Regional, Sikkim

Kalimpong sees the debut of “Tara: The Lost Star” at Dream Theater

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 20 June 2024 : Tara: the Lost Star, is finally being screened at Dream Theater in Kalimpong. The film was released across India, starting from Sikkim to the northeastern states and beyond, since June 14, 2024. Directed by Samten Bhutia, the film is co-produced by Sabitri Chettri and actor Shyama Shree Sherpa. It is presented by SaDa Productions in association with Passang Mintok Films. Several crew members including actor Shyama Shree Sherpa were present today at Kalimpong and addressed the press.


This film has made history as the first film from Sikkim to debut at the Marché Du Film, the official film market of the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival. The 77th Annual Cannes International Film Festival was attended by the actor cum producer Shyama Shree Sherpa.

Completed in about seven months, the film is 1.5 hours long. Tara: the Lost Star, was filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Gnathang-Memenchu near Changu Lake in Sikkim. It encapsulates the essence of Sikkim’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, representing the creative synergy and cultural richness of the region.

The film features popular artists from Sikkim, Nepal, and Darjeeling. It is a Nepali-language feature film that offers a glimpse into the beliefs of the Himalayas and the vibrant culture of Sikkim. It is a social drama about the struggle between superstitious beliefs and medical science, and one woman’s fight for freedom from religious constraints.


Actors Shyama Shree Sherpa (Tara), Sushmita Bhujel (Manita), Nityam Bhattarai (Kale), Shashikala Pradhan (Sanmaya), Basanta Sharma (Kishor), Anand Gurung (Pema), Timothy Rai (Dhupaure) are from Sikkim, while Kiran Dahal (Suman) and Loonibha Tuladhar (Kopila) are from Nepal. Deoraj Sherpa (Agam), a well-known actor from Darjeeling, is also part of the team. Sikkim’s Prasant Rasaily and Pramod Karki contributed to the background score and cinematography, respectively.

Tara: the Lost Star, follows the journey of 21-year-old Tara, who resides in a scenic and secluded village near Gangtok, Sikkim. Since childhood, she has grappled with dissociative trance disorder, which frequently results in seizures. While her father advocates for medical treatment to alleviate her condition, her mother holds steadfastly to a contrasting belief. 

Blinded by unfounded faith and prejudice, she perceives Tara as a reincarnation of the revered goddess “Mata,” a belief ingrained since Tara’s youth. Consequently, she seeks spiritual intervention from a shaman rather than embracing medical solutions. Tara finds herself torn between her parents’ divergent perspectives as she navigates the complexities of her existence. 


A reserved individual by nature, Tara silently witnesses their disputes concerning her well-being, feeling powerless. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her friend Manita provides unwavering support, and she discovers comfort and affection in her classmate, Suman. In this tumultuous environment, Tara begins to discover her voice for the first time.

Despite the village’s proximity to modern civilization, the film sheds light on a world often overlooked or misunderstood by outsiders. 

The performances of its two lead actors, along with those of other supporting actors in this tale of a young couple’s struggles, are highly praised in the film Tara: the Lost Star. Not only the story but also the dialogue in the local language, and the cinematography played significant roles in it. Technically, the location, makeup, and lighting are well-managed and executed superbly in the film.
National, Northeast

Transwoman Dr. Beoncy Seeks Gender Correction in Educational Certificates, Moves Manipur High Court

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Asem Bhakta, KalimNews, 19 June 2024, Imphal : Dr. Beoncy Laishram, a 32-year-old transwoman from Imphal, has gained prominence for becoming the first medical doctor among the transgender community in the entire northeast region in 2018. Despite this significant achievement, Dr. Beoncy faces challenges as her request for reissued educational certificates reflecting her current name and gender identity as “female” has been denied by the relevant authorities.

Dr. Beoncy, residing in the Kakwa area of Imphal West district, has filed a writ petition with the Manipur High Court. On June 13, the case was taken up by Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh, who issued notices to the respondents to provide their replies. The next hearing is scheduled for July 17.

Dr. Beoncy contends that the inconsistency in her educational certificates causes significant hardship in pursuing further education and employment. She has petitioned the court to direct the relevant authorities to issue new certificates reflecting her current name and gender.

According to the petition, Dr. Beoncy was born biologically male and named “Boboi Laishram,” a name reflected in her X and XII standard, MBBS, and other educational certificates. She underwent gender reassignment surgery on October 8, 2019, and legally changed her name to “Beoncy Laishram” and her gender to “female” on her Aadhaar card. She also obtained a “trans ID card” from the district magistrate (Imphal West) on February 16, 2022, and a voter ID card on March 4, 2023, reflecting her new status.

While Dr. Beoncy’s identity is recognized as female in all government and legal records, her educational certificates still display her former name “Boboi Laishram” and her gender as male. In February, she requested new certificates from the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM), Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM), and Manipur University (MU), but her requests were denied.

Additionally, Dr. Beoncy has requested that the directors of the Department of University and Higher Education and the School Education Department issue a circular affirming the rights of transgender individuals to change their name and gender on educational certificates, in line with Supreme Court directives, without requiring them to resort to legal action.

Laishram helps the Nupi Maanbis in need to get healthcare access. The post-operative transwoman has stepped forth to help and give hope to the community who have suffered the most because of the COVID-19 pandemic as it has quashed livelihoods. The community has been most involved in the beauty parlour business in Imphal for financial freedom, but these have been shut amidst the lockdown. Shanta Khurai of the All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association, a prominent transgender activist, feels that Lashiram “represents aspiration among the Nupi Maanbis. We don’t just work as beauticians.”

