WB bans reference to cruelty to animals in textbooks Thursday, August 30, 2007 | AY
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has decided to debar any reference or visual reproduction of animals that can be construed as cruelty in General Science and Life Science text books approved by it. Experiments will only be allowed on species not listed in existing legislation on wild life protection and in deference to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Nearly 13,000 schools in the State are affiliated to the WBBSE. The decision came in the wake of complaints reaching People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals, of unscientific and inhumane experiments on animals that were intimated to WBBSE.
Four Kolkata schools bag British Council award Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AY
Four city schools — Apeejay School, Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, St James School and Salt Lake School, figured in the list of 31 schools, which were bestowed with the British Council International School Award at the ceremony in Hotel Hindustan International today. Scrapbooks, displayed at the event, described the festivals of India to students from other parts of the world. Students of a high school in Stanford addressed the issue of global warming in their presentation, illustrating how schools are churning out global students.
Ambassador makes light of 9000-mile Kolkata-London drive Sunday, August 26, 2007 | AY
London, Aug.25 (ANI): Two British history students, Max Benitz and George Vlasto, both 22, puttered triumphantly up the Fulham Road in London after completing a 9,000-mile drive from Kolkata this week in aid of charity.According to The Telegraph, Benitz and Vlasto passed through the 15,400 feet high Khunjerab Pass of the Pakistani Himalayas, to the potholed highways of Central Asia and finally on to the smooth autoroutes of France onto London, proving the durability of the “Old Lady”.Benitz said the car required two entire rolls of duct tape, but did not get punctured en route.The two students, who had just completed a year studying Indian history in Kolkata as part of their studies at Edinburgh University, said they conceived of the trip mainly as an elaborate scheme to avoid landing at Heathrow in August.Raising money for Kolkata's Future Hope, a former Daily Telegraph Christmas Charity for Indian street-children, their journey took them through Pakistan and China, before retracing the steps of Great Gamers through Central Asian cities like Samarkand, Bukara and Tashkent. "The toughest part was fixing the bureaucracy. We had to go to Kolkata, Mumbai and the Delhi just to get the 'carnet de passage' so we could take the car across borders,” said Vlasto.Finally, nearly two-and-a-half months after setting off from Calcutta, they reached the Marsden Hospital in London, the second of the two nominated charities for which they have now raised more than 12,000 pounds.The car failed its MoT test on two minor points. "We were staggered," said Vlasto. (ANI)
Kolkata Police gets state-of-the-art multi-gymnasium Sunday, August 26, 2007 | AY
Kolkata Police now has a plush new air-conditioned multi-gym spreading over 4,200 sq ft. Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee inaugurated the gym, a community centre and a control room at Body Guard Lines today in Kolkata. Police personnel were seen working out in the multi-gym, which has a changing room at the top floor. The community centre will be situated at a place where NGOs and other voluntary organisations can directly interact with the police. We have various community programmes like Nabadisha and Prabhao.
River Ganga poses erosion threat to West Bengal villages Sunday, August 26, 2007 | AY
Manikchak (West Bengal), Aug 25 (ANI): A swollen River Ganga is devouring its embankment and displacing residents of hundreds of villages along its course in West Bengal.Several villages in Malda District in northern West Bengal are being threatened by massive erosion due to the heavy rains and rising floodwater levels.Manikchak village is one such village where large chunks of land have been washed away."Whatever land we had, it has been eroded by the Ganges. Now, even our house is in danger of being uprooted. Every year, thousands of houses are lost to erosion," said Nakul Mondal, a villager.Chittaranjan Das, the District Magistrate of Malda, blamed the Farakka Barrage Project for the Centre’s failure in taking preventive steps.West Bengal falls in the eastern Gangetic belt and the rich alluvial soil is prone to erosion.Flooding is a perennial problem in the area as the heavy discharge from the snow-fed rivers from the upper reaches of Nepal adds to the problem. (ANI)
India remembers Mother Teresa on her 97th birth anniversary Sunday, August 26, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 26 (ANI): Birthday celebrations and special prayers were held at the headquarters of Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, here on Sunday to commemorate her 97th birth anniversary. Hundreds of people joined the Missionaries of Charity nuns for a special morning mass at the 'Mother's House' led by Sister Nirmala, Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity. "The message for the people today on Mother's birthday (is) let us praise and thank the God for the gift of our Mother's life and let us also praise and thank the God for the gift of our own lives. We ask the Lord to bless us, and Mother to pray for us that we also may make our lives something beautiful for the God," she said. Albanian born Mother Teresa made Kolkata her home and dedicated her life to the service of poor and destitute children. Mother Teresa was beatified by the Pope in October 2003, paving the way for her canonization, or being declared a saint. She qualified for beatification after Vatican officials acknowledged that she was responsible for a miracle in which an Indian woman was cured of stomach cancer through her intervention. Mother Teresa who died on September 5, 1997, at the age of 87, was known for her extraordinary love and dedication to poor, homeless and diseased people. She came to India in 1929 at the age of 18 and took up teaching, and became an Indian citizen in 1948. She started working in slums and later set up her Missionaries of Charity, which was approved by the Vatican in 1950. The organisation now runs more than 500 charity homes in over 100 countries. Mother Teresa received several national and international awards for social service during her lifetime, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, the Magsaysay Award in 1962, the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize in 1971, and the John F. Kennedy International Award in 1971. (ANI)
RPG Cellucom to invest Rs. 100 cr Saturday, August 25, 2007 | AY
RPG Cellucom, the emerging mobile and IT retail chain in the RP Goenka group, is planning to roll out 500 stores by 2008-09 from 75 now. Sanjiv Goenka, RPG Vice-Chairman said that this was the sixth city that was being tapped after Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. The first outlet was opened in January at Sahara Mall in Gurgaon. A Rs. 100 crore investment has been proposed for this scale up which would cover 100 cities. Retail is one of the seven business sectors of the RPG Group. RPG Cellucom, which is part of the RPG Retail sector, has entered into a partnership with the Dubai-based Cellucom group which is a specialised and organised retailer of mobility products. The RPG Cellucom stores offer customers a wide range of mobile phones, personal digital accessories, notebooks, mobile enhancements and entertainment, IT accessories and peripherals.
