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PUBLISHED FROM DELHI & KOLKATA VOL. 3, ISSUE 343 | Wednesday, 20 December 2017 | Kolkata | Pages 16 | Rs 3.00 NO HALF TRUTHS pNIFTY 10,463.20 (+74.45) pSENSEX 33,836.74 (+235.06) pDOW JONES 24,792.20 (+140.46) pNASDAQ 6,994.76 (+58.18) pRUPEE/DOLLAR 64.04 (+0.20) pRUPEE/EURO 75.70 (+0.13) pGOLD/10GM 29,700 (+175.00) pSILVER/K 38,250 (+150.00) SECOND 500 INDIANS OLA TO ACQUIRE MUSIC WAS SLEAZE RACKET LANGUISHING FOODPANDA’S SECONDARY IN RECENT BUSTED IN IN PAKISTANI INDIA UNIT, PUMP FILMS OFFERED TO KOLKATA PG4 JAILS PG10 IN $200 MN PG12 RAHMAN PG16 Quick News44 CENTRAL OBSERVERS ARUN JAITLEY & SAROJ PANDEY TO CONSULT ALL GUJARAT BJP MLAs No, Aadhaar linkage not Citing shortage, Centre must for property deals asks states to send OUR CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI: There is no pro- more IAS officers posal to make Aadhaar link- Rupani again? age mandatory for property NEW DELHI: Citing a shortage of IAS bureau- transactions, Parliament was crats at the middle-level, the Narendra Modi SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE informed on Tuesday. government has asked all states to spare more In a written reply in the CONSUMER NOD MUST officers for central deputation, according to an AHMEDABAD: As the Gujarat Nadda, Jairam Lok Sabha, Union Minister of official communique. A total of 493 posts out of Assembly election verdict came State (Independent Charge) TO ALTER BANK A/C 1,051 ones earmarked for IAS officers on central in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Thakur lead race for for Housing and Urban Affairs THAT GETS SUBSIDY deputation are filled, leaving a vacancy of 558 or Party (BJP), the party leadership Hardeep Singh Puri, how- about 54 per cent. heaved a sigh of relief at being able HP CM’S post ever, said that the rural devel- NEW DELHI: To avoid a In a letter to all states, the Department of to retain power in the home turf opment ministry had advised repeat of a Bharti Airtel- Personnel and Training (DoPT) said the move- of both Prime Minister Narendra OUR CORRESPONDENT the states and union territo- type fiasco, the Unique ment of the officers from states to the Centre Modi and party chief Amit Shah. ries to explore the possibilities Identification Authority of and back is crucial for building capabilities at Uncertainty, however, remains SHIMLA: Union minister J P of using consent-based Aad- India (UIDAI) on Tuesday the state-level and contributing towards develop- about the chief ministerial face Nadda and five-term MLA Jai- haar authentication for regis- directed banks to seek ing national perspectives at the decision-making of the state. ram Thakur have emerged as tration of properties under the an explicit consent of levels in the government of India. Although Shah mentioned frontrunners for the chief min- provisions of the Registration the beneficiary before “It would, therefore, be appropriate consid- incumbent Vijay Rupani’s exten- ister’s post in Himachal Pradesh. Act, 1908. changing the account to ering the fact that there is general shortage of sion during the poll campaign, the The shock defeat of the BJP’s The comments assume sig- which the government IAS officers at Deputy Secretary/Director level, latter’s failure to conquer “Mission also being reported— Union Min- party and enjoys close proxim- chief ministerial candidate Prem nificance in the backdrop of subsidy is being remitted. if a conscious attempt is made while forward- 150” has created a bit of a ques- ister Mansukhbhai Mandviya and ity with BJP chief Amit Shah. The Kumar Dhumal has thrown Puri reportedly stating last Also, the banks have ing the names of the officers, so as to share the tion mark on his chances. It also BJP Gujarat state unit president emergence of two young leaders open the leadership race in the month that seeding Aadhaar been asked to intimate shortage proportionately between the Centre witnessed a hasty call of the BJP’s Jitubhai Vaghani are the front- Alpesh Thakor and Jignesh Mev- state and brought Health Minis- to property transactions was the beneficiary about the and the states and also that every eligible officer Parliamentary Board meeting in runners. Mandviya was the par- ani, with the support of the Con- ter Nadda into contention. a great idea and as the govern- change within 24 hours has an opportunity to serve at the Centre at least the presence of PM Modi on Mon- ty’s in-charge for Saurashtra for gress, also indicate that the saffron Nadda’s proximity to the ment was linking Aadhaar with once at the middle management level,” it said. P5 day evening at the party headquar- the Assembly elections, which party needs to project a young, party brass is seen as a big plus bank accounts, it might take through SMS and e-mail ters in the national capital, where has been the epicenter of the Pati- charismatic face to counter them. for him even though some party some additional steps for the as well as provide an an observation team was formed dar agitation and Hardik Patel’s Sources said that BJP insiders leaders believe that the BJP’s property market also. option to the person to RS passes bill to grant with Union Minister Arun Jaitley bastion. have given an indication that after central leadership may finally To a query on the issue, the reverse the change, said and party general secretary Saroj Sources said that he also played the loss of 16 seats in Gujarat, the choose the CM from among the minister said, “At present, there a Gazette notification more autonomy to IIMs Pandey. a key role in exposing the CDs of party brass is now keen to appoint MLAs. Jairam Thakur, Mohin- is no proposal to make Aadhaar issued by the UIDAI. The team will take feedback Hardik Patel. But the saffron party someone who has a strong public der Singh, who won for a sev- linkage mandatory in property from all BJP MLAs of Gujarat failed to retain the trust of Patidars appeal and, as the next CM, can enth time, five-term MLA Rajiv transactions.” Narendra Modi had hinted NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday and submit a report to the Par- in the region. BJP state president deliver on the promises made to Bindal, former state BJP chief To questions, including at a crackdown on “benami” passed a bill, extending greater autonomy to liamentary Board and then the Jitubhai Vaghani is believed to be the people of the state. The “99 Suresh Bharadwaj and Krishan one on whether the govern- properties and thus, there was the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) CM’s name will be announced. the dark horse, because despite the seats” in BJP’s bag also indicate Kapoor, both elected for a fourth ment had set any time-frame a speculation that linking Aad- by restricting the government’s role in their Reportedly, the central leadership Patidar agitation in Saurashtra, he that the incumbent party has to term, may also be considered. for linking the unique identi- haar with property transactions functioning and granting them power to award of the saffron party is considering managed to win from Bhavnagar hunt a lot for a credible face who Some in the state party unit fication number for property could be a step in that direc- degrees to their graduates. The Indian Institutes replacing Rupani despite his vic- (West) in the region. can hold sway over the people and continue to bat for Dhumal dealings, he said, “(The ques- tion. A “benami” property is of Management Bill, 2017 — which was passed tory from the Rajkot West seat. Vaghani is also a prominent hold the party’s Gujarat fortress despite his defeat. tions) do not arise.” one which is held by the owner in the Lok Sabha in July this year — grants statu- Meanwhile, a few names have young Patidar face for the saffron intact, feel observers. Earlier, Prime Minister in someone else’s name. tory powers to the IIMs in their running includ- ing the appointment of directors and faculty PEOPLE NO LONGER ACCEPT MODIJI’S GUJARAT MODEL: RAHUL members. The bill gives them powers to award CAG raps FSSAI for roping FM: GST for degrees instead of post-graduate diplomas. P7 oil products ‘Gujarat poll result has created Very disturbed that in poor food testing labs needs states’ DHIRENDRA KUMAR credibility problem for Modi’ 2 brothers from Kashmir consensus NEW DELHI: In a major blow to OUR CORRESPONDENT the BJP in Gujarat.” were assaulted in Bengaluru the food regulator, the government OUR CORRESPONDENT “We lost, but we could have J&K CM MEHBOOBA MUFTI auditor Comptroller & Auditor Gen- NEW DELHI: Congress pres- won...but fell short by a small eral (CAG) of India has rapped Food NEW DELHI: The Cen- ident Rahul Gandhi said on margin,” he said. “A big ques- Safety and Standards Authority of tre favours including petro- Tuesday that the Gujarat elec- tion has been raised on Modiji’s India (FSSAI) for issuing licences to leum products in the ambit tion results have raised ques- credibility…. Frankly, Modiji In today’s food business operators on the basis of the Goods and Services Tax tions about Prime Minister has a credibility problem and of incomplete documents in more (GST) but would want a con- Narendra Modi’s credibility he will find it very difficult... paper than 50 per cent cases being scruti- sensus with the states before and show that the country is Because what he is saying, his nized by the apex auditor. The CAG taking such a step, Finance not listening to him any more. do not accept Modiji’s model,” forces and his organisation are in its report has also raised questions “The FSSAI has no data on Minister Arun Jaitley said on Gandhi calling Modi’s Gujarat the Congress president said. “It repeating that.” ... over the quality of testing as 65 out of whether all the notified empanelled Tuesday. During Question model of development “good was thought that the Congress “But the country is not lis- CITY 72 state labs are not National Accredi- food laboratories have qualified food Hour in the Rajya Sabha, propaganda and able market- would not be able to fight the tening to that. This, the Guja- GOVT TO RENOVATE 7 HOOGHLY GHATS 4 tation Board for Testing and Calibra- analysts. Audit test check found that Congress leader and former ing” but “hollow from within”. BJP in Gujarat...You saw the rat election has shown. In the tion Laboratories (NABL) accredited. 15 out of 16 test checked food labora- finance minister P Chidam- “I came to know there (in results and it has dealt a ‘zabar- coming times, you will see this NATION “Neither FSSAI or the state food tories didn’t have qualified food ana- baram sought to know the Gujarat) that people actually dast jhatka’ (a massive jolt) to clearly,” he said. authorities have documented policies lysts,” the CAG report stated. A test union government’s position SENA ATTACKS BJP OVER GUJARAT 6 and procedures on risk-based inspec- check by audit of five state licensing on bringing petrol and diesel EDIT tions and the food regulator does not authorities and three central licensing under the GST. He also sought Virat married in Italy... not a patriot: BJP MLA have any database on food business,” authorities found that in 3,119 out of to know why the prices of pet- UNLOCKING FURTHER GROWTH 8 the CAG said in its report on Perfor- 5,915 test checked cases licensed had rol and diesel did not decline GUNA: A BJP legislator from Is Hindustan untouchable?” mance Audit of Implementation of been issued to FBOs (food business with a fall in the global crude Madhya Pradesh has ques- He went on to add, “Lord INTERNATIONAL Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006, operators) on the basis of incomplete prices. tioned the patriotism of Indian Rama, Lord Krishna, Vikra- which was tabled in both the houses documents, the report said. Jaitley responded by say- cricket team captain Virat maditya, Yudhishthir got mar- NORTH KOREA REJECTS US TALKS OFFER 10 of Parliament on Tuesday. According The report said that the possibil- ing that a person familiar with Kohli for preferring Italy over ried on this land. You all must BUSINESS to the report, the CAG audit found ity of manufacturing and selling of the issue had asked the ques- India to get married to Bolly- have got married here. None of “systemic inefficiencies, delays and unsafe food items cannot be ruled tion. He said that the UPA in wood actor Anushka Sharma. us goes to a foreign country to COMPANIES AMENDMENT BILL PASSED 12 deficiencies in the framing of various out as the regulator failed to monitor its draft GST bill had kept pet- The legislator from Guna, get married ... (Kohli) earned regulations and standards, amend- and cancel licenses issued under the rol out of its ambit as it knew Panna Lal Shakya, told a gath- money here and spent billions Virat Kohli and Anushka SPORT ments to regulations in violation of product approval system which was that the issue would be a deal- ering: “Virat earned money in there (Italy)... (he) doesn’t have Sharma got married at a private INDIA EYE TRIUMPH IN T20s 14 the Act and the specific direction of declared unlawful by the Supreme breaker between the Centre India... But he didn’t find any any respect for the country. ceremony in Tuscany, Italy, last the Supreme Court”. Court. and the states. place to marry in the country. This proves he is not a patriot.” week. MPOST US NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY WELCOMES ‘INDIA’S EMERGENCE AS A STRONGER STRATEGIC AND DEFENCE PARTNER’ Trump card for India: USA gives it ‘leading global power’ status

LALIT K JHA “We welcome India’s emergence and Central Asia. “We will deepen that it will help South Asian coun- as a leading global power and stron- our strategic partnership with India tries “maintain their sovereignty” as Act decisively against ultras: US to Pak WASHINGTON DC: Describing ger strategic and defence partner,” and support its leadership role in China increases its influence in the India as a “leading global power” in said the National Security Strat- Indian Ocean security and through- region. “We will help South Asian WASHINGTON DC: US Pres- dated by the Congress, Trump its newly unveiled National Security egy unveiled by President Donald out the broader region,” according to nations maintain their sovereignty ident Donald Trump has asked released his first NSS, according Strategy, the USA’s Trump adminis- Trump. “We will expand our defence the NSS which the White House said as China increases its influence in Pakistan to take “decisive action” to which the US has asked Paki- tration said that it will deepen Amer- and security cooperation with India, sets a positive strategic direction for the region,” it said. against terror groups operating stan to intensify its counterterror- ica’s strategic partnership with India a Major Defence Partner of the the US that will restore America’s The recent Chinese moves in Sri on its soil, as he unveiled Amer- ism efforts. “We have made clear and support its leadership role in United States, and support India’s advantages in the world and build Lanka and the Maldives are seen as ica’s new National Security Strat- to Pakistan that while we desire maintaining security in the Indo- growing relationships throughout upon its strengths. efforts on their part to encroach eat egy. The US will also encourage continued partnership, we must Pacific region. The 68-page docu- the region,” the NSS said, noting that With an eye on China’s One on their sovereignty, with similar Pakistan to continue demonstrat- see decisive action against ter- ment said that the USA will seek to its vision for Indo-Pacific excludes was mentioned in the context of Belt One Road (OBOR) and the fears in Pakistan. India has objected ing that it is a responsible steward rorist groups operating on their increase quadrilateral cooperation no nation. Indo-Pacific region, whereas it gave a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to the CPEC as it passes through Pak- of its nuclear assets, the National territory. And we make massive with Japan, Australia and India. India-US defence relationship very prominent role to India in South (CPEC), the US administration said istan Occupied Kashmir (POK). PTI Security Strategy (NSS) said. Man- payments every year to Pakistan. 2 mp around town MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 5 SMART GOLFERS BATTLE IT OUT AT THE ITC CUP resolutions for the NEW YEAR New Year comes and goes and so does the

resolutions. For 2018, try to stick to the The ITC Cup has truly emerged as one of most prestigious events in the golf calendar in the city of Kolkata. ITC has associated with this tournament at the Tollygunge Club for more than plan and complete them one by one 25 years, and each edition has brought out the best of fellowship, team spirit and skill that golf is legendary known for. This year, over 600 golfers played over four days, from December 14 to 17, and at the end of the tournament, Sanjiv Puri, CEO and Executive Director, ITC Ltd ore than half of December is gone, and presented the awards to the winners. this is a good time to not just make a 2. CLEAR HIGH-INTEREST DEBT The ITC Cup is arguably, Asia’s finest corporate golf tournament. It is indeed a tribute to the to-do list for 2018 but also stick to it and Do you have several credit cards that are maxed out to the rich sporting tradition of the vibrant city of Kolkata that over 600 golfers spent special moments complete it. Here are five smart resolu- available credit limit, and are you paying only the minimum over numerous rounds and several days, making the tournament even more memorable and Mtions to make for the coming year : due each month? If so, you are headed for financial disas- momentous. The ITC Cup also provided a platform for individuals from different walks of ter. If you have multiple credit cards, give them up and keep life to come together and enjoy the tournament at Tollygunge Club, which is steeped in his- tory in the finest tradition of this game. a maximum of two, with the highest credit limit. Avoid any fresh spends on your cards till dues are cleared. List all your debts, from highest to lowest, and clear them in that order.

3. HEALTH IS WEALTH – INSURE IT Depicting the beauty of Being healthy and fit is the best gift to yourself and your family and Rama through art dependents. Cut OUR CORRESPONDENT 1. SAVE MORE, SPEND LESS down on wasteful (AND PAY BILLS ON TIME) spending and eat- TO EXPLORE the beauty of the blue bodied ing/drinking, make actual use of that gym god Rama, an exhibition has been organized by A no-brainer really, but easy to say and membership, get a complete health check-up the National Museum. ‘Rama Abhirama: The tough to do. Check your past spends and done and make it a yearly habit. beauty of Rama in Indian art and tradition’ was work out how much you want to save each Set aside money each month for an emer- inaugurated on December 18 by Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) month. Allocate part of your income auto- gency fund worth 6-8 months of living matically so you're not tempted to use the for Culture, Government of India. expenses to see you and family through any This exhibition majorly focuses on Rama – money elsewhere. This could be in an auto- medical emergency. Regardless of whether who is a manifestation of compassion – through sweep fixed deposit, a SIP in a mutual fund you are single or have a family, get a life the lens of emotion and sentiments. It also brings or a transfer to another bank account. Use and health insurance policy so that you/your forth the visual representations of episodes from a money management app to track your next of kin don’t suffer financially if some- the Ramayana. The exhibition looks at spends, create a budget and get reminders thing happens to you. Ramayana as a living tradition and to make your bill payments on time. highlights it’s ritualistic aspects. 5. REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN Speaking on the occasion, Working 9 to 6 daily, five (or six) days a Dr Sharma said, “Lord Ram has 4. DOCUMENTATION AND NOMINATION week can take a toll of your health and always been an inspiration, teach- Sounds boring, but it is a good idea to ensure your spouse/ personal life. Make a conscious effort to ing the values of life to everyone. family is aware of your finances – not just investments and It’s amazing to see how beauti- set aside time for your family and friends. fully some artists have presented insurance, but also debts. Likewise, while opening a bank/ Plan mini-breaks every quarter and a full- his life through their artworks. demat/mutual fund account, not many pay attention to fledged vacation once a year. I am told that there are cer- adding a nominee – or in case of a life insurance policy, Do something that makes you happy, take tain exhibits which have updating beneficiary from parents to spouse. Documenta- up a new hobby, travel somewhere you’ve never been witnessed by tion can be further split into financial/debt, health/life and never been before – all these will anyone in the country. legal (if applicable). Ensure it is easily accessible to next of kin in case something happens to help you refocus and realign your goals They were only kept you, so they are spared the running around and unnecessary paperwork. locked in the museums the exhibition showcases the seven Kan- and priorities. IANS and archives. We need to das of Ramayana i.e. the Bala, Ayodhya, bring them out so as to Aranya, Kishkindha, Sundara, Yuddha and make our new generations Uttar, highlighting the beauty of each of them. TIMINGS: 11 am – 6:30 pm see the coming together of musical maestros. aware of it.” The exhibition narrates the story and Poetic Reflections by Laxmi Shankar Bajpai, Elaborating further splendour of Ramayana, while exploring his DAYINDAYOUT MASTERS OF BENGAL on the necessity of muse- morals, in the folk and vernacular style. The Sitar and Ashaar Recital by Sitar Maestro ums in a country, he said, artefacts in the exhibition consist of bronze What’s on Around Town ‘Evolving Identities: Masters of Bengal’ is an Sudip Rai, Poetry by Pratap Somvanshi and exhibition of drawing and paintings tracing “Museums hold great and terracotta sculptures, wood carvings and Vocals by Shakeel Ahmed will keep you importance as they bridge miniature paintings belonging to differ- 100 YEARS OF DHANRAJ BHAGAT the development and evolution of modern hooked. the gap between our rich ent schools, gold coins, worship icons that On the ocassion of 100th birth anniversary of art practices. On view are original works WHEN: December 22 history and the millenni- reflect the artistic brilliance imbibed with eminent sculptor Padmashri Dhanraj Bhagat, by Rabindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath WHERE: Amaltas Auditorium, India Habitat als. Today, young generations devotion and a lot more. an exhibition is going to open where more Tagore, Abanindranath Tagore, Nandalal Centre TIMING: 7 pm onwards are hardly aware of their his- The inauguration was followed by the than 400 works of Dhanraj Bhagat’s works Bose, Binode Bihari Mukherjee, Ram Kinkar tory. National Museum, book launch ceremony of five books namely will be displayed on the theme of ‘Journey Baij, Jamini Roy and others. The exhibition CATCH ‘SANAM’ LIVE which was established ‘Archaeology of Ancient Madhyadesa’, from the Physical to the Spiritual’. This exhibi- also includes some Kalighat paintings. India’s hottest and digitally most followed on December 18, 1960, ‘Archaeological Myths in Early Evolu- tion intends to acquaint visitors with Bhagat’s WHEN: Till December 30 music band ‘Sanam’ is amongst the top 10 has been successful in tionary History of Indian Civilization’, achieving everything it ‘Archaeology History and Numismatics work from the NGMA collection and artist WHERE: Kamaldevi Complex independent YouTube channel artist. Catch TIMING: 11 am – 7 pm the band’s performance live as they are was expected of. I con- of South India’, ‘Sri Dandayudhapani collection that has hitherto largely remained gratulate the entire Swamy Temple Complex at Palani and unseen. The exhibition will be inaugrated on well- known to create a distinguished sound team for organizing Origin and Development at Muruka December 20 at 6 pm and then, will be open A MUSICAL EVENING and style of their own. The band also writes, ‘Rang-e-Khusrow’ – a musical evening in mem- such amazing events Worship in South India’ and ‘Ramayana, for public viewing. composes and produces their own songs. and exhibitions.” Poetic expression on Temple Hanging.’ ory of Hazrat Amir Khusro whose tremendous WHEN: December 20 – February 20, 2018 WHEN: December 23 WHERE: JLN Stadium Bringing to life The exhibition is open until Janu- body of work is beyond comparison – will WHERE: National Gallery of Modern Art TIMING: 4 pm onwards the story of Rama, ary 31 at National Museum, New Delhi. This winter, find exquisite fabric at Wool Fab 2017 Government of India which supports this activity for the benefit of handloom weavers by providing financial support required for the infrastructure and publicity for holding these expos. The handloom sector of India employees 45 lakh people directly or indirectly which is next only to agriculture sector in the country. Even though the art of handloom weaving is very old, it is spread all over the country since it still has some traditional values attached to it. In this exhibition, various State Government bodies/ Apex societies - primarily handloom weav- ers’ societies and handloom agencies associated with ‘Integrated Handloom Development Scheme’ - are participating. These agencies, from all over India are market- OUR CORRESPONDENT ing their products directly to the consumers without of woollen fabric to the people who look for qual- the involvement of middlemen/channel of agents/ ity in a product. wholesalers and retailers. Through these exhibits, et the best of woollen products at Jan- National Handloom Development Corporation handloom agencies not only market their products path’s Handloom Haat as National (NHDC) Ltd., with a mission to augment the devel- at the most reasonable rates but also get to know Handloom Development Corporation opment of handloom sector and provide the desired customers’ choice with regard to colour, design and (NHDC) Ltd. is organising Wool Fab marketing support, organises Wool Fab exhibitions weaving for future improvement of the product. G2017 till December 30. The Wool Fab exhibition is in various metropolitan cities every year. These This exhibition will be open to the public from exclusively organized to promote and support weav- expos are organized under the aegis of Development 11 am to 8 pm with a total of 50 stalls belonging to Jammu-Kashmir, Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maha- Eastern States, showcasing exquisite woollen fab- ers to sell their wool fabric cloth and other creations Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, more than 10 states i.e., Gujrat, Himachal Pradesh, rashtra, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and North rics and works. Although every possible care and caution has been taken to avoid errors or omissions, this publication is being sold on the condition and understanding that information given in this publication is merely for reference and must not be taken as having authority of or binding in any way on the writers, editors, publishers, and printers and sellers who do not owe any responsibility for any damage or loss to any person, a purchaser of this publication or not for the result of any action taken on the basis of this work. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent court and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only.

