Saturday, August 26, 2006
Police Crack Down on Prostitution in Agra
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: More and more girls, some still infants, are being groomed to become prostitutes in Taj Mahal city of Agra. But police are determined to end it all.
Innocent girls, brought here from other parts of northern India, are being allegedly injected hormones to induce puberty. Some are being registered in schools with names of strangers as their mothers.
Agra Police freed about 20 girls, aged between 2-15, following half a dozen raids this month at the Basai red light zone, barely a stone's throw from the majestic Taj, one of the world's leading tourist attractions.
Only recently 3 girls were rescued from the house of a middleman engaged in women trafficking. Police say they were to be sold to "contacts" in Mumbai.
In another raid, 3 girls, including a 2-year-old, were freed. 5 women and 9 men were held on charges of trapping them in flesh trade.
Police also rescued several girls from areas such as Mal ka Bazar, Kashmiri Bazar, Seo ka Bazar, Sir ki Mandi and Sikandra.
Apart from the 'kothas', some up-market residential colonies like Shahid Nagar, Gulmohar Enclave and Awas Vikas Nigam were also searched.
All this is part of an "all-out war" Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Juneja has launched against prostitution in Agra, which attracts thousands of Indian and foreign tourists every day.
NGOs and women's groups have expressed concern over reports of young girls being injected with hormones to induce puberty. "Hormone injections can lead to many health problems including cervical cancer," Netra Pal Singh, counselor at the All India Women's Conference, told Www.mediabharti.com.
Medical tests conducted on girls freed from the clutches of women who claimed to be their mothers revealed that they were not blood related. One such woman, Reshma, claimed that the girls taken from her custody were her daughters. Police got her examined at Government Women's Hospital here where a doctor, Neeta Kulshrshtra, ruled that Reshma had never given birth to any child. The girls had been tutored to say that Reshma was their mother.
Another woman from the Shahid Nagar area also claimed that the girl she was living with was her daughter. A DNA test confirmed she was not.
The police have vowed to continue their crackdown on Agra's booming flesh trade. Said Rajesh Dwivedi, the officer who heads the Taj Ganj police station close to the marble monument: "We will step up our drive against prostitution."
Agra: More and more girls, some still infants, are being groomed to become prostitutes in Taj Mahal city of Agra. But police are determined to end it all.
Innocent girls, brought here from other parts of northern India, are being allegedly injected hormones to induce puberty. Some are being registered in schools with names of strangers as their mothers.
Agra Police freed about 20 girls, aged between 2-15, following half a dozen raids this month at the Basai red light zone, barely a stone's throw from the majestic Taj, one of the world's leading tourist attractions.
Only recently 3 girls were rescued from the house of a middleman engaged in women trafficking. Police say they were to be sold to "contacts" in Mumbai.
In another raid, 3 girls, including a 2-year-old, were freed. 5 women and 9 men were held on charges of trapping them in flesh trade.
Police also rescued several girls from areas such as Mal ka Bazar, Kashmiri Bazar, Seo ka Bazar, Sir ki Mandi and Sikandra.
Apart from the 'kothas', some up-market residential colonies like Shahid Nagar, Gulmohar Enclave and Awas Vikas Nigam were also searched.
All this is part of an "all-out war" Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Juneja has launched against prostitution in Agra, which attracts thousands of Indian and foreign tourists every day.
NGOs and women's groups have expressed concern over reports of young girls being injected with hormones to induce puberty. "Hormone injections can lead to many health problems including cervical cancer," Netra Pal Singh, counselor at the All India Women's Conference, told Www.mediabharti.com.
Medical tests conducted on girls freed from the clutches of women who claimed to be their mothers revealed that they were not blood related. One such woman, Reshma, claimed that the girls taken from her custody were her daughters. Police got her examined at Government Women's Hospital here where a doctor, Neeta Kulshrshtra, ruled that Reshma had never given birth to any child. The girls had been tutored to say that Reshma was their mother.
Another woman from the Shahid Nagar area also claimed that the girl she was living with was her daughter. A DNA test confirmed she was not.
The police have vowed to continue their crackdown on Agra's booming flesh trade. Said Rajesh Dwivedi, the officer who heads the Taj Ganj police station close to the marble monument: "We will step up our drive against prostitution."
365-metre 'Chadar' at Shah Jahan's Urs
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Muslim devout presented a record 354-metre multi-color 'chadar' on the 3rd and last day of 351st Urs of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan here.
