1.53 Charred to death in tanker-bus collision.
Jagdishpur, (Bihar) Dec. 9. At least 53 people were burnt alive when an over-crowded bus collided with an oil tanker early today. The accident occurred near Dhangai, on the bus.co Mohania-Arra highway in Bhojpur district.
The Bihar Inspector-General (Administration), Mr Jeyaz Ahmad, confirming the incident, told “The Statesman” that 10 to 15 bodies has been extricated from the wreckage of the bus. Over 30 bodies were still trapped in the charred remains of the vehicle. “Efforts are on to extricate the bodies which have been burnt beyond recognition,” Mr Ahmad said, adding that five injured persons have been admitted to the local hospital. Eyewitnesses, however, said the toll would not be less than 75 as the bus was over-crowded.
The bus was on its way to Patna from Bhabhua, when it collided with an oil tanker, which immediately caught fire under the impact. The flames then engulfed the bus within seconds, resulting in the tragedy
Police officials were themselves horrified at the magnitude of the accident. “Several bodies were reduced to ashes; skeletons and bones were littered around the badly charred bus,” said a constable. People from nearby villages gathered to identify the deceased, but most of the bodies were beyond recognition. “The stench of death pervaded the atmosphere near the accident site,” said the constable.
Only a few people could be rescued with the help of bamboo poles and blankets from the raging 1 42e, according to locals.
The tanker driver and his assistant, Pradeep and Kallu, survived with serious injuries. They have been admitted to the Jagdishpur hospital.
Police officials said that four to five passengers standing near the door escaped death as they were flung to the ground under the impact of the collision. They suffered 70 per cent burns and were rushed to the Patna Medical College Hospital.
Dhangai villagers said they heard an ear-splitting sound of an explosion and then saw a huge ball of fire going up. The panic-stricken villagers ran out of the fields to safety. They gained courage only after some time but could not help douse the leaping flames. The mangled remains of the vehicles were still in flames long after the accident took place. Three fire-tenders were sent to fight the blaze.
In New Delhi, Mr A. B. Vijpayee expressed deep sorrow at the tragic death of people in the accident. Conveying his sympathies with those injured, the Prime Minister urged that immediate relief be rushed to the needy.
The Deputy Inspector-General, Patna range, the Superintendent of police, the district Magistrate, Bhojpur, and senior officers rushed to the accident site. The Bihar Chief Minister, Mrs Rabri Devi, also expressed grief over the victims of the accident.
Summary:
Jagadislipur, (Bihar) Dec, 9.
An overcrowded bus collided with an oil tanker early to-day near Dhangi on the Mohania-Arra highway in Bhojpur district. About 53 people were burnt alive. 10 to 15
bodies have been extricated from the wreckage Five injured persons were admitted to bodies have supposed that not less than 75 persons had been killed in the
accident. In the collision with the oil tanker, the fire engulfed the bus and caused the tragedy Moin the collision bodies are beyond recognition. Only a few people could be rescued With the help of bamboo poles and blankets from the raging blaze. The tanker driver and his assistant survived with serious injuries.
Dhangai villagers said that they heard an car splitting sound and saw huge flames
They were panic stricken. Three fire tenders were sent to fight the blaze. Prime Minister Mr. A. B. Vajpayee expressed deep sorrow at the tragedy and urged the immediate relief to the needy. Police officials rushed to the accident site.
- Bill Clinton is not a Nixon.
Washington, Dec. 9. The US President, Mr. Bill Clinton’s lawyers, on Tuesday, gave its most complete assessment of the evidence against the President to date, and concluded that Mr Clinton’s “denial of a private indiscretion” does not warrant impeachment.
Contrasting the Monica Lewinsky affair with the Watergate scandal, Mr Clinton’s legal team in a submission to the House Judiciary Committee said, “Whereas President Nixon used governmental agencies including the CIA and FBI to thwart the investigation into his lies, President Clinton did nothing of the sort.”
