Indian Abroad - Oct 16-31, 2022

‘Looking at finding ways of taking it to higher levels’: India’s EAM on Australia-India ties

Visa issues will be solved by year-end, Aus to India

By Indian Abroad Newsdesk

India`s External Affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar arrived in Canberra on October 10 amidst what he tweeted as “… a Tiranga welcome. So happy to see the old Parliament House of Australia in our national colours,” In a media release on October 10, highlighting the importance of the visit of India`s External Affairs minister for the an nual Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue,Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said,

This is Minister Jaishankar’s second visit to Australia this year, demonstrating the importance both Australia and India place on our partnership.Australia and India are Comprehensive Strategic Partners, we are Quad partners and most fundamentally, we share the IndoPacific region.We have a shared interest and a shared ambition in

a stable and prosperous region where sovereignty is respected. For Australia, our partnership with India is a critical part of shaping the region we want.”

About the discussions held at the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue Wong said, “At the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, we discussed accelerating and deepening economic ties, including through our Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.We also discussed strengthening our people to people ties and education links, reinforcing our defence and security cooperation and enhancing our climate change and new clean energy engagement, including through the Quad.We agreed to expand our diplomatic footprints, with Australia recommitting to open a Consulate-General in Bengaluru, and India planning an additional consulate in Australia.I look forward to our continued engagement as we build and sustain our partnership and region.”

Jaishankar also addressed a press conference along with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Addressing the press, Jaishankar reiterated Minister Wong remarks saying,“…we’ve had really a very, very useful, very productive, very comfortable discussion today and part of it is really the fact that we’ve been meeting quite often, I mean, I think I met you literally on your first day on the job, in Tokyo for the Quad, but since then, it has been Bali G20; it has been the Phnom Penh East Asia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting; we saw each other in New York, both bilaterally and for trilateral meetings as well. So, we’ve had this now practice of continuing conversations and good exchanges, as we really work to strengthen our bilateral relations and see how we can shape a better region.”

About the strengthening of eco nomic ties between Australia and India Jaishankar said, “We are very encouraged to see that the economic

Evacuation orders in Victoria over flood emergencies

more than 90 warnings issued across the state, including over 10 evacuation orders, reports xinhua news agency. Residents in some regions along rivers or creeks are warned to avoid the flood and move to higher ground immediately. The State Emergency Service (SES) said flood waters are rising rapidly at the Maribyrnong River, located in the northwestern suburbs of Melbourne, as more than 60 properties have been affected due to rapidly rising water.

likely to breach. As of 14 October afternoon, SES had received over 2,679 requests for assistance over the past 24 hours, including more than 119 flood rescues since midnight. Local power companies CitiPower and Powercor said on 13 October that there were around 3,480 customers without power across western Victoria because of major storms pushing through the state.

New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) In his address to the Indian community in Australia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that he has been assured that the problem of visa backlog, particularly in respect to students, would be solved by the end of the year. The visa backlog issue is of utmost concern to the Indian students who are trying to return to educational institutions in Australia following the Covid pandemic. “And I want to tell you that it was something that I took up with different ministers when I was in Canberra. We have a particular problem that students are facing,” Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Australia, said.

Jaishankar, who is on his second visit to Australia, said he was assured that the situation has improved and about 77,000 Indian students are back in Australia. “But you all know that the numbers should be and could be much higher and I was assured that by the end of the year the visa backlog, particular ly in respect to students, would be cleared,” he said.

The minister also said that it’s not just a problem for students but also for many other Indians who want to travel due to family reasons. He also applauded the resumption of tour ism in Australia and other countries

of the world post-Covid pandemic.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 census, Australia’s Indian diaspora numbers approximately 700,000, and Indians are expected to outnumber Chinese-born Australians over the next decade. Significantly, it is the second-highest taxpaying diaspora after the British, making it clear that it is a group making significant con tributions to Australia’s economy.

The minister emphasised that there will be a legal framework for talented Indians to move to another country for work. “Indian skills and talents that are in demand in Australia will have a legal frame work, an agreed methodology by which they move from one country to another,” Jaishankar said.

Canberra, Oct 14 (IANS) Residents across the Australian state of Victoria received evacuation warnings on 14 October due to flood emergencies. Currently, there are

Meanwhile, another evacua tion warning was issued for Wedderburn, as the Skinners Flat reservoir near the rural town is

Much of eastern Australia has seen heavy rain and flooding over the past month. Aside from Victoria, there were also flood warnings issued for New South Wales and Tasmania.

Henna, Wedding and Party Trends and Wooden Artwork was a joy to behold.

The organisers of the Trade Fair expressed their satisfaction as the whole event was extremely well organised, marketed and profes sionally delivered.

In a Facebook post well-known fashion model, actor, and a busi nesswoman Anu Samra, who was also the ambassador of Indian Trade Fair wrote, “Well done & congratula tions team Indian Trade Fair; great job everyone.”

By Indian Abroad Newsdesk

In an endeavour to highlight a people-friendly approach Albanese government has announced paid parental leave will be raised from 18 to 26 weeks. The announcement came after federal cabinet ministers on 14 October backed a major new policy initiative before the October 25 budget. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is likely to make the announcement a key element of his speech to the state Labor conference in Sydney on 15 October, addressing matters related to gender equity and assistance for families on the issue of cost of living.

According to sources cabinet ministers discussed the plan on 14 October, which will extend the Commonwealth’s paid parental leave from the current level of 18 weeks to 26 weeks by 2026.

Replying to a query on the proposal, Albanese told reporters he would have more to say on the matter and that assisting women in the workforce was “low-hanging fruit” in elevating economic growth.

“We need to maximise women’s

economic participation in the interests of family budgets but also in the interests of our national economy,” he said.

Albanese made the observation that Australia was languishing behind advanced economies on the issue of paid parental leave offered by governments.

Acknowledging the importance of such a measure Albanese said, “One of the things about paid parental leave that we need to do, just like we need to do with childcare, is to increase women’s workforce partic ipation to make sure they can stay in

By Indian Abroad Newsdesk

The Indian Trade Fair was organ ised on October 1 at SunPAC in Sunnybanks, Queensland. The Fair showcased women visionaries and entrepreneurs from across various industries. It was an occasion where women in business from Brisbane and Gold Coast got the opportunity to showcase their brands under one roof. The Fair was organised during the festive season comprising Navratri, Durga Puja, and then Dhanteras, Diwali, and Bhai Dooj.

So the season afforded the oppor tunity to experience Indian culture through clothes, jewellery, and art and craft that showcased excellent artisanal skills from different states of India. People thronged the Fair to partake in traditional, modern, and luxurious shopping experiences.

The Indian Trade Fair was also an

occasion to experience the thrill of fashion fiesta.

Trend-setting fashion and lifestyle exhibition, curated by the latest designers, was showcasing the work of all upcoming brands. The Fair brought to the fore a range of apparel, chaniya choli, Indo-western wear, oxidised silver and fashion jewellery, art, home decor, hand bags, and much more.

The presence of the big brands like Adamo Creations, Bling N Me by Mona, Desire Indian Boutique, Essentially Indian - Handmade soft furnishings, Great Impression, Rukaiya Shaikh (Heena Art By Ruku), Heera Collections, LMN Arts, Gina Mantra Australasia, Mann Khaira’s Unique Creations, Meraki Vibes, RGR Collections, Sharmeen Thomas - Makeup &

A guest, Priti Baldi Shah, who at tended the Fair, posted on Facebook saying, “It was a great event ; thank you to the organisers , supporters , sponsors and entire team for making this happen again .” The youngest entrepreneur, Neerja Raniga who is a photographer, heena artist and assistant artist at her mother’s painting school in Brisbane, covered photography for the Indian Trade Fair.

The Indian Trade Fair has once again successfully implemented its noble mission to empower women through showcasing their business brands. The collective efforts of organisers and supporters of the Indian Trade Fair have been instru mental in making this Fair a grand success.

Ukraine effect: Australia to build its own missiles

The Albanese government is now feeling the urgency to begin manufacturing its own missiles, after the war in Ukraine has brought home the point that the need for supplies could arise any time and there is prudence in not being dependent on imports any more.

In this regard Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the government was working on a plan with defence companies Lockheed Martin and Raytheon to develop a sovereign missile manufacturing industry.

The current situation as it stands is that the Australian policy has been such that it imports its missiles from other countries, mostly from

the US. But the Ukraine war has necessitated a change of policy.

“The lessons from the Ukraine war are that we use missile stocks,

Paid parental leave to be raised from 18 to 26 weeks

Big brands showcase their products at Indian Trade Fair

Write for us

Itching to tell a story? If you have something interesting to tell our readers and can write well, we want you. You can start with us as a feature writer, or, if you are an authority on a subject, then even as a columnist. Long as you know how to string a sentence together, know your words, can spot and tell a story in a clear and coherent way, you can write for us. A good story and a flair for writing is all we need in you. So if you believe some event has been ‘under-reported’; or know a commendable charity, an extraordinary human, or a growing trend among Australia’s Indian community you feel our readers too should know about; or just feel that media did not cover a story the best possible way and that you could have done a better job, we want you to contact us. Give all those in spiring ideas tossing about in your head an outlet. Write for us. Just shoot our editor an mail at editor@indianabroad.news, sug gesting the story you want published in Indian Abroad newspa per, and we’ll take it from there. In that email, also attach your current resume in Microsoft Word file, provide your published clips, and tell us about your area of expertise and subjects you like to work on.

We look forward to working with you.

India to produce 25% of its oil demand by 2030: Hardeep Puri

Veteran Geologist Shyam Vyas Rao, former Director (Exploration), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), was also present ed with the lifetime achievement award by the Union Minister in the inaugural session.

Ethanol-blending percentage in petrol increased to 10 per cent in last nine years.

Jaipur, Oct 15 (IANS) Indian petroleum industry is at the cusp of opportunity and will be able to produce 25 per cent of its crude oil demand by 2030, Union Petroleum and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.

At present, five million barrels of petroleum is being consumed in our country every day and it is also increasing by three per cent, which is higher than the global average of nearly one per cent, Puri added.

The Union Minister shared this with media at the three-day South Asian Geoscience Conference, GeoIndia 2022, which began at JECC, Sitapura in Rajasthan’s Jaipur on Friday.

In the inaugural session, Puri said that the ethanol-blend percentage in petrol has increased from 0.67 per cent in 2013 to 10 per cent in May 2022, i.e., five months ahead of schedule. It is reducing 2.7 million tonne of CO2 emissions which is good for the environment.

As per the International Energy Agency estimates, India will con tribute a quarter (25 per cent) of the growth in global energy consump tion in the coming two decades.

Petroleum Secretary Pankaj Jain said the geology experts should utilise this opportunity to elevate their contribution in the context of increasing demand and scarcity of energy sources.

He asked geoscientific fraternity to develop tailored knowledge for deep water, ultra-deep water and onshore to enhance oil and gas production while doing it in envi ronmental sustainable manner.

Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries and participant, Rajesh Kumar Srivastava, CMD, ONGC, and Chief Patron of APG, said, “GeoIndia has been a major leader in the last 14 years under the aegis of Association of Petroleum Geologists (APG) India. The biennial South Asian Geology Conference and Exhibition has evolved in terms of size and international participation. The global market value of automation technology in the oil and gas sector is projected to nearly double and reach nearly $42 billion by 2030. It is high time that the oil and gas sector take advantage of the digital transformation.”

On the first day of the conference, the plenary session was witnessed intensely by experts and policy makers, including Pankaj Jain, Secretary, MoPNG, SCL Das, DGH Director General, ExxonMobil MD Justin Murphy, Equinor MD Desikan Sundararajan, Md. El-Toukhy, Invest India’s Ravneet Mann moderated by Energy affairs expert Narendra Taneja. The Minister also inaugurated the GeoIndia 2022 exhibition, where a number of Indian and global petroleum companies and service providers showcased their cutting edge services and tools for explora tion and production of oil and gas.

Jeremy Hunt appointed UK’s new Chancellor after Kwasi Kwarteng sacked

replacing Kwasi Kwarteng.

The former Foreign Secretary and Tory leadership contender will be the fourth Chancellor this year, the Guardian reported.

Kwarteng has confirmed he was asked “to stand aside” as Chancellor.

In a letter to Prime Minister Liz Truss, Kwarteng wrote: “You have asked me to stand aside as your Chancellor. I have accepted.”

was simply not an option. For too long this country has been dogged by low growth rates and high taxation that must still change if this country is to succeed,” he wrote.

Kwarteng has been sacked after his disastrous mini-budget caused market turmoil, a bailout of pension funds and rising mortgage rates, The Guardian reported.

India launches Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile from INS Arihant

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) INS Arihant carried out a successful launch of a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) on Friday, a Defence Ministry statement said.

The missile was tested to a prede termined range and impacted the target area in the Bay of Bengal with very high accuracy, it said, adding that all operational and techno logical parameters of the weapon system have been validated.

The successful user training launch of the SLBM by INS Arihant is sig nificant to prove crew competency and validate the SSBN programme, a key element of India’s nuclear deterrence capability, it said.

New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) India has one of the most promising econo mies globally. India has surpassed Britain to become the world’s fifth largest economy. The manufactur ing MSME- start-up ecosystem has boosted the economy and created new job opportunities.

As a result of these efforts, the Indian economy has recovered from the negative effects of Covid, and the country is on its way to becoming the world’s third and $5 trillion economy.

The good news is that the eight key industries that drive the country’s economy -- coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, and electricity -- have grown by 4.5 per cent.

This simply means that the Indian economy has returned to normalcy and is progressing.

India has the big goal of becoming developed and self-reliant by 2047, when the country attains its 100th independence day.

ongoing efforts to strengthen the economy are bearing fruit.

These latest figures show that the Indian economy has recovered from the pandemic’s negative effects.

The country is now rapidly moving towards becoming self-reliant.

India has surpassed Germany to become the world’s fourth largest automobile market. In 2021, India sold 37.6 lakh vehicles, while Germany sold 29.7 lakh vehicles.

August is the fifth month in a row that more than 3 lakh cars have been sold in India.

In the global market, Indian prod ucts are now emerging as the first choice. India is the world’s leading exporter of electronics, petroleum, and engineering goods.

Exports of these products increased by 17 per cent this year compared to the same period in 2021 (April-August).

minimum deterrence’ that under pins its ‘No First Use’ commitment, the Defence Ministry said.

London, Oct 14 (IANS) Jeremy Hunt has been appointed Britain’s new Chancellor of the Exchequer,

“When you asked me to serve as your Chancellor, I did so in full knowledge that the situation we faced was incredibly difficult, with rising global interest rates and energy prices. However, your vision of optimism, growth and change was right.

“As I have said many times in the past weeks, following the status quo

Kwarteng is leaving the position after just six weeks in the job, despite Truss having also signed off an array of unfunded tax cuts in the mini-budget last month.

He had returned early from the International Monetary Fund meeting in the US to discuss further U-turns in the budget, after a move to drop the 45p tax rate failed to calm the economic situation.

Hyderabad wins World Green City Award

said.

In the category ‘Living Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth’, the greening of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) was submitted as Hyderabad’s entry. The category focuses on creating systems and solutions that allow all city residents to overcome economic distress and thrive and the ORR greenery called as ‘Green Necklace to the State of Telangana’ was adjudged the best in this category.

The Indian economy has recovered from the pandemic and is back on track. In the first quarter of the current fiscal year, GDP increased by 13.5 per cent (April-June).

At constant prices, the country’s GDP was Rs 32.46 lakh crore in the first quarter of the fiscal year 202122, while it grew by 13.5 per cent to Rs 36.85 lakh crore in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

Simultaneously, the common index of eight core industries, which contribute significantly to the country’s economy, has increased by 4.5 per cent since July 2021.

The final growth rate of the eight core industries was revised to 9.5 per cent in April 2022, up from 8.4 per cent previously.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s

The Indian government recognised an important fact when Covid first appeared -- the economic impact of this epidemic differed from the effect of the previous epidemic because the Covid epidemic was designed to have a negative impact on demand.

As a result, there was concern that the pandemic would have longterm economic consequences for the country.

However, the government’s tight machinery was in place to ensure that such a situation did not last long.

As a result, a number of reform initiatives were launched. Labour reforms, agricultural reforms, changing the definition of a micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise, and implementing the production-linked incentive scheme were among them.

These reforms attempted to for malise the country’s economy to a large extent.

The identification of shell units, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the goods and services tax were all critical steps in bringing the economy under a set of rules and regulations.

The benefit of this was that there was an attempt to shape the economy in terms of shape, type, and behaviour. Simultaneously, a focus on job creating industries was sought.

The government had a clear vision that the country needed to address not only the immediate challenges but also ensure the recovery of economy and infrastructure devel opment, both of which are critical to achieving the objectives.

The new generation of the country is now taking the risk of innovation, learning from mistakes, and getting involved with new energy.

Employment in MSMEs has increased by 116 per cent as com pared to 2019-20.

It is the charisma of the growing youth power that drives the small scale industry, that is, India’s MSME and start-up ecosystem is growing at the fastest rate in the world.

Dozens of desecrated bodies found on hospital’s roof in Multan

Hyderabad, Oct 14 (IANS) Hyderabad has won the overall ‘World Green City Award 2022’ and another award in the cate gory ‘Living Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth’ at the International Association of Horticulture Producers (AIPH) 2022 World Green City Awards 2022 held in Jeju, South Korea on Friday.

AIPH invited entries for ‘World Green Cities Awards 2022’ across six categories. A total of 18 finalists across six categories were selected and final category wise winners were announced on Friday.

The 6 categories and shortlisted countries are Living Green for

Continued

Page 1 the workforce to build productivity for companies, as well as by boost ing their living standards as well. And we know that people having families is good for the economy as well, and good for individuals.”

About his party’s commitment on this issue he said, “Labor will always do what we can to provide more support but I’ll have more to say about that over the coming period.”

Biodiversity (Columbia, Australia, France), Living Green for Climate Change (Turkey, Australia, Mexico), Living Green for Health and Wellbeing (Brazil, Netherlands, Australia), Living Green for Water (Canada, Australia, South Africa), Living Green for Social Cohesion (Argentina, South Korea, France) and Living Green for Economic Recovery & Inclusive Growth (Canada, Iran, India).

Hyderabad is the only Indian city that was selected and it is a matter of pride that Hyderabad has won not only the category award but the overall ‘World Green City 2022’ award that is the best across all six categories, the state government

Minister for municipal administra tion K.T. Rama Rao congratulated entire Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) team and Special Chief Secretary, MA&UD, Arvind Kumar, for this achievement.

Rama Rao has been emphasising on ensuring greenery along the ORR and under the guidance of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, massive greenery efforts have been undertaken.

This award is a testimony to the continued efforts and focus of the government of Telangana on in creasing the green cover in the state through its flagship programme ‘Telangana ku Haritha Haram’ (TKHH), the government said.

Multan, Oct 14 (IANS) ‘Dozens’ of abandoned and desecrated bodies were found on the roof of the mortu ary of Nishtar Hospital in Multan on Friday, the media reported. The abandoned bodies on the roof were bought to light by the Advisor to the Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Zaman Gujjar, after which panic spread through the hospital, Express Tribune reported.

Spokesperson of Nishtar Medical University Dr Sajjad Masood issued a statement on the heartbreaking incident and claimed that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the bodies rotting “under the open sky”.

Sajjad said that various inquiry com mittees have been formed to probe into the matter and denied that there were “dozens” of bodies on the roof. He claimed there were only four bodies on the roof which were left to naturally dry and be used for med ical students’ education, Express

Tribune reported.

He added that four to five years old bodies were also used for education al purposes.

The video circulating on social media, however, showed several bodies dumped on the roof in bad conditions, resulting in rumours that the bodies were kept on the roof to be used as fodder for eagles and vultures, Express Tribune reported. After receiving the information about the incident, Additional Chief Secretary South of Punjab Saqib

Zafar formed an inquiry committee and took strict notice of the desecra tion and abandonment of the bodies.

The secretary of specialised health care has issued the notification of the formation of a six-member inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the incident.

The committee will be headed by Additional Secretary Specialised Health Care Muzamil Bashir and was ordered to submit its report in three days.

Parties such as Greens have been putting pressure on the federal government to decide on economic change for women by offering a more generous scheme so that new parents can balance work and fam ily. Grattan Institute chief executive Danielle Wood has argued for more assistance which he feels would increase workforce participation by women.

However, the move on paid parental leave may be debated as it would lead to additional expenditure in the federal budget which may not go down well with Treasurer Jim Chalmers who has already warned about the pressure imposed by programs on health, aged care, the National Disability Insurance Scheme and defence, though all are areas of significance for any government.

Ukraine effect: Australia to build its own missiles

particularly guided weapons very fast in a conflict and quite frankly we need more missiles in Australia, both as a stock and also the ability to maintain, repair and upgrade those missiles,” Conroy said. Australia was more than capable of producing the critical guidance system for the

missiles, he added.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had also recently expressed the need for Australia to acquire hyper sonic missiles because it currently had no long-range strike capability.

The government’s views have also

been endorsed by the Opposition.

Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie had said in September that Australia should develop its own missile systems, and termed the nation’s strategic outlook as “very bleak”.

Indian economy shows great resilience post Covid; marches strongly towards 2047 goal

A robust, survivable and assured retaliatory capability is in keeping with India’s policy to have ‘credible

Asking girls to take off hijab invasion of privacy, attack on dignity: Justice Dhulia

and religious practices of others. We should remember the appeal made by Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy in Bijoe Emmanuel -- our tradition teaches tolerance; our philosophy preaches tolerance; our Constitution practices tolerance; let us not dilute it.”

New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) Two members of the Lawrence BishnoiSampat Nehra- Tinu Bhiwani gang have been arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police following a brief encounter.

to arrest them. Following the input the team was able to nab both the criminals.

New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) Supreme Court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, in the split verdict on Karnataka hijab ban, on Thursday said by asking girls to take off their hijab before they enter school gates is an invasion of privacy, attack on dignity, and denial of secular education.

He said this is the time when chil dren should learn not to be alarmed by our diversity but to rejoice and celebrate this, and also this is the time when they must realise that diversity is our strength.

Justice Dhulia said: “By asking the girls to take off their hijab before they enter the school gates, is first an invasion of their privacy, then it is an attack on their dignity, and then ultimately it is a denial to them of secular education. These are clearly violative of Article 19(1)(a), Article 21 and Article 25(1) of the Constitution”.

The judgment was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Hemant Gupta and Dhulia. While Justice Gupta dismissed the appeals challenging the Karnataka High Court judgment, Justice Dhulia set aside the high court judgment and quashed the Karnataka government order dated February 5.

The petitioners had moved the apex court, challenging the Karnataka High Court verdict refusing to lift the ban on hijab in educational institutions of the state.

Justice Dhulia said there shall be no restriction on the wearing of hijab anywhere in schools and colleges in Karnataka. He added that the unfortunate fallout of the hijab restriction would be that they would have denied education to a girl child.

“A girl child for whom it is still not easy to reach her school gate. This case here, therefore, has also to be seen in the perspective of the chal lenges already faced by a girl child in reaching her school. The question this court would put before itself is also whether we are making the life of a girl child any better by denying her education merely because she wears a hijab!” he said.

He added that the constitutional scheme, wearing a hijab should be simply a matter of choice and it may or may not be a matter of essential religious practice, but it still is, a matter of conscience, belief, and expression.

Justice Dhulia said if a girl wants to wear hijab, even inside her class room, she cannot be stopped, if it is worn as a matter of her choice, as it may be the only way her conserva tive family will permit her to go to school, and in those cases, her hijab is her ticket to education.

In a 73-page judgment, he said, “fra ternity, which is our constitutional value, would therefore require us to be tolerant, and as some of the coun sel would argue to be, reasonably accommodating, towards the belief

He emphasised that the Government Order dated 5 February, 2022, and the restrictions on the wearing of hijab, also goes against constitution al values of fraternity and human dignity.

Justice Dhulia said: “Liberty, equality, fraternity, the triptych of the French Revolution is also a part of our Preamble. It is true that whereas liberty and equality are well established, properly understood, and recognised concepts in politics and law, fraternity for some reasons has largely remained incognito. The framers of our Constitution though had a different vision. Fraternity had a different, and in many ways a much larger meaning with the main architect of our Constitution, Dr Ambedkar”.

He added that schools, in particular our pre-university colleges are the perfect institutions where children, who are now at an impressionable age, and are just waking up to the rich diversity of this nation, need to be counselled and guided, so that they imbibe our constitutional values of tolerance and accommoda tion, towards those who may speak a different language, eat different food, or even wear different clothes or apparel!

“This is the time to foster in them sensitivity, empathy and under standing towards different religions, languages and cultures. This is the time when they should learn not to be alarmed by our diversity but to rejoice and celebrate this diversity. This is the time when they must realise that in diversity is our strength,” he said.

Kerala Human sacrifice case: 3 sent to 14-day judicial custody

Mohammed Shafi had in June and September, brought the two women to the house, where they were brutally murdered by the couple. Shafi has been named as the first accused, followed by Singh and Laila.

While Laila has been sent to the Women’s Jail, here, the other two will be housed at the Kakkanad Jail, also in Ernakulam district.

Kochi Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju said that the two women were killed and buried by the couple as part of the ritualistic human sacrifice.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Special Cell, Jasmeet Singh said that the arrested gangsters, identified as Deepak Arora alias Deepa alias Popat and Gulshan Kumar alias Gulia, were arrested from the Lado Sarai area in the national capital.

The DCP said that a team of Inspector Shiv Kumar and Jitender Mawi under the supervision of ACP Attar Singh was working on an input

“We had tip off about their move ment in South Delhi. Technical surveillance proved that the accused were active. During the raid Deepak opened one fire at the police team. Police launched a counter attack and nabbed them,” the official said.

During probe, accused Deepak Arora disclosed that he along with Sampat Nehra and other associates had waylaid a cashier of a petrol pump and robbed him off Rs 29 lakh in 2018 when he was going to deposit the cash in the SBI bank in Pooth Kalan in the area of police station

Indian-American Health Justice Lawyer awarded McArthur Fellowship

New York, Oct 13 (IANS)

Indian=American health justice lawyer Priti Krishtel has been chosen as this years McArthur Fellow for exposing inequities in the patent system to increase access to affordable, life-saving medications on a global scale.

The MacArthur Fellowship, which was announced on Thursday, is a $800,000, no-strings-attached award to extraordinarily talented and creative individuals as an investment in their potential.

“The 2022 class of MacArthur Fellows @macfound was announced today and I’m on the list! What a powerful validation of the change the movement is about to make.

Let’s go!!!” Krishtel, who is among 25 artists, activists, scholars, and scientists to win the fellowship, tweeted.

By distilling the technical aspects of the patent system to show its sometimes devastating impact on people’s lives, Krishtel is galvanizing a movement to center people instead of only commercial interests in our medicines patent policy, the McArthur Foundation release stated. Early in her career, Krishtel worked to increase access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatments at the height of the

global AIDS epidemic.

She worked alongside patients dying of AIDS and saw first-hand how patent monopolies often reduced the availability of life-saving medi cations in lower income countries.

In 2006, Krishtel co-founded the Initiative for Medicines, Access, and Knowledge (I-MAK) to ensure the public had a voice in the pharma ceutical patent system.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Krishtel has argued powerfully that incentivizing innovation should not come at the expense of equity and public health.

“I think a lot about who owns our right to heal. We live in a hierarchy of health. Some people get medicine first, and some don’t get it at all. Our ability to heal should not depend on our ability to pay or where we live...

Medicine must always be a global public good,” Krishtel was quoted as saying in the Foundation statement.

“The patent system is not working as intended. The system blocks competition and concentrates the power to access medicine in the hands of an elite few. It helps create that hierarchy of health,” she added.

This year’s class is composed of 15 women and 10 men, who hail from

15 states, the foundation said.

Krishtel received a B.A. (1999) from the University of California at Berkeley and a JD (2002) from New York University School of Law.

She worked with the Indian NGO Lawyers Collective (2003-2006) before co-founding the Initiative for Medicines, Access, and Knowledge (I-MAK) in 2006, where she is curretly co-executive director.

Krishtel has published in a variety of scientific journals and media plat forms, including Science, Journal of the International AIDS Society, The British Medical Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, and USA Today.

Indian American to head drama development at Warner Bros. TV

Los Angeles, Oct 13 (IANS) Warner Bros. Television has promoted Parul Agrawal to the role of senior vice president and head of drama devel opment, ‘Variety’ has confirmed.

the studio in July to join Berlanti Productions, according to ‘Variety’.

Kochi, Oct 12 (IANS) A local court here on Wednesday sent three people accused of killing two women allegedly as part of a “ritu alistic human sacrifice” in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, to two

While Singh has been a popular traditional physician (vaidyan) in the area running the massage centre for long, with Laila -- his second wife -- assisting him.

A Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, alumna, Agrawal has de veloped well-regarded shows such as the sports drama ‘All American’ and ‘All American: Homecoming’ as well as ‘Batwoman’, ‘Black Lightning’, ‘Kung Fu’, ‘Supergirl’ and the upcoming ‘Gotham Knights’ at The CW, the American network co-founded by CBS and Warner Bros. Entertainment. She has also been associated with ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and ‘Maid’ at Netflix and ‘Castle Rock’ at Hulu. Agrawal, who previously served as vice president of drama develop ment, takes over her new role from Leigh London Redman, who exited

The Indian American entertainment executive will report to Clancy Collins White, executive vice pres ident and head of development at Warner Bros. Television.

The announcement of Agrawal’s promotion comes after Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the company would be laying off 82 employees from the Warner Bros. TV Group, while also opting not to fill 43 open positions, accounting for at least 26 per cent of the group’s workforce.

This came after the announcement of layoffs across HBO and HBO Max in August.

Agrawal originally joined WBTV in 2010, rising to become vice presi dent of drama development in 2019.

‘Looking at finding ways of taking it to higher levels’: India’s EAM on Australia-India ties

cooperation and trade agreement that was finalized earlier this year is moving towards its ratification and entry into force. That’s a very good development. We also note that steps are being taken to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement because that was also a bit of a challenge to growing our business.”

He further noted other areas of bilateral cooperation saying, “ And then we really looked at areas like

critical minerals, cyber, new and renewable energy and looked at, in a sense, integrating a lot of what our colleagues have been doing over the last few months and when we did that, it was I think very revealing that, in fact, since June this year six of my cabinet colleagues have actually visited Australia, among them the Minister for coal and mines, for renewable energy, for education, for our water resources, our home minister. And we’ve also

seen that the Australian Deputy PM and Defence Minister as well as the Deputy Premier of Western Australia and the Premier of New South Wales have been to India with business delegations.”

Minister Jaishankar stated the importance of taking Australia-India relations to a new level. He said, “So, overall, the sense has really been that, you know, the relationship has kept growing. We are, you know, looking at finding ways of sort of

taking it to higher levels.”

About the discussions on the global happenings Jaishankar said, “When it comes to the global situation, we had a good discussion. We haven’t completed it. I think there’s still some bits we’re going to be doing at lunch but we did discuss the Ukraine conflict and its repercus sions, the Indo-Pacific of what, you know, the progress in Quad, G20 issues, our trilaterals, the UN, some things in the IAEA, climate finance,

Sustainable Development Goals. So, you can see, it has been, a pretty, sort of broad ranging discussions and, you know, I think the underpin ning of that really is that, as liberal democracies…”

Defending India’s ties with Russia Jaishankar said, “We have a long-standing relationship with Russia, and this relationship has served our interests well. We have a substantial inventory of Soviet and Russian-origin weapons. This

inventory grew for various reasons incl the West not supplying weapons to India for decades & in fact seeing the military dictatorship next to us as preferred partner. In intn’l poli tics, we make judgments which are reflective of our future interests& current situation.”

Jaishankar also visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and laid a wreath in honour of all those who made the supreme sacrifice, including Private

Two more aides of Lawrence Bishnoi gang held in Delhi

Sultanpuri, Delhi. Arora fled and could not be arrested in the case. Further probe in the matter is on.

Her previous credits include being the script coordinator for the ac claimed television series ‘Mad Men’ and VFX coordinator for ‘Blades of Glory’ (DreamWorks Animation) and ‘Superman Returns’ (Warner Bros.).

weeks judicial custody. The accused couple -- Bhagaval Singh and his wife Laila --used to run a massage centre near Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district in their house. Their agent

Hindu genocide: We remember what you died forAustralia and India share many common interests and challenges

The recent visit of the Indian

External Minister S Jaishankar to Australia to attend the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue has further strengthened the resolve of both Australia and India to work together in mutual interest in the midst of a highly volatile and hostile global environment. Since the advent of the Modi government in 2014, India has gradually broken its shackles unleashing the vast potential it has in the form of its talented young population, and has begun to contribute to the wellbeing of the international community at large. India as a nation, despite the diver sity it boasts of, has the new-found confidence of its highly successful diaspora across the world, and the political leadership that is eager to assert itself and be prepared to be heard in international forums of var ious denominations. Today’s world is increasingly becoming multipolar with no country having the absolute luxury to enjoy its hegemony. Australia and India share many interests and challenges. Both the nations encourage multiculturalism, and of course with it they must face the challenges that arise. But these challenges of a possible conflict of interests among the diverse sections of the population have not deterred either of these nations to give up the ideal of a multicultural ethos. This is precisely why people from across the world, from India as well, flock to Australia as the country offers many opportunities to grow person ally, professionally and culturally. The Indian diaspora has since ages been contributing to Australia’s emergence as a successful and influential nation globally; but it is only now that the two nations have come closer in their relationship so much so that they have begun to understand that such close ties are essential, nay imperative in the changing global environment. With the formation of Quad, both the countries have begun to recognize the significance that such organisa tions offer in terms of multilateral and bilateral agreements in areas of interest. Cooperation in areas such

as defence and security, education, trade, climate, and many more is in the best interest of both the coun tries. Besides, Australia does not have a very comfortable relationship with China of late. Also, China’s track record the world over has not been a very friendly one, though it professes friendship to begin with while forging relationships with any country. China’s ambition to emerge as a global hegemon is no longer hidden from the world. A country like Australia which has a vibrant democracy would like to engage with another towering democracy like India, rather than depend on communist China for fulfilling its interests. Australia and India share a common philosophy that respects unity and territorial integrity of all nations. Neither Australia nor India harbours any ambition to grab the territory of another nation-state. But the international imperatives change with the changing times. Defence is one area where both the countries are now focused upon. India’s defence expenditure has increased manifold and rightly so given the fact it has belligerent neighbours in China and Pakistan. Moreover, the situation in Afghanistan has always been a tensed one which adds to India’s woes. Australia also faces many challenges, the China challenge in the Solomon Islands being one of them. Recently the Albanese govern ment has decided to lay emphasis on defence by deciding to build its own missiles which were earlier being imported mostly from the US. As the government has rightly pointed out, the war in Ukraine has been an eye opener for many countries. It is true when defence expenditure swells, tax cuts can’t be materialised; on the contrary tax burdens may be heaped on the people. But given the choice of facing the prospect of losing the country’s sovereignty on one hand and the inconvenience of tax burden on the other, the citizens of any country, particularly the ones from a democratic country, will easily opt for the latter rather than opting for the former.

Comprehending the incomprehensible

By Dr Devashish Chakraborty

When the festival season beckons us, we invariably forget our vocation at least for a while. The profession I belong to is demanding, to say the least. For that matter all professions are demanding, you may say and you are not farther from the truth. But when you belong to a profession that must disseminate information in bits and pieces comprehensible to a layperson plodding his way home after long duty hours at night, you have to be a bit more careful and conscientious too. For, ‘information obesity’ is another bane of the current era, just as ‘information starvation’ was in yesteryears. If you are wondering what on earth both mean, you are in good company. Even I could not fathom it initially when a journalist friend of mine who is a conjurer with words, brought them forth, right in front of my incredulous eyes, as if out of thin air, if you like. After cajoling him as much as I could he was prepared to unleash his thoughts and explained the terms, assuming for himself an air of utter superiority, not very short of arrogance I surmised. But then it must be said he had the up per hand, for the words ‘information obesity’ and ‘information starvation’ meant nothing much to me, yet human curiosity in me wanted to discern what the heck these words

meant.

And he obliged me as always with as cryptic a reply as it could get. He said, over a cup of tea, “Information obesity is when you can’t walk sans all the time belching information of one kind or the other; information starvation is the other way round when you have nothing to enlighten yourself with.” Does the explanation satiate your hunger for knowledge? Maybe or maybe not. For me, it kept me busy for several nights trying to figure out the import of his words.

So the moral of the lesson, information generates more of its crazy forms and in the era of information-driven world and yearning for liberty, one is at liberty to coin words, expressions, and use jargon which none but the user understands and boasts of as the un challenged monarch of his territory.

The more one struggles to decipher the semantics of the other person’s communicative content, the more one feels content with the notion that one day he or she will compre hend what the other says. However, they, my good old teachers of yore, had taught me to be conscientious of the presence of my audience and tailor my communication accord ingly to suit them. But alas! They are now in heaven and all is well with the world, at least figuratively.

By Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza

Each year the month of October brings back mem ories of the Hindu and Sikh genocide that took place in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) after Pakistan attacked the state of Jammu and Kashmir on October 22, 1947.

