More than 1.14 lakh people in West Bengal have been evacuated to safer shelters with 'severe' Cyclone Dana approaching the neighbouring Odisha coast, officials reported on Wednesday, October 23. The cyclone, which is expected to bring wind speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph), is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha by Friday morning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated. In anticipation of the storm, flight operations at Kolkata airport will be suspended for 15 hours, from 6 pm on Thursday until 9 am on Friday. Apart from this, the Eastern Railway has cancelled 190 local trains in its Sealdah division from 8 pm on Thursday to 10 am on Friday to ensure passenger safety, news agency PTI reported. The coastal districts of Odisha and West Bengal are bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds on Thursday and Friday. “Landfall will begin on the night of 24th October (Thursday) and continue until the morning of 25th October (Friday). The maximum wind speed during this period is likely to reach around 120 km/hour,” stated IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. In West Bengal, the state government has identified 2,82,863 people from the districts of Bankura, Hooghly, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Paschim and Purba Medinipur, and Kolkata for evacuation, PTI reported. So far, 1,14,613 people, primarily from coastal areas of South 24 Parganas, such as Sagar Island, the Sundarbans, and Kakdwip, have been relocated to safety. “We are working around the clock to manage the situation and ensure the safety of residents,” said state Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose. Thirteen battalions from the state’s disaster management force and 14 from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in coastal regions, officials stated. Indian Coast Guard on high alert The authorities have distributed tarpaulins, dry rations, powdered milk, and drinking water pouches to the locals. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that schools and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres in nine districts would be closed till Saturday as a precautionary measure. She also instructed the district administrations to relocate residents from low-lying areas. A central control room has been established at the state secretariat to monitor the situation, with additional control rooms set up in districts expected to be hardest hit, including Purba and Paschim Medinipur, North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, and Howrah, PTI reported. Meanwhile, Kolkata airport authorities confirmed the suspension of flight operations for 15 hours owing to the anticipated impact of Cyclone Dana. “In light of the predicted heavy winds and rainfall, it has been decided to suspend flight operations for safety reasons,” said an Airports Authority of India spokesperson. Eastern Railway has cancelled 190 local trains in its Sealdah division from 8 pm on Thursday to 10 am on Friday, with the last trains from coastal areas such as Hasnabad and Namkhana set to depart for Sealdah by 7 pm on Thursday. The South Eastern Railway has also cancelled more than 150 express and passenger trains passing through or originating from Odisha between Wednesday and Friday, with further cancellations possible if conditions worsen. East Coast Railways in Odisha has already cancelled 198 trains. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea from till Friday, as wind speeds are expected to reach 60 km/hour along the Odisha-West Bengal coastline, increasing to 120 km/hour during Cyclone Dana's landfall. The Indian Coast Guard is on high alert, mobilising vessels and aircraft to respond to any emergencies over the Bay of Bengal. “We have positioned our assets to be ready for immediate response,” an official from the Coast Guard stated. The IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall for coastal areas, including districts in southern Bengal such as North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly. Tourists in coastal areas like Digha, Shankarpur, and Tajpur in Bengal have been advised to stay indoors and avoid entering the sea for safety. (With PTI inputs)
23 October,2024 10:19 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentKolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Wednesday, October 23, announced the suspension of flight operations for a period of 15 hours. The decision was made in light of predicted heavy winds and torrential rainfall expected to affect the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, in view of Cyclone Dana. "The airport will cease all flight operations starting from 4 pm IST (Indian Standard Time) on October 24 until 9 am IST on October 25 as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety. Meteorological reports indicate that Cyclone Dana is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with gale-force winds, severely impacting air transportation in the region," an official from Kolkata air traffic control (ATC) said. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) at Kolkata airport, in its statement, said, "In view of Cyclone Dana's impact on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, it has been decided to suspend the flight operations from 1800 IST (6 pm) on 24.10.2024 to 0900 IST on 25.10.2024 due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall at Kolkata." A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued to this effect alerting all stakeholders of the closure. The NOTAM accessed by mid-day through AAI sources stated, "AD CLSD DUE TO CYCLONIC STORM.NO FLT OPR PERMITTED. (SIC)" An AAI official, explaining this NOTAM, said, "This translates to 'Aerodrome closed due to cyclonic storm. No flight operations permitted'." "The NOTAM will be in effect from 180024102024 that is 4PM on 24th October 2024." While disclosing the current weather conditions at Kolkata airport, a source from ATC shared the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) details. The current ATIS as explained by the ATC source discloses: '5 knots winds from East/Northeast direction, Temperature of 26°C, 89% humidity, visibility 2800 metres. The ATIS information also highlights a haze and light rain warning which can intensify owing to the current weather conditions.
