The NEWS you like - May 2017

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PAGES: 68 VOL.5 | ISSUE: 4 | MAY 2017

The News You Like | May, 2017

VOL:5 I SSUE:4 I MAY, 2017 `30

Editor SUDHAKAR

Special Correspondent D Bal Reddy

Senior Correspondent Mallesh Babu Mattipati Yanadi Reddy

Reporters M.Praveen Kumar, P Vishnuvardhan Reddy

Photographers M Vijay S Sridhar, Shair Ali Baig

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Any legal disputes comes under the jurisdiction of courts in Hyderabad

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EDITORIAL

t appears the Indian Government is going soft against the terrorists and enemies at the cost of the precious lives of security forces. The brutal killing of two Indian soldiers mutilating their bodies by the Pakistani forces, Pakistan sponsored terrorist attack on Indian Army camp in Kupwara killing three soldiers and the massacre of 26 CRPF personnel in Chhattisgarh by the Maoists seems to be an indication that the government is going soft against the enemies.

Last month, Pakistani forces killed Indian soldiers – a junior commissioned officer, Paramjit Singh and head constable Prem Sagar – were killed and then the bodies were mutilated in a barbaric act. The army described the act as despicable and promised appropriate response. The government strongly condemned the barbaric act and said the country has full confidence and faith in the armed forces, which will react appropriately, defence minister Arun Jaitley had said.

“This is a reprehensible and an inhuman act. Such attacks don’t happen even during a war, let alone peace. The sacrifice of these soldiers will not go in vain”, he said.

In the case of terrorist attack in Kupwara district, Pak sponsored terrorists began to shoot at the Army’s Panzgam camp killing three soldiers.On the other hand, 26 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers were killed and another half-a-dozen soldiers were injured in a Maoist ambush in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh last month.

The ambushed took place in Burkhapal in the Sukhma district when the CRPF personnel took a small break from combing operation to have their lunch. However, the government’s response seems to be very weak to all the three attacks. Except for making statements, it appears the government has not given any orders to the security forces to give a befitting reply.

In fact, the need of the hour is not just a befitting reply but to crush Pakistanis with iron hand and take back Pak Occupied Kashmir and eliminating all those who wish to take the side of Pakistan or break away from India only to help the enemies of the country.

It is also time to crush the Maoists, who have lost relevance and only resorting to violence to keep up their identity.

(Sudhakar)

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INDEX

KCR seeks Centre's nod for quota bill

The News You Like | May, 2017

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Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on April 23 met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought the Centre's nod for a legislation passed by the state legislature for enhancing reservations in the state.

THE GLORIOUS 100 YEARS OF OU

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Standing tall on its sprawling and picturesque campus, Osmania University bears testimony to the grandeur of the princely Hyderabad state, the turbulent times before the state's merger with India and several movements ranging from 'jobs for locals' to separate statehood for Telangana.

Muslim reservations is only TRS gimmick 9 for political mileage

SC wants Advani, others tried in Babri case 26

The News You Like | May, 2017

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INDEX

TN school teacher sold off her jewellery to build new classroom NCTC is all set to be revived

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The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) that was earlier blocked by states like Gujarat, West Bengal and Odisha, is likely to be revived.

Eating legumes reduce risk of diabetes

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Breaking all records, Baahubali 2 makes 121 crore

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Indian online fashion market to hit $14 bn 53 by 2020

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TRIPLE TALAQ

The News You Like | May, 2017

Anger against triple Talaq is on the rise A

The News Bureau

nger against triple talaq is growing by the day as more and more victims lent her voice to the campaign.

Following in the footsteps of fellow Saharanpur residents Atiya Sabri and Shagufta Shah, Reshma Parveen has joined the fight against the instant divorce practice and has also approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help.

Reshma also went to a local hospital to meet Shagufta who was under treatment after the pregnant mother-of-two girls was thrown out by her husband and in-laws for refusing an abortion.

The triple talaq is a Sharia law practice in India which allows men to end a marriage, simply by saying 'talaq' to their wives three times in succession. While many Muslimmajority countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia have outlawed the custom for years, India – home to

the world's third-largest Muslim population - continues to allow it.

The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions opposing triple talaq, after women complained that they had been divorced via Facebook and WhatsApp. However, the All India Muslim Personal Board (AIMPLB) has urged the apex court not to meddle with its personal laws.

Atiya Sabri too had approached the top court, challenging triple talaq given by her husband on a piece of paper. Police arrested her husband and father-in-law this month on dowry harassment charges. They have been sent to judicial custody. Her mother-in-law, also an accused, is absconding.

Shagufta approached the police and after being denied justice, she wrote a letter to Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath. An FIR was finally registered against the accused, who are on the run, after the case hit the headlines.

Reshma was not lucky enough to get media attention about seven years ago and after the police refused to help her, she approached the district court and is still pursuing her case.

“I got married to Ishtekar Malik, a native of Dehradun, in December 2010. However, after a week he sent me back to my parents and the next week, he gave me talaq over the phone,” she told media persons.

“Later, we came to know that he was having an affair with a tenant of his house and that is why he left me. We also approached the police a number of times but were chased away like animals. Then we decided to file a suit in the district court and are still running from pillar to post to get justice after 7 years.”

Reshma said her father died a few years ago and she's living with her elderly mother. Our expenses are met by the rent from a room.

TRIPLE TALAQ

The News You Like | May, 2017

We are leading a very hard life,” she said. After seeing the media attention Shagufta is receiving, Reshma reached the district hospital to meet her.

“I was very surprised and relieved to see how the media has helped her. Now I also have hope for a better future. At the hospital, I met Atiya Sabri. I was surprised to see her confidence and we instantly became friends as we are victims of the same curse of our religion.

“We are firstly thankful to the media for taking up our cause. Shagufta, Reshma and me are now a team and together we will stand for the cause of women like us,” she said. Not just in Uttar Pradesh, but victims of Triple Talaq exist in every part of India. In Hyderabad alone, thousands of Muslim women have become victims of Triple Talaq. In the last few weeks, more than three women were di-

vorced by their husbands on WhatsApp and the victims are up in arms against their husbands and inlaws.

The victims of Triple Talaq in Hyderabad have lodged separate cases and the police have launched

investigations. However, it is a different matter that the investigations are not progressing ahead due to political interference since the Old City based Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) is not in favour of Triple Talaq.

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TRIPLE TALAQ

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The News Bureau

t least five judges of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice J S Khehar, will skip summer vacation starting from May 11 to hear petitions challenging controversial Muslim practices of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy.

CJI Khehar on Thrusday said the petitions will be heard by a Constitution Bench as the issues involved are 'very important and involve sentiments'.

Several Muslim women have

The News You Like | May, 2017

SC to skip summer break for triple talaq case

challenged triple talaq, in which the husband pronounces talaq thrice in one go, sometimes even via phone or text message.

The Supreme Court had on February 16 asked all sides including aggrieved women petitioners, Centre, All India Muslim Personal Board and women rights bodies to submit written submissions.

The replies were filed on Thursday. 'It is such an important issue...we cannot rush through‌ it will take time‌ there are so many nuances to it and we have to consider each one of them,' the CJI-led

bench said.

The apex court said it would decide issues pertaining to legal aspects of the practices and would not deal with the question whether divorce under Muslim law needs to be supervised by courts as it falls under the legislative domain.

The bench had however, made it clear that it was not dealing with the issue of Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which is currently being examined by the Law Commission of India.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB ) in its affidavit submitted to SC said declaring triple talaq illegal will amount to 'disregarding Allah's directions and rewriting of the Holy Quran'.

It once again asked the court not to venture into area of changing personal laws. The Modi government has already supported the ban on triple talaq saying, 'gender equality and the dignity of women are not negotiable' and told judges that 'even theocratic states have undergone reforms in this area of law' which reinforces that these practices cannot be considered an integral part of practice of Islam.

Following in the footsteps of fellow Saharanpur residents Atiya Sabri and Shagufta Shah, Reshma Parveen has joined the fight against the instant divorce practice and has also approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help. (R) Shagufta said she was then beaten, tortured and disowned by Sayeed and his family before being served with triple talaq and thrown onto the streets

COLUMN

The News You Like | May, 2017

â– a revaNTh reddy

Muslim reservations is only TRS gimmick for political mileage

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o one will object if steps are taken to help the needy or economically backward. And nobody will object if justice is done to those who were meted out with injustice. However, trouble brews when justice is denied for several people to give perceived justice for one. It will lead to animosity.

And this is what is happening in Telangana with regard to the Muslim reservations. The Chief Minister and cabinet colleagues are claiming time and again that the reservations will be implemented on the same lines as Tamil Nadu is doing.

However, they are completely unaware of the special reservation policy in Tamil Nadu.

It is true that Muslims are economically backward. It is also true that their numbers are low in government jobs because of poor rate of literacy among Muslims. Even the Sachar and Sudheer Committees said the same thing. However, the two reports never said Muslims are socially backward. Yet, the Telangana government is trying to implement reservations for economically backward Muslims on par with the socially backward castes leading to criticism and opposition.

Also, the Telangana government has not explained how it will convince the union government and get its nod for the implementation of increased reservations for Muslims since the BJP government has time and again reiterated that it will not accept implementation of reservation for Muslims on

par with other backward communities.

Despite this, if the TRS government continues to drag other parties into the issue, it may not benefit the Muslims. Instead, it may cause loss to the Muslims.

The High Court at Hyderabad and High Courts in other states like Gujarat have refused to allow the decision of the state governments providing reservations for Muslims on religious basis. Currently, Muslim reservations issue is pending before the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court. In this backdrop, taking decision on Muslim reservations amounts to contempt of court.

Further, the TRS government has promised to recognize Rajaka community as scheduled caste, Valmiki, Vaddera and Kayiti Lambada communities as scheduled tribes.

However, the government remains silent on this issue. The government is also silent on its electoral promise of 3 percent reservation for physically challenged persons.

To sum up, the TRS government is only trying to gain political mileage by way of Muslim reservations. The government is not committed for towards the upliftment of backward communities. Telugu Desam Party will support backward communities in their fight for justice.

(The author is Floor Leader for Telugu Desam Party in the Telangana Assembly)

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TELANGANA NEWS

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The News You Like | May, 2017

KCR seeks Centre's nod for quota bill

The News Bureau

elangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on April 23 met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought the Centre's nod for a legislation passed by the state legislature for enhancing reservations in the state.

KCR briefed Modi on the social composition of the newly-created state and made a strong a case for including the legislation in Schedule IX of the Constitution to give it immunity from 50 percent overall upper limit on reservations.

KCR urged the PM to treat Telangana at par with states like Tamil Nadu, which is implementing 69 percent reservations. During the meeting which lasted for one hour and 20 minutes, the Chief Minister discussed various staterelated issues.

KCR told Modi that the majority of Telangana's population constitutes Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes and minorities. He also urged the PM to leave it to the states to fix the quantum of reservations for admissions into educational institutions which come under their purview and in appointments in their respective governments.

Telangana legislature on April 16 passed a legislation, hiking the reservations for backward Muslims from 4 percent to 12 percent and for the Scheduled Tribes from 6 percent to 10 percent. With this, the overall quota for all groups in the state has gone up to 62 percent.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi

(TRS) chief urged the PM to accept the long-pending demand for categorisation of the Scheduled Castes for reservations and present a bill in the Parliament.

He sought exemption from income tax for the income earned through agriculture related activities and various vocations as was done in the case of farmers. He said the move will benefit several backward castes depending on vocations like sheep rearing, fishing, weaving and hair cutting.

KCR requested the PM to ensure that there is no negative impact of GST on state's revenues.

He also sought steps to increase the seats of Telangana Legislative Assembly as per Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, speeding up bifurcation of the high court, release of Rs 1,400 crore towards Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Fund and declaring Kaleswaram irrigation project as a national project.

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COVER STORY

The News You Like | May, 2017

Develop universities into “te higher learning”: Pranab at OU

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The News Bureau

resident of India, Pranab Mukherjee called for developing universities as temples of higher learning and creating learning environment for free exchange of ideas. He was speaking after inaugurating the Centenary Celebrations of Osmania University in Hyderabad on April 26.

Universities should be places for creating learning environment, where free exchange of ideas takes place and where mighty minds in the form of students and teachers exchange ideas, Mukherjee said.

“Osmania University was also established with this dream that it will be an institution of excellence where free minds will meet freely, interact and exchange ideas and

live in peaceful co-existence,” he said. He also said that in ancient times, India played a leading role in the field of higher learning and universities such as Taxila, Nalanda, Vikramshila had attracted mighty minds in the form of students and teachers, he observed.

Stressing on the need for basic research in the higher educational institutions, Mukherjee said the ac-

The News You Like | May, 2017

emples of U Centenary ademic excellence in science and education could not be achieved, if basic research and innovation was neglected.

Since the State cannot fund the universities to the extent required, industries have to come forward and there must be an interface between industries and academic institutions, he said and wished the University all success.

COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

The News You Like | May, 2017

Nizam’s kin unhappy over being ignored at OU centenary

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Nizam was a visionary: President

resident Pranab Mukherjee described the last Nizam of Hyderabad State Mir Osman Ali Khan as a visionary, who founded Osmania University 100 years ago. Inaugurating the centenary celebrations of the university, the President said the Nizam had a dream of establishing a world standard institution of higher learning in Hyderabad.

He said the university witnessed momentous changes in these 100 years, including the two world wars, India's independence and formation of Telangana.

Osmania University was established with the dream that it will be a place where free minds will meet, they will freely exchange ideas and views and that all will live in peaceful co-existence, he said.

he family of Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh and last Nizam of Hyderabad State, expressed their unhappiness over being ignored during the centenary celebrations of Osmania University.

The Nizam's grandson Nawab Najaf Ali Khan, who attended the inaugural ceremony of the centenary celebrations addressed by President Pranab Mukherjee, said the family members of Nizam should have been invited on the dais.

"We regret to share our dissatisfaction and dissent that none of the posters of Nizam VII, who founded the University, were put up during the celebrations," he said in a statement.

He pointed out that even the name of Mir Osman Ali Khan was not pronounced correctly during the speeches at the inaugural ceremony.

Najaf Ali Khan, who is president of Nizam Family Welfare Association, appealed to Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who did not address the centenary celebrations, to release his speech copy highlighting numerous contributions made by Mir Osman Ali Khan for all-round development of Hyderabad.

He also demanded that a statue of the Nizam VII be installed at a suitable place in the premises of Osmania University.

Najaf Ali Khan, who attended the ceremony with his family members, had earlier stated that he felt proud and happy over being invited by university authorities.

"It made me immensely happy that it is due to the effort of my grandfather that so many people in various walks of life have learned from this institute and achieved so much in their lives. Those people remembered my grandfather fondly," he had said.

COVER STORY

The News You Like | May, 2017

KCR, Governor not allowed to speak at OU celebrations

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The News Bureau

t was a shocker for the chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Governor ESL Narasimhan as they were not allowed to speak at the much hyped centenary celebrations of Osmania University on April 26.

Though the inaugural ceremony of the centenary celebrations included the speeches of KCR and Narasimhan, they were cancelled abruptly as students chanted ‘KCR down down’ slogans after giving a patient ear to the President, Pranab Mukherjee’s address.

The OU campus has been a nerve center for political agitations, particularly during the agitation for separate Telangana. Further, KCR himself is the alumnus of the university. However, the OU students did not allow the chief minister to address the gathering.

Sources said the OU students expressed their resentment against KCR for not keeping up the promises made during Telangana agitation and also after taking charge as the chief minister. Students contend that they had been neglected ones

the Telangana was formed.

The inaugural ceremony was wound up in just 40 minutes as intelligence has warned trouble from a section of the students, sources said adding that KCR felt insulted as he was not allowed to speak.

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COVER STORY

The News You Like | May, 2017

The glorious 100 years of OU S

The News Bureau

tanding tall on its sprawling and picturesque campus, Osmania University bears testimony to the grandeur of the princely Hyderabad state, the turbulent times before the state's merger with India and several movements ranging from 'jobs for locals' to separate statehood for Telangana.

From its genesis in the rich Muslim legacy to cultural diversity and from its transformation as a modern institution imparting education in English and various branches of science and technology, Jamia-eOsmania, as it was earlier known, has come a long way.

Its distinguished alumni include former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao; India's first astronaut, Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma; celebrated film director

Shyam Benegal; former RBI Governor Y Venugopal Reddy; founder and chairman of Cobra Beer and Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, Karan Bilimoria; and Magsaysay awardee Shantha Sinha.

It was on April 26, 1917, that Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan issued a royal decree for the establishment of Osmania University.

"The fundamental principles in the working of the university should be that Urdu should form the medium of higher education, but a knowledge of English as a language should, at the same time, be deemed compulsory for all students," said the decree.

Within two years of the decree, classes began for the first batch from a building in Gunfoundry area.

Arts and theology were only the two faculties in the first year with 225 students and 25 faculty members. It

offered courses in different languages like Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Persian and Arabic besides Urdu and English.

As the pardah system was strictly in vogue those days, the classes in the first few decades were conducted separately for boys and girls. A curtain would be hung between boys and girls for a common class or during guest lectures.

Academicians say Osmania University symbolised renaissance in the Indian educational system. The move to set up the university with Urdu as the medium of instruction was seen as the first step to revolt against the supremacy of the foreign language in India. It was hailed by Rabindernath Tagore.

He wrote to Nizam: "I have long been waiting for the day when, freed from the shackles of a foreign lan-

COVER STORY

The News You Like | May, 2017

guage, our education becomes naturally accessible to all our people. It is a problem for the solution of which we look to our Native States, and it gives me great joy to know that your State proposes to found a University in which instructions are to be given through the medium of Urdu. It is needless to say that your scheme has my fullest appreciation."

In 1934, the university was allotted 566 acres in the Adikmet area for its permanent campus. The Nizam laid the foundation stone for the iconic Arts College building, which later became the symbol of the university.

Rail tracks were laid to ferry workers and construction material and to speed up construction activity. Four years later, the campus and the Arts College, with its magnificent facade, was inaugurated.

A blend of Qutub Shahi and Mughal architecture, the granite structure was designed by Belgian architect Monsieur Jasper. With 164 vast rooms and a plinth of 2.5 lakh square feet, the Arts College is one the last major structures built by the Nizam.

In the pre-Independence era, Urdu was the medium of instruction in all branches of higher education, including medicine and engineering.

Under-graduate, post-graduate and Ph.D. programmes were introduced in almost all the faculties.

Some of the premier institutions started in the city like Nizamia Observatory, Nizam College, Medical College, Law School and Teachers' Training College were transferred to the university.

One such institute was the Dairat-Ul-Maarif, which was founded in 1888 to collect, preserve, edit and publish rare original and standard works in Arabic on humanities, religion, science and the arts.

The transformation at Osmania was obvious following the merger of Hyderabad state with India in September, 1948, more than a year after country's independence.

English replaced Urdu as the medium of instruction. Over the next two decades, the university added new disciplines and introduced diploma programmes in foreign languages like French, German and Italian. The Women's College, which earlier operated from temporary buildings, moved to its present location.

The University permitted a number of affiliated colleges to be started to meet the growing demand.

Today, it claims to have 1,000 colleges affiliated to it -- arguably the largest in Asia and 550,000 students.

It continued its onward journey in the subsequent decades by giving impetus to research activities and introducing fresh courses to meet the new requirements of the job market.

In order to make higher education accessible to the deprived and disadvantaged, the Centre for Distance Education was established in 1977. The university currently has 12 faculties and 53 departments with over 10,000 students. It con-

ducts 25 undergraduate programmes and 75 post-graduate courses.

With students coming from different regions and socio-economic backgrounds and even from abroad, the campus is known for its cultural diversity. While continuing its march for academic excellence since inception, the university also became a nerve centre for various movements, reflecting the country's socio-political changes.

In 1952, the university students stood up in protest when the central government proposed to take over it convert it into a central varsity with Hindi as medium of instruction.

Around same time, the campus was also rocked by protests demanding jobs for locals.

It witnessed massive violent protests in early 1970s during the Telangana movement. In the aftermath of the violent agitation, the employers had even stopped recruiting Osmania graduates.

While the first movement died down in 1971, nearly four decades later the university once again became the epicentre of Telangana movement, which culminated in the formation of the separate state in 2014.

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TELANGANA NEWS

The News You Like | May, 2017

Telangana Government strengthening intelligence wing

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The News Bureau

t appears the government is anticipating trouble in coming days on the Left Wing extremist front. And the government is well aware that the most effective way to check the trouble is to have complete information about the Maoists next moves.

The information gathering will be possible only when the state intelligence department has the best resources including manpower resources. However, the intelligence set up has been disturbed because of two reasons – one because of the bifurcation of the state and another is reorganization of the state into 31 districts, sources said.

Currently, intelligence wing has at its disposal only two Regional Intelligence Officers (RIO).

However, police department plans

to increase the number of regional intelligence offices from two to ten.

Eight RIOs to be located in the eight police commissionerates while two others will be located in Hyderabad and Cyberabad, sources said.

Though the intelligence has unit offices in eight districts at present, they are headed by the officers of the rank of deputy superintendent of police (DSP) assisted by a couple of officers. But the new regional offices will be headed by an officer of the rank of at least Additional Superintendent of Police assisted by sizeable number of officers for effective functioning, sources said.

The department is also contemplating to decentralize the Intelligence Security Wing (ISW) and the operations wing of the OCTOPUS for quick response. With decentral-

ization, department hopes to ensure flawless security for VVIPs and respond to emergencies in an efficient manner, sources said.

All these things will happen in the near future. The move shows trouble is brewing in the state. It was due to this reason police department has introduced village police officer (VPO) in several parts of the state. The VPOs will be present in villages on designated days and interact with the villagers.

While the department claims it an innovative concept to develop friendly policing, insiders say the move is an attempt to keep close watch on the youth.

It took years of sustained work to chase away the left wing extremists from the state and they cannot be allowed to revive the violent movement at any cost, sources in the intelligence department said.

NEWS BYTES

The News You Like | May, 2017

Telangana Police Constable receives Shaurya Chakra

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The News Bureau

olice Constable working for the Counter Intelligence Cell of the Telangana Police, K Srinivasulu, received ‘Shaurya Chakra’ award from the President of India at a programme held in New Delhi last month.

He is the only police official from South India to receive the medal out of the 12 medal winners from the entire country for their exemplary valour displayed in the year 2016.

Srinivasulu, in the course of surveillance on January 23, 2016, found a terror suspect moving on the motorcycle with a woman pillion rider on Doddla Naga Mangala Road in Bengaluru.

Srinivasulu immediately chased

the suspect on motor bike. Getting suspicious, the terror suspect turned his bike and hit the bike of the police constable. No sooner did Srinivasulu fall down, the suspect pounced upon him and attacked him viciously with a dagger causing stab injury in his abdomen and tried to flee.

However, even after getting

injured, Srinivasulu did not give up and held on to the suspect tightly, preventing him from running away until help came in the form of local police. Despite his injuries, he managed to overpower and apprehend the dreaded terrorist, Alamjeb Afridi.

Srinivasulu, exhibited act of bravery, exemplary valour and fortitude in apprehending terrorist risking his own life, said the citation.

For the record, terrorist Afridi was living a double life in Bengaluru with a pseudonym, Mohammed Rafique and working as AC mechanic. He was accused of about 25 terror related cases including bomb blasts and conspiracy for carrying out blasts across the country.

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AP NEWS

The News You Like | May, 2017

HC acquits youth sentenced to life in Andhra girl's murder

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The News Bureau

he High Court at Hyderabad on March 31 acquitted a youth who was sentenced to life in 2010 in the sensational rape and murder case of a student in Andhra Pradesh.

It also directed the Andhra Pradesh government to pay Rs 1 lakh compensation to Pidatala Satyam Babu, who spent eight years in jail without any evidence of his involvement, while ordering

action against the police officers, who investigated the case.

The Mahila Sessions Court in Vijayawada on September 30, 2010 had sentenced Satyam Babu to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of B Pharmacy student Ayesha Meera. The family of the youth had challenged the lower court's order in the High Court.

The 19-year-old Pharmacy student was raped and brutally murdered in a private women's hostel in Ibrahimpatnam near Vi-

jayawada on December 27, 2007.

The victim's naked blood soaked body was found in the hostel toilet with legs and hands tied to water tap and an iron rod, with her own dress.

Police had found a love letter written allegedly by the killer, a left foot print in her room and handwritten word by marker 'Chiruta'(leopard) in Telugu on her chest. Police had picked up few suspects but later released them as no evidence was found.

AP NEWS

The News You Like | May, 2017

Police claimed a breakthrough when Satyam Babu was arrested in a cell phone robbery case on August 17, 2008. Police said he confessed to Ayesha Meera murder.

The youth was suffering from GB Syndrome, which had badly affected his nervous system and his two legs were paralysed. His mother Mariyamma alleged that her son was falsely implicated in the case to save some influential people. The arrest had created a sensation in the state as the girl's parents had claimed that the Dalit youth was made a scapegoat to save the real culprits. Dalit organisations and human rights activists had also protested the arrest of Satyam Babu, claiming that he was innocent.

Meera's parents Shamshad Begam and Iqbal Basha alleged

that relatives of then state Minister Koneru Ranga Rao were involved in the rape and murder and Satyam Babu was arrested only to mislead the investigations.

Following High Court order, Meera's parents said Rs 1 crore should be given compensation for Satyam Babu and demanded that the government set up a fast-track court to try and punish the real culprits. The victim's family alleged involvement of Koneru Ranga Rao's grandson Koneru Satish, who was the sarpanch of the village.

Police negligence in protecting the scene of offence had also come in for criticism from legal experts and rights activists.

