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Complete News Magazine
h Kashmir Focus h State Scan h Environment h RED teror h interview h country affaris h cover story h influence h neighbourhood h Health h new at glance h womens empowerment h business h world affairs h sports talent h sports
Ramadan Special
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Railway link to help development in Kashmir
04
Power generation myth or Reality
13 ReINVESTIGATE Kunan poshpora gang-rape case North Kashmir’s Kupwara District
Focus On Globe July 2013
Editorial
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FoCus on globe complete News Magazine
RNI hTITLE JKENG00895/09/1/2012-TC DATED: 17/1/2012 CountryCODE:news h state news h eduCation h FoCus h neighbourhood h global news h PolitiCs h Culture and soCiety h health h womens era h business h Fitness h Future
Vol:1 Issue 3
July 2013
Islam is a major world religion, with over 1 billion followers worldwide (1/5 of the world population)
Owner Muhammad Haneef Mahajan
Muslims observe five formal acts of worship, which are called the five pillars of Islam. Based on the foundation of faith, the pillars of Islam help build and structure a Muslim’s daily life. • Declaration of Faith (Kalma Shahaadah) Tavheed • Prayer (Salaat) Namaaz • Fasting (Sawm) (Roza) • Almsgiving (Zakat) • Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Printer Muhammad Haneef Mahajan
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Muhammad Haneef Mahajan
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mr. modi, where is progress in gujArAt
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Focus On Globe July 2013
Central holy text of Islam is the Qur’an. Muslims believe that the words of the Qur’an were directly revealed by ”Allah”, through the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Qur’an is a source of inspiration and guidance to Muslims, filled with reminders of Allah’s mercy and blessings, warnings of punishment for wrongdoers, history chapters of ancient peoples and the lessons they learned, and instructions for daily living. Muslims believe in making a direct connection to Allah through daily worship. Daily prayers incorporate special words and actions which symbolize and express a person’s faith. In prayer, Muslims praise Allah, seek guidance and forgiveness, and develop self-discipline. Islam is often called a “way of life.” The faith offers guidance and structure in all aspects of daily life, from birth and death rites, to courtship and marriage relationships, education and business dealings. Muslim parents and medical practitioners should understand Islamic customs surrounding the birth of a child. Here you can find information about birth rites, circumcision, breastfeeding, etc. The choice of a marriage partner is one of the most important decisions a person will make in his or her lifetime. Muslims approach this decision with prayer, careful investigation, and family involvement. Muslims view marriage as the foundation of society and family life. In a practical aspect, Islamic marriage is thus structured through legally-enforceable rights and duties of both parties. In an atmosphere of love and respect, these rights and duties provide a framework for the balance of family life and the fulfillment of both partners. Islam is recognized as the fastest-growing world religion, particularly among western women. Those who embrace Islam are known as either “converts” or “reverts” to the faith, recognizing that each person is born with a natural faith in Allah and merely returns to it as an adult. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once said; that Muslims should “seek knowledge, from the cradle to the grave.” Education is a life-long endeavor, and Muslim parents have many choices with regards to their children’s education. In addition, most Muslims try to learn at least the basics of the Arabic language, although only 15% of Muslims speak Arabic as a native tongue. Muslims follow a set of dietary laws which are outlined in the Qur’an. Everything is permitted (HALAL), except what “ALLAH” specifically prohibited (HARAM). Muslims do not consume pork or alcohol, and follow a humane process for the slaughter of animals for meat. Within these rules, there is wide variation among the eating habits of Muslims around the world. Islam gives guidance about all aspects of life, including matters of public decency. Islam has set minimum standards for personal modesty, which are reflected in the various styles of clothing worn among Muslims. While such standards may seem out-dated or conservative to some people, Muslims view these values of public decency as timeless. Islam has given detailed regulations for our economic life, which is balanced and fair. Muslims are to recognize that wealth, earnings, and material goods are the property of ALLAH, and we are merely His trustees. How do Muslims feel about such issues as euthanasia, organ donation, life support, cloning, infertility treatments, and abortion? What does Islam teach about these issues? How do Muslims face health issues in their daily lives?
Message
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Dear Readers “Focus on Globe” is a complete News Magazine for the readers of the subcontinent. It shall be our primary concern and top priority to highlight the grievances of the people at large, for their redressal at the hands of the concerned so that sufferings of the people are mitigated within the shortest possible time frame work. The basic idea for creation of this magazine and to get it on the stands is to provide our valued readers, a variety of material on different topics viz current affairs / History/ finance / development/ information technology / travel / agriculture / media/ health / society / woman’s issue/ culture/ Qur’anic wisdom/ entertainment / sports / unemployment issues and so on and so forth. It is hoped this Magazine shall serve as a useful source to our readers particularly the student community to remain abreast of the latest happenings in the world particularly in our parts of the globe. The writer’s of this Magazine belong to different shades of opinion and we hope the readers would definitely enjoy the content of the magazine and will provide us with their valued suggestions for improvement of the magazine. The content of the articles reflect the views of the author and does not necessarily reflect our opinion and views what so ever. (c) The contents of the magazine cannot be reproduce in any form without the prior written permission of the Editor–in-Chief of this Magazine. To connect with the magazine please feel free to contact us on our email address at focusonglobe@gmail.com
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Focus On Globe July 2013
Kashmir Focus
4
Power generation myth or Reality
By: DANISH.N
Can it end unemployment crisis in Kashmir?
I
t is being presumed and predicted by all the learned people the experts in world affairs and all the leading think tanks of the leading nations that the future wars will be fought for controlling the water resources of this world as there would be paucity of water all over the globe. The nature has been too generous to us by providing abundance of water in our state which if utilized properly could generate about 20000 MWs of power for our state , which if sold for Rs.10 per unit (kwh)could fetch us Rs.4.8 billion per day and this can make our state one of the richest patches of the planet. Past unfortunately our planners and successive state governments
Focus On Globe July 2013
have never bothers to give a serious thought to this environment friendly commodity of urgent priority and thus failed the people and the state on all accounts. While six lakh youth battle unemployment in Kashmir Valley with government sector as the only hope of employment, the experts believe harnessing water resources could more than just end the crisis. The valley has a potential to generate 15, 000 to 20, 000 MW of hydropower from its big and small streams. Officially, a cumulative 25,000 MW are generated under state and central sector projects at present. The contribution of state sector projects is about 750
Kashmir Focus MW while the major contribution comes from the projects under centre sector. The experts believe proper exploitation of the potential could generate direct and indirect employment for a million people, thus ending the job crisis in the state. “Harnessing water resources of our valley can directly generate employment for one lakh people. And then 20,000MW of electricity will enable us to set up industries and manufacturing units, which would create more jobs. Together we can have employment for a million people through these direct and indirect means,” former president Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir Mr.Shakeel Qalander said. Mr.Qalander is part of a social group Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS), which has been ardently supporting return of power projects to the state and harnessing of the water resources. The power generation in the state has, however, become a contentious issue. Even as the state government appears reluctant to exploit the water resources, it has been accusing the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) of “looting the water resources of the state”. The New Delhi based company is controversially controlling four operational power projects of the state—Salal, Dul-Hasti, Uri-I and Sewa-II. The projects have a collective power generation of 1680 MWs. The four projects under NHPC are estimated to contribute 47 per cent of its total annual power generation throughout India. Many other projects including 280-MW Uri-II (Baramulla), 330-MW Kishanganga (Bandipora), 1020 MW Bursar (Kishtwar), 45-MW Chutak (Kargil) and 44-MW Nimo Bazgo (Leh) are said to be in various stages of development and completion. The company’s legal authority over the projects is being challenged by the state government as well as the civil society with regard to the authenticity of agreement between NHPC and state government. The state government has been demanding return of 900 MW Salal, 480 MW Uri and 390 MW Dul Hasti projects whose construction cost is said to have been recovered by NHPC over the years. The exploitation of the water resources by NHPC in fact resulted in formulating a law for management of water resources by the Jammu and Kashmir government according to which the power generating companies like NHPC are charged for using state’s water reserves. Accordingly, NHPC has to pay the state Rs 900 crore annually as water usage charges. The issue of water charges is presently in court, through NHPC has about released the foresail amount by the year 2011-2012 The state has also been sustaining losses due to Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan. IWT was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 as a settlement for water sharing. The treaty gives India exclusive rights to use the waters of the eastern rivers— Sutlej, Beas and Ravi—and their tributaries before they enter Pakistan while Pakistan secured rights over the waters of the western rivers—Chenab, Jhelum and Indus which flow from J&K into the
5
neighbouring country. T h e water-sharing agreement however prevents the Jammu and Kashmir from full exploitation of its water-resources for generation of electricity. The state has been seeking compensation from New Delhi against the losses. Recently, the state government engaged a private consultancy firm to quantify the losses suffered due to the Indus Water Treaty. But the firm reportedly turned down the offer later. Now the possibility of setting up about ventures in power sector are mode in the state government which will help to great extent exploit the water resources of the state. “We can even get benefitted with micro hydro-power projects, but the successive governments have been mere politicking over these water resources and power projects. The government needs to look beyond politics and think about harnessing these water resources for the benefit of the public, which now is conscious enough to remember the politicians who work for their welfare,” Qalander said. According to noted economist Prof Nisar Ali the state government as well as New Delhi shelves the proposal and recommendations made for exploitation of the water resources of the state for the reasons best know to them only. “The Rangarajan committee was set-up to prepare a detailed report on harnessing of water resources. The committee recommended same things that we have been suggesting all this time, but the report has been lying with New Delhi, which doesn’t seem interested in acting upon it,” Prof Nisar said. The state government has been focusing on the tourism as the principal means of employment and revenue to the state. The number of tourist visiting Kashmir has been growing in the recent years. A record nine lack to 12 lack tourists visited valley last year, and the flow is expected to stay constant this year as well. However, the massive shortage of power supply earlier this year had reportedly distracted the large number from disabling the state tourists. Prof Nisar Ali said full-capacity power generation could boost tourism, and other indirect sectors of employment. “We talk of tourism, but no tourist would come to this place without availability of basic facilities like power. Producing electricity up to our capacity can lure more tourists to this place and generate employment in the process,” he said. “Similarly, the availability of power could allow us to set up manufacturing industries that can absorb thousands of people. Exploiting water resources could open up more indirect than direct avenues of employment.” Focus On Globe July 2013
State Scan
6
Focus on Globe Desk
Dodpathri emerging Alternate of Gulmarg: Mir
Kashmir: Dodpathri virgin tourist destination with amusing meadows, lush green pastures and milky waterfalls of Sukhnag and Shaliganga would become alternate destination to World famous Gulmarg in coming years. This was stated by the Tourism Minister, Mr G. A. Mir, during his visit to the Dodpathri in district Badgam . The Minister said that Government is exploring fully the varied tourism potential of Dodpathri adding that a chair lift would be constructed soon at the destination, besides developing of a tourist circuit connecting Tosmaidan- Yusmarg-Dreng with Dodpatri. In this regard, the Minister gave consent for initiating necessary steps for development of these attractions to attract high end tourists towards this destination, which, he said, would ultimately ease tourist rush of Gulmarg and other known tourists spots of the Valley. Tourism Minister, Mr G. A. Mir, directed Cable Car Corporation authorities to go ahead and conduct a survey besides formulation of detailed project report for constructing chair lift at the destination in time bound manner. Tourism Minister underscored need for identifying the varied tourism potential of the destination and its vicinity for marketing it globally. He also underlined the need for promoting new tourist attractions in the area without harming the virginity of the destination. He said the destination has great potential of Sheep farming, herbal Gardening and Winter-sport activities and directed concerned for Taping these potentials. Tourism Minister, Mr G. A. Mir, called upon the locals to come forward and be the stakeholders in tourism
promo-
tion of the area. He said Government has launched an incentive scheme under which people would convert a portion of their houses into lodges and guesthouses adding that financial assistance up to Rs. 2 lakh is being provided to such intenders. He said Government would also provide necessary training in hospitality and protocol to the local youth for setting up their own ventures under tourism sector in the area. The Tourism Minister accompanied by MLA, Khansahb Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen and Director Tourism Kashmir Mr. Talat Parvez besides other senior officers inspected several ongoing projects coming up at the destination. Tourism Minister also reviewed physical and financial status of the projects being executed by Dodpathri Development Authority (DDA). He instructed that while building tourist related infrastructure the virginity, ecology and aesthetic look of the area should not be affected at any cost and cautioned that no infrastructure be created in haphazard manner which may disturb the outlook of the spot. He also stressed for time bound notifying of Master Plan of the destination in order to create required tourist related infrastructure in a strategic and planned manner. Hakeem Yaseen, MLA highlighted the vast tourism potential of the area and urged for formation of long term and short term development plans. He also suggested creation of wayside amenities including construction of guest houses and public conveniences en-route to Dodpathri for the tourists. Chief Executive Officer, DDA, gave detailed resume of physical and financial achievements registered by the Authority during last few years in the area.
Asks for survey, formation of DPRs for chairlift
Focus On Globe July 2013
State Scan
7
Focus on Globe Desk
Cabinet Secretary assures full support to J&K Khandey expresses gratitude to Central team
SRINAGAR: While extending gratitude to Cabinet Secretary, Ajit umar Seth and his team for visiting Jammu and Kashmir and sorting out pending issues on fast track basis State Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey expressed the hope that the release of funds by the Union Government regarding the projects presently under implementation and in the pipeline will be expedited. The Cabinet Secretary assured full support to the State Government and said that the discussions taking place were highly fruitful to sort out the pending issues. He directed various Union Secretaries to be in touch with the Administrative Secretaries in Jammu and Kashmir Government for ensuring smooth flow of committed funds to the State. On the concluding day of the consecutive marathon meetings through video conference lasting four hours between the Central and State teams led by the Union Cabinet Secretary and the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary respectively, several pending issues pertaining to various development sectors were discussed and resolved. While most of the issues were settled during the meetings, substantial progress was achieved in addressing some of the remaining subjects. It was decided that these issues will be discussed by the concerned Union and State Secretaries in the subsequent meetings for their final resolution. The sectors that were taken up in the meeting included Education, Health, Sports, Rural Development, Culture, Tribal Affairs, Social Welfare, Panchayats, Urban Development, Animal & Sheep husbandry, Fisheries, Agriculture, Textiles and MSME sector.
