabad-500004 Last Date to submit the Application Form: 23-01-2013 For Detail Visit: http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/archive/BreakingNews_SportsPerson _Hyderabad_05122012.pdf

Directorate of Wheat Research

Application are invited for the Posts of Senior Research Fellow in Directorate of Wheat Research. Post Name : Jr. Research Fellow Qualifications : M Sc (Plant Breeding & Genetics/ Plant Biotechnology/ Genetics/ Biotechnology with dissertation work in plant Breeding/ Botany with specialization Plant Breeding. Desirable : Experience of Biometric/ Molecular Biology of crops, Knowledge of Computer application. Pay Scale : Rs.16000/-. How to Apply : Walk in Interview shall be held on 16th January 2013 at 10.30 AM. Candidates should apply in the prescribed format and must bring original documents and 2 passport size photographs . Interview Date: 16/1/2012 For More Information http://www.dwr.in/images/pdf11/ postsrfjan.pdf

Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd

Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd LCA Production Group, Bangalore has issued notification for the recruitment of XSM Aircraft Technician posts. Names of the Posts: I. XSM Aircraft Technician 1. Engine: 05 Posts 2. Airframe: 10 Posts 3. Armament: 05 Posts 4. Radio: 05 Posts 5. Radar: 05 Posts 6. Instrumentation: 06 Posts 7. Electrical: 05 Posts 8. SEW: 03 Posts Age Limit: Candidates age should be 28 years .Age relaxation is applicable as per the rules. Qualification: Diploma in Engineering with relevant experience. Selection Process: On the basis of written test and interview. Application Fee: Application Fee Rs.100/- to be sent in form of DD drawn on any nationalized banks preferably SBI in favour of Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd, LCA PG Division payable at Bangalore. DD should be obtained between 12-12-2012 to 05-01-2013. Fee exempted for SC/ST/PWD candidates. How to Apply: Send application form along with the DD and all relevant documents, superscibed on the envelope for the post applied for and on the reverse of the DD and send by post so as to reach on or before 05-012013 to The Manager-HR, HR Dept, LCA, Production Group, Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd, Post Bag 3791, Marathahalli Post, Marathahalli, Bangalore-560037. Last Date for Receipt of Application: 05-01-2013 For Detail Visit: http://hal-india.com/careersnew.asp

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

EMPLOYMENT NEWS

25
COTTON CORP. OF INDIA LTD
Recruitment of B.Sc (Agriculture), B.Com & B.A. graduates on Temporary Basis. The Cotton Corporation of India Ltd., A Government of India Undertaking Branch Office Rayagada is looking for B.Sc (Agriculture) graduates to work as field Assistant on consolidated wages of Rs.9000/- P.M and B.Com & B.A graduates for Documentation Assistants on consolidated wages of Rs 9000/- P.M on purely temporary basis all inclusive. Last date: 01.01.2013. For Detail Visit: http://www.cotcorp.gov.in/writereaddata/recruitment/rgd201212.pdf

Staff Selection Commission

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has issued notification for the recruitment of Constable (GD) in ITBPF, BSF, CISF, CRPF & SSB and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles. Interested candidates may apply through offline on or before 11-01-2013 and 09-01-2013 for Part I Online Registration, 11-01-2013 for Part II Online Registration. Name of the Posts: 1. Constables (GD) in CAPFs 2. Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles Age Limit: 18-23 years as on 01.01.2013 Educational Qualification: Candidate must possess Matriculation/SSC/ equivalent from a recognized institution. Application Fee: Candidates should pay fee of Rs.50/- in form of challan through any SBI branch or through CRF stamp. Fee exempted for SC/ST/Women candidates. Selection Process: Selection will be done on the basis of Written Test, Physical Fitness Test (PET)& Medical Test. How to Apply: Eligible candidates can apply through Online & Offline mode. i) For online mode candidates can go through the web site www.ssconline.nic.in for Part-I registration on or before 09-01-2013 and for Part-II registration on or before 11-01-2013. ii) For offline mode candidates need to send the duly filled application form along with al relevant documents with CRF Stamp and send to the Dy. Director (NWR), Staff Selection Commission,Block No. 3, Gr. Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Sector-9, Chandigarh-160017 on or before 11-01-2013. Last Date for Online Application (Part I): 09-01-2013 up Last Date for Online Application (Part II): 11-01-2013 up Last Date for Offline Application: 11-01-2013 For Detail Visit: http://ssc.nic.in/notice/examnotice/Final%20Notice%20for%20Const(G D)&%20Rifleman%20(GD),2013_E.pdf

POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA

POWERGRID is on look out of young and bright experienced professionals for appointment purely on Temporary (Contractual) basis for a period of two years for execution of NOFN Project in the state of Orissa. Name of post: 1. Field Engineer - 17 posts (Salary: Rs. 30,000/-pm) Essential Qualification: B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc.(Engg.)/AMIE in Electronics and Communication discipline with minimum 55% marks Minimum Work Experience: One year Post Qualification Experience in design, engineering of optical fibre network, adequate experience of construction, Testing and Commissioning, operation and maintenance activities of Optical Fibre network system (SDH/DWDM/G-PON/MPLS, etc.). Experience in PSU/Listed Company particularly in Telecom sector shall be preferred. 2. Field Supervisor - 30 posts (Salary: Rs. 23,000/-/-pm) Essential Qualification: Diploma Engineering in Electronics and Communication Discipline with minimum 55% marks. Minimum Work Experience: One year Post Qualification Experience of construction, Testing and Commissioning, operation and maintenance activities of Optical Fibre network system (SDH/DWDM/GPON/MPLS, etc.). Age Limit: Max 29 Years as on 10.01.2013. Selection Process: On the basis of Personal Interview. Application Fee: for Field Engineer is Rs.200/- and for Field Supervisor is Rs.100/- to be paid in form of A/C Payee Demand Draft in favour of POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD. Payable at Kolkata (preferably drawn on SBI). No Fee for SC/ST/PwD/Ex-SM candidates Interested eligible candidates should send their applications completed alongwith non-refundable application fees, photocopies of certificates to to the following address super scribing the envelop with Application for Post Code in POWERGRID, ER-II by ORDINARY POST only. The Chief Manager (HR)Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.,Eastern Region-II Head Quarter, J-1-15, EP Block, Sector-V,.Salt Lake, Bidhan Nagar.,Kolkata - 700091. Last date:10th, January 2013 For Detail Visit: http://www.powergridindia.com/_layouts/PowerGrid/WriteReadData/fil e/career/DETAILADVERTISEMETN-NOFN.pdf

