Zydus Wellness net profit up 90% to Rs 45.3 crore
BS Reporter / Mumbai/ Ahmedabad April 29, 2010, 0:02 IST
Zydus Wellness Ltd posted a 90 per cent jump in net profit for the fiscal ended March 31, 2010 to Rs 45.3 crore from Rs 23.8 crore on the back of strong performance in its popular brands –Sugar Free, EverYuth and Nutralite. Net sales for the year grew by 38 per cent on a year on year basis to Rs 268.1 crore from Rs 194.8 crore last fiscal.
During the year, Zydus Wellness made a foray into the men’s grooming segment with the launch of 'EverYuth Menz' – a skincare range for men.
The earnings per share of the company increased to Rs 11.59 in 2009-10 from Rs 6.09 in 2008-09. The Board of Directors of the company in their meeting proposed a dividend of Rs 3 per share of Rs 10 each as compared to a dividend of Rs 1.50 per share last year.
The listed consumer arm of the Rs 2900 crore Zydus Group plans to set up a Rs 30 crore manufacturing unit in the excise free zone of Sikkim to manufacture its flagship brand product Sugar Free and also the Everyuth range. Currently, both brands are produced through contract manufacturing. While Zydus gets both the products contract manufactured from an excise-free zone based in North, the shift to Sikkim will make eligible for a 10-year tax holiday. The cumulative growth for Zydus Wellness in the last three quarters of 2009-10 was 36 per cent.
Cadila Healthcare's consumer business was integrated into Carnation Nutra Analogue Ltd in 2008 and was renamed as Zydus Wellness Ltd. Carnation was acquired by Cadila Healthcare in 2006.
The company’s product portfolio comprises Sugar Free Gold, Sugar Free Natura, Sugar Free D’lite and Nutralite. It also caters to the skincare segment with its Everyuth and Dermacare brands
Saturday, May 1, 2010
PM’s Inaugural Address at the Conference of National Consultation for Second Generation Reforms in Legal Education
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The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, inaugurated the Conference of National Consultation for Second Generation Reforms in Legal Education in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion:
“I am very happy to be in your midst today in this national conference dealing with reforms in legal education system. The importance of your conference cannot be over emphasized. If we are to have a society as we must be where the common man and common woman gets speedy and affordable access to justice, if we are to have in our country the turbulence in effect of the Rule of Law, if we are to have an economic environment where contracts are easily enforceable, then we must ensure that our law teachers, practicing advocates, corporate legal luminaries, legal advisors, judicial officers and legal facilitators are indeed men and women of very high intellectual caliber. And this is possible only if there is dramatic reform and improvement in the scope and quality of our legal education system. I therefore congratulate my colleague the Law Minister and his team for organizing this important conference as a part of the initiative to improve the legal education system in our country.
Over half a century ago, the then President of India, Dr. Radhakrishnan stated– and he himself was a great teacher—lamented that “our colleges of law do not hold a place of high esteem either at home or abroad, nor has law become an area of profound scholarship and enlightened research”. It’s no doubt we have travelled a long distance since that time. But we must admit and have to ask honestly ourselves whether we have significantly altered the landscape of our legal education system. We do have a small number of dynamic and outstanding law schools, but I am afraid they remain islands of excellence amidst a sea of institutionalized mediocrity. We are not even marginally nearer to profound scholarship and enlightened research in law. As we and we must introspect honestly, we must sadly accept that Dr Radhakrishnan’s powerful yet poignant words may not be amenable to any radical restatement even today.
I believe your deliberations in this conference should be tempered with the realization that most of the problems as also the panaceas in the field of legal education are well known. There is a wealth of literature and ideas already available on the subject, including studies by the Law Commission, the recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission, the report of the Bar Council and learned articles by academics. Not any less important is the valuable experience of eminent and experienced practitioners who have tried and tested abstract legal propositions in real life situations. We need to focus on utilizing these rich, vast and diverse resources for imparting legal education in our country.
Reforming and improving our legal education system to meet the needs of our growing economy and a knowledge society that we wish to become requires action on many fronts. There is the issue of making our legal curricula multidisciplinary, creative and flexible. It is only relatively recently that areas like ethics in the judicial profession, clinical legal education, alternative dispute resolution, rights of refugees, rights of prisoners and women and child rights, are being given their legitimate due in the legal curriculum. There is an urgent need to integrate these and other areas into a national, uniform course module with fewer exceptions and fewer divergences.
There is also the serious problem of law teachers – a vexed problem of numbers, quality and diversity. We need good law teachers to shape and nurture young legal minds. The sad reality is that when we look for experts to head new law schools and the new faculties, we have precious few to choose from. There is an obvious need to provide more uniform but calibrated and better salaries, accompanied by considerably improved terms of service for our teachers.
Our law libraries are too few and woefully stocked. We must provide the latest tools of research to our students, scholars and practitioners. Law schools should be linked with the best sources of knowledge globally.
Internship and post degree placements must also be regulated to match applicants and recipients appropriately. Today, some fortunate students who have the right contacts have the luxury of plenty in terms of options while several of their talented but less resourceful colleagues go a begging for placements.
