SAADDA HAQ FIGHT FOR RIGHT
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Vol. 1 Issue: 124 Price: Rs.3:00
Congress files complaint with EC against Kejriwal over 'bribe' remark Govt bans import of mobile phones with fake, duplicate unique identity numbers NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Government on Monday banned import of mobile handsets with duplicate or fake unique identity numbers. The GSM Association and CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Sadiq Jamal case: Court grants bail to two accused cops AHMEDABAD, JAN 19 The special court for CBI cases here on Monday granted bail to two police constables arrested in the 2003 Sadiq Jamal fake encounter case. Judge MM Gandhi granted bail to Ajaypalsinh Yadav and CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Lucknow hooch tragedy: NHRC issues notice to UP Govt NEW DELHI, JAN 19 National Human Rights Commission on Monday issued notice to Uttar Pradesh Government over hooch tragedy in Lucknow and bordering areas of the state. According to an official statement, the commission has issued notices to the Chief CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Saradha chitfund scam: TMC alleges Centre misusing CBI, moves SC NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Accusing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of working under pressure from Bhartiya Janata Partyled central government in multi-crore Saradha chitfund scam, the Trinamool Congress CONTD. ON PAGE 3
SC refuses to hear PIL on loudspeaker ban at religious places NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a PIL that sought ban on use of loudspeakers at religious sites on the ground that they cause noise pollution besides causing communal riots. "There are directions in place. This CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Ramdev can't be tried at different places for one speech: SC NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Supreme Court on Monday said that Yoga guru Ramdev cannot be tried at different places in the country for his alleged controversial "honeymoon" remarks targeting Rahul Gandhi over visiting CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Weather Report DELHI
Temperature: 170C Precipitation: 0% Humidity:45% Wind: 10 Km/hr
KOLKATA
Temperature: 240C Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 34% Wind: 13 Km/hr
CHENNAI
Temperature: 290C Precipitation: 0% Humidity:56% Wind: 21 Km/hr
MUMBAI
Temperature: 280C Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 55% Wind: 14 Km/hr
Reg. No: DELENG/2014/58212
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BJP has saved the country, its leadership is in safe hands: Kiran Bedi NEW DELHI, JAN 9 Former cop and social activist, Kiran Bedi who recently joined the BJP said on Monday that she had finally taken the political plunge as it was the right time to do so. In an exclusive interview, Bedi said, “There is a right time for everything, one should believe in that. I believe in that,” and added, “During 2014 Lok Sabha polls, politics was not on my mind and neither was it when I was part of the Anna Hazare movement.” On talks about being offered the top post in Delhi by the Aam Aadmi Party a year back, the BJP leader said that it used to come in the media that AAP may have wanted to project her as the CM but no one approached her directly or phoned her.
Kiran Bedi is CM candidate: Amit Shah
Asked to why she was given the offer by the BJP to join the party, she said, “Maybe they thought that I was ready to dedicate myself to politics.” Bedi emphasised that it was
time to do something for Delhi, “We have to link Delhi with the Central government. Enough of agitation,” and questioned, “What did we get in the past one year, election CONTD. ON PAGE 3
NEW DELHI,JAN 19 Brushing aside murmurs of dissent, the BJP on Monday named new entrant Kiran Bedi, a former IPS officer, as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the February 7 Delhi Assembly elections. Making the announcement after a meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Board, party president Amit Shah said the decision of fielding 65-yearold Ms. Bedi was “unanimous”. He said BJP will contest the crucial polls for the 70member Assembly under CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Krishna Tirath joins BJP ahead of Delhi polls, says will work to make Congress-free India NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Former UPA minister and Congress leader Krishna Tirath on Monday officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in the national capital, vowing to continue her work towards the upliftment of the oppressed. Addressing a press conference, BJP Delhi unit chief Sathish Upadhyay said, “Tirath is welcome in the party.” BJP's national secretary Shrikant Sharma added, "Leaders of other parties are inspired by Prime Minister
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday told a Delhi court that they would verify the process of serving summons to two Italian nationals, who were summoned as accused along with others in a money-laundering case related to the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal. The agency told the court that they would inform it about the process of serving summons to the foreign nationals, Gerosa Carlo Valentino Ferdinand and Haschke Guido Ralph. "Complainant (ED's CONTD. ON PAGE 3
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 State-owned carrier Air India is to cuts its costs by 14 billion rupees ($227 million), or about 6 percent of its total outlays, in the next financial year after the government asked the loss-making airline to improve its finances. Air India, which controls close to a fifth of India`s domestic air travel market, has been losing money for years and has long been criticised for its high costs. In 2012, the government handed the company a $5.8 billion bailout package. The airline said in a
statement late on Sunday that it would identify "surplus staff", freeze contractual hiring and discontinue flights which are not meeting fuel cost targets, to reduce its variable spending of 140 billion
rupees by a tenth. Restrictions on staff travel and hospitality have also been introduced, Air India said. All but one of the major carriers in India are losing money CONTD. ON PAGE 3
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday strongly conveyed that the ruling and opposition parties should find a workable solution on law-making and avoid issuing ordinances for normal legislations. During a video conference with the students of Central Universities, IITs, NITs and other institutions, Mukherjee said that the government has limited powers to issue ordinances or emergency executive orders. He said that the constitution provides scope of issuing ordinances in extraordinary situation but this route cannot and should not be taken for
US, UK ask Pakistan to SpiceJet may axe 2000 jobs to cut hand over Lakhvi to India losses; rejig top management
News reported. During the hearing, Lakhvi’s lawyer Raja Rizwan Abbasi said that the fresh extension came despite the fact that it
had already been challenged in the court, adding that his client will file a new petition challenging the CONTD. ON PAGE 3
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Cash-strapped SpiceJet airlines may axe 2000 jobs to cut losses. Indicating the prospects of a lay off, Sun Group CFO has said that if SpiceJet has to stay in this sector then the huge manpower must be trimmed down. The decision comes after the Maran family agreed to transfer ‘ownership, management and control’ in the airline to its original founder and new owner Ajay Singh. The beleaguered airlines has also decided to balance
its aircraft versus employees ratio. Sources have said that there might be a rejig in the top management while the company may stop its flights to non profitable routes. As per sources, company's Managing Director S Natrajhen might also tender his resignation soon. Last Thursday, the SpiceJet board approved the ‘Scheme of Reconstruction and Revival’ that would see Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways transferring ownership along with ceding CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Pakistan approaches India EU seeks anti-terror help from over closure notice to PIA Muslim countries after Paris attacks NEW DELHI, JAN 19 The Pakistan high commission Monday approached the Indian government over closure notices to PIA properties in the Indian capital, officials said. Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said in Islamabad that Pakistan International Airlines had been directed to initiate litigation over the property row. India has asked PIA to shut its office in New Delhi, alleging that the property in
Narendra Modi's agenda of development and want to see Delhi develop as a world-class city and that is why they are joining BJP." Shortly after joining the party, Tirath
told reporters, “Energy shouldn't be wasted, I am here to work for people's well-being.” She added,“Hum Congress-mukt bharat banayenge, CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Air India to cut costs by Rs Find workable solution on law-making: President sends firm message to govt, Opposition 1,400 crore to reduce losses
VVIP chopper deal: Will verify process to summon foreigners, says ED
ISLAMABAD, JAN 19 Apparently under continued pressure from India, the authorities in Pakistan have extended the house arrest of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks accused Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi by one month, reports said Monday. Lakhvi’s house arrest case was heard in Islamabad High Court (IHC) by Judge Justice Noor-ul-Haq Qureshi today and his detention was extended for further 30 days by the local administration, ARY
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Connaught Place was bought without the mandatory clearance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). "We approached the external affairs ministry today," a Pakistani official said. He said the move to close down the offices of PIA was "unfair" and would harm people-to-people contacts and business between the two countries. He said many Pakistani patients used the airline to CONTD. ON PAGE 3
BRUSSELS, JAN 19 EU ministers called Monday for an alliance with Muslim countries to fight the growing Islamist militant threat, with Europe on high alert after the deadly Paris attacks and antiterrorism raids in Belgium. As Belgian troops patrolled the streets in the EU headquarters Brussels and other cities, the focus for the 28-nation European
Union was how to prevent battle-hardened citizens returning home from the Syria and Iraq. The Arab League`s secretary general was at the talks, which are being held less than two weeks after three French gunmen who caused carnage in Paris claimed they were acting on behalf of AlQaeda and the Islamic State group. EU foreign affairs head Federica
Mogherini said: "Terrorism and terrorist attacks are targeting most of all Muslims in the world so we need an alliance." "We need to strengthen our way of cooperating together, first of all with Arab countries but also internally," she told reporters. "The threat is not only the one we faced in Paris but also spreading in many other parts of the world." CONTD. ON PAGE 3
normal legislation. Citing the present scenario when the ruling party doesn't have majority in Rajya Sabha, Mukherjee said, "It is the responsibility of entire political establishment to put their heads together and work out a
workable solution. The opposition can oppose, expose and possibly depose, if they have the numbers. But always keep in mind, it is the collective responsibility of the elected members of the House CONTD. ON PAGE 3
India does not need to adopt hawkish foreign policy: Kiren Rijiju NEW DELHI, JAN 19 India does not need to adopt a hawkish foreign policy stance but just has to be firm and responsible in its dealing with its neighbours, Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, said on Monday. At a function to mark the foundation day of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), he also said that although there were CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Every fishing vessel in India's EEZ to be tracked: Parrikar PANAJI, JAN 19 The government is working on a "special mechanism" to track all vessels operating in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said here on Monday. "Any vessel entering India's exclusive economic zone will be CONTD. ON PAGE 3
Rajnath Singh holds meeting with four CMs of Central Zonal Council LUCKNOW, JAN 19 Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday chaired a meeting of 20th Central Zonal Council on security where he held discussions on infrastructure and Naxal menace with chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The meeting chaired by the Union Home Minister here CONTD. ON PAGE 3
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Delhi News
SAADDA HAQ NEW DELHI | TUESDAY | JAN 20, 2015
Congress files complaint with EC Delhi polls: 'Too dangerous' to vote against Kejriwal over 'bribe' remark AAP to power, says Congress
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 In more trouble for Arvind Kejriwal, the Congress on Monday approached the Election Commission and lodged a formal complaint against him for appealing to the people to accept money from rival parties and but cast their votes in favour of the AAP. AICC general secretary Ajay Maken had told reporters yesterday that the party would seek legal opinion and meet the Election Commission against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for "insulting" the people of Delhi. Congress also demanded an apology from Kejriwal to the people of Delhi after his controversial remarks on Sunday where he asked voters to take "bribes" from BJP and Congress but vote for AAP in the Assembly polls. "Making such statements is illegal. It is like offering money to the people," Maken, who is campaign committee chief of the party in Delhi, said. The Congress leader said that AAP was much ahead than its rivals in putting up posters and
giant hoardings as also roundthe-clock advertisements on the FM radio. Kejriwal asked the voters to "fool" BJP and Congress by voting for AAP even after accepting "bribe money" from them while accusing the parties of "deceiving" the people for years. "It's election time. When people both from BJP and Congress come offering money, don't refuse, accept... some have looted money from 2G, some have
looted money from coal scam. And if any party does not show up, go to its office and take the amount saying we were waiting but you didn't come," Kejriwal said amid cheers from the crowd. The former Delhi chief minister was speaking at a rally at west Delhi's Nawada area in support of AAP's Uttam Nagar Assembly candidate Naresh Balyan. "Take money from both the parties but vote for AAP. We will fool them this time. They have
been deceiving us for the last 65 years. Now it's our turn," he said. Kejriwal also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that his Ramlila Maidan speech was a let down from which he had "high expectations". "I had high expectations from the Prime Minister's Ramlila Maidan rally speech. But it was such a let-down. He spent half the time branding me a Naxalite and criticising me for sitting in dharnas. This kind of politics is not good. Politics should rather be issued based," he said. In an apparent reference to the recent religious conversion row and controversial remarks by certain BJP leaders and saffron outfits, the AAP supremo slammed the BJP for "ditching" its electoral plank of development. "They used to speak of development. But they have ditched development for religious conversion. Now we also hear comments on Nathuram Godese's temples, women wearing jeans," Kejriwal said.
Delhi polls: Vinod Kumar Binny to contest against Arvind Kejriwal? Apart from Binny, exAAP leader Shazia Ilmi and Team Anna member and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi have also joined the party. Binny became a legislator from Lakshmi Nagar constituency in the 2013 Delhi election, defeating Congress leader Ashok Kumar Walia by around 8,000 votes. Soon after, he rebelled against the AAP and accused the party of betraying the people of Delhi and straying from its principles following which he was expelled from the party in January 2014.
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 In what could be an interesting poll battle, former Aam Aadmi Party leader Vinod Kumar Binny, who joined BJP recently, is likely to contest upcoming Delhi Assembly elections against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, as per news reports on Monday. However, according to some reports, Binny is likely to fight Assembly polls from Patparganj constituency. Binny was an AAP leader earlier and was expelled from the party after he allegedly targeted Kejriwal.
