Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Lalu suspends staff for dereliction of duty
Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has ordered departmental proceeding after suspend ing several employees, including the station manager and health inspector posted at Sonpur, for dereliction of duty.
Chief Public Relations Officer(CPRO) of East Central Railway(ECR) A K Chandra told UNI last night that the minister was on a ‘flying inspection' of Sonpur station. He was shocked to see filth on the station and surrounding areas. He ordered suspension of the station manager and health inspector for maladministration.
Prasad also went to Akshayvat Rai Nagar station of ECR were he suspended all the ticket observers and booking clerks posted at Murliganj station for dereliction of duty on the complains of passengers of the SaharsaAmritsar Janseva express and ordered departmental proceding against them, the CPRO informed.
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Chief Public Relations Officer(CPRO) of East Central Railway(ECR) A K Chandra told UNI last night that the minister was on a ‘flying inspection' of Sonpur station. He was shocked to see filth on the station and surrounding areas. He ordered suspension of the station manager and health inspector for maladministration.
Prasad also went to Akshayvat Rai Nagar station of ECR were he suspended all the ticket observers and booking clerks posted at Murliganj station for dereliction of duty on the complains of passengers of the SaharsaAmritsar Janseva express and ordered departmental proceding against them, the CPRO informed.
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Labels: A K Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer, dereliction, East Central Railway, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, staff, suspends
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Manmohan's sops damage Congress most
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh came, announced ‘liberal' sops and still he could not win. His much hyped packages are drawing flak even from majority of those, for whom these were intended.
Bigger irony is that he has left Congress leaders, particularly those hailing from Jammu, more dismayed than the opposition parties or the concerned sections.
Their grouse is that their leader has caused greater damage to their constituencies than doing some good.
For them paradox is neither 26, 319 families of PoK refugees (as per the figure quoted by Chief Minister), which constitute major vote bank of Congress are happy nor the party could win over the hearts of over 55,000 families of Kashmiri Pandit (KP) migrants, for whom a slew of sops were announced.
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Bigger irony is that he has left Congress leaders, particularly those hailing from Jammu, more dismayed than the opposition parties or the concerned sections.
Their grouse is that their leader has caused greater damage to their constituencies than doing some good.
For them paradox is neither 26, 319 families of PoK refugees (as per the figure quoted by Chief Minister), which constitute major vote bank of Congress are happy nor the party could win over the hearts of over 55,000 families of Kashmiri Pandit (KP) migrants, for whom a slew of sops were announced.
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Labels: Bigger irony, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress Leaders, damage, india, jammu, Kashmiri Pandit, liberal, migrants, opposition parties, PoK refugees, Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh
Monday, April 28, 2008
Foodgrain production in Jammu unaffected by drought, rain but cash crops suffer
Despite the long drought period followed by unseasonal rains that lashed Jammu region a couple of weeks back, fears of sustained damage to Rabi crops have turned out to be false. A report by the department of Agriculture reveals that there would be no drop in production.
The officials of Agriculture department, however, maintain that the unseasonal rains have battered cash crops like vegetables and it have also caused 10-15 percent loss to wheat crop in some parts of Jammu region.
Official reports further maintain that despite long drought period and unseasonal rains, the production of wheat is likely to be higher than the previous two years and, even if less it would not be below previous lends.
The official figures revealed that the production of main wheat crop was 452.03 thousands metric tons in 2005-06 and the average yield per hectare was 18.27 quintals.
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The officials of Agriculture department, however, maintain that the unseasonal rains have battered cash crops like vegetables and it have also caused 10-15 percent loss to wheat crop in some parts of Jammu region.
Official reports further maintain that despite long drought period and unseasonal rains, the production of wheat is likely to be higher than the previous two years and, even if less it would not be below previous lends.
The official figures revealed that the production of main wheat crop was 452.03 thousands metric tons in 2005-06 and the average yield per hectare was 18.27 quintals.
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Labels: crops, department of Agriculture, drought, Foodgrain production, jammu, quintals, rain, unaffected
Friday, April 25, 2008
Cabinet approves 6 percent Dearness Allowance for employees, pensioners
The state government today approved 6 percent Dearness Allowance (DA) for its employees and pensioners.
The sources said that DA would be paid in cash to both in-service employees and pensioners.
The cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at his residence, also gave a go ahead to the creation of Chenab Valley Project Corporation as agreed under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NHPC and Power Development Corporation (PDC).
Besides, the cabinet also approved transfer of 400 kanals of land at Samba to the army for shifting of ammunition depot from the present site.
This needs to mention here that during the meeting of Board of Directors of Power Development Corporation earlier, the decision about the creation of Chenab Valley Project Corporation (CVPC) was taken following the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)between NHPC and Power Development Corporation(PDC)for the joint venture on three power projects on Jehlum and Chenab. Today the cabinet gave approval for the creation of CVPC.
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The sources said that DA would be paid in cash to both in-service employees and pensioners.
The cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at his residence, also gave a go ahead to the creation of Chenab Valley Project Corporation as agreed under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NHPC and Power Development Corporation (PDC).
Besides, the cabinet also approved transfer of 400 kanals of land at Samba to the army for shifting of ammunition depot from the present site.
This needs to mention here that during the meeting of Board of Directors of Power Development Corporation earlier, the decision about the creation of Chenab Valley Project Corporation (CVPC) was taken following the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)between NHPC and Power Development Corporation(PDC)for the joint venture on three power projects on Jehlum and Chenab. Today the cabinet gave approval for the creation of CVPC.