We must dream if we want to make progress of having a world class educational system. Law universities should be a part of our national ambition. I have a vision that the new South Asian University soon to be established by this Government with other South Asian countries would ultimately expand to include an outstanding law faculty with an eminent global faculty. Our new five year Law Schools across India have shown that we are second to none when we make up our mind but we have to spread this excellence for ensuring inclusive legal education.
Our legal education system should be particularly sensitive to the needs of the marginalized sections of our society like women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the poor. Not only should these sections of society be adequately represented among law students, the legal education we impart should inculcate sensitivity towards the special needs of the under-privileged sections of our community.
One expects even experienced and established legal luminaries, judges and other law professionals to submit to periodic and continuing legal education programmes without standing on pomp or seniority. After all, this is common place in other advanced countries of the world. There are revolutionary changes taking place in information systems, communications and technology which require corresponding changes in our legal system. Highly specialized areas of law such as intellectual property law, corporate law, cyber law, cyber crimes, human rights law and international commercial law require specialized training and skills that should be imparted by our law schools. The opening of trade and capital markets as a result of the processes of globalization and the retreat of the State from some of its traditional roles have raised new legal issues concerning the way in which the poor and marginalized sections can protect themselves from the adverse effects of these changes. The very nature of law, of legal institutions and the practice of law are in the throes of a paradigm shift.
One of the most challenging tasks in legal education in India is to strike a proper balance to ensure that our students are taught a fair mix of courses that give them knowledge and training in Indian law, but at the same time prepare them for facing the challenges of globalization, where domestic legal mechanisms interact with both international and foreign legal systems. This interaction is going to deepen in the years to come and our law schools must prepare themselves to face this challenge.
Let me conclude by wishing the deliberations of this conference all success. I sincerely hope the conference will result in actionable agenda and recommendations to improve the legal education system in our country. I also wish all of you the very best in your professional and personal lives.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, inaugurated the Conference of National Consultation for Second Generation Reforms in Legal Education in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion:
“I am very happy to be in your midst today in this national conference dealing with reforms in legal education system. The importance of your conference cannot be over emphasized. If we are to have a society as we must be where the common man and common woman gets speedy and affordable access to justice, if we are to have in our country the turbulence in effect of the Rule of Law, if we are to have an economic environment where contracts are easily enforceable, then we must ensure that our law teachers, practicing advocates, corporate legal luminaries, legal advisors, judicial officers and legal facilitators are indeed men and women of very high intellectual caliber. And this is possible only if there is dramatic reform and improvement in the scope and quality of our legal education system. I therefore congratulate my colleague the Law Minister and his team for organizing this important conference as a part of the initiative to improve the legal education system in our country.
Over half a century ago, the then President of India, Dr. Radhakrishnan stated– and he himself was a great teacher—lamented that “our colleges of law do not hold a place of high esteem either at home or abroad, nor has law become an area of profound scholarship and enlightened research”. It’s no doubt we have travelled a long distance since that time. But we must admit and have to ask honestly ourselves whether we have significantly altered the landscape of our legal education system. We do have a small number of dynamic and outstanding law schools, but I am afraid they remain islands of excellence amidst a sea of institutionalized mediocrity. We are not even marginally nearer to profound scholarship and enlightened research in law. As we and we must introspect honestly, we must sadly accept that Dr Radhakrishnan’s powerful yet poignant words may not be amenable to any radical restatement even today.
I believe your deliberations in this conference should be tempered with the realization that most of the problems as also the panaceas in the field of legal education are well known. There is a wealth of literature and ideas already available on the subject, including studies by the Law Commission, the recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission, the report of the Bar Council and learned articles by academics. Not any less important is the valuable experience of eminent and experienced practitioners who have tried and tested abstract legal propositions in real life situations. We need to focus on utilizing these rich, vast and diverse resources for imparting legal education in our country.
Reforming and improving our legal education system to meet the needs of our growing economy and a knowledge society that we wish to become requires action on many fronts. There is the issue of making our legal curricula multidisciplinary, creative and flexible. It is only relatively recently that areas like ethics in the judicial profession, clinical legal education, alternative dispute resolution, rights of refugees, rights of prisoners and women and child rights, are being given their legitimate due in the legal curriculum. There is an urgent need to integrate these and other areas into a national, uniform course module with fewer exceptions and fewer divergences.
There is also the serious problem of law teachers – a vexed problem of numbers, quality and diversity. We need good law teachers to shape and nurture young legal minds. The sad reality is that when we look for experts to head new law schools and the new faculties, we have precious few to choose from. There is an obvious need to provide more uniform but calibrated and better salaries, accompanied by considerably improved terms of service for our teachers.
Our law libraries are too few and woefully stocked. We must provide the latest tools of research to our students, scholars and practitioners. Law schools should be linked with the best sources of knowledge globally.
Internship and post degree placements must also be regulated to match applicants and recipients appropriately. Today, some fortunate students who have the right contacts have the luxury of plenty in terms of options while several of their talented but less resourceful colleagues go a begging for placements.
