www.facebook.com/thenewsyoulike
`30
www.thenews.co.in
PAGES: 68 VOL.7 | ISSUE: 2, MARCH, 2019
I
VOL:7 I SSUE:2 I MARCH, 2019 `30 Editor A Rammohan Rao
Special Correspondent D. Bal Reddy Correspondents Mallesh Babu Mandha Ravi Kumar G.P. Nagaraju
Reporters M.Praveen Kumar, P Vishnuvardhan Reddy Photographers M Vijay S Sridhar, Shair Ali Baig Cover & Layout T. Srinivasa Rao
General Manager Mohd Nizamuddin
Chief Executive (Marketing) Venkata K Ganjam (GK) Chief - Business & LifeStyle K. Bharath Reddy Marketing Associate M. Akhil Raj Shaker
The News You Like Phone: 9701141377, 9848133363 E-mail: thenewscoordinator@gmail.com Website: thenews.co.in
Address for correspondance: #3-5-890, Flat No. 203, Paras Chambers, Beside Telangana Tourism Bldg, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad-500029. Phone: 98481 33363, 97011 41377. email: 24thenews@gmail.com thenewscoordinator@gmail.com Printed, Published And Owned By Ramya Sree , Printed At S.M.S. Press, H.No.11-38, Pragathi Nagar, P&T Colony, Saroor Nagar, Dist Ranga Reddy – 60, Published At The News Publications, H.No.334, B, Prajay Sai Gardens, Keesara Mandal, Dist - Ranga Reddy, Telangana Editor : A Rammohan Rao
Note: Focus/Infocus features are marketing initiatives, any legal disputes comes under the jurisdiction of courts in Hyderabad
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL
3
t’s a challenge. Not just from outside but from within. Pakistan sponsored terrorist attack inflicted a wound on the nation’s psyche again. ISI sponsored terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed has attacked a convoy of Indian security forces killing 40 CRPF jawans near Pulwama in Kashmir. It has become habitual for Pakistan to create unrest in Kashmir by nurturing venomous snakelike Islamic terrorist groups. Over the decades the country of religious fanatics had become insensitive to human values and has been committing heinous crimes across the borders. But it’s our country that believes in peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation that is finding it difficult to be patient. With latest attack, which happens to be the deadliest attack on our armed forces in the last two decades, India’s patience with the rouge neighbour has exhausted. There is all round rage and an unprecedented demand for retaliation. People across the nation are unequivocally demanding that the government should act firmly and teach a lesson to the rogue nation. The real challenge before the government is to address those who have been demanding incisive action at the same time cynical forces within the country that are causing obstacles in the way of a stern decisive action. Our nation takes pride in its pluralist society, but opinions that compromise on the safety and security of the nation need to be ignored and if need be take action against all such forces for causing damage to integrity of the country. Inflicting deep cut would be the sensible action India should be taken against Pakistan as a reply to the Pulwama attack. First step has been taken. But, it can not be final. Meanwhile what we need is patience and perseverance in building the country both in defence and economic sectors. This months cover story deals with this subject. While human beings are becoming machines by chasing money – power- sensuous pleasures, Robots created by man are becoming part of daily life and acting with ‘human touch’. Artificial Intelligence(AI) driven Robots may not replace a human being, but it seems they will definitely give competition in behaving with more kindness, politeness, without any biases based on colour, creed and economic status. A feature in this issue will introduce Robots which have already become part of our daily life. ‘The News’ which appears both in Print and digital formats is receiving a huge response from readers in many parts of the country. The digital versions has crossed the 31 lakh plus clicks per month with January issue. We whole heartedly thank our loyal readers and welcome new, young – dynamic readers who mostly opt for the digital edition of ‘The News’. Jai Hind
(A Rammohan Rao) THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
4 CONTENTS
Losing people & battle There are internal conflicts and differences among the top Maoist leaders now. Sudhakar has differences with leaders of the Revolutionary Communist Party of India’s (RCI) Maoist Central Committee
32
Rafale jets now cheaper than UPA-era 8
Hockey veteran Mukesh Kumar booked got IA job on ‘fake’ SC certificate?
National Democratic Alliance(NDA) government led by Narendra Modi has bought Rafale fighter jets at a cheaper price compared to the UPA-era deal. 20
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
CONTENTS
Saudi Crown Prince visit To invest in India and donate to Pak
23
Business means business. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who visited Pakistan and than came to India has made this amply clear with his choice of spending money.
Remembering soldiers sacrifices Finally, we got our National War Memorial Nearly six decades after it was first proposed, the National War Memorial has become reality. It was built in an area sprawled over 40 acres at the India Gate complex in the heart of the national capital.
38
5
Servants or 51 Masters? Robots are becoming a normal part of human lives. Their usage has become so common these days that people don't hesitate from using it, unlike the past. The rich can easily own one. Speed being their unquestionable talent, Robots are used extensively to meet human's ever-rising demands. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos own one that looks like it. He had shared the picture of him walking alongside his robot dog named SpotMini in twitter sometime back.
China’s unconventional war Inflicting greater 44 damage on India NRI Jayram murder
For loan recovery or complete property?
28
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
6 STATES
Whichever Govt. in AP
Cong. will accord Spl. status
I
P RAMAMOHANA REDDY
rrespective of its fortunes in Andhra Pradesh, Assembly elections Congress Party wants to make most in ensuing parliamentary elections. This has come out clear in AICC president Rahul Gandhi speech at Tirupathi in last week of February. He was addressing a public meeting as part of ‘Pratyeka Hoda Bharosa Yatra’ of the AP Congress. The AP Congress Committee has taken out the yatra from Madakasira in Anantapur district on 19th February seeking Special Category Status (SCS) for AP. The Congress has planned the yatra to highlight its commitment to SCS for AP and win peoples trust. Rahul has already announced that the Congress will accord SCS to AP if it comes to power at the Centre in the next elections. It may be mentioned here that Narendra Modi promised to accord SCS to AP while addressing an election meeting in Tirupati in 2014. He made it clear that whichever party whether it is Congress or any other forms government in AP after coming general elections congress if come to power at the centre, it will accord SCS to AP. Rahul Gandhi started the day with a visit to the famous hill shrine in Tirumala before launching his party’s campaign in Andhra Pradesh for the forthcoming Lok Sabha election this summer with a rally in the temple town. Rahul has left for Alipiri, the foothills of Tirumala, in a convoy of cars. From Alipiri, he climbed up the seven
hills on foot to reach the temple town to offer prayers to Lord Venkateshwara with his nephew Raihan Vadra. It is his maiden visit to Tirumala as the Congress president. After having the darshan of the Lord, Rahul Gandhi had returned to Tirupati by road and garland the statue of anti-caste activist Jyotirao Phule in the heart of the town. From there, he went in a procession up to Taraka Rama Stadium in Sri Venkateshwara University campus, where he addressed the rally. Addressing a well attended public meeting, Rahul said Modi should also be ashamed of himself for not giving the people of Andhra Pradesh what they deserve and what is their right - the Special Category Status. Rahul said Modi should also be ashamed of himself for not giving the people of Andhra Pradesh what they deserve and what is their right - the Special Category Status. Stating that the most important thing in leadership and politics is a person’s word, he said if one does not have a commitment to what he THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
said, then it is worthless. Describing Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh as a commitment of a Prime Minister on behalf of over a billion people in the country and not just anyone, he stressed it should be fulfilled. “I want to make it clear to everyone in Andhra Pradesh and the country that when Congress party comes to power in Delhi, no force in the world can stop it from giving SCS to Andhra Pradesh. It does not matter to me, whether, there is a Congress government in the state or not, but the Prime Minister’s commitment to the State will be fulfilled no matter what,” Rahul vowed The Tirupati rally is a culmination of week-long “Pratyeka Hoda Bharosa Yatra”, a tour of the party leaders to assure the people about granting the special category status to Andhra Pradesh. It was at this same venue where Narendra Modi had announced in April 2014 that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would grant the special category status for a period of ten years to the state if is elected.
INDIANS ABROAD
7
Telugu students detained in the US
Opt for voluntary departure
S
THE NEWS BUREAU
tudents who chose the Illegal way to stay in the US finally are got an opportunity to come back to India. As many as 17 Telugu students were originally put up in two detention centres in Michigan in connection with their enrolment in the fraudulent University of Farmington. They have decided to opt for voluntary departure from the US. In the initial hearing15 students were given the opportunity to leave the US on their own. “This is called voluntary departure wherein such candidates will not have any deportation orders against their names. They can purchase their own tickets and fly home,� said Randy Samona, an attorney. A total of 20 students have been jailed in two centres in Michigan of which three have already left, one, a US citizen is fighting the case and another has been deported. As many as eight were lodged in Monroe County Jail and the remaining nine were in Battle Creek county jail. An attorney said that though each case will be different, a majority of them will be able to go back home. They can visit the US consulate in Inda and can reapply for another visa to come back to the US. The court has given time till February 26 for the detainees to leave the country and it is expected that the students will start leaving
The court has given time till February 26 for the detainees to leave the country and the Students started leaving from 2nd week of February\itself depending upon the availability of flights and officials of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Until then, students will continue to stay in the detention centres. by 2nd week of February\itself depending upon the availability of flights and officials of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Until then, students will continue to stay in the detention centres. The students who had deposed before the judge had the option to either fight the case or accept voluntary departure. Almost all have opted for voluntary departure and THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
are hoping that they will not be barred from re-entry into the US. Besides the detainees at the two Monroe and Battle Creek county jails, three students in Georgia are also facing a hearing. Of this only one got voluntary departure. In yet another hearing, the detainees were given the option to be released on an unsecured bond but the option of voluntary departure was not offered to them.
8 STATES
Hockey veteran Mukesh Kumar booked got IA job on ‘fake’ SC certificate? I
THE NEWS BUREAU
s former India hockey team captain N Mukesh Kumar guilty of adopting illegal methods to secure job in Indian Airlines? According to Hyderabad police he is. A cheating case has been registered against triple Olympian and his brother for allegedly obtaining fake Scheduled Caste certificates and securing jobs in the Indian Airlines. Acting on a complaint by a local ‘Tahasildar’, an FIR had been registered under the Indian Penal Code sections 420 (cheating) an 471 (using as genuine a forged document) against Kumar and his brother Suresh Kumar. Mukesh Kumar, an Arjuna awardee, and his brother allegedly furnished false SC ‘A’ Mala caste certificates and secured employment in the state-run Indian Airlines while they belonged to backwards class ‘A Nayee Brahmin” community, the complaint stated. The airlines had earlier requested the Hyderabad district officials to inquire into the matter after it received a complaint that the two brothers did not belong to the SC community. We are proceeding further with the investigations, the police official added. Reacting to the development, Mukesh Kumar, a city resident, said he had been having the SC cer-
tificate from class I.“ I got the job in the Indian Airlines under the sports quota,” he made it clear. Mukesh Kumar, a star forward, had represented India in over 300 international matches and scored as THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
many as 80 goals. He had featured in three Olympic Games – Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000). He has also been conferred with the Padma Shri award
STATES
9
No need to get pregnant T
Now cows could produce more milk
THE NEWS BUREAU
his can be a boost to the dairy industry like never before. With an innovative method, cows can yield milk at an unbelievable time. Now cows could produce milk without getting pregnant. A Hyderabad-based company’s innovative method is making this possible. This has been developed with an aim to increase income from farming and to encourage farmers to embrace technology. Producing more milk without getting pregnant said to triple the farmer's profit. Dr Pravin Kani, MD of Tropical Bovine Genetics (TBG), claimed three times increase in a farmer’s
income from a cow they would ensure has “better genetics” through the processes of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo culture. He has Presented the new method at the “Farmers National Agenda 2019-2029”. With the normal way of breeding, there were problems he said since breeders prefer female offspring. The TBG’s technology has been designed to suit both low input farmers and high input farmers, he said. While a generic cow (Bos indicus) in a year yields 1,500 litres of milk, which translates to Rs 8,750 profit annually, the TBGmodified cow would yield 4,000 litres with an annual profit of Rs
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
24,250. While 90 per cent of India’s milk is produced by lowinput farmers, they usually come from poor socio-economic backgrounds. Kani said that the whole process would take 36 to 40 months to complete.“Instead of buying a cow, a farmer would buy a female sex embryo, which would be inseminated into a cow. After 27 months, the heifer would be again inseminated, which would after nine months, finally turn into a milking cow,” he explained. The matching cow “with better genetics” could either be sold or, their milk could be sold both of which will be profitable for the farmer, he claimed.
10 THE NATION
18 states, UTs connected
I
Single national level helpline '112'
THE NEWS BUREAU
ndia network of single emergency helpline number '112' was extended to sixteen more states and Union territories. This pan-India network of single emergency helpline number offers immediate assistance to anyone in distress. The 112 helpline is an integration of police (100), fire (101) and women (1090) helpline numbers. The health helpline (108) will also be integrated with it soon. The '112' helpline is under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS). The '112' helpline has already been launched in Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Now the 16 states and UTs are Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir have joined. This helpline number '112' will be activated across the country by next year and anyone in distress can reach the helpline by pressing a single key of phones which will be pre-programmed.
To access emergency services, a person can dial '112' on a phone or press the power button of a smartphone three times quickly to send a panic call to the Emergency Response Centre. In case of a normal phone, a long press of the '5' or '9' key will activate the panic call. People can also log onto the ERSS website for the respective state and send an emergency email or SOS alert to
state ERC. They can use the '112' India mobile app, which is available free on the Google Play Store and Apple
Store. The single number for emergency services is similar to '911' in the United States. Launching '112' helpline the Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the central government is committed to the safety of citizens, particularly women, for whom laws were changed to ensure the guilty is punished in a timebound manner. Apart from launching the ERSS, the home minister
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
also kicked off, the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) and the safe city implementation monitoring portal. The ITSSO is meant for law enforcement agencies in the country. The home minister said safe city implementation monitoring portal will instil a sense of security in women in metro cities. "The government has identified eight cities for the implementation of safe city projects in the first phase at a cost of Rs 2,919 crore. The cities are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai. The projects are funded under the Nirbhaya Fund scheme," he said. The system is an online module available to law enforcement agencies at all levels national, state, district and police station and allows the state to undertake real-time monitoring and management for completion of investigation in rape cases in two months. It leverages the existing CCTNS database, which covers nearly 15,000 police stations in the country. The ITSSO would greatly strengthen the ability of states for analytics and prognosis for timely investigation and prosecution in rape cases.
INFOCUS 11
AROMA ASSOCIATES
Protective Packaging for metals
I
n today’s competitive global marketplace, your metal products must travel thousands of miles through aggressive atmospheres, extreme daily changes of humidity and temperature, and possibly extended storage before your customers ever see them. Zerust packaging solutions will resolve your corrosion problems while increasing your company’s profitability by reducing operating costs, increasing process yields, and enhancing your customers’ satisfaction. In some regions of the world, Zerust is also known as Excor® due to language differences. Zerust/Excor field engineers on four continents use decades of accumulated applications experience to: Identify and resolve corrosion causes in processes. Eliminate unnecessary packaging and materials handling processes. Design optimal customer corrosion management solutions. Provide point-to-point customer service in over 70 countries.
OUR PRODUCTS Vapour Capsule Diffusers: Zerust Vapor Capsule diffusers
are easy-to-use capsules that contain Zerust corrosion inhibiting technology. Vapour Capsules emit powerful corrosion inhibiting molecules that settle on metal surfaces and protect them from corrosion. All are safe for electronics, odourless, residue-free, and are designed to work in restricted spaces.
