Four Nepali women being sent to Muscat detained at Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur, Sept 19 (ANI): Volunteers of a social service organisation and the personnel of the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell of Uttar Pradesh Police at Gorakhpur detained four Nepalese women.

Reportedly, as per the statement of the women who were taken into custody at the Gorakhpur Railway Station, they were intending to go to Muscat.

These women had entered India through the Sanauli border post.

Although all the four women had their respective passports with them, only two of them could show their endorsed visas for Muscat.

“Our team visited the railway station along with a Nepali counsellor. When she saw these women and spoke to them, they gave some wrong information, which in turn sounded fishy and made us to suspect something was amiss. When we asked them where they were heading, initially they said Oman and again changed their statement saying, New Delhi. When our counsellor asked them for their passports, some said they had it while others said they didn’t. So, we found them suspicious,” said Gyan Kumar, co-ordinator, Maanava Sewa Sansthan, Gorakhpur.

Amidst such confusing utterances by the women, the police believe that one of the women named Dilmaya was trying to send the other three to Muscat by bringing them from Nepal.

She claimed that they were going to Muscat because they had their relatives residing and working there.

“These people held us for interrogation. We asked them either to let us go to Nepal or else allow us to go to Muscat. We have our relatives there,” said Dilmaya.

A couple of months ago, police officials of Gorakhpur had detained five women who were allegedly being trafficked to Gulf countries for flesh trade.

Reportedly, a pimp was escorting these women to Mumbai from where they were to be sent to certain destinations in the Middle East. (ANI)

Nine-day ‘Navratri’ festival begins all over India

New Delhi/ Faizabad/Allahabad, Sept 19 (ANI): The nine-day ‘Navratri’ festival began across India with religious fervour on Saturday.

Thousands of devotees queued up at various temples dedicated to Goddess Durga.

In New Delhi, devotees converged at Jhandewalan to offer prayers prior to dawn and observed fast throughout the day.

“We observe fast on the first day of Navratri. On the first day, we pray for the whole day and meditate on Goddess Durga,” said Madan Gehlot, a devotee.

Meanwhile, at Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh, people made a beeline to the temple of Goddess Badi Devkali.

The devotees believe their wishes are fulfilled if they pray to Goddess Badi Devkali during the festival.

“People believe that coming here redeems them from their sins. Since the Goddess Devkali is the deity of Lord Rama’s dynasty, her significance is all the more. That’s why people come here to offer prayers to the Goddess,” said Poonam, a devotee.

Earlier on Friday, a day prior to the commencement of Dusshera, a unique annual horse procession was taken out through the streets of Allahabad.

The belief is that the horse representing sage Vyasa would relate the Ramayana.

Musical bands led the attractively decorated white horse procession organised by a leading Ram Lila committee of the city.

“Legend says that when Maharishi Valmiki narrated the story of Lord Rama to Luv and Kush then this horse standing next to them also listened to the story. The horse in the form of sage Vyasa tells the story of Rama to people during the Navratri celebrations,” said Ajay Kumar Shukla, secretary, Ramlila Committee.

“Naaratri”, which literally means nine nights, is observed twice a year.

The festival lasts for nine days in honour of nine manifestations of Durga, goddess of power, and fall in the months of April-May and September-October.

It is believed that during the Navratri, Goddess Durga descends on earth to rid it of the demons and blesses her devotees with happiness and prosperity. (ANI)

Army hosts yacht training camp for school children

Nainital, Sep 18 (ANI): With an aim to revive yacht sailing in the country, a 15-day camp is being organised in Nainital district of Uttarakhand where in school children are being trained in yacht sailing.

Over 40 school students from the various parts of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are taking part in the camp, which is being conducted under the aegis of Indian Army’s Central Command.

The Lucknow based Central Command is conducting such adventure camps for school children from over a decade.

The participants are receiving guidance in the yacht sailing by a team of 11 Army instructors.

