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Vol. 19 Issue 24 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 $1 www.thesouthasianinsider.com TheThe RiseRise ofof KamalaKamala HarrisHarris Kamala Harris Is Joe Biden's Pick For US Vice Presidential Candidate. Why & How Kamala Harris won the VP contest.

Ram Janmabhoomi

celebrations at Times Story on Square New York Pages 35 to 41

Also Read r Hindu daughter has equal right in property, says SC Page No. 8 r Develop a vaccine plan Page No. 12 r The importance of flood forecasting Page No. 15 r Food bank doles out tons of food as Texans, like many Americans, Page No. 21 fight to feed themselves Story on Page 4 r Insurer ICICI Lombard in talks to buy Bharti AXA Page No. 43 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 COMMUNITY 2 FIA Hosts Community Reception to Welcome New Consul General of India in New York

(By our staff the role his organization contributions made by the world.” Consul General going to be a defining energy.” He said the Reporter) New Jersey: The pathway of the century.” Consulate General of Federation of Indian He said he is looking Indian in New York is Association of NY, NJ, CT forward to the time when “looking forward to (FIA Tristate) hosted a the Indian American supporting the FIA support welcome reception on community “will have a next year when it will Aug. 7, 2020 for Randhir stronger imprint of our celebrate 50 years. He Kumar Jaiswal, the newly- strength, of our hard work, said, he, along with his appointed Consul General of our identity, culture, college Deputy Consul of India in New York, at the color, and vibrancy, in this General Sinha and the Royal Albert’s Palace in country and everywhere entire team in New York Fords, New Jersey. else. is “ere for you whenever It was an intimate affair due He said he seemed the you need us. to New Jersey state and community’s support and Consul General local restrictions and wishes, as he “carries out Jaiswal’s first regulations on gatherings. his responsibilities as a introduction to Guests were checked in representative of the prominent members of by FIA volunteers, led by plays in restoring vision for community in various Jaiswal noted that the Government of India.” the community was on Smita Miki Patel, after the underprivileged fields. “The Indian story all Indian American story is The Consulate will “have July 19, a few hours after which their temperature community in India and over the world is very that of “peace and an engaging his arrival in New York. was checked, prior to around the world. engrossing, very deep” he progress,” as well as a relationship with the FIA,” He administered the entering the reception Mahesh Bhagia, chairman said. “I is a story that story of “sharing and he said, and added that oath of office to FIA’s venue. Each guest was of the Edison Democratic carries a message of caring for others.” And during this time of the new executive handed a complementary Party, delivered a peace and harmony.” that, he said, is what pandemic “we have to see committee. “No sooner face covering as well. Proclamation from the Consul General Jaiswal defines the community how to hold each other's than I arrived in New FIA leadership, prominent State Assembly to Consul lauded the FIA for putting and has also become its hands and see how best York, I had the members of the Indian General Jaiswal. a stamp on New York City identity. He urged the we can help each other.” opportunity to engage American community and Dipak Patel, FIA Board of with its flagship India Day community to keep He said he looks forward with a few members of members of the press Trustees, introduced the Parade “which has playing a pivotal role in to interacting with the the Indian American attended the event. Guests Consul General. Prior to become iconic, not just in “strengthening the Indian American community when I swore- networked and mingled being appointed the New York and in this friendship between the community which is full of in the new FIA team,” he with each other, observing Consul General of India in country, but all over the U.S. and India, which is “great ideas and great said. social distancing New York, Jaiswal was the guidelines. Joint Secretary cum Andy Bhatia, member of Social Secretary to the the FIA Board of Trustees, President of India compared the evening. FIA Ramnath Kovind. A 1998 leaders including Indian Foreign Service President Anil Bansal, officer, Jaiswal headed the Chairman Ankur Vaidya, foreign affairs office of the senior advisors Padmashri Rashtrapati Bhavan and Dr. Sudhir S. Parikh and advised the President on Padmashri Dr. H. R. Shah, India’s foreign policy. Prior among others, welcomed to that he served as the Consul General Jaiswal Consul General of India in and Deputy Consul Johannesburg in South General Shatrughan Sinha. Africa. Dr. V. K. Raju, founder and In his address, Consul president of the Eye General Jaiswal thanked Foundation of America, the FIA for a warm spoke eloquently about the welcome, and importance of vision and acknowledged the Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 COMMUNITY 3

What has set America and Americans apart and on a pedestal – President Ronald Reagan called us ‘’ (t)hat Shining City on the Hill” – is not that humanity is anymore ‘’perfect” on our soil than on another nation’s, but our founding documents- created by our exceptional Founders all, be they Thomas Jefferson or James Madison or Ben Franklin to name a few- knew of humanity’s destroyed “control” by any one. Thus, our Declaration of Independence was born July 4, 1776, and American Exceptionalism was cemented in our cherished Constitution. As Ben Franklin answered gingerly in 1787; “(W)e are a Republic Madam, if you can keep it.” And, we have! And, I am happy to note that India – after borrowing from our Declaration and Constitution – also has! America is the oldest democracy and a nation of laws, and India is the largest democracy and also a nation of laws – be it Art. 370, CAA or NRC. The every Indian in secular India – at a DNA-level – believes in the rule of law, freedom or religion, human rights in the core bond between our nations. Just as Law & Order is demanded now, thanks to criminal- looters on our American streets, it is even more in demand in India as she is buffeted by cross- border terror. Indian in India paid the bill for the American Revolution: Indian Tea starred in the birthing of the American Revolution in 1773 Boston Harbor; and painfully, when Lord Cornwallis lost to General George Washington, King George send him to India as Viceroy – where upon arrival he ordered the killing of 5000 Indian men, Women and Children – General Reginald Dyer’s infamous massacre at Jallianwala Bagh cemented the thirst for Freedom in India.Enjoy the Freedom - defend the freedom as freedom in never freely given just behold the martyrs of Indian Indepence...who gave their lives so their progency may breathe freely

Ravi & Ranju Batra The Batra Building, 142 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 545-1993 Fax: 212 545 0967 Email: [email protected] Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 COMMUNITY 4 Ram Janmabhoomi celebrations at Times Square New York (By our staff reporter) Times social media platforms across the Today this has become a reality. that we will work tirelessly to make Square, New York: world, particularly in Bharat. JAI Friends, The Ram Mandir “Bhoomi Bharat a country of our dreams, On the occasion of the foundation SHRI RAM. Today is the day of Poojan samaroh” in Ayodhya is not which I mentioned just now. JAI laying ceremony of Ram Temple in celebration and not speeches, As simply the foundation of a brick and SHRI RAM. BHARAT MATA KI JAI." Ayodhya , a large number of jubilant you all know, we have all gathered mortar building. I believe It is the Others who spoke at the event were Indian Americans celebrated the here to celebrate the foundation foundation stone of a “Sarva H R Shah of TV Asia, Saumitraji occasion at Times Square of New laying ceremony of Ram Temple in ShaktiMan Baharat” , It is the Gokhale , Kamal Gupta, Jaswinder York. The event , was organized and Ayodhya by our popular Prime foundations of Ram Rajya Bharat, It Singh Multani , Satvinder Singh , led by Jagdish Sewhani of Indian Minister, Narendra Modi. About him, is the foundation store to make Kulbir Singh ,Amba Sharma ,Dr American Public Affairs Committee. I will only say this “Modi hai to Bharat the “Vishwa Guru”, which Dipak Nandi , Sanjiv Chand. Times Mr Sewhani in his speech said, " My Mumkin Hai.” " Ram Temple in believes in “Vashudhaib Kutumbkam” Square was for those moments seems Dear Ram Bhaktas, Present here at Ayodhya was something that has and treats entire world as one family. to have turned a scene from Ayodhya, this iconic Times Square despite been a dream for we Indians and And as such, as hundreds of atmosphere was filled with Chanting of Ram, coronavirus pandemic, and to all Hindus for centuries. We, at least I, “karigars” and workers begin Ram Bhaktas were Dancing and Singing those who are watching it LIVE on never thought that we would be able constructing this magnificent temple Devotional Song. Overall it was a unique Facebook, television sets and other to realize this dream in our life time. brick by brick, Let’s PLEDGE today historic event at iconic Times Square. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 COMMUNITY 5 “Net King’s Call” Kickstarter launching today The Turn-Based Strategy/Real-Time Action game’s Kickstarter is live. (By our staff reporter) New York: Greystone Games is pleased to announce the launch of the Kickstarter for its flagship game “Net King’s Call”: The Turn-Based Strategy/Real-Time Battle hybrid game is scheduled for a PC Steam Early Access release in the fourth quarter of 2020. Set in a future where the internet is its own separate world from our own, Net King’s Call has players on a quest to become the rightful ruler of this digital world. Net King’s Call is the anticipated rivals ensure that no two battles two college students in Long launching our own in-house towards that same goal, now game that will break the norms of are the same. Players will need Island, New York. Over the years titles. “We started with a we have potential investors the strategy genre. In a sea of the to come prepared for a wide the team has expanded to over dream, to challenge the clamoring for us to let them in.” same old strategy games, Net variety of encounters on ten college grads, all with the current game industry, just a - says Max Thind, Co-Founder - King’s Call will be a breath of fresh numerous battlefields. Rich single minded focus of rag-tag team of friends working Greystone Games. air the armchair generals Character Driven Narrative: desperately need. Beginning Focused on a group of young development at the start of 2019, individuals looking to re-establish Net King’s Call was created to peace in a broken digital age. test how a strategy game could Each coming into conflict with one be adapted for a more active another on how it should be done. audience. “Strategy games have always had Key Features: a special place in my game Unique Blend of Gameplay: library, and I have to say it’s quite Players will build an empire and rewarding to develop one with take control over all aspects of it, such a unique spin and premise. from management, to army Hopefully with our kickstarter movement, down to individual success, we can invest more combat! This blend of classic resources, and really create turn-based strategy and real-time something memorable for the battle will definitely keep players genre.” - says Anthony Woo, on their toes. Endless Fun: Director of Digital Development Procedurally generated maps & - Greystone Games. Greystone Games was originally founded by FIA to Make History by Hoisting the Indian Tricolor to Celebrate India’s 74th Independence Day at Times Square in New York, Randhir Jaiswal, will be the Guest of Honor at the prestigious event. This year’s Independence Day will mark a new chapter in FIA’s history, as two iconic venues in Manhattan will come alive to celebrate India’s Independence Day. Along with the first ever celebrations on Times Square, the FIA, in continuing with its annual tradition, will be illuminating the Empire State Building in tricolors - orange, The Federation of white and green - to mark India's Indian Associations (FIA) of the Independence Day. This year’s tri-state area of New York, New lighting ceremony will be held Jersey and Connecticut (FIA on August 14. The Times Tristate), will be creating history Square flag hoisting ceremony on August 15, 2020 by hosting is a testament to the Indian the first ever flag hoisting American community’s growing ceremony at Times Square in patriotism and is a fitting tribute New York City, to commemorate to the FIA which is celebrating India’s 74th Independence Day. its golden jubilee year. It will be the first time ever that Established in 1970, FIA of the India’s tricolor will be unfurled largest esteemed umbrella at the iconic venue in all its organizations in the Indian glory. Consul General of India community. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 INDIA-NEWS ANALYSIS 6 SC reserves verdict in Rhea Chakraborty's transfer plea The arguments and counter arguments were made before a single-judge bench of justice Hrishikesh Roy, who is hearing the transfer petition filed by Chakraborty seeking transfer from Patna to Mumbai of the case registered against her in connection with Rajput's death. (News Agencies)- Mumbai connection with Patna. I 174 of CrPC. Investigation lapse of investigation on Police is not investigating have apprehension of bias as per CrPC was going on part of Mumbai police. the death of actor Sushant and fear that state in Bihar and there is no Bihar's FIR is the only FIR Singh Rajput and no FIR interference led to Bihar such Investigation in in the matter. Allegation is has been registered by police registering case. Mumbai," he said. against political class in them, the Central Bureau of Patna police has absolutely Section 174 of CrPC Maharashtra which has Investigation (CBI) and Bihar no jurisdiction to register a confers powers on police to stopped even registering of government told the case. This case is being enquire into suicide deaths FIR," Singh submitted. Supreme Court on Friday, used for political gains," and submit a report of the Senior counsel Abhishek even as Maharashtra senior counsel Shyam same to the District Manu Singhvi, representing government and actor Rhea Divan submitted on behalf Magistrate. Mehta the Maharashtra Chakraborty maintained of Chakraborty. contended that it will not government, opposed this. that Bihar has "absolutely Divan also took exception amount to an Allowing Bihar Police to no jurisdiction" to interfere to the media "investigation", which can probe an incident which reserved its verdict after a when Rajput's father, KK with the case which, they sensationalising the case, happen only under Section happened in Mumbai will be hearing which lasted for Singh, filed a police said, was being used by stating: "Parallel media trial 156 of CrPC, which against the principles of nearly two-and-a-half hours. complaint at Rajeev Nagar Bihar government to garner is happening which is empowers police to probe federalism since law-and- Rajput was found dead in his police station in Patna on political mileage. highly undesirable. Having into offences. "Investigation order falls within the domain apartment in Mumbai's July 25 against The arguments and counter regard to the political cannot be done under of a state where the cause Bandra on June 14. The Chakraborty, accusing her arguments were made impact, case should be Section 174 CrPC. It can of action arose, he said. Mumbai Police found the of abetting his son's alleged before a single-judge bench transferred to Maharashtra." happen under Section 156 "Murder of the CrPc is cause of death as "asphyxia suicide. His father also of justice Hrishikesh Roy, Solicitor general Tushar of CrPC, an FIR has to be being attempted in this case due to hanging", and filed an alleged that Chakraborty who is hearing the transfer Mehta, appearing for CBI, registered under section where jurisdiction is a accidental death report illegally transferred Rs 15 petition filed by Chakraborty submitted that the exercise 154 of CrPC," Mehta said, casualty. If this is allowed, (ADR) but is yet to register crore from Rajput's bank seeking transfer from Patna being undertaken by the advocating a CBI probe into it will be a fundamental an FIR in relation to the account and mentally to Mumbai of the case Mumbai Police cannot be the death. The Bihar assault on federalism. I incident. Chakraborty, who harassed him. Patna police registered against her in termed as "investigation" government, through senior have not seen so much lived with Rajput for a year registered an FIR on July 25 connection with Rajput's under the Code of Criminal counsel Maninder Singh, sensationalism attached to till she shifted to her house based on Singh's complaint death. Procedure (CrPC). echoed the same view, a transfer petition. And in on June 8, was also for offences relating to "FIR was registered by "Mumbai police has stating that only Bihar has that, truth and law have questioned by Mumbai abetment of suicide, Bihar Police based on an registered an accidental registered an FIR in the become casualties," Police. The investigation by cheating and criminal incident which has no death report under Section case. "There is a complete Singhvi argued.The court Mumbai Police was ongoing intimidation. Is economy recovering with easing of lockdown or sinking? whether the recovery is hinted at and which, a they have pretty much come back to pre- merely sequential - recent Reuters poll of moved in tandem. This lockdown levels in July. current month over economists seconded. suggests that there is a Because the CCS is previous month - or strong The CCS also suggests high probability that the conducted in 13 cities in enough to prevent an that some key high unprecedented collapse in India, we have compared annual contraction from frequency indictors might May and July CCS might urban unemployment from the second quarter not be capturing the actual reflect in GDP numbers as the CMIE. To be sure, onwards. magnitude of distress. well. CMIE's employment Most high frequency The net current perception The CCS also records indicators are far from indicators suggest a - difference between share response on the sacrosanct and show sequential recovery until of respondents who employment situation. divergence with the figures June, with a flattening in believe the situation has Here also, the current published by the Periodic There is also the under a strict lockdown for July. The latest Consumer improved and deteriorated perception compared to a Labour Force Surveys question of whether the most of this period (two of Confidence Survey (CCS) -- on general economic year ago has collapsed. (PLFS), which are India's recovery is merely the three months, with of the Reserve Bank of situation, compared to a Interestingly, the CCS official source of sequential - current month lockdowns continuing for India -it was conducted in year ago, reached its response on employment employment data. The over previous month - or longer in some parts of the the first half of July - paints lowest level in the July does not seem to be in differences between CMIE strong enough to prevent country). The real question a poor picture. CCS. To give an idea sync with the only monthly and PLFS employment an annual contraction from is what has happened to It shows that people about the extent of fall, indicator of unemployment indicators were discussed the second quarter economic activity from believe that the economic these numbers were -60 rates available in India, in detail in a Mint story onwards. We will July onwards. Is it situation was much worse and -65.9 in the May and which are collected by the by Sriharsha Devulapalli (hopefully) have GDP recovering with the easing in July than in May when July rounds of the CCS. Centre for Monitoring and Pramit statistics for the April-June of lockdown restrictions? compared to year-ago The previous low was -36.9 Indian Economy (CMIE). Bhattacharya. quarter by the end of this Has it plateaued with levels. This suggests that in September 2013. While CMIE's Also, the divergence month. There is complete cases still rising and the India's GDP might remain A comparison of current unemployment rate data between CMIE unanimity that the June imposition of intermittent in contraction mode in the perception on general showed a spike in May unemployment rates and quarter will see an lockdowns? Or has it September quarter, economic situation in the 2020, when the country CCS perception on economic contraction vis- become worse? There is something RBI's Monetary CCS along with quarterly was under an almost employment existed even a-vis last year. India was also the question of Policy Committee has GDP figures shows that complete lockdown, it has before the pandemic. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 INDIAN-CURRENT AFFAIRS 7 Vaishno Devi: 5000 devotees including 500 from outside J-K to be allowed daily The pilgrimage was stopped on March 18 earlier this year. overcrowding, considered nod to re-open places of worship/ the spade work for the reopening conducive to the spread of Covid- religious places from June 8. The with sanitisation drives on the 19 infection. The administration Jammu and Kashmir twin tracks, sanctum sanctorum had earlier said that it may not administration had decided to put and in the Katra town. Circles allow outsiders to visit the popular the reopening on hold due to the have also been marked outside shrine initially due to the fear that rising number of Covid cases in the token counter, at the Bhawan the move may cause further the territory. The pilgrimage was and two helipads at Katra and spread of the contagion in the suspended on March 18. The Sanji Chhat to ensure social region. However, the SOPs decision to reopen religious distancing, officials had said. mandate that all visitors have places of worship was taken Apart from helicopter service, the Aarogya Setu App mandatorily earlier this month on August 4. shrine board also provides installed on their smartphones. The administration, however, battery car and ropeway services (News Agencies)-A maximum of Devotees from outside the state The operating procedures made it clear that religious to the pilgrims. 5000 pilgrims will be allowed per will also be allowed to visit the mentioned by the authorities also processions and large religious Vaishno Devi cave shrine at an day to visit Vaishno Devi shrine shrine, however, in much lesser bars touching of statues, idols gatherings will remain strictly altitude of 5,200 ft in Trikuta Hills in Katra, Jammu till September numbers-- a maximum of 500 or holy books during the visits. prohibited. Shri Mata Vaishno of Reasi district, a pilgrimage 30 after the reopening of religious pilgrims per day-- within the The reopening of Vaishno Devi Devi Shrine Board, which tourist destination that generally places in the Union Territory on overall limit of 5,000 pilgrims, in Shrine comes more than two manages the holy shrine and the attracts close to a million August 16, according to officials. a graded manner to prevent months after the Centre gave the pilgrimage, however, has done all devotees every year. Amid heavy monsoon, UN to provide humanitarian support to most vulnerable, affected communities in India "In neighbouring India, the monsoon there has reportedly claimed more than 770 lives. According to authorities, more than 500,000 people have been evacuated. The UN stands ready to provide humanitarian support to the most vulnerable and affected communities in India," Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General António Guterres said.

(News Agencies)- The United to provide humanitarian support been affected by severe flooding, Nations stands ready to provide to the most vulnerable and with 11,000 households humanitarian support to the most affected communities in India," displaced and 135 people killed, vulnerable and affected Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman he added. communities in India, a for the Secretary-General António Humanitarian partners are spokesperson for the UN Guterres said. Giving an update working with the Government of Secretary General has said amid from UN humanitarian Bangladesh to provide food, heavy monsoon in the region. colleagues on flooding in Asia, shelter, clean water, hygiene "In neighbouring India, the Dujarric said in Bangladesh, supplies and other supplies. A monsoon there has reportedly people are experiencing the USD 40 million response plan claimed more than 770 lives. worst and longest monsoon has been launched to help the According to authorities, more flooding in years, with a quarter more than one million of the than 500,000 people have been of the country being inundated. people most in need in the evacuated. The UN stands ready At least 5.4 million people have country. 'Need to assess if Russia's Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective': AIIMS Director The vaccine, which will be called "Sputnik V" in homage to the world's first satellite launched by the Soviet Union, has however not yet completed its final trials. (News Agencies)-Russia and effective. There should not Some scientists fear Moscow stunned the world when it be any side effects of the vaccine may be putting national prestige announced on Tuesday that it and it should provide good before safety. has given statutory approval for immunity and protection. India "Normally you need a large the public use of coronavirus has the capacity for mass number of people to be tested vaccine. Experts have been production of vaccine," Dr Guleria before you approve a vaccine," startled since the announcement said. said Peter Kremsner from the by Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that the University Hospital in Tuebingen, "I hope that the Russians have personnel, and then to teachers, Putin. vaccine offers "sustainable Germany, currently testing actually definitively proven that the on a voluntary basis at the end All India Institutes of Medical immunity" against Covid-19, the CureVac's Covid-19 vaccine in vaccine is safe and effective. I of this month or in early Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi Director disease caused by the virus. He clinical trials. seriously doubt that they've done September. Mass roll-out in Dr Randeep Guleria on Tuesday also said that one of his own "In that respect, I think it's that," Fauci said. Russia is expected to start in said that there was a need to daughters had received the reckless to do that (approve it) if The Russian business October. assess the safety and inoculation and felt good lots of people haven't already conglomerate Sistema has said The vaccine is administered in effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccine afterwards. been tested." it expects to put the vaccine, two doses and consists of two developed by Russia if it is The vaccine, which will be called Top US infectious disease official developed by Moscow's serotypes of a human successful. "Sputnik V" in homage to the Dr Anthony Fauci said he had not Gamaleya Institute, into mass adenovirus, each carrying an S- "If Russia's vaccine is world's first satellite launched by heard any evidence that the production by the end of the year. antigen of the new coronavirus, successful, then we will have to the Soviet Union, has however vaccine was ready for Government officials have said it which enter human cells and see critically whether it is safe not yet completed its final trials. widespread use. will be administered to medical produce an immune response. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 OP-ED 8 Hindu daughter has equal right in property, says SC A three-judge bench headed by justice Arun Mishra ruled that the 2005 law, which amended the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, to say a daughter would have the same rights as the son, would also apply irrespective of whether she was born before or after the amendment. (News Agencies)- The Supreme amendment in the same manner pronounce the final decree. Court, on Tuesday, gave Hindu as son with same rights and The Hindu Succession daughters their rightful due of liabilities. Since the right in (Amendment) Act of 2005 made their father's property by coparcenary is by birth, it is not daughters coparceners in Hindu extending the scope of a necessary that father coparcener undivided family by birth, giving beneficial legislation introduced should be living as on September them the same right as sons. in 2005 to cases where the father 9, 2005 (the date when the law Section 6(1)(a) in the Act said 9, 2005." It further made the law or settlement." was not alive on the date when came into force)," the bench, that coparcenary benefit will applicable to even daughters born The central government opposed the law was introduced. which also comprised justices S apply "on and from the prior to the commencement of the idea of giving retrospective A three-judge bench headed by Abdul Nazeer and MR Shah, commencement of the the Act. By stating so, the Court operation to the 2005 law since justice Arun Mishra ruled that the ruled. Amendment Act of 2005 with upheld a 2018 ruling of the apex a coparcener in Hindu family law 2005 law, which amended the To ensure that this decision does effect from September 9, 2005." court in Danamma v Amar which has a right to seek partition. For Hindu Succession Act, 1956, to not lead to reopening of earlier Many daughters approached extended benefit to a daughter this reason, the law fixed a cut- say a daughter would have the family settlements or partition high courts claiming benefit under whose father expired prior to off date of December 20, 2004, same rights as the son, would suits already decided on, the this law but were denied on the 2005. to avoid reopening of any also apply irrespective of whether three-judge bench held that a ground that their fathers were not Speaking to HT, senior advocate settlement or partition decree she was born before or after the registered settlement or partition alive as on September 9, 2005. R Venkatramani, who assisted prior to this date. The court amendment. Further, it ruled that suit decreed prior to December This interpretation became the the court as amicus curiae in this accepted the December 20, she could not be denied her share 20, 2004 (the date when the law of the land in 2016 when the matter, said, "This judgment has 2004, date as cut-off but on the ground that her father died amendment Bill was tabled in Supreme Court held in the put the law on a proper footing . emphasised that if a daughter before the law came into effect. Rajya Sabha), will not be Prakash v Phulwati case that But what happens in those cases seeks partition or a share, the Tuesday's ruling makes the 2005 reopened. father must be alive for daughters where the son of the coparcener same cannot be denied on the amendment retrospective. The bench said: "Daughters to claim succession rights. father has alienated or sold or basis of an oral family settlement "The provisions contained in cannot be deprived of their right Overruling this decision, a three- transferred the rights in the but on a final decree of a court or substituted section 6 of the Hindu of equality conferred upon them judge bench of the apex court on property long time ago. He cannot a registered family settlement. If Succession Act confer status of by Section 6 of the Amendment Tuesday said, "Since the right in be asked to pay to his sister the oral settlement is to be coparcener (equal shareholders Act." The court fixed six months coparcenary is by birth, it is not share in that property. To avoid presented, the bench held, it has while inheriting properties) on the as an outer limit for courts where necessary that father coparcener chaos, there cannot be to be supported " by public daughter born before or after related suits are pending to should be living as on September reopening of an old partition deed documents." Govt's power boost for Andaman to make islands key hub of Indo Pacific The proposed 50 MW gas-based power project is aimed at reducing the dependence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on diesel, the predominant source of the islands' electricity mix.

