Category Archives: West Bengal

Regional, West Bengal

HS Council to hold workshop with subject teachers from June

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MP, 26 May 2024, Kolkata: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) will start workshop involving subject teachers from June with the new semester system being introduced from Class XI from this year. 

However, the workshop for subject teachers will be in virtual mode. According to sources in the Council, these workshops will start from the second week of June after the MCC (Model Code of Conduct) in connection with the Lok Sabha elections get lifted. 
The Council will be hosting such workshops on the ‘Zoom’ platform. 
As many as 1,000 teachers from various parts of the state can join the platform at a time. There will be no time limit for one session which will speed up the process of equipping the teachers to teach under the semester system. 
This online workshop will go side by side with a similar programme with heads of institutions on the nitty gritty of the semester system, mostly in offline mode. “
There has been a significant change in academics and examination pattern at the Higher Secondary level with the introduction of the semester system. 
These workshops are meant for educating the headmasters and the subject teachers about this system so that the students do not face any difficulty in coping up with the new system. The workshops will be held both in online and offline mode,” said Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, president of WBCHSE. 
The workshop will inform the teachers of the evaluation system, the change in question pattern, among others. 
The MCQ pattern questions and how to set the same will also be discussed in detail. It will be a two-way communication as the teachers’ opinion will also be elicited during the workshop. The Council has already held workshops with heads of institutions in the first phase that involved all the districts of North Bengal and Kolkata. 
As many as 650 headmasters and headmistresses joined it. There are 25 educational districts under the Council among which 10 districts have already hosted headmasters’ and headmistress’ workshop. Similar initiative with the rest of the district schools will be completed in the month of June. 
Crime, West Bengal

Ramakrishna Mission ashram vandalism case: 2 more held

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MP, 26 May 2024, Siliguri: Bhaktinagar Police and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Siliguri Metropolitan arrested two more accused in connection with the vandalism of ‘Sewak Bhawan’, the ashram belonging to Ramakrishna Mission in Siliguri, which happened on May 19. 

Out of the two, one was arrested from Kolkata by SOG. The accused has been identified as Manoj Ghosh, a resident of Siliguri. 
According to police sources, Manoj was one of the masterminds in the vandalism case. He is involved in several land corruption cases. 
He fled from Siliguri a few days ago and was hiding in Kolkata. Based on secret information, a team of SOG raided several areas of Kolkata city and finally arrested him on Friday. 
On the same night, Bhaktinagar Police arrested another accused named Shivam Paswan, a resident of Prakash Nagar in Siliguri. 
On Friday, another Siliguri resident lodged a complaint against Shivam for demanding Rs 10 lakh and threatening him to take possession of his land. 
Manoj was taken into four days’ police remand and Shivam was sent into 14 days’ jail custody after they were produced at Jalpaiguri Court. 
Pradeep Roy, prime accused in the case, is still absconding and a search is ongoing.
Earlier five individuals have been arrested in connection with the recent vandalisation incident at the Ramakrishna Mission in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. 
The arrests were made following a complaint from the Ramakrishna Mission, and the suspects have been identified as Shambhu Das, Debashish Sarkar, Shambhu Mahato, Samuel Baidya, and Rajiv. 
The incident involved alleged hooligans led by Pradeep Roy, who attacked the Ramakrishna Mission ashram, threatened and snatched articles, and damaged CCTV cameras.

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/ramakrishna-mission-ashram-vandalism-case-2-more-held-565361

Politics, Regional, West Bengal

Even after over 3 months, 4 families yet to get Rs 1L ex-gratia each vowed by Governor

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Radhamadhab Saha, MP, 26 May 2024, Raiganj: With more than three-and-a-half-months having passed since four children died after being buried alive in an under-construction high drain at Chetnagauchh in Chopra, North Dinajpur, the affected families are yet to receive Rs 1 lakh ex-gratia each assured by C V Anand Bose, Bengal Governor, during his visit. 

The affected families have expressed their grievances and appealed to the Governor to live up to his commitment. Close to Dangi border outpost in Chopra, manned by the BSF, a high drain was being dug up with a JCB, without any precautionary measures. 
Four children between 6 and 11 years of age died from a mudslide from the construction of this high drain on February 12. Also Read – Cyclone ‘Remal’: Civic bodies take prep measures to tackle impact 
On February 19, Chandrima Bhattacharjee, minister of state in-charge of the Finance and Health department as well as the state TMC leaders met the bereaved families and declared Rs 2 lakh compensation from the end of the state government to each victim’s family.
She also announced Rs 3 lakh to each family from the end of the TMC committee. The families received both the amounts. Samirul Islam whose child died in this incident, said: “We have received the ex-gratia from the state government and TMC committee. 
The Governor had assured us an assistance of Rs 1 lakh to each family. However, even after over three months, we have not received the fund yet.” 
Kanaiyalal Agarwal, president of North Dinajpur TMC committee, said: “The four families are from the economically backward bracket. We urge the Governor to pay them as per his commitment.”

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/even-after-over-3-months-4-families-yet-to-get-rs-1l-ex-gratia-each-vowed-by-guv-565358
Politics, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Sikkim Chief Minister and GTA chief pledge to work together

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Amitava Banerjee, MP, 26 May 2024, Darjeeling: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief Anit Thapa unanimously stated that they would work together for issues benefiting the Gorkha community. 