23 October,2024 09:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe Gujarat government on Wednesday announced a relief package of Rs 1,419.62 crore for farmers who suffered losses due to heavy rains that lashed several parts of the state in August this year. While Rs 1,097.31 crore will be paid from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), the state government will pay Rs 322.33 crore from the budget, an official release said on Wednesday. The relief package was announced after a loss-assessment survey was conducted in 136 talukas of the 20 affected districts, namely - Panchmahal, Surendranagar, Navsari, Devbhumi Dwarka, Kheda, Anand, Bharuch, Vadodara, Morbi, Jamnagar, Kutch, Tapi, Dahod, Dang, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Junagadh, Surat, Patan and Chhotaudepur. In all, nearly 7 lakh farmers from across 6,812 villages in these 20 districts will receive assistance for the loss of their crop due to heavy rains in the month of August, it said. Under this package, farmers who lost equal or above 33 per cent of their total non-irrigated kharif crop will get Rs 11,000 financial assistance per hectare with two hectares set as the limit. The compensation will be Rs 22,000 per hectare, with the limit of two hectares, for damage to irrigated crops. For annual horticulture crops which live for one growing season, the government has fixed a compensation of Rs 22,000 per hectare with the same two-hectare limit if the loss is equal or above 33 per cent. The compensation will be Rs 22,500 per hectare in case of perennial horticulture crops which live for three or more growing seasons, the release said, adding that eligible farmers need to contact nearby eGram centres with required documents to apply for it. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 October,2024 08:50 PM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIPrime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, and welcomed the agreement reached between the two neighbours earlier this week on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, news agency ANI reported. Maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain priority of the neighbours and mutual trust should remain the basis of bilateral ties, stated PM Modi, adding that India-China relationship is important not only for people of the two countries but also for global peace, stability and progress."We are having a formal meeting after five years. We believe that the India-China relationship is very important not only for our people but also for global peace, stability and progress. We welcome the consensus reached on the issues that have arisen in the last four years on the border. Maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain our priority. Mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity should remain the basis of our relations," PM Modi said.The two leaders addressed the 16th BRICS Summit earlier in the day. In a post on X, PM Modi said mutual respect and mutual sensitivity will guide the bilateral ties between the two countries."Met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Kazan BRICS Summit. India-China relations are important for the people of our countries, and for regional and global peace and stability. Mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity will guide bilateral relations," PM Modi said. First formal bilateral meeting between PM Modi, Xi Jinping since 2019 The meeting on Wednesday, October 23, was the first structured interaction between the two leaders in five years and comes two days after the neighbours reached an agreement on resuming regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, ANI stated.PM Modi's last formal bilateral meet with Jinping was in October 2019 in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, months before the June 2020 clashes in Galwan that led to a military standoff. The two leaders met briefly during the Group of 20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia, in 2022 and then in Johannesburg, South Africa (2023).The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday that an agreement had been reached regarding patrolling arrangements along LAC in the India-China border areas.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told mediapersons that the agreement "is the outcome of extensive discussions over the past several weeks with Chinese interlocutors at both diplomatic and military levels."China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, also confirmed the development in a regular press briefing, stating, "We have reached a resolution on the relevant matter, will work with the Indian side to implement the resolution. We are in close communication through diplomatic and military channels."The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC four years ago was sparked by Chinese military actions, stated ANI. It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations. (With ANI inputs)