“This yacht sailing is a great sport because these days it’s becoming extinct. Most of the people do not want to take part and people of Nainital are also not taking so much interest in yacht sailing. But I feel it’s a very adventurous sport and a great sport,” said Karel Caprini, a participant.

Many of the participants also feel that the training would open up new job opportunities for them.

“We have come here to revive this sport and as far as I can say it’s a very good sport and there is a lot of job opportunity in it. If we do well and learn the technique, we can make our career in the sports,” said Deep, another participant.

According to the Chief instructor of the camp, Mahip Singh the main motive behind the camp is to popularise the dying sport among youth.

“Basic purpose is that sailing is an international sport and the facilities available in Uttaranchal especially, which comes under the central command. We have got our sailors, who have participated in international levels and we got the expertise. So to give the young building up generation a chance to gain knowledge and finally if they have the interest, so excel in the sport. That’s why we have organised the camp,” said Singh.

Despite being considered as a sport at the international level, yacht sailing in India is still at its nascent stage. (ANI)

Mayawati slams Congress party’s austerity drive

Lucknow, Sep 18 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has ridiculed Congress party’s austerity drive, terming it as a ploy to steer attention away from the steep price rise.

Addressing a mass rally here on Thursday, Mayawati hit out at the Congress party, calling its austerity drive “a drama.”

“Because of the wrong doings by the Congress government at the centre, the prices are rising due to which poor people across the country are suffering. And now to cover up its weaknesses, they have cut down on its travelling expenses by flying economy class and travelling by train. All this is just a drama,” Mayawati said.

“With a drought looming and elections in some states approaching, the Congress-led government has embarked on a much-publicised austerity drive,” she added.

In a country where the hierarchy of politicians is determined by the size of their bungalows and their convoys, Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi has asked party leaders to give up a fifth of their salaries for drought-relief work, and she flew economy class on a commercial flight to Mumbai to launch the poll campaign.

The finance ministry has appealed for fewer overseas trips with smaller entourages, and a ban on conferences in luxury hotels.

Bharatiya Janata Party and other political parties have criticised the austerity measures in view of the economic downturn and drought-like situation prevailing in the country as a case of ‘tokenism’. (ANI)

Agra firecracker factory blast near claims two victims

Nagla Gola Village (Uttar Pradesh), Sep 13(ANI): At least two people were killed and two others injured in a blast that rocked a firecracker factory at Nagla Gola village near Agra on Sunday.

Police officials said that the factory was legal and the blast might have taken place due to the some mishandling of the explosive and flammable materials.

“They were preparing firecrackers in the factory which is situated in the remote area…the blast took place because of mishandling of material. Two people were killed and other two were injured in the blast,” said R K Sonkar, Circle Officer of Ehtemadpur Police Station.

Meanwhile, police is conducting further investigations. (ANI)

Smugglers using kids as ‘carriers’ on Indo-Nepal border

Kolkata, Sep. 11 (ANI): Smugglers active along the porous Indo-Nepal border are now using children, as ‘carriers’ to smuggle goods like sugar and tobacco.

Hundreds of children, in the age group of six to years, are being hired by the mafia of smugglers to carry out this illegal trade along the Sunauli check point of Uttar Pradesh.

Reportedly, the reliance on children has been so successful in smuggling that the influence of such a modus operandi is even witnessed in West Bengal.

The chosen children are paid around rupees 200 per day for running the errands.

“I travel at least 10 times in a day. I carry five kilograms of sugar in one visit and I get 200 rupees. I also study. I live in Jogiabadi,” said Akhil.

Shree Chand Gupta, President, Indo-Nepal Friendship Organisation contended that it is the poverty stricken parents who are persuading their children.

He added that this trends can turn out to be heinous in the long run if not checked at the right time.

“Today they are carrying sugar but tomorrow they can also smuggle arms and ammunitions on the other side and can work as traitors. Hence officers of both the countries should take a note of this crime as it can also cause a serious threat to the society,” said Gupta.

Physically challenged persons and aged women are also becoming soft targets for smugglers, as they don’t have any regular source of income.

Awareness campaigns in the border villages and schools can put a stop to the malpractice.

