Shri Ram Nath Kovind Shri Narendra Modi President Prime Minister Message from the Ambassador of India

n the occasion of India’s 72nd Republic Day I extend warm greetings and best The multi-faceted partnership between India and Qatar continues to strengthen in various wishes to all fellow Indians and friends of India in the State of Qatar. areas, including energy, trade, investment, security, defence, education, sports, culture, OI also avail of this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to His Highness the Amir people to people contact. of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, His Highness the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Bilateral trade and investment partnership between Khalifa Al Thani, the other members of the Royal Family and the Government of the State of India and Qatar continues to grow. India is the 3rd Qatar for their continued patronage and support for the Indian community in Qatar. largest export destination for Qatar. Qatar is the Republic Day is precious. Seventy-one years ago, on this historic day, the Constitution of largest supplier of LNG to India, accounting for 55% India, which enshrines the ideals and aspirations that guided India’s peaceful freedom of India’s global LNG imports and 15% of Qatar’s total movement, came into effect. This is an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to justice, export of LNG. Last month, the Energy Ministers of liberty, fraternity and equality across our society and among all fellow Indians. India and Qatar have decided to set up a Task Force to explore opportunities for investment by Qatar in the Supplement Team On this auspicious occasion, we also remember the Father of the Nation - Mahatma Gandhi entire energy value chain in India. The leadership has who was the guiding light of India’s freedom movement. His quest for equality and justice also decided to set up a joint task force to fast track is the mantra for our Republic. Last year, we concluded celebrations of the150th birth investments by Qatar Investment Authority into India. Advertising & Marketing anniversary of Gandhiji. It was a great pleasure to see the younger generations re-discover Manager Gandhiji. India and Qatar have close cooperation in international Hassan Ali Anwari fora and India joining the United Nations Security On this Day, we also recall and acknowledge the work of men and women of principle and Council from 1 January 2021 as a non permanent Marketing Team patriotism – the members of the Constituent Assembly. The most notable among them member adds new opportunities for closer cooperation. Dr. Deepak Mittal Kuriakose Joseph was Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee and was instrumental in India welcomes the recent agreement for normalization of relations between Qatar and other Biju Paul Simon producing a document that laid the foundations of the Republic and continues to be guiding countries in the region. India has always supported resolution of issues through diplomacy Sanjai Noah light for generations. It is only in fitness of things that Indians have also started celebrating 26 and dialogue. It is hoped that the rapprochement would strengthen peace, security and November as the Constitution Day every year to mark the day of adoption of our Constitution. stability in the region. Supplement Editor Pradeep Based on the values enshrined in our Constitution, India continues to march ahead in the The Indian expatriate community is an integral part of Qatar’s development journey. They journey towards fulling the aspirations of our people. Today, India is a country of over 1.3 have earned a well-deserved reputation for its commitment, hard work and law-abiding Layout / Cover billion people, the world’s largest democracy and the third largest economy in purchasing- nature. The entire community celebrates and participate in Qatar’s successes, including A.K. Vinay Kumar power-parity terms. We are leapfrogging technologies, attaining Aatma Nirbharta, the return of Asian Games to Qatar in 2030. The two year countdown for FIFA World Cup empowering our farmers, equipping our soldiers, educating our younger generations, 2022 has just started. We are proud of the Indian companies and workers who have been Graphics achieving universal and equitable healthcare, building infrastructure, networking participating in the successful and timely delivery of the associated infrastructure here. We Krishnamurthy communities, eliminating poverty, universalizing access to housing with modern sanitation are equally indebted to doctors, nurses and paramedics who have been continuously on the and electricity, digitising economy, nurturing start-ups and innovations. At the same time, in forefront of our fight against the ongoing pandemic. It was, therefore, a proud moment to see Ad Controller pursuit of our core value of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (World is one family), India is sharing Indian healthcare personnel being included and honoured in the big contingent of medical Thomas Jose its fruits of development with the entire world. frontline team during Qatar’s national day parade last month. Circulation In-charge The global pandemic last year presented unprecedented challenges for the entire humanity. This year we celebrated 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on 9 January 2021. I am delighted that Sherif Samy In these challenging times, India and its 1.3 billion people have demonstrated resolve and the Indian community in Qatar participated with full enthusiasm and well-renowned member Printed by resilience, and ability to convert challenges into opportunities. This is manifest in the quick of the Indian Community Dr Mohan Thomas was awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Raya Commercial manner in which we not only became self-sufficient in personal protection equipment, Samman Award by the Hon’ble President of India for his valuable contribution in the field of Printing Press diagnostic and therapeutic kits but also ensured reliable supplies of the same to over Medicine. 150 countries. India has stood up as the Pharmacy of the world and made available its vaccine production capabilities available to the humanity. India has produced two We are proud of the Indian community organizations in various parts of Qatar who have indigenous vaccines and rolled out world’s largest mass vaccination drive in the country on contributed immensely and selflessly for welfare and wellbeing of fellow Indians, especially Advertising Office 16 January 2021. At the same time, India also started vaccine supplies to countries in the during the challenging times of pandemic. The Embassy continues to reach out to all Indians, Gulf Times/Arrayah Bldg., C Ring Road, neighbourhood. India is playing its due role in the resurgence of economy in post-covid especially the blue collar workers, with the aim to ensure their wellbeing and deliver services P.O. Box 533, Doha Qatar scenario too. to their doorsteps. The 6th meeting of the India- Qatar Joint Working Group on Labour and Tel: (+974) 44466620 Manpower Development was held in December 2020. Both sides agreed on institutionalizing Fax: (+974) 44418811 email: [email protected] On this day, we also recognize and celebrate our deep-rooted, historical and multi-faceted mechanism to protect and promote interests of migrant workers and facilitate movement ties with Qatar, and take this opportunity to thank the people of Qatar for their warmth and of people in a safe and secure manner. We welcome and appreciate the series of very hospitality. progressive labour law reform measures adopted by the Government of the State of Qatar. These are very positive steps towards promoting and protecting the rights of the immigrant Our bilateral relations are nurtured by the close chemistry between our leadership. Prime work force. We remain engaged with Qatar authorities to ensure the welfare of Indian SPECIAL THANKS Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H.H. the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin workers. We deeply appreciate their cooperation and support in this regard. The Gulf Times thanks the Hamad Al Thani have been in regular touch over the past year. Following their conversation Embassy of India, Doha-Qatar in December 2020, External Affairs Minister of India HE Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official I once again warmly congratulate all members of the Indian community in Qatar on the for the support rendered in visit to Qatar on 27-28 December, 2020. He handed over a personal message from the Prime Republic Day of India. I am confident that all of you would continue to contribute towards preparing this supplement Minister of India to High Highness the Amir, inviting him to visit India. The invitation has been the development, progress and prosperity of our host country and work towards further kindly accepted. strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Qatar. 4 January 26, 2021 Key Bilateral Interactions Vande Bharat Mission Partnership Summit 2020

HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce fter the stoppage of all global airlines due to the and Industry, chaired the Qatari delegation that outbreak of Covid 19 outbreak, the Government participated in the 26th session of the Partnership Aof India had embarked on a Mission named Summit 2020, which was held through video ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ from May 2020 onwards to help all stranded Indians worldwide. The Mission was the conferencing technology, from December 15th until largest of its kind repatriation drive undertaken by any the 18th, in Mumbai. The participation of Qatar in the government worldwide. More than 4.8 million people summit, which was held under the theme: “Partnerships have already been facilitated by Vande Bharat Mission. for Lives, Livelihood, and Growth”, comes within the People continue to travel to & from India under the framework of the endeavors aimed at discussing ways 24 bubble arrangements with various countries. This to enhance trade and investment cooperation channels included around 116000 Indians who were repatriated between Qatar and India, and shedding light on Qatar’s from Qatar to India. The world’s biggest repatriation investment environment, as well as the promising mission still continues. investment opportunities that would contribute to attracting more foreign direct investments and The Qatar - India Air Bubble Arrangement Phase 9 Qatar for taking care of the Indian community during enhancing Qatar’s competitive position in the region and had been extended until 31 January 2021. This revised Covid-19. Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani beyond. Air Bubble Arrangement will also allow Indians stranded appreciated the contribution of the Indian community in South America and Africa to use the Air Bubble in Qatar and recalled his visits to India. The Minister arrangement between India and Qatar so they can transit visited Ahmed bin Ali Stadium at Al Rayyan, one of the India-Qatar energy task force through Doha. The India-Qatar Air Bubble facility is also venues of the FIFA 2022 World Cup to be held in Qatar in Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel of available to the citizens of Bhutan and Nepal. November-December 2022. India Dharmendra Pradhan held a tele-conversation with HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Minister of External Affairs of India visits India attends intra-Afghan negotiations Energy Affairs and President & CEO Qatar Petroleum on Qatar Dr S. Jaishankar participated in the inaugural session promoting Qatari investments in the entire energy value Dr. S Jaishankar paid an official visit to Qatar from of the intra-Afghan negotiations held in Doha on 12 chain in India. This was a follow-up to Hon’ble Prime 27 to 28 December. During the visit, he called on The September 2020 via VTC. EAM’s participation was in Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi’s tele-conversation Amir and Father Amir as well as the Prime Minister and response to an invitation extended to him by the Deputy with Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Interior Minister of the State of Qatar and held detailed Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Al-Thani. Minister Pradhan reiterated Qatar’s role as a discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Qatar, H.E. Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al reliable supplier of LNG and LPG. Both sides agreed to Minister. He handed over a personal message from Prime Thani. A senior official delegation led by Shri J P Singh, further strengthen cooperation in the energy sector Minister Narendra Modi to H.H. Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Joint Secretary (PAI) in the Ministry of External Affairs and move beyond the buyer-seller relationship to a Hamad Al Thani inviting him to visit India and thanking participated in the inaugural ceremony in Doha. comprehensive one, including two-way investments.

Activities by Embassy INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS 74th Independence Day of India was celebrated at the by the national anthem. The Ambassador read out the Embassy premises with great zeal. The Ambassador of address of the president of India. The event was live- India, Dr Deepak Mittal hoisted the flag of India followed streamed for the Indian community on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The event ended with the presentation of cultural programme by the students of the Indian schools. The event was attended by community members and Mission’s staff and their families.

PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS 2021 The Embassy organized livecast from New Delhi of the virtual Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conference titled ”Bringing together Young Achievers from India and Indian Diaspora” on 8th January 2021. The event, livecast at the Indian Cultural Centre Doha, was attended by Indian youth in Qatar along with the Ambassador of India.

