“We have had a dialogue with the Union government and I have myself cleared a proposal to this effect, which is being forwarded to the central government soon,” state home minister R R Patil said here on Sunday.

Patil was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function to inaugurate the country’s first open jail for women prisoners at the Yerawada central jail. He said the idea behind seeking a substantial raise in the term for life convicts in terror acts is to ensure that hardcore terrorists remain in jail for as much time as possible. Post a comment Email this article Print this article Save this article My saved articles State proposes longer life term for convicts in terror …More

“We have had a dialogue with the Union government and I have myself cleared a proposal to this effect, which is being forwarded to the central government soon,” state home minister R R Patil said here on Sunday.

Patil was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function to inaugurate the country’s first open jail for women prisoners at the Yerawada central jail. He said the idea behind seeking a substantial raise in the term for life convicts in terror acts is to ensure that hardcore terrorists remain in jail for as much time as possible.

“We (state home department) have effected changes in our laws with regard to the proposed increase in the life term and we plan to take the Bombay high court’s approval for this,” Patil said. “However, we will definitely take a humane approach towards first-time offenders or those elements who had no intent of committing a terror crime of a huge proportion.”

Patil, however, said that stringent punishments like the one proposed by the state government were badly needed to avoid situations where hardcore terrorists and criminals exploit the long-drawn legal processes, even in cases where the Supreme Court has pronounced a death penalty, and cock a snook at the system. Morever, such elements remain a danger to the society, he added.

Earlier, addressing the function, Patil said the government will consider an adequate increase in the Rs 5,000 one-time financial assistance that is given to the prisoners walking free out of the open jail on completion of their term, to enable them to be self-employed.

Referring to the huge mismatch in the number of prisons and the number of prisoners both convicts…More

According to sub-inspector R S Kadu of the Sangvi police station, Dhavde was at home with her son Om (9) and daughter Tanya (15) when the incident took place. “The suspects locked the door from inside and threatened them with a kitchen knife,” Kadu said.

He said the suspects then tied Om in the passage near the bedroom. They tied Tanya to the cupboard in the kitchen and locked Kiran in the bathroom. They snatched the gold ornaments that Kiran and Tanya were wearing, Rs 77,000 from the cupboard and three cell phones. “After they left, both Om and Tanya raised the alarm. Hearing their cries, the neighbour opened the door from outside and released them,” Kadu added.

Kadu said the suspects had not covered their faces. The police are trying to prepare sketches of the suspects. “We have launched a manhunt,” Kadu added. Post a comment Email this article Print this article Save this article My saved articles 70 years on, fans still cannot get enough of Tom and Jerry State proposes longer lif…More

Author and animation writer Chetan Joshi, who “simply freaks out on their escapades” evaluates the reason behind their enduring popularity thus: “They have taken the premise of a basic conflict; a cat and a mouse are natural enemies, after all, and built on it like never before. It’s the sheer elasticity of imagination that makes Tom and Jerry such a hot favourite with everyone concerned. I mean, it’s mindboggling the number of ways you can batter and get battered and yet be on your feet,” he says. “It’s also the most ideal way to exploit the capacities of animation, which allows you to shoot visuals, that cannot be shot in real-life. The distortions of shapes that Tom undergoes when felled by objects of varying shapes and sizes is a classic example.”

Both Anand Shidig, 38-year-old graphic designer and theatreperson, and his ten-year-old son Abhishek adore Tom and Jerry. “Just look at the myriad emotions on their faces they are so very human, and identifiable across age groups. A viewer can identify himself sometimes with Tom and sometimes with Jerry. And the best part is the show can be enjoyed with your family,” says Anand. “Every storyboard is unique, and the caricatures simply fabulous. Despite the advent of newer technologies, the sheer brilliance of Tom and Jerry stands out. My son simply has to have his appointment with Tom and Jerry on the TV come what may.”

However, Joshi refutes the oft-repeated criticism that the comic series encourage violence. “Take the situation of a victim slipping on a banana peel. It’s probably the…More

The initiative, part of IBM’s $150 million corporate social responsibility exercise, involved nine IBMers’ who were in Pune for about four weeks helping city-based Yashada, Teach For India, Chaitanya, Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and Software Institute for Rural Development (SIRD) to improve their processes to fully realise the potential of their capabilities.

