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Time of India
5 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Forest dept raids shop in Jalaun, seizes protected birds & turtles
Kanpur: The forest department's enforcement team confiscated more than 100 protected and prohibited birds and turtles from a shop in Jalaun's Orai Kotwali area during a raid on Monday. The shop owner, Javed Mansoori, was apprehended. The seized creatures included owls, hawks, Indian rollers, parrots, various exotic bird species, and turtles. DFO Pradeep Kumar said that they received tips about illegal wildlife trading at a shop in the city's vegetable market area. A dedicated team of SDO Sajid Ali, Proti Padav, Sanjay Madhur, Ranjit, Omprakash, three rangers, six forest officers, and one female officer was formed. Some team members initially visited the shop as potential buyers to confirm the allegations. Upon verification, the team proceeded with the raid and recovered one owl, one hawk, one Indian roller, over 20 parrots (including some deceased), 30-40 exotic birds, and more than 25 turtles. Kumar noted that several birds perished due to starvation, dehydration, and extended confinement. The surviving animals received immediate care with food and water. The rescued creatures will be transferred to a rehabilitation centre. The authorities are questioning the detained suspect, Javed Mansoori. He is suspected to have links with an interstate wildlife trafficking operation. Legal proceedings under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, will be initiated against him. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, designates owls, hawks, Indian rollers, numerous parrot species, and turtles as protected, with their capture, trade, or possession carrying penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment and substantial fines.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh top in female sex worker population, Maharashtra third with 9.6%
Karnataka leads in overall FSW population at 15.4% HYDERABAD: As India fights to shed its HIV burden — currently third highest in the world — the latest Programmatic Mapping and Population Size Estimation (PMPSE) study has found that Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have among the highest concentration of female sex workers — per hotspot — in the country. Overall, though, Karnataka emerged at the top of the charts with 15.4% of India's total FSW population. It was followed by Andhra Pradesh (12%), Maharashtra (9.6%), Delhi (8.9%), and Telangana (7.6%). Together, these five states accounted for over half (53%) of India's estimated 9,95,499 female sex workers. The study, published in PLOS Global Health, covered 651 districts across 32 states and UTs. Led by Pradeep Kumar of the National AIDS Control Society, it calls for periodic, community-led PMPSE to enable responsive public health strategies. The mapping exercise identified 43,579 FSW hotspots across India with presence of FSWs in 642 districts, including 34 with over 5,000 FSWs. AP was found to have five such districts, and Telangana six. FSWs were also reported in 16,095 villages. Telangana recorded the highest concentration of FSWs per hotspot — 38 per location —followed by AP with 29. In contrast, most states had a lower density, averaging 8 FSWs per hotspot nationally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Home-based sex work dominated the landscape, accounting for 55.1% of all FSW hotspots. Around 14% of FSWs were found operating exclusively through 10,718 network operators, and 9% in Link Worker Scheme (LWS) villages. There were as many as 568 mapped network operators in Telangana, one of the highest in the country. In AP, each LWS village had an average of 10 FSWs operating exclusively within the village, while in Telangana, it was 8. The PMPSE also underscored Telangana's transgender (H/TG) individuals per hotspot —around 25 — again the highest in India. It surpassed Delhi (24), Gujarat (21), AP and Maharashtra (20 each). Although Delhi had the highest overall H/TG population (18.6%), Telangana stood out for its concentrated presence at identified locations. Nationally, 96,193 H/TG individuals were estimated, with 90.8% found at hotspots. Telangana's share came from fewer mapped hotspots but with higher density. In total, 6,585 H/TG hotspots were identified, with key informant data gathered from 15,231 individuals within the community. For men who have sex with men (MSM), Telangana reported the highest density again —50 MSM per hotspot — followed by Delhi (29) and Goa (27). Though AP contributed 6.3% to the national MSM population, Telangana's role in terms of hotspot concentration points to a more complex landscape of risk.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
AP, T & 3 states account for over 50% of India's female sex workers
Hyderabad: As India fights to shed its HIV burden — currently third highest in the world — the latest Programmatic Mapping and Population Size Estimation (PMPSE) study has found that Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have among the highest concentration of female sex workers — per hotspot — in the country. Overall, though, Karnataka emerged at the top of the charts with 15.4% of India's total FSW population. It was followed by Andhra Pradesh (12%), Maharashtra (9.6%), Delhi (8.9%), and Telangana (7.6%). Together, these five states accounted for over half (53%) of India's estimated 9,95,499 female sex workers. The study, published in PLOS Global Health, covered 651 districts across 32 states and UTs. Led by Pradeep Kumar of the National AIDS Control Society, it calls for periodic, community-led PMPSE to enable responsive public health strategies. The mapping exercise identified 43,579 