River Ganga poses erosion threat to West Bengal villages Saturday, August 25, 2007 | AY
Manikchak (West Bengal), Aug 25 (ANI): A swollen River Ganga is devouring its embankment and displacing residents of hundreds of villages along its course in West Bengal.Several villages in Malda District in northern West Bengal are being threatened by massive erosion due to the heavy rains and rising floodwater levels.Manikchak village is one such village where large chunks of land have been washed away."Whatever land we had, it has been eroded by the Ganges. Now, even our house is in danger of being uprooted. Every year, thousands of houses are lost to erosion," said Nakul Mondal, a villager.Chittaranjan Das, the District Magistrate of Malda, blamed the Farakka Barrage Project for the Centre’s failure in taking preventive steps.West Bengal falls in the eastern Gangetic belt and the rich alluvial soil is prone to erosion.Flooding is a perennial problem in the area as the heavy discharge from the snow-fed rivers from the upper reaches of Nepal adds to the problem. (ANI)
South Point ranked 4th best in India Thursday, August 23, 2007 | AY
The South Point High School (SPHS) in Kolkata, has been ranked fourth best school in the country. The school has also been judged the best in the eastern part of the country for its academic excellence, qualified teachers, infrastructure of the school and its alumni. IMRB International—a marketing agency and Education world—an education magazine, carried out a survey for the same.
Japanese Prime Minister leaves for Kolkata Thursday, August 23, 2007 | AY
New Delhi, Aug 23 (ANI): Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday left for Kolkata on the second leg of his three-day visit to India.Abe will meet Prasanta Pal, son of Indian judge Radhabinod Pal, who opposed the punishing of Japanese war criminals convicted by an Allied tribunal, a move that was criticised by other Asia countries after the end of the Second World War. An editorial last week in Chosun Ilbo, South Korea's biggest newspaper, criticised Abe's meeting in an editorial, saying that it was aimed at claiming innocence for the war criminals.Japanese media have said Abe's call on Pal, 81, who accompanied his father on a trip of Japan in 1966, in Kolkata could fray improving relations with China, which suffered under Japan's military aggression in the early 20th century.Pal, was the only one on the eleven-judge Allied panel to voice dissent, saying that the tribunal at the end of World War Two was judgment of the vanquished by the victors.Pal senior, however, said there was overwhelming evidence of atrocities committed by the Japanese military. He is revered by Japanese nationalists and a monument dedicated to him even stands on the grounds of the Yasukuni Shrine, seen by many in Asia as a symbol of Japan's wartime militarism.Abe's grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, the late Prime Minister, was listed as a war criminal, but never tried by the U.S. authorities.Abe has rejected suggestions that his meeting with Pal would invite protests from Asian neighbours. Japanese officials point out how he has moved swiftly to mend ties with China and South Korea, visiting the two countries within weeks of taking office last September.The Prime Minister has also stayed away from visiting Yasukuni, where some convicted war criminals are honoured along with the nation's war dead and has stuck to a strategy of refusing to say whether he will visit Yasukuni while in office.Ties with Beijing and Seoul turned frosty under Abe's predecessor, Junichiro Koizumi, mainly due to his annual visits to Yasukuni.A senior Japanese government official said it was a "courtesy call" and that the visit had no "political purpose". The official emphasised that eastern India was an important focus of investment for Japan.Abe set off a furore in March after saying there was no proof the Japanese government or military had forced women -- mostly Asian -- to work in World War Two brothels, and the meeting could rekindle debate about his views on wartime history.The 52-year-old leader has reiterated that he stands by a 1993 government apology to the women, but Abe, the first Japanese Prime Minister born after the war, has in the past questioned the legitimacy of the Allied tribunal.Abe is wrapping up his three-day visit to India, which was designed to boost trade between Asia's largest and third-largest economies and counter China's growing strength. (ANI)
Landslide blocks National Highway in West Bengal Wednesday, August 22, 2007 | AY
Darjeeling (West Bengal), Aug 21 (ANI): Landslides, triggered by torrential rains have crippled traffic on the National Highway in West Bengal. Vehicular traffic barely managed to trickle through National Highway 31-A, which connects Sikkim with Kalimpong, as workers of the Border Road Organisation (BRO) cleared stones and boulders blocking the passageway.The workers have been trying for the past four days to clear the road, but could only manage to make way for smaller vehicles.Dozens of trucks and other heavy vehicles carrying goods have been stranded on either side of the blockage.The drivers of these vehicles are a dispirited lot since they have run out of money to buy food and roadside vendors started charging too high."This has been like this for three days. There has been no movement. We don't have any money to buy eatables now," said Paresh Roy, a truck driver.Officials say the process is tedious, but they are trying to clear the road at the earliest. "There is a problem for the bigger loaded vehicles; the smaller cars are able to go. This has been shut from August 16," said Vinod Pradhan, a police official.Landslides in the region are a common feature especially with heavy rains during the monsoon season. (ANI)
Film by Kolkata destitute kids to be screened at Sydney Wednesday, August 22, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 22 (ANI): A short film on child rights made by two rescued child labourers will be screened at the Auburn International Film Festival for Children and Young Adults in Sydney.The film, 'We See' will be screened during the festival between September 17 and 21.'We See' revolves around a meeting of representatives of the countries to discuss child rights, in the process they praise their country's achievements in the field, but at the end they realise that they had hardly done anything for children.Tapa Bhowmik, 13, is cameraman and Rinku Babu Mondal, 14, the director of the film. The two young achievers lost their fathers at a very young age and then had to shoulder the responsibility of running the family before being rescued by the Centre for Child Development (CCD), a help-group at Madhyamgram.Both were raised at the destitute home."We learnt camera from people, who came here. Now we are good photographers," said Rinku."This film is all about the rights of children," said Tapa.The film will compete with 60 entries in the category with "child rights" as the theme."Forty countries have sent their films and they have selected 60 films from all over the world. 'We See' is one of them. In this category they have selected 10 films," said CCD Director Swapan Mukherjee.Films in the past made by the children of CCD home have been acclaimed at international venues. In 2004, 'Arni' won best film award at a Kids for Kids Festival in Athens. 'Amra' won critics award at Chicago International Children Film Festival in 2005 and in 2006 'Inner Eye' bagged best film award in Cyprus.CCD home often conducts workshops on the techniques of filmmaking - such as scripts, editing and handling of camera and the importance of angles and frames.Despite India officially prohibiting employment of children under 14, thousands of children continue to work at roadside eateries, and other hazardous industries such as carpet weaving, glass-bangle-manufacturing and firework industries.Official figure put the number of child labourers at more than 11 million. But non-government organisations contest the claims and put the figures close to 50 million. (ANI)
West Bengal sets up new green energy JV Tuesday, August 21, 2007 | AY
West Bengal is in the process of creating a new entity for renewable energy development in the state that will help secure Rs 11,000 crore in investment in the sector during the 11th Plan period. The total investment was estimated at Rs 11,000 crore from both the private sector and the new corporation during the 11th Plan period. The West Bengal State Electricity Development Corporation would hold 30 per cent, West Bengal Power Development Corporation 45 per cent and West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Corporation 25 per cent in the new venture. All forms of renewable energy forms like wind, solar, bio-mass, mini-hydel and any other source of green energy would be covered by the Green Energy Development Corporation.
