RNI NO.: DELENG/2005/15351 millenniumpost.in REGD. NO.: DL(S)-01/3420/2015-17

PUBLISHED FROM & VOL. 12, ISSUE 359 | Friday, 29 December 2017 | | Pages 16 | Rs 3.00 NO HALF TRUTHS qNIFTY 10,477.90 (-12.85) qSENSEX 33,848.03 (-63.78) pDOW JONES 24,774.30 (+28.09) pNASDAQ 6,939.34 (+3.09) qRUPEE/DOLLAR 64.08 (+0.07) qRUPEE/EURO 76.51 (-0.21) pGOLD/10GM 30,250 (+175.00) pSILVER/K 39,500 (+250.00) PUBLIC LAUDING BJP USES LIES, AFTER ‘CONTRARY’ ‘BEEN THROUGH DOORSTEP CONG STAYS WITH SIGN, GOVT TAKES HICCUPS DELIVERY SCHEME: TRUTH: RAHUL BACK LPG PRICE PERSONALLY SISODIA PG3 GANDHI PG7 HIKE ORDER PG12 PROFESSIONALLY’ PG16 NOW OVER TO RAJYA SABHA Rare show of unity as Sushma Bill criminalising triple talaq recounts Jadhav family’s woes

OUR CORRESPONDENT there was a chip. There cannot be a white lie than this. Thank clears Lok Sabha hurdle NEW DELHI: Indian pris- God they did not say there was oner Kulbhushan Jadhav was a bomb inside it,” said Swaraj. OUR CORRESPONDENT in the Rajya Sabha as well, which will wondering whether some- The external affairs minis- mean that the bill will have to be sent to thing “bad” had happened back ter said the shoe was apparently NEW DELHI: After just a day of dis- a parliamentary committee for review home when he saw his mother seized so that they can make a cussion, the Lok Sabha on Thursday and is unlikely to be passed in the win- without the ‘mangalsutra’, bindi “mischief”. passed a bill that makes triple talaq a ter session. Both houses must clear leg- and bangles when they met in “The meeting of Kulb- criminal offence. islation for it to become law. Islamabad on Monday, Exter- hushan Jadhav with his mother The bill was passed after the House Odds are stacked against the govern- nal Affairs Minister Sushma and wife was portrayed by Pak- rejected a slew of amendments moved ment in the Rajya Sabha, with the Triple Swaraj said on Thursday. istan as a humanitarian gesture. by various opposition members. Talaq bill being opposed by parties like The Pakistani authorities However, the truth is that Despite reservations by opposition the Biju Janata Dal and AIADMK, con- had forced Jadhav’s mother Pak made Jadhav’s both humanity and compas- parties, the bill was cleared on the same sidered government-friendly as they Avanti and wife Chetna to sion were missing during the day that it was introduced - something regularly help it pass bills. change their attire and remove wife, mother meeting that was arranged on that was possible because the BJP gov- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their bindi, bangles and man- appear as widows humanitarian and compassion- ernment has a comfortable majority in Thursday called for passage of the bill galsutra before the meeting cit- ate grounds,” she said. the Lower House. The bill will now be making instant triple talaq a punishable ing security protocol. to him: Swaraj The minister said Jadhav’s tabled in the Rajya Sabha. offence by consensus, Parliamentary “When I talked to her mother wanted to speak to his The draft bill, officially called Mus- »»PM for consensus among parties »»The draft bill also has a Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said. (Avanti)) she told me that the disrespect as Jadhav’s mother son in Marathi, but Pakistani lim Women (Protection of Rights on »»The Supreme Court had in provision of imprisonment for a The Supreme Court had in August first question he (Jadhav) asked had told the Pakistani officials officials did not allow it. Marriage) Bill 2017, says, “any pro- August this year ruled that the term, which may extend to three this year ruled that triple talaq is was - how is Baba (father)? that it was a symbol of mar- Reacting to the statement, nouncement of talaq by a person upon “Triple Talaq” is unconstitutional years, and a fine, for violators unconstitutional. Muslim women Because he may have feared riage, but they did not relent. Congress’s Ghulam Nabi Azad his wife, by words, either spoken or had petitioned the court, arguing that that something bad had hap- In identical statements in said: “This did not happen with written or in electronic form or any practice of husbands divorcing them pened,” Swaraj said in the Lok Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Kulbhushan Jadhav’s family other manner whatsoever, shall be void humanity and not politics, as alleged by liament lacks the legislative competence through triple talaq, including by Sabha. Swaraj said had con- but every mother and sister and illegal.” the opposition parties. to pass the law as it violated fundamen- Skype and WhatsApp, not only vio- However, soon he realised veyed its objections to Pakistan in India.” Trinamool Congress The draft bill also has a provision of Members from RJD, AIMIM, BJD, tal rights. lated their rights but also left many that the ‘mangalsutra’, bindi and in a note verbale on Wednes- MP Derek O’Brien said: “We imprisonment for a term, which may Indian Union Muslim League and The Congress has emphasised that women destitute. bangles were removed on secu- day over the way it had con- completely endorse every word extend to three years, and a fine, for AIADMK, who had given the notice to it supports “any move to abolish tri- “Only a law can explicitly ban triple rity grounds when he saw his ducted Jadhav’s meeting with of the statement and the spirit violators. oppose its introduction spoke against ple talaq,” though it has questioned talaq, we have to enforce legal proce- wife was also not wearing them, his mother and wife in Islam- of the statement.” “We are not interfering in Shariat”, the measure. But members of the Con- the jail term provision and wanted dures to provide an allowance and pro- she said while describing how abad on Monday. Lacerated by India over said law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad gress and the Left, who were also oppos- some changes in the bill. “We need to tect custody of children,” said Prasad on Pakistan violated the human Swaraj also slammed Pak- how it treated Kulbhushan in the Lok Sabha during the debate on ing it from their benches, were not strengthen the bill to protect women. If Thursday, noting that “There were 300 rights of the two women. istan for making “absurd” Jadhav’s family, Pakistan on the Triple Talaq Bill. allowed to talk as they had not given a man who abandons his wife and fam- triple talaq cases in 2017 of which 100 Typically, a Hindu woman charges of a chip, camera or a Thursday called the tightly- “This law is for women’s rights and notice. SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav ily is sent to jail how will he give them took place after the Supreme Court ver- does not wear the ‘mangalsutra’ recorder being installed in the controlled meeting of the for- justice and not regarding any prayer, was also seen opposing the bill. maintenance?” said Congress spokes- dict.” He also referred to media reports and bindi or vermillion after footwear of Jadhav’s wife. mer naval officer with his wife ritual or religion,” he added. While JPN Yadav of RJD questioned person Randeep Surjewala. on Thursday that a woman was divorced the death of her husband. “At times they say, there was and mother in Islamabad on The law minister added that Centre the proposed three-year jail term, Sources indicated the main opposi- by triple talaq in Uttar Pradesh for wak- She said the removal of the a recorder on it (shoe), at times Monday a “success despite all is looking at the bill through the lens of AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi said Par- tion party is likely to seek amendments ing up late. See P5 ‘mangalsutra’ was a height of they say there was a camera, impediments”. AIRLINE HAS DEBT OF MORE THAN `52,000 CR I want to see India successfully test-fires myself as world no. Govt doesn’t want Air India to go 1 next season supersonic interceptor missile P. V. SINDHU Kingfisher Airlines way: Raju MPOST BUREAU tracking radars, the intercep- tor AAD missile, positioned In today’s BALASORE: India on Thurs- at Abdul Kalam Island --pre- day successfully test-fired viously known as Wheeler its indigenously developed Island -- in the Bay of Bengal, paper Advanced Air Defence (AAD) roared through its trajectory supersonic interceptor mis- to destroy the hostile target ... sile, capable of destroying any missile in mid-air in an endo- CITY incoming ballistic missile at atmospheric altitude, defence low altitude, from a test range sources said. SI SHOOTS SELF TO DEATH IN BARRACK 4 in Odisha. The interceptor is a 7.5- NATION This was the third super- meter long single stage solid sonic interceptor test car- rocket propelled guided mis- MEHBOOBA INDUCTS BROTHER 6 ried out this year in which sile equipped with a navigation OUR CORRESPONDENT cleared disinvestment of debt-laden Air an incoming ballistic missile system, a hi-tech computer and EDIT India but the final modalities, includ- target was successfully inter- conducted on March 1 and mode, and it was all success,” an electro-mechanical activa- GREATER STRIDES IN DEFENCE 8 NEW DELHI: The government does ing the quantum of stake sale, would be cepted, within 30 km altitude February 11, 2017, as part of the sources said. tor, the sources said. not want Air India to become defunct decided by a group of ministers headed of the earth’s atmosphere by an efforts to have a full-fledged The target missile-- a The state-of-the-art inter- INTERNATIONAL like the Kingfisher Airlines, promoted by the finance minister. interceptor. multi-layer Ballistic Missile Prithvi missile— was launched ceptor missile has its mobile by embattled liquor baron Vijay Mal- Surviving on taxpayers’ money, Air “It was a direct hit and Defence system. from launch complex 3 of the launcher, a secure data link 40 KILLED IN KABUL ATTACK 10 lya, and wants it to serve the nation, India has been in the red for long and grand success,” Defence sources “Today s test was conducted Integrated Test Range (ITR) at for interception, independent Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gaj- various proposals, including govern- said after the test launch. to validate various parame- Chandipur near here. tracking and homing capabili- BUSINESS apathi Raju said on Thursday. ment think-tank Niti Aayog’s recom- The earlier two tests were ters of the interceptor in flight After getting signals by ties and sophisticated radars. MUKESH TO BAIL OUT BROTHER ANIL 13 The government does not want any- mendation for complete privatisation, one working in Air India to lose their have been made. SPORT job, Raju said in the Lok Sabha, add- The airline has a debt of more than ing that the disinvestment process of Rs 52,000 crore and is surviving on a Rs 'Sleaze' CD of Chhattisgarh minister: Journo Verma gets bail COOK CRACKS DOUBLE TON 14 the national carrier has been initiated. 30,000 crore bailout package extended “Nobody wants anyone to become by the erstwhile UPA government in MPOST BUREAU lakh and a guarantee of equal amount as during investigation after a case of black- unemployed. We don’t want Air India 2012. directed by the court. mailing and extortion was registered at FOR ADVERTISING to go the Kingfisher (Airlines) way. We The Kingfisher Airlines was estab- RAIPUR: A special court on Thurs- Verma was arrested by the Chhat- the Pandri police station in Raipur in kindly contact at 9810195709 want the Air India to serve the nation, lished in 2003 by Mallya. The air carrier day granted conditional bail to journal- tisgarh Police from in Uttar October on a complaint lodged by BJP or to serve the people and fly high,” he said was suspended by the Directorate Gen- ist Vinod Verma in connection with the Pradesh on October 27. leader Prakash Bajaj. [email protected] during the Question Hour. eral of Civil Aviation after it failed to circulation and possession of a “sex CD”, “The court accepted Verma’s plea for The police had claimed to have recov- The minister said a ministerial address the regulator’s concerns about allegedly involving a Chhattisgarh minis- bail which he submitted to the court on ered 500 CDs and some pen drives from committee headed by Finance Minis- its operations. ter, as investigators failed to file a charge Wednesday under the section 167 (II) Verma’s residence. FOR SUBSCRIPTION ter is looking into the mat- Kingfisher Airlines also defaulted sheet within the mandatory period of 60 of the CrPC,” said Verma’s lawyer Faisal On the recommendation of the state kindly contact at 8800854665 ter of disinvestment of Air India and on loans from various Indian banks days after his arrest. Rizvi. government, the CBI took over the inves- or anyone, including MPs, are welcome amounting to Rs 9,000 crore. Mallya Special CBI Magistrate Shantanu Rizvi said Verma may walk out of the tigation of two cases related to the circula- [email protected] to give their suggestions to this panel. left the country for the UK after failing Kumar Deshlahre granted relief to the Raipur Central Jail late Thursday night. tion of the CD and questioned Verma in On June 28, the Union Cabinet had to repay the debt. scribe after he submitted a bond of Rs 1 Verma was arrested by Raipur Police the Raipur Central Jail on December 20. `1,75,000 CRORE BEING SPENT TO IMPROVE POWER INFRASTRUCTURE WINGED GLORY Not providing 24-hour power supply from March 2019 to cost discoms dear: Govt DHIRENDRA KUMAR (I/C) for Power, in the Lok Sabha during He said Rs 1,75,000 crore is being Question Hour on Thursday. spent to improve the power infrastruc- NEW DELHI: In a significant move The minister made it very clear that ture across the country. towards providing 24-hour electricity a new law would be enacted to impose “Some T&D losses are inherent in in villages and urban areas, the govern- penalties on power discoms in case of the system. These are termed technical ment has decided to make it a manda- failure to provide uninterrupted power losses. As per a study, the technical losses tory for all power distribution companies after March 2019. “ Load-shedding with- range approximately from 2.62 percent to maintain 24-hour power supply from out any valid reason would be penalised, to 7.71 percent. 2019 onwards and to fail which would while technical load-shedding would “Additional losses are caused by theft. invite hefty fines. be exempt from the fine,” Singh said in At the all-India level, energy loss in T&D “During a meeting with power min- Parliament. icy. As per the decision, from January for the year 2015-16 was 240864.31 mil- isters of all the states, we discussed pro- “All the states have agreed to the pro- 2019 onwards, if discoms register above lion units (21.81 percent). As per esti- viding uninterrupted power supply posal, and on their consent, the govern- 15 percent loss, the losses would not be mates, reduction of 1 percent in T&D across the country, and a target date was ment has set the target date of March recovered from consumers,” the min- losses results in a saving of Rs 4,146.60 fixed to provide 24-hour power supply. 2019. So there will be no load-shedding ister said. crore regarding power purchase cost,” In the meeting, it was decided to incor- from the target date onwards,” the minis- Singh said the government had set a he said. porate the target date of March 2019 in ter said, adding that we have to improve target of reducing the transmission and Singh said by December 2018, 1,694 the law to make it mandatory for all dis- our system to reduce the losses. distribution (T&D) losses of power from villages, which are yet to be electrified, coms to maintain 24-hour power sup- “The government has also decided the current 21 percent to 15 percent by will have electricity connection and A seagull sits in front of a ferris wheel at the Christmas market in Schwerin, Germany, Wednesday AP/PTI ply,” said RK Singh, the Minister of State to bring major changes in the tariff pol- January 2019. works in this regard has been going on. 2 mp around town MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 Expressing the beauty of

Researchers nature through art say that punishment leads to loss of interest in the player towards the game, and makes them Nature is an important uncooperative part of my life. Communing with nature, seems to me like communing with the divinity

OUR CORRESPONDENT PUNISHMENT hood days wandering around the trails the onlooker into the landscape or at of Jahan Panah City Forest, where he times it allows them to feel the rough INSPIRED BY HIS love for nature, as developed a contiguous bond with the thorny textured surfaces of his trees via not effective to make humans cooperate well as his memories and experiences flora around. his own journey of life. of childhood, Vimal Chand presented At a very early stage, Vimal could Investigating the shifting nature of a solo exhibition ‘Green Ambience’, feel connected with the colourful pal- light and the perception of pure colour, unishment might not be an recently. His nature paintings are not ette of nature and that is why his work his paintings defined the impressionistic effective way to get people to only one of the most expressive works is a remembrance of what he felt at that style. Vimal Chand is one of the many cooperate for the common but are images which, for many, act like moment of time. impressionist who promoted direct con- good, a study has found. the footprints of the inner workings and Nature became a predominant part tact to nature and used it to develop new PHuman societies maintain their the turmoil of the author’s soul. of the artist’s life and there he developed trends in painting. stability by forming cooperative part- The exhibition, which was inaugu- an inseparable bond. Communing with Vimal’s paintings are based mainly nerships. However, cooperation often rated by Manish Sisodia, will continue nature, seemed to him like communing on the fundamental elements of envi- comes at a cost. till December 30, at the Visual Art Gal- with the divinity. ronment such as air, water, soil, vegeta- For example, a person taking time lery, India Habitat Centre. Vimal’s connection with nature tion etc. In today’s era, where the idea to raise alarm in order to alert other Calm and serene are two adjectives was deep and intense, and that can be of a green environment is just a mis- members of a group to impending dan- that well define Vimal’s landscape obses- seen through his work. A closer look at conception, his paintings give a sooth- ger could be losing valuable time to save sion. As a child, he always had shared Vimal’s acrylic paintings shows a vari- ing effect to the visualizer. Through oneself. It is unclear why natural selec- a strong bond with nature and used to ety of moods expressed through soft his paintings, one can make out the tion favours cooperativeness among get inclined towards different elements colours against some strong and warm beauty that has now been lost amidst individuals who are inherently selfish. of it. He used to spend most of his boy- ones. Sometimes, the impasto pushes civilization. In theoretical studies, punishment is often seen as a means to coerce people into being more cooperative. DAYINDAYOUT Researchers Protect your hair led by Marko student was eight points. theory, it is expected that applying the What’s on Around Town Jusup of Hok- The second group was sim- punishment option would lead to more kaido Univer- ilar to the first one in every cooperation. CELEBRATE NEW YEAR WITH sity in Japan aspect except that the peo- The researchers found that players in from winter damage YOUR LOVED ONES and Zhen Wang ple playing the game with the constantly changing groups cooper- Jaypee Vasant Continental invites you of Northwestern each other remained the same ated much less (4 per cent) than those OUR CORRESPONDENT to a New Year’s Eve party. Bid adieu Polytechnical Uni- for the duration of the 50 rounds, in the static groups (38 per cent), where to year 2017 with the grand celebra- versity in China con- enabling them to learn each oth- they were able to establish which play- SEASONAL CLIMATIC conditions tion and make the night extra special ducted a “social dilemma er’s characteristics. ers were willing to cooperate and thus are back to the winter chill, bringing for you and your loved ones. Explore experiment.” In the third group, players gain a larger average financial payoff for along the never-ending list of skin the spectacular offerings and welcome Two hundred and also remained the same. all involved. problems which include pigmentation, the next year in a fabulous way. twenty-five students in However, a new option, However, adding punishment as conspicuous fine wrinkle lines, rashes, It is the season to celebrate, as the China were organised “punish,” was introduced. an option did not improve the level of broken skin, and dullness. Speaking on into three trial groups Choosing punishment led cooperation (37 per cent). how to deal with such problems, Dr place will be presenting an elaborate and played 50 rounds to a small reduction in The final financial payoffs in this Naresh Arora, Founder, Chase Aro- series of festive New Year buffet with each of a game. points for the punisher trial group were also, on average, signifi- matherapy Cosmetics, says, “In this unlimited snacks , free flow of Premium In group one, and a larger reduc- cantly less than those gained by players scenario, our prudence is in opting for Beverages and Music. every student played tion of points for the in the static group. more natural skin care products which WHEN: December 31 with two opponents punishees. Less defection was seen in the pun- are non-allergic in nature. Here are WHERE: Jaypee Vasant Continental, which changed At the end of the ishment group when compared to the some more tips from him which can New Delhi every round. The game, overall points static group; some players replaced be of great help. TIMINGS: 7:30 pm - 12 am students could were counted and defection with punishment. 4 Cleanse your face with natural choose between the students were Punishment seems to have an over- rose water or aroma water of laven- the sebum as well as the scalp oil. To JAYPORE’S FIRSTLOOK “cooperate” or given monetary all demoralising effect, as individuals der, chamomile or neroli aroma oils. save your hair from getting damaged, “defect,” and points compensation who get punished on multiple occa- 4 Scrub your face with oatmeal pow- avoid indulging in hot baths for long Jaypore, a curatorial platform known were given based based on the num- sions may see a good chunk of their total der mixed with almond, orange peel durations. Here are certain other tips for bringing together the best and on the combined ber of points won. payoff vanish in a short period of time, powder and half drop of sandalwood suggested by Dr Naresh: the finest of Indian design, craft and choices made. The expecta- explain the researchers. or frankincense oil. 4 Never try to use intense condi- culture is offering an opportunity to If a student and the two tion is that, as individuals This could lead players to lose inter- 4 Prepare nourishing facial cream tioning shampoos since those may con- try and buy their exclusively curated opponents chose “defect,” play more with the same est in the game and play the remaining with sandalwood, cardamom or neroli tain silicon-based conditioners which collections before they are available the student gained zero opponents over several rounds with less of a rational strategy. aroma oils to bring back the lost facial deposit in cuticles and makes your hair on the website. The aim is to gives points. If they all chose rounds, they see the ben- The availability of punish- glow, instantly. heavy and unhealthy. It is always advis- “cooperate,” the student efit of cooperating in ment as an option 4 Face pack made out of milk pow- able to wash your hair at an interval of their customers a closer look at what gained four points. order to gain more also seems to der or whey, mixed with one-tenth of 2-3 days interval. the brand stands for and standby. If only a student chose points. In reduce the a drop of patchouli aroma oils helps 4 You may try egg albumin pack, Firstlook is an idea that will keep to defect while the incentive to to overcome extra sensitiveness of the curd pack and even hot oil massage on reinventing itself. One week it presents other two chose choose cooper- skin. weekly basis. you with shawls or sarees to buy. Next to cooperate, ation over com- Just like our skin, hair and its roots 4 Use anti-dandruff shampoos it could be an unexpected, immersive the gain for the petition. PTI also suffer due to chilly winds and tend only if you have scalp dandruff. The experience to lose yourself in. Take to become rough, frizzy, extra dry. On best way is to use it on alternate days fol- some time out to explore Jaypore at the top of that, hot shower takes away lowed by some good hair conditioner. its best and own a sliver of India’s rich cultural heritage. WHEN: December 21– 31 Le Rythme enthralls the music lovers of Delhi WHERE: Jaypore, Khasra, Westend Marg, New Delhi TIMING: 11am - 7 pm OUR CORRESPONDENT event at CR Park, where all the musical maestros performed under NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH usic lovers of the one roof. “It’s a matter of pride for all Brace Capital were left of us,” said Bhadana as he thanked yourself and A black Audi q5, spellbound by the Rythme School of Music and Le melodious perfor- Rythme for organizing the same. welcome top of the line model in Mmances at CR Park, New Delhi Rajib Mukhapadhyay, Secretary 2018 with when musical maestros came of Le Rythme, mentioned, “It’s the the most excellent condition together to perform at a two-day prime responsibility of the trust to magnificent festival titled, ‘Meri Maa – The upgrade the musical skills of the New Year’s Rhythm of India’. students through skill development Eve party at For sale Le Rythme on the occasion programme. We pay special atten- The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Car DesCription: of its 10th annual cultural festi- tion to the underprivi- Delhi. The place is offering delectable val, organised this cultural event leged class of the society Price: 13,00,000 Make: Audi gourmet meals and mouth-watering Model: Q5 Transmission Type: Automatic to encourage the development of Renowned vocalist Rini for a long-term sustain- concoctions to enjoy the New Year to Year: 2010 No. of Owners: First soft skills for the underprivileged Mukherjee engaged the able future and offer them Fuel: Petrol Colors: Black children and to save girl child. audience with her melodi- a big platform to showcase your fullest. Also, be ready to dance KM Driven: 95000 Registration Place: Delhi While on the first day, the ous renditions and the song their talents. The benefits the night away to captivating and en- audience heard some melo- “Leelabali Leelabali” got rich are manifold. The young ergetic Punjabi and Bollywood beats ContaCt: dies by Manavendra Maharaj of applause from the audience. generations will inherit the played live by the Funky Boys and the Mob.: 9910009815 Mob.: 9971925885 Rama Krishna Mission, Delhi and Later, around forty students, richness of our culture and tunes of talented Sonali Ajay Bahu- Rythme School of Music; Pt. Ronu of Rythme School of Music will drive the same. Music guna. Do not miss to pamper yourself Majumdar mesmerized everyone played orchestra with dif- therapy has got incredible post a fun frolic night and enjoy an with his flute on the second day. ferent musical instruments. value. Anyone, including overnight staycation with their special That’s not all, stalwarts like Mohan The programme ended with ence of music director, Lalit Pandit. mentally or physically challenged package priced at only INR 15,999. veena maestro and Padmabhusan the mesmerizing performances of Subhash Bhadana, the Dy. children, can learn art, music, dance Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt played the Chief Guest – renowned play- Chairman of SDMC and Saurabh or vocal at a very negligible cost. WHEN: December 31, 2017 raga Iman with shehnai maestro back singer and Minister of State for Bhardwaj, the local MLA expressed In turn, in the next few years, they WHERE: The Leela Ambience Conven- Pt. Rajendra Prasanna and tabla Heavy Industries and Public Enter- their gratitude and pleasure to orga- can be the real contributor to the tion Hotel, Delhi maestro Pt Kumar Bose. prises – Babul Supriyo in the pres- nize such a magnificent musical society.” TIMINGS: 8 pm onwards