Santa Khurai, an iconic trans activist and secretary of the All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association (AMANA), stated that Dr. Beoncy approached the Court after consulting with the association.

Agencies: Laishram changed her name to Beoncy when she took part in Miss Trans Queen Northeast, a beauty pageant in 2013. On completing her MBBS in 2011, she decided to come out from her family in 2013. “My father was so upset he tried to kill himself,” she said in an interview with TOI, “I went right back into the closet. Around 2016, I realised I could no longer live that life. It was when I began openly identifying as a Nupi Maanbi.”

While Manipuri has known about the existence of Nupi Maanbi as an identity for very long, the community continues to be marginalised. Laishram has a good relationship with her parents now and is also has a partner from a long-term relationship. Having supportive colleagues is most important for her as she feels safe at work.

Laishram helps the Nupi Maanbis in need to get healthcare access. The post-operative transwoman has stepped forth to help and give hope to the community who have suffered the most because of the COVID-19 pandemic as it has quashed livelihoods. The community has been most involved in the beauty parlour business in Imphal for financial freedom, but these have been shut amidst the lockdown. Shanta Khurai of the All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association, a prominent transgender activist, feels that Lashiram “represents aspiration among the Nupi Maanbis. We don’t just work as beauticians.”

National

IMD Updates Forecast: Below Normal Rainfall Expected for India in June

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‘The average June rainfall for the country as a whole is most likely to be below normal, less than 92 per cent of the long period average’

G.S. Mudur, TT, New Delhi, 20.06.24 : India will get “below normal” rainfall during June, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said in an updated forecast released after it documented 20 per cent deficit rainfall between June 1 and June 18.

“The average June rainfall for the country as a whole is most likely to be below normal, less than 92 per cent of the long period average,” the IMD said in a downward revised forecast released on June 18. The IMD had on May 27 predicted “normal rainfall” — 92 per cent to 108 per cent of the long period average — during June.

Weather scientists say the June deficit has no bearing on the overall monsoon performance during the four-month season. Bountiful rainfall over the next three months could compensate for the June deficit, resulting in normal or above normal rainfall for the full season, scientists said.

The IMD had last month predicted that India as a whole this year, as well as the country’s so-called “monsoon core zone” that makes up most of the country’s rainfed agriculture areas, will receive “above normal” rainfall, or 106 per cent of the long period average.

The summer monsoon, which accounts for 75 per cent of India’s annual rainfall, is crucial for crops, the economy and water resources. Rice, maize, millets, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane and cotton are among the major crops sown through the season.

Crop weather specialists say the amount and geographic distribution of the rainfall during July and August are critical to agriculture and far more relevant to farm operations than the June rainfall.

The IMD plans to release its rainfall forecast for July at the end of this month.

The monsoon, after advancing over the Nicobar Islands on May 19 and Kerala and the northeastern states on May 30, moved northward and had by June 12 covered Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, most parts of southern Maharashtra, and parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Bengal.

Its progress has stalled since June 12 but the IMD said on Tuesday that “conditions are favourable” for further advance of the monsoon into more parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Gangetic Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand over the next two or three days.

Since June 1, 11 of the country’s 36 meteorological subdivisions have received normal to large excess rainfall while 25 subdivisions have had deficient to large deficient rainfall, the IMD said on Tuesday.

Gangetic Bengal, Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, western Uttar Pradesh, eastern Rajasthan and western Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab are among subdivisions with exceptionally large rainfall deficits —ranging from 70 per cent up to 90 per cent.
Regional

Elephants Rescued from Teesta River Torrents in Successful Operation

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Dibyendu Sinha, MP, 19 June 2024, Jalpaiguri: Two elephants, along with a cub, were washed away while crossing an overflowing river on Tuesday night in the Teesta Barrage area adjacent to Baikunthapur Forest. 

After several hours of efforts, forest workers, with the help of barrage workers, rescued the elephants by opening the gate of the Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage. According to a source from the Belakoba Range of the Baikunthapur Forest Division, a herd of around 100 elephants has been in the Belakoba Forest for the past few weeks. Occasionally, the group travels across the Teesta River for food. 
On Tuesday night, the group was in the Milan Palli area near the Teesta River. While crossing the river, some members of the group were swept away. 
Belakoba Range Officer Chiranjit Pal said: “Two other elephants jumped into the water to rescue the cub. Three elephants floated near the barrage. After this, the elephants were rescued with the help of barrage staff.
There were about eleven elephants in the group. The group is being monitored.” Meanwhile, Teesta Barrage staff Prafulla Bala said: “At 12 o’clock in the night, three elephants got stuck at gate number 15 of the barrage. 
The three elephants were also hurt by the water and the lock gate. As soon as the matter was noticed, the local residents and forest workers were informed. Attempts were made to rescue them, but it was not possible due to high water levels. 
Finally, the gate had to be opened, and the elephants floated away. Later on, the elephants managed to get up on the other side of the river.” 
Although the water levels of the Teesta and Jaldhaka rivers have slightly reduced, communication between Angrabhasa and Banku Bazar has been cut off due to the breakdown of the culvert under construction in the Chachar Jhora area in Banarhat Block. 
Water has entered several Gram Panchayat areas. 
“There is a possibility of heavy rain lashing the northern districts for the next four to five days. An orange alert has been issued for Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling,” said Gopinath Raha, an official of the Sikkim Meteorological department. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/elephants-rescued-after-being-swept-away-by-overflowing-teesta-568609
Economy, West Bengal

State govt to expand old age pension scheme

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Pradip Chatterjee, MP, 19 June 2024, Kolkata: In a visionary move to bolster support for those entering their golden years without a steady income, the Bengal government is poised to expand its benevolent old-age pension scheme, embracing an additional 50,000 deserving individuals.