“MILLENNIUM POST”, Printed & Published by Jaiyendra Kumar Sharma on behalf of Front Row Media Pvt. Ltd. and printed at Aaj Kaal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., BP-7, Sector-V, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata - 700 091 and published from Tivoli Court 1A, Ballygunge Circular Road, Block-A, Flat-94, 1st Floor, Kolkata-700 019. Editor: Durbar Ganguly, Executive Editor: Arya Rudra. Email: [email protected], [email protected]. For marketing, contact: 9836292306, 9830532306. For editorial, call: 9836072100 3 city mp MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata |Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 Soon, toll policy Mamata flags off 165 new buses, 117 fire tenders and pumps for state highways OUR CORRESPONDENT KOLKATA: In a bid to ensure bet- OUR CORRESPONDENT ter connectivity in different parts REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE of the state, the Mamata Banerjee KOLKATA: The Bengal government government will invest another Rs has decided to prepare a toll policy for 70 crore to introduce around 270 the state highways. new buses. The green signal in this connec- Chief Minister Mamata Baner- tion has come during the Cabinet jee on Tuesday flagged off 165 buses meeting held at Nabanna on Tuesday. which will be operating on differ- This is the first time since Inde- ent routes and 117 fire tenders and pendence that the Bengal government pumps in front of the state Secre- has decided to prepare a toll policy tariat Nabanna. and it has been done to ensure proper Sovan Chatterjee, minister maintenance of the roads. of the state Fire and Emergency Partha Chatterjee, the state Par- Services department, Suvendu liamentary Affairs minister, said: “A Adhikari, the state Transport min- decision has been taken in today’s ister, Chief Secretary Malay De, (Tuesday) Cabinet meeting to prepare Surajit Kar Purkayastha, Direc- a toll policy. The state Public Works tor General of Police and Alapan Department (PWD) has been directed Bandyopadhyay, Additional Chief to decide the tax policy on the basis Secretary of the state Transport of roads.” department, were also present at According to sources in the state the function. In the programme, Secretariat, the West Bengal High- tion of the PWD officials, it would be It may be mentioned that the road the Chief Minister said: “Today 165 way Development Corporation possible to collect toll tax on 15 state connectivity has received a facelift buses have been introduced and in (WBHDC) will initiate the process highways. in Bengal in the past six years with the second phase another 260 to 270 Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Sovan Chatterjee, Suvendu Adhikari, Surajit Kar Purkayastha and Malay De at of collecting toll tax as soon as the The Bongaon-Kalyani state high- the state government giving major more buses will be introduced. At the flag-off event on Tuesday PIC/MPOST policy is prepared and the tax slab way is of 151 km, Krishnagar-Gosaba emphasis on construction of roads present Rs 40 crore has been given for each of the roads get finalised fol- highway is of 266 km, Jhalda-Digha and its maintenance. The state gov- and the state government will give introduced in the state under the Minister added that her govern- Drive Save Life campaign has to lowing necessary assessments to be highway is 466 km and the smallest ernment needs to carry out yearly another Rs 70 crore.” Gatidhara project. At the same time, ment’s target has been to extend be continued properly as most acci- carried out by the concerned officials of all the state highways is the Dubraj- maintenance of the state highways The 165 buses that have been 400 jetties have been renovated and services to the doorsteps of the dents take place in winter. and engineers of the state PWD. Nec- pur-Debogram highway which is only that often get damaged as large num- introduced on Tuesday is the 180 bus terminuses were being set common people. Banerjee, who also flagged off essary infrastructure that is required 14 km long. ber of heavy trucks keep plying on Christmas gift of the state govern- up across the state,” she said after While speaking about the fire tenders in the same programme, for collection of toll tax will also be Sources added that a high-level the roads. ment to the people of Bengal. taking a dig at the Central minister Safe Drive Save Life campaign, said: “We don’t want people to face constructed. meeting in this connection is going to The maintenance of the roads She added that historic changes without naming anyone. She said: she said it is going on in full swing. any problem. But it is important Bengal has around 4,000 km of be held at Nabanna soon and it is also costs crores of rupees to the state’s have been witnessed in the trans- “Some come just to flag off a car or Kolkata Police have introduced for us to stay prepared with such state highways but toll is levied only learnt that some senior officials of the exchequer. So according to an official, port sector of the state with several a bus, but here we inaugurate many speed limits on different roads initiatives of improving infrastruc- on national highways and some state- WBHDC will be present in the meet- the toll policy was quite essential as it initiatives being taken to ensure projects from one programme.” which the state police have to ture to fight incidents of fire or any run bridges. ing to discuss issues related to the toll will help in further improvement in better services to the people. “As Wishing a merry Christmas to implement too. other emergency situation when- As per the preliminary estima- policy with officials of the state PWD. road connectivity. many as 18,000 vehicles have been the people of the state, the Chief She further stated that Safe ever there is any need.” New road to ease airport-bound 100 special shuttle buses from Bagdogra airport expansion: State traffic on X-Mas, govt in talks with tea gardens New Year Park Street on Christmas Day OUR CORRESPONDENT tion of Indian Industries (CII), North Bengal, had made a slew OUR CORRESPONDENT PRITESH BASU returning home on that day. KOLKATA: State Tourism of appeals to Union Minister for The Kolkata Police have also Minister Goutam Deb said on Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi KOLKATA: A new road is KOLKATA: The state Trans- prepared an elaborate plan to Tuesday that the government Raju about the infrastructural being laid for smooth passage port department will operate ensure safety and security of is working towards facilitat- upgradation of the Bagdogra of airport-bound traffic near 100 special shuttle buses on one and all. There will be a ing the land sought by the Air- airport. Introduction of morn- Eco Park during Christmas Christmas Day to ensure safe tight security arrangement in ports Authority of India (AAI) ing flights to and from Delhi and New Year. and hassle-free journey of com- the area to avoid any untoward for expansion of the Bagdogra and Kolkata, flights between A high-level meeting muters up to their destinations incident on the day when thou- airport. Bagdogra and Kathmandu, an was held to discuss the secu- from Park Street and its adjoin- sands will be visiting the place. “The expansion of Bagdogra state government and handed additional terminal at Bagdogra rity arrangements on Christ- ing areas during night hours. It may be mentioned that airport is aimed at developing over to the AAI in the form of Airport, night landing facility mas eve, Christmas and New The festive mood ahead of during FIFA Under-17 Foot- international facilities. We do its equity contribution. were among the demands. The Year’s eve and on New Year’s Christmas has already set in ball World Cup in October, the not have the required land The AAI is expected to Union minister was returning day on Tuesday evening. It with Park Street being decked state Transport department had needed so we are talking to two spend Rs 300 crore for the to Delhi after visiting Gangtok was attended by senior offi- up with lights. Now, the wait engaged 100 shuttle buses from tea gardens for arranging the expansion of the Bagdogra air- when a team from CII met him. cials of New Town Kolk- is only for the day when thou- Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Kri- same,” state Tourism minister port. A new terminal and creat- It may be noted that the ata Development Authority sands of people visit Park Street rangan in Salt Lake on different Goutam Deb said here at the ing additional parking bays are number of passengers travel- (NKDA), police, senior engi- and its adjoining places to soak hours from the evening on shuttle buses to reach their routes to help people reach the ICC Travel India 2017 event. on the anvil. It may be stated ling via Bagdogra airport has neers of Housing Infrastruc- in the fervour. Christmas Day, an official said respective destinations in and nearest points from where they It may be mentioned that that the government has already gone up by 60 percent for April ture Development Corporation Usually, the crowd starts to adding that buses will be parked around Kolkata. could take another transport the government is talking with handed over 24 acres of land for to October 2017 compared to (HIDCO) and the state Trans- gather from the evening and at Maidan area which is a walk- There was a coordination to reach their destinations. It Gangaram tea garden owned creating night landing facilities travel data corresponding the port department. the place remains packed till ing distance from Park Street. meeting with the officials of the turned out to be a huge success. by the Duncan group and the at the Bagdogra airport as a pre- same months of the previous As Eco Park is coming up 11.30 pm to midnight. So the It would not be possible to state Transport department and It may be mentioned that Bagdogra Tea Estate. “If either requisite of the AAI. The cur- year. According to officials, the as the most important urban state Transport department has operate the buses right from top brass of the Kolkata Police there will be shuttle services of these lands is available, the rent terminal at Bagdogra has a state government’s decision to park in Bengal, management decided to operate 100 shuttle Park Street crossing as it will regarding the same. A proper from Eco Park as well on requirements of AAI will suf- capacity of 1 million passengers waive off tax on Aviation Tur- of visitors during the festive buses that will connect Park lead to unnecessary traffic con- plan of action has been chalked December 31 and January 1 fice,” the minister said. per annum but it is set to handle bine Fuel in Bagdogra and the season has become an impor- Street with different points in gestion. People will have to walk out to ensure that people do not when a record number of peo- According to him, the land 2 million passengers this year. attraction of Dooars and the tant exercise for the adminis- and around the city for a few up to Maidan area to avail the face any inconvenience while ple is expected to turn up. would have to be bought by the Recently, the Confedera- Hills contributed to the rise. tration. The new road is being constructed near Akankha BIRDS OF A FEATHER More and on Christmas and Timeout for Tallah: Repair Cops seize heroin worth Rs 1 cr New Year’s Day, police will divert traffic so that airport- bound passengers do not face work of reservoir in full swing from Murshidabad, one held any problem. Special cleaning drives will OUR CORRESPONDENT rupted water could be supplied OUR CORRESPONDENT not have any further informa- be conducted at Eco Park dur- to the areas where the Europe- tion about the racket. ing the day. There will be extra KOLKATA: The repairing of ans used to reside. Hence, when KOLKATA: A huge quantity of The investigators are not, toilets and watch towers to con- the century-old Tallah overhead the Tallah tank was prepared, heroin worth nearly Rs 1 crore however, relying upon what the trol the visitors. CCTVs will tank, the world’s largest over- KMC tried to ensure that sup- in the international market accused claimed. They suspect also be installed. There will head reservoir, is in full swing. ply of water to the city is not was seized by police on Tues- that the accused had been a be additional ticket counters. The estimated cost of repair disrupted. day from Samsergunge in Mur- part of the racket whose job Attempts are on to run 100 is Rs 80 crore. This is for the first Accordingly, planning was shidabad. One person has been is to take these items to vari- buses to take the visitors to Eco time when such a major repair done and Palta Water Works arrested in this connection. ous places. The accused was Park from different parts of the has been taken up since its con- was set up in 1868. It was India’s Acting on a tip-off, a police remanded to police custody city. Car parking lots will be set struction in 1909. Propped by first water pumping station team raided Dhulian Station after being produced in a dis- up for the visitors. Senior offi- steel columns and girders, it where raw water from river Road area late on Monday and trict court. Police are interro- cials of Eco Park will be posted is 110 feet high and can store Hooghly was lifted and purified. seized around 1kg of heroin and gating the accused to know the to oversee the arrangements on 9 million gallons of water. Tallah has a unique feature. arrested a person identified as details. It may be mentioned these important days. It was designed by WB Mac No separate lines have been Samir Seikh, who was involved here that Murshidabad district Special arrangements have Cabe, Chief Engineer of Kol- used for filling up and deliv- in the racket. The accused has police had seized heroin and been made to control the visi- kata Municipal Corporation ery. The pipes that fill the tank been booked under Narcotic also the raw material used for tors near the seven wonders (KMC) and the estimated cost are used for delivery. Hence, A flock of crows fly over Maidan on a foggy morning in Kolkata on Tuesday PTI Drugs and Psychotropic Sub- manufacturing it in a past few inside the Eco Park. The min- was Rs 5 lakh. the overhead tank serves as a stances Act, 1985. occasions recently. In march iatures of seven wonders of A heavy duty crane from balancing tank. According to the prelimi- this year, heroin weighing 1.4 the world are attracting huge France has been brought in and When the underground nary investigation, police sus- kg and valued at an estimated crowd and on last Sunday, is being used in the repair work. tank at Tallah is spilled over Minor reshuffle of state IPS cadres pect that the accused might Rs 1.5 crore was seized from a around 12,000 people had vis- All the four chambers will be with the incoming supply from have been part of a inter-state village at Lalgola in the district. ited the place. repaired without the supply of Palta Water Works, 24 km OUR CORRESPONDENT rackpore Police Commissionerate, Ajay Kumar smuggling racket. The police Police were trying to know if The visitors will be con- water getting affected. upstream of Kolkata, the sur- Thakur has been transferred as the Command- also came to know in the inves- there had been any connection trolled near the site just like it It may be mentioned that plus water is stored in the over- KOLKATA: In a minor reshuffle of Bengal IPS ing Officer, Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) 3rd tigation that the accused was between these incidents. happens during Durga Puja at because of water scarcity faced head tank and again when the cadres, the state government on Tuesday made battalion. Anoop Jaiswal, SP of Cooch Behar was trying to smuggle the heroin According to a senior police important puja pandals. by the European community water level in the underground Rajesh Kumar Singh the commissioner of Bar- made the Commanding Officer, State Armed to Jharkhand. During interro- officer in the district, those Eco Park is expected to who used to live in the Espla- tank goes down, it compensates rackpore Police Commissionerate in place of Police (SAP) 6th battalion, while DC Kolkata gation, the accused told police involved in the trade procure experience record number of nade area in 1857 during the for the loss. Subrata Kumar Mitra. Armed Police (KAP) 5th battalion Bholanath that he was a resident of Nim- the heroin from across the bor- visitors this year. Sepoy Mutiny, steps were taken Bibhas Maity, Director Mitra was made the DIG, Burdwan Range in Pandey replaced him, it said. titi village under Samsergunge der and process it in the vil- Renamed by Chief Minister after the Mutiny ended to set General (Building) Water Sup- place of Singh, a notification issued by the state Shrihari Pandey who was the commanding police station. He said that he lage. Police are interrogating the Mamata Banerjee as Prakriti up a water treatment plant in ply of KMC said another two government said on Tuesday. officerMillennium of the 6th battalion of the StatePos Armedt was- assignedKolk to transportatt a bag E accuseddition to know thet onames c ofarry the Ad with Tirtha, this urban park is com- Kolkata, the then capital of the years would be required to com- The notification said the Deputy Commis- Police has now become Special Superintendent containing the heroin, up to the the other accused involved in ing up very fast as a tourist spot. British Empire, so that uninter- plete the repairing work. sioner, Detective Department (DC DD) of Bar- of the CID.K olkatta Tel. No.Jharkhand Only border .and Schedule he did the racket. Date :- 06/12/2017 Dengue drives at private offices, institutions to intensify from new year

OUR CORRESPONDENT charge a compulsory fee for systematic manner mention- The joint team will stress ment said. According to Ghosh, the this in the form of a demand ing time frames. Interestingly, on door-to-door campaign and Ghosh chaired a prepara- formal awareness campaign KOLKATA: The Kolkata notice. If the recipients do not the Solid Waste Management Councillors will be roped in for tory meeting on the KMC’s against vector-borne diseases Municipal Corporation is tak- pay the charge within the date (SWM) department and the the drive. plan to prevent vector-borne will begin on January 20, 2018 ing a tough stand regarding its mentioned in the notice, we Health department will con- “We will try to visit every diseases at the civic body head- and Mayor Sovan Chatterjee dengue drive at private insti- will initiate action as per law,” duct joint drives against vec- single house and wherever we quarters and chalked out a will lead an awareness walk tutions and offices across the Member Mayor-in-Council tor-borne diseases from next will find breeding of mosqui- road map. from the KMC gate and travel city from January 2018. “We (Health) Atin Ghosh said. year to strengthen the cleanli- toes is happening, we will do Officials from SWMto the adjacent areas. Council- will take up emergency clean- It may be mentioned that ness drive. frequent visits. We will also department, Borough chair- lors of all 144 wards will under- liness drives if we find garbage the civic body used to charge The demand notice will inspect reservoirs located on mans and Borough health take similar awareness drives Kolkatta Tel.: 033-2215 1850 e-mail : [email protected] or stagnant water in private fees for such services in pri- be slapped by the SWM top of residences,” a senior offi- executives were also present in their respective wards on institutes and offices and will vate places but not in such a department. cial of KMC’s Health depart- in the meeting. the same day. TJM/TTL/17/ENG 4 city mp MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 False alarm: State to get 5 investigation Patashpur shop SSKM patients goes up in flames, Second sleaze racket mistake oxygen centres to prevent crimes two injured leak for fire against women OUR CORRESPONDENT busted in Kolkata KOLKATA: Fire broke out at OUR CORRESPONDENT OUR CORRESPONDENT a shop in West Midnapore’s 11 arrested from Gariahat flat, including 6 sex workers 1,220 new posts Patashpur and later spread to KOLKATA: Panic spread KOLKATA: Five investigation to be created two other shops, injuring two OUR CORRESPONDENT among patients and their rela- centres including one in Kolk- youths. tives after there was a leakage ata will be set up for prevention in different According to the prelimi- KOLKATA: A sleaze racket was busted from the oxygen cylinder at the of crime against women. categories for nary investigation, police and in the posh area of Gariahat on Monday main block of SSKM Hospital The decision has been fire officials suspect that the fire night, in which 11 persons were arrested. on Tuesday evening. passed in the cabinet meeting various depts of might have been caused due to Acting on a tip-off, the Anti Women The patients mistook the held in Nabanna on Tuesday, in the state govt the explosion of a gas cylinder, Trafficking department of the city police leakage of gas as smoke and which it has also been decided which was kept inside the shop raided an apartment on Rashbehari Ave- apprehended that there might to create 1,220 new posts in that had caught fire. After see- nue near Gariahat on Monday night and be an incident of fire. The different categories for vari- In Purulia, Tamna police ing smoke billowing out of the arrested the accused including some patients started running from ous departments of the state station will be set up, bifurcat- shops, local residents rushed women. According to police, the racket various wards and rushed government. ing the jurisdiction of Puru- to the spot and took part in the has been operating from a rented flat situ- downstairs. As many as 94 new posts lia Mafatsal and Kenda police rescue operation. ated on the second floor of the building for The nursing staff members will be created for the five stations. Two victims, identified quite some time. and other employees of the investigation centres. The deci- At the same time, a deci- as Shakti Mondal and Kamal Police said that among the arrested hospital found that a room at sion to set up the investigation sion has been taken to upgrade Mondal who sustained burn were six sex workers, a manager and two REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE the main block was filled with centres has been taken for bet- the 60-bed Kotalpur Hospital injuries, were immediately touts. There were also some customers smoke, caused due to leakage ter policing that will ensure in Bishnupur to 80-bed ones rushed to a nearby hospital who were found in a compromising posi- of a cylinder. The matter was safety and security of women. and for this, 15 new posts have where they have been under- tion. During preliminary investigation, some other places in the city as well. They “illegal” activities had been taking place informed to the fire brigade. Narendrapur police sta- been created. going treatment. After being police came to know that the manager had are being interrogated in this connection. inside the flat. On the basis of the infor- Two fire tenders were tion will be set up, bifurcating Territory care cancer cen- informed, two fire tenders were rented the flat. Some of the policemen went to the mation, police raided the flat on Monday pressed into action. The oxygen the jurisdiction of Sonarpur tres will also come up in Burd- swung into action to douse the Police have seized liquor bottles and flat, posing as prospective customers and night. They have started a detailed probe cylinder that had the leakage police station. Similarly, Pala- wan Medical College and flames. some hard cash from the room. In the caught the accused red-handed. Police in this regard and are trying to know the was removed from the block shipara police station will be set Hospital and Sagar Dutta According to police, a road- course of investigation, they also came to have started a case under the Immoral names of others involved. by the fire personnel. up to reduce the jurisdiction of Hospital. For this, 35 new posts side eatery had caught fire fol- know that the sleaze racket was going on Trafficking Act. Police suspect that many It may be mentioned here that last The situation was brought Tehatta police station. have been created. Twenty lowing the explosion of a gas in the flat for quite a long time. The investi- other persons might have been involved in week, Bidhannagar police had arrested under control within half an As many as 46 new posts new posts have been created cylinder on Monday night gation revealed that the arrested sex work- the incident. Police had received complaint six persons including three women, from a hour, following which nor- have been created for the new for the critical care unit in while two workers were there ers, aged between 21 and 27, used to visit from the local people saying that certain flat at Salt Lake for running a sleaze racket. malcy was restored. police station. Frazerganj. inside the eatery. Girl goes Career Guidance Centres to come up Bengal govt ‘Credibility the main missing in city to renovate 7 issue ailing media’ KOLKATA: A 20-year-old girl ghats along from Ghatshila in Jharkhand, in 3 city libraries, says Siddiqullah who come to the city for under- going air-hostess training, went SOUMITRA NANDI Hooghly river missing. Family members of the KOLKATA: The state Mass KOLKATA: The state govern- victim lodged a complaint Education & Library depart- ment is set to repair and ren- with the Kalighat police sta- ment is developing Career ovate seven ghats along river tion. According to the police, Guidance Centres at three Hooghly at Dakshineswar and the girl had come to the city libraries in the city, to facili- Belur Math at a cost of Rs 34 on December 6 for taking tate students who are appearing crore. The decision has been air-hostess training. She had for competitive examinations taken in the cabinet meeting enrolled herself for the train- like West Bengal Civil Services held in Nabanna on Tuesday. ing from a private company at (WBCS). State Education minister Park Street and had rented a The department will equip Partha Chatterjee said: “The house on Iswar Ganguly Street these libraries with books and Centre had assured of doing in Kalighat. other relevant study material so many things to check erosion OUR CORRESPONDENT and financial security of jour- The family members of the that the aspiring students can in river Ganga. But nothing has nalists would enable them to girl told police that they had spend time in the library, pre- been done yet in this connec- KOLKATA: CK Prasad, Chair- work more freely, he said. talked to the girl for the last paring for their examination. tion. Ultimately, Chief Min- man, Press Council of India On the issue of killing of time on December 10. After “We have come across a ister Mamata Banerjee took (PCI) on Monday said credibil- journalists in the country, failing to contact the girl, her number of students, partic- mentioned that the department not have toilets and drinking ing infrastructure. There are the initiative and it has been ity of the media is a major issue Prasad said there should be a family members called up one ularly among the minority is also trying to rope in teachers water. A library in the city has 1,036 such libraries in the state decided to repair the ghats at and the threat to the freedom of clear distinction about killing of her roommates on Decem- community, who do not have who can guide these students also been found with no facili- and in this current fiscal, a total Belur Math and Dakshineswar.” Press and media is more from of scribes for his journalistic ber 11, who told them that she a conducive environment for for competitive examinations. ties of drinking water and toi- fund of Rs 1.76 crore has been Three ghats at Dak- within than external factors. work and his personal reasons. had been absconding. Follow- making preparations at their According to Chowdhury, let. This is not desirable and allocated to these libraries. “In shineswar – Chandni Ghat, Prasad, who was speak- “Killing of any individual, ing this, the family members of home. They can come in these the government is taking a slew we are working for developing the next financial year we will Panchabati Ghat and Ferry ing at the Sumit Sen memorial be it journalist or non jour- the victim came to the city and libraries and utilise the books of measures to encourage the these basic facilities,” the min- raise this allocation to nearly Rs Ghat - will be repaired. Three lecture organised by Kolkata nalist is bad, but we mix up in lodged a complaint in the local available here to prepare for the young generation to visit the ister said. 3 crore,” Siddiqullah said ghats in Belur Math and Mayer Press Club, said the most seri- many cases. I would appeal to police station. examinations,” minister of state libraries in the state. There are The government has Reiterating the strong Ghat in the opposite bank will ous issue that concerns the the journalistic community to A relative of the girl told for Mass Education & Library around 2,480 libraries and 300 decided to turn 80 libraries resolve of his department to also be repaired. media is credibility and if that distinguish between killing of police that four youths used Siddiqullah Chowdhury said. of them have closed down. into model libraries and they popularise the libraries across There will be an investment is maintained, all other issues a journalist for his journalistic to disturb the girl by calling on The three libraries that will “We have recently done a will be receiving Rs 3 lakh the state, he said that the of Rs 17 crore for the projects will fall in line. work or for his personal rea- her mobile phone. have this infrastructure are survey on the state libraries, each for complete overhaul of department will be observing at Dakshineswar and another On the issue of freedom of sons,” he said. The victim’s elder brother based in Ultadanga, Ballygunge conducted by a Gurgaon-based infrastructure. 52 days in a special manner in Rs 17 crore will be invested for Press and media under threat, He also underlined the also told police the names of and Kidderpore. The depart- agency. It has come to light The minister informed that the state libraries, dedicated to the projects at Belur Math and he said “The threat to the free- need for data about the num- the four youths. They alleged ment has plans to extend this that people of the age group of the government is also provid- the birth or death anniversa- Mayer Ghat. There will be iron dom of Press and media is ber of journalists in the country that she might have been facility to some district librar- 55 to 60 visit the state librar- ing funds to non-government ries of religious leaders from fencing on the bank of river more from within rather than so that welfare schemes can be abducted. MPOST ies in future as well. It may be ies. A number of libraries do sponsored libraries for boost- all communities. Hooghly in Belur Math. MPOST external factors”. Job security planned for their benefit. millenniumpost.in Cake-cutting SHADES OF WINTER ceremony to is now available in everypart of Bengal bring joy for SL DISTRICT Centre Name Agent Name Contact No jailed women NO NAME 1 East Midnapore TAMLUK N.C.Bera 7501493175 KOLKATA: After a painting HALDIA Ayesha 9474306356 session in the open, women Begum,Ranichak inmates of a correctional home DIGHA Kamal Lochan Panda 8906868884 near here would take part in a cake cutting ceremony in 2 West Midnapore MIDNAPORE Balaram Pandit 9932708271 this festive season in an effort 3 Jhargram JHARGRAM Champa Maity 9547230220 to bring them back to main- 4 North 24 - Parganas BARASAT/NILGUNJ B N Kundu 9836333630 stream society. Dumdum Central Correc- BARRACKPORE Biswajit Ghosh 9830830798 tional Home authorities, in BASIRHAT Uttam Biswas 9474574927 collaboration with an NGO, 5 Bardhaman BURDWAN Kamal Mukherjee 9332192230 have taken these steps to make 6 West Bardhman ASANSOL Hiralal Sen 9933662126 these inmates feel wanted and be a part of mainstream society. DURGAPUR WARIA Joy prakash Ray 9563601176 / “We always extend sup- 7864818860 port to such initiatives. Such NIRSHA Gopal Chatterjee 9386695330 steps will enable the inmates to return to mainstream soci- BARAKAR Jai Bhagwan Singh 9334652173 ety and not feel ostracised,” DG 7 Murshidabad BAHARAMPUR COURT Dipak Choudhury 9851612424 & IG of Correctional Services Flower vendors make bundles of flowers during a foggy morning in Howrah on Tuesday PTI 8 Nadia KALYANI / Dey News Agency 9830609355 Arun Kumar Gupta said. KANCHRAPARA Chaitali Das, Managing Trustee of Rakshak Founda- 9 Howrah HOWRAH CENTRE Manik Lal Bag 9883393201 tion, the NGO involved in the /9732243933 project to empower women Seed of cancer might be lying hidden in 10 Purulia PURULIA D.C.Nag 9434130550 inmates, said the inmates 11 Jalpaiguri SILIGURI Toton Saha 9832046238 would participate in a cake cutting ceremony in the 12 Hooghly CHINSURAH / CHAN- B.Singh 9883108806 upcoming Christmas-New Year X-ray, CT scans, warns city oncologist DAN NAGAR season. AGENCIES 13 Birbhum SHANTINIKETAN Anita Shaw 9232162151 OUR CORRESPONDENT scans also contribute to the disease. He suggested that while conducting 14 Darjeeling DARJEELING Bitta Newspaper 9434131515 millenniumpost.in Agency KOLKATA: A radiation oncologist from the tests, the radiologist must have a strat- millenniumpo NO H ALFst TR U THS the city on Tuesday warned about expo- egy to reduce the level of radiation. Those 15 Cooch Behar COOCH BEHAR Jayanta Das 9434217084 sure to radiation, which might lead to working in the labs where these tests are 16 Alipurduar ALIPURDUAR Bablu Saha 9733166169 CHANGE OF NAME cancer. performed, must take some measures 17 Kalimpong KALIMPONG Sandeep Jain 9832016738 Speaking at a conference on com- to minimise the exposure to radiation. I, Lokesh Paswan, S/o. prehensive cancer care organised by the Awareness is another issue that people 18 Uttar Dinajpur RAIGUNJ Pradyut Karmakar 9434384154 Harendra Paswan R/o. Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) at must stress upon. 19 Dakshin Dinajpur BALURGHAT Sujan das 8670582892 Mamra Bazar, MAMC, a city hotel, Dr Tanmoy Mukhopadhyay, REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE Children can develop leukemia at a 20 Malda MALDA TOWN Ashim Kr.Sarkar 7797919580 Durgapur–713206, a city-based radiation oncologist said that very early age due to radiation. Compared Others District List P.S.–New Township, Dist.– women and children are more vulnerable ple can get cancer. Bone cancer and thy- to men, women are more at risk of getting Burdwan, that I have to various radiations. roid cancer can be caused due to the types the disease, the doctor opined. 21 Jharkhand RANCHI Birendra Nath Singh 9431929279 / changed my name from Dr Mukhopadhyay said that radia- of radiation. Dr Bhabatosh Biswas, former vice- 8409298763 Lokesh Paswan to Lokesh tions caused due to X-rays, CT scans and Dr Mukhopadyay also stated that chancellor of the West Bengal Univer- TATA NAGAR Surender Singh 9835170495 Bharati for all future MRI scans can cause cell damage. Some- there are certain natural sources of radi- sity of Health Sciences, who attended the DHANBAD S.K.Pandey 8409984151 purposes. That Lokesh times, it is found that the body can repair ation which the people cannot avoid. The conference, stressed on the importance of the damage. If the body is unable to repair radiation caused from medical sources building awareness among the people and 22 Bihar PATNA Nandalal Yadav 7765012713 Paswan and Lokesh Bharati are the same person. the damage, there is a possibility that peo- like the instruments of X-ray and other early screening. 5 MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 mp nation Citing shortage, Centre asks Govt, oppn hold talks over PM’s remarks against Manmohan states to send more IAS officers OUR CORRESPONDENT ASHWINI SHRIVASTAVA West Bengal has deputed of Jammu and Kashmir cadre NEW DELHI: The government 11 of 56 IAS officers, Uttar (out of 19), 10 of Jharkhand and the opposition on Tues- NEW DELHI: Citing a short- Pradesh has allowed 50 officers (against 28), 19 of Karnataka day held meetings to resolve age of IAS bureaucrats at the of 121 and Gujarat has sent 19 (against 44) and 20 of Maha- the impasse in Rajya Sabha middle-level, the Narendra of 51 officers on central depu- rashtra (out of 65) are deputed over Prime Minister Naren- Modi government has asked tation, the letter said, referring at the Centre. dra Modi’s “conspiracy with all states to spare more officers to the deficiency. A total of 32 IAS officers Pak” remark against his prede- for central deputation, accord- BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh of Kerala cadre are at present cessor Manmohan Singh dur- ing to an official communique. has deputed 25 IAS officers out working at the Centre, two ing the Gujarat poll campaign, A total of 493 posts out of of the CDR of 75, Chhattisgarh more than the desired central but the stalemate on the issue 1,051 ones earmarked for IAS has sent only five bureaucrats deputation reserve, according continued. officers on central deputation out of 31 and Haryana has sent to the letter. Opposition leaders met are filled, leaving a vacancy of 12 officers out of permissible The status of IAS officers on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, 558 or about 54 per cent. strength of 31, it said. central deputation is compara- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Earlier, before the House “The meeting has been held. In a letter to all states, the Similarly, 19 IAS officers tively slightly better in north Ananth Kumar and his deputy commenced, the Congress lead- Opposition leaders have given Department of Personnel and while forwarding the names gible officers for Central Staff- out of the authorised central eastern states. A total of 12 IAS Vijay Goel in Parliament and ers had also met Rajya Sabha their proposition to the govern- Training (DoPT) said the of the officers, so as to share ing Scheme (CSS) or on central deputation reserve of 35 are officers of Manipur cadre, eight sought a resolution of the issue. chairman M Venkaiah Naidu ment,” Congress leader Anand movement of the officers from the shortage proportionately deputation. working with the Centre. of Nagaland, four of Sikkim They demanded that the for the resolution of the issue Sharma told reporters. states to the Centre and back between the Centre and the “The middle level com- In Arunachal Pradesh-Goa- and 10 of Tripura are on central prime minister should clarify with the Vice President suggest- “We are still waiting whether is crucial for building capabili- states and also that every eli- prising deputy secretary and Mizoram and Union Territory deputation against the autho- his remarks in the Rajya Sabha. ing that the matter be resolved the justifiable demand of the ties at the state-level and con- gible officer has an opportunity director level officers is a cru- or AGMUT cadre, 42 IAS offi- rised positions of 18, 15, eight The half-an-hour meeting in between the opposition and opposition is acceptable to the tributing towards developing to serve at the Centre at least cial decision making level in cers are on central deputation and 15 respectively. Jaitley’s chamber was attended the government sitting across prime minister so that we can national perspectives at the once at the middle manage- bureaucracy. The shortage of against the authorised limit As many as 18 IAS officers by Congress leaders Ghulam the table. bring a closure to the contro- decision-making levels in the ment level,” it said. officers may affect governance,” of 56. A total of 38 officers of of Odisha (against authorised Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma, Azad also raised the issue versy which was painful, which government of India. Referring to the Central a senior officer said. Assam-Meghalaya cadre, 36 CDR of 40), 15 bureaucrats of besides opposition leaders in the House after which Naidu was of his creation and was “It would, therefore, be Deputation Reserve (CDR), However, he clarified, there from Bihar and 22 from Him- Punjab (out of 39), 13 of Rajas- Ramgopal Yadav, Satish Misra, suggested that the two sides sit entirely avoidable,” he said. appropriate considering the which determines the extent is a general shortage of such achal Pradesh are working at than (against 50), 24 of Tamil D Raja and others. together and resolve the issue. Sharma said the prime min- fact that there is general short- to which officers could be sent officers at the Centre and the the Centre against the autho- Nadu(out of 65), 11 of Telan- After the meeting, Jaitley Leader of the House Arun Jait- ister has said something which age of IAS officers at Deputy on deputation to the govern- deficiency mentioned in the rised CDR of 45, 48 and 26 gana (against 21) and seven separately met Leader of Oppo- ley agreed to do so and the two in their view is a constitutional Secretary/Director level, if a ment of India, it asked all the DoPT letter talks about vacan- respectively. of Uttarakhand (out of 19) are sition in Rajya Sabha Azad in meetings with the opposition transgression because he holds conscious attempt is made state cadres to nominate eli- cies in all positions. As many as 11 IAS officers working on central deputation. the latter’s chamber. followed. the office of the prime minister. India has world’s PANEL ASKS GOVT Not allowed to maximum women Ease access to Gandhi assassination board aircraft: pilots, claims records: CIC to National Archives Why only few countries wheelchair-bound Jayant Sinha passenger OUR CORRESPONDENT growing GM crops? NEW DELHI: The Central BENGALURU: A wheel- Information Commission has DHIRENDRA KUMAR quite weak. It is surprising that chair-bound passenger on directed the National Archives after the availability of so many Tuesday alleged he was not of India (NAI) to create a spe- NEW DELHI: The Standing steps of the investigation, the allowed to board an Air India cial icon or window on its web- Committee of Parliament has decisions are taken by relying flight from Bengaluru to Kol- site’s home page for easy access raised its eyebrows over the only on the figures given by the kata on December 17 as he to records related to the assas- introduction of genetically applicant for the environmental had declined to “remove sination of Mahatma Gandhi. modified (GM) crops in the impact assessment of the GM wires” from the battery of his Information Commissioner country. In a report tabled in crop,” the panel said in its report. wheelchair. Sridhar Acharyulu said the NAI the Parliament, the panel has The committee in its report Kaushik Majumdar, an has to develop a mechanism of asked the government to find has recommended field trials Associate Professor at Indian OUR CORRESPONDENT easy access to the assassination out as why 17 of the world’s most in its monitoring through an Statistical Institute (ISI), told records along with information developed 20 countries have independent body with the help PTI here that the battery is NEW DELHI: India has the of Gandhi’s life and national not yet introduced GM crops MP Anand Sharma, said. of agricultural universities for disconnected every time the maximum number of women movement. farming. The panel in its report has environmental impact assess- wheelchair is loaded in the air- pilots in the world, Minister “In online records of NAI, “Even after 21 years of the asked the government to do ment. The committee has also craft and this time too he dis- of State for Civil Aviation Jay- one will find the title of Netaji introduction of GM crops, 90 a comparative study as why raised a pertinent question in connected it. ant Sinha said here on Tuesday. Subhash Chandra Bose papers. Information Commissioner Sridhar per cent of the world’s GM a majority of countries have the report saying that in their “Some weird staff, however, “India is the country with There is also a separate page crops are being produced in adopted GM technology and study no evidence found about insisted on removing all the maximum number of women for Netaji papers, which can be Acharyulu said the NAI has to develop six countries, including India. only a few have introduced the the long-term study of the effect wires from the battery, which pilots in the world, be it in accessed by a click of a mouse. a mechanism of easy access to the What is the reason that GM modified crops farming. The of GM crops on human health would have completely ruined Air India or Indian Air Force. There is no such easy access technology, claiming to be the panel has also suggested the gov- prior to permitting GM crops. the equipment, on which I This is a testimony of the con- to Mahatma Gandhi papers,” assassination records along with most advanced technology in ernment to find out the future Rapping Department of depend,” he said, adding, he tribution made by women to he said. information of Gandhi’s life and agriculture, has been adopted prospects of the GM crops in Health Research (DHR), the declined to do so. the aviation sector and also by The commission also by only a few countries,” the India. committee said that how the Majumdar said he never the country to their careers,” directed the NAI to make national movement Standing Committee of the Par- “It has been found that the DHR approved the commer- faced this type of a “weird” sit- Sinha said. The minister was it easy for people to access liament of Science and Technol- regulatory standards for accept- cial production of GM crops uation since he started travel- addressing the gathering at records related to noted leaders ogy, Environment and Forest ing GM crops are strictly on without studying the impact ling by Air India after joining golden jubilee celebrations of like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar ommends the easy access sought by depositing Rs 2 per Affairs, chaired by Congress paper only, but in reality, it is on human health. the ISI as a faculty member in the India Women Pilots Asso- Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur mechanism, both physical and page as prescribed fee. 2009. “My electric wheelchair is ciation (IWPA) here. Shastri, Guljari Lal Nanda and on line, to papers of father of “The appellant wanted to always loaded in the cargo hold “While the presence of Indira Gandhi among others. the nation, as soon as possible know about the access to an Kerala govt denies reports that it tried to stall PM’s visit and this time too it was to be women has contributed to the “The commission finds it and others within reasonable ordinary person other than OUR CORRESPONDENT loaded there.I never asked for progress of the aviation sector, strange that why the NAI has time,” Acharyulu directed the scholar and researcher. His RTI hamlet about 20 km from here, this evening. its loading inside the passenger their support is still needed to not created access to papers of NAI, the official archive keeper request should have been con- “The prime minister’s programme is pre- area,” he said. strengthen the area,” he said. our father of nation Mahatma of the country. sidered as a good suggestion THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala pared by the PMO. The state government has no In all airlines including Air Sinha also suggested that Gandhi, first Prime Minister The case pertains to RTI to make such records available government on Tuesday dismissed as “base- role in deciding the PM’s places of visit or date of India, disconnecting the bat- the traffic problem in the coun- Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Val- applicant Nitin Sagar who easily either on line or off the less” reports in a section of media that it tried visit,” the Kerala government said in its release. tery from the wheelchair joy- try can be addressed if the sky labh Bhai Patel, Lal Bahadur approached the NAI seeking line,” Acharyulu said. to intervene in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s A message on the prime minister’s visit was stick controller is enough, area is “utilised”. “The traffic Shastri, Guljari Lal Nanda and to know the process for obtain- He also said that if someone visit to Ockhi-hit coastal areas in the state. received at the CMO on December 16 stating Majumdar said. problem can be dealt with if we Indira Gandhi, etc,” Acharyulu ing documents like FIR, court approaches through non-RTI In an official communications, the Chief that Modi was likely to visit the southern state “Why then an exception decide to go vertical and uti- noted. proceedings, judgements relat- route also they have to provide Minister’s Office denied the reports quoting on December 18, 19. was made in AI 776 on Decem- lise the sky area. It happens in He also instructed it to pub- ing to the murder trial of Gan- the easy access and other facil- “BJP sources” that the state government did However, there was no mention about his ber 17? Who are responsible? I many countries,” he said. lish list of categories of records dhi claiming that he is neither a ities, without postponing the not want Modi visit the cyclone affected areas visit to the cyclone-affected fishing hamlets here want an answer,” he said. The event was also attended it has, catalogues etc as a volun- student nor a research scholar. access by 30 days. near here. The denial came as the prime min- in the tentative programme. Only in the con- Even the CISF smoothly by Air Chief Marshal Birender tary disclosure under Section 4 The NAI said scholars, non- “The time of 30 prescribed ister tours cyclone-hit southern Kerala, Tamil firmed final programme, the PM’s places of visit cleared the chair, but right Singh Dhanoa who also lauded of RTI Act. scholars or ordinary persons under RTI Act is not to deny Nadu and Lakshadweep on Tuesday. and discussions with the state government had before boarding some Air India the contribution of women to “In the first place, on pri- are invited and also provided information till 29th day,” he He is scheduled to visit Poonthura, a fishing been included, the statement said. staff raised security issues with the aviation sector. ority, the Commission rec- with photocopies of documents said. the battery, he said. MPOST All stations to WTO must incorporate emerging be 100% LED lit Railways draws CAG flak for by April 2018: installing ‘defunct’ bio-toilets issues to remain relevant: Prabhu Railways OUR CORRESPONDENT which are not directly linked to OUR CORRESPONDENT terial inoculum through bio- toilets to be inducted through trade, on the negotiating table. OUR CORRESPONDENT logical degradation of human retrofitment. NEW DELHI: The WTO must At the Services Conclave NEW DELHI: The Indian waste. It eliminates the direct “As against this target, var- incorporate emerging issues organised by industry body NEW DELHI: In an eco- Railways faced the ire of the discharge of human waste ious Zonal Railways could if it wants to remain relevant CII, Prabhu said India must friendly measure to cut power Comptroller and Auditor from coach toilets onto railway achieve induction of 22,198 in the changing times, Union have a clear-cut, holistic strat- consumption, the Indian Rail- General (CAG) for installa- tracks and platform aprons in bio-toilets through retrofit- Minister Suresh Prabhu said egy to realise the true potential ways on Tuesday said it was tion of ‘defunct’ bio-toilets on stations, and helps avoid man- ment. The shortfall of more on Tuesday, asserting that India of its services sector, which can planning to make all stations trains. The national auditor in ual scavenging while keeping than 30 per cent was noticed will organise a “mini ministe- create a large number of jobs. cent per cent LED lit by March its report said that majority of the platform aprons and trains in five Zonal Railways out of rial” meeting of the global trade A strategy to boost the 31, 2018. bio-toilets installed in trains clean. 16 Zonal Railways (East Cen- body in February to help realise share of services in the export The railways said it was face operation deficiencies, An audit conducted in 30 tral-67 per cent, North Cen- this objective. basket of the country is being actively working to provide including choking, foul smell coaching depots of 15 zonal tral-49 per cent, Northern-42 The talks collapsed at last formulated, he said. 100 per cent LED lighting and inadequate supply of bac- railways in 2016-17 by CAG per cent, South Eastern-44 per week’s WTO 11th ministerial Moreover, he said, efforts for energy needs in railway terial inoculum. indicated that out of 613 trains cent and Western-43 per cent),” conference in Buenos Aires. Otherwise, he said, “WTO ward as India has a strategic must be made so that services staff colonies, stations and The CAG also highlighted being handled in these depots, the CAG report added. The meeting ended without any will be a very good historical interest in the functioning of contribute significantly to the platforms. that out of the nine firms, on 160 trains did not have any bio- The report also indicated declaration or substantive out- institution, which will have a the multilateral trade system. global trade, particularly India’s “Ministry of Railways has which orders were placed, toilets fitted. “In remaining 453 that due to the inadequate come with the US going back very good place in some of the Prabhu emphasised on exports. decided to make all railway seven firms, had complaints trains with 25,080 bio-toilets, progress of retrofitment of bio- on its commitment to find good regions of the world”. the need for India to increase Prabhu said the Commerce stations 100 per cent LED lit pending against them regard- 1,99,689 instances of deficien- toilets in passenger coaches by a permanent solution to the “But if you want to make its share in world trade for Ministry is working in collabo- by the end of current finan- ing quantity and quality of cies were noticed,” the report Zonal Railways, Railway Board public food stockholding issue, sure that WTO becomes rele- enhancing GDP growth and ration with the EXIM Bank on cial year by March 31, 2018. material supplied during 2015- said. decided to place a bulk order leaving India and other devel- vant to times that are changing, creating jobs, saying that it a market strategy, clearly defin- It is a huge initiative to pro- 16 and 2016-17. It was in January 2015 that for supply, installation and oping nations disappointed. then we must also incorporate should set a target and work ing each market and geography vide energy efficient lighting The report indicated that the railway board decided commissioning of approxi- “We are in the next few into WTO some of the very towards it. with the kind of products that which will eventually greatly no awareness campaign was to eliminate the provision of mately 80,000 bio-toilets in in- weeks going to organise a major emerging important issues,” he Developed nations at will be sold there. help in the conservation of conducted by railway zones direct discharge toilets in new service coaches. conclave in India wherein we added. the WTO have been form- He stressed that India must environment as well,” it said in - except Southern Railway. coaches by the end of 2016-17. “As against 33,783 bio-toi- want to bring in the top coun- Separately, at a meeting ing groupings to prepare the become the front office of the a statement. Moreover, only 36.62 per cent However, during 2014-15 lets which were to be supplied tries of the world. We call it the with Ficci members, he said ground for pushing investment world in providing services LED or light-emitting diode supervisory and 23.21 per to 2016-17, utilization of funds to 16 Zonal Railways up to mini Ministerial for the WTO India will host the mini-min- facilitation, preparing rules for globally. bulbs are more energy efficient cent non-supervisory staff for retrofitment of bio-toilets March 2017, only 14,274 bio- (World Trade Organization), isterial in February to further e-commerce, promoting gen- He added: “It is a unique and have a longer lifespan than were trained in maintenance remained between 34 per cent toilets were supplied by the Prabhu said. its position on the multilateral der equality and reducing sub- position that we enjoy on Tues- traditional lamps. of bio-toilets. and 71 per cent. For the year firms. Out of these, 12,016 bio- Addressing a CII con- trade body and pursue its inter- sidy on fisheries. day, that we are actually the ser- Till November 2017, The ‘bio-toilet’ (using bio- 2016-17, Minister of Railways toilets were fitted in coaches up clave, he said the idea behind est in a fruitful manner. India has been keenly push- vice providers. I don’t want to about 3,500 railway stations digester technology) is an eco- had announced that 20,000 to March 2017,” the report said. the mini-ministerial was that According to a Ficci state- ing agricultural issues at the call ourselves as some other had already been provided friendly waste management bio-toilets were to be inducted When asked, Railways Min- WTO must focus on some of ment, the minister said that WTO. It has also been rais- countries wanted to described with cent per cent LED lights. solution, which reduces solid through retrofitment. istry officials refused to com- the very relevant issues of the the WTO process needs to be ing its voice against bringing India some time ago, that we About 20 lakh such lights were human waste to bio-gas and Railway Board fixed an ment on the finding of the world on Tuesday. strengthened and taken for- in new issues, especially those are the back office of the world. installed. water with the help of a bac- internal target of 50,000 bio- CAG. 6 nation mp MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 AAP appoints Sisodia as Gujarat polls: Heavyweights, in-charge of Punjab unit SAYANTAN GHOSH