The issue pertaining to the inclusion of the 11 Gorkha sub-communities in the Scheduled Tribe list would be pushed by both. Sharing the stage for the first time, Tamang and Thapa attended the Ubhauli Sakela festival of the Kirat Rai community, in Darjeeling, on Sunday. 
Both took part in a colourful procession from Darjeeling Railway Station to Darjeeling Mall. “In the capacity of the Chief Minister of a state, the Gorkha community looks up to you as their guardian. 
We request you to take up issues concerning the Gorkhas, especially the inclusion of the 11 Gorkha sub-communities in the Scheduled Tribe list. You have to lead us. Whenever there is an issue pertaining to the welfare of the Gorkhas, Chief Minister P S Tamang will always find me by his side. 
Keeping aside politics we will all have to work together for our community,” stated Anit Thapa. 
Speaking in unison, the Sikkim Chief Minister stated: “Places have their own politics, Sikkim has its politics, Darjeeling has its own politics and so does Bengal. We do not interfere in each other’s politics. 
However, for the issues concerning all of us, we have to work together. 
In the case of inclusion of Nepali language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution or inclusion of Limboo and Tamang communities in the Schedule Tribe list, both the states had worked together. Similarly regarding the inclusion of the left out Gorkha sub-communities in the ST list we have to work together. 
Already Sikkim and Bengal have sent recommendations to Delhi,” stated Tamang. Tamang stressed on Sikkim and Darjeeling being neighbours. “Neighbours always help each other. In times of crisis, neighbours are the first to extend a helping hand. Likewise, staying away from politics we should always help each other,” stated Tamang. 
The Sikkim Chief Minister stated that Sikkim was fast emerging as a medical and education hub. “Many from the Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills come to the government hospital in Gangtok for specialised treatment. It is much cheaper than private facilities in Siliguri. Soon we will start a help desk at the hospital for the benefit of outstation patients,” stated Tamang. 
The two-day festival was organised by the Kirati Khambu Rai Sanskritik Sanghsthan, Darjeeling on May 25 and 26 at the Darjeeling Mall, attended by people from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim and Dooars. 
The Rai’s are an ethno-linguistic group of the Kirat family residing in Bengal and Sikkim in India along with eastern Nepal and south western Bhutan. Sakela Ubhauli is a harvest festival and is celebrated in the month of Baisakh welcoming spring and starts on the full moon day. Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/sikkim-chief-minister-and-gta-chief-pledge-to-work-together-565357
Regional, West Bengal

Cyclone Remal makes landfall, authorities engaged in clearing uprooted trees in Kolkata amid rainfall

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 As heavy rain and gusty winds continue in Kolkata following the landfall of severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’, the Kolkata Municipality team and Kolkata Police Disaster Management team are engaged in clearing uprooted trees in the Alipore area of the city.
Cyclone Remal makes landfall, authorities engaged in clearing uprooted trees in Kolkata amid rainfall: Visuals from the spot (Photo:ANI )

ANI | New Delhi | May 27, 2024 : As heavy rain and gusty winds continue in Kolkata following the landfall of severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’, the Kolkata Municipality team and Kolkata Police Disaster Management team are engaged in clearing uprooted trees in the Alipore area of the city.


Late-night visuals showed workers trying to clear roads as rains continues to lash.
Priyabrata Roy, DC South Kolkata, said, “We are getting the information that in some places, trees have been uprooted, in those areas, Kolkata Municipality team, Kolkata Police Disaster Management team, have reached and work is underway. The uprooted trees will be cut and cleared soon so that the roads can be opened. By morning, situation will be okay…Police’s special unified control room is monitoring the situation throughout the night, in the wake of the cyclone. Municipality Control Room is also opened…”

The landfall process began at 8:30 pm on Sunday over the adjacent coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara, near the southwest of Mongla in the neighbouring country.

‘Remal’ flattened fragile dwellings, uprooted trees and knocked down electric poles. The wind intensity of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph. Visuals from outside the Raj Bhavan showed heavy rains and gusty winds lashing the capital city.
Talking about the landfall of the cyclonic storm Somnath Dutta, Eastern Region Head, IMD Kolkata said, “The landfall process started at 8:30 pm…over the Bangladesh and West Bengal coast. As per the observation at 10:30 pm, it shows that the landfall process is continuing…by 12:30 am the landfall process will be complete”.

Ahead of the impending landfall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review the preparedness for cyclone “Remal” over the North Bay of Bengal at his residence.
Prime Minister was briefed that the National Crisis Management Committee is in regular touch with the Government of West Bengal. All fishermen have been advised not to venture into the South Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
National, Regional, West Bengal

Cyclone Remal: Rain lashes parts of city ahead of landfall

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 As the clock for the cyclone ‘Remal’ landfall ticked closer, the city got drenched with a rainfall of 13.5mm till 4.30pm.
Impact of Cyclone ‘Remal’ in Kolkata (Photo:ANI)
SNS | Kolkata | May 27, 2024 : As the clock for the cyclone ‘Remal’ landfall ticked closer, the city got drenched with a rainfall of 13.5mm till 4.30pm. At 2.30pm, the system was situated 160 km southeast of Sagar Islands, 190 km southsoutheast of Canning, 160 km of Khepupara (Bangladesh) and 220 km south of Mongla in Bangladesh with wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph prevailing around the cyclone centre. The storm, as per the forecast received till 6pm, was expected to move nearly northwards, intensify further and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara, close to southwest of Mongla around 11pm as a severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph. With the cyclone heading towards land, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation braced for the upcoming cyclone. For monitoring the situation, the civic body opened a control room and cancelled the holiday for its staff.

