Almonds are useful in keeping away lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Not only this, loaded with vitamins and minerals, stacked with nutrients and easy to add to one’s daily diet, almonds are in every way the wonder food for the wonder woman of today.

Almonds are rich in antioxidants, manganese, riboflavin, and copper, all of which aid in energy production, making them a high octane fuel for busy women to maintain the required energy levels during the course of a hectic day spent taking care of loved ones.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Diet, Nutrition and Wellness consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy said, “Whether you are a home maker or a working woman, regular consumption of almonds can contribute significantly to your overall well being and consequently the well being of everyone who depends upon you.”

According to the American Heart Association, one in every three women suffer from heart diseases, and Indian women are also at high risk of heart related ailments. According to the latest findings of the landmark Spanish Predimed trail report published by the New England Journal of Medicine, about 30 per cent of heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease can be prevented in people at high risk if they switch to a mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts including almonds, when compared with a low-fat control diet.

 She further said, “Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in urban cities in India, accounting for 30% of all cancers in women. Research has shown that flavonoids are implicated in the natural removal of cancer-causing agents in the body.

Chandigarh, March 6, 2013: Seventeen farmer and labour organisations had given a call for ‘Rail Roko’ agitation for today, with a view to pressurise the Central and Punjab Governments to accept their demands.

In order to avoid inconvenience to the public at large, the state government had decided to keep the rail tracks and national highways open. In furtherance of this decision, additional force of 10,000 police personnel was mobilised and pressed into law and order duty throughout the state.

To prevent leaders and workers of these organisations from disrupting rail and road traffic, police parties conducted raids at about 319 places and took 155 activists of these organisations into preventive custody early in the morning today. Prominent among them included Com. Darshan Lal, State Secretary Dehati Mazdoor Sabha (CPM Pasla), Com Ruldu Singh, President Punjab Khet Union, Com Harmesh Malri, State President Pendu Khet Mazdoor Union, Kanwalpreet Singh Pannu, State convener Kisan Sangharsh Committee (Piddy), Nirbhai Singh Dhudike, President Kirti Kisan Union District Moga, Gurmeet Singh Bakhtupura, State President AICTU and Darshan Pal, President BKU (D) District Patiala.

During the course of day, another 1,353 persons were rounded up so as to ensure proper maintenance of law and order and minimise inconvenience to the public, said an official release issued by the state government.

During one of the raids, police party headed by ASI Kulbir Singh, In-charge, Police Post Manochahal, Police Station Sadar Tarn Taran, was gheraod by a mob led by Salwinder Singh, President, Jeowala Zone of Kisan Sangharsh Committee (Piddi) in order to prevent it from taking Palwinder Singh s/o Amrik Singh into police custody at village Jeowala. However, ASI Kulbir Singh moved slightly away from the spot to inform his seniors telephonically about the gherao of police party. The farmers continued to gherao vehicles of the police party. The gherao was got lifted by DSP Harpal Singh, Sub Division Gobindwal Sahib at about 6 AM. Members of the Police party informed the DSP that ASI Kulbir Singh had left the spot in order to inform the senior officers. The DSP and other police officials searched the area and found ASI Kulbir Singh’s dead body at some distance from village Jeowala. The dead body of ASI Kulbir Singh was immediately sent for post mortem to civil hospital, Tarn Taran.  After looking into the matter a case FIR under Sections 304, 332, 506, 186, 120B, 148, 149 IPC PS Sadar Tarn Taran was registered and out of 9 nominated accused, 3 have been arrested. However, there was no report of any clash or violence in village Jeowala.

No incident of violence of any kind occurred in the state on account of this Rail Roko agitation and rail and road traffic plied normally except slight delay at Tangra and Dhulke. At Tangra and Dhulke, small groups of people squatted on rail tracks. Police acted with utmost restraint and keeping in view the age and infirmity of the agitators managed to persuade them to vacate the tracks. Some agitators squatted at railway stations Tarn Taran and Patti. About 400 persons are squatting on the road at Harike Pattan demanding release of few detained leaders of district Amritsar. DC Tarn Taran and SSP Tarn Taran are present on the spot and are handling the situation, said the release.