C.S.I.R.
CSIR-IGIB (within the CSIRMayo Clinic Collaboration for Innovation and Translational Research program is looking for young and bright candidates for purely temporary positions of Project Scientists in the area of Biomedical/Clinical Research. Name of the post: 1. Project Scientist (Research): PhD in Life Sciences/Zoology/MBBS (with one year internship) having uniformly outstanding academic records and proven ability for high quality R&D work 2. Project Scientist (Program Manager): PhD in life science with original work/outstanding publications, leadership qualities. Age Limit: Below 40 yrs Emoluments: Rs. 31000-43200 + HRA (as applicable) Interested candidates may mail their detailed CV to csirmc@igib.in along with copies of testimonials and publications, if any, latest by 7th January, 2013. A duly constituted Screening Committee will shortlist the applications. The short-listed candidates will be called for personal interview, to be conducted on 21st January, 2013. Last Date: 7th January, 2013 Interview Date: 21st Jan, 2013 For Detail Visit: http://www.igib.res.in/pme/other_ positions_open.htm

Railway Recruitment Board

Railway Recruitment Board Chennai has issued notification for filling up of 32 Sports Quota Vacancies. Total No. of Vacancies: 30 NAME OF THE POSTS: I. Games/Events (Grade Pay Rs. 1900/- or above) 12 posts 1. Athletics Men 01 post 2. Ball Badminton (Men) 01 post 3. Basket Ball Women 01 post 4. Cycling Men 01 post 5. Hockey Men 02 posts 6. Shuttle Badminton Men 01 7. Table Tennis Men 01 posts 8. Volley Ball Men 02 posts 9. Volley Ball Women 02 posts II. Games/Events (Grade Pay Rs.1800/-) 18 posts 1. Athletics Men 01 post 2. Athletics Women 03 posts 3. Basket Ball Men 02 posts 4. Billiards & Snookers Men 01 5. Body Building Men 02 posts 6. Cricket Men 02 posts 7. Cricket Women -01 post 8. Cycling Men 01 post 9. Foot Ball Men -02 posts 10. Hockey Men 03 posts 11. Water Polo Men 02 posts

Northern Railway
Northern Railway Recruitment, Lucknow has issued notification for the recruitment of Group D vacancies against Scouts/ Guides quota for the year 2012-13 for 04 Posts. Total No of Vacancies: 04 Name of the Posts: Group D Age Limit: Candidate should have 18 to 33 years as on 07-01-2013.Age relaxation is applicable as per rules. Educational Qualification: Candidate must possess SSC/ equivalent from a recognized institution and scouts & guides qualification. Examination Fee: Candidates should pay fee of Rs.40/- for General and OBC candidates in the form of IPO/DD drawn in any nationalized bank in favour of Senior Finance Manager, Northern Railway, Lucknow. Selection process: Eligible candidates will be selected on the basis of performance in written test, scouts & guides qualification, personality test/ interview. How to Apply: Eligible candidates can apply through prescribed application format given in the notification, fill the form and attach passport size photograph, all relevant copies of certificates, DD and send it to Senior Divisional Railway Manager, Northern Railway, Lucknow on or before 07-01-2013. Last Date for Receipt of Application: 07-01-2013. For Detail Visit: http://www.rrcnr.org/rrcnr_pdf/Railway%20Recruitment%20Cell%20_ %2023%20Nov%20_%201.pdf

Age Limit: Between 18 to 25 years as on 01-01-2013. Qualifications: 10th/ITI /Equivalent for Grade Pay with Rs. 1800/1900/2000 posts along with representation in the Country in any of the Category B/C Champion Ships/Events and candidates must possess Graduation for Grade Pay with Rs.2400/2800 Posts along with the representation in the country in Olympics (Category A). Application Fee: Rs.40/- as Processing Fee either in the form of Demand Drafts/Indian Postal Order drawn in the favor of The Assistant Personnel Officer/Railway Recruitment Cell payable at Chennai. No Fee for SC/ST/PWD/Minority/Economically Backward Classes candidates. How to Apply: Send application form to The Assistant Personnel Officer/Recruitment, Railway Recruitment Cell, Southern Railway, III Floor, No. 5, Dr. P. V. Cherian Crescent Road, Egmore, Chennai 600008 Last Date: 18-01-2013. For Detail Visit: http://www.rrcchennai.org.in/admin/download/1355858308_Sports-Quota_Talent-Scouting_%202012-13Instructions.pdf

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

CLASSIFIED

26

Placements
JOB JOB JOB

Education

Education
ADMISSION BOOKING 2013
Booking started for Engineering and Medical Streams under management quota seats for reputed Colleges of Northern India. Purely on Government approved fee structure. No donation required. (i)B.D.S, B.Tech, M.B.A., B.B.A, M.C.A, B.Sc., Nursing Hotel Management, Law, Diploma, lateral entry. Homeopathic Degrees and other courses available at Solan H.P. (ii)Computer repairing, Hardware/ Software facilities also available. (iii)ISO certification and Trade Mark Registration for business community is also available.

Central Bank of India

Central Bank of India invites online applications for filling up of 3196 Single Window Operators A/SWO-A (in clerical cadre) posts from qualified candidates in IBPS Clerk Common Written Exam conducted by IBPS in 2011-12 and having a valid score card. Eligible candidates have to apply through online from 22-12-2012 to 07-01-2013. TOTAL NO OF POSTS: 3196 Name of the Posts: Single Window Operators A/SWO-A (in clerical cadre) Age Limit: Between 18 years to 28 years. Age relaxation is applicable as per rules. Educational Qualification: Degree (10+2+3 pattern) in any discipline or equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. IBPS Score Card (CWE): Candidates must have a valid IBPS score card in IBPS Clerk CWE 2011-12. General candidates must have secured 24 and SC/ST/PWD/OBC candidates must have secured 21 marks in each of the tests in IBPS Clerk CWE. State wise and category wise total weighted standard score available in the notification. Application Fee Details: Applicants need to pay Rs. 100/- for General & OBC and Rs.20/- for SC/ST/PWD/EXSM candidates. Fee can be paid in the form of Challan downloaded from website at any branch of Central Bank of India from 22-12-2012 to 07-012013. Selection Procedure: Eligible candidates will be selected on the basis of Score obtained in IBPS Clerk CWE in 2011-2012 and Personal Interview.

