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UPSC & GPSC exams growing popular in Gujarat

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.31, 2010

Ahmedabad: For a state where most dream of becoming the next Ambani, there has been a tremendous increase in number of aspirants to Gujarat Public Services Commission (GPSC) and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations.

Experts say that increased awareness, recession and need for job security is what is driving the trend. Managing director of Liberty, a coaching class for UPSC and GPSC, Jagdish Patel said, “The number of people inquiring about UPSC and GPSC preparation has seen a tremendously increase since the recession.”

He said that during the recession, most jobs were lost in the private sector and so more people are now keen on government jobs that provide security and are equally lucrative.

Talking about the rise in enquiries, Patel said that on an average some 30 people enquire about the exams every day. He said that many youth are also keen on taking these exams.

“Earlier in 2001 when the GPSC was introduced and even after that most of the people who came for enquiry were those who were already working or had at least completed their masters,” he said.

Patel said now the set of aspirants include large number of graduates and younger people. A school teacher Pratik Subhashchandra Upadhyay from Himmatnagar who recently stood 3rd in the GPSC results said, “I wanted to climb up the career ladder and so began preparing for the GPSC exam.”

Talking about awareness he said that it is on the
rise. “Some of them have a problem with English but they are a talented lot and can do wonders.”

He said the next GPSC exams are yet to be announced but many college students are already preparing for it,” he said.

Source by:http://www.dnaindia.com/academy/report_upsc-and-gpsc-exams-growing-popular-in-gujarat_1390061

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‘Kutch nahi dekha, to kuch nahi dekha’

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.31, 2010

AHMEDABAD: “It was still dark as we steadily made our way through barren roads. The police pilot GP flashing its orange rotator light ahead and behind, more security — we are just a ‘rann’ away from the Pak territory! Moon was out shining at 6 in the morning and the entire region looked surreal. There is something uncanny about nothingness. That is what one felt as one strutted about on the salt-laden muddy terrain, the wind so harsh even the vanity van shook and quivered.”

The stark landscape of Kutch desert seems to have brought Amitabh Bachchan’s poetic genes to the fore. He found time to update his blog while shooting the Gujarat tourism film with these words, showing that something of his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s sharp eye was alive in him. “We are really just 60 kilometres away from the border… and it can be seen across the Rann!” he wrote. Bachchan’s signature dialogue for the Kutch shoot is, “Kutch nahi dekha, to kuch nahi dekha.” And he seems to believe it too.

The poet returned as he recounted an interesting incident: “The script flew away from my hands as I was reading it and a couple of unit hands sillily ran after it as it bounced away at rapid speed. It was a strange sight. A white stark bunch of papers flying off ahead chased by a couple of unit hands, until they became a tiny spot in the horizon and still nowhere near catching up with the sheet of paper.”

“Until smart production incharge Mr Kumar did his deed for the day — got on to a bike, readily accessible there as the only machine transport allowed on the Rann and drove off behind paper. We looked at this sight with great amusement and jeered as this chase kept unfolding in front of us, wary of course with the fact that any longer and paper and Kumar would become prized possessions of Pakistan!” Bachchan signs off with these words: “Breathe in the Rann of Kutch! Come breathe in a bit of Gujarat!”

Source by:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Kutch-nahi-dekha-to-kuch-nahi-dekha/articleshow/5992946.cms

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Ahmedabad’s BRTS bags another award

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.31, 2010

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s urban transport project Ahmedabad Janmarg Ltd (AJL) has been conferred with the international joint runners-up award for its outstanding innovation in public transport.

The International Transport Forum (ITF) and International Association for Public Transport (UITP) presented the award on May 27, 2010 at Leipzig during the International Transport Forum 2010 in Germany.

Dr. Peter Ramsauer, Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Development of Germany presented the award to mayor Kanaji Thakore and municipal commissioner IP Gautam.

