Republic of India's First Advanced DNA Forensic Laboratory in the campus of Central Forensic Science

[Hindustani78]

Virus alert sounded in Uttar Pradesh, airports asked to stay alert
The Airport Authority of India has been directed to take preventive measures at Lucknow airport and other airports in the state as India deals with a virus outbreak that started in Rajasthan.
lucknow Updated: Oct 22, 2018 07:57 IST

Officials of the Lucknow airport and other aiports around the state have been told to watch out for possible virus infected patients. Around 80 per cent of patients show mild symptoms of body ache, conjunctivitis, fever, rashes and joint pains.(HT File Photo)

In view of growing number of virus cases in Rajasthan, an alert has been sounded in Uttar Pradesh, especially at airports in the state.

Director, communicable diseases (UP) said there was a need to keep a strict watch on people suffering from fever. “Aedes aegypti that transmits virus, also spreads virus. Its widely prevalent here,” Director, communicable diseases (UP) said.

Director, communicable diseases (UP) has alerted the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to take preventive measures at Lucknow airport and other airports in the state. Health authorities in Lucknow have also issued an advisory for virus for the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) and the chief medical officer (CMO). According to health directorate officials, the disease has not been reported in the city as of now. “Many people infected with virus remain asymptomatic. Around 80 per cent of patients show mild symptoms of body ache, conjunctivitis, fever, rashes and joint pains. Any patient having fever, especially coming from infected areas of Rajasthan, must be monitored carefully,” Director, communicable diseases (UP) said. Director, communicable diseases (UP) said the AAI should ensure proper examination of passengers complaining of fever, maculopapular rash or any other associated symptom.

“Any passenger returning from Rajasthan should be examined carefully before being allowed to enter the city,” he said. An official at Lucknow airport, who did not wish to be named, said: “The Lucknow airport is on high alert when it comes to virus. The team of doctors at the airport is on alert.”

Official on special duty, Lucknow airport said AAI would follow the guidelines issued by the health department and district administration. Municipal commissioner, Lucknow said, “The guidelines regarding virus will be fully implemented. We will carry out anti-mosquito drives in the city with the help of district malaria officer.”

First Published: Oct 21, 2018 23:15 IST

 

[Hindustani78]

New Delhi, November 01, 2018 18:51 IST
Updated: November 01, 2018 18:51 IST
After Jaipur and Ahmedabad, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Emergency Medical Response (EMR) has now sent a team of experts to confirm and verify reports of Zika virus cases in the state.

A central team comprising experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Emergency Medical Response (EMR) has gone to the State following information about three persons being detected with virus, an official of National Centre for Disease Control said.

“The team will verify the facts and if the information is true, it will assist the Madhya Pradesh government to replicate the measures and action plan, implemented in Jaipur and Ahmedabad, there, to prevent any possible outbreak of virus,” official of National Centre for Disease Control said.

“Because the symptoms of virus infection is similar to that of dengue and spreads through mosquito bites, it raises concerns,” the official of National Centre for Disease Control added

The official of National Centre for Disease Control said the state health department has been asked to keep a close watch on people suffering from symptoms of the disease.

Meanwhile, an intensive screening exercise is being undertaken and vector control measures have been intensified at Ahmedabad after the first case of the mosquito-borne disease was detected this year.

Virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby’s head is significantly smaller than expected, in newborn children.

The state health department has advised pregnant women not to visit the affected areas.

During the latest outbreak of the virus in the country, the first case surfaced on September 22, when an 85-year-old woman with no recent travel history tested positive for the virus in Jaipur. Since then, the number of Virus cases have risen to 153 .

In India, the first outbreak of virus was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.

The disease is under surveillance although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the WHO notification since November 18, 2016.

 

[Hindustani78]

03-November, 2018 15:35 IST
Virus strain that causes microcephaly not found in Rajasthan

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under Department of Health Research is in the forefront of advanced research in virology and the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) is at par with leading scientific establishments across the world. ICMR-NIV, Pune has sequenced 5 virus strains collected at different time points of the Jaipur outbreak. Advanced molecular studies of virus strains, carried out through Next Generation Sequencing suggest that the known mutations linked to fetal microcephaly and high transmissibility of virus in Aedes are not present in the current virus strain that has affected Rajasthan.

