A Central team Friday visited the eastern state of Bihar to take stock of the situation in cerebral malaria-hit Munger district even as the death toll due to the disease rose to 25.
The four-member panel headed by joint director of Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry Dr S N Sharma would assist in providing medical care to the affected people, Munger District Malaria Officer B Sahu said.
Five more children succumbed to cerebral malaria during last two days in Kharagpur sub-division and Dharhara block in the district, he said, adding that the disease has so far claimed 25 lives and affected more than 1,500 others.
"Out of the 1,450 people whose serum samples were tested, 565 were positive," Sahu said.link
Friday 7 August 2009
Administration Gears up for Pitripaksha Mela
The core committee of the annual Pitripaksha Mela in Patna on Thursday held a high-level meeting to review the administration's preparedness for the two-week religious event in Gaya that attracts thousands of visitors each year from across the globe.
The fair, known for 'Pind Daan', a Hindu ritual intended to free the soul of one's ancestors, opens on September 3.
Land Reform and Revenue Minister Narendra Narayan Yadav, who also heads the Fair committee, said that the government has made elaborate arrangement to ensure non-stop supply of electricity and water supply in the region and has appointed a number of health officials to maintain a clean and safe environment throughout the period of the fair.
Yadav said that 15 transformers were to be replaced and 20 others were to be secured to maintain uninterrupted supply of electricity in Gaya. He further said that the officials were directed to ensure all tube wells in the region were operating smoothly and health camps were set up in each locality to effectively handle any health-related issues.
The government has also arranged for additional food inspectors in Gaya who would conduct checks at various hotels and restaurants to ensure utmost hygiene is maintained at all places and ambulances are available round-the-clock to deal with any emergency.
PHED Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Public Relations Minister Ramnath Thakur, Road Construction Minister Prem Kumar, and a number of top officials attended the meeting.link
The fair, known for 'Pind Daan', a Hindu ritual intended to free the soul of one's ancestors, opens on September 3.
Land Reform and Revenue Minister Narendra Narayan Yadav, who also heads the Fair committee, said that the government has made elaborate arrangement to ensure non-stop supply of electricity and water supply in the region and has appointed a number of health officials to maintain a clean and safe environment throughout the period of the fair.
Yadav said that 15 transformers were to be replaced and 20 others were to be secured to maintain uninterrupted supply of electricity in Gaya. He further said that the officials were directed to ensure all tube wells in the region were operating smoothly and health camps were set up in each locality to effectively handle any health-related issues.
The government has also arranged for additional food inspectors in Gaya who would conduct checks at various hotels and restaurants to ensure utmost hygiene is maintained at all places and ambulances are available round-the-clock to deal with any emergency.
PHED Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Public Relations Minister Ramnath Thakur, Road Construction Minister Prem Kumar, and a number of top officials attended the meeting.link
Handloom products buyer-seller meet in Patna from Aug 8
A buyer-seller meet to promote the handloom and silk industry in the state of Bihar is being jointly organised by the Government of Bihar and Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Cluster Development Initiative Ltd.
This meet will be held during August 8-10 at Hotel Maurya in Patna and will be inaugurated by the Minister of Industries, Govt of Bihar and will be presided by Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, Bihar in presence of Additional Commisioner (Handlooms), Government of India.
A pool of buyers from countries like Canada, UAE and Bangladesh along with about ten buyers from India will be participating in this meet.
The clusters involved in this buyer seller meet are Bihar Sharif, Nalanda; Sigori, Patna; Manpur, Gaya; Bhuwara, Madhubani; Katoria, Banka; Hussainabad, Nathnagar, Champa Nagar and Kharik Bazaar, all in Bhagalapur.
On showcase will be handloom products made by weavers of Bihar. Amongst the products to be on display are high and medium end silk and silk mix materials for furnishing, dress materials, sarees, dupattas etc. (tasar, mulberry, linen etc.) from Bhagalpur region.
Also on view from Bhagalpur region will be low and medium end cotton products like dress material, dhoti, towels, lungi etc, tasar and cotton dress materials like kurta, shirting, bedsheets from Gaya and Nalanda.