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Labels: approves, Cabinet, Chenab, Chenab Valley Project Corporation, Dearness Allowance, employees, jehlum, NHPC, pensioners, Power Development Corporation, power projects
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Prime Minister's visit: Security beefed up in Jammu
A high level security team of National Security Guard (NSG) has arrived in Jammu, winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's two days visit.
Official sources said that more than fifty NSG commandos, including some top ranked officers, arrived in Jammu on Tuesday to take over the security of venues, where Dr Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit during his two days visit commencing from Friday.
They said that the NSG team comprised of one Inspector General (IG), two Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), three SSPs and commandos.
The NSG team after arrival in Jammu was distributed in four teams and three of them were sent to Akhnoor, Kishtwar and Katra. "The security around Akhnoor Bridge and Power House in Kishtwar have to be handed over to NSG today", sources said.
They said that three tire security arrangements has to be put in place for the Prime Minister and inner most ring will be manned by NSG.
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Official sources said that more than fifty NSG commandos, including some top ranked officers, arrived in Jammu on Tuesday to take over the security of venues, where Dr Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit during his two days visit commencing from Friday.
They said that the NSG team comprised of one Inspector General (IG), two Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), three SSPs and commandos.
The NSG team after arrival in Jammu was distributed in four teams and three of them were sent to Akhnoor, Kishtwar and Katra. "The security around Akhnoor Bridge and Power House in Kishtwar have to be handed over to NSG today", sources said.
They said that three tire security arrangements has to be put in place for the Prime Minister and inner most ring will be manned by NSG.
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Labels: arrangements, commandos, jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, Manmohan Singh, National Security Guard, PM's visit, security team
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Kashmiri youth in Tihar for not ‘surrendering my money'
The simple denial to part with his money made his Imran Ahmad Kirmani, a Kashmiri youth detained in Tihar jail, a virtual hell.
"If I knew that my career would be ruined, I would be detained in the infamous Tihar jail, tortured and linked with Lashkar-e-Toiba, I would have surrendered my Rs four lakh," said Imran in a letter to a local news agency KNS.
Hailing from Neelipora-Handwara, he was arrested by the special cell of Delhi police on November 15, 2006 from Dwarkamanglapuri.
Imran stated that his father had sent him Rs four lakh for buying a flat. The cops took the money and allegedly asked him not to claim the cash and then only he would be released." Since I refused to give them the money, they tortured me and linked me with the militant group," he said.
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"If I knew that my career would be ruined, I would be detained in the infamous Tihar jail, tortured and linked with Lashkar-e-Toiba, I would have surrendered my Rs four lakh," said Imran in a letter to a local news agency KNS.
Hailing from Neelipora-Handwara, he was arrested by the special cell of Delhi police on November 15, 2006 from Dwarkamanglapuri.
Imran stated that his father had sent him Rs four lakh for buying a flat. The cops took the money and allegedly asked him not to claim the cash and then only he would be released." Since I refused to give them the money, they tortured me and linked me with the militant group," he said.
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Labels: cops, Imran Ahmad Kirmani, Kashmiri youth, Lashkar-e-Toiba, militant, money, surrendering, Tihar Jail
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tere Baap Se Bada Saudagar Kaun!
Political squab bling hit a new low when the National Conference patron and former chief minister Farooq Farooq Abdullah took on PDP at a public rally in Nagrota today.
Taking on at PDP, Farooq said, "Where were these so called philanthropists when New Delhi and Islamabad entered into an agreement over sharing of river waters? India gave Sindh, Jhelum and Chenab rivers to Pakistan while keeping Ravi, Satluj and Beas for itself."
"Wahan kiss saudagar Ne sauda kiya tha, inko (PDP) inko pata nahin kya inkey baap nye who saudagari kiye thi, tab bhi kehtey hain ki yeh saudey kartey hai (Which merchant did the deal there? Do they not know that their father fixed the deal? Even then, they accuse us of fixing the deals)," said an angry Farooq.
He added "Mehbooba kehti hai ki hum Ne riyasat ko beech daala, arey terey baap sye bada saudagar kaun hai, delhi mein home minister kaun tha (Mehbooba says that we have sold the state, hey! Who is bigger merchant than your father? Who was home minister at New Delhi?). Amid the cheers from the crowds, Farooq went on and said "Acha huva tera baap teen saal mein chala gaya, varna hamein maar dalta (it is better that your father went away within three years, otherwise he would have killed us)."
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Taking on at PDP, Farooq said, "Where were these so called philanthropists when New Delhi and Islamabad entered into an agreement over sharing of river waters? India gave Sindh, Jhelum and Chenab rivers to Pakistan while keeping Ravi, Satluj and Beas for itself."
"Wahan kiss saudagar Ne sauda kiya tha, inko (PDP) inko pata nahin kya inkey baap nye who saudagari kiye thi, tab bhi kehtey hain ki yeh saudey kartey hai (Which merchant did the deal there? Do they not know that their father fixed the deal? Even then, they accuse us of fixing the deals)," said an angry Farooq.
He added "Mehbooba kehti hai ki hum Ne riyasat ko beech daala, arey terey baap sye bada saudagar kaun hai, delhi mein home minister kaun tha (Mehbooba says that we have sold the state, hey! Who is bigger merchant than your father? Who was home minister at New Delhi?). Amid the cheers from the crowds, Farooq went on and said "Acha huva tera baap teen saal mein chala gaya, varna hamein maar dalta (it is better that your father went away within three years, otherwise he would have killed us)."
