Existing Indian legal system strong enough to fight graft, says regional leader.

Existing Indian legal system strong enough to fight graft, says regional leader
OCTOBER 30, 2011                         By Girish Kumar Kumar Dubey

Regional leader and president of the Janata Party, Subramanian Swamy, said on Sunday (October 30) that it was possible to bring corrupt people to book by working within existing Indian laws and judicial system.

In Varanasi city of north India's Uttar Pradesh state for a seminar on corruption, Swamy said that while people like social activist Anna Hazare, yoga guru Baba Ramdev and senior opposition leader Lal Krishna Advani chose to agitate and travel to muster support for anti-graft campaigns, the courts were his means to the same end.

"There are different kinds of movements against corruption in the country today. I believe that we can indict and prosecute those guilty of corruption through the existing judicial system. For example, we have done that in the case of Raja, Kanimozhi, and Maran. Chidambaram's turn is coming, after which Robert Vadera and Sonia Gandhi will also face prosecution in the telecom scam case. We are doing all this by working within the existing legal system," Swamy said.

Speaking of the Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill, Swamy was skeptical about the federal government's political will to bring the legislation into force.

"The framework of the ombudsman bill is such that it will not be passed, because it will be equivalent to political suicide by the Congress. To expect that they will bring such a legislation into force is like dreaming of something that will never come true," he said.

The enactment of Lokpal (ombudsman) Bill by the federal parliament is seen as a weapon to root out corruption and nepotism from the government machinery and in public life.

The proposed Bill envisages the setting up of a national anti-corruption watchdog to check financial mismanagement and corrupt practices that have deeply pervaded several democratic and civic institutions of India.

Hazare and his aides representing the civil society have now stepped up their efforts and are exerting increased pressure on Congress party for the passage of the Lokpal Bill in the upcoming winter session of the Parliament.

Intro

Leader of India's regional Janata Party, Subramanian Swamy, says that India's existing legal system has power to bring corrupt people to book.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 30, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY, PRESIDENT, INDIA'S REGIONAL JANATA PARTY, SAYING:

"There are different kinds of movements against corruption in the country today. I believe that we can indict and prosecute those guilty of corruption through the existing judicial system. For example, we have done that in the case of Raja, Kanimozhi, and Maran. Chidambaram's turn is coming, after which Robert Vadera and Sonia Gandhi will also face prosecution in the telecom scam case. We are doing all this by working within the existing legal system."

2. SWAMI WALKING INTO A SEMINAR VENUE

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY, PRESIDENT, INDIA'S REGIONAL JANATA PARTY, SAYING:

"The framework of the ombudsman bill is such that it will not be passed, because it will be equivalent to political suicide by the Congress. To expect that they will bring such a legislation into force is like dreaming of something that will never come true."

Original Script Date

Oct 30 23:58 (18 hours ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 30 23:58 (18 hours ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Existing Indian legal system strong enough to fight graft, says regional leader.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 30, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

1:06

Devotees in north India celebrate river festival

Devotees in north India celebrate river festival

OCTOBER 30, 2011                  By Girish Kumar Dubey
Devotees thronged to the banks of the sacred Ganga river, in the temple town of Varanasi in north India's Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, (October 30), for a religious festival 'Nag Nathaiya', where a ritual enactment was performed depicting the Hindu deity Lord Krishna vanquishing the 'Kalia Nag' (black serpent).

The legend at the root of the festival cites the Yamuna, the Ganga's most famous tributary, as the site of the battle. Devotees, therefore, treat the Ganga as the Yamuna on this occasion.

The legend is an episode from the 'Krishna Leela', or the Tale of Krishna. It speaks of the god diving into the river to rid it of the serpent who had poisoned the river with its venom, killing many creatures.

The ritual, therefore, involved a traditional performer dressed as the popular deity, diving into the river in an enactment watched with reverence by huge crowds of the faithful, seated on Varanasi's legendary 'ghats', bathing-steps built adjacent to the river.

The ritual has been re-interpreted in the modern age as a metaphor of the need to protect rivers against pollution. The Yamuna, infamous for being heavily polluted, is remembered during Nag Nathaiya festival, to inspire in people the same reverence that is traditionally reserved for the Ganga.

Chanchal Thakur, a devotee, said that drains dumping industrial waste and sewage into rivers needed to be done away with.

"These unplanned, zig-zag drains are like snakes. They cause pollution due to chemicals and sewage. There is only one solution, they should be done away with," he said.

Rivers hold pride of place in the hearts of the people of India, who acknowledge their role in the shaping of the country's civilization. Paradoxically, however, the same rivers often find themselves at the receiving end of drains that carry sewage and industrial waste, and are today in a state of rapid ecological deterioration.

Intro

Devotees throng to the banks of the Ganga in India's Uttar Pradesh state to worship it as its famous tributary, the Yamuna.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 30, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. A CROWD OF DEVOTEES AT A GHAT (SREPS ADJACENT TO A RIVER BANK)

2. DEVOTEES IN FRONT OF A SIGN READING 'TULSI GHAT'

3. DEVOTEES PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

4. TRADITIONAL ARTISTES IN COSTUMES

5. CROWD OF DEVOTEES AT A GHAT

6. ARTISTES PERFORMING A JUGGLING ACT

7. TOURIST TAKING A PICTURE

8. ARTISTE CLIMBING A SLANTING POLE OVER HANGING RIVER

9. CROWD OF DEVOTEES AT A GHAT

10. ARTISTE PLAYING THE FLUTE

11. PRIEST PERFORMING A FIRE RITUAL

12. ARTISTE DIVING INTO RIVER

13. DEVOTEES PUSHING A RAFT WITH AN ARTISTE STANDING ON IT

14. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) CHANCHAL THAKUR, DEVOTEE, SAYING:

"These unplanned, zig-zag drains are like snakes. They cause pollution due to chemicals and sewage. There is only one solution, they should be done away with."