The delay in the process of investigation had created doubts that there was political interference and pressure on the police. The activists

alleged that police choose Satyam Babu, a part-time construction worker from Krishna district as a soft target as there was nobody to support him.

On May 22, 2010, police claimed that Satyam Babu tried to escape while he was being brought to Vijayawada from Hyderabad. A few hours later, he was surprisingly back in the police custody. Police had tough time to explain how he escaped when he can't even stand on his feet.

The rights activists alleged that the police were trying to kill Satyam Babu to close the case and to protect the real culprits.

Following the High Court order, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu directed the police department to probe the case afresh.

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POLITICAL

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The News Bureau

rime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for conducting simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies and changing the financial year to January- December from the present April – March.

Addressing the Niti Aayog Governing Council's third meeting on May 23, which was attended by several state chief ministers, Modi said for long, India had suffered from economic and political mismanagement.

"Because of poor time management, many good initiatives and schemes had failed to deliver the anticipated results," he said, adding there is a need to develop robust arrangements that could function amidst diversity.

The prime minister called for carrying forward the debate and discussions on holding simultaneous elections to Parliament and state legislatures.

On the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Modi asked the states to make legislative arrangements without delay for the rollout of the indirect tax regime from July 1.

The GST, which will subsume central excise, service tax, Value Added Tax (VAT) and other local levies, is scheduled to be rolled out

The News You Like | May, 2017

Modi bats for one nation one election from July 1. The consensus on GST reflects the spirit of 'one nation, one aspiration, one determination', Modi earlier said in his opening remarks at the meeting.

Referring to the change in the budget dates, he said in a country where agricultural income is exceedingly important, budgets should be prepared immediately after the receipt of agricultural incomes for the year.

He added that there have been suggestions to follow January to December as financial year. The prime minister asked the states to take the initiative in this regard.

Currently, India follows AprilMarch as fiscal year.

Later, briefing reporters about the meeting, Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya said the prime minister wants that we should think of January-December financial year as this is appropriate from the point of view of farmers.

Modi also urged states, local governments and NGOs to decide goals for 2022 and work in mission mode towards achieving them.

Referring to the issue of regional imbalance, which was raised by a number of chief ministers, Modi said the matter needs to be addressed on priority, both nationally, and within states.

He also called upon states to

speed up capital expenditure and infrastructure creation to spur growth.

"Niti Aayog is working on a 15year long term vision, 7-year medium-term strategy, and 3-year action agenda," Modi said, adding the vision of 'New India' can only be realised through the combined efforts and cooperation of all the states. The draft of the three-year action plan was circulated at the meeting and would be finalised after seeking comments of the chief ministers.

Stating that poor infrastructure in the country is hampering the economic development, Modi said that more expenditure on basic infrastructure such as roads, ports, power and rail would help in accelerating the pace of growth.

The meeting of the Governing Council at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by several chief ministers, including from non-BJP ruled states like Punjab, Bihar, Tripura and Karnataka.

The notable absentees were West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The council, which is the apex body of the Niti Aayog, is headed by the prime minister and includes all chief ministers and the Aayog's members.

KASHMIR NEWS

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Kashmir boys are paid for pelting stones and bombs

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The News Bureau

n undercover operation carried out by India Today TV uncovered shocking facts behind the unrest in Kashmir valley following Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Burhan Wani’s killing last year in an encounter.

The undercover reporters of the television channel interviewed Zakir Ahmad Bhat, Farooq Ahmad Lone, Wasim Ahmed Khan, Mushtaq Veeri and Ibrahim Khan. They made startling confessions - from being on the payroll of their underground masters to carrying out deadly attacks on security forces, public servants and property in the troubled region.

Ahmad Bhat said they get anything between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000 a month and clothes and sometimes shoes as well for pelting stones and targeting Indian security forces. He is a specialist in petrol bombs. He is wanted for arson attacks during last year's stone-pelting protests that erupted after the death of Wani, who had a large social media following and was credited with reviving militancy in Kashmir. “We pelt stones at

security forces including J&K police personnel, Army jawans, MLAs and government vehicles. But this hired extremist refused to disclose the identity of his handlers. We will die but won't reveal their names. It is the question of our bread and butter.”

He admitted to hurling stones in Baramulla, Sopore and Pattan.

“Now, we go to the downtown where we protest on Fridays.” He would also supply and use petrol bombs.

“We get separate funds for making petrol bomb”,' Bhat said.

From July to October last year, as many as 19,000 people were injured and 92 killed in a series of clashes between stone pelting protesters and security forces in Kashmir.

Around 4,000 security personnel were among the wounded. Two jawans were reportedly among the dead. But for stone-pelters such as Farooq Ahmad Lone, violent agitations are their livelihood.

'It could be Rs 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 or even Rs 5,000,' said Lone, quoting his daily income from organising shutdowns and stone-throwing demonstrations. “We have been pelting stones since 2008.' Wasim

Ahmed Khan put his monthly stipend from stone pelting protests at Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000. For another protester Veeri, it is Rs 700 a day on weekdays and up to Rs 1,000 on Fridays. The man who pays just arrives. He is known to one of my friends, said Veeri, refusing to name his paymaster. But stone pelters did disclose how they were assigned their job well in advance.

The hidden masterminds would use the Internet to organise stonepelting across various locations in Jammu and Kashmir, Ibrahim Khan was quoted as telling the undercover reporters. Instructions regarding potential targets were circulated on group-messaging service beforehand. Instructions are issued on WhatsApp groups, Khan, who makes up to Rs 20,000 a month from the protests, said.

Young children are also recruited to pelt stones. If the child has a good physique, he will be paid around Rs 7,500. But if the child recruit is weak, he would get around Rs 6,000, he added. For children up to 12 years, the minimum payment for stonepelting is fixed at Rs 4,000, said Khan. Bhat, Veeri and Wasim Ahmad Khan then shared their trackrecord in executing attacks on security personnel and government property.

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KASHMIR NEWS

The News You Like | May, 2017

300 WhatsApp groups mobilise stone pelters in Kashmir

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The News Bureau

tone-pelters in Kashmir are being mobilised through 300 WhatsApp groups to disrupt security forces operations at encounter sites.

Each of these 300 WhatsApp groups had around 250 members, the official said while explaining how determined attempts were being made to disrupt the operations of the security forces by mobilising stone-pelting mobs at the encounter sites.

"We identified the groups and the group administrators, who were called in by police for counselling. We have had a good response to this initiative," he said on the condition of anonymity.

In the last three weeks, more than 90 per cent of these What-

sApp groups have been shut down, the official said.

He said the government's policy of suspending internet services appeared to be showing positive results in curbing stone-pelting during encounters and cited the case of recent encounter in Budgam district.

Just a few youth gathered to hurl stones after two militants were gunned down in the encounter. This was in sharp contrast to an encounter in Durbugh village in the same area on March 28, when a large number of stonepelters had assembled and three of them were killed in firing by security forces.

"With no internet services, the mobilisation of mobs has almost become impossible. Earlier, we would see youth from as far as 10

kilometres from the encounter sites joining the protesters to pelt stones at security forces to disrupt the anti-militancy operations, the official said.

"With the internet facility withdrawn, the activity on these social networking groups and other sites like Facebook has come down drastically," he added.

Stone-pelting on security forces near the encounter sites has been causing major operational problems for the law enforcing agencies over the past one year.

More than half a dozen youth have been killed in such incidents in the first quarter of this year.

However, the common people especially those from the business community say they are facing hardships, because of the inability to stay connected online.

NATIONAL

The News You Like | May, 2017

SC bans hotels, restaurants

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along highways from serving liquor The News Bureau

he Supreme Court on March 31 barred hotels and restaurants falling within 500 metres on either side of the national and state highways from serving liquor. The apex court in its December 15, 2016 order had banned the liquor shops within 500 metres on the either side of the national and state highways.

Refusing to issue a clarification that the December 15 judgment applied only to liquor shops and not to hotels and restaurants, the bench of Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice L Nageswara Rao, said no such relaxation could be given that would defeat the object of preventing drunken driving.

"Since the object of the December 15 direction is to prevent drunken driving, no such relaxation can be made which would defeat the object which is sought to be achieved. Consequently, the directions issued by this court cannot be read down, as suggested. The directions shall be read as they stand," said Justice Chandrachud pronouncing the order.

However, the court relaxed the ban on the location of liquor shops by reducing it to 220 metres in respect of municipal/local bodies with 20,000 or less population falling along the highways.

In the case of areas comprised in local bodies with a population of 20,000 people or less, the distance of 500 metres shall stand reduced to 220 metres, the court said in its order. Besides, the apex court exempted Sikkim and Meghalaya from the ban order altogether.

Noting the 82 per cent forest cover in Sikkim and the peculiar hilly terrain in Meghalaya, the court said, "We are of the view that insofar as the states of Meghalaya and Sikkim are concerned, it would suffice if the two states are exempted only from the application of the 500 metre distance."

However, Himachal Pradesh has been brought in the ban limit of 220 metres as applicable to local bodies adjoining the highways with 20,000 or less population.

"We are of the view that the exemption which has been granted earlier in respect of areas falling under local bodies with a population of 20,000 will sufficiently protect

the interests" of Himachal Pradesh and "no further relaxation is granted over and above what has already been stated in that regard," the order said. The court declined to provide any relief to Tamil Nadu which had sought more time to implement the December 15, 2016 order.

Rejecting the request for the extension of time by Tamil Nadu, the order said that in Tamil Nadu the liquor vends are operated by stateowned Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) and the April 1, 2017, deadline was fixed on its request only.

Referring to the varying excise years in different states including in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the court said that in the case of licenses which were renewed prior to its December 15 order and they expire on or after April 1, 2017, "the existing license shall continue until the term of the license expires but in any event not later than 30 September 2017". "In other words, no license shall either be granted or renewed or shall remain in operation in violation of the direction of this court beyond September 30, 2017," the order said fixing September 30 as a deadline.

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AYODHYA ISSUE

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SC wants Advani, others tried in Babri case

The News Bureau

he Supreme Court on April 19 revived the conspiracy charge in the Babri Masjid demolition case against BJP and VHP leaders including L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, triggering calls for the resignation of Kalyan Singh and Uma Bharti.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the BJP and the government would not act against any of the leaders. This case is going on since 1993. Today, no new situation has arisen.

Advani and Joshi were among the top contenders for the post of President after Pranab Mukherjee retires in July. Uma Bharti is a union minister and Kalyan Singh is the Rajasthan Governor. Hours after the verdict, Joshi and Advani held a brief meeting.

All four along with Vinay Katiyar, Sadhvi Rithambara, Acharya Giriraj Kishore, Ashok Singhal and Vishnu Hari Dalmia were facing trial for making inflammatory speeches before the 16th-century mosque was razed in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya town on December 6, 1992.

Giriraj Kishore and Singhal, who were key members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), have since died. Katiyar is a Rajya Sabha member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Restoring the conspiracy charge, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman transferred the trial from

Rae Bareli to Lucknow.

Justice Nariman said since Kalyan Singh had constitutional immunity from prosecution, the trial court would proceed against him when he ceases to be Governor.

The verdict followed a Central

Bureau of Investigation plea challenging the May 2010 Allahabad High Court order quashing the conspiracy charge against Advani and others.

The Congress demanded a speedy trial while the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Indian

AYODHYA ISSUE

The News You Like | May, 2017

Union Muslim League (IUML) sought action against Uma Bharti and Kalyan Singh.

"The law of the land has prevailed. We hope there will be a speedy trial and all the guilty will be punished and face the consequences," Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha told reporters.

"It is a known fact that the Babri demolition as a spontaneous reaction has been proven wrong and it was indeed a political conspiracy," Jha said.

The CPI said Uma Bharti and Kalyan Singh should step down on moral grounds. The IUML said Kalyan Singh should not cling to technicalities by speaking of im-

munity, adding Uma Bharti too should quit.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad said Advani's dream of becoming the President of India had now been dashed.

Blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the twist in the case, he said: "Advani is now out of race for the President's post." He added that Advani was a "scapegoat" (bali ka bakra) in the demolition case.

Uma Bharti refused to resign, saying the charges of conspiracy had not yet been proved. She said there was no conspiracy behind the mosque razing. Katiyar took a similar line. "Why would I resign?

There is nothing in it that I should

resign."

On December 6, 1992, all these leaders were present in Ayodhya when hundreds of mostly VHP activists storied the three-domed Babri mosque and brought it down, triggering communal violence in the country.

The Supreme Court also said the trial court in Lucknow would frame additional charges against Advani and others and proceed against them. It said there would be no de-novo trial and the trial court judge would not be transferred until the trial got over. The trial should end in two years, the top court said, without adjournments.