At least 100,000 Hindus and Sikhs lost their lives as they were round ed up and shot in execution style, beheaded and their skulls crushed with stones in the district of Mirpur alone. Their crime was that they did not belong to the religion of Islam.

An autobiography written by Bal K. Gupta gives a glimpse of the atroc ities that were committed against the Hindu and Sikh communities from November 25, 1947 onwards when Pakistan and the tribal Lashkar entered and later captured western parts of Jammu starting with Mirpur.

Gupta was only 6 at the time but the horror of the genocide was such that it could not be erased from his memory for the rest of his life. Gupta writes that after the Timurlane massacre of Delhi in 1358, the massacre of Mirpur...on November 25, 1947 was the worst massacre in Indian history.

At the time of the capture, the total Hindu and Sikh population of Mirpur city was nearly 25,000.

Before the capture of the city by Pakistan army and tribal Pathans, around 2,500 escaped to Jammu with the retreating army of Jammu and Kashmir.

Another 2,500 were killed or burned alive by the Pakistani artillery fire as their homes became engulfed in flames. The

remaining 20,000 were forced on a death march to Ali Beig where the Gurdwara built by Sant Sunder Singh was turned into a prison camp.

On the way to Ali Beig at least 10,000 Hindus and Sikh men were executed by Pakistani troops and the tribal Pathans. 5,000 women were kidnapped. Only 5,000 Hindu and Sikh survivors along with Bal K Gupta arrived at the Ali Beig prison after a horrific 20 mile walk.

In March 1948 when the International Committee of the Red Cross arrived at Ali Beig only 1,600 had survived who were transferred to Rawalpindi and then to Jammu where they and their children languished for 75 years in refugee camps until August 5, 2019 when the articles 370 and 35A were abrogated giving them equal rights as Indian citizens with J&K domiciles.

Several attempts and efforts were made by the Hindu and Sikh leaders to raise alarm of the approaching Pakistani troops in November 1947 with the Indian government led by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru but to not avail.

Gupta recalls that on November 13, Ramlal Chaudhry along with a delegation of MLAs and M.C. Mahajan, the then Prime Minister of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, travelled to meet Pandit Nehru in New Delhi. Pandit Nehru refused to give the delegation an audience except for M.C. Mahajan who Gupta writes ‘pleaded’ with Nehru and asked him to help him to rescue approximately 100,000 Hindus and Sikhs trapped in areas of PoJK.

‘On November 15, thousands of people gathered at Jammu airport to meet Pandit Nehru who refused to see them and flew straight into the Kashmir Valley’. (Gupta 2011).

On November 23, Prem Nath Dogra and Professor Balraj Madhok met with the brigade commander of the Indian army in Jammu, Brigadier Paranjpe, and requested him to send troops to Mirpur. Gupta writes, “brigadier Paranjpe told them that consultation with Sheikh Abdullah was mandatory in order to deploy Indian troops anywhere in Jammu Kashmir.” (Gupta 2011).

On November 24, one day before the genocide was to commence, Gupta informs us “Pandit Dogra and Professor Madhok met Pandit Nehru at the Jammu airport and told him about the critical situation in Mirpur.” At this point, Nehru lost his temper and “flew into a rage and yelled that they should talk to Sheikh Abdullah.” (Gupta 2011).

As the helpless Hindu and Sikh families awaited the Indian troops, Mirpur fell on November 25, 1947.

The genocide of Hindus and Sikhs

that took place in Mirpur was a direct result of the communal rage that had engulfed the northern parts of India as well as Bihar and Bengal. The actual Hindu and Sikh population of Mirpur was no more than 15,000. It had swelled to 25,000 as Hindu and Sikh popula tions from the Punjab had arrived in Mirpur for safety. Little did they know that the demon of communal ism would consume them.

The month of October is a dark reminder of how Indian sub-con tinent fell victim to communal violence and Partition. The wounds of yesteryears become fresh again and remind us that those who perish in Mirpur in 1947 and were martyred only the ‘fault’ for believing in Sanatan dharma. Their sacrifice will not go in vain because we remember what they died for.

(Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza is an author and a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoJK. He currently lives in exile in the UK.)

India’s growing Defence exports

I

ndia’s defence exports to various countries have increased mani fold in recent years, the latest deal is to export Indian rocket launchers to Armenia.

According to reports, India would supply the ‘Pinaka’ multi-rocket launcher system, which can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds to Armenia besides anti-tank mis siles and a variety of ammunition as part of a package agreement.

The complete details of these arma ments have not yet been disclosed.

Pinaka saw service during the Kargil War, where it was successful in neutralising enemy positions on the mountaintops.

While the deal’s value has not been disclosed, the report claims armament worth $250 million or Rs 2,000 crore would be sold over the next few months. The deal was signed earlier this month and supplies are to be fast-tracked.

It is not the first time that Armenia has received weapons equipment from India.

In 2020, India triumphed over Russia and Poland in a $40 million defence agreement with Armenia providing it with four indigenous ‘Swathi’ counter-battery radars.

This disclosure comes days after India called on the “aggressor side” in fresh fighting along the ArmeniaAzerbaijan border to “immediately cease hostilities” without directly naming Azerbaijan. Latest fighting erupted between the two sides on September 13.

India’s defence exports

Meanwhile, it seems the ArmenianAzerbaijan conflict has helped India to boost its arms exports.

According to reports, India recently announced figures for the highest-ever defence export growth that swelled by a staggering 334 per cent over the last five years.

In fact, India is chasing an even higher target.

In 2020, the Narendra Modi government had set a target of Rs 35,000 crore ($5 billion) export in aerospace, and defence goods and services in the next five years. This is part of the turnover of Rs 1.75 lakh crore ($25 billion) in defence manufacturing by 2025 that the government is aiming to achieve.

India’s defence exports touched a

record Rs 13,000 crore in 2021-22, “eight times” of what it was around five years ago.

Besides the strategic importance of the deal with Armenia, the export order is a boost for the indigenous defence industry with the Indian government keen to increase the value of Indian arms exports.

India had also signed a contract with the Philippines in January 2022 for the sale of BrahMos missiles.

Currently, India exports defence equipment to 75 countries and these include weapon simulators, tear gas launcher, torpedo loading mechanism, alarm monitoring & control, night vision monocular & binocular, light-weight torpedo & fire control systems, armoured protection vehicle, weapons locat ing radar, high-frequency radio, coastal surveillance radar among others.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict

The issue of the conclave of Nagorno-Karabakh has always been the bone of contention between Armenia and Azerbaijan ever since the two countries became inde pendent republics, after gaining independence from the erstwhile USSR.

The disputed region of NagornoKarabakh lies in Azerbaijan and is inhabited mostly by ethnic Armenians.

The conflict escalated into a fullscale war in the early 1990s which later transformed into alow-intensi ty conflict until four-day escalation in April 2016 and then into another full-scale war in 2020.

A ceasefire signed in 1994 in Bishkek was followed by two decades of relative stability, which significantly deteriorated along with Azerbaijan’s increasing frus tration with the status quo, at odds with Armenia’s efforts to cement it. Azerbaijan, for one, has received backing from its traditional allies and supporters, Turkey and Israel. During the 2020 skirmish between the two combatants, Baku turned the tide in its favour by overwhelm ingly deploying Turkish Bayraktar and Israeli kamikaze drones.

While Armenia has often turned to Russia for support, Moscow’s preoccupation with the on-going

war against Ukraine has resulted in not a very supportive response, this time.

In the face of rising hostilities and little military aid, the defence deal with India may prove to be a shot in the arm for a beleaguered Armenia.

Azerbaijan-Turkey-Pakistan relationship

India’s military assistance for Armenia comes against the back drop of its regional rival’s bonho mie with Azerbaijan. Pakistan has consistently backed Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and has refused to establish diplomatic ties and legally recognise Armenia as an independent state.

Azerbaijan is seen by many as part of an emerging axis with Turkey and Pakistan. It has used Turkish drones to fight war against Armenia, and is also in talks with Pakistan to buy the JF-17 fighter aircraft.

In 2017, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan had signed a Trilateral Ministers Agreement that established security cooperation, and built upon previous bilateral military aid arrangements.

These three countries also conduct ed a joint exercise named ‘Three Brothers’ last year.

Azerbaijan has acquired many deadly weapons by increasing friendship with Turkey and Pakistan in the name of Islam.

Indian fears that other countries may also go along this route in the name of Islamic countries are not unfounded.

However, in spite of these devel opments, an interesting fact is that India has stronger economic ties with Azerbaijan than with Armenia. Indian company ONGC has also invested heavily in Azerbaijan’s gas sector.

The Indian bilateral trade with Azerbaijan in 2019 stood at $1,093 million, while with Armenia it was only $48 million in 2020.

Broadly this latest defence deal will place India as one of the emerging global powers with rising defence exports capability. In addition it will also allow it to play a significant role in the central Asian republics and regionally, both.

(Asad Mirza is a political commen tator based in New Delhi. He writes on Indian Muslims, educational, international affairs, interfaith and current affairs)

The rise of Azerbaijan with increased Turkey-Pakistan military cooperation is a direct warning to India.

Bengaluru, Oct 13 (IANS) Soon after the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the Karnataka hijab matter, state Minister for Power, Kannada and Culture V. Sunil Kumar on Thursday said the question of reversal of ban order does not arise.

“There is no question of reversing the state government’s order issued

on February 5, banning hijab and other religious symbols in educational institutions of the state.

The uniform rule will continue in schools and pre-university colleges,” he said.

While interacting with reporters, the minister stated that the government has issued a circular in this regard.

There is no question of backtracking on the ban. “The Supreme Court has given a split verdict on the matter and we will not take back our decision,” he reiterated.

“No student can attend classes wearing a hijab. Congress and the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) must understand that they can not go against society,” he stated.

When the court directs not to wear hijab, they approach the Supreme Court. This shows that there are

communal forces and conspiracy behind this, the Minister said.

He further stated that in Muslim nations such as Iran and Iraq there is stiff opposition to hijab and they are saying no to it. Here, protests are staged demanding the right to wear hijab in schools and colleges.

The PFI mindset should change at least now. The organisation is already banned. Congress also supported it, he stated. The min ister further gave a suggestion to Congress that they should attach the slogan of ‘hijab chodo’ along with Bharat Jodo Yatra.

If they do it, it will create a good atmosphere. Uniform rule has been implemented to ensure equality by making all students look the same, he stated.

CBI files charge sheet against A Raja in disproportionate assets case

filed a charge sheet against former Union telecom minister and DMK leader A. Raja in a case related to the disproportionate assets case.

The CBI in its charge sheet before a special court in Chennai alleged that an amount of Rs 4.56 crore was transferred to the account of a company, Kovai Shelters Promoters by a Gurugram-based real estate company in February 2007.

Kancheepuram.

The CBI also alleged that the company was not in the real estate business, but the payment was for getting the real estate firm the status of an infrastructure company.

Inflation in India quite low, compared to leading economies: PM Modi

Jamnagar (Gujarat), Oct 10 (IANS)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that inflation in the country is much lower than that in developed countries.

“Compared to developed countries, inflation is quite low, for example the British are witnessing the worst inflation in the last 50 years, Americans are facing highest inflation of the last 45 years, interest rates are very high... compared to those countries, the nation’s inflation is low because buoyant economy, our country’s economy is very vibrant,” he said at a event in Jamnagar, where he laid the foun dation stone and dedicated projects worth Rs 1,448 crore in the district. He appreciated the demolition work

carried out along the coast by the Gujarat government.

The Prime Minister also dedicated the Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran irrigation link 7, which carries Narmada water for drinking.

He recalled the services of the erst while Jadeja dynasty to society and the country, noting how then ruler Digvijaysinh Jadeja gave shelter to Polish children during World War 2, because of which India-Poland relations are strengthened.

About the oil refinery and oil economy of Jamnagar, he remarked that every citizen would be proud of the fact that crude oil is refined on this very land. Modi also said that the double-engine government of Centre and the

state has continuously worked for the industrial and infrastructural development of the state.

Shocker: Woman paraded half-naked in MP’s Satna

Bhopal, Oct 10 (IANS) A woman was pulled out from her home and paraded in half-naked position for hours by a group of men hailing from a family in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district, police said on Monday.

her naked while abusing her.

As per the police, the accused (Patel family) did it in revenge of a police complaint made against them by the woman few days back.

Chennai, Oct 11 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has

The premier agency mentioned that the company, which was set up in January 2007, belongs to C. Krishnamoorthy, a close associate of A. Raja. The agency alleged that the Rs 4.56 crore that was transferred to the account of this company was the commission for purchase of land in

The agency alleged that during his tenure as the Union Minister, A. Raja had accumulated assets worth Rs 5.33 crore, including the payment of Rs 4.56 crore transferred to the account of his close friend, Krishnamurthy’s company.

The CBI had registered a case against Raja and 16 others, including his nephew Paramesh, his wife Parameswari, and Raja’s close associate, Krishnamurthy of Kovai Shelters Pvt Ltd.

Communal violence in Kolkata’s Mominpur, over 30 detained

and in that process some cops, including a deputy commissioner of police, were also injured. A group of people also staged a protest in front of the local Ekbalpur police station.

On Monday, after the BJP state pres ident in West Bengal and party MP Sukanta Majumdar started moving towards the troubled zone, a huge police contingent stopped him from approaching that spot. Majumdar, along with four of his associates, was also detained.

The shameful act of men was exe cuted in revenge on broad daylight, more ironically, people of the village (Khera village where incident took place on Saturday) witnessed the helpless woman being paraded and abused on street as mute spectators.

The village, where this incident happend, falls under Maihar Police station in Satna district, around 500 km from the state capital Bhopal.

Three persons, who have been iden tified as Rishi Patel, Shivkumar Patel and Mahendra Patel, on Saturday barged into the woman’s house, pulled her out and started parading

“Earlier on October 6, the three had come to the house of the victim in an inebriated state and created a ruckus on some issue. The woman complained about it to the Dial-100,” said a police official.

They were detained on the basis of woman’s complaint but released on bail soon. After getting bail, the trio again reached the house of the woman and committed the crime in revenge.

“During the parade, the sari of the victim fell down and she was in her petticoat and blouse. One of the accused Mahendra kept the sari in his hand and proudly flaunted it. The kin of the woman tried to

intervene but the miscreants kept on thrashing her,” said a senior police official.

“All three accused involved in the case have been arrested and they have been booked under Sections 294, 323, 506, 354, 452 and 34 of IPC.

Further investigation is underway,” Police official added.

Kolkata, Oct 10 (IANS) More than 30 people have been detained in connection with sporadic clashes that broke out between two commu nities in South Kolkata’s Mominpur, sources said on Monday.

A huge police contingent has been deployed in the troubled area to prevent further eruption of clashes

that started late on Sunday night and continued till this morning.

Local residents have informed the police that what started as verbal spats between two groups resulted in clashes. Some houses in Mominpur and adjacent Mayurbhanj Roads were also ransacked. The police tried to control the situation

Leader of the opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding deployment of central forces personnel at the troubled zones in the city.

He also criticised the city police detaining Sukanta Majumdar and denying his democratic right to reach the troubled zone. “Try as much as you can. But you will not be able to stop the BJP,” Adhikari said.

SC notice to Centre on plea by Muslim doctor against Talaq-e-Kinaya, Talaq-e-Bain

including the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Women.

The plea argued that these practices were arbitrary, irrational, and contrary to fundamental rights to equality.

The plea said: “Petitioner’s parents were compelled to give dowry and later she was tortured for not getting big dowry. Petitioner’s husband and his family members tortured her physically-mentally.

was given ‘kinaya’ in January, 2022 without any process of mediation or conciliation.

The apex court tagged her plea with other similar petitions scheduled to come up for hearing on Tuesday.

The plea also sought a direction to the Centre to frame guidelines for “gender neutral and religion neutral uniform grounds of divorce and uniform procedure of divorce for all citizens”.

Bengaluru, Oct 11 (IANS) The Karnataka Police on Tuesday arrest ed 19 youths, including 14 minors in connection with flashing swords and other dangerous weapons in the public place and dancing to DJ music on the occasion of the Eid Milad festival.

According to police, the incident took place on October 9, after the procession of Edi Milad. The group of youths and minors played the remix song made out of the provoc ative speech of the AIMIM leader, Telangana MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi.

“All Hindus living in Hindustan account for 100 crore population in the country. Our population is just 28 crore. You are much more than what we are. Let us see who is powerful. Let the police take off

for 10 minutes from the streets, let us see what happens,” the lines of the speech were played loudly with music, police said.

The Siddapur police in Bengaluru city, who have lodged the FIR, said that action will be initiated against the minors as per the provisions of

law.

The group started flashing dan gerous weapons and dancing at Siddapur in Ward number 144. The photos and videos of the incident went viral on social media.

Further investigation is on.

Gujarat: Probe ordered against cops for beating up youths

Patan (Gujarat), Oct 10 (IANS) An inquiry has been ordered by Patan District’s Superintendent of Police (DSP), Vijay Patel, on Monday against Local Crime Branch (LCB) police personnel who allegedly picked up two youths from the town, took them to LCB station and beat them.

DSP Patel told IANS that, “Members of Thakor community made a representation to me regarding police atrocity against two youths. Taking a serious cognizance of the matter, an inquiry is ordered to be headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police K.K. Pandya.”

According to representation,

Balvantsinh Thakor and Arvindji Thakor were running a fabrication shop in the town on Sunday afternoon, when a person came and parked his vehicle in front of fabrication shop. Thakor brothers requested vehicle owner to not park in front of shop, over which they had heated argument.

Thereafter, the vehicle owner called his brother, who is serving in the Local Crime Branch. Later two to three policemen came in plain cloths, took Thakor brothers to LCB station and beat them up with sticks. They were beaten so badly, that they had to be admitted in government hospital of Dharpur for the treat ment, alleged community members

in representation, demanding stern action against the policemen.

This woman remained in chains for 36 years

New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the Centre on a plea by a Muslim doctor to declare all forms of unilateral and extra-judicial talaq including “Talaq-e-Kinaya and Talaq-e-Bain” as unconstitutional.

Petitioner Dr Syeda Ambreen of Karnataka’s Kalaburgi was repre sented by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay.

A bench comprising Justices S. Abdul Nazeer and J.B. Pardiwala issued notice to the Centre,

When petitioner’s father refused to give dowry then her husband gave her unilateral extra-judicial Talaq i.e., Talaq-E-Kinaya/Talaq-E-Bain through a Kazi and lawyer, which is totally against Articles 14, 15, 21 and 25.”

Talaq-e-Kinaya is divorce through vague words that do not directly mean divorce. Talaq-e-Bain is irrevocable divorce, and unlike the practice of triple talaq, requires the husband to utter ‘divorce’ just once.

The petitioner has completed MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Karnataka. She claimed she

The plea contended that the petitioner suffered mental, verbal, physical and financial abuse and harassment from her doctor hus band and his family for dowry. “It is accordingly submitted that a ban on unilateral extra-judicial Talaq has long been the need of the hour in the interest of public order and health.

It is further submitted that this court has already expressed the view that triple talaq is not an integral part of religion and Article 25 merely protects religious faith, but not practices which may run counter to public order, morality or health,” added the plea.

Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 9 (IANS) For 36 years, Sapna Jain, now 53, was kept shackled in chain in a dark, dingy room by her father who believed that she was ‘mentally ill.’

Water was thrown at her so that she could take a ‘bath’ and food was slid to her from beneath the door.

BJP MLA from Hathras, Anjula Mahaur was informed of Sapna’s plight by members of local NGO Sewa Bharti and she finally helped in rescuing the woman.

Sapna’s father, Girish Chand, had passed away recently and a group of women from the organisation went to examine the situation after that.

Nirmala Singh, a senior member of Sewa Bharti, said, “We found her in a very bad condition. She was wearing filthy clothes with dirt all over. NGO members bathed her and got her some clean clothes.”

The MLA, meanwhile, spoke to Sapna’s family and got her shifted to a mental health facility in Agra.

Anjula Mauhar said, “Sapna was imprisoned as a minor. She was chained inside a dingy room for most of her life and had not seen the outside world after the age of 17. I knew something needed to be done once I heard about this.”

Gyanendra Singh, a doctor, who examined her, said, “Her medical tests are being conducted. We are

hopeful that she will recover soon, maybe within a few weeks.”

Sapna’s family refused to comment on Sapna and her plight.

Youths flash weapons on remix of Akbaruddin Owaisi’s anti-Hindu speech in K’taka, 19 arrested

Swati Maliwal gets rape threat for writing against Sajid Khan

has been receiving rape threat on her social media accounts after she raised the demand to exit Sajid Khan from ‘Bigg Boss’ show.

She wrote that she got the threat on her Instagram account. Two users with ID names -- Rahul and Hrithik Sheldekar -- threatened her. She has shared the screen shot of the threat messages.

Police said that they were looking into the matter.

Maliwal had earlier written to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur raising concerns over the entry of film maker and ‘#MeToo’ accused Sajid Khan into ‘Bigg Boss 16’ and sought his removal from the reality show hosted by Salman Khan.

Sajid Khan was accused of sexual misconduct by several women during the #MeToo movement in 2018.

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) Chief Justice of India (CJI) Uday Umesh Lalit has recommended the name of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud as his successor.

Chief Justice Lalit will demit office on November 8, after a tenure of 74 days.

On Tuesday, Justice Chandrachud was formally named as the 50th CJI at a gathering of all Supreme Court judges.

He will have a tenure of two years and he would demit office on November 10, 2024.

CJI Lalit wrote to the Central

Maliwal tweeted on Monday: “Ten women had accused Sajid Khan of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement. All these com plaints show the disgusting mindset of Sajid. Now, such a man has been given a place in Bigg Boss, which is completely wrong. I have written to @ianuragthakur to have Sajid Khan removed from this show.”

Earlier, actress Mandana Karimi, who had levelled charges against Sajid during the #MeToo movement, said in an interview that she was not interested in working in Bollywood any longer because Sajid had been given a place on the show.

Apart from her, singer Sona Mohapatra also questioned the makers of the show about Sajid’s entry. Urfi Javed slammed Shehnaaz Gill and Kashmera Shah for support ing Sajid’s controversial entry into the show.

government in this regard, rec ommending the name of Justice Chandrachud.

Chief Justice Lalit appointed Chandrachud, as per established practice of the CJI naming the senior-most judge as his successor.

According to the Memorandum of Procedure, the Centre asks the outgoing CJI to name the successor, just before a month of retirement.

On October 7, Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju sent a letter to the CJI for sending his recom mendations for appointment of his successor.

‘Wearing hijab matter of choice’, Justice Dhulia sets aside K’taka HC order

New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday delivered a split verdict on a clutch of petitions challenging the Karnataka government’s February 5 order, prohibiting wearing of hijab inside classrooms in pre-university colleges.

The judgment was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Hemant Gupta and Sudhanshu Dhulia.

Justice Gupta dismissed the appeals challenging the Karnataka High Court judgment, whereas Justice Dhulia set aside the high court judgment.

The petitioners had moved the apex court challenging the Karnataka High Court verdict refusing to lift the ban on hijab in educational institutions of the state.

Justice Dhulia said he has a different view and he is allowing the appeal against the high court judgment. “It (wearing hijab) is ultimately a matter of choice, nothing more, nothing else,” he said.

Justice Dhulia said venturing into essential religious practice was not needed and the high court took the

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it is keen to pursue its curative petition seeking enhancement of compensation to Bhopal gas tragedy victims -- over the $470 million, which has al ready been paid by Union Carbide.

Attorney General (AG) R. Venkataramani submitted before a five-judge bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul that it is a tragedy unfolding everyday and victims can’t be abandoned.

wrong way. He added that one thing which was topmost for him was education of girl children. Justice Dhulia added that a girl child in areas does household work and chores before going to school and are we making her life any better by imposing an additional restriction on her?

Justice Dhulia said he has set aside the Karnataka High Court order and quashed the Karnataka government order of February 5, 2022, and given directions for the removal of the restrictions.

Justice Hemant Gupta said in view of divergent opinion, let the matter be placed before the Chief Justice

of India for appropriate directions.

Detailed judgment in the matter will be uploaded later in the day.

The judgment would mean the re strictions on hijab in classrooms as per the state government’s February 5 order would continue for now.

After 10 days of marathon hearing, on September 22 the top court had reserved the judgment for Thursday.

The bench heard the arguments from the counsels representing the state government, teachers, and the petitioners, who moved the apex court challenging the Karnataka High Court verdict refusing to lift the ban on hijab in educational institutions of the state.

Bengaluru, Oct 10 (IANS) The doctor murder case in Karnataka has taken a new twist with the police investi gations revealing that the now-de ceased had released private photos of his live-in partner on learning about her affair with another person, police said on Monday.

According to police, the accused 27-year-old architect Pratibha had developed an affair with co-accused Susheel, even after agreeing to marry Dr Vikas. The doctor found out about her affair which led to a fight.

When Pratibha continued her affair even after Vikas objected to it, he made private videos of her and

shared them on social media. He had opened a fake account on social media and posted their private videos, which had gone viral, police said.

Both Vikas and Pratibha’s families fought over the issue. Following this, Vikas was fatally assaulted by the woman and her friends on September 10 and succumbed to his injuries September 18.

The incident had taken place in the limits of Begur police station of Bengaluru. Vikas’s family had lodged a complaint with police in this regard.

Recently, Karnataka police had cracked the case of the

Chennai-based doctor. Preliminary investigations revealed that the young doctor was killed by Pratibha for allegedly releasing hers and her mother’s private videos on social media.

The police had arrested Pratibha, a resident of Mico Layout, her friends Susheel (25) Gowtham (27) and Surya (26) in connection with the case. Pratibha even tried to fix her friends after the incident claiming that she had never assaulted Dr Vikas. However, police found that she is the main conspirator in the case.

Dr Vikas and accused Pratibha hailed from Chennai. They got introduced to each other through social media two years ago. They fell in love and announced it to their families.

On getting the consent, they fixed their marriage for next year in November. Dr Vikas had completed his medicine course in the Ukraine and practiced in Chennai. He had come to Bengaluru for coaching regarding pursuing his course further for six months. Pratibha and him had started living together since then, police said.

Further investigation is on.

Advocate Karuna Nundy, repre senting the victims, contended that the victims have to be given an opportunity to give a repre sentation before the court comes to a conclusion in the matter and appreciated the AG’s heartening statement.

The AG said there are various challenges in reopening this matter, but we cannot abandon the victims, because the tragedy is unfolding every day. He added that the government wants to proceed and he has gone through considerable literature on the reopening of settlement. The AG said he will be able to place a note. Nundy said first there is the civil aspect, and then there is the crim inal aspect and the matter must be

investigated.

The Union Carbide Corporation’s counsel questioned the locus standi of NGOs. The bench -- also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, A.S. Oka, Vikram Nath, and J.K. Maheshwari -- noted that a review was not filed then and a curative petition was filed after a gap of 19 years, and asked the victims’ counsel, in what capacity they will be heard?

The bench, in its order, noted that the AG has taken a stand before the court that the government would like to press its curative petition and a number of NGOs would like to be impleaded, however, counsel for respondent has questioned the maintainability.

The bench said a compilation needs to be prepared by the AG and the company, and it did not allow the counsel representing

the victims to file any pleadings.

However, the top court clarified that it did not foreclose their rights to be heard by it. The top court has scheduled the hearing after eight weeks and sought a joint compila tion by then.

In the previous hearing, senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, represent ing the victims, said that over the years, the tragedy’s intensity has increased fivefold -- deaths, the number of victims, and the extent of injuries.

On September 20, the Supreme Court asked the Centre’s counsel to get instructions whether it wants to pursue its curative petition seeking enhancement of com pensation to Bhopal gas tragedy victims - over the $470 million, which has already been paid by Union Carbide.

Yadgir (Karnataka), Oct 11 (IANS) An incident of pictures of Hindu Gods being thrown into the river ahead of the Buddha Dharma Deeksha in Karnataka’s Yadgir district was reported on Tuesday stirring a controversy.

The Buddha Dharma Deeksha (con version to Buddhist religion) will be organised in Hunasagi near the Surapura town in Yadgir district on October 14. The day also marks the

“Dhammachakra Pravartan Dina, on which Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian constitution, renounced Hinduism and accepted Buddhism.

The organizers have also invited Rama Taayi Ambedkar, the grand daughter of Ambedkar to the event. The programme is being organised by the Golden Cave Buddha Vihara Trust and Dalit organisations.

A group of people led by the Golden

Cave Buddha Vihara Trust President Venkatesh Hosamani and his aides threw the pictures into the river on Monday. The images were kept and worshipped at his house. They had also taken a video of the act, which went viral on social media triggering controversy.

Nagaraja Kalladevarahalli, one among the group who threw away the pictures, said that Venkatesh was asked to remove the pictures since he was the president of Golden Cave Buddha Vihara Trust.

Following this, Venkatesh decided to do away with pictures of Lakshmi, Venkateshwara, Saraswati and other Hindu Gods.

Venkatesh is converting to Buddhism on October 14 along with many others. “That is why we are trying to forget the Hindu religion and embrace Buddhism,” he maintained.

The Hindu activists have slammed the act of throwing of gods of Hindu religion into the river. The police are yet to react to the incident.

Chennai, Oct 11 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, Telugu Superstar Chiranjeevi and Malayalam Superstar Mammootty were among those who joined scores of people from across the country in wishing Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan a happy birthday on Tuesday.

Taking to Twitter, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister wrote: “Wishing a very happy birthday to the living legend and the most iconic star of Indian cinema Amitabh Bachchan, who is turning 80 today.”

“May your trademark artistic characteristics continue to influ ence Indian cinema in future as well and enthrall the audience for

many more decades.”

Telugu Superstar Chiranjeevi, who has worked with Amitabh Bachchan, in his birthday tweet, said: “Happy 80th birthday my beloved Guruji Amitabh Bachchan sir! May the Almighty grant you

good health, strength and every wish that you would ever have.”

“You are the Everest among us artistes and we are in eternal awe of your talent and your accom plishments. More power to you Amit ji!”

Heroin worth Rs 47 cr seized in Assam

Silchar/Agartala, Oct 11 (IANS) Border Security Force (BSF) troop ers accompanied by the Assam Police on Tuesday seized 9.477 kg of heroin worth Rs 47.4 crore in Karimganj district and arrested one person in connection, officials said.

A BSF spokesman said the joint team intercepted a Tripura-bound truck near New Karimganj Railway Station.

Upon searching the vehicle, 764 soap cases containing the heroin were recovered from a cavity made in the ceiling of the truck cabin.

The spokesman added that the driver of the truck which was coming from Mizoram, has been arrested.

BSF officials suspect that the drugs were smuggled from Myanmar.

On October 8, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting in Guwahati with the Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of all northeastern states on ‘Drug

Trafficking and National Security’. It was revealed during the meeting that since 2014, drugs worth of Rs 20,000 crore have been seized and 4,888 drug peddlers were arrested in the northeastern states.

Pictures of Hindu Gods thrown into river ahead of Buddha Dharma Deeksha in K’taka

CJI UU Lalit names Justice DY Chandrachud as successor

K’taka doc murder case: Cheating by live-in partner led to release of her pvt photos

TN Chief Minister, superstars Chiranjeevi, Mammootty wish Big B on b’day

‘Can’t abandon victims of Bhopal gas tragedy’, Centre to SC

New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) Delhi Commission for Women, Swati Maliwal, has lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police stating that she

More than 1 in 10 Australians have experienced long Covid: Study

Australians have experienced Covid-19 since early 2020,” Nicholas Biddle, lead author of the research, said in a statement.

“89.5 per cent of adults surveyed who’ve had Covid-19 reported having symptoms. Those who experienced symptoms of some kind were hit with around 10 differ ent symptoms on average, with the most common being tiredness.”

According to the study, around a quarter of Australians with symp toms experienced 13 or more, while another quarter experienced seven or less.

Sydney, Oct 11 (IANS) An Indianorigin Sikh and his partner, who received $10.4 million from a cryptocurrency company by mistake, will face trial in Australia over allegations that they spent the money on items including a $1.2 million house.

Jatinder Singh, 37, and his partner, Thevamanogari Manivel, 40, appeared by video link from prison in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where they were com mitted to stand trial over theft and other charges, the Canberra Times reported.

Canberra, Oct 13 (IANS) More than one in 10 Australians have suffered from long Covid-19 symptoms, a study has found.

The study, which was conducted by Australian National University (ANU) researchers, found nearly one third of adults in the country who have had Covid-19 had symp toms that lasted longer than four weeks, reports Xinhua news agency.

Approximately 5 percent of adults have suffered from Covid-19 symp toms for three months or more after initially testing positive.

The number of confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic in Australia, which has a population of about 25 million, has surpassed 10 million.

The study found that while it’s now likely nearly half of all Australian adults have had Covid-19, it hasn’t spread equally across the population.

Females, young adults and those living in middle-income households were the most likely to contract the virus.

“This is a snapshot of how

A runny nose or sneezing, sore throat, cough and headache were also common, experienced by around three-quarters of those with symptoms.

It found people who reported mul tiple symptoms were more likely to experience a drop in their mental wellbeing.

“On the other hand, people who had short experiences with Covid-19 or few symptoms generally didn’t experience a decline in wellbeing compared to those who had not had Covid-19,” Biddle said.

Aus watchdogs launch probe into data breach

investigation would inspect the personal information handling prac tices of Optus Mobile, Optus Internet and their parent company Singtel, reports Xinhua news agency.

Canberra, Oct 11 (IANS) Two Australian watchdogs on Tuesday announced that they have com menced formal investigations into Optus, in response to the telco’s data breach of up to 10 million customers in September.

The Office of the Australia Information Commissioner (OAIC) said in a statement that its

Whether the companies took reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, inference, loss, unauthorised access, modifi cation or disclosure, whether the information the company collected and retained was necessary to their business and whether they complied with the Australian Privacy princi ples are the investigation’s focus.

In September, Optus, Australia’s second-largest mobile network operator, said a cyber attack had exposed the data of up to 10 million current and former customers, with 2.8 million people significantly affected.

According to the statement, if the investigation finds serious and/or repeated interferences with privacy in contravention of the Australian privacy law, then the Commissioner has the power to seek civil penalties of up to A$2.2 million for each contravention.

The OAIC’s investigation will be coordinated with that of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which was also released on Tuesday.

“All telcos have obligations regard ing how they acquire, retain, protect and dispose of the personal infor mation of their customers. A key focus for the ACMA will be Optus’ compliance with these obligations,” said Nerida O’Loughlin, ACMA’s chair.

Aus state to build fence for creating new wildlife protection area

Xinhua news agency.

Once established, the site is expected to benefit more than 20 threatened species.

“From next year, we’re planning to reintroduce native mammals that were once abundant in this habitat, such as the long-footed potoroo, eastern bettong, smoky mouse, and eastern quoll,” Griffin noted.

Crypto.com intended to refund Manivel $100 but she was erro neously transferred $10,474,143. The company noticed its mistake when an audit was conducted in December 2021.

A subsequent probe found that an employee in Bulgaria, who pro cessed the refund in May 2021, had incorrectly entered $10.4 million into an Excel spreadsheet.

Even though that Crypto.com account was in Singh’s name, the transfer was sent to Manivel’s account as he used her bank card to buy cryptocurrency, the Melbourne Magistrates Court was told.

Singh allegedly thought he won the money after being sent a notification from the Crypto.com app about a competition. This was also what he told Manivel, a Malaysian national.

Investigations have since revealed that $4 million of the money was allegedly transferred to an offshore bank account with other amounts

spent on items including a $1.2 million home in Craigieburn and three other properties, a car, art, furniture and gifts to friends in Melbourne of more than $1 million each, a report in The Age said. Manivel, presently out on bail, was arrested at Melbourne Airport in March 2022 while allegedly trying to fly home to Malaysia on a one-way ticket with about $11,000 in cash.

The couple will face directions hearing in the County Court on November 8.

Severe weather conditions predicted to hit

Canberra, Oct 11 (IANS) Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has released a severe weather long-range forecast, warning of flooding, heatwaves, thunderstorms and tropical cyclones to come from October 2022 to April 2023.

The BOM said the coming severe weather season could see increased risks of widespread flooding for eastern and northern Australia, while coastal flooding could occur on the New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland coasts, reports Xinhua news agency.

“In southern areas heatwaves may last longer, be warmer overnight and be more humid -- all of which can increase the risk to human health,” said the BOM.

Severe thunderstorms are more common during the warmer months, particularly in northern NSW, southern Queensland, inland

Western Australia and across the tropical north.

The bureau noted that thunderstorm asthma can be triggered after high grass growth in southern Australia from October to December lifts pollen levels.

Besides, there is a greater than 70 per cent chance of at least 11 tropical cyclones developing in the November-April Australian tropical cyclone season, which can bring destructive winds, heavy rain and other hazards, including landslides and coastal erosion.

electricity prices set to soar

Canberra, Oct 11 (IANS) The head of one of Australia’s largest electricity companies on Tuesday warned of soaring power prices in 2023.

Jeff Dimery, chief executive of Alinta Energy, revealed that based on current projections, retail electricity prices could increase by 35 per cent over the next 12 months, reports Xinhua news agency.