Jagdish Mukhi urges EC to take action against Kejriwal
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jagdish Mukhi on Monday urged the Election Commission (EC) to take action against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal for reportedly saying that people should take money from the Congress and the BJP but vote for his party. Mukhi said that such statements have brought Kejriwal down in the eyes of the public. shows his small thinking, such kind of statements have brought him down in the eyes
of the public. He claims that he is the only honest person
around, this is funny. I am of this opinion that Election Commission should take immediate action against him on this statement," Mukhi said. "Arvind Kejriwal should know that people know who he actually is, blowing his own trumpet won't work," he added. Kejriwal, while addressing a public gathering in West Delhi's Nawada area on Sunday, had reportedly asked voters to "fool" the BJP and Congress by voting for AAP even after accepting "bribe money" from them.
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 The Congress, which propped up a minority Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi for 49 days over a year ago, Monday said it was "too dangerous" to vote that party back to power in the assembly elections next month. Congress general secretary Ajay Maken, heading the grand old party`s electoral fight-back in the capital, accused the AAP of making repeated somersaults during its short-lived rule in Delhi. Maken released a booklet listing 16 "U-turns" the Congress said former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal made vis-a-vis his own stands on issues in the run-up to the Delhi assembly elections in 2013. The compilation "49 din ki ulti chaal, Dilli hui behaal, U-turn Kejriwal" is a set of statements and promises that the AAP chief and other leaders made but were found not complying with, Maken, now Delhi Congress poll
panel chief, said while addressing media. Describing AAP leaders as "irresponsible", he cautioned the electorate against giving the reins of power in the hands of such people. "These (AAP leaders) are irresponsible leaders... We want to ask the voters of Delhi that would they vote for irresponsible leaders who only talk, do sit-ins, and protest?... It`s too dangerous to give the reins of power to somebody like that," he said. Contrary to the AAP`s
original stand that saw the Congress as politically untouchable until it formed the government last time, Maken said the AAP supremo had sought people`s opinion before striking a post-poll alliance with the Congress. Then why did Kejriwal not consult the people before resigning as Delhi chief minister (in Feb 2014), he asked. Maken alleged that Kejriwal did not even live up to his pledge of keeping lowkey security after becoming the chief minister.
Dense fog in Delhi, 46 flights delayed, 24 cancelled
Union Minister Harsh Vardhan denies seeking BJP ticket for son for Delhi polls NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday described as 'unfortunate' reports that he had sought a ticket for his son to contest the February 7 Delhi Assembly elections. "Nothing more unfortunate, this news is false. My children are established in their careers, there is no truth in this news," Dr. Harsh Vardhan said. He also dismissed reports of a discord within the party over the joining of former IPS officer and activist Kiran Bedi. "There is no crisis in the party," he added. Reports had earlier said that Dr. Harsh Vardhan was
upset with the party for denying his son a BJP ticket in the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi. The elections for the 70-
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Delhiites on Monday woke up to dense fog, which affected flight schedules at the Delhi airport with over 46 flights were delayed and 24 flights cancelled. Low visibility and dense fog in the morning also hit the movement of trains, with more than 60 of them were reported to be running late and 12 had to be rescheduled. According to the Met Office, the overall visibility across Delhi was less than 50 meters in the morning. The minimum temperature this morning was 10.2 degrees Celsius, a couple of notches higher than that of last week.
member Delhi Assembly will be held in a single phase on February 7, with the counting of votes set to take place on February 10.
Delhi HC stays its order to SC registry on data on cases reserved NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Delhi High Court on Monday stayed a single judge's order directing Supreme Court registry to provide information to an RTI activist regarding cases whose judgements have been pending after being reserved. A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw also issued notice to RTI activist Commodore (retd) Lokesh K Batra, the apex
court's Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) and the Appellate Authority, under the transparency law as they have been made parties in the appeal filed by the apex court registry. The high court sought their responses by February 12, till when its single judge order of December 4 last shall remain stayed. Apart from directing the apex court's CPIO to give the data sought by
Batra, the December 4 order had also held as "unsustainable" the stand of the registry that since the data asked for was not maintained in the manner as was sought, it was not under any obligation to provide the same. The Supreme Court registry in its appeal, settled by senior advocate AS Chandhiok and advocate Ritesh Kumar, has said that "information with respect to each and every judgement
reserved is available in public domain, case wise". "Similarly, where a judgement or order is pronounced, same is also placed in public domain. Therefore, it is not a case of non-availability of information," the petition said. It said the information sought by Batra "may not be in a form or manner in which respondent wants it". Advocate Prashant Bhushan, who appeared
for Batra, opposed the contentions of the apex court registry and supported the December 4 judgement of the high court. The High Court in its judgement had also upheld the August 4, 2011 order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) directing CPIO of the apex court to provide the information sought. The CIC order has also been challenged by the registry.
Sunanda Pushkar death case: Shashi Tharoor Ashutosh heckled by supwill be questioned, confirms Delhi Police chief porters of former AAP MLA
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 Taking its ongoing probe into the Sunanda Pushkar death case forward, the Delhi Police on Monday issued a notice to former Union Minister and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for questioning. Confirming the development, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi said, “A notice has been issued to Shashi Tharoor under Section 160 of CrPC. Tharoor may be quizzed within the next few days.” When further quizzed by the reporters, Bassi said, “Whoever might know about the case will be questioned. Shashi Tharoor will be questioned soon, may be tomorrow or day after,”adding that the Congress leader will arrive in the national capital this evening. The SIT probing the case will soon arrive at a logical conclu-
sion in the case, the Delhi Police chief said. Bassi had earlier informed that many people have been questioned in connection with the case and the remaining will be quizzed in the next couple of days.
"Our SIT (Special Investigation Team) is investigating the case and will reach its conclusion soon. They are looking into each and every aspect. They have already questioned several people and the remaining will be questioned in the next
couple of days," Bassi had told the media. Bassi also said the process of sending Pushkar`s viscera abroad for ascertaining the poisonous substance was on. Pushkar, 52, was found dead in a south Delhi hotel on January 17, 2014. The Delhi Police had lodged a murder case on January 01 this year, two days after getting the final autopsy report from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Soon after lodging the FIR (first information report), the SIT questioned Tharoor`s domestic help. They also questioned two family friends and Indira Gandhi International airport staff members who reportedly witnessed an alleged heated argument between Tharoor and Pushkar after their arrival from Kerala two days before her death.
NEW DELHI, JAN 19 In an incident that reflects rumblings within the party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi convener Ashutosh was reportedly heckled by supporters of former MLA Rajesh Garg at a meeting in Rohini last evening. Last month, the party had replaced Garg and fielded Charanji Lal Gupta as the AAP candidate from the Rohini seat for the Delhi Assembly polls. During the meeting, Garg and his supporters allegedly heckled Ashutosh and told him to answer their "questions". "He was prepared to run. He brought some goons on stage. What was he scared about? He should have the courage to hear the truth," Garg alleged.
However, the party played down the incident with Ashutosh later, saying there was some commotion but "nothing serious about it". "Yesterday, I had gone there for a meeting and my colleague and (former) MLA Rajesh Garg was there. He was denied a ticket so he was
angry and he was with his supporters. He tried to do some 'hungama' and some commotion, nothing serious about it," Ashutosh said. "When he was getting a little bit more uncomfortable, I tried to avoid the situation and left the scene," he added.
NEW DELHI | TUESDAY | JAN 20, 2015
From Page 1 BJP has...
once again after one year.” “I am from Delhi. I gave it a thought as to whether I should consider taking up the invitation. I thought what kind of Delhi I wanted and if I could give anything to the city,” she further said. Bedi revealed that she had questioned herself as to whether she could give anything to Delhi. “I have been a social activist but I wondered if I could widen my horizon and do I have the willingness to do so. I left it on my soul and my soul told me to widen my horizon if I wanted India to develop.” “If India has to improve then Delhi cannot be disturbed. If Delhi is disturbed then India is disturbed. Economy gets affected. Whatever happens in Delhi makes international news. The Nirbhaya case had affected tourism all over the country,” she opined. On a philosophical note she said, “There is a time when your thinking changes.” Bedi maintained that she wanted to make Delhi safe. “I have been doing social service for years. Thus, I thought if I could give more to the country then why not,” she said. Regarding criticism by the Opposition that she had been imported by the BJP as it did not have a face in Delhi, she dismissed it by saying, “That is their politics.” Asked as to why she had decided to join the BJP she said, “Since I have been watching the BJP, it is very organised, this party has saved the country today. The dedication of its workers is unparalleled and so is its moral values.” “And its leadership is in safe and competitive hands. This is taking India towards change, it is changing India's fate,” Bedi emphasised.
Kiran Bedi is ...
Ms. Bedi’s leadership. She will contest from the Krishna Nagar seat in East Delhi, considered a BJP stronghold. The Parliamentary Board meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others.
Krishna Tirath...
hum mahilaon ko, naujawano ko aage badhyanege, dalit ko unka adhikaar denge.” "Whatever work I have done, whether for the city or for the country, whatever post I have held, I have always had only one aim: how to be of service to the oppressed. And, I have never held back from doing so," Tirath told the media, while accepting a BJP scarf from Satish Upadhyay. "I thought at great length about the discipline that the BJP has, and finally I decided to move to further help with the upliftment of the oppressed. The BJP has always thought of the upliftment of the oppressed and I will give my best efforts in doing so," she added. Tirath is third high-profile woman leader after former top cop Kiran Bedi and ex-AAP leader Shazia Ilmi to join the BJP. According to reports, Tirath's entry into BJP is viewed as an attempt by the party to woo dalit voters in the national capital. Before officially joining the party, Tirath, who served as women, child and development minister in the UPA Cabinet, met BJP chief Amit Shah. According to media reports, a disgruntled Tirath had earlier sought a Congress Party ticket for one of her children to contest in the Delhi state assembly elections, but the central leadership of the party rejected the request. Till now, she was representing the North West Delhi constituency of Delhi as a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). Tirath was earlier a member of the Delhi Assembly and a Minister in the Shiela Dikshit-led Delhi government having portfolios of Social Welfare, SC & ST and Labour & Employment. She has been a former Deputy Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly and a former Chairperson of Delhi Scheduled Castes Financial and Development Corporation (DSFDC) Tirath was the North West Delhi MP since 2004 and has been Minister of State (Independent Charge) Women and Child Development in the previous UPA government. Last week, the Election Commission sounded the poll bigul in Delhi. Voting for Delhi Assembly Elections 2015 would be held in a single phase on February 7 with the counting of votes scheduled for February 10. In the 2013 Delhi elections, BJP bagged 31 seats, AAP 28 and Congress 8 in the 70member Assembly. Delhi has 12 reserved seats of which a majority were won by the AAP in the last assembly polls in 2013, with BJP winning only two while Congress got one.
VVIP chopper ...
officer) said that he shall verify the present process for serving A-3 (Gerosa) and A-4 (Haschke) as they are foreign nationals," Special CBI Judge VK Gupta said. During the hearing, businessman Gautam Khaitan and his wife Ritu Khaitan, who were
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SAADDA HAQ
also chargesheeted by the ED in connection with the case along with the two foreigners and Chandigarh-based firm Aeromatrix Info Solutions Pvt Ltd, appeared before the court. Gautam Khaitan, who was the only accused arrested in the case, was earlier granted bail by the court. During the proceedings today, Ritu Khaitan moved a bail plea and the court fixed it for arguments on February 2. "Put up for February 2 for reply and arguments on the bail plea of A-2 (Ritu), furnishing of procedure of process to A-3 and A4...," the judge said. The court had summoned these five accused after taking cognisance of the ED's charge sheet, which charged them for offences under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Gautam Khaitan was the first person to be arrested in September last year by ED in the chopper deal case in which CBI is also running a parallel probe.
Air India to...
because of high operating costs and some of the lowest fare prices in the world amid intense competition.
Find workable...
whether directly elected to the Lok Sabha or through states in Rajya Sabha.” He further added, "I ask the political establishment to engage in a dialogue and resolve their differences," he said in reply to questions on his views on frequent resort to ordinance route by the Executive. The President's views assume significance in the context of the Narendra Modi government promulgating nine ordinances including on opening the insurance sector to higher foreign investment after Parliament was paralysed in the winter session.
US, UK...
administration's decision. Next hearing of Lakhvi's case will take place on 26th January. The fresh detention order extension comes just a couple of days after his detention was extended for ten days last week. Lakhvi was detained for a month on December 18 under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) in Adiala jail, after he was granted bail by an Anti-terrorism Court (ATC). Hence on January 18, his earlier detention order was to expire. However, with January 18 being a Sunday (holiday), the authorities extended his confinement period till January 27. According to a report in the Express Tribune, the key motive behind keeping Lakhvi behind bars is to prevent him from attending any public meeting and potentially regrouping. The report added that the former LeT commander is being kept under detention, following pressure exerted by the Indian government, Lakhvi is accused of planning, financing and executing Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. While Jamatud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed masterminded the Mumbai terror attack, it was Zaki-urRehman Lakhvi, who was the handler of all ten gunmen who came ashore Mumbai that fateful night and was also in touch with them throughout the massacre.