“Above all, the customs and the security personnel manning the transit points along the India-Nepal border need to pull up their socks,” Gupta points out. (ANI)

SC committee: Halt Noida park construction

New Delhi, Sep 4 (ANI): The Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended on Friday to halt the construction of Ambedkar Park in Noida with immediate effect.

The Mayawati Government is constructing the Bhimrao Ambedkar Park in Noida with an estimated cost of Rs.550 crore on the banks of the River Yamuna.

The committee has sighted the violation of environmental laws as the reason for such recommendation.

According to sources, the committee headed by former Union Environment Secretary, P.V. Jayakrishna has conveyed the apex court that the project does not have the required environmental clearance.

The court is expected to give its opinion on the recommendations next week.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday accused the Central Government of obstructing the dream projects of Mayawati.

The project came into the spotlight after a residents’ association of Noida moved a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the apex court raising environment issues against the construction

The apex court constituted the CEC to look into the issue following which the committee visited the site Aug 12. (ANI)

Dadri farmers up in arms over proposed power project

Lucknow, Aug 29 (ANI): Hundreds of farmers took to the streets in Uttar Pradesh’s Dadri district, seeking return of farmland acquired to set up a power plant.

Reliance Power held by Anil Ambani’s ADA group had announced setting up of a 3,500 megawatt gas-based power plant in Dadri at a cost of 2.2 million dollars.

Farmers alleged that they were given a meagre compensation for their highly fertile agricultural land.

Farmers started the protest march from Reliance power project site in Dadri to Lucknow, on Thursday.

The protest was jointly organised by the farmers unions and the Congress Party.

Protestors said that their struggle was for justice.

“This demonstration is a long struggle that depicts the battle between justice and injustice. The way in which the 2500 acres of highly fertile land snatched from farmers by sighting the dream of a power project was wrong…five years have been passed but there is no sign of power plant,” said Pramod Tiwari, senior Congress leader. (ANI)

Flood-hit UP villagers forced to fend for themselves

Pipraghat (UP), Aug 26 (ANI): Pipraghat villagers are caught in double trouble. Hit by flood, they have fallen victim to the government’s complacency.

The village is among the many hit by the rising waters of Narayani River in Kushinagar district. Thousands of people have been rendered homeless.

The villagers of Pipraghat complained that they have not received any government help so far.

“This is Pipraghat village in Kushinagar district, which is very backward. Twenty-five villages have been affected by floods and 20,000 people are suffering from it.

But the government has not made any arrangement. It has only been providing us with a boat and 2 litres of kerosene oil.” said Prabhunath Yadav, a resident.

People say they are left with very little food and are living on shells.

“The water has not receded. We are fetching shells and eating them and there is also no help from the government,” said Batulia Devi, a villager.

The villagers are facing a severe shortage of drinking water, apart from kerosene oil to cook their food.

The government officials say kerosene oil is on its way to reach people.

“Twelve thousand litres of oil has been ordered which will be distributed to people. The revenue administrative officer will make a list of people and those in the list will get two litres of oil,” said Mahendra Shukla, district supply officer.

Narayani River has swollen due to rains in Nepal, where it originates.

The river flows through Champaran district in Bihar to Maharajgunj and down Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh.

Heavy downpour after a delayed monsoon has wreaked havoc in many districts of Uttar Pradesh which skirt the India-Nepal border since the waters of swollen rivers and reservoirs in Nepal rush southwards into these districts. (ANI)

Rising water of rivers continues to wreak havoc in UP

Siddharthnagar (UP), Aug 25 (ANI): Rising water level of the rivers in Uttar Pradesh continues to wreak havoc.

More than 350 villages have been affected in the Siddharthnagar district.

Floods have been attributed to the release of water from barrages in Nepal. As a result, rivers like Burhi Rapti, Rapti, Kuda and Khonghi were flowing above the danger mark.

Till now, floods has claimed eight lives in the district.

Villages like Tariya, Maghuliya, Puraina are all submerged in the floodwaters.