We must dream if we want to make progress of having a world class educational system. Law universities should be a part of our national ambition. I have a vision that the new South Asian University soon to be established by this Government with other South Asian countries would ultimately expand to include an outstanding law faculty with an eminent global faculty. Our new five year Law Schools across India have shown that we are second to none when we make up our mind but we have to spread this excellence for ensuring inclusive legal education.
Our legal education system should be particularly sensitive to the needs of the marginalized sections of our society like women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the poor. Not only should these sections of society be adequately represented among law students, the legal education we impart should inculcate sensitivity towards the special needs of the under-privileged sections of our community.
One expects even experienced and established legal luminaries, judges and other law professionals to submit to periodic and continuing legal education programmes without standing on pomp or seniority. After all, this is common place in other advanced countries of the world. There are revolutionary changes taking place in information systems, communications and technology which require corresponding changes in our legal system. Highly specialized areas of law such as intellectual property law, corporate law, cyber law, cyber crimes, human rights law and international commercial law require specialized training and skills that should be imparted by our law schools. The opening of trade and capital markets as a result of the processes of globalization and the retreat of the State from some of its traditional roles have raised new legal issues concerning the way in which the poor and marginalized sections can protect themselves from the adverse effects of these changes. The very nature of law, of legal institutions and the practice of law are in the throes of a paradigm shift.
One of the most challenging tasks in legal education in India is to strike a proper balance to ensure that our students are taught a fair mix of courses that give them knowledge and training in Indian law, but at the same time prepare them for facing the challenges of globalization, where domestic legal mechanisms interact with both international and foreign legal systems. This interaction is going to deepen in the years to come and our law schools must prepare themselves to face this challenge.
Let me conclude by wishing the deliberations of this conference all success. I sincerely hope the conference will result in actionable agenda and recommendations to improve the legal education system in our country. I also wish all of you the very best in your professional and personal lives.”
Fundamentally fruity
by EKTA TANDON
Special Arrangements There's a right way to eat fruit
Did you know there is a correct way to eat fruits?
Eating fruits does not mean just buying them and popping them into your mouth! Did you know that one should not eat fruits after meals? Fruits should be eaten on an empty stomach because it helps detoxify your system, supplies you with energy for weight loss and other life activities.
Now just suppose you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The fruit is prevented from doing so by the bread. In the meantime the meal rots, ferments and turns to acid. When the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass begins to spoil.
You must have heard these complaints: “Every time I eat watermelon I burp”; “When I eat durian, my stomach bloats up”; “When I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet” … All these problems will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. When the fruit mixes with other putrefying food and produces gas, you will bloat!
If you master the correct way of eating fruits, you have found the secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.
When you need to drink fruit juice, drink only fresh fruit juice; not the canned variety. Don’t even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don’t get the nutrients at all.
But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you have to drink the juice, drink it slowly and allow it to mix with your saliva before swallowing.
A three-day fruit fast helps cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice through the three days and you will be surprised at how radiant you look!
Here’s a quick checklist of fruits that are good for you:
KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and& fibre. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants and flavonoid, which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack and stroke.
STRAWBERRY: Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits and protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.
ORANGE: Sweetest medicine, eating 2 to 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent and dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.
WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92 per cent water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. It is also a key source of lycopene, the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients are vitamin C and Potassium.
GUAVA and PAPAYA: Top the awards for vitamin C. They are clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fibre, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, which is good for your eyes.
The writer is a nutritionist and dietician. Visit her at www.dailydiet.in
by EKTA TANDON
Special Arrangements There's a right way to eat fruit
Did you know there is a correct way to eat fruits?
Eating fruits does not mean just buying them and popping them into your mouth! Did you know that one should not eat fruits after meals? Fruits should be eaten on an empty stomach because it helps detoxify your system, supplies you with energy for weight loss and other life activities.
Now just suppose you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The fruit is prevented from doing so by the bread. In the meantime the meal rots, ferments and turns to acid. When the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass begins to spoil.
You must have heard these complaints: “Every time I eat watermelon I burp”; “When I eat durian, my stomach bloats up”; “When I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet” … All these problems will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. When the fruit mixes with other putrefying food and produces gas, you will bloat!
If you master the correct way of eating fruits, you have found the secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.
When you need to drink fruit juice, drink only fresh fruit juice; not the canned variety. Don’t even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don’t get the nutrients at all.
But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you have to drink the juice, drink it slowly and allow it to mix with your saliva before swallowing.
A three-day fruit fast helps cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice through the three days and you will be surprised at how radiant you look!
Here’s a quick checklist of fruits that are good for you:
KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and& fibre. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants and flavonoid, which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack and stroke.
STRAWBERRY: Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits and protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.
ORANGE: Sweetest medicine, eating 2 to 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent and dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.
WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92 per cent water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. It is also a key source of lycopene, the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients are vitamin C and Potassium.
GUAVA and PAPAYA: Top the awards for vitamin C. They are clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fibre, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, which is good for your eyes.
