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www.indianhorizon.org RNI NO: DELENG/2013/51507 In memory of Dr Asima Kemal and Prof. Dr. Salim W Kemal [email protected] Volume Issue No: 54 No: 7 Published from New Delhi & Hyderabad New Delhi, Monday, February 24, 2020 Pages 12 + 4 pull out (P16) Price: 3.00

Odisha Chief Minister files Donald Trump to call 1st Test: Rahane, nomination for BJD for India-Pakistan Vihari fight back after President post talks: Report Boult show

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BRIEF BJP’s Bihar campaign begins with Modi relishing ‘Litti Chokha’ New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) The Meanwhile, Modi’s and not as delicious as other “Hunar Haat” event at the India picture of eating dishes available at the event. Gate lawns in the national capi- Litti Chokha went However, Modi chose to taste tal concluded on Sunday. viral on social media “Litti Chokha” only.Mean- The 10-day event also set the while, Modi’s picture of eating bells ringing for Bihar Assembly and perhaps didn’t Litti Chokha went viral on so- elections. Interestingly, it was go down well with cial media and perhaps didn’t Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition leaders. go down well with opposition who sounded the poll bugle as leaders.Lalu Prasad’s son and he relished the popular Bihari Anil Jain and Amit Shah’s RJD MLA Tej Pratap Yadav took delicacy “Litti Chokha” during wife Sonal Shah were seen to Twitter to take a dig at Modi. the event. developing a new taste for “Katno Khaib Litti-Chokha, Following Modi’s footsteps, the traditional Bihar dish. Bihar na Bhuli Raura dhokha several BJP leaders, including Nath Pandey, Jitendra Singh, Lok During Hunar Haat, several Modi is a vegetarian and he did and munched on Litti Chokha. (You can eat litti chokha but Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Hard- vegetarian and non-vegetar- not visit other stalls, no other According to visitors, the Litti Bihar will never forget your be- Ravi Shankar Prasad, Mahendra eep Singh Puri, Piyush Goyal, ian stalls were set up. Since BJP leader turned to those stalls Chokha at the stall was costly trayal),” he tweeted in Bhojpuri. Minorities more Shia cleric denies role in Mild tremors felt in Assam, Nagaland Katrina Kaif spent Rs 1.93 secure in India: Vice Chandrashekhar Azad’s Bharat Bandh lakh to look ravishing at Lucknow, Feb 23 (IANS) an award function. President Shia Muslim body ‘Majlis- e-Ulama-e-Hind’, has re- Kashmir schools futed reports that its Gen- eral Secretary Maulana Kalbe to reopen on Jawad Naqvi had any role in Guwahati, Feb 23 (IANS) Two the Bharat Bandh call given separate mild earthquakes with Monday by Bhim Army chief Chan- a magnitude 2.8 to 3.4 hit some Srinagar, Feb 23 (IANS) drashekhar Azad for Sunday. parts of Assam and Nagaland on Schools in Kashmir are all set The clarification comes in Sunday. There was no report of to reopen on Monday after the wake of the Maulana’s any damage or casualty, an of- the winter break. name being linked to the ficial said. Director, Schools Educa- Bharat Bandh call. According to the official of the tion, Kashmir, Mohammad A statement issued by the Bandh call for February 23 as Sunday’s Bharat Bandh call by India Meteorological Depart- Younis Malik said that all ar- Hyderabad, Feb 23 town of Telangana, he, de- organisation states that the claimed in some quarters. It the Bhim Army saw protests ment (IMD) the first quake with rangements have been put in (IANS) Secularism is in the scribing ‘Vasudhaiva Ku- leading Shia cleric, who holds also states that he did not have in several places, with some a magnitude of 3.4 on the Rich- place in this regard. blood and veins of every tumbakam’ as the essence wide sway over the commu- any kind of advisory role in violence being reported from ter scale hit Wokha in western He said that the timing for Indian and minorities are of Indian culture, said that nity, has not given a Bharat the planning of the shutdown. Delhi and Aligarh. Nagaland at 5.12 a.m. the schools falling within Sri- more secure in India than secularism is in the blood The IMD official said that an- nagar’s municipal limits will any other country, Vice and veins of every Indian other tremor with a magnitude be 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. while President M. Venkaiah and minorities are more Role of judiciary to be pivotal of 2.8 on the Richter scale hit in rest of Kashmir division Naidu said on Sunday. secure in India than any Tezpur in northern Assam at timings will be 10:30 a.m. to Finding fault with other country. in coming days : President 5.35 a.m. 3:30 p.m. the tendency of some Respecting all religions The two tremors, which lasted For the last six months most countries to comment on and ‘Sarva Dharma Samb- by the Supreme Court, he tinctly defined topics cover a few seconds, were measured at students in Kashmir have India’s internal matters, hav’ is our culture and we said that issues like gender the matrix of challenges 28 to 30 km depths of the earth. been missing school after the he asked them to refrain should continue to follow justice, contemporary per- faced by the judiciary across According to the IMD ob- abrogation of Article 370 on from advising India on its it, he added. spectives on protection of the world, he said. servations, at least 27 sepa- August 5. internal affairs. Naidu also remarked constitutional values, dy- The President praised the rate moderate and mild shakes The government opened Noting out that India that Bharat Mata Ki Jai namic interpretations of the Supreme Court for carrying struck this month in different the schools in a phased man- was the largest parliamen- means the ‘Jai of 130 crore New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Constitution in a changing out "radical reforms" which, Northeastern states -- Assam , ner days after the revoca- tary democracy, he said it Indians’.Stressing that President Ram Nath Kovind world, harmonisation of en- he said, made justice more Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, tion of Article 370, but the was capable of managing peace was a prerequisite said on Sunday that the role vironment protection vis-a- accessible to common peo- Meghalaya, Mizoram and Naga- move proved a non starter its own affairs. for development, the Vice of the judiciary is bound to vis sustainable development ple. He cited landmark judge- land and areas bordering Myan- as most students did not at- Speaking at the Plati- President said that in a be pivotal amid dramatic and protection of the right ments passed by the apex mar and Bangladesh. tend school.A shutdown cou- num Jubilee celebrations democracy, everyone has a transformations in the com- to privacy in the Internet court which have strength- Seismologists consider India's pled with a communications of Andhra Vidyabhi Vard- right to dissent and protest ing days.In his address at age are issues that influence ened the legal and constitu- mountainous Northeast region blockade in Kashmir also hit hani (AVV) Educational but it should be done in a the International Judicial every member of the global tional framework of India. as the sixth major earthquake- education in the valley. Institutions in Warangal peaceful manner. Conference being organised community.These five dis- ...... Continue on Page 5 prone belt in the world. Flag marches at Maujpur after pro, Is CAA propelling parties for Bihar polls already?

anti-CAA groups clash Patna, Feb 23 (IANS) With vying for more seats and space. the vicinity and the police were still eight months left for the This is resulting in the pressure monitoring the situation. Assembly elections in Bihar, tactic.”Eight months before Adequate police personnel the CAA shadow appears to the polls, all the political par- have been deployed after se- loom large as all political par- ties are vehemently trying to curity forces were pelted with ties in the state have started get more people on its side. stone during the violence. gearing up to blow the bugle to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Meanwhile, rumours ran thick its tune. spokesman Mritunjay Tiwari and fast amid reports that BJP Some have been reworking said: “For any political party, leader Kapil Mishra and his sup- on their strategies, others on it is important to remain rel- porters came under attack by alignments, even as the money evant and for this it is essential stone-pelters, and some reports and the muscle power contin- to work at the micro level. So, it New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) and pro-Citizenship (Amend- said trains were also vandalized. ue to remain a subtle agenda the CAA which is making the Delhi saw a total polarisation is essential to begin poll work Tension prevailed on Sunday ment) Act (CAA) groups rocked The people have questioned to get at each others throat. Mulim leaders of the Janata of the Muslim votes. Bihar can- months ahead of the elections.” at Maujpur area of north-east the area, with pro-CAA groups the role of police, alleging the Adding to the usual electoral Dal (United) nervous. Sources not remain aloof.” RJD top leader and former Delhi after clashes between pro rallying at Maujpur-Babarpur police personnel remained conundrum is the Citizenship say that many of the unhappy Kishore said: “The Muslim deputy chief minister Te- and anti-CAA groups following metro station, and Maujpur mute spectators when the Amendment Act (CAA) issue Muslim leaders of the JDU leaders of the JDU are raising jasvi Yadav is embarking on which police conducted fl ag chowk while the anti-CAA clashes broke out and did noth- this time, which at present has may are in two minds wheth- their voice against the CAA. a ‘berozgari hatao Yatra’ from marches to bring the situation protestors held fort in Kabir ing to check the violence.Ac- become the rallying point for er to continue in the party or They are looking for options. Sunday.The Lok Janshakti under control.The Delhi Metro, Nagar and Jaffarabad areas. cording to reports, a CRPF team the Muslims in the country. jump ship.Political analyst and This is heating up the political Party (LJP) is also starting a meanwhile, announced closure Alok Kumar, Joint Commis- has been deployed in the sur- Bihar election, too is likely to senior journalist in Patna said, temperature in the state.”He Yatra on Friday. Party Chief of entrance and exit gates of sioner of Delhi Police, eastern rounding areas as the situation see the impact of the CAA.Bi- “The CAA is affecting the poli- said the opposition in the state Chirag Paswan is hoping to Maujpur-Babarpur metro sta- range, told mediapersons that seemed to deteriorate. har Chief Minister Nitish Ku- tics in whole of the country. is also not in a happy phase. create a wave with his ‘Bihar tion.Protests and rallies by anti the situation remained tense in ...... Continue on Page 3 mar has come in support of The recently held elections in The alliance partners there are First, Bihari First’ Yatra. Indian Horizon Monday, February 24, 2020 city 2 As Gujarat warms up for visit, Modi says 'honour' to host Trump Melania Trump's school visit New Delhi, Feb 23 video where people from Stadium with Modi. (IANS) Twenty-four hours all languages were seen With Modi, the US not a political event: US before the Trumps land excited about the Trump President and First Lady New Delhi/Washington, Feb 23 deputy chief minister, we appreciate in India, Prime Minister visit and drawing a parallel Melania Trump will then (IANS) The US on Sunday said that their recognition that this is not a Narendra Modi said he between Modi's 'Make head to Agra where they the political controversy around First political event." A spokesperson for is "looking forward" to in India' and Trump's will visit the Taj Mahal. Lady Melania Trump visiting a Delhi the embassy said that "it is best to welcoming US President 'Make America Great Later in the day, they school was baseless. ensure focus is on education, school Donald Trump. Again' slogans. The video will fly to New Delhi and As per the ruling party in Delhi, Aam and students." Retweeting a video aimed to showcase India's have a full programme Aadmi Party (AAP), the names of Delhi Slovenian-born model-turned- by Vijay Rupani, Chief rich diversity. Rupani on Tuesday. The US Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his social activist, Melania, 50, moved to Minister of Gujarat, said: "Entire Gujarat on Saturday officially deputy Manish Sisodia were dropped the US in 1996 and is the only First where Trump will speaks in one voice- confirmed that a 12-person from Melania Trump's visit to a school Lady to become a naturalized US land first, Modi said: #NamasteTrump!" delegation will accompany which runs Delhi government's citizen. Mother of Barron Trump, "India looks forward to Trump will arrive in President Trump and First 'happiness curriculum'. The First Melania spends a lot of her time on welcoming @POTUS @ be with us tomorrow, Ahmedabad!" Ahmedabad on Monday Lady Melania during their Lady chose the school for its unique her campaign against drug abuse and realDonaldTrump. It is starting with the Earlier, the Gujarat where he will deliver a two-day trip to India from curriculuma which was introduced by for the well-being of children. an honour that he will historic programme in Chief Minister tweeted a speech at Sardar Patel February 24. Sisodia two years ago to reduce stress Following the major mass shootings among school children. at Las Vegas and Parkland, Melania In a statement, the US embassy along with President Trump visited in New Delhi on Sunday said, that the victims and their families. On her Top-notch IT, hospitality firms take part in LGBTI job fair while it "had no objection to the foreign trips, she often visits hospitals New Delhi, Feb 23 founder, Pride Circle, said, The conference also presence of the chief minister and and schools. (IANS) Many top-notch "The affirmative action gave an opportunity IT and hospitality by hiring organisations to the members of the companies participated is evidence that we are community to learn from Scientific temper, adventure sports in a job fair organised for moving towards the the experts on various the LGBTI community right direction to foster topics through breakout in Modi's Mann Ki Baat here on Saturday. inclusion at workplaces." session and masterclasses New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Prime been created with a seating capacity Nearly 1,000 applicants At the event, Pride Circle which included financial Minister Narendra Modi talked about of 10,000 -- now you can witness participated in Asia's in collaboration with literacy for the existing unity, "Nari Shakti", enhancing the rocket launches in front of your eyes largest LGBTI job fair, Keshav Suri Foundation and interested LGBTI scientific temper of the youth and at Sriharikota," said Modi. which indicates a growing and Stonewall, a UK entrepreneurs, resume importance of adventure sports Talking about women need among the LGBTI based LGBTI rights building and interview during the 62nd edition of his monthly empowerment, he said Indian women community for a place of industry partner. RISE community for showing charity, introduced a skills, among others. radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' on are scaling new heights. He gave an work, said Pride Circle, (Reimagining Inclusion tremendous support, Workplace Equality Index The event saw 16 micro, Sunday. While he wished Indians for example of Bihar's Purnia region a consulting firm for the for Social Equity) provided Srini Ramaswamy, Chief (WEI) for India. WEI is a small and medium-sized the upcoming celebrations of Holi, and cited the case of a 12-year-old community in India. a platform to the LGBTI Evangelist and Co- definitive benchmarking LGBTI owned businesses Gudi Padwa and the Indian new year, girl. He said Purnia's women farmers "Jobs were offered by community and allies founder, Pride Circle, said, tool for employers to displaying their products the Prime Minister reminded that the are not only preparing saris, but are 20 companies which to engage in a thought- "We are overwhelmed measure the progress of and services in the areas festivals carry a message of unity in also selling them in big fairs, putting included Accenture, provoking conference by the support of the the LGBTI community of bakery, merchandise them. up their stalls. "Entrepreneurship of KPMG, The Lalit and skill-building community, our partners, in the workplace. The and travel and tourism. "In order to further boost the women, daughters of our country, Hospitality Group, Uber workshops," Pride Circle hiring companies and all first report of WEI will be The first edition of RISE scientific temper among children and their courage, are a matter of pride for and HSBC, among others. said in a statement. the attendees." published by the end of was held in July 2019 in youth, one more system has been each one of us. I would particularly FICCI joined RISE as an Thanking the Ramakrishna Sinha, Co- this year. Bengaluru. introduced -- a visitor's gallery has like to share with you. Justice Chandrachud lauds President's Sonbhadra gold reserve: How did vast experience in law the information spread? New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) this digital age, is facing "The digital world has been in pre-digital age, in the Directorate) of Uttar Supreme Court's Justice D.Y. a crucial challenge from ushered in at a pace which backdrop of complexities of Pradesh, which has Chandrachud on Sunday hackers, private firms and the incremental change of the digital age. estimated a total of 2943.26 praised President Ram government. judicial decisions can scarcely Explaining the significance tonnes gold in Sona Pahadi Nath Kovind for his vast Citing the role of judiciary match. Our Constitution of this conference, he block and 46.15 kg gold in experience in matters of law in this scenario, he stressed protects the right to personal said in many jurisdictions Hardi block of Sonbhadra and statecraft. that it is tasked to balance freedom, human dignity and worldwide, judges are drawn district. Thus, this letter During his welcome address the right to privacy with other liberty. from Bar or upon a career states that there are likely at the International Judicial rights, and then supplement "This has the potential progression. "Lawyering gives to be about 3,000 tonnes of Conference, organised by the existing legislative to seriously threaten the to the individual a steady gold in the district. apex court, he said: "Presence frameworks. He also cited rights of individuals to keep stream of new information This letter also states of President of India in our the critical issues connected their personal and sensitive on which new thoughts and that the report of auction midst today is of special with the possibility of serious information private and to ideas can evolve. Crowded of minerals has been made significance. Before assuming data breach, which involves control how their information court house corridors are a available by the GSI. The the highest constitutional the misuse of personal is used," he said. vibrant space for dialogue and land is to be identified office the President was information. Justice Chandrachud also social contacts. In contrast, before auction of blocks a senior member of the "Vast silos of data may spoke on the significance of judges lead a staid and some New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) how did the information of minerals. The seven- Supreme Court Bar until be used to profile people artificial intelligence. would say an isolated life. The Day after the news of spread? member team has also been the call of the nation carved and to discriminate against "....How comfortable are lively bustle of court corridors discovery of gold deposits An investigation by IANS informed to extract the gold. out a course for the future. vulnerable groups... there we with artificial intelligence is replaced almost overnight estimated to be around revealed that the entire In the letter, information has Role of a judge requires is a chilling effect on free telling us whether an offender by the calm and quiet of 3,000 tonnes in Sonbhadra thing started after the also been given on behalf legal and constitutional speech and disclosure of who seeks bail is likely to be a judicial chambers. Hence district of Uttar Pradesh, the correspondence between the of the District Magistrate statesmanship. The information," he said. repeat offender?" he said. experiences such as those Geological Survey of India mining department of Uttar (Collector) of Sonbhadra. President's vast experience He emphasised that this Justice Chandrachud, gained by such conferences (GSI) on Saturday rejected Pradesh and the collector of The GSI stated that the in matters of law and state imposes a new challenge on who is in line to become the rekindle the joy of being any such finding and issued Sonbhadra got leaked. organisation is not a party to imparts to his presence a the judiciary as, in an age Chief Justice in 2022, said surrounded by ideas, opinion a clarification that the IANS has a letter dated the news reports published unique significance for us." where technology governs that the judges needs to see and open the windows of our estimated reserve is about January 31, 2020 from by various media houses Justice Chandrachud many aspects of our lives, is how to apply the standard chambers and our mind to 160 kg. the Directorate of Mines about the estimation of the also said that privacy, in privacy an illusion. of proportionality, created jurisdictions. Now, the question arises... and Minerals (Mining amount of gold.

