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Power Corridors Contents www.powercorridors.in Editor & Chairman : Nandan Jha Consulting Editor : Parijat Tripathi Executive Editor : Satish Mishra Executive Director : Adesh Tyagi Event Head : Ankita Singh Legal Advisor : Dr. Vivek Singh Strategy Head : Amol Monga Fashion Consultant : Pooja Nagarrsheth VP Business Development: Navin Kati Assistant Editor : Prashant Bhardwaj Special Correspondent : Arvind Sharma Rajasthan Bureau Chief : Saurabh Indoria Designer : Laxman Prasad Sharma illustration : Circle Creation Executive Circulation : Vinod Kumar
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08 Appointments/Transfer 14 Scam 28 national RP Thakur IRTS appointed ED attaches properties worth How will the country Principal Secretary- Industries Rs 65 crore in Naresh Jain case become superpower and Commerce, J&K without own language? scam Thirteen IPS transfers in 15 Delhi Police ED attaches assets worth Rs 38 Delhi riots 31.83 cr in bank fraud case A year on, wounds are still fresh PSU 09 scam Cochin Shipyard Signs MOUs 16 with DCI and Royal IHC I-T Crackdown on A-T Anurag- Holland BV Taapsee in deep trouble
10 Appointment 18 scam Athlete Hima Das appointed Gujarat Chief Secretary as DSP in Assam Police Anil Mukim gets six-month extension 42 Defence TIME TO MOVE AHEAD Appointment 11 Exclusive Jag Mohan IPS posted as 20 ADG & IGP (Law & Order) & Mantena E-tendering scam: SNPO, WB Will CBI investigate the matter?
Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar takes charge as Western PSU 22 sports Naval Command Chief CONCOR all set to 48 boost container output ICC’s game foiled as India enters WTC final 12 Appointment Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur 23 PSU takes over as ENC Chief USA’s latest policy on Kashmir
Rear Admiral Sanjay Sharma Took Over as Admiral 24 Superintendent, Naval Ship Russia-Pakistan: India Repair Yard (KOCHI) marginalized 50 bollywood Dignity is also necessary with ‘Saina’ was the challenge ‘I 13 Extension freedom was looking for’: Parineeti MHA extends Manoj Yadav’s tenure as Haryana DGP 25 ADULTERATION: A SILENT Power Corridors 4 march 2021 MURDER FROM THe Editor-in-Chief
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The high-stake political battle in West dividends but nothing’s over until it’s finally over. The opinion Bengal has entered its last phase and the Polls do agree that BJP occupying a total of 18 Lok Sabha seats stage is set for a massive showdown. The will be able to achieve much more than earlier in these polls. state seems to be getting unreasonable The BJP is, not surprisingly, ahead in creating the impression T attention though there are other three that it has already won the election. A section of the mainstream poll-bound states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam) and media too has bought into the narrative and is convinced that a Union Territory (Puducherry), during the upcoming Bengal is ready for change. Other factors working in favour of assembly elections. The four states and one Union the BJP in West Bengal are its seemingly unlimited resources, territory are scheduled to go to poll starting from high voltage campaign by the PM, union ministers and chief March 26. There seem to be numerous reasons which ministers, its sway over the media and its wooing of Bengali make this political war all the more interesting. The film industry. The latest development from West Bengal has other states are no less important but the battles in been the inclusion of Former NDA stalwart Yashwant Sinha these states are much less dramatic. into TMC. Sinha joined the party citing danger to democracy We Indians love dramas and this battle seems under the ruling BJP at the Centre. Sinha, 83, who had quit nothing short of a theatrical full of twists and turns. the BJP in 2018, and has since been consistent in questioning Moreover this is a battle of political heavyweights who the government and its policies didn’t look, satisfied at all with have proved their mettle time and again. Add to that BJP’s governance. Will that decision prove beneficial to the some star power, which makes it cynosure of our eyes. TMC? Only time will tell. New controversies spring up each day. BJP is going all While BJP hopes that the investment and hard work it has put out to win the elections and CM Mamata Banerjee is in the state pays off, the TMC feels the fighter Mamat Banerjee fighting hard to ensure she doesn’t lose her territory. puts BJP at bay in the state. Major factors like Narendra Modi- In a way, the stakes are too high at the moment. The Amit Shah winning combo, Suvendu vs Mamata Nandigram idea of a liberal, secular, plural and federal India is battle and much more will be on display in the coming days. pitted against the idea of a strong, unitary and even This is what has kept the people interested in West Bengal polls authoritarian Hindu Rashtra. Both sides seem evenly despite elections in other states too. While the coming days matched but there are few things which set them apart. would see political parties from West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil The desperation of BJP to win at all costs is there to Nadu and Puducherry slug it out to form governments; it would be seen and the other three major parties in the state, be interesting to see who comes out with flying colours during who have dominated the last two decades in the state, this epic clash in Bengal. h are feeling the heat at the moment. Being a national party with such a wide range always brings promise but BJP has got much more to offer. The Narendra Modi factor is always there; besides several top leaders joining BJP and the efforts of party workers at ground level appears to be paying (Nandan Jha)
march 2021 5 Power Corridors News in Brief
Directors of Shinago Plantations Pvt Ltd. arrested in Money laundering case he Enforcement Directorate (ED) rotation of money to avail more funds on 6 March arrested two directors from the Bank without any actual Tof a Tamil Nadu-based company in business. an alleged money laundering case worth "The funds so availed by various `325 crore linked to a bank fraud case. individuals/group concerns, in the form Hittesh Patel and Suresh N Patel, directors of Letters of Credit (LC), cash credit (CC) of Shinago Plantations Pvt Ltd, were sent limits and agriculture term loans, were to 10 days ED custody by a special court transferred within the group entities on Saturday after they were placed under through circular rotation of money to arrest under sections of the Prevention of avail more funds from the bank without Money Laundering Act (PMLA), it said any actual business," the agency claimed. in a statement. The two allegedly laundered funds Investigation under PMLA revealed funds through various group accounts. to the tune of Rs325 crore by using a that the accused in collusion with the The investigation further revealed that the network of nearly 20 group entities valuers availed loans from erstwhile funds so availed by various individuals/ located across Tamil Nadu. After one Corporation Bank (Presently Union Bank group concerns in the form of Letter of day of judicial custody, the Hon’ble of India) on the basis of inflated value Credit (LC) and Cash Credit (CC) limits/ Special Court (PMLA) remanded both of the properties offered as collateral Agriculture term loans, were transferred the accused of enforcement custody for and indulged in the wilful diversion of within the group entities through circular 10 days on 5 March 2021. h
Tirath Singh Rawat to be new Uttarakhand Chief Minister
for the post. Sources say the decision was becoming the latest in Uttarakhand's taken with the express approval of Prime legacy of Chief Ministers exiting before Minister Narendra Modi. What sets him term. A first-timer, he was chosen by apart is that he is not identified with any Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the faction in the Uttarakhand BJP. BJP swept the Uttarakhand election in The BJP was faced with the challenge 2017, winning 57 seats in the 69-member of balancing two groups; old-time BJP assembly. The Congress won just 11 seats. players were pitching for their candidate "I have been working in politics for and imports from the Congress, like a while now and my party gave me an Harak Singh Rawat and Satpal Maharaj, opportunity to work as the state Chief were pushing for theirs. The BJP's central Minister for four years- the golden years irath Singh Rawat will take over observers told the leadership that any of my life. Despite coming from a rural as the new Chief Minister of candidate from either faction would tip background, I was entrusted with the TUttarakhand, with just a year to the balance and harm the party in the responsibility to lead the state - that is only the state election, after the resignation election. possible in a party like BJP," said Rawat. on Tuesday of Trivendra Singh Rawat. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra "Now that party has taken a collective Tirath Singh Rawat, 56, is a BJP MP Singh Rawat had earlier resigned on 9 decision to entrust the responsibility of from the Pauri constituency. He was March as the state's ruling BJP opted for state chief ministership to some other the chief of the party in Uttarakhand course-correction a year before polls, leader." in 2013-15 and also an MLA from the amid growing resentment in the ranks. The move to replace him a year before state in the past. He was picked over His exit was certain after his trip to Delhi, elections is unusual, given that it is often prominent candidates including Union where he had met with the BJP leadership. seen as a vote of no-confidence by the Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Rawat, 60, handed in his resignation party in its own government. It is also a Uttarakhand Minister Dhan Singh Rawat. to Governor Baby Rani Maurya just days rare move by the BJP to replace a Chief He is a surprising, yet interesting choice short of completing four years in power, Minister for non-performance. h
Power Corridors 6 march 2021 Appointment
MoS Anurag Thakur promoted as captain in Territorial Army
nion Minister Anurag could carry on the mantle of my Thakur on 10th March ancestors. It's a privilege to wear Ubecame the first serving MP Thakur joined the the uniform," he said. to be appointed as Captain in the Army after clearing Thakur said it is an honour Territorial Army. for him to serve the society as a The four-time BJP MP from the SSB exam and a parliamentarian and he will always Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur was personal interview be ready to serve his country on the commissioned into the Territorial call of duty from his regiment in Army as a Lieutenant by then Chief conducted in the Territorial Army. of Army Staff (COAS) General Chandigarh. He Thakur joined the Army after Dalbir S Suhag TA in July 2016, underwent over clearing the SSB exam and a according to a statement. personal interview conducted in Thakur was promoted as two weeks of pre- Chandigarh. He underwent over Captain in the 124 Sikh regiment, qualification training two weeks of pre-qualification it said. training held in Bhopal. "I am extremely honoured to held in Bhopal The Territorial Army, the have been promoted to the rank of second line of defence in the Captain. I would like to reaffirm hierarchy, comprises volunteers my commitment for serving the Army. who are imparted military training people and the call of duty towards "I come from Devbhoomi for about a month in a year. The mother India," the minister said. Himachal which has a long Territorial Army can be pressed He said his grandfather and tradition of (its people) serving into national service in case of any great-grandfather had served in the in the armed forces. I am glad I emergency. h
marchMarch 2021 7 Power Corridors Appointments/Transfer
RP Thakur IRTS appointed Principal Secretary- Industries and Commerce, J&K