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NATIONAL

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The News You Like | May, 2017

New EVMs will stop working if tampered: EC

The News Bureau

he Election Commission is set to buy next generation EVMs that become inoperable the moment attempts are made to tinker with it, a move which comes amid claims by some parties that the machines were tampered with during the recent assembly polls. The 'M3'-type electronic voting machines (EVMs) are also equipped with a self-diagnostic system for authentication of genuineness of the machines. These will come with a public key interface-based mutual authentication system.

Only a genuine EVM manufactured either by ECIL or BEL communicates with other EVMs in the field. Any EVM manufactured by other companies would not be able

to communicate with other machines, thus exposing it.

Around Rs 1,940 crore excluding freight and taxes will be required to procure the new machines which are likely to be introduced by 2018, a year before when the next Lok Sabha elections are due, the Law Ministry said, quoting details made available by the Election Commission to be given to Parliament.

The Election Commission has decided to replace 9,30,430 EVMs purchased before 2006 as the older machines are nearing their 15-year life cycle, he said.

On December 7 last, the Union Cabinet had approved a portion of Rs 1,009 crore for the Election Commission to buy new EVMs so that it can phase out the ageing ones before the 2019 Lok Sabha elec-

tions. The Cabinet had also authorised the Election Commission to vary the quantity to be ordered on BEL and ECIL based on their production capacity and past performance.

On July 20 last, a similar Election Commission proposal to buy nearly 14 lakh new EVMs - the first tranche - at a cost of Rs 9,200 crore during 2016-17 was approved by the Union Cabinet.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Law Ministry had said that EC has not purchased a single new machine in the last three fiscals.

Minister of State for Law P P Chaudhary had said that the poll panel has informed the government that it had not procured any electronic voting machine during 201415, 2015-16 and 2016-17.

NATIONAL

The News You Like | May, 2017

Security features of Rs 2,000, Rs 500 to be changed every 3 to 4 years T

The News Bureau

o check counterfeiting of currency notes, The union government is planning to change the security features of higher denomination currency notes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 every three to four years in accordance with global standards.

The move comes in the wake of recovery of a large amount of fake Indian currency notes in last four months after demonetisation.

The issue was discussed in detail at a high-level meeting attended by senior officials of the ministries of Finance and Home, including Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi.

Advocating the move, Home Ministry officials said most of the developed countries change security features of their currency notes every three to four years and there-

fore, it is absolutely necessary for India to follow this policy.

The change in design of Indian currency notes of higher denominations was long due. Till its demonetisation, there had been no major change in the Rs 1000 note since its introduction in 2000. Changes in the old Rs 500 note, which was launched in 1987, were carried out more than a decade ago.

The newly introduced notes had no additional security features and were similar to those in the old Rs1000 and Rs 500 notes, officials said.

A close look by the investigators on some of the recently seized fake notes found that at least 11 of the 17 security features in the new Rs 2000 notes had been replicated.

These included the transparent area, watermark, Ashoka Pillar emblem, the letters 'Rs 2000' on the left, the guarantee clause with the

Reserve Bank of India Governor's signature and the denomination number in Devanagari on the front, officials said.

Besides, the motif of 'Chandrayaan', the 'Swachh Bharat' logo and the year of printing had been copied on the reverse side. Although the print and paper quality of the seized counterfeits was poor, they resembled genuine notes.

The officials said the change of security features of currency notes in every three to four years will lead to curbing of counterfeiting to a great extent.

Those who were arrested recently along with fake notes with face value of Rs 2,000 have told investigators that the notes were printed in Pakistan with the help of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and had been smuggled into the country through Bangladesh, the officials claimed.

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NATIONAL

The News You Like | May, 2017

Entire J&K, including Gilgit-Baltistan, belongs to India: Sushma

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The News Bureau

xternal Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj slammed Pakistan's move to declare GilgitBaltistan as its fifth province and said the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, including areas under Pakistan's occupation, is an Indian territory.

The minister's response came in the Lok Sabha after the issue was raised by Biju Janata Dal member Bhartruhari Mahtab during Zero Hour. Mahtab questioned the government response to Pakistan's move, and said both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha should pass a resolution to condemn the development.

"The Pakistan government has unilaterally decided to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province. At the time of Partition, a British political agent in charge of Gilgit and Baltistan allowed Pakistani soldiers to take over the area, even though Indian Constitution recognises Gilgit-Baltistan as an integral part of our country," Mahtab said.

He said the British Parliament had recently passed a resolution to condemn Islamabad's move, saying the region is part of Jammu and Kashmir, and illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947.

In response, Sushma Swaraj said India rejects Pakistan's move, and added that the government's

stand on Jammu and Kashmir being an integral part of India should not be doubted.

"You saw Pakistan's move, but didn't see what we have done.

Without losing time, we rejected it, and both the houses of Parliament have said that the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied areas, is ours," the External Affairs Minister said.

"This government has always said that Kashmir, where Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee was martyred, is ours.

There should be no doubt," she said.

In a separate written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on the issue, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said that any attempt to alter the status of Gilgit-

Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is completely unacceptable.

"The government has seen reports that a committee headed by Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan has recommended that the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' area of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is under illegal occupation of Pakistan, be given 'provisional provincial status'," V K Singh stated.

"It is our consistent position that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

Any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under the illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever and is completely unacceptable," he said.

NATIONAL

The News You Like | May, 2017

Over one crore urban India households lack tToilets

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The News Bureau

ore than one crore households in urban areas of the country don't have bathrooms, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA). The total number of households in urban areas is about 7.8 crore.

"Nearly 1 crore or about 13 per cent of the total households in urban areas do not have latrine facility -- neither access to public latrine nor do they have toilets within their premises," according to the data provided by the HUPA ministry in Parliament recently.

While 74.64 lakh houses use enclosures without roof, 18 per cent or about 1.42 crore households do not have separate kitchen in their houses.

It indicates that members of these households are exposed to

pollution which may lead to severe health problems.

Under a component of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), the households lacking in facilities like kitchen, toilet or bathroom may get central assistance of upto Rs 1.5 lakh for construction of these amenities.

Under the Centre's flagship pro-

gramme Swachch Bharat Mission, the government aims to make India open-defecation free (ODF) by 2019.

So far, 31.14 lakh individual toilets have been constructed under the programme, while 1.15 lakh community and public toilets have been constructed with the assistance of the government.

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NATIONAL

The News You Like | May, 2017

54% employees dissatisfied with salary: Survey

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The News Bureau

ost employees across sectors in India's major cities are dissatisfied with their salary structure, reveals a survey by Wisdomjobs.com, one of India's leading end-to-end online recruitment and career solutions portals.

The survey on employees' satisfaction with their salary structure was conducted across Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune and covered 10 sectors: IT, telecom, ITES, retail, education, media & entertainment, infrastructure, BFSI, healthcare and logistics.

"Millennials, popularly known as the Gen Y, make up the largest chunk of employees in most organisations. We are also seeing a growing proportion of Gen Z employees, to be precise those in their early 20s, are being taken on-board

every year," said Ajay Kolla, Founder & CEO, Wisdomjobs.com.

As many as 62 per cent Gen Z employees said they are not content with their current salary structure along with 46 per cent of the Gen Y employees. The overall percentage of discontented employees of those surveyed was 54.

Nearly 70 per cent of those dissatisfied with their salary felt that it was not in line with market standards while 30 per cent felt that it was not commensurate with the responsibilities being handled by them.

As many as 45 per cent said they were getting paid lesser than their peers who started working at the same time as they did. Among non-monetary components of their salary structures, those surveyed were most dissatisfied with childrelated benefits and retirement benefits.

The report revealed that 28 per cent and 44 per cent of Gen Z and Gen Y employees, respectively, said they would prefer more nonmonetary benefits such as medical/health insurance coverage, flexible work arrangements and post-retirement benefits.

Almost 30 per cent of Gen Y and 18 per cent of Gen Z employees preferred work-from-home benefits over increased salaries.

While nearly 60 per cent of women surveyed felt non-monetary benefits to be equally important as higher salaries, only 30 per cent men felt so.

Among cities, the south Indian cities showed the highest and the lowest level of salary satisfaction with Bengaluru at highest level of 63 per cent and Chennai at the lowest with just 46 per cent. Pune stands at 57 per cent, Mumbai at 54 per cent, Hyderabad 51 per cent and New Delhi at 49 per cent.

NATIONAL

The News You Like | May, 2017

Drastic fall in ratio of young women in India by 2031 T

he ratio of young women in India is going to drop drastically in the coming years, according to a new report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

The data based on World Bank projections suggest that the sex ratio has been reducing in the past few years and is likely to decline further by the year 2031.

in 1971 to 34.8% in 2011. After this, it is projected to decline and their share will come down to 31.8% by 2031."

The data report further suggested that while the population of female youth to the total population of females in the country has been declining since 2001, the population of male youth has steadily increased.

Charts from the Registrar General of India, included in the

the age group 30-34 (93%) in the year 2011 also," the report said.

The report comes at a time when the government of India is struggling to sensitise the population about the girl child.

Female foeticide and infanticide is still rampant across the country, despite strict bans on determination of sex of a child during pregnancy.

According to the 2011 Census, the state of Haryana had the worst sex ratio with only 861 females to

The report says, "The reduction in sex ratio of youth is found to be much more than that of the overall population. It has come down to 939 in 2011 as compared to 961 in 1971 and is projected to decline further to 904 in 2021 and 898 in 2031."

The report also suggests that population of youth in India is likely to decline by 2031. "The share of youth population in total population has been continuously increasing from the level of 30.6%

report, show how female population on the whole, and among youth is going to decline steadily.

However, on a brighter note, statistics show that the ratio of married females within the age group of 15-19 has come down drastically from 69.5 in 1961 to 19.5 in 2011.

The government data has called this a "welcome shift" since child marriage is still rampant across the country. "The highest proportion of women married continued to be in

every 1000 male.

The girl child is often looked at as a 'burden' because women, because of lack of education, still don't contribute to the income of the household. Apart from that, the practice of dowry, which is still prevalent in Indian society, means the more girl children that a household has, means more money they need for dowry. Often, young women are married at a very young age to get rid of the perceived burden on parents.

The News Bureau

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NATIONAL

The News You Like | May, 2017

NCTC is all set to be revived

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The News Bureau

he National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) that was earlier blocked by states like Gujarat, West Bengal and Odisha, is likely to be revived.

The NCTC, mooted in the aftermath of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, was to be one-stop-counterterror outfit of India. The proposed NCTC had powers to gather intelligence, carry out counter-terror operations and investigate terror attacks.

For this purpose, the MultiAgency Centre (MAC) – an intelligence sharing platform that operates under the Intelligence Bureau – and the National Investigative Agency (NIA) was to be subsumed into the NCTC. The NIA was to be restructured as the investigative arm of the NCTC and the MAC reorganized as the intelligence arm of the counter terror body.

State governments had been apprehensive of the investigative and operational powers of the NCTC and had therefore pointed to possible political misuse by the centre against the states. And, although the Manmohan Singh-led UPA Government toned down powers of NCTC, it failed to convince the states.

Those who opposed the NCTC then included West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, then Chief Minister of Gujarat and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Navin Patnaik.

Issues of law and order and policing are the domain of individual state governments as per the Constitution of India. Opposing the

NCTC, the states had said the investigative powers of the body violated the federal structure of the Indian Constitution.

MHA sources said that NCTC will be under the Union Home Ministry. "We will try and convince states that they will be equal partners in combating terrorism," the officer said.

The other crucial arm of the NCTC – the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is also nearly complete, sources said. The NATGRID is a mother data base comprising 22 separate data bases like driving licences, passport details, bank accounts, income tax,

foreign travel etc. is also ready. The NATGRID links all these data bases that are now kept separately.

There are concerns about the NATGRID, too. Opponents point to possible violation of privacy and misuse. "The NATGRID will manage and hold the data, they cannot access the data. The data can only be accessed by the investigative agencies," the officer said.

MHA sources said that the ministry will soon start process of moving the Union Cabinet. After the Union Cabinet clears the proposal, South Block will again have to start the process of getting states on board.

VISA WOES

The News You Like | May, 2017

Australia Abolishes Visa Programme

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The News Bureau

ustralia recently abolished a visa programme used by over 95,000 temporary foreign workers, majority of them Indians, to tackle the growing unemployment in the country.

The programme known as 457 visa allows business to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers.

"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains: Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, so we are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country," said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The majority of the visa holders were from India followed by the UK and China. "We will no longer allow 457 visa to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians," he said.

He said Australia will adopt a new 'Australians first' approach to skilled migration. As at September

30, there were 95,757 workers in Australia on primary 457 visa programme, ABC reported. The programme will be replaced by another visa programme, with new restrictions.

"It is important businesses still get access to the skills they need to grow and invest, so the 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa, specifically designed to recruit the best and brightest in the national interest," Turnbull said.

Turnbull said the new pro-

gramme will ensure that foreign workers are brought into Australia in order to fill critical skill gaps and not brought in because an employer finds it easier to recruit a foreign worker than go to the trouble of hiring an Australian.

Turnbull's announcement comes days after he visited India where a range of issues, including national security, counter terrorism, education and energy, were discussed and six agreements were signed.