Dharamsala, March 7, 2013: As Tibetan people and their supporters commemorate the 54th anniversary of 'Tibetan National Uprising' across the world on March 10 this week, all Tibet support groups (TSGs) in India are going to organise a national public rally in support of Tibetan independence and the human rights of Tibetan people.  

About three thousand volunteers of various TSGs across India will join this rally at Parliament Street in New Delhi.

The rally will be addressed by prominent leaders of a large section of political parties. In a similar rally last month at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, political leaders representing Congress, BJP, JDU, Samajwadi Party, Lok Jan Shakti Party,  Rashtriya Lok Dal, Rashtriya Janata Dal and students groups like  NSUI, ABVP and Samajwadi Yuvjan Sabha had participated in a massive rally to express solidarity with the Tibetan people's struggle for independence. Leaders representing these parties and organisations will address the rally.

This all India rally is of special significance this year for two reasons. It was 100 years ago in 1913 when Tibetan people overthrew the 4-year long occupation (1909-1913) of Tibet by the Machu regime of China and the 13th Dalai Lama, the ruler and supreme spiritual leader of Tibet, re-established Tibet as an independent and sovereign nation.  Also serious deterioration of human rights situation inside Chinese occupied Tibet has so far lead to 107 self immolations by Tibetans against Chinese colonial occupation of their country.

This rally has been organised to draw the attention of world community in general and the government of India and United Nations in particular to give serious attention to the present sad status of human rights inside Tibet.

This rally is being coordinated by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause (CGTC) which is the umbrella organisation of all TSGs in India. These organisations include Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM), Bharat Tibbat Maitryi Sangh (ITFS), Himalaya Parivar, Friends of Tibet (FOT), Students For a Free Tibet (SFT), Himalayan Committee for Action on Tibet (HIMCAT), Antarrashtriya Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Samiti, Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), Youth Liberation Front of Tibet, East Turkistan Inner Mongolia and Manchuria (YLFTM), Ladakh Buddhist Association, National Campaign for Free Tibet Supports etc.

Another group of about 2,000 Tibetans will also join the rally later after their prayers at Raj Ghat and peace march to Jantar Mantar.

Chandigarh, March 7, 2013: The Punjab Police today made sensational recovery of two MP-5 guns and one revolver.32 bore along with 200 cartridges on information provided by dreaded militant Narain Singh Chaura from the area of Police Station Verowal, District Tarn Taran.

It is for the first time that such sophisticated and deadly weapon has been seized from any militant organisation in the country.

According to an official spokesman, Narain Singh Chaura’sassociate Dharm Singh alias Karan Singh, a resident of Ekal Gadda Police Station Verowal district Taran Taran has also been arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and Harbouring.

The Punjab Police has already recovered a huge cache of arms including one AK-56 rifle along with one magazine and 50 alive cartridges, one Pistol .30 bore alongwith one magazine and 20 alive cartridges and five hand grenades from Narain Singh Chaura and an FIR No.29 dated 27-2-2013 u/s 3,4,5 Explosive Substances Act, 25-54-59 Arms Act, 10,13,18,20 Unlawful Activities Prevention Act at Police Station, Kurali.

Further investigations are going on.

It may be mentioned here that Punjab Police had nabbed absconding militant Narain Singh Chaura in Village Jalalabad, P.S. Verowal, District Tarn Taran in the late evening of February 26 this year.

Jalandhar, March 7, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has today registered four cases relating to alleged murder of three persons, including Ziaul Haque, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Uttar Pradesh and two other persons, namely Nanhe Yadav and his brother Suresh Yadav, both of District Pratapgarh (UP) in separate incidents on March 2 this year on the request of UP Government and after Notification by Government of India.

The first of these cases relates to the alleged murder of Nanhe Yadav, Pradhan in District Pratapgarh in which four persons have been named as accused. The second case relates to the alleged murder of DSP in which ten persons have been named as accused. The third case relates to the alleged murder of Suresh Yadav, brother of Nanhe Yadav in which four persons have been named as accused. The fourth case has been registered on the complaint of the wife of the late DSP in which five persons have been named as accused.

