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*1 -  9 -/, 1/ 7/ ]WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 India-Qatar bilateral ties continue to deepen

the Indian community in Qatar. The multifaceted bilateral rela- Ambassador’s tionship between India and Qatar continues to deepen further in Message various areas, including political, energy, trade & investment, cul- tural and defence spheres. We ex- pect that 2019, as the India-Qatar Year of Culture, would be a year filled with memorable cultural events, in a manner that befits the long-standing cultural and people-to-people ties between our two countries. Independence Day is an oc- casion for all Indians to pay our respects and honour to the free- dom fighters who contributed to the struggle for India’s inde- Indian Ambassador to Qatar pendence, some of them making HE P Kumaran the supreme sacrifice towards this cause. Today, India takes N this auspicious oc- pride in being the world’s larg- casion of the 72nd In- est democracy as a result of the dependence Day strong foundation laid by our of India, I have the leaders who framed our Consti- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani meets with the Ambassador of India to Qatar P Kumaran. pleasure to convey tution and built strong demo- my warm greetings and felicita- cratic institutions. On this occa- India holds the position of the third largest grains to other countries. We are in the world and is expected to tions to all my fellow citizens re- sion, I would also like to thank startup ecosystem in the world and is expected the largest producers of fresh be one of the top three economic siding in the State of Qatar. I also and congratulate the Indian to have 100,000 startups by 2025, worth fruits, milk and pulses. India powers of the world in the next take this opportunity to express community in Qatar for their US$ 500 billion, which will create employment is a recognised military power 10-15 years. India holds the po- my heartfelt and sincere thanks continued good work, which has for 3.25 million people in the world today. The Indian sition of the third largest startup and appreciation to the Amir earned for them a well-deserved Space Research Organisation ecosystem in the world and is ex- of Qatar His Highness Sheikh reputation in Qatar for their sin- (ISRO) has been successful in pected to have 100,000 startups Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and cerity, hard work, technical ex- of us to take stock of our achieve- India has come a long way since developing a highly acclaimed, by 2025, worth US$ 500 billion, the Government of the State of pertise and law-abiding nature. ments in these 71 years and to its Independence on 15 August low-cost and efficient space pro- which will create employment Qatar for their continued support Independence Day is not just rededicate ourselves to the cause 1947. We have achieved self- gram in the world. In economic for 3.25 million people. and cooperation and to the hospi- an occasion for us to celebrate of the continued development of sufficiency in food production terms, India continues to be the tality and patronage extended to our freedom, but also one for all our nation in the coming years. and today export various food fastest-growing major economy CONTINUED ON PAGE 4  727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 02 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 India to be only major economy with talent surplus by 2030: Study

S increasing glo- try that’s at the other end of India may even challenge America’s 2030 in the TMT sector,” ment,” said Bhavna Sud, Cli- bal talent crisis is the spectrum is India. The said the firm. ent Partner, Korn Ferry In- likely to cost dif- world’s sixth largest econ- position in technology, media and tele- The study forecasts a dia. Sud said the companies ferent countries omy is the only one in the communications (TMT) sector, said the talent deficit of 85 million across the world need to re- $8.5 trillion by study which will have a talent workers by 2030 across the think their hiring and talent &2030, India is the only major surplus by 2030, with 245 ‘Global Talent Crunch’ study by Korn economies analysed and the management processes. world economy with a poten- million more workers in the Ferry International Incrunch’ study by largest threat in the near “Hire for fit and culture tial for talent surplus, as per next 12 years,” it said. term is faced by the US, Ja- rather than skills because a study by a global executive The study covered 20 ma- Korn Ferry International Inc pan, France, Germany and skills come with a shelf life search firm. jor developed and developing Australia with a combined now. Hire people high on India may even challenge economies in three regions opportunity cost of $1.87 tril- agility and make continuous America’s position in tech- — the Americas (Brazil, Mex- lion by 2020. learning a part of your life. nology, media and telecom- ico, the US), EMEA (France, global economic growth: fi- that technological advance- However, the 245 mil- Retain your best and show munications (TMT) sec- Germany, the Netherlands, nancial and business servic- ment could be hindered by an lion talent surplus in India them a growth.” tor, said the ‘Global Talent Russia, Saudi Arabia, South es; TMT; and manufacturing. acute global labour shortage poses twin challenge of em- Crunch’ study by Korn Ferry Africa, the UAE, the UK) It also examines the remain- of 4.3 million TMT workers ployability and job creation, International Inc. and Asia Pacific (Australia, der of each economy, said by 2030. the study noted. “If let un- “Left unchecked, the fi- China, Hong Kong, India, Korn Ferry. “India will see a Level A checked, the talent nancial impact of this talent Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, The imminent skilled (highly skilled) TMT sur- surplus will add shortage amounts to $8.5 Singapore and Thailand). labour shortage could ulti- plus of 1.3 million workers to our woes of trillion in unrealised annual The model focuses on mately shift the global bal- by 2030, offering yet more jobless growth revenue globally over the three knowledge-intensive ance of economic power by opportunities for the nation. and unemploy- next 12 years,” it pointed out. sectors within each market 2030, if left unaddressed, India could challenge Amer- “Interestingly, the coun- that act as critical drivers of the study said, and added ica’s position well before

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VISIT OF INDIAN NAVAL SHIP QATAR PETROLEUM DELEGATION VISITS INDIA Qatar Petroleum (QP) President NDIAN naval ship INS Kolkata and CEO and Chairman of Qatargas arrived in Qatar on 11 March Saad Sherida al-Kaabi concluded 2018 to participate in Doha In- a working visit to New Delhi on 21 ternational Maritime Defence March. During his visit, Al Kaabi Exhibition and Conference held talks with India’s Minister of (DIMDEX), held on 12-14 March, 2018. Petroleum and Natural Gas Dhar- The delegation led by Vice Admiral Girish mendra Pradhan. The talks focused Luthra PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Flag Of- on bilateral cooperation and means ficer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval of strengthening economic relations Command of the Indian Navy included Ad- with Qatar in the area of energy. ditional Director General VSR Murthy PTM, Separately, the delegation led by Al TM, Additional Director General Indian Kaabi held meetings with senior of- Coast Guard and other senior officials. INS ficials of Indian Oil, GAIL, Petronet, Kolkata is the second Indian ship to visit and Reliance Industries. Qatar in the last four months. Indian Coast Guard ship ‘Samarth’ had visited Hamad Port in November 2017 and participated in the first-ever India-Qatar Joint Passage Ex- ercise with the Qatari Coast Guard. The In- INDIAN MINISTER VISITS QATAR dian ambassador and Adml. Girish Luthra together hosted a reception for the dignitar- ies from Qatar Armed Forces, ambassadors and distinguished guests from the diplo- matic corps and vibrant Indian community Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Dr members onboard INS Kolkata. A special Khalid bin Mohamed al Attiyah onboard the Indian Naval Ship Kolkata visit for school children was also arranged. during DIMDEX 2018.

India’s Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar paid a two-day official visit to Qatar. Dur- ing his visit, he held meetings with Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, and discussed bilateral relations and a number of regional and international issues of mutual interests. He also met with members of the Qatari Businessmen Association and ad- dressed the Qatar India Business and Investment Conference on 15-16 April.