However, the Government is maintaining high vigil of the possibility of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to virus as the strain may mutate in future or some other unknown/host factors may play a role in microcephaly /other birth defects.

The Health Ministry is reviewing the situation on a daily basis.Around 2000 samples were tested for virus positivity, of which 159 positive cases have been confirmed. Adequate numbers of testing kits have been provided to the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories. The State Government has been supplied with IEC material prepared to create awareness about virus disease and its prevention strategies. All pregnant mothers in the area are being monitored through NHM. Extensive surveillance and vector control measures are being taken up in the area as per protocol by the state government.

Virus disease is an emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide. Symptoms of virus disease are similar to other infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache.

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January/February 2017 and second outbreak in July 2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamilnadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.

The disease continues to be on disease surveillance radars of Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern vide WHO notification since 18th November, 2016.

The situation continues to be monitored regularly.

****

 

[Hindustani78]

JAIPUR, November 10, 2018 01:45 IST
Updated: November 10, 2018 01:45 IST
Indian Armed Forces, National Centre for Disease Control has confirmed the control of virus after the detection of more than 150 cases of infection, including those of some pregnant women, during the last few weeks.

The diagnosis and treatment facilities at the Government hospitals in the State were found to be in order.

Effective measures
National Centre for Disease Control Director, who is also Additional Secretary, said the spread of both virus and dengue had been controlled in the State by taking up anti-larva and fogging activities on a large scale to get rid of mosquitoes spreading the virus.

National Centre for Disease Control Director said the State government’s Medical and Health Department had taken effective steps to control the spread of airborne diseases in the densely populated areas of major cities and other cities. National Centre for Disease Control Director visited an urban primary health centre in Mansarovar locality here to observe the services rendered to the patients.

National Centre for Disease Control Director laid emphasis on medical treatment in an integrated manner, proper screening for non-communicable diseases and establishment of an effective referral mechanism. Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) said the virus had been controlled with the support and cooperation of the trained citizens and no fresh case had been detected in the last few days.

 

[Hindustani78]

Forensic labs face manpower shortage, 40% posts vacant: Centre tells Supreme Court

As per the government submission, there are six Central Forensic Science Laboratories -- in Bhopal, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune. As many as 164 posts are lying vacant against the sanctioned strength of 450.
india Updated: Nov 23, 2018 23:23 IST

Over 40 % posts in forensic laboratories are vacant, the Centre informed the Supreme Court on Thursday. Forensic labs under the central government, too, are facing acute manpower shortage, the affidavit submitted to the court said.

The data was placed before a bench of justices MB Lokur and Deepak Gupta, which was hearing a matter related to deficiencies in jails as highlighted by two apex court judges (one of them retired) during their visit to Faridabad jail and an observation home in June this year.

Delay in receiving forensic reports is one of the reasons why criminal trials drag on for years. At the last hearing, the bench had asked the Centre to place before it the status of vacancies in forensic departments across the country.

As per the government submission, there are six Central Forensic Science Laboratories -- in Bhopal, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune. As many as 164 posts are lying vacant against the sanctioned strength of 450. At the Delhi forensic lab, 67 posts are vacant. Thirty-one units operate under state forensic laboratories where 3,685 appointments are yet to be made. The sanctioned strength is 7,582.

Shocked at the alarming number of vacancies, the judges took a dig at the Centre and states. “We are sure these vacancies are not at lower position but at the higher level...Peons are always appointed on time because one officer needs at least three peons to work for him. When you sanction posts then money is not a problem because it’s part of planned expenditure,” justice Gupta said.

Additional solicitor general Aman Lekhi said the process to make appointments in these labs would not be a time-bound one since the top court is seized of the matter. At this justice Lokur said: “The process is underway for 20 years. How do we have speedy trial? The problem is that everybody is with us (in view) but nobody does anything.”

The judges read the state-wise breakup and pointed out how the lab in Rajasthan was working with just 50 per cent strength. In Uttar Pradesh, 830 of 1,100 posts are vacant while in Bihar, only 65 of 191 positions are occupied. Similarly in Gujarat, 384 of 931 posts are vacant.

Lekhi admitted that the state of affairs was dismal. Advocate Guarav Agarwal, assisting the court in the case, suggested that the court take up a batch of five states and summon their officials to know the progress of appointments. But justice Lokur said: “If they are summoned, they will take their travel allowance and simply come and say that they are looking into it.”

