Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 Clear and 1 present warning Kerala floods match climate change forecasts

STORY

ON page Voice of South Asian Community Since March 2002 20

Vol. 15 Issue 20 Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 $1 www.thesouthasianinsider.com Google’s data collection is hard to BJP will fall short of escape, study claims majority if elections are held today

Mood of the Nation (SAI Bureau) Short of chucking your phone into the river, shunning the internet, and learning to read paper maps again, there’s not much you can (MOTN) Survey STORY do to keep Google from collecting data about you. So says a Vanderbilt ON page University computer scientist who led 20 an analysis of Google’s data collection practices. (Contd on page 19) India’s rising income inequality 2016. The CBDT dataset contains income between Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 annual incomes in each category actual income distribution details of lakh, Rs 2 to Rs 2.5 lakh and so of income level.For instance, while Indians across 21 categories of on, up to income greater than Rs there were 273 people that earned income levels such as, annual 500 crores. This dataset gives the more than Rs 500 crores in 2016, income less than Rs 1.5 lakh, total number of people that earned (Contd on page 19) Annual Punjabi American Night Organized successfully by Mohinder Singh Taneja Nassau County Executive Laura Curran & DSGMC President Manjit Singh GK attended

(SAI Bureau) A recent newspaper recently, because the last income column claims the phenomenon of distribution survey done in India rising income inequality in India is a was back in 2004 and that myth and free of evidence. subsequent surveys only captured The column should have ideally consumption data and not been ignored, had it not been written income. by a member of the Prime Minister’s The Central Board of Direct Taxes economic advisory council, (CBDT), aka the Income Tax STORY presumably an important economic department, has made available, ON page policy body in the country. detailed income distribution data The crux of the column’s argument of roughly 50 million income tax 3 is that there is no evidence to show filers for every year from income inequality has been rising assessment year (AY) 2013 to Publisher Sharanjit Singh Thind & Young Businessman Kunwar Raj Chopra among those awarded Low Cost Insurance *Business *Liability *Disability *Workers Comp. *E & O *Auto *Home

Tel :917-612-3158 (See Full Page Advt. on Page 32) Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 2 Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 COMMUNITY 3 Punjabi American Night Organized

(By a staff Reporter) Annual Punjabi American Night was recently organized in Eisenhower Park of Long Island under the Chairmanship of Mohinder Singh Taneja, a well known community leader. This was a night with traditional Punjabi Bhangra, Gidha performances, Songs by Vicky Kohli & PasaDena, Complimentary food, full of fun and masti. Well known young entrepreneur Kunwar Raj Chopra, son of a very well known business family and power couple Ravi Chopra & Shalu of Long Island was recently awarded with the hippest honor during Punjabi American Night. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was personally present during the event and County Parks Commissioner presented the Citation to Kunwar. Also present during the event was Manjit Singh GK of Delhi Sigh Gurudwara Management Committee. the County Citation. Seen in picture: Ravi Chopra, Kunwar Raj Chopra, Shalu Chopra & Yuvraj Chopra. Indian man racially abused in Canada, told to ‘go back to your country’ Asked whether the parking disagreement justifies the racist language used, she said, "It doesn't matter if it justifies it or not; it happened and that's where I took it." media report. Rahul Kumar, who and criticised the coverage, say- adds. Towards the end of the moved from India to Canada ing that she is “not a racist”. video, she can be seen driving seven years ago, was also Asked whether the parking dis- off, but not before she spits on called a “loser” with “shit- agreement justifies the racist lan- Kumar’s car and calls him a coloured skin”, CTV news re- guage used, she said, “It doesn’t “loser”. Kumar says he was ported. Kumar filmed the en- matter if it justifies it or not; it hap- stunned by the woman’s com- counter outside his home on his pened and that’s where I took it.” ments. “I’ve never experienced cellphone last week. In the She is unapologetic. “I have no prob- anything like that.” Kumar said video, a woman yells at Kumar lem with what happened,” she was he was concerned because the over a parking dispute. “You can quoted as saying by the report. At woman’s profanity-laden rant was film all you want Paki. Yes Paki, one point in the video, the woman within earshot of children. “It is very that’s you with the shit-coloured mixes up two countries where she disturbing,” he said. Last month, an skin,” the report said, citing the thinks Kumar is from before she Indian-origin couple was harassed (Agencies) An Indian in Canada a white woman who yelled “go video.The woman who made the mocks his accent. “East Indian in Canada by a white man who has been allegedly racially back to your country” and called comments called CTV Paki,” she shouts at him. “Go yelled that ‘go back to your country’ abused over a parking dispute by him a “Paki”, according to a Edmonton after the report aired back to your country, man,” she and threatened to ‘kill’ their children. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 COMMUNITY 4 “Ekal” Targeting $10 Million with Dazzling Galas - Prakash Waghmare Every year, Ekal’s hosts net-worth supporters, eagerly-awaited galas, are After last year’s phenom- over 50 fund-raising events Ramesh Shah, the Chair- all taking place in October enal success of magnifi- in major metropolitan cen- man of EVF-USA has no - Houston, TX on October cent fund-raising gala - ‘Fu- ters across USA, by bring- doubt that Ekal in 2018, is 6; Bethesda MD on Octo- ture of India’ - “Ekal ing famous ‘Bollywood going to hit $10 Million ber 12 and in New York City Vidyalaya Foundation Artistes’ for concerts. Ear- magical mark for the first NY on October 13. The (EVF)”, this year, is launch- lier this year, Ekal had in- time. distinguished speaker at all ing the most ambitious vited two groups of talented As of now, Ekal has 72,000 three galas will be Media plan to host three Galas, at performers for this purpose. schools under its wings, Moghul Dr Subhash three strategic locations in One group was headed by grooming 1.92 Million chil- Chandra (Chairman, Essel USA. In sold-out Yr.2017 Kathak dancers Aditi dren annually – more than Gr of Companies that in- Gala at majestic art-deco Bhagwat & Kunal Tavri and half of which are girls. Hon. cludes ZEE-TV). In addition, ‘Cipriani-Wall Street” ban- another group was headed PM Modi, in his clarion call at NYC gala iconic former quet hall, ‘Ekal’ raised $2 by Kaushik & Pranita to eradicate illiteracy from CEO of Pepsi and Apple, Million for its Literacy, Deshpande. They each every small corner of the John Sculley, is going to educational movement un- As the catastrophic de- Healthcare and Integral-De- were the star-attractions in nation, wants Ekal to estab- grace the evening as a dertaken by Indians and struction is currently un- velopment projects for rural 23 and 30 concert-events, lish 100,000 schools by Chief guest speaker. This NRIs, Ekal is socially con- folding in Kerala due to India. It was Ekal’s first ever respectively. The response year Yr. 2022 – 75th anni- NYC gathering will also be scientious, wherever it op- torrential rain and floods, attempt at gathering gener- to these concerts was so versary of India’s indepen- entertained by ‘Indian Idol’ erates. Last year during ‘Ekal-India’ is actively in- ous individuals for its nation- overwhelming that the dence. The primary objec- competition winner – ‘Hurricane Harvey’, volved there too with building cause. According events were sold-out at tive of glittering galas is not ‘Sreeramchandra’. In Hous- Ekal volunteers not “Sewa Bharati”. Bajrang to EVF-USA President, most of the places in ad- only to raised funds for this ton, along with Dr Subhash only worked along side Bagra, CEO of ‘Ekal-In- Suresh Iyer, this unprec- vance. Over the years, task of national concern, Chandra, another highlight ‘Sewa International’ in dia’ says,” the whole edented show of support Ekal’s progress has been but also, to encourage ev- of the evening is going to rescue and rehabilita- Ekal movement is all from philanthropists brought consistently exponential. ery sphere, every strata of be renowned motivational tion efforts in Houston about giving dignity and the year-end tally of dona- Now with three forthcoming Indian diaspora to invest it- speaker, Shiv Khera. region but also raised self-esteem to rural-tribal tions to $8 Million. Ekal galas planned for high self in India’s future. Three As the largest grass-root money for the victims. folks of India”. Indians 3rd largest group affected by UK’s immigration scandal While the majority of the 2,272 migrants' cases dealt with by the 'Taskforce' came from Caribbean countries Jamaica (1,093) and Barba- dos (213), India at 102 came in third followed by Grenada (88) and Trinidad and Tobago (86), with 690 cases classed as "Others".