Computer work at Home

Part Time

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Near Shaurya Motors PH: 8803041854, 9419797837
(No Success No Fee) (All Subjects)

Earn Rs.5000 to Rs.25,000 per month

RAINA EDUCATION CONSULTANCY

(Opposite Sub Treasury Tirth Nagar Talab Tillo Jammu) Mob: 94191-37183

NEWFANGLED STUDY CENTRE

19-A, 2nd Extn. Gandhi Nagar, Jammu Mob: 9419164232, (O) 2459548

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Monthly Fee Security Fee Course Fee

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Sai Institute of IT & Mgmt.
Shastri Nagar, Jammu Ph: 9796287997, 9796288033

Softek Institute of IT

* Above 5000 students cleared and sent abroad from Daffodils Centres across India. * Average success rate 6.5 bands * Learn Interview, reading, speaking techniques. * Get info on Colleges, admissions, accommodation abroad. * Discuss work and study opportunities abroad. * Guest motivation lecturers * Intro to foreign countries * Study Visa guidance * British Council and IDP certified registration centre. DAFFODILS ENGLISH ACADEMY PVT. LTD. 9697123835, 0191-2437715 26 B/C Gandhi Nagar, Jammu www.daffodilsstudy.com

How to Apply: Candidates are required to apply online through website www.centralbankofindia.co.in from 22-12-2012 to 07-01-2013. Last Date for Online Registration: 07-01-2013. Date of making payments of Application fee: 22-12-2012 to 07-01-2013 For Detail Visit: https://www.centralbankofindia.co.in/upload/SWOA%20%28CLERKS%29%20RECRUITMENT%20IN%20CENTRAL%20BANK%20O F%20INDIA%20-2012%20%28ENGLISH%29.pdf

Bank of Maharashtra
Bank of Maharashtra has issued notification for recruitment of 45 Chartered Accountant (CA) Vacancies. Eligible candidates may apply online from 15-12-2012 to 29-12-2012. For other details like age limit, educational qualification, application fee details, selection process and how to apply are given below Total No of Vacancies: 45 Names of the Posts: Chartered Accountant Age Limit: Candidates age should be between 21 years to 30 years as on 01-11-2012.Age relaxation is applicable as per the rules. Qualification: Candidate must be CAs having work experience of one or two years in Private Sector Banks/SCBs. Application Fee: Candidates should download the Bank Challan from the website and make the payment through CBS at any of the Bank of Maharashtra branches. Amount of fee woulb be Rs.300/- for General and OBC candidates and Rs.50/- for SC/ST/PWD candidates. Name of Account must be BOM Specialist Officers Recruitment Project 20122013, account no. 60103218200, Payee Bank should be Bank of Maharashtra Main Branch Pune and IFSC code should be MAHB0001150. With these details, fee can also be paid by the use of NEFT at any NEFT enable Bank. Selection Process: Candidates will be short listed & called for interview .Selection will be done on the basis of performance in Interview. How to Apply: Eligible candidates can apply through online from Bank of Maharashtra website from 15-12-2012 to 29-12-2012. After submission of application candidates can take a printout of the system generated application form to be submitted at the time of the interview. The registration number and password generated should also be retained for future reference. Last Date for Online Registration: 29-12-2012. Date for Making Payment of Application fee: 15-12-2012 to 29-12-2012. For Detail Visit: http://www.bankofmaharashtra.in/ca/main_page.asp http://www.bankofmaharashtra.in/ca/documents/Advertisement.pdf

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

DISCLAMIER
STUDENT AGE does not take responsibility for the contents of the advertisements. (Display classified) carried in this newspaper. The paper doesnot endorse the same. Readers are requested to verify the contents ons their own before acting there upons.
(An Organization of the Min. of Rural Development, Govt. of India)
NIRD looks forward to engage the services of Project Officers and Accounts Manager projects

Student Age
Contact: 2459702, 9796487871

For Booking Advertisment In

NIRD is a premier Institute providing training, research and consultancy activities in the field of rural development. NIRD needs dynamic, qualified and experienced persons for the following positions on contract basis(i) Project Officers 3 Posts Salary: Rs.30,000/- p.m.; (ii) Accounts Projects; 2 Posts Manager

Newspaper

Salary- Rs.30,000/- p.m. For details visit: http://www.nird.org.in/NIRD_ Docs/job191212.pdf. Last Date - 07.01.2013.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

SCHOOL LIFE
Delhi. Most restaurant and hotels take advice from a nutritionist before planning their menu," says Khanna.Practitioners in this field must have a working knowledge of biology, chemistry, microbiology and physiology to name a few areas. Most employers insist on a post graduate education. A high people-orientation and empathy for the patients are the soft skills essential for this career. One cannot really expect a vegetarian to start eating chicken, or a South Indian to entirely quit rice. So keep the cultural aspect in mind when dealing with clients.Ishi Khosla, Clinical Nutritionist and Director, Whole FoodsMy interest in food was generated during my teenage years. That was the time when I had to battle my own obesity. I researched a lot on food and got hooked on to this subject. The experience made me switch my career path from medicine to nutrition. I did my Msc in Food and Nutrition from Lady Irwin College, Delhi, in 1986. Since then and today, there has been a vast change in public perception towards nutrition. Earlier, people visited us reluctantly and believed that our job is to make them starve. Now, everyone wants to look good and lead a healthy lifestyle. I set up my own

