Children release Unicef report in BhopalNovember 20th, 2009 BHOPAL - For the first time in Madhya Pradesh, a clutch of children released the Unicef State of the World Children Report 2009 here Friday, praising the efforts of the government for their survival, care and protection but also calling for more focus. Children like Pappi Khan, Madhu, Aashi, Shivani Sen, Aarti, and Sunil - from Bhopal and Hoshangabad - were delighted to get a platform to speak out.
16 countries to commemorate Bhopal gas tragedyNovember 18th, 2009 NEW DELHI - On Dec 3 it will be 25 years since the Bhopal gas disaster took place, killing 3,500 people instantly. While a number of public meetings, film screenings and marches are being planned in the week leading up to the D-day in Bhopal and across India, 16 other countries have expressed their intention to join in the commemoration.
Bhopal gas survivors slam opening of Union Carbide plantNovember 12th, 2009 BHOPAL - Bhopal gas tragedy survivors Thursday criticised the Madhya Pradesh government's announcement to throw open Union Carbide's now defunct pesticide plant here for the public on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy as a "dangerous publicity stunt" and termed it a violation of court orders. The tragedy on the intervening night of Dec 2-3, 1984, occurred when tonnes of Methyl Iso Cyanate (MIC) and other lethal gases spewed out of the Union Carbide Corporation's pesticide plant here, killing more than 3,500 people instantly and maiming several thousand others for life.
Madhur Bhandarkar guilty in rape caseNovember 11th, 2009 MUMBAI - A city court Wednesday convicted director Madhur Bhandarkar of raping model-turned-actress Priti Jain, five years after her complaint to the police. The aspiring actress had complained to the police in 2004 and alleged that Bhandarkar and she "had sex 16 times between 1999 and 2004".
Sex trade or polio - film fest on child rights shows it allNovember 11th, 2009 NEW DELHI - A moving tale of young girls abducted from their villages and pushed into the sex trade, how some escape and help other victims - this and many other such stories of children's struggles were showcased on the big screen at the International Children's Rights Documentary Film Festival in the capital Wednesday. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the voluntary organisation 'Convention on the Rights of the Child', the film festival showcased five films from across just as many countries, centering around issues like sex trade, HIV/AIDS and polio.
Tribals to protest denial of right to forestsNovember 2nd, 2009 NEW DELHI - Tribals from across India will hold protests Tuesday and Wednesday alleging the government is imposing illegal and dangerous afforestation programmes and sending police to repress the forest dwellers, an NGO said Monday. The protests will be held in Delhi, Gandhinagar, Udaipur, Bhopal, Raipur and Bhubaneshwar, said a member of Campaign for Survival and Dignity (CSD), a forum for some 200 NGOs working for the rights of tribals and forest dwellers.
St. Stephen issues notice for giving student zero markOctober 23rd, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Delhi High Court Friday issued notice to Delhi University (DU) and St. Stephens college for giving a zero mark to a student in her internal assessment.
Queer festival begins in the capital FridayOctober 22nd, 2009 NEW DELHI - The capital is all set to host a 10-day queer festival from Friday. From films to art exhibition, parties to picnics -- it has plenty to offer at multiple venues in the city.
International RTI Film Festival beginsOctober 7th, 2009 NEW DELHI - With a documentary highlighting the success stories of Bulgarian journalists in unmasking corruption using the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the International RTI Film Festival (IRFF) started in the capital Wednesday. The five-day festival, organised by a group of NGOs and civil society groups, was inaugurated by the Central Information Commission (CIC) chief Wajahat Habibullah.
International RTI Film Festival starts Oct 7October 6th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Aimed at highlighting the role of the Right to Information (RTI) in bringing a change in the common man's life, the International RTI Film Festival (IRFF) will begin in the capital Wednesday. Organised by a group of NGOs and civil society groups, the five-day festival will be inaugurated by Central Information Commission chief Wajahat Habibullah.
Punjabi to be Canada's 4th biggest language by 2011September 26th, 2009 TORONTO - Punjabi is set to become the fourth largest spoken language in Canada by 2011 after English, French and Chinese, according to Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney. The minister made the announcement Friday night after inaugurating the seventh Spinning Wheel Film Festival at the Royal Ontario Museum here that will feature films by or about Sikhs.
Early release of three Uphaar tragedy convicts criticisedSeptember 10th, 2009 NEW DELHI - The early release of three persons convicted in the Uphaar fire tragedy case has been criticised by the association of the victims' kin. The three accused got just two years of punishment and that too was cut short by nearly six months courtesy our system, said Neelam Krishnamurthy, the convenor of the Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT).
Salman's 'Wanted' gets Supreme Court reprieveSeptember 9th, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Salman Khan-starrer "Wanted" will be released Sep 18 after the Supreme Court granted reprieve to Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor in a monetary dispute. A bench of Justice B.N.
Tolkien's estate and New Line Cinema settle lawsuit over 'The Lord of the Rings' profitsSeptember 8th, 2009 Tolkien estate, New Line settle lawsuit over filmsLOS ANGELES — The heirs of J.R.R. Tolkien and a movie studio that produced the blockbuster "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy have settled a lawsuit over the films' profits, it was announced Tuesday.
International RTI Film Festival in Delhi in OctoberSeptember 1st, 2009 NEW DELHI - Aimed at highlighting the common man's struggles and the role of Right to Information (RTI) in bringing a change in his life, an International RTI Film Festival (IRFF) is being organised by a team of NGOs and civil society groups here next month. The films made on RTI have played a major role in spreading awareness about its importance and usage among people.