Madrid Regional Transport of Spain was declared the winner, while Fast-track Bus Rapid Transit System – Arrival Southern Countries and KENT County Council, UK and AJL were declared joint runners-up.

ITF and UITP had received 25 nominations from 23 countries.

Source by:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_ahmedabad-s-brts-bags-another-award_1389240

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Narendra Modi praises Amitabh Bachchan for keeping his commitment

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.31, 2010

Ahmedabad: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi today said bolloywood actor Amitabh Bachchan has stood tall by fulfilling his commitment towards the state despite plenty of innuendos and accusations when he became the brand ambassador of the state.

Bachchan is scheduled to begin shooting for Gujarat Tourism from May 28.

Modi wrote in his blog, “Amitabhji is coming to Gujarat to promote tourism and I welcome him. Entire state is excited by his visit”.

“But I want to express my inner feelings. There were plenty of innuendos and accusations when he became the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. Anybody in his place would have been shaken and backed out. Even his fans were worried whether he can withstand such onslaught,” Modi further said.

“But Amitabhji stood tall not only due to his physical height but also due to his determination in fulfilling his commitment,” Modi said.

Bachchan had to face criticism from Left parties and Congress, after he had agreed to become brand ambassador for Gujarat Tourism. Kerala Tourism had also offered him to become brand ambassador of that state’s tourism but the state had backed off after opposition from some to its leaders.

Bachchan had said that he has agreed to be brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism, but not of any chief minister.

“For the sake of Gujarat and India, Amitabhji kept his words and this sort of commitment has set highest standard in professional ethics and has become a shining example for other professionals,” Modi further said in the blog.

“In this extreme heatwave conditions, when nobody from outside can even think of visiting Kutch even if paid, Amitabhji will spend three days in the white Rann of Kutch to promote tourism without charging a single penny,” Modi said.

Bachchan is scheduled to spend a week in Gujarat from May 28. He will be visiting Gir forest and Rann of Kutch and some other places for shooting of advertisement for promotion of Gujarat Tourism.

Source by:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_narendra-modi-praises-amitabh-bachchan-for-keeping-his-commitment_1387793

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Tata DOCOMO Launches Next-Gen GSM Services in Ahmedabad

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.31, 2010

Tata DOCOMO, the GSM brand of Tata Teleservices Limited, today announced the commercial launch of its operations in Ahmedabad-an occasion that was marked with the opening of the company’s first Dive-in Store in the city. Tata DOCOMO has so far launched in 17 telecom Circles across the country in the short span of just over 10 months.

With this launch, Tata DOCOMO’s industry-changing ‘Pay-for-what-you-use’ model is now available in Ahmedabad as well, including the game-changing per-second pulse and a plethora of innovative applications and services. Launched in South India in late June 2009, Tata DOCOMO’s 3G-ready services have received tremendous response across the country.

Tata DOCOMO has also brought to Ahmedabad a wide array of products and services, riding on the back of innovative tariff options. “We had made a promise at the time of the launch of our services that we would connect the length and breadth of Gujarat and bring in products and services that would redefine the telecom experience,” Mr Nipun Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, Gujarat, Tata DOCOMO, said. “Keeping in view the century of trust associated with the house of Tatas, we are launching the concept of fare being fair,” he added.

The company also inaugurated its first Dive-In Store in Ahmedabad city, which is a non-intrusive Experience Zone that enables independent and singular user experience. Tata DOCOMO is showcasing the rich world of Value-Added Services at these stores, allowing visitors to explore the latest in telecom technology and gadgetry. “We have launched this store to provide fresh insights and give a first-hand look and feel of latest products and services offered by Tata DOCOMO. The store has unique VAS kiosks that help customers come up to speed on latest offerings and services. The Dive-In Store is an innovative concept that offers a relaxing and interactive environment for consumers, aimed at inspiring and educating them on the benefits of mobility,” Mr Sharma said.

