Bibek Debroy, top economic advisor to PM Modi, dies at the age of 69

AIIMS Delhi confirmed that Dr.Debroy passed away today 7 am due to intestinal obstruction.

Dr. Bibek Debroy served as the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. He is known for his significant contributions to economic policy, game theory, and was involved in various governmental and academic capacities.

"Dr. Bibek Debroy Ji was a towering scholar, well-versed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more. Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Beyond his contributions to public policy, he enjoyed working on our ancient texts, making them accessible to the youth" said PM Modi on twitter on demise of Dr. Bibek Debroy.

Dr. Debroy's efforts have been recognized with several awards, including the Padma Shri in 2015 and the Sir Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar Memorial Award in 2023 ¹. His legacy continues to inspire scholars and young minds alike, cementing his place as a leading intellectual in India. Dr. Bibek Debroy was a towering scholar, well-versed in diverse domains like economics, history, culture, politics, spirituality and more. Through his works, he left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual landscape. Dr. Bibek Debroy was a prominent intellectual figure in India, known for his extensive knowledge across various fields such as economics, history, culture, politics, and spirituality. His scholarship contributed significantly to India's understanding of its historical and cultural heritage. Debroy's work in public policy and economics has influenced numerous discussions and decisions, while his efforts to make ancient texts more accessible have inspired many young people to engage with India's rich literary and philosophical traditions. His ability to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance has left a lasting impact on India's intellectual landscape.His passing is a significant loss to the academic community and those who valued his insights and contributions.

Commercial #LPG cylinders get more costlier

The state-owned oil marketing companies have increased the price of commercial LPG cylinders. The price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder in Delhi has now risen from Rs 1,740 to Rs 1,802, which is a hike of Rs 62 per cylinder. With the increased prices, the price of commercial LPG in Hyderabad has reached Rs.2,028.

The price of 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders has also been hiked by Rs 15. However, the rate of 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders remains unchanged.

Commercial LPG Cylinder Price from November 1, 2024 in 4 metros:-

Delhi: Rs 1,802

Mumbai: Rs 1,754.50

Kolkata: Rs 1,911.50

Chennai: Rs 1,964.50.

3-day long APAC Carbon Black Conference in #Kolkata begins tomorrow

The 15th edition of APAC Carbon Black Conference in Kolkata is likely to promote thought leadership, driving growth, and enhance collaboration in the global carbon black ecosystem. Different stake holders in the carbon black value chain, including tyre manufacturers, moulded rubber goods, auto components makers, plastic and conductive carbon black manufacturers, recycled black, refractory, carbon black equipment manufacturers, packing machinery manufacturers, bags and water chemical suppliers, special grades of pipes & valve manufacturers, lab equipment manufacturers are likely to participate in the Carbon Black Conference in Kolkata tomorrow.

India’s carbon black market, valued at $84.179 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.57 percent through 2029, driven by increased demand for automotive tyres and specialty black applications in various industries.

Carbon black, a crucial material in tyres production, is seeing increased demand, especially in India's rapidly growing automotive industry. The country's vehicle manufacturing capacity, combined with its economic growth, makes it a major market for automotive tyres, where carbon black plays a critical role in enhancing abrasion resistance and tyre strength. Tyre manufacturers are increasingly adopting carbon black mixtures in their production processes to meet growing demands for durable, high-performance tyres.

Another key driver of growth in the carbon black market is the increasing penetration of speciality carbon black, a material known for its high surface area, tinting strength, and conductivity. Speciality black is widely used in products requiring specific properties such as UV protection and viscosity, making it a popular choice in the plastics, coatings, and ink industries. 

Speciality carbon black is also finding applications in a wide array of industries, including printing, construction, insulation, and fireproofing, as well as in high-end products like fibres, metal carbides, and consumer electronics. As India's economic activities continue to expand, the demand for these specialised carbon black products is expected to rise, providing a further boost to the overall market. 

The versatility of carbon black is a significant factor in its rising demand across various industries. Its use as a pigment in newspaper inks, printing inks, and paints continues to grow. Additionally, carbon black's electric conductivity makes it valuable as a conductive filler in products like plastics, elastomers, paints, adhesives, and films, where it helps prevent static electricity. 

As a result, industries such as electronics and automotive are increasingly relying on carbon black to meet performance requirements, further driving demand in the coming years. The growing need for carbon black in both conventional and specialised applications is positioning India's carbon black market for sustained growth through 2029. 

Dr. Manoj Pant, Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal will address the gathering and will highlight the opportunities available for investment in the State and the steps taken by the Government of West Bengal to attract investment in the carbon black sector. Anurag Choudhary CMD & CEO of Kolkata headquartered Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd will also address the participants.