ollowing the orders from the railways as well. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant An alumnus of Delhi''s prestigious Governor Manoj Sinha on St Stephen''s college, IIFT and IIM FFebruary 25, Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Indore, he was Executive Director a senior IRTS officer of 1990-Batch, (Fuel Transportation) at NPTC, ADG has been appointed as Principal Doordarshan (DTH), and Brand Head, Secretary, Industries and Commerce Shatabdi Express. Department, Jammu and Kashmir. Alongside the appointment of Some weeks back, Sinha had asked the Thakur, the J&K administration said Union Home Ministry to help select IAS officer Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, highly-rated officers to assist him. who was Commissioner/Secretary In the previous month, the to the Government, Industries and Lt. Governor had rolled out a Commerce Department, holding new industrial policy for Jammu will be playing a crucial role in the additional charge of Administrative and Kashmir. The policy aims at execution of the policy. Secretary, General Administration developing industries and bringing While a railways officer (IRTS, 1990 Department and Mining Department, in major investments to the Union batch) who has been ED (Tourism has been transferred and posted Territory in the coming two years. & Catering) and Divisional Railway as Commissioner/Secretary to the Therefore, with the appointment of Manager, Danapur, Thakur has had Government, General Administration Thakur as Principal Secretary, he multiple assignments outside the Department. h
Thirteen IPS transfers in Delhi Police
The Govt. has shifted 13 IPS Officers in transferred as DCP- R.P. Bhawan, Delhi Police under the AGMUT Cadre Delhi Police. with immediate effect and the names of 9. Shri Pranav Tayal IPS (2011) the officers are: presently Addl DCP-I- South East District transferred as DCP- Rohini 1. Shri Kime Kaming IPS (2003) Dist, Delhi Police. presently on arrival from 10. Shri Sanjay Kumar Sain IPS (2011) Arunachal Pradesh now appointed presently Addl DCP-I- Sahadara as Joint CP- Security, Delhi Police. 5. Smt Geeta Rani Verma IPS Dist transferred as DCP- North- 2. Shri Sang Norbu Mosobi IPS (2007) presently DCP- SPUWAC East Dist, Delhi Police. (2003) presently Principal- PTS, promoted as Additional CP- 11. Ms Guguloth Amrutha IPS (2011) Wazirabad transferred as Joint CP- SPUWAC, Delhi Police. presently on arrival from A&NI Training, Delhi Police. 6. Shri R Sathiyasundaram IPS (2009) now appointed as Addl. DCP-I- 3. Shri Hibu Tamang IPS (2004) presently on arrival from Mizoram Sahadara Dist, Delhi Police. presently Additional CP – Security now appointed as DCP- Shahadara 12. Shri Surendra Choudhary IPS transferred as Additional CP- Dist, Delhi Police. (2013) presently DCP- Traffic Personnel, Delhi Police. 7. Smt Priyanka Kashyap IPS (2009) transferred as Addl. DCP-I- South- 4. Shri Romil Baaniya IPS (2007) presently on arrival from Mizoram East Dist, Delhi Police. presently on arrival from now appointed as DCP- P&L, Delhi 13. Shri Vikram Singh IPS (2011) Arunachal Pradesh now appointed Police. presently on arrival from Mizoram as Additional CP- Armed Police, 8. Shri Ved Prakash Surya IPS (2009) now appointed as DCP- Traffic, Delhi Police. presently DCP- North East District Delhi Police. h
Power Corridors 8 march 2021 PSU
Cochin Shipyard Signs MOUs with DCI and Royal IHC Holland BV
ndia will soon be making world- significant dredging in the country. and sets a benchmark in building class dredgers as the Cochin This partnership will help the country capabilities within India drive ‘Make Shipyard Limited (CSL) has grow.” said Shri Mansukh Mandaviya. in India’ said Madhu S Nair, Chairman Idecided to partner with Royal IHC, Cochin Shipyard was incorporated and Managing Director of Cochin world's largest dredger maker, for in the year 1972 as a fully owned Shipyard. manufacturing of dredgers in the Government of India company. In the The MOU of CSL with Royal country. last three decades the company has IHC would be a great opportunity Memorandum of Understandings emerged as a forerunner in the Indian for India to showcase the capability has been signed between Cochin Shipbuilding & Ship repair industry. under ‘Make In India’ and establish Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Dredging This yard can build and repair the the capability to construct such large Corporation of India (DCI) and Royal largest vessels in India. dredgers. IHC, Holland, is the world IHC Holland BV, in the presence of CSL and IHC Holland BV have leader with largest market share in the
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya Minister arrived at an understanding to work world for the design and construction of State (I/C) for Ports, Shipping and together to provide locally built of dredgers and is renowned worldwide Waterways and Mr Marten van den world-class dredgers. High-capacity for their quality and performance. Berg, Ambassador of Netherlands in dredgers in the range of 8000 Cu IHC is an integrated solution provider New Delhi. Meter to 12,000 Cu Meter are complex and is much ahead of any competitor “As part of Government of India’s equipment being built in India for in knowledge, expertise, technology, thrust on Blue Economy, there is an the first time. It is also significant that Research & Development, Innovation ever-increasing demand to develop IHC Holland BV, the world leaders in etc. in the field of Dredger design and and maintain existing major ports, design and construction of dredgers are construction. building new ports, offshore resource also part of the Make in India initiative. The MOU of CSL and DCI, in turn exploration, deployment of ultra- For the first time three giants in the would necessitate procurement of mega-size vessels, promotion of industry are joining hands for making additional high- capacity dredgers. tourism, and beach nourishment. world class dredgers within India. The decision to get the vessels Considering India’s vast coastline This initiative is concrete proof of the constructed in India is in line with the of over 7,500 km along the east and Ministry, CSL and DCI’s commitment ‘Atamanirbhar Bharat’ vision of the west coasts this would in turn lead to to the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Government of India. h
march 2021 9 Power Corridors Appointment
Athlete Hima Das appointed as DSP in Assam Police
ssam Chief Minister "Our elite athletes are employed areas Administrative Staff College. Sarbananda Sonowal chaired in various jobs yet continue to play. The meet approved a proposal a meeting of his cabinet Even after retirement, they'll be to provide free electricity to all AWednesday night where a decision was engaged in promoting sports," he households for consumption of up taken to appoint World Championship added. to 30 units a month for the period sprinter Hima Das as a Deputy Earlier the Sports Minister had January 2021 to March 2021. The Superintendent of Police in the state. hailed the Assam government's Hills Areas Department will be The cabinet also decided to amend decision and tweeted: "Well done! renamed and will work as Assam the integrated sports policy of the Assam Cabinet, headed by CM Sixth Schedule Council Department. state by appointing sportspersons as Sarbananda Sonowal Ji has decided to The meeting consented to Class-I and Class-II officers in different offer the post of DSP in Assam Police establish a mini secretariat in departments of the state like Police, to sprinter queen Hima Das!" Barak Valley at Silchar and it Excise, Transport etc, government Nicknamed ‘Dhing Express’, Hima will start with six departments- spokesman and Industry minister Das is a 20-year-old Indian sprinter personnel, revenue and disaster Chandra Mohan Patowary told from Assam. She became the first management, general administration reporters. Indian woman indeed the first ever department, agriculture, fishery and Earlier, Union Sports Minister Indian athlete to win a gold medal animal husbandry and veterinary Kiren Rijiju made it clear that Hima in any format of a global track event departments. will "keep running for India" in the at IAAF World U20 Championships The cabinet also agreed to adopt future as well. "Many people are when she clocked a speed of 51.46 energy conservation building code- asking, what about Hima's sports seconds. providing for energy conservation in career? She is training for Olympic The cabinet also took a decision commercial buildings. Green signal qualification at NIS Patiala and will to draft the cyber security policy for was given to a proposal to provide keep running for India," Rijiju said in the state. The meeting resolved to service benefits to employees of a tweet. establish Bodoland and 6th Schedule Municipal Boards. h
Power Corridors 10 march 2021 Appointment
Jag Mohan IPS posted as ADG & IGP (Law & Order) & SNPO, WB
n a major reshuffle of the top Police (II) of the Kolkata Police. brass of the police, the Election The shuffle came hours after a Commission on Saturday removed BJP delegation, which included MPs IAdditional Director General of Police Swapan Dasgupta and Arjun Singh, (Law and Order) Jawed Shamim and met CEO Ariz Aftab and urged him to brought in Jag Mohan IPS (West remove "biased" police officers from Bengal 1991) presently DG- Fire election duty. Services, West Bengal in his place. Jag "The way the police administration Mohan is posted as ADG & IGP (Law is functioning in West Bengal, it is & Order) & State Police Nodal Officer evident that fair polling is not possible (SNPO), West Bengal. here. We can name a few police Shamim was appointed as the officers who are posted in the city. state ADG (Law and order) earlier If they continue in their posts, free this month by the Mamata Banerjee and fair elections are not possible," government. He previously held the Dasgupta told reporters after meeting position of Special Commissioner of the CEO. h
Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar takes charge as Western Naval Command Chief
ice Admiral R Hari Kumar commanded five ships including a the Government of Seychelles. On took charge as the Flag Officer Destroyer and the aircraft carrier INS promotion to flag rank, he has held Commanding-In-Chief of Viraat. the appointments of Commandant VWestern Naval Command (WNC) "He has held important staff of Naval War College at Goa, Flag from C Ajit Kumar in a ceremony at appointments both ashore and afloat Officer Sea Training, Flag Officer the Command Post of Headquarters, and has also been Naval Advisor to Commanding Western Fleet, Chief Western Naval Command, Mumbai. of Staff at Western and Chief of Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar retired Personnel at Naval Headquarters," after four decades of service in the read the official statement. Indian Navy. Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar is a The outgoing and incoming recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal, Commanders-in-Chief were accorded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param a Guard of Honour after which the Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished handing over of the baton to the new service. Commander-in-Chief took place. On "The outgoing FOC-in-C, Vice assuming command, Vice Admiral Admiral Ajit Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, Hari Kumar laid a wreath at the VSM, ADC has seen extensive Gaurav Stambh monument. operational deployments in response Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, an to developing security situations in alumnus of the National Defence the post the Pulwama attack and the Academy was commissioned into Galwan crisis across the Indian Ocean the Indian Navy on 01 Jan 1983. Region," further read the official He specialised in Gunnery and has statement. h
march 2021 11 Power Corridors Appointment
Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur takes over as ENC Chief
ice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur (Aircraft Carrier). The officer has rich Singh on Monday took operational experience of Operation over as the Flag Officer Pawan in Sri Lanka and Operation VCommanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Parakram on the Western Seaboard as Eastern Naval Command (ENC) from the Fleet Navigating Officer of Western Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain at the Fleet. He has also been the Chief of Naval Base on Monday. Staff at Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Jain is now the Chief during the period of intense Op of Integrated Defence Staff to the activity in early 2019. Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee He has also commanded the (CISC) based out of New Delhi. Eastern Fleet and is familiar with the Commissioned on July 1, 1983, peculiarities of Eastern Seaboard, Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh and was closely associated with the is an alumnus of the prestigious response to Super Cyclone Hudhud in National Defence Academy (NDA), 2014. Khadakvasla. A Navigation and He is an alumnus of UP Sainik Direction Specialist, Vice Admiral School, the first Sainik School of the Singh has held various Operational the Scudder Medal. The Flag Officer country established in 1960. The Staff and Command Appointments in has also earned a Master’s Degree school is celebrating its Diamond his career spanning over 38 years. in Global Security from Cranfield Jubilee year. The officer has excelled in all University, United Kingdom. Eastern Naval Command is one professional courses in India and He has commanded Indian of the three operational commands abroad and received his first Masters Naval Ships Veer (Missile Vessel), of Indian Navy and its area of from Madras University during the Vindhyagiri (Frigate), Trishul responsibility includes Bay of Bengal Staff Course, where he was awarded (Guided Missile Frigate), and Viraat and portion of Indian Ocean. h