27
practice in 2001 and launched Whole Foods, which sells healthier food options commercially. We have never advertised, but such is the interest that we have grown and expanded tremendously. We have even opened health cafes in Delhi.I feel that if a young person wants to enter this field, first they have to practice what they preach. So maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also, nutrition is a science which is constantly evolving, so keep yourself updated. Career options The avenues available are hospitals, health clubs, airlines, schools or international organisations such as WHO or FAO. Food and pharma companies are also emerging as leading employers. One can also be a consultant for hotels and cafes. Starting salary * Rs 1.8-2 lakh per annum Institutes * Lady Irwin College, New Delhi www.ladyirwin.edu.in * Punjab Technical University, www.ptu.ac.in * Sam Higginbotom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad www.aaidu.org

CAREER IN NUTRITIONIST
"People now realise that healthy and nutritious diet boosts immunity, prevents diseases, spurs mental and physical development of children, among other things," says Rekha Sinha, executive director, International Life Sciences Institute, India. This then has to be the best time to be a nutritionist or a dietician. They are the new age knights in shining armour who ensure healthy weight loss (or gain) and rescue people from everything ranging from diabetes to social ostracism.Hospitals have always been one of the highest employers of dietician. A dietician is usually conditioned by the doctor and plans the nutrition of the patient accordingly. "A doctor who has also studied nutrition is becoming a great boon for the medical industry as that person is well-versed with the nuances of a particular medical procedure," says Dr Suneet Khanna, an obesity management nutritionist in Delhi, who has also done M.B.B.S.Food processing industries and nutraceuticals companies are also emerging as leading employers. Here dieticians work in tandem with the biomedical team to come up with the right product.Residential schools, airlines, gymnasiums,

spas are other avenues where a nutritionist is highly sought after. A trainee dietician can earn between Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000 per month.Being a consultant dietician is a lucrative option for established names in this business. "I am a consultant for six restaurants in

HISTORICAL MONUMENTS: MAHABALIPURAM

activity going back to the period of Mahendravarman-I (AD 600-30), the father of Mamalla, most of the monuments like rock-cut rathas, sculptured scenes on open rocks like Arjuna's penance, the caves of Govardhanadhari and Mahishasuramardini, the Jala-Sayana Perumal temple (the sleeping Mahavishnu or Chakrin at the rear part of the Shore temple complex) are attributed to the period of Narasimhavarman-I Mamalla. Of the nine monolithic temples found in Mahabalipuram, the most important are Five Rathas known after the famous five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata fame. These monuments are carved out a single rock with choice of all known forms of plan and elevations. While the Dharmaraja, Arjuna and Draupadi rathas are square on plan, the Bhima and Ganesa rathas are rectangular and Sahadeva ratha apsidal. The Draupadi ratha is a simple hut like kutagara shrine while the Arjuna ratha is a dvitala vimana with a mukhamandapa. The Bhima ratha is rectangular on plan with a salakara wagonvaulted roof. The Dharmaraja ratha is a tritala vimana having functional shrines at all the talas. The Nakula-Sahadeva ratha with an apsidal plan and elevation indicate the experimental tendency of the architect. Though monolithic sculpturing, both cut-in and cut-out, continued even during later periods (Atiranachanda cave, Pidari rathas and Tigercave), the structural architecture was introduced on a grand scale by Pallava Rajasimha (AD 700-28), culminating in erection of the world famous Shore temple. The Shore temple is a complex of three temples, viz, Rajasimhesvara (a small tritala vimana facing west), the Kshatriyasimhesvara (the larger east facing vimana) and Nripatisimha Pallava Vishnugriha (an east facing, oblong, flatroofed mandapa shrine) housing the reclining Vishnu. These shrines are enclosed by two prakara walls with openings constructed in later times. The inner surface of prakara walls once contained panel sculptures which are worn out now. The notable cave temples here are the Varaha mandapa, Mahisamardini mandapa, Paramesvara Mahavaraha Vishnugriha (Adivaraha cave). These are in the Mamalla style while the Adiranchanda caves temples belong to the Mahendra period. The caves here were once plastered and painted as indicated by the remains. After Rajasimha, there is lull in the architectural activity of the place, save a few additions during late-Pallava and Chola times. The grandiose Vijayanagara phase here is represented by the Raja Gopurams and the SthalaSayana temple, juxtaposed to the carved boulder of Arjuna's penance. Recent excavations to the north and south of the Shore Temple have revealed rock-cut figures representing religious themes of period prior to the construction to the temple. Besides, a monolithic Bhuvaraha, a reclining image of Vishnu, the base of Durga shrine with deer and a square socket possibly to accommodate mahastambha have also been exposed. To the south of the Shore Temple was exposed a stepped ghat facing the sea.

QUOTATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

1. "Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." ~ Oren Arnold

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

Brief Description This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. Mamallapuram, the city of Mamalla, is after the title of great Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman-I (AD 630-68). It was a seaport during the time of Periplus (1st century AD) and Ptolemy (AD 140) and many Indian colonists sailed to South-East Asia through this port town. While there is some evidence of architectural

2. "The magi, as you know, were wise men - wonderfully wise men who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents." ~ O. Henry

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

SCHOOL LIFE
many different kinds of snow depending on the region, temperature and weather. It could be compiled of loosely packed light fluffy snow, which can still be very dangerous even though it may not appear threatening. It could also consist of a thick "slab" which is an area of tightly packed together snow that separates itself from the surroundings.

28

AVALANCHES
What is an Avalanche? Technically, an avalanche is any amount of snow sliding down a mountainside. It can be compared another layer of snow. For example, when a layer of dry loosely packed snow slides over a dense layer of wet snow. The other common avalanche is known as a Full-Depth Avalanche which, as its name would lead you to believe, occurs when an entire snow cover, from the earth to the surface, slides over the ground.

IMAGE TO COLOUR

There are two common types of avalanches, a Surface Avalanche that occurs when a layer of snow with different properties slides over to a landslide, only with snow instead of earth. Another common term for avalanche is "snowslide". As an avalanche becomes nearer to the bottom of the slope, it gains speed and power, this can cause even the smallest of snowslides to be a major disaster.