15. CROWD OF DEVOTEES AT A GHAT

16. DEVOTEES CARRYING A TRADITIONAL PERFORMER ON THEIR SHOULDERS

Original Script Date

Oct 31 02:35 (15 hours ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 31 02:35 (15 hours ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Devotees in north India celebrate river festival.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 30, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

1:29

Irrespective of Chinese items flooding markets, earthen lamp business surges in north India.

Irrespective of Chinese items flooding markets, earthen lamp business surges in north India
 OCTOBER 23, 2011                           By Girish Kumar Dubey

Irrespective of competition posed by inexpensive Chinese electric lights that have flooded the markets ahead of Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, traditional clay lamps are selling like hot cakes in Varanasi city of India's northern Uttar Pradesh state.

Potters engaged in creating 'diyas', the traditional earthen lamps, said that the importance of earthen lamps cannot be undermined, as it is considered auspicious to worship Gods with the traditional lamps during the festival.

"The lamps made of clay are of greater importance, because without these, earthen lamps Goddess Lakshmi cannot be worshipped," said Nakhadu Prajapati, a potter.

Twinkling earthen lamps light up every home and firework displays are common across the country on this festival.

The customers said that though the markets are flooded with less cumbersome and more glitzy plastic and electric lights from China, yet they prefer to buy lamps and idols made of pure clay, as they are supposed to be harbingers of good fortune.

"Worshipping Gods with the clay lamps is considered to be auspicious, this is the reason we buy earthen lamps and clay idols of Gods and worship them. We do not trust the Chinese items, as it has also come to our knowledge that lots of poor quality Chinese items have also been seized, so we do not use Chinese items. God cannot be worshipped with Chinese items, Gods are worshipped with items made of pure clay," said Rahul Singh, a customer.

Available in different designs, the price tags of earthen lamps range between Re 1 to a few hundred, depending upon the size, style and embellishments.

Diwali, which falls in the months of October-November, is celebrated with fervour and gaiety all over India as it marks the return of Hindu god Lord Ram to Ayodhya in northern India after he defeated Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka.

Legend says millions of lamps were lit when Lord Ram defeated Ravana and returned after 14 years of exile in forests.

Diwali is also celebrated in honour of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that Lakshmi, signifying prosperity, comes into those homes that are clean and well-lit.

Intro

Irrespective of competition posed by inexpensive Chinese electric lights, which have flooded markets ahead of Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, traditional clay lamps are selling like hot cakes in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 23, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. THE POTTER ROTATING THE POTTERY WHEEL

2. POTTER GIVING SHAPE TO A EARTHEN LAMP ON THE POTTERY WHEEL

3. POTTER MAKING EARTHEN LAMPS ON THE POTTERY WHEEL

4. EARTHEN LAMPS KEPT ON THE GROUND

5. EARTHEN LAMPS

6. ANOTHER POTTER GIVING SHAPE TO AN EARTHEN LAMP ON THE POTTERY WHEEL

7. EARTHEN LAMPS BEING MADE ON THE POTTERY WHEEL

8. FACE OF THE POTTER

9. POTTERY WHEEL

10. A WOMAN HOLDING EARTHEN LAMPS ON A WOODEN SLAB

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) NAKHADU PRAJAPATI, A POTTER, SAYING:

"The lamps made of clay are of greater importance, because without these, earthen lamps Goddess Lakshmi cannot be worshipped."

12. EARTHEN LAMPS KEPT ON GROUND

13. DESIGNER EARTHEN LAMPS KEPT ON GROUND

14. A CLAY IDOL OF HINDU GODDESS LAKSHMI AND LORD GANESHA

15. CLAY IDOLS OF HINDU GODDESS LAKSHMI AND LORD GANESHA DISPLAYED AT A SHOP

16. CUSTOMERS BUYING THE IDOLS

17. CLAY IDOLS OF HINDU GODDESS LAKSHMI AND LORD GANESHA DISPLAYED AT A SHOP

18. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) RAHUL SINGH, A CUSTOMER, SAYING:

"Worshipping Gods with the clay lamps is considered to be auspicious, this is the reason we buy earthen lamps and clay idols of Gods and worship them. We do not trust the Chinese items, as it has also come to our knowledge that lots of poor quality Chinese items have also been seized, so we do not use Chinese items. God cannot be worshipped with Chinese items, Gods are worshipped with items made of pure clay."

19. IDOL OF GODDESS LAKSHMI AND LORD GANESHA MADE OF METAL

20. A CUSTOMER LOOKING AT THE CLAY IDOLS DISPLAYED AT A SHOP

21. A CLAY IDOL OF HINDU GODDESS LAKSHMI AND LORD GANESHA

22. A SHOPKEEPER PLACING CLAY IDOLS OF HINDU GODDESS LAKSHMI AND LORD GANESHA ON THE TABLE

Original Script Date

Oct 24 05:36 (6 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 24 07:28 (6 days ago)

Script Version

2

Headline

Irrespective of Chinese items flooding markets, earthen lamp business surges in north India.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 23, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:21

Silver currencies glitter prior to the Hindu festival of lights, in northern India

Silver currencies glitter prior to the Hindu festival of lights, in northern India
OCTOBER 21, 2011                  By Girish Kumar Dubey


Ahead of the Dhanteras, observed just a day prior to Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, silver in the form of coins and also shaped like currency notes lure buyers in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Such a scenario was observed in the temple city of Varanasi on Friday (October 21).

Dhanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Triodasi, regarded to be an auspicious occasion and people rush to shops of jewellers to buy gold, silver and precious jewellery to herald prosperity.

Jewellers also lure customers with attractive offers during this festive season.

Silver coins are worshipped as an auspicious symbol during Deepavali and these are kept on a plate before idols of Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.

The Silver market offers customers a wide range of coins weighing from 10 to 100 grams.

"In Ganesha-Lakshmi Puja, silver coin is of great significance. We are here to purchase silver. Right now, there are 20, 50 and 100 grams of silver coins in the market which are more appealing," said Sandeep, a customer at a jewellers shop, Varanasi.

On their part, the footfalls at various jewellery outlets have touched a new high, particularly at those shops where silver shaped like currency notes are sold.

