Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 25 September

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WEDNESDAY

September 25 | 2013 | 18 Zeeqad 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |

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Srinagar, September 24: Fake Indian currency of rupees 5000 denomination was seized from the possession of Farooq Ahmad Mir son of Saidullah resident of Rawathpora, Kralpora, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Kralpora, Kupwara. Police Kralpora has arrested him and registered a case in this regard.

1 dies, 10 injured in road mishaps Srinagar, September 24: One person died and ten others were injured in different road accidents across the valley.

A 40 years old Haleema wife of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Rawathpora, Baramulla was hit by a truck bearing registration number Jk09/7074 near State motor Garages Bypass, in the jurisdiction of Police station Parimpora. She was shifted to SKIMS, Soura where she succumbed to her injuries. The body of deceased was handed over to her relatives for last rites. Baramulla Police has registered a case in this regard.

Meanwhile, a Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK01G/0911 skidded off the road at Ananwan crossing, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Kralgund, Baramulla, resulting in injuries to six passengers. All the injured were shifted to Hospital for treatment. Kralgund Police has registered a case in this regard.

In another accident, a Tata magic bearing registration number JK09/637 collided with another vehicle at Novpora, in the jurisdiction of Police station Sopore, resulting in injuries to four passengers.

All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. Sopore Police has registered a case in this regard.

6 structures damaged in fire Srinagar, September 24: Fire broke out at Sogam Market, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Sogam, Kupwara last evening. In the incident, four Shops were damaged. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders and local police.

Meanwhile, fire broke out in a building of Madr-i-Meharban orphan trust, Bemina, in the jurisdiction of Police station Bemina.

In another incident, one Shop was damaged when fire broke out in the main bazaar D. H Pora, Kulgam.

Lok Adalat settles 23 cases Budgam, September 24: A lok Adalat was conducted at Munsiff Court, Magam under the chairmanship of Munsiff Magam, Manzoor Ahmad Lone here today.

As many as 86 cases of different nature were taken up, out of which 23 cases were amicably settled during the day long lok Adalat.

WEATHER

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Weather will be mainly dry over the state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Mainly clear Sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 29°C & 14°C respectively.

TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 29.7 0C MINIMUM 13.6 0C 06:26 pm SUNSET ON(WED.) SUNRISE ON (THURSDAY) 06:23 am

tice

Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

Replace ghee with canola or olive oil

Instill core civilizational values in children

Man arrested with fake currency in Kupwara

VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 240 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)

Jus

For strict adherence to Treasury code 8

V. K Singh denies any bid to topple J&K Government Home Minister indicates probe in V.K Singh’s allegation

Srinagar, September 24: In a high drama former Army chief VK Singh Tuesday ridiculed the news of any attempt made to topple the government of Jammu & Kashmir headed by Omar Abdullah and said that money was given by intelligence unit for operations to attract the youth of the state in the constructive work. He also described the leaked media reports as an act of treason and demanded a thorough probe in the whole episode.

He said if intelligence issues are being discussed in public it is nothing but treason.

"If intelligence issues are being discussed in public, it is treason. You are telling the enemy what your intelligence is doing. It must be probed how the report was leaked and action should be taken against those who leaked it to malign a few people without thinking how much it will hurt the nation," VK Singh said at a press conference here.

Media reports quoting an Army inquiry have said that the former Army chief set up a se-

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cret intelligence unit which misused its funds in an attempt to topple the Omar Abdullah government in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The reports in a newspaper had also said VK Singh paid off an NGO to file a court case and try to change the line of succession in the army top brass, and had also conducted unauthorised covert operations.

Reacting to the reports on destabalising the Jammu and Kashmir government, the former army chief said money

given to politicians was not for personal or political use, but for programmes to engage youth in constructive work. He said money was given to a Kashmiri voluntary organisation to "do certain activities" like holding blood donation camps, running classes for women, "getting children out of the stone throwing mode".

"That money was not for their personal work, or political work. If someone thinks bribe was paid, it is totally wrong...

These things cannot be done in uniform, so intelligence unit did that," he said.

See Singh on Pg. 11

10

Singh’s statements dented image of mainstream polity more than ISI could: Beigh Says, if probe not ordered, he would think ten times before contesting elections “If Mir is innocent, let him condemn Gen. Singh and File defamation case against him” Srinagar, September 24: Stating that General V.K. Singh’s shocking revelations regarding the ‘fund scam’ have a inflicted more harm to Mainstream polity and democracy in the trouble hit state than the alleged role by Pakistani Intelligence Agency ISI , Former Deputy Chief Minster and PDP Senior leader Muzaffar Hussain Beigh Tuesday said that the ‘changing’ statements of Gen. Singh have severely dented the image of Indian Army and have casted doubts on the minds of Kashmiri people regarding its (army’s) intentions.

Beigh while demanding an immediate inquiry into the matter cautioned that if GOI did not step in immediately, people of the

state would not be interested in the election process and he personally would have to think ten times before contesting any elec-

tions Beigh further said, that talking against Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir who has been accused of taking money from the General would be talking against the ‘God’ of Gen. Singh, He however added that if Mir was inno-

cent, he should forthwith condemn Gen,,Singh for naming him in the ‘scam’ and should file a ‘defamation’ case against the former army chief in a court of law.

“Gen. V.K.Singh has made three different statements in three or four days. First he refused to accept that there was any transaction at all, then he said, yes the money was given to G.H.Mir, but added that Mir was ‘GOD’, and now he has again changed his statement today saying, other ministers are also being paid and the practice has been there since independence.” Beigh told KNS. He added that the reason given by the General in indulging into such practice was surprising.

See Beigh on Pg. 11

Killings of Kashmiri people Ghulam Nabi Azad Presents ICMR Awards to 51 Scientists India produces human resources not only in 2010 were unjustified Secret Army Intelligence Unit engineered those killings: Sagar

killings were engineered

by Army Unit on the directions of former Indian Army Chief General V.K.Singh.

this serious matter.

“I was the only Minister in the Government who echoed his voice against those killings and condemned the actions of CRPF personnel,” Sagar said adding that more than 100 youth were butchered in 2010 Summer Agitation.

“General V.K.Singh had a hidden agenda and we hold him responsible for the instability and disturbance in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

The General is responsible for the bloodshed and he has to answer why he engineered such See Killings on Pg. 11

for the country but for the world also: Azad Speaking at the function, Azad expressed happiness that a good number of the awardees are women scientists. The Health Minister stated that India has been producing excellent human resource in the health field.

Applauding the work of the scientists, he said that never before so many projects were taken up and so much research done as has been done in last four years. India produces human resources in

the health arena not only for the country’s needs, but also for many other countries. Recently at the SEARO meeting in Delhi, the initiatives of Health ministry were appreciated by the Director General of WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan, the Minister noted. Azad said that the human resource we produce is being shared with other countries. More than 81,000 doctors/specialists/ super specialists in USA and more than 75,000 doctors/ specialists/ super specialists in the UK are of Indian See Awards on Pg. 11

Azad backs Omar, Says, even he never Omar puts ‘gag’ on Party Ministers, leaders knew about the unholy ‘transactions’

Farooq Abdullah demands CBI inquiry into ‘fund scam’

Srinagar, September 24: After the recent revelations about former Army Chief’s Intelligence Unit working overtime in Kashmir, National Conference Tuesday said that killings during Summer Agitation were unconstitutional, illegal and unjustified and these

Senior National Conference leader Ali Muhammad Sagar told CNS that all these killings were unjustified and we demand a thorough probe into

New Delhi, September 24: The Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad today presented the ICMR Awards to 51 outstanding clinical and biomedical scientists for the years 2009 and 2010 for their work incommunicable and noncommunicable diseases, maternal and child health and various other medical and biomedical fields.

The JALMA Trust Fund Oration award for 2007 has also been presented this year.

While 9 Awardees are

from PGI, Chandigarh, 7 from ICMR Institutions, 5 Awardees are from AIIMS and 3 each from DRDO and KGMU, Lucknow, 2 each from NIMHANS, Bangalore, CSIR and Sri Chitra Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum and the remaining 18 belong to other Institutions. The ICMR Awards are bestowed based on the quality of knowledge generated, as judged by peers in the scientific field.

‘Fund Scam’ controversy

Only Provincial presidents authorized to speak Srinagar, Sep 24: Days after Congress party expressed its dismay over what they said ‘anti- congress’ statements by National Conference Additional General Secretary Dr. Mustafa Kamal, Chief Minster and party’s working President Omar Abdullah has directed all his senior party colleagues against issuing statements regarding the

‘fund scam’. The two provincial presidents Davinder Singh Rana and Nasir Aslam Wani have been authorized by the Chief Minster to speak and issue statements on behalf of the party on the issue that has sent shock ways across the political spectrum of the state.

Highly placed sources in the National Conference told KNS that a meeting of senior See Omar on Pg. 11

‘Curious to know names of paid ministers’

Srinagar, September 24: Virtually defending Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in the alleged ‘fund scam’, former Chief Minster and Union health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Tuesday said that he was 'shocked' by the revelations of former Army chief General VK Singh that army was ‘paying monsters’ in Jammu and Kashmir saying that even he never came to know about such practice during his two and a half years of stint as Chief Minster.

Open your email-account through superkashmir.com

12th class student develops website for Kashmiri people Srinagar, September 24: Danish Amin Dar, a teenage Kashmiri boy, has developed a commercial website www. superkashmir.com where from any user could login to create his e-mail account.

Danish Amin Dar told CNS once people would come to know about this website, they would certainly log in to create their e-mail accounts.

“People log in through G.mail, Yahoo, Y mail to create e-mail accounts. I thought to create a website on their pattern so that people could use it and also the word Kashmir would hit the minds of users,” Danish said.

The website is very simple and any user can open an e-mail account within two minutes after log in. “I updated a post about this website on social networking

site facebook and within half an hour, more than fifty users opened their e-mail accounts,” Danish said.

Danish, a 12th class student from Nowakadal Srinagar who now resides in Nowgam Bypass, said that he had put a lot of efforts to develop the website. The features are very simple. I am upgrading it to add more features See Website on Pg. 11

"I was also CM for two and a half years, but I never came to know. ... If I did not come to know, how will the present Chief Minister or the earlier CM get to know this?" Azad said.

The statement of former Chief Minster has come at a time when Gen. V.K Singh alleged that even Chief Minister Omar Abdullah knew about the transactions and the statements made by Omar over a few days were ‘motivated’.

"These statements are not going to bring any sta-

bility, but I was myself shocked because I watched that interview yesterday.

So, I was shocked to know this because I have myself been the Chief Minister, and I must say that I have no clue and had no clue at that point of time that such things are happening in the state," he added.

According to media reports Azad showed his keenness to know the names of the ministers who were being reportedly ‘paid’ by army.

"I have no knowledge about it. I am as curious

as you are to know about the names of the persons who were being paid and are being paid," he said in reply to a question.

Meanwhile National Conference Additional General Secretary accused General Singh of covering his own faults, by making the allegations that the political parties were being funded by army. V.K Singh had earlier stated that some ministers in the JK Cabinet were given money from time to time so separate the ‘youth’ from the violent atmosphere.

Srinagar, September 24: Voicing concern over the controversial ‘Fund Scam’ allegedly involving former Chief of the Army Staff and Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir, National See Inquiry on Pg. 11

Protest against JK Hajj pilgrims face power crisis hardships in Makkah in Bemina, Qamerwari Alleged Hajj committee for double standards

Srinagar, September 24:

Srinagar, September 24:

Without electricity from last 22 days Padsahbagh residents Tuesday threatened to stage massive protests if Power development department authorities fail to restore power supply in the area within 24 hours. Meanwhile unscheduled power cuts across the Bemina and Qamerwari area from past See Protests on Pg. 11

Scores of Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir are facing immense hardships due to “unsuitable and uncongenial” accommodation provided to them in Makkah, Saudi Arabia while the Hajj Committee of India is acting as mute spectator.

Scores of agitated pilgrims told KNS over phone from Makkah and Saudi Arabia

that Hajj Committee is allegedly applying doublestandards while dealing with the accommodation related problems facing the pilgrims of Jammu and Kashmir.