Chief Secretary stresses on joint efforts to eradicate drug abuse
Asks involvement of all in prevention of drug trafficking, cultivation SRINAGAR: Stressing on sustained drive against drug abuse, Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khanday Monday directed Police, Revenue, Health and Excise officials to act jointly to eradicate the menace of cultivation, sale and distribution of illegal drugs to safeguard the future of the State. Chairing the State Apex Committee meeting on Prevention of Drug Trafficking and its Cultivation , the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to sensitize Village Heads, Numberdars, Sarpanches and Patwaris to carry out their responsibilities under the NDPS Act of reporting and recording cultivation of Bhang and Poppy crops in their areas. “It should be ensured that cultivation of such illegal crops is reported and the report immediately acted upon by destroying the crop. Moreover, necessary measures in terms of awareness and prescribing other crops as alternatives should also be carried out simultaneously to prevent cultivation of the illegal crop in the area in future�, he asserted and asked Agricultural Department to frame a proposal for cultivation of alternate crop preferably vegetables, flowers, strawberries etc to discourage cultivation of Poppy and Hemp. On misuse of Pharmaceutical products, the Chief Secretary asked the Excise Department to monitor and trace the entire route of capsules, bottles and injections misused as drugs by addicts from the initial seller to the ultimate buyer. He asked the Drug Controller to ensure that shopkeepers and dealers selling intoxicative medicine illegitimately and without record be booked and sealed. The Chief Secretary asked Social Welfare Department to conduct awareness programmes in schools and colleges particularly in areas where illegal crops are cultivated. Moreover, School Education, Higher Education and Information Department along with Doordarshan were asked to actively assist in this endeavour. The Apex Committee also agreed to constitute District Level Committees headed by Deputy Commissioners along with representatives of Forest, Agriculture, Revenue, Police etc to ensure focused attention against the Narcotic cultivation and trade.
Focus On Globe July 2013
State Scan
8
Focus on Globe Desk
J&K Senior Athletic Govt likely to enhances team won Bronze Medal assistance to militancy affected families: Sakina
Jammu: Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, Vice President Athletic Federation of India congratulated members and coach of J&K Senior Athletic team which won Bronze Medal in 4x400 meter Relay Race in the 53rd Senior National Inter State Athletic Championship held at Chennai on 4th to 7th June, 2013. He showers special praise on J&K Police Athletic team who were part of Bronze Medal winning team. The members of Relay team were Amrish Sharma, Vipan Kumar, Imtiaz Ahmed and Dalip Sharma. Prof. Sharma thanks Director General of Police J&K Sh Ashok Prasad and Additional Director General Sh. S.M. Sahai for allowing Athletes from J&K Police along with Sh. Sharad Chander Singh who accompany the team as Manager cum Coach. Dr Sharma hopes that full cooperation and help will be rendered to the State Association for promotion of Games & Sports. Members of team were also congratulated by Sh. Prabhat Singh Charak, International Athletes, Rajan Sharma-Sports Officer J&K State Sports Council, S. Ravinder Singh (Babbi) Hony. Gen. Secretary, Mr. Ravi Salgotra - Media Advisor, Sh. S.S. Gill, Associate Secretary, Mr. Agharu Dass member and Gurcharan Singh (Sonu) Coach of J&K State Athletic. Dr. Sharma hope that Athletes will put up grand dhow in future also under the guidance of Chander Singh. He assured for full help and cooperation from Athletic Federation of India.
96 offenders penalized for smoking in public places SRINAGAR: To curb the menace of smoking in public places anti Tobacco squad comprising SHO Kothibagh, Food Safety Officer, Srinagar, besides members of J&K Voluntary Health Association inspected various public places including Partap Park, Residency Road, Press Colo-
ny, Women’s College, College of Education, Regal Chowk, Forest Lane, Lal Chowk, Abi Guzar, Foot Bridge, Tyndale Biscoe School areas. As many as 96 persons were booked for smoking in public places and penalty of Rs. 9,600 was compounded. The team also has challaned those shopkeepers for selling tobacco outside educational institutions in violation of Section 5 of the Anti Tobacco Act.
Focus On Globe July 2013
KATHUA: The government is likely to enhance financial assistance to the militancy affected families from Rs 750 to Rs 1000 per month besides increasing the age limit for scholarship to the wards of such families from 18 to 25 years. This was informed by Minister for Social Welfare, ARI & Training, Sakina Itoo, on 14th of June 2013, while addressing a mammoth gathering after inaugurating awareness cum distribution camp at Kathua.The camp was organized by Rehabilitation Council of Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India in which prosthetic aids and orthotic aids and appliances were given to the beneficiaries. Elaborating on measures initiated by the present dispensation for welfare and socio-economic emancipation of militancy victims and other under-privileged sections of the society, the Minister gave credit to the people of the state who always supported such endeavours of the government. “Complete cooperation of the people has greatly help the state march fast towards peace and progress”, she maintained. Sakina informed that the government has formulated a “Mission Authority” to cater to the interests of womenfolk. Under the initiative, Information Centres will be established so that women can get information and desired knowledge of various programmes envisaging their social, economical and political empowerment. The Minister, while addressing the “Angadwadi” workers and helpers, called upon them to raise massive awareness among the womenfolk about the provision of lodging complaint about any domestic violence or related issues with the Child Development Project Officer of their respective block. She expressed concern over less participation of women in schemes like MGNREGA in our state which is quite higher in other parts of the country. Sakina Itoo distributed cheques among the beneficiaries under Indira Gandhi Matritava Sehyog Youjna (IGMSY) of ICDS Project Barnoti besides giving away wheel chairs, tricycles to the disabled. She also gave away cheques to Minority & Schedule casts students under Post Matric Scholarship. Director, Social Welfare, M H Bhatti, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted programmes of the department. Executive Director, J&K Rehabilitation Council, Ms Hafiza Muzaffer assured assistance to the uncovered affected families at the earliest. Among others DDC Kathua Jatinder K Singh, SSP Kathua Mohan Lal, ADDC Kathua Ajay Singh Jamwal, Assistant Director Social welfare, Ansuya Jamwal, DSWO Kathua Naresh Kumar, PO ICDS Kathua, CDPO Hiranagar, CDPO Billawar, Angadwadi Workers, helpers, Sarpanchs and large number of people were present on the occasion.
State Scan
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Focus on Globe Desk
DDC reviews NGM College, Miran Sahib encroachment on organizing written test Coaching forest, state land Classes for post of teachers REASI: District Development Commissioner, Reasi, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, reviewed the status of encroachment on forest and other state lands in the district besides preparing a comprehensive report in this regard. Among others Additional Deputy Commissioner, Rajinder Singh Tara, DFO, Reasi Syed.N.Hussain, DFO Mahore Mohd Rafi Khan, ACD Joginder Singh Rai, Tehsildar Gopal Singh, Land Acquisition Officer KRCL, Dy CEO Katra Development Authority, range forest officers, representatives of SMVD and officials from BRO attended the meeting. The meeting had detailed discussion on steps being taken for removal of encroachment on these lands, number of cases of illegal occupants besides deliberating upon strategies to save such land from further encroachments. CEO Katra Development Authority & EO MC Katra informed that no forest/ state land is lying with KDA as well as with MC limit and khilafwarzi section keeps a regular check on encroachments. Besides, MC katra conducts anti-encroachment drives on regular basis. A fine of about Rs. 427500 has also been received from the defaulters during year 2012-13: As per RDD and Railways, no land whether forest or state is lying with them. However, Railway has been asked to submit report regarding their change of alignment. The officials from BRO informed that they are working on eviction and identification of their land and detail, in this regard, will be submitted within one month. The DDC stressed upon the officers to personally monitor encroachment issues and take necessary measures to tackle with this menace effectively. He asked the officers to furnish full detail about status of forest/state land encroached so that eviction steps can be properly taken and monitored.
Jammu: Taking initiative after the decision of SSB to conduct written test for the post of teachers, NGM College of Education is undergoing one month coaching programme to enable B.Ed students to face this objective type test after finishing regular syllabus free of cost and also providing free transportation. Relevant to mention here that such a decision has been taken to do away with the conventional method of recruitment for short listing candidates for interview on the basis of marks obtained in the qualifying examination for subordinate posts. The board has already begun the process in this direction with conducting of objective-type examination for the recruitment of candidates for the posts of motor vehicles inspector. After this, the board will take up the recruitment process of forester, forest protection force inspector, and junior assistants for which it had recently issued an advertisement. It has also issued revised and updated syllabus for written test in multiple-choice format for the said posts for district/divisional/state cadre. About a year ago, a Chief Secretary-led committee had advised the SSB to select candidates through written examination system so that the old practice of short listing the candidates on the basis of marks obtained in the degree examination could be done away with. In the previous selection process, the candidates who had obtained higher marks in the qualifying examination were being recruited. Speaking on the objective of written test for the post of teachers ,Chairman, NGM College of education, Sushil Mahajan said that, ‘’SSB While finalizing
these selections, observed huge variations in the method of evaluation of students’ merit by different universities and institutions from within and outside the state.” The method of evaluation by various universities and institutions was found discriminatory against those students who are pursuing their studies at universities in Jammu and Kashmir. Highlighting the need to enable students in shaping their assessment power to face objective type test, Course Director, Prof BL Thusoo said that teacher education has been conventional in its nature and content and therefore, it does not adequately meet the requirement of the school as a result of which teacher education is not able to deliver, what the school system demands. Most of the time of the trainees is devoted to theoretical curriculum in the classroom and they get little exposure to the practical aspects of teaching and learning. Effort should be made to see that there is balance between manpower demand and supply to maintain the reasonable standard in teacher education. Quality and quantity should not be compromised with each other. Action-research needs to be part of teacher training, if we have to improve the quality of teacher education programme. Education for learners with special needs is a very important component. Therefore, teachers are to be trained to deal effectively to meet the needs of inclusive education. Adding further he said that the main purpose of teacher education programme is to develop values, skills, professional attitude and personality which are not possible within a short duration of one year.
Focus On Globe July 2013
Environment at were technical ly
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By: Sources WTI
Securing wetlands for migratory birds in Kashmir
p
ampore is a small town in Kashmir, dotted with archaeological marvels, famous for its ubiquitous scent of saffron. Situated on the eastern bank of the Jhelum River, Pampore, incidentally, also has several wetlands that offer refuge to thousands of migratory birds from different parts of the world including Central Asia and Siberia. For generations in the past, the birds – flamboyant and exotic visitors for a short period annually – served as enticing sport for hunters. After living close to the wetlands for years, and watching them slowly encroached upon, Nadeem Qadri, an environmental lawyer, who runs a local organisation called Wildlife Conservation Fund (WCF), approached Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) with a proposal to secure the traditional migratory habitats for these birds in Kashmir. Through Focus On Globe July 2013
WTI’s Rapid Action Project (RAP), supported by donors Priyamvada Balaji and Pratap Subramanyam, Qadri started looking for ways to help the birds. “The biggest threat was poaching, while other issues like pollution and illegal use of the land also immediately needed to be addressed,” said Qadri. “I had been fascinated by the birds and animals in the wetlands since I was a child, and I could see the drastic change taking place before my eyes. I felt very strongly that I needed to protect these wetlands.” A shot of the wetlands in Pampore that were technically - until recently - under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department However, this was a mammoth task to take on. First, the wetlands were technically under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department of the State, and hence it was almost impossible for the Wildlife Department
Environment to provide any sort of protection to the wild birds. WTI’s Wild Aid Division and Qadri spent months on end lobbying for the land to be transferred to the Wildlife Department. Realising that nothing could be achieved without the support of the locals, Qadri, with WTI support, carried out awareness drives, making people aware of the ill-effects of improper disposal of garbage, and the importance of conservation of wetlands. Informative signboards were installed and local youth were engaged in monitoring the wetlands. An anti-poaching team was formed, supported by the Department of Wildlife, which kept a constant watch on the wetlands. As soon as any poacher or hunter was suspected to be in and around the wetland, the team would immediately inform forest officials, who would seize the equipment and apprehend the poachers. In May 2012, the House Committee on Environment, headed by M Y Tarigami, MLA , made a historic move recommending the handover of 179 acres of wetlands, namely Fushkoori, Mainbugh, Krunchoo and Chatlam to the Department of Wildlife. Accordingly an order was issued last year on July 26 for the transfer of the wetlands. The next day, these four wetlands were handed over by the revenue authorities to the Wildlife Department. The four Pampore wetlands had finally received legal recognition, by being brought under the purview of the J&K Wildlife Protection Act. Implementation of the new rules for the wetlands is now being carried out in full swing, and the Wildlife Department is preparing to start patrolling the area with more vigilance when the migratory season begins. Also, the anti-poaching team, which caught around fifteen poachers, including two juveniles, and helped seize two boats and two cycles with poaching equipment soon after it was formed last year, has successfully managed to eliminate the poaching completely. Meanwhile, under the WTI-supported RAP, Qadri continues to undertake activities that will help in the long-term conservation of these wetlands. His team recently completed a survey on the migratory birds that use these areas. They recorded 25 species, between February and May 2013, in Fushkoori and Chatlam, recording visits by pintails, shovellers, mallards and pochards among others. Various migratory birds in seaon in Fushkoori (above) and Chatlam
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Open air classes and awareness drives were conducted in many schools in the area “These wetlands are important areas for migratory birds that come down south in the winter,” said Dr Rahul Kaul, WTI’s Chief Ecologist. “Through this RAP local people have been trained in counting and identifying birds; this will help us keep track of the responses of the birds to better protection after the Wildlife Department takes over completely.” He said that this effort has also sent a good message that people really do care about what happens to their land and its wildlife and these don’t necessarily have to be notified as sanctuaries to be protected. Dr Jagdish Kishwan, Chief Advisor, Policy, added, “This is a unique case of successful collaboration between local people, civil society – represented by WCF and WTI – and the J&K Government, in saving precious wetlands. It is not just about these four wetlands; this is a milestone for similar collaborative endeavours in the future, for securing habitats for wildlife comprising both local and migratory birds.” Nadeem Qadri said, “The process of securing these wetlands has been long and extensive, and included meeting the local community a number of times, officers of various allied departments, and all other stakeholders. Of course, it has been a great learning experience for me as well. This has been a big step, but is definitely not the end, as we will constantly try to improve the status of these wetlands.”