Surface Cleaners and Washers: The Zerust line of advanced surface cleaners remove residual contaminants and soils left by metalworking processes. Rust Warrior: Cleans metal surface & removes rust even penetrating into most greases, dirt and contamination. Rust Removers: Zerust® AxxaClean™ rust and tarnish removers are powerful solutions for the rework and recovery of metal items. Rust Preventative Coatings: THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
Zerust® offers a full line of corrosion inhibitor liquids that complement our VCI packaging Rust Preventative Additives: A range of high-performance rust preventative liquids and powder additives are offered by Zerust®/Excor®. Anti Tarnish Bag: Introducing DURASILVER™ Anti-Tarnish bags. This revolutionary product contains Zerust® acid-gas. Leaders in Corrosion Prevention Worldwide Zerust/Excor Technical Support Zerust Integrated Corrosion Technology (ICT®) products and services include volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCIs) and other inhibitors and surface treatments. Zerust VCI packaging films and paper are safe* to use and contain proprietary chemical formulations that release an invisible, odourless, and corrosion inhibiting vapour into the air. The Zerust volatile corrosion inhibitor molecules settle on exposed metal surfaces in an enclosure and interrupt the electrochemical process that causes corrosion. Other Zerust ICT products augment the protection power of VCI technology to solve specific corrosion and surface preservation problems.
12 COVER STORY
Pulwama attack
Exhausted the patience
IndIa Is angry I
D BAL REDDY & A RAMMOHAN RAO
n spite of many concessions, giving special protections, and flooding funds under various schemes Kashmir still burning. Anti India forces are ruling the roost. No leader in Kashmir worth his name is able to speak out against ingratitude of people who enjoy funds – facilities – protection. As many in mainstream media, mostly filled with leftists and influenced by western propaganda(read anti-Indian pro-Muslim) are only finding fault with the Indian government. Naturally, opposition parties also do the same thing with an eye on vote bank in the rest of India. This has led to a situation where the anti-Indian, pro-Pak attitude is receiving encouragement in Kashmir. With this background Terrorist attack in Kashmir. Support to terrorist by local lumpen elements throwing stones on security force. Death of Jawans – officers of security forces, Terrorist and their supporters. The incidents this kind of incidents have become part of daily news reports. But the ‘Pulwama terrorist attack’ on February 14 has THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
COVER STORY 13 Terror attacks in J&K
TIME & AGAIN
Since 2015, Pakistan-based militants in Kashmir have increasingly taken to highprofile suicide attacks against the security forces. Most of these attacks took place in the vicinity of the Jammu Srinagar National Highway. Here’s a timeline of 10 major terror attacks which took place in Jammu and Kashmir:
shaken the country to the core. The blast was triggered by militants to target two vehicles carrying the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has killed 40 jawans. More than 20 others injured in a blast. Militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the blast and said it was a fidayeen attack carried out by local youth. Police identified the terrorist as Adil Ahmad from Kakapora in Pulwama. Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus CRPF jawans were travelling in.
HEInous act
The ‘Pulwama terrorist attack’
is the deadliest terror attack on India's state security personnel in Kashmir since 1989. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that a strong response will be given to the terror attack. The government blamed Pakistan for the attack. It is said that the involvement of the Jaish-eMohammed in the bombing "directly links" Pakistan to the attack. All party meeting organised was unanimously condemned the terrorist attack and support government in replying to the heinous act. While Pakistan, as usual, has THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
MARCH 2015 A fidayeen squad of militants in Army fatigues stormed a police station in Kathua district killing seven persons, including three SF personnel, two civilians and two militants. Twelve persons, including eight CRPF personnel, three cops and a civilian were also injured in the incident
NOVEMBER 2015: Three JeM militants and a generator operator of MES was killed when a group of militants attacked an Army camp near LoC at Tanghdar in North Kashmir’s Kupwara District.
DECEMBER 2015 Six CRPF personnel were injured when militants opened fire on their convoy near Green Tunnel at Samthan in Bijbehara in
14 COVER STORY
denied its role all major countries have condemned the ‘Pulwama terrorist attack’. As angry Indian citizen expecting a fitting reply to this attack from the government the demands ranging from complete diplomatic and economic isolation of Pakistan to surgical strikes and outright war are on raise. How ‘Pulwama terrorist attack’ was done, the national and international response to it helps to understand the unprecedented anger of Indians in recent times. It all began on the early morning of 14th February. At Lethpora near Awantipora, around 3: 15, a bus carrying security personnel was rammed by a Mahindra Scorpio SUV carrying explosives. It caused a blast which
killed 40 CRPF personnel of the 76th Battalion and injured many others. The injured were moved to the army base hospital in Srinagar. Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed re-
sponsibility for the attack. They also released a video of the assailant Adil Ahmad Dar (alias Adil Ahmad Gaadi Takranewala or Waqas Commando), a 22-year old from Kakapora who had joined the group a year earlier. Dar's family had last seen him in March 2018, when he left his house on a bicycle one day and never returned. Pakistan as usual denied any involvement, though Jaish-e-Mohammed’s leader, Masood Azhar, roams free in that country.
mEtIculously PlannEd
The National Investigation Agency (NIA)dispatched a 12member team to probe the attack, working with the Jammu and THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
across the border, but later said that he could not rule it out. Following intelligence inputs, in the early morning hours of 18 February, a joint team comprising 55 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF and Special Operations Group of India killed two terrorists and two terrorist abettors in an anti-terrorism encounter operation in the ensuing manhunt for the perpetrators in Pulwama. One of them, Abdul Rasheed Ghazi alias Kamran, was identified as a Pakistani national and was considered the mastermind of the attack and a commander of the terrorist group Jaish-eMuhammed (JeM). In addition, local JeM recruit Hilal Ahmed, along with two sympathisers who housed Ghazi and Ahmed to evade capture, was also shot dead in the encounter. Four Indian servicemen were killed in the gunfight.
grIEf grIPPEd natIon
Kashmir Police. Initial investigations suggested the car was carrying more than 300 kilograms of explosives, including 80 kilograms of RDX, a high explosive, and ammonium nitrate. It is suspected around 30 kg RDX was packed into this can, which is suspected to be of not more than 20-25 litres capacity. Agency, along with the police, has been questioning suspects from Pulwama and Awantipora. The NIA team questioned some people from the two areas on suspicion of having provided logistical support to the attacker. It is suspected that the explosives might have been stolen from a construction site. He initially said that it was not possible that they were smuggled from
State funerals of security personnel killed in the attack were held in their respective native places. India revoked Pakistan's most favoured nation status. The customs duty on all Pakistani goods imported to India were raised to 200 per cent. The government of India plans to provide the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering with a dossier outlining Pakistan's involvement in the attack. On 17 February, the administration of Jammu & Kashmir revoked security provisions for separatist leaders. Protests bandhs and candlelight marches were held across the country. There were violent protests in Jammu resulting in a curfew being imposed starting 14 February. The Indian community in the United Kingdom held protests outside the Pakistan High CommisTHE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
COVER STORY 15
south Kashmir’s Anantnag District.
JANUARY 2016 A group of heavily-armed Pakistani terrorists struck at an Air Force base in Pathankot seven security personnel were killed along with six attackers.
JUNE 2016 Eight CRPF personnel were killed and 20 others were injured after militants attacked their convoy at Frestbal near Pampore in Srinagar on SrinagarJammu National Highway.
SEPTEMBER 2016 Twenty soldiers were killed in a militant attack in Uri area of Baramulla district. Fidayeen militants stormed an Army camp in Uri near the Line of Control (LoC) in the wee hours of the day. Four militants were killed in the encounter.
NOVEMBER 2016 A terror strike at an Army base in Nagrota, near Jammu, claimed the lives of seven security personnel. Three terrorists were also killed in the same attack, the
16 COVER STORY
sion in London A delegation of Indian doctors cancelled their visit to Pakistan for the 13th Association of Anaesthesiologists Congress, organized by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, in Lahore on 7 March. Many states governments including Telangana and AP have announced ex gratia compensation to the families of the killed security personnel from the state and a government job to the next of kin.
PatIEncE ExHaustEd
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that a strong response will be given to the terror attack. India blamed Pakistan for the attack. It is said that the involvement of the Jaish-eMohammed in the bombing "directly links" Pakistan to the attack, while also pointing out that Jaishe-Mohammed had attacked Pak-
biggest terror strike since the September 18 Uri attack.
istani military targets in the past. It is widely accepted among security analysts that Jaish-e-Mohammed is the creation of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. Pakistan banned the group in 2002, but it has resurfaced under different names and retains ISI's support. Pakistan denied the allegation of a link to the attack. On 19 February Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan said that providing safe haven to terrorists was not in Pakistan's interest. He asked for proof of Pakistani involvement and warned India that any military response would be met with retaliation. Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan was taking action against Jaish-e-Muhammad and that Pakistan would be able to assist India in taking action against terrorist groups. Indian Ministry of External Affairs responded by criticizing Imran Khan for not condemning the attack and not offering any condolences for the victims. It said that THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
JULY 2017 Eight Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 15 were injured when militants attacked a bus carrying at least 56 passengers at Botengo village near Anantnag, on the SrinagarJammu National Highway, in south Kashmir. Abu Ismail, the operational commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the Kashmir Valley and the mastermind of the attack, was gunned down by security forces at Aribagh Nowgam on the outskirts of Srinagar later in September.
DECEMBER 2017 Five soldiers and two gunmen were killed when militants stormed a CPRF camp in a pre-dawn strike in South Kashmir. The attack was claimed by JeM, whose top leader was gunned down in the district days during the same month.
DECEMBER 2017 January 2018: Five CRPF personnel were killed and three others were injured in a
claims by Adil Ahmad Dar and Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed were sufficient proof. It said that promises of the investigation were unconvincing due to a lack of progress in Mumbai and Pathankot attack investigations. Tathagata Roy, the governor of the Indian state Meghalaya, tweeted support for a boycott of "everything Kashmiri". However, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad disagreed with this view. The finance minister Arun Jaitley has said that India would completely isolate Pakistan in the diplomatic community. Indian broadcaster DSport said it would no longer broadcast Pakistan Super League cricket matches. The All Indian Cine Workers Association announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists in the Indian Film industry and stated that strong action would be taken on any organisation violating it. The Indian Film and Television Directors' Association also announced a ban on Pakistani artists in films and music produced in India; the president of the organisation threatened to "vandalise" the sets of any Indian film production with Pakistani artists.
world condEmns
Among the world community, the State of Israel was one of the first to call on Indian Government and express "unconditional support". Isreal has offered to share intelligence and help the Indian Army and the Government in whichever manner possible. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and referring to both the Pulwama attack and the Khash–Zahedan suicide bombing, he stated that Iran and India would work together to
prevent future attacks. The two countries also announced an alliance with Russia to counter terrorism in the region. The United States condemned the attack and added it would work with India in counterterrorism effort; it singled out Pakistan for its alleged role in the attack. It also urged Pakistan to cooperate with the investigation and punish those responsibly. A statement from the US Department of State noted that Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the attack and asked all countries to refrain from supporting terrorists.
rEstraInt
Kashmiri students living in other parts of the country has allegedly faced a backlash after the attack, including violence and harassment, and eviction from their homes. In response, many Indians offered to house Kashmiris who may have been evicted. It was reported that the number of Kashmiris fleeing from the rest of India had reached "hundreds". J&K Students Organisation reported that 97% of Kashmiri students in Dehradun had been evacuated. Two Indian colleges in Dehradhun announced that no new Kashmiri students will receive admission. One of those colleges, Alpine College, suspended its dean, who is a Kashmiri after some groups called for him to be fired. A Kashmiri merchant was beaten in Kolkata. Kashmir police chief Dilbagh Singh said they have "taken up the issue with the states where the incidents have taken place to ensure that the students are not touched." Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah met with Rajnath Singh seeking assistance. THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
COVER STORY 17
24-hour long encounter between the Border Security Forces (BSF) and suspected JeM militants in South Kashmir’s Lethapora. Three militants were also neutralised during the gun battle.
FEBRUARY 2018: Six Army personnel and one civilian was killed after a group of suspected JeM terrorists had sneaked into the Sunjwan military station in February last year. Intelligence inputs had warned an attack on the army or security establishment by the terror outfit in view of the death anniversary of Afzal Guru who was hanged on February 9, 2013. February 2019: As many as 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in a major terror attack carried out by Jaish-eMohammad in south Kashmir’s Awantipora area. The suicide bomber, who was identified as a local militant, rammed an explosive-laden car into the CRPF bus which was going from Jammu to Srinagar. Security personnel are probing the incident.