The writer is a nutritionist and dietician. Visit her at www.dailydiet.in
Museum site approved by govt
Gangtok: The site for establishment of Regional Museum of Natural History at Marchak, near Science City, East Sikkim, received Government approval and final handing and taking over of the site measuring 24280 hectares to the Director, National Museum of Natural History, Government of India, New Delhi, was signed by PCCF-cum-Secretary, Forests, Government of Sikkim, and Dr. Venugopal, Director, NMNH, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India on 27th April, according to an official release.
The event was witnessed by Dr. DP Singh, Scientist E, NMNH, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India., Superintending Engineer, CCU, NMNH, Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, and Mr. C Lachungpa, Chief Conservator of forest (LU&E) Circle.
The proposal for establishment of site received in principle approval from planning Commission, government of India.
The preparation of DPR & other formalities are being processed by the National Museum of Natural History, Government of India, New Delhi. The actual construction of the project is expected within the current fiscal year 2010-11, the release says.
source: sikkimreporter
Gangtok: The site for establishment of Regional Museum of Natural History at Marchak, near Science City, East Sikkim, received Government approval and final handing and taking over of the site measuring 24280 hectares to the Director, National Museum of Natural History, Government of India, New Delhi, was signed by PCCF-cum-Secretary, Forests, Government of Sikkim, and Dr. Venugopal, Director, NMNH, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India on 27th April, according to an official release.
The event was witnessed by Dr. DP Singh, Scientist E, NMNH, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India., Superintending Engineer, CCU, NMNH, Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, and Mr. C Lachungpa, Chief Conservator of forest (LU&E) Circle.
The proposal for establishment of site received in principle approval from planning Commission, government of India.
The preparation of DPR & other formalities are being processed by the National Museum of Natural History, Government of India, New Delhi. The actual construction of the project is expected within the current fiscal year 2010-11, the release says.
source: sikkimreporter
SIKKIM:All bridges along NS highway to be replaced with permanent structure
GANGTOK, April 24: The Border Roads Organization (BRO) will be replacing all the 35 bridges with permanent structures along the 180 kms North Sikkim highway between Gangtok in East Sikkim and Gaigong which is close to the controversial Finger Tip area, Indo-China border in North Sikkim. The bridges to be replaced also include the five bailey bridges between Singtam and Dikchu along the Singtam-Rangrang road.
The replacement of bridges along the strategic North Sikkim route is part of the ambitious project of the BRO for widening the North Sikkim highway involving a cost of Rs. 600 crores. The project undertaken by Swastik Project to strengthen the road infrastructure of this border State is expected to be completed in the next five years and is positive step towards beefing up the nation’s security.
As reported yesterday, the Project Swastik has stopped cutting formations along the North Sikkim highway for one month and stone soiled the particular areas in view of the International Rhododendron Festival slated to begin from this Sunday. The road stretch between Chungthang and Yumthang has also been resurfaced in preparations for the festival.
Meanwhile, the Project Swastik chief engineer Brig RK Patyal is set to meet West Bengal chief secretary Ashok Mohan Chakrabarti on Monday regarding the NH 31A double laning project and improvement works.
The NH 31 is about 92 kms road from Gangtok in East Sikkim to Sevoke in North Bengal.
We will be talking about the progress so far and the pending forest clearance issues faced in the West Bengal side, said Brig Patyal.
Out of the 92 kms length of the NH 31A, 51.7 kms falls on the West Bengal side.
We have two responsibilities-to maintain, improve the trouble spots and double lane the highway, said Brig Patyal.
The Project Swastik has identified 69 trouble spots along the highway - 41 in the Bengal side and 28 in the Sikkim side. In the Sikkim side, the major trouble spots are at Rangpo town and Mile 9. The major trouble spots in the Bengal side identified by the Project Swastik are at Lohapul, Rambi bazaar, Mile 27, Lukhbir, Lepcha Jhora and Melli bazaar.
An amount of Rs. 45.95 crores has been estimated to tackle the troublesome spots, it is informed.
GANGTOK, April 24: The Border Roads Organization (BRO) will be replacing all the 35 bridges with permanent structures along the 180 kms North Sikkim highway between Gangtok in East Sikkim and Gaigong which is close to the controversial Finger Tip area, Indo-China border in North Sikkim. The bridges to be replaced also include the five bailey bridges between Singtam and Dikchu along the Singtam-Rangrang road.
The replacement of bridges along the strategic North Sikkim route is part of the ambitious project of the BRO for widening the North Sikkim highway involving a cost of Rs. 600 crores. The project undertaken by Swastik Project to strengthen the road infrastructure of this border State is expected to be completed in the next five years and is positive step towards beefing up the nation’s security.
As reported yesterday, the Project Swastik has stopped cutting formations along the North Sikkim highway for one month and stone soiled the particular areas in view of the International Rhododendron Festival slated to begin from this Sunday. The road stretch between Chungthang and Yumthang has also been resurfaced in preparations for the festival.
Meanwhile, the Project Swastik chief engineer Brig RK Patyal is set to meet West Bengal chief secretary Ashok Mohan Chakrabarti on Monday regarding the NH 31A double laning project and improvement works.
The NH 31 is about 92 kms road from Gangtok in East Sikkim to Sevoke in North Bengal.
We will be talking about the progress so far and the pending forest clearance issues faced in the West Bengal side, said Brig Patyal.
