Violence breaks out in northern India; irate candidates set a public property ablaze

Violence breaks out in northern India; irate candidates set a public property ablaze
                               By Girish Kumar Dubey

The candidates turned violent and set a public property ablaze during police recruitment drive in northern India's Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday (July 26).

While talking to mediapersons, Assistant Transport Inspector of Chandauli depot, Ravindra Nath Singh said the incident happened when the candidates were informed that application forms were no longer available.

"The application forms (for Police recruitment) were being distributed at this place. So, there should have been a proper security arrangement but there was nothing as such. Since it was a young crowd and a bus came during the agitation, so they initially evacuated the passengers from the bus - coming from Varanasi and heading for Naubatpur, and further torched it," said Singh.

Police recruitment drive was being held in Madhipur area of the district for the last three days and forms were being distributed to the applicants.

"You can see the damage. It would have cost around 10 lakhs (1 million) and the income and revenue loss due to the transportation detained has no account," he said.

However, enough security forces have been deployed to take the situation under control.

Intro

The candidates turned violent and set a public property ablaze during police recruitment drive in northern India.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

CHANDAULI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 26, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. BROKEN GLASSES SPREAD ON THE GROUND

2. A TORCHED VEHICLE PARKED IN A FIELD

3. FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE VEHICLE

4. TYRE OF THE VEHICLE

5. VEHICLE PARKED IN A FIELD

6. A PORTION OF THE TORCHED VEHICLE

7. TORCHED VEHICLE PARKED

8. NUMBER PLATE READING 'UP 78, AT 3190'

9. SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE VEHICLE

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) RAVINDRA NATH SINGH, ASSISTANT TRANSPORT INSPECTOR, CHANDAULI DEPOT, SAYING:

"The application forms (for Police recruitment) were being distributed at this place. So, there should have been a proper security arrangement but there was nothing as such. Since it was a young crowd and a bus came during the agitation, so they initially evacuated the passengers from the bus - coming from Varanasi and heading for Naubatpur, and further torched it."

11. YOUTH GATHERED

12. YOUTH SHOUTING

13. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) RAVINDRA NATH SINGH, ASSISTANT TRANSPORT INSPECTOR, CHANDAULI DEPOT, SAYING:

"You can see the damage. It would have cost around 10 lakhs rupees (1 million) and the income and revenue loss due to the transportation detained has no account."

14. POLICE OFFICIALS WALKING

15. POLICE OFFICIALS ENTERING A BUILDING

16. A VEHICLE ENTERING A BUILDING

17. POLICE OFFICIALS CROSSING A ROAD

18. POLICE OFFICIALS SITTING INSIDE A VEHICLE

19. VEHICLE MOVING

20. POLICE OFFICIALS WALKING

Original Script Date

Jul 26 16:38 (3 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 26 16:38 (3 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Violence breaks out in northern India; irate candidates set a public property ablaze.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

CHANDAULI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 26, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:23

Indian weaver says made badges for Norway attacks accused.

Indian weaver says made badges for Norway attacks accused

                                                                               By Girish Kumar Dubey

An Indian weaver from northern Uttar Pradesh state on Tuesday (July 26) disclosed that he had made the badges used by the Norwegian, Anders Behring Breivik who killed at least 76 people in a car bombing and a horrific shooting spree in the Nordic nation.

Mohammad Aslam Ansari, a weaver based in the holy city of Varanasi, told reporters that Anders Behring Breivik had contacted him through email and placed an order worth $ 150.

"Through an email I received a picture and was enquired if I could make these badges and my quotation for doing the same. I said yes, I can make them and then he asked me to make two sample pieces. So, I made two sample pieces for him," said Ansari. "In it, there was a skull and a type of sword was made on it," he added.

The weaver said he did not suspect anything when he was asked to make the unusual designs on the badge, as he has been making insignias of skulls and other unorthodox things as part of his job.

Ansari said he had received the order about a year ago.

"I used to make skull on badges like the ones on the badges of England, but it wasn't like these ones. This is our work and we make these (badges) only and we never thought that there is anything suspicious in it. This is our job," he said. ".It has been about a year now," added Ansari

Ansari stated that after placing the orders for the two samples, Breivik did not come back for the bulk order.

He said that he has been making badges with skulls as part of its design, yet he admitted that the one made for Breivik was a little unusual.

Ansari said that it had taken almost 15 days to make the badges and he had sent them via courier.

Breivik has taken responsibility for last Friday's (June 22) shootings at a youth camp and an earlier bomb that killed eight people in Oslo's government district.

He then drove to the small island of Utoeya, 45 km (28 miles) away. Dressed as a policeman, he calmly shot down youngsters at a youth summer camp of the ruling Labour Party.

Intro

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE - RESENDING WITH AMENDED SCRIPT

An Indian weaver from northern Uttar Pradesh state discloses that he had supplied the badges to the Norwegian, Anders Behring Breivik who killed at least 76 people in a car bombing and a horrific shooting spree in the Nordic nation.

PLEASE NOTE THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 26, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. MOHAMMAD ASLAM ANSARI, A WEAVER, SITTING IN HIS SHOP

2. ANSARI TALKING TO REPORTER

3. BADGES LYING ON A CARPET

4. ANSARI SITTING

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MOHAMMAD ASLAM ANSARI, A WEAVER, SAYING:

"Through an email I received a picture and was enquired if I could make these badges and my quotation for doing the same. I said yes, I can make them and then he asked me to make two sample pieces. So, I made two sample pieces for him."

(Q) What was made on it?

In it, there was a skull and a type of sword was made on it."

6. A FRAME HUNG ON A WALL

7. LOGO OF A BADGE HUNG ON A WALL

8. FRAME HUNG ON A WALL

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MOHAMMAD ASLAM ANSARI, A WEAVER, SAYING:

"I used to make skulls on badges like the ones on the badges of England, but it wasn't like this. This is our work and we make these (badges) only and we never thought that there is anything suspicious in it. This is our job.

(Q) How many years ago did he come to you?

It has been about a year now."

10. ANSARI SITTING

Original Script Date

Jul 27 06:27 (2 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 27 08:45 (2 days ago)

Script Version

2

Headline

Indian weaver says made badges for Norway attacks accused.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 26, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

1:56

News »  August 31, 2010  » India

Healthy ties with China good for Indo-US ties: Roemer

                                                      By Girish Kumar Dubey

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Varanasi, Aug 31 (ANI): U.S. Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer has said that it is in best interest for both India and US to maintain cordial relations with China.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Annual Day-2010 event hosted by the Uttar Pradesh Chapter of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce here, Roemer said: "Bilateral issues between India and China could be sorted out by continuous dialogue."

"We see in our efforts and in the press that India with this latest episode of the visa issue is communicating between India and China and I am sure that will work its way through with continued open communication and dialogue between the two countries," said Roemer.

Roemer's comment follows Beijing's refusal to permit Lt. Gen. B S Jaswal, General Officer Commanding of the Indian Army's Northern Command to visit China as part of a defence exchange programme.