MLAs, ministers bite the dust NEW DELHI: After major set- back in the Punjab civic polls, the Aam Aadmi Party on Tues- Himachal CM Virbhadra day appointed Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia as in-charge of its Punjab unit. Singh tenders resignation The post has been lying vacant since Sanjay Singh resigned as OUR CORRESPONDENT its in-charge in May follow- ing the dismal show in Delhi SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Municipal elections, where AAP Chief Minister Virbhadra won only 48 out of 270 wards Singh tendered his resignation amid a BJP sweep. to Governor Acharya Devvrat “After assessment of the on Tuesday, a day after his Con- prevailing political situation in AAP leader Sanjay Singh had resigned gress party suffered a drubbing the state of Punjab, the Politi- as the in-charge of the party’s Punjab in the assembly polls. cal Affairs Committee of Aam The governor accepted the Aadmi Party on Tuesday has unit in April this year following its resignation and asked Singh appointed senior party leader debacle in the Delhi MC polls and his cabinet to continue in Manish Sisodia as Prabhari (in- office till a new government charge) of Punjab,” said a senior was formed. and became the youngest Lok AAP leader. polls. The party won just a single uty Chief Minister of Delhi since Faced with a strong anti- Sabha member in 1962. He has Meanwhile, the Punjab ward in Bholath (Assembly con- February 2015. He also holds incumbency wave, the Con- had a chequered political career unit of AAP has welcomed the stituency of AAP MLA Sukhpal Education, Tourism, Art, Cul- gress managed to bag only 21 spanning 55 years. appointment of Sisodia as the Khaira) in Kapurthala district ture & Languages and other BJP supporters offering sweets to Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat as they celebrate the party’s win seats in the 68-member assem- He served four terms in in-charge of the state unit. Also, out of the total 414 wards. On important departments. in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, in Dehradun on Monday PTI bly. The BJP won the polls by the lower house of Parliament, in a Press note issued here, party the other hand, Congress swept Previously, he was briefly sweeping 44 seats. The CPI(M) the last one between 2009 and leaders thanked Delhi CM and the civic polls, winning 267 of a Cabinet Minister of Delhi OUR CORRESPONDENT Bokhiriya had defeated him in former Congress chief minis- bagged one seat while two seats 2012. party convener Arvind Kejriwal 414 wards of municipal coun- between late December 2013 2012, too, from Porbandar. ter Amarsinh Chaudhary, lost were won by Independent He served six terms as chief for the same. cils and Nagar Panchayats, along and February 2014, during AHMEDABAD: As many as Gohil, the sitting MLA to BJP’s Mohanbhai Dhodiya candidates. minister from 1983, when he “Manish Sisodia is one of with the three municipal corpo- which he looked after Educa- 16 senior leaders from Gujarat, from the Abdasa seat in Kutch from the Mahuva seat of Surat A scion of the Rampur- first took the oath of office of the strongest leaders of the rations of Amritsar, Jalandhar tion, PWD, Urban Develop- including ministers from the district, who would have been district by over 6,000 votes. Bushahr royal family, Singh, the chief minister. party and a good administra- and Patiala. ment, local bodies and land and outgoing BJP-led dispensation in the race for the chief minis- Several BJP leaders, MLAs 83, won for the eighth time in He replaced Ram Lal as the tor. His education model has AAP leader Sanjay Singh, building. Prior to being elected and Congress heavyweights, ter’s chair in the event of a Con- and ministers also met with a a state Assembly election from chief minister of the state in been widely accepted. We think in April this year, had resigned to the Legislative Assembly of were humbled in the just-con- gress victory, lost the Mandvi similar fate this time. Six min- Arki, defeating Rattan Singh April 1983 and consolidated that the party will fight the best from the position of in-charge Delhi in December 2013, Siso- cluded Assembly elections. constituency of Kutch, which isters in the outgoing state Pal of the BJP by a margin of his hold after going for mid- under his leadership in Punjab,” of its Punjab unit following the dia was a social activist and jour- Sitting and former MLAs the BJP’s Virendrasinh Jadeja government, including two 6,051 votes. term assembly polls in 1985 said a senior party leader. party’s debacle in the Delhi MC nalist as well as a member of the were among those defeated in won by a comfortable margin of cabinet rank, fell by the Singh began his politi- and steered the Congress party AAP saw a severe drubbing polls. National Executive Committee the polls, the results of which of over 9,000 votes. wayside. cal journey at an early age to a massive majority. in the recent Punjab municipal Manish Sisodia is the Dep- of the Aam Aadmi Party. were declared yesterday. Gohil, who is the national Among those who tasted Though the BJP will form spokesperson of the Congress, defeat was the minister of state the next government in Guja- had served as a minister of for urban development and Five of 905 rat after a sixth straight victory finance, health, education and Health, Shankar Chaudhary. Sena attacks BJP over NATION BRIEFS in the state, the results came as Narmada in the two consecu- In a tightly-contested election, Independent a blow to the party with six of tive Congress governments. he lost to Congress’s Geniben CEC & ECS TO VISIT MEGHALAYA TO its ministers and the Speaker of He was the leader of the Thakor by around 5,000 votes. Gujarat poll results candidates win in the Assembly, Ramanlal Vora, opposition in the Gujarat Cabinet rank minister and REVIEW POLL PREPAREDNESS losing to the Congress. Assembly from 2007 to 2012. BJP’s Dalit leader Atmaram Gujarat, HP OUR CORRESPONDENT SHILLONG: An Election Commission team led by Chief Top Congress leaders and In 2012, he was defeated Parmar was defeated by Con- after the BJP retained power in Election Commissioner A K Joti will visit Meghalaya lat- party heavyweights also bit the from the Bhavnagar-Rural gress’s Pravinbhai Maru from Gujarat with a reduced tally of OUR CORRESPONDENT dust, even though the opposi- Assembly segment, but had the Gadhada (SC) Assembly MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena on 99 seats against 115 last time. er this week to review the preparedness of the state to tion party fared better than it won from Abdasa in a 2014 seat in Botad district. Tuesday launched a sting- The Congress increased its NEW DELHI: Only five of the hold assembly elections due early next year, officials did in 2012, winning 77 seats by-poll. Another cabinet minis- ing attack on its ally BJP, say- tally from 61 seats last time to 905 independent candidates said on Tuesday. “A team of Chief Election Commis- as compared to the 61 it scored Siddharth Patel, son of ter, Chimanbhai Saparia, who ing “the much-touted Gujarat 77 this time. who fought the Assembly sioner A K Joti and Election Commissioners O P Rawat then. former Congress chief min- holds the agriculture and model has shaken” and the The Sena said the BJP had polls in Gujarat and Himachal and Sunil Arora will be visiting the state on December Among the senior Congress ister Chimanbhai Patel, lost energy portfolios, lost to Chi- poll outcome in the state was “barely managed to pass” the Pradesh romped home, Elec- 22-23 to review the poll preparedness in the state leaders defeated were Arjun to Shailesh Mehta of the BJP ragbhai Kalariya of the Con- a “warning bell” to those who electoral exam but was pre- tion Commission data reveal. Modhwadia, Shaktisinh Gohil, from the Dabhoi constituency gress from Jamjodhpur. believe in an autocratic rule. tending to have passed with Three of the five won from and to settle down any issues related to EVMs and oth- Siddharth Patel and Tushar of Vadodara. Minister of state (MoS) for The Sena said Congress distinction. Gujarat and two in the hill ers,” Chief Electoral Officer F R Kharkongor said. The Chaudhary. Patel, who was appointed backward class welfare Keshaji president Rahul Gandhi and The BJP won Gujarat and state, according to the election Commission will assess the overall preparedness of the Modhwadia, who was the the party’s campaign commit- Chauhan lost by a narrow mar- Patidar leader Hardik Patel Himachal, but the Congress results announced yesterday. state election machinery to conduct the polls following leader of the opposition in the tee head for the 2017 elections, gin of 972 votes from the Deo- had been ridiculed as “mon- also did not lose, the editorial A total of 793 independent which the date will be announced shortly, he said. The state Assembly between 2004 was also defeated in the 2012 dar constituency. keys” but “these ‘monkeys’ have said. “The dream of a ‘Con- candidates were in the fray for Commission will meet the SPs and DCs and the repre- and 2007, lost to state fisher- elections from the same seat. Congress’s Premsinh Vasava slapped the ‘lion’”. gress-Mukt Bharat’ (Con- the polls in Gujarat and 112 in ies minister and senior BJP Former MP and union min- defeated forest and tribal wel- The Sena attack on the gress-free India) remained Himachal Pradesh. sentatives of political parties on December 22 and the leader Babubhai Bokhiriya by ister Tushar Chaudhary, who fare MoS Shabdsharan Tadvi BJP came in an editorial in its unfulfilled,” the Shiv Sena said. Three out of 793 such can- following day, the team will meet the chief secretary a narrow margin of 1,855 votes. is the son of tribal leader and for the Nandod (ST) seat. mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, a day This election result in Guja- didates (or 0.37 per cent) in and the DGP, the CEO said. Earlier this month, a team rat is a “warning bell for those Gujarat and two out of 112 of the Commission had visited Meghalaya to see re- who believe in an autocratic (or 1.78 per cent) in Himachal view the preparedness of the state election machinery. rule”, the Sena said. Pradesh were successful. “The BJP may have won the Independents, however, 61 FARMERS ENDED LIVES IN C’GARH IN election but the discussion is were in the third position in about the strides Rahul Gan- terms of votes polled, after the 8 MONTHS THIS YEAR: GOVT dhi has taken. It was said that BJP and the Congress. RAIPUR: Sixty one farmers have committed suicide in we (BJP) won’t get a single seat In Gujarat, they got 4.9 per Chhattisgarh between April and November this year, less than 150 in Gujarat, but it cent or 12,90,213 votes. BJP got the state government informed the Legislative Assem- proved to be a tough task even 49.1 per cent or 1,47,23,481 bly on Tuesday. State Revenue Minister Premprakash to reach the 100 mark,” said the votes and Congress 41.4 per editorial. cent or 1,24,38,349 votes. Pandey gave this information in a written reply to a question asked by Leader of Opposition T S Singhdeo. “Sixty one farmers have committed suicide across Chhattisgarh between April 1 and November 30, 2017,” the minister said. As per the reply, 14 farmers have committed suicide in Balodabazar district during the period, followed by Kabeerdham (13), Bemetara Notice Inviting e-Tender No. 40 of 2017-18 (9), Rajnandgaon (9) and Durg (4). Similarly, three SE/SWC/PWD, Midnapore invites e-tender for the suicides were reported in Dhamtari district, two each in work (1) Construction of Warehouse for storage of Raipur, Balod, Kanker and Mahasamund while one in EVMs and VVPATs within the premises of the S.D.O’s Janjgir-Champa, the reply said. Office at Kharagpur. Estt. Amt. : Rs. 1,24,29,369.00. 2 ARRESTED FOR KILLING EX-BJP Bid Submission End Date is 12.01.2018 at 16.00 Hours. Tender ID : 2017_WBPWD_144007_1. Any MLA’S SON IN UTTAR PRADESH Corrigendum / Addendum related to this NIT, if LUCKNOW: Two people were arrested on Tuesday for published, will be available in the e-portal only. For allegedly killing the 36-year-old son of a former BJP details, visit the website - http://wbtenders.gov.in MLA from Domariyaganj, police said. Vaibhav Tiwari, Sd/- the son of Prem Prakash Tiwari alias Gippy Tiwari, was SE/SWC/PWD Government of West Bengal shot dead outside Kasmanda appartment in Hazratanj O/O The Superintending Engineer PWD South Western Electrical Circle Sahid Mangal Pandey Sarani, Midnapur-721101 area, barely 300 metres from the UP legislature build- ing and the state BJP headquarters here on the night Abridged NIT of December 16. The main accused, Suraj Shukla and Notice Inviting e-Quotation No. - WBPWD/SE/SWEC/ Vikram Singh, who were absconding since then, were NIQ29/2017-18 arrested by the city police on Tuesday, ADG (Law and Tender ID: 2017_WBPWD_144097_1 Order) Anand Kumar said. Gippy Tiwari was BJP MLA Name of Work: Construction of new Court Building (G+2) from Domariyaganj in 1989, 1991 and 1993. Then storied at Bishnupur in the District of Bankura- Supply, in 2014 he went to the Samajwadi Party. In this year’s Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Passenger Lifts Assembly elections, however, he campaigned for the Work Site : Bishnupur Court Last date of submission of bid :-02/01/2018 up to 16:55 Hrs. BJP. Vaibhav was the only son of the former MLA. Further details can be seen in the above mentioned office during DEBT-RIDDEN FARMER KILLS SELF BY working hours or in Official Website www.pwdwb.gov.in For all details and online tender submission visit https:// JUMPING BEFORE TRAIN wbtenders.gov.in NASHIK: A 37-year-old debt-ridden farmer alleg- edly committed suicide by jumping before a running train near Lahavit station in the district, railway police said on Tuesday. Jagadish Bahiru Shirsat, a resident of Bhagur, took the extreme step on Monday. “He had taken a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh and was unable to repay it,” an official from Devlali Railway Police said. He said a suicide note was found from his pocket. According to the officer, the farmer said in the note that he had received the loan under a state government scheme. “But due to the natural calamities, I suffered losses and cannot repay the amount, which is why I am taking this step,” the officer quoted the farmer as saying in the note, addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In the note he also sought “justice” for his family, the officer said, adding a case has been registered in this connection and investigation was on. 7 MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 mp nation UP police alert Ex-HC judge Karnan to be RS passes bill to grant all SPs after RSS group’s Xmas released from jail today threat OUR CORRESPONDENT (DGP) to take Karnan, who was on a warpath with the apex more autonomy to IIMs LUCKNOW: The UttarKOLKATA: Former Calcutta court for months, into custody. Pradesh Police on Tuesday High Court judge C S Karnan The Supreme Court had directed all district police chiefs is set to be released tomorrow earlier issued a bailable war- OUR CORRESPONDENT to ensure that Christmas festiv- after serving a six- month jail rant against the judge to secure ities go smoothly without any sentence, which was handed his presence before it in con- NEW DELHI: The Rajya untoward incident, two days out to him by the Supreme nection with the contempt case. Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill, after the Hindu Jagran Manch Court for contempt. Karnan had appeared extending greater autonomy to warned Aligarh schools against Karnan was arrested from before the apex court on the Indian Institutes of Man- celebrating the festival. Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu March 31, a first in the coun- agement (IIMs) by restricting ADG (Law and Order) on June 20 after he evaded the a month-and-a-half ago. try’s judicial history, and asked the government’s role in their Anand Kumar also directed all police for over a month. “I found him in good spirits for restoration of his powers functioning and granting them district police chiefs of the state His wife, Saraswati Kar- and health,” she said. as a pre-condition for his re- power to award degrees to their to ensure the freedom of prac- nan, who resides in Chennai, Karnan had earned the appearance, but the plea was graduates. The Indian Institutes tising one’s religion is protected is scheduled to arrive in the city dubious distinction of becom- rejected. Karnan, who had of Management Bill, 2017 -- and appropriate action should this evening, along with her ing the first sitting high court enrolled as an advocate with which was passed in the Lok be taken in this regard. elder son. judge to have been sentenced the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu Sabha in July this year -- grants “The Aligarh SSP (senior “He (Karnan) is scheduled to jail. The apex court had sen- in 1983, was appointed a judge statutory powers to the IIMs superintendent of police) and to be released tomorrow. I am tenced him to six months in jail of the Madras High Court in in their running including the all district police chiefs have coming to Kolkata to accom- for contempt of court on May 2009. He was transferred to the appointment of directors and been directed to take strict legal pany him back to Chennai,” 9. Karnan was a serving judge Calcutta High Court on March faculty members. action against those indulging Saraswati Karnan said over of the Calcutta High Court at 11, 2016. The bill gives them pow- IIMs and said the government “Good institutions should have taken on a mission mode,” in intimidation of any sort,” he phone. that time. He was transferred from ers to award degrees instead of would bear the interest on the freedom,” he added. Gowda said. said. Saraswati Karnan, a profes- A seven-judge bench of the Madras High Court for his postgraduate diplomas. education loan. Seeking support from the D Raja of the CPI said said This directive comes after sor of economics in a Chen- the Supreme Court, headed by repeated allegations against “The bill offers autonomy to He said the existing board opposition parties, he added the legislation should ensure the Hindu Jagran Manch, an nai college, said she had last Chief Justice of India J S Khe- and run-ins with the then chief these institutes. Through this of IIMs would continue but that the bill seeks to bring about academic freedom and end RSS affiliate, issued a circu- met her husband at the Presi- har, had asked the West Ben- justice and fellow judges of the bill we will remove all inter- changes would be made to a positive change in the educa- social discrimination. He also lar on Sunday, threatening the dency Correctional Home here gal director general of police court. ference of the government, comply with the provisions of tional system in the country advocated more spending on management of all Aligarh bureaucracy in the function- this bill related to representa- and hence should be supported education. Naresh Agarwal schools against celebrating ing of the IIMs. They will them- tion of SC, ST and women in wholeheartedly. (SP) said the educational sylla- Christmas saying, if they did selves decide how to manage the board of governors. Congress member MV bus should be uniform across so, it would be “at their own IAF lands AN-32 at strategically and run these premier insti- Javadekar said that the Rajeev Gowda, while support- the country and demanded r i s k”. tutes,” HRD Minister Prakash government would withdraw ing the bill, asked the govern- that government investment “The circular would be Javadekar said while initiating its four representatives from ment to ensure that the lack of on education be increased. He reaching all schools very vital Chinyalisaur airstrip a discussion. the board. Jairam Ramesh of resources do not come in the also said there should not be shortly and we will decide a Replying to the debate, he the Congress earlier sought way of anybody who wishes to any politics in education. course of action on receiving UTTARKASHI: The IAF on Tuesday success- ful landing at the strategically important airstrip. said the rules would be framed to know about the fate of the study in the IIMs. AIADMK member N their response,” Sonu Savita, fully landed an AN-32 multi-purpose aircraft at Earlier, an IAF team from the command and the soon and assured the Rajya existing boards. Justifying the While laying emphasis on Gokulakrishnan, Nadimul city president of the Hindu Jag- the strategically important Chinyalisaur airstrip aviation department had inspected the airstrip Sabha members that their sug- autonomy for IIMs, Javadekar identifying talent for the fac- Haque (TMC), Kahkashan ran Manch, told reporters in in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district after visibil- to find if it was fit for landing such an aircraft. gestions would be considered. said, “This is new beginning... ulty positions, he also asked the Parveen of JD(U), Prasanna Aligarh on Sunday. ity improved in the region. Inspections had also been conducted yester- The bill was passed by the We must start believing in our government to ensure that SCs, Acharya (BJD), K Somaprasad Aligarh SSP Rajesh Pandey Efforts were underway for the past three days day by an IAF team from Bengaluru. Ninety-five Upper House unanimously. best educational institutes.” STs and OBCs get scholarships of CPI(M), Vijay Sai Reddy has, however, made it clear that to land the 56-seater aircraft at the airstrip, but it per cent of the work on the 1,165 metre-long and The minister assured the He said the government was and get admissions for doctoral (YSRCP), Anil Desai (Shiv the district authorities would could not be done due to poor visibility, an IAF 30 metre-wide Chinyalisaur airstrip is through, House that no poor students thinking of granting greater programmes around the world. Sena) also participated in the not allow anyone to force any official said requesting anonymity. Air Commo- an official said, adding that work on an ATC would be denied admission in autonomy to best institutions. “This initiative should be debate. school not to observe or cel- dore S Banerjee of the Central Air Command tower, a terminal and levelling of the area around ebrate Christmas. MPOST expressed happiness over the aircraft’s success- the runway remains to be done. MPOST Kashmiri youths assaulted in Zeliang appoints 10 new Advisors B’luru; Mehbooba with cabinet minister rank demands action KOHIMA: Nagaland Chief tors to resign, because we are Minister T R Zeliang on Tues- established by the Constitu- day appointed 10 new Advisors tion of India, and it will go to the state government with according to the Constitution.” the rank of cabinet minister. The 10 include - E E Pang- teang, Dr Chotisuh Sazo, Yita- Tender Notice chu, N Thongwang Konyak, The Executive Engineer, Siliguri N Thomas Lotha, Vikho-o Division, Housing Dte., Siliguri Yhoshu, R Tohanba, T Tore- has invited open tender chu, Tovihoto Ayemi and N between such action,” Zeliang against NIT No. 10 of 2017- Jacob Zhimomi. said. 18 for Mtc. & Repair work at R.H.E., Pilkhna, Jalpaiguri/ The chief minister admin- Replying to a query on N.N. Road, Coochbehar and istered the oath of office and the statement of the Rengma Milanpally, Siliguri under secrecy to the 10 new advi- Hoho that legislators should OUR CORRESPONDENT Siliguri Division, Housing Dte., sors at state Banquet Hall here first resign if they are talking Siliguri tonight. of solution of Naga political The last date and time of JAMMU/BENGALURU: Zeliang had earlier reshuf- issue, Zeliang said “there can- applications are 02.01.2018 Jammu and Kashmir Chief fled his cabinet minister by not be pre-condition from up to 14:00 hours (IST). Minister Mehbooba Mufti inducting six new ministers the NGOs, but it depends on Details may be had from the on Tuesday demanded strict but is yet to allocate portfolios. the Government of India and office Notice Board on any action against those who Replying to newsmen after the Naga nationalist political working days within office allegedly assaulted a Kashmiri tonight s swearing in, Zeliang group whether they will come hour. student and his brother in Ben- said “the portfolios would be to a conclusion.” Executive Engineer galuru last week for not speak- distributed very shortly.” The CM said, “how one Siliguri Division, Housing Dte, ing in Kannada, a Dravidian Asked on the Court case tribal hoho can ask legisla- Siliguri language spoken mainly in the being filed by pressure group in state of Karnataka. the state against appointment According to media of parliamentary secretar- reports, a 24-year-old hotel ies and advisors in the min- management student from istry, Zeliang said “it is okay Kashmir and his elder brother until judgement is passed while were reportedly beaten up and there is no stay order from the their vehicle damaged by a court.” group of men near a bus stop On the disgruntlement of in north Bengaluru’s Sanjay Lotha Hoho over the sacking Nagar locality. of two Lotha cabinet ministers The incident happened on Y Patton and Mmhonlumo the night of December 11, but Kikon, Zeliang said “we have came to light only yesterday, no comment, because ministry police said on Tuesday. is formed by the elected mem- “Very disturbed by the news bers and the party”. of 2 brothers from Kashmir “If anyone is dropped or being assaulted in Bengaluru. expelled from the party, the I would urge the authorities to tribal hoho need not come in take strict action against the accused,” Mufti posted on Twit- ter on Tuesday. Two persons -- Mahesh and Harish -- have been arrested based on the CCTV footage installed near the bus stop. Government of West Bengal Both are now out on bail, said North Bengal Development Department Chetan Singh Rathore, deputy Government of West Bengal Branch Secretariat commissioner of police (Ben- North Bengal Development Department Uttarkanya, Fulbari, Jalpaiguri galuru North). Branch Secretariat ABRIDGED -e-NIT Mahesh is a fashion Uttarkanya, Fulbari, Jalpaiguri NIT ref. Name of work Estimated Last date of Bid designer while Harish a driver, no. Amount submission the police said. ABRIDGED -e-NIT NIT- Construction of 09 Nos. Dwelling Houses 3101205.00 03/01/2018 e-NIQ ref. Name of work Last date of Bid 124 OF Named ‘Adiwasi Niwas’ for beneficiaries at upto 12.00 A friend of the victims, no submission 2017-18 Malbazar and Rajganj Block in the Dis- hours requesting anonymity, said NIQ- Preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for 05/01/2018 trict of Jalpaiguri. the student, studying in a col- 71(2nd Call) “Construction of proposed G+2 storied building upto 14.00 Sd/- of 2017-18 of Siliguri Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Dist. Darjeeling” hours Executive Engineer lege here, and his brother were North Bengal Development Department Sd/- Executive Engineer returning home in the early North Bengal Development Department hours of December 11, when Details can be seen in the Official Website www.wbnorthbengaldev.gov.in one of them stopped the car to Details can be seen in the Official Website www.wbnorthbengaldev.gov.inn answer a phone call. For all details and online tender submission visit https://wbtenders.gov.in Around that time, two motorcycle-borne youths reached there and asked them something in Kannada. The student told them that he did not know Kannada, fol- lowing which the youth insisted that they speak in Kannada, “When he and his brother objected, the youth called a few more people and started hit- ting them with stones. They even damaged their car,” said the friend. The two suffered injuries and were treated at a nearby hospital. ICA - 2612(6)/2017 8 editorial mp MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 EDITORIAL Unlocking further growth Greys of Gujarat Tapping the telecom sector for next phase of GDP growth he Gujarat elections came to a close with BJP ulti- mately securing a victory; yet, in tandem with the he Indian telecom industry course of the build-up to the elections, the results too is passing through complex deserve deep deliberation and introspection. Since times. It has been almost two Tthe Narendra Modi government rose to power in 2014, BJP decades since the Atal Bihari has gone on to only strengthen its power across the country, TVajpayee government heralded the tele- improving its stakes with each election and exhibiting a resolve AMIT KAPOOR com revolution with the formulation of that complements an aggressive fighter who isn’t willing to bow the National Telecom Policy (NTP) in its head even in the face of the strongest adversity. Habituated 1999. When the policy was enforced, to massive victories, the idea of defeat has become a trigger that India merely had a million subscribers. only strengthens performance. As the Congress attempted to Since then, the industry has grown on capitalise upon the anti-incumbency sentiment, BJP amplified to become the second-largest telecom- its performance, ringing in its most powerful leaders, with the munications market in the world that is Prime Minister himself organising massive rallies and grand now well past the billion-mark in terms road shows. While Narendra Modi has always been a public of subscribers. face and it is no surprise that he takes to the masses as they Over the years, the sector has become do towards him, this time around, the exigency with which a significant contributor of the country’s he attended to Gujarat showcased a vulnerability that was Over the years, GDP and job growth. According to one seeping into the party which had acclimatised itself to only estimate, it contributed 6.5 per cent of securing wholesome victories across state Assembly elections. the sector