Various migratory birds in season in Fushkoori (above) and Chatlam Focus On Globe July 2013
Red Terror
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Acid attack victim
dies
From multiple organ failure at Bombay Hospital DNA Correspondent
Preeti Rathi, a nursing graduate from Delhi had come to Mumbai after getting a job in the Army Medical College at Colaba; she was attacked by an unknown person after she alighted from Garibrath Express this year on 3 May at Bandra Terminus. After putting up a tough fight for nearly a month, the acid attack victim Preeti Rathi breathed her last on Saturday at 4 pm in private-run Bombay Hospital in Marine Lines.Rathi’s condition was deteriorating since Saturday morning, doctors at Bombay Hospital informed. “The infection in her lungs gradually spread to her entire body through the blood stream. She died of a septic shock,” said Dr Sagar Sakle, officer on special duty at Bombay Hospital. Rathi’s kidneys were affected due to the infection and stopped functioning on Saturday. Her blood pressure dropped to dangerously low levels. “She was put on heavy sedatives and drugs to raise her blood pressure levels. Ever since she was admitted to Bombay Hospital on May 19, she had stopped communicating with her family or the doctors. She had undergone bronchosopy tests twice to ascertain the damage to her wind and food pipes. A procedure to close the hole between her wind and food pipes was eventually conducted. Also, jejunostomy was conducted wherein a hole was made to feed her via stomach,” added Dr Sakle. Rathi had also suffered from a complete collapse of her right lung and a partial left lung collapse. Focus On Globe July 2013
“Her lung functions were looking bad. Lungs were not being able to purify oxygen due to being badly damaged as a result of the acid attack injuries. She was put on an extra corporeal machine for purification of blood,” said Dr Sakle. “Her condition was deteriorating by the day and we were focusing on life saving measures to revive her. Downslide in her health did not permit us to conduct surgeries. After her kidney stopped functioning and blood pressure levels dropped, she suffered from multiple organ failure leading to cardiac arrest,” Sakle added. Rathi, a nursing graduate from Delhi had come to Mumbai after getting a job in the Army Medical College at Colaba. She was attacked by an unknown person after she alighted from Garibrath Express on May 3 at Bandra Terminus. The deceased had swallowed acid which had been flung at her and had suffered from burn injuries in her lungs. She had also lost vision in her right eye and her face was mutilated in the attack. Rathi’s body has been transferred to state-run JJ Hospital for post mortem. Comments. Via email. shaikh Muhommed Qureshi • from Mumbai It is sad that she left this world without seeing anything good in her life. May god bless her in another world? God give her parent patience and good life; now it is the duty of the police department to catch the real criminal give him severe punishment. Name not mentioned for security reason One reason may be 1. Increase of nasty film 2. Media always shows the negative case in society 3. Decrease of morality, spirituality Balu • via mail. The culprit must be caught and killed by pouring acid on him. Let him also experience the pain which he inflicted on the innocent girl. Death penalty must be given for the offence of throwing acid on other person.
Red Terror
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Reinvestigate Kunan poshpora gang-rape case North Kashmir’s Kupwara District: Civil Society group
By: Staff Writer
Kunan Poshpora incident
A
Delhi-based civil society group on Saturday 15th of June 2013 appealed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to reach out to the rape victims of Kunanposhpora during his scheduled visit to Jammu and Kashmir later this month. “The gang-rape of women in Kunanposhpora village of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district is a blot on the face of the democracy.” “Prime Minister should reach out to the victims by announcing reopening of the case and taking up the matter with state government and Defence and Home ministries,” CPI(M) leader Mohammad Saleem, who is part of the delegation of Centre for Policy Analysis (CPA), told reporters. The delegation visited Kunanposhpora yesterday and met the victims of alleged gang-rape by an Army unit during an anti-militant operation in 1991. “We will take up the matter with Prime Minister and hope he announces something during his visit so that a sense of justice is felt by the victims,” Saleem said. Focus On Globe July 2013
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Red Terror Former IAS officer Harsh Mander said it is shameful that police have filed a closure report without taking any action against anyone. Kunan Poshpora incident North Kashmir’s Kupwara District The Kunan Poshspora incident occurred on February 23, 1991, when units of the Indian army launched a search and interrogation operation in the village of Kunan Poshpora, located in Kashmir’s remote Kupwara District. At least 53 women were allegedly gang raped by soldiers that night. However, Human Rights organizations including Human Rights Watch have reported that the number of raped women could be as high as 100. Although the Indian governments investigations into the incident rejected the allegations as “baseless, international human rights organizations have expressed serious doubts about the integrity of these investigations and the manner in which they were conducted, stating that the Indian government launched a “campaign to acquit the army of charges of human rights violations and discredit those who brought the charges.
It is unfortunate that the Jammu and Kashmir government has failed to do anything in the matter despite a recommendation by the State Human Rights Commission, he said. Meanwhile, member of National Integration Council John Dayal said government should not act like nothing has happened and should reopen the case by constituting a special investigations team monitored by judiciary and not police. He also demanded adequate compensation on the basis of a national model “like in the case of Delhi gang rape of a medical student”. Focus On Globe July 2013
Allegations of mass rape According to reports, on February 23, 1991 at approximately 11:00PM soldiers from the 4th Rajputana Rifles cordoned off the village of Kunan Poshpora to conduct a search operation. The soldiers allegedly gang raped a large number of village women overnight till 9:00 AM the next day. Local villagers alleged that up to 100 women “were gang-raped without any consideration of their age, married, unmarried, pregnancy etc., The victims ranged in age from 13 to 80. The village headman and other leaders have claimed that they reported the rapes to army officials on February 27, but the officials denied the charges and refused to take any further action. However, army officials claim that no report was ever made. On March 5, villagers complained to Kupwara district magistrate S.M. Yasin, who visited the village on March 7 to investigate. In his final report, he stated that the soldiers “behaved like wild beasts and described the attack as :A large number of armed personnel entered into the houses of villagers and at gunpoint they gang-raped 23 ladies, without any consideration of their age, married, unmarried, pregnancy etc… there was a hue and cry in the whole village.
Investigations Following the district magistrate’s report, increased publicity about the incident led to strong denials from Indian military officials. On March 17, Mufti Baha-ud-Din Farooqi, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, led a fact-finding mission to Kunan Poshpora. Over the course of his investigation, he interviewed fifty-three women who claimed to have been raped by the soldiers, and tried to determine why a police investigation into the incident had never taken place. According to his report, villagers claimed that a police investigation into the event had never commenced because the officer assigned to the case, Assistant Superintendent Dilbaugh Singh, was on leave. Farooqi later stated that in his 43 years on the bench he “had never seen a case in which normal investigative procedures were ignored as they were in this one.”[9] Just a few months later, in July, 1991, Dilbaugh Singh was transferred to another station without ever having started the investigation. Wajahat Habibullah is the chairperson of the National commission on minorities and was the Ex Chief Information Commissioner of the Government of India since October 26, 2005. He was an officer of the Indian Administrative Service(IAS) from 1968 until his retirement in August 2005. Before his retirement and his subsequent appointment by the President as the Chief Information Commissioner, he was Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (Local Government). He has been appointed as new head of minorities’ commission. He was divisional commissioner of nine districts in the state of Jammu and Kashmir between 1991 and 1993, which was abruptly terminated by a near fatal road accident, while negotiating with militants occupying the Hazratbal shrine in Kashmir. He resigns on October 20, 2009, from the post of Chief Information Commissioner to take up his new assignment as Right to Information watchdog in Jammu and Kashmir. On March 18, divisional commissioner Wajahat Habibullah visited the village, and filed a confidential report, parts of which were later released to the public. He concluded: “While the veracity of the complaint is highly doubtful, it still needs to be determined why such complaint was made at all. The people of the village are simple folk and
Red Terror by the Army’s own admission have been generally helpful and even careful of security of the Army’s officers… Unlike Brig. Sharma I found many of the village women genuinely angry … It is recommended
were, “well-concocted bundle of fabricated lies” and “a massive hoax orchestrated by militant groups and their sympathizers and mentors in Kashmir and abroad...for reinscribing Kashmir on the international agen-
that the level of investigation be upgraded to that of a gazetted police officer.” In response to criticism of the government’s handling of the investigation, the army requested the Press Council of India to investigate the incident. The investigative team visited Kunan Poshpora in June, more than three months after the alleged attacks. Upon interviewing a number of the alleged victims, the team claimed that contradictions in their testimony rendered their allegations of rape “baseless.” The team interviewed hospital officials who stated that one of the women who had been pregnant at the time of the incident had given birth to a child with a fractured arm just 4 days afterwards. She claimed that she had been kicked during the rapes; a pediatrician who visited the village as part of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Basic Rights Committee, confirmed her story. The Press Council team claimed that the fetus had been injured during delivery. Medical examinations conducted on 32 of the women between March 15 and 21, nearly one month after the incident, confirmed that the women had wounds on their chests and abdomens, and that the hymens of three of the unmarried women had been torn. The team claimed that “such a delayed medical examination proves nothing” and that the medical findings were typical among villagers. Ultimately, the team concluded that the charges against the army
da as a human rights issue. In stark contrast of the purported allegations of abuses, these investigations concluded the allegations themselves are “grossly exaggerated or invented”. “The Kunan rape story on close investigation turns out to be a massive hoax orchestrated by militant groups and their sympathizers and mentors in Kashmir and abroad as a part of sustained and cleverly contrived strategy of psychological warfare and as an entry point for reinscribing Kashmir on the International Agenda as a Human rights issue. The loose-ends and the contradictions in the story expose a tissue of lies by many persons at many levels”.— Investigation Committee The Press Council’s dismissal of all the Kunan Poshpora allegation, and the manner in which it carried out its investigation were widely criticized. Human Rights Watch wrote: While the results of the examinations by themselves could not prove the charges of rape, they raised serious questions about the army’s actions in Kunan Poshpora. Under the circumstances, the committee’s eagerness to dismiss any evidence that might contradict the government’s version of events is deeply disturbing. In the end, the committee has revealed itself to be far more concerned about countering domestic and international criticism
15 than about uncovering the truth. Asia Watch, in its 1991 report, stated: “The alacrity with which military and government authorities in Kashmir discredited the allegations of rape and their failure to follow through with procedures that would provide critical evidence for any prosecution – in particular prompt medical examinations of the alleged rape victims — raise serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation... Given evidence of a possible cover-up, both the official and the Press Council investigation fall far short of the measures necessary to establish the facts in the incident and determine culpability. The United States Department of State, in its 1992 report on international human rights, rejected the Indian government’s conclusion, and determined that there was “was credible evidence to support charges that an elite army unit engaged in mass rape in the Kashmiri village of Kunan Poshpora. Outraged over the government’s handling of the situation, divisional commissioner Wajahat Habibullah immediately resigned, and asked for early retirement from the Indian Administrative Service. Aftermath Following the release of the Press Council’s report, Indian authorities dismissed all of the allegations of mass rape as groundless. No further investigations were conducted. In October 2011 The State Human Rights Commission asked the government to reinvestigate the mass rape case and compensate the victims. They also called for proceedings to be taken against the then Director Of Prosecutions who had sought closure of the mass rape case and not investigation.Meanwhile, social stigma generated out of this incident has resulted in women of this area facing difficulties in getting married even today.
Focus On Globe July 2013
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Interview
‘Scientists downplay earthquake risks’ (Professor Vinod Kumar Gaur) “Little geological research has been done to quantify earthquake risks in vulnerable areas.
Introduction Who is (Professor Vinod Kumar Gaur) By.Divya Gandhi
Vinod Gaur studied Geophysics at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and at Imperial College, London (UK) where he discovered the hitherto unsuspected ‘host rock effect’ in geo-electromagnetics for which he was awarded PhD from the University of London in 1959. His academic career began, immediately thereafter, as a Scientist at the National Physical Laboratory, UK. In 1966, he joined the University of Roorkee as Professor where he initiated a modern academic programme in geophysics, incorporating signal analysis, inverse theory and computational geophysics. These were subsequently propagated by the UGC to other universities by sponsoring short- term intensive courses that were organized by Gaur at Roorkee. In 1983, he moved to Hyderabad as Director of the National Geophysical Research Institute and set about restructuring the Institute’s research programmes with scientific rigour, guided by hypothesis formulation and experiment design. Focus On Globe July 2013
Academic and Research Achievements: Gaur’s landmark contributions to science include: Discovery and explanation of the hostrock effect in the electromagnetic response of subsurface geological conductors; Experimental confirmation of the hypothesis that the Indian plate under-thrusts the Asian plate @ ~ 1 cm /year along the Main Himalayan Fault, by direct measurement of slow deformation across a tunnel in the Tons valley, Uttaranchal; Discovery of the thick Deccan lithosphere using the first seismic tomography experiments in India; First quantitative measurement of the Indian plate velocity with respect to the Eurasian using Global Positioning System (GPS) Geodesy and an upper bound for the strain rate in the Southern Peninsula; First high resolution crustal images using broadband seismology of the south Indian shield and of north-eastern India; First Indian experiment to constrain global carbon fluxes, over India and Central Asia, through inversion of ultra-high precision atmospheric concentration data (0.1 ppm) generated at the WMO accredited CO2 laboratory established by him at the Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle, Ladakh.
Other Contributions: Gaur’s other contributions towards advancing scientific endeavours include the design of modern Geophysics curricula (UGC, 1970s), restructuring of NGRI research programmes, design and writing of CBSE VIII and X class Science books (1990), design and implementation of Marine Satellite and Ocean Information Services, and modern Antarctic Research (1989-92) as Secretary to the Government of India, and the founding of a ‘Science to People’ programme in Hyderabad (1984). He has served on INSA Council (1985-87 and 1994-96). Awards and Honours: Professor Gaur was honoured with lectureships, namely, GP Chatterji Memorial Lecture (1991) and DN Wadia Medal (2007) both of INSA. His other awards include the Bhatnagar Prize (1980), Flinn Award of the American Geophysical Union (2000) and Saha Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress (2006). Professor Gaur is a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore and The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS).
Interview
T
wo destructive earthquakes within a week of each other, the first with a 7.5 magnitude on the Iran-Pakistan border, on April 16, and the second measuring 5.6 in eastern Afghanistan, were unsettlingly felt over much of north India, but were geologically unconnected to India’s seismic anatomy. However, the massive tectonic processes intrinsic to the Indian plate, notably in the Himalayan arc and on the western coast, cannot be ignored, says Vinod Kumar Gaur, seismologist with the Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research). The “collision zone” along the Himalayan arc, where the Indian plate crushes continuously into the belly of the Tibetan plate at 20 mm a year, has long been the subject of scientific scrutiny for Prof. Gaur, who along with American geophysicist Roger Bilham had, a decade ago in a Science paper, warned of a great Himalayan earthquake that could put millions of people at risk in the towns and villages of the Gangetic plains. A pervading scientific culture that “lacks responsibility and rigour towards public safety... denies society the advantage of information and consequently resilience, against the natural disaster,” he told Divya Gandhi in an interview at his home in Bangalore. While high-risk zones remain curiously neglected in scientific literature, scientists who voice concerns about them are sidelined, said Prof Gaur. He and his co-author were effectively “silenced,” he said, when they presented, in a Current Science paper in 2011, the possibility that “the apparent seismic quietness of Jaitapur [where the world’s biggest nuclear power plant has been proposed] does not mean that a severe earthquake cannot occur there.” Excerpts: How imminent is another great Himalayan earthquake? Calculations show that there is sufficient accumulated energy now to produce an 8 magnitude earthquake. I cannot say when. It may not happen tomorrow, but it could possibly happen sometime this century, or wait longer to produce a much larger one. The central Himalayas, Uttarakhand in particular, are vulnerable, considering that the last massive
earthquake took place there as long ago as 1505. Scientists have fairly reliable figures for the rate of compression in the Himalayas, but the absence of data on earthquake cycles or their recurrence interval means that we cannot accurately quantify or map seismic risk. In the Himalayas we need to push our records back to 10,000 years in order to understand these cycles and chart at least the last five major seismic events. We need to look far more rigorously at earth archives — buried fossil traces of previous fractures — all along the foothills through trench excavations, and a dense GPS network. Why do we still lack the information we need to understand seismicity in these high-risk areas? Remarkably, little geological research has been done to quantify earthquake risks in vulnerable areas; those that are densely populated or sites of critical facilities such as dams and power stations where an earthquake hazard has a high potential to cascade. The scientific rationale for locating a borehole earthquake observatory eight-kilometre deep in Koyna, rather than tunnelling or trenching along the Himalayan foothills, is baffling. Why would you spend hundreds of crores to study earthquakes at a site where the strain energy has been largely drained [in the 1967 earthquake] and where another consequential event is unlikely for the foreseeable future? I would go to a place where earthquake genesis is truly fast, such as the central Himalayas. You have been vocal in your scepticism of Jaitapur as the location for a proposed 10,000 MW nuclear power plant... Not for the construction of the plant, which can be designed with safety features. But India’s western coast, a well-recognised zone of potential seismic vulnerabilities, is likely laced with ancient faultlines buried under sediments and waiting to spring back like a piano accordion under continental compression. It is intriguing that Jaitapur [on the Maharashtra coast], the chosen site for the world’s biggest nuclear power plant, should have been declared seismically safe without refuting these possibilities.