(News Agencies)-Prime the gas infrastructure and "The idea is to turn Minister Narendra Modi, supply of gas will be Andaman into a major who launched India's first opened on 18 August. transportation hub that is undersea optical fibre Senior officials said the at the heart of India's Look project this week, has different projects are part East policy," a second stepped up his of the government's government official said. government's efforts to give overarching vision for the Already, plans are afoot to Andaman and Nicobar islands and use them as expand the runway at the Islands its first big power a springboard to open up Campbell bay airport. project as part of a new opportunities for India The proposed port lies at continuing massive effort to in South-East Asia. It was the mouth of the Strait of upgrade infrastructure in in this context, one official Malacca, the main the archipelago of over 572 said, that PM Modi on shipping channel between Thai Canal, that would mix of the Andaman and in the islands is already Islands in the Bay of Monday unveiled plans to the Indian Ocean and the connect the Gulf of Nicobar Islands. The 50 being privatized under the Bengal. build a transshipment port Pacific Ocean. This is one Thailand with the Andaman MW plant will supplement Atma Nirbhar Bharat PM Modi had laid the at Great Nicobar Island. of the most important sea Sea and shorten transit for the 20 MW solar power initiative. The foundation stone for the 50 Officials said New Delhi routes. More than 90 oil shipments to Japan and project commissioned by transaction advisor has megawatt gas-based power wants to pitch the percent of crude oil China by 1,200 km. the Neyveli Lignite already completed plant at Hope Town in proposed Rs 10,000 crore volumes flowing through Against this background, Corporation. This plant discussions with the South Andaman during his port to be built at Great the South China Sea officials said the need for has been integrated with union territory's power visit to the island in Nicobar Island as an transits the Malacca a steady and clean power an 8 MWh battery energy department and the December 2018. One alternative to other ports in Strait. source is crucial for storage system. A 5 MW ministry of power in Delhi tender to establish the the neighbourhood The port is also located expansion of solar plant set up by NTPC and are expected to plant has been issued and including those in Sri strategically near the infrastructure. So far, is already in operation. complete the transaction the bids will be opened on Lanka and Indonesia's proposed Kra Isthmus diesel is the predominant A power ministry official documents by September 28 August; bids to set up Banda Aceh. Canal, also known as the source of the electricity said the power distribution 2020. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 EDITORIAL 9 In Israel-UAE Deal, India Stands To Gain But Kamala Harris and her rise The tale of the incredible Indian living she is a symbol of racial, ethnic Pakistan’s Terror Factory Will Be Dented the American dream continues with and gender equality at a moment If the planet were a kingdom, US The Israelis can now actually work on a Kamala Harris’ selection as the when social justice movements President Donald Trump would be its king two-nation theory and achieve more Democratic Party’s vice-presidential have rocked the country. Among right now! He has pulled off what several security in the region and Palestinians candidate. If Joe Biden wins the these, the fact that she is an world leaders in the past failed to achieve. can work on consolidating their state and November elections, as the polls Indian-American was arguably the He has ensured that the Muslims will be identity. Oman and Bahrain also showed currently predict, Ms Harris, half- least important element of her allowed to pray at the Al Aqsa mosque in their appreciation and willingness to join Indian, half-Jamaican, and all- profile when it came to the reasons Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam. this peace treaty. Israel may have been American, will be a heartbeat away Mr Biden chose her. That should Trump has convinced the Israeli PM that spared the criticism in the international from being the world’s most powerful not be a concern. Being an Indian- there will be no more annexation of West arena but Netanyahu’s rival and Likud person. Her prospects are even American means you are from a Bank, or Palestinian territories. He has Party leader, Gideon Sa’ar conveyed better in the future: Mr Biden has community that is too small, too created a path of peace and stability for clearly that he will only be moved when repeatedly hinted he will be a single- liberal and too well-off to be a the region to follow. there is application of Israeli laws in term president making Ms Harris a political consideration. Israel and UAE Thursday signed a peace Jewish settlements in Judea, Samaria shoo-in for the Democratic candidacy Nonetheless, it is striking that treaty which, as per the latest reports will and Jordan valley. The fight for control is in 2024. Ms Harris represents the Latinos, a community that can be signed in person in White House, not something that they are keen to give political pinnacle of the Indian- claim to have been part of US under the watchful gaze of the man who up. American community’s meteoric rise history for over four centuries, have brokered the deal. Peace has a fair India too stands to gain from this. Israel in the United States (US). Numbering yet to have one of their number chance to return to the region, though the has always been a great ally and a friend, barely 4.5 million and mostly first- chosen to share a presidential treaty itself has angered a lot of sections and the Modi government has been able generation, Indian-Americans have ticket. on both sides. Palestinians recalled their to foster healthy relationships with the emerged as the US’ most highly The success of the Indian-American Ambassador from UAE, citing reasons UAE too. Both coming together means educated and most wealthy ethnic community in becoming part of the that by agreeing to the terms, the UAE a better diplomatic environment for India. group. However, what has been even US mainstream also means that no has abandoned the Palestinian cause. Also, with Oman and Bahrain coming in more remarkable is the speed with one should expect Ms Harris to see This is exceptionally immature and support of the UAE, India will be on the which they have entered domestic India in any special light. She will myopic, given the fact that the UAE has right side when it comes to dealing with politics. Winning elected office is the be more familiar with India than the been supporting Palestinians’ cause for nations where Indians constitute a large most difficult barrier of acceptance average American. She will not be decades now. The Hamas-led leadership, part of the population. I personally feel for an immigrant community to cross. necessarily more sympathetic. Her which isn’t happy with the decision, may Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Despite the relatively young voting record shows her to be more actually resort to increasing attacks into Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, will too provenance of the Indian-American liberal than Mr Biden and, Israeli territory. In Israel, the far right is join the alliance. He has no reason to community, it can already boast of therefore, less than aligned with the not happy at all. The PM has to pacify stay aloof and not take the opportunity two state governors, 10 national Narendra Modi government. Ms the sections back home and he clearly of improving relations with the US and legislators, and, now, a vice- Harris has been chosen as a flag stated there will be no more annexation West. This would bring a certifiable presidential candidate. bearer of inclusivity, a living without US approval. However, some stability in the region. Mr Biden’s choice of Ms Harris fulfils antidote to four years of President think that by doing this, he has taken the The deal puts Pakistan in a difficult his public promise to choose a female Donald Trump. She will, unless pressure of annexation off the table and situation. It couldn’t have ruined its running mate. Since she is identified given reasons otherwise, tend to betrayed them. Beit El settlement council relations with the Saudis at a worst time. as a black American politician with have a sceptical view of India’s feels that they have been sold out. Naftali Peace accord means all the funds that the larger US public, he also paid off rightward political turn, whatever Bennet, presently serving as MK Pakistan has been taking for running the a debt to the community which saved her sentiments about her mother’s (Member of Knesset) for New Right said, so-called Kashmir war will be gone. his campaign. Through her identity, homeland. “Netanyahu wasted a once in a century Already struggling to repay USD 3 billion opportunity when he failed to annex to Saudi, Pakistan’s donor list is drying territories in the West Bank, as part of a up fast. The peace treaty is also a direct normalisation deal with the UAE.” Israeli signal by the UAE and others that they communication Minister Yoaz Hendel are done with Palestine and Kashmir said, “Congratulations on the deal, but I issues. The UAE is on a very progressive am not giving up on the settlement and path and signing multiple deals across ISSN No. 1554 06X our Eastern border.” The hardliners on the world for renewable energy, space Editor in Chief & Publisher : either side are not happy with the peace programme, Med Tech etc. It would not Sharanjit Singh Thind deal as they take it as a compromise on want to be associated with the Editor (Political Affairs-India) : status quo. However, the far-sighted stereotypical and regressive mindset that Aruna Singh leaders of the world, like Prince has now turned Pakistan into a terror Chief Photographer : Vijay Shah Mohammed Bin Zayed, have realised that factory. Though the Prince is facing Editorial Intern: Roubin Singh Thind not only can Israel be not wished away, tremendous criticism for falling from Special Correspondent : the continuous conflict is not good for Ummah and giving up on Palestinian Gagandeep Singh (India) anyone. Why not give peace a chance? struggle, but it is the step in the right Web Coordinator : Harpreet Singh The response across the world has been direction. very welcoming. Netanyahu had worked Ahead of the US presidential elections, A Publication of Media Partners Capital, Inc. with Trump for a long time to work on the Trump has silenced everyone with this US Peace plan in the region, and master stroke. He is virtually REGD & MAILING OFFICE : annexation of the West Bank and other untouchable now on matters of P.O Box 7005 Hicksville New York 11801 territories was part of the plan. However, international diplomacy. Credit should be in an excellent diplomatic move, Trump given where it’s due. One can just hope Phone: 917 612 3158 [email protected], [email protected] turned this annexation plan around as a that the peace is here to stay and the www.thesouthasianinsider.com bargaining chip and worked not with region and successively rest of the world Disclaimer The South Asian Insider is a weekly newspaper published every week by The South Asian Insider. It's available in community & religious centers, ethnic grocery stores and also available by mail, email & online to subscribers. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints Palestinians and Hamas, but the power can start to heal from the decades of expressed by the various writers, authors and forum participants in The South Asian Insider do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Editor. All advertisers advertising in The South Asian Insider assume responsibility for accuracy of their advertisements. The South Asian Insider behind, the UAE, to create a peace deal. aggression. and/or people associated with it are not responsible for any claims made by the advertisers and don't endorse any product or services advertised in The South Asian Insider. We strongly urge consulting your lawyer before buying/contracting /hiring through the ads published in the newspaper. We are in the business of selling space and claims made by the advertisers are not authenticated or confirmed by an independent source Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 OPINION 10 Governor's Powers Need To Be Redefined, Else Raj Bhawan Will Continue To Facilitate Coups The changing political realities, coupled with the lure of clinging on to power even among those who hold constitutional office, demand today that the powers of a Governor be redefined, writes Jaiveer Shergill. Spanish writer Miguel de summoning and proroguing a the Governor exceeded his Cervantes wrote, "The good House of the Legislature, if such mandate. Governor cannot governor should have a broken leg advice is not patently decide the business of the and keep at home" which means unconstitutional, should be House. It is the Chief Minister the Governor of a state has to be deemed as binding on the alone, who can provide the above the game of politics and in Governor. Assembly with business to discharge of his constitutional In 2016, the Constitution Bench transact. responsibilities, he must be seen of the Supreme Court in Nabam The Governor erred in exercising impartial and fair. Had the Rebia and Bamang Felix vs. his 'discretion' rather than Governor of Rajasthan, Kalraj Deputy Speaker, of the Arunachal performing his normal comfortable majority in the befitting reply. The Congress has Mishra, played by the rules, in Pradesh Assembly case, constitutional executive House even in the face of the emerged stronger after the deft the first instance, the state would expressly said that the power to responsibility. It is my belief that now dissipated crisis. Instead, handling of what was essentially have been saved an unsavory summon the House is not solely political considerations rather it was the Governor who an internal matter of the party spectacle. The Governor, by vested in the Governor and he/ than constitutional provisions prevented the elected that was resolved by the mature rejecting thrice the Ashok Gehlot she is precluded to take an guided him on the path of Government with a majority in and pragmatic handling of the cabinet's decision to convene a individual call on the issue at his/ discretion. The Committee of the the House from exercising its situation under the leadership of session of the Rajasthan her own will, or in his/her own Governors appointed by the duties to the legislature and to Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Assembly, committed a cardinal discretion. This simply means President on 26 November, 1970 the eight crore people of Gandhi Vadra in consultation with mistake and acted in the Governor is bound to go by had recommended that where the Rajasthan. By doing so, the other stakeholders. contravention of constitutional the recommendation of the Chief Governor has reason to believe Governor failed in his duty as the However, it is predictable that provisions. Minister. There was no reason for that the Ministry no longer enjoys conscience keeper of the neither will the BJP scotch its The Governor, under the Kalraj Mishra to reject the the majority, he may ask the Chief Constitution, thereby violating dirty tricks to somehow come to Constitution, has the power to request of the Chief Minister to Minister to face the Assembly. If the oath he took under Article power in states where it has been summon and prorogue the House summon the House and demand, the Chief Minister neglects or 159 "to preserve, protect and democratically voted out nor will of the Legislature. Constitution instead, a 21 days' notice period. refuses to summon the defend the Constitution and the Jaipur Raj Bhawan be the last (Article 174 read with Article 163) It is also to be noted that the Assembly for holding a "Floor submit himself to the service and slaughterhouse for mandates that Governor acts, Rules of Procedure and Conduct Test", the Governor should wellbeing people of the State". democratically elected regarding summoning and of Business in the Rajasthan summon the Assembly for the Democracy in Rajasthan has Governments. As a shark cannot proroguing the House, on the Legislative Assembly (Chapter II, purpose only in order to ensure been saved for the time being and stay away from blood, the BJP advice of the Council of Ministers. Rule 3) provides for summoning that the system of responsible the Assembly will meet on 14 cannot stay away from power. The Sarkaria Commission also of the Legislature at a short government in the state works in August, 2020. Those who were Therefore, instead of depending recommended that so long as notice. accordance with the norms hoping to repeat their power grab on the judiciary every time a the Council of Ministers enjoys Further, by insisting that the Chief envisaged in the Constitution. machinations previously Governor attempts a the confidence of the Legislative Minister provide to him the There was no such issue in the witnessed in Madhya Pradesh, constitutional sin, it would be Assembly, the advice of the agenda for the session even case of Rajasthan's Congress- Karnataka, Goa and other appropriate to set the record Council of Ministers in regard to before the House is convened, led government, which enjoyed a states, have been handed out a straight for all time. Like Obama in 2016, Trump uses 'birther conspiracy' to target Kamala Harris Asked about the matter at the White House, Trump told reporters he had "heard" rumors that Harris, a Black woman and US-born citizen whose parents were immigrants, does not meet the requirement to serve in the White House. lawyers. "Full stop, end of story, party ticket. The misinformation lawyer, Jenna Ellis, shared the period, exclamation point," said campaign is built on falsehoods controversial column on Thursday Jessica Levinson, a professor at that have circulating less morning, hours before Trump was Loyola Law School. Trump built noticeably for months, propelled asked about it at a White House his political career on questioning by Trump supporters, and now news conference. a political opponent's legitimacy. the president himself. Trump noted that the column He was a high-profile force behind "I have no idea if that's right," said was written by a "very highly the so-called "birther movement" Trump, who said he had read a qualified and very talented - the lie that questioned whether column on the subject earlier lawyer." Harris' mother was born President Donald Trump the requirement to serve in the President Barack Obama, the Thursday. "I would have thought, in India and her father was born on Thursday gave credence to a White House. The president said nation's first Black president, was I would have assumed, that the in Jamaica. But question of her false and racist conspiracy about he considered the rumors "very eligible to serve. Only after Democrats would have checked parents' birthplace is irrelevant, Kamala Harris' eligibility to be serious." mounting pressure during his that out before she gets chosen said Christopher Kelley, a vice president, fueling an online The conspiracy is false. Harris, 2016 campaign did Trump to run for vice president." Trump political science professor at misinformation campaign that who was tapped this week by disavow the claims. made the comments in answer Miami University in Ohio. "No, parallels the one he used to Joe Biden to serve as his running Trump comments about Harris to a reporter's question and there's no question about it," he power his rise into politics. mate on the Democratic ticket, on Thursday landed in a blizzard appeared to be referencing an op- said. "It's been recognized since Asked about the matter at the was born in Oakland, California, of other untrue, racist or sexist ed written by John Eastman, a the people drafted it back in the White House, Trump told and is eligible to be president claims unleashed across social conservative attorney who argues 39th Congress that (the 14th) reporters he had "heard" rumors under the constitutional media and conservative websites that the US Constitution doesn't amendment that would cover that Harris, a Black woman and requirements. The question is not after Biden picked Harris, the first grant citizenship to all people people not just born to US-born citizen whose parents even considered complex, Black woman and the first Asian born in the US. The president's American citizens but born on were immigrants, does not meet according to constitution American woman on a major reelection campaign's senior American soil." Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 OPINION 11 Who's undermining the global order? There is no neat answer. Both the US?and China are embracing parts of it, and undermining parts BY Manjari Chatterjee Miller however, the answer is complex its proposed changes. In 2018, in a speech at because international order is Which brings us to the current the Raisina Dialogue, the complex. Disagreements international order and how these conference held by the ministry between China and the US are implications play out. The of external affairs and the not the same as disagreements international order today was Observer Research Foundation, between China and international created and led by the US and the late foreign minister Sushma order. To understand this, it is its allies after World War II, and Swaraj, declared that the world important to understand what its byword was multilateralism. was in transition- there was now international order is and what it The principles of the 1941 Atlantic a "departure from longstanding implies. Princeton professor G Charter in which Franklin D practices," "a shift away from John Ikenberry has called Roosevelt and Winston Churchill multilateralism and alliances," international order "the declared a shared commitment and a retreat from globalisation. organising rules and institutions to free trade and collective cooperation and the North Atlantic But as Columbia University While Swaraj was circumspect, of world politics…through which security were more formally Treaty Organisation (Nato). professor, Andrew Nathan, points many others have since been [countries] do business". His enshrined during the Bretton Trump has also criticised out, it has also partially or wholly more candid. A few days ago, for work and that of many others Woods Conference of 1944 - a multilateral agreements such as complied with many other shared example, former Australian prime imply four facts about the new economic and security order the Transatlantic Trade and ideas, particularly because in minister Kevin Rudd argued that international order. First, order is with international institutions for Investment Partnership (TTIP) and many cases it has served its the global order was being not a passive outcome but an multilateral cooperation emerged Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) interests to do so. Its embrace of reshaped by China. These active creation by powerful and thrived. But today, who is that could restrain China - for the UN Convention on the Law of statements articulate the countries. Second, it rests on revising and who is example, by setting or preserving the Sea (UNCLOS), for example, prevalent anxiety behind a shared ideas. Third, these ideas accommodating these information and communication has been highly selective and question that many have been are shared across not one but institutions that are the bedrock technology (ICT) standards that biased towards its own interests grappling with - is the current many issues. Finally, of the post-World War II would impede China trying to set - in accordance with the norms of international order in decline? In participating countries need to be international order does not play Chinese technology as the UNCLOS, it expects to dispatch particular, is the United States willing to buy into order. So if we out along neat lines. standard for the hard infrastructure spy ships into other countries' (US)-led order under threat of argue that a country is revisionist For example, Donald Trump's of Internet connectivity.China too exclusive economic zones to revisionism by China and other of the international order, what assertion of America First has led has rejected or violated the shared monitor both their economic actors? The answer to this we mean is that it is deliberately to a decline in long-standing ideas of some of the international (which is legal) and military question often relates to where trying to reorganise these rules collective security arrangements institutions it has joined - it has activities (subject to one stands on the political and institutions, trying to change - last month, he withdrew 9,500 not, for example, ratified the interpretation) without incident but spectrum, and consequently the shared ideas that underpin US troops from German soil Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty objects to and occasionally tends to fall into black-and-white order, that it is doing so across undermining the US-German (although neither has the US) and harasses other countries for categories of either singular issues, and that it has the help solidarity that was the foundation argues that it is compliant with allegedly violating its own space affirmation or denial. In reality, of countries willing to buy into of the trans-Atlantic security international human rights norms. in the South China Sea. Mission Kashmir will be Manoj Sinha's biggest test A non-controversial-but-effective politician, Sinha faces political, bureaucratic, security and economic challenges independent charge of the of power in Delhi that Sinha General (CAG). In a way, it can ministry of communications. He would be given a suitable berth also be called a promotion. But did reasonably well in both somewhere. But what he got last there is a difference between Raj portfolios. Modi was satisfied with Thursday must certainly have Bhavan in Srinagar and just his hard work, honesty and exceeded all his expectations. another government bungalow in dedication. When Modi spoke at In his trademark manner, despite Delhi. Murmu, a bureaucrat, was a public meeting in Ghazipur being pushed into the given a number of tasks to (Uttar Pradesh) during the 2019 background for a while, he has execute in J&K. But given the elections, in a somewhat made a somewhat spectacular nature of the political and social unexpected gesture, he asked comeback. How effective will he initiatives he was required to By Shashi Shekhar deciphered by looking into the the audience to first applaud be in his new post? undertake, it was clear that only Manoj Sinha has taken past. Sinha is known as a person Sinha. To arrive at an answer, one has a politician could have carried over as Lieutenant-Governor (L- who has learnt the art of surviving Despite this, he lost the Lok to look at the unexpected them out successfully. The G) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). in politics. In 1980, he contested Sabha elections in 2019. There departure of GC Murmu, the situation in Kashmir is complex. His appointment is seen by many and lost the Banaras Hindu were indications that the outgoing L-G of J&K. As the first Many people, including political as being in keeping with the University Students' Union Ghazipur parliamentary L-G, he did a commendable job leaders such as former chief element of surprise that marks election. He tried again over the constituency was no longer a on the law and order front in the minister Mehbooba Mufti, are still decisions taken by the current next two years and succeeded safe seat for him, thanks to Valley. But his manner of under house arrest or behind government. Has Prime Minister in 1982. Similarly, even though changing social equations. The functioning did not go down well bars. Another former chief (PM)?Narendra Modi taken a he lost a few Lok Sabha BJP leadership offered him with the bureaucracy in the Union minister Omar Abdullah has huge risk by delegating this elections, he is a three-time another seat, but he wanted to Territory (UT). This is the reason announced that he will not responsibility to Sinha? Is Sinha former Member of Parliament fight from Ghazipur which he did he had to return to Delhi in 10 contest the assembly elections up to the task of dealing with this (MP). The PM made him and lost. months. He will now take up the until statehood is restored to very challenging responsibility? minister of state for railways in For some time now, there has new constitutional responsibility J&K. These two families have so The future can often be 2014 and later gave him been some talk in the corridors as the Comptroller and Auditor far dominated politics in Kashmir. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 12 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 OPINION 13 Develop a vaccine plan From supplies to distribution, there will be real challenges with stretched coffers. Officials United Kingdom and some have hinted that the country was European nations have bet looking at multilateral millions of dollars (the US alone mechanisms such as the World has pledged nearly $4 billion). Health Organization-led Covax The deals won't be easy; India facility to help secure supplies. will need to negotiate the lowest But such a mechanism - of the rates and secure supply designed as it is to ensure commitment for the largest of distribution is equitable across volumes. the world - will be able to supply Once that is taken care of, the only a fraction of India's authorities will face the requirement in the immediate challenge of identifying those term. who will get the shots at the Last week, the government soonest. Health workers are an appeared to recognise the need obvious first choice, but beyond to step up focus on its vaccine that lie complicated equations plan, forming an expert determined by factors such committee to identify viable as age, profession, candidates, put in place a geography and economic financing and purchase strategy, class. It will also involve and lay down a road map of mobilisation of its After nearly 20 million through a process of trials, nations. India's seeming administering it to the Indian formidable grassroots staff, infections, 730,000 deaths and involving tens of thousands of reluctance with pledging public. The first step of this will but they are already the most half-a-year of living with Covid- people, generating reams of data, money at this point to any of involve opening bilateral prepared, working tirelessly 19, it is clear that vaccines are to prove they