(Agencies) Indians have emerged as to live and work in the UK by an emer- the third-largest group affected by the gency ‘Taskforce’ set up to deal with UK’s ‘Windrush’ immigration scandal cases of Commonwealth nationals who involving Commonwealth nationals be- arrived in the UK before immigration ing wrongly denied their citizenship rules became more stringent in 1973, rights in Britain. The ‘Windrush’ scan- according to the latest figures released dal is an immigration scandal concern- by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid to ing people who were wrongly detained, Parliament’s Home Affairs Select Com- denied legal rights, threatened with de- mittee (HASC) yesterday. portation and in many cases wrongly While the majority of the 2,272 mi- deported from the UK by the authori- grants’ cases dealt with by the ties. “The ‘Windrush’ generation refers ‘Taskforce’ came from Caribbean coun- to citizens of former British colonies tries Jamaica (1,093) and Barbados who arrived before 1973, when the rights (213), India at 102 came in third fol- of such Commonwealth citizens to live lowed by Grenada (88) and Trinidad and and work in Britain were substantially Tobago (86), with 690 cases classed curtailed,” according to Rob McNeil, as “Others”. Of the 102, a total of 69 Deputy Director of the Migration Indians were granted their documenta- Observatory.While a large proportion of tion under the ‘Windrush Scheme’, them were of Jamaican or Caribbean which ensures that members of this descent, they also included Indians and generation, their children born in the UK other South Asians,” McNeil said. As and those who arrived in the UK as many as 102 Indians were provided minors are able to apply for citizenship documentation to formalise their rights free of charge. (Contd on page 20) Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 5 Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 OP-ED 6 It’s not UPA vs NDA On the economy, both regimes frittered away advantages of a good start. Going ahead, there are lessons to learn A “draft” report of a National data based on the revised continued well into 2011-12, enough in those three years. no doubt that the 2012-13. But the Modi Statistical Commission- 2011-12 base year series for even after the world The result is that an macroeconomic imbalances government could have done appointed committee has past years up to 1993-94 — economic crisis triggered by investment revival leading to during UPA-2, especially the much more to sort out the shown the Indian economy only confirms an established the Lehman Brothers’ large-scale job creation is bad loan pile-up, are banking sector mess early in registering an average fact: The UPA period did see collapse in September 2008. yet to materialize, even in its responsible for the extended its tenure — when all was well annual growth of 8.13 per higher growth and more Growth during UPA-1 (2004- final year in office. There is investment slowdown since on the oil and rupee front. cent in gross value added investment activity than 05 to 2008-09) averaged (basically GDP, net of taxes during NDA-1 and NDA-2. It 8.86 per cent. It fell to 7.39 Trump’s bad week: President’s and subsidies) during the is wrong, however, to per cent under UPA-2, only Congress-led UPA regime conclude that the growth and because the last two years men turn against the president from 2004-05 to 2013-14. investment boom that (2012-13 and 2013-14) Trump is increasingly frustrated and isolated as the investigations that have This was more than the actually took off in 2003-04, recorded dismal rates of long dogged his White House plunge into the personal territory he once respective rates of 5.83 per the last year of Atal Bihari 5.42 per cent and 6.05 per declared off-limits. One by one, the president’s men have turned against him. cent and 7.22 per cent Vajpayee’s NDA-1 cent, respectively. The On one of the worst days of Allen Weisselberg, who had “He’s less powerful during the governments of government, was courtesy reason for this was his presidency, Donald once worked for Trump’s in these relationships now both NDA-1 (1998-99 to the UPA’s superior macroeconomic imbalances Trump was chatting aboard father, was cooperating as than he was before he 2003-04) and the first four economic management. from both “twin deficits” Air Force One when the well. There is no indication became president. That years of the current NDA-2 The UPA was, in a sense, (fiscal and current account) conversation took a detour their cooperation extends must just amaze him,” said (2014-15 to 2017-18). lucky: The 2000s marked a and “twin balance sheets” into gallows humour. Trump beyond the scope of the D’Antonio, author of “Never What’s more, the annual decade of loose monetary (overleveraged corporates was returning from a rally in Cohen probe. But for Trump Enough, Donald Trump and increase in gross fixed policies from western central and non-performing assets- West Virginia just hours after — who has long demanded the Pursuit of Success.” two former members of his loyalty from those around ‘‘He’s sitting behind the capital formation — a banks, fuelling a rising tide laden banks). The Narendra inner circle were found or him — the revelations have Resolute Desk and he can measure of investment in of global liquidity that lifted Modi-led NDA-2 government pleaded guilty, when one only added to long-simmering push a button and get a Coke real assets by firms, all emerging economy can take credit for passenger quipped that a fury about the investigations but he can’t control Michael government, and boats. That, in combination addressing the twin deficits news story would surely soon that began with questions Cohen.” Within the West households — averaged with the base laid by the problem, though that has be breaking about the about Russian election Wing, aides have grown 10.4 per cent during the UPA reform initiatives of the again been helped partly by president fuming onboard. meddling but have increasingly numb to the years, as against 7.2 per Congress and non- the low global crude prices Everyone laughed, including broadened from there. Allies drumbeat of bad news, cent under NDA-1 and 6.4 Congress governments from during its first three years. the president. wonder what Trump might do though the revelation of per cent in NDA-2. The 1991, unleashed the animal But it can be faulted for not Despite the if the pressure continues to Cohen’s plea and the committee’s estimates — spirits of entrepreneurs. The taking the twin balance momentary levity, though, increase. “This is a bridge too immunity deals took some an attempt to generate GDP India Growth Story sheet problem seriously Trump is increasingly far. They are trying to undo by surprise. Cohen pleaded frustrated and isolated as the this president,” said former guilty this week in federal investigations that have long Trump campaign aide Sam court in Manhattan to dogged his White House Nunberg. campaign finance violations plunge into the personal As the president alleging he coordinated with territory he once declared off- exited Washington for a day Trump on a hush-money Cold Turkey limits. One by one, the trip to Ohio on Friday, a scheme to buy the silence president’s men have turned White House official said of a porn actress and a US’s trade war with an ally is sending out against him. Trump was unhappy with Playboy model who alleged It was a bruising what he perceived as affairs. It was later reported ripples of turbulence, financial and strategic week for Trump, with a trio of disloyalty but far from melting that, as part of the probe into The ongoing escalation between the US would be implications for the prospects of men who are intimately down. Another person with Cohen, immunity was and Turkey, after an American pastor was Turkey, and the idea of the West. familiar with his secrets and knowledge of Trump’s granted to Weisselberg and business dealings now thinking said the president Pecker. The probe into arrested on suspicion of terrorism, cooperating with continues to direct much of Cohen was triggered in part showcases a bumbling trade war. The US Though fears of spreading contagion were prosecutors. First, Trump’s his ire at Attorney General by a referral from special could have persuaded Ankara exaggerated, the fall of the lira did affect former personal attorney, Jeff Sessions, who infuriated counsel Robert Mueller, who diplomatically, but instead, President banks, international markets and Michael Cohen, implicated him by recusing himself from separately is looking into Donald Trump doubled duties on Turkish currencies, including the rupee. Among him in testimony about hush the Russia probe. Both possible Russian metals, and President Recep Tayyip other international effects, the possibility money payments to two people, like others, spoke on interference in the 2016 US Erdogan retaliated against US of Turkey joining the European Union — women who allege affairs condition of anonymity presidential election. automobiles and cosmetics. Plot once considered a certainty — seems with him. On the same day, because they were not Cohen’s lawyer, Lanny synopsis: Maybelline is suffering attacks more remote than ever before. Erdogan is his former campaign authorized to discuss private Davis, has said Cohen has over an evangelist, and world markets are preventing his central bank from hiking chairman was found guilty on discussions. Trump tweeted information “that would be of rattled. The multilateral rules-based interest rates, and he is unlikely to go to a slew of financial charges. at Sessions on Friday interest” to the special trading system runs on the assumption the International Monetary Fund, for that At least Paul Manafort had demanding that he counsel. The White House nothing to say about Trump investigate a litany of official insisted that West of maturity, rather than childish pique. But would signal acceptance of US terms. or his campaign. But then perceived wrongs, declaring Wing staffers continue to this is a clash between two men who Nato is also under strain, with the US in a came revelations that his insultingly, “Come on Jeff, keep their heads down and cannot back off for fear of looking weak, trade war with a reliable member, which longtime friend, David you can do it, the country is do their jobs. On Thursday and it is escalating Turkey’s economic also happens to be a strategically Pecker, the CEO of National waiting!” Trump biographer evening, the person said, troubles into a situation that could send important nation which has historically Enquirer publisher American Michael D’Antonio says the dozens of staffers gathered out ripples of turbulence, financial and controlled the crossroads of the Old World. Media Inc., had been granted president may be surprised on Chief of Staff John strategic. In the midst of a currency and The only way out would be for Trump to immunity from prosecution to that he can’t exert more Kelly’s porch to celebrate external debt crisis, the added pressure stand down, as he did to engage with provide information, followed control from the West Wing the recent birthdays of a trio has sent the lira into a flat spin. Inflation North Korea. But this time, it seems an by news that Trump over his former friends and of staffers: will rise if the standoff persists, and there unlikely outcome. Organization finance chief employees. (Contd on page 22) Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 EDITORIAL 7 Donald Trump’s ‘make America great again’ Beyond words: On Indo-Pak ties In the midst of the inane controversy over Punjab Minister Navjot not so great for emerging economies: Report Singh Sidhu’s presence at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s swearing- in ceremony, there have been more substantive exchanges between New Cross border trade is though deteriorating, with growth rates in Delhi and Islamabad. In his first statement after the Pakistan Tehreek-e- emerging economies slowing by a fifth in August, according to a gauge by a logistics group. They calculate that commerce in Brazil, South Insaf emerged as the single largest party, Mr. Khan singled out India as a Korea, Taiwan, and India is shrinking by more than 5% year-on-year. foreign policy relationship he hoped to work on, offering to walk “two steps for every one step” that India took. Narendra Modi responded with a phone Making America great again isn’t proving so great for other parts call, and they spoke of a shared vision of “peace and development”. Next, of the world.With the rise in the dollar and interest rates already squeezing the Indian High Commissioner called on Mr. Khan and presented him a emerging economies just as US President Donald Trump’s trade war cricket bat with the signatures of the Indian team members. Mr. Khan’s threatens China, the US is set to be the only Group of Seven nation to new appointee on the Pakistan Cricket Board has said that resuming see economic growth accelerate this year as Trump’s tax cuts kick in. The bilateral cricket is high on the leader’s agenda for improving people-to- end of the short-lived euphoria of a synchronized global upswing is already people ties. Last week, a delegation led by a Minister in Pakistan’s caretaker evident in financial markets. NatWest Markets notes its basket of so-called government came to Delhi to attend Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s funeral. On growth assets such as the Australian dollar and copper is down about 4.5 Sunday, Pakistan’s new Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, said percent this year compared with the almost 7% gain of the Standard & Mr. Khan had received a congratulatory letter from Mr. Modi calling for the Poor’s 500 Index. The gap in performance “certainly captures the two countries to pursue “constructive engagement”. And on Tuesday Mr. imbalanced nature of growth this year,” said Jim McCormick, head of cross- Khan tweeted that trade and resolution of differences through dialogue are asset strategy at NatWest.The global backdrop will frame discussions when the “best way” to “uplift the people in the subcontinent”. All these gestures the Federal Reserve holds its annual policy symposium this week in Jackson confirm that both the Prime Ministers are at least sticking by diplomatic Hole, Wyoming, at which Chairman Jerome Powell will speak. The Fed’s courtesy against the backdrop of an otherwise acrimonious relationship. two interest-rate hikes of 2018 have helped lift the dollar almost 6 percent Well-chosen words, however, will not be enough. To begin with, on a trade-weighted basis this year, making it costlier for international there appears to be very little trust in any quarter of both capitals. Both borrowers to repay loans. Minutes of the Fed’s most recent policy meeting, leaders face political realities that could inhibit them from taking any major due later on Wednesday, may provide clues on the outlook for rates in risks. Mr. Modi, who dealt with the Pathankot airbase attack just days 2019. For now, Mark Nash, head of fixed income at Old Mutual Global after his visit to Lahore in December 2015, may well prefer to avoid such Investors, bets the domestic economy will keep the central bank raising overtures, especially with Lok Sabha elections due in less than a year. Mr. Khan, who commands a thin majority in Parliament, and has frequently rates although it could end up creating headwinds for itself. “Once that criticised his predecessors for close ties with India, may choose to remain pain in emerging markets gets particularly acute, that naturally will spread conservative. Even so, the steps needed are clear. To begin with, the situation back to the US and change things in terms of how the Fed needs to at the Line of Control urgently needs attention, and a restoration of the manage domestic monetary policy,” he said on Bloomberg Television. “For ceasefire would be a major move forward for both countries. Mr. Khan could now, you can’t fault what Powell is doing, but the implications of it might earn Pakistan an economic breather if he adheres to the international come back to haunt him.” Evidence of a moderation outside of the US is Financial Action Task Force’s demands on ending terror financing; he would already visible. Economists at JPMorgan Chase & Co say although overall earn more goodwill by directly addressing India’s concerns on the support global growth is higher than its long-term trend thanks to the US, the to terrorists in Pakistan, and those being pushed over the LoC. These share of countries performing above potential has fallen to 60 percent actions could set up an even bolder move, no matter how unlikely it currently from about 80 percent in 2017. seems: for Mr. Modi to agree to restore the SAARC process by attending China’s momentum has stalled as policy makers curb risky lending the long-delayed summit due in Islamabad this year. Much work, preferably and the trade dispute with the US begins to bite, prompting policy makers behind the scenes, is needed if Mr. Modi and Mr. Khan hope to realise any to shift gears to signal a willingness to support activity. Economists also of the objectives they have spoken of over the past month. see a slowdown in Japan. Across much of Europe, surveys and confidence indicators have turned lower this year in part because of export concerns. German factory orders -- a gauge of future output in the euro area’s largest economy -- posted their first annual decline in almost two years in June.Italy is squaring up for a clash with investors over its fiscal plans, with implications for debt costs, while there’s no end to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit in the UK. Then there’s emerging markets. Turkey’s ISSN No. 1554 06X lira has plunged amid a political crisis, Venezuela has executed one of the biggest devaluations in history and Argentina is jacking up rates to Editor in Chief & Publisher : Sharanjit Singh Thind protect its currency. While none have the heft to drag the global economy Editor (Political Affairs-India) : into a recession, the resulting fallout on markets could be a blow to Aruna Singh confidence if the pain spreads to emerging market powerhouses such as Chief Photographer : Vijay Shah Special Correspondent : Brazil. Tom Orlik, chief economist at Bloomberg Economics, doesn’t expect Photographers: Hamad Gagandeep Singh (INDIA) emerging markets take down the world. He observes that excluding China, Editorial Intern: Roubin Singh Thind Web Coordinator : Harpreet Singh emerging and developing economies accounted for 24.6 percent of global output last year, down from a peak of 26.7 percent in 2013. A Publication of Media Partners Capital, Inc. Cross border trade is though deteriorating, with growth rates in emerging economies slowing by a fifth in August, according to a gauge by REGD & MAILING OFFICE : logistics giant Kuehne + Nagel Group. They calculate that commerce in Brazil, South Korea, Taiwan, and India is shrinking by more than 5 percent P.O Box 7005 Hicksville New York 11801 year-on-year. Asia’s slowing bears watching. Excluding Japan, the region’s contribution to global growth was 40 percent in 2017 compared with 23 Phone: 917 612 3158 TelFax : 516 342 1076 percent in 2007, reflecting its larger economic size and deepening [email protected], [email protected] integration with the world, according to Robert Subbaraman, Singapore- www.thesouthasianinsider.com based head of emerging markets economics at Nomura Holding. “It is no Disclaimer The South Asian Insider is a weekly newspaper published every week by The South Asian Insider. It's available in community & religious centers, ethnic grocery stores and also available by mail, email & online to subscribers. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints longer a question of ‘if’ but more a matter of ‘how much’ Asian growth will expressed by the various writers, authors and forum participants in The South Asian Insider do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Editor. All advertisers advertising in The South Asian Insider assume responsibility for accuracy of their advertisements. The South Asian Insider slow in the second half,” Subbaraman said. and/or people associated with it are not responsible for any claims made by the advertisers and don't endorse any product or services advertised in The South Asian Insider. We strongly urge consulting your lawyer before buying/contracting /hiring through the ads published in the newspaper. We are in the business of selling space and claims made by the advertisers are not authenticated or confirmed by an independent source Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 OPINION 8 Amazing Grace Atalji made friends and disarmed his opponents

Rich tributes have been paid, Atalji did not accede to general, Atalji as the PM and rightly so, to the departed Jayalalithaa’s repeated would not object. This soul of dear Atal Bihari entreaties and thus averted a incident showed that there Vajpayee. The best tribute legal challenge and was no bitterness or anger in paid to Atalji was when he was unnecessary confrontation Atalji’s heart and mind. He hailed as a man of vision. with the judiciary. Another believed in dealing with his What is significant is that occasion I remember concerns opponents in an amiable and these tributes have been paid Sonia Gandhi. The issue was amicable manner. I wish by premiers and leaders of whether Sonia Gandhi was leaders in the cabinet follow foreign countries, including entitled to continue in a post the example of Atalji and also Pakistan. Atalji’s personality in some organisation. Atalji that of Prime Minister and popularity transcended asked me whether any serious Narendra Modi. Another borders. As Attorney General legal problem would arise if the incident strongly ingrained in which have a commercial the Supreme Court judgment of India, I had occasion to government did not object to my memory is regarding the flavour. The Court did not and that he had phoned me to interact with Atalji often. One her continuance. I said there famous Balco case, which subscribe to the “hands-off” congratulate me on winning such occasion was when he could possibly be a legal involved an important question approach but restricted its the Balco case for the wanted my view about J controversy and that some of judicial intervention in intervention in cases of patent government. I thanked him and Jayalalithaa pressing him to BJP leaders were dead against executive decisions or action. discrimination or mala fides. said I would always remember impose President’s Rule in it. I further stated that in any The case was argued for about The Court held that an his call to me from Japan. I am Tamil Nadu or issue directions event, an undertaking should two weeks and there was a erroneous decision is per se not aware of any prime minister against M Karunanidhi, who be given by Sonia Gandhi that battery of senior counsel not discriminatory and the phoning his law officer from was her political foe. I said she will not claim any right for challenging the government’s government must have “full abroad to congratulate him for such action would be legally a further continuance because action. I represented the play in the joints” in its winning a case for the untenable. Atalji said that of the government’s non- Government of India in the commercial activities. One government. This quality of Atalji Jayalalithaa did not objection to her continuance. Supreme Court and morning, I received a frantic endeared him to many people understand the legal Atalji did not subscribe to the successfully repelled the legal call from my PA that the prime who came in contact with him. I implications of her persistent views of some BJP stalwarts. challenge. The Supreme minister, who was in Japan, could go on and on. But the demands. As a gallant The thought uppermost in his Court, after referring to several wanted to speak to me. I incidents which I have mentioned attorney general, I came to mind was not to hurt or judgments of the high courts hurriedly took the call and clearly establish that Atalji was Atalji’s rescue. I told him that humiliate Sonia Gandhi if and the Supreme Court, set at asked Atalji what he wanted a man of vision, had a heart of if Jayalalithaa persists with there is no serious legal hurdle rest the question about the to know about the Balco case, gold and magnanimity flowed in her demands, tell her that the in the event of her extent and scope of judicial of which he was aware. Atalji his veins. Goodbye, dear Atalji, attorney general has advised continuance. If there was none intervention in the action and laughed and said he did not you will always be enshrined against the action. Happily, according to the attorney decision of the executive want to know the details of in my heart and mind. Our understanding of the dynamics of risks of disasters is still far from comprehensive Our multi-hazard early warning systems have improved, but we are yet to develop a modern EWS for floods. The devastating flood in Kerala has frequently, and these are not limited only exclusively by short-term gains of value across all sectors and at all levels, but claimed more than 400 lives, besides to cities on rivers or coasts. Now even addition, profit and comfort; we hardly such integration and mainstreaming has damaging 8,000-plus houses and a vast cities such as Bangalore and Jaipur get factor eco-system services in the cost- remained largely elusive. Our network of infrastructure. The direct flooded. A number of factors are benefit analysis and calculation of understanding of the dynamics of risks economic loss, according to the state responsible for this new trend of flooding internal rate of return of projects.Our water of disasters is still far from being government, is estimated to be around in the country. bodies and flood plains, which provide comprehensive. Our multi-hazard early Rs 19,512 crore, but the indirect First, the rainfall pattern is natural cushions to absorb and drain warning systems (EWS) have improved, environmental and opportunity costs changing. While the average seasonal excess water and recharge groundwater, but we are yet to develop a modern EWS could be much more. While the state may rainfall has not changed much, its have been encroached upon by unplanned for floods. We are able to forecast rain take months, if not years, to recover, the distribution in space and time is expansion of cities and other human with reasonable degree of accuracy, but country must be concerned about a changing: this is leading to an increase settlements. Our forests and bio-diversity, we are not yet ready with flood warning disturbing trend in flooding seen in recent in the number of dry days, decrease in which help to protect slopes, prevent that would facilitate evacuation of people years. First, floods are the most common the number of rainy days, more intense landslides and protect the environment, from the to-be-flood affected areas in the and recurrent natural disaster in India, downpours in fewer days, and heavier have been damaged by unregulated same manner as they are done during but their frequency and intensity have rains in areas that had scanty mining, quarrying and other development cyclones. Despite the much talked increased in recent years. In the last five atmospheric moisture. This has put projects. The consequences are there to about paradigm shift, our focus of years, the country has faced catastrophic pressure on the resilience of dams, drains be seen in the damages and destructions disaster management is still largely floods in Uttarakhand, Jammu and and flood protection network, which were of floods in Kerala, Kashmir and on managing events of disaster Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and now designed on parameters based on past Uttarakhand. (response, relief and rehabilitation) in Kerala, whereas such floods used to rainfall/flooding pattern. They have now We are committed by our rather than on managing risks of happen once-in-a-decade or even in a outlived their relevance. Their resilience policies and legislations to reduce risks disasters (risk assessment, risk longer timeframe. Second, earlier floods has also been compromised, thanks to and build resilience, but overtly and prevention and mitigation and disaster were mostly riverine in nature, confined poor maintenance. Some of the colonial- covertly, we are creating new risks of preparedness). We spend more than to the Brahmaputra-Barak Valley, the era railway and highway bridges and disasters that are compounding the 90% of our national and state budgets Indo-Gangetic plains and the deltaic dams are in dire need of an overhaul, already existing layers of hazard, on disaster management (annually, regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and retrofitting, even reconstruction. Much of vulnerabilities and risks. The Disaster around Rs 20000 crore by my Kerala. Now incidences of flooding are the new infrastructure, houses and Management Act 2005 and the National calculation) on disaster response and being reported from smaller river valleys, industries may not fulfil the global Policy on Disaster Management 2009 relief, but we are yet to set up national, hills, plateaus, even deserts. Third, urban standards of resilience. In our strategic prescribed integrating disaster risk state and district mitigation funds that areas are getting flooded much more approach to development, we are driven reduction in the process of development were mandated by law. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 9 68-year-old farmer commits suicide after suffering losses during Kerala floods Relatives said he spent hours in the house to remove accumulated slush and mud but was found hanging a day later. least three people have and advised them to go back Kozhikkode district after his committed suicide in the last to the camp saying he will class 12 certificates were three days. A 68-year-old make it livable by the next destroyed in flood waters. farmer committed suicide in day. But when he did not turn Police said he had got Varapuzha in Ernakulam up at the camp for breakfast admission at a nearby district on Wednesday. The the next day, his relatives Industrial Training Institute. man, identified as K Rocky, rushed to the damaged house Another such death was was in a relief camp for three and found him hanging from reported from Thrissur three days and returned to his the ceiling. The man’s relatives days ago. The government has house on Tuesday after said Rocky had been worried sent out counsellors and floodwaters receded. His over the huge losses he had psychologists to help those (Agencies) The rains have Kerala is facing another threat relatives said he spent hours suffered during the floods. A who lost their belongings in the stopped and floodwaters are - suicides. Having lost in the house to remove 19-year-old student ended his floods and were forced to shift receding, but flood-battered everything in the deluge, at accumulated slush and mud life on Sunday in Karanthur in to relief camps. Mosque gives shelter to Hindu families displaced by Kerala floods A mosque in Kerala’s Malappuram district has provided shelter and food to several Hindu families displaced by the massive floods (Agencies) Sending a message districts on August 8. As many mosque, a majority of them home after taking part in the the floods, were cleaned by of communal amity, a mosque as 17 displaced Hindu families, Hindus. Though we opened the observance of Bakrid today,” he them. Many shared the photos in Kerala’s Malappuram district including women, children and relief camp at the mosque on added. Meanwhile, two groups of the Muslim men cleaning the has provided shelter and food to the elderly were given space to August 8, the activities started of Muslim men assisted in temples on social media. A total several Hindu families displaced sleep inside the mosque, in full swing only after August 14, cleaning Hindu shrines in of 231 people have lost their lives by the massive floods, while provided food prepared at its following a series of landslides Wayanad and Malappuram and 32 are missing in flood-related groups of Muslim men have canteen and given rice, pulses that rocked the district,” he told districts. A Vishnu temple at incidents in Kerala since August 8. assisted in cleaning two Hindu and other essential materials PTI. The Hindu families returned Venniyode in Wayanad and a Nearly 14.50 lakh people from 3.91 shrines affected by the deluge. when they returned home. Most two days ago as water receded shrine dedicated to Lord lakh families have taken shelter in The Juma Masjid, located at of the 78 people, who were given from their submerged homes, Ayyappa at Mannarkkad in about 3,879 relief camps across Akampadam in Chaliyar village shelter at the Juma Masjid, Usman said. “The rest returned Malappuram, inundated due to the state. in northern Malappuram, has were Hindus, Chaliyar village virtually turned into a relief camp panchayat chief P T Usman since the second spell of rains said. “There were 26 families started devastating the northern who had sought refuge in the India, Pakistan armies exchange sweets on LoC in Poonch on Eid The armies of India and Pakistan on Wednesday exchanged sweets on the occasion of the Eid- al-Azha along Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir

(Agencies) The armies of India sweet exchange was proposed and Pakistan on Wednesday by Pakistan Army on hotline exchanged sweets on the in the morning today. occasion of the Eid-al-Azha Compliments were exchanged along Line of Control (LoC) in in an atmosphere of bonhomie Poonch district of Jammu and and festivity, he said. The Kashmir. “Indian and Pakistan sweets exchange is a gesture army exchanged sweets on appreciated by both countries the occasion of Eid-al-Adha and is expected to go a long today at Chakan Da Bagh way in promoting peace, Crossing point along the LoC harmony and compassion in in Poonch,” a defence the true spirit of the festival, spokesman said. He said the the spokesman said. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 10 Supreme Court comes to help Assam woman facing deportation The Supreme Court has asked the Assam government to explain how Sofiya could be a foreigner if both her parents, all five brothers and husband are Indians.