CBI has taken up the investigation of these cases which were earlier registered by Uttar Pradesh Police.

A team has left for Uttar Pradesh today.

Jalandhar, March 8, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Commissioner of Customs, JNCH, Nhavasheva, Mumbai and a private person in a bribery case of Rs.19 lakhs.

A case was registered under Sections 120-B of IPC and Sec.7 & 8 of PC Act 1988 against the Commissioner of Customs,(1987 Batch of IRS/Customs), JNCH, Nhavasheva, Mumbai and a Private person(Custom House Agent), on a complaint of Rajkot(Gujarat) based Complainant. It was alleged in the complaint that the Commissioner of Customs and the Private person demanded bribe from the complainant for releasing his container. Later on, the public servant directed the complainant to hand over the bribe money to private person.

CBI laid a trap and the private person was caught while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.19 lakh from the Complainant on behalf of public servant. The Commissioner was also arrested.

Searches were conducted at the residential & official premises of both accused. During searches of residential premises of public servant, documents pertaining to investment made in real estate/flats in Mumbai as well as in Patna has been recovered.

Both the accused persons were produced today before the Special Court of CBI, Mumbai and remanded to Judicial Custody upto March 21 this year.

Further investigation is in progress.

Jalandhar, March 8, 2013: The Special Judge for CBI cases, Ranchi (Jharkhand) has convicted Balraj Singh, the then Assistant Commandant (Quarter Master/Motor Transport officer), Signal Group Centre, CRPF, Dhurwa, Ranchi U/s 7 & 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act 1988 and sentenced him to undergo two years Rigorous Imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 10,000 in a bribery case.

CBI had registered a case on August 16, 2003, against Balraj Singh, Assistant Commandant(Quarter Master/Motor Transport officer), Signal Group Centre, Central Reserve Police Force, Dhurwa, Ranchi, on the allegations of demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.5,000 from the complainant for allotting a plot measuring 10’x12’ in SGC, CRPF Campus for  running an egg shop.

A chargesheet was filed in the Designated Court at Ranchi on April 30, 2004.     

The Trial Court found the accused guilty and convicted him.

Khanpur Kalan (Sonipat / Haryana), March 8, 2013: UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi today said that a new law would soon be enacted to fight crime against women in the country.

She also gave a clarion call to the people to eradicate the stigma of female foeticide and crime against women like rape and molestation from our society and added that there was a need to change the mindset of the people about women.

Gandhi was addressing the first convocation of Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishvavidhalya, Khanpur Kalan in Sonipat district today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Earlier, Sonia Gandhi dedicated to the people India’s first post independence Bhagat Phool Singh Government Women Medical College in the campus of the university. The only  Government   Women Medical   College , the Lady Hardinge Medical College, was set up in 1914.

Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia, Chief Minister   Bhupinder Singh Hooda, AICC General Secretary B.K. Hariparsad, a number of Ministers of Haryana government and many MPs were also present on this occasion.

Gandhi said that female foeticide and crimes like rape are happening in the country, which make our head hang in shame. She also mentioned a number of steps taken by the UPA government for women empowerment and uplift their socio-economic status. M

Gandhi said that Rs.1,000 crore each have been provided in the Budget for next year for setting up of a Women Bank and Nirbhaya Fund.

While appreciating the steps taken by Haryana Government for welfare and progress of the women, Gandhi said, “I will like to congratulate Haryana Government working under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, which has made special efforts for the women empowerment in the fields of education, health and social justice, which has played important role in highlighting the talents of Haryana women in the fields of education and sports”. Haryana’s girls are talented, capable and courageous, these efforts would bring some good results in the future, she added.

Although Gandhi appreciated the progress made by Haryana in various fields of development, she also expressed her concern about decline in population of girls adding that it was due to poor thinking   and this problem was being felt in the entire country. She said that concerted efforts would have to be made to address this problem. Therefore, it was a high time to raise voice against it.