QTA OFFICE OPENS IN MUMBAI Eyeing a chunk of tourists from 4H3Ck(/C('@KC10H2)*$'L India, the world’s second largest outbound tour- *//0)(NC'C)I32*KK*)'&43'" ists market, the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1  gas in its energy mix in the next representative office in Mumbai Qatar Tourism decade. to promote and encourage more Authority (QTA) I invite the Indian commu- India is a major exporter of tourism from India to Qatar. In- opened an office nity in Qatar to contribute to food products to Qatar. India’s dia is also a popular tourist and in Mumbai on the success of various flagship exports to Qatar witnessed an wellness destination among Qa- 3rd May, 2018. and infrastructure development overall increase of 87% in 2017- tari nationals, given the cultural projects being undertaken by 18, compared to 2016-17. Indian compatibility and historical con- the Government of India, such companies operating in Qatar tacts between the two countries. as ‘Make in India’, ‘Clean In- are pursuing mutually-beneficial We look forward to enhanced dia’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Skill India’, collaborations in infrastructure, contacts and connectivity be- ‘Startup India’, ‘Stand Up India’, information and communication tween our peoples in the coming ‘Smart Cities’ and so on. technology, energy and other years. NC'C)@IC(0H*LCC4- As the Ambassador of India areas in Qatar, contributing to Defence ties between the two to Qatar, my heart swells with Qatar’s preparation for the FIFA nations continue to prosper. The pride when I hear from Qatari World Cup in 2022. Official bi- year 2017-18 saw a number of bi- dignitaries about the valuable lateral interactions continue at a lateral visits. ICGS Samarth vis- *K04(I)C41L34L044C3 contribution made by the Indian regular pace to boost economic ited Qatar in November 2017 for community to the growth and co-operation between the two a joint passage exercise between ATAR-BASED Doha At present, Doha Bank Qatar is around $9 billion and development of Qatar over the countries. The Embassy of India, Indian and Qatar Coast Guard Bank recently com- has about Rs 750 crore the investment between the two years. Today, India’s fast-paced ships. Indian Navy’s destroyer menced operations in of deposits and advances countries is targeted at $5 billion. growth, technological achieve- India looks forward to INS Kolkata visited Qatar on the Chennai branch and Speaking about long-term ments, business-friendly envi- occasion of the Doha Interna- is aiming at 10 per in its Indian book, and plans in India, Seetharaman said, greater Qatari invest- with the Chennai expan- ronment, skilled workforce and a ments, with invest- tional Maritime and Defence Ex- cent credit growth, supported by “We plan to build a subsidiary vast consumer market, offer Qa- ments of more than hibition (DIMDEX) organised by a stronger focus on the corporate sion, it hopes to grow the which you cannot do with one or tar a useful opportunity to con- $1.5 trillion planned in the Ministry of Defence, Qatar. and retail segment. lending book to Rs 1,000 two branches. tribute to India’s growth and de- The high level meetings between “The new branch will help “We then want to build retail velopment in the coming years. the area of infrastruc- our delegations discussed various the bank tap opportunities in the crore in the near term branch network in both Tier-I India looks forward to greater ture over the next two opportunities for cooperation, southern market even as it will and Tier-II cities in India. In the Qatari investments, with invest- decades, making it one including for training, procure- offer NRI services, corporate and first phase, we plan to be present ments of more than $1.5 trillion of the most attractive ment and joint production of de- retail banking, SME financing, in Qatar, he added. in nine more locations, taking the planned in the area of infrastruc- markets for leading fence equipment in India. treasury services, trade finance, According to Seetharaman, total number to 12 locations,” he ture over the next two decades, investors The Indian Embassy re- forex services and wealth man- the bank had relocated one of its added. making it one of the most attrac- mains committed to promoting agement solution. two branches in Mumbai to Chen- At present, Doha Bank has tive markets for leading inves- the interests of the Indian com- We expect to grow around nai, its third location after Mum- about Rs 750 crore of deposits tors. These factors are reflected along with the Indian Business munity in Qatar. The Embassy 7-10%, higher than the market bai and Kochi. and advances in its Indian book, in the Global Competitiveness & Professionals Council (IBPC), shall continue its efforts to ex- growth,” said R Seetharaman, The bank got permission from and with the Chennai expan- Report for 2016-17 by the World organised the Qatar India Busi- pand its outreach to various CEO, Doha Bank. From Chen- the Reserve Bank of India to open sion, it hopes to grow the lend- Economic Forum, which ranks ness and Investment Confer- sections of the Indian commu- nai, the bank can also support the the branch last August. The bi- ing book to Rs 1,000 crore in the India as a best performer in ence (QIBIC) in April 2018. The nity and remain in close contact south Indian community working lateral trade between India and near term. South Asia for structural reforms Hon’ble Minister of State for with the authorities concerned undertaken in infrastructure, fi- External Affairs, Shri MJ Akbar, in Qatar, to ensure the welfare nancial market development, in- along with his Qatari counter- and wellbeing of Indian nation- novation and market size, among part Minister of State for For- als. On this 72nd Independence others. eign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Day, I once again extend my India attaches great impor- Al-Muraikhi, jointly inaugurated warm greetings to fellow Indi- tance to its friendly relations the conference, which examined ans in Qatar and thank them for with the State of Qatar. India is avenues for further cooperation their contribution to the growth the third largest export destina- across various sectors between and development of Qatar and tion for Qatar. Qatar is the larg- Qatar and India. India. I am hopeful that the In- est supplier of LNG to India, ac- India and Qatar consider dian community will continue counting for 55% of India’s global people-to-people ties as a bed- to extend its cooperation, as in LNG imports and 15% of Qatar’s rock of great significance in fur- the past, to the Embassy and total export of LNG. We look for- ther deepening the bilateral ties partner with us in the delivery ward to enhanced cooperation in between the two nations. We are of various services to the needy the energy sector, as India seeks happy to note that Qatar Tourism sections of the community in an to enhance the share of natural Authority (QTA) has opened a efficient and timely manner. Doha Bank CEO R Seetharaman, along with other dignitaries. 72 nd IndependenceInIn Day | PAGE 05 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

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#  # 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 06 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 India retains ‘fastest growing’ economy tag as GDP grows 7.7 pc

NDIA’S economy “GDP growth has been in- grew at its fastest creasing continuously every quar- in seven quarters in ter with growth of 7.7 per cent in the January-March Q4 of 2017-18,” finance minister SHINING period, bolstered by Piyush Goyal tweeted. strong performance in construc- “Shows that the economy is on tion, manufacturing and public the right track & set for even high- 14.4% services, pointing to a persistent er growth in the future.” Goyal is Gross fixed capital formation revival trend and bringing cheer handling the portfolio while Arun rose 14.4 per cent in the to the government ahead of next Jaitley recovers from a medical year’s general election. procedure. fourth quarter, reaching a The full FY18 growth estimate Growth measured in gross 32.2 per cent share in GDP, was revised upward to 6.7 per value added (GVA) terms rose the highest in six quarters cent from 6.6 per cent in the sec- 6.5 per cent in FY18, slower than ond advance estimate released in 7.1 per cent in the previous fiscal. February. This is in line with the GVA growth in the fourth quarter 8% 6.75 per cent growth forecast by was the fastest in seven quarters Trade, hotels, transportation, the Economic Survey and down at 7.6 per cent. communication and services from 7.1 per cent in FY17 with the China’s economy grew 6.8 per slowdown being attributed to the cent in the quarter ended March grew at 8 per cent during the lingering effect of demonetisa- 31. fiscal compared with 7.2 per tion and the rollout of the goods Finance secretary Hasmukh cent growth in FY1 and services tax (GST) in July last Adhia tweeted that the govern- year. ment’s economic policies were Gross domestic product rose bearing fruit. 6.8% The economy grew at a better-than-expected 7.7 per “The constant increasing China’s economy grew the highest rate since cent in the fourth quarter, retain- trend of quarterly GDP numbers 6.8 per cent in the ing India’s ranking as the world’s in the four quarters of 2017-18 at September quarter of fastest-growing major economy, 5.6 per cent , 6.3 per cent , 7 per quarter ended outpacing China by nearly a per- cent and 7.7 per cent indicates March 31 FY17, ahead of the centage point. that the structural measures of re- The economy grew at the high- forms undertaken by government demonetisation drive est rate since September quarter is now bringing rich dividends in of FY17, ahead of the demoneti- the form of higher GDP growth that began November sation drive that began Novem- rate,” he said on Twitter. 2016. An ET poll of ber 2016. An ET poll of econo- Growth in the agriculture, mists had pegged fourth-quarter manufacturing and construction economists had pegged growth at 7.1-7.5 per cent . Octo- sectors stood at 4.5 per cent , 9.1 ber-December FY18 growth was per cent and 11.5 per cent , respec- fourth-quarter growth revised down to 7 per cent from tively, in the fourth quarter, with at 7.1-7.5 per cent 7.2 per cent estimated earlier. The construction benefiting from a economy grew 6.1 per cent in the strong base effect of 3.9 per cent year ago March quarter. negative growth in the year earlier

period. the Indian economy. in 2015-16 to 31.1 per cent in Trade, hotels, transporta- “The rebound in growth rein- 2016-17 and further to 31.4 per tion, communication and serv- forces CII’s own assessment that cent in 2017-18,” said Subhash ices grew at 8 per cent during the economy is back on track and Chandra Garg, economic affairs the fiscal compared with 7.2 per is set for a strong recovery after secretary. cent growth in FY17. The pickup the period of disruptions sparked Industry expects investments Greetings in credit offtake helped financial by demonetisation and GST im- and capacity creation to take services grow 6.6 per cent , faster plementation,” said Chandrajit place in FY19 as the demand cy- than 6 per cent growth in the pre- Banerjee, director general, Con- cle improves based on a good –Ĵ
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GīéĎÉ fence and other services grew at Though private final con- growth. 10 per cent on an annual basis, sumption expenditure growth in Economists are optimistic marginally lower than 10.7 per FY18 came in at a three-year low about next year’s growth despite cent growth in the previous year. of 6.6 per cent , it turned around the threats posed by rising oil “What is most noticeable is in the fourth quarter. India Rat- prices and bad loans. the increase in the growth rate of ings’ chief economist Devendra The Reserve Bank of India GVA of manufacturing sector in Kumar Pant expects it to continue expects the economy to grow 7.4 the last two quarters of 2017-18 in FY19 also with a near-normal per cent this fiscal as does the In- at 8.5 per cent and 9.1 per cent monsoon expected and the gov- ternational Monetary Fund. “We at constant price,” Adhia said in ernment’s focus on infrastructure expect growth in FY19 to be 7.5 another tweet. “We would like to and housing. per cent on the back of a good believe that GST (goods and serv- Gross fixed capital formation monsoon, revival in consumption ices tax) has given a big boost to rose 14.4 per cent in the fourth and pickup in investment. the industrial sector.” quarter, reaching a 32.2 per cent The government will continue Axis Bank chief economist share in GDP, the highest in six to do its bit as per the budget an- Saugata Bhattacharya said, “The quarters. For FY18 it was up 7.6 nouncements,” said Madan Sab- growth acceleration of over FY18 per cent against 10.1 per cent in navis, chief economist at CARE quarters led by construction and FY17. Ratings. India Ratings expects manufacturing, and consequent- “In terms of share of gross the encouraging trend displayed ly by investment, is quite striking, fixed capital formation to GDP at by manufacturing and construc- even adjusting for base effects.” constant prices, there has been tion to continue in the current Industry welcomed the revival in an increase from 30.3 per cent fiscal.