Rear Admiral Sanjay Sharma Took Over as Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ship Repair Yard (KOCHI)
ear Admiral Sanjay Sharma 01 Aug 86. Prior to this appointment, took over as Admiral the Flag Officer has held various Superintendent, Naval Ship important appointments at IHQ RRepair Yard (Kochi) from Rear MoD(N), Advanced Technology Vessel Admiral Deepak Bansal, VSM. Program and Headquarters Eastern "Before assuming charge, Rear Naval Command at Visakhapatnam. Admiral Sharma paid floral tributes The incumbent Rear Admiral at the memorial of 'The Unknown Deepak Bansal, who spent fourteen Worker'," read the press release by the months at the helm of NSRY (Koc), Ministry of Defence. would assume charge as Assistant Rear Admiral Sanjay Sharma was Chief of Naval Staff (Air Materiel) at commissioned in the Indian Navy on IHQ MoD (Navy). h
Power Corridors 12 march 2021 Extension
MHA extends Manoj Yadav's tenure as Haryana DGP
aryana’s Director General the mediapersons, had come out in IPS officers to the MHA for Yadava’s of Police Manoj Yadava will Yadava’s support and said that the state replacement. now continue as the state police chief will continue. Yadava, a 1988-batch IPS officer, Hpolice chief “till further orders” as the MHA now seems to have joined the was appointed as Haryana’s DGP on Ministry of Home Affairs has granted a battle between Haryana CM Khattar February 18, 2019. He took charge as one year extension to his tenure in his and home minister Anil Vij, known DGP on February 21, 2019 for a period parent cadre. for his overt political rivalry with the of two-year tenure that ended on Senior officers of the government CM. The latest round of battle between February 20, 2021. said that it would now be the call of Khattar and Vij was triggered by the “Your attention is drawn to state government to allow Yadava to latter protesting against the CM's Government of Haryana’s order dated continue as state police chief. Reacting decision to extend the two-year term of February 18, 2019 vide which Shri to MHA’s Tuesday order, CM Manohar Manoj Yadava. Manoj Yadava, IPS was appointed Lal Khattar in a press conference said: Vij also asked additional chief as the Director General of Police, “MHA has given him an extension of secretary home, Rajiv Arora, to prepare Haryana (Head of Police Force). It was one year. Now, he can stay as DGP for a list of IPS officers qualified to become mentioned in the said order that his another one year unless term shall be for a period the extension granted to of two years from the him is stalled.” date of his assumption MHA’s Tuesday order, of office. As Shri Yadava meanwhile, read, “The assumed charge as undersigned is further DGP of Haryana on directed to convey the February 21, 2019, he has approval of the competent completed his two year authority for extension tenure on February 21, of tenure of Shri Manoj 2021”, Vij’s letter had read. Yadava, IPS (HY: 88), It added, “Moreover, as Additional Director, IB in per the orders of Hon’ble his cadre for a period of Supreme Court of India, one year beyond February it was directed that ‘all 20, 2021 or till further the States shall send their orders whichever is earlier proposals in anticipation under the provision of of the vacancies to the para 6.6 of IPS Tenure UPSC well in time, at Policy.” least three months prior The matter of extension to the date of retirement to Yadava has once again put the the DGP and send the same to the of the incumbent on the post of DGP’. spotlight on divergent views held by UPSC and the central government In compliance of the various Hon’ble state government’s two top leaders for consideration. Vij's viewpoint is Supreme Court of India’s directions Khattar and Vij. A little while ago, that, since Yadava had completed his in this regard, and the fact that Shri state’s Home Minister Anil Vij had SC-mandated two-year term as DGP, a Yadava has completed his two year written a scathing letter to Additional fresh person be drafted in his place. tenure as DGP, a panel of officers who Chief Secretary (Home) Rajeev Arora Last month Anil Vij had written to have completed 30 years of service and asking him to initiate the process of ACS (Home) Rajeev Arora saying that have a minimum of six months tenure sending a panel of senior IPS officers the IAS officer shall be held “personally left in service be sent immediately to to MHA for replacing Yadava who responsible in case of any future UPSC to be considered for the next had completed his two-year tenure on legal or any kind of complications DGP, Haryana. The date of vacancy February 20. However, CM Manohar in the matter,” if he does not initiate of the post of DGP Haryana may be Lal Khattar, in an interaction with the process of sending a panel of considered as March 2, 2021”. h
march 2021 13 Power Corridors Scam
ED attaches properties worth Rs 65 crore in Naresh Jain case
roperties worth ` 65.75 crores entries to known and unknown if it is from a legitimate source in the of Bimal Kumar Jain, Ms. beneficiaries by rotating or layering form of loans and advances, and share Sunita Jain, Vijay Agrawal, and of funds through web of these shell capital in the companies. "These loans Pthe companies owned /controlled by entities in order to cause undue or investments or share capitals have Naresh Jain have been provisionally benefit to the parties involved and loss been projected as if such share capital attached following the ED initiating to the exchequer and banks in lieu of or loan or advances are received from actions under the Prevention of commission," he said. a legitimate source in the books of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) The official said that investigation their companies," he said, adding that in Naresh Jain and Others case. These conducted so far has established these proceeds of crime placed in the properties consist of both movable & that the proceeds of crime to the financial system was used to acquire immovable assets such as residential tune of Rs 565 crore generated as various assets (both moveable and properties, project lands, industrial commission by Naresh Jain and his immoveable). plots and are located in Delhi, accomplices by providing Hawala Jain has an international criminal Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. and accommodation entries through profile. In February 2007, he was The ED's investigation was initiated their shell entities incorporated in arrested in Dubai for illegal hawala on the basis of an FIR registered by India and other countries. The scheme activities. After getting bail, he fled the Economic from Dubai and Offences Wing reached India. of Delhi Police. He was arrested The ED official by the Narcotics said that during Control Bureau the probe it was in May 2009 and revealed that the provisions of Naresh Jain, COFEPOSA were Bimal Kumar invoked against Jain, employees of him. Naresh Jain and Thereafter, he others hatched was arrested by a criminal the Enforcement conspiracy and Directorate in committed forgery the PMLA case, and cheating. which was touted He said that to be one of documents like identity proof, birth not only involved various persons, the biggest hawala and trade-based and education certificate, voter ID, but several entities incorporated money-laundering cases of the PAN card and signatures were forged in India and foreign jurisdictions, country. The ED, after the PMLA case or fabricated by Naresh Jain and routing and re-routing the proceeds booked on the basis of EOW FIR, other co-conspirators to incorporate of crime through various processes had searched Jain and his associates' hundreds of shell companies or shell and activities. The proceeds of crime premises in Rohini and Vikaspuri entities in India and in other foreign have been layered through a complex areas of the national capital and had jurisdictions. web of shell entities multiple times so seized "14 digital keys for operating "These shell companies or shell as to avoid detection and hide the real foreign bank accounts" which were entities were used to open and operate source, he said. used to perform telegraphic transfers, bank accounts for facilitating bogus The official further stated that documents related to operalisation of or over-invoiced or under-invoiced placement of the proceeds of crime alleged shell firms, pen drives, hard import and export transactions, was done by introducing it in the drives among others. It was found providing desired accommodation financial system, making it appear as that cash taken in India was sent to
Power Corridors 14 march 2021 Scam
ED attaches assets worth Rs 31.83 cr in bank fraud case
the foreign bank accounts through fictitious tours and travel firms and telegraphic transfers were done subsequently to foreign beneficiaries. In 2016, the ED had slapped Rs 1,200-crore notice on him for alleged contravention of the forex law. Jain has also been on the radar of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), Britain, for his money laundering he Enforcement Directorate (ED) been declared as fraud by the banks activities. The Agency on 5th March said that it has and case has been registered by law believes that Jain is provisionally attached assets worth enforcement agencies for fraudulently responsible for laundering TRs 31.83 crore under prevention of Money obtaining the loan on the basis of millions of pounds of Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) in a bank forged documents, concealment of profits from organised fraud case related to Shubhash Sharma and facts and criminal conspiracy. crime gangs in the UK his group companies. “Investigation under PMLA over several years. As per The plant and machinery of the Ferro revealed that Subhash Sharma was information gathered, two Alloys Unit of Chhattisgarh Steel and involved in the conspiracy of taking Red Corner notices have Power Ltd valuing Rs 29.65 crore has various loans in his companies and also been issued against been provisionally attached along with a diverting the same to other companies Jain by the Interpol on the piece of land situated at Village Purena in in the form of loans and advances. request of NCB-Rome and Raipur valuing Rs 2.18 crore in the name Majority of the loan funds taken in his Dubai authorities. of Saumya Prakashan Pvt Ltd, another companies were diverted by way of A criminal shell company, the probe agency said in transfer to other associate companies”, mastermind, Jain is statement. the officials in the probe agency said. suspected of laundering The ED’s move came after the The ‘Proceeds of Crime’ to the tune money for Albanian and registration of FIRs by Chhattisgarh Police of Rs 29.65 crore generated out of the Italian heroin dealers, against Hotel Sapphire Inn, Goodluck loan account of Hotel Sapphire Inn, and narcotics cartels Petroleum Company Pvt. Ltd. and Goodluck Petroleum Company Pvt in America, the United Vidit Trading Pvt. Ltd. for fraudulently Ltd and Vidit Trading Pvt Ltd were Arab Emirates, Pakistan obtaining the loan to the extent of Rs 38.50 utilized for the creation of assets in and Britain, according crore on the basis of forged documents, Ferro Alloys Unit of Chhattisgarh to inquiries in Italy and concealment of facts and criminal Steel and Power Ltd during his period the US. German and US conspiracy. of association with this company. police say Jain's operation These loans/credit limits were availed This was done by way of acquiring has tentacles in all of the by these above said companies, owned and corresponding shares in the name of major drug and terrorism controlled by Subhas Sharma, from Axis his shell companies which were used hotspots across the globe. Bank and Punjab National Bank at Raipur. for routing of funds only, they added He was also wanted by A total amount of Rs 31.37 crore against further. police in Spain and the these loans/credit limits was outstanding Further investigation is under Netherlands. h with the above banks and the same have progress, the ED said. h