GANDHI JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS To mark the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Mission live streamed a 50-minute event titled ‘Gandhi Katha’ (Story on Mahatma Gandhi), featuring renowned Gandhian Dr Shobhana Radhakrishna, on online platforms. Embassy of India, Doha commemorated Gandhi Jayanti and 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with great fervour and enthusiasm. Indian Ambassador to Qatar paid floral tribute to Gandhiji and a sapling was planted in the Embassy premises to mark the occasion. January 26, 2021 5 Ambassador’s meetings with dignitaries

Dr Deepak Mittal, the Indian Ambassador, met HE Sultan bin Saad al- The Ambassador received Houtan Homayounpour, Head of the ILO The Ambassador met Omar Abdulaziz al-Naama, Assistant Under Secretary Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on 16 November, 2020. Project Office, Qatar in the Embassy on 20 October, 2020. for Private Education Affairs on 14 September, 2020 and discussed issues They reviewed bilateral relations and issues of common concern. of concern in educational affairs.

The Ambassador met HE Sherida Saad Jubran Al Kaabi, Chairman of The Ambassador called on HE Dr Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister The Ambassador called on HE Lolwah Rashid Al-Khater, Assistant Foreign Al-Balagh Trading & Contracting Co. on 21 October, 2020. As the first of State and Cultural Advisor to HH The Amir on 14 September, 2020. They Minister, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Spokesperson Ambassador of Qatar to India he was instrumental in shaping the bilateral discussed the historical, cultural relations between India and Qatar and ways for the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management of Qatar on 2 September, relations between India and Qatar. to further strengthen the relationship. 2020. 6 January 26, 2021

The heavy-lift launcher of ISRO, GSLV Mkll by private players, the human rating of First crewless Gaganyaan has been identified for the Gaganyaan the S200 motor case is another successful Mission and is in the process of being story of industry collaboration with ISRO. flight by end of this year human-rated. Reflecting the collaboration he first crewless Gaganyaan missions will be launched in 2021 will Flight which was earlier pushed depend on the emerging situation and Tto be launched in the first half the decision will be taken based on of this year due to the COVID-19 what happens in the coming months. pandemic, will now be launched by In case, the effects of Coronavirus Navy successfully test-fires the end of 2021. continue, the space agency may have Indian Space Research Organisation to revisit some of the plans. BrahMos Cruise Missile (ISRO) will also eventually launch a In November 2020, ISRO also flagged rahMos Aerospace is an India-Russian collaboration. It produces a supersonic second crewless flight in 2022 before off the first human-rated S200 motor cruise missile that can be launched successfully from aircraft, ships, submarines, launching humans to space. case for the first crewless mission of or land platforms. Gaganyaan. According to ISRO, the B Crewless Flight high thrust solid propellant strap-on As part of the unmanned Gaganyaan boosters- S200 motor case-will be Flight, ISRO has planned on sending a playing a significant role in human- humanoid which has been developed rated GSLV Mkll. Many new design indigenously. features, in order to human rate the In June 2020 once it became clear booster, have been introduced in the that the first crewless flight will not hardware. be launched this year, ISRO Chief ISRO Chairman informed that the first stated that whether two unmanned critical booster segment of the motor case with a length of 8.5 meter, a diameter of 3.2 meter, and weighing 5.5 tonnes has been indigenously developed and delivered by L&T. K Sivan described it as a major achievement and stated that the next step will be to achieve a human rating of all the hardware that is required for the Gaganyaan mission.

Indian Navy on December 1 successfully test-fired the naval-version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in the Bay of Bengal. As per the officials, the test-fire was part of a series of trials that are being carried out by the three defence services of India. Similar test-firing of BrahMos missile was conducted by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea in October 2020. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is also the fastest operating system in the world in its class. DRDO has recently extended the missile system’s range from the existing 298 km to 450 km. The anti-ship version of the supersonic cruise missile with a strike range of 300 km had successfully hit its target ship in a test-fire. The target for the missile was set near the Car Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. The missile which has been developed by DRDO was launched by the INS Ranvijay of the Indian Navy. Other feats

n In November 2020, a land-attack version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was test-fired from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory and the test-fire was successful. The range of the land-attack version of the BrahMos missile has also been extended to 400 km which was earlier 290 km.

n India also test-fired an anti-radiation missile Rudram-1 which can be inducted into service by 2022.

n On October 30, 2020, the Indian Air Force test-fired the air-launched version of the BrahMos Missile from a Sukhoi fighter aircraft in the Bay of Bengal.

n The Indian-Air Force has also been integrating the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile on over 40 Sukhoi fighter jets that have been aimed at bolstering the overall combat capability of the force. January 26, 2021 7

The Ambassador called on HE Ali Bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Minister of The Ambassador called on HE Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, The Ambassador met HE Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani, Governor of the Commerce & Industry of the State of Qatar on 27 August, 2020. Minister of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs of Qatar” Qatar Central Bank on 26 August, 2020 and discussed various matters They discussed the historical trade and people to people relations between on 27 August, 2020. including ways to strengthen relations between the banking and financial India and Qatar and ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and institutions of India and Qatar. investment partnership.

The Indian Ambassador interacts with the community members at the Special Counsular Camp. 8 January 26, 2021

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for Landmark Genome Doha-based physician India Project r Mohan Thomas, a prominent Doha-based physician, has been conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya aking inspiration from the Human Genome DSamman Award for his services in medical sector. Project, the Department of Biotechnology Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, who delivered the T(DBT) initiated the ambitious “Genome valedictory address on the third and final day of the India Project” (GIP) on 3rd January last year. 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations, presented the The GIP aims to collect 10,000 genetic samples awards at a virtual event. The event was also attended by from citizens across India, to build a reference Dr S Jaishankar, Indian External Affairs Minister. genome. This is no mean feat, given that the The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award is the highest honour conferred on genome contains all the genetic matter in an a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and organisation or organism, i.e., the complete set of DNAs. institution established and run by NRIs or PIOs as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Whole-genome sequencing and subsequent Divas (PBD) Convention. data analysis of the genetic data of these 10,000 “It is indeed a great honour for me to receive the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya individuals would be carried out. This would aid our Samman Award. It is a recognition given by the government of India and I understanding of the nature of diseases affecting the Indian population, and am thankful to the government for this noble gesture. I pledge to continue then ultimately support the development of predictive diagnostic markers. working for the welfare of the community as well as to serve the people in all This is a landmark initiative, particularly because it would bring valuable possible ways,” Dr Thomas said. addition to existing genome research, which has so far been limited to the Dr Thomas, who is also the president-elect of the Indian Sports Centre, Western context. It allows India to draw upon its tremendous genetic diversity, is a prominent Indian community leader in Qatar and has been active in given the series of large migrations historically, and thus, add greatly to the community services for about four decades. Besides being a renowned current information about the human species. otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, and an alumnus of the Through whole-genome sequencing, the plan is to build an exhaustive prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, he has been at catalogue of genetic variations for the Indian population. This would aid in the forefront of philanthropic activities - serving the needy and the designing of genome-wide association chips which will facilitate further low-income members of the community in Qatar as well as helping a large large-scale genetic studies in a cost-effective manner. Furthermore, it would number of downtrodden people back in India. He is the founder-president of also open new vistas for advancing next-generation personalized medicine Birla Public School and a leading entrepreneur in the country. in the country, paving the way for predicting health and disease outcomes and modulating treatment protocols based on the genome sequences. The initiative would also support the development of targeted preventive care, as it has the potential to help identify those population groups which are more susceptible to various risk factors for certain diseases. For instance, if a region shows a tendency towards a specific disease, customized interventions can be made in the region, accordingly, leading to more effective treatment overall. This project is led by the Centre for Brain Research at Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science, which acts as the central coordinator between a collaboration of 20 leading institutions, each collecting samples and conducting its own research. Institutes involved include the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru as well as several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). For conducting the project, investigators in hospitals will lead the data collection through a simple blood test from participants and the information will be added to biobanks. Some of the priority areas are Precision health, Rare genetic disorders, Mutation spectrum of genetic and complex diseases in the Indian population, Genetic Epidemiology of Multifactorial Lifestyle Diseases, and Translational Research. January 26, 2021 9