Hundreds joined the procession holding "Hindustani Saptarangi Chadar", accompanied by music. Qawwalis, popularized by Sufis, were sung till Wednesday evening.
Whole of Wednesday, huge crowds saw Taj Mahal for free, the majestic monument built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, in line with a decision taken by Archaeological Survey of India.
Agra: Muslim devout presented a record 354-metre multi-color 'chadar' on the 3rd and last day of 351st Urs of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan here.
Hundreds joined the procession holding "Hindustani Saptarangi Chadar", accompanied by music. Qawwalis, popularized by Sufis, were sung till Wednesday evening.
Whole of Wednesday, huge crowds saw Taj Mahal for free, the majestic monument built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, in line with a decision taken by Archaeological Survey of India.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
7-Year-Old Agra Girl Fasts for Rains
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: A 7-year-old Muslim girl who had begun a fast 10 days ago in Agra to appease rain gods was forced to break her fast with some fluids and made to eat fruit. But she is continuing to deny herself food.
Parveen, who hails from a poor peasant family in Jaunai village, in Saiyan block along the Agra-Gwalior road, was made to break her fast Sunday evening on 10th day. She was given an oral re-hydration solution and given some bananas.
Shatrughan Singh, sub-divisional magistrate of Kheragarh, and some officers persuaded Parveen's parents and got her to break the fast.
But she resumed her fast, saying until the rain gods obliged she would not eat. Many areas in western Uttar Pradesh have received less then 50% rainfall this year.
Her fast has inspired hundreds of people to join her in prayers and bhajans. Parveen's family, which includes her 5 brothers and sisters, says that she is determined to starve herself until "Lord Indra smiles" and ensures rainfall.
"Her tapasya (meditation) will not go in vain," say villagers, worried over scanty rainfall in some districts of western UP.
With the monsoon season in its last phase, people here are tired of seeing dark clouds disappear every day. Dry spell has led anxious farmers and agricultural scientists to start working on alternative models.
Farmers have been asked to resort to dry-land farming techniques. According to figures available, the shortfall is more than 50% in 6 districts of Agra division.
Though there has so far been no negative impact on the agricultural operations because there is still a lot of moisture in the soil to take care of the kharif crop, the real fear is of water scarcity in coming months.
Agra: A 7-year-old Muslim girl who had begun a fast 10 days ago in Agra to appease rain gods was forced to break her fast with some fluids and made to eat fruit. But she is continuing to deny herself food.
Parveen, who hails from a poor peasant family in Jaunai village, in Saiyan block along the Agra-Gwalior road, was made to break her fast Sunday evening on 10th day. She was given an oral re-hydration solution and given some bananas.
Shatrughan Singh, sub-divisional magistrate of Kheragarh, and some officers persuaded Parveen's parents and got her to break the fast.
But she resumed her fast, saying until the rain gods obliged she would not eat. Many areas in western Uttar Pradesh have received less then 50% rainfall this year.
Her fast has inspired hundreds of people to join her in prayers and bhajans. Parveen's family, which includes her 5 brothers and sisters, says that she is determined to starve herself until "Lord Indra smiles" and ensures rainfall.
"Her tapasya (meditation) will not go in vain," say villagers, worried over scanty rainfall in some districts of western UP.
With the monsoon season in its last phase, people here are tired of seeing dark clouds disappear every day. Dry spell has led anxious farmers and agricultural scientists to start working on alternative models.
Farmers have been asked to resort to dry-land farming techniques. According to figures available, the shortfall is more than 50% in 6 districts of Agra division.
Though there has so far been no negative impact on the agricultural operations because there is still a lot of moisture in the soil to take care of the kharif crop, the real fear is of water scarcity in coming months.
Muslim Youth Ends Fast Against Decree on 'Vande Mataram'
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Muslim youth ended his 8-day fast to protest a 'fatwa' against singing of India's national song Vande Mataram in schools.
'Fatwa' was issued by Sunni Ulema Board president Maulana Syed Shah Badruddin Qadri in Hyderabad.
Ministry of Human Resource Development had issued a directive to states for recitation of Vande Mataram during a celebration on September 7 to mark the national song's centenary. HRD Minister Arjun Singh later clarified that the singing of the national song was "voluntary in nature."
Gulchaman Sherwani went on fast under Bharat Mata statue in front of Agra Civil Court. He said, "Vande Mataram was not against Islam and by opposing its singing in schools the Maulana had committed an anti-national act."
District administration on Monday forced him to drink a glass of juice and call off his fast as his condition was deteriorating.