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IGITAL payments in India, currently es- timated at around 200 billion, are pro- jected to rise fivefold in the next five years to touch trillion, according to an estimate made by Credit Suisse. 'Digital payments in India, currently estimated at around $200 billion, are projected to rise fivefold in the 3$< next five years to touch $1 trillion, according to an esti- mate made by Credit Suisse. At this point, the value of digital payments will rise from around 10% right now to around 25%, the study adds. While Google’s Tez app has already played a big role in catapulting digital payments, While Google’s Tez app a big boost will come from WhatsApp and Facebook and other messaging apps building this into their platforms. has already played a big Growing steadily since the launch of the BHIM or role in catapulting digital Bharat Interface for Money app and by leaps and bounds since Google Tez took it up, the Unified Payments Inter- payments, a big boost face (UPI) channel has overtaken mobile wallets in terms will come from What- of the monthly value of transactions. According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India, November 2017 sApp and Facebook and saw a total of 105 million UPI transactions worth Rs other messaging apps 9,640 crore, against 187 million mobile wallet transac- tions worth Rs 9,388 crore. What’s more, taken together, building this into their the UPI and mobile-wallet transaction values are now platforms equivalent to a quarter of the value of card transactions made at point of sale terminals. In November, UPI and wallets were used for transactions worth Rs 19,028 crore, while the combined value of debit and credit card trans- actions stood at Rs 75,779 crore. A recent report by Credit Suisse says that as Google and then Paytm enabled UPI transactions, the volume of payments through the channel has seen a massive surge, with transaction volumes on Tez now at a par with non-cash transactions recorded by Axis Bank, which is the fourth-largest bank in terms of digital transactions. As more global technology players follow in the footsteps of Google and Samsung to corner a share of the Indian payments market, digital transactions are set for further growth, Credit Suisse said. “WhatsApp, with 230 mil- lion daily average users, is by far the most popular app in India and as it soon plans to integrate a payments but- ton, digital payments are set to explode and we estimate a US$1 trillion market over the next five years,” Credit Suisse said. The report further states that with 800 million bank accounts now linked to Aadhaar, the bulk of existing bank accounts are mobile-transaction ready. This will encourage global technology majors to partner the banks leading the digital payments game in India. “The top four banks — State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank — together account for over one-third of bank system customer base but drive 60-70% of retail activity levels. The tech aggregators will primarily look to tie up with these franchises,” Credit Suisse said. As more customers migrate to digital, banks will also be able to prune operating costs and create new lending opportuni- ties, according to the investment bank.

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HE government has cleared 67 FDI propos- als worth Rs 117 billion during the period TApril 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 As many as 67 foreign direct invest- ment proposals worth Rs 117 billion were ap- proved during the first nine months of the ongo- ing financial year, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Tuesday. In a writ- ten reply, Minister of State for Fi- nance P Rad- hakrishnan said “the government has cleared 67 FDI pro- posals worth Rs 117 billion during the period April 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017”. An FDI proposal worth Rs 5.32 billion of Metaffinity Pvt Lt, an investment holding com- pany, got the government’s nod, the minister said. “The foreign invest is to be brought in by two foreign investors, viz Canada Pension Plan In- vestment Board and Pantheon-HK Project Uni- verse, LP, for up to 49 per cent stake in the form of non-voting equity share of Metaffinity Pvt Ltd,” as per the reply. To another question, he said the government does not propose to raise the limit of deposit under Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS) from Rs 15,00,000. All the public sector banks and three private sector banks (Axis Bank, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank) have been authorised to operate SCSS, besides the Department of Posts. Senior citizens can open more than one ac- count under the scheme subject to the overall limit of Rs 15,00,000, the minister said. 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 09 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS ON the occa- sion of India’s 69th Republic Day, Ambassa- dor P. Kuma- ran hoisted the National Flag on the Embas- sy premises. After National Anthem by stu- dents from Indian schools in Qatar, the Ambassador read out the Hon’ble President of India’s address to the Nation. The programme also included patriotic songs by students of Indian schools, and presentation of gifts to the partici- pants. The Republic Day was celebrated with great joy and patriotic fervour. About 1,000 Indian community members PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS and friends of India in Qatar attended the event. A recep- tion was hosted by the Indian ambassador to commemo- THE Indian Embassy, in association with the Indian Cultural Centre, observed rate the 69th Republic Day celebration on 28th January, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2018 on 9th January. Speaking at the event, 2018 at Sheraton Hotel, Doha. The event was attended Indian Ambassador P. Kumaran appreciated the Indian community in Qatar for by the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour their hard work and commitment which was well acknowledged by the Qatari and Social Affairs HE Dr. Issa Bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, authorities. The envoy urged the community to support the flagship initiatives Minister of Development Planning and Statistics HE Dr. of the Government of India. A film on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was also Saleh bin Mohammad Al Nabit, Chief of Protocol Ibrahim screened on the occasion together with remembrance of PBD 2017. More than Fakhroo, diplomatic corps and more than 600 members 200 members from the Indian community attended the event, including last from the Indian community in Qatar. year’s PBD delegates from Qatar.

BHARAT UTSAV WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY INDIAN Cultural Centre (ICC), which works under the aegis of the Indian Embassy, held a cultural show titled ‘Bharat Utsav’ at the Qatar National Con- vention Centre on 13 April, to highlight India’s cul- tural heritage. The show featured 350 expatriate artists. The Indian ambas- THE World Environment Day was observed in Qatar with emphasis on the theme of “plastic pollution”. The sador was the chief guest Indian Embassy in collaboration with Chaliyar-Doha, a community organisation, and Indian schools carried on the occasion while am- out a number of activities to sensitise the community on the downside of plastic and the need to safe- bassadors of Bangladesh, guard the environment. Indian Ambassador P. Kumaran planted saplings in the Embassy premises and in a Nepal and Sri Lanka were follow-up program, he administered a pledge on ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ to the gathering to sensitise them the guests of honour. on environmental protection and the ways to reduce plastic pollution. 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 10 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Avani Chaturvedi becomes first Indian woman to fly fighter jet all by herself LYING Officer Chaturvedi structor for the last time for the Solo Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi of Indian Air Force hona Singh were the first woman cadets took off from the Jamnagar Check. For the last time, the instruc- to be admitted into the fighter stream Air base in Gujarat and suc- tor watched her carefully in a MiG-21 (IAF) flew her first solo sortie in a Russian made of the IAF in 2016. Till 2016, the IAFs cessfully completed her mis- Bison Aircraft to ensure Flying Officer MiG-21 fighter creating history. The solo sortie in a fighter stream was male only domain. sion. Chaturvedi got everything right. fighter is the first step to becoming a fully opera- Both Flying Officer Chaturvedi and Fly- Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi of ing Officer Kanth have been assigned to  SOLO CHECK tional fighter pilot Indian Air Force (IAF) flew her first solo the MiG-21 squadrons. sortie in a Russian made MiG-21 fighter Flying and more so fighter flying is a creating history. zero error profession, an IAF pilot said MORE TRAINING On Monday morning, Flying Officer explaining the need for a Solo Check. tors would, however, be at the Air Traffic super-sonic MiG-21 Bison fighter which While the first solo sortie is a big step Chaturvedi took off from the Jamna- Soon after, she would roar down the Jam- control of Jamnagar Airbase and on the is also considered to be a difficult air- forward for the IAF, Chaturvedi still has gar Air base in Gujarat and successfully nagar Airbase and get airborne again. run-way to monitor her flight. craft to handle. The Russian made MiG few steps to walk before she is consid- completed her mission. The solo sortie Only, this time she didn’t have anyone She is the first Indian woman to fly to 21 Bison is also the oldest fighter in ered to be fully operational and can be in a fighter is the first step to becoming a flying with her to help her take those a fighter aircraft solo. The solo sortie is IAF’s stable. deployed. She will now train for at least fully operational fighter pilot. split second decisions on a fighter. Expe- a first milestone of any fighter pilot and In the first sortie you are not expect- another two years before being deployed Prior to her solo-sortie, rienced flyers and in- this reinforces IAF commitment give a ed to carry out very complicated ma- as a fully operational pilot. on Monday morning, struc- level-playing field to both genders, IAF noeuvres. There are set drills one needs For the next six months, Flying Of- she took off from spokesperson and fighter pilot Anupam to go through whereby you get a feel of ficer Chaturvedi will fly the fighter to Jamnagar Banerjee said. the aircraft, a senior IAF fighter pilot learn the intricacies of a fighter. She will with her who didn’t wanted to named said. then graduate to learn about tactical fly- in- FIRST SORTIE “All fighter pilots are most likely ing and then how to use an aircraft as a The first sortie of to remember their first sortie. You feel war fighting machine. She will have to Flying Officer Avani powerful like a bird that has taken its learn how to fight during the day. After Chaturvedi lasted first flight, he added. that she will have to learn how to fly and for about 30 minutes Flying officers Chaturvedi, fight at night all over again, a senior IAF in a Bhavana Kanth and Mo- instructor said. 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 11 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