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No. 011-47777500 3 MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 mp city Public lauding doorstep ‘Negotiated with terrorists, will try for LG-CM patch up too’ delivery scheme: Sisodia OUR CORRESPONDENT gress, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M and the CPI forcefully stressed the NEW DELHI: Union Minister need to give more powers to the Deputy CM visits people at office of Nand Nagri District Magistrate Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday Delhi government, Samajwadi Party said he has in the past tried nego- MP Naresh Agarwal went on to say SAYANTAN GHOSH The beneficiary resident will not tiating with terrorists and can now that the LG treats Delhi Chief Min- be required to visit the government “accept the challenge” of broker- ister like a “chaprasi” (peon). NEW DELHI: Days after office.” ing peace between Chief Minister Samajwadi Party leader Ram Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal Countering the LG’s claim that Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant Gopal Yadav also raised the issue of returned the Doorstep Delivery executives going door-to-door to Governor Anil Baijal. the Chief Minister not being invited Scheme for review to the Delhi deliver services will increase traffic The comments of the Minister of Union Minister Hardeep Puri’s comments at the inauguration of the Delhi Met- government, Deputy Chief Minister and pollution, Sisodia said doorstep State for Housing and Urban Affairs came in the Rajya Sabha PIC/PTI ro’s Magenta line a few days back. Manish Sisodia, along with Delhi delivery will end corruption. came after members from various “Every person with common Social Welfare minister Rajendra “It will put an end to the Opposition parties complained and Delhi Chief Minister”. sense was heard saying that this Pal Gautam, on Thursday visited numerous visits people must take about the “elected government of Kejriwal and Puri exchanged (not extending invitation) was not the District Magistrate (DM) of to the offices to get their job done. Delhi being deprived of all powers by some heated official communica- proper,” Yadav said as he cited an Nand Nagri to interact with people People will not need to take leaves, the Centre” and the constant friction tion on the issue of hike in fares of example of former Prime Minister over the issue of online services. once doorstep delivery comes into between the LG and Chief Minister, the in October this year. Atal Bihari Vajpayee once declining Many people, standing in effect. The executives will visit them as the former wields all the admin- While Kejriwal demanded a roll- to go to the inauguration of a proj- queues at the DM’s office, told at a time and date of their choice,” istrative powers. back of the hike, Puri categorically ect in a state until its Chief Minister Sisodia that despite having online Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, along with Delhi Social Welfare minister Sisodia said. “In the four decades of my public declined it citing the mechanism of was invited. services, they often have to visit “At present, people are paying life, I faced many challenges. I have the Fare Fixation Committee. The House later unanimously Rajendra Pal Gautam at the office of Nand Nagri DM on Thursday PIC/MPOST government offices. touts to get their job done. This tried to negotiate with terrorists, etc. Earlier, as the House discussed passed the NCT of Delhi Laws (Spe- They said services should be They said going to offices Sisodia said, “The Delhi will be done away with once the This (dealing with Kejriwal) is going the National Capital Territory of cial Provisions Third Amendment) delivered at their homes, as even repeatedly consumes a lot of their government’s Doorstep Delivery of doorstep delivery scheme comes to be a difficult one but I will accept Delhi Laws (Special Provisions Third Bill, 2017 that extends the validity senior citizens had to walk all the time, while some have to pay bribes Services Scheme ensures residents into effect,” said the Deputy CM. your challenge and try and negoti- Amendment) Bill, 2017, many mem- of the NCT of Delhi Laws (Special way to the offices. or middlemen to get the job done. of Delhi get all their jobs done Meanwhile, the Delhi ate,” Puri told the Rajya Sabha. bers raised the issue of division of Provisions) Second Act, 2011 till Many residents of Nand Nagri “The public, in general, lauded sitting at home. A resident will government is yet to clarify what it “Maybe, I invite both of them for powers between the Delhi govern- December 31, 2020. told the Deputy CM they had to the Delhi government scheme to only be required to make a call will do with the returned file. a lunch or something and will try and ment and the LG and said that the The extension of the law would stand for hours in queues and visit provide citizens with 40 services, on the helpline number and an Sources said Delhi ministers are sort this out,” he added after Deputy latter wielded all the powers and not defer any action against unauthor- offices time and again to get their initially, at their doorstep,” said an executive will come and do all the likely to take to the streets, just like Chairman PJ Kurien asked Puri to the elected government. ised colonies and slum clusters in job done. official who accompanied Sisodia. paperwork and get the job done. Sisodia, to spread the word. “sort out the friction between the LG While members from the Con- Delhi till 2020. Three different agencies, three Delhi govt Doorstep delivery of services cannot launches app different plans to tackle pollution for school mgmt be compared with e-commerce: LG SAYANTAN GHOSH the Supreme Court-appointed The NGT divided air pollu- ROUSHAN ALI online,” said the statement. ment, saying that the example Environment Pollution (Pre- tion into four categories, namely committees “Delivery of pizza and of pizza delivery, gas cylin- NEW DELHI: The Delhi gov- vention and Control) Author- I (average), II (severe), III (crit- NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Gov- most e-commerce products ders and insurance was given ernment is still in the dark as ity (EPCA). ical) and IV (environmental ROUSHAN ALI ernor Anil Baijal has expressed can also not be compared with to counter some of the objec- to which plan it should follow However, the CPCB and emergency). his displeasure over the Delhi the documents proposed to be tions raised by the LG. to curb pollution, as different later the National Green Tri- Meanwhile, a high-level NEW DELHI: Chief Minister government’s “over-ambitious” delivered through the ‘mobile “If the delivery of pizza authorised bodies have come bunal (NGT) published their task force, headed by Nripen- Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday doorstep delivery of services sahayaks’, as the latter would doesn’t cause any traffic con- up with three different plans to own separate action plans. dra Misra, Principal Secretary to launched a mobile application scheme, saying that rather than involve sensitive personal gestion and pollution, how curb the city pollution. The NGT said in its order the Prime Minister, has finalised dedicated to the School Man- taking up the consultative route Baijal said the matter should be information. Further, unlike come delivery of services at Amid the different plans there was no uniformity and an “Air Action Plan - Abatement agement Committee (SMC), and considering a well inten- resolved through consultation e-commerce, which is a B2C doorstep will cause traffic con- and the confusion regarding its “unanimity” in action plans of of Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR”, with 16,000 members of the tioned advice, the matter is (Business-to-Consumer) trans- gestion and pollution implementations, the air qual- the CPCB and EPCA and the which has 12 major actionable SMCs of all Delhi government sought to be resolved through “A misplaced parallel is action, the government has to “In fact, it will cut down the ity of Delhi stayed “very poor” air-quality categorisation needs points. It underlines the need school’s in attendance at the IGI media debates and rhetoric. being drawn between the cur- be more sensitive and respon- number of visits (25 lakh peo- on Thursday. “clarity and certainty”. for “sustained and coordinated Stadium here. A statement released by Raj rent proposal and E-Com- sive to safety and security con- ple visited government offices The Central Pollution Con- The tribunal said there was action” by ministries of the rel- Launching the ‘SMC App’, Niwas said that the LG had not merce. There is no technology cerns in the proposed system annually for the 40 services trol Board (CPCB) on Thursday “no dearth of laws, guidelines evant states and the Centre. Kejriwal said would help in rejected the proposal of the so far to download pizza and which would be a G2C (Gov- included in the scheme ini- showed air quality index (AQI) and directions in relation to However, the Delhi govern- transforming the environment elected government, but had many other e-commerce ernment-to-Consumer) trans- tially), as under the Doorstep at 380, with a value above 400 prevention and control of pol- ment is unsure which plan to of the education. merely advised to reconsider, products, whereas most of the action,” it further read. Delivery scheme, a few 1,000 considered ‘severe’. lution of the ambient air qual- follow during emergency. “We “This app will help schools, in view of the potential chal- proposed services in the gov- Meanwhile, the Delhi gov- agents will deliver the services Until Tuesday, there was only ity in Delhi. What is required did not get any order from any- parents and students for bet- lenges and had suggested an ernment proposal can be and ernment issued a clarification across Delhi,” said the Delhi one Graded Action Response is the implementation of laws one to which one to follow,” said ter coordination and result- alternate model. are already being delivered against the Raj Niwas state- government in its reply. Plan (GRAP), formulated by and directions.” a Delhi government official. oriented performance. It is certainly going to help SMC functionaries for effective Labourer in delivery and will decrease AIIMS junior doctors paper work and bring efforts Aman Vihar at an ease,” said the CM. Kejriwal further said that await counselling for “upgrading education is the dies after part main priority of my govern- ment and for that we are work- of roof caves in post-graduate courses ing constantly for launching various schemes and policies.” OUR CORRESPONDENT OUR CORRESPONDENT “We have done an experi- The current batch ment towards democratization NEW DELHI: A man died NEW DELHI: With the All of 150 resident of school education system in after a portion of a roof fell on India Institute of Medical Sci- Delhi. Our effort is to make him in Outer Delhi’s Aman ences (AIIMS) here having doctors at AIIMS SMC members realise that they Vihar area on Thursday. missed its deadline for coun- Delhi will run out are owners of the schools and Police said the deceased selling resident doctors who of contract on will contribute their services was identified as Ramgopal, a are to join its various depart- for betterment of quality of laborer who lived with his fam- ments, patients at the premier December 31 education in schools,” he said. ily in Aman Vihar area. institute could suffer as the cur- The Chief Minister stressed The incident was reported rent batch of 150 resident doc- their tenure by December 31. upon the need for effectively around 10.45 am, when tors will run out of contract on Who will be responsible?” implementing the SMC App, Ramgopal was working at an December 31. He added that online coun- adding that decisions of the under construction house. “To make matters worse, selling is a good option, but the SMCs should be made bind- Cops claimed that he was alone the administration not only administration has failed and is ing upon the schools. when the roof collapsed. delayed results for the resident still struggling with their soft- He also said that SMCs People at the spot immedi- doctors who are to join from ware update. should be given some funds to ately called police and the vic- January 1, 2018, but has also The institute should have carry out essential and need- tim was rushed to the hospital, failed to update its software,” made arrangements for coun- based works in schools, apart where he was declared brought said Dr Vijay Gurjar, senior res- selling much earlier, he added. from having the power to fill dead. Police said they are inves- ident, AIIMS. “All graduate doctors are up vacant posts of teachers in tigating the incident. “For the first time in the waiting eagerly to join their the schools on emergent and Meanwhile, in an incident history of AIIMS-Delhi, the departments and this unnec- on hiring basis. in Jamia Nagar, a man with a examination section is not essary delay will be problem- Among other dignitaries at criminal record was found dead able to conduct counseling atic for them, as their whole the launch were Deputy Chief on Wednesday. Cops said that for MD/MS 2017 in time. This life will be disturbed by this. Minister Manish Sisodia, Delhi the victim’s brother claimed he will result in delay in joining of They will not be able to appear Social Welfare Minister, Rajen- was beaten to death. Police are resident doctors, from January in exams and interviews, whose dra Pal Gautam, Delhi Chief investigating the matter. 1, which was the norm every last dates are usually December Secretary Anshu Prakash, Edu- On Wednesday, an incident year,” said Dr Gurjar. 31 or June 30, according to a set cation Secretary Punya S Sriv- was reported from Ranhola, Questioning the adminis- pattern,” Dr Gurjar added. astava and Higher Education where a man was thrashed by tration’s failure, he said, “Now He added that there has not Director Garima Gupta. some drunken men. Police said AIIMS will face acute short- been any notification or com- Zonal coordinators of the victim is in the hospital, age of resident doctors as those munication from the AIIMS SMCs and head of Schools with serious injuries. who have passed will finish administration on the issue yet. were also present at the launch. Air pollution could adversely effect health of newborns, claims study