India’s GDP while providing direct and Coming to its bastion, it probably did not expect to be seized has become indirect employment to four million in its own citadel, as it almost was by the Congress, this time people in 2015. The industry has also around. It is astonishing how ordinary individuals have almost a significant been one of the fastest-growing sectors written off the fate of the Congress which had once been the contributor of the in the country with a compound annual flag bearer of our modern economy. The reducing relevance growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3 per cent over of Sonia Gandhi has not yet been replaced by her son’s vigour. country’s GDP the last decade. This is the result of the Nevertheless, Rahul did turn the tables around, displaying a and job growth. dynamic and hyper-competitive nature performance that was the least expected by our population or of the Indian telecom market. Compe- the exit polls. Even those that desired to defeat the Modi-Shah According to tition among telecom companies has led BJP, were not confident enough to rest their faith upon the one estimate, risen to the extent that tariffs are one of young Gandhi scion, who displayed less political acumen than the lowest in the world. his competitors, with the latter having mastered the careful it contributed However, the pace of transforma- craft of manipulating voters’ minds and successfully tapping 6.5 per cent of tion of the industry over the course of onto electoral mandates. The Congress, after repeated defeats last year has been astonishing, even by since 2014, when its relevance in the Parliament was reduced India’s GDP while its own standards. It all began in Sep- to a meagre 44, adopted a different strategy this time around, providing direct tember 2016 with the entry of Reliance hoping to tap into the various sentiments floating against the Jio into the telecom fray that was already A recent study pointed out that a 10 per cent increase in the rate of growth of Internet subscribers will result in a 2.4 per cent increase BJP. While this is an effective mood, there must be more to and indirect saturated with giants such as Bharti Air- in the GDP rate (Representational Image) one’s own credibility that will ultimately ensure victory. When employment tel, Vodafone India, Idea Cellular and Modi swept to power in 2014, he banked on the twin ideas of BSNL, along with other smaller players. before and after the entry of Jio using last count, Jio’s subscriber base stood at GDP rate. Therefore, there will be clear Congress-shaming and BJP-appraising. The independent idea to four million Until then, the industry had derived 75 TRAI data. 138.6 million in September 2017. Con- economic gains from the industry devel- of only ridiculing the BJP will assist the Congress, only to a cer- people in 2015. per cent of its revenue from voice and In a scale of 0 to 10,000 with a higher sidering that it had started from scratch a opments that have recently taken place. tain extent. A voter’s mind is quite amorphous; it is willing to This is the result as each operator tried to gain a market score implying higher concentration, year ago, the figure is simply gargantuan India’s telecom revolution has been adopt the strain that fits well into its shifting ideology. How- share by offering competitive prices, it we found that HHI increased by almost and presents the incumbents with effec- the driving force of the economy since ever, the voter today is also well-informed. Whether on the of the dynamic seemed to have bottomed out reaching 1,000 points from 1,543 to 2,490 between tive competition and takes the industry the turn of the century and it has done basis of misinformation rallied to it by dedicated cadres of one and hyper- as low as $0.01 per minute. June 2016 and June 2017. To put matters towards maturity. The final impact of Jio’s well to evolve with the times and climb party or circulated social media messages—it is able to grasp Jio’s entry last year changed the mar- in perspective, the US Department of entry, which is often less talked about, is the data bandwagon. It has largely gone onto prevalent sentiments that suit its make-up. The Congress competitive ket in more than one way. First, the battle Justice considers a market with a HHI in its effect on increasing mobile and data unnoticed, but this year India has also has had a great learning experience from the Gujarat election, nature of the shifted from voice to the data front. Reli- of less than 1,500 to be competitive, one accessibility. The Indian telecom indus- become the highest mobile data user in as probably has the BJP too. While in the public face, neither ance had spent the last few years build- between 1,500 and 2,500 to be moder- try was adding an average of 54 million the world with monthly usage exceed- Amit Shah nor Narendra Modi will express any grievance or Indian telecom ing the largest LTE (long term evolution) ately concentrated and one beyond 2,500 wireless and 50 million Internet sub- ing a billion GB. As data accessibility hesitation towards the result that has ultimately ensured its vic- market network in the country that allowed it to to be highly concentrated. scribers each year until mid-2016, as per of Indian consumers increases, it cre- tory—it is unarguable that the secured seats falling short of 100 provide Voice over LTE services at virtu- This rise in HHI has been a result TRAI (April-June) reports. In contrast, ates a multitude of opportunities for the have surely irked the saffron giants—especially because, this is ally no extra cost -- enabling it to offer of a spate of mergers that have taken over the course of the last year (June government to reach out and enable Gujarat that is being battled. Till a few months back, after the free calling and only charge for data. place since Jio’s entry. Bharti Airtel has 2016-June 2017), the industry added social progress by providing services gigantic success of the Uttar Pradesh elections, nobody would The second significant impact of Jio’s acquired the telecommunication ser- over 150 million wireless and 80 million that were previously not feasible. Tap- bat an eyelid before assuring Gujarat to the BJP, with a mas- entry has been a consolidation wave that vices of Tata, Telenor and Videocon, Internet subscribers. Jio’s entry in Sep- ping into these opportunities can unlock sive margin. The BJP is one term short of equalling the com- has swept the industry due to escalated while Vodafone is in its final stages of tember 2016 has had a clear effect on the the next phase of growth for the Indian munist regime in Bengal that lasted from 1977 to 2006, before levels of competition. This has been so merger talks with Idea. After the merger, acceleration in adoption of mobile tech- economy. IANS being wiped out of sight by the TMC in 2011. If the same fate intense that scale has become a neces- Airtel will lose its two-decade-long held nology and, especially, Internet. (Dr. Amit Kapoor is chair, Institute befalls the BJP, it would much rather desire to lose a few elec- sary prerequisite. In fact, to quantify the position as the industry leader since An ICRIER study recently pointed for Competitiveness. Chirag Yadav, tions and resume its propaganda. However, the BJP functions increase in market concentration, we the Vodafone-Idea combine will com- out that a 10 per cent increase in the rate senior researcher at the Institute has very differently from the communists in Bengal—for one, the calculated the Herfindahl-Hirschman mand a subscriber base of 400 million of growth of Internet subscribers will contributed to the article. The views BJP still has able leaders that can help it see the light at the end Index (HHI) for the telecom market as compared to Airtel’s 320 million. At result in a 2.4 per cent increase in the expressed are strictly personal.) of the tunnel. The Gujarat mandate has been an awakener for both the major parties of our country. In a sense, it has shown that the population, aside from workers of each party, remain dear unsatisfied with the performance of either. The Modi charm Quote martial DOWN IN DUMPS EDITOR millenniumpost.in continues to work in favour of the BJP as does its effective booth-level management. The Congress played the caste card The matter of waste management is a serious one that needs to be addressed promptly and com- Log on to write letters to the well in Gujarat, roping in the support of Hardik Patel, Alpesh Don't judge each day Thakore and Jignesh Mevani. Yet, by itself, the Congress still petently. Mountains of trash only block productive land and supplies toxins around. Burning editor or send them to remains aptly inadequate. Its policy for the Gujarat elections by the harvest you reap garbage is to cause environmental hazard through air pollution. Leaving it be will poison land [email protected] worked well; however, this policy was a Gujarat specific policy but by the seeds that and water. The way out of it remains to recycle it. The Scandinavian countries import garbage to You can also send your that cannot necessarily be replicated across every other state. It you plant still lacks strong leaders at the local level who can mobilise the produce their electricity. We have plenty. People must be sensitised to the need of keeping bio-de- comments to The Editor, population and work among the voters. The BJP-cadres have gradable and non-bio-degradable wastes separate so as to recycle them. And for the time being, Millennium Post, ROBERT LOUIS repeatedly performed exceptionally well in the management of with the boon of cheap labour, the task of segregating garbage can generate employment. Pratap Bhawan, 5 Bahadur Shah booths and securing the challenges of each constituency. The STEVENSON Congress managed some success this time, simply because of ADVAIT SINGH Via email Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110 002 the caste leaders who were local boys familiar with the flavour of the region. It must broaden its vision now and tap into the lowest level of the population if it wishes to pose a challenge ahead of 2019. There are many lessons to learn from the Guja- rat elections. The absence of a clear black or white makes it a Rahul must rebuild Congress fertile ground for introspection and improvement. Rocky roads But ill or well, the Congress will still cling to Sonia Gandhi he mountains are known for their tough terrains— n Saturday, Con- Fourthly and more impor- literally and metaphorically—as has been thrown up gress had a regime tantly, the Congress is look- this time around in the election results. Despite the change with ing to do better in the 2018 BJP securing a comfortable victory, falling just two 47-year-old Rahul Assembly polls and the 2019 Tseats short of ensuring a two-thirds majority, top leaders of the OGandhi taking over the reins of Lok Sabha polls. The party saffron brass were ousted by the voters, losing to less formi- KALYANI SHANKAR the party amidst speculations knows that it is the arithmetic dable faces who stood up against them. The hills of Himachal that his mother and predeces- which works in elections. Sonia have never allowed the same party to remain in power for two sor Sonia Gandhi might retire. has proved that she can keep consecutive sessions. This has ensured the highest quality of Sonia also has been expressing the UPA together although it governance in the state as ruling parties were forced to exhibit publicly that her role now was is shrinking a little. The UPA their best governance in a bid to secure the next elections—each to retire. But will Sonia Gan- needs more allies nearer the time failing to match the standards of expectation of the hill dhi really retire even though Lok Sabha polls. Senior opposi- population. Unsurprisingly then, the Congress lost this time she has yielded her place as tion leaders like Sharad Pawar, around, failing to continue its governance, with the BJP coming the Congress chief to her son? Mamata Banerjee, Lalu Prasad to power. However, as a massive setback to the saffron party, She may not, if she is going Yadav and others may not like its CM face, Prem Kumar Dhumal lost to Congress’ Rajinder to continue as the Congress to work under Rahul Gan- Rana in Sujanpur. This outcome was a possible result of the fact Parliamentary Party chair and dhi’s leadership while they that Dhumal changed his traditional constituency in the last Rahul Gandhi’s also the UPA chairperson, as had no hesitation in working minute, moving out of Hamirpur. This move cost the BJP its her party asserts. Generally, with Sonia. The CPI-M leader CM face, on whose back it rode to success in the hill state. Not supporters had when politicians quit public Sitaram Yechury has said in just Dhumal, top faces of the BJP, including Satpal Singh Satti, been complaining life, they quit all positions but a recent TV interview that Ravinder Singh Ravi, Gulab Singh Thakur (father-in-law of Sonia is not destined to be one Sonia was the glue that kept Anurag Thakur), Indu Goswami and Randhir Sharma, all lost that he was not of them. She might have only the UPA intact and without her their respective constituencies. Despite a massive victory, the having a free hand given up the party presidency. the UPA will break. Therefore, BJP was thrown in a soup regarding its chief ministerial can- because of the Why so much confusion the Congress would like Sonia didate. On the other hand, despite the Congress being handed about her retirement? The Gan- New Congress president Rahul Gandhi kisses on mother and predecessor’s forehead to continue at least until the a defeat, erstwhile chief minister Virbhadra Singh and his son old guard. Senior dhi family (read as Sonia, Rahul 2019 polls. Vikramaditya Singh, both managed to secure their respec- leaders feel quite and Priyanka) is a very close- as she had brought the party to earlier. Rahul Gandhi’s sup- seat than the Congress and has So, it is not surprising that tive constituencies. The Congress defeat came about as a no- knit unit and have made all power not once but twice (2004 porters had been complaining become the single largest party Sonia may continue to be the brainer, not only because of the trends in Himachal, but also comfortable with decisions pertaining to the fam- and 2009). It was not a small that he was not having a free in the upper house. So far the CPP leader and the UPA chair- because of the money laundering and disproportionate assets Sonia Gandhi and ily members taking all along. achievement. Rahul Gandhi hand because of the old guard. old guard like Ghulam Nabi person though she shed the case tagged against chief minister Virbhadra Singh. He has also It was the family, which per- has not proven to be a winning Senior leaders feel quite com- Azad, Anand Sharma and oth- post of the party president on been accused of negligence in managing the Shimla gang-rape would rather work suaded Sonia not to become vote catcher though he has been fortable with Sonia Gandhi and ers, who have been running the Saturday. Rahul as the new case. The BJP announcing its primary concerns surrounding with her than with the Prime Minister in 2004. It drawing crowds in the recent would rather work with her show, are all close to Sonia Gan- party chief will concentrate women’s safety, securing better roads for transportation and was the family, which decided Gujarat polls. The party would than her son. Also, they were dhi. If Rahul brings a young on the organisational affairs. promises of ensuring jobs, came to power, missing a leader to her son when Rahul should be elevated. like to cling to tried and tested apprehensive of their future in team who do not know much The party is sinking slowly and cement its position. The tussle now stands between JP Nadda It was the family, which decided leaders like Sonia rather than the Rahul regime, as Rahul has of the parliamentary prac- it needs full-time attention of and Jai Ram Thakur, with the latter being considered the front- when Sonia should take a back put all its eggs in the basket of been favouring younger men tices, it may not serve the pur- the Gandhis. Once Rahul has runner in assuming the seat for becoming chief minister. Leav- seat when her health deterio- Rahul Gandhi, though it is not in his team. pose. As for dealing with the established himself as a vote- ing a bitter-sweet taste, the elections of Himachal came to an rated two years ago. It was the averse to giving him a chance. Thirdly, the party needs other leaders of the Opposi- catcher, things will improve expected close with sprinkles of surprise for BJP leaders, despite family, which thought it was Secondly, the old guard in a senior leader like Sonia to tion, who better than Sonia to for him. Rahul has already the party doing well overall. Now, with power in their hands, time for Rahul to take over now. the party is quite apprehensive head the Congress Parliamen- lead the Opposition? Despite emerged as a credible Opposi- the BJP must deliver on its promises as the people of Himachal Therefore, the family must have of Rahul’s leadership. In fact, tary Party. In the upper house taking a backseat in the past tion leader in the recent Gujarat have displayed less subservience than the rest of the country. created a new role for Sonia within the party, it was often the Congress-led Opposition is few months, it was her leader- poll campaign. All that he has They will not bat an eyelid before ousting the erstwhile gov- Gandhi even after her so-called said that it was the old guard, quite belligerent and can block ship, which brought 18 political to do is to build the organisa- ernment if their satisfaction is not adequately met. The hilly retirement. which was blocking Rahul’s ele- government bills. BJP has to parties together to choose the tion and prepare foot soldiers roads with their soothing winds have yet again propped some So why will Sonia find it vation for some years although wait for some more time to opposition candidates in the before the 2019 polls. IPA unexpected bumps. hard to retire? Ill or well, the Sonia would have liked to put get a majority in Rajya Sabha recent presidential and vice- (The views expresssed Congress will cling to Sonia her son as the party chief much although it has got one more presidential elections. are strictly personal.) 9 MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 mp in focus Propagating misinformation A THOUSAND MIRRORS An India against Pakistan war may suit certain narratives but it does not match historical facts that are well-documented n December 16, 2017, the official Lieutenant-General struggle that would be disastrous. In 1971, if Twitter and Facebook accounts General Officer Commanding-in-Chief the Indian Army had claimed that it went in GARGA CHATTERJEE of the Additional Directorate Indian and BANGLA DESH Forces in the to defeat Pakistan Army all by itself and hand General of Public Information Eastern Theatre over East Bengal to Bangladeshis, it would O(ADGPI), IHQ of MoD (Indian Army) with [Signature] have been disastrous. Thankfully, the Indian more than 5 million followers combined (AMIR ABDULLAH KHAN NIAZI) Army of the time was not in the business of wrote the following “16 December 1971. On Lieutenant-General making random claims and quasi-political this day, 46 years ago, 93,000 Pakistani troops Martial Law Administrator Zone statements in public forum and TV shows raised white flags and surrendered to the Commander Eastern Command for public consumption. It let the civilian #IndianArmy. #IndoPakWar71 #VijayDivas (PAKISTAN)” government do the talking, as it should, as #ThisDayThatYear @SpokespersonMoD @ Nowhere is the term “Indian Army” per the Constitution. The Indian Army is not There was PIB_India”. This is simply false. This false- mentioned in this Instrument of Surrender. an autonomous institution and is squarely hood was retweeted and shared thousands Spreading of misinformation from an official under the Ministry of Defence just like any widespread of times, thus adding to the culture of jingo- Twitter account of ADGPI, Indian Army is a other Union government entity is under its sabotage istic misinformation that exists around such serious matter since the ADGPI is entrusted corresponding Ministry. matters. A popular Twitter account called @ with the function of “Public Relation (PR) Such statements by the Indian Army also of Pakistani IndiaHistorypic with about 5.5 lakh follow- activities, Media Relations, and Monitoring, have consequences for the present. The obvi- installations ers also tweeted the same sort of misinfor- Info release, Publicity, Image Projection and ous one is of course that Indian citizens are mation- “1971 : Pakistan Soldiers Surrender Perception Management (PM). It primar- being fed misinformation about the past of including to Indian Army In Bangladesh. 93000 Sol- ily aims to establish conditions that lead to the army they pay for by the army itself. But the daring diers Surrendered and Were Sent Back to confidence in our Army and its readiness to outside the Indian Union, in the People’s Pakistan” (they have removed the tweet ever conduct ops in peacetime and war.” Surely, Republic of Bangladesh, a crypto-Islamist amphibious since, after the present author pointed it out). in such efforts, truth should not be a casu- narrative exists that uses every opportunity attack by The ADGPI of the Indian Army repeated alty in an Army formed under the aegis of a to play down and dilute the crucial role of the the same sort of false information about the Constitution whose motto is “Satyameva Jay- Indian Army in the Bangladesh liberation Bengali freedom surrender at Sylhet, again in both its Twit- ate” (Truth always wins). This is also in vio- struggle using various conspiracy theories. fighters on the ter and Facebook accounts, where it wrote lation of the “Policy on use of Social Media Misinformation propagated by official Indian – “16-17 December 1971. Surrender at Syl- by All Ranks in the Indian Army” that has Army sources only adds credibility to the Chittagong port het. Two Pakistani Brigadiers signed Sur- been posted by the Facebook account of the mischievous and communally inspired con- that crucially render documents in presence of the then Pakistan’s Lt Gen AAK Niazi signs the instrument of surrender in presence of Lt Gen JS Aurora on December 16, 1971 ADGPI, Indian Army, which clearly states, spiracy theory peddlers for whom the Hindus Commanding Officer 4/5 GR(FF), Lt Col A “Users of social media, both serving and vet- of Bangladesh are essentially leftover Indian disabled the B Harolikar. 107 officers, 219 JCOs & 6,229 Bahini led by Bongobir Kader “Bagha” Sid- all PAKISTAN land, air, and naval forces as erans are cautioned to verify the facts before citizens and the role of the Indian Army in Pakistani Navy other ranks of Pak surrendered to the #Indi- diqui. Then there was widespread sabotage also all para-military forces and civil armed accepting before accepting content circu- the liberation struggle is synonymous with anArmy #VijayDiwas #IndoPakWar71”. This of Pakistani installations including the dar- forces. These forces will lay down their arms lation in Social Media as truth”. Does this some “Hindu” role in the liberation struggle and supplies. tweet was even retweeted by @MIB_India, ing amphibious attack by Bengali freedom and surrender at the places where they are not apply to the people running the official that does not fit their narrative. The present There were the official twitter account of Ministry of fighters on the Chittagong port that crucially currently located to the nearest regular troops ADGPI social media accounts themselves? government of the People’s Republic of Ban- Information and Broadcasting, Government disabled the Pakistani Navy and supplies under the command of Lieutenant-General Why is it so important that the Joint Com- gladesh is trying to fight these kinds of com- Muktibahini units of India. Spreading of such misinformation including oil. Then there were Muktiba- JAGJIT SINGH AURORA. mand was mentioned in the surrender docu- munal elements and this sort of false claim which fought by such powerful government agencies is a hini units which fought alongside the Indian The PAKISTAN Eastern Command shall ment and not the Indian Army, as ADGPI by the Indian Army puts the government alongside the matter of very serious concern. The truth is Army as part of the Joint command during come under the orders of Lieutenant-Gen- would like Indian citizens to believe? Firstly, in a very tough spot. Delhi does not exactly that in the territory of Bangladesh, no sur- the final push. In fact, the first attack in that eral JAGJIT SINGH AURORA as soon as that was the reality. But from the New Delhi have a good reputation in Bangladesh, Nepal, Indian Army as render to the Indian Army took place. All final assault was done by the rudimentary this instrument has been signed. Disobedi- stand-point in 1971, this was much more Sri Lanka and very recently Maldives has part of the Joint the surrenders were to the Joint Command Bangladesh air force. And all this happened ence of orders will be regarded as a breach than a technicality. New Delhi had always swerved into the Chinese camp. New Delhi of the Indian and Bangladesh Forces in the in the context of years of Bengali national- of the surrender terms and will be dealt with maintained during its feverish diplomatic might want to do a bit of honest soul-search- command during Eastern Theatre. ist political mobilisation in Bangladesh. To in accordance with the accepted laws and efforts in the United Nation and various capi- ing about why this is the case. the final push. In the 1971 Bangladesh liberation strug- reduce this to an Indian Army versus Paki- usage of war. The decision of Lieutenant- tals that it was not the aggressor (which was The misinformation that the ADGPI is gle, the India Bangladesh Joint Command stani Army war may suit certain narratives General JAGJIT SINGH AURORA will be Pakistan’s constant charge) and that they were part of a larger narrative that exists in the The first attack in forces or Mitrobahini (Alliance army, an but certainly doesn’t match historical facts final, should any doubt arise as to the mean- merely assisting the already existing armed Indian Union’s domestic space. In the Indian that final assault alliance between Indian Army and Bangla- on the ground that is well documented for ing or interpretation of the surrender terms. liberation struggle in the context of a huge Union, the 1971 liberation war has a certain desh Liberation forces like Muktibahini and anyone who would care to look. And noth- Lieutenant-General JAGJIT SINGH refugee influx when no other way was left crypto-communal subtext, as being a rever- was done by Mujibbahini) as it is called by Bengalis, pro- ing established this fact more clearly that AURORA gives a solemn assurance that and that too after Pakistan’s declaration of sal of the 1947 religion-based Partition. It the rudimentary vided the final push in what was already a the text of the final surrender document of personnel who surrender shall be treated war. New Delhi maintained this as its posi- is looked upon as a negation of the Two- widespread guerrilla struggle. The huge role the Pakistani forces that happened in Dhaka with dignity and respect that soldiers are tion till the very end. In fact, this is why it is Nation theory with the result of that being a Bangladesh Air of the Bangladesh forces was stressed yester- on 16th December, 1971 in the Race Course entitled to in accordance with the provisions said that Indira Gandhi has insisted that the validation of the favourite Hindu nationalist Force day by Abhay Krishna, the current General ground. The full text of that document is of the GENEVA Convention and guarantees first assault in the Eastern front happened in “Akhand Bharat” or One Nation idea. But Officer Commander-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), reproduced below: the safety and well-being of all PAKISTAN the hand of a Bengali liberation force. This the reality is, 1971 didn’t reverse 1947. East Eastern Command of the Indian Army in “Instrument of Surrender military and para-military forces who sur- is the now legendary air sortie. Today, when Bengal didn’t join the Indian Union after the “Victory Day” function in Kolkata. There Signed on December 16, 1971 render. Protection will be provided to foreign USA is Modi’s India’s dear friend, it is easy 1971. It charted its own path, demonstrat- was widespread intelligence on the ground The PAKISTAN Eastern Command agree nationals, ethnic minorities and personnel of to forget the cold-war politics at the United ing that the reality of South Asia is not of that Pakistani Army didn’t have. There were to surrender all PAKISTAN Armed Forces in WEST PAKISTAN origin by the forces under Nations, when the Soviet Union siding with One composite nationality or Two religion- huge swathes of East Bengal that was held BANGLA DESH to Lieutenant-General Jagjit the command of Lieutenant-General JAGJIT India and Bangladesh was crucial to the suc- based nationalities but of multiple language by local freedom fighter armies controlled Singh Aurora, General Officer Commanding SINGH AURORA. cess of the liberation struggle and keeping out based nationalities. either by various left-wing groups and pro- of the Indian and BANGLA DESHI forces in [Signature] China and USA from direct involvement in (The views expressed Awami League groups like Tangail’s Kaderia the Eastern Theatre. This surrender includes (JAGJIT SINGH AURORA) the Bangladesh war, averting a multi-front are strictly personal.)