Addressing the Australian Financial Review (AFR)’s Energy and Climate summit, Dimery said the country was “out of time” to implement policies to support investment in renewable energy capacity to replace outgoing coal-fired power plants.

Sydney, Oct 10 (IANS) The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has announced that it will commence building a 24 km spe cially-designed fence in December in creating a new safe haven for reintroduced native wildlife.

“Once complete, we’ll start working to eradicate every feral predator from within it, before releasing

locally extinct and threatened species that were once abundant back into Nungatta,” the state’s Environment Minister James Griffin said in a statement.

According to the statement, the 2,084-hectare Nungatta site in South East Forest National Park near Bombala is the newest of seven feral free areas across the state, reports

As feral predators, such as foxes and cats, have threatened many vulnerable animals, the Nungatta conservation project is part of the state government’s efforts in establishing a network of seven feral predator-free areas to restore wildlife.

By its official count, once all seven sites are complete, 65,000 hectares of national parks will be feral free and provide a significant conserva tion benefit for over 50 species.

Flood risk remains across Australia’s most populous state

reports Xinhua news agency.

“NSW could brace for widespread rains of up to 100 mm from Wednesday, and it might lead to moderate or possible major riverine flooding,” the expert noted.

Currently, more than 100 flood warnings are remaining across NSW, while the State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to over 1,000 calls for assistance and 44 flood rescues since October 7.

“When we run our modeling for energy pricing next year, using the current market prices, tariffs are going up a minimum of 35 per cent,” he was quoted as sayingy. Dimery voiced concerns about the

amount of development needed to guarantee the supply of electricity as Australia transitions away from fossil fuels.

In the lead-up to May’s general election, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen promised electricity prices would fall by 2025 under a Labor Party government.

In a speech to the summit, he reaf firmed that commitment.

“We remain of the view that renewables are the cheapest form of energy by a country mile as Australian Energy Market Operator says, and getting more renewables in the system will mean lower power prices,” the Minister added.

Cost of living pressures become Australians’ top concern: Survey

Canberra, Oct 10 (IANS) The rising cost of living has overtaken Covid-19 as the top source of concern among Australians, a new survey revealed on Monday.

Sydney, Oct 10 (IANS) Although the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) got a brief respite from days of intense rain, local authorities and meteorologists warned on Monday that more severe weather conditions are predicted in the next few days.

“My message is please don’t be de ceived,” NSW Emergency Services

Minister Steph Cooke said.

“We may see a reprieve for a few days but...(we) will be heading into some more difficult conditions towards the end of the week.”

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) meteorologist Dean Narramore told local media that relief from the rain on Monday did not signal the end of flooding,

Farmers and landholders are being encouraged to plan ahead and report any flood damage.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said flood danger persisted after the rain stopped, with people, animals, crops, pastures, roads and railway lines all potentially affected.

He urged people to be extra careful this summer, as the full force of a third consecutive La Nina was felt.

The survey, which was published by the national mental health organi zation Beyond Blue to coincide with World Mental Health Day, revealed rising interest rates, growing inflation, and worries about the cost of living were the main causes of stress and anxiety to the Australian people, reports Xinhua news agency. It found that Australians were operating at a lower level on average than prior to the pandemic and that adults were being weighed down by work challenges and cost of living rises.

Compared to the same period in 2021, fewer people are using Beyond Blue services to seek advice on the impact of the pandemic, and more are discussing family and relation ship stress and anxiety.

Forty-eight per cent of the 1,500 par ticipants in the national survey said they feel lost when it comes to their

mental health and 46 per cent said they did not believe their problems warranted seeking support.

“Although we are moving away from Covid-19 as being a major source of worry, people are telling us they’re still adjusting,” Georgie Harman, chief executive of Beyond Blue, said in a media release.

“Survey respondents say a lack of social connection, isolation, negative self-worth are lingering feelings, and that things aren’t quite back to normal just yet.”

Australia has recorded its highest

rate of inflation in more than 20 years, with consumers paying more for everything.

According to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in July, the Consumer Price Index rose by 1.8 per cent in the June quarter and 6.1 per cent over the last 12 months.

Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of Australia announced a rate hike for the sixth consecutive month, lifting its cash rate target by 25 basis points to 2.6 per cent.

By Meenakshi Iyer

Toronto, Oct 8 (IANS) As India witnesses an alarming rise in cases of hate crimes racism, and vandal ism across North America, students and Indians in Canada say they feel much safer and that there is no rise in crimes against them.

“There is no rise in crime against Indians in Canada. It is extremely peaceful. Overall, it is much safer in Canada for Indians than it was in the previous century when our fore fathers came. Canada is a peaceful nation,” Balbir Gurm, community activist and founder of Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships, told IANS.

The New Delhi-Ottawa ties have been under duress lately due to the recent vandalisation of Hindu properties and religious shrines, hate crimes, and a referendum to garner support for the secession of Khalistan’ from Punjab in India.

Last month, the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Canada was defaced with anti-India graffiti, and in July, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at a Vishnu Temple in the Richmond Hill neighbourhood of Canada was desecrated.

Indian-origin Sikh Joti Singh Mann, a radio host based in Brampton, was attacked by three people in August this year, and Kartik Vasudev, a 21-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh, was shot dead in Toronto as he stepped out of a metro station in April.

Echoing Gurm’s views, Sara Wasson (name changed), a student of Brock University in Ontario, said that she “feels much safer in Canada than in India. This is such a peaceful country with fun-loving and helpful people”.

“This is a friendly country. At 20, I have a job here and I am not de pendent on my family to pay for my university education. Canada makes me feel independent and confident, and I am happy to be here,” said Ashwin Malhotra, a student who works part-time at a departmental store in Ontario.

There are over 622,000 foreign students in Canada, with Indians numbering 217,410 as of December 31, 2021, according to figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

A recent report by Bengaluru-based research firm Redseer Strategy

Indians make around 38 per cent of the Fiji population & population of Indians in Fiji as of 2021 is 3.20 lakh approximately, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs data.

They have mostly descended from indentured labourers brought to the islands by British colonial rulers between 1879 and 1916 to work on Fiji’s sugar plantations. The total population of Indians in Fiji is 315,198 which is 35.41 per cent of the total Population of Fiji.

said that as many as 217,410 Indian students applied for Canadian education in 2021.

“What we are seeing is an aberration and not the norm. I feel that overall racism is decreasing in Canada against Canadians of Indian-origin. Today we can vote, be MPs, own property, and become members of any profession we choose,” Dr Gurm said, highlighting that the majority of Canadians are very accepting of all peoples.

“Everything’s peaceful here. No commotion happening here, seriously. Also, the Bhagavad Gita Park thing is a misunderstanding,” Divya Shankaran, who permanently moved to Canada three years back, told IANS.

While there was much hue and cry over vandalism of a sign board at a park in Canada’s Brampton that has been named Bhagavad Gita Park, the Mayor of the town clarified saying that the cops had investigated the matter and it was just a matter of “maintenance and reprinting work”.

Though there is no country-wise break-up of the numbers, Indians are the top immigrant group to take up residence in Canada this year.

In 2021, nearly 100,000 Indians became permanent residents of Canada as the country admitted a record 405,000 new immigrants in its history, according to an Economic Times report.

During 2021-2022, over 210,000 permanent residents also acquired Canadian citizenship, the report said.

(Meenakshi Iyer can be reached at meenakshi.i@ians.in)

2022 elections.

Narube said his party would an nounce the final list of candidates by the end of the month.

As per the 2022 General election stats, there are 689,784 registered voters and an arrangement of 1,468 polling venues and 9 registered parties.

India will once again be assisting the South Pacific nation in conducting its forthcoming general elections.

Half a dozen murders, all within a week: Are Indian-Americans safe?

By Meenakshi Iyer

New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) A total of six murders, including that of an eight-month-old infant, within a week’s time begs answer to the question every Indian wants to know -- is the community safe in the US?

The US is home to more than 4.5 million Indians, which is the highest-earning ethnic group in the country.

President Joe Biden recently went on record to say: “It’s amazing, Indian of descent Americans are taking over the country: you, my Vice President (Kamala Harris), my speechwriter, Vinay (Vinay Reddy)... You guys are incredible!”

Even as one grappled with the shock of four Sikh family members, within the age groups of eight months to 39 years, found dead in California, news of 20-year-old student Varun Manish Chheda stabbed to death on Purdue University campus, sent shockwaves running across the Indian community world over.

Earlier this week, Gurpreet Kaur Dosanjh, a Walmart employee, was shot dead and lumped inside a car in a parking lot in San Jose, California.

In June this year, Satnam Singh, 31, was shot dead while sitting in a parked SUV down the street from his home in New York. This came days after Sai Charan Nakka, a 25-year-old techie from Telangana, was killed after sustaining an apparent gunshot wound to his head in Maryland

Apart from the gruesome killings, Indian-Americans have been consistently battling racial taunts, assaults, hate crime robberies, and vandalism of their properties.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 161 anti-Asian hate crimes took place in 2019, which rose to 279 in 2020.

Suva, Oct 10 (IANS) As Fiji cele brates its Independence day on Monday, a political party leader from the South Pacific nation has said that he wants more representation from Fijians of Indian descent to join their line-up for the 2022 general election.

Elections are due this year in Fiji but no official date has been announced yet.

We want more representation from Fijians of Indian descent. But this is currently low and we are looking to lift the numbers,” Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube told the Fiji Times.

The vast majority of Indo-Fijians trace their origins to the area of modern-day Bihar and South India.

“We have four people so far who have shown an interest in joining us. We are hoping to attract about 15 percent of Fijians of Indian descent,” Narube, who is also the Reserve Bank of Fiji’s former governor, told Fiji Times.

Unity Fiji is one of the opposition parties in the island nation, which is presently ruled by Frank Bainimarama’s Fiji First Party with an extremely narrow majority.

It recently announced its first batch of 20 proposed candidates for the

It recently handed over 5,500 bottles of indelible ink to the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) under a spe cial grant of the Indian government for use in the upcoming elections in the island country.

Earlier in June, while responding to a request from the FEO, India gifted four multi-purpose double cab vehicles to the Fijian election body.

Fiji has witnessed four constitutions (1970, 1990, 1997 and 2013) and four political upheavals -- two in 1987, one each in 2000 and 2006.

After Fiji’s youngest Constitution was formed, the nation witnessed two elections (2014 and 2018) as a part of the democratic process.

New Delhi, Oct 3 (IANS) Condemning strongly the “hate crime” at a park named after the Bhagavad Gita in Canada, India urged authorities to take prompt action.

“We condemn the hate crime at the Shri Bhagvad Gita Park in Brampton. We urge Canadian authorities and Peel Police to investigate and take prompt action on the perpetrators,” High Commission of India in Ottawa said in a tweet.

Giving a religious break-up, the FBI said that 54 anti-Sikh crimes occurred in 2019, which rose to 89 in 2020.

Anti-Asian hate crime increased by 339 percent last year compared to the year before, with New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other cities surpassing their record numbers in 2020, according to research by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism.

Late in August, four Indian American women were told that they were “ruining” America and should “go back to India” by a Mexican-American woman in Texas. In the same month, Krishnan Jayaraman was racially abused and called a “disgusting Hindu” by Californian Rajinder Singh in a Taco Bell outlet in Fremont.

Community members have also expressed concerns over multiple brazen attacks on Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in New York and other US cities.

“Such bigoted attacks motivated by racism, xenophobia, and other forms of hate victimise not only those directly targeted by them but also broader communities through creating an atmosphere of fear and danger,” Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

had said recently.

Last month, Indian-Americans held a peaceful protest at Time Square against the recent spurt in hate crimes and instances of vandalism of the Gandhi statue in the city.

An Indian American Attitudes Survey released last year found that “one in two Indian-Americans reports being discriminated against in the past one year, with discrimination based on skin colour identified as the most common form of bias”.

Somewhat surprisingly, IndianAmericans born in the US are much more likely to report being victims of discrimination than their for eign-born counterparts,” the survey, supported by Carnegie Endowment, said.

Biden had spoken strongly against hate crimes at a recent event against racism.

It remains to be seen what Biden, who boasts of having appointed more than 130 Indian-Americans to key positions in his administration so far, does now for the community that has made significant contribu tions to this great landscape.

(Meenakshi Iyer can be reached at meenakshi.i@ians.in)

By Arul Louis

New York, Oct 6 (IANS) An Indianorigin eight-month baby, her parents and an uncle who were kidnapped in California have been killed in “a horribly, horribly senseless” crime, according to the local sheriff. Their bodies were found in a remote farm on Wednesday, Merced County Sheriff Vernon Warnke said.

“There is a special place in hell” for the person who committed the crime, he said at a news conference near where the bodies were found. He said that he hoped the district prosecutor would demand the death penalty.

The suspect in the kidnapping, who was arrested on Tuesday after he had tried to kill himself, was talking to investigators, he said.

Baby Aroohi Dheri, her parents, Jasleen Kaur, 27, and Jasdeep Singh, 36, and uncle, Amandeep Singh, 49, were kidnapped on Monday from the family’s trucking business in Merced, about 225 kilometres southeast of San Francisco.

Warnke said that the victims’ family had been informed and arrange ments were made through contacts to get them “spiritual guidance to get through this”.

The bodies were found near each other by a farm worker, who in formed the authorities, Warnke said.

Earlier at a morning news confer ence, Warnke ruled out that the kidnapping was a hate crime and said money was the likely motive.

The suspect, Jesus Manuel Salgado, was convicted in 2005 of an armed robbery and paroled in 2015.

His prior record points to a financial motive, he said.

Delgado had told his family that he was involved in the kidnapping and they reported it to the authorities, Warnke said.

Before officers reached him, he attempted suicide and was taken to a hospital, he said.

Officers waited there for medical clearance to speak to him, he said.

After the bodies were found, Warnke said there was a lot of circumstantial evidence against Delgado and they were trying to build direct evidence.

He said he was emotional at the news conference because a child has been killed.

“I am just livid inside because this was totally, completely senseless; a whole family has been wiped out”, he said.

He said that a phone belonging to the family had been found by a farm worker on a street in the area where the body was found.

The family’s bank card had been used at an ATM and they were trying to get a clear picture of the person who withdrew the money.

At the morning news conference, a chilling surveillance video of the kidnapping was shown.

Jasdeep Singh and Amandeep Singh were first led at gunpoint with their hands tied and driven away in Amandeep Singh’s truck.

The suspect returned a few minutes later and took Jasleen Kaur and the baby in the same vehicle.

Later the truck was found burning, which led to the discovery of the kidnapping.

The family’s cousin, Sukhdeep Singh, and another relative, Balwinder Saini, made a plea at the news conference for the return of the family or information about them.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at aru.l@ians.in and followed at @ arulouis)

A sign with the park’s name was al legedly vandalised and officials have ordered a probe, said city Mayor Patrick Brown, who confirmed the incident on Twitter. Condemning the incident, Brown said, “We have zero tolerance for this.”

New York, Oct 6 (IANS) As students gathered at Purdue University cam pus in the US to hold a candlelight vigil in the memory of slain Indian American student Varun Manish Chheda, his friends, shocked and shattered, remembered him as a “good and humble person”.

“He was a good person and a really good student,” a friend, who took classes with slain Indian-American student Varun Manish Chheda, told the local media in the US.

Sumeeth Guda, a mathematics and science student, who worked with Chheda on group projects, described him as a hardworking and diligent person, the Purdue Exponent reported.

Just 10 days shy of his 21st birthday, Varun Manish Chheda, a senior majoring in data science from Purdue University, was killed in an overnight attack by his roommate Ji Min Sha, a 22-year-old junior

cybersecurity major from Seoul. Arunabh Sinha, who went to school with Chheda for 12 years, remem bered him as smart and humble. “A really smart guy, always top of his class, top of the chess club, science bowl team. He was really humble about it,” Sinha told NBC News.

Chheda graduated from Park Tudor High School in 2020 and was a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program the year he graduated. He was also a candidate in the 2020 US Presidential Scholars Program and ran cross country in 2019.

“The entire Park Tudor community is incredibly saddened by the tragic loss of Varun Chheda, Park Tudor class of 2020. Our prayers are with his family at this difficult time,” Dennis Bisgaard, the interim head of Park Tudor, told Fox News Digital in a statement.

The Purdue University website said

that it is currently home to 2,300 Indian students-793 undergraduates and 1,507 graduate and professional program students.

About 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled for the fall semester, according to the university website.

‘A good person’: Friends remember slain Indian student in US

India condemns ‘hate crime’ at Canada’s Bhagavad Gita Park

Want more Indian-origin candidates in fray: Unity Fiji

Four kidnapped Indian-origin family members have been killed: Sheriff

We are much safer here, say Indians in Canada

He also said that the matter has now been flagged to Peel Regional Police for further investigation, adding that

the Parks department is working to resolve and correct the sign as soon as possible.

PM Modi’s Putin remarks consistent with India’s position, says Jaishankar

in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It was seen - from the White House and the larger administration to US congress - as a major reversal in India’s position, from sitting on the from fence-sitting to truth-talking.

Jaishankar sought to tamp down the excitement somewhat, noting that India had been conveying the same message to Russia for a while, but privately. “The position that the Prime Minister took was consistent with a position that we have been taking earlier,” he said.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine had led to some difficult conversa tions between India and the US as New Delhi refused to condemn it as robustly as the US-west wanted, and, also, Indian not only continued to buy Russian oil but it stepped up its purchases to take advantage of the discounted rates on offer.

Western government felt that India - and China - softened the sanctions imposed on Russia.

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 10 (IANS)

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Monday announced the dissolution of the country’s Parliament, paving the way for fresh elections which must be held within the next 60 days.

In a televised speech, Ismail Sabri said he had received the consent of the country’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah in accordance with the country’s constitution, reports Xinhua news agency.

By Yashwant Raj

Washington, Sep 29 (IANS)

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks to Russian President Vladimir Putin - that “today’s era is not of war” - in the context of the invasion of Ukraine were consistent with the existing Indian position and they were perceived differently globally only because they were delivered in a face-to-face meeting of the two leaders.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday at the conclusion of his 10-day tour of the US that took him first to New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA) meetings as head of the Indian delegation and then to Washington DC for bilateral talks, Jaishankar also said that the UN Security Council reforms and counterterrorism will be the focus of India’s presidency of the elite world body in December, which will also be the last month of its eighth term as a non-permanent member.

The minister’s Washington DC visit was packed with back-to-back meetings with officials - including a working dinner at Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s home, lawmakers, business leaders and policy mavens, but it was marked most starkly by considerable excitement on the American cite over Modi’s remarks to Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s summit

India has been expressing “concern about the conflict, about the urgency for early cessation of hostilities, about the need for dialogue and diplomacy. So there has been a steady refrain,” he said further. He added the remarks were possibly “received and perceived in a way because it was a a face to face meet ing... I think it’s understandable that a physical meeting made a stronger impact, than sort of a second hand report.”

Prime Minister Modi told President Putin on September 16, “I know that today’s era is not of war and we have spoken to you many times on the phone that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue are such things that touch the world.” It was character ised in the West as a “rebuke” of the Russian leader in a “clear reversal” of India’s position.

Secretary Blinken was effusive in his response to a question about it at a press availability with Minister Jaishankar on Tuesday. He said that Modi’s remarks “captured, as well as anyone I’ve heard, fundamentally what this moment is about. As he said, this is not an era, this is not a time for war. We could not agree more”.

Asked for the reason why Modi publicly stated what India had been saying to Putin privately on phone, the minister said it was natural for the subject to come up between the two leaders as they were meeting face-to-face for the first time since December 2021.

Earlier at the UNGA meetings, Mexico suggested that Prime Minister Modi be named to a panel to end the Russia-Ukraine war, along with Pope Francis. The Mexicans did not say if their proposal was linked to the Samarkand statement, but it did come in the aftermath suggesting a causal link. A response is awaited from Mexico’s permanent mission to the UN.

At the UN, India plans to use its rotational presidency of the Security Council in December to focus on reforms of the body that has made no real progress despite years of efforts. US President Joe Biden’s commitment to make it a priority has given India, which is seeking a permanent seat on the reformed council, and other advocates of change a great amount of hope. The Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov also spoke of UNSC reforms in his UNGA speech and named India and Brazil as deserving to be among the permanent members.

“The position President Biden put forward is the most explicit and spe cific articulation of the US support for reform of the UN including the Security Council,” Jaishankar said, when asked if the US was serious about reforms. “I don’t think it’s kind of business as usual,” he added.

But the minister said it’s not for any single country to carry through the reforms and, he noted, India has been very clear-eyed about the prospects, that it will not be easy. And then there are those that oppose it. “You also know where the reluctance comes from,” he said without naming any country.

American trio wins Nobel for Economics

New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) Three US economists Ben Bernanke, Douglas Diamond and Philip Dybvig were on Monday awarded this year’s Nobel Prize for Economics for explaining the role of banks in the economy.

The American trio was given the honour for helping to “significantly improve our understanding of the role of banks in the economy, particularly during financial crises, as well as how to regulate financial markets”, the jury said.

The winners were announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm.

The Prime Minister said the past years have seen several unprec edented developments after the national elections in 2018, including political uncertainties with the changes of several prime ministers and the Covid-19 pandemic, which together have harmed the country’s socio-economic and political situation.

“With this announcement, the mandate will be returned to the people. The people’s mandate is a powerful antidote for the country to restore political stability and create a government which is firm, stable and respected after the elections,” he

said.

The date of polling day is yet to be announced by the Election Commission of Malaysia.

Normally, a general election should be held no later than two months after the dissolution of Parliament.

Voters will elect the 222-member Dewan Rakyat, or the House of Representatives.

The possibility of national elections have been hotly discussed over recent months with United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the

biggest party in the ruling coalition, calling for elections to end the polit ical uncertainty which has seen two Prime Ministers appointed since 2020 following the resignation of former premier Mahathir Mohamad in February of that year.

Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as the Prime Minister on March 1, 2020 but later resigned following the withdrawal of support by MPs from his own coalition.

Ismail Sabri was then appointed as the Prime Minister on August 21, 2021.

‘India will buy oil from wherever it wants’: Hardeep Singh Puri

By Yashwant Raj Washington, Oct 8 (IANS) Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that India will buy crude oil from whichever country it wanted in regards to questions being raised about purchases from Russia, whose western buyers have either stopped buying from it or are reducing their orders as punishment for invading Ukraine.

On the 2-million barrel a day pro duction cut announced by OPEC+ countries (which include most of India’s top sellers), the Minister on Friday added that he would wait for effective the cut to assess the impact on India; the real reduction is by 900,000 barrels a day, according to oil analysts. But, he said generally, global supply falling short of the demand would fuel recession.

Puri, who also holds the portfolio of Housing and Urban Development, arrived in Washington DC on Thursday and held a wide of range of meetings with his counterpart in the Biden cabinet, Jennifer Granholm -- their first in-person meeting -- and other officials such as the US special envoy on Energy Amos Hochstein. He is scheduled to meet energy business leaders in Houston, where he is reaching on Saturday.

India has been under pressure from

the US-led West to cut its energy buys from Russia. It has stepped up its purchases, instead, to take advantage of the heavy discounts offered by Moscow.

“Look, let me make it very clear.

India will buy oil from wherever it has to for the simple reason that this kind of a discussion cannot be taken to the consuming population of India,” Puri said, addressing a news briefing with reporters of Indian media outlets.

He added, “Have I been told by any one to stop buying Russian oil, the answer to the categorical No.” But he conceded such discussions can take place in a geopolitical context.

On OPEC cuts, the Minister sounded circumspect, saying he would wait before offering any assessment of the impact on India. He was also cautious as the OPEC+ group included countries that are India’s top suppliers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.

But he did offer criticism in a gen eral sense. “I think everybody has to realise that the producer has the sovereign right to decide how much quantity they want to release. They say that doesn’t affect the price. It is their judgment. I would respectfully submit that I have a different view.

If you release quantities which are much shorter it will result in you know driving up prices which in

turn exacerbates the inflationary situation and which will make the result in deepening the recessionary condition and make no mistake large parts of Europe today,” he said. But he sounded confident India will be able to deal with it as it has in similar situations before.

Asked about the possibility of the US cutting exports to India -- as part of an all around ban on exports reportedly being considered by the Biden administration as a response to the OPEC+ cuts, the Minister sounded confident it may not play out that way.

“Today we are buying $20 billion of energy products from them,” he said, adding the US would “want to sell more to India”.”

Auckland, Oct 6 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with his New Zealand coun terpart Nanaia Mahuta on Thursday here and discussed wide-ranging issues, including the visa issues being faced by Indian students, Ukraine conflict and security in the Indo-Pacific region besides other bilateral issues.

Jaishankar, who was on a tour to the country, said in a joint press conference, “There was a discussion on some current, some pressing issues like the security situation in the Indo-Pacific, the consequences of the Ukraine conflict and naturally we spent some time on the major global issues, most of all climate action, climate justice.”

He said, “Some of the initiatives which India has been sponsoring over the last few years are the

International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for the Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Initiative for the Resilient Island States and their importance of collaborating not just bilaterally, but with other countries to deal with contingencies like pan demics, which we know will surely recur at some point in time and, of course, other common concerns, maritime security for example.”

“I think we do recognise today that countries like India and New Zealand have a particular respon sibility in forging a post-colonial order, which is fairer, which is more equitable, and which will provide the prosperity and stability to large parts of the world with which we are historically linked,” he said.

However, the large part of the conversation went to strengthening the bilateral relationship and the

sum and substance of it was really an understanding that both should play to each other’s strengths, which specifically meant business, education, technology, digital world, agricultural trade, talent, and most of all people to people connect because that’s at the heart of both the societies.

On the visa issue , he said, “We spoke a bit about the need for better air connectivity. I also raised with the Minister, concerns which some of our students have faced, students who had to leave New Zealand during the Covid period and who didn’t have the opportunity to get their visas renewed.”.

“I urged a fairer and more sym pathetic treatment for them, also students who are waiting to come to New Zealand to pursue their studies and whether the visa process for them could be hastened.”

He further said, “We also touched upon the skills demand in each society. There are perhaps demands in New Zealand which could be met out of India, and a mobility under standing with many countries, so the possibility whether those could serve as guidance for progress.

“There was also a very open discus sion on how India and New Zealand together will shape the larger region, the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

Jaishankar is on a week-long visit to New Zealand and Australia.

Wellington, Oct 6 (IANS) The visit to New Zealand by the Indian foreign minister provides an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two countries in areas like people-to-people exchanges and climate action, New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said on Thursday.

Mahuta met Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Xinhua news

agency reported.

“We discussed opportunities for expanding the relationship and cooperating on new areas, such as climate change and sustainable agriculture. We aspire to develop opportunities in the economic, cultural, technology and services sectors, and to strengthen peo ple-to-people links,” Mahuta said.

This year marks the 70th anniver sary of formal diplomatic relations between New Zealand and India.

Gen Bajwa discusses India, China with US officials

Rawalpindi, Oct 6 (IANS) Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa discussed matters related to India, China, Afghanistan in his meetings with top US administration officials on his recent visit to Washington, sources told Geo News on Thursday.

The army chief left for Pakistan after concluding his week-long visit to America, where he held meetings with top US officials.

Sources said that General Bajwa told the US officials that Pakistan seeks an early resolution of the Kashmir issue, Geo News reported.

He also called for improvement in bilateral relations, trade and invest ment between Pakistan and the US.

“Pakistan has been a long-standing partner of the US,” the sources quoted the army chief.

Meanwhile, General Bajwa was accorded an honour cordon by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin at

the Pentagon.

In a meeting with the COAS, Secretary Austin said that the “long-standing partnership” be tween the two countries continues, The News reported.

“This long-standing partnership continues today with discussions focused on opportunities to address key mutual defence interests,” the US defence department said in its press statement after General Bajwa’s meeting with Secretary Austin.

“This year marks the 75th anniver sary of relations between the US and Pakistan. It was my pleasure to host Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa to the Pentagon,” Austin said in a statement on Twitter later.

He said the two leaders discussed long-standing defence partnership and areas of mutual interest be tween Pakistan and the US.

Jaishankar hold talks with NZ counterpart, raises student visa issue

New Zealand FM sees opportunity to strengthen relationship with India

General Bajwa was heading the delegation, diplomatic sources said, terming the visit an important one that portrayed “robust relations” between the two countries.

During the visit, the army chief met the US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman during which “matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed,” according to the ISPR.

Chef Akshay Bhardwaj to face off with world renowned Tapas chefs

World Tapas Competition in one of the chef groups I am a part of. After some back and forth and hesitation, I applied, considering that it can be a wonderful experience and an excellent opportunity for me to showcase the progressive approach that comes with Indian street-side food.

How prepared are you for this contest? And what actions are you taking to alter the game?

However, my excitement is similar to the one I feel when I create something new in the kitchen when I give my all to it, and then wait for it to succeed.

What do you feel when Indian cuisine draws rave reviews from food experts throughout the world?

Spice up your festive evenings

By Pankaj Arora

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

October 13, 2022 With his global exposure and extraordinary culinary skills, Chef Akshay Bhardwaj is set to represent India at an international level at the competition. The Head Chef at Andaz Delhi, Chef Bhardwaj, will be representing India in the Sixth World Tapas Competition in the City of Valladolid, Spain, be tween the 7th - 9th November’2022.

Bhardwaj speaks to IANSlife about his preparation for the competition against other world renowned Tapas chefs.

How did you come to represent India at the Sixth World Tapas Competition in the City of Valladolid, Spain?

Akshay: I came across the Sixth

Akshay: Daily practice of balancing flavors, and different techniques, in preparing different dishes is definitely still ongoing. Considering my resources and venue are going to be entirely different there, the desired results can only be achieved if enough dedication and time are given to the process.

Are you feeling anxious to be part of a cutthroat battle with foreign nations? What message do you have for the citizens of our country?

Akshay: All of us are chefs and cooking gives us joy and makes up our careers and life, so I am thrilled about representing my country on such a wonderful platform with so many amazing chefs. I am of course, a bit anxious as it is my first time contesting on such a platform.

Akshay: I feel that there should be a nationwide move to educate the guests of our heritage and motivate all chefs to create, ignite and bring back the same to life by integrating it in our food concepts. Indian cuisine takes you through a wonderful exploration process where cultures and cuisines change every 100 km. What does enjoying good food mean to you?

Akshay: I believe that cooking something that initiates my subcon scious mind and makes me move in my chair, is the definition of good food.

How would you quantify success?

Akshay: There is no way to quantify success, in my opinion. The mean ing of success can vary from person to person. I feel like a very success ful person to have been given this opportunity to represent my country on an international platform.

Vikas Khanna: Diversity of Indian cuisine is simply unparalleled

The Michelin-star chef said: “I have travelled to innumerable countries in my time as a chef. However, the diversity of Indian cuisine is simply unparalleled. The complexity of flavours and the multiple notes it can hit at once simultaneously makes it unlike any other. Indian food has a soul of its own.”

ventures that have put India and its food on the global map.

“I can’t wait to take my fellow view ers through the journey of India’s un-really diverse palette and how it emerged as one of the top global delicacies,” Vikas added.

October 10, 2022 The time of year for house parties is now. Don’t just arrange your alcohol bottles in a line and leave your visitors to them selves. Along with some mouth watering wonderful cuisine and unconventional activities, mixing up some entertaining cocktails will do wonders for your reputation as a hostess. Prepare yourself to start the party and wow your guests with your bartending prowess with these simple and delicious Jack Daniel’s cocktail recipes.

INGREDIENTS:

50 ml Jack Daniel’s Gentleman

Jack 20 ml Fresh Lemon Juice

• 20 ml Maple Syrup

• Ice Lemon wedge

INSTRUCTIONS:

Shake 50 ml Gentleman Jack, 20 ml

Fresh Lemon Juice and 20 ml Maple Syrup with ice.

Strain into an ice filled rocks glass and garnish with a lemon wedge.

INGREDIENTS:

50 ml - Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7

• Ginger beer

• Squeeze of lime

INSTRUCTIONS:

3/4 fill a mule copper mug with cubed ice

Pour Old No. 7 over ice

INGREDIENTS:

• 50 ml - Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7

• 50 ml - Cranberry juice 15 ml - Pineapple juice

15 ml - Orange juice

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mumbai, Oct 6 (IANS) Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna, who is set to host the first episode of the upcom ing docu-series ‘The Journey of India’, recently shared that no other cuisine in the world can match up to the Indian cuisine.

Vikas will take the viewers across India and the extraordinary ingredi ents, flavours, recipes and cuisines that define India through the show. The episode will also feature other experts from the culinary industry who share their experiences and vast knowledge on the subject, decoding India’s wholesome food

He also mentioned that the Golden Temple was his glimmer of hope and inspiration, where any celebra tion began with the langar seva, the selfless service feeding thousands of hungry souls among many other experiences.

‘The Journey of India’ will air on Discovery’s network of channels in India and drop on OTT platform discovery+ on October 10.

1/2 fill the shaker with cubed ice

Add all ingredients except the ginger ale and shake vigorously for 10 seconds

3/4 fill a highball glass with cubed ice

Strain the liquid into the glass Top with ginger ale Add orange slice to garnish

Add remaining ingredients and stir Add lime wedge to garnish

INGREDIENTS:

50 ml - Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Lemonade

INSTRUCTIONS:

3/4 fill a highball glass with cubed ice

Pour Jack Honey over ice Top with lemonade Add lemon wedge to garnish

Indian Cooking with Lata Modi

MOONG DAL MASALA POORIS

Hello friends. Sometimes you get a bit lazy and don’t feel like cooking a big meal with a variety of curries and chapati . So for those days we are creating an all-in-one nutritious recipe. This can be eaten on its own as a snack or eaten with yogurt. People also serve it with tomato and yogurt

base potato curry . These are very handy in a kids’ lunch box and also while travelling by road or by train . Try this recipe . Hopefully you and your family will enjoy it just as much as my family loves it . So from my family to yours .

Here is the recipe for Moong dal masala poori . Happy cooking friends.

Ingredients ( for up to six people ):

• One cup of yellow moong dal; three cups of aata ( whole wheat flour); small pieces of ginger;

• fresh chillies to taste; one teaspoon turmeric powder; one teaspoon cumin powder;

• 1/4 teaspoon hing; 1/2 teaspoon ajwain seeds;

• two teaspoon of kastoori methi

leaves ( fenugreek leaves );

• oil for deep frying the pooris.

Method:

Wash dal and soak it overnight in four cups of water. In the morning, drain the water. Put dal in a blend er. Add ginger, chillies, hing and salt to taste . Blend it into a smooth pan cake type batter . Cover and put it aside . Now in a big mixing bowl , put flour, salt, ajwain seeds, cumin powder, turmeric and

methi leaves . Now add the dal mixture in it . Make a smooth but firm dough using a little water slowly and as required. Once it is shaping up like dough, you can wet your both palms with a little oil to knead it. Cover and put it aside . Now start heating oil in a wok or medium-size frying pan. In the meantime , divide the dough into equal portions of the size of a golf ball . Start rolling the pooris, and roll a few

at a time because once the oil is hot , you need to slide the pooris one by one quickly . It will puff up . Flip it and take it out and put it on a kitchen paper towel. Complete the whole lot. They are the tastiest when hot. You can have it as a quick snack on its own . A quick lunch of pooris with natural yogurt. Enjoy ! Sometimes it can be served with a potato tomato spicy curry .

Gentleman Jack Maple SourUnrequited Love Punch

Tennessee Honey & Lemonade

Tennessee Mule

Canada doesn’t recognise Khalistan referendum: Consul General Patrick Hebert

we respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of India. Canada does not recognize the recent unofficial Sikhs for Justice referendum.”

The US-based SFJ, a pro-Khalistan group, was banned by the Indian government in 2019 for its alleged anti-national activities.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is the legal adviser of the group.

machines from 2023-2025 in both Punjab and Haryana, the prominent granary states.

With its multipurpose solutions such as managing straw and accurate seed and fertilizer placement in combination with the unique no-tillage practices, the smart seeder machines can bring a paradigm shift.

built upon shared traditions of democracy, pluralism and, crucially, strong people-to-people ties, Hebert, who became the Consul General in Chandigarh in December last, told IANS that there is now a growing community of over 1.4 million Canadians of Indian origin who make an important contribution across Canada, many of whom are of Punjabi descent.

“We work very closely with local trade associations, such as CII, TiE and NASSCOM, to support greater business and trade relations between Canada and the region. I work very closely with Canadian provinces, which have offices in India, and they are keen to expand their trade relations with local partners,” he said.

met the Chief Secretaries of both Haryana and Punjab separately.

Firmly believing that there is a lot of room to grow the trade relations, he said: “A Canadian-India

CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) will provide a number of advantages for the business community from both countries.

By Vishal Gulati

Chandigarh, Sep 30 (IANS) Canada does not recognise the recent unofficial Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) referendum to express support for a separate Sikh nation-state, Consul General of Canada in Chandigarh Patrick Hebert remarked on Friday.

On tackling Indian-origin gangsters in Canada linked to extreme levels of violence, he told IANS in an exclusive interview here that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has a close relationship with a number of agencies in India and will continue to work with them to ensure that criminals are not able to act with impunity.