be manufactured by Larsen and Toubro. There are over 70 Indian suppliers involved in manufacturing various Tejas, the tale of India’s parts of the aircraft. In all, about 500 Indian companies, including MSMEs, will be working with HAL in this deal for 83 new Tejas. combat aircraft Capabilities and future plans By Snehesh Alex Philip The new aircraft has inbuilt capability to fire Beyond Visual Range missiles such as Derby missile and is already n a boost to India’s fledgling domestic aerospace integrated on the current Tejas itself. ecosystem, the Cabinet Committee on Indigenously developed BVR missile (ASTRA Mk Security cleared the Rs 48,000-crore deal for 83 Light I 1) will also be integrated into the Mk 1A, which will Combat Aircraft Tejas, which included 73 Mark 1A be a weapon of choice of the IAF, HAL officials said. versions. This weapon will give an edge to LCA Tejas over its The first big order to the state-run Hindustan contemporaries such as the Chinese-Pakistan joint Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for Tejas, which will become venture JF 17 in BVR warfare. the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the coming With the introduction of podded Self-Protection years, is a landmark in the aircraft’s journey of over three Jammer (SPJ) and AESA radar in LCA Mk 1A, the and a half decades. How different is Tejas Mk 1A survivability of the aircraft gets further enhanced. The It is a culmination of India’s effort to build a frontline The new aircraft comes with four major capabilities AESA radar is capable of tracking 16 targets at a time in fighter aircraft, which began in the 1950s. It was in 1961 over the current variant of LCA, which is known as the air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea modes. The IAF is that HAL’s HF-24 Marut, designed by Kurt Tank, the Tejas Mk 1. also looking at procuring the next generation of Tejas, German aeronautical engineer who built the Luftwaffe These improvements include mid-air refuelling, which will be known as Tejas Mk 2. aircraft in World War II, first flew. enhancing the combat ability, and maintainability However, instead of being an LCA, it would be It was in 1983 when the government of India rolled improvements through incorporation of Active in the medium weight category. The Aeronautical out the project to build a new LCA as a replacement for Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Electronic Development Agency, a lab of the Defence Research and the Russian MiG 21s, which continue to fly despite the Warfare (EW) suite and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Development Organisation (DRDO), is working with the fleet being obsolete. missile capabilities. HAL to develop a fifth-generation fighter aircraft called The plan was to release the first aircraft by 1994. The aircraft will give a big boost to the domestic the Advanced Medium Combat Fighter Aircraft (AMCA). However, the first prototype of LCA flew only in 2001 — aviation industry since it involves extensive cooperation The contract for Tejas is the best development for 18 years after the project started. It was then that Prime between the private industry and the HAL. the Indian defence industry. The HAL and the ADA should Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee christened the LCA as the The front fuselage of the latest version of the Tejas ensure timebound delivery as well as manufacturing Tejas. will be built by Dynamatic Technologies, while the middle of future versions as per schedule. This is because In December 2013, the Tejas got Initial Operational section has been outsourced to Hyderabad-based VEM indigenous defence systems are the way forward for Clearance and in 2019, the IAF was given the first aircraft Technologies, and the rear section to Alpha Design strategic independence. with Final Operational Clearance. Technologies, Bengaluru. The wings for Tejas Mk 1A will Courtesy: The Print 10 January 26, 2021 India’s growing horticulture edge remarkable but lesser-known fact about the Just before the launch of the NHM, the production National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is the crop of horticulture crop was approximately 167 million Adiversification it has brought in. tonnes, using only 9.7% of the cropped area (18.5 million The NHM, a centrally-sponsored scheme, was hectare); the total foodgrain production was 198 million launched in 2005-06 with one of its major objectives tones, covering 63%(120 million hectare) of total crop being to increase horticulture production and doubling area of the country. farmers’ income. In 2012-13, total horticulture production at 269 million tonnes, surpassed total foodgrain production at 257 million tonnes. The area under horticulture crops increased to 25.5 million hectare in 2018-19, which is 20% of the total area under foodgrain, and produced 314 million tonnes. However, the area under total foodgrain declined from 129 million hectare in 2016-17 to 124 million hectare in 2018-19. The most notable factor behind this is that the crops such as spices, cashew, cashew nut shell liquid, productivity of horticulture has increased from 8.8 fruits-vegetable seeds, fresh fruits, vegetable oil, fresh tonnes per hectare in 2001-02 to 12.3 tonnes per hectare vegetable, processed vegetable, processed fruits and in 2018-19. The productivity of total foodgrain increased juice, floriculture products, tea, coffee, Ayush and herbal from 1.7 tonnes per hectare to 2.3 tonnes during the products, and cocoa products. same period. In a nutshell, horticulture production contributes Horticulture crops are characterised by high-value Horticulture production in India has more than more to crop production despite much lower land use crops, higher productivity per unit of area and lower doubled approximately from 146 million tonnes in and lower input cost. requirement of irrigation and input cost. 2001-02 to 314 million tonnes in 2018-19 whereas the However, these crops require better infrastructure production of foodgrain increased from 213 million The share of horticulture crops in relation to the to prevent post-harvest crop losses, like cold storage and tonnes to 285 million tonnes during the same period. value of all agricultural crops increased from 39% in better warehousing, which will go a long way toward 2011-12 to 42% during the same period. India is now self-sufficient in foodgrain production enhancing farmers’ income. and is the largest global producer of farm products like Another important point of note is that share of Increased focus on horticulture crops could be a win- pulses, jute, buffalo meat, milk, and poultry. It is also value of export earnings from horticultural crops has win formula both at the top level as well as the bottom is the second-largest producer of several horticulture been higher than the export value of total foodgrain. level for the government to accomplish its endeavour in products, especially fruit and vegetables. The total export value of horticultural crops includes nutritional security as well as increasing farmers’ income. Memorable sporting moments t was supposed to be the year when the world Singh scripted history by becoming the world junior No. would sit back and enjoy the multitude of sporting 1 as part of all the four Sprint events. Ronaldo topped Icompetitions. However, the COVID-19 forced everyone all the three individual events in the updated UCI World to stop and the sporting world too came to a halt. Junior Rankings which was updated in January. However, in the brief window which allowed the games Ronaldo notched up this feat on the back of Esow to be played, there were few memorable moments for Alben becoming the first Indian cyclist to hold the top India. ranking in 2019.

International. She was partnered by Nadiia Kichenok and the duo won the final 6-4, 6-4 on January 18. Ronaldo Singh becomes World No. 1 Junior Sprint Cyclist It was a good year for Indian cycling when Ronaldo Nine boxers book Olympic ticket India beat Netherlands on Hockey Pro History was created when nine Indian boxers booked League debut their Olympic quotas. However, everything was put to a Indian hockey got off to a rocking start in 2020 when halt when the Tokyo Games were postponed owing to they defeated world No. 3 Netherlands in their debut the pandemic. At the Asian/Oceania Olympic Qualifiers FIH Pro League tie. The side beat Netherlands 5-2 in the Amman, Jordan, India bagged its biggest haul of Olympic opening match and then came back to trump them by quotas and in the process, went past eight they had 3-1 in the second match via a penalty shootout. bagged at the London Olympics in 2012. These were the baoxers who will represent India - MC Sania Mirza makes victorious return Mary Kom (51kg), Pooja Rani (75kg), Simranjit Kaur (60kg) After taking a pregnancy break for two years, and Lovlina Borgohain (69kg), Manish Kaushik (63kg), star Indian tennis player Sania Mirza worked magic by Amit Panghal (52kg), Ashish Kumar (75kg), Satish Kumar winning the women’s doubles title at the WTA Hobart (+91kg) and Vikas Krishan (69kg). January 26, 2021 11

& vow $5 trillion economy push

he world’s two leading IT platforms - Jio and Opening up on the potential of a technology-enabled Facebook - have reiterated their commitment to ecosystem in propelling the economic growth of a highly TIndia’s $5 trillion economy push. diversified nation the Reliance Industries’ MD said he According to Mark sees the country accelerating as a premier digital society. Zuckerberg, Founder, “To my mind, more wealth creation means more Chairman & CEO, employment and more business. And together with our Facebook, the social platforms and the tools that we will provide to small messaging platform will businesses and to individual consumers, I believe will focus on helping India drive India to a 5 trillion economy and will make a much realise the ambitious more equal India, with more equal wealth growth at the target. And to this bottom of the pyramid,” Ambani said. effect, Zuckerberg The Indian economy sees Small and Medium has a significant share messaging platform comes with a host of business businesses playing a key of SMBs and Facebook, enabling features boasts of more than 50 million users role. together with WhatsApp globally, of which, more than 15 million are in India (30%). “At Facebook, we are in the business of serving small and WhatsApp business Also, more than 40 million users globally view a businesses. And nowhere is this more true than in India,” has proved to be business catalogue on WhatsApp each month, and said Zuckerberg, invaluable for these in India, more than 3 million users view a business The Facebook CEO was in conversation with Mukesh firms. In October last catalogue on WhatsApp each month, says Facebook. year, the social media Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director, Reliance Besides the mega-deal, Jio Platforms, Reliance giant disclosed that it Industries, at the Facebook Fuel for India 2020 event. Retail, and WhatsApp also inked a deal to support witnessed a 9 % growth “With more than 60 million small businesses and small businesses on WhatsApp. The move is essentially in its daily active user millions of people around the country relying on them aimed at mainstreaming the country’s largely untapped base to 1.62 billion in the September 2019 quarter, for jobs - these small businesses form a big part of what informal economy, particularly its massive Kirana (retail) driven by markets like India and Indonesia. our partnership with Jio can serve here. This is especially economy. As part of the arrangement, the two major important because small businesses in India will be a key Currently, WhatsApp India’s user base stands at business entities have pledged to employ WhatsApp part of the global economic recovery going forward. And 400 million. WhatsApp Business App, another popular to further accelerate Reliance Retail’s new commerce we’re focused on making sure we build the best tools for offering from Facebook Inc’s stable, that’s focused on business on the JioMart platform and to support small them,” he added. businesses, is hugely popular too. WhatsApp Business businesses on WhatsApp. 12 January 26, 2021 Powerful business women of 2020

ndian businesswomen are finally getting the recognition they deserve. For years, women in India have been working on the sidelines due to the patriarchal mindset ​Ameera Shah Iof the society. However, some of these women are breaking the barriers by (Metropolis Healthcare) showcasing thoughtful leadership skills across sectors in the country. Forbes Asia named 25 women business leaders who have showcased great Ameera Shah is at the helm of a global leadership in a year defined by the pandemic. HCL’s Roshni Nadar, Byju’s Divya pathology empire Metropolis Healthcare Gokulnath, Metropolis Healthcare’s Ameera Shah, and VOL’s Vinati Saraf featured worth ₹88.15 billion. At the age of 21, in 2020 Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list. young Shah was working with Goldman Sachs in New York. However, she quit Apart from them, Canva’s co-founder Melanie Perkins, Bloomage the company to join a startup, which Biotechnology’s Zhao Yan, and the fifth President of Singapore Management had only five employees at the time. University, Lily Kong, were also featured in this list. She returned from the US in 2001 to become an entrepreneur. Unlike other uber-rich kids, Shah did not begin at the Roshni Nadar management position in her father’s company. She started at the customer (Chairperson of HCL Technologies) service department and worked her way 38-year old Roshni grew up in up the ranks in the company. Delhi and holds a Masters Over fifteen years, she turned her father’s in Business Administration single laboratory into a multi-billion dollar from Kellogg. She is the business. Metropolis has over 125 clinical only child of tech billionaire labs across 210 cities in India. Last year, she decided to take her company Shiv Nadar, who founded public. The share price of Metropolis has gone up nearly 60% in 12 months. Her HCL Technologies in 1976. company became the first private company to get the government’s approval Nadar started her career as for COVID-19 testing. a news producer in the UK. However, at the age of 27, she joined her father’s company. In July this year, Roshni Nadar Vinati Saraf Mutreja became the first woman to head a listed Indian IT (Vinati Organic) company as she took over as the Chairperson of $8.9 billion HCL Technologies. In 2006, newly graduated Vinati joined her father’s chemical company, Vinati Organic (VOL), as an Executive Director. In the last fourteen years, VOL has ​Divya Gokulnath witnessed a 500 fold increase in market (Co-founder, Byju’s) cap and a 16-fold increase in sales, according to Forbes. Moreover, VOL has About a decade ago, Divya also increased its profits from ₹66 crore Gokulnath co-founded Byju’s, in 2006 to ₹1000 crore in 2020. When an online learning platform, she joined the company, it was mostly along with her husband, doing business domestically. However, Byju Raveendran. It is now today VOL’s 75% sales come from one of the world’s most export.In 2018, Mutreja was promoted valuable startups. Online ed- from executive director to the CEO of tech platforms like Byju’s have the company. seen unprecedented growth in users due to COVID-19 — Courtesy: Business Insider raking billions of dollars in investments. When PM Modi announced the COVID-19 lockdown in India, Byju’s decided to give free access to its learning content. Between March and April, it added 13.5 million consumers — taking the total to 50 million. Five months on, Byju’s now has 70 million students and over 4.5 million paid subscribers. It also added BlackRock, Sands Capital, and Alkeon Capital as investors a few days ago. January 26, 2021 13 Gitanjali Rao named TIME’s ‘Young Champions of the first‘Kid of the Year’ Earth’ winner he 15-year-old Indian-American 29-year-old Indian entrepreneur is among the seven winners of the prestigious Gitanjali Rao, a brilliant young scientist ‘Young Champions of the Earth’ 2020 prize given by the UN environment agency Tand inventor, has been named by TIME Ato global change-makers using innovative ideas and ambitious action to help magazine as the first-ever ‘Kid of the Year’ solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. for her astonishing work using technology Vidyut Mohan, an engineer, is the co-founder of “Takachar”, a social enterprise enabling to tackle issues ranging from contaminated farmers to prevent open burning of their waste farm residues and earn extra income drinking water to opioid addiction and by c onverting them into value-added chemicals like activated carbon on-site, UN cyberbullying. Environment Programme (UNEP) said. “The world belongs to those who shape it. “I’ve always been passionate about energy access and creating income opportunities And however uncertain that world may feel for poor communities,” Mohan was quoted as saying in the statement. at a given moment, the reassuring reality “That is at the heart of finding answers to the difficult question of balancing economic seems to be that each new generation growth and climate change mitigation in developing countries,” he said. produces more of what these kids have UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a message that in the middle of a already achieved: positive impact, in all global pandemic, with societies struggling, economies stretched to their limits and an sizes,” Time said. escalating biodiversity and climate crisis, “we need to act boldly and urgently to repair Rao was selected from a field of more than our relationship with nature and take the path of sustainable development”. 5,000 nominees as TIME’s first-ever ‘Kid of He said that the Young Champions of the Earth “inspire and mobilise”. the Year’. She was interviewed by actor and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said globally, activist Angelina Jolie for the TIME special. young people are leading the way in calling for “Observe, brainstorm, research, build and meaningful and immediate solutions to the triple communicate,” Rao told about her process during a virtual talk with Jolie from her planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and home in Colorado. pollution. Takachar buys rice husks, straw and coconut shells from She spoke about her “astonishing work using technology to tackle issues ranging from farmers and turns them into charcoal, saving the debris contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying, and about her from the fires, which are also a driver of climate change. mission to create a global community of young innovators to solve problems the world Since Takachar was launched in 2018, Mohan and its over. co-founder Kevin Kung have worked with about “Even over video chat, her brilliant mind and generous spirit shone through, along with 4,500 farmers and processed 3,000 tonnes of her inspiring message to other young people: don’t try to fix every problem, just focus crops, UNEP said. on one that excites you,” Time said. Rao said her generation is facing many problems that they have never seen before.