Villagers are facing immense difficulties in commuting because of the lack of boats. Roads are inundated inside the floodwaters.

“We have no boats in our village to commute. Roads are submerged. We have nothing to eat and no basic amenities to sustain. We haven’t received any help yet,” said Radheyshyam, a resident of Tariya village.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Coal Sri Prakash Jaiswal accused the Uttar Pradesh Government of not taking the flood situation seriously.

“The State Government has not yet woken up from its slumber. By this time, someone from the state administration should have come to inspect the flooded areas. The State Government should have started the relief work by now. Relief workers haven’t reached the flooded areas yet,” said Jaiswal.

Heavy downpour after a delayed monsoon has created havoc in many districts of Uttar Pradesh which skirt the India-Nepal border since the waters of swollen rivers and reservoirs in Nepal rush southwards into these districts. (ANI)

Gwalior opium farmers stage protest for re-allotment of their lands

Gwalior, Aug 25 (ANI): More than 100 opium farmers here took to the streets demanding their lands back.

Farmers from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan gathered in front of the office of the local Narcotics Commissioner.

Their demands include the revival of their cancelled land deeds, raising minimum support price for their crop and license to grow upto 48 kilograms opium per hectare.

Some agitated farmers, squatting outside the Narcotics Commissioner’s office for two days, took off their clothes in protest after they failed to meet the narcotics commissioner for the second day.

“We are protesting for one justified demand…during 2001 to 2008 opium farmers have suffered a huge loss because of hailstorms, cold wave and other natural reasons… Despite our losses, the Narcotics Commissioner has cancelled our allotments, even though we produced the collector’s survey damage report… We demand the revival of the title of the lands,” said Saurabh Jain, Convenor, Opium Farmers Struggle Committee, Rajasthan.

India is one of the world’s top producers of opium and is the sole producer of licit opium gum utilized by the world’s pharmaceutical industries to produce codeine, morphine, narcotine, thebaine, papaverine and other medical products.

While remote mountainous areas like Kulu-Manali are more in the news as poppy cultivation areas, mostly due to the illicit crops destroyed, the highest yields come from the Indo-Gangetic plains constituting Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Opium cultivation and processing in India is strictly regulated by the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), as per provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (India), 1985 and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules (India), 1985.

Peasants are licensed to grow a certain area in poppy and government factories process the opium. The Ghazipur factory in Uttar Pradesh is about 150 years old while another plant at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh was set up in the 1930′s. (ANI)

Encephalitis kills 200 children in northern India

London, August 25 (ANI): Health officials have said that at least 200 children have died in an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in northern India.

According to a report by BBC News, so far, 900 affected children have been admitted to hospitals in Uttar Pradesh state. Some patients have come from neighbouring Bihar state and Nepal.

Japanese encephalitis, which causes high fever, vomiting and can leave patients comatose, usually hits Uttar Pradesh state in July-August, during India’s monsoon.

There is no specific cure for the mosquito-borne disease that has killed thousands in India since 1978.

Health experts complain that red tape has prevented development of an effective vaccination programme.

Doctors say children between the age of six months to 15 years are worst affected and most of the victims are poor people from rural areas.

“The attack of the encephalitis virus is extremely ferocious this year,” said Dr Rashmi Kumar, an expert on Japanese encephalitis at Lucknow Medical College hospital.

“Children are developing a serious condition within a day or two of getting infected,” she said.

Health officials in Lucknow, capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP), say cases of acute encephalitis are being reported mostly from 14 districts of eastern UP in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The low-lying areas are prone to annual floods, and severe water-logging and a lack of sanitation provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

According to doctors, Gorakhpur town is the epicentre of the disease.

Last year, the government said it would spend 60 million rupees to upgrade facilities at Gorakhpur Medical College hospital.

But, according to doctors, the hospital does not have adequate numbers of medical staff to deal with the large numbers of patients.

Doctors say the children who survive will have to face lifelong problems as the disease has a crippling effect.