Jyoti Basu rules out mid-term polls over nuke deal Tuesday, August 21, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 20 (ANI): Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Jyoti Basu on Monday ruled out mid-term polls over Indo-US civil nuclear deal, which the Left alliance is opposing.Denying speculation of withdrawal of his party's support to the Manmohan Singh Government, Basu ruled out mid-term elections. He further said that discussions would be held in the Parliament on the Indo-US nuclear deal, which does not entail voting.The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government is facing its worst crisis since coming to power in 2004 with the Left allies angered over the deal.They have warned of "serious consequences" for the government if it proceeds ahead operationalising the nuclear deal, which still needs to be approved by the US Congress.The pact with Washington will result in ending three decades of American sanctions on nuclear trade with India, but the Left parties argue that it would undermine India's nuclear security and sovereignty.The Congress on Sunday mooted a proposal for forming a committee, which would include Left party members and diplomats to look into their concerns over the nuclear deal.Earlier today, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Third Front demanded the appointment of a Parliamentary panel to study the pact.Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesman V K Malhotra said if any mechanism or committee had to be formed it should involve all political parties."This is not a Congress or a Communist family affair. This is a matter of national interest. So, if some mechanism or committee has to be made, then a parliamentary committee has to be formed. A committee from both houses of Parliament should be formed in which people from all parties should be included. Until then, the government should not move forward with the nuke deal," Malhotra said.He said that the BJP has no immediate plans of bringing a no-confidence motion against the Government.Meanwhile, the Third Front, the conglomeration of regional parties which includes the Samajwadi Party (SP), the AIADMK of Tamil Nadu and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has also demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the deal.Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh has suggested that the nuclear deal should be ratified by the Parliament. He said that it is not adequate that the deal should be cleared by the Cabinet, “which is a handful of people picked up by the Prime Minister”. He added: “In a democracy like India, Parliament is supreme, the deal should be ratified by both houses." The CPI-M had suggested the setting up a panel or mechanism to study the implications of the Hyde Act and putting any further progress on the nuclear on hold till it submits its report.However, the UPA leadership, which met late Sunday and decided to set up the experts' panel, refused to put the deal on hold. (ANI)
26 Cobras, two tortoise rescued in Jalpaiguri Monday, August 20, 2007 | AY
By Pallav BasuJalpaiguri, Aug.19 (ANI): At least 26 Cobras and two tortoises have been rescued and released into the Gorumara National Park by officials of the Jalpaiguri range of West Bengal's Forest Department here. The reptiles were said to have mistakenly entered the residential areas from nearby forest area. They were rescued after snake charmer Mintu Chowdhary informed the concerned department about the reptiles. However, locals had already driven them out of their locality when he reached the venue. But Mintu Chowdhary took over the shooed away reptiles in his personal custody and later informed the forest officials. Chowdhary said: "During this season, the snakes lay their eggs in the hole where rats live and they even eat up their eggs. After laying the eggs, snakes immediately leave the place and emerge out of the holes and surface on the earth." He added: "Thankfully, now people have become more aware about the snakes and they inform me, whenever they come across these reptiles. I catch them before bringing them here." Gorumara National Park is 52 kilometres away from Jalpaiguri in the Dooars region. River Murti and River Jaldhaka flow through this jungle. Located in the Terai region of the Himalayan foothills, Gorumara National Park is a medium-sized park with grasslands and forests. It is primarily known for its population of Indian Rhinoceros. It has a large variety of flora and fauna. The grassland of Gorumara is famous for Asiatic one-horned rhino.From a small seven-kilometre (km) area, Gorumara has grown by incorporating neighbouring lands to about 80 km. The major conservation focus of the park is to maintain a viable breeding community of Indian Rhinoceroses. (ANI)
Low pressure area moves towards Gangetic West Bengal Sunday, August 19, 2007 | AY
The low pressure area (Lopar) formed over north Bay of Bengal, adjoining gangetic West Bengal and Bangladesh yesterday, now lay over gangetic West Bengal, North Orissa and adjoining north west Bay of Bengal. Rain or thundershower were likely to occur at most places over north Orissa and at a few places over south Orissa due to the Lopar, the fifth in the series this monsoon. It warned of heavy to very heavy rains or thundershower at a few places over north Orissa during the next 48 hours. Fishermen had been advised not to venture into the open sea. The Subarnarekha was flowing at 11.53 metres against its danger level of 10.36 metres at Rajghat while the Jalaka's level was measured at 6.72 metres against the red mark of 5.50 metres.
Eco-tourism planned for Sunderbans Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY
The beleaguered state government has something to show that its development plans through acquiring land are not all going awry. Four ministers today got together at Writers’ Buildings and decided to use 100 acres of land at Jhorkhali in the Sunderbans for developing echo-tourism. The land originally belonged to the forest department which had handed over a large track to the relief and rehabilitation department for accommodating refugees decades back. After the resettlement was complete, over 1500 acres of land remain in excess. At the day’s meeting it was decided that about 100 acres can be used and as such the land is to be returned to the forest department for turning it into a eco-tourist spot. On the other hand, the government was to hold a meeting during the day to explore the possibility of using land at Nayachar.