This initiative aims to ease the financial strains often encountered in the twilight of life, offering a beacon of hope and security to more of the state’s elderly population. The Mamata Banerjee government presently extends a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 to approximately 20.15 lakh beneficiaries throughout the state. With the addition of 50,000 new recipients, the total number of beneficiaries under this scheme will soon increase to an impressive 20.65 lakh. This significant expansion demonstrates the government’s steadfast commitment to supporting its elderly citizens in their time of need.

Extending support to people of all ages and from all walks of life with a humane approach, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2021 had proposed to provide old age pension to every person above 60 years of age and widows above 18 years of age in the state aiming to provide stable source of income to senior citizens of the state.

It was learnt that out of the financial allowance of Rs 1,000 to all individuals, the Centre is supposed to provide Rs 200 in case the beneficiaries belong to the 60-80 age bracket. The Centre is supposed to bear its share of Rs 300 out of a total of Rs 1,000 if the beneficiaries are above 80.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had repeatedly criticised the Centre for stopping funds in connection with old age pensions. Earlier this year, Banerjee had announced that her government would be extending benefits of old age pension to another 9 lakh women while another 1.04 lakh will get benefits of widow pension.

Incidentally, the Chief Minister in 2022 announced that women receiving the widow pension would also be entitled to the benefits of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. Social security pensions of Rs 1,000 per month are provided to women in Bengal. In the case of Lakshmir Bhandar, women in the age group of 25-60 years get Rs 1200 for the SC/ST and OBC while for the general caste, the amount is Rs 1000 per month.

 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/state-govt-to-expand-old-age-pension-scheme-568626
Education, West Bengal

‘Centre has not released funds for Sarva Siksha Abhiyan’

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MP, 20 June 2024, Kolkata: The Centre has not released to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore under Samagra Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) on the ground that the state has not signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Union government on PM (Prime Minister) Shri Scheme. 

“In PM Shri Scheme, the Central share is 60 per cent while the state’s share is 40 per cent so why should it be christened as PM Shri? It will either be called PM-CM Shri or by any other name. 
Moreover, this scheme has nothing to do with SSA through which Mid Day Meal is provided to students. 
They are trying to deprive the students of their share of Mid Day Meal. The stopping of funds under SSA is inhuman, barbaric and a shame for the federal structure,” state Education minister Bratya Basu said. 
A senior official of the state Education department said that Rs 1,200 crore is due for the year 2023-24 while for this year (till today), another Rs 400 crore (considering that the amount for SSA is given in three to four installments) is due. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/centre-has-not-released-funds-for-sarva-siksha-abhiyan-568636
Regional, Sikkim

Rescue operations in North Sikkim end with evacuation of remaining 158 stranded tourists

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PTI, Gangtok, Jun 19, 2024 :  The rescue operations in North Sikkim ended on Wednesday with the evacuation of the remaining 158 stranded tourists, a senior official said.
   
Mangan District Magistrate Hem Kumar Chettri said that all the 1,447 stranded tourists have been evacuated in the last three days. A total of 1,225 tourists were rescued on Tuesday and 64 on Monday.

“With the rescue of 158 tourists on the third and final day of the operation, we have evacuated all the 1,447 stranded tourists,” he said.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said that the 1,447 tourists have been sent back to their respective destinations.
 
“The incessant rainfall from June 12-14, 2024, caused by a cloudburst in North Sikkim, had left a total of 1,447 tourists stranded in Mangan district… All of them have now been successfully evacuated and sent back to their respective destinations through extensive rescue operations,” he said.

The CM thanked all those who were involved in the rescue operation and to the tourists for their patience during the challenging time.

Chettri said the tourists, who were holed up in Lachung for several days, were evacuated to Mangan town via Chungthang.
 
Most of the tourists were transported to state capital Gangtok in vehicles provided by the transport department, Chettri said.
 
Besides the district administration and police, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, Travel Agents’ Association of Sikkim (TAAS), local panchayats and volunteers were involved in the rescue operation.
 
Mangan district is known for popular tourist spots like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley.

At least six people have been killed in Sikkim due to landslides triggered by heavy rain over the last few days. The natural calamity has also damaged properties and disrupted power and food supplies and mobile networks in several areas, officials said.

Around 1,500 tourists, including some foreigners, were stranded in Lachung town due to the landslides.
The road network in Mangan district has become severely damaged, with the district magistrate ordering the closure of schools in 10 clusters of Mangan and Dzongu blocks till further orders.
 
The Border Roads Organisation has been working to clear the roads and restore connectivity.
 