What is remarkable about the effort is that not all of them involve IT. It may simply be about how to build a marketing strategy or make a business plan.

For example, Allison M Baller and Stefan Duhovnicu, both of whom came from IBM New York, helped volunteers of Teach For India in the development of a strategy and related action plan which would be useful in expanding to all major Indian cities and related rural areas. The action plan for expanding to all major Indian cities and their surrounding rural areas by 2016 included creation of staffing patterns necessary to organise and implement the expansion, recommendations and prioritisation of possible cities for expansion, summary of challenges posed by expanding into rural areas with possible solutions and costs associated with expansion.

The pioneer of community-based micro-finance institutions in Maharashtra, Chaitanya, is a not-for-profit development organisation which has played a catalytic role in spreading the Self-Help-Group (SHG) movement in and around the state. Chaitanya is directly working in more than 300 villages in seven districts of Maharashtra and has provided access to financial services to more than 30,000 families. Federations include 10 SHGs which allows for inter-lending among SHGs whenever an SHG needs capital to lend within…More

“All 540 personnel for the city police will be recruited against new posts as well as vacancies arising out of the retirements,” Patil said on Sunday. The city police has 7,000-odd police personnel for the existing 28 police stations spread across the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation areas, which collectively account for a 50 lakh-plus population.

Patil conceded that the city needed more new police stations than the three that have been sanctioned by the state government for the Koregaon Park, Mundhwa and Market Yard areas. This, considering the rapid expansion of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, he added. “We will consider more police stations for the city after we are through with the ongoing state-wide recruitment drive,” he said.

Referring to the long-pending Koregaon Park (KP) police station, which is stuck in problems relating to availability of land, Patil said, “I have had a detailed discussion with the PMC officials as well as district guardian minister Ajit Pawar. The PMC has shown its willingness to make land available for the KP police station and the search for a suitable site is on.”

While the proposal for an independent police station for KP had long been cleared, the need for its commissioning was never felt so intensely as it is now felt in the aftermath of the February 13 terror blast at the popular German Bakery.

Providing a larger picture, Patil cited the report by the McKinsey committee, which was assigned four years back to recommend ways for…More

Speaking to TOI, superintendent of police Pratap Dighavkar said here on Saturday that the police have also recovered nine cell phones, 16 sim cards and three sharp weapons from Dabhade, whose custody was obtained from the Ahmednagar court in a robbery case registered with the Manchar police station.

A police team, led by inspector Bhausaheb Andhalkar, recovered the weapons from Dabhade, which he had concealed in a bag and hidden on a tree on a hill at Shishode village in Akola.

Andhalkar said that during the interrogation Dabhade said he had bought the weapons from Bihar. “This is for the first time that the police have come across such a sophisticated country-made gun, the one that was recovered from Dabhade.”

He said Dabhade was using the weapons for offences related to extortion. Post a comment Email this article Print this article Save this article My saved articles MSRTC hikes bus fares Bakery…More

Speaking to TOI, superintendent of police Pratap Dighavkar said here on Saturday that the police have also recovered nine cell phones, 16 sim cards and three sharp weapons from Dabhade, whose custody was obtained from the Ahmednagar court in a robbery case registered with the Manchar police station.

A police team, led by inspector Bhausaheb Andhalkar, recovered the weapons from Dabhade, which he had concealed in a bag and hidden on a tree on a hill at Shishode village in Akola.

Andhalkar said that during the interrogation Dabhade said he had bought the weapons from Bihar. “This is for the first time that the police have come across such a sophisticated country-made gun, the one that was recovered from Dabhade.”

He said Dabhade was using the weapons for offences related to extortion. Post a comment Email this article Print this article Save this article My saved articles MSRTC hikes bus fares Bakery…More

The fare hike is applicable to buses across the state. Volvo services to Nashik and Aurangabad have increased by Rs 40, while the fare for the Pune-Dadar Asiad service has gone up by Rs 20.

According to MSRTC sources, the hike has been brought about because of the rise in cost of diesel and works out to an average of 7.69%.

“The corporation incurs a daily loss of Rs 36 lakh every day because of the hike in diesel prices, says Mukund Dhas, MSRTC public relations officer. “Since June 2008, the MSRTC has not increased its fares, even though diesel, tyre, tubes and other spare parts became more costly.” He added that other state transport undertakings, including those in Karnataka and Kerala, had increased their fares in the first week of March.

