शाहिद-मीरा के रिसेप्शन में सबसे पहले पहुंचे अमिताभ, 

मुंबई: बॉलीवुड एक्टर शाहिद कपूर और दिल्ली की मीरा राजपूत की शादी का रिसेप्शन रविवार रात मुंबई के लोअर परेल एरिया स्थित पैलेडेयिम होटल में हुआ। रात 8:30 बजे से पार्टी शुरू हुई। पार्टी में अमिताभ बच्चन, अनिल कपूर, आलिया भट्ट, सोनम कपूर, कंगना रनोट, जेनेलिया डिसूजा, श्रद्धा कपूर, रणवीर सिंह, अर्जुन कपूर, अनुराग कश्यप समेत कई बड़ी फिल्मी हस्तियां पहुंचीं। बीते मंगलवार को शाहिद और मीरा की गुड़गांव में शादी हुई थी। (वेडिंग एल्बम देखने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें)

अमिताभ ने शेयर की फोटोज 
शाहिद ने एक थ्री पीस सूट पहन रखा था, जिसे उनके दोस्त और डिजाइनर कुनाल रावल ने डिजाइन किया था। मीरा ने मनीष मल्होत्रा द्वारा डिजाइन की गई ब्लू और वाइट कलर की ड्रेस पहनी। सबसे पहले पहुंचने वाले मेहमानों में अमिताभ बच्चन थे। वे कपल के अलावा शाहिद के पिता पंकज कपूर से बातचीत करते दिखे। बाद में अमिताभ ने रिसेप्शन की फोटोज अपने फेसबुक पेज पर शेयर की। (संगीत सेरेमनी की फोटोज देखने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें)

सिक्युरिटी गेटपास से मिली गेस्ट को एंट्री 
शाहिद के वेडिंग रिसेप्शन के लिए इनविटेशन कार्ड रवीश कपूर ने डिजाइन किया था। इसमें क्रोम प्लेटेड रिमूवेबल इनविटेशन था, जिसे गेस्ट अपने साथ लेकर वेन्यू पहुंचे। यही उनका सिक्युरिटी गेटपास था। शादी के कार्ड की तरह इसमें भी 'नो गिफ्ट प्लीज, ब्लेसिंग ऑनली' लिखा हुआ है। (हल्दी सेरेमनी की फोटोज देखने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें)

वेन्यू का डिजाइन और मेन्यू

रिसेप्शन के वेन्यू को विवाह वेडिंग डेकोर कंपनी की स्टाइलिस्ट रचना लकनोवाला ने डिजाइन किया था। इन्होंने सलमान खान की बहन अर्पिता खान के रिसेप्शन वेन्यू के लिए भी स्टाइलिंग की थी। दिल्ली में शाहिद की शादी में सिर्फ वेज खाना परोसा गया था, वहीं मुंबई में होने वाले इस रिसेप्शन में दोनों तरह का खाना सर्व किया गया।

मूवी शोले की सेट की एक दुर्लभ तस्वीर!

हरियाणा का 10 साल का गिरीश बना जयपुर का नया पुलिस कमिश्नर

सिरसा: गुरुवार का दिन 10 साल के गिरीश के लिए जि़न्दगी का सबसे यादगार दिन बन गया। किडनी की गंभीर बीमारी से जूझ रहे गिरीश की ख्वाहिश थी कि वह बड़ा होकर पुलिस कमिश्रर बने, लेकिन उसकी बीमारी की वजह से उसकी पढ़ाई-लिखाई भी बंद हो गई है। गिरीश की इस ख्वाहिश को पूरा करने के लिए उसे एक दिन के लिए जयपुर का पुलिस कमिश्नर बनाया गया। 

जयपुर पुलिस कमिश्नर के दफ्तर में जब लाल बत्ती लगी सरकारी कार से गिरीश उतरा तो पुलिस के आला अफसरों ने उसे तड़ातड़ सैलूट किए। इसके बाद गिरीश को गार्ड ऑफ़ ऑनर भी दिया गया। दरअसल ये सब काम गिरीश की हसरत को पूरी करने के लिए किया गया। सलामी के बाद गिरीश ने पुलिस कमिश्नर की कुर्सी भी संभाली। अतिरिक्त पुलिस आयुक्त बिपिन कुमार पाण्डेय ने बताया कि इच्छापूर्ति से बच्चे की सेहत पर भी सकारात्मक प्रभाव पड़ेगा और आत्मविश्वास के साथ जानलेवा बीमारी से डटकर मुकाबला करेगा और बच्चा शीघ्र ही दिन-प्रतिदिन स्वास्थ्य लाभ प्राप्त करेगा। 