"New silver 'notes' in the market are attracting many customers," said Triloki Nath, a jeweller, Varanasi.

A local trader mentioned about the fluctuation in the bullion prices and noted that currently, silver has surged to a record high touching the mark of rupees 55,000 ($1099) for 10 grams.

"The rate of silver keeps on fluctuating. The rate is never fixed. The price is the sum total of whatever is the current rate plus the design and making charges. Right now, the current rate is 55,000 rupees which is costing us around rupees 600 for 10 grams," added Triloki Nath.

Traditionally, Indians buy gold and silver jewellery, which is a common entity of gift during religious events and also marriages.

Nonetheless, buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of holding silver in other forms like coins and currency notes.

This year the Dhanteras falls on (October 25) on the eve of Deepavali.

Intro

Ahead of the Dhanteras, observed on the eve of Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, silver currencies in the form of coins and shaped like notes lure buyers in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 21, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. A SHOPKEEPER SHOWING CURRENCY NOTES SHAPED SILVER TO A CUSTOMER

2. A CUSTOMER HOLDING 50 GRAMS OF SILVER, SHAPED LIKE A CURRENCY NOTE

3. CURRENCY NOTES SHAPED SILVER ON DISPLAY

4. 50 GRAMS OF SILVER, DESIGNED LIKE CURRENCY NOTES ON DISPLAY

5. A CUSTOMER HOLDING SILVER IN THE FORM OF A CURRENCY NOTE

6. A SHOPKEEPER SHOWING CURRENCY NOTES SHAPED SILVER TO A CUSTOMER

7. A MAN HOLDING SILVER COINS IN HIS HAND

8. A WOMAN IN A SHOP

9. SILVER COINS ON DISPLAY

10. CURRENCY NOTES SHAPED SILVER ON DISPLAY

11.A SILVER COIN OF 10 GRAMS ON DISPLAY

12. A SILVER COIN READING EMPRESS VICTORIA

13. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) SANDEEP, A BUYER, SAYING:

"In Ganesha-Lakshmi Puja, silver coin is of great significance. We are here to purchase silver. Right now, there are 20, 50 and 100 grams of silver coins in the market which are more appealing."

14. CURRENCY NOTES SHAPED SILVER ON DISPLAY

15. 50 GRAMS OF SILVER, DESIGNED LIKE CURRENCY NOTE

16. 100 GRAMS OF SILVER, DESIGNED LIKE CURRENCY NOTE

17. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) TRILOKI NATH, A JEWELLER AND TRADER IN SILVERWARE, VARANASI, SAYING:

"New silver 'notes' in the market are attracting many customers."

18. 20 GRAMS OF SILVER, DESIGNED LIKE CURRENCY NOTE ON DISPLAY

19. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) TRILOKI NATH, A JEWELLER AND TRADER IN SILVERWARE, VARANASI, SAYING:

"The rate of silver keeps on fluctuating. The rate is never fixed. The price is the sum total of whatever is the current rate plus the design and making charges. Right now, the current rate is 55,000 rupees which is costing us around rupees 600 for 10 grams."

20. A MAN HOLDING SILVER IN THE FORM OF A CURRENCY NOTE

21. A JEWELLER ARRANGING CURRENCY NOTES SHAPED SILVER ON A TABLE

22. A MAN HOLDING SILVER IN THE FORM OF A CURRENCY NOTE

23. A SHOPKEEPER SHOWING CURRENCY NOTES SHAPED SILVER TO CUSTOMERS

Original Script Date

Oct 21 11:05 (9 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 21 11:05 (9 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Silver currencies glitter prior to the Hindu festival of lights, in northern India.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 21, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:11

Indian law minister takes a dig at anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare.

Indian law minister takes a dig at anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare

OCTOBER 21, 2011            By Girish Kumar Dubey

Indian Law Minister Salman Khurshid lashed out at veteran anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and his associate Kiran Bedi, on Friday (October 21) for campaigning against the Congress party in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

While addressing public in the holy city of the state, Varanasi, Khurshid recalled that how the Congress party leaders had in the past sacrificed their lives for the independence of the country.

Slamming the Hazare team, Khurshid said that the Congress party knew the essence of politics and the art of governance.

"People are trying to teach us the art of initiating movement but they forgot that we are the one who have the biggest rights for it because we are the one bring freedom in India by such movement, as if the students are teaching their mentors. How can someone teach us how to run a movement, now someone will teach us how to sit on hunger strike, or how to sacrifice life for the welfare and upliftment of the nation?," said Khurshid.

Hazare's protest in August had exposed the Congress party as driven by a lack of leadership, indecision and poor judgment, and this to a certain extent did help the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) rise in the opinion polls.

He ended his over 12-day fast in August, following assurances from the federal government that a strong and effective Ombudsman Bill would soon be passed in the Indian Parliament.

Perturbed by Hazare's anti-government remarks, Khurshid had defended his party's stand on his demands.

Meanwhile, he also mocked Hazare's close associate, Kiran Bedi over allegations of charging inflated rates on travel expenses from Non Government Organisations (NGO's) and other institutions.

Clearing stand over his visit to Varanasi, Khurshid said that he turned up for the event on the request of the party Chief of Uttar Pradesh state, Rita Bahuguna Joshi and also explained his other expenses during his journey through an aircraft.

"As Rita Bahuguna promised me for providing a plane and requested me to come because Provincial Governor (B L Joshi) was also attending the event so I promised for this event. I had four sandwiches and a tea on the plane. If you (reporters) want to write about it then you can. I have come here for this only. I never take ticket to save money. Whatever money I spend on a ticket, I show the same amount," said Khurshid.

On October 20, a report published in leading national English daily, Indian Express alleged Bedi of travelling in 'economy' class and charging non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other institutions that invite her for seminars and discussions, with bills of business class.

Khurshid later accused the provincial authorities of Uttar Pradesh state for not providing proper medical facilities to the hundreds of children who recently died due to encephalitis, which is a rare brain inflammation.