Agra: Muslim youth ended his 8-day fast to protest a 'fatwa' against singing of India's national song Vande Mataram in schools.
'Fatwa' was issued by Sunni Ulema Board president Maulana Syed Shah Badruddin Qadri in Hyderabad.
Ministry of Human Resource Development had issued a directive to states for recitation of Vande Mataram during a celebration on September 7 to mark the national song's centenary. HRD Minister Arjun Singh later clarified that the singing of the national song was "voluntary in nature."
Gulchaman Sherwani went on fast under Bharat Mata statue in front of Agra Civil Court. He said, "Vande Mataram was not against Islam and by opposing its singing in schools the Maulana had committed an anti-national act."
District administration on Monday forced him to drink a glass of juice and call off his fast as his condition was deteriorating.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Conference on Mobile Publishing Business in Chennai
Chennai: An annual Conference on Mobile Publishing Business would be held at Chennai Convention Centre, Nandambakkam in Chennai during 13-14 September.
Event is being organized by Ifra India, a leading association for newspaper and media publishing.
Different sessions on ‘Mobile Publishing Business for Newspapers’, ‘New Media Opportunities’ and ‘Vision for Growth’ are in the agenda at conference. Eminent scholars would make their presentations on different Internet and Mobile Strategies.
Event is being organized by Ifra India, a leading association for newspaper and media publishing.
Different sessions on ‘Mobile Publishing Business for Newspapers’, ‘New Media Opportunities’ and ‘Vision for Growth’ are in the agenda at conference. Eminent scholars would make their presentations on different Internet and Mobile Strategies.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Political Parties Gear up for Assembly Polls in Agra
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: With polls to Uttar Pradesh assembly round the bend major political parties have switched over to full election mode.
Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav took the lead last month with his generous doles distribution programmes for the unemployed youth and Kanya Vidya Dhan cheques. Event at kothi Meena Bazar ground was not only well attended but set the tone for other such conferences in different parts of the state. Mulayam has clearly sent out positive signals by promising to double the dole from Rs.500/- to Rs.1000/- if returned to power.
This was followed by a massive show of strength by Bhartiya Janata Party, at historic Ram Lila ground, the biggest turnout in recent years addressed by party chief Raj Nath Singh and all who matter in state. Each Vidhan Sabha constituency in Agra division was represented.
Not to be left behind in electoral race, Bahujan Samaj Party has embarked on a mission to woo Brahmins. After a series of conferences of Vyshya community, the party is now busy organizing Brahmin jamborees which have not evoked the kind of enthusiastic response that was expected by leadership. Ramvir Upadhyaya, former BSP minister from Hathras, has been the key organizer, but his appeal has been rather dull, say the observers in Agra. Addressing the Mathura convention on Tuesday BSP's national General Secretary Satish Mishra talked of his party's changed political perception, which was to give importance to people on the basis of capabilities. A large number of sadhus were seen on the dias which has been a subject of discussion here.
Only the Congress presents a picture of fragmentation and loss of direction. 2 days back when union minister of state Jairam Ramesh was in Agra, Congress workers lost no opportunity to fight it out right before the dignitary who counseled them to close their ranks and stand united behind the leadership.
The Agra division, considered the stronghold of Samajwadi Party, with 3 MPs in Lok Sabha in last election, is now a high battleground for some really bitter contests as cine star Raj Babbar is on the other side of fence. What impact his Jan Morcha will have on the outcome of the poll, is a question being hotly debated here.
Agra: With polls to Uttar Pradesh assembly round the bend major political parties have switched over to full election mode.
Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav took the lead last month with his generous doles distribution programmes for the unemployed youth and Kanya Vidya Dhan cheques. Event at kothi Meena Bazar ground was not only well attended but set the tone for other such conferences in different parts of the state. Mulayam has clearly sent out positive signals by promising to double the dole from Rs.500/- to Rs.1000/- if returned to power.
This was followed by a massive show of strength by Bhartiya Janata Party, at historic Ram Lila ground, the biggest turnout in recent years addressed by party chief Raj Nath Singh and all who matter in state. Each Vidhan Sabha constituency in Agra division was represented.
Not to be left behind in electoral race, Bahujan Samaj Party has embarked on a mission to woo Brahmins. After a series of conferences of Vyshya community, the party is now busy organizing Brahmin jamborees which have not evoked the kind of enthusiastic response that was expected by leadership. Ramvir Upadhyaya, former BSP minister from Hathras, has been the key organizer, but his appeal has been rather dull, say the observers in Agra. Addressing the Mathura convention on Tuesday BSP's national General Secretary Satish Mishra talked of his party's changed political perception, which was to give importance to people on the basis of capabilities. A large number of sadhus were seen on the dias which has been a subject of discussion here.