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Labels: Chenab rivers, Farooq Farooq Abdullah agreement, Islamabad, Jhelum, Nagrota, National Conference patron, New Delhi, pakistan, PDP, Political squab, sharing of river waters, Sindh
Monday, April 21, 2008
Youth resurgence in offing
The countryside in Kashmir Valley is at its charming best around early autumn and now, in late spring. A marked difference on the horizon, this time, being that the blooming landscape is gradually-though painfully rediscovering its lost congruity with the rhyme and rhythm of human life. Tell-tale scars of prolonged disruption provide an eerie backdrop to palpable urge to rebuild lives from the ruins of the immediate past.
Articulation of this urge is distinctly noticeable in the generation worst affect ed by the two decade long bloody turmoil. The Kashmiri youth, also stigmatized by a frustrating ethnic-stereotyping beyond the homeland borders, is preparing to fight back on its own terms.
A new (post-1990) generation is coming to the forefront. The 18-plus lot of them would be eligible to vote for the first time in the 2008 elections. They are the products of a tumultuous milieu. Unlike, their older generations, the youth are not tuned to deference to traditional political culture. They are keener to be listened to rather than being harangued. They have little patience for listening to worn out themes and, instead, aspire to rewrite the agenda.
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Articulation of this urge is distinctly noticeable in the generation worst affect ed by the two decade long bloody turmoil. The Kashmiri youth, also stigmatized by a frustrating ethnic-stereotyping beyond the homeland borders, is preparing to fight back on its own terms.
A new (post-1990) generation is coming to the forefront. The 18-plus lot of them would be eligible to vote for the first time in the 2008 elections. They are the products of a tumultuous milieu. Unlike, their older generations, the youth are not tuned to deference to traditional political culture. They are keener to be listened to rather than being harangued. They have little patience for listening to worn out themes and, instead, aspire to rewrite the agenda.
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Labels: causes voters, elections, Kashmir Valley, Political, Youth, Youth resurgence
Friday, April 18, 2008
Rental hikes by Army may adversely affect fruit production in Jammu and kashmir
With fruit production in Kashmir static, the Kashmiri growers have asked the state and central government not to acquire horticulture land for any official purposes. They are also not satisfied with recent rent hike by the defence ministry.
The growers fear that acquiring of the horticulture land for official purposes will reduce the fruit production in the state. Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in India that has around 2.75 lakh hectares of land under the horticulture.The major portion of this land is used for the cultivation of fresh fruits especially apples.
President, Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Ghulam Rasool Bhat told Kashmir Times that, "The government should come up with a law for banning the use of horticulture land for any official purpose." He said that in Western countries, the government has already banned use of horticulture land for any official purposes, he said, adding similar ban should be imposed in Jammu Kashmir as well. "If steps are not taken, time will come when we will lose major portion of our orchards."
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The growers fear that acquiring of the horticulture land for official purposes will reduce the fruit production in the state. Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in India that has around 2.75 lakh hectares of land under the horticulture.The major portion of this land is used for the cultivation of fresh fruits especially apples.
President, Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, Ghulam Rasool Bhat told Kashmir Times that, "The government should come up with a law for banning the use of horticulture land for any official purpose." He said that in Western countries, the government has already banned use of horticulture land for any official purposes, he said, adding similar ban should be imposed in Jammu Kashmir as well. "If steps are not taken, time will come when we will lose major portion of our orchards."
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Labels: apples, defence ministry, fruit production, Ghulam Rasool Bhat, government, horticulture land, kashmir, Kashmir Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, orchards, rental hike
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Government efforts to control inflation - Edible oil, pulses to be imported
The Central government on Wednesday announced series of measures to control inflation like importing one million tones of edible oils and 15 lakh tons of pulses besides vowing to break the cartel of cement and steel traders and checking hoarders.
Targeted by Opposition and allies in the Lok Sabha for ‘failing' to control surging prices, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said the government will import one million tonnes of edible oil and 15 lakh tonnes of pulses, in a bid to check the rising prices of essential commodities. This oil will be subsidised at the rate of Rs 15 per litre and will be made available all over the country through the Public Distribution System (PDS), said Pawar responding to a heated daylong debate.
The minister further said the government will take a decision on banning futures trade in essential commodities in case expert committee report is not received within 10 days. "There is scarcity of edible oil in our country and we are dependent on import of edible oil.
We will import one million tonnes of edible oil and we have told all public sector companies and they should import edible oil," he said.
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Targeted by Opposition and allies in the Lok Sabha for ‘failing' to control surging prices, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said the government will import one million tonnes of edible oil and 15 lakh tonnes of pulses, in a bid to check the rising prices of essential commodities. This oil will be subsidised at the rate of Rs 15 per litre and will be made available all over the country through the Public Distribution System (PDS), said Pawar responding to a heated daylong debate.
The minister further said the government will take a decision on banning futures trade in essential commodities in case expert committee report is not received within 10 days. "There is scarcity of edible oil in our country and we are dependent on import of edible oil.
We will import one million tonnes of edible oil and we have told all public sector companies and they should import edible oil," he said.
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Labels: commodities, control inflation, Edible oil, Govt efforts, imported, Lok Sabha, Public Distribution System, public sector companies, pulses
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Absence of bridge in remote area affects everything including education in 10 villages
The inhabitants of at least twenty villages of Kalaroos area are cut off from Kupwara headquarters due to non-availability of a bridge at Nallah Kalaroos.The residents maintain that the fast flowing gushing waters have already claimed fifteen lives during past few years and students were the biggest sufferers.