Commenting on US President Barack Obama's visit to India in November, Roemer said issues related to global and national security would be in focus.

"The President has worked on expanding the relationship with India in national security, economic security and social security issues, and, we very much look forward for his visit coming up in November, where, he will talk very eloquently about these efforts and especially as your question, I think targeted how are we working on the national security and the global and regional and bilateral ways even closer and closer," he added. (ANI)

Unity of all religions can prevent terrorism: Roemer

                                    By Girish Kumar Dubey

 

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Varanasi, Sep 1 (ANI): U.S. Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer has said that ensuring unity among all religions would prevent terrorism from growing both India and the United State.

Addressing media persons here on Tuesday, Roemer said: "Terrorism is a global problem, a global challenge, and two democracies, two great growing democracies, United States and India, are seeing closely threat and a solution in more and more same light and through the same prism. We welcome different religions, that helps prevent terrorism, not saying that terrorist comes from specific religions."

He further said that US President Barack Obama is one, who believes in dialogue, and as such India and the US are close to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deal with militancy.

"We are working together to try to, in more ways, 18 different ways, according to counter terrorism MoU to be signed with India on cyber security, counter terrorism, border security, maritime security, anti-piracy initiatives that will be talked about in the future," he added.

"The world is bringing us closer and closer together as two countries, because we see the enemy, we see security, we see democracy the same. We see the practice of religion being important," he said.

Talking about business prospects between the two countries, Roemer said that the US is willing to invest in India to help improve its infrastructure.

"The US businesses are willing to come in here and take risks, and help build projects, whether it is rural projects, port building projects. There are really important projects for both countries to work on in partnership together, and learn from each other. I think India will invest a trillion dollars in infrastructure in the next five to ten years," he added.

He urged India to engage in dialogue with other countries like China and Pakistan. (ANI)

20 years after, Indian economists analyse the repercussions of economic reformsg

20 years after, Indian economists analyse the repercussions of economic reforms
                                                           By Girish Kumar Dubey
Analysing the 20 years of economic reforms introduced by Manmohan Singh, former Finance Minister, Indian economists pointed out that though India has undergone massive transformation in several sectors including technology and communication, issues of poverty and corruption have hampered much of progress.

In 1991, Manmohan Singh, in his maiden budget as the finance minister under the PV Narasimha Rao-led Congress government, put forth the financial condition of the country, which stood, on the edge of bankruptcy. Immediate steps needed to be formulated and implemented. In such circumstances, Singh decided to reject the licence Raj and introduced the reforms, which have consequently, transformed the lives of millions of Indian citizens.

Economists from Benaras Hindu University in northern India suggested that the economy has witnessed massive growth, when compared to the pre-1990 period.

Anil Kumar Jain, dean of the Economics Department in Benaras Hindu University in Uttar Pradesh said that the country witnessed an enormous transformation in the past 20 years and the then finance minister, Manmohan Singh brought the country out of a major economic crisis.

"Economic reforms paved the way to massive growth. Prior to it, the condition of the country was deplorable. Our balance of payments was in a bad state. Foreign reserves were barely sufficient for the following next weeks. Since then, every sphere and sector, from every perspective, has witnessed improvement. Agricultural growth rate, which used to be negative, in 2009-10 increased despite famine in some areas," said Anil Kumar Jain, dean of Economic Department in Benaras Hindu University.

Another economist from BHU illustrated that despite the growth, the bane of corruption has cropped up in the past few years, which has caused major setbacks to the Indian economy.

"At that point in time, three important steps were taken -Foreign trade liberalization, deregulation of domestic market and privatization. The first draft written by the then Finance minister, Manmohan Singh can be summarized that he promised many things like end of inequality and unemployment, fall in the prices of commodities, and that labour exploitation would reduce. He claimed that all the sectors like agriculture; technology; transport and communication would witness progress. If we take a look at the macro indicators then surely the GDP growth has increased, poverty percentage has decreased, manufacturing and service sectors have progressed, transportation sector improved. But, a closer analysis of this scenario reveals that the problems that were present 20 years ago have increased manifold and corruption cases, not present 40 years back, are now emerging," said Professor Kiran Barman, Economic Department, Benaras Hindu University.

Meanwhile, many intellectuals noted that the condition of the marginalized has not improved and only a small number of Indian citizens are successful financially.

"The problem with looking only at the economic growth figures or the rate of growth of GDP figure is that it doesn't really talk about whether that growth has really been inclusive, whether it has created jobs, whether it has dispersed across all geographical areas in the country. This, to my mind, has been the biggest limitation, the biggest drawback of the last two decades of economic liberalization. The rich have got richer and so have the middle class, I am not arguing that the poor have become poorer but the rich have certainly got richer at a far faster pace than the poor. Therefore, the gap between the Haves and the Have-nots has widened, which is why we see the kind of inequality we do in India, where one out of four persons in the country, even the government acknowledges, lives below the poverty line. A substantial section of the population lives on barely Rs 20 day and one out of four persons in the country still cannot read or write their own name. So the flip side of economic liberalization has been a widening of economic inequality," said Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, senior journalist.

Also, economists noted that the globalisation of the Indian economy requires the domestic market to be able to compete. While some sectors like biotechnology or pharmaceuticals have been able to do so, other sectors like nuclear technology require major impetus in the form of research and development.

"Globalisation means globally competing. That means you have to generate new knowledge whether it is software, biotechnology, Nanotechnology or aerospace and nuclear technology. For instance, in nuclear technology we are still very dependent on import of technology and so we went for India US nuclear deal. We could not generate our own technology. We have also not been able to generate adequate amount of reprocessing technology and so we feel hurt when there is a ban on sending technology to India. We have not yet been developing this technology. Unfortunately in India, private sector does not do much of research. Public sector in the universities, which used to do such research, is being curtailed because the funding for them has reduced. As a result, R&D (Research and Development) has suffered in India. We are becoming dependent more on import of research and development. We are doing good work in areas like biotechnology or pharmaceuticals but by and large R&D expenditure and achievements are very few," said Professor Arun Kumar, Economics Department, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Since 1991, India's GDP has increased four times, its forex reserves have surged from $5.8 billion to $279 billion, and exports from $18 billion to $178 billion. The disparity between the rich and poor, meanwhile, has widened largely for the rural people who are unable to cope up with the increasing urbanisation in cities.

Source

ANI

Restrictions

NO ACCESS BBC

Intro

Indian economists analyse the repercussions of the economic reforms, undertaken by the then finance Minister, Manmohan Singh, under the Narsimha Rao-led-Congress Government, 20 years ago.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4: 3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

NEW DELHI, INDIA (JULY 23, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) (ORIGINALLY 4:3)

1. BUILDINGS

2. SIGNBOARD READING 'RBS'

3. SIGNBOARDS OF BANKS

4. MEN WALKING ON THE STREET

5. SIGNBOARD READING 'TDI CITY'

6. VEHICLES MOVING ON THE STREET

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 23, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) (ORIGINALLY 16:9)

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) PROFESSOR ANIL KUMAR JAIN, DEAN, ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT, BENARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY, SAYING:

"Economic reforms paved the way to massive growth. Prior to it, the condition of the country was deplorable. Our balance of payments was in a bad state. Foreign reserves were barely sufficient for the following next weeks. Since then, every sphere and sector, from every perspective, has witnessed improvement. Agricultural growth rate, which used to be negative, in 2009-10 increased despite famine in some areas."