SpiceJet may...
management and control of the ailing airline to Ajay Singh. In the quarter ended September 30, 2014, SpiceJet reported Rs. 310 crore loss, widening from Rs. 124 crore in the previous quarter. The losses were, however, lower in the year-ago quarter ended September 30, 2013 at Rs. 560 crore.
Pakistan approaches ...
seek healthcare in India. External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin termed the issue a "storm in a tea cup". According to the Pakistani official, PIA purchased the property in 2005 and intimated it to RBI within 90 days, and that PIA had been paying taxes on the property. In Lahore, Pakistani Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Sher Ali Khan told Geo News that PIA would not close its office in New Delhi. Khan said all legal formalities had been completed when the property was purchased and that the matter would be resolved "according to law". On the issue of renewal of visas of senior PIA staff, India has said the process was on. Indian laws state that no national of Pakistan among some other countries can acquire or transfer immovable property in India other than lease, not exceeding five years without prior permission of the RBI. Three PIA executives were called for questioning over the alleged illegal purchase and notices were issued to PIA to shut down the properties in New Delhi.
EU seeks...
Arab League secretary general Nabil alArabi said that "every country in the world is suffering from terrorism" and recalled that the pan-Arab body had called in September for a "global struggle". "It is not just a military or security issue, it
covers the intellectual, cultural, media and religious spheres and that is what we are trying to get," he said.Many of the ministers will meet again on Thursday in London when US Secretary of State John Kerry co-hosts talks with some 20 countries, including Arab states, on "shared efforts to degrade and defeat" IS militants. Seventeen people were killed in the attacks on the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, which published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, a Jewish supermarket and a policewoman. Belgian authorities killed two suspected militants in raids last week. Belgium has led efforts to forge a European response to the threat and Monday`s meeting will help prepare for a special summit on February 12 dedicated to fighting terrorism. But so far many EU states have been reluctant to open up their intelligence networks to anyone except their most trusted allies for fear of harmful leaks. The European Parliament, concerned about data protection rights, has in turn held up efforts to introduce a system for exchanging air passengers` data in Europe which many states say would help track suspected militants. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said however that the Paris attacks had "changed Europe and the world". "Today, we must discuss what we must do, including possibly increased exchanges with Muslim countries," Steinmeier said. His British counterpart Philip Hammond took a similar line, mentioning specifically the need for the passenger data system. "The Muslim countries of the world are the ones who have suffered the greatest burden of terrorism and they will continue to be in the frontlines," Hammond said. "We have to work closely with them to protect both those countries and the EU countries." Separately, ministers agreed Monday that the EU should appeal a controversial court decision in December that ordered the removal of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas from the EU terrorism blacklist.Belgian authorities meanwhile were still hunting for Abdelhamid Abaaoud, considered the brains behind the cell plotting to kill Belgian police that was broken up last week. Prosecutors said they would seek the extradition from Greece of a suspect arrested in Athens on Saturday "who could be linked" to the cell. In Germany, police banned a rally by the anti-Islamic PEGIDA movement and other open-air gatherings planned for Monday in the eastern city of Dresden, saying there was a "concrete threat" of an attack against its leadership. The group claimed the threat came from IS, with local media reporting that PEGIDA`s most prominent leader Lutz Bachmann was the target. The PEGIDA marches have grown steadily since they began in October and are spreading to other countries with the first Danish march due in Copenhagen on Monday. In Chechnya, the Muslim region in Russia`s North Caucasus, hundreds of thousands of people rallied at a state-sponsored protest against the publication of Prophet Mohammed cartoons.
India does ...
apprehensions about such organisations in the country, the NIA has proved that these were ill-founded. "Idea of India is as a symbol of peace. There is no need to adopt hawkish (foreign) policy. We are naturally a soft power. But soft does not mean weak. We have to be firm, responsible and strong in our resolve," he said. Rijiju's comments come at a time when his senior in the Home Ministry, Rajnath Singh, has made it clear that India would give a "fitting" reply to Pakistan on any instance of firing by its troops on Indian posts and civilian areas. The Minister of State for Home said that India's basic behaviour is soft and it must not adopt a hawkish agenda towards its neighbours. "We must not agree to a posture of war but have to be firm and responsible, besides being a stable power," he said. Meanwhile, lauding the NIA, he said, "There have been apprehensions among the states about organisations like NIA and NCTC. But the NIA has proved that the apprehensions were ill-founded." Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he was earlier the Chief Minister of Gujarat, had strongly opposed the previous UPA government's move to create the National CounterTerrorism Centre (NCTC), saying it would "infringe" on the powers of the states. Given the opposition from several states, NCTC is yet to come into existence. Earlier, delivering the second R V Raju memorial lecture on 'Pakistan and Neighbourhood: A Hawkish Agenda', senior journalist Shekhar Gupta highlighted various aspects of India's influence, including its democracy, on the neighbouring countries. R V Raju, a former IPS officer was the first DG of NIA. "We can have good influence on our neighbours, we can have bad influence on our neighbours. Neighbours always look upon us," Gupta said. Peaceful change of government in India through the working of the
democratic process is a clean idea for its neighbours to follow, Gupta said. "Every time government change (happens) in India peacefully, it tells all its neighbours that this is what a country should do," he said. Gupta averred that India has been pursuing a particular foreign policy for Pakistan and another policy for the remaining of its neighbours. New Delhi's approach towards Islamabad has to changed as it would contribute towards ending all insecurity in bilateral ties, he said. The noted journalist said India's foreign policy should not be guided by just "hawkish" or "dovish" framework, but by its strength of democracy and intellectual capital in conjunction with the astute use of military power. Gupta also spoke at length on India's influence over its neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. He advocated a mix of "soft" and "hard" approach to attain foreign policy objectives. On Pakistan, he said the world should take it upon itself to engage with the country and bring about a change in the society there.
Every fishing ...
tracked through a special mechanism. Every fishing boat will be given an electronic identity tag," Parrikar told reporters today on the sidelines of an event to commission four Indian Coast Guard vessels. "Around two lakh fishing and other boats can be tracked. If any boat moves suspiciously, it will be automatically flagged. Any suspicious movement of a fishing boat outside its territory can be monitored," he said. He said that it would take an year to bring all fishing vessels under the purview of the monitoring system. "There is an electronic instrument which needs to be fitted to boats. It is like an identity card which sends off signals to Indian space satellite," Parrikar said. "We have issued these instruments to the Indian Coast Guard. Cards issued to fishermen can be verified for duplication or forgery," the minister said. He said that the work on installing radars on the coast is on. "During phase one, 46 radars were to be installed and in phase two 38 coastal radars?will be installed. The first phase is over," he added.
Rajnath Singh...
was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, a senior official said. Giving details of the meeting, UP Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan said it was requested that density of roads should be increased specially in Chhattisgarh. "The issue was raised by Chhattisgarh as length of roads there is very low. MP and UP associated themselves with the demand," he said. He said that it was requested that length of national highways should be increased. "In Uttar Pradesh, the length of national highway is 3.9 km per lakh population, whereas the national average is 5.6 km per lakh," he said. The Chief Secretary said the discussions were also held to expedite the ongoing projects, besides on left wing extremism specially in Chhattisgarh and assistance needed to tackle the problem. "Chhattisgarh CM said that funds were required to solve the problem. At present state governments are charged for deployment of Central forces. It was said that the expenditure should be borne by the centre," he said. Ranjan said that UP presented a proposal of Rs 650 crore for modernisation of police in three years on which the Home Minister assured to provide assistance and asked to submit the plan. He said that another issue was related to forest and environment and it was stated that it affected the pace of development therefore the Forest Act should be relaxed. The chief secretary said that a discussion was also held on mines and minerals and it was stated that it should be kept out of the purview of the Act.
Govt bans ...
Telecommunications Industry Association are global bodies that provide unique numbers to mobile handset companies. The move aims to check proliferation of mobile handsets with duplicate or cloned IMEI numbers, which are dangerous for national security. An IMEI comprises 15-digit codes assigned to a handset and it appears on the operator’s network whenever a call is made. Concerns had been raised over their usage after terror attacks in India. Cloning issues in the case of CDMA handsets are negligible but rampant in the case of GSM handsets, the official said. The government had banned services on mobile handsets with fake IMEI numbers after November 30, 2009. Mobile phones without the unique security
code are making inroads into the grey market by cloning the IMEI numbers of genuine sets.
Sadiq Jamal...
Chhatrasinh Chudasama, observing that prima facie there was no evidence against them. Advocate Priyesh Limbachiya, their lawyer, had argued that CBI had found no evidence indicating their overt role in the encounter. Jamal, a resident of Bhavnagar, was killed in encounter by Gujarat Police near Galaxy Cinema in Naroda area here on January 13, 2003. But the genuineness of the encounter became an issue after Mumbaibased journalist Ketan Tirodkar told a court there that he was witness to Jamal's handover to Gujarat Police by the 'encounter specialist' officer Daya Nayak of Mumbai Police a few days before the alleged encounter. The High Court had ordered a CBI probe on a petition of Sabir Jamal, Sadiq's brother. CBI has chargesheeted seven police officers in the case.
Lucknow hooch...
Secretary, UP Government, Inspector General of Police, Lucknow Range and District Magistrate, Lucknow calling for reports within two weeks in this connection. The notices were issued after the Commission took suo motu cognisance of media reports on hooch tragedy in which 38 people died in Malihabad near Lucknow and its bordering Unnao district. The State Government had ordered a magisterial enquiry and removed Excise Commissioner and 20 erring officials in connection with the incident. UP police had registered four cases and arrested two of the main accused responsible for selling the spurious liquor. The Commission observed that the contents of the press reports, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims.
Saradha chitfund ...
on Monday approached the Supreme Court seeking its urgent intervention in the case. As per reports, the TMC has filed petition in the apex court seeking monitoring of CBI investigation in Saradha chitfund scam case. The apex court is expected to hear the case on January 22. Three TMC leaders including West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra, TMC MP Srinjoy Bose and Kunal Ghosh are all lodged in jail in connection with the multi-crore chitfund scam. Several TMC leaders have also been questioned by the CBI in last few months. CBI has so far registered four cases against Saradha group in West Bengal on the directions of the Supreme Court.
SC refuses...
court had given them," a bench comprising Chief Justice HL Dattu and justices AK Sikri and RK Agrawal said. Earlier, the bench, on August 25 last year, had asked journalist and social activist Vineet Narain to collect more "field data" in support of his PIL. However, the bench today refused to go into details collected under the RTI by Narain and said its directions on curbing noise pollution had already been passed. "As far as Delhi is concerned, rules are being complied with by Delhi Police. There cannot be a general order," the bench today said. The PIL had sought a complete ban on the use of loudspeakers at every place of worship for all religions. Not only it creates noise pollution but it also threatens "the very safety of the peaceloving citizens of this country", the PIL had said, adding loudspeakers were not invented before 1861, "yet Prophet Mohammed, Hindu saints, Guru Nanak Dev and Christian Missionaries preached religion without the help of loudspeakers." Narain had also said that in several Islamic countries, the use of loudspeakers was prohibited in mosques.
Ramdev can't ..
homes of Dalits. "If he (Ramdev) is wrong then he should be punished but simultaneously, he cannot not be prosecuted at 20 different places," a bench comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice A K Sikri said. The court's observation came when a lawyer submitted that persons, who got offended from the statement, have a legal right to file cases and the trials against the yoga guru cannot be stayed. "We have understood your anxiety. You have a right but he (Ramdev) also has got a right," the bench said, adding that the cases pertain to one speech. Meanwhile, it said that all matters on the matter be tagged and asked his counsel Keshav Mohan to file separate petitions for seeking transfer of complaints filed against him in various trial courts. The court, had on May 9 last year, stayed all proceedings against Ramdev in different parts of the country for his alleged controversial remarks.
Editorial
4
BY SMRITI KAK RAMACHANDRAN first-hand account of how a family of Pandits left Kashmir and were unable to return home. January 19 marks the 25th anniversary of the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley
School system fails students A
C
onsidering Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s caution regarding the insecurity that people face over a lifetime due to the deprivation of basic education, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2014 calls for a hard look at the situation. Its findings amount to a distressing catalogue of the failures inherent in the pedagogic methods of instruction in vogue. The foremost among them is the overemphasis on a curriculum that is geared to outcomes in the form of examination results, at the expense of a process of learning that is oriented to a mastery of concepts. These shortcomings underlie the original assumption that students of a particular grade would not measure up to commensurate standards; and that any such evaluation would hence be an exercise in futility. That is the apparent rationale behind the ASER assessment of actual student performance based on a lower set of metrics. The report points out that just a small proportion of third-graders are able to read even a text from a lower grade, let alone their own. Any improvement in later years is at best marginal, says the report. The fact is that reading skills are not imparted as part of classroom activity. ASER also shows that pupils from the higher classes are unable to perform even simple tasks of division or subtraction. This may have to do with the inadequate reinforcement of concepts over the years owing to the structure of the syllabus. For instance, the use of logarithms that were once taught from Class 9 has been dropped from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. Students are hence denied the opportunity to learn complex mathematical computations. Besides, the mathematics knowledge that people need in daily life is mostly arithmetic-based. Yet, the latter has been omitted from the Class 9 and 10 syllabus. Time was when students could opt between a basic and advanced level of math from Class 8 or 9 under some State boards. The current CBSE paper, tailored to the requirement of engineering aspirants, may be imposing an undue burden on students inclined to pursue different academic streams. A healthy pupil-teacher ratio could also help overcome many of these shortcomings. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act stipulates a 30:1 ratio. ASER notes that the country has come consistently close to universal enrolment in the 6-14 age group for six consecutive years. That may have afforded some consolation in an age where the prevailing wisdom held that poor families are disinclined to send children to school. In today’s competitive environment, the ability of students to read, write, count and measure is a bare minimum. The country cannot continue to fail its children.