FSW hotspots across India with presence of FSWs in 642 districts, including 34 with over 5,000 FSWs. AP was found to have five such districts, and Telangana six. FSWs were also reported in 16,095 villages. Telangana recorded the highest concentration of FSWs per hotspot — 38 per location —followed by AP with 29. In contrast, most states had a lower density, averaging 8 FSWs per hotspot nationally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubra ofertas de voos imperdíveis Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo Home-based sex work dominated the landscape, accounting for 55.1% of all FSW hotspots. Around 14% of FSWs were found operating exclusively through 10,718 network operators, and 9% in Link Worker Scheme (LWS) villages. There were as many as 568 mapped network operators in Telangana, one of the highest in the country. In AP, each LWS village had an average of 10 FSWs operating exclusively within the village, while in Telangana, it was 8. The PMPSE also underscored Telangana's transgender (H/TG) individuals per hotspot —around 25 — again the highest in India. It surpassed Delhi (24), Gujarat (21), AP and Maharashtra (20 each). Although Delhi had the highest overall H/TG population (18.6%), Telangana stood out for its concentrated presence at identified locations. Nationally, 96,193 H/TG individuals were estimated, with 90.8% found at hotspots. Telangana's share came from fewer mapped hotspots but with higher density. In total, 6,585 H/TG hotspots were identified, with key informant data gathered from 15,231 individuals within the community. For men who have sex with men (MSM), Telangana reported the highest density again —50 MSM per hotspot — followed by Delhi (29) and Goa (27). Though AP contributed 6.3% to the national MSM population, Telangana's role in terms of hotspot concentration points to a more complex landscape of risk.
The Print
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
‘Spy' charge haunts UP judge-in-waiting 11 yrs after acquittal as SC stays HC's appointment order
The law graduate had been accused of espionage and was charged under the Official Secrets Act, sedition, and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code in 2002. Although he was acquitted in 2014, the shadow of the past continues to linger—his stalled appointment bearing this fact. Kumar had cleared the 2016 Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service (Direct Recruitment) Examination. Ranked 27th, his appointment would have been smooth in normal circumstances. Not for the Kanpur man. New Delhi: The past weighs heavy on Kanpur resident Pradeep Kumar. 'To be suspected of an offence is not an offence or a scar on a citizen's character,' the Allahabad High Court had said in December, clearing the path for his appointment as an additional district judge by 15 January. In fact, the HC levied an exemplary cost of Rs.10 lakh on the state for 'indifferent attitude' and 'tardiness' shown towards his appointment order that it had recommended in 2017. The Uttar Pradesh government filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court earlier this year, challenging the High Court's order. It argued that despite Kumar's acquittals, he was deemed unsuitable for public employment in the District Magistrate's report citing his failure to uphold the standards of probity and transparency, including concealing relevant facts. It also referenced guidelines issued by the Appointments Department in 1958, along with provisions from the U.P. Higher Judicial Service Rules, 1975 for character verifications. Sections 2 and 3 of the 1958 government orders vests power to the competent authority to assess the suitability of any candidate on the basis of conduct, integrity and antecedents. The state has also repeatedly mentioned the case of his father, an additional judge who was suspended for charges of corruption in 1990, in various petitions filed against Kumar's appointment. Kumar, it contended, concealed facts in online application for the judiciary examination, claiming that he didn't mention about one of the cases that were pending trial at the time of him filling the form. On 9 May, the Supreme Court put a stay on the High Court's directive in yet another setback for the Kanpur resident whose ordeal is yet to end even after two decades. Sources close to Kumar told ThePrint that he didn't wish to speak. Also Read: Beyond the noise, cases of 'outdated' Official Secrets Act marred by legal limbo, high pendency More questions than answers It was the summer of June 2002 when Kumar, 27, found himself at the center of a high-stake investigation in two FIRs. He was at his home when investigators led by military intelligence and the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) knocked at the doors of his Kanpur residence. The charges: passing sensitive information, including the names of military units and officers posted at the Kanpur cantonment to a Pakistani intelligence operative. In return, he was said to have received Rs 18,000. According to the investigators, Kumar had maintained contact through a PCO landline. International calls were received on this number, which the prosecution claimed were from Pakistan. Among the evidence submitted were service maps and documents allegedly linked to the Kanpur cantonment—which the prosecution claimed were classified. But as the trial unfolded, the court scrutinised the 'confidential documents' and found them lacking in credibility. The maps, the judge noted, had no unique markings, no scale, and appeared to be the kind that could be found in any atlas or even on Google Maps. The prosecution failed to prove not only the sensitive nature of the documents but also Kumar's direct connection to any Pakistani intelligence operative. The defence also pointed out that no military personnel faced any consequences of the supposed leak, if truly sensitive material had been compromised. Further questions arose on the investigation itself, particularly regarding the origin of the PCO telephone bill allegedly linked to Kumar. In the end, what began as an accusation of espionage ended with more questions than answers and the case that fell apart under the weight of its own shaky evidence. Kumar was acquitted of all charges in March 2014. The state did file an appeal against his acquittal, but it was dismissed by the High Court in 2018. 