India remained the world’s fastest growing domes- tic aviation mar- 4H3C!**+(KC(' ket for the third straight year in 0)+C4"C(/*&)'L 2017 as economic and network ex- pansion bolstered ,C)20('C&'*+C)-0' the sector, ac- cording to global NDIA overtook Germany last Maruti Suzuki India, a sub- year to become the world’s sidiary of Japan’s Suzuki airlines’ body IATA fourth-largest auto market in another sign of emerging coun- Motor, consolidated its tries’ growing importance to lead in passenger vehicles. the industry. The company’s car sales According to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers full- jumped 15% to more than year sales rose 10% to roughly 4.01 million 1.6 million in 2017, boosting vehicles, an all-time high, Asian Review re- its market share by 2.6% ported. points to 49.6% Maruti Suzuki India, a subsidiary of Ja- pan’s Suzuki Motor consolidated its lead India remains fastest in passenger vehicles. The company’s car standout performer in recent years. Its auto sales jumped 15% to more than 1.6 million market doubled in size in just a decade. IHS in 2017, boosting its market share by 2.6% Markit sees it continuing to expand by near- points to 49.6%. ly 10% a year, surpassing third-place Japan’s growing domestic aviation Emerging markets have become a major as early as 2020. driver of global vehicle sales. They account- This owes largely to a growing economy ed for more than half the worldwide total for that has lifted consumer incomes. Gross do- the first time back in 2010. According to the mestic product per capita shot up about 70% market in 2017, says IATA UK based financial services company IHS between 2007 and 2016 to just over $1,700, Markit, China has been the world’s largest World Bank data shows. NDIA remained fastest full-year growth rate demand as cuts in airfares, in global economic condi- market since 2009. the world’s fast- for the third year in a row it added. “India posted tions. This year, IATA said India has est growing do- (17.5 per cent), followed by the fastest domestic RPK that full-year RPK growth is been a mestic aviation China (13.3 per cent),” the growth for the third year in a expected to slightly slower market for the International Air Transport row, driven by economic and than recorded in 2017. third straight year in 2017 Association (IATA) said in network expansion,” the re- “This is mainly because as economic and network a report released last week. port said. In December also, increases in airline input expansion bolstered the sec- The grouping noted that India registered the highest costs -– notably fuel pric- tor, according to global air- such growth rates were growth rate of 17.4 per cent. es but also labour costs in lines’ body IATA. Globally, driven mainly by the com- Many Indian carriers have certain countries –- mean Revenue Passenger Kilome- paratively strong rates of embarked on ambitious that we are unlikely to see tres (RPKs) — a measure of economic expansion seen expansion plans and local the same degree of demand passenger volumes — rose in each country, as well as airlines have placed orders stimulation from lower air- by 7.6 per cent in 2017, stimulus from additional for over 900 aircraft. Since fares in 2018 than we have registering “above-trend airport pairs being offered. late 2014, lower airfares in recent years,” the group- growth” that was ahead of Such new services trans- have helped in boosting ing said. IATA represents the ten-year average rate of late into time savings for passenger growth — which some 280 airlines compris- 5.5 per cent. “The domes- passengers and have a simi- in 2017 was also supported ing 83 per cent of global air tic India market posted the lar stimulatory impact on by broad-based pick-up traffic. 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 12 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Indian expatriate groups promote understanding, human values L0(0,¡0((

ininstitutions, 0//*)'(*/'L0 arart and mu- sisic enthusi- asasts, cultural clclubs, sports &.C)C'3C+C. assassociations anandd more. UJARATI Samaj Qatar AAmongm the (GSQ) is a unique or- The GSQ President, ganisation among the most aactive Qa- Hasmukh Patel, has ttar-basedar-base Indian Indian sociocultural grougroupsps is the Gu- bodies in Qatar thanks to its sent greetings on the jjaratiarati Samaj Qa- distinct achievements in com- 72nd Independence ttarar (G(GSQ), which munity welfare and socio-phil- Day to President of wwasas foformed in the anthropic and cultural activities India Ram Nath year 22000 as a re- that have enabled it to spread Kovind, Prime Minister susult of efforts the goodwill and reputation of Narendra Modi, the ffrom some the rich Indian culture. Ambassador of India commu- The GSQ President, Has- to Qatar P Kumaran nity lead- mukh Patel, has sent greetings and the people of India ers. The on the 72nd Independence Day and Qatar. The aim of these sociocultural groups is to preserve, aim was to to President of India Ram Nath protect and promote Gujarati values and provide a ppreserve, Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra pprotect and Modi, the Ambassador of India platform to all Gujarati expatriates to come together ppersonify to Qatar P Kumaran, the govern- amonggth the IndianI di communitiesiti to meet, greet, entertain and celebrate their rich herit- GGujarati ment of India and the people of in Qatar. It is a common trait of age and traditions valuesva and India and Qatar. Gujaratis to mould themselves providepr a GSQ President Hasmukh with the existing ethos and to NDIA’S rich herit- about 30 percent of Qatar’s totalal platformplat to all Patel has thanked Qatar and adapt easily to local traditions age and culture of- population. GGujaratisujar to come its leaders for hosting the com- and cultures. Although Gujaratis fer diverse ethnic, There are more than 1000 ttogetherogether to meet, munity here and providing them mingle fully with the local culture, linguistic, regional, groups and organisations active-e- ggreet,reet, eentertainn and the opportunity to showcase at the same time, they maintain economic, religious ly contributing to the dynamicic ccelebrateelebrate heritage. Gujarati Samaj as one of the their own culture by celebrating cultures and groups across the community of Indian expats inn Similarly,Similarly, the group vibrant flavours of India. “While their festivals, without disturbing Indian society. In Qatar, this rich Qatar. These groups include so-o- alsoalso providesprovi oppor- we are away from our country, it the local society and culture. diversity is reflected in the In- ciocultural associations, pro-o- tunitytunity forfor GujaratiG chil- is the duty of each one of us to GSQ celebrates most popular dian diaspora, which comprises fessional groups, educationalal drendren to bbee iinn touch with uphold our cultural heritage and Indian cultural festivals such as theirtheir heritageheritage anda partici- moral values. We shall continue Indian Cultural Fiesta with the pate in celebrating celebrati various to hold the great values of our presence of well-known Gujarati festivals native to them. country. Our strength lies in our orchestras. In the past GSQ has On the other hand, the na- unity, harmony and integrity,” he celebrated Diwali festivals with tives of Karnataka state living told Qatar Tribune. cultural programs featuring in Qatar formed the non-profit Gujarati Samaj has achieved renowned artists such as Bhoomi and service-oriented organisa- remarkable success as an Trivedi, Aishwarya Majmudar, tion Karnataka Sangha Qatar to organisation and the values it Parthiv Gohil and Sairam Dave. consolidate their various efforts endorses. The founder president GSQ also hosted ‘Diaro’ – a including social services, charity of GSQ, Hasmukh Patel says this folk music program by Gujarati events and other humanitarian has been possible because of the folk artist Mayabhai Ahir. The causes. members’ unwavering trust and celebration of the International In 2011, the Uttarakhand continuous support all through Yoga Day under the banner of the community in Qatar formed the these years. He also thanked Indian Embassy with notable pres- Uttarakhand Association of Qa- the sponsors and cosponsors for ence of the Gujarati community tar aimed at promoting and en- their support to the organisation. was also a memorable event. hancing the understanding of The GSQ committee mem- GSQ is one of the most active Uttarakhand culture and com- bers have been hailed for their organisations in celebrating Qatar munity spirit in Qatar as well as efficiency and hard-work under National Day and Qatar National conducting a number of events the strong leadership of President Sports Day. The organisation has and programmes for its members Hasmukh Patel. been holding a slew of programs throughout the year. The GSQ, Patel said, has to mark the occasions with the Another similar group is the developed the trust of the com- wholehearted support of mem- North Indian Association in Qa- munity and keeps the community bers and hard work and zeal of tar which represents more than members united. GSQ has been the executive committee mem- 250 families. working on the basic principle bers and volunteers. In terms of professional of “Be positive, think positive, At a time when the whole groups, among the most active act positive and help the needy world has been passing through is the Institute of Chartered Ac- people”, he noted. economic crisis and recession, it countants of India (ICAI) Doha Gujarati Samaj Qatar came will be the moral responsibility of Chapter which was established in into existence on 14th January GSQ to contribute their best. 1981 and is the oldest among the 2000 with just 74 members. The The GSQ has resolved to work 32 overseas chapters of the ICAI. objective was to preserve, protect most sincerely and efficiently to .The Chapter is the first profes- and personify Gujarati values; to increase productivity in work and sional membership body to be make Gujarati children participate help the organisations, wherever licensed in QFC. in the Indian festivals, and to they work. The prosperity of the The Indian community also provide a platform to all Gujaratis organisation will be the prosperity includes various schools such as to come together to meet, greet, of Qatar and India. If one prepares the Doha Modern Indian School, entertain and celebrate the com- Shira (halwa), all ingredients like Ideal Indian School, MES In- mon cultural heritage. flour, dry fruits are visible, but the dian School, Shantiniketan In- The Gujaratis are popularly presence of sugar is not seen; dian School, Birla Public School, known as “Global Indians” be- in fact, which makes the Shira a Bhavans Public School, Bhavans cause of their presence all across sweet. Let’s make Public School and Delhi Public the world, including in Qatar. GSQ the presence of School. has around 1,665 families regis- Gujaratis in Qatar Other Indian professional tered as members in Qatar. GSQ so important. groups established in Qatar in- is recognised as one of the big- clude the Indian Medical Associ- gest and most active community ation (Doctors Club), Engineers organisations Forum, Indian Physiotherapy Forum and the Keralite Engi- neers Forum. Indian sports enthusiasts also have an array of clubs to choose from such as the Man- galore Cricket Club, Qatar In- dian Football Forum and the Volleyball Loving Indian in Qatar. The other important asso- ciations include the Visual Arts Forum India, Indian Women’s Association and the Bharathi Qatar comprising Indian expats living in Al Khor community.