The Drainage department decided to deploy manpower at all its block gates. It also kept two pick up vans on standby for rushing to the hospital in case of injuries or any mishaps. Manpower was also deployed at every borough to address issues of power cuts in any wards. According to the member-mayor-in-council for Drainage Tarak Singh, electrical contractors responsible for responding to issues of power supply were also alerted.

Like the KMC, the Eastern Railway and the Kolkata metro Railway also geared up for the cyclone. The city metro ran truncated services between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Dakshineswar in Blue Line were operated considering the inclement weather. Likewise, the Eastern Railway opened helpline numbers at Howrah and Sealdah for emergency assistance. The helpline numbers at Sealdah are- 033- 23508794 (DOT) and 033- 23833326 while that of Howrah is 033-2641366
Regional, West Bengal

Kalimpong gears up for rains: Administrative body set with residents safety measures

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 Sources in the administration said quick response teams (QRTs) had been formed in every block and rural areas to tackle the rain fury
The overflowing Teesta following the flash flood in Sikkim on October 4: -PTI picture

Bireswar Banerjee, TT, Siliguri, 26.05.24 :  The Kalimpong district administration has taken a series of measures for the safety of residents, especially those living along the banks of the Teesta and other rivers during the monsoon, keeping in mind the devastation caused by the flash flood in the Teesta in October last year.

Sources in the administration said quick response teams (QRTs) had been formed in every block and rural areas to tackle the rain fury. Also, discussions were held with residents of the vulnerable spots to boost their confidence and meetings were convened with representatives of several state government departments and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

“We have decided to keep the QRTs ready in all blocks and rural areas in the district. These teams will be deployed throughout the monsoon season to respond to any emergency quickly,” said an official.

He said Tarkhola, Rangpo, Teesta Bazar and Melli had been affected by the deluge in October last year. “In these areas, we have already met the residents. Our teams will keep a close watch on these locations to ensure that people are shifted with their belongings in case there is a surge in water levels because of rainfall in the upper reaches of the hills,” the official said.

The administration has held meetings with representatives of different departments, including irrigation, forest, public works, and fire and emergency services and district disaster management.

The district has four blocks and 22 panchayats. Each QRT, sources said, will comprise eight members, including civic volunteers, ex-army personnel and representatives of the administration.

The flash flood, which had occurred on October 4 because of the outburst of the South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim, had damaged 550 houses in Kalimpong district. Three persons died and 11 went missing.

Courtesy & source: The Telegraph
https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/kalimpong-gears-up-for-rains-administrative-body-set-with-residents-safety-measures/cid/2022535
National, Northeast, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Cyclone Remal formed over Bay of Bengal, likely to make landfall on Sunday midnight

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PTI, 25 May 2024, Kolkata: A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm, named Remal, on Saturday evening and is likely to turn severe before making landfall between the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday midnight, the IMDsaid.


Named by Oman, Remal, meaning sand in Arabic, is the first cyclone over the Bay of Bengal in this pre-monsoon season.

The weather system, moving at a speed of 12 kmph over the east-central Bay of Bengal, was 350 km south-southeast of Sagar Island in West Bengal at 5.30 pm on Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Moving in a northward direction, it is likely to concentrate further into a severe cyclonic storm by Sunday morning and cross West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara with a wind speed of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, by midnight of Sunday.

The IMD warned of extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal and heavy to very heavy rainfall in north Odisha on Sunday and Monday owing to the weather system.

Extremely heavy precipitation is also likely in Assam and Meghalaya, and heavy to very heavy rains in the other northeastern states of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura on Monday and Tuesday.

Storm surge of up to 1.5 metre is expected to inundate low-lying areas of coastal West Bengal and Bangladesh at the time of landfall.

The IMD warned fishermen not to venture into the sea in the north Bay of Bengal till Monday morning.

A red alert was issued for West Bengal’s coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, and also for adjoining Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly, where extremely heavy rain is likely on Sunday and Monday.

The South and North 24 Parganas are likely to witness the most impact of the cyclone with wind speeds reaching 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 130 kmph, while the other districts are likely to experience wind speeds of 70 to 80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.

The IMD warned of localised flooding and major damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, kutcha roads and crops in South and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal.

An orange alert will thereafter be in force in these districts till Tuesday morning, except in Purba Medinipur, it said.

The rest of the districts in southern West Bengal will experience wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, it added.

In north Odisha, the coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapara will receive heavy rain on Sunday and Monday.

People in the affected areas have been asked to remain indoors and vacate vulnerable structures.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said it has taken all pre-emptive measures to ensure there is no loss of life or property at sea.

ICG’s remote operating stations at Haldia and Paradip are alerting fishing vessels and merchant ships through VHF (very high frequency) broadcasts, a statement said.

“Bangladesh Coast Guard authorities have been informed for instituting needful preparation for a collective response to the developing situation,” it said.

The ICG said its ships and aircraft are kept at immediate notice to undertake search and rescue missions.

Nine disaster relief teams are kept on standby at Haldia and Fraserganj in West Bengal, and Paradip and Gopalpur in Odisha, it said.