Accused Hajj committee of India for all the mess Hajj pilgrims complaining of poor facilities at Makkah.

They said they have been put up in hotels far away from Harm-e-Shareef.

“Despite being registered

in Green Category authorities have given me Aziza category and the facilities are poor here. We have to walk miles to reach the place of worship. Ironically we are being provided sub-standard food,” Hajj pilgrim Firdous Ahmad, told KNS over phone from Makkah.

“We have apprised the concerned officials about the problems but they See Pilgrims on Pg. 11

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Daily

11 From Front Page........

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

colleges. Five Model Rural Health Research Units have already been approved by the Department of Health Research. The Health Minister stated that last year a BSL IV laboratory, which is Asia’s first active laboratory for Human Medicine was established at NIV, Pune He refused to divulge any more information about actions to deal with most dangerous lethal infections like of the intelligence unit, but clarified it was not his "personal hemorrhagic fevers and agents of bioterrorism. army". VK Singh is under attack over reports that during Azad emphasized the work done by the Government in his tenure attempts were made to topple the Jammu and the field of Cancer and Mental Health. Central Kashmir government and that state minister Mir was paid Government has approved funds for establishing 20 Rs.1.19 crore from the secret army funds to destabilise the new stand-alone State Cancer Institutes, 23 new state government. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Tertiary Cancer Centres and strengthening of existing Sushil Kumar Shinde while reacting to Singh’s latest 27 Regional Cancer Care Centres, across the country. revelation that number of ministers in Jammu and Kashmir With this initiative, the country will have an additional were being paid by army said that the former Army chief 70 state of the art tertiary cancer centres in Government should name the ministers so that a probe is ordered. sector, when fully established.

"He should name the ministers to whom money has been TheMinistry of Health and Family Welfare has given. We can probe if details are given," Shinde told the launched a programme to encourage development and media. introduction of affordable and indigenous technologies for public health applications. The country is indigenously developing testing strips for diabetes, work on “He says by giving money to ministers, the army wanted to which is in an advanced stage; along with methods of win the hearts and minds of the people of Kashmiris which mosquito control and diagnostic tests for TB, Lung is very surprising.” Said Beigh, adding that by making such fluke, Dengue, several other infections and cancer. statements one could get an impression that Army was Azad termed the progress as very satisfactory with utilizing ‘money’ to win the hearts and minds of people work on 30 such technologies expected to be completed which would surely dent the image of Indian democracy by 2014. He also stated that research on liver diseases is and its mainstream polity at international level. extremely important considering the enormity of liver “What they needed to do was to stop killing of the innocent diseases of both infectious and non-infectious varieties people in Kashmir, to stop arresting the innocents, to in India. prosecute those involved in the innocent killings which The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, could win hearts and minds of people for you automati- A.H.Khan Choudhary congratulated all the awardees cally.” stressed the former Deputy Chief Minister. on their outstanding work in the field of research. He The firebrand PDP leader questioned the intentions of Gen. said that ICMR is doing a good work and it will go a Singh and said, “on one side you do all this and on the other long way to stimulate young researchers but we need to side you give few coins to the politicians with an intention have more international collaboration in areas which to win over the people which is a very disappointing state are not fully developed. Choudhary hoped that these of affair.” “Giving money to some cowered, selfish and programs will make scientists and teachers more corrupt people would not win you the hearts and minds of globally competitive in the field of research. people.” Beigh said with an apparent reference to army.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the Demanding a thorough probe by a sitting judge of the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination Supreme Court, the renowned lawyer turned politician said and promotion of biomedical research. It is one of the that the revelations if not probed properly would give an oldest medical research bodies in the world. The impression that all ministers including the Chief Minister Council`s research priorities are undertaken with a Omar Abdullah were taking money from army to ridicule view to reduce the total burden of disease and to the democratic spirit in the state. promote health and well-being of the population.

“Till now they were blaming Hurriyat leaders for taking Recognizing the contribution made by the biomedical money from Pakistan. But now the former Army General is scientists in various spheres of research, the ICMR has confessing of having given money to the Ministers. How instituted various awards and prizes. ICMR started the would you therefore differentiate the two, at least tradition of honouring biomedical-scientists in 1953; hurriyat’s stand is known to all, but what about the beginning with “Basanti Devi Amir Chand Award” for ministers.” Asked Beig, he however quickly added that he senior scientists and “Shakuntala Amir Chand Award” does not know whether Huriyat leaders do get the kick- for young scientists, and it is the 60th ICMR Awards backs from Pakistan or not? function in honour of scientists. The awards recognize Meanwhile Muzafer Beigh while denying to direct the contribution of young scientists as well as those who comment on Gh. Hassan Mir’s role in the ‘scam’ said that work in the underdeveloped parts of the country. his name has been mentioned by the General himself and Also present at the function were Desiraju, Secretary, added that if Mir was innocent he should not only condemn HFW, Nilanjan Sanyal, Secretary, AYUSH, Dr. V M it but should also file a defamation case against the ‘tainted’ Katoch, DG, ICMR, Jagdish Prasad, DG, Health General. services along with the awardees and other senior Beigh also expressed disappointment over Union Home officers of the Ministry of health and family Welfare.

Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde’s statement that the general should name the ministers first before central government takes any action. leaders was also expected in next couple of days after “The report has been submitted six months earlier, why did Chief Minster arrives from New Delhi on Tuesday not GOI order probe then.” asked Beigh, adding that the during which future course of action would be disunfortunate part on the part of Congress party was that, “it cussed. The sources claimed that the Chief Minster may wants to wrap everything under the carpet till it blows up in allow some senior ministers and leaders to speak to the air itself.” He asked Omar Abdullah to officially media on the issue. demand a probe by supreme court sitting judge ,otherwise “Before leaving to New Delhi, Chief Minster had asked he (Omar) too would be viewed as a ‘co-accused’ and all the party leaders not to speak to press on the issue, nobody would be able to judge whether he was a ‘victim’ in instead authorized only the provincial presidents to the whole affair. speak the party line.” A senior NC leader and Minster When asked why the PDP was not raising strong voice told KNS, adding that the party was going to hold a against the matter, Beigh said, “ this is an issue of Indian meeting after Chief Minster arrives in Srinagar on army, I had spoken to some of my colleagues, but they said Tuesday. that Gen, Singh is changing statements every day, who Interestingly the coalition partner of National knows tomorrow he would name us..” Beigh said in a Conference, Congress had conveyed its ‘anger’ to NC lighter vein. leadership over the ‘anti- congress’ statements from its Additional General Secretary Dr. Mustafa Kamal.

Congress had even asked NC to tighten the noose on innocent killing at the hands of Security Agencies,” Sagar Kamal saying his statements were denting the image of told CNS. the party which was not acceptable to congress.

While replying to a question, Sagar said that General Pertinently Senior NC Minster Ali Mohammad Sagar V.K.Singh has no credibility and he has no right to level had demanded resignation of Agriculture Minster wild allegations against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Ghulam Hassan Mir after the ‘scam’ hit the headlines that CM was aware about the fact that Army was transfer- last week accusing the Minster who is in the cabinet on ring money to some of his Cabinet Ministers.

Congress quota of having indulged into serious “Omar Abdullah would have shown those Ministers door, mischief. if it would have been in his knowledge that some of the “If the report is really true, the matter is very serious and Ministers are being funded by Army. We demand that Mir should resign forthwith on moral grounds.” Sagar Union of India should probe the matter vigorously so that had said. However since after Sagar along with other people would come to know about the facts,” Sagar said party colleagues have been avoiding issuing stateadding that General Singh should simply made the fact ments. “We have been told by CM not to speak on the public and reveal the names of those Ministers whom he issue. We are expecting to get a green signal from the used to supply money. high command to issue individual statements in a couple of days.” a senior NC leader, wishing not to be named told KNS. origin, he stated.

The Health Minister said that the Department of Health Research (DHR) has launched several innovative schemes Conference President and Union Minster for New and to expand the research base both in terms of infra-structure Renewable Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday demanded a and human resource. He stated that during this year itself, CBI probe into charges made by former Army Chief DHR has rolled out three new schemes. These schemes aim VK Singh, which alleged that politicians are being paid to establish Multi-disciplinary Research Units in Medical by the Army.

Colleges to considerably strengthen the fight against non- “I think the time has come when a CBI enquiry should communicable diseases; to establish a network of virology be held immediately to see what is the funding the Army laboratories in all government medical colleges as well as has done, and who are the people who have received national institutions; and establishment of Model Rural these funds, and how those funds have been utilized,” Health Research Units in which ICMR Institutions, State Abdullah said.

Medical Colleges and State Health Departments will work “I think it is a very, very terrible statement that he has together and have seamless transfer of modern yet made. It must be investigated. The Army has nothing to affordable technology for the benefit of rural populace. do with the funding of political parties. They should Highlighting the progress under these three schemes Azad never do this. The Army should be kept apolitical. If he said that in 35 Government medical colleges Multi- has done that, (then) he has done something extremely disciplinary Research Units will be established in the wrong,” he added. current year, of which 21 have already been approved. Denying comments on the allegations of the former Azad said that 16 new bio-safety laboratories for working General that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was aware on viral diseases and TB have been established during last of the political practices between the various politicians three years and India now has more than 20 such in Jammu and Kashmir and the Army, Dr. Farooq said laboratories.To enhance the capacity for control of that that he would not be able to comment on his son’s outbreaks and other serious viral diseases, the infrastruc- behalf, and added that the prospect of the monetary ture for diagnosis and research on viral diseases will be transaction was saddening. created or strengthened in 160 government medical “I feel extremely sad that Army has spent money for

Singh.........

Beigh.........

Omar.........

Killings..........

Awards........

Inquiry.........

political purposes, which I think is extremely bad for this nation. The Army has to be apolitical and should remain apolitical,” he added.

Pilgrims..........

are acting as mute spectators and unfortunately no one is here from state Hajj committee to sort our problems,” he said.

The Hajjis also complained of lack of transport facilities. “The arrangements are worse. Even the transport facility is not given according to the category we had applied for,” he said. When contacted Hajj official told KNS that the pilgrims are not facing any problems. “The pilgrims do not face any major problem in Makkah. As far as providing transport is concerned the facility is not for Green Category. Our teams deputed there will sort out the matter,” he said.

However he maintained that the accommodation for Hajj pilgrims is not provided by the State Hajj Committee but Hajj Committee of India. We have nothing to do with the accommodation.

Protests............

nearly one month triggered massive protest on Tuesday.

Accusing the Power Development Department of plunging the area into darkness. The residents of Padsaha Bagh told KNS that the transformer was damaged 22 days before but the department has failed to repair the damaged transformer. “We are facing immense hardships due to darkness, PDD authorities is acting as mute spectators. We many times approached the concerned executive engineer for restoration of power but he failed to do so. If PDD does not restore it by tomorrow we will be forced to launch an agitation against the department,”Mohmad Aslam Shah Resident of Padshabagh told KNS. Meanwhile inhabitants of Bemina and Qamerwari Tuesday staged massive protests against the power department and said that despite being a metered area, the locality often reels under darkness. “For the past one month the power supplies have been worsening .Even though we happen to be obedient consumers who pay the bills in time, we are being exploited by the PDD authorities,” the protesters said. The protesters alleged that Due to unscheduled cuts the department had groping the area in the dark for the past one month.

Website..........

to it,” he said. “My aim behind making this website was that people should open e-mail accounts without any trouble. I have hosted www.superkashmir.com on a private Server with 100 GBs of shared space. After getting more users I would add more space to it,” he said.

Development works reviewed at Shopian Shopian, September 24: The work is in full swing on MiniSecretariat complex being executed by JKPCC at an estimated cost of Rs. 36.88 crores and 100 bedded District hospital is also under construction at a cost of Rs. 23.60 crores.

This was stated by the District Development Commissioner, Shopian while reviewing the performance of vital sectors of development viz Health, Education, R&B, Agriculture, Horticulture, Rural Development of district Shopian here today.