(COMPILED BY AILYN AGONIA, SOURCE: ICCQATAR.COM; Glimpses from GSQ’s signature event PHOTOS: QATAR LIVING, TWITTER, SHAJI MANSHAD) Indian Cultural Fiesta. 72 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 13 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Victorian Gothic and Art Deco buildings win UNESCO status

UMBAI'S Art Deco built by the British but this recog- buildings — believed to nition by UNESCO today helps el- be the world's second evate Art Deco to its rightful place,” largest collection after Atul Kumar, the founder of Art Miami — were added Deco Mumbai, told AFP. to UNESCO's World Heritage List “Across a 22-acre stretch of alongside the city's better-known playing field we have two distinct Victorian Gothic architecture. architectural styles. One symbolic The decision was approved at a of India’s colonisers. The other rep- UNESCO meeting in Manama. resenting the aspirations of a new, A not-for-profit team of enthu- wealthy Indian class.” siasts are in the process of docu- Mumbai’s Art Deco buildings menting every single one of Mum- house residential properties, com- bai's Art Deco treasures but they mercial offices, hospitals and single estimate there may be more than screen movie theatres, including the 200 across India's bustling finan- popular Regal and Eros cinemas. cial capital. A not-for-profit Their characteristics include el- The majority of them, built on team of enthusiasts egant Deco fonts, marble floors and reclaimed land between the early spiral staircases. 1930s and early 1950s, are clus- are in the process Most of the Art Deco buildings, tered together in the south of the of documenting including along the three-kilometre coastal city where they stand in every single one of long palm-fringed Marine Drive stark contrast to Victorian Gothic Mumbai’s Art Deco promenade, are five storeys high structures. and painted in bright colours such "The Victorian ensemble in- treasures but they as yellow, pink and blue. cludes Indian elements suited to estimate there may Some of Mumbai’s most recog- the climate, including balconies be more than 200 nisable buildings are built in the and verandas," UNESCO said in a across India’s bus- Victorian Gothic style, including press statement announcing the the city’s famous main train station, decision. tling financial which used to be known as Victoria "The Art Deco edifices... blend capital Terminus. Indian design with Art Deco im- The Bombay High Court, Mum- agery, creating a unique style that bai University and the headquar- has been described as Indo-Deco," ters of the city’s civic authority are it added. other examples of that style. The two vastly different architec- This file photo taken on November 8, 2017 shows vehicles passing by an Art Deco building on Marine Drive in Mumbai.(AFP) They were built in the 19th tural traditions face off against each century as Britain strengthened other across the popular Oval Maid- rather austere 19th century build- On the other side stand sleeker They were built by wealthy In- colonial rulers. its hold over India. Many of the an playing field, where enthusiastic ings housing the Bombay High buildings boasting curved corners dians who sent their architects to “Mumbai’s Art Deco buildings edifices boast tinted windows, fly- young cricketers hone their skills. Court and Mumbai University, with and balconies, vertical lines and ex- Europe to come up with modern have always lived in the shadow ing buttresses and ornate carved On one side lie imposing and their spires and lancet windows. otic motifs. designs different to those of their of the Victorian Gothic structures figures. L044C3I*"I01*+0( ASIAN COMMUNITIES FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 4H3Ck("*&420(' 1L0(()C4H C('0) NDIA’S R Praggnan- Five-time world champion close to making the GM title but andhaa did the Viswanathan Anand, the coun- now that it has been achieved, country proud try’s first GM, congratulated we are all very happy. He can when he became the Praggnanandhaa on his achieve- only get better from here,” said youngest and the ment. “Welcome to the club & Ramesh, whose movement is world’s second youngest Grand congrats Praggnanandhaa!! See hindered by polio. Master at the age of 12 years, 10 u soon in chennai,” he tweeted. He also said there would be months and 13 days at the Gren- Meanwhile, Pragga’s coach R greater expectations from the dine Open in Italy in June. B Ramesh described it as a fan- youngster now that he has be- The Chennai-based player tastic achievement. come a GM. “Pressure is some- was paired with Grand Master thing every sportsman should Prujjsers Roland in the final In 2016, Praggnanandhaa learn to live with, can’t complain round, which ensured that he became the youngest about that,” he added. would achieve the feat. After Praggnanandhaa’s father A beating GM Moroni Lica Jr in International Master at Ramesh Babu said he was over- India became runners-up in the 6th Asian Communities Football Tournament (ACFT) organised by Qatar Football As- the eighth round, he needed to the age of 10 years, 10 joyed with Pragga’s achieve- sociation. The Asian Communities Football Tournament final match was played between Lebanon and India at Al Arabi play an opponent above rating of months and 19 days ment. “I am overjoyed. He has Stadium on 30 March, 2018. The match ended with 1- 1 followed by penalty shootout of 4-3. A total 12 Asian coun- 2482 in the next round to make put in a lot of hard work. Credit tries participated this year in the Asian Communities Football Tournament, which kicked off on January 11. his third GM norm. goes to my wife, who accompa- Ukraine’s Serget Karjakin “Fantastic achievement of nies him to tournament and is remains the youngest ever GM, course. Feeling proud that one very supportive. Due must be having achieved the feat at the of my students could achieve given to coach (Ramesh sir),” he age of 12 years and seven months this. It was a collective effort added. Praggnanandhaa’s sister in 2002. from parents, who stood by him Vaishali is also a WIM and has In 2016, Praggnanandhaa in tough times, sponsors Ramco won the world under-14 and 12 became the youngest Interna- group, ONGC and his school,” he titles previously. tional Master at the age of 10 told PTI. Meanwhile, V Kameswaran, years, 10 months and 19 days. “BIG Relief! Congratulations India’s first international arbi- @rpragchess . Great inspiration ter, said Praggnanandhaa had personally working with you! developed consistently and a He travels an hour each way to bright future lies ahead of him. attend lessons. Great commit- “Becoming India’s first ment from the parents. Thanks youngest and world’s second to sponsors Ramco and Mr. youngest GM is not all of a sud- Venkaraman Raja too!,” he also den. Though he missed becom- tweeted. Ramesh said Praggnan- ing the World’s youngest GM, andhaa had the chance to break his relentless chess pursuits Karjakin’s record last year and for high honours are simply did come close to making the outstanding. The credit defi- GM norms but missed out nar- nitely goes to his parents, sis- rowly in the end. ter Vaishali and coach GM R B “Last year, Praggna has come Ramesh,” he said. 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 14 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 Nuclear-capable Agni-5 test-fired successfully