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata said that it will suspend all cargo and container handling operations for 12 hours from 6 pm on Sunday till 6 am on Monday in view of the cyclone.
Education, National, Regional, West Bengal

शोधकार्य: डा कमल भुजेलले गरे नेगेटिव एब्जर्ब्सनको नयाँ खोज

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कालिमन्युज, कालेबुंग, २६ मई २०२४ : विभिन्न क्षेत्रमा हिमाली पहाडी भेक र अन्य स्थानका गोर्खा र अन्य युवाहरुले धेरै प्रगति गरिरहेका छन् । यसै बीच दिलाराम चिया कमान निवासी डा कमल भुजेलले आफ्नो शोध गर्ने क्रममा नेगेटिव एब्जर्ब्सन नामक एक नयाँ प्रक्रियाको खोज गरेका छन्। डा कमल भुजेलले गत वर्ष २०२३ मा मिजौराम विश्वविद्यालयको भौतिक विज्ञान बिभागबाट विद्यावारिधि प्राप्त गरेका हुन्। तिनको शोधको विषय थीन-फील्म पेरोव्स्काइट सोलर सेल रहेको थियो। 


तिनले यस शोधकार्यका अधिकांश भाग भारतीय प्राद्योगिक संस्थान-धनबाद (IIT-Dhanbad) को सोलर एनर्जी रिसर्च ल्याबमा प्राध्यपक राजालिंगम थंगवेलको अधीनमा गरेका हुन्। तिनले यसै सोलर सेल बनाउने क्रममा निक्कल अक्साइडको पत्ला परत (Thinfilm of nanometer thickness) एफटीओ (Flourine Doped Tin Oxide) माथि तयार पारेर त्यसबाट प्रकासका तरंग (Light wave from 200-3000nm) २००-३००० न्यानोमीटर फ्याकेर कति पार (Transmit) हुन्छ अनि कति सोस्छ (Absorb) भनेर जाँच गर्ने क्रममा इन्फ्रारेड (Infrared region) क्षेत्रमा अचम्मको प्रक्रिया देखा परेको जानकारी दिएका छन्। जसमा फ्याकिएको प्राकाशको मात्रा भन्दा निस्किएको प्रकासको मात्रा बढेर बेसी निस्किएको भेटियो, जुन प्रक्रियालाई त्यसै हेर्दा “ऊर्जाको संरक्षणको नियम” (Law of Conservation of Energy) को विपरित गएको देखियो जुन सम्भव नै छैन। यो प्रक्रिया निक्कल अक्साइडमा भने अहिले सम्म कसैले पनि भेटेका थिएनन्। 
सन १९२८ मा सी भी रमन र के एस कृष्णनले तरलमा एक्यरंग तरंग फ्याक्दा पनि यसै प्रकारको प्रक्रिया भेटेका थिए भने यस क्षेत्रमा धेरै कम मात्रामा मात्र शोध भएका छन्। डा कमल अनुसार यस प्रक्रिया हुनु पछाडीका ठोस् कारण भने अहिले नै किटान गरेर भन्न नसकिने भनेका छन्। तिनी भन्छन् यस प्रक्रियाको अस्तित्व छ भनेर यस शोधले ठोस् प्रमाण गरिसकेको भएता पनि यसका कारणहरू पत्ता लगाउनका निम्ति भने अझै गहनताका साथमा धेरै जाँचहरू गर्न पर्ने बताएका छन्। तथापी तिनले यस प्रक्रियाका सम्भावित कारण यसरी प्रष्टाएर भन्ने कोसिस गर्छन् कि फ्याकिएको प्रकास निक्लँदा आफै बढेर निस्किएका नभएर, एफटिओ र निक्कल अक्साइडको जुन परत निर्माण भएको छ त्यस जोडनमा इन्फ्रारेड तरंगले हिर्काउँदा त्यस क्षेत्रका अणु-परमाणुहरू उत्तेजित भएर उर्जामा परिणत भएको हुन सक्ने अढ्कल गरेका छन्।
यो प्रक्रिया स्थापित भइसकेपछि यसबाट नयाँ प्रकार पदार्थ मेटामटिरियलको (Metamaterials) निर्माण गर्न सक्ने सम्भावना पनि रहेको छ। साथै यसलाई ब्राह्मण्डमा पठाइने यानमा सोलर सेलको निर्माणमा प्रयोग हुन सक्ने छ। डा कमल भुजेललाई यस शोधमा आइ-आइ-टी- धनबाद, भौतिक विज्ञान विभागमा शोध गरिरहेकी दिपाली नायक र स्नाकोत्तर गरिरहेका किरण कुमारी पल र प्रितम सरदारले प्रयोगशालाका नमुना निर्माण (Sample preparation) मा सहयोग पुऱ्याएका थिए भने मिजौराम विश्वविद्यालयका प्रा सुमन राय अनि प्रा निंगथौजम सुरजकुमारसिंहले शोध लेखनमा सहयोग गरेका थिए। अनि यस शोधको सम्पूर्ण दिशा निर्देश प्रा थंगवेलले प्रदान गरेका थिए। 