"Because of encephalitis, 400 children have died in Uttar Pradesh who would have been the future of the state as well as the country. When I was the party chief here, I visited the place with Rahul Gandhi. We had set a medical centre in which we provided breathing machines and other medical aides to them. If children have been vaccinated two months prior to the monsoon then these children would not have lost their lives," he added.

Encephalitis is a viral infection, caused by the consumption of contaminated food, drinking water and mosquito bites.

About 435 people, mostly children had died this year in most impoverished regions of Uttar Pradesh in the month of August and September, says a media report.

The report also says that in the year 2009, atleast 774 people were suffering from encephalitis in India, out of which about 556 were in Uttar Pradesh.

Intro

Senior leader of India's ruling Congress party Salman Khurshid, who is also the present law minister of the country lashes out at veteran anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and his associate Kiran Bedi, during a public meet in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH INDIA (OCTOBER 21, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. SALMAN KHURSHID, SENIOR LEADER OF RULING CONGRESS PARTY AND FEDERAL LAW MINISTER, SITTING WITH OTHER MEMBERS

2. KHURSHID SITTING WITH RITA BAHUGUNA JOSHI, CONGRESS PARTY CHIEF IN UTTAR PRADESH STATE

3. CONGRESS PARTY LEADERS SITTING ON A STAGE

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SALMAN KHURSHID, INDIAN LAW MINISTER, SAYING:

"People are trying to teach us the art of initiating movement but they forgot that we are the one who have the biggest rights for it because we are the one bring freedom in India by such movement, as if the students are teaching their mentors. How can someone teach us how to run a movement, now someone will teach us how to sit on hunger strike, or how to sacrifice life for the welfare and upliftment of the nation?"

5. KHURSHID ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SALMAN KHURSHID, INDIAN LAW MINISTER, SAYING:

"As Rita Bahuguna promised me for providing a plane and requested me to come because Provincial Governor (B L Joshi) was also attending the event so I promised for this event. I had four sandwiches and a tea on the plane. If you (reporters) want to write about it then you can. I have come here for this only. I never take ticket to save money. Whatever money I spend on a ticket, I show the same amount."

7. CONGRESS PARTY LEADERS SITTING ON STAGE

8. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SALMAN KHURSHID, INDIAN LAW MINISTER, SAYING:

"Because of encephalitis, 400 children have died in Uttar Pradesh who would have been the future of the state as well as the country. When I was the party chief here, I visited the place with Rahul Gandhi. We had set a medical centre in which we provided breathing machines and other medical aides to them. If children have been vaccinated two months prior to the monsoon then these children would not have lost their lives."

9. KHURSHID STANDING ON STAGE WITH PARTY MEMBERS

Original Script Date

Oct 22 11:49 (8 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 22 11:49 (8 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Indian law minister takes a dig at anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare.

Services

Subcon

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 21, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:01

Tibetan activists and monks hold protest in northern India against Chinese atrocities.

Tibetan activists and monks hold protest in northern India against Chinese atrocities
OCTOBER 19, 2011                    By Girish Kumar Dubey

Hundreds of Tibetan activists and Buddhist monks held a massive demonstration in the Varanasi town of northern India's Uttar Pradesh state against alleged Chinese atrocities on Wednesday (October 19).

Shouting slogans and holding up placards, the irate agitators also called for the intervention of the United Nations in order to restore normalcy and peace in the ethnic Tibetan regions in China.

Voicing their ire, the activists and monks held a peaceful sit-in hunger strike to protest the rising atrocities of Chinese government that has prompted numerous young people to resort to self-immolation in Tibetan parts of China.

The highly charged protestors also mourned the death of a 20-year old nun, who had set herself alight outside a convent in Sichuan province of China's Tibetan Autonomous Region to protest alleged excesses.

She had called for the religious freedom in Tibet and for the return of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. It was the ninth self-immolation case of this year in the Tibetan parts of China.

Swept by a wave of patriotic fervour, many Buddhist monks also signed petitions and write messages on a giant sheet with their own blood, in a bid to portray the deep-rooted angst against alleged Chinese excesses.

"We have written this with our blood. Today, China is so powerful economically, but we are the only group of people fighting against it since so many years. We have been fighting, we are fighting and even out coming generations would continue this struggle against China. We will fight, but only through peaceful and non-violent means," said Dorje, a Biddhist monk.

The self-immolations, along with protests, have been concentrated in Aba prefecture, a mainly ethnic Tibetan part of the southwestern province of Sichuan that has been the centre of defiance of Chinese control.

At least nine people have set fire to themselves in Tibetan parts of China in recent months in protests against Chinese rule and what they say are restrictions on their culture and faith.

However, the protests have yet to spread to what China calls the Tibet Autonomous Region, which Beijing has controlled since Communist troops marched in 1950.

Meanwhile, Tibetan activists extended strong support with the self-immolators, while condemning Chinese actions.

"Since the past few days, at least eight people have immolated themselves in China. We are extending solidarity with them by holding a hunger strike here. Four people have been killed in China, while at least three are injured due to excesses," Thono, a Tibetan activist, told mediapersons.

China has ruled Tibet with an iron fist, ever since its troops annexed the small Buddhist kingdom in 1950.

Despite all opposition by activists, Beijing considers Tibet as an integral part of its territory.

An estimated 80,000 Tibetans along with the Dalai Lama arrived in India in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising against the Chinese rule.

Many Tibetans demand complete independence from China, even though in recent years the Dalai Lama has advocated for limited autonomy.