NEW DELHI, INDIA (JULY 23, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) (ORIGINALLY 4:3)

8. BUILDINGS

9. SIGNBOARD READING 'PNB HOUSING FINANCE LIMITED'

10. BUILDING WITH MANY BANNERS

11. SIGNBOARDS

12. SHOE SHINERS, SITTING ON A PAVEMENT

13. A SHOE SHINER SITTING

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 23, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) (ORIGINALLY 16:9)

14. (SOUNBITE) (Hindi) PROFESSOR KIRAN BARMAN, ECONOMIC DEPARTMENT, BENARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY, SAYING:

"At that point in time, three important steps were taken -Foreign trade liberalization, deregulation of domestic market and privatization. The first draft written by the then Finance minister, Manmohan Singh can be summarized that he promised many things like end of inequality and unemployment, fall in the prices of commodities, and that labour exploitation would reduce. He claimed that all the sectors like agriculture; technology; transport and communication would witness progress. If we take a look at the macro indicators then surely the GDP growth has increased, poverty percentage has decreased, manufacturing and service sectors have progressed, transportation sector improved. But, a closer analysis of this scenario reveals that the problems that were present 20 years ago have increased manifold and corruption cases, not present 40 years back, are now emerging."

NEW DELHI, INDIA (JULY 23, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) (ORIGINALLY 4:3)

15. PARANJOY GUHA THAKURTA, SENIOR JOURNALIST SITTING

16. THAKURTA LOOKING

17. (SOUNDBITE) (English) PARANJOY GUHA THAKURTA, SENIOR JOURNALIST, SAYING:

"The problem with looking only at the economic growth figures or the rate of growth of GDP figure is that it doesn't really talk about whether that growth has really been inclusive, whether it has created jobs, whether it has dispersed across all geographical areas in the country. This, to my mind, has been the biggest limitation, the biggest drawback of the last two decades of economic liberalization. The rich have got richer and so have the middle class, I am not arguing that the poor have become poorer but the rich have certainly got richer at a far faster pace than the poor. Therefore, the gap between the Haves and the Have-nots has widened, which is why we see the kind of inequality we do in India, where one out of four persons in the country, even the government acknowledges, lives below the poverty line. A substantial section of the population lives on barely Rs 20 day and one out of four persons in the country still cannot read or write their own name. So the flip side of economic liberalization has been a widening of economic inequality."

18. A BUILDING

19. SIGNBOARD READING 'ARUN KUMAR'

20. ARUN KUMAR SITTING

21. HAND OF KUMAR

22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) PROFESSOR ARUN KUMAR, ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT, JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY, SAYING:

"Globalisation means globally competing. That means you have to generate new knowledge, whether it is software, biotechnology, nanotechnology, aerospace and nuclear technology. For instance, in nuclear technology we are still very dependent on the import of technology and so we went for India-US nuclear deal. We could not generate our own technology. We have also not been able to generate adequate amount of reprocessing technology and so we feel hurt when there is a ban on sending technology to India. We have not yet been able to develop this technology. Unfortunately in India, private sector does not do much of research. Public sector in the universities, which used to do such research, is being curtailed because the funding for them has reduced. As a result, R&D (Research and Development) has suffered in India. We are becoming more dependent on import of research and development. We are doing good work in areas like biotechnology or pharmaceuticals but, by and large, R&D expenditure and achievements are very few.

FILE (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) (ORIGINALLY 4:3)

23. FORMER INDIAN PRIME MINISTER, NARASIMHA RAO, SITTING

24. FORMER FINANCE MINISTER, MANMOHAN SINGH, SITTING

25. GHULAM NABI AZAD AND MADHAVRAO SCINDIA, CONGRESS LEADERS, SITTING

26. RAO LOOKING

27. MINISTERS SITTING DURING A CABINET MEETING

28. MANMOHAN SINGH SITTING

Original Script Date

Jul 24 09:28 (1 day ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 24 09:28 (1 day ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

20 years after, Indian economists analyse the repercussions of economic reforms.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

NEW DELHI/VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH

Dates Shot

JULY 23, 2011, /FILE

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI AND ENGLISH SPEECH

Duration

5:57

North Indian court awards life term to two Italians for killing their compatriot

North Indian court awards life term to two Italians for killing their compatriot

                                                                             By  Girish Kumar Dubey

A local court in Varanasi city of northern India's Uttar Pradesh awarded life term imprisonment to two Italians for murdering their friend and compatriot.

Francesco Montis, 28, was found dead in the first week of February 2010 in a hotel in the city.

While talking to mediapersons, public prosecutor, Anil Kumar Singh said the deceased's post-mortem revealed that the death was caused by asphyxia as a result of strangulation and there were six injury marks present on the body before death.

"Italian national Francesco Montis was murdered in room no 459 of Hotel Buddha in the city on the night of February 3 and 4, 2010. Elisa Betti Boncompagni, a woman friend and Tommaso Bruno, a male friend, strangulated him. There were six marks on his body, which were made before death. So, for this (heinous) crime, the Thirteenth ADJ (Additional District and Session Judge) Shri Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra awarded life term imprisonment and a penalty of Rs. 25,000 ($563.82) to each of the convicts," said Singh.

But the counsel for Italian Embassy, Vibhu Shankar told reporters that he was not satisfied with the judgement and it was totally wrong.

"The judgement is wrong. There are certain contradictions. There is no direct witness. All the witnesses are fabricated and planted. The report of doctor is wrong and strangulation is not being proved from anywhere. It's all wrong," said Vibhu Shankar, Advocate of Italian Embassy, New Delhi.

Since the deceased and the convicts were Italians, the district magistrate of Varanasi, Shri Ravindra sent a team of doctors on February 06 for post mortem of the body again.

He added that it was a case of circumstantial evidence and the murder was fallout of love triangle.

All the three Italian nationals Montis, Boncompagni and Bruno worked in a hotel in central London. They had come to Varanasi as a part of their India tour.

Intro

A local court of India's northern Uttar Pradesh awards life term imprisonment two Italians for murdering their friend and compatriot in a hotel room.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 23, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. EXTERIOR OF A LOCAL COURT

2. PEOPLE WALKING ON ROAD

3. POLICE OFFICIALS STANDING OUTSIDE A COURT

4. ANIL KUMAR SINGH, PUBLIC PROSECUTOR OF VARANASI, WALKING

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) ANIL KUMAR SINGH, PUBLIC PROSECUTOR, SAYING:

"Italian national Francesco Montis was murdered in room no 459 of Hotel Buddha in the city on the night of February 3 and 4, 2010. Elisa Betti Boncompagni, a woman friend and Tommaso Bruno, a male friend, strangulated him. There were six marks on his body, which were made before death. So, for this (heinous) crime, the Thirteenth ADJ (Additional District and Session Judge) Shri Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra awarded life term imprisonment and a penalty of Rs. 25,000 ($563.82) to each of the convicts."