Meet India’s ‘unstoppable’ Rugby player or 20-year-old Sandhya Rai, a rugby player representing India, it took four years, a series of news coverage, and Fphotos in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris to convince villagers in her area that she plays rugby and excels at it. Sandhya’s parents are tea labourers, who spent their lives plucking leaves in the Saraswati tea estate of Baikunthapur forest, located in east Siliguri, West Bengal. But Sandhya chose to lead an entirely different life. The national rugby player is the only Indian among the top 32 ‘unstoppable’ women players from Asia, part of Asia’s Rugby’s Unstoppable Campaign. The campaign aims to promote the sport among girls, and highlight inspiring stories of women who battle all odds to achieve success. Rugby was introduced to Sandhya in 2013, when some players from the Jungle Crows, an amateur rugby team from Kolkata, came to train children in the village. “There are many hardships in village life, and I have faced many challenges since my childhood,” Sandhya says, adding, “Girls never played any sports in my village. Only boys were allowed to play, the girls were confined to schools or house chores. When I started playing rugby with other girls, people called us names, demotivated us, and even questioned why we were playing a sport meant for boys.” Things changed when, in 2017, the team represented India at the World Paris Games. After sharing pictures of their trip, which included one with the Eiffel Tower glittering behind the girls, the villagers believed and eventually started supporting them. Sandhya says that after local newspapers and other media hailed their success, the villagers felt proud of their achievements. So far, nine girls have made it the national rugby team from her village. The young girl says that her unending struggles and drive to never give up have made her “unstoppable”. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Sports Management from the George Group of Colleges, Kolkata. IT sector as major pillar of modern India or a sector that was ‘born’ much after Indian In February 2019, it released a national policy on Independence, the IT-ITeS sector has come a software products to develop India as a software Flong way to become one of the pillars of modern production destination. It has identified information India. technology as one of the 12 champion service sectors Even up until 10 years ago, it contributed less for which an action plan is in the works. It has also set than 5 per cent to the country’s GDP; today, it up a ₹5,000-crore fund for realising the potential of contributes nearly twice as much. On a comparative these champion service sectors, according to India basis, the automobile sector contributes about 8 per Brand Equity Foundation. cent of the country’s GDP. Besides, the government has announced a plan to launch a national programme on artificial intelligence and set up a national AI portal. Key overseas markets revenues from $2 billion to $5 billion, at a CAGR of 26 per cent, according to analysts, Vibhor Singhal and While these are impressive figures, the Indian IT Karan Uppal of Philip Capital. sector is heavily influenced by the rapidly dynamic situation in Europe and the US, which are two of its According to analyst firm KR Choksey, most IT biggest markets and together contribute nearly 85 services companies are likely to recover to some per cent of revenues. extent by the second quarter of FY21 as major countries emerge from lockdown and restart their Indian IT services appear to be a skewed economies. “The criticality of technology to most landscape right now, featuring six mega companies firms’ operations across verticals, along with a further with revenues in the $5 billion-$20 billion range and a rise in digital and cloud spend post the pandemic, The IT industry’s revenues are at an estimated plethora of mid-cap companies in the $500 million-$1 is likely to drive growth recovery from 2Q onward. $190 billion, growing at 7.7 per cent on a year-on-year billion range, according to Philip Capital. However, the situation remains fluid and the basis and by 2025, they are expected to reach $350 Historically, IT services companies have taken, pandemic is far from over; thus, recovery needs to be billion. on an average, four years to more than double their viewed with a hint of caution,” the analyst firm has The sector has also generated 4 million jobs and said. provided indirect employment to 10 million. TCS, The report said Infosys will on-board 20,000 the biggest IT services company in India, alone has freshers in FY21. “Strategic initiatives for cost-cutting generated over 4 lakh jobs, while Infosys has over 2 include reskilling of employees instead of hiring lakh employees. more, to boost utilisation, short term and temporary The computer software and hardware sector in cuts on discretionary spend, and travel expenses, India attracted cumulative Foreign Direct Investment branding and marketing expenses getting cut.” (FDI) inflow worth $44.91 billion between April 2000 The fact that most of the IT services are expected and March 2020. The sector ranked second in FDI to recover sooner or later shows the resilience of the inflow as per data released by the Department for sector even though the pandemic has damaged the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). economy severely. The Indian government has been quite active in rolling out incentives for the IT and ITeS sector. Courtesy: Business Line India at the forefront of climate change fight

n January 8, the requisite number of approvals Collective gathering of the first conglomerates to commit to becoming were obtained for an amendment to the carbon neutral across all its 150 companies by 2040. The broad objective of the ISA is to mobilise Framework Agreement of the International It is not all talk and no show. The company for O member countries, seek commitments from Solar Alliance, which expands the scope of example uses 63 percent less energy to produce a international organisations and mobilise private membership to ISA to all members of the United vehicle and 33 percent less energy for a tractor today sector, to support rural and decentralised applications, Nations. While it may appear to be a mere technicality than 8 years ago. access to affordable finance, island and village solar on paper, it is of seminal importance to the global mini grids, rooftop installations, and solar e-mobility “We are doing our part in the global fight against fight against climate change. More importantly, technologies. India has led it from the front by climate change with this ambitious new target,” said there is a profound India angle to it which has led the example, setting ambitious targets for itself and Anand Mahindra, chairman, Mahindra and Mahindra. formation of ISA and is at forefront in its evolution. upping the ante at every available opportunity. With “Mahindra will leverage the latest technological a capacity of over 30 Gigawatt, India is already one advances and its recently announced carbon price to of the top three countries with highest solar power work towards being carbon neutral by 2040.” generation capability. There are plans to treble it Dalmia Cement to 100 Gigawatt by 2022 with rooftop installation wants to go even accounting for 40 percent of it. With a historically low further ahead and tariff of just Rs 2.36 per unit in one of the bids last become carbon year, India has also demonstrated sound economic negative by 2040. viability for shifting from fossil fuel to renewable That is a big deal for power-based electricity generation. It has also been the cement industry recognised by the world. that carries the perception of being Climate warrior one of the biggest India’s leadership in the fight against global polluters in the world. warming is not restricted to solar power alone. It has To do that the company is building a carbon capture shown ingenuity and aggression in other areas too–be facility with a capacity of 500,000 tonnes per annum it in adoption of LED technology or providing LPG by 2022 at its Tamil Nadu factory. Sunny side up connections for cooking to the poorest of the poor “To achieve the target of carbon negative by The ISA was formed in 2015, at India’s behest and as part of the Ujjwala scheme, one of Modi’s most 2040, the company is planning to adopt 100 per cent launched jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi successful welfare programmes. Armed with these renewable power under fossil free electricity initiative and the then French President Francois Hollande results as a proof of concept, Modi has championed by 2030, doubling of energy productivity by 2030, and aims to contribute to the implementation of the the cause of renewable energy at every multilateral switch to renewable biomass bamboo and waste to Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and massive forum. replace fossil fuel by 2035,” said Mahendra Singhi, MD deployment of solar energy. Thanks largely to India’s and CEO, Dalmia Cement Ltd. proactiveness in this field, till date 89 countries are Private corps join in If the world has to win the war against global part of the Alliance. Initially targeted at 121 UN With the government showing the way, industries warming–the single biggest existential threat to the member countries that lie between the sunshine have followed the lead. Indian firms like utility vehicle planet in this century, it has to follow the example rich part of the planet between the tropics, the major Mahindra Group and Dalmia Cement have being set by India. amendment expands the ambit of it beyond the two taken the lead in reducing carbon footprint in their concentric lines to 193 nations. respective industries. In 2018, Mahindra became one Courtesy: Global Business 16 January 26, 2021 India & Russia: A constant factor in a volatile world t has been a strategic partnership that has grown in strength with every passing year. Built on the rich legacy Iand preparation for future the India-Russia strategic partnership is truly strategic in nature with a strong component of Make in India and joint ventures. In the words of one of the senior politicians of India Indo-Soviet and India-Russia partnership has the only constant factor in an otherwise volatile world – a time-tested partnership that in many senses has weathered many a geo-political storm through the decades. On 3rd October, 2000, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Vladimir Putin signed the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Russian Federation and India. Over the subsequent years, annual summits between the leaders have strengthened this partnership to ever greater heights and not a single annual Summit has been skipped. Through the next decade since 2000, bilateral ties were enhanced, with Putin as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day parade in 2007. In December 2009, the first formal BRIC Summit took place in Yekaterinburg and in December 2010, the Strategic Partnership was elevated to the level of a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” A new era of personal friendship between the leaders of the two countries as Prime Minister Modi and President Putin have met several times, including the first Informal Summit in Sochi in 2018 and PM’s visit to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum. India joined SCO in 2017, adding to a growing list of multilateral platforms where India and Russia are cooperating. On April 12, 2019, Putin signed the Executive Order On Awarding PM Russia’s highest state decoration - Order of St Andrew the Apostle. The order was presented to PM technical cooperation has evolved from a buyer - seller for his distinguished contribution to the development of a Key pillars of partnership framework to one involving joint research, development privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and production of advanced defence technologies and Kudankulam - Kudankulam is the largest nuclear power and friendly ties between the Russian and Indian peoples. systems. BrahMos Missile System as well as the licensed plant in India, scheduled to have 6 VVER-1000 reactors to Under the Strategic Partnership, several production in India of SU-30 aircraft and T-90 tanks, are produce 2 GW of electricity. Construction started in 2002 institutionalized dialogue mechanisms operate at both examples of such flagship cooperation. Furthering this by NPCIL & Atomstroyexport with the first reactor getting political and official levels to ensure regular interaction cooperation, an agreement on the cooperation in the connected to the grid in 2013. The Rooppur Nuclear Plant and follow up on cooperation activities. production of spare parts for Russian/Soviet military is being built as a collaborative effort between India, India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation equipment was signed during the 20th Annual Bilateral Russia and Bangladesh. with Russia in the field of defence. India-Russia military Summit in Vladivostok in September 2019. BrahMos- BrahMos Aerospace (from Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers) is a joint venture set up between the Russian Mashinostroyeniya and Indian DRDO to produce the fastest cruise missile in the world. It was first test fired in 2001, and was inducted into the Indian Army in 2007 and subsequently into the Indian Navy and Air Force. After the success of BrahMos, a hypersonic version- BrahMos-II is under development and testing expected to begin by 2020-21. Sakhalin - ONGC Videsh Ltd acquired a 20% stake in Sakhalin in 2001.It further bought Imperial Energy a few years later and has recently invested in Vankorneft and TasYuryah. In return, Russian firm Rosneft has bought a majority stake in Essar Oil for USD 12.9 billion. Today, Russia is one of India’s largest investment destinations in the oil and gas sector. Gas utility GAIL has contracted 2.5 million tonnes per annum of LNG from Russia’s Gazprom for 20 years. INS Vikramaditya (aircraft carrier): Vikramaditya in Sanskrit means “Brave as the Sun”. After serving in the Soviet and Russian navies from 1987 to 1996, the carrier was acquired from Russia by India on January 20, 2004. After successful completion of her sea and aviation trials in September 2013, she was formally commissioned in the Indian Navy on 16 Nov 2013. India elected non-permanent Security Council member