OUR CORRESPONDENT REPRESENTATIVE babies – a 28 g decrease. “The same inflammatory pathways NEW DELHI: Breathing polluted not only through which air pollution can cause affects lungs, but could cause abnormal- respiratory distress or cardiovascular dis- ity in the fetus, revealed a new study on orders also act on the placenta,” said a doc- the association between air pollution and tor involved in the study. birth defects. He added that placental insufficiency The study, conducted by scientists at can choke nutrition supply to the fetus and Indian Council of Medical Research, found influence birth weight. that pregnant women exposed to persis- Dr SP Byotra of Sir Ganga Ram Hos- tently high air pollution face high risk of pital said, “In urban settings, it is poor giving birth to underweight babies. nal nutrition and health. ventilation, dust, mites, pollens and other It also found that every 10 microgram Doctors assert that the effect of PM2.5 trapped irritants that make the air quality per cubic metre increase in the concen- on birth weight is a curvilinear associa- extremely unhealthy for breathing.” trations of particulate matter below 2.5 tion, meaning it does not always increase “Children, pregnant women, elderly microns (i.e. PM2.5) lowered birth weight at higher and higher concentrations of and people with respiratory condition suf- by four grams. PM2.5. fer most due to it. Good air quality inside The findings of the study underline The study also found each 10 point can be maintained to certain extent by the need to add maternal exposure to PM increase in persistent exposure to PM2.5 proper ventilation, planting indoor plants, 2.5 as a risk factor for low birth weight, concentrations had an even prominent using air purifiers and other dust control alongside traditional ones such as mater- impact on the birth weight of premature methods,” he added. 4 city mp MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 Half of public toilets in Gurugram still non-functional PIYUSH OHRIE While there has been no official stand actively promoting the feat achieved by Tasked with the responsibility of Gurugram is woefully short of toilets. on why most of the toilets are not being the city of being ODF, its residents do not setting up public toilets, the Municipal “Even in areas like MG Road that is well GURUGRAM: On October 2, the Haryana opened for public, sources indicated that seem to be quite impressed by the claims. Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) known for its malls, offices and residential government had declared Gurugram as there has been no proper budget allocation Ever since the announcement has continues to face the challenge of not societies, there are certain areas where one of the few cities of India that was free for the maintenance of the toilets. been made, residents of the Millennium getting land across different sectors in the the stench caused due to lack of public from open defecation. For a city that is preparing to improve City have taken to social media and have city. toilets is completely unbearable. Further, Realities on the ground, however, tell its rankings as far as cleanliness is been lambasting the state agencies of not With MCG not getting land in the the levels of maintenance and cleanliness a different story. concerned, people can still be viewed knowing the ground situation. densely populated areas of the city, it in most of the public toilets continue to be Over hundred toilets were set up by relieving themselves in posh localities of While there have been large numbers is mostly opening public toilets near in an abysmal state,” said Rahul Kapoor, a the Gurugram civic body, but most of it MG road and Golf Course road. of portable toilets that have been built, it the surrounding villages that is not city resident. are now locked and out of reach for public. There have also been complaints has not proved to be enough for the high been frequented on a large numbers by “The major problem for lack of public Interestingly as it is, those public toilets that lack of toilets is resulting in most of number of migrant population present passerby’s. toilets is faced by women. It’s unfortunate are not in the far flung areas but in the labourers openly defecating in vacant areas in the city. Meanwhile, not only in the sectors but that even as there have been certain toilets densely populated and posh localities of especially in Sectors 37, 46, 39, 45, where The stench in the streets of Gurugram also in posh public areas like MG road and that have built by residential and market the city. lot of construction activities are taking is not expected to end soon as shortage Golf Course road, lack of public toilets societies in city, no attention has been paid Some of these areas are MG road, Civil place. of public toilets continues to be a major continues to be a major problem in the city. towards building women toilets,” added PIC/MPOST Lines, Sector -15 and Gurugram bus stand. While public agencies have been challenge in the city. There is no denying the fact that Kapoor. This new year ambulance or bicycle Cop arrested for 10-inch gap appears in accepting bribe may be used to ferry liquor in city OUR CORRESPONDENT ABHAY SINGH 33 Excise Act in the year 2017 and seized more than 3000 liters NEW DELHI: The Central flyover NEW DELHI: It can be a self- of illicit liquors. Led by Kul- Bureau of Investigation (CBI) made ambulance, high-end cars deep Singh (SHO) the police has arrested a Sub Inspector of ZAFAR ABBAS or bicycle which might be used team had arrested 40 persons in Delhi Police, posted at Krishna for the supply of illicit liquor in this regard. According to police Nagar police station, Delhi for NEW DELHI: It’s always the Capital for the upcoming sources before New Year the demanding and accepting a scary to be on a flyover that New Year as the Delhi Police demand for the liquor increased bribe of Rs 1.2 lakh from the has developed a huge gap of prepared themselves to bust dif- which gave chance to criminals complainant. approximately 10 inches which ferent modus operandi of illicit to earn the profit so they used A case has been registered can allow motorists to have a liquor supply. different techniques. They used under Section 7 of PC Act, look beneath the flyover clearly Starting from Sangam Vihar the time when fog is there and 1988 by the agency against the while riding their vehicles. area, the area had witnessed also the carrier of the illegal accused. The motorists on the Lajpat more than 50 cases of illicit liquor changed, the liquor is It was alleged that the Nagar flyover connecting Ash- liquor paddling and most of been hide in the vegetable truck. sub Inspector had initially ram and Moolchand in South them solved with more than Police also suspect that the demanded a bribe of Rs 5 lakh felt the same when 5,877 liters illicit liquor being accused can supply it through from the complainant in lieu they came across a huge wide seized. Police sources told The self-made ambulance to dodge of not implicating him in some gap on the flyover. Millennium Post that differ- made liquor in the area. “There police. Sometimes from liquor false extortion case. After nego- The huge gap made move- ent type of modus operandi were several complaints of fight godown, people stole liquor and tiation with the complainant, ment risky for motorists, forc- has been used - one being or other violence among the sell it in the market the police officer allegedly set- ing Delhi Traffic Police to take The carriageway from Moolchand to will remain closed from January 15 to 28 PIC/MPOST used of social media platform family due to liquor consump- The police personnel of tled for a bribe of Rs 2 lakh. The preventive measures and divert like WhatsApp which came to tion, we curbed the supply of Fatehpur Beri arrested 26 per- Sub Inspector had also alleg- traffic, especially two-wheel- are always scary as you can action and has said it is going to closed from 15 January to 28 light after the arrest of a man liquor now the complain had sons who were involved in edly pressurised the complain- ers. Normally, every flyover has see through,” said Neeraj, a take up the repair works. for the repairs. in October. He had disturbed decreased,” said a senior police the sale of liquor and regis- ant to withdraw his complaint such joints between two girders commuter. Delhi Traffic Police DCP As one of the carriage- his phone number in the area official. The police officer sus- tered 20 cases under 33 Excise in Delhi Police. supported by pillars. The news of the gap com- Vijay Singh said, “The PWD is ways of the flyover will remain and was giving home delivery pects that in upcoming New Act. Deputy Commissioner of CBI laid a trap and caught In summers, these girders pelled Delhi Traffic Police to undertaking the work of reha- closed, the traffic bound to go of liquor. In another case, two Year the illegal liquor supplier Police (South) Romil Baaniya the Sub Inspector red handed expand while during winters suggest commuters specially bilitation of Lajpat Nagar Fly- over the Lajpat Nagar flyover law students were arrested. They will be using high-end cars. stated that they coordinate with while accepting a bribe of Rs they shrink. So, this seems to the two wheelers to avoid the over from January 1. In the first towards Ashram will have to used to sell the foreign made They can also use the bicycle other States police station and 1,20,000 from the complain- be a case of shrinking of gird- route. “There is gap in joints on phase, one carriageway from take the adjoining road at the costly liquor in high ends car. for supplying the liquor and also heightened the security ant on Thursday. Searches are ers which the Public Works Lajpat Nagar Flyover from Ash- Ashram Chowk to Moolchand ground level.” They claimed that they used tried to dodge police investiga- at bordering areas to curb the being conducted on Thursday Department says will fix soon. ram to Moolchand, two wheel- will remain closed from Janu- This is not the first time the to sell in Bar and Pubs which tion. “They can also supply to supply of illicit liquor.’’Illegal at the office and residential “There is a difference ers please avoid this route.” ary 1 to 14 January. gap on the flyover appeared, in is been investigated by police. the consumer through by foot,” liquor supplier can use differ- premises of the accused. The between a crack and a gap, tweeted the Traffic police. In the second phase, the January, earlier this year too The team of Sangam Vihar said a police official. ent vehicles for the supply we arrested accused will be pro- while cracks are hardly not- Meanwhile, after the news carriageway from Moolchand a gap was reported from this led by SHO Upendra Singh had Another police station Neb conduct random checkings,” duced in a designated court, icable but the gaps this huge spread the PWD swung into to Ashram Chowk will remain flyover. also curbed the sale of Indian Sarai worked out 38 cases under said the DCP. Delhi on Friday. NR to run special trains CYBER COPS ON THE JOB Sub-Inspector shoots Doctor’s fake FB a/c traced to K’taka between Delhi–Katra OUR CORRESPONDENT involvement in organ trade. self to death in barrack This is not for the first time OUR CORRESPONDENT the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi GURUGRAM: The initial when the trails of brazen cyber OUR CORRESPONDENT investigating the case. Kumar Earlier in October this year, Katra-Delhi Express Special investigation by cyber team of crimes have been found outside was immediately rushed to a a 29-year- Police NEW DELHI: Like every Train (04432) will depart from Gurugram police in the alleged the city. Recently, the district NEW DELHI: In yet another hospital where he was declared constable allegedly commit- year, Northern Railways on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra fake Facebook account created police arrested a - incident of a Delhi Policeman brought dead. He was an Assis- ted suicide by shooting him- Thursday announced extra at 07.30 pm on Monday, i.e. in name of a senior doctor was based banker for stealing Rs killing self, a 50-year-old police tant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and self dead with his service pistol trains for the convenience of January 1, 2018 to reach Delhi not from the city but in Kar- 91 lakhs from Mobikwick. The officer allegedly committed sui- posted in South Rohini police inside the barracks at central its passengers and to clear extra at 09.25 am the next day (one nataka. Sources indicated that rising incidents have resulted in cide inside a police station in station. Delhi’s Daryaganj police sta- rush of passengers during the trip). soon a police team will be dis- the team of crime branch and Delhi’s Rohini district late night Deputy Commissioner tion. He was identified as Amit current winter season. Consisting of one Air- patched to the state for further cyber crime branch to increase on Wednesday. of Police (Rohini) Rajneesh Khokhar. Among the two newly Conditioned (AC) two tier- probe in the matter. and his recent photograph also its vigil. The victim has been identi- Gupta said the incident came Also, in November last launched trains will be the cum-AC three Tier, 16 sleeper On Tuesday, a senior doc- it had the name of the hospital The teams of Gurugram fied as Ramesh Kumar, who is to light when Kumar’s body month, a 52-year-old Delhi Delhi–Mata Vaishno Devi class and two second class tor working at a private hos- where he is working along with police have got in touch with said to have shot himself with was found on Thursday morn- Police officer committed sui- Katra Express Special Train cum luggage van coaches, pital in Gurugram alleged that the contact detail for the peo- the employees with banks, res- his service pistol issued to him. ing. “It seems he shot himself cide by jumping in front of the (04431). the 04431/04432 Delhi-Mata fake Facebook account was cre- ple interested in the offer. The taurants, petrol pumps and call Though no suicide note was dead with his pistol in the bar- metro. The police did recover The 04431 special will Vaishno Devi Katra-Delhi ated under his name. Through complaint comes at the back- centres to prevent leak of vital found from his possession cops rack of the police station. Our a suicide note from his pos- depart from Delhi at 09.10 pm Express Special Train will this medium the people were drop of events where various customer information that can suspected family issues could team is conducting an inquiry session, which said he ended on Saturday, i.e. December 30, stop at Ambala Cantonment, encouraged to sell their kid- citizens have raised suspicion be exploited by the criminals. be one of the reasons for his into it,” said Rajneesh Gupta. his life because of illness. ASI and arrive at Shri Mata Vaishno Ludhiana, Pathankot ney at 4.5 lakh US dollars that on the integrity of doctors in Thefts through credit/debit card extreme step. However, only Ramesh was a native of Bihar Barla, a resident of Uttam Devi Katra at 11.30 am the next Cantonment, Jammu Tawi and are approximately Rs 2.9 crore. the city. In the past also there and data thefts are the highest investigation would tell the and lived with his family at the Nagar’s Om Vihar, jumped in day (one trip). Udhampur stations en route Not only did the fake have allegations made against number of complaints in the exact reason, a police officer Police Colony in Narela. front of the train metro station. In the return direction, both the directions. account have the doctor’s name senior doctors in NCR for their category of cyber crimes. ST STEPHEN’S HOSPITAL MURDER Property dealer Accused might be in Cab burglaries grew more shot dead in Gzb OUR CORRESPONDENT remote areas: Cops than 50% this year in Ggn GHAZIABAD: A 45-year- old property dealer was PIYUSH OHRIE OUR CORRESPONDENT also increased our patrolling commuters within the city, the found shot dead in his car in in areas where these cabs ply.” cabs are preferred for commut- Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad on GURUGRAM: The murder Even as there is a strict ing to , Noida and Thursday. NEW DELHI: It’s been more of a 27-year-old executive and law against the illegal vehi- Delhi. The deceased has been than two months that the sexual assault of a 19-year-old cles movement in the city lack Last year more than twenty identified as Farookh, a resi- 26-year-old Radiology intern woman professional from the of effective public transpor- thousand auto went- off the dent of Nahal village. Dr Sashwat Pandey was killed cab who were boarded from tation system has resulted in city roads after a massive Police said Farookh got a inside the St Stephen’s Hos- Gurugram highlighted the most of the commuters being crack down on the Gurugram call and left his office which pital of the city. Now, police dangers of crime in the cab. dependent on these modes of Police on the autos operating is right next to the house on suspected that the main sus- With 130 registered cases transportation. without legal permits. Later Wednesday. pect behind the murder, who there has been over 50 per Further, many of these after negotiations the services The police succeeded in is still untraceable, could be in cent increase in the burglar- modes of public transporta- resumed. tracking his WagonR car which a remote area of the country. ies in shared cab this year in tion provide much reasonable The Gurugram Police also was found parking on the ser- Police sources told The Mil- Gurugram as compared to the rate to commute as compared claims that strict action is vice road of Upper Ganges lennium Post that the suspect, previous year which was 68. to other means of also being taken on the illegal canal near Chitora Bridge. also a doctor himself and was In November, the Gurugram transportation. cabs. If caught these vehicles The body was found on the also known to the deceased, has make any contact with his fam- police had also arrested a gang A large number of these they have to pay a fine Rs. 2000 front seat and his spectacles not been made any transaction ily members after the incident. leader who not only stole valu- vehicles can be seen moving as per law, however, there are some 10 metres away from the and also had not been active on Several rounds of questioning ables but even raped the female in areas along National High- reports of most of the driv- car, added police sources. any social platform. Police sus- had been done from relatives victim. way-8, Manesar, Gurugram- ers also getting away by pay- “On the basis of the family’s pected that he could be some- to his friends but the suspect Speaking on the issue of Faridabad road, Golf course ing a bribe of Rs. 100-300 to statement, his phone calls are where in a remote area where did not make any clue. When rising crimes in shared cab, a road and MG road. the Police official. Most of cabs being screened and the body he is probably continuing his asked about the development Gurugram police official said, While the autos is still the provide transportation services was sent for postmortem,” doctoral practice and another in the case Deputy Commis- “On most accounts we are able most popular form of pub- in city MNC’s, BPO’s and even said Senior Superintendent of possibility is he might have sioner of Police (north) Jatin to catch the criminals. We have lic transport for movement of individual owners. Police HN Singh. changed his look as a beggar. Narwal stated that they are tak- Sources further disclosed ing every step carefully to nab that more than 15 members the accused. ‘’Our top priority of police team have been raid- is to solve the case and arrest Two injured in separate firing incidents ing different places across the the accused,” said the DCP. country including Rajasthan, The incident was reported Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, in October 11. Pandey was NEW DELHI: Two incidents Janakpuri police station that at the spot. Investigation of the personal enmity could be the Bihar, Odisha and Madhya found attacked with the blunt of shot firing were reported near Surajmal college a person case is in progress and it is sus- reason by the incident,” said Pradesh. These are the places object. “The suspect came to from Capital on Thursday was injured due to a gunshot pected that there is some per- police. he has friends or family in or the hospital in a car which was injuring two persons, police wound on right thigh and his sonal rivalry,” police said. Another incident of firing has studied. found by police in Anand Vihar said. Police said the first inci- bike was found at the spot. A In another incident, a was also reported from Sagar- “Our team is still raiding area, we are investigating where dent was reported from Janak- case was registered on his state- 21-years-old, identified as pur area of South in different states and we will he might have fled as his car puri area and the victim was ment at PS Janakpuri and the Nitin, was shot at thigh alleg- where some persons fired in arrest him soon,” said a police was found at the place from identified as Priyanshu (23). investigation was carried out. edly by three persons in his the air to threaten a person. source. where both railway and bus A PCR call at 11:32 pm was “During Investigation, two house. “We have not found any Police claimed that property The suspect also did not stand is close by,” police said. received on December 27 at empty cartridges were found robbery angle, it seems some dispute could be the reason. 5 MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 mp nation RS members ask Govt to take PM appeals for consensus steps to deal with pollution on triple talaq Bill OUR CORRESPONDENT OUR CORRESPONDENT levels are low. Derek O Brien (TMC) said NEW DELHI: Prime Minis- NEW DELHI: Cutting across a large number of lives have ter Narendra Modi on Thurs- the party lines, Rajya Sabha been lost due to pollution and day called for passage of the members on Thursday sought suggested that the government bill making instant triple talaq concerted efforts by the gov- should also look at other met- a punishable offence by con- ernment to deal with rising ropolitans and small town to sensus, Parliamentary Affairs pollution levels in Delhi and deal with the problem there. Minister Ananth Kumar said. its adjoining areas. He also suggested that the Briefing reporters after The members also asked governemnt can ask people to the weekly BJP Parliamentary the government to refrain from plant one sampling on the birth Party meeting, he said Modi putting the blame on farmers of every girld child as practiced wants the ‘Muslim women for causing pollution by burn- in West Bengal where 15 lakh Protection of Rights on Mar- ing stubble or husk after har- samplings have been planted. riage’ Bill, which seeks to pro- vest and suggested steps to help Prasanna Acharya vide gender justice, respect and the Lok Sabha, the government the use of the app by BJP law- the farmers for proper dispos- ((BJD) and Harivansh (JDU) security to Muslim women, to will try and build concord on makers, many of them are still als of this agriculture residue. expressed the similar views and be passed by consensus. the issue in the Upper House. not active on it. Modi lamented Initiating a short duration Opposition members protesting inside the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi on Wednesday during the ongoing asked government to take steps The bill was taken up by the He said the process, in fact, has that his posts often do not elicit discussion on the issue, SP Winter session of Parliament PTI to deal with the issues rather Lok Sabha on Thursday. already begun. response from MPs. leader Naresh Agarwal said, than blamming farmers. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Sources in the government Union minister Jitendra “farmers are blamed for caus- tions to states or departments. expressed dissatisfaction over buses and metro rail to reduce C P Narayanan (CPI-M) Prasad briefed BJP members earlier said Prasad was in touch Singh explained to the MPs a ing pollution by burning stub- He expressed unhappiness government’s 12 point char- dependence on fossil fuels said people of Delhi were suf- on different aspects and provi- with leaders of the TMC, the new feature in the NaMo app ble/husk. The government over non-spending of Rs 800 ter to deal with the issue say- which caused pollution. fering from pollution due to sions of the draft law. BJD and some other parties to which allows users to have a should take steps to deal with crore cess collected in the name ing he wanted to understand He was also of the view that lack of coordination among Kumar said today was seek their help for the passage direct interface with the prime the situation rather than blam- of enviroment by Delhi Gov- the 12 points charter. He drew the state governments of Uttar the Centre, state governments a “historic day” as the bill, a of the bill. minister. ing farmers because vehicle/ ernment, which was not spent attention towards solid waste Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and and local government. He also major reform initiative of the The prime minister also After the meeting, the MPs industrial emissions and oth- to deal with the issue, as it said management saying garbage Rajasthan should take steps to spoke about the need to educate Modi government, was intro- asked the BJP MPs to use his were asked to take part in an ers area also the reasons for it.” it does not have right to spend is being dumped in improper deal with stubble burning after people on waste management. duced in Parliament. official mobile phone applica- exercise to understand vari- Referring to the 12-point the money. Agarwal said the manner. harvest. A Navaneethakrish- Veer Singh (BSP) suggested Responding to a question tion to interact with him. ous features of the app. Modi charter unveiled by the gov- government should not refrain Referring to the govern- nan (AIADMK) also echoed that industrial units should be about whether there would be They can give their sugges- also greeted Finance Minister ernment to deal with the issue, from taking steps to curb pol- ment’s plan to use electric similar views and asked the shifted from the national capi- consensus on the legislation tions and views on a host of Arun Jaitley on his birthday by Agarwal said that pollution will lution because of fear of media cars for officials, he said there chair to consider conducting tal and action should be taken in the Rajya Sabha where the issues on the app, he said. garlanding him, offering him not come down just because the criticism. was a need for electric pub- Parliament session in winters against big farmers for burning opposition has an upper hand, A party leader said despite sweets and gifting a shawl at the government would give direc- T S Reddy (Congress) also lic transport system including in where pollution crop residues. Kumar said after its passage by the prime minister pushing for meeting, Kumar said. Drop in recruitments in 2016-17 Regulator pulls up HUL, Dabur, Uber, others for misleading ads OUR CORRESPONDENT personal care, eight to the food Purandare said, “The visual of and beverages category and 24 the celebrity (Akshay Kumar) against 2015-16: Govt in RS NEW DELHI: The Advertis- from other categories. when seen in conjunction with ing Standards Council of India The CCC found that the the claims are likely to mislead OUR CORRESPONDENT more, were recommended by these recruitment (ASCI), the self-regulatory claims of Hindustan Uni- consumers regarding the prod- agencies during 2015-16, according to the min- organisation of advertisers in lever Ltd (HUL) for its lever uct efficacy and contravened NEW DELHI: There was a decrease in job ister’s reply. the country, has upheld com- ayush soap saying ‘based on ASCI’s guidelines for celebri- recruitments done by UPSC, SSC and by Railway Of these candidates, the UPSC recom- plaints against 200 misleading 5,000-year-old ayurved scrip- ties in advertising.” Recruitment Board in 2016-17 as against that mended 6,866, SSC finalised 25,138 and RRB/ advertisements in October, tures with 15 ayurvedic herbs’ Similarly, Dabur India was in 2015-16, the government said on Thursday. RRCs recommended 79,803 candidates, he said. including those of HUL, besides other claims were inad- pulled up for its advertisement A total of 1,00,933 candidates were recom- A total of 1,13,524 people were selected by Dabur India, Uber India, Hin- equately substantiated and are of Dabur lal tel which claimed mended for government jobs in 2016-17, accord- these organisations-- 8,272 by the UPSC, 58,066 dustan Petroleum and Usha misleading. ‘Dugni tezi se sharirik vikas’. ing to a written reply by Minister of State for by SSC and 47,186 by RRB/RRCs-- in 2014-15, International. Furthermore, the ASCI said “The claim was valid for Personnel Jitendra Singh in the Rajya Sabha. the minister said. The Customer Complaints that HUL did not submit any babies up to six months of age Of them, 5,735 were through the Union Pub- These figures do not include recruitments Council (CCC) of Advertis- evidence that the celebrity is and there was a discrepancy in government must act against India’s advertisement claim lic Service Commission (UPSC), 68,880 through made by the state governments, banks, other ing Standards Council of India in agreement with the claims the ad as it showed the baby companies using misleading which said ‘save Rs 500 on Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and 26,318 financial institutions, universities, central public (ASCI) received 319 com- being made in the advertise- getting up and walking towards advertisement to promote their your next 10 Uber rides and through RRB or Railway Recruitment Cells sector enterprises, statutory/ autonomous bodies plaints during the month. It ment in general. the mother indicating the age products as it’s a breach of the ride Uber and the discount will (RRCs), he said. and directly by the ministries/departments with- upheld 82 in healthcare cat- Citing the findings, ASCI to be more than six months,” trust. auto apply’, were found mis- A total of 1,11,807 candidates, or 10,874 out going through the UPSC/SSC, Singh said. egory, 75 in education, 11 in general secretary Shweta Purandare said, adding that the Cab service provided Uber leading by the ASCI. Pakistan violates ceasefire Triple Talaq: Naqvi Day after CBI programmer held in ticket twice in J&K’s Poonch district says Cong failure made scam, orders stronger cyber-security OUR CORRESPONDENT CORRESPONDENT indicated that Garg, a 35-year- old software engineer had JAMMU: Pakistani troops Muslim women suffer NEW DELHI: Railway Minis- joined the agency in 2012 on Thursday violated cease- ter Piyush Goyal has directed through a selection process and fire twice in Poonch district of OUR CORRESPONDENT the IRCTC and the Centre has been working as an assis- Jammu and Kashmir as they for Railway Information Sys- tant programmer. He appar- resorted to unprovoked and NEW DELHI: Union minis- tems (CRIS) to strengthen ently learnt the vulnerabilities indiscriminate firing from ter Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on cyber security in the wake of the IRCTC ticketing soft- across the border, targeting Thursday slammed the Con- of an alleged ticketing scam ware during his tenure there forward posts and villages, an gress for not passing a bill unearthed by the CBI. IRCTC employee and presently between 2007 and 2011. official said. during its rule to criminalise The CBI earlier this week working with the CBI, was The CBI has carried out The Indian troops guarding instant triple talaq, saying Mus- nabbed a software program- the kingpin of this entire net- searches at 14 locations in the Line of Control (LoC) retal- lim women have been strug- mer of its anti-corruption divi- work which involved numer- Delhi, Mumbai and Jaunpur iated the firing but there was no gling for their rights due to the sion, who was also an employee ous other persons,” the railway during which it recovered Rs immediate report of any casu- party’s failure. of the Indian Railway Cater- ministry said in a statement. 89.42 lakh in cash, gold jew- alty, the official said. Naqvi’s remarks against the Prasad introduced the bill in ing and Tourism Corporation The statement also said ellery valued at Rs 61.29 lakh He said the small arms fir- Congress came as the BJP-led the Lok Sabha amid opposition formerly, for allegedly operat- that the railways already has which include two gold bars ing from Pakistani side was their troops opened fire on an and the International Border central government on Thurs- to it by members of several par- ing an illicit software that sub- an ongoing drive against ticket- of one kilogram each, 15 lap- reported for nearly three hours Indian Army patrol, killing a (IB), resulting in the death of day introduced a legislation in ties, including RJD, AIMIM, verted the railways reservation less travellers and such illegal tops, 15 hard discs, 52 mobile in the morning in three villages Major and three soldiers in 34 people. the Lok Sabha to make instant BJD and All India Muslim system. ticket booking, which creates phones, 24 SIM cards, 10 note- of Digwar sector, causing panic Keri sector of Rajouri district According to officials, Pak- triple talaq illegal and void. The League. Officials told media here artificial shortages of tickets. books, six routers, four dongles among the border residents. on December 23. istan has violated the ceasefire bill also seeks to award a three- Outside Parliament, Prasad yesterday that the manipulated “Minister of Railways Piy- and 19 pen drives, Dayal said. The firing from across the On December 24, Paki- along the LoC in Jammu and year jail term to the husband. said: “It is a historic day. system allowed agents to book ush Goyal has now further Through the software, Garg border again started this eve- stani troops had also targeted Kashmir 771 times till Decem- Naqvi dubbed the introduc- The bill has been intro- hundreds of tatkal tickets at a ordered to continue this drive was allegedly able to keep the ning at Khari Karmara sector in forward posts and villages in ber 10, and 110 times along the tion of Muslim Women (Pro- duced in the Lok Sabha to single click of the mouse. and identify similar cases statements of tickets booked Poonch and the exchange of fir- Shahpur sector of Poonch dis- IB till November-end. tection of Rights on Marriage) address sufferings of women The CBI arrested its assis- which are causing inconve- by the agents and charged them ing between the two sides was trict for nearly four hours but In these incidents of firing Bill a “historic day in Parlia- due to triple talaq. It will be dis- tant programmer Ajay Garg nience to genuine passengers,” on per ticket basis, in addition continuing when last reports there was no report of any casu- from across the border, 30 peo- ment.” “The bill should have cussed in the House and what- and his front man Anil Gupta the statement said. to the cost of the software. were received, he said. alty. The Indian troops also ple -- 14 Army personnel, 12 been passed long ago. Muslim ever I have to say about it, I will for developing and distribut- Money from the travel He was kept under surveil- The nearby Rajouri district killed three Pakistani soldiers civilians and four BSF person- women have been struggling say in the House.” ing the software to agents for agents who booked tickets lance before being arrested witnessed heavy exchange of and injured another in retal- nel -- were killed. for their constitutional rights Home Minister Rajnath a price, CBI spokesperson using the system was collected after a late night operation by firing between Indian and Pak- iatory action at Rukh Chakri The truce between India for decades,” he told reporters Singh said it depends on the Abhishek Dayal said. through bitcoins and hawala the agency on December 26. istani army after the latter ini- sector in Rawlakot on Decem- and Pakistan along the Inter- outside Parliament. House to pass the bill. “Because “Information was received channels to avoid scrutiny, While Garg was arrested tiated the firing in Noushera ber 25. national Border, the Line of He said the Congress, the bill is being discussed in the about running of illegal oper- the officials said, adding 10 here, Gupta was held from sector. Jammu and Kashmir wit- Control and the Actual Ground which was in power for most of House, I would not like to say ations to book tatkal tickets agents -- seven from Jaunpur Jaunpur. The latest violation of the nessed a total of 881 ceasefire Position Line in Jammu and the past decades, could not pass anything on it. Once the dis- of Indian Railways in illegal and three from Mumbai --have Both have been sent to ceasefire agreement from Pak- violations this year, highest in Kashmir came into force in the bill for “various reasons”. cussion is over, I will answer all manner. After swift enquiry, it been identified so far. five days of CBI custody, the istan comes a few days after past seven years, along the LoC November 2003. Law Minister Ravi Shankar your questions,” he said. was found that Ajay Garg, ex- The CBI probe so far has spokesperson added. Jharkhand Govt completes 3 yrs in office; Engaged with China on issue of Kailash CM lists achievements, challenges Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La: Govt OUR CORRESPONDENT period, he said and promised resolve)’ programme of the to create 50,000 more jobs by Centre over the next five years. OUR CORRESPONDENT was not undertaken in 2017 : As BJP government next June. Launching Jharkhand’s own after the Chinese government completed three years in office “Our government is work- brand of honey, ‘Jhar Madhu’, NEW DELHI: The govern- cited unfavourable conditions on Thursday, Chief Minister ing with a mission and a vision. Das said the state would export ment is engaged with China on to ensure the safe and smooth Raghubar Das patted him- I believe in taking everyone it to countries with colder cli- the issue of the Kailash Man- conduct of the yatra on this self for “achievements” during along. I have taken opposi- mates, where the demand is sarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route,” Singh said. the period, but also set eyes tion parties along irrespective high for the product. route which was not under- “The government of India on challenges confronting the of their ideologies as they too Around 25,000 people have taken this year in the aftermath is engaged with the Chinese resource-rich state, the major have made contributions in been trained in beekeeping and of the military face-off between government on this matter. being unemployment. taking the state forward,” the honey production in the rural India and China. The EAM also raised the issue Das said his government chief minister told a press meet. areas, the chief minister said, The issue was also raised with Chinese foreign minis- has strengthened the rural He said his government has the people...a strong founda- adding that those who could by External Affairs Minister ter during his visit to India en economy and provided jobs to made all efforts in the last three tion has been laid in these three not afford college education Sushma Swaraj with her Chi- early December 2017,” he also more than one lakh people in years to meet the expectations years,” Das said. would get employment in nese counterpart Wang Yi dur- said. the past three year but, accord- of the people. The chief minister also honey-making now. ing a meeting here a fortnight The Doklam standoff began ing to him, unemployment still “In these three years, efforts said the state has been observ- “We are here to do some- ago, Minister of State for Exter- on June 16 after the Indian remains a challenge. were made to solve the prob- ing 2017-18 as ‘Garib Kalyan thing for the poor...Our cabinet, nal Affairs V K Singh said in a troops intervened and stopped row corridor connecting India through the Nathu La pass, The state government has lems the state has been facing Varsh’ (year for the welfare senior officials and employees written reply to a question in the Chinese Army from build- with its north-eastern states. demanding that India with- given jobs to more than one due to political instability since of the poor) and thereafter it are working as a team...Peo- the Rajya Sabha. ing a road in the area claimed In the backdrop of the face- draw its troops from Doklam. lakh people, 95 per cent of its creation in 2000. We strived would implement the ‘Sankalp ple are calling us an ‘unstained “The Kailash Manasarovar by Bhutan as it posed a security off, China had stopped Kai- Finally, the two armies “dis- whom are locals, during this hard to meet the aspirations of se Siddhi (attainment through government’,” Das said. Yatra via the Nathu La route risk to Chicken Neck, the nar- lash Mansarovar pilgrimage engaged” on August 28. 6 nation mp MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 Finally, Hegde apologises Mehbooba inducts brother, CORRESPONDENT MLA into J&K cabinet OUR CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI: In a bid to end Protests over Min’s the controversy that erupted JAMMU: Jammu and Kash- over his remarks on the Con- mir Chief Minister Mehbooba stitution and stalled parliamen- remarks continue Mufti on Thursday inducted tary proceedings, Minister of her younger brother, Tassaduq State for Skill Development OUR CORRESPONDENT between the Leader of the Mufti, and Chadoora MLA Anantkumar Hegde on Thurs- House and Leader of the Javaid Mustafa Mir into her day tendered an apology in the NEW DELHI: The Rajya Oppositon was reached. Any- cabinet. Lok Sabha. He said his speech Sabha on Thursday witnessed body outside (the House) com- Governor N N Vohra at a function in Karnataka was two adjournments in the pre- menting on the agreement is administered the oath to the distorted. lunch session as the opposition not good for the House or the legislators at Raj Bhavan. It Mr. Hegde first said that he protested over the controver- system,” Naidu said. was the second expansion of sial remarks by minister Anant The House was adjourned the council of ministers since held the country, the Constitu- Newly inducted minister Tassaduq Mufti, brother of chief minister tion and its architect Dr. B.R. Kumar Hegde, while a BJP briefly in the pre-noon ses- Mehbooba Mufti formed the Ambedkar in high esteem and member pressed for a privilege sion as the main opposition government in the state with Mehbooba Mufti, being greeted by his relatives after the swearing-in there was no question of show- notice against Congress Presi- Congress continued protests the BJP. Tassaduq Mufti, 45, ceremony, at Raj Bhavan in Jammu on Thursday PTI ing disrespect to them. dent Rahul Gandhi for “twist- over Hegde’s remark on sec- previously served as the head “As a citizen, I can’t think of ing” Arun Jaitley’s name. ularism and changing the of Mehbooba Mufti’s griev- The BJP, a coalition part- violating the Constitution,” he Chairman M Venkaiah Constitution. ance cell. He returned to the ner in the ruling alliance in JK Cong chief said. After this, the Congress, Naidu said he would examine The House was adjourned state’s politics after their father the state, welcomed the minor led by Mallikarjun Kharge, the privilege notice by BJP’s again little after noon till 2 pm. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed died expansion of the cabinet. again protested demanding an Bhupender Yadav against Gan- When the House met at 12 in 2016. BJP leader and Deputy taunts BJP apology from Mr. Hegde.` dhi and added that any com- PM, Naidu wanted to take up a A noted cinematographer, Chief Minister Nirmal Singh The Speaker then inter- ment from outside the House Question Hour, but opposition Tassaduq Mufti joined the PDP said the expansion will give JAMMU: JKPCC president vened and told Hegde that REMARKS ON CONSTITUTION on an agreement between the members were again on their at a gathering organised to thrust to the council of min- G A Mir on Thursday ques- there was no question of any- ruling side and the opposition feet noisily protesting Hegde’s commemorate his father Mufti isters. But the Congress party tioned BJP’s silence over one showing disrespect to Dr. ner, which was not correct. secular, they don’t have their was not good. remarks. Naidu berated them Mohammed Sayeed’s first death questioned BJP’s silence over the induction of Tassaduq Ambedkar but, at times, if “If someone is hurt, I have own identity...They don’t know Yesterday after a prolonged saying it was important that anniversary on January 7 this Tassaduq Mufti’s induction. Its Mufti, younger brother of someone says something, his or no hesitation to tender my about their parentage.” impasse, the Rajya Sabha had the questions are taken up and year. On December 22, he was state chief G A Mir said the saf- chief minister Mehbooba her statement sometimes hurt apology,” he said. He also said “we are here to passed two important bills after the opposition members were nominated by the governor as fron party had made dynasty Mufti, in the state cabinet, someone else and for that if On Sunday, Mr. Hegde, change the Constitution and the government and opposi- violating rules. a member of the state legislative rule an issue in its election cam- saying the party which had the person tenders apology, his reportedly said people should we’ll change it.” tion reached an understanding Congress member B K council to fill a vacancy created paigns but it was now “keeping made dynasty rule an issue stature would not get lowered. identify themselves by their Congress leader Rahul on Prime Minister’s Narendra Hariprasad responded that the by the resignation of Vikrama- its eyes closed.” in poll campaigns is “keep- With Ms. Mahajan’s nudge, religion and “those who, Gandhi and Home Minister Modi remarks against his pre- members were only violating ditya Singh, who resigned from The PDP appeared to dis- ing its eyes closed.” Mr. Hegde said his speech was without knowing about their Rajnath Singh were present in decessor Manmohan Singh. rules while a minister was vio- the PDP on October 22. courage any suggestion of dif- “It is easy to deliver ser- presented in a distorted man- parental blood, call themselves the House. “A solemn agreement lating the Constitution. He is expected to get the ferences withing the party over mons but when it comes to tourism portfolio. the induction of Tassaduq one’s own house, the BJP “I will work hard for peace, Mufti. Naeem Akhtar, the min- is silent today,” said Mir, ’s interest not compromised progress and prosperity of ister for roads and buildings, the Jammu and Kashmir AIADMK cracks whip against Jammu and Kashmir. My focus said his entry will infuse young Pradesh Congress Com- will infuse life in the tourism blood into the party and the mittee president. “If you on Mahadeyi, says Parrikar sector in J&K,” Tassaduq told government. look at this government, reporters here. Javed Mus- On December 22, when over two dozen relatives OUR CORRESPONDENT Dhinakaran supporters tafa Mir, an MLA from the Tassaduq was nominated as of Mehbooba are directly Chadoora Assembly constitu- a member of the state legisla- and indirectly running the PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister CHENNAI: The rulingerful decision making General bypoll defeat, the ruling ency, is a two-time minister. tive council, then minister of affairs,” Mir told reporters Manohar Parrikar on Thurs- AIADMK on Thursday contin- Council and covering the AIADMK on December 25 He was a minister of state state for Haj and Auquaf, Syed at a function here. When day said that the state s interests ued to crack the whip against AIADMK units in Madurai, cracked the whip against nine in the Mufti Mohammad Say- Farooq Andrabi, had resigned asked about the induction have not been compromised supporters of rival leader TTV Villupuram, Dharmapuri, party functionaries. eed government in 2002 and from the council of ministers, of Tassaduq into the state due to his letter to Karnataka Dhinakaran post its RK Nagar Tiruchirappalli and Peram- The two leaders had then a cabinet minister under him citing “personal reasons”. cabinet, Mir said he had BJP on the Mahadeyi water dis- bypoll defeat, expelling 44 of balur among others. sacked four of Dhinakaran’s in 2015. Mir, however, was Andrabi had submitted his nothing personal against pute. “The letter is very much them and relieving two others They were being “removed” aides as district secretaries, dropped from the council of resignation to his niece Meh- him but “those who spoke within the legal framework from party posts. since they went against the while expelling five others. ministers when Mehbooba booba Mufti and it was for- against dynasty rule, why and there is no compromise AIADMK coordinator party’s principles and brought In a jolt to the ruling camp, Mufti took over as chief min- warded to the governor, who are they silent today.” MPOST on the interest of the state,” Par- gress party. he said that he O Panneerselvam and co- “disrepute” to the AIADMK, Dhinakaran had won the ister in April 2016. accepted it. rikar said while responding to “does not trust those people coordinator K Palaniswami the two leaders said in the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll a question. who are currently governing announced “removing” 44 statement. against its candidate E Madhu- “Being in the field of poli- Karnataka.” Parrikar said that functionaries from the party’s “Party workers are sudhanan by a thumping mar- Maoist commits tics, you are bound to take deci- the Congress party in Goa had primary membership. requested not to have any truck gin of 40,000 votes. NATION BRIEFS sions but we will not decide on compromised on the issue of Those who faced the action with them,” Palaniswami, also The bypoll, necessitated due suicide in district anything that would compro- Mahadeyi water sharing before included R Samy, a former the Chief Minister, and his dep- to the death of late Chief Min- ‘LATHI, SEETI’ PLAN TO STOP PEOPLE mise the interest of the state,” the year 2000. MLA from Melur in Madu- uty Panneerselvam, said in the ister J Jayalalithaa who was the police barrack FROM URINATING IN THE OPEN he added. Parrikar said that “I have the papers to prove rai and a staunch supporter of statement. sitting MLA, was seen as a lit- his council of ministers has it and I will do it on the floor of Dhinakaran. Further, Panneerselvam mus test for the 20-month-old MALKANGIRI: A Mao- : In a novel way to stop people from uri- full confidence on him on the the House,” he added. Goa and In a joint statement, Pan- and Palaniswami “relieved” AIADMK government. ist, who was among the 12 nating in the open, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal issue adding that the “state Karnataka have been locked in neerselvam and Palaniswami two others from party posts Dhinakaran, sidelined by arrested by Malakangiri dis- Corporation (GHMC) has asked its workers to “whistle will not fall for any pressure a dispute for over two decades named the functionaries, in Puthukottai and Vellore the ruling camp a few months trict police on Wednesday, and make sound with a stick” to discourage such be- on Mahadeyi issue.” over the diversion of Mahadeyi holding various posts includ- districts. ago, had won as an indepen- allegedly committed suicide at haviour. Under the new method, named “Lathi, Seeti” Taking a jibe at the Con- river water. ing membership to the pow- Stung by the R K Nagar dent candidate. MPOST the district police barrack here on Thursday. (stick, whistle), GHMC workers, on finding someone The Maoist, who hails from urinating in the open, would whistle and tap the lathi Chandraguda village of the dis- on the ground to draw public attention. The GHMC Govt gives Rs 7 lakh to kin of girl who killed herself over NEET trict, had reportedly hanged has already taken up measures like imposing fines and himself inside the latrine of OUR CORRESPONDENT “garlanding” those urinating in public, it said. The civic cheque for Rs 7 lakh to Anitha’s girl based on their educational selling for admissions to MBBS the police barrack, superin- body stated that it has made available 109 pre- father Shanmugam at the Sec- qualification. and BDS courses in the state tendent of police Jagmohan fabricated toilets, 46 Sulabh complexes, 20 community CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu retariat here, an official release 17-year-old Anita, who based on NEET merit list. Meena said. government on Thursday gave said. moved the Supreme Court Daughter of a daily wage When the arrested Maoists toilets for public use. It added that toilets in petrol a financial assistance of Rs 7 He also presented the against the National Entrance- earner, Anitha wanted to were boarding a police vehicle pumps, hotels and restaurants have been made avail- lakh to the family of a Dalit girl appointment order to the vic- cum-Eligibility Test (NEET) become a doctor. She had to travel to the court, where able to citizens. In commerical areas, a toilet has been who allegedly committed sui- tim’s brother Sathish Kumar based medical admissions, scored an impressive 1,176 they were scheduled to be pro- arranged every half kilometre for the convenience of cide over the NEET issue in as junior assistant in state-run allegedly committed suicide at out of 1,200 marks in class XII duced, the man went to the toi- citizens, the release said. September last triggering wide- Tamil Nadu Medical Plant her native village in Ariyalur board examinations. But, in let. Some time later his body spread outrage across the state. Farms and Herbal Medi- district on September 1. NEET she did not fair well and was found hanging in the toi- 2 POLICEMEN, BSF JAWAN KILLED IN The brother of the girl S cine Corporation Limited She was reportedly upset missed out on getting a medi- let, the SP said. An officer of Anitha was provided a state (TAMPCOL). after it became known that the cal seat. opposing NEET and demand- the rank of a deputy superin- SEPARATE ACCIDENTS IN JK government job, as per an The government had ear- state would not be exempted Her death had sparked an ing justice for Anitha. tendent of police of the Human JAMMU: Two policemen and a BSF jawan were killed assurance made earlier. lier announced the compensa- from the ambit of NEET. outrage in the state and pro- Critics of NEET have Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) in two separate accidents in Akhnoor and Samba Chief Minister K tion besides assuring job to a The apex court had asked tests by students and others claimed it would be disadvan- has been asked to probe the areas of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Thursday. MPOST Palaniswami handed over a family member of the deceased the government to start coun- were held for more than a week tageous to state board students. incident. While two policemen were killed when their motor- cycle was hit by a speedy truck in Shah Blode area of Samba district, the BSF jawan here died after a con- Opening of bars along tainer exploded during wielding at a shop in Akhnoor area of Jammu yesterday, a police official said. The highways gets easy deceased policemen were identified as Mohammad Younis and Arvind Kumar. “They were riding on a motorcycle when they were hit by an unidentified truck in Uttarakhand last evening, killing both of them,” the official said. A case has been registered and police is investigating the incident to identify the truck and bring the culprit to book, he added. In a separate incident, a BSF jawan, constable driver Hukuma Ram of 33rd bat- Paschim Banga Society for Skill Development talion, got grievously injured when an empty chemical Government of West Bengal drum exploded during wielding at a shop near Church Department of Technical Education, Sungal Morh in Akhnoor area of Jammu district, police Training and Skill Development said. “The jawan was evacuated to hospital where he Karigori Bhaban, 2nd Floor, B/7, Action Area-III, succumbed to injuries,” the official said, adding that the New town, Rajarhat, Kolkata-700160 police has registered a case and has started investiga- Quality Private Training Providers are requested by the Project Director, OUR CORRESPONDENT tion into the matter. Paschim Banga Society for Skill Development, Karigori Bhaban, 2nd Floor, new ones. The decision will B/7, Action Area-III, New town, Rajarhat, Kolkata-700160 to participate give a boost to revenue genera- ‘WORLD SWEET FESTIVAL’ IN in the process for Empanelment as Training Providers for Implementing DEHRADUN: The Utta- tion by the excise department, Skill Development Training Programs under Utkarsh Bangla, the Flagship rakhand government has state Urban Development TELANGANA NEXT MONTH Skill Development Scheme of the Government of West Bengal. Detailed brought bar licences under the Minister and official spokes- HYDERABAD: Those with a sweet tooth will be head- RFQ documents are available at http://wbtenders.gov.in and can be service sector, paving way for man of the state government downloaded from there from 10:00 am on 29.12.2017. Last date of reopening of a number of res- Madan Kaushik said. ing to Telangana next month where the state govern- submission of proposal is 24.01.2018 up to 5:00 p.m taurants and bars which had The state government ment will be hosting an international sweets festival. Sd/- The World Sweet Festival, featuring over hundreds ICA-2654(5)/2017 Project Director, PBSSI shut shop following a Supreme also decided to effect a sub- Court order banning sale of stantial hike in the penalty of sweet items, will be held from January 13 to 15, a liquor within 500 metres of amount to be charged from senior official said, adding a World Kite Festival will Notice Inviting e-Tender No. 43 of 2017-18 highways. liquor vends for over rating be held simultaneously. “The sweets festival aims at SE/SWC/PWD, Midnapore invites e-tender for the work (1) The decision was taken by and adulteration increasing promoting mutual respect among people belonging the Uttarakhand Cabinet at its it from Rs 5000 to Rs 20,000. Proposed 2(Two) Storied Building (with 3 storied foundation) to various states living in Hyderabad, by showcas- for accommodation of officers of Special Correctional Home meeting chaired by Chief Min- In a respite to industrialists, at Jhargram. Estt. Amt. : Rs. 1,14,35,479.00. (2) Repairing ister Trivendra Singh Rawat it was also decided to reduce ing sweets from 25 states,” the official said. Sweets and Renovation work of old Building and also construction of here yesterday. Shifting bar the VAT on diesel and natural would also be on sale at the event, to be held at the a New Auditorium for District Library at Tamluk. Estt. Amt. : Rs. licences from sales to service gas for industrial consumption Parade Ground at Secunderabad, tourism and culture 1,14,52,120.00. Bid Submission End Date is 20.01.2018 at sector through an amendment from 20 per cent to five per secretary B Venkatesham said in a release. Stalls at 15.00 Hours. Tender ID : 2017_WBPWD_145362_1 & 2. in the Uttar Pradesh Excise cent, Kaushik said. The cabinet the festival will be categorised not according to the Act 1910, which has been in also approved a decision not to Any Corrigendum/Addendum related to this NIT, if published, force in Uttarakhand ever construct an ISBT at a site in state from where they originate but by the kind of will be available in the e-portal only. For details, visit the since its creation, clears the Haldwani where a graveyard sweets being offered. For example, ‘payasam’ made website - http://wbtenders.gov.in Sd/- way for resumption of closed was sighted by locals and shift in Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Assam SE/SWC/PWD down bars along highways in it to a new location which is will be presented at one counter. the state as well as opening of yet to be identified. 7 MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 mp nation