6. A SIGNBOARD READING 'THIRTEENTH ADDITIONAL DISTRICT AND SESSION JUDGE'

7. POLICE OFFICIAL COMING OUT OF A ROOM

8. TOMMASO BRUNO WALKING

9. BRUNO ESCORTED BY POLICE

10. BRUNO WALKING

11. ELISA BETTI BONCOMPAGNI WALKING ALONG WITH BRUNO

12. POLICE OFFICIALS, BRUNO AND BONCOMPAGNI WALKING

13. BRUNO AND BONCOMPAGNI ENTERING A VEHICLE

14. BRUNO AND BONCOMPAGNI SITTING INSIDE THE VEHICLE

15. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) VIBHU SHANKAR, COUNSEL FOR ITALIAN EMBASSY, NEW DELHI, SAYING:

"The judgement is wrong. There are certain contradictions. There is no direct witness. All the witnesses are fabricated and planted. The report of doctor is wrong and strangulation is not being proved from anywhere. It's all wrong."

16. FOREIGN NATIONALS STANDING ON ROAD

17. FOREIGN WALKING

18. FOREIGN NATIONAL SITTING IN A VEHICLE

19. VEHICLE LEAVING

Original Script Date

Jul 24 08:16 (1 day ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 24 11:10 (1 day ago)

Script Version

2

Headline

North Indian court awards life term to two Italians for killing their compatriot.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 23, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:28

A hairdresser of Azamgarh attempts to set a world record

A hairdresser of Azamgarh attempts to set a world record

Submitted on Fri, 03/0by                     By Girish Kumar  Dubey

Azamgarh, Mar 7: Aspiring to be named in Guinness Book of World Records, Ansar Sheikh, a hairdresser in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh attempted a unique feat of non-stop haircutting holding the scissors with his mouth.

In his unique endeavour, 41-year-old Ansar Sheikh started cutting hair by holding the scissors with his mouth for 24 hours from 7 pm on March 1 to 7 pm on March 2, no doubt with small breaks for food and water.

People came to see Ansar perform the feat even from far off places. Mohammed Tariq Hashmi was one of them. Ansar is hopeful that his hard work would bear fruit and get him into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Ansar Sheikh said, "If I'm successful in this attempt by the grace of God, then I will open a training centre in Azamgarh District to impart free hair cutting training to visually challenged people and we will give them a certificate stating that they are trained as hair stylists." (ANI)

Development activities in Sonbhadra to curb Naxalism

Development activities in Sonbhadra to curb Naxalism

                                                                                         By Girish Kumar Dubey


Sonbhadra (U.P.)June 20: Development activities in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh hope to contain the spread of naxalism in the area.

Inhabited by a large proportion of tribals, the area has been home to Naxalites for a long time. The Naxalites usually hide in jungles and to effectively chase them, proper roads are a must.

Likewise, police stations are being upgraded alongside building of helipads to ensure a hassle-free transportation during any crisis.

Explaining this action plan, the Inspector General of Police (Varanasi Range), Praveen Singh said that the Union Government has earmarked ample funds for the projects.

"The central government has chosen some regions under the scheme for special infrastructure development in which Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra District is included. Under the scheme, roads, police stations, and helipad aids would be provided," said Praveen Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Varanasi Range.

Experts believe that the Maoists spread their influence where people are backward. Keeping these aspects in view, infrastructure development in tribal belts has been given prime importance.

"Some anti-social elements are exploiting their feelings and provoking them to act against the law. Our endeavor is to connect these people to the mainstream and make them aware of the things that government is doing for them," Praveen added.

Local tribals, however, doubt whether such initiatives are likely to benefit them.

"The government has been turning a deaf ear towards us. There is no doctor, no teacher and no IAS officer to serve them. Where should tribals go? Only making roads so that police can reach on time during an attack is not the solution?." said Vibhusha Patra, the coordinator of the Association for Democratic Rights.

Villagers say that despite much progress across the country, the condition of tribals in Sonbhadra hasn't improved. They still live without education, economic development, and proper infrastructure. The zest of the youth to live a better life has taken a violent shape because of the lack of support from administration.

"When the police turns a deaf year to our demands, we fight against such forces. We have to fight for our rights," said, a Naxalite requesting anonymity.

Tribals in Sonbhadra are hopeful that development projects will change the lives of the people in the area.


Copyright Asian News International

To Babloo of Varanasi, physical disability is no handicap

Thursday, September 18, 2008 4:22:19 PM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

                                                                           By Girish Kumar Dubey

Hathigaon (Varanasi), Sep.18(ANI): Born without hands, Babloo of Hathi Gaon near Varanasi has proved how a determined mind can make a difference and overcome physical handicaps.

Twenty two-year-old Babloo has fought his way to lead a normal life despite not having hands since birth. He refused to give up before his physical disability and trained himself to be an independent person.

Parents were disappointed at his birth, as he was born without forearms. But little did they knew their kid could be a help to them.

Babloo received encouragement at every step in his life.

"My parents asked me to become independent while taking my own time. They started teaching me and I started learning to be independent. Now I can fetch water and play cricket," said Babloo.

Babloo is the only child of his parents. They always wanted him.

"He is handicapped since birth. He can do all the work himself. He has belief in himself and therefore can work independently," said Shantidevi, Babloo''s mother.

Today, Babloo can work almost like any normal human being. He also helps his parents in their routine tasks like fetching water from the well and even ploughing the field.

"I was sad when he was born. I sent him to school and told him to become independent so that he could support us in farming or some other work so that he need not depend on my support," said Lakhidadi Ram, Babloo''s father.

Despite his stumped hands, Babloo plays cricket along with his friends at the village grounds.

His parents are today proud of him. He has become a sort of role model for his friends and many others in the neighbourhood of Hathi Gaon.

"We are not only surprised but also feel really happy when we see that Babloo can do all the work himself," said Sanjay Kumar, Babloo''s neighbour.

The saga of Babloo of Hathi Gaon proves the maxim that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going, and then sky is the only limit. (ANI)

More at : To Babloo of Varanasi, physical disability is no handicap http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/sports/to-babloo-of-varanasi-physical-disability-is-no-handicap_10097240.html#ixzz1SfWxcRL8

Security personnel stage a flag march at Varanasi to infuse sense of safety among people

Security personnel stage a flag march at Varanasi to infuse sense of safety among people
                                  By Girish Kumar Dubey

Ahead of Shab-e-Barat, a popular festival, contingents of regular and reserve police staged a flag march at Varanasi in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Friday (July 15).