ONG-RANGE a support of ring laser ballistic mis- gyro- based inertial navi- sile Agni-5 was gation system, the micro successfully inertial navigation system, test-fired off fully digital control system Odisha coast recently prov- and advanced compact ing its reliability. This is the avionics, the missile hit the sixth successful test of the designated target point ac- missile and the second in curately, meeting all mis- )CL *((&110((/&,," its pre-induction configu- sion objectives, they said. ration. The ships located in “Agni-5 missile was mid-range and at the tar- '0('@ )0H$3'L successfully flight tested get point, tracked the vehi- from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam cle and witnessed the final Island [Wheeler Island]. event. All the radars and 34H3204*&((00-0) All the radars, electro-op- electro-optical systems tical tracking stations and along the path monitored telemetry stations tracked all parameters of the mis- RAHMOS missile is the heav- the vehicle all through the sile and displayed in real iest weapon to be deployed course of the trajectory. time, they added. on India’s Su-30 fighter air- All the mission objectives The first two flights of craft. have been achieved,” the Agni-5 in 2012 and 2013 India has successfully Defence Research and De- respectively, were in open test-fired$ the Brahmos supersonic cruise velopment Organisation configuration. missile with an indigenous seeker at (DRDO) said in a state- The third, fourth and Pokhran test range in Rajasthan. De- ment. on January 18, 2018. Agni- tion of earth’s gravitational fifth launches were from fence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Agni-5 can carry nu- 5 is expected to be induct- pull. The path has been canister integrated with the missile hit the target with “pin-point” clear warhead weighing ed into the Strategic Forces precisely directed by the a mobile launcher, in its accuracy and the success will further bol- 1.5 tonnes to a distance of Command very soon. advanced on-board com- deliverable configuration ster India’s national security. over 5,000 km and is the Last month, India cel- puter and inertial naviga- that enables launch of the The test firing comes three months longest missile in India’s ebrated two decades of the tion system. missile with a very short after the Brahmos cruise missile was arsenal capable of reaching Shakti series of nuclear As the missile enters preparation time as com- successfully test fired for the first time most parts of China. With a tests conducted in Phokran the earth’s atmosphere, pared to an open launch. from the Indian Air Force’s frontline Su- smaller payload, the range in May, 1998. India has the atmospheric air rub- It also has advantages khoi-30 MKI combat jet. “Formidable can go up much higher. since commissioned its bing the skin of the missile of higher reliability, longer Supersonic Cruise Missile #BrahMos The missile features first ballistic missile sub- during the re-entry phase shelf life, less maintenance was successfully flight tested at 8:42 AM many new indigenously- marine completing the raises the temperature be- and enhanced mobility, today at Pokhran test range, Rajasthan. other nations. The total weight of the lift- developed technologies, triad for nuclear delivery yond 4,000 degrees Cel- sources said. The precision strike weapon with Indian- off was reportedly about 1323 kilograms. including the very high but is still sometime away sius, sources said. made seeker flew in its designated trajec- “My heartiest congratulations to @ accuracy Ring Laser Gyro from operational deploy- However, the indig- INDIA’S ARMOURY LIST: tory and hit the target with pin-point ac- isro and its scientists on the successful based Inertial Navigation ment. So far the Agni se- enously designed and de- At present, India has in its curacy,” Sitharaman tweeted. launch of PSLV today. This success in System (RINS), and the ries of missiles remain veloped carbon-carbon armoury the Agni series — The range of the missile, an Indo- the New Year will bring benefits of the most modern and accurate the mainstay of nuclear composite heat shield Agni-1 with 700 km range, Russia joint venture, can be extended up country’s rapid strides in space technol- Micro Navigation System weapons delivery. continues to burn Agni-2 with 2,000 km to 400 km as certain technical restrictions ogy to our citizens, farmers, fishermen (MINS) which improves Hitting the target sacrificially, protect- range, Agni-3 and Agni- were lifted after India became a full mem- etc,” tweeted Narendra Modi, India’s the accuracy of the missile. with speed and preci- ing the payload and 4 with 2,500 km to more ber of the Missile Technology Control Re- Prime Minister. The first test was con- sion. The missile has maintaining the inside than 3,500 km range. gime (MTCR) last year. Brahmos is a joint “Benefits of India’s success are avail- ducted on April 19, 2012 been programmed in temperature below 50 The first test of Agni-5 venture between DRDO of India and NPO able to our partners!” Modi stated in an- and after two tests, the such a way that af- degrees Celsius, the was conducted on April 19, Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia. other tweet. “Out of the 31 Satellites, 28 missile was tested in can- ter reaching the peak sources added. 2012, the second on Sep- The Defence Minister congratulated belonging to 6 other countries are car- isterised configuration for of its trajectory, it tember 15, 2013, the third the DRDO on today successful test firing. ried by today’s launch.” improving its mobility, will turn towards the All mission on January 31, 2015 and Brahmos missile is the heaviest weapon reducing launch time and earth and continue its fourth on December 26, to be deployed on India’s Su-30 fighter NEW SATELLITES LAUNCHED improving safety and stor- journey towards the objectives met 2016. The last test was held aircraft. Work has already begun to inte- The 28 satellites from other countries age. The last test and the intended target with Finally, com- on January 18, 2018. grate the Brahmos supersonic cruise mis- were launched as a part of a commer- first in pre-induction con- an increased speed manded by the on- All the five earlier trials sile on 40 Sukhoi combat aircraft which cial arrangement made between India’s figuration was conducted due to the attrac- board computer with were successful. is expected to fulfil the critical needs of space agency and Antrix Corporation the Indian Air Force in the wake of evolv- Ltd. The latest satellites will be used by ing security dynamics in the region. India to obtain high-resolution images of the planet and for better border surveil- INDIA SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES 100TH SATEL- lance. LITE INTO SPACE Experts have said that the PSLV-C40 The Indian Space Research Organisation is a very sophisticated surveillance tool. has successfully launched its 100th satel- It will enable the government to keep a lite into space. track of the progress of its infrastructure The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle projects and also keep a better lookout lifted off 31 satellites from Sriharikota’s on the Indian borders. Satish Dhawan Space Center at 9:29 am ISRO scientists have said that the IST. The launch marks ISRO’s first mis- images, which the satellites collect, will sion in 2018. enable Indian security agency to keep a The launched satellites include the track of military activities in neighbor- weather observation Cartosat-2 series, ing Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, two more satellites from India and 28 and Pakistan.

3(1*%0)"*/C&I@C'&)4#*K,C40'C)*&4HC&4@,3-0('C) HE scientific team, kind spectrograph in the coun- the diameter or size of the planet. 1.5 years) using the PARAS spec- led by Prof Abhi- try, which can measure the mass It was found to be 6 Earth radii. trograph for probing the nature jit Chakraborty of of a planet going around a star However, The K2 photometric of the system. By measuring the Physical Research and with this discovery India has data combined with false positive amplitude of the wobbling of the Laboratory (PRL), joined a handful of countries, probability calculations was not host star, the mass of the planet Ahmedabad, have found a sub- which have discovered plan- sufficient to confirm the planetary was found to be 27±14MEarth. Saturn or super-Neptune size ets around stars. Very few such nature of the system. Therefore, Based on the mass and ra- planet (mass of about 27 Earth spectrographs exist around the an independent measurement of dius, model-dependent calcula- Mass and size of 6 Earth Radii) world (mostly in the USA and the mass of the body was neces- tions suggest that the heavy ele- around a Sun-like star. The planet in the Europe) that can do such sary for the discovery, which was ments, like ice, silicates, and iron goes around the star in about 19.5 precise measurements. The sur- made by PARAS spectrograph. content is 60-70 % of the total days. The host star itself is about face temperature of the planet is The gravitational pull caused mass. This detection is important 600 light years away from the around 600°C as it is very close to by a planet on its host star makes as it adds to a sparse catalog of Earth. The discovery was made the host star (7 times nearer than it wobble around their common confirmed exoplanets with mass- by measuring the mass of the Earth-Sun distance). This might center of mass, which shifts the es between 10-70 MEarth and planet using the indigenously make it unhabitable, but such a is EPIC 211945201 or K2-236. that is the planet body comes in spectra and can be measured radii between 4-8 REarth, whose designed “PRL Advance Radial- discovery is of importance for un- Hence the planet will be known between the star and the observer in terms of Radial Velocity us- masses and radii are measured to velocity Abu-sky Search” (PAR- derstanding the formation mech- as EPIC 211945201b or K2- on Earth as it goes around the ing precise and stabilised High a precision of 50% or better. Only AS) spectrograph integrated with anism of such super-Neptuneor 236b. Initially, the source was star and therefore it blocks a tiny Resolution Spectrographs, like 23 such systems (including the 1.2m Telescope at PRL’s Gu- sub-Saturn kind of planets, that found to be a planetary candidate amount of star-light. By measur- the PARAS. The PRL scientists present) are known to this date rushikhar Observatory in Mount are too close to the host star. from NASA K2 (Kepler2) pho- ing the amount of light blocked by observed the target over a time- with such precise measurement Abu, India. This is the first of its The name of the host star tometry because it was transiting, the planet body, we can measure baseline of 420 days (in about of mass and radii. 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 15 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

Mesmerising Mussoorie is a fascinat- ing hill resort famous for its scenic beauty, happy social life and entertainment. The green hills and varied flora & fauna of Mus- L0N&004*/3,,'C'3*4( soorie make it a perfect spot at an altitude of 2,000 meters and 34 km beyond Dehradun

0JRUY^+FQQX 1FQ9NGGF Mussoorie is a perfect holiday destination offering a wonderful view of the Himalayan snow range to its north- east. The town is simply a fairyland with a breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains. It also serves as the gateway to the shrines of ‘Gangotri’ and ‘Yamunotri’ This is the highest point in Mussoorie, located in Landour Located about 13 km from Mus- area. Lal Tibba offers marvel- soorie, Kempty Falls attracts the Best Time to Visit: lous bird’s eye view of Mus- maximum tourists of the town. It soorie as well as the Doon History April to June and Valley. lies on the Yamunotri Road at an September to November altitude of 4,500 ft. This biggest and pret- Mussoorie was declared a tourist tiest waterfall of this beautiful valley was spot by the British colonials in developed as a tourist destination by John the 1820s when they reached Mekinan after 1835. out to the hills in order to escape the scorching summers of the plains. The town was first discovered by Captain Young. The name Mussoorie is derived from the ‘Mansur shrub’ that is commonly found in the Himalayan foothills. (FRJQƎX'FHP7TFI Several other interesting places to see in and around Mussoorie are Ven Chetna Kendra (a huge park with several animals and birds), Municipal Gardens (Botanical gardens laid down by Dr. H. Fackner, a geologist), Ti- betan Temple, Lake Mist, Childers Lodge (highest vantage point in the vicinity), Mossey Falls, Sukhanda Devi temple etc. Shopping: The Mall of Mussoorie is a nice place to This is a three km long stretch shop for Tibetan metal ware, books, an- from Link Hall in Kulri Bazaar tiques, hand-carved walking sticks, cane to the Library Bazaar. It offers a baskets, embroidered wall hangings, dry wonderful walk or a horse ride pine-cones, hill jewellery etc. amidst high hills.

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Located 8 km from Mussoorie, this beautiful cottage built in 1838, has now been converted into a hotel.