Beautiful cotton dress materials from Patna and Madhubani including kurtas will also be on display at the nine stalls to be set up at the buyer-seller meet to be organised in the capital city of Bihar.link
This meet will be held during August 8-10 at Hotel Maurya in Patna and will be inaugurated by the Minister of Industries, Govt of Bihar and will be presided by Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, Bihar in presence of Additional Commisioner (Handlooms), Government of India.
A pool of buyers from countries like Canada, UAE and Bangladesh along with about ten buyers from India will be participating in this meet.
The clusters involved in this buyer seller meet are Bihar Sharif, Nalanda; Sigori, Patna; Manpur, Gaya; Bhuwara, Madhubani; Katoria, Banka; Hussainabad, Nathnagar, Champa Nagar and Kharik Bazaar, all in Bhagalapur.
On showcase will be handloom products made by weavers of Bihar. Amongst the products to be on display are high and medium end silk and silk mix materials for furnishing, dress materials, sarees, dupattas etc. (tasar, mulberry, linen etc.) from Bhagalpur region.
Also on view from Bhagalpur region will be low and medium end cotton products like dress material, dhoti, towels, lungi etc, tasar and cotton dress materials like kurta, shirting, bedsheets from Gaya and Nalanda.
Beautiful cotton dress materials from Patna and Madhubani including kurtas will also be on display at the nine stalls to be set up at the buyer-seller meet to be organised in the capital city of Bihar.link
Swine flu alert in Bihar
The Bihar government has sounded a swine flu alert in the state, particularly in towns along the Indo-Nepal international border.
"A swine flu alert has been sounded in Bihar, especially in border towns of Raxaul and Jogbani, besides Gaya,"state Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav said.
The pilgrim town of Gaya has a number of international flights, he said, adding that special arrangements have been made for flu tests in the state.
"A swine flu alert has been sounded in Bihar, especially in border towns of Raxaul and Jogbani, besides Gaya,"state Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav said.
The pilgrim town of Gaya has a number of international flights, he said, adding that special arrangements have been made for flu tests in the state.
Monday 3 August 2009
First Major UK Solo Show for Subodh Gupta to Open at Hauser & Wirth in October
Describing himself as 'the idol thief', Subodh Gupta is one of the most exciting and audacious contemporary artists to have emerged in recent years. The man dubbed by The Guardian as the 'subcontinental Marcel Duchamp' will exhibit simultaneously at Hauser & Wirth’s Piccadilly and Old Bond Street galleries throughout October. Among the works he’s making specifically for this, his first major UK solo show, is a three-dimensional reworking in bronze of Duchamp’s moustachioed Mona Lisa, L.H.O.O.Q, (1919). 'Art language is the same all over the world', he claims, 'which allows me to be anywhere.'
Many will know Gupta for his works incorporating everyday objects that are ubiquitous throughout India, such as the mass-produced steel tiffin boxes used by millions to carry their lunch, as well as thali pans, bicycles and milk pails. From such ordinary items the artist produces breathtaking sculptures that reflect on the economic transformation of his homeland while acknowledging the reach of contemporary art. For instance, Line of Control (2008) — a colossal mushroom cloud constructed entirely of pots and pans prominently displayed in the last Tate Triennial — created an overarching symbol through small and commonplace items. Through its fusion of global issues with local ingredients the work spoke across cultural boundaries, commenting on the deadly extremes nations go to in maintaining their borders.
In his new works Gupta moves away from composite sculptures towards objects that possess an auratic quality. Readymade commodities experience transformations in scale and material, transmogrifying from factory-produced items into extraordinary artefacts. Employing such culturally loaded mediums as bronze, steel and marble, he presents subject matters whose symbolism varies from the universal to the enigmatic, and whose emotional impact ranges from menace to nostalgia. Appropriated icons from the canon of Western art share company with replicas of perishable, interchangeable goods associated with India, and items whose import is specific to the artist. Gupta’s work treats unlike things with equal respect, embodying the clash between impersonal and individual experience in contemporary society. He tests the ways in which meaning and value are constructed, exploring art’s capacity to withstand and channel the effects of expansion, displacement and translation.