This exercise was of significance to infuse essence of security and safety among the public of this temple city, in the wake of the recent serial blasts in Mumbai.

Around 2000 personnel participated in this routine patrolling of main thoroughfares in the city's various neighbourhoods.

"With the onset of the month of monsoon and the Shab-e-Barat festival, this preparation is being made to maintain law and order. And it is also being done keeping in mind the blasts that took place in Mumbai. It is also a means to give a message to the anti-social elements that nobody should try anything devious. We will be conducting more exercises of this nature in the near future," said Man Singh Chauhan, Superintendent of Police, Varanasi.

Three blasts rocked crowded areas of Mumbai, on Wednesday (July 13) during the evening rush hours, killing 18 persons in one of the major militant attacks on India's financial and entertainment capital since 2008.

The biggest blast was at the Opera House, previously a theatre and now a hub for diamond traders.

Another blast, took place in south Mumbai, at the Zaveri Bazaar, also India's largest bullion market, which was targeted by the militants twice in the past.

The third blast occurred at Dadar, a crowded residential neighbourhood in the heart of the city.

The Mumbai blasts sent shockwaves across the country, with people enraged at the perceived inability of Indian security agencies in dealing with militancy and not providing security to the citizens.

This is the major attack in Mumbai since 2008 and the Indian government had blamed Pakistan-based militant for it.

Consequently, all major cities across the country have been placed on high alert with security measures being beefed up at vital institutions and installations.

Intro

In the wake of the recent serial blasts in Mumbai, contingents of regular and reserve police stage a flag march at Varanasi in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh to infuse essence of security and safety among the public of this temple city, ahead of a popular festival.

PLEASE NOTE THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIALS

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 15, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. POLICE PERSONNEL MARCHING ON A STREET

2. MEDIAPERSONS COVERING THE MARCH BY THE POLICE PERSONNEL

3. POLICE PERSONNEL MARCHING

4. RESERVE AND REGULAR POLICE PERSONNEL MARCHING ON A ROAD

5. RESERVE POLICE PERSONNEL MARCHING

6. POLICE PERSONNEL MARCHING ON A ROAD

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MAN SINGH CHAUHAN, SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, SAYING:

"With the onset of the month of monsoon and the Shab-e-Barat festival, this preparation is being made to maintain law and order. And it is also being done keeping in mind the blasts that took place in Mumbai. It is also a means to give a message to the anti-social elements that nobody should try anything devious. We will be conducting more exercises of this nature in the near future."

8. A CONVOY OF POLICE VEHICLES MOVING ON A ROAD

Original Script Date

Jul 15 22:19 (18 hours ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 15 22:19 (18 hours ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Security personnel stage a flag march at Varanasi to infuse sense of safety among people.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 15, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

1:44

Inflation hits even the dead in northern India

Inflation hits even the dead in northern India
                                       By Girish Kumar Dubey
Nominal rates for the funeral of a dead person belonging to Hindu faith have increased at Varanasi in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

The rates have shot up by rupees 100, from 151 ($3.40) to 251 ($ 5.65) since July 04 which the attendants at the cremation grounds in this temple city have attributed to inflation.

The cremation is usually done at (a cremation ground) of the city where the caretakers usually fix the rates.

Sharing these views with the mediapersons, Vishwanath Chowdhary, caretaker of the Manikarnika Ghat cremation ground in Varanasi said that it was necessary to increase the rates since he and his clan had to survive.

"The rate has increased since July 04, 2011. The prices have increased a lot, the price of petrol has increased, the cost of cereals has increased and because of that we have increased the rates by 100 rupees ($2.25) for our daily bread. Earlier the rates were 151 rupees ($3.40) and we have raised it to 251 rupees ($5.65)," said Vishwanath Chowdhary, caretaker, Manikarnika Cremation Ghat, Varanasi..

Increase in rates has caused a serious problem for the locals, the poor people in particular.

The caretakers at the funeral grounds fix the rate according to customers and often the rates may touch the figure of rupees 3000 ($68) to 4,000($90.151).

"Earlier the rates of funeral were 151 and now it is 251.The visitors who come here, are facing a lot of problems as they have to arrange money for the final ritual of a departed person,' said Rahul, caretake of a cremation ground, Varanasi.

Hindus regard Varanasi as the most sacred place to depart from this world.

Around 300 to 400 funerals are performed in a day at the various cremation grounds in the city.

Intro

Rates of the funeral increase in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state by at least a hundred rupees, attributed to increase in prices of almost all commodities.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 09, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. A CREMATION GROUND

2. A MAN SITTING ON FIREWOOD

3. EXTERIOR OF A TEMPLE

4. PEOPLE IN A FUNERAL PROCESSION AT THE CREMATION GROUND

5. A BODY LYING ON THE CREMATION GROUND

6. PEOPLE WALKING

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) VISHWANATH CHOWDHARY, CARETAKER OF A CREMATION GROUND AT VARANASI, SAYING:

"The rate has increased since July 04, 2011. The prices have increased a lot, the price of petrol has increased, the cost of cereals has increased and because of that we have increased the rates by 100 rupees ($2.25) for our daily bread. Earlier the rates were 151 rupees ($3.40) and we have raised it to 251 rupees ($5.65)."

8. FIREWOOD LYING ON FLOOR

9. A PYRE BEING PREPARED FOR A FUNERAL

10. A MAN WEIGHING FIREWOOD FOR THE FUNERAL

11. A WEIGHING MACHINE

12. A MAN CARRYING WOODEN LOGS ON HIS SHOULDERS

13. PALL BEARNERS IN A FUNERAL PROCESSION

14. A BODY KEPT ON A PYRE

15. MEN STANDING

16. A MAN TORCHING A PYRE

17. A CREMATION GROUND

18. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) RAHUL, CARETAKER OF A CREMATION GROUND, VARANASI, SAYING:

"Earlier the rates of funeral were 151 and now it is 251.The visitors who come here, are facing a lot of problems as they have to arrange money for the final ritual of a departed person."

19. A GHAT (BANK)

20. A PYRE

21. A MAN STANDING NEAR THE PYRE

22. PYRES AT A CREMATION GROUND

23. CREMATION GROUND

Original Script Date

Jul 09 13:52 (3 hours ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 09 13:52 (3 hours ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Inflation hits even the dead in northern India.

Services

Subcon

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 09, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:10

Opposition lawmaker alleges cooking gas scam by Indian government

Opposition lawmaker alleges cooking gas scam by Indian government

                                                                                                   By Girish Kumar Dubey
Alleging corruption by the Indian government in mining of cooking gas, Murli Manohar Joshi, lawmaker and senior leader of main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, sought comprehensive investigation into accusations against Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal.

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court or apex court, claiming that Sibal waived off a huge penalty on cellular Reliance Communications for interruption of service in November 2010 instead of rupees 650 crore (6.5 billion) only five crore (50 million) was imposed.

Joshi charged that the federal government was working for corrupts.

