Chandigarh, January 10
A short-term training programme on “Optical Communication Systems Design and Implementation”, organised by the Department of Electronics and Electrical Communication, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed University), was inaugurated by Mr J.P. Sharma, General Manager, Ordinance Cable Factory here.

In his inaugural address, Mr Sharma spoke about applications of optical communication, with special emphasis on its applications in the field of defence communications. He emphasised the need for joint ventures between industry and educational institutions like the PEC, so that the knowledge base of the faculty could be well utilised in the design aspects of this field, which could then be implemented by the industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vijay Gupta, Director, PEC, stressed the need for such training programmes so that teachers could keep in touch with the rapidly changing advancements that are a characteristic of the field of communication today.

Earlier Prof V. Rihani, head of the department, welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest. Dr Neena Gupta, course coordinator, while introducing the participants to the course. He said the aim of the course was to provide a platform for useful information exchange as well to provide an opportunity for the participants to learn and appreciate the technology.

Chandigarh, January 10
A seminar on “Management of Weapons Procurement” was held at the Centre for Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University.

Brig Jasbir Singh (retd), while delivering a lecture, discussed the various dynamics of weapons procurement in India under the Ministry of Defence.

According to him, it is a long-drawn process involving several checks and balances, including country’s political relationship with the countries dealing in arms supply.

He narrated his experience in making arms deals with Russia, France, the UK, the US and other countries as part of military delegations.

Chandigarh, January 10
A CBI Special Court today framed charges against a former Superintendent Engineer (SE) of the UT Electricity Department, Mr V.P. Dhingra, who was caught while allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 20,000 at his Sector 19 residence here in August last year. The charges were framed under various Sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The CBI had arrested Dhingra after a contractor had lodged a complaint against him that the official had demanded “favours” from him to get his work done.

Mr Dhingra was caught by the sleuths while accepting the money in the complainant’s car parked outside Mr Dhingra’s residence.

The complainant told the CBI that Mr Dhingra was demanding money to give approval for some equipment. He had submitted a request to the department for the same. Despite the fact that the equipment was approved by a government laboratory, Mr Dhingra was reportedly harassing the complainant by not approving the same and dilly-dallying on the matter.

The CBI team remained in the house till late in the night.