The court was also informed that 20 states had chosen not to apprise the Centre about the installation of video-conferencing facilities in their juvenile justice homes. Of the ones that shared the details, only Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh have provided the facility.

The SC gave the Centre one week to collate the data from states and scheduled the next hearing on November 29.

 

[Hindustani78]

28-November, 2018 12:29 IST
2nd National Conference of Heads of Investigating Agencies tomorrow

Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) is organizing the Dr. Anandswarup Gupta Memerial Lecture and 2nd biennial National Conference of the Heads/Chiefs of Investigating Agencies here tomorrow. Shri. D R Kaarthikeyan, former Director CBI will deliver the AnandSwarup Gupta Memorial Lecture on the topic “Inclusive Policing in the Era of New Age Crimes” during the inaugural session on November 29th, 2018. While Justice Madan B. Lokur, Hon’ble Judge, Supreme Court of India will deliver the Valedictory address on November 30th ,2018.


The two-day Conference will deliberate on various legal aspects, procedures and use of technology in investigation to improve its quality and secure effective prosecution. The theme of the conference is “Capacity Building of Police Investigators in the Era of New Age Crimes”.


The heads of State Crime Branches and other state police investigation agencies like Economic Offence Wing (EOW), Special Task Force(STF) etc. will participate along with Central Investigation Agencies like Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) , National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) etc. The Superintendents of Police, DySPs, and Police Inspectors at the cutting edge level of police investigations have also been invited in the conference. More than 200 delegates from all States/ UTs are expected to participate.


The Conference is being organised in collaboration with several Central Investigating Agencies, Academia, States and Industry collaborating as Knowledge Partners on various themes and topics related to Investigation and Prosecution.


Some of the major themes of the Conference and their collaborating Knowledge Partners are as follows –

• Investigation of Terrorism related Crimes : National Investigation Agency (NIA)
• Investigation of NDPS Cases :Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
• Best practices from States on investigation and prosecution
• Investigation of Wildlife Crimes : Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
• Financial Intelligence and Investigation : Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
• Investigation of Economic Offences : Enforcement Directorate (ED)
• Investigation of Cyber Crimes
• Use of Space based Technologies and Geo-spatial applications for Investigation : Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Latest legal provisions and Supreme Court directives related to investigation : National Law University (NLU)

Each of the above sessions will have inputs from practitioner's perspective, viz. the experience and insights of serving and retired police officers of various ranks. This wealth of experience will be mixed with latest developments and inputs from academia, legal domain and technological advancements that can be incorporated in the investigation and prosecution procedures. Each session will have a Moderator delivering the Keynote address on the topic, followed by talks and discourse by two leading subject matter experts / practitioners. This will be followed by discussion with the delegates and guests. The outcome of deliberations would be fruitful in policy formulation.


The Conference will have a Exposition of technologies and softwares related to investigation. Leading industry firms will display their technologies. The participants and delegates will benefit from such exposure and knowledge.


****

 

[GHALIB]

Nice achievements .

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
29-November, 2018 18:27 IST
BPR&D organizes the Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture on “Inclusive Policing in the era of New Age Crimes”

The Bureau of Police Research & Development organized the Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture on “Inclusive Policing in the era of New Age Crimes” and 2nd National Conference of Heads of Investigating Agencies on “Capacity Building of Police Investigators in the Era of New Age Crimes” here today. The lecture was delivered by Shri. D R Kaarthikeyan, former Director, CBI.

In his address Shri D. R. Kaarthikeyan stressed on capacity building of Indian Police Forces to handle the crime investigations effectively. He was of the view that technology needs to be introduced in Police Investigation procedures and improve the quality of evidence. He also stressed on the importance of understanding of the court procedure and to have regular interaction with prosecution and judicial officers. This would go a long way in improving conviction rates.

Dr. Anandswarup Gupta was the founder Director of the Bureau of Police Research & Development which was set up in the year 1970. In 2003, the Bureau instituted the Dr. Anandswarup Gupta memorial lecture series.

DG, BPR&D, Shri AP Maheshwari, in his welcome address stressed on conducting such conference on regular basis. The illustrious family members of the Dr. Anandswarup Gupta family were also present and were felicitated by the DG, BPR&D

The BPR&D is also organising the 2nd biennial National Conference of Investigating Agencies on 29-30 November at BPR&D Headquarters, New Delhi. The objective of the conference is to deliberate on various legal aspects, procedures and use of technology in investigation to improve its quality and secure effective prosecution.