पाण्डेय ने बताया कि सिरसा हरियाणा निवासी गिरीश ने च्मेक ए विश फाउन्डेशनज् की जयपुर शाखा के कार्यकत्र्ताओं को पुलिस आयुक्त बनने की इच्छा जाहिर की थी जिससे वह चोरों को पकड़ सके और शहर की शांति और व्यवस्था बनाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सके। इसकी इच्छापूर्ति को मूर्तरूप प्रदान करने में फाउन्डेशन का पूर्ण सहयोग रहा। इस फाउन्डेशन द्वारा 3 से 18 वर्ष के जानलेवा बीमारी से पीड़ित बच्चों की इच्छापूर्ति की जाती है। पिछले दस वर्षों में संस्था द्वारा दो हजार पांच सौ से भी ज्यादा बच्चों की इच्छायें पूरी की गई है।

गंभीर बीमारी से गुजर रहे गिरीश की इस इच्छा को पूरा करने वाले अफसर भी इस कदम को नई पीढ़ी और पुलिस महकमे के बेहतर रिश्तों और तालमेल की शुरुआत के रूप में देख रहे हैं। गिरीश को अपनी इच्छा पूरी करने का ये मौका एक सामाजिक संगठन की पहल पर मिला और उसके परिजन भी उसकी इस इच्छा के पूरा होने पर बेहद खुश हैं।

गिरीश की बीमारी के कारण उसका जीवन मुश्किल में है और किसी को नहीं मालूम कि उसका कितना जीवन बाकी है लेकिन इतना जरूर है कि अपनी हसरत को पूरी करने वाले दिन की ये यादें उसको हौसला जरूर देती रहेंगी।

I'm upset, but truth will prevail: Manmohan after summoned as accused in coal scam case

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said he was "upset" at being summoned as accused by a special court in a coal block allocation scam case.

"I am upset, but this is a part of life. I am sure that the truth will prevail and I will get a chance to put forward my case with facts," Singh told reporters.

"I have always said I am open to legal scrutiny," he added

The case pertains to the 2005 allocation of Talabira II coal block in Odisha. After taking cognisance of CBI's final investigation report in the matter, special judge Bharat Parashar held, that on the face of it, there was enough evidence to summon the former PM, who was also the coal minister at the time of allocation.

The Congress, meanwhile, rushed to the former PM's defence, saying receiving court summons does not make one guilty.

"I don't think anyone in India believes that Manmonhan Singh can do something wrong or corrupt. He was extremely cautious and he always wanted to be on the right side of the law. We shall defend Manmohan Singh with all our might," former Union minister Kapil Sibal told NDTV.

Congress Party spokesperson Manish Tewari said Singh was "a person of utmost integrity and probity".

  

Another spokesperson Sanjay Jha tweeted: "Sorry to puncture the brouhaha, but receiving a court summons does not make one guilty. That is elementary law. Right?"

     

Jha insisted that it was former PM Singh who pushed for auctions in coal block allocations. "He sought transparency, resisted by BJP-ruled states.The truth is coal block dubious allocations were all in non-Congress ruled states; MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, WB etc," he said.

Senior BJP leader and environment minister Prakash Javadekar denied that there was any element of vindictiveness in pursuing the case. "It is a Congress' scam and because of the Congress' sin, Manmohan ji, the economist (former) prime minister has to face this," Javadekar told reporters.

The court also summoned five others, including eminent industrialist KM Birla, former coal secretary PC Parakh and officials of M/s Hindalco, the company to which the coal blocks had been allocated.

The accused have been summoned to answer allegations of criminal conspiracy ( section 120 B) , breach of trust (409) and corruption (under the Prevention of Corruption Act).

Hindalco said it would study the order of the court in detail "and would defend its case through legal process."

"Hindalco reiterates that none of its officials, including its chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, have pursued any unlawful or inappropriate means for securing the allocation of the coal block," the company said in a statement.

Singh had headed the coal ministry between 2004 and 2009, for almost five years when the UPA government was in power. A number of coal block allocations made during that time are now being investigated by the CBI.

• Ludhiana

Belan Brigade launches drive against liquor vends

Belan Brigade has launched a drive against liquor vends in Ludhiana which will continue till March 31. Members of the brigade gathered at Basant resorts on Thursday and stated that the state must consider liquor consumption seriously which was increasing day by day because of free availability of liquor in every nook and corner. Aneeta Sharma, president of this brigade, said, “If the government gives an excuse that heroin comes from Pakistan, then from where does liquor come? Easy availability of liquor is spoiling lives of many, and the government is not looking at this aspect.”