Intro

Hundreds of Tibetan activists and Buddhist monks hold a massive demonstration in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state against alleged Chinese atrocities and call for the intervention of the United Nations in order to restore normalcy and peace in the ethnic Tibetan regions in China.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 19, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. BUDDHIST MONKS SITTING AT A PROTEST SITE

2. MONKS SITTING

3. MONKS HOLDING PLACARDS AND POSTERS

4. CLOSE OF POSTERS

5. A MONK DONATING HIS BLOOD

6. CLOSE OF THE SYRINGE USED FOR EXTRACTING THE MONKS' BLOOD

7. A TIBETAN ACTIVIST SITTING

8. A MONK WRITING ON A BANNER WITH HIS BLOOD

9. THE MONK WRITING WITH HIS BLOOD

10. THE MONK'S FACE

11. CLOSE OF THE BANNER

12. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) DORJE, A BUDDHIST MONK, SAYING:

"We have written this with our blood. Today, China is so powerful economically, but we are the only group of people fighting against it since so many years. We have been fighting, we are fighting and even out coming generations would continue this struggle against China. We will fight, but only through peaceful and non-violent means."

13. TIBETAN ACTIVISTS SITTING

14. AN ACTIVIST HOLDING A PLACARD

15. FACE OF A TIBETAN ACTIVIST

16. ACTIVISTS SITTING

17. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) THONO, A TIBETAN ACTIVIST, SAYING:

"Since the past few days, at least eight people have immolated themselves in China. We are extending solidarity with them by holding a hunger strike here. Four people have been killed in China, while at least three are injured due to excesses."

18. MONKS SITTING

19. A MONK SITTING IN PROTEST

20. A MONK HOLDING A PLACARD

21. ACTIVISTS AND MONKS AT THE PROTEST SITE

Original Script Date

Oct 19 17:59 (10 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 19 17:59 (10 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Tibetan activists and monks hold protest in northern India against Chinese atrocities.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 19, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:20

Leader of India’s main opposition slams Prime Minister over widespread corruption

Leader of India's main opposition slams Prime Minister over widespread corruption

OCTOBER 13, 2011              By Girish Kumar Dubey

Leader of India's main opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lal Krishna Advani lashes out at the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh over widespread scams engulfing the country leading to the federal government's expose of ill governance and mismanagement.

He said this while addressing an audience on Thursday (October 13) in Varanasi city of northern India's Uttar Pradesh state.

Earlier, supporters in Mirzapur district of the state welcomed Advani where he was on a visit to a local temple and also interacted with supporters also.

Addressing a mammoth gathering, he jibed at Singh and said once touted as an honest politician, his cabinet houses one of the most scandalized ministers constantly facilitating scams in the country.

"I have noticed that in the past two years all of a sudden there is uncontrollable corruption in the country. The common man earlier thought high of the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and he was touted as the most honest and corruption-free man in the country. However, the recent scams in the country under his governance have totally disillusioned the common man. The federal government is extremely corrupt, so many cabinet ministers have been forced to resign and some are languishing at the Tihar prison in New Delhi. A joke is doing the rounds that that one day after all cabinet ministers are thrown into the prison, the government will hold their officials meetings inside the prison," said Advani.

The federal government has been stung by controversies, the biggest being the telecom corruption scandal, which may have cost the Indian exchequer around $39.57 billion in potential revenue, as per the country's apex auditing body, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

Former Telecom Minister A. Raja was also forced to resign and was sent to prison after CAG indicted him in his report.

Further commenting on the boiling issue of Indian money stashed in foreign banks abroad, he said the money if used appropriately, could potentially benefit 600, 000 villages in India uplifting them socially and infrastructurally.

"If India's wealth which is currently stashed in foreign banks abroad is brought back to the country then it has the potential to benefit around 600, 000 villages in India. Not even one village will suffer due to inadequate food, potable water, and electricity. The money used could potentially benefit school going children and provide them with basic amenities. It will also create better employment opportunities for the youth in villages who are at the receiving end of widespread corruption and Indian money stashed in foreign accounts abroad," said Advani.

Advani kicked off the 38-day nationwide tour against corruption from eastern India's Sitab Diara city, the birthplace of freedom fighter and socialist crusader of Sarvodaya movement Jai Prakash Narayan, on Monday (October 11).

Advani, who built his career on Hindu revivalism, stepped out of the limelight after fighting a losing campaign against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

This planned nationwide tour against corruption sparked talk of his return to the frontline.

During the much-hyped campaign that would last for more than a month, Advani will cover 23 states and four federal administered provinces, which will include 100 districts and log 7600 kilometres.

Advani had organised a similar Yatra in 1990, to mobilise the people towards building a temple dedicated to Lord Rama at Ayodhya city in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state.

Intro

Leader of India's main opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lal Krishna Advani lashes out at the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh over widespread scams engulfing the country leading to the federal government's expose of ill governance and mismanagement.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

MIRZAPUR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 13, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. LAL KRISHNA ADVANI, LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION, BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY COMING OUT OF AN OFFICIAL VEHICLE

2. SECURITY PERSONNEL STANDING

3. ADVANI STANDING

4. ADVANI BEING WELCOMED BY SUPPORTERS

5. ADVANI BEING GARLANDED

6. ADVANI WALKING

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 13, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) L K ADVANI, MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER, SAYING:

"I have noticed that in the past two years all of a sudden there is uncontrollable corruption in the country. The common man earlier thought high of the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and he was touted as the most honest and corruption-free man in the country. However, the recent scams in the country under his governance have totally disillusioned the common man. The federal government is extremely corrupt, so many cabinet ministers have been forced to resign and some are languishing at the Tihar prison in New Delhi. A joke is doing the rounds that that one day after all cabinet ministers are thrown into the prison, the government will hold their officials meetings inside the prison."

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) L K ADVANI, MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER, SAYING:

"If India's wealth which is currently stashed in foreign banks abroad is brought back to the country then it has the potential to benefit around 600, 000 villages in India. Not even one village will suffer due to inadequate food, potable water, and electricity. The money used could potentially benefit school going children and provide them with basic amenities. It will also create better employment opportunities for the youth in villages who are at the receiving end of widespread corruption and Indian money stashed in foreign accounts abroad."