Kolkata Muslims demand ouster of Taslima Nasreen Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 17 (ANI): Hundreds of Muslims staged a protest here on Friday, demanding ouster of controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, who has been residing here for the last few years.The protesters, who had gathered after a weekly religious congregation, alleged that Nasreen had insulted Islam and Prophet Mohammad, and therefore should be asked to leave India at the earliest.The protest was organised by Muslim body, Majlis Bacchao Tehrir (MBT), outside the Tipu Sultan Mosque in Kolkata."Our main demand is that under the Constitution asylum cannot be given to Taslima Nasreen and Indian Government should take note of it and immediately cancel the asylum of Taslima Nasreen. Care should be taken of sentiments of 30 crores (300 million) Muslims, which have been hurt," said MBT Spokesman Majidullah Khan Farhad."One month time has been given and if she is not sent back then a nation-wide revolt will be carried out," said Mohammad Nurul Rehman Barkati, cleric of the Tipu Sultan Mosque, who led the protestors.On August 9, Nasreen was assaulted by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) legislators and activists in Hyderabad during the launch of the Telugu version of her latest book, Sodh. Two days later, a case was registered against her under Section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly hurting Muslim sentiments at the Panjagutta Police Station on complaints forwarded by the AIMIM.The Bangladeshi writer had fled her home in 1994 after hardline Muslims called for her death following the publication of her most controversial book, 'Lajja' (Shame).Nasreen now describes herself as a secular humanist, and criticises religion as an oppressive force. (ANI)
Ambika Soni to visit Kolkata today Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 18 (ANI): Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni will arrive here today on a day-long visit to inaugurate the Travel and Tourism Fair. Soni will also interact with West Bengal Tourism Minister Manabendra Mukherjee and discuss the tourism scenario in the state. Before returning to Delhi, she is also scheduled to inaugurate Handicrafts Museum “Karu Angan” in the premises of the Eastern Zonal Centre, Salt Lake and Ganga Festival at Rajiv Mancha. “Karu Angan” has been set up exclusively for preserving the exquisite crafts and crafts based handloom heritage of the State. This will also provide exposure to the artisans for market support and quality improvement. (ANI)
Floods hamper West Bengal handloom industry Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 18 (ANI): At a time when weavers do some good business ahead of Durga Puja, incessant rains have rendered thousands of them jobless in Nabadwip in West Bengal’s Nadia District.Nabadwip is famous for its handloom products, and many people of the area are involved with this activity. The traditional Jamdani Saree of Nabadwip has been popular in domestic markets since time immemorial.At least 10,000 weavers are sitting idle in the wake of the inundated looms."Since the past 15 days no work is happening in our loom. We are told that the water would recede in three or four months. The festivals are also approaching. But we have no work. How will I look after my family?" asked Madan Rajbanshi, a weaver.Weavers accuse the State Government of being less worried about the awful time they are having."The government is not helping us at all. None of our losses have been compensated. We are going bankrupt," claimed Rashmoni Rajbanshi, another weaver. At least 4,915 looms have been inundated by floodwaters in Nabadwip.Nabadwip Municipality Chairman Pundarikasha Saha said: "About 4,915 looms have been affected by the rains. The whole area is waterlogged. No work is happening at any loom. The weavers of the area are suffering. They have no money, and Durga Puja is also approaching. If the government does not come forward to help these weavers, their situation will get worse.”“The weaving industry is the backbone of Nabadwip. It is already marred by many problems, and now water-logging has worsened the situation," Saha added.Incessant rains have left roads waterlogged, bringing life at a standstill in the State.Currently, over 20 million people are affected by flooding in Assam, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Some 1,200 people have died in the floods across India. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes and take shelter in temporary camps and on higher ground. (ANI)
Japan keen to partner Kolkata on metro project Thursday, August 16, 2007 | AY
After its successful tryst with Delhi Metro, Japan is preparing to partner a similar project in Kolkata but wants to "phase out" from the Capital's mass transport system. Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has plans for several projects to modernise and expand the metro rail system in the eastern metropolis. Japan's Ambassador to India Yasukuni Enoki appreciated Delhi Metro officials for commissioning a "very high quality project" ahead of schedule and expressed willingness to work on similar projects in other Indian cities.
LPG caused Big Mac blast Wednesday, August 15, 2007 | AY
It was a liquefied petroleum gas leak and not "malfunctioning air-conditioners" that led to the explosion at McDonald's on Park Street. On Tuesday, experts from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory said cooking gas was responsible for the explosion. After collecting samples from the restaurant for the last three days, experts found signs of LPG leakage. They have also detected the point of leakage in the distribution channel of cooking gas to the burners and added that as the coupling of the burner and the gas distribution pipe was loose, LPG leaked from those ends. Experts suspect that gas started leaking as soon as the employees started their day's work. Not noticing the leakage, one of the employees lit up a burner that could have sparked the fire. Three employees, who are still undergoing treatment, have repeatedly said that just after lighting the burner, fireballs went up in the air, each lasting for some minutes. Experts added that probably an explosive compound was formed, which blew up the front portion of the shop while on its way out.
Flag makers make moolah out of Independence Day celebrations Wednesday, August 15, 2007 | AY
Kolkata/Jaipur, Aug 15 (ANI): Flag makers across the country are doing brisk business ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.In Kolkata, makers of tricolour flags and badges are making moolah."The flags are in demand since it is the completion of the 60th year of independence. The flags are sold in local clubs and to the general public," said Mohammed Arif, a trader.Schools, clubs, and private and public institutions order tricolour flags in large quantity, besides roadside vends selling it to general public.In Jaipur, there has been heavy buying of tri-coloured articles, like flags, caps, stickers and bangles with many traders running out of stocks."There is a large variety compared to previous years and the demand is also increasing. We are running out of stocks," said Ramgopal Garg, a trader."We have got our independence with great difficulty. So, we want to celebrate it with our children and countrymen," said Jamal Khan, a customer.Use of the national flag is allowed in the country without showing disrespect to it.Flags are made in nine different sizes but the standard size is 8 by 12 feet, which is hoisted atop Rashtrapati Bhavan and other official buildings. (ANI)
‘Mystery fever’ in Siliguri creates tension Tuesday, August 14, 2007 | AY
Though the Darjeeling district health officials have denied reports of mystery fever outbreak in Siliguri, three persons have died in the town over the past 12 days. All the three dead persons were the residents of Khudiram Pally in Siliguri’s ward number 1. The deceased persons reportedly showed symptoms like high fever, vomiting and haemorrhage, leading to rumours that they died of a “mystery” fever. District health officials have, however, categorically denied that there was an outbreak of mystery fever in the town. The health workers will also carry out a disinfection drive of wells and other drinking water sources in the locality.