NEW DELHI | TUESDAY | JAN 20, 2015
A story of exile, a story of betrayal
SAADDA HAQ Tuesday | January 20, 2015
SAADDA HAQ
You must tell your story ... You must write .... For years I have been asked to pen “my story” of exodus and exile, of homelessness and refuge. I’ve been told to lay threadbare what happened all those years ago and how I feel about it all these years later. My story is not the narration of how we left Kashmir; it is about being unable to return home. My story is not about death that stared us in our faces; it is about that one chance we got to live. In my story, a gun-wielding monster was not at my doorstep; it was the fear of him appearing that scared me more. I did not watch my house burn; I saw what was left of it in the pages of a magazine. My story is not about the loss of material goods; it is about the pain of carrying memories. It was in the evening of March 19, 1990 when an excruciating 12-hour journey ended and we set foot in Jammu. It was exactly two months to the day after the first batch of Kashmiri Pandits left the Valley. The drive from Srinagar to Jammu is dotted with hairpin curves that blurred all the pretty sights that nature has to offer. Exhausted by motion sickness, I was not happy to be greeted with a water balloon. We had arrived a day before Holi, unprepared for the festival of colours. From a week to 25 years We were three of us, my mother, my cousin and I, carrying two
small suitcases and a warm blanket. We had left home in the early hours as soon as curfew had been relaxed. Before leaving, we assured our neighbours that we would return and, yes, the Army was not informed so there would be no crackdown. Being the only Hindu household in the area, we were perceived as some sort of an insurance against military action in the neighbourhood.
raped and butchered in the streets. My sister was distressed. Assurances on the phone were not enough; she wanted to see us, alive. That is how the three of us landed in Jammu for what was supposed to be a weeklong stay, but which turned into 25 years in exile. My grandparents joined us
his heart.
for him when he returned.
A deep wound
He would recall how one of his friends had carried me on his shoulders to the bus stop because the road was flooded; how another had a treat for me each time we passed by his shop. It was not hatred, but pain that he carried in his heart.
On a sultry afternoon, sitting in the long, ventilated corridor of the Circuit House in Jammu, I overheard him tell a family friend that he felt “betrayed” by his childhood friends. That broke his heart. Where were they when his house — where they had gathered for years, sip-
It was in the evening of March 19, 1990 when an excruciating 12-hour journey ended and we set foot in Jammu. It was exactly two months to the day after the first batch of Kashmiri Pandits left the Valley. The drive from Srinagar to Jammu is dotted with hairpin curves that blurred all the pretty sights that nature has to offer. Exhausted by motion sickness, I was not happy to be greeted with a water balloon. We had arrived a day before Holi, unprepared for the festival of colours. We were going to Jammu to comfort my sister; that message had been relayed to the area commander of the militant group active in our neighbourhood. Apparently he did not like people moving out without his permission. My sister, then a student at Jammu Medical College, had been witnessing convoys of trucks and buses, crammed with families and their hurriedly packed luggage, arrive every day since January. Those arriving narrated stories of escaping death ... of a burning Kashmir ... of Pandits slaughtered and the Army taking over, as if it were war. She read about bullet-ridden bodies, of hate messages painted on walls, of bodies with eyes gouged out, and of women
four months later, arriving in a black and yellow taxi with two suitcases and an olive green holdall. We spent the next few years waiting for “normalcy”, for the convoys to return to the Valley and for us to be home. We kept waiting and my eversmiling grandfather began to lose hope; eventually he died of a broken heart. He had worried every day about the house we left behind, and the home he built. He had worried about the gaps in its tin roof and about the weeds that would have destroyed his meticulously laid out garden. Most of all, he worried about us growing up, outside our home. But it was not the material loss that broke
ping tea, discussing politics, worrying about the weather — was raided (we learnt the raiders even took away the stash of coal and sugar, stowed away for the harsh winter) and later burnt down?
Months before he died, my grandfather slipped a copy of his will in his journal, which I had insisted on taking with me to Delhi. “Immerse my ashes at Prang,” my grandfather, who did not believe in rituals, had written. What I remembered of Prang was a river with gushing, icy water and round shiny rocks for a bed. We could not go to Prang with his ashes. He was betrayed again. My story of Kashmir is the story of his betrayal. My story is not the endless argument about history, politics, economy and social subaltern narratives. We have trained guns on each other and drawn faultlines, we have added dimensions to suit our versions of the story.
Some letters and a few phone calls were exchanged; his friends shared their grief but the word “return” was carefully avoided.
We give our tuppence on Kashmir and Kashmiriyat; I refrain from commenting, I hide from venting. My story is not my version versus yours. It meanders through discourses, but betrayal exists as a continuum.
Somewhere in his heart, my grandfather believed that the ordinary Kashmiri — the friend and neighbour — had the power to stop the armed militant who was from across the border. He read enough papers to know what was happening, yet, he chose to believe that his “friends” back home would guard what was his and be there
I find similarities with the stories of the homeless, from Afghanistan to Congo. I know the pain of the Myanmarese refugee who told me how his life fits into two boxes. I search their stories for signs of betrayal. I ask them how they deal with it, because my story of betrayal is a festering wound, and I don’t know how to make peace with it.
The new name of planning BY ARVIND VIRMANI he “Yojana Aayog” or “Planning Commission” has been replaced by the “National Institution for Transforming India” or “NITI” for short. From “Yojana” to “Niti”, what is the difference? First and foremost, it means a sharp break from Soviet inspired National Development (Five Year) Plans to “Niti”, that is “Policy” and “Institutional change for ‘transforming India’.” Paragraph three of the Cabinet resolution states: we “require institutional reforms in governance and dynamic policy shifts that can seed and nurture large-scale change.”
T
“Development” is one of those words that everyone thinks they understand but which means many different things to different people. It covers a multitude of possibilities as well as a multitude of ideological sins and special agendas. The cabinet resolution constituting Niti Aayog approvingly quotes Mahatma Gandhi: “Constant development is the law of life, and a man who always tries to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives himself into a false position.” The Planning Commission took its first tentative steps towards “policy” 28 years ago, by creating a post of Advisor Development Policy. There was so much resistance that the Advisor (in this case, me) had to be designated “Advisor-Development Policy Research.” Despite decades of effort, policy solutions always played second fiddle to increasing Plan allocations and expenditures without any “social benefit-cost analysis” or “Macro-economic models” to back the decisions. Three other points in the introductory part of the Cabinet resolution setting up Niti Aayog are noteworthy: The first is the assertion that “our aspirations have soared and today we seek elimination, rather than alleviation, of poverty.” The second is the important role given to governance in achieving desirable social outcomes: “The people of India have great expectations for progress and improvement in governance, through their participation. They require institutional reforms in governance and
dynamic policy shifts that can seed and nurture large-scale change (paragraph 3).” Subsequently, there is an indication of how the institutional reforms in governance can be brought about: “Government and governance have to be conducted in an environment of total transparency — using technology to reduce opacity and thereby, the potential for mis-
tutions would be a departure for the Indian bureaucracy.” The third is the recognition of a changed reality of economy, society and government functioning and its implications: “India needs an administration paradigm in which the government is an ‘enabler’ rather than a ‘provider of first and last resort’. The
income gaps. This further links to welfare gaps through the statement “Equality of opportunity goes handin-hand with an inclusiveness agenda (paragraph 8c).” The open discussion of the global environment and its two-way interaction with India also displays a degree of self-confidence vis-à-vis foreign countries (paragraph 6c) that bodes well for building
“Development” is one of those words that everyone thinks they understand but which means many different things to different people. It covers a multitude of possibilities as well as a multitude of ideological sins and special agendas. The cabinet resolution constituting Niti Aayog approvingly quotes Mahatma Gandhi: “Constant development is the law of life, and a man who always tries to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives himself into a false position.” adventures in governing (paragraph 6g).” Poverty elimination A paper in the Economic and Political Weekly in 2002 had raised the issue of corruption and governance and to bring policy-institutional reform into the development debate, but to no avail. A debate on poverty elimination, as against alleviation, was sought to be initiated in 2005-06 through a Planning Commission paper, but was stymied. It is therefore very encouraging that this is an important part of the mandate of Niti Aayog. “The emphasis on interaction with international think tanks and Indian educational and policy research insti-
role of the government as a ‘player’ in the industrial and service sectors has to be reduced. Instead, the government has to focus on enabling legislation, policy-making and regulation (paragraph 6a).” Many old-style development planners refused to accept these changes (even if they paid lip service to it), though this issue was raised first in the 1990s and subsequently in the 2000s. A recognition of this reality by the Union cabinet provides a sound basis for closing the technology gap between India and the advanced countries, that is correlated with the large income gap between us. The reference to the role of urbanisation (paragraph 6g) as an aid to a technological catching up, suggests an understanding of the links between technology gaps and per capita
a competitive, fast-growing economy. Niti’s role So, what is the specific role of Niti Aayog in this changed environment? Its primary/central role is to “Serve as a Think Tank for the Government” … “to give “strategic and technical advice across the spectrum of key elements of policy. This includes matters of national and international import on the economic front, dissemination of best practices from within the country as well as from other nations, the infusion of new policy ideas and specific issue-based support.” (paragraph 11). Several of us have argued for a long time, without much success, that the old Planning Commission should
evolve into a “think tank” with a primary emphasis on policy and institutions, rather than on expenditure programmes and projects. By its bold move to abolish the Yojana Aayog and set up Niti Aayog, the new government has set the stage for a wholesale transformation in this direction. Given the absence of any formal social benefit-cost analysis of programmes and projects and the limited capacity for an appraisal of outcomes, one had also suggested to the Deputy Chairman a decade ago that the Planning Commission develop a database of best practices to guide future decisions. It is hoped that a full-fledged division will be set up in Niti Aayog to translate this into reality, with all such information digitally accessible to experts and policymakers. Emphasis on ‘lessons learnt’ Some of the specific objectives of Niti Aayog are at the level of generality of the Cabinet note, not significantly different from those of the Planning Commission or other organs of government. However, the following objectives suggest a greater priority and emphasis on the issues mentioned in them: To design strategic and long-term policy and programme frameworks and initiatives, and monitor their progress and their efficacy. The lessons learnt through monitoring and feedback will be used for making innovative improvements, including necessary midcourse corrections; to provide advice and encourage partnerships between key stakeholders and national and international like-minded think tanks, as well as educational and policy research institutions; to create a knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial support system through a collaborative community of national and international experts, practitioners and other partners; to maintain a state-of-the-art resource centre, be a repository of research on good governance and best practices in sustainable and equitable development as well as help in their dissemination to stakeholders, and to focus on technology upgradation and capacitybuilding for implementation of pro-
grammes and initiatives In the first of these, the emphasis on “lessons learnt” is very important. Experience confirms a great reluctance to modify or reject programmes when they don’t work. In the second, the emphasis on interaction with international think tanks and Indian educational and policy research institutions, though expected from a think tank for the government, would be a departure for the Indian bureaucracy. In the third, the emphasis on support systems rather than funds/subsidies is an important departure. The fourth reinforces what was said earlier about good governance and best practices and suggests that improvement in governance will be seriously pursued to improve the delivery of government social and welfare programmes. In the fifth, the recognition of weak capacity and need for “capacity building” for implementation is critical to the success of all new initiatives and many old ones. The abolition of the Yojana Aayog and its replacement by Niti Aayog by the new government is a bold and long overdue initiative. It will help change the emphasis from projects and programmes to policy and institutions, from expenditure inputs to real outcomes through better governance and from political disputation over incremental allocations to new challenges and opportunities in a global environment. The discussion of India in a global context also reminds one of Gandhiji’s sayings: “Let the windows of my mind be open to winds from across the world, but let me not be blown away by them.” Like all new institutions, it will be a challenging job for Niti Aayog to fulfil its high objectives. (Arvind Virmani is a former Chief Economic Advisor, Finance Ministry and Principal Advisor, Planning Commission who participated in most of the policy reforms of the 1990s and 2000s.)