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The News Bureau

The News You Like | May, 2017

Indian IT companies may face layoffs due to US visa curbs

ith the US tightening the norms for H1B visas under the President Donald Trump's 'Buy American, Hire American' campaign, the Indian IT companies are bound to face disruptions by way of higher costs and even some laying off work force back home, and the rising rupee is aggravating the situation further for the technology export firms, an Assocham paper said.

Nearly 86 per cent of the H-1B visas issued for workers in the computer space go to Indians and this figure is now sure to be scaled down to about 60 per cent or even less, the paper said.

Remittances from the US would decline, hurting the balance of payment. World Bank data showed the US was the second largest source of remittance for India in 2015, behind Saudi Arabia, and about $10.96 billion, nearly 16 per cent of the total inflows, were sent to India.

The industry chamber expects it to disturb the balance by 8-10 per cent. As the cost pressure would increase, aggravated by rising rupee leading to lower realisations, the Indian IT firms may be forced to dis-

place work force. "In that case, the chances of layoffs are real," said Assocham Secretary General D.S. Rawat.

He said the IT industry apex organisations and the government need to work out a joint strategy to deal with the unfolding situation. In the last three months, the Indian currency has gained by at least five per cent against US dollar, reducing net realisations for software exporters, among other export-oriented sectors.

According to the Assocham paper, the reverses resulting from the tightening of the H-1B visas would force IT giants to effect fundamental changes in their strategies in terms of hiring, salaries, jobs, impacting employees in India too.

With Britain already hiking the minimum wage requirement to euro 35,000 for tier II visa immigrants, this latest move by the US will act as a definitive dampener to the Indian outsourcing industry.

The alternate solutions for the Indian outsourcing industry are: Investing "near shore centres" - facilities close to the US; focus on local hiring in America; and to work virtually, which is becoming easier with the wider adoption of cloud services and greater digitisation, the paper said.

VISA WOES

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We will not accept unfair treatment: Sitharaman

The News Bureau

nion Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the whole debate has to be expanded to include several American firms that are earning their profits in India.

The comments assume significance in the wake of Indian companies, specially IT services providers, getting concerned over protectionism by the US and several other countries.

Sitharaman said, "Let us also understand that not just Indian companies in the US, several big US companies are in India too.

They are also here, they are earning their margins, they are earning their profits which goes to the US economy.

"So, it is a situation where it's not just unilateral, just Indian companies having to face the US executive order, there are several US companies in India who are doing business for some years now and therefore I want this whole debate to be ... If it has to be expanded, it has to be expanded to include all these aspects and we shall ensure that all these factors are kept in mind."

The minister said that developed nations are now clearly raising protectionist walls with regard to flow of labour and a WTO-backed global framework is needed to facilitate the services trade.

Citing examples of the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, which are making their visa norms stricter for movement of skilled

professionals, she said: "Countries are now very clearly raising protectionist walls as regards service trade."

"And it is time that we have a global framework within which trade in services can happen. We will be actively pursuing our proposal in the WTO," she told reporters.

The proposal is aimed at liberalising rules for movement of professionals and other steps to reduce transaction costs to boost services growth.

Reacting to the executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on H1B visas, she said America has committed a certain number of these visas to India and "we would definitely want America to honour that commitment".

The minister is in touch with the Indian industry on these issues amid fears that the new American visa regime would make visas more expensive and restrictive.

She further said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who is in the US, would take up the matter with the US administration.

"It is not just the US, but several countries now adopting such measures," she said, suggesting that the government and the industry need to work together on the issue.

According to Sitharaman, India will engage with these countries to sort out the visa related matters.

The restrictive visa regime would also impact the US companies that are operating in India.

"So, it is not a unilateral issue where Indian companies would have to face this, there are several US companies in India which are doing business for years here," she said.

Asked whether India would drag the US and Australia to the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism, she said: "At this stage, we will engage constructively. At the same time, India will ensure it will not accept unfair treatment."

Speaking at the Hero Mindmine Summit, Sitharaman said India has asked the WTO for a special session to discuss "why trade facilitation in services cannot be formalised".

She was surprised that trade in services does not have any global framework despite the fact that "trade in services has a very big chunk" in global trade. The minister said she always protests when movement of skilled professionals is being equated with asylumseeking migrants.

She rejected the view of developed countries that Indian professionals are taking away their jobs.

Citing an example, she said the UK charges extra visa fee and uses that money to train their own people.

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GLOBAL NEWS

The News You Like | May, 2017

Depression aecting millions in Southeast Asia

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The News Bureau

he World Health Organization (WHO) has called for scaling up of the quality and reach of mental health services to tackle depression.

Depression affects nearly 86 million people in Southeast Asia Region and if left untreated, in its most severe form can lead to suicide.

The WHO said there is a need for individuals, communities and countries to talk more openly about depression and scale up the quality and reach of mental health services to prevent untold hardships and precious lives being cut short by depression, a condition that can be easily treated.

"Depression is an issue that needs to be heard. It can affect anyone at any stage of life, impacting relationships, work and social interactions, and impeding our ability to live life to its fullest. Depression can be managed and overcome," said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO Southeast Asia, in a statement.

According to WHO, though depression affects all demographic groups, it is more commonly experienced by adolescents and young adults, women of childbearing age (particularly following childbirth), and adults over the age of 60.

Singh said that mental health has been among the top 10 health priorities in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, the Maldives and Sri Lanka in recent years. Eight of the

11-member countries have mental health policies or plans.

She complimented India for its recent legislation that decriminalises suicide and seeks to provide health care and services for persons with mental health conditions.

Singh added that depressionrelated health services across the region must be made more accessible and of higher quality, and this is possible even in low- and middle-income settings.

Medical experts have also said that with the rise in sedentary lifestyle among youngsters, infertility is also becoming a major reason for depression. They said depression is also leading to disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.

"It is important to diagnose the symptoms that hinder conception. If a person is experiencing tearfulness, not looking forward to things as much as they used to, have issues with sleeping and/or eating, are not enjoying activities like one did in the past, and are

feeling irritable, it is possible that the person is depressed. Women with increased stress hormones are less likely than others to get pregnant." said Jyoti Gupta, an IVF Expert.

Talking about the symptoms of depression, Samir Parikh, Director Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare, said that symptoms could be accompanied by significant weight loss, decrease or increase in appetite, sleep disturbances, low energy levels and fatigue.

"A depressed individual might experience feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt, with a difficulty in concentration, difficulty in decision-making, and recurrent thoughts of death," said Parikh.

UN NEWS

The News You Like | May, 2017

Malala Yousafzai made UN Messenger of Peace

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The News Bureau

he youngest Nobel laureate, Malala Yousafzai, has become the youngest UN Messenger of Peace, an honour she shares with Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Charlize Theron. Hailing the Pakistani teenager as the most famous student in the world and the symbol of the cause of education for all, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed her on April 10 as the Messenger of Peace for girls' education.

After receiving her appointment, Malala, who survived a terrorist attack for campaigning for girls' education, said: "I have a second life for the purpose of education and I'll continue working."

People drawn from the arts, en-

tertainment, sports, science and public service are appointed Messengers of Peace, each with special missions.

Nineteen-year-old Malala became the 13th Messenger of Peace, joining, among others, actor Michael Douglas, naturalist Jane Goodall, and Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan.

The Taliban attacked her in 2012 in Pakistan's Swat valley for defying their edict banning girls' education and campaigning for the right to schooling. She was critically injured and was treated in Birmingham, where she now lives.

In 2014, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Kailash Satyarthi, the Indian children's rights activist.

"You have been going to the most difficult places, where educa-

tion has more problems in becoming a reality," said Guterres, who was the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as he recalled her work in refugee camps and the two schools her foundation has set up in Lebanon's Beka'a Valley.

"If we want to go forward, we have to give education to girls.

And, once you educate girls, you change the whole community, the whole society," Malala said. She said fathers and brothers equally have a role in promoting girls' education.

Of her emergence as the leading campaigner for girls' education, she said: "It wasn't that was very intelligent or very clever or I had some special kind of training or something. All I had was a father and a family who said, 'Yes, you can speak out, it's your choice'."

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BUSINESS

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The News You Like | May, 2017

India, Bangladesh hold 97% renewable energy market: Report

The News Bureau

ndia and Bangladesh account for 97 per cent of the renewable energy market in the region, according to a report.

Quoting cumulative sales data compiled by the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association and Bangladesh's Infrastructure Development Company Ltd, the report titled "Decentralised Renewables: From Promise to Progress", released recently said India and Bangladesh account for 97 percent of solar home system and pico-PV adoption in South Asia while Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia account for 67 percent of adoption in sub-Saharan Africa.

The number of companies operating in the country also indicates

the level of activity in a market, said the report.

These market metrics, together with policy indicators, serve as a foundational measure to create usable insights regarding common policy success factors in countries with stronger decentralised renewable energy markets.

Decentralised energy means tapping renewable energy locally that reduces transmission losses and lowers carbon emissions.

Power for All, which specifically looks into top developing markets for decentralised renewable energy, conducted a correlation analysis to understand the relationship between decentralised renewable energy market growth in the five leading countries and policy scores developed by

Bloomberg New Energy Finance's Climatescope report.

The report identifies the five most important national energy policies needed to end electricity poverty for approximately one billion rural poor, mostly living in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. It outlines the steps governments can take to implement those policies, including the integration of decentralised renewable solutions into energy infrastructure planning and build-out.

There are still over 244 million people in India who do not have access to electricity and an estimated 8.10 million households that were using solar home system and pico-PV till mid-2015, said the report.

India also happens to be a

BUSINESS

The News You Like | May, 2017

country with the most ambitious renewable energy programme. According to the draft national electricity plan released in 2016, India could well power itself with 60 per cent renewable energy by 2027.

Likewise, its decentralised renewable energy target of 2,000 MW of off-grid solar systems is 2022. Decentralised renewable solutions include green mini-grids (solar, hydro, biomass and wind), rooftop systems and portable lighting solutions.

The report asks countries to include decentralised renewables in its national policies and rural electrification plans. In Africa and Asia, the countries with the highest decentralised renewable energy market growth have adopted specific plans for universal energy access.

It said the governments could further demonstrate commitment if targets are accompanied by specific

headline policy reforms such as tariff reductions or other programs to support market growth.

However, another international report released this week found more action is needed globally to meet energy goals by 2030.

The current pace of progress on three global energy goals -- access to electricity, renewable energy and efficiency -- is not moving fast enough to meet 2030 targets, says

the Global Tracking Framework report released by the World Bank and the International Energy Agency as part of the sustainable energy for all knowledge hub.

It shows the increase of people getting access to electricity is slowing down, and if this trend is not reversed, projections are that the world will only reach 92 per cent electrification by 2030, still short of universal access.

ECI to buy over 16 lakh VVPATs

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The News Bureau

he Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a letter of intent to purchase 16,15,000 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) at an estimated cost of Rs 3,173.47 crore during 2017-18 and 2018-19 from central PSUs BEL and ECIL, an official statement said on April 23.

According to the letter sent to the Chairmen and Managing Directors of the Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) on April 21, the poll panel has indicated its willingness to purchase 8,07,500 VVPATS from each of the PSUs by September 18.

"These VVPATs shall be manufactured by both PSUs only as per the design approved by the Commission based on recommendation of the Technical Experts Committee on Electronic Voting Machines

constituted by the Commission and comprising of eminent technical professors from Indian Institute of Technology (IITs)," said the statement, adding that the ECI will closely monitor production of VVPATs for timely delivery well before General Elections 2019.

"This will enhance transparency and uphold the voters' right to know which party he or she has voted, thereby increasing voters' confidence in the free and fair electoral process," said the statement quoting Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi.

On April 19, the Union Cabinet approved an outlay of Rs 3,173.47 crore for procuring 16,15,000 VVPATS, to be used in the General Elections 2019.

The decision came in the wake of allegations of EVM-tampering by various opposition parties, including the Congress, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Aam Admi Party.

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BUSINESS

The News You Like | May, 2017

191 companies pulled up for misleading ads

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The News Bureau

pple showing 'iPhone 7' as 'iphone 7 plus variant' is among 143 advertisements dubbed as misleading by regulator ASCI, which also pulled up CocaCola India, Bharti Airtel and others for such campaigns.

Mobikwik, HUL, Nivea, Amul, Opera, Standard Chartered Bank and Pernod Ricard are among the companies against which a total of 191 complaints were received by Customer Complaints Council (CCC) of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) for January.

ASCI upheld a total of 102 complaints in healthcare category, 20 in

education, seven in personal care, six in food and beverages and eight advertisements from other categories.

According to ASCI, Apple India was found using a wrong image in its advertisement for iPhone 7. "The advertisement text states 'The amazing iPhone 7 is here', but shows an image of iPhone 7 Plus variant, which is misleading by ambiguity and implication," said ASCI. The sector watchdog said although the advertisement had the Apple trademark with 'iPhone7' but said it didn't have any reference to 'series' in the advertisement text. "In absence of any visual of iPhone 7 variant, it was concluded that the

advertisement is likely to mislead the consumers about the product advertised and its corresponding features," it said.