No question of removal of health secretary: #MamataBanerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has outrightly rejected the demand of junior doctors for removal of State health secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam. While urging the junior doctors to withdraw their fast unto death, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she would meet them on Monday to further discuss their demands.

Banerjee was speaking to them over the phone on Saturday afternoon when Chief Secretary Manoj Pant visited the site in Dharmatala where the junior doctors were sitting on fast unto death over the rape and murder of their colleague at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

"Everybody has the right to protest, but it shouldn't affect healthcare services," she said, urging the doctors to withdraw their stir.

"Most of your demands have been fulfilled, give me three-four months more to meet the rest of the demands," she added.

Banerjee told the doctors she did not differ with their demands, requesting them to sit for talks with her government.

"Please withdraw the agitation. Some of the demands need policy decisions. We will cooperate to the fullest extent possible but it is not acceptable that you will dictate to the government what should be done," she said.

Pant was accompanied by Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty.

Eight doctors are currently on indefinite fast in Esplanade area while demanding that the state government act constructively by October 21 to end the impasse.

So far, six fasting doctors have been hospitalised after their health condition deteriorated.

One of the medics said that they would be forced to resort to strike across the state on October 22 if their demands are not met by Monday.

SC to decide constitutional validity of #maritalrape

The Supreme Court on Thursday, October 17, began hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of penal provisions that grant immunity from prosecution to a husband for forcing his wife, who is not a minor, to have sex with him. The court will continue hearings on this matter on October 22. 

It is a constitutional question. There are two judgments before us and we have to decide. The core issue is the constitutional validity of the penal provisions,” the top court said while hearing the matter on Thursday. The court will continue hearings on this matter on October 22.

Indian government has opposed petitions in the top court that seek criminalisation of marital rape, saying it would be "excessively harsh".

Marital rape is outlawed in more than 100 countries, including Britain which criminalised it in 1991.

But India remains among the three dozen countries - along with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia - where the law remains on the statute books.

A number of petitions have been filed in recent years calling for striking down Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, which has been in existence since 1860. The law mentions several "exemptions" - or situations in which sex is not rape - and one of them is "by a man with his own wife" if she is not a minor.

But the Indian government, religious groups and men's rights activists have opposed any plans to amend the law saying consent for sex is "implied" in marriage and that a wife cannot retract it later.

The courts have given contradictory judgements, sometimes allowing a husband to be tried for rape while at others dismissing the petition.

The case came to the Supreme Court after the Delhi high court in 2022 delivered a split verdict. The top court began hearings in August.

The state's response in their 49-page affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court.

The affidavit noted that in a marriage, there was a "continuing expectation to have reasonable sexual access from one's spouse" and while this did not entitle a husband to coerce his wife into having sex, including marital rape under anti-rape laws would be "excessively harsh" and "disproportionate".

It added that there were existing laws that dealt with domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault that protected a married woman's rights.

The home ministry also said that marriage was a social institution and the issue raised in the petitions was more social than legal and hence it should be left to the parliament to formulate policy.

In case of Arnesh Kumar vs. State of Bihar (2014) which deeply analyses the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 (Now, Section 85 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023) (hereinafter referred to as BNS) or cruelty and laid down guidelines to prevent them. Additionally, the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 was also briefly analysed in this case. Arnesh Kumar’s case is renowned for ensuring the protection of the incarcerated yet innocent accused. This case condones arbitrary arrests and lays down strict rules to be adhered to by the police. It emphasises on protection of the rights of the accused and the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’. It further emphasised that the power of the police is limited and that the fundamental rights of a suspect or an accused need to be upheld unequivocally. This case is rich in its interpretation of Section 41 of CrPC and Section 498A of IPC and hence becomes an important precedent for defence counsels to look up to.

The case of Arnesh Kumar vs. State of Bihar (2014) is an important judgement for constitutional and criminal cases. The court recognised the menace of arbitrary arrests even in non-cognisable offences. Further, the court analysed the misuse of Section 498A of IPC and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act by wives seeking to get back at their husbands or their relatives. The court observed the vulnerability of misuse of these Sections and observed that it was necessary to lay down guidelines. Though this case related to the offence of Domestic violence, the court laid down universal guidelines to be followed while arresting and detaining persons accused of offences punishable with seven years or lesser imprisonment. The court laid down that the police officers must prepare a checklist, specifying reasons for arrest in accordance with Section 41A of CrPC. Further, magistrates are also required to properly peruse the reasons provided by the police with the application for detention and state proper reasons for allowing or dismissing the same. Non-compliance by the police or magistrate with the above guidelines would lead to strict departmental action against them. 

#Doctors at #KMC may suspend work indefinitely

To force Kolkata police to submit an unconditional apology for arrest of doctor of Dr. Tapobrata Roy, for demanding justice for RG Kar Hospital murder-rape case during puja carnival, Kolkata corporation’s medical team has decided to go on strike unless Kolkata Police tender apology with 48 hrs.