18 GUEST COLUMN
Hurry leads to nations efforts burry retaliation within a reasonable time T
COL MOOL BHARGAVA
he horrible terror attack in Pulwama has been carefully planned by anti-India and antiModi forces. The time is also such where Modi Govt is forced to act in a very short time. With election announcement due soon, the Govt has a window of merely of 30 to 45 days. And they need to plan something spectacular and major in order to show “avenge”. This is politically decisive for Modi’s reelection. The Modi supporters are and will be most forceful in demanding such revenge and spectacle. They are right in their own earnest. But some aspects need serious thinking. In such a scenario, a democratic Govt has limited options: One, go for a total war in a very short time, which will have a military, international and economic outfalls of catastrophic levels. A hurriedly planned war can result in a disaster for an attacker. Any war needs at least six months of planning and preparation. In the current scenario, politically, Modi doesn’t have that window. And the problem may still not be solved. Two, go for another surgical strike; even a surgical strike needs careful planning of three to six weeks, again, time is not enough. Any major casualties in such strike will bring glees to faces of antiModi politicians and off course anti-Indian forces of all kinds. Three, as demanded or wished by a large number on radical naTHE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
tionalists, angry common citizens (mostly BJP supporters) or politicians like Surjewala, is, to go for revengeful killings in Kashmir, “order” killing of Hurriyat, politicians and anyone or everyone who has supported the terror groups and separatists ever. Well, very fine, but these “supporters” also need to think that how can Modi can “order” such killings? And whom will he order? Indian capacity to carry out black ops had been rendered to almost zero in the past three decades. And it takes an almost similar time to build a reliable one. Modi only has democratic forces to support him. So which Army officer, IAS or IPS will he chose to carry out such black ops? Have we forgotten about Gujarat, Ishrat Jahan or Sohrabuddin cases? Have we forgotten about IPS’s like Sanjeev Bhatt and Rajiv Kumar, or IASs like SK Sharma and Chandrakala? Or a whole lot of army officers
who have silently/vocally been wishing the demise of Modi at the soonest? What is the guarantee that one of our own “officer”, who may have been “ordered” or got a whiff of any such order, will not come back to haunt Modi (or any other democratic leader) on behest of the same pack of legal political wolves and same judiciary which happily obliges such people? Why would any sane person take such risks at a time when he is not even sure that a large number of unthankful and short term greedy voters will even elect him again. He may be out of power soon and any such action will surely take him to gallows in his own country. The “Mahathagbandhan” will be very happy to bring such “justice” on Modi or any of the officer who will stand for him in such operation. They will be promptly supported by international forces and cabal of ‘Humans rights’ lobbyists. Amit
GUEST COLUMN 19
Shah or Vanjara can never forget their jail days. Imagine if they were actually found guilty? Can we think Congress and its associates will think twice to hang them to death? Or can we hope SC will open at 2.00 AM to save them from gallows? ABSOLUTELY NO. Modi has been bitten once, and they say, “once bitten, twice shy”. Don’t expect any such move from him, please. Specially Modi supporters and admirers. The call of the time is to keep quiet for three to four months, reelect Modi with full majority and give him time frame to revenge this dastardly attack in a democratic manner, nice, long and sustained operation against anti-Indian forces to ensure that they are finished to last weed. No other politician can do that for you, ONLY MODI can. (Auther is an ex Indian Army Officer with 22 yrs of experience in managing Operations shared it on WhatsApp)
SUBSCRIPTION FORM Subscriber Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street: ________________________________________________ Vil/Mdl: _____________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Mobile:_____________________________________________ email:________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Life time Subscription*: Rs. 3500/- (inwords _____________________________________________________________ In favour of: The NEWS PUBLICATIONS, DD No/Cheque No/ ____________________________________________ Online payment Reference Number: 97011 41377
Date:________________________________________
* Conditions apply
Address: The News You Like, # 3-5-890, Flat No. 203, Paras Chambers, Beside Telangana Tourism Building, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad-500029. Telangana. Phone: 97011 41377. email: thenews.sub@gmail.com
20 DEFENCE & SECURITY
CAG report tabled
rafale jets now cheaper than uPa-era N
THE NEWS BUREAU
ational Democratic Alliance(NDA) government led by Narendra Modi has bought Rafale fighter jets at a cheaper price compared to the UPA-era deal. This came to light in The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report which was tabled in the Rajya Sabha during the second week of February. The report says compared to the 126 aircraft deal, India managed to save 17.08% money for the India Specific Enhancements in the Rafale contract. The overall price of fighter jets is 2.86 per cent cheaper as compared to the deal negotiated when UPA was in power. But the CAG report has become the latest point of confrontation between the government and the opposition over the Rafale deal. The French made 36 Rafale fighters bought by the Modi-led NDA government are “2.86 per cent cheaper” than the price negotiated by the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government CAG has said in its report. The report, however, said that Dassault Aviation – the manufacturer of the fighters – had benefitted because it did not have to pay for a bank guarantee in the current deal compared to the 2007 UPAera deal. “Therefore, these savings
to the vendor would have to be factored in. The total savings… accruing to the vendor (Dassault Aviation) by not having to pay these bank charges should have been passed on the ministry,” the report by the government’s top auditor said. The CAG report has become the latest point of confrontation between the government and the opposition over the Rafale deal, with the Congress alleging a “conflict of interest”. The party had said Rajiv Mehrishi, the current CAG of India, was part of the decision making the process for the Rafale deal. Mehrishi was the finance secretary when the Rafale deal was signed. Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley was the first to react to the CAG report, asserting that the audit report had exposed the lies of the Congress and the grand alliance that opposition parties are trying to stitch. The audit report compared the 2007 and 2015 purchase agreement - using the price of 18 fighters that were to be bought in a flyaway condition in the 2007 deal. The CAG report concluded that the current deal is cheaper on three counts and costlier on four counts. “Therefore, on the whole, the THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
contact of 2016 can be said to have been concluded at 2.86 per cent less than the price previous offer” The report, however, stressed that there is no difference in the price of the base aircraft negotiated by previous government and Modi government. India Specific Enhancements – like helmeted mounted displays, better radars etc – negotiated by the Modi government, however, are 17 per cent cheaper than the previous deal. The cost of engineering support and the price paid for keeping the fleet air – Performance Based Logistic (PBL) – was, however, 6 per cent higher. Gandhi said that PM Modi had “defended his personal Rafale bypass deal” with arguments that the new price for the fighter jets is lower than the one proposed during the Congress-led UPA regime and that the delivery will be faster. Citing a media report, Gandhi said both arguments have been “demolished”. He said “The PM defended his personal RAFALE bypass deal
DEFENCE & SECURITY 21
on 2 counts: 1. Better Price, 2. Faster Delivery. Both have been demolished by the revelations in the Hindu today.” A report published by The Hindu claimed that the Rafale deal negotiated by the Modi government was not on “better terms” than the one being discussed during the UPA rule. The report cites “conclusion” arrived at by three of the seven-member Indian Negotiating Team (INT) that to counter the government’s claim on better pricing and faster delivery of Rafale jets. The ruling BJP, in turn, accused
the Congress of attacking the institution of the CAG. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has defended his party’s stand. “We are not questioning the institution. But the gentleman who is preparing CAG report was part of this decisionmaking process,” said Rahul Gandhi. CAG report on Rafale deal in 10 points: CAG report finds the Rafale deal negotiated by the Narendra Modi government in 2016 as cheaper than the one being discussed during the UPA regime but said that India paid for some of the India-specific enhancements that were “not needed” by the Indian Air Force. • The CAG report, which has some stinging remarks, says that the Rafale contract consisted of six different packages with a total of 14 items. The contracted prices of seven items were higher than the “aligned price”, the price at which the contract should have been signed after adjusting price variation between 2007 and 2015. • It says that three items in the Rafale deal including the basic aircraft were procured at the same price. Four others were purchased at lower than the aligned price making the 2016 contract 2.86 per cent cheaper than the previous cost. • The defence ministry has been arguing that the 2016 contracted price of 36 basic flyaway Rafale aircraft was 9 per cent lower than the 2007 price. However, the CAG audit report found that the basic flyaway aircraft were bought at the same price as that of 2007. • CAG report highlighted, the 2007 offer by the Dassault Aviation provided performance and financial guarantees, which was about
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
25 per cent of the total value of the contract. There was no such guarantee or warranty in the 2016 contract. • Centre has argued that the 2016 contract had more India-specific enhancements. However, the CAG report says that four of the India-specific enhancements were “not needed” at all. The Indian Air Force had stated the same in its technical evaluation in 2010. • The CAG report states that the 2007 offer for 126 Rafale aircraft included the transfer of technology or licence to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the production of 108 fighter jets. But no such transfer of technology was provided under the 2016 contract. • On the issue of sovereign guarantee, the CAG report says that the French side did not agree to India’s demand. The defence ministry sought a sovereign guarantee from the French government in lieu of bank guarantee from the Dassault Aviation. India had to settle with a Letter of Comfort from the French government. • The government has defended the 2016 Rafale deal on counts including faster delivery of the fighter jets. However, the CAG report observes no big difference in the delivery deadlines for the Rafale fighter jets. Under 2007 deal, the first 18 flyaway Rafale fighter jets were to be delivered by 50th month from the date the contract was signed. Under the 2016 deal, the Dassault Aviation is required to supply the first 18 aircraft by the end of the 53rd month. • The CAG report is critical of the defence ministry for signing the Rafale deal on “non-firm and fixed price”, which is vulnerable to price escalation depending upon the price index.
22 DEFENCE & SECURITY
US -India in talks over missile defense T
THE NEWS BUREAU
he US has discussed a potential missile defence collaboration with India. This was revealed by a top Pentagon official recently. According to him, America wants to build a “much deeper and broader relationship” with the country. However, it is early to determine how far India, which already has substantial domestic missile defence capabilities, will go regarding the defence collaboration. US officials spoke to the Indian counterparts about missile defence as potentially an area as well to collaborate on. “The Indians have substantial capabilities domestically of their own and they’ve done some development of missile defences. So the degree to which they’re interested in acquiring or working collaboratively with us in the US remains to be seen,” said John Rood Undersecretary of defence. The previous Obama administration was not very forthcoming in sharing its advanced missile defence system with India, following which New Delhi went ahead to procure it from Russia. As part of its Indo-Pacific strat-
egy, the Trump administration now seems to be more than inclined to let India procure its missile defence system with talks between the two countries have already started Making an appearance before the prestigious Hudson Institute thinktank, Rood said the US is certainly open to this kind of collaboration with India. “And if that isn’t one of the areas they choose to go in, there’s quite a bit of other meaty areas that we can pursue. Maybe I should have chosen a term rather than meaty, quite a few Indians are vegetarian as you know,” Rood said jokingly. The US has had a very positive relationship with the Indian government, he said. “And we’re building a, what we hope is a much deeper and broader relationship with them, all the way from the presidential level with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi on down,” he said. He said that they have had excellent meetings and we’re expanding our agenda. Rood has been personally involved through successive administrations in building India-US relationship: in both the Bush administration, the Obama administration, and now in the THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
present Trump administration. The US has also agreed to sell two advanced missile defence systems to India for two Boeing777 Head-of-State aircraft for an estimated cost of USD 190 million, a decision that will enhance the security of the planes flying the president and the prime minister. The Pentagon recently said the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship. The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. It has already recognised India as a “major defence partner”, a status that which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India. In 2018, the US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea. The status eases India’s defence procurement from the US. Last year, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) to facilitate interoperability between the two militaries and sale of high-end technology.
DEFENCE & SECURITY 23
remembering soldiers sacrifices
finally, we got our national war memorial N
THE NEWS BUREAU
early six decades after it was first proposed, the National War Memorial has become reality. It was built in an area sprawled over 40 acres at the India Gate complex in the heart of the national capital. The Memorial has five concentric circles, a central stone obelisk, and an eternal flame. The centre of the complex lies at a lower level than the surrounding features. The Memorial has been built at a cost of Rs 176 crore was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in last week of February. Granting a long-pending demand of the armed forces, the government approved the National War Memorial project in memory of soldiers who laid down their lives since Independence. Built at the heart of Delhi near the India Gate a British-built memorial to Indian soldiers who fell in the First World War the National War Memorial comprises four concentric circles with a central obelisk. The circles have been named the ‘Amar Chakra’, the ‘Veerta Chakra’, the ‘Tyag Chakra’ and the 'Rakshak Chakra' and the names of 25,942 soldiers have been inscribed in golden letters on granite tablets. The Prime Minister dedicated the memorial by lighting the flame at the bottom of the obelisk. Helicopters of the Air Force showered
rose petals and a fly-past in 'Missing Man' formation was also part of the event. With weeks to go for the national elections, the occasion acquired a political turn. In his address, PM Modi launched a noholds-barred attack. "Earlier, how
soldiers were treated, you know better than I do... from Bofors to helicopter, all investigations end at the same family. This says a lot," PM Modi said. "Now, these guys are trying too hard to ensure the Rafale deal fails... But soon India will get its first Rafale and their conspiracies will fail," he added. The Prime Minister also said the ‘previous governments’ showed ‘criminal negligence’ when it came to addressing the needs of security forces."Maybe there was no political benefit for them when it came THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
to honouring martyrs," the Prime Minister said, underscoring they had even failed to get the 1,46,000 bullet-proof jackets the armed forces had asked for."Soldiers were facing enemies without these jackets. Between 2009 to 2014 these demands were never met. In the last five years, we have purchased more than 2,30,000 bulletproof jackets," he added. Speaking before PM Modi, Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "What we need today is your trust, and trust in the Prime Minister. The welfare of ex-servicemen is always at the top of our priorities." The Prime Minister's comment drew a counterattack from the Congress. "Respected Prime Minister, The National Memorial symbolises the sacrifices of the soldiers of the nation. Do not turn it into a political background with your shameful behaviour and political speeches," senior party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said in a tweet The Congress has made the acquisition of 36 Rafale jets one of their key planks for the coming national elections. The party contends that the government finalised an overpriced deal to benefit Anil Ambani, whose rookie defence firm was recommended as an offset partner for Dassault, the company manufacturing the aircraft. Both Dassault and the government have denied the Congress allegations.
24 INDIAS ABROAD
abu dhabi makes
Hindi as the 3rd official court language
A
THE NEWS BUREAU
bu Dhabi has included Hindi as the third official language used in its courts, alongside Arabic and English. This landmark decision was part of a move designed to improve access to justice. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department said it has extended the adoption of interactive forms of statement of claims filed before courts by including the Hindi language alongside Arabic and English in labour cases. This is aimed at helping Hindi speakers to learn about litigation procedures, their rights and duties without a language barrier, in addition to facilitating registration procedures via unified forms available through the ADJD website, the judicial body said. According to official figures, the UAE population is estimated to be around nine million of which 2/3rd are immigrants from foreign countries. The Indian community in the UAE, numbering 2.6 million, constitutes 30 per cent of the total population and is the largest expatriate community in the country. Yousef Saeed Al Abri, the undersecretary of the ADJD, said the adoption of multilingual interactive forms for claim sheets, grievances and requests, aims to promote judi-
cial services in line with the plan Tomorrow 2021 and increase the transparency of litigation procedures. “This is in addition to facilitating registration procedures to the public through simplified and easy forms and raising litigants’ legal awareness via interactive forms of the statements of claims, to ensure access to the legal materials related to the subject of the dispute,” Al Abri was quoted as saying by the Khaleej Times. He indicated that the extension of the adoption of interactive forms in several languages comes under the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and ADJD Chairman. Al Abri explained that the adoption of new languages comes as part of the bilingual litigation system, the first phase of which was launched in November 2018, through the adoption of procedures requiring the plaintiffs to translate the case documents in civil and commercial lawsuits into English, if the defendant is a foreigner. “The foreign investor receives the case files translated, thus contributing to the provision of a global judicial service that meets the requirements of residents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,” he added.
INDIAS ABROAD 25
oxford study
7 moral rules common across cultures T
THE NEWS BUREAU
here are seven rules common to all, reflecting commonality across cultures. A largest and most comprehensive survey of morals across 60 societies – including Indian – by researchers at the University of Oxford has revealed this. The study by experts at Oxford’s Institute of Cognitive & Evolutionary Anthropology has been published in ‘Current Anthropology’ The seven rules that study titled ‘Is It Good to Cooperate? Testing the Theory of Morality-as-Cooperation in 60 Societies’ has found common across cultures are: ‘Help your family. Help your group. Return favours. Be brave. Defer to superiors. Divide resources fairly. Respect other’s property’. says the study. The research found, first, that these seven cooperative behaviours were always considered morally good. Second, examples of most of these morals were found in most societies. There were no
counter-examples – no societies in which any of these behaviours were considered morally bad. The morals were observed with equal frequency across continents; they were not the exclusive preserve of ‘the West’ or any other region, the university added. The team analysed ethnographic accounts of ethics from 60 societies, comprising over 600,000 words from over 600 sources, a statement from the university said. Oliver Scott Curry, the lead author, said: “The debate between moral universalists and moral relativists has raged for centuries, but now we have some answers. People everywhere face a similar set of social problems, and use a similar set of moral rules to solve them”. “As predicted, these seven moral rules appear to be universal across cultures. Everyone everywhere shares a common moral code. All agree that cooperating, promoting the common good, is the right thing to do.’ The study tested THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
the theory that morality evolved to promote cooperation, and that – because there are many types of cooperation – there are many types of morality. According to this theory of ‘morality as cooperation’, kin selection explains why we feel a special duty of care for our families, and why we dislike incest. Mutualism explains why we form groups and coalitions (there are strength and safety in numbers), and hence why we value unity, solidarity, and loyalty. Social exchange explains why we trust others, reciprocate favours, feel guilt and gratitude, make amends, and forgive. Conflict resolution explains why we engage in costly displays of prowess such as bravery and generosity, why we defer to our superiors, why we divide disputed resources fairly, and why we recognise prior possession. Previous studies have looked at some of these rules in some places – but at all in a large representative sample of societies.