Foreign investors are welcome to setup economic ventures in J&K: Sadhotra Srinagar, September 24: hospitals and other vital Minister for Planning and i n s t i t u t i o n s . B e s i d e s Development, Labour and Government laid thrust on Employment, Mr. Ajay setting up of new power Sadhotra expressed his great g e n e r a t i o n u n i t s a n d desire to foreign investment restoring existing power in Jammu and Kashmir houses of the State, he added.

State, however, he said The Minister dwelt upon the restoration of peace and steps taken for prioritizing tranquillity is imperative for education and health care which State Government is and said that these two making all out efforts since sectors were given imporlast many years, adding that tance in view of their presently State is witnessing significance for improving peace and progress to a large the lot of people. extent.

Mr. Sadhotra also spoke The Minister was interacting about the success story of w i t h a d e l e g a t i o n o f Horticulture, Agriculture, European Union Heads of Handicrafts and Handlooms Mission, who called on him which received boost during yesterday evening. last 5 years of present P r i n c i p a l S e c r e t a r y, Government, adding that Planning and Development, diary units, Animal and B . R . S h a r m a , Sheep rearing were also Commissioner Secretary among the priorities of the Planning and Development, Government so that growth B. A. Runiyal, Special rate per capita would Secretary, Planning and increase and people would Development, Director feel a sense of belonging by Project Appraisal, Planning stepping into the era of and Development, Director progress and prosperity.

C e n t r a l l y S p o n s o r e d Speaking about the steps Schemes, Planning and taken by Government for Development, Director, solving unemployment perspective Planning, CEO, problem, Mr. Sadhotra said c o n s t r u c t i o n w o r k e r s that several new initiatives welfare Board, Syed Muried were taken to provide Hussain and Additional dignified and honourable Secretary Planning and livelihood to unemployed Development were present y o u t h w h i c h i n c l u d e in the meeting. launch of Sher-i-Kashmir Deliberating upon the E m p l o y m e n t w e l f a r e a c t i v i t i e s o f S t a t e Programme for Youth Government, Mr. Sadhotra ( S K E W P Y ) , S e l f said that State Government Employment programme kick-started reconstruction skill development scheme of damaged infrastructure and many other significant including bridges, schools schemes.

Nanil Anantnag sans basic amenities Shahid Wani Anantnag, September 24: People of Nanil Anantnag said that they are facing electricity shortage from last one month. Moreover they said that they are being provided water without filtration from Nalah Lidder

by PHE as 3 Crore rupees have been already spent on filtration project Nambal

but the filtration plant is yet to start functioning. Regarding road facility people said that their roads from Nanil to Kanalwan and Nanil to Laizbal have not been mecadamized from four years.

People of the area requested concerned authorities to look into these problems and redress grievances as soon as possible.

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

NOTICE

It is to notify that if anyo n e h a v i n g any objection to run a business concern under the name & style of ‘AMBER TOUR & T R AV E L S ’ m a y contact J&K To u r i s m o f f i c e within seven days.

No objection will be entertained after the given period.

ZABARWAN TIMES

Sri Pratap College M.A Road Srinagar

NOTICE

This is for the information of B.Sc 1st year regular students (session 2013) of this college that their mid-term test shall be conducted w.e.f 4th of October 2013 at 11.00 a.m as per the following dates:

S. No 01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

07.

Day Friday Saturday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

DATE SHEET Date 04-10-2013 05-10-2013 07-10-2013 08-10-2013 09-10-2013 10-10-2013 11-10-2013

Subject Geology/Statistics Chemistry Zoology/I.T English Mathematics/Botany Electronics/Geography/ BC/BT Physics/EWM

Appearing in Mid-Term test does not render a student eligible for appearing in University Annual Examinations unless he/she has attained 75% of attendance during the session. (University Notification No: F(Revised Single Paper Scheme UG) Acad/KU/13 dated: June 3, 2013 DIPJK: 7955 Sd/- Principal

SRINAGAR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

Office of the Executive Engineer Right River Works Division Tender Notice No. 17 of 2013-2014 Dated: 19-09-2013

For an on behalf of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation sealed Tenders affixed with Rs.2/- Revenue stamp are invited from the registered /approved contractors on the prescribed tenders forms which can be had from the office of the undersigned against the cash payment. The tenders shall be received in the office of the Executive Engineer Right River Works Division SMC by hand of by registered post on 30-09-2013 up to 2:00 PM. The Tenders shall be opened by the opening authority of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation on the same day or any other subsequent date and time convenient to the Tender Opening Authority in presence of the contractors who wish to be present. In case the last date of receipt of tenders happens to be a holiday or the office remain closed due to some unavoidable circumstances the tenders shall be received on the following working day up to 2:00 PM. The other terms and conditions can be had from the office of the undersigned on any working day.

S. No. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Name of Work Devolution Grant 2013-14 Construction of Retaining Wall near H/o Bashir Ahmad Zehgeer at Rangpora Ellahibagh opposite Madina Colony lane No. 2.

Construction of lane & drain from H/o Gazi Ab. Rehman to J&K bank at S.R.Gunj Construction of lane from house of Mohd Ramzan Guroo to house of Bashir Ahmad Tuman at Yatoo Mohallah Su drebal.

Construction of link road from H/o Feroz Ahmad rather up to the H/o Mohammad Afzal Sheikh at Sheikh -ul- Alam (RA) Colony Ahmad Nagar Construction of pipe drain in lane No.2 Qadeem Masjid Lal Bazar.(l) Construction of deep drain at Wasee Masjid at Bota Shah Colony

DIPJK-NB: 1639

Amount in Lacs

CDR in Rs.

Class of Contractor

Time of Completion

Cost of Tender Doc. In Rs.

Rs. 2.12

4240

DEE

2 weeks

150

Rs. 1.30

2600

DEE

2 weeks

100

Rs. 2.23

4460

DEE

2 weeks

150

Rs. 1.21

2420

DEE

1 week

100

Rs. 2.40

4800

DEE

2 weeks

100

Rs. 2.31

4620

DEE

2 weeks

100

Sd/- Executive Engineer Right River Works Division Srinagar Municipal Corporation

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NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

wednesday september | 25 | 2013

Rather for strict adherence to Treasury code Reviews functioning of Treasuries of Kashmir division

fraudulent drawls. He also urged for maintaining Budget Control Registers strictly at the treasuries. He said violation of treasury code shall not be tolerated in any case and default-

Kumar, Director General Accounts and Treasuries, Mr Majid Jehangir, Deputy Accountant General, Farooq Ahmed Baba, Director General J&K Funds Organization Mrs. Pushpa,

respective Treasuries. He instructed the TOs no to entertain WDC bills for advance drawls unless certificate is recorded by the DDOs that Red DC Accounts in respect of the previous

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 24: Underscoring the pivotal role and important responsibilities of Treasury Officers (TOs) towards enforcing fiscal discipline and budget management, the Minister for Finance Abdul Rahim Rather Tuesday urged for strict adherence to Treasury Code to safeguard State exchequer.

Speaking at the marathon 6 hours long 12th review meeting on the working of Treasuries of Kashmir Di- ers shall have to face strict disciplin- Director Audit and Inspection, Movision here at Banquet Hall Srinagar ary action. The Minister also directed hammad Amin, representation of J&K on Tuesday, the Minister directed the the TOs not to render incomplete ac- Bank, concerned district Treasury ofTOs not to exceed budget allocations counts to AG’s office as the incorrect ficers and Treasury officers of the in any case adding that no payments and incomplete classification on the Kashmir Division. should be made without drawl verifi- Bills affects the accuracy of State fiRather asked the TOs to fully cocation, which, he said was necessary nances. operate with the AG’s office so that for enforcement of financial disciThe meeting was attended by the Audit Paras are dropped even before News Kangan Khan the News Agency pline and averting theLone chances ofAgency Accountant General (A&E), Manish next visit of Ganderbal audit party to their

Zabarwan Times is available at

drawls have been submitted to the AG’s office. He said accumulation on account of rendition of detailed Red Accounts to the AG’s office is very disturbing.While urging for speedy recovery of the excess pension paid by various Business Units of the J&K Bank to some state Pensioners, the Minister asked the Treasury officers

Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora Addressing a public gathconstituency.

He said GovernBhat News Agency NewstoAgency ering after Magam the inauguration, ment Zargar is committed provideKunzar Minister said that works basic Bashir amenities to the peopleSumbal SRINAGAR, SEPT 24: Dar Newsthe Agency Beerwah News Agency under various sectors are unand large number of developReshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan derway for the convenience mental projects taken in hand The 9 member European Basharat News Reyaz News are Agency of theAgency people Bandipora besides steps in district Kupwara a stepPampore Union delegation TuesAltaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund daymet Chief Secretary, Mohammad IqbalKhandey Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore along with several top State Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara Administrative officials here KUPWARA, SEPT 24: Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad and discussed various issues mutual interest includReshi Three Way News AgencyofTral Minister for Consumer Af-News Agency Islamabad ing possibilities that exist fairs and Public Distribution Turray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara for intensified cooperation (CA&PD) and Transport RahiChNews Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani between European Union Mohammad Ramzan TuesNews Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil Countries and the State of day inaugurated 6.3 Rah MVA,

Ramzan inaugurates 6.3 MVA receiving station at Magam

EU delegation meets CS Discusses investment, cooperation opportunities in J&K

Says steps taken to streamline, strengthen basic infrastructure in Kupwara

33/11KV, Receiving Station at Magam Handwara.

The total cost of the project is Rs 163.68 lakh and so far Rs 137.95 lakh have been expended on the project that will directly benefit nearly 13 villages.

The District Development Commissioner, Kupwara Itrat Hussain Rafiqi, officers, Sarpanches and Panches besides large number of people were present on the occasion.

have been taken to streamline existing infrastructure including water supply schemes and power network in the

towards strengthening the basic infrastructure here for extending such amenities to the residents.

Asks people to use power judiciously JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 24 Member Legislative Council, Vijay Bakaya has asked the PDD authorities to take necessary steps to improve the power scenario and check damage of distribution transformers in Jammu.

After inauguration of 100 KVA transformer at Amrit Vihar Barnai, MLC said that the people of the area were facing frequent power cuts due to damages caused to the distribution transformers thus exposing the people to lot of hardships during hot weather conditions.

The funds for the installation of the Transformer were sanctioned by the MLC from his constituency Development Fund (CDF).The MLC assured the residents of the area that their legitimate demands

Calls for time bound completion of projects SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 24: The Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Nawang Rigzin Jora Tuesday conducted an extensive tour of Ganderbal and inspected pace of work on various ongoing developmental schemes. He took stock of the progress on pace of work on the ongoing 15780 meters long drainage project in the town being executed at a cost of Rs 18.27 cr. About 3600 meters of the drain have been completed so far. He also inspected work on road macadamization being executed at a cost of Rs 1.20 cr. He also reviewed work on parking lot being constructed at a cost of Rs 7.55 lacs under UDS/ UIDSSMT scheme.

The Minister was accompanied by the Director Local Bodies, Shafat Noor, Deputy Development Commissioner, Ganderbal, Sarmad Hafeez, Executive Engineer, Local Bodies, Executive officer MC, Ganderbal, Shabir Ahmed and

30 Students trained in Hospital equipment Education in IT&ST one of the key drivers of states development: Feroz

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 24: Minister for Science Technology and Information Technology Feroz Ahmad Khan Tuesday distributed certificates to 30 science students sponsored by Jammu and Kashmir State Council for Science and Technology, at a function here at National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) SIDCO Complex, Rangreth, Tuesday.The Certificate Distribution Ceremony was organised by the State Council for Science and Technology with the aim to honour and encourage the students who successfully completed 4 months skill based technical training in Operation, Maintenance and Servicing of Hospital Equipment and Advanced Diagnostic Equipments. The training will facilitate them to get employment or start their own servicing centres anywhere in the State.Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that Science and Technology has a vital role to play in answering some of the sensitive and difficult challenges adding that the government has recognized the importance of Science and Technology (ST) and from last several year

Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Secretary gave a brief overview regarding the development scenario of the State highlighting various significant achievements in various sectors of development and welfare and measures taken by the Government over the years to bring J&K on the confidence map of investors, tourists and other players both nationally as

also globally.