STUBLE BURNING BJP uses lies, Cong stays Environment ministry launches crop residue management project SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE with truth: Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: To combat the climate change impacts, OUR CORRESPONDENT enhancing adaptive capac- Rahul to ity and to counter the adverse NEW DELHI: Congress environmental impacts from president Rahul Gandhi on review HP poll reported stubble burning, Thursday accused the BJP of the environment ministry attacking India’s Constitution performance in approved Rs 100 crore project and using lies for political ben- ‘Climate Resilience Building efits, while asserting that the Shimla today among Farmers through Crop The project’s primary focus is to truth and its defence were piv- Residue Management’ here on otal for his party. OUR CORRESPONDENT Thursday. generate an awareness on capacity Addressing a gathering at Under the National Adapta- building activities which will also a function to mark the Con- NEW DELHI: Congress tion Fund for Climate Change gress’ 133rd Foundation Day, president Rahul Gandhi (NAFCC), the project was encourage farmers to adopt alternate Gandhi hit out at the BJP for will pay a day-long visit to approved at the meeting of the practices that help in diversifying weaving a “web of deceit” and Shimla on Thursday and National Steering Committee said his party would defend will review the party’s per- on Climate Change here with livelihood options the truth even if it suffered or formance in the recently- the initiative of the Secretary lost elections. held Himachal Pradesh in the ministry CK Mishra. The in addition to effective utili- approximately three times the Gandhi, who was assembly election. first phase of the project will sation of existing machiner- approved amount with contri- appointed party president ear- Gandhi will meet party cover Punjab, Haryana, Uttar ies. “Increased mechanization, bution from the states as well lier this month, unfurled the legislators, defeated party Pradesh and Rajasthan. declining number of livestock, as farmers, the government Congress flag at the Congress candidates and district pres- The project’s primery focus long period required for com- feels. During the meeting Sec- headquarters in Akbar Road, idents, and discuss with is to generate the awareness posting and no economically retary, MoEFCC CK Mishra a first for him. Former prime Congress President Rahul Gandhi during a protest against Union minister Anant Kumar Hegde’s remarks on them the reasons for the on capacity building activi- viable alternate use of resi- also added, “Based upon the minister Manmohan Singh Constitution, at Parliament in New Delhi on Thursday PTI defeat. ties which will also encourage dues are some of the reasons performance in the first phase, and senior leaders, including The meeting is slated at farmers to adopt alternate prac- for residues being burnt in the scope could be enhanced Congress Working Committee “Today, it is distressing stitution and every person’s not do well, we might even the Rajiv Bhawan, the par- tices that help in diversify live- field. This not only has impli- and more activities can be sup- (CWC) members, were pres- to see that this document, rights and views,” he said. lose, but we will not give up ty’s headquarters in Shimla. lihood options and enhance cations for global warming, ported subsequently.” ent at the event. the foundation of our coun- The Congress president, the truth, we will defend the He will later address a their income. but also has an adverse impact Projects from Nagaland, Making a reference to try, given to us by the Con- who has been accusing the BJP truth,” Gandhi added. meet of party workers. Moreover, the problem of on air quality, soil health and Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh Union minister Anantkumar gress party, given to us by Mr for spreading lies, spoke of a He also highlighted the The Congress was crop residue burning has been human health,” a government were also approved in the Hegde’s comment on amend- Ambedkar, is under attack. “web of deceit” in the country. Congress’ “glorious” history, defeated by the BJP in the intensifying since last year, statement mentioned. meeting. Despite limited bud- ing the Constitution, but with- “... Statements are being The BJP, he asserted, oper- stating that the party has been hill state where it had been with Punjab, Haryana and “Implementable and sus- getary provision, NAFCC has out naming him, the Congress made by senior members of ates on the basic idea that a working in the interest of the in power for the last five Uttar Pradesh being the major tainable entrepreneurship so far approved 27 innovative president said one of the most the BJP and it is under attack lie can be used for political country for over a century. years. states. Thus, the project under models will be created in rural projects, covering vulnerable important moments in India’s surreptitiously from the back. benefit. The central idea of the The party managed to the environment ministry will areas through upscaling suc- sectors like agriculture, ani- history was the day it got its It is the duty of the Congress “And this is the difference party was truth, he said. “We bag just 21 seats out of 68, introduce a slew of technolog- cessful initiatives and innova- mal husbandry, water, forestry Constitution. And this was party, the duty of every sin- between us and them,” he said. work with the truth, we fight while the BJP won 44 seats. ical interventions for timely tive ideas,” it adds further. among others, since its launch under attack now. gle Indian, to defend the Con- “We might suffer, we might for the truth.” management of crop residue The project will leverage in 2015, the ministry claimed. Army Chief on two-day visit of India should control its border Assam Police identifies Nagaland, Manipur & Assam sensitive areas ahead OUR CORRESPONDENT troops, says Chinese military KOHIMA: Chief of Army K J M VARMA “As far as we know both of NRC release Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat arrived sides have agreed that it is in Dimapur on Thursday on a BEIJING: Highlighting the important to maintain peace two-day official visit to three Doklam standoff as its major stability along India-China TEZPUR (ASSAM): The law and order, he said. North East states - Nagaland, achievement of international border and create favourable Assam Police has identified Asked about ULFA(I) Manipur and Assam, to get cooperation this year, the Chi- conditions for further devel- sensitive areas in the state activities in the state, the DGP first hand information about nese military on Thursday said opment of bilateral relation- ahead of the publication of the admitted that the organisation the security situation in the India should “strictly control” ship, which has provided a first draft of National Regis- is still active some areas. region. its troops and implement bor- good environment and good ter of Citizens (NRC) and said He appealed to ULFA(I) On arrival at Dima- der agreements to maintain momentum for the continued the Army might be called in if chief Paresh Barua to return to pur Airport, Rawat was peace and stability along the enhancement of China and needed. the mainstream and said that appraised of the operations T R Zeliang at his private resi- border. India relationship,” he said. After attending a high-level there will be zero tolerance of Spear Corps along the Line dence in Dimapur, wherein Chinese Defence Spokes- In terms of China and India security meeting of the Unified against terror activities. of Actual Control as well as issues concerning the prevail- man Col Ren Guoqiang said building a road in area claimed should implement the bor- military-to-military relation- Command, Director General Meanwhile, ruling coalition counter insurgency opera- ing security situation in the the highlights of his country’s by Bhutan. The Indian troops der agreements and control its ship, it is important to have Mukesh Sahay said some areas member Asom Gana Parishad tions in Nagaland by General state, facilitating the ongo- international military coopera- intervened to stop the road troops. strategic communication and of a few NRC Sewa Kendras today said it will oppose any Officer Commanding Spear ing peace process as well as tion in 2017 included handling as it posed a security risk to “We hope the Indian side push forward healthy develop- have been found to be sensitive move to grant citizenship to Corps, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan. improving employment gen- ‘hotspot issues’ like Doklam. Chicken Neck, the narrow cor- can earnestly implement the ment of ties between the two and police are making efforts to Hindu Bangladeshis and “do The Spear Corps besides eration opportunities were This year, under the unified ridor connecting India with its relevant agreements reached militaries, Col Ren said. ensure peace in those regions. all” to defeat the proposed Cit- undertaking extensive coun- discussed, Col Konwer said. deployment, the military has north-eastern states. between the two sides on the “We hope Indian side walk “For keeping the situation izenship (Amendment) Bill, ter insurgency operations in Other vital aspects per- “resolutely” safeguarded Chi- The standoff ended on border issue and strictly con- towards the same direction as under control, additional 85 2016 in Parliament. the three North East states is taining to the state were also na’s sovereignty and security August 28 following a mutual trol its border defence troops the Chinese side and both sides companies of central security A massive exercise to also responsible for conduct discussed, the Defence PRO interests, Col Ren told media agreement under which China and do more for the positive can push forward the develop- forces have arrived in the state update the NRC is being car- of operations along the line of said. here. stopped the construction of the development of China-India ment of the relationship and in two batches,” he said. ried out in Assam in line with a actual control in Arunachal Rawat also visited the The Chinese military has road and India withdrew its military-to-military relation- jointly maintain the peace and If necessary, the Army will directive of the Supreme Court, Pradesh, stated a release office of the Inspector Gen- “played its due role in the han- troops. ship,” he said. stability along the China-India also be engaged to avoid any issued in 2005. issued by PRO Defence Col eral of Assam Rifles (North) dling of the hotspot issues such The 3,488-km-long Line of During the border talks, the border which is in the interest untoward incident on Decem- The exercise, however, C Konwer. and was briefed about the as the Sino-Indian confronta- Actual Control between India first since the 73-day-long mil- of both sides,” he said. ber 31 midnight when the started as late as 2015 under the Rawat is being accompa- various activities undertaken tion in the Donglang (Doklam) and China covers from Jammu itary standoff in Doklam, in About a recent incident in NRC draft is released, Sahay Congress regime. It got a major nied by General Officer Com- by the Assam Rifles. area and safeguarded the Chi- and Kashmir to Arunachal Delhi on December 22 between which an Indian drone crashed said after reviewing the security push only after the BJP came manding-in-Chief Eastern The Army Chief then flew na’s rights and interests in the Pradesh. National Security Advisor Ajit on the Chinese side in the Sik- situation in the state. to power with illegal immigra- Command, Lt Gen Abhay to Manipur and after halting South China Sea,” he said in When asked how Chinese Doval and Chinese State Coun- kim sector, Col Ren declined to The Assam Police is also tion from Bangladesh as a poll Krishna. overnight he would move to response to a question. military view its relations with cillor Yang Jiechi, both sides reveal details and whether the keeping a close watch on social plank. The Army chief also called Assam tomorrow, the PRO The Doklam standoff began its Indian counterpart in 2018 stressed the importance of parts of the drone recovered media platforms to check for The apex court had ordered on Nagaland Chief Minister said. on June 16 after the People’s in the backdrop of the Doklam maintaining peace and stabil- by Chinese troops have been inflammatory posts and hate that the first draft of the NRC Liberation Army (PLA) began standoff, Col Ren said India ity along the border, Ren said. handed back to India. PTI comments which could vitiate be published by December 31.

WEST BENGAL TRANSPORT CORPORATION LIMITED India short of nearly 2 lakh Formerly known as The Calcutta Tramways Co. (1978) Limited (A Government of West Bengal Undertaking) 12, R. N. Muklherjee Road, Kolkata -700001 tourist hotel rooms: Officials Dated:28.12.2017 NOTICE INVITING e-TENDER also working on creating five e-Tender is invited from reputed, renowned organization special tourism zones in the country so that these areas for supply of Drivers and Conductors for operating can be developed into tourist buses. hotspots, officials said. The time and date of submission of eligibility, technical The number of FTAs in and financial bid upto 12 noon on 19.01.2018. India during 2017 (January- The Bid Forms and other details can be obtained from November) were 90.01 lakh as compared to 77.83 lakh dur- website: www.wbtender.gov.in ing the same period in 2016 Cost of Tender : Rs.10,000/-. registering a growth of 15.6 Sd/- per cent. Joint Managing Director

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NEW DELHI: India has a shortage of nearly two lakh hotel rooms and it is struggling to manage a surge in tourist arrivals, officials in the tourism ministry said. They said according to a report of the working group on tourism for the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017), for a pro- jected annual growth of 12 per cent in foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs), the projected require- ment of additional hotel rooms in 2016, over 2010, was esti- mated to be 1,90,108. “We are plagued with a huge shortage of hotel rooms and instead of building new ones, we are trying to encour- age homestays and exploring other alternatives like tying up with existing known brands with operational hotels and accrediting them,” said a senior official of the ministry.

The ministry of tourism is ICA-2667(6)/2017 8 editorial mp MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 EDITORIAL Greater strides in defence Anti-trafficking, Amidst border tension, India steps up to be net security pro-humanising provider, pushes defence manufacturing, writes Anjali Ojha eralding a new tomorrow to ensure the safety of all its citizens, the government is scheduled to table an midst tension on anti-trafficking law that lays down stringent pun- both the eastern ishment against those caught in “aggravated forms and western borders, Hof human trafficking” by listing out a sentence that would and continuing ter- imprison the perpetrator between seven to ten years, impos- Aror attacks, India in 2017 took ing an additional fine of not less than Rs one lakh. Further- a step towards playing the role more, for repeat offenders, the sentence could be increased to of the "net security provider" life imprisonment. Taking cognizance of the harsh instances in the region and also pushing of human trafficking that are now rampant in the country, domestic defence manufactur- plaguing women, children and even bonded labourers, the ing in the country. government intends to take legal recognition of this heinous The year also saw India get- crime, where India fairs abysmally on the global map. Human ting its first full-time woman trafficking has been recognised, the world over, as the modern India being Defence Minister in Nirmala form of slavery, with thousands of impoverished, uneducated Sitharaman who, since tak- individuals being deprived of a dignified livelihood. India, car- the largest ing over, has visited a num- rying a raging population sustaining below the poverty line importer of arms ber of installations across the along with a looming crisis of infiltrations across the border, country, including the forward is ripe for the pursuit of illegal transactions of human beings -- accounting areas. The minister also started for varied purposes, including sex trafficking, forced organ for 13 per cent a new norm of meeting the ser- donation, bonded labour, pornography, begging etc. The evil vices chiefs daily and vowed to thrives where crisis awakens, to further the aggravation of our of global arms clear all pending projects under society. The NCRB statistics have shown that since 2015 to imports between consideration of the Defence 2016 there has been a 20 per cent increase in the instances of Acquisition Council (DAC) by human trafficking. Where in 2015 there were 6877 recorded 2012 and 2016 year-end by holding fortnightly cases, in 2016 the official numbers jumped to 8132. How- -- both former meetings. ever, as experts have suggested, this number is only the tip of The year saw India bring in the iceberg, with far more illegal transactions unfolding on Defence Minister a new system to push the pri- Maritime security is at the forefront of India's diplomatic and defence engagements (Representational Image) an everyday basis. The basic tenants of living in our modern Arun Jaitley and vate sector in defence manu- society have been diminished, tarnished by evil brokers who facturing in the country, with compared to 228 by Pakistani in the name of conducting anti- warships had been deployed Assam and Bihar, the Ockhi capitalise upon the misery and deprivation of those who are his successor a chapter on Strategic Partner- forces in 2016. piracy patrols, with an average at various times on anti- cyclone in Kerala and also in accidentally born on the fringes of our society. In 2016, 15,379 Sitharaman have ship being added to the Defence Along the India-China bor- of seven to eight PLAN ships piracy operations till Decem- providing aid to Rohingya refu- victims had been rescued, an appalling tilt towards women Procurement Procedure (DPP) der, while no bullets have been in the region at any given time. ber 17, safely escorting more gees in Bangladesh. with 10,150 of those saved being females who were coerced talked about the in May. fired in 40 years, a 73-day stand- But, in August, for about two than 3,788 ships, including Some progress, though into trade, sexually exploited, misled with ideas of marriage significance of The first contract under off was witnessed at Doklam weeks there were 14 Chinese 405 Indian ships. Till date the small, was made in the inclu- and forced into business they would have otherwise shunned this arrangement, where an in Sikkim over the building of Naval ships in the IOR, which Indian Navy has thwarted 44 sion of women in the armed away from. By formulating a holistic law against human traf- domestic defence Indian private company will a road by the Chinese military has been attributed to the ves- piracy attempts and appre- forces. The three women fighter ficking, the government, for the first time, has taken cogni- manufacturing be selected for tying up with in the area that is claimed by sels heading for an exercise, hended 120 pirates. pilots inducted in the Indian zance of trafficking beyond just sexual exploitation. So forth, and the need for a foreign company to manu- Bhutan. Indian troops stalled and a changeover in anti-piracy Maritime security also Air Force in 2016 continued trafficking and coercion were recognised under different facture certain crucial defence the work citing the disputed sta- patrol duties. remained at the forefront of their second phase of train- ministries such as WCD, home, labour, health and external the country to equipment, is yet to be signed. tus of Doklam and its proximity Maritime security came in India's diplomatic and defence ing and two more women affairs, thereby reducing the administrative efficacy of battling have more local India being the largest to a key artery in the north- the forefront of India's defence engagements with a number of fighter pilots -- Flying Officers this contingent aberration. The recognition of this problem importer of arms -- account- east. The crisis was reportedly and diplomatic negotiations countries, including the US, Shivangi Singh and Pratibha under a unified law will improve the government’s ability to components ing for 13 per cent of global resolved on August 28 after with a number of friendly France, and Singapore which -- were inducted in the force battle human exploitation, which is at the moment on a raging in its military arms imports between 2012 and both the armies retreated from nations, and the trilateral Mal- has offered its Changi Naval this year. Six women officers high. However, simple punishment is not the way out, as rec- 2016 -- both former Defence the point of the face-off. abar naval exercise between base close to South China Sea of the Indian Navy, meanwhile, ognised by the government too. It involves a long procedure equipment Minister Arun Jaitley and his As the two nations were in India, the US and Japan from to India for logistic support to started their circumnavigation of rescue and rehabilitation for victims who have undergone successor Sitharaman have a wait-and-watch mode, Indian July 9-17 that saw China Indian Navy ships. -- Navika Sagar Parikrama -- immense mental and physical abuse. Given India’s wide ter- talked about the significance of Army tightened its prepared- bristling. While Malabar saw India's on an Indian-built sailing ves- ritorial scope, aside from a national bureau to tackle traffick- domestic defence manufactur- ness at the eastern border and The Indian Navy re-oriented prominent naval exercise with sel, INSV Tarini, the first by an ing, it is essential to decentralise the process and rope in the ing and the need for the country so did China. The period also its deployment philosophy to the US, India and Russia held Indian all-women crew under assistance of state and district level officers who will work on to have more local components saw a scuffle between Chinese Mission-Based-Deployments to their first ever tri-services exer- sail. The expedition was flagged the ground to ensure that cross-border transfers are hindered. in its military equipment. and Indian soldiers in Ladakh fit its role of being a "net secu- cise -- Indra--in 2017. off from Goa in September and As the law emphasises, there will be decentralisation and state Ceasefire violations spurted and a spurt in the number of rity provider" in the region and The armed forces also is likely to conclude in March players will participate as effectively. The government aims to along the India-Pakistan fron- Chinese ships in the Indian had its ships in international pitched in for search, rescue and 2018. end this heinous process that has proactively used the meth- tier, with 771 being reported Ocean. waters from the Horn of Africa relief operations after a number Also in September, the ods of violence, intimidation, inducement, false promises of on the Line of Control (LoC) Submarines and ships of and the Gulf of Aden in the west of natural disasters in the coun- Indian Army announced it pay or marriage, deception and coercion to tap on to vulner- in Jammu and Kashmir -- that the People's Liberation Army to the Strait of Malacca and the try, including flood relief opera- would induct women in the able minds, reducing them to pawns in the hands of conniv- is under the Army's operational Navy (PLAN) have main- Andaman sea in the east on tions in several states, including Corps of Military Police. IANS ing masters. The process of rehabilitation will possibly be far control -- up to December 10 tained a regular presence in permanent deployment. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jammu (The views expressed more challenging than the ordeal of punishment. To rescue this year. This is a three-fold rise the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) A total of 65 Indian Navy and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, are strictly personal.) those that have been hampered and uplift their condition by providing an equitable means of earning income, requires intense deliberation. Rehabilitation projects often reduce dear the income of bonded labourers who otherwise earn several Quote martial PARTY FIRST EDITOR millenniumpost.in times more, despite surviving in abysmal conditions. Given the rampancy of poverty and a dire need to sustain the fam- RJD national vice-president Shivanand Tiwari ’s accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for Log on to write letters to the ily—many would choose a higher income above a dignified Prayer does not change carrying on with his speech during azaan at Tuesday's (27/12/2017) Station Road flyover inauguration, lifestyle. There is a thin line that distinguishes wishful think- editor or send them to ing from coercive dilemma—recognising the ideal between God, but it changes is not acceptable, as it is not mandatory to give a pause during azaan. However, if we insist on Tiwari’s [email protected] the two could lead to conflict. The government is treading on him who prays contention that the same person stopped his speech when the azaan began and resumed only when it You can also send your murky lands, but this is an essential uphill walk, given how got over during JDU meeting [Bihar's demand of special category status from the Centre] at the Ramlila comments to The Editor, our population is proliferating and a refugee crisis is deepen- ground in Delhi in March 2012 then he swallowed his own words. Consequently, Tiwari must not ing across the continent. Since the Nepal earthquake, hun- Millennium Post, forget that fundamental change in character is directly proportionate to change of Party and Nitish is dreds of Nepalese girls have allegedly been smuggled for sex SOREN KIERKEGAARD Pratap Bhawan, 5 Bahadur Shah work, as poverty and deprivation of resources left them with simply abiding by the ideology of his party. no alternative. The Rohingya crisis is paving the way for a WAZIR HOSSAIN Via email Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110 002 similar future for the thousands of homeless Muslim men and women whose condition today compels them to rate economic urgency above bodily ethics. The growing number of vulner- able individuals will only pave the way for the proliferation of evil masterminds who flourish in others’ misery. An ethi- Empowered states over environment cal distinction between the right and wrong, and individual choice and circumstantial compulsion must be drawn before the law is finalised and the vulnerable are further sabotaged. The draft notification now puts more mining projects under the ambit of State Environmental Impact Assessment Authorities, informs Ikshaku Bezbaroa Holier than thou Changes proposed for river valley and eing a secular nation, for India, has been a matter of irrigation projects pride, not prejudice. We rejoice the idea that our sin- River valley and irrigation projects, gle nation-state houses people belonging to almost involving cultural command area (CCA) all major faiths practised and recognised across the of 2,000-10,000 hectares, were initially Bworld. It is not a matter of shame to be a secular nation; it is to be cleared by state agencies whereas an uphill task that we have managed to accomplish despite those involving more than 10,000 hect- housing a volatile population of over 1.32 billion. The recent ares were to be cleared by the Centre. comment made by the Union Minister of Skill Development The new notification, however, expands and Entrepreneurship, Anant Kumar Hegde, which directly Besides enhancing this range of projects vastly by allow- attacked the proposition of being secular, stating vehemently the jurisdiction ing states to clear projects involving that a secular individual is just a case of misplaced bloodline, CCA between 5,000 to 50,000 hectares. further adding that despite its prominence in the Constitution, of state agencies Projects involving CCA of less than it isn’t binding as the Constitution has been amended several to clear projects, 5,000 hectares would be classified under times and his party would do that again to erase this denomi- ‘minor irrigation projects’. nation, evoked substantial fury. His comment is not only apa- changes have Besides enhancing the jurisdiction of thetic to sentiments but it undermines the Constitution, which been introduced state agencies to clear projects, changes for any minister in the assembly, is akin to the Bible or the have been introduced regarding certain Gita. Though Article 368 (1) of the Constitution does allow its regarding special circumstances. With respect amendment, it underscores specifically that any amendment certain special to river valley and irrigation projects, must only be an extension of the values of the Constitution. further changes have been introduced. Under no circumstance can the Constitution be overturned to circumstances. For those river valley projects falling in suit the whims of any single individual or party, irrespective of With respect more than one state, the Central govern- its majority in the country. The Parliament witnessed expected ment would be the appraising authority. ruckus over this comment as the Opposition sprung to action to river valley Moreover, project proposals, involving demanding an apology from the ruling party. The ruling party and irrigation changes in irrigation technology (which distanced itself from the minister, who was incidentally also a have environmental benefits) by existing front-runner to become the chief ministerial face for the Kar- projects, those projects leading to an increase in CCA nataka legislative elections, scheduled to take place next year. projects falling Open cast mining in Jharia (Representational Image) but no increase in dam height or sub- The ruling party must condemn this comment, irrespective of in more than one mergence, will no longer require ECs. how secularism has been assigned to its primary opposition. n December 18, 2017, the projects under the ambit of State Envi- For minor minerals, including sand The purported changes are part of Without a doubt, it is essential that all those in power continue state, the Central Ministry of Environment, ronmental Impact Assessment Authori- mining, both for individual and cluster a series of notifications which have, to remain subservient to the Constitution and thereby the idea government would Forests and Climate Change ties (SEIAAs) and State Expert Appraisal projects, the ones requiring more than over the years, steadily increased the of a democratic nation-state. In recent times, religious iden- (MoEF&CC) issued a draft Committees (SEACs), for clearance. 25 but less than 100 hectares of land, responsibility of states to clear more tity has become largely inflated and the position of secular- be the appraising Onotification to amend the Environment Concerned parties are allowed to com- fall in B1 category (requiring state clear- and more projects by reducing the bur- ism has been trampled upon as the weapon of the weak. In a authority Impact Assessment Notification (2006) ment on the notification before it is final- ances), while those above 100 hectares den on the Centre. However, while the country with diversity like ours, it is detrimental to project a and subsequent amending notifica- ised within a period of 60 days from its fall in A category (requiring central intention may be to encourage states to single identity—especially now, when the Parliament goes on tions such as those issued in 2014 and date of issue. clearances). deliberate on clearances, capacity and to hear the crucial triple talaq bill that will dismantle a partic- 2016. The latest amendment increases Proposals regarding lease areas of accountability issues remain a prob- ular community’s tradition that provided lopsided favours to the ambit of state government authori- Changes proposed for mining projects less than five hectares, however, remain lem. The problems are especially with men. The idea of the bill is to uplift women while abiding by ties to grant environmental clearances The Central government can now under district authorities such as Dis- respect to state-level clearance authori- the constitutional goal of securing the prospect of every minor- (ECs) to development projects. The clear only those non-coal mining proj- trict Environmental Impact Assessment ties, the SEIAAs and SEACs. These agen- ity community in the country. The government must be cau- draft notification particularly relates ects requiring 100 or more hectares of Authority (DEIAA) and District Expert cies neither have the capacity to handle tious of the comments of all in its periphery and reprimand to mining projects involving non-coal land lease. Until now, the EIA notifica- Appraisal Committee (DEAC), as per increased workload, nor is there a sys- the misdoings of its leaders, setting the tone for a progressive minerals and minor minerals, as well as tion of 2006 (and subsequent amend- the 2016 amendment. The requirements tem of accountability in place to ensure future. India is incomplete without the harmonious assimila- river valley/irrigation projects. ments) required the Centre to clear all for coal mining projects also remain some transparency in how clearances tion of each community nestling in our nation. The draft notification, which is in such projects which required 50 or more unchanged. are issued. DOWN TO EARTH public domain, now puts more mining hectares of land. (Views are strictly personal.) 9 MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 mp in focus Uncertain life of social health activists More than 0.87 million ASHAs in India are struggling with salary issues, lack of incentives, and exclusion from social safety schemes