PIB, 19 JUN 2024, Gangtok : Despite incessant rains and inclement weather the last batch of 150 tourists was evacuated from North Sikkim on 19 Jun. Trishakti Corps, responsible has been working relentlessly to assist the civil administration and locals in the evacuation of the 1200 tourists that got stranded in North Sikkim since 12/13 Jun 24.Due to incessant rains and landslides at a number of places, evacuation of the stranded tourists could begin only on the 17th. The tourists had to cross the sites of landslides on foot and travel in vehicles on the stretches in between wherever road connectivity existed.
Out of the 150 tourists that were evacuated on 19th Jun, many needed medical care & walking assistance during their evacuation. Three persons requiring urgent medical support were given treatment at Military Hospital and then safely moved on stretchers.The tourists were shifted utilising all resources including two wheelers and carried on backs.
Every year number of times due to sudden snowfall, excessive rainfall, landslides and road closure, the tourists get stranded in the border areas and then Army soldiers do their best to rescue the tourists, providing food, shelter, medical comfort and bringing them to safety. 
 
Indian Army while guarding the borders in the Himalayas is always proactive in providing assistance to the tourists & local populations.
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

Nighttime Restrictions Implemented for All Vehicles on NH10

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 19 June 2024: The district administration of Kalimpong has imposed restrictions on all vehicular movement along NH10 during nighttime hours. In a notification issued today by Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate of Kalimpong, it has been announced that the movement of all vehicles, including heavy vehicles and small vehicles, is prohibited from 6 pm to 6 am, effective immediately until further notice.

The decision comes in response to significant damage caused by recent heavy rainfall near Melli Bridge, Rabi Jhora, and Likhu Veer along NH10. These measures are necessary to facilitate repairs and ensure the safety and security of the public.

However, the administration has allowed for the movement of heavy vehicles, including buses, from Seti Jhora to Rangpoo and vice versa via NH10 during daytime hours from 6 am to 6 pm until further notice. Similarly, small vehicles are permitted to travel this route from 6 am to 8 pm.

Additionally, it has been advised to maintain single-lane traffic at Bhalu Khola, Gareri Khola, Rabi Jhora, and Likhu bhir.

For diversions, small vehicles are recommended to take alternative routes from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong, 17 Mile, Algarah, Lava, and Gorubathan, operational round the clock. Heavy goods vehicles, buses, and small vehicles can use the Reshi-Pedong-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan route to Siliguri and vice versa, also accessible 24/7.

Police (Traffic) will enforce necessary restrictions at Rangpoo Check post, Melli Bazaar, Chitrey, 29 Mile, and at the district border along NH10 to assist with the route diversions.

Sikkim

Sikkim floods: Evacuation by road after poor weather rules out chopper rescue plan

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Around 1,200 tourists, including foreign visitors, are stranded in Mangan, the northern district along the China border, following landslides and flash floods on Thursday that have damaged roads and bridges


Avijit Sinha, TT, Siliguri, 17.06.24 : The Sikkim government has decided to evacuate by road on Tuesday the tourists stranded in Lachung and other northern areas of the state, with poor weather ruling out chopper rescue.

Around 1,200 tourists, including foreign visitors, are stranded in Mangan, the northern district along the China border, following landslides and flash floods on Thursday that have damaged roads and bridges.

“It was initially planned to airlift the tourists, as after the flash floods last October. However, because of bad weather, it’s not feasible to engage choppers. Therefore, the alternative option of evacuation by road has been planned for Tuesday,” a source in the state government said.

The tourists stuck in Lachung, a popular hotspot in north Sikkim, and neighbouring areas are to be brought in cars to Tung, around 18km from Mangan, the district headquarters.

“As there are multiple landslide zones from Tung to Mangan, they will be taken to Mangan on foot. From Mangan, vehicles will be arranged for their onward journey,” the source said.

Representatives of the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) and all travel agencies, particularly those that have customers stranded in north Sikkim, have been asked to reach Mangan on Monday.

“From Mangan, the travel agents who have sent tourists to north Sikkim will have the responsibility for further movement of the tourists…. If any travel agency ignores the directions, steps will be taken against it,” a TAAS representative said.

The tourists stuck in Mangan are facing hardship because of disruptions in power supply and the telecommunications network. “Around 360 of them are staying at a gurudwara in Chungthang. The gurudwara authorities have provided them with food and shelter,” a source said.

Samrat Sanyal, general secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network, an apex body of tourism stakeholders in the region, said it was important that the evacuation of the tourists began on Monday.

“Four days have passed and they are still stuck in north Sikkim. Since it is not possible to use choppers unless the weather improves, it is pertinent to work on alternative options,” Sanyal said. “We hope a section of tourists will reach Mangan soon. We will extend the necessary help to them.”

As monsoon showers continue in Sikkim and sub-Himalayan Bengal, fresh landslides have damaged some stretches along NH10, the principal highway that connects Sikkim and Kalimpong with Siliguri and the rest of the country.

“The Kalimpong district administration has advised drivers not to take NH10 and instead travel along the Algara-Lava route to Siliguri and vice versa. As the rain has not stopped, there is always a risk of landslides or boulders falling on the road,” an official said.

With Sikkim-bound heavy vehicles forced to make detours since Thursday, bringing essential supplies to the state is taking more time.

On Sunday, the state food and civil supplies department formed a team “to check the stock of LPG cylinders and the inventory of essential items”, a source said.

“Retailers and wholesalers have been cautioned not to hoard essential items or raise food prices,” the source added.

Weather experts at the regional Met office in Gangtok said an alert had been sounded against heavy to very heavy rainfall (70mm to 200mm) in the Mangan and Namchi districts in the next 24 hours.

