MUMBAI: To mark the 50th year of India's independence, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the British government has announced a new scholarship scheme called the Chevening Gurukul Scholarships in Leadership and Excellence 1997. The scholarship will fully sponsor 12 achievers from India who will get a chance to attend a 12-week tailor made programme based at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

The programme begins on October 20, 1997 and will comprise nine weeks of academic input, three weeks affiliation and visits to relevant institutions in and around London. Application forms are available at the reception desks at the British Council office and library. The last date for receiving applications in the Delhi office is July 31, 1997, a press-note said.

CBDT clauses for tax returns

MUMBAI: CENTRAL Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) have specified the following areas under the Urban Agglomeration of Mumbai where residents have filed their mandatory income tax returns: 1) occupation of commercial area of 100 square feet or residential area of 600 sq feet 2) owners or lessees of motor vehicles 3) subscribers to a telephone 4) those who have foreign travel expenses. Those interested can contact on telephone: 2082172, 2001244.

S P Warke has taken over the charge as chief engineer, Konkan Zone at Kalyan from July 1, 1997. Prior to this posting, he was superintendent engineer for Khadka-Bhusawal EHV and O and M Circle. He has worked in Bhusawal, Kalyan, Chanwad, Malegaon, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Kolhapur on various capacities during the last 32 years, a press-note informned.

B C Roy prize awarded to city medico

MUMBAI: Dr R K Gandhi, professor emiritus of Paediatric Surgery and senior advisor of K J Somaiya Medical college, has been honoured with Dr B C Roy award as Eminent Medical Man (1997). Dr Gandhi was instrumental in establishing the first full-fledged Department of Paediatric Surgery in 1967 at KEM hospital, Parel. He is a recipient of many awards including the Padmashri in 1985, a press-note said.

Bank business hours extended

MUMBAI: BANK of Maharashtra has introduced extended business hours at noon in its fully computerised Gadkari Chowk branch. The bank incidentally is also the first nationalised bank to offer single window service to all customers by way of receipts and payment of cash, a press-note said.

WR to operate jumbo block

MUMBAI: Western Railway will operate a jumbo block on Sunday from 10.30 am to 15.30 pm between Borivli and Andheri on the fast corridor on both up and down lines. This is being done to ensure smooth and punctual running of suburban services, a spokesperson said.

Holiday specials to Ahmedabad

MUMBAI: Western Railway will run two holiday specials from Mumbai Central to Ahmedabad between July 6-8, 1997. The 14-coach trains (871 A Down) will depart from Mumbai Central at 10.30 pm and help clear the rush, a spokesperson informed.