Cong raises pitch on trade deal, H1B visas on Trump visit eve BSNL employees plan hunger New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Trump that why is he so averse to "We would like to see some Questioning the interest of the India? Why is there no trade deal?" outcome of this visit, especially in strike on Monday government on the much-hyped said Supriya Shrinate, another the national interest, rather than Trump visit, the Congress has spokesperson of the party. becoming a link to the re-election raised the issue of trade deal Raising the demand of H1B campaign of the US President," and H1B visas which have been visa, Sanjay Jha said, "The denial said senior Congress leader Anand reduced by the US administration. rate of H1B visas has risen from Sharma. Congress spokesperson Jaiveer 6 per cent up to 24 per cent over The Congress said the three Shergill said, "The entire nation the last couple of years. It's time things that should be kept in mind has been hearing what potential we ask these tough questions and are the sovereignty, self-respect issues US President Donald don't make Mr Trump's visit a and national interest of country. Trump might raise with Indian promotional stunt." A Congress leader said such tours government on his upcoming The Congress had earlier should be serious and not be visit. But nobody has exactly cautioned the government that limited to photo-ops. heard what issues, questions "The Prime Minister, who 'Namaste Trump' event should US President Donald Trump is and concerns PM Modi might claims to be a very close friend not become Trump's election visiting India on February 24 and highlight to President Trump." of the US President, needs to ask campaign for the Indian diaspora. 25.

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) The voluntary retirement scheme. CAIT reaches out to Trump against e-commerce majors All Unions and Associations of Of these, only the VRS has New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai creating an uneven level playing of India (CCI) in January ordered an BSNL (AUAB) has decided to been implemented and 78,569 The Confederation of All India Patel International Airport around field which is most disadvantageous enquiry into the operations of both organise a country-wide hunger BSNL employees have been sent Traders (CAIT) on Sunday sent noon on Monday. to small businesses of India," CAIT Amazon and Flipkart on multiple strike on February 24 for early home. The BSNL has not been a memorandum to US President While calling for more closer said. Such companies have found counts, including deep discounts implementation of the cabinet allotted 4G spectrum. Similarly, Donald Trump asking him to advise bilateral trade between India and ways to avoid explicit provisions of and exclusive tie-ups with preferred decisions on the Bharat Sanchar the sovereign guarantee e-commerce majors to carry out USA, CAIT, in its memorandum, FDI policy thereby creating massive sellers. However, following a writ Nigam's revival. is awaited. The process of their operations in India in line with said that the Indian government, distortion and disruption not only in petition by Amazon at the Karnataka The strike is also aimed monetisation of BSNL's assets the rules and laws. adopting a liberal approach in e-commerce but also in retail trade High Court, the court on February at putting pressure for the is also moving slowly, according "The Confederation of All facilitating global e-commerce of India, it added. 14 ordered a stay on the anti-trust expeditious settlement of to the statement. India Traders (CAIT) today sent a companies to conduct their business The organisation has time and probe. The High Court was of the employees' grievances, The Supreme Court's memorandum on current position in India, formulated a well-defined again written to and met Commerce view that the ongoing investigation according to an AUAB statement recent judgement on the of e commerce in India which is FDI policy for making investments Minister Piyush Goyal, among by the Enforcement Directorate here on Saturday. AGR calculation had created greatly vitiated by e-commerce in India which also includes the others, to register their protest (ED) should be completed first. Last Last year the cabinet approved uncertainties in the telecom companies, majorly by US based e-commerce sector but this was against what it describes as deep year, the ED initiated insvestigation a Rs 69,000 crore revival package sector, due to which banks were e-commerce companies," a being violated. discounting and unfair means by against both Amazon and Flipkart for both BSNL and MTNL. The unwilling to extend loans to statement from the traders' body Various e-commerce companies both the online platforms, which for alleged violation of the foreign salient features of the package BSNL, the AUAB said. said. The memorandum was sent including US based e-commerce has impacted the offline traders. exchange law. included allotment of 4G Due to the delay in the 4G through the US Ambassador to companies have made it a habit to The traders body had staged Further, days after the stay order, spectrum, issuing sovereign spectrum allotment and non- India, Kenneth Iyan Juster. flout and violate the FDI policy by protests across India during the visit Walmart-backed Flipkart on Friday guarantee for raising Rs 15,000 availability of funds, BSNL was The move comes a day ahead of adopting predatory pricing, deep of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to India also moved the Karnataka High crore (Rs 8,500 for BSNL and unlikely to launch 4G services Trump's first official visit to India. discounting, exclusive sale of goods, last month. Court urging it to set aside the probe. Rs 6,500 for MTNL) funds via by the end of 2020, it said and His two-day visit starts on Monday having preferential seller system Following appeals by the traders' In its writ petition, Flipkart Internet long-term bonds, monetisation added it was quite grim situation as his Air Force One flight will land and influencing the prices and thus body, the Competition Commission Private Ltd. of assets and implementation of for employees. Indian Horizon Monday, February 24, 2020 city 3 After Mann Ki Baat, Irani hails Purnia women, Bhagirathi Amma Mughal Gardens to shut for New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) of our country, their gratitude for referring After Prime Minister courage, are a matter of to Bhagirathi Amma, public on day 2 of Trump's visit Narendra Modi celebrated pride for each one of us," who went back to school India's "Nari Shakti" and PM said. at the age of 105 years. are hugely popular among tourists especially mentioned Calling it a best example Calling it a "source of visiting the national capital. about a 12-year-old who of "resilience", the WCD inspiration", Irani said, A press release issued by the scaled new heights on his Minister said, "Story "While bowing to the President's Secretariat states that radio programme -- Mann of women in Purnea, will power of Bhagirathi the Mughal Gardens will not be Ki Baat, Union Minister Bihar is a testimony to Amma, I request the open for public and general visitors for Women and Child strength & determination youth of the country that on February 24 since Monday is a Development Smriti Irani of Indian women who we should also grow with maintenance day. on Sunday took to Twitter to the nation's daughters PM Modi has also lead from the front when determination in the same However, on Tuesday, February to appreciate Modi's and keeping them fit to stressed about the women challenged with difficult way towards our goals." 25, too the Mughal Gardens will gesture. achieve their aspirations," from Bihar's Purnia and circumstances. Besides Prime Minister remain closed for the general "The PM mentioned tweeted Irani. their zeal. He said Purnia's resilience, this story Narendra Modi spoke public in view of US President in his Mann Ki Baat Earlier, talking about the women farmers are not also reflects immense at length about women New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) The Donald Trump's engagements in programme about 12-year- youngster, PM Modi said, only preparing saris, but contribution of women achievers and what he Mughal Gardens will remain closed Delhi as part of his two-day state old Kamya Karthikeyan's "The accomplishments of are also selling them in to our textiles sector." calls, "Nari Shakti", on for the general public for two days, visit to India on February 24-25. feat of conquering South Kaamya motivate so many big fairs, putting up their Irani is also the Textiles Sunday, on his 62nd starting Monday. The Mughal The Mughal Gardens will be America's highest peak, people, especially the stalls. "Entrepreneurship Minister. Mann ki Baat-- his radio Gardens form the third circuit of opened for general public from 11 providing new energies youth of India." of women, daughters Irani also expressed programme. the Rashtrapati Bhavan tour and a.m. onwards on February 26. Flag marches at Maujpur after pro, 'Yagya' by Hindu Sena to bless Trump anti-CAA groups clash to defeat 'radical Islam' New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) questioned the role of police, released for the purpose where Tension prevailed on Sunday alleging the police personnel Modi and Trump are seen at Maujpur area of north-east remained mute spectators waving. The yagya is being Delhi after clashes between when the clashes broke out organised at Delhi's Jantar pro and anti-CAA groups and did nothing to check the Mantar. following which police violence. This is not the first time, conducted flag marches to According to reports, Gupta tried to catch eye balls bring the situation under a CRPF team has been by showing his affection for control. deployed in the surrounding Trump. Earlier he organised The Delhi Metro, areas as the situation seemed birthday celebrations for the meanwhile, announced to deteriorate. US President where a cake closure of entrance and exit Even as the situation weighing 7 kg was cut and gates of Maujpur-Babarpur appeared to be moving fed to a large poster bearing metro station. towards resolution at Trump's face. Protests and rallies by Shaheen Bagh where a 71- Just as India announced anti and pro-Citizenship day roadblack represents New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) organised so that both Modi Trump's arrival plans, the (Amendment) Act (CAA) Police, eastern range, told violence. anti-CAA sentiment, tension The head of a fringe outfit in and Trump can "join forces outfit released a video message groups rocked the area, with mediapersons that the Meanwhile, rumours has been brewing in the India and an ardent follower and fight shoulder to shoulder where it called him the "saviour pro-CAA groups rallying at situation remained tense ran thick and fast amid eastern part of Delhi, since of US President Donald Trump to free the world from Radical of humanity". Maujpur-Babarpur metro in the vicinity and the reports that BJP leader Kapil Saturday night, following -- Vishnu Gupta has, believe it Islamic fanatics, who are the Hindu Sena, however, station, and Maujpur police were monitoring the Mishra and his supporters the blockade of a road or not, arranged for a "Vishwa biggest threat to mankind remains just a fringe outfit chowk while the anti-CAA situation. came under attack by in Jaffrabad by anti-CAA Shanti Yagya" or a World Peace and wipe off these enemies of which made headlines by protestors held fort in Kabir Adequate police personnel stone-pelters, and some protestors in response to a Prayer. humanity from the face of the objecting to beef allegedly Nagar and Jaffarabad areas. have been deployed after reports said trains were also bandh call given for Sunday The yagya, Hindu Sena says, earth". being served in Delhi's Kerala Alok Kumar, Joint security forces were pelted vandalized. by Chandrashekhar Azad of is being organised on February Trump is known for his House canteen, to celebration Commissioner of Delhi with stone during the The people have the Bhim Army. 24, the day of the Trump's strong views against Islamic of Valentine's Day. visit, "to seek blessings from hardliners and Hindu Sena Earlier this month, it warned our Hindu Gods to bless too never shied away from youngsters against exhibiting Prime Minister Modi and US exhibiting its non liking for public display of affection on Adhir won't attend Trump dinner, cites President Trump..." Islamic radicalism. Now Gupta February 14. It in fact wrote to But that's not all. Here comes has found a common ground. the Delhi police commissioner, exclusion of Sonia the twist. The yagya is being A poster too has been in this regard, as well. New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) invited, I too will not attend Congress leader in the the function." Ghulam Nabi Azad gets invitation for Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Hitting out at the present Chowdhury, who has been dispensation, he said the Trump reception invited to attend the dinner government should have New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) been invited to for the with US President Donald shown the decency to invite Leader of Opposition in Rajya Presidential banquet to be Trump on Tuesday, said he the chief of a national party. Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has hosted on Tuesday. will not attend the function "This is a departure from been invited to attend the The schedule of the US as his party chief Sonia the past practice of inviting reception of US President President has no mention of Gamdhi has not been invited. senior leaders of opposition Donald Trump at Rashtrapati meeting with any opposition Speaking to IANS, parties". Bhavan on February 25, a leaders. Chowdhury said, "I have He said the government source said on Sunday. The Congress had said on received the invite from was busy in Trump's visit at economy is in doldrums," trip in Gujarat's Ahmedabad The source, however, could Friday that it has not received President Ram Nath Kovind, a time when on an average, he said. He also questioned and Uttar Pradesh's Agra not confirm if Azad would had declined the invitation any invitation yet for its but I have decided not to 31 farmers commit suicide eviction of slum-dwellers before moving to Delhi for attend the function as he is to attend the Presidential leaders to meet Trump on his attend the dinner." every day across the country. in Ahmedabad for the US the official reception and out of Delhi. "It would be banquet saying since party upcoming two-day visit to The Congress leader said, "The government is busy President's visit. bilateral talks. confirmed after he returns interim-president Sonia India. "The government is not in spending lavishly on his Trump is scheduled to This is Trump's first state tomorrow (Monday)." Gandhi has not been invited, Congress spokesperson courteous enough to invite visit to please him while visit India on February 24 visit to India and also a first Earlier, Leader of he will not attend. Anand Sharma said: "If any my party chief Sonia Gandhi. unemployment rate is at and 25. The couple will standalone visit by a US Opposition in Lok Sabha The Floor leaders of both invitation comes, we will take Since she has not been its peak in India and the spend the first day of the President to India. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury House of Parliament have a view on it." CJI says privacy a concern, proposes one law on Underworld don Ravi Pujari detained in SA, environment and the man both. Perhaps there likely to be deported is the greatest need for single New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) a chain of restaurants system of laws in this regard. It Dreaded underworld don Namaste India in Senegal, is said that human beings are Ravi Pujari, operating Burkina Faso and seeds as well as parasites to the from overseas, has been neighbouring countries. earth. We take much more than reportedly arrested in South Pujari, a movie junkie we give back to the earth", said Africa and efforts are on for influenced by Amitabh the Chief Justice. his deportation to India. Bachchan's portrayal as He further emphasized on Pujari, who parted ways Anthony Gonsalves in environmental issues stating with underworld don 'Amar Akbar Anthony' was that as we look to the future, Chhota Rajan, had jumped using the name Anthony a significant consideration in bail from Senegal, last Fernandes. This passport the delivery of justice is the year and had escaped to was issued on 10.7.2013 protection and preservation South Africa, where he was and is valid till 8.7.2023. of the environment in the involved in big time drug with its mission in South Pujari, living under identity The passport showed dispensation of justice. trafficking and extortion Africa. An official in MEA of Anthony had jumped his profession as Agent He cited an observation in racket. refused to speak on the bailed from a Senegal court Commercial which means New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Justice said that as part of the an order, "In one of the cases Sources in Indian issue. Embassy of Senegal through fraudulent means. that he is designated as Chief Justice S.A. Bobde said the e-courts project in India, we before us, we have held that Intelligence said that Ravi in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, IANS had accessed the a businessman running widespread use of technology have ensured that no matter the present generation has no Pujari, who was hiding with also did not respond to don's new passport. Pujari a chain of restaurants has also brought with it concerns where a judicial officer is located, right to impede the safety and a false identity of Anthony IANS' queries in connection now goes under the name Namaste India in Senegal, over mass data collection and from the remote mountaintops wellbeing of the next generation Fernandes, a Burkina with Pujari's arrest. of Anthony Fernandes and Burkina Faso and an individual's right to privacy; of the Himalayas to the sandy or the generation to come Faso passport holder, was The mafiaso first came is a citizen of Burkina Faso, neighbouring countries. and also insisted on a single beaches of Kerala, they are thereafter". He emphasized that located in a remote village into news in early 2000 a West African country, his Pujari's lawyers in Senegal system laws cutting across electronically connected to the India serves as a beacon of hope in South Africa. when he started extorting date of birth is shown as had argued in the court various environmental issues. national judicial data grid. to independent and developing On a tip off from Indian huge amounts from famous 25.1.1961. citing that he is Anthony On Saturday, speaking on the In India, we are utilising countries. external intelligence Bollywood personalties and Pujari, a movie junkie Fernandes, a businessmen second day at the International technology in innovative ways "Our own judgements look to agency, the Senegal police builders. He was involved in influenced by Amitabhfrom Burkina Faso as Judicial Conference 2020, to facilitate and assist the the wisdom of our international air dashed South Africa last an attempt to murder case, Bachchan's portrayal as mentioned in his passport 'Judiciary and the Changing delivery of justice", he insisted. colleagues. Yet a judge never week. Pujari, 52, wanted in aimed at killing a prominent Anthony Gonsalves in and not a fugitive as claimed World', Chief Justice Bobde said, Citing the relationship loses sight of the need to tailor over 200 cases of heinous lawyer of Mumbai. 'Amar Akbar Anthony' was by the Indian Government. "The two facets of globalisation between environmental issues judicial decisions to the social crimes, including murder Pujari's wife Padma using the name Anthony Clearly indicating a that have posed the greatest and the judiciary, the Chief realities of their own country", and extortion, was detained and three children also Fernandes. This passport collusion between top challenges to the judiciaries Justice said the environmental said the Chief Justice. He with the help of South fled India and some of was issued on 10.7.2013 government functionaries across the world are the rise of issues cannot be hindered by added that the judiciary is the African agencies. them hold Burkina Faso and is valid till 8.7.2023. of Burkina Faso and Pujari global supply chains and the national and international guardian of constitutional Sources in Mumbai Police passport. His son who The passport showed in which an influential proliferation of information borders. "Water and wind flow values and serves to counter- said that Pujari's arrest has was recently married in his profession as Agent Indian businessman, who technology." seamlessly across the earth and balance populist forces in a not yet been confirmed Australia reportedly hold an Commercial which means is his partner in a restaurant Citing the importance of even under it. The growth of commitment to the rule of law. officially but Ministry of Australian passport. that he is designated as chain, may have played a judicial data grid, the Chief vegetation effects the animals Inherent in this role are active. External Affairs is in touch Earlier last year Ravi a businessman running role of conduit. Indian Horizon Monday, February 24, 2020 South 4 NIA, military intel to MiG-29K crashes Kerala school students to learn probe Pak-made bullets off Goa, pilot safe: in Kerala Indian Navy English at hi-tech IT labs Panaji, Feb 23 (IANS) A MiG-29K fectively making use of tech- Thiruvanantha- suspicious pacakage aircraft crashed off Goa during a nology in schools. puram, Feb 23 (IANS) and after uncovering routine training sortie on Sunday “This is achieved using The Military intel- the bullets, immediate- morning, the Indian Navy said in a three components - Samagra ligence has arrived ly informed the police. statement. e-Library, e-Language lab in Kerala and will be According to the po- “The pilot ejected safely and has and e-Broadcast. One lakh joining the NIA, which lice, the bullets had been recovered. An enquiry into school teachers will be is expected to begin initials of POF, which the incident has been ordered,” the trained during the summer probe into the recovery has been preliminar- statement said. vacation and the project will of 14 Pakistan-made ily identified as Paki- On November 16, a MiG-29K be implemented in the new bullets from Kulathu- stan Ordinance Factory trainer flight had crashed after a academic year,” said Sadath. puzha. and is believed to have bird hit, soon after it took off the Samagra e-Library is a These bullets were been made in 1981-82. Dabolim International airport, digital repository of interna- found on Saturday State police chief which functions out of the Indian tional standard digital books about 70 km from here Loknath Behra imme- Navy base INS Hansa. Both pilots which will be available to in Kulathupuzha that diately asked the Crime had managed to safely eject them- students in audio and video borders the forests of Branch to begin the selves to safety after both the en- formats. Tamil Nadu. The bul- probe. With the Mili- gines of their jet failed. Thiruvananthapuram, language proficiency of stu- successive governments in The second is e-Language lets were packed in a tary Intelligence offi- According to data tabled in the Feb 23 (IANS) The Kerala dents by making use of hi- the state have been working lab, which will have lan- plastic bag and covered cials already in town it recent budget session of the Goa Infrastructure and Technol- tech lab facilities in schools, on it. guage lab software that will in a Malayalam news- was just the anti-terror Assembly, every ten days, at least ogy for Education (KITE) said an official. K. Anvar Sadath, CEO, provide opportunities for paper printed from National Investigation one aircraft landing or taking off at has launched E3 (Enjoy, This programme is apart KITE, said, the project aims students to enhance their Kollam. Agency officials who Goa’s Dabolim international airport Enhance & Enrich) an ambi- from the Kerala govern- to enhance and enrich Eng- listening, speaking, read- Two youths travelling were expected now for faces dangers involving birds or tious project for enhancing ment’s Public Education lish learning of students in ing, writing, pronunciation, on a bike, found the the probe to begin. stray dogs near the runway. and enriching the English Rejuvenation Mission, as an enjoyable atmosphere ef- grammar and vocabulary. Pondy LG inspects Mahadayi river row: Congress galvanising Bihar leaders tourism projects Karnataka likely to put for anti-CAA Patna rally pressure on Center Puducherry, Feb 23 oping as an experiment tourism experience ben- Patna, Feb 23 (IANS) The we will pressurise the gov- has passed a resolution on (IANS) Puducherry Lt in ecotourism which in- efiting fishermen, crafts- Bengaluru, Feb 23 (IANS) Karnataka Gov- Congress is riding high on the ernment to pass an anti-CAA this issue... the party’s stand Governor Kiran Bedi on cludes boating along the men, tourists, archaeol- ernment, which is keen on the notification popularity of student leader resolution as the Assembly is is very clear and our leader Sunday visited the on- mangroves combined ogists, water sports and of the Mahadayi river water tribunal order, Kanhaiya Kumar who is lead- in session,” Shakil Khan, who Rahul Gandhi has addressed going Tourism Projects with the ancient Arika- many more. is expected to mount pressure on the Union ing the anti-CAA protest in is also an MLA, said. several (anti-CAA) public which are being fully medu Trek. This lagoon also acts government to get it to notify it, sources said Bihar which started from He also stressed that “this meeting. We also sat on pro- funded by the Govern- The development of as an absorber of excess on Sunday. According to official sources, Kar- Champaran on January 30. movement is for a cause and test at Rajghat.” ment of India under this tourism site shall rain water and becomes nataka Home minister Basavaraj Bommai, Party secretary Shakil Khan, there is no politics into it”. The Congress eyes an op- centrally sponsored provide a unique holistic a source of circulation met Chief minister B S Yediyurappa, here on who is also a former JNU Stu- The rally on February 27 portunity to activate all the schemes as part of the experience in archaeol- of excess water from the Sunday, and discussed about issuing notifica- dent Union President, is also could see presence of all the opposition leaders and as- 255th morning trip. ogy, and boat ride along sea during heavy rains. tion on the tribunal order by the Centre. with Kanhaiya Kumar in this leaders who have been at the semble them on one plat- According to Raj Ni- the mangroves, and a The tourism department The decks were cleared to notify the Maha- movement which will end up front of anti-CAA movement, form to take on the govern- vas, Ms Bedi visited visit to the art and craft from its meager resourc- dayi inter-state tribunal order, following a di- with a massive rally in Gan- as Mahatma Gandhi’s great- ment on the CAA, the NPR some unexplored areas village, a museum and an es is promoting school rection from the Supreme court to the Union dhi Maidan here on February grandson Tushar Gandhi, and the NRC, said a leader. of Puducherry, which is inter cultural residential visits to the arts and craft government recently. 27. Jignesh Mevani, Sadaf Jafar, Kanhaiya Kumar is drawing near the lagoon behind area, on site stay called village and providing Both the leaders, have reportedly decided to Speaking to IANS, Shakeel and current JNUSU Presi- huge crowds in his protest, the art and craft village. Franco Tamil Village. short boat rides on the take a delegation to the Center regarding the Khan termed Kanhaiya Ku- dent Aishe Ghosh have been despite a number of attacks While, the team enjoyed (GOI is fully bearing the lagoon. Earlier, the team issue, next week, if the Union government de- mar the “roohe-rawan (soul)” invited. on him. “Every district has a a boat ride over the la- cost of this project which visited the ongoing tour- lays in issuing the notification of the tribunal of this movement, which is The Congress is trying to coordination committee to goon it also took a walk is coming to nearly Ru- ism promotion project order, the sources said. drawing huge crowds across build pressure on the govern- work on and in each district, along the ancient walls pees 200 crores, all sites at Old Distilleries, the It may be recalled that the Justice (Retd) the state. ment to withdraw the contro- all the local MLAS and office built by the Romans go- included). Once com- construction of Cultural Panchal headed Mahadayi Inter-state Tribu- “All the opposition leaders, versial law. bearers are invited to partici- ing back to 2200 years. pleted by 2023 the group Complex & Art Digital nal comprising Karnataka, Maharashtra and including leaders from the Khan, asked why he is with pate in the public rally to be This is what the depart- of sites shall provide Museum and Convention Goa had allocated about 13.4 TMC of water to RJD, and the RLSP have been Kanhaiya Kumar, said: “The addressed by Kanhaiya Ku- ment of tourism is devel- a very comprehensive Centre at the Old Port. Karnataka from the Mahadayi. invited for the grand rally and Congress working committee mar,” Shakil Khan said.