march 2021 15 Power Corridors Scam
I-T Crackdown on A-T Anurag-Taapsee in deep trouble
Over Rs 650 crore discrepancies found after raids on Taapsee Pannu, Anurag Kashyap and others, claims IT Dept
Sumit Singh @Sumitsi87552092
he Income Tax Department's investigation unit on 3rd March conducted searches at premises Tlinked to Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu and film director Anurag Kashyap in Mumbai. "The Income Tax department probes someone based evasion probe and conducted at about Rs 5 crore in cash. Her company is also on whatever information they get. 30 locations in Mumbai and Pune, suspected to be involved in income tax The issue goes to court later," Union as per reports. Some executives of evasion. Taapsee's endorsement deals Information and Broadcasting Minister celebrity and talent management and film signing amounts are under Prakash Javadekar said during a BJP company KWAN are also being I-T scanner. Some of the film signing briefing. raided. The action is part of a tax amounts are under crores. The actress's After two days of searches in evasion probe against Phantom Films, preliminary statement was recorded on Mumbai and Pune, the Income-Tax which was dissolved in 2018, and its March 3. I-T officials suspect that some department detected huge amounts then promoters Kashyap, director- data had been deleted from her phone. of cash and illegal transactions by producer Vikramaditya Motwane, They are taking help from experts to Taapsee Pannu and Anurag Kashyap. producer Vikas Bahl and producer- retrieve the data. Taapsee can again The I-T officials claim that during their distributor Madhu Mantena, the be summoned by I-T officials in the investigation they recovered "evidence report said. Both Kashyap and Pannu, coming days. of cash receipts by the leading actress who worked together in the 2018 (Taapsee Pannu) amounting to Rs 5 film “Manmarziyaan" and are now I-T Crackdown on Phantom Films crore." The probe agency, which raided collaborating in the upcoming film the official and residential premises “Dobaara", are known to be outspoken Shareholders of Phantom Films are of Anurag Kashyap, also claims to about their views on a range of issues. suspected of income tax evasion of have found bogus expenditure of the around Rs 600 crore. The shareholders director having tax implication of I-T Raids on Taapsee Pannu carried out a stake sale of Phantom about Rs 20 crore. Films and they didn't pay income tax The searches are part of a tax Tapsee Pannu had accepted around from the money they generated from
Power Corridors 16 march 2021 Scam
that. The I-T officials also suspect that they have created bogus expenditure and fake bills. Data has been deleted from Anurag Kashyap's phone and the deletion is visible. According to IT officials, during their searches, “evidence of huge suppression of income by the leading Film Production house (Phantom films) compared to the actual box office collections has been unearthed. The company officials have not been able to explain the discrepancy of around Rs 300 crore.” The officials have also allegedly found evidence related to manipulation and under-valuation of share transactions of the production industry," the actor said adding that the house amongst the film directors and government should set a good example shareholders, having tax implication of "But these are small for everyone. about Rs 350 crore. Taapsee Pannu’s boyfriend, former players. One can only badminton player Mathias Boe also I-T Raids 28 premises imagine how deep- tweeted about the ongoing situation rooted is terrorism and revealed that Taapsee's parents are On Thursday, the I-T officials under stress because of the raid. initiated search and survey operations in the film industry," Taking to Twitter, Mathias wrote, on Phantom Films, Reliance the actor said adding "Finding myself in a bit of turmoil. Entertainment, Taapsee Pannu, Kwan Representing Flag of India for the first Talent Management and Exceed that the government time as a coach for some great athletes, Entertainment for alleged tax evasion. should set a good meanwhile I-T department is raiding Searches are being carried out at example for everyone Taapsee’s houses back home, putting official and residential premises of unnecessary stress on her family, suspects in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and especially her parents. @KirenRijiju Hyderabad. “The group is mainly please do something." engaged in the business of production of rape, molestation n harassment?" Responding to the tweet, Rijiju of motion pictures, web series, acting, the actor tweeted. Quoting an article asked Mathias to focus on his direction and talent management of on the initial findings of the I-T "professional duties." The sports celebrities and other artists. A total teams, which claimed that mobile minister said "Law of the land is of 28 premises are being covered in phone data of Anurag and Taapsee supreme and we must abide by that. different locations which includes have been deleted, Kangana said data The subject matter is beyond yours residences and offices,” said the I-T can be retrieved. "But these are small and my domain. We must stick to our department. players. One can only imagine how professional duties in the best interest deep-rooted is terrorism in the film of Indian Sports." Reaction of celebs industry," the actor said adding that the Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi government should set a good example used three popular Hindi idioms to hit After the news of I-T raids on Taapsee for everyone. out at the government and accuse it of and Anurag broke out, actress Kangana In another tweet she quoted an carrying out raids against those who Ranaut was very critical of the issue. article on the initial findings of the are pro-farmers. A day after income- Kangana Ranaut pointed out that many I-T teams, which claimed that mobile tax raids, putting out three popular of these names were linked with 'Me phone data of Anurag and Taapsee Hindi idioms - ''Ungliyon pe nachana'', Too' movement earlier. have been deleted, Kangana said data ''Bheegi billi banna'' and ''Khisiyani billi "Is it a coincidence that each and can be retrieved. "But these are small khamba noche'' - Rahul stated what every stakeholder of Phantom n Kwan players. One can only imagine how he believes they mean in the current has been accused by multiple women deep-rooted is terrorism in the film context.
march 2021 17 Power Corridors Scam
Another Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi took a jibe at the Gujarat Chief Secretary Centre and said that some from Bollywood get raised for speaking Anil Mukim gets six-month out against the establishment, while other don't get raided because extension "unhone kuch din guzaare Gujarat mein". While Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dismissed the allegations that actor Taapsee Pannu and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap were targeted by the Income Tax Department for their political views critical of the Narendra Modi government in the Centre. Without naming either one of them, Nirmala Sitharaman said raids had been conducted in 2013 also but no one raised questions back then. She said, "When raids happen on an individual when previous government raided them then there was no problem but in this government, it becomes an issue."
hri Anil Mukim IAS, who had important assignments including assumed as the 29th Chief Collector & DM – Bhavnagar, Secretary to Government of Vadodara, and Kutchh, Additional SGujarat on 30th November 2019 has Principal Secretary to Hon’ble been given an extension in service for CM, Municipal Commissioner- a period of Six Months (01/03/2021 Ahmedabad, Joint Secretary to 31/08/2021). The 1985 batch IAS – Ministry of Commerce, GOI, Synopsis Officer was also given an extension of Principal Secretary – Revenue 6 months on September 1, 2020. Department, Additional Chief After the I-T raids, various A senior administrator, Mukim Secretary – Health & Medical, opposition leaders may have who was serving at the Centre as Education Department, Additional criticized the Govt. for its actions Union mines secretary was sent Chief Secretary – General on the two Bollywood celebs as back to his parent cadre after his Administration Department, they have been outspoken critics of appointment as chief secretary Additional Chief Secretary – the government and have lent their following his stint in Delhi. Mukim Finance Department and as voice to various causes, including has handled important departments Secretary – Mines, Government the ongoing farmer protests and including Finance, Revenue, Health of India before joining as Chief last year's protests against the and Family Welfare. He has also Secretary. controversial citizenship law that served as the municipal commissioner Mukim, who started his career challenged PM Modi. But that does of Ahmedabad. Before being deputed in Gujarat after his school and not mean that law will be different to Delhi, Mukim served as additional college education in Ahmedabad, for every individual. Everyone comes chief secretary, GAD, till February is also among the few Gujarat under the law and will be punished 2016. officers with considerable for the crime he/she has committed. A Graduate in Commerce experience in the Union What will be the future course of and also in Law, he held many government. h actions remains to be seen! h
Power Corridors 18 march 2021
Exclusive Mantena E-tendering scam: Will CBI investigate the matter? Prashant Bhardwaj @Prashan45602722
he Enforcement Directorate Wing (EOW) of MP against Max the Congress.Both the governments has disclosed one of the Mantena Micro JV Hyderabad gave money to Mantena before biggest scams in recent and GVPR Engineers Limited, completion of the projects, which Ttimes as it has unearthed the Rs Hyderabad, among others. After kicked up a row after the BJP came 3,000 crore e-tendering scam of the EOW registered the cases, the to power for the second time. The Infra, a front company of Mantena, ED obtained the FIR details from issue was swept under the carpet. which was allegedly created for cash the probe agency and registered the The main job of Tripathi was transactions in order to pay bribes. cases. to distribute brass on behalf of The ED arrested founder and During the probe, the ED Mantena. The name of Tripathi chairman of Mantena Constructions summoned Srinivas Raju and cropped up in the documents Private Ltd., Srinivas Raju Mantena, others for questioning to Madhya seized during income-tax raids at and his Bhopal-based associate Prasesh where its sleuths arrested residential and official premises Aditya Tripathi of Arni Infra on the him and Tripathi. The officials also of the colleagues of former chief charges of money laundering in the conducted searches at 25 locations, minister Kamal Nath. Tripathi Rs 3,000 crore e-tendering scam in including in Hyderabad, and seized gave Rs 945 lakh to the Congress Madhya Pradesh. incriminatory material from Raju’s in the Vidhan Sabha elections of Srinivas Raju and his staff of office and residence. 2018. The income-tax department the Mantena Group of Companies Mantena, the most-desired cited this amount in its appraisal had allegedly conspired with the contractor of the previous BJP report. According to sources, during Madhya Pradesh State Electronics government, was given a lot of quizzing by the ED sleuths, Tripathi Development Corporation Limited projects in the 15 months' rule of revealed many name of many and tampered with the e-tenders people whom he had given money. process to bag big-ticket contracts. The ED may issue notices to those The ED said: “The accused had During the probe, people whose names were revealed colluded with senior government by Tripathi. officials and IT service providers of the ED summoned As per the investigation by ED, Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Srinivas Raju and Srinivas Raju has played a crucial Development Corporation role in the entire scam. With the (MPSEDC) to tamper e-tenders and others for questioning assistance of Tripathi, he set up a to illegally obtain large contracts to Madhya Prasesh front entity, Arni Infra, in Bhopal for various firms.” A majority of the where its sleuths and used it to route funds for infrastructure companies are based hawala activities. Both Srinivas Raju in Hyderabad. arrested him and and Tripathi have admitted that The malfeasance took place in Tripathi Mantena Constructions has given 2019 and the cases were registered sub-contracts of earthworks worth earlier by the Economic Offence around Rs 93 crore to Tripathi.