Discussions were held on mutual cooperation and investment opportunities in sectors related to Hydropower, Solar, Geo-thermal, Energy Conservation, Health, Wullar and Dal Conservation and major tunnel projects.

The Chief Secretary while welcoming the interest shown by the members of the EU delegation said that Jammu and Kashmir Government looks forward to the cooperation and support from international financial institutions and from individual EU countries to help to restore the State to its pristine glory and move forward on the path of progress, prosperity and peace in the State.

Terming the discussion as highly fruitful, the Ambassador of the Euro-

pean Union Joao Cravinho thanked the Chief Secretary and his administrative colleagues for the intense programme and said that European Union is looking forward for further interaction and cooperation with the State in various sectors of Development.

Ambassadors of Poland, Hungary, Greece, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Lithuania and Austria, besides Principal Secretary Planning and Development B. R. Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary PDD, Arun Kumar Mehta, Commissioner Secretary PWD, Ms Tanveer Jahan, Commissioner Secretary Industry and Commerce, Farooq Ahmad Factoo, Commissioner Secretary Agriculture, Dr. Asgar Samoon participated in the meeting.

Jora review development works at Ganderbal

Bakaya inaugurates 100 KVA Transformer would be fulfilled in a phased manner. Responding to a demand of lying of new water pipes in the area, the MLC said that the matter would be given due consideration at concerned quarters.

Vijay Bakaya said that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir state has witnessed tremendous development in all spheres.

He said the State is facing huge deficit in power sector annually and urged the people to use power judiciously and pay tariff accordingly. He said that the state Government has formulated DPRS for 2000 MW Hydro Power projects which will help to overcome the power shortage in the state.President of the Amrit Vihar, Avtar Krishan Raina thanked MLC for installation of 100 KVA transformer for which he has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 4.56 lakh out of his CDF and urged MLC to redress other problems faced by residents of the colony as well.

to behave politely with the pensioners during the process of their physical verification. “The Pensioners are Senior Citizens and the respected section of the society and it should be ensured that they are not put to any inconvenience during the process of their physical verification, Rather directed. He also asked the TOs to identify land in their respective areas so that Treasury Buildings are constructed there with a view to provide better working conditions to the Treasury Staff. He said that new Treasury buildings at Shopian, Shangus, Kupwara, Sogam, Devsar and Khan Saheb have already been constructed whereas construction of Treasury building at Bandipora, Beerwah, Dooru and Chiktan are at final stage of completion.The Minister said Government has undertaken an ambitious plan to provide Government accommodation to each treasury in the State in a phased manner.

The progress on computerization of Treasuries under mission mode project of e-Governance plan at a cost of Rs 34.06cr also came up for thorough discussion. It was stated that the computerization process of treasuries is in full swing and almost 70% hardware items have been received in the treasuries.

innovative steps has been taken to boost this sector in a big way for securing the future of the budding science students.The Minister said that education in Information Technology and Science Technology is one of the key drivers of states development for the present and the future. He said that the historical employment package with major focus on seeking employment in the private sector has identified Science and Technology as one of the focused sectors to generate employment for unemployment educated youth of the State. Feroz said that hospital equipment has become an important issue particularly in the remote areas of the State. He said that the time consuming and huge money has to be spent even for the minor repair of these equipments and to carry out minor repairs even servicing engineers have to be flown in from places like Delhi, Banglore and Chennai.

Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh Muhammad Shafi Lasoo in his address said that there is huge talent among the student of the State but the need of the hour is to encourage them in a right way.

officers’ and engineers of the district administration.

Earlier, the Minister chaired a review meeting with the officers and engineers of district administration Ganderbal wherein status of various development schemes was explained thoroughly, through a power point presentation.

The meeting was informed that a housing scheme under centrally sponsored IHDP has been sanctioned for Ganderbal town at a cost of Rs 1.37 crore, out of which Rs 86.30 lakhs have been expended so far. About 110 dwelling units have been taken up for construction, out of which 93 Dwelling units have been completed and 17 Dwelling units are at verification stage.

It was informed that under Urban Infrastructure Development of Small and Medium Town (UIDSSMT) scheme a project for improvement and upgradation of road network in the town has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 24.18 crores at 90% central share and 10% matching State share.

Under storm water and surface Drainage scheme of UIDSSMT, Rs 18.27 crore have been sanctioned whereas Rs 1.43 crore have been sanctioned for

Solid Waste Management.

It was informed that Integrate Low Cost Sanitation (ILCS) scheme is also under implantation in the town under which 931 sanitation units are targeted to be constructed at a cost of Rs 1.05 crore.Out of these, 664 units stand completed and the rest 267 units are in progress.

It was also stated that a DPR for construction of a modern Bus Adda at Ganderbal has been formulated at a cost of Rs 12.03 cr. About Rs 1.5 crore has been expended so far for development of the Bus Adda.

Speaking on the occasion, Jora enjoined upon the officers and engineers of Ganderbal administration to further expedite pace of the work on various development schemes so that these are completed within the stipulated time frame and their benefits accrue to the people as early as possible.

He also called for initiating private negotiations with the stake holders for removing bottlenecks in execution of some works in the town. He directed the officers of various departments to keep close liaison so that funds are utilized judiciously in a transparent manner.

No compromise in quality, hygiene of nutrition items provided in AWC: Sakina SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 24: Minister for Social Welfare and ARI Trainings Ms Sakina Itoo Tuesday chaired a meeting of officers convened to review implementation of various Social Welfare schemes in the state.

Ms Itoo received brief on district wise implementation status of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Integrated Social Service Schemes (ISSS) and Indira Gandhi National Old age pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) and other schemes.

The meeting deliberated upon implementation of ICDS, ISSS and IGNOAPS schemes threadbare and reviewed the status and functioning of these schemes on ground.The Minister was apprised that during current financial year an amount of Rs 66.51 crore has been released in favour of implementing agencies under the ISSS scheme for 422500 beneficiaries including 68920 newly sanctioned cases.

Ms Itoo asked the officers to perform duties with dedication and spirit of humanity so that benefit of State and Centrally sponsored schemes reaches to the deserving.

She enjoined upon them to work in unison with District Administration and other concerned for the speedy and successful implementation of these schemes.

While taking strong notice regarding quality of nutritions being provided in Anganwari Centers Ms Itoo said that no compromise will be made regarding the quality and hygiene of nutritions procured in the centers and directed the officers to frequently visit the centers and check the quality of the nutrition procured in the centers besides maintenance of cleanliness and hygienic atmosphere in and around the centres.Ms Sakina also directed the concerned officers to take necessary measures for timely availability and procurement of supply especially in far flung areas so that there is no shortage of nutrition items during winters. She also urged for judicious utilisation of funds and transparent and speedy clearance of cases.Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Mohammad Shafi Rather, Director Social Welfare, Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad, District Social Welfare Officers and Programme Officers were present in the meeting.

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19

Melancholy that doesn’t seem to have any basis in reality may plague you today, causing friends, family, and your partner to worry. On days like this, Aries, it’s best not to give in to gloom, but rather to throw yourself into work and projects you love. Even though you may not feel like socializing, the company of others can get your mind back on track.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Today, Taurus, you may feel out of sorts. You probably aren’t ill, but you may be tired. You could also suffer from vague aches and pains that are most likely related to stress.

Take the day off and relax. Soak in a tub and read a book.

Your imagination is working overtime and you need to get your mind off your malaise. Fantasy novels may be your best bet!

Gemini May 21-June 21

Strange, exciting, and vivid dreams may inspire your creativity today. You might want to try a new art form or study the works of innovators. Romance and sex are especially important to you, Gemini, though insecurities about a partner may restrain you from expressing your feelings. Take a chance - let the person know what you need right now. Your friend may be pleasantly surprised.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Concerns about your home or mother may mean you have to deal with some rather unpleasant or untrustworthy people. Lack of knowledge could have you in a quandary about how to address the situation. It would be a good idea to prepare by gathering all the facts you might need. Stay centered and focused, Cancer, and use your inner strength to hold out for the best for all concerned.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Juicy but perhaps unkind gossip might reach you today. You may doubt the motives of a close friend. Examine any tips you receive and ascertain the true facts before you accept it as truth. Much of the information is likely to be wrong. Your imagination is flying high, so you might want to try writing or drawing.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Money matters may seem vague today, Virgo. Uncertainty about how to manage your affairs might plague you throughout the day. Planning for the immediate future could also be difficult. You may be expecting some funds that may not come yet, or you might not be certain if you need to make a specific purchase. Keep occupied. You can’t rush it, and obsessing does no good.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Troubles in the family may have you toying with the idea of moving or at least making some changes in your household. Someone close to you hasn’t been honest with you, Libra, and that also has you feeling a bit down. Kick around as many ideas as you can, but don’t make any decisions today.

It isn’t the time. Wait until you’re in a more positive and optimistic state of mind.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Your intuition and imagination are operating at a very high level today, and you may be inspired to write. However, you aren’t likely to have enough ideas or information to actually put pen to paper. There’s no rush, though. Take some time to allow the ideas to crystallize and set them down later. Someone in a bad mood may draw you into a quarrel.

Brush it off and say you’re busy!

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

There may be doubt about the outcome of a project that means a lot to you. It may involve financial problems or lack the support from others that you require in order to complete it. Your doubts are most likely groundless, Sagittarius, but it doesn’t hurt to hedge your bets a little and seek what you need elsewhere. This is likely to be a temporary delay.

All signs indicate success.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Your mind might be on power struggles that have caused quarrels among your friends, placing you in an uncomfortable position. Conflicting loyalties might come up when others draw you into the fray, Capricorn. Stay out of it! You could get angry, and this wouldn’t do you any good. Think of something else until you calm down and regain your perspective.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Daydreams and fantasies about faraway lands and exotic places might have you thinking about dropping everything and taking off for a while. You aren’t usually impulsive, Aquarius, but today you feel restless. If you have no obligations, and if weather permits, go someplace where you can experience a change of scenery. We all need it from time to time.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Sudden demands on your resources by others may have you feeling used. You may be asked for a loan. Your doubts about the person’s ability to repay might conflict with your sympathy for his or her situation. Your intuition is good today, Pisces, so use it to read the true motives of those asking for favors. Grant only the ones you feel are appropriate.

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Sensational disclosures by former COAS deserve thorough probe

T

he recent disclosures regarding the activities of Army Chief which have hit the headlines in the whole of the country have posed many a questions and challenges viz a viz the security of the country and the alleged meddling of army in Indian polity. The disease of interfering in every aspect of political system had engulfed Pakistan from its inception as several army coups dethroned the political leaders and eroded the constitution to the optimum. However the disease seems to have crossed to this side of the borders where allegations of an army chief trying to dislodge the Omer Abdullah Govt. and subsequent siphoning of money to corrupt some political leaders have surfaced which have no doubt jolted the whole country. Whether the allegations are correct or not but it is certain that everything is not going well as far as the security related secret funds with army and other security forces are concerned. The political parties across the country except BJP are demanding a thorough probe in the allegations against Gen. V. K. Singh. Back in Kashmir the National Conference leaders in one voice have stood up and pointed their guns towards Gen. V. K. Singh and the Agriculture minister Gh. Hassan Mir who allegedly has received money from the former army COAS for manipulating the ouster of Omer Abdullah Govt. in a written statement several present and former ministers of have demanded that Gen. Singh should disclose the names of the recipients of money otherwise they will have no option but to take the matter to the court as fingers have also been pointed towards some other leaders belonging allegedly to the ruling clan also. The whole drama is revolving round Gen. Singh and the defense Minister A.K.Antony has given indications that a proper enquiry may be started against Mr. Singh and the report in this connection received from the enquiry officer is under consideration in the ministry. Some people believe that the allegations against Mr. Singh are political as he was seen sharing the dais with Narender Modi the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate.

Whatever the truth the allegations need to be thoroughly investigated because the security and integrity of the country cannot be compromised with at any cost.