Original Script Date

Oct 13 17:46 (16 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 13 17:46 (16 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Leader of India's main opposition slams Prime Minister over widespread corruption.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

MIRZAPUR/VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 13, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:29

Senior leader of India’s main opposition sees party veteran as ‘PM in waiting’

Senior leader of India's main opposition sees party veteran as 'PM in waiting'
  OCTOBER 13, 2011                      By Girish Kumar Dubey
Leader of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Uma Bharati obliquely said that she sees party's veteran leader, Lal Krishna Advani as the most suitable candidate for the position of country's Prime Minister.

While addressing the mass-rally in Varanasi, the holy city in northern Uttar Pradesh state on Thursday (October 13) Uma Bharati extended her full support to Advani as he undertakes his mass awareness campaign.

"This is his mass awareness procession and this will bring changes in the India's political system because Mr. Advani is the only one capable of countering political challenges. This is a major challenge against corruption. Also it is known that whoever who begins his campaign from here, he not only succeeds in eliminating corruption but also goes on to become the Prime minister," said Bharati.

Later on Murli Manohar Joshi, senior leader (BJP) praised Advani for his efforts to create awareness among people regarding widespread corruption in the country.

"Advani has undertaken various tours for the unity of the nation, for the culture of the nation, for the good governance in the country, and now he has taken out this tour to root out corruption from this country," said Joshi.

Moreover Joshi slammed India's Congress led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government saying that it was because of the efforts of his party members that the recent corruption scams were brought into light and leaders of incumbent government were sent behind the bars.

"Mr. Advani has started this campaign to highlight how endemic corruption and dishonesty has affected national security and development of the nation," added Joshi.

The 38-day nationwide tour against corruption kicked off from eastern India's Sitab Diara city, the birthplace of freedom fighter and socialist crusader of Sarvodaya movement Jai Prakash Narayan, on Monday (October 11).

Advani, who built his career on Hindu revivalism, stepped out of the limelight after fighting a losing campaign against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

This planned nationwide tour against corruption sparked talk of his return to the frontline.

During the much-hyped campaign that would last for more than a month, Advani will cover 23 states and four federal administered provinces, which will include 100 districts and log 7600 kilometres.

Advani had organised a similar Yatra in 1990, to mobilise the people towards building a temple dedicated to Lord Rama at Ayodhya city in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state.

Intro

Leader of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Uma Bharati sees party's veteran leader, Lal Krishna Advani as the most suitable candidate for the position of country's Prime Minister.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 13, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. LAL KRISHNA ADVANI, SENIOR LEADER OF INDIA'S MAIN OPPOSITION BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP) ALONG WITH OTHERS ARRIVING AT THE EVENT

2. ADVANI GREETING MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI, SENIOR BJP LEADER

3. GIRLS SINGING

4. ADVANI SITTING WITH OTHERS

5. ADVANI SITTING

6. PEOPLE STANDING, HOLDING BJP FLAG

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) UMA BHARTI, BJP LAWMAKER, SAYING:

"This is his mass awareness procession and this will bring changes in the India's political system because Mr. Advani is the only one capable of countering political challenges. This is a major challenge against corruption. Also it is known that whoever who begins his campaign from here, he not only succeeds in eliminating corruption but also goes on to become the Prime minister."

8. SUPPORTERS STANDING HOLDING BJP PARTY FLAG

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

"Advani has undertaken various tours for the unity of the nation, for the culture of the nation, for the good governance in the country, and now he has taken out this tour to root out corruption from this country."

10. SUPPORTERS SITTING

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

"Mr. Advani has started this campaign to highlight how endemic corruption and dishonesty has affected national security and development of the nation."

12. SUPPORTERS SITTING

Original Script Date

Oct 13 11:55 (17 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 13 11:55 (17 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Senior leader of India's main opposition sees party veteran as 'PM in waiting'.

Services

Subcon

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 13, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:20

Tibetan monks in India write protest messages in their own blood against alleged Chinese atrocities

Tibetan monks in India write protest messages in their own blood against alleged Chinese atrocities

                    By Girish Kumar Dubey

Hundreds of Tibetan activists and Buddhist monks held a massive demonstration in the Varanasi town of northern India's Uttar Pradesh state against alleged Chinese atrocities on Wednesday (October 19). Shouting slogans and holding up placards, the irate agitators also called for the intervention of the United Nations in order to restore normalcy and peace in the ethnic Tibetan regions in China.

The activists and monks held a peaceful sit-in hunger strike to protest what they say are rising atrocities of Chinese government, which has prompted numerous young people to resort to self-immolation in Tibetan parts of China. The highly charged protestors also mourned the death of a 20-year-old nun, who had set herself alight outside a convent in Sichuan province of China's Tibetan Autonomous Region to protest alleged excesses.

She had called for the religious freedom in Tibet and for the return of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. It was the ninth self-immolation case of this year in the Tibetan parts of China. Swept by a wave of patriotic fervour, many Buddhist monks also signed petitions and wrote messages on a giant sheet with their own blood, in a bid to portray the deep-rooted angst against alleged Chinese excesses.

"We have written this with our blood. Today, China is so powerful economically, but we are the only group of people fighting against it for so many years. We have been fighting, we are fighting and future generations will continue this struggle against China. We will fight, but only through peaceful and non-violent means," said Dorje, a Biddhist monk.

The self-immolations, along with protests, have been concentrated in Aba prefecture, a mainly ethnic Tibetan part of the southwestern province of Sichuan that has been the centre of defiance of Chinese control.

The protests have yet to spread to what China calls the Tibet Autonomous Region, which Beijing has controlled since Communist troops marched in 1950. Meanwhile, Tibetan activists extended strong support with the self-immolators, while condemning Chinese actions.

"In the past few days at least eight people have immolated themselves in China. We are extending solidarity with them by holding a hunger strike here. Four people have been killed in China, while at least three are injured due to excesses," Thono, a Tibetan activist, said.

China has ruled Tibet with an iron fist, ever since its troops annexed the small Buddhist kingdom in 1950.

Despite all opposition by activists, Beijing considers Tibet as an integral part of its territory.

An estimated 80,000 Tibetans along with the Dalai Lama arrived in India in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising against the Chinese rule.