Feeling neglected on part of authorities, the dismayed villagers allege that in spite of repeated representations, the authorities have shut their eyes to the problems of about ten thousand inhabitants living in these areas. The cut off Gojri speaking villages include Thayan, Nagsari, Narikhoot, Kataryan, Check Jabadwali, Mori, Ladah, Methabagh, Teda, Badi and Bakh.
The snow is melting in upper reaches and water level of the river originating from Sonapandi foot hills has gone up alarmingly, posing threat especially to school children. The village people have erected wooden poles over the Nallah to cross to the other side but it poses great risk to their lives. The school children enrolled in various schools on the the other side of the river have to cross it almost every day.
They said that due to the non-availability of a bridge, most of times, the ailing could not be ferried to sub district hospital (SDH) Kupwara for treatment.It is to mention that the remote areas also lack health care facilities and ailing have to avail medical treatment from Kupwara.
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Feeling neglected on part of authorities, the dismayed villagers allege that in spite of repeated representations, the authorities have shut their eyes to the problems of about ten thousand inhabitants living in these areas. The cut off Gojri speaking villages include Thayan, Nagsari, Narikhoot, Kataryan, Check Jabadwali, Mori, Ladah, Methabagh, Teda, Badi and Bakh.
The snow is melting in upper reaches and water level of the river originating from Sonapandi foot hills has gone up alarmingly, posing threat especially to school children. The village people have erected wooden poles over the Nallah to cross to the other side but it poses great risk to their lives. The school children enrolled in various schools on the the other side of the river have to cross it almost every day.
They said that due to the non-availability of a bridge, most of times, the ailing could not be ferried to sub district hospital (SDH) Kupwara for treatment.It is to mention that the remote areas also lack health care facilities and ailing have to avail medical treatment from Kupwara.
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Labels: Absence of bridge, affects education in 10 villages, biggest sufferers, gushing waters, Kupwara, Nallah Kalaroos, people, remote area, students
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Election Commission turns Jammu and Kashmir's down plea for early polls
The Election Commission is understood to have turned down a request of the government to hold the election's for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly early in July.
The Assembly's six-year term ends in November and hence the Commission has affirmed that it would prefer to hold the elections only in October or November. It is trying to synchronise the J&K elections with the elections in other states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Delhi.
The Centre as well as the J&K Government had sent feelers to the Election Commission that early elections would be appropriate and suggested that these should be before September when majority of the population will be observing Ramzan, the month of fasting.
The annual ritual of Yatra that requires lot of security arrangements particularly during August was also cited for completing the elections early but the Election Commission has declined, sources in the ruling Congress disclosed.
They said infiltration from across the border has declined in the past few months but the Commission is insisting that it will take into account this as well as the law and order situation in the state to hold the elections at a later date, close to the expiry of the term of the present Assembly.
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The Assembly's six-year term ends in November and hence the Commission has affirmed that it would prefer to hold the elections only in October or November. It is trying to synchronise the J&K elections with the elections in other states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Delhi.
The Centre as well as the J&K Government had sent feelers to the Election Commission that early elections would be appropriate and suggested that these should be before September when majority of the population will be observing Ramzan, the month of fasting.
The annual ritual of Yatra that requires lot of security arrangements particularly during August was also cited for completing the elections early but the Election Commission has declined, sources in the ruling Congress disclosed.
They said infiltration from across the border has declined in the past few months but the Commission is insisting that it will take into account this as well as the law and order situation in the state to hold the elections at a later date, close to the expiry of the term of the present Assembly.
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Labels: congress, Election Commission, elections, Jammu and Kashmir Assembly
Monday, April 14, 2008
Nishat garden draws huge crowds at Baisakhi
Baisakhi festival was celebrated in the Valley with fervor and gaiety. Thousands of people visited Nishat garden which is thrown open to the public every year on the occassion of Baisakhi.
People belonging to all the religions visited the Nishat garden. Despite the tulip gardens being the hot favourite this season, the Nishat garden also had a record breaking flow of locals and tourists today. People from different walks of life thronged these gardens, even as many complained of chaos and confusion on account of the security checks taken on the occasion.
People incharge at the ticket counter claimed to have sold tickets between 15,000-18,000. "Due to huge rush we are not able to give exact figures and still people are coming and entering the garden with hundreds waiting outside, so providing exact figures is totally impossible," said a person in-charge of the ticketing booth.
The festival of Baisakhi in Kashmir is celebrated in the Hindu month of Vaisakh (April-May), giving the name of Vaisakhi. The usual date of Baisakhi is on April 13, though it may vary by a day or two. The festival marks start of the harvest season in Northern India and is also considered auspicious for marriage.
The Baisakhi festival here is also characterised by a number of fairs organized on the day. The usual features of the Baisakhi in the Nishat are the performance of the bhangra and gidda dance.
While talking to Kashmir Times director floriculture S Naqash, who had himself come to inspect the garden said that the picture of today's rush should be highlighted everywhere in the world. "What better proof it can be for the normalcy in valley," he averred.
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People belonging to all the religions visited the Nishat garden. Despite the tulip gardens being the hot favourite this season, the Nishat garden also had a record breaking flow of locals and tourists today. People from different walks of life thronged these gardens, even as many complained of chaos and confusion on account of the security checks taken on the occasion.