वैज्ञानिक समुदायमा कुनै पनि नयाँ खोज पत्ता लागेमा त्यसलाई प्रमाण गर्नका निम्ति संसारकै स्तरीय अनि प्रसिद्ध जर्नलमा त्यस शोधलाई प्रकाशित गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। यस क्रममा डा कमल भुजेलले यस शोध कार्य २०२० देखि शुरु गरेर २०२२ सम्ममा सिध्याएका भएता पनि यसलाई जर्नलमा प्रकाशित गर्न २४ सम्म पर्खनु पऱ्यो। जसमा प्रथम जर्नलले केहि माप दण्ड नपुगेको भनेर अस्वीकार नै गरिदिएका थिए भने त्यस पछिका ७ वटा जर्नलहरूले आफ्नो क्षेत्र नमिलेर अर्को जर्नलको सुझाव दिएका थिए। अन्त्यमा भने एल्सीभर समूहको फिजिका बी-कन्डेन्स्ड म्याटर (Physica B: Condensed Matter) जर्नलमा २८ फरवरी २०२४ को दिन बुझाए अनि १० मईको दिन जर्नलबाट सोधिएका सम्पूर्ण प्रश्नहरूको उत्तर बुझाए र २० मईको दिन स्वीकृत गरिए पछि २१ मईको दिन अनलाईनमा प्रकाशित भएको छ। यसरी आफ्नो शोध प्रकाशित भएकोमा खुशी व्यक्त गर्दै सम्पूर्ण शुभचिन्तकहरूलाई कृतज्ञता प्रकट गरेका छन् भने, हाम्रा गोर्खा शोधकर्ताहरूलाई पनि यसरी आफ्नो शोधहरू अघि बढाउदै प्रगति गर्ने आग्रह गरका छन्।
National, Politics, West Bengal

BJP moves Supreme Court against Calcutta High Court order on advertisements during Lok Sabha polls

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The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a vacation bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice Pankaj Mithal

PTI, Calcutta, 24.05.24: The BJP on Friday moved the Supreme Court, challenging a Calcutta High Court order that refused to interfere with a single-judge verdict directing the party not to publish any advertisement violating the Model Code of Conduct during the Lok Sabha election process.

The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a vacation bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice Pankaj Mithal.
Advocate Saurabh Mishra, who mentioned the matter, told the bench that a division bench of the high court passed the order on May 22.

“Why don’t you move the next vacation bench?,” the bench asked.

The counsel told the bench that the high court has restrained the BJP from issuing advertisements during the Lok Sabha polls till June 4.

“Kindly have it on Monday (May 27),” the lawyer requested the bench.

“We will see,” the bench said.

On May 22, a Calcutta High Court division bench refused to interfere with a single-judge order in the matter.

Observing that a “laxman rekha” should be adhered to, the division bench had said there should not be any personal attack on the part of any political party.

Refusing to interfere with the May 20 order of the single judge, the division bench had said the BJP could move the single judge, seeking a review or recall of its order.

The BJP had moved the appeal before the division bench, claiming that the single judge passed the order without giving it any hearing.

The party’s counsel had also stated that the Constitution provided that the Election Commission was the appropriate authority for redress in case of any dispute during a poll process.

The high court on May 20 issued an injunction, restraining the BJP from publishing advertisements that violated the Model Code of Conduct until June 4, the day the Lok Sabha election process ends.

The court also restrained the BJP from publishing advertisements mentioned by the Trinamul Congress (TMC) in its petition, claiming unverified allegations against it and its workers.
Crime, Politics, West Bengal

Molestation’ case: HC stays probe against Guv’s OSD

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MP, 25 May 2024, Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Friday imposed a stay on the investigation against the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) of Governor C V Ananda Bose and other Raj Bhavan staff in connection with the case registered for alleged sexual harassment. 

The woman staff of the Raj Bhavan had alleged that she was restrained from lodging a complaint by the OSD but later she somehow escaped the room where she was restrained. 
The lawyer appearing for the OSD to the Governor, who is the petitioner here appealing to quash the proceeding and the FIR that has been lodged, mentioned that if the woman was wrongfully restrained, then how did she manage to leave the room. 
Therefore, the petitioner claimed that the allegation of wrongful restraint is not proper. It was also pointed out that when the complaint was lodged, the petitioners’ name was not there. Later on May 7 his name was included in the complaint with the allegation that she was restrained from lodging the complaint. 
Opposing the appeal of the OSD to the Governor, Advocate General Kishore Datta mentioned that there is no hurry in passing any order to restrain the investigating officer to carry on with the probe. 
He also mentioned that the petitioner already obtained bail and the investigation in this stage should not be halted. 
After hearing both the parties, Justice Amrita Sinha rejected the petitioner’s appeal and directed the police to submit a report of investigation made till date on June 10 before the regular bench. The investigation has also been stayed temporarily till June 17.

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/molestation-case-hc-stays-probe-against-guvs-osd-565184?infinitescroll=1
Education, Regional, West Bengal

HS Council to explore reasons of significant increase of marks

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SOUMITRA NANDI, EOI, 25 May 2024, Kolkata: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) will explore the reasons of the significant increase in the marks of many students following Tatkal Post Publication Review (PPR) and Post Publication Scrutiny (PPS) in connection with the Higher Secondary examination 2024, the results of which were published on May 17. 