On Canada’s stand on SJF campaigns for an independence referendum to carve out a separate Khalistan state, Hebert replied firmly to IANS: “Canada has made clear, on a number of occasions, that

India last week took strong objection to Canada allowing a “Khalistan referendum” to take place in Brampton, while calling it a farcical exercise held by extremists and radical elements.

On Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seeking support from Canadian High Commissioner Cameron Mackay for nabbing the gangsters operating from Canadian soil, the Consul General, who is based in Chandigarh, said the RCMP has a close relationship with a number of agencies in India and will continue to work with them to ensure that criminals are not able to act with impunity, whether in Canada or India.

Responding to a question on growing trade relations between Canadian and the businesses in this region, Hebert said Saskatchewanbased company Clean Seed recently announced it had entered into a Letter of Intent with the Northern Farmers Producer Company Limited Mega Farmer Cooperative to market and distribute 1,000 smart seeder

Hebert says both nations recognise the interest for direct flights be tween Punjab and Canada.

“This is an issue that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has raised with me directly. This is also an issue that has been raised by Indian Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, during a recent trip to Canada.”

“While I would personally welcome the direct flights between Punjab and Canada, at the end of the day this is a business decision that has to be made by airline companies, in line with the provisions of our bilateral air agreement,” the Consul General was responding to a ques tion on demand by Punjab for more direct international flights connect ing Amritsar and Chandigarh cities from Canadian destinations.

For him, there is a tremendous potential to grow the trade relations between Canada and the northern region, in particular Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

Saying Canada and India have long-standing bilateral relations

“The deep cultural and political ties between our two countries are strengthened by a growing network of official dialogues, agreements, memoranda of understanding and working groups.

“As we work to reinvigorate economic growth as we recover from the pandemic, we work closely together in a range of areas, includ ing science and technology, finance, and education.

“We also share common interests in a free, open and inclusive IndoPacific, and collaborate on joint priorities, such as climate change, and strengthening global trade.”

Without mincing words, he said: “As the Consul General of Canada in Chandigarh, my role is to support partnerships with northern India, and make sure that we contribute to the broader ties between Canada and India for the benefit of people in both countries.a

Some of the key areas for potential trade growth include agriculture and agro-tech, clean technology and the digital industries.

Saying the economic partnership is already robust, he said” “I remain convinced that a free trade agreement between our countries would give a serious boost to both Canadian and Indian exporters and investors, and would be mutually beneficial for both countries.

“I am also in contact with several officials from state governments in the region to explore how we can grow our economic partnership in a way that is beneficial to all parties.

Our role as officials is to identify opportunities for companies from both sides to come together and create those partnerships.”

Right now, the economic partner ship between Canada and India is approximately C$100 billion. This includes C$70 billion in Canadian portfolio investment in India.

“However, I believe there is much room to grow our bilateral merchandise and service trade. In fact, the promotion of trade and investment was a key element of High Commissioner MacKay’s visit in the region last June,” said the Consul General, who this month

“It would also boost trade between two G20 trusted partners, and create more favourable conditions for our exporters, importers and investors.”

For Indian business in particular, he said, a CEPA will open up opportunities with a proven reliable commercial partner.

“Canada is a nation of free traders, as demonstrated by our 15 trade agreements, which cover 51 countries and nearly 1.5 billion consumers. Our experience has demonstrated that free trade agree ments benefit both parties.

“This has been true for the Canada-United States-Mexico (CUSMA) agreement, the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).”

An optimistic Hebert added” “I am confident that a Canada-India CEPA will also be beneficial for businesses in both countries.”

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

Chefs are more conscious of ingredients because the diner is asking the right questions: Vikas Khanna

Vikas Khanna: My association with Warner Bros. Discovery’s ‘The Journey of India’ started with a small conversation where we talked about the evolution of Indian cui sine. The changes I brought in as a soft power are because I’ve worked so much in promoting cultural events. It is a subject that is very close to my heart and what made it exceptional for me was that it is the celebration of India at 75. We’re talking about pride and our country – new and ancient, both at the same time. Our country is so modern and yet seeped into rituals and history. For me, food is one of the greatest vehicles of this communication and this is what made this subject so interesting about picking up the simplest foods and telling a big story of India through it

What changes do you think the culinary traditions of India have undergone throughout time?

over the world now I’m speaking in reference to America and I feel that things are happening to Indian chefs being at the forefront which we’d never seen in the last few decades and is great because Indian food is getting a new identity which is beyond the generic menus in which the restaurants served. We see a whole new space which Indian chefs are taking right now.

What do you think about how people’s eating habits have changed over time, with concerns of their health?

is a major change that has allowed chefs space to try different cultural expressions, and self-expression in Indian cuisines. I also think that the internet’s influence has come to the forefront of our lives. People are now trying to be more mindful of what they eat. In the last few years, we have just been consuming foods that appealed to our taste buds. Now I feel that people are understanding ingredients more. Chefs have become more conscious of what they are using because the diner is asking the right questions. This is a whole new game.

show you want the viewers to remember?

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

October 11, 2022 A new six-part series to mark India’s 75 years of Independence by Warner Bros. Discovery, will feature a stellar cast.

Each episode of The Journey of India, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, will also feature a leading voice to showcase a key theme in India’s development as a nation.

Putting a spotlight on the story telling that revolutionized global filmmaking, actress Kajol transports viewers to Bollywood’s captivating legacy against the backdrop of an actual film set in action. Michelin Star chef Vikas Khanna on

paralleling his roots to its impact on global cuisine. Conservationist and Bahubali fame actor Rana Daggubati along with Indian author and wildlife conservationist, Latika Nath, recognize India’s successful initiatives in sustainability and conservation. Renowned Indian author Amish Tripathi pays homage to India’s diversity of religions.

Vikas Khanna speaks to IANSlife on how he explores the palatability of Indian cuisine in the show. How did the association with Warner Bros. Discovery’s “The Journey of India“ come about? And what made it exceptional?

Vikas Khanna: There are a lot of changes that have happened in Indian cuisine. First, change I say that Pride in Indian cooking is at the forefront of Indian chefs right now. When we were training in colleges, we were only taught Western cooking because they thought that we would be working in big hotels and that’s the cuisine dominantly cooked. I feel over the last few years, having stand-alone restaurants and so much investment going into Indian ingredients, cuisine, and packaged foods amongst other items have become a whole new trend of getting chefs into the mainstream.

I do feel that the metamorphosis of Indian cuisine started from home, but it has blossomed all

Vikas Khanna: People’s eating habits have changed a lot. When we were growing up as a reference, we went out to a restaurant maybe once in two or three months which was when a guest from an outside city or abroad came to Amritsar. Otherwise, it was always street food and there was no experimentation with cook ing. Everyone was trying to create generic food, close to their cities or regions, which was like homegrown cooking. There was nothing beyond that. Nobody experimented or wanted to try cuisines, then in the 80s there was a whole new interest in Chinese cooking. Indian Chinese came to the forefront from street food to restaurants.

Now what’s happening, is that regional cuisine has taken over. It is so different compared to when we went out to eat with families. There is big financial independence and travel, which affects restau rants because social diners are now commonplace. People now understand that there is a need for new avenues and things. There is so much dispensable income which

Your favorite old-time food?

Vikas Khanna: My favorite all-time food has to be Khichdi, but I also love sweets from time to time.

A simple perfectly made Kada Prasad or something. These are the comfort foods that I grew up with and I feel that they try to ease the pain or struggles and challenges. Just a simple bite of this food takes you back to the time you had less pressure. That time of life when it was less stressful.

Your go-to Indian meal on any given day?

Vikas Khanna: I feel there are a lot of Indian meals for me, it just keeps changing as I work on different spaces. Right now, it is so much about the Northeast because we have some projects with documen taries and books, but I do feel that from time to time it begins to auto matically change. One dish leads to the next one and the whole cuisine becomes the forefront of your research and tastings. Everything Indian.

What are the key points from the

Vikas Khanna: I want viewers to un derstand the depth of Indian cuisine through the show. I feel that there is so much more than the eye can meet about India. There is rituality, travel, history, and modernization. There are so much of influences that capture our cuisines. One thing you will see in the show is how in my house, you have all these people who are influencing cuisine every single day. These are the people who are the custodians of Indian culture and cuisine. I absolutely love their take on Indian food, and you will see a lot of conversations happening. I am very proud that these conversa tions with his excellency Randhir Jaiswal, who asks questions about the evolution of Indian cuisine and how the government can support these Indian restaurants operations and Indian chefs. From book launches to cuisine to promoting restaurants to launching new products, I feel the new shift in the western world, the proactiveness of the government officials has come the forefront of leading the new way for chefs and cuisine.

The Journey of India premieres globally on the streaming platform discovery+ in India, the U.S., U.K., and the Philippines. It will be showcased in more than 140 countries including India, Japan, Singapore, France, Switzerland, UAE, Egypt, Brazil, Iran, and Kenya among others on Discovery Network channels.

N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in

Fail to understand why G-23 leaders who wanted polls are now backing off: Tharoor

talking about general consensus.

It’s going to be Mallikarjun Kharge versus Shashi Tharoor in the Congress Presidential polls sched uled on October 17. And Kharge has got the support of not only the senior leadership of the party, but the G-23 leaders as well.

Talking exclusively to IANS, Tharoor said that polls for the post of Congress President are being held after five years. The last election was held in 2017, which Rahul Gandhi had won unanimously. The last contested election was held in 2000, when Sonia Gandhi defeated Jitendra Prasada by a huge margin.

interview:

Q: Are you disappointed for not getting G-23 leaders’ support?

A: G-23 is not an organisation. Senior leaders who had sent a letter to Sonia Gandhi had sought support from 100 people, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the letter could not get that many signatures. So the letter was sent to Sonia Gandhi with the signature of 23 leaders.

now saying that there should be a general consensus and elections should not be held. I fail to under stand how their mind changed. But I am contesting the elections. Whatever I had written in the letter, I still stand by that.

Q. Are you disappointed that the G23 leaders didn’t back you? Or by the way the senior leadership took you into confidence and the then suggested Khadge’s name?

have posed on me? I will fight the elections and become their voice, though my signature list does not have big names as Kharge’s. I cannot withdraw my nomination as Congress workers are with me.

Q How you are building your support base?

is really sad. But I can’t give any reaction as I did not attend any of the meetings. I am not in the know of the things as to what exactly transpired there.

By Mohammad Suaib Khan

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on Saturday that he fails to under stand as to why the G-23 leaders, who earlier talked about polls in the party, are now backing off and

The Gandhi family has decided that it will not endorse any candidate this time. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi both are of the view that polls will strengthen the party, which is very good, Tharoor said.

Here are excerpts from the

Three main persons who had signed that letter have quit the party. I was not a representative of G-23 and I do not intend to be one either. But I supported their thinking and one of their thoughts was that polls should be held in the party. Now I am contesting for the party chief’s post, and I also feel that elections should be held for the working committee as well.

However, those who had said that polls should be held in the party are

A. People are free to make their choice and express their views. I am not disappointed because we are all in one party, we are friends and colleagues. If the G23 leaders felt differently, it is their take.

Q. Any chance of you withdrawing the nomination?

A. How can I withdraw the nom ination when 60 members have signed it and given me the chance? How can I betray the faith they

A. In the coming 15 days, I will go to 12 cities and seek support from the party workers. I will reach out to the people, hold public meetings and meet people in person. I will reach out to the people via different mediums and seek their support.

But since I do not have the phone numbers of 90 per cent delegates mentioned in the list provided to me, reaching out to them is not going to be easy.

Q. What is your take on the se quence of events in Rajasthan?

A. Whatever happened in Rajasthan

Q. You are seeking vote for ‘change’ in the Congress. Do you think that if Kharge is elected the President, he will work as a puppet and the party will continue to function in the same manner?

A. Of course not, I am not against anyone. See, we are not fighting a war. We are all colleagues who have always worked together. In the future also, we will work together. If I become the party President, will Khargeji not work for the betterment of the party? If you ask anyone about senior Congress leaders outside the Gandhi family, every list will have Kahrgeji’s name.

Children of the ‘dammed’: Sardar Sarovar project renders three generations landless, poor Mumbai International Airport switches to Green sources

all their income sources to best use, most landless families barely manage to save Rs 2 to 4 lakh a year for themselves.

“Marriages here usually happen at the age of 22, but my son Balram will be 27 soon. I want to see him married before I die. But nobody is interested as I am landless. The first question by the bride’s side is - how much land does the groom’s father have?” said an emotional Hariram Mewade of Taloon village in Barwani district.

land had been acquired rendering him landless, he appealed for land in return. The division bench issued an order in October 2017, directing the disbursement of an equal land area to Kantilal, or compensation within six months. In fact, the NVDA commissioner (rehabilitation & field) himself asserted that being a marginal farmer, Kantilal should not have been left landless. Ironically, the NVDA later challenged the matter in a higher bench, which is pending there. Even today, Kantilal awaits his compensatory land.

New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) Mumbai International Airport has entirely switched to green sources for its energy consumption needs, making it one of India’s 100 per cent sustain able airports.

By Pooja Yadav Bhopal, Oct 10 (IANS/ 101Reporters)

Tukaram Patidar of Pura village in Dhar district is slightly better off than the farmers rendered landless by the Sardar Sarovar Dam project on the Narmada. Though four acres of his land were acquired in 2001 to rehabilitate people from Nanakbeydi, a village in Chikhalda panchayat that was submerged due to the dam construction, he still has three acres left with him for cultivation.

Tukaram received a mere Rs 5.65 lakh for parting with his fertile land, which he believed was worth Rs 60 to 65 lakh at that time. After repeat ed appeals by aggrieved farmers like him, the government did disburse an additional Rs 9.35 lakh in 2015, but still it was not fair enough.

Tukaram belongs to the second generation of those affected by the project. Earlier, 14 acres were acquired from his late father Arjun Patidar for Rs 16 lakh. “None of the farmers gave their consent willingly.

The authorities deposited money into bank accounts and evicted us from our own land. Most of the first generation fought against land ac quisition and unfair compensation until their last breath. For 22 years, the second generation has been doing the same. Gradually, it will be passed on to the third generation,” Tukaram’s mother Ramkunwar Patidar told 101Reporters.

The land acquisition in Dhar, Alirajpur, Barwani and Khargone districts of Madhya Pradesh began in 1998 and continued for the next five years. The flood-impacted people, who had argued against unfair compensation in the Supreme Court, received Rs 60 lakh per two hectares from the State government following the apex court’s direction in 2017. Unfortunately, those whose lands were acquired to rehabilitate the flood-impacted were not party to the case, and hence did not receive better compensation.

In fact, at that time, both types of land losers could not reach a con sensus on approaching the courts jointly, mainly because acquisition proceedings took place at different points of time and compensation amounts were dissimilar. Later, the group that lost lands to rehabilita tion did approach the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, which directed it to move the Supreme Court.

Farmers who have lost all their land are the most affected. They have no option but to take land on lease for Rs 2 to 4 lakh annually to cultivate cotton and chilli and cover input costs as well. Even after putting

Even Tukaram’s son Gaurav Patidar (32) got a good match only recently, after searching for seven years. Most people are reluctant to get their daughters married into families with less or no land. Gaurav works at a mobile shop, while his brother Shubham (25) has recently launched a stationery shop. Both work 12 to 16 hours a day to earn Rs 5,000 to 8,000 per month.

Policy change

Beyond compensation, was there any measure to provide alternative lands to ensure livelihoods? Citing Paragraph 4.5 of the Rehabilitation Policy-2001, Suresh Pradhan, a farmer from Nisarpur in Dhar, said, “At least two hectares should be left out in cases of complete acquisition to ensure farmers’ livelihood. If someone has less than that, a piece of that land should be saved for them.”

As per the provisions of the earlier policy, SC/ST farmers were spared from land acquisition to facilitate rehabilitation. For others, there cannot be 100% acquisition. Pradhan claimed the government later changed it to include the word yathasambhav (as far as possible) in the clause, which meant the provisions would be applied only in situations where they were possible. In short, it gave the government a free hand to acquire lands.

Pradhan was paid Rs 6.7 lakh for five hectares of land in 2001. His father Narayan Krishna Patidar’s 2.5 acres were also taken. “A bulldozer was run through his standing, ready-to-harvest wheat crop. He was forced to take Rs 2.40 lakh as compensation. There was no other option. He raised an objection before the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA). After much back and forth, the matter reached the apex court, but no solution came out of it. Despite braving chilly winters, rains and hot summers during the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), justice was not served. Now, I am carrying forward his fight,” Pradhan said.

When farmers intensified their demands of land for land and better compensation, the State government announced Rs 15 lakh (minus the initial amount paid) per farmer.

However, many refused to accept it as land prices had skyrocketed by then. “The market rate for an acre was in the Rs 10-18 lakh range. How can they give such meagre compen sations,” questioned Pradhan. Kantilal’s father Kasana of Nisarpur had submitted an application before the Indore Division Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court. Claiming that 1.20 hectares of his

they are exposed to,” Rathore added.

Samsung has been in the news for repurposing fishing nets and using them in smartphones.

Every year, around 640,000 tonnes of fishing nets end up in our oceans, posing a serious threat to the marine ecosystem.

Fishing nets are typically made of nylon materials, which have the basic property of absorbing mois ture and water.

Sandeep Patidar’s father fought a similar battle until his death in 2011. A native of Ganpur village in Barwani, he received an inadequate compensation of Rs 10.50 lakh for eight acres of land that he had to part with for rehabilitating Nanakbeydi residents. Likewise, Bhagwan Singh of Ganpur received only Rs 20 lakh for 11 acres of land!

Rahul Yadav, who has been actively involved with the Medha Patkarled NBA for over nine years, told 101Reporters, “These farmers are unable to marry their sons. Tomorrow, when the family grows, they will not have a piece of land to build a house. It will be impossible to buy land either, thanks to infla tion. They will be forced to live a nomadic life within a few years.”

Yadav alleged discrimination in the compensation amount. “As many as 192 villages of Khargone, Dhar, Barwani and Alirajpur submerged. The government announced a compensation of Rs 1.11 lakh per acre for the affected families, as well as compensation for houses, trees and wells. People rejected it and approached the court, which directed a compensation of Rs 5.58 lakh per two hectares. Those who had less than two hectares were also entitled to the same amount, but thousands still rejected it claiming it to be inadequate.”

Though the Supreme Court intervention saved those from the submerged villages, the owners of lands acquired to rehabilitate them did not get even 25 per cent of that compensation, he said.

What next?

Rajkumar Sinha, who has been fighting on behalf of those displaced due to the Bargi Dam, said the government should give land to the affected farmers instead of mone tary compensation.

Medical shop owner Poonamchand, whose father Hariram Mewade is a farmer, said they sought justice from the NVDA. Landless farmers have also approached the authority.

If justice is not served, I will ask the President of India to grant permis sion to euthanise our families,” he told 101Reporters.

Multiple attempts to reach Minister of State for NVDA Bharat Singh Kushwaha went in vain. NVDA Commissioner Pawan Kumar also did not respond to the questions. (The author is a freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.)

By 2019, the company was able to develop this material, and then we applied this material to A and M series smartphones in the display frames.

Galaxy Buds 2 Pro contains mostly recycled materials. More than 90 per cent of the plastics used in Galaxy buds 2 Pro are recycled materials.

Of the total 100 per cent, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) procures around 5 per cent of the airport’s electricity requirement through its onsite solar generation and the rest 95 per cent from other green sources such as hydro and wind energy.

Ushering into a sustainable future, CSMIA witnessed a rise in natural energy procurement with 57 per cent green consumption in April 2022 to a whopping 98 per cent between May to July. And, finally attained the 100 per cent utilisation of renewable sources of energy in August 2022, said a CSMIA spokesperson.

The spokesperson said that the airport is committed to continuous reduction in energy consumption and carbon footprint through various initiatives. Moreover, CSMIA initially undertook the measure of installing a 1.06MW rooftop solar power plant, which the airport eventually strengthened to 4.66 MW.

CSMIA was the first in India to

launch hybrid technology which solely runs on green energy since April 2022, thus enabling a highly efficient and low carbon future for aviation. This sustainable initiative undertaken by CSMIA is part of the airport’s efforts that reduce its carbon footprint which propels its journey towards ‘Net Zero’ emis sions, the spokesperson added.

CSMIA implemented a Carbon Accounting and Management System (CAMS) based on ISO 14064-1:2018 to identify, measure & manage GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions. CSMIA is the first Indian airport to have participated in Airport Carbon Accreditation

(ACA) program of Airports Council International (ACI) in 2012.

Speaking on the occasion, CSMIA’s spokesperson said, “We are ex tremely delighted to achieve this key milestone in our journey towards attaining a sustainable future for CSMIA. The diligent efforts of the airport in undertaking several thoughtful initiatives, has paved the way to achieve this feat. As CSMIA aspires to become net-zero by 2029, this landmark event further encourages us to stay committed to our efforts in enhancing the operational efficiency of the airport while operating on fully renewable energy”.

Destruction caused by climate change

By Asad Mirza

Various reports highlight the fact that Climate Change has been caused by the rich nations and thus poor countries have started demanding compensa tion for the climate changes, which have adversely impacted them.

The forthcoming COP27, UN climate talks due to be held in Egypt in November, may highlight the com pensation system for poorer coun tries known as “loss and damage”, caused by the Climate Change.

It is a fact, corroborated by various UN and independent reports that Climate Change over the last 25 years particularly has caused costly damages, including drought, rising heat, less or more rains, tropical cyclones and more gradual changes, such as desertification and rising sea levels across the globe.

It has been proven that these changes could be attributed to the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The rich industrialised countries are responsible for most of the emissions causing these phenomena.

Loss and Damage

The poorer countries, as they are unable to take timely corrective measures to mitigate these changes caused by others in the past, face the negative affects of Climate Change first. Thus, the new concept of “Loss and Damages” has started taking roots amongst them.

Under this new concept they are demanding adequate financial help to take corrective measures to mit igate these changes, caused by the richer, industrialised nations, in the past. Now they are redefining it as a matter of liability and compensation, rather than aid after a particular natural disaster.

Positive actions Denmark has recently pledged just over $13m to developing countries that have suffered damage from climate change and more developed countries may follow suit.

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, at COP26 in Glasgow last November, promised 2 million pounds ($2.7 million) as a one-off loss and damage payment, apparent ly hoping that other rich countries might follow suit, however, they did not.

But the pressure for them to do so is increasing. Last month ministers from an alliance known as the ‘Least Developed Countries Alliance’ (LDCA) having 46 members, called the creation of a financial mechanism for loss and damage a “fundamental priority” for COP27.

At the UNGA last month, SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres suggested that windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies might provide the funding for one.

But is easier said that done and may not happen at all. There is an utter lack of enthusiasm among the developed countries for such a pay out. Some developing countries are tentatively seeking redress through international law.

2021, when the average of such events happening was 7.7, the past five years have witnessed an increase to 17.8 of such events per year. Last year marked the seventh consecutive year in which ten or more billion-dollar disasters pum melled the US. By July of this year there had already been nine such disasters.

It has been reported that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in May 2022, reached a level that has not been seen in millions of years, and that is over 50 percent higher than in the pre-industrial era. The heat trapped by carbon dioxide and other human-produced greenhouse gases has increased the world’s average temperature.

Climate change is “supercharging the increasing frequency and intensity” of weather extremes, ac cording to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It spawns greater rainfall variability, lengthens the wildfire season in the American West, increases drought vulnerability, and drives bigger storm surges as sea levels rise. Given the relentless accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmo sphere, 2022 is likely the harbinger of a more violent weather in future.

New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) As you enjoy the new Samsung foldable devices, do you realise that the blue part you see in Galaxy Z Flip 4 is made of repurposed fishing nets?

According to Pranveer Singh Rathore, Materials R&D Manager, Samsung Electronics, the blue part, the side key bracket, basically avoids making your phone waterproof from the side keeper and dustproof.

“So it acts as a barrier to water and dust and improves the durability of your phone. Similarly, with the receiver decode that displays con nector Cap and other green parts, they act as housing to the crucial components,” he told the media during an interaction.

“As they are housing the critical components, they act as a barrier and are durable so that they can withstand all kinds of climatic conditions and all kinds of stresses

“Starting with Galaxy S22 earlier this year and now with the new Galaxy Foldables and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, we are scaling up the use of this inno vative material,” said the Samsung executive.

By the end of 2022, “we hope to prevent more than 50 tonnes of discarded fishing nets from entering our oceans”.

According to Rathore, they have been researching and developing sustainable materials for over a decade.

“2017 is when we started applying post-consumer materials in inbox charges and in 2018, we applied this material across all the products and chargers. This was when we started developing a new material solution to replace fossil-based raw materials with bio-based raw materials, which are renewable,” he informed.

The repurposed fishing Nets are used in the internal brackets of the charging case, and the post-con sumer materials are used in all the exterior parts of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

“With the Galaxy Watch 5, we also introduced post-consumer materials in the ECG and BIA keys, which you can see from the outside,” said Rathore.

By 2030, Samsung plans to establish system in which minerals extracted from all collected waste batteries can be reused

“By 2030, 50 per cent of plastic used in products will incorporate recy cled resin and 100 per cent by 2050. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has already been designed to incorporate plastics recycled from discarded fishing nets and other marine waste, and the success seen here will soon be expanded to additional products,” according to the company.

Loss and damage is also referred to as the “third pillar” of climate change politics, after mitigation (tackling the root cause of the problem by reducing emissions) and adaptation (preparing for current and future impacts).

However, developed countries have pushed back against this since 1990s when the text of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was being drawn up, terming it completely implausible. Meanwhile, a group of island countries had proposed that an international insurance fund be created to compensate low-lying countries for the damage caused by rising sea levels.

The Economist magazine reports that in 2015, at the talks, which cul minated in the adoption of the Paris Agreement, developing countries again sought a strong clause on loss and damage financing. But they end ed up with only a vague reference to the issue. And concrete action was left for future discussions, thus the Egypt Summit offers a chance again to hammer out a concrete policy and action plan on the issue.

On September 22, the UN Human Rights Committee ordered the Australian government to pay compensation to indigenous people living on the islands of the Torres Strait, which are being eroded by rising seas. Perhaps it is for the first time that such a payment has been ordered. The Australian government seemed sympathetic to the islanders’ plight. But whether it will translate into hard cash, let alone a costly acceptance of liability - remains to be seen. Hence, a global framework for loss and damage still looks like a distant prospect.

Disasters in the developed world Meanwhile, the developed world is also not safe from the Climate Change vagaries. Natural disasters such as Hurricane Ian, which recently left behind a trail of damag es running in billions of dollars, are on the rise in the United States.

Hurricane Ian, which battered parts of Florida and South Carolina, is estimated to be the latest in a grow ing trend of billion-dollar disasters in the United States.

As compared to between 1980 and

To reduce such natural mishaps happening again and again, both developed and developing nations need to adopt practices, which rapidly reduce and remove heat-trapping emissions from the atmosphere to limit warming extremes.

In addition, they’ll have to look towards greener sources of energy instead of fossil fuels, which have contributed to a large extent to green gas emissions.

But at the same time, they’ll also have to adopt and put into practice policies, which mitigate the damag es in the poorer countries, instead of just offering one time aid to ease off their burden.

The forthcoming Egypt Summit should strive to find a new feasible approach to counter the Climate Change disasters, instead of just hollow promises and no real ground work, as has happened at previous COP conferences.

(Asad Mirza is a political commen tator based in New Delhi. He writes on Indian Muslims, educational, international affairs, interfaith and current affairs)

How Samsung has put repurposed fishing nets in new foldables

Bengali Association of Victoria celebrates Durga Pujo

Bengali Association of Victoria organised Durga

on

September,

Consulate General hosts India’s EAM

The Consulate General of India, Sydney recently organised a welcome reception in honour of India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S. Jaishankar. During his

address, he shared his thoughts on the rapid growth in India-Australia relationship since 2014 and underlined the new areas of focus in partnership, including education,

technology, resources and mobility. He deeply appreciated the contri butions of the Indian Australian community.

Indian student stabbed 11 times in Sydney, says family

A

n Indian student Shubham Garg, 28, who is doing PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, became a victim of brutal knife attacks, after he was allegedly stabbed 11 times on October 6.

According to an Indian newspaper The Times of India report, his family said that Shubham is in hospital at present and is in critical condition. The family, according to the news paper report, has called this attack “racial”. The parents of Shubham who are living in Agra said that they have been trying to get a Visa for Australia for the last few days but

haven’t been able to get it.

The Times of India quoted family sources as saying that Shubham suf fered multiple injuries on his face, chest and abdomen. A 27-year-old suspect is said to have been arrested in connection with the crime and has been charged with “one count of attempted murder”.

Shubham’s father confirmed that neither they nor his son knew the assailant, reports The Times of India.

According to The Times of India report, the Agra district magistrate told the newspaper that Visa application of Shubham’s brother is

under process and it will be made available soon.

Open House to address concerns of Indian nationals

The Consulate General of India in Melbourne would be holding an Open House once in every fortnight of the month to address consular matters such as Visa, Passport, OCI and PCC. No prior appointment is required to

attend the session.

Members of the Indian Community and diaspora will get the opportu nity to visit the Consulate between 3.00pm to 4.00pm on 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month to interact

with Consular officer.

The objective of this open house meeting is to engage with Indian nationals in understanding their concerns and to the extent possible, resolving them.

Murdoch University signs MoU with ANGRAU to boost education ties

I

n a bid to further advance the ed ucation partnership, an MOU was signed recently between Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) from the state of Andhra Pradesh in India and Murdoch University by Vice Chancellor and President, Murdoch University Prof Andrew Deeks, and Registrar, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agriculture University Dr G. Rama Rao, in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture and the Arts; Sport and Recreation; International Education, Heritage Samantha Rowe MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing and Food Processing, Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, Kakani

ANGRAU is a public university in Andhra Pradesh, India, with an economy focused mainly on agriculture. Western Australia had signed a Sister State agreement with Andhra Pradesh in 2016. About the commitment of Murdoch University to education and research through collaborations, its Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks said the University has been a leader in establishing ties with other institu tions and collaborating on important research and academic activities.

According to Murdoch University website, about the MoU Prof Deeks

said, “This MoU will promote the advancement of international understanding, dissemination of learning and strengthening of cultural ties between our two insti tutions.In particular, it will strength en the development and promotion of research; research training; and teaching, curriculum and course design, including training programmes. In addition, the MoU provides for the sharing and dis semination of academic materials; the exchange of, and cooperation between, respective staff, scholars and students including supervision and examination of students and the training and upgrading of staff. We will also be sponsoring cooperative

seminars, workshops and other academic meetings of matters of mutual interest.”

Prof Deeks added that Andhra Pradesh is known as the ‘Rice Bowl of India’, and Murdoch University would work closely with ANGRAU to share and improve knowledge in agricultural research and development.

Kakani Govardhan Reddy and the delegation from Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural Universityvisited the State Agriculture Biotechnology Centre and the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation at Murdoch University. The tour was facilitated by Director of the State Agricultural

Biotechnology Centre and the Centre for Crops and Food, Murdoch University Prof Rajeev Varshney. Also, the Kakani Govardhan Reddyled Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University delegation had a fruitful interaction with the University of Western Australia, Prof Tim Colmer UWA Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof David Sadler, UWA Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education); Prof Kadambot Siddique, UWA Institute of Agriculture Director and Prof Parwinder Kaur, UWA DNA Zoo Australia. The delegation also met Head of International Trade and Investment Centre Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western AustraliaMichael Carter.

Andhra Minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy- led delegation comprising Vice Chancellor, Registrar and other senior officers of ANGRAU also visited the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and held round table discussions with Prof Kevin Pfleger, Director, Biomedical and Health Innovation, UWA and WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub; and Associate Prof Parwinder Kaur as well as Director, DNA Zoo Australia and Director, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder, Ex Planta Pty Ltd on Bio-innovation and future agri culture new industry opportunities.

Consul General and Dr Jags MLA also accompanied the delegation.

Image courtesy: News18

Govardhan Reddy, Yaz Mubarakai MLA and Dr Jags MLA.

organises conclave on Digital

of Education

Festival of Chariots celebrated

eakin University, one of the top universities of the world, in association with TATA Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, digital and business consulting services, organised an International Conclave on ‘Digital Transformation and Internationalisation of Education’ on 27th September 2022 in New Delhi. The conclave discussed the digitization and internationali sation of education highlighting issues like education, skilling and research. These issues will pave the way for a successful bilateral relationship between India and Australia. The themes on which discussions were held are “Digital Transformation & Internationalisation of Education”, “International Collaboration in Research & Innovation” and “Skill Based Education To Enhance

Global Employability”.

D

India’s Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Prof Ian Martin, VC, Deakin University, Subramaniam Ramadorai, Prof. C Rajkumar, Founding VC, OP Jindal University, Mathew Johnston and thought leaders from India and Australia.

Addressing the Conclave Pradhan said, “India and Australia share a long relationship based on shared values. Our partnership in the education and skill sectors is going from strength to strength.

India aspires to lead the Industrial Revolution 4.0. India-Australia partnership can play a major role in this journey.”

Pradhan said that knowledge is a critical pillar of any civilization.

Indian civilization has always been knowledge-based and

knowledge-driven. Taking this forward, India is implementing NEP 2020. Challenge today is educating and skilling the vast population in the 15-25 age group.

He also said that there is a new “Digital Lifestyle” taking shape in India. From indigenous 5G by the end of 2023 to world leadership in digital payments, upcoming digital university and networking all villages with high-speed internet, India’s digitisation is creating new opportunities.

Pradhan also called for new knowledge networks with international institutions setting up campuses in India and Indian institutions too going global. Later, He added that India has always enriched society with wisdom. In the ever-evolving world, Indian knowledge networks will be for the benefit of humanity.

The Festival of Chariots 2022, traditionally known as Jagannatha Rath Yatra, was organised on October 1 in Brisbane. The procession was accompanied by singing, dancing and a colourful exhibition of traditional India. This

was an opportunity to be in the grace of Lord Krishna (Jagannatha).

The Festival of Chariots, or Ratha Yatra is a celebration of love depicted by the pulling of chariots by the community at large. The original festival in Jagannatha Puri,

India, has been celebrated for over 2000 years and is one of the world’s largest annual spiritual festivals. In this festival the deities are taken out of their temples in a colourful procession to meet their devotees.

Tributes paid to Mahatma Gandhi

The High Commission of India, Canberra organised a tribute paying ceremony on 2 October at Glebe Park, Canberra

to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. High Commissioner Manpreet Vohra addressed the gathering recalling the vision and

principles of Bapu. This was fol lowed by poetry recitation by Prof Satendra Nandan.

Folk dance theatre Swang organised

The first-ever Swang event was organised on the premises of the Consulate General of India recently by Jyoti Rana Swang Mandli, supported by Vishva Hindu Parishad, Perth, and Consulate General of India, Perth under

AzadiKaAmritMahotsav.

Swang is a popular folk dance the atre from Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and is based on religious stories and folk tales. Swang Lanka Kand is based on Sant Tulsidas Ramayan Chapter

Six directed by Dr. Satish Georgy Kashya. The audience included members of the Indian community from all states and regions of India as also representatives of Botswana, Fiji and Kenya.

A feast of Indian dances on November 19

The Academy Of Indian Classical & Bollywood Dance led by its founder-di rector and choreographer Rakhi Bose, will present a wide variety of Indian classical, semi-classical and contemporary grand dance

show ‘Nritya Gandhar - The Fragrance of Indian Dance’ on 19 November, 2022, at Indian Community Centre, Willetton, WA.

Since its inception in 2010, the Academy has been conducting dance programmes and classes

in Perth and training students ranging from the age of 4 years to 40 years. The Academy has given outstanding performances in prestigious events and stage shows and won awards and recog nitions in many competitions.

Indian classical dances Bharatnatyam and Mohiniattom showcased

Bhairavi Dance School pre sented ‘Dakshina’, an event that displayed Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Mohiniattom, on the evening of 8 October at Indian Community Centre, Perth.

It was the painstaking endeavour of Sindhu Nair and her talented team of Indian-Australian artists who presented an intricate and exquisite performance of Indian classical dance and music marking the 10th anniversary of Bhairavi Dance Classes. The event was appropriately

titled ‘Dakshina’ as it was a tribute to the Guru by her students for her care, affection and teachings.

Among the attendees were chief guests Consul General, Perth, Amarjeet Singh Takhi, Member for Jandakot Yaz Mubarakai, Member for Riverton Dr. Jags Krishnan, and Member for Tangney Sam Lim.

Besides the participants, musicians Radhika, Ananthu, Dev, Satheeshan, Suman, Ananya, and Kasthuri enthralled the audience and sup ported the artists with their musical prowess. On this occasion ISKCON

Perth - Sri Sri Gaura Nitai Temple provided the prasadam (food).

The master of ceremonies Kavita reinforced the nostalgic and classical ambience throughout the show and assisted in connecting the audience with the essence of the performance. Also the International Centre for Choreography team sup ported the event. Prakash and Sasee supported in ensuring appropriate sound and lights respectively, and Yaso helped in the aspect of music coordination at the event.

Mental Health Walk organised

The Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA), supported by the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) is organising a Mental Health Walk in every capital city on October 16, at 10:30am starting at Perry Lake Reserve. The Walk has been organised in order to create aware ness about mental health and fund raising for the cause.

The Mental Health Walk is free for anyone joining through as a ISWA team.