While there is no specific cure for the disease after it has been contracted, three vaccines are in use worldwide that have reportedly been successful in preventing the disease.

But India has so far failed to develop an effective vaccination programme.

After the disease killed 1,500 children in 2005, a public outcry forced the government to import vaccines from China and a mass vaccination project was started.

However, doctors say the vaccine coverage has not been satisfactory this year, with many parents of affected children saying no vaccination was done in their areas. (ANI)

Susta region at Indo-Nepal border becomes a haven for criminal activities

Susta (Nepal)/Gorakhpur (UP), Aug 24 (ANI): The disputed region of Susta Indo-Nepal border has become a safe haven for criminals who are a threat to wildlife as they indulge in activities like poaching, and smuggling of timber and cane.

Criminals in the adjoining Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are now residing in Susta.either the governments of India nor Nepal are acting against these criminals.

“Through news medium you must have seen forest animals are being hunted. Apart from this there are many criminal acts which we don’t have proof about but are taking place,” said Harsh Kumar Sinha, Professor, Department of Defense Studies, Gorakhpur University.

The criminals also indulge in poaching of tigers and cutting of trees in the adjoining Valmiki tiger reserve of Valmiki Nagar in Bihar.

Both Nepal and India accuse each other of land encroachment.

The dispute over the 14, 000 hectares of land of Triveni-Susta – of Nepal’s Nawalparasi district and Valmiki Nagar owes its origin to Gandak River changing its course recently. (ANI)

Tourists entering India via Nepal border undergo screeing for swine flu

Aligarhwa (Uttar Pradesh), Aug.22 (ANI): Following a growing number of HINI virus affected cases, tourists and other visitors travelling between India and Nepal are being screened at the border for a health check up for symptoms of swine flu which has claimed 45 lives in the India.

A lot of people including domestic and international tourists enter India from Nepal on daily basis to visit Buddhist religious sites, most of them are first time visitors.

Everyday at least 500 people along with tourists are being checked at specially set up camps for swine flu symptoms.

A medical camp is being set up at the SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) check post in Aligarhwa in Siddharthnagar district in Uttar Pradesh. Other camps have been organized in Barahni and Kakrahwa.

Soldiers posted at the border are showing enthusiasm to visit the health check-up camps.

“I came to know that a medical camp is being set up at the border and travellers are being screened for swine flu symptoms. I also came for the check up to ensure about my health condition,” Omkar Singh, a Soldier, SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal).

Doctors at the border hospitals are on high alert and taking required precautions to prevent spread of swine flu.

“As our district is near the Nepal border, a lot of foreign tourists come here. We are taking precautions, checking them and we have opened special ward for swine flu patients,” said B.R.Ram, Senior Consultant District Hospital Siddharthnagar.

India recorded its first H1N1 case in Hyderabad in May and since then the virus has spread different parts of the country.

The H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, emerged in April in the United States and Mexico, and has spread internationally.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed H1N1 swine flu as ‘unstoppable’ because many countries are not keeping a track and precise count of the virus cases. By Pawan Kumar (ANI)

Flood situation remains grim in UP, Bihar

Lucknow/Patna, Aug 22 (ANI): The flood situation remains grim in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, as all rivers in both states are flowing above the danger mark.

Bihar recorded eleven deaths, while sixteen people have died in Uttar Pradesh.

Over 600 villages in the Terai district and 250 villagtes in the Sidharth Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh have been affected by the floods.

The flood situation in Bihar worsened on Saturday as swollen rivers inundated vast swathes of countryside in seven districts.

The river Burhi Rapti, Kunhara and Jamuar nullah are flowing above the danger mark in Uttar Pradesh. Thousands of acres of crops in Barabanki, Bahraich, Siddharthanagar and Pilibhit have been destroyed by the flood.

According to the State Relief Commissioner, over one lakh people have been evacuated from the affected areas.

Over five lakh people were affected as flood inundated Kishanganj, Saharsa, Supaul, Sitamarhi, and Purnia in Bihar.