The merit list of 58 students ranked among the top 10 witnessed 12 new entries while another three students already in the merit list improved their ranks. “It is indeed highly competitive to figure among the top 10. 
I congratulate all the 12 students who have made it to the merit list but this should have happened earlier during the publication of results itself and not after PPR or PPS. 
We would do a sample study of the scripts that have undergone revision of marks. We want to ensure that similar things are not repeated in future,” said Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, president of WBCHSE. 
In case of the students who had barged into the merit list, the marks have increased by 4-5. The Council president said that he would individually delve deep into some answer scripts to find out what are the types of questions against which the marks have been revised.
The dozen new entries in the merit list has taken the total number of students in the top ten from 58 to 70. 
Ankit Pal of Kenduadihi High School in Bankura who had ranked 5 has jumped to rank 3, Abhra Kishore Bhattacharjee of Hooghly Collegiate School has also improved his rank from 6 to 5 while Bristi Pal of Chinsurah Balika Bani Mandir in Hooghly has advanced to 7th rank from 9th. 
According to Council sources, 11,558 students had applied for PPR and PPS for 22,836 subjects and marks of 4,597 students have witnessed revisions. “In some cases, the same teacher was engaged in checking both Higher Secondary as well as Madhyamik answer scripts. 
The dates for submission of marks were the same in case of both the exams. The distribution of scripts should have been more scientific. The Council should act tough against those having discrepancies in checking of scripts,” said Soudipto Das, secretary of Collegium of Assistant Headmasters’ and Headmistress’. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/hs-council-to-explore-reasons-of-significant-increase-of-marks-565188
Regional, West Bengal

Transporters in Darjeeling on warpath against traffic snarls

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EOI, DARJEELING, MAY 24, 2024 : With the growing traffic snarls disrupting daily life in Darjeeling, different transport organisations and social organisations on Friday voiced their dissent and anger and warned of an agitation later this month.

Darjeeling has been facing a lot of traffic jams for the past few years, especially during the tourist seasons; with people claiming that a one and half hour trip is now taking them about four hours to complete.
Himalayan Transport Coordination Committee (HTC
C) President Pasang Sherpa said: “The traffic jam in Darjeeling especially during the peak tourist season is proving to be problematic for everyone. All the rules which are being directed by the government have been followed by the drivers but the traffic problem continues to exist. 
We feel that the government is responsible to a great extent for the traffic problem not being solved here. It will definitely be resolved by taking concrete initiatives from the government. 
If they had spent the necessary funds from time to time to improve the traffic system in this area, there would not have been such a big problem today.” 
The HTCC which itself has different vehicle syndicates as its members is a part of the different organisations making this demand.
Other transport organizations with similar demands include associations like Darjeeling Luxury Association, Pahar Terrai Chalak Sangathan, Darjeeling Trucks and Water Tanker Association and others.
The organizations suggested measures like hotels having their own parking facilities, adequate parking facilities at every tourist spot, broadening of the highway leading to Darjeeling in tune with the width of different highways in the country and proper pick-up and drop-off points for passengers and tourists in the entire region. 
They also suggested that the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway should run less number of joy rides during the tourist season as they were also the cause of traffic jams.
“We request that the government hold a meeting in the last week of June to inform us about the plan and time needed to solve the traffic jam problem by taking short term and long term steps. If the government does not take any initiative on this issue, we are thinking of starting a protest from the first week of July,” said Sherpa. 
They said they will be sending memorandums to the West Bengal Chief Minister, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, the Darjeeling Superintendent of Police, M.P.s, and MLAs. 
Supporting this step, Rajesh Gurung of Lakshya Samuha, a social organization, said: “This problem is not only affecting the drivers but other local people as well, especially the students and people going to work. Due to the traffic jam they often do not reach in time even though they start their journey in the morning.
The administration should take concrete measures to solve this problem.
Northeast, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Cyclonic storm in the southern Bengal may cause light to heavy rainfall in the north from 27 to 28 May

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 25 May 2024  Depression over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal (Pre-Cyclone Watch for West Bengal Coast)

The Depression over central Bay of Bengal moved north-northeastwards with a speed of 16 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centered at 1130 hrs IST of today, the 24th May, 2024 over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal near latitude 15.8°N and longitude 88.9°E, about 700 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), about 660 km south-southeast of Sagar Islands (West Bengal) and 710 km south of Canning (West Bengal). 
It is very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and intensify into a Cyclonic Storm over eastcentral Bay of Bengal by 25th May morning. 
Subsequently, it would move nearly northwards, intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by 25th night. Continuing to move nearly northwards, it is very likely to cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara around 26th May midnight as a Severe Cyclonic Storm.

Forecast: (South Bengal)
Light to moderate rainfall very likely at many places over the districts on 25th and moderate rainfall at most places over the districts during 26th to 27th May 2024.

Warning: South Bengal

Rainfall Warning
25-05-2024: (Yellow warning: be updated)
1. Heavy rain (07–11 cm) is likely to occur at one or two places over North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts.

26-05-2024: 1. (Red warning: take action)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) at a few places with extremely heavy rain (> 20 cm) at one or two places is very likely over North and South 24 Parganas districts. 

2. (Orange warning: be prepared)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) is likely at one or two places over Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia and East Midnapore districts. 

3. (Yellow warning: be updated)
Heavy rain (7-11 cm) at one or two places is likely over West Midnapore and East Bardhaman districts.

27-05-2024: 1. (Orange warning: be prepared)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) is likely at one or two places over North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah and Murshidabad districts. 
2. (Yellow warning: be updated)
Heavy rain (7-11 cm) is likely at one or two places over East and West Bardhaman, Birbhum, East and West Midnapore districts.

Wind Warning
25-05-2024:
Thunderstorm with gusty wind speed reaching 40 to 50 kmph likely over North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts and reaching 30 to 40 kmph likely over rest of the districts.