BANJOT KAUR ekha Patel, an accred- “The local official says our pay- the Mukhyamantri Mitanin Kalyan ited social health activ- ment will happen only after they Kosh to ASHAs. The scheme has pro- ist (ASHA) in Madhya receive the next installment of visions for pension, student scholar- Pradesh’s Khajuraho vil- NRHM fund,” says Usha. The scheme ship and life insurance. Only Assam, Rlage, wants to change her job. Rea- does not have a dedicated budget- Kerala and Jharkhand have similar son: despite playing the crucial last ary allocation and the funds are welfare schemes for ASHAs. link to India’s rural healthcare deliv- arranged on an ad-hoc basis from T Sundaraman, dean, health sys- ery system, she has no fixed salary or different government schemes under tem studies, Tata Institute of Social social security. She is responsible for NRHM such as National Immunisa- Sciences, Mumbai, says skill upgra- maintaining the health of pregnant tion Programme. “There is emerging dation should be an integral part women in her community, encour- qualitative evidence that delays in of the scheme. He says the volun- aging them to undergo institutional reimbursement of incentives hurt the teers should be encouraged to take delivery, ensuring newborns get self-esteem of ASHAs and has a bear- short-term courses on auxiliary Despite their immunised at the right time and the ing on her service delivery,” warns nurse mid-wives/general nursing deplorable mother gets the right nutrition after Rajib Dasgupta, Professor, commu- and midwifery. This will not only working childbirth. In other words, ASHAs nity health department, Jawaharlal help the volunteers in getting a bet- such as Patel play a crucial role in the Nehru University. ter incentive, but will also ensure condition, ASHAs well-being of the newborn and the In Karnataka, ASHAs say that the people living in remote areas have played mother in the country where infant the introduction of a software— have better health access. Currently, and maternal mortality rates are high ASHAsoft—has made incentive dis- nursing schools in 11 states give an important and the last link in rural healthcare is memberments difficult. Normally, preference to ASHAs for auxiliary role in the rural shaky. Yet, on many days, she leaves ASHAS visit the office of the Block nurse midwives and general nurs- her home in the morning without Medical Officer and physically sub- ing courses. healthcare sector. any money and walks for several mit their reimbursement forms. In However, most ASHAs say they Several studies hours to reach the household that Karnataka, data operators have been are not even receiving the exist- needs her help. She gets fixed incen- hired under the scheme and they ing trainings regularly. Under the credit them for tives for every individual she caters should enter the daily records of scheme, every ASHA receives induc- the improvement to, which on most months do not add every ASHA on the centralised soft- tion training where she is given a up to even the minimum wages for a ware. “Not all villages or blocks have broad training on healthcare and of critical health skilled labourer. ASHAs conduct a group exercise and present their findings about handling newborn babies in a monthly meeting a data operator. Wherever they exist, her role in it. Subsequently, ASHAs indicators in the Like Patel, there are over 0.87 mil- they do not update the entries regu- should receive regular trainings on lion ASHAs across India and all of of Women way back in 2010 recom- important role in the rural healthcare Ratanpur village, says there are many larly, delaying the incentive transfer,” specific subjects such as maternal country. One them face similar challenges. Lit- mended fixed salaries for ASHAs. sector. Several studies credit them for months when she earns no incen- says Sylvia Karpagam, a public health and child health, family planning or study points tle wonder, in the past three years, Volunteers in Gujarat also staged a the improvement of critical health tive. “The maximum I have earned researcher in Karnataka. HIV-AIDS. These residential train- ASHAs from at least 17 states have protest in November before the state indicators in the country. A paper is just Rs 6,000 a month,” says Usha, ings at the block-level should hap- out that ASHAs demanded fixed salaries, higher elections and the state government co-authored by Abhay Mane of the who has been a volunteer for the past Time to act pen once every year. In practice, the contributed to incentives and inclusion in social has promised a 50 per cent hike in Medical College titled Primary seven years. Neha Shukla, another Experts say the government trainings do not happen regularly, safety schemes such as pensions. The the incentives. Health Care in 2014 says institutional ASHA from Gujarat, highlights should immediately fix the salaries say ASHAs. High-lighting the ram- the dramatic most recent and probably the largest It has been 12 years since ASHAs delivery in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, the problem with incentives when for ASHAs and include them under ification of poor training, a paper turnaround in agitation happened on November 9, were introduced by the Union gov- Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh she says that to earn just Rs 300, an social security schemes. “Fixing a sal- authored by Meely Panda of the when thousands of ASHAs teamed ernment under the National Rural increased from 12 per cent in 1992- ASHA has to make four visits to the ary will not only help the ASHAs, but Jamia Hamdard Institute of Medi- immunisation up with Anganwadi and mid-day Health Mission (NRHM). The pri- 93 to 55 per cent in 2008 due to the house of the pregnant woman before also bring economic security to their cal Science says 100 per cent of the numbers meal workers and travelled to Delhi mary role of the volunteer, selected introduction of ASHAs. It also points her delivery. “Several women shift families,” says Kavita Bhatia, mem- ASHAs who scored poorly in a sur- and tackling to participate in a three-day protest. from within the community, is to act out the role of ASHAs in a dramatic to their maternal houses in another ber of the World Health Organiza- prise test were untrained. The paper The agitation was an extension of as an interface between the commu- turnaround in immunisation num- village towards the end of their tion’s advisory body on community published in the European Jour- malnutrition a protest that happened in August nity and the public health system. bers and tackling malnutrition. “In pregnancy. So they get registered health workers. Experts also say sal- nal of Pharmaceutical and Medical when ASHAs from 11 states rallied Under the scheme guidelines, there a study conducted in Uttar Pradesh, in another centre and we get noth- ary would mean the volunteers will Research in 2017 further says that in the Capital. They even brought sig- are 43 different functions along with it was observed that as many as 59 ing for the period we assisted them,” be able to say no when they are made 94 per cent of the ASHAs who scored natures of 5 million people demand- specific remuneration for each of per cent of the immunisation activi- says Shukla. to work for free. well had received training. ing a bigger health budget and better them. They range from a maximum ties were facilitated by ASHAs. In She adds that under the Guja- At least four states have intro- Nirula feels government apa- incentives. The signatures, along with of Rs 5,000 for administering medi- another study from Jharkhand, 93.8 rat government’s Kasturba Yojana, a duced a scheme where the state thy is at the heart of the problem. a list of demands, were submitted to cines to drug-resistant tuberculosis per cent of ASHAs advised parents of pregnant lady gets Rs 2,000 for insti- governments contribute a top-up “There should be a dedicated fund the Union Health Secretary. “ASHAs patients to just Rs 1 for distributing malnourished children to take them tutional delivery while the ASHA amount to the Union government’s for ASHAs, which will ensure timely should be recognised as workers and an ORS (oral rehydration solution) daily to the Anganwadi Centre,” the gets only Rs 300. “As per the scheme, incentives. In Chhattisgarh, the top- payment of the incentives and boost get at least Rs 18,000 per month. packet. But ASHAs say they normally report says. we will get money only after the up amount is 50 per cent, which the morale of the volunteers,” she They are the cheapest healthcare earn through antenatal care (Rs 300), Even a December 2017 paper woman gets her share. Now, most means an ASHA for antenatal care says. The CITU leader says her providers in India and exist even in institutional delivery (Rs 300), family published by Abhishek Ranjan of women in the village do not get the receives Rs 450 instead of the usual organisation is waiting to see the areas where government health facil- planning (Rs 150) and immunisation AIIMS Bhopal in the Journal of Epi- money as they do not have a bank Rs 300. The top-up scheme is also government response to the recent ities are non-existent. Yet they get rounds (Rs 100) as cases of other dis- demiology and Global Health says account, which means we do not implemented in West Bengal, Tri- protests. “We have a plan to sit on less than a daily wager,” says Ranjana eases are far and few. ASHAs are an “asset” to the Centre’s receive our share even after working pura and Sikkim but the percentage a hunger strike in February next Nirula of the Centre of Indian Trade Revised National Tuberculosis Con- for nine months,” she says. In fact, varies. “We do not ask ASHAs to year if the government fails to act,” Unions (CITU) and the leader of A crucial link trol Program. Usha says ASHAs in her village have carry out surveys,” says Samir Garg she says. DOWN TO EARTH the Delhi protest. Even a Parliamen- Despite their deplorable working Still, they are among the worst not received their incentives for over of Chhattisgarh Health Resource Sys- (The views expressed tary Committee on Empowerment condition, ASHAs have played an paid. Usha, an ASHA from Bihar’s six months. tem. Chhattisgarh has also extended are strictly personal.)