Many Tibetans demand complete independence from China, even though in recent years the Dalai Lama has advocated for limited autonomy.

Intro

Hundreds of Tibetan activists and Buddhist monks hold a massive demonstration, writing protest banners in their own blood in India against alleged Chinese atrocities.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 19, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. BUDDHIST MONKS SITTING AT A PROTEST SITE

2. MONKS SITTING

3. MONKS HOLDING PLACARDS AND POSTERS

4. CLOSE OF POSTERS

5. A MONK DONATING HIS BLOOD

6. CLOSE OF THE SYRINGE USED FOR EXTRACTING THE MONKS' BLOOD

7. A TIBETAN ACTIVIST SITTING

8. A MONK WRITING ON A BANNER WITH HIS BLOOD

9. THE MONK WRITING WITH HIS BLOOD

10. THE MONK'S FACE

11. CLOSE OF THE BANNER

12. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) DORJE, A BUDDHIST MONK, SAYING:

"We have written this with our blood. Today, China is so powerful economically, but we are the only group of people fighting against it for so many years. We have been fighting, we are fighting and future generations will continue this struggle against China. We will fight, but only through peaceful and non-violent means."

13. TIBETAN ACTIVISTS SITTING

14. AN ACTIVIST HOLDING A PLACARD

15. FACE OF A TIBETAN ACTIVIST

16. ACTIVISTS SITTING

17. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) THONO, A TIBETAN ACTIVIST, SAYING:

"In the past few days at least eight people have immolated themselves in China. We are extending solidarity with them by holding a hunger strike here. Four people have been killed in China, while at least three are injured due to excesses."

18. MONKS SITTING

19. A MONK SITTING IN PROTEST

20. A MONK HOLDING A PLACARD

21. ACTIVISTS AND MONKS AT THE PROTEST SITE

Original Script Date

Oct 19 23:17 (1 day ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 19 23:17 (1 day ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Tibetan monks in India write protest messages in their own blood against alleged Chinese atrocities.

Services

Asia

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 19, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:20

Prisoners in northern India stage play enacting life of Lord Rama

Prisoners in northern India stage play enacting life of Lord Rama

OCTOBER 02, 2011           By Girish Kumar Dubey
       
Prisoners in Varanasi city of India's northern Uttar Pradesh state staged a play re-enacting the life of Hindu god, Lord Rama.

Speaking to mediapersons, Jaiveer Upadhyaya, who is a prisoner and performed the role of Lord Rama, highlighted the importance of Ramlila (re-enactment of the life of Lord Rama) in real life.

"Through the organisation of Ramlila (Story of Hindu god Rama) like programmes, the mental and physical stress of the prisoners gets reduced. We have gained a lot from it. And the main thing is that whatever we had read about Lord Rama, Lord Laxman and goddess Sita (wife of Lord Rama), we should carry those morals in our daily lives and we will try learning them," said Upadhyaya.

The prisoners of the Central Jail of the city wore colourful costumes and performed the roles of diverse characters from the epic Ramayana, the oldest epic, which is based on the life, times and moral values of Lord Rama. Rama is considered as 'Maryada Purushottam' (the best among the dignified).

Lord Rama is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the central character of age-old epic 'Ramayana'.

Intro

Prisoners in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state stage a play enacting the life of Hindu god, Lord Rama.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (OCTOBER 02, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. A BANNER READING 'RAMLILA MAHOTSAVA, 2011'(RAMLILA FESTIVAL, 2011)

2. ARTISTS PREPARING FOR THE PLAY AND PUTTING ON MAKE-UP

3. PRISONERS WEARING DIFFERENT COSTUMES

4. A PRISONER WEARING A TEN-HEADED CROWN, STANDING

5. TWO PRISONERS IN THE OUTFIT OF HINDU LORD RAMA AND LAXMAN, WALKING

6. MEN PLAYING TABLA (INDIAN PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT)

7. PRISONERS PERFORMING ON A STAGE

8. GATHERING OF PEOPLE WATCHING THE PERFORMANCE

9. PRISONERS PERFORMING

10. A PRISONER WEARING AN OUTFIT OF A SAINT

11. GATHERING OF PEOPLE

12. A PRISONER PERFORMING ON THE STAGE

13. AUDIENCE CLAPPING

14. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) JAIVEER UPADHYAYA, A PRISONER, SAYING:

"Through the organisation of Ramlila (Story of Hindu god Rama) like programmes, the mental and physical stress of the prisoners gets reduced. We have gained a lot from it. And the main thing is that whatever we had read about Lord Rama, Lord Laxman and goddess Sita (wife of Lord Rama), we should carry those morals in our daily lives and we will try learning them."

15. A PRISONER IN AN OUTFIT OF A DEMON, PERFORMING

16. AUDIENCE SITTING

17. A PRISONER CARRYING A BOW AND AN ARROW, STANDING ON THE STAGE

18. PRISONERS PERFORMING

19. CROWD CLAPPING FOR THE PERFORMERS

20. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) CAPTAIN S. K PANDEY, JAIL SUPERINTENDENT, CENTRAL JAIL, VARANASI, SAYING:

"I believe that the prisoners too have certain desires in their minds and (such programmes have been organised so that) they would also get the same kind of environment of festive seasons. If they had been independent, then they too would have definitely enjoyed these festivals in their villages. So, it's a kind of healthy entertainment for them and in addition to it, (these programmes) would give a chance to them to showcase their talents."

21. CAPTAIN S. K PANDEY, JAIL SUPERINTENDENT, CENTRAL JAIL, VARANASI, SITTING

22. RAMLILA (RE-ENACTMENT OF THE LIFE OF LORD RAMA) IN PROGRESS

Original Script Date

Oct 03 10:50 (1 day ago)

Modified Script Date

Oct 03 10:50 (1 day ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Prisoners in northern India stage play enacting life of Lord Rama.