ndia started its eighth term as a non-permanent, In the UNSC, the Indian government will have the largess of these wealthy countries, but it is uniquely voting member of the United Nations Security opportunity to shape the debate on some of the most placed to lead by example. The world has long seen ICouncil (UNSC) on January 1. This two-year term pressing global peace and security challenges of our India as an extraordinary, and largely successful, presents a unique opportunity for the country to times, including the Iran nuclear deal, the COVID-19 experiment in crafting democracy in a poor and deeply demonstrate global power and responsibility, thereby pandemic, and threats posed by climate change. divided country. It is this – the appeal of its democratic strengthening its claim to a permanent seat on the values and processes – that has earned it global Council, which it has sought for decades. Indeed, the respect. And this is where India needs to show it can be UNSC is overdue for some structural reforms and India a global leader. But, for this to happen, changes to its has vocally and rightfully asserted that it deserves to domestic political trajectory are necessary. be taken more seriously on the international stage. To be perceived as a major power, India must India’s choice articulate a clear vision of a world order, something India takes its temporary place in the UNSC at a that it has not so far done. Seventy years after attaining moment that is filled with both peril and opportunity. independence, at a time of monumental global shifts, The international system is reeling from the COVID-19 India cannot continue to seek refuge in vacuous pandemic, rising illiberalism, deepening income statements about strategic autonomy and sovereignty, inequality, and the feckless actions of the Trump and expect that the world will see it as a worthy leader. administration. The world needs leaders who can It must demonstrate its capacity to lead by example, provide a compelling, countervailing narrative to these through changes in both its foreign and domestic Permanent seat malign forces. The incoming Biden administration policy environments. As a thought experiment, let us compare India to is committed to trying to rebuild the international two other countries that have also sought permanent order. For this, the United States will need partners Foreign policy UNSC seats: Japan and Germany. Germany is a who can help articulate and implement a global vision The twin devastations of the pandemic and climate leading member of the European Union, is the fourth predicated on human dignity and rule of law. India has change have starkly underscored the importance of largest contributor to the U.N., and, because of its a clear choice. It can continue on its current trajectory global cooperation. The world has a pressing need for humanitarian efforts, enjoys considerable global soft – domestic bluster and international passivity – and countries to stand up for a rules-based international power. Japan is the third largest contributor to the cede this opportunity to others. Or, by speaking up order – one which is committed to protecting human U.N. and plays a particularly large role in supporting the on international crises and by recommitting itself security around the world. As the world’s largest organization’s peacekeeping efforts. to the remarkable vision of inclusivity and openness democracy and the only country in Asia that may match If India wants to make the case that it is similarly articulated in India’s Constitution, it can emerge as the China’s economic and military prowess, India is in a deserving of a permanent seat, it must find a way to leader the world needs. Now is the time for India to unique position to be the leader that will champion match the soft power displayed by Japan and Germany. stop simply saying it deserves to be a global power, and such cooperation. Of course, India can ill afford to match the financial start acting like one. Courtesy: The Diplomat Delhi-Dhaka ties: Time to move beyond connectivity

By Sudha Ramachandran

ndia’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina recently Ilaunched a railway link between the two countries. The 10.5-kilometer-long rail line connects Haldibari in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal with Chilahati in Bangladesh. The Haldibari-Chilahati railway line was among several overland trans-border connections that were snapped in the wake of the India-Pakistan war of 1965. Bangladesh was then East Pakistan. But even after it broke away from Pakistan to emerge an independent country in 1971, trans- border links remained severed, a reflection of the deeply troubled bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh in the period between 1975 and 1996. It was only after the Awami League came to power in Bangladesh in 1996 that bilateral ties began improving and the Indian and Bangladeshi governments started to restore road and rail links. In 1999, a bus service linking Kolkata with Dhaka was inaugurated. Another connecting Dhaka with Agartala in India’s northeast followed soon after. In 2008, an old railway line between Kolkata and Dhaka, which had remained suspended for 43 years, was restored. It paved the way for the inauguration of the Maitri (Friendship) Express between the two countries. Other rail lines, including those between

Petrapole (India) and Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) and Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India) and Rohanpur (Bangladesh), and Radhikapur (India) and Birol (Bangladesh) have since been restored. The Haldibari-Chilahati railway line is the latest trans-border link to be revived. More railway links are set to be established this year. India and Bangladesh share historical, civilizational and cultural ties; Bengali, which is spoken in both countries, is a strong bond. Bilateral relations have generally been warm, especially when the Awami League has been in power in Bangladesh. Since the Awami League assumed the reins in 2009, relations have improved substantially. Dhaka has acted robustly to address India’s concerns with regard to anti-India militant groups taking shelter on Bangladeshi soil. However, India has failed to address Bangladesh’s concerns over river water sharing; an agreement on sharing of the waters of the River Teesta remains elusive. During the recent India-Bangladesh virtual summit, Modi described Bangladesh as “a major pillar” of India’s “neighborhood first” policy. From the start of his prime ministerial tenure, it was his “special priority” to strengthen India’s ties with Bangladesh, he said. Officials say the Haldibari-Chilahati rail route will boost bilateral travel and trade ties and improve people-to-people contact. But New Delhi will need to do much more than merely providing road and rail routes to improve people-to-people contact between India and Bangladesh.

Courtesy: The Diplomat January 26, 2021 19 India, France boost security bonds rance and India held the That need for convergence is so high that the two officials discussed whether some latest edition of their key elements of the naval exercises by Quad – that groups India with the US, Japan and Fannual strategic dialogue Australia – could be coordinated with the French navy. in New Delhi recently. While this is the first time such a proposal has been made, the coordination with While the continuation the Quad is an extension of Macron’s consistent championing of the Indo-Pacific. The of strategic dialogue in the French President has even argued for an Australia-France-India “axis” for the region aftermath of the coronavirus in the past. For India and Prime Minister Modi, France remains an invaluable strategic pandemic was itself partner – both for the tangible security and defence cooperation gains, and also something to cheer about, because deep relations with Paris does not require significant expenditure of domestic the summit was made even political capital. more remarkable by the On the same lines, France became the 23rd member of the Indian Ocean Rim series of events and projects Association last year, the first time that a country whose mainland is not on the Indian that unfolded soon after. Ocean has been brought into the fold of the IORA. To begin with, the Indian delegation was headed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval while Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron, led the French side. “The two sides held discussions on a variety of issues including counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, defence cooperation, maritime security, regional and global issues and cooperation in the Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with Emmanuel Bonne, Indo-Pacific region. Both sides Diplomatic Advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the high priority they accord to the India-France strategic partnership and highlighted the convergence of views between the two countries,” the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said. Held against the backdrop of a global geopolitical flux, a major part of Bonne’s conversation with Doval was about defence and security relationships – with a tangible impact in at least two spheres.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (L) and his French counterpart Florence Parly at induction ceremony of Rafale jets into the Indian Air Force at the Ambala Air Force Station France to share defence know-how for Make in India The second tangible impact of the dialogue is that India and France have decided to intensify their defence cooperation, with Paris offering to move 100 per cent of its assembly line for Panther medium utility helicopters as well as 70 per cent of the assembly line for Rafale fighters under “Make in India” rubric with full transfer of technology. According to unnamed officials cited by the Hindustan Times, there is a real possibility that India – which has a contract for 36 omni-role fighter jets – could buy more Rafales in light of the French offer to bring 70 per cent of the assembly line including local vendor development. This would reduce the cost of subsequent acquisition of the fighter jets. AS565 PANTHER