(Agencies) Coming to the aid of Sofiya orders declaring her a foreigner after Kurien Joseph and Sanjay Kishan Kaul she was unable to give her correct Khatun, a 50-year-old facing she could not prove a link to her father, recently asked the Assam government place and date of birth. In her petition deportation on the ground of being an Hasan Munshi, due to a mismatch in a series of questions: “Is it true that to the SC, Khatun has said she is illegal migrant, the Supreme Court the spelling of his name in various voter five brothers of the petitioner are illiterate, and since her grandparents asked the Assam government to file a lists. The two orders also held she was citizens of India? Is it true that the and parents were dead, she could not report by September 5 explaining how not able to give her correct place and husband of the petitioner is a citizen get the typological errors in their names she could be a “foreigner” if her parents, date of birth, which are vital to prove of India? And is it true that father and corrected. “Anomalies in the spellings five brothers and husband were all citizenship. But her brothers and her mother of the petitioner are citizens of names are extremely common Indian citizens. Khatun, held in an husband, all Indian citizens, have come of India?” Khatun in 1996 was though unfortunate occurrence and in Assam detention centre since 2016, out in her defence, filing affidavits in the classified as a “D (doubtful) Voter”. The no way are a reflection on the claims of has challenged the Barpeta Foreigners Supreme Court. Hearing the petition foreigners’ tribunal issued notices, citizenship of the petitioner,” her petition Tribunal and the Assam high court filed by Khatun, a bench of Justices asking her to prove her citizenship. But said. Three police officials, BJP activist killed in Kashmir on Eid Snake bite cases go up as Shortly after Eid prayers on Wednesday, protests broke out in several water recedes in Kerala parts of the Valley. Police fired tear gas shells and pellets, and Kerala floods: After several cases of snakes charged people with batons to disperse crowds in several districts. being found inside houses from where slogans against India and water had receded, Vava Suresh, a well- showed their shoes to the politician, who was whisked known snake handler, was brought in. away from the mosque by his security guards. “I did not leave the venue and completed my prayers. They are my own people. They are misguided and I cannot escape my duties of being their leader,” Abdullah later told news agency PTI while receiving people at his residence. On Wednesday evening, police said militants barged into the house of Inspector (News Agencies) A police period of Governor’s Rule out to offer Eid prayers in Muhammad Ashraf Dar in (News Agencies) Santhosh cases so far during the inspector, two constables since Vohra took the post, Kulgam was murdered by Larve village in Pulwama Kumar was cleaning his floods. “Thankfully we and three policemen and a which has often required him militant outfit Hizbul district. “They fired at the flood-hit house on the have enough supply of Bharatiya Janata Party to be a crisis manager -- a Mujahideen, a police official officer from close range Angamaly-Paravoor road anti-venom used to treat (BJP) worker were killed, role that Malik will now added. Shortly after Eid resulting in his death on the in Kerala’s Ernakulam snake bite cases. Out of hundreds of civilians inherit. prayers on Wednesday, spot,” a police officer said. district when he felt the cases, some 70 per clashed with police, and The first indications of it protests broke out in several A new governor for Jammu something bit his foot. He cent were dry bites, which former chief minister Farooq came on Wednesday, when parts of the Valley. Police and Kashmir was not thought it was some means the snake didn’t Abdullah found himself as new clashes broke out as fired tear gas shells and unexpected since Vohra’s insect and went to the release venom. Only the a target of protesters on hundreds of people protested pellets, and charged people term was initially scheduled local medical practitioner rest of the cases were Wednesday in a sudden against the BJP over a court with batons to disperse to end on June 28. The who applied some mixture venomous bites,” says Dr escalation of tensions in hearing on Article 35A — a crowds in several districts. Union government, officials with turmeric around the Joseph K Joseph of the Jammu and Kashmir that law that restricts what people Around six people were had said at the time, wanted bite mark. However, Hospital.After several coincided with the arrival of from outside the state can injured in these clashes. him to stay a little longer as Kumar collapsed shortly cases of snakes being the state’s new governor- do in Jammu and Kashmir. Most of the protesters were the annual Amarnath Yatra afterwards and was found inside houses from designate Satya Pal Malik. Separatist organisations raising anti-India slogans, was about to begin. The rushed to the hospital where water had receded, Malik, according to officials have called for two-day as some waved flags of Hindu pilgrimage requires where the bite was Vava Suresh, a well- in the state who asked not shutdown from Sunday Pakistan and the Islamic close preparation and diagnosed as of a snake. known snake handler, to be named, is likely to be against the hearing being State, eyewitnesses said. monitoring from the security “Water had receded and was brought in. “I got sworn in on Thursday to held in Supreme Court. In A police spokesperson point of view. Malik, who was there was a lot to be done. some 22 calls but most take charge of the state’s attacks that police sought to downplay the received by top The entire house was of them were not administration – replacing spokespersons blamed on clashes, saying the administration and police dirty. I was cleaning the poisonous snakes. NN Vohra, who has held the militants, two constables prayers were mostly officials at the Srinagar house when I got bitten,” Caught some 5 cobras in post since 2008. and a BJP worker who was peaceful. Former chief airport on Wednesday, will says Kumar, 53, who has different parts of Kashmir has been under abducted on Tuesday minister Farooq take oath at Rajbhawan on admitted to the Medical Ernakulam on Tuesday. Governor’s Rule since June evening were murdered. The Abdullah, too, got caught 11am before chairing his first Intensive Care Unit at One was found inside the 20 after the last government bullet-riddled body of BJP’s in the protests as he was security review meeting on Little Flower Hospital in wardrobe on the second – a coalition between the Shabir Ahmad Bhat was offering Eid prayers at Thursday, according to an Angamaly. The hospital, floor of a house in BJP and the People’s found in the fields in Dargah Hazratbal. official in the state known to treat snake-bite Kalamassery while another Democratic Party (PDP) – Kupwara. A constable who People standing behind administration who did not cases for the past 40 one was inside a shelf in a collapsed. This is the fourth was killed when he stepped him started shouting want to be named. years, got more than 50 house,” says Suresh. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 11 Arvind Kejriwal charisma fast losing its sheen: BJP after Ashish Khetan quits AAP AAP sources claimed Khetan wanted to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the New Delhi parliamentary seat that he had lost to BJP's Meenakshi Lekhi in 2014. However, Khetan clarified that his decision to quit was not linked to any desire for any seat.

(News Agencies) Days after AAP Khetan said in a Facebook was not being accepted by the leader Ashutosh quit the party, post.Khetan sent his leadership and he had been another member Ashish Khetan resignation to AAP chief Arvind upset for a while, PTI reported. announced his decision to Kejriwal on August 15, the However, Khetan clarified that resign on Wednesday. Khetan, same day Ashutosh had his decision to quit was not who had resigned from the Delhi announced his departure from linked to any desire for any seat Dialogue and Development the party, PTI reported. and he had received love and Commission back in April, said However, both resignations are respect from the party and its entrenched me in the world of of next Vidhan Sabha elections he had decided upon quitting yet to be accepted by Kejriwal. members. “My personal politics, something I don’t want in 2020, the Aam Aadmi Party active politics earlier in the year Khetan, who is also a journalist decision to move away from the at this point in time,” he said. will vanish from the political but postponed his decision like Ashutosh, said his focus party and electoral politics, Opposition parties took the horizon,” Delhi BJP chief Manoj since AAP and the Delhi would now be on legal practice. should not be viewed as a opportunity to hit out at the Aam Tiwari said in a statement. The government was beset with a “I have taken up legal causes reflection on AAP, in any way Aadmi Party as Ashish Khetan Delhi Pradesh Congress series of crises. in the larger public interest and whatsoever. I would also like to and Ashutosh quit the party in Committee (DPCC) also “For the past two years, will continue to do so. Besides quell the unfortunate rumours a span of a week, saying that it slammed the AAP’s national I have been plagued with self- practicing law, I am also keen that my decision is linked to marks a decline in the convenor, with its chief doubt and the question of to return to my writing,” he said. any desire for any seat,” Khetan charisma of Chief Minister spokesperson Sharmistha whether I wanted to continue in AAP sources claimed Khetan said. The leader said, in fact, Arvind Kejriwal. “Arvind Kejriwal Mukherjee saying, “Within 6 electoral politics. Early this wanted to contest the 2019 Lok the party had asked him to is onetime wonder whose years of forming the party, most year I made my decision to quit Sabha elections from the New contest upcoming Lok Sabha charisma is fast losing its sheen of the old guards, founding active politics after much Delhi parliamentary seat that he elections. “But I had politely among the people of Delhi and members of AAP have left. deliberation and in consultation had lost to BJP’s Meenakshi turned it down. Contesting one the leaders of his own party. It Obviously something is terribly with family and close friends,” Lekhi in 2014. But his demand more election would have further now appears that by the time wrong within the party.” Rs 16,000 for pen drive, Rs 63,000 on mufflers How BJP spent over Rs 1 crore on Vasundhara Raje’s Gaurav Yatra The Rajasthan high court had directed the BJP’s state unit to respond to a petition, which alleged the state rath (bus)government that has been machinery fitted can, but wasthe problem being is that withmisused an elevator andfor a Vasundhara sunroof most cut-outs Raje’s are removedyatra. by that allows Raje to address the people taking part in the rally public from the roof of the bus. so we have to spend on it The party paid Rs 1.40 lakh for again. The half-caps and petrol and diesel and food for masks made up of cardboard the entourage during the seven- get damaged and it’s also very day yatra. The affidavit filed by difficult to keep the small flags Saini’s counsel, Vishnu Kant intact,” a BJP leader said Sharma, said the Gaurav Yatra requesting anonymity. Raje will was the part of the party’s begin the second leg of her programme for which the entire yatra from Jaisalmer on August expenditure is being borne by 24, which will be held from till the state unit of the BJP and September 2. The yatra that (Insider Bureau) The Bharatiya August 10 to respond to the The party has said it has spent the chief minister cannot be will pass through 165 Janata Party has spent more petition, which alleged the state Rs 16,000 on pen drives used prevented from discharging her constituencies travelling about than Rs 1 crore on Rajasthan government machinery was to play songs during Raje’s duties during the yatra. “We will 6,000 km is scheduled to chief minister Vasundhara being misused for Raje’s yatra, Gaurav Yatra and about Rs 3.50 try to recycle as much as we conclude on September 30. Raje’s Gaurav Yatra from and directed its president lakh on composing them. The August 4 to 10, which covered Madanlal Saini to file an affidavit “half-cap” donned by the party 23 assembly constituencies in on the expenditure incurred by workers cost the BJP Rs the state’s Udaipur division, so the party. The Hindustan Times 32,568, masks about Rs far. The saffron party informed has accessed the copy of the 20,000 and saffron and green the Rajasthan High Court about affidavit that shows the BJP has mufflers Rs 63,000. the details of the amount spent spent about Rs 1.10 crore on It spent about Rs on the yatra on Tuesday during the Gaurav Yatra so far. It paid 26,000 on stickers, Rs 1.17 a hearing on a public interest Rs 41.30 lakh for tent houses, lakh on flags, Rs 91,000 on litigation filed by a lawyer on Rs 38.98 lakh for publicity, hand cut-outs and Rs 13.38 August 6. including banners and cut-outs lakh on “big cut-outs.” The BJP The high court had among other things, and Rs spent Rs 1.75 lakh on the directed the BJP’s state unit on 25.99 lakh for advertisements. branding of the chief minister’s Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 Facing backlash over hug in Pak, Sidhu gets an advice from Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu was widely criticised for hugging the Pakistan Army chief during his visit to Pakistan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