Services

Subcon

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

OCTOBER 02, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:51

"I believe that the prisoners too have certain desires in their minds and (such programmes have been organised so that) they would also get the same kind of environment of festive seasons. If they had been independent, then they too would have definitely enjoyed these festivals in their villages. So, it's a kind of healthy entertainment for them and in addition to it, (these programmes) would give a chance to them to showcase their talents," said Captain S. K Pandey, Jail Superintendent.

The play is staged annually over ten successive nights during the auspicious period of Sharad Navratras (the nine-day festival which falls at the beginning of winter season). On the tenth day of the Hindu festival, Vijayaydashmi or Dussehra, the devotees commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the Demon King, Ravana.

In recent times, Ramlila has received considerable worldwide attention, especially due to its diverse representation throughout the globe.

River Ganga continues to face pollution

Varanasi, May 4 : River Ganga remains highly polluted even after being declared the 'National River' by the Central Government.

The Ganga was declared the 'National River' to facilitate the clean up operations.

A Ganga River Basin Authority was also set up in order to check pollution in the river and its degradation.

But the problems for the River Ganga are far from over. It remains immensely polluted. Filled with chemical wastes, sewage and even the remains of human and animal corpses, it poses major health risks to around 400 million people living by its side and all others who benefit from it.

Ganga also suffers from another major problem called silting which results into chocking of its flow.

Some people also believe that constructing dams on the Ganga could be the cause of low water level in the river.

Acharya Jitendra, president, Ganga Mahasabha, a voluntary organisation working for saving the Ganga said, "Nearly 243 dams are slated to be constructed on the tributaries of the Ganga in Uttarakhand. This will obstruct the flow of water into the main river. So obviously, there will be sand dunes and the water level will be low. If the tributaries don't release water into the river, how will there be water in the Ganga."

The residents say that even after being declared the 'National River', no steps have been taken to improve the condition of the Ganga.

"The condition of the Ganga is deteriorating by the day. There is more sand in it. Though it is declared a 'National River', no efforts are being made to clean it. If water is resleased from the dam, then only the water level will increase in the river," said Rajesh Kumar Singh, a resident.

Efforts have always been made to clean up the Ganga since a long time but none have been proved successful.

The Rajiv Gandhi Government launched the Ganga Action Plan in 1984, but yielded little result. The river is said to be directly affecting the lives of around 400 million people who live by its side. By Girish Kumar Dubey

ANI

Read more: http://www.andhranews.net/India/2009/May/4-River-Ganga-continues-4048.asp#ixzz1ZWCqGb4u

Handloom weavers incur huge loss due to continuous rainfall in India’s northern state

Handloom weavers incur huge loss due to continuous rainfall in India's northern state

   Date on Sep 28 ,2011( 06:29 ) ANI                         By Girish Kumar Dubey

The recent rains in Varanasi town in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state, adversely affected the handloom weavers and their business, as their factories were inundated with water and forced them to stall their work.

Continuous rainfall and sultry weather conditions adversely affected the handloom industry in Varanasi.

The rainy season turned out to be a bane for the handloom weavers in the region as the weavers incurred loss worth millions of rupees.

"It has been raining since last night. There is no dry space in our house where we can sleep. We work on the spinning wheel but because of the rains we are facing a lot of problem. Our entire handloom machines are wet in the rain and we are left with nothing. There is no help coming from the government's side as well," said Mohammad Suhaib, a handloom weaver.

Apart from the daily wageworkers, the factory owners also incurred huge monetary losses.

The weavers have been forced to pull rickshaws or work as daily wageworkers to feed their families.

"We have incurred a loss of 15- 20,000 rupees. We get a daily wage of about 50 to 60 rupees. I fail t understand how to come out of this problem. No we will have to pull rickshaw or work as labourers to survive. We are left with no work. The entire town is submerged in water," said Mohammad Shamim, another handloom weaver.

Every year the weavers face the brunt of the monsoons. However, this year the loss incurred by them was high due to incessant rains.

Varanasi is famous for its hand woven 'Banarsi' sarees all over the world, especially in the American and European countries.ANI

Intro

The recent rains in Varanasi town in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state, adversely affects the business of the handloom weavers as their factories are inundated with water and has forced them to stall their work.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

Shotlist

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA (SEPTEMBER 27, 2011) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC)

1. HOUSES SUBMERGED IN WATER

2. WATER INSIDE THE HOUSE

3. THREAD HANGING FROM THE HANDLOOM WEAVING MACHINE SUBMERGED IN WATER

4. A MAN THROWING OUT WATER FROM HIS HOUSE

5. HANDLOOM WEAVING MACHINE SUBMERGED IN WATER

6. A HANDLOOM WEAVING MACHINE

7. WEAVERS STANDING IN A POOL OF WATER, LOOKING AT THE WEAVING MACHINE

8. A ROOM FILLED IN WATER

9. HANDLOOM WEAVING MACHINE SUBMERGED IN WATER

10. A SACK HANGING IN A ROOM

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MOHAMMAD SUHAIB, A HANDLOOM WEAVER, SAYING:

"It has been raining since last night. There is no dry space in our house where we can sleep. We work on the spinning wheel but because of the rains we are facing a lot of problem. Our entire handloom machines are wet in the rain and we are left with nothing. There is no help coming from the government's side as well."

12. A SAREE HANGING ON A HANDLOOM WEAVING MACHINE

13. (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) MOHAMMAD SHAMIM, A HANDLOOM WEAVER, SAYING:

"We have incurred a loss of 15- 20,000 rupees. We get a daily wage of about 50 to 60 rupees. I fail t understand how to come out of this problem. No we will have to pull rickshaw or work as labourers to survive. We are left with no work. The entire town is submerged in water."

14. MOTOR OF THE WEAVING MACHINE SUBMERGED IN WATER

Original Script Date

Sep 28 06:29 (3 days ago)

Modified Script Date

Sep 28 06:29 (3 days ago)

Script Version

1

Headline

Handloom weavers incur huge loss due to continuous rainfall in India's northern state.

Services

Subcon Extra

Locations

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA

Dates Shot

SEPTEMBER 27, 2011

Sound

NATURAL WITH HINDI SPEECH

Duration

2:38