Emmanuel Bonne during India visit for bilateral Strategic Dialogue

France invites India to join Gulf naval mission France invited India to join forces with the European Union’s naval monitoring mission in the Arabian Gulf following the talks. As India and France take aim at the post-pandemic world to jumpstart a more “The EU has operations and China is also developing influence in the region. India robust engagement and a more significant role in the Indo-Pacific, the latest dialogue is invited to join us in this monitoring mission by bringing capacities. This will be an stands out as yet another instance of the two countries’ proud adherence to the notion occasion to demonstrate convergence and the capacity to operate together,” Bonne of strategic autonomy. said after his talks with Doval. Courtesy: India Inc Offbeat places to visit By Unik Dhandi Himalayan mountain range? Chakrata, a cantonment town in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, is the ideal hat is the biggest hurdle you face while place for tourists looking for a calming getaway into planning a vacation? Surely, it isn’t the packing the hills. The town is easily accessible from the National Wor the making of reservations but zeroing-down Capital Region, pocket-friendly and clean. on the destination. As soon as you begin, you realize n Best time for visit: March to June that most of the popular tourist places have either been explored already, especially the domestic ones, or n Things to do: Camping and river rafting at Kanasar, are overcrowded. Such places are not only chaotic and trekking all the way to Tiger Falls, bird watching at expensive but also the victims of excessive littering. Deoban and exploring the Budher Caves The third largest country in Asia, India is home to some of the most scenic wonders of nature and yet, most travellers stick to the same-old places. The reason behind which is lack of awareness about the hidden treasures. If you want to skip a swarming destination full of tourist- traps and added expenses, you can consider the below spiritual tour of the temples and churches, horse ride places. at Jampore Beach, indulge in water sports, visit the Here are 7 lesser-known destinations which are the Diu Museum and walk inside the Moti Daman For perfect substitutes to the much-frequented getaways in India: Chakrata & Not Manali Which place is better than Manali to explore the enticing Daman & Diu & Not Goa If you’re planning to visit the party capital of the country, you must also know that Goa is immensely crowded and expensive during its peak season. Instead, you can plan a visit to Daman and Diu for a more relaxing and Sikkim & Not Ladakh pocket-friendly vacation. Daman and Diu is also among Ladakh, the scenic union territory surrounded by the top romantic getaways in India owing to its clean snow-clad mountains, is among the most popular golden beaches and immense tranquillity. Its dense palm- tourist destinations in India. Owing to the numerous groves and colonial monuments will surely make you feel Bollywood movies like Jab Tak Hai Jaan and 3 Idiots, ecstatic. Besides, adventure seekers can also indulge in Ladakh has become a hotspot for tourists leading to over water sports and horse riding, among other adventure crowdedness and littering. In order to save money and activities in Daman and Diu. spend a relaxing vacation with your friends and family, n Best time for visit: October to March you must visit Sikkim in the north-east. Brimming with n Things to do: Sunbath at clean beaches, take a lush greenery, sprawling hills and Buddhist monasteries, the state is certainly a better choice for those looking for Tiger Reserve which is a lesser-known sanctuary in Tawang & Not McLeod Ganj a peaceful escape. Maharashtra is equally enticing yet less crowded than McLeod Ganj, situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Jim Corbett National Park. n Best time for visit: March to May and October to mid- Pradesh, is a scenic town that has numerous religious December n Best time for visit: October to mid-January and April and natural sightseeing places that attract plenty of n Things to do: Explore the age-old monasteries, take to May travellers every year. In the recent times, the number

a stroll into the wild, indulge in adventure activities, n Things to do: Take a stroll into the wild, witness the of tourists visiting McLeod has increased a lot causing ride a yak and buy Sikkimese handicrafts and Tibetan grandeur of Bengal Tigers, do bird watching and take over crowdedness and littering. Meanwhile, Tawang in goods a night safar Arunachal Pradesh is a lesser-known destination that ensures a picturesque trip owing to its lushness and the Khimsar Village & Not Jaisalmer Himalayan Mountains. Travellers can indulge in hiking, The sunshine charm of Jaisalmer, the Golden City, meditation and other leisure activities in Tawang.

attracts numerous tourists, poets and people from other n Best time for visit: March to June and September to creative fields. In the past few years, the city has seen October a rapid increase in the footfall of travellers, making it n Things to do: Meditate at Taktsang Gompa, hike till a much-frequented travel destination. For those who Gorichen Peak, take a stroll at the Sela Pass, witness wish to explore the magnificent Rajasthan can instead nature’s magic at Nuranang Waterfalls and watch a head to the village of Khimsar located between Bikaner sunset at Shonga-Tser Lak and Jodhpur. The scenic village of Khimsar is lesser Mawlynnong & Not Darjeeling Blessed with the exceptional view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination in India. Travellers visit the city for its stunning scenery, expansive tea estates and peaceful environs. However, like other Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve & Not Jim Corbett Jim Corbett National Park is a sprawling wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand. Home to some of the most exotic species of flora and fauna, it is always buzzing with wildlife lovers. During the peak season, the hotels known and has relatively cheaper hotels and eateries. and resorts are quite expensive and crowded which may Considered as the starting point of the Thar Desert, ruin your interest. On the other hand, Tadoba Andhari Khimsar is dotted with mud huts that add to its rustic charm.

n Best time for visit: November to February

n Things to do: Camel safari, take a spiritual tour at one of the temples, visit the Khimsar Fort and witness the rare species of black buck at Panchala Black Buck Reserv popular tourist destinations, this place also suffers from the side effects of heavy tourist influx. Meanwhile, Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is popular for its untouched beauty and enticing charm. Considered as Asia’s Cleanest Village, the place has abundant natural sightseeing places like the Living Roots Bridge. 22 January 26, 2021

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Pranab Mukherjee (84) Jaswant Singh (82) Ram Vilas Paswan (74) Ex-President Politician Politician (11 December 1935 – 31 August 2020) (3 January 1938 – 27 September 2020) (5 July 1946 – 8 October 2020) Former President Pranab Mukherjee passed away on Monday Former Union Minister and one of the founding members of Union Minister and LJP patriarch Ram Vilas Paswan passed afternoon after he developed a lung infection at the Army’s the Bharatiya Janata Party, Jaswant Singh, passed away. Singh, away. He was 74. Paswan had undergone heart surgery and was Research and Referral hospital. a former Army officer, had been ill after a fall at his home in due to undergo another one. A Dalit leader from Bihar, Paswan Mukherjee, born in 1935 in Mirati in West Bengal, first became August 2014 and was admitted to the Army Research and had been serving as the Union Minister of Food and Public an MP, in the Rajya Sabha in 1969 on a Congress nomination. Referral Hospital. In his eclectic career, Singh donned many Distribution in the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. Close to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Mukherjee held hats - army officer, author, Union minister, but his handling of An eight-time Lok Sabha MP, Paswan went to jail during Indira many ministerial positions in the government of India, including the Kandahar hijack crisis as the then external affairs minister in Gandhi’s tenure when an emergency was imposed in the country. Defence, Finance, and External Affairs before he was elected 1999 was one that looms large. He began his political career as a member of the Samyukta President of India in 2012. Born on January 3, 1938 in village Jasol in Barmer district, Singh Socialist Party and in 1969 became a member of the Bihar A Congressman all his life, Mukherjee had a short break with served the Indian Army in the 1950s and 60s. He resigned his Legislative Assembly. the party in the Rajiv Gandhi years over what was termed as his Commission to pursue a political career and had a distinguished Paswan was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1977 ambitions to be Prime Minister but which was subsequently tenure in Parliament being a member of Lok Sabha and Rajya as a Janata Party member and also held the Guinness record of explained as a misunderstanding in his memoirs. One of the Sabha multiple times. Singh had been associated with the BJP winning his constituency, Hajipur, with the highest margin for few congressmen to have attended an annual function at the since its foundation in 1980. Though there were several highs several years. and a few lows in his career in politics, his role and decision- RSS headquarters in Nagpur, in 2018, Mukherjee retained his He had formed LJP in 2000 and joined Congress-led United friendships across party lines, despite heavy criticism from the making in the Kandahar hijacking has been the subject of much debate and dissection. Progressive Alliance in 2004. Paswan had served as a Union Congress for his visit to Nagpur. Minister under five prime ministers and his party has been a member of all national coalitions. He hailed from Shaharbanni Village in Khagaria District of Bihar.

Roza Deshpande (92) Raghuvansh Prasad Singh (74) CF Thomas (81) Politician Politician Politician (1929 – 19 September 2020) (6 June 1946 – 13 September 2020) (30 July 1939 – 27 September 2020) Veteran Trade unionist, Communist leader and former Former Union minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh died due to Senior Kerala Congress leader CF Thomas passed away at the parliamentarian, Roza Deshpande died of prolonged illness at post-Covid complications. age of 81. Known for his simple demeanour and stern stance, C F her Dadar residence. Daughter of Communist Party of India’s A staunch loyalist of the RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav whom Thomas aka Baby was a towering leader of Kerala Congress (M), (CPI) founding member Shripad Amrit Dange, Deshpande started he supported in thick and thin, Singh ran afoul with the party who has been representing Changanassery constituency in the her political career with All India Students Federation (AISF) and a few months ago when murmurs about mafia don turned Kerala Legislative Assembly since 1980. was active during Samyukta Maharashtra and Goa liberation politician Rama Singh, his rival in Vaishali Lok Sabha constituency, He also served as Rural Development Minister during A K movements. led him to resign from the post of the national vice-president. Antony and Oommen Chandy Ministries between 2001and Seen as a champion of the rights of woman labourers, A cabinet colleague of Prasad in the Manmohan Singh 2006. Born to C T Francis and Annamma in Chennikkara family Deshpande led a famous agitation in 1964, which forced government, he stayed away from the RJD’s day to day affairs at Changanassery on July 30, 1939, Thomas entered into politics chemical and pharmaceutical factories to drop an objectionable which was attributed, in part, to his ill-health. through Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of Indian clause that stated that woman employees should step down National Congress, and became part of Kerala Congress since its from their duties after marriage. She was elected to the Lok Often called the architect of the MNREGA scheme, which was inception in 1964. He held positions including KC (M) chairman, Sabha from the erstwhile Bombay South Central constituency floated when he was the Union minister for rural development, deputy chairman and various others during his more than six in 1974 as the CPI candidate. But she and her father would soon Singh has been in political wilderness for some time, having lost decades long political career. be expelled from the party after they backed Prime Minister two consecutive elections in 2014 and 2019 from Vaishali which he has represented in the Lok Sabha a record five times. His Before shifting to a full-time politician, he was a teacher at St Indira Gandhi’s stance during the Emergency period. After that, Berchman’s Higher Secondary School, Changanassery. He was the two formed All India Communist Party in which she was the relations with Tejashwi Yadav, younger son and apparent heir of Lalu Prasad, turned sour when he started pitching for Nitish elected as a legislator from Changanassery in 1980, 1982, 1987, general secretary. Besides trade union activities, Deshpande was 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016. an avid follower of Marathi literature and history. Kumar back to the Grand Alliance helmed by the RJD. January 26, 2021 23