An avalanche can be composed of

Hot Air

Fast Facts
1. Starfish can twist its s t o m a c h inside out. 2. MORE than two million gallons of water flow between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans through the Panama Canal on a busy day! 3. Common Housefly transmits more diseases as compared to any other animals. 4. A true carnivorous is snake as it only eats other animals. T h e y don't eat plants. 5. The loudest sound that is produced by a living animal is 188 decibels. It is produced by blue whale. 6. Inhabitants of North Dakota have never experienced an earthquake in their area. 7. Hummingbirds can fly backwards. 8. To form water you have to burn hydrogen in air. 9. 32 muscles are there in each ear of a cat. 10. The only animal which can recognize itself is a chimp. 11. Ants extract juices from foods moving their jaws sideways. They are unable to chew foods.

ir is made up of molecules that are constantly in motion. As air warms up, the molecules start to vibrate and bump into each other, increasing the space around each molecule. Because each molecule uses more space for motion, the air expands and becomes less dense (lighter). In other words, the same number of air molecules occupies a larger space or the same sized space with increased air pressure. The opposite effect happens when air cools. As the temperature drops, molecules move more slowly, taking up less room. The amount of space the air takes up shrinks, or reduces the air pressure. Why does Hot Air Rise? Warm air rises, and when it rises it becomes cooler. That information is key to understanding a lot of meteorology (science of weather). Rising air experiences a drop in temperature, even though no heat is lost to the outside. The drop in temperature is a result of the decrease in atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes. If the pressure of the surrounding air is reduced, then the rising air parcel will expand. The molecules of air are doing work as they expand. This will affect the parcel's temperature (which is the average kinetic energy of the molecules in the air parcel). One of the results of the Laws of Thermodynamics is that there is an inverse relationship between the volume of an

air parcel and its temperature. During either expansion or compression, the total amount of energy in the parcel remains the same (none is added or lost). The energy can either be used to do the work of expansion, or to maintain the temperature of the parcel, but it can't be used for both. If the total amount of heat in a parcel of air is held constant (no heat is added or released), then when the parcel expands, its temperature drops. When the parcel is compressed, its temperature rises. In the atmosphere, if the parcel of air were forced to descend, it would warm up again without taking heat from the outside. This is called adiabatic heating and cooling, and the term adiabatic implies a change in temperature of the parcel of air without gain or loss of heat from outside the air parcel. Adiabatic processes are very important in the atmosphere,

and adiabatic cooling of rising air is the dominant cause of cloud formation. What makes the wind blow? When warm air rises, cold air moves in replacing the warm air. This movement of air is what we call wind. Key Points * when air rises, its temperature decreases * when air subsides, its temperature increases * when the temperature of a parcel of air decreases, its relative humidity increases * when the temperature of a parcel of air increases, its relative humidity decreases * the normal environmental lapse rate applies to still air * the dry adiabatic lapse rate applies to rising air, when the relative humidity is below 100% * the dry adiabatic lapse rate also applies to air that is subsiding, if there is no moisture present, and no evaporation is taking place

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

SCHOOL LIFE

29

THE THREE FISHES

at once. The fishermen will return tomorrow and kill us all!' The second of the three fishes agreed. 'You are right', he said. 'We must leave the pond.' But the youngest fish laughed. 'You are worrying without reason', he said. 'We have lived in this pond all our lives, and no fisherman has ever come here. Why should these men return? I am not going anyentire family. The second fish saw the fishermen coming in the distance early next morning and left the pond at once with all his family. The third fish refused to leave even then. The fishermen arrived and caught all the fish left in the pond. The third fish's luck did not help him - he too was caught and killed. The fish who saw trouble ahead and acted before it arrived as well as the fish who acted as soon as it came both survived. But the fish who relied only on luck and did nothing at all died. So also in life.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

I am following Nature without being able to grasp her, I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. ~ Claude Monet

FUN TIME
1. One day a father called his 6 children together and asked, "Now tell me, who has been most obedient during last week and did everything mommy asked?" In one voice they all replied, "You, Daddy!" 2. Maths teacher asks a boy what are 2,4,10,17. The boy replies they are HBO, ZOOM, SONY and POGO. 3. In a small town in the US, there is a rather sizable factory that hires only married men. Concerned about this, a local woman called on the manager and asked him, "Why is it you limit your employees to married men? Is it because you think women are weak, dumb, cantankerous..or what?" "Not at all, Ma'am," the manager replied. "It is because our employees are used to obeying orders, are accustomed to being shoved around, know how to keep their mouths shut and don't pout when I yell at them." 4. TEACHER TO A STUDENT: "Ess line ki english banao- Usne apna kaam kiya or karta hi gaya." STUDENT - He done his work and done-dana-dan done-dana-dan. 5. A guy shows up late for work. The boss yells, "You should've been here at 8:30!" The guy replies, "Why? What happened at 8:30?"

nce, three fishes lived in a pond. One evening, some fishermen passed by the pond and saw the fishes. 'This pond is full of fish', they told each other excitedly. 'We have never fished here before. We must come back tomorrow morning with our nets and catch these fish!' So saying, the fishermen left. When the eldest of the three fishes heard this, he was troubled. He called the other fishes together and said, 'Did you hear what the fishermen said? We must leave this pond

where - my luck will keep me safe.' The eldest of the fishes left the pond that very evening with his

WORD SEARCH

RHYME: BAD HABIT MARVIN

Do you know Bad Habit Marvin? He bites his nails and grabs dog's tails, and stubs his toes and picks his nose, and burps out loud (it makes him proud) to grind his teeth and smell his feet and shake his head and wet his bed. He tickles girls and yanks their curls and steals their books with dirty looks. He never washes or wears galoshes, or helps mom cook or reads a book. Bad Habit Marvin, you know him well, And every time he's near, you yell, "Bad Habit Marvin, why ya act so dumb?!" But he can't answer back 'cause he's sucking his thumb.

PUZZLES
1. I can sizzle like bacon, I am made with an egg, I have plenty of backbone, but lack a good leg, I 2. Letter after f + half of 8 + shadow of q + Opposite of d+ letter before m + Middle of sea + 2 into 19th letter + End of you

peel layers like onions, but still remain whole, I can be long, like a flagpole, yet fit in a hole, What am i?