The document also declared Mr Clinton made no agreement with the former White House intern to lie under oath and that he did not attempt to influence the testimony of the presidential secretary, Ms. Betty Currie.
Noting conflicts between the testimony of Mr Clinton and Ms Lewinsky, the President’s lawyers said that contradictory testimony from two witnesses does not indicate that one has committed perjury. “A perjury case must not be based solely upon the testimony of a single witness,” they said.
The report also strongly criticised the prosecutor, Mr Kenneth Starr, stating that “instead of transmitting to the committee, the information gathered during the investigation, Mr Starr chose to give it his own spin”.
The decision to proceed in this way was a sharp departure from the special prosecutor, Mr Leon Jaworski’s submission to Congress in the Watergate scandal, the report added. Mr Jaworski provided a compilation of information gathered by the grand jury, but reported no conclusions.
Finally, the White House report argued that Mr Starr excluded evidence favourable to the President.
As the Watergate precedent indicates, this committee should not approve an article of impeachment for which the record evidence, taken as a whole, is anything less than clear and convincing,” the report said.
It concluded: “While the pervasive and persistent lies of President Nixon to the
American public about the nature and extent of official law enforcement activities
Could reasonably have been viewed as affecting the nature of our constitutional
government and thus warranting impeachment, President Clinton’s denial of a private indiscretion cannot.”
Summary:
Bill Clinton’s lawyers pleaded that Clinton’s denial of a private indiscretion does not warrant impeachment.
Clinton’s lawyers submitted to the House Judiciary Committee that the Monica Lewinsky affair was different from the Watergate scandal of President Nixon. President Nixon used government agencies including the CIA and FBI to thwart investigation into his lies, President Clinton did nothing of the sort. President Clinton did not make agreement to lie with the former White House intern under oath, nor did he influence the testimony of Ms Betty Currie. Contradictory testimony from two witnesses nullified perjury charge. The prosecutor Mr Kenneth Starr gave his own conclusions. Mr Leon Jaworski in Nixon case submitted the investigation. The record evidence is not clear and convincing. Mr Nixon’s lies affected the nature of the constitutional government but Clinton’s denial of a private indiscretion did not do this. The evidence and facts of the case do not justify impeachment.
- Protocol hitch may affect talks.
New Delhi, Dec. 9. Mr Jaswant Singh’s induction into the Cabinet has raised a crucial question regarding the status of the ongoing Indo-US dialogue.
The process will now have to be reworked by the Indian and US governments to re-establish parity in the level of representation by keeping with protocol requirements.
The two countries have so far been represented by Mr Singh in his position as the Prime Minister’s special envoy and the US Deputy Secretary of State, Mr Strobe Talbott
The elevation of Mr Singh to the rank of external affairs minister has meant that there is no longer any parity between him and Mr Talbott, who is designated Deputy Secretary of State.
While after joining office Mr Singh said the talks would be held as scheduled in January in New Delhi.
The alternatives for the continuation of the dialogue are to change the level of representation either on the Indian or the US side. In view of Mr Singh’s involvement in the entire process of dialogue over seven rounds, during which he has built up not only an in-depth understanding of the issues and nuances involved, but also a personal rapport with senior Clinton Administration officials, it is unlikely that the Indian Government will want to replace him at this crucial stage.
For Mr Singh to continue as the Indian participant in the dialogue, it will be necessary for the USA to be represented by the Secretary of State, Ms Madeleine Albright.
The changeover on the US side is likely to be smoother in view of the more
institutionalised functioning of the US State Department, which would ensure that a
change at this level does not represent a break in continuum. It may, however, present
several logistical problems as Ms Albright has a tight schedule of engagements. It is not
certain whether she will be able to come down to India.
status of Mr Brajesh Mishra, who has been interacting with several European countries in his capacity as the Prime Minister’s special envoy, on the issues of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament following the Pokhran tests.