KITE launches E3 English for enhancing proficiency of students No shortage of water in Dakshina of water. The water in the dam Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 (IANS) use of technology in schools in Kerala,” The second is e-Language lab, which is being maintained at six Mts. A Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for CEO, KITE K Anvar Sadath said. will have language lab software that will survey to assess the land that will Education (KITE) on Sunday launched The three-pronged project has three provide opportunities for students to Kannada in summer: Minister be submerged when the water E3 (E-cube - Enjoy, Enhance and Enrich) components. The first is Samagra e-Li- enhance their listening, speaking, read- Mangaluru, Feb 23 (IANS) Karna- and the Panchayati Raj Department. level will be raised to seven Mts is English, an ambitious project for enhanc- brary, a digital repository of international ing, writing, pronunciation, grammar taka Minister for Fisheries and Re- He said that periodic review will be underway. Deputy Commissioner ing and enriching the English language standard digital books. The books will and vocabulary. Students can work in ligious Endowment Kota Shrinivas conducted and based on that ap- Sindhu B Rupesh noted that after proficiency of students by making use of be available to all students in four levels. e-language lab alone with the support of Poojari on Sunday said that there propriate decisions will be taken. this survey the minor irrigation hi-tech lab facilities in schools. The books will be available to students in the mentor teacher at their own pace of will be no shortage of water during Speaking to reporters on Sun- department will construct a road ‘The project aims to enhance and en- audio and video formats too. Already 200 learning. KITE has already customised the summer season in Dakshina day, he said that the main source of barrage-cum-dam at the Adyar rich English learning of students in an digital multi-coloured story books were the engine for language lab by using Free Kannada district as per a review water for Mangaluru, the Thumbe downstream which will further enjoyable atmosphere effectively making uploaded in Samagra e-Library and Open Source Software done by the district administration vented dam, has a steady inflow add to the water availability.