Sharma added, “We want reduction in vends by 20-25% every year by government and at the same time, alcoholmeter should make regular check-up of employees. In addition to this, salary should be disbursed twice a month to factory workers. On the salary distribution day, liquor vends of that area should remain closed.”

The brigade members seemed to have carefully chosen the time for launching their campaign as liquor vends will be allotted this month through draw of lots.

The members had submitted a memorandum to BJP state president Kamal Sharma, urging him to raise his voice against the increasing number of vends in the state. They had also met the deputy excise and taxation commissioner, Ludhiana.

Jan Dhan Yojana: the fineprint Modi did not disclose

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet programme, the much-touted Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), is proving to be of little benefit, people are realising to their dismay.

Take the case of Avinash Bharti (21), son of Komal Singh, who took cue from the prime minister’s Independence Day speech last year and opened an account in Shivaji Nagar in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, on August 29, 2014. He met with an accident on November 1 while returning from Garhwal and died. When his father went to the bank to claim the insurance amount he was promised before opening bank account, he was turned away. 

The bank officials told Singh he is not eligible to claim the insurance money, says Chandra Shekhar Gaur who has been following the case since the beginning. Gaur from Neemuch district in Madhya Pradesh, later filed an RTI to obtain details of the terms and conditions of the scheme.

The revelation was shocking. He got to know that the benefit of insurance will be available only to those who have the RuPay debit card (issued under PMJDY) and have carried out minimum one successful financial or non-financial transaction 45 days prior to premature death.

Zero balance accounts 

These terms and conditions were not made public when the prime minister gave his speech, but the fact is that around 80 million out of the over 100 million accounts opened under the scheme have zero balance. The RTI reply highlights that a total of 108,464,393 accounts were opened while 89,633,976 RuPay debit cards were issued. A total of 78,834,602 accounts have zero balance.

The question that arises then is why would any person who has zero balance in the account go to the bank for a transaction? At the same time, if he does not make a transaction, he will not get the promised insurance in case of a mishap. The government put in place this condition knowing fully well that the beneficiaries are from the marginalised society and are unlikely to deposit money in the bank.

Where’s the insurance money?

For the RuPay scheme, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) had entered into an arrangement with HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company (HDFC ERGO) which came into effect from April 1, 2014 and shall remain effective for a period of one year (up to March 31).

While the agreement with HDFC ERGO will end on March 31, just one-and-half months from now, the government is yet to finalise several clauses in the agreement.

Interestingly, when an applicant asks how much amount of premium the insurers have made available for accident insurance to the account holders linked with PMJDY, NPCI refused to reveal, saying it is not in public interest and its commercial interest to disclose the information.

Gaur has questioned NPCI on its refusal to disclose details. “We are entitled to know the detail of any government scheme, including investment and benefits. There is something the government is hiding,” he said. His suspicion got stronger when the Union finance ministry responded to the same question. The ministry said the premium on these insurance has not been ascertained so far. Ministry of finance gave this information on January 6, 2015 in response to Gaur’s RTI application. The reply goes on to say that the guidelines for disposal of claims under insurance are still under consideration.

Unsettled claims

Gaur points out that as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, about 16 people die and 58 are injured every hour in road accidents in India and 100 million people have already been brought under the umbrella of government banking scheme, by-default making them beneficiaries of the insurance scheme under the prime minister’s financial inclusion plan.

“Where are the claims of the people?” he asks. It can be safely assumed that at least several thousand claims could have been made for insurance money. But very few people have come forward to claim their insurance money. NPCI informs that a total 34 cases of claims were received by December and not a single one has been settled so far.

PUNJAB RIGHT TO SERVICE COMMISSION HOLDS ITS LOK ADALAT IN KHANNA

* HEARS CASES RELATED VERIFICATION FOR RENEWAL OF ARMS LICENSES

Khanna (Ludhiana), February 19 (000)-​Punjab Right to Service Commission held its Lok Adalat at Tehsil Complex at Khanna in Ludhiana district today. In this Lok Adalat, pending cases related to Verification for renewal of arms license were taken up in the presence of PRTS Commissioner Mr Iqbal Singh Sidhu, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mr Ajay Sood, besides other senior officers of the district administration.

​In this Lok Adalat, a total of 22 persons appeared before Commissioner Mr Iqbal Singh Sidhu, who heard them patiently. Majority of the public which appeared before the RTS Commissioner told him that they had received the services on time.