Only the Congress presents a picture of fragmentation and loss of direction. 2 days back when union minister of state Jairam Ramesh was in Agra, Congress workers lost no opportunity to fight it out right before the dignitary who counseled them to close their ranks and stand united behind the leadership.
The Agra division, considered the stronghold of Samajwadi Party, with 3 MPs in Lok Sabha in last election, is now a high battleground for some really bitter contests as cine star Raj Babbar is on the other side of fence. What impact his Jan Morcha will have on the outcome of the poll, is a question being hotly debated here.
Taj Corridor: Back to Square One
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Even as Supreme Court and other government bodies debate the modalities and delay in declaring Agra a heritage city, the fate of Taj corridor which brought down the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh, hangs fire, with no one in authority quite clear about what to do with the debris and heaps of dirt that now are the predominant feature of this ill-conceived project.
Archaeological Survey of India was asked by the apex court to give concrete proposals with costs to dismantle the structure. But after the cost estimates were worked out it was considered practical to convert the raised platform along river bank into a green patch leaving wilderness untouched. Months and years have passed but no action has so far been initiated to dismantle the corridor and restore originality to landscape between Agra Fort and Taj Mahal.
“If the ill-conceived structure is not to be dismantled and removed now, the original project itself could have been allowed to continue with required modifications,” says eco-activist Rajan Kishore to Www.mediabharti.com .
Noted Mughal historian Prof. Ram Nath sees a conspiracy in the report submitted to apex court. “Somewhere somehow an effort is being made to justify what Mayawati government had done.”
Having spent tons of money and reams of paper on discussing the feasibility and relevance of the corridor project, the think tank appointed by apex court had done nothing better than maintaining the status quo, feel the locals.
The Krishna Mahajan committee wants the structure left untouched and a new green belt developed on it, because dismantling would create new threats to the Taj Mahal through soil erosion and air pollution, as well as cost the exchequer a whopping Rs.40 crores.
Corridor project which has raised a new structure in the form of a platform on roughly 80 acres of river bed between the Taj and Fort, has drastically reduced the water body speeding up the flow of water which presently is a trickle.
The Supreme Court has asked the ASI how the corridor can be used to advantage without risk to the monuments. ASI in Agra hardly seems equipped to address this problem or offer any practical suggestions, given its past record..
Agra: Even as Supreme Court and other government bodies debate the modalities and delay in declaring Agra a heritage city, the fate of Taj corridor which brought down the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh, hangs fire, with no one in authority quite clear about what to do with the debris and heaps of dirt that now are the predominant feature of this ill-conceived project.
Archaeological Survey of India was asked by the apex court to give concrete proposals with costs to dismantle the structure. But after the cost estimates were worked out it was considered practical to convert the raised platform along river bank into a green patch leaving wilderness untouched. Months and years have passed but no action has so far been initiated to dismantle the corridor and restore originality to landscape between Agra Fort and Taj Mahal.
“If the ill-conceived structure is not to be dismantled and removed now, the original project itself could have been allowed to continue with required modifications,” says eco-activist Rajan Kishore to Www.mediabharti.com .
Noted Mughal historian Prof. Ram Nath sees a conspiracy in the report submitted to apex court. “Somewhere somehow an effort is being made to justify what Mayawati government had done.”
Having spent tons of money and reams of paper on discussing the feasibility and relevance of the corridor project, the think tank appointed by apex court had done nothing better than maintaining the status quo, feel the locals.
The Krishna Mahajan committee wants the structure left untouched and a new green belt developed on it, because dismantling would create new threats to the Taj Mahal through soil erosion and air pollution, as well as cost the exchequer a whopping Rs.40 crores.
Corridor project which has raised a new structure in the form of a platform on roughly 80 acres of river bed between the Taj and Fort, has drastically reduced the water body speeding up the flow of water which presently is a trickle.
The Supreme Court has asked the ASI how the corridor can be used to advantage without risk to the monuments. ASI in Agra hardly seems equipped to address this problem or offer any practical suggestions, given its past record..
Donkeys drink Coca-Cola and Pepsi
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Protesters belonging to Rashtriya Janata Dal offered cold drinks to donkeys at district headquarters Saturday afternoon.