This is a perfect opportunity for people to ride on this important cause and encourage everyone to join this event.

The Mental Health Foundation Australia is an organisation made up of people from all walks of life. It includes professionals, those living with mental illness, families of those living with mental illness, related organisations concerned with mental health and members of the public with an interest in mental health.

Managing Director (MD) at Technology Metals Australia Ltd Ian Prentice and Sonu Cheema, Company Secretary met the Consul General, Perth, Amarjeet Singh Takhi recently.

Technology Metals (TMT) has entered a memorandum of un derstanding (MoU) for a potential offtake deal with Indian steelmaker Tata Steel.The companies will engage in discussions regarding the offtake of vanadium pentoxide and other downstream vanadium products from TMT’s Murchison Technology Metals project (MTMP) in Western Australia.

Technology Metals Australia Limited (ASX:TMT) is an ASX-listed company focused on the exploration and development of its flagship, 100% owned Murchison Technology Metals Project (MTMP) located

ISWA treasurer gets Certificate of Appreciation

As a testament to Indian Society of WA’s (ISWA) growing stature in the community and its excellent work, ISWA treasurer Subrata Bhattachrya has received a Certificate of Appreciation as a valued not-forprofit treasurer for 2022. This award is from Ourcommunity.com.au and Commonwealth bank.

ISWA is a non-profit incorporated in 1972. ISWA’s objectives are to foster the participation of Indian ethnic communities in the development of a cohesive, culturally pluralistic society bearing in mind their histor ical evolution and contribution to the society. It aims to stimulate and promote interest and appreciation of Indian culture in its widest sense.

parivar, Perth, to Mata Ki Chowki at the Indian Community Centre, Willetton, on 16 October.

weddings, anniversaries or during Ganapati and Navaratri festivals during the year. The celebrations are done in the evening for three hours on any day, generally from 7 pm to 10 pm.

vanadium deposits and is one of the highest-grade vanadium projects in the world with the lowest quartile operating costs once developed.

Diwali Mela 2022 on October 22 and 23 in Perth

The Indian Society of Western Australia, in collaboration with member associations, is organizing Diwali Mela 2022, Festival of India, on 22 and 23 October, at Claremont Showground, near Perth, Western Australia.

The Diwali Mela will have a number of food stalls serving authentic Indian snacks and a wide variety of dishes. The non-food stalls consist of traditional ethnic dresses, Henna,

banking and mortgage services, spiritual stalls and display of a number of small entrepreneur’s businesses.

The most sought after Diwali Mela competition is now on. Expression of Interest is now open for the People’s Choice Rangoli Competition.Platinum Sponsor for the event Nimbu Tree will give away jewelry sets to the Rangoli Winners at Diwali Mela 2022.

Technology Metals Australia’s MD meets Consul General

The Jai Durga Cultural Association, led by its President Rajnish Sood, and all Mandli members invited the Consul General (CG) Amarjeet Singh Takhi and the entire Consulate

Mata Ki Chowki is a devotional cel ebration done on happy occasions such as engagements, birthdays, 50km southeast of Meekatharra in the Mid-West of Western Australia. The MTMP comprises the Gabanintha and Yarrabubba

Mahatma remembered on his 153rd birth anniversary

he Mahatma Peace Symposium 2022 (MPS 2022), a tribute to India’s father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 153rd Birth Anniversary was organised for the first time on 28 September at the Parliament of NSW.

T

The Mahatma Peace Symposium is an initiative of the Saroni Roy Foundation (SRf) with a view to increasing public awareness about Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of sustain ability, development and Ahimsa (non-violence).

The MPS 2022 also highlighted ‘Australia Celebrating India’s 75 Years of Independence’ – Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a further commitment of both the countries to forge strong ties. These feelings were also articulated by The Hon. Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra, through his video message shown at the event.

MPS 2022 was organised with the support of Hon. Matt Kean MP, Member for Hornsby, NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy. Among the attendees were parliamentarians and dignitaries, including Hon. Consul General of India, Sydney Manish Gupta and Nimeesha Gupta, Hon.

Mark Coure MP, Member for Oatley, Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Seniors, Hon. Jason Yat-sen Li MP, State Member for Strathfield and Hon. Scott Farlow MLC, Government Whip in the Legislative Council. Fijian-IndianAustralian Deputy Mayor Barbara Ward, councillors and members of the Indian diaspora also attended the event.

The event presented a live concert by actor and artist Saroni Roy, with the rendition of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite songs ‘Vaishnav Jan To’, ‘Raghupati Raghav’, ‘Ekla Cholo Re’.

The event showcased artists from India and Australia.

The event also included a Global Peacebuilders Forum that called for action by peacebuilders, artists, government leaders, advocacy, media and academia worldwide, so as to forge a global partnership for a better, peaceful and more sustainable future for all.

Noted Author Indranil Halder was present at the event. He was clad in a traditional dhoti symbolising Mahatma’s philosophy of adopting khadi as sustainable clothing.

In his Facebook post Indranil wrote after the event, “Delighted to be invited to Mahatma Gandhi Peace Symposium 2022 event at NSW Parliament to to mark 153rd birth anniversary of Gandhi this year. Honoured to have received an award for community engagements.”

The Indian community in Western Australia com memorated the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the UN International Day of Non-Violence, in an event organised by the Consulate General of India, Perth, in collaboration with several local institutions.

The programme, attended by Indianorigin Member of WA Parliament, Councillors of local governments,

Professors at WA Universities, com munity leaders and schoolchildren included rendition of Bapu’s favou rite hymns, including ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’, and ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’ and talks on life and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi, and soulful instrumental music.

The painting of Bapu with many of his quotes, made by 20 Australian children under the direction of Dr Sarasa Krishnan of the Department of Visual Arts of Saraswati

Mahavidyalaya, instrumental music and Shankhnaad by Australian follower of Brahmakumaris were some of the major highlights of the event.

Earlier during the day, Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi paid flower tributes at Gandhiji’s statue at the Indian Community Centre in Perth, together with members of the Bengali community.

Festival of India organised in Canberra

The High Commission of India, Canberra and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations presented ‘Festival of India’ in Canberra, on October 8, at Llewellyn Hall, Action, ACT.

Pavitra Bhatt group enthralled the audience with their Bharatanatyam performance, bringing alive the epic of Ramayana on stage. The evening was further made special by the Margam group who showcased the

diversity of Indian culture by pre senting dances from across India, including Bhangra, Garba, Ghoomar, Kathputli, Dakhla, and many other forms of dances.

Session on geriatric health and wellbeing organised

An informative and interactive session on emotional health and mental wellbeing, particularly for elderly people, was conducted recently by an eminent panel of Geriatric and Psychiatrist experts. The panel elaborated on de mentia, healthy ageing, and mental wellness in older people, which was well attended and appreciated by the

participants.

The event was yet another initiative in this field by the Hindu Council Australia, in collaboration with the City of Canning and Hillview Hub Intercultural Community Centre.

Dr Bhaskar Mandal, Consultant Geriatrician and Older Person Health Network Lead (WA), Dr Mathew Samuel, Consultant

Psychiatrist, and Dr Sean Maher, Consultant Geriatrician and Deputy Chief (Alzheimers WA) guided the participants on various facets of mental health. The Consul General spoke at the event and thanked the Mayor of the City of Canning in supporting and leading such initiatives.

‘Dhak, Dhunuchi Nachh and Shankho Dhowni’ marks Perth’s Durga Pujo

The Bengali Association of Western Australia (BAWA) celebrated Durga Puja this year from 30th September to 2nd October. The Bengalis are generally famous for their love for festivals and food. Durga Puja with the tune of ‘Dhak’ is the lifeline of Bengali culture. It also symbolises community connection and well being. In Perth the Durga Puja was started by a small group of Bengalis in the early 90’s of the last century at their own house and since then the tradition has continued. The idol then was hand made by one of the community members and the pride of the puja among the Bengalis continues today as well. This year the Bengali Association of Western Australia celebrated their 30th Year of Durga Puja, the biggest and oldest

puja in Perth.

Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi and Smt. Takhi joined the vibrant Bengali community in celebrating Durga Pujo, organised by the Bengali Association of Western Australia led by Dr. Ashis Roy and other senior and young members of the Community.

In a written message to the Bengali Association of Western Australia, Premier of Western Australia Mark McGown MLA said, “This year marks 30 years that the Bengali Association has held Durga Puja, celebrating the goddess Durga, ‘the destroyer of evil’. This festival of love, power and family is an occasion to celebrate humanity and Bengali cultural heritage.” Lauding the endeavours of the Bengali Association he added, “Sharing your

distinct heritage is just one of the many ways the Bengali community contributes to the advancement of the state and its ethos of multicul turalism. I commend the Bengali Association of Western Australia for hosting and sharing this annual event, which has now become a part of this state’s calendar of multicul tural festivals.

Just as in previous years, Durga Puja in Perth was celebrated wearing traditional clothes, offering Anjali, and offering Bijoya pranam to elders and best wishes to youngsters .The familiar sound of Dhak, Dhunuchi Nachh and Shankho Dhowni, and active participation from wider Western Australian communities transformed the Durga Puja event into a truly family and multicultural event.

New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) The Congress’ Central Election Authority (CEA) has barred the party general secretaries and other office-bearers from voting in their assigned states in the party’s presidential poll, and can instead vote in their home states.

In a circular, Madhusudan Mistry, the CEA chairman, said, “As you are well aware that the polling for the election of the Congress President is scheduled to be held on Monday, 17th October 2022 at all PCC Headquarters from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“In order to remain impartial and maintain transparency in the election process, the Central Election Authority has decided that no AICC General Secretaries/ State In-charges, Secretaries and Jt. Secretaries would be allowed to cast their vote in their assigned states.”

Therefore, they have been requested to cast their vote either at home state or at AICC Office, as per their choice, said the order.

Allaying fears of being identified, the Congress Central Election Authority (CEA) Chairman on Wednesday had

assured the voters of the secrecy of the ballot in the October 17 party presidential poll.

While issuing standard protocol for the voting till the counting of the votes, Madhusudan Mistry said that there was no numbering on the papers and only counterfoil with detail will be kept with the election authority while ballot boxes will be sealed and unsealed in front of election agents. Ahead of counting of votes, all the ballot papers will be mixed so that no one would know how many votes the candidate got from a particular state.

He said that they have received a complaint that has been addressed by the CEA. In fray for the top post are Shashi Tharoor and Mallikarjun Kharge. Sixty-seven booths have been set up in all the states, the party’s CEA has said.

held 14 Dalits captive and tortured them.

One of the captives, who was preg nant, suffered a miscarriage after she was assaulted.

The ruling BJP in Karnataka had on Tuesday sounded the poll bugle with its Jan Sankalp Yatra from Raichur district.

The yatra is also part of its strategy to counter Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra which is currently passing through the state.

Kolkata, Oct 10 (IANS) Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who is the key contestant for the post of the party President, on Monday prom ised that he will give more stress on “collective decisions” in the party if he is elected for that chair.

“This is an internal election. Any de cision will be taken through internal and mutual discussions. Not ‘me’ but ‘we’ will together take the decisions,” Kharge said while addressing a press meet as he visited Kolkata for campaigning.

He also promised a 50 per cent reservation in the party portfolios for women, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other back ward classes. He also proposed that no one will be able to stick to a particular chair for a period more than five years.

“We all wanted Rahul Gandhi

to be unanimously elected as the Congress President. We also conveyed this to our leader, Sonia Gandhi. But she said that none from the Gandhi family will contest in the polls. I am contesting this election to uphold the great legacy of Congress’s ideology as well as to establish democracy in the entire country. I am contesting this elec tion following the instructions of the leadership of my party,” Kharge said.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) is yet to make any formal announcement on whether their support will be extended towards Kharge or the other contestant for the chair, Shashi Tharoor. According to state Congress President and veteran party Lok Sabha member, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the state Congress unit wanted Rahul Gandhi

to be party’s national President. “But that is not happening. We, on behalf of WBPCC, have welcomed Mallikarjun Kharge. Similarly, we will also welcome Shashi Tharoor who is coming to the state soon. However, we are yet to take any decision,” he said.

K’taka: Cong planning to rope in Priyanka for Ballary convention

Bengaluru, Oct 10 (IANS) The Congress party in Karnataka buoyed by the response of the party’s ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi is planning to rope in another Gandhi family member -- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, for its Ballary convention.

Siddaramaiah went on to become the Chief Minister.

Hospet, Oct 12 (IANS) As BJP leaders continued their Jan Sankalp Yatra in Karnataka for a second day on Wednesday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and his predecessor B.S. Yediyurappa had breakfast at the home of Hirala Kollappa, a Dalit man, in Kamalapur

village near Hospet.

The two were accompanied by Ministers Govind Karajol and Anand Singh.

The move is being seen as a dam age-control exercise after it came to light on Tuesday that a BJP support er in Chikkamagaluru district had

Ahead of the Assembly polls sched uled in the first half of next year, the ruling BJP is making all out efforts to reach out to the Dalit community in the state.

On October 8, the Bommai cabinet had decided to enhance reservations for the SC/STs.

Bharat Jodo Yatra: Rahul Gandhi meets ostracised Dalit family in K’taka

Initially, the authorities turned a blind eye to the incident but later swung into action. They broke open the temple lock and allowed Dalit families to have darshan of the deity and also promised a government land for the family conserned.

Bharat Jodo Yatra, which entered day 33 this morning, resumed from Pochkatte in Tumakuru district.

It will enter Chitradurga district to day after covering Chamarajanagar, Mysuru, Mandya and Tumakuru districts.

Sources in Congress said the party leaders are upbeat about the grand old party’s prospect in the upcoming assembly elections.

Interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi has joined the Bharat Jodo Yatra recently in Mandya district of Karnataka.

The Congress had come to power in 2013 assembly elections after holding a massive convention in Ballary against the mining mafia and then ruling BJP government.

The Congress managed to garner a simple majority in the elections and

The Congress leaders believe if Priyanka Gandhi joins padayatra in Ballary district and addresses the convention there, it would help boosting the party’s chances in the central as well as the northern Karnataka region.

‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ will cover a total distance of 511 km across 21 days in Karnataka covering eight districts.

The only public rally in the state as part of the yatra will be organised in Ballary.

The party is trying to bring in over lakh people for the rally.

Party insiders say that Rahul Gandhi was keen on including Ballary in the route of Bharat Jodo Yatra.

The yatra is scheduled to reach Ballary on October 19.

The convention is organised on the next day.

Ballary is also special to Gandhi family as it had given a major boost to Sonia Gandhi’s political career when she contested from here against BJP’s late former union minister Sushma Swaraj.

Tumakuru, (Karnataka) Oct 10 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met a Dalit family, who was ostracised after their son touched a pole attached to a God’s idol in Ullerahalli village of Kolar district, on the sidelines of his Bharat Jodo Yatra on Monday.

While interacting with the family, Rahul Gandhi expressed his concern over the injustice and comforted them for having gone through a traumatic experience of “untouchability”.

The family was invited to Tumakuru district where the Gandhi scion is

leading the padayatra from Kolar. Karnataka police had arrested six persons for imposing a fine of Rs 60,000 on the boy’s family.

The incident had taken place on September 8 in Ullerahalli village near Malur town of Kolar district.

After this incident, the elders of the village had asked the boy’s mother to arrange for Rs 60,000 to reorga nise the procession as her son had touched the deity’s sacred pole. They also threatened that her family would be boycotted if the fine was not paid.

The padayatra will cover Hiriyuru, Challakere and Molakalmuru towns of Chitradurga district amid tight security.

Headed by the Superintendent of Police, seven DySPs, 29 Police Inspectors, 89 PSI’s, nine platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and seven platoons of the District Reserve Police (DAR) have been deployed to ensure no untow ard incident takes place during the Rahul Gandhi’s padyatra.

The vehicular movement has been banned in the highways in Chitradurga district and alternative arrangements made.

Modi cautions party workers, voters against Congress’ caste politics

He said his party will have to rede sign campaign strategy in view of the Congress’ tricks.

He said, “If you don’t see their public rallies, don’t see Congress leaders addressing mediapersons, it does not mean that the party is not in the picture, it is silently spreading its message through ‘Khatla Parisad’ (Chaupal meetings).

Modi was addressing a gathering at Anand town, and said, “I need to alert you, the Congress party is effectively and silently working in villages by organising ‘Khatla Parisad’ through which it is playing casteist politics to divide the society.

“Don’t misunderstand or misin terpret my warning, leave it to the media, they will interpret my warning as they wish,” he said.

“Some 20 to 25 years ago, it was not safe for women to go out at night, they could hardly venture out for garba in the night. But, since the BJP is in power, the girl/women’s security is not an issue. Now parents do not fear or worry even if their daughter goes for late night garba,” said the Prime Minister.

Bengaluru, Oct 10 (IANS)

Top leaders from Karnataka condoled the death of senior politician and Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai stated, “Saddened at the demise of Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party patriarch, three-time Chief Minister of UP and country’s ex-Defense Minister. A true son of soil, he was a leader of the masses. My heartfelt condolenc es to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”

Bommai further said, “Mulayam Singh Yadav came to limelight under the guidance of leaders like Ram Manohar Lohiya, Raj Narayan. The country has lost a statesman.”

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of my longtime colleague and friend Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav. My condolences to his family and followers.”

He was deeply committed to secular, social political traditions. Will miss

him very much,” he stated. “Saddened to hear the passing away of former Uttar Pradesh chief miister and founder of Samajwadi Party Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav. He was one of the strong forces in our country’s fight against communal politics. My deepest condolences to all his family members and well-wishers,” Opposition leader Siddaramaiah maintained.

Rahul Gandhi condoles Mulayam Singh Yadav’s demise

Tumakuru, (Karnataka) Oct 10 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is leading Bharat Jodo Yatra in the state, on Monday con doled the death of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Rahul Gandhi took a break from the padayatra in Tumakuru and paid floral tribute to the portrait of the SP patriarch. He, along with other leaders, observed a two-minute silence in the honour of the depart ed leader.

workers as well as the voters against the attempts by the Congress to divide the people on caste basis.

This is the Congress party’s new dirty trick. We have to be careful about the dangerous design of this anti-Gujarat campaign.”

Attacking the past governments, he said, the earlier governments did construct dams, but never devel oped the canal networks, because of which the irrigation benefits never reached the farmers. This work was started by the BJP government 20 years ago and also completed.

Rajya Sabha member Digvijay Singh, Karnataka Congress incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala, senior leader K.C. Venugopal, State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar and Opposition leader in the Legislative Council B.K. Hariprasad joined the former Congress presi dent in paying tributes.

Recalling him as a born fighter,

D.Shivakumar stated that Mulayam Singh Yadav believed in secular values and dedicated his life to the upliftment of oppressed classes. He came from a humble background and created his place in the national politics of India.

The respect he commanded from leaders of rival political parties is an indicator of his personality. His demise is a loss to the nation. He stood for socialistic values and let him rest in peace, Shivakumar maintained.

Bommai, Yediyurappa have breakfast at Dalit home

Cong prez poll: Office-bearers barred from voting in assigned states

K’taka CM Bommai, Deve Gowda condole demise of Mulayam Singh

Kharge promises ‘collective decisions’ if he becomes Congress President

Former chief minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Board Committee member B.S. Yediyurappa said, “I am deeply saddened about the passing away of the Samajwadi Party leader, former Union Minister and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav Ji. His demise is a loss to the national polity. My deepest condo lences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Anand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday warned the

Mumbai, Oct 14 (IANS) The national selectors have picked seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, who had to pull out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia starting on Sunday. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23.

“The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Mohammed Shami as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement in India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad. Shami has reached Australia and will link up with the squad in Brisbane ahead of the warm-up matches,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honorary secretary Jay Shah informed in a release on Friday.

Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur have been named as backups and will travel to Australia shortly, the release added.

Bumrah was initially ruled out from the recent three-match T20I series against South Africa due to a back injury.

The 28-year-old Bumrah had picked up a back injury earlier last month,

which had ruled him out of the Asia Cup. He returned for the threematch T20I Series against Australia, which India won 2-1, and picked up a wicket in two matches.

The BCCI Medical team later ruled out the fast bowler from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad. The de cision was taken following a detailed assessment and in consultation with the specialists.

India squad for ICC T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, R. Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami.

CLOSE-IN: India have the fire-power to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an experi enced bowler, the likes of Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel have still to earn their spurs. Mohammed Shami as a replacement for Bumrah, if fit, would be an ideal option.

The Indian players, having had the advantage of playing the IPL, are now very familiar with the T20 concept and the situations that one confronts while playing it.

Melbourne, Oct 14 (IANS) With reports surfacing in the Australian media about stalwart David Warner’s leadership ban likely to be overturned by Cricket Australia (CA), legendary cricketer Greg Chappell feels the 35-year-old should get a reprieve soon, saying it’s time to “forgive and forget”.

Aaron Finch’s retirement as Australia ODI skipper has given Warner hope of taking charge of the side, but reportedly there are several hurdles in the way, the most difficult being Cricket Australia (CA) having to rewrite its code of conduct.

Three Australia cricketers -- the then-skipper Steve Smith, his dep uty Warner and Cameron Bancroft -- were banned from playing international and domestic cricket for varying periods not exceeding a year in the wake of the episode, also called the ‘sandpaper-gate scandal’.

The episode that happened during the Cape Town Test in 2018, not only prompted CA to ban the trio, but also barred Smith from taking up leadership role for two years, while Warner was banned from any such role for the rest of his professional life.

to the side after serving the ban, he has guided the team to victory in several campaigns, including Australia’s maiden title triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE last year. He has also been at his best behaviour, prompting several present and former cricketers, in cluding Test skipper Pat Cummins, to ask CA to lift the leadership ban on the veteran player.

Chappell said everyone should be given a second chance in the wake of CA bosses reportedly considering “adding a clause into its code of conduct that would allow long-term sanctions to be reviewed on the basis of good behaviour”, according to sen.com.au. As the per current CA rules, “once a punishment is accepted by the player at fault it cannot be challenged.”

Chappell said the time is right to allow Warner back into the leader ship role.

“I think it is (time is right),”

Chappell told SEN’s Mornings. “I don’t think there should be differ ent levels of punishment for people who were involved in the same incident. I think it’s time to forgive and forget.

“Everyone deserves a second chance, Davey has paid his

penance. He’s a very good leader, he’s done it in the IPL and showed he’s gone a very good understand ing of the strategic side of the game and he’s got a real passion for presenting his country. I would certainly be overturning that decision.”

With Finch retiring from ODI crick et, there’s a “distinct possibility” Warner could be asked to take over the leadership role of the side in the short term. Also, Big Bash League (BBL) side Sydney Thunder too are reportedly keen to make Warner captain for the upcoming edition of the tournament.

By Yajurvindra Singh

The Indian cricket team has embarked on its journey for the T20 World Cup 2022 to be played in Australia. This is wonderful news as the team will get enough time to get acclimatised to the conditions Down Under.

India play their first match on October 23 at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground against arch-rivals Pakistan. This is the most crucial match for the Indian side as a defeat in it could put them in deep waters to qualify. The main rivals, there after, are South Africa, Bangladesh and possibly the West Indies, if they qualify from their group games.

India should have got over their dis appointing performance in the Asia Cup 2022, having beaten Australia and South Africa in a three-match T20I series at home. The only blemish for India was that they lost their last match against South Africa solely due to experimenting with their bench strength players -- the reason being that India had already wrapped up the series and felt that they could do with a change.

One felt that India needed to keep their winning momentum intact, as a loss may not seem important but it has a lingering impact on a team’s confidence inadvertently.

The Indian team may rue the fact that their lethal frontline bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, unfortunately, due to injury, will not be a part of their side. However, India do have a battery of pacers to choose from in their fold.

The most difficult adaptation required for any side to play in Australia is to get used to their wickets and conditions. The addi tional bounce off the wicket is one

area that has been difficult to handle for most batsmen. Fortunately, the Indian team will have a fortnight to get acclimatised through a few practice matches and net sessions.

The T20 game is one in which batters have to start playing their shots from the very first delivery. This is where the challenge lies for the Indian batters as the shots that one is used to playing in India on a particular delivery are hugely different from what one needs to play in Australia. Similarly for the bowlers, the length to bowl varies substantially from what one is used to back home.

India, on their last trip to Australia in 2020/21, did fairly well in both the T20I and Test series, and one hopes that they are able to recollect and adjust their game accordingly. They now have the time to do so.

India’s batting strength is far ahead of any of their rivals. A team that boasts of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav as the top-four batters and the likes of Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya and the canny Dinesh Karthik to follow. This is a dream line-up for any side. India also boast of having some very good spin options. They have a leg-spinner in Yuzvendra Chahal, the accurate left-arm spin of Axar Patel and the world’s top off-spinner in Ravichandran Ashwin. The larger Australian grounds will suit them far better, and both Melbourne and Sydney wickets have shown that one can derive turn on them as well. Spin will play a very important part in the tournament and India fortunately are well equipped in that department.

The only area of worry is in India’s pace bowling options. Although

India started well in the Asia Cup by beating Pakistan but, thereafter, they faltered against them as well as Sri Lanka. The losses were not because of their cricketing skills but more in the way they approached the matches mentally.

The problem with the Indian team is the pressure that they put themselves into because of the hype that follows them.

The millions of well-wishers and fans may look like a wonderful following but they can become a heavy burden to carry on ones’ shoulders as well.

Team India needs to approach the T20 World Cup without the worry of winning the Cup. They need to play in a carefree manner without thinking about the outcome. India’s victory in the inaugural tournament in the T20 World Cup in 2007 was achieved by a young side that one least expected to win because they played without a care.

India are the current No. 1-ranked T20 side in the world. This they have achieved through their con sistent performances this year. The unfortunate fallout from being at the top is that everyone expects India to win. This has been the tale of woe since 2014 in all the multi-national ICC tournaments.

One feels that the Indian team looks far more comfortable and determined approaching this World Cup. The expectations of their followers are also much less, having been disappointed in the past. The time is just right for India to shine.

A Diwali victory on the eve of the festival against Pakistan would be just the right way for India to start their campaign.

India have the firepower to win, it is only the mental belief to do so that they seem to falter on, when put under pressure.

{Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer)

of their fans yet again after missing them for 2 years.

Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), today said that the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League will be a key milestone for the league and Indian Football.

provide fans easier access to live matches as the tournament shifts to more weekend-centric games from match week 3 onwards. This season has also been extended to feature a new playoff format that will involve the top six teams.

Featuring 117 matches of high-oc tane football action, the Hero ISL returns to entertain its fans across ten venues around the country. For the first time ever, the ISL league stage will run for close to five months apart from the playoffs, semi-finals and final. Each club will play 20 league matches - 10 each at home and away through autumn till next spring as the league stage draws to a close on February 26th.

Indian girls win silver and bronze at World Women 6Red Snooker 2022

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Oct 6 (IANS) Former World Team Snooker champion and multiple time international medal winner

Vidya Pillai reached the final of the World Women 6Red Snooker Championship 2022 at the High End Snooker Club here on Thursday.

With that she won a silver medal for India before losing to the cham pion Waratthanun Sukritthanes of Thailand.

Additionally, another Indian girl Varshaa Sanjeev added a bronze medal in the kitty of the Indian contingent by reaching the semifi nals where she lost to the champion Waratthanun 1-3.

But since Warner has returned of Thailand winning the first three frames in a row. Later she settled for Silver after losing to Waratthanun 0-4

Vidya had a great run throughout the championship where she cleared all her matches in the group stage except one, which she lost to Ip Wan In Jaique of Hong Kong in the deciding frame. Despite that loss, Vidya accumulated better average and topped the group B to get 5th seeding for the knockout.

At the knockout stage, Vidya advanced to quarter-finals and placed with one of the title con tenders Narantuya Bayarsaikhan of Mongolia. Though she had such a tough opponent, Vidya showed the nerve of steel to defeat her 3-2 to confirm the medal for India.

In the semis, Vidya routed Ploychompoo Laokiatphong

On the other side, Vidya’s sparring partner at home Varshaa Sanjeev also topped her group C to meet Tatiana Istomina in the quarter finals and won 3-0 to confirm another medal for India.

The presentation ceremony was attended by IBSF President Mr. Mubrak Al-Khayarin, Vice President Mr. Jim Leacy, Madam Chow Pui Hee, the Group Managing Director of Samaiden Group Brand and the Deputy President of MSBF Dato’ Mohd. Anis Hisham World Billiards (150-Up)

The knockout line up is: Pankaj Advani (India) vs. Thawat Sujaritthurakarn (Thailand)

S. Shrikrishna (India) vs. Roslan Yurnalis (Malaysia)

• Rohan Jambusaria (India) vs. Dhvaj Haria (India) Sourav Kothari (India) vs. Loukic Pathare (India)

• Dhruv Sitwala (India) vs. Yi Wei Puan (Singapore)

Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022 set to begin

Chennai, Oct 7 (IANS) MRF Formula 2000, among the quickest racing cars in the country, will return to the MRF MMSC-Fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship after a two-season break as the first round of the 2022 season gets un derway at the Madras International Circuit, here on October 8.

The two-litre single-seater will headline the compact, 10-race programme which also includes the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios), Formula LGB 1300 and the three-ti er saloon cars -- Indian Touring Cars, Indian Junior Touring Cars and the Super Stock -- categories.

Mumbai, Oct 6

The 2022-23 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) kicks off on October 7as last season’s runners-up Kerala Blasters host East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

The 2022-23 season will be special as fans will be welcomed back to the stadiums after a gap of two seasons. Teams will now have the support

“India’s football journey has been a testament to the spirit of the beau tiful game! With fans back at the stadiums and an extended football calendar, there is tremendous excitement and anticipation for the upcoming ISL season. Fans are the heart and soul of football and we are delighted to have them in the stands cheering for their teams again!

Over the last few years, despite the challenges of the pandemic, ISL provided a solid platform for young talent and digital engagement to fans. I’m sure this year will see the emergence of many more domestic players and top-quality football!,”

Nita Ambani said.

This season, the Hero ISL will also

Key dates for the 2022-23 Hero ISL season at a glance:

Opening Match: October 7th, 2022

• Last League Stage Matchweek: February 23rd-26th,2023

Playoffs, Semifinals and Final: March 2023

The MRF F2000 will have a grid of nine youngsters for whom it will be the first race outing in this category. Spearheading the pack is Agra’s Shahan Ali Mohsin, winner of the MRF F1600 championship in 2021. All the nine drivers have graduated from karting and junior formula championships. As such, the com petition is expected to be sharp. Another notable development is the debut of Volkswagen Virtus GT car with two of them entered in the premier Indian Touring Cars catego ry. They will be driven by Chennai’s

Sandeep Kumar, last year’s VW Polo Cup winner, and Jeet Jhabakh from Hyderabad, the 2019 VW Ameo Cup champion.

The Virtus is powered by a 1.5 litre TSi engine tweaked to put out 215hp and mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox. The Virtus will go up against the modified Honda City Vtec from Race Concepts stable and driven by defending champion Arjun Balu from Coimbatore.

The grid for the season-opener will comprise some 50 saloon cars and 30 single-seaters with a mix of

young and experienced competitors besides a few female drivers. The grandstand for spectators is open for the weekend.

Race director and MMSC vice-pres ident Vicky Chandhok said, “The 2022 season has had a slightly delayed start due to various reasons, but the number of entries has been encouraging. We are happy to have the MRF F2000 back in our midst after a two-season gap, besides to welcome the VW Virtus and also all the competitors.”

Shami replaces Bumrah in India’s Men’s T20 World Cup Squad; Siraj, Shardul remain with the team as reserves

This ISL season is another significant step towards our football dream, says Nita Ambani

‘Forgive and forget’, says Greg Chappell as he asks CA to overturn Warner’s leadership role ban

Championship 2022 Meanwhile all seven Indian players participating in the World Billiards (150-Up) Championship 2022 have qualified from group stage to play knockout round of Last-16

Plus-Sized Beauty in India

has undergone a significant shift. Consumers’ collective conscious ness has begun to press clothing and cosmetics brands to cater to all body types and shapes. Women, who primarily focus on the celebration and radical self-love of all body types, can make a significant con tribution to the broader acceptance.

bloggers and influencers on social media has been fueling a revolution in body image and self-love that has permeated the general public. The collective voice of ordinary people seeking inclusion from beauty products has been strengthened by the remarkable pioneering work of these influencers in educating and raising awareness.

A Free Pair For All

As a brand well known for its loyal global fanbase, Crocs, is gearing up to celebrate 20 years of fandom during the most wonderful time of the year, Croctober. A beautifully diverse tapestry of one-of-a-kinds from every corner of the world – this milestone moment will deliver the biggest and boldest fan-fueled experience yet with a month of surprise activations.

By Arindam Chakravorty

It used to be a fairly normal practice to watch TV or log onto social media only to notice lean, slim, attractive “socially-excepted” bodies on our screens. Since the 1980s, Indian audiences have been fed a poisoned ideal to aspire to by the beauty culture. On top of that, it is very challenging to find clothing at high-end brands that fit uncon ventional body types and plus sizes. In India, the standard for beauty

has been raised so high that it is practically impossible for anyone to fit in. The common narrative in ads, TV shows, and brands is that slim people can afford all the perks in life, such as societal acceptance, successful careers, and healthy relationships, among other things. However, things have been gradu ally improving. The way that com panies, the media, and society have represented different body sizes and shapes over the past five years

In order to accommodate larger body types, plus-size fashion and lifestyle firms are expanding their size portfolio. There is no denying the enormous opportunity that the inclusive size market offers. Beauty companies that take a comprehen sive approach to size inclusivity can build a substantial base of loyal customers.

Furthermore, the ability and power of social media to hold businesses responsible for their decisions has increased tremendously. Since practically all brands are on social media, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, customers can quickly contact them and have a direct connection with the brand and call them out easily. A noticeable increase in the number of plus-size

Fashion and cosmetics brands have already started moving in the right direction in response to this transformation. Fashion companies and designers can be seen actively collaborating with models of various sizes to reflect this change. Additionally, clothing brands are being sensible and are offering more sizes in-store and online. Brands have a bigger role than just creating an all-inclusive size choice rather the idea of inclusivity must perme ate every aspect of not just the brand but its consumers as well. We should strive to overcome and eventually break through that mentality and conditioning.

(Arindam Chakravorty, Head of Aurelia)

Festivities officially kick off in a big way on October 3rd, with the launch of a “Free Pair For All” shoe giveaway. ‘Tag a friend, win a pair’ and every day for the first week of Croctober, the brand will give away hundreds of pairs of shoes each day inviting all fans, ranging from OGs to newbies, to join in on the celebrations.

From there, the brand will continue to treat Croc Nation to surprise give aways and exclusive products. New product launches and noteworthy collaboration releases will further commemorate the brand’s 20-year milestone in an authentically Crocs way.

Momentum will continue all the way up to Croc Day, which would mark the commencement of the

celebrations, wherein a unique engagement activity for the fans is being planned. The day will also witness the launch of an intriguing AV feature, capturing the exhilara tion & jubilation of fans receiving surprising packages from the brand. Croctober is a moment to recognize Crocs fans around the country who are the driving force behind the brand’s success. It all started on October 23rd in 2017 with what was originally known as National Crocodile Day, when Crocs fans saw an opportunity to turn it into a celebration of their favorite shoe brand.

Optimism in the air, correlates to feel-good and opulent fashion

Each Indian state celebrates the occasion differently and wears different festive attire, all states are united by the shopping frenzy. As a result, the start of the holiday season in India coincides with the start of the shopping sea son. According to data intelligence company insights, consumers tend to shop more during the holiday season than the rest of the year. It

was also revealed that consumers plan to shop more this holiday season than last year, with one of the reasons being a desire to make up for the time lost during the several lockdowns over the last two years.

According to Resha Mandi, India’s largest farm-to-fashion digital ecosystem for natural fibres, the main emotion among the populace is a desire for calm and stability

Sarees

mixed with a sense of excitement and celebration as markets open and economies recover. There is a renewed optimism and vibrancy in the air, which correlates directly to feel-good and opulent attire.

The company recently released a trend forecast report, a first in the industry, that focuses on the Indian fashion industry and provides criti cal insights into the trends expected

to dominate this festive and winter season. Because consumers are becoming more value-conscious about their purchases and pickier about their preferences, the industry has had to strike a balance between presenting new ideas and providing secure, long-term solutions while still catering to consumers’ individ ual tastes.

10 primary hues are anticipated for the upcoming festivals and shopping seasons. Overall, the most

Border details

Popular motifs

Biophilic hues and themes

Festive Fabrics

These have gained prominence, with

The fabrics that are anticipated to rule the holiday season are soft silk,

the newly discovered spirituality

popular colours would include clas sic blue, crystal teal, green jacket, love potion, rubocondo, orchid, jaffa

cotton/ cotton silk, organza/tissue,

and connection to nature.

orange, calendula, bright chartreuse, and star white.

chiffon/georgette, and banarasi silk.

Kanjeevaram Banarasi

Tant

Pochampally

Kota

Cotton Silk Chiffon

Organza Banarasi Silk

Lace Edge Micro Motifs

Zari

Dots Stripes And Checks Painterly Florals Fine Vines

In terms of details, small border/ borderless, micro motifs, digital

This year, traditional sarees such as those woven in the Kanjeevaram,

traditions, updated zari, scalloped/ lace edges, translucency are

Banarasi, Tant, Pochampally, and Kota styles are likely to be more in expected to be more popular.

demand.