Out of the 92 kms length of the NH 31A, 51.7 kms falls on the West Bengal side.
We have two responsibilities-to maintain, improve the trouble spots and double lane the highway, said Brig Patyal.
The Project Swastik has identified 69 trouble spots along the highway - 41 in the Bengal side and 28 in the Sikkim side. In the Sikkim side, the major trouble spots are at Rangpo town and Mile 9. The major trouble spots in the Bengal side identified by the Project Swastik are at Lohapul, Rambi bazaar, Mile 27, Lukhbir, Lepcha Jhora and Melli bazaar.
An amount of Rs. 45.95 crores has been estimated to tackle the troublesome spots, it is informed.
Indian Metrological Department offers multi-crore Doppler radar for Sikkim
GANGTOK, April 30: State Science & Technology minister Bhim Dhungel today underlined the importance of weather study in Sikkim as the State falls under seismic zone.
Weather study and accurate forecast is important for the hilly State of Sikkim, said the minister while inaugurating the day long conference on weather services for Sikkim organized by Indian Metrological Department here.
Dhungel also called upon the concerned authorities to install latest weather forecasting systems for Sikkim. He said that such workshops should be conducted regulary for the benefit of the masses. He also urged the people to make optimum use of facilities and data provided by the Met department.
Dr Ajit Tyagi, director general of Indian Metrological Department in his address announced setting up additional automatic weather stations in all districts of the State besides upgrading the seismic study facilities. He also observed that if the State government cooperates, his department will ensure that Sikkim is converted into a State with the most advanced Forecast mechanism.
Dr Tyagi also informed to media that a Himalayan meteorology programme is being planned by the India Meteorological Department, catering exclusively to the needs of the Himalayan States. It is expected to be implemented during the next Five Year Plan.
Referring to Sikkim, Dr Tyagi said that his Department is ready to install a state-of-art Doppler radar provided the State Government allocates for a suitable site for the purpose. He said that the Doppler radar, costing around Rs. 12-15 crore, assures about cent-percent accurate weather forecast which will be quite beneficial to a hill State like Sikkim prone to heavy rains triggering frequent landslides.
Dr Tyagi further said that keeping in view the fact that the entire NE region and Sikkim fall under a seismically sensitive zone, about twenty eight additional Seismologic Observatories are planned in the region this year. Of these, three will be in Sikkim, he said.
source:sikkim express
GANGTOK, April 30: State Science & Technology minister Bhim Dhungel today underlined the importance of weather study in Sikkim as the State falls under seismic zone.
Weather study and accurate forecast is important for the hilly State of Sikkim, said the minister while inaugurating the day long conference on weather services for Sikkim organized by Indian Metrological Department here.
Dhungel also called upon the concerned authorities to install latest weather forecasting systems for Sikkim. He said that such workshops should be conducted regulary for the benefit of the masses. He also urged the people to make optimum use of facilities and data provided by the Met department.
Dr Ajit Tyagi, director general of Indian Metrological Department in his address announced setting up additional automatic weather stations in all districts of the State besides upgrading the seismic study facilities. He also observed that if the State government cooperates, his department will ensure that Sikkim is converted into a State with the most advanced Forecast mechanism.
Dr Tyagi also informed to media that a Himalayan meteorology programme is being planned by the India Meteorological Department, catering exclusively to the needs of the Himalayan States. It is expected to be implemented during the next Five Year Plan.
Referring to Sikkim, Dr Tyagi said that his Department is ready to install a state-of-art Doppler radar provided the State Government allocates for a suitable site for the purpose. He said that the Doppler radar, costing around Rs. 12-15 crore, assures about cent-percent accurate weather forecast which will be quite beneficial to a hill State like Sikkim prone to heavy rains triggering frequent landslides.
Dr Tyagi further said that keeping in view the fact that the entire NE region and Sikkim fall under a seismically sensitive zone, about twenty eight additional Seismologic Observatories are planned in the region this year. Of these, three will be in Sikkim, he said.
source:sikkim express
SIKKIM: Sikkim receives award from the Prime Minister
24 April, Gangtok (IPR): Sikkim conferred with the third best state award in the country and best in the North East in empowerment and accountability of Panchayats. The Prime Minister Shri. Manmohan Singh conferred this award in a glittering function organized in Vigyan Bhawan on 24th April, 2010 which was received by the Minister RM&DD Shri C.B. Karki and Secretary RM&DD, Shri. Anil K. Ganeriwala. The award carries a prize money of Rs one crore
24 April, Gangtok (IPR): Sikkim conferred with the third best state award in the country and best in the North East in empowerment and accountability of Panchayats. The Prime Minister Shri. Manmohan Singh conferred this award in a glittering function organized in Vigyan Bhawan on 24th April, 2010 which was received by the Minister RM&DD Shri C.B. Karki and Secretary RM&DD, Shri. Anil K. Ganeriwala. The award carries a prize money of Rs one crore
SIKKIM: Valley turns flowerpot – Governor inaugurates rhododendron festival, gives tips to pull tourists to Sikkim
The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, where the Sikkim governor opened the International Rhododendron Festival on Sunday. Picture by Prabin Khaling
Gangtok, April 26: All trails leading to the meadows of Yumthang Valley at 118,00 feet now have rhododendrons in full bloom at every bend.