tweet Search for alien life has new targets RETWEET 2017 has made significant contributions towards unravelling the deep mysteries of the universe, recounts Gokul Bhagabati BRAHMA CHELLANEY @Chellaney ne year passes in the blink of an eye in terms of the age India must discard the fiction that of our universe, but O2017 has made significant con- it can maintain normal diplomatic tributions towards unravelling relations with Pakistan. Instead of the deep mysteries hidden in its empty statements over its roguish vast expanse, giving the search for alien life a big boost. actions, it must designate it as a From the first observations state sponsor of terror and hold it of a merger between two far- accountable for each renegade action. away neutron stars to stunning My advice: Talk less, act more. discoveries of a number of exo- The first detection planets in the habitable zone of of gravitational a nearby star and the continued march of China as a serious waves two years space player, this year has had SURESH PRABHU ago has already plenty of memorable develop- @sureshpprabhu ments to excite scientists and brought scientists the public at large. the 2017 Nobel Marked as the “break- Prize in Physics, through of the year” by the We imposed minimum import price on journal Science, the merger #pepper resulting in price shooting to but sensing of the two neutron stars 130 the space-time million light years away gen- Rs 500 kg, farming community is very erated tiny ripples in the fabric In February 2016, LIGO detected gravity waves for the first time (Representational Image) happy #WeCare @narendramodi ripples after the of space-time called gravita- merger of the tional waves. first known system of seven shaped object with a ratio of In April, NASA said that closer to proving the existence The first detection of gravi- Earth-sized planets around a length to width unlike any its Cassini spacecraft discov- of the invisible matter. neutron stars tational waves two years ago single star -- the TRAPPIST-1 asteroid or comet observed in ered hydrogen in the plume of HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017: RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE marked the first has already brought scientists star -- an ultra-cool dwarf our solar system. gas and icy particles spraying 4First observations of a @Ra_THORe the 2017 Nobel Prize in Phys- located at about 40 light-years The team from the Pan- from Saturn’s moon Enceladus. merger between two faraway ever detection ics, but sensing the space-time from Earth. STARRS observatory has cho- The discovery means the small, neutron stars of gravitational ripples after the merger of the The researchers determined sen the name “Oumuamua” for icy moon -- which has a global 4The Moon became a key neutron stars marked the first- that three of these planets are their discovery. Of Hawaiian ocean under its surface -- has a focal point for the US space waves as well ever detection of gravitational firmly located in the habitable origin, the name means a mes- source of chemical energy that agency in 2017, whether it was #ModiGovtEmpowersWomen by as light produced waves as well as light produced zone, the area around the par- senger from afar arriving first. life can feed on. blocking out the Sun during the introducing the bill to end triple and emitted and emitted during the same ent star where a rocky planet In 2017, NASA made And even as the spacecraft August 21 total solar eclipse, talaq. This is a historic step towards cosmic event, a phenomenon is most likely to have liquid progress in the preparations is gone, scientists hope that its or reinvigorating the agency’s ensuring women empowerment in the during the same that scientists like to describe water. The discovery set a new to send astronauts to Mars enormous collection of data human space exploration plans as hearing and seeing the vio- record for maximum number and it became clear that the about Saturn -- the giant planet, 4End of the Cassini space- country. cosmic event lent universe. of habitable-zone planets found agency would have to make its magnetosphere, rings and craft’s 13-year tour of Saturn While the observation of around a single star outside our plans for returning astronauts moons -- will continue to yield 4Discovery of the first known this collision provides scien- solar system. to the Moon in preparation for new discoveries for decades to system of seven Earth-size tists clues on how heavy ele- In yet another first for human missions to the Red come. planets around a single star AVIATOR ANIL CHOPRA ments like gold and platinum the year, scientists spotted an Planet and other destinations The year also marks some outside our solar system @Chopsyturvey are produced in our cosmos, “interstellar object” entering of our solar system. giant strides taken by China to 4First known interstellar and advances understanding our solar system. The discov- The year also marks the end emerge as a formidable space object to travel through our of the universe in myriad other ery was made on October 19 by of Cassini’s 13-year tour of Sat- power. One of its satellites, solar system spotted ways, the discovery of several the University of Hawaii’s Pan- urn as the spacecraft made a which was sent to the skies to 4A Chinese satellite detected Earth-sized planets orbiting STARRS 1 telescope during the fateful plunge into the atmo- look for evidence of the anni- mysterious signals in its mea- India successfully test-fires supersonic stars outside our solar system course of its nightly search for sphere of the ringed planet on hilation or decay of dark mat- surement of high-energy cos- interceptor missile in Odisha's has whetted the thirst for find- near-Earth objects for NASA. September 15. The mission is ter particles in space, detected mic rays, bringing scientists Balasore. One more step closer to final ing signs of life in worlds other This discovery, termed “his- often credited with transform- for the first time unexpected closer to proving the existence than our home planet. toric” by the US space agency, ing our understanding of ocean and mysterious signals in its of dark matter. IANS ABM system In February, NASA’s Spitzer revealed the interstellar inter- worlds, where life may poten- measurement of high-energy (The views expressed Space Telescope revealed the loper to be a rocky, cigar- tially exist beyond Earth. cosmic rays, bringing scientists are strictly personal.) 10 world mp MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 Saudi-led air raids Around 40 killed in IS-claimed kill 68 Yemen civilians attack targeting Shiites in Kabul in one day: UN SANAA: Sixty-eight Yemeni the Saudi-led coalition, con- KABUL: Around 40 peo- at the event in the building's dence that Kabul was not safe. civilians were killed in two sep- tinue to show in this absurd ple were killed and dozens basement. "The European govern- arate air raids by the Saudi-led war that has only resulted in the wounded in a suicide blast There were chaotic scenes ments who insist on this dan- Arab coalition in one day, the destruction of the country and targeting Shiites in Kabul on at the Istiqlal hospital where gerous fiction by forcibly UN humanitarian Coordina- the incommensurate suffering Thursday, officials said, with ambulances and police pick- returning Afghans are putting tor in Yemen Jamie McGold- of its people," McGoldrick said chaotic scenes at the city's hos- ups brought victims, including their lives in danger," Amnesty rick said on Thursday. on Thursday. pitals as anguished families women and children. Many of International's South Asia The first air strike on Tues- He said civilians "are being sought loved ones. them had suffered severe burns director Biraj Patnaik said in day hit a "crowded popular punished as part of a futile mili- The Islamic State group (IS) to their faces and bodies, as a statement. market" in Taez province, kill- tary campaign by both sides". claimed responsibility for the well as shrapnel wounds, AFP Photos posted on Afghan ing 54 civilians including eight "I remind all parties to the gruesome assault, which hap- reporters said. Voice Agency's Facebook page children, and wounding 32 conflict, including the Saudi- pened in the same building Visibly distressed rela- showed the inside of a com- others, he said in a statement. led coalition, of their obli- as the Afghan Voice Agency, tives searching for their loved pound with debris and bodies The second raid was in the gations under International a media outlet which earlier ones inside the medical facility lying on the ground. Red Sea province of Hodeida Humanitarian Law to spare reports had suggested could slapped their heads in fury as Security in Kabul has been and killed 14 people from the civilians and civilian infra- have been the target. they cried and cursed the gov- ramped up since May 31 when same family, the statement said. structure and to always dis- Deputy interior ministry ernment for seemingly being a massive truck bomb ripped "I remain deeply disturbed tinguish between civilian and spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said unable to end the regular car- through the diplomatic quar- by mounting civilian casualties military objects," he said. the attack –the deadliest since nage on their streets. ter, killing some 150 people and caused by escalated and indis- The UN official said the a Shiite mosque bombing in Some were so distraught wounding around 400 others -- criminate attacks throughout conflict in Yemen has no October that killed more than they crawled on the ground mostly civilians. No group has Yemen," McGoldrick said. military solution and could 50 worshippers –was aimed at pulling their hair. yet claimed that attack. In addition to the casualties be resolved only through the Tabayan cultural centre in AFP reporters saw more Religious attacks in Afghan- from Tuesday's two air raids, negotiations. the west of the city. "The sui- than a dozen badly burned istan have skyrocketed in the another 41 civilians were killed The Arab coalition inter- An Afghan photographer walks through the scene of a suicide attack on a Shiite cultural centre in Kabul cide attacker detonated himself bodies lying on the floor in a past two years with the minor- and 43 wounded over the pre- vened in support of the during a gathering at Tabayan room inside the hospital and six civilians in an attack near versary ceremony at Tabayan an explosion behind us. I did ity Shiite community the main vious 10 days of fighting, he internationally recognised gov- cultural centre causing a lot of wooden coffins being delivered an Afghan intelligence agency said he heard a "big boom". not see the bomber," he said target, the United Nations said said. ernment in March 2015 after casualties," Rahimi said. so families could take away the compound in the city, which "We do not know the num- from his hospital bed. in November. The Arab coalition intensi- the Shiite Huthis took over The main explosion was bodies of their loved ones. was claimed by IS. bers (of casualties). When the "After the blast, there was IS, a Sunni extremist group, fied its air campaign targeting the capital Sanaa and much of followed by two smaller bomb Kabul has become one of The Middle Eastern jihad- explosion happened we imme- fire and smoke inside the build- has claimed most of the attacks the Iran-backed Huthi reb- Yemen. But despite the coali- blasts as victims and survivors the deadliest places in war- ist group has gained ground diately fled," he told Tolo News. ing and everyone was pleading on Shiite worshippers as it els after December 19 when tion's superior firepower, the were leaving the scene. torn Afghanistan for civilians in Afghanistan since it first Mohammad Hasan Reza- for help." seeks to stir up sectarian vio- Saudi air defences intercepted rebels still control the capital Rahimi said the gathering in recent months, as the Tali- appeared in the region in 2015, yee, a university student who The attack drew interna- lence in the country. a ballistic missile the insur- and much of the north. was organised to mark the 38th ban step up their attacks and and has scaled up its attacks in was also at the ceremony, told tional condemnation, with The Afghan media has also gents fired at the Saudi capi- More than 8,750 peo- anniversary of Soviet invasion IS seeks to expand its presence Kabul, including on security Tolo News he had suffered NATO's Resolute Support mis- previously been targeted by tal Riyadh. ple have been killed since the in Afghanistan. An Afghan in the country. installations and the country's burns to his face in the blast. sion in Afghanistan describing militants, underlining the risks "These incidents prove the coalition intervened, accord- Voice Agency journalist said Today's assault comes days Shiite minority. "We were inside the hall in it as "heinous". Amnesty Inter- faced by journalists in the war- complete disregard for human ing to the World Health that more than 100 people were after a suicide bomber killed A man attending the anni- the second row when there was national said it was further evi- torn country. AGENCIES life that all parties, including Organization. AGENCIES Gay Singaporean Philippines bank Pak anti-graft body gives nod Bali declares ‘garbage red-faced over for graft case against Sharifs 'faceless' notes loses bid to adopt ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's anti- emergency’ amid sea of waste graft body has given the nod MANILA: The Philippine cen- for launching a corruption case KUTA (Indonesia): Bali's surrogate son tral bank said on Thursday it against ousted premier Nawaz palm-fringed Kuta beach has accidentally released defective Sharif and his younger brother long been a favourite with tour- 100-peso bills with the face of a Shahbaz Sharif. ists seeking sun and surf, but SINGAPORE: A gay Singa- secure him Singapore citizen- former president left out. National Accountability nowadays its golden shoreline porean man has failed in a bid ship but a court rejected his Officials at the Bangko Sen- Bureau (NAB) chairman Javed is disappearing under a moun- to formally adopt his biological bid, according to a judgement tral ng Pilipinas (BSP) made Iqbal on Wednesday approved tain of garbage. son fathered via a surrogate in released earlier this week. the admission after a wom- registration of the corruption Plastic straws and food the United States at a cost of District Judge Shobha Nair an's Facebook post showing case during an executive board packaging are strewn between $200,000. said that the doctor and his the defective 100-peso ( 1.99) meeting. NAB officials said the sunbathers, while surfers bob- The man, a doctor in a partner were aware that pro- bills she received from an ATM case was related to alleged loss bing behind the waves dodge long-term relationship, initially cedures to help couples have went viral. Chief among the of over Rs 120 million to the ister if Nawaz's PML-N party waste flushed out from rivers or approached authorities about children were available to only mistakes on the notes is a blank national exchequer over the wins the election next year. brought in by swirling currents. adopting in the city-state but married couples in Singapore space where the portrait of for- construction of a two-way Officials said the NAB in the "When I want to swim, it was told a homosexual cou- and there were no surrogacy mer president Manuel Roxas road in 2000 from Raiwind to same meeting also approved is not really nice. I see a lot of ing into rivers and oceans "People with green uniform ple were unlikely to get per- services in the city-state. should have been. Two words the Sharif family home in Jati filing of six corruption refer- garbage here every day, every have been causing problems were collecting the garbage to mission, according to court Gay marriage is not permit- from the country's official Umra in the suburbs of Lahore. ences, complete four pending time," Austrian traveler Van- for years, clogging waterways move it away but the next day documents. ted in Singapore. Surrogacy is name were also missing. The Sharif brothers have so inquiries, and 11 investigations essa Moonshine explains. in cities, increasing the risk of I saw the same situation," said The couple travelled to the not explicitly banned although BSP managing director far not reacted to the new alle- against different politicians and "It's always coming from floods, and injuring or killing German Claus Dignas, who US where the doctor under- official guidelines prohibit the Carlyn Pangilinan said the gations of corruption. officers. the ocean. It's really horrible," marine animals who ingest claimed he saw more garbage went procedures for in-vitro practice in assisted reproduc- errors were caused by a "glitch" Nawaz Sharif, his daughter The meeting also decided she adds. Often dubbed a par- or become trapped by plastic with each visit to the island. fertilisation and found a sur- tion centres, according to the in a printing machine. Maryam, son-in-law Muham- to probe former prime minis- adise on earth, the Indonesian packaging. "No one wants to sit on nice rogate who agreed to carry his Straits Times newspaper. "Our quality control was mad Safdar, and sons Hassan ter Raja Pervaiz Ashraf who as holiday island has become an The problem has grown beach chairs and facing all this child for $200,000. "The applicant, a medical manual before. Now, it is all and Hussain, are already fac- minister for water and power embarrassing poster child for so bad that officials in Bali rubbish," he added. A son was born and as the doctor himself, was acutely machines so there are things ing three NAB cases filed in from 2008-2011 caused a loss the country's trash problem. last month declared a "gar- Bali's rubbish problem is biological father, the doctor – aware that the medical pro- that slip through," she told September on the basis of the of Rs 113 billion to the national The archipelago of more bage emergency" across a six- at its worst during the annual who has not been identified – cedures undertaken to have a reporters. Only 33 100-peso Supreme Court's decision of exchequer by delaying a key than 17,000 islands is the kilometre stretch of coast that monsoon season, when strong was allowed to bring him back child of his own would not have bills with the errors have been July 28 in the Panama Papers energy project. NAB will also world's second biggest con- included popular beaches Jim- winds push marine flotsam to Singapore to live with him. been possible in Singapore," discovered so far, she added. case that led to Sharif's ouster launch investigations into tributor to marine debris after baran, Kuta and Seminyak. onto the beach and swol- The boy is now four. said the judge. Authorities asked people as premier. alleged corruption by another China, and a colossal 1.29 mil- Officials deployed 700 len rivers wash rubbish from The doctor applied to for- "He cannot then come to to return the defective bills but However, the new case also former premier Yousaf Raza lion metric tons is estimated cleaners and 35 trucks to riverbanks to the coast, accord- mally adopt the boy in Sin- the courts of the very same conceded that some may want includes Punjab Chief Minister Gilani who was disqualified to be produced annually by remove roughly 100 tons of ing to Putu Eka Merthawan gapore to "legitimise" their jurisdiction to have the acts to keep them as potential col- Shahbaz Sharif who has been by the apex court in 2012 and Indonesia. debris each day to a nearby from the local environment relationship and hopefully condoned." AGENCIES lector's items. AGENCIES tipped as a future prime min- replaced by Ashraf. AGENCIES The waves of plastic flood- landfill. agency. AGENCIES Pak Army rejects In goodwill gesture, Pak claim that Indian frees 145 Indian fishermen commandos carried out cross border raid ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army on Thursday rejected claims that the Indian com- mandos selectively targeted a post across the Line of Control killing three Pakistani soldiers in a tit-for-tat action. Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor also said the armed forces are fully prepared to meet any eventuality. "India recently claimed that 10 of their soldiers came in Pak- istan's territory and killed Paki- stani soldiers," he said, adding this is all "false propaganda" for their domestic audience to take the focus off Kashmir. Addressing the media in Released Indian fishermen display their name tags while waiting for train at a railway station to leave Rawalpindi, Maj Gen Ghafoor for their homeland India, in Karachi, on Thursday also termed last year's "surgical strike" by India across LoC as ISLAMABAD: Pakistani on The fishermen were freed in repatriation of Indian "false propaganda". "You can- Thursday freed 145 Indian from the Malir jail and taken fishermen. not lure us into such unprofes- fishermen, held for allegedly amid tight security to Karachi Fishermen from Paki- sional undertakings." fishing in its territorial waters, Cantonment Railway Station, stan and India are frequently The Indian Army sources as a goodwill gesture amidst a from where they will be sent detained for illegally fishing in in New Delhi earlier this week war of words between Islam- to Lahore, a police official said. each other's territorial waters said a "small group" of 'Ghatak' abad and New Delhi on the "They will be handed over since the Arabian Sea does not commandos carried out a tac- circumstances in which a to Indian officials at Wagah have a clearly defined marine tical level selective targeting of recent meeting between Kulb- border crossing tomorrow," border and the wooden boats the Pak post around 200-300 hushan Jadhav and his family the official said. lack the technology to avoid metres across the LoC in which took place. The remaining 146 fish- being drifting away. Since three Pakistani soldiers were They were released follow- ermen are expected to be the last five weeks, the Paki- killed and one was injured. The ing last week's announcement released and repatriated on stan Maritime Security per- operation is seen as avenging by Foreign Office spokesman January 8. sonnel have arrested around the killing of four Indian Army Dr Mohammad Faisal that Those released were also 168 Indian fishermen with personnel by a Border Action 291 Indian fishermen would given gifts and cash prizes the last contingent of 28 being Team of the Pakistan Army in be released in two phases till by Edhi Foundation char- arrested earlier this week from Keri sector Rajouri district last January 8. ity, which traditionally helps the Arabian sea. AGENCIES week. AGENCIES world 11 MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 mp Saint Petersburg blast A massive price tag to rebuild Israel passes an act of terror: Putin controversial law Iraq after Islamic State altering police powers MOSUL: It will take years to haul out the rubble that weighs down Mosul's Old City. JERUSALEM: Israel's be made clear that it "will not More than 3,000 tons cover every acre, parliament passed a involve current investigations and much of the shattered concrete and controversial law today against me". His call came after twisted metal that once made up people's limiting the police's ability thousands of people protested homes and shops is laced with explosives to recommend charges against corruption. and unexploded ordnance. following their investigations Proponents of the law The debris field marking the district after criticism that lawmakers say it will prevent the public where the Islamic State group made its were seeking to protect Prime smearing of those being last stand extends for nearly 2 and a half Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. investigated before the miles along the western bank of the Tigris The law will not apply attorney general decides how River and is more than a mile wide and to current investigations, to proceed with a case. throughout, hardly a singly building is left however, meaning that graft Critics point out that it Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, makes a toast with Russian unscathed. probes involving Netanyahu was proposed by Netanyahu Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during an award ceremony in the The Old City has the densest wreckage, will not be affected -- a supporters and argue it Kremlin, in Moscow, on Thursday, for Russian Armed Forces service but nearly every neighborhood in the change made after widespread was initially designed to personnel who took part in the anti-terrorist operation in Syria western half of Mosul has entire blocks criticism and large protests protect him as he awaits the in ruins, and all five bridges crossing the against corruption. completion of police enquiries. MOSCOW: Russian President which falls on January 7. Tigris have been disabled by airstrikes. Members of parliament Police are investigating Vladimir Putin on Thursday Officials earlier said 10 This is just one corner of the destruction gave final approval to the bill by Netanyahu over suspicions called an explosion that tore people had been injured, that three years of war wreaked across a vote of 59-54 early Thursday that he received expensive through a Saint Petersburg saying the bomb had the power northern and western Iraq. after a marathon debate lasting gifts from wealthy supporters supermarket, wounding 13 equivalent to 200 grammes of The US-led coalition and Iraqi forces Baghdad estimates $100 billion is needed nationwide to rebuild nearly two days. as well as over allegations that people, "an act of terror." TNT. defeated IS militants, but the cost of victory Under the law, police will no he sought a secret deal for "As you know, an act of In a sign of the severity is nearly incalculable. Worst hit is Mosul; the UN estimates Associated Press investigation found at longer be able to recommend favourable coverage with a terror took place in Saint of the situation, the case was Baghdad estimates $100 billion is 40,000 homes there need to be rebuilt or least 9,000 civilians died in the assault to to the attorney general whether newspaper publisher. Petersburg on Wednesday," he overseen by Russia's National needed nationwide to rebuild. Local restored, and some 600,000 residents have retake Mosul. or not to charge suspects at the Allies of the premier have said at a meeting of military Anti-Terror Committee even leaders in Mosul say that amount is needed been unable to return to the city, once The enormity of the task ahead can be conclusion of an investigation. also been questioned by police officers in the Kremlin. The though authorities initially to rehabilitate their city alone. home to around 2 million people. grasped by what has and hasn't happened The new law requires the as part of a separate probe homemade bomb went off in opened a probe into attempted So far no one is offering to foot the Corruption and bitter sectarian in Ramadi, which was liberated from IS attorney general to ask for into the purchase of German a locker at the supermarket murder. The committee said bill. The United States has told the Iraqis divisions make things even harder. The two years ago. More than 70 per cent of the police input. submarines. Netanyahu has yesterday, officials said. the explosion went off after "a it won't pay for a massive reconstruction areas with the worst destruction are largely Anbar provincial capital remains damaged Netanyahu called for not been named as a suspect Anna Mityanina, vice criminal placed an unidentified drive. Iraq hopes Saudi Arabia and other Sunni, while the Baghdad government is or destroyed, according to the provincial changes to the legislation in the submarine investigation. governor of Saint Petersburg, explosive device in a storage Gulf countries will step up, and Iran may Shiite-dominated. The fear is that if Sunni council. in early December after his The 68-year-old premier which is Russia's second city, locker." also take a role. populations feel they've been abandoned, Nearly 8,300 homes almost a third opponents said it was designed has repeatedly denied any said on Twitter that of the 13 The blast comes after a UN projects are repairing infrastructure resentment will feed the next generation of the houses in the city were destroyed to help him survive ongoing wrongdoing, saying he is wounded eight remained in suicide bombing killed 15 in nearly two dozen towns and cities, of militants. or suffered major damage, according to corruption investigations. being targeted by political hospital care. people and wounded dozens but funding is a fraction of what will be If Mosul is not rebuilt, "it will UN Habitat. Repairs have begun on only The premier said it should opponents. AGENCIES Five people declined to be on the Saint Petersburg metro needed. As a result, much of the rebuilding result in the rebirth of terrorism," said three of the five damaged bridges over the hospitalised, she added. in April. That bombing was has come from individual Iraqis using Abdulsattar al-Habu, the director of Mosul Euphrates River. The explosion occurred claimed by a group linked to personal savings. municipality and reconstruction adviser to Three-quarters of the schools remain Great Bengal Quiz, 2018 at around 1845 local time as Al-Qaeda which said it was a In the meantime, many of those who Nineveh province, where the city is located. out of commission. on Tourism Organized Russians geared up to celebrate message to countries engaged fled IS or the fighting remain uprooted. Mosul, overrun by IS in 2014, was The Anbar provincial council holds by GoWB. Candidates the New Year –the country's in war with Muslims, a veiled While 2.7 million have returned, more declared liberated in July, after a months- its meetings in a small building down the biggest holiday –followed by reference to Russia's military than 3 million others cannot and they long battle that inflicted its greatest street from the pile of rubble that was once please, apply through: Russian Orthodox Christmas, campaign in Syria. AGENCIES languish in camps. destruction on its western sector. An its offices. AGENCIES www.wbtourism.gov. in. Government of West Bengal North Bengal Development Department UNMOGIP budget reduced by over 11% Branch Secretariat Uttarkanya, Fulbari, Jalpaiguri ABRIDGED -e-NIT UNITED NATIONS: The UN has world body. target of 5,000. NIT ref. Name of work Estimated Last date of bid no. Amount submission reduced by 11.39 per cent the budget The UNMOGIP, which is financed by Figures for actual field trips for the NIT-115 Construction of 2(Two) Community Bhawans of its military observer group tasked the United Nations' (UN) regular budget, period of 2016- 2017 were not available. OF 2017- named ‘Gorkha Samaj Ghar’ in Nagrakata 18 (2nd andSamsing within the District of Jalpaiguri, 3225778.00 11/01/2018 up with monitoring the ceasefire line is currently headed by Major General Per The target was 5,000. Call) during the year 2017-18-Proposed by Task to 12.00 Hours between India and Pakistan for the year Gustaf Lodin of Sweden. The current mission of the UNMOGIP, Force for the Upliftment of the Gorkha Com- 2018-2019. Informed UN sources familiar with as directed by the Security Council, munity of Dooars- Terai Region. Sd/- The General Assembly on Sunday the budgetary process said that the observes developments pertaining to Executive Engineer allocated $19,754,400 for its UN Military reduction in the UNMOGIP was in the the strict observance of the ceasefire of North Bengal Development Department Observer Group in India and Pakistan area of travel. December 17, 1971 and report thereon Details can be seen in the Official Website www.wbnorthbengaldev.gov.in ICA/T 6677(3)2017 (UNMOGIP) for the next two years, a cut The group's field trips have been to the UN Secretary General. of $2,539,200 from its previous allocation reduced by 500 to 4,500, while its The UNMOGIP is headquartered in of $22,293,600 for the year 2016- 2017. allocation for contractual services and Islamabad from November 1 to April 30 ICA/T 6676(3)2017 Overall the UN biennium budget has general operating budget has also been and a rear headquarters in from been reduced by five per cent or around cut, they said. May 1 to October 31. $286 million in actual terms. The UNMOGIP conducted 4,864 Its mission is carried out by military This is mainly because of the pressure field trips in 2012-2013 against the observers deployed in field stations and from its largest donor the US, which target of 5,000. In the 2014-2015 period, mobile observation teams. A liaison is seeking a reduction in its aid to the it carried out 4,468 field trips against the office is located in New Delhi. AGENCIES Obama beats Trump again as most admired American man WASHINGTON: For the 10th to complete his first year in the said in a statement. "But when year in a row, Americans have White House, came in second the president is unpopular, named former US president place followed by Pope Francis. other well-known and well- Sealed Tenders are invited by the Exec- Barack Obama and Hillary Trump's approval rating liked men have been able to utive Engineer, Directorate of Textiles Clinton as the man and woman sank to a new low in CNN finish first." they admire most, according to polling in December, earning Gallup notes that this (Sericulture), West Bengal for six differ- a recent Gallup poll published the approval of just 35 per cent poll has been administered ent works vide NIT no:-67, 68, 69, 70, today. of Americans less than a year 71 times since 1946 and the 71, and 72/ RKVY/ BIR/ 2017-18. Sub- Obama edges out President into his first term. incumbent president has won Donald Trump, 17 per cent The former president has 58 of those times and Clinton mission of bids upto 3.00 PM on 16-01- to 14 per cent, while former made it to the top of the list has held the title 22 times in 2018, at headquarter, Kolkata. Details secretary of state Clinton for the past 10 years, while the total, more than anyone else. moved past Michelle Obama, 9 former presidential candidate second world war general and Results are based on are available in the Notice board of this per cent to 7 per cent and First has won 16 years in a row. post-war president Dwight telephone interviews office and department web portal http// lady Melania Trump scored Gallup said sitting Eisenhower. conducted with a random seriwbgov.org ICA/T 6558(2)2017 one per cent, the poll said. presidents usually win the "The incumbent president sample of 1,049 adults, ages Obama wins over Trump, most admired spot, and that is the usual winner, since he is 18 and older, living in all 50 who is suffering brutally low Obama was the first former arguably the most prominent US states and the District of approval ratings as he is about president to top the list since figure in the country," Gallup Columbia. AGENCIES Kashmiri chilli chicken filled samosa wins contest in S Africa JOHANNESBURG: Popular Sealed Tenders are invited by the under- Indian snack samosa with signed vide NIT no. 57/RKVY/MLD/2017- Kashmiri chilli chicken 18, Submission of bids upto 3.00 PM on fillings has beaten chocolate, cashew nuts and other exotic 25-01-18, at headquarter, Kolkata. entries in a first such contest in Executive Engineer South Africa. The contest was organised Directorate of Textiles(Sericulture), by the largest national newspaper for the Indian ICA/T 6656(2)2017 West Bengal community in South Africa. Among the various entries in the competition were e-Tender Notice samosas that featured almonds WBPWD/SEHEC/SK/NIQ51/17-18/2nd e-Tender being and cashews drizzled with invited by the SEHEC, PWD KIT Annex Building, 3rd chocolate; chocolate covered in Floor, Kolkata-73 from the eligible contractors for - edible glitter; Margherita pizza Air-conditioning of the different areas at Ground floor & filling and chicken jalapeno. The South African Indian 1st floor including provision of D.G. power back up at PG speciality samosa (also referred Polyclinic Kolkata, ---- S.I.T.C. of Air-conditioning system. to as samoosa) is a deep-fried Tender ID :- 2017_WBPWD_145282_1 flat version of the traditional Last date of submission:- 23.01.2018 Punjabi snack, filled with a variety of savoury or sweet may be seen at https://etender.wb.nic.in treats in a crispy pastry. Sd/- P.B.Gayen Salma Agjee won the contest organised by the Superintending Engineer weekly Post, after her daughter ICA/T 6565(3)2017 Health Electrical Circle, PWD submitted her recipe. AGENCIES 12 business mp MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 Won’t give more freedom to staff Govt takes back LPG price hike order for investment ...Says move was being seen as contrary to Ujjwala scheme in stocks: Govt NEW DELHI: The government Civil aviation ministry piches has withdrawn its decision to NEW DELHI: There is no raise LPG prices by Rs 4 per cyl- proposal under consideration inder every month as the move to give more freedom to cen- was seen contrary to its Ujjwala for inclusion of ATF under GST tral government employees scheme of providing free cook- to invest in the stock mar- ing gas connections to the poor. ket, Minister of State for Per- The government had previ- NEW DELHI: The civil avi- sonnel Jitendra Singh said on ously ordered public sector oil ation ministry is pitching for Thursday. Existing rules bar marketing companies to raise bringing aviation turbine fuel government servants from domestic cooking gas (LPG) (ATF) under the Goods and speculating (frequent pur- prices by Rs 4 per cylinder every Services Tax (GST) regime, chase, sale or both) in the stock month beginning June 2016 Parliament was informed on market or other investments. with a view to eliminating sub- Thursday. "At present, there is no pro- sidies. The order was, however, Currently, jet fuel or ATF is posal under consideration of withdrawn in October, a top not under the GST ambit and the government for giving source said. the levy on it varies from state greater freedom to central gov- Subsequently, Indian Oil to state. ernment employees to invest Corporation (IOC), Bharat LPG by Rs 4 per cylinder effec- bank accounts, which is sup- a notification issued by state- "This (civil aviation) min- in stock market/financial mar- Petroleum Corporation Ltd tive June 1, 2017, per month posed to be used to buy mar- owned firms. A 14.2-kg LPG istry has requested ministry of ket instruments," he said. (BPCL) and Hindustan Petro- (excluding VAT) till the reduc- ket-priced LPG. cylinder was priced at Rs 419.18 finance to include aviation tur- The services rules bar gov- leum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) tion of government subsidy to "Before DBT, LPG was avail- in June 2016. According to the bine fuel in the ambit of GST a communication from the "airlines remain compliant with ernment servants from mak- have not raised LPG prices from 'nil' or March 2018 or further able at dealers at subsidised Petroleum Planning and Analy- regime with full input tax credit Jammu & Kashmir govern- the regulations as long as the ing or permitting any member October. Previously, the oil firms orders, whichever is earlier. price. VAT was levied on that sis Cell (PPAC) of the oil min- at the earliest possible," Minis- ment requesting regulation of airfare charged by them does of his family or any person were authorised to increase The source said it was felt subsidised price. Now, LPG is istry, there is a subsidy of Rs ter of State for Civil Aviation airfares of carriers operating in not exceed the displayed fare acting on his behalf to make price of subsidised domestic that raising prices was giving a only available at market price 251.31 on every 14.2-kg subsi- Jayant Sinha said in a written the Jammu and Srinagar sectors structure on their website." any investment, which may LPG cylinder by Rs 2 per 14.2- contrary signal to users. On the and GST is applicable on that dised LPG cylinder. reply to a question in the Lok so that price stability is brought Replying to a question on embarrass or influence him in kg cylinder per month (exclud- one hand, the government was price. Besides being higher than Incidentally, the non-sub- Sabha. about and the cost of air travel steps being taken by the min- discharging his official duties. ing VAT) with effect from July 1, pushing for giving free cooking the subsidised price, the market sidised or market priced LPG Jet fuel accounts for a sig- is controlled within reasonable istry to reduce noise pollution "No government servant, 2016. Oil companies had hiked gas connections to the poor, but price fluctuates every month, rates were raised by Rs 5 per nificant chunk of an airline's limits," he said in his reply. in areas near airports across who is involved in the decision LPG rates on 10 occasions since on the other, it was raising prices compelling changes in retail cylinder to Rs 747 a bottle operational costs which also has "In response it has been the country, Sinha said various making process of fixation of that go-ahead. every month. prices to account for the taxes," on December 1. Non-subsi- an impact on air ticket prices. highlighted by the ministry steps have been taken, which an Initial Public Offering or Every household is entitled To correct this, the order was he explained. dised LPG rates have moved To a query on whether the that the airlines are free to fix include proper land use plan- Follow-up Public Offering of to 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg each withdrawn, he said. Cooking gas LPG price has in tandem with their cost since Jammu & Kashmir government reasonable tariff under the ning in the airport vicinity, shares of a central public sector at subsidised rates in a year. Any He also said there have been been hiked by Rs 76.5 in 19 December 2013. had brought it to the notice of provisions... keeping in mind, continuous descent approach, enterprise shall apply, either requirement beyond that is to increase in price of subsidised instalments in 17 months. There are as many as 18.11 the aviation ministry that the inter alia, the market, demand, mixed mode runway opera- himself or through any mem- be purchased at market price. LPG even after October mainly State-owned oil marketing crore customers of subsidised airfares to destinations in the seasonality, and other market tions, restriction on auxiliary ber of his family or through The quantum of hike was because of taxation issues. companies since July last year LPG in the country. These state are irrationally exorbi- forces," the junior minister said. power units/ ground power any other person acting on doubled through an order dated The taxation issue arose after revise price of LPG on 1st of include over 3 crore poor tant, particularly during win- Some airlines offer dis- units at airports, restriction his behalf, for allotment of May 30, 2017. That order autho- implementation of the direct every month. The price of sub- women who were given free ter, Sinha said his ministry has counted airfares on advance on ground run-up of engines, shares in the IPOs or FPOs rised the state-owned firms to benefit transfer (DBT) scheme sidised LPG was last raised by connections during the last one received a communication on bookings under various phasing out of Chapter-2 air- of such central public sector continue to increase the effec- in which consumers are paid Rs 4.50 per cylinder on Novem- year under the Pradhan Mantri the issue. schemes even during peak sea- craft, and noise monitoring at enterprises," the rule said. PTI tive price of subsidised domestic subsidy amount directly in their ber 1 to Rs 495.69, according to Ujjwala Yojana. PTI "This ministry had received sons, the minister said, adding major airports. PTI Sebi lets REITs Stocks, commodities to trade on It’s clear firms themselves leaked invest 50% stake info: Sebi on WhatsApp leaks in holding cos single exchange from Oct 2018 MUMBAI: In a major step MUMBAI: Sending out a stern leaked info-the company itself- MUMBAI: In order to facili- towards a simpler securities warning to firms leaking key -he said even without going into tate growth of REITs, markets market trading infrastructure, financial info ahead of pub- technological challenges, basic regulator Sebi on Thursday regulator Sebi on Thursday lic announcements on social thing remains the same that decided to allow such trusts to announced much-awaited inte- media platforms, market regu- the origin has to be from the invest at least 50 per cent stake gration of stocks and commodi- lator Sebi on Thursday said all company. in holding companies. Further, ties trading on a single exchange those responsible, including "So it is the responsibility the capital market watchdog from October next year. auditors, will face the music of the company concerned to has proposed to provide addi- A two-phase integration of and insider trading rules will be see who's handling what kind tional avenues for listed enti- trading in commodity deriva- strengthened if required. of information internally, and ties to achieve minimum 25 per tives market with other seg- Addressing a press confer- make sure that this does not re- cent public shareholding (MPS) ments of securities market at ence after a board meeting, Sebi occur and put proper system in requirements, Sebi Chief Ajay the exchange level was discussed chairman Ajay Tyagi said it's place," Tyagi said. Tyagi told reporters here after and approved by Sebi's board at clear from the instances involv- To a question whether audi- the board meeting. These addi- a meeting here on Thursday, a ing recent information leaks tors are also insiders and privy tional methods are -- Qualified move that would help leading October 2018, Tyagi said. Sebi derivatives, currency deriva- on WhatsApp that the details to such information before Institutions Placement (QIP) stock exchanges, BSE and NSE, has already been regulating the tives, interest rate futures and were leaked by companies them- they're made public, he said and sale of shares up to two per to launch their commodity trad- commodities derivative market debt instruments, among others. selves. He also said Sebi has set a just day after Sebi asked Axis Sending out a stern warn- they'd also face action if found cent held by promoters or pro- ing platforms. after the merger of erstwhile Sebi said all necessary steps up a committee to discuss var- Bank to strengthen its systems ing to all concerned, Tyagi said, guilty. moter group in open market. Currently, commodity FMC (Forward Markets Com- required for the first phase has ious issues of insider-trading and conduct an internal probe "we're looking into it from all On Wednesday Sebi asked Sebi had notified Real Estate derivatives are traded on sepa- mission) with it. In his budget been already taken by it. and to figure out how much to fix responsibility as the ini- aspects: whatever technologi- Axis Bank to complete an Investment Trusts (REITs) Reg- rate exchanges, which include for 2017-208, Finance Minister In order to implement the more regulatory strengthening tial probe showed leakage due to cal improvement is required, inquiry within three months ulations in 2014, allowing set- MCX and NCDEX. Arun Jaitley had proposed that second phase, that is to permit is required. "We will bring out "inadequacy" of the bank's pro- whatever system improve- and file a report to Sebi within ting up and listing of such trusts After the meeting, Sebi's the commodities and securities trading of commodity deriva- amendments to insider trading cesses, Tyagi said, adding there ment is needed, whatever legal seven days thereafter. which are very popular in some Chairman Ajay Tyagi told derivative markets would be tives and other segments of the regulations soon." are more companies and neces- and enforcement actions are The move, a first, came after advanced markets. reporters that the integration integrated further by integrat- securities market on a single Blaming companies them- sary actions would follow on all required, we will do." the Sebi had found that its June However, not a single REIT process would involve removal ing the participants, brokers and exchange, Sebi said its board selves for the problem, he said, of them. Pointing out that the Without naming any com- quarter result was "either iden- has been listed in the country. of certain existing restrictions by operational frameworks. on Thursday approved suitable "we cannot hide behind technol- whole market depends on trust, pany, Tyagi said, "one thing is tical or matched closely with Despite various earlier amending the relevant securities For smoother implementa- amendments to existing regu- ogy and say this is encrypted it's he said as the regulator Sebi just clear that some information has the figures" that were in cir- relaxations, listings have not market regulations with effect tion of this budget announce- lations and these amendments our role to see that price-sen- cannot let it happen again. been leaked and our analysis culation on WhatsApp prior taken place as they have failed from October 1, 2018. ment, Sebi had decided that would be effective from Octo- sitive information should not "When the whole system has established that it has been to the official announcement. to attract investors, Tyagi said. This would pave way for all the integration would be done ber 1, 2018. "All exchanges will be out before it is in the public depends on the trust, when cap- leaked by the original company Sebi began a probe last month Further, Sebi has decided to exchanges -- currently provid- in two phases. The first phase be able to do securities trades as domain." ital markets are booming and itself. Whether this was done after a media report that there relax the norms for such trust ing trading platforms for stocks involves integration at the inter- well as commodities trade from He also warned that Sebi is people are investing in the mar- via their own mechanisms or had been information in cir- and allowed REITs to "invest at and commodity exchanges – mediary level, while the sec- October 1, 2018. As you are also separately probing the data kets if select people have access other fiduciaries like auditors culation on various WhatsApp least 50 per cent stake in Hold- to provide universal trading ond phase deals with enabling aware when FMC was merged leakage to get to the bottom of to results before it is in the pub- are involved, is what is to be groups about some companies, cos/SPVs and similarly allowing facilities. This would allow all a single exchange to operate with Sebi in September 2015 the issue. lic domain, it is just not on," the established now." Stating that including Axis Bank, ahead of Holdco to invest at least 50 per exchanges to do stocks as well various segments such as equity, there were different timelines The announcement comes chairman said. Sebi is sure about the source of their financial results. PTI cent stake in SPVs". PTI as commodities trade from equity derivatives, commodity for different items. PTI Sebi eases FPI norms, allows listing of security receipts by ARCs MUMBAI: Markets regula- loses its status due to exit of All entities under tor Sebi on Thursday decided some offshore global inves- Watchdog defers norms for loan to relax entry norms for for- tors then it would not result eign portfolio investors (FPIs) in immediate loss of Category scrutiny to get willing to invest in the Indian II status. Three months time markets. should be given to such funds default disclosure by listed firms settlement notice Besides, Sebi would allow to regain such status. listing of security receipts The regulator has decided to MUMBAI: Markets regulator to banks and financial institu- NEW DELHI: To fast-track issued by an asset reconstruc- discontinue the requirements Sebi on Thursday decided to tions, just a day before it was cases, markets regulator Sebi tion company (ARC) on stock of seeking its prior approval in hold further discussions on its supposed to be implemented will issue settlement notice exchange platform. case of change in local custo- proposed norms mandating on October 1. to entities undergoing probe This will enhance capital dian or designated depository listed companies to make imme- Banks had asked for more against violations like delay in flows into the securitisation participants (DDPs). diate disclosure about their loan time for the new rules as the making shareholding disclo- industry and particularly be At the time of change of defaults. Indian credit market was dif- sures and filing of returns and helpful to deal with bank non- local custodian/DDP, the The new rules were to come ferent from its Western coun- reports. performing assets (NPAs), new DDP would be permit- into effect initially from Octo- terparts where such a disclosure Also, among other vio- Sebi Chairman Ajay Tyagi told The moves are aimed at the KYC (know your client) ted to rely on the registration ber but deferred at that time is mandatory. lations is non-disclosure in reporters here. easing direct registration for requirements, while other reg- granted by previous DDP at the and a revised proposal was pre- said after the meeting. Earlier, In August, the regulator had relation to companies exclu- Security receipt, in market FPIs and avoiding participatory istration procedures have been time of transition. The move sented before the Sebi board at a Sebi had put off implementa- directed listed companies to sively listed on regional stock parlance, means a receipt or notes (P-notes). made simpler for them. is expected to avoid duplicate meeting here. The board, how- tion of its directive "until fur- disclose from October 1 any exchanges which have exited, other security issued by a secu- According to the new Further, rationale of efforts and incremental docu- ever, decided to defer a deci- ther notice" that required listed payment defaults to banks and besides delay in compliance of ritisation company or recon- proposal, more jurisdictions broad-based criteria would mentation by the FPIs as well sion and felt further discussion firms to inform exchanges if financial institutions within one any other Sebi norms. struction company. such as Canada would be able be extended in other cases as the DDPs. PTI was required, the Sebi officials they default on loan payments working day of such a miss. PTI "The board may issue a The regulator had earlier to access the market due to wherein the applicant funds notice of settlement...call- issued a consultation paper change in FPI Regulations. have other institutional inves- ing upon the noticee (entity) titled ‘easing of access norms Category I and II FPIs, tors -- sovereign wealth fund, to file a settlement applica- for investment by FPIs’ and had which are essentially govern- insurance/reinsurance compa- Sebi puts 10% cross-shareholding cap in mutual funds tion in respect of the specified sought comments from public ment and regulated entities, nies, pension funds, Exchange proceeding(s) to be initiated, at large. should not need any additional Traded Funds (ETFs) as their MUMBAI: To avoid any poten- Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda Sebi Chairman Ajay Tyagi told holders) of UTI MF will have to upon payment of the settle- After taking into consid- documentation and procedural underlying investors, Tyagi tial conflict of interest, mar- (BoB) and Life Insurance Cor- reporters here. reduce their stake to 10 per cent ment amount and or furnish- eration views of the public, requirements. However, Cat- said. kets regulator Sebi on Thursday poration (LIC) are having their Further, a sponsor of a each within a year," Tyagi said in ing an undertaking in respect the board of Sebi has decided egory III FPIs should con- Currently, an FPI is consid- decided to put a 10 per cent own mutual funds and at the mutual fund, its associates, a reply to a query. The moves are of other non-monetary terms to ease some rules, including tinue to be subject to such ered to be broad-based in case cross-shareholding cap in same time they hold 18.24 per group company and its asset aimed at avoiding any conflict or compliance with other non- expanding the eligible jurisdic- requirements. such overseas investor has a mutual funds. cent stake each in UTI AMC. management company will be of interest and help in strength- monetary terms," Sebi said in tions for registration by includ- In a major revamp, Sebi in bank as an underlying investor. The new measure may have The board of Securities and restricted from holding 10 per ening the governance structure a notification dated Decem- ing countries with diplomatic 2014 had released norms that Broad based fund means a an impact on the shareholding Exchange Board of India (Sebi) cent or more stake in a rival for mutual funds. ber 27. tie-ups with India. had clubbed different catego- fund, established outside India, pattern of UTI Asset Manage- has decided that any shareholder AMC. In addition, such enti- In addition, Sebi has decided However, the Securities and Besides, the regulator may ries of foreign investors into a which has at least 20 investors, ment Company (AMC), requir- owning at least 10 per cent stake ties will be barred from having to come out with a fresh con- Exchange Board of India (Sebi) rationalise “fit and proper” cri- new class called FPIs. Under with no investor holding more ing its promoters to lower their in an AMC will not be allowed a representation on the board sultation paper on Investment said that these proceedings teria for FPIs as well as simplify the regime, FPIs have been than 49 per cent of the shares stake to 10 per cent or below to have 10 per cent or more of another mutual fund house. Advisor in order to segregate would not be settled in case the broad-based requirements for divided into three categories or units of the fund. in next one year. State Bank of stake in another mutual fund "There will be no conflict advisory and the role of a dis- applicant failed to make a full such investors. as per their risk profile and In case broad based fund India (SBI), Punjab National house operating in the country, with the UTI Act. They (share- tributor, Tyagi said. PTI and true disclosure of facts. PTI business 13 MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 mp Maritime staff plan strike Mukesh to bail out brother Anil's debt-ridden RCom against DCI divestment plot Reliance Jio to take over spectrum, tower, optical NEW DELHI: Major maritime force might lose their jobs and fiber network and all wireless biz assets of RCom unions on Thursday threatened unemployment in the sector to go on a nation-wide strike to may grow. The DCI is a Mini- NEW DELHI: Billionaire protest against the government's ratna public sector company, Mukesh Ambani on Thursday move to privatise Dredging Cor- which is into the business of stepped in to bail out younger poration of India (DCI), say- dredging and the main sea- brother Anil Ambani's debt- ing it is not in national interest ports where it operates are ridden Reliance Communica- as the PSU is privy to sensitive Vishakhapatnam Port, Hal- tions by acquiring spectrum, defence information. dia, Kandla, Cochin Port and tower, optical fiber network and On November 1, the gov- Ennore Port. other wireless assets. ernment had approved sale of Earlier, the non-executive While the two companies its entire 73.47 per cent stake in workers' union of the com- did not disclose the deal size, the DCI, which is being opposed pany had threatened to launch banking sources pegged the by its workers. an indefinite strike and gone transaction value at Rs 24,000- The ongoing dispute for an agitation. Opposing 25,000 crore. between the DCI and its the divestment plan, the com- The announcement comes employees is likely to escalate pany workers, including shore- just two days after Reliance into a major stand-off between also executes dredging contracts wide agitation of Indian seafar- Also, vital marine installations based executives, had gone on Communications - promoted Indian seafarers and the central on behalf of the Indian Navy. ers if the Government of India at Indian ports will be exposed a mass leave on November 21 by Anil Ambani - disclosed a packs in 122.4 MHz of 4G Spec- to acquire assets of RCom is government, said the National The DCI is thus privy to vital fails to accept our legitimate to foreign workforce employed at . new deal with the lenders under trum in the 800/900/1800/2100 supervised by an independent Union of Seafarers of India and sensitive defence-related demand. for dredging activities by pri- The company earlier said its which nearly Rs 40,000 crore MHz bands, over 43,000 towers, group of "distinguished indus- (NUSI) and the Maritime Union information. Amar Singh Thakur, General vate players." management is holding discus- will be raised through sale of 1,78,000 kilometres of fiber and try experts" and that it emerged of India (MUI), adding that they Privatising profit-making Secretary, MUI, said: "Liquidat- Moreover, privatisation of sions with the union to avert assets, averting an imminent 248 media convergence nodes. as the successful bidder in the are planning a nation-wide agi- DCI is hence not in the interest ing a majority stake of the DCI the DCI will demoralise Indian any strike. takeover by the 35 local and The transaction, subject two-stage bidding process. tation against the disinvestment. of the nation's interest," Abdul- in favour of private players will marine workforce keen on The disinvestment of the foreign banks. to approval from lenders and "An asset monetisation pro- "Since its inception in 1976, gani Serang, General Secretary, be a huge blow to the country's serving the country's buoyant government's entire stake in the The mega deal also coin- other authorities, is expected cess for RCom assets was man- the DCI continues to serve NUSI, said. Serang further said exchequer as dredging charges dredging sector, he pointed out, company could fetch about Rs cides with the 85th birth anni- to be completed in a phased dated by the lenders of RCom, Indian ports at low margins and the NUSI will launch a nation- might shoot up phenomenally. adding that its current work- 1,400 crore to the exchequer. PTI versary of Reliance founder manner between January and who appointed SBI Capital Dhirubhai Ambani. March 2018. Markets Limited to run the The deal will bring an "The RJio deal consideration process," the Jio release said. CPRL opens 16 immediate relief to Reliance comprises primarily of cash The parties are bound by Bad loan recovery: FM places Bill to bar Communications (RCom), payment and includes transfer confidentiality obligations and out of 84 closed which is reeling under Rs of deferred spectrum instal- will make further disclosures 45,000 crore debt, and the com- ments payable to the Depart- at the appropriate time, Jio said outlets in north wilful defaulters from bidding in auctions pany hopes to use the entire ment of Telecommunication without disclosing the value of proceeds to pare its debt. (DoT). The company will uti- the transaction. NEW DELHI: Finance Minister amend laws relating to reor- NPA accounts. "Reliance Communi- lise the proceeds of the mone- RJio is being advised by and Arun Jaitley on Thursday intro- ganisation and insolvency res- The amendment to the IBC cations Limited on Thurs- tisation of this cash deal solely Goldman Sachs, Citigroup duced a bill in the Lok Sabha to olution of corporate persons, has been brought to address day announced it has signed for pre-payment of debt to its Global Markets, JM Financial bar wilful defaulters as well as partnership firms and individ- concerns that "persons who, definitive binding agreements lenders," RCom said. Private Limited, Davis Polk those with NPA accounts from uals in a time-bound manner. with their misconduct contrib- with Reliance Jio Infocomm Reliance Jio will acquire all & Wardwell LLP, Cyril Ama- bidding in auctions to recover According to the statement uted to defaults of companies Limited (RJio) for sale of wire- the assets without any previ- rchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & bad loans through insolvency of objects and reasons of the or otherwise undesirable, may less spectrum, tower, fiber and ous liabilities attached to them. Co and Ernst & Young on this proceedings. bill introduced by Jaitley, the misuse this situation due to lack Media Convergence Node "The acquisition is subject transaction. The Insolvency and Bank- amendment "provides clarity as of prohibition or restrictions to (MCN) assets," RCom said in to receipt of requisite approv- The beleaguered RCom was ruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, to the persons who can submit participate in the resolution or a statement. als from Governmental and forced to close its mobile voice 2017 seeks to replace an ordi- resolution plan in response to liquidation process, and gain A statement by Jio -- which regulatory authorities, con- business a month back as it was NEW DELHI: McDonald's nance which was promulgated an invitation made by the reso- defaulter, and those whose or regain control of corporate has 160 million customers just sents from all lenders, release not in a position to support the estranged partner Vikram Bak- in November to prevent unscru- lution professional". accounts have been classified debtor". over a year into 4G operations -- of all encumbrances on the operational expenses. shi on Thursday said 16 out of pulous persons from misusing The amendment bill also as non-performing asset. Moreover, this may under- said these assets are strategic in said assets and other conditions Earlier this week, RCom 84 closed outlets in North and or vitiating the provisions of makes certain persons ineligible These persons, however, can mine the process laid down nature and are expected to con- precedent. The consideration announced its exit from the East India have reopened after the IBC. for being a resolution applicant. become "eligible to submit a in the IBC as "unscrupulous tribute significantly to its large is payable at completion and is strategic debt restructuring a new logistics firm was roped The Insolvency and Bank- The ineligible persons or resolution plan" if they clear all person would be seen to be scale roll out of Wireless and subject to adjustments as speci- (SDR) and outlined an ambi- in even as the fast food major ruptcy Code (IBC) was enacted entities will include, undis- overdue amounts with interest rewarded at the expense of Fiber-to-Home and Enterprise fied in the agreement," Jio said. tious revival plan that involved alleged lapses in food quality last year to consolidate and charged insolvent, willful and other charges relating to creditors". PTI services. RCom said the deal It further said process zero write-offs to lenders. PTI and safety level by "all facets of the supply chain". CORPORATE KALEIDOSCOPE Nearly 84 outlets, mostly in Cut sales tax or East India and some in north, India Inc sews $60 bn M&A deals in 2017 had to down shutters on Mon- VAT on petrol & day after Bakshi-led CPRL's NEW DELHI: India Inc is said. Experts believe, start-ups, logistics partner Radhakrishna diesel, Pradhan looking at a huge M&A tally banking and insurance, e- com- Foodland discontinued its sup- of over $60 billion (about Rs 4 merce, manufacturing, pharma, ply services alleging reduction appeals to states lakh crore) for 2017, helped by healthcare and biotech will be in volume and non-payment some marquee domestic deals the key sectors in terms of deal of certain dues, among others. and rich valuations for various action. Bakshi, however, denied the private equity investments. "We consider that manufac- charges, saying Radhakrishna The need to consolidate in turing, pharmaceuticals, health- Foodland in collusion with the wake of financial stress, as care and life sciences, financial McDonald's India is trying to also for cashing out from valu- services, insurance, renewables, hurt the business and there in no able businesses to meet debt telecom and fintech will attract regular payment default. obligations, will continue to give significant interest," Aakash The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in collaboration with the Bakshi-led CPRL, the 50:50 a further boost to the deal-mak- Choubey, Partner, Khaitan & Co Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) joint venture franchise with NEW DELHI: Oil Minister ing activities, experts feel. said, adding several deals will and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) organised ‘Training McDonald's, runs 169 outlets Dharmendra Pradhan called Experts believe the new year be done out of distressed assets. Workshops for Financial Institutions on Energy Efficiency in North and East India even upon states to cut sales tax or also looks promising in terms EY's Khandelwal also believes Financing in India’ on December 19, 2017, at Mangalore after the food chain in August VAT on petrol and diesel to pro- of deals as political stability that "with the IBC (Insolvency terminated the agreement over vide relief to consumers. "Sev- is in place, economic reforms and Bankruptcy Code) taking management issues, among oth- eral states have reduced VAT, are on a fast track and broader effect in 2017, 2018 is expected ers, saying the termination is we will appeal again... States, macro factors are also looking to see domestic deals emerging illegal and the outlets will run till which have high VAT compo- positive, though some pressure "Valuations expectations, actions Advisory Services at from restructuring activities and the courts decide in the matter nent, they should reduce for may come from stretched valu- lack of understanding of regula- EY, the domestic deal activity is distressed asset sale. or there is an amicable solution consumers interest," the minis- ations and high capital market tory process resulted in decline expected to dominate the over- On the cross-border front, with McDonald's India. ter told reporters here. He fur- benchmarks. of the deal volumes and val- all M&A landscape going for- outbound activity is expected "The new logistics partner is ther said that the petroleum According to global consul- ues in 2017," according to deal- ward, on account of the ongoing to remain "sub-par", except in capable enough of the supply to sector would be brought under tancy giant Grant Thornton, the tracking firm Mergermarket consolidation wave across sec- sectors such as pharma and the restaurants that are affected the ambit of the GST as and overall deal activity -- including India. It, however, noted that tors and the resolution of insol- technology where Indian play- due to raw material crunch and when the consensus is reached both M&As (mergers and acqui- M&As may see a slower pace vency cases. ers keep looking for additional PFC Consulting Ltd (PFCCL) has entered into a Memorandum of about 16 outlets have re-opened among the states. In October, sitions) and PE (private equity) in 2018, with 2019 being the In addition, digital disrup- resources and leading-edge Understanding (MoU) with Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. on Thursday," Bakshi said. the government reduced excise -- has been about $59 billion in election year and the growth tion and sector convergence technologies," he said, while PFCCL Chief Executive Officer Subir Mulchandani and Tata Power- "CPRL team is working dili- duty on petrol to Rs 19.48 per the January-November period still looking tepid on the eco- will likely support the deal adding that inbound activity DDL Chief Executive Officer & MD Praveer Sinha signed the MoU in gently to have all our outlets re- litre from Rs 21.48 per litre and of 2017, a 9 per cent rise from nomic front. momentum as businesses look can see some traction as global the presence of PFC Chairman and MD Rajeev Sharma, functional opened the soonest possible," he on diesel to Rs 15.33 a litre from the last year. The final tally for According to Amit Khandel- to acquire capabilities to gain a players are trying to expand directors and senior officials said. PTI Rs 17.33 previously. PTI the year may cross $60 billion. wal, Managing Partner, Trans- competitive edge, Khandelwal their presence in India. PTI India’s EV push not answer to pollution: Toyota HYDERABAD: Amid a rag- ing debate on the govern- ment's resolve to ensure that Govt hires consultant to only electric vehicles are sold in the country from 2030, a key official of Toyota's joint ven- drive green auto policy ture has pitched for a technol- ogy-agnostic approach giving NEW DELHI: The government for the journey towards electric options for consumers and lee- has roped in a consultant to help vehicles by 2030. way to auto producers. in formulating an automobile "The consultant has been Shekar Viswanathan, vice- policy, which will consider all tasked with evaluating all chairman and wholetime direc- technological options, includ- options, including clean tech- tor at Toyota Kirloksar Motor, ing electric vehicles and hydro- nologies like electric (vehicles) said consumers should be gen fuel cells for eco-friendly and hydrogen (fuel cells)," he given freedom to make a logi- mobility, says Union minister said. cal choice, and manufacturers gen vehicles. So, I think the cles is the immediate answer. Anant Geete. Asked how the policy would enough leeway so that they can government has to recognise Yes, there will be a certain per- The Department of Heavy be like, he said, "There is no produce what the consumer this, be technology-agnostic, centage of vehicle population Industry is taking the initia- decision yet on the auto policy... wants. and encourage all techologies which will have electric, but tive towards formulation of the The consultant has not even dis- Viswanathan said the gov- and fix the tax rates accord- we still have to rely on internal auto policy, but it is at an early cussed it with the auto indus- ernment's ambitious target of ingly," he said in an interview combustion engine, hydrogen stage and discussion with the try now." all-electric fleet from 2030 is to PTI. vehicles and hybrid vehicles industry is yet to start, the min- The department is now tak- "not practical, and it's not the "All technolgies must be for the remainder," Viswana- ister said. ing an initiative towards for- way forward". encouraged because no body than said. "The department hasmulation of the auto policy, he He also argued that EVs knows which technology is Asked if India should avoid appointed a consultant to study added. alone are not the best answer going to succeed," Viswana- rushing into an era of EVs, he the issue. It (auto policy formu- "Once the report is sub- to curb vehicular pollution. than said. said, "If that's what the con- lation) is at a primary stage right mitted by the consultant, the Customers who have a cer- Technologies which gen- sumer wants, the rush will now," said Geete, who is the Department of Heavy Industry tain distance to travel every erate more pollution have to happen on commercial terms minister for Heavy Industries will discuss it with stakehold- day will choose electric, and be discouraged through suit- but if you (Government) man- and Public Sector Enterprises. ers, including the auto indus- those who don't have a fixed able fiscal dis-incentives, date that I will give huge tax The development comes at a try. We have told the consultant schedule, may choose hybrid, while those which minimise incentive for electric but I will critical time for the automobile to explore how the auto policy according to him. the amount of pollution should penalise hybrid which is very industry, which is set to move can be formulated and suggest "In time to come, others be encouraged by way of fiscal friendly in terms of pollution to stricter emission norms of ways towards the same," he said may choose hydrogen because incentives. levels, then it's not a level play- BS-VI from April 2020 while without sharing the details of there is zero pollution in hydro- "I don't think electric vehi- ing field." PTI at the same time start preparing the consultant. PTI 14 sport mp MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi |Friday, 29 December, 2017 URUGUAYAN STRIKER ABREU SIGNS FOR SOROKIN TO REPLACE MUTKO AS WORLD UNITED MIDFIELDER FELLAINI COMPLAINS OF WORLD RECORD 26TH CLUB CUP ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHIEF MISTREATMENT IN ENGLAND RIO DE JANEIRO: Former Uruguay international striker Se- MOSCOW: Russia 2018 chief executive Alexei Sorokin MANCHESTER: Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fel- bastian “Loco” Abreu has set a world record by signing for his will replace Vitaly Mutko as the head of the forthcom- laini complained about being called an aggressive footballer 26th professional club. The 41-year-old said on Twitter that he ing FIFA World Cup organising committee. Mutko will be and murderer while plying his trade for the English football agreed to a 12-month contract with Santiago outfit Audax Ital- replaced by Alexei Sorokin, who is Russia 2018 chief giants. The Belgian international has played in England since iano after parting ways with their Chilean rivals Puerto Montt, executive and the man who took his place on the Fifa 2008. He earlier figured for Everton before moving to Man- reports Xinhua news agency. council after Mutko stepped down from his position. chester United in 2013. Bumrah can be good Commonwealth chess champs Alastair ‘Cook(s)’ up record choice for 1st Test: Nehra Gupta, Ghate in fray double ton, Eng in control MUMBAI: Reigning Com- monwealth Champions Abhi- MELBOURNE: Alastair Cook reeled time on 153 in a sharp right-handed jeet Gupta and Swati Ghate are off a record-breaking double century chance at square leg. among the leading players in to put England in full command of the The tourists lost seven wickets for 299 the fray in the open category of fourth Ashes Test with a formidable 164- on the third day with captain Joe Root the IIFL Wealth Mumbai Inter- run innings lead in Melbourne, here on again failing to convert a half-century national Chess Championship Thursday. into three figures when he top-edged a commencing here on Decem- The stoic opener emphatically hook shot off Cummins to Lyon at deep NEW DELHI: Former pacer Trophy. ber 30. bounced back after a lean run of scores square leg. Root reached his third half- feels the Indian “He has the most lethal Swati is the highest ranked to finish the day unconquered on 244 century of the series but was clearly furi- team management can think yorker among the five pacers woman in the tournament off 409 balls. At the close, England were ous with himself when he holed out on of handing Jasprit Bumrah along with good slower ones. which has attracted 20 Grand 491 for nine. 61 in the morning session. his Test debut in the opening Also he has an awkward high- Masters in the Open Category Along the way, Cook surpassed the Dawid Malan, a century-maker in game against South Africa as arm action, which can be very and offers a prize money of Rs highest score by a visiting batsman in the third Test in Perth, was out leg before his awkward action and yorkers difficult to pick initially. All 12 lakh, said a media release a Test match at the famous Melbourne wicket with Josh Hazlewood’s second might prove lethal on the Cape these factors work in Bumrah’s here on Thursday. Ground, bettering the 208 by delivery of the second new ball for 14. Town track. favour,” feels Nehra, who was a Gupta, the 2012 World West Indian great in 1984. Malan conferred with Cook before “Jasprit Bumrah can be a part of the 2001 Test series in Junior champion, will have the He earlier bettered Wally Hammond’s deciding not to review, yet replays good choice for the first Test the country. home advantage as he battles 200 set back in 1928 as the highest Test showed a distinct ‘Hot Spot’ nick on in Cape Town. I don’t know The weather in Cape Town several Grandmasters, includ- score at the MCG by an Englishman. his bat which would have kept him at the what’s there in the team man- during this time of the year, ing Ivan Rozum from Russia, Cook’s fifth double-century in 151 crease if he had challenged the decision. agement’s mind but he is the according to Nehra, will also Timur Gareyev from USA and Test matches also catapulted him above from the hosts. ing a demoralising 100-run stand off 110 It follows James Vince’s similar dis- kind of bowler, who can be an play a vital role. David Alberto from Italy for West Indian Brian Lara to become the Broad, who survived a series of hair- balls with Cook. missal on Wednesday to Hazlewood for asset on the Newlands track “Cape Town, during Janu- the top prize of Rs 12 lakh at sixth highest run-getter in raising short- pitched balls, thrived in Cook cashed in on two dropped 17, when he also did not seek a review during the first Test,” Nehra ary, can get hot and the condi- the Mount Litera School Inter- with 11,956. his partnership with Cook, pushing the catches by Australia skipper Steve Smith despite ‘Hot Spot’ showing a mark on said during an interview on tions may not be seam-friendly. national, a media release said. Australia, who already have won tourists beyond 450 on a lifeless pitch. along the way to continue the misery for his bat. the South Africa tour. Now if it becomes humid and Challenging Gupta back the Ashes with an unassailable 3-0 It needed multiple replays before the home side. England lost two wickets in the mid- The former left-arm pacer the pitch is a flat one, then would be the country’s 40th lead, looked unable to stop the flow of Broad was finally given out for 56 off Smith, who dropped Cook on 66 in dle session with Jonny Bairstow caught then elaborately explained why Bhuvneshwar may not get the Grandmaster Swanil S Dho- runs in the final session as Stuart Broad 63 balls to a diving outfield catch by the slips on Wednesday, put down the behind off Lyon for 22 and Moeen Ali he feels that Bumrah could desired swing and seam move- pade, ranked 10th amongst supported Cook to take the game away Usman Khawaja off Pat Cummins, end- former England skipper for the second lashing out for 20 off 14 balls. It was the prove to be a good choice. ment. If one looks at Bumrah’s the entries, and 12th ranked sixth time in seven innings “We have seen Bumrah pri- record, he has the ability to Grandmaster Shyam Sundar M in the series that Moeen had marily in white ball cricket but bowl long spells. He has done who had once held the Vladi- been dismissed by fellow off- just go back a year and check it for Gujarat, so I don’t see any mir Kramnik to a draw, and spinner Lyon. AGENCIES out how many overs he had reason why he can’t do it for Grandmasters Swati and Kiran bowled for Gujarat in Ranji India,” Nehra said. PTI Manisha Mohanty. AGENCIES Gambhir feels Delhi dressing Delhi stand in way of Vidarbha room is not chasing maiden Ranji glory