G

Daily

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Fall-outs of global warming

lobal warming will have impact on various sectors. A preliminary assessment of impact and vulnerability due to projected climate on sectors such as water resources, agriculture, forestry, natural ecosystems, coastal zones, human heath, energy, industry and infrastructure was undertaken at the time of preparation of India’s Initial National Communication on Climate Change submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2004. The Projected climate change impact scenarios indicate increase in and variable trend of both rainfall and temperature into the 21st century, reduction in the quantity of surface run off across the various river basins, droughts and intensity of floods in various parts of t h e c o u n t r y. T h e r e p o r t o f Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a body of scientists and experts appointed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) observes that eleven of the last twelve years rank among the warmest years in the instrumental record of global surface temperature since 1850.

The updated 100 year linear trend for 1906-2005 is 0.740C. There is no specific scenario predicated for India in the report, but this will have some effect in the long run. In most tropical and sub-regions, potential yields are projected to generally decrease. Water scarcity in many water scare areas will be further exacerbated.

Population in low –lying coastal areas and small islands would be at particular risk. Ecological productivity and bio diversity will be altered by climate change with increased risk of extinction of some species. Increasing concentrations of Green House Gases (GHG) are also projected to result in changes in frequency, duration and intensity of extreme events such as heat waves and heavy precipitation events. Climate Change would also increase the threats to human health due to increase in vector

borne diseases. The impact of climate change would fall disproportionately upon developing countries and would further increase inequities in health status, access to food, clean water and other resources.

Projections of Climate Change for India Indian projections, under future climate change scenario of increase Green House Gas(GHG) concentrations, indicate marked increase in both rainfall and temperature into the 21st century, particularly becoming conspicuous after 2040’s. Increase in GHG concentrations may lead to overall increase in the rainy day intensity by 1-4 mm/day except for small areas in northwest India where the rainfall intensities decrease by 1 mm/day.

According to India Meteorological Department, the monsoon rainfall at All India level does not show any trend but there are some regional patterns. This in turn would impact yields of crops. The process of climate change is slow and its effects on agriculture are projected to be apparent over several decades.

Forestry and Natural Ecosystems The emerging results of analysis of impact of climate change on forest biomes in India seem to be highly vulnerable to the projected change in climate. Majority of the vegetation in India is likely to be less optimally adapted to its existing location and consequently vulnerable to the adverse climatic changes. Biodiversity is also likely to have adverse impact due to this.

Human Health According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC) in its 4th Assessment Report published in 2007, human begins are exposed to climate change through changing weather patterns for example, more intense and frequent extreme events and indirectly through changes in water, air, food quality and quantity, ecosystems, agriculture and economy.

Increases in malnutrition and consequent disorders, with implications for child

growth and development seems other effect on human beings. Particularly those with low adaptive capacity will suffer in different ways. Increase in deaths, disease and injury due to heat waves, floods, storms, fires and droughts, the increased burden of diarrhoeal disease; increased frequency of cardiorespiratory diseases due to higher concentrations of ground level ozone related to climate change and altered spatial distribution of some infectiousdisease vectors. Malaria incidences are directly linked to the generation of vectors which are sensitive to temperature, precipitation and humidity conditions.

Infrastructure Large infrastructure such as dams, roads, bridges incurring high costs of construction are vulnerable to extreme events like cyclones, heavy rains, landslides and floods, which may increase in the later half of the century due to climate change.

At that time, the currently commissioned infrastructure having lived its normal life span would be more vulnerable to these recurrent events.

Coastal Zones in India The holistic data of sea level reveals high variability along the Indian coast line with an increase along the Gulf of Kutchh and West Bengal line and decrease along Karnataka coast. The observations indicate a long term average rising trend of 1mm/year in sea level and a projection of rise in a sea level in the range of 46-59 cm by the end of twenty first century. The result of preliminary assessment indicates the vulnerability of Indian coast lines due to sea level rise, tectonic movement, and prevalent hydrographs and physiographic.

Agriculture Variable impacts of climate change on agriculture have been projected. For instance, increase in CO2 concretion; increase in temperature and variable distribution of rainfall show a mixed projection of yields of various crops

across regions. No definite trends have yet been established. While high CO2 can result in growth and increase in plant biomass, high ambient temperature resulting from increased emission can reduce the crop yields. Studies indicate that increased temperature can substantially reduce yields of cereals apart from affecting their quality. Secondary impact of changed pest and disease scenario can further complicate the crop yield situation. The Expert Committee on Climate Change would be looking into the aspects of measures required for agriculture and to ensure that food security is not threatened due to climate change. Department of Agriculture is in process of preparing a comprehensive action plan on the agricultural agenda for the climate change. According to India Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), some scanty information of extreme events of cold waves, heat waves and excess rainfall have been noticed. In Agra, Wheat yields were lowered due to cold waves in 2002-03 as compared to previous normal year of 2001-02. In Bihar, loss of seed setting in maize and loss of productivity in boro rice of Assam was recorded in response to extreme coldness. Research in different Indian Council of Agricultural Research Institutes ( ICAR) through its own programme and research projects funded

by National Agriculture Innovate Project (NAIP) is trying to tackle the issue and develop agro technologies including crop varieties and crop growing methods to reduce the adverse impact of emission related climate change and retain high adverse impact on production and productivity. The Expert Committee on Climate Change would also be looking into the aspects of measures required for agriculture and to ensure that food security is not threatened due to climate change. Department of Agriculture is in process of preparing a comprehensive action plan on the agricultural agenda for the climate change.

Conservation of medicinal plants

M

edicinal plants have always The Department of Biotechnology has Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, been considered a healthy already set up three national gene banks Rajasthan, Orissa, West Bengal and source of life for the people. on medicinal and aromatic plants at the Madhya Pradesh. The project is being Therapeutical properties of medicinal Central Institute of Medicinal & c o o r d i n a t e d b y F o u n d a t i o n f o r plants are very useful in healing various Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, Revitalizing of Local Health Traditions Uttar Pradesh, National Bureau of Plant (FRLHT) , Banglore. These states are of diseases.

There are more than 8000 medicinal Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi two categories – one, with five States plants listed in different classical and and Tropical Botanic Garden & Research (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, modern texts on medicinal plants. Around Institute (TBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram, Maharashtra & Tamil Nadu) wherein 960 medicinal plants are in active use in Kerala. They are engaged in collection, medicinal plants conservation activities all India trade and around 2000 species conservation and characterization of the have been initiated and the second, with are documented in Indian Systems of precious wealth of medicinal and remaining four States in which the Medicine like Ayurveda, Unani and aromatic herbs which are rare/ threat- conservation activities are to be initiated Siddha. Similarly, around 4000 species ened/endangered or are being used in under this project for the first time. The are used by rural communities in local traditional system, or those which are main aims are to establish a system for health practices. The All India Ethno- commercially exploited. The Regional Rapid threat assessment and trade biology Survey estimated that over 7,500 Research Laboratory (RRL), Jammu, regulation; establish a Network of plant species are used by 4,635 ethnic Jammu & Kashmir, is the forth gene bank Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas communities for human and veterinary which covers the North-Western (MPCAs); establish a state level medicihealth care across the country. In 1993, the Government estimated that between Over Ninety-five percent of India’s 60-80% of India’s population rely on medicinal plants for health care. medicinal plants are harvested from the Medicinal plants are particularly important to the rural poor, who are able to harvest these from the wild to meet wild. Over 200 medicinal plant species in their primary health care needs. The Botanical Survey states some of the southern and northern India are classified common medicinal herbs as Brahmi, Babul gum, Bail, Satawar, Neem, as rare, endangered or threatened.

Tesu/Gul Palash, Dalchini, Bhringraj, Amla, Jatropha, Nagkesar, Jaiphal, Ratanjot, Isabgo, Reetha, Kuth (Bitter), Himalayan region. A germ-plasma nal plants seed center; establish Home Chiraita, Jamun, Arjun, Behera, Harad repository for medicinal plants used in Herbal Gardens (HHGs) and prepare Ayurveda has also been established at Community Knowledge Registers (Choti), Harad (Pili) etc Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Kerala. (CKKs); capacity building on community Nodal Agency on Medicinal Plants The National Medicinal Plants Board is More than 9,000 accessions of important owned medicinal plants enterprises the designated nodal agency on all issues medicinal and aromatic plant species are programmes; communication and related to medicinal plants. It works under being maintained as live material in field advocacy programmes for outreach and a the Department of AYUSH, the Ministry of gene banks, in the form of seed, in vitro multi-lingual website programme on Health and Family welfare. Besides material and DNA. For long-term Home Doctor. Another UNDP-GEP number of organizations and departments, conservation, the accessions are stored project, “Mainstreaming Conservation and Sustainable use of Medicinal Plant Viz., ICMR, CIMAP, NBPGR, and under cryogenic conditions.

Ministry of Commerce are also engaged in Thrust on National Afforestation Diversity” covers three Indian States Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and handling the subject of medicinal plants Programme but each one has a specific mandate. While The Ministry of Environment and Forests Uttarakhand. The National Medicinal it is research for the first three organisa- has taken various measures for conserva- Plant Board, Department of Ayurveda, tions, it is ex-situ conservation for tion and proliferation of rare medicinal Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha NBPGR, and marketing for the Ministry of herbs. United Nations Development and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), State Commerce. Similarly, research on Programme (UNDP) Project entitled Medicinal Plant Boards and FRLHT, cultivation of medicinal plants, especially ‘National Programme on Promoting Banglore are executing partners in this pertaining to standardization of agro- Conservation of Medicinal Plants & project. The main objective of the project technology & breeding techniques is Traditional Knowledge for Enhancing is to mainstream the conservation and Health & Livelihood Security’ is in sustainable use of medicinal plants with managed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Genetic Conservation of Medicinal operation. It is being implemented in particular reference to globally signifinine States-Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil cant medicinal plants. A Centre of Plants

Excellence on ‘Medicinal Plants & Traditional Knowledge’ at FRLHT, Banglore also supports this activity which is recognized . Implementation of the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme include models such as ‘Mixed Plantation of Trees having Minor Forest Produce and Medicinal Value’ and Regeneration of Perennial Herbs and Shrubs of Medicinal Value’ that relate to promotion of medicinal plants through afforestation and regeneration. The States have been advised to give requisite thrust on plantation of medicinal plants and bamboos on degraded forest lands and contiguous areas in addition to other species of local ecological and economic importance in the afforestation activities.

This is intended to contribute towards poverty alleviation and also to ensure livelihood security of forest fringe dwellers besides ameliorating soil conditions and improving/increasing forest cover. The States have been also advised to consider setting aside 10% of the project area for plantation of bamboos and medicinal plants under the NAP. Conserving and protecting medicinal plants is being carried out through enforcement of the Indian Forests Act, 1927; Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the rules under these Acts.

Biological Diversity Act, 2002 The Government has enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002 and notified the Biological Diversity Rules in 2004, with the aim of conserving and sustainably using biological diversity, and regulating the biological resources (including the medicinal plants) and associated traditional knowledge of country with the purpose of securing equitable sharing of benefits arising out of these resources and associated knowledge.

Harvest of Medicinal Plants Over Ninety-five percent of India’s medicinal plants are harvested from the wild. Over 200 medicinal plant species in southern and northern India are classified as rare, endangered or threatened. The true number of threatened species are, including globally significant species, is likely to be far higher, but the status of many species is insufficiently unknown.

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.

HE A L+H 58

ZABARWANTIMES TIMES ZABARWAN WEDNESDAY | 25 SEPTEMBER 2013

Exposure to pesticide behind childhood cough

Children exposed to the widely used pesticide additive piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in the womb have heightened risk of noninfectious cough at ages 5 and 6, a new study has found.

The findings support the premise that the children's respiratory system is susceptible to damage from toxic exposures during the prenatal period. A common symptom, childhood cough can disrupt normal daytime activities and interrupt sleep for both child and parent.

Researchers at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) at the Mailman School of Public Health and of Columbia University Medical Center conducted the study.

Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is an organic compound used to bolster the effects of pyrethroid pesticides.

Pyrethroids are the most commonly used pesticides for both professional pest control and non-professional residential use, according to a 2011 study by Mailman School researchers.

Exposure to one pyrethroid, a variation of permethrin, was linked with increased risk for cough by

age 5 in a 2009 study by Rachel Miller, MD. In the current study, Dr. Miller and colleagues sought to build on these findings by exploring the effects of subsequent exposure during childhood, looking specifically at the effects of PBO exposure.