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NEW DELHI | TUESDAY | JAN 20, 2015
Villupuram couple returns with another ‘burning baby’ CHENNAI, JAN 19 In a strange turn of events, the parents of a young boy who made news last year, after he reportedly caught fire spontaneously several times and was brought to the city for treatment, are back here — this time with their second son, and citing the same condition. According to Rajeswari and Karna from T. Parangini in Villupuram district, their second son (and third child), who was born on January 9, ‘caught fire’ on January 15. The couple is now at the Government Kilpauk Hospital, where their baby has been admitted to the neonatal intensive care
unit. Hospital authorities said the child will be under observation for a month. “I had gone to use the bathroom which is just behind the house. When I was coming back, I heard my baby screaming and ran in to find his feet on fire. I quickly doused him with water and rushed to the local hospital,” said Rajeswari. Doctors at the hospital said tests, including X-ray, blood and biochemistry tests, are being conducted on the child, and no cause has been ruled out as yet. “The baby has suffered about 5 per cent burns on his feet,” a senior doctor said. The older son Rahul,
now one and a half, is doing well and there have been no more incidents of combustion, Rajeswari said. The couple also has a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Narmadha. “She is not yet in school as we cannot afford the expenditure,” said Rajeswari, who has been asked to undergo counselling at the hospital. A four-member team has been formed to investigate the burns on the baby, hospital authorities said According to a press release, health minister C. Vijaya Baskar and health secretary J. Radhakrishnan visited the baby at the hospital.
Nitish Kumar likely to replace Jitan Ram Manjhi as Bihar CM: Sources PATNA, JAN 19 Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is likely to be replaced by Nitish Kumar in the next few days, as per news reports on Monday. Nitish is likely to replace Manjhi by the end of the week and the decision reportedly has the backing of the JD(U). The report comes a day after possible squabble between the two leaders within JD(U) was reported after senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi alleged that Manjhi was insulted by the ruling party workers at the behest of his predecessor Nitish Kumar. "Chief Minister Manjhi was being insulted by
some JD(U) leaders at the behest of his predecessor Nitish Kumar for visiting
'Centre should initiate serious dialogue with Kashmiri Pandits' JAMMU, JAN 19 Marking 25 years of their exile, the displaced Kashmiri Pandits on Monday urged the Central government to initiate a serious dialogue with the community leadership for its resettlement in Jammu and Kashmir. "We appeal to government of India to initiate a serious dialogue with the leadership of the displaced community for its resettlement in the valley keeping in view their geo-political aspirations," Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, President, Panun Kashmir, an organisation representing Kashmiri Pandits said. Speaking on the 25th anniversary of the Holocaust Day today, Chrungoo stated that the community has "first and natural right" over the territory of Kashmir. "We would return only
when our geo-political aspirations as per Margdarshan resolution are fulfilled through political and constitutional means," he said. "The community was made the selected victim of terror and terrorism, murder and mayhem on a large scale resulting in its mass exodus from the valley. "Genocide against the Kashmiri Pandit was used as a strong weapon to achieve ethnic cleansing by the fundamentalists and terrorists in Kashmir valley," he added. Chrungoo said that diatribe against the community by separatist forces in Kashmir remains unabated despite complete banishment of the Pandits in Kashmir. "It is the secessionist and terrorist forces who were responsible for the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits," he said.
After quarter century in exile, Kashmiri Pandits still on cross-roads of rehabilitation JAMMU, JAN 19 Living as "refugees in their own country" for past quarter of a century, displaced Kashmiri Pandits say the biggest hurdle in their return to their roots in the Valley and rehabilitation was concerns for their safety and security. Most of KPs feel that one place-settlement is only alternative for return and rehabilitation of the minuscule community in Kashmir after ensuring their safety and security. "Our core concern is safety and security for the community in Kashmir Valley," a prominent KP leader and National spokesperson of Prem Nath
Strengthen BJP in Andhra Pradesh for state's development: Venkaiah Naidu KADAPA, JAN 19 Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs M Venkaiah Naidu asked people here to strengthen the BJP in Andhra Pradesh to solve the problems of the state. He alleged that the Congress party "ruined the nation, destroyed the administration and degraded the judiciary", with many uncountable scams like coal scam, Commonwealth Games scam, 2G spectrum scam and Agusta Westland Helicopters scam. Addressing a huge gathering at Kadapa Municipal Stadium this afternoon, Naidu lambasted the Congress, saying, "The Congress and its infant YSR Congress are similar when it comes to scams" and urged the people "not to believe" these parties. He said "only the BJP under Prime Minister Modi" would resolve issues of the people and develop the country. He urged people and party workers to strengthen the BJP in the state,
Kolkata NGO Takes Underprivileged Children to McDonald's KOLKATA, JAN 19 After reports emerged that McDonald's threw out a destitute child from its Pune outlet, an NGO took 15 underprivileged children to the fast food chain's outlet in Kolkata and treated them to burgers and fries. "McDonald's should know that we will not tolerate the kind of discrimination they showed in Pune. We were angry at what happened and had to protest," said Ritu, a member of the NGO Committee for the Protection of Democratic rights (CPDR). "What was the problem in Pune? No one asked for a free meal. The lady who took the child in was going to pay for the food. So why did McDonald's evict the child ?" said Suraj Chokhani, another CPDR member.
5
State Watch
SAADDA HAQ
which is an ally of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Naidu said that the Polavaram project, which has been taken up as a national project by BJP, is a boon to Rayalaseema. "After catering to Visakhapatnam's drinking water needs and stabilising Krishna Delta, Polavaram's surplus water will be supplied to Rayalaseema to cater to drinking and irrigation needs of this region," he said.
When asked about the proposed steel industry in Kadapa, Venkaiah said that officials are considering all probabilities and would come out with a decision soon. However, he said that a proposed Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) project in Kadapa is not viable due to the airport. He said that after considering all parameters, it would be be established in Rayalaseema.
Bhat Memorial Trust, Dr R L Bhat said. Dr Bhat, who left along with his family from Noorabad belt in Kulgam district in 1990, feels that the security aspect that whether the community would be able to live in Kashmir after their return is as relevant these da ys as it was during the days of migration. "It is a quarter of a century of our exodus and we are nowhere near to any solution. Central and state government have failed to ensure any type of confidence building measure for community in terms of return of KPs to the Valley," Dr Bhat adds.
the RJD supremo Lalu Prasad's estranged brotherin-law Anirudh Prasad
alias Sadhu Yadav's house for feast," he said in a statement.
Congress leader P Venkata Rao is dead VIJAYAWADA, JAN 19 Congress leader and former Andhra Pradesh minister Paladugu Venkata Rao passed away at a hospital in Hyderabad on Monday. He was 75. Rao, presently an MLC, was admitted to a private hospital at Hyderabad in the early hours today after he complained of chest pain. He died during treatment, PCC secretary K Shivaji said. Hailing from Gogulampadu village in Krishna district, Rao joined the Youth Congress after his college education and got elected as an MLC in 1972. He was elected twice from Nuziveed Assembly seat in 1978 and 1989. He also served as Cabinet
minister twice in Andhra Pradesh. Rao was also elected as MLC in 2007 and 2009. His last rites will be held on Wednesday at Nuziveed in Krishna district, party sources said. AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Leader
Eleven hardcore NDFB(S) militants nabbed in Assam GUWAHATI, JAN 19 Eleven NDFB(S) militants, who had massacred 81 persons on December 23 last, were on Monday apprehended and a large quantity of arms and ammunition recovered from them in a joint police and army operation in Chirang district of Assam, official sources said. The militants of the NDFB(S), including an IED expert, were nabbed from Panbari Forest area, IGP L R Bishnoi said. The apprehended insurgents include Deven Goyari, Hokom Boro, Upendra Nath, Raton Bengali, Namal Basumatary, Sanjay Goyari, Ulla Basumatary, Raju Boro, Konin Basumatary, Prakash Narzary alias Gahen and Ranjan Basumatary alias Kipihungla, Bishnoi said. The recovered arms and ammunition include two improvised explosive devices (IED), nine detonators, two 7.65 mm pistols,
Manjhi's visit to the house of Sadhu Yadav, controversial brother-inlaw of RJD President Lalu Prasad, during Makar Sankranti festivities had raked up a controversy with the JD(U) saying that Manjhi should shun such activities which gives a bad name to the party and the government. Taking the JD(U) to task for questioning Sadhu Yadav's controversial background, Modi flayed the ruling party leaders for making snide remarks against the Chief Minister for being seen with the RJD supremo's relative despite the fact that there were other such leaders and legislators in the JD(U) ranks itself.
ten rounds of 7.65 mm ammunition, five rounds of 7.62 mm pistol ammunition and a packet of ball bearings, he said. Goyari is an important cadre of the outfit and an IED expert who had made an unsuccessful attempt to plant a bomb against the army in December last year, defence sources said. The other major catches are Raton Bengali who was involved in providing information and other assistance to the underground outfit leading to the December 23 last carnage and Prakash Narzary alias Gahen, a locally trained cadre who is active since 2012. Based on intelligence provided by Gajraj Intelligence Unit, troops of Army's Red Horn Division with the police nabbed the 11 ultras giving a blow to the subversive activities of the insurgent group as they depend heavily on the local cadre to provide them with all the
necessary assistance to execute their insurgency activities, the sources said. After the National Democratic Front of Bodoland-Songbijit carried out the December 23 attack, the police and army have been carrying out operations in inaccessible forest areas of Kokrajhar and Chirang districts. On January 17 a hardcore militant and a major linkman were apprehended with explosives during two army operations. Hardcore extremist Dipak Boro alias Dwantham was nabbed from Dongmari (Habibari) in Baksa district, while a major linkman was nabbed with detonators at Mirza (Palasbari) near Guwahati. On the same day a large quantity of arms and ammunition used by the NDFB(S) were recovered from forests along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border by a joint team of Army, Assam Police and NIA.
of Opposition in state Assembly YS Jaganmohan Reddy, APCC president N Raghuveera Reddy and many other political leaders expressed grief over Rao's demise and paid tributes to him.
Naxals publicly kill two men branding them as 'informers' RAIPUR, JAN 19 Maoists kidnapped two villagers and killed them at a 'jan adalat' (people's court) in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Narayanpur district, police said on Monday. Ramlal and Manter, natives of Aatpal and Bailapad villages respectively under Benoor police station limits, were murdered by the rebels who branded them as police informers, Narayanpur SP Amit Tukaram Kamble said. As per preliminary investigation, the duo was abducted by Naxalites on January 14 from their respective places. After their interrogation, the ultras held a 'jan adalat' on Saturday evening where they executed the two villagers, the SP said. The bodies of the victims were recovered in a forest under Farasgaon police station limits yesterday. Prime facie, it appears that they were strangulated to death, Kamble said, adding that the post-mortem would ascertain the exact cause of their death. After being informed about the incident, security personnel were rushed to the spot to recover the bodies. A search operation has been launched in the region to trace the assailants, he added.
Bharuch violence: 200 BJP members Muzaffarpur clashes: 14 arrested, Bihar resign, blame illegal shrimp farming govt forms two-member probe committee AHMEDABAD, JAN 19 Alleging inaction on the part of Gujarat government in reining in "anti-social" elements thriving on illegal shrimp farming in Bharuch district which was hit by communal clashes, around 200 members of BJP from Hansot and Ankleshwar talukas have resigned from the party. Prominent among them are Ankleshwar taluka BJP chief Naran Patel, youth wing president Vivek Bhardiwala and several other office-bearers. In their joint resignation letter sent to BJP's Bharuch district president Yogesh Patel last night, these leaders claimed though BJP is in power, both in Gujarat as well as
at Centre, officials are ignoring them. Naran Patel has alleged that illegal shrimp farming is the "root cause" behind the frequent clashes as miscreants are getting funds from the illegal business. In the latest incident, clashes broke out between two communities in Ambetha and Hansot villages of Bharuch on January 14 over a minor issue in which two youths were killed and many others got injured. Around 50 people have so far been arrested in connection with the riots. "There are around 3000 illegal ponds in and around Hansot, which are used for shrimp farming without any permission.
Some anti-social elements are earning Rs 1 lakh per pond every year from this business. They are using this money power to spread their dominance and cause trouble to locals," Patel alleged. He accused the state government, headed by chief minister Anandi Patel, of turning a "blind eye" to these elements who he said are behind spreading the violence. "We have made numerous representations to government earlier about this issue but no action was taken," Patel alleged. In the letter sent to the district president, Patel alleged that police are "biased" against a particular community and are
making selective arrests. "Though BJP is ruling in state as well as at Centre, officials do not listen to us. Though two of our brothers have died, police ise taking action against our community only. Thus, around 200 BJP members and leaders have given their resignations as a sign of protest," Patel said. "They have just made a strong representation about the issue through their letter, which cannot be considered as their resignation. I met them personally yesterday and pacified them. In coming days, state BJP leaders will also meet them and find a solution. We will also put forward this issue to state government" he said.