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Pandit Jasraj (90) Akkitham Achuthan SP Balasubrahmanyam (74) (Classical vocalist) Namboothiri (94) Playback singer/actor (28 January 1930 – 17 August 2020) (4 June 1946 – 25 September 2020) Poet Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj passed away following a (18 March 1926 – 15 October 2020) Singer-actor SP Balasubrahmanyam passed away cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey. following coronavirus complications. Though he recorded With a musical career spanning almost 80 years, the doyen of In the demise of Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, Kerala has lost his first tamil song for MS Viswanathan for the unreleased Indian classical vocal music was a recipient of various prestigious a doyen of Malayalam literature whose writing effervesced with film Hotel Ramba, his Tamil breakthrough came in 1969, in awards and honours including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and values of humanity and brotherhood. the form of Aayiram Nilave Vaa, composed by KV Mahadevan Padma Vibhushan. He represented the last of a generation of Akkitham is the recipient of some of the biggest literature for MGR’s Adimai Penn. His association with MSV and classical vocalists, which includes 83-year-old Kishori Amonkar, honours in India such as the Jnanpith (2019), Kendra Sahitya maestro Ilaiyaraaja cemented his status as a legend even in the the doyenne of the Jaipur Atrauli gharana. Akademi award (1973), Vayalar award (1972), Ezhuthachan 1980s. In 1981, he recorded 21 songs on a single day, a record award (2016) and Kerala Sahitya Akademi award (1972). that hasn’t been broken yet. He also was an admired character Belonging to Mewati Gharana, Jasraj was introduced to actor, earning praise for his effortless performances in films like vocal music by his father, and was later trained as a tabla Akkitham was born to Vasudevan Namboothiri and Parvathy Manathil Uruthi Vendum, Thiruda Thiruda, Kadhalan, Minsara accompanist under the tutelage of elder brother, Pandit Pratap Antharjanam on March 18, 1926 into the conservative Kanavu, and Moone Moonu Varthai. The veteran singer has Narayan. Jasraj began training as a vocalist at the age of 14, Namboothiri community in Kumaranellur village in Palakkad recorded over 40,000 songs in 16 Indian languages and holds and his riyaz once used to last for 14 hours a day. Pandit Jasraj district. As part of his early education, Akkitham learnt Sanskrit, the Guinness World Record for recording the highest number will be remembered as the pioneer who added elements of music and astrology. His most popular work is Irupatham of songs by a singer. He has won the National Film Award for the thumri to the khayal, giving it more flexibility and making Nootantinte Ithihasam which won him the Sanjayan award Best Male Playback Singer six times, the Filmfare Award seven it more audience-friendly. This would have been considered in 1952. His other works are Balidarshanam (for which he times for his work across many industries. He was also a recipient blasphemous half a century ago, when the khayal was serious received the 1972 Kerala Sahitya Akademi award), Pandathe of the Padma Bhushan (2011) and Padmashri (2001) from the business and sung without any ornamentation. Melshanthi, Manasapuja, Manasakshiyude Pookkal and Nimisha Government of India. Kshetram (for which he received the Odakuzhal award).

Ashalata Wabgaonkar (79) AB Raj (95) Unnikrishnan Actress Filmmaker Namboothiri (98) (2 July 1941 – 22 September 2020) (21 April 1925 – 23 August 2020) Actor Renowned Marathi, Hindi films, and stage actress Ashalata AB Raj, also known as A Bhaskar Raj, noted filmmaker of (19 October 1923 – 20 January 2021) Wabgaonkar passed away after a four-day battle with COVID-19 Malayalam cinema, passed away at his home in Chennai. at a private hospital in Satara. She was 79. Popularly known as Raj has been active in the film industry for decades since Unnikrishnan Nampoothiri, 98, the beloved ‘grandfather’ of Ashalata, the Goa-born actress had reportedly contracted the 1951, directing, producing and writing films. Kaliyalla Malayalam cinema, is no more. Nampoothiri, whom director infection during the shootings of a teleserial. Kalyanam was his first Malayalam movie. Sasthram Jayichu Jayaraj referred to as “a pious Brahmin and an equally pious Ashalata Wabgaonkar was in Satara to shoot for a Marathi Manushyan Thottu, Lottery Ticket, Pachanottukal, Danger Communist”, breathed his last at the Payyannur Cooperative TV serial, Aai Kalubai. Reportedly, she, along with about 20 Biscuit, Kazhukan, Irumbazhikal, Light House and Thaalam Hospital. Belonging to the Vadhyar Illam of Pullur, he was members of the TV serial crew tested positive for the novel Thettiya Tharattu are some of the other popular Malayalam suffering from post-Covid health issues and was admitted to the coronavirus there. movies directed by Raj. Born in Madurai in 1925, Raj started hospital after his health deteriorated on Wednesday morning. his film career in the late 1940s under the guidance of TR Earlier, he was under treatment for pneumonia at a private Ashalata is a popular face in television, films as well as in the Sundaram. He went to Sri Lanka in 1951 and during his Indian theatre scene. She started her acting career with theatre, 10-year-long stay in the island nation, directed 11 Sinhalese hospital in Payyannur, and later at a Kannur hospital for a week. primarily in Marathi and Konkani plays, and later went on to act movies. These include movies like Prema Tharagaya, Ahankara During hospitalisation, he tested Covid positive. After beating in over a hundred Hindi and Marathi films. Ashalata’s Hindi debut Sthree, Ramyalatha and Vana Mohini. He has worked with English the virus and testing negative, he was discharged last week. was in Basu Chatterjee’s Apne Paraye. She can be credited for director David Lean for the epic British American war film The Nampoothiri forayed into the world of movies at the age of 74 films like Ankush, Ahista Ahista, Shaukeen, Woh Saat Din, Namak Bridge on the River Kwai, which released in 1957. Raj has also through Jayaraj’s critically acclaimed Desadanam in 1996, with Halaal, and several others. Marathi films like Umbartha, Navri directed Tamil films like Thulli Odum Pullimaan (starring Sivaji the role of a grandfather making him popular. He went on to act Mile Navryala, and Vahinichi Maya are also part of her repertory Ganesan and Chandrababu) and Kai Niraya Kasu. in around 25 more films, including Kalyanaraman, Chandramukhi, of work. Madhuranombarakkattu and Pammal K Sambandham. He is the father-in-law of lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran Nampoothiri. 24 January 26, 2021

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Buta Singh (86) Ahmed Patel (71) Tarun Gogoi (86) Politician Politician Politician (21 March 1934 – 2 January 2021) (21 August 1949 – 25 November 2020) (1 April 1936 – 23 November 2020) Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Buta Singh Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel passed away due to Three-time Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi passed away passes away. Born in 1934 in Punjab’s Jalandhar, Buta Singh multiple organ failures after having tested positive for the after a protracted illness. Gogoi represented Titabar Assembly joined the Congress under Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership and coronavirus disease. constituency in Jorhat district since 2001. Born in 1936, Gogoi was close to Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Singh was counted Popularly known as ‘Babu bhai’, ‘Ahmed Bhai’ and ‘AP’ in was a six-time parliamentarian and a Union minister twice. He among the most powerful of Rajiv’s loyalists in the Congress. political circles, Patel had been the chief crisis manager, the key came to the political scene of Assam in 1968 when he became a Singh was a deputy minister for railways in the Indira Gandhi trouble shooter, the go-to man in emergency situations and a member of the Jorhat Municipal Board. Three years after joining government in the 1970s, and when the Congress was thrown master strategist for the Congress for decades. politics, Gogoi impressed Congress boss and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi because of which he was made the Youth Congress out of power after Emergency, he was appointed a general Born on August 21, 1949, at Piraman village near Bharuch secretary of AICC in 1978. He was a junior minister and then a leader of Assam in 1971. The same year, Tarun Gogoi was given in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Congress ticket for the Lok Sabha election as well. cabinet minister when Indira returned to power in 1980 but his and home minister Amit Shah, he represented the state eight glorious days came during the Rajiv era, when he became the times in Parliament – three times as a Lok Sabha member from A strong Congress leader, Gogoi went on to win six terms as the Home Minister in 1986. Bharuch and five times as a Rajya Sabha member. Lok Sabha member, the first three (1971-85) from Jorhat and next three terms from Kaliabor between 1991 and 2001. Singh began his political career with the Akali Dal in the 1960s. Patel also served as the parliamentary secretary to former He was elected to Lok Sabha for the first time in 1962 on an Akali Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1985-86. Apart from being He handled different portfolios as Union minister from 1991 to Dal ticket from Moga in Punjab but switched to the Congress Gujarat Congress president from January 1986 to October 1995. But his real rise came in life when he became the chief soon. In all, he was an eight-term Lok Sabha MP. 1988, he was party general secretary twice from September minister of Assam in 2001. 1985 to January 1986 and then from May 1992 to October 1996.

Motilal Vora (93) Alokeranjan Dasgupta (87) Roddam Narasimha (87) Politician Poet Aerospace scientist (20 December 1928 – 21 December 2020) (6 October 1933 – 17 November 2020) (20 July 1933 – 14 December 2020) Veteran Congress leader Motilal Vora passed away in Delhi, a Sahitya Academy award winner Bengali poet Alokeranjan Celebrated aerospace scientist, Padma Vibhushan Prof Roddam day after he celebrated his 93rd birthday. Dasgupta has passed away at his residence in Germany. Narasimha passed away. Dasgupta completed his studies from Visva Bharati school and A journalist by profession, he worked with Navbharat Times as A former director of the National Aerospace Laboratories then St. Xaviers College and Jadavpur University in Kolkata. He its correspondent in Bombay (now Mumbai), then served with (NAL), he had played a key role in the design and development was faculty at JU teaching competitive literature. Later on he Navbharat in Nagpur and Raipur and later with Nagpur Times in moved to Germany on scholarship and settled there. of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas. Nagpur. Having held one of the most important organisational An authority on Fluid Dynamics, he was also the DST Year- post of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) treasurer His first book, titled “JoubanBaul”, was published in 1959. After of-Science Chair Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for nearly two decades, Vora was appointed as the general that he authored several books and translated many literary for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and concurrently secretary in charge of administration in 2018. works. The poet also paid a vital role in consolidating Indo- German cultural ties in his lifetime. Dasgupta has authored over held the Pratt & Whitney Chair in Science and Engineering This is when another senior leader Ahmed Patel took over as 20 poetry books. Lovers of literature are immensely grateful at the University of Hyderabad. The first student of Sathish the AICC treasurer and held the post till his death on November to him for bringing home the brilliant translations of Friedrich Dhawan, Narasimha’s research has been chiefly concerned 25 this year. Holderlin, Heinrich Heine, Bertolt Brecht and Peter Weiss. with Aerospace Fluid Dynamics. Honoured with the country’s A former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh and a former second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan in 2013, At the same time, he disseminated the creativity of Kabir, governor of Uttar Pradesh, Vora, a Gandhi family loyalist, was Prof Narasimha was also the recipient of the Bhatnagar Prize, Rabindranath, Lalan and Jibanananda in Europe, Germany in known for his relations across political spectrum. and the 2008 Trieste Science Prize. A Fellow of the Royal particular. He was honoured with the prestigious Goethe Prize, Society, and a Foreign Associate of both the US National A two-term Madhya Pradesh chief minister – first from 1985 Ananda Puraskar and Kabir Shamman. He was an enviable Academy of Engineering and the US National Academy of to 1988 and later in 1989, Vora also served as the union health conversationalist and his ability to play with words was Sciences, he was a Distinguished Alumnus of both the California minister in the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s cabinet in phenomenal. 1988-89. Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). January 26, 2021 25