HOW TO GET THERE

Jolly Grant at Dehradun (35 km) is Mussoorie is connected by Dehradun (about 30 the nearest rail head. regular bus services to all km) is the nearest The distance from the major cities in the airport that oper- Dehradun to Mussoorie region like Srinagar, Garhwal ates flights to Delhi can be covered by bus (135 km), Nainital (355 on a regular basis or taxi km), Delhi (290 km) etc 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 16 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 India’s logistics sector to grow at 8-10 pc over medium term: ICRA

HE Indian logistics sector is expected to grow at 8-10 per cent over the medium term, domestic ratings agency ICRA has said. “ICRA maintains a stable outlook for the Indian logistics indus- try, expecting it to grow at 8-10 per cent over the medium term,” the ratings agency said in a statement. The demand growth would continue to be buoyed by pick up in industrial activity and consumption-led sectors, while increasing preference for outsourc- ing logistics activities would provide further impetus to organised players,” it added. Additionally, supply side factors like improvement in logistics infrastructure and emergence of logistics start-ups would offer further impetus to growth, it said. Prevalence of trends like rise in integrated logistics, e-commerce logistics, investments in warehousing and penetration of technology in the sector, in tan- dem with the ongoing shift towards organised logistics players, would also in- duce a structural shift in the industry over the longer term, it added. With industrial output and consumption-driven sectors recovering in the second half of FY18 from the initial lull post GST implementation, the freight demand in India has also reported healthy pickup during the said period, it said. “The performance of key listed logistics companies indicates that there was pick-up in growth momentum as the year progressed. From an aggregate rev- enue growth of only 4.6 per cent in Q2 FY2018, the sample’s growth gained pace to 10.8 per cent in Q4 FY2018, as freight volumes picked up,” ICRA Vice President and Sector Head - Corporate Ratings Shamsher Dewan said. “Transporters also took advantage of the improvement in freight demand to pass on the increase in diesel prices to their customers during the latter half of the year, as against freight rate cuts undertaken earlier in the year, in light of weak demand,” Dewan said. The implementation of GST also considerably impacted the functioning of domestic logistics sector -- in terms of transportation time, preference for or- ganised players and warehousing strategy employed by companies. “ICRA estimates that there have been savings as high as 18-20 per cent in the truck turn-around time post the implementation of GST, supported by elim- ination of inter-state check posts,” Dewan added. The implementation of E-way bill from April 2018 has also been received positively by the transporter community, with operational efficiencies and time savings realised on account of the same. Companies are also interacting with supply chain management companies in order to explore opportunities to redesign their warehousing network, De- wan added.

-3,,0%0,*K+04'04')0[ D$L00,1LC3)'LC' Promoting passion for 4H(3'(*$4$C" HREE final-year Three final-year B.Tech of the surrounding space, along art and culture in Doha B.Tech students of students of Amrita with static and dynamic obsta- Amrita Vishwa Vi- cles, using a laser sensor and dyapeetham have de- Vishwa Vidyapeetham displays it through a smartphone KILL Development and Performing Arts and Fine and body language. A commit- veloped Self-E, a self- have developed Self-E, app. The user could then touch Centre (SDC), a part- Arts.” ted faculty provides each stu- navigating wheelchair that could a self-navigating wheel- any point on the generated map, time school for In- SDC is also providing per- dent individual care and atten- safely take a user from one point chair that could safely and the wheelchair will move to dian classical dance, sonality development and fit- tion. to another avoiding obstacles on that place automatically without fine arts and music, ness-oriented courses. Students SDC invites students from the way. take a user from one user intervention. has fulfilled a long-cherished from different age groups also diverse national and interna- Compared to the imported point to another avoiding  A TOUCH ON THE MAP dream for Indian expatriates. learn karate and yoga. tional backgrounds. It offers a self-driving wheelchairs that are obstacles on the way The school was launched in SDC intends to use music place where people can learn expensive, the students have man- “If users are able to operate a Doha on 20 August 2002 by PN for the betterment of students. professional arts, meet new aged to produce the prototype at a smartphone, they will be re- Baburajan, Karun Menon and Indian musical culture has al- people and feel comfortable cost below Rs. 1 lakh. Chinta Ravi lieved from the continuous use Raghuraj Aravindakshan. Their ways cherished a sublime vision during their training. The vi- Teja, Sarath Sreekanth, and Akhil and airports with patients and of traditional joystick to steer the passion for arts, music and cin- envisaging the refinement of brant atmosphere encourages Raj, the young students who de- wheelchair users. The current wheelchair. With a simple touch ema helped make SDC a brand. personality to achieve the bliss students to focus on their cho- signed Self-E, have been work- version is a successful prototype on the map displayed on the mo- It has grown into the most of harmony. sen art forms for professional ing for the last two years as jun- and, with the help of Technol- bile screen, the wheelchair takes popular institution for Indian Two years ago, SDC opened careers. ior researchers at Amrita Vishwa ogy Business Incubator of Amrita them to the destination. They fine arts and music under the a new facility at Al-Thumama SDC has also been promot- Vidyapeetham’s Humanitarian Vishwa Vidyapeetham, we hope could have complete control over strong leadership its founder in addition to the existing facil- ing intellectual and cultural Technology Lab. to commercialise the product,” the wheelchair without anyone’s PN Baburajan, and like-minded ity at New Salata. To meet the interactions between nationals “Self-E is unique in the sense says Rajesh Kannan Megalingam, help. On the other hand, if some new stakeholders Vijayakumar growing demand of students and expatriates. The courses that it is the first self-driving Asst. Professor of Electronics & patients have a problem in using Palakkazhi and AK Jaleel. and families, a new annexe has offered at SDC give everyone a wheelchair in India built by the Communications and Director of a smartphone, a friend or family The collective vision of SDC been built close to the existing chance to train and perform at research lab of a university with- Humanitarian Technology Lab member or assistant could use team has encouraged Indian facility, considering their con- their best. The students are pro- out any collaboration with for- who guided the students. the Android App to transport students to learn the rich tradi- venience. vided with ample opportunities eign universities or companies. It Self-E uses Robotic Operat- them without the need to physi- tions of India. Currently, students at SDC to perform in front of encourag- now needs to be tested in differ- ing System (ROS) for autono- cally push the wheelchair,” says The distinctive mission of are offered specialization in a ing audiences consisting of par- ent environments like hospitals mous navigation to create a map Chinta. SDC is: “Dedicated to preserv- variety of Indian classical and ents, friends and well-wishers. ing and promoting the ancient folk dance forms, classical mu- Events are arranged annu- Indian art forms and to contin- sic (vocal and instrumental), ally at the Centre in addition to ue providing quality education contemporary dance forms and stage programs for Qatar Na- in Indian tradition and culture music, fine arts, karate, yoga tional Day, Indian Independ- through the performing arts of and personality development. ence Day, Indian Republic Day, classical and folk dances, vocal Each class has a well-defined various Indian and local festi- and instrumental syllabus to improve confidence, vals and other days of national music, focus, concentration, team spir- and international importance it, positive thinking, discipline, throughout the year. all round develop- The students vary from the ment, age group of 5 to 65, bridging fitness the common interest of three posture generations, and at reasonably affordable cost. The SDC promotes passion for art and culture.

The newly opened campus of Skill Devel- opment Centre at New Salata in Doha. Rajesh Kannan Megalingam, Amrita University faculty, guided final-yeat B.Tech students Chinta Ravi Teja, Sarath Sreekanth, and Akhil Raj to put together the self-navigating wheelchair. 72 nd IndependenceInIn Day | PAGE 17 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

wishes the Indian Nationals in Qatar Ì 

 Ü ¦     

We Are Social... www.facebook.com/QatarTribune www.instagram.com/qatartribune We ‘Like’ to be followed... www.twitter.com/Qatar_Tribune www.youtube.com/QatarTribuneChannel 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 18 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 India is the fastest growing smartphone market

AMSUNG Elec- Officer, Samsung India, said in India’s smart- tronics Co. opened a statement. the world’s largest The Samsung factory will phone market mobile phone fac- make everything from low-end grew 14 per- tory in India, in a smartphones that cost under win for Prime Minister Naren- $100 to its flagship S9 model, dra Modi’s flagship program to according to the company. Ear- cent with lure investors to manufacture lier this year, China’s Xiaomi in the South Asian nation. displaced Samsung from the total ship- The factory was inaugurat- No. 1 smartphone spot in the ed by Modi and South Korean country, breaking its long-held ments of 124 President Moon Jae-in during dominance. their visit to the facility in lo- Indians favor low-end million units in cated at the outskirts of Delhi. smartphones priced at $250 This will double Samsung’s or less, given the low average 2017, the Noida unit capacity for mobile annual income of its people, phones to 120 million units a according to Bloomberg In- fastest pace year from 68 million units a telligence. That’s one reason year, it said in a statement, but why Apple Inc. has struggled of growth declined to give further details. to gain market share in In- The phase-wise expansion will dia, with most iPhone models among the top be completed by 2020. priced beyond $500, according Smartphone makers to a Bloomberg Intelligence re- 20 markets, from Xiaomi Corp. to Oppo port earlier this month. Mobiles are building factories “The opportunity is just ments of 124 million units in April it will set up three more Last year, India overtook according to in the world’s fastest growing massive,” said Faisal Kawoosa, 2017, the fastest pace of growth factories in India. the U.S. to become the world’s market for the product bolster- who heads new initiatives at among the top 20 markets, ac- “We are aligned with Gov- second-largest smartphone International ing Modi’s push to encourage researcher CMR Pvt. “Such a cording to International Data ernment policies and will con- market after China. There overseas investors to “Make large facility will help Samsung Corp. Demand for new phones tinue to seek their support to will be 780 million connected Data Corp in India.” Asia’s third-largest cater to the huge demand in a is surging in India, helped in achieve our dream of making smartphones in 2021, com- economy attracted record for- country of 1.3 billion people part by billionaire Mukesh Am- India a global export hub for pared with 359 million in 2016, eign direct investment in the where there are only 425 mil- bani offering $23 4G feature- mobile phones,” H.C. according to a study past year totaling $62 billion, lion smartphone users. phones, free voice services and Hong, Chief Executive by Cisco Systems. including reinvest- India’s smartphone market cheap data plans. China’s ment. grew 14 percent with Xiaomi said in total ship-

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in take a tour inside the Samsung Electronics smartphone manufacturing facility after its inauguration in Noida, India, on July 9, 2018