Researchers looked at 224 mother-child pairs enrolled in the CCCEH birth cohort study of environmental exposures, examining measures of PBO and pyrethroid in personal air monitors worn by the mothers during pregnancy.

Air samples also were collected from the home over the course of two weeks when children were between 5 and 6 years old.

Questionnaires were used to evaluate respiratory outcomes.

Researchers found that children exposed to PBO during pregnancy had increased odds of reporting cough unrelated to cold or flu. Exposures to PBO during childhood were not a factor.

There was no observed association between prenatal or childhood permethrin exposure and cough,

something the researchers say may be explained by the fact that PBO is much easier to measure in air samples than permethrin.

There was also no association with PBO or permethrin exposure and other respiratory outcomes like wheeze or asthma.

While it is unclear whether the effect is due mainly to PBO itself or residential pyrethroids of which PBO is an indicator, it is important to remember, said Dr. Miller, that "these exposures may be a factor in a very common problem for children—cough.

Personal care items cause asthma in kids

Researchers have found that children exposed to diethyl phthalate (DEP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP)—phthalate chemicals commonly found in personal care and plastic products—have elevated risk of asthma-related airway inflammation.

Of the 244 children aged 5 to 9 in the study, all had detectable levels of phthalates in their urine although these varied over a wide range.

Higher levels of both phthalates were associated with higher levels of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, a biological marker of airway inflammation.

The association between BBzP exposure and airway inflammation was especially strong among children who had recently reported wheeze, a common symptom of asthma, according to the researchers at Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) at the Mailman School of Public Health.

"While many factors contribute to childhood asthma, our study shows that exposure to phthalates may play a significant role," said Allan Just, PhD, first author on the new CCCEH study and current

postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Dr. Just and co-investigators looked at children enrolled in the CCCEH Mothers and Newborns study. All live in Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx where asthma prevalence is high. Exposure to phthalates was measured through a urine test, and the level of nitric oxide in the child's exhaled breath was quantified as a marker of airway inflammation.

The study is the first to use exhaled nitric oxide in a

study of phthalate exposure in children. By using the biomarker in exhaled breath, the researchers overcame a significant hurdle.

"Many asthma patients only have asthma exacerbations a few times a year, making it difficult to discern short-term associations between environmental exposures and the disease," explained Matthew Perzanowski, PhD, senior author and Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the Mailman School.

"To solve this problem, we used nitric oxide, which has been shown to be a reliable marker of airway inflammation in response to known asthma triggers like vehicle emissions," he said.Phthalates are used widely in consumer products, including plastics, vinyl flooring, and personal care products, making exposure ubiquitous in the United States and other developed nations.

Phthalates enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and absorption through the skin.

percent respectively, compared with less than 0.5 percent among smokeless coal users of both sexes.

These risks are almost as high as those reported for heavy smokers in Western countries, ranging between 20 percent and 26 percent.

Lung cancer deaths were also associated with the average number of hours that a smoky coal user spent at home and the age at which participants started cooking. The researchers say that their findings have important implications for public health in this region of China and suggest that the use of less carcinogenic types of coal or other fuels can translate into a substantial reduction of lung cancer risk. As this chemical and physical composition of coal differs widely in different geographical locations, additional research is needed on the carcinogenicity of various types of coal, they added.

Scientists now have an explanation for why green tea is good for the brain -- it lies in the chemical properties that affect the production of brain cells, improving memory and spatial learning.

"Green tea is a popular beverage across the world," said Yun Bai, professor from the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.

"There has been plenty of scientific attention on its use in helping prevent cardiovascular diseases, but now there is emerging evidence that its chemical properties may impact cellular mechanisms in the brain."

Yun's team focused on the organic chemical EGCG, (epigallocatechin-3 gallate) a key property of green tea. While EGCG is a known antioxidant, the team believed it can also have a beneficial effect against age-related degenerative diseases, the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research

reports."We proposed that EGCG can improve cognitive function by impacting the generation of neuron cells, a process known as neurogenesis," said Yun. "We focused our research on the hippocampus, the part of the brain which processes information from short-term to longterm memory."

The team found that ECGC boosts the production of neural progenitor cells, which like stem cells can adapt, or differentiate, into various types of cells. The team then used lab mice to discover if this increased cell production gave an advantage to memory or spatial learning, according to a Medical University statement."We ran tests on two groups of mice, one which had imbibed ECGC and a control group (without ECGC)," said Yun. "First the mice were trained for three days to find a visible platform in their maze. Then they were trained for seven days to find a hidden platform."

Best purple foods for good health There has been so much talk on having a rainbow of foods on your plate - a group of 'colours' of certain fruit signifying certain benefits.

Of these purple foods are perhaps most significant as it is a fact that darker the food, the higher the antioxidant level. Antioxidants can prevent cell damage, and keep one looking younger. Here are more reasons to stock up on purple-hued foods today.

Benefits galore: As per data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES), in a survey on eating and health, it was seen that adults who eat purple and blue fruits and vegetables are less likely to be overweight. They have a reduced risk for both high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol. It was believed that anthocyanins, or compounds that give purple foods their colour, were responsible for this. Purple foods have a pigment called anthocyanin. This is a strong and antioxidant, which is said to reduce the risk of cancer.

What they are: Eggplant, Purple grapes, figs, plums, dark cherries, raisins, purple cabbage are all candidates.

Get cooking!

Here are some quick-fix recipes...

Plums: Take fresh plums, and put them in a grill with the skin on. Grill and sprinkle a little cinnamon powder on them. You

can also stick a clove in each of them and rest them awhile, then remove cloves and eat.

Purple cabbage: Take purple cabbage, slice it up. Drizzle some balsamic vinegar or light sweet onion dressing over them.

Enjoy!

Figs: To make a healthy salad, just chop fresh figs along with shredded rocket leaves, feta cheese and add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on them. Serve.

Plums: This fruit is best had on its own.

However, it can also be enjoyed in desserts and savouries. To make poached plums, place plums in a baking dish, add a little sugar and lemon juice and toss them gently so they get coated. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove and have with cream or just like that.

The use of "smoky coal" for household cooking and heating was found to be associated with a substantial increase in the lifetime risk of developing lung cancer, according to a study from China. This represents one of the strongest effects of environmental pollution reported for cancer risk in any population, the researchers said. It also underlines the importance of taking action to minimise exposure to the most hazardous types of fuel. About half the world's population uses coal and other solid fuels for cooking and heating, often in simple stoves that are unvented.

Exposure to certain types of solid fuel smoke is associated with several diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory infections, and lung cancer. However, the relationship between smoky coal use and lung cancer is not

Replace ghee with canola or olive oil When a recipe calls for ghee or butter, substitute it with canola or olive oil for better health.

Both these oils can help you to shed weight and reduce liver fat, lipids and triglycerides, says a study.

The study conducted by the Diabetes Foundation (India) (DFI) and the National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC) has found that consuming olive or canola oil can help in decreasing weight, waist circumference and reduce liver fat, lipids and triglycerides. A group of 90 people were part of the study for three years from June 2007 to 2010. They were divided into three groups and asked to use one type of cooking oil — olive, canola or any other oil. "After a period of six months itself, we found that those who used olive or canola significantly reduced there weight, liver fat and triglycerides," said Seema Gulati, head of nutrition research group at N-DOC.

The group which used olive oil significantly reduced the body weight, waist circumference and liver fat. As for the 30 people who used canola oil, they reported a decrease in waist circumference and a significantly improved insulin and blood glucose. The group which

used other oils, except the soybean or sunflower oil — which have a high content of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) — as cooking medium had not showed any significant changes.

"If the different traditional Indian oils used across the country are replaced by olive or

canola oil, it can lead to multiple health benefits," said Anoop Misra, director and head of department of diabetes and metabolic diseases at a leading hospital. he said that the study has important implications for Indians who are at heightened risk for diabetes and heart disease

fully understood.

So an international team of researchers compared deaths from lung cancer between lifelong users of "smoky coal" and "smokeless coal" for household cooking and heating in Xuanwei County, Yunnan Provine, China, where lung cancer rates are particularly elevated. In total, over 37,000 individuals were followed over a 20year period (1976-96) during which time more than 2,000 deaths from lung cancer were recorded. After taking account of other possible risk factors including tobacco use, lung cancer cases and deaths were substantially higher among users of smoky (i.e. bituminous) coal for home cooking and heating than users of smokeless (i.e. anthracitic) coal. In absolute terms, the risk of lung cancer death before 70 years of age for men and women using smoky coal was 18 percent and 20

Books are tonic for the brain

Reading is not just another leisurely activity or a way of brushing up your literacy skills and factual knowledge - it acts as a tonic for the brain too.

Neuroscientist Susan Greenfield suggests that reading helps to expand attention spans in kids.

"Stories have a beginning, a middle and an end - a structure that encourages our brains to think in sequence, to link cause, effect and significance," she says.

"It is essential to learn this skill as a small child, while the brain has more plasticity, which is why it's so important for parents to read to their children. The more we do it, the better we get at it," Greenfield added.

Reading can enrich our relationships by increasing our understanding of other cultures and helping us learn to empathise, the Daily Mail reports.

"In a computer game, you might have to rescue a princess, but you don't care about her, you just want to win," explains Greenfield.

"But a princess in a book has a past, present and future, she has connections and motivations. We can relate to her. We see the world through her eyes."

John Stein, emeritus professor of neuroscience at Magdalen College, Oxford, says reading is far from a passive activity. "Reading exercises the whole brain," he explains. Read-

ing stories to children will help their brains develop the ability to analyse the cause, effect and significance of events In 2009, a brain-imaging study in the US showed that reading about landscapes, sounds, smells and tastes, activates brain areas tied to these experiences in real life, creating new neural pathways.

Simply stated, our brains simulate real experiences, which doesn't happen when you're watching TV or playing computer games.

In 2009, University of Sussex researchers showed how six minutes of reading can slash stress levels by more than two-thirds, more than listening to music or going out for a walk.

zabarwan times

wednesday september | 25 | 2013

Naxals are our people, response has to be more humane: CRPF DG Agencies The CRPF chief said the Maoists are “our own people” so the response against them has to be calibrated and “more humane” keeping this in mind.

Dilip Trivedi, the newly-appointed Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), however, ruled out any scaling down of offensive by the security forces against the rebels in Left Wing Extremism hit areas.

The CRPF is the mainstay for the anti-Naxal operations in the country with close to 85,000 personnel deployed for the task in nine affected states.“The Naxals are our own people. They are not from outside.

We are operating within the country and not facing the enemy as a border guarding force. We have to be selective in our action (against Maoists),” Trivedi said.

The Director General, who took charge about a month ago, recently toured the Naxal hotbeds of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

“We are not hitting at someone from across the border and what I feel is we have to be slightly more humane. There is a mental hesitation when you fight your own people but that has not made any scaling down of our preparedness against Maoists,” he said.

The DG, a 1978-batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, said “it will take sometime” to wipe off the Naxal menace but said he was sure

that ultimately the task would be achieved and development would usher in the affected areas.

The CRPF has deployed bulk of men and machinery, including special commando squads to conduct special operations against Maoists who have been termed as one of the biggest internal security challenge to the country by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

A meeting of Director Generals of Police and Chief Secretaries of the Naxal affected states will be held in the national capital tomorrow.Trivedi, earlier, flagged off a 121-member CRPF contingent for rendering civil police duties in Liberia under the United Nation’s banner.

Cabinet negates SC order, ordinance to shield convicted MPs, MLAs New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday cleared an ordinance which allows convicted amd jailed MPs and MLAs to contest elections. The ordinance is a reversal of the Supreme Court judgement that had not only disqualified lawmakers convicted of offences with 2 years or more in jail but also also barred from contesting elections. The ordinance will allow convicted legislators to continue in office, if the appeal against the conviction is admitted by a higher court within 90 days. ALSO SEE Government to bring ordinance to protect convicted, jailed MPs, MLAs The ordinance says that if a lawmaker appeals his conviction or the sentence is stayed by a higher court, he can attend Parliament/ state Assemblies but cannot draw salaries or vote.