“The southwest monsoon is active over the region and is causing regular downpours,” an expert said.
Courtesy & source: The Telegraph
https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2024/Jun/1718452528_1718440553_sikkim.jpg
Regional, Sikkim

Air evacuation of stranded tourists called off due to inclement weather

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Amitava Banerjee, MP, 16 June 2024, Darjeeling: The air evacuation of around 1,200 tourists (as per official records) from North Sikkim, especially Lachen did not take place as per schedule on Sunday owing to inclement weather. 

Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) has directed all travel agencies, especially those whose guests are stranded in North Sikkim, to reach Mangan in North Sikkim on Tuesday. This decision was made after the Dzomsa Pipon and Hotel Association, with the help of the minister and area MLA Samdup Lepcha, closely monitored the road status in Mangan district. 
“As the road condition till Tung is favourable (an air evac is not possible), tourists will be evacuated till Tung and then onto Mangan on foot as there are 3 to 4 landslides enroute. From Mangan the respective travel agencies will have to take responsibility to tranship them to Gangtok,” stated Ramesh Basnet, president, TAAS. 
Around 360 tourists are reportedly stranded and have been given refuge at the Chungthang Gurudwara. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working on a war footing to restore the roads.
“Around 700 personnel and 20 excavators are deployed to address the issue of multiple landslides, ensuring faster communication to Mangan, North Sikkim,” stated a post from the spokesperson, Ministry of Defence. 
As rains continued unabated, National Highway 10 was shut down for a few hours on Sunday with rock slides on the road at Likhubhir. 
Though the debris were cleared and the road opened to vehicular traffic, the Kalimpong district administration and police made an appeal to vehicles traveling between Gangtok, Sikkim and Siliguri to use alternate routes via Kalimpong instead of taking risks of using the NH10, vulnerable to rock slides owing to the incessant rainfall. 
At around 8:30 am on Sunday vehicles were diverted from Sikkim and Siliguri from the Rangpoo and Coronation Bridge respectively owing to boulder slides at Likhubhir. At around 1:30 pm the road opened up, with the debris being cleared. “As the falling of boulders is intermittent, for the general safety public are requested to avoid the NH10 and use the alternative routes,” stated Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate, Kalimpong.
The Kalimpong to Darjeeling road via Teesta Bazar, Lopchu is still closed. Meanwhile Raju Bista, MP, visited the flood affected areas of Teesta Bazar on Saturday. Bista stated that given the strategic significance of the region, particularly in terms of national security, he has requested for a central team to assess the situation and take necessary actions to fix the damages at the earliest. 
“The Central government has allocated Rs 500 crore towards addressing the immediate repair and restoration of National Highway 10 (NH-10). Further, the Central government is preparing a DPR under the supervision of scientific and terrain experts for rebuilding NH-10 and expanding it by further 10 m, for which a budget of Rs 2000 crore will be additionally sanctioned,” claimed Bista in a media release. 
“Raju Bista has to stop the blame game. When the flash flood had struck on October 4, 2023, the GTA had done everything possible. The regions have been voting for the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections for the past 20 years. 
What did the BJP-led Central government do? They did not give any funds nor did they declare this as a national disaster,” stated Anit Thapa, chief executive, GTA. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/air-evacuation-of-stranded-tourists-called-off-due-to-inclement-weather-568177
Career / Jobs, West Bengal

HC directs state govt to ensure 1% reservation for transgender persons in public employment

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Agencies, 16 June 2024, Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has directed the Bengal government to ensure one per cent reservation for transgender persons in all public employment in the state. Noting that the state government adopted a policy of equal treatment in employment to transgenders, the court said the reservation has, however, not yet been made for them. 

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha directed the chief secretary of the Bengal government to ensure one per cent reservation for transgenders in all public employment. 
The high court order was passed on a petition by a transgender person, who succeeded in the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET) 2014 and also in the TET 2022, but was not called for counseling or interview. A
In the order passed on Friday, Justice Mantha noted that the Supreme Court had declared in a 2014 case that ‘hijras’ and eunuchs, apart from binary genders, be treated as “third gender” for the purpose of safeguarding their rights under Part III of the Constitution. 
The apex court had also upheld transgender persons’ right to decide their self-identified gender, and directed the Centre and state governments to grant legal recognition of their gender identity such as male, female or as third gender. 
Justice Mantha also noted that the top court had directed the Centre and the state governments to take steps to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens, and “extend all kinds of reservation in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments”. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/hc-directs-state-govt-to-ensure-1-reservation-for-transgender-persons-in-public-employment-568193
Politics, Regional

Bimal Gurung to take legal recourse after High Court order

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EOI, DARJEELING, JUNE 16, 2024 : After the Calcutta High Court order to include his name in the charge sheet filed by the CBI in the Madan Tamang murder case, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha President Bimal Gurung on Saturday said he would take legal recourse while asserting he was innocent. In August 2017, the City Sessions Court discharged Gurung’s name from the list of accused filed by the Central agency. 

