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Omar Abdullah''s leadership welcomed in Kashmir

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:07:00 -0500

People in Jammu and Kashmir by and large are optimistic about the new coalition government in the state to be headed by Omar Abdullah, chief of National Conference Party, in alliance with Congress party.

In Srinagar, residents expressed faith in Omar''s leadership saying he would surely work for the development of the region.

"We are sure he will work for the development of people and solve our problems. All the pending problems will be dealt by him," said Janak Singh, a resident.

Some others, bitter about performance of past governments, said that they would watch how far Omar would succeed in fulfilling his promises.

"All politicians make big promises but it needs to be seen what their agenda is. All of them make big promises and then vanish after that. Let''s see whether he fulfils his promises or not," said Sajad Hussain, another resident.

In Jammu, residents expressed joy at Omar''s selection as the chief in the new government.

"It is a thing of great joy that he is to head the state. He is young and understands the political and economical situation in the region, but he will only be successful if he works for the people at the grass root level and does not confine himself to the betterment of only few chosen class," said Kamal Sangra, a resident. (ANI)

Cold wave grips north India

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:06:00 -0500

Cold wave gripped north India as dipping temperatures and dense fog made life difficult for people.

In Gorakhpur, there was less movement on roads as people chose to remain indoors due to the biting cold.

Thick fog enveloped the city and people huddled around fires to warm themselves.

Covered in thick woolens, the residents braved the winter chill as they went about their work amid a cover of fog. Number of students in schools and colleges declined as youngsters preferred to stay indoors.

"Today, it is very cold and the fog is also there. The number of students has also lessened as the students are not coming because of the cold," said Poonam Gupta, a resident.

Meanwhile, a thick fog engulfed Jammu hitting train and flight service in the region.

Many flights were cancelled following poor visibility due to the fog. The flights scheduled for Srinagar and Jammu, were cancelled while one of the Delhi-bound flight landed 45 minutes late from its arrival time.

Likewise, the train service was also affected, forcing passengers to spend long painful hours at the railway station in the biting cold.

"We are facing lot of problems. There is dense fog due to which the trains are running late. It is also very cold here. We are reaching late for our destinations due to the delay in trains'' running time," said Pradeep Kapoor, a passenger.

Many trains were arriving four to six hours behind their scheduled timings and the railway authorities in Jammu said, they were, on their part, ensuring that the corresponding trains left on time from the city.

"For past two three days, there has been dense fog and the trains are arriving late by four to six hours. But we are trying to ensure that their corresponding trains leave on time," said Ashok Kumar Sharma Divisional Traffic Manager, Jammu (DTM).

Meanwhile, the meteorological authorities in Jammu and Kashmir warned the residents to take precautions hinting at the weather conditions worsening in future. (ANI)

Vice President, Prime Minister greet people on New Year

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:06:00 -0500

Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have extended their greetings to fellow citizens on New Year.

In his greetings, Ansari said that the dawn of the New Year is always welcomed with renewed hope, which can only be fulfilled by working together with resolve and dedication.

The Vice President called upon the people to take a pledge on the eve of the New Year to strive towards building a strong, united, peaceful and prosperous India.

"Several challenges facing the country including poverty, illiteracy, ill health, unemployment and terrorism should be addressed on a priority basis with the cooperation of every citizen so that the nation takes its rightful place in the comity of nations," the Vice President added.

In his separate message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hoped that the year 2009 would bring with it a better future for everyone. He also wished that the New Year would bring peace and prosperity to the world.

"The beginning of the New Year is the time to firm up our resolve to work for the development of our country and for the well-being of our country-men", the Prime Minister added. (ANI)

President greets nation on the eve of New Year

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:05:00 -0500

President Pratibha Patil has greeted the nation on the eve of the New Year.

In her Message, the President said, "As the New Year dawns, let us pledge to make the coming year, a year of peace, amity and happiness. We must dedicate ourselves towards spreading the message of peace and harmony in order to help humanity emerge triumphant over the challenges posed by divisive and destructive forces present in society". (ANI)

Mumbai tourists chose Dadra and Nagar Haveli for New Year celebrations

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:05:00 -0500

In the wake of the recent terror attacks, people in Mumbai are going out to celebrate their New Year in western coastal enclaves of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

With easy access coupled with dense forest area and favourable climate, Dadra and Nagar Haveli are emerging as new tourist destinations. The prominent places of tourist interest are Tadekeshwar Shiva Mandir, Deer Park, Vanganga Lake and Island Garden and Mini Zoo.

The coastal enclaves are full with tourists on the New Year eve.