E-MAIL YOUR ARTICLES, POEMS, ACHIVEMENTS OR WISHES FOR A HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO US AT
editors@thestudentage.com or mail at: Paramount Publications 12/12, Nanak Nagar

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

GADGETS

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Lenovo launches IdeaPad Yoga hybrids starting Rs. 61,790

enovo has launched the IdeaPad Yoga series of hybrid devices in India. The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga series features hybrid devices that double up as laptops as well as tablets. The two models launched are the IdeaPad Yoga 13 and IdeaPad Yoga 11. The Windows 8 running Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 features a 13.3inch 1600x900 multi-touch display. It is powered by 3rd generation Intel Core processors alongside 4GB RAM (upgradable to 8GB) and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. The IdeaPad Yoga 13 sports 128GB SSD storage, webcam, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth, HDMI, 1 USB 2.0 port, 1 USB

3.0 port and a 2-in-1 card reader. Lenovo claims 8 hours of battery life on the IdeaPad Yoga 13 which is now available

for Rs. 84,290. Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 is a Windows RT device that sports a 11.6-inch 1366x768 multi-touch display. It is powered by NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor alongside NVIDIA ULP GeForce and 2GB RAM. It comes with 2 USB 2.0 ports, webcam, HDMI, card-reader, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth, and 64GB SSD storage. Lenovo says the IdeaPad Yoga 11's 4-cell battery is good enough for 13 hours of usage. The IdeaPad Yoga 11 is now available for Rs. 61,790.

RBI asks payment operators to move to IPv6

NEW DELHI: The Reserve Bank on Dec 20 asked all payment system operators to take necessary actions for migrating to the latest version of Internet Protocol IPv6 as per the directives of DoT. "The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has undertaken the initiative of migration from IPv4 to IPv6. They have expressed that the migration of all payment gateways, banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, etc, including their websites should be completed at the earliest," RBI said in a notification. Since migration to IPv6 is an eventuality that has to be accepted and manage proactively, government wants it to be done in a planned manner, it added. "We advise you to initiate necessary action by constituting a special team to complete the migration at the earliest and keep us informed of the progress made by March 30, 2013," RBI said in a notification. Since the current version of Internet Protocol (IPv4) has almost run out of addresses, the broadband revolution will ride on next generation Internet Protocol (IPv6), RBI added. Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is the latest IP, the primary communications protocol upon which the entire Internet is built. It is intended to replace the older IPv4, which is still employed for the vast majority of Internet traffic as of 2012. The RBI has already asked banks and non-banking financial companies to migrate to the latest version of the Internet Protocol by December, 2012.

DRDO working on Nintendo's TVii service brings television programming to Wii U 'Indian OS', plans Nintendo Co.'s Wii U console has a unique conintendo is switching on a television service that transforms the tablet-like controller for troller - the GamePad - which is covered with joyrelease in three years its new Wii U game console into a remote sticks and buttons and boasts a front-facing camera
NEW DELHI: Exhorting the need to have a robust cyber security system in place, DRDO chief V K Saraswat on Dec 20 said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) alongwith other premier institutes is developing India's own operating system (OS), which is likely to be ready in next three years. "One of the major elements of cyber security is having our own operating system because today we are dependent on all OS systems which are imported whether it is based on Windows, Linux which is likely to be having malicious worms/things and hence it is essential that we have our own OS," the DRDO Director-General said New Delhi. Speaking to newsmen on sidelines of NAVCOM-2012', two-day international conference on Navigation and Communication that began New Delhi, Saraswat, Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister, said, "We have already started a major programme and are one-and-half-years into that programme. It (Indian OS) is a major effort requiring large number of software engineers working together." He said 150 engineers were working across the country on creating Indian OS, and added it will take at least three more years for getting the Indian OS ready. "It is our Indian effort we are not having any foreign involvement in this," Saraswat pointed out. Defence researchers and scientists should start working together with industry and DRDO and other scientific departments and bring country's own operating system soon. that changes the channel on your TV and puts programs from the Internet just a few finger taps away. The TVii service will debut in the U.S. and Canada on Dec 20, the company said. That's a delay from previous plans to have the service available when the game console went on sale in North America on Nov. 18. The TVii service launched in Japan on Dec. 8. The aim of TVii is to bring order to the hundreds of channels on regular TV and the thousands of shows and movies available through apps from Netflix Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Hulu Plus and Google Inc.'s YouTube. It's the first time a video game console maker has integrated live TV controls in a device and could be the extra incentive needed for on-the-fence shoppers ahead of the Christmas holiday.

and 6.2-inch touch screen. The GamePad also houses an infrared emitter that talks directly to your TV or set-top box. TVii scans what's available and offers you the option of watching a show, sports event or movie on live TV or through apps that connect to the Internet. By the end of March, Nintendo says that it will integrate TVii with TiVo so that it will be possible to program a TiVo digital video recorder through the game console as well. "This is a way to get every member of the household to pick up the GamePad hopefully every day," said Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America. "Hopefully this leads to a significant change in how consumers view and interact with their TV."

nstagram, the popular photo-sharing service, has retreated from some but not all of the controversial changes in its terms of service that prompted a fierce backlash from users earlier this week. In a blog post on Dec 20, Instagram founder and CEO Kevin Systrom apologized for a failure to "communicate our intentions clearly." The terms of service changes pertaining to advertising have been reversed, Systrom said, and restored to what they had been before the changes announced on Dec 17. Instagram, which allows people to add filters and effects to photos and share them easily on the Internet, was acquired by Facebook earlier this year for $715 million. Some top users of Instagram, including National Geographic magazine, said they would stop using the service after the new rules were announced on Dec17. Language that had appeared to allow Instagram advertisers to display user photos without compensation have been removed from updated terms of

Instagram retreats on some service terms after backlash

service posted on Dec 20. The updated terms also do not appear to contain a controversial provision which had stated that if a Instagram child under the age of 18 used the service, it implied his or her parent had tacitly agreed to Instagram's terms. However, the new terms still contain a mandatory arbitration clause, which is not included in terms of service for other leading social media companies like Twitter, Google, YouTube or even Facebook itself. That immunizes Instagram from many forms of liability, according to legal experts. Internet experts said Instagram had been very aggressive in asserting its rights to user information and inviting anyone who did not agree to delete their accounts within a few weeks.The updated terms still say that anyone who accesses Instagram agrees to be bound by the new terms which are slated to go into effect on January 19. Also, Instagram kept language which gave it the ability to place ads in conjunction with user content, and "that we may not always identify paid services, sponsored content, or commercial communications as such." Instagram representatives could not immediately be reached for comment. Systrom stressed in the blog post that the company had no intention of selling the photos that users post on the service. Many users had read the new terms of service as an indication that the company was reserving the right to do that.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