are a safe and the candidates is backed by discussions with developers to carry out the process of the strongest bet for the world effective bet - so much so that some economic and scientific such as AstraZeneca, Moderna, testing and contact tracing. It to emerge out of the pandemic. some of the biggest economies wisdom: Vaccines take years Pfizer and others which have the is important, then, that India The scientific community has have put billions of dollars to develop, and seven months most promising candidates yet. begins taking the first step, of given us six promising worth of wagers on them. India is too short a time to commit These are also companies on securing supplies, at the candidates. They are tearing is yet to count as one of these millions of dollars for a country which the United States (US), soonest. A blueprint to counter CCP and Xi It is time to plant the fear of India in China. Use military, diplomatic, economic options vigorously By Abhishek Singhvi transparency and participatory significantly enlarge that arsenal. This is ideology, group approaches. The diplomatic option is highly and politics neutral - its non- The military option is of least underestimated. A blitzkrieg of neutral only on the India-China importance, in view of China's naming and shaming China for its equation. What follows is a size and might, but still vital to ruthless expansionism must comprehensive wish list, intended outstare the enemy. The accompany regular meetings and to recalibrate, re-imagine and appearance (not actual use) of exercises of groupings such as reinvent that equation. If two India's military might is vital to an expanded Asean, Quad, swords - India and China - are to eventually restore status quo Malabar, G10 and Democracy 10. coexist in the Asian scabbard, ante, since the so-called buffer The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance reluctant respect and forced zones are on the Indian side of of the European Parliament, with likability are required and these the Line of Actual Control (LAC). more than 100 members, is are the consequences of fear. The Mountain Strike Corps, against expansionist China and While China has engendered that inexplicably downgraded, must India should seek consultative fear in India, it is time to be exponentially enhanced. The status on it. Consistent China- turn India's focus seawards, Taiwanese companies must be reciprocally implant India's fear defence budget, below 1.5% of critics such as Japan, the United where Chinese military wooed qua import substitution. in China. This alone will reset the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), States, the Philippines, Vietnam, asymmetry qua India is much Parliamentary alliances such as equilibrium. must be pulled above 2%, Mongolia, Indonesia and Australia less than on land. The two Ts - Friends of Tibet or of Uighurs For this we need less talk, more preferably 3%, despite Covid-19 have to be continuously Tibet and Taiwan - old Chinese must be allowed free play. We action; consistency of and economic woes. Open leveraged. The current bugbears, need to be exploited need to oppose the Belt Road application over years; taking interoperability military unprecedented global anti-China much more. The Dalai Lama and Initiative and the Regional care of the small things so that exercises with the United States sentiment has to be exploited. persons like Richard Gere qua Comprehensive Economic the big things take care of (US) and other big powers must The Philippines won significant Tibet and Dolkun Isa qua Partnership (RCEP) much more themselves; and a holistic, accompany the accelerated maritime arbitral awards against Xingjiang must be allowed to vocally at all forums. Buddhist multipronged and preventive, not completion of the Darbuk-Shyok- China, and Vietnam fought China travel and speak on Indian soil diplomacy has great resonance merely curative, approach. It DBO road and building others on over the Spratly islands. India's without restriction (subject to no across Asia. Both Tibet and requires a fundamental attitudinal our northern and Arunachal place at the high table of G10 violence and no official Indian Arunachal Pradesh occupy pole change. Finally, it requires Pradesh flanks. China has cannot be delayed. These government participation). India positions in this regard, but they teamwork, a broad consensus, effectively deployed a mammoth multilateral groupings have and Taiwan must have full remain underused by India bridging the trust deficit, drone armoury and we must another unnoticed benefit: They diplomatic relations and internationally. ADVERTISEMENT Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 14 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 OPINION 15 In poll-bound Bihar, it is advantage Nitish Kumar Despite anti-incumbency, the ruling alliance has a strong CM face, and a formidable social coalition By Shaibal Gupta appears that Kumar has a reservations for them in police In 1960, history was tough challenge ahead. His and government jobs. He has created when a little-known third term, unlike the first two, cultivated the more extreme senator from Massachusetts, have not been covered in glory. segments of backward John F Kennedy overshadowed The administration's communities over the last 15 Richard Nixon, then president weaknesses have got exposed years and is seen as their D D Eisenhower's vice- in handling the Covid-19 leader. The inward migration in president, in the first televised situation. There is a degree of the wake of Covid-19 was debate in the United States public anger. mishandled initially, but the (US). Television, since then, However, he also has clear scheme of providing Rs 4,000 emerged as a powerful medium advantages. Kumar is still a per migrant and economically in election campaigns major political brand in the marginal persons could work worldwide. state, equated with the out well. If the present valour of the Biharis and Bihar Opposition is in disarray. In the Bihar assembly improvements of his earlier "coalition of extremes" holds Regiment, and their sacrifice Tejaswi Yadav is yet to fill Lalu elections, if they are held as terms. Even though his strong, the election outcome during the Indo-China clashes. Prasad's shoes. Hegemony scheduled towards the end of partnership with the Bharatiya a foregone conclusion. The While extending the time limit of over any caste - Yadavs in the the year, a new form of Janata Party (BJP) has not BJP's campaign, notes of PM?Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna , case of the RJD - doesn't last campaigning, the virtual brought about benefits dissent by Lok Janshakti Modi specifically mentioned on without formal political power. campaign, will take centre demanded by JD(U) such as a Party's Chirag Paswan or the June 30 that it will continue up RJD has been out of power now stage. If successful, it will special category status for challenge by the Rashtriya to the Chhath festival in for 15 years. And a social change the course of elections Bihar or central university Janata Dal (RJD)'s Tejaswi November. Chhath is the only movement to sustain the in India. Home minister Amit status for Patna University, the Yadav are designed to fill the sub-national festival in Bihar, support of the entire caste Shah addressed a virtual rally alliance is beneficial for both vacuum after the Kumar era in where all castes and classes group is absent. The Congress on June 7. He, according to parties.It has ensured a Bihar politics, ie, once his participate without any social and communist parties are in a reports, spoke to half-a-million successful "coalition of next, and by all assessments, divide. The BJP is also trying to state of drift. Upendra people in Bihar. Congress extremes" from upper castes to final stint ends in 2025. woo young people - all its district Kushwaha or Mukesh Sahni's leader Rahul Gandhi too, has Dalits. If Jitan Ram Manjhi joins Bihar is the only state in the presidents in Bihar are in the age social strength does not match held virtual interactions with his the National Democratic Hindi heartland where the BJP group of 40 to 45.But it is not as the political attention they draw. party's leaders, albeit on a Alliance (NDA), the social has not reached its plateau. It much the strengths of the ruling Chirag Paswan is appealing to limited scale. While the Janata coalition will become even more has preferred an alliance alliance as the weaknesses of a broader provincial identity with Dal (United), led by chief formidable. Kumar has also despite Modi's popularity. the Opposition that explain the the slogan of "Bihar First and minister Nitish Kumar, too had cultivated the women After successful social current moment. Even though Bihari First" to project himself planned a virtual rally constituency by providing them engineering at the grassroots, there is substantial anti- as a pan-Bihar leader but it is on?August 7, it was postponed. 