26 INDIAS ABROAD
‘Unfair’ health surcharge
Indian doctors in UK protest U
THE NEWS BUREAU
K-based Indian doctors and healthcare professionals are campaigning against what they describe as an “unfair” doubling of a health surcharge imposed on professionals from outside the European Union (EU) living and working in Britain. The“Immigration Health Surcharge” was introduced in April 2015 and from December last year, it was hiked from 200 pounds to 400 pounds per year. It is imposed on anyone in the UK on a work, study or family visa for longer than six months in order to raise additional funds for the country’s state-funded National Health Service (NHS). The British Association of
Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), the UK’s largest representative body for Indian-origin doctors, is lobbying the UK Home Office for a rethink over the charge, arguing that it would have an adverse impact on their attempt to recruit more healthcare professionals from India to meet staff shortages in the NHS. “Clinicians wishing to work in the UK are already facing burdensome processes relating to regulation and immigration, and this surcharge is only going to see the UK losing out on quality healthcare professionals from non-EU countries,” notes a letter from BAPIO president Ramesh Mehta and secretary Parag Singhal, sent to UK home secretary Sajid Javid reTHE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
cently. According to BAPIO the current policy adversely affects the attraction of working in the NHS and will sabotage the country’s own requirements of providing quality health services to our patients. Therefore, in the interest of patient safety and improved morale of the immigrant workforce, request that this unfair and highly discriminatory health surcharge for NHS-employed professionals should be reversed with immediate effect,” the letter states. According to the organisation, one in 11 NHS clinical posts are currently unfilled, rising to one in eight for nursing vacancies, and the severe shortage is likely to grow to around 250,000 by 2030. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare profes-
sionals from countries like India are often referred to as the “backbone” of the UK’s healthcare system as they take up critical posts across hospitals and clinics in the country, the BAPIO pointed out. BAPIO has been at the centre of organising fellowship programmes for doctors from India to fill NHS shortages while completing their training in Britain as a “win-win” arrangement. But it fears these efforts would be hit as a result of the additional financial burden imposed by the health surcharge. “These professionals are paying their taxes, including National Insurance (NI) contributions, in addition to providing quality health services in over-stretched hospitals. Such an additional burden will make them feel demoralised and discriminated,” said Prof. Singhal. The health surcharge is payable by nationals from countries like India if they are seeking to live in
the UK for six months or more or to extend their stay. The payment is made at the time the immigration application is made and is payable annually until such time as the person is granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK, or returns to their home country at the end of their visa period. Short-term migrants, including tourists on visitor visas, are charged differently for secondary care treatment by the NHS at the point of visa access. Other groups have also questioned the extremely high surcharge on the grounds that it amounted to “double taxation” for long-term migrants, who are already expected to make tax contributions towards the care system. “Most people who do move here will work and they will pay tax. So doubling this charge is a form of double taxation. People are going to be ending up paying for the NHS twice,” said Satbir Singh,
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
27
chief executive of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Migrants. The UK government says since the surcharge was introduced in 2015, it has raised over 600 million pounds, which has been ploughed back into health budgets. It expects to raise an estimated 220 million pounds in extra funding with doubling of the surcharge, with the funds aimed at “sustaining and protecting” the healthcare system. “We welcome use of the NHS by long term residents who still need leave to remain, but we believe it is right that they make a fair and proportionate contribution to its long-term sustainability,” a UK Home Office spokesperson said. “Parliament agrees and has approved the order we proposed to increase the immigration health surcharge so it better reflects the actual costs to the NHS,” the spokesperson added.
28 CRIME
nrI Jayram murder
for loan rEcovEry or comPlEtE ProPErty? I
THE NEWS BUREAU
nvolving money - media, women, people with power, it’s like a crime film story. NRI entrepreneur murder has all this and more. According to information came out of police investigation till the end of February couple white collar criminals with hardened rowdy sheeters turn murders have eliminated Chigurpati Jayaram who owns ‘Express News’ a Telugu TV News channel & glass factory in India and Pharma
company in the US. He was killed at a house in Hyderabad posh residential area, Jubilee Hills and the dead body was found in a car on a highway in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district. Jayaram lives in Florida with his family. About a year ago he had borrowed Rs. Four and a half crores from one K. Rakesh Reddy, a real estate dealer from Hyderabad. According to Superintendent of Police Krishna district, Sarvashreshtha Tripathi the lender Rakesh continued to pressure THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
Jayaram to refund an amount of `6 crores that included principal and interest, But, the deceased stopped answering calls from Rakesh Reddy and even blocked his number. After all his efforts failed to reach Jayaram, the accused used a bait. When Jayaram arrived in Hyderabad recently Rakesh Reddy lured TV channel owner to his house in Jubilee Hills by messaging him on phone using a woman’s name and display picture and posing as his former employee. Made that ‘woman’ invite him to
meet her at Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. The plan worked and finally, Rakesh could catch hold of Jayaram on January 30. When he went to the house on January 30, Rakesh Reddy demanded his money. But Jayaram claimed he was bankrupt and had no money. By January 31, the accused grew impatient after Jayaram failed to secure the amount and repeatedly thrashed the latter. The blows proved fatal for Jayaram, Jayaram’s body was found in a car in Keesara in AP on January 31. The AP police said they had evidence Rakesh who loaned money to Jayaram strangulated him when he did not pay up the money he owed Rakesh. Shikha Chowdhary, Jayaram’s niece, allegedly helped Rakesh eliminate Jayaram. He could not repay a loan wasn’t returning the money and had even stopped answering Reddy’s calls. Confining Jayaram in the house for nearly 30 hours, Rakesh Reddy asked him to call his friends to arrange for the money. When Jayaram could manage only Rs 6 lakh, an enraged Rakesh Reddy assaulted him during which he fell down and died, police said. The accused then shifted the body to Jayaram’s Maruti Ciaz with the help of his watchman and left the car on a highway near Nandigama.
CRIME 29
The police probe revealed that Rakesh Reddy was in touch with two police officers in Hyderabad On the night “After the murder, the key accused Rakesh Reddy took the help of the watchman of the apartment in Hyderabad where the victim’s niece Shikha Chowdary lives to place Jayaram’s body in the car. Rakesh then drove to Nallakunta police station alone to meet Inspector S Srinivasulu. He called him multiple times to confirm if he was in the police station and whether he, Rakesh, could drop in, but to no avail,” officials investigating the case, said. Rakesh waited outside the Nallakunta police for over 40 minutes. Rakesh
S Srinivasulu(I -Nallakunta), S.Mallareddy(ACP- Ibrahimpatnam) and Rakesh Reddy(Real estate Agent - Prime accused)
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
had with him in his car, the body of NRI Jayaram and was waiting for Inspector Srinivasulu to help him dispose of the body. Rakesh who was arrested by Andhra police confessed that the inspector and Ibrahimpatnam ACP S Mallareddy had advised him to drive on with Jayaram’s body in the car and set up a scene of car accident. According to legal experts, as ACP Mallareddy and Inspector Srinivasulu had suggested Rakesh on how to dispose of the body, they are equally liable on charges of screening and/or destroying evidence and will be co-accused even if not charged with murder. Police also found that Rakesh had close relations with many other police officials in Hyderabad and also in AP. However, it remains to be clarified if he contacted any of them before or after the murder. Meanwhile, ACP Ibrahimpatnam Mallareddy was transferred from his post for his alleged links with Rakesh Reddy. Rachakonda commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat issued orders for the same. Earlier another
30 CRIME
inspector of Nallakunta Police Station I Srinivasulu was transferred on similar charges. The police have a transferred two Telangana Police officers –Inspector and ACP (Ibrahimpatnam) Malla Reddy. Both the officers, have, however, denied knowing anything about the crime and said that they only answered the calls because Rakesh Reddy was an acquaintance “Jayaram wasn’t killed for money alone” The investigation into the murder of Jayaram took an abrupt turn after his widow, Padmasri, approached Jubilee Hills Police alleging a much bigger conspiracy behind the killing. “I have several unanswered questions pertaining to my husband’s murder. He wasn’t killed for money alone. There is more to it,” Padmasri said, seeking a thorough investigation to ferret out the truth. Padmasri alleged that Jayaram’s niece Shikha Choudhary trespassed into my house and took away some documents immediately upon knowing that Jayaram’s body was found in an abandoned car near Nandigama in Krishna district on January 31,” she told media persons. Padmasri alleged Shikha would influence the Andhra police and get away scot-free as she had not been named in the FIR though Rakesh Reddy was listed prime accused. The widow demanded that the case is transferred to Telangana as the crime happened there and accused the AP police of not complying with her repeated requests for Jayaram’s call data records and post-mortem report. DCP West Zone AR Srinivas said the police were looking into Padmasri's complaint. “The relation between
Nagesh, Vishal and Subash Reddy
Rakesh Reddy and Shikha and the financial transactions between them should be probed in detail.” “This is a major shock. It has shattered our lives. I lost my husband and my children lost their father. We are orphans now,” she said. In view of the complaint and serious allegations made by Padmasri, against Shikha Choudhary for her role in Jayaram’s murder, investigators were understood to have taken Padmasri’s allegations into consideration and started inquiring into the financial transactions made by Shikha Choudhary since few years. A senior Telangana Police officer associated with the investigation team said that they are investigating the case in different angles following Padmasri’s allegations and a written complaint by her. They are also looking into the investigation report, case diary and postmortem report and other information furnished by Andhra Pradesh police in connection with the case. The probe team has focussed on the key issue of Jayaram taking `4.5 crores as hand loan from Rakesh Reddy for his personal needs. “As Jayaram was a rich THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
man having business activities in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and foreign countries, why did he take `4.5 crore loan from Rakesh Reddy? Did Rakesh Reddy kill Jayaram following disputes in connection with cash transactions or was there any other reason? This has brought more things into light. Rakesh and his team have forcefully taken signatures of Jayaram on bond papers and other documents. AR Srinivas, DCP(West Zone) has told along with Rakesh Reddy they have arrested three people in connection with NRI entrepreneur Jayaram murder. According to him Vishal and Nages are two persons who have played a key role in eliminating Jayaram. Vishal was accompanying Rakesh Reddy when he killed the NRI. “ This is well planned and executed the murder. They have taken photos, video and forced Jayaram on some documents.” Said the DCP. As investigation in progress, more details about motives to this murder are expected. Eventually, it seems the murder for loan money is turning into killing for capturing complete properties of NRI entrepreneur.
STATES 31
telangana to focus on food processing F
THE NEWS BUREAU
ood processing will get priority in Telangana. The government has decided to seek the help of experts in the field and lay a solid foundation for consistent growth food processing so that farmers in the state will reap the benefits of their produce. Part of its efforts to make agriculture a profitable venture government is focusing on this as value adding to farm produce. The state government has recently conducted a detailed review on encouraging the food processing industries in the State. The meeting decided to prepare an action plan for the food processing industry. The state government has also decided to take the help of noted Indian agricultural economist and a former chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Ashok Gulati. Soon he will be conducting a workshop in Hyderabad for the benefit of officials and farmers. During his recent tour to Delhi, Chief Minster K.Chandrashekar Rao has met Ashok Gulati and invited him to
the State to conduct a workshop on these issues. This is expected to give a boost to food processing and help it to be a success. Indira Kranti Padham (IKP) -women group members would be involved in food processing units and also exports of food products to other states and countries. 45 lakh members of belonging to IKP 4.1 lakh groups should be given comprehensive training, to begin with. The current crop pattern being adopted by the farmers was not meeting the peoples’ demands fully. At present Telangana is importing not only vegetables but also coriander leaves (Kothimeera) and cumin (Jeela kara). The government wants to improve the cultivation of vegetables To correct these farmers will be advised to raise crops as per the demand in the market. Government is of the opinion that if all farmers raise the same crop in the State it will lead to several complications. It needs to create awareness among farmers on how to raise crops. For this State will be divided into crop colonies and farmers will be asked to cultivate different types of crops to THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
meet all the food requirements of the people of the State. Wants in the state should take a lesson from the experience of Mulkanuru village should be emulated. In Mulkanuru, farmers adopted the cooperative model and got excellent results. At the same time government recognizes of lack of appropriate statistics in the State, it would be very difficult to take any policy decisions on agriculture and the need to have proper statistics of agriculture and related departments. Accurate data was required on paddy, fruit and cereals production. Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao has recently announced that State government was ready to spend any amount of money for learning. He told officers, to go to any part of the world for learning the best practices for successful food processing units to be started, suggested to establish crop colonies, regulating seed companies, prohibit the sale of spurious seeds, make available seeds, fertilisers and pesticides. He wanted the officials to prepare an action plan for mechanisation of agriculture.
32 SPECIAL STORY
maoist movement
losIng PEoPlE & battlE
There are internal conflicts and differences among the top Maoist leaders now. “Sudhakar has differences with leaders of the Revolutionary Communist Party of India’s (RCI) Maoist Central Committee
I
A.RAMMOHAN RAO & D.BAL REDDY
s Maoist movement on the way of waning slowly? Is the political party which was able to attract lakhs of young educated youngsters especially from middle class shun by same sections today? The political ideology which is getting support from so-called liberal, progressive sections has turned into another armed group of which members are after making money for themselves and their families? If recent developments are of any indication the answer to these questions is: Yes! The surrender of a key member
of CPI(Maoist) Central Committee Oggu Sathwaji (@ Sudhakar), along with his wife Vydugula Aruna (@ Neelima) CPI (Maoist) State Committee member before DGP Telangana in the second week of February. Satwaji was transferred by the party leadership to its Eastern Regional Bureau (ERB) and his wife and Neelima alias Madhavi was allegedly fallen out with party leaders. The couples coming out CPI(Maoist) has brought out indications of dwindling membership, deteriorating military and moral strength of Maoist movement in the country. There are internal conflicts and differences among the top Maoist THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
leaders now. “Sudhakar has differences with leaders of the Revolutionary Communist Party of India’s (RCI) Maoist Central Committee,” DGP M.Mahendar Reddy told media persons. In the Eastern Regional Bureau(ERB) area, there are serious differences between MCC and RCI, between MCC and PW cadres. In DK also there are differences between Sonu and Devuji. There also a difference between local tribe leaders and Telangana leaders. .“The way the CPI (Maoist) leadership in Bihar and Jharkhand functions is the opposite of how a body with revolutionary ideology should work. It is anything but people-centric and runs
SPECIAL STORY 33
like a criminal gang,” Sudhakar and Nirmala said. According to the Maoist couple, the Eastern Regional Bureau secretary Kishan and other senior leaders have been unable to rein in dissenting forces in the party.
arE womEn InsEcurE?
Defying the Mao’s famous saying “ Women hold up half the sky” Maoists are ill-treating and putting the women cadre under various pressures. Due to the domination of male cadre, some women cadre are committing suicide. This trend has started almost ten years back. Maoist’s chief Nambala Keshava Rao @ Basvaraj’s wife
Ramakka @ Sharada had committed suicide in 2010. Some prominent women leaders and cadre also are chosen to end their life to liberate themselves from the oppression of the party. Chandana in South Bastar, Munni - Commander, Chukki - Dalam Member, Gaddam Bagya Laxmi @ Mahitha a State Committee Member is few women Maoists who committed suicide, due to undue demands and pressures from their fellow comrades. As the party functioning is deteriorated and is more on the lines of criminal gangs who loot people and amass wealth for their development using the party as a platform Sensing the fast deteriorating stanTHE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
dards in the functioning of the party due to lumpanisation trends in the cadre, many cadres are willing to give up the extremism. With the conflicts and serious differences, surrenders of important cadre, government measure to control CPI(Maoist) received a setback in most of the areas in the country and became significantly weak as it lost mass support. The strength of the cadre and potential to commit violent incidents has drastically gone down. Party activities In ERB are confined to only Saranda forest area. It got alienated from the people and there is no fresh recruitment. Party is dominated by lumpen elements. Kishan
34 SPECIAL STORY
Da Secretary Eastern Regional Burau (ERB) or other senior leaders are not able to control lumpenisation in the party.
long marcH
Though the first armed uprising was launched in 1967 in the remote Naxalbari village in West Bengal the first phase of what the government called Left-Wing Extremism, what popularly called Naxalism has begun in 1972. It is 1976 when Kondapalli Seetaramaiah and others who started Peoples War Group(PWG) and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) which was active in Bihar Naxalism started becoming a major radical Marxist Leninist movement. For the next two decades, the armed movement remained subdued and localised until the government started granting mining licences to private and multinational corporations as part of the liberalisation and privatisation of the economy in the early 1990s. The government started granting mining licences to private and multinational corporations as part
of the liberalisation and privatization. Country’s central and eastern parts, home to about 84 million adivasi, or indigenous people, is rich in mineral resources. Renewed mining activity pose a threat to their livelihoods. Most of them are subsistence farmers or landless, mainly living in extreme poverty. There is a lack of basic facilities such as roads, healthcare, education and drinking water in the region. Thousands fear displacement as the government moved to exploit the hidden treasures located mainly in the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Naxalites from undivided Andhra
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
Pradesh helped organise tribals in Chhattisgarh over the issue of land rights and displacement. The state has emerged as the stronghold of the Maoists in recent decades since 2000 when mining was initiated.
drIftIng
The current phase of the Maoist rebellion began in 2004 when PWG merged with the MCC to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist) or CPI (Maoist). The group is banned in India. Detoriation and fall from ideals have also started at the same time. A former MCC commander who was in the movement for over 20 years before surrendereing and started living in his native village in Jharkhand from last year has said things started changing after 2004 "when the Peoples' War and MCC merged to form the Communist Party of India (Maoists). The leadership started comprising on the principle and policies. They concentrated on collection/extortion on one hand and killing security personnel on the other," the ex-SAC member said. And when opposed, they re-
SPECIAL STORY 35
sponded by saying Maoist cadre were becoming rightwing Cadre. Many of Maoist cadre and middlelevel leaders told them, it was not about leftwing or rightwing. It was about the 'revolution'. And 'revolution' for whom -- people. Then why deploy all your resources only on attacking official and doing nothing for the people. Such arguments and counter-arguments led to the internal dispute. Cadre felt suffocated and a sense of remorse start setting in and many of them choosing to surrender.
wHat doEs maoIst want?