Mr Mishra will visit London sometime later this month on the invitation of the British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr Derek Fatchett with the external affairs ministry acquiring a full-fledged minister, Mr Mishra’s role as the Prime Minister’s special envoy will also require another look, since it would involve by passing the external affairs minister.
Summary:
The on-going Indo-US dialogue may be affected by the induction of Jaswant Singh as Cabinet Minister. Protocol requirements demand the parity of status in the level of representation. There is no longer any parity between a Cabinet minister and Deputy Secretary of State. So the level of representation has to be changed either on the Indian side or the US side. There has been a rapport between Jaswant-Singh and Mr Strobe Talbott on personal level. They have an in-depth understanding of the issues. The change over on the US side would not represent a break in continuum. But Ms Madeleine Allbright, the Secretary of State could not come down to India for her tight schedule The status of Mr Brajesh Mishra is another hassle. Mr Mishra’s role as the Prime Minister’s special envoy would involve bypassing the foreign minister.
- Write a summary (200-225 words) of the following newspaper report. Your summary should be divided into 3 or 4 paragraphs. [Science 2000]
JAPAN DANGER ZONE WIDENED
Date (Japan), April 1 (AP): Northern Japan’s Mount Usu spit ash and debris in three more major eruptions today, fuelling fears that the 51,000 people living around the base of the volcano, which has come to life after more than two decades of silence. could have some tense months ahead.
The Central Meteorological Agency said one of the eruptions occurred before dawn and formed a new crater in the mountain.
Officials warned that eruptions were expected to continue periodically. Black smoke was rising from cracks opening in the cone’s sides. “Volcanic activities are intensifying and even larger eruptions than the previous ones are highy likely,” said agency official Toshimitsu Niibe. “We just don’t know exactly how soon that will happen.”
Nibe said it was not possible to predict the next major explosion, but urged residents and officials to stay alert. “It could happen any time,” he said. The number of evacuees increased to more than 15,300 from about 11,000 yesterday
as authorities widened the danger zone. Life for the those forced to leave their homes
was growing increasingly difficult. Many evacuated several days ago as earthquakes
heralding the eruption intensified, and have been unable to bathe ar wash their cloths since.
“I experienced the last eruption too, so I was prepared and evacuted right away,” said Yuko Takahashi, a nursing home employee, referring to the last time the volcano erupted, in 1978. But I wonder how long we have to live like this,”
Authorities have reported no damage or injuries, although rice fields and other crops were dusted with a blanket of fine volcanic ash. The evacuations left the nearby town of Abuta on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido deserted except fro some dogs left behind to wander the streets. Some pets were left tied by their owners, who assumed the evacuation would end soon. Officials said that was not likely and were not ready to allow even brief visits.
Summary:
There were three more major eruptions of Northern Japan’s Mount Usu. They created terror and tension among 51,000 people living around the base of the volcano. According to the Central Meteriological Agency, one eruption occurred before dawn a new crater was created on the mountain.
Officials warned that larger eruptions are feared. Niibe said that next major explosion could be predicted. The people were urged to remain alert.
The number of evacuees increased to more than 15,300 from 11,000 yesterday. Many evacuated several days ago in anticipation of the intensification of the eruption. Life was difficult for the evacuees. Yukoo Takashashi said that he had experience of the eruption in 1978 and so he evacuated earlier. He wondered how long men would live
like this.
No damage except the dust of ash on crops and rice-fields was reported. The twon of Abuta was deserted. Dogs roamed the streets and some pets were tied by their owners.
- Write a summary (225-250 words) of the following newspaper report. The summary should be divided into 3-4 paragraphs. [Commerce 2000]
The latest tiger census in the Sunderbans has recorded a declining population, fuelling fears about the dangers to the big cat’s survival there.
The census, carried out by the forest department, has put the figure at 254, nine less than the number arrived at during the last count in 1997,
While foresters put the count as a “mere statistical data”, there are indications that the tiger is under constant threat of poachers in the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR).