Mr Iqbal Singh Sidhu informed that as per the Monthly Information System report of September 2014, they had sought information related to 201 cases from ADC Khanna. He said that as per a letter dated January 23, 2015, it was claimed that 8 cases were pending while verification for renewal of arms licenses was completed in remaining 195 cases. The RTS Commissioner said that in 195 cases, the service was not provided within fixed time frame of 22 days nor was the date on which service was provided was mentioned.

He said that taking a serious view on this matter, it was decided to hold Lok Adalat for the same. He said that the ADC Khanna Mr Ajay Sood, SSP Khanna Mr Gurpreet Singh Gill and other senior officials of Khanna were warned that they should take RTS Act seriously and provide services on time.

Mr Iqbal Singh Sidhu informed that the Punjab Government has notified 149 services under the Punjab Right to Service (PRTS) Act 2011 for time bound delivery and also notified the designated officers, First Appellate Authority, Second Appellate Authority. He said that the Punjab Right to Service Act was enacted with an aim to provide hassle free service to people in a stipulated time, adding that Punjab was the first state in the country to constitute the Punjab Right to Service Commission after implementing the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011.

​          He said that the PRTS Act-2011 has empowered people to seek services in a hassle free, corruption free, transparent and time-bound manner through different service delivery mechanism. Mr Ajay Sood said that PRTS Act 2011 would ensure that people take maximum advantage of time bound service delivery system. vv

AAP’s VICTORY IN DELHI NOT TO HAVE ANY IMPACT IN PUNJAB-BADAL

AAP’s VICTORY IN DELHI NOT TO HAVE ANY IMPACT IN PUNJAB-BADAL

·        RESPECTS PEOPLE MANDATE IN DELHI

·        SAYS PARTY TO INTROSPECT AND RETHINK POLL STRATEGY

·        ATTENDS FUNCTION AT HOUSE OF BJP DISTRICT PRESIDENT PARVEEN BANSAL

·        VISITS & INQUIRES ABOUT HEALTH OF SENIOR AKALI LEADER AMARJIT SINGH BHATIA AT HERO DMC HEART INSTITUTE

Ludhiana, February 10: Asserting that people’s mandate supreme and it must be respected in a democratic set up, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today however said that the AAP’s victory in Delhi assembly polls would not impact the prospects of Punjab politics in anyway.

Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of a private function at the residence of District BJP President Mr. Parveen Bansal here today, the Chief Minister said that despite the fact that AAP managed to form government in Delhi in 2013 as well but everyone knew well what happened later. Mr. Badal further said that the AAP’s victory was confined to only to national capital and subsequently these political developments would not have impending repercussions on the Punjab politics. Mr. Badal said that the Shiromani Akali Dal would make introspection of all the factors responsible for its defeat in Delhi at party’s platform.

On a query related to whether the AAP would be contesting the 2017 Assembly elections in Punjab, the Chief Minister categorically said that in our Indian democratic system, all political parties have the right and were at liberty to contest these elections adding that AAP had also earlier contested the 2014 General elections across the country. He said that the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janta Party alliance has always worked for the welfare and overall development of the state and that was why people of Punjab have always supported them.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Mr Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Mayor Mr Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, SAD district president Mr Madan Lal Bagga, besides several others.

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited Hero DMC Heart Institute to inquire about the health of his close confidant and senior Akali leader Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia, who was hospitalized here since January 28. He also interacted with Mr. Bhatia's family members and assured all possible help.

Developing Smart Ludhiana

ਸੂਆ ਰੋਡ ਤੋਂ ਰੇਲਵੇ ਲਾਈਨ ਤੱਕ ਬਣੇਗੀ 89 ਲੱਖ ਰੁਪਏ ਦੀ ਲਾਗਤ ਨਾਲ ਦੂਹਰੀ ਸੜਕ *ਗਿੱਲ ਸੜਕ ਤੋਂ ਦੁਗਰੀ ਵੱਲ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਹਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ ਰਾਹਗੀਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮਿਲੇਗੀ ਸਹੂਲਤ *ਚੇਅਰਮੈਨ ਗਾਬੜੀਆ ਨੇ ਕਰਵਾਈ ਵਿਕਾਸ ਕੰਮ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ

LALKAR RALLY WOULD SERVE NO PURPOSE EXCEPT POLITICIZING GRAVE ISSUE OF DRUGS- CM

LALKAR RALLY WOULD SERVE NO PURPOSE EXCEPT POLITICIZING GRAVE ISSUE OF DRUGS- CM

RATHER THAN POLITICIZING THE DRUGS ISSUE ALL THE POLITICAL PARTIES, NGOS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC MUST JOIN HANDS TO ELIMINATE THIS MENACE FROM THE STATE

SAD-BJP ALLIANCE WOULD SWEEP UPCOMING DELHI POLLS

KIRAN BEDI HAS PROVED HER METTLE IN EVERY FIELD

LOVE AND SUPPORT OF PUNJABIS WAS THE BIGGEST AWARD FOR HIM

REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PRESERVE HARD EARNED PEACE OF THE STATE

LAUNCH IDIPIA PORTAL IN LUDHIANA

Ludhiana, January 24-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that rather than politicizing the drugs issue in the state by organizing political rallies all the political parties, NGOs and the general public must join hands to eliminate this menace from the state.  

          Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of inauguration IDIPIA.com- an educational web portal here at Government College for Women, the Chief Minister said that Lalkar Rally held by the Congress on the issue of drugs would serve no purpose as it was just the politicization of this grave issue. He said that it was the high time that all the political parties, NGOs, general public should support the state government for eradicating the curse of drugs from the state. Mr. Badal said that instead of political motive such rallies were of no use as it would not help the state in any manner.

When asked to comment on the prospects of the SAD-BJP alliance in the upcoming Delhi polls, the Chief Minister said that the alliance would sweep these polls as there was a strong undercurrent in its favor. He said that the candidates of the alliance were get overwhelming response from the wise voters of Delhi who were keen to elect the alliance government for ushering in an era of all-round development. Mr. Badal further said that he would soon visit Delhi for campaign in the favor of the alliance candidates.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that issue of nominating any person as its Chief Ministerial candidate was the sole prerogative of any political party. However, he said that Mrs. Kiran Bedi had already proved her mettle in every field be it be Police service or social welfare. “Mrs. Bedi has a proven track record of a committed Police Officer, an able administrator, a true philanthropist and above all a great humanitarian” added Mr. Badal.

On a query regarding the media reports pertaining to decision of Union government to honor him with Padma award, the Chief Minister said that the unstinted love and support bestowed upon him by the people of the state was the biggest award for him. Mr. Badal said that due to the love and affection of the people of Punjab he has been elected as the Chief Minister of the state for record fifth term besides being the Union Minister for Agriculture for once adding that this award of people was bigger than any other award.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government was committed to maintain proper law and order situation in the state. He said that few incidents of violence or law and order problem were happening in almost every part of the globe and they must not be construed as a major problem. Mr. Badal said that the state government was committed for preserving the hard earned peace of the state at any cost.

Earlier addressing the gathering after launching IDIPIA portal, the Chief Minister termed it as a revolutionary step aimed at transforming the entire education system of the state. He said that this portal would enable the students to choose better career opportunities after matriculation thereby acting as a lighthouse for them. Mr. Badal also asked the developer of IDIPIA portal Dr. Harpreet Singh Dua to adopt the meritorious schools of the state government for guiding the students to select the course of their choice after matriculation exam.

Exhorting the corporate sector to play a proactive role in the development of education and health sector in the state, the Chief Minister said that they must contribute for further developing both these core sectors of immense significance. He said that the industrialists must come forward generously to uplift the standard of both these sectors in the larger public interest.

Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Vice Chairman of state Planning Commission Prof. Rajinder Bhandari, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. S Karunaraju, Vice Chancellor of Baba Sahib Bhim Rao Ambedkar University Lucknow Prof. RC Sobti, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University Mr. Ashok Mittal and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajat Aggarwal.   

A deputation from Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama,

A deputation from Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala calls on Health Minister Shri Kaul Singh Thakur at Shimla on 23 January 2015

स्वास्थ्य मंत्री तिब्बती चिकित्सा एवं एस्ट्रो. संस्थान के वर्षगांठ समारोह में मुख्यातिथि होंगे

स्वास्थ्य एवं परिवार कल्याण मंत्री श्री कौल सिंह ठाकुर से आज यहां मेन-सी-खंग (महामहिम दलाई लामा तिब्बती चिकित्सा एवं एस्ट्रो. संस्थान), धर्मशाला के प्रतिनिधिमंडल ने संस्थान के निदेशक श्री टशी छेरिंग फुरी के नेतृत्व में भेंट की। प्रतिनिधिमण्डल ने स्वास्थ्य मंत्री से संस्थान के 22 मार्च को धर्मशाला में आयोजित होने वाले 54वें स्थापना वर्षगांठ समारोह के अवसर पर मुख्यातिथि के तौर पर पधारने का अनुरोध किया। 