26-05-2024 to 27-05-2024:
Thunderstorm with wind speed reaching 100 to 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph likely over South 24 Parganas; reaching 90 to 100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph likely over North 24 Parganas; reaching 80 to 90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph likely over Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, East Midnapore; reaching 60 to 70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph likely over Hooghly, East Bardhaman; reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph likely over rest of the districts.


Forecast: (North Bengal)
Light to moderate rainfall very likely at most places over the districts during 27th to 28th May 2024.

Warning:
North Bengal

Rainfall Warning
27-05-2024: 
1. (Orange warning: be prepared)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) is likely at one or two places over Malda and South Dinajpur districts. 

2. (Yellow warning: be updated)
Heavy rain (7-11 cm) is likely at one or two places over North Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts.

28-05-2024: 
1. (Orange warning: be prepared)
Heavy (07–11 cm) to very heavy rain (12 – 20 cm) is likely at one or two places over Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts. 

2. (Yellow warning: be updated)
Heavy rain (7-11 cm) is likely at one or two places over Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

Wind Warning for Sea:
 Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over central and adjoining South Bay of Bengal on 24th May. It would become 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph over central Bay of Bengal on 24th May evening.
 It would extend to adjoining areas of North Bay of Bengal with gale wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from 25th May morning. It would further increase becoming 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph over North Bay of Bengal from morning and 110-120 kmph gusting to 120 kmph from evening of 26th May. Gale wind speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph is likely over adjoining central Bay of Bengal from 26th morning for subsequent 24 hours.
Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely along & off Bangladesh, West Bengal and adjoining North Odisha coasts from 25th May evening It is likely to increase becoming gale wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from morning of 26th May and 100-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph along & off Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts from evening of 26th evening for subsequent 12 hours.
Sea condition:
 Rough to very rough sea condition is likely over central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal on 24th May. It would become high over central Bay of Bengal on 25th May & 26th May and High to Very High over North Bay of Bengal from 25th evening till 27th May morning.
 Rough to very rough sea condition is likely along & off Bangladesh, West Bengal and adjoining North Odisha coasts from 25th May evening and high to very high along & off Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts from 26th morning onwards till 27th May morning.
Storm surge:
Storm surge of about 1.0 meter above astronomical tide likely to inundate low lying areas of coastal West Bengal at the time of landfall.
Fishermen Warning (RED WARNING: TAKE ACTION)
Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from 24th May till 27th May.
Port Warning: –
Hoist Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 at Hooghly ports along with Sectional Signal No. III at Sagar Island Port.
Damage Expected over Coastal and adjoining districts of South Bengal:
 Major damage to thatched houses/ huts. Possibilities of damage to vulnerable structure.
 Unattached metal sheets may fly.
 Breaking of tree branches, uprooting of trees. Major damage to banana and papaya trees. Dead limbs may blow off from trees.
 Damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of branches and uprooting of trees.
 Damage to Kutcha and minor damage to Pucca roads due to heavy rain.
 Damage to paddy crops, horticultural crops and orchards.
 Inundation of low lying areas and localized flooding
 Occasional reduction in visibility due to heavy rainfall.
 Disruption of traffic due to water logging and squally winds
Action Suggested for South Bengal:
 Total suspension of fishing operations.
 Surface transport and shipping operations need to be regulated
 Onshore & Offshore operation need to be regulated as per guidelines
 Coastal hutment dwellers to be in safer places.
 People in affected areas to remain indoors.
 Avoid going to areas that face the water logging problems often.
 Avoid staying in vulnerable structure.
 Use Mausam/Damini app for real time weather alert.
Damage Expected over North Bengal:
Possible Impact
1. Damage to loose/unsecured structure.
2. Water lodging in low-lying areas.
3. Communication / Traffic disruption in urban areas.
4. Damage to standing crops and horticulture, Reduction of visibility.
Action suggested:
1. Take shelter in safe place.
2. Movement of traffic may be regulated judiciously.
3. Avoid taking shelter under tree/electric pole and avoid contact with water bodies.
4. Use Mausam/Damini app for real time weather alert.

Crime, International, West Bengal

Bangladesh MP murder: Police arrest butcher; takes his help to locate body parts

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PTI, Kolkata, May 24, 2024 :  The West Bengal CID on Friday claimed to have arrested a Bangladeshi, working as a butcher in Mumbai, from Bangoan in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal here for his alleged involvement in the grisly murder of Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar whose body was cut into pieces and disposed of in different locations.
    
The arrested man has admitted during interrogation to helping the other accused in chopping the victim’s body in a flat in New Town area near here before disposing of the parts in different locations, a police officer claimed.

“The accused is a butcher by profession. He had entered India illegally and was staying in Mumbai hiding his identity.

“He was called to Kolkata a couple of months back as a part of the plan to kill Anar. He has admitted that he was an accomplice to the four men who murdered the politician inside the flat and helped them in skinning and chopping the body,” the police officer told PTI.

The arrested man, when produced before a court in Barasat on Friday afternoon, was sent to the remand of the CID for 12 days, he said.

CID sleuths have confirmed the murder of Anar, an Awami League MP from Jhenaidah-4 segment in Bangladesh, on Wednesday after the victim went missing from Kolkata on May 13.

A team of CID officers were in the process of searching for the victim’s body parts at the Krishnamati village in Bhangar where the butcher had led them, he said.

The CID has employed deepwater divers at ponds in Bhangar also to find out the body parts of the Bangladeshi politician, he said, adding that drones were also used for the same purpose.