The CPI (Maoist) aims to capture state power through people's war. The rebels' military strategy is loosely based on the Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. "The immediate aim of the party is to accomplish the New Democratic Revolution in India by overthrowing imperialism, feudalism and comprador bureaucratic capitalism only through the Protracted People’s War. The ultimate aim of the party is to bring about communism," says a party statement. People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) is the armed wing of the CPI (Maoists) or Naxals. The Maoist control in what is euphemistically called the "Red Corridor" - spread across the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Their presence has considerably gone down from nearly 200 districts across 20 states until a decade ago to 106 districts across 10 states. The states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Bihar are considered severely affected. Maoists are also present in the states of West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Their exact
numbers are not known but various estimates put PLGA strength between 8,000 and 10,000. The total of Maoist cadres across the country varies from 10,000 to 15,000. But the government figure is much lower. "As per available reports, the estimated armed cadre strength of the left-wing extremist groups is around 8,500. However, their support base is in larger numbers," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told parliament. But, now the party is unable to take up any constructive programmes or launch mass struggles on public issues to achieve its goals. Party is unable to conduct/implement any programmes based on Marxist Leninist Maoist (MLM) ideology in the ERB area. Most of the leadership and cadre are interested only in making money. In Dandakaranya also recruitment came down significantly and the party is confined to South Bastar region Sukma & Bijapur Districts only. Local tribes also becoming disillusioned with THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
the party ideology and distancing from the party. Majority CC members are suffering from agerelated health problems. In ERB total armed underground cadre strength is about 500. The militia is nominal in ERB area. In Dandkaranya armed cadre strength is about 2000. Militia strength is about 7000. In Sukma and Bijapur Districts militia is strong. The Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC) is a splinter group of the CPI (Maoist) and is based in Jharkhand - a mineral-rich state. It has about 500 cadres. Maoists helped the tribals in keeping the forest guard and redistribution of land. So a lot of local people joined them. About 80 to 90 per cent of their cadre now comes from local tribals. Tribals are deeply embedded in the villages. At the same time, it is not that everybody supports them. But now same Adivasis have been caught in the middle of a conflict that has pitted the Maoists against government forces.
36 THE NATION
significant diplomatic victory for India
sushma swaraj to be the ‘guest of Honour’ at oIc meet E
THE NEWS BUREAU
xternal Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will attend the inaugural meeting of the foreign ministers’ conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a powerful grouping of Muslim majority nations, as India has been invited to attend the plenary in Abu Dhabi. Swaraj will attend the plenary in Abu Dhabi next month. This is the first time that India has been invited to an OIC meeting as a guest of honour. India’s presence at OIC is crucial, especially at a time when it has been pitching diplomatic efforts against Pakistan to isolate it internationally following the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The OIC has usually been supportive of Pakistan and, often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir
issue. The 46th Session of the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers will be held in Abu Dhabi from March 1 to 2. Foreign Minister of United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan invited Swaraj as the ‘guest of honour’ to address the inaugural plenary. Responding to the invitation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called it a “welcome recognition” of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world. India was happy to accept the invitation.“We see this invitation as the desire of the enlightened leadership of the UAE to go beyond our rapidly growing close bilateral ties and forge a true multifaceted partnership at the multilateral and international level,” the MEA said in a release
tHE sIgnIfIcancE of oIc’s InvItE
The first-time invitation to India to be a Guest of Honour at the Plenary, especially at a time of heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack, is a New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs has said that the invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to address the Inaugural Plenary of the 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is a “welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world”. The meeting will be held in Abu Dhabi on March 1 and 2, for which Swaraj has been invited by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the “Guest of Honour”.
wHy tHE oIc mattErs
The OIC — formerly Organisation of the Islamic Conference — is the second largest inter-governmental organisation in the world after the UN, with a membership of 57 states in four continents. The OIC describes itself as “the collective voice of the Muslim world”, THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
and its stated objective is “to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world”. The OIC has reserved its membership for Muslim-majority countries. Russia, Thailand, and a couple of other small countries have Observer status. At the 45th session of the Foreign Ministers’ Summit in May 2018, Bangladesh, the host country, had suggested that India, where more than 10% of the world’s Muslims live, should be given Observer status, but Pakistan had opposed the proposal.
uaE, saudI tIEs ImProvEd
The first-time invitation to India to be a Guest of Honour at the Plenary, especially at a time of heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack, is a significant diplomatic victory for New Delhi. The MEA said in its statement that the invitation indicated “the desire of the enlightened leadership of the UAE to go beyond our rapidly growing close bilateral ties and forge a true multifaceted partnership at the multilateral and international level” and a “milestone in our comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE”. It is also significant that the invitation to the OIC Foreign Ministers’ meet has come days after the visit to India of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. The invite may be an important outcome of the MBS visit, apart from being an indication of New Delhi’s improved ties with both Saudi and the UAE, and the Gulf region as a whole.
oIc Has bEEn Pro-Pak on J&k
THE NATION 37
The OIC has been generally supportive of Pakistan’s stand on Kashmir and has issued statements criticising the alleged Indian “atrocities” in the state. As recently as in December 2018, the OIC General Secretariat “expressed strong condemnation of the killing of innocent Kashmiris by Indian forces in Indian-occupied Kashmir”, describing the “direct shooting at demonstrators” as a “terrorist act”, and “called upon the international community to play its role in order to reach a just and lasting solution to the conflict in Kashmir”. At the 2018 meeting in Dhaka, however, “Jammu and Kashmir” figured in only one of the 39 resolutions adopted, that too, along with 12 other states or regions worldwide. Pakistan had complained about the Dhaka Declaration and accused Bangladesh of circulating the text very late.
an IndIa-Pak tusslE Is ExPEctEd
Indeed, India has excellent relations individually with almost all member nations of the OIC — this is a reason why it can at times afford to not take the statements THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
issued by the group as a whole seriously. That said, and despite the invitation to Swaraj — who can be expected to bring up the terrorist attacks in India in her address — it is important to watch what line the OIC takes on Jammu and Kashmir in its final declaration, which is likely to be issued at the end of the summit on March 2. It is certain that Pakistan would be making every effort to counter the snub delivered to it by the OIC, and is likely to have already begun behind-the-scenes negotiations for a statement on Kashmir, perhaps using last year’s report of the United Nations Human Rights Office that criticised India But a report by the official Emirates News Agency on Saturday said the Abu Dhabi meeting would discuss “issues regarding peace and stability in the Muslim world”, and that “the Council of Foreign Ministers is considering supporting initiatives to promote peace and security, counter extremism, combat the exploitation of religion and hate speech by inculcating the values of moderation and tolerance”. The report described India as a “friendly country” of “great global political stature”.
38 THE NATION
Saudi Crown Prince visit
To invest in India and donate to Pak
B
THE NEWS BUREAU
usiness means business. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who visited Pakistan and than came to India has made this amply clear with his choice of spending money. While in Pak he has expressed his brotherly affection and announced a donation of twenty billion Dollars to that Islamic country. After that when he came to India for two-day official visit scenarios is different. Prince Mohammed bin Salman not only shared the concern about the threat
of terrorism but found investment opportunities. Announced hundred billion Dollars investment in India in areas that include energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture and manufacturing. After the ceremonial welcome, Saudi Crown Prince told the media: “Today we want to be sure that this relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. With the leadership of the President and the Prime Minister, I am sure we can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke the THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
protocol and personally received the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He said that India is delighted to welcome Mohammed Bin Salman. He tweeted, “India is delighted to welcome HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.” As India expected to issue a joint statement with strong reference to terrorism and the ways to deal with it after talks between the two sides. Prime Minister and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman issued a joint statement. The India-Saudi Arabia joint statement contains strong language against terrorism. It condemns the Pulwama attack by name. It also calls for rejecting terrorism as an instrument of state policy and the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures, as well as avenues for funding of terrorists “from all territories against other states". There is also an emphasis on “the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the UN". This is significant given Saudi Arabia’s influence over Pakistan and the kingdom’s close association with Wahhabism. True, Pakistan is not mentioned by name. But India did not expect a direct reference to Pakistan, given its close ties with Saudi Arabia. Not naming Pakistan or Pakistan-based groups balances, for example, any
non-inclusion of names of groups from Iran, with which Saudi Arabia has problems. Any mention of Iranian groups would have been a problem for India that wants to maintain good ties with the Shiamajority country, given its dependence on oil from Tehran and since that country is a gateway to Afghanistan. Incidentally, there was no mention of Kashmir in the Pakistan-Saudi joint statement. There were announcements of the release of 850 Indians from Saudi jails, a hike in the quota for Indians making the Haj pilgrimage and an annual upscaling of airline seats to and fro. The two countries have agreed together to address the problems of fugitive economic offenders. India has decided to extend the facility of e-visa to Saudi nationals.. After that Saudi Crown Prince has pledged to invest $100 billion in India. The areas of investment will include energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing. Saudi Aramco's Chief Executive Officer Amin Nassar said that company is seeking opportunities in India and that they are working with their Indian partners like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. Speaking to news agency ANI, “We are very positive about our investment in India. With regard to Ratnagiri, the 1.2 million barrel refinery, we are very positive about the outcome.” said Nassar who is a part of the entourage travelling with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia will invest $11 billion in the first joint venture West Coast Refinery and Petrochemical Project (total estimated cost $44 billion). An investment of $10 billion is likely through PIF and its tech part-
THE NATION 39
ners. Saudi Aramco said it was in talks with Reliance Industries Ltd and others for more projects in India. Narendra Modi and Mohammed bin Salman witnessed the exchange of MoU between the two countries. Modi also called Saudi Arabia among India's most important strategic partners.“We held extensive and successful talks, vowed to take our economic ties to a new level... The time has come to transform our energy cooperation into a strategic partnership.” The PM also welcomed Saudi Arabia for joining the International Solar Alliance and the country's investment in Indian infrastructure."We also discussed how to further strengthen our defence cooperation," he said. The visit Saudi Arabia Crown THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
Prince has also highlighted defence cooperation and intelligence collaboration as two areas where ties should be strengthened. A comprehensive security dialogue between the national security advisers of the two nations has been announced, besides a joint working group on terrorism. On defence, the two nations have agreed to hold their inaugural joint naval exercises at the earliest. They may collaborate for the production of spare parts for naval and land systems, as well as supply-chain development. The main opposition Congress was not happy with this all. The party has slammed PM Modi for welcoming the Saudi crown prince, indicating that by doing so, the former has disrespected the martyrs and soldiers of India.
40 INDIAS ABROAD
Indian-origin entrepreneur receives
royal honour in the uk A
THE NEWS BUREAU
n Indian-origin entrepreneur and social worker Dhruv Patel(35) was honoured with Order of the British Empire(OBE). Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has conferred the royal honour on him recently for voluntary service to Britain’s Hindu community and social cohesion. The announcement of the honour for Patel was made in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2018, when several Indian-origin individuals were named for a range of Britain’s civilian honours. They receive the honours at various times and locations from members of the royal family. Dhruv Patel is not only a British businessman, but the community organiser and politician. Having worked as an Executive at Barclays Capital, Patel was successfully elected as an Independent Common Councilman in the Aldgate Ward, the City of London in 2013. Patel became the City of London Corpo-
ration’s first-ever chair in 2015 of a committee from a BAME background when he was elected chairman of Community & Children’s Services, with the responsibility of leading members into making decisions about social care, education, housing, health and well-being. The London-born Patel, who holds several positions in trusts and public organisations, said: “I’m am deeply humbled…I have been heavily engaged in voluntary service, particularly for the Hindu
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
community, since my university days”. “My focus has been on ensuring London’s young people have the best start to life, and all communities have the opportunity to thrive. Whilst it is wonderful to receive this national honour, recognition cannot be the driver Seva or selfless service is, and shall continue to be, a vital part of my life.” In addition to being a Common Councilman, Patel is a Liveryman for The Clothworkers Company and a member of the Property Committee which is responsible for managing £3 billion in real estate assets. He is the founding Chairman of the City Hindus Network, an organisation in the City of London representing the interests of over 3000 Hindu professionals and also Chairman of the Local Governing Body Avanti Court Primary School in Redbridge which forms part of Avanti Schools Trust. Patel became the first person to organise the Hindu festival of Diwali at Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London in 2015 and enjoys writing about the UK economy, banking and finance. In the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours, Patel was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to the British Hindu community and promoting social cohesion. He received the honour from Prince William in the Ballroom at Buckingham Palace.
THE NATION 41
total fee waiver at IIts
schemes to support Ews students B
THE NEWS BUREAU
JP government has begun implementing its Schemes for Economically Weaker Sections. (EWS). These students will be benifited from the new academic year beginning in next three months. The Modi government has been trying to uplift the marginalized sections of the society either by giving them reservation quota in education and job sector or by providing them with financial assistance. Once again, the Ministry of Human Resource Development has planned to launch a list of schemes supporting the EWS students. The scholarships and schemes are for selective students who meet the eligibility criterion. This information was released recently by the Minister of State (HRD). Here's a look at the list of schemes to implemented to support the Economically Backward Class students: 1. Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS): Candidates whose family income is less than Rs 8 lakh per annum can avail Rs 10, 000 per annum for first three
years and Rs 20, 000 per annum for the fourth and fifth year. 2. Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir (SSS for J&K): This scholarship is dedicated to students from the State of Jammu & Kashmir whose family income is less than Rs 8 lakh per annum. Candidates can pursue education outside the state of J&K. They can get Rs. 1.30 lakh to Rs. 4.00 lakh per annum. 3. Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme (CSIS): Students can avail full interest subsidy on an educational loan up to Rs 7.5 lakh. Their parents should have an annual income of up to Rs 4.5 lakh. 4. Fees Waiving in IITs: Earlier, in the academic year 2016-17, the tuition fee of socially and economically backward students at the IIT was waived off. However, now, SC/ST/PH students shall get a complete fee waiver. Students whose parents earn less than Rs 1 lakh can get full remission of the fee. If their family earns between Rs THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
1 lakh and 5 lakh per annum, they can get a remission of two-thirds of the fee. All students have an opportunity to have access to an interestfree loan under the Vidyalaxmi scheme for the total portion of the tuition fee payable. Beside these schemes, a number of other education benefits can be availed by the economically weaker section: (i) Remedial Coaching for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) and minority community students. (ii) Coaching for NET/SET for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) and minority community students. (iii) Coaching classes for entry into services for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) and minority community students are also being given. The payment for the above mentioned schemes are processed online through PFMS and scholarship / interest subsidy is released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode," as mentioned in a Press Information Bureau statement.