प्रतिनिधिमण्डल ने स्वास्थ्य मंत्री को अवगत करवाया कि 22 मार्च को यह कार्यक्रम प्रातः 11 बजे आरंभ होगा तथा इस दौरान पुरस्कार भी वितरित किए जाएंगे। इस उपलक्ष्य पर उन्होंने श्री ठाकुर से संस्थान के संग्रहालय, फार्मेसी इत्यादि का अवलोकन करने का भी आग्रह किया। 

प्रतिनिधिमण्डल ने स्वास्थ्य मंत्री से तिब्बती प्राकृतिक चिकित्सा पद्धति को बढ़ावा देने के लिये आग्रह किया।

श्री कौल सिंह ठाकुर ने प्रतिनिधिमंडल के निमंत्रण को स्वीकार करते हुए संस्थान की स्थापना वर्षगांठ के समारोह में उपस्थित रहने की सहमति दी और तिब्बती चिकित्सा पद्धति के संवर्द्धन व संरक्षण का आश्वासन दिया।

“Indian Railways – On A Fast Track To The Future” is the Theme of Indian Railways Republic Day Tableau this Year

“Indian Railways – On A Fast Track To The Future” is the Theme of Indian Railways Republic Day Tableau this Year 

For this year’s Republic Day Parade, the Indian Railways presents a special tableau with the theme “Indian Railways – On a Fast Track to the Future”. The tableau showcases a high speed train- design of which is based on existing high speed trains of the world. Being the most economical means of transport, Indian Railways caters to the need of common man. 

The Indian Railways’ progress in bringing about transformative changes in the sector through high speed trains, station infrastructure and passenger terminals and women empowerment has been presented in the tableau. 

Indian Railways promotes gender equality. The tableau endeavours to show that women are empowered in the Railways. They are now being selected for jobs for which only males were considered earlier. Women are increasingly being employed as train drivers, station masters, technical fitters, guards and in the Railway Protection Force (RPF). 

AKS/HK/KD/RV

Election Commission of India to Host 5th National Voters’ Day on 25th January

Election Commission of India to Host 5th National Voters’ Day on 25th January 
Theme for this Year NVD: ‘Easy Registration, Easy Correction’ 

The Election Commission of India is celebrating 5th National Voters’ Day ( NVD) across the country. The theme for the 5th NVD is ‘Easy Registration, Easy Correction’. 

The National Function will be held at Weight Lifting Auditorium, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi and presided over by Hon’ble former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The Chief Guest will give away Awards for the Best Electoral Practices to Chief Electoral Officers and District Election Officers. Awards will also be given to Media Houses and Civil Society Organizations for best campaign in Voters’ Education and Awareness. 

25th January is also the foundation day of the Commission, which came into being on this day in 1950. The Commission's objective through NVD is to increase enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones. The National Voters' Day is also utilized to spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process. 

RM/JP/PS

The life and sacrifices of Netaji serve as a beacon light for future generations, says President

The life and sacrifices of Netaji serve as a beacon light for future generations, says President 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has said that the life and sacrifices of Netaji serve as a beacon light for future generations. 

The President conveyed the above in a message to the Netaji Research Bureau, Kolkata on the occasion of  celebrations held today in Kolkata to mark the 118^th birth anniversary of Netaji.  The President’s message was read out to the audience by Prof. Mrs. Krishna Bose,  Chairperson, Netaji Research Bureau. An International Conference on ‘Asia in Bengal and Bengal in Asia’ was also organized by the Netaji Research Bureau as part of the birthday celebrations. 

In his message, the President said  it is appropriate to dwell on the contemporary relevance of Netaji and his message on the occasion of Netaji’s birthday. Our true homage to Netaji would be to work with dedication to make our country for whose sake Netaji sacrificed his everything,  strong, prosperous and progressive  so that it may one day become a great power in the world. He called upon the youth of the country to once again adopt the slogan ofIttefaq Itmad Kurbani or Unity, Faith, Sacrifice as the clarion call of our nation. 

The President said the place of Subhas Chandra Bose is unique in the history of India’s freedom struggle.  Netaji was unanimously elected Rashtrapati of the 51st session of the Indian National Congress held in Haripura on the banks of the river Tapti in February 1938. His Presidential address at the session was a masterpiece of vision and action. He talked not only of freedom but also of reconstruction and the need for planning by setting up a Planning Committee. He called for the gradual socialization of the entire agricultural and industrial system. He reminded delegates that “our chief national problems are eradication of poverty, illiteracy and disease”. Netaji as Congress President wrote a letter to all Congress Premiers advising them on how they should administer their provinces. The ideas contained in this letter were the precursors of the principles enshrined in the chapter on Directive Principles of our Constitution.