People incharge at the ticket counter claimed to have sold tickets between 15,000-18,000. "Due to huge rush we are not able to give exact figures and still people are coming and entering the garden with hundreds waiting outside, so providing exact figures is totally impossible," said a person in-charge of the ticketing booth.
The festival of Baisakhi in Kashmir is celebrated in the Hindu month of Vaisakh (April-May), giving the name of Vaisakhi. The usual date of Baisakhi is on April 13, though it may vary by a day or two. The festival marks start of the harvest season in Northern India and is also considered auspicious for marriage.
The Baisakhi festival here is also characterised by a number of fairs organized on the day. The usual features of the Baisakhi in the Nishat are the performance of the bhangra and gidda dance.
While talking to Kashmir Times director floriculture S Naqash, who had himself come to inspect the garden said that the picture of today's rush should be highlighted everywhere in the world. "What better proof it can be for the normalcy in valley," he averred.
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Labels: Baisakhi festival, bhangra dance, gidda dance, Hindu month of Vaisakh, kashmir, Nishat garden, people, performance
Friday, April 11, 2008
There's a lot India can do with the wonder nut
It's a wonder nut all right. You put it in your hair, drink its water, grate and squeeze it for milk, and use it as fibre. And India can do even more with the coconut, say experts.
With coconut prices failing to keep up with inflationary trends and competition growing, planters of this versatile nut are looking for alternative ways to enhance their incomes.
Coconut has traditionally given India oil used for edible purposes, toiletry and industrial use. Coconut is also used for rafters for roofs, to make broomsticks and handicrafts.
P.K. Thampan of the Kochi-based Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation said in a discussion put out online: ‘Coconut water-based vinegar is being produced on a commercial scale in a few units in Kerala and the product is enjoying good consumer acceptance both within and outside the state.'
Of the total production of coconuts, about five percent is consumed in the tender form for drinking purposes. The rest is utilised as mature nuts for household and religious purposes and for the production of edible copra, milling copra and desiccated coconut.
Some successful coconut ventures include coconut water-based health drinks, vinegar and miscellaneous food articles available in global markets.
There is a growing demand for nata de coco in Japan and Malaysia, and technology for making it is available. Nata de coco is a chewy, gel-like traditional Philippine dessert prepared from coconut water by bacterial fermentation.
There is also a large demand globally for kernel and sap based coconut products, coconut liquid milk, coco milk powder, and desiccated coconut. Says farmer-journalist Shree Padre, who edits the journal Adike Patrike (Farmer's Own Media), ‘In the recent past, we have carried stories of tender coconut minimal processing, virgin coconut oil, coconut broomstick home industry and more.'
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With coconut prices failing to keep up with inflationary trends and competition growing, planters of this versatile nut are looking for alternative ways to enhance their incomes.
Coconut has traditionally given India oil used for edible purposes, toiletry and industrial use. Coconut is also used for rafters for roofs, to make broomsticks and handicrafts.
P.K. Thampan of the Kochi-based Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation said in a discussion put out online: ‘Coconut water-based vinegar is being produced on a commercial scale in a few units in Kerala and the product is enjoying good consumer acceptance both within and outside the state.'
Of the total production of coconuts, about five percent is consumed in the tender form for drinking purposes. The rest is utilised as mature nuts for household and religious purposes and for the production of edible copra, milling copra and desiccated coconut.
Some successful coconut ventures include coconut water-based health drinks, vinegar and miscellaneous food articles available in global markets.
There is a growing demand for nata de coco in Japan and Malaysia, and technology for making it is available. Nata de coco is a chewy, gel-like traditional Philippine dessert prepared from coconut water by bacterial fermentation.
There is also a large demand globally for kernel and sap based coconut products, coconut liquid milk, coco milk powder, and desiccated coconut. Says farmer-journalist Shree Padre, who edits the journal Adike Patrike (Farmer's Own Media), ‘In the recent past, we have carried stories of tender coconut minimal processing, virgin coconut oil, coconut broomstick home industry and more.'
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Labels: coconut, coconut ventures, demand, kerala, nata de coco, Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation
Thursday, April 10, 2008
India, Pakistan talks slated for May 21
India and Pakistan are set to resume talks with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee travelling to Islamabad to review bilateral ties with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on May 21.
They will review progress made in the fourth round of the Composite Dialogue process and also announce fresh dates for the next round. A day earlier on May 20 foreign secretaries Shiv Shankar Menon and Riyaz Mohammad Khan will set the agenda for the ministerial meeting.
"The external affairs minister will be visiting Islamabad on May 21, 2008 to hold a review meeting of the fourth round of Composite Dialogue. The visit will be preceded by the visit of the foreign secretary May 20," a brief statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said here Wednesday.
Both the ministers will also discuss Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's possible visit to Islamabad. Apparently due to election engagements in different states coupled with the speculations of an advanced general election, Dr. Singh's visit to Islamabad may not fructify in the near future.
India and Pakistan have so far held four rounds of the Composite Dialogue that has on its agenda eight issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Last week, Mukherjee spoke to Qureshi on telephone to congratulate him soon after he was appointed foreign minister.
Mukherjee's last visit to Islamabad was in January 2007 and the May visit will be the first contact between the two countries at the ministerial level since the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led coalition government came to power last month. Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon, who heads the Composite Dialogue with his Pakistani counterpart, visited Islamabad in March 2007 to start the fourth round.