Fresh rains flood several parts of Kolkata Tuesday, August 14, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 13 (ANI): Fresh rains today disrupted normal life in Kolkata with several localities in the city waterlogged following heavy rains since Sunday night. Road users were the worst hit, with several arterial roads flooded in knee-deep waters, throwing transport out of gear.Attendance in offices was thin, while several schools announced closure due to disruption. Lake Gardens, Mominpur, Khidderpore, Kasba and Dum Dum localities were the worst-hit."The streets are flooded with water. We are facing difficulty taking our children to school. The manholes are underwater, which the civic body is not taking care of. It is causing a whole lot of problems for us," said Geeta Das, a resident.The meteorological office has predicted the inclement weather would continue for another day. It said the rains were caused by a depression formed in the northwest Bay of Bengal.Floods in the neighbouring Bihar, the worst in decades have left a trail of destruction, with roads and rails tracks washed away, disconnecting several areas from other parts of the state. It caused damage to standing crops in 1.19 million hectares, while 11.5 million people were affected.Many of the affected people are left with little food to eat or clean water to drink. Public health experts have warned disease could follow as the waters recede. (ANI)
360 degrees sightseeing experience Sunday, August 12, 2007 | AY
To commemorate the 127th anniversary of Darjeeling Heritage Train's inaugural journey on August 23, 1880, India will roll out its first ever Shatabdi with a transparent roof. The five-coach train, inspired by the Swiss panorama railways and specially designed to provide a real treat for tourists wanting to enjoy a 360 degree view of Darjeeling's pristine beauty, will initially run between New Jalpaiguri and Kurseong. Tentatively called The Hill Princess, the train will cover the 40-km journey in three hours. Once the entire 90-km stretch of narrow gauge track is repaired, the train will run till Darjeeling. The journey will take six hours.
Wildlife officials seize 46 endangered parakeets Sunday, August 12, 2007 | AY
Siliguri (West Bengal), Aug 10 (ANI): Wildlife officials have seized 46 parakeets from a bird trader in West Bengal’s Darjeeling District. Mohammad Ukil, was produced before a court here and charged with the illegal trade of endangered birds.Ukill was nabbed when officials raided a bus and found parakeets packed in a carton. The flock comprised blossom-headed, slaty-headed and rose-ringed parakeets.The illegal bird trade thrives in the northern parts of West Bengal, and demand for them is high, with Bihar being a major market.Wildlife agencies claim that poaching is adding to the decline of the bird population in India. Birds are already facing the threat of a shrinking habitat, said Animesh Bose, programme coordinator of the Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation.Parakeets and Hill Mynahs are included in endangered list of birds.India is known to be home to 1,225 bird species, including 257 water birds. It also supports 81 species of migrant waterfowls, which arrive from Central Asia and Europe during winter.The hunting or the caging of endangered wildlife is banned in India, but lax laws and enforcement and mild punishment, ensure that the poaching and smuggling of rare species is rampant.Wildlife authorities say that in most cases, the birds are trapped and their feathers torn out, or they are killed for their pristine feathers.In India, parrots are used by fortune tellers to forecast the future. The caging of the birds, especially parrots, is considered illegal and punishable with a fine, or imprisonment of up to five years.Birdlife International, a worldwide conservation group, recently warned that some 300 Asian bird species face extinction, particularly in India, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and China, due to poor protection and habitat destruction. (ANI)
I want to stay peacefully in India: Taslima Nasreen Sunday, August 12, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 10 (ANI): A day after being assaulted by some Muslims legislators during a book launch in Hyderabad, Bangladeshi feminist writer Taslima Nasreen today said that she wants to stay in India despite being violently opposed by radical Muslims.However, she added that she should be allowed to stay in India 'peacefully' so as to pursue her writing."I believe in freedom of expression, my views can be different from their views. Because of my ideas I should not be killed. I want to live peacefully in this country, I want to write peacefully," said Nasreen. Security has been tightened at Nasreen's Kolkata residence after the Thursday's episode."It's a democracy and everybody should believe in human rights and freedom of expression," she added. Nasreen had fled from Bangladesh in 1994 when a local court there said that she had "deliberately and maliciously" hurt Muslims' religious feelings with her Bengali-language novel "Lajja", or "Shame". The India political leaders today seemed to have different take on the Thursday's incident.While Left leaders today condemned the incident, Samajwadi Party leader Shahid Aklaq questioned her stay in India."My question is to the government that why did a lady like her get the Indian visa knowing she has been a trouble maker in Bangladesh. She will also create problems in this country," Aklaq said.Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is also a senior Congress leader, said that the controversial author should be careful about the sensitivities involved with religious issues. "There are many things to write about in this world. Why do the writers have to take the support of religion, and that also when she (Nasreen) has been taken out of her own country she should be careful in doing so," Azad said. However, his fellow Congress leader Ambika Soni condemned the attack."I condemn it as it is an attack on human being and a defenseless human being.You have no right to take law into your hand," said Soni. Nasreen worked as a doctor before turning to writing. She had applied for Indian citizenship, but has not been given one. She was awarded the Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought by the European Parliament in 1994. (ANI)
Chikungunya hits West Bengal Sunday, August 12, 2007 | AY
North 24 Pargana (WB), Aug 10 (ANI): Scores of people suffering with the crippling fever, Chikungunya, have been reported from West Bengal's North 24 Pargana District.Twenty-one of the 36 samples that were earlier sent to the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) have tested positive.'Chikungunya' virus spreads through mosquito-bite and causes a non-fatal self-limiting illness, marked by high fever, headache, severe joint pain, rashes and nausea.Health officials are working over-time in the region to provide assistance and curb the spread of disease.Medical camps have been set up and health workers are taking precautionary measures like spraying disinfectants in villages. Health workers are also carrying out door-to-door visits to keep a check on patients."Our health staff and doctors are visiting houses and identifying the cases and accordingly we are giving priority in treating the patients," said Kusum Kumar Adhikari, Health Officer.The outbreak has caused an alarm in the region."We are really terrified," said Padma Sarkar, a villager.Like dengue, another mosquito borne disease, there is no vaccine for Chikungunya, and at best, symptoms can be countered through painkillers, intake of plenty of fluids and lots of rest.Chikungunya, first reported in India in Kerala in 2000, has taken a toll of several hundred lives. Thousands were admitted to hospitals across the State since May this year that followed the southwestern monsoon. (ANI)
Green canopy for canals in Kolkata Thursday, August 9, 2007 | AY
Kolkata Municipal Corporation is all set to turn stretches along the banks of canals flowing through the heart of the city into patches of greenery. The banks on either side of Tolly’s Nullah, Topsia Canal, Beliaghata Canal and Canal East and West roads will be brought under the project. The plan is a joint effort by KMC and the state forest department. The city’s depleting green cover is a major cause for concern. The project includes plans for converting even portions on the periphery of Fort William, Subhas Sarobar and Rabindra Sarobar into dense jungles. The city is reeling under tremendous pollution with not much greenery left in most areas. Hence, the decision to expand greenery through urban social forestry by turning canal banks into jungles. KMC proposes to fence the entire stretch along the banks where trees will be planted. Among the trees to be planted are jarul, neem, chhatim, mahogany and fruit-bearing trees to attract birds. The trees are all likely to reach a height of 16 to 20 feet.