17 My concern is that the various geological proxies of faultlines around Jaitapur and their possible implications on the plant and public safety have been neither adequately studied nor communicated. A clear picture of Jaitapur’s vulnerabilities and their quantification, needed in order to calculate the level of safety measures to be incorporated, is missing from the earthquake hazard assessment of the site. What, in your opinion, prevents a more thorough safety analysis of Jaitapur? We have every technological possibility to exhaustively investigate the subsurface geology of Jaitapur including high resolution seismic imaging that can be carried out at a fraction of the project cost. Scientists tend to downplay earthquake risks. It is convenient to do so. You keep everybody happy when you maintain status quo. But science only grows by addressing challenges, by considering alternative views and designing incisive experiments to prove or refute conjectures. Are dissenting voices such as yours among a minority in the scientific community? If not dissenting, perhaps cautionary. For instance, those who expressed concerns over Jaitapur’s vulnerability were intimidated into silence. My research paper on seismicity around Jaitapur was ridiculed and Roger Bilham [co-author of the paper] prevented from entering India in May 2012. Officials claimed visa issues as the reason. But it is widely believed he was blacklisted for his inferences on earthquake risks in the Himalayas and Jaitapur. I am used to being painted as “anti-development” by scientists and engineers. It took decades for scientists to accept my argument that a major earthquake was likely to occur at Tehri dam and that the design should be subjected to a three-dimensional computer test. The test was never done, and instead my pleas were advertised as resistance to building the dam. I despair at approaches to development that privileges engineering prowess and trivialises developmental concerns. Sadly, our scientific culture lacks responsibility and rigour towards public safety, and so denies society the advantage of information, and consequently resilience, against the natural disaster. Focus On Globe July 2013
Country Affairs
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Coal scam:
Jindal & Dasari CAught in
CBI net search operation
At their Residence Kickback Trail?
How
gagan sponge Iron
` 2.25 Crore moved
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Naveen Jindal,
From Jindal Group to Dasari Rao (the former decided to buy shares of the latter’s firm at an inflated price of ` 100 apiece, against the quoted price of ` 28 apiece)
Dasari Rao
Naveen Jindal Member of Parliment Cong) & Chairman, JSPL
D Dasri Narayan Rao Former Minister of State for Coal
Focus On Globe July 2013
Saub
Hagya Media 9 owned by
Jindal Realty New Delhi Exim
dasari narayan Rao Former minister of state coal
uring the searches conducted on June 11, CBI was unable to complete its operation at Jindal’s 6-Prithviraj Road residence as some of the cupboards and almirahs were locked and they could only be unlocked by the MP who was out with his family at that time. CBI opened cupboards of Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Naveen Jindal, who returned on 21 June mid-Night from abroad, after he was asked to join its probe in the allocation of a coal block to his company Jindal Steel and Power Ltd. CBI sources said that a search team went to his residence on 21 June morning and searched the cupboards and almirahs in the presence of Jindal, who has been named in its FIR along with former Minister of State for Coal D Narayan Rao for alleged cheating and graft. CBI had communicated to Jindal to join the probe as soon as possible since these cupboards and almirahs could be opened only after his arrival. According to the FIR, JSPL and Gagan Sponge Iron Ltd, also a firm belonging to Jindal, had bagged Amarkonda Murgadangal coal
Country Affairs block in Jharkhand in 2008 by alleged misrepresentation of facts when Rao was the Minister of State for Coal. Within a year, a block was allocated to JSPL in January 2008, CBI sources claimed, noting that shares of Rao’s firm Saubhagya Media listed at Rs 28 that time were purchased by one of Jindal’s firm- New Delhi Exim Ltd- at a whopping Rs 100 per share with total investment of nearly Rs 2.25 crore which is alleged to be illegal gratification. Head of External Affairs at JSPL, Manu Kapoor had earlier said, “JSPL, as a law abiding company, is governed by a strong ethical code of conduct. This is an ongoing CBI investigation into coal block allocation. At this stage of investigation, JSPL is committed to fully cooperate with CBI.” CBI claimed that JSPL submitted in January, 2007 that they had only three coal blocks with them whereas actually they had at least six coal blocks. The sources said this was done to boost their eligibility for the Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block as the government was mulling to avoid monopoly of a single company by not allocating large number of blocks to a single firm. They said in the account books of New Delhi Exim, the said money was shown as loans from Jindal Realty which in turn had received the money as loan from Gagan Sponge Iron Ltd to show it as a genuine investment. Besides Jindal and Rao, CBI has also booked companies Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Gagan Sponge Iron Ltd, Jindal Realty and ND Exim and Rao’s company Saubhagya Media CBI registers 13th FIR in coal scam CBI sources said a case has been lodged against Rathi Steel and Power Limited, its Director Udit Rathi and unknown others for alleged cheating and misrepresentation of facts while applying for a coal block. CBI has registered a fresh case in connection with its coal blocks allocation probe against a Delhi-based steel company and car-
ried out searches at its premises in the National Capital Region. CBI sources said a case has been lodged against Rathi Steel and Power Limited, its Director Udit Rathi and unknown others for alleged cheating and misrepresentation of facts while applying for a coal block. The sources said the company earlier known as Rathi Udyog Limited was allocated Kesla North coal block in Korba, Chhattisgarh for its sponge iron plant on August 5, 2008. They said the company has allegedly misrepresented facts while applying for the coal block. This is the 13th FIR in connection with the coal blocks allocation scam probe. Soon after registering the FIR, CBI teams carried out searches at various residential and official premises of the company in Delhi and Ghaziabad. CBI is probing alleged irregularities in the allocation of 192 coal blocks which were made “between” 1993 to 2011. The agency has registered three preliminary enquiries in this connection-- related to allocation “between” 2006-09, allocation between 1993 to 2004 and allocations given to joint ventures. So far, the agency has registered FIRs arising out of its preliminary enquiry covering allocation “between” 2006-09. Former coal secretary HC Gupta re-
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signs amid coal scam probe Gupta was the Coal Secretary between 2006 and 2009, the period which is under the scanner of the CBI for alleged irregularities in allocation of coal blocks. Competition Commission member H C Gupta, the former Coal Secretary who is set to be questioned by CBI, has submitted his resignation to the government. The resignation came soon after the Corporate Affairs Ministry gave its nod to CBI to question Gupta in connection with the coal blocks allocation scam. “Gupta submitted his resignation yesterday and the same will be processed by the government,” a source said. He was the Coal Secretary between 2006 and 2009, the period which is under the scanner of the CBI for alleged irregularities in allocation of coal blocks. Gupta has been a member of fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) since 2009 and his tenure was to end to early next year. Corporate Affairs Ministry, the administrative Ministry for the CCI, had earlier refused to grant permission to CBI to question Gupta. During the 2006-09 period, 68 coal blocks were alloted to 151 companies and files of some of them had gone missing. CBI, which is probing the coal block allocation scam, has registered 13 FIRs related to alleged irregularities in the allotment coal blocks between 2006 and 2009. Focus On Globe July 2013
Cover Story Ramzan Special
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By: Muhammad Hameef Mahajan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar Bismillah al rahman al rahim
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous
Organization The Quran is organized into chapters called “Surah” and verses called “Ayat” In addition, the entire text is divided into 30 sections called “A jiza” in order to facilitate its reading over a month-long period.
Focus On Globe July 2013
Cover Story Ramdan Special
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[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful. Focus On Globe July 2013
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Cover Story Ramdan Special
Ramadan
Is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and is the month of fasting for observant Muslims. Because the cycle of the lunar calendar does not match the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan shift slightly each year. Officially, the month begins with the sighting of a new moon. This has historically been a point of contention as the timing of the moon’s visibility may vary by location, but the start and end dates are now generally agreed upon based on modern understandings of the lunar calendar. Muslims around the world anticipate the arrival of the holiest month of the year. During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims from all continents unite in a period of fasting and spiritual reflection. Each year, Muslims spend the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observing a community-wide fast. The annual fast of Ramadan is considered one of the five “pillars” of Islam. Muslims who are physically able are required to fast each day of the entire month, from sunrise to sunset. The evenings are spent enjoying family and community meals, engaging in prayer and spiritual reflection, and reading from the Qur’an. The holy book of Islam is called the Quran. Learn all about the history of the Quran, its themes and organization, language and translations, and how it is to be read and handled.
Organization
The Quran is organized into chapters called “Surah” and verses called “Ayat” In addition; the entire text is divided into 30 sections called “Ajiza” in order to facilitate its reading over a month-long period. The words of the Qur’an are primarily divided by chapter (Surah) and verse (Ayat). The chapters vary in length, and generally are ordered from longest to shortest. To ease the reading process, the Qur’an is additionally divided into 30 equal sections, called Ajuz’ (plural: ajiza). The divisions of juz’ do not fall evenly along chapter lines, and often break from one section to another in the middle of a chapter. These divisions are done to make it easier for one to pace the reading over a month’s period, reading a fairly equal amount each day. This is particularly important during the month of Ramadan, when it is recommended to complete at least one full reading of the Qur’an from cover to cover. Below is a listing of the 30 Ajiza of the Qur’an, with links to further information about the chapters, verses, and themes of each section of the Holy Book of Qur’an. •Juz’(Para) 1 – Al Fatiha,1 – Al Baqarah (till) Ayat No.141 (1:1-2:141) •Juz’ (Para)2 – Al Baqarah 142 - Al Baqarah (till) Ayat No 252 (2:142-2:252) •Juz’ (Para)3 – Al Baqarah 253 - Al Imran (till) Ayat No 92 (2:253-3:92) •Juz’ (Para)4 – Al Imran 93 - An Nisaa (till) Ayat No 23 (3:93-4:23) •Juz’ (Para)5 – An Nisaa 24 - An Nisaa (till) Ayat No 147 (4:24-4:147) •Juz’(Para) 6 – An Nisaa 148 - Al Ma’idah (till) Ayat No 81 (4:148-5:81) •Juz’ (Para)7 – Al Ma’idah 82 - Al An’am (till) Ayat No 110 (5:82-6:110) •Juz’ (Para)8 – Al An’am 111 - Al A’raf (till) Ayat No 87 (6:111-7:87) •Juz’ (Para)9 – Al A’raf 88 - Al Anfal (till) Ayat No 40 (7:88-8:40) •Juz’ (Para)10 – Al Anfal 41 - At Tauba (till) Ayat No 92 (8:41-9:92) •Juz’ (Para)11 – At Tauba 93 - Hud (till) Ayat No 5 (9:93-11:5) •Juz’ (Para)12 – Hud 6 - Yusuf (till) Ayat No 52 (11:6-12:52) •Juz’(Para) 13 – Yusuf 53 – Ibrahim (till) Ayat No 52 (12:53-14:52)
Focus On Globe July 2013
•Juz’ (Para)14 – Al Hijr 1 – An Nahl (till) Ayat No 128 (15:1-16:128) •Juz’ (Para)15 – Al Isra (or Bani Isra’il) 1 - Al Kahf (till) Ayat No 74 (17:1-18:74) •Juz’ (Para)16 – Al Kahf 75 – Ta Ha (till) Ayat No 135 (18:75-20:135) •Juz’ (Para)17 – Al Anbiyaa 1 - Al Hajj (till) Ayat No 78 (21:1-22:78) •Juz’ (Para)18 – Al Muminum 1 - Al Furqan (till) Ayat No 20 (23:1-25:20) •Juz’ (Para)19 – Al Furqan 21 - An Naml(till) Ayat No 55 (25:21-27:55) •Juz’ (Para)20 – An Naml 56 - Al Ankabut (till) Ayat No 45 (27:56-29:45) •Juz’(Para) 21 – Al Ankabut 46 - Al Azhab(till) Ayat No 30 (29:46-33:30) •Juz’ (Para)22 – Al Azhab 31 - Ya Sin (till) Ayat No 27 (33:31-36:27) •Juz’ (Para)23 – Ya Sin 28 - Az Zumar (till) Ayat No 31 (36:28-39:31) •Juz’ (Para)24 – Az Zumar 32 - Fussilat (till) Ayat No 46 (39:32-41:46) •Juz’ (Para)25 – Fussilat 47 - Al Jathiya(till) Ayat No 37 (41:47-45:37) •Juz’ (Para)26 – Al Ahqaf 1 - Az Zariyat (till) Ayat No 30 (46:1-51:30) •Juz’ (Para)27 – Az Zariyat 31 - Al Hadid (till) Ayat No 29 (51:31-57:29) •Juz’ (Para)28 – Al Mujadila 1 – At Tahrim (till) Ayat No 12 (58:1-66:12) •Juz’(Para) 29 – Al Mulk 1 - Al Mursalat (till) Ayat No 50 (67:1-77:50) •Juz’ (Para)30 – An Nabaa 1 - An Nas(till) Ayat No 6 (78:1-114:6)
The origins of Ramadan draw significantly from the occasion of “Laylat al-Qadr”, frequently translated as “the Night of Power.” It was on this night in 610 C.E., that Muslims believe the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and led the entire month to be seen as a holy time in the calendar. Observance of Ramadan is also mandated in the Quran’s second chapter, verses 183-185:“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous ... The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.” During the month of Ramadan, adult Muslims engage in ritual fasting from SUN UP to SUNDOWN. This practice, Sawm (Arabic: , plural: Siyam) is an Arabic word for fasting regulated by Islamic jurisprudence. In the terminology of Islamic law, Sawm means to abstain from eating and drinking (including water) during daylight hours. The observance of sawm during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, and requires that individuals abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse. Every evening, Muslims will break the fast at sundown with “Iftar”, a traditional meal often beginning with the eating of dates -- an homage to a practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). To find the specific times for Ramadan fasting, click over to this helpful tool provided by Islami City, www.islamicity.com. that allows you to calculate prayer schedules -- including sunup and sundown -- by entering your city or zip code. All Muslims are expected to observe the fast once they reach the age of puberty. In Muslim-majority countries this frequently means that most people nap or rest throughout the daylight hours and are more active after sunset. Meanwhile, the fast can present unique challenges for those living in non-Muslim nations around the world where business hours and social schedules are not altered to accommodate the month.