MUZAFFARPUR, JAN 19 At least 14 people were arrested by police after a mob torched houses in a village in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district killing three people following the recovery of a youth's body, as per news reports on Monday. The government has reportedly formed a two-member enquiry committee to probe the matter and a compensation of Rs 5 lakh has also been announced for the family of the victims. Tension gripped a Bihar village Monday, a day after three people were burnt to death and 10 were injured when a mob torched over three dozen houses in Muzaffarpur district after the body of an abducted youth was found, police said. Muzaffarpur District
Magistrate Anupam Kumar told IANS by telephone that a probe into the arson attack began following the directive of Chief Minister Jitan Kumar Manjhi, who is on a visit to Mumbai. Manjhi is likely to visit the village on Monday evening. Kumar said that preliminary probe suggests that clash in the village was the result of a love affair. "District administration was not taking any chances, fearing retaliation by villagers," he said. The incident took place in Ajitpur Bahilwara village after the body of a 20year-old boy was recovered Sunday. He was allegedly abducted and killed for his love affair with a girl from a different community. Muzaffarpur Senior
Superintendent of Police Ranjeet Kumar Mishra said a mob attacked the house of the main accused in the youth's abduction and killing, triggering a clash between the villagers. "Mob torched several houses in which three people were burnt to death and some injured. They also set ablaze vehicles," Mishra said. Additional Director General of police headquarters Gupteshwar Pandey, who has been camping in Muzaffarpur, about 70 km from here, said that 14 people have been arrested in connection with the clash and more arrests would take place. "Additional security forces have been deployed in the village in view of the tension," Pandey said.
Science & Tech
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SAADDA HAQ NEW DELHI | TUESDAY | JAN 20, 2015
Lava Iris Alfa With 5-Inch Display, Swipe Ultimate Tab 3G With Windows 8.1 Launched at Rs. 19,999 Android 4.4 KitKat Launched at Rs. 6,550
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ava has launched a new Iris-series smartphone, the Iris Alfa, priced at Rs. 6,550. The new Lava Iris Alfa smartphone will be available starting Monday from retail physical stores, while it will be also available via eBay India. The Iris Alfa comes bundled with Truecaller premium app and includes Rs. 2,000 worth of free downloads on Hungama Music app. The smartphone also comes preloaded with Adaptxt keyboard app that supports 11 Indian local languages. The Android 4.4 KitKatbased Iris Alfa supports dual-SIM (GSM+GSM) support. The company has announced that the smartphone supports FOTA (firmware over the air) updates. It features a 5inch (480x854 pixels) IPS full lamination display. It is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core (unspecified chipset) processor that's coupled with 1GB of RAM. The Lava Iris Alfa bears
8GB of built-in storage that can be expanded via microSD card (up to 32GB). It sports a 5megapixel rear camera LED flash, while it also packs a 0.3-megapixel front-facing camera. Connectivity options on the Lava Iris Alfa include 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n,
Micro-USB, AGPS, 3.5mm audio jack, and FM radio. It is powered by a 2200mAh battery and will be available in Black and White. Commenting on the
Toshiba Launches New Range of Android-Based Televisions in India
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apanese electronics giant Toshiba has introduced a new range of smart LED TVs powered by Android (v4.4.2 KitKat with access to Google Play) that will allow viewers to access a wide range of apps, games and videos. The new range of televisions fall under its Regza brand. The new range of Ultra HD 4K L9450 and the HD and full-HD L5400 series televisions feature personalised content, visual details, stunning graphics, built-in Wi-Fi, Web browser to access any website, Toshiba said in a release. The Toshiba Regza L9450 'Pro Theatre' series is available in 50-inch, 65inch and 84-inch screen sizes, and is priced between Rs 1.99 lakh to Rs. 10.49 lakh respectively. On the other hand, the Toshiba Regza L5400 HD and full-HD series are available in 32-inch, 40-
launch of Lava Iris Alfa we aim to cater to the needs of people who aspire to own a smartphone that looks good and has best in c l a s s features at an affordable price.
inch, 47-inch and 56-inch displays priced between Rs. 38,990 to Rs. 1.29 lakh. Toshiba India's DS Division Country Head Sanjay Warke said: "The Android interface has opened a world of possibilities for consumers... We are trying to bring the same limitless experience by breaking boundaries on screen sizes. Our latest range offers the customers a choice to enjoy latest Android applications on a larger screen and in a higher image quality, than that of smartphones and tablets." The new range also allows viewers to use plugand-play wireless keyboards and mice. Founded in Tokyo in 1875, Toshiba has a global network of over 590 consolidated companies employing over 200,000 people. It has annual sales of over $63 billion (roughly Rs. 3,88,161 crores).
QUIZ TIME 1. The name of Pierre Cardin is associated with which of the following fields? A. Painting B. Films C. Pop Music D. Fashion Designing 2. Who is well known collector of artefacts and curios? A. Wadeyar B. Salar Jung C. Rabindra Nath Togore D. Motilal Nehru 3. Ms. Vijaya Mehta has earned distinction in which of the field? A. Theatre B. Film Direction C. Classical Dance D. Journalism 4. Dr. M. S. Swaminathan has distinguished himself in which of the following fields? A. Agriculture B. Medicine C. Astrophysics D. Physics 5. Satyen Bose has shown his excellence in which of the following fields? A. Stage Acting B. Drawing and Painting C. Classical Dance D. Motion Picture
The Lava Iris A l f a smartphone comes equipped with all the necessary features
launch, N a v i n Chawla, Vice President and Head Product, Lava International Limited said, "With the
required in a 5" device to offer consumers a superior smartphone experience."
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wipe has launched its Ultimate Tab 3G laptop-tablet hybrid in India, priced at Rs. 19,999. The 3G variant of the p r e v i o u s launched Swipe Ultimate, it will be available online via leading e-commerce websites starting January 21. The laptop-tablet hybrid Swipe Ultimate Tab 3G features almost identical specifications as seen in its predecessor, which was launched in November last year. The main addition is the inbuilt 3G connectivity support via a SIM card and a direct USB 3.0 port. The earlier variant only 3G connectivity via a USB dongle. The Windows 8.1-powered Swipe Ultimate Tab 3G comes with a 10.1-inch XWVGA (1280x800 pixels) multi-touch IPS display with Zero Air Gap technology and a detachable magnetic keyboard. It is powered by a 64-bit Intel Atom Z3735F (4 core, 4 threads, 1.33GHz base clock, up to 1.83GHz burst, 2MB cache) processor coupled with 2GB of RAM. The Swipe Ultimate comes with 32GB of internal storage with no word on expandable storage support. However, as seen in the Swipe Ultimate, the new variant is likely to
support up to 1TB HDDs via MicroUSB. The tablet sports a 5-megapixel camera and a 2-megapixel front camera.
256.4x171x9.5mm. The company has not provided weight details, but it should weigh roughly around the WiFi only variant's 580 grams. "Personal computing is a dynamic area where consumer preferences are changing at extreme pace. Staying ahead of the curve is essential to survive in this space. We take extraordinary efforts to anticipate the changing preferences of consumers and develop products that will satiate demanding consumers of today. We have made our latest offering more powerful with a more powerful Intel processor and inbuilt 3G SIM support along with direct USB 3.0 slot to ensure that our cus-
Connectivity options on the Swipe Ultimate 3G include Wi-Fi, 3G (via SIM card), Bluetooth 4.0, Micro HDMI port, Micro-USB, and USB 3.0. The device packs an 7000mAh battery and measures
tomers get the best experience as a laptop. Thanks to our efficient production process, we are able to deliver all of this at an attractive price point," said Shripal Gandhi, Founder & CEO, Swipe, of the launch.
Bangladesh Blocks Viber, Tango Apps to Quell Violence
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angladeshi telecoms authorities Sunday shut down smartphone messaging and voice services Viber and Tango, which have become a popular communication medium for supporters of the anti-government protests now in their third week. The Bangladesh Telecommunications and Regulatory Commission
closed down the apps "for the time being" on orders from law enforcement and security agencies, a commission spokesman said. He did not give reasons for the decision, but local television station Channel 24 said Viber and Tango were shut down to prevent protesters from "exchanging information" across the country. Viber and Tango have
been popular among opposition protesters, including activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist allies who have launched a crippling nationwide transport blockade to try to topple the government. The protests have turned increasingly violent with activists firebombing hundreds of buses and trucks,
and security forces retaliating with live bullets or tear gas. At least 25 people have died in the latest violence including about a dozen burnt to death after protesters firebombed buses. The government has deployed thousands of police, paramilitaries and an elite anti-militant force to crack down on the protesters. But the violence
TV Channels Schedule 12.00 am Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 12.30 am Diya aur Baati Hum 01.00 am Ye Hai Mohabbatein 01.30 am Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon...Ek Baar Phir 02.00 am Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 02.30 am Veera: Ek Veer Ki Ardaas 03.00 am Tu Mera Hero 03.30 am Suhani Si Ek Ladki 04.00 am Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 04.30 am Everest 05.00 am Diya aur Baati Hum 05.30 am Nisha Aur Uske Cousins 06.00 am Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon...Ek Baar Phir 06.30 am Ye Hai Mohabbatein 07.00 am Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 07.30 am Veera: Ek Veer Ki Ardaas 08.00 am Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 08.30 am Suhani Si Ek Ladki 09.00 am Diya aur Baati Hum 09.30 am Ye Hai Mohabbatein 10.00 am Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 10.30 am Tu Mera Hero 11.00 am Veera: Ek Veer Ki Ardaas 11.30 am Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon...Ek Baar Phir 12.00 pm Diya aur Baati Hum 12.30 pm Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 01.00 pm Ye Hai Mohabbatein 01.30 pm Tu Mera Hero 02.00 pm Everest 02.30 pm Diya aur Baati Hum 03.00 pm Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 03.30 pm Suhani Si Ek Ladki 04.00 pm Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 04.30 pm Nisha Aur Uske Cousins 05.00 pm Veera: Ek Veer Ki Ardaas 05.30 pm Ye Hai Mohabbatein 06.00 pm Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon...Ek Baar Phir 06.30 pm Suhani Si Ek Ladki 07.00 pm Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 07.30 pm Ye Hai Mohabbatein 08.00 pm Tu Mera Hero 08.30 pm Nisha Aur Uske Cousins 09.00 pm Diya aur Baati Hum 09.30 pm Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 10.00 pm Everest 10.30 pm Veera: Ek Veer Ki Ardaas 11.00 pm Ye Hai Mohabbatein 11.30 pm Tu Mera Hero ___________________________
12.00 am Teleshopping 02.00 am Jodha Akbar 02.30 am Kumkum Bhagya 03.00 am Aur‌Pyaar Ho Gaya 03.30 am Doli Armaano Ki 04.00 am Baba Ramdev Ka Yog 05.00 am Narayan Seva 05.30 am Teleshopping 06.00 am Sant Nirankari Mandal
06.30 am The Faith Show 07.00 am Enjoying Every Day Life 07.30 am Creflo Dollar and Taffi Dollar 08.00 am Teleshopping 09.00 am Kumkum Bhagya 09.30 am Bandhan....Sari Umar Hume Sang Rehna Hai 10.00 am Qubool Hai 10.30 am Jodha Akbar 11.00 am Doli Armaano Ki 11.30 am Satrangi Sasural 12.00 pm Jamai Raja 12.30 pm Kumkum Bhagya 01.00 pm Jodha Akbar 01.30 pm Bandhan....Sari Umar Hume Sang Rehna Hai 02.00 pm Satrangi Sasural 02.30 pm Doli Armaano Ki 03.00 pm Kumkum Bhagya 03.30 pm Qubool Hai 04.00 pm SaReGaMaPa L'il Champs 04.30 pm Bandhan....Sari Umar Hume Sang Rehna Hai 05.00 pm Doli Armaano Ki 05.30 pm Jamai Raja 06.00 pm Kumkum Bhagya 06.30 pm Satrangi Sasural 07.00 pm Bandhan....Sari Umar Hume Sang Rehna Hai 07.30 pm Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke 08.00 pm Jodha Akbar 08.30 pm Jamai Raja 09.00 pm Kumkum Bhagya 09.30 pm Qubool Hai 10.00 pm Satrangi Sasural 10.30 pm Doli Armaano Ki 11.00 pm Jodha Akbar 11.30 pm Jamai Raja ___________________________
01.00 am Telebrands 02.00 am Home Shop 18 05.00 am Iskcon Aarti 05.30 am Jesus Calls Ministry 06.00 am Telebrands 07.00 am Narayan Sewa Sansthan Trust 07.30 am Home Shop 18 08.00 am Udann 08.30 am Shastri Sisters 09.00 am Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi 09.30 am Balika Vadhu - Kacchi Umar Ke Pakke Rishte 10.00 am Bigg Boss : Halla Bol 11.00 am Sasural Simar Ka 11.30 am Udann 12.00 pm Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi 12.30 pm Shastri Sisters 01.00 pm Balika Vadhu - Kacchi Umar Ke Pakke Rishte 01.30 pm Sasural Simar Ka 02.00 pm Udann 02.30 pm Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi 03.00 pm Comedy Nights with Kapil 06.00 pm Udann 06.30 pm Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi 07.00 pm Shastri Sisters 07.30 pm Sasural Simar Ka
08.00 pm Balika Vadhu - Kacchi Umar Ke Pakke Rishte 08.30 pm Udann 09.00 pm Bigg Boss : Halla Bol 10.00 pm Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi 10.30 pm Code Red 11.30 pm Udann ___________________________
12.00 am Comedy Classes 12.30 am Comedy Classes 01.00 am Supercops vs Supervillains... Shapath : Time Machine Special 02.00 am Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back : Up Fights Back 03.00 am Pukaar 04.00 am Supercops vs Supervillains... Shapath : Time Machine Special 05.00 am Best Of Savdhaan India : Mumbai Fights Back 06.00 am Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back : Up Fights Back 07.00 am Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back : @11 - Crime Alert 07.30 am Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali 08.00 am Mahakumbh - Ek Rahasaya Ek Kahani ! : Kahani Rudra Ki 08.30 am Comedy Classes 09.00 am Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali 09.30 am Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Ye 10.00 am Mahakumbh - Ek Rahasaya Ek Kahani ! : Kahani Rudra Ki 10.30 am Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali 11.00 am Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Ye 11.30 am Mahakumbh - Ek Rahasaya Ek Kahani ! : Kahani Rudra Ki 12.00 pm Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back (2) : Up Fights Back 01.00 pm Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back (2) : Up Fights Back 02.00 pm Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back (2) : Up Fights Back 03.00 pm Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back (2) : Up Fights Back 04.00 pm Best Of Savdhaan India: Delhi Fights Back 05.00 pm Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back (2) : Up Fights Back 06.00 pm Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back : @11 - Crime Alert 06.30 pm Best of Savdhaan India: India Fights Back 07.30 pm Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali 08.00 pm Mahakumbh - Ek Rahasaya Ek Kahani ! 08.30 pm Pukaar 09.30 pm Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Ye 10.00 pm Comedy Classes 10.30 pm Savdhaan India: India Fights Back (2) 11.30 pm Mahakumbh - Ek Rahasaya Ek Kahani !