Konni and Vatiyoorkavu, Tourism takes a hit in coffee land Kodagu Hectic lobbying for upcoming all which were citadels of the UDF. Madikeri, Feb 23 (IANS) tions at the famous tourist to attract tourists. Associa- Kerala assembly bypoll The Congress has ex- Back-to-back floods and spots in Madikeri, especially tion President B.R. Nagendra pressed its deep displea- landslides in the last two Raja Seat, Cauvery Nisargad- Prasad said the tourists’ ar- Thiruvananthapuram, litical fronts in Kerala. brother Chandy was out, sure to Jose K. Mani for years, has led to a fall in the hama near Kushalnagar, and rivals had dropped by almost Feb 23 (IANS) With the The seat fell vacant af- as he had huge business failing to retain the Pala number of tourists coming to Archaeology Museum. The half when compared to the date of the upcoming ter sitting NCP legislator interests in the Middle seat which was held by the coffee growing region of number would be even more years before the floods which Kuttanadu assembly and former state Minister East. his father for a record 52 Kodagu, forcing the district if we had accounted for the used to draw around 30-35 constituency by-election Thomas Chandy passed But things are not that years. administration to intervene footfall at Iruppu falls and lakh tourists annually. Week- to be announced anytime away in December last rosy in the Congress-led While Joseph who and take confidence-build- other destinations,” argues ends used to draw around one now, hectic lobbying has year. UDF as this seat tradi- now heads the majority ing measures, telling tourists Raghavendra, Assistant Di- lakh tourists whose numbers begun in the Congress- Businessman-turned- tionally belonged to the faction in the erstwhile that Kodagu was safe to visit. rector, Tourism Department, have now dropped to 10,000, led United Democratic politician, Chandy had third biggest ally in the Kerala Congress (Mani) According to the statistics Madikeri. he added. Front by hopefuls. completed a hat-trick of UDF - Kerala Congress is willing to trade the of the Karnataka State Tour- However, the Kodagu Ho- He further added that Koda- Among those who have wins in the 2016 assem- (Mani), which is cur- seat with the Congress, ism Department, Kodagu tels, Restaurants and Resorts’ gu has around 30,000 rooms shown interest include bly polls, when he defeat- rently in shambles as as it was his close aide recorded a moderately good Owners’ Association and oth- and all of them used to be former Congress legisla- ed the Kerala Congress after its founder - K.M. who lost to Chandy, for number of tourists in 2018 er stakeholders, citing drop in occupied during the season tors P.C. Vishnunath and (Mani) candidate Jacob Mani’s death last year, another seat when the and 2019, the years that the tourists’ numbers, had sought in the past (before floods). Joseph Vazhakan, be- Abraham by 4,891 votes. his party for all practical next assembly elections district witnessed devastat- the government’s interven- There were times when tour- sides local popular youth While things in the rul- purposes split between are held, Jose K. Mani ing floods and landslides. tion to boost the footfall by ists were forced to spend the leader Saji Joseph. ing CPI-M-led Left has veteran party legislator is unhappy of it and has The Department’s statistics undertaking promotions as night in their vehicles due to With the local body more or less settled and P.J. Joseph and Mani’s claimed that this was reveal that 17 lakh tourists they claimed that tourists the paucity of rooms. polls to be held in Oc- have given the green sig- son, Jose K. Mani. their seat for long. visited Kodagu in 2018 and were reluctant to visit the hill Mr Prasad said, “Contrary tober and the assembly nal to the NCP, Chandy’s The UDF, after it put All this and more will 18 lakh in 2019. This means station after the two succes- to the statistics of Tourism polls in April/May next brother Thomas K. up an exemplary show in now be known on Tues- the flood-ravaged years did sive calamities that destroyed Department, we continue to year, the Kuttanadu by- Thomas is most likely to the last year’s Lok Sabha day when the UDF high attract tourists contrary to properties worth crores of argue that Kodagu tourism election is being seen get the seat, as it was he polls by winning 19 out power committee is what the stakeholders had rupees. It therefore drove the hasn’t returned to its past as a curtain raiser to the for the past 15 years been of the 20 seats, fell back meeting and the topic of claimed. “These figures are coalition government to hold glory. The recovery process is bigger battles ahead by looking after the con- when it lost three assem- Kuttanadu assembly seat based on the gate collec- Kodagu Pravasi Utsav last year still on the traditional rival po- stituency, whenever his bly by-elections, at Pala, will be discussed. Indian Horizon Monday, February 24, 2020 Nation 5 Role of judiciary to be pivotal in coming days: President New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) constitutional values, dynamic by the judiciary across the known for their legal scholar- available in regional languag- President Ram Nath Kovind interpretations of the Consti- world, he said. ship and intellectual wisdom. es, terming it “an extraordi- said on Sunday that the role tution in a changing world, The President praised the What it has achieved is noth- nary achievement given the of the judiciary is bound to be harmonisation of environment Supreme Court for carrying ing less than a silent revolution linguistic diversity of India”. pivotal amid dramatic trans- protection vis-a-vis sustain- out “radical reforms” which, in diagnosing and correcting As of now, the judgments of formations in the coming days. able development and protec- he said, made justice more ac- the affl ictions that adversely the Supreme Court get trans- In his address at the Interna- tion of the right to privacy in cessible to common people. affected the justice deliv- lated in up to nine Indian lan- tional Judicial Conference be- the Internet age are issues that He cited landmark judgements ery system,” he said, as per a guages to make them accessi- ing organised by the Supreme infl uence every member of the passed by the apex court which press note.The President par- ble to common people.Kovind Court, he said that issues like global community.These fi ve have strengthened the legal ticularly mentioned the role expressed confi dence that its gender justice, contemporary distinctly defi ned topics cover and constitutional framework of Supreme Court in making scope would further widen in perspectives on protection of the matrix of challenges faced of India.“Its bench and bar are the higher courts’ judgments the future. Man batters Punjab CM conferred with ‘Adarsh Odisha Chief Minister fi les mother to Mukhya Mantri Puraskar’ nomination for BJD President post death in MP New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) The try’s destiny.“Since we are on Bhubaneswar, Feb elected as BJD President Bhartiya Chhatra Sansad (BCS) the way out and you are on 23 (IANS) Odisha Chief for the eighth consecutive Khandwa (MP), Feb 23 (IANS) on Sunday conferred the pres- the way in, it is your duty to Minister Naveen Patnaik time.BJD leader Sanjay A 32-year-old man battered his tigious ‘Adarsh Mukhya Mantri serve your country with firm filed his nomination pa- Das Burma said Patnaik, mother to death, stuffed her Puraskar’ (Ideal Chief Minister commitment, sincerity and pers for Biju Janata Dal a five-time Chief Minister body in a sack and dumped it Award) on Punjab Chief Min- honesty, upholding the cher- (BJD) President's post at of Odisha, filed the nomi- in a drain in Madhya Pradesh’s ister Amarinder Singh for his ished values of democracy,” the party's headquarters nation for the eighth time Khandwa district, police said on initiatives to ensure good gov- he told the youth. here on Sunday.Patnaik for the BJD President post Saturday. ernance and holistic develop- Amarinder urged the stu- went to the party's head with 10 proposers.The The accused Santosh Patil was ment in the state. dents desirous of joining poli- office and submitted his formal announcement of arrested after his act was caught The award was presented to tics to be well-versed with the papers with the returning state executive committee on a CCTV in his vicinity.Super- Amarinder by former President Kiren Rijiju, former Union Ex- socio-economic as well as de- officer Pratap Dev.It is a members and state chief intendent of Police Shivdayal Pranab Mukherjee at Vigyan ternal Affairs Minister Natwar mographic conditions of their foregone conclusion that will be held on February Singh said : “Santosh killed his Bhawan here during the vale- Singh, politician Karan Singh, respective states. Naveen Patnaik would be 26, said Das Burma. 50-year-old mother Vimla Bai dictory function of 10th edition founder of MIT World Peace “Join politics not for glamour with a wooden club on Monday of four-day national conclave University Vishwanath D. or power but to serve the coun- and then put the body in a box.” of BCS. Karad and founder of BCS Ra- try or your state to make it bet- Assam to remove “Maktab” from Being irritated by his mother’s The BCS also acknowledged hul V. Karad, were present on ter,” he urged the youth. nagging, Santosh borrowed the Amarinder’s vast experience the occasion. “Politics is not an easy pro- idea from a television serial and and the values he had prac- Addressing the gathering, fession; rather it is a 24X7 job as names of govt schools carried out the plot, police said. tised, which had earned him the Chief Minister exhorted being elected representatives Guwahati, Feb 23 (IANS) landed the students in dif- He kept he body at home for recognition and eminence in the youth to play a construc- you have to solve the problems The Assam government has fi culty if they sought ad- four days before stuffi ng it in a society.Several dignitaries, in- tive role in active politics as it of people besides address- decided to delete the Arabic mission in higher classes in box and disposing it in a drain, cluding Union Minister of State was their duty, as future lead- ing their grievances,” said the word 'maktab' - traditional general schools after study- police added. for Sports and Youth Affairs ers, to transform the coun- Chief Minister. islamic elementary school ing in 'maktab' schools for a - from the nomenclature of few years 63 state and state-aided pri- "The authorities would 3 kids burnt to death in Odisha, 4 drug peddlers mary schools immediately, often refuse them admis- a senior minister said here sion saying how they can CM announces ex-gratia on Saturday. pursue studies in a general arrested in J&K "We have come across school after learning reli- Bhubaneswar, Feb 23 were playing near the heap Jena is struggling for life at 63 such schools in Assam gious education for so many (IANS) Three children of staw in the village when the hospital. which have the word 'mak- schools would be allowed to year," said Sarma. were burnt to death and it caught fi re. Chief Minister Naveen tab' as part of their names. retain the remaining part of The latest decision another suffered extensive Three kids succumbed Patnaik announced Rs 4 A search may reveal more their names. comes days after Sarma burns when a heap of straw to their injuries at MKCG lakh ex-gratia for families such schools. The classical defi nition announced the state-run caught fi re in a village in Medical College and Hos- of the three deceased and But 63 such schools have of Maktab refers to the tra- Madrassas and Sanskrit tols Odisha’s Ganjam district pital in Berhampur. free medical treatment come to our knowledge in ditional Islamic elementary (centres of learning) would on Sunday. The deceased, aged be- for the injured.He also ex- this regard. The state gov- school primarily teaching be closed down within the The incident occurred at low 10, have been iden- pressed his deep sympathy ernment has passed an or- literacy and the Quran. next three to four months. Khairachhata village under tifi ed as Deepak Goud, towards the bereaved fami- der directing these schools Sarma said the term has The minister said madra- Polasara block of Ganjam, Sairam Jena and Itishree lies and wished speedy re- to drop the word 'maktab' become irrelevant now as sas and Sanskrit 'tols' have said police.The four kids Jena. Critically injured Alok covery of the injured. from their names," edu- the Maktab education sys- been apprised of the gov- cation minister Himanta tem doesn't exist in Assam ernment decision to convert Srinagar, Feb 23 Qazigund," police Biswa Sarma told media- anymore.He said the no- them into higher secondary Anti-CAA protest turns violent (IANS) Jammu & said.Police said persons.However, these menclature of these schools schools. Kashmir Police have in another ac- in Aligarh, Internet blocked arrested four drug tion against drug peddlers in two dealings, officers Tharoor renews pitch for fresh separate instances at Jawahar Tun- in south Kashmir's nel intercepted a Kulgam district and Maruti car bearing elections in Congress recovered a huge registration number New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) won many state elections quantity of contra- JK02CK-4261 with Congress leader Shashi after the Lok Sabha polls. band from them. two persons inside. Tharoor on Sunday re- Many party leaders in- "Officers at a "On checking, newed his pitch for fresh cluding Tharoor have been checkpoint in the officers were able to election for the party or- demanding the appoint- jurisdiction of Po- recover 12 kilograms ganisation (CWC) and the ment of the new party lice Station, Qazi- of poppy straw from presidential post. President."I renew my ap- gund intercepted an the vehicle. "I believe a revived @ peal to the CWC to hold oil tanker bearing Officers have INCIndia is indispensable leadership elections to en- registration number arrested both the to provide a national alter- Sonia Gandhi is the party's ergise workers and inspire PB10DC-5507 with persons and a case native to the divisive poli- interim President and the voters," he had said on Feb- Aligarh, Feb 23 (IANS) The police lathicharged has been chanting anti- two persons on FIR under relevant cies of the BJP. This is why decisions are being taken ruary 20. The protest against the the protesters and also government slogans. board. sections of law has the current perception of in the party," senior party Tharoor also advocated Citizenship Amendment used tear gas shells to dis- Several Bhim Army On checking, been registered at drift must be ended" Thar- leader Anand Sharma had elections for the CWC which Act (CAA) and the National perse the crowd. workers were also present officers were able Police Station Qazi- oor tweeted. said on Friday. are not being held for many Register of Citizens (NRC) The administration has among the protesters at to recover 125 gund," police said. The Congress, respond- Party sources said that years with the Congress turned violent on Sunday also blocked Internet ser- Delhi Gate and Upperkot kilograms of poppy All the four drug ing to former Union minis- Rahul Gandhi is likely to re- President appointing the evening after the women vices in the area from 6 area. straw concealed in peddlers have been ter had said: "The Congress turn as Congress president members. sitting on protest were p.m. to 12 midnight. The police said the 10 bags from inside shifted to Police Working Committee (CWC) in April. "Some have asked who asked to move from there. A huge crowd has gath- women started throwing the tanker. Station Qazigund is the highest decision mak- Meanwhile, a party leader should vote for what. I was Many shops, two-wheel- ered to protest against the stones at police vehicles. Both the persons where they remain ing body in the party and it said that the Delhi Assembly referring to my earlier call ers and police barricades CAA and the NRC at Shah- The police said they have have been ar- in custody. Both the has appointed Sonia Gan- elections -- wherein the par- -- eight months ago -- for were set ablaze and stone jamal Idgah here. Women identifi ed several students rested and a case vehicles used in the dhi as interim President." ty again failed to win even a elections among the 10,000 pelting was reported from protesters have been re- of Aligarh Muslim Univer- FIR under relevant peddling of drugs "The party will decide on single seat -- should not be party workers who consti- Babri Mandi, Ghas-ki- moved from Upperkot sity who are involved in the sections of law has have also been fresh elections. I don't think seen as a parameter for the tute the 'AICC plus PCC del- Mandi and Upperkot. Kotwali area. The crowd stone pelting incident. been registered at seized by the police. there is a 'leadership crisis'. Congress as the party has egates' list. Rajnath: I pray for early release of Abdullahs & Mehbooba from detention New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) De- rooq Abdullah and his son Omar the politicians have been released threats issued before the nullifi- politicians from detention) will also fence Minister Rajnath Singh on Abdullah of National Conference since then, the three chief minis- cation of Article 370 of the Indian be fi nalized. The government has Saturday said that he is praying (NC) and Mehbooba Mufti of ters and a dozen politicians remain constitution which granted special not tortured anyone."Defending the for the early release of three for- People's Democratic Party (PDP) detained. While Farooq Abdullah status to Jammu & Kashmir state. government's decision, the Defence mer chief ministers of Jammu & -- were placed under preventive was booked under the stringent In an exclusive interview to IANS Minister said that certain steps had Kashmir from their detention and detention soon after the Modi gov- Public Safety Act (PSA) in Septem- on Saturday, Defence Minister Ra- been taken in the interests of Kash- hoping that they will contribute to ernment reorganized and bifur- ber, Omar and Mehbooba were jnath Singh said, "Kashmir has been mir. "Everybody should welcome normalizing situation in Kashmir. cated Jammu and Kashmir state also recently detained under the peaceful. The situation is improving it," he said.Singh said he will pray Dozens of politicians, including into two Union Territories on Au- same law. The government cited rapidly. Along with the improve- for the early release of the Abdullahs three former chief ministers -- Fa- gust 5 last year.Though most of their provocative statements and ment, these decisions (release of and Mufti from their detention. Indian Horizon 6 EDIT Monday, February 24, 2020 The hazards of pesticides Indian Horizon Devinder Sharma path-breaking book Silent Spring, search on Cancer (IARC) published a cancer risks posed by the herbicide. AMIDST a hurricane of lawsuits considered to have spearheaded the report linking Glyphosate (the active In India, Down to Earth magazine that agrochemical multinational environment movement, Borlaug ingredient in RoundUp herbicide) to says that on an average, 10,000 pes- Bayer-Monsanto faces in the US and said she was an ‘evil force’ and ‘these cancer in humans, a flurry of lawsuits ticide poisoning cases are reported elsewhere over its herbicides Round- are the kind of people who don’t in the US was unleashed against the every year. The National Crime Re- up and Dicamba’s alleged link to want hunger to go away’. He then use of the toxic pesticide. While Mon- cords Bureau (NCRB) had recorded cancer, a joint investigation by Un- explained that pesticides are like santo (which has since been bought 7,060 deaths from accidental pesti- earthed, a journalists’ research group medicines. Farmers have to use them over by Bayer) claimed that regula- cide poisoning in 2015. The fact that Monday, February 24, 2020 founded by Swiss NGO Public Eye carefully, taking all the precautions. tory agencies worldwide, including the nearly Rs 20,000-crore pesticide and Greenpeace UK, found that India What Borlaug said could be debated European Commission and US En- industry is expected to grow at a rate tops the global chart with nearly 59 at length, but it certainly formed the vironment Protection Agency, do not of 8.1 per cent till 2024, clearly shows per cent of the sales being of ‘highly basic strategy for the Green Revolu- point to a link between Glyphosate how crucial it is to fix the regulatory Unsafe school vehicles hazardous pesticides’. tion, wherein pesticides were used and cancer, a large number of cancer holes. The proposed Pesticide Man- Japan follows with 52 per cent; Bra- to save crops from pest damage. But victims nevertheless began filing le- agement Bill 2020, expected to be zil, 49 per cent; US, 36 per cent; and over the years, as pesticides became gal cases. As per the latest count, an placed in Parliament, will perhaps Sangrur mishap a wake-up call the UK, only 11 per cent. more pervasive in environment, in- estimated 42,000 (and still counting) not only tighten the regulations and As per a report in The Guardian, numerable studies have shown the lawsuits have been filed so far. Sever- make the industry pay for the health for safety protocol agrochemical companies have dis- use and abuse of chemical pesticides al legal sources say that the number damages it causes, but also look be- puted this data. Bayer has specifically leading to environmental damages, of plaintiffs may have already swelled yond, keeping in mind the tens of termed it ‘misleading’, but has still ecological imbalances, pest resis- to over one lakh by now. thousands of lawsuits. The heartrending death of four chil- not countered it with its own data. tance and contamination of the en- The lawsuits now have also moved If only the world had listened to Meanwhile, CropLife International, tire food chain. More recently, the on to another herbicide, Dicamba. forewarning that Prof David Pimen- dren consumed by flames as their a powerful lobby group of the agro- UN Human Rights Council has said On February 15, a US federal court tal of the University of Cornell had chemical industry, claims only 15 per that pesticides have “catastrophic awarded a Missouri farmer $265 mil- issued in the mid-1970s, perhaps school van caught fire in Sangrur dis- cent of its products are ‘highly haz- impacts on the environment, human lion in damages for the destruction much of the damage could have been ardous’, 10 per cent that can be ‘used health and society as a whole.” of his peach orchard. The farmer averted. His scientific paper was trict a couple of days ago must serve as safely and responsibly’. Neverthe- Hilal Elver, the UN Special Rap- charged the two big agrochemical titled: ‘99.9% pesticides go into en- less, according to the World Health porteur on the right to food, told The companies — Bayer and BASF — for vironment. Only 0.1% hits the target a wake-up call to the state authorities to Organisation (WHO) and the UN Guardian: “It’s a myth. Using more wreaking havoc on his orchard from pest.’ Knowing that pesticides are Food and Agriculture Organisation pesticides has nothing to do with get- Dicamba herbicide sprays done by poison, and with less than one per implement their safety protocols. De- (FAO), highly hazardous pesticides ting rid of hunger. According to FAO, his neighbour that drifted to his field. cent of chemicals effective against (HHP) are defined as “pesticides that we are able to feed 7 billion people The companies face another 140 pests, the world could have certainly spite the crackdown on school vehicles are acknowledged to present partic- today. Production is definitely in- more or less similar lawsuits against evolved safer alternatives. Who will ularly high levels of acute or chronic creasing, but the problem is poverty, Dicamba. take the blame? in the light of tragic crashes happening hazards to health or the environ- inequality and distribution.” The In three trials against Glyphosate, But equally important, if 90 per ment, according to internationally report further said: “Chronic expo- the jury has awarded $2.3 billion in cent of all food eaten in the city of with alarming regularity, it is indeed accepted classification systems.” sure to pesticides has been linked to damages to four plaintiffs. Although Copenhagen is organic, there is no This reminds me of a discussion cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s the damages were later reduced to reason why city dwellers cannot criminal that an allegedly condemned, I had with Nobel laureate Norman diseases, hormone disruption, de- $190 million, the judgments mostly opt for healthy, pesticide-free food. Borlaug in the mid-1980s. On what velopmental disorders and sterility.” pertain to the failure of the company That’s a true smart city. old van was being allowed to ferry such he had to say about Rachel Carlson’s After the International Agency for Re- to adequately warn consumers of IANS precious cargo. Even as the school principal, management and van driver BJP needs to address loss of credibility of top leaders have been rightly put in the dock, the Julio Ribeiro continues to date! The top politicians NRC that Amit Shah had threatened! In the meantime, the decennial cen- gross neglect of the state authorities MORE than the defeat suffered in involved gained immediate and exten- The problem lay in the fact that ev- sus of the population is due in 2021. The the Assembly elections in Delhi, the sive approval in the rest of the country, ery Muslim would have to prove his government wants to start the process by accountable for regular inspection and BJP should mourn the loss of cred- fed up of the daily dose of stone throw- Indianness and that would be difficult preparing an NPR — National Population ibility of its two top leaders. This loss ing and worse reported from the Valley. if no documents were available with Register — beginning from April 1, 2020. evaluation of vehicles regarding their of credibility has resulted in a piquant But the next strategic step of the duo the unlettered and indigent Indian Many states have decided not to cooper- situation where even economic data taken in the quest of a Hindu Rashtra Muslims living on the razor’s edge. ate. How this open defiance of the Centre fitness as per the norms also needs to collectors and health workers moving met with instant adverse reaction from Visions of Assam and the detention pans out is another unfortunate happen- from door to door to vaccinate chil- half or even more than half the country. camps possibly led them to decide ing that the BJP has brought upon itself. be brought under the lens. dren are treated with suspicion and This rebellious half, consisting that ‘enough is enough’. It did not meticulously plan the intro- sometimes manhandled. mostly of once-subjugated women No one objects to Hindus and oth- duction of the CAA after extensive con- The horrifying accident has shaken up When did the loss of credibil- of the Muslim community, was sup- ers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Af- sultation with the states, as it should ity start? Over a long period of time, ported by Left-leaning intellectuals, ghanistan obtaining citizenship in In- have. It pushed the legislation through the trust of lakhs of parents who place some may say, but I would mark the disgruntled youth and large sections dia. Why should anyone object? That obviously with the initial intent of prov- successful operation in J&K as the of the majority community rou- has been going on ever since the Par- ing its Hindu credentials to Hindus their faith in the yellow buses and vans moment. Paramilitary troops were in- tinely dubbed ‘anti-national’ by BJP tition. Tens of thousands have been from Bangladesh languishing in limbo ducted on the pretext that there was spokespersons. Thousands came out granted citizenship in the past seven (some even in detention camps) in As- and other vehicles for transporting their an immediate threat to the Amarnath instantly on to the streets of cities all decades. The rub lay in the openly sam. It became emboldened, or rather Yatra pilgrims based on reliable infor- over India, surprising the unflappable stated intent of directly telling Mus- its former president Amit Shah, now little ones to school. The onus of provid- mation. Tourists, both Indian and for- Narendra Modi. He who thought that lims that they were not welcome in the country’s Home Minister, became eign, were bundled out of the state en he had the country’s people on a leash this country by deleting any mention so emboldened as to declare unilater- ing a safe transport environment is on masse in what one would call a well- was taken aback by the vehemence of of their community from CAA. ally, and without any contradiction conceived police operation planned the reaction! Even that would not have resulted from the Prime Minister at that stage, the government. Accidents do happen by a clever policeman. The real strength of this silent and in this sustained and open revolt if that the Assam experiment of the NRC This may have lulled Kashmiri politi- mostly peaceful revolution was the Shah had not consistently said that would be extended to the rest of the and one can never be too cautious when cal leaders to believe the Governor and fact that not many were prepared to the NRC would follow the CAA in all country. The loss of credibility of its top other functionaries who denied any believe the two leaders when they parts of the country. He even said this leaders is going to make it hard for the school buses are on the road. Every pos- bigger, sinister intent. The Abdullahs declared that the CAA was a very in Parliament. The Prime Minister, in BJP to convince opponents of CAA and and the Muftis were turned into sitting compassionate and much-delayed at- an unaccustomed defensive move, NRC and the several Opposition states sible measure needs to be taken to pre- ducks for subsequent incarceration. It tempt to right the past wrongs inflict- proclaimed that NRC had never been who have thrown in the gauntlet that was an operation that would put the po- ed on Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis on the minds of the party’s leaders! they have nothing to fear from the CAA, vent that no more kids come home from liceman who conceived of the plan on a and Christians, wanting to migrate to No one believed him! It is this loss of the threatened NRC and the questions lofty pedestal but severely strained the a Hindu India from three Muslim ma- credibility that I feel he needs to ad- posed in the NPR about places of birth school charred in coffins. It once again credibility of his political masters. The jority neighbouring countries. They dress if he wants to restore his place in of their parents. The last question, in peace of the graveyard has descended asserted that no Indian Muslim need- the hearts of the great majority of the particular, is very, very loaded! drives home the importance of zero tol- on the erstwhile state and that ‘peace’ ed to fear the emerging exercise of the country’s residents. IANS erance for unsafe roads and vehicles. The higher authorities cannot limit their Lost, the Calcutta of my dreams responsibility to ordering inquiries and Ira Pande to her seems to be an equally belligerent High on the bucket list of places I wish BJP and it will be interesting to see who distributing ex gratia. Such acts, unless to visit has always been Kolkata (I still wins the battle for Bengal next year. If prefer its old name, Calcutta, by the way) Prashant Kishor is successful in persuad- followed by urgency in fleshing out the and although I have been there on three ing her to tone down her aggressive atti- or four occasions, it was always on work. tude, as he is said to have advised Kejriwal facts and getting to the bottom of the This meant I flew in, checked into a hotel, to do with great success in Delhi, Bengal attended a meeting or event and flew out. may not be the cakewalk that the BJP was matter, fail to plug the gaps that lead to Apart from a few visits to friends’ homes imagining it to be. or a meal out and a memorable trip to But let’s leave politics for other more the loss of innocent lives. Belur Math and Dakshineswar, I had seen serious analysts to speak about. Let us in- little of the city or felt its rhythm. Recently, stead focus on the food and cultural land- Certain and quick punishment to the a friend called up and asked whether I scape. If you are a foodie, there is no better would like to come for a short four-day place to go to than Kolkata. We dumped guilty is the only effective deterrent. trip and I readily agreed. our bags at the Bengal Club (more about This time of the year is wonderful to that later) and ran to search out an au- Sadly, it is rarely that responsibility is travel anywhere in eastern India. The thentic Bengal thali. Our driver recom- made with the fragrant gandhoraj neebu many of the legendary areas that bring so weather is just right, neither cold nor mended Tero Parbo in Hindustan Park, (a special Bengal variety of lemon) and many Satyajit Ray films to mind, such as pinned on a government official or a muggy and the light is something else. a modest little eatery, and either because great coffee to round off a very satisfying Chowringhee. Kolkata is definitely not the The mellowness of the sun and the spec- we were famished or whatever, it was the introduction to a foodie’s paradise. Calcutta that one had imagined it to be in school administrator. Unfit vehicles ply- tacular canopy of trees and flowers is a joy most divine lunch I’d eaten in a long time. Each successive day saw us eating terms of its architecture. Neither is it the to behold. The mango trees were already There was an ambrosial sonar moong dal, greedily — Chinese, Anglo-Indian and highbrow bhadralok enclave where the ing pell-mell on dangerous roads, a sure covered with blossoms and the Flame of rice and shukto to start with before we Bengali food — and the sweets one saw Bengal Renaissance took place. The Cal- the Forest and dhak trees a proud splash went on to a fried bhekti chop, hansher and devoured could fill a full page. How- cutta of the colonial period or even of the recipe for disaster, are not an uncom- of red against a blue sky. Blue, as I discov- deem curry (ducks’ egg curry to you) and a ever, the highlight of my trip was a cruise Sixties is now a faint memory and many of ered on our drive from the airport, is now superlative prawn malai curry. Topped off on the Hooghly: a three-hour leisurely the iconic hotels and clubs of that time a mon sight. A Tribune report shows how as much a part of Didi’s Bengal as pink by a delicious mishti doi, we ate until we cruise that takes one from Millennial Park sad memory of a time gone. Once home to is to Jaipur. Every fence and railing, each could barely rise. That evening we went to Belur Math, the headquarters of the fa- Lord Macaulay, The Bengal Club, where we ill equipped the Punjab government is to building and bus is now painted in a co- to a café called Roasterie, with a courtyard mous Ramakrishna Mission, and back. A stayed, is an example of a grand building lour that must be dubbed Didi blue. Didi full of animated clients and a long line of guide points out all the landmarks and the which is a shadow of its earlier self. Most ensure a safe journey to schoolchildren: smiles at every corner from huge hoard- people waiting to find a table. There were two grand bridges (the old Howrah bridge old hotels have lost the graciousness that ings and her presence is stamped all over three of us women, all grey haired, out on and the newer one) are magnificent when was once a part of their lovable but shabby it has only four motor vehicle inspectors the city. Make no mistake, she has taken a Valentine date and I think the manager viewed from the river. There were many elegance. So this is partly a requiem to the care to brand Kolkata her city — the Com- found this so funny that he gave us a table places I would have loved to explore in memory of a Calcutta that I needed to put for examining three lakh vehicles a year. munist days are well behind us, as is that over many others. Delectable snacks and greater detail but lack of time made it im- to rest: loved but almost gone. There’s a long way to go before the par- unfortunate party. The only serious rival several rounds of delicious virgin mojitos possible. However, we did drive around IANS ents’ confidence is restored. Readers Response and contribution Welcome Indian Horizon 7 OPED Monday, February 24, 2020 How Israel and Palestine rocked US politics last week cluded that US policy “cannot be ... just that these policies are supported by the yahu, Gantz, and other Israeli leaders in pro-Israel and ... ignore the needs of the vast majority of the Israeli people and all contention for the premiership, in their Palestinian people.” The CNN audience of the major candidates to become Isra- racist disregard for Palestinian rights, vigorously applauded Sanders’ strong el’s prime minister. they largely agree. And because the “vast comments. As if to establish the validity of Sand- majority of Israeli voters” keep support- The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC ers’ criticism, in recent weeks Netan- ing these parties, and, according to polls, is a group funded by Sheldon Adelson yahu continued Israel’s suffocating support their policies that demonstrate — the billionaire who is closely linked chokehold on the people of Gaza, de- contempt for Palestinian rights,it ap- to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne- nied West Bank Palestinians the right to pears that the other RJC indictment of tanyahu and President Donald Trump) export produce to the outside world, an- Israel’s political culture is also on target. immediately denounced Sanders issuing nounced over 4,000 Jewish housing units What this exchange also brought home a statement calling it outrageous that “a that, when built, will close [occupied] is the extent to which a deep partisan di- mainstream US political party candi- Jerusalem off from the rest of the West vide has developed on issues related to date for president would call the Israeli Bank, imposed new restrictions of Pales- Israel/Palestine here in the US. government racist.” The RJC statement tinian residents in [occupied] Jerusalem, Among Democrats and independents, went further, saying, “Sanders says he and declared his intention to annex “the Sanders not only can call the Israeli gov- supports the Israeli people, just not their Jordan Valley, the northern Dead Sea ernment racist, press for greater recogni- democratic government. As it happens, and all the ... Jewish communities large tion of Palestinian suffering, and propose the policies that Sanders calls racist are and small, in Judea and Samaria [occu- that aid to Israel be conditioned on Is- supported by all the major contenders pied West Bank].” rael’s human rights policies — he can get to be the next Israeli prime minister and And to put icing on the cake, Netan- loud audience approval for these critical By James J. Zogby lations look in your administration?” by the vast majority of Israeli voters, be- yahu continued to Arab-bait his political comments. Earlier last week, a comment by Sena- Sanders, making his strongest remarks cause they defend the basic national se- opponents in the Blue and White bloc by Sanders, once alone, among Demo- tor Bernie Sanders about Israeli policy to date, said, “To be for the Israeli people curity needs of the Jewish state.” telling Israeli voters that “a vote for Ben- cratic candidates willing to take a tough and Palestinian rights and the resulting and to be for peace in the Middle East What I found intriguing about this ex- ny Gantz [of Blue and White] is a vote for position on Israel, has this year, been condemnation of his remarks by a pro-Is- does not mean that we have to support change was the fact that the RJC’s effort the Arabs.” Instead of distancing himself joined by a few other leading Democratic rael group of Jewish Republicans opened right-wing, racist governments that cur- to rebuke Sanders ended up shining a from Netanyahu’s commitments to an- candidates, including Senator Elizabeth a window into this issue’s state of play in rently exist in Israel.” light on the nature of what has become nex Palestinian lands and expand colo- Warren, and Mayor Pete Buttigieg. They both American and Israeli politics. Ap- He went on to speak about Palestinian Israel’s dominant political culture. nies, Gantz’s response has been to em- know that there is strong voter support pearing on a televised CNN Town Hall, suffering, noting the severe restrictions Instead of contesting the charge that brace these very same positions. for this position and very little support Sanders was asked by an audience mem- placed on civilians in Gaza and Gaza’s 70 the policies of the Israeli government are So, the RJC is right. While there may for a hardline pro-Israel view. ber to comment on “How do US-Israel re- per cent youth unemployment. He con- racist, the RJC justified them by saying be some differences between Netan- Gulf News