BJP MLA Sangeet Som booked under National Security Act Agencies MUZAFFARNAGAR: BJP MLA Sangeet Som, who was arrested for alleged involvement in fake video uploading case and making provocative speeches, was booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma told PTI that he was also detained under NSA by the district authorities. The warrant booking him under the stringent law was served on him in Urai District jail.

Som, accused of uploading a fake video that played a role in provoking communal tension in Muzaffarnagar and making inflammatory speeches, was arrested in Meerut on September 21. His arrest came a day after the Uttar Pradesh Police took into custody BJP MLA Suresh Rana in Lucknow on

charges of making provocative speeches to incite riots in Muzaffarnagar.

A court in Muzaffarnagar had on Wednesday issued arrest warrants against 16 politicians and community leaders including Som, BSP

MP Qadir Rana, BJP MLA Bhartendu Singh, BSP MLAs Noor Saleem and Maulana Jameel, Congress leader Saeeduzaman and BKU chief Naresh Tikait.

They were wanted for violating prohibitory orders

and provoking communal tension with inflammatory speeches in different meetings (mahapanchayats) in the district, according to the police. High drama had unfolded in front of UP Assembly on Wednesday with BJP leaders and workers, led

by Uma Bharati, protested against the possible arrest of party MLA Som. Facing criticism over failure to arrest several MLAs despite warrants being issued against them by a court in Muzaffarnagar, IG (Law and Order) R K Vishwakarma had said that the arrests were being “deliberately avoided” as the session of state Assembly was in progress.Som was denied bail by a Muzaffarnagar court yesterday. The communal clashes in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas claimed 49 lives and displaced over 40,000 people.

Young politicians opting for AAP Agencies Former Mayor Annapurna Mishra of the BJP is fighting what may be the toughest battle of her political career.

Early in May, her son, Kapil Mishra, declared his decision to enter politics not as a BJP candidate, but as a member of the six-month-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

A former advocacy officer with Amnesty International, Mr. Kapil is AAP candidate from North-East Delhi’s Karawal Nagar. He is prepared to take on the three-time BJP MLA from the area Mohan Singh Bisht.A graduate from the Delhi School of Social Work, Mr. Kapil (23) was quick to respond when asked if he did not face any dilemma in joining the AAP and not the BJP with which his mother has been associated for over two decades.“Frankly it was not a very difficult decision to make when it comes to choosing between the Aam Aadmi Party on one side and the BJP and the Congress on the other. But yes, there were lots of things at stake as my mother has been an old time worker of the BJP. It obviously sends out a negative

message when a member of such a family goes to another political party,” said Mr. Kapil, who has been associated with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal since his Parivartan days.

He admitted that his mother disapproved of his decision but in the same breadth he also spoke about how he reasoned with her. “I just asked my mother if the situation on the ground change and if corruption would go down if the BJP comes to power?

And till date she has not responded to my question. My mother has not approved of the decision till date but I am sure one day she will be able to see my perspective too.”

Mr. Kapil is not the only young politician to leave the political affiliation with traditional parties to opt for the AAP. For Deshraj Raghav, a sitting civic body Councillor from South Delhi, who was formerly associated with the Congress in Delhi, the problem is not just one. Mr. Raghav is the AAP candidate from Uttam Nagar Assembly constituency.The list of those who opted the AAP is long.

At least 15 of the AAP candidates declared till date have been associated with conventional political parties.

Instill core civilizational values in children: President New Delhi, September 24, 2013 The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Sainik School, Bijapur today.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that if India is to join the ranks of advanced nations, it must strengthen the foundation of education. He expressed pain over the deviation from civilizational values which can be often seen in our society and called upon school authorities to do their utmost to inculcate in young men and women core civilizational values such as discipline, compassion, tolerance, respect for the opinion of others, regard for their rights and a high sense of duty to the nation.

The President said Sainik Schools were the result of the far-sighted planning and leadership of stalwarts like former Defence Ministers Shri VKK Menon, Shri Y.B. Chavan, then Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri S. Nijalingappa and then Union Education Minister, Shri K.L. Shrimali. Recalling the famous saying that the Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton and Harrow, the President paid tribute to the brave soldiers and officers of the Indian army who stand on eternal vigil at the borders and who are ever ready to support civilian authorities during natural disasters and when help is needed to maintain law and order.

Jagan Mohan Reddy walks out of jail after 16 months Agencies Hyderabad: Arms raised in greeting as he repeatedly bowed and waved to the sea of people that surrounded him, Jagan Mohan Reddy stepped out of Hyderabad’s Chanchulguda jail in a shirt with blue stripes, a big smile on his face. (Track LIVE updates) The YSR Congress leader was in jail for 16 months.

Once he stepped out of the prison gates, the 40-year-old was literally carried to his car by

while out on bail, his release is expected to give a big fillip to the protests in the Seemandhra region against the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to carve out a separate Telangana. The YSR Congress is the only party that has unambiguously taken a stand against the move to bifurcate the state.

Mr Reddy was arrested in May last year. The CBI alleges that private firms and individuals invested in his companies as a quid pro quo for government favours when his father, YS Rajasekhara

hundreds of supporters who had gathered to greet them, among them MPs and MLAs from his party. He is expected to go to his residence in Jubilee Hills in a slow procession with thousands of his supporters lining the route.

Mr Reddy was granted bail yesterday.

Though the court has ordered Mr Reddy not to leave Hyderabad

Reddy was Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.

The TDP has called his getting bail “match-fixing”. The party’s chief Chandrababu Naidu said, “The way bail was granted to him and the manner in which the chargesheet against him was diluted only shows that there is a clear understanding between YSR Congress and Congress.

Delhi gang-rape: High Court to hear death penalty reference daily from tomorrow Agencies

7

New Delhi: Four men sentenced to death for the gang-rape and murder of a young medical student were produced at the Delhi High Court today for confirmation of their sentence. The court said hearings would start from tomorrow “on a day-to-

court, for a crime that the judge said had shocked the collective conscience of society. Their lawyers have said they will challenge the verdicts.“We have to deal with this as expeditiously as possible because the sword of death is hanging over them [the convicted men],” Judge Pratibha Rani said today.

convicts.

Advocate Vivek Sharma, appearing for Pawan, also made a similar request to the bench, saying the court should hear the matter at least after one week. The bench, however, declined their requests.

One of the six men arrested in connection with the attack com-

day basis”. It also rejected the plea of the convicts’ lawyers for a week’s time.

On September 13, Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta and Mukesh Singh were sentenced to death by hanging at a fast-track

During the hearing, advocate V K Anand, representing convict Mukesh, told the court that he will file an appeal within the stipulated time (30 days) given by the trial court. He said the court should hear the reference along with the appeal of the

mitted suicide in prison in March; another was a teenager who has been sentenced by a juvenile court to three years in a reform centre.

The trial court has to refer every death penalty case to the High Court for confirmation.

Massive earthquake in Pakistan; tremors felt in Delhi, north India New Delhi: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit southwestern Pakistan today, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake struck at 4:29 pm local time (around 5 pm India time) in Baluchistan province at a depth of 23 kilometres.

The temblor, which had its epicentre 69 km from Awaran in Balochistan province, was felt in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana and other cities of Sindh province in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Geo TV said the earthquake lasted for about a minute.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property.

The tremors of the quake were felt in north India, including the national capital.

Narendra Modi, Mamata Banerjee, 11 other CMs skip NIC meet

Agencies The National Integration Council (NIC) met late in the evening on Monday in the shadows of the recent Muzaffarnagar riots. Prime minister Manmohan Singh was present. So were 16 chief ministers, most of them of Congress ruled states. But the 13 notable absentees sent the message that there’s a lack of integration in the thinking of the UPA, and that of the combined opposition.

Singh, of course, told political parties to refrain from taking advantage of communal tensions. He also asked the states to crack down on elements fanning such violence.

Forget their political affiliations, he added, for good measure.

But the fact that such an important meet saw only 16 chief ministers turning up stood out like a sore thumb. The 13 chose to send their representatives. Among the ones who did not turn up was Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, who is also the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, her Tamil Nadu counterpart J Jayalalithaa, Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh, Punjab CM Prakash Singh Badal, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Rajasthan’s Ashok Gehlot.

Taking a dig at Modi for his absence, Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said it was essential for a leader of Modi’s

stature to have come to the meeting. “I feel as a chief minister it was his first duty to attend this meeting. The NIC meet happened after two years and was very significant in

lence, particularly those that happened in UP, the PM said effective steps should be taken by the administration to ensure that small issues don’t snowball into a

the present context. I do not know why he did not come,” Shinde said.

Expressing concern on the recent increase in incidents of communal vio-

big controversies.“The state government should lose no time to control communal violence. It should use all means at its disposal to punish those guilty of fanning com-

munal violence and must ensure a speedy crackdown on such elements irrespective of their political affiliations or influence,” the PM said, urging the political parties and the media to refrain from giving any political colour to the incidents.

The meeting saw some sparks with Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav blaming the BJP for trying to convert UP into a Gujarat. “Meetings are being conducted past midnight to carry out activities against one particular community,” Yadav said prompting a quick rebuttal from BJP leaders.

Rejecting the argument that communal incidents could benefit or harm the prospects of certain political parties, Singh said: “This argument is unfortunate. In reality, communal enmity does not benefit anyone but could threaten our identity as a civilised society.”

The PM also broached reining in antisocial elements misusing the social media to promote communal hatred. In Muzaffarnagar, social media was used to distribute a morphed video clip of an incident in Sialkot, Pakistan, to terrorise people.

“While it is imperative to maintain freedom of expression on social media, we must prevent mischievous elements from misusing this platform,” Singh said. Speaking to reporters later Shinde said the Centre has the power to intervene with the use of section 66 of the Indian Telegraph Act.

6

zabarwan times

Agencies English cricket has a lot to thank Zimbabwe for. The two coaches most responsible for transforming England into one of the best teams in the world over the last decade and a half, Duncan Fletcher and Andy Flowe r, hardened their characters and honed their philosophies in southern Africa and now another young leftie with a Zimbabwean lilt could be asked to solve one of the more enduring problems within the current set-up: the No. 6 Test spot.

Gary Ballance, of Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Mid West Rhinos and, some years ago, Zimbabwe Under19s, was the Ashes bolter who caught the eye when England’s squad to tour Australia was announced. A powerful batsman, the 23-year-old has been capped once by his adoptive country - making a two-ball duck in the ODI against Ireland earlier this month having qualified through residency, and could become England’s first Ashes Test debutant in Australia since the Lancashire wicketkeeper, Warren Hegg, in 1998.It is often said that a strong Yorkshire makes for a strong England, and Ballance played a full part in the county’s tilt at the title this year, scoring 995 Championship runs as they finished second. He may not have mastered the accent but Ballance will happily band together with his friends, team-mates and fellow tourists, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, in England’s young Yorkie club.

“I’ve played at Yorkshire for four to five years, I don’t think you get more English than that,” was his unequivocal response to being asked about his allegiances. “I feel 100 percent English.”There will be those that prickle at the claim, as well as England’s recruitment of another foreign-born player to their ensemble.

Indeed, upon announcing the Ashes squad the national selector, Geoff Miller, had to defend the selection of yet another player drawn from nonEnglish roots.But Ballance was not inveigled away from his homeland.

Like soon-to-be team-mates Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott, who both came through the South African system, Ballance left with a clear goal in mind.Born in Harare to parents who ran a tobacco farm, Ballance played several sports but knew early

wednesday september | 25 | 2013

Ballance adds to England’s Zimbabwe harvest on that a career in cricket might be more fruitful - and stable - overseas.

A family contact, in the form of the former Zimbabwe captain and coach Dave Houghton, then in charge at Derbyshire, was able to assist.

Houghton is married to a cousin of Ballance’s father and was happy to be involved in bringing the teenager to England, putting

do? He wa n t s t o play

cricket as a profession and he’s got a British passport’ I said, if he can get to England, we’ll happily look after him.”

Ballance described his Ashes inclusion as being “quite a shock” and his parents, who are currently in England, were the first to be told.