Qatar Tribune thanks the 0,3C41023%0(4H3C(01*4H Embassy of India in Qatar v@I3,,3*4 )+34'L)00+*4'L( and the advertisers HARES for Reliance $100 billion value mark since April. jumped by 5.8% on “It is a big deal,” said Sunil Shar- for their Thursday, sending the ma, who oversees $1 billion of assets contribution market value to 6.9 as chief investment officer at Sanc- trillion rupees. Reli- tum Wealth Management Pvt. in and support ance is the second Indian corporate Mumbai. “Indian companies sport- in preparing after Tata Consultancy Services to ing large market caps is an announce- surpass the $100 billion value mark ment of the nation’s emergence and since April. entry into the big leagues.” this Reliance is on the cusp of trans- Reliance is on the cusp of trans- supplement. formation as it hopes to get as much formation as it hopes to get as much as half of its revenue from newer con- as half of its revenue from newer con- sumer businesses and reducing its sumer businesses and reducing its dependence on traditional oil-refin- dependence on traditional oil-refin- ing and petrochemical segments. ing and petrochemical segments. Reliance Industries Ltd. is back in Ambani, while addressing share- the $100 billion club, a journey that holders, laid out an ambitious e- has taken more than a decade. commerce road map to take on the Reliance is on the cusp of transformation as it hopes to get Shares for the Mukesh Ambani- likes on Amazon.com Inc. and Wal- as much as half of its revenue from newer consumer busi- helmed company jumped by 5.8% on mart Inc. “Big Indian companies are Thursday, sending the market value demonstrating bigger innovation and nesses and reducing its dependence on traditional oil-refin- to 6.9 trillion rupees. Reliance is the ambition, precisely what is needed to ing and petrochemical segments second Indian corporate after Tata take on the large US players,” Sharma Consultancy Services to surpass the said. 727 nd IndependenceInInd Day | PAGE 19 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 India’s Manushi rules the world

NDIA’S Manushi Chhil- level with Venezuelaela as thethe lar recently won the countries with mostost coveted Miss World victories in the historyory 2017 crown at a grand of the pageant. I think a mother event in China, bring- Prime Ministerer deserves the highest respect ing to an end the country’s dry Narendra Modi spell of 17 years at the top pageant congratulated her and when you talk about salary contest. for the Miss World it’s not always about cash but I feel The 20-year-old from Haryana, 2017 crown. who is a medical student, edged out “Congratulations it’s the love and respect that you give to top five contestants from England, @ManushiCh- France, Kenya and Mexico at the hillar! India is someone. My mother has always been event, which saw participation from proud of your ac- the biggest inspiration in my life. All 118 countries. complishment,” Chhillar was presented the he said in a tweet. mothers sacrifice so much for their crown by Stephanie Del Valle, the Taking to the kids. So, I think it is the job of a last year’s Miss World winner from Twitter, Harya-a- Puerto Rico at an event held at a re- na Chief Ministerter mother that deserves the sort in the coastal city of Sanya. Manohar Lal Khattartar highest salary “Thank you, everyone, for your praised Chhillar andnd constant love, support, and prayers. said, “I congratulateate This one’s for India,” Chhillar wrote Haryana’s daughterer Manushi on her official Twitter handle. Chhillar on winning theth Miss Mi World W ld The first and the second run- crown.” According to Chhillar’s profile ners-up were Miss England Steph- In a statement, Chhillar said: on the Miss World website, her fa- anie Hill and Miss Mexico Andrea “The feeling is still sinking in and ther, Dr. Mitra Basu Chhillar, is a Meza at the event, which was tel- very excited to make India proud scientist at the Defence Research evised live globally. too. I’m also looking forward to the and Development Organisation, In the top five round, Chhillar was year ahead. while her mother, Dr. Neelam asked which profession according to “My parents have always been Chhillar, is an associate professor her deserved the highest salary. my pillar of support and having and department head of neuro- “I think a mother deserves the them here tonight by my side has chemistry at the Institute of Hu- highest respect and when you talk only brought me more strength and man Behaviour and Allied Scienc- about salary it’s not always about joy. My final answer also came to es. Chillar studied at St. Thomas’ Phool Singh cash but I feel it’s the love and re- me by having them here with me in School in New Delhi, and is pursu- Government Medical College spect that you give to someone. My front of me”. ing a medicine degree at the Bhagat for Women in Sonipat. mother has always been the biggest She aims to be a cardiac inspiration in my life. surgeon and wants to open a “All mothers sacrifice so much chain of non-profitable hospitals for their kids. So, I think it is the job based in rural areas. of a mother that deserves the high- A trained Indian classical est salary,” Chhillar said to a wide- dancer, Chhillar has a passion for applause. outdoor sports and actively partici- Chhillar is the sixth Indian to pates in paragliding, bungee jump- win the coveted crown, which was ing, snorkelling and scuba diving first won by Reita Faria back in besides sketching and painting. 1966. Her personal motto, as de- Aishwarya Rai had bagged the scribed on the website, reads: title in 1994, followed by Diana “When you cease to dream you Haydon in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in cease to live” and “Courage to 1999 and Priyanka Chopra in 2000, give flight to your dreams and the last for India. Manushi Chhillar (centre) with Runner-ups. the ability to believe in yourself Chhillar’s win brings India at makes life worth living”. 3+CC($34(2*,H34 $*+04k(+0%04'C' @"0C)@*,H C4&I)342( DD*),H@ D'L,0'31( 2,*)"34$*+04k(K3('*,0%04' ORLD Cup debutant event. month would easily qualify as some IMA Das re- fort. In fact, Das is the first Championships were See- Manu Bhaker marked Despite finishing just outside of achievement. cently scripted Indian track athlete to have ma Punia (bronze in discus her international de- the medal position, Bhaker’s team- “Before shooting I was into box- history by be- in 2002) and Navjeet Kaur but with the gold in the mate Yashaswini Singh Deswal (20) ing, thang ta — Manipuri martial coming the Das was a favourite Dhillon (bronze in discus in women’s 10m Air Pistol signed the best World Cup place- art. I was playing those sports be- first Indian to win gold as she is 2014). final, taking India’s tally to five med- ment of her career, scoring 196.1 cause I love bashing my opponents. woman to win a gold at the U-20 season Das was a favourite to als at the ISSF World Cup in Guad- points and finishing 4th in her first I really enjoy it,” she said. the IAAF World Under-20 win gold as she is the U-20 alajara, Mexico. final appearance. She was not just participating Athletics Championships leader in this quar- season leader in this quar- The 16-year-old Bhaker pocket- Bhaker, who hails from Dadri there but also thriving, winning as she clinched to top spot ter-mile event. Das ter-mile event. Das clocked ed India’s second gold medal in two district in Haryana, trains at the quite a few medals in thang-ta na- in the women’s 400m fi- clocked an Indian an Indian U-20 record of days as she prevailed over home- Universal Senior Secondary School tional championships, before bore- nal race of competitions in U-20 record of 51.32 seconds to finish town favourite Alejandra Zavala in Jhajjar for four to five hours every dom cut short her brush with con- Tampere. 51.32 seconds to sixth in the Commonwealth Vazquez of Mexico in the women’s day. tact sports. The 18-year-old Das, a finish sixth in the Games 400m final in Gold 10m Air Pistol final. For someone who took to shoot- An eye injury during a boxing pre-tournament favourite, Commonwealth Coast in April. Making her absolute debut in an ing just a little over two years ago, bout, and her mother decided that clocked 51.46s to win the Games 400m final in Since then, she has gone ISSF competition, Bhaker confront- breaking two long-standing nation- she had had enough of “fighting”. gold. Gold Coast in April onto improving her tim- ed herself with a pack of experienced al records in a span of less than a “I have full faith in my daughters She now joins the il- ings. She lowered the In- and multi-decorated shooters, even- talent and ability. Mark my words, lustrious company of star dian U-20 record in 400m tually taking gold with an incredible she could be in the 2020 Olympics. javelin thrower Neeraj won a medal in the history to 51.13 seconds while win- comeback in her final two shots. Her life is more important than any- Chopra, who won a gold in of this competition. ning gold in the recent Na- Despite sitting on a 1.9-point ad- thing else, so I made her quit boxing Poland in the last edition in The previous medal win- tional Inter State Champi- vantage, in fact, Vazquez fired twice and thang ta,” her mother said. 2016 in a world record ef- ners at the World Junior onships in Guwahati. inside the 8th ring, while Bhaker Last December, she won the first reduced the gap with an 8.5, 10m air pistol event, outclassing the and then secured the brightest med- highly-experienced Heena Sidhu at al with a fantastic 10.6. the 61st National Shooting Champi- Thanks to Bhaker’s gold, India’s onship in Thiruvanthapuram where medal tally counted two golds — she broke Heena’s long-standing both won in the Air Pistol individual national record. events — and three bronze medals. She won a staggering 15 medals, The third step of including nine gold, during the tour- the podium was taken nament. by France’s athlete Besides boxing and thang ta, Celine Goberville, she was also a state-level skat- winner of the ISSF ing champion, was adept at crystal globe at tennis, swimming and won last year’s World medals in athletics in school Cup Final in meets. New Delhi. Bhaker’s tryst with The 31-year- shooting began when her old French father took her to the shooter fin- range and asked ished with her to try her hand 217.0 points, at the sport. She claiming her fired a few shots that fourth World found the centre of Cup medal in the target and the the Air Pistol rest is history. 72 nd IndependenceInIn Day | PAGE 20 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018