Gandhi said that the passage of education and success are never easy, but the students must not succumb to any hindrance because the nation needs them. She said that they are lucky for having got opportunity to get education here. She hoped that they would also teach those who could not get opportunity to get education.

While referring to the  Bhagat   Phool   Singh Women   University , she said that this Gurukul was started in 1936 with merely three students but today, in last six years, it has emerged as a magnificent complex. Journeys of thousands of miles begin with small steps. Most of its students hail from rural areas and it would certainly set an example for social revolution and change, she added.

Haryana Governor, Jagannath Pahadia, who is also chancellor of the University, praised the proposal of setting up of Rs.1,000 crore Nirbhaya Fund and all women bank by the Central Government. He also appreciated the steps taken by the state government to raise the status of the women.

While referring to a number of initiatives taken by the State Government for women empowerment, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that these included schemes like Priyadarshini Awaas Yojna under which 3.5 lakh houses would be constructed in rural and urban areas for the poor people. The ownership would be of woman in the family. Parents of only girl child or children were being given monthly pension from the age of 45 years. Financial assistance of Rs.31,000 and Rs.11,000 is also being given on the marriage of girls belonging to Scheduled Castes living below the poverty line and daughters of widows living below the poverty line.

Hooda said that in higher education, the percentage of girls  was about 57 per cent in the year 2011-12 as compared to the year 2010-11.

Hooda described Gandhi as a symbol of women empowerment under whose guidance the state government was working for the welfare of all sections of the society.     

On the occasion, Gandhi presented gold medals to the outstanding students. As many as 2436 students were awarded degrees in the convocation.

Earlier, Gandhi went around the Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College and Hospital and also interacted with the patients to know their well being. She was also shown a documentary on the progress and contribution of the medical college and hospital. She also appreciated the available medical facilities in the medical college and hospital. 

Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Sharma, Haryana Congress President Phool Chand Mullana, MPs Deepender Singh Hooda, Dr Ashok Tanwar, Jitender Malik, Education Minister Geeta Bhukkal, Health Minister Rao Narender Singh, Cooperation Minister Satpal Sangwan, Agriculture Minister Paramvir Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Rao Dan Singh, Ram Kishan Fouji, Jaiveer Singh, MLAs Venod Sharma, Jagbir Malik, Naresh Sharma, Rajinder Singh Joon, O.P. Jain, Zile Ram Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of university Dr Pankaj Mittal, Director of Medical College for Women Dr R.C. Siwach, Registrar Asha Kadian, faculty members of university and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.  

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi conferring degrees upon students during first convocation of Bhagat Phool Singh Women University, Khanpur-Kalan in district Soniapt on Friday. Extreme left is Haryana Chief Minister Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Chandigarh, March 8, 2013:  On March 7, 2013, 26 Kgs of Heroin had been recovered from accused Anoop Singh Kahlon, a resident of Zirakpur.

Anoop Singh Kahlon made certain disclosures concerning a few sportsmen, including boxers, Vijender Singh and Ram Singh, which are presently being examined. 

Boxer Ram Singh was called by the Fatehgarh Sahib police to join investigation on March 8 but has not been arrested.

Investigation is in progress and further details would be given on completion of investigation, said MF Farooqui, DIG, Ludhiana Range in an official release.

Chandigarh, March 8, 2013: Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament, Bathinda expressed concern over the safety and the security of women in India.

Speaking in the Parliament on the occasion of International Women Day, she said that it was unfortunate 58 per cent of our women are still malnourished and the sad part is that Indians constitute 25 per cent of the maternal mortality rate, where the mothers die during child birth, of the global maternal mortality rate. Hardly 60 per cent of our women are educated. She urged the Central government to take immediate necessary steps to improve the socio-economic status of women and provide adequate security and congenial atmosphere to women. She urged the government of India to ensure the dignity, safety and security of women by enacting stringent laws and forceful implementation all over the country.

Adding further, she said that at present the Government a meager sum of Rs. 1,000 crore has been announced to improve the status of women. She stressed on the need to enhance this amount so that the needful could be done to women across the country.