Special evening prayers Taraweeh Definition: Special evening prayers performed during Ramadan. During each night’s prayer, one “Juz” (1/30) of the Qur’an will be re-
in Srinagar for different fiqa as Hanafi (Sunni) and fiqa Jafria (Shia). As Holy Ramadan is the month of Fasting for all Muslim around the World and the Sehr o Iftar timing is depend on Sunrise Sunset that is why Hamariweb.com provides complete month schedule according to cities.
Cover Story Ramdan Special
ShareEmail on Sehr-o-Iftar emailTime (Jafri)
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cited, so that by the end of the month the entire Qur’an will have been read. Pronunciation: tar-a-wee • (noun) • Juz • Qur’an • I’tikaf
Juz
Definition: A section of the “Qur’an” equal to 1/30 of the text. During Ramadan, one section is read each day during “Taraweeh prayers”, so that by the end of the month, the entire “Qur’an” has been read through once.
Qur’an
Sehr-o-Iftar Time (Hanfi) Date
Day
Sehr
Iftar
Date
Day
Sehr
Iftar
09 July
Tuesday
03:44
19:46
09 July
Tuesday
03:34
19:56
10 July
Wednesday
03:45
19:46
10 July
Wednesday
03:35
19:56
11 July
Thursday
03:46
19:45
11 July
Thursday
03:36
19:55
12 July
Friday
03:46
19:45
12 July
Friday
03:36
19:55
13 July
Saturday
03:47
19:45
13 July
Saturday
03:37
19:55
14 July
Sunday
03:48
19:44
14 July
Sunday
03:38
19:54
15 July
Monday
03:49
19:44
15 July
Monday
03:39
19:54
16 July
Tuesday
03:50
19:44
16 July
Tuesday
03:40
19:54
17 July
Wednesday
03:51
19:43
17 July
Wednesday
03:41
19:53
18 July
Thursday
03:52
19:43
18 July
Thursday
03:42
19:53
19 July
Friday
03:53
19:42
19 July
Friday
03:43
19:52
20 July
Saturday
03:54
19:41
20 July
Saturday
03:44
19:51
Sunday
03:55
19:41
21 July
Sunday
03:45
19:51
22 July
Monday
03:46
19:50
23 July
Tuesday
03:47
19:50
24 July
Wednesday
03:48
19:49
25 July
Thursday
03:49
19:48
26 July
Friday
03:50
19:48
27 July
Saturday
03:51
19:47 19:46
21 July
Islam’s Holy Text 23 July Tuesday 03:57 19:40 The holy book of Islam is called the Qur’an. 24 July Wednesday 03:58 19:39 Learn all about the history of the Qur’an, itsSrinagar Ramadan25Timing - Find 2013 Sehr o Iftar Ramazan Schedule & Calendar July Thursday 03:59 19:38 themes and organization, language and trans26 July Friday 04:00 19:38 (1 of 4) [6/29/2013 lations, and how it is to be read and handled. http://hamariweb.com/islam/srinagar_ramadan-timing109426.aspx 27 July Saturday 04:01 19:378:42:07 PM]
Organization
The Qur’an is organized into chapters called”surah”, and verses called “Ayat”. In addition, the entire text is divided into 30 sections called “Ajiza”, in order to facilitate its reading over a month-long period.
I’tikaf (Retreat)
Definition: A spiritual retreat in a Mosque (Masjed), usually performed during the last ten days of Ramadan. A person “making “ I’tikaf “will spend the evening and night in the Mosque, devoting his or her time to worship and reading the Qur’an.In many Mosques, “ I’tikaf “ is done as a group. A large group of people from the community gathers together for worship throughout the night, eats “suhoor “ meals together, and then leaves from the Masjed after “fajr” (morning) prayers. Pronunciation: i’tikaf (‘ stands for a gutteral stop, an Arabic sound that does not exist in the English language)
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22 July
Monday
03:56
19:40
28 July
Sunday
04:02
19:36
28 July
Sunday
03:52
29 July
Monday
04:03
19:35
29 July
Monday
03:53
19:45
30 July
Tuesday
04:04
19:35
30 July
Tuesday
03:54
19:45
31 July
Wednesday
04:05
19:34
31 July
Wednesday
03:55
19:44
01 August
Thursday
04:06
19:33
01 August
Thursday
03:56
19:43
02 August
Friday
04:07
19:32
02 August
Friday
03:57
19:42
03 August
Saturday
04:08
19:31
03 August
Saturday
03:58
19:41
04 August
Sunday
04:09
19:30
04 August
Sunday
03:59
19:40
05 August
Monday
04:10
19:29
05 August
Monday
04:00
19:39
06 August
Tuesday
04:11
19:28
06 August
Tuesday
04:01
19:38
07 August
Wednesday
04:12
19:27
07 August
Wednesday
04:02
19:37
to those in need is a major emphasis of activity throughout the month. Other Cities of India • Abdul Ramadan Timings
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The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the • end of Ramadan, takes place on the first• • Abohar Ramadan Timings day of the following month and celebrates• • Adalaj Ramadan Timings the completion of the 30 days of fasting. On• • Adampur Ramadan Timings this day, morning prayers are followed by• • Adas Ramadan Timings feasting and celebration among family and• • Adilabad Ramadan Timings • Adoni Ramadan friends. “EidTimings “is a day of great thanksgiv-• • Adur Ramadan Timings -- an opportunity to show• ing for Muslims • Adwal Ramadan Timings their gratitude for making it through the• • Agarpara Ramadan Timings month of fasting and a chance to share their• • Agartala Ramadan Timings blessings with others.The start of Ramadan• • Agni Ramadan Timings • shifts by approximately 10 days on the solar • Agrawa Ramadan Timings • calendar each year. Ramadan will begin on• • Agucha Ramadan Timings July 10 - 2013 this year INSHA-ALLAH. • Abiramam Ramadan Timings
Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a doAhmadabad Ramadan Timings nation to the poor. This donation is of actuAhmadnagar Ramadan Timings al food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to Ahmedabad Ramadan Timings ensure that the needy can have a holiday Ahmednagar Ramadan Timings meal and Timings participate in the Eid celebration. Aizawl Ramadan This donation Ajmer Ramadan Timings is known as” SADQAH “ALFitrRamadan (charity of fast-breaking). Ajnala Timings Akola Ramadan Timings
Eid prayer
Akot Ramadan Timings
On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the Alandi Ramadan Timings morning in outdoor locations or Mosques to perAlandur Ramadan Timings Also Known As: retreat form the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon Alangayam Ramadan Timings Alternate Spellings: itikaf, iktikaf followed by a short congregational prayer.After Alangulam Ramadan Timings Examples: During the last ten days of Rathe Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit Alappuzha Ramadan Timings madan, many people were at the Masjed various family and friends,View give gifts (especially more Cities in India >> performing i’tikaf. to children), and make phone calls to distant relaTimings of More Countries In general, the practices of Ra- View EidRamadan al-Fitr tives to give well-wishes for the Eid holiday. These madan are meant to purify oneself from At the end of Ramadan, Muslims through- activities traditionally continue for three days. In thoughts and deeds which are counter tohttp://hamariweb.com/islam/srinagar_ramadan-timing109426.aspx out the world observe a joyous three-day most Muslim countries, the entire 3-day period is (2 of 4) [6/29/2013 8:42:07 PM] Islam. By removing material desires, one celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival an official holiday for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. is able to focus fully on devotion and ser- of Fast-Breaking). Eid al-Fitr falls on the “May Allah give us courage and vice to “Allah”. Many Muslims go beyond first day of Shawwal, the month which fol- peace of mind to attend this Mubarak month the physical ritual of fasting and attempt to lows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is of Ramadan? And facilitate us with the light purge themselves of impure thoughts and a time to give in charity to those in need, of “IMAAN” And forgive us from all the sins motivations -- anger, cursing, greed, etc. As and celebrate with family and friends the and show us the way of “SURATAL MUTApart of this, service to the community and completion of a month of blessings and joy. KEEM”. (AAMEEN-SUMA-AAMEEN) Alampur Ramadan Timings
Focus On Globe July 2013
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Country Influence
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By Abdul hafiz lakhani Ahmadabad
earth
of drama
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here was no dearth of drama at the BJP National Executing Meeting held at Goa last week. For one, at the outset, amidst intense speculation about appointment of Narendra Modi as Poll Campaign Chief, the senior most member and co-founder of the Party, L K Advani chose to keep away from the meeting. Predictably, his absence fuelled unsavory rumors about the possible schism within the BJP. Was L K Advani sulking because he recently is being left out? Was his pride injured because he was not consulted? Much as the senior members of the party tried to play down his absence citing health reasons, it was evident that there was more than what meets the eye. And when NaMo was formally anointed, the BJP workers’ celebration party balloon was prematurely pricked by the
Focus On Globe July 2013
news that the old man has resigned from all party posts. The battle lines were now drawn.Though good sense prevailed in the end and the truce was called, but not before the crisis exposed the serious faultlines in the BJP, the second largest party in the country. What precipitated the crisis in the first place? Was it because Advani realized that the Modi’s anointment was the last nail in the coffin of his prime ministerial ambition, and therefore shot off his resignation, thereby giving an indirect message to the party and the Parivar that come what may he would not capitulate before NaMo? Significantly, Rajnath Singh announced the news of Modi’s elevation even in the absence of Advani and this may have stung the veteran leader where it hurt most. The news was greeted by BJP workers around the country with widespread
celebrations with crackers. The obvious implication of the anointment was that while Advani was the past, Modi is the future of the party. But their jubilation proved shortlived when Advani announced his resignation.What was the internal matter of the party-some equated the power tussle with the epic Mahabharat-soon degenerated into a frivolous and insipid debate in the TV studios. Rajdeep Sardesai, the Editor in Chief of CNN-IBN succinctly summed up the stalemate when he told that the BJP had indirectly strengthened the Opposition’s and the Congress hand. And he was not far from the truth. In the wake of the announcement of Advani’s resigning from all party posts, Digvijay Singh and Omar Abdula started mocking at the party on social media .Advavanii’s resignation undeniably
Country Influence spelt out crisis for the party, as his 10-line letter was quite loaded and potent. The letter was a direct attack on the functioning style of Modi, when it said that some leaders were running personal agendas in the party. The attack was well-timed also, as the senior most leader realized that once Modi became the campaign chief, given his mass popularity and abilities there was no way he could stop him from becoming prime minister. And this would signal end of his political career. Though Modi was his onetime protégé, the first signal of divide between them surfaced in 2005, when Modi did not rescue Advani when the latter made his indiscreet observations about Mohd Ali Jinnah. Subsequently the rift increasingly became wider. It came in the open when Advani tried to clip the wings of the rapidly rising Modi by showering adulation on Shivraj Chauhan and Sushama Swaraj. But still it was all hunky-dory until the Goa meeting, when finally Rajnath Singh gave in to the mounting pressure on him to elevate Modi. Modi’s supporters intensified their efforts, particularly after Advani described Shivraj Chauhan as a humble leader. Rajnath Singh was even pressurized to project Modi as BJP’s next prime ministerial candidate, but evidently it was not possible for the party president to do so. But the party was in a desperate need for a popular face that can improve its prospects in next Lok Sabha elections. So Modi was formally anointed in the presence of RSS representative. But the fallout of the whole episode was that the Goa action in a way formal-
ized the rift between Advani and Modi. It must have incensed the co-founder of the party who is after all chief architect of the BJP.All is well that ends well. Though the much-debated resignation letter was finally withdrawn by Advani apparently at the behest of the RSS chief Though he denies any role in the 2002 rioting, (sparked by a fire on a train with Hindu passengers), he refuses to express remorse for the incident. He remains unapologetic despite political allies having since been convicted for incitement. Modi is a divisive character within his own party, never mind the country. Yet the BJP has only ever garnered the support to govern nationally when it has moved beyond sectarian influences. Even then it was in coalition, which the uncompromising Mr Modi may struggle to build. Gujarat’s chief is using more inclusive language as the election approaches. He has also toned down attacks on Pakistan. But it is an open question whether the Gujarati strongman would show the same restraint in a crisis with India’s nuclear-armed neighbour that Mr Singh did after the Mumbai bombings of 2008. If Modi is to convince voters that he is statesman enough to lead India, he has to do more than play on Congress’s weaknesses. He should reject the supremacist-inspired strands of his own party, which divide the country rather than unite it. A first step would be to show remorse for wrongs done in 2002. If he persists in refusing, voters will know where he stands – and the risks he represents.
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Guest Opnion
oing through the 1st and 2nd edition of “Focus On Globe” I feel great confidence in the team work of “Focus On Globe”. In this edition the chapters added are of great importance and knowledge, which I think is of great use to the general masses & Business Community at large. Team “Focus On Globe” is strong and moving forward in the right direction, publication of second issue of Magazine is really a feather added to the crown. As a team “Focus On Globe” has utilized its skills and deliver the end product which is before you. The chapters added have given a good grace of the Magazine. The Designing of Magazine is at its best, editing part has been taken great care of. In global village such types of Magazine really prove helpful for the persons visiting the state as well as Globe. I wish them success for all future publications in their Endeavour’s. I Wish that all the future publication are up to standard and shall cater to the need of public at large. Fahar Manzoor Baba Srinagar.
Focus On Globe July 2013
Neighbourhood
26 By: Sources
M
r Sharif was twice
prime minister in the 1990s and both times he made genuine efforts to make peace with India but was thwarted at every step by an aggressive and uncompromising army which eventually launched the war in Kargil in disputed Kashmir in 1999 that led to a military debacle and also a coup against his government. Mr Sharif clearly understands that Pakistan’s traditional allies in the West, immersed in a global recession, are unlikely to offer Islamabad much in the way of a bailout. However, India can play a major role in reviving Pakistan’s bankrupt economy as a potential investor. This time around, the army - faced with an apparent collapse of the state - is also more amenable to the idea of improving relations with India, but army chief Gen Pervez Kayani still baulks at the idea of Indian factories and investment taking root in Pakistan. However, Pakistan has little choice and Sharif even less so, as avenues to rescue the economy close one by one. Gen Kayani is also due to step down at the end of the year and a new army chief may well be able Focus On Globe July 2013
to put the years of acrimony between Mr Sharif and the army to an end. “Nawaz S h a r i f ’s astonishing victory at the polls is certain to be welcomed by neighbours and other countries in the region hoping for a more stable Pakistan - but much will depend on how effectively he is able to work with the Pakistani army, writes Ahmed Rashid.”