Protesters demanding ban on sale of coke and Pepsi, had brought half a dozen donkeys along with them. After raising slogans they made the donkeys drink bottles of cold drinks, which at first the moody asses did not relish but after some coaxing and cajoling seemed to enjoy the free hospitality.
Volunteers of Ajit Singh Youth Brigade have asked district administration to ensure the shops in city stopped selling cold drinks which had been identified as injurious to health. Parents in several schools in city met school managements to persuade them to ban sale of cold drinks. A market report said there was a big drop in sale of cold drinks. Vehicles of bottlers chose to stay away from roads fearing attacks.
However, animal lovers called it an atrocious act. According to them poor asses should not have been subjected to such un-animal like gesture. If something is not good for human beings, how can it be good for animals?" they asked.
Agra: Protesters belonging to Rashtriya Janata Dal offered cold drinks to donkeys at district headquarters Saturday afternoon.
Protesters demanding ban on sale of coke and Pepsi, had brought half a dozen donkeys along with them. After raising slogans they made the donkeys drink bottles of cold drinks, which at first the moody asses did not relish but after some coaxing and cajoling seemed to enjoy the free hospitality.
Volunteers of Ajit Singh Youth Brigade have asked district administration to ensure the shops in city stopped selling cold drinks which had been identified as injurious to health. Parents in several schools in city met school managements to persuade them to ban sale of cold drinks. A market report said there was a big drop in sale of cold drinks. Vehicles of bottlers chose to stay away from roads fearing attacks.
However, animal lovers called it an atrocious act. According to them poor asses should not have been subjected to such un-animal like gesture. If something is not good for human beings, how can it be good for animals?" they asked.
Fight for Women’ Reservation will Continue: Raja
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Over 100 communist party workers including 59 women were released from Agra's district jail, last Sunday afternoon, after they had been arrested for traveling without tickets at Billochpura railway station of Agra on 4th August, by a special squad headed by a railway magistrate who promptly sent all of them to jail.
All arrested were from Chatisgarh, on their way to New Delhi to offer Satyagrah at Jantar Mantar in support of women's reservation bill.
Their release followed high drama which at one stage threatened to sour relations between the communists and the Railway Minister Lalloo Yadav who using his special powers provided them passes to travel back home.
Earlier on Saturday CPI leader Jang Bahadur from New Delhi paid for tickets and penalty amounting to Rs.1,06,000/-. But since the court order for release of arrested reached the jailor late Saturday evening, their release was postponed to Sunday morning.
Annie Raja, General Secretary of national federation for women, a CPI front organization, said "we will continue to organize such demonstrations and dharnas with greater resolve as successive governments at the centre were found dragging their feet on this issue." She however said there was some softening on stand taken earlier by Lalloo Yadav and other pro-reservation parties like DMK.
Agra: Over 100 communist party workers including 59 women were released from Agra's district jail, last Sunday afternoon, after they had been arrested for traveling without tickets at Billochpura railway station of Agra on 4th August, by a special squad headed by a railway magistrate who promptly sent all of them to jail.
All arrested were from Chatisgarh, on their way to New Delhi to offer Satyagrah at Jantar Mantar in support of women's reservation bill.
Their release followed high drama which at one stage threatened to sour relations between the communists and the Railway Minister Lalloo Yadav who using his special powers provided them passes to travel back home.
Earlier on Saturday CPI leader Jang Bahadur from New Delhi paid for tickets and penalty amounting to Rs.1,06,000/-. But since the court order for release of arrested reached the jailor late Saturday evening, their release was postponed to Sunday morning.
Annie Raja, General Secretary of national federation for women, a CPI front organization, said "we will continue to organize such demonstrations and dharnas with greater resolve as successive governments at the centre were found dragging their feet on this issue." She however said there was some softening on stand taken earlier by Lalloo Yadav and other pro-reservation parties like DMK.
Kids Evaluate University Examination Copies, Major Racket Exposed
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: In the day, UP governor TV Rajeshwar Rao was vexing eloquent at a seminar in St. John's College, about his Herculean efforts to tone up higher education in state and the manner hundreds of private institutions of higher learning had been de-recognized by him, and the very same evening media persons with police parties raided a house in Lawyers' Colony, on a tip off, and were shocked to see kids and non-metric students evaluating answer copies of Choudhary Charan Singh University of Meerut.
8th pass kids were giving marks on the basis of handwriting and diagrams, evaluating copies of Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Students engaged for the work got Rs.4/- to 5/- per copy. One girl said she could check up to 20 copies in a day.