Trump’s India trip: Full stadium and mostly empty promises By Mihir Sharma But even some Republicans have ex- pointments have caused these expecta- If there’s one thing everyone knows pressed dismay at recent divisive ac- tions to sour; there is a new and cynical about US President Donald Trump, it’s tions by Modi’s government. Recently, tone to how the two capitals talk about that he loves a captive audience — the larg- Senator Lindsey Graham and India’s each other. In that context, any visit by an er and more enthusiastic, the better. This foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jais- American president is good news, even if is one of the many things he has in com- hankar, had an unusually testy ex- nothing comes of it — at least it will keep mon with India’s Prime Minister Narendra change at the Munich Security Confer- the conversation going, and hope alive. Modi. This week, both of them will have a ence about Kashmir. We should, in fact, expect at least a little chance to indulge their shared passion. India’s status as a fast-growing large forward movement, if only to satisfy both Trump is to visit New Delhi and Modi’s economy often serves to paper over such leaders’ demands for good press. One bit hometown of Ahmedabad — and the US concerns, but economic growth has cra- of good news would be if Westinghouse president has said that he expects seven tered recently. finally got to sell its nuclear reactors to million people to greet him there, al- Trade relations have also declined India. though Twitter was swift to note that that sharply, with Trump saying that “we’re Policymakers in Washington have com- would be 80 per cent of the city’s popula- not treated very well by India, but I hap- plained for a decade that Bush’s big bet tion, which is perhaps unlikely. pen to like Prime Minister Modi a lot.” on India through the nuclear deal has not What is certain is that Modi and Trump This month, the US declared that India led to any payoff for US companies; this will headline a rally opening Ahmed- would no longer be treated as a devel- might at least set those concerns to rest. abad’s new cricket stadium, the world’s oping country when it comes to trading Another giant irritant — to Trump at largest, in front of 125,000 people. rules, which is very bad news for Indian least — has been Indian tariffs on Harley- Like most Americans, Trump might be exporters. Davidson motorcycles, which are made a trifle unsure about what cricket is, but Any hope that a reinvigorated trading in electorally crucial Wisconsin and both leaders considered the last rally they relationship would emerge from the visit Pennsylvania. attended together, in Houston last year, a was dashed by Trump. The president said Indian officials have apparently prom- roaring success. that he was “saving the big trade deal for ised to lower tariffs to “a single digit.” Aside from putting the two adulation- later on.” In spite of severely strained defence ONCE-PROMISING BILATERAL RELATIONS HAVE hungry politicians in front of crowds, the In fact, the US Trade Representative re- budgets, India is also likely to buy two TAKEN A CYNICAL TURN policy goals of Trump’s trip are unclear. cently cancelled a visit to India because different sorts of military helicopters Some in New Delhi hope that it will re- nothing was expected from it. from the US, at a combined cost of $3.4 cret of his scepticism about trade. In any to India than it will receive in return. But store a bit of dynamism to the relation- A lot has changed in just a few years. In billion (Dh12.4 billion). New Delhi at case, India’s approach to the US has al- this doesn’t sit easily with Trump’s well- ship, given that India’s stock in Wash- the years after George W. Bush and Man- least clearly wants to show its desire for ways been predicated on the assumption known disdain for America’s “unequal” ington is not very high at the moment. mohan Singh signed the Indo-US nuclear bilateral relations to be restored to some that the relationship cannot be merely strategic relationships. I’m not sure how Modi’s embrace of Trump has served agreement, which essentially formalised kind of equilibrium. transactional. many stadiums full of cheering crowds to alienate many Democrats, including India’s status as a nuclear power, a gen- It has bet big on Trump being the per- New Delhi’s policymakers think that, it would take for Trump to jettison that many of the contenders for the party’s uine sense of optimism about bilateral son who makes that happen. That wager since India’s rise is in the US interest, principle. presidential nomination. ties prevailed. But multiple recent disap- may be unwise; Trump has made no se- America must be prepared to give more Gulf News

Britain’s Boris bolsters power as storm clouds gather overseas

he dominates the political scene, for expected on March 11 (although this and creating an elected chamber of re- the immediate future at least. could now be postponed following gions and nations. The latest step in Johnson’s con- the dramatic departure of Javid from Labour leadership battle solidation of power came earlier this The Treasury). Whenever it comes, the However, while Starmer is the early month when he dealt a major ministe- budget is likely to double-down on the favourite, he is by no means guaran- rial reshuffle. This was billed as pro- theme of the infrastructure revolution teed of success in the face of challeng- moting the next generation of talent. with Johnson proposing the largest in- es from Corbyn’s preferred successor, However, it is no coincidence that crease in day-to-day public spending Rebecca Long-Bailey, while the ‘wild cabinet ministers sacked, including in this Parliament, compared to the card’ contender is Lisa Nandy who is Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom last one, in relative terms of any Tory the only candidate not in the shadow and Northern Ireland Secretary Julian prime minister since the late 1950s and cabinet. Smith, tended to the ones who have early 1960s. The election will not be decided until shown most independence from John- At the same time that Johnson is April meaning that much of Labour’s son. consolidating his power within the attention will be focused internally for Sajid Javid’s shock departure government, Shadow Cabinet Minister several weeks to come. Moreover, the shock departure of Sa- Keir Starmer has emerged as the early While Johnson consolidates power jid Javid as chancellor came after he re- favourite to become the next Labour at home, it is not just the relationship fused Johnson’s request to exert more supremo and leader of the opposition, with the United States where storm control over him by firing all his spe- replacing Jeremy Corbyn. Starmer is clouds are gathering. Negotiations, for cial advisers. Javid is replaced as chan- seeking to play a ‘safety first’ campaign instance, will commence next month cellor by another ex-banker — 39-year- and has made a series of key pledges on a potential EU-UK trade deal. old Rishi Sunak who only entered the to try to win over internal support from The ten months period from March House of Commons in 2015, and just a the left of the party. to December inclusive is not likely, year ago was the most junior minister On the economic front, he has pro- however, to be nearly long enough to in the Housing, Communities and Lo- posed increases in income tax for the agree more than what Chief EU ne- cal Government Department. top 5 per cent of earners, reversing gotiator Michel Barnier has called a Accompanying the changes in gov- the Tory cuts in corporation tax and “bare bones” UK-EU trade agreement. By Andrew Hammond And Johnson may now enjoy greater ernment personnel, the prime minis- clamping down in corporate tax avoid- Yet, few in London nor Brussels have Boris Johnson has postponed his power today as prime minister than ter has begun to map out a multi-year ance; plus proposed nationalisation of so far talked openly about the need planned forthcoming trip to see Don- any of his predecessors since at least governing agenda, including with his rail, mail, energy and water. A standout for a transition extension, threatening ald Trump in the midst of UK-US Margaret Thatcher, with his ambitions “infrastructure revolution” to “level- foreign policy measure is his proposed what even Nigel Farage has called the policy spats from Huawei to digital to be in Downing Street for much of up” the economy across England with introduction of a ‘Prevention of Mili- likelihood of a new Brexit crisis by the taxes. With Johnson fighting on several the 2020s. the Tories having won in December a tary Intervention Act’ to put “human Summer at which time both sides need foreign fronts, including Brexit, he is Johnson likely to be at the height of significant number of previous long- rights at the heart of foreign policy” to decide if there will be an extended therefore consolidating his power at his powers standing Labour strongholds in the and reviewing all UK arms sales to transition period into 2021 home after December’s landmark elec- With the largest Tory majority in the Midlands and North. make the nation “a force for interna- This underlines that problems are tion. House of Commons since Thatcher in This agenda includes construction tional peace and justice”. brewing for the prime minister on the Indeed, the last two weeks, which saw the late 1980s, Johnson is likely to now of a high-speed train line from London In terms of devolution from White- foreign policy front that could yet see several big domestic policy announce- be at the height of his powers. Unlike to Birmingham, which could cost over hall, he wants regional investment his agenda stymied. While he seems ments, have been the most important Tony Blair, for instance, there is no ob- £100 billion, and ultimately be extend- banks and stronger control over re- politically impregnable, for now, his in UK politics since mid-December’s vious big counterweight to him in gov- ed into North England. gional industrial strategy. He also fa- good fortune will not last indefinitely. Conservative victory. ernment like a Gordon Brown figure so Sunak’s first budget as chancellor is vours abolishing the House of Lords Gulf News

The views expressed in these columns are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Indian Horizon or its management.-Editor Indian Horizon Monday, February 24, 2020 international 8 South Sudan rival leaders form unity government S.Korea reports 4th COVID-19 Juba, Feb 23 (IANS) Ri- to form a national unity on Saturday, James Wani death as cases spike to 556 val leaders in South Sudan government which was Igga and Taban Deng Gai, Seoul, Feb 23 (IANS) confirmed to be in- the Korea Centers for have formed a coalition due to take place in May who held the same posi- South Korea reported fected on Wednesday. Disease Control and government, in a step to- but was repeatedly post- tions in the government its fourth death from The patient in his late Prevention (KCDC). wards ending a bloody civil poned. He said he hopes dissolved on Friday, and the new coronavirus on 50s suffered from seri- The number of cases war that has left 10,000s to lead the implementation Rebecca Nyanding Garang. Sunday and added 123 ous pneumonia before that can be traced to dead and millions dis- of the peace agreement Nyanding Garang called new cases to bring the being infected with the the church services placed. and improve the country's on the citizens of South total confirmed cases novel coronavirus. reached 309 as of Sun- Leader of the opposition economy and living condi- Sudan to support the new to 556. The number of CO- day morning, account- Riek Machar was inaugu- tions for citizens. transitional government Three of the four VID-19 infections ing for more than half rated as the country's first Machar added that he for peace and stability and deaths were from Dae- more than doubled in of the total cases here. vice president in a ceremo- appreciated the efforts of asked the country's leaders nam Hospital in the a single day on Satur- South Korea has ny here attended by foreign other countries in the re- to work to achieve those southeastern city of day, with most cases released 18 fully re- leaders of the region. gion to stop the war and aspirations across the Cheongdo, where the centred around a reli- covered patients from Machar and President achieve peace in South country. country's first CO- gious organization in hospitals as of Sunday Salva Kiir have led the main cial end of the war, and we their two communities. Kiir Sudan. At the end of his The rest of the members VID-19 fatality took the country's fourth- morning, the KCDC sides of the civil war, which can now proclaim a new said forgiveness is a "dif- speech, Machar empha- of the new coalition gov- place and more than largest city of Daegu said. broke out in 2013. They dawn". He added that the ficult issue" but stressed sized the opposition's ernment were expected to 110 people, includ- and the neighbouring South Korea con- shook hands and made peace is "never to be shak- the country must reconcile commitment to work with assume their positions on ing nine medical staff, Daenam Hospital. firmed its first new promises that it would be en ever again". with the past and "give the Kiir to implement the text Saturday, although last- were found to be in- Of the 123 new cases, coronavirus case from a new beginning for the He said he had forgiven future a chance". and "the spirit" of the minute meetings were fected, reports the Yon- 75 are related to wor- a Chinese woman from young nation, Efe news re- Machar and asked for his Machar thanked Kiir for peace agreement. continuing on the day. hap News Agency. ship services of the Wuhan, the epicentre ported. forgiveness in return as "working for peace" after Three other vice presi- Machar's appointment was The fourth victim Shincheonji church in of the outbreak, on Jan- Kiir said it was "the offi- well as amnesty between taking office, ending a wait dents also took their oaths announced on Friday. of the novel virus was Daegu, according to uary 20.