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Is it okay to use a face serum around your eyes?

Dr. Priti: The skin around your eyes (eyelids and under eyes) is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your face. So, it shows wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, and other signs of ageing sooner than other areas of the face. Since the eye area is more delicate than the rest of your face, certain types of face serums can be harsh on them.

5 Hacks to ace the glossy make-up trend

While8 hours of “beauty sleep,” drinking 8 glasses of water, and using a lot of highlighters may contribute to glossy skin, it all comes down to the specifics of the cosmetics you use.

Glossy eyeshadow has also become increasingly popular recently.

Models and celebrities alike love this shiny, glossy look—and the good news is that it’s totally achievable.

Just dab a tiny amount of Vaseline or your favourite transparent lipgloss (that is safe for the eyes) on your lids, and voila!

T

oday, there is a whole gamut of skincare solutions available in the market, both for your face and your body. From oils to serums to creams to balms, the choices are endless! And sometimes, these never-ending moisturizer choices can frustrate you and really get under your skin.

Some people are minimalists - they buy one face cream, apply it all over, and they are done. Others invest heavily in their skincare regime, layering products like toners, face serums, and creams. And to top it off, they religiously apply eye creams or undereye creams all over the thin skin around their eye area. Let us try to peel away the layers and solve this mystery with Dr. Priti Shenai, Founder of Skinworks, a leading beauty, and dermatology clinic based out of Mumbai.

What is a face serum?

Dr. Priti: Face serums nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin. They have a thin consistency so that they can be absorbed quickly by your skin. Another feature of face serums that sets them apart from face creams is that they have a higher concentration of active ingredients like skin lightening agents, exfoliat ing acids, vitamins, etc. So, by using a face serum, you can expect results much faster than a face cream.

Highly-concentrated serums with active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids (such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid) are not gentle on the eye area! So, if you use such a face serum, do not apply it around the eye area. Instead, use an eye cream.

What is an eye cream, and how is it different from face creams and serums?

Dr. Priti: Eye creams are specially formulated to treat (or prevent) skin conditions that affect the area around the eyes.

They treat common skin woes such as: Dark circles, Wrinkles, Puffiness, Sagging skin (eye bags), Sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, it will not react well to face serums and greasy creams

Eye creams have a thicker con sistency than face creams and are much oilier than face serums.

The bottom line: should one buy an eye cream?

Dr. Priti: If you want to banish dark circles or reduce wrinkles around your eye area, then it is definitely worth investing in an eye cream. But, before you spend big bucks on products that are trendy or are being promoted, consult your dermatolo gist. They will recommend fast-act ing, genuine products that work best for your specific skin type and solve your skincare woes for good.

N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in

Nanotechnology: The art of enhancing skincare like never before!

The smaller the product, the more effective it is

We all know that truly flawless makeup starts from a well-hydrated base! This is the perfect hack to

By Namrata Vardam

What would you do if you wanted to learn something new or know something in depth? You’re going to try to know everything, right? Even the smallest details of the subject. It is a reliable method for everything. This is how nano technology functions. Its minute form digs deep into the problem and eradicates it from the roots. Nanotechnology, as the name implies, is concerned with the most minute details. It is the branch of science and engineering in which phenomena occur at nanometre scales.

Nanotechnology has been a personal favourite of cosmetics manufactur ers for better UV protection, deeper skin penetration, increased colour, finish quality, and long-lasting effects. So far, products such as make-up remover, facial cleanser, anti-aging lotion, sun-screens, and other water-based cosmetic formu lations have shown the best results with the technology.

Understanding nanotechnology Nanotechnology, in layman’s terms, is technology at its most basic. It entails controlling whatever matter it comes into contact with at the nanometer scale. This scale also deals with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. To grasp the concept of a nanometer, consider that it is an extremely small unit of length—a billionth (10-9) of a metre. This tiny nature produces precise results at the speed of light. It leaves no stone unturned and, when used correctly, can reach great heights. However, with larger tasks come greater responsibilities. On a nano meter scale, materials may exhibit unusual properties. And even minor changes in size can completely alter the properties.

• How nanotechnology is trans forming skin care?

People’s concern for eyecare has

grown as a result of irregular working hours and never-ending internet scrolling. Among the many products on the market, those based on nanotechnology have proven to be the most suitable. The under eye gel serum formula incorporates cutting-edge nanotechnology. Ingredients are subjected to an advanced particle size reduction process, in which particles are reduced to less than 50 nanometres in size. The smaller the product, the more effective it is.

The products’ extremely small nano-particles allow them to penetrate the skin 20 times faster. It spreads evenly and targets the affected area for better absorption. Anything touching more or less than the target area may fail to produce the desired results in sensitive skin. This is an area where nanotech nology excels. Furthermore, such products undergo extensive der matological and ophthalmological testing before entering the market, making them the safest to rely on.

• Benefits and impact on skincare Because of its effective approach to skincare, manufacturers are using nanotechnology in a wide range of cosmetics. According to studies, the average adult uses nine cosmetic products per day. These are among the most widely used products in the world and are available in a variety of forms these days, but not all of them are effective and provide long-term results.

Nanotechnology’s minute size makes it ideal for any skincare routine or requirement. As a result, it is preferred for almost any product that must specifically remove the problem from its roots.

Issues such as dark circles and puffy eyes necessitate the most extensive use of nanotechnology to restore the freshness of the targeted area like never before.

(Namrata Vardam, Product Executive, Entod beauty London)

Next up, amplify your illuminating skin with a lightweight dewy foundation. This will not only even

out your skin tone but also give an extremely natural-looking finish.

The key to looking absolutely fresh and glowing is to add gloss on your lips. A fresh flush of colour on your

Styling curls? Here’s how

Admit it, curls have become the new “It” hairstyle! Celebs, influencers, and TikTok stars love sharing the best way to curl and maintain those locks on their channels.

Curly hair is beautiful but not nec essarily easy to take care of. When it comes to styling it, there are so many options to choose from; hair

gels, conditioners, creams, hair sprays and whatnot. And yes, it can get confusing, resulting in us lazy souls sporting that mundane bun, again! But not anymore, as Dhruv Madhok and Dhruv Bhasin, founders of Arata shares with IANSlife how you can style and enhance those big curls.

Curly hair can take a lot of time to grow. Well, not really, as your hair is growing but it takes forever before you see a noticeable change in your length because it keeps getting curlier. So cutting them might be the last thing on your mind when looking for a change.

Accessorize It Right

Get them

best

One thing that we strongly believe

On the days your curls are living their best life and not letting you style them the way you want to, just accessorize them.

Spray the Arata Advanced Curl Care Detangling Spray all over your hair to detangle it, then comb your hair

backwards and secure

Another

pop

option

is

and not taming them!

their

them

natural

After a quick

Get Knotty!

their

and

On the days you want to take a break from that big hair bun, add another one. No, really!

Simply part your hair from the middle, take one section of it, and tie it up

a tiny bun. Then, repeat on the other

You can also let some

Care

have

hardly

tame

as it gives a much-refined

These

After

Mamta Naik, Associate Vice President, Product Development, SUGAR Cosmetics guides you with these 5 hacks to ace the glossy make-up trend:

Make your glow last all day with a highlighting setting mist. This will not only keep your glam intact but

also add a light sheen of illumina tion to your face.

get the truly lit-from-within skin, without actually drinking 8 glasses of water a day.

lips topped with glossy sheen is the last and final hack to crack the glossy makeup look.

The most important step in creating a glossy makeup look is to make sure you prep your skin

Step

Start with an illuminating moisturizer

Step 2: Foundation First

Step

Some

conditioner, apply the Arata Advanced Curl Care Curly Hair Cream on damp hair as it defines your natural curl

turizes

N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Mumbai: Lata Mangeshkar music college launched on her 93rd birth anniversary

from the P.L. Deshpande Academy, Shinde had said.

Lata Mangeshkar desired to start such a music college in memory of her father, Master Dinanath Mangeshkar, and the former Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s former Minister Aditya Thackeray had shown her the plot which she had liked.

After her demise, the ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray had announced that a world class music college would come up in memory of ‘Lata didi’, as she was known during her lifetime.

Cultural Extravaganza in The Doon Valley

Virasat Arts and Heritage Festival, organized by the Rural Entrepreneurship for Art and Cultural Heritage (REACH), will open its gates for the 26th edition of the festival on 9th October this year and will observe a conclusion on October 23rd at BR Ambedkar stadium, in the ‘City of Love’ - Dehradun.

In a fitting tribute, the ‘Bharat Ratna Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar International Music College & Museum’ was inaugurated at the Kalina Campus of the University of Mumbai, here on Wednesday -- on the 93rd birth anniversary of the melody queen who passed away on February 6, officials said.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis did the honours in the presence of a large number of min isters, political leaders and music personalities like Usha Mangeshkar, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Meena Khadilkar, Adinath Mangeshkar, Ashok Patki, Sonu Nigam, Anup Jalota, Pankaj Udas, Mayuresh Pai,

Taufiq Qureshi, Lalit Pandit, and others.

With this, the University will offer the first six certificate courses of one-year each in Hindustani classi cal music, Indian flute, tabla, sitar, harmonium/keyboard and sound engineering will be launched with an initial intake of 150 students.

In August this year, the Maharashtra government had handed over a 7,000-square metre plot owned by the Directorate of Libraries in the Kalina campus of Mumbai University for the music college.

However, as a temporary measure, till the college gets its own building and other amenities, it will function

Later, the government had set up a 14-member expert advisory board for the college courses which included Chairman Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar, Adinath Mangeshkar, Suresh Wadkar, Mayuresh Pai, Zakir Hussain, A.R. Rahman and other personalities.

To start with, the teaching posts will be on an emoluments basis and clerical/ typist jobs will be filled on an external basis, machinery, equip ment and other requirements will be purchased, all at a cost of nearly Rs 1.75 crore per month.

This fulfils a commitment made by the state government to start the global music college from the current academic year in memory of Lata Mangeshkar.

The Great Indian Beatbox Festival

of beatboxing”; “Beatboxing as an artform”; “Career in beatboxing”; “Beatboxing in India” etc. “Music is something which can bring everyone together. Beatboxing as an art form is a part of hip-hop culture, but it is transforming into a form of vocal music production.

The IBF 2022 is going to bring multiple cultures together. People may belong to different states, and countries and speak different tongues, but beatboxing unites everyone,” said Raka Vee, founder of BBXINDIA.

RK Singh- Founder and General Secretary, REACH said, “While the world around us has changed substantially due to COVID-19, our enthusiasm to provide a platform for showcasing the best in national and worldwide folk, culture, and art has grown even more. Each passing year, at Virasat we work towards introducing and promoting the best of the traditional artwork and cultural treasures that adorned many regions of the nation. We are convinced that Virasat 2022 will be as successful as the past years as it promises to take you on yet another memorable musical and cultural adventure.” The festival popular as ‘Afro-Asia’s biggest heritage &

folklife festival’ will be inaugurated at 6.00 pm, followed by a traditional dance/music performance from Uttarakhand. Marking the 26th anniversary of the festival, Virasat festival will witness performances by impeccable artists like Wadalis, Aswini Bhide, Suresh Wadkar, Prahlad Singh Tipania, Osman Mir, Kumresh and many more from various walks of the cultural milieu.

The 15-day-long festival is a platform for people to closely experience art, culture, and music by the renowned

classical music and dance maestros, and master craftsmen are invited to perform. The festival will showcase a crafts village, cuisine stalls, an art fair, folk music, Bollywood-style performances, heritage walks, etc. The festival is a chance for people from across the country to educate themselves about India’s rich cultural heritage and learn more about its significance. Each element of the festival, art exhibition, musi cals, food, and heritage walk denotes a traditional value attached to the Indian heritage.

An all-star cast and a 45-piece orchestra on stage by the Symphony Orchestra of India

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour is a political satire by multi-award-winning playwright Sir Tom Stoppard and celebrated conductor/composer

André Previn. Billed as ‘A play for actors and an orchestra’, the National Centre for the Performing Arts new production of this rarely performed landmark theatre event features an all-star cast and a 45-piece orchestra playing live on stage by the Symphony Orchestra of India. Sir Tom Stoppard himself is planning to be in attendance for what is sure to be the must-have ticket of the season.

Previn’s music is evocative of the Russian classical style. The orches tra appears on stage as a character in the play. This is a play where the music and the text are completely interwoven.

Guthrie shares, “The play is a brilliantly funny, relevant piece that combines spectacle with emotion and conflict. It is Orwellian in tone, it asks questions on the nature of freedom of speech and expression that act as a warning, from history to the modern age.”

October 04, 2022 (IANSlife) Taking a giant leap forward, the beatboxing art form, which has remained sheathed in the underground scene, is all set to come out of its shadow with a one-of-its-kind festival the country will witness this December.

A dedicated carnival—the Indian Beatbox Festival—for the subculture of hip-hop is scheduled in Mumbai from December 15–18 that will host live beatbox music, dialogues, workshops, and the Indian Beatbox Championship with other hip-hop acts.

While the championship has been happening since 2016, it would be the first time that music enthusiasts will witness a dedicated hip-hop

festival lined up with terrific nation al and international talent.

The globally famed for their ‘out of the box’ beatboxing skills, finalists of America’s Got Talent, World Beatbox Champion 2018, the Berywam Crew has been roped into judging the par ticipants in the championship. The best among the hustlers would get the opportunity to represent India at the World Beatbox Championship.

Apart from performances, the event would also deliberate on the journey, present scenario, and the road ahead for the beatboxing art form in the country. A wide range of panelists will lead discussions on topics like “The history and future

“At the end of the day, beatboxing is a conversation about music between people from different backgrounds and languages. The celebration of vocal music in India is an upcoming culture that is going to take over the music industry in the future,” the organizer of the Indian Beatbox Festival added.

With the enthralling line-up of artists in the event, the audience will be treated to one of the greatest showdowns by nationally and internationally acclaimed beatbox ers. A live beatboxing battle amongst the top 100 artists from India and the emergence of the Indian Beatbox Champions 2022 will be the main attractions of the event.

The fusion of arts and culture with tourism...

a space for artistic expressions and conversations in the city. Through its initiatives and programs, MAP seeks to be at the forefront of cul tural conversations in the country. The vision is to create a space that is digitally savvy and sustainable in keeping up with the changing landscape of art.

Bruce Guthrie, Head of Theatre at the NCPA, said “When I took up my role as Head of Theatre & Films at the NCPA, Chairman Khushroo N Suntook and I discussed plays where cross-genre collaboration could take place. We want to create productions that you could only see at top international venues. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour fits those criteria perfectly. It is an honour to work with the brilliant musicians of the SOI who, under the leadership of Marat Bisengaliev, are known internationally as an orchestra of great quality. Only a handful of companies around the world are capable of mounting this kind of production, so we are delighted to be doing this incredible piece of theatre with a wonderful team of people.”

The cast includes Neil Bhoopalam, Denzil Smith, Sohrab Ardeshir, Deepika Deshpande Amin & Mihaail Karachiwala. The multi-awardwinning international creative team is led by the NCPA Head of Theatre & Films Bruce Guthrie as director, Mikel Toms conducting the Symphony Orchestra of India, Francis O’Connor as a designer, Pallavi Patel as costume designer, Rick Fisher as lighting designer, Andy Collins as sound designer, Rachel D’Souza as movement director and Mathew Scott as Music supervisor.

Sir Tom Stoppard spent his early life in India as a student at Mount Hermon American Multi-Racial School in Darjeeling after his family fled the Nazi occupation of Europe, which is why he has always felt a connection with India. The play is produced and staged in India is like a homecoming. His darkly funny and provocative play asks the audience if denying the truth is a price worth paying for liberty. The Guardian stated the play to be - “An all-encompassing piece of total theatre. The situation is classic Stoppard. Two men share a cell in a psychiatric hospital. Alexander is a political prisoner, Ivanov a gen uine mental patient who hears an orchestra in his head. Around this

Stoppard weaves a work, reconciling wit and anger, that reminds us that one of the worst features of tyranny is its ability to reorder reality. The perfectly sane Alexander will only be released once he admits he is mad, and his plight is worsened by the fact that he has to coexist with an orchestral fantasist and that his future depends on a colonel who is a doctor of philology. Catch-22 meets Alice in Wonderland.”

Experience the brilliance at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA from the 4th to the 6th of November 2022.

N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in

By N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Tourism fosters long-term partner ships with the local community, bringing happiness and job oppor tunities to a region. With art and cul tural heritage substantially affecting a traveler’s choice of destination, it becomes critical to invest in the arts in order to favorably benefit tourism in a city or country. The marriage of arts and culture with tourism gives economic growth prospects in any part of the world.

“Digital advancements have surely created an interest in art and cultural tourism by making it more accessible and inclusive.

Additionally, festivals such as MAP’s Art is Life, which brings together artists, curators, and collaborative initiatives, are built around garner ing interest in the art and culture that Bengaluru has to offer. The idea is to create a platform for artists to express themselves through the rich history that our country offers which also makes for a good avenue for the development of tourist

interests,” says Abhishek Poddar, Founder, MAP, or Kamini Sawhney, Director of MAP

The fusion of the arts and culture with tourism aids in creating a distinctive identity for a city to attract tourists, establishing a token of remembrance and reflection on a place’s legacy, which plays a signifi cant part in people’s imagination.

In its latest opening the museum in Bengaluru, the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) hopes to create

A platform for discussions, collab orations, and ideas surrounding art and culture, MAP is scheduled to debut in December 2022. It will serve as a venue for the promotion of South Asian visual culture to a wider audience. With its extensive collection of South Asian art and emphasis on the cultural legacy of the subcontinent, MAP’s collab orative attitude not only fosters these contacts but also aids in the development of cultural identity for the residents of Bangalore.

N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in

The play brilliantly counters the Soviet iron with Stoppard’s style of irony and shows the terrors of living in an orchestrated society. The plot begins with Alexander Ivanov’s imprisonment in a Soviet mental hospital, from which he will not be released until he admits that his statements against the government were caused by an alleged mental disorder. Alexander’s son begs his father to free himself with a lie. In the hospital, he shares a cell with a genuinely disturbed schizophrenic, also called Alexander Ivanov, who believes he is part of an orchestra.

Odia singer Murali Mohapatra collapses on stage during performance, dies

Bhubaneswar, Oct 3 (IANS) Odia singer Murali Prasad Mohapatra collapsed while he was performing live at an event in Odisha’s Jeypore town on Sunday night, and was rushed to the hospital but had passed away. He was 59.

According to sources, Mohapatra was performing at a show organised at Rajnagar in Jeypore town of Koraput district for Durga Puja. After singing a couple of songs, he sat on a chair on the stage and was listening to other singers, during which he

collapsed. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but doctors there declared him dead, family sources said.

Murali’s elder brother Bibhuti Prasad Mohapatra said he had been suffering from heart problems and diabetes for a long time.

Murali was known as ‘Khoka Bhai’ (in a tribute to renowned Odia singer, late Akshaya Mohanty) of Koraput district.

MAP’s

Bangalore

Virasat a 15-day-long festival is a platform for people to closely experience art, culture, and music

A live beatboxing battle amongst the top 100 artists from India will be the main attractions of the event

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

Denzil Smith

Announcing

Sohrab Ardeshir & Neil Bhoopalam

Deepika Deshpande Amin, Denzil Smith, Neil Bhoopalam, Mihaail Karachiwala Sohrab Ardeshir

By Vikas Datta

Is evil a cosmic constant, or a human construct? The answer may not be easy to find and hinge on the intensity of religious belief. But, there is no doubt in accepting that evil, regardless of its origin, has to be countered when it harms people -- and that is true in life as well as in literature.

The task of identifying the source of evil may not be easy. Especially when it is important to ascertain that the paranormal is not being adopted to conceal some plainly human criminal activity -- as read ers of Enid Blyton’s mystery series like the Five Find-Outers and TV series ‘Scooby-Doo’ can attest to. That is the ambiguous, yet not uncommon, situation Thomas Carnacki ‘the Ghost-Finder’, Father Brown, Simon Ark, Sister Pelagia -- a special breed of detectives from across the annals of literature for over a century now -- often find themselves in.

In fiction, mainstream detectives tackling human evil are ubiquitous, from Sherlock Holmes onwards, but “occult detectives”, who take on seemingly unworldly/other-worldly manifestations of evil, are fewer and lesser-known, despite the sub-genre combining two unique human fixations -- mysteries and the supernatural.

Part of this owes to the stipulations set by leading detective fiction writ ers, as the genre was coming into its own in the early 20th century, to stick to the natural world and its happenings -- even in crimes, such as locked room murders, which seemed miraculous.

The second of Ronald Knox’s 10 Commandments of Detective Fiction held that “All supernatural or preternatural agencies are ruled out as a matter of course” and the third of Raymond Chandler’s Ten Commandments said that the mystery “must be realistic in character, setting and atmosphere. It must be about real people in a real world”.

Even Holmes, whose some cases seem supernaturally tinged -- ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’, for one, was dismissive about the supernat ural and once observed: “The world is big enough for us. No ghosts need apply.”

The rule did not seem to be followed much. Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Murders in the Rue Morgue’ (1841) is held as first instances of detective fiction, but by 1855, Irish-American writer Fitz James O’Brien had his supernatural expert Harry Escott investigate a ghostly being in ‘The Pot of Tulips’ and an invisible one in ‘What Was It? A Mystery’ (1859). Then, well before Holmes appeared, some stories in Sheridan Le Fanu’s ‘In a Glass Darkly’ (1870) are super natural cases dealt by physician Dr Martin Hesselius.

There was no shortage of occult detectives from the closing decades of the 19th century -- the (mother-son) author pair of E. and H. Heron’s Flaxman Low, Algernon Blackwood’s John Silence, Alice and Claude Askew’s Aylmer Vance, and so on -- but it was William Hope Hodgson’s Carnacki who broke new

ground.

Appearing in only six short stories published between 1910 and 1912, and a further three found and published in 1947 -- nearly three decades after the author’s death in the closing days of World War I, Carnacki investigated seemingly supernatural occurrences across Britain, both in stately country hous es and in more modest dwellings in the cities.

He relied on his knowledge gleaned from the (fictional) ancient ‘Sigsand Manuscript’, including of the “Saamaa ritual”, and his Electric Pentacle -- a modern version of medieval-era protective wands, fashioned out of electrical equip ment and neon lighting, where he usually slipped in a camera and a pistol.

For, unlike others of his ilk, his cases are a mix of genuine haunt ings and hoaxes -- usually with a criminal objective, and at least one, which is both of them.

Carnacki went to achieve an immor tality of sorts as successive authors featured him in their versions of his further adventures, including a few where he stars along Holmes, down till 2016.

On the other hand, G.K. Chesterton’s short and stumpy Father Brown, with “a face as round and dull as a Norfolk dumpling”, and “eyes as empty as the North Sea” beneath his large spectacles, seems an unlikely detective.

Unlike the deductive and abductive Holmes, who reasons from prem ises towards a logical conclusion, aided by his sharp observation and incisive brain sifting through avail able evidence, this Roman Catholic priest is intuitive, seeking to place himself in the criminal’s mind to find how the deed was done and thus ascertain the perpetrator.

But there are similarities too.

Both had keen insights into evil -- Holmes, by dint of research, and Father Brown by his work, once telling an adversary: “Has it never struck you that a man, who does next to nothing but hear men’s real sins is not likely to be wholly unaware of human evil?”

And he, like the Baker Street sleuth, scorned supernatural causes, and upheld the cause of reason. Brown once quietly told a criminal how he found the latter was a fraudulent priest: “You attacked reason. That is bad theology.”

His 50-odd stories, which were published in five collections: ‘The Innocence/Wisdom/ Incredulity/ Secret/Scandal of Father Brown” between 1911 and 1935 -- and three stories found and published posthumously -- feature ingenious puzzles/plots, evocative descriptions of time and place, and sometimes, a spell-binding supernatural ambience. These are soon dissipated to stump us with an unexpected, but perfectly reasonable, solution.

Brown’s spirit lives on Sister Pelagia, the second series by RussianGeorgian writer Boris Akunin available in English, about the physically clumsy but mentally agile Orthodox nun in turn-of-century Russia who is tasked by her Bishop to solve serious mysteries.

In her second outing, “Pelagia and the Black Monk” (2007), she is sent to resolve some mysterious, osten sibly paranormal, happenings in a remote island monastery after three men sent by the Bishop meet dire fates (two left mentally unhinged and one dead).

A more worthy successor to Carnacki and Brown, though, is Edward D. Hoch’s Simon Ark, who seems to be an ordinary man in his 60s but claims he is actually an over 2,000-year-old Coptic priest who travels the world to confront evil, specifically Satan.

Some accounts describe him as cursed with immortality for not letting the cross-carrying Jesus rest.

The origin of the Wandering Jew’s story does not seem credible since the Coptic Church only came up well after Christ’s crucifixion. The alternative, mentioned in one of his stories, that he once fabricated a Gospel that was so pious that God could not decide whether to reward him with heaven or punish him with hell, seems more proper.

His immortality, however, does not confer him any special powers, save a prodigious amount of knowledge, and only incidental to the accounts.

He does have a persuasive way of dealing with the clergy and the police.

Ark debuted in ‘The Village of the Damned’ (1955), where he investigates the horrific incident of 70-odd residents of a remote village committing mass suicide on the instigation of a charismatic cult leader.

This, the first published story of Hoch, who went on to write several novels but is known better for his 950 stories covering 14 different characters, from British cipher expert Jeffrey Rand to professional thief Nick Velvet, to retired New England doctor and “impossible crime” solver Sam Hawthorne.

Out of these, 40-odd feature Ark and can be found in ‘City of Brass and Other Simon Ark Stories’ (1971), ‘The Judges of Hades’ (1971), ‘The Quests of Simon Ark’ (1984), and ‘Funeral in the Fog’ (2020).

All, narrated by an unnamed journalist-turned-publisher who encounters Ark in his first appear ance, see Ark solving a string of mysterious or inexplicable crimes that appear to be supernatural, but usually have more prosaic causes -usually one of the seven deadly sins, especially lust, and human agency. Most are set across the US and the UK, though one takes Ark and the narrator down to Madagascar.

Is Ark what he claims? The narrator believes Ark is just trying to seem mysterious, but does admit that he has not visibly aged in all the years he knew him. To this question, Hoch only offers an enigmatic “Perhaps”.

Save some of Carnacki, who dates back to a different time, all these intricate and spine-chilling (at times) stories underscore a dire message: the human mind can be more diabolic and fiendish than what mythology and religion can create.

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)

By Vishnu Makhijani

Ahundred and fifty years ago, Bhawal was a prosperous zamindari in the eastern part of undivided Bengal, in size and income next only to that owned by the Khwajas, the nawab family of Dacca.

In the winter of 1909, Ramendranarayan Roy, the ailing second prince of the Bhawal, travelled to Darjeeling with his wife Bibhavati, brother-in-law Satyendranath and a retinue of officials and servants, after his physicians advised a change of air.

Three weeks later, a telegram from Satyendranath arrived at the Bhawal estate with news of the prince’s demise and his cremation.

But that was not the end of the matter, because 12 years later, the story took a bewildering turn with the arrival in Bhawal of a mendicant who claimed to be the long-lost prince and the heir to the estate.

After a protracted legal battle that went right up to the Privy Council, in what was known as the Bhawal sannyasi case, the mendicant was accepted as who he claimed to bethe heir to the estate.

This is a saga that has captivated renowned academic and Sahitya Akademy Award winner Aruna Chakravarti - she was the long-serv ing Principal of Delhi University’s Janki Devi College, where she taught for 40 years. After meticulous research, she has dramatically brought alive this intriguing tale of dual identity and the inexplicable quirks of fate in “The Mendicant Prince” (Picador India), her 16th novel.

“I first heard of the Bhawal case at the age of ten. But even at that tender age it left a powerful impact on me. I was captivated by the intri cacies and unanswered questions. But I never thought of writing about it till recently, when some friends distantly related to the Bhawal family, urged me to,” Chakravarti told IANS in an interview.

Given that she had written two fictional family histories, on her own family in “The Inheritors” and the Tagore family in “Jorasanko” and “Daughters of Jorasanko”, she was “lured by the idea but resisted it at first.”

“It was too big and complex a project. The facts of the case were out in the public domain. What more could I add to them? A fictional representation would not be easy. A meticulous adherence to the facts together with the dates was impera tive. A creative reconstruction of the case as well as the lives and times of the concerned persons called for tremendous imaginative power and an equal amount of discipline and concentration. I thought I wouldn’t be able to pull it off,” Chakravarti explained.

Then, during the Covid years, “when the whole world went into hiber nation and there was nothing else to do, nowhere to go” she started working on it.

“Covid worked in my favour. In the complete silence and the total absence of activity, I found myself getting entrenched in the slowly unravelling world of queens and mistresses, liaisons and stratagems, suspense and mystery that consti tuted the background of the Bhawal story,” said.

But, while Covid gave her the space and silence to organise her thoughts, it was Covid again that put hurdles in the way of research.

“For all my other novels I have made it a point to do an extensive amount of field work. This time, travel being rendered impossible, I had to depend entirely on secondary sources. Books and periodicals, both English and Bengali, provided the basic facts. Articles in Bangladeshi newspapers, of which there were a significant number, helped me to understand and visualise the context in which the drama had unfolded.

Through these readings, the sights, sounds and smells of feudal Bengal in the twilight years of the British Empire started slowly taking hold of my senses,” Chakravarti elaborated.

Two films, “Sannyasi Raja” and “Ek Je Chhilo Raja”, offered a few glimmerings but these, however, were negligible.

“What came in truly useful was the first-hand research I had done for my earlier work such as my translations of the Bengali masters and my own creative work. For example, my translations of Sunil Gangopadhyay’s ‘Sei Samay’ (Those Days) and ‘Prothom Alo’ (First Light) helped me obtain brilliant insights into the lives of rajas and zamindars of the era, their decadence and dwindling influence under the rising power of the British.

“The Mendicant Prince”, however, showcases a somewhat later period when British imperialism was slowly eroding under the pressure of an awakening nationalism.

Chakravarti also had the privilege of conversing with some relatives and family friends of the Bhawals.

“They were not structured inter views. Some family gossip and reminiscences were shared from time to time. The identity question and quirks of fate were embedded in the history of the case. All I did was attempt to bring them to life by weaving, in between the facts, personal revelations of the charac ters, especially the women of the family. That part is purely fictional,” Chakravarti said.

Playing the Devil’s Advocate, is there a parallel between Ramendranarayan Roy and Gumnami Baba?

“The only parallel that can be drawn between the two is that both had been ascetics. Ramendranarayan claimed that after the incident of his supposed death, he had lost his memory and joined a band of mendicants. After twelve years of living as a sadhu he had remem bered that he came from a place called Dhaka. “He realised that he was the second prince of the realm

and demanded his rights as heir by moving the courts. His plea that he had suffered from amnesia in the intervening period had been put to the test by several doctors during the trial and was upheld by them and subsequently by the judge.”

“Gumnami Baba’s case was different. He didn’t claim loss of memory or identity. He said he had no name and no fixed place of residence. Thus, his true identity remains unconfirmed to this day. The consequence of his rigid com mitment to remain incognito was that very few people had actually seen him in person. Which is why he was considered by some to be Subhas Chandra Bose,” Chakravarti elaborated.

The book concludes with the funeral of Ramendranarayan Roy. What became of the Bhawal pargana after that?

“The Privy Council verdict came in July 1946. The Partition of India look place a year later in August 1947 and Bhawal became part of (East) Pakistan (Now Bangladesh). Ramnarayan Roy, the adopted son of Anandakumari Debi (the wife of Ramendranarayan’s younger brother Rabindranarayan), suc ceeded briefly to his share of the zamindari. When the zamindari system was abolished in 1950, he moved to Kolkata. He visited the estate from time to time but these visits seem to have stopped after 1960. As part of the settlement of Ramendranarayan’s share, a sum of Rs. eight lakh, was offered to Bibhavati. But she refused to take it.”

“The Rajbari (zamindar’s mansion) houses several government establishments. It has also become a tourist spot and visitors are taken on guided tours of parts of the palace and its grounds.”

Chakravarti has had a distinguished career as an academic, an admin istrator and as a writer. She has re ceived the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Vaitalik Award and the Sarat Puraskar. She has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers Prize for her first novel, “The Inheritors”, while another novel, “Suralakshmi Villa”, has received the distinction of being designated “Novel of the Year (India 2020)” by the Journal of Commonwealth Literature. How did she manage to strike a seamless balance between the two careers?

Her next book, “Through a Looking Glass: Stories”, published by Om International, has just come out. It is a collection of nine stories, each with an enigmatic woman at the centre.

Amish Tripathi’s three-part show to highlight lesser-known Ramayana stories

Renowned Indian author Amish Tripathi, who is known for his ‘Shiva’ trilogy, is set to unravel the lesser-known stories revolving around the Indian literary epic ‘Ramayana’ with the upcoming series ‘Legends of the Ramayana with Amish’. The three-part series will see Amish as the host. Amish Tripathi, who will revisit the sacred geography of one of the world’s greatest stories with the series, said in a statement: “Ramayan is the proud heritage of every single Indian, regardless of religion, caste, language, or gender. And I discovered the truth of this feeling even more as we shot for this documentary.”

This series will traverse 5000 kilometres, deep diving into ancient stories and myths around Ramayana. It is enriched with professionally researched opinions and experts’ comments from guests like Yatindra Mishra (Prince of Ayodhya), Kavita Kane (Author), award-winning Hydrogeologist Ritesh Arya, Sunela Jayawardene

(Environmental Architect & Author), Krishna Devaraya, Descendent, Vijayanagara Dynasty, Shashi Dhanatunge, Former Vice Chairperson, Civil Aviation Authority, Sri Lanka and many others that add to the authenticity.

Adding further, Amish said: “There were so many lesser-known stories and traditions that we discovered, some genuinely surprising. What an honour it has been, to travel with the wonderful team of Discovery and Wide-Angle Films as we followed

the path that was trod many millennia ago by our God, Lord Ram Himself. It was enlightening, it was fun, it was surreal.”

The author will travel to key locations across India and Sri Lanka to piece the journey together whilst bringing alive history and showcasing the rich cultures, social diversities and landscapes prevalent in each region.

‘Legends of the Ramayana with Amish’ will premiere on Discovery Channel on October 3 at 9 PM (IST).

Aruna Chakravarti’s ‘The Mendicant Prince’ dramatically recreates a century-old mystery

Occult offences beyond Scooby-Doo: Cracking ‘supernatural’ crimes

(Vishnu Makhijani can be reached at vishnu.makhijani@ians.in)

10 must-visit destinations by bus

Whilea mini traveler (Minibus /Tempo traveler) can take 6-10 cars off the road with 21 passengers, a full-size coach or bus with a capacity of 55 people roughly saves the need for 10 to 15 cars. This largely reduces the carbon footprint per passenger as buses usually emit less than half as much as these cars would be combined. Traveling by bus can also be stress-free and typically relaxing, since it is economically viable, while also saving the travelers from the

hassles of parking, paying tolls, and the stress of driving long distances, among others.

In an effort to raise awareness about the role of tourism in the interna tional community and demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, politi cal, and economic values around the world, redBus shares a list of the top 10 bus routes that will help people reach these tourist destinations while minimizing their carbon footprint and also de-congesting the roads.

To escape the oppressive city heat, visit the Western Ghats’ luscious hills! The landscape changes every few kilometers thanks to the jour ney’s hairpin bends at the ghats, vast highways, little villages, waterfalls, and forts. Bus travel from Mumbai to Panchgani takes roughly 5 hours. Panchgani buses depart often from

Mumbai. There are numerous private operators running buses between the two cities in addition to state-operated buses. Buses for different budgets are available, rang ing from luxury to semi-luxury and economy. Buses towards Panchgani are best taken from Mumbai’s Nariman Point.

Guwahati to Tawang is one of the most beautiful and adventurous routes across India, this rather long trip will set you back by roughly 21 hours but considering the snow-covered mountains and picture-perfect landscapes, it all seems worth it.

To reach Tawang from Guwahati one must change buses from Tezpur, after which It takes about 12 hours to reach Tawang. Buses are available throughout the route with a plethora of options to choose from. Booking for the same is available online

Goa, a new spot for adventure sports?

At present, there has been a growing trend of people willing to engage in adventure sports while they travel to their favorite tourist destinations.

Considering this upward trend, different states in India have started exploring more options to give tourists an overall package.

Goa is exceptionally better than all other states in this regard, as it not

only offers pristine and calm beach es but an adrenaline rush as well, through exciting adventure sports.

The latest addition to the adventure segment in Goa is Bungy Jumping in North Goa. Niharika Nigam, Director, Business Development at Jumpin Heights, what Goa has to offer to adrenaline junkies or even those who want to try adventure sports for the first time:

This is one of the most picturesque drives in Maharashtra and a must-do. The expressway offers a comfortable ride via the Satara Ghat and concludes after a three-hour journey. Make sure to get a glimpse outside when passing by this section of the highway for panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountains.