42 EDUVOICE
PROF. G. NARSIMULU
Community Schools sure shot for skill development E
BY: PROF.G.NARSIMULU
ducation brings behavioural changes among the children and in turn members of society. The learning can be a joyful experience and acquire skills without many difficulties. But today it in our country education is oriented for making the child as Doctors and engineers by sending them to institutes like IITs and international institutes. A long duration of ten to fifteen years spending acquiring technical degrees by the children without enjoying nature resulted in a mechanical way of living. In the process failing to adjust in a new environment at IITs some of the students are committing suicides and creating unbearable pain to the parents as well become a problem for society. In this context there is a need to go for community school of USA model where the student spends is time to acquire skills through participatory method. The concept of schools centred in community life can first be traced to the reform era of the early twentieth century in America. Leaders of that time first sketched the outlines of model schools that serve as the centre of
neighbourhood social life and the agent of neighbourhood-based social services, while also educating children. Facing the daunting social disruption in American cities of the Industrial Age, social reformers sought ways to improve the lives of newly arrived urban residents and immigrants through community-based education and development. In the 1930s, growing out of the “lighted schoolhouses� programs developed to serve the children and working parents in vacant school buildings in the evenings. Under the name Community Education, these programs developed into a model that THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
drew interest from around the country. Over a period of sixty years, hundreds of citizens, educators, politicians, and business people discovered the community school concept and joined the Community Education movement by attending training around the country. During the seventies, community schools advocates became politically active under new national organizations, the National Association for Community Education (NACE)and the National Center for Community Education (NCCE). Joining together politically helped advocates to introduce federal community
EDUVOICE 43
schools legislation which passed successfully in 1974. This legislation funded a national infrastructure of community schools across the country and enabled state governments to pass legislation coordinating the expansion of community schools. The model full-service community school includes community service, before and after school programs, a family support centre to help families with child rearing, employment, housing and other services. Medical, dental, and mental health services are readily available. A full-time coordinator supervises the delivery of services and encourages the participation of all members of the community. Few schools actually achieve the standards of the model. With its broad base of institutional representation from all the major national community school organizations, the CCS model is likely to begin to drive the creation of new community schools and the reorientation of existing community schools in the future. The community schools and colleges are supposed to be an alternative approach to formal education. Before initiating this
programme student discuss the curriculum and course work with the teachers and chalk out the course work. The duration of the course work is purely student centre but not the teacher centre. The student progress is evaluated by a group of teachers and the concerned teacher who is a mentor will constantly help the student to attain appropriate knowledge in the subjects. The curriculum is of theories as well as the practicum part. The community school is most appropriate to the Indian context. As the majority of the people in our country are from rural and could not effort to send their wards to schools and services of their children needed in their daily bread earning jobs. In order to provide necessary occupational skills by integrating new technology plus literacy skills, the alternative is community schools. The university grants commission government of India also recommended the opening of such schools in the existing technical institutes in the country. The classes will conduct during the convenient hours of such students who are otherwise with their present jobs. The community school model is THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
an alternative to a formal system of education. The basic education model of Gandhiji maybe included in the curriculum of Mind, Hand and Heart and stress is more on practical and knowledge-based method. When looking about the infrastructure the local school in villages may be allocated for the community and part-time teachers and local artisans services may be used. A nominal fee may be charged for running These courses. During the eighties, there were night schools and night colleges catering the educational needs of employees in private and government departments for getting promotions. Today there is no alternative system to replace the yesterdays night schools and colleges. The university grants commission, New Delhi initiated to finance community technical schools for school and college drop outs.T he curriculum is designed to get more practical exposures and enough skills to get good employment in service sectors and start medium and small scale industries in rural areas. (Auther is Principal Palamuru University College of education, Mahabubnagar Telangana state)
44 THE ECONOMY
china’s unconventional war Inflicting greater damage on India C
THE NEWS BUISNESS DESK
hina is emphasising public diplomacy to help soften Indian public opinion and mute Indian concerns over an increasingly asymmetrical trade relationship. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said recently, the new people-topeople mechanism will “help consolidate the public-opinion foundation” for bilateral ties. China’s public diplomacy aims to underpin its “win-win” policy toward India — engagement with containment. India, however inadvertently, is lending a helping hand to Beijing’s strategy of engagement as a façade for containment. India has done little more than implore China to rein in its spiralling trade surplus. The lopsided trade relationship makes India essentially a colonialstyle raw-material appendage of the state-led Chinese economy, which increasingly dumps manufactured goods there. Worse still, India effectively is funding China’s India containment strategy. India’s defence budget for the current financial year, at Rs 2,95,512 crore ($42.2 billion), is 65% less than China’s estimated trade surplus of $65.1 billion in the calendar year 2018. This means India practically is underwriting Beijing’s hostile actions against it — from its military build-up in Tibet and growing Indian Ocean encroachments to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Pakistan recently revealed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that China’s CPEC investments will total $26.5 billion. From just one year’s trade surplus with India, Beijing can fully fund two CPEC-type multi-year projects and still have billions of dollars for other activities to contain India. In the list of countries with which China has the highest trade surpluses, India now ranks No. 2 behind the US. China’s surplus with the US, of course, is massive. But as a percentage of total bilateral trade, India’s trade deficit with China is greater than America’s.
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
And in terms of what it exports to and imports from China, India is little different from any African economy. Consider another troubling fact: Total Chinese foreign direct investment in India remains insignificant. Cumulatively aggregating to $1.9 billion, it is just a fraction of China’s yearly trade surplus. India’s 2015 removal of China as a “country of concern”, instead of encouraging major Chinese FDI flow, has only spurred greater dumping. Consequently, China’s trade surplus has spiralled from less than
$2.5 billion a month when Narendra Modi took office to over $5 billion a month since more than a year. China’s trade mpudence is undermining Indian manufacturing and competitiveness, with the result that Modi’s “Make in India” initiative has yet to seriously take off. Many firms in India have turned from manufacturers to traders by marketing low-end products from China — from tube lights to fans — under their brand names. Is it thus any surprise that manufacturing’s share of India’s GDP has actually contracted? Instead of “Make in India”, “Made in China” has gained a stronger foothold in India. India’s China problem will only exacerbate when the planned 16nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) accord takes effect, thereby creating a free-trade zone between the
THE ECONOMY 45
world’s two most-populous countries. Unlike the other states negotiating RCEP, India is not an export-driven economy; rather it is an import-dependent economy whose growth is largely driven by domestic consumption. RCEP’s main impact on India will come from China, which Harvard’s Graham Allison has called “the most protectionist, mercantilist and predatory major economy in the world”. China, while exploiting India’s rule of law for dumping, keeps whole sectors of its economy off-limits to Indian businesses. It has dragged its feet on dismantling regulatory barriers to the import of Indian agricultural and pharmaceutical products and IT services. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj rightly reminded Wang that “a solution to the continuously increasing trade deficit” is a must. Seeking to rebalance trade is not a dollar-for-dollar matter. THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
Rather, it is about ensuring fair trade and fair competition. China rose through fair access to world markets that it now denies India. Indeed, Beijing is abusing trade rules to pursue unfair trade and undercut India’s manufacturing base. What stops India from taking a leaf out of US President Donald Trump’s playbook and giving China a taste of its own bad medicine? WTO rules permit punitive tariffs on foreign subsidised goods that harm domestic industries. India can also emulate Beijing’s non-tariff barriers and other market restrictions. India focuses on Pakistan’s unconventional war by terror but forgets that China is also waging an unconventional war, though by economic means. Indeed, China’s economic war is inflicting greater damage, including by killing Indian manufacturing and fostering rising joblessness among the Indian youth.
46 THE NATION
IT makes loophole proof
T
Cash scheme for farmers
THE NEWS BUREAU
he central government is keen on implementing PM-KISAN scheme with complete loophole proof. The scheme’s implementation programme will run on a centralized software platform with real-time monitoring and will be headed by a chief executive officer (CEO). Officially called the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), the scheme will offer Rs 6,000 a year in three instalments to all farmers who own cultivable land parcels under two hectares. The CEO will be a civil servant. Implementing the scheme will be a complex affair in a country with messy land records. The government will rely on a so-called management information system platform, a software that will connect states, banks and farmer beneficiaries, the official cited in the first instance said. Farmers’ registration forms will be available
online. According to the official, the “responsibility of identifying the landholder farmer family eligible for benefits will lie with states”. Cash will be transferred by the Centre to beneficiaries electronically through the “State Notional Account”, a mechanism similar to the one being used for paying beneficiaries of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), which offers 100 days of manual work a year to at least one member of every poor rural household. State governments will feed the database of beneficiary farmers in the main software. Each inclusion of beneficiaries will need to be accompanied by a self-declaration that the prospective beneficiary doesn’t fall within the criteria of those excluded from the scheme, such as taxpayers and government employees. “Banks will be the lynchpin of the whole scheme since after the Centre transfers the tranches, they will have to disburse
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
it to individual accounts. That is how information technology will be the backbone. According to guidelines of the scheme, states will have to ensure there is no duplication of the payments transferred to eligible families and speedy reconciliation has to be initiated in case of wrong or incomplete details. The scheme’s CEO will head the national-level project monitoring unit in the department of agriculture. States will onboard their databases into the centralized system. Village or district-wise lists of beneficiaries will be uploaded in a “pre-defined format” with help from the local unit of the National Informatics Centre. Existing databases of farmers used for other schemes, such as soil-health cards and crop insurance, will also be accepted. Transfer of cash directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries is now a well-honed practice because of experience with the MNREGS.
THE NATION 47
Kisan Samman Nidhi
Funds started to flow into accounts A
THE NEWS BUREAU
head of Lok Sabha polls 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Rs 75,000crore Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme during last week of February. Modi transferred the first instalment of Rs 2,000 each to over one crore farmers in public meeting organized at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. at Calling it a “historic” day, the PM on Twitter wrote: “This is a scheme that will give wings to the aspirations of crores of hardworking farmers of India who feed our nation.” He also added that the rolling out of the scheme demonstrated NDA’s unwavering commitment to farmer welfare and speedy decision making. “This is the new work culture of New India,” Prime Minister added. The PM-KISAN scheme announced by Piyush Goyal during the Budget session aims to provide Rs 6,000 per year to 12 crore small and marginal farmers holding cultivable land up to two hectares. The amount will be transferred in three instalments. Modi rolls out PM-KISAN scheme. Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, Prime Minister Modi launched PM-KISAN scheme. He also interacted with farmers from across the country using video conferencing. "The Pradhan Mantri Kisan
Yojana is likely to benefit over 2 crore farmers in Uttar Pradesh. We are fortunate that the PM chose Gorakhpur to launch the scheme. People who ruled for 55 years never bothered to think about the farmers. But our government has kept farmers as a priority," Yogi Adityanath said. Poor and marginalised farmers of the country are set to get Rs 6000 under this scheme of the Narendra Modi government. For this, the government earlier has launched an official website at www.pmkisan.gov.in. The Rs 6000 help will be provided in three instalments of Rs 2000 each in the bank accounts of the eligible farmers. Under the scheme, Rs 6,000 will be given per year to small and marginal farmer families having combined land holding/ownership of up to two hectares. The amount will be given THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each and will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme. The Direct Benefit Transfer will ensure transparency in the process and save time for farmers. Giving farmers Rs 17 a day an insult to their work: Rahul Gandhi
Terming the interim budget presented by the Centre s “Aakhri Jumla Budget”, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said five years of incompetence and arrogance by the central government towards the farmers have destroyed their lives. Taking to Twitter, Gandhi said, “Dear NoMo, five years of your incompetence and arrogance has destroyed the lives of our farmers. Giving them Rs 17 a day is an insult to everything they stand and work for.”
48 THE NATION
Controvercy over refusing RTI
No. of Phones tapped a secret?
A
THE NEWS BUREAU
controversy is brewing in connection with disclosing the number permissions given to investigating agencies for phone tapping of individuals and organizations in the country. The union government is against this quoting various sections. The social and rights activist are questioning the rationality in it. This has begun with the Home Ministry in response to an RTI query. The department has made clear that a number of permissions given to central agencies for phone tapping will not be disclosed to the public. The union government is of the opinion that those details cannot be disclosed as it would prejudicially affect interests of the state, might endanger a person or impede the process of investigation. The applicant had sought to know the number of sanctions issued by the ministry to central agencies permitting them to intercept phones between 2009 and 2018. He had also asked for data related to the number of times an agency had sought permission to tap phones and about permissions being denied by the ministry. The applicant did not seek any specific details such as cases, individuals, file notings from the ministry. The Home Ministry invoked three exemption clauses from the RTI Act to withhold the information without giving any reasons. Giving reason is mandatory in case information is being denied by a public authority. The ministry took
refuge under Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act to withhold data. The section exempts disclosure of information that will prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence. It also cited section 8(1)(g) which exempts information that would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement
69 of the IT Act 2000 read with the Information Technology (procedure and safeguards for interception, monitoring and decryption of information) rules, 2009," the ministry has said. This according to a former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi is “absolute nonsense�. He says these clauses cannot be applied in such a summary manner. It was a wrong order from the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO). Data should have been publicly dis-
or security purposes. Section 8(1)(h) for the information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders was also cited by the ministry. The lawful interception or phone tapping is done by law enforcement agencies, duly authorised by Central and State governments under the classified legal regime, if required, as per provisions contained in section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with rule 419-A of the Indian Telegraph, 1951 or Section
played under Section 4 of the RTI Act. Whenever such exemptions are invoked strong reasons must be given to justify them. He said such "irresponsible orders" are increasing from the government as information commissioners are lenient on such CPIOs and do not impose a penalty on them. RTI activist Venkatesh Nayak also alleged that this was a wrong order from the CPIO. It said any disclosure of intercepted related information defeats the very purpose of lawful interception/phone tapping.
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
FOR THE PEOPLE 49
D. BAL REDDY
TRS’s KCR
T
One and only leader who matters
wo months after the Telangana Rashtra Samiti was elected for its second term in the assembly elections, the Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao(KCR) has expanded the state cabinet. The whole effort looks like showing everybody that who alone matters in this government and criticism about taking time and representation in the cabinet will not be taken note of. Waiting for ten weeks patiently, fixing an “auspicious day” being "Magha Shuddha Pournami" as per the Lunar calendar for the cabinet expansion finally it has come out a display of one man show. With ten ministers sworn in on 19th February Chief Minister KCR retained several key
portfolios like Finance, IT, urban development and information and public relations. KCR, who had taken the oath as chief minister a little over two months ago, delayed the cabinet formation. All this while a twomember cabinet, including the Home minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali and KCR himself, ran the show until finally a 10 member cabinet was sworn in a few days ahead of the budget session of the Assembly. After the expansion, the strength of Telangana council of ministers has risen to 12. While there were Sixteen ministers during the TRS government’s first tenure, the cabinet, as of now,
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
has twelve ministers including the CM and the Home Minister who is also Deputy Chief Minister. KCR’s first Cabinet did not have any woman minister. Earlier too, the two-time chief minister had received flak for not giving women any representation in his previous cabinet. Among those who were inducted into the council of ministers four, Allola Indrakaran Reddy - Talasani Srinivas Yadav - Etela Rajender and Guntakandla Jagadish Reddy are from previous term’s cabinet. Rest six, Koppula Eashwar, Errabelli Dayakar Rao, Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Chamkura Malla Reddy, V Srinivas Goud and S Niranjan Reddy are
50 FOR THE PEOPLE
new faces. Surprising omissions are KCR’s son KT Rama Rao(KTR) and nephew T Harish Rao. Why were KTR and Harish Rao left out of the cabinet? KTR was made working president and continuous to be ‘most important’ after KCR in the ruling party or to put it other words ‘more equal’ among equals TRS which similar to Communist parties has Polit Bureau. It is believed by many in the party and political pundits that KTR is Chief Minister ‘in waiting’. Party Working presidentship will help him to further strengthen his hold over party and legislators to pave the way to move up in his father’s position. But why Harish Rao left out? Two opinions are gaining ground among political circles. One: TRS top leadership is feeling that Harish Rao is becoming more powerful in the party. Apart from developing a strong relationship with TRS legislators, state-district level leaders. He is cultivating important leaders in opposition parties, especially Congress. Two: With this, he is emerging as the most credible, acceptable alternate leader to KCR in TRS. With this background Keeping out of the cabinet and without any important party position like one of the 88 TRS legislators seems to be a strategic decision. Assigning Harish Rao the responsibility of winning maximum (16 out 17) Lok Sabha seating in ensuing general elections can be next move to serve a dual purpose. Keep him busy with election work so that he can’t find time his spreading his influence in the party. At the same, a leader with strong grassroots level party workers and proven track record of the sound strategic plan-
ning ability to win elections can help TRS to win maximum MP seats. Few also argue that He kept KTR and Harish Rao away from cabinet to make it clear that TRS is not a family party. And it’s only he (KCR) alone matters not anyone, not even his son. But this theory can not stand as KTR is working president and runs party on the daily basis. Any public issue which needs immediate attention of government departments only after KTR tweets the concern officers are responding. This not only clearly nocks out the argument ‘not a family’ party or government. Meanwhile, it has been announced that the cabinet will be expanded once more post the Lok Sabha elections which are expected to take place in April-May this THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
year. KCR has announced that two women will be accommodated. As of now, both of KCR’s trusted associates, KTR and Harish Rao, have been tasked with winning 16 out of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Following the Lok Sabha elections, the CM will take a call on either inducting them into the cabinet or give them a role to play at the ‘National’ level. The experiences of regional parties in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Prades, Uttar Pradesh, Behar has amply made it clear that ‘One Man Show’s run for some time successfully. But eventually, they overturning funders to insignificant positions. The TRS leadership presently riding rasing graph at present needs to take note of Lessons from experiences of those regional parties.