Source by:http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/telecommunications/2010051851056.htm

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Ladies special buses on Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar route

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.31, 2010

For hundreds of female commuters in the state who’re used to nudging and pushing their way through in state transport buses, this move by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) is going bring an enormous sigh of relief. The ‘ST’, as it is popularly known, has planned new services for Gujarat, including ‘Only Women’ special bus services from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar and Nadiad, among others.

Sources in the state transport department said that to mark the state’s golden jubilee celebrations, the department has planned to start special buses on theAhmedabad-Gandhinagar route, as well as to nearby cities like Nadiad, soon. The Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar route in particular, has a large number of regular female travellers, and there is huge scope for this specialised service, said the sources.

GSRTC’s vice chairman and MD Raj Gopal, when asked, confirmed the ST’s plan to start special buses for women, in the state. He said, “We are planning to start many women’s special services in the near future. We have already started new buses, and mini buses on SG highway.”

Sources also said, “The corporation has also planned to start special hourly circular route buses on the Sardar Patel Ring Road in Ahmedabad which has witnessed tremendous development in its vicinity.”

The ST department has also planned to start “Suwarna Jayanti super luxury” services on inter-city routes. 25 “Gram Hat” special buses for tribal areas will be started, as also tourist special buses on popular routes during weekends. Advance booking facilities for traveling across the state, E-ticketing facilities through GSRTC counters, booking agents, the internet and E-Gram, RFID/smart card-based passes to 1 lakh daily commuters, additional cargo space in new buses and mineral water & newspapers in AC coaches, are some of the facilities on the anvil.

Source by:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_ladies-special-buses-on-ahmedabad-gandhinagar-route_1383991

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A walkers’ paradise soon in Ahmedabad

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.31, 2010

Ahmedabad: You will soon find a shining stone floor, trees, wooden benches and steel railing along the river when you go for a walk on wide promenades on the Sabarmati riverfront project. In a board meeting of the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) recently, work tenders to construct 6 km of model stretches on the east and west banks of the Sabarmati River were allotted.

The SRFDCL board gave its nod to the construction of a section on the model stretch developed on the east bank near Subhash Bridge. The 3 kms of stretch on the east and west bank of the river include Dudheshwar to Gandhi Bridge on the east, and Gandhi Bridge to Sardar Bridge on the west.

The SRFDCL officials say, the work on the 6 kms of stretch is expected to be commissioned soon and should be completed by December this year. “The work includes giving finishing touches to the promenades — with shining stone flooring, railing near the river for people’s safety, street furniture like benches so that people can relax while taking a stroll,” said the official.

The move also aims to develop stretches and keep it open for public so that feedback on the planning can be taken, if it requires any changes from the point of view of public amenities.

Meanwhile, work on construction of road on the reclaimed land of the project has also started. Once the roads are completed, they would give denizens connectivity from Astodia to Shahibaug Dafnala in 10 minutes, if claims by the officials are anything to go by.

The SRFDCL bosses decided to come up with a 30m wide road on the eastern side of the river and 24m wide road on the western bank on 11 kms along the Sabarmati River. Around 46.45 hectares land (of total 162 hectares reclaimed land) will be used to develop the roads.
Officials said they also plan to start work of setting up gardens on the river bank simultaneously with the construction of the roads. Around 42.80 hectares of reclaimed land will be used to add green lungs to the city by developing gardens. The entire project is expected to be completed by March 2011.

Source by:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_a-walkers-paradise-soon-in-ahmedabad_1383650

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This summer, don’t expect to get a cool ride on a BRTS bus in Ahmedabad

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.31, 2010

Ahmedabad: If you were one of those hopeful souls dreaming of commuting in an air-conditioned bus this scorching summer, here is some disappointing news.

The Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited (AJL), that had planned to launch the AC bus service in the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), in December last year, is yet to take a look at the prototype, leave alone launch the service.

