Patiala
UGC AID: The University Grants Commission, New Delhi, has sanctioned Rs 42 lakh to the department of chemistry, Punjabi University, under the Special Assistance Programme. Prof N.R. Dhamiwal will be the coordinator while Dr A.K. Malik will be the deputy coordinator of the programme.

RELEASED: Vice-chancellor, Punjabi University, Swarn Singh Boparai released a book, “Public Economics”, authored by Dr Janak Raj Gupta, UGC Emeritus Fellow. Dr Gupta has been associated with the 12th Finance Commission. The book has an analysis of the issues which underline budgetary policies in general and Indian experience in particular.

WATER DAY: World Water Day was observed by students of Thapar University here on Thursday. Dr Abhijit Mukherjee, director of the university, inaugurated the programme marking the day by lighting the lamp. Keynote speaker Surinder Singh laid stress on the groundwater and surface-water recharge and judicious use of water. Events like poster presentation, water quiz, water sports were held.

CONNECT CABLE: Connect has launched its cable TV service here. It will be available through selected local cable operators in the region. The subscribers to the service will get 75 regular channels besides five prime channels of Connect TV.

DOCUMENTARIES: The department of journalism and mass communication, Punjabi University, here on Thursday released four documentaries: “Kal Ton Aaj”, “Mera Mul Pao”, “Mazdoor” and “Aastha Mein Dooba Andh Vishwas”, which have been made by the students. Dr Hari Singh Boparai, dean, social sciences, released the documentaries. Hiten Berry, channel head, PBC, Dr G.S Kang, dean, faculty of arts, and Charanjeet Chopra, producer from ETC channel, were present.

water Samples: A rapid action medical team today visited the Ragho Majra area of the town where some cases of suspected jaundice were reported. The team included district epidemiologist Ravinder Khaira, the medical officer of civil dispensary, Ragho Majra, two doctors of the city and Dr Y.S. Banga and the water supply engineer of the municipal corporation. The team visited all houses of the locality. Dr Gupta said 3,000 chlorine tablets were distributed among local residents. The team collected eight samples of water.

KUMARHATTI
Link road: Beral, a backward and far-off panchayat of Solan district will be connected by road network by the year end. The road link will benefit over 1,000 population of the area. This information was given by Deputy Speaker of HP Vidhan Sabha Dharampal Thakur at a public meeting at Kandhar in Arki Tehsil on Thursday.

Nahan
Ration subsidy: At a meeting of Target Public Distribution System in Sirmaur district, DC R.S. Negi, said 15,000 more BPL families will be provided subsidised wheat and rice from next month. This is in addition to 13,000 registered BPL families who have been getting this facility.

NURPUR
Training camps: The local development block of the Horticulture Department has been organising a number of training camps at the Regional Horticulture Research Station, Jachh, near here, since March 19. The objective of these camps is to impart technical know-how to the fruit growers and beekeepers. The camps are being organised under ATMA project.

SHIMLA
Rakesh Kaushal ICAI unit chief: Rakesh Kumar Kaushal has been elected chairman of the HP unit of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for 2007-08. Rajiv Sood, Dinesh Sood and Umesh Walia are vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer, respectively, while Ajay Sood and Arvind Sankhain are members.