has continued unabated, disrupting transport services and shipments of garments, the country's biggest export. The authorities also confined BNP leader Khaleda Zia to her office at the turn of the year after she called for her arch rival Hasina to stand down. Zia remains stuck in the compound. Zia wants Hasina to call fresh elections after last
TODAY’S STAR ARIES Some great news could change your life forever. It might involve
TAURUS 12.00 am Crime Patrol - Satark 01.00 am Teleshopping 02.00 am C.I.D 05.00 am Bhakti 06.00 am Teleshopping 06.30 am Bhakti 07.00 am Teleshopping 08.30 am Box Cricket League 09.30 am C.I.D 07.00 pm Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar 07.30 pm Box Cricket League 08.30 pm Humsafars 09.00 pm Tum Aise Hi Rehna 09.30 pm Hum Hain Na 10.00 pm Bharat Ka Veer Putra: Maharana Pratap 10.30 pm Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar 11.00 pm x Cricket League ___________________________
12.00 am You Have Been Warned : Greatest Hits II 01.00 am Tutankhamen 02.00 am Dual Survival (3) 03.00 am Speed of Life : Central American Killers 04.00 am A Haunting 05.00 am You Have Been Warned : Greatest Hits II 06.00 am Man vs. Wild (2) : Zambia 07.00 am How Do They Do it? 07.30 am How Do They Do it? 08.00 am Factory Made (2) 08.30 am Factory Made (2) 09.00 am What Happened Next? 09.30 am Destroyed in Seconds 10.00 am Dual Survival (2) : Buried Alive 12.00 pm You Have Been Warned : Freaks of Nature 01.00 pm Man vs. Wild (2) : Namibia 02.00 pm Factory Made (2) 02.30 pm Factory Made : Cotton Swabs / Pinball Machines / Tiles / Bread Dough 03.00 pm Man Woman Wild (2) 04.00 pm How Do They Do it? 04.30 pm How Do They Do it? 05.00 pm Man vs. Wild (2) : Zambia 06.00 pm Nature's Greatest Events 07.00 pm What Happened Next? 07.30 pm American Digger : Moonshine Money 08.00 pm How Do They Do it? 08.30 pm How Do They Do it? 09.00 pm Revealed : Rashtrapati Bhavan 10.00 pm Tethered : Pacific Islands, Panama 11.00 pm Destroyed in Seconds 11.30 pm Destroyed in Seconds
year's controversial poll boycotted by opposition parties and marred by deadly violence. The United States, Britain and the European Union have expressed concern over the latest unrest with the EU, the nation's biggest export destination, urging Hasina's government and the opposition to hold talks to resolve the crisis.
GEMINI
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
a new partnership of some kind or opportunities in your community. At the least, Aries, it could involve changes in your outlook and attitudes about life. You could spend a lot of time on the phone with friends and acquaintances. You will probably want to schedule a romantic evening with your partner. Some changes regarding your career could make a difference in your resources. This could involve a pending raise or promotion or opportunities for freelance work outside the job. It might imply a new job, perhaps in a creative field. Whatever work you do is likely to seem more emotionally rewarding than it has been, Taurus. This should boost your spirits considerably. Today you're likely to feel especially romantic and sexy, and anxious to get together with a love partner. This doesn't mean you aren't in the mood for socializing in general. In fact, you may look forward to meeting with friends. You should be feeling especially creative, and you could spend a lot of your day either planning or working on projects. Some deeply buried feelings about your mother and family could come up from the past today and need release. Don't be afraid to show your pain and anger. If you're embarrassed to do it around others, Cancer, stay home and deal with it. This is a positive development. By the end of the day you might feel as if a large weight has been lifted from your shoulders. Group activities in your neighborhood could lead to positive changes in your community. You will enjoy exchanging ideas and information with others, Leo, and could come away from these activities feeling exhilarated. It might be a good idea to walk home, or perhaps go for coffee or a movie afterward. If you let the ideas buzz until bedtime, you might not be able to sleep. Today you might find yourself in the public eye. Acknowledgment for work well done could come your way. It might also involve an increase in income. This could be job related or simply a community project that you've been working on and accomplished successfully. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame, Virgo, even though you might find it a bit disconcerting.
LIBRA Expanding your horizons is the key for today, Libra. Communications
received from distant states or foreign lands could have you entertaining the idea of traveling to those places. Learning is very much on your mind. You're probably curious about different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Even though you might not make definite plans for travel now, you're apt to at least consider it. SCORPIO Some very intense dreams could take you back to the past, perhaps your childhood or past lives. Write down any dreams you remember, Scorpio. They might not make sense to you now, but if you go back and analyze them later, you're likely to find that they reveal a lot about you that you weren't previously aware of. They might even inspire new projects of some kind. Think about them carefully. SAGITTARIUSAn old friend you haven't seen for a while could suddenly reappear, and you might view this person in a different light as a potential business partner, source of inspiration, or even a romantic possibility. If this is your inclination, Sagittarius, don't write it off without giving it some careful consideration. Partnerships formed today are likely to lead to success. CAPRICORN You're a service-oriented person by nature, Capricorn, and today the opportunity to spend time serving those in need could well present itself. This could be in a professional capacity or helping someone close who's having troubles of some kind. This particular situation won't last long, but it's likely to change your life in a positive way. Don't resist. Go with the flow. AQUARIUS If you've been hoping for a lucky break, Aquarius, this is the day it might come, especially if it involves love and romance. Or you might have been hoping for acknowledgment on the job, in the field of education, or by someone who means a lot to you. Whatever breaks come your way are likely to move you emotionally. You won't be the same. Have a great day. PISCES Changes in your home could take place now. These are positive, Pisces, though they might seem a bit overwhelming. Some could even be described as upheavals. Perhaps someone moves in or out. It could even involve moving to a new place, redecorating, refurbishing, or perhaps adopting a pet. At the very least, expect some emotional changes within yourself.
Answer: 1(D), 2 (C), 3(A), 4(A), 5(D)
Sports
SAADDA HAQ NEW DELHI | MONDAY | JAN 19, 2015
3 ODI match of Tri-series: India vs England -Preview BRISBANE, JAN 19 Jolted by the opening loss to Australia, India would look to plug the bowling loopholes and ensure a stronger batting display when they take on England in their second ODI tri-series cricket match here on Tuesday. In Brisbane, both sides will be looking to register their first win in this tournament with the hosts having stolen a march on them with two successive wins. Australia beat England by three wickets in Sydney on Friday and then beat India by four wickets in Melbourne on Sunday. They took a bonus point from the first game as well and sit pretty on nine points from two games. In this series, billed as the dress rehearsal for the upcoming ODI World Cup, these two sides will be keen to get a win under their belt. India can take some solace from their match against Australia in the sense that they pushed the hosts a lot closer. By their own admission, the Australian batsmen were going for that bonus point against England and thus lost quick wickets in the middle order. The repeated mini-collapse against the Indian bowling was no such fluke.
Two bowlers played a key role in squeezing the run-rate, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Axar Patel. It was quite a positive for the Indian team, reeling under the inconsistency shown by their attack in the preceding Test series. They missed the mediumpacer in the first three Tests and when he returned in Sydney, he was way off-colour, down on pace and lacking in match fitness. A five-day rest since and lot more bowling in the nets has done him good. Sunday's performance should be another boost for him to return to form for the Men in Blue need him to work his magic with the new ball in the next two months. In only his first international outing in Australia, the young left-arm spinner Axar impressed with his control as skipper MS Dhoni even opted to hold back a few of his overs and bring Patel back later during the end overs of the chase. Later the Indian skipper even talked about the possibility of Patel becoming his prime choice in the death overs, if he persists with this same consistency in his bowling. That was a big vote of confidence in Patel's abilities. Even so, the underlying word here is consistency which is a
certain weak-point with India's bowling in recent times. This is where Tuesday's game assumes significance. Coming quickly on the heels of their Sunday outing, Indian bowlers ? in particular Kumar and Patel ? will be under the spotlight. A similar bowling performance will be expected from the duo and if they are able to deliver on their promise, then it
will be a huge step forward for this attack seeing as R Ashwin had an off-day in Melbourne. Dhoni will also be looking for consistency from Rohit Sharma. He batted with much calm amid wickets falling at the other end and looked keen to make his start count. More importantly, he was prepared to run hard between the wickets and rotate the
strike, a trait previously missing in his batting in overseas ODIs last year. If he continues to do the same, then the debate over his opening position in favour of Ajinkya Rahane will be a thing of the past. However, that topic could restart at the other end if Shikhar Dhawan too doesn't start scoring. It is too early to comment on his failure in
Melbourne. But with a new-look batting order, with Rahane at three and Virat Kohli at four, they need to click in unison to take pressure off the middle order, especially with Dhoni coming in at number six. In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, the onus of big-hitting in the end overs lies squarely on the skipper's broad shoulders. Early wickets for few runs, as in Melbourne, won't help his case and also won't make the five-bowler strategy work. In the last couple of years, India's ODI record against England has been quite good. Since the 2011 tour when they didn't win a single game, the Men in Blue have recorded 12 wins in 15 matches, four of them coming in England (one in 2013 and three in 2014). The rest have all come in subcontinental conditions. Yet, Dhoni and his players will be quietly confident of taking on a team under new captaincy. And that is the big question mark for England as they prepare for the World Cup. They have made the right call in leaving Alastair Cook out of their plans and instead picking Eoin Morgan to lead. However, they might have left him too little time to introduce some new
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plans and experiment with his strategies. England have called upon the services of their former star allrounder Andrew Flintoff during the net-session in Brisbane on Monday, in the hope of garnering some confidence and motivation from the Big Bash player. Obviously enough, they have opted to not give a call for help to Kevin Pietersen, who is also in the country to play the T20 league. And so, it remains to be seen what effect Flintoff's words will have on their Tuesday performance. Teams (from): India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c & wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Stuart Binny, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mohit Sharma. England: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Joe Root, James Taylor, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes.
Pakistan players must be allowed Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray cruise at Open as Ana Ivanovic crashes to play in HIL: Sardar, Ajit NEW DELHI, JAN 19 India hockey skipper Sardar Singh and former captain Ajit Pal Singh on Monday said that the players from Pakistan should be allowed to be a part of the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) as it would improve the overall standard of the league. However, both Sardar and Ajit Pal said that the HIL officials must follow the Indian government’s decision whether to allow the Pakistanis to play in the league. “Pakistan have good players and they should be allowed to play in the HIL. Good players need to play in the league. But I also understand the situation and one must follow the government’s stand on it,” Sardar said during a promotional event of the Delhi Waveriders in New Delhi on Monday. Ajit Pal echoed similar sentiments, saying, “As a
sportsman, I would say they should be allowed. But one must understand the situation.” As many as nine players from Pakistan had come to India for the inaugural edition of HIL in the year 2013, but they were forced to leave the country even before the start of the competition as there were protests from some political organisations. Thereafter they have never been a part of the league because of continuous political tensions between the two neighbours. To add to this, last month, two Pakistani players were handed one-match suspensions by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for making obscene gestures at spectators after their win over India in the Champions Trophy semifinal at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
`Solid` Eugenie Bouchard looks to improve MELBOURNE, JAN 19 Seventh seed Eugenie Bouchard said there was plenty of room for improvement after booking a berth in the Australian Open second round on Monday with a "solid" win over Germany`s AnnaLena Friedsam. The 20-year-old Canadian,a semi-finalist at Melbourne Park last year, downed Friedsam 6-2, 6-4, cruising through the first set in 30 minutes then grinding out the second over 48 minutes. "I started strong and it was a little bit windy," she said. "I was happy to stay solid but there`s still lots of things to improve." She said she always felt in control against the world number 98 and was enjoying her tennis afer a long off-season that ended when she played the Hopman Cup this month and defeated world number one Serena Williams. "I haven`t played an official match in two-and-ahalf months, so it really does give your brain a break," she said. "For me, it makes me so excited to play. I feel good mentally and I`m just so ready to fight and leave everything on the court. I
don`t feel tired at all." Bouchard rose to prominence when she reached the semi-final of last year`s Australian Open then followed up with appearances in the final four at Roland Garros and the Wimbledon decider. The world number seven took some time to warm up, conceding break points on her first three service games as unforced errors mounted but managed to hold on and stay on even terms. Her radar finally kicked in at 3-2, when her returns began to find their range and she ran Friedsam around the court, rattling off five consecutive games to quickly wrap up the first set. The second was a seesawing affair as Bouchard
tried to push the pace, snatching a break in the opening game.