(Insider Bureau) Punjab cabinet expressed unhappiness (over off Sidhu for hugging Gen Qamar to say that one should talk on minister Tripat Rajinder Singh embracing the Pakistan Army Javed Bajwa. Earlier, the CM had issues instead of discussing Bajwa on Wednesday suggested chief). I think there is no harm in said, “It was wrong for him (Sidhu) individuals. The issue was his ministerial colleague Navjot saying sorry. He is a wonderful to have shown the affection he opening the corridor to the Singh Sidhu “say sorry” to the person and a senior minister,” did for the Pakistan Army chief. I historic Gurdwara Kartarpur families of slain soldiers for Bajwa said here. Sidhu was am not in its favour...the fact is Sahib (in Pakistan). Sidhu raised upsetting them by hugging the widely criticised for hugging the that the man (Sidhu) should this issue in Pakistan,” Jakhar Pakistan Army chief. He Pakistan Army chief during his understand that our soldiers are said. The Gurdaspur MP also asserted that the families of visit to Pakistan to attend the being killed everyday. My own asked the BJP not to adopt slammed the BJP’s “double soldiers who died in the line of swearing-in ceremony of regiment lost one Major and two “double standards” on this matter standards”, reminding it of peace duty were justified in expressing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran jawans a few months ago.” while citing the invitation visits to Pakistan by Atal Bihari their displeasure over the Khan. However, Bajwa said, “a Meanwhile, Punjab Congress extended to the then Pakistan Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. He cricketer-turned-politician’s hug. friend had invited a friend” and chief Sunil Jakhar came out in President Pervez Musharraf, said hugging Gen Qamar Javed “Sidhu sahab is my senior there was no “crime” in Sidhu defence of Sidhu again while who was the mastermind of Bajwa at the swearing-in was an colleague. I cannot dictate him. going to attend the ceremony in describing the latter’s Pakistan Kargil war, to Agra in 2001. On “emotional response” on learning I can only suggest that he can Islamabad. The statement by the visit as a “manufactured Tuesday, Sidhu defended the that Sikh pilgrims might be gracefully say sorry to the senior minister comes after chief controversy”. “It is a gesture of hugging Pakistan’s allowed to visit the Kartarpur families of martyrs who minister Amarinder Singh ticked manufactured controversy. I want Army chief in Islamabad, and shrine across the border. NASA releases video tracking monsoon rains behind Kerala floods NASA has released a video created using satellite data that provides an estimate of the intense rainfall over India in the past week and shows the spread of the resulting severe flooding in Kerala and parts of Karnataka homes. The Centre has flow was enhanced by an area along the West Coast of India declared this calamity of ‘severe of low pressure embedded as they intercept the moisture nature’.Rainfall accumulations within the general monsoon. laden air being drawn in off the from August 13 to 20 showed Weekly rainfall totals in this warm waters of the northern two bands of heavy rain across band are generally over 10 Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea India, NASA said in a inches with embedded areas as part of the southwest statement. The first band exceeding 16 inches. The monsoon circulation. The appeared much broader and maximum estimated value from Integrated Multi-satellitE extends across the northern the data in this band was 18.5 Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) is part of the peninsula with inches, NASA said. Although used to estimate precipitation weekly rainfall totals ranging the extreme Himalayan from a combination of passive from over 5 inches towards the topography is much more well- microwave sensors, including western half of the peninsula to known, another contributing microwave sensor and infrared (Insider Bureau) NASA has in India, and it can bring heavy as much as 14 inches over factor to the heavy rains along data. The data is generated released a video created using rains to the region. However, parts of the eastern half towards the southwest coast of India is every half an hour, thereby satellite data that provides an periodically areas of low the Bay of Bengal. The first band the Western Ghats, it said. allowing scientists to track estimate of the intense rainfall pressure can form within the is associated with the general Though much smaller than the rainfall across the globe almost over India in the past week and general monsoon trough and monsoon circulation. The Himalayas, this mountain range in real time. GPM is the Global shows the spread of the bring even more rain. Kerala is second band appeared more runs parallel to the West Coast Precipitation Measurement resulting severe flooding in facing its worst floods in nearly concentrated and intense and of India with many peaks over mission core satellite. GPM is Kerala and parts of Karnataka. a century that has left at least is closely aligned with the 2,000 metres. As a result, the a joint mission between NASA The summer monsoon is a 231 people dead, and forced southwest coast of India and the Western Ghats are well and the Japan Aerospace regular feature this time of year 3.14 lakh people out of their Western Ghats where onshore positioned to enhance rainfall Agency, JAXA. Eid-al-Adha 2018: History and significance of Bakrid On the occasion of Eid-al-Adha, a sheep or goat is sacrificed to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son according to God’s command. (Insider Bureau) Eid-al-Adha, also meat is divided into three parts all his duties faithfully, which are known as the ‘festival of sacrifice’, and is distributed amongst family associated with Eid, is is the second most significant members, relatives and friends triumphant. It proves that he festival in the Islamic calendar. On and the poor. Presents are also has control over his desires Eid-al-Adha, a sheep or goat is exchanged among family and and leads a disciplined life. sacrificed to commemorate friends on this occasion.The Haj is one of the five pillars Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham’s) Haj, in which Muslims go to of Islam. A Muslim who is willingness to sacrifice his son Mecca in Saudi Arabia on physically and financially according to God’s command. pilgrimage, culminates with Eid- able is expected to perform Muslims buy new clothes and go al-Adha. It is believed that Eid is Haj. The pilgrims who go to to pray in mosques, where they a day of victory and the one who Mecca are known as Hajjis. thank Allah for all His blessings. is successful in his spiritual Pilgrims wear simple clothes Usually, a goat or sheep is growth receives Eid with a called Ihram to signify that in the sacrificed after the namaz. The victorious spirit. He, who observes eyes of Allah, everyone is equal. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 13 Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 INDIA NEWS ANALYSIS 14 Challenges remain but response of politi- cal leadership, state and civil society to Lending a hand Kerala flood crisis is heartening. (News Agencies) The worst of pects of relief work — be it re- groups, resident welfare associa- ment now is to build on the mo- frastructure — individual dona- Kerala’s devastating deluge storing power supply or removal tions, the Malayali diaspora, and mentum and steer relief and re- tions, contributions from the seems to be over with relief op- of waste, taking care of sanita- neighbouring states — all have habilitation. This is the third ma- diaspora and the Gulf states be- erations across the state near- tion issues or repairing water been quick to respond to the trag- jor natural disaster to strike the sides government funds should ing conclusion. On Sunday, Chief pipes — involving state agencies, edy. They have worked overtime state this year — Cyclone Ockhi bridge the shortfall. The scale of Minister Pinarayi Vijayan outlined civil society groups and the thou- to reach out to those in distress and the Nipah virus outbreak had destruction and the measures it the roadmap the state govern- sands of volunteers already in the and ensured that the camps have taken a toll, though not on this calls for will be fully revealed only ment intends to follow in the com- forefront of the rescue mission. adequate water and food stocks. scale. Preliminary estimates of when the water recedes com- ing days as the focus shifts from While the scale of floods has A standout feature of the rescue the government peg the cost of pletely from the flood-affected ar- rescue missions to relief mea- been unprecedented, the re- operations has been the selfless the floods at Rs 20,000 crore. The eas. The immediate task, how- sures. He assured the people that sponse to the tragedy has been role of the state’s fishermen, who state government has requested ever, would be to stave off pos- all necessary help will be provided heartening. The state government came with their boats and braved Rs 2,000 crore as assistance sible health emergencies and at every step as they return home and its agencies, central forces vicious currents to access places from the Centre and Prime Min- epidemics and facilitate the re- to rebuild their lives. It is reas- including the national disaster and homes that the police, army ister Narendra Modi has promised turn of people to their homes. It suring that the government ap- response force, the army, navy and naval personnel could not Rs 500 crore. The state, hope- should, however, be reassuring pears to be calm and ready with and air force, civil society, rang- reach. fully, will not be short of funds to for Kerala’s residents to know in plans and personnel for all as- ing from NGOs to self-help The task before the govern- rebuild its public and private in- their hour of need, help is at hand. Akhilesh promises a city after Lord Eye on 2019? Vishnu to counter BJP’s Ram Temple pitch a spectacular temple inspired by ment. The UP deputy chief min- bodia is one of the largest reli- Cambodia’s sprawling Angkor ister had suggested that the bill gious monuments in the world Wat, in the state if his party could be brought if there was “no which was originally a Hindu comes to power. Significantly, way out” and his party had the temple dedicated to the Lord Yadav’s comments come after adequate strength in both houses Vishnu but gradually transformed BJP leader and UP Deputy Chief of the Parliament. into a Buddhist temple. Yadav Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya “At present, in Parliament, we attacked the BJP claiming it was last week raked the Ram temple do not have the adequate a party which did nothing on the issue and suggested there could strength. Even if we bring the ground. “BJP believes in con- be a legislative route for the con- matter in Lok Sabha, our strength spiracies. We believe in develop- struction of a temple in in the Rajya Sabha is less, and ment. They befool people to get Ayodhya.“We will develop a city it will definitely be defeated. Ev- their vote. We bank on our devel- in the name of Lord Vishnu over ery devotee of Lord Ram knows opment work for votes. The 2,000 acres of land near Lion this. The court will soon give its people of the state are fed up with Safari (Etawah). We have a lot of judgment”, Maurya had said. BJP and are looking for a chance land in Chambal ravines and the Yadav, however, promised that to ensure it gets out of the power. city will have a grand Vishnu if voted to power, he will develop In 2019, BJP will get defeated temple, that will be a copy of fa- a city in the name of Lord Vishnu, due to its anti-people politics,” he (News Agencies) Akhilesh knowledge of our ancient times, mous Angkor Wat temple,” whose incarnations Lord Ram claimed. Yadav has announced Yadav, however, promised that if the SP chief said. Yadav, a former UP chief minis- and Lord Krishna were. A team a “Haq aur samman” cycle yatra voted to power, he will develop a Samajwadi Party chief ter, said. of experts will be sent to Cambo- from Kannauj next month. “We city in the name of Lord Vishnu. Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday Earlier, Maurya had said that dia to plan the city, which will be have decided the plans for the A team of experts will be sent to announced that a grand city if the need arises, a Bill for the a centre for culture and knowl- yatra. There are some changes Cambodia to plan the city, which named after Lord Vishnu would construction of a Ram temple edge of our ancient times, the SP in the dates that will be finalised will be a centre for culture and be developed, which would have could be brought in the Parlia- chief said. Angkor Wat in Cam- in a day or two,” he said. Why arrest in Narendra Dabholkar case was made after five years, asks Kanhaiya Kumar Kanhaiya Kumar alleged that the group involved in Lankesh's murder is being protected by the government to "terrorise those who speak or write against it".