ASCI also upheld a complaint against Coca-Cola India for Thums Up campaigne, in which the soft drink major has showcased a rider performing a wheelie in normal streets, traffic conditions, right amongst a few people.

"This is contradictory to the disclaimer made in the advertisement - the actions are for representational purposes alone and must not be copied by viewers... It was concluded that though the overall advertisement is not objectionable, regardless of the disclaimer the specific visual... encourages dangerous practices, manifests a disregard for safety and encourages negligence," it said.

When contacted, a Coca-Cola India spokesperson said: "On receiving feedback, we have on boarded suggestions from ASCI and modified the TV commercial (TVC). The revised TVC has been updated on air and on digital media."

Similarly, it has also pulled FMCG major HUL for its advertisement of Rin Antibac, where it had claimed that the detergent powder with Ayurvedic extracts removes germs.

However, ASCI said the claim "was not substantiated, and is misleading by implication and exaggeration as the advertised product does not have the property to provide germ protection in wear condi-

BUSINESS

The News You Like | May, 2017

tions". Commenting on the matter, a HUL Company Spokesperson said: "We, as a responsible marketer and member of ASCI, have always complied with its guidelines and recommendations. We have suitably modified the said advertisement as per their recommendation."

Similarly, Standard Chartered Bank's claim of "up to 10 per cent extra cashback on all spends with your Standard Chartered credit card" was found to be "false and misleading by ambiguity" as the cash back was limited to Rs 10,000 only. When contacted Standard Chartered Bank said: "The up to 10 per cent cash back offer was a campaign launched last year. The cash back cap and all other relevant details were shared with customers over multiple communication channels. However, ASCI felt that we needed to make certain modifications, and we have taken their

inputs on board."

The regulator also upheld three complaints against leading telecom operator Bharti Airtel for "misleading" claims for free Calls Local + STD and a free upgrade for AirtelV Fiber.

"The ad claim, "Free Calls Local + STD" cannot be said free as the prevailing price for data without advertised incentive is less i.e. from the consumer's point of view, they have to make a payment of Rs 149 to avail this offer although they get only 300MB data versus 500 MB data," it said Complaint against Opera Software Asa claim for its mobile browser Opera Mini was also upheld where it had claimed that it saves data cost up to 90 percent while browsing Digital payment firm MobiKwik also failed to substantiate its claim of "India's most secure e-

wallet" for Mobikwik E- wallet and found to be "misleading by exaggeration".

It also upheld complaint against Gujarat Co-Operative Milk Marketing Federation for ad of Amul Butter where it had claimed it to be a rich source of Vitamin A and stated that "Eat milk with every meal and live every day, worryfree".

"It was considered the latter part of the statement to be misleading by implication and is encouraging excessive consumption of butter which may not be advisable from the health point of view," it said.

Similarly, FMCG firm Nivea was also pulled for claims in the commercial of Nivea Protect & Care Deodorant. It was "considered to be misleading by ambiguity and implication that several other major ingredients of Nivea Creme are added to the deodorant product".

Cabinet approves EC plan to buy VVPAT machines T

he Union Cabinet on April 19 approved the Election Commission's proposal to buy paper trail machines for electronic voting machines (EVMs), Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

Talking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Jaitley said a total of 16,15,000 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units would be needed for the EVMs as per the Election Commission estimates.

"The Election Commission had been consistently demanding VVPAT machines to hold elections. The Cabinet approved the demand today." This would cost Rs 3,173.47 crore, he said.

"If we place the order in April, the whole supply would come by September 2018... Hence, VVPAT machines would be available in all polling booths in the subsequent elections," Jaitley said.

He added that the expenses on the procurement of these machines would be spread over two financial years. Jaitley said the government would immediately provide Rs 1,600 crore to the poll panel and the rest in the next financial year.

"There has been a controversy over EVMs after the latest assembly poll results. The Prime Minister said it was an unnecessary controversy... It has no importance. EVMs have been tried and

tested over the years."

Jaitley said the move would bring more transparency in the voting process. "Voters have a right to know if their votes are correctly registered or not."

The VVPAT units will be manufactured by the Bharat Electronics Ltd and Electronics Corp of India Ltd, the two public sector companies which also manufacture EVMs. The Cabinet decision on VVPAT is important in view of allegations by several parties, including the Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party and Aam Aadmi Party that EVMs can be tampered with. The Election Commission has refuted the charges.

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BUSINESS

The News You Like | May, 2017

Hyderabad Airport receives carbon neutrality status

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The News Bureau

he Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here has received the carbon neutrality status from Airports Council International.

GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), a GMR Group-led consortium which operates the airport, announced that it was conferred with the carbon neutrality (level 3: neutrality) certificate at a glittering ceremony organised at Doha, Qatar.

Kerrie Mather, ACI's President, Asia-Pacific gave away the prestigious certificate to GHIAL CEO SGK Kishore, GHIAL COO Manish Sinha, and GHIAL's Head, Safety & Environment Narayanasamy Venkatachalapathy.

ACI certified RGIA with level 3+ neutrality under its Airport

Carbon Accreditation programme, the industry standard for assessment of airports' efforts to manage and reduce carbon emissions, said a GHIAL statement.

The ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation programme was launched in June 2009, and comprises of four levels: 'mapping' (level 1), 'reduction' (level 2), 'optimisation' (level 3) and 'neutrality' (level 3+). Hyderabad Airport progressively achieved levels one and two in 2012. The airport gained level 3 status in 2013. This year, GHIAL has achievedAlevel 3+ neutrality, which is the fourth and highest accreditation.

"It is a feather in our cap and recognition for the sustainable en-

vironmental measures that we are taking up at the airport. Our proactive energy conservation measures, generation of renewable energy (5 MW Solar Power Plant), carbon sinking through extensive greenbelt and various other environment protection initiatives with the active support of the airport's stakeholders have contributed towards achieving this status," said Kishore.

"Continuing our journey towards sustainability, we are also migrating to energy efficient LED lighting for the entire airport of which more than 75 percent has been completed. This also includes the recent accomplishment of converting the entire Runway Edge Lights into LE," he added.

INSPIRATION

The News You Like | May, 2017

TN school teacher sold o her jewellery to build new classroom I decided to do it by myself because I did not want to burden anyone. Doing it myself also helped to get it done more efficiently, as I did not have to rely on anyone else: Annapurna

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The News Bureau

tudents of third standard at the Panchayat Union Primary School in Tamil Nadu’s Vilupuram district now have colourful chairs and tables, an interactive smart-board, tablets and a stack of fun English books.

What's more, the students speak fluent English.

This dramatic transformation was due to the efforts of their English teacher Annapurna Mohan, who sold off her jewellery to revamp the existing classroom into a cheerful, digital one.

"I decided to do it by myself because I did not want to burden anyone. Doing it myself also

helped to get it done more efficiently, as I did not have to rely on anyone else," Annapurna told a reporter.

Annapurna has been working on improving her student's English skills by trying out new teaching methods.

She said that she began conversing with students in English for the entire duration of the class, and used phonetics to help them understand the alphabet and read and write complex words.

Her methods have clearly met with success. One of the many Facebook videos featuring Annapurna's students shows M Pushpa, who is in Class 3, explaining how she uses her laptop to learn the

correct pronunciation of English words, by visiting the Oxford English Dictionary website, carefully listening to the pronunciation and practicing it.

The student videos posted by Annapurna on her Facebook page have also attracted the attention of people across the country and even countries such as Singapore and Canada, who have been supporting her cause by sending small gifts and money for the kids.

Encouraged by the response and the students' progress, Annapurna decided to go the extra mile and give her students a new classroom. Now, she has her sights set on introducing new methods of teaching in her school.

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EDUCATION

The News You Like | May, 2017

Hindi may become compulsory in all CBSE schools

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The News Bureau

oon, it may become mandatory for all the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya and schools affiliated to the CBSE board to study Hindi till Class 10.

President Pranab Mukherjee gave in- principle approval to a

suggestion of a parliamentary panel which sought to extend Hindi as a compulsory subject from class 8 to class 10.

The in-principle approval would mean that the centre can make Hindi compulsory in category A Hindi-speaking states but only after consultations with states.

Last year, CBSE had recommended a three-language formula – English and any two Indian languages – to be expanded to classes 9 and 10. But while Hindi is likely choice for north India, other states could pick from any of the 22 Indian languages recognised by the Constitution.

The decision comes six years after the committee made 117 recommendations on how to make Hindi more popular and extensive Centre-state deliberations on the matter, reports Economic Times.

The President has accepted the recommendation of the Committee of Parliament on Official Languages for speeches to be delivered only in Hindi by all dignitaries, including the President and ministers, if they can read and speak the language.

However, Mukherjee rejected some other suggestions made by the committee. One of them is the mandatory use of Hindi for correspondence in public shareholding companies and all private companies for providing information about products in Hindi.

Meanwhile, he has asked to use Hindi on Air India tickets and have Hindi magazines and newspapers on board for passengers as Hindi is grossly neglected by airlines.

FOOD

The News You Like | May, 2017

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The News Bureau

Peanuts good for health: Experts

eanut butter is a source of unsaturated fats, which are proven to be good for heart and general health. It is also a good source of fibre and protein too. And both provide satiety keeping you full for longer.

It also delivers the antioxidant vitamin E, magnesium and some hard to find zinc. Of course moderation is the key as it tends to be steep in calories and sodium.

But beware. Look for peanut butter that is low on sodium and added sugars and stick to two tablespoon per day, said Nutritionist and weight management consultant Kavita Devgan, suggesting that it is best consumed with crackers or paired with a fruit like apple or maybe baby carrots.

When added to a sandwich, it provides the much needed protein and good fats, along with the carbohydrates of the bread making the meal complete, she said.

Peanuts alone are packed with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) that help lower the bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol level in the blood. It is also rich in Vitamins E and Biotin,

which are known to be great for hair and skin health.

Nutritionists recommend regular consumption of peanuts or peanut butter that has over 90 per cent peanut content. Just two tablespoons a day give you nutrition with taste.

• Peanuts are a rich source of good protein. 30 gm of peanuts give you around 8 gm of protein which is more than any other food.

It also has fibre, healthy fats, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium and a lot more that provides you with energy.

• Your body needs a good supply of healthy fats to stay fit.

The fat in peanuts is heart-healthy monounsaturated. Therefore, like many other superfoods, peanuts are friendly fat food.

• Peanuts also deliver oleic

acid. It helps you cut cholesterol in the body, fight free radicals and inflammation. It is great for skin too.

• Raw peanuts are a good source of monounsaturated fats.

According to a scientific study at Purdue University in the US, consumption of peanuts reduces cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The Adventist Health Study on peanuts also found that it is likely to reduce the risk of heart diseases.

• True brain food: Peanuts are high in Niacin, Resveratrol and Vitamin E, which are influential in protecting against Alzheimer and age-related cognitive decline.

• It complements weight loss: The protein and fibre content of peanuts makes you feel full for longer. This means, you are less likely to crave for food and over eat.

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FOOD

The News You Like | May, 2017

Eating legumes reduce risk of diabetes

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The News Bureau

higher consumption of legumes -- such as lentils, chickpeas, beans and peas -- has the potential to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 35 per cent, researchers say.

Legumes are a food group rich in B vitamins, contain different beneficial minerals -- like calcium, potassium and magnesium.

The findings showed that among the different subtypes of legume, participants who had a higher consumption of lentils -one serving per week -- had a 33 per cent lower risk of developing

the disease. Legumes also contain sizeable amounts of fibre and are regarded as a low-glycemic index food, which means that blood glucose levels increase only slowly after consumption.

The effect of replacing half a serving per day of foods rich in protein or carbohydrates, including eggs, bread, rice and baked potato, with half a serving per day of legumes was also associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, said Nerea Becerra-Tomas, researcher at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Spain.

Due to these unique nutritional qualities, eating legumes regularly

can help improve human health.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) had declared 2016 as the international year of legumes to raise people's awareness of their nutritional benefits.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose) and affected more than 400 million adults in 2015 worldwide. For the study, published in the scientific journal Clinical Nutrition, the team examined 3,349 participants at high risk of cardiovascular disease but without Type 2 diabetes.

FOOD

The News You Like | May, 2017

Jackfruit seeds could substitute cocoa beans to make chocolate

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The News Bureau

he seeds of jackfruit - a large fruit found in many tropical countries - are a potentially low-cost substitute for cocoa beans, the primary ingredient of chocolate, according to a new research finding.

Considering that the worldwide demand for chocolate is outstripping the production of cocoa beans, the finding reported in the American Chemical Society Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry would be welcome news for chocolate lovers.

While in some countries, the sweet-smelling jackfruit seeds are boiled, steamed and roasted before eating, providing a cheap source of

fibre, protein and minerals, they are mostly thrown away as waste.