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Sivaramakrishna Iyer Viswanathan Shanta (93) Sugathakumari (86) Padmavati (103) Doctor Poet (11 March 1927 – 19 January 2021) (22 January 1934 – 23 December 2020) Cardiologist (20 June 1917 – 29 August 2020) In Dr V Shanta’s death, the nation has lost one of its greatest Renowned Malayalam poet, conservationist and women’s rights icons. Her towering and compassionate presence at the Adyar activist Sugathakumari passed away. Dr. Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati, India’s first female Cancer Research Centre in Chennai healed people’s hearts for Sugathakumari, who has been affectionately called “Sugatha cardiologist, passed away at the age of 103 of (COVID-19)- decades. That mattered more than them battling the dreaded Teacher” by her admirers, leaves behind a literary life spanning related complications. Dr. Padmavati was the founder of the NHI disease called cancer, for which they came to her hoping for a six decades. Born to freedom fighter and writer Bodheswaran hospital, which was established in 1981 as a tertiary care modern miracle cure. and well-known Sanskrit teacher Karthiyayaniamma in 1934, heart hospital in Delhi with the first cardiac catheterisation Dr Shanta was an institution by herself, having dedicated her she inherited a rich legacy in poetry. She began her literary life laboratory in the private sector in the Southern Hemisphere. life to the research of cancer and rehabilitation of patients. writing for a weekly in 1957 under the pen name Sreekumar. In 1962, Dr. Padmavati had also founded the All India Heart Many of her patients have stories to share of the trials and Her first collection of poems, “Muthuchippi”, was published in Foundation. Born in Burma in 1917, a year before the world was tribulations they overcame only because they were under hit by the Spanish Flu pandemic, she and her family had migrated 1961, marking her entry in the Malayalam literary world. She the wing of Dr Shanta and her team of doctors. Her stature is has to her credit 15 collections of poems, which include the to India in 1942 during World War II in the wake of the attack incomparable, her compassion and simplicity having touched on Japan. She graduated from the Rangoon Medical College much-acclaimed Paavam Manavahridayam, Pathirappookkal, so many people since 1955 after she chose cancer research Krishnakavithakal, Ambalamani, Radhayevide and Rathrimazha. and went overseas for higher education, eventually becoming over the position of a surgeon at a hospital where she had been the first female cardiologist in India. For her achievements and selected through the Madras Public Service Commission. Soon In 2006, she was bestowed the Padma Shri. She also bagged contributions to the development of cardiology in India, she was multiple awards followed her in this journey, but never once did almost all prestigious literary awards in the state, including awarded Fellowship of the American College of Cardiology and they make her complacent. Her name has become synonymous Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Ezhuthachan Puraskaram and FAMS, and Padma Bhushan in 1967 and Padma Vibhushan in with ethics and selflessness of service and her life will always Vayalar Award and Odakkuzhal Award. 1992 by the Government of India. remain an example for doctors.

Ravi Patwardhan (84) Astad Deboo (73) Anil Panachooran (55) Actor Dancer Poet (September 6, 1937 – 6 December 2020) (13 July 1947 – 10 December 2020) (20 November 1965 – 3 January 2021) Veteran actor Ravi Patwardhan, best known for starring in Contemporary Indian dancer Astad Deboo, renowned for Poet and lyricist Anil Panachooran, 55, died at a private hospital the Marathi show Aggabai Sasubai and 1980s Hindi films marrying Kathak and Kathakali into a unique form, passed away at Anayara after suffering a heart attack. like Tezaab and Ankush, died on Saturday following a massive in Mumbai. He once said there was a time when most Indians Anil’s song ‘Chora veena mannil ninnuyarnnu vanna poomaram…’ saw his style as “too western” while westerners found that it heart attack. - from the 2007 film Arabikkatha, attained a cult status. Another was “not Indian enough”. Ravi Patwardhan, whose career in the entertainment industry song which catapulted him to fame is ‘vethyasthanam oru spanned about four decades, was rushed to Jupiter Hospital in His innovative style of Indian dance may have raised some barbaram balane…’ from the 2007 film Katha Parayumbol. Thane after he complained of breathlessness. eyebrows in the 1970s and 80s, but the 1990s saw people Later, when he wrote ‘entammede jimikki kammal’ in the 2017 Ravi Patwardhan had also acted in several plays and embrace this new idiom. Born on July 13, 1947 in Navsari film Velipadinte Pustakam directed by Lal Jose. featured in around 200 films, including Yeshwant (1997) town of Gujarat, the dancer, who studied Kathak with Guru Prahlad Das from a young age, and later Kathakali with Guru EK Born to Udayabhanu and Droupadi, his real name was P U in Hindi, and Marathi features like Asha Asavya Anil Kumar. He spent his childhood in Mumbai. He studied Sun (1981), Umbartha (1982), Jhanjaar (1987), and Jyotiba Pannicker, described his style as “contemporary in vocabulary and traditional in restraint”. at the TKM College, Nangiyarkulangara, Law Academy, Phule, a 2019 Marathi langauge show. Thiruvananthapuram, and Kakatiya University, Warangal, from He was last seen on the popular TV series Aggabai Sasubai. With a dance career spanning half a century, he had performed where he obtained his Master’s degree in public administration. in over 70 countries, including solo, group and collaborative Besides Niranjan Patwardhan, the actor is survived by his wife, After leading a hermit’s life for a few years, Anil worked as a choreography with artistes, at home and abroad. Deboo also lawyer and later dabbled in songwriting for films. two children and four grandchildren. forayed into other art disciplines, like films, choreographing for directors such as Mani Ratnam, Vishal Bhardwaj and legendary His anthology of poems includes Akshethriyude Athmageetham painter MF Hussain’s Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities. and Valayil Veena Kilikal. He had also acted in Arabikkatha (2007), Manikyakkallu (2011), Chila Neram Chila Manushyar (2011) and Yathra Chodikkathe (2015). Anil said his songs were born out of unexpected and spontaneous inspiration. stad Ghulam Mustafa, one of the finest Hindustani classical vocalists and torchbearer Uof the Rampur Sahaswan gharana, died at his home in Mumbai. He was 89. In Umrao Jaan (1980), filmmaker Muzaffar Ali’s seminal film, a five-minute melody manages to put life’s ebb and flow in perspective. The raagmala Pratham dhar dhyaan dinesh illustrates the induction of the protagonist, Ameeran, into classical music and dance and showcases her metamorphosis into Lucknow’s fanciful courtesan, Umrao Jaan. Composer Khayyam’s composition is ambitious and arduous—based on seven ragas each of which defines time, mood and colour of varied moments in life. To sing this, Ali chose Ut Ghulam Mustafa Khan—the Hindustani classical giant whose deep and dazzling voice was representative of not just an iconic lineage but also a rigorous riyaaz and years spent teaching some of the greatest musicians of our time. Opening with an alaap that chimes with the a child prodigy. What was also interesting about Ut word Allah, the melody merges into Brahma, giving Ghulam Mustafa was his openness to all forms of a glimpse into the Awadh of the 19th century, music, a rarity in classical maestros of his time. So when the syncretic fusion of cultures in music when most classical singers were banishing Hindi was a norm. But a more remembered piece is film music, he found it easier to adapt. perhaps Jhoola kinne daala re amaraiyan in raag The musician also sang in Mrinal Sen’s Bhuvan Desh, the story of a bedecked swing on which two Shome (1969), and Badnam Basti (1969) among lovers sway together. others. Another significant performance was Ut Ghulam Mustafa was born and raised a part of Coke Studio @MTV where composer in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. His mother was the and Ut Ghulam Mustafa’s student AR Rahman daughter of the legendary vocalist Ut Inayat presented his guru on stage. Ut Ghulam Mustafa, Hussain Khan, the court musician in Nawab Wajid till he died, remained an eminent guru to many Ali Khan’s court. He learned from his father Warish leading musicians including Asha Bhosle, Manna Hussain Khan, followed by tutelage under other Dey, Ut Rashid Khan (also his nephew), Waheeda family members, including Ut Fida Hussain Khan, Rehman, Geeta Dutt, Hariharan, Sonu Nigam, court singer of Baroda’s royal durbar and then his Alisha Chinoy and Shilpa Rao. cousin, Ut Nissar Hussain Khan. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991, His first performance was at a Janmashtami Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2003, Padma concert at the age of eight, where he was hailed as Bhushan in 2006 and Padma Vibhushan in 2018.

Soumitra Chatterjee The greatest of Bengal’s thespians

egendary Bengali actor Soumitra Sen, Tapan Sinha and later in his career Chatterjee passed away at the age of with Goutam Ghose, Aparna Sen and L85 on November 15. The Dadasaheb Rituparno Ghosh. Phalke award-winning actor is best After making his debut as the adult known for his collaborations with Oscar- Apu in Apur Sansar (The World of Apu, winning director Satyajit Ray, with whom 1959), the third part of Apu Trilogy, he till 2016. He also garnered critical acclaim he worked in fourteen films. Chatterjee went on to work in several notable films for his directorial venture Stree Ki is also the first Indian film personality with Satyajit Ray, including Abhijan (The Patra (1986) which was based on Streer Expedition, 1962), Charulata (The Lonely Patra, a Bengali short story written by Wife, 1964), Aranyer Din Ratri (Days Rabindranath Tagore. and Nights in the Forest, 1969); Ashani Sanket (Distant Thunder, 1973); Sonar Kella (The Fortress, 1974) and Joi Baba Felunath (The Elephant God, 1978) as Bengali detective Feluda; Hirak Rajar Deshe(1980), Ghare Baire (The Home and The World, 1984), Shakha Proshakha (1990) and Ganashatru (Enemy of the People, 1989). He worked with Mrinal Sen in Akash Kusum (Up in the Clouds, 1965), with Tapan conferred with the Ordre des Arts et Sinha in Kshudhita Pashan des Lettres, France’s highest award (Hungry Stones, 1960), for artists. In 2017, exactly thirty years Jhinder Bandi (1961), after auteur Satyajit Ray was honoured Atonko (1984) and with with France’s highest civilian award, the Tarun Majumdar in coveted Legion of Honor, Chatterjee also Sansar Simante (1975), received the prestigious award. Ganadevata (1978). In a career spanning over six decades, He acted in more than Chatterjee worked with Ray, Mrinal 210 films in his career