According to the data arrived at after eliminating pug-mark scans by computer, the census says there are 96 males, 131 females and 27 tiger cubs in the tiger reserve.
There have been regular instances of tiger skin being recovered in and around the Sunderbans. Only a recently as February 22 this year, two pelts were recovered during a raid on a Sunderbans island. The poachers had almost sold the skins when the swoop took place.
On January 26, forest staff along with the police recovered 15 tiger claws from a small jewellery shop in Sonarpur.
Parganas. Those arrested for the offence are out on bail and most of them are Sunderbars villagers. Besides the unearthing of tiger bones, dead animals have also
the
forest. In March and later in August, two carcasses were found the STR. Both animals had been poisoned. in Basirhat range of
Senior forest officiers conceded that at least one of the two could have been saved by the forest staff, had they been more alert.
The staff failed to remove a dead cow, a tiger’s kill, from near a village in Hemnagar, Basirhat. Villagers placed the carcass with poison, which the tiger ate and died.
Forest department surces said there is enough evidence that more skins are to be found from villages bordering the STR. The STR administration has recently deployed two companies of policemen to beef up vigil in the area.
Not only the tiger, but its prey, too, is being poached for food and skin. Deer and wild pigs, which comprise a major portion of the Sunderbans tiger diet, are trapped by poachers in the area.
A decline in prey would usher in a grave threat to survival of the Royal Bengal
Tiger. The forest department is yet to carry out a prey census to determine whether
numbers are sufficient to sustain the highest population of tigers in any single reserve
in India.
Since last year, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has begun a tiger conservation programme to beef up infrastructure.
New barracks for guards are being constructed in the forest. The WWF, which conducted an investigation last year, was harshly critical of the lack of vigilance in the forest.
Summary:
The latest tiger census in the Sunderbans has recorded a decline in tiger population. As per census made by the Forest Department, the figure came down to 254, nine less than the number in 1997. Poachers are active in the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve. It is estimated that there are 96 males, 131 females and 27 tiger cubs in the Tiger Reserve.
Tiger skins are found in and around the Sunderbans. On January 26, forest staff recovered 15 tiger claws from a jewellery shop in Sonarpur. Two more skins were seized in December 27 and 31 from North and South 24 Parganas. Moreover, dead animals were found in the forest. Two dead animals were found in the Basirhat range The forest staff are not alert. A dead cow has not been removed. Poisoned carcasses which the tiger ate and died were traced by the villagers.
Tiger’s preys are also poached. Deer and wild pigs are trapped by poachers in the area. A decline in prey would adversely affect the tiger population in any single reserve in India.
Tiger preservation programme has been started by the Worldwide Fund for Nature. New barracks for guards are being constructed. The lack of vigilance in the forest is held be responsible for the decline of tiger population in the reserve.
. Write a summary of the following newspaper report:
[Commerce 2001
India finally has a chance to compete with the USA, not in the field of software or space technology but disposal of surplus foodgrains. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on food, civil suppliers and public distribution has recommended that at least 205,520 tonnes of foodgrain from the damaged account be dumped into the sea to avoid storage problem.
The USA has been following the practice for years. But it is to be seen if the plan would be as practical in a country where millions starve and die of starvation.
The Committee’s eighth report said: “In order to safeguard the interests of both farmers and consumers, which is the foremost duty of a welfare state, the government should take all efforts to dispose old, accumulated stock of foodgrain, which is unfit for human consumption, without further loss of time.
“If the government is unable to plan for the disposal of rotten foodgrain, it may take
a practical approach to clear the storage space by throwing the foodgrain into deep sea
so that new stock of crop does not suffer for want of sufficient storage.”
The government has, on several occasions, invited tenders for disposal of rotten foodgrain, but there have been to takers. Last month, if finally did what it is best at doing set up an enquiry committee to look into the lapses and fix responsibility on errant officials.