Globally, farmers produce about 3.7 million tonnes of cocoa annually, but estimates suggest that demand for these beans will grow to 4.5 million tonnes by 2020.

Researchers at the University of SĂŁo Paulo who were looking to put the waste jackfruit seeds to better use discovered that compounds found in them produce many of the same aromas as processed cocoa beans and therefore could potentially be a cheap substitute for use in chocolate manufacturing.

The Brazilian researchers made jackfruit seed flours by acidifying or fermenting the seeds prior to drying. They roasted these flours for various times and temperatures

using processes similar to those used to enhance the chocolaty flavor of cocoa beans.

Using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, the team identified several compounds from the jackfruit flours that give chocolate its distinctive aromas -- such as caramel, hazelnut or fruity.

While there are several reports on the use of waste jackfruit seeds to produce starch, "for the first time we found that after roasting, jackfruit seeds imparted an aroma similar to that of chocolate", the researchers say.

They conclude that the cheap and abundant jackfruit seeds are thus "a potential replacement" for cocoa beans for the manufacture of chocolate.

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HEALTH

The News You Like | May, 2017

Stem cell therapy restores sexual function in impotent men

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The News Bureau

ere is good news for men suffering from impotency.

Stem cell therapy can restore sufficient erectile function to allow previously impotent men to have spontaneous intercourse, show results of an early clinical trial.

"What we have done establishes that this technique can lead to men recovering a spontaneous erection - in other words, without the use of other medicines, injections, or implants," said lead researcher Martha Haahr from Odense University Hospital in Denmark.

Results presented at the European Association of Urology conference in London showed that eight out of 21 participants in the study successfully regained sexual function.

"We are now beginning a larger Phase-2 trial to better evaluate its effectiveness and confirm its safety," Haahr said.

In recent years several groups have worked to develop stem cell

therapy as a cure for erectile dysfunction, but until now the improvements have not been sufficient to allow affected men to achieve full sexual intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction to some degree affects nearly half of men between the ages of 40 and 70.

There are several possible causes, including surgery (for example, prostate surgery), high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psychological problems.

Current remedies -- which include medications such as PDE5 inhibitors (such as Viagra and Cialis), injections, or penile implants -- have some disadvantages, so scientists have been searching to find a way which restores natural sexual function.

The present work focuses on patients with physical damage, caused by surgery (radical prostatectomy) for prostate cancer.

The research group, from Odense in Denmark, used stem cells taken from abdominal fat cells

via liposuction (under a general anaesthetic).

None of the 21 men reported significant side effects over the trial period, or in the following year, according to the study.

After isolating the stem cells, they were injected into the corpus cavernosum area of the penis. The patients were able to be discharged the same day.

Within six months of the treatment, eight of the 21 patients reported that they had recovered sufficient erectile function to achieve penetrative sexual activity.

This improvement has been maintained for a year, indicating that this treatment may confer long-term benefits.

"We are the first to use a man's own fat stem cells as a treatment for erectile dysfunction in a clinical trial. The technique has been trialed in animal work, but this is the first time stem cell therapy has allowed patients to recover sufficient erectile function to enable intercourse," Haahr said.

HEALTH

The News You Like | May, 2017

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Thyroid dysfunction linked with heart failure

The News Bureau

eople with higher levels of underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) may be at risk of severe heart failure, an Indian-origin researcher has found.

According to the study, those with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) may be more likely to have irregular, often rapid heart rate.

A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is used to check thyroid gland problems.

TSH causes the thyroid gland to make two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 help to control body's metabolism and are needed for normal growth of the brain, especially during the initial years of life.

The findings showed that in pa-

tients with pre-existing heart failure, higher TSH, higher free T4 and lower T3 concentrations were each associated with more severe heart failure, while only higher free

T4 was associated with atrial fibrillation. "Our results indicate that having subclinical hypothyroidism, a mild decrease in thyroid function, is associated with increased likelihood of needing mechanical assistance to the heart with devices, transplantation or death," said led author Lakshmi Kannan from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, US. "We also found that blood tests commonly performed to assess thyroid function, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and two distinct thyroid hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are associated with the severity of heart failure," Kannan said.

The results were presented at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, ENDO 2017 in Orlando.

To examine the association between thyroid disorders and the risk of adverse outcomes, including ventricular assist device placement, heart transplantation or death, Kannan and her team investigated 1,382 patients with pre-existing moderate to advanced heart failure.

In the participants, subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH 7.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L) or higher was linked with worse survival.

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LIFE STYLE

The News You Like | May, 2017

Don’t mix energy drinks with alcohol I

The News Bureau

f you are mixing your alcohol with highly caffeinated energy drinks, it is time you take notice of this warning. By doing so, you may be at higher risk of injury, compared to drinking alcohol only, according to a study. alcohol mixed with energy drinks is used either as premixed drinks sold in liquor stores or by combining the two beverages by hand.

"The stimulant effects of caffeine mask the result that most people get when they drink," said lead author audra roemer from the university of victoria in Canada.

The study, detailed in the Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs, classified the injuries as unintentional - such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, and intentional - such as fights or other physical violence.

In addition, the researchers also looked at whether risktaking or sensation-seeking tendencies play a role in injuries associated with alcohol mixed with energy drinks use.

People who have these traits might prefer the awake-drunk state that one gets from mixing alcohol and energy drinks, roemer said adding "this could be a population that's at even higher risk for injuries," he noted.

"usually when you're drinking alcohol, you get tired and you go home. energy drinks mask that, so people may underestimate how intoxicated they are, end up staying out later, consume more alcohol and engage in risky behaviour and more hazardous drinking practices," roemer said.

FASHION

The News You Like | May, 2017

Indian online fashion market to hit $14 bn by 2020

I

The News Bureau

ndian online fashion market is estimated to reach around $14 bn mark by 2020 because of the smart phone penetration, improved logistics infrastructure and the convenient payment gateways, according to a new report released recently.

While online fashion shoppers will more than double to touch the 130 million mark, fashion e-commerce will constitute 11-12 per cent of the total domestic fashion market, a joint study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and social media giant Facebook said. Currently, 55-60 million consumers are buying fashion products online.

While fashion market in India is currently estimated at $70 billion, where online contributes five per cent at around $4 billion, $30bn of this market will be digitally influenced by 2020.

"Fashion is at the forefront on Facebook in India. It dominates the top 10 interest categories on Facebook and same is true for Insta-

gram," Umang Bedi, Managing Director, India & South Asia Facebook, said adding that one out of every two Instagram users in India was interested in fashion.

"The spurt of new fashion shoppers will bring with it a fundamental shift in the profile of online fashion shoppers. The 2020 shopper will no longer be the typical young, metro-residing male of today," said Rohit Ramesh, Partner and Managing Director, BCG. By 2020, nearly half the shopper base will be women, more than 50 per cent will come from tier 2 or even lower and 37 per cent will be older than 35 years of age," Ramesh added.

This shift in the online shopper profile will require e-tailers to rethink their offers across several dimensions, including assortment, pricing and discounts, delivery options and return policies.

"Thirty three per cent of all urban fashion consumers will buy online by 2020, which means for a mobile-first country like India, we will witness a high number of pur-

chases taking place on the mobile," added Bedi.

"Mobile has become central not just to the way brands market and sell, but also how they design products, plan merchandising and engage with customers end-to-end," Bedi said.

A key finding of the report is around the interplay of online and offline channels in consumer paths to purchase. The online shoppers are using a number of channels to discover, research and purchase apparel.

As of today, only 10-15 per cent of ad spends are on digital media despite the magnitude of digital influence on fashion spends.

"Variety, availability and having the right fit and having the ability to return are the things which are becoming increasingly important to consumers in the fashion segment," Abheek Singhi, Senior Partner and Director at BCG, said.

The report called for a need for shift in media spending towards digital where further scope exists for brands and retailers.

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TECH TROUBLES

The News You Like | May, 2017

Fear of losing jobs to machines growing with AI

T

The News Bureau

he growth in Artificial Intelligence has given rise to fear and anxiety among people about losing jobs to artificial intelligence (AI) devices, a study has showed.

"Technophobes" -- persons who fear robots, artificial intelligence and new technology that they don't understand -- are three times more likely to be fearful of losing their jobs to technology when compared to others and nearly three times more likely to fear not having enough money in the future, the study has shown.

"If you're afraid of losing your

job to a robot, you're not alone.

This is a real concern among a substantial portion of the population.

They are not simply a subgroup of generally fearful people," said researcher Paul McClure, a sociologist in Baylor University's College of Arts & Sciences, in Texas, US. "People in certain occupations may legitimately fear losing their jobs to robots and software that can work for cheaper and for longer hours than any human," McClure added, in the paper published in the journal Social Science Computer Review.

Technophobes also have 95 per cent greater odds of not being able to stop or control worrying when

compared to others and 76 per cent greater odds of feeling as if something awful might happen and are also more likely to suffer anxietyrelated mental health issues.

While a transformation would most likely be gradual, it could trigger a major social unrest among those who are displaced from their jobs, McClure said.

For his study, McClure examined 1,541 participants, of whom more than a third were found to be more fearful of automation that could lead to job displacement than they are of potentially threatening or dangerous circumstances such as romantic rejection, public speaking and police brutality.

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SPORTS

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The News You Like | May, 2017

PV Sindhu wins maiden India Open Super Series title

The News Bureau

io Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu produced a superlative performance beating reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin of Spain 2119 21-16 to win her maiden India Open Super Series title.

In front of a partisan home crowd at the Sirifort Sports Complex, the third seeded Indian dominated the match from the start to win the summit clash in 46 minutes.

The win also narrowed down Sindhu's head-to-head record against the Spaniard to 4-5.

Sindhu had last defeated Marin in the BWF Super Series in Dubai last year.

Earlier, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark clinched the men's singles title beating Chinese Taipei's Tien Chen Chou in straight games.

Third seed Axelsen took just 36 minutes to edge past Chou 21-13 21-10 to claim his maiden India Open title at the Siri Fort Sports Complex.

In a much-anticipated match of

the evening, a replay of Rio Olympics title showdown, the star Indian shuttler came out with a purpose and looked determined for a revenge.

On the day, Sindhu was far better than Marin controlling the proceedings with ease.

Marin was guilty of committing plenty of unforced errors with Sindhu's deft drops and powerful cross-court smashes also keeping the Spaniard at bay.

In both the games, it was Sindhu who took the initiative and set the tempo with early leads.

In the opening game Sindhu raced to a 6-1 lead before Marin slowly and steadily clawed her way back into the affair.

After the first six points, it was a closely fought encounter between the two of the world's best shuttlers. Sindhu went into the break with a slim 11-9 lead.

The intense fight continued thereafter and at one stage both the shuttlers were locked at

16-16 when Marin won a brilliant rally with a cross court drop shot.

For the first time in the game, Marin took a slim 19-18 lead over Sindhu but the Indian came back strongly to deny her opponent any breathing space with a smash that was followed by a drop shot at net to even the scores t 19-19.

The Indian reached game point when Marin found the net and she wrapped it up in no time with a body smash. In the second game, Sindhu continued in the same vein to race to a 4-0 lead.

Just like the opening game, Marin quietly clawed her way back into the game to reduce the margin to 6-7. But Sindhu on Sunday was just way above her rival as he managed to hold on to her lead to go into the breather leading 11-9 and then did just enough to keep her dominance.

Much to the expectation of the crowd, Sindhu reached the game and match point at 20-15 when Marin committed another unforced error. The Spaniard managed to save one match point but Sindhu sealed it on the very next point when Marin found the net again.

TINSEL TOWN

The News You Like | May, 2017

Dadasaheb Phalke award for K Viswanath R

The News Bureau

enowned filmmaker-actor Kasinadhuni Viswanath, best known for his award-winning movies in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi, has been honoured with the Dada Saheb Phalke award for the year 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.

He became the 48th recipient of the award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, which consists of a golden lotus, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl.

The award shall be conferred by President Pranab Mukherjee at a function on May 3 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

The recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke award committee to recognise 87-year-old Viswanath was approved by I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu.

The recipient of five National Film Awards, Viswanath is known for his movies -- Sankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, Swati Mutyam, Saptapadi, Kaamchor, Sanjog and Jaag Utha Insaan among others.

Viswanath, who has made 50 movies since 1965, is known for making films on content-driven stories that have revolved around social themes.

Swati Mutyam, a National Awardwinning movie, was India's official entry to the 59th Academy Awards in the best foreign film category.

His other awards include Padmashri in 1992, five National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards given by the Andhra Pradesh government and ten Filmfare Awards including Lifetime Achievement Award.

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The News You Like | May, 2017

TINSEL TOWN

1 crore 2 1 s e k a m 2 li a ahub nclusion" has earned Rs 121 crore a B , s d r o c e r ll a Breaking e box office records, "Baahubali: The Co Twitter ovie, took to

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Priyanka scores B second in Top 30 World's most beautyful women BEAUTY & WOMEN

The News You Like | May, 2017

uzznet released a list of Top 30 World’s Most Beautiful Women of 2017 and Priyanka Chopra bagged the second position leaving behind Angelina Jolie, Emma Watson.