CITU strike affects normal life in West Bengal, Kerala Thursday, August 9, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 8 (ANI): A nation-wide strike called by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) demanding better wages and working conditions for workers, affected normal life here today.The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) backed labour union, CITU has demanded a comprehensive central legislation for social and job security for workers in the unorganised sectors.The impact of the strike was felt in the Left-ruled West Bengal. Shops and businesses were closed in Siliguri.In Kolkata, vehicles, including rickshaws, taxis, trucks and minibuses, stayed off the roads in response to the shutdown call.CITU State Unit Secretary Kali Ghosh said: "We have a 15-point demand. Most important is payment of minimum wages, some social security measures for old age benefits, education, and illness."Police said the shutdown has been peaceful."We have deployed around 400 personnel both in uniform and civil dress. As of now there is no report of any untoward incident," said R.K. Yadav, Additional Superintendent of Police, Siliguri.In Kerala, the Mahatma Gandhi University has postponed all examinations scheduled for Wednesday.CITU President M K Pandhe has said that the proposed legislation for unorganised workers, in its present form, was unacceptable.According to Pandhe, the Bill reportedly cleared by the Cabinet “has nothing to guarantee the unorganised sector workers of either improved working conditions or any social security benefits.”The sponsoring committee of the central trade unions is scheduled to meet in Delhi on August 19 to finalise the nationwide action plan against the proposed Bill.The CITU, along with other trade unions, has been demanding two separate and comprehensive bills for agricultural workers and the unorganised sector workers. (ANI)
CITU strike affects normal life in West Bengal, Kerala Wednesday, August 8, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 8 (ANI): A nation-wide strike called by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) demanding better wages and working conditions for workers, affected normal life here today.The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) backed labour union, CITU has demanded a comprehensive central legislation for social and job security for workers in the unorganised sectors.The impact of the strike was felt in the Left-ruled West Bengal. Shops and businesses were closed in Siliguri.In Kolkata, vehicles, including rickshaws, taxis, trucks and minibuses, stayed off the roads in response to the shutdown call.CITU State Unit Secretary Kali Ghosh said: "We have a 15-point demand. Most important is payment of minimum wages, some social security measures for old age benefits, education, and illness."Police said the shutdown has been peaceful."We have deployed around 400 personnel both in uniform and civil dress. As of now there is no report of any untoward incident," said R.K. Yadav, Additional Superintendent of Police, Siliguri.In Kerala, the Mahatma Gandhi University has postponed all examinations scheduled for Wednesday.CITU President M K Pandhe has said that the proposed legislation for unorganised workers, in its present form, was unacceptable.According to Pandhe, the Bill reportedly cleared by the Cabinet “has nothing to guarantee the unorganised sector workers of either improved working conditions or any social security benefits.”The sponsoring committee of the central trade unions is scheduled to meet in Delhi on August 19 to finalise the nationwide action plan against the proposed Bill.The CITU, along with other trade unions, has been demanding two separate and comprehensive bills for agricultural workers and the unorganised sector workers. (ANI)
MB back to winning ways Monday, August 6, 2007 | AY
Down by an-odd-goal-in-three till the 60th minute, Mohun Bagan finally earned a thrilling 4-3 victory in a Kolkata Premier League (KPL) match against an inspired Chirag United SC at home today. Jose Barreto was Bagan’s man of the day, as he almost single-handedly carried his team’s through. Bagan, took their points tally to four in two outings while United SC were left stuck with only one from similar number of matches. S Venkatesh broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, scoring from a free header from inside the box on a Jose Barreto floater from the left. United SC’s Nigerian striker, Theodore Sunday equalized from a spot-kick in the 22nd minute. The pitch, which had a look of a mud-pit at the start of play, took some more beating after a heavy downpour for 15 minutes, making conditions almost unsuitable for play.