all negative Vidarbha supply a player or two more to the Indian cricket team in near : Gautam Gamb- future, Delhi certainly look like hir feels that all the negativity the fancied of the two finalists. surrounding the DDCA moti- However, given Vidarbha’s vated the team to turn up with spirited run to their maiden the kind of performances they title clash, Delhi are well aware have this season. of the threat the first- timers “DDCA has been in the could pose over the next few news for all the wrong reasons,” days. Not one to take any- Gambhir is quoted as saying thing for granted, Delhi skip- by ESPNcricinfo. “Deep down, per Rishabh Pant said on the each and every player that I eve of the match,”We are just have played with or the support focused on the job at hand. We staff that I have been involved know we will have to play really with… [for us] it hurts. Some- well to win the match.” times it is good when you feel Medium pacer Rajneesh bad about something that has Gurbani has become the toast been said about you or your INDORE: A win away from endings for years. of the domestic scene since he team or your association. That their maiden title, Vidarbha If Vidarbha’s dream run ran through season favourites hurt actually was the trigger embodied the allure often asso- ends in a heartbreak at the Karnataka’s a star-studded point. “There’s a lot said about ciated with underdogs as they , it would pave batting line-up in the semifi- the difference of opinion that braced up to face a battle-hard- the way for Delhi’s eighth tri- nal in Kolkata. In Delhi, Gur- I had with the coach, that ened Delhi that has for years umph -- the last coming almost bani and his teammates have was taken to various exten- braved a system that is any- a decade back. another difficult challenge fac- sions,” he said, “... we wanted thing but robust, in the final of Some turnaround it has ing them. to show the world that it’s not . been after the off-field contro- With the seasoned Gamb- only the negative that exists Since reaching their maiden versies that dogged the team hir at the top of the order, Delhi in the Delhi dressing room. semi-final of the country’s pre- last season, with much publi- know they have a player who There is positivity, there are mier domestic tournament, cised altercation between then can be relied on in times of cri- things we want to do to restore Vidarbha’s story has been skipper and sis. If the out-of-favour India the glory days of the associa- about getting familiarised coach KP Bhaskar. opener is able to add to the tion which has given me my with unchartered territories, A team that has produced three centuries and two fifties identity and a platform to play and now they are up against a some of the finest players in in the final, Delhi would be too for India.” AGENCIES team that is also seeking happy recent years and looks set to happy to lap it all. AGENCIES