"The government should reveal the facts of allegations against Kapil Sibal. If it is true, a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) inquiry should be constituted. It seems that this government is working for the corrupt and by the corrupt," said Joshi in Varanasi city of northern Uttar Pradesh state on Friday (July 08).

Citing audit report, Joshi alleged that the government gave undue favours to Reliance Industries, owned by tycoon Mukesh Ambani in gas exploration in southern Krishna-Godavari river basin.

"Earlier, the gas company had made provision for rupees 12,000 (120 billion) crore for the development for the project. It was passed as a project. After two years, the amount was raised to rupees 45,000 crore (450 billion)," added joshi.

Calling for a stringent actions against conspirators, Joshi claimed that cost of gas project development was raised from Rs 12,000 crore (120 billion) to 45000 crore (450 billion) by the finance ministry.

"Who was the Petroleum (Oil) Minister? Who was the Finance Minister? Who were the officers who made changes in the project report? As a result of this the cost of extracted gas, which was 1.20 per BBTU (a unit of cooking gas), was increased to $4.20 per BBTU," added Joshi.

He sought resignation of federal Home (Interior) Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram, who was also Finance Minister during 2004-08, for alleged roles in telecom and gas production scams.

"Chidambaram has no right to be in the Council of Ministers. There are many allegations regarding his way of functioning," added Joshi.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's second term has been hit by a series of graft scandals that have sparked off public anger and paralysed policymaking, diverting the government's attention from nurturing flagging economic growth and pushing forward reforms.

Topping the list is the telecom corruption scandal, which may have cost the Indian exchequer around $39.57 billion in potential revenue.

Intro

Alleging corruption by the Indian government in mining of cooking gas, Murli Manohar Joshi, lawmaker and senior leader of main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, seeks comprehensive investigation into accusations against Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 08, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI, LAWMAKER AND SENIOR LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY, ARRIVING TO ADDRESS MEDIA

2. JOSHI SITTING

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI, LAWMAKER AND SENIOR LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY, SAYING:

"The government should reveal the facts of allegations against Kapil Sibal. If it is true, a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) inquiry should be constituted. It seems that this government is working for the corrupt and by the corrupt,"

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI, LAWMAKER AND SENIOR LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY, SAYING:

"Earlier, the gas company had made provision for rupees 12,000 (120 billion) crore for the development for the project. It was passed as a project. After two years, the amount was raised to rupees 45,000 crore (450 billion),"

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI, LAWMAKER AND SENIOR LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY, SAYING:

"Who was the Petroleum (Oil) Minister? Who was the Finance Minister? Who were the officers who made changes in the project report? As a result of this the cost of extracted gas, which was 1.20 per BBTU (a unit of cooking gas), was increased to $4.20 per BBTU,"

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI, LAWMAKER AND SENIOR LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY, SAYING:

"Chidambaram has no right to be in the Council of Ministers. There are many allegations regarding his way of functioning,"

Original Script Date

Jul 08 16:25 (1 day ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 08 16:25 (1 day ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Opposition lawmaker alleges cooking gas scam by Indian government.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 08, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:40

Scientists in northern India reiterate chemicals present in plastics pose threat to public health

Scientists in northern India reiterate chemicals present in plastics pose threat to public health
                                                                                                    By Girish Kumar Dubey

Research scholars at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, the temple city in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh confirm that bisphenol A, an organic compound present in plastic materials poses serious threat to public health.

Surya Pratap Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry at BHU disclosed this to the mediapersons on Friday (July 01).

He said that the chemical bisphenol A after entering the human body causes harm in a multiple ways.

"Our research is mainly on two things. The first one is on endocrine disruptor. There are certain chemicals present in the environment, comes from different means like plastics and pesticides and after entering into our body, they disrupt the endocrine system. So, these chemicals are called endocrine disruptors," said Surya Pratap Singh.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor, which can replicate the body's own hormones and causes adverse effects on health.

The National Toxicology Programme (NTP), which is a part of National Institutes of Health in United States of America, has also disclosed that BPA is harmful for the development of children's brain and reproductive organs.

"Bisphenol A, an organic compound was discovered in London, where boiled milk was given to the babies in plastic bottles. When the milk sample was observed, it was found that it contained bisphenol A. It caused a great harm to the health of young babies especially the nascent ones. So, the plastic bottle was banned there and that's how this issue has become a matter of concern," added Surya Pratap Singh.

A recent study conducted in the US this year has discovered that 96 percent of the pregnant women had BPA in their body.

BPA causes certain neurological problems in human body. It disrupts thyroid functioning in the human body and poses a threat to cancer.

Plastic is a by-product of petroleum elements and compounds. This brings a lot of problems like destruction of habitat, extraction of crude oil, security issues from the volatile countries where oil is produced, processing of petroleum, chemical manipulation into various types of plastics.

Many chemicals get involved during manufacturing of plastics, a many of which have not been sufficiently tested for their toxicological impact on human body and animals as well.

Plastic often percolate component chemicals, including hazardous chemicals, through common temperature changes.

It is for this reason that toxicologists do not recommend storing very cold foods in plastics or heating foods (micro waving especially) in plastics.

Plastics are durable materials, which are hard to eliminate or recycle once used and generate ample amount of toxic waste.

They take up a lot of space in landfills and create air pollution when incinerated.

Intro

Research scholars at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, the temple city in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh say that bisphenol A, an organic compound present in plastic materials poses serious threat to humans body.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 01, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. EXTERIOR OF BIOCHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT, BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY (BHU), VARANASI

2. A SIGNBOARD READING 'DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY'

3. ENTRANCE OF THE LABORATORY

4. SURYA PRATAP SINGH, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY, BHU, VARANASI, WORKING IN THE LABORATORY

5. SURYA PRATAP SINGH HOLDING A SYRINGE

6. TWO WHITE MICE SITTING IN A CAGE

7. A MOUSE BEING INJECTED

8. SURYA PRATAP SINGH CARRYING A MOUSE

9. SURYA PRATAP SINGH INJECTING ANOTHER MOUSE

10. SURYA PRATAP SINGH STANDING

11. MICE SITTING IN A CAGE

12. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) SURYA PRATAP SINGH, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY, BHU, VARANASI, SAYING:

"Our research is mainly on two things. The first one is on endocrine disruptor. There are certain chemicals present in the environment, comes from different means like plastics and pesticides and after entering into our body, they disrupt the endocrine system. So, these chemicals are called endocrine disruptors."

13. TEA BEING POURED IN PLASTIC CUPS

14. BOYS HOLDING THE CUPS

15. BOYS CONSUMING TEA

16. A CUP OF TEA

17. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) SURYA PRATAP SINGH, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY, BHU, VARANASI, SAYING:

"Bisphenol A, an organic compound was discovered in London, where boiled milk was given to the babies in plastic bottles. When the milk sample was observed, it was found that it contained bisphenol A. It caused a great harm to the health of young babies especially the nascent ones. So, the plastic bottle was banned there and that's how this issue has become a matter of concern."