tweet Clamour for greater democratisation RETWEET ANC conference is a harbinger of new reforms, writes Arun Srivastava

frican National Congress’s to elect presidents, premiers, and may- MANOHAR PARRIKAR five-day national confer- ors. This is of particular interest given @manoharparrikar ence, currently underway, that Gauteng is one of the ANC’s most will end on December 20 powerful provinces, and at the same Awith the nomination of the next head time, one which is often at odds with of ANC replacing Zuma. The confer- the party’s current leadership. Greetings to the people of Goa, on the ence attains much importance for the The debate about electoral reform occasion of our 56th Liberation Day. On simple reason that whoever gets elected in post-1994 South Africa has largely this memorable day, let's recall the valiant will be the nominee in the 2019 Presi- focused on the system used to elect dential elections, the most important MPs and their counterparts in the efforts of our freedom fighters who fought general elections in post-apartheid country’s nine provinces. In 2002 the against oppression, and the remarkable South Africa. Van Zyl Slabbert Commission had rec- role played by the Indian Army in liberating The National Conference will dis- ommended for electoral reform. But Goa from Portuguese rule. Transforming the cuss ways of strengthening the capac- there has been relatively little debate ity and capability of the state as an about whether the president and pre- economy tops the important factor towards good deliv- miers should be directly elected. The ANC’s agenda, ery of services. It will also focus on survey conducted on behalf of Com- strengthening the ability of the ANC mission indicated that 63 per cent of MALEEHA LODHI but, for a party to plan, implement, enforce, monitor, respondents would have liked to vote @LodhiMaleeha ostensibly and achieve the desired objectives in for the president directly. the service of all South Africans. The virtue of the direct election of committed to Delegates chant slogans as they arrive for the 54th National Conference of the ruling The South African state and its key political leaders is said to be that Pakistan regrets the US veto of the uniting South institutions over the past five years African National Congress in Johannesburg , South Africa on December 16, 2017 it renders them directly accountable to Africans across under review have been confronted voters rather than to their political par- resolution on Jerusalem in the Security with numerous challenges and com- L&G Sub-committee is crucially con- inequality and land dispossession per- ties. On the face of it, it is an attractive Council today. One veto cannot change the the fault lines peting interests. Of major significance cerned with the implementation of sist. The capacity and capability of the argument, and it is one which could will of the international community. Nor can of race, class, have been persistent high unemploy- ANC policy and decisions and notes state is the most critical factor to the usefully introduce more diversity into it alter the legality of numerous resolutions ment, rising poverty, widening income that whilst many past conferences solution of this challenge. The core the South African political system. by the Security Council and General and gender, inequalities, and unresolved land have adopted extremely progressive issues are governance, configuration of Meanwhile, senior ANC mem- Assembly on the status of Jerusalem the term white redistribution. These challenges have policies, some of these have not been the state, the public service, efficiency ber Nathi Mthethwa said the colour applied pressure on state institutions fully implemented. The 54th National and effectiveness of the administra- of monopoly capital doesn’t matter monopoly capital and called for a review of the manner Conference will examine the effective- tion, the framework for state-owned and that if monopolies were black- is problematic. in which the state is governed. ness of governance and accountability entities and the cadre development owned, they would still be against what The ANC goes to conference hav- mechanisms, including the role of Par- policy, supported by a clear account- the ANC stands for. The South Afri- SHAKEEL AHMAD One thing is ing reviewed its policies and to deter- liament in providing oversight. ability framework. can Communist Party first referred to @Ahmad_Shakeel absolutely clear mine a new path that will ensure that Of late it is being noticed that a With Jacob Zuma, who was re- white monopoly capital a decade ago. the leadership lives up to the hopes and section of the leadership and cadres elected to a second term in 2014, is Transforming the economy tops the that this year’s aspirations of South African people. have not been willing to practice the ineligible to stand for re-election as ANC’s agenda, but, for a party osten- conference will The 5th National Policy Conference political line of accountability, which is President it is expected that the elec- sibly committed to uniting South Afri- of the ANC was held from the 30 June why the conference will exercise thrust tion for the office would be between cans across the fault lines of race, class, Politics is really unpredictable. In be decisive to 5 July 2017, at which detailed policy on the policy to emphasise account- Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Cyril and gender, the term white monopoly Himachal Pradesh, both CM Veerbhadra proposals relating to legislatures, gov- ability, effectiveness, support, and Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa is caught capital is problematic. Mthethwa says Singh and his son have won despite party’s ernance and the macro-configuration development deep in controversy and is accused the ANC decided at its last national defeat, but BJP’s projected CM candidate of the state were discussed. The ANC conference will have to of corruption for promoting capitalist conference in Mangaung, five years and ex-CM Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal has Like any other developing coun- work out a comprehensive plan for forces. There are pervasive complaints ago, that it should focus on radical lost despite party’s victory. try, the various problems have badly urbanisation and spatial planning. in South Africa that it is the small ANC social and economic transformation divided the leadership and accusa- Numerous studies estimate that nearly elite which selects the next president of emphasising that the idea is party pol- tions are also being made that a sec- 80 per cent of the total population will the country. This, it is said by many, is icy and not a notion cooked up by a tion of the leadership is in hand in be living in urban areas by 2050. One of undemocratic. few individuals. glove with the capitalist forces. The the biggest challenges of urbanisation Two reasons are cited for it. First, One thing is absolutely clear that SHASHI THAROOR accusing fingers are primarily raised is the ‘urbanisation of poverty’, which ANC electoral procedures are deeply this year’s conference will prove to be @ShashiTharoor towards businessmen who, by origin, is increasing, especially in townships. A corrupted by money changing hands, decisive for the existence of the ANC. are not Africans. They migrated and major portion of the population lives in personal ambition and factionalism. The election of the new President settled there. Their approach has been dispersed and impoverished rural set- Second, it should be the people, not the would provide an indication which self-centered and insidious to the eco- tlements, many in the former apartheid party, which should be entrusted with path the ANC intends to follow; join I think it's clear in Gujarat: the BJP has won nomic condition of the country. homelands. In these areas poverty and electing the country’s leader. Interest- hands with the western capitalist forces The mandate and scope of the Leg- unemployment are high and millions ingly this proposal has been made by or define its own distinct ideological but the Congress has not lost. @INCIndia islature & Governance Sub-committee of people effectively rely on the state to the ANC’s Gauteng provincial con- and political line. IPA is transformation of the State and the meet their basic needs. ference that voting rights should be (The views expressed overall governance arrangements. The The main challenges of poverty, given to the ordinary voters directly are strictly personal.) 10 world mp MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata |Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 WANNACRY CYBERATTACK Over 500 Indians in North Korea was ‘directly Pakistani jails: Report LAHORE: More than 500 Among the other foreign Indians, mostly fishermen, are prisoners are, a Saudi national languishing in various jails in and two Chinese, the minis- responsible’, US has evidence Pakistan, according to an offi- try said. cial report. On the other hand, a total WASHINGTON: The US rity experts have warned busi- The Interior Ministry said of 9,476 Pakistani nationals is poised to publicly blame nesses against meeting hackers’ there were a total of 996 for- were in prisons in 100 coun- North Korea for carrying out demands for money in the eign nationals, including 527 tries, a Foreign Ministry official an unprecedented cyber-attack wake of the “unprecedented” Indians, in Pakistani jails for told the Lahore High Court on that caused widespread disrup- attack on hundreds of thou- allegedly being involved in var- in to custody for illegally fish- Monday. tion to public services, com- sands of computer systems ious crimes, including terror- ing in each other’s territorial While hearing a plea by panies and homes around the around the world. ism, murder, drug smuggling, waters since the Arabian Sea families of prisoners incarcer- world earlier this year. Ransomware is a type of and for illegally entering into does not have a clearly defined ated in the Gulf countries, the The regime was “directly malicious software that blocks the country. marine border and the wooden official said, majority of Paki- responsible” for the WannaCry access to a computer or its data Most of the Indian prisoner boats, used by them, lack the stani prisoners abroad are in attack that crippled hospitals, and demands money to release are fishermen who have been technology to avoid them from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. banks and other infrastructure it. The worm used in Friday’s arrested for fishing illegally in drifting away. Last month, 55 The high court then in May, a senior White House attack, dubbed WannaCry Pakistan’s territorial waters in Indian fishermen were arrested ordered the government to official said. The malware or WanaCrypt0r, encrypted the Arabian Sea, it said. by the Pakistan Maritime Secu- place before it within two infected more than 300,000 more than 200,000 comput- Fishermen from Pakistan rity Agency for fishing in the months the country’s consular computers in 150 countries. ers in more than 150 countries and India are frequently taken country’s territorial waters. protection policy. AGENCIES “The attack was widespread for ransoms of $300 to $600 to and cost billions, and North restore access. Korea is directly responsible,” The full damage of the Philippine storm Tom Bossert, homeland secu- attack and its economic cost Kremlin denounces rity adviser to Donald Trump, was still unclear, but Europol’s toll rises to 43 as wrote in an op-ed piece for the director, Rob Wainwright, said Wall Street Journal. its global reach was prece- hopes fade for imperialist character Bossert said those respon- dented, and more victims were sible for carrying out cyber- likely to become known in the dozens missing attacks against the US would coming days. be held accountable, but he did The extent of the Wanna- MANILA: The death toll from of US strategic report not mention specific actions Cry attack prompted questions a tropical storm that pum- Washington was considering cut their ability to launch malicious behavior is growing patients to reschedule appoint- about what to do in the event of melled the central Philippines taking against Pyongyang. attacks,” the official told Reuters more egregious.” ments. FedEx was among the a ransomware infection, with rose to 43 with hopes fading News reports quoted a on condition of anonymity. He called on govern- hardest hit on WannaCry’s list many experts advising against for dozens of others still miss- senior Trump administra- Bossert said the US would ments and businesses to of corporate targets, with the paying the ransom, saying not ing after massive landslides, tion official as saying that the “publicly attribute” WannaCry work together to reduce the firm saying it was expecting a only could it fail to release the authorities said on Tuesday. US had surmised “with a very to North Korea, describing the risks of cyber-attacks and $300m hit to profits as a result data, it could expose victims to Slow-moving Kai-Tak finally high level of confidence” that attack as “cowardly, costly and for harsher punishments for of the attack. further risk. swept out to the South China the Lazarus Group, a hack- careless”. the groups and individuals The Lazarus Group is also Peter Coroneos, the former Sea on Monday after inducing ing organisation that works “We do not make this alle- behind them. “Malicious hack- thought to be behind the 2014 chief executive of the Internet days of heavy rain that led to on behalf of the North Korean gation lightly,” he wrote. “It is ers belong in prison, and total- cyber-attack against Sony Pic- Industry Association and an deadly floods and landslides government, was behind the based on evidence. We are not itarian governments should tures, which resulted in the leak expert on cyber policy, said as it sliced across the central WannaCry ransomware attack. alone with our findings, either. pay a price for their actions,” of several unreleased films and whether or not to agree to ran- islands last weekend. Ransomware is a particu- Other governments and private he said. caused massive disruption to somware demands presented The government’s disaster larly nasty type of malware that companies agree. The United While North Korea is the company’s email and other practical and ethical dilemmas. monitoring agency listed 43 blocks access to a computer or Kingdom attributes the attack believed to run a sophisticated parts of its internal computer “As a matter of principle, dead in an updated tally and its data and demands money to North Korea, and Micro- cyber warfare operation that network. the answer should always be said 45 other people were still to release it. soft traced the attack to cyber has traditionally targeted South That attack forced Sony to no … based on the simple missing, many of them feared Vladimir Putin with Donald Trump The public shaming of affiliates of the North Korean Korea, the regime has repeat- cancel the release of The Inter- dynamics of perpetuating bad buried by mud avalanches North Korea, which has not government.” edly denied that it was behind view, a comedy about two conduct. that struck the small island of MOSCOW: The Kremlin hometown, had prevented been confirmed by the White Bossert added: “North WannaCry. reporters who are hired by the “However, as a matter of Biliran. denounced on Tuesday the deaths “in the thousands”. House, is designed to hold Korea has acted especially The malware infected com- CIA to assassinate the North practicality and necessity, the “The retrieval operations “imperialist character” of the Peskov praised the US the regime accountable for its badly, largely unchecked, for puter systems at NHS hospitals Korean, leader, Kim Jong-un. situation is somewhat more are still ongoing but we are not American report on national report’s “modest” positive fea- actions and “erode and under- more than a decade, and its in Britain, forcing thousands of Meanwhile, Cybersecu- complex.” AGENCIES finding anyone alive. We only security strategy, accusing tures, pointing to what he said find dead bodies,” Sofronio Washington of clinging to a was Washington’s readiness to Dacillo, a disaster monitoring “unipolar world”. cooperate with Russia in areas Japan to install two new officer, told AFP by telephone “The imperialist character such as an exchange of security North Korea rejects US offer from Biliran.“We still have not of this document is obvious, information. given up hope of finding some- as is the refusal to renounce “This agrees with our anti-missile systems one alive but the chances are a unipolar world, an insistent approaches because Moscow slim.” Bulldozers continued refusal,” President Vladimir is also looking for cooperation of talks without precondition TOKYO: Japan on Tuesday approve a draft of the gen- to dig for survivors in houses Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Pes- with the USA where this would approved the incorporation of eral budget for the country buried by landslides on Bili- kov told reporters. serve our interests,” the Krem- PYONGYANG: North Korea two land-based missile inter- for next year. ran, located about 500 kilome- “No doubt we cannot accept lin spokesman said. on Tuesday rejected a recent ceptors due to North Korea’s It remains to be decided tres southeast of Manila. The that the country is treated as Moscow will have to study offer by the US for talks without growing military clout, the where they will deploy the two island accounted for 30 of the a threat to the security of the the document closely, he preconditions, calling it a ploy Defence Ministry said. anti-missile units, through 43 deaths, with 31 residents United States,” he added. added. to make Pyongyang give up its The government autho- which Japan seeks to cover missing, authorities said. US President Donald Donald Trump’s adminis- nuclear programme. rised the purchase of two units the security of its entire terri- The storm’s slow movement Trump on Monday unveiled tration said that Russia inter- Last week, US Secretary of of the US-made Aegis Ashore tory, where until now the only caused large volumes of rain to his first National Security Strat- feres in the domestic political State Rex Tillerson said that for its ground forces, a minis- land-based missile defence fall on the central Philippines, egy that pilloried Russia and affairs of countries globally, but Washington would be willing to try spokesman told Efe news. system deployed was the government weather forecaster China as “revisionist powers” stopped short of accusing Mos- talk to Pyongyang without the Japan already has Aegis Patriot Advanced Capability Jun Galang told AFP. bent on rolling back American cow of meddling in the 2016 precondition of North Korea’s systems installed in several 3 (PAC-3). The last units of “It stayed almost stationary interests. US election. denuclearisation, reports Efe destroyers of its Maritime the PAC-3 were deployed in so it dumped a lot of rain and The 68-page strategy report The criticism of Russia, laid news. “The US is trying to shift Kim Jong-un Self-Defence Forces. Hokkaido Island in Septem- caused a lot of landslides which was put together by key aides out in a new national security responsibility for tensions on In order to streamline ber, in response to two North caused many deaths,” Galang and said Russia challenges strategy based on Trump’s the Korean Peninsula to us to set the tone for manipulat- Ballistic Missile (ICBM) that the deployment of these sys- Korean missiles that flew over said. About half of the more “American power, influence, “America First” vision, reflects a with its dialogue offensive,” the ing new UN Security Council was fired on November 29. tems, which are expected to the region - one in the same than 100,000 people who fled and interests, attempting to view long held by US diplomats North Korean daily Rodong Sin- resolutions that may include a “There is no change in our be ready “as soon as possible”, month and another at the their homes remained inside erode American security and that Russia actively undermines mun said in a report. maritime blockade if we do not stance that we will not budge the ministry has planned to end of August - before falling evacuation centres this week, prosperity”. American interests at home However, the White House accept dialogue aimed at dis- an inch in our march toward allocate a part of the supple- into the ocean. Although the the government said. As rescue At the same time, Trump and abroad, despite Trump’s also pointed out in a statement cussing the abandonment of strengthening our nuclear mentary budget for this year Japanese Constitution estab- efforts continued, Philippine used the launch of the report own bid for warmer ties with that dialogue was not possible our nuclear weapons”. Tillerson force,” the daily added. North and increase by 730 million lishes that Japan can only have authorities monitored another to laud benefits of cooperation President Vladimir Putin. unless North Korea changed himself hinted at the possibility Korea claimed after launch- yen ($6.49 million) its record defensive military capabilities, low-pressure area in the Pacific with Russia. It avoided directly citing its position on its weapons of intercepting the shipping of ing its latest missile, its most budget of 5.26 billion yen the conservative government Ocean that the state weather He noted that a recent CIA what US intelligence agencies program. In Tuesday’s report, products with origin or destina- advanced ICBM so far, that it requested for 2018. under Abe has pushed for its service said could develop into tip-off about a terror attack on say was Russian meddling in Pyongyang said Washington’s tion to North Korea as punish- has completed its state nuclear On Friday, the Japanese reinterpretation in order to a storm and strike the archi- a landmark Orthodox cathe- last year’s US presidential elec- offer “is seen as being intended ment for the Intercontinental force. AGENCIES government is expected to bolster its defences. AGENCIES pelago. AGENCIES dral in Saint Petersburg, Putin’s tion. AGENCIES EU governments S Africa’s struggling ANC elects Saudi Arabia to launch tourist visas in early 2018 agree renewable RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will Apart from the mil- sible, because we believe the energy targets Ramaphosa as new head begin issuing tourist visas in Prince Sultan said lions of Muslims who travel cumulative economic impact the first quarter of 2018, its top the cost of the to Saudi Arabia annu- is greater than the cash from JOHANNESBURG: South The victory puts Rama- tourism official said, a first for ally for the Hajj pilgrimage, the visa”. for 2030 African deputy president Cyril phosa in line to succeed Presi- the kingdom as it undergoes new tourist visa most visitors face an ardu- Saudi Arabia, though Ramaphosa was narrowly dent Jacob Zuma, whose reign major economic and social had not yet been ous process and steep fees to richly endowed with natural BRUSSELS: European Union elected head of the ruling ANC has been plagued by corruption reforms. enter the kingdom. beauty, is notorious worldwide environment and energy party, winning a bruising race scandals, economic slowdown Prince Sultan bin Salman settled Saudi Arabia currently for its longstanding bans on ministers on Monday agreed that exposed deep rifts within and growing anger at the once- bin Abdulaziz told AFP that grants tourist visas for a lim- the mixing of the sexes, alco- renewable energy targets for the organisation that led the omnipotent party. The vote was “all government approvals” sion for Tourism and National ited number of countries, but hol consumption and women 2030 ahead of negotiations next fight against apartheid. a long and acrimonious pro- are in place for the launch of Heritage, who is a son of King even those applications involve driving -- making it an unde- year with the European Par- Thousands of raucous cess. Delegates who had trav- electronic visas next year to Salman. a range of restrictions, includ- sirable destination for many. liament, which has called for Ramaphosa supporters sang elled from around South Africa “all nationals whose countries The move to open up its ing requirements to travel In recent months, the king- more ambitious green energy and chanted in the conference Cyril Ramaphosa cast their ballots after repeated allow their citizens to visit” tourism sector is a major shift through an accredited com- dom has broken with some of goals. Ministers said they hall as rival backers of defeated delays caused by disputes over Saudi Arabia. for Saudi Arabia as powerful pany and stay at designated its most rigid rules -- lifting a would aim to source at least candidate Nkosazana Dlam- “We declare comrade Cyril who was entitled to vote. Presi- “We are now just prepar- Crown Prince Mohammed hotels. cinema ban, allowing genders 27 percent of the bloc’s energy ini-Zuma appeared dejected Ramaphosa the new president dent Zuma was seen as backing ing the regulations — who is Bin Salman seeks to radically Prince Sultan said the cost to mix at a national celebration from renewables by 2030, up yesterday. of the African National Con- his former wife Dlamini-Zuma, eligible for the visas and how overhaul the kingdom’s oil- of the new tourist visa had not and announcing that women from a target of 20 percent by Ramaphosa won 2,440 votes gress,” an official told party del- allegedly to secure protection to obtain them,” added the dependent economy and shed yet been settled, but stressed will be allowed to drive next 2020. In October, the European to Dlamini-Zuma’s 2,261. egates in Johannesburg. from prosecution. AGENCIES head of the Saudi Commis- its ultra-conservative image. that it would be “as low as pos- June. AGENCIES Parliament called for this tar- get to be increased to 35 per- cent, a level also put forward by a group of big technology, 65 journalists and media workers Houthi ballistic missile industry and power companies last week. As part of the package of ‘intercepted over Riyadh’ measures, ministers also agreed killed globally in 2017: RSF on the share of renewable fuels RIYADH: The Saudi-led coali- have accused Iran of supply- to be used in transport, while PARIS: Sixty-five journalists most dangerous country in Sinaloa. The Philippines has become tion battling Yemen’s Houthi Saudi Arabia ing the Houthis with the mis- setting a cap on first-generation and media workers were killed the world for journalists, RSF His last book, “Narco-jour- Asia’s most dangerous country rebels said it intercepted a bal- and the US have sile. However, Iran has denied biofuels, which critics say com- worldwide in 2017, according said, with 12 reporters killed, nalism”, recounted the tribu- for reporters, with at least five listic missile near Riyadh on arming the Houthi movement, pete for agricultural land with to annual figures published by followed by Mexico where 11 lations of Mexican reporters journalists being shot in the last Tuesday, Saudi state media accused Iran of which has been fighting a war food. EU member states set a Reporters Without Borders were assassinated. who try to cover the country’s year, four of whom died of their reported. supplying the against Yemen’s government 14 percent renewables target (RSF) on Tuesday. They included Javier Val- extremely violent “narcos” drug injuries. Witnesses in the Saudi cap- and the Saudi-led coalition for fuels used in road transport Among them were 50 pro- dez, one of the most prominent cartels. The rise comes after what ital posted pictures on social Houthis with the since 2015. by 2030, with bonuses given for fessional reporters, the lowest chroniclers of Mexico’s deadly RSF said Mexico was the RSF called an “alarming com- media showing a cloud of missile The missile targeted “a the use of renewable electricity toll in 14 years. However, the drug war, whose murder in May deadliest country not at war, ment” by President Rodrigo smoke in the air, and there meeting of the leadership of in road and rail transport. downward trend is due at least sparked a public outcry. saying those who “cover polit- Duterte who said in May that were no reports of any dam- sile at the al-Yamama Palace. the Saudi regime in al-Yamama The inclusion of rail into in part to journalists giving up The 50-year-old AFP con- ical corruption or organised “just because you’re a journal- age, the BBC reported. Last month, a similar missile Palace in Riyadh”, it said. The the renewable transport targets working in the world’s deadli- tributor was shot dead in broad crime are often systemically tar- ist you are not exempted from The Houthi movement’s al- came close to hitting Riyadh’s palace is the main headquar- was criticised by the European est spots. daylight in the street in the geted, threatened and gunned assassination if you’re a son of Masirah TV said rebel fighters airport. ters of the king’s office and the Commission. AGENCIES War-torn Syria remains the violent northwestern state of down.” a bitch.” AGENCIES had fired a Burkan-2 mis- Saudi Arabia and the US royal court. AGENCIES world 11 MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata |Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 mp US could US vetoes UNSC B’desh, Myanmar form joint broaden its use of nuclear resolution on Trump’s group to repatriate Rohingyas weapons Jerusalem decision WASHINGTON: The DHAKA: Bangladesh and acts of terrorism. Trump administration sig- Myanmar on Tuesday formed a The Bangladeshi Foreign naled that it could broaden joint working group and signed Ministry said that the accord the use of nuclear weapons as an agreement detailing the will “include mechanism of part of a new security strat- terms of its mandate to begin verification, time schedule, egy, unveiled by the president repatriation of the hundreds transport and logistics arrange- on Monday. of thousands of Rohingya ref- ments, reception procedures, The wider role for nuclear ugees who escaped a military communication etc. to com- weapons against “non- offensive in Rakhine state. mence the repatriation pro- nuclear strategic attacks” was Bangladesh’s Foreign Min- cess within the stipulated time one of several ways in which istry representative Mohamed f r a m e”. Trump’s approach differed Shahidul Haque and his coun- The working group will be from his predecessor. The terpart from Myanmar, U assisted by international bodies threat of climate change went Myint Thu, inked the agree- such as the UN High Commis- unmentioned. The word “cli- ment to create the joint work- sioner for Refugees and other mate” was only used four ing group, which will comprise international partners in vari- times in the National Secu- 15 representatives from each ous stages of repatriation. rity Strategy (NSS), and three country, Efe news reported. Several human rights of those mentions referred to WASHINGTON: The US has Tuesday in the Security Council “In the arrangement Ban- organisations, however, have the business environment. vetoed a UN Security Council is an insult. It is one more exam- gladesh and Myanmar signed repeatedly denounced that Americans were instead resolution that called on Pres- ple of the UN doing more harm in Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi conditions are not appropri- urged to “embrace energy ident Donald Trump to with- than good in addressing the Taw in November there was ate for the safe return of the dominance”. draw recognition of Jerusalem Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” she a mention of a Joint Work- Rohingyas to Myanmar, where, Announcing the NSS, as Israel’s capital, exercising its said on the draft resolution that ing Group. Now it has been according to recently-arrived Donald Trump depicted his veto power for the first time in would have called upon all states formed, we will start working refugees, the offensive against election victory and his presi- six years. to refrain from establishing dip- on the next phase,” Bangla- them is still underway. dency as an unprecedented Trump on December 6 lomatic missions in Jerusalem. desh’s Foreign Minister A.H. The UN and several human turning point in US history. announced that he would rec- “The US will not be told by Mahmud Ali said. rights organisations had con- “America is coming ognise Jerusalem as Israel’s cap- any country where we can put “I cannot say exactly when Myanmar signed an agreement with Bangladesh on demned alleged abuses against back, and America is com- ital and move the US embassy our embassy...On Tuesday, for it will start, but it will start the Rohingyas as part of the ing back strong,” the presi- there from Tel Aviv, triggering the simple act of deciding where soon. It’s important to start. I November 23 to repatriate the more than 650,000 Rohingyas offensive and called it “ethnic dent said. “We are rebuilding protests and strong condemna- to put our embassy, the United am really satisfied,” Ali said. who had crossed over to Bangladesh fleeing the violence cleansing”. our nation, our confidence, tion from across the world. States was forced to defend its Myanmar signed an agree- The non-profit Méde- and our standing in the Even America’s closest allies sovereignty. The record will ment with Bangladesh on that erupted on August 25 in Myanmar’s Rakhine state cins Sans Frontiéres (Doctors world...[W]e will stand up on the 15-member Council, the reflect that we did so proudly,” November 23 to repatriate the Without Borders) reported in for ourselves, and we will most powerful body in the UN the Indian-origin US ambassa- more than 650,000 Rohingyas the Army launched an offensive ment, the repatriation process a Muslim minority commu- a study last week that at least stand up for our country system, voted for the resolution. dor to the UN said. who had crossed over to Ban- following a series of attacks on would start within two months nity -- as citizens, had agreed 6,700 Rohingyas, including 730 like we have never stood The one-page resolution, The resolution calling on gladesh fleeing the violence government posts in the region of the signing of the agreement. to their return provided they children aged below five, had up before.” drafted by Egypt, reiterated the Trump to withdraw recog- that erupted on August 25 in by Rohingya rebels. Myanmar, which does not have the required documents been killed in Myanmar in the On the same day of the longstanding position of the nition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Myanmar’s Rakhine state after According to the agree- recognise the Rohingyas -- and are not involved in alleged first month of the crisis. AGENCIES NSS launch however, the Security Council, in several res- capital was supported by close US found itself isolated on olutions dating back 50 years, allies of the US Britain, France the UN security council, rejecting Israel’s sovereignty and Japan. “We disagree with where the other 14 mem- claim over Jerusalem. the US decision unilaterally to Al-Qaida divisions may aid Assad as he eyes Syria’s Idlib bers, including Washing- They warned that Trump’s recognise Jerusalem as the cap- ton’s closest allies, voted announcement about Jerusa- ital of Israel before a final status BEIRUT: As President Bashar fighters loyal to al-Qaida’s by surprise and angered al- Sami Oraidi, al-Qaida’s former to rescind Trump’s rec- lem, which upended decades of agreement and to move the US Assad seeks to reassert his leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, Zawahri, who accused his top top religious figure in Syria, ognition of Jerusalem as American policy, threatened to embassy to Jerusalem,” said Brit- authority in Idlib, the only and its more moderate Syrian man in Syria of betrayal. and the highly secretive for- Israel’s capital. subvert the effort to solve one ish Ambassador to the UN Mat- remaining province in Syria members. The detentions, ordered mer military commander in The US envoy, Nikki of the world’s most intractable thew Rycroft. where his forces have almost The tensions worsened in by HTS leader Abu Moham- southern Syria, Ayad Toubasi, Haley, called the vote an conflicts. “As recent events in the no presence, he may be aided late November after a wave med al-Golani, were the clear- also known as Abu Julaybib al- “insult” that “won’t be This was the first veto exer- region have shown, these deci- there by deep fractures within of detentions by an al-Qaida- est indication yet of the sharp Urduni, brother-in-law of the forgotten”. cised by the Trump administra- sions are unhelpful to the pros- al-Qaida, the militant group linked group against more divisions within the interna- late al-Qaida in Iraq leader, Piling on the insults, the tion and the first one by the US pects for peace in the region, an that dominates the region. extremist, mostly non-Syr- tional terror network. They also Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. French foreign minister, Yves in six years. aim that all of us in this Council A recent wave of detentions ian members. Among those come as al-Golani appears to be After their detentions, other Le Drian, said on a visit to “The fact that this veto is remain committed to. The Brit- and a spate of violence within detained were two of al-Qai- edging closer to Turkey, which al-Qaida officials, including a Washington that US isola- being done in defence of Ameri- ish Embassy to Israel is based in al-Qaida have also raised fears da’s most esteemed leaders is trying, along with Iran and prominent cleric, went to ask tion on several global issues can sovereignty and in defence Tel Aviv and we have no plans to of an all-out war between and founding members of the Russia, to bring an end to the al-Golani why their comrades “forces President Trump to of America’s role in the Mid- move it,” Rycroft said. Bashar Assad insurgents in the heavily pop- extremist group’s branch in country’s civil war, now in its were detained. But the men have a position of retreat on dle East peace process is not a Rycroft said that the sta - ulated province near Turkey as other parts of the country. It is Syria, who were set free days seventh year. ended up being taken into cus- most topics rather than mak- source of embarrassment for us; tus of Jerusalem should be Assad’s forces make their push. also where tens of thousands later after pressure by factions HTS was until recently on tody themselves. ing proposals”. it should be an embarrassment determined through a nego- Assad lost control of Idlib of civilians settled after flee- within the group who threat- the ascendant in Syria, crush- Days after al-Shami’s warn- Under the slogan of to the remainder of the Secu- tiated settlement between the nearly three years ago and he ing fighting in Aleppo, Homs, ened to withdraw from the bat- ing potential opponents in Idlib ing, intense clashes broke out “peace through strength”, rity Council,” US Ambassador Israelis and the Palestinians, has vowed to recapture it, but the suburbs of Damascus and tlefield in protest. as its rival, the Islamic State between HTS and the Jund Trump emphasised the mili- to the UN Nikki Haley has said and should ultimately be the that is expected to be a bloody elsewhere. The Nov. 27 raids by the group, faced significant set- al-Malahem faction that split tary buildup he had ordered, in defence of exercising veto. shared capital of the Israeli and and costly fight. The militant Tensions inside Idlib have al-Qaida-linked Hay’at Tahrir backs, losing most of the terri- from it in October and is close involving what the president “What we witnessed here on Palestinian states. AGENCIES haven is heavily fortified and been on the rise for months, al Sham — Arabic for Levant tory it once held in the country. to the detained al-Qaida offi- described (wrongly) as a home to thousands of fight- reflecting a power struggle Liberation Committee, also Those who were detained cials, leaving at least seven peo- record in defence spending, ers who transferred there from between hard-line foreign known as HTS — took many included Jordanian citizens ple dead. AGENCIES $700bn for 2018. AGENCIES CREW OF THREE DOCKS AT UK cannot have a INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION MOSCOW: A three-man space crew made up of special deal for the City: American and Japanese rookie astronauts and an ex- perienced Russian cosmonaut successfully docked at the International Space Station to begin a six-month mis- EU’s Brexit negotiator sion on Tuesday. NASA TV footage showed the Soyuz MS-07 capsule containing Scott Tingle of NASA, Anton Shkaplerov of Roscosmos and Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency dock at the ISS at 0839 GMT following a two-day flight. AGENCIES