Dr. Tapobrata Roy, a medical officer of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, was on duty on day before yesterday at the Puja Carnival on Red Road as a member of the corporation’s medical team.

He was detained by Kolkata Police at the Maidan police station while on duty, merely for wearing a t-shirt that said “Spine Not for Sale” and a badge that read “Symbolic Hunger Striker.”

After being held for four hours, he was released without any reason given for his arrest or release. Upon being released, Dr. Roy immediately went to the hunger strike stage at Dharmatala and described the unprecedented police harassment to the crowd gathered there.

The story could have ended here. But no, the disease had already spread. This morning, he confidently went back to work at the corporation office wearing a “We Want Justice” badge. Contagion spreads in an instant! Soon after, the entire municipal medical team was seen on duty, all wearing the “We Want Justice” badge!

Not only that! They held their own meeting and issued a 48-hour deadline to Kolkata Police! Within 48 hours, Kolkata Police must offer an unconditional apology for yesterday’s harassment, or the entire team will go on strike.

64 yr old retired #SBI employee cracks #NEET

Jay Kishore Pradhan, a retired SBI employee from Odisha, has cleared the NEET exam at the age of 64 to study MBBS . He has taken admission in a govt medical college, Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Odisha's Sambalpur. Inspired by his daughters, he pursued his dream of becoming a doctor after retirement, showcasing determination and encouraging others that it's never too late to follow one's passion.

#SupremeCourt unveils new statue of Lady Justice

The statue of Lady Justice has been redesigned to reflect a modernised version of justice in India. In the previous version, 'Lady Justice' was portrayed with a blindfold over her eyes. The new statue, however, has open eyes, symbolising that "justice is no longer blind".

In the earlier statue, 'Lady Justice' held a sword in one hand as a symbol of punishment, while the other hand held scales that represented fairness. In the new statue, the sword has been replaced by the Constitution, while the scales remain unchanged. The change symbolises that justice in India is dispensed according to the Constitution which ensures equality for all.

 The new design signifies a progressive move away from British-era legal symbols, much like the recent replacement of colonial laws with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The scales of justice in the statue's right hand, symbolizing fairness and balance in judicial decisions, remain unchanged.

Horrific rape and murder rocks Krishnanagar #WB

Half-charred and semi-naked body of a girl student of class 12 was found near the office of the Superintendent of Police at Krishnanagar in Nadia district of West Bengal. The 18-year-old girl’s burnt body was found in a Durga Puja pandal.

The locals who spotted the body said the victim’s face was charred beyond recognition.

After spotting the body, locals informed the police. The girl was out with her boyfriend to have pizza & when her mother called to check on her, the boy abused her over the phone. The family claims that the boyfriend & his friends gangraped the girl, leading to her tragic death & mutilated her face.

“In all probability, the victim was first raped and her body was charred to destroy evidence,” a local person told the media persons.

A huge police contingent reached the spot, recovered the body and sent the same for post-mortem.

“It seems that the victim woman is in her early twenties. The exact reason behind the death will be known after the autopsy report is available, which will also reveal whether this was a case of rape and murder. Now our prime concern is to know the identity of the victim,” said a Nadia district police official.

Meanwhile, the incident has created tension in the area with many people claiming that the recovery of the body from a place so close to the office of the Nadia SP proves the “lackadaisical” security arrangements in the area.

BJP’s district leadership has claimed that the crime once again proved how “unsafe” the women are in West Bengal.

Already West Bengal is on the boil over the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor of R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata in August this year, with a group of junior doctors already undergoing fast-unto-death protests on the issue.

The fast-unto-death demonstration has entered the 12th day on Wednesday.

This month Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal was on the boil over a similar rape and murder of a minor girl.

Dr. Rumelika Kumar & Dr. Spandan Chowdhury to join indefinite hunger strike in #Kolkata from today

Two more junior doctors will join the indefinite hunger strike from today at Dharmatala protest site. They are:

Dr. Rumelika Kumar, 3rd-year Community Medicine Post Graduate Trainee, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata and Dr. Spandan Chowdhury, 2nd-year General Medicine Post Graduate Trainee, Midnapore Medical College and Hospital.

Five junior doctors who were on indefinite fast have already been admitted to different hospitals as their conditions deteriorated.

Earlier today Calcutta High Court  nullified the Kolkata police’s prohibitory orders against any gathering of five or more persons in the heart of Kolkata ahead of the West Bengal Government’s Durga Puja carnival and an event being held by protesters against the R G Kar rape and murder case. After prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed on Monday in Esplanade and other areas of central Kolkata, protesters approached the Calcutta High Court.