She also said that at least two days in every Session should be kept reserved where specific women issues could be addressed.

Quoting statistics of UNESCO Report, Badal said that it was painful to record that 2,000 baby girls do not take birth in our country. They are either killed before birth or face the same consequences afterwards.

Dharamsala, March 9, 2013: Like previous years March 10  shall be observed as Tibetan National Uprising Day.

The main function of Its  54th Anniversary shall be organised at Tsuglagkhang, the Main Temple, McLeod Ganj in Dharamsala.

The official release of the CTA said that programme shall start with the arrival of Sikyong (Tibetan-PM-in-Exile) Dr Lobsang Sangay and other dignitaries at the courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang. Sikyong shall hoist the Tibetan national flag with the singing of the Tibetan national anthem by the general public.

After that a minute's silence in memory of all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their precious lives for the cause of Tibet will be observed. It will be followed by offering of prayer of Truth by the Tibetan Government in exile.

Sikyong and Tibetan Parliament Deputy Speaker will jointly release a Buddhist scroll painting by Kelsang Tibetan Traditional Thangka Painting Centre in memory of all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet.

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel,  Deputy Speaker, Tibetan Assembly will deliver the statement of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Political Leader of the Tibetan People, will deliver his keynote address.

Jalandhar, March 9, 2013: The Sikh Regimental Centre, Ramgarh Cantt (Jharkhand) organised a recruitment  rally for Soldiers General Duty and Tradesmen Category. 

The Common Entrance Examination (CEE) for the said rally was held on February 24 , 2013 at Ramgarh Cantt.

Result of the Common Entrance Examination (CEE) is as follows:

(a)          Rolls No of selected candidates for SOL GD:

1477,   1479,   1480,   1486,   1491,   1493,   1505,   1514,   1521,   1522,   1532,

1535,   1542,   1548,   1549,   1550,   1551,   1552,   1553,   1554,   1555,   1562,

1563,   1565,   1569,   1573,   1581,   1582,   1583,   1585,   1593,   1594,   1597,

1603,   1610,   1614,   1616,   1625,   1630,   1636,   1642,   1645,   1646,   1653,

1654,   1655,   1678,   1684,   1687,   1691,   1698,   1703,   1704,   1707,   1711

1712,  1725,   1728,   1731,   1732,   1737,   1740,   1751,   1765,   1766,   1767

1774,   1776,   1777,   1787,   1788,   1789,   1790,   1796,   1797,   1803,   and  1808.

 (b)      Rolls No of selected candidates for SOL TDN:

1778,   1780,   1782,   1784,   and 1785.

Dharamsala, March 9, 2013: On the occasion of 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10, the Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India is organising,Indian Solidarity Rally with Tibet  at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi 10:30AM to 03:00PM.

All the other  Tibet Support Groups in India, are also participating in it.  

Organiser say that the cause of Tibet is the cause for humanity and  it is also India’s own cause. They are inviting everybody to  join in.

The other participating groups in the rally are  India Tibet Friendship Society (ITFS), Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM), Himalaya Committee for Action on Tibet (HIMCAT), Himalaya Pariwar, Friends of Tibet, Students for Free Tibet-India, Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Youth Liberation Front of Tibet (YLFTM), Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), National Campaign for Free Tibet Support (NCFTS), Antar-Rashtriya Tibbat Sahayog Samiti, said Lobsang Tenzin of Indo Tibetan Friendship.

Dharamsala, March 9, 2013: ABVP has demanded the rollback of the UPSC decision of making English compulsory in All India Administrative Examinations. Parishad general secretary, Umesh Dutt said, “UPA’s love towards English is now coming out as the wards of the leaders of this group is getting education in Europe and America, they wish to give them the wait age.”

Talking to newsmen in Dharamsala Dutt said, “Countries like China and Japan are getting their work done n their own language and still developing, then why India government is backing English is not understood.”

He said that ABVP will stage a protest outside UPSC Building in Delhi on March 11 to press the demand of the majority of youth residing in Hindi area and studying in government school/colleges.