What Nawaz Sharif ’s
win means
for Pakistan’s neighbours
Pipeline pressure President Asif Ali Zardari virtually surrendered foreign policy decision-making to the army in order to stay on its right side. Mr Sharif is unlikely to do that and will instead need to co-operate with the army in order to have an effective policy towards brokering peace in Afghanistan between the Americans, President Hamid Karzai and the Taliban leaders, who are all based in Pakistan. The peaceful withdrawal of US troops next year from Afghanistan through the Pakistani port city of Karachi, the end of the Afghan war and the
Neighbourhood survival of the regime in Kabul will all largely depend on how seriously Pakistan plays its role in forcing the Taliban to the peace table. Mr Sharif is keen to do so simply because he knows he will be unable to tackle Pakistan’s internal crisis without peace across the border. Mr Sharif will face a quandary with Iran as the US puts pressure on Pakistan to abide by UN-mandated sanctions on Iran imposed because of its nuclear programme. Pakistan has just signed an agreement for a critically-needed gas pipeline to be built between the two countries and Mr Sharif will want to continue that programme as Pakistan is severely lacking in gas supplies. The five central Asian states - Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan - are already deeply concerned about the US pullout from Afghanistan and the US failure to control the Taliban - for which they also blame the Pakistan military. They will be relieved to see Mr Sharif in power and expect him to broker peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s traditional ally, China, which has become increasingly concerned and even privately critical of Pakistan’s pandering to extremism and the Taliban, will now seek an ally in Mr Sharif and hope that he will be able to work with the army to end Pakistan’s tolerance of extremism. China is worried because militant Uighur Muslims from the Chinese province of Xinjiang are still receiving training in Pakistan. Mending fences The most difficult relationship is likely to be with the Americans. Mr Sharif, like other politicians in this election campaign, has risen on a wave of anti-Americanism. His brother Shahbaz Sharif, former chief minister of Punjab, had stopped all projects by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Punjab province as a mark of anger against Washing-
ton’s policies and its use of drones. The army has its own multi-dimensional quarrels with Washington, especially over the use of drone missiles. However, Mr Sharif knows that he will need US support in order to garner desperately needed aid from the IMF, the World Bank and other global institutions and he cannot do that without US support for a peace process with India and Afghan-
istan.
Many politicians, including Mr Sharif, have long felt that the army has had a monopoly of power over foreign policy for far too long. Even on election Day, it was the military which evicted a New York
27
Times correspondent from the country, an act which the interim government knew nothing about. Declan Walsh was thrown out for apparently annoying the military back in February with a story about conflict between the CIA and the ISI over the use of drone missiles. Mr Sharif is also going to need a more friendly and pragmatic foreign policy in his efforts to end Pakistan’s long-running domestic insurgencies - the Pakistani Taliban in the tribal areas, the Baloch separatists in Balochistan and the multiple ethnic and sectarian killings in Karachi, Blaming India or Afghanistan for helping create Pakistan’s own domestic instability, as former regimes have done, resolves nothing. Pakistan stands isolated and disliked in the neighbourhood and rebuilding its reputation is not going to be easy. Focus On Globe July 2013
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Health
Advice on health during Ramadan By Professor Saghir Akhtar gives his health tips for fasting.
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amadan is a month where believers learn to exercise self-control. A major facet of this is the abstinence from food and drink that is prescribed to all healthy Muslims during the hours of sunrise to sunset. Although the sick are exempt, many continue to fast and therefore abstain not only from eating and drinking water but also from consuming oral medications and intravenous nutritional fluids. This article provides a personal reflection on what advice might be pertinent for fasting Muslims in good health and those on medication. Advice on diet During years where Ramadan falls in the winter, and the long hot days of the summer a mere distant memory, most of the health problems are likely to arise from inappropriate diet, over-eating and insufficient sleep. Firstly, there is no need to consume excess food at Iftar(the food eaten immediately after sunset to break the fast), dinner or Sahur (the light meal generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn). The reasons for this are two-fold. Firstly and most importantly such a lifestyle contradicts the principal aims and spirit of Ramadan. A learned scholar once said that “There is no receptacle more odious to God, than a belly stuffed full of food after a fast” and therefore “of what use is the Fast as Focus On Globe July 2013
a means of conquering God’s enemy and abating appetite, if at the time of breaking it one not only makes up for all one has missed during the daytime, but perhaps also indulges in a variety of extra foods?” Indeed, there is a concern that it is becoming customary for some to “stock up” for Ramadan, so that more is consumed during this time than in the course of several other months combined. It is therefore worth reflecting on the true objective of fasting which is to experience hunger and to check desire in an attempt to reinforce the soul in piety. Secondly, the body has regulatory mechanisms that reduce the metabolic rate and ensure efficient utilization of the body’s fat reserves in times of hunger. Add to this the fact that most people assume a more sedentary lifestyle whilst fasting and the implication is that a balanced diet that is even less in quantity that normal will be sufficient to keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan. To remain healthy during Ramadan, normal quantities of food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy product, fish, meat and poultry, bean, vegetable and fruit should be consumed. (Vegetarians and Vegans should amend this list as appropriate). Intake of fruits after a meal is strongly suggested. In actual fact, our diet in Ramadan should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible.
The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadan is an ideal time to shed those extra pounds! In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume the so-called ‘complex carbohydrates’ or slow digesting foods at Sahur so that the food lasts longer (about 8 hours) making you less hungry during the day. These complex carbohydrates are found in foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, and unpolished rice. In contrast, refined carbohydrates or fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours and may be better taken at Iftar to rapidly restore blood glucose levels. Fast-burning foods include foods that contain sugar and white flour. Dates are an excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium and have been recommended since the days of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) as a good way of breaking the fast. Fried foods, very spicy foods and foods containing too much sugar such as sweets, the delight of many Muslims, can cause health problems and should be limited during Ramadan. They cause indigestion, heartburn, and weight problems. Fasting can often increase gastric acidity levels in the stomach causing a burning feeling, a heaviness in
Health the stomach and a sour mouth. This can be overcome by eating foods rich in fibre such as whole wheat bread, vegetables, humus, beans and fruits. These foods trigger muscular action, churning and mixing of food, breaking it into small particles, and thus help reduce the build up of acid in the stomach. Drinking of sufficient water and juices between “Iftar” and sleep to avoid dehydration and for detoxification of the digestive system should be encouraged in fasting individuals. However, the intake of large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages should be avoided especially at Sahur. For example, drinking too much tea will make one pass more urine and inevitably cause the loss of valuable mineral salts that your body would otherwise need during the day. Fruits such as bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates. However, bananas can cause constipation and their intake has to be balanced with adequate fibre intake. It is recommended that everyone engage in some kind of light exercise, such as stretching or walking. Exercise, together with a balanced diet, should help everyone watch their weight during Ramadan. Anyone overweight should increase the amount of exercise and reduce the amount of food intake to help reduce weight. It is also important to follow good time management procedures for “Ibada” (prayer and other religious activities), sleep, studies, work, and physical activities or exercise. A good balance in the amount of time attributed for each activity will lead to a healthier body and mind in Ramadan. Advice for the sick who fast during
Ramadan Ramadan fasting is obligatory for the healthy adult but when fasting may significantly affect the health of the fasting individual or when one is genuinely sick, Islam exempts him from fasting. “God intends every facility for you, he does not want to put you into difficulties” (Quran 2:185). However, a significant number of ill patients, for whatever reasons, do decide to observe the fast. And it is these patients who need to seek the opinion of health professionals on an individual basis. Those suffering from minor ailments really
do not have any problems fasting. Those suffering from acute conditions may need advice about altering their dosing regimen i.e. the amount and frequency of their medication. Drugs that are normally required to be taken frequently, such as many antibiotics, can be problematic for the fasting patient. However, the increasing availability of alternative drugs with long half-lives (circulation
times in the body) and the increasing formulation of short-acting drugs as sustained release preparations have offered much needed assistance to fasting patients. For example patients suffering from acute upper respiratory infections such as a severe sore throat may still be able to fast. Normally such a patient may be prescribed antibiotics that have to be taken 3 or 4 times a day and would not be able to fast. However in order to facilitate fasting, the patient could be given a long-acting antibiotic such as Septrin (co-trimaxozole), which only needs to be taken once every 12 hours, or Zithromax (azithromycin), which only needs to be taken once daily. This can only be done when the infecting organisms are treatable with the alternative antibiotics and this needs to be discussed with the patient’s own medical practitioner on a case-by-case basis. Medicines cannot be taken according to the rules of fasting, but Muslims should not risk making themselves ill An example where alternative routes of drug administration may help fasting patients is the use of transdermal (skin) patches. For example some patients suffering from mild forms of angina pectoris, a heart condition could benefit from taking their medication, glyceryl trinitrate, as a skin patch rather than sub-lingual tablets. Here, the drug would be effective by entering the blood stream through the skin, and not orally (which would break the fast). Again, this may only be possible in specific patients and needs to be discussed with the patient’s doctor. Pharmacists are generally willing to advise patients on the availability of alternative dosage forms for medication during Ramadan. An example of where sustained release formulations may help is that of the fasting patients suffering from mild forms of hypertension (high blood pressure). These patients can be given their drug in formulations that only require once-daily
29 dosing. Here the drug can be administered orally at “Sahur” and the special formulation then allows the drug to slowly release into the body over a day. In fact, there is a school of thought among medical practitioners that those patients who have mild to moderate high blood pressure and are also overweight should be encouraged to fast as fasting may help to lower their blood pressure. Such patients should see their physician to adjust medication. For example, the dose of diuretics should be reduced to avoid dehydration, and sustained release formulations such as Inderal LA can be given once a day before the pre-dawn meal. An increasing case where practitioners are likely to advise patients on fasting is in those suffering from Diabetes mellitus. Many Muslims, especially of Asian descent, have an increased risk of suffering from some form of diabetes. The International Journal of Ramadan Fasting Research has suggested the following guidelines for health professionals treating Muslim patients with diabetes: “Diabetic patients who are controlled by diet alone can fast and hopefully, with weight reduction, their diabetes may even be improved. Diabetics who are taking oral hypoglycaemic agents along with the dietary control should exercise extreme caution if they decide to fast. These patients should consult their medical doctor for dose adjustment. If they develop low blood sugar symptoms in the daytime, they should end the fast immediately.” In addition, diabetics taking insulin should consult their doctor to see if their dose can be adjusted for them to fast during Ramadan. In all cases of Muslim diabetics fasting, they should closely monitor their blood sugar levels especially before and after meals. In summary, Islam offers an exemption to the sick from observing their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. However, some patients may be able to fast if their health is not adversely affected during the period of fasting. In such cases, advice from pharmacists and doctors about changing
prescriptions to equally effective drugs that have reduced dosing, such as sustained release formulations, may be beneficial to the fasting Muslim. In all cases of illness, it is recommended that Muslim patients, if they do fast, do so under medical supervision. Focus On Globe July 2013
30
News at Glance
Asia’s second largest
Rail Travel through Pir Panchal Range Staff writer Focus on Globe
P
rime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said, that the new rail tunnel linking the troubled Kashmir Valley and Jammu region will help develop Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing in Jammu region after inaugurating the rail tunnel across the Pir Panjal mountain range of 10.96-km long railway tunnel that will link the Kashmir Valley with Jammu region will mark the culmination of their two-day trip to Jammu and Kashmir.Dr.Manmohan Singh said: we are dedicating a marvellous and wonderful feat of engineering crafted across the Himalayas.” He added: “Despite difficult geographical conditions and adverse weather, this longest tunnel in the country has been completed within seven years. “This is not just an engineering marvel, but an all weather link between the valley and the rest of Jammu and Kashmir.“This will usher in a new era in the development of the state, providing welfare and employment to the people here.”The prime minister said, the products of the Kashmir Valley, including handicrafts and fruits, would reach the rest of India through this railway link as will products from the rest of the country to the valley.The rail bridge between “Udhampur and Banihal” would be the highest railway bridge in the world. He said the rail tunnel was a part of his UPA government’s commitment to develop Jammu and Kashmir.
Focus On Globe July 2013
PM Inaugurates Qazi Gund-Banihal Link Sonia Assures all help for J&K’s Development
Rail Tunnel thrown open
He said the state had got in recent times 14 new colleges, nine ITIs and five India Reserve Police battalions, providing employment to locals. “I want to assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that (my) government will extend all possible support for the development of the people here.” As he spoke in Urdu, Manmohan Singh struck a chord with the people at the rally. He was cheered each time he spoke about ushering development in the state. Congress president Sonia Gandhi told the rally that the “hardships faced by the people of the state during the winter months are now a thing of the past. “Today’s inauguration of the all weather link between Jammu and the valley is a part of the UPA’s commitment to the peace and progress of the people here.”Gandhi said the National Conference-Congress government in the state had done commendable work in the last five years.“The people in Kashmir are fed up with violence. They want peace and development.“The large turnout of people during the Panchayat elections in the state is a proof of the people’s desire for peace and development. “I know very well that painful incidents happen here occasionally, but our democracy has enough scope to sort out issues through dialogue and negotiations.” Mr.Manmohan Singh and Gandhi fly to Udhampur army base on their way to New Delhi after completed the inauguration ceremony of rail link and their two-day trip of Jammu and Kashmir.
News at Glance
Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi
Announce Package Of Rs. 710 cr. For land acquisition under PMGSY Staff writer Focus On Globe
C
hairing a high level meeting on development issues at SKICC here, prime minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh announced the agreement of union government for granting Rs. 710 crores to the State to meet the expenditure on account of land acquisition under PMGSY. “Good news is this that a note has already been prepared for grant of Rs. 710 crores to the State under PMGSY for land acquisition,” he said adding that the proposal would be receiving Union Cabinet nod soon. Dr. Singh assured full support of the union government to the state for its holistic and inclusive development. He said despite financial constraints at the union government level prevailing at present, he would use his influence to provide substantial plan to the State for the current fiscal. Prime minister said UPA Government notwithstanding the difficulty of financial constraints is extended full financial support to the State. “When it comes to financing Jammu and Kashmir we do not count the financial constraints”, he added aimed applause. Prime minister emphasized on upgrading the financial discipline and added that better financial management would help the State to receive enhanced funds. He also called for enhancing the agriculture growth and said that he would use his office for providing more funds to the state under horticulture mission.