However, on Thursday, the court of Justice Subhendu Samanta of Calcutta High Court set aside the ruling of the City Sessions Court, requiring Gurung to stand trial again. “Bimal Gurung stands for Gorkhaland. I will continue to raise my voice for a separate state. However, certain quarters feel that if Bimal Gurung is sidelined then the statehood demand will automatically subside. I am the only poison standing in their path and they are trying to find ways to suppress me,” he said.
The All India Gorkha League leader was murdered in broad daylight on May 21, 2010 at the Upper Clubside area while overseeing preparation for a public meeting. Initially, the local police started investigating. 
Later the probe was taken up by the CID. The CID named several accused in its chargesheet but did not include Gurung’s name, prompting Tamang’s wife Bharati to file a writ petition seeking a CBI inquiry. 
The CBI in its chargesheet named 54 accused including Gurung, his wife Asha and several senior party leaders. Gurung said he had no animosity with the family of the deceased.
In fact it was him who had raised the demand for a Central investigation. “It (murder) was very unfortunate. I can understand the sentiments of the family of the deceased. However, I was the one to raise the demand for a CBI inquiry and wrote to the government and strict punishment to the perpetrators of the crime. I am not selfish and am working for my community with sincerity,” he said.
Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

CM Sikkim asks Centre to manage Sevoke – Rangpo stretch of NH 10

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SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, JUNE 16, 2024 : Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday called upon the Centre to manage the stretch of the National Highway 10 from Sevoke to Rangpo. His demand followed his visit to the border town of Melli on Saturday where he assessed the significant damage caused by flash floods and the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood of October 3 last.

Talking to newspersons, the Chief Minister highlighted the critical condition of the 50-kmstretch of NH 10 running along the banks of the Teesta River in West Bengal. “The road from Sevoke near Siliguri to the Rangpo border in Sikkim, although part of NH 10,is maintained by the West Bengal Government. While the funding is provided by the Union government, Sikkim does not receive the necessary support under state management,” Golay said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that, in contrast, the road from Rangpo to Gangtok was managed as a National Highway by Central agencies. This allowed for better maintenance and support. He stressed that the current condition of the stretch of the road under the management of West Bengal was in adequate; particularly in view of its strategic importance.
“This road is vital for Sikkim and the Indian army, given Sikkim’s strategic border position.
Heavy vehicles struggle on these precarious roads, causing a rise in goods prices due to detours through Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts,” Golay explained
International, National, Politics

India’s role in G7 Summit: An Overview

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Annwesha Chhetri, EOI, 17 June 2024 : The Group of 7 (G7) Summit, held in the picturesque town of Fasano, Italy, concluded on June 15, leaving a significant impact on global policy and international relations. Hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, this summit focused on the two major geopolitical conflicts weighing on the international community: the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Apart from the member countries, many other countries, including India, were invited to the Outreach Session. This was India’s 11th and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5th consecutive participation at the G7 Summit. Traditionally, this group of seven countries has been a forum for some of the world’s most advanced economies to discuss and coordinate on economic policies, trade, security, and other global issues. India’s repeated invitations signal a recognition of its rise in economy, strategic importance, and leadership potential in tackling global challenges. PM Modi’s presence at the summit reflects India’s pivotal role in shaping global discourse. Therefore, India is getting a platform once again to address critical global issues, strengthen bilateral ties, and assert its role as a major player in international affairs. This year’s summit focused on themes such as economic resilience, climate change, health, security, and technological innovation—all the areas where India has a valuable contribution to make.
During the summit, PM Modi shed light on India’s economic reforms and investments like “Make in India” and “Digital India.” These initiatives aim to transform our country into a global manufacturing hub and a leader in digital innovation. With the global economy recovering from the impacts of the COVID- 19 pandemic, India’s robust growth trajectory presents an attractive proposition for foreign investment and trade partnerships. A major highlight of this summit was the launch of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). Coal accounts for nearly 70% of India’s electricity. This initiative aims to help India transition from a coal-based energy system to more sustainable and low-emission technologies. Hence, JETP is designed to provide financial support, technology, and expertise to facilitate this transition, which is expected to address both environmental concerns and economic dependencies related to coal. PM Modi also reiterated India’s ambitious climate targets, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. He also elaborated on the “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” campaign and urged the leaders to take part in India’s Mission LiFE initiative. Therefore, by collaborating with G7 countries, India will not only contribute to global climate goals but also support its own sustainable development agenda.
“Pharmacy of the World,” India has been a key supplier of affordable vaccines and medicines to developing countries during the pandemic. PM Modi called for strengthening global health infrastructure by ensuring equitable access to vaccines and enhancing research and development capabilities. 
India becomes a key player in the Indo-Pacific strategy, ensuring stability and security and countering China’s expanding influence. The European Union says that Beijing’s large subsidies, especially in green energy and technology, lead to very cheap products that flood the global market, making it difficult for the West to compete. “G7 countries agree on how to handle China,” a Japanese government source told AFP.
PM Modi said that India will collaborate with all countries to make artificial intelligence (AI) transparent, fair, secure, accessible, and responsible. As a founding member and lead chair of the Global Partnership for AI, India is leading the launch of the “AI Mission” with the mantra “AI for All.”
Therefore, this G7 Summit provided India with a platform to advance its economic, environmental, health, technological, and geopolitical agendas. By engaging with the world’s leading economies, India is not only strengthening its international standing but also paving the way for sustainable development and inclusive growth. 
As the world navigates through complex challenges, India’s role in shaping a resilient and cooperative global order is becoming more crucial than ever. On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK PM Rishi Sunak, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He also interacted with US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canada PM Justin Trudeau, and Pope Francis. After concluding the visit, PM Modi thanked the people and government of Italy for their “war m hospitality” and said, “Had a very productive day at the G7 Summit in Apulia. I interacted with the world’s leaders and discussed various subjects. Together, we aim to create impactful solutions that benefit the global community and create a better world for future generations,” in a post on X. 
(The views of the author are personal)

Politics, West Bengal

Rising Crime Wave in West Bengal: Extortion Gangs Draw 1990s Mumbai Parallels

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Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused West Bengal of experiencing a surge in extortion rackets reminiscent of 1990s Mumbai. He cited recent shootouts and dacoities, suggesting a deteriorating law and order situation, and highlighted violence against opposition party workers. Minister Firhad Hakim linked recent crimes to out-of-state miscreants.