(News Agencies) Student Press Club, Kumar asked why it being protected by the govern- establish “mob-rule”, he said. his fellow student leader from leader Kanhaiya Kumar on took so long to make the arrest ment to “terrorise those who There was an undeclared emer- Jawaharlal Nehru University, Wednesday questioned the de- in the case. “Five years have speak or write against it”. He gency in the country, Kumar said, Umar Khalid, in Delhi, Kumar lay in the arrest made by the CBI passed since Dabholkar’s death. claimed that one of the persons adding that anti-BJP parties said such attacks are aimed at in the 2013 murder case of ratio- Why the arrest was not made arrested recently by Maharashtra should come together with a com- silencing critics and deflect nalist Narendra Dabholkar. The earlier? Maharashtra police could Police for allegedly conspiring to mon minimum programme. When people’s attention from real is- Central Bureau of Investigation have made the arrest (instead of trigger blasts in the state had asked about his own political sues like unemployment. On the last week arrested a man on a tipping off CBI). Police in tried to heckle him when he had plans, he said he was already a allegation that JNU is a hub of tip-off by Maharashtra police, neighbouring state (Karnataka) addressed a public meeting in member of the Communist Party anti-national activity, Kumar said, claiming he was one of the two arrested killers of (journalist) Mumbai. of India (CPI). “I can not say for “In that case, why a woman alum- shooters who fired on and killed Gauri Lankesh,” he said. The BJP-led government at sure if I would fight elections…but nus (Nirmala Sitharaman) of JNU Dabholkar in Pune in August Kumar alleged that the group the Centre was trying to overthrow I may fight if you (media) support,” has been made the country’s 2013. Speaking at the Mumbai involved in Lankesh’s murder is “constitutional democracy” and he said. On the recent attack on defence minister?” Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 SOUTH ASIA 15 Afghanistan seeks Russian help to press Taliban into peace talks The Taliban this week rejected a government offer of a three-month ceasefire and said they would press on with their war, two insurgent commanders told Reuters, after a series of militant attacks in which hundreds of people have been killed. Afghanistan’s national security “the peace process a success”, an accusation by NATO’s top adviser, Hanif Atmar, told Atmar’s office said. According to commander in Afghanistan that Russia’s ambassador that Af- a senior diplomat in Kabul, Mos- it had been supporting and even ghanistan appreciated Russia’s cow in recent months has supplying weapons to the support for the peace process stepped up direct contacts with Taliban. A Western diplomat in and called upon it “to put pres- the Taliban, which is formally Kabul said Russia was seeking sure on Taliban insurgents to be- banned in Russia. Russia has to increase its influence and im- gin negotiations with the Afghan invited 12 countries, including prove its image in Afghanistan government”, Atmar’s office the United States, to the Mos- by inviting Taliban leaders for said.The Taliban this week re- cow talks next month but the talks. The Taliban have yet to an- jected a government offer of a United States has declined the nounce if they would attend the three-month ceasefire and said invitation. Russia’s foreign min- Moscow talks. Back-channel di- (News Agencies) Afghanistan oust U.S. and other foreign they would press on with their istry said on Wednesday it re- plomacy between the Taliban hopes Russia can press Taliban forces and defeat Afghanistan’s war, two insurgent commanders gretted the U.S. decision. Nearly and a range of countries — in- insurgents into holding peace Western-backed government, told Reuters, after a series of 40 years have passed since cluding the United States, Tur- talks with the government, plan to take part in talks on Af- militant attacks in which hun- Moscow sent its troops into Af- key and Saudi Arabia — has taken Afghanistan’s top security offi- ghan peace in Moscow on Sept. dreds of people have been killed. ghanistan, beginning a bloody place over the years to end the lat- cial said on Wednesday after he 4, Russian Foreign Minister Russian ambassador Alexander decade-long occupation and fac- est phase of Afghanistan’s decades met Russia’s ambassador in Sergei Lavrov was quoted as Mantytski, said his country was tional conflict which is still go- of war, which began with a U.S. Kabul. The Taliban, fighting to saying on Tuesday. ready to help Afghanistan make ing on. This year, Russia rejected invasion in 2001. Willing to play ‘positive and constructive role’ in easing India-Pakistan relations: China Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the improve- ment and development of relations between India and Pakistan are important to regional peace, stability and prosperity. (News Agencies) China said proving bilateral relations,” Lu development, he said. “China is on Wednesday it is willing to said while replying to a ques- willing to play a constructive play a “positive and constructive tion on the statements made by role in this aspect,” he said. role” in easing relations between the two leaders soon after Khan Asked what he meant by China India and Pakistan as it wel- assumed office as Pakistan’s playing a constructive role, the comed the “positive” remarks of 22nd prime minister on August spokesman said, “We are very Prime Minister Narendra Modi 18. “Both Pakistan and India are pleased to see that the leaders and his new Pakistani counter- important countries in South of Pakistan and India have re- part Imran Khan on improving Asia. As a common neighbour cently made positive remarks on diate between India and Paki- ing a spate of terror attacks on bilateral ties. Chinese Foreign to Pakistan and India, China improving bilateral relations.” stan, Lu said: “I can’t give you Indian military bases by Paki- Ministry spokesman Lu Kang firmly supports the two sides to “It is, of course, a good thing a prejudgement now, telling you stan-based terror groups since said the improvement and de- enhance dialogue increase mu- for both sides to continuously which aspect, what area, and January 2016. India has made velopment of relations between tual trust, properly handle and improve relations and jointly what time China will do what it clear that it will not hold dia- India and Pakistan are important solve their differences,” Lu said, work together for regional peace things.” “But it is clear that con- logue with Pakistan as terror- to regional peace, stability and according to the official tran- and stability. As long as there structive role is any role that is ism and talks cannot go hand- prosperity. script of the briefing issued by is any possibility, China is, of conducive to advancing, consoli- in-hand. India has also been “We have noted relevant re- the Ministry of Foreign course, willing to play a posi- dating and sustaining the posi- maintaining that it is ready to ports and we welcome the posi- Affairs.China hopes the two tive and constructive role,” he tive momentum,” he talk to Pakistan only bilaterally tive remarks made by the Indian countries can jointly stay com- said.Asked whether he is sug- elaborated.Ties between India without the intervention of any and Pakistani leaders on im- mitted to regional peace and gesting that China wants to me- and Pakistan nosedived follow- other nation, including China. Rural India cannot be viewed solely through prism of farming. Crisis in The real rural crisis rural areas today is actually one of too much agriculture. (News Agencies)Hardly 23 per since the start of this century: crisis in rural areas today is rural-based manufacturing if more rural jobs are created cent of the average income of Rural India can no longer be actually one of too much clusters of Tamil Nadu and outside of agriculture? Well, the all rural households in India viewed solely through the prism agriculture — in terms of both Gujarat, for instance — but beneficiary, ironically, would be comes from agriculture and of farming. Even more relative output and they are far too isolated. With the farm sector. As people are animal husbandry activity, misplaced is the impression of employment. What is needed 24×7 electricity, all-weather weaned off the land, the ones reveals a nationwide financial a widening Bharat-India divide is more manufacturing units, roads, broadband connectivity remaining, and truly interested inclusion survey by NABARD. conveyed by agriculture including those that process and and investment in education — in agriculture, will be induced Moreover, even among so- contributing “only” about 17 per add value to agricultural produce. which is what the government to invest in its productivity. called agricultural households cent of the country’s GDP at China’s industrialisation in the should focus on — we can Farming will, then, cease to be — those with at least one current prices, despite two- late-Seventies and Eighties was expect an unleashing of rural a default occupation and the member engaged in farming thirds of its population living in driven by Township and Village entrepreneurship. That will agriculture sector would gain and whose produce is annually rural areas. If just 47.6 per cent Enterprises. There is ample scope help generate better quality from the processes of worth Rs 5,000 or more — just of rural households are to replicate that experience in non-farm employment than is specialisation and division of over 43 per cent of income on “agricultural”, as per the India and extend it to services now available in brick kilns, labour that Adam Smith an average comes from NABARD survey, and 43.1 per such as business process stone quarries, farm implement famously described in The cultivation and livestock cent of even their incomes are outsourcing or even software repair, construction and other Wealth of Nations. That is the rearing. These findings confirm from farms, the gap isn’t as development. We do have such informal sector route ahead — both for “Bharat” a trend that has been obvious yawning as made out. The stories of success — in the enterprises. What will happen and for “krishi”. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 ADVERTISEMENT SPECIAL FEATURE 16 Deepfakes are coming. Is Big Tech ready? Mark Zuckerberg insisted at Facebook’s annual developer conference earlier this year that his company “will never be unprepared ... again” for meddling and disinformation efforts like those run by Russian trolls on its platform during the run-up to the 2016TRAVEL election. Yet the social media School of Law who has CNNMoney that Google because they can be hard Center for Social Media of the 1996 behemoth and its been closely researching has reached out to him. But to spot and because Responsibility, said social Communications Decency competitors may still be deepfakes. in the meantime, people are — for now — media companies are “still Act absolves them of ill-equipped for their next Twitter, YouTube, and developers are continuing inclined to believe that at the early stages of responsibility for content great challenge: Fake Reddit also are natural to work to perfect the video is real. But it’s not addressing 2016-era posted by users. The recent videos that look so real targets for deepfakes, and technology and make the just about individual videos misinformation,” and “it’s uproar over the hate you’d believe former you can expect to see videos it produces more that will spread very likely there won’t be speech, fake news and President Obama really fringe platforms and porn convincing.The word misinformation: it’s also any real infrastructure in disinformation polluting tech did call President Trump websites flooded with them. “deepfakes” refers to using the possibility that videos place” to combat deepfakes platforms has led a “dipsh*t.” Yet asked by CNNMoney deep learning, a type of like these will convince any time soon. companies to take more Platforms like just what they’re doing to machine learning, to add people that they simply Many platforms already action — even if the CEOs Facebook, Twitter and prepare for this looming anyone’s face and voice to can’t trust anything they enforce rules around nudity leading the effort have been YouTube have been problem, none of the major video. It has been mostly read, hear or see unless it that could apply to any inconsistent, even downright moving recently to deal social media platforms found on the internet’s dark supports the opinions they faked porn they may find. baffling, in explaining with the threats posed by would discuss it in detail. corners, where some already hold. Experts say But none of them have themselves. Still, the misinformation and The companies wouldn’t people have used it to fake videos that will be all guidelines governing companies haven’t meddling that they didn’t name the researchers insert ex-girlfriends and but impossible to identify as deepfakes in general, said addressed doctored videos see coming, but now they they’re working with, how celebrities into such are as little as 12 Sam Woolley of the Digital specifically. “It’s not a face an emerging form of much money they’ll pour pornography. But months away. Intelligence Lab at Institute question of if they take disinformation they know into detection, or even say BuzzFeed provided a Jonathon Morgan, the for the Future. This goes action on deepfakes, or if is on the horizon: how many people they’ve glimpse of a possible CEO of New Knowledge, beyond silly GIFs or they begin to moderate this Deepfakes — doctored assigned to figure it out. future in April when it which helps companies satirical videos to more content,” Woolley said. “It’s videos that will eventually None of them offered created a video that fight misinformation troubling content like, say, a question of when. At the fool even the sharpest much more than vague supposedly showed campaigns and has done a faked video of a politician moment, the movement is eyes. As the technology explanations along the Obama mocking Trump, some analysis for CNN, or businessman in a pretty slim.” Infrastructure to to create deepfakes lines of Facebook’s but in reality, Obama’s face sees troll farms using AI to compromising situation, or combat faked videos may advances, experts say, it promise to “protect the was superimposed onto create and deliver fake hoax footage supposedly come from the Pentagon: won’t be long before it’s community from real-world footage of Hollywood videos tailored to social showing soldiers The Defense Advanced used to foment discord or harm.” filmmaker Jordan Peele media users’ specific committing war crimes. Research Projects Agency even affect an election. That’s not to say they using deepfake biases. That’s exactly what “These have potentially is midway through a four- “The opportunity for aren’t working on it at all. technology. the Russian-backed trolls at larger implications for year effort to develop tools malicious liars is going to Facebook, for example, Deepfakes could pose the Internet Research society and democracy,” to identify deepfake videos grow by leaps and said it is collaborating with a greater threat than the Agency did during the last Woolley said. Companies and other doctored images. bounds,” said Bobby academics to see how fake news and presidential election, but like Facebook and Twitter Experts in the field said Chesney, professor and their research might be Photoshopped memes that without the added punch of often argue that they are using algorithms to analyze associate dean of the applied to the platform. littered the 2016 faked video.Aviva Ovadya, platforms, not publishers, biometric data is one University of Texas One researcher told presidential election chief technologist at the and note that Section 230 promising tool. Farm that hired Cristhian Rivera, Mollie Tibbetts' suspected killer, did not use E-Verify system, official says in a cornfield about 12 nor were any grants said Jessica Vaughan, across the street and miles southeast of given. We have found no the director of policy tell them to come back Brooklyn, where she was record in our systems studies for the Center for later,” she said.Rivera’s last seen running. Police indicating he has any Immigration Studies. arrival to the U.S. as a said Rivera was in the lawful immigration While the details teenager has also country illegally and an status." DACA, or regarding how Rivera raised questions about immigration detainer was Deferred Action for may have gamed the if he may have been a placed on him after his Childhood Arrivals, was system remain unclear, so-called “Dreamer,” arrest. Yarrabee Farms instituted during the Vaughan said many of who may have qualified told reporters Rivera Obama administration the cases prosecuted in for the Obama worked at the farm for four and allows some the past have seen an administration's The Mexican national Verify check on suspect years.Lang said earlier immigrants brought to the illegal immigrant simply Deferred Action for accused of murdering Cristhian Rivera, that all documents U.S. illegally as children purchase fraudulent Childhood Arrivals. college student Mollie despite the company's regarding Rivera’s to remain in the country. identities. “There have Vaughan, however, Tibbetts in Iowa last claim earlier in the day employment have been Investigators have said been cases of inmates said it is unlikely month lived in the that it did. turned over to authorities. he arrived to the U.S. selling their identities because to qualify for United States illegally Lang said Rivera Yarrabee Farms is owned illegally from Mexico at because they are DACA, an illegal for several years -- and provided a state-issued by the family of Craig some point between 4 and incarcerated and don’t immigrant child must worked for a farm that photo identification and Lang, the former 7 years ago.A search of need them,” she said. have lived in the U.S. for used Social Security social security card. “We president of the Iowa Iowa court records In one at least five years before Administration data in learned that our Farm Bureau and a revealed no prior criminal Massachusetts case, a 2012. If Rivera arrived in part to vet potential employee was not who he former GOP primary history for Rivera, and it's hiring manager actually 2011 – the earliest employees, according said he is.” candidate to be Iowa's unclear whether he'd ever had an agreement with officials believed he to officials there. Rivera, 24, was Secretary of Agriculture. been subject to prior an identity vendor could have crossed the However, Yarrabee arrested and charged United States Citizenship deportationacross the street who border from Mexico – he Farms co-owner and with first-degree murder and Immigration Services proceedings.Identity fraud would help any illegal would not have fit the manager Dane Lang Tuesday after the body of told Fox News: "A search is the most common way immigrant receive an criteria. USCIS officials clarified Wednesday Tibbetts, a 20-year-old of records by USCIS illegal immigrants and identity that would pass have not confirmed any afternoon that the farm University of Iowa revealed Rivera did not "unscrupulous employers" muster, Vaughan said. possible DACA status did not use a federal E- student, was discovered make any DACA requests try to thwart the system, “They would send them for Rivera. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 SPECIAL FEATURE 17 Being indicted isn’t Donald Trump’s problem. Impeachment might be. the law and testified that he President cannot be Trump’s former campaign will simply let the report did it at the direction of the indicted.”To be clear: There chairman, Manafort, on speak for itself.Assuming President then, well, isn’t is a debate in the legal Tuesday. Then there is the Mueller does that, the Trump in deep community about the political track, which has political track will be the trouble?Probably not. And prohibition on indicting a to date taken a back seat only way in which Trump the reason is that special sitting president, but it to the legal jockeying but could be punished in any counsel Robert Mueller’s seems unlikely Mueller is the far more dangerous meaningful way. To date, office has apparently would push for an path for Trump.At some national Democrats have signaled to the President’s indictment as a direct point in the (relatively?) been reluctant to talk too legal team that they will result of his investigation. near future, Mueller and much about possible abide by longstanding The more likely threat to his team will release the impeachment In the wake of an election to two women — Justice Department Trump — and this is as findings of their probe into proceedings against absolutely stunning 60 porn star Stormy Daniels regulations that stipulate true following the Cohen Russian interference in the Trump — leaving that sort minutes of revelations on and ex-Playboy model that a sitting President plea deal and Paul 2016 election, whether of talk to a small number Tuesday afternoon, you Karen McDougal — in an can’t be indicted. “All Manafort’s conviction as it any collusion between the of ultra-liberal members of might have been tempted effort to keep their they get to do is write a was a week ago — is the Russians and the Trump the party. It remains to be to wonder whether allegations of extramarital report,” Trump lawyer possibility that the House campaign existed and seen whether Tuesday’s President Donald Trump affairs with Trump out of Rudy Giuliani told CNN’s takes up articles of whether Trump obstructed events change the minds was in real legal jeopardy. the press. (In Daniels’ Dana Bash in May. impeachment against him. justice by getting in the of people like House After all, his one-time case, a $130,000 payment “They can’t indict. At Take a step back: This way of the investigation. Minority Leader Nancy personal lawyer Michael was made, which Trump least they acknowledged case has always moved on Is it possible that Mueller Pelosi. But at least one Cohen testified as part of then reimbursed Cohen for, that to us after some two related but not will, contra Giuliani, push somewhat unlikely source a plea agreement in New according to his lawyer.) battling, they identical tracks. There is for Trump to be indicted? believes that the Manafort York City that then- That is a violation of acknowledged that to the legal end of things, I mean, anything is conviction on eight counts candidate Trump had campaign finance laws, us.” which has led to a series possible. But what’s of financial crimes and the “directed” and one of the eight charges On Tuesday night, a of criminal charges out of much more likely is that Cohen plea agreement “coordinated” his efforts to that Cohen pleaded guilty source close to the White the Mueller team and its Mueller — in deference to have put impeachment hide payments discussed to on Tuesday. And so, if House told Fox News’ John most high-profile established Justice very much on the ballot in in the run-up to the 2016 Cohen admitted he broke Roberts, “Remember, the conviction in the form of Department protocols — November. Michael Cohen Says He Arranged Payments Russia is buying lots of gold to Women at Trump’s Direction to shield it from sanctions Michael D. Cohen, Russia has been selling US government President Trump’s former debt and buying gold. A lot of gold. lawyer, made the extraordinary admission in Official data show the worried that sanctions court on Tuesday that Mr. Russian central bank could prevent it from selling Trump had directed him to increased its holdings of US Treasuries in the future arrange payments to two gold by nearly 29 tons in or stop Russian banks women during the 2016 July, the largest monthly from using dollars to campaign to keep them increase since November conduct transactions. from speaking publicly 2017.The central bank "Russia has an interest in about affairs they said they previously added 20 tons in insulating its economy as had with Mr. Trump. Mr. May and 17 tons in June. much as possible from the Cohen acknowledged the Its total holdings of the US dollar in anticipation of illegal payments while precious metal have stronger US sanctions," pleading guilty to breaking increased 37% since the Chausovsky said. campaign finance laws and start of 2016, and are now Finance Minister Anton other charges, a litany of for Mr. Trump — and loyal in his financial fraud trial against Mr. Cohen.” In worth an estimated $76 Siluanov said earlier in crimes that revealed both confidant — described in in Virginia. The special federal court in Manhattan, billion. August that Russia would his shadowy involvement in plain-spoken language counsel, Robert S. Mr. Cohen made the The gold purchases have continue to sell US debt in Mr. Trump’s circle and his how Mr. Trump worked with Mueller III, had built a admission about Mr. coincided with a dramatic response to sanctions. own corrupt business him to cover up a potential case that Mr. Manafort Trump’s role in the reduction in the central "We have significantly dealings. He told a judge sex scandal that Mr. Trump hid millions of dollars in payments to the women — bank's ownership of US reduced our investment in in United States District feared would endanger his foreign accounts to an adult film actress and a government debt, which US assets," Siluanov said. Court in Manhattan that the rising candidacy. Mr. evade taxes and lied to former Playboy playmate plummeted 84% between "In fact, the dollar, which is payments to the women Cohen also pleaded guilty banks to obtain millions — as he pleaded guilty March and May to just considered to be the were made “in coordination to multiple counts of tax of dollars in loans. Mr. to two campaign finance $14.9 billion. Treasuries international currency, with and at the direction of evasion and a single Trump’s lawyers have, crimes.One of those now make up only 17% of becomes a risky tool for a candidate for federal count of bank fraud, for months, said privately charges stemmed from a reserves at Russia's central payments." office,” implicating the capping a monthslong that they considered Mr. $130,000 payment he bank. While it did not respond to president in a federal investigation by Cohen’s case to be made to the actress, Eugene Chausovsky, a request for comment on crime. “I participated in Manhattan federal potentially more Stephanie Clifford, better senior Eurasia analyst at Wednesday, the central this conduct, which on my prosecutors who problematic for the known as Stormy the geopolitical bank has previously said it part took place in examined his personal president than the Daniels, in the run-up to intelligence firm Stratfor, was looking to diversify its Manhattan, for the principal business dealings and investigation by the the 2016 presidential said the gold purchases portfolio. Russia has purpose of influencing the his role in helping to special counsel.But Mr. election. Prosecutors were designed to surged up the list of election” for president in arrange the financial Trump’s lawyer, Rudolph said that Trump decrease Russia's countries with the largest 2016, Mr. Cohen said.The deals with women W. Giuliani, said in a Organization executives exposure to the dollar at gold holdings, surpassing plea represented a pivotal connected to Mr. Trump. statement after Mr. were involved in a time when the China earlier this year, moment in the investigation The plea came shortly Cohen’s plea, “There is no reimbursing Mr. Cohen relationship with the according to the World into the president, and the before another blow to allegation of any for that payment, United States remains Gold Council. The United scene in the Manhattan the president: His former wrongdoing against the accepting his phony tense. States is by far the largest courtroom was striking. Mr. campaign manager, Paul president in the invoices that listed it as Moscow may also be holder of gold with 9,000 Cohen, a longtime lawyer Manafort, was convicted government’s charges a legal expense. tons. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 SPECIAL REPORT 18 All the President’s Crooks One of them, Mr. Trump’s own lawyer, has now implicated him in a crime. separate case next possible ties between about Mr. Trump that he month in Washington, the Trump campaign would choose to lead D.C., on charges and efforts by Russian his campaign someone including money government officials to like Mr. Manafort, whom laundering, witness interfere in the even on Tuesday he tampering, lying to election. But Mr. called a “good man”? It authorities and failing to Mueller’s mandate tells you that Mr. Trump register as a foreign authorized him to is consistent, and agent. Mr. Manafort investigate any other consistently faces many decades crimes that arose in contemptuous of behind bars, although the course of his work. honesty and ethics, he will probably serve It didn’t take long. As because he has less than that under soon as he and his surrounded himself with federal sentencing lawyers started people of weak, if not guidelines.A few sniffing around, the criminal, character hundred miles to the stench of Mr. throughout his north, in New York City, Manafort’s illegality career.While the Michael “I’m going to was overpowering. president has so far mess your life up” As a longtime lobbyist dodged questions about Cohen stood before a and political consultant whether he will pardon From the start of the us that he hires only multiple crimes carrying federal judge and who worked for multiple Mr. Manafort, he’s Russia investigation, the best people. years in prison at the pleaded guilty to Republican candidates already shown a President Trump has same time that his multiple counts of bank and presidents, Mr. willingness to make a been working to On Tuesday afternoon, longtime personal and tax fraud as well as Manafort had a habit of mockery of the justice discredit the work and the American public lawyer pleaded guilty in federal campaign- lying to banks to get system with his the integrity of the was treated to an federal court in New finance violations multimillion-dollar loans pardons of unrepentant special counsel, Robert astonishing split-screen York to his own lengthy involving hush-money and hiding his cash in lawbreakers like Sheriff Mueller; praising men moment involving two of trail of criminality, and payments he made to offshore accounts when Joe Arpaio and Dinesh who are blatant grifters, those people, as Mr. confessed that he had women who said they’d tax time rolled round. In D’Souza. Last year, the cons and crooks; Trump’s former committed at least had sex with Mr. Trump. at least one case, he president’s lawyer insisting that he’s campaign chief was some of the crimes “at Mr. Cohen, who spent falsely characterized dangled the prospect of personally done nothing convicted by a federal the direction of” Mr. years as Mr. Trump’s $1.5 million as a loan to a pardon to lawyers for wrong; and reminding jury in Virginia of Trump himself. personal lawyer and “fix- avoid paying taxes on it, Mr. Manafort and it guy” (his own words), then later told banks Michael Flynn, Mr. Assad may use chemical Let that sink in: Mr. was under investigation that the loan had been Trump’s first national Trump’s own lawyer has by federal prosecutors “forgiven” so he could security adviser. If Mr. now accused him, under in Manhattan, to whom get another loan. He Trump were to follow weapons again: Bolton oath, of committing a Mr. Mueller referred his also enriched himself by through and grant felony. case. In April, F.B.I. working for some of the clemency to Mr. agents raided Mr. world’s most notorious Manafort, it would make Only a complete Cohen’s office, home thugs and autocrats, his pardon of Mr. Arpaio fantasist — that is, only and hotel room looking including Ferdinand look like the signing of President Trump and for evidence of Marcos in the the Civil Rights Act. his cult — could criminality on a number Philippines, Jonas You’re forgiven if continue to claim that of fronts. Apparently Savimbi in Angola and you’ve lost track of all this investigation of they found it. Mr. Cohen Mobutu Sese Seko of the criminality, either foreign subversion of an didn’t agree at Zaire (now called the charged or admitted, American election, Tuesday’s hearing to Democratic Republic of that has burst forth which has already cooperate with Congo). He helped from Mr. Trump’s yielded dozens of other prosecutors, but if he elect the pro-Kremlin circles in the last indictments and several eventually chooses to, Viktor Yanukovych as couple years even as guilty pleas, is a “hoax” that could spell even president of Ukraine, a job Mr. Trump has or “scam” or “rigged bigger trouble for Mr. that earned him millions continued to claim U.S. President Donald may use chemical witch hunt.”The Trump. Mr. Cohen has until Mr. Yanukovych was that the investigation Trump’s National Security weapons again,” he said. conviction of Paul been involved in many of ousted from power in is a hoax, a pointless Adviser warned on “Just so there’s no Manafort, who ran the Mr. Trump’s dealings with 2014. waste of taxpayer Wednesday that the confusion here, if the Trump campaign for Russia, including his Despite this mercenary dollars. So here’s a United States would Syrian regime uses three months in 2016, aborted effort to build a history — or perhaps, brief refresher: respond “very strongly” if chemical weapons we will was a win for Trump Tower in Moscow, more disturbingly, In addition to the Syrian President Bashar respond very strongly and prosecutors even and could shed light on because of it — Donald prosecution of Mr. al-Assad uses chemical they really ought to think though jurors were connections between the Trump, while running on Manafort, the special weapons in an offensive to about this a long time.” unable to reach a Trump presidential promises to clean up counsel’s office has retake Idlib province. “We The northern province of verdict on 10 of the 18 campaign and Russian Washington, hired Mr. secured guilty pleas now see plans for the Idlib is home to the last counts against him. On officials involved in the Manafort to run his from multiple people, Syrian regime to resume major rebel bastion in the other eight, which 2016 election presidential campaign, including Mr. Flynn and offensive military activities Syria. Mr. Bolton also said included bank fraud, tax interference. a job he may well have George Papadopoulos, in Idlib province,” John that the Trump fraud and a failure to But back to Tuesday’s kept but for news a foreign policy adviser Bolton told a press administration was not report a foreign bank news. Mr. Manafort was reports that he was on the Trump conference during a visit to seeking to oust Iran’s account, the jury not an original target of receiving and hiding campaign, both of Jerusalem. “We are leadership with its agreed unanimously the inquiry by Mr. millions of dollars from whom lied to federal obviously concerned about reimposition of sanctions that Mr. Manafort was Mueller, who was his work on behalf of Mr. investigators about their the possibility that Assad on Tehran. guilty. He is scheduled appointed in May of Yanukovych. communications with to go on trial in a last year to look into What does it tell you Russian officials. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 CONTD. 19 India’s rising income inequality India’s top 5% today earn as much as the remaining 95% combined. unreliable since they are based be sure, this is not about politics the nature of contemporary on consumption data and not or economic policies of one economic development models income data. Most of these government versus the other. and excessive financialisation narratives suffer from cognitive India has been experiencing that exacerbate inter-personal dissonance and rigid economic rising income inequality for more income inequality. It is critical dogma. I have shown in my than a decade. High and rising for policymakers to recent work using corporate income inequality is a terribly acknowledge and accept this wage distribution data that worrying phenomenon that phenomenon than defiantly bury income inequality is equally transcends politics. It is perhaps their heads in the sand. more than half of all income tax in context, Gini varies from 25 high between top executives filers earned less than a mere Rs to 40 for OECD countries. Gini and the average worker in Trump’s bad week: President’s 3.5 lakhs. for China is believed to be corporate India. This notion And, these 273 people accounted around 50. By these standards, that there is no concrete men turn against the president for one-fifth of all combined income India is among the most highly evidence for high and rising Press Secretary Sarah presidential bid. The chief of the nearly 50 million taxpayers unequal countries in the world. income inequality in India is Huckabee Sanders, senior financial officer has worked for in 2016. With this dataset, it is In 2013, the top 1% of income nonsensical. There can, of policy adviser Stephen Miller Trump companies since he possible to calculate what tax filers earned 15% of all course, be differing opinions on and chief economic adviser Larry joined the president’s father, percentage of people earned what income but by 2016, they earned the causes of such high income Kudlow. While they snacked on Fred Trump, in the 1970s as an percentage of the total income in a 45% of all income. Put another inequality and policy measures homemade cakes and chatted, accountant, and is a rich given year. Gini coefficient, the way, in today’s India, roughly needed to tackle them. But it is the staffers welcomed a surprise repository of knowledge of the globally used statistical measure the top 5% earn as much as the entirely foolhardy to believe that visit from the president, who family company. The possibility of income inequality, is typically remaining 95% combined. inequality is either not high or delivered a speech and made of him answering questions from derived using such income India is experiencing the twin not rising rapidly or is not a jokes, acting like nothing was investigators poses a new distribution data. shocks of high levels of income problem in India. wrong and winning cheers from danger for the president as Hence, it is possible to calculate inequality and a rapidly widening The stubborn few may still aides as he left. Still, the week’s federal prosecutors in the broad Gini coefficient for pace of such inequality. contest these findings from the developments brought the Washington and Manhattan India’s taxpayers too, using this These findings are based on CBDT dataset on grounds that investigations up to the doorstep dig deeper into Trump’s CBDT dataset. Surely, it is then publicly available income data of this data represents only 50 of Trump Tower — a place that business affairs. A year possible to glean insights on roughly 50 million taxpayers, million Indians and not the entire Trump has warned Mueller is a ago, Trump told The New recent income inequality trends released by the income tax population. These 50 million no-go. York Times that Mueller from this dataset? department. This should have taxpayers are presumably Weisselberg, the 71- would be crossing a “red Analysis of the CBDT dataset ideally neither been revelatory among the highest income year-old Trump Organization line” if he began to look at reveals that the Gini coefficient nor new. If this is not evidence earners in India. It will be silly CFO, is intimately familiar with Trump’s and his family’s for India in 2013 was 48, and of high levels and rising trends to argue that all of the remaining Trump’s business dealings, finances unrelated to Russia. rose to 63 by 2016, a 15 of income inequality in India, 800 million adults are also high- having overseen his corporate Asked if he would fire Mueller if percentage point jump in just then what is? income earners who are simply ledgers through his rise in the that were to happen, Trump three years. Yet, opinion pages are filled with dodging income taxes and thus, New York real estate world and responded, “I can’t, I can’t A Gini of 0 means perfect narratives about how there is no left out of this dataset which his international dealings in the answer that question because I equality and 100 means evidence of India’s inequality and skews the Gini calculations. To years before he launched his don’t think it’s going to happen.” absolute inequality. To put this that, all past findings are Google’s data collection is hard to escape, study claims His report, released Tuesday, publishers, including CNN.) “This Google Takeout tools, as well as actively provide when they type interests, the better it can target outlines a myriad ways the quantifies and kind of establishes the company’s privacy polices something into Google Search or ads. Most people have long since company amasses information a baseline of, ‘Here is everything and previous research on the seek directions on Maps. But accepted that using Google’s about the billions of people who Google is doing.’” According to topic. The researchers claims Google collected two-thirds of its suite of free products means use the world’s leading search the 55-page report, Google is that almost every move you data without any input at all from turning over your data. And the engine, web browser, and mobile doing a lot. “This report is make online is collected and users in the researchers report stops short of outlining operating system, not to mention commissioned by a professional collated, from your morning experiment. The Android mobile effective tactics for increasing products like Gmail, platforms DC lobbyist group, and written by routine (such as music tastes, operating system, Chrome web your privacy. Google’s own like YouTube, and products like a witness for Oracle in their route to work, and news browser, applications like Search settings don’t necessarily stop Nest. Although the report doesn’t ongoing copyright litigation with preferences) to errands (including and Maps, and publisher tools collection. A recent investigation contain any bombshells, it Google. So, it’s no surprise that calendar appointments, like Google Analytics and by the Associated Press found presents an overview of Google’s it contains wildly misleading webpages visited, and purchases AdWords can glean information that the company continued to efforts to learn as much as information,” said a Google made). “At the end of the day, from web searches, map record location data even after a possible about people. And it spokesperson. Google collects Google identified user interests inquiries, and other online user disables the Location comes at a time of heightened far more data than Facebook, with remarkable accuracy,” the activities without you knowing — History option. Google said the concern about how much according to the report, and it is report states. Google can collect or controlling — it, claims the data is used to improve services, information tech companies the world’s largest digital data even if you aren’t using your study. Google has said in the but has updated the wording of collect, what they do with it, and advertising company. Its vast phone. The study says that a past it uses much of that data to the setting to make it clear that how they secure it. Google has portfolio of services, from Android dormant Android phone with improve its products. The location information is still largely escaped the public and to Google Search to Chrome to Chrome running in the information can lead to more collected. Switching from Android regulatory backlash directed at Google Pay, create a firehose of background sent location data to relevant search results, for to an iOS device can minimize Facebook. “There’s been a lot of data.Professor Douglas Schmidt Google servers 340 times in one example. But it also uses much the data collected, according to attention obviously on Facebook and his team intercepted data as 24-hour period. The study claims of the information to more researchers. They say an iOS in light of Cambridge Analytica,” it was transmitted from Android 11.6 MB of data passed between effectively deliver ads, which device does not typically send said Jason Kint, CEO of Digital smartphones to Google servers. an Android device and Google’s accounted for 86% of Google’s location data to the company Content Next, which published They also examined the servers after a day of “typical” revenue in the second quarter of unless using a Google product the study. (DCN is a trade information Google provides internet use. The torrent of data this year. The more information or visiting a website that uses organization representing media users in its My Activity and includes information people it has about someone’s Google tracking tools. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 CONTD 20 BJP will fall short of majority if elections are held today Surprisingly, the Mood of the will get five per cent less – emerged as the clear Arvind Kejriwal were ranked Among the ministers in the Nation (MOTN) Survey, at 31 per cent. Here too, the favourite to be the next third and fourth. An Narendra Modi cabinet, Arun which was conducted survey says that ‘others’ will prime minister. His overwhelming 49 per cent of Jaitley has emerged as the between July 18 to July 29, manage to get more vote popularity of 49 per cent is the respondents believe that best performer, according to shows that 'others' will have share than UPA at 33 per followed by that of the Opposition unity would the survey. Rajnath Singh a major bearing on the 2019 cent. Congress chief Rahul translate into an electoral and Sushma Swaraj follow general elections and will In the 2014 elections, BJP Gandhi at 27 per cent. alliance against BJP in the close behind while Nitin bag around 140 seats. won 282 seats with just 31 However, three per cent of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Gadkari and Nirmala The Bharatiya Janata Paty per cent of the votes. The voters want Priyanka Moreover, the India Today poll Sitharaman rank fourth and (BJP), which won the Lok NDA’s combined vote share Gandhi as their PM. None shows Rahul Gandhi is the fifth, respectively. Sabha elections in 2014 with was 38.5 per cent and the of the BJP leaders feature in best person to lead such an Unemployment, price rise, and a majority on its own, would UPA’s was just under 23 per the top three list of best chief alliance. However, in the corruption remain the three fall short of the magic cent. That leaves out nearly ministers in the Mood of the case of a non-BJP, non- biggest issues of concern for number if elections were 39 per cent — or a chunk Nation survey. While TMC Congress front, Mamata Indians. Unemployment tops conducted today, a survey roughly equal to the NDA’s supremo Mamata Banerjee Banerjee has the upper the list and 34 per cent of the conducted by India Today- — for all others. According topped the poll, Bihar CM hand to lead the alliance, respondents feel it is a burning Karvy Insights shows. The to the survey, Narendra Modi Nitish Kumar and Delhi CM according to the survey. issue. Mood of the Nation (MOTN) Survey reveals the NDA will manage to win only 281 Clear and present warning: Kerala floods match climate change forecasts seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha, while the Congress, The monsoon rains that same time, “our recent “If we continue with half its population by 2050,” along with its present allies, pounded Kerala dumped two- research shows a three-fold current levels of emissions -- the World Bank said in a will secure only 122 seats. and-a-half times the normal increase in widespread which is not unlikely -- we will statement. Surprisingly the survey, amount of water across the extreme rains during 1950- have unmanageable risks,” she The 196-nation Paris climate which was conducted state last week. Once-a- 2017, leading to large-scale told AFP.The weather patterns treaty calls for capping between July 18 to July 29, century rains that have flooding,” he told AFP. Across behind these destructive global warming at “well shows that ‘others’ will have pounded Kerala and displaced India, flooding caused by downpours are well understood, below” 2 C (3.6 F), and 1.5 a major bearing on the 2019 1.3 million people are in line heavy monsoons rainfall even if the fingerprint of global C if possible. general elections and will with the predictions of climate claimed 69,000 lives and left warming is still hard to But voluntary national bag around 140 seats. scientists, who warn that 17 million people without distinguish from what pledges to reduce In the 2014 Lok Sabha worse is to come if global homes over the same period, scientists call “natural greenhouse gas emissions, elections, BJP crossed the 272-mark comfortably on its warming continues unabated. according to a study he co- variability”. Rapid warming in even if respected, would still own, winning 282 seats, a The monsoon rains upon which authored, published last year the Arabian Sea and nearby see temperatures rise at gain of 166 from the previous farmers in Kerala depend for in Nature Communications.In landmass causes monsoon least 3 C. election. The NDA had a total their food and livelihoods Kerala, all 35 of the state’s winds to fluctuate and intensify Flooding is not the only of 336 seats in the Lower dumped two-and-a-half times major reservoirs were brimming for short spans of three-to-four problem India’s burgeoning - House of the Parliament. For the normal amount of water with rain water by August 10, days, Koll explained. - and highly vulnerable -- the Congress, it was one of across the state last week, forcing local authorities to open During those periods, population will face as a their worst defeat and according to meteorologists. It the sluice gates on the Idukki moisture from the Arabian Sea consequence of global managed to win a paltry 44 is difficult to attribute any Dam for the first time in 26 is dumped inland. warming. seats with just 19 per cent single extreme weather event years. “These floods that we South Asia’s ‘hotspots’ “What we will see with vote share. -- such as the Kerala flooding are seeing in Kerala right now “Over the last decade, due to climate change in India is The Mood of the Nation -- to climate change, said Roxy are basically in line with climate change, the that the wet season is going (MOTN) Survey further predicts that the NDA will Mathew Koll, a climate climate projections,” said Kira overheating of landmass leads to be wetter and the dry garner 36 per cent of the scientist at the Indian Institute Vinke, a scientist at the to the intensification of season drier,” said Vinki. total votes, while the UPA of Tropical Meteorology in Potsdam Institute for Climate monsoon rainfalls in central “Already we are observing Pashan, near Mumbai. At the Impact Research in Germany. and southern India,” said that the monsoon is monsoon expert Elena becoming harder to predict Surovyatkina, a professor at with traditional methods.”If Indians 3rd largest group affected the Russian Academy of man-made carbon emissions Sciences, and a senior continue unabated, some by UK’s immigration scandal scientist at PIK. regions in northeast India The changes observed so far could literally become “The experiences faced by some members of stayed here permanently but were unable to have occurred after an increase unlivable by the end of the the ‘Windrush’ generation are completely un- demonstrate their continuous residence here in Earth’s average surface century due to a deadly acceptable and I am committed to righting the and were either detained or removed. The group temperature of only one degree combination of heat and wrongs of the past,” said Javid, who was born referred to as the ‘Windrush generation’ relates Celsius (1.8 degrees humidity during heatwaves, to Pakistani-origin parents in the UK. He also to a ship named ‘Windrush’, which brought Ja- Fahrenheit) above pre- recent research has committed to making a formal apology to 18 maican workers to UK shores in 1948. The industrial levels. On current projected. Indeed, larges members of the ‘Windrush’ generation from the scandal emerged as many who arrived as chil- trends, India’s average swathes of south Asia, Caribbean, who it is believed could have been dren around that period were struggling to ac- annual temperatures are set including the Ganges- wrongfully removed or detained. He said: “I cess state services or even threatened with de- to rise 1.5 C to 3 C Brahmaputra Basin, could would like to personally apologise to those iden- portation because they did not possess any compared to that benchmark approach the threshold for tified in our review and am committed to pro- documents to prove they arrived in Britain be- by mid-century, according to survivability outdoors. viding them with the support and compensa- fore 1973. In his letter dated August 21 to a World Bank report entitled Coastal cities, meanwhile, are tion they deserve. “We must do everything we HASC Chair, Labour MP Yvette Cooper, Javid “South Asia’s Hotspots”. especially vulnerable to sea can to ensure that nothing like this happens highlights that the ‘Windrush’ cases expose “If no corrective measures level rise, driven by melting ice again – which is why I have asked an indepen- problems which have happened over many are taken, changing rainfall sheets and expanding ocean dent adviser to look at what lessons we can years, under multiple governments and calls patterns and rising water, on the one hand, and learn from Windrush”. The Home Office said for a “cross party-approach” to ensure the temperatures will cost India subsidence due to over- that its evidence suggests the 18 people came wrongs which some members of the ‘Windrush’ 2.8% of its GDP and will development and the depletion to the UK from the Caribbean before 1973 and generation have faced are put right. drag down living standards of of water tables, on the other. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 BUSINESS 21 Deal-hungry investment bankers walk Tesla tightrope