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They will review progress made in the fourth round of the Composite Dialogue process and also announce fresh dates for the next round. A day earlier on May 20 foreign secretaries Shiv Shankar Menon and Riyaz Mohammad Khan will set the agenda for the ministerial meeting.
"The external affairs minister will be visiting Islamabad on May 21, 2008 to hold a review meeting of the fourth round of Composite Dialogue. The visit will be preceded by the visit of the foreign secretary May 20," a brief statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said here Wednesday.
Both the ministers will also discuss Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's possible visit to Islamabad. Apparently due to election engagements in different states coupled with the speculations of an advanced general election, Dr. Singh's visit to Islamabad may not fructify in the near future.
India and Pakistan have so far held four rounds of the Composite Dialogue that has on its agenda eight issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Last week, Mukherjee spoke to Qureshi on telephone to congratulate him soon after he was appointed foreign minister.
Mukherjee's last visit to Islamabad was in January 2007 and the May visit will be the first contact between the two countries at the ministerial level since the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led coalition government came to power last month. Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon, who heads the Composite Dialogue with his Pakistani counterpart, visited Islamabad in March 2007 to start the fourth round.
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Labels: bilateral ties, Composite Dialogue process, Dr.Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister, india, Islamabad, May 21, meeting, pakistan, Pranab Mukherjee, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, travelling
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Let them attack, I'm not leaving Mumbai: Big B
Pained by the campaign launched against him by Raj Thackeray's MNS, Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan has said he was not an outsider in Mumbai by any stretch of imagination and would not budge from the city.
"I am not leaving this city (Mumbai) and going anywhere. Let them chuck a thousand bottles. Let them burn my effigies and conduct morchas in front of my house. Let them blacken my film posters and stop screening of my films. Let them attack me with stones and laathis or whatever else is there in their arsenal," Bachchan told a city tabloid.
"Let them abuse me in the print and electronic media.Let them implicate me in false cases. I am not budging," he said before leaving for a film shooting abroad.
He said nobody can force him to leave Mumbai or to change the course of his conscience.
Bachchan spoke emotionally on the attacks on his reputation and integrity, and on being labelled an outsider in a city where he spent a major portion of his life.
"I am not an outsider by any stretch of imagination.This land is my land as much as it is every other citizen of our beloved country.I came to Mumbai in 1968 to pursue a vocation. I did not need a visa to come here," Bachchan said.
Raj Thackeray targeted Bachchan two months back saying that the actor showed more interest in Uttar Pradesh, his home state, than Maharashtra, where he attained stardom.
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"I am not leaving this city (Mumbai) and going anywhere. Let them chuck a thousand bottles. Let them burn my effigies and conduct morchas in front of my house. Let them blacken my film posters and stop screening of my films. Let them attack me with stones and laathis or whatever else is there in their arsenal," Bachchan told a city tabloid.
"Let them abuse me in the print and electronic media.Let them implicate me in false cases. I am not budging," he said before leaving for a film shooting abroad.
He said nobody can force him to leave Mumbai or to change the course of his conscience.
Bachchan spoke emotionally on the attacks on his reputation and integrity, and on being labelled an outsider in a city where he spent a major portion of his life.
"I am not an outsider by any stretch of imagination.This land is my land as much as it is every other citizen of our beloved country.I came to Mumbai in 1968 to pursue a vocation. I did not need a visa to come here," Bachchan said.
Raj Thackeray targeted Bachchan two months back saying that the actor showed more interest in Uttar Pradesh, his home state, than Maharashtra, where he attained stardom.
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Labels: Amitabh Bachchan, bollywood star, his reputation, integrity, leave Mumbai, Raj Thackeray
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Injury plagued Indians have gruelling session at Motera
The vanquished Indians hit the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium here for a rigorous three and a half hour practice session under the harsh summer sun in a bid to iron out their problems ahead of the third and final Test beginning on April 11 at Kanpur, which is now a must-win-game for them.
The Indians, however, continued to be plagued by injury problems as skipper Anil Kumble, who played the second Test despite suffering from a groin strain, skipped the practice sesion today along with his spin twin Harbhajan Singh who has been laid low by a stomach bug.
Kumble, who was declared fit to play the second Test on the morning of the match, is expected to undergo another fitness Test on April 10 on the eve of the third Test before a decision on his playing in the Test will be taken.
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The Indians, however, continued to be plagued by injury problems as skipper Anil Kumble, who played the second Test despite suffering from a groin strain, skipped the practice sesion today along with his spin twin Harbhajan Singh who has been laid low by a stomach bug.
Kumble, who was declared fit to play the second Test on the morning of the match, is expected to undergo another fitness Test on April 10 on the eve of the third Test before a decision on his playing in the Test will be taken.
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Labels: Ahmedabad, Anil Kumble, gruelling session, Gujarat, Harbhajan Singh, indian cricket team, Ishant Sharma, Kanpur, Motera, Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Rentals hiked for land occupied by Army
The Centre on Friday announced "big" hikes in rental rates of land occupied by its Army in Jammu and Kashmir.
A Defence Ministry spokesman here said the increase would be in the range of 2.1 to 5 times for various categories including orchards and agriculture land.
The rates have been revised following recommendations of an expert panel which submitted its report on July 12, 2007 calling for "realistic rents and compensation."
The revised rate structure will come into effect retrospectively from February 16, 2008 and will remain in force for five years till February 15, 2013.
