West Bengal / The Times of India
A study reveals plastic pollution in the Sundarbans ecosystem. Plastic is found in fishing cat scat, soil, water and prey. The pollution includes polyethylene and polypropylene. Experts blame tourism and discarded fishing nets. Plastic can cause gastrointestinal and reproductive problems in fishing cats. Awareness camps are being conducted to address the issue.
A recent study reveals that olive ridley sea turtles, a vulnerable species, exhibit size-assortative mating behavior, preferring partners of similar size. Conducted at Odishas Rushikulya rookery, the research highlights the biological advantages of this preference, with larger females laying more eggs and larger males having a competitive edge. Conservation efforts are crucial for their long-term survival.
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her delayed visit to violence-hit Murshidabad. Ghosh alleges Banerjee prioritized meeting with Imams and temple inaugurations while remaining silent on atrocities against Hindus, accusing her of allowing evidence to be removed before her visit.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale announced plans for a new airport in Sikkim to boost tourism, praising CM Prem Singh Tamang's efforts. On a two-day state visit, he highlighted the Northeasts growth under PM Modi. The move follows BJPs push for an all-weather international airport, as Pakyong airport often faces disruptions due to visibility issues.
A 22-year-old IIT Kharagpur student, Mohammad Asif Qamar, was found dead in his hostel room, marking the second suicide at the institute in a fortnight. He was on a video call with a friend in Delhi just before the incident. Authorities are investigating the circumstances, while the institute emphasizes its commitment to student well-being and support services following recent tragedies.
Kolkata's rooftop restaurant owners are heading to court after facing closure notices from the KMC and police due to alleged building rule violations. The KMC cancelled leaves and continued serving notices, while police initiated fire audits. The NRAI opposes the blanket closures and supports legal action for compliant establishments, citing job losses and questioning the initial license approvals.
Rajani Shaw, wife of detained BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, sought answers in Pathankot regarding her husband's situation in Pakistan. BSF officers in Firozpur assured her that Purnam was safe and his release was likely soon, with talks underway with Pakistan Rangers.
The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM) is set to inaugurate 'Lost at Sea' gallery on May 2, highlighting the critical role of oceans and the threats they face. This initiative by the National Council of Science Museums aims to promote ocean conservation through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
Jadavpur University has significantly enhanced its library facilities for visually impaired students with a Rs 40 lakh upgrade. This initiative, funded by Rotary International and alumni, provides advanced tools and resources, benefiting 150 JU students and others. The upgraded library features Braille displays, scanners, audiobook players, and improved accessibility, addressing previous limitations and fostering inclusive education.
Following a tragic fire that claimed 14 lives, attention has refocused on Kolkata's Burrabazar, a notorious ed zone plagued by illegal constructions and fire safety violations. The KMC acknowledges the area's lawlessness, where officials face threats and residential buildings are converted into commercial spaces without approval.
In Kolkata, police arrested Akash Chawla and Gaurav Kapoor. Chawla owns Rituraj Hotel. Kapoor is the manager. The arrests follow a devastating fire. The fire at the hotel resulted in 14 deaths. Authorities have registered a case. The case is under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It also includes provisions of the Fire Services Act.
A devastating fire at Kolkata's Rituraj Hotel claimed 14 lives, including a 3-year-old boy, his 10-year-old sister, and their grandfather. The Tamil Nadu-based family was on vacation and preparing to leave Kolkata when tragedy struck. Parents T Prabhu and M Madhumita had briefly left the hotel to buy food, returning to find the third floor engulfed in flames.
The Calcutta High Court's circuit bench instructed a Port Blair woman to compensate her husband Rs 1 lakh for defamation. She published notices accusing him of attempting to remarry despite his divorce plea being rejected. The court found her actions damaged his reputation, as she failed to substantiate her claims about his remarriage plans, leading to the penalty.
Recent heavy snowfall and hailstorms in East Sikkim stranded over 200 vehicles, prompting a successful rescue operation by Sikkim Police and the Indian Army. Simultaneously, heavy rains triggered landslides in North Sikkim, damaging roads and stranding tourists. The Border Roads Organisation is working to restore connectivity, but travel permits have been suspended due to hazardous conditions.