Power Corridors 20 march 2021 Based on the chargesheet filed The Central Bureau of Investigation, Rights; protect the environment, by the EOW officials of MP, the ED which investigates the bribery and arts, antiques and heritage of our sleuths found that the company, governmental corruption, remains civilization, a fair inquiry will mean along with others involved in unaware of such a huge scam? If the culprits be punished soon and the case, had tampered with the the CBI remains unaware of such will set an example for future crimes IP access logs and accessed the scams, it will further motivate other of such type. e-tenders. They had changed the bid fraudsters to play foul. Keeping in view the severity values of certain companies so that As per the moto of CBI which of the crime, CBI needs to step in the Mantena Group of Companies is "Industry, Impartiality and and find out the reality which may becomes the lowest bidder. This is Integrity", it is very important that further help in strengthening its how Srinivas Raju had obtained an the truthshould come out and a image which has hampered over e-tender worth Rs 1,030 crore. fair and impartial investigation the years due to constant criticism The major concern on the part be done in the case. As CBI is for its mishandling of several of investigation is that the premier known to play a lead role in the war scams. As a part of aware media investigating agency of India, CBI against national and transnational group, we would want an unbiased hasn’t looked into the matter. Why organized crime, uphold Human investigation into the matter. h
march 2021 21 Power Corridors PSU CONCOR all set to boost container output Sumit Singh @Sumitsi87552092
ontainer Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) organized a Webinar on “Indigenous CManufacturing of Containers” on 05-03-2021 against the backdrop of container shortage in the country. The objective of the Webinar was to boost local manufacturing of containers in line with the PM's Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign. The Webinar highlighted the fact that the country has all the wherewithals to manufacture the best quality containers in the world. SAIL, Tata Steel & Jindal Steel confirmed the availability of required better grade steels. BHEL, Braithwaite, Kalyani cast tech, Balmer Lawrie, Transafe, DCM Hyundai (Hindustan Vaccum), etc intimated that the technology required to manufacture these containers was available with them. International Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and besides boosting the production container inspection agencies like Braithwaite & Co. BHEL comes under efficiency of Indian industries and Lloyd Register & Indian Register of the ministry of heavy industries and generating employment for the youth. Shipping highlighted their Indian Braithwaite is a heavy fabrication In his keynote speech during presence and intimated that they were unit under the Indian Railways. “Our the Webinar, Minister of Railways, already working with some Indian annual requirement will be around Commerce & Industry, Consumer Manufacturers to ensure the outturn of 8,000 containers for the next five years. Affairs, Food & Public Distribution word-class containers. We are going to float an open tender, Piyush Goyal expressed his happiness In a move to restrict Chinese inviting domestic manufacturers for at the gathering of all stakeholders supremacy in the Indian container this,” V Kalyana Rama, CMD, Concor related to container manufacture, market, Container Corporation of had said earlier. operation & maintenance. He exhorted India (CONCOR) will float an open India is equipped with the technical the industry to work together with tender for domestic manufacturers know-how required to manufacture Govt. of India, CONCOR, and other soon to meet its annual requirement these containers and the various supply chain participants to make of containers. Till now, the state-run specified materials required for India the container manufacturing company was procuring around 8,000 container manufacture which enhance capital of the world. containers from China on an annual weather resistant qualities and strength He urged the industry not to limit basis, at a total cost of around Rs are also available in the country. This their plan to meet CONCOR’s demand 200 crore. Ahead of the open tender, first initiative towards cutting down but to step up the production to meet Concor is set to give a developmental dependance on import of containers, the global container demand. To order for 1,000 containers each to will save precious foreign exchange, ensure proper tracking of all containers
Power Corridors 22 march 2021 coming into the country, Railway Minister suggested that a scheme for fitting GPS-enabled devices could be thought of for better tracking of containers. He believed that synergies could be developed between various Ministries such as the Food & Public Distribution, Commerce & Industry, and Railways to ensure the development of a substantial container manufacturing base in the country. The Webinar was also addressed by P.S. Mishra, Member, Railway USA’s latest policy on Kashmir Board (Operations & Business Development and Traction & Dr. Ved Pratap Vaidik Rolling Stock) and Naresh Salecha, Member/Finance, Railway Board, and V Kalyana Rama, Chairman & he Biden administration problem through mutual dialogue. Managing Director, CONCOR. of America has clearly Home Minister Amit Shah Thought-provoking presentations announced that it will himself has said in Parliament that were delivered by various container Tcontinue the Trump-administration Jammu and Kashmir can get full manufacturers such as Braithwaite policy on Kashmir. It would have statehood again soon, provided Co Ltd, BHEL, DCM Hyundai been better had he not named Trump terrorism is eliminated from there. (Hindustan Vacuum Glass), Transafe, in his declaration, because there is no I expected the Biden Balmer Lawrie, and Kalyani Cast trust in what Trump says or when he administration to take a hard line Tech. would reverse his own policy. against the terrorist activities going Wagon manufacturers, Railway Trump has repeatedly attacked on in Kashmir. At present, Pakistan's Production Units & Workshops, Pakistan and at the same time economic condition is very poor and major suppliers of the container imposed a mediating crackdown and its politics is also becoming manufacture supply chain also on Kashmir, which was ignored by disastrous. participated in the Webinar. both India and Pakistan. Trump was If they want that China is The production of containers in intent on getting rid of Afghanistan. not allowed to take advantage of India has attracted interest from That is why he sometimes used this situation, then the Biden- multi-modal logistics companies to attack Pakistan and sometimes administration will have to come and other stakeholders related to used to revile it, but the Biden- forward and Pakistan will have to be container manufacture, maintenance administration is behaving with motivated to negotiate with India. and operation of containers. While a lot of restraint and balance, America's harshness towards major steel players like SAIL, although some Indian leaders of China will only succeed when it Tata Steel and Jindal Steel have his 'Republican Party' had adopted tries to rein in China not only in the confirmed availability of required aggressive attitude, against India Pacific region, but in South Asia as better grade steels, Kalyani Cast regarding Kashmir. well. Tech, Balmer Lawrie, Transafe, The Republican Party was in If the United States maintains DCM Hyundai have assured that opposition at that time. It seemed close relations with India and they have the technology required necessary to do so at the time, but Pakistan, it can get rid of being to manufacture these containers. the Biden administration can play trapped in Afghanistan as well. If Container inspection agencies like an important role in solving the Joseph Biden wants, he can play the Lloyd Register and Indian Register Kashmir issue. It has supported the same role in South Asia today like of Shipping are already working current Indian policy on the internal the one played by the US President with some Indian manufacturers situation of Kashmir in its official Trueman and Eisenhower 75-80 to ensure production of world class statement, but has also said that years ago, to convert European containers. h the two countries should solve this 'enemy-nations' into 'NATO'. h
march 2021 23 Power Corridors Russia-Pakistan: India marginalized Dr. Ved Pratap Vaidik
ndian Foreign Secretary recently Afghanistan, Shringla said that India returned from Moscow. What’s has no objection to the fact that there the need for our Defence Minister, is a direct dialogue between Russia and IForeign Minister and Foreign Pakistan. If this dialogue brings peace Secretary to travel to Russia again and to Afghanistan, India will welcome it again during these difficult times of but it will not tolerate the occupation Coronavirus? of any nation over Afghanistan. It is not that any tension has arisen The concern of India here is that between India and Russia on any the Russia-Pak military-co-operative is particular issue or there has been a growing in intensity under the pretext serious upsurge in the Indo-Russian of Afghanistan. Recently, Russia's trade but there are various issues, due Vladimir Putin and Modi have met Special Envoy on Afghanistan Zamir to which continuous dialogue between 19 times so far. They have had talks Kabulov has traveled to Islamabad. the two allies has become necessary. four times during the last year in the The unfortunate truth is that India's The first issue is that will the United Corona era. Thirdly, the issue is- India- role in solving the Afghan problem States impose any restrictions on the Pacific means that Russia is worried is negligible. There is no one in the S-400 missile that India is buying that India is becoming a pawn against government and BJP who knows from Russia for 5 billion dollars. There the China and Russia by becoming a Afghan situation properly. Anyway, was such a danger during the Trump pawn of America somewhere in the our omniscient government continues administration, but now it is unlikely. Pacific Ocean region? In response to to be happy with the gimmick of its Firstly, these Russian missiles are this, Shringla has said that India is statements. currently the fastest missiles in the not against any country. India is also As the largest country in South Asia, world. Second, the two nations are co- preparing to build a sea corridor from we have the highest responsibility, but operating mutually in dealing with the Chennai to Vladivostok. we are marginalized in the Afghan Corona epidemic. Russian President Fourth, on the question of case. h
Dignity is also necessary with freedom Dr. Ved Pratap Vaidik
s soon as the government issued is meaningless; as it does not have other hand, the fear issued a code of conduct any provision to punish the culprits nor has spread in the to regulate the telecom does it state any arrangement for the news media of the Asystem on February 25, the internet, prohibition of the numerous indecent country that now that newspapers and TV channels went images and stories that run on the this code of conduct haywire. That was bound to happen internet? will take the form because there is already a feeling In its code of conduct, the of law, the freedom in the minds of the people that government has not even stated that if of expression in the government wants to keep the any objectionable or derogatory material India will suffocate. entire news media as a puppet, but is sent to these channels, what are the This fear is natural, the Supreme Court has changed ways by which it will be able to stop but we should also know that misuse this feeling into the absence of it. them? of telecommunication mediums was SC rebuked the government that On the one hand, the Supreme Court happening so horribly in other countries the code of conduct that they have has demanded this loudly and on the that they had to enact strict laws to stop
Power Corridors 24 march 2021 ADULTERATION: A SILENT MURDER Dr. Ved Pratap Vaidik
hose who adulterate food and is caught in the crime of adulteration. medicines will now be afraid, He should first get whipped because like Bengal, Assam publicly and then be given rigorous Tand Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh is imprisonment. All his movable also making provision for giving them property should be confiscated. If one life imprisonment. So far, there was a such example is also presented in each provision for only 6 months sentence province, let’s see if adulteration ends and Rs 1000 penalty for them. The at the root or not. Some punishment result of this laxity is that today more should also be given to those who are than 30 percent of the products in the selling adulterated goods. country are adulterated. Apart from this, the results of the Not only Ghee, milk and spices are that. adulteration test should come within adulterated but cereals also continue The first reason is that the two-three days. Officers who are found to be adulterated. The most dangerous punishment for this crime is very less. involved in the dealings of adulteration adulteration occurs in medicines. As a It’s equal to nothing. I would say that should be expelled from the job result, lakhs of people die every year, it is not a punishment, but a reward forever. crores of people fall ill and the entire given to adulterants. If one gets 6 The Health Ministry should country has to suffer the loss of their months in jail and a thousand rupees advertise in all languages and tell physical weakness. fine, then it means that he will enjoy people how to check adulterated things The anti-adulteration law was first six months in jail at Rs. 150 per month. at home. Adulteration of medicines enacted in 1954, but till date no law His food and medicines are all free! As and foodstuffs is a type of murder- has been strictly enforced. New laws a culprit only the servant gets arrested like crime. It is a mass murder. It is were also inducted in 2006 and 2018, not the boss. invisible and silent murder. Parliament but they are followed only by their Now there should be such a law that should pass a stringent law against this violation. There are many reasons for the top owner of the company or shop murder for the whole country. h
believe that there should be a complete concerned, there is no question ban on pornographic content available of any restraint on it, provided it on the Internet. Due to this, there is remains within its constitutional an increase in misconduct and sexual scope. Amendment of section offenses in the country. Children and 124A on treason is absolutely young people are becoming riteless. necessary. It’s a symbol of slavery The government should closely in independent India. It is used less monitor the telephones, e-mails, and misused more. whatsapps etc. of terrorists, smugglers, The government has assured the professional criminals, gangsters and Supreme Court that it will soon foreign spies etc. but this work should issue a new order or make a law be very hesitant and meticulous. It to run the information system of requires full accountability. It would the country on the right path. It is be better if this serious and delicate better that after the full and open it. action is done under the supervision debate in this session of Parliament, In Australia, Singapore, European of a parliamentary committee so that a law should be passed which countries and America etc., there are ministers or officers cannot do their makes India's information system strict laws in place to monitor these own arbitrariness. synonymous with dignity and modern information media. I firmly As far as freedom of expression is freedom of expression. h
march 2021 25 Power Corridors
National How will the country become superpower without own language?