Their farm was among the many confiscated by the Zimbabwe government, shortly after Ballance left home, but they remain in Zimbabwe and involved in the farming industry, making periodic visits to watch their son play.

Asked about the c h a l -

lenges of starting a new life in another country at such a young age, Ballance answers with a clear-eyed sense of purpose. “I don’t think it was as hard as people might think, it was in the interests of my career and wanting to play cricket,” he says. “It came down to that. I knew if I wanted to play cricket that England would be the best place to do it. I got help from my parents, when I came over here I got a lot of help from Dave Houghton and t h a t made the decision a lot easier.

him u p for a p e riod b e fore he took up a sports scholarship at Harrow.

“His father and mother came to see us on one of my trips back to Zimbabwe,” Houghton recalls. “I knew Gary was a decent player, we’re quite close as a family. They said to us, ‘He’s 15, what do you suggest we

“Since I moved over it’s been my dream to play for England. I moved to Yorkshire, to the academy there, they’ve treated me very well and I’ve had a great time there. I’ve always dreamed of the opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.”

A solid, muscular presence, Ballance looks like a bit like a svelte Rob Key and has a similarly cheery disposition, indicating there will not be any animosity should he and Bairstow, a one-time room-mate, end up in competition to bat at No. 6.

An indication of Ballance’s ability is provided by his appearance at the 2006 Under-19 World Cup - at the age of 16. He played against England in the tournament, top-scoring for Zimbabwe in a twowicket win, a n d was quick to impress when he was brought to Derbyshire. Karl Krikken, then in charge of the academy, suggested immediately that Ballance be signed on a summer contract.Observant Sky Sports viewers would have caught a glimpse of the future in 2007, when Ballance smashed a century for Derbyshire club side Ockbrook and Borrowash in the televised national T20 cup, and it wasn’t long before Ballance attracted the attention of a bigger county in Yorkshire, whose academy he joined at the end of that year.Ballance learned his cricket in Zimbabwe, where he went to the independent Peterhouse boarding school, and his batting idol was Sachin Tendulkar rather than Michael Atherton or Graham Thorpe (though Michael Vaughan’s personal Ashes mirabilis of 2002-03 made an impression). He returned in 2010-11 and 2011-12 to further his development in the firstclass Logan Cup competition but has since become one of England’s track-suited, talent-identification generation, through the Lions and Performance Programme squads.He impressed with the Lions in Australia over the winter, his only previous visit to the country, and although his one-day debut “didn’t go as well as I’d hoped”, he has now overleapt the likes of James Taylor and Ravi Bopara for Test selection.A solid, muscular presence, Ballance looks like a bit like a svelte Rob Key and has a similarly cheery disposition, indicating there will not be any animosity should he and Bairstow, a one-time roommate, end up in competition to bat at No. 6.And what of his prospects if called upon to fill the position, which has chewed up numerous candidates since Paul Collingwood’s retirement three winters ago.

Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed the BCCI to hold its Special General Meeting (SGM) to consider the disciplinary committee’s report on former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi for alleged financial irregularities in IPL. File photo The Hindu Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed the BCCI to hold its Special General Meeting (SGM) to consider the disciplinary committee’s report on former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi for alleged financial irregularities in IPL. File photo The Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed the BCCI to hold its Special General Meeting (SGM) to consider the disciplinary committee’s report on former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi for alleged financial irregularities in the cricket league.

Justice V.K. Shali set aside the trial court’s September 21 order restraining

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from holding its SGM scheduled for Wednesday.

“So far as appeal of the BCCI is concerned, it is allowed,” the court said.

The High Court also dismissed Modi’s cross-appeal against the decision of the lower court which had declined to pass an interim order on his petition challenging the appointment of Sanjay Patel and Jagmohan Dalmiya in the BCCI by N. Srinivasan.

“Appeal of Lalit Modi is dismissed for the reasons that the relief claimed by him is the same relief which he had already claimed in the main suit before the trial court....it will tantamount to a decree passed by the High Court,” it said.Modi’s lawyers sought copy of the order on urgent basis saying they will file an appeal in the Supreme Court on Wednesday.While rejecting Modi’s arguments questioning the appointment of Dalmiya and Patel, the court said Srinivasan continues to be the president of BCCI and he is also vested with some power to appoint them as functionaries of the Board.

Monty Panesar is in good state ahead of winter’s Ashes, says Bumble Agencies Panesar has not represented his country since an episode in a Brighton nightclub in August and saw Lancashire twirler Simon Kerrigan given his Test debut in the final Ashes clash of the summer at The Oval.

However, the 31-year-old enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with Essex in the latter part of the season and has been recalled for the trip Down Under as back-up to premier spinner Graeme Swann.

“I’m sure Panesar wouldn’t be anywhere near this squad unless he was bang on.”

Sometimes when you are dealing with young players they step out of line and

you have to give them a clip,” Bumble, who coached England in the 1990s, told Sky Sports News.

“You have to kick them and hurt them, and then they have to come back and show you that they are better people for it.

“I know [national selector] Geoff Miller inside out and I’m sure Panesar wouldn’t be anywhere near this squad unless he was bang on.

“They will check with the people around him if he is in the right frame of mind - and I’m absolutely certain he is.” coach Darren Lehmann, meanwhile, has accused England of playing “dour” cricket and says he has noticed “cracks” in their line-

up ahead of the return Ashes series, which commences in November.Bumble says he understands Lehmann’s sentiments but is backing England - who won this summer’s contest 3-0 courtesy of victories at Trent Bridge, Lord’s and Emirates Durham ICG - to raise their game Down Under and complete a whitewash.Bumble’s Ashes prediction “I love Darren, he is a mate, and he is winding things up,” added Lloyd.

“I agree with him in that England played dour cricket this summer and they were very careful, but they won 3-0.“England played nothing like they can and I’m certain they will be much better on the quicker bouncier pitches, so I would say to Lehmann.

Dale Steyn has said he would look forward to the contest with Shikhar Dhawan, his Sunrisers Hyderabad teammate and India’s likely first-choice Test opener, if India’s tour to South Africa is finalised. There is uncertainty over the tour, scheduled for later this year, and a decision is likely to be taken after the BCCI’s AGM on September 29.

“Shikhar [Dhawan] is in some good form right now,” Steyn told Wisden India. “It will be nice to have that contest especially now that I know him well. It will be a great battle between good friends as well as strength and strength because he is batting really well at the moment.”

Steyn has played 10 Tests against India in which he has collected 53 wickets at an average of 19.00. During India’s last tour to South Africa in 2010-11, he was the leading wicket-taker in the drawn series with 21 dismissals in the three matches.

“It would be quite nice if India come to South Africa,” he said. “There has always been a great rivalry between the two sides.”

Steyn, back in action in the Champions League after three months away from cricket due to injuries, said he was gradually getting into the rhythm of bowling and the tournament was ideal preparation for the season ahead.

“I don’t think you want to jump straight into the shark tank with the longer version, it’s quite difficult, so this is about getting perfect,” he said. “You get a couple of hours of competitive cricket and you can stand in the field for 20 overs. It’s not exactly the ideal preparation for Test match cricket but I think it’s a good start for me.

“I am just taking it easy. There is no point in going full tilt from the first ball; you have to build it up. I feel like every game that I have played so far on the tournament, I have gotten better.”

Steyn will lead the South Africa bowling attack next month in the two Tests against Pakistan in the UAE, which begin from October 14.

Back in Seoul, Johnson hopes for ‘new chance’ Ben Johnson has been called all these things and more in the last 25 years.Twenty-five years to the day since he blasted down lane six of Seoul’s Olympic Stadium, leaving arch-enemy Carl Lewis wideeyed in his wake, Johnson returned to the South Korean capital on Tuesday with a warning for the next generation of athletes: stay clear of performanceenhancing drugs.

Now 51 and, he says, “older and wiser”, Johnson said no mother should have to watch her son or daughter experience what he has lived through for the last 25 years.

“I broke the rules and I got punished. Twentyfive years later I’m still being punished for something I did,” he said.

“Maybe people in the government were upset. Maybe because I was more famous than the prime minister of Canada,” he told Reuters in an interview.

“But the general public, two months, three months after it happened I had a lot of fans, a lot of support.”At exactly 1:30 p.m. local time, the time that the 1988 race started, a video of the final was shown on the stadium’s big screen.

Dressed in black polo shirt, grey checked trousers and red trainers, Johnson had a hint of a smile on his lips as he watched his younger self tear down the track, crossing the line with arm aloft, to win the 100 metres in the Seoul summer sunshine. massive shoulders that just squeezed into lane six 25 years ago have shrunk. He has a fuller face but with the same unmistakable eyes; eyes that barely blinked in the most important 9.79 seconds in the history of sport.

The then world record, which was erased after he tested positive for the steroid stanozolol, is what Johnson remembers most about the race.

“9.79. That’s what everyone was going crazy about,” he told Reuters in the bowels of the cavernous, decaying Olympic stadium. “That was the key,” he smiled. “9.79.”

Johnson said he was running so fast at that time that he would have won Olympic gold without doping.Johnson was the only one of the eight finalists to test positive in Seoul, though that final has come to be known as the “dirtiest race” in history as only two remained untouched by doping scandals.

MS Dhoni lauds Suresh Raina, Mike Hussey

HC allows BCCI to hold SGM on Lalit Modi Agencies

Steyn hopes for battle with Dhawan

Agencies Skipper MS Dhoni praised Suresh Raina and Mike Hussey for setting up Chennai Super Kings’ comfortable four-wicket win over Titans in a high-scoring Champions League T20 match in Ranchi on Sunday.Hussey (47) and Raina (47) swung the match decisively in CSK’s favour with their 89-run stand in just 44 balls for the secondwicket, which helped them chased down the daunting target of 186 with seven balls to spare at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium.“It was a difficult target to chase, but Raina and Hussey batted really well. We were just looking to see how the first ten overs were going to turn out as

the ball would be drier and could swing.But they saw through that period well and after that attacked and put the bad balls away, which is very important during a chase like this,” he said.

“What really pleased me most was when Hussey and Raina got out and came back into the dressing room, they were really upset and that really says a lot,” he added.

Dhoni said his bowlers need to tighten up things.

“I was a little worried initially after we’d given away so many runs, but we’ll have to tighten up. Our bowlers need to tighten up. Even saving six or seven runs makes a difference because say its the 20th over, it could be the difference between chasing 11 runs or 18,” he said.

Praveen Kumar to go under knife, eyes December return Agencies The 2012-13 domestic season was an eventful one for Praveen Kumar. It started with the Uttar Pradesh swing bowler making a strong recovery from a tennis elbow injury that had kept him out for a few months. Then Kumar was slammed with a suspension for his temper tantrums, including excessive appealing, in a Corporate Trophy match in February before returning to action a month later.And just as he looked set to begin this upcoming season on a better note, the 26-year-old has been ruled out for nearly three months after suffering a shoulder injury in Bangalore on the eve of India A’s opening game against West Indies A.Kumar will undergo a surgery in England in the coming weeks while being confident of returning to full fitness by mid-December. The timing of the injury even more frustrating, considering that selection to the India A team was expected to be the sea-

soned pacer’s springboard to trigger a comeback into the Indian team.“I was looking forward for

the West Indies A series. I had a nice bowling session earlier. But it was during the fielding session,

I felt a bit of pain while throwing. I took a break but the right shoulder kept hurting. A MRI scan was taken soon after, which confirmed my injury,” Kumar told The Indian Express from Meerut.The last time Kumar turned up in India colours was back in March 2012 during the Asia Cup. And it’s not surprising that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) physios’ advice for extended rest wasn’t exactly what he wanted to hear.“I had a decent outing in domestic cricket last season and I did well during the IPL too. The A tour against the West Indies was the best chance to leave a mark but injuries are part and parcel of the game. One can’t run away from them. I will work hard again and will try to come back much stronger,” the UP new-ball bowler added. Ironically, Kumar wasn’t the only out-of-favour India pacer to be ruled out of the tour after suffering an injury during the Bangalore practice sessions, with Irfan Pathan also now set to be out of action for six months owing to a rib injury.