"Why people come to Silvassa is mainly because of security. There is no traffic jam. One can stay comfortably amidst the nature," said A D Nikam, Deputy Director, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

People of Mumbai are choosing Silvassa, the principal town of Dadra and Nagar Haveli for the celebrations because of closer proximity. Moreover, they feel these enclaves to be safe compared to other parts of the country.

"All over India this place is peaceful. No sort of communal violence and terrorist attacks have ever happened here. People coming from Mumbai, Delhi and Surat. All feel safe to be here. Even the foreigners feel safe to be here," said Miraaj Bhatani, a resident.

Surrounded by Gujarat and Maharashtra, Dadra and Nagar Haveli with an area of 491 sq km. is the smallest territory of the country directly administered by the Central Government.

Formerly a Portuguese territory, Dadra and Nagar Haveli were merged with the Indian Union on August 11, 1961. (ANI)

Security stepped up in Goa ahead of New Year

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:04:00 -0500

In the wake of recent terror attacks in Mumbai, authorities Goa have beefed up security measures in the region.

"We have made all possible security arrangements. In this regard, we have assistance from Government of India also in the form of paramilitary forces. So, I can say that Goa is safe and there are sufficient security arrangements on the ground," said Kishan Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Goa.

The state has undertaken several security measures like screening of tourists and combing of hotels.

"We have issued general advisory to hoteliers and other establishments like restaurants, cruise owners, boat owners and general public. The precaution that they should take while moving around, they should be secure," added Kishan Kumar.

Although tourists have resumed coming here after staying away for about four weeks, following the Mumbai terror attacks, the local administration has banned Christmas and New Year parties on its beaches as a precaution in the interest of public safety and security.

Thousands of tourists travel to Goa every month to lounge on the golden sands of its numerous beaches and also revel in nightlong parties. (ANI)

Tourists enjoying New Year at Patnitop near Jammu

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:02:00 -0500

Hordes of tourists from different parts of the country started arriving at Patnitop, a popular hill station near Jammu to enjoy New Year.

Located at a height of 2,024 metres above sea level and about 112 kilometers from Jammu, Patnitop is one of the major draws for students, honeymooners and families visiting the Jammu and Kashmir state.

"We have come here on our college trip. I am a final year student. We have heard lot about this place; we have seen some nice parks. But still we have to see a few points, we will see them as soon as possible," said Veena, one tourist.

Among the main attractions of Patnitop are delightful picnic spots, serene walks and magnificent views of the mountains forming the backdrop of the Chenab Basin.

Besides Patnitop also boasts of a six-hole golf course and three freshwater springs that are widely believed to have medicinal properties.

Many tourists say that there is no place better than Patnitop if one wants some time to be with nature, away from the city life.

"We are getting lots of call for bookings. But all our rooms are booked. Tourists have come here this year in large numbers to celebrate the New Year," said Jafar, Manager of the Jai Shree hotel.

Landscape of Patnitop, covering the vast grasslands of shinning green color in summers, takes totally different attire in winters. The town receives a large amount of snowfall that completely covers the lands. This gives a great opportunity for winter sports like skiing.

Following lack of snowfall, tourists have been a little disappointed this year. But still the hill station remains a major charm for tourists arriving here.

Patnitop is counted among the best-developed tourist spots in the J-K region. The natural beauty, dense pine forests and flourishing green landscape of this hill resort makes it a popular tourist destination.

It is said that tourists visiting this hills station for the first time are bound to fall in love with the place. (ANI)

Railway Police to get sophisticated weapons

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:01:00 -0500

The next time you visit any railway station, don’t be surprised if you come across many constables carrying sophisticated weapons.

Railway Police Force (RPF) is being trained at the Mulund RPF Reserve lines to operate sophisticated weapons to combat terrorism.

The step is hoped to enable Railway passengers to enjoy their journey fearlessly.

The training session begins early in the morning with the warm up exercises. It includes providing basic knowledge about AK-47 rifles, SLR and other sophisticated guns along with familiarity about any operation.

Knowledge about different positions of shooting is also being given to the men and women in the Railway Police Force.

R.B. Singh, Assistant Security Commissioner for Railway Police Force (RPF) said that the constables were taking active interest in the training.

R.B. Singh said, "We will be training 200 RPF, overall at the Mulund centre. Two batches are trained in a day, one in the morning and other in the evening. With a group of 24 police officers in two batches, the policemen are given training in operating and maintenance of the gun. Men and women both are given training to use sophisticated weapons during terror attacks."

"We are getting a very good response from the constables. They are appreciating this training. Every constable likes to handle sophisticated weapons and learn how to use them so that they can perform duty more effectively," Singh added.