According to state government figures, since 1989 Indian Army and other security agencies have occupied 51,459 acres (205 Sq kms) of private land besides 340 sq km of government land in Jammu and Kashmir.Further the troops are in possession of 1572 buildings and 378 acres of private land in Kashmir Valley alone.
Sources in the state government say the Army is further demanding 4354 acres of land for building various facilities and structures including an aviation corps headquarters near Srinagar.
Defence spokesman here said the measure to hike rents will provide succour to the people "who would now get a realistic payment for their land."
For the Class-1 category of irrigated land, the rate per kanal (0.125 acre) per annum has been increased from Rs. 1125 to Rs. 3381 while for the ‘IrrigatedDouble Cropped' category the hike would be from Rs.1688 to Rs. 4087 per kanal per annum.
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A Defence Ministry spokesman here said the increase would be in the range of 2.1 to 5 times for various categories including orchards and agriculture land.
The rates have been revised following recommendations of an expert panel which submitted its report on July 12, 2007 calling for "realistic rents and compensation."
The revised rate structure will come into effect retrospectively from February 16, 2008 and will remain in force for five years till February 15, 2013.
According to state government figures, since 1989 Indian Army and other security agencies have occupied 51,459 acres (205 Sq kms) of private land besides 340 sq km of government land in Jammu and Kashmir.Further the troops are in possession of 1572 buildings and 378 acres of private land in Kashmir Valley alone.
Sources in the state government say the Army is further demanding 4354 acres of land for building various facilities and structures including an aviation corps headquarters near Srinagar.
Defence spokesman here said the measure to hike rents will provide succour to the people "who would now get a realistic payment for their land."
For the Class-1 category of irrigated land, the rate per kanal (0.125 acre) per annum has been increased from Rs. 1125 to Rs. 3381 while for the ‘IrrigatedDouble Cropped' category the hike would be from Rs.1688 to Rs. 4087 per kanal per annum.
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Labels: Army, defence minister, headquarters, IrrigatedDouble Cropped, Jammu and Kashmir, pay hikes, rental rates of land, srinagar
Friday, April 4, 2008
Benazir's legacy
Just over a year ago, Pakistan's all-powerful president and chief of the army staff was firmly entrenched at the helm of affairs. He had taken several steps to ensure his absolute power; the ‘corrupt' politicians were in exile, and their parties were in disarray. Indeed, analysts were predicting that Pervez Musharraf would remain in power until 2015.
Three factors, occurring over a span of two years, changed this course. First, former archrivals Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif, both then in exile, joined hands in May 2006 to sign a ‘Charter of Democracy', aimed at ousting the military from Pakistani politics. Second, an increasingly independent judiciary began taking on previously taboo issues, including the disappearances that had taken place at the hand of the intelligence agencies since Pakistan's alliance with the US in the ‘war on terror'. Third, dozens of independent television channels, which had sprung up since 2002, were covering events critically and energetically.
These three factors eventually converged when Gen Musharraf tried to ‘suspend' Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in March 2007, sparking off the extraordinary lawyers' movement that had the general in its cross chairs. The media's dogged coverage contributed to sustaining the movement and sparking widespread public outrage. The political parties remained in the background, but their activists formed the bulk of the movement's street power, bearing the brunt of the arrests and beatings.
‘Civil society', much of which had supported Gen Musharraf's 1999 takeover (and which benefited from the ‘bankers' economy' set in place since), now finally turned against him. The political space wrested from March 2007 onwards expanded immeasurably with the triumphant return of Benazir Bhutto on 18 October. Benazir had spent the past few years lobbying the Western powers that were propping up the Musharraf regime (primarily the Americans) to convince them that the ‘war on terror' could not be won by military means alone.
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Three factors, occurring over a span of two years, changed this course. First, former archrivals Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif, both then in exile, joined hands in May 2006 to sign a ‘Charter of Democracy', aimed at ousting the military from Pakistani politics. Second, an increasingly independent judiciary began taking on previously taboo issues, including the disappearances that had taken place at the hand of the intelligence agencies since Pakistan's alliance with the US in the ‘war on terror'. Third, dozens of independent television channels, which had sprung up since 2002, were covering events critically and energetically.
These three factors eventually converged when Gen Musharraf tried to ‘suspend' Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry in March 2007, sparking off the extraordinary lawyers' movement that had the general in its cross chairs. The media's dogged coverage contributed to sustaining the movement and sparking widespread public outrage. The political parties remained in the background, but their activists formed the bulk of the movement's street power, bearing the brunt of the arrests and beatings.
‘Civil society', much of which had supported Gen Musharraf's 1999 takeover (and which benefited from the ‘bankers' economy' set in place since), now finally turned against him. The political space wrested from March 2007 onwards expanded immeasurably with the triumphant return of Benazir Bhutto on 18 October. Benazir had spent the past few years lobbying the Western powers that were propping up the Musharraf regime (primarily the Americans) to convince them that the ‘war on terror' could not be won by military means alone.
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Labels: Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, pakistan, Pakistani politics, Pervez Musharraf, war on terror
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Supreme Court says no to self-defence groups
In striking contrast to the state government's repeated claims of strengthening the Village Defence Committees (VDCs), Supreme Court of India has questioned the very constitution of these self-defence groups and termed it as "abetting a crime".
Supreme Court has said that constitution of such Defence Committees is abetting a crime if those having guns in their hands kill or indulge in committing excesses on other people. It has strongly said that the police and paramilitary forces should be deployed in adequate numbers to tackle the militants and not common people.