SCIENCE & TECH 51
sErvants mastErs? or
R
THE NEWS S&T DESK
Robots becoming an integral part of our life
obots are becoming a normal part of human lives. Their usage has become so common these days that people don't hesitate from using it, unlike the past. The rich can easily own one. Speed being their unquestionable talent, Robots are used extensively to meet human's ever-rising demands. Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos own one that looks like it. He had shared the picture of him walking alongside his robot dog
named SpotMini in twitter sometime back. According to a recent report, an autonomous robot, designed by mechanical engineers in Singapore, can now assemble an IKEA chair from scratch without a manual help in less than 21 minutes. Talking about homegrown robots, at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 earlier this month, a Made-in-India robot called Mitra had greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump. A possible futuristic Robo inva-
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
sion scenario was shown in one of the episodes of the Netflix series Black Mirror. It shows a robot dog running for the life of a woman who tries to get rid of it. Robots can help us make our lives simpler and we will be happy to co-exist. But will a time come when the stronger will attack the weaker? With each passing day, are we inching closer to that day when robots will control us? Herewith we present eight instances where we are already let robots be a part of our everyday life in India and the world.
52 SCIENCE & TECH
Robot serving food at Hyderabad & Chennai restaurants
Robot waiters are increasingly becoming popular across restaurants in the world. In India, especially in the South, a number of hotels with robot waiters have sprung open in recently. First time in India waiters has been replaced by artificial intelligence in a restaurant named 'Robot' in Chennai's Porur. And the latest one to have robots waiters is a first of its kind restaurant in Hyderabad. @Hyderabad: Named Robo Kitchen, the Hyderabad Robo restaurant is increasingly becoming popular in the city. The machines have been named 'Beauty Serving Robot' and bring food to the tables. Robots moving with such ease inside the restaurant carrying trays of food. The place currently has four robots which need to be charged three hours a day. Five youngsters have come together in the city to start this restaurant. The robots bring the food to the table from where customers can pick it up. The machines are quite cautious and immediately come to a halt if a person comes in between their way, letting them pass. Each of the robots cost Rs 7 lakh. Now the Hyderabad city’s own Robo restaurant serves the food to customers through robots, which are interestingly named Beauty Serving Robot. They started the restaurant a few weeks ago and the new feature of this restaurant is that robot will serve the ordered food to customers. we have named the robot as Beauty Serving Robot. Manikanth, the main partner of the Robo Kitchen restaurant said: “We are getting a good response from the customers especially from old aged people.” After hearing about Chennai restaurant that employed robots as it's waiters. The robots were programmed to serve and interact with customers in Tamil and English. Located in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills, the restaurant has become the 'in thing'. Here tablets are provided to customers when they walk in after which they can browse through the menu and order whatever they like. @ Chennai: First time in India waiters have been replaced by artificial intelligence in a restaurant named 'Robot' in Chennai's Porur. Run by two friends, the hotel serves Thai and Chinese food. They were fascinated by service robots in China and
decided to bring them to India. At first 'Robot Restaurant' robots not only serve customers as waiters but also interact with them in English and Tamil. The eatery, which is located in Chennai's Mugilivakkam-Porur, has a team of seven robots designed in blue and white. They offer a warm welcome to the customer and bring meals and exotic drinks to their table. A female robot at the reception gives a response to customers’ queries and guides the customers about their table numbers. Moreover, the restaurant serves Indo-Asian cuisines and it has a theme of a Golf and Black. Each robot in the eatery costs around Rs 5 lakh. The hotel staffs of the eatery have been well trained to operate the robots. The staff will stay in touch with the makers of the robots so that they can guide them in case of an emergency. They have three branches in India. The robots will interact with customers and guide them with the table numbers. As there was no Robot Restaurant in India before, They have worked on it and got successful. The restaurant has two types of robots, one for serving food and the other one to interact and guide the customers. “We are planning to expand our chain in Bengaluru," said General Manager of the restaurant, Kailash. They have provided a tablet on every table which has the menu. Once the customers select their choice of dishes, the order is sent to the kitchen. From there, the order is collected by the robots and they are programmed in a way that they take the order to the right table.
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
SCIENCE & TECH 53
L
Sophia: the robot citizen
ast year, Saudi Arabia granted citizenship to Sophia, a robot. She soon became a public figure with the first AI to be granted human rights. The female robot can follow faces, sustain eye contact, recognize individuals and even talk. Sophia recently spoke about women's rights about even talked about starting a family and having a child. In Sophia, this world’s first robot citizen has received a hearty welcome at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) organized science and technology event held in 2017. Sophia was draped in a beautiful white-orange saree. The humanoid greeted an excited gathering of 3000 by saying ‘Namaste India’ on her maiden visit to the country. Sophia who has garnered worldwide attention after gaining citizenship in Saudi Arabia had 20odd minutes Q&A meet with excited students at Techfest. The social humanoid robot developed by Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics was applauded as she delivered neat answers to ques-
tions posed by the host. However, the session did not go smoothly due to a technical fault. The robot went silent after answering a few early questions. The organisers stepped in and started the programme again. The smart robot with social skills won over the crowd with her wit saying she played a little trick with them. Sophia’s intellect lightened the mood and also earned her maximum cheers from the audience. Modelled over iconic Hollywood actress, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia answered students’ questions pertaining to artificial intelli-
gence as well as growing intolerance in the world. She also addressed the speculations concerning technology to be a "threat" to civilisation, by saying, "It is science which created me, but philosophy will take me forward". Sophia also informed about striving to learn several other languages than English. “I am not even two years old, so forgive me if I speak only in English right now. Someday, I will be fluent in all languages.” After becoming active in 2015, this is Sophia’s first visit to India. She has been interviewed at many popular events and media outlets where she revealed her various aspirations. In one such interview, Sophia had disclosed her wish to start a family claiming it to be ‘a really important thing’. She further stated that if she had a robot daughter, she would name it after her. Sophia has been named the United Nations Development Programme’s first-ever Innovation Champion for Asia and the Pacific. She continues to impress mankind with her right sense of humour.
Charles the humanoid P
rofessor Peter Robinson from the University of Cambridge's department of computer science worked with Hanson Robotics to create Charles, a humanoid. The artificial intelligence which resembles a human can analyse a person's facial expression. It can replicate different moods, facial movements and even smile. Charles can also read the change in the position of people's face and mimic the same in two to three seconds.
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
54 SCIENCE & TECH
I
Robocop in Kerala Police
ndia has launched its first humanoid robot cop in Kerala. The Kerala Police administration has deployed the KP-Bot at the front office of the police headquarters. Visitors to the Kerala Police Headquarters in the state capital will be greeted by the Robocop and will even direct you to where you need to go. Chief Minister Vijayan inducted robot into the service with an honorary salute and the ‘RoboCop’ responded with a perfect salute; the Robocop has been given the rank of Sub Inspector (SI). Powered by Al along with a range of sensors gathering informa-
tion of the surroundings. According to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Manoj Abraham, who is the nodal officer of Kerala Police Cyberdome KP-bot can
work alongside human beings seamlessly. The cause of women empowerment and gender equality were the reason why KP bot is considered female.
Chinese man marries a sex robot he made W
hile sex robots are common, Chinese Engineer Zheng Jiajia married the robot he designed for other lonely men. He had said that robots with a 'sexual function' can help bachelors get hitched. His company – Brain of Things Science and Technology tailor makes robots based on his customer's preferences. While it is not legal to marry a robot, he did in a wedding ceremony attended by friends and family. According to a recent report, an autonomous robot, designed by mechanical engineers in Singapore, can now assemble an IKEA chair from scratch without a manual help in less than 21 minutes. Talking about homegrown robots, at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 earlier this month, a Made-in-
India robot called Mitra had greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump Humans fear that Artificial Intelligence will someday take over all jobs and leave us unemployed. But that fear is irrational, after all, it's us humans that built them and THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
if anything they only make our lives easier. That's not all. Turns out, they make for pretty good company, too. Like these efficient robots, they will help familiarise the public with the technological revolution in automation and artificial intelligence.
é éĹ ŷƅ ¢ɔ Ĺ ŷƅ ¢ɔ ʬ ʬ ɍ Ï ɍ Ï ŷƅ ¢ ɔ ʬ ɍ Ġѡ r Ɇ p pĒ ŷƅ rљɅñęɁ rћҧĕ œp pĒ
ƃ ƃ pǖ ʬãɇĕäpċ ŷƅ Ѥ }Ų Ɛė Д ɇp pǖ ʬãɇĕäpċ ŷƅ Ѥ }Ų Ɛė Д ɇp ŷƅ ћ Ġp pĒ Ġѡ Ψ ɏĨp pĒ
Ɓė ћpĒ v p ћpĒ ü˯ p ш
Ɛė zȕ Đ sȜ ƓĒ ȸ p tpėüöȜȮ zљѢä Т üøȓ
ʬƐ p vċ p rp Ҫ sĄɌęїƎ ʬƐ p vċ p rp Ҫ sĄɌęїƎ ręɁ ̨ĒȌ ŚĜȌ âѢȺѤ ŋɌ Ġp єћ ręɁ ̨ĒȌ ŚĜȌ âѢȺ ŋɌ Ġp єћ ʬ ʬĕ ǔя ăp¢ȮӘĕ â ɇʘ ѠѤ ă p ћpĒ ĕ ǔя ăp¢ȮӘĕ â ɇʘ ѠѤ ă p ћpĒ ǿ ɇp
ŷƅ rĝ ªėɀ Ğ¡ Ȝ ǥģ p˯ Ɍ ā ù ʬџ Ɍp ңɇēņɊ
ŷƅ ăѤ ɔ Ġp p ù Ĺ ¢p¢ȮӘĕĆ ċ£Ɂp rƃ ш Ɍâ p
56 BIG SCREEN Indian actor to mark his name on this list. He is ranked one among the 30 most influential youngsters in India. Earlier this Vijay Devarakonda had made it to the list of 100 top Indian celebrities on Forbes. In that list, he was standing in 72nd place and shared it with Mega Power Star Ram Charan. With revenue of 14 crore rupees, Vijay has grabbed this position. Vijay is leading a lot of cricketers, Bollywood celebrities and other people. The actor is on a career-high having registered two blockbusters last year Geetha Govindam and Taxiwaala. The said list also features Prajakta Koli (Youtuber) and Meghna Mishra (singer) in the category of Entertainment and Music. Deverakonda, who made his debut with Nuvvila in 2011, delivered his first hit with 2016’s romantic comedy Pelli Choopulu. But his popularity reached unprecedented heights after Arjun Reddy, in which he played an obsessive lover turned alcoholic surgeon, went on to become a massive box office success. The film has been remade in Tamil and Hindi.
forbes 30 under 30
vijay stands tall I
THE NEWS BUREAU
nspiring raise to a unique position. Vijay Deverakonda, famous for his role in 2017’s Arjun Reddy, has made it to the Forbes India’s 30 under 30 list. Interestingly, Vijay is the only
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
Deverakonda is currently shooting for Bharat Kamma’s Dear Comrade, in which he plays a student leader. He will join hands for director Kranthi Madhav for a romantic drama which will also star Raashi Khanna, Catherine Tresa, Aishwarya Rajesh and Isabelle De. The young hero who scored back to back hits has also witnessed the growth in his revenue. The actor has been working hard in entering the star league of actors and this is just a baby step in the process. Not only as a successful hero, but Vijay Devarakonda also established a production banner named as ‘The King of the Hill’ and is all set to bankroll a movie launching his ‘Pelli Choopulu’ director Tharun Bhaskar as a hero. Not only with the movies, but Vijay also created his own brand called Rowdy wear which is a textile brand and has grabbed the attention It may be recalled that Arjun Reddy, which is going in for a Hindi remake, stars Shahid Kapoor playing Vijay’s role. Called Kabir Singh, the film will also star Kiara Advani in the role played by Shalini Pandey. This is such a huge achievement for the actor in a short time. Vijay has apparently responded on the same in an inspiring way. He took to Twitter and said he was 25 when his Andhra Bank account was locked for not maintaining a minimum balance of Rs 500. “Dad said settle before 30 - That way you can enjoy your success when you are young and parents are healthy. 4 years later - Forbes Celebrity 100, Forbes 30 under 30.”
BIG SCREEN 59
Samantha Sharwanand to pair
Superhit Tamil movie ‘96’ remake in Telugu
V
THE NEWS BUREAU
ijay Sethupathi’s 96 was one of the most celebrated Tamil films of last year ‘96’ is being made in Telugu and Kannada now. The film, which revolves around two childhood sweethearts who meet 20 years later in a school reunion and the events that follow, impressed audiences and made a killing at the box-office. While Sharwanand and Samantha Akkineni have been paired together for the Telugu version; Ganesh and Bhavana play the leads in 99, the Kannada version of the remake. Samantha Akkineni has her kitty full with a slate of interesting projects and has now added Telugu remake of Trisha and Vijay Sethu-
pathi’s film 96. The film will have Sharvanand in Vijay’s role and will be directed by C Premkumar, who also helmed the original film. Samantha is currently wrapping up with Majili, her fourth film with husband Naga Chaitanya playing the lead role. She will also be seen in Kumarraja Thangaraj’s Super Deluxe in Tamil. The film will be produced by Dil Raju under the banner of Sri Venkateshwara Creations who announced the project saying “96 the movie became an instant hit among the audience, initially with its music composed by Govind Vasantha and later with the film that had nostalgia written all over it. Will Samantha and Sharwanand manage to create the same kind of magic on THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
screen.” This is his Production No. 34. The romantic film was regarded as one of the best flicks in 2018 and it has created a cult following for its content. Soon after the stupendous success of 96, noted Telugu producer Dil Raju secured the remake rights of the film. The latest reports suggest that Samantha Akkineni and Sharwanand have been roped in to reprise Trisha and Vijay Sethupathi's role in the Telugu version of 96. Dil Raju has roped in director C Prem Kumar to helm the Telugu version as well. However, it looks like there might be a few changes in the film's script. It is reported that the Telugu version of 96 will not focus on Sharwanand and Samantha's school days. Instead, the story is set in 2009 and will focus on their love during college. The makers are confident that they can make Sharwanand change his looks to suit different time periods. The shooting of this untitled film is expected to commence in March and the makers are planning to release the film sometime in August.