Summary:
India can compete with USA in the matter of disposal of surplus foodgrain. At least 205,520 tonnes of foodgrain have to be disposed of to avoid storage problem. But the interests of the farmers and consumers have to be protected. Rotten food grain is to be thrown into the sea so that new stock of crop may be stored in sufficient space. On several occasions, tenders were invited for the disposal of rotten foodgrain but there was no response. The government should take immediate steps to fix responsibility on the errant officials and to dispose of old stock of foodgrain for new stock in the interest of the consumers.
- Make a summary of the following newspaper report:
[Science 2002]
The government, in collaboration with the centre, is planning to create a “cold corridor in the state to stop wastage of fruits and vegetables. The department of horticulture and food processing with undertake the project, which will be the first of its kind in West Bengal.
Every year 30 percent of the total produce is wasted due to lack of cold storage facilities and this result in the loss of several thousand crore of rupees, according to the secretary, horticulture and food processing department. He said: “Our state produces 100 lakh tonnes of vegetables every year. But thirty lakh tonnes are wasted owing to lack of multi-chambered cold storage in the state”. He added: “We have some cold storages, but they are mainly meant for storing potatoes. Moreover, most of them are
owned either by individuals or by co-operatives”.
The idea is to construct a number of vegetable markets with multi-chambered cold storage facilities from Midnapore to Darjeeling. It is estimated to cost around Rs. 10 crore, which will be borne by the horticulture department.
Summary:
The Department of Horticulture and Food Processing of West Bengal Government desires to undertake a project, first of its kind in West Bengal, to stop wastage of fruits and vegetables. Lack of cold storage facilities is responsible for the wastage of the 30% of the total produce of fruits and vegetables resulting in the loss of several thousand crore of rupees. There are cold storages owned by individuals but they are meant for storing potatoes. A cold corridor with multi-chambered cold storage facilities from Midnapore to Darjeeling constructed in collaboration with the Centre will prevent wastage of food products and loss of money.
[Arts 2003]
- Make a summary of the following newspaper report:
The Malda railway division, as directed by the railway ministry, conducted a mock- exercise for dealing with an accident early to day. The railways also tested the employees alertness and promptness in rushing to the accident site with a relief train.
With a view to rehearsing its employees the Malda railway division sounded sirens for more than five times around 3-10-3-15 a.m. today. Some employees, assigned by the authorities, tried to collect and mobilise a medical team, saying the Hate Bazare Express had met with an ‘accident’ at Jangipur. A relief train had left for the so-called accident site only to return midway on the instruction of the authorities. It is learnt that the railway authorities may issue showcause notices to the absent employees.
The DRM, Malda division said that the mock exercise was aimed at training employees to deal with an emergency like a train accident. He also said, “We have been successful and are satisfied with the performance of those who reported for the mock exercise. Several telephone calls from reporters have made the exercise more effective”.
Summary:
The Malda railway division conducted a mock exercise for dealing with an accident. The rehearsal of the employees for the purpose was success. The employees showed alertness in rushing to the accident site, mobilising a medical team and arranging a relief train. The train was stopped midway on the instruction of the authorities. Absent employees are threatened with show cause notices. The DRM, Malda division, however, was satisfied with the performance of the employees.
- Make a summary of the following newspaper report :
[Arts 2004]
Having spent over 20 years in the Sundarbans, working in the wild as well as with the local people, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve field Director knows of many people who became tiger food under a variety of circumstances. But he insists that the Sundarbans tiger has not turned man-eater.
Tigers have a keen sense of territory and become ferocious upon intrusion. The
people of the Sundarbans are poor and depend on a single-season crop, fishing, honey-
collecting, firewood collecting from the brackish waters. These activities take them into
the forests. The man-tiger conflict almost always leaves the man dead, if not eaten.