But her attempts at spectacular winners frequently went wide or into the net and Friedsam seized her opportunity with a double break back. Bouchard refocused to take control again and closed out the match when Friedsam pushed her return wide, sparking celebrations among the vocal "Eugenie Army" in the stands. "It`s never easy playing a first round, especially of a Slam, so I`m happy I was able to get through it," the Canadian said.
MELBOURNE, JAN 19 Big guns Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray successfully blasted their way into the Australian Open second round Monday but the Grand Slam dream of Ana Ivanovic was shattered. Third seed Nadal and sixth seed Murray both enjoyed straight sets wins, with rising stars Simona Halep and Grigor Dimitrov also progressing comfortably on a cool and windy Melbourne day. It was different story for fifth seed Ivanovic, a former world number one who came into the tournament full of confidence after a stellar 2014 that saw her climb the rankings. She started well against unheralded world number 142 Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic, easily winning the first set, but went to pieces during the match, eventually crashing 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. "I really struggled to find my rhythm today, I was just a little bit lost," said the stunned Serb, a perennial crowd favourite in Australia where she has family. Ninth seeded German Angelique Kerber also failed to live up to the hype, eliminated in three sets by Romanian IrinaCamelia Begu. World number three Nadal had no such problems and was in full control against Russian Mikhail Youzhny, showing few signs of the injuries that disrupted his 2014 season. The Spanish 14-time Grand Slam champion romped to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
win, conceding just one break point on his serve. "A very positive result for me," said Nadal, who missed the end of last year due to appendicitis and has also struggled with ongoing back and wrist injuries. "Always before the first match you have doubts, especially in this situation I`m arriving here. "It is never easy and it was an important match for me. It was a comfortable victory that give me some confidence." Fellow tournament favourites Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova play later Monday, while top seeds Serena Williams and Novak Djokovsic and defending men`s champion Stan Wawrinka are in action on Tuesday. Women`s champion Li Na of China has retired and is not taking part. Murray was given a testing workout by promising Indian Yuki Bhambri
before emerging a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) winner. Murray, who is bidding to become the first player to win the Australian Open after losing three finals at Melbourne Park, said he was pleased with the state of his tennis under coach Amelie Mauresmo. "I`ve been playing very well in the practices and striking the ball cleanly in the matches. If I keep that up I`ll keep getting better each round," he said.World number three Halep opened the 2015 proceedings with the wind swirling around Rod Laver Arena, carving out a 6-3, 6-2 defeat of Italy`s Karin Knapp. The Romanian, a quarter-finalist at Melbourne Park last year, is looking to build on a breakthrough 2014 when she reached the French Open final and the semi-finals at Wimbledon. The 23-year-old admitted she felt anxious appear-
ing in the first centre court match of this year`s tournament and struggled to put away Knapp, ranked number 50 in the world. "It was a tough match for me and I was very nervous before the match, but I`m very happy now and I`m sure that next time I`ll play better," she said. Tenth seed Dimitrov, dubbed "Baby Fed" for his playing similarities to Swiss great Federer and a picture-perfect one-handed backhand, also progressed with an easy 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory over German Dustin Brown. At the vanguard of the new order of younger men`s players, Dimitrov said he was happy with his start but the windy conditions were challenging. "I think it was just a little tough for everyone to get into that rhythm, to get used to the court. It was pretty windy today," he said.
Saina eyes title defence in Syed Modi International GP LUCKNOW, JAN 19 Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal will look to launch the new season with a bang when she starts her title defence at the Syed Modi International Grand Prix Gold Badminton Championship that gets underway with the qualifiers in Lucknow on Tuesday. The 24-year-old, who won the title in 2009 and 2010 when it was a Grand Prix event before claiming the crown last year again, will face tough competition from runners-up and third seed P. V. Sindhu and reigning world champion Carolina Marin of Spain in
women’s singles. “I am looking forward to
the event. Last year turned out to be a good season for
me and I think Syed Modi is the right tournament to start the year,” Saina, who will open her campaign against Malaysia’s Yin Fun Lim on Wednesday in the main draw, said. “I am the defending champion here. So I hope I can once again win the title and start the season on a positive note. However, it won’t be easy because we have a few very good players such as Carolina and Sindhu. So hope for the best,” added Saina, who has fifth seed Beatriz Corrales and compatriot P. C. Tulashi in her half, among others. Sindhu, who won multi-
ple bronze medals in team events last year, will open against a qualifier but her real challenge will start in the third round, where she is likely to face Thailand’s Porntip Buranaprasertsuk, seeded sixth. Sindhu had last week reached the semifinals of the Malaysian Grand Prix Gold. The USD 120,000 event, being organised by Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association (UPBA) at BBD UP Badminton Academy, Gomti Nagar will also see tough competition between Indian shuttlers in the men’s singles event.
While last year’s runners-up K. Srikanth will look to go the distance this time, Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap could prove to be his biggest competitor. Srikanth, who entered the big league after stunning two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan of China to win the China Super Series Premier last year, will also face resistance from compatriots Ajay Jayaram, who won the Dutch Grand Prix last year, Indonesian Masters GPG champion H. S. Prannoy, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist RMV Gurusaidutt.
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Bollywood/Fashion
How to fill in thin eyebrows
A
pair of well-done eyebrows can instantly change your features. If you have thin, barely-there eyebrows, we show you how to fill them, without overdoing it.
SAADDA HAQ NEW DELHI | TUESDAY | JAN 20, 2015
Rahul Bhatt pairs opposite Katrina Kaif in ‘Fitoor’
A
bhishek Kapoor’s ‘Fitoor’ has got a new addition. Rahul Bhatt has been reportedly roped in to play a major role. Last seen in ‘Ugly’, Rahul has impressed all with his power packed performance. He is now paired opposite Katrina Kaif.
First, mark the ends of the brows. Ideally, the inside point should line up with the outside of your nose. For the outside point, line a brush from the outer corner of your nose to the outer corner of your eye. Your brow should end along the same line.
Reports suggest that before Rahul Bhatt, Saif Ali Khan and Fawad Khan was approached for the role.
If you can't draw, invest in eyebrow stencils that are available in the market. These are helpful if you are looking for very well-defined brows. They will guide you as to where to fill in, so that you get clean lines.
Some portions of ‘Fitoor’ were already shot in Kashmir. Starring Rekha, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif , the film is basically a love triangle. Talented ghazal singer Talat Aziz was also roped in. He will be paired opposite Rekha. Says a source close to the project, "Aziz has been signed on to play a high profile diplomat from Pakistan, a key character in the film. He
If you want a defined look, opt for a pencil in the shade of your eyebrows. For a more natural look, go for a power. Don't forget to tap off the excess power from your brush before applying it. If using a
I would like to do a biopic on Madhubala, Pallavi Sharda
will be seen wooing Rekha." The singer is already on board and he has shot few scenes. "He has been given an authentic and interesting look for the role. He has shot a few scenes with Rekha and their chemistry is quite good. As of now, we won't be able to reveal whether his character is inspired by an actual person. But, it is definitely
going to be appealing", adds a source. ‘Fitoor’ directed by Abhishek Kapoor of ‘Rock On’ and ‘Kai Po Che’ is a modern take on Charles Dickens' ‘The Great Expectations’. Produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, the film will see Aditya, playing a Kashmiri boy, Noor while Katrina will be seen as his love interest Firdaus, and Rekha
Amitabh takes Aaradhya to greet fans outside Jalsa
H
uge fans throng outside megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow Jalsa almost every Sunday to get a glimpse of the megastar. And Big B also never disheartens his fans and he greets all of them by waving his hand and with a sweet smile on his face. It has become a ritual over the years. This Sunday the fans again crowded outside Big B’s bungalow and they received a bonus in the form of Aaradhya Bachchan. They came with the hope and thrille to meet Big B only but their happiness doubled to witness Aaradhya.
H
Dressed in pink top and skirt, Aaradhya looked cute and she seems a bit scared to see the large crowd. The 72-year-old took to the social networking site to inform the fans about the same.
awaizaada beauty Pallavi Sharda said she would like to play iconic yesteryears star Madhubala on-screen. She said if she gets the chance to portay any real life character onscreen, she would love to enact the role of Madhubala. Sharda said Madhubala is an iconic and her life is very interested to be told and cherish onscreen. “I would like to do a biopic on Madhubala. I like her story, her life was interesting and there is romanticism in her life. I think it
would be an interesting story,” Pallavi, who’s awaiting the release of ‘Hawaizaada‘, said. Madhubala who is one of the most beautiful women of all times starred in hit movies like ‘Mahal’, ‘Amar’, ‘Mr & Mrs ’55’, ‘Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi’ and ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ but unfortunately , she died young at 36 in 1969 due to illness. Pallavi, who starred in movies like ‘Love Breakups Zindagi’, ‘Heroine’ and ‘Besharam’ said talent as well as luck is
important to survive in the competitive world of showbiz. “Talent is important. You can’t be successful without talent, but luck also matters. My luck was not that great, if I may say so because I have worked really hard,” said the actress, who has earlier featured in films Pallavi Sharda is looking forward to the release of ‘Hawaizaada’ opposite Ayushmaan Khurrana, directed by Vibhu Puri and will hit big screens on 30th January all over.
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“I took the little one out to meet the Sunday well wishers…apprehensive and wonder filled her little delicate hands and feet and mind…BUT…they are the sweetest gifts of the Almighty…and we are blessed to have them,” a post on his official Facebook read. Amitabh also shared a series of photographs with his granddaughter, who is seen clutching onto her grandfather’s shoulder. “But the best moments come with ‘little ones’ even though a bit apprehensive,” he posted. Aaradhya Bachchan was born to
the star couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on 16th November 2011.
As Aaradhya has started going to school few months back, Aishwarya is returning to silver screen with Sanjay Gupta’s
‘Jazbaa’ while Amitabh Bachchan is looking forward to the release of 'Shamitabh', directed by R Balki.
Akshay Kumar demands 50 crore for ‘Hera Pheri 3’
H
era Pheri is a famous comedy movie franchise. The past two films were blockbusters and made impressive collections at the box office. The third edition is in the making and Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty will be reprising their roles. It is rumoured that Khiladi Kumar who played the lead in both the previous films demanded a sum of Rs. 50 crore to star in ‘Hera Pheri 3’. However, producers conferred that the amount being demanded will not be offered. Due to what producers have labelled as unreasonable demands, Akshay Kumar will not be seen in the forthcoming edition of ‘Hera Pheri’. While Akshay remained unavailable, the makers and close sources revealed quite a lot of information. According to them Akshay was being considered for the film as he has been part of the franchise, since the beginning. There were several sessions of deliberations and due to the prolonged discussions the production was getting delayed.
Later when Akshay’s demand was put forward, the producers denied it right away. In their opinion the amount was in no way justified. The two other leading actors were cast long ago and had gladly accepted the roles and the fees that were offered
according to them. Makers of ‘Hera Pheri 3’ decided they had had enough and could not stand any further delays. Now the casting is done and viewers will soon be seeing John Abraham take over Askhay’s role. Another notewor-
thy and welcome addition to the cast is that of Abhishek Bachchan. He has also been cast in one of the lead roles. The popular duo of ‘Dostana’ is likely to repeat the magic and exhibit the same chemistry as it did before. This time however, there will be no gay angle. Immensely talented and globally renowned actor Irrfan Khan was cast to play a vital role quite early on. He also completed several sequences, but since his health deteriorated makers were forced to cast Abhishek for the same role. This angered Irrfan as he was informed after the replacement was finalized. Irrfan Khan may or may not receive another role. Speculations continue as no official statement has been released. Fans of the ‘Hera Pheri’ franchise are sure to miss Akshay and his comic timing in ‘Hera Pheri 3’. The trio of Paresh, Suniel and Akshay will remain incomplete but it will be interesting to witness the effects of the brand new character and its addition to the madness of ‘Hera Pheri’.
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