Macron 'not sure' of UK-EU Road map set for Syria's Idlib, says Italy unveils tougher measures against COVID-19 trade deal by 2020 end Erdogan Milan, Feb 23 (IANS) Af- events and school trips The mandate is due gime in Damascus, which ter a special cabinet meet- within Italy and abroad. to be signed off on is currently engaged in a ing, the Italian government "Isolating the positive Tuesday and will be Russian-backed opera- has announced tougher cases is the best way to published online and in tion to take control of one measures to contain the contain the epidemic," said Parliament on Thurs- of the last rebel outposts. spread of the novel corona- Speranza, who issued a di- day, the BBC said in the Turkey has insisted that virus, as number of cases in rective on quarantine mea- report. Syrian President Bashar the country increased to 79 sures that went into effect UK Prime Minister al-Assad's forces stay with two fatalities. Saturday. Boris Johnson's chief outside the so-called de- The government's new "Regional health authori- Brexit negotiator, Da- escalation zone, an area measures include a ban on ties are mandated to apply vid Frost, called for a Ankara, Feb 23 (IANS) Erdogan and his Russian earmarked for a cessation people entering and leav- quarantine measures with "Canada-Free Trade Turkish President Recep counterpart Vladimir Pu- of violence under the aus- ing the designated areas active surveillance for 14 Agreement-type rela- Tayyip Erdogan said that tin reiterated their com- pices of Ankara and Mos- in the worst-hit northern days to individuals who tionship" with the EU a road map on Syria's mitments to previous cow Italy, and the suspension of have had close contact with in a speech in Brussels Idlib was set following agreements on Syria at However, in recent all public, business, sports confirmed cases of CO- Paris, Feb 23 (IANS) and the end of the earlier this month - and his phone calls with the their phone conversation. weeks, Assad's troops and school activities and VID-19 infectious disease," French President Em- year," the BBC quoted the mandate will repeat leaders of Russia, France Erdogan also discussed have been pushing into events in the areas, Xinhua the directive said. manuel Macron has Macron as saying at a these demands. and Germany. "After all the issue with French Idlib and the western news agency quoted Prime In a statement, President said that he was "not meeting here on Sat- But EU chief negotia- the evaluations, we deter- President Emmanuel Ma- Aleppo countryside from Minister Giuseppe Conte as Sergio Mattarella called for sure" a UK-European urday. "Anyway, it is tor Michel Barnier has mined our road map," Xi- cron and German Chan- the south, prompting tens saying on Saturday. "the full cooperation of the Union (EU) trade deal going to become more said such a deal cannot nhua news agency quoted cellor Angela Merkel in of thousands of civilians Conte said the contain- entire population in follow- will be struck by De- tense because (the Brit- happen. Under Can- the President as saying on a joint phone call earlier to flee their homes. ment measures will be en- ing the instructions of the cember 31, the end of ish) are very hard." ada's agreement with Saturday. on Friday. His remarks Save the Children and forced by the police and health authorities" while the Brexit transition Macron's comments the EU, which took sev- Erdogan, however did on Saturday came two UNICEF said that around military if necessary. thanking Italy's medical period. come as the UK govern- en years to negotiate, not reveal any details days after he said that an 500,000 children had been Health Minister Roberto professionals, members of "I am not sure that ment signalled it would import tariffs on most about the road map. operation in Idlib was im- forced to flee their homes Speranza said the decree the Civil Protection Depart- an agreement will be publish detailed de- goods have been elimi- On Friday evening, the minent in what he called a since December to escape empowers Ministers to, for ment and the Armed Forces reached between now mands for a trade deal. nated between the two. Turkish Presidency said "final warning" to the re- an offensive launched. example, suspend sports for their "abnegation. Iran open to talks with EU to salvage Trump to call for India-Pakistan talks: Report Washington, Feb 23 "But I think the presi- economic engagement." n-deal: Rouhani (IANS) US President dent will urge both The official also re- Tehran, Feb 23 (IANS) In May 2018, US Presi- Donald Trump will urge countries to seek to ferred to US Secretary of Iranian President Hassan dent Donald Trump uni- both India and Paki- maintain peace and sta- State Michael Pompeo's Rouhani has said that his laterally pulled Washington stan to maintain peace bility along the Line of statement on Friday, in country was open to talks out of the JCPOA in May and stability along the Control and refrain from which he said the US with the European Union 2018, and unleashed the Line of Control (LoC) actions or statements had reached an under- (EU) on possible ways to "toughest ever" sanctions in Kashmir and refrain that could increase ten- standing with the Tali- save the 2015 landmark nu- against Iran. from actions or state- sions in the region." ban to reduce violence clear deal between Tehran In retaliation, Iran began ments that could in- Asked if President in Afghanistan. "So, we and major world powers, a set of nuclear counter- crease tensions in the Trump would ask for In- see this as a major step the media reported. measures, reported Press region, a media report dian troops to maintain forward, and we're fo- "We believe that the TV. The country stopped on Sunday quoted a se- day. "What you'll hear lieve a core foundation peace in Afghanistan cused on that," he said. nuclear deal served the in- recognizing the limits set nior US administration from the president is of any successful dia- after American troops Hoping that the agree- terests of the region and by the deal on the level of official. very much encouraging logue between the two leave the war-ravaged ment the US and Tali- the world and the US move its enrichment activities President Trump will a reduction in tensions is based on continued country once a peace ban plan to sign on Feb harms all (nations) and and the volume of its heavy arrive in India on Mon- between India and Paki- momentum in Paki- deal with the Taliban 29 would end America's even the American people," line with mutual relations water reservoir. day for a two-day visit. stan, encouraging the stan's efforts to crack was implemented, the military engagement in Press TV quoted Rouhani and the fulfilment of its On January 5, the coun- On Friday afternoon, two countries to engage down on terrorists and US official said: "We Afghanistan, the official as saying in a meeting with commitments under the try said it would no longer a senior Trump admin- in bilateral dialogue extremists on its terri- would just encourage said the US would con- Dutch Foreign Minister Stef JCPOA," he added. observe any operational istration official briefed with each other to re- tory. So, we continue to India, as we are all re- tinue its diplomatic and Blok here on Saturday. The Dutch Minister, for limitations on its nuclear the media on the Presi- solve their differences," look for that," the offi- gional countries, to do economic engagement "Over the past 21 months his part, said his coun- industry, whether concern- dent's visit, outlining said the official when cial added. whatever it can to sup- with that country after since the US exit from the try would make efforts to ing the capacity and level of the issues and projects asked if the US leader The US official says is- port this peace process the troop withdrawal as JCPOA (Joint Comprehen- preserve the JCPOA and uranium enrichment, the the president plans to would once again offer sue of religious freedom so that it can be suc- well. "But we certainly sive Plan of Action), the EU stressed the importance volume of stockpiled ura- discuss with Indian to mediate on the issue will figure prominently cessful and we can po- would look to India to has unfortunately failed of continuing dialog as a nium or research and de- leaders during the visit, of Kashmir. during president's visit tentially end 19 years support this peace pro- to take effective steps in means of solving problems. velopment. Dawn reported on Sun- "We continue to be- to India of military, diplomatic, cess � an important. Sanders wins Nevada Democratic presidential nomination election Harry-Meghan makes statement after New York, Feb 23 (IANS) I will make sure that you and former New York dropping Sussex Royal brand Vermont Senator Bernie do." Clinton had smeared Mayor Michael Bloomberg Sanders has beat back Tulsi Gabbard, a Hindu- has shot up in the national London, Feb 23 seek employment out- ment came hours after a last-minute attack at- American seeking the opinion polls, although as (IANS) The UK's Prince side of the institution Buckingham Palace tempting to link him party's presidential nomi- a late entrant he hasn't run Harry and his wife while retaining their on Friday night an- to Russia and won the nation, by calling her a in the three party elections Meghan Markle have titles. nounced they would Democratic Party's inter- Russian asset, and the lat- so far. made an extraordi- Expressing regret be abandoning their nal election in Nevada for ter has filed a $50 million He has made several rac- nary statement laying they had not received attempts to work under the party's nomination in defamation case against ist and sexist comments bare their frustrations all the concessions the name 'Sussex Roy- November's presidential her. and under his mayorship after being forced to they had hoped for, the al', reports the Metro election by a large margin. The rise of Sanders has police followed a policy drop their Sussex Royal statement said: "The newspaper. Early results showed made the Democratic Par- of stopping and searching brand, the media re- preference of The Duke Harry and Meghan Sanders leading in the ty's establishment uneasy young minority men ran- ported. and Duchess of Sussex had applied for a UK Saturday poll with about because they fear that his domly without case until a In the statement, the was to continue to rep- trademark for the term, 40 per cent of the votes, identification as a social- court banned it as uncon- couple claimed that the resent and support Her which covered hun- far ahead of former Vice reported on Friday that ac- fast base. ist will turn off moderate stitutional, and could turn Queen does not have Majesty The Queen dreds of items includ- President Joe Biden trail- cording to US intelligence The Democratic Party voters and lead to his de- off many minorities and "jurisdiction" over albeit in a more lim- ing printed matter, ing with about 22 per cent, officials Russia was trying establishment is obsessed feat by Trump in a general liberals. the term "royal" over- ited capacity, while not clothing, campaigning, and media tracking the to help the Sanders presi- with the Russian factor election while dragging The veteran politician seas, while confirming drawing on the Sover- charitable fundraising, polls declared him the dential campaign, and that having blamed Moscow down party members of has spent nearly $400 mil- they would no longer eign Grant. education and social winner. the officials had briefed for the 2016 victory of Congress. lion from his estimated be trademarking the "While there is prec- care services. The vote margin of vic- him about it a month ago. Trump over Hillary Clin- Sanders, who is 78, has personal wealth of $62 name, the Metro news- edent for other titled In a shocking an- tory now clearly marks The leak on the eve of ton and any mention of great appeal for younger billion in a media cam- paper said in a report members of the Royal nouncement last him for now as the front- the Nevada poll about a Moscow could turn off voters because of his radi- paign using television ads on Saturday. Family to seek employ- month, the couple said runner to challenge Presi- briefing from a month ago some voters. cal policies that include and paid posters on social Outlining their new ment outside of the in- they planned to step dent Donald Trump, al- did not appear to impact Sanders disavowed Rus- raising taxes on the rich media and that has helped roles within the mon- stitution, for The Duke back from their duties though 47 more states the self-described demo- sian aid and said: "My and the minimum wage, him get the third spot in archy, the couple sug- and Duchess of Sussex, as senior members of have yet to hold the intra- cratic socialist Sanders, message to (Russian Presi- and providing medical in- the latest RealClear Poli- gested that they had a 12-month review pe- the royal family and party elections his status who had the support of a dent Vladimir) Putin is surance, free college and tics (RCP) aggregation of been treated different- riod has been put in "transition into a new could change. large number of minorities clear: Stay out of American free school meals for all. national opinion polls ly to other royals who place." working model" last The Washington Post forming the party's stead- elections, and as president Meanwhile, billionaire with 15.2 per cent. have been allowed to The couple's state- month. Indian Horizon 9 business Monday, February 24, 2020 FinMin nod for relief to telcos unlikely CPKA to design township of New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) Economic Affairs Sec- of the AGR as the SUC and The Finance Ministry is retary Atanu Chakraborty licence fees, respectively. HPCL Rajasthan Refinery unlikely to give consent to said the budget estimates They also pay 5 per cent any cut in the licence fee from the Telecom Ministry Universal Service Obliga- and the spectrum usage revenues were from licence tion Fund charges. charges (SUC) for relief fees and the SUC and didn't As the government to telcos to meet adjusted include the AGR dues. wouldn't be able to ex- gross revenue (AGR) dues, Chakraborty's remark tend any relief directly on due to its own revenue po- made it clear that any relief the AGR dues, since it's a sition and economic slow- is unlikely for telcos, which Supreme Court mandated down. have sought 10-12 years to process, but it also doesn't In the February budget pay these AGR dues. want any telco to shut shop estimates for 2020-21, the The Supreme Court's under the AGR payment New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) focus on water conservation and revenue projection from AGR order came in October stress, there are talks of re- CP Kukreja Architects (CPKA) management. It is based on a these two heads (licence 2019. duction in the licence fee is set to design the township "regeneration" model. fee and the SUC) has been "Receipts under 'other and the SUC to help them. at Barmer in Rajasthan for the "In a time when there is a ris- more than doubled to Rs communication services' A cut in these two charg- HPCL Rajasthan Refinery, a ing popularity to go vertical, the 1.33 lakh crore from the the spectrum dues pay- ferent thing. But at the mainly relate to the licence es has been the industry's joint venture company between township of HRRL flourishes as current estimates of Rs ment on a past spectrum consultation level, the Fin- fees from telcos and on ac- long-standing demand and state-run Hindustan Petroleum a sustainable endeavour with 58,989 crore, ruling out any auction, keeping in mind Min will state its precari- count of the SUC. The DoT the Telecom Regulatory Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and the features such as low-rise edifices scope for relief. The pro- their stressed finances. A ous revenue position. collects recurring licence Authority of India has also Rajasthan government. "Cur- imbibing local Rajasthani archi- jection didn't include AGR Cabinet Secretary-headed The FY20 fiscal deficit fees from telecom service backed it. Even last week rently commencing construc- tectural elements, dense natu- dues or spectrum auction panel had approved the has been expanded, peg- providers licenced by it," Airtel chief Sunil Mittal af- tion, the site is located adjacent ral vegetation, open and shared proceeds. moratorium for 2020-21 ging it at 3.5 per cent for the government said in the ter his meeting with Tele- to HRRL's upcoming oil refinery recreational areas and a well According to FinMin of- and 2021-22. FY21 with poor tax and Receipt Budget for 2020- com Minister R.S. Prasad and in the interiors of Thar des- spread out water body which ficials, telcos were granted If the Prime Minister's non-tax revenue positions 21. said he had raised the issue ert," CPKA said in a statement. maintains micro-climate within the two-year morato- Office (PMO) decides on due to slowdown and low Telecom operators pay of high taxation and levies It said that the township is and around the site," the state- rium relief last year on such a cut, it will be a dif- growth. 3-5 per cent and 8 per cent in the sector. "smart and sustainable" with a ment said. Vizion plans tie-ups with European lighting US-India Tax Forum to be launched on Feb 25 New Delhi, Feb 23 CEO Mukesh Aghi said: companies (IANS) In a bilateral ini- "President Trump's New Delhi, Feb 23 ers, as well as build tiative intended to fa- visit will undoubtedly (IANS) Architectur- new relationships with cilitate industry players strengthen the commer- al lighting company European peers to stay and government agen- cial and strategic be- Vizion Lighting plans abreast with the light- cies engage on global tween the world's oldest to build relationships ing industry's future and local tax policies, and largest democracy. and collaborations prospects. With regard the US-India Strate- Bilateral trade has gone with European lighting to lighting products, we gic Partnership Forum up 12 per cent to $160 companies along with are aiming to launch (USISPF) will launch the billion 2019, indicating expanding the parner- new collections every US-India Tax Forum on the strength of the com- ship with Indian lighting quarter," Singh said. Tuesday (February 25) mercial partnership. On designers, according to "We have new prod- He added that the cus on serving a well- .The forum will bring on a regular basis with try (FICCI) and Observer the strategic side, US the company's founder ucts in the pipeline, and company currently has heeled, niche client over 50 tax experts from the government to share Research Foundation now conducts maximum and Managing Director expect to launch three orders worth $300,000 base, we are seeking to Fortune 500 companies feedback on tax policy (ORF) will also convene number of military exer- Vishal Singh. to four new collections till March 2020. increase our presence in together with senior of- transparency and effi- the US-India Forum, cises with India, includ- He said that the com- by the end of 2020." Singh said that the the HNI (high net worth ficials from the Minis- ciency. It will also work a gathering of current ing 'Operation Malabar', pany aims to launch a Speaking of the com- company has consoli- individual) segment." try of Finance, Central with the government to and former Indian and which has increased in new collection of lights pany's financials, Singh dated its operations in Established in 2006, Board of Direct Taxes ensure tax policy har- US government officials its scope and complexity every quarter, in the up- said that the company Hyderabad, Bengaluru, the company currently (CBDT), the GST Coun- monization between and private sector lead- over the years." coming financial year has generated $3 million Mumbai, Ahmedabad, draws 60 per cent of its cil and Central Board of multilateral and unilat- ers. "USISPF looks forward (2020-21). in revenue by the end of and Lucknow, and will revenue from the com- Indirect Taxes and Cus- eral tax treaties," it said. US President Donald to celebrating the bur- "Vizion aims to con- December 2019, and is also soon come up with mercial lighting seg- toms (CBIC), the USISPF On Tuesday, USISPF, Trump will arrive in In- geoning multifaceted solidate and expand going strong with a net experience centres in ment and 25 per cent said in a statement on along with the Federa- dia on Monday on a two- partnership between the its collaborations with profit of 20-25 per cent Lucknow and Noida. from the retail segment. Sunday. tion of Indian Chambers day visit. United States and In- Indian lighting design- per annum. "Given Vizion's fo- Residential. "The forum will meet of Commerce and Indus- USISPF President and dia," Aghi added. CAIT may challenge stay on CCI probe against Amazon, Flipkart SJVNL keen to tap power in