“The uniquensess of the habitat contributes to change in behaviour traits, characteristic
to Sundarbans tigers. In their habits, the forest, they consider all moving objects as their
prey” said the Director. Forest Officers say that the presence of a tiger in an area ensures the absence of any live animal or bird. An eerie atmosphere serves as an indication
There are about 254 tigers in the reserve, as per the 1999 census, in the 1330 square km reserved forest of the Sundarban National Park. A tiger’s territory covers about 10 sq. km. so the eco-system is quite balanced. Still there remains the risk of shortage of prey-base and then the tigers stray into the villages.
Summary:
He spent twenty years in the Sundarbans, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve Field Director knows of people who have been eaten by tigers. Yet the director insists that the Sundarbans Tiger is not a man-eater. Tiger become ferocious if there is any trespass into their territory. Poor man who depend on agriculture, fishing, honey collection become victims of the tiger. Sundarbans tigers behave strangely. They consider all moving objects as their victims. The presence of the tiger ensures the absence of any live animal or bird. There are 254 tigers in the reserve in the territory of about 10 sq. km. So the eco-system is balanced.
- Make a summary of the following newspaper report:
[Science 2004]
Six dacoits of an inter-State gang were arrested near Naodapara railgate on November 17th, 2003.
Police said that the dacoits, who previously operated in Bihar and Orissa, were arrested from a Raiganj-bound bus from Kolkata.
During a routine check on the bus, police came across an unclaimed bag containing two pipe guns, one revolver with a few cartridges and six daggers.
After interrogation police identified the dacoits who were from Kalia Chowk, Malda.
The D.S.P. Mr. Nishat Parvez said that the dacoits had boarded the bus in the guise of passengers and were on the look out for an opportunity to rob a Malda businessman travelling by the same bus of his cash amounting to nearly two lakhs kept in a bag.
Summary:
Six dacoits were arrested near Naodapara railgate. Dacoits operated previously in Bihar and Orissa according to the police. The police came across an unclaimed bag containing two pipe guns, one revolver with a few cartridges and six daggers. Police identified the dacoits who were from Kalia Chowk, Malda. The D.S.P. said that the gang boarded the bus in the guise of passengers and wanted to rob a Malda
businessman.
- Write a summary of the following Newspaper report: [Commerce 2005]
Port Blair, 4th Dec., 2004
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, till now better known as a tourist haven, is fast
acquiring the dubious distinction of being a major destination for wildlife poachers
and timber smugglers. Poachers have also emerged as transmitters of AIDS to the local populace.
Reports say that such visits by smugglers in many islands have resulted in marriage alliances with the local tribals in islands like Kamorta, Katchal and other islands Health department records here confirm that the islands have registered more than 300 HIV-Positive cases so far and there have been as many as 30 deaths in recent times Officials agreed that most of the HIV transmissions might have come from the poachers
Estimates of losses incurred due to poaching and timber smuggling put the figures înto several hundred crores. High on poachers list here are giant salt-water crocodiles, sea turtles, sea cucumbers, swiftlet nests, different shark species and timber extracted from the remaining rain forests in Andaman and Nicober. These command high prices in the South-east Asian markets.
Summary:
The Andaman and Nicobar islands known as tourist haven have now become the centre of smugglers and poachers. Poachers transmit AIDS to the local people. Smugglers have marriage alliances with the tribals and the islands have registered more than 300 HIV positive cases. Officials agreed that the HIV transmissions might have come from the poachers. Estimates of losses due to poaching and smuggling amounted to several hundred crores. Poachers poach salt water crocodiles, sea turtles, sea cucumbers etc. They are sent to the south-east Asian markets at huge prices.
- Write a summary of the following newspaper report:
[Science 2006]
Krishnanagar, Nov. 8 : Concerned over the sorry state of primary education in Nadia, the Chief Minister has instructed the administration to get cracking before it snowballs further.
At a meeting with the district administration, primary education authorities and the Zilla Parishad Chief on Sunday, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee asked those present to take stern action against teachers who neglect their duties.