(Insider Bureau) Tesla Inc role, are disclosed. will offer them of “rolling” minefield.If the deal was decade, leading Tesla’s grabs is the financial Chief Executive Elon “Given the size of a deal, their stakes and continue structured like a leveraged initial public offering in advisory mandate to be Musk’s contemplated $72 the company’s debt to be investors in a private buyout, advisers to Tesla 2010. Goldman Sachs awarded by Tesla’s billion take-private deal is capacity and cash flow, company, rather than cash could earn $90 million to declined to comment. special committee. presenting investments bankers seem similarly out. $120 million in fees, while Morgan Stanley equity Evercore Partners Inc , bankers with a dilemma: chary about this deal Musk also said that Saudi advisers to Musk’s investor research analysts said on which advised Tesla two heed concerns about how happening anytime soon,” Arabia’s PIF, which group would earn $30 Tuesday they had ceased years ago in its $2.6 feasible it is or risk missing said Stefan Selig, a former became a Tesla million to $50 million, and coverage of Tesla, and billion acquisition of out on what could be this top Bank of America Corp shareholder earlier this debt financing fees could sources confirmed that the renewable energy company year’s biggest and most banker who is the founder year with a stake of just reach $500 million, bank was also close to SolarCity and is also high-profile acquisition. of financial and strategic under 5 percent, could according to estimates being hired by Musk. Tesla advising PIF on its potential Musk did not just catch advisory firm BridgePark help him fund the cash from financial advisory firm has declined to comment investment in Lucid Motors, investors and analysts off Advisors LLC, which is not portion of the deal, through Freeman & Co.However, if on the matter. This is is one of the banks vying to guard earlier this month by involved in the deal. sources close to the the Tesla deal is done with despite Morgan Stanley advise Tesla’s special announcing on Twitter he Bankers aspiring to advise secretive sovereign wealth equity partners and little currently advising committee, according to the was considering taking the on the deal are courting fund have played down that debt, as Musk envisions, aspiring Tesla rival Lucid sources. Evercore declined U.S. electric car maker Musk and Tesla’s special prospect. the fees would be Motors Inc on attracting to comment.Other private. He also sent board committee that will TROPHY DEAL substantially lower, according a potential investment investment banks vying for shockwaves throughout independently consider the There is no precedent for to Freeman, making it more from PIF, sources told the Tesla special the investment banking merits of Musk’s expected major institutional of a trophy rather than a Reuters. Morgan Stanley committee financial world, which reacted to the offer.Working for Musk shareholders and lucrative assignment for has been a top financier advisory role include news with both excitement could also come with thousands of mom-and- bankers.Last week, of Tesla over the years, Centerview Partners, and bewilderment. reputational risk, given that pop investors rolling their bankers at Goldman Sachs making it a prime Lazard Ltd , Moelis & Co, This is because no the U.S. Securities and stakes in a transaction of Group Inc decided to take the candidate to arrange any and Perella Weinberg company of Tesla’s size Exchange Commission is this size, and legal experts plunge by offering to advise debt financing needed, Partners LP, according to has ever been taken private investigating the factual have warned that carrying Musk. Goldman bankers the sources said. Morgan the sources. The banks by financial investors as accuracy of his assertion this out would require have had close ties with Stanley declined to did not respond to Musk has suggested, as on Twitter that funding for navigating a regulatory him for more than a comment. Still up for requests for comment. opposed to being acquired the deal was secured, by a bigger company. sources have said. Moreover, the standard However, many bankers Organ-allocation lawsuits spurring changes in NY method of doing so, said this would not be a More than 9,400 New Yorkers remain wait-listed for organ transplants saddling the company with deterrent given the debt in a so-called magnitude of the potential (Insider Bureau) Wilnelia organ-allocation equity for leveraged buyout, is not an deal. Cruz was just a baby when a number of years. This is option for Tesla given that “That’s likely not enough to she contracted a serious not a new problem; it is is already servicing a debt color a banker’s view on liver illness through a blood actually quite an old mountain of some $11 whether or not there is an transfusion. Now with two problem with the law not billion and is not making opportunity, said Ted children of her own, she being followed," said Laura any money. It reported an Smith, a co-founder and has been on the liver- Alfredo, senior vice operating loss in 2017 of partner of Union Square transplant waiting list since president and general $1.6 billion. Advisors, a technology January 2017. counsel at GNYHA. Debate over the deal’s boutique investment bank. Cruz is one of six plaintiffs More than 9,400 New feasibility has polarized Union Square is not trying named in a lawsuit filed this Yorkers remain wait-listed bankers. During one to win a role in the Tesla summer over liver- for organ transplants, organs are doled out, nonprofit that focuses on conference call at an deal. allocation policies. She according to OPTN data. experts say. organ donation in New investment bank last week, Musk, who owns about a lives in New York City and Motty Shulman, a New "Whether there is one liver York. discussion on whether the fifth of Tesla, said in a blog lacks the financial means York–based partner at or kidney or 1,000, Even before the lawsuit is deal represented a major post https://bit.ly/2B9n7Ea to travel outside the area Boies Schiller Flexner, filed everyone should have the adjudicated, it already has opportunity or a fools’ last week the effective size to transplant centers that the lawsuit July 13 on same opportunity or produced results that have errand degenerated into a of the deal would be much historically have had much behalf of Cruz and five other chance for a life-saving pleased the Greater New shouting match, according smaller than the $72 billion shorter wait times, liver-transplant candidates organ," said Dr. Sander York Hospital Association, to one of the bankers who equity valuation of his offer, according to the suit. For from New York as well as Florman, director of the which is providing financial provided the details on because, according to his Cruz and other patients in California and Recanati/Miller support to the plaintiffs' condition that neither he estimate, two-thirds of the dire need of a new liver, Massachusetts, two other Transplantation Institute at case. nor the bank, which company’s shareholders litigation challenging states that have historically Mount Sinai and board "As an organization, we've decided not to pursue a would choose the option he allocation policies may seen long wait times for drastically change the way chair of LiveOnNY, a worked on this issue of organs. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 HEALTH & FITTNESS 22 Consuming soy, broccoli, kale may help cut side effects of breast cancer treatment The findings, led by researchers from Georgetown University, showed that intake of cruciferous vegetables and soy foods were associated with fewer reports of menopausal symptoms. patients often experience may be the source of the lead author Sarah included 173 non- hot flushes and night benefit, the researchers Oppeneer Nomura from the Hispanic white and 192 sweats, among other side said. While isoflavones University’s Georgetown Chinese Americans. effects that are commonly bind to oestrogen Lombardi Comprehensive Women who consumed post menopause. The receptors and exert weak Cancer Center. “These more soy foods also findings, led by researchers oestrogenic effects, symptoms can adversely showed suggestive from Georgetown glucosinolates in impact survivors’ quality of associations with lower University, showed that cruciferous vegetables life and can lead them to reporting of other intake of cruciferous influence levels of stopping ongoing symptoms, including vegetables and soy foods metabolising enzymes that treatments,” Nomura said. joint problems, hair were associated with fewer can modulate inflammation “Understanding the role of thinning/loss and reports of menopausal and levels of oestrogen, life style factors is memory, but these (News Agencies) researchers say. symptoms.Higher soy possibly attenuating important because diet can associations did not Consuming soy foods such Treatments designed to intake was also associated treatment-related serve as a modifiable target reach statistical as soy milk and tofu and prevent breast cancer with less reported fatigue. symptoms.The study for possibly reducing significance. Thus, until cruciferous vegetables recurrence often inhibit the Phytochemicals, or addresses an important symptoms among breast more study is conducted, such as cabbages, kale body’s production or use of bioactive food gap in research on the cancer survivors,” she breast cancer patients should and broccoli may help oestrogen -- the hormone components, such as possible role of lifestyle added. For the study, not suddenly start eating soy, reduce common side that can fuel breast cancer isoflavones in soy foods factors, such as dietary published in Breast if they have not consumed it effects of treatment in growth. and glucosinolates in habits, in relation to side Cancer Research and before, the researchers breast cancer survivors, As a result, such cruciferous vegetables effects of treatments, said Treatment, the team warned. Cholesterol alert: 50% of middle-aged Self control: Mindful yoga individuals have hardened arteries can help troubled youth A high level of so-called “bad reduce risky behaviours cholesterol” is the main reason why In spite of early life stressors, positive coping apparently healthy individuals suffer behaviours, either learned or self-generated, heart attacks or strokes in middle age. can actually have a protective effect. (News Agencies) Half of middle-aged people who (News Agencies) public health researcher at “We found that many of if directed through prosocial are normal weight and don’t smoke or have Practising mindfulness- UC, spent 12 months these youths who had behaviours like sports, yoga diabetes may have clogged arteries, researchers based yoga can help young focusing on early life endured stressful life or healthy competition it said Thursday, urging stronger measures to lower people, who are dealing stressors as a predictor of events and otherwise would can have very positive cholesterol. A high level of so-called “bad with stressful situations like risky sexual behaviour, have fallen into the risky outcomes. cholesterol,” or LDL-C, is the main reason why exposure to violence and substance abuse and behaviour trap could Dariotis found that at- apparently healthy individuals suffer heart attacks family disruption, avoid delinquency for more than actually have positive risk youth who voluntarily or strokes in middle age, said the report in the turning to negative, risky 125 at-risk youths. outcomes later in life spend their time reading Journal of the American College of Cardiology behaviours, scientists say. Dariotis found a small because they chose to join books, playing sports or (JACC). “Atherosclerotic plaques are present in Researchers from the number of the youths were in prosocial physical engaged in avoidance 50 % of middle-aged individuals (40-54 years old) University of Cincinnati (UC) already engaging in activities, yoga or coping behaviours were in the US looked at the link constructive coping mindfulness meditation,” twice as likely to avoid risky with no classical cardiovascular risk factors,” between stressful life behaviours on their own that said Dariotis. sexual behaviours or said the study. The report was based on nearly events and an increase in will have positive outcomes “We took a holistic substance abuse. 1,800 people who had no classical risk factors substance abuse, risky later in life. The study approach, looking at these An example of for heart disease or stroke. sexual behaviours and revealed that in spite of issues from a social and avoidance coping LDL cholesterol was the top predictor of arteries delinquency in a diverse early life stressors, positive biological perspective,” she behaviours, she says, is that were in the process of hardening, but had population of 18- to 24-year- coping behaviours, either said. not thinking about a bad not yet caused a health crisis. “Even in people old youths. learned or self-generated, Testosterone can be event that had occurred and with optimal blood pressure, blood sugar, and total As part of a 10-year can actually have a influential in dominance and instead, thinking about cholesterol, we detected an independent study, Jacinda Dariotis, protective effect. aggressive behaviours, but what could be better. association between the level of circulating LDL- C and the presence and extent of subclinical Environment matters: Living in cold atherosclerosis,” said study co-author Javier Sanz of Spain’s Centro Nacional de Investigaciones regions may put you at higher risk of cancer Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC).Current (News Agencies) People who live “The findings of this study provide on the effect of low temperatures, guidelines from the US National Cholesterol in cold regions may be at an evidence that genetic variants found either within Arctic/Scandinavian Education Program describe LDL-C levels that are increased risk of developing cancer, to be beneficial in extreme climates or high altitudes.Their above 160 mg/dL as “high.” Those from 130 mg/ a study has found. According to the environments, can also predispose analyses focused on the relationship dL to 159 mg/dL are considered “borderline high.” study, populations living in very low for cancer,” said Konstantinos between cancer risk and local Experts should consider lowering these temperatures, like in Denmark and Voskarides, from the University of average annual temperatures. They thresholds to improve population health, the Norway, had among the highest Cyprus. concluded that the extremely cold researchers argue. incidences of cancer in the world. “Cell resistance at low environment contributed to the “Although the absence of classical cardiovascular In the study published in the temperatures and at high altitude cancer risk. For the study, they risk factors is linked to a low risk of journal Molecular Biology and probably increases the probability carefully examined the data of cardiovascular events, people in this situation still Evolution, researchers suggest for malignancy. This effect hardly worldwide cancer incidence. They that there is an evolutionary could be filtered out by natural probed the available literature have heart attacks and strokes,” said lead author relationship between adaptation at selection since most cancers bibliographic cancer incidence and Leticia Fernandez-Friera. “We therefore need to extreme environmental conditions appear later on in age after most genetic data for human populations define new markers of early atherosclerosis in - like cold and high altitude - and people have their children,” said living at extreme cold and extreme these apparently healthy individuals.” increased cancer risk in humans. Voskarides. Researchers focused high-altitudes. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 LIFESTYLE 23 Dehydration can affect your brain, make it tough to perform simple tasks Dehydration is bad for your health as it alters the human brain shape and activity and even slackens simple task performance. (Insider Bureau) According whether exercise and heat dehydrated test subjects to a recent study, stress alone have an may not have had much to dehydration alters the impact on your cognitive do with their deeper human brain shape and function and study the slumps in task activity and even slackens effect of dehydration on top performance. task performance. A of that,” said Mindy Millard- “The structural changes Georgia Institute of Stafford, the study’s were remarkably Technology study principal investigator. consistent across suggests that when In the experiments, when individuals,” said Millard- dehydration strikes, part of participants exercised, Stafford. “But performance the brain can swell, neural sweated and drank water, differences in the tasks signalling can intensify, fluid-filled spaces called could not be explained by and doing monotonous ventricles in the centre of changes in the size of Matt Wittbrodt. “We think punch a button every time elaborate tasks and strip tasks can get harder. their brains contracted. But those brain areas.” the latter may be in a yellow square appeared cognition down to simple The researchers also found with exertion plus “The areas in the brain response to the on a monitor. Sometimes, motor output,” Wittbrodt that even without dehydration, the ventricles required for doing the task physiological state: the the square appeared in a said. “It was designed to dehydration, exertion and did the opposite; they appeared to activate more body signalling, ‘I’m regular pattern, and hit essential neural heat put a dent in test expanded. Functional intensely than before, and dehydrated’.” The task the sometimes it appeared processing one would use subjects’ performance, but magnetic resonance also, areas lit up that were subjects completed was randomly. The task was to make straightforward, water loss made the dent imaging (fMRI) revealed the not necessarily involved in mindless and repetitive. dull for a reason. “It helped repetitive movements.” The about twice as deep. “We differences. Oddly, the completing the task,” said For 20 straight minutes, us to avoid the cognitive study has been published in wanted to tease out ventricle expansion in the study’s first author they were expected to complexity behind Physiological Reports. Mental health issues don’t ruin teenagers’ friendships Teenagers with similar levels of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are more likely to remain friends, a new study has found. not necessarily ruin Journal of Research on teenage friendships. In suggesting that chances of making and Adolescence, the team most respects, boys and dissimilarity on maintaining worthwhile included 397 adolescents girls did not differ in the submissiveness may be friendships,” he added. (194 boys, 203 girls) in 499 factors that predicted a liability when it comes Youth who resembled one same-sex friendships, who friendship instability. to the activities that another were more likely were followed from grade However, one notable many boys prefer such to remain friends from one seven (median age 13), exception was — as sports and games,” (Insider Bureau) Teenagers takeaway from our study is year to the next. through to the end of high differences on Laursen said. with similar levels of that children’s personal “Behavioural similarity is school in grade 12. They submissiveness increased “Compared to boys, girls tend mental health issues, such struggles need not tremendously important to examined the degree to friendship instability for boys, to favour extended dyadic as anxiety and depression, adversely impact their a friendship. Shared which internalising but decreased friendship exchanges, and so they are more likely to remain social relationships,” said feelings and shared symptoms — anxiety, instability for girls. may respond to submissive friends, but dissimilarites Brett Laursen, Professor at experiences are the glue depression, social “Compared with girls, boys behaviour with support and can create incidence the Florida Atlantic that holds a friendship withdrawal and are more competitive and empathy, which may instability, a new study has University (FAU). together,” Laursen said. For submissiveness — confrontational in strengthen friendship ties,” found. “An important “Mental health issues do the study, published in the predicted the dissolution of interactions with friends, he noted. Raksha Bandhan 2018, 6 unique and useful gift ideas for your loving sister This Raksha Bandhan 2018, move over chocolates and personalised mugs. From fitness classes to safety kids, we’ve put together a list of super useful (and affordable) gifts you can buy for your sister. (Insider Bureau) Raksha minute gifting ideas, we’ve country like ours. All the 899. Bandhan celebrates the got you sorted. These gifts items are available on Personal assistant beautiful bond between a are not only affordable but Amazon.com. Price Gift your sister an brother and sister. The will be super useful to your range:?Rs 199 - Rs 599. Amazon Echo or a ritual involves sisters tying sister. Gifts of fitness Google Home. Even the a rakhi (sacred A safety kit This could be the best gift basic versions are thread)?around their Keep the true spirit of for your sister, something pretty helpful to brother’s wrist. In return, Raksha Bandhan alive by that she will cherish for a schedule brothers promise to take gifting your sister this DIY lifetime. You can gift your appointments, play care of their sisters. safety kit. Buy a pepper sister a fitness pass via songs and listen to This year, Raksha spray, a small torch and a Guavapass and let her pick commands. Available Bandhan 2018 will be self defence alarm. Put the activities she wishes to on Amazon.com and celebrated on 26th August these together in a box and try. Currently, this pass is Flipkart.com 2018, Sunday. So, if you it will make an ideal gift for available only in Mumbai. respectively. Price are looking for some last your sister, especially in a Price:?Starting from Rs range: Rs 4,099. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 24 Sushmita Sen, Neha Dhupia, Kajol’s perfect black dresses Sushmita Sen, Karisma Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Priyanka Chopra, Sonakshi Sinha, Kajol, Rani Mukerji and Konkona Sensharma are this week’s best-dressed celebrities. They prove black looks good on anyone, regardless of shape, size or age.