The President said Netaji believed that free India would become, by example, an alternative model for a post-colonial world through economic equity and a social revolution inspired by harmony between communities that had been misled into hostility.  Propelled by freedom of faith, gender equality and economic justice for all, India will become a modern nation. 

The President said it is amazing how much Subhas Chandra Bose was able to achieve and accomplish in a short span of time. Netaji’s entire life is a story of service and sacrifice. He was a doer as well as a thinker.  He was a fighter and a natural leader of men. His writing, exceptional oratory and persuasive reasoning won him an impassioned and loyal following.  He set an example through his actions and ideals and inspired the younger generation to dedicate themselves to the service of the nation. His proud and independent spirit mocked at ill-health and ill-fortune.  He took exile and imprisonment in his stride.  He appealed to the people of our country “Give me blood, I will give you freedom”. 

President pays homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 118th birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 23, 2015). He paid floral tributes in front of a portrait of Netaji at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Officers and staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan were present on the occasion. 

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh presiding over the planning meeting of MLA’s

 Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh presiding over the planning meeting of MLA’s at Shimla on 24 January 2015.

Urban Development Minister Shri Sudhir Sharma releasing a CD of folk devotional songs by Vipkesh Thakur at Shimla

January 2015

Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh presiding over the planning meeting of MLA’s at Shimla on 24 January 2015.Urban Development Minister Shri Sudhir Sharma releasing a CD of folk devotional songs by Vipkesh Thakur at Shimla on 24 January 2015

हिमाचल प्रदेश विधान सभा की लोक लेखा समिति प्रदेश से बाहर भ्रमण पर

हिमाचल प्रदेश विधान सभा सचिवालय

हिमाचल प्रदेश विधान सभा की लोक लेखा समिति प्रदेश से बाहर भ्रमण पर।

हिमाचल प्रदेश विधान सभा की लोक लेखा समिति आजकल हिमाचल प्रदेश से बाहर दूसरे राज्यों के भ्रमण पर है। राजस्थान के चितौड़गढ़ पहॅुची हिमाचल प्रदेश की सत्रह सदस्यीय लोक लेखा समिति के अध्यक्ष, श्री रविन्द्रसिंह रवि ने पत्रकरों से बातचीत करते हुए यह जानकारी दी कि हिमाचल प्रदेश में बिजली चोरी के मामले नहीं होते और किसानों को आवेदन के साथ ही कृषि कनेक्शन भी जारी कर दिए जाते है। उन्होंने समिति के सदस्यों के साथ जयपुर में राज्यपाल से शिष्टाचार मुलाकात भी की।

श्री रवि ने कहा कि हिमाचल प्रदेश की तरह ही राजस्थान ने भी अपनी संस्कृति को सहेजकर रखा हुआ है तथा हिमाचल के हर गांव का विद्युतीकरण किया हुआ है, हर गांव में पीने के पानी की पर्याप्त उपलब्धता है और सड़को का जाल पूरे प्रदेश में बिछा हुआ है लेकिन बरसात के दिनों में भारी वर्षा के कारण सड़कें खराब हो जाती है जिससे कठिनाईयों का सामना करना पडता है। उन्होंने कहा‍ कि हिमाचल प्रदेश में विपरीत परिस्थितियों के वावजूद भी तीन-चार माह के अन्दर ही विकास कार्य पूर्ण कर लिए जाते है। इसके साथ ही उन्होंने हिमाचल प्रदेश में पॉलीथिन पर लगें पूर्ण प्रतिबन्ध से भी अवगत करवाया। यहां पहॅुची समिति के सदस्यों में विधायक श्री सुरेश भारद्वाज, खूबराम, कृष्ण लाल ठाकुर, किरनेश जंग, समिति अधिकारी विरेन्द्र गुलेरिया, प्रतिवेदक जगदीश शर्मा आदि शामिल है।

PM invites suggestions from the people on 'International Day of Yoga' and services in Indian Embassies

PM invites suggestions from the people on 'International Day of Yoga' and services in Indian Embassies

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has invited suggestions from the people on 'International Day of Yoga' and services in Indian Embassies, on the MyGov platform.

“Share your ideas & inputs on marking the first ever 'International Day of Yoga', on this MyGov Open Forum. http://mygov.in/groupissue/celebration-of-international-day-of-yoga/show

Friends from the diaspora, share your inputs on certain aspects pertaining to our Embassies abroad. http://mygov.in/groupissue/your-experience-at-the-embassy/show

The inputs on the Embassies received through MyGov would be very valuable for the Conference of Heads of Mission, being held in February”, the Prime Minister said.