At the initiative of district magistrate Sanjay Prasad a team of cops raided the house in Girraj Nagar around 11pm. Half a dozen people were taken into custody. What came out as a revelation is that this racket of checking copies of various universities had been going on for quite some time. The son of a former registrar of Agra University was identified as the person who had organized the mass copies evaluation programme. Interestingly, copies being evaluated were of a wide variety of courses including LLB, Medical, BCA and BBA.
Kingpin, Parle Baijnath, has been a student of MITM at Agra University. He informed the police that a Ghaziabad teacher RP Singh had provided the copies for evaluation. Police found a large stock of confidential envelopes, marks foils and scores of bundles piled up in the room, many still to be opened. More than 250 bundles had been sealed and another 250 remained to be checked till late night.
An official said one of the evaluators had the job of being constantly in touch on his mobile with touts to identify those who wanted good marks. Deals were struck.
The whole examination system has now come under scrutiny. When instances of similar irregularities in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University were highlighted some time back, the university management found one particular college having passed all the students with flying marks, even those who had not taken the examinations.
Agra: In the day, UP governor TV Rajeshwar Rao was vexing eloquent at a seminar in St. John's College, about his Herculean efforts to tone up higher education in state and the manner hundreds of private institutions of higher learning had been de-recognized by him, and the very same evening media persons with police parties raided a house in Lawyers' Colony, on a tip off, and were shocked to see kids and non-metric students evaluating answer copies of Choudhary Charan Singh University of Meerut.
8th pass kids were giving marks on the basis of handwriting and diagrams, evaluating copies of Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Students engaged for the work got Rs.4/- to 5/- per copy. One girl said she could check up to 20 copies in a day.
At the initiative of district magistrate Sanjay Prasad a team of cops raided the house in Girraj Nagar around 11pm. Half a dozen people were taken into custody. What came out as a revelation is that this racket of checking copies of various universities had been going on for quite some time. The son of a former registrar of Agra University was identified as the person who had organized the mass copies evaluation programme. Interestingly, copies being evaluated were of a wide variety of courses including LLB, Medical, BCA and BBA.
Kingpin, Parle Baijnath, has been a student of MITM at Agra University. He informed the police that a Ghaziabad teacher RP Singh had provided the copies for evaluation. Police found a large stock of confidential envelopes, marks foils and scores of bundles piled up in the room, many still to be opened. More than 250 bundles had been sealed and another 250 remained to be checked till late night.
An official said one of the evaluators had the job of being constantly in touch on his mobile with touts to identify those who wanted good marks. Deals were struck.
The whole examination system has now come under scrutiny. When instances of similar irregularities in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University were highlighted some time back, the university management found one particular college having passed all the students with flying marks, even those who had not taken the examinations.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Security Beefed Up At Taj Following Terror Threat
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Following the US warning that foreign terrorists were planning fresh attacks on India, authorities Friday beefed up security arrangements at the famed Taj Mahal and other monuments here.
There were also special security measures at Taj following last Friday's incident when thousands of Muslims entered the monument without tickets on the pretext of offering prayers and as security personnel and Archaeological Survey of India officials struggled to maintain order.
"Muslims who came for the Friday prayers were screened and escorted by security forces who made sure they did not side track or enter the main mausoleum," D. Dayalan, ASI Agra chief, told Www.mediabharti.com .
He said everything was in place and the situation in Etmauddaula too was under control. According to sources, hundreds of Muslims have been forcibly entering the historical monument in the past few weeks. People come on the pretext of saying prayers but linger on for a picnic.
New bunkers, barricades and barriers have come up. The Provincial Armed Constabulary has also been put on guard at sensitive areas.
Agra: Following the US warning that foreign terrorists were planning fresh attacks on India, authorities Friday beefed up security arrangements at the famed Taj Mahal and other monuments here.
There were also special security measures at Taj following last Friday's incident when thousands of Muslims entered the monument without tickets on the pretext of offering prayers and as security personnel and Archaeological Survey of India officials struggled to maintain order.
"Muslims who came for the Friday prayers were screened and escorted by security forces who made sure they did not side track or enter the main mausoleum," D. Dayalan, ASI Agra chief, told Www.mediabharti.com .
He said everything was in place and the situation in Etmauddaula too was under control. According to sources, hundreds of Muslims have been forcibly entering the historical monument in the past few weeks. People come on the pretext of saying prayers but linger on for a picnic.