Would-be couples throng Kolkata wedding exhibition Monday, August 6, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 6 (ANI): With the wedding season on the cards, hundreds of would-be couples are thronging a special wedding exhibition in Kolkata.The ongoing "Vivah 2007" brings together creation from a number of top-notch dress designers and makers of wedding paraphernalia, all under one roof.The exhibition offers a huge variety of stunning traditional wedding attires at attractive prices.Traditionally, wedding season starts from August picking up in September-October. August to December is also season for a number of festivals and harvest season, which also sees the maximum amount of sales of precious metals.A wide variety of jewellery - an intrinsic part of Indian weddings-is also on display at the exhibition."One gets to see a wide range of variety under one roof. My son has got engaged, so I thought of coming here and checking out the current trends," said Sarita Prasad, shopping at the exhibition.Designers displaying exotic trousseau collections say the fusion with exquisite colours are the order of the day."Marriage business itself these days is a very big business. So we generally have these shows before the weeding season begins. This time the brides-to-be can pick up a good variety of clothes for their wedding," said Sonia Mahajan, a designer.Designers admit expenditure-wise Kolkata gets the best bargain.According to a study, Indian wedding market is worth over 600 million rupees annually - a mélange of everything that can get into the wedding planner.The market is expected to grow each year with popularity soaring - a Bollywood style planned wedding with exotic dresses and even custom-made food and jewellery on the platter. (ANI)
Thief gulps down stolen necklace, police confused over how to retrieve it Monday, August 6, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 6 (ANI): Kolkata's Burrabazar police station is stuck in a strange case; as a man, nabbed while running away with a stolen necklace, swallowed it while being chased. Doctor has advised an all-banana diet to let the evidence come out naturally. Police are helpless, as they cannot do away with the stolen 30-gram gold necklace since the x-ray report will be insufficient to prosecute the accused, Mohsin Sheikh, in court. The police are facing this dilemma for over 24 hours now. Uma Shankar Jha, the Officer in-charge at the Burrabazar Police Station admitted that this was the most unusual case ever handled by him, or rather the Kolkata Police.Jha said: "We are giving him bananas. As it is the only way to bring out the necklace through his stool. So making him...we are giving him bananas and making efforts that it can come out." Mohsin had, earlier, refused to eat bananas. But when he was warned of an operation for necklace's recovery, he has given up obstinacy. He said:" The (police) told me that my stomach will be slit open if I don't eat bananas. So I am compelled to eat." Mohsin Sheikh, the alleged culprit, has so far eaten about five-dozen bananas in the last 18 hours. The attending police constables, however, have a hateful duty at their disposal. They have to help Mohsin for his ablutions on a newspaper. They have to keep an eye throughout the process lest the 'evidence' gets missed or thrown away by the culprit. Mohsin was produced in the court today (4 August) and remanded to police custody till August 13. (ANI)
Kolkata 3rd major IT destination by 2010 Sunday, August 5, 2007 | AY
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has asserted that Kolkata is poised to be the third most sought after BPO destination in the world by 2010. While inaugurating an IT park, 'Millenium City', here yesterday, the chief minister claimed that the state's growth rate in IT industry was much higher than the national average.Bengal as a whole is benefitting enormously from this boom in the economy. Durgapur now has more than 1,000, Siliguri more than 200 and Kalyani has more than 100 IT professionals. He stated that while Indian economy was growing at as high as 8-9 per cent, the new employment opportunities created had decreased by almost four per cent in the last fiscal.
City of Joy unable to relish ‘Hilsha’ following Bangladesh export ban Sunday, August 5, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 4 (ANI): Kolkata, City of Joy, is feeling deprived of their cherished 'Hilsha' variety of fish after Bangladesh banned its export to India."For a Bengali, Hilsha (a fish variety) is something that is always relished during the monsoons. So, when it is not there in the market, so naturally, we are deprived of that," Jyotirmoy Banerjee, a customer.The fish, which sells for between 350-400 rupees a kilogram in Kolkata, has become a luxury item for Bengalis.Shopkeepers say that they are left with no choice but to increase prices."For the past 15-20 days, we are not receiving the Hilsha variety from Bangladesh. So, the prices are high, as there are limited stocks. Though there are some local varieties of fish in the state, from Diamond Harbour and Digha, Bengalis have a special liking for the Bangladeshi Hilsha," Sambhu Prasad Sau, a retailer.The livelihood of many people involved with the trade has been severely hit."During the Hilsha season, everyone has the opportunity to earn livelihood. This particular ban has not only shattered us importers, our employees, but even the wholesalers," said Sayed Anwar Maqsood, Secretary, Hilsa And Other Fish Importers Association.Bangladesh has banned the hoarding and export of Hilsha, its national fish, for the next six months, to keep domestic prices of the product down and to ensure regular supply.Bangladesh export Hilsha worth 70 million dollars every year, mostly to India. (ANI)
Bengali fusion singer Isheeta Ganguly launched her new album Saturday, August 4, 2007 | AY
The noted Bengali fusion singer Isheeta Ganguly launched her new album in New York. Titled "Nutan Joubaneri Duth" (Call of the Young), it includes some popular, inspirational Tagore songs about rejuvenation, courage and reinvention. The album is Ganguly's interpretation of Rabindrasangeet through her influences in jazz, gospel and pop. Eleven of the 12 numbers in the album have been sung by Ganguly and one by her guru, Suchitra Mitra, a veteran Rabindrasangeet exponent. The album was launched by the Indo-American Arts Council at Sundaram Tagore Gallery. Ganguly sang three numbers to the delight of an audience of about 50. This is Ganguly's fifth album and first with Saregama, which is distributing it in India as well as internationally. It was earlier launched in Kolkata.
