Punished for not singing
South East Central Railway (SECR) General Manager Satender Kumar, who is now in the news for the Hirakhand express accident, has sanctioned disciplinary action against a lower staff who refused to sing a duet with him. Kumar took the action against Senior Clerk Anjali Tiwari after she refused to sing a duet of the choice of the SECR GM during a rehearsal programme in Durg Division on January 16. For Kumar, the refusal to sing a duet with him was a ‘gross misconduct.’ “Action may be taken in this regard and she should debarred from all the cultural programme of Raipur Division, and she should not even be sent outside the division,” he said in the order. Anjali had refused to sing that particular duet saying she had not come prepared for it.
Jumbo warmth
It is hard to imagine elephants keeping themselves warm with woolens in this wintry cold. But as part of a unique initiative, the Wildlife SOS, a non-profit organisation, is providing Jumbo Jackets to rescued elephants in their Elephant Conservation camp and Care Center at Mathura for them to brave the prevailing chill of North India. More than 20 such pachyderms are strutting around, donning jackets made out of colourful blankets. This way they get protected from pneumonia and also save them from arthritis that worsens in winter.
Bandmaster’s record
As the Indian Navy band contingent marches down Rajpath on Republic Day this year, Master Chief Petty Officer(musician) Ramesh Chand will create a record of sorts. It will be the 19th year in a row that Chand will lead the naval band on Republic Day. Hailing from Himachal Pradesh, Chand has taken part in the parade for 30 years, leading it for the past so many years. The 55-year-old band master keeps fit with yoga as he has to walk more than ten kms during the parade. He will retire next year after 37 years of service.
No to Tiwari’s son
In the ticket distribution for Assembly seats, the BJP is struggling adjust loyalist against defectors. In Uttarakhand, where many Congress turn coats been given tickets by the BJP, have angered ‘the loyalists’ party men. The direct impact seem to have been felt by the late comer Congress leader ND Tiwari’s son Rohit Sekhar who was denied ticket by the BJP though the party welcomed the 91-year-old Tiwari.
Tough justice
New Chief Justice of India (CJI) JS Khehar has changed the rules of the game in the Supreme Court for granting adjournments. No lawyer is willing to take a chance while arguing a case before the CJI as every request for adjournment is scrutinised and sometimes dismissed with heavy cost. Even in cases where notice of adjournment has been circulated in advance by either of the parties , lawyers are sending their juniors well-prepared for meeting a contingency. As one lawyer put it, “You never know his mind. It is better to be prepared than to face his wrath.”
CJI on MCI
Gone are the days when the Medical Council of India was trusted for its advice and recommendation. In one case relating to grant of permission for medical admission to a Government college, the judgment by the High Court recorded that the MCI was a “stumbling block” in granting clearance to a government medical college. Upset by the remark, when the MCI counsel sought expunction of the remark, CJI JS Khehar said, “When I was MCI counsel at one time, its decision was considered final. Things have changed now.” The remark remained with the regulatory body as the Court refused to expunge saying, “Don’t worry, it is said in context of one college only.”
Error filled
A booklet dealing with health related issues titled ‘Healthy Children, Healthy India,’ which has been uploaded on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is replete with typo errors. Instead of proofreading it properly, it seems the officials were more keen to upload the booklet on the Ministry’s website. The booklet contains tips on leading a healthy life.