In a rich season, rhododendrons in various shades of red and violet paint a riot of colours along the high altitude areas of North Sikkim relegating the silent conifers and imposing peaks to the background.
A visibly impressed Bengal governor M.K. Narayanan expressed his good fortune to be holding the additional charge of Sikkim, which enabled him to inaugurate the International Rhododendron Festival during this blooming season.
“It is my good fortune to inaugurate the festival and the magnificent display of rhododendrons really pleases our hearts and eyes,” said the governor while declaring the festival open yesterday at Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary located at the base of the Yumthang Valley.
“The decision to hold the festival at this location — both to showcase the well-preserved ecology and forests of the region and to create awareness among the local communities of the need to protect their rich flora, especially the rhododendrons and high altitude fauna — is indeed an inspired one,” said Narayanan.
The festival has been organised by the Sikkim forest department to synchronise with the state’s celebration of 2010 as the Year of Tourism.
The governor promised to do his best to promote Sikkim tourism with the help of the Union ministry of tourism. He suggested to the organisers to make a video of the festival and showcase the natural beauty of Sikkim all over the country.
Narayanan also complimented the Sikkim government for taking exemplary steps to conserve its natural resources.
“I fully endorse the idea that conservation can be only achieved if it is linked to the socio-economic development and livelihood security of local populations. Local people will protect the forest only if they realise that forest is worth more to them as a forest rather than as felled trees,” said Narayanan.
Sikkim Speaker K.T. Gyalsten said the Himalayan state symbolised the beauty of nature.
He pointed out three factors which were necessary to promote tourism — peace, security and facility. The state government has been able to take care of these factors and it is the responsibility of the people to exploit the opportunities, he said.
The forest minister, Bhim Dhungel, said the festival was the first of its kind where tourists can celebrate nature. The initiative is to showcase the natural beauty of the state to the world, he said.
The governor also flagged off a mountain biking rally organised as part of the festival. The Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim, under whose aegis the expedition is being held, will also conduct various other adventure activities like outdoor camping and short treks along the rhododendron forests during the festival, which will conclude on May 15.
source:the telegraph
The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, where the Sikkim governor opened the International Rhododendron Festival on Sunday. Picture by Prabin Khaling
Gangtok, April 26: All trails leading to the meadows of Yumthang Valley at 118,00 feet now have rhododendrons in full bloom at every bend.
In a rich season, rhododendrons in various shades of red and violet paint a riot of colours along the high altitude areas of North Sikkim relegating the silent conifers and imposing peaks to the background.
A visibly impressed Bengal governor M.K. Narayanan expressed his good fortune to be holding the additional charge of Sikkim, which enabled him to inaugurate the International Rhododendron Festival during this blooming season.
“It is my good fortune to inaugurate the festival and the magnificent display of rhododendrons really pleases our hearts and eyes,” said the governor while declaring the festival open yesterday at Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary located at the base of the Yumthang Valley.
“The decision to hold the festival at this location — both to showcase the well-preserved ecology and forests of the region and to create awareness among the local communities of the need to protect their rich flora, especially the rhododendrons and high altitude fauna — is indeed an inspired one,” said Narayanan.
The festival has been organised by the Sikkim forest department to synchronise with the state’s celebration of 2010 as the Year of Tourism.
The governor promised to do his best to promote Sikkim tourism with the help of the Union ministry of tourism. He suggested to the organisers to make a video of the festival and showcase the natural beauty of Sikkim all over the country.
Narayanan also complimented the Sikkim government for taking exemplary steps to conserve its natural resources.
“I fully endorse the idea that conservation can be only achieved if it is linked to the socio-economic development and livelihood security of local populations. Local people will protect the forest only if they realise that forest is worth more to them as a forest rather than as felled trees,” said Narayanan.
Sikkim Speaker K.T. Gyalsten said the Himalayan state symbolised the beauty of nature.
He pointed out three factors which were necessary to promote tourism — peace, security and facility. The state government has been able to take care of these factors and it is the responsibility of the people to exploit the opportunities, he said.
The forest minister, Bhim Dhungel, said the festival was the first of its kind where tourists can celebrate nature. The initiative is to showcase the natural beauty of the state to the world, he said.
The governor also flagged off a mountain biking rally organised as part of the festival. The Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim, under whose aegis the expedition is being held, will also conduct various other adventure activities like outdoor camping and short treks along the rhododendron forests during the festival, which will conclude on May 15.
source:the telegraph
SIKKIM: SAT link plan for Sikkim
Gangtok, April 27: The BSNL is working on a two-pronged strategy that includes a satellite system to beef up the communication network in North Sikkim, a strategic area bordering China and a melting pot for tourism.
Currently, North Sikkim, a remote and under-developed district among the four in the Himalayan state, is linked through the overhead optical fibre cable. The two new mediums of communication that the telecom giant is going to add are — another optical fibre cable mounted on power transmission lines and a satellite system, said the BSNL’s Sikkim circle general manager S.K. Mahto.