Dutt said they are not against any language but English should not be made a compulsion. He said that after all the administrative officers have to work in the local language of the area for better results. He added 7 Bills concerning education , (including Foreign Education) are lying pending in Parliament for last so many years, ABVP demands that a comprehensive Bill be introduced and passed in the present session.

He also demanded the appointment of chancellors in private run universities by HRD for a better control. Dutt said, “The Himachal law to convert private universities in other form after 40 years, be amended and if private operator fail to run the University, government should take it over.”

Ludhiana, March 10, 2013: Scholars, writers and activists from all over India and some from abroad will participate in intensive debate and discussions on a most important aspect of social change in India during the five-day seminar on 'Caste Question and Marxism' starting from March 12 in Chandigarh.

The seminar is being organised in Baba Sohan Singh Bhakna Bhavan (Sector 29-D, Chandigarh) by Arvind Memorial Trust, established in memory of Com. Arvind, a brilliant Marxist intellectual and activist.

Managing trustee of the Trust, Meenakshi said this is probably for the first time that such an intensive and expansive discussion is being organised on all the aspects of the complex caste question. Particularly, this is for the first time that such wide-ranging polemics is being organised on the caste question in relation to the left movement and Marxist thought.

Overall, 14 papers and write-ups will be presented in the seminar on different aspects of the subject. The base paper of the seminar 'Caste Question and its solution: A Marxist Viewpoint' is prepared by the research team of Arvind Institute of Marxist Studies.   Other papers include 'Ambedkarism and Dalit Liberation' by Sukhwinder, editor of Punjabi journal Pratibaddh;  'Historiography of Caste' by Abhinav, editor, Aahvan; 'Class, Caste and Identity Politics' by Shivani, Delhi University; 'Caste and Politics in West Bengal' by Praskanva Sinharay, CSSS, Kolkata; 'Caste and Sex in Marxist Traditions' by Dr. Rajarshi Dasgupta, JNU; Marxism and the caste question' by Asit Das, Researcher and Activist, New Delhi;  'On Identity Politics' by Prashant Gupta, B.R. Ambedkar College, Delhi University; On Conjoint Relevance of Marxism and Ambedkarism by Sukhdev Singh Janagal, Punjab and on the limitations of caste and identity politics by Jai Prakash of the 'Jati Virodhi Andolan'.

Eminent historian Prof. Irfan Habib will send a background note on caste in India, Ninu Chapagain, Politburo Member and in charge of the Cultural Division of UCPN (M) will present a write-up on 'The Dalit Question and Aesthetics' and a paper 'Towards A Programme for Abolition of Material Basis of Casteist Hierarchy' by Dr. Anant Phadke, Shramik Mukti Dal (Democratic), Pune will be presented. Prof. William Paul Cockshott, University of Glasgow will make a presentation through internet linkup and his paper 'Dr. Ambedkar or Dr. Marx' will be circulated as a background note.

Well-known writer and activist on caste issues, Dr. Anand Teltumbde, prominent Hindi writer Prof. Tulsiram of JNU, eminent sociologist Prof. Satish Deshpande, famous writer Prof. (Mrs.) Vimal Thorat, Prof. PK Vijayan and Dr. Saroj Giri of Delhi University, renowned Hindi poetess and activist Katyayani, Arjun Prasad Singh of PDFI, senior leader of CPN (M) Tilak Parihar, Namdev Laghave of Nagpur, Dr. Shyam Bihari Rai and Aditya Narayan Singh from Delhi, Nepali poet and activist Sangeet Srota, Anant Acharya from Kolkata, Uttamrao Jagirdar and Sharad Gaikwad of Republican Panthers, Mumbai, Hargopal Singh from Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Chamanlal of JNU, Prof. Manjit Singh of Chandigarh University, Punjabi writer Santokh Singh Virdi, journalist from Mumbai VP Singh, writer Arvind Shesh and German artist and left social activist Johannes Paul Raether are among those who will participate in the discussions in various sessions of the seminar.

Apart from this, representatives from several groups and mass organisations, writers, journalists and social activists from Punjab, UP, Bihar, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Maharashtra will participate in the seminar.