18. A DIAGRAM SHOWCASING SPERMATOGENESIS (PROCESS BY WHICH MALE PRIMARY GERM CELLS UNDERGO DIVISION)

19. MICE INSIDE A CAGE

20. SINGH STANDING IN A LABORATORY

Original Script Date

Jul 02 10:33 (5 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 02 10:33 (5 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Scientists in northern India reiterate chemicals present in plastics pose threat to public health.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 01, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:21

Senior opposition leader of India defends ‘Rath Yatra’ before Babri mosque demolition

Senior opposition leader of India defends 'Rath Yatra' before Babri mosque demolition
                                      By Girish Kumar Dubey

Senior leader of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Uma Bharti defended the 'Rath Yatra' taken out by Lal Krishna Advani to mobilise support for building a grand Hindu temple at a disputed site by demolishing a mosque in Ayodhya town of northern Uttar Pradesh state. She also said that Advani saved the country from communal violence.

"Several political parties had become part of the Babri Mosque Action Committee. They had announced that since the doors at the Ram Janmbhoomi site had opened, they would go and protest and offer prayers there. That time the situation was such that all political parties had condemned this act. If Bharatiya Janata Party had not intervened and Lal Krishna Advani had not taken out his 'Rath Yatra', then there would have been a bloodbath at that place. The situation was tensed in the country," said Bharti.

Bharti had played a prominent role in the 'Ram Janmbhoomi' movement and her strong speeches in support of the demolition of the medieval Babri mosque had made her a controversial figure.

The dispute over the land of Babri Mosque and Rama Temple at Ayodhya, also the birthplace of Hindu God Ram, in Uttar Pradesh has been a long pending issue between Hindus and Muslims.

The demolition of the 16th-century mosque by thousands of Hindu fanatics in 1992 triggered one of India's worst riots, in which more than 2,000 people were killed.

The Allahabad High Court in September 2010 ruled that the disputed site would be split between Hindus and Muslims, with Hindus being allowed to keep a makeshift temple that was built over the demolished central mosque dome.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, India's apex court, on May 09 stayed the ruling of the Allahabad High Court ordering status quo in one of the country's most religiously divisive cases.

She also condemned Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's visit to villages of northern Uttar Pradesh state over the issue of land acquisition. She said that instead of taking out a rally, Gandhi should discuss the matter with the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and chalk out a plan to help the poor farmers.

"The federal government actions are against the welfare of the farmers. Everybody has the right to take out a rally in a democracy. I would like to suggest him (Rahul Gandhi) that he sits with Manmohan Singh for an hour and declare the rights of the farmers. They should declare their stand on the land acquisition issue of the farmers. This would save him from taking out a rally," she added.

Gandhi on Tuesday (July 05) began a 'Pad Yatra', march from Bhatta Parsaul village in northern Uttar Pradesh state to address farmers who were recently agitating against the acquisition of their land by the state government.

Looking firm on holding a Mahapanchayat (apex body of village councils) to address issues pertaining to the farmers even after being denied by the state government, Gandhi started his march to familiarise with the problems of farmers and their compatibility with the new land acquisition policy.

Earlier on Friday (July 01) the Mayawati led government of Uttar Pradesh had denied permission to Congress of organising a mega event of Mahapanchayat in Aligarh and Bulandshahr districts on July 9.

Gandhi had also visited the villages earlier at the time of agitation after which he was arrested and released by the state government.

The farmers of Bhatta Parsaul villages had clashed with the government officials after their land was acquired. Four people, including two policemen lost their lives in the clash.

Farmers were agitating in the twin Bhatta Parsaul villages, around 60 kilometres from New Delhi, since January 2011 demanding higher compensation for their lands that was acquired by the state government for the construction of a highway.

The fierce alteration created immense pressure on the state government and the latter was forced to formulate a new land acquisition policy in the state.

Intro

Senior leader of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, Uma Bharti defends the 'Rath Yatra' taken out by Lal Krishna Advani to mobilise support for building a grand Hindu temple at a disputed site by demolishing a mosque. She also says that Advani saved the country from communal violence.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 06, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. FUNCTION IN PROGRESS

2. MURALI MANOHAR JOSHI, A SENIOR LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP) SITTING

3. AUDIENCE SITTING

4. UMA BHARTI, BJP LEADER ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE

5. JOSHI SITTING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) UMA BHARTI, REINSTATED BJP LEADER, SAYING:

"Several political parties had become part of the Babri Mosque Action Committee. They had announced that since the doors at the Ram Janmbhoomi site had opened, they would go and protest and offer prayers there. That time the situation was such that all political parties had condemned this act. If Bharatiya Janata Party had not intervened and Lal Krishna Advani had not taken out his 'Rath Yatra', then there would have been a bloodbath at that place. The situation was tensed in the country."

7. JOSHI SITTING

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) UMA BHARTI, REINSTATED BJP LEADER, SAYING:

"The federal government actions are against the welfare of the farmers. Everybody has the right to take out a rally in a democracy. I would like to suggest him (Rahul Gandhi) that he sits with Manmohan Singh for an hour and declare the rights of the farmers. They should declare their stand on the land acquisition issue of the farmers. This would save him from taking out a rally."

9. AUDIENCE AT THE FUNCTION

Original Script Date

Jul 06 22:47 (19 hours ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 06 22:56 (19 hours ago)

Script Version

2

Headline

Senior opposition leader of India defends 'Rath Yatra' before Babri mosque demolition.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 06, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

1:06

Alarming increase in water level of river Ganges in northern India, religious activities disturbed

Alarming increase in water level of river Ganges in northern India, religious activities disturbed
                                                By Girish Kumar Dubey

Owing to the heavy downpour in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, there was a significant increase in the water level of river Ganges, which led to disturbance in the religious activities along the banks of the river.

The water has inundated places, which were meant for burning pyres. So, people are facing immense trouble in cremating the dead bodies. People are left with no other option than to burn dead bodies in lanes, thereby cremations are being performed on raised platforms, far away from main cremation ground.

"During monsoons, river water overflows but usually the situation is not so serious. However, this time the water is flowing above the usual mark. Earlier, the water level did not rise so high, but this year it has risen alarmingly. Earlier, the pyres were burnt on the banks but presently, as the banks are submerged in water, they are being burnt on the streets connected to the banks. This is causing problems in carrying out the religious activities and is posing hindrances for the passersby," said Aashutosh Kumar, a local.

Temples on the banks of the river were submerged in water and daily activities, like religious prayers were interrupted.

According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the reason behind this rise was heavy rainfall in the region, which also resulted in an increase in water level in rivers such as Yamuna, Chambal, Ken and Betwa.

"The increase in the level of the water in the last 5-7 days can be attributed to the rains and to the contribution of waters from Yamuna River, Betwa River, Ken River and Chambal River. We have also received information that 1,00,000 cusecs of water has also been released from Hathni Kund in Haryana. This will result in an increase in the water level in Phaphamau and Allahabad by 6 centimeter and 7 centimeter respectively. So, the water level rise can also be accredited to the water coming from the Hathni Kund in Haryana," said Rajendra Prasad, Executive Engineer, Central Water Commission.