INSIDE STORY: जानें, नूपुर कैसे बनीं केजरीवाल के खिलाफ BJP उम्‍मीदवार

नई दिल्ली. भाजपा ने पार्टी में शामिल होने के पांचवें ही दिन किरण बेदी को सीएम पद का उम्‍मीदवार तो घोषित कर दिया, लेकिन वह उन्‍हें अरविंद केजरीवाल के खिलाफ चुनाव लड़ने के लिए राजी नहीं कर पाई। सोमवार देर शाम जब पार्टी की केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति की बैठक हुई तो सबसे ज्‍यादा माथापच्‍ची नई दिल्‍ली सीट के लिए उम्‍मीदवार तय करने को लेकर ही करनी पड़ी। पार्टी में पिछले एक सप्‍ताह के भीतर शामिल हुए तमाम चेहरों ने केजरीवाल के खिलाफ लड़ने से इनकार कर दिया और अपनी मर्जी की सीट पर टिकट पाने में कामयाब रहे।

दिल्ली में कड़ी चुनौती बन चुके अरविंद केजरीवाल के खिलाफ उम्मीदवारी तय करने में बीजेपी नेताओं के पसीने छूट गए। पार्टी अध्यक्ष अमित शाह समेत बड़े नेताओं ने केजरीवाल के खिलाफ कभी उनके करीब रहीं किरण बेदी और फिर शाजिया इल्मी को चुनाव लड़ाने का मन बनाया था। लेकिन बेदी ने केजरीवाल के खिलाफ चुनाव लड़ने से सीधे तौर पर इनकार कर दिया। इल्मी ने यहां तक कह दिया कि वह चुनाव लड़ने के लिए नहीं, बल्कि काम करने के लिए पार्टी में शामिल हुई हैं। आप से टूटकर आए एमएस धीर और अशोक चौहान ने पहले ही नई दिल्ली सीट से चुनाव लड़ने को लेकर हाथ खड़े कर दिए थे। जब कोई बड़ा नाम केजरीवाल के खिलाफ चुनाव लड़ने के लिए तैयार नहीं हुआ तो भाजपा ने अंतत: नूपुर शर्मा को नई दिल्‍ली से उतारने का फैसला किया।

कौन हैं नूपुर

31 साल की नूूपुर दिल्ली में बीजेपी का युवा चेहरा हैं। उन्होंने दिल्ली यूनिवर्सिटी से लॉ की डिग्री ली है और लंदन स्कूल ऑफ इकोनॉमिक्स से एलएलएम किया है। वह अखिल भारतीय विद्यार्थी परिषद (एबीवीपी) से दिल्ली यूनिवर्सिटी छात्र संघ की अध्यक्ष रह चुकी हैं। सन् 2008 में उन्होंने एनएसयूआई की सोनिया सापरा को 1700 वोटों से हराया था। इससे पहले छह साल तक लगातार एबीवीपी चुनाव में हार रही थी। फिलहाल नूपुर भारतीय जनता युवा मोर्चा में नेशनल मीडिया सेल की को इंचार्ज हैं। 

केजरीवाल के खिलाफ मजबूत उम्मीदवार उतारने पर रही असमंजस की स्थिति

नूपुर को नई दिल्‍ली से उम्‍मीदवार बनाने से पहले भाजपा अध्‍यक्ष ने पार्टी उम्‍मीदवारों की सूची में अंतिम समय में बड़े बदलाव करवाए थे। इसके बाद सोमवार रात संसदीय और केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति की बैठक हुई तो इसमें केजरीवाल के खिलाफ विनोद कुमार बिन्नी को उतारने पर भी चर्चा हुई, पर बिन्नी पटपड़गंज सीट से लड़ने पर ही अड़े थे। कांग्रेस से भाजपा में शामिल हुईं कृष्णा तीरथ से भी नई दिल्ली सीट पर चुनाव लड़ने के बारे में पूछा गया। लेकिन उन्होंने सीधे तौर पर केजरीवाल के खिलाफ चुनाव लड़ने से इनकार कर दिया और पटेल नगर से ही टिकट दिए जाने की मांग पर अड़ी रहीं। 

(दिल्ली चुनावः बीजेपी के पहली सूची में शामिल 62 के नाम जानने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें)

प्रदेश इकाई के नेता पर करना पड़ा भरोसा
बड़े चेहरों द्वारा इनकार के बाद भाजपा प्रदेश इकाई से किसी नेता को लाने पर विचार हुआ। इसी दौरान तय हुआ कि पार्टी नई दिल्ली से किसी नए चेहरे को उतारेगी। तब विदेश में पढ़ी नूपुर शर्मा का नाम फाइनल हुआ।