The Central Water Commission report, has cautioned the state over the flood in major rivers like Bagmati, Kosi, Kamala Balan and Mahananda.

While Kosi was flowing above the danger mark at Basua, Bagmati breached the danger level at Benibad and Hayaghat.

Similarly, water level of Kamala Balan flowed above danger mark at Jhanjharpur, Kursela and Baltara while Mahananda flowed above danger mark at Dengraghat

The State Water Resources Department has claimed that all embankments in Bihar are safe. (ANI)

Samajwadi Party targets opportunistic Congress, but says will support UPA

Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Aug.21 (ANI): Concluding a three-day National Conference here on Friday, a sulking Samajwadi Party leadership accused the Congress of being “opportunistic” and announced a mass agitation programme against UPA government, but ruled out withdrawal of outside support to it for now.

Having lost in four Assembly seats where bypolls were held in Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party in a resolution also targeted the Mayawati Government in the state, saying it and the UPA were pursuing “anti-people” and “anti-national” policies.

It said that the Samajwadi Party had supported the Congress-led coalition at the Centre to weaken communal forces.

“But the government after announcing revolutionary steps to end unemployment, educational reforms and foodgrains support in 100 days, had done nothing so far in this regard,” it alleged, while announcing the agitation against the Centre and UP government in January next year.

However, party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, asserted that “there is no question of withdrawing support from UPA as of now.

“We will take to the streets against both Congress and BSP. We will launch a ‘Jail Bharo’ agitation between January 19 and 23, 2010 against BSP, during which both me and Kalyan Singh will court arrest,” Yadav told reporters on Friday.

The political and economic resolution cleared by the party’s national executive made no reference to SP withdrawing support from the UPA.

Asked about the results of bypolls to four assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, where two seats were wrested from it, Yadav said, “this is not the people’s verdict. State government officials ensured BSP’s victory. They had arrested our cadre to ensure our defeat.”

The results are being seen as a setback for the party, which is trying to regain its position in the state after the 2007 assembly polls and the recent general elections.

“We want to make people aware why there is a need for an agitation against BSP in Uttar Pradesh. During this period, our party workers will hold meetings with the people at grassroot levels where they will highlight the weaknesses of the BSP government in UP,” Yadav said.

He also cited the ongoing farming season as a reason for the timing of the agitation.

The SP lamented India “kowtowing to foreign powers and sacrificing the country’s economic interests”.

The government, the party resolution alleged, had failed to boost agricultural production, control prices, take action against food adulteration, tackle unemployment and give Indian languages their rightful place in official and court work.

It criticised the US and other developed countries for their “double standards” on the issue of greenhouse emissions.

It also referred to the alleged attempts by China to disturb the flow of Himalayan rivers which could result in environmental disaster for India. (ANI)

Provide immediate relief to drought-affected areas: Pawar

New Delhi, Aug 21 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar asked the State Agriculture Ministers on Friday to take immediate steps to provide relief to the drought affected areas.

Addressing a conference of State Agriculture Ministers here, Pawar urged them to take steps to protect the interest of small and marginal farmers.

Pawar described the situation in 246 districts across 10 states as grim, and said the state agriculture departments must gear up their machinery to ensure full support to the farmers at this critical times.

Rabi crops can be planted early and over a large area to make for the kharif losses due to a poor monsoon, Pawar explained.

“This is good opportunity to ensure wheat is sown in time particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal,” Pawar.

Pawar said there is an urgent need to promote alternate crops like pulses, sunflower, bajra, fodder and vegetables as the reports pointing out a shortfall in paddy sowing.

In his speech Pawar also stressed the need for sustaining the animal health, livelihood of small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.

He asked the State Governments to set up control rooms at the state capital and district headquarters to deal with drought situation.

“For the drought-affected population we should ensure availability of food, drinking water, fodder and employment. I am sure with your cooperation we would be able to tide over this crisis and regain the momentum of food grain production in the country.”