From the Pune Central bus station, several buses depart for Mahabaleshwar. However, there are pickups from many locations throughout the city, and passengers can select the most convenient option available on digital ticketing platforms.

Lying 111 km west of Visakhapatnam city is Araku valley, surrounded by the thick forests of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. When in Araku valley one must visit the Tribal Museum which is dedicated to the area’s numerous indigenous tribes, known for their traditional

Dhimsa dance. The journey from Visakhapatnam to Araku is smoothly covered by a bus in 4 hours. The first bus from Visakhapatnam to Araku starts at 05:00 AM and the Last bus leaves from Visakhapatnam at 02:15 PM operated by APSRTC.

People usually preferred Rishikesh for a thrilling bungy jumping expe rience, but Goa has come up with its own 55 meters high bungy jumping station, overlooking Mayem lake and its surrounding greenery in associa tion with Goa Tourism. The platform is built by the same operator who

gave India its highest bungy jumping station at 83 meters in height, in Rishikesh. The Goa platform has been constructed keeping in mind the same safety measures and is being run under the supervision of trained instructors and ex-Army officers.

A 250-kilometer trip towards the northeast of Shimla will take you to Manali, with the route passing through the majestic and rugged mountain range of the Himalayas. It takes 7-8 hours to reach Manali from Shimla, which also includes breaks for breakfast and lunch. The spectacular mountains on one side of the road and the lush green, deep

valley on the other, make the entire Shimla to Manali drive, scenic and lovely.

Refuse to sleep on the bus with your buddies so that you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Beas river in the middle of the road. Buses for this route begin from the ISBT in Shimla, and customers can simply book tickets online.

Coorg is the way to go if you are on the lookout for a road trip from the busy life and schedule of an IT professional in Bangalore. The picturesque Coorg region, in the southern state of Karnataka, is wellknown for its verdant green scenery and breathtaking mountain views.

The bus ride from Bangalore to Coorg is convenient and takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. The alternatives available to travelers are numerous and include Volvos and non-AC buses. Additionally, visitors have the choice to purchase their tickets online and offline.

Flying above water can be very exciting and Goa surpasses all other destinations in India that offer this

adventure activity. The beaches also offer multiple water sports like jet skiing and flyboarding.

Leh is one of the most sought-after destinations in India, making it unquestionably a bucket list location for practically all tourists. However, this route is one of the world’s highest, and most difficult motorable freeways. This bus trip will take you from the comfortable plains of Delhi to the chilly heights of Leh via Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, and Keylong. The driver

and the passengers’ mettle will be put to test not only by the menacing temperature variations but also by the grueling altitude.

The bus ride concludes after 1100 kilometers and 40 hours of heart-wrenching desolate environ ment, but for the passengers, it only requires that you pack your bags and board a bus at ISBT Delhi.

This bus tour highlights the best of Rajasthan. Smooth highways define the 8-hour ride. Keep your eyes and ears open, and refrain from sleeping because you will almost certainly spot a couple of peacocks and elephants on this journey!

The trip is made more enjoyable

by well-kept roads and a variety of dining alternatives.

There are numerous buses that run between Jaipur and Jaisalmer. There are also numerous pickup points throughout Jaipur,

can be

for this

Goa has more than a dozen trekking trails that are ideal for spending some thrilling time in nature. These trails are bound to quench your thirst for some quality adventure. Some of the well-known treks are

Sonsogor trek, Satregad Fort trek, Netravali Waterfalls trek and Udaan Dongor trek. The trekking experi ence offers mesmerizing views and a refreshing experience.

A perfect destination for water sports lovers, Goa is widely popular for

scuba diving experience that allures

visitors

at

Float over the green fields, while having a bird’s view of the sur roundings, with a Hot Air Balloon ride in Goa. This adventure sport

once in a lifetime. Baga, Candolim, and Calangute are some pick-up points for this activity.

will let you experience the ambiance of Goa’s sea cliffs as you flow with the wind in the tranquility of the atmosphere.

Parasailing

Hot Air Balloon

Bungy jumping

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Trekking

offers windsurfing, white water rafting, and kayaking

Pune to Mahabaleshwar

Visakhapatnam to Araku valley

Shimla to Manali

Bangalore to Coorg

Delhi to Leh

Jaipur to Jaisalmer

Mumbai to Panchgani

Guwahati to Tawang

India’s apex bank to pilot launch digital version of Indian currency soon

year.

As the extent and scope of such pilot launches expand, the RBI will continue to communicate about the specific features and benefits of digital rupee, from time to time, it said in a statement.

The Digital Rupee is expected to lower the cost of issuance of money and transactions. Faced by a dwindling usage of paper currency, the central banks are now seeking to popularise a more acceptable electronic form of currency.

support very high volume and rate of transactions without performance degradation. It should be robust to ensure stability of financial ecosys tem and have tamper-proof access control protocols and cryptography for safety of data among other features.

Spacecraft changed asteroid’s orbit after smashing into it: NASA

Washington, Oct 12 (IANS) The US space agency has confirmed that when its spacecraft smashed into an asteroid last month, it altered its orbit by 32 minutes, calling it a “watershed moment” for planetary defense.

This marks humanity’s first time purposely changing the motion of a celestial object and the first full-scale demonstration of asteroid deflection technology.

Mumbai Oct 9 (IANS)

The apex bank of India -- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) -- said it will soon commence pilot launch of digital version of Indian currency Rupee for specific use cases.

It has also released a concept note on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) that aims to create aware ness about such currencies in gen eral and the planned features of the Digital Rupee in particular, the RBI said in an official communication.

The RBI concept note states that the central bank digital currency is a sovereign currency issued by the central banks in alignment with the monetary policy. It will appear as a liability on the central bank’s balance sheet.

“The concept note also discusses

key considerations such as tech nology and design choices, possible uses of the digital rupee, and issu ance mechanisms, among others,” the RBI said in a statement.

According to the concept note, the digital currency must be accepted as a medium of payment, legal tender and a safe store of value by all citizens, enterprises and govern ment agencies.

The digital currency will be freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash. It will be a fungible legal tender for which holders need not have a bank account.

In the Union Budget for 2022-23, the finance minister had said the RBI would roll out a digital equivalent to the rupee in the current financial

The central bank’s digital currency will be supported by the state-of-art payment systems of India that are affordable, accessible, convenient, safe and secure. The apex bank’s concept note stated that the e-rupee will bolster India’s digital economy, enhance financial inclusion and make the monetary and payment systems more efficient.

“The e-rupee will provide an addi tional option to the currently avail able forms of money. It is substan tially not different from banknotes, but being digital it is likely to be easier, faster and cheaper. It also has all the transactional benefits of other forms of digital money,” the RBI said in the statement.

The concept note stated that digital currency should be developed as a platform which is highly scaleable to

The central bank digital currency is expected to generate huge sets of data in real time. “After factoring in the concerns related to anonymity, appropriate analytics of Big Data generated from CBDC can assist in evidence-based policy making. It may also become a rich data source for service providers for financial product insights,” the concept note stated.

Stressing on consumer protection, RBI calls it an important pillar of financial stability. The central bank has called for a consumer protection framework which should consider the variations in the digital literacy of the consumers and ways to increase consumer understanding and transparency.

The RBI called for a seamless access to digital currency by consumers. It also emphasised on an effective and efficient resolution of customer grievances through a robust mechanism.

India’s space launch segment to propel to $13 bn by 2025: Report

open for the public-private partici pation, also preparing players and the outcome is that the sector is today attracting increasing number of startups,” Union Earth Sciences Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh, said.

“On a global level, India has also emerged as a very strong player in the geospatial technology. I’m glad to know that ISpA has lived up to their role of reform implementation while articulating the industry opinion, industry stakes and also the industry participation,” he added.

climate, mapping, internet services. These are few emerging markets which we will see growing,” he said.

ISpA is now a 50-member strong association, starting from just seven members a year back.

“We believe as India looks forward to the new Space Policy, the private industry’s role is set to create a revolution in the current value chain of the space economy,” IspA Chairman Jayant D. Patil said.

After 10 months of flying in space, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) -- the world’s first planetary defence technology demonstration -- successfully impacted its asteroid target called Dimorphos last month, the agency’s first attempt to move an asteroid in space.

“This mission shows that NASA is trying to be ready for whatever the universe throws at us. NASA has proven we are serious as a defender of the planet,” said agency Administrator Bill Nelson.

“This is a watershed moment for planetary defense and all of human ity, demonstrating commitment from NASA’s exceptional team and partners from around the world,” Nelson said in a statement late on Tuesday.

Prior to DART’s impact, it took Dimorphos 11 hours and 55 minutes to orbit its larger parent asteroid, Didymos.

Now, the investigation team has confirmed the spacecraft’s impact altered Dimorphos’ orbit around Didymos by 32 minutes, shortening the 11 hour and 55-minute orbit to 11 hours and 23 minutes.

This measurement has a margin of uncertainty of approximately plus or minus 2 minutes.

Before its encounter, NASA had defined a minimum successful orbit period change of Dimorphos as change of 73 seconds or more.

The early data show DART sur passed this minimum benchmark by more than 25 times.

“This result is one important step toward understanding the full effect of DART’s impact with its target asteroid” said Lori Glaze, director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

“As new data come in each day, astronomers will be able to better assess whether, and how, a mission like DART could be used in the future to help protect Earth from a collision with an asteroid if we ever discover one headed our way,” Glaze added.

The investigation team is still acquiring data with ground-based observatories around the world.

Dhoni launches drone Droni

Chennai, Oct 10 (IANS) Helicopter shot specialist cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni launched a consumer camera drone branded as Droni.

New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) With the rapidly growing space ecosystem, the space launch segment in India is likely to grow to $13 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6 per cent, a report showed on Monday.

The space launch segment in the country is spurred by growing

private participation, latest technol ogy adoption and the low-cost of launch services, said the report by Indian Space Association (ISpA) and EY.

“I’m glad our Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged us to go ahead as space domain became

ISRO Chairman S. Somnath said that India has reached a point where we need to take the space sector to the next level and this is where the whole idea of opening up the space where the most important part is the knowledge base.

“The space sector can solve a lot of problems and important issues of

How Apple iPhone 14 Pro is super ideal for India’s growing creator economy

ecosystem for those in the growing creator economy.

Once you use it, you will realise that the A16 Bionic chip in iPhone 14 Pro is way ahead of the competition, and unlocks unparalleled experiences with all-day battery life and impres sive computational photography capabilities for your videos.

With two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, the new 6-core CPU is up to 40 per cent faster than the competition and easily handles demanding workloads.

The 6.1-inch device offers a new Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion that features the AlwaysOn display, enabled by a new 1Hz refresh rate and multiple power-effi cient technologies.

TrueDepth camera.

Photonic Engine enables this dra matic increase in quality by applying Deep Fusion earlier in the imaging process to deliver extraordinary detail, and preserve subtle textures, provide better colour, and maintain more information in a photo.

For the first time ever, the Pro lineup features a new 48MP Main camera with a quad-pixel sensor that adapts to the photo being captured, and features second-generation sen sor-shift optical image stabilization.

Prashant Singhal, Emerging Markets TMT Leader, EY said that spacebased communication will be one of the primary mechanisms to narrow the digital divide in the country.

“Opening up of the space economy to private participation in India heralds an era of growth and inno vation,” he added.

Manufactured by the city-based drone startup Garuda Aerospace, the Droni drone is a quadcopter consumer camera drone.

According to the company’s Founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, the drone can be used for different surveillance purposes and will be available in the market by the end of 2022.

Garuda Aerospace on Sunday also launched a battery powered new

New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) While you scout for a new iPhone this Diwali to create some stunning short-form videos to charm your fan community, the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro now offers solid internals and video-making capabilities on the go. Those who do not like bigger displays, iPhone 14 Pro is a perfect companion to create, edit and share videos/photos on social media.

Powered by A16 Bionic, the fastest chip ever in a smartphone, iPhone 14 Pro introduces a new class of pro camera system, with the first-ever 48MP Main camera on iPhone featuring a quad-pixel sensor, and Photonic Engine, an enhanced image pipeline that dramatically improves low-light photos.

The device already offers AlwaysOn display, the first-ever 48MP camera on iPhone, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, and an innovative new way to receive notifications and activities with the Dynamic Island.

Let us see how iPhone 14 Pro is the most suited device in the Apple

This makes the new Lock Screen even more useful, keeping the time, widgets, and Live Activities available at a glance.

The advanced display also brings the same peak HDR brightness level as Pro Display XDR, and the highest outdoor peak brightness in a smartphone: up to 2000 nits, which is twice as bright as iPhone 13 Pro.

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max also continue to offer indus try-leading durability features with the Ceramic Shield front cover and are protected from common spills and accidents with water and dust resistance.

The pro camera system on iPhone 14 Pro pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a smartphone.

If you are a photo or video lover, Photonic Engine offers a giant leap for mid- to low-light performance in photos across all cameras through a deep integration of hardware and software -- up to 2x on the Main camera, up to 3x on the Ultra Wide camera, up to 2x on the Telephoto camera, and up to 2x on the

The quad-pixel sensor also brings benefits to pro workflows, optimis ing for detail in ProRAW. And with a new machine learning model de signed specifically for the quad-pixel sensor, iPhone now shoots ProRAW at 48MP with an unprecedented level of detail, enabling new creative workflows for pro users.

The Cinematic mode is now avail able in 4K at 30 fps and 4K at 24 fps.

iPhone 14 Pro has 100 per cent recycled rare earth elements used in all magnets, including those used in MagSafe, and 100 per cent recycled tungsten in the Taptic Engine.

The device also includes 100 per cent recycled tin in the solder of multiple printed circuit boards, and 100 per cent recycled gold in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards and in the wire of all cameras.

Starting from Rs 129,900, iPhone 14 Pro is now available in deep purple, silver, gold, and space black in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities.

Conclusion: For millions of creators in India, iPhone 14 Pro is an ideal investment that will keep producing excellent short-form videos for years to come.

Those who love to work via smartphones, this device unlocks several possibilities on the move.

San Francisco, Oct 10 (IANS) Chip-maker Intel has reportedly confirmed that its ‘Alder Lake BIOS’ source code has been leaked by a third-party on anonymous imageboard website 4chan and Microsoft-owned open source developer platform Github, in a 6GB file containing tools and code for building and optimising ‘BIOS/UEFI’ images.

The working of the ‘BIOS/UEFI’ code of the computer is to initialise the hardware before the operating system has loaded, reports Tom’s Hardware website.

The company said in a statement that “Our proprietary UEFI code appears to have been leaked by a third party”.

“We do not believe this exposes any

new security vulnerabilities as we do not rely on obfuscation of infor mation as a security measure. This code is covered under our bug boun ty programme within the Project Circuit Breaker campaign, and we encourage any researchers who may identify potential vulnerabilities to bring them our attention through this programme,” a company spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Intel said it is reaching out to both customers and the security research community to keep them informed of this situation.

Meanwhile, Intel was yet to confirm who leaked the code.

Also, Intel said there shouldn’t be any security related issues as it doesn’t “rely on obfuscation of information as a security measure”.

Tesla retires ultrasonic sensors in new cars with new camera tech

San Francisco, Oct 5 (IANS) Elon Musk-run Tesla has announced to retire ultrasonic sensors in its cars that sense objects around them. The company said it will now shift towards placing camera-only Tesla Vision Safety technology in its cars.

“In 2021, we began our transition to Tesla Vision by removing radar from Model 3 and Model Y, followed by Model S and Model X in 2022. Today, in most regions around the globe, these vehicles now rely on Tesla Vision, our camera-based Autopilot system,” said the company. Tesla plans to stop including the sensors in Model S and Model X cars next year.

“Model 3 and Model Y with Tesla Vision have either maintained or improved their active safety ratings in the US and Europe, and perform better in pedestrian automatic emer gency braking (AEB) intervention,”

said the electric car-maker.

“Today, we are taking the next step in Tesla Vision by removing ultrasonic sensors (USS) from Model 3 and Model Y,” it added.

The company will continue this rollout with Model 3 and Model Y, globally, over the next few months, followed by Model S and Model X in 2023.

Along with the removal of USS, it simultaneously launched vision-based occupancy network -- currently used in Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta -- to replace the inputs generated by ultrasonic sensors.

With today’s software, this approach gives Autopilot high-definition spatial positioning, longer range visibility and ability to identify and differentiate between objects.

“For a short period of time during this transition, Tesla Vision vehicles

that are not equipped with USS will be delivered with some features temporarily limited or inactive, including Park Assist, Autopark and Smart Summon,” said Tesla.

In the near future, once these features achieve performance parity to today’s vehicles, they will be restored via a series of over-the-air software updates.

Kisan Drone used for agricultural pesticide spraying over a land area of 30 acres per day.

Intel’s proprietary source code leaked, company confirms

Moreover, Intel in its ‘Project Circuit Breaker’ bug bounty programme, encourages researchers to submit any vulnerabilities they find, which will award them an amount between $500 to $100,000 per bug, depend ing on the reported issue’s severity.

Kerala woman’s 5-year ordeal ends after scissors removed from stomach

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 8 (IANS) Harshina, a Kerala home maker in her thirties hailing from Kozhikode, is breathing easy after five long years after a 11 cms long scissors was removed from her stomach.

Her troubles, according to her own admission, began when she came for her third delivery to the Kozhikode Medical College hospital in 2017.

“It was on November 30, 2017 that I underwent a caesarean. Following that I used to have recurring pain in my stomach. Despite numerous consultations and checkups my pain failed to subside. Finally when

I found the pain unbearable I again visited a hospital and when a CT scan was conducted, I was told that a metal object was in my stomach.

Later I was told it was a scissor,” said Harshina.

She got admitted to the same hos pital where this medical lapse took place and after a surgery the scissor was removed.

She has now complained to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Health Minister Veena George about the agony that she had to undergo due to medical negligence.

Acupuncture to manage chronic asthma

What Do Studies Suggest

According to a study published by the ‘Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine’ in 2017, allergic asthma patients who had 15 acupuncture sessions as well as routine care over the course of 3 months had considerable improvements in health-related and disease-specific quality of life compared to patients who had only routine care.

Video games may trigger potentially lethal heart rhythm problems in children

Sydney, Oct 11 (IANS) Video games can precipitate life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in susceptible children whose predisposition may have been previously unrecognised, says a new study.

The study authors, including lead author Claire M. Lawley from The Heart Centre for Children in Australia, documented an uncom mon, but distinct pattern among children who lose consciousness while playing electronic (video) games.

“Video games may represent a serious risk to some children with arrhythmic conditions; they might be lethal in patients with predispos ing, but often previously unrecog nized arrhythmic conditions,” said Lawley.

“Children who suddenly lose consciousness while electronic gaming should be assessed by a heart specialist as this could be the first sign of a serious heart problem.”

For the study, the team performed a systematic review of the literature and initiated a multisite internation al outreach effort to identify cases of children with a sudden loss of

consciousness while playing video games.

Across the 22 cases they found, mul tiplayer war gaming was the most frequent trigger. Some children died following cardiac arrest.

Subsequent diagnoses of several heart rhythm conditions put the children at continuing risk.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) types 1 and 2 were the most common underlying causes.

There was a high incidence of potentially relevant genetic variants (63 per cent) among the patients, which has significant implications

for their families.

In some cases, investigating a child who lost consciousness during video gaming led to many family members being diagnosed with a critical familial heart rhythm problem.

“Families and healthcare teams should think about safety precau tions around electronic gaming in children who have a condition where dangerous fast heart rhythms are a risk,” noted Lawley.

The investigators attributed adren ergic stimulation to the emotionally charged electronic gaming environ ment as the pathophysiological basis for this phenomenon.

By Dr. G Prakash

October 11, 2022 In India, nearly 93 million people suffer from chronic respiratory conditions, out of which 37 million people are asthmatics.

Asthma is characterised by bron chial hyper-responsiveness along with chronic airway inflammation, accompanied by chest tightness, episodic wheezing, breathlessness, and cough. Asthma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, ranking among the top 20 conditions leading to disability globally.

Apart from affecting the quality of life, asthma can lead to severe disability and even bring a heavy financial burden to patients, their families, and society. While pharma cotherapies like long-acting beta-ag onists and daily inhaled corticoste roids are widely recommended to prevent any serious exacerbation and keep the symptoms under control, long-term pharmacological treatment can inevitably cause potential side effects, like adrenal suppression, liver toxicity, reduced bone mineral density, and increased risk of death. In such a scenario,

effective and safe alternative ther apies like acupuncture can make a real difference. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture therapy can provide relief from asthma-related symptoms and make a difference in the inflammatory cell counts of the affected patients.

How Acupuncture Works

In acupuncture, thin needles are in serted at different points (acupoints) in the body to stimulate those areas.

A review published by the journal ‘Pain Medicine’in 2015, looking at present evidence and research on the definition and function of acu points, revealed that these acupoints might sustain certain changes or release certain substances in ways that adjust the functioning of certain organs, affect symptoms of various diseases or maintain homeostasis in the body.

When the pressure points (acu points) are activated in acupuncture with the needles, it stimulates the central nervous system to release certain chemicals into the brain, spinal cord and muscles, which regenerates the body’s self-healing capacity.

transmissibility.

BF.7 (also known as BA.2.75.2) is a sub-lineage of the Covid Omicron variant BA.5.2.1.

According to local reports, the BF.7 was detected on October 4 in Yantai and Shaoguan city.

The subvariant BA.5.1.7 was detected in the Chinese mainland for the first time, as reported by Global Times.

The World Health Organisation (WHOO) had warned against the highly infectious BF.7 subvariant.

Additionally, a meta-analysis and review published by the EvidenceBased Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2019 found that acupuncture combined with conventional asthma treatments can lead to a significant improvement in symptom-response rates and lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 is a protein that the body produces in response to injuries and infections.

In another randomized controlled trial of 1,445 patients, it was found that patients who received acu puncture therapy had significantly reduced allergic asthma during work and social activities, strenuous and moderate exercise, and during sleep.

The best part about acupuncture therapy is that there are very few safety concerns attached to its practice. While acupuncture therapy certainly helps with asthma man agement, it is always a good idea to ask your physician about adding this new complementary therapy to your care.

(Dr. G Prakash, Deputy Chief medical officer, Jindal Naturecure Institute)

United Nations, Oct 11 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for making mental health a global priority and urged actions to promote universal quality mental health care.

Nearly 1 billion people live with a mental health condition. But mental health remains one of the most neglected aspects of health care, Guterres said on Monday in a message marking the World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Some countries have only two mental health workers for every 100,000 people. The social and economic repercussions are pro found,” he said, noting that anxiety and depression alone cost the global

economy an estimated $1 trillion dollars per year.

The UN chief stressed the need to strengthen the capacity of health services to offer quality care to those in need, in particular young people.

Stigma and discrimination must be addressed along with breaking down the barriers that stop people from seeking care and support, he said.

Guterres also underscored the importance of preventing the root causes of mental health conditions, including violence and abuse, adding that the UN is committed to working with partners to promote mental wellbeing.

“As we mark World Mental Health

Day, let us make it a global priority and act urgently so that everyone, everywhere has access to quality mental health care,” he said.

Beijing, Oct 11 (IANS) As China imposes fresh lockdowns and travel restrictions amid Covid surge, the country has detected new Omicron sub-variants BF.7 and BA.5.1.7, which are highly infectious with greater

Meanwhile, holiday spending during China’s Golden Week has plunged to its lowest level in seven years, as broad Covid curbs discouraged people from travelling or spending, while a darkening economic outlook

continues to erode consumer confidence.

For local officials, doubling down on zero-Covid is a way to toe the Party line, demonstrate their loyalty to President Xi Jingping, and prevent any large-scale outbreak that could jeopardise their career weeks before the Party Congress.

New Covid cases are spiking across mainland China, prompting many local authorities to tighten controls on movement.

Three of Shanghai’s downtown districts on Monday ordered enter tainment venues such as internet cafes to close temporarily, according to official announcements.

Gambia police investigate deaths linked to Indian cough syrup

President Adama Barrow said that the authorities would “leave no stone unturned” in the investigation, the BBC reported.

Gambians, angry about what happened, are wondering who is to blame.

Banjul, Oct 9 (IANS) Police in Gambia are investigating the deaths of 66 children, which have been linked to four brands of imported Indian cough syrup, the media reported.

Senior officials from the Medicine Control Agency and the importers have been called for questioning, the President’s Office said, the BBC reported.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a global alert over the four cough syrups -- warning they could be linked to acute kidney injuries and the children’s deaths in July, August and September, the BBC reported.

The products - Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup and Magrip N Cold Syrup - were manufactured by an Indian compa ny, Maiden Pharmaceuticals, which had failed to provide guarantees about their safety, the WHO said.

The Indian government is also investigating the situation.

Gambian health officials and Red Cross workers are now going door to door, as well as to pharmacies and markets, searching for the syrups as well as other medicines.

More than 16,000 products have been located so far and have been taken away for destruction, a Red Cross official told the BBC.

On Friday, President Adama Barrow addressed the nation, expressing his regret for the loss of life saying that “the source of the contaminated drugs” would be investigated.

He announced plans to open a laboratory capable of testing wheth er medicines are safe and a review of relevant laws and guidelines for imported drugs.

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) Real cancer incidence level in India is estimated to be 1.5 to three times higher than reported incidence as 51 per cent patients take more than a week to conclude diagnosis while 46 per cent take second opinion due to lack of confidence in initial diagnosis and suggested treatment, a report showed on Tuesday.

The reported cancer incidence in India this year is estimated to be 19 to 20 lakh, whereas real incidence is 1.5 to 3 times higher than the report ed cases, according to a study by FICCI and EY titled “Call for Action: Making quality cancer care more accessible and affordable in India”. India is faced with a sizable cancer incidence burden, which continues to grow exponentially.

The 2020 WHO ranking on cancer burden in terms of new yearly cases being reported had ranked India at the third position after China and the US, respectively.

“For cancer prevention, early diag nosis and widespread public aware ness will be integral and will serve as a beacon of light to strengthen India’s strategy for cancer care and other non-communicable diseases,”

said Ashok Kakkar, Chair, FICCI Task Force on Cancer Care.

“While some of the most cut ting-edge cancer treatment methods and technology are available in our country, we still have a long way to go before we can ensure that cancer patients from every socioeconomic background receive the best possible care,” added Kakkar, also Managing Director, Varian Medical Systems International India Pvt Ltd.

Cancer disease burden in India is characterized by poor detection with not more than 29 per cent, 15 per cent and 33 per cent of breast lung and cervical cancers being diag nosed in stages 1 and 2, respectively. The cancer of the head and neck are found to be progressing at a CAGR of 23 per cent, prostate cancer at 19 per cent, ovarian cancer at 11 per cent and breast cancer at 8 per cent, which is faster than the overall growth rate of incidence.

Six states, which represent 18 per cent of India’s population, have 23 per cent share of the country’s reported incidence burden and have the highest crude incidence rates. Kerala, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, and Assam

report the highest overall crude incidence rates of cancers which is greater than 130 cases per lakh population, the report mentioned. Estimates indicate that the total deaths owing to cancer were 8 to 9 lakh in 2020, causing the mortal ity to incidence ratio for different cancer types in India to be among the poorest compared to global counterparts.

“To address the dual challenge of rising incidence and sub-optimal mortality to incidence ratio, it is imperative to drive mass awareness campaigns, focus on effective prevention and enable improved screening coverage as a primary re sponse,a said Srimayee Chakraborty, Life Sciences Partner, EY India.

This diet improves immunotherapy response rates, progression-free survival in advanced melanoma

London, Oct 9 (IANS) Eating a Mediterranean diet, rich in fibre, mono-unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, has been associated with improved immunotherapy response rates and progression-free survival in advanced melanoma patients, says a new report.

The study, presented at UEG Week 2022, has found that diet plays an important role in the success of immunotherapy and trials are being expanded to investigate outcomes for different tumour types, including digestive cancers.

“Our study underlines the importance of dietary assessment in cancer patients starting ICI treatment and supports a role for dietary strategies to improve

patient outcomes and survival,” said researcher Laura Bolte from the University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands.

For the study, the team recorded the dietary intake of 91 patients with advanced melanoma, who were treated with ICI drugs and moni tored their progress with regular radiographic response check-ups.

As well as having a significant asso ciation with overall response rate, a Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with progression-free survival at 12 months.

The study also found that eating whole grains and legumes reduced the likelihood of developing drug-in duced immune-related side effects, such as colitis.

In contrast, red and processed meat was associated with a higher probability of immune-related side effects.

‘highly infectious’ Covid variants emerge in China

UN chief calls for making mental health global priority

Real cancer cases up to 3 times higher than reported in India

Lessons from Yayati Star Crossed Lovers

Shukracharya warned Yayati not to have a relationship with Sharmishtha.

Sharmishtha, who really loved Yayati and wanted to get married to him, requested him to give her a child. At first, Yayati refused as he was scared of Shukracharya. Sharmishtha managed to convince Yayati to give her children. He reluctantly agreed.

Soon Sharmishtha had three sons (Druhyu, Anu and Puru) while Devayani had two sons Yadu and Turvasu.

By Paddy Krishnan

The story of Yayati first appears in the Mahabharata and is repeated in the Bhagavata Purana. Yayati was one of the six sons of king Nahusha. Nahusha was an arrogant king who lusted after Indra’s wife Sachi. Nahusha once got various sages to carry him to where Sachi was staying. Agastya, one of the sages carrying the palanquin, was insulted by Nahusha. Agastya was enraged and cursed Nahusha to become a serpent. Nahusha’s son, Yati, was initially chosen as the next king. But he turned it down and became an ascetic. Yayati was then appointed king and ruled the kingdom.

One day Sharmishtha (daughter of an Asura king) and her friend Devayani (daughter of Shukracharya who is the guru to all the Asuras) went to a pond to bathe. After bathing, Devayani put on Sharmishtha’s clothes by mistake. Sharmishtha was enraged because she felt Devayani wanted to act as if she was part of royalty. This led to a fight between Sharmishtha and Devayani which resulted in Devayani insulting Sharmishtha’s father. Devayani stated that Sharmishtha’s father, although a king, was inferior to Shukracharya because Shukracharya was the guru. Because of this Sharmishtha was inferior to her. At this slur, Sharmishtha got Devayani thrown into a local well.

Yayati happened to come to the well for water and he helped Devayani to climb out of it. Devayani, who was motivated to be a queen, pointed out that because Yayati held her right hand, he had to marry her. Yayati, who wanted to marry Sharmishtha, had to agree to marry Devayani. Devayani wanted to insult Sharmishtha further. She told Sharmishtha’s father that if Sharmishtha does not become her servant, Shukracharya will not protect his kingdom. Sharmishtha agreed to become Devayani’s ser vant to save her father’s kingdom.

Devayani on learning of Yayati’s affair with Sharmishtha complained to her father. Shukracharya cursed Yayati with premature old age. Yayati was aghast and pleaded with Shukracharya. Shukracharya relented and told Yayati that if one of Yayati’s sons agreed to swap ages with him he would be able to escape the curse and retain his youth for many years. Yayati asked each of his sons if they would give up their youth for their father. All, but Puru, refused. Soon Puru became very old and Yayati retained his youth. Yayati cursed Yadu (who was his eldest son) that he and his sons will not inherit anything from Yayati. Yadu, decided to establish his own king dom which became quite powerful leading to the establishment of the Yadava dynasty. Krishna belongs to the Yadava dynasty and is a descen dent of Yadu.

In some versions, Chitralekha, who was Puru’s wife, at first admired her husband’s decision to sacrifice himself. She felt honoured to be his wife. But when she saw Puru as an old man she felt cheated. She objected to this exchange because her own desires would not be met.

Yayati, using his status, stated that it was her duty to accept her husband’s old age and she had no say in the matter. But Chitralekha questioned Yayati’s orders and asked Yayati about his duty to be a good father. But Yayati was unmoved and Chitralekha committed suicide.

Yayati enjoyed all the pleasures of the senses for a thousand years. But in the end he was not satisfied. He realised the futility of trying to end his craving by enjoying the sensual pleasures. Yayati told Devayani, Sharmishtha, and Puru, that he had realised that no collection of objects in this material world could ever satisfy the desire of man. His statement

As supplying butter to a fire does not extinguish the fire but instead increases it more and more, the endeavour to stop lusty desires by continual enjoyment can never be successful

It is mentioned in the Rig Veda. He returned Puru’s youth to him and renounced the world to focus on spiritual practices. He advised Puru

that one could attain true happiness by adopting a mental poise that goes beyond likes and dislikes (i.e., Samatvam).

This story is referred to in the Vairagya Shatakam to identify who is rich and who is poor. For instance, a person with 100 kilos of gold can be poorer than a person who has no gold. This is because the person with the 100 kilos of gold might desire 1000 kilos while the person who has no gold may be detached from such wealth. Such a detached person is likely to be more happy and thus richer. Note that if the person who has no gold wants to acquire gold, he is not in any way richer than the person who has the 100 kilos of gold.

The Shanti Parva in the Mahabharata states that the joy experienced by someone who has lots of material wealth and has attained the heavens (Svarga) is much less than the joy experienced by one who has truly eliminated their desires. The Bhagavad Gita in chapter 18 distinguishes between Rajasika and Sattvika happiness. Rajasika happiness is the happiness obtained by attempting to satisfy one’s sense organs. This may appear to be nectar but, in the long run, is poison. Sattvika happiness is when one works towards dispassion. This may appear to be poison in the beginning (i.e., will struggle initially) but will become nectar, as one has total joy within oneself.

These ideas are also applicable today. Exponential economic growth that we desire (e.g., 10% growth every year) is not very different from what Yayati desired. Just like Yayati was willing to sacrifice his son for his needs, we are using resources that are likely to destroy the future of our children. Such exponential growth is unsustainable and we need to curtail our desires.

Here are some observations on human behaviour that can lead to long-term negative consequences. Nahusha’s lust and arrogance led to his downfall. Yayati did not learn from his father’s behaviour and his behaviour had a negative impact on others.

Devayani’s and Sharmishtha’s friendship was destroyed because of Devayani’s desire to improve

her social status by becoming queen. Furthermore, by making Sharmishtha her servant, she sabotages her married life.

Yayati’s behaviour is, at first, Dharmic (e.g., when he saved Devayani and got married to her). But in the long run this action led to hurting both Devayani and Sharmishtha.

Sharmishtha’s selfless love for her father and/or subjects; she willingly became a servant to save the kingdom. But she was not happy with this action.

Shukracharya’s involvement in a petty quarrel seems strange. He should have told Devayani that he is not willing to curse the kingdom of Sharmishtha’s father. This could have prevented Sharmishtha from being Devayani’s servant.

Yayati violates his Pitrdharma by exchanging his old age with his son Puru. Yayati symbolises a person who is interested in his own happiness and is happy to sacrifice the happiness of his son Puru and daughter-in-law.

Yayati did not use his kingly powers properly. He knows that Sharmishtha’s presence in the palace can cause problems. But he does not send her away.

Puru’s behaviour reflects the patriarchal system as he does not consider his wife’s wishes.

There is also a positive message.

Although Yadu did not inherit any thing from his father, he chartered his own course and established a famous kingdom.

References:

S. Gupta: ‘Yayati’: The Myth and Its Interpretation, 1982

S. Bhat: A Critical Reading of Girish Karnad’s Mythological Play “Yayati”: A Contemporary Perspective, 2017 Paddy Krishnan is a computer scientist, who got his BTech degree from IIT-Kanpur and PhD from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Being very interested in Hindu philosophy, he maintains a blog at www.goldcoasthindu. wordpress.com

By Pandit Jagannath Guruji

New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) The Central government on Thursday approved the tender for a 2-km long ropeway from Ujjain railway station to Mahakal temple in Madhya Pradesh at a cost of Rs 209 crore.

Union Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that the distance from Ujjain railway station to Mahakal temple will be covered in 5 minutes with the ropeway project.

“Its construction work will start from July 2023. Food zone, waiting room, toilets as well as bus and car parking facilities will be available for the people in the ropeway station,”

added the Minister.

Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh gov ernment announced that a ropeway will be built from the Ujjain railway station to the Mahakaleshwar Temple so that pilgrims coming from other parts of the Country could reach the Temple convenient ly. Thereafter, last week, National Highway Logistics Management Limited invited tenders for the project.

Early this week, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Mahakaleshwar Temple corridor development project in Ujjain.

Varanasi, Oct 14 (IANS) In a jolt to Hindu petitioners, a Varanasi court, on Friday, rejected the petition seeking carbon dating of the purported ‘Shivling’ found in the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Hindu petitioners said that they would study the verdict and then decide whether to approach the high court.

The petitioners had claimed that the ‘Shivling’ found in the ‘wuzu khana’ or reservoir of the mosque during survey work on May 16 was part of the property.

The Hindu side demanded carbon dating and other scientific tests of the Shivling-like structure.

Carbon dating is a scientific process that ascertains the age of an archae ological object or archaeological finds.

The Gyanvapi Masjid committee had opposed the carbon dating plea filed by the Hindu side.

Last month, four of the five Hindu women petitioners filed a plea seeking “scientific investigation” on the ‘Shivling’.

They contended that it was necessary to determine its age. The women have claimed that ancient idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are located inside the mosque.