21 February 1952, five youth were tongues in our South Asia today? If we martyred. Bangladesh was born later by leave Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan, this mother tongue movement. then tell me which country in our After the creation of Bangladesh neighborhood has given proper place in 1971, there was a continuous to its own language or mother tongue Ved Pratap Vaidik demand that Mother Tongue Day be or national language. These countries The author, a former editor of Navbharat Times and PTI, has been a given international recognition. The of South Asia have got independence mediator between prime ministers, government of Bangladesh, under about 75 years ago, but as far as the the RSS, the VHP, and Muslim leaders the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, got mother tongue is concerned, they are February 21 declared as World Mother still crawling on their knees. eople generally don’t know why Language Day by the UNESCO I have seen the use of their own the United Nations celebrates General Assembly. Since 2000, it has languages in the parliaments and courts World-Mother Tongue Day on been celebrated all over the world. of Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan. P21st February. In almost all the nations There are currently 7000 mother Their language of law, justice, teaching of the world, celebrations honouring tongues or languages or dialects in the and rule are their own. All these three the mother tongues are organized on world. Many of them have no script, countries are proud of their language, this day, but the credit goes to our no grammar, no books, no newspapers, culture and way of life. So are India, neighboring nation Bangladesh. but still they are alive and popular. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan About half of them are such that if not Maldives. They call their language the till 1971. It was called East Pakistan. protected, they will become time- Queen, but its status is that of a maid The people of this East Pakistan are barred. Forget about the rest of the everywhere. Bangla-speaking but Urdu was imposed world, what is the condition of mother These nations neither have their laws on them. The languages of the people in their own languages nor are they of West Pakistan are - Punjabi, Sindhi, debated in the courts. The verdict given Baloch and Pashto, but they accepted is also in English. Most of the debates Urdu, the language of the immigrants There are currently in the parliaments of these countries who went from India, as the national 7000 mother tongues are also in English. The mother tongue language. When Urdu was declared as is heard only when a political leader the official language in the Constituent or languages or does not know English. Like India, Assembly of Pakistan in 1948, it dialects in the world. Public schools also blossom in these was strongly opposed by the Bangla countries. The rich and urban middle members but their arguments were Many of them class children study in these schools dismissed. have no script, no and these children studying in English grammar, no books, medium schools occupy government Mother tongue movement jobs. no newspapers, but If the mother tongues and the As a result, agitation erupted all still they are alive and national language find their proper over East Pakistan. Students of place, then our hospitals and courts can Dhaka University staged a massive popular avoid becoming magic houses. When demonstration. On one such display, the United Nations and UNESCO talk the Pakistani army opened fire. On about mother tongues, they do not
Power Corridors 28 march 2021 mean that children should boycott by their own mother tongue or national other languages. They must learn their language. English is the only foreign mother tongue but at the same time English is the only language in our country, which is should learn the national language. dominated everywhere. By using it In countries where there are many foreign language with China, Japan, Russia, France languages, the national language is in our country, and Germany, can we take proper synonymous with national unity and which is dominated advantage of them in our trade, overall development. As far as foreign diplomacy and research? languages are concerned, it is also very everywhere. By using good to learn them according to the it with China, Japan, Loss of originality need. Knowledge of foreign languages Russia, France and is essential for foreign trade, diplomacy The compulsion of a foreign language and research work. But how many Germany, can we take (English) has made India a copycat people are engaged in these three proper advantage of and has paralyzed his originality. works? Hardly One lakh people! But English certainly contributes to the in our country, a foreign language has them in our trade, progress of a handful of people of been imposed on 140 crore people. diplomacy and India, but more than 100 crore poor, Millions of children fail every year research backward, villagers, labourers and due to compulsory English. Their the underprivileged of India cannot morale falls and their inferiority gland prosper without their own languages. becomes thick. It remains intact even Till date, there has not been a single after reaching the highest positions. China, France, Germany, Japan, Italy government in independent India English, the language of our old etc. is done in their own language. No that understands the role of language masters, is the language of only country has become a superpower properly in national development. four and a half countries- Britain, through foreign language. Having Some governments have taken a few America, Australia and New Zealand. lived in all these countries, I have steps towards this, but unless mother It is also the language of Canada but seen their universities, parliaments, tongues and national languages are half of Canada speaks French. All courts, government offices, houses and used at the highest level in every field, the important work of countries like markets. Everywhere, it is dominated India will not become a superpower. h
march 2021 29 Power Corridors Cover Story Mission West Bengal In the war of perceptions, the BJP seems to be unbeatably ahead in the race to win West Bengal politically
Nandan jha Editor & Chairman @Nandan_jha4
haratiya Janata Party till in the upcoming Elections. Here are some of the 1980s used to get around factors which can help BJP achieve success during 2 percent of votes in West the upcoming elections although it wouldn’t be a Bengal in both Lok Sabha cakewalk at all. Band Assembly elections. Decades have passed on and there has been a meteoric rise in the Top Leaders joining BJP vote share of the party. In 2019, the party, with 18 seats in the Lok Sabha, occupied Ever since the battle for supremacy began in West about 40 percent votes in the state which in Bengal, there has been a sudden trend of top TMC itself is a huge achievement. The fact which leaders joining BJP. Led by Suvendu Adhikari, six remains to be understood is that how a party sitting legislators of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) mostly dependent on its right wing ideologies and four others from the Left and the Congress joined and its firm stance on religion managed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 19th December achieve so much in a state where people in the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah have been flaunting their secular, left and at a massive rally in Midnapore town in Bengal’s liberal credentials as the core of their identity West Midnapore district. and still is capable to achieve much more Then Former TMC leaders Rajib Banerjee,
Power Corridors 30 march 2021 march 2021 31 Power Corridors Baishali Dalmiya, Prabir Ghoshal and Rathin Chakraborty joined BJP on 29th January. Speaking on the development, Kailash Vijayvargiya BJP leader K Vijayvargiya said that was sent to West people in Bengal are realising that only the BJP can do development there. He Bengal in 2015 after then accused the TMC government of he delivered victory swindling the people in the Eastern state in Haryana the BJP till now. During a rally Union Home Minister Amit Shah also launched a for, then considered scathing attack on Mamata Banerjee being a Congress saying that the TMC leaders are joining the BJP as Mamata has failed the people stronghold. The of West Bengal. choice was significant In yet another setback for TMC, five given how the BJP of its MLAs who did not get tickets to contest were inducted into BJP on 8th held eastern India, March. The TMC MLAs who defected to especially West the saffron party are four-time legislator Sonali Guha, who was a close associate of Bengal, at the top of its TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee for priority list decades; four-time MLA Rabindranath Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Bhattacharya, who was a prominent face in the Singur anti-land acquisition As the top TMC leaders keep joining role movement of 2006; Shibpur legislator Jatu BJP, BJP looks stronger than ever in the Lahiri, Sankrail MLA Sital Sardar and state and Mamata Banerjee is looking Former Madhya Pradesh minister, six- former footballer-turned-MLA Dipendu short of options in an already weakened time MLA and ex-mayor of Indore, Biswas, who represents Basirhat Dakshin. camp though she doesn’t seem to admit it. Kailash Vijayargiya was sent to West
Power Corridors 32 march 2021 Minister of Bengal Mamata Banerjee had to face lots of problems. It was Vijayvargiya who played a key role in bringing 21 leaders from the Trinamool Congress to the BJP. He has played an important role in strengthening the BJP’s base in the state. Suvendu vs Mamata
Former TMC heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari who was once Mamata Banerjee’s most trusted aides will go face to face with her in the upcoming elections from his home turf of Nandigram. Adhikari’s name figured in the opposition party’s first list of 57 candidates for the March-April assembly elections, out of which six are women and one seat has been given to the All Jharkhand Students Bengal in 2015 after he delivered victory Lok Sabha elections, and got more than Union (AJSU). Mamata Banerjee had in the BJP for Haryana, then considered 40% of the vote share, up from 10% in earlier announced that she will also being a Congress stronghold. The choice the 2016 Assembly polls. contest from Nandigram. was significant given how the BJP held Later, Vijayvargiya was one of the Suvendu had earlier said that he will eastern India, especially West Bengal, at few leaders allowed to retain the same leave no stone unturned to defeat the the top of its priority list. The BJP’s faith state when new BJP president J P Nadda Trinamool Congress government in the in Vijayvargiya paid off when the party reshuffled the organisational team last state. Adhikari also said that if he does won 18 of 42 seats in the state in the 2019 year. Because of Vijayvargiya, Chief not defeat Banerjee by more than 50,000
march 2021 33 Power Corridors Cover Story
votes then he would quit politics. “Write Modi-look does matter this down and mention the date and time. I will leave politics if I cannot defeat her It's with deep interest There is no denying that for every by half lakh (50,000) votes,” Adhikari had that Bengalis are Bengali, Rabindranath Tagore holds a said during a rally in south Kolkata. He special place. There is almost no Bengali had also asked the Bengal chief minister looking at Prime household which does not possess a to prepare a letterhead with ‘former chief Minister Narendra book or two by the Nobel laureate or a minister’ written on it. Modi. His look and collection of Rabindra Sangeet. Imaging The battle for Nandigram is important does matter and if the battle is as fierce as it was vital for the rise of the Trinamool long flowing beard. as the one in West Bengal. Congress a decade earlier and Suvendu His long kurtas and a And hence, it's with deep interest that Adhikari and his brother Soumendu Bengalis are looking at Prime Minister Adhikari had played a huge role in the shawl draped across Narendra Modi. His look and long flowing anti-land acquisition movement based on one shoulder beard. His long kurtas and a shawl draped which the TMC defeated the Left Front across one shoulder. While no one from government in 2011. the Bharatiya Janata Party or the central
Power Corridors 34 march 2021 West Bengal