“The overhead cables are already in place and areas like Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim are under our network,” Mahto said. Work for laying cables on power transmission lines between Gangtok and Mangan (69km away) is about to be completed.
“We have been working on estimates for extending these lines up to Chungthang (another 29km from Mangan) and work will start after the state power department finishes installing its towers out there,” Mahto told The Telegraph.
The BSNL is also considering setting up a satellite system at Chungthang whose network will cover areas like Lachung and Lachen, both tourism hotspots and gateway to Yumthang Valley and the Gurudongmar lake.
Chungthang, 98km from Gangtok, is the gateway to Lachen and Lachung. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the army manning the Indo-China border in North Sikkim also have their bases in Chungthang.
Mahto said the chief secretary of Sikkim would meet officials of the telecom department in New Delhi next week to discuss the installation of the satellite system at Chungthang. “Once the proposal is approved and bandwidth and equipment provided to us, the satellite system will be installed in six months,” he added.
Recently, tourism stakeholders from Lachung had complained of erratic BSNL services, which they said, were hampering summer tourism.
“Thanks to poor services, we cannot know beforehand how many tourists are coming and make accommodations for them. Sometimes the highway is blocked because of landslides and tourists and the local people can’t even inform the authorities,” said a hotel owner in Lachung .
Lachung has around 90 hotels and home-stay facilities with many more coming up. On an average, 250 vehicles full of tourists visit Lachung every day during the three months peak summer season (middle of March to June).
Frequently services are affected because the cables at Phodong between Gangtok and Mangan get snapped. But they are promptly restored, claimed Mahto.
He added that such disruptions take place because of road widening work on the North Sikkim Highway by the Border Roads Organisation. “So, we are working on putting a second line along the power cables and once the widening work is completed, we will put the earlier lines underground,” he said.
President of the Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim Paljor Lachungpa stressed the need for a stable medium of communication in North Sikkim for the convenience of tourists and the local people. “It will benefit everybody, the tourists, operators and the local people,” he said.
source; the telegraph
Gangtok, April 27: The BSNL is working on a two-pronged strategy that includes a satellite system to beef up the communication network in North Sikkim, a strategic area bordering China and a melting pot for tourism.
Currently, North Sikkim, a remote and under-developed district among the four in the Himalayan state, is linked through the overhead optical fibre cable. The two new mediums of communication that the telecom giant is going to add are — another optical fibre cable mounted on power transmission lines and a satellite system, said the BSNL’s Sikkim circle general manager S.K. Mahto.
“The overhead cables are already in place and areas like Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim are under our network,” Mahto said. Work for laying cables on power transmission lines between Gangtok and Mangan (69km away) is about to be completed.
“We have been working on estimates for extending these lines up to Chungthang (another 29km from Mangan) and work will start after the state power department finishes installing its towers out there,” Mahto told The Telegraph.
The BSNL is also considering setting up a satellite system at Chungthang whose network will cover areas like Lachung and Lachen, both tourism hotspots and gateway to Yumthang Valley and the Gurudongmar lake.
Chungthang, 98km from Gangtok, is the gateway to Lachen and Lachung. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the army manning the Indo-China border in North Sikkim also have their bases in Chungthang.
Mahto said the chief secretary of Sikkim would meet officials of the telecom department in New Delhi next week to discuss the installation of the satellite system at Chungthang. “Once the proposal is approved and bandwidth and equipment provided to us, the satellite system will be installed in six months,” he added.
Recently, tourism stakeholders from Lachung had complained of erratic BSNL services, which they said, were hampering summer tourism.
“Thanks to poor services, we cannot know beforehand how many tourists are coming and make accommodations for them. Sometimes the highway is blocked because of landslides and tourists and the local people can’t even inform the authorities,” said a hotel owner in Lachung .
Lachung has around 90 hotels and home-stay facilities with many more coming up. On an average, 250 vehicles full of tourists visit Lachung every day during the three months peak summer season (middle of March to June).
Frequently services are affected because the cables at Phodong between Gangtok and Mangan get snapped. But they are promptly restored, claimed Mahto.
He added that such disruptions take place because of road widening work on the North Sikkim Highway by the Border Roads Organisation. “So, we are working on putting a second line along the power cables and once the widening work is completed, we will put the earlier lines underground,” he said.
President of the Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim Paljor Lachungpa stressed the need for a stable medium of communication in North Sikkim for the convenience of tourists and the local people. “It will benefit everybody, the tourists, operators and the local people,” he said.
source; the telegraph
SIKKIM: Influx of tourists in Sikkim inspite of heavy rain
Gangtok, Apr 27 (PTI) Heavy pre-monsoon showers has taken its toll but it has not been able to dampen spirits of thousands of tourists who are still flocking into packed hotels and resorts here in Sikkim.
This year in the months of January, February and March an estimated 1,49,140 domestic tourists visited Sikkim which is the highest the state has ever recorded, State Tourism Secretary, SBS Bhaduria said, adding atleast 4,909 number of foreign tourists have visited the state in past three months.
Last year a total of 17,730 foreign tourists and 6,15,628 domestic tourists visited Sikkim.