VIDARBHA IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Ashwin-Jadeja need ( A GOVERNMENT OF MAHARASHTRA UNDERTAKING) AMRAVATI PROJECT CONSTRUCTION DIVISION NO.1, AMRAVATI to change their style E TENDER NOTICE NO. 6 / 2017-18. (Second Call) in SA, feels Rahane GOVERNMENT OF CHHATTISGARH, Online Tender ( e — Tender ) in C - form ( LUMPSUM TENDER ) for the following work is WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT invited by the Executive Engineer, Amravati Project Construction Division No.1, Amravati (Office Address - Jalsampada OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER Parisar, Jail Road, Camp, Amravati , Tq. Dist. Amravati, Maharashtra, Pin Code — 444602, Phone-0721-2666545, Email WATER RESOURCES & GROUND WATER SURVEY CIRCLE Id.- [email protected], [email protected] ) on Government of Maharashtra Electronic Ten- SIHAVA BHAWAN CAMPUS, CIVIL LINES, RAIPUR (C.G.) der Management System https://mahatenders.gov.in from the eligible contractors satisfying the terms and conditions of the tender. e-PROCUREMENT TENDER NOTICE eProcurement Portal: https://eproc.cgstate.gov.in (1stCall) System Tender No. :25353 /NIT No. : 15/SAC/2017-18, Mahasa- mund, Dated ; 22.12.2017 Online Tenders are Invited for The Following Works up to 11.01.2018 at 17:30 Hour (IST) :- Name of Work : CONSTRUCTION OF R.B.C. FROM R.D. 0 TO Indian cricketers, officials leave for the SA series from Mumbai PIC/PTI 2130 M., 10 NOS. STRUCTURES & 07 NOS. OUTLETS AND MINOR CANAL FROM R.D. 0 NEW DELHI: India’s Test they are doing really well at TO 870 M., 01 NO. STRUCTURE & 02 NOS. vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane the moment but I am sure OUTLETS OF DARRABHATHA DIVERSION is confident that senior spin- they are capable of doing well SCHEME IN SARAIPALI BLOCK OF MAHASA- MUND DISTRICT. ners and abroad as well. Yes, they have Probable Amount : Rs. 119.55 LAKHS Ravindra Jadeja will be able to to change their style a bit, skills of Contract change their style of bowling a bit, have to bowl at a different that suits South African pitches pace but I completely believe The details can be viewed and downloaded online directly from during their upcoming tour, that and I am confident that the Government of Chhattisgarh Integrated e-Procurement Portal starting January 5. whoever plays or even if both (https://eproc.cgstate.gov.in) from Date 28.12.2017, at 17:31 Hours “I feel Ashwin and Jadeja, of them play, they will do well (IST) onwards. they both have it in them to in abroad,” the stylish Mum- NOTE :- All eligible/interested contractors/bidders are mandated to deliver abroad and not only baikar commented. Like it has get enrolled on the integrated e-procurement portal (https:// eproc.cgstate.gov.in) and get approval on specific vendor class Right is reserved to reject any of the tender or all tenders without assigning any reason thereof, in India. See when you play in been said million times over, from PWD under Centralized Contractor/Supplier Registration decision for acceptance or rejection will rest with the competent authority. Tender has Post Qualification Criteria. India you have to bowl in a cer- Rahane also reiterated about in order to download the tender documents and participate in tain way and if you see the likes Shastri’s contribution in bring- the subsequent bidding process. Executive Engineer of Moeen Ali, Nathan Lyon if ing the team together along EXECUTIVE ENGINEER Amravati Project Construction Division No.1 they are playing in England, with . “When you Water Resources Division, Mahasamund Australia they have to bowl in have Ravi bhai, you are think- OUTWARD NO. 5104/AB/TC/APCD/2017/DT.16.12.2017. for Superintending Engineer, Water Resources & Amravati a different style,” Rahane told ing positively. He always tells G46752/4 Ground Water Survey Circle, Raipur (C.G.) ‘India Today’ channel. us ‘back yourself and just enjoy DGIPR /2017/2018/5017 “So, Ashwin and Jadeja, your game’.” AGENCIES sport 15 MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi |Friday, 29 December, 2017 mp I want to see Struggling Delhi Mohun Bagan seek revival at myself as world no. 1 next season, take on confident ‘home’ debut v Indian Arrows says Sindhu Mumbai in ISL game NEW DELHI: Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu is eyeing the world no 1 position next season but said she will not lose her sleep over rankings as con- sistent performances will auto- matically earn her the numero uno spot. Sindhu had achieved a career-best ranking of world no 2 for about two months in the later half of the season. “I want to see myself as world no 1 in the upcoming season. I am at 3 now and it depends on tournaments, if you play well, you will automatically get the ranking. So I am not thinking MUMBAI: Struggling Delhi mixed run so far and looked much about the rankings. I just Dynamos will strive hard and impregnable at home before have to play well and I know hope for a turnaround in their ATK punctured it with a mea- I will automatically be there,” fortunes when they take on a sured performance 10 days ago. said Sindhu, who guided Chen- confident-looking Mumbai “It is not about pressure but nai Smashers to a 4-3 win over City FC in an Indian Super it is high time that we start win- Mumbai Rockets in PBL on League game, on Friday. ning games. That is what we Wednesday. Delhi are on the horns of have come to do here. The 22-year-old clinched a horror run since their lone Everything was right: the titles at Syed Modi GPG, India victory against FC Pune City training, the team and the per- Open, Korea Open, besides fin- in their season-opening away formances as well. The only ishing second at World cham- game on November 22. They thing not working is the thrust pionship, Hong Kong Open have lost five games on the trot in the final third and the fin- and Dubai Super Series Finals since then, three of those at ishing,” said Shakti Chau- this season. Sindhu feels the home, and are currently lying at han, assistant coach of Delhi duration of matches in women’s the bottom of the points table. Dynamos. singles have increased after her And today, Delhi would be The hosts have a sound back epic World Championship final eager to arrest the streak and four led by Romanian Lucian against Nozomi Okuhara. add to their meagre point tally Goian and Brazilian Gerson Meanwhile, Spanish star of three. The hosts, on the other Vieira, backed up by the goal- Carolina Marin’s form in 2017 hand, had a hiccup in their last stopping skills of Amrinder KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan are game. “It will be a proud occa- being labelled as the goal of is also far more confident now,” their defender Eze Kingsley which she conceded wasn’t the home game losing to ATK but Singh who has emerged with set for an I-League debut at sion when we host the first-ever the season by fans and pun- he said ahead of the match. who faced suspension against best for her and hoped — with then travelled to to two clean sheets, as compared their home ground when they I-League game at our ground. dits alike as the Arrows’ No. On the other hand, Mohun Neroca. an eye on regaining the top spot put it across NorthEast United to none for the visitors an indi- face Indian Arrows here on fri- We believe there won’t be any 16 ran past the entire Shillong Bagan will be bolstered by a It remains to be seen in the world rankings — that FC. They also have a chance cation of what the visitors are day as top-tier football returns glitch whatsoever and we can backline before slotting the strong home support and they whether their Haitian play- the coming year will fetch her to go to the number two slot up against. Balwant Singh has to Kolkata Maidan after ages. stage the game successfully ball home. “Of course, you feel will hope to return to winning maker Sony Norde makes the more titles. on the table if they win at the been Mumbai’s most success- This is the first time an without any hassles whatso- proud if you hear your name ways after dropping points in playing eleven as he seemed to The reigning Olympic Mumbai Football Arena in sub- ful striker with four goals to I-League match will be held ever,” the club’s finance secre- alongside Messi. It’s such an their last two outings -- against have aggravated his knee injury champion and two-time World urban Andheri. his credit, including a brace at the Kolkata Maidan and the tary Debashish Dutta said. honour for me that this goal is Shillong Lajong and Neroca. after being given a start against champion finished runners- Mumbai have won three in the win in the previous Mohun Bagan ground which Talking about the match, compared with the kind that As a result, Mohun Bagan Neroca but only to be replaced up thrice — in India, Malay- out of seven games and drawn away game against NorthEast had witnessed an average atten- the spotlight will be on Nongd- Messi scores,” Naorem, who have slipped to fifth place with in the 83rd minute. sia and Singapore — losing one and their tally of 10 has left United. He has the backing of dance of 20,000 in their Cal- amba Naorem, the 17-year-old also played for India in the nine points, three clear of Mohun Bagan’s last win had to Sindhu in Delhi and on them currently in the middle a good midfield led by Camer- cutta Football League matches lad from the All India Foot- FIFA U-17 World Cup in Octo- Arrows after five matches each. come against Churchill Broth- the remaining two occasions of the table, but a victory over oon’s Achille Emana who him- this year is all set to make ball Federation’s developmental ber, said. A win, however, will take ers, a 5-0 rout at the Barasat to Chinese Taipei star Tai Delhi would pitchfork them self has scored once so far in history. side. Currently on loan to the The Arrows will take a big Mohun Bagan to top three, artificial turf on December Tzu Ying. AGENCIES higher. Mumbai have had a seven outings. AGENCIES At the same time, the Arrows from Minerva Punjab boost from the goal as they behind Minerva and arch- 10. But several of their players ground had seen some unruly FC, the Manipuri midfielder would look to challenge the rivals East Bengal who climbed got injured due to the ground crowd behaviour affecting the has announced his arrival with Mohun Bagan defence. to the pole position after their conditions as Japanese Yuta millenniumpost.in local league matches and the a ‘Messi-like’ strike in their 3-0 “I never really thought I win against Gokulam Kerala Kinowaki is already out of millenniumpo NO H ALFst TR U THS onus will be on the Mariners’ win over Shillong Lajong in could score such a goal. It has yesterday. action, while Norde has been officials to ensure a safe play- their last round match. really boosted my self-belief Mohun Bagan will also struggling to return to full CHANGE OF NAME ing environment for a top-tier Naorem’s goal is already and confidence and our team get a boost with the return of fitness. AGENCIES I, Herneet Kaur D/o Shri Ranvir Singh, R/o G-29A, Radhey Puri, Krishna Chennai beat 1-0 Nagar, Delhi-51.That my took a positive approach from actual & correct name is the very first minute of the Herneet Kaur, in future match. In the second minute, my name will be known Kervens Belfort tested Chen- as Herneet Kaur for all naiyin custodian Karanjeet Singh from close range. The purposes. That Harneet Haitian received a cross from Kaur and Herneet Kaur is Mehtab inside the penalty box one and the same peron. and attempted a shot at goal as the visitors’ defence was caught napping. The Men of Steel came close to score once again in the sixth minute but Jerry Mawih- mingthanga failed to convert a cross from Souvik Chakraborty JAMSHEDPUR: A 41st min- the playing XI. from a few yards out. ute spot-kick conversion from Chennaiyin FC on the Chennaiyin received their Jeje Lalpekhua gave John Greg- other hand, made as many as first blow of the match in the ory’s Chennaiyin FC a hard- three changes to the starting eighth minute when mid- fought 1-0 over Jamshedpur FC XI which managed a 1-1 draw fielder suf- at the JRD Tata Sports Complex against Kerala Blasters. Dhan- fered an injury and had to on Thursday. pal Ganesh was back from his leave the field. John Gregory Steve Coppell did not suspension and he replaced had no other option but to make any changes to Jamshed- in the cen- introduce Germanpreet Singh pur FC’s winning combination tral midfield. Gregory Nelson in his stead. which beat Bengaluru FC in and last match’s goal scorer Jamshedpur dominated their previous match. Mehtab Rene Mihelic replaced Jude proceedings in the entire first Hossain, who had to leave the Nworuh and Raphael Augusto half as they won the midfield pitch early against Bengaluru respectively. battles comfortably to keep due to an injury, was back in The home side surprisingly Chennai’s under control. AGENCIES Popovic fined, suspended

NEW DELHI: FC Pune City coach Ranko Popo- vic was suspended for four matches and fined Rs five lakh with imme- diate effect by the AIFF. The AIFF Disciplin- ary Committee found Popovic in breach of Article 50 (misconduct against match officials) and Article 58 (offensive behaviour and fair play) for his remarks made against match officials at the post-match press conference in Goa, the ISL said in a press release. “Ranko Popovic is fined Rs 5 lakh and is suspended for four matches of FC Pune City, from the date of this decision.” The amount should be deposited to within 10 days from the date of communication of this decision.” AGENCIES 16 mp Entertainment MILLENNIUM POST | New Delhi | Friday, 29 December, 2017 ‘Been through hiccups personally’ PROFESSIONALLY’ Rani Mukerji is making her comeback to the silver screen after four years with ‘Hichki’, in which the actor is playing the role of Naina Mathur - a character who suffers from speech difficulty

NEW DELHI: “What is life without a Without elucidating on the hurdles Mukerji out and put the character in it. few hiccups” – the tagline of the upcom- she has faced, Rani said hiccups can be a So, whether it is Naina, Michelle or Babli ing film Hichki resonates with the ideol- learning experience. (of ‘Bunty Aur Babli’), the role has to be ogy of the film’s lead actor Rani Mukerji. “We can learn how do we get out of it distinct from each other. They can’t be the Hichki, meaning a hiccup, is about Naina and how do we come out stronger.” The same. I have to put in a lot of thought in who suffers from a speech difficulty. It is actor is making her comeback to the silver every particular character,” said Rani. She about turning disadvantages into oppor- screen after four years with the Siddharth says a lot of research work goes behind tunities and staring down at challenges P Malhotra directorial, which is produced playing a character with special needs. and ultimately winning over them. by Maneesh Sharma for Yash Raj Films “When you do special roles like this, Asked if she has faced any hiccups in (YRF), and is releasing on February 23. there is certain amount of research or her two-decade career, Rani said, “Yes, of This is not the first time Rani will work behind it because you have to get it course. I think hiccup is a normal process be playing a character with a disability. right,” she said. for any actor, for any person in their life. In 2005, the actor portrayed Michelle “When as an actor, we decide to do a Sometimes you have a hiccup in your per- McNally, a visually and hearing impaired role, it is very important to immerse our- sonal life and sometimes in your profes- woman in Black. In Hichki, she plays selves and believe that we are one of them. sional life. “The beauty of a hiccup is that Naina Mathur, a character with the And this is what I have done in my career you can get over it as well. It’s not like that Tourette syndrome – a condition that where I have always tried to understand you have a hiccup and you keep hiccup- forces an individual to make involuntary the aspects of the people who are going ing all your life... There have been times repetitive movements or sounds. through a particular syndrome or a weak- professionally and personally I have been “I think every role is difficult because ness and how are the people around them through hiccups.” for every role, I am trying to take Rani getting affected,” Rani added. IANS Playing around with music Huge responsibility to bring SYEDA EBA the playlist as it has got power, pump, and everything that a ilind Gaba wedding song needs. And I Thackeray back to life: Make-up artist became a You- must say, the music director tube sensation Abhijit Vaghani has done a soon after his brilliant job in connecting both debutM song ‘4 Men Down’ the songs,” he further added. and didn’t look back since The ‘Aise Na Dekh’ singer then. The young artist, who has always taken a keen inter- has always been appreciated est in rapping despite the for his fresh approach towards music form being not very music, is back with a beauti- popular in India. ful wedding anthem. Merging Does he see a future in two of the cult classics – ‘Soni rapping? de nakhre’ and ‘Oh ho ho ho’ – Clarifying the point he said, Milind has performed for Mix- “I don’t prominently rap now. ‘Black Panther’ Tape season 2 in collaboration If you hear my last few releases, with T-series. I am rather singing in it. So I role took Speaking about his experi- can say that I have shifted my ence of working on the song, focus from cult rapping to RnB Michael B. to a he said, “It feels amazing. There singing stuff which is roman- are a few selected people who tic. Because it’s my genre, I can ‘dark place’ are part of this year’s edi- carry it well. Besides that, there tion and I feel lucky that I am is definitely a future in every- OUR CORRESPONDENT in awaited movies like San- LONDON: Actor Michael deserving enough to be among thing including rapping. Music jay Leela Bhansali’s Padma- B. Jordan was taken to a the other renowned artists of is vast and you can always play ational award-win- vati, Umesh Shukla’s 102 not “dark place” when he took our fraternity.” around with it.” ning makeup and Out, Vikramaditya Motwane’s on the role of Erik Killmon- Milind along with Sukhbir Milind was born in a fam- prosthetics artist Bhavesh Joshi and Sunny Deol’s ger in Black Panther. Singh, popularly known as the ily with a musical background, Preetisheel Singh, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas. The 30-year-old actor ‘Prince of Bhangra’ has tried to yet had his own struggles as the main work and show their including ‘Main Teri Ho Gayi’, Nwho had transformed Nawa- She puts in a strong word stars as the antagonist in the give their touch to the origi- an individual. “Everybody has talent. Eventually, our work ‘Yaar Mod Do’, ‘Aise Na Dekh’ zuddin Siddiqui’s look for for Nawazuddin’s dedication. upcoming movie, which is nal songs. But what makes the to go through struggles and I will have to speak for us and and, ‘Haan Haan Hum Peete MOM, has once again worked “He is not only a brilliant actor set to hit cinema screens in reprise version better? went through it too. It doesn’t in that, parents are of no help. Hai’ became instant hits on the actor’s get-up for him to but one who treats his art and Februar. He says while he “Well, this is better because mean that if your family is rec- After this long journey, finally, among the music lovers. Peo- suit the lead role in Thackeray, profession like prayers. During had “a lot of fun on set” with I am a part of it,” Gaba chuck- ognized, success will come eas- I can say it is easy to differen- ple call it ‘his magic’ while for a biopic on Shiv Sena supremo the three-odd hours it took to his co-star Chadwick Bose- les. “But for sure, this wedding ily to you. At the most, you may tiate myself from my family,” Milind, it’s his attempt to bring Bal Thackeray. get him into the look, his studi- man, the role was tough to anthem is going to be on top of get a chance, but one needs do he said. All his recent releases out reality through his music. Ever since the teaser ous silence and study of his face prepare for, reports female- of Thackeray was released was inspiring. It was as if he was first.co.uk. by Uddhav Thackeray and in a meditative mode,” she said. “It took me to a dark Amitabh Bachchan, it has But Preetisheel admits the place. Honestly, I can’t film that cause us to really chal- been getting rave reviews and she was overcome with anxiety really go through all I lenge ourselves, and also fall has been a topic of discussion about the reaction she would went through to get into deeper into character,” he said. amongst the people. The film is get from the makers. Recalling it because I want to keep The production has been Gal Gadot reveals her presented by Sanjay Raut and the situation during the teaser that close to me. But it stuck praised for its predominantly directed by Abhijit Panse. shoot she says, “When Nawa- with me afterwards... Chad- black cast including Forest “I am grateful to the mak- ies including Bajirao Mastani, zuddin finally emerged out of wick’s a very talented dude. Whittaker, Lupita Nyong’o, most heartwarming moment of the year ers for having shown faith and Rangoon, Brothers, Mom, the makeup room after the get- “There’s a lot of phys- and Danai Gurira, and Michael trust in my work,” says Preet- Haider, Parched, Hawaizaada, up, everyone had a very judg- ical moments and action believes “everybody” can relate LOS ANGELES: Gal Gadot has shared her most isheel. “When a personality like Shivaay, Talwar, Housefull 3, ing look on their faces. sequences throughout this to the film in some way. IANS heartwarming moment of the year and it involves Balasaheb Thackeray is being Ghayal Once Again, Finding And then, suddenly I saw Wonder Woman and her daughter. The actor broke brought to life on celluloid, the Fanny, the Tamil film ‘24’ as huge smiles everywhere. The glass ceiling with her turn as the Wonder Woman in responsibility is tremendous,” well as the pre-Mughal histor- makers were impressed. They the Patty Jenkins-directed superhero film, and was feels the artist. ical epic Nanak Shah Fakir for praised me and shook hands lauded and loved by both the critics and the fans. She has made a lot of which she won the ‘National with me. I can never forget that “It was a Thursday evening and I knew they heads turn with her work for Film Award for Best Make-Up’. elated moment. I heaved a huge were lifting the embargo for the reviews at 9 pm. It actors in more than 15 mov- Her work will also be seen sigh of relief.” was my first time going through such a thing. Usu- ally, I’m not in the loop on when the studio is lift- ing the embargo. So I put my six-year-old daughter Bieber not to be to bed and I said, ‘You need to fall asleep, I need to blamed for Gomez’s ‘family issues’

LOS ANGELES: Singer Jus- tionally and professionally,” tin Bieber, who has re-entered the source added. Selena Gomez’s life, is not the In March 2017, Gomez reason for the singer-actor’ and Mandy (who executive “family issues”. “Selena has produces “13 Reasons Why”) always said that the one per- walked the red carpet together son that means the most to her at the premiere of the drama. is her mom, Mandy Teefey,” a A source previously said that source told eonline.com. Bieber has caused “so much do some work tonight.’ And of course that night “But still, they have had a angst” for Gomez’s family and she was very much awake. I said, ‘Okay. I’m going really complicated relation- they are “very sad” she is back to bring my computer and sit next to you until you ship and have gone through a together with the singer. fall asleep,” the actor wrote in a short essay for Enter- lot of ups and downs.” There But as the Gomez family tainment Weekly. After reading the reviews of her was an “entire year,” the source continues to resolve their per- film, Gadot could not keep her excitement to her- said, that Gomez and her sonal matters, a second source self called up Jenkins. mother didn’t speak after the reveals it’s Bieber that Gomez “And the moment I called Patty she answered the “Wolves” singer parted ways is leaning on. phone, it didn’t even ring. She immediately picks up. with Mandy as her manager “Selena is dealing with She’s all, ‘What’s going on? I’ve been meditating for in 2014. some family issues at the 20 minutes, not reading anything, literally waiting “It caused a huge rift in moment and Justin is there for you to call me,” Gadot wrote. their relationship. Mandy for her. He doesn’t want to “I was just screaming: ‘Ahhhhh!’ She said, ‘It’s wouldn’t even let Selena talk cause any problems between good? It’s good?’ I said, ‘It’s unbelievably amazing! to her sister for a long time.” Selena and her mom... Justin I can’t believe this is happening to us right now!” “Mandy and Selena’s step- and Selena are still togetherm” she added. Gadot revealed that her daughter woke dad (Brian Teefey) really did said the source. up due to her excitement and asked her the reason. everything they could for The two singers con- “I told her: ‘People are liking the movie.’ And she Selena so when she fired her firmed their reconciliation in jumped at me with teary eyes and said, ‘I’m proud it took a toll on Mandy emo- November. IANS of you mommy!” PTI