Meenakshy said the caste question, particularly the Dalit question, is still one such burning question of Indian society, without the process of whose resolution, the unity of the toiling masses and the success of their emancipatory-project cannot be envisaged. There have been seminars-symposiums on this question for a long time but there has been an absence of serious research and unbiased lengthy debate. This seminar is an attempt in this direction.

In memory of Com. Arvind, the Arvind Memorial Trust organises a national seminar each year on an important aspect of the movement for social change in India. The first two seminars in Delhi and Gorakhpur were focused on different aspects of the labour movement while the third seminar was held in Lucknow on the democratic rights movement in India. The holding of the fourth seminar in this row in Punjab has a special significance due to the specific history of Marxist movement and the caste question in Punjab.

Meenakshy expressed confidence that the social-political activists as well as writers-scholars of Punjab will participate with an open mind in the seminar and this  seminar will take forward the tradition of open exchange of ideas and thought provoking debates of the first three seminars. It will contribute to the continuing discourse on a most important aspect of the project of social change in India.

Amritsar, March 10, 2013:The ongoing construct work of the prestigious Golden Temple Entrance Plaza here would be completed by the end of this year and it would be dedicated to public by the end of this year.

This was stated by Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab, who was here alongwith his wife and Bathinda Member Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal was here to pay obeisance at Golden Temple.

After praying for the accelrated development of Punjab, communal harmony and welfare of all Punjabis, Badal, while talking to media persons, said that Golden Temple would witness the completion of its prestigious project of Underground Plaza by the end of this year as the work was on full swing. He said that within few months finishing touches would be given to the project.  He said that this unique project would prove a boon for thousands of daily tourists from across the world as there would have audio-video information system depicting history and rich Sikh heritage besides number of world class auditoriums.

Answering a query, Badal said that he has already reviewed the status of the construction work and directed the concerned authorities to put the work on further acceleration, so, the project would be completed in a stipulated time frame for the facilitation of Sangat.

Talking about the under preparation two Master Plans, exclusively designed to make Amritsar one of the beautiful city in the country, Badal said that as per the under progress master plans Amritsar would be developed in a well-planned manner and he was sure that after implementation of these plans Amritsar would be the part of country’s most beautiful cities.

On being asked about change in the Punjab Congress, Badal said that this would not at all affect Shiromani Akali Dal in any way as Bajwa was not a ‘new challenge’ for them and SAD would remain continue with its agenda of development besides following pro-poor, pro-people and pro-Punjab policies.

Extending congratulations to Bajwa for taking over as Punjab Congress Chief, Badal invited Congress Chief to play a significant and vital role in the development of state by playing a constructive role in the initiatives taken by SAD-BJP Government.

Answering a query regarding the ensuing 4th Session of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Badal said that Budget was a secret document, which could not be uncovered outside the session. He assured that the budget of SAD-BJP Government would be pro-people and in the interests of people of the state since the ruling combine was committed for the overall development of the state.

 On the issue of beating a woman by cops in Tarn Taran district, Badal said that strict and adequate action would be taken on the basis of enquiry report. He also said that zero tolerance would be adopted in the cases of crime against women.

 Gulzar Singh Ranike, Cabinet Minister was also present on this occasion.

New Delhi /Jalandhar, March 11, 2013: A Haryana farmer Dharamvir Kamboj from village Damla of Yamunanagar district on Sunday called on Haryana Chief Minister,  Bhupinder Singh Hooda at his New Delhi residence.

Hooda expressed happiness and congratulated Dharamvir on getting President award for making multi-purpose food processing machine. Hooda said that Haryana is proud of its farmer’s achievement. He assured him of all possible help for making innovative machines.  

Dharamvir Kamboj adjudged stood first in the competition of National Grassroots Technological Innovations and Traditional Knowledge Awards to make the country innovative and creative. Over 19 thousand candidates took part in it, out of which only 64 were selected for awards. Dharamvir was given prize of Rs. 5 lakh, a citation and shield at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi recently.