government will confirm that this is a of ‘Jai Sri Ram’ during an event, things deliberate attempt to connect with Bengalis don’t seem to be alright for the WB Chief by projecting Tagore, the similarity cannot Minister. Moreover her furious reactions be missed. Of course, there are potshots during the media interactions add to her from his opponents, and the Trinamool frustrations. Her recent injuries further Congress repeatedly calls him and his add to her woes. party "outsiders" who are trying to connect After how yesteryear Bollywood with Bengal only for electoral gains. But Superstar Mithun Chakraborty, who the BJP rejects this outright. has a huge fan following in the state was the efforts of the TMC, which is only inducted into BJP and PM Modi trusts War of perceptions a regional party, and that of all other him to be party’s possible CM face in the political parties in India. state, things seem to be going BJP’s way In the war of perceptions, the BJP seems After how things have undergone although nothing is done until it’s done. to be unbeatably ahead in the race to win recently and how Mamata Banerjee The party looks stronger than ever it has West Bengal. Its social media power, has reacted in the aftermath of various been in the state and stand in good stead backed with enormous resources, dwarfs incidents like the slogan of chanting to stage an upset. h
march 2021 35 Power Corridors We owe a lot to the society: Ajay Harinath Singh
As they say, charity begins at home, Ajay Harinath Singh has proved it time and again
Power Corridors 36 march 2021 Initiative
ighly well-known in the business industry for his who want to enter its science or engineering schools. profitable ideas and philosophical work, Mr. Ajay In addition, through the Darwin Platform’s CSR Harinath Singh is a global conglomerate, tagged as activities, he successfully built low-cost hospitals in Latur the youth icon of young India. Joining business at (Maharashtra) and Bhuj (Gujarat). Raising over Rs. 250 Ha very young age of 12 and thereby achieving a stupendous crore, these hospitals targeted the needs of low-income amount of success, Ajay has grown his family business multi- families in these areas focusing on providing quality and fold after foraying across different verticals. affordable health services. Widely known for his penchant in acquiring different Talking about his educational background, Ajay is a industries and creating many of them, Ajay Harinath Singh highly educated man as well. Ajay's school training occurred is truly an inspiration having mighty tastes in growing in Sacred Heart High School in Mumbai. In 1997, he entered businesses in India and abroad. Dadar's KM Doongursee College for his four year bachelor's Charity begins at home - As rightly stated by some great degree yet went to London for further studies. Ajay Harinath philosophers of ancient times. It truly stands to its words Singh moved on from London from 1998 to 2005. He while we analyze that - charity is rare and unkindness is so completed his Master's certificate. common. He has always utilized his assets for the betterment Because of his youth in Mumbai, Ajay Harinath Singh of the society. He has utilized his power has dependably been a sharp supporter and wealth in giving back to the society of Cricket and Soccer, conversant in providing daily food to kids in the USA English, Hindi, Marathi, French, Dutch and the UK. Singh also donated and Russian. His driving strengths are his Apart from holding interests in $1 million to Roots in the Royal Cum Business House different industries, he has also donated establish a women’s of Uttar Pradesh, quality education in wealth for the upliftment of poor in rural the nation and overseas, knowledge of areas. He is actively involved in a lot of polytechnic grassroots political and socio-economic social work and charities done to bring institution in his circumstances, and a powerful desire to the basic facilities and amenities for the succeed in the company. less privileged section of the society. native Mumbai. The Above all, he is additionally the He has not only expanded a humble institution was the most grounded middle person for the family business into multi-million dollar first of its kind progression of oil from Eastern Europe in industries but has also raised social Germany and Britain. concerns and helped for the upliftment In Eastern Europe, Ajay Harinath of the poor residing in the remotest Singh has an oil plant and processing locations of India. plant and is developing in Russia and its One of his charity institutions is Savitri Harinath alliance. It has additionally broadened its group in Indian Foundation (SHF), which does a lot of social work. The top and universal financial area by securing huge stakes in aim of this facility is to provide the best health care for the a portion of the overall banks 'Indian private banks and poor. One of his prime interests for his charitable work is to divisions. focus on providing quality education. He has made school Ajay’s wide range of interests includes the Bollywood systems in India and the United States primary beneficiaries industry. Ajay Harinath Singh has entered into Bollywood for his charitable contributions. film industry with a clear picture to provide the audience Singh also donated $1 million to establish a women’s with quality entertainment and to fund as well as support polytechnic institution in his native Mumbai. The institution qualitative projects which usually gets ignored with was the first of its kind. His academic interests likewise conventional set up of Bollywood. extend beyond business management into the legal system. Ajay Harinath Singh believes that the employees can In the United States, Singh donated $2 million to establish a be the greatest assets for any organization if the founders curriculum for small business management at the University give them ample chances and opportunities. For him, the of Nebraska at Lincoln. He has also donated an additional intangible value made possible by his employee actions $500,000 to set up a scholarship fund for minority students surpasses all else. h
march 2021 37 Power Corridors Delhi riots A year on, wounds are still fresh A year has passed away after the Delhi riots but the horrific scenes of the crime remain etched in the memories of the victims
Power Corridors 38 march 2021 Delhi riots
n 23 February 2020 used batons and tear gas to disperse between 3.30 and anti-CAA protesters. 4 p.m., BJP leader On 22 February, about 1,000 Kapil Mishra and his people began a sit-in protest near the supportersO reached a protest site at Jaffrabad metro station in Northeast Maujpur Chowk "to give an answer Delhi, which blocked a stretch of to Jaffrabad [blockade]". Mishra then Seelampur-Jaffrabad-Maujpur road, as Prashant Bhardwaj spoke out in a rally against the CAA well as the entry and exit to the metro protesters and threatened to take station. The protest was reportedly @Prashan45602722 matters into his own hands if the in solidarity with the Bharat Bandh police failed to disperse the protesters called by the Bhim Army, which was from the Jaffrabad and Chand Bagh scheduled to begin on February 23. areas in three days' time. This is In the run-up to the Delhi elections, known to be the major inciting factor, held on February 8, several political though Mishra has always denied the leaders, especially from the Bharatiya allegations. The communal violence Janata Party (BJP), were seen using which took 53 lives, most of them incendiary slogans, equating protesters Muslims, slashed with repeated blows, to anti-national elements. During or set on fire. The dead also included a an election rally of Union Minister policeman, an intelligence officer and Anurag Thakur, slogans like '...goli over a dozen Hindus, who were shot or maaro... (shoot the traitors)' were assaulted. raised. The BJP, however, was defeated comprehensively by the Arvind How did it begin? Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Protests began across India in in the elections. The riots which began December 2019 in response to the on 23 February finally ended by 29 passage of the Citizenship Amendment February but with huge loss of lives Act (CAA), which allows fast-tracked and property. naturalisation for immigrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan Who were the rioters? belonging to six religions vis-à-vis According to Chief Minister Arvind Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity, Kejriwal and local residents, the Zoroastrianism, Jainism and attackers did not belong to the Buddhism. The Act has been seen area. According to conclusions in as discriminatory to Muslims and a preliminary report prepared by a threatening to their existence in India delegation of the Delhi Minorities when combined with the anticipated Commission, more than 2,000 National Register of Citizens (NRC). outsiders or goons occupied two Several anti-CAA protests were held schools for 24 hours to execute the in New Delhi. Some protesters burned Delhi riots. vehicles and pelted stones at security forces. Most of the protests were Hindu-Muslim Unity peaceful, barring a few incidents of According to the various reporters stone-pelting and burning of vehicles. covering the news, the most heartening On 15 December 2019, several part during the riots was the interfaith students of Jamia Millia Islamia solidarity. The people living in the University were injured during a communities came forward to help confrontation with the Delhi police. each other regardless of the religion Hundreds of police officers allegedly he/she was from. People were very entered the campus forcefully and confident that their neighbours did detained more than a hundred not engage in any violence against students. They were alleged to have them. The neighbourhood between
march 2021 39 Power Corridors Delhi riots
Jaffrabad and Maujpur, which has having his head smashed, his a mixed population of Hindus and 51-year old father succumbed to Muslims, demonstrated unity by injuries. guarding one another and barricading the gate to prevent outside mobs from * For many riot victims, the physical entering and destroying the communal injuries sustained during the riots harmony that exists there. Some have been so grave that “moving Hindu families worked to protect on” isn’t just unfathomable, but also their Muslim friends and neighbours practically impossible. Acid-attack amidst the riots by inviting them survivor Mohammed Wakeel is one into their homes for a few days until such person. Wakeel, 52, was on the riots calmed down. Both Hindus his terrace with his family, looking and Muslims comforted one another down on the streets of Shiv Vihar, and mourned the loss of their kin trying to gauge the enormity of the who were killed by the rioters. On 1 my soul left with them. What is violence that engulfed the area. But March, Muslim and Hindu residents left now? Aamir’s daughters are before he could sense anything, a of Jaffrabad organised a peace march growing up, what should I tell mob threw acid on his face, leaving together. them?” Khan asked. him blind.
Victims’ narratives * On 24 February 2020, Brahmpuri * Poonam Bari, 36, was informed resident Vinod Kumar’s five-year- that her husband, 42-year-old * Babu Khan, 60, sobbed while old grandson fell sick. Vinod and Ratan Lal, was shot dead during the recalling the most grueling journey his son Monu had some inkling riots that broke out in Chand Bagh, of his life, when he carried the of the violence taking place on by a neighbour. “The neighbour bodies of his two sons — Hashim the streets outside their home, but rushed into our house and said ‘TV and Aamir — for burial. It was decided to quickly step outside and dekho didi (watch the news, sister)’. around 5 pm on 29 February when buy medicines, anticipating that a And when I did, the whole world the two bodies were released after curfew could soon be imposed in came crashing down,” Bari said. post-mortem by the GTB Nagar the city. But what was supposed hospital. His sons were allegedly to be a quick errand turned into * Mohammed Shakir, 28, owned an stripped and then butchered to Vinod’s last day. The father-son auto-rickshaw worth Rs 5 lakh, death. “My sons were beaten up duo’s bike — with ‘Jai Sri Ram’ which was set afire at the parking as if they weren’t humans… I still written on it — was intercepted by space — the only source of income wake up in the middle of the night a violent mob, which beat them his family relied on. It was only thinking about how brutally they black and blue with rods and sticks. six months later in August when were murdered. A huge part of While Monu survived despite Shakir was able to rent another auto to start earning again.
