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Singur, 15 yrs on: ‘Tatas awarded compensation, TMC got power, what about us?’ | Kolkata News

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Off the Durgapur Expressway on National Highway 2, the land is dotted with mounds of soil and concrete, wildgrass, and dilapidated drainage pipes. Only small patches of land show signs of agriculture. It is here that Mamata Banerjee once led an agitation against the Tata Motors Singur manufacturing plant that helped propel her party to power in the state. Fifteen years later, while the TMC continues its rule in West Bengal, and Tata Motors has been awarded a sizeable compensation, those who once farmed here say they are the only “losers”.
Earlier this week, an arbitration tribunal awarded Tata Motors Ltd Rs 766 crore in compensation — recoverable from the West Bengal government — for its capital investment losses in the stalled manufacturing plant.
For the farmers staying there, though, life appears to have come to a standstill. After Mamata became the Chief Minister in 2011, her first Cabinet decision was to return 400 acres of land to “unwilling farmers” – those whose land had been acquired by the erstwhile Left government but had refused compensation.
Among them is Laxmi Santra (67), a resident of Beraberi village. Standing next to her two cows, she says, “We had a small piece of land here and, like everyone, I was part of the agitation. I get Rs 2,000 per month and 16 kg rice (government compensation for unwilling farmers started by the TMC government). But that’s it. I can’t identify my land among the tall grass, water and bushes here. We are stuck here for years now. I do not know about Tata’s compensation. What about ours?”
Laxmi’s problem is not unique – after the Tatas took away their machinery, what remained were remnants of concrete structures and roads where farmland once stood. Amid the overgrown foliage, it’s virtually impossible to distinguish one person’s land from the other’s.
Dismantling work at the Singur Nano plant in 2016. (Express File)
Standing with his bicycle on one such narrow concrete road, 65-year-old Ashok Porel says he was one of the farmers who gave up his land willingly for the Tata project. “I had five bighas of land. Then the company withdrew their project from Singur. All these years later, I am yet to identify my land as there are no demarcations. The government said they will return land which is cultivable; can you really cultivate anything you see here?” he asks.
“As I was a willing farmer, I don’t get the government doles that ‘unwilling farmers’ get. And I got my land only on paper. I still believe industry is the only way out of the mess here,” says Porel, who lives with his wife and son. His son, who worked as a jewellery artisan in Saudi Arabia, returned during the pandemic and is yet to get a job.
Porel says he could only use 13 cottahs of land near his residence for cultivation. “That too after engaging earth movers to clear the land of concrete and iron chunks.”
Carrying a load of grass meant to be used as cattle fodder, Becharam Patra, 78, says he used to be a sharecropper. “We did not own land but worked on what others had. We didn’t get any compensation; only monthly doles from the state government, which also stopped a few months ago. So many years later, everyone now says industry should be set up since this land is unusable,” said Becharam, who lives with his wife and son in Khaser Bheri.
Roughly 20 minutes from the project area, Dr Udayan Das sits at his private nursing home in Singur town. Of the 13 acres of his land that was acquired for the plant, he has been able to retrieve only 3 acres for use.
“If you ask me who won after the Singur land agitation, I would say the TMC. Some efforts were made by the state government but the land is neither demarcated nor cultivable,” he said. “We cannot develop or sell the land either – the concrete roads are too narrow and heavy vehicles cannot ply. And huge investment is needed if you want to make it suitable for agriculture.”
The state government continues to give Rs 2,000 and 16 kg of rice to each of the 3,611 people in Singur who have links to the land – including owners, sharecroppers and farm laborers.
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Failing to till the land, some farmers have tried ponds and fisheries. Among them is Dilip Samanta. “It will take time, but we are hopeful it will work,” says the 65-year-old, who was one of the “unwilling farmers”.
“We have formed a society with five people and are rearing fish in a huge water body. On the embankment we will go for fruit trees (horticulture)… No one was against industry here. We wanted 600 acres to be industry and 400 acres of fertile land to be left out,” he says.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Becharam Manna, minister of state for panchayat and rural development department, who was among the leaders of the Singur land agitation, says, “Farming has started in many plots of land. The work for making the rest of the land suitable for agriculture is going on. This is all I can say. I will not comment on Tata’s claim.”
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Technology News
Circle to Search: Share part of your screen!