“Volvo services from Pune to Aurangabad, Nashik and Thane will cost Rs 40 more and semi-luxury services to Nagpur, Kolhapur and destinations in Marathwada will also be more,” Dhas said.

Revised Volvo fares

Route Old New (March 13 onwards)

Pune-Dadar Rs 225 Rs 250

Swargate-Thane Rs 225 Rs 250

Swargate-Borivali Rs 265 Rs 300

Pune-Nashik Rs 305 Rs 345

Pune-Aurangabad Rs 340 Rs 380

Revised fares for Asiad (semi-luxury)

Pune-Dadar Rs 135 Rs 155

Pune-Kolhapur Rs 195 Rs 224 Post a comment Email this article Print this article Save this article My saved articles Sword of Honour to be presented at AFMC’s passing-out parade Weapons re…More

The fare hike is applicable to buses across the state. Volvo services to Nashik and Aurangabad have increased by Rs 40, while the fare for the Pune-Dadar Asiad service has gone up by Rs 20.

According to MSRTC sources, the hike has been brought about because of the rise in cost of diesel and works out to an average of 7.69%.

“The corporation incurs a daily loss of Rs 36 lakh every day because of the hike in diesel prices, says Mukund Dhas, MSRTC public relations officer. “Since June 2008, the MSRTC has not increased its fares, even though diesel, tyre, tubes and other spare parts became more costly.” He added that other state transport undertakings, including those in Karnataka and Kerala, had increased their fares in the first week of March.

“Volvo services from Pune to Aurangabad, Nashik and Thane will cost Rs 40 more and semi-luxury services to Nagpur, Kolhapur and destinations in Marathwada will also be more,” Dhas said.

Revised Volvo fares

Route Old New (March 13 onwards)

Pune-Dadar Rs 225 Rs 250

Swargate-Thane Rs 225 Rs 250

Swargate-Borivali Rs 265 Rs 300

Pune-Nashik Rs 305 Rs 345

Pune-Aurangabad Rs 340 Rs 380

Revised fares for Asiad (semi-luxury)

Pune-Dadar Rs 135 Rs 155

Pune-Kolhapur Rs 195 Rs 224 Post a comment Email this article Print this article Save this article My saved articles Sword of Honour to be presented at AFMC’s passing-out parade Weapons re…More

“The institution of the Sword of Honour underscores the unique position occupied by the AFMC as the premier tri-services training establishment of the Armed Forces,” said Lt Gen D P Vats, director and commandant, AFMC, at a media conference on Friday, “It symbolises the seamless blending together of excellence in the two most revered professions, of medicine and arms, which come together at AFMC, Pune.”

Of the 91 newly commissioned officers, 77 will be joining the army, seven will join the navy and seven will join the air force. The commissioning ceremony at AFMC is the only occasion during which officers are commissioned simultaneously into the tri-services.

This year’s passing out parade will showcase the martial heritage of Maharashtra. The IAF Air Warrior Team will carry out a display. The event will be followed by the Academic Awards presentation ceremony. Lt Gen N K Parmar, Senior Colonel Commandant, Army Medical Core (AMC) will award the prestigious President’s Gold Medal, Kalinga Trophy and 40 other trophies, prizes and medals, to recognise outstanding achievement in academics and all-round performance by undergraduates. The President’s Gold Medal will be awarded to Med Cdt K V Vinu Balraam. The commissioning ceremony will conclude with a cultural programme presented by the medical cadets.

Medical teachers to be inducted into hall of fame

In 2009, a Hall of Fame was created at AFMC, Pune, to enshrine for posterity the achievements in academics, research, sports and valour by members of the Armed Forces Medical Services and the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. This year, AFMC will induct academicians Lt Col G W G Bird and professor V R Mysorekar into the hall of fame.

The late Col G…More

“The institution of the Sword of Honour underscores the unique position occupied by the AFMC as the premier tri-services training establishment of the Armed Forces,” said Lt Gen D P Vats, director and commandant, AFMC, at a media conference on Friday, “It symbolises the seamless blending together of excellence in the two most revered professions, of medicine and arms, which come together at AFMC, Pune.”

Of the 91 newly commissioned officers, 77 will be joining the army, seven will join the navy and seven will join the air force. The commissioning ceremony at AFMC is the only occasion during which officers are commissioned simultaneously into the tri-services.