NEWS ANALYSIS
Real test

31

Pak minister's visit

16 DEC: The recent visit of Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik can be summed up in three sentences 'He came, he slapped and he went away laughing'' . It is really shameful that inspite of Pakistan's arrogance, Home Minister Sushil Shinde had invited him to visit India. Pakistan is continuously mocking us by asserting that there is not enough evidence to punish LeT leader Hafiz Saeed. It is unfortunate that the visiting Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik linked the Mumbai killings with the demolition of the Babri Masjid and put the blame on our intelligence agencies for not being alert enough to read the designs of the "Indian" agents that carried out the Mumbai carnage. Instead of promising action against LeT chief Hafeez Saeed who masterminded the 2008 Mumbai killings, the Pakistan minister wanted concrete evidence against him despite the Indian government having provided the same to Pakistan. How long will Pakistan live under the threat of Muslim fundamentalists?What is even more pathetic is that the motormouth Rehman Malik went on speaking anything he wished and no top leader from the Indian side thought of countering him. Indian Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde later said in the Rajya Sabha that Malik seemed to be 'misinformed'. What does that mean? If India thinks Malik is not worth it, then what was the point in inviting him and to hear things making little sense?

A shameful incident
17 DEC: On Monday, as India woke up to the horrific details of a gang rape in a bus in Delhi, that city's reputation as one of the rape capitals of the world was reiterated in the worst manner possible. The utter viciousness with which Sunday's crime was committed is not only testimony to the sick minds of the perpetrators but also to the fact that these men simply had no fear of the law. Also, they seemed to have abandoned values that make for a human being. The problem has surely taken on terrifying proportions in the national capital region, it has also struck deep roots in the rest of the country. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, in India a woman is raped every 22 minutes while a child is raped every 76 minutes. The number has jumped a shocking 873 per cent in the past four decades - marking the biggest increase in any crime category. The uproar in Parliament on Tuesday is an indicator of how crimes against women have become a pannational issue. Hopefully, this recent case will stir the country's law-makers into action. Effective policing, prompt justice and the most stringent punishment available are the three most important tools that must be employed in the fight to prevent violence against women. Also, the criminal justice system needs to be reformed to better respond to such cases.

18 DEC : The recent furore over unsuccessful students holding their teachers hostage for 24 hours in a school in Calcutta, demanding that they be declared passed in the selection test, and the decision of the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education to announce re-examination for the failed students compels me to highlight certain points on the subject. I am a teacher myself. As such, I understand the reason behind the outrage of the teachers over this incident and share their anxiety over the alarming deterioration in the teacher-student relationship ("Schools taste student terror", Dec 19). At the same time, I must say that this incident is nothing new. Teachers who have been teaching in schools for several years have faced many such cases. During the Left Front regime, these issues were usually settled by members of the Students' Federation of India and were looked upon as 'minor' disturbances by the school councils. From my experience as a teacher I can say that students who fail in selection tests mostly get through the final examinations. This should prompt teachers to seriously think about the matter. I do not think it is wise to prevent some students from sitting for the final examinations. As far as students are concerned, they have every right to question those who are correcting their answer sheets and on its basis, stopping students from appearing for the final examinations.

Japan's New PM
19 DEC: If his first term as Prime Minister of Japan is anything to go by, Mr Shinzo Abe's return to premiership is good news for ties between New Delhi and Tokyo. The sixth leader in as many years to head his country, Mr Abe had previously held the top job for exactly a year, between September 2006 and September 2007. At that time, one of his greatest foreign policy achievements was to significantly strengthen the IndiaJapan relationship with a view to building a formidable Asian security framework. And now that the conservative Mr Abe and his Democratic Party of Japan have been voted to office with a landslide majority that allows them the strong public mandate needed successfully to implement their views and policies, there is ample reason to believe that bilateral relations between India and Japan will receive the much-needed shot in the arm. After all, Mr Abe is possibly one of the most pro-India Asian leaders at this point in time. In fact, it was he who saw the potential of an Indo-Pacific security construct many years before the Obama Administration made the same fashionable with its 'Pivot to Asia' military strategy. During a historic trip to India in 2007, Mr Abe had in his address to Parliament delineated his vision of a 'Broader Asia' that hinged on Japan enjoying a value-based relationship with India and sought to bring about a confluence of the India and Pacific Oceans.

Wait for 2014

20 DEC: AFTER the Gujarat verdict, one issue that will be hotly debated in the days to come is: Will Narendra Modi be the BJP's prime ministerial candidate in 2014? As for the Congress, since Madhavsinh Solanki's 148-seat victory in 1985, the party has not been returned to power in Gujarat. In Gujarat it was all about Modi, who has demolished the myth of anti-incumbency voting. Gujaratis have voted for him overwhelmingly because he is a good administrator providing largely corruption-free, efficient governance, believing in minimum government. The state economy grew at an average rate of 10.3 per cent in the past seven years. He has ensured 24-hour power supply. Agriculture has grown at the rate of 10 per cent for about a decade because of advances in irrigation and rainwater harvesting. But Gujarat is not India. If urban Gujaratis appreciate the authoritarian streak in Modi and his Hindutava agenda, outside the state this may well become his weakness. In a country as vast and diverse as India, a leader has to carry the minorities along. In coalition politics a leader has to be accommodative and a team player. If certain traits of Modi attract votes for the BJP in Gujarat, his divisive nature and questionable role in the 2002 Muslim killings could turn voters away elsewhere. Regional leaders may feel uncomfortable with Modi. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has already made his discomfort clear.