New bunkers, barricades and barriers have come up. The Provincial Armed Constabulary has also been put on guard at sensitive areas.
Shiv Sena 'Guerrilla Operation' to Pray at Taj Foiled
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Attempts by the rightwing group Shiv Sena to enter India's famed Taj Mahal were foiled Monday when police cordoned off the area forcing them to perform a series of Hindu rituals called 'maha aarti' outside.
About 20 Shiv Sena activists were arrested Monday as police cordoned off the 500-metre area around Taj Mahal. They had then moved to the area around the complex called the Taj Corridor from where they performed the ritualistic aarti.
The failed effort to perform the rituals inside Taj, a 17th century mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, comes 2 days after thousands of Muslim pilgrims returning from the Sufi shrine at Ajmer entered the complex to offer prayers and see the monument.
As a reaction to the incident, the Shiv Sena had announced the rituals to reassert their claim that the mausoleum was built at the site of a Shiva temple. When asked how they would enter, a Sena official had said Friday: "This will be a guerrilla operation."
Shiv Sainiks believe that Taj Mahal was originally a Rajput structure, which housed a Shiva temple. They have prepared a long list of evidence in support of their claim, which most historians do not accept.
Taj Mahal, a white domed monument considered one of the wonders of the world, is closed to visitors on Fridays, but opens for about two hours in the afternoon to allow local Muslims to offer prayers at the mosque inside.
Archaeological Society of India officials told Www.mediabharti.com that the government directive failed to distinguish between locals and outsiders, who took advantage of this ambiguity, resulting in utter chaos this past Friday.
Agra: Attempts by the rightwing group Shiv Sena to enter India's famed Taj Mahal were foiled Monday when police cordoned off the area forcing them to perform a series of Hindu rituals called 'maha aarti' outside.
About 20 Shiv Sena activists were arrested Monday as police cordoned off the 500-metre area around Taj Mahal. They had then moved to the area around the complex called the Taj Corridor from where they performed the ritualistic aarti.
The failed effort to perform the rituals inside Taj, a 17th century mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, comes 2 days after thousands of Muslim pilgrims returning from the Sufi shrine at Ajmer entered the complex to offer prayers and see the monument.
As a reaction to the incident, the Shiv Sena had announced the rituals to reassert their claim that the mausoleum was built at the site of a Shiva temple. When asked how they would enter, a Sena official had said Friday: "This will be a guerrilla operation."
Shiv Sainiks believe that Taj Mahal was originally a Rajput structure, which housed a Shiva temple. They have prepared a long list of evidence in support of their claim, which most historians do not accept.
Taj Mahal, a white domed monument considered one of the wonders of the world, is closed to visitors on Fridays, but opens for about two hours in the afternoon to allow local Muslims to offer prayers at the mosque inside.
Archaeological Society of India officials told Www.mediabharti.com that the government directive failed to distinguish between locals and outsiders, who took advantage of this ambiguity, resulting in utter chaos this past Friday.
3rd Prize for Indian Duo at Microsoft's Technology Challenge
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: An Italian team was adjudged best software designers while an Indian team won a 3rd prize at Microsoft Imagine Cup 2006 that concluded here Friday after a week of intense competition among technology students drawn from more than 65,000 contestants from over 100 countries.
Team of Giorgio Sardo, Massimo Paternoster, Silvia Perrone and Andrea Sossich from Polytechnic of Turin, Italy were awarded a cash prize of $25,000 for its effort.
Indian team comprising Mohit Bhargava and Mitushi Jain won the 3rd prize in interface design category.
Imagine Cup, Microsoft's premier competition for technology students, provides a forum to encourage creative and technological innovations among university students worldwide.
A total of 181 students from 72 teams representing 42 countries were ultimately selected to participate in the finals held here in 6 categories: software design, algorithm, Information Technology, short film, interface design and project 'hoshimi' (programming battle).
Teams were asked to undertake a series of challenges relating to multimedia or technology depending on the invitational.
Theme of the finals was: "Imagine a world where technology enables us to live healthier lives."
Speaking at the event, India's Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal said: "In these bright young minds from across the globe I see the future, the next phase of technology revolution, and the desire to make the world a better place not just for themselves but for others too.
"The role of governments and businesses is to make sure we provide them with those opportunities. Imagine Cup is one of those platforms, and I am glad India played host and hopefully not only inspired them but also learned from them."
Korea will host the Imagine Cup 2007 in Seoul.