Dr Singh praised power point presentation made by chief minister, Omar Abdullah in the meeting and said he in his presentation has given complete account of the achievements, problems and needs of the State to realize the ambition of providing better facilities of life to the people. Earlier, chief minister while explaining the development contours and economic indicators of the state underlined the need for political resolution of grievances and aspirations of pluralistic and diverse State like Jammu and Kashmir describing this essentially important. Omar also talked about resumption of sustained and meaningful dialogue with Pakistan expressing the hope that the new Pak premier would create conducive atmosphere for resumption for talks. He also pitched for restoration of internal dialogue with diverse political opinion in an inclusive manner. Chief minister stressed on giving a beginning to the implementation process of the recommendations made by Interlocutors Group. He also sought comprehensive review of Cross LoC Trade and Travel and demanded early provision of full body scanners to be installed at Poonch and Uri besides easing trade restrictions. Omar also advocated for early completion of demining of areas across LoC. He also expressed satisfaction over the Rehabilitation Policy and said that 422 cases have been sanctioned under this policy out of 1094 applications received. He reiterated the demand for granting ST status to Pahari speaking
31 people underlying it as a long pending demand. Omar while presenting State’s development scenario and its needs to march ahead on socio-economic development path, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson for their liberal and unflinching support to the State. Omar said average annual growth in the State has been achieved at 6.25 percent adding that robust plan allocations of Rs. 44000 crore for 12th Plan and an Annual Plan of Rs. 7300 crore last year, and reasonable high increase in resources under 13th Finance Commission has given considerable fillip to the development activities. He also mentioned enhanced connectivity through construction of Railway Lines, 4-laning of National Highway and upgradation of Srinagar and Jammu Airports. He also mentioned the benefits of initiatives like Udan, Himayat and UMEED. He said that resolution of large number of issues has been achieved in the meetings the State officers held with the Central Team headed by the Cabinet Secretary and Union Secretaries. He also mentioned the extension of Central package for industrial units in Jammu and Kashmir beyond June 2012 and thanked the Prime Minister for this gesture. Chief minister while expressing solidarity with the sufferers of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh natural calamities said that the Jammu and Kashmir Government has pledged Rs. one crore to PM’s Relief Fund for the affected families of these States. Speaking on security scenario, the chief minister said coalition government has lived up to its promises and expectations of people adding that positive atmospherics marked by hope, optimism, peace and harmony is rooting in the State. He said year 2012 has been the best in 25 years on all security parameters. He said footprints of security forces are being progressively reduced and local police is visibly involved in counter insurgency operations. He said 54 bunkers have been removed from Srinagar city while 179 schools, 37 hospital buildings, 33 hotels, 919 private buildings, 264 government buildings and 26 industrial units have been vacated from the forces. Omar said Jammu and Kashmir’s economy has grown at 15.36 percent last year. “GSDP at current price is up from Rs. 42315 crores in 200809 to Rs. 76115 crores in 2012-13. The per capita income is up from Rs. 37282 crores in 2008-09 to Rs. 63684 crores in 2012-13. He said the State has received highest ever plan of 7300 crore last year and is pitching for Rs. 8000 crore for the current year and Rs. 600 crore under PMRP. He said capital expenditure of over Rs. 12000 crore has been made this year to result in significant economic growth, qualitative upgradation of social and economic infrastructure and creation of massive employment opportunities. Focus On Globe July 2013
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W
Women’s Empowerment
OMEN’S LIBERATION
THROUGH ISLAM
I. HUMAN RIGHTS:
Islam, fourteen centuries ago, made women equally accountable to Allah in glorifying and worshipping Him setting no limits on her moral Progress. Also, Islam established a woman’s equality in her humanity with men, in the Qur’an in the first verse of the chapter entitled “women” Allah says “O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it its mate and from them both have spread broad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah in whom you claim (your rights) of one another and towards the wombs (that bore you) LO! Allah has been a watcher over you”(4:1) Since men and women both come from the same essence, they are equal in their humanity. Women cannot be by nature evil (as some religions believe) or them men would be evil, also. Similarly, neither gender can be superior because it would be a contradiction of equality.
Focus On Globe July 2013
II. CIVIL RIGHTS: In Islam, a woman has the basic freedoms of choice and expression based on recognition of her individual personality. First, she is free to choose her religion. The Qur’an states; “there is no compulsion in religion. Right has been made distinct from error”. (2:256) Women are encouraged in Islam to contribute their opinions and ideas, There are many traditions of the Prophet (p) which indicate women would pose questions directly to him and offer their opinions concerning religion, economics and social matters. A Muslim woman chooses her husband and to keep her name after marriage. A Muslim woman’s testimony is valid in legal disputes. In fact, where women are more familiar, their evidence is conclusive.
By: The Institute of Islamic Information and education
T
oday people think that women are liberated in the west and that the woman’s liberation movement began in the 20 th century. Actually, the women’s liberation movement was not begun by women but women was revealed buy Allah to a man in the seventh century by the name of Muhammad (SAW) (peace be upon him) who is known as the last prophet of Islam. The Qur’an and the traditions of the prophet (Hadith or Sunnah) are the sources from which every Muslim women derives her rights and duties.
Women’s Empowerment III. SOCIAL RIGHTS: The Prophet (s) said, “seeking knowledge is a mandate for every Muslim (male and female )’’. This includes knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith as well as other knowledge. Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all spheres of life Muslim women must acquire the oppropriate education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests. While maintenance of a home, providing support to her husband and bearing, raising and teaching of children are among the first and very highly regarded roles for a women, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so as long as her family obligations are met. Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women. This in no way diminishes either’s effort nor its benefit. God will reward both sexes equally for the value of their work though it may not necessarily be the same activity. Concerning motherhood the prophet [pbuh] said, “Heaven lies under the feet of mothers” this implies that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers that raised it. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security affection and training received from the mother therefore a woman having children must be edu I. HUMAN RIGHTS: Islam, fourteen centuries ago, made women equally accountable to God in glorifying and worshipping Him setting no limits on her moral Progress. Also, Islam established a woman’s equality in her humanity with men, in the Qur’an in the first verse of the chapter entitled “women” God says “O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it its mate and from them both have spread broad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward Allah in whom you claim (your rights) of one another and towards the wombs (that bore you) LO! Allah has been a watcher over you”(4:1) Since men and women both come from the same essence, they are equal in their humanity. Women cannot be by nature evil (as some religions believe) or them men would be
33 evil, also. Similarly, neither gender can be superior because it would be a contradiction of equality. II. CIVIL RIGHTS: In Islam, a woman has the basic freedoms of choice and expression based on recognition of her individual personality. First, she is free to choose her religion. The Qur’an states; “there is no compulsion in religion. Right has been made distinct from error”. (2:256) Women are encouraged in Islam to contribute their opinions and ideas, There are many traditions of the Prophet (p) which indicate women would pose questions directly to him and offer their opinions concerning religion, economics and social matters. A Muslim woman chooses her husband and to keep her name after marriage. A Muslim woman’s testimony is valid in legal disputes. In fact, where women are more familiar, their evidence is conclusive. III. SOCIAL RIGHTS: The Prophet (s) said, “seeking knowledge is a mandate for every Muslim (male and female )’’. This includes knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith as well as other knowledge. Men and women both have the capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all spheres of life Muslim women must acquire the oppropriate education to perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and interests. While maintenance of a home, providing support to her husband and bearing, raising and teaching of children are among the first and very highly regarded roles for a women, if she has the skills to work outside the home for the good of the community, she may do so as long as her family obligations are met. Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable for men and other types for women. This in no way diminishes either’s effort nor its benefit. God will reward both sexes equally for the value of their work though it may not necessarily be the same activity. Concerning motherhood the prophet [pbuh] said, “Heaven lies under the feet of mothers” this implies that the success of a society can be traced to the mothers that raised it. The first and greatest influence on a person comes from the sense of security affection and trainFocus On Globe July 2013
34 ing received from the mother therefore a woman having children must be educated and conscientious in order to be a skillful parent. IV. POLITICAL RIGHTS: A right given to Muslim women by God 1400 years ago is the right to vote. On any public matter, a woman may voice her opinion and participate in politics. One example narrated in the Qur’an (60:12) MUHAMMAD [Pbuh] is told that when the believing women come to him and swear their allegiance to Islam he must accept their oath. This established the right of women to select their leader and publicly declare so. Finally Islam does not forbid a woman from holding important positions in government. Abdurrahman Ibn Auf consulted many women before he recommended Uthman Ibn Affan to be the caliph. V. ECONOMIC RIGHTS: The Qur’an states: “by the creation of the male and female: Verily [the ends] ye strive for are diverse”(92:3-4) In these verses, God declares that he created men and women to be different, with unique roles, functions and skills. As in society, where there is a division of labor so too in a family, each member has different responsibilities. Generally, Islam upholds that woman are entrusted with the nurturing role, and men, with the guardian role. Therefore woman are given the right of financial support. The Qur‘an states: “Men are the maintainers of woman because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend of their wealth (for the support of woman” (4:34) This guardianship and greater financial responsibility is given to men requires that they provide women with not only monetary support but also physical protection and kind and respectful treatment. Muslim woman have the privilege to earn money, the right to own property, to enter into legal contracts and to manage all of her assets in any way she pleases. She can run her own business and no one has any claim on her earnings including her husband. The Quran states: “and in no wise covet those things in which Allah hath bestowed his gifts more freely on some of you than on others: to men is allotted what they earn and to woman what they earn: but ask Allah of his bounty for Allah hath full knowledge of all things.” (4:32) A woman inherits from her relaFocus On Globe July 2013
Women’s Empowerment tives .The Quran states: “For men there is a share in what parents and relatives leave and for women there is a share of what parents and relatives leave whether it be little or much an ordained share.” (4:7) VI. RIGHTS OF A WIFE: THE Qur’an states: “ And among His signs is that he created for you mates from among yourselves that you may live in tranquility with them and he has put love and mercy between you; Verily, in that are sings for people who reflect”. (30:21) Marriage is therefore not just a physical or emotional necessity but in fact a sign from God! It is a relationship of mutual rights and obligations based on divine guidance God created men and women with complimentary natures and in the Qur’an, He laid out a system of laws to support harmonious interaction between the sexes “they are your garments and you are their garments.” (2:187) Clothing provides physical protection and covers the beauty and faults of the body. Likewise, spouse is viewed this way. Each protects the other and hides the faults and compliments the characteristics of the spouse. To foster the love and security that comes with you and security that comes with marriage, Muslim wives have various rights. The first of the wife’s rights is to receive mahr, a gift from the husband which is part of the marriage contract and required for the legality of the marriage. The second right of a wife is maintenance. Despite any wealth she may have, her husband is obligated to provide her with food, shelter and clothing. He is not forced, however, to spend beyond his capability and his wife is not entitled to make unreasonable demands. The Qur’an states: “Let the man of means spend according to his means and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him. Allah puts. No burden on any person beyond what he has given him.”(65:7) God tells us men are guardians over women and are afforded the leadership in the family. His responsibility for obeying God extends to guiding his family to obey God at all times. A wife’s rights also extend beyond material needs. She has the right to kind treatment. The Prophet (pbuh) said. Go”The most perfect believers are the best
in conduct. And the best of you are those who are best to their wives.” God tells us He created mates and put love, mercy and tranquility between them. Both men and women have a need for companionship and sexual needs and marriage is designed to fulfill those needs. For one spouse to deny this satisfaction to the other, temptation exists to seek it elsewhere. VII. DUTIES OF A WIFE: With rights come responsibilities. Therefore, wives have certain obligations to their husbands, The Qur’an states: “The good women in the absence of their husbands guard their rights as Allah has enjoined upon them to be guarded.” (4:34) A wife is to keep her husband’s secrets and protect their marital privacy. Issues of intimacy of faults of his that would dishonor him, are not to be shared by the wife, just as he is expected to guard her honor. A wife must also guard her husband’s property. She must safeguard his home and possessions, to the best of her ability, from theft or damage. She should manage the household affairs wisely so as to prevent loss or waste. She should not allow anyone to enter the house that her husband dislikes nor incur any expenses of which her husband disapproves. A Muslim woman must cooperate and coordinate with her husband. There cannot however, be cooperation with a man who is disobedient to God. She should not fulfill his requests if he wants her to do something unlawful. A husband also should not take advantage of his wife, but be considerate of her needs and happiness. VIII. CONCLUSION: The Qur’an states: “And it becomes not a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His messenger (Muhammad) have decided on an affair (for them). That they should (after that) claim any say in their affair; and whose is rebellious to Allah and His messenger, he verily goes astray in error manifest,” (33:36) The Muslim woman was given a role duties and rights 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy today even in the west. These are from God and are designed to keep balance in society; what may seem unjust or missing in one place is compensated for or explained in another place. Islam is a complete way of life.