Pawar also expressed concern over price rise and asked the ministers to take measures to check it. (ANI)

Varanasi’s photo exhibition highlights environmental hazards

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 20(ANI): A photo exhibition highlighting the ill effects of global warming and pollution on wildlife and human beings was held at the holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday (August 19) on the occasion of World Photography Day. he objective of the event was to spread public awareness about the adverse impact on environment in the guise of ‘progress’ and sensitise them towards issues like pollution.

“Our wildlife is being adversely affected by the environment, global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, water pollution and air pollution. Both human beings and the wild life are gravely affected,” said U S Agarwal, the organiser of the photo exhibition.

Visitors found the exhibited photographs quite inspiring.

“We have learnt from this exhibition that we should take care of nature and animals. This exhibition is truly inspiring,” said Sudhir Singh, a visitor.

According to researchers, rising temperatures could wipe out more than half of the earth’s species in the next few centuries.

According to the UN Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, the average global temperatures are likely to rise by between 1.8 and 4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, partly as a result of greenhouse gas emissions.

The upper end of the forecast rise would heat the earth close to the temperatures of 250 million years ago, when 95 percent of all animal and plant species became extinct. (ANI)

B L Joshi to take oath as UP Governor today

Lucknow, July 28 (ANI): Newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Governor B L Joshi will take oath of the office today.

Joshi was previously Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi from 2004 to 2007, Governor of Meghalaya in 2007, and Governor of Uttarakhand from October 2007 to July 2009.

Joshi served as the Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi from June 9, 2004 to April 9, 2007. He took office as Governor of Meghalaya on April 12, 2007.

He was appointed Governor of Uttarakhand on August 19, 2007. Joshi took office on October 29. (ANI)

BSP to Sonia Gandhi: Apologise to Mayawati in Parliament for Joshi slur

Lucknow, July 16 (ANI): The controversial arrest of Uttar Pradesh Congress unit chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi over her objectionable remarks on State Chief Minister Mayawati has taken the shape of a major political clash with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)-led State government here.

BSP State chief Satish Mishra on Thursday demanded that Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi apologise in the Lok Sabha for Joshi’s remarks against Mayawati.

Bahuguna’s house was set ablaze and some property at the premises was targeted by some unidentified hooligans here on Thursday.

The Congress party blamed BSP workers for the arson act.

Reacting to the incident, Congress party spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said: “It’s a state-sponsored vandalism, hooliganism. We are certainly going to take a serious note of it and all possible legal recourse available to us.”

BSP leaders, however, claimed that Congress workers had set fire to Joshi’s house.

“Our workers did not torch Rita’s house. It was rather Congress workers who set it ablaze,” said Mishra.

State police later claimed to have detained four persons in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, police prevented the burning of an effigy of Mayawati today. They also baton and cane-charged Congress workers and detained about a hundred of them while they staged a street demonstration against Congress leader Joshi’s arrest.

Police arrested Joshi on Thursday and a local court sent her to 14-day judicial remand for making remarks on Wednesday against the CM in an issue related to rape and murder of some Dalit girls in the UP.

The Samajwadi Party, the main opposition party in Uttar Pradesh State Assembly, blamed the police and offered the Congress party any proposal to carry out a joint protest against the state of affairs in Uttar Pradesh. They criticised the police for acting at the behest of State Government.

“Police are working on the directions of Mayawati Government,” said Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party’s U.P unit chief.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Maneka Gandhi demanded the dismissal of the Uttar Pradesh government.

“Time has come for dismissal of the UP Government. In my constituency, about 50 political workers are detained every week. I have never seen a situation like this in India ever,” said Maneka Gandhi.

Joshi was arrested in Ghaziabad en route to New Delhi. She was charged under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989, for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Mayawati.

Joshi, however, has denied having said anything to offend Mayawati or Dalits.

“It was at a meeting in Moradabad that I had simply sought to draw the people’s attention to the fact that Mayawati’s dole of Rs.25,000 to every Dalit rape victim was quite ironical as the state police chief was spending lakhs on the helicopter ride that he undertakes to hand over that paltry amount to the victim,” Joshi told media persons. (ANI)