The step holds significance in view of the recent terror attacks witnessed at four places in Mumbai and included CST Railway Station among other targeted places by terrorists.

Mumbai disaster management authorities said 195 people had been killed and 295 wounded in the terrorist attacks. (ANI)

Bollywood film stars wish Happy New Year to fans across the world

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0500

As a large number of people across the country celebrated the New Year by merry making with friends and families in the night, Bollywood stars opted to send their warm new year greetings to their millions of fans across the world.

Bollywood actors Ameesha Patel of Kaho Na Pyar Hai fame, said: "I just want to wish you a very-very Happy New Year. Let''s keep the spirit of India alive, let''s keep the spirit of Mumbai alive, we are strong people, nothing is going to break us, every little thing is going to make us, thank you and Happy New Year."

Wishing for a prosperous and fun filled year ahead, former Miss World and actor Diana Hayden of Big Boss fame, said, "I would like to wish everybody a very-very happy, prosperous, and joyful new year full with laughter, fun and lot of love."

Vidya Balan of Parineeta and Lage Raho Munna Bhai fame, said: "Hi, this is Vidya Balan, wishing all viewers merry Christmas and a very-very happy and peaceful 2009," said Balan.

Fashion model and Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal also gave his warm wishes for the people, "Hi, this is Arjun Rampal, I just want to wish you a very-very Happy New Year and may God bless you."

Among others, Farhan said: “I want to wish all viewers a very Happy New Year."

Abhishek Kapoor, actor-director, of Rock On fame also wished people a Happy New Year.

The year 2008 proved quite eventful and hoping for a joyous year ahead, Bollywood actor Purab Kohli, said, "Wish you all a very Happy New Year."

Meanwhile, giving out a special message to the Mumbaikars, who withstood the deadly terror attacks recently, Ameesha Patel urged the people to keep the spirit of the city alive and remain strong even in the face of adversity and face the challenges.

In contrast to 2007, New Year celebrations were quite subdued this year in Mumbai. Various events like the terror attacks that shook various parts of India in 2008 and the global economic meltdown playing a major role in dampening the spirit of people.

(ANI)

Copyright on Mahatma Gandhi''s literary works goes off in 2009

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:57:00 -0500

With the copyright restrictions on Mahatma Gandhi’s literary works expiring on January 1, 2009, publishers other than the previously authorized Navjivan Trust may be able to publish his writings and speeches.

In 1940, Gandhi made a will. In 1944, he signed an assignment deed where he assigned the copyright of his writings to Navjivan trust. But according to Section 22, Copyright Act, 1957, the copyright with Navjivan Trust ends on January 1, 2009.

According to the Copyright Act of 1957, the works of a person go into the public domain after 60 calendar years of his or her death. And, by this clause the Navjivan Trust loses the copyright on Gandhi works in 2009.

Navjivan Trust is unwilling to ask the Government of India to extend the copyright.

Navajivan Trust, since its inception, has published some 300 volumes of Mahatma Gandhi''s works including articles, letters and speeches, apart from translations of his autobiography.

In 1940, Mahatma Gandhi, the legendary nationalist leader and freedom fighter, through a will had entrusted the copyrights of his works with Navajivan Trust. In 1944, he signed an assignment deed in which he assigned his copyright of his write ups to Navjivan trust.

Authorities with the Navajivan Trust say that the Mahatma never subscribed to the idea of copyright despite authorizing them for his works.

"Gandhiji never supported the idea of copyright. But due to some instances, where his thoughts were misinterpreted, he was forced to give into the insistence of his well wishers urging him to get his works copyrighted. So he decided to entrust the copyright of his works with Navajivan Trust, which was founded by him," opined Amrut Modi, Managing Trustee, Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.

"If you consider the spirit of Gandhian thought, one should not ask for such extension. And we have considered this issue and we are not going to ask for such extension," said Jitendra Desai, Managing Trustee, Navajivan Trust, Ahmedabad.

But scholars in Gandhian thoughts and admirers of his philosophy, however, want the copyright to be revived by the government. The dominant fear among them being an unrestricted use of his works in future could lead to misinterpretation of his texts and concepts by other publishers.

"Once the copyright ends, the prices of the works are sure to shoot up. Besides, the task of taking the Gandhi''s thoughts to the people might also be affected. The Government should immediately take steps to do something about it and entrust the copyrights back to Navajivan Trust," said Dhimant Badiya, a Gandhian in Ahmedabad.

The Navjivan Trust will, however, continue to publish Gandhi''s works at subsidised prices so that his writings and thoughts would continue to be propagated even after the copyright has ceased. (ANI)