BRUSSELS: Britain cannot cial services. have a special deal for the In an exclusive interview City of London, the European with European newspapers, Union’s chief Brexit negotiator including the Guardian, Bar- has told the Guardian, dealing nier gave examples of his own a blow to Theresa May’s hopes three pluses – judicial coop- of securing a bespoke trade eration, defence and security agreement with the bloc. and aviation. Michel Barnier said it was The negotiator also said: unavoidable that British banks A trade deal could be and financial firms would lose agreed within a two-year the passports that allow them transition period, but would to trade freely in the EU, as a have to be ratified by more result of any decision to quit than 35 national and regional the single market. parliaments. “There is no place [for The UK could not stop financial services]. There is Brexit unilaterally, arguing not a single trade agreement that overturning the deci- that is open to financial ser- sion to leave would require vices. It doesn’t exist.” He said the consent of 27 EU member the outcome was a conse- states – a view at odds with quence of “the red lines that one of the authors of article the British have chosen them- 50, Lord Kerr. selves. In leaving the single The UK must follow all market, they lose the financial rules and regulations of the services passport.” EU during the transition The stark declaration period, including new laws quashes the hopes of the passed after the UK has left. Brexit secretary, David Davis, The UK could negotiate for a unique trade deal that trade agreements with the would include financial ser- rest of the world during the vices. The Brexit secretary has transition, but they could not called for a “Canada plus plus come into force. He would not plus” deal with the EU, a ref- confirm British estimates that erence to the free trade agree- the final Brexit bill – the UK’s ment struck between Ottawa outstanding obligations to the and Brussels in 2016, but with EU – would be no more than the crucial addition of finan- €45bn (£39bn). AGENCIES 12 business mp MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 China accounts for Companies Amendment Bill passed 66% of India's bulk NEW DELHI: A bill to The Companies Act, 2013 pushing the bill for passage, for- or forward trading. amend the companies law to has already been amended once mer finance minister P Chid- V Vijayasai Reddy (YSRCP) strengthen corporate gover- under the present government. ambaram pointed out,"Why are said the independent directors drug imports in FY'17 nance standards, initiate strict The latest legislation would you taking power to prescribe should not have any pecuniary action against defaulting com- help in simplifying procedures, another number when Direc- interest in the company and panies and help improve ease make compliance easy and take tors' Index Number (DIN). DIN they should not continue for NEW DELHI: India's bulk drug of doing business in the coun- stringent action against default- is a number. Why do you need longer terms. imports from top five countries try, was passed by Parliament ing companies, Chaudhary said. another number? What is the He also proposed having stood at Rs 18,372.54 crore in on Tuesday. The minister dismissed the idea?" a statutory body for appoint- 2016-17 with China accounting The Rajya Sabha passed apprehensions raised by mem- He also opposed the pro- ment of independent directors for 66 per cent, Parliament was the Companies (Amendment) bers that the government was posal to give loans to directors and provision of special reso- informed on Tuesday. Bill, 2017 by a voice vote. It was not doing enough to ensure and persons, saying a com- lution for their removal from In a written reply in Lok adopted by the Lok Sabha in that companies comply with pany should not give loans to the board. Sabha, Minister of State, Chemi- July this year during the Mon- the Corporate Social Respon- the director or to those of inter- T S Reddy (INC) said the cals and Fertilisers Mansukh L soon Session. sibility (CSR) provisions. est to a director. independent directors should Mandaviya said the other four ment, import restrictions have Replying to issues raised Intervening during the reply, He also opposed the amend- not be responsible for compa- major countries from where been removed, he added. In by the members during a dis- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh The latest legislation would help ment to delete Section 195 and nies' liabilities as this would dis- India imports bulk drugs are 2015-16, India's total bulk drug cussion on the bill, Minister of said CSR has become PSR or 196 which provide for prohi- courage them to come on board. Germany, the US, Italy and imports from the top five coun- State for Corporate Affairs P P political social responsibility, in simplifying procedures, make bition of insider and forward D Raja (CPI) did not sup- Singapore. India's import of tries were at Rs 21,225.97 crore Chaudhary said the amendment especially for the public sector compliance easy and take stringent trading. port the bill, saying it was a active pharmaceutical ingredi- and it was Rs 19,833.19 crore in would ensure better corporate undertakings. The minister said insider reiteration of the government ents (API) from China stood at 2014-15, the minister added. governance and improve the "There should be an inde- action against defaulting companies and forward trading is barred d to secure private capital and Rs 12,254.97 crore in 2016-17, Replying to another query, ease of doing business in the pendent audit for the objective under the SEBI law and there- extend help to private corpo- while that from the US was at Mandaviya said the Depart- country. of the CSR" spending of PSUs, He said the government has to provide the reasons for it to fore there was no need of this rates and big companies. Rs 820.18 crore. ment of Pharmaceuticals has The bill provides for more Ramesh said. taken action against over two the ministry. provision in the Act which Naresh Gujaral (SAD) API import from Italy was at asked medical device associa- than 40 amendments to the The minister said the gov- lakh shell companies and Spe- R Ramakrishna (BJP) said would anyway is superseded opposed the provision to make Rs 701.85 crore during the year tions, healthcare industry bodies Companies Act, 2013, which ernment has already issued cial Fraud Investigation Office there was no provision of carry- by the SEBI law. it mandatory to have full time under review, while the same and relevant regulatory agencies was passed during the previous notices to many companies for was looking into it. ing forward the CSR funds and Chidambaram said the pro- company secretary for those from Germany and Singapore to help in categorising medi- UPA regime. not complying with CSR provi- Under the Act, certain they should be given more time vision should be part of the Act firms whose paid equity capital was at Rs 485.11 crore and Rs cal devices. The bill was introduced in sions under the Companies Act. classes of profitable compa- to use these funds. as SEBI does not have juris- is Rs 5 crore and above irrespec- 422.01 crore respectively. The purpose is to catego- the Lok Sabha in March 2016 On the government's nies are required to shell out The minister said the diction over unlisted compa- tive of turnover as per Section "It may be mentioned that rise medical devices so as to and then referred to the Stand- promptness in taking action at least two per cent of their 3- upper limit of 300 days for fil- nies and there could associate 2 and 3 of the Act. most of the imports of bulk have different trade margins ing Committee on Finance. against companies at fault, the year annual average net profit ing returns under the Act led or subsidiary companies of Tapan Sen (CPI-M) said that drugs/API (are) being done for various categories for differ- After taking into consideration minister said the government towards Corporate Social to non-compliance and hence listed companies, which can this bill would not lead to ease in the country because of eco- ent segments, considering the the recommendations of the has taken several step against Responsibility (CSR) activi- changes have been made in the do insider or forward trading. of doing business in the coun- nomic considerations," Manda- vast diversity and the logistics panel, the Cabinet had cleared such firms which were not taken ties. In case of non-expendi- law to improve timely filings. The minister said unlisted try but would take our country viya said. As India is a signatory required in delivering them to a revised bill in March this year. in last several years. ture, such entities are required While the minister was companies do not do insider to ransom. PTI to the WTO and TRIPs agree- patients, he said. PTI Difficult to I-T dept seizes assets worth ‘Call drop plaints pinpoint impact Stocks hold on to BJP's poll win, hit life high reduce by 8% in MUMBAI: Investors put their `900 crore in Nov-Mar 2017 of noteban on money where their mouth is as NSE NIFTY BSE SENSEX ` bounces to last 10 months’ key stock indices Sensex and Intra-day on December 19, 2017 Intra-day on December 19, 2017 economy: FinMin Nifty hit it big with new closing High:10,472.20 Low: 10,406.00 High:33,862.07 Low: 33,666.62 3-month high, up NEW DELHI: The govern- NEW DELHI: A Department peaks on Tuesday, latching on +74.45 Close: +235.06 Close: ment on Tuesday said the of Telecom survey through NEW DELHI: The finance to the BJP's electoral victory in (0.72%) 10,463.20 (0.70%) 33,836.74 20 paise against $ Income Tax department has automated calls has found ministry on Tuesday said it Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. seized assets worth Rs 900 around 8 per cent reduction in Open: is difficult to "pinpoint" the Auto and consumer durable Open: MUMBAI: The Indian rupee crore till March 2017 post call drop complaints over the 33,732.08 impact of demonetisation on stocks drove the show. 10,414.80 swung back with a vengeance demonetisation. last 10 months, telecom minis- the economy and affirmed that "Euphoria from election to end at a three-month high The IT department con- ter Manoj Sinha informed the there was no stagnation. verdict and progress in US of 64.04, surging by 20 paise ducted searches on 900 groups Rajya Sabha. The overall growth of the tax cut fuelled the market to Previous close: 10,388.75 Previous close: 33,601.68 against the US dollar on bur- during November-March 2017 "TSPs (telecom service pro- Indian economy is dependent rally near the all-time high... A geoning optimism over BJP's and undisclosed income of Rs were searched by the depart- viders) have resolved approxi- on many factors, including strengthening rupee and posi- 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 win in Gujarat and Himachal 7,961 crore was admitted, said ment, where assets worth Rs mately 50,770 individual cases the rate of capital formation tive global cues will continue to Pradesh. Minister of State for Finance 573 crore were seized and a dis- by taking remedial actions and savings and utilisation of attract domestic liquidity," said Forex market sentiment P Radhakrishnan in a written closure of over Rs 7,800 crore until October 31, 2017 and the technology, among others, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, high at the close for the 50 -share as a morale booster. turned highly buoyant after reply to the Rajya Sabha. was made by the assesses con- call drops reported by individ- Minister of State for Finance Geojit Financial Services. Nifty too, which advanced 74.45 While Asian shares were an overnight fallout from the "The Income Tax Depart- cerned, he added. ual subscribers have shown a P Radhakrishnan in a written Rising for the fourth straight points, or 0.72 per cent. Its pre- mixed, Europe opened higher rupee's wide swings in knee- ment takes appropriate action The minister also said there drop of over 8 per cent in the reply to the Rajya Sabha. session, the 30-share Sensex hit vious record of 10,452.50 was after a record-setting session on jerk reaction to poll outcome in suitable cases, which include there have been visible trend last 10 months," Sinha said in "It is difficult to pinpoint the 33,836.74 -- a fresh closing high hit on November 3. Wall Street on bets that US law- on expectations of policy con- searches, surveys, assessment of an increase in households' the Rajya Sabha last week. impact of demonetisation," the -- with a gain of 235.06 points, Risk appetite grew as the makers would pass the sweep- tinuity amid strong reforms of income, levy of tax, penalty assets held in bank deposits, life According to the data minister said. or 0.70 per cent. It had risen BJP got down to forming gov- ing tax legislation. measures. A fresh recrod and filing of prosecution com- insurance and mutual funds, a shared by Sinha, the Depart- The government was asked 548.64 points in the last three ernment in Gujarat and Him- India's largest car maker closing in local equity mar- plaints before criminal courts, reduction in cash circulation, ment of Telecom received whether Indian economy was sessions. achal Pradesh. Maruti Suzuki was in top gear, kets along with robust capital whichever is applicable," he especially substantial reduc- 2,622 call drop complaints stagnant due to demonetisa- The previous closing high The rupee climbing to an with a maximum rise of 5.33 inflows also supported recov- said. tion in high value currency against state- run firm BSNL, tion, which was announced in was on November 6 at 33,731.19. over three-month high against per cent. Other auto stocks were ery momentum even as dollar Further, during April to notes, among other things post 2,597 against Bharti Airtel, November last year. PTI At 10,463.20, it was a life the dollar during the day came also in demand. PTI remained soft overseas. PTI October, around 275 groups demonetisation. PTI 1,309 Vodafone, 1,251 Reli- ance Communications, 946 Reliance Jio, 802 Idea Cellular, Sebi asks bourses 473 MTNL and 255 complaint Govt withdraws stock holding, Ola to acquire Foodpanda’s against Aircel between January to disclose 1, 2015 and December 6, 2017. consolidated stake Separately, the Telecom turnover limits on sugar dealers India unit, pump in $200 mn Regulatory Authority of India received 546 call drop com- of shareholders NEW DELHI: Cab hail- sition of FoodPanda India is a plaints against Airtel, 346 NEW DELHI: The gov- ment of about 250 lakh ing app Ola on Tuesday said step in that direction. against Vodafone, 166 against ernment on Tuesday said it Sugar Production tonnes," Food Ministry said in NEW DELHI: To avoid mul- it will acquire Foodpanda's They did not wish to be iden- Idea, 157 against RCom, 70 has withdrawn stock hold- In lakh tonnes a statement. tiple disclosures, markets reg- India business from Germany- tified as the discussions are pri- against BSNL, and 37 against ing and turnover limits on Oct 1-Dec 15 With the carry over stock, ulator Sebi on Tuesday asked based Delivery Hero Group in vate. Ola did not comment on Aircel during January 1, 2015 sugar dealers with immediate '16-'17 53.46 the ministry said the total avail- exchanges and depositories to exchange of its stock. the matter. to December 8, 2017. Twenty- effect as demand-supply situ- 29.8% ability of sugar is sufficient to disclose consolidated holding Besides, the SoftBank- Ola said Foodpanda India six complaints against Reliance '17-'18 69.40 ation is likely to be comfort- meet the estimated domestic of each shareholder includ- backed company has commit- will benefit from its scale and Jio and 19 against MTNL were able with the estimated rise in demand. ing promoters and public on ted investments to the tune of efficiencies as a platform and received during the period. production. There would be smooth the basis of the PAN and folio $200 million in the Foodpanda Mumbai and Bengaluru. How- it will continue to collaborate The minister said the Prices are also expected 283.6 availability of sugar and prices number. India business, which is the larg- ever, Ola Cafe was later shut with Delivery Hero on building government made sufficient to remain stable at reasonable in the domestic market are This will help in avoiding est such funds infusion in an down. the online food delivery ecosys- spectrum available for mobile level, the food ministry said in expected to remain stable at multiple disclosures of share- Indian online food ordering The competition has been tem in India. services including auction of a statement. 185.3 reasonable levels, it added. holding of the same person, and delivery company till now. intense in the segment with Saurabh Kochhar, who was 965 MHz in 2016 to help com- Sugar production of India, "Given the current com- Securities and Exchange Board Under the deal, Foodpanda's the likes of Zomato and Swiggy the CEO of Foodpanda India panies reduce call drops. the world's second largest pro- 203.0 fortable position of produc- of India (Sebi) said in a circular. India business will be trans- competing aggressively to cap- until recently, has decided It held periodic review of ducer, is estimated to increase tion and in order to further According to Sebi, holding ferred to Ola in exchange of ture the market. It heated up to move on to pursue other expansion of mobile networks at 249 lakh tonnes in the 2017- (Sugar smoothen the supply chain for disclosures of promoter and the latter's stock, Ola said in a further after the entry of Uber- opportunities. and related improvements car- 18 marketing year (October- Season: easy availability of sugar in all promoter group, public share- statement. EATS -- the food delivery ser- Ola Founding Part- ried out by the Telecom Ser- Oct-Sept) September) from 203 lakh regions, the government has holder and others must be It, however, did not divulge vice of Ola's rival Uber -- in the ner Pranay Jivrajka has been vice Providers (TSPs) which tonnes in the previous year. '01- '09- '16- withdrawn stock holding and accompanied with PAN num- details about the number of Indian market a few months ago. appointed as interim CEO of lead to addition of around 6.35 "During the current sugar '02 '10 '17 turnover limits on dealers of ber (first holder in case of joint shares that will be part of the According to industry this business unit, supported by lakh additional base trans- season 2017-18, crushing oper- Source: ISMA KBK Infographics sugar with immediate effect," holding). transaction. sources, the Softbank-backed the existing leadership team at ceiver stations (or mobile ations in all major sugar pro- the statement said. Folios are numbers desig- In 2014, Ola had forayed Ola had been working on get- Foodpanda India. sites) on aggregate basis for ducing states has commenced around 249 lakh tonnes by the The stock holding and turn- nated to individual investor into the food delivery business ting back into the food deliv- Foodpanda has over 15,000 2G,3G and 4G services dur- smoothly. The total sugar pro- end of the season against esti- over limit was imposed till accounts, though one investor with Ola Cafe and had expanded ery business to compete against restaurants across 100 Indian ing the period- July 2015 to duction is estimated to be mated consumption require- December this year. PTI can have multiple accounts. PTI the offering to cities like Delhi, UberEATS and that the acqui- cities on its platform. PTI November 2017. PTI Domestic air traffic up 17% in Nov; US Microsoft to focus on govt, small IndiGo slips to Number 2 in OTP businesses to grow its India revenues MUMBAI: Domestic air travel is measured from the time an MUMBAI: American tech ease of doing business, there are demand surged nearly 17 per aircraft gets detached from an major Microsoft will be focus- some improvements,” he said. cent in November to 10.48 mil- aerobridge or step ladder for the ing more on the government When asked about the lion passengers over the year- push back at the departing air- and the small business segment implementation of GST (Goods ago period on the back of festive port to the time it gets attached to grow its India revenues, a top and Services Tax) resulting in season demand and addition to an aerobridge or step ladder official has said. some tax notices to IT players, of new flights and routes, the at the arriving airport. “The SMB (Small and Maheshwari said Microsoft sees DGCA data shows. At present DGCA publishes Medium Businesses) segment the indirect tax reform as a big Domestic carriers flew a monthly on-time performance and the segments around dig- opportunity. total of 10.48 million passen- of domestic airlines from four ital India (and) government “There may be some chal- gers in November, compared to metro airports--Delhi, Mum- would be clear areas of focus lenges as the tax regime tran- 8.96 million in November 2016, bai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. for us in addition to all the sitions, but broadly for me, I thereby registering a growth Naresh Goyal-promoted work around enterprise and would think of GST as a mas- of 16.99 per cent, according to flights and routes besides add- consecutive month at 95.5 per Jet Airways' OTP hit rock bot- consumer that we have been for the company and a “faster the way contracts are struc- sive opportunity for anybody the DGCA monthly traffic data ing frequencies. Significantly, cent in November. tom in November as nearly half doing,” Microsoft India presi- growing market”. tured and also with regard to who is trying to do digital tran- released on Tuesday. market leader IndiGo, which "Our on-time performance (54.1 per cent) of its flights along dent Anant Maheshwari said. The company has two lakh timely payments, Maheshwari sition,” he said. The passenger load factor, accounted for a little over 39 per at 81.9 per cent was the best of with subsidiary JetLite)failed to He pegged the overall infor- enterprise customers in the conceded that there are “chal- The company employs over which is a measure of how full cent (4.13 million) of the total all airlines in India. SpiceJet also depart or arrive at their destina- mation technology opportunity country, apart from 9,000 part- lenges” in every market. 8,000 people in the country the plane flies, has shown an domestic traffic in November, recorded the highest load fac- tions on time, DGCA November in the country at $107 billion, ners and also works with 5,000 “In any exciting geogra- who work out of nine offices increasing trend in November slipped to second position in tor for the 32nd month in a row. data shows. but declined to break down the startups. On the government phy in the world, there are in various cities. Apart from compared to previous month on-time performance (OTP) The load factor at 95.5 per cent is Regional carrier TrueJet can- contribution of the government side, it serves the centre as well always challenges to do busi- serving the local market, its primarily due to the ongoing with rival SpiceJet delivering also the highest in SpiceJet's his- celled the highest number of and small businesses in it. as 29 states, he said. ness and India is no different,” staff, the largest in any coun- tourist season, the DGCA said. the highest OTP at 81.9 per cent tory. This has set a new thresh- flights among all the 12 domes- Refusing to disclose the When asked about home- he explained. try outside of the US, also November is also the month from four major metro airports, old in global aviation and we are tic carriers while Air India saw revenue contribution from the grown IT companies’ reserva- “The government has rec- serves the global needs, espe- when airlines' winter schedule as per the data. Besides, Spice- proud of that," SpiceJet chair- the maximum number of pas- country, he said India is one tions about working with the ognised that over the last couple cially on delivery, research and comes into full effect, during Jet also clocked a seat factor of man and MD Ajay Singh said sengers complaints against its of the top 14 priority regions government, especially with of years with all the focus on innovation. PTI which carriers announce new over 90 per cent for the 32nd in a statement. OTP of an airline services during the month. PTI business 13 MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 mp Airtel deposits ‘interim penalty’ of Full I-T e-assessment from next `2.5 cr with UIDAI year; CBDT forms committee NEW DELHI: Airtel has deposited an interim penalty NEW DELHI: The govern- privy to the development said. and DG Systems (the techni- ner and to ensure that work be of Rs 2.5 crore with the Aad- ment is set to roll out a pan- The committee is being con- cal wing of the CBDT) in view completed online so that there haar-issuing body UIDAI after India “faceless and nameless” stituted as the “department is of the new areas assigned to is complete transparency.” an action against the telecom e-assessment procedure for embarking upon the concept the investigation wings in mat- Prime Minister Narendra operator for allegedly open- income tax payers from 2018 of a faceless and nameless e- ters related to Operation Clean Modi, who had inaugurated ing payments bank accounts with the CBDT on Tuesday con- assessment procedure”, the Money”, launched by the gov- the conference, had also asked of its mobile subscribers with- stituting a high-level commit- CBDT order, issued late eve- ernment to check black money I-T employees to create an envi- out their 'informed consent', tee to prepare a quick roadmap ning, said. post demonetisation. ronment that instills confidence according to sources. for the implementation of this The CBDT has been running A blueprint prepared by the among honest taxpayers and The company is learnt to ambitious proposal. a pilot project in a few major CBDT earlier this year had said uproots corruption. have given the assurance that The Central Board of Direct cities and has been testing the the number of income tax pay- A new link--e-proceed- it will return Rs 190 crore that Taxes (CBDT), the policy- mak- feasibility of implementing this ers opting for paperless assess- ing-- was recently hosted by had flown into the 'unsolicited' ing body for the Income Tax new regime of tax assessment ment, under the pilot project, the department on the per- payments bank accounts of 31 ration of India (NPCI) prom- Department, notified a nine- for the last few years. rose by 78 per cent over the last sonal login of the taxpayer on lakh mobile subscribers over ising to return Rs 190 crore member committee--headed The initiative was launched three years. the e- filing website (https:// the next 24 hours and will also (along with interest) to the con- by a Principal Chief Commis- to reduce visits by taxpayers to An official CBDT state- incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in). inform the customers that their sumers' original bank accounts sioner rank officer -- and has set I-T offices and their interface ment issued at the conclusion The new regime of e-com- subsidy-linked account is being that were linked to the Direct for it a deadline of February 28, with the taxman, thereby curb- The terms of reference of recommend the requirements of the two-day ‘Rajaswa Gyan munication will, however, be switched back to the originally- Benefit Transfer (DBT). 2018, for submitting its report. ing corruption. the committee are to propose of additional manpower and Sangam conference (national voluntary and taxpayers can chosen account. The NPCI is an umbrella “The deadline of February “As such, there is an impera- the new deployment of man- infrastructure, if any, in the light meeting of top tax officers of take a call on whether to con- Airtel has deposited an organisation for all retail pay- end to the committee is an indi- tive need to re-deploy the avail- power in view of the imple- of this new initiative. the country), held here this duct their dealing over the e-sys- interim penalty of Rs 2.5 ments in India. cation that the government and able manpower in the light of mentation of e-assessment; to The committee will also year, had said the government tem or through the existing crore "unconditionally" to the Both Airtel and Airtel the CBDT want to usher in this the proposed e-assessment,” propose modalities and stages “recommend distribution of wanted I-T assessing officers procedure of manual submis- Unique Identification Author- Payments bank came under new regime from the first half of the CBDT order said. PTI has of re- deployment of manpower manpower between assess- to “be encouraged to maximise sions of documents by visiting ity of India (UIDAI), a person fire after the the Sunil Mit- the new year,” a senior tax officer accessed the CBDT order. from existing stations and to ment units, investigation wing e-assessment in a phased man- the tax office. PTI familiar with the development tal-led firm allegedly opened said. accounts of its mobile phone "They (Airtel) have also subscribers without seeking ‘Govt recovered stated that all 31 lakh custom- their "informed consent", and Jan-2019 deadline for reducing power losses to 15%: Singh ers will be intimated by Air- LPG subsidy worth crores was less than 9% tel that their subsidy money is deposited into these accounts. NEW DELHI: Union Power for power losses were theft and 16.62 gigawatt. being transferred to the orig- The government acted Minister R K Singh said on unmetered supply of power. Singh said against He said that a few weeks service tax inally-chosen accounts and swiftly in the matter and the Tuesday that the government “We have kept a target for ago the government formally that henceforth such money UIDAI, in a strong move late had set a deadline of January bringing down power losses the target of issued bids. “In the next three arrears in FY17’ will flow into those designated last week, temporarily barred 2019 for bringing down power in the country. At a meeting 100 gigawatt of months, we are going to have accounts," the source added. the company from conducting losses due to theft and unme- of state power ministers held bids for about 7,000 gigawatt NEW DELHI: The revenue Meanwhile, an e-mail query Aadhaar-based SIM verifica- tered supply to 15 per cent recently, we have set a target solar energy to more. Next year, we are going department recovered only sent to Airtel with regard to tion of mobile customers using of the total generation in the of January 2019 by when such be achieved by to have bids for 30,000 gigawatt around 9 per cent of service deposit of Rs 2.5-crore interim eKYC process, and e-KYC of country. losses would be brought down and the year after that we are tax arrears in 2016-17 even as penalty remained unanswered. payments bank clients. Replying to questions in to less than 15 per cent. 2022, the country going to have bids for 30,000 the number of cases detected Once the entire pro- Suspending the 'e-KYC the Rajya Sabha, the minister “After that we will bring a generates about gigawatt more,” he said. increased from the previous fis- cess is complete, Airtel will licence key', the UIDAI also said the deadline was fixed at regulation under which power The minister said that cal, government auditor CAG be required to report to the ordered PricewaterhouseC- a meeting of power ministers losses of over 15 per cent will 16.62 gigawatt apart from bids for floating said on Tuesday. UIDAI with compliance and oopers to conduct an audit of of all states as some states had not be accepted in the power solar power plants for which The department had an the authority will take "appro- Bharti Airtel and Airtel Pay- more losses than others. tariff. All state power minis- be down to 5-6 per cent. “But In response to another the government has assessed opening balance of Rs 2,658.31 priate view" on the matter at ments Bank to ascertain if He cited the example of ters agree to this and we have this is not an ideal world and question, Singh said against the the potential, “we have sent crore in arrears to be realised in that stage. their systems and processes Uttar Pradesh which has suf- set this deadline,” he told the power theft does take place and target of 100 gigawatt of solar teams to assess the poten- 2016-17, but with an addition Airtel, on Monday, wrote to are in compliance with the fered a lost of 21 per cent. House. He said in an ideal unmetered supply of power is energy to be achieved by 2022, tial in huge water bodies in of Rs 6,176.31 crore during the the National Payments Corpo- Aadhaar Act. PTI He said the main reason world, the power losses should t h e re .” the country generates about Bhakra Dam, etc.” PTI fiscal the total went up to Rs 8,834.62 crore. However, it could realise Bharti Airtel to acquire Millicom’s only Rs 783.33 crore, a mere Govt to give incentives to boost e-vehicles 8.87 per cent of the total recov- erable, said the Comptroller NEW DELHI: The government the GDP. Citing several stud- cellular operations in Rwanda and Auditor General (CAG) would support manufacturing ies, Kant said by 2027-28, the report, 'Indirect Taxes - Ser- and selling of electric vehicles cost of EV battery will come NEW DELHI: Telecom opera- tory and statutory approvals," vice Tax', tabled in Parliament (EVs) by giving incentives such down from $273 per kWh to tor Bharti Airtel on Tuesday said the statement said. on Tuesday. as lower road taxes so that the $73 per kWh even without that it has signed an agreement Airtel at present operates in The department disposed automobile sector continues to taking Indian demand into with Millicom International 15 African countries apart from of demands worth Rs 4,285.29 play a major role in India's GDP consideration. Cellular S.A. to acquire 100 per India and South Asia. crore last fiscal, ending the and job creation, Niti Aayog "If you take Indian demand cent stake in its Rwanda opera- "Airtel and Tigo have year with a closing balance of CEO Amitabh Kant said on into consideration, then it will tion which operates under the already merged their opera- Rs 3,766 crore as arrears that Tuesday. come down to $60 per kWh," brand name of Tigo Rwanda. tions to create a strong viable could be recovered. He said in the long run, India he noted. "Bharti Airtel Limited...has The acquisition will make Air- entity in Ghana. Today, it has "It can be seen that only must become a major manufac- Niti Aayog in a recent report entered into a definitive agree- tel Rwanda the second largest taken yet another important 8.87 per cent of recoverable turer of automobiles, batteries had estimated that accelerated ment with Millicom Interna- operator in the country with step to acquire Tigo Rwanda to arrears could be recovered and interoperable charging sta- adoption of electric and shared tional Cellular S.A. (Millicom) revenues of over $80 million become a profitable and a strong by the department during tions, and help reduce pollution vehicles could save $60 billion under which Airtel Rwanda and a revenue market share of challenger in a two-player mar- 2016-17. in cities. This, he said, should lower road taxes. organised by industry body in diesel and petrol costs by Limited will acquire 100 per over 40 per cent, the statement ket," Bharti Airtel Chairman, Given the significant be done in a manner that does "And the government will Assocham. Kant pointed out 2030. cent equity interest in Tigo said. Sunil Bharti Mittal said. amounts of arrears to be recov- not disrupt combustion vehicle act as a catalyst so that auto- that today, automobile along According to Piyush Goyal, Rwanda Limited," Bharti Air- "The consideration for the In the past, Airtel acquired ered, it is essential that the tax manufacturing. mobile sector continues to play with automobile component who held power portfolio till tel said in a statement. transaction is based on approxi- assets in Uganda (Warid) and department specifically focuses "We would like to support a major role in India's GDP industry is one of the key driv- recently, India aims to become Under this deal, Tigo's 370 mately 6x EBITDA multiple, Congo B (Warid), Kenya (yu on legacy issues even after tran- electric vehicles by providing and job creation as well as in ers of India's economic growth, 100 per cent e-vehicle nation by million customers will join payable over two years. The Mobile) and consolidated oper- sition to GST," said the CAG vast range of initiatives such as exports," he said at an event contributing 7.2 per cent to 2030. PTI the network of Airtel Rwanda. agreement is subject to regula- ations in Ghana (Millicom). PTI report. PTI SDMC bags first prize for Indian-origin steel tycoon ONGC organises first energy conservation purchases ArcelorMittal's edition of Para Games NEW DELHI: South Delhi Municipal Corporation US-based steel assets NEW DELHI: The First edition (SDMC) on Thursday awarded LONDON: UK-based Indian- ing next year as the first step in of ‘ONGC Para Games’ kicked first prize for conservation of origin metals tycoon Sanjeev GFG's investment plans for the off on Tuesday at Thyagraj Sta- energy through its LED replace- Gupta's Liberty House Group American steel industry. dium, New Delhi. ment programme in the Munic- has completed the purchase "Securing the Georgetown The 3-day event, a first of ipal sector. President Ram Nath of the South Carolina-based furnace and mill is a major its kind corporate initiative, Kovind bestowed National Georgetown steel mill from milestone for us, marking our will witness participation from Energy Conservation Award on ArcelorMittal, the company first major step in the USA. The 120 Employees-100 men and 20 SDMC Commissioner Puneet has announced. melting and rolling facilities women with Disabilities from Kumar Goel for his untiring The deal between Liberty here give us a formidable entry 16 work centers from across efforts and inspiring leadership House and NRI steel mag- to the American market and the country. The first ONGC to his team for successfully exe- nate Lakshmi N Mittal's US provide a strong platform for Para Games is majorly focused cuting the world’s largest LED steelworks, which includes a expansion," GFG Alliance and on Athletics, Badminton and replacement programme in the 18.31 MW after replacement in energy conservation charge 540,000- tonne a year electric Liberty House chief Gupta said Table Tennis. The participants short span. of these lights with energy effi- will be nearly Rs 65 crore per arc furnace and 680,000-tonne in a statement on Monday. belong to different categories of According to the report, cient LED lights. The reduction annum. Earlier SDMC used to a year rod mill, had been agreed The steel tycoon said he disabilities, namely, VH (Visu- categories in Badminton, 3 cat- providing Equal Opportunities SDMC is annually saving in the connected load of street pay Rs 28.5 crore per annum earlier this year. wanted to apply his Green- ally Impaired), HH (Hearing egories in Table Tennis, 4 Cat- in Employment for the specially around 9 crore units of energy light corrects the energy deficit for line maintenance. However, The sale marks the first in a Steel sustainable strategy to the Impaired) and OH (Orthope- egories in Wheelchair and 34 abled, in line with the Govern- under the Street Lighting situation in Delhi, resulting in same has been reduced to Rs series of strategic North Ameri- American plants, in line with dically Handicapped). in Athletics including 100 mtr, ment of India’s mandate, for National Programme launched to more reliable power supply 8.32 crore per annum, there- can acquisitions and new proj- the UK and Australia. The events are categorised 200 mtr, 400 mtr, 2 Km Walk, which various measures are by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri to the residents of Delhi. fore total saving on account of ects targeted by Gupta-led GFG "We've already had custom- into 8 sub categories- Gender- Long jump and Discuss throw. being put in place.” He also Narender Modi. The total con- “SDMC has achieved the energy consumption and line Alliance. The 600,000-square- ers contacting us about placing wise, age wise and disability Inaugurating this special event, added that ONGC currently nected load of 2.8 lakh sodium reduction of energy consump- maintenance will be approxi- foot plant, serving the construc- orders, so we're keen to get back wise.A total of 46 Events will ONGC CMD Shashi Shanker, employs 282 Persons with dis- Vapour Streetlight has been tion by nearly 9 crore units per mately Rs 85 crore per annum,” tion and automotive markets, is up and running as quickly as be held in the 3 days extrava- said, “ONGC is committed to abilities with more likely to join reduced from 37.5 MW to annum. Therefore reduction said a Corporation official.MPOST set to re-start melting and roll- possible," he said. PTI ganza, which comprises of 5 ensure social inclusiveness and the organisation. MPOST Hyundai commences CORPORATE KALEIDOSCOPE 25th free car care clinic