The heads of State Crime Branches and other state police investigation agencies like Economic Offence Wing (EOW), Special Task Force(STF) are participating along with Central Investigation Agencies like Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) , National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).

This year, 9 business sessions are being organised in collaboration with NIA, NCB, ED, FIU, WCCB, Academia, Corporate Sector, and cyber and forensic experts along with practitioner police officers from States.


*****
BB/PK/SS

The DG, BPR&D, Dr. A.P. Maheshwari presenting a memento to the former Director CBI, Shri D.R. Kaarthikeyan, at the 2nd biennial National Conference of the Heads/Chiefs of Investigating Agencies and Dr. Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture, organised by the BPR&D, in New Delhi on November 29, 2018.

The DG, BPR&D, Dr. A.P. Maheshwari addressing the 2nd biennial National Conference of the Heads/Chiefs of Investigating Agencies and Dr. Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture, organised by the BPR&D, in New Delhi on November 29, 2018.

The former Director CBI, Shri D.R. Kaarthikeyan delivering the Dr. Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture at the 2nd biennial National Conference of the Heads/Chiefs of Investigating Agencies and Dr. Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture, organised by the BPR&D, in New Delhi on November 29, 2018.

A group photo of the Heads/Chiefs and officers of Investigating Agencies participating in the Dr. Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture at the 2nd biennial National Conference of the Heads/Chiefs of Investigating Agencies and Dr. Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture, organised by the BPR&D, in New Delhi on November 29, 2018. The DG, BPR&D, Dr. A.P. Maheshwari and the former Director CBI, Shri D.R. Kaarthikeyan are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

05-September, 2019 15:50 IST
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) organised 1st National Conference on Cybercrime Investigation and Forensics.

The Two-day Conference was inaugurated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director, Shri R K Shukla yesterday. Around 50 Officers including DGPs, ADGPs, IGPs, DIGPs and SPs dealing with cybercrime in State & UT Police, Central Agencies, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, other Ministries, experts from Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and academia participated in the Conference.

During the conference, several lectures, presentations and panel discussions on various topics/themes of law enforcement interest, including, Mobile/Digital Forensics, Inter-LEA information/ intelligence exchange, obtaining digital evidence from abroad, online harming including Indian Citizens sexual abuse, Social Media, establishing standard formats for data exchange between service providers and LEAs, Intermediary liability, Admissibility of Electronic Evidence were discussed in the deliberations.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director, Shri R K Shukla said that this conference is a platform for State Police and Enforcement agencies to share their best practices and to replicate them. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director, Shri R K Shukla said that cyber crime has become a global phenomena now and this conference will be an enriching experience for the Agencies working at grass root levels.

The Minister was speaking at the first National Conference on Cybercrime Investigation and Forensics, organized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), here today.

The Minister further added that Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has gained high degree of credibility over the years and it has become a benchmark for investigation of crimes.

The Minister congratulated the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) for organizing the first national conference of its kind in the country. While complimenting the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI), the Minister said that people from the most peripheral and remotest regions of the country trust the functioning of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Minister said that India is still evolving as a nation and organisations like Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) have helped to add credibility to the Indian democracy. The Minister further said that the nature of crime also evolves with the evolution of society, which makes them essential on the part of investigative agencies to evolve their techniques. The entire crime scenario has changed over the years, the Minister added. The Minister emphasized that the study of cyber crime is important for India, keeping in mind the fact that India has a huge population and that India has the second largest internet users in the world.

Speaking about the recent developments in the country, Union Government of India, Minister said that we are in the post-Article 370 abrogation scenario. Union Government of India, Minister expressed concern over the fact that the cyber manipulators are posing risk to the nation by circulating fake videos on the social media, which needs to be addressed. The Union Government of India, Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Government of India has given thrust to the optimum use of technology. Union Government of India, Minister quoted examples of Digital India, GeM, Aadhar and Jandhan scheme. The computer technology has entered a large number of household of India, Union Government of India, Minister added.

Union Government of India, Minister added that the second thrust of the Union of India has been on our clarity in fight against terror and decisive actions have been taken in this regard.