Business
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Tata Motors launches
CNG version of Nano, other upgraded models By: Nasir Khan
L
aunching eight upgraded versions across five passenger car platforms, country's largest auto maker Tata Motors said, it will invest Rs 1,600 crore on its car division this fiscal. "We will invest Rs 1,600 crore in product development for the passenger vehicles division while the same for commercial vehicles will be Rs 1,400 crore," Tata Motors Managing Director Karl Slym told reporters The company had invested Rs 3,000 crore on both its divisions last fiscal as well, he said. Tata Motors launched eight variants under the 'HorizoNext' strategy, which is aimed at recouping the lost market share. It launched eight variants across five product offerings -- the Indica hatchback, Indigo sedan, small car Nano, sports utility vehicle Safari and utility vehicle Sumo. The new models introduced are the soaped-up versions of the hatchback Indica which will sport a new ER4 engine, those of its sedan Indigo, and the small car Nano, all of which will also have a CNG version by September. The other platforms getting variants are the SUV Safari Storm and the utility vehicle Sumo, called Sumo Gold. These two will also sport a new CR engine and new gear box apart from better and more ma-
noeuvrable steering, Ranjit Yadav, president for the Passenger Vehicles division, said. While the new variants of Sumo, Indigo and Nano are ready for shipments from 19 june 2013, the Safari and Indica models will be ready for sale in the next two months, Slym said. For the past more than two quarters, the company has been witnessing steep drop in sales. In the April-May period, its sales fell a sharp 35 percent. Commenting on this, Slym, while blaming the overall pain points in the industry, said that the company's absence in the soft-UV/SUV space, which has been the volume driver for a few players like Mahindra and Renault , is the reason for it. "It has been a challenging time for the passenger car vehicles as a segment. But our sales problems have been confounded by our lack of presence in what is called the soft-SUV space, which we are trying to rectify with these launches in the short-term and with new models in the long-term," he said. "The HorizoNext strategy is aimed at addressing all the issues facing the company now and till the turn of 2020," Slym said. "Our goal is to enhance our market leadership in commercial vehicles and move to a strong podium finish in the passenger vehicle market," Currently, Tata Mo-
tors is fighting for no 4 or 5 position in the car market which fell 12.5 percent in May as a whole, while for Tata Motors the fall has been one of the steepest at a shade less than 46 percent for the month. Slym also hinted at new models in the Nano platform as well as some new SUVs on the JLR platform, without disclosing any more details. The HorizoNext strategy also involves the company setting up 150 new customer touch-points/ sales and service centres, by the end of the fiscal. It has already opened five such outlets in Delhi and Mumbai. While Tata Motors was set up in 1945, it entered the passenger car segment in 1998 with the Indica, which sort of redefined the entry-car segment. The new Indigo eCS will come for Rs 4.99 lakh and upwards, while, Sumo Gold, available in five variants begins at Rs 5.83 lakh ownwards, and the enhanced Nano begins at Rs 1.5 lakh, all prices ex-showroom Delhi. Defending the launch of eight variants, not a single model, Slym said, " this is an industry practice in the first place. Moreover, these models are on a strong platform and that the problem was customer response and not the product. This is what we are rectifying now." Focus On Globe July 2013
36
World Affairs
Brazil protesters, police clash near match MARCO SIBAJA, Associated Press
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iot police detain a man during a demonstration in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Brazilian anti-government protesters in part angered by the billions spent in World Cup preparations and police clashed Wednesday near the stadium hosting a Confederations Cup football match, with tens of thousands of demonstrators trying to march on the site confronting police firing tear gas and rubber bullets. Brazilian protesters and police clashed on June 26 near a stadium hosting a Confederations Cup soccer match, as thousands of demonstrators trying to march on the site were met by tear gas and rubber bullets. Brazil’s senate voted to increase penalties for those found guilty of corruption, responding to a key demand made by protesters across the country. Anti-government protesters in part angered by the billions spent in World Cup preparations picked up tear gas canisters and lobbed them back at police, along with a shower of rocks. A dense fog of the acrid gas enveloped the mass of protesters, who were about a mile (2 kilometers) away from the stadium where Brazil was playing Uruguay in a semi final match of the warm-up tournament for next year’s World Cup. Police set up a 2-kilometer (1-mile) perimeter around the stadium, normal procedure for international tournaments. Mounted police and riot units maintained another security line about 1 kilometer (half-mile) from the stadium. “The protesters started this when they tried to break through our outer barrier,” said police Capt. Flavio Almeida. “We had no choice but to respond.” Two protesters were hurt, including a 21-year-old man who fell from an overpass and was in critical condition. By the time the match ended in a 2-1 Brazil victory, most of the protesters had dispersed. In another area of Belo Horizonte, a group of masked young men shattered the windows of car showroom and set the shop on fire. About 50,000 protesters had earlier massed in a central plaza in Belo Horizonte. “We don’t need the World Cup,” said Leonardo Fabri, a 19-year-old protester. “We
Focus On Globe July 2013
need education; we need better health services, a more humane police.” It’s the latest protest to turn violent as Latin America’s biggest country has been hit by nationwide protests since June 17. Elsewhere in Brazil the situation was mostly calm, in part because Brazilian lawmakers were taking action to meet protesters’ demands.The senate on Wednesday 26 of June 2013 approved legislation to ratchet up penalties for those found guilty of corruption and would take away the ability for a pardon, amnesty or bail for those convicted. The measure must be approved by the lower house before it’s signed into law. The lower house late Tuesday 25 June 2013 voted 403-9 to drop a measure that would have limited the investigative powers of federal prosecutors, a bill that many feared would make it harder to prosecute official corruption.“This movement scored a big victory by the killing” of that legislation, said Leila Marques, a 19-yearold protester in Brasilia. “But it can’t stop now. We have to do more to clean up corruption.” The wave of protests that hit Brazil began as opposition to transportation fare hikes, and then expanded to a laundry list of causes including anger at high taxes, poor services and high World Cup spending, before coalescing around the issue of rampant government corruption. It has become the largest eruption of public demonstrations Brazil has seen in two decades. At many protests across Brazil in the past week, a sea of signs denounced the proposal to strip prosecutors of the ability to investigate, known as the “PEC 37” measure. Many demonstrators vowed to keep returning to the streets until it was knocked down. “The PEC 37 only served to protect the corrupt,” said Aline Campos, a 29-yearold publicist at a recent protest in Brasilia. “Society wants more effort to combat corruption, not less.” Federal prosecutors were behind the investigation into the so-called “mensalao” cash-for-votes scheme that came to light in 2005. It involved top aides of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva buying off members of congress to vote for their legislation. Last year, the Hon’ble Supreme
Court sentenced two dozen people in connection with the case, and it was hailed as a watershed moment in Brazil’s fight against corruption. However, those sentenced have yet to be jailed because of appeals, a delay that has enraged Brazilians. On Wednesday 26 June 2013, the top court again flexed its anti-corruption muscles by ordering the immediate imprisonment of Congressman Natan Donadon, who was found guilty on corruption charges in 2010 and who has now exhausted all appeals. Before mass protests broke out on June 17- 2013, the PEC 37 legislation appeared heading to easy victory in the lower house of congress. “It was on the streets that the blindness of the politicians was lifted,” said Domingos Dutra, a congressman who has often butted heads with leaders of his ruling Workers Party.Congress also approved a bill earmarking 75 percent of oil royalties to fund education and 25 percent to health services. Earlier this week, President Dilma Rousseff announced investments of $23 billion in transportation and said her government would start projects aimed at five key areas where protesters have demanded improvements: fiscal responsibility and controlling inflation, political reform, health care, public transport and education. “Rousseff” also said, she would push for an assembly with the power to propose constitutional amendments that would hear from the Brazilian public. Opposition lawmakers questioned that action, arguing that only congress has the right to call such an assembly. After meeting with the Hon’ble chief justice of the Supreme Court on Tuesday 25 June 2013, “Rousseff’s” office said, she will continue to push for a plebiscite on political reform, but dropped the push for the constitutional assembly. In Belo Horizonte, protester earlier Jose Barbosa Neto used a megaphone to try to talk to Brazil’s football players outside the hotel where they were staying. “I’m against all the money that was spent to build stadiums while our people are suffering across the country. I’m here protesting peacefully for a better country,” he said. “I don’t want to be watching these matches, I’d rather be protesting for a better country.”
World Affairs
WASHINGTON Supreme Court Rules 5-4 That Defense of Marriage Act is Unconstitutional Associated Press
Gay rights advocate Vin Testa waves a rainbow flag in front of the Supreme Court at sun up in Washington
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he Supreme Court ruled 0n 26 June that legally married same-sex couples should get the same federal benefits as heterosexual couples. The court invalidated a provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that has prevented married gay couples from receiving a range of tax, health and retirement benefits that are generally available to married people. The vote was 5-4. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion. Same-sex marriage has been adopted by 12 states and the District of Columbia. Another 18,000 couples were married in California during a brief period when same-sex unions were legal there. The court has yet to release its decision on California’s ban on same-sex marriage. “Under DOMA, same-sex married couples have their lives burdened, by reason of government decree, in visible and public ways,” Kennedy said. “DOMA’s principal effect is to identify a subset of state-sanctioned marriages and make them unequal,” he said. He was joined by the court’s four liberal justices.Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas dissented. Scalia read his dissent aloud. Scalia said the court should not have decided the case. But, given that it did, he said, “we have no power under the Constitution to invalidate this democratically adopted legislation.” The law was passed in 1996 by broad majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and signed into law by Democratic President Bill Clinton. Since then, many lawmakers who voted for the law and Clinton have renounced their support.
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Irish Parliamentarian: Is Obama ‘Going for the Hypocrite of the Century Award?’ By Michael W. Chapman (CNS) – A liberal deputy in the Irish Parliament, criticized President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Ireland, noting that the media coverage constituted “sycophantic fawning” over the Obamas and that the president, in permitting weapons to go to Syrian rebels, was arming “jihadists” and reversing women’s rights, thus potentially qualifying him for “the hypocrite of the century award.” Clare Daly, deputy in the Parliament of Ireland, member of United Left Alliance for Dublin North. President Obama and the first family visited Northern Ireland on June 17-18, and the president spoke at the G8 summit, which took place in County Fermanagh. It was the Obamas first trip to Northern Ireland and the president also spoke about the peace process in Belfast, in front of local residents and students from selected schools. On June 19, Deputy Daly spoke in Parliament about the visit of the president and his family, saying, “It is important to take this opportunity to bring some balance into the discussion surrounding the visit of the U.S. president and his wife, given the almost unprecedented slobbering over them that the nation has been exposed to over the last number of days. “It’s really hard to know which is worse, whether it’s the outpourings of the Obamas themselves or the sycophantic fawning over them by sections of the media and the political establishment.” “We’ve had separate and special news bulletins by the State broadcaster to tell us what Michelle Obama and her daughters had for lunch in Dublin, but very little questioning of the fact that she was having lunch with Mr. Tax Exile himself,” said Daly. The alleged “Tax Exile” in question was Bono, front-man for the band U2, who has an estimated net worth of $600 million. He and his wife had lunch with the first lady and her two daughters on Tuesday, June 18, at Finnegan’s Pub in Dalkey, which is south of Dublin. Deputy Daly continued, “We had very little challenging of the fact that she’s ‘glad to be home’—home a country she’s been in less than a week and her husband has very tenuous links in.” President Obama’s great-great-great grandfather was born in the Irish village of Moneygall; an 8th cousin to the president lives there today. In reference to Obama’s decision to arm Syrian rebels, Deputy Daly said, “Of course, the biggest irony of all, the protestations of Obama himself in his speech to children in Northern Ireland about peace, when he said, ‘those who choose the path of peace, I promise you, that the United States of America will support you every step of the way. We will always be the wind at your back.’ President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama in an Irish pub, June 18, 2013. “Now, I ask you, is this person going for the hypocrite of the century award?” said Daly. “Because we have to call things by their right names, and the reality is that by any serious examination, this man is a war criminal. He has just announced his decision to supply arms to the Syrian opposition, including the jihadists, fueling the destabilization of that region and continuing to undermine secularism and knock back conditions for women.” Daly then directly criticized the “Taoiseach,” or prime minister of Ireland, Enda Kenny, for showing too much deference to the Obama administration’s policies, remarking that “you have showcased us as a nation of pimps prostituting ourselves in return for a pat on the head.” In concluding her comments, Daly said, “And the last point I’ll make is people in this country are very fond of our American brothers and sisters, and I think we stand far more shoulder to shoulder with them by making valid criticisms of their president who has broken his election promises rather than just pimping this nation as a tax haven for their corporations. I’m sure the Americans would far prefer if their multinationals pay their taxes at home rather than offshore here – so they can develop their health care, so they wouldn’t be wasting money on arms being sent to slaughter people in other countries.” Focus On Globe July 2013
Sports Talent
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Speedster
Mehjoor signs up with Rajasthan Club By:- Tamin Javaid Srinagar: Riding high on his impressive show with the ball in Kolkata league last year, Kashmir speedster Mehjoor Ali Sofi has signed up with a club in West Bengal which is run by former chairman of International Cricket Council and president of Board of Control for Cricket in India, Jagmohan Dalmiya. Mehjoor, a resident of Malla Bagh locality in outskirts of Srinagar, signed the agreement with the club earlier last week and will feature in first division and top level tournaments this season. According to the people close to Mehjoor, the decision to sign up with Dalmiya’s club was taken by him purely on the ground that the players who play 1st division clubs matches are picked for Cricket Association of Bengal headed by Dalmiya. Following his impressive show in his stint with Calcutta Cricket & Football Club (CCFC) last year, Mehjoor was called up for a camp held by the CAB and subsequently was offered to play for the Dalmiya’s club. Mehjoor was offered to play for other clubs in West Bengal including Kalighat Club which have most of the IPL players playFocus On Globe July 2013
ing this season. Mehjoor’s performance in Kolkata last year was all through glittering as the lanky speedsters claimed 5 wickets haul thrice in 6 matches he played. In his inaugural match, the speedster claimed 8 wickets alone. Mehjoor is known among his cricket playing friends for ability to move the cricket ball both ways with high speed. He is also known for fierce bouncers and many players found his trait difficult to handle during his stint in Kolkata.Manoj Tiwary, International Indian cricketer who currently playing in IPL was all praise for the speedster recently. In an interview with a Calcutta based newspaper, Tiwari had said that Mehjoor bowls at a speed exceeding 140 kilometers per hour. Confirming his signing up with the Dalmiya club, Mehjoor said that he was hopeful of putting best performance during his stay with the club. Mehjoor is all praise for KPL organisers which provided him a platform to show his skills with the ball. Mehjoor is flaying to Kolkata in September this year to join the club.
Sports
ICC Champions Trophy 2013:
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The miraculous rain riders of Dhoni By: Staff Writer
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eam India players share their grand success with flood effected victims after winning ICC Trophy. and donatd lacs of Rs as a token of respect and help for those who lost every thing in Uttrakhand. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has donated 1 lakh rupees to the flood victims. He has become the second cricketer to donate after veteran Harbhajan Singh, who has already donated Rs.10 lakh. Earlier,Shikhar Dhawan had also dedicated his man of the tournament award to the flood victims. Respect for these gentlemen. Even though five days have passed, the fragrant memories of the historical win for India in the Champions Trophy final against England are still afresh. It was one of the greatest days for Indian cricket. The impeccable finish to the campaign by Team India was made possible through the all-out efforts put in by one and all. The perceptions that many a times India loses because of a lack of killing instinct, or underperformance have gone now. This became possible only due to the bold strategy of captain Dhoni. This match had some history wrapped around it, being the last match of Champions Trophy, as well as the 100th match in the tournament’s history. To be honest, prior to the start of the match, everybody was cursing the weather, but once our wickets started tumbling, our prayers turned the other way round – wishing rain drops could save us from possible defeat! But then, the equation changed with the extremely high spirit of the young and capable warriors of Dhoni. A barely reasonable target became difficult to chase. Dhoni had belief in the talented Bhuvneshwar Kumar, R Ashwin, Ishant and Yadav. England, from the very beginning, were looking like a strong contender or England. Out of the 31 matches played at Edgbaston, England had won 19 matches – that comes to a 61% win ratio, whereas India had won 3 out of 6 played at the same venue which comes to a flat 50%. Former England captain Michael
Vaughan had said prior to the finals that England do not show any fear or choke in big games these days. Also, England’s James Anderson had already taken 10 wickets before the finals at an economy of 3.84, and he was stated to be able to trouble any given batsman. A couple of write ups in the UK media before the grand finale seemed tilted towards England on account of their solid batting lineup consisting of Trott, Morgan, Cook and Bell. The only positive factor noted in otherwise pro English articles appearing across various platforms was that the Indian supporters, as usual, will outnumber the England supporters. Interestingly, while comparing Shikhar Dhawan against Anderson, many gave higher weightage to Anderson on account of the Englishman’s vast exposure. Cook was also projected as a player who could easily dominate India’s best bowler – Kumar. All this didn’t really materialize as projected. But then a billion dollar question needs to be answered – what really happened to the mighty English team? This match was being played on their home ground. Many of the fans believe that this was nothing but overconfidence that their ship sank miserably. So much so that I had read somewhere that England was taking this match as a warm-up game before the Ashes. On the other hand, team India has successfully delivered the message to one and all – gone are the days when our players used to give up easily. Who knows this terrible defeat of England might boost Australia for the Ashes. A young Indian supporter perhaps had correctly exclaimed – what a miserable defeat for England, even Kenya could have given a better fight from that position. Anyways, Dhoni has again led Indian team to a glorious victory, raising our hopes for the upcoming tri-series in the West Indies. Although the series has been touted as a less important one, it would be a decent overseas test for the Indian team. The pitches are expected to be a mixed bag, supporting spin as well as seam, and hopefully the Indian bowlers can make the most of them. Let’s hope for the best as another world cup is just two years away!
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