NEW DELHI: Hyundai Motor tiative, YK Koo, M D & CEO, India Ltd. (HMIL), the coun- Hyundai Motor India Ltd, said, try’s second largest car manu- “Being a Customer Centric and facturer and the number one a Caring Brand, Hyundai has car exporter since inception, always laid a strong emphasis on keeping up its commitment unique service initiatives. These to provide the best of services efforts have made us achieve to customers, on Tuesday Number 1 Rank in JD Power announced the 25th Edition of 2017 India Customer Service the nationwide ‘Free Car Care Index (Mass Market) study with United Bank Of India celebrated its 68th foundation day on Monday. NTPC-Ramagundam organised a communication workshop for Power Grid Women’s Committee Chairperson Usha Jha distributed Clinic'. a score of 923 making a strong The function was marked by the Bank’s CSR initiatives in which it employees on Tuesday. Theme for the Communication Workshop was The customer connect pro- “Service Brand Image” within distributed blankets to the impoverished and slum-dwellers through blankets and sweets among the residents of an old-age home in :Media Relation-with thrust on Print, Electronic and Social Media. Gurugram on Monday. Vice Chairman of the institution Neerja Singh, gram will be held from Decem- customers. The 25th Free Car Ramkrishna Mission, Bag Bazar. The bank also launched a host of Inaugurating the workshop, Chief Guest D K Dubey, ED-Ramagundam ber 19 - 25, 2017 across over Care Clinic is a step further to products and services. UBI MD & CEO Pawan Bajaj, ED Ashok Kumar Mani Srikanth, and Nirmala Singh and other senior members were underlined the importance of effective communication which is the also present on the occasion 1,300 service points across the make Hyundai ownership a Pradhan, and GM Debashish Mukherjee attended the celebration building block of successful organisation country. Speaking on the ini- delightful experience.” MPOST 14 sport mp MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata |Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 LEO MESSI RECEIVES AWARDS FOR INDIA UNDER-15 WOMEN THRASH NEPAL YERAY TO RETURN TO ACTION TOP SCORER, BEST PLAYER IN LA LIGA 10-0 IN SAFF CHAMPIONSHIPS SIX MONTHS AFTER CANCER RELAPSE BARCELONA: Barcelona star Lionel Messi has received La Liga’s DHAKA: Priyanka Devi and Sunita Munda struck hat- MADRID: Athletic Club Bilbao defender Yeray Alavarez will top scorer and best player awards for the 2016-2017 fooball tricks as India’s U-15 women’s football team scored five return to action after six months fighting against cancer when season. The Argentine striker scored 37 goals in league action goals in each half to thump Nepal 10-0 in the SAFF he plays in an Under-23 game against Swansea in the English last season to earn his fourth Pichichi award for most goals in Championship. Hattricks by Devi and Munda was com- Premier League Cup on Wednesday, his football club have La Liga and his fifth Alfredo Di Stefano trophy for best player, plimented by a brace from Lynda Kom, with goals from confirmed. The Spain Under-21 international has not played reports Efe. Santhiya and Anay Bayi completing the rout. since May 21. Gopichand feels Indian young Turks Skipper Thisara no alternative India eye triumph in confident of for complex not perturbed bouncing back scheduling anymore: Karthik T20s against Sri Lanka in T20s v India NEW DELHI: National CUTTACK: Skipper Thisara badminton coach Pul- of confidence to come into the CUTTACK: The bench Perera is confident of a Sri lela Gopichand on Tuesday International set-up,” Karthik strength is expected to be Lanka comeback in the T20 acknowledged the “complex” said on the eve of their T20I tested but India are unlikely to series against India, insisting scheduling issues faced by series opener. lower the intensity when they that his side would look to Indian shuttlers but conceded “I’m sure these are exciting take on Sri Lanka in a three- “flush out” the negativity fol- that there was no alternative in times for the young boys. I’m match Twenty20 series starting lowing heavy defeats in the pre- sight to deal with them. very confident that they will here on Wednesday, aiming to ceding Tests and ODIs. The debate on scheduling make best use of the chances extend their dominance in the From being ordinary in the kicked off after the legendary given to them. It’s a great shortest format as well. Test series, Sri Lanka caught Prakash Padukone recently opportunity for all the young The Test series in pocket, India unawares with a surprise observed that the Indian CUTTACK: Dinesh Karthik boys coming in.” India, without inspirational bowling effort in the first One- players were “definitely play- on Tuesday said the Indian The Indian wicket-keeper skipper Virat Kohli, hardly day International, but could ing more tournaments than team’s uncapped players are not batsman said the ODI team broke a sweat to clinch the not capitalise on the momen- required”. “perturbed” anymore and their has got a settled look but in one- day series 2-1 and Rohit tum and lost the series 1-2. Gopichand said there was a IPL experience will hold them the shortest format they’re try- Sharma and Co. will look to As the long tour enters its need to “space the tournaments in good stead in the T20I series ing out different options to get polish off the T20I series on a final leg, both teams are look- well” but also went on to list the against Sri Lanka, starting here that perfect balance. perfect note. ing to shift to T20 mode. complexities involved. on Wednesday. “We are trying to assess Sri Lanka have been no “It was a bad ODI series but “Scheduling affects the With star skipper Virat how each one reacts to differ- match to India barring their we have to take good things entire world, not just India. But Kohli being rested, the Rohit ent situations. These are great one- off spectacular bowling from the first match. There the fact that we have the Com- Sharma-led Indian squad has platform for a lot of young guys effort in Dharmasala in the were a lot of positives. We have monwealth and Asian Games, three uncapped players — Basil to come in and showcase their opening ODI. to flush out the negatives. It’s a which are important, makes it Thampi, Deepak Hooda and talents. As senior players, we After India bounced back Indian players during a practice session for the inaugural T20 cricket match against Sri Lanka, in Cuttack on Tuesday PIC/PTI new series and we hope to start a lot more complex for India,” Washington Sundar while the just try and help these young in Mohali, Sri Lanka had their well,” Perera said on the eve of Gopichand told reporters on likes of Jaydev Unadkat and guys as much as possible,” said best chance in Visakhapatnam the last four outings. New Zealand. war Kumar was rested. the T20I series opener at the the sidelines of the launch of a Mohammed Siraj are also low the 32-year-old from Chennai. but they collapsed from 136/1 India had folded for 92 Saurashtra left-arm pacer Kerala pacer Thampi has Barabati Stadium. sports foundation here. on experience. “The Indian team has to be bundled out for 215. against South Africa in the Jaydev Unadkat, who last shown his ability to bowl york- “We have good talents, “European countries are “All of them have come with reached a stage where no mat- A resilient India quickly got lone T20I played here in 2015 played in a T20I against Zim- ers with consistency during his death bowlers, power hitters. not playing in the CWG or the a lot of IPL experience behind ter which team we are playing, into the act after an inspira- as crowd trouble brought babwe in June last year, has Gujarat Lions stint in the IPL. We will do our best tomorrow. Asian Games. But there is no them — some have played we are a very strong side and we tional stumping by MS Dhoni. infamy to the venue and the been recalled and India have While India will have a bit I’ve to give more confidence alternative (for us), we have to 20-30 games. They are not as are trying to achieve some good This was followed by the spin hosts would look to give a bet- three first-timers in Washing- of concern in the pace depart- to the young players. I don’t adjust. You keep training dur- perturbed as they used to be in thing on the field every time,” twin of Kuldeep Yadav and ter account of their batting. ton Sundar, Basil Thampi and ment, Yadav and Chahal are think they have pressure, they ing travelling,” he said. AGENCIES earlier days. It gives them a lot he added. AGENCIES Yuzvendra Chahal running India’s batting will heavily Deepak Hooda. expected to deliver. have to give 100 per cent. Per- through the Lankan batting to rely on skipper Sharma, who Baroda all-rounder Hooda Sri Lanka, on the other sonally I know they have good claim three wickets each. will have KL Rahul for com- had scored the fourth fastest hand, have lost five T20Is on mindset and they can come Pujara grabs third spot in ICC Test Player Rankings However, Twenty20 is a pany at the top. Having lost his Twenty20 century (108) by an the trot, starting from the very strongly.” The ODI series different ball game and India first match as captain, Sharma’s Indian during the Syed Mush- match against Bangladesh in was locked one-all after Rohit DUBAI: India’s middle-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara improved a place would look for a smooth transi- record double hundred led a taq Ali Trophy in February. April. For the visitors, Upul Sharma single-handedly led the to grab the third spot in the latest ICC Test Player Rankings here on Tuesday. tion to the shortest format, hav- 141-run rout in Mohali and he It remains to be seen, how- Tharanga was in imperious side with his record third dou- ing endured a batting disaster will look to continue that form ever, if he’s handed his debut form during his 95 in the third ble hundred. AGENCIES Pujara, who has scored 4,396 runs at an average of 52.96 in 54 Tests, currently in the first one-dayer. in the shortest format. cap with India already having ODI and he would be the key has 873 points in the list of Test batsmen, headed by Australia captain Steve India do not have happy A good start will be crucial two finishers in Dhoni and for Sri Lanka. Smith, who continued to top the rankings for almost two years. Top-ranked memories of the solitary T20I for India to minimise the work- Hardik Pandya. Former skipper Angelo Smith moved closer towards Don Bradman’s highest-ever ranking points after at the Barabati Stadium despite load on the middle and lower In the pace department, Mathews, who scored a the fact that they lead Sri Lanka order, which will be steered death bowling specialist Jas- century in the second ODI, a match-winning double-century in the third Ashes Test against England. AGENCIES 7-4 on head-to-head count and by Dhoni whose ability was prit Bumrah will shoulder the would be the vital cog in Sri are yet to lose against them in doubted in the series against responsibility after Bhuvnesh- Lankan wheel. AGENCIES PAKISTAN HOCKEY HEAD COACH FARHAT KHAN RESIGNS KARACHI: The Pakistan hockey team’s coach Farhat Khan stepped down after less than six months in the position following the team’s debacles in the Asia Cup and the four-nation invitational event in Austra- lia. However, the former Olympian said that he had resigned due to personal reasons. He was brought in as head coach in July. after Pakistan fared badly in the World hockey league tournament in London and replaced Khawaja Junaid and Hanif Khan. But even his tenure was littered with disappointments with Paki- stan failing to make the final of the Asia Cup. AGENCIES The new Bradman? Quirky Smith rises to exalted heights