Congress's defeat in Gujarat

21 DEC: The 1985 Gujarat assembly polls were held in the backdrop of the assassination of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in which Congress had witnessed a landslide victory by winning 149 seats out of 182 and Madhavsinh Solanki led Congress government was voted back to power. But this victory proved to be the last one for the Congress in the state.Why the Congress has lost in Gujarat in 2012 Assembly elections is not hard to guess. It has no leader of stature matching Modi. Barring Shankersinh Vaghela, few state Congress leaders are known outside Gujarat. Modi's appeal initially was limited to urban Gujaratis, but the Congress could not exploit disillusionment in rural Gujarat. The caste combination of KHAM (Kshatriyas, Harijans, Adivasis and Muslims) has not favoured it. The campaigning was between the national leadership of the Congress and Modi. The issues the party raised - water shortage, law and order, farmers' problems and housing - did matter but Gujaraits perhaps got swayed by Modi's larger-than-life image portrayed through 3D campaigns and his oratorical skills, making fun of top Congress leaders.However, Gujarat and Himachal poll results leave the Congress and the BJP evenly placed as the two national parties prepare for the assembly elections in 2013 and the general election in 2014.

WEEKLY NEWS ANALYSIS

Numbers are important in the outcome of any election but in the case of Narendra Modi's triumph - a victory foretold - what fetched him the numbers are perhaps much more significant. Mr Modi is the secularists' ogre and this perception of him tends to rather obfuscate the fact that he has never compromised on his project to bring economic development and growth to Gujarat. This commitment of Mr Modi defies the economic policies advocated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, an organization to which Mr Modi owes umbilical loyalty. Mr Modi has welcomed capital, foreign and indigenous, and has facilitated its entry into his home state. It is this success that is paying dividends to Mr Modi in electoral terms. Conventional wisdom has it that development is not a vote catcher in India: the thrust to industrialize leads to loss of popularity. Mr Modi's win goes against this wisdom. Nitish Kumar's electoral victory in Bihar also showed that development is not inimical to popularity among voters. What people tend to evaluate before they press the button on the voting machine is the ability to deliver on promises; in other words, performance. All generalizations generate their own exceptions. West Bengal is the exception to what has been written in the previous paragraph. For an inordinately long time, the Left Front under the leadership of Jyoti Basu continued to win election after election in spite of a conspicuous lack of performance and without an iota of commitment to the economic development of West Bengal. After Basu, the next chief minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, made industrial development the most important item on his agenda. The electorate of West Bengal rewarded his commitment by defeating him in the elections. The present CM retains her popularity even though her record on performance is poor and her policies are not focused on economic development. Fortunately, West Bengal is not India and there are states where people vote for development. Throughout his election campaign, in the course of which Mr Modi launched a high-decibel attack on the Congress and the United Progressive Alliance, he uttered not a single line against the decision to allow foreign direct investment in retail trade. This silence was eloquent testimony to Mr Modi's commitment to economic development.

STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (16 DEC-22 DEC), 2012

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of India called Himayat and Udaan both are for skill development, training and possible placement and other than that the focus is on improving basic education infrastructure.

Omar lauds Ratan Tata's initiative in J&K

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday welcomed the announcement of Tata group chairman Ratan Tata of campus recruitment and fostering entrepreneurship skills among the youth of the state. Responding to a question on bringing India Inc to Kashmir at the invitation of Rahul Gandhi, he said the aim was to enable youth meet some top flag bearers of Corporate India. "I think the first aim is to foster the relationship between the youth and some flag bearers of Corporate India and to see what possibilities are there," he said at a 'Meet the Press' organised by the Press Club of India. "I think couple of steps have been taken, particularly on the part of Mr Ratan Tata. From what I understand, two things are in the pipeline. One to increase campus recruitment from the universities which is excellent thing and secondly they are looking at incubation centre through our universities to foster skills of entrepreneurship and new ideas and to give youngsters more opportunities. "These two things have come out of his visit. I think the other corporates who were present there are also looking at various options and possibilities," he said. Tata had announced twopronged strategy to give opportunities to students and entrepreneurs in the Kashmir Valley which includes supporting setting up of venture capital units. Tata, who had recently interacted with students of Kashmir University, had told PTI that his group would like to follow the 'American Venture Capitalist model' and help the local entrepreneurs in setting up their own business. Omar said that he had no illusions that India Inc will come and set up their manufacturing base in the state. "We are looking for those areas where we have constraints. Hotels is one...We are looking at value addition in food chain, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and other allied services. "Power generation is the one area through which economy in the state can be turned around," he said. The Chief Minister said that the biggest challenge for the state had been generate more employment. "What we have tried to do with some success is to foster a sense of entrepreneurship in the youngsters in the state and that is beginning to show some results," he said Two other schemes we are implementing with the government

Governor felicitates Sahitya Akademi Awardees in Dogri, Kashmiri languages

JAMMU: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, has congratulated Mr. Makhan Lal Kanwal and Smt. Chanchala Devi, wife of the late Mr. Bal Krishan Bhoura for the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards being conferred on Mr. Kanwal and Shri Bhoura for their contributions towards the enrichment of the Kashmiri and Dogri languages, respectively. In separate communications to Mr. Kanwal and Smt. Chanchala Devi, wife of the late Mr. Bhoura, the Governor has conveyed his compliments to the eminent authors for their valuable contributions to the advancement of Kashmiri and Dogri languages. He observed that their well deserved recognition would serve as a source of inspiration for the upcoming authors, writers and poets. The Governor has also felicitated Prof. Shashi Pathania and Mr. Abdul Ahad Hajini for being selected by the Akademi for being honoured with awards for their translations and Mr. Yash Raina and Mr. Farooq Shaheen for their selection for the Yuva Puruskars in Dogri and Kashmiri languages, respectively.

CHIEF-EDITOR, PUBLISHER, OWNER: Rohit Singh Rana, ADMINISTRATIVE HEAD (J&K):Pawan Rathore, DY. CHIEF EDITOR : Vikram Singh Shan, Bureau Chief Kashmir: Allayee Faizan, LEGAL ADVISOR: Advocate Ashok Parihar EDITORIAL BOARD: NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Shweta Bhat, STATE AFFAIRS: Jaswant Singh Rana, SPORTS EDITOR: Naina Jamwal, GRAPHIC DESIGNER : Baleshwer Bali, DESIGNER: Gagandeep Kour, Abhishek Kashyap CIRCULATION TEAM: Sunil Gupta, Rohit Bakshi, Nikhil Raina. PRINTED AT JK PRINTING & PUBLICATIONS, SUJWAN, JAMMU TAWI.
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