'I do not find any illegality, infirmity or perversity in the impugned judgement and order. The view taken by the trial Court is just and does not suffer from any misreading of any material evidence on record,' the judge had noted. 'Subjective belief' Between his acquittal and the state's pending appeal, Kumar cleared the U.P. Higher Judicial Service. His name was part of the merit list sent to the state government for appointment recommendations. But the shadow of the state's pending appeal against his acquittal loomed large. No appointment letter came his way. As the process stalled, the district magistrate sought further military intelligence on Kumar and the administrative commandment here too listed out that he was on radar for espionage and the allegations of corruption on his father. The DM then informed the court in 2019 that Kumar was found unsuitable. The HC then asked the state to place the matter of appointment in front of the Governor, who deemed him unfit for the appointment and his candidature was cancelled in 2019. But the story didn't end there. In a significant turn last year, the HC observed that the government's continued objection was based not on evidence, but on a lingering suspicion that Kumar might have spied for a foreign country. This belief, it noted, wasn't supported by any fresh or compelling material that hadn't already been weighed during the criminal trial. 'It uses high sounding words and expressions to describe a purely subjective belief,' the HC had said, noting the absence of any objective or verifiable basis for the government's stance. Meanwhile, the case will be next heard by the apex court in the second week of July. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: Serial killer 'Dr Death' lived as a priest for 18 months after jumping parole. Calls to wife gave him away
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Farmers demand timely completion of desilting work, disbursement of kuruvai special package
With the sluices of Mettur dam set to be opened on June 12, farmers in Tiruchi district have called for the completion of all desilting work taken up on canals and waterbodies in the district and disbursement of kuruvai special package in time. Raising the issue at the monthly farmers grievances meeting, Ayilai Siva Suriyan, district secretary, Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, affiliated to the CPI, said that kuruvai paddy cultivation had declined in recent years in the district and the authorities should give a push to it by expediting desilting operations and distributing the kuruvai special package to encourage farmers to take up cultivation during the season. The government should extend the assistance by way of cash instead of agricultural inputs, he said. A senior official of the Water Resources department said the desilting being carried out by the River Conservation Division was nearing completion. Collector M. Pradeep Kumar, who was in the chair, directed the officials to ensure that the work was completed in time for the release of water for irrigation. Credit disbursal Taking exception to cooperative societies insisting on sureties and margin money for extending credit, P. Ayyakannu, State president of Desiya Thennidiya Nadigal Innaippu Vivasayigal Sangam, urged the district officials to ensure that cooperative societies did not insist on sureties and 10% margin money for sanction of agriculture loans. The Reserve Bank of India recently said that agricultural loans of up to ₹2 lakh should be extended without any collateral, he pointed out. Koundampatti R. Subramanian, deputy secretary, Cauvery Delta Farmers' Association, called upon the district authorities to ensure uninterrupted water supply in the 17 irrigation channels and urged the State government to ensure that Karnataka released Tamil Nadu's share of water every month as stipulated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court. N. Veerasekaran, State secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangam, called upon the district authorities to ensure availability of different varieties of seeds as per the requirement of farmers in areas irrigated by canals and wells. He urged the district administration to take steps to ensure that benefit of PM Kisan Scheme reached all eligible beneficiaries. Several eligible farmers had not got the assistance and many who received it had been excluded from the list, he said. Earlier, Mr. Pradeep Kumar, responding to a complaint, instructed officials of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd., to look into complaints of frequent power cuts. 'I am getting more complaints now. Power supply is being suspended even if there is strong breeze; you can do so if there is significant wind speed,' he said citing his own experience at his camp office. Exhibition opened Earlier, Mr. Pradeep Kumar inaugurated an exhibition on agricultural machinery organised by the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the Collectorate. Mr. Veerasekaran, while appreciating the initiative, suggested that it be held on a bigger scale at the agricultural colleges in the district.