Subodh Gupta was born in 1964 in Khagaul, Bihar, India. He studied at the College of Art, Patna (1983 – 1988) before moving to New Delhi where he currently lives and works. Trained as a painter, he went on to experiment with a variety of media, which culminated in his first installation in 1996 entitled '29 Mornings'. His work has been prominent in major international biennials and has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions across Asia, Europe and America. Recent group exhibitions include The Garage (GCCC Moscow)’s 'A Certain State of the World?', works from the Pinault Collection (2009) curated by Caroline Bourgeois; 'Altermodern: Tate Triennial 09', curated by Nicolas Bourriaud; 'Indian Highway' (2008), curated by Julia Peyton-Jones and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Serpentine Gallery, London, currently on show at Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, Oslo and touring to other venues; and 'Where in the World' (2008), curated by Kavita Singh, Shukla Sawant and Naman Ahuja, Devi Art Foundation, New Delhi. link
Many will know Gupta for his works incorporating everyday objects that are ubiquitous throughout India, such as the mass-produced steel tiffin boxes used by millions to carry their lunch, as well as thali pans, bicycles and milk pails. From such ordinary items the artist produces breathtaking sculptures that reflect on the economic transformation of his homeland while acknowledging the reach of contemporary art. For instance, Line of Control (2008) — a colossal mushroom cloud constructed entirely of pots and pans prominently displayed in the last Tate Triennial — created an overarching symbol through small and commonplace items. Through its fusion of global issues with local ingredients the work spoke across cultural boundaries, commenting on the deadly extremes nations go to in maintaining their borders.
In his new works Gupta moves away from composite sculptures towards objects that possess an auratic quality. Readymade commodities experience transformations in scale and material, transmogrifying from factory-produced items into extraordinary artefacts. Employing such culturally loaded mediums as bronze, steel and marble, he presents subject matters whose symbolism varies from the universal to the enigmatic, and whose emotional impact ranges from menace to nostalgia. Appropriated icons from the canon of Western art share company with replicas of perishable, interchangeable goods associated with India, and items whose import is specific to the artist. Gupta’s work treats unlike things with equal respect, embodying the clash between impersonal and individual experience in contemporary society. He tests the ways in which meaning and value are constructed, exploring art’s capacity to withstand and channel the effects of expansion, displacement and translation.
Subodh Gupta was born in 1964 in Khagaul, Bihar, India. He studied at the College of Art, Patna (1983 – 1988) before moving to New Delhi where he currently lives and works. Trained as a painter, he went on to experiment with a variety of media, which culminated in his first installation in 1996 entitled '29 Mornings'. His work has been prominent in major international biennials and has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions across Asia, Europe and America. Recent group exhibitions include The Garage (GCCC Moscow)’s 'A Certain State of the World?', works from the Pinault Collection (2009) curated by Caroline Bourgeois; 'Altermodern: Tate Triennial 09', curated by Nicolas Bourriaud; 'Indian Highway' (2008), curated by Julia Peyton-Jones and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Serpentine Gallery, London, currently on show at Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, Oslo and touring to other venues; and 'Where in the World' (2008), curated by Kavita Singh, Shukla Sawant and Naman Ahuja, Devi Art Foundation, New Delhi. link
Nalanda ordnance factory put on hold: Government
A corruption case involving an Israeli firm and a former head of Nalanda ordnance factory has delayed the plans to set up the munitions manufacturing unit in Bihar, parliament was told Monday.
India's 40th ordnance factory at Rajgir in Bihar was to be set up jointly with Israel Military Industries (IMI), which is under the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) scanner for the bribery case.
"In view of the case registered by the CBI against Sudipto Ghosh, former DGOF (Director General Ordnance Factory), and others, it has been decided by the ministry of defence to put on hold for the present all procurement with IMI till further orders," Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju told parliament Monday.
The Israeli ammunition firm was scheduled to complete the project to revive the factory on the lines of the IMI's ordnance factory in a Tel Aviv suburb by August 2011 under the Rs.12 billion deal.
Originally conceived in the late 1990s when George Fernandes was the defence minister, the Nalanda factory went into limbo when South African defence major Denel that was to collaborate in its construction was blacklisted on corruption charges.