(Insider Bureau) This week’s they picked one of our favourite Chopra, Kajol, Rani Mukerji and best-dressed celebrities, style staples: All-black, which Konkona Sensharma are proof. without a go-to black look, investment before all of the including actors Neha Dhupia, makes a chic-yet-effortless outfit Confused about the dress code which is why we’ve compiled a parties and get-togethers you’ve Sonakshi Sinha, Sushmita Sen choice every single time.Hunting of the party? Wear a little black list of eight best black celebrity got are coming up — because and Karisma Kapoor prove a down the very best black outfit dress à la Karisma Kapoor. looks you can get inspired from whether it’s long-sleeve, mini, black dress is perfect for every you can find is like discovering Attending a party as a plus-one? when you want to make a maxi or ethnic Indian, an all- event on the calendar. It seems your very own holy grail. It can Your black gown is there for you, statement, for special black look will always be chic. these celebs know the struggle save you from numerous sartorial just ask Neha Dhupia. occasions and for when you just Ahead, see what the most of searching for the perfect going- disasters, it goes with everything What we’re saying is have nothing else to wear. So stylish celebrities wore this week out outfit all too well, which is why and it always flatters. Priyanka that no wardrobe is complete hurry up and make an and how to recreate their looks:

When Alia Bhatt wore the same bold and quirky dress as Janhvi Kapoor Alia Bhatt rocked Priyanka Chopra’s engagement party in a Rs 47,000 gown embroidered with magical stars and moon motifs, which we first saw on Janhvi Kapoor in Vogue India’s cover shoot.

(Insider Bureau) Alia Bhatt’s dress at coordinating it with strappy nude Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s heels, a Stella McCartney clutch bag, engagement on Saturday night had an minimal make-up and a soft-waves almost out-of-this-world vibe. Proving hairdo.If you’re all about pushing the a bit of out-there madness can be fashion envelope, and simply can’t wearable, Alia showed off her love for wait to recreate Alia’s look, we did a quirky, bold prints in this arty, star little digging and found that Dhadak and moon print Cinq à Sept gown (Rs star Janhvi Kapoor has worn the exact 47,000):Alia’s layered navy dress same Cinq à Sept dress. Ahead get a featured an embroidered ruffle skirt glimpse of Janhvi’s whimsical look with sheer details, spaghetti straps, from her first ever magazine photo a plunging v-neck and a v-back and shoot in Vogue India’s June issue.But fit the celestial theme, which happens Janhvi went another route: Unlike Alia, to be a current fashion trend: Once in she styled the dress with a contrasting a while, there comes a motif that white vest from Dsquared2, no catches on like wildfire in the fashion accessories necessary. A totally world, and right now the star-print can unique look, only Janhvi could pull off. be seen everywhere. Ruffles are Are we really surprised? Janhvi is another major hit this year and an constantly wearing stylish new pieces easy way to make more of a we can’t wait to get our hands on. If statement. Alia’s dress proved exactly you haven’t seen her 23 best Dhadak how they can add a romantic touch film promotion outfits (sunny maxi to any outfit. Alia left the lovely silk dresses to cute ruffle minis), now is dress to steal the spotlight by the time. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 25 Shah Rukh Khan made me so comfortable, I found a brother in him: Zero director Aanand L Rai In an exclusive conversation with indianexpress.com, filmmaker Aanand L Rai said that while Zero is a big budget film, it also has a big beautiful heart. (Insider Bureau) Filmmaker Interestingly, Aanand first Aanand L Rai has been worked with Jimmy some 11 supporting small budget films for years ago when he made his a while now. Be it Nil Battey directorial debut with a film titled Sannata or Shubh Mangal Stranger. Saavdhan, these films have “I have a professional been able to make a mark. Now, relationship with many but with the producer is backing two Jimmy it’s personal. I feel interesting projects this year – fortunate and happy that we Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi and have been together for over a Manmarziyaan. In a decade not just for work but also conversation with maintained the relationship of indianexpress.com, Aanand friendship. So, happy that I’ve spoke about the need to support found a friend in this industry,” small budget films and his Aanand L Rai said while talking upcoming Shah Rukh Khan about his journey with Jimmy starrer Zero. Shergill. “When I listen to When indianexpress.com asked stories, I never decide if it’s a about his bond with Shah Rukh small, medium or big budget a cup of coffee. So, the middle- When quizzed if he considers (Zero) has been a fun and Khan, he was quick to tag the film. I feel it is need of the hour. class thinking is letting me enjoy his upcoming and much- emotional journey for me. You superstar as his brother. The The reason to make a film is its filmmaking a bit more than usual. awaited directorial Zero a big can say it is a big budget film filmmaker also added, “He is the story. I decide on the story and When you make a big budget budget film, Aanand said, “Zero but it also has a big beautiful most obedient actor I have ever then on the budget,” the director film, back of your mind you definitely is a big budget film but heart.” seen. He makes you extremely said. become very careful of everything it’s made with so much love Aanand L Rai was in New Delhi comfortable. It’s great on his part He continued, “Sometimes wherein the small budget films and affection. With Khan Saab town to promote Happy Phirr that he gave me so much of space being a middle-class person, my let you enjoy the (filmmaking) (Shah Rukh Khan) as a part of Bhag Jayegi, which hits screens and never let me feel a bit economics stay in that budget. process. It’s always been in my it, he is not letting me think of on August 24. The film stars uncomfortable. The fan moment My stories come from the same subconscious mind. Otherwise, the economics. So, I am Sonakshi Sinha, Jimmy Shergill was there for the first two days. He zone (middle-class). Even budget is secondary. Story enjoying the world and that’s and marks the debut of Punjabi brushed it off quite soon. After that, today, I get scared to waste half stands first.” what I did for 10-12 years. It sensation Jassie Gill. I found a brother in him.” Anupam Kher is star struck in the company of Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese Anupam Kher was truly humbled when Robert De Niro invited him for his 75th birthday celebration. Kher was completely star struck as he met Martin Scorsese at the do. regular guest at his birthday parties for a few years now. De Niro had earlier also invited Kher to his house for a Father’s Day lunch. Robert De Niro had earlier thrown a surprise birthday party for Anupam Kher in March 2018. De Niro hosted a private dinner for Kher at his residence and made the day truly special for him. “Thank you Grace and Mr. Robert De Niro for making my birthday (Insider Bureau) Robert De Niro going. Anupam Kher tweeted, “It the biggest highlight of my recently celebrated his 75th was my privilege to be invited entire life. Thank you for the birthday and while the guest by Mr. #RobertDeNiro on his surprise dinner for me at your list included greats like Martin 75th birthday party. Meeting home. Thank you for singing Scorsese, it was Bollywood #MartinScorsese & having a Happy Birthday song for me. actor Anupam Kher who was conversation with him was a Thank you for my ultimate,” truly humbled to be at the do. lifetime bonus. Presented Mr. Kher had then Anupam and De Niro starred De Niro a copy of tweeted.Anupam Kher is a together in the Academy #BhagwadGita & a huge admirer of Robert Award-winning 2012 film Silver #LordGanesh idol. Recited DeNiro’s work. He once Linings Playbook. They also #MahaMrityunjaya prayer for shared on Twitter that he is a shot for an NBC pilot earlier him. But this isn’t the first time big fan of De Niro’s work in this year and it looks like they that Kher was invited for De films like Godfather 2, Taxi have kept their friendship Niro’s birthday. He has been a Driver and Raging Bull. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 26 India’s Got Talent Season 8 to launch in October India’s Got Talent is all set to return with its eighth season. The show will be once again judged by Karan Johar, Kirron Kher and Malaika Arora Khan. Rithvik Dhanjani and Bharti Singh will host the season. (Insider Bureau) After a break of two launch in the second week of October. It auditions.” years, the next season of India’s Got will air at 10 pm, post Salman Khan’s Produced by Fremantle, India’s Got Talent has been announced by Colors. Bigg Boss 12 Weekend Ka Vaar. With it Talent was launched in 2009. It follows Presenting the best of talent from across launching after a break, the makers are the global Got Talent format, where the country, the show will once again see leaving no stone unturned to make it a contestants audition in front of three Karan Johar, Kirron Kher and Malaika grand season.” judges and a studio audience. The Arora Khan as judges. Popular television Recently, there was buzz that Rithvik’s television audience later gets to stars Rithvik Dhanjani and Bharti Singh girlfriend Asha Negi will also join him as choose the winner from the top from the inception of India’s Got Talent. will host the eighth season. Sources the host. The source clarified, “Asha is performers, already selected by the Others who have judged the show are share with indianexpress.com that the only part of some promotional activities judges. The contestants can present any Sonali Bendre, Shekhar Kapur, Sajid series will launch in mid-October. that the channel has planned during city kind of act. The stage is open to all Khan and Dharmendra. Karan and Shared the source, “The team has already auditions. Since Bharti is yet to come categories – solo, partners and groups. Malaika joined the show from season 4 started auditioning. The show will go on back from her Khatron Ke Khiladi There is also no age limitation. in 2012. The last season was won by floors by end of September and should schedule, Asha joined Rithvik for the Kirron Kher has been on the judging panel Amritsar’s 13-year-old flutist Suleiman. Love, sex and Radhika Apte Madhu Chopra reveals details about Priyanka As someone who believes the world is full of shades of grey, Apte says she didn’t judge Chopra and Nick Jonas’ wedding date the motivations of her character Ever since Priyanka Chopra made her relationship with Nick Jonas agent in Sacred Games, another official, fans of India's global star are keen to know when the adorable Netflix show. In the Radhika Apte- couple will take the wedding vows. Amidst much speculation about their takes-over-Netflix universe of 2018, her most fascinating role October wedding, Madhu Chopra has rubbished the rumours. remains Kalindi from Lust (Insider Bureau) Ever since Stories, which released in June. Priyanka Chopra made her This follow-up to Bombay Talkies relationship with Nick Jonas (2013), with individual chapters official, fans of India’s global star by directors Anurag Kashyap, are keen to know when the (Insider Bureau) Which is easier, Karan Johar, Dibakar Banerjee and sex or violence? “Completely Zoya Akhtar, starts with an ecstatic adorable couple will take the different…but both very Kalindi feeling the wind in her hair, wedding vows. Amidst much exhausting,” says Radhika Apte. leaning out of a car that is unable to speculation about their October “You have to be really present in contain her. Kalindi is a married wedding, Priyanka’s mother the moment to film a love-making college professor who initiates a Madhu Chopra has rubbished the scene or a violent scene…neither sexual relationship with a 21-year- rumours. She has revealed that bothers me though.” We’re old student. She tells him not to fall her daughter and son-in-law are speaking in the actor’s trailer, in love, overthink their equation or yet to zero in on the wedding date parked outside a studio in get possessive. She then proceeds and venue. Talking to DNA, Nick made their relationship wedding. That’s my only wish. I midtown Mumbai. She’s here for to do all of that. While all the four Madhu Chopra said, “They official on Saturday as they started the roka with a puja, film promotions for Ghoul, chapters address female desire, haven’t decided on a wedding performed the pre-wedding rituals which is important to me. I’m a Netflix’s first Indian horror web Kalindi’s chapter presents an date yet. It’s too soon. These are and later threw a bash for their modern mother but at heart, I’m series, which released on 24 unfiltered view of the anxieties of August. The provocation for the a young woman unprepared for just baseless rumours. Both of friends and family to celebrate quite conservative,” shared question is her character in the the grey zones—the attachment, them have work commitments their togetherness.During the Madhu.At the roka ceremony, series—Nida Rahim, a newly- jealousy, guilt and confusion that right now which they need to interaction, senior Chopra also Priyanka and Nick sat down for minted military officer specialized come with an illicit encounter. Its finish. They will take some time expressed her wish for an Indian a puja before exchanging rings. in advanced interrogation. Last context is a timely nod to to decide where they want it and wedding for her daughter. “I Giving an insight into the month, we saw her as a RAW #SheToo. when they want it.” Priyanka and definitely want a traditional Indian ceremony, Chopra said, “Nick enjoyed the prayers during the Stree song Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe: Kriti Sanon raises the horror comedy quotient puja. It was a new thing for him and he took it seriously. He (Insider Bureau) Kriti Sanon Kabhi Haveli Pe” featuring Kriti and Aparshakti Khurana followed what our panditji said, features in the special song Sanon is out. Alongside Kriti among others. The film is and chanted the Sanskrit "Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe" in the Sanon, the video also features being produced by Dinesh mantras accurately. Both he and upcoming film Stree. Starring Rajkummar Rao and Badshah. Vijan, Raj and DK. Stree is his parents did it beautifully. They Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha The video shows Kriti rising based on the folk story of a are nice people.” Praising her Kapoor, the film releases on from the dead and going on a witch who knocks doors at would be son-in-law, she added, August 31. Horror comedy date with a skeleton. night that the residents must “Nick is calm and mature. He’s Stree is gaining everyone’s Composed by Sachin-Jigar, not answer. Shraddha Kapoor a wonderful person and everyone attention because of its solid the song has been sung by plays a mysterious woman in in the family just loves him. He’s ensemble cast and the makers Badshah, Nikhita Gandhi and the film and the trailer has so polite and respectful towards are leaving no stone unturned the music director duo. From made the audience wonder if elders. What more can a mother to attract the audience even the video, one can say that she is the titular want.”The American singer, post further. After a romantic ballad, this is a promotional song. ‘Stree’.Directed by Amar his engagement, returned to the US dance number and even a Stree is a horror comedy with Kaushik, Stree starring and Priyanka is in India to shoot for special song featuring Nora a love story to boot. The cast Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha her next, The Sky Is Pink. Fatehi, the latest track “Aao also includes Pankaj Tripathi Kapoor releases on August 31. Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 27 Saturday 25 August to 31 August 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 28