April 03, 2017 She is unstoppable. She is charismatic.

She is the beauty with brains. And she is none other than our very own Girl Priyanka Chopra is leaving no stone unturned in making her own mark in the world.

Recently, Buzznet released a list of Top 30 World’s Most Beautiful Women of 2017 and Priyanka Chopra bagged the second position. At number one was international singing sensation Beyonce Knowles.

This is a great achievement for Priyanka as she has left behind names like Angelina Jolie, Michelle Obama, Emma Watson, and Hilary Clinton. She was thrilled by the results and took it to Twitter.

From making her debut with international TV series Quantico and her appearance on many well-known chat shows to attending the Oscars and to make her Hollywood debut with Baywatch, PeeCee has truly been an inspiration for many aspirants out there.

Priyanka shall next be making her much awaited Hollywood debut with Baywatch, directed by Seth Gordon, starring alongside Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach and Jon Bass.

Baywatch is the remake of the hit TV show Baywatch which starred David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson who will both have special cameos in the movie, is all set to be released by May 26, 2017 in the US. Have a look to find out who the Top 30 World’s Most Beautiful Women of 2017 are.

BEAUTY & WOMEN

The News You Like | May, 2017

Most Beautiful Women 2017

1 BEYONCE

2 PRIYANKA CHOPRA

3 TAYLOR HILL

4 EMMA WATSON

5 DAKOTA JOHNSON

6 HILLARY CLINTON

7 MARGOT ROBBIE

8 ANGELINA JOLIE

9 FAHRIYE EVCEN

10 ALEXANDRA DADDARIO

11 VICTORIA RUFFO

12 EMMA STONE

13 GIGI HADID

14 NIKI KARIMI

15 ASHLEY GRAHAM

16 GAL GADOT

17 BLAKE LIVELY

18 AMANDA CERNY

19 ADRIANA LIMA

20 HAIFA WEHBE

21 MICHELLE OBAMA

22 OPRAH WINFREY

23 ELIZAVETA BOYARSKAYA

24 RONDA ROUSEY

25 MANUELA ARCURI

26 ANNE CURTIS

27 NAOMI CAMPBELL

28 TARANEH ALIDOOSTI

29 ALICIA VIKANDER

30 MOZHDAH JAMALZADAH

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YOUNG TALENT

The News You Like | May, 2017

Hyderabadi wins ‘Indian Idol 9’

B

The News Bureau

aahubali fame and Hyderabad based L V Revanth - a popular name in the southern entertainment industry won the popular singing reality show "Indian Idol 9".

Revanth, who has lent his voice for around 200 songs in southern films including Baahubali: The Beginning, became known for his soulful voice right from the start when he auditioned for the show.

Despite not knowing Hindi, he sang Bollywood songs effortlessly throughout the season and defeated Hyderabad based PVNS Rohit and Punjab's Khuda Baksh in the finale to clinch the Indian Idol trophy along with a contract with Universal Music and Rs 25 lakh.

"Right now I am on cloud nine.

I am very happy for winning the show. I would say that my life has just began right now. It's not easy to win that title being a south Indian singer. I saw this show as a big opportunity. The four month journey in this show has completely changed my life," Revanth

told a news agency.

Ace choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan, renowned singer Sonu Nigam and music composer Annu Malik, who kick-started the Indian Idol journey as judges in the first two editions, returned on the panel for the ninth season of the Sony Entertainment Television show, which was hosted by Karan Wahi and Paritosh Tripathi.

Being a known singer in Telugu and Kannada film industry, Revanth was the judges' and audience's favourite. As he said on the premiere episode itself, he joined Indian Idol to get recognition nationwide and debut in Bollywood.

Earlier, Indian Idol worked as a platform for singers Abhijeet Sawant, Prashant Tamang, Sreeram Chandra and late Sandeep Acharya, who won the show in previous seasons and went on the make a name for themselves in the Indian music industry.

GOW RAKSHA

The News You Like | May, 2017

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Save the weak

ow (and bull) is called as 'dhenu', the giver of all bounties, in the rigved" reveals Yogi Ashwini, under whose guidance thousands of volunteers at Dhyan Foundation have taken to the service of bovines and personally experienced miraculous effects in their lives. Dhyan Foundation manages and supports over 28 gaushalas across the country, providing rescue, rehabilitation, medicare and nutrition to over 6000 stray, injured, abandoned, sick and orphaned cattle.Dhyan Foundation extended its care and support to the cattle in Hyderabad with the opening of Dhyan Foundation Sahayog gaushala under the guidance of Guru Yogi Ashwini Dhyan Foundation Sahayog gaushala was started in 2014 with 1000 sft shed,14 kms from Yadgirigutta temple gate at Challur village with 8 rescued cows .Today this gaushala on a 7 acre land which is fenced completely and is home for 500 cattle.The requirements of food, shelter, water and medicines are completely taken care by the

volunteers of Dhyan Foundation.The major part of finances are also contributed by the volunteers and the rest from the donors .In June 2015 total shed area of 12000 for 1000 plus cattle was built and more than 1500 rescued cattle over last 2 years cattle was shifted to this gaushala.

More than ten labour and a paravet are appointed and are working for the welfare of these cattle.with four labour quarters build,a office room and medical storage space are built in the premises of gaushala.Dry grass and green grass are given as fodder regularly.

The land around gaushala was barren when it started and when borewell was done,within few feet only water came out which was never heard or seen before in that village. After this incident, the collector, sub-collector and some other officials came in visited this site and performed puja.In a year’s time, it is recognized as one of the top Gaushalas in Hyderabad.

"It is the dharma of a human being to protect those weaker than

him," says Yogi Ashwini, the Guiding Light of Dhyan Foundation. Likewise, at Dhyan Foundation, volunteers from all walks of life come together to protect and provide for those around - humans, animals and environment working selflesly to aid the creation.Dhyan Foundation is a nongovernment, non-commercial organization committed to the cause of protecting and preserving animals in general, and cow and its progeny in particular, through rescue, rehabilitation, treatment, feeding and shelter for stray, injured, abandoned, orphaned and sick animals with a countrywide network of nearly 30 gaushalas.

yogi ashwini says: If there is pain and suffering around us and we turn our face away from it, we become bigger culprits than those who are causing this....we invite the wrath of the gods and open doorways to hell for ourselves....save the weak and in turn be blessed,watch them die in turn ,go to hell, the real hell....

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The News You Like | May, 2017

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Gujarat makes cow slaughter punishable with life imprisonment

The News Bureau

he Gujarat assembly on March 31 made its anti-cow slaughter law the toughest in the country with the offence now becoming non-bailable and punishable with a life-time in prison.

The Gujarat Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 2017, was passed with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's majority and the opposition Congress remaining suspended from the house for the entire day on the last day of the Budget session.

Moving an amendment, Minister of State for Home Pradeep Sinh Jadeja said, "During this auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri, the government, on suggestions of many sadhus and sants, has made

amendments to the Gujarat Animal Protection (Amendment) Act, 2011. This is the harshest law in the country."The new law provides for a penalty ranging between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 5 lakh for such a crime.

If anyone is found to illegally keep or transport a cow, the new Act has provision for 10 years' imprisonment and minimum of 7 years in jail and a fine of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh," Jadeja said.

There is also provision for permanent seizure of vehicles used for transportation of animals for slaughter as against the earlier version which allowed only impounding of such vehicles for six months.

The minister said that the state government would strictly implement the new law. "Earlier it was a

bailable offence and legal provisions were relatively mild. This did not act as an effective deterrent for those committing this heinous crime," he added.

Explaining the rationale for a tougher law, Jadeja said several religious saints and leading citizens had in the past petitioned the Chief Minister for making a stricter law for cow protection.

"Cow is symbol of Indian culture. Cow protection is not only about religious sentiments but also is of great economic benefit to our society," he said.

The state government has also put curbs on transportation of cows in the state during night hours.

Even the legal, licensed movement of cattle would not be allowed between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.

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The News You Like | May, 2017

Ajmer deewan sacked by brother for beef ban support A

The News Bureau

long-running family feud at the revered Ajmer sufi shrine culminated with the sacking of its spiritual head Syed Zainul Abedin, who was dubbed by his younger brother as an apostate for his support to the ban on slaughter of cows and selling beef in the country.

Abedin stood by his remarks opposing cow slaughter and said he was the lifelong deewan - the spiritual chief of the Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti mausoleum in Ajmer one of the most famous Muslim shrines visited by millions of devotees from across the sub-continent every year.

But his brother, Syed Alaudin Alimi, claimed he had the support of the family in sacking Abedin and anointing himself as the new deewan.

The post is hereditary and belongs to heirs of the 12th-13th century sufi priest. Deewan has no control over the management of the shrine but gets a monthly remuneration from the management committee, which is appointed by the government.

"I am the new deewan. I have the support of the entire Chishti clan," Alimi told media persons, alleging that Abedin was an apostate because he had spoken in violation of the Islamic law.

"I am not interested in taking salary. Abedin can have the money.

Buy I won't allow him to enter the shrine now. Whatever he has said is

blasphemous. I have spoken to Islamic scholars who interpret sharia and we will be issuing a fatwa against him. He is no longer a Muslim."

Abedin has been the deewan of the shrine since after the Supreme Court 1987 order, ruling him as the most direct and eldest descendant of the sufi priest. He said his younger brother had gone mad and had no powers to anoint himself as the deewan.

"It's a religious post. Nobody can snatch it. Nobody has enough powers to change it. Nothing has changed," Abedin said, threatening legal action against his brother. "I stand by my statements on beef," he said.

Abedin sparked a controversy by asking Muslims in India to stay away from slaughter of bovine animals and to stop consuming beef for communal harmony in the country.

He read his message during the

805th annual function at the shrine that was also attended by religious heads of various shrines from different parts of the country. He also announced that he and his family members "will never eat beef now".

The spiritual leader got support from the head of the governmentappointed committee, M A Khan.

"This is a dispute between two brothers and the deewan cannot be sacked like a coup," Khan said.

One of the members of the committee, Syed Hameed Chishti, who is also a caretaker at the shrine, said that the two brothers have been fighting over the post since years and the recent development was a culmination of the feud in the family.

"It is a fight for money. They claim they are descendants of the Khwaja but their role is limited to conduct qawalis and mehfils at the shrine," Chishti said, agreeing that Abedin can't be removed.

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NEWS BYTES

The News You Like | May, 2017

Chhota Rajan convicted in fake passport case

U

The News Bureau

nderworld don Rajendra Sadashiv Nikhalje alias Chhota Rajan and others in a fake passport case was convicted by a Delhi court on April 24.

Besides Chhota Rajan, four other accused convicted in the case are -- then passport officers Jayashree Dattatray Rahate, Deepak Natvarlal Shah and Lalitha Lakshmanan.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge Virender Kumar Goyal held Rajan guilty of possessing a fake passport. This is the first case in which Chhota Rajan, who is facing around 70 cases, has been held guilty.

The court on June 8, 2016, framed charges against Chhota Rajan and Jayashree Dattatray Rahate, Deepak Natvarlal Shah and Lalitha Lakshmanan under sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with criminal conspiracy, cheating, cheating by impersonation and

A

forgery of documents.

The CBI in its chargesheet alleged that Chhota Rajan got issued a fake passport from Bengaluru in 1998-99 in connivance with Rahate, Shah and Lakshmanan in the name of Mohan Kumar.

The court has directed the three accused to be taken into judicial custody till April 25. Rajan is in-

volved in over 85 cases, ranging from murder to extortion, smuggling and drug trafficking.

He has over 70 cases pending against him in Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, apart from those filed by the CBI. The don, held by the Indonesian police on October 25, 2015, was deported to India on November 6, 2015.

Golden Peacock award presented to city police The News Bureau

dditional Commissioner of Police, V V Srinivasa Rao and Joint Commissioner of Special Branch, Pramod Kumar received prestigious Golden Peacock Innovative Service Award on behalf of Hyderabad City Police. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Government of UAE

presented the award at a specially organized Golden Peacock Awards Ceremony in Dubai last month. The award was presented in recognition for the mobile application ‘HYDCOP’, developed by the city police. The mobile application HYDCOP was launched on April 18, 2016 for the internal use of city police. The app provides instant access for the required information to the frontline police officers

helping them improve their morale and satisfaction and eventually lead to higher standards of performance, the release said.

Golden Peacock Awards, instituted by the Institute of Directors (IOD), have not only won wide acceptance among businesses and industry, but also its 'Awards Certification' has achieved recognition and patronage among peers, globally.

The News You Like May, 2017

RNI No: APENG/2013/48048 P.R. No. LII/RNP/HD/1187/2017-19 (DOP: 1st of Every Month DOP : 8/9-05-2017)