According to recent reports, Circle to Search, a feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, might soon undergo an upgrade. Initially allowing users to copy text from selected areas, it’s now rumored to include the capability to capture and share screenshots of specific screen sections.
This enhanced functionality, observed in the latest version of Circle to Search, enables users to not only copy text but also capture and share screen images. A video shared by a tipster on X showcased this update, revealing new options of Copy and Share upon selecting an area. Even adjustments to the selected region don’t remove these options, ensuring a seamless experience. Users can either copy the image to the clipboard for further editing or share it directly through various apps.
Previously, the visual lookup feature solely facilitated text copying. While Android devices offer a three-finger swipe-down gesture for quick screenshots, it captures the entire screen, necessitating subsequent cropping. This new functionality streamlines the process, allowing users to select and share specific screen sections in just two steps.
Interestingly, Google recently addressed concerns about accidental activations of Circle to Search in a podcast featuring its developers. They acknowledged the issue and assured users of an impending fix. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine the feature for a smoother user experience.
Technology News
Discounted OnePlus Nord CE 3 price in India: Check it out!

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 has recently undergone another price reduction in India, marking a significant update for potential buyers. Initially introduced to the Indian market in June 2023, this smartphone received its first price adjustment in November of the same year. The base variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was notably listed at a price Rs. 2,000 lower than its launch price, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to providing competitive pricing to its customers.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and ships with the Android 13-based operating system. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, enhancing its photography capabilities, and supports SuperVOOC charging, ensuring rapid replenishment of its battery. The inclusion of these features positions the Nord CE 3 as a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and innovation.
The recent unveiling of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in India marks the continuation of OnePlus’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users. Serving as the successor to the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new enhancements and features to further elevate the user experience.
When considering the revised pricing of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, it’s evident that OnePlus aims to make its devices more accessible to a wider audience. The reduction in price, particularly on platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus India website, presents an opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable rate.
Let’s delve deeper into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 to understand its capabilities and appeal to potential buyers.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price in India (Revised)
The base variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was initially launched in India at Rs. 26,999. Following its first price cut in November, the price was reduced to Rs. 24,999. Now, the same variant is available on Amazon at Rs. 22,990, representing a Rs. 2,009 reduction from its previous price. Furthermore, customers can benefit from an additional flat Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 20,990.
On the OnePlus India website, the 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs. 22,999, marking a Rs. 2,000 decrease from the November price of Rs. 24,999. It is worth noting that this discount is exclusively applicable to the 128GB model, as the higher-end 256GB variant is currently listed as out of stock.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specifications and Features
Display:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing their overall viewing experience.
Processor and Performance:
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 delivers robust performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage, users can seamlessly navigate between apps and store their multimedia content with ease.
Operating System:
The smartphone ships with Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, providing users with a clean and intuitive user interface coupled with a plethora of customization options. OxygenOS is known for its smooth performance and timely software updates, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
Camera:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) support. Accompanying this primary sensor is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter, allowing users to capture a wide range of subjects with stunning detail and clarity. On the front, the device houses a 16-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging:
Equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers ample battery life to power through a full day of usage. Additionally, the device supports 80W wired SuperVOOC charging, enabling users to quickly replenish the battery and minimize downtime.
Connectivity:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. Whether it’s streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or staying connected with friends and family, users can rely on the Nord CE 3 to deliver seamless connectivity and performance.
Security:
For enhanced security, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 features an in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to conveniently unlock their device with a simple touch. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and personal information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and innovation, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts in India. With its recent price reduction and competitive specifications, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. As OnePlus continues to innovate and introduce new features with each iteration, the Nord CE 3 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional devices tailored to the needs of its users.
Technology News
Namma Yatri launches cab service in Bengaluru

In its largest market, Bengaluru, ride-hailing company Namma Yatri has expanded its services to include cab-hailing, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on auto rickshaws. Namma Yatri, known for pioneering a daily subscription model as opposed to the commission-based model utilized by competitors like Ola and Uber, had initially concentrated on auto rickshaws in Bengaluru. However, it now features a distinct section on its app dedicated to booking cabs in the city. Additionally, Namma Yatri already provides cab rides in Kochi and Kolkata.
The decision to venture into cab services follows Namma Yatri’s separation from its former parent company, Justpay, and comes on the heels of a reported expansion plan announced on April 1st. The move also aligns with the broader trend observed in the industry, as both Ola and Uber have recently introduced subscription-based plans for auto-rickshaw drivers on their platforms. This strategic shift towards subscription-based models, akin to Namma Yatri’s approach, as well as that of Rapido, highlights a growing preference within the industry for alternative pricing structures beyond traditional booking fees or commissions.
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