23 October,2024 07:41 PM IST | Kazan | mid-day online correspondentGerman Ambassador Philipp Ackermann has noted that Berlin has always said India is in a "very good position" to listen to both the sides when it comes to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Though he does not know what New Delhi is intending to do, but Berlin would "welcome any engagement", he added. Ambassador Ackermann interacted with media on Wednesday, October 23, at his residence in the national capital, ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to India, news agency PTI reported. On Friday, October 25, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Chancellor Scholz will co-chair the seventh Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC). According to PTI, IGC is a whole-of-government framework under which ministers from both the sides hold discussions in their respective areas of responsibility and report on the outcome of their deliberations to the prime minister and the chancellor. In response to a query on India's potential role towards seeking a resolution of the over two-year-long Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ackermann said, "We all know that Prime Minister [Modi] is coming back from Kazan (Russia)... the BRICS Summit. He has been talking to a lot of leaders, including the Russian president, and without being privy to know the agenda of the bilateral talks, I am sure it will be on the agenda, and the chancellor will be very curious what the PM has to say after this meeting". "We have always said that India is in a very good position to basically listen to both sides, and to have both sides in mind. We have seen the PM going to (Ukrainian capital) Kyiv, we have seen a renewed interest in the conflict. I don't know what India is intending to do, but we would welcome any engagement," he added. Later an interaction with PTI Videos after his briefing, the German envoy said he was convinced that Modi and Scholz "will discuss geopolitics". "I am very convinced that they will discuss geopolitics, although I don't know the agenda of the bilateral meeting. It will always be good to listen to India's perspective on things. We have a Euro-centric perspective on things, India can add to this view a lot. I know that the chancellor and the PM have a very good communication on these questions, and I am sure these will be tackled [during the meeting]," he said, when asked if the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and war in West Asia will figure in talks of the two leaders. PM Modi at BRICS Summit On Tuesday, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Putin, hours after arriving in the central Russian city of Kazan to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, PTI reported. India supports dialogue and diplomacy and not war, PM Modi said at BRICS Summit on Wednesday, in an unambiguous message calling for resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through peaceful negotiations. In his address, the PM also flagged concerns over pressing challenges such as wars, economic uncertainty, climate change and terrorism and said BRICS can play a positive role to take the world in the right path. PM Modi had visited Russia in July, marking his first visit since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In August he undertook a visit to Ukraine at the invitation of Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a joint statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on this visit, the Indian side had reiterated its principled position and focus on peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, as part of which, India attended the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, in June. The Ukrainian side had welcomed such participation by India and highlighted the importance of high-level participation by New Delhi in the next Peace Summit. Last month, PM Modi had met Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The leaders had exchanged views on bilateral ties and also discussed the situation in Ukraine. Modi had reiterated India's willingness to play a constructive role in the quest for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. (With PTI inputs)
23 October,2024 06:37 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid growing cyber threats, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday issued an advisory to all states regarding the establishment of a Special Wing of Cyber Commandos. In the past week, Indian airlines have received more than 100 hoax bomb threats resulting in inconvenience to passengers and monetary loss to the airlines. Most of the threats were posted on accounts on X and the accounts were created by using a virtual private network (VPN) or dark web browser that investigative agencies have been unable to detect. The decision has been taken by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) after witnessing growing cyber threats and to enhance cyber defence capabilities. In the order copy accessed by the ANI reads that during the DGPs, lGPs Conference held in the month of January 2023 and 2024, the Prime Minister recommended that a Special Wing of suitably trained 'Cyber Commandos' should be established within a police organization to counter threats of cyber security from cyberspace. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) plans to raise 5,000 Cyber Commandos over the next five years. The Cyber Commando Wing would be an integral part of the police organization and would be deemed to be a national resource. Prospective Cyber Commandos will be identified from among serving personnel (all ranks) in the various police organizations of the States/UTs and Central Police Organizations having basic knowledge of computer networks and operating systems, reads the order. Trained Commandos will work for their parent organization and will be expected to be assigned roles according to the expertise they had developed during training in Digital forensics, Incident Response and Securing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure. They shall not be utilized for roles not related to duties as a cyber-commando and may be utilized by MHA to respond to or mitigate any cyber-attacks and training for a short duration. I4C-MHA will maintain close liaison with the cyber commandos for continuous learning, knowledge upgradation and utilization, it further reads. The first batch of 246 Cyber commandos are undergoing six months of intensive hands-on training at the following institutions; IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIIT Kottayam, IIIT Naya Raipur, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) Gandhinagar, Defence Institute of Advance Technology (DIAT) Pune, National Forensic Science University (NFSU) Gandhinagar, and Delhi. The duration of training is six months, including hands-on training, industry exposure, and field visits to equip trainees to handle cybersecurity exigencies. These trainees were selected on the basis of a screening test held on 24 Feb 2024 at 32 test centres across the country. I4C Plans to conduct the second screening test on 8th December 2024 to select the next set of Cyber Commandos. The Guidelines for the Cyber Commando Training Programme, including complete details and the syllabus for the screening test. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 October,2024 06:34 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea moved by a man, seeking a court order for a medical check up to determine the gender of his wife, amid allegations that she is a transgender person, reported news agency ANI. Justice Sanjiv Narula rejected the man's plea, and stated that writ petitions are not applicable in this case as it is against a private individual, and that matrimonial disputes are not suitable for such legal petitions. He further expressed concern that ordering a medical examination in such cases could set a troubling precedent with broader implications. On Tuesday, the man had approached the Delhi High Court, requesting that the police conduct a medical examination of his wife at a Central Government hospital to establish her gender, stated ANI. The petitioner alleged that his wife is a "transgender individual," a fact he claims was fraudulently hidden from him before their marriage. He further claimed that his wife’s gender caused him significant mental trauma and hindered the consummation of their marriage. The petitioner said that this concealment led to various legal challenges against him, including false allegations under domestic violence and dowry laws. In his petition, submitted by Advocate Abhishek Kumar Choudhary, the man acknowledged that an individual's gender identity is a private matter. However, he emphasised the interconnected rights of both spouses within the context of marriage, arguing that it is essential to balance and respect the fundamental rights to life of both individuals as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The man contended that he has a fundamental right to a fair investigation into the facts of his case before facing legal proceedings designed for women. He argued that if his wife does not qualify as a "woman" under relevant laws, he should not be subjected to maintenance obligations or accusations under domestic violence and dowry legislation. Prior to approaching the Delhi High Court, the petitioner had sought a medical examination through a trial court application under Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), which was dismissed. The Delhi High Court advised him to seek resolution through appropriate legal channels rather than pursuing this route. (With inputs from ANI)
23 October,2024 05:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndia supports dialogue and diplomacy and not war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the BRICS Summit here on Wednesday, in an unambiguous message calling for resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through peaceful negotiations. In his address, Modi flagged concerns over pressing challenges such as wars, economic uncertainty, climate change and terrorism and said the BRICS can play a positive role to take the world in the right path. "We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. And just as we were able to overcome a challenge like COVID together, we are certainly able to create new opportunities to ensure a secure, strong and prosperous future for future generations," he said. The summit was attended by top leaders of BRICS nations, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The prime minister also batted for concerted global efforts to deal with terrorism and that there must not be any "double standards" in fighting the menace. "In order to counter terrorism and terror financing, we need the single-minded, firm