The factory was to manufacture the propellant for the ammunition of the Bofors 155 mm howitzers and also Zitara carbines in collaboration with another Indian ordnance factory.
A review committee report in July 2007 gave the go-ahead to the project and it was finally approved by the government in January 2009.
All dealings with IMI were put on hold June 5 after its name surfaced in the bribery case against the retired chairman.
The CBI registered a case against Ghosh May 17.link
India's 40th ordnance factory at Rajgir in Bihar was to be set up jointly with Israel Military Industries (IMI), which is under the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) scanner for the bribery case.
"In view of the case registered by the CBI against Sudipto Ghosh, former DGOF (Director General Ordnance Factory), and others, it has been decided by the ministry of defence to put on hold for the present all procurement with IMI till further orders," Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju told parliament Monday.
The Israeli ammunition firm was scheduled to complete the project to revive the factory on the lines of the IMI's ordnance factory in a Tel Aviv suburb by August 2011 under the Rs.12 billion deal.
Originally conceived in the late 1990s when George Fernandes was the defence minister, the Nalanda factory went into limbo when South African defence major Denel that was to collaborate in its construction was blacklisted on corruption charges.
The factory was to manufacture the propellant for the ammunition of the Bofors 155 mm howitzers and also Zitara carbines in collaboration with another Indian ordnance factory.
A review committee report in July 2007 gave the go-ahead to the project and it was finally approved by the government in January 2009.
All dealings with IMI were put on hold June 5 after its name surfaced in the bribery case against the retired chairman.
The CBI registered a case against Ghosh May 17.link
Saturday 1 August 2009
Nalanda village wins Tourism Award 2009
Nepura in Nalanda district of Bihar bagged the Tourism Award-2009. The award was given by a private channel for women empowerment by way of tourism.
The award ceremony, held at a posh hotel in Bengaluru (Bangalore) on Thursday, was attended by Joint Secretary, Bihar Tourism.
In a message, the chief guest at the function, Union Tourism Minister Kumari Shailaja conveyed, “This is indeed a commendable initiative and we all know the tremendous opportunity that Buddhist circuit presents for Indian tourism.”
Nalanda and Buddhist circuit offers immense potential for rural tourism in Bihar, she said emphasising “more such initiatives for women participation for sustainable livelihood from tourism.”
This for the first time a community initiative has brought Bihar on national tourism map. This prestigious project under the UNDP and Ministry of Tourism was implemented by a Patna-based NGO, Adithi.
Located between the famous places Nalanda and Rajgir Town of Bihar, this small village is famous for weaving. There are about 250 families in this village, out of which 50 practice weaving. It is said that out of the three Mango Grooves of the Nalanda University, one of the Grooves is situated here. And it is here where Lord Mahavira and Gautam Buddha stayed.
In fact, it is so believed that Nepura is the first place where the Lord Buddha gave his first preaching. It is also considered the first major social reform movement. Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira and Sanjaya has many followers from this village.
The award ceremony, held at a posh hotel in Bengaluru (Bangalore) on Thursday, was attended by Joint Secretary, Bihar Tourism.
In a message, the chief guest at the function, Union Tourism Minister Kumari Shailaja conveyed, “This is indeed a commendable initiative and we all know the tremendous opportunity that Buddhist circuit presents for Indian tourism.”
Nalanda and Buddhist circuit offers immense potential for rural tourism in Bihar, she said emphasising “more such initiatives for women participation for sustainable livelihood from tourism.”
This for the first time a community initiative has brought Bihar on national tourism map. This prestigious project under the UNDP and Ministry of Tourism was implemented by a Patna-based NGO, Adithi.
Located between the famous places Nalanda and Rajgir Town of Bihar, this small village is famous for weaving. There are about 250 families in this village, out of which 50 practice weaving. It is said that out of the three Mango Grooves of the Nalanda University, one of the Grooves is situated here. And it is here where Lord Mahavira and Gautam Buddha stayed.
In fact, it is so believed that Nepura is the first place where the Lord Buddha gave his first preaching. It is also considered the first major social reform movement. Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira and Sanjaya has many followers from this village.
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