West Bengal tea workers demand reopening of gardens Saturday, August 4, 2007 | AY
Kumargram (West Bengal), Aug 3 (ANI): Tea workers in West Bengal have called for the reopening of tea gardens, and said their protests will go on till August 9.At least 300 tea workers under the banner of Dooars Tea Workers Union, a labour wing of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), participated in a procession at the tea-rich Kumargram area in Jalpaiguri District.RSP leader Abani Roy said the protest that began on July 31, will go on tillAugust 9. Two years ago, poor production and low yields led to the closure of 16 tea estates in Jalpaiguri, leaving plantation workers with no income or work. Investigations by the Supreme Court and tea workers' associations found that this had directly led to the deaths of many, leaving hundreds more unable to feed themselves.A court inquiry recently found that at least 700 tea workers have died from diseases linked with malnutrition over the past year after the closure of tea estates, and hundreds more are still starving.As a result of the deteriorating situation, hundreds of former tea workers are being forced to travel across the border to Bhutan every day to work in stone crushing and mineral factories.Most earn less than two dollars a day in factories which they say are simply not enough to sustain a livelihood. The fate of 30,000 workers is linked to these gardens, the managements of which, have piled up liabilities worth Rs. 237 crore in provident fund and bank dues. These gardens have a locked up area of 11,449 hectares. In all aspects of tea, - - production, consumption and export, India has emerged a world leader. The country accounts for 31 percent of global tea production. It is perhaps the only industry where India has retained its leadership over the last 150 years. The total turnover of the Indian tea industry is around Rs. 10,000 crores. Since independence tea production has grown over 250 percent, while land area has just grown by 40 percent.There has been a considerable increase in export too in the past few years. Total net foreign exchange earned per annum is around Rs. 1847 crores.The labour intensive tea industry directly employs over 1.1 million workers and generates income for another 10 million people approximately. Women constitute 50 percent of the workforce.Tea trading in the domestic market is done in two ways- Auction and Private Selling. Market Reports are received from the six major auction centres in India, namely, Kolkata , Guwahati, Siliguri, Cochin, Coonoor, Coimbatore and N.I. teauction.com Bulk trading is done through the auctions held in these centres. (ANI)
Maoists blow up police office in West Bengal Saturday, August 4, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, Aug 4 (ANI): A group of seven to eight Maoists on Saturday blew up a police beat office in West Bengal's West Midnapore District.After asking all the occupants of the Locket beat office under Lalgarh police station to vacate, the rebels blasted the building with gelatine sticks, police said.However, there were no reports of any injuries.A search operation has been launched to nab the miscreants, police said.Maoists operate in 13 of 29 states along the "red corridor", referring to a stretch from the Indo-Nepal border to the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.According to Home Ministry, 76 districts in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are 'badly affected by Maoist violence'. (ANI)
Mother throws four-year-old from Howrah Bridge Thursday, August 2, 2007 | AY
In a shocking incident, a mother on Wednesday evening flung her four-year-old daughter from the Howrah Bridge into the Hooghly river, in full public glare. River traffic police were still fishing for the girl’s body when reports last came in. The mother of three, 35-year-old Anita Singh, had turned into a psychiatric patient after being allegedly tortured by in-laws. The act was so sudden that no one could react. It was only when she tried to throw another child that the public caught her. When police contacted Anita’s family members at Rishav Apartment in Ramkrishnapur, Howrah, they learnt that she was a psychiatric patient and was still undergoing treatment. Police are in the dark over why she suddenly reacted so violently. Anita has been arrested and charged with murder.
Bengal assembly adopts motion seeking details of 123 pact Wednesday, August 1, 2007 | AY
The West Bengal assembly today adopted a Left-sponsored motion demanding that the Central government provide all details in Parliament about the draft India-US agreement for implementing the civil nuclear deal. The Central government should take necessary steps to reach a national consensus on such an important policy, said the motion moved by CPI-M MLA Sumendra Nath Bera and other Left legislators. The motion was passed in the face of opposition from the Congress. The Left legislators including Housing Minister Gautam Deb demanded a full-fledged discussion on the agreement in Parliament. They made it clear that any agreement with the US could be based only on the assurances given by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Parliament in August last year and that India should not succumb to any pressure that went against its interests. Deb said the Central government has promised that the text of the agreement will be made available and Left parties hoped that Indian interests would not be compromised in any way by the pact.
Kolkata lad finalist for British film entrepreneur award Wednesday, August 1, 2007 | AY
Kolkata-based producer Debu Bhattacharya was selected as the finalist from India for British Council's International Young Film Entrepreneur of the Year (IYFEY) Award, to be held in Britain in October. The 28-year old, who represents Theme Entertainment, beat 33 other applicants from all over India. The selection was made by a panel in Mumbai last week. As one of the 10 finalists for the IYFEY Award - the first of its kind - Debu will tour the British national film industry for 10-12 days and participate in The Times BFI London Film Festival.
University students educating sex workers’ children in Kolkata Wednesday, August 1, 2007 | AY
Kolkata, July 30 (ANI): Over hundred college students from West Bengal’s Jadavpur University have taken the responsibility of educating children of the sex workers in Kolkata. The students are conducting special education classes in the various red-light areas that include Sonagachi, Tollygunj, Kalighat and others under the State-run voluntary students’ programme, the National Social Service (NSS).The students have formed teams of two persons each. They then approach sex workers and persuade them to send their children to attend evening classes conducted by them.Bappa Mullick, the Director with Jadavpur University’s Youth Welfare Department, said: "Students go there (red-light areas) regularly from Monday to Saturday. They teach the under-privileged kids and also the sex workers’ children in the red light areas. The special classes are open for anyone from the nearby area.”Students are also imparting the children training in skills like stitching; embroidery and painting to enable them earn their livelihood. Monica Banerjee, one of the student-teachers, said: "The students are mainly from red-light-area. Our aim is to train and teach them so that they can have a respectable source of income. Also they would be accepted in the mainstream society because of this." Sex workers' children, especially girls, take these classes very sincerely. Most of them view it as the best medium to join the mainstream society. Salina Khatun, the daughter of a sex-worker, said: "I am learning embroidery and stitching here. I am learning this so that I can earn my living through a respectable means. We want to be independent and stand on our own feet but we don't want to go in a wrong profession." Violence, lack of access to healthcare, and HIV infections are causing concern to sex-workers in the country. In 2005, as per there were at least 40,000 sex workers in Kolkata alone as per official estimates.Prostitution is outlawed in the country but the country has over two million sex-workers, most of them living on the fringes of society.The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 [2] makes trafficking and sexual exploitation of persons for commercial purpose a punishable offence. The Act was passed on the lines of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others, signed by India on May 9, 1950.Although the Act was amended twice (1978 and 1986), it did not prove to be an effective deterrent to trafficking or sexual exploitation for commercial purposes. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2006 aims to punish traffickers and provide for stringent punishment to offenders. Of all States, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra are considered "high supply" sex workers zones in the country. (ANI)
Detained Al-Qaeda suspect claims to hail from Tripura Wednesday, August 1, 2007 | AY
By Pinaki Das Agartala, July 31(ANI): A team of West Bengal police visited Tripura in connection with the detention of an suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist, who has claimed to be a resident of the State. Abdul Kayum Rehaman, 47, was arrested by police in Kolkata on May 7, as he is suspected to be associated with the Al Qaeda. Two international passports, one belonging to India and another from Bangladesh, were recovered from him.However, police are not sure about his true identity since there are various irregularities in his documents. He has a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card where he claims to be a Mumbai resident, while he also claims to be residing in Delhi. During interrogation Rehaman told police that he was a student of Pathikcherra School in Agartala, which is close to Bangladesh border. However, police has found that his passport was based on information given by a school certificate of another school, Gandhigram Higher Secondary School. Police are keeping their lips tight and are looking for more leads. (ANI)