support of all. There is no place for double standards on this serious matter. "We need to take active steps to stop the radicalisation of youth in our countries. We must work together on the long pending matter in the UN of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism," he said. "The same way, we need to work on global regulations for cyber security and for safe and secure AI," he added. Modi said India is ready to welcome new countries into BRICS as partner countries. "In this regard, all decisions should be taken by consensus, and the views of BRICS founding members should be respected," he said. "The guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures adopted during the Johannesburg summit, should be complied with by all members and partner countries," Modi noted. The prime minister also pitched for reform of the UN Security Council and other global bodies. "We must move forward in a time-bound manner on reforms in global institutions such as the UN Security Council, Multilateral development banks, and the WTO," he said. "As we take our efforts forward in BRICS, we must be careful to ensure that this organisation does not acquire the image of one that is trying to replace global institutions, instead of being perceived as one that wishes to reform them," he said. Modi also argued that the hopes, aspirations and expectations of the countries of the Global South must also be kept in mind. "The BRICS grouping, created by the confluence of different viewpoints and ideologies, is a source of inspiration for the world, fostering positive cooperation," he said. "Our diversity, respect for each other and our tradition of moving forward on the basis of consensus are the basis for our cooperation," he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 October,2024 05:20 PM IST | Kazan | PTICongress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday marked her electoral debut by filing her nomination for the upcoming Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, saying that she has 35 years of experience in the political arena beginning from the age of 17 years when she campaigned for her late father Rajiv Gandhi in 1989. Addressing a massive gathering at Kalpetta ahead of filing nominations for the November 13 bypoll, she said that in the 35 years since then, she has campaigned for her mother, Sonia Gandhi, her brother Rahul Gandhi and other party colleagues. Her statement comes a day after BJP's Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll candidate Navya Haridas said she was more experienced in representing people than Priyanka. Congress Parliamentary party president Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and other senior party leaders were present on the dais during Priyanka's speech. During her public address, Priyanka also said that she considers it an honour to be chosen to represent the people of Wayanad. She also said that she was deeply touched by the courage shown by people of Wayanad at the time of landslides that hit the district. Rahul Gandhi also spoke at the event where he said that once his sister wins, the people of Wayanad will have two MPs, including himself, to represent them in Parliament. "I will be the unofficial MP of the people of Wayanad," said Rahul, who represented the Wayanad LS constituency from 2019 to 2024. The by-election for Wayanad LS seat became necessary after Rahul Gandhi, who won the Lok Sabha polls from there and Rae Bareli constituency this year, decided to vacate Wayanad. He urged the people of Wayanad to take care of his sister Priyanka and vote her for Parliament. Kharge, who also spoke at the event, said that Priyanka is in Wayanad not just to file her nomination, but as a relentless champion for the people of the hill district. "Bless her, and she will deliver the results," he said. After their public address, Priyanka left for the collectorate where she filed her nomination papers in the presence of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Kharge and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal. Priyanka would be contesting against LDF's Sathyan Mokeri and BJP's Navya Haridas. Voting in Wayanad will be held on November 13. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 October,2024 04:07 PM IST | Wayanad | PTIThe Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on a series of petitions related to the issue of marital rape, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who is due to retire next month, stating that his bench would not be able to conclude the matter in the near future.According to ANI, CJI Chandrachud, heading the bench, announced that the case would be reheard in four weeks. The postponement occurred after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, along with other counsels, requested more time to present their arguments. "In view of the time estimate, we are of the view that it would not be possible to complete the hearings in the foreseeable future," remarked CJI Chandrachud, noting that the case will be reassigned to another bench for the rehearing.Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy, representing one of the petitioners, urged CJI Chandrachud to personally hear the case, stressing that it concerns justice for millions of women. Nundy emphasised the importance of the matter and called for a timely resolution.ANI reported that the petitions challenge the constitutional validity of Exception 2 to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which exempts husbands from being prosecuted for rape if the victim is their wife, unless the wife is below 15 years of age. The petitioners argue that this exemption is unconstitutional, as it violates the fundamental rights of married women.In the previous hearing, Senior Advocate Nundy argued that rape is already an offence in India, but the current law unjustly excludes husbands from the definition. Nundy contended that declaring the exception unconstitutional would not create a separate offence but rather extend protection to all women, including those in marriages.As per ANI, the Centre recently filed an affidavit cautioning against striking down the exception, warning that criminalising marital rape could destabilise the institution of marriage and have far-reaching socio-legal consequences. The government also expressed concern that such a move could lead to misuse of the law, given the evolving social and familial structures in the country. The Centre maintained that Section 375 of the IPC is a well-considered provision that addresses a wide spectrum of sexual abuse, and that any changes should come through comprehensive legislative action rather than judicial intervention.Several petitions have been submitted to the court, including one challenging a Karnataka High Court ruling that upheld charges of rape against a man accused of treating his wife as a sex slave. Another petition contests a split decision by the Delhi High Court in May 2022, where one judge ruled in favour of criminalising marital rape, while the other upheld the constitutionality of Exception 2 to Section 375.The All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) has also moved the Supreme Court, arguing that the marital rape exemption undermines the purpose of rape laws, which are designed to protect against non-consensual sexual activity. AIDWA's plea asserts that the exemption violates constitutional rights to equality, freedom of speech, and life, under Articles 14, 19(1)(a), and 21.The Supreme Court is expected to revisit the matter in four weeks, ANI reported. (With inputs from ANI)
23 October,2024 03:39 PM IST | New DelhiThe Eastern Railway will not operate any local train from Sealdah station from 8 pm on Thursday till 10 am on Friday in view of the Cyclone Dana, an official said, the PTI reported on Wednesday. He said that the announcement comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of train passengers in the Sealdah division that serves six districts of West Bengal - North 24 Praganas, South 24 Praganas, Nadia, Murshidabad, Kolkata and Howrah. The storm which is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha early Friday with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, will bring heavy rain in several south Bengal districts on October 24 and 25, the Met office said. "From 8 pm onwards on October 24, no local train will start from Sealdah station to ensure that no train is on the tracks during the time when the cyclone is apprehended to make landfall," the Eastern Railway official said, according to the PTI. He said that local train services in the Sealdah division will remain suspended till 10 am on October 25, he said. The official said that the last train from Hasnabad and Namkhana stations, which are close to the coastal areas in North and South 24 Parganas districts respectively, will depart towards Sealdah by 7 pm on October 24. South Eastern Railway on Tuesday announced that more than 150 express and passenger trains running through its jurisdiction were cancelled in view of the cyclone. The East Coast Railways on Tuesday also cancelled as many as 198 trains passing through and originating from Odisha. Rain begins in Odisha as Cyclone Dana's outer band touches land mass: IMD Meanwhile, parts of Kendrapara and Bhadrak districts in Odisha experienced rain and adverse weather conditions on Wednesday afternoon with the Indian Meterological Centre (IMD) saying that the outer bands of Cyclone 'Dana' has begun to affect the eastern coastline, according to the PTI. Senior IMD scientist Umashankar Das posted on X, "According to radar data from Paradip, the outer band of Cyclone 'Dana' has touched the land mass in Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts." He clarified that while the cyclone is around 500 km offshore, its outer bands, composed of clouds, can influence local weather conditions. The IMD said Cyclone 'Dana' is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port, a distance of around 70km, early Friday. In response to the cyclone's movement, the Odisha government has expedited evacuation efforts in the coastal districts of Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Balasore, Puri and Jagatsinghpur. The latest IMD bulletin forecast light to moderate rainfall¿between 7 cm and 11 cm¿at isolated locations in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Puri, Jajpur and Cuttack, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
23 October,2024 03:11 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