Many tourists also come to the state for the snowfall which is still being experienced in the upper reaches of Tsomgo Lake and north Sikkim.
“People come to Sikkim to escape from the scorching heat.
Gangtok, Apr 27 (PTI) Heavy pre-monsoon showers has taken its toll but it has not been able to dampen spirits of thousands of tourists who are still flocking into packed hotels and resorts here in Sikkim.
This year in the months of January, February and March an estimated 1,49,140 domestic tourists visited Sikkim which is the highest the state has ever recorded, State Tourism Secretary, SBS Bhaduria said, adding atleast 4,909 number of foreign tourists have visited the state in past three months.
Last year a total of 17,730 foreign tourists and 6,15,628 domestic tourists visited Sikkim.
Many tourists also come to the state for the snowfall which is still being experienced in the upper reaches of Tsomgo Lake and north Sikkim.
“People come to Sikkim to escape from the scorching heat.
Sikkim: Foreign pat for green care
Gangtok, April 30: Foreign delegates who participated in an international seminar on rhododendron conservation and sustainable use here yesterday lauded the Sikkim government for its efforts to protect the state’s bio-diversity.
Experts from Germany, Holland, Sweden and Bhutan are here to participate in the Rhododenron Festival organised by the state government this month.
“In Europe, we have rhododendrons cultivated for collections and parks but here in Sikkim, the plant’s various species are found in the wild and in their natural form,” Wolfgang Spethmann from Germany told The Telegraph. Spethmann is a researcher in woody plants like rhododendrons.
“It was a nice trip to Yumthang Valley. We saw more than a dozen species of the plant in bloom; the flowering was excellent and it was a wonderful sight. It is good to see that they are protected in the wild,” said Spethmann.
Lau Trass, who is a member of the Dutch Rhododendron Society, has said it is always a wonderful experience for Europeans to see rhododendrons in bloom in their natural habitat.
“There is a special support from the Sikkim government for the conservation of rhododendrons and it makes the state one of the central places in the world where one can see and study the different species of the rhododendron growing in their natural best,” said Trass.
Rebacca Pradhan from the Royal Society for Protection of Nature in Bhutan said bio-diversity conservation programmes in Sikkim would be successful, as the government itself was committed towards the environment.
Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling, while inaugurating the seminar yesterday, said the state had over 30 per cent of its total area protected under environment rules.
“I feel that conservation of the rhododendron within the natural habitat is the best approach. The state government has been successful in maintaining the natural habitation of the floral species,” said Chamling.
The chief minister also pointed out that the Kanchenjungha Biosphere Reserve and seven other wildlife sanctuaries have rhododendrons in their pristine state.
Two of them, the Singba and the Barsey sanctuaries are fully devoted to the conservation of one of the most beautiful wild genetic resources, (the rhododendron), he said.
“My endeavour has been to promote a balanced growth in Sikkim by duly preserving everything in nature and bringing in the best practices of modern development instruments available in the world. This also means bringing in a paradigm shift in people’s mindset and way of life to harness the natural resources in a sustainable manner,” said Chamling.
source: The telegraph
Gangtok, April 30: Foreign delegates who participated in an international seminar on rhododendron conservation and sustainable use here yesterday lauded the Sikkim government for its efforts to protect the state’s bio-diversity.
Experts from Germany, Holland, Sweden and Bhutan are here to participate in the Rhododenron Festival organised by the state government this month.
“In Europe, we have rhododendrons cultivated for collections and parks but here in Sikkim, the plant’s various species are found in the wild and in their natural form,” Wolfgang Spethmann from Germany told The Telegraph. Spethmann is a researcher in woody plants like rhododendrons.
“It was a nice trip to Yumthang Valley. We saw more than a dozen species of the plant in bloom; the flowering was excellent and it was a wonderful sight. It is good to see that they are protected in the wild,” said Spethmann.
Lau Trass, who is a member of the Dutch Rhododendron Society, has said it is always a wonderful experience for Europeans to see rhododendrons in bloom in their natural habitat.
“There is a special support from the Sikkim government for the conservation of rhododendrons and it makes the state one of the central places in the world where one can see and study the different species of the rhododendron growing in their natural best,” said Trass.
Rebacca Pradhan from the Royal Society for Protection of Nature in Bhutan said bio-diversity conservation programmes in Sikkim would be successful, as the government itself was committed towards the environment.
Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling, while inaugurating the seminar yesterday, said the state had over 30 per cent of its total area protected under environment rules.
“I feel that conservation of the rhododendron within the natural habitat is the best approach. The state government has been successful in maintaining the natural habitation of the floral species,” said Chamling.
The chief minister also pointed out that the Kanchenjungha Biosphere Reserve and seven other wildlife sanctuaries have rhododendrons in their pristine state.
Two of them, the Singba and the Barsey sanctuaries are fully devoted to the conservation of one of the most beautiful wild genetic resources, (the rhododendron), he said.
“My endeavour has been to promote a balanced growth in Sikkim by duly preserving everything in nature and bringing in the best practices of modern development instruments available in the world. This also means bringing in a paradigm shift in people’s mindset and way of life to harness the natural resources in a sustainable manner,” said Chamling.
source: The telegraph
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