An initial probe revealed that the MP’s close friend Akhtaruzzaman, a US citizen, had paid around Rs 5 crore to those involved in the crime, the senior police officer said.

“We will talk to him (butcher) to get a clearer view of the crime. How did he get in touch with the US-based friend of Anar and who all were his partners,” the officer said.

A team of the West Bengal CID visited Bangladesh on Thursday to interrogate the three accused who were arrested by Bangladesh police in connection with the case.

The MP’s friend has a flat in Kolkata, and is probably in the US at present, he said.

Circumstantial evidence indicated that the MP was first strangulated and killed after which his body was chopped into pieces, police claimed.

The search for the missing MP, who reportedly arrived in Kolkata on May 12 to undergo medical treatment, began after Gopal Biswas, a resident of Baranagar in north 
Kolkata and an acquaintance of the Bangladeshi politician, filed a complaint with the local police on May 18.

Anar had stayed at Biswas’s house upon arrival.

In his complaint, Biswas stated that Anar left his Baranagar residence for a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon of May 13, while stating that he would be back home for dinner.

Biswas claimed that the Bangladeshi MP went incommunicado on May 17, which prompted him to file a missing complaint a day later.
National, Politics, West Bengal

Mamata hits out at Modi for his ‘sent by God’ comment

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PTI, Kolkata, May 24, 2024 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his ‘sent by God’ comment, albeit without naming the country’s top leader. 

Speaking at an election rally in Mathurapur in the Sunderbans area of South 24 Parganas district, she claimed that “faced with the phobia of a certain election defeat”, BJP leaders were saying “all kinds of things that made no sense”. 
Dripping with sarcasm, Banerjee, in an oblique reference to PM Modi, said, “He is now calling himself the son of God. He claims that, unlike us, he doesn’t have biological parents. He says he has been sent by God. I ask, does God send someone to orchestrate riots or spread lies through advertisements or jail people in the name of NRC exercise?” 
“Does God send his emissary to sponsor hooliganism in the name of CAA or stop funds for 100-day work or prevent rural houses from being built? Does God go back on his promise of depositing Rs 15 lakhs in people’s bank accounts? 
God cannot do such things,” she added.
The chief minister’s remark came in the backdrop of PM Modi’s interview to a national TV channel where he reportedly said, “Until my mother was alive, I used to think I was born biologically. 
After her demise, when I look at my experiences, I am convinced that I was sent by God. This strength is not from my body. It has been given to me by God. 
That’s why God also gave me the ability, strength, pure-heartedness, and inspiration to do this. I’m nothing but an instrument that God has sent.” 
 Banerjee further ridiculed Modi for BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra’s controversial remark about Lord Jagannath being a “devotee of the prime minister”, which Patra had later retracted. 
 “If Lord Jagannath is a devotee of Modi babu as claimed by his workers, then shouldn’t we build a temple in his name, offer pujas and prasad before his photo and engage a priest for him? 
We can do all that, but he shouldn’t play politics by saying such things,” Banerjee said.
National, Politics, Regional, West Bengal

Will move higher court after summer vacation to challenge Calcutta HC order on OBC certificates: Mamata Banerjee

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 I respect the courts, but a few judges are only following the diktats of the BJP and the CPI(M), says the Bengal Chief Minister
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

PTI, Calcutta, 24.05.24 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced that her government will approach a higher court, challenging the Calcutta High Court order that cancelled all OBC certificates issued in the state since 2010.

Addressing an election rally in Sagar in South 24 Parganas district, she said the state government would appeal to the higher court against the order after summer vacation.

“We do not accept the order that scrapped OBC certificates. We will contest at a higher court after summer vacation,” Banerjee said.

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday struck down as illegal the OBC status of several classes in the state granted since 2010, sparking a political debate in the middle of the Lok Sabha elections.

The court observed that the inclusion of 77 classes of Muslims in the list of backward categories was to “treat them as a vote bank”.

“I respect the courts, but a few judges are only following the diktats of the BJP and the CPI(M).” Banerjee urged electors “not to cast a single vote to the BJP or any other party except the TMC so that the INDIA bloc can form a government at the Centre”.

She also accused the BJP of planning to implement the Uniform Civil Code to “undermine” the rights of people belonging to the SC and ST community.

Banerjee appealed to the families of Haj pilgrims to vote judiciously, as the “implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) could disenfranchise citizens”.

She alleged that the BJP has “made attempts to disrespect women in Sandeshkhali, incite riots, and revoke reservations and employment rights of backward classes” and its only aim is to “defame TMC and Bengal”.

The TMC supremo accused the saffron camp of running advertisements to “mislead” people.

Banerjee said the ‘Gangasagar Mela’ must be recognised as a national fair, and claimed that her government is independently managing the annual affair while the “Centre has not been providing adequate support for it”.

She also promised completion of a bridge over the Muriganga river in the next 2-3 years, even though the “Centre has not provided support in the Rs 1,500 crore project”.

“You must come to vote even if there is rain,” she said at the rally, emphasising the need to defeat the BJP in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

A depression in the Bay of Bengal is likely to concentrate into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall between Sagar island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh around May 26 midnight, bringing heavy rain in the coastal districts of the state, the Met department said on Friday.

Banerjee’s comment came after it was found that voter turnout in the fifth round of polling in seven Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal was lower, as compared to the polling percentage in 2019, due to a two-hour rain.