New Delhi, Feb 23 ED initiated insvestiga- probe order of the Com- Arunachal's LOhit basin (IANS) Following the tion against both Amazon petition Commission of Shimla, Feb 23 (IANS) projects, 780 MW Jangi Karnataka High Court and Flipkart for alleged India (CCI) "deserves to Hydropower major Sat- Thopan, 210 MW Luhri ordering a stay on the violation of the foreign ex- be set aside". luj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd Stage-I, 172 MW Luhri anti-trust probe against e- change law. It said that the CCI di- (SJVNL) has evinced Stage-II and 382 MW commerce giants Amazon The anti-trust body had rected an investigation interest in tapping elec- Sunni Dam, on the Sat- and Flipkart, the Confed- in January ordered an en- without the existence of tricity in Arunachal luj basin to SJVNL. eration of All India Trad- quiry into the operations a "prima facie" case. It Pradesh's Lohit Basin. All these projects have ers (CAIT) is likely to file of both Amazon and Flip- further said that the order A meeting in this re- been allotted on build- a petition challenging the kart on multiple counts, was passed in a pre-deter- gard was held between own-operate-and- stay in the Supreme Court including deep discounts mined manner, by treat- SJVNL Chairman and maintain (BOOM) basis. in the coming week. and exclusive tie-ups with ing allegations of abuse Managing Director Sharma requested the Speaking to IANS, preferred sellers. of dominance as an anti- Nand Lal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister to Praveen Khandelwal, Court, because that is the commerce majors. The Further, days after the competitive agreement. Arunachal Pradesh allot the entire Lohit ba- National General Secre- right forum as the High order came on the writ Karnataka High Court In its petition, Flip- Deputy Chief Minister sin to SJVNL on BOOM tary of CAIT said that the Court has given its order. petition filed by Amazon ordered a stay, Walmart- kart also questioned the Chowna Mein in Delhi. Hydro Power Station, basis to study and har- trade body's lawyers are Most likely, it will be Su- seeking a stay on the in- backed Flipkart also "bona fides" of CAIT, Sharma mentioned both located on the ness the hydro potential currently working on fil- preme Court," Khandel- vestigation. moved the court urging it which has been protest- that the company has Satluj river basin in Hi- exceeding 7,000 MW. ing a petition. "I hope by wal told IANS. The High Court was of to set aside the probe. In ing against what it calls vast technical exper- machal Pradesh, in ex- The company also in- Thursday or Friday we will On February 14, the the view that the ongo- its writ petition, Flipkart "deep discounts" by the tise in development of treme tough geology. tends to mutually iden- be able to file the petition. Karnataka High Court or- ing investigation by the Internet Private Ltd said e-commerce majors and large hydro projects like In recognition to its tify more doable proj- The lawyers are already dered a stay on the CCI Enforcement Director- that although the High reached out to the CCI 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri expertise, the Himachal ects in other river basins working on it," he said. probe into violation of ate (ED) should be com- Court has ordered a stay and the government Hydro Power Station Pradesh government as Subansari, Dibang "We can go to Supreme competition laws by e- pleted first. Last year, the on the investigation, the against them. and 412 MW Rampur has allotted four more and Siang. FM apprises G-20 on steps taken to RBI reviewing monetary policy frame Coronavirus scare in Asia boost Indian bond market work: Governor Shaktikanta Das working to India's advantage Hiking the FPI limit New Delhi: The Re- "The monetary poli- With regard to mon- New Delhi: Staying bullish star Investment Adviser India. in corporate bonds and serve Bank of India is cy framework is in op- etary policy transmis- on the Indian markets, over- The removal of divident dis- concessional tax rate on reviewing the retail eration for three and sion, the Governor seas investors have pumped tribution tax in the budget and interest income earned inflation targetinga half years. We have said, it is steadily im- in a net amount of Rs 23,102 the government's proposal to by FPIs are among the framework behind initiated a process of proving and is expect- crore in February so far driven increase the FPI limit in cor- steps that can increase monetary policy deci- an internal review of ed to improve further. by positive sentiment around porate bonds from 9 per cent capital flows into the sion as well as its effec- how the monetary "Transmission is the budget and RBI's decision to 15 per cent have helped market. tiveness and also plans policy framework has improving. If you see to maintain an accommoda- FPIs regaining their confi- To promote a deep to hold stakeholders worked," Das told PTI it was 49 basis points tive stance in the latest mon- dence back. and liquid market, the consultations includ- in an interview. transmission for new etary policy. Additionally, fixed income government has an- ing with the govern- "We have com- loans in the Decem- According to depositories markets have witnessed posi- nounced that a netting ment in June, Gover- menced an internal ber MPC. In February data, foreign portfolio inves- tive flows largely on the back legislation would be nor Shaktikanta Das review of the working MPC, it has gone up to tors (FPI) invested a net sum of RBI's decision to maintain New Delhi, Feb 23 on the second day of the formulated to expand said. of the monetary policy 69 basis points. So it is of Rs 10,750 crore into equities an accommodative monetary (IANS) Finance Minis- conference, the Finance the scope of the cor- In a bid to keep in- framework, and going steadily improving," and Rs 12,352 crore into debt, policy stance, Srivastava said. ter Nirmala Sitharaman Ministry said. porate default swaps flation under specified forward by the middle he said. taking the total net investment Globally, he said, there has on Sunday apprised the FPI limits with respect market. This would also level, the government of the current calendar On February 6, the to Rs 23,102 crore between been a risk-off sentiment G-20 countries on the to investment in corpo- significantly help banks in 2016 had decided to year, that's by June or six member-Monetary February 3-20. among foreign investors with steps taken in the Union rate bonds are proposed manage their capital set up Monetary Policy so, we will be holding Policy Committee FPIs have been net buyers in the outbreak of coronavirus Budget to open up In- to be increased to 15 per requirements and expo- Committee headed a round table with all (MPC) headed by Das, the Indian markets since Sep- epidemic. FPIs have been par- dia's bond market. cent. This may be a step sure monitoring. by RBI Governor en- analysts and experts for the second meeting tember 2019, the data showed. ticularly wary of investing in During the Finance towards local bond in- Sitharaman also con- trusted with the task of and other stakehold- in a row, kept repo rate "There are multiple fac- markets, which rely on tour- Ministers & Central clusion in global indices gratulated the G20's fixing the benchmark ers to do further con- unchanged at 5.15 per tors like positive sentiments ism, as the spread of virus can Bank Governors meet- and internationalisa- Saudi Presidency for policy rate (repo rate). sultations including cent but maintained around the budget and RBI's adversely impact their pros- ing in Riyadh, she out- tion of the rupee. identifying develop- The six-member the government at the accommodative policy decision to maintain an ac- pects and economic growth. lined the efforts taken The Finance Minis- ment of capital markets panel, which had its appropriate time," he stance which implies commodative stance in the "From this perspective, In- to deepen India's bond ter's announcement as a priority area. first meeting in Octo- said. it was biased in favour latest monetary policy that dian equity market is better market such as removal should help boost in- She held a bilateral ber 2016, was given the Obviously, RBI has of cutting rate to boost have had foreign investors positioned among such group of capital controls for vestments in the Indian meeting with her Saudi mandate to maintain to interact with the growth. Prior to going hooked to the Indian markets of countries and hence it has identified categories of debt market, the Minis- counterpart Moham- annual inflation at 4 government because for status quo on rates despite the challenges faced been attracting foreign flows," G-Secs and increased try said, adding Sithara- med Al-Jadaan on the per cent until March the framework is a in December, the cen- by the domestic economy and he added. Going forward, FPI limit on corporate man looked forward to sidelines of the confer- 31, 2021 with an upper part of the law, he said, tral bank had slashed slow pace of growth in corpo- "FPIs don't expect the Fed bond market in the ses- continued engagement ence as well as with her tolerance of 6 per cent adding, "so, naturally rates five consecutive rate earnings," said Himan- and European Central Bank to sion on "Financial Resil- with the G20 on this Italian counterpart Ro- and lower tolerance of government has to times that resulted in shu Srivastava, senior analyst tighten policy soon. FPI flows ience & Development" agenda. berto Gualtieri. 2 per cent. take a view." a cumulative 1.35 per. manager research, Morning- will continue so long. Indian Horizon Monday, February 24, 2020 BUSINESS 10 FinMin, DoT, Niti Aayog discuss options for relief to telcos Saudi economy set to grow this year, New Delhi, Feb 23 better placed to meet the paying such a high AGR (IANS) With limited AGR crisis, Vodafone Idea amount unless relief is driven by non-oil sector: central bank choices to balance the - which has just paid Rs given. Authority governor was speaking SC verdict and saving the 3,500 crore out of its total The Supreme Court at an economic conference in Ri- telecom sector, officials of Rs 53,000 crore statutory had month rejected a yadh, where finance leaders of the the Department of Tele- dues - remains deeply vul- plea by Bharti Airtel and world’s 20 largest economies have communications (DoT), nerable. Vodafone Idea Ltd for ex- gathered this weekend to discuss the Finance Ministry and The government is try- tension in the payment policies and the impact of the vi- Niti Aayog on Sunday held ing to strike a balance schedule and asked all of rus on global growth. a preliminary meeting to between complying with them to deposit an esti- “GDP growth in Saudi Arabia discuss relief measures the Supreme Court order mated Rs 1.47 lakh crore is projected to see an upturn in for telecom industry, on AGR dues, fearing a in past dues for spectrum 2020,” said Kholifey. “Monetary, which is struggling amidst duopoly in Indian market. and licences. It threat- RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s econo- fiscal and structural policies in huge AGR dues, and listed It wants enough compe- ened to initiate contempt my is expected to grow this year, my country are all geared towards some possible options. huge amount as per SC edented crisis". tition by having at least proceedings against top supported by the non-oil sector, an expansion of the private non- There was no official directions and surviving The telecom companies three private players. executives of these firms despite a challenging global eco- oil sector GDP over the medium comment on the meeting, its business after that, are staring at Rs 1.47 lakh Mittal and Vodafone for non-payment. nomic backdrop, the Saudi central term,” he said. chaired by DoT Secretary sources said. crore in unpaid dues -- Rs Idea Ltd Chairman Ku- Apart from Vodafone bank governor said on Saturday as The International Monetary Anshu Prakash. Bharti Airtel Chairman 92,642 crore in unpaid mar Mangalam Birla have Idea's Rs 3,500 crore paid the kingdom hosts the G20 meet- Fund said in January it expects The meeting discussed Sunil Mittal had last week licence fee and another met the Telecom Secre- in two tranches, Airtel has ing. Ahmed Al-Kholifey said it was the Saudi economy to expand 1.9 what immediately can be made an appeal to the Rs 55,054 crore in out- tary and Finance Minister paid Rs 10,000 crore out too early to see the full picture of percent this year, up from an es- done by the government government for cut in lev- standing spectrum usage Nirmala Sitharaman over of its estimated liability of the economic damage caused by timated 0.4 percent in 2019. How- to provide some help to ies and taxes to pull the charges. While Airtel has this. over Rs 35,000 crore and the new coronavirus, which has ever, it lowered its forecast for the the sector to come out of sector out of what he had raised $3 billion in the Vodafone Idea has said Tata Teleservices has paid emerged in China and spread glob- kingdom’s 2020 growth from 2.2 the crisis for paying the described as an "unprec- last few months and is it will have shut shop for Rs 2,197 crore. ally. The Saudi Arabian Monetary percent due to lower oil output.

Oman’s sultan says government will NBFCs,HFCs may get 1 year extension for work to reduce debt restructuring loans DUBAI: Oman's Sultan Rated junk by all three of 8.7% for 2020 despite New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) with banks in treatment of Haitham bin Tariq al-Said major credit rating agen- its expectation of further Financially sound non- loans given for restructuring said on Sunday the govern- cies, Oman's debt to GDP asset-sale proceeds and banking finance companies of real estate projects without ment would work to reduce ratio spiked to nearly 60% some spending cuts. (NBFCs) and housing finance downgrading the asset clas- public debt and restructure last year from around 15% "We are willing to take companies (HFCs) may be sification, but also provide a public institutions and in 2015, and could reach the necessary measures to next in line to be permitted big relief to both commercial companies to bolster the 70% by 2022, according to restructure the state's ad- extension of the date of com- real estate and residential economy. S&P Global Ratings. ministrative system and its mencement of commercial projects that were delayed on Haitham, in his second The small oil producing legislation," Haitham said operations (DCCO) of proj- account of regulatory issues. public speech since assum- country has relied heavily in his first speech since the ect loans for commercial real It may be offered to com- ing power in January, said on debt to offset a widen- mourning period for Qa- estate by another one year panies such as LIC Housing the government would cre- ing deficit caused by lower boos ended, without elabo- without downgrading the as- Finance, PNB Housing and ate a national framework crude prices. Also, the late rating. set classification. Shriram Finance which have to tackle unemployment Sultan Qaboos, who ruled He said there would be a Official sources said that the largely remained unaffected and HFCs will only have lim- previous circular on the same while addressing strained Oman for nearly 50 years, full review of government Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from the present liquidity ited impact on the sector, as changes had been first made public finances. held back on austerity companies to improve extended this facility to banks crisis in the sector following very few projects of existing available to the banks and "We will direct our finan- measures. their business perfor- after the recently concluded problems in IL&FS and DHFL. NBFCs/HFCs opted for the was later extended to NBFCs/ cial resources in the best The country has delayed mance and competence. meeting of the Monetary As per RBI, commercial real earlier one-year extension HFCs. way that will guarantee re- introducing a 5% value Oman observers have Policy Committee on Febru- estate (CRE) refers to all the given by the RBI. Banks and NBFCs/HFCs ducing debt and increasing added tax from 2019 to said that if Haitham moves ary 6 and NBFCs and HFCs real estate asset classes such However, this can have a already have one-year exten- revenues," he said in the 2021, and economic diver- to decentralise power it may now be included in the as the construction of com- positive impact on NBFC/ sion window available (based televised speech. sification has been slow, would signal willingness to scheme to allow completion mercial buildings, IT build- HFC stock prices that have on the circular in 2015) for "We will also direct all with oil and gas account- improve decision making. of a larger number of viable ings and even residential been under some pressure off all CREs; however, the recent government departments ing for over 70% of govern- Like Qaboos, he holds the real estate projects that are structures for which banks late. announcement after the MPC to adopt efficient gover- ment revenues. positions of finance minis- delayed for reasons beyond have lent loans to developers. The expected extension meeting provides an addi- nance that leads to a bal- Last week, rating agency ter and central bank chair- the control of promoters. According to brokerage of the facility to NBFCs and tional one-year window to anced, diversified and sus- Fitch said Oman was bud- man as well as premier, de- The move will not only firm Emkay, the proposed ex- HFCs may not be an unlikely banks, which is currently not tainable economy." geting for a higher deficit fence and foreign minister. bring NBFCs and HFCs at par tension of DCCOs to NBFCs move from RBI as even the available for NBFCs/HFCs. FM asks G-20 to enhance global India must push for pro-biz policies to risk monitoring New Delhi, Feb 23 toring and explore the ally. She pointed out that reach $5T economy: CEA (IANS) Finance Minis- scope for policy co-ordi- identifying the causes and Kanpur, Feb 23 (IANS) In- Frauds like the one at non- ter Nirmala Sitharaman nation to deal with such developing solutions re- dia must fully implement pro- bank lender DHFL and IL&FS on Saturday called upon global risks," a tweet by quire co-ordinated policy business policies that allow have hit the core of corporate the G-20 countries to en- the Finance Ministry said. solutions," the ministry fair competition to push the governance in the country of hance global risk moni- She joined the mem- tweeted. country's economy towards the late. On the government's push toring and explore the bers in expressing em- The minister also high- $5 trillion GDP mark, chief eco- for having more assembly lines scope for policy co-ordi- pathy with the people of lighted the initiatives nomic advisor Krishnamurthy in the country, he said that this nation to deal with such China suffering from the undertaken by the In- Subramanian said on Saturday. should not be taken as a sub- risks. #coronavirus epidemic dian government for em- Speaking to the media at his stitute to the 'Make in India' While addressing the and extended India's powering women such alma mater IIT-Kanpur, Chief programme, rather it should G-20 Finance Ministers support to China in this as 'Stand Up India' and Economic Adviser Krishnamur- be viewed as a complementary and Central Bank Gover- hour of need, the ministry STEP scheme. thy Subramanian described aspect that leads to manufac- nors meeting in Riyadh tweeeted. She emphasised the risk pro-business policies as those turing. He cited automobile during a session -- "En- She also addressed a and collateral free MU- which enable fair competition major Suzuki's case. The com- hancing Access to Op- ministerial symposium DRA scheme for SME seg- while adding that India should pany had entered India in 1980s portunities for All", Sith- on international taxation ment in the meeting, the stay away from pro-crony poli- via assembly of passenger cars araman called upon all "Towards a global solu- ministry said. cies which help incumbent which led to manufacturing. the member countries to tion on tax and digitisa- Sitharaman held bilat- market players. Taking a leaf out of his au- the wake of many NBFC relat- Furthermore, he pointed out empower women, youth tion". eral talks with her coun- Subramanian said the gov- thored Economic Survey, he ed scams without naming any that recently Economic Survey and small and medium "Finance Minister Smt terparts from other coun- ernment has been taking sev- said Arthashastra stresses on particular one. "If governance talked about creation of over enterprises (SMEs). @nsitharaman empha- tries and Organisation for eral structural reforms and all ethical ways of creating wealth standards have to be increased four crore jobs via assembling "Finance Minister Smt sised that growing in- Economic Co-operation measures like rate cuts and re- adding that we need to focus on in the country, there has to be for the global market in India @nsitharaman called equality has slowed down and Development offi- forms work with a lag and we creating trust in the markets as a greater focus on disclosing by 2025. When asked about the upon the G20 to enhance the pace of inter-gener- cials on the sidelines of should allow time for their ben- well. The CEA called for raising related-party transactions, the Budget's proposal on imposing global global risk moni- ational mobility glob- the G20 event. efits to accrue. governance in the country in CEA said. tariffs on certain imports. 'Indo-Russian AI coop will reach level of Bharti Infratel board to meet on Monday er deal also enables strategic sectors soon' Vodafone Idea to raise Moscow, Feb 23 (IANS) because our countries are 'nterested in forging strong funds for clearing a Finnish-Russian digital so- strategic partners," Smo- partnerships in India, part of its adjusted lutions provider Zyfra said lensky said. which could team Zyfra gross revenue (AGR) on Sunday that there are He also said that Indo- solutions with local know- dues to the govern- good prospects of coopera- Russian cooperation in in- how, including technologi- ment. Loss-making tion in the field of industri- novation would get a boost cal processes. Essentially, Vodafone Idea can ex- al artificial intelligence (AI) if local production of hard- we're 'eady to transfer base pect to raise roughly that would take innova- ware in India is increased technology and tools so New Delhi, Feb 23 board of directors will Rs 4,500 crore from the tion, in some years, to the for meeting the needs of that our Indian partners (IANS) The Bharti In- meet on Monday to sale of its stake in the same level of cooperation the domestic market. can transform that into fratel board will meet take stock and decide combined entity. seen in strategic sectors "As a first step and from an end product geared to- on Monday to decide the future course of Vodafone Idea needs like defence and nuclear our point of view, I would wards the local market," the future course of action," Bharti Infratel to pay Rs 56,709.49 energy. India has become area of innovation. tion from Indian compa- suggest producing the he added. Last year, Zyfra action after it received informed the stock ex- crore statutory AGR a key foreign market for Zy- "There are undoubtedly nies," he said. hardware in India for the connected 500 comput- the Department of change. dues. Of this, the com- fra which develops turnkey prospects for cooperation "Military and technical domestic market and then erised numerical control Telecommunication's The merger closure pany has paid Rs 3,500 solutions for digital trans- between Russian and In- cooperation and nuclear deal with Russian software. (CNC) machines in India (DoT) approval for for- had been held up as the crore. The telco, how- formation and enhanc- dian companies in the energy form significant For example, currently, we to its MDCplus real-time eign direct investment DoT had held in abey- ever, estimates its dues ing operational efficiency area of industrial artificial part of the government also have to find interna- machine monitoring and (FDI) for merger with ance the FDI approval much lower at some Rs in industries like mining, intelligence. India is an in- agenda. In innovation, tional hardware in India, or manufacturing data col- Indus Towers, accord- due to a Rs 22,000 23,000 crore, of which oil and gas, machinery dustrial power with a long it's a'out private business even export it. This is not lection systems, and plans ing to a filing to the crore withholding tax Rs 7,000 crore is the and metallurgy across the history and extensive expe- which have a distinct ad- very convenient, is rela- to connect another 1,000 stock exchange on Sat- dispute between UK's principal. globe. rience of IT development. vantage in that we don't tively expensive and is not such machines this year. urday. Vodafone Group and Indus Towers is a Responding to queries India is very interested in h've to adhere to the state in the interests of either Zyfra has been facilitat- "The FDI approval India. The merged en- three-way joint ven- here, Zyfra Director of innovation, and we're 'ee- agenda. Indian clients party in the long term," he ing industrial manufactur- for merger of Indus tity will be the world's ture between Bharti In- Business Development Al- ing that from both govern- choose Zyfra products said. ers in India with AI and Towers with Bharti largest telecom tower fratel, Vodafone Group exander Smolensky that ment agencies, as well as because we offer unique "Secondly, India has IIoT-based solutions, while Infratel has been re- company with over and Vodafone Idea, private companies have a companies. We are seeing solutions which increase brilliant mathematicians in December last, the Odis- ceived late yesterday 1,63,000 towers. with the first two hold- distinct advantage in the high demand for digitalisa- production efficiency, not and IT developers. We're ha-based Earthmovers. (Friday) evening. The The closure of merg- ing 42 per cent each. Sports Indian Horizon 11 Monday, February 24, 2020