Questioning the anti-militant self defence movement started by the various governments across the country, Supreme Court has called for an independent assessment of the situation arising out of it. The observation has been made by the Supreme Court in a petition filed by Nandini Sundar, Ramachandra Guha and E.A.S. Sarma challenging the setting up of Salwa Judum (Self defence groups) by the government in Chhattisgarh.
Though, advocates of the Supreme Court pleading the case made no mention of Jammu and Kashmir but the observation is being seen as a landmark one and an eyeopener for the state government.
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Supreme Court has said that constitution of such Defence Committees is abetting a crime if those having guns in their hands kill or indulge in committing excesses on other people. It has strongly said that the police and paramilitary forces should be deployed in adequate numbers to tackle the militants and not common people.
Questioning the anti-militant self defence movement started by the various governments across the country, Supreme Court has called for an independent assessment of the situation arising out of it. The observation has been made by the Supreme Court in a petition filed by Nandini Sundar, Ramachandra Guha and E.A.S. Sarma challenging the setting up of Salwa Judum (Self defence groups) by the government in Chhattisgarh.
Though, advocates of the Supreme Court pleading the case made no mention of Jammu and Kashmir but the observation is being seen as a landmark one and an eyeopener for the state government.
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Labels: ammu and Kashmigovernment, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, self-defence groups, Supreme Court, Village Defence Committees
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
10792 homeless, 7.78 lakh live in slums inJammu and Kashmir
There are 10,792 homelss people in Jammu and Kashmir, besides this 7.78 lakh people reside in slums. 93 percent of the households in the state own their own houses and 4.3 percent line in rented accomodation.
This was revealed by the minister for Finance, Housing and Urban Development Tariq Hameed Qarra while speaking at the inaugural session of the 4th International Conference on "Intelligent, Green and Energy efficient Building" in Beijing today. The meet has been jointly organised by the Chinese Housing Ministry and the Construction Industry Development Concil (CIDC) India. Qarra is the head of the Indian delegation in the meet. Qarra further disclosed that 22.7 percent of the households in J&K line in one room, 26.2 percent in two, 18.7 percent in three rooms while 28.7 percent line in four or more room houses. He said that there is a shortage of 4.5 lac houses in J&K.
Qarra said the task of developing the urban areas will never acquire its true meaning and significance if the concept of Green Buildings is not pursued significantly in the modern housing infrastructure development. He said in tune with its policy of improving the urban amenities, the Government of India has embarked upon a massive Urban Renewal Mission titled JNNURM, and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is working on Green Building Guidelines and several other issues of construction industry reforms jointly with CIDC.
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This was revealed by the minister for Finance, Housing and Urban Development Tariq Hameed Qarra while speaking at the inaugural session of the 4th International Conference on "Intelligent, Green and Energy efficient Building" in Beijing today. The meet has been jointly organised by the Chinese Housing Ministry and the Construction Industry Development Concil (CIDC) India. Qarra is the head of the Indian delegation in the meet. Qarra further disclosed that 22.7 percent of the households in J&K line in one room, 26.2 percent in two, 18.7 percent in three rooms while 28.7 percent line in four or more room houses. He said that there is a shortage of 4.5 lac houses in J&K.
Qarra said the task of developing the urban areas will never acquire its true meaning and significance if the concept of Green Buildings is not pursued significantly in the modern housing infrastructure development. He said in tune with its policy of improving the urban amenities, the Government of India has embarked upon a massive Urban Renewal Mission titled JNNURM, and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is working on Green Building Guidelines and several other issues of construction industry reforms jointly with CIDC.
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Labels: 4th International Conference, Beijing, Construction Industry Development Concil india, Green and Energy efficient Building, homelss people, Intelligent, jammu, Qarra, slums, Urban Renewal Mission
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Willing youth be given safe passage: Mehbooba
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti called on the Muslim Conference patriarch and former President and Prime Minister of Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK) Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan here today to discuss the political and economic issues concerning the two parts of Jammu & Kashmir. The two leaders also discussed the measures to ensure lasting peace and stability in the State.
In an hour-long meeting the two leaders resolved to press for the speedy implementation of the J&K-specific cross-LoC confidence building measures including facilitation of free movement of people and goods across the two sides through all the traditional routes.
They said the governments in New Delhi and Islamabad must, without any further wait, remove the impediments delaying trade through Srinagar Muzaffarabad road. "It is ironic that cement consignments from Pakistan are allowed to land in Kashmir all through Wagah border and not through Srinagar Muzaffarabad road," the two leaders observed. They said for the larger economic good of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the region, the leadership of the two countries must, with political courage, get all the obstacles, hampering cross LoC trade, resolved, sooner the better.
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In an hour-long meeting the two leaders resolved to press for the speedy implementation of the J&K-specific cross-LoC confidence building measures including facilitation of free movement of people and goods across the two sides through all the traditional routes.
They said the governments in New Delhi and Islamabad must, without any further wait, remove the impediments delaying trade through Srinagar Muzaffarabad road. "It is ironic that cement consignments from Pakistan are allowed to land in Kashmir all through Wagah border and not through Srinagar Muzaffarabad road," the two leaders observed. They said for the larger economic good of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the region, the leadership of the two countries must, with political courage, get all the obstacles, hampering cross LoC trade, resolved, sooner the better.
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Labels: Jammu and Kashmir, Muslim Conference patriarch, Muzaffarabad road, Peoples Democratic Party, Sardar Abdul Qayoom, srinagar, Wagah border
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