PTI, 16 June, 2024, Kolkata :  Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday alleged that extortion rackets were thriving in West Bengal, drawing parallels to the notorious activities of Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan gangs in Mumbai during the 1990s.

He claimed that instances of shootouts and dacoities in jewellery shops over the last couple of months prove that the “law and order situation in the state is not good.” Majumdar, also the state BJP president, alleged that these developments are reminiscent of past criminal activities in Mumbai, suggesting a worrying trend in West Bengal.

“I am reminded of the way Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakil, Chhota Rajan gangs used to operate extortion rackets in Mumbai in the 1990’s. Similar rackets seem to have started in West Bengal,” Majumdar said.

He further alleged that opposition party workers have been subjected to attacks while such criminal activities continue unchecked.

Majumdar, who met with BJP workers claiming to be victims of post-poll violence perpetrated by supporters of the ruling party in West Bengal, highlighted an incident where motorbike-borne assailants shot at a businessman’s car on the busy B T Road here on Saturday.

In the early hours of Saturday, a shooting incident took place at Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata. The incident stemmed from an altercation between two men, reportedly linked to a road rage incident the previous day.

West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim attributed the recent dacoities in jewellery shops, including the latest one at Raniganj a few days ago, to miscreants from neighbouring states. In this connection, two persons were arrested from Jharkhand in a coordinated operation conducted jointly by the police forces of both states, officials said. 
Education, National

No need to teach about riots, demolition in schools, says NCERT chief after textbook revisions

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 We want to create positive citizens and that’s what is the purpose of our textbooks. We cannot have everything in them. The purpose of our education is not to create violent citizen depressed citizens. Hatred and violence are not subjects of teaching, says Dinesh Prasad Saklani

PTI, New Delhi, Jun 17, 2024 :  Rejecting accusations of saffronisation of school curriculum, NCERT’s director has said that references to Gujarat riots and Babri masjid demolition were modified in school textbooks because teaching about riots “can create violent and depressed citizens.”
    In an interaction with PTI editors at the agency’s headquarters here on Saturday, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) director Dinesh Prasad Saklani said the tweaks in textbooks are part of annual revision and should not be a subject of hue and cry.
    Asked about references to Gujarat riots or Babri masjid demolition being tweaked in NCERT textbooks, Saklani said, “Why should we teach about riots in school textbooks? We want to create positive citizens not violent and depressed individuals”.
    “Should we teach our students in a manner that they become offensive, create hatred in society or become victim of hatred? Is that education’s purpose? Should we teach about riots to such young children … when they grow up, they can learn about it but why school textbooks. Let them understand what happened and why it happened when they grow up. The hue and cry about the changes is irrelevant,” he said.
    The comments by Saklani come at a time when new textbooks have hit the market with several deletions and changes. The revised Class 12 political science textbook does not mention the Babri masjid but refers to it as a “three-domed structure”. It has pruned the Ayodhya section from four to two pages and deleted details from the earlier version.
    It instead focuses on the Supreme Court judgement that paved the way for the construction of a Ram temple at the site where the disputed structure once stood before it was torn down by Hindu activists in December 1992. The Supreme Court verdict was widely accepted in the country. The consecration of the Ram idol in the temple was performed on January 22 this year by the prime minister.
    “We want to create positive citizens and that’s what is the purpose of our textbooks. We cannot have everything in them. The purpose of our education is not to create violent citizens … depressed citizens. Hatred and violence are not subjects of teaching, they should not be focus of our textbooks,” added Saklani.
    He hinted that the same hue and cry is not made about 1984 anti-Sikh riots not being in textbooks.
    The latest deletions in the textbooks include: BJP’s ‘rath yatra’ from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya; the role of kar sevaks; communal violence in the wake of the demolition of the Babri masjid; President’s rule in BJP-ruled states; and the BJP’s expression of “regret over the happenings at Ayodhya”.
    “If Supreme Court has given a verdict in favour of Ram temple, Babri masjid or Ram janmabhoomi, should it not be included in our textbooks, what is the problem in that? We have included the new updates. If we have constructed new Parliament, should our students not know about it. It is our duty to include the ancient developments and recent developments,” he said.
    Asked about allegations of saffronisation of curriculum and ultimately textbooks, Saklani said, “If something has become irrelevant … it will have to be changed. Why shouldn’t it be changed. I don’t see any saffronisation here. We teach history so students know about facts, not for making it a battleground”.
    “If we are telling about Indian Knowledge System, how can it be saffronisation? If we are telling about iron pillar in Mehrauli and saying Indians were way ahead of any metallurigical scientist, are we saying wrong? How can it be saffronisation?”
    Saklani, 61, who was head of the ancient history department at the HNB Garhwal University before taking charge as NCERT director in 2022, has faced criticism over the changes in textbooks, especially pertaining to historical facts.
    “What is wrong about changes in textbooks? Updating textbooks is a global practice, it is in interest of education. Revising textbooks is an annual exercise. Whatever is changed is decided by subject and pedagogy experts. I do not dictate or interfere in the process … there is no imposition from top.
    “There are no attempts to saffronise curriculum, everything is based on facts and evidence,” he said.
    The NCERT is revising the curriculum of the school textbooks in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.     
    From the assertion that recent studies of ancient DNA obtained from archaeological sources at Rakhigarhi, an Indus Valley site in Haryana, rule out Aryan immigration to a call for more research into whether the Harappans and the Vedic people were the same, several crucial topics have either been dropped or tweaked in textbooks.
    A two-page table detailing achievements of Mughal emperors such as Humayun, Shah Jahan, Akbar, Jahangir and Aurangzeb have also been removed.
    This is the fourth round of revision and updating of NCERT textbooks since 2014.
    Referring to the changes to the section on Ayodhya, the NCERT had said in April — “Content is updated as per latest development in politics. Text on Ayodhya issue has been thoroughly revised because of the latest changes brought by the Supreme Court’s Constitutional bench verdict and its widespread welcoming reception”.
    Saklani said that some changes have happened because the subjects were irrelevant, some to update new information while several topics were removed earlier to minimise burden on students cause by the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce duplication of content.
    The new political science textbook of Class 11, now says that political parties “give priority to the interests of a minority group” with an eye on “vote bank politics”, which leads to “minority appeasement”.
    This marks a complete shift from what was taught until the 2023-24 academic session — that if students “think hard”, they will find there is “little evidence” to suggest that vote bank politics favours the minorities in the country.
    Dropping references to the demolition of Babri Masjid, the killing of Muslims in Gujarat riots and Hindutva, and tweaking the reference to Manipur’s merger with India are among the changes made in textbooks this year.
National