Kamboj said that his multi-purpose food processing machine can crush about 150-200 kg of aloevera, aamla, guava, apple  etc. in one hour. The machine crushes without breaking the seeds of aamla, mango, jamun etc. Machine can also grind ginger, turmeric and other items. It can also extract 150 liter milk from soyabean. This machine is in great demand.

He has also prepared a rain gun for irrigation and a number of other machines useful in agriculture. Herbal plants grown by him are also very much in demand in other states.

Chandigarh/ Amritsar, March 11, 2013:  The Punjab Police today arrested HC Devinder Kumar and Constable Saraj Singh, who were charged of assaulting a lady in Tarn Taran on March 3 this year.

The arrest has been ordered after receipt of enquiry report that was submitted by SP Ranbir Singh.

According to an official spokesman, both policemen have been charged u/s 354, 323, 506, 148, 149 IPC and u/s 3, 4 of SC/ST Act through FIR (No. 69) dated March 4.

The spokesman reiterated the commitment of the state government to protect the dignity of women and take strict action against the guilty, whosoever, he may be.

Chandigarh/ Fatehgarh Sahib, March 11, 2013: Punjab Police tied up with Haryana Police for questioning of Vajinder Singh.

Team headed by a DSP and Inspector of Punjab Police went to Panchkula to the office of Hardeep Singh Doon, SSP Crime and Telecommunication, Haryana and questioned Vajinder Singh in his office  regarding the drug case registered last week. He was  examined by a DSP and Inspector of Punjab Police from 5 pm to 8.30 pm in investigation of case FIR (No. 45) dated March 3, 2013 under Sections 21/61/85 of the NDPS Act, 420, 465, 468, 471 IPC, 25 A Act PS Fatehgarh Sahib. As per the procedure, in the presence of two private witnesses, he was asked for his consent for giving his blood and hair samples required for forensic examination for investigation purpose, which he refused. 

New Delhi / Jalandhar, March12, 2013: The Special Judge for CBI cases Patiala (Punjab) convicted six then officials of Punjab Police for kidnapping Tajinder Singh (Private Person) in 1993.

The four convicted police officials Preet Singh Virk, the then Superintendent of Police (Detective) Sangrur (Punjab), presently posted as Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritsar (Rural); Shamsher Singh, then Inspector, CIA Staff, Bhawani Garh, Sangrur; Rajinder Singh Sohal, then SI/SHO, Police Station Malerkotla and Avtar Singh, then HC, Police Line, Sangrur were sentenced to undergo 10 years Rigorous Imprisonment and two other officials Balbir Singh and Ganda Singh, both then Constables of District Police line, Sangrur were sentenced to undergo 3 years Rigorous Imprisonment each with different amounts of fine.                                     

The Central Bureau of Investigation had registered a case on August 23, 1995 on the directions  of Punjab and Haryana High Court. It was alleged that in the intervening night of May 12 -13, 1993, a police team headed by Preet Pal Singh Virk raided the house of one Budh Singh resident of  Sunam (Punjab) and illegally picked up Budh Singh, his son Tajinder Singh and their servant. The servant was released from custody on May 14, 1993, whereas Budh Singh on May 28, 1993 and Tajinder Singh on June 8, 1993. After release, Tajinder Singh went to Calcutta to live with his brother who was residing in Calcutta. A police team headed by Preet Pal Singh Virk visited Kolkata and allegedly kidnapped Tajinder Singh on July 13, 1993. Subsequently, he was brought to CIA Staff, Bahadur Singh Wala, District Sangrur, where he was last seen by his father between July 17, 1993 and July 20, 1993. Since then his whereabouts were not known. In July 1994, a Habeas Corpus writ petition was filed before Punjab and Haryana High Court by Budh Singh. The Court ordered for enquiry by District Sessions Judge (Vigilance) Haryana, who after conducting enquiry submitted his report on January 30, 1995.  Thereafter, on July 21, 1995, High Court directed CBI to investigate the matter.

After thorough investigation, CBI filed a chargesheet against six then Punjab Police Officials in April 2000. Charges in this case were framed on November 6, 2002.

The Trial Court found the accused persons guilty and convicted them.