According to the records of CWC, the Ganga River has touched the mark of 67.060 metres in Varanasi, the danger mark being 71.262 metres.

There are possibilities that the river may surge higher and flow inwards the residential areas.

The annual monsoon, vital for South Asia's agricultural dependent economy, wreaked havoc as floods inundate vast swathes of low-lying land.

Intro

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Owing to the heavy downpour in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, there has been a significant increase in the water level of river Ganges, leading to disturbance in the religious activities along the banks of the river.

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 04, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. GUSHING RIVER WATER

2. A DEVOTEE PRAYING ON THE BANK OF THE RIVER

3. TEMPLES ON THE BANK OF THE RIVER SUBMERGED IN WATER

4. A TEMPLE SUBMERGED IN WATER

5. TEMPLES ON THE BANK OF THE RIVER SUBMERGED IN WATER

6. WATER FLOWING

7. A TEMPLE SUBMERGED IN WATER

8. ENTRY GATE OF A TEMPLE SUBMERGED IN WATER

9. PILLARS OF A TEMPLE SUBMERGED IN WATER

10. WATER GUSHING INTO THE HOUSES

11. GUSHING RIVER WATER

12. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) AASHUTOSH KUMAR, A LOCAL, SAYING:

"During monsoons, river water overflows but usually the situation is not so serious. However, this time the water is flowing above the usual mark. Earlier, the water level did not rise so high, but this year it has risen alarmingly. Earlier, the pyres were burnt on the banks but presently, as the banks are submerged in water, they are being burnt on the streets connected to the banks. This is causing problems in carrying out the religious activities and is posing hindrances for the passersby."

13. GATHERING OF PEOPLE

14. A BODY KEPT FOR BURNING

15. PYRES BURNING ON THE ROOF OF A ROOM

16. PEOPLE KEEPING THE BODY IN A PYRE

17. ONLOOKERS WATCHING THE GUSHING WATER

18. A BOARD READING 'CENTRAL WATER COMMISSION'

19. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) RAJENDRA PRASAD, EXECUTIVE ENGINEER, CENTRAL WATER COMMISSION, SAYING:

"The increase in the level of the water in the last 5-7 days can be attributed to the rains and to the contribution of waters from Yamuna River, Betwa River, Ken River and Chambal River. We have also received information that 1,00,000 cusecs of water has also been released from Hathni Kund in Haryana. This will result in an increase in the water level in Phaphamau and Allahabad by 6 centimeter and 7 centimeter respectively. So, the water level rise can also be accredited to the water coming from the Hathni Kund in Haryana."

20. TEMPLES SUBMERGED IN WATER

21. BOATS STATIONED ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER, NEAR SUBMERGED TEMPLES

Original Script Date

Jul 05 06:30 (2 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 05 06:30 (2 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Alarming increase in water level of river Ganges in northern India, religious activities disturbed.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 04, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

3:01

Activist completes 1071 days of fasting for river Ganges in north Indian state

Activist completes 1071 days of fasting for river Ganges in north Indian state

                                                                                          By Girish Kumar Dubey

Health of social activist, Baba Nagnath, turns critical after completing 1071 days of fast, protesting against the affected flow of the holy Ganga river by the Tehri Dam, in Varanasi city of India's northern Uttar Pradesh state on Monday (July 04).

Nagnath, who is also the chief priest of the city's Mahashmashana Nath Peeth shrine, was fasting as he demanded uninterrupted flow of the river Ganga. The flow of the river was affected owing to the construction of the Tehri Dam that was built over the Bhagirathi river, which is also considered a part of the Ganga in northern Uttarakhand state.

The chief priest, who is admitted in the city's Banaras Hindu University medical college hospital, said that despite fasting for the past so many days, the authorities have failed to pay any heed to his demand.

The chief priest, who is admitted in the city's Banaras Hindu University medical college hospital, said that he has been fasting for such a long period, but the authorities have still showed no response to his demands.

"I have been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 29, 2008, for the uninterrupted flow of the river Ganga. Today is the 1,071day of my hunger strike. During this period, I wrote many letters to the authorities to attract attention to my cause, but till now no action has been taken. There was also correspondence with the administration, but it was again of no use. Due to this, I am in this condition today," said Nagnath.

Nagnath's demand includes ensuring free flow of the river water from Gaumukh, the origin of the river, to Gangasagar, where it meets the ocean.

The recent death of Swami Nigamanand who was fasting against the illegal quarrying of rocks near the river Ganga, had prompted the authorities to admit Nagnath in the hospital after his condition worsened recently.

Nagnath further stated that this cause is very important to him and he does not mind dying for this.

"I can give up my life but cannot leave my resolve for the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga. And if I die without achieving my cause, then the government will be responsible for this," he said.

Of late, Nagnath's initiative has evoked widespread support in the city with several organisations rallying behind him, urging the federal and the state government to meet his demands forthwith.

Despite spending a huge amount of money under the much-hyped Ganga Action Plan, the river continues to be highly polluted. Water samples taken from the river in Varanasi have shown presence of alarming level of faecal-coliform.

Intro

Health of social activist, Baba Nagnath, turns critical after completing 1071 days of fast, protesting against the affected flow of the holy Ganga river by the Tehri Dam, in Varanasi city of India's northern Uttar Pradesh state.

PLEASE NOTE THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIALS

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (JULY 04, 2011) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. TWO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE EMERGENCY WARD OF THE HOSPITAL

2. BABA NAGNATH, SOCIAL ACTIVIST, LYING ON A BED UNDER A BANNER READING HIS NAME IN HINDI

3. NAGNATH LYING WITH AN OXYGEN MASK ON HIS MOUTH

4. A BOTTLE OF GLUCOSE NEAR NAGNATH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) BABA NAGNATH, SOCIAL ACTIVIST, SAYING:

"I have been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 29, 2008, for the uninterrupted flow of the river Ganga. Today is the 1,071day of my hunger strike. During this period, I wrote many letters to the authorities to attract attention to my cause, but till now no action has been taken. There was also correspondence with the administration, but it was again of no use. Due to this, I am in this condition today."

6. NAGNATH LYING ON THE BED

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) BABA NAGNATH, SOCIAL ACTIVIST, SAYING:

"I can give up my life but cannot leave my resolve for the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga. And if I die without achieving my cause, then the government will be held responsible for this."

8. NAGNATH WITH HIS OXYGEN MASK

9. NAGNATH LYING ON THE BED

10. NAGNATH LYING ON HIS BED IN HIS WARD

Original Script Date

Jul 05 06:59 (1 day ago)

Modified Script Date

Jul 05 06:59 (1 day ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Activist completes 1071 days of fasting for river Ganges in north Indian state.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

JULY 04, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:02