Ata press conference in Kolkata yesterday, the Chief Minister had said that quality of teaching in primary schools urgently needed to be improved.
District Magistrate Rajesh Pandey said that the Chief Minister also had discussed the teacher-student ratio of 1: 70 in the 3,000-odd primary schools in Nadia. The State average is one teacher for every 55 students. ‘The Chief Minister asked us to recruit teachers wherever required to ensure better teacher-student ratio.’ Pandey added.
Summary:
The Chief Minister is concerned about the sorry state of primary education in the district. He asked the district administration to take immediate steps to improve primary education. Teachers who neglect that duties must be punished. Student-teacher ratio must be improved by recruiting teachers whenever required.
- Write a summary of the following newspaper report:
[Commerce 2007]
Kolkata, Dec. 18: A new technology developed by an Indian scientist in collaboration
with a German scientist can now convert solid waste generated under the Barasat
Municipality, North 24-Parganas into low smoke coal. This will help dispose the waste
generated in an environment friendly manner as well as generate clean fuel.
Coal sold at the rate of Rs. 2 per kilogram to the public is a very cheap source of energy for the poor. The plant which has already started production was inaugurated by Mr. Mrinal Banerjee, Minister-in-Charge, Department of Power, on 11 December.
Summary:
Kolkata Dec 18 An Indian scientist developed a technology which can convert waste products into smoke coal in the Barasat Municipality. This will provide clean fuel.
Coal is a very cheap source of energy for the poor. The plant has already started production.
- Write a summary of the following newspaper report: [Commerce 2008]
Guwahati, Dec. 12: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decided to involve panchayats to boostar its compaign for basic human rights.
NHRC director: Sanjay Dubey on Thursday here said, “There is a need to increase awareness about human rights. We are planning to involve panchayats by holding workshops and training programmes on the Right to Information Act, human rights of every individual and other issues.”
Speaking at the National Seminar on Social Justice, Human Rights and 21st Century here, Dubey said. “We have also decided to select one of the most backward districts in each State and develop it as a model village by educating people and generating awareness about human rights’.
NHRC is also planning to train State and Central government employees on human
rights so that the existing face of bureaucracy could be transformed into a ‘human face’, said Dubey. All these plans are expected to be completed within this year. Secretary of the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC), R. N. Sharma, said unless the mindset of the State government is changed radically, it is difficult to solve
problems relating to violation of human rights. He said, of the seven North-eastern
States only Assam and Manipur have State level Human Rights Commission.
Sharma suggested that the NHRC must visualise the nature of conflicts and social unrest that may take place in future in the wake of economic liberalisation.
Summary:
The National Human Rights Commission has decided to develop awareness about human rights through the Panchayats. It has been further decided that one of backward districts should be selected and to develop it as a model by educating people. It is supposed that the mindset of the government and the bureaucracy must be changed. They should have human face. NHRC much visualise the nature of social unrest that may take place in the future and work accordingly.
- Write a summary of the following newspaper
report:
[Science 2008]
Kolkata, January 01, 2008: On issues of rainwater harvesting and water recycling, Mr.
H.A. Halim, the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly said that these would help in
conservation of water and prevent its wastage. “As the population of the city has risen,
so has the demand for water” he said. The new booster pumping station has been set up at a cost of Rs. 20.23 crore and is being funded wholly by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). At least 2.35 lakh people from Wards 36, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 66, that include parts of Tapsia, Tangra and Phoolbagan, will benefit from this new booster pumping station. The 3 million gallon capacity station came into operation from today. Meanwhile, city Mayor, Mr. B. K. Bhattacharyya once again reiterated that the middle class and the upper class were the ones who were most prone to water wastage.
Summary:
Population of the city is increasing. The demand for water is inevitable. Conservation of water and its wastage are urgently required. Booster pumping station has been set up. At least 2.35 lakh people will benefit by it. The Mayor said that the middle class people were prone to water wastage. Rainwater harvesting and water recycling would help the conservation of water.