ICA/T 6378(3)/2017 Notice Inviting e-Tender No WBDOF/ADF/Howrah/ NIT-2 (Fish Fingerlings, Lime, Display Board)/2017-18 of The Assistant Director of Fisheries , Howrah regarding- Supply of good quality and healthy IMC fingerlings, Lime and display board to be supplied among 14 blocks of Howrah District have been floated. Detail is available in the web site-https://wbtenders.gov.in SD/- Assistant Director of Fisheries Howrah

WEST BENGAL MEDICAL SERVICES CORPORATION LIMITED ICA/T 6377(3)/2017 SYDNEY: Steve Smith has That places him second (A Company wholly owned by broken English hearts and only in Test history to Brad- the Government of West Bengal) NOTICE INVITING E -TENDER smashed records with his phe- man, whose average of 99.94 at nomenal Ashes batting and is the pinnacle was forged from Swasthya Sathi, G N-29, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700091 ‘E’ Tenders are invited by District Information & Cultural Officer, South 24 parganas from govt. being acclaimed as the best 1928- 48. Memo No: WBMSC/ENGG/1569/16/4684 Date: approved agencies for rate of rented Hoardings Australian batsman since the Records have tumbled for greatest of all, Don Bradman. the cricket-obsessive Smith, NOTICE INVITING E-TENDER (Hoardings, Flex printing, mounting & removal of That is rarefied company who broke into the Test arena West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Ltd. is inviting elec- matter) within 22.01.2018. For details visit website for the quirky 28-year-old as a leg-spin bowling all- tronic bids for Quotation of Supply Installation of UPS for SNCU https://wbtenders.gov.in skipper, who led Australia to rounder batting at number at College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital as per details Sd/- reclaiming the Ashes with an eight in 2010. indicated in the table below: : District Information & Cultural Officer, imperious 239 — his high- Since then Smith has SI. Item Bid Ref. No. Last date of South 24 parganas est Test score — in Austra- reeled off the milestones to No. submission of lia’s mammoth first innings draw comparison with the 662 for nine declared in the greatest batsman the game online bid GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL DIRECTORATE OF FORESTS third Perth Test victory on has ever seen. 1 Supply Installation WBM- 05.11.2018 OFFICE OF THE DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICER Monday. He has amassed 22 Test of UPS for SNCU at SCL/NIQ- up to 4:00 PM 24 -PARGANAS (SOUTH) DIVISION 12, BIPLABI KANAILAL Ashes-winning skipper centuries, 14 of them in 29 College of Medi- 1147 dated BHATTACHERJEE SARANI NEW ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING, 4TH Smith has almost single-hand- Tests as captain. cine & Sagore 11.12.2017 FLOOR ALIPORE, KOLKATA - 700 027 edly batted Joe Root’s team out Bradman made 14 hun- Dutta Hospital. Tele & Fax 91 (033) 2479 - 9032 Email - [email protected] of the series, accumulating 426 dreds in 24 Tests as skipper. Bonafied Contractors eligible for participating are requested runs in just four innings at an Smith is only the fifth Aus- Interested Bidders may download the tender document to visit website: http:://wbtenders.gov.in regarding average of 142, which allowed tralian captain, one of them and / or submit their bids online at the website www. 1. WBFOR/24PGSS/DFO/NIT31e/17-18(2nd Call) regarding his bowlers to do the rest. being Bradman, to have scored wbtenders.gov.in. The tender document may also be supply of Yamaha/Murcery 75 HP 4 stroke & 90 HP Yamaha Smith, whose idiosyncratic two Ashes double hundreds. downloaded from the websites www.wbmsc.gov.in & EFI OBM engine under 24-Parganas (South) Division. style — moving across his Skipper Root has tried www.wbhealth.gov.in Sd/- Sd/- stumps as the bowler delivers everything during the current Managing Director Divisional Forest Officer — flies in the face of cricket’s series to dislodge Smith, to get WBMSCL 24-Parganas (South) Division, purists, has a career average of him out of his “bubble”, but to 62.32 from 59 Tests. little effect. AGENCIES sport 15 MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata |Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 mp India need more matches against Neroca hold Mariners 0-0 KOLKATA: A spirited NEROCA side held NEROCA Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday. Mohun Bagan coach brought back strong teams: Striker Balwant Ansumana Kromah and Sony Norde into the starting XI, who replaced Naro Hari Shrestha and Dipendu Dowary. Rana Gharam came in place of Eze Kingsley who was sent off against Shillong Lajong in the previous match. NEROCA coach Gift Raikhan fielded his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation with midfielder Aryn Glen Williams pairing up with Varney Kallon Kiatamba in the central defence. Kyr- gyzstan international Israilov Akhlidin got his maiden start in the number 10 position just behind Felix Chidi. Mohun Bagan did not look convincing with approach, indicating that they were content their attacks in the first half as the trio of Kro- with a point against giants Mohun Bagan. mah, Norde and Dicka failed to produce their Sanjoy Sen brought in Sourav Das around magic. The Haitian superstar did not look fully the 75th minute in place of Shilton D’Silva to fit as he often struggled with the ball on the pitch. increase the intensity upfront. Norde tried his He was seen limping twice during the match. level best to stay on the pitch but his body gave Raikhan’s NEROCA, on the other hand, up around the 83rd minute, when the Haitian impressed right from the word go. They took an went down in pain and agony. Sen replaced the attacking approach and continuously imposed winger with Azharuddin Mullick, who made a pressure on the Bagan defence. Their attacks comeback into the side after a prolonged period were mostly generated by Subash Singh from away from the field due to injury. the left flank. The Bagan coach took a gamble by fielding Both the teams got a couple of chances to half-fit Norde and Kromah as he was desper- take the lead but none could find the back of the ate for a positive result. But as the match pro- net. The teams went into halftime break with the gressed it was clear that none of the foreigners scoreboard flashing 0-0. had attained match fitness ahead of the game. The home team started the second half with Kromah too was replaced in the 89th minute. more intent. At the 51st minute, Sony Norde Mohun Bagan’s woes continues with back to found the back of the net from Kromah’s pass back draws as they remain third in the league but much to his and the fans’ discontent, the table with nine points from five matches. Ner- linesman signalled for off side. oca will continue in fifth with seven points from The Manipuri outfit shifted a defensive four games. AGENCIES Chennai defeat Churchill 2-0 MUMBAI: Striker Balwant “And for the youngsters, Bagan ace, who made his inter- Super League franchise Chen- only aim has been performing GOA: Chennai City outclassed replaced Henry Monsang and Soon after, Pandiyan Sini- Singh reckons that the Indian they are getting many chances national debut in 2014, added. naiyin for the inaugural season well for whichever team I’ve Churchill Brothers 2-0 to regis- Charles Anandraj Lourdusamy. vasan’s half volley came crash- football team needs more expo- so they should take their The Punjab-born striker and then retained in 2015 edi- played for,” he said. ter their first win in this season Though Soundararajan V’s ing off the horizontal after sure against strong teams in chance with both hands and also praised his former club tion on loan. Balwant singled out the goal at the Tilak Maidan Stadium side went into the break lead- Churchill had just defended a order to improve its standard. capitalise on it.” The biggest and said the Kolkata football When asked about the dif- which he scored on his debut in Goa on Tuesday. The defeat ing by a goal scored at the corner. Nicholas Fernandes’s India had attained their success story in Indian football giants is very close to his heart. ference in playing with Mohun against Mauritius was his most extends Churchill Brothers’ run stroke of half-time, they should free-kick was then almost highest position (96th) in the of the year was qualifying for “Yes!!! Mohun Bagan is Bagan and then playing with memorable one. of defeats to five games. have taken the lead inside 15 headed into his own net by FIFA rankings earlier this year the 2019 Asia Cup after missing very close to my heart as I Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai “For country, when I scored Alfred Fernandes held on minutes but for Jean-Michel Veniamin Shumeiko as the ball but at the year-end they have out on the 2015 edition. They have played for three long years City FC (current ISL club), Bal- my first senior national game to a similar starting XI that lost Joachim missing a sitter from marginally missed the left post dropped to the 105th spot. have qualified for the continen- in that club and I have great want said that each club has against Mauritius. It was a 3-2 against East Bengal except handshaking distance as he in the 24th minute. “Everyone is doing their tal showpiece only three times memories of my career there. different fans, but playing with memorable moment as I was for the injured Dhanachandra headed wide a Edwin Vans- Churchill goalkeeper James work — from the coaching (1964, 1984, 2011). There is no big reason behind Bagan is experience in itself. wearing the blue Indian jersey. Meitei being replaced by Alber paul cross. The woodwork Kithan pulled off a save from staff to all the players. Hope- “We are happy to qualify choosing the ISL to play; I just “Each club is different. “For club, it’ll be hard to Gonsalves. saved Churchill Brothers twice close distance to deny Murilo fully, we’ll get good results. for Asian cup 2019 and hope- wanted to play here,” he said. Their fans are different. Play- single out but there have been Chennai City, playing their in quick succession. Michael who was played inside the box We should play more interna- fully, we’ll get the good result Balwant was roped in by ing with Bagan was an expe- many with the likes of Churchill fifth consecutive away game, Soosairaj’s shot from distance by Joachim at around the half tional matches against the good because everyone is working Mohun Bagan for the 2014-15 rience in itself but that doesn’t brothers, Mohan Bagan, and came into the tie with two rattled the crossbar and Osagie hour mark and just before the teams; it will help us improve,” hard and every one motivates season on a one-year deal. He make it any easier when I’ve I scored against East Bengal changes. Dharmaraj Rava- Monday cleared the ball from half time whistle the score- Balwant said. each other,” the former Mohun was then loaned out to Indian played with other teams. My twice,” he said. AGENCIES nan and Alexander Romario Murilo just in time. board got ticking. AGENCIES

CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Sizzling Saini takes Delhi into Ranji final NOTICE INVITING e-TENDERS PUNE: Young speedster batsmen with raw pace. The Executive Engineer, Dehradun Central Division No. I., CPWD, Deh- Navdeep Saini bowled one of He followed the ‘bible’ radun on behalf of the President of India online Item rate tender from the most devastating spells of for fast bowlers — ‘top of off approved and eligible contractors of CPWD. recent times in Indian domes- stump’ — something the Aus- 1. NIT No.160/EE/DCD-1/2017-18 Name of work:- Renovation of toi- tic cricket as Delhi humiliated tralian legend Glenn McGrath lets in Guest House i/c replacement of damged flooring in IGNFA, Bengal by an innings and 26 had mastery over. Dehradun. Estt. Cost Rs.. 8,25,709/- Earnest money Rs.16,514/- Time: runs to enter the Ranji final. Saini, who is certain to don 03 (Three Months). In one of the most hostile India whites in 2018, followed 2. NIT No.171/EE/DCD-1/2017-18 Name of work:- Repairing of Road spells bowled in recent times, it religiously as Bengal batsmen in GBO campus at Survey Chowk Dehradun. Estt. Cost Rs.6,43,409/- Saini (12-3-35-4) intimidated didn’t have a clue as to what he Earnest money Rs.12,868/- Time: 01 (One Month). the Bengal batting as they were was bowling. 3. NIT No.173/EE/DCD-1/2017-18 Name of work:- Construction of all out for 86 in 24.3 overs in Sudeep Chatterjee (21) Married Accommodation for S.F.F at Tiwari, Kalsi. (SH: RCC Over their second innings. He was couldn’t bring his bat down as head Tank 50000 Ltr. Capacity upto staging height 10 to 20 Mtrs.) Estt. ably supported by left-arm the delivery moved a shade to Cost Rs.12,50,000/- Earnest money Rs.25,000/- Time 06 (Six Months). pacer Kulwant Khejroliya (8.3- hit off bail. The last date & time for submission of is 26.12.2017 at 3.30 pm. Security 9-40 -4). Manoj Tiwary tried to clearance certificate issued by SFF Authority Chakrata must be uploaded This was after Mohammed bowl out Delhi for 398. expected to put up a fight, but cover the swing and the deliv- and produced for Serial no.3. Shami bowled his heart out to Having kept the lead down ran into Saini — a serious India ery was an unplayable one as www.tenderwizard.com/cpwd www.cpwd.gov.in, www.eprocure.gov.in take 6 for 122 in 39 overs to to 112 runs, Bengal were prospect — who unnerved the he was beaten for pace. AGENCIES

millenniumpost.in Vidarbha fight back against K’taka millenniumpo NO H ALFst TR U THS CHANGE OF NAME KOLKATA: Ganesh Satish’s I, Basant Lal Saini unbeaten half- century and S/o Late Shri Mangal a brisk 49 from Apoorv Ram Saini R/o House Wankhade helped Vidarbha No 62/63, CPJ-II wipe out the first-innings def- Block New Seelampur, icit and go ahead by 79 runs in their Ranji Trophy semifinal Delhi-110053. That my against Karnataka on Tuesday. name mentioned wrongly The third day’s play ended in my Passport as Vasant with Vidarbha reaching 195 Lal. That my correct name for four. in Aadhar card and At stumps, Satish was going Driving License is Basant strong on 71 while Akshay Wadkar was batting on 19. Lal Saini. That I will be Sreenath Aravind was the known as Basant Lal Saini pick of the Karnataka bowlers, for all future purposes claiming two wickets. and Basant Lal Saini and The 83-run partnership Vasant Lal are one and for the fourth wicket between finally paid off with the wicket 174 for four for a lead of 58. the same perons. Satish and Wankhade ensured of Jaffer. Earlier in the day, Karna- Vidarbha get some runs to Aravind got the most taka were all out for 301 to defend. After losing in-form important wicket of Jaffer, who take a vital first-innings lead opener Faiz Fazal — the sec- was looking set for a big one, of 116 runs. Overnight bats- ond highest run getter in Ranji and the batsman was clearly men Karun Nair and R Vinay trophy this season — for a unhappy with the umpire’s lbw Kumar could add only seven duck, their innings was some- decision. runs to the total. Karun was what steadied by the experi- Just before tea, Vidarbha dismissed after playing a enced Wasim Jaffer (33). were dealt a body blow when superb knock of 153. Aravind was hitting the Wankhade holed out at mid Rajneesh Gurubani deck hard with his in-dippers, wicket, driving a Aravind picked up five wickets while and they were troubling the delivery straight to Vinay India pacer Umesh Yadav batsmen a lot. The pressure Kumar. The score at tea was claimed four. AGENCIES Win-hungry NorthEast United face Mumbai City

GUWAHATI: Having picked up just four ing to relaunch their bid to overtake local points from their opening five games rivals FC Pune City and occupy a spot in in the fourth season of the ISL, North- the top four of the table. This is some- East United FC will be hungry to log a thing they failed to do in their last game, win against Mumbai City FC here on against ATK at home. While talking to Wednesday. Joao Carlos Pires de Deus’s reporters on Tuesday, Joao acknowl- side have found it difficult to breach the edged that his team needs to score more opposition defences and score goals. goals. But the Portuguese emphasised So much so that the Highlanders have that “it’s too early” to predict which four netted a grand total of two goals thus teams qualify for the business end of the far. Their opponents at the Indira Gandhi season. NorthEast will be without their Athletic Stadium, Mumbai City FC, are first choice goalkeeper TP Rehenesh facing nothing of that sort. Alexandre after he received a red card in their last Guimaraes team will, in fact, be yearn- game against Kerala. AGENCIES 16 mp Entertainment MILLENNIUM POST | Kolkata | Wednesday, 20 December, 2017 Music was secondary in recent ‘Ranveer needs to retain his identity FILMS OFFERED while playing Kapil’

MUMBAI: In his upcoming directorial venture 83, which is based on India’s first Cricket World Cup win in 1983, film- TO RAHMAN maker Kabir Khan says his attempt is to let Ranveer MUMBAI: Grammy and Oscar winning composer A.R Singh adapt the persona Rahman says that in the last few years, he had not been of veteran cricketer Kapil offered many musical scripts where he could project his Dev, yet retain his identity. magic. He says his upcoming film 99 Songs will be the Underdog India outclassed answer to several questions. mighty West Indies by 43 Since the 1990s, Rahman has delivered hit songs like runs in the final played at “Hamma hamma”, “Rangeela re”, “Chaiyya chaiyya” and the Lord’s on June 25, “Jai ho”. But if we look at some of his latest compositions, 1983 to lift their maiden some believe that he has missed out in keeping the ‘Rah- World Cup under Dev’s man magic’ alive. Asked if he could find out the missing leadership. link in his latest work, Rahman said, “It also depends on “Audience knows he is what the director wants to do, like the problem that I dealt Ranveer and he is going with in the last few years was that. All the films that came to play the role of Kapil to me were different, where music was secondary.” Dev in the film. Today, “The kind of music that you are talking about needs there is technology to The music maestro says, his a certain conviction. Are they (filmmakers) coming to make Ranveer look exactly me with enough of that, to create good musical stories?” like him, but that is not the attempt.” upcoming film, ‘99 songs’, He said that his upcoming production 99 Songs would “He needs to get the persona of Dev be the answer to the questions being raised. “The ques- and yet retain his identity as Ranveer. We will be an answer to all those tions that you are asking, about me not being able to cre- want the audience to see and enjoy Ran- ate such magic, the fact is, those kind of scripts are not veer playing Dev,” Kabir told in an inter- who believe that he has coming anymore,” he added. view. He said Ranveer has already begun coach the rest of the actors. Several mem- On producing films, he said: “There is a reason why preparations for his role in the film. bers of the 1983 World Cup winning team, missed out in keeping the we put so much effort to set out our production company. “It is a simple brief to Ranveer. He just including manager Man Singh, were present From here, I want to make musical stories and celebrate has to see Kapil Dev playing the game. The at a function when the director announced ‘Rahman’s magic’ alive music ideas. So yes, in a way, in the last 25 years, my life iconic body language of Kapil Dev, the way the project. The team members such as Roger has changed – from being a music composer to a vision- he used to bowl, bat. He (Dev) is monitor- Binny, K Srikkanth, Madan Lal, Yashpal ary, from a writer to producer and film director,” said the ing it (training),” he added. Sharma, Balwinder Singh Sandhu and Sand- artiste, who has earned the title ‘Mozart of Madras’. Kabir said the members of the 1983 eep Patil had narrated some anecdotes dating The musician is currently performing in different World Cup team are set to supervise and back to the historic day. Indian cities, including Delhi, for his live gig A.R. Rahman Kabir added he would not need to take which celebrates 25 years of his journey as a composer. “cinematic liberities” during the filming as, Asked to choose his favourites, he said: “Choosing “there is lot of material, we have hours and five songs is tough. I would say ‘Humma humma’, ‘Tu hi hours of sessions with the cricketers (the re’, ‘Maa tujhe salaam’, ‘Chaiyya chaiyya’, ‘Khwaja mere players), so it is a gold mine of material.” Khwaja’, but there are more.” He said the team would be majorly shot in Which one is the closest reflection of his personality? London and they have the support of cricket “I think all my compositions are the reflection of my authorities like the ICC and BCCI. PTI personality and I am the combination of everything. I am funny, light-hearted when I spend time with family. And then there are times when I get into the zone of spiritual- ity. I think such emotions and moods are there in all of us. At times, music takes us to different zones too,” he said. On why Rahman failed to impress his fans with Mohenjo Daro. He said, “It was ‘Each actor should work not a ‘Lagaan’ where the picture was clear. In ‘Mohenjo Daro’, Ashu tried something dif- ferent. At least, we should appreciate that,” with Sudhir Mishra once’ said the music maestro. IANS

MUMBAI: Actor Richa Chadha, who is working in Sudhir Mishra’s Dasdev, says that each actor should work with the director once in their lifetime. “I feel each actor should once work with Sudhir Mishra in his or her life because you get to learn a lot from him,” Richa said at her 32nd birthday celebra- tion, here. “Most well-known director of today’s time like Anurag Kashyap, Imtiaz Ali and Nikhil Advani have assisted Sudhir sir and Sudhir sir has assisted well known directors like Shekhar Kapoor, Mahesh Bhatt and Kundan Shah so it was nice opportunity for me to work in old classic which is coming up with it’s new adaptation,” she added. The actor, who is currently enjoying the success of her latest release Fukrey Returns, says that she loves her character Paro in Dasdev. “I think Dasdev is one of his best film so I am really excited for it. I did film like Fukrey Returns which was commercial film but Dasdev comes under very serious, political satire and drama zone. I really hope that film get appreciated by the audience,” said Richa. Talking about her professional journey in 2017, Richa says,“As actors, we go through lots of ups and down so we should be normal as much as possible, even though, I am happy right now because I worked in many films which has Game of Thrones received critical acclaim and commercial success.” IANS cast have strict social I wasn’t deliberately The Last Jedi, Blade media ban: Clarke silent: Streep responds to Runner, Dunkirk in LONDON: Actor Emilia everyone. It’s really frustrat- Clarke and her ‘Game of ing,” Clarke told the Sunday Oscars VFX shortlist Thrones’ co-stars are not Telegraph’s Stella magazine. allowed to share anything The actor added that she Rose McGowan Other films that have from the set of the upcoming has no idea how the remaining advanced to the next round final season on social media. episodes will play out and vari- are – Guardians of the Galaxy The 31-year-old actor ous measures are being taken LOS ANGELES: Veteran actor stein knew the depth of accusations Vol 2, Valerian and the City of – who plays Daenerys Tar- to stop it from getting leaked. Meryl Streep has responded to Rose against him. “Rose assumed and a Thousand Planets and War for garyen in the drama series - “They’ve written a num- McGowan’s critical remarks against broadcast something untrue about the Planet of the Apes. delighted fans last year with ber of different end- herself and other actors who plan to me, and I wanted to let her know the The members of Academy’s candid pictures of herself and ings. So none of the protest sexual harassment by wear- truth. Through friends who know her, Visual Effects Branch Executive co-star Kit Harington lark- cast know what the ing black to this year’s Golden Globes. I got my home phone number to her Committee, will now be invited ing around when the cam- actual ending is. McGowan had called out Streep the minute I read the headlines. I sat to view 10-minute excerpts eras had stopped rolling, If there’s ever a for working with producer Harvey by that phone all day yesterday and from each of the shortlisted but fans are in for a disap- leak of any kind, Weinstein despite his reputation as a this morning, hoping to express both films on January 6. The mem- pointment over the com- don’t believe it sexual predator and condemned their my deep respect for her and others’ bers will then vote to nominate ing months as everyone because it’s form of protest. bravery in exposing the mon- five films for final Oscar con- who works on the HBO probably In her response, Streep sters among us, and my sym- LOS ANGELES: A list of 10 sideration. PTI fantasy saga have been not true,” said she “wasn’t deliber- pathy for the ongoing pain films, includingStar Wars: The warned about sharing she said. ately silent” in Wein- she suffers.” Last Jedi, Blade Runner 2049, anything online. PTI stein’s treatment of “No one can bring Dunkirk have advanced to the “We have a very strict women in Holly- back what enti- next round in the visual effects social media ban this wood because she tled bosses like Bill category for the 90th Academy year because peo- did not know it was O’Reilly, Roger Ailes, Awards. ple need to stop happening.” and HW took from The Academy of Motion spoiling it for “It hurt to be the women who Picture Arts and Sciences attacked by Rose endured attacks on (AMPAAS) has announced a McGowan in banner their bodies and their shortlist of movies, with big- headlines this week- ability to make a living. budget films such as Alien: Cov- end, but I want to let And I hoped that she enant dominating the line-up. her know I did not know would give me a hearing. Small-budget movies South about Weinstein’s crimes, She did not, but I hope she Korean action-fantasy Okja not in the 90s when he attacked reads this,” Streep added.” and Guillermo del Toro’s take her, or through subsequent decades The actor said she was “truly sorry” on Cold War, The Shape of when he proceeded to attack others.” that McGowan sees her as an “adver- Water also made it to the list. “I wasn’t deliberately silent. I didn’t sary”. “...We are both, together with all know. I don’t tacitly approve of rape. I the women in our business, standing didn’t know. I don’t like young women in defiance of the same implacable being assaulted. I didn’t know this was foe: a status quo that wants so badly happening,” Streep said in a statement to return to the bad old days, the old to the Huffington Post. ways where women were used, abused The 68-year-old actor added that and refused entry into the top levels not everyone who worked with Wein- of industry.” PTI