New criminal laws will take effect from July 1: Law Minister

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 Decision taken after consulting all, says MoS Meghwalter consulting all, says MoS Meghwalter consulting all, says MoS Meghwalter consulting all, says MoS Meghwalter consulting all, says MoS Meghwa
PTI, KOLKATA, 16 June 2024 : Union Minister of State for Law & Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal on Sunday said that the new criminal laws will be introduced from 1 July, dismissing opposition allegations of not being consulted before the decision was made.
 
Meghwal said that the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Evidence Act will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act.
 
He added that necessary training programmes and infrastructure development for implementing the new laws are already underway.
 
“The three new laws will be implemented from 1 July for providing timely, speedy, and error-free justice,” Meghwal said during a programme themed ‘India’s progressive path in the administration of criminal justice system’ here in West Bengal.
 
Meghwal addressed allegations of inadequate consultation, saying, “Some people claim they were not consulted. This is untrue. The demand for change of colonial laws has been longstanding, and the process began long ago.”
 
The minister explained that although suggestions were sought from all states, only 18 states and six union territories responded. “Even the chief justice of India, chief justices of 16 high courts, five law academies, and 22 law universities provided their suggestions,” he said.
 
“We contacted all MPs, but only 142, including members from both Houses, responded. Suggestions were also requested from all MLAs nationwide, with only 270 responding. We consulted widely, but not everyone provided feedback,” Meghwal added.
 
“These laws were formulated after four years of thorough consideration. Claims of no consultation are false. Full consultations were held, including 58 meetings chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah,” he emphasised.
 
Meghwal further explained the necessity of moving away from colonial-era laws due to societal advancements and technological involvement.
 
“With changing times and new technologies, there must be improvements. Citizens were not receiving timely justice, so we have included zero FIR, mercy petition, and gender neutrality. The system had issues, which is why changes are being made,” he reasoned.
 
He concluded by stating that the new laws are people-centric and timely, aligning with India’s rapid development.
 
Also present at the event were Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court TS Sivagnanam, Law & Justice Ministry Secretary Rajiv Mani, and Law Commission of India Member Secretary Reeta Vasishta.
 
Hopeful about UCC implementation
 
Meanwhile, Meghwal expressed hope about implementation of the uniform civil code (UCC), contending that some states have started to bring it into force.
 
“In BJP manifesto, we have mentioned about the UCC. There are states like Goa and Uttarakhand that have started implementing them. The coalition which has been formed in the Centre is a very strong government and there is nothing to worry about,” Meghwal said.
 
Last week, soon after Meghwal, an MP from the Bikaner constituency, said that the UCC is still on the BJP’s agenda, while the JD (U) said that any such move must come through consensus.
 
JD (U) leader KC Tyagi said that, while the party is not against the UCC, it wants that such a move should come through a consensus.
 
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal made it clear that Central Government was not reconsidering the decision to implement the new criminal laws from July 1,2024. He reiterated that the laws replacing the Indian Penal Code 1860, the Indian Evidence Act 1872 and the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 will come into force from July 1.
 

Speaking to news agency PTI, Meghwal said :

“From July 1, all three laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Act will replace Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act. Looking at the current situation, there are many innovative ideas in these three laws.”


The laws were passed by the Parliament in December 2023. Though they received the assent of the President the same month, they did not come into force since the Centre deferred their notification.
 

On February 25, the Centre notified July 1 as the date on which these laws will take force.

Recently, Senior Advocate Indira Jaising had written to the Law Minister requesting that the laws be kept on hold. Several lawyers and academics have raised concerns about the new laws.

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