Wellington, Feb 23 (IANS) Wellington Test: New Zealand end day three still B’desh vs Zim: Mominul, Najmul New Zealand wrested back control of the Basin Reserve in the lead and in charge in Wellington Test by adding 123 for their 50s help host get close to lead last three wickets and then India 165 and 144 for 4 (Agarwal 58, Boult 3-27) trail New Zealand 348 (Williamson 89, Taylor Zimbabwe 265 (Craig Ervine 107, Prince Masvaure 64; Nayeem prising out four wickets with 44, Jamieson 44, Sharma 5-68, Ashwin 3-99) by 39 runs Hassan 4/70) vs Bangladesh 240/3 (Mominul Haque 79, Najmul excellent plans and execution New Zealand: 44, off just 45 Hossain Shanto 71 n.o.; Donald Tiripano 1/40) on a dying surface. balls. If Jamieson left some Missing Neil Wagner’s exposed wounds, a dancing Dhaka, Feb 23 (IANS) first session.The pair tireless short-pitched bowling comedy act of a 24-ball 38, Fifties from captain carried on deep into (he’s away on paternity complete with sound effects, Mominul Haque and the second session leave), the others - Trent from Trent Boult, sprinkled Najmul Hossain Shanto before Tamim’s edge Boult in particular - found a salt on them. helped Bangladesh was caught by the way to create an acceptable However, it was de get within 25 runs of wicketkeeper of Donald impression.They still have Grandhomme’s solid batting Zimbabwe’s first innings Tiripano. work to do to avoid being set a that was critical to their 183- total on Day 2 of the one Najmul and Mominul disconcerting target, but they run first-innings lead after off Test between the then put up 76 runs for would believe they have done having started the day 51 two sides at the Sher- the third wicket and a large chunk of that work on ahead.If there is any country e-Bangla stadium in ensured that Bangladesh the third day, ending it still 39 where you can come back Dhaka. don’t lose a wicket until ahead.After his four-wicket from such a deficit, it is New While Najmul was well after Tea. haul with the ball, Jamieson Zealand even though this dismissed on 71, Charlton Tshuma got ended up with the highest pitch had more life than Mominul remained out for 265. Zimbabwe his maiden Test wicket score for a debuting No. 9 for your regular NZ surface. unbeaten on 79 with struck in the third over when he drew an edge Mushfiqur Rahim with Victor Nyauchi from Najmul that flew how to play against him keeping him company getting an edge off to the wicketkeeper who Japanese player Nishioka enters and just kept trying to do Austrian Stefan at the end of the day on Saif Hassan that flew made no mistake with it and then it worked,” Sunday. to wicketkeeper Regis the catch once again. Delray Beach Open final Nishioka said. Kraft claims Abu Jayed completed Chakabva. Najmul Mushfiqur and “If I lose the first set his four-fer earlier and Tamim Iqbal saw Mominul have now put Washington, Feb 23 it’s okay, I just figure ̊̈th career ski in the day as he and Bangladesh through up 68 runs for the fourth (IANS) Japanese player out how he’s going to Taijul Islam wiped out to Lunch and the wicket and Bangladesh Nishioka Yoshihito has play, how I have to play jumping the Zimbabwe tail and score was 25/1 in 8 look set to put up a big rallied to beat sixth against him and then the visitors were all overs at the end of the lead on Day 3. seed Ugo Humbert of from the second set I WC win France 1-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the say, ‘Okay, let’s do it semifinal of the Delray this way.’” Rashpal, Jyoti defend their Beach Open. Nishioka will play the The 24-year-old, who big serving, second seed New Delhi Marathon titles captured his maiden ATP Milos Raonic of Canada Tour title in his first final or American fourth seed New Delhi, Feb 23 at the 2018 Shenzhen Reilly Opelka for the (IANS) Elite Indian Open, did not reach a trophy on Sunday.The runners Rashpal championship match Raonic-Opelka semifinal Singh and Jyoti Gawte between that victory and was pushed to Sunday thwarted a strong field of this week, reports Xinhua news agency.“After the first set, I just figured out morning due to rain. runners to successfully retain their crown at the IDBI Federal Life Silver for Rising star Jyotika wins fencing Bucharest, Feb 23 (IANS) Insurance New Delhi Stefan Kraft of Austria Marathon 2020 here on Sharath, gold at Khelo India games has grabbed his fourth ski Sunday. Sathiyan at Bhubaneswar, Feb jumping World Cup win of Army Sports 23 (IANS) Size does the season and 20th overall Institute’s (Pune), Hungarian not always matter. Ask in Rasnov, Romania and Rashpal who began as Himachal Pradeshs extended his lead in the a strong favourite, lived was flagged-off from 10K Timed Run and 5K Open Jyotika Dutta, the overall ranking table. upto his top billing Jawaharlal Nehru Swacch Bharat Run. epee specialist who In the second World Cup and finished the Full Stadium in 2:50:37 IDBI Federal Life is taking the Indian competition in Rasnov on Marathon (42.2k) with hours, with almost 8 Insurance brand fencing world by Saturday, 26-year-old Kraft an impressive time of minutes to spare. ambassador, Sachin storm. Petite, lean and posted jumps of 103 and 97.5 2:23:29 hours to pocket Over 22,000 runners Tendulkar flagged- more often than not meters in the final for 270.3 the coveted title. braved the early off all the races and the shorter fencer in a points to top the podium. Jyoti of Maharashtra morning chills and lined inspired the runners competition, that has With his 20th World Cup win, proved to be up for the 5th edition with heartfelt words rarely come in her way Kraft has now drawn level untouchable in the of the IDBI Federal of encouragement. He of overpowering taller with Austrian ski jumping women’s category, Life Insurance New even obliged the star and bigger opponents. legend Andreas Goldberge in winning the title in a Delhi Marathon, in four struck participants The 22-year-old all time wins, reports Xinhua canter. She completed different categories; the with selfies and underlined her growing news agency.Karl Geiger of the grueling Full Full Marathon (42.2k), honoured the winners stature in the sport Germany, who won the first Marathon which Half Marathon (21.1k), later in the day too. on Sunday, clinching event on Friday, ranked the first gold for Guru rough starts but was tense bout, using her second with 266.7 points and Nanak Dev University determined not to make small frame and quick fellow German Constantin Indonesia’s Johan defends title in Budapest, Feb 23 (IANS) at Amritsar in Punjab in the same mistakes in feet to her advantage. Schmid was third with Indian men’s doubles the fencing competition the knockouts.” The Rohru girl started 260.2 points for his first ever int’l triathlon c’ship pair of Achanta Sharath of the Khelo India And sure enough fencing almost 15 years podium finish. Jakarta, Feb 23 (IANS) and 36 minutes and 46 Kamal and Gnanasekaran University Games here. she didn’t. Up against back at the behest of “Before the second jump, I Indonesian triathlete seconds in running.The Sathiyan clinched a silver Just back from a an opponent at least her cousin Jiteshwar knew that Karl was in the lead Jauhari Johan has championship kicked medal at the 2020 ITTF highly productive six inches taller than Dutta, a fencer and a and I was a bit nervous and felt defended his champion off on Saturday and World Tour Hungarian stint in France, at her in Yashkeerat part-time coach. No the pressure because the two title in the elite man will end on Sunday, Open in Budapest. the International Hayer, Jyotika raced to one around her, in her of us are fighting for the overall category during an according to the The pair put in a strong Fencing federation’s a five-point lead and small town, had ever World Cup lead. I had to risk a lot international triathlon committee. effort but eventually went high performance completed an emphatic heard of the sport. in order to come in ahead of him championship in “I am not strong down fighting 5-11, 9-11, centre, Jyotika used 15-5 win. “In the early days and it’s amazing that it worked the country’s South enough in swimming, 11-8, 9-11 to the 16th seeds that experience to bail The final was my cousin would train out so well for me today,” Sumatra province, which is part of the because I am not Benedikt Duda and Patrick herself out from a tricky a much tougher me. He would procure Kraft said.Kraft now leads the media reported. Indonesian Triathlon a swimmer. But in Franziska of Germany start. proposition, with the equipment and overall World Cup ranking with Johan defeated other Series, reports Xinhua cycling and running, in a 30-minute summit “Adversity teaches Linthoi Haobam teach me the basics,” 1,433 points, 118 points ahead competitors from news agency.He took 24 I have advantages,” showdown. you a lot,” she laughed, (Manipur University) she explained. “I was a of Geiger. Dawid Kubacki of Europe and Asia during minutes and 4 seconds said Johan, who won Sathiyan and Sharath brushing aside her two matching her point sprinter earlier; so I was Poland moved up to third with the 2020 Palembang in swimming, 1 hour the sports category in a had been splendid all week defeats in the group by point. Yet, Jyotika obviously fitter than 1,067 points following his fourth International Triathlon and 2 minutes and 43 tournament held in the and had even accounted stage. “I had some prevailed 15-14 in a most girls my age.” placed finish on Saturday. Championship, seconds in cycling, province last year. for the top seeds Ho Kwan Kit and Wong Chun Ting of Hong Kong in a hard- I-League: Mohun Bagan thrash Churchill Brothers 3-0 fought 3-2 victory in the semi-finals. Madgao (Goa), Feb 23 changes due to suspensions. took a couple of deflections was very impressive in his This is Sharath Kamal’s (IANS) Kolkata giants Mohun The league leaders were off including a wrong-footed snatching and second-ball second medal in Budapest Bagan overwhelmed Churchill the blocks early with Diawara Sukhdev Patil, to hobble play. After the changeover, as he also went on to Brothers 3-0 at the Fatorda scoring his seventh goal in as in.Churchill fought back after the Mariners hurled another win a bronze in mixed stadium in Margao, Goa, on many games. the setback and they missed attack on the Red Machines doubles in partnership Saturday, to dispel any doubts It also involved prominently three clear chances in the with VO Suhair pulling off a with Manika Batra. of a freeze, with the crucial the visitor’s two Spanish stars, space of five minutes with the stunner. Mathan Rajan Hansini business end of the I-League who have been involved in Dawda Cessay-Willis Plaza Sahil originated the move put up an impressive season approaching fast. almost every goal Bagan have combination at the heart of from his own half and found performance by bagging Senegalese striker Papa scored this season. two of them. Diawar who was left unmarked. the bronze medal in the Babacar Diawara started the Joseba Beitia it was with the The Bagan defence, with Diawara immediately played Mini-Cadet Girls’ Singles blitz as early as the sixth minute free-kick out wide for Hero of Trinidadian Daniel Cyrus and onto Suhair, who was chased category in what was her in the reverse leg, with second- the Match Fran Gonzalez, who Gurjinder at the heart of it by a defender from the left maiden appearance at an half strikes from VP Suhair headed squarely for Diawara after a prolonged break, did whereas three closed in International Table Tennis and Tajik midfielder Komron coming in dutifully following well to absorb a determined from behind.The Malayalee Federation (ITTF) junior Tursunov driving home the missed sitters towards the end Bernardo Tavarez of Churchill play. The Senegalese tapped Churchill push.Youngster Sk. attacker shrugged off his circuit event. visitor’s dominance over the of the game, they could have and Kibu Vicuna of Mohun it home with the Churchill Sahil, in particular, like he has marker with pure strength and hosts.Had the Mariners not garnered even a bigger win. Bagan were forced to make defence on its heals and it been throughout the league, drove forward. Entertainment IIndianndian HHorizonorizon Monday - February 24, 2020 12

DEEPIKA PADUKONE: Priyanka Chopra: Amitabh Bachchan pens emotional Working with Ranveer Singh in '83' post for daughter Shweta Wendell egastar Amitabh a refreshing change Bachchan's daugh- Rodricks was Mter Shweta recently ent setting, era, char- organised her clothing label acters, costumes and MxS' fi rst fashion show, and dialogues. It was refresh- a pioneer, a the former is feeling super ing to work with him in emotional.Big B on Sunday this capacity.""We were visionary took to Instagram and penned both surprised. We had a cute post for Shweta. to remind ourselves that "kab ye aise se aisi ban gayi we had worked with each pata hi nahin chala...love other before because you Mama," Amitabh wrote these characters were so alongside a collage of his different from what we pictures with Shweta.He also eyed. Also, Shweta marked father.Shweta handles MxS had already done before uploaded a few images from her appearance at the fashion in association with designer and we look forward to the fashion show in which show wearing a denim jacket Monisha Jaising. working with each other in Shweta can be seen teary- that had the portrait of her IANS contemporary fi lms a lot more," said the actress. The fi lm, based on Karan Singh Grover launches his art India's historical 1983 eal-life couple ing fi lm "83". Cricket World Cup victory, Deepika Padukone Asked about sharing also has Deepika donning website, YouTube channel Rand Ranveer Singh screen space with her the hat of a producer. ctor Karan Singh Gro- doing other things because I are back as an on-screen husband once again after "Chhapaak", based ver, who turned a need to put them out on the couple. The actress says movies like "Goliyon Ki on the life of acid attack Ayear older on Sunday, canvas."As long as the expres- considering the kind of Raasleela Ram-Leela" survivor Laxmi Agar- launched his art website and sion is not complete, I can't movies the pair has done and "Bajirao Mastani", wal, was her fi rst fi lm as a YouTube channel. focus on anything else. in the past, doing "83" was Deepika told IANS: producer. On the kind of For the uninitiated, And now, I'm ready to a refreshing change. "It was good. It was a stories she is looking for Karan is an artist too. So, showcase my work. The Deepika will be seen as refreshing change because as a producer, she shared: on his birthday, the "Dill website and the channel Romi Dev, wife of cricket of the kind of fi lms that "My choices will always be Mill Gayye" fame actor has are getting launched on my legend Kapil Dev, played we have done before. It made as an actor. come up with the art website birthday. by Ranveer in the upcom- was a completely differ- IANS starinfinityart.com and his Why you ask - It's just the YouTube channel 'Starinfin- birth of me as an artist. I ityart' to share his artwork have lots of pieces that are among his fans. complete. The exhibition 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama' actress Ishita "I often get told that I seem is going to happen soon," to age regularly while do- Karan said.Karan is cur- Raj in Luv Ranjan's next ing shows or fi lms and I get rently celebrating his 38th asked why there are times birthday along with his wife excited about the project that I'm missing. The reason worlds inside my head that Bipasha Basu in Maldives. and I am really looking is that I paint. There are many sometimes restrict me from IANS forward to it. I shall be soon collaborating with blessed," he added.Sidharth Luv Ranjan Sir once again. Sidharth Shukla 'blessed' to defeated model Asim Riaz to This time he will be emerge as the winner of the producing it along with T- season 13 on February 15. Series. We will be working meet his aged fan IANS together again in 2020 on the silver screen," Ishita igg Boss 13" winner Sid- told IANS.In the past, harth Shukla on Sunday Ranjan and Ishita have Bmade his fi rst public collaborated on "Pyaar Ka riyanka Chopra Jonas, who appearance post the show's Punchnama 2" and "Sonu walked the ramp at the 15th fi nale, and it seems he is on Ke Titu Ki Sweety".She PBlenders Pride Fashion Tour cloude nine. was last seen in the 2019 paid her tribute to late fashion de- Sidharth was invited to in- movie "Yaaram", along- signer Wendell Rodricks by saying that augrate a new ward at Brah- side Prateik Babbar and he was the pioneer and a visionary of ma Kumaris GHRC hospital Siddhanth Kapoor.Ishita Indian fashion and he forever will be where he met a lot of his fans. also had a dance number, missed. He even took to his Instagram yaar Ka Punchnama" fi lmmaker Luv Ranjan's "Dil bevda", in the multi- "It's only apt on a night like this, in handle to share a glimpse of actress Ishita Raj next movie titled "Wild starrer "Prassthanam". the presence of so many luminaries his meeting with the patients Phas bagged a role in Wild Punjab"."I am quite IANS from the Indian fashion industry that at the hospital. we remember Wendell Rodricks. In one of the videos, he can He was the pioneer, he was a be seen interacting with an Kajal Aggarwal's dramatic first look visionary of Indian fashion and he old lady and thanking her for will always and forever be missed," her support. said Priyanka.Rodricks was reportedly "First public appearance from 'Mosagallu' unveiled scheduled to showcase his work at the post 'Bigg Boss 13' win! Feel- fashion event. ing so blessed to receive the he fi rst look of er.The fi lm, directed The hour-long event kickstarted kind of love," Sidharth cap- actress Kajal by Jeffrey Gee Chin, with Priyanka, a brand representative tioned the image.Not only TAggarwal from also features Suniel for Blenders Pride, walking the ramp. this, he even posed for a pic- her upcoming fi lm Shetty in a lead role. The models then walked the ramp and ture with his aged fan."So "Mosagallu" starring The movie is based showcased the latest in Indian fashion Vishnu Manchu is on a true story about by honouring the event's theme 'The out. the world's biggest Pride Of India', which aimed to por- hana Dhillon loves advantage in the 1971 Kajal, who will be IT scam. tray blending of Indian cultures. wowing fans with Indo-Pak war. The film seen as the female Sunil will be seen Sharing her feeling being a part of Iher fashion state- also stars Sonakshi lead in her next playing a police of- the event, Priyanka said, "I would ments, and she was Sinha and Ammy Virk. Tollywood fi lm fi cer, while Kajal and like to welcome you at 15 years of a recently seen doing the Talking about the proj- "Mosagallu", took to actress Ruhani Singh legacy. I am extremely excited to be same with a photo-op ect, Ihana earlier said: Twitter and shared are in the female here tonight. It is 15th edition of the where she turns on the "It's a brilliant script, her fi rst look from lead roles. Blenders Pride Fashion Tour. I have heat in a yellow dress and essaying the role the fi lm. The movie will be been fortunate enough to be with and sporty shoes. of an Air Force officer In the poster, Kajal released worldwide them for 10 years. This is my one The "Hate Story 4" is totally new for me. looks dramatic in a this summer. decade anniversary as well." actress's simple yet It's challenging. My white sleeveless blaz- IANS IANS sexy look is quite a director Abhishek ji is contrast to her intrigu- extremely clear in his ing and complicated head about this char- role in "Hate Story 4", acter. The film shows Team 'Thappad' promotes campaign against which made her popu- the independence of lar upon the film's women back in 1971. on-screen gender-based violence release in 2018.Ihana I am extremely proud will next be seen in to be associated with this ollywood actress Ta- approach gender-based vio- based violence. I am happy the Ajay Devgn-starrer project."Off the screen, apsee Pannu starrer lence without disclaimers. 'Thappad' has taken the "Bhuj: The Pride Of Ihana was recently B"Thappad" has pro- "I'm happy that our pe- lead. We hope many more India". The Abhishek awarded the Youth Icon moted a campaign against tition on warnings and films to follow this practice," Dudhaiya directo- award by the Punjab on-screen gender-based disclaimers for on-screen Sohini Bhattacharya, Presi- rial recalls the story government. She was violence.In a short film, gender-based violence has dent & CEO, Breakthrough, of 300 brave women was presented the award Taapsee is seen demand- received an overwhelm- said.The women's rights or- from Madhapar village by Rana Gurmeet Singh ing disclaimers for scenes ingly positive response. We ganisation gathered more of Gujarat's Kutch Sodhi, minister of sports involving gender-based strongly believe that our than 1.25 lakh signatures district, who played a and youth affairs in the violence just like the way a efforts at bringing about as part of its on-going cam- pivotal role in helping Punjab government. disclaimer is displayed for lasting behavioural change paign for warnings and dis- India gain a strategic IANS on-screen smoking and ani- through means of popular claimers against on-screen mal cruelty. The promotion culture and community- gender-based violence in is a boost for Breakthrough, tion's efforts to bring about based actions will play a cru- Indian films. a women's rights organisa- a change in the way films cial role in ending gender- IANS IHANA DHILLON DAZZLES IN YELLOW

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