Agra: An Italian team was adjudged best software designers while an Indian team won a 3rd prize at Microsoft Imagine Cup 2006 that concluded here Friday after a week of intense competition among technology students drawn from more than 65,000 contestants from over 100 countries.
Team of Giorgio Sardo, Massimo Paternoster, Silvia Perrone and Andrea Sossich from Polytechnic of Turin, Italy were awarded a cash prize of $25,000 for its effort.
Indian team comprising Mohit Bhargava and Mitushi Jain won the 3rd prize in interface design category.
Imagine Cup, Microsoft's premier competition for technology students, provides a forum to encourage creative and technological innovations among university students worldwide.
A total of 181 students from 72 teams representing 42 countries were ultimately selected to participate in the finals held here in 6 categories: software design, algorithm, Information Technology, short film, interface design and project 'hoshimi' (programming battle).
Teams were asked to undertake a series of challenges relating to multimedia or technology depending on the invitational.
Theme of the finals was: "Imagine a world where technology enables us to live healthier lives."
Speaking at the event, India's Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal said: "In these bright young minds from across the globe I see the future, the next phase of technology revolution, and the desire to make the world a better place not just for themselves but for others too.
"The role of governments and businesses is to make sure we provide them with those opportunities. Imagine Cup is one of those platforms, and I am glad India played host and hopefully not only inspired them but also learned from them."
Korea will host the Imagine Cup 2007 in Seoul.
President Creates 'Slide Show' on Water Crisis
By Brij Khandelwal
New Delhi: President APJ Abdul Kalam has prepared a slide show about the problems that could arise due to increasing scarcity of water.
The slide show depicts a 50-year-old man narrating the benefits of water to his son in the year 2070.
Show, circulated by Press Information Bureau, talks about a time when people would be ready to kill someone for a jar of water and as there would acid falling from the sky instead of water.
New Delhi: President APJ Abdul Kalam has prepared a slide show about the problems that could arise due to increasing scarcity of water.
The slide show depicts a 50-year-old man narrating the benefits of water to his son in the year 2070.
Show, circulated by Press Information Bureau, talks about a time when people would be ready to kill someone for a jar of water and as there would acid falling from the sky instead of water.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Microsoft Software Competition to be Held in Agra
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Over 200 student innovators from over 45 countries are all set to showcase their software development skills and compete for a grand prize of $125,000 at the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2006 being held here Aug 6-9.
The annual competition enables students to apply their creativity, knowledge and technical abilities to making the world a better place through technology, and to encourage young innovators to develop applications that are relevant in today's context.
Joe Wilson, Microsoft's director of academic initiatives, will be present at 3-day competition in Taj Mahal city.
The theme for the event this year, based on healthcare, is "Imagine a world where technology enables us to live healthier lives", said Shiela Gulati, director, developer and platform evangelism, Microsoft India. She added: "Contestants would have the opportunity to win cash prizes totaling up to $125,000."
India will be represented by team "Sonique" from Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DA-IICT). The team has created a solution for enabling blind people to dynamically move around and perceive their surroundings, inspired by the echo-location technique used by bats to sense the environment.
The highlight of the Imagine Cup is the software design competition. Teams of up to 4 people are asked to build health-related solutions that feature a self created web service, is designed on .NET Framework 2.0, and uses Visual Studio for development.
Invitational winners will receive $8,000 and an all expenses trip to India to compete in the worldwide finals.
Agra: Over 200 student innovators from over 45 countries are all set to showcase their software development skills and compete for a grand prize of $125,000 at the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2006 being held here Aug 6-9.
The annual competition enables students to apply their creativity, knowledge and technical abilities to making the world a better place through technology, and to encourage young innovators to develop applications that are relevant in today's context.
Joe Wilson, Microsoft's director of academic initiatives, will be present at 3-day competition in Taj Mahal city.
The theme for the event this year, based on healthcare, is "Imagine a world where technology enables us to live healthier lives", said Shiela Gulati, director, developer and platform evangelism, Microsoft India. She added: "Contestants would have the opportunity to win cash prizes totaling up to $125,000."
India will be represented by team "Sonique" from Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DA-IICT). The team has created a solution for enabling blind people to dynamically move around and perceive their surroundings, inspired by the echo-location technique used by bats to sense the environment.
The highlight of the Imagine Cup is the software design competition. Teams of up to 4 people are asked to build health-related solutions that feature a self created web service, is designed on .NET Framework 2.0, and uses Visual Studio for development.
Invitational winners will receive $8,000 and an all expenses trip to India to compete in the worldwide finals.
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