To elaborate, the AJL does not expect to roll out AC buses on city roads before mid-monsoons, i.e. July. The AJL wanted to start with 20 AC buses initially, and had placed orders for the buses with two companies, Ashok Leyland and Tata Motors, long ago.

Officials at the AJL now say that they have no option but to wait to check out a prototype bus from both the companies, in order to propose changes in design. “We have been pushing both the companies to show us prototype designs, but despite our constant reminders, the companies have not been able to show us the same. To go by estimates, it is not likely that they would showcase the AC bus this month,” says a senior AJL official.

Officials say it would take at least a month for the company to deliver the buses, after changes in the prototype are finalised. “The main reason for the delay on the part of the companies is that all major cities in India that have opted for urban transport projects under JNNURM have placed orders with them. Ahmedabad seems last on the list of cities that have placed orders,” adds the official.

Officials add that denizens have been requesting AJL authorities to start the AC buses for long, and that they wanted to launch the same before the start of summer. “But the huge demand that the companies are facing has dented the prospects. The biggest problem is that there are only two major companies – Tata and Ashok Leyland – that make buses required by the AJL,” says an official. Meanwhile, the AJL has geared up to extend the BRTS route from Narol to Naroda. The 13 km-stretch is expected to be formally inaugurated by June 15

Source by:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_this-summer-don-t-expect-to-get-a-cool-ride-on-a-brts-bus-in-ahmedabad_1382503

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Today could be hottest day yet

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.31, 2010

AHMEDABAD: Thursday could be the hottest day of the season in the city with prevailing heat wave conditions making life even more difficult for denizens. Rising mercury levels in the state have already claimed two lives in Saurashtra region.

In Ahmedabad, temperatures touched a record 44.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, breaking the last five years record. The previous record was 44.4 degrees Celsius on May 15 in 2004.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials, mercury levels might touch 45 degree Celsius on Thursday with skies remaining clear and no hint of clouds to help ease some of the torture.

Heat wave conditions would continue in the city and in other parts of Gujarat forcing people to remain indoors to stay away from the sizzler. Although, there have been some reports of the monsoon turning up on time in June, weather experts say there is no sign yet of it in the Ahmedabad skies. An IMD official said,
“The departure from normal temperature is by two degrees Celsius and there is no respite from the sweltering summer heat. Mainly north-westerly winds are prevailing in lower levels over the Gujarat region which is bereft of any moisture content.” In other words, rain clouds are still far away.

Source by:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Ahmedabad/Today-could-be-hottest-day-yet/articleshow/5924127.cms

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EWS homes under AUDA scanner

Filed Under: News of Ahmedabad
May.17, 2010

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has learnt its lesson. Now that it is planning to give away 8,000 units constructed for the urban poor, authorities want to ensure that the residential units are not let out on rent or sold off to third parties.For this, AUDA plans to form a special committee that will conduct a drive. In the past, AUDA had observed discrepancies in ownership of the residential units given out under housing for the urban poor.

For example, certain families give out their homes on rent, if they do not wish to move to the area where they have been allotted the same. In some of the cases, such residential units are even sold off to third parties.

“If we take a closer look, generally around 25% of housing for the urban poor is either sold off or given out on rent, meaning that the original owner does not shift to the house allocated to him. We want to avoid such cases. We will hence, form a committee and conduct a drive when we are ready to allocate these 8,000 residential units to the denizens,” said AUDA chairman Dharmendra Shah.

In the last 18 months, the AUDA has completed constructing nearly 6,000 residential units for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) and another 8,000 units are under construction.

Totally, 11,500 houses have been constructed and allotted to denizens. These houses are situated in Nandanvan, Gokul, Vraj Nagari, Murlidhar, Vastrapur, Sardanagar, Ranip, Gopal, Gopal II, Vrundavan-1, Vrundavan-2, Vrajvihar, Giridhar and Krishnadham.

Source By:http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_ews-homes-under-auda-scanner_1382910

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