A year has passed away after the Delhi riots but the horrific scenes of the crime remain etched in the memories of the victims. They will surely take time to recover and will be able to recover sometime soon but who will be responsible for such types of riots which occur in the country again and again based on communities. Will the Govt. make long term plans so that incidents like these can be stopped in the future and India can maintain its national integrity? This is the biggest issue which needs to be addressed. h
Power Corridors 40 march 2021
Defence
Prashant Bhardwaj @Prashan45602722 TIME TO MOVE AHEAD
A quantum jump in India’s arms export has been one of the major successes of Modi Govt
uring the DefExpo to participate in RFI/RFP issued by fired from Tejas Light Combat Aircraft 2020, Prime Minister various countries. Besides Akash, the (LCA). Astra Mark-1 has already been Narendra Modi had BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and tested from the Su-30 MKI fighters of indicated that by 2024 larger weapon systems can now be sold the IAF. Lack of effort to sell and a strong DIndia will be able to achieve the target to “friendly foreign” nations that have a group of First-World nations which rule of five billion dollars in defence exports. robust system to manage these assets. the defence markets had kept India away Recently, The Union Cabinet approved While Akash and BrahMos have been from sale of indigenously developed export of the Akash surface-to-air missile given green signal to export, many experts missiles. Moreover, India lacked a policy to “friendly countries” and constituted are of the opinion that other missiles like to push defence exports. a committee, headed by the Defence Prahaar and the air-to-air Astra also If we look at the stats, it can be found Minister, for faster approval of export of have high huge export potential. Astra out that in 2020, India has the third defence platforms. The Cabinet approval air-to-air missile, which has a range of largest annual defence budget (US$70 will facilitate Indian manufactures around 100 kilometers, will soon be test- billion) behind USA (US$732 billion)
Power Corridors 42 march 2021 Politics
and China (US$261 billion), and second deal with China’s neighbour is also a clear have shown interest in the acquisition of largest defence imports behind Saudi message to Beijing. the Akash. The missile can target aircraft Arabia making up 9.2% of global arms India’s missile program started in 1982 up to 50–60 km away, at altitudes up to import. India remained the world’s and under the supervision of Dr. A.P.J. 18,000 m. The missile was inducted second largest importer of weapons. 80% Abdul Kalam, a Missile Study Team was into the Indian Air Force in 2014 and of India’s domestic defence industry is formed to develop indigenous missile the Army in 2015. The Akash system is government owned public sector. India's systems. The team recommended the fully mobile and capable of protecting a defence exports were ₹4,682 crore phased development of five missiles— moving convoy of vehicles. According (US$0.66 billion) in 2017–2018 which Trishul and Akash surface-to-air missiles, to the experts, Akash is around 50 per increased to ₹10,500 crore (US$1.47 Nag anti-tank missile, Prithvi short- cent cheaper than other challengers in billion) in 2018–2019. Efforts are on range ballistic missile and Agni. Nearly the global market. Other Indian systems to fast-track the long-promised sale of four decades later, nine friendly foreign like radars and sonars, too, cost only a BrahMos and Akash to Vietnam. This countries from Southeast Asia and Africa quarter to one-fifth of similar systems
march 2021 43 Power Corridors Defence
available in the global market. significant thrust to defence production India along with Russia, is planning capabilities of the country for self- to export the BrahMos supersonic cruise reliance and exports. Defence Minister missile to the Philippines and several Rajnath Singh had announced a major other countries who have shown keen policy decision about the imposition of interest in the missile. The matter is a phase-wise ban on the import of 101 awaiting final approval from the cabinet military weapons systems and platforms committee for security. The range of in order to promote the domestic defence the new version of the missile has been industry. “We cannot depend on foreign extended to 400 km from the original governments, foreign suppliers and 290 km. However, its speed has been foreign defence products to meet our maintained at Mach 2.8 which is nearly defence needs. It is not compatible with three times that of sound. the objectives and feelings of a strong William Selvamurthy, a scientist who and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” he had said served as chief controller of research and back then. development at the Defence Research Chairman of the state-run Defence and Development Organisation, says that Research and Development Organisation India was running First World industries G Satheesh Reddy had recently said that because it has the world’s fourth-largest there will be tremendous increase in air force and its requirements are huge. defence exports from India in the next “There was a lot of pressure on India four to five years. "Within next 4-5 years, to not develop missile systems,” said this country will have a lot of indigenous Selvamurthy. “Countries dominating the content in the Indian armed forces and field of missile technology do not want we will be seeing tremendous amount any other player in the global market. of increase in exports," he said. Reddy They had put restrictions under non- enlisted a number of measures the proliferation treaties. He said India is now government and the DRDO have taken strong enough to make a decision. With to boost the participation of private selling missiles, we will be competing defence industry. "In each project of with the US, Russia and other European ours, we have invited development and nations,” he said. production partner from the industry. Former DRDO scientist Ravi Even critical systems like missiles have Kumar Gupta says that there is much been opened to the private industry," more to exporting systems than just he said. Reddy said a country is "real their capabilities. “For example, the atmanirbhar (self-reliant)" when the consistency in supply lines. When India design, development and production of went to war in 1965, Kargil war and state-of-the-art systems that are required others, imported defense systems that the world. The battle zone conditions in by the armed forces are done within the were bought at exorbitant prices created India are far more diverse and stringent”, country. difficulties for us,” he said. “At the time he added. India is one the largest importers of of war, they all started creating problems The central government under Prime arms globally. According to estimates, like stopping the supply of spare parts Minister Narendra Modi has had the the Indian armed forces are projected and ammunition,” he added. Asked long-standing ambition of making India to spend around USD 130 billion in about what makes India different as a one of the leading exporter of defence capital procurement in the next five years. defense exporter, Gupta said that India’s equipment and as per latest information, However, the government now wants to business ethics are well known around the Centre has indeed lived up to its reduce dependence on imported military the world. “I see a very bright future for promise on that front. In order to boost platforms and support the domestic defense exports for India. Besides low PM Modi’s clarion call for ‘Atmanirbhar defence manufacturing. A quantum jump labor cost and abundance of resources, Bharat’, the Union Ministry of Defence in in India’s arms export has been one of the another advantage is India’s diversity in August 2020, formulated a draft Defence major successes of Modi Govt. After how terms of climatic condition, topography, Production and Export Promotion Policy things have changed in the last few years, and temperatures. They cover pretty 2020 as an overarching guiding document the export target of $5 billion in the next much all conditions of battle zones in to provide a focused, structured and five years looks very much achievable. h Inside Pages Rates (INR) Non Bleed Size (cm) Trim Size (cm) Full Page 150,000 17.6 X 24.4 20.6 X 27.4 Double Spread 300,000 37.2 X 24.4 40.2 X 27.4 Covers Rates (INR) Non Bleed Size (cm) Trim Size (cm) Reverse Cover 750,000 58.8 X 27.4 20.6 X 27.4 Gatefold 19.6+19.3+19 Opening 500,000 37.2 X 24.4 40.2 X 27.4 Double Spread Inside Front Cover 250,000 17.6 X 24.4 20.6 X 27.4 Inside Back Cover 250,000 17.6 X 24.4 20.6 X 27.4 Outside Back Cover 500,000 17.6 X 24.4 20.6 X 27.4 Special Positions Rates (INR) Non Bleed Size (cm) Trim Size (cm) Half Page 95,000 17.6 X 11.8 20.6 X 13.5 Half Page 190,000 37.2 X 11.8 40.2 X 13.5 Double Spread Single Column 60,000 24.4 X 6 24.4 X 6.7 Horizontal Strip 45,000 16.9 X 4.4 20.6 X 6 h 25% extra on specific positions, 50% extra for letters page. 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Sports
Pratik Mishra Freelance writer @pratik9mishra ICC’s game foiled as India enters WTC final
day after India secured qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Indian team’s head coach Ravi Shastri rightly lashed at the International Cricket Council on for changing the qualification criteria of theA World Test Championship final midway during the cycle. Though ICC’s all tactics failed and with 3-1 thrashing to England, Team India to marched towards London for 19th June final. England's defeat in the forth & final Test was also curtains for Australia, which needed its Ashes rival to win in order to pip India to the WTC final.
New Zealand will be tough in Final The innings and 25-run win, in three days, in the fourth Test in Ahmedabad has given India a 3-1 series win and a place in the inaugural World Test Championship final, to be played at Lord's. Virat Kohli's men will face New Zealand, which has already made the cut. This series win also took India to the top of the WTC points table and the ICC Test rankings. India finished the league phase with 520 points, which includes 12 wins, four loses and one draw. New Zealand finished second spot with 420 points, including seven wins and four loses. Australia finished third with 332 points ahead of England and Pakistan.
Power Corridors 48 march 2021 Sports
Virat Kohli and Co did more than what was expected and entered the final as table-toppers. Naturally they are quite relieved to touch the destination summit
Shastri’s outburst against ICC System was changed Halfway It was Ravi Shastri’s outburst which stunned cricket world. Following the new system, India went down the table This was totally justified as role of International Cricket with an away series in Australia, followed by a home Council (ICC) was fully dubious in changing the criteria rubber against England on their schedule. Though midway. India were sitting pretty at the top of the table with Shastri revelled in the resilience shown by his team 360 points when the Covid-forced suspension in cricket in making it to the WTC final at Lord’s against New prompted the world body to show excuse and make the Zealand, he maintained that rules should not be changed matches not played as null and void, making percentage midstream. Shastri was furious “You can’t change the of points contested the basis of qualification instead of the rules halfway by twisting the situation.” In the month of actual points won. October-November when every one is sitting at home due to Corona suddenly you want game rules is not fair at all.” Imagine when you have got more points than any other team in the world and suddenly, a week later without playing cricket some rule comes, that they are going on percentage (point) system (PCT).
Corona cant be ICC’s excuse Because of countries not wanting to travel doesn’t mean earlier pain should go in drain. How ICC can order that if you (India) wants to qualify then go to Australia and you have to beat them there. This was totally unfair. How many teams have gone to Australia with a guarantee that they will win there? If India would have not beaten Australia then to qualify for the final it was expected that they should win against England by 4-0. One after other hurdles were put up against India. Kohli has Virat task ahead Virat Kohli and Co did more than what was expected and entered the final as table-toppers. Naturally they are quite relieved to touch the destination summit. The last two years India played very tough and truelly we deserved to be in that final. Kohli tried to play down the team’s WTC aspirations but no one can deny that it was at the back of their minds, they took it as a badge of honour. They know it very well that winning the WTC would be “equal to” winning the World Cup. India’s win against Australia on their home turf with a severely depleted squad, players like Washington Sundar and T Natarajan is example of their true grit. Then great revival after losing the first Test against England was sign of never to give up. Ravi was correct in reasoning that team bonded well inside the bio-bubble. h
march 2021 49 Power Corridors Bollywood
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‘Saina’ was the challenge ‘I was looking for’: Parineeti Actress Parineeti Chopra says the forthcoming sports biopic "Saina" was the challenge she was looking for because she was doing similar roles for a long time. The film is based on the life of the ace badminton player Saina Nehwal and talks about her journey, her achievements and the hardships she faced. Now, talking about the film, Parineeti said 'a sports biopic' about a person who is still playing and known as the crazy tigress on the court is something the actress was looking for. h