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IndianExpress: PERHAPS for the first time in the history of cantonment boards, the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has come out with a policy to gather photographic evidence of buildings and structures in the cantonment area before approving any change in building plans. The decision, taken to expedite the approval or reject it, also calls for complete photographic survey of any unauthorised construction that has been served notice by the board and dangerous structures that have been given a demolition notice.

Digital photographs will be taken by the PCB staff without any extra fee and will be attached to the records for future reference. ‘‘No permission will be granted by the board in the future without consulting the photographs. Even when we have to send a unauthorised or dangerous building notice, the photograph will be shown to the board and entered as a record. It will be implemented with immediate effect,’’ PCB CEO S K Sardana said.

IndianExpress: WHEN Lokmanya Tilak started the sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Pune over a hundred years ago, it was to bind the people and instil nationalism. That thread runs through the celebrations even today.

Mandals are bringing in humanity, compassion and a spirit of camaraderie into the festival this year by donating foodgrains to the flood-affected victims of Sangli and Satara or having special prayers for the victims of the recent Mumbai bomb blasts.

The Twashtakasar Samaj Sanstha in Kasba Peth will give Rs 25,000 to three families from the flood-affected areas of Sangli and Satara. ‘‘Our volunteers will meet the families this week,’’ says secretary, Pravin Wadke.

IndianExpress:  CLOSE on the heels of recovery of five country-made pistols by Vishrambaug police on Thursday, the city police on Sunday recovered eight pistols from three different places in the city. Two persons were arrested.

Acting on a tip-off, the Yerawada police on Sunday arrested Baljit Singh Gurumun Singh (26), resident of Punjab Gift Centre Shop number 3, Akurdi and recovered six country-made pistols and 29 live cartridges from him.

IndianExpress: THE highest spiritual knowledge sprung on a battle-ground in Kurukshetra as Krishna guided Arjuna. Bhagvad Geeta embodies this wisdom. Arjuna, the soldier, was trembling with the thought of fighting, but Krishna taught him yoga, pranayam and brought him around to the point that spirituality is not running away from war,’’ said Art Of Living (AOL) founder Sri Sri Ravishankar while addressing cadets at the National Defence Academy here on Sunday.

Speaking on the theme ‘Spirituality and Soldiering,’ Ravishankar quoted from scriptures and explained the ancient knowledge. Acknowledging the vital role the forces play in our lives, he said, ‘‘By defending the boundaries of the country, soldiers do a great service to society. A well-protected society flourishes with knowledge and prosperity.’’

Reuters: Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) is making a concerted move beyond search and advertising into the business software market, starting with a set of Web programs for e-mail, scheduling and communications, it said on Sunday.

The online search leader said it has created a software platform to run basic business activities — based on programs it already offers separately. The move marks a stepped up challenge to rival Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) as the software giant prepares to upgrade its Windows and Office franchises.

The free set of Web-based programs for small businesses, universities and nonprofit businesses goes by the mouthful “Google Apps for Your Domain”