This year’s passing out parade will showcase the martial heritage of Maharashtra. The IAF Air Warrior Team will carry out a display. The event will be followed by the Academic Awards presentation ceremony. Lt Gen N K Parmar, Senior Colonel Commandant, Army Medical Core (AMC) will award the prestigious President’s Gold Medal, Kalinga Trophy and 40 other trophies, prizes and medals, to recognise outstanding achievement in academics and all-round performance by undergraduates. The President’s Gold Medal will be awarded to Med Cdt K V Vinu Balraam. The commissioning ceremony will conclude with a cultural programme presented by the medical cadets.

Medical teachers to be inducted into hall of fame

In 2009, a Hall of Fame was created at AFMC, Pune, to enshrine for posterity the achievements in academics, research, sports and valour by members of the Armed Forces Medical Services and the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. This year, AFMC will induct academicians Lt Col G W G Bird and professor V R Mysorekar into the hall of fame.

The late Col G…More

Hyacinth is known to reduce photosynthesis that in turn lowers oxygen levels in the water for aquatic life. It is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

“There are health-related problems. Water-borne diseases are common in these parts,” said KCB’s resident medical officer K A Alexander. Alandi Road junction, Holkar brigde, Mahadeowadi and Tank Road are the worst-hit along with Khadki Bazar and the bungalow area.

Officials agree they have a problem on hand. “The KCB areas do suffer because of the hyacinth. Efforts are on every year to reduce the menace. But each time the problem crops up anew. Now, steps are needed to find a permanent solution,” said KCB vice president Manish Anand.

He said the KCB alone cannot act as it lacked the manpower to pull out the weed. “We need at least 80 more health and conservancy staff to carry out the cleaning process,” he added.

Civic bodies like the KCB, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) must come together to weed out the hyacinth, Anand said.

“Bringing three civic bodies together is not easy. The KCB will initiate steps to ensure each civic body’s participation,” said Anand.

Defence establishments too chip in with the clearing of the hyacinth. College of Military Engineering (CME) spokesperson Col Amod Chadna said, “Officers, cadets, retired defence personnel and senior defence officers participate in these activities. Many do it as shramdan_ voluntary work. Other organisations like the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre also help,” he said.

Elected members of the area said the hyacinth clearing issue has been pending for…More

Hyacinth is known to reduce photosynthesis that in turn lowers oxygen levels in the water for aquatic life. It is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

“There are health-related problems. Water-borne diseases are common in these parts,” said KCB’s resident medical officer K A Alexander. Alandi Road junction, Holkar brigde, Mahadeowadi and Tank Road are the worst-hit along with Khadki Bazar and the bungalow area.

Officials agree they have a problem on hand. “The KCB areas do suffer because of the hyacinth. Efforts are on every year to reduce the menace. But each time the problem crops up anew. Now, steps are needed to find a permanent solution,” said KCB vice president Manish Anand.

He said the KCB alone cannot act as it lacked the manpower to pull out the weed. “We need at least 80 more health and conservancy staff to carry out the cleaning process,” he added.

Civic bodies like the KCB, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) must come together to weed out the hyacinth, Anand said.

“Bringing three civic bodies together is not easy. The KCB will initiate steps to ensure each civic body’s participation,” said Anand.

Defence establishments too chip in with the clearing of the hyacinth. College of Military Engineering (CME) spokesperson Col Amod Chadna said, “Officers, cadets, retired defence personnel and senior defence officers participate in these activities. Many do it as shramdan_ voluntary work. Other organisations like the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre also help,” he said.

Elected members of the area said the hyacinth clearing issue has been pending for…More

The blast could have been averted had the bakery staff and customers alerted the police about the bag, he said.

The explosion killed 17 people and injured 52. “The unclaimed bag was lying in the bakery for 90 minutes. There was ample time for the staff and customers to alert the police,” Singh told TOI.

Police investigations have revealed that it was this blue-and-red bag which contained the explosives — RDX, ammonium nitrate and petroleum hydrocarbon oil.

Singh had earlier said there were indications that the explosion was triggered by a remote-controlled device and had cited expert opinion that it may have been activated from a location not far from the bakery. Post a comment Email this article Print this article Save this article My saved articles Breakth…More