The mosque committee objected to scientific investigation, arguing that the case was about worshipping at a shrine inside the mosque and had nothing to do with its structure. The object being called a ‘Shivling’ is actually a “fountain”, they argued. Last week, the court asked if the purported ‘Shivling’ can be made a part of the case and whether a scientific investigation can actually be ordered.

Vishnu Shankar Jain, lead advocate for Hindu women, told reporters that he tried to convince the court on both counts.

“We said two things - that in our prayer we asked for rights to pray before visible and invisible deities inside the mosque complex. The Shivling was earlier covered by water and when the water was removed it became a visible deity and so it is part of the suit,” he said. On September 12, the Varanasi

New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANSlife)

We all make mistakes in relationships, nobody is flawless. However, there are a few actions we repeat, dictated by our zodiac signs, which may end up sabotaging the relationship. Here’s a list of some zodiac traits common to all, discover your areas of weakness.

Aries: This zodiac sign often tries to be dominant and they end up being too controlling at times. Your competitive personality shines through and this kills the zeal of a relationship in no time. You have to remember that your partner is equal.

Taurus: Just so that they can avoid any kind of drama, you tend to hold back a lot. Your intention is not to hurt your partner’s feelings but the truth is that is the problem, you end up holding back your pain and this brews into a lot of poison. When this gets too much, you will snap at your partner, and regret it later.

Gemini: You run away the moment there is some problem in your relationship, which means you hardly stick to one for long.

Cancer: You have a tendency to get so much into a relationship that you lose yourself, and your individuality. You let co-dependency creep in and forget your own identity. Your world starts revolving around one person and this gets very toxic, not just for you but for your partner too.

Leo: You are drama, whether male or female, and you are well aware of this. In the whole process, you forget that you are overshadowing your own partner.

Virgo: You have an annoying habit of trying to fix people all the time. You may be reliable and steady and ever grounded, but you show love by knowing what your partner needs before they themselves know of it. This is breathing into your partner’s own space.

Libra: You play hot and cold when least expected, and this confuses your partner. You say yes but do not act on it and your doubting habits can ruin your relationship.

Scorpio: You can be so intense that you take things from 0 to 100 in a second. You go all out and can even make your love interest run away. Also, sadly, in your relationship, you have to be right and supported by your partner but if they do not, you can just end things. Your way is the high way can be an issue.

Sagittarius: You think everything is nice in this world. This cannot annoy your partner sometimes. Your habit of brushing everything under the carpet cannot be an answer.

Capricorn: With you, the biggest issue is that you take very long to

trust when it comes down to your relationship. You take so long to communicate your feelings that you can even lose your love.

Aquarius: You can seem to be too cold and detached for someone interested in you. You do not like the conventional way of a relationship but not everyone likes that. Your me-time is important but you tend to overdo it.

Pisces: Your bubble is a tad bit too much for those who lack imagination and in most cases, you can be weird for some. When you are in love everything becomes beautiful for you and you forget to set boundaries and sacrifice too much. When that bubble breaks, you are that devastated soul and this can be difficult for the other person in a relationship with you.

(Renowned astrologer Pandit Jagannath Guruji)

(IANSlife can be contacted atIANSlife@ians.in)

Varanasi court rejects plea for carbon dating of ‘Shivling’

district judge dismissed a challenge by the mosque committee that argued that the case by the Hindu women seeking permission for yearlong worship inside the mosque complex has no legal standing. Their challenge was rejected on all three counts they cited. The most important of these is the 1991 law, which freezes the status of a place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. The petitioners do not want ownership, just the right to worship, the court ruled.

Earlier this year, a lower court in Varanasi ordered the filming of the centuries-old mosque based on the

women’s petition. The videography report, controversially leaked by the petitioners, claimed a ‘Shivling’ was found in a pond used for ‘Wuzu’ or the mandatory purification rituals before Muslim prayers.

The Gyanvapi mosque, located in Varanasi, the constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is one of the several mosques that Hindu hardliners believe were built on the ruins of temples.

It was one of the three tem ple-mosque rows, besides Ayodhya and Mathura, which the BJP raised in the eighties and nineties, that gained national prominence.

Centre approves tender for ropeway connecting Ujjain rly stn with Mahakal temple

The Double A domination of India’s rich list

groups have floundered and fallen on bad times.

There are many defining moments in this journey which saw a debil itating impact on family industrial groups. The year 1964 was a turning point because this was when the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission was established. By that year, the MRTP Commission had finished collecting and sifting information on Indian big business and hence reliable data was available.

The next interesting inflection point came in 1991, when the P.V. Narasimha Rao administration introduced the New Economic Policy. This is where it all changedIndia’s most radical policy document in the form of the New Industrial Policy - the Licence Permit Raj was scrapped on 24 July 1991.

Democratic socialism had been consigned to the rubbish heap of history - Licence Raj, which was in place for four decades, came to an end with the new industrial policy announced by Finance Minister Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister P.V. Narsimha Rao, who also held the portfolio of Industries Minister.

The New Industrial Policy proposed getting rid of Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices and abolishing industrial licensing for all but 18 industries. Foreign equity holdings were proposed to be raised by 51 per cent in a project. Indian industry was free of controls and bureaucracy like never before.

Over the last 30 years, India Inc had been turned on its head. As per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index now, Gautam Adani is ranked 4th in the world with a total net worth of $125 billion.

Adani is followed by Mukesh Ambani at number 10 with a net worth of $83.6 billion.

However, after Adani and Ambani the gap widens by a large extent and is then taken up by the software czars. The next rank from India is number 45 for Azim Premji of Wipro with a net worth of $ 24.6 billion.

Shiv Nadar of HCL Technologies is at number 51 on the index with a net worth of $22.8 billion. The repre sentation from India is then only at number 101 with Dilip Shanghvi with a net worth of $14.9 billion followed by Cyrus Poonawalla at 102 with $14.8 billion. Lakhsmi Mittal is at 103 with a net worth of $14.7 billion.

IIM-L scores

Lucknow, Oct 10 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (IIM-L) has scored 100 per cent placement in its summer placement drive.

The drive -- held for the 38th batch of Post Graduate Programme in Management and 19th batch of PG Programme in Food and AgriBusiness Management -- saw 566 students getting a total of 570 offers.

This is the first time the institute has secured 100 per cent placement for a batch this big in its 38-year history.

According to a press release issued by IIM-L, the highest package offered during the drive was Rs 3.5 lakh per month.

The average and median stipends offered to students were Rs 1.41 lakh per month and Rs 1.5 lakh per month, respectively.

This is also the highest-ever in IIML’s history, added the communique.

Students secured offers in varied fields -- including consulting, finance, general management, IT & analytics, sales and marketing, operations and retail e-commerce -from top recruiters across the globe.

During the drive, several major

companies came to hire IIM-L students for the first time.

placement

in the drive.

These included -- Alkem Laboratories, Berger Paints, Bharat Serums & Vaccines, Big Basket, Castrol, CK Birla, DSP Investment Managers, GEF Capital Partners, IvyCap Ventures, Lincoln International, L’oreal, Ninjacart, Redseer Consulting, SBI Capital, Sony Pictures, The Rohatyn Group, Transunion Cibil, and Whiteboard Capital.

Meanwhile, several other companies that have recruited from the insti tute earlier as well also participated

These included -- Accenture, Aditya Birla Group, Adobe, Alvarez & Marsal, Amazon, Arthur D. Little, Atlassian, Avendus Capital, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Citi Group, Colgate-Palmolive and Deloitte.

“Despite the current state of economy, the placement drive was made a huge success by the relentless support of recruiters and placement teams, making it the best placements with more than 185+ recruiters participating in the process,” said the IIM-L release

One District One Product Export Hub can capitalise on raw materials, intermediate goods

Chennai, Oct 10 (IANS) The gov ernment’s One District One Product - District Export Hub (ODOP-DEH) initiative can also focus on capitalis ing on raw materials and intermedi ate goods in addition to geographical indication (GI) products, said a top economist at State Bank of India (SBI).

He also said the country should capitalise on China+1 strategy.

In a report, Dr Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser said that with 55 per cent of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) coming from the service sector, services exports may be given a more promi nent place under ODOP-DEH.

New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) The double As - Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani - dominate the India rich list with the gap between them the rest of India Inc being a very large one.

There was a time when Tata and Birla were synonyms for India’s

rich. Every region had its own wealthy like the Shrirams, Thapars, Nandas, and Modis in the north or the Bangurs in the east or the Mafatlals, Walchands, Kirloskars, Khataus, Sarabhais and Lalbhais in the west and the M.A. Chidambaram group in the south. Over time, many

Uday Kotak is ranked 106 with a net worth of $13.7 billion. Savitri Jindal is ranked at 119 on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index with a net worth of $12.9 billion.

Sunil Mittal is ranked at 134 with a net worth of $12.2 billion. Kumar Birla is at 159 with a net worth of $10.8 billion.

Focus of ODOP-DEH on GI products is good, however it can also focus more on capitalising on raw ma terials and intermediate goods for integrating in global value chains, Ghosh said.

According to him, capitalising on the China+1 strategy of global corporations India should also avoid protectionism and correct inverted duty structures for boosting export competitiveness.

and lack of due diligence on the part of the Labour Department and amounted to the Department having adopted a ‘pick and choose policy’ in processing such applications. Such a system may also lead to corrupt practices. Further, inordinate delayed processing of such routine applications also negatively affects the confidence/sentiments of the business community at large”, the L-G noted while approving the proposal.

Furthermore, progress results of district level export indicators have to be published on a monthly/ quarterly basis in comparison with baseline data of September 2020.

Under ODOP-DEH, products/ services with export potential have been identified in 733 districts across the country including agricultural and toy clusters and GI products in these districts.

Exports of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,

Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have increased more than thrice since the introduc tion of ODOP-DEH initiative.

These states include all top 10 states with export preparedness except Tamil Nadu whose export increased more than twice.

Ghosh said that India’s merchandise exports touched a record $420 billion in FY22. In FY23, exports have so far recorded $229 billion in H1FY23 and at this rate, India’s exports are on par to overtake $420 billi on in current fiscal.

New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Starting next week, over 300 establishments ranging from hotels, restaurants, eateries to online delivery services of food, medicines, logistics and other essential commodities, transport and travel services, apart from KPOs and BPOs will be able to operate the business on a 24x7 basis in the national capital.

Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena has approved the proposal to exempt 314 such applications, some of them pending since 2016. The LG has directed that notification to this effect be issued within seven days. The decision, providing exemption under Sections 14, 15 and 16 of the Delhi Shops & Establishment Act, 1954, is expected to boost employ ment generation and promote a positive and a favourable business environment along with also provid ing fillip to the much desired ‘night life’ in the city.

The exemptions under Sections 14, 15 & 16 of the said Act enables commercial establishments to operate on a 24X7 basis, subject

to certain conditions that entails welfare of labour and security, etc.

Approving the proposal, the Lt. Governor took a very serious view and flagged issues of inordinate delay, adhocism, randomness and unjustified discretion on part of the Labour Department in disposing of the applications made by establish ments for these exemptions.

“Out of total 346 pending applica tions, 18 applications of 2016, 26 applications of 2017, 83 applications of 2018, 25 applications of 2019, four applications of 2020 and 74 appli cations of 2021 had not been pro cessed by the Labour Department on time. These applications were kept pending for no reason even as just two applications, one of 2017 and another of 2021 were processed and sent for approval, in a display of unexplained discretion on part of the Labour Department, which strongly indicated prevalence of corrupt practices,” said the L-G Secretariat official.

The official added that “it shows a complete unprofessional attitude

The L-G also pointed towards the fact that it took repeated observations and persuasion from the L-G Secretariat for the Labour Department to put in place a Digital Mechanism for receipt of applica tions. This, the L-G said, showed reluctance on part of the Labour Department in adopting simple technological interventions that improved the regulatory framework for ‘Ease of Doing Business’.

The L-G has strictly advised that such applications are disposed of within a prescribed timeline so that a conducive investor friendly business environment and positive confidence could be instilled in the entrepreneurs and business community of Delhi at large, said the official.

The L-G has also directed the Labour Department to ensure that such delays do not occur in future, a mechanism be developed for trans parent and effective monitoring, reasons of pendency be ascertained, responsibility be fixed and suitable action be taken against the erring officials.

New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Direct Tax collection up to October 8 stood at Rs 8.98 lakh crore, which is 23.8 per cent higher than the gross collection for the corresponding period of last year.

Direct tax collection, net of refunds, stood at Rs 7.45 lakh crore, which is 16.3 per cent higher than the net collection for the corresponding period of last year.

This collection is 52.46 per cent of the total budget estimates of Direct Taxes for 2022-23.

Refunds amounting to Rs 1.53 lakh crore have been issued between April 1 and October 8, which are 81 per cent higher than refunds issued during the same period in the preceding year.

So far as the growth rate for Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and Personal Income Tax (PIT) in terms of gross revenue collections is concerned, the growth rate for CIT is 16.73 per cent, while that for PIT (including STT) is 32.30 per cent.

After adjustment of refunds, the net growth in CIT collections is 16.29

Various factors such as exports of finished or intermediate goods, push from production linked incentives scheme, and multi-year high commodity and food prices are contributing to this export growth, he added.

Government of India’s consistent and concerted endeavours to usher in reforms for boosting agricultural exports have been highly fruitful and currently showing results.

India’s agricultural exports rose remarkably despite COVID-19 and crossed the $50 billion mark in FY22. Efforts are being made to expand India’s agri-export basket and promote export of products unique to India, he said.

per cent and that in PIT collections is 17.35 per cent.

Sushmita Sen to play transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant in ‘Taali’

Shreegauri Sawant for you. Nothing makes me more proud and grateful than to bring this journey that has been rife with challenges, only to witness a revolution!”

The actress called the project ‘special’ for her: “This one is special for many reasons. This is just the beginning, stay tuned for what’s in store,” she added.

Mumbai, Oct 6 (IANS) After becom ing the first singer to be associated with Manchester City Football Club, Harrdy Sandhu was recently invited by Manchester City to watch the match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

a video on their Instagram with the caption: “Hope you enjoyed the match and thanks for visiting Manchester, @harrdysandhu! “

Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen is set to portray the role of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant in her upcoming film ‘Taali - Bajaungi Nahi, Bajwaungi’.

The actress unveiled the first look of the film through her Instagram. She wrote in the caption: “Taali! (I won’t clap but will make others do so)

#firstlook as #ShreegauriSawant.

Nothing makes me more proud and grateful than to portray this beauti ful person and bring her story to the world! Here’s to life & to everyone’s right to live it with dignity! I love you guys (sic).”

Talking about the movie, she said: “(It’s) A story of struggle, resilience, and indomitable power, that’s

Born as Ganesh and raised in Pune, Shreegauri Sawant is a transgender activist from Mumbai. She was one of the petitioners of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) which was filed in 2013, in which the Supreme Court recognised transgender as the third gender with a final verdict in 2014.

The biopic is created by Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartk D. Nishandar, directed by National award-winning director Ravi Jadhav, and produced by Arjun Singgh Baran, Kartk D Nishandar and AAfeefa Nadiadwala.

Shreya Ghoshal to embark on global tour to celebrate 20 years in music industry

Mumbai, Oct 6 (IANS) Playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, who is known for hits such as ‘Ami Je Tomar’, ‘Bahara’ and ‘Chikni Chameli’, will headline a series of concerts across the world as she completes two decades in the music industry.

She will perform in a 5-city Australia-New Zealand tour from October 7 to October 16, 2022, in Ireland on October 29 and The Netherlands on October 30.

Additionally, she will also perform in the USA from November 4 to November 19, 2022.

Talking about the US tour, Shreya Ghoshal said: “This US tour is very special for me as I am completing twenty years in Bollywood, and what

India Radio (AIR) which will include a series titled ‘Matdata Junction’ with 52 episodes of 15 minutes each to be broadcast every Friday on Vividh Bharti stations, and other primary radio channels of AIR.

The programme will be broadcast in 23 languages across 230 AIR channels. Pankaj Tripathi will join the launch of Matdata Junction as the National Icon. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey complimenting Pankaj Tripathi announced during the election commission meet and launch of the Matdata Junction.

a beautiful way to celebrate my jour ney with my fans. Coincidentally, this is my first tour in the US after the unfortunate pandemic disruption.”

She further said: “I am humbled to be a part of the concert and to be able to continue entertaining my fans.

The high-profile music concert will see a seven-city tour across the US.

The US leg of the tour will start on November 4 in New Jersey, followed by Dallas, Texas on November 5, Washington, DC on November 11, Oakland, Bay Area on November 12, Los Angeles on November 13, Orlando, Florida on November 18, and will conclude in New York on November 19, 2022.

that he feels that the ECI has roped him in because of his dedication and commitment as Bihar’s State Icon. “I believe they have seen my dedication and responsibility as the State Icon of Bihar. Whenever there is a requirement to share an audio and video clip to spread awareness for the voters, I promptly share informative details within no time.

Earlier, Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Katrina Kaif were also invited by Manchester city. The singer, who is known for his songs such as ‘Tequila Shot’ and ‘Soch’, and is gearing up for his upcoming espionage film ‘Code Name: Tiranga’, made everyone dance to his popular tracks.

In fact, Manchester city shared

The 1.46-minute teaser of the much-awaited film “Adipurush” was released at a mega event in Ayodhya on Sunday night.

However, it has left netizens upset and disappointed, with many calling out the makers for its VFX and also some of them comparing it to “Pogo”.

But one keyword that is trending more on social media is ‘Raavan’.

IANS takes a look at the reason. “Adipurush”, starring Prabhas, Kriti Shanon and Saif Ali Khan, is a retelling of the Ramayana. Prabhas’ character is termed as Raghav, which is another name for Lord Ram. Saif Ali Khan plays Raavan while Janaki is played by Kriti Sanon.

Other than poor VFX, Saif Ali Khan’s look as Raavan with beard made social media users question if he is playing Raavan or “Babar” or “Alauddin Khilji” in the film.

Joking about the same, one of the social media users wrote, “He

Sharing his experience, he said: “It was such a wonderful experience to watch the match, the cheering of the crowd, and the excitement live in person.”

Harrdy called it the most “memo rable day” of his life and added: “I would like to express my gratitude to the entire Manchester City team for inviting and including me in what has to be one of the most memorable days of my life.”

(Saif) is looking more like Babar or Aurangzeb or Taimur but certainly not Raavan.”

Another netizen commented, “How is this look of Raavan? Raavan was a Hindu Brahmin from Northern Region.”

Another wrote: “#SaifAliKhan looks like an IsIamic invader than Raavan in #Adipurush?”

“I mean seriously!!! Are they going to change the name of ravan to

rizwan?? Who is styling his beard?? Javid Habib?? They have made him look like Alauddin Khilji,” added one user.

The makers of “Adipurush”, which has been directed by Om Raut, have spent a fortune on the visual effects.

The film has reportedly been made on a budget of over Rs 400 crore, most of which has been spent on the VFX but, it seems like the output is far from what the audience was expecting

PS1 becomes first Tamil film to gross over 80 crore on day 1

Chennai, Oct 1 (IANS) Director Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus ‘Ponniyin Selvan 1’, which is based on eminent writer Kalki’s literary classic by the same name, has made history by emerging as the film with the big gest ever opening in Tamil cinema.

The film, its makers announced, grossed a worldwide sum of over Rs 80 crore on its very first day.

Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who is known for his work in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Mirzapur’, ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ and several others, has been roped in as the National Icon, as announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The actor was already State Icon of Bihar to create awareness and encourage youth as voters and participate in the elections in Bihar.

The ECI is launching a special programme in collaboration with All

On being titled the National Icon of Election Commission of India, Tripathi said in a statement: “I was already the state icon of Bihar as sociated with Election Commission and during the programme at AIR station Chief Election Commissioner

Mr Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioner Mr Anup Chandra announced that now I will be the National Icon of the Election Commission of India between the running show and it was a pleasant surprise for me as I wasn’t aware anything such thing was to happen.”

Continuing further, he mentioned

Mr Rajiv Kumar announced my name as the National Icon is a kind gesture. He also went on to mention that Pankaj does not charge for any commercials for such initiatives and his love towards democracy is highly appreciated. Hence, he announced me as the National Icon of our country,” he said.

Expressing his gratitude, the actor added: “I am grateful to the Election Commission. As an actor, I believe I also have some social responsibilities towards the society. The title which is bestowed upon me I’ll abide by it sincerely in my full capacity. I shall be available as much as possible whenever the Election Commission needs me to spread awareness and be a part of campaigns. I am extremely happy and it’s a great responsibility and I’ll fulfil it’s duties sincerely.”

Taking to Twitter, Lyca Productions, the firm that had produced the film along with director Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies, tweeted: “Thank you for giving ‘Ponniyin Selvan 1’ the biggest ever opening day for Tamil cinema worldwide!”

It also shared a poster that said that the film had grossed a whopping Rs 80 plus crores worldwide.

The film, which had triggered huge expectations, released on Friday much to the delight of fans and received a thunderous welcome from audiences.

The film seems to have struck a chord with audiences of all age groups. In particular, the film has caught the attention of senior citizens as it is based on the literary classic by Kalki.

Several senior citizens who had given up the practise of going to theatres are now making an exception in the case of this film as they are eager to watch the classic on screen.

In fact, actor Vikram, who plays Aditha Karikalan in the film, had recently requested theatre owners to do all that they could for senior citizens who came to watch the film. He had said that his mother too had expressed a desire to watch the film in theatres.

‘Ponniyin Selvan’, the first part of which released on Friday, is a

brilliant story that is based on the early life of prince Arun Mozhi Varman, who later went on to be known as the great Raja Raja Chozhan.

Called by Mani Ratnam as his dream project, the film features a host of top stars including actors Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Trisha, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Jayaram, Parthiban, Lal, Vikram Prabhu, Jayaram, Prabhu and Prakash Raj.

The film is among the most expen sive projects ever undertaken in the country and is based on the Tamil classic ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ by eminent writer Kalki.

Bollywood star Ajay Devgn, who was feted with a National Award for Best Actor for his work in ‘Tanhaji’ on Monday, shared that the honour is significant because it comes from a larger demography.

Ajay in a statement shared that he is “humbled and honoured to win two National awards” for ‘Tanhaji-The Unsung Warrior’, which marks his

100th film, “one as producer of best film & one as best actor”.

“I also share the Best Actor win with Suriya, whose cinema I like & respect.”

The superstar shared that this is his “third win as Best Actor.”

“I feel elated yet humbled each time this happens. The National Award is significant because it comes from a

larger demography and it represents Indian cinema, embracing cultural and language barriers. And, it has an inclusive audience.”

“Tanhaji was my hundredth film. And it made inroads because it spoke of valour, friendship, family and national fervour. I thank Om Raut, the director and the entire technical team. Not to forget my co-actors, Saif Ali Khan and Kajol, both of who were pitch-perfect in the film.”

‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ is directed by Om Raut. Tracing the life of Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare, it stars Ajay as the eponymous lead, Kajol and Saif Ali Khan.

The film is set in 17th century and revolves around Tanaji’s attempts to recapture the Kondhana fortress once it passes on to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who transfers its control to his trusted guard Udaybhan Singh Rathore.

Bollywood

actress and mumto-be Alia Bhatt, who made her debut as a producer with ‘Darlings’, said that she will set out goals with shows, movies, or pod casts to create content that connects with an extremely high emotional core and added that she wants to be a part of the process behind the camera.

Alia Bhatt was speaking at Forbes India Tycoons of Tomorrow 2022, a prestigious ceremony felicitating prodigious changemakers across industries. The event took place on September 30.

Alia said: “It seemed to be financially the right thing to do. I wouldn’t want to load the production and wanted to take a back-end perspective. That led me to realise how interested I am behind the camera. Ten years into this industry, I made my first movie, ‘Darlings’. The experience has been so substantial that it has strengthened my motto to continu ously grow.”

She added: “Mine is still a boutique production house. I’ll set out goals with shows, movies, or podcasts to create content that connects with an extremely high emotional core. I want to be a part of the process behind the camera,” said Alia.

Alia Bhatt: I want to be part of the process behind the camera

‘Saif is looking more like Khilji, but not Raavan’

larger demography

Pankaj Tripathi announced as National Icon by ECI

Dhanush, Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth call off divorce after nine months’ separation

reconcile their marriage although an official statement from Dhanush and Aishwaryaa is awaited.

Back in January 2022, Dhanush wrote: “18 years of togetherness as friends, couple, as parents and well-wishers to each other. The journey has been of growth, under standing, adjusting and adapting. Today we stand at a place where our paths separate... Aishwaryaa and I have decided to part ways as a couple and take time to understand us as individuals for the better. Please do Respect our decision and give us the needed privacy to deal with this.Om Namashivaaya! Spread love, D.”

amil star Dhanush and Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth - the eldest daughter of megastar Rajinikanth, have put their divorce on hold and are trying to make things work around their marriage.

Dhanush and Aishwaryaa got mar ried in 2004. They have two sons together, Yatra Raja and Linga Raja.

Several media reports state that nine months after announcing the separation, the two have decided to

Even though the two did not disclose the reason behind their separation and requested everyone to respect their privacy, there were reports saying that Dhanush and Aishwarya’s families had been trying to “convince them to stay together.”

On the work front, Dhanush will next be seen in the bilingual film titled ‘Vaathi’ in Tamil and ‘Sir’ in Telugu. He also has ‘Captain Miller’ in the pipeline.

A user tweeted, “Bollywood’s Hanuman Looks Like A Musalman #BoycottAdipurush.” Another one wrote, “After 35 years, gutter Bollywood converted the ‘grace fulness’ of arrogant Ravana and Hanuman ji into Mughals.”

“Hanuman in Ramayan. Musalman in #Adipurush, Note: No Hindu keeps a beard without a Moustache. This film should be banned... They are defaming our Ramayan. They are showing Ravana and Hanuman with beards as Mughals with no Tika on their foreheads,” added one.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra reportedly expressed his anguish over the portrayal of the gods in the film.

Mishra said that the Hanuman was shown wearing leather clothes while the description of his appearance is clearly given in the Hanuman Chalisa.

“There are objectionable scenes in the teaser. Such scenes hurt religious sentiments. I am writing to maker Om Raut to remove these scenes. If he does not agree, there will be legal action,” the minister was quoted as saying.

After “Laal Singh Chaddha” and “Brahmastra”, another Bollywood movie has run into rough weather, with “Boycott Adipurush” trending on social media, days after its teaser got released.

The excitement for Om Raut’s film “Adipurush” -- starring Saif Ali Khan, Prabhas and Kriti Sanon -- was quite high ever since it was announced. However, just a few hours after the release of the teaser, the netizens began criticising the

The netizens have claimed that Hanuman’s look in the film also has similarities with the Islamic attire.

“Adipurush” is a retelling of the Ramayana. Prabhas’s character is termed as Raghav, which is another name for Lord Ram. Saif plays Ravana while Janaki (Sita) is played by Kriti Sanon.

The makers of Adipurush have spent a fortune on the visual effects.

The film has reportedly been made on a budget of over Rs 400 crore, most of which has been spent on the VFX but, it seems like the output is far from what the audience was expecting.

Advocate Kamlesh Sharma sent the notice on behalf of National President of Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha Pt. Suresh Mishra.

“The depiction of Hindu Gods and Goddesses is being done in a wrong way in this film. In this film, Hindu Gods and Goddesses are shown in a very distorted form, wearing leather clothes and they are being seen speaking in an indecent manner. In fact, a very low level language has been used for dialogues and depic tions spreading religious and caste

Mumbai, Oct 5 (IANS) Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit, whose film ‘Maja Ma’ is all set for release on Amazon Prime on Thursday, has purchased a luxurious apartment worth Rs 48 crore in the Lower Parel area of Mumbai.

The plush property is part of the Indiabulls Blu project and the area of the apartment, which is on the 53rd floor of the building, is report edly 5,384 square feet. What’s more?

The apartment comes with seven

hatred in the film. Ramayana is our history and our spirit, however, in Adipurush, Lord Hanuman is shown as a Mughal,” the notice reads.

“Which Hindu bears a beard without a moustache that Lord Hanumanji has been shown to do.” This film is a

Apologise or face legal action, says notice to Adipurush director for ‘Islamisation’ of Ramayana Jaipur, Oct 6 (IANS) The Sarva Brahmin Mahasabha on Thursday sent a notice to Om Raut, the director of ‘Adipurush’ featuring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon, asking him to remove controversial scenes from the film in seven days or else face legal action.

complete Islamisation of Ramayana and of Lord Ram, Maa Sita, Lord Hanuman. Even Saif Ali Khan who is playing the role of Ravana in the Adipurush movie looks like Taimur and Khilji. The film is going to spread hatred among a particular class by inciting religious sentiments in the country. “You are making a film that hurts the sentiments of crores of Hindus,” said the notice.

“You are requested not to play with the sentiments of the people, do not stigmatise the faith of the people and

car parking spaces.

According to media reports, Madhuri signed the conveyance deed with the seller, Calleis Land Development Private Limited, last month when she paid a stamp duty of Rs 2.4 crore.

The apartment complex overlooks the Arabian Sea and includes other facilities like swimming pool, a football pitch, gym, spa, and a club.

depict the film as it is depicted in Ramayana and RamcharitManas”. Therefore, by sending a legal notice, it is requested that by publicly apolo gising for the above acts in seven days, delete all dialogue illustrations otherwise legal action will be taken, reads the notice.

Vijay Varma wraps up Season 3 of ‘Mirzapur’

Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Actor Vijay Varma, who received a lot of positive response for his work in the stream ing movie ‘Darlings’, has wrapped up his part for the third season of the crime-drama web show, ‘Mirzapur’.

Vijay’s dual role in the Mirzapur series has been very well received by the audience and left the viewers wondering as to which of the two characters portrayed by him in the show gets killed.

Vijay took to his Instagram and shared some selfies with a wrap-up cake which has ‘Picture wrap for Mirzapur season 3’ written on it.

The actor wrote in the caption: “Season wrap for me! #Mirzapur3

Absolutely delightful to work with the fam again. @excelmovies @ primevideoin @yehhaimirzapur @ gurmmeetsingh”

Meanwhile, ‘Darlings’, which was the highest viewed non-English Indian original film on streaming platform Netflix, resulted in a lot of hate for Vijay as he had netizens flocking to his DMs for playing the alcoholic and abusive husband in ‘Darlings’.

Vijay has an exciting slate of projects ahead including ‘Dahaad’ with Sonakshi Sinha, ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’ with Kareena Kapoor Khan, and of course there’s ‘Mirzapur 3’.

Fans boycott ‘Game of Thrones’ author George R.R. Martin’s next book over racism

Los Angeles, Oct 5 (IANS) The clouds of worry seem to be hovering over everything related to ‘Game of Thrones’. After fans complained of dimly-lit scenes in episode seven of the prequel series, ‘House of the Dragon’, they are now boycotting the bestselling fantasy author and ‘House of the Dragon’ executive producer George R.R. Martin’s upcoming book, reports Variety.

Martin is caught in the crossfire of the heated battle over inclusive cast ing and some of his fans are calling for a boycott of his upcoming book due to comments by its co-authors. According to Variety, ‘The Rise of the Dragon: An Illustrated History of the Targaryen Dynasty, Volume One’ is being touted as a “deluxe reference book” for those itching to learn more about Westeros’ most powerful family.

When Martin publicised it on social media last week, thousands of fans responded in outrage, many calling out the problematic behaviour and “history of racism” of his coauthors, married couple Linda Antonsson and Elio M. Garcia Jr. “I will not be buying anything with Linda and Elio attached to it,” one wrote, while others urged Martin to sever ties with the pair.

Now the co-authors are fighting back, with Antonsson insisting to Variety that she is not a racist and Garcia saying he feels under attack for sticking to his views about Martin’s original works.

Variety further states that the ‘Game of Thrones’ superfans have been collaborating with Martin since before HBO’s hit adaptation of his ‘Song of Ice and Fire’ books. Soon after Antonsson and Garcia

‘A kaleidoscope of common people, everyday lives’: The cinema of Hrishikesh Mukherjee

tragic end, and in another film, his comic genius in a gambit to show up an uppity relative, and Amitabh Bachchan - well before he became a household name - as a cynical doctor, and then, as an insecure and jealous singer.

By Vikas Datta

Films, especially of Bollywood, are usually escapist from the un compromising reality and leverage a willing suspension of disbelief by the viewer for the simulacrum of our world they create.

However, this accomplished Indian film-maker was adept in making movies that recreated the ethos and concerns of the middle class, which seemed like their own experiences, not a contrived story.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee eschewed formulaic ‘masala’ potboilers (with plenty of flailing fists, sultry beauties

and unspeakable villains or those of love triangles and misunderstand ings) or intense “art movies”, to create a unique “middle-of-the road” and popular films - wide-ranging and even provocative - but also guaranteed to touch you.

He was also deft in using established stars against their typecast images - heartthrob Rajesh Khanna in a deglamourised role of a terminal ly-ill but still cheerful patient and later, as a humble cook with a secret agenda, action man Dharmendra displaying his sensitive side as a man of principle who meets a

Mukherjee, who would have turned 100 on this day (September 30), only made 42 films in a four decade-odd career - with a ten-year hiatus between the second-last and the last - but they stand out for their in sightful look into believable human problems and foibles, prosaic but edifying themes which never trans gressed into preaching or agendas, lively music, and generous helpings of humour (whenever apt).

They also easily swung across genres, created some of the most memorable characters seen onscreen (remember Dhurandar Bhatawadekar?), and reprised plots and motifs in various innovative ways - an incident sad and poignant in one, and flighty and humorous in the next - using the same actors, eg. Dharmendra and Sharmila Tagore in “Satyakam” and “Chupke Chupke”.

Part of this can be attributed to his background. A chemistry graduate

from the University of Calcutta and a science teacher too, he chose a career in films, working first as a cameraman, and then as film editor, in New Theatres in the late 1940s.

He then worked with Bimal Roy in Mumbai as film editor and assistant director from 1951, before branching out as an independent filmmaker towards the end of the decade.

His skill as editor and focus on the script, as many of those who worked with him attest, helped to ensure the finesse in his films - most scenes were shot in two or maximum three takes.

While Mukhejee is best known for the rather sombre “Anand” (1971), and the laugh riots “Chupke Chupke” (1975), and “Gol Maal” (1979), he had a wide and varied repertoire - right from his debut “Musafir” (1957), which was not only of the first “portmanteau” film, comprising three separate episodes linked by a single theme, but a casting coup in being the only film to star Dilip Kumar and Kishore Kumar.

However, it was not successful commercially and he only hit the limelight with his second outing

“Anari”, which transformed Raj Kapoor’s Chaplinesque persona to a more believable avatar and fetched the showman his first Filmfare Award for acting.

These were followed by the sensitive and ahead of its time “Anuradha” (1960) with Balraj Sahni and Leela Naidu, the effervescent “Asli Naqli” (1962) with Dev Anand and Sadhana, the enigmatic “Sanjh Aur Savera” (1964), where Guru Dutt, in his final screen performance, was paired with Meena Kumari, “Gaban” (1966), starring Sunil Dutt, and possibly one of the best screen adaptations of a Premchand work, the morbid “Satyakam” (1969) with Dharmendra in his most unusual role, among many others.

However, it was Chatterjee’s work in the 1970s that comprises some landmark Indian films - While “Anand” came out in 1971, so did “Guddi”, where Dharmendra, who plays himself, teams up with a young Jaya Bhaduri’s uncle (Utpal Dutt) to acquaint her with the reality of the film industry, “Bawarchi” (1972) where Rajesh Khanna cooks up concord and understanding in a fractious family, “Abhimaan”

and “Namak Haraam” (1973), the Wodehousian “Chupke Chupke” (1975), and then “Gol Maal” (1979), where the Amol Palekar and Utpal Dutt chemistry was stupendous. He kept up the pace in the 1980s with “Khubsoorat” (1980), with Rekha and Rakesh Roshan, “Naram Garam” (1981) with favourites Palekar and Dutt joined by Swaroop Sampat and Shatrughan Sinha, “Rang Birangi” (1983), where Palekar was joined by Parveen Babi, Deepti Naval and Farooq Sheikh, and “Kissise Na Kehna” (1983) with Dutt, Deepti Naval and Farooq Sheikh.

However, it was by this time, he seemed to lose steam and though he worked till the end of the decade, the usual sparkle was lacking with the changing mores and norms and most of his actors going back to doing what they were better known for. He emerged in the end 1990s with “Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate”, starring Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla and Amrish Puri, but this was his swan song, ahead of his death in 2006.

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)

‘Bollywood’s Hanuman looks like a Musalman’: ‘Boycott Adipurush’ trends on social media

film for Saif’s “Islamic” look, uncon vincing VFX, and also the costumes of the other cast were targeted.

Comparisons are also being made with Lord Hanuman from Ramanand Sagar’s serial “Ramayan” to “Adipurush”. Actor Devdatta Gajanan Nage is playing the role of Hanuman in the movie.

Madhuri Dixit buys apartment worth Rs 48 crore in Mumbai

created online forum Westeros.org in 1999, Martin recruited them as fact-checkers for his book ‘Feast for Crows.’ In 2014, they served as co-authors on ‘The World of Ice & Fire’, an illustrated companion book for the series of novels.

T