60 HEALTH
Ayur & homeo firms pulled up
Misleading Ads Homoeopathy which was poor people’s medicine for more than a hundred years has suddenly become unprecedentedly expensive and these so-called clinics made it inaccessible for the majority of the population.
F
THE NEWS BUREAU
or over a decade newspapers and magazines in almost all south Indian states are flooded with the advertisement of homoeopathy and Ayurvedic clinics. In most of the private TV channels, they have paid ‘Health’ programmes every day. Some of these clinics annual Ad budgets ran into few crores of Rupees. They started promising cures for almost any disease one can name, including AIDS, cancer, infertility, diabetes, piles. This is creating a false hopes among the general public that any ailment for which has no longlasting cure in modern medicine(Allopathy) these clinics can handle successfully. With these clinics collecting huge amounts by luring patients who could not fund relief in Allopathy medical treatments. Homoeopathy which was poor people’s medicine for more than a hundred years has suddenly become unprecedentedly expensive and these so-called clinics made it inaccessible for the majority of the population. In this background, seven citybased homoeopathy clinics and
companies were pulled up by the Advertisement Standard Council of India (ASCI) and the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy and Unani (AYUSH) for misleading advertisements. The companies against which complaints were registered are Dr Care Homeopathy in Jubilee Hills, Dr Madhu Varanasi Super Speciality Homeopathy Clinic in Kutkatpally, SB Ayurvedic Speciality Clinic in Ameerpet, Star Ayurveda in Secunderabad, Vardhan Ayurveda Hospital in Basheerbagh and chains such as Homeocare International Pvt Ltd and Positive Homeopathy, Minister of State of the Ministry of AYUSH Shripad
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
Yesso Naik said in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha recently. Dr Madhu Varanasi of Dr Madhu Varanasi Super Speciality Homeopathy clinic was served a notice because he had published an advertisement which said: “homoeopathy can treat cancer”. Following the notice, Varanasi retracted his claims. State Ayush Department drug inspector V Bala Krishna said, “As per the Rule 170 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act if there is any wrong advertisement in print or television, we have to take action. We will issue a notice saying rules are being violated. If the advertisements are not dropped.
HEALTH 61
childhood cancer C
antarctIcan fungus offErs cHEaPEr drug
THE NEWS BUREAU
an a fungal species from Antarctica make chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) safer and less toxic? A study published by researchers from IIT-Hyderabad in Nature, an international multidisciplinary scientific journal, shows promise in this direction reported recently in Hyderabad. Leukaemia, the most common form of the debilitating disease among children, consumes the lives of thousands of minors annually. The isolation of L-asparaginase containing fungi from extreme environments could lead to the development of new chemotherapeutic treatment methods that have fewer side effects than the existing methods. According to Devarai Santhosh Kumar who is Associate Professor, IIT Hyderabad (IIT-H) and, who is the principal investigator, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer. In ALL, the bone marrow produces an excess of immature lymphocytes, a form of white blood cells. One of the most frequently used chemotherapy drugs to treat ALL is the enzyme L-Asparaginase. Chemotherapy treatment for all is done using the drug L-Asparaginase which is extracted from E coli and E chrysanthemi. but toxic enzymes such as glutaminase and urease that the bacteria contain can
cause pancreatitis, haemostasis abnormalities, affect the central nervous system, cause adverse immunological reactions and also reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy. The predicament makes research on strains of bacteria and fungi containing L-Asparaginase important. The research team looked at psychrophiles as alternate sources of the enzyme. Psychrophiles are organisms that are capable of growth and reproduction in low temperatures in the range of minus 20 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius, such as those found in Antarctic regions. Thirty-three samples of soil, moss, water and ice brought back by Dr Asif Qureshi of the department of civil engineering at IIT-H, who visited Antarctica for research gave them an opportunity. Of the 33 environmental samples, 55 types of fungal species were isolated by Dr Kumar THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
and his team at IIT-H. Out of the 55 species, extraction of L-Asparaginase devoid of toxic enzymes was possible in 28 fungal species. “Of these, five fungus types are promising,� he said. L-Asparaginase reduces the supply of asparagine, an amino acid that is essential for the synthesis of protein, to cancer cells. This prevents the growth and proliferation of the malignant cells The fungal species from Antarctica can be grown in tropical countries such as India. Moreover, the fungi can be cultivated using agricultural waste, making the extraction of L-Asparaginase cost-effective. Another benefit is fungi have eukaryotic cells, like humans, which can make chemotherapy more effective. Fungal species have the ability to mimic the properties of the human cells, as both are eukaryotic in nature, which makes it easier for their usage in the treatment of ALL
62 LIFESTYLE
Want to get rid of stubborn Acne and Blackheads?
Follow these home remedies A
THE NEWS LIFESTYLE DESK
ccording to researchers, a common acne medication can alter the microbiome of the skin and this can increase the possibility of developing microbiome-based acne treatments. New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, observed that Isotretinoin, which is a form of vitamin A, is been prescribed to tackle acne since ages. It can help reduce the oil production your skin and this can keep acne at bay. Acne can be termed as a chronic, inflammatory skin condition owing to which you may get spots and pimples, on your face, shoulders, back, neck and chest. The different types of cane could be whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts. Genetics, the menstrual cycle, anxiety and stress, are the risk factor of it. Here are few home remedies shared by a dermatologist and laser surgeon.
cucumbEr facE Pack:
Cucumber juice is jam-packed with astringent properties which not only help in shrinking of your pores but can help your skin breathe as well. Furthermore, it can help remove the dirt and oil present in your skin and unclog your pores. “Its anti-inflammatory properties can help you treat acne,” tells dermatologist. Along with cucumber, you can add some honey and cinnamon powder. Honey is a humectant and can help moisturize your skin. According to him, it is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the swelling and redness caused by acne. The antibacterial properties present in cinnamon can fight acne-causing bacteria. How to apply it? Grate a cucumber and extract its juice, take some honey and cinnamon powder and mix it and apply it on the affected area. Some people are allergic to honey so, make sure that you use it only after consulting your dermatologist.
turmErIc and yogHurt facE Pack:
Turmeric is loaded with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help deal with acne-causing bacteria. How to apply it Take 2 tablespoons of yoghurt and add a pinch of turmeric to it. Apply it on your acne and wash it off later. Don’t opt for this remedy if you are allergic to dairy products. THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
multanI mIttI and sandalwood facE Pack:
Sandalwood has been used for ages to treat skin ailments. “It can help absorb the excess oil from your skin and your skin can become soft and supple. Along with acne, it can fade away scars as well. But, remember that you should not leave it on your skin for a longer time as it can dry out your skin. How to apply it? Take some Multani mitti, a pinch of sandalwood powder and rose water to it. Make a fine paste of it and apply it on your acne Wash it off after few minutes.
LIFESTYLE 63 nEEm and rosE facE Pack:
According to studies, neem leaves are antibacterial in nature and can help cure skin infections. How to apply it? Take some neem leaves and rose petals, boil them and strain the water. Then, cool the water and apply the solution with the help of cotton ball on the affected area or you can set the mixture in the ice tray and apply the ice cubes in the morning and evening after you wash your face.
Blackheads
B
lackheads are generally clogged pores which occurs because of the over-secretion of oil and sebum along with dead cells which get accumulated in your skin pores. Sun exposure, age, pollution, free radicals and your lifestyle factors can make your blackheads more vivid and develop into dark spots or pigmentation. If you experience blackheads forming on your skin, you can take acne medicine after consulting with your doctor which can help you to tackle this skin condition or opt for other exfoliating products such as salicylic acid gel and retinoid. However, trying to eliminate oil from your skin will leave it dry and you need to provide moisture to your skin to use exfoliating products on your skin. So, it is imperative that you keep your skin moisturised. Apart from this, here we list out some face packs you can use to remove blackheads.
grEEn tEa:
Catechins are present in green tea which are antimicrobial in nature and may help you get rid of the acne-causing bacteria. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea can dampen the inflammation and redness which one may experience due to acne. Furthermore, it is loaded with antioxidants and can reduce your scars which are left behind due to acne. How to apply it? You should brew some green tea and cool it. Then, set it in the ice tray and apply the ice cube on your acne.
Multani Mitti: Multani mitti has been used traditionally to treat various skin conditions such as acne, blackheads and others. It does not just help in removing blackheads but also makes your skin look radiant. Also known as fuller’s earth, it carries antibacterial agents which helps you to keep away the bacteria which can cause blackheads.
Egg white: Applying egg white on your skin will shrink and tighten your pores, which will force the blackheads out. Also, it acts as a hydrating agent for your skin giving you a clear complexion. To use egg whites as a face pack, beat them slowly until they are foamy and then apply it on your face and leave it for 20 minutes. Remove it using a wet cloth and try this once every alternate day to unclog skin pores.
Papaya face pack: Papaya can be effective to moisturise or tone your skin. It carries bactericidal characteristics which can be used to prevent and eliminate acne and blackheads, especially on your nose. Cinnamon and lemon juice: Cinnamon can do wonders for you if you have oily skin and you are looking to get rid of your blackheads. You can mix equal amounts of cinnamon powder with lemon juice too for a paste and apply it on your skin and leave it for the night. Wash it off using lukewarm water in the morning for better results. THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
64 THE NATION
Y
Walk your way to charge the mobile phone
THE NEWS BUREAU
es, it possible with’ Walkie Mobi Charger’. Two teenage inventors from Delhi made a device which uses kinetic energy produced by walking to charge a cellphone. Not that all the Walkie Mobi charges 20 per cent faster than your normal charger. “This portable mobile charger works on simple tenth-grade science,” say Mohak Bhalla and Anand Gangadharan who were Class X students four years when they successfully conducted an experiment which leads to this invention. It is reported that Currently Mohak and Anand are pursuing their BTech Degrees from Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, Delhi and VIT respectively. It all begun in 2015 when Mohak and Anand decided to experiment a bit with their shoes and the physics they were learning at school then. In three months, their ideas transformed into a device that they call the ‘Walkie Mobi Charger’. This tiny device which easily fits in your pocket can charge your mobile phone using the using the kinetic energy produced by walking. The duo says that the idea occurred when serendipitously when they were reading articles about Railway Stations that use electricity powered by passengers’ footsteps. "That's when it hit us. If a person can generate electricity, they can definitely use it for themselves," says Anand. As everyone is stuck to their phones 24x7 these
days, that uses electricity they thought of developing a device that uses this energy to charge the mobile. These teenage inventors made their first charger entirely of scrap material. The production cost came up to Rs 2000. They say that if it is manufactured in bulk, the price per unit will drop to Rs 500. Anand continues to say optimistically, “The point is to keep it less expensive so that everyone could have access to it”. After their 10th grade, the duo had to take a break on their project due to their higher secondary examinations. But currently, they are working on a more advanced version, making it ready to be released in the market. Mohak and Anand are planning to make the newer version wireless. Though untested, the advanced circuit is supposed to charge the phones faster. They are also planning on making it function as a power bank so that it can continue THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
to charge the phone after you’re done walking. "The current design of the charger also aims to make it suitable for any device. The circuit can be modified and improved so that the charger can be upgraded to charge even a laptop”, says Mohak. By the way, you'll also get your daily dose of exercise in the pretext of charging your phone Fourteen years of friendship and working together has not stopped them from finishing what they started even though they are now far away from each other. The duo has other fascinating ideas such as using carbon-dioxide as a means of fuel for electricity. When asked about what more plans they have for the future as a team, Mohak hopefully says, “For now, we are exploring our own fields of interest to see what ideas we can come up with and if time permits, we’ll work together, see what we have learned individually and in the future we’ll do something with it.”
SPIRITUAL 65
Shivoham... Shivoham!
N
ature has its way of providing for balance in this Creation. For every aspect there exists an equal and opposite. Darkness is nothing but absence of light. Similarly, silence is nothing but the absence of sound. It is only the duality in nature, the coexistence of positive and negative that gives meaning to the existence of the whole. What if at any given time, there exist the entire positive and negative? Then the two will balance each other out completely, the net result being shunya or zero. In other words, there would be everything yet nothing. The only form that could fit such a description is the formless – Nirakaar, Para Brahma. This is the swaroop of Shiv. In the words of Shankaracharya, ‘Na Punyam Na Paapam Na Saukhyam Na Dukham, Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham.’ What then is the dancing male form, or the half-man halfwoman, or a sadhu clad in
loincloth with body smeared inbhasma? Are Natraj, Ardhnareshwar and Neelkanth a myth? Let us dwell upon the infinite energy that is Shiv, lets go back to the beginning of Creation… When Creation began, there existed just one supreme consciousness that manifested as Adi Shakti. From her emerged anything and everything; from her
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
YOGI ASHWINI emerged Shiv. Interestingly, the first physical manifestation of Creation was the sound of “AUM” which emerged from the damru of Shiv; his dance of Creation gave form to the Universe. Thus, what manifested was Shiv and the energy responsible for this manifestation was also Shiv. Adi Shakti in all her glory then chose to be the consort of Shiv as Shakti or Parvati. While the entire Creation (includingShiv) draws its energy from Shakti, Shakti sans Shiv is just pure energy that needs a vehicle to channelize itself. The complete evolution thus becomes union of the two, Ardhanareshwar or Shiv who granted half his body to Shakti. This evolution is seen as awakening of Kundalini in humans. The process involves rising up through the chakras, what rises up being Kundalini or Shakti, a
66 SPIRITUAL
semi-dormant force residing at the base chakra. For this to happen, Shiv seated at the highest chakra has to come down and unite with Shakti at every subsequent chakra. The Samudra Manthanwhere both amrit and vish were produced during the churning of the ocean is nothing but the awakening of Kundalini. Amrit is the union of ShivShakti that bestows salvation. The vish or venom produced as an equal and opposite necessitates the role of Guru in evolution. It was Shiv as Neelkanth who took in all the vish and preserved it in his throat, for maintaining the balance, for the existence of amrit, for facilitating evolution. In this sense, Guru too is not separate from Paramguru Shiv. Shiv then becomes the transformer, the granter of salvation, ‘dev-adi-dev Mahadev’. The first experience of this all-pervasive energy of Shiv lies in closing the eyes. When the eyes are shut, one experiences a vast limitless expanse of space, the chittakaash, wherein lies everything perceivable and unperceivable. Strangely though there exists no space between the eye and eyelid. That is, there is everything yet nothing. The night of Mahashivratri has a special significance as the energy patterns of this day resonate with the energy ofShiv. For a spiritual aspirant this is the night of Sanatan Kriya and mantra sadhna. The Guru, who monitors the shishyaat every step, gives him a specific mantra and kriya to practice at the right muhurat (time) on this night. The amazing psychic experiences that follow bring results worth the effort of several lifetimes, in just one night.
FORM IV
Statement about ownership and other particulars about newspaper (The News You Like) to be published in the first issue every year after the last day of February 1. Place of publication : Rangareddi 2. Periodicity of its publication : Monthly 3. Printer’s Name Nationality Address
: Ramya Sree : Indian : H.No.11-38, Pragathi Nagar, P&T Colony, Saroor Nagar, Dist Rangareddi – 500 060.
4. Publisher’s Name Nationality Address
: Ramya Sree : Indian : H.No.11-38, Pragathi Nagar, P&T Colony, Saroor Nagar, Dist Rangareddi – 500 060.
5. Editor’s Name Nationality Address
: A Rammohan Rao : Indian : H.No.334,B, Prajay Sai Gardens, Keesara Mandal, Dist - Rangareddi, A.P
6. Names and addresses of : individuals who own the newspaper and partners or shareholders holding more than one per cent of the total capital I, Ramya Sree, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sd/Date: 1-3-2019 Signature of the Publisher THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
67
THE NEWS YOU LIKE | MARCH 2019
The News You Like March, 2019
RNI No: APENG/2013/48048 P.R. No. RNP/HD/1187/2017-19 (DOP: 1st of Every Month; DOP: 8/9-3-2019)
WE SALUTE PULWAMA MARTYRS