35% reservation in panchayati it is now evoking regional sub- incumbency, perhaps natural unlikely to yield immediate Such virtual campaigns are raj institutions and extending nationalism. Modi praised the after 15 years of rule, the returns. possible because a huge constituency of digital users has been created. Over 500 million people in India are The importance of flood forecasting estimated to be connected, with Prime Minister Narendra Both structural and non-structural measures need to be improved Modi recently suggesting that structural (flood forecasting and a majority of them are in rural warning, floodplain zoning). areas. The fact that Bihar is There are several problems with predominantly rural adds to its both. On the structural side, the uniqueness. Further, Internet management of reservoirs and use is more gender-balanced in dams, maintenance of India, with a substantial embankments and data segment of women users. This collection on a river's silt-bearing represents a rupture. In the Lalu capacity have to be improved. Prasad era, when Sharad Pawar On the non-structural side, data visited Patna, he was shocked on river flow and discharge must to know that there were only be enhanced; the installation 100 Internet connections in and maintenance of technical Patna, whereas in his equipment such as gauges parliamentary constituency, On Monday, Prime system for forecasting floods While the government's Central have to be expedited. Also Baramati, there were 12,000 Minister Narendra Modi held a and the extensive use of Water Commission (CWC) has critical is how the information connections. But now, digital meeting with chief ministers innovative technologies to modernised its flood on floods is given to the public; platforms have emerged as and ministers of Kerala, improve the forecast and management system over the it has to be timely, useful vehicles for the democratisation Karnataka, Assam, Bihar, Uttar warning system. Mr Modi's years, there are still massive (location) and in a non-technical of information dissemination. Pradesh, and Maharashtra to recommendations are gaps that need to be filled to language. Finally, an Bihar will be the epicentre of review the flood situation in significant because every year make it a much more responsive independent evaluation of the how this will manifest itself in these states. During the floods upend lives and system. Two types of measures flood forecasting system must electoral politics in a post-Covid- meeting, PM emphasised the livelihoods and destroy critical are taken for flood protection: be put in place to identify the 19 India. need for better coordination infrastructure and biodiversity. Structural (embankments, gaps in the system, and ensure But what about the substance between central and state They also put enormous dams, reservoirs, and natural that CWC performs its role of the electoral competition? It agencies to have a permanent stress on finances. detention basins), and non- better than it is doing now. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 OPINION 16 The Rajasthan resolution The Congress can smile, but it must introspect too The month-long crisis in the out of options; and the Bharatiya locus of power has shifted to Congress in Rajasthan has Janata Party's own Rajasthan the states. This was visible in finally come to an end, for now. equations meant that the party Punjab in 2017, when Captain The crisis was triggered by was happy encouraging the Amarinder Singh won the Sachin Pilot and a set of rebel rebellion, but could do so only elections. And it has most legislators seeking the removal from a distance. The fact that Mr clearly been visible in of chief minister Ashok Gehlot; Pilot kept channels open with Rajasthan, where Mr Gehlot - camping outside the state; Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi a rooted leader, with a defying the party; and exploring helped in finally enabling a face- substantial mass base and alternative political options to saver for him, with the party following within the party bring down their own party's setting up a high-powered organisation - held his own, government. In response, Mr committee to examine his fought the rebels, the Gehlot consolidated the grievances. The rebels have Opposition and the governor remaining legislators and returned home to the Congress. and came out victorious. every state. The ability of the of an internal party battle at smaller allies - who constitute The crisis has reinforced the But while the Congress can central leadership in reconciling a time when the pandemic is a majority - in his favour, and trend of strong regional leaders breathe a sigh of relief at conflicts is limited. The raging was not good. While won the backing of the party in the Congress now running having saved its government leadership crisis at the top, and the Rajasthan crisis is high command, ensuring that their independent operations, and prevented a split, the the sense of hopelessness about resolved for now - thanks to his government would remain often successfully. This was a crisis has shown, once future prospects, is causing Mr Gehlot's strength - the stable. Eventually, Mr Pilot's party that has been over- again, the structural disillusionment among younger party would do well to loyalists began to get restless; centralised, but as the central weaknesses of the party. It leaders - who then are willing introspect about what caused Mr Pilot himself began to run leadership has got weaker, the has factional feuds in almost to switch ranks. The optics it in the first place. Tucker Carlson calls Biden-Harris the 'first entirely hollow presidential ticket in American history' 'There are timeshare salesmen you would trust more than Kamala Harris.' By Sam Dorman "Harris may be the single most we thought it could never The Democratic ticket transactional human being in happen. But it is. They're of former Vice President Joe America," he went on. "There doing it anyway." Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, are timeshare salesmen you Carlson added that the D-Calif., is "entirely hollow," would trust more than Kamala choice of Harris shed light Tucker Carlson argued on Harris. You could find payday on the Democratic Party and Tuesday. lenders who are more sincere. its purported interest in The "Tucker Carlson Tonight" "So, it seemed inconceivable finding a candidate they host believed that he thought that given his current state, could manipulate rather than Biden would pick former Joe Biden would choose someone with a solid National Security Advisor someone so transparently constituency like Sen. Bernie Susan Rice for the No. 2 spot. one-dimensional as Kamala Sanders, I-Vt. said."Biden was eager, be every bit as eager, and that's "Rice has sincere beliefs Harris, someone as empty as "What they wanted instead malleable, and totally blank. the point. If Biden and Harris still whether you like them or not he is. It would be the first was someone they could He was willing to be doesn't make sense to you as a ...," Carlson said. "But Kamala entirely hollow presidential control and Joe Biden fit that whatever his handlers wanted ticket, it's only because you are Harris is the opposite of that. ticket in American history and description perfectly," he him to be. Kamala Harris will not cynical enough." The quest for self-reliance in defence The intent is noble. But India's techno-industrial complex has not shown the required competence vu. In a puzzling development, formally conveyed to a operational concern. Thus, the the ministry of defence (MoD) committee of lawmakers by the robustness of the inventory and uploaded some details of the Chief of Defence Staff General, logistics-maintenance depth of transgression by China's Bipin Rawat, on August 10. the three armed forces will be People's Liberation Army Currently, there is a stalemate a critical factor in the short- (PLA) troops in the Ladakh in the de-escalation process term, as India prepares to region on its website on which has compelled the Indian manage a post-Galwan bilateral August 4. Within two days, Army to deploy heavily along relationship with China. In this this was removed without LAC and the committee was context, defence minister C Uday Bhaskar the June 15 Galwan setback. ascribing any reason. This informed that this may be a "long- Rajnath Singh put out a series In the run-up to August Chinese troops intruded into lack of consistency on a grave drawn process". The Indian of tweets on August 9 that 15, the challenge to India's areas along the Line of Actual national security matter was military will have to prepare for a underlined the resolve of the territorial integrity and Control (LAC) in the Ladakh avoidable. But as per media long haul in manning LAC so that Narendra Modi government to sovereignty has been region where the Indian tactical reports, the gravity of the there are no more "surprises" in redress long-festering foregrounded in a startling, but presence was thin and there is challenge posed by PLA and its other sectors. The Pakistan structural issues pertaining to perhaps unsurprising, manner by an October 1962 sense of déjà transgression in Ladakh was factor remains a perennial defence imports. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 POINT OF VIEW 17 The Opposition enables Hindutva It lacks ideological conviction on secularism, and the political imagination to defend it Roshan Kishore statement, and the response of whether one agrees or disagrees On August 5, Prime Minister most other political leaders, which with this assessment, such a (PM) Narendra Modi set the celebrated the act in the hope that position necessarily entails an process of the construction of a it will be used as an occasion to abdication of politics per se. If Ram temple at Ayodhya in promote harmony and cultural there is nothing left to save, motion. This is a moment of affinity, fits the third category. what's the point of doing political triumph for Hindutva None of these positions will worry anything? The collective politics. And the euphoria in the the BJP. It will celebrate, and despondency, captured by all Hindutva camp, especially the rightly so, the construction of the the positions described above, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh temple as the biggest political is an alibi for the lack of political (RSS) and its political affiliate, the success of its larger ideological imagination and will of those who Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is project. It is also naive to expect claim to champion the politics not surprising. What is that the BJP will not use the Ram of secularism. disappointing, however, is the temple issue for future political The Ram temple movement was 2019 polls, the politics around vigilantism are good tools in rural reaction of the secular camp. Its gains. The BJP is not concerned the beginning of a political the Citizenship (Amendment) and semi-urban centres. The response can be described as about whether its opponents think experiment to achieve a Act, and annulment of Article 370 party believed that they need not empty assertions against the of its actions as justifiable or not. majoritarian political under the second Modi be unleashed in more posh victory of political Hindutva, What matters for the BJP is the consolidation, which, in turn, government are examples of urban settings, lest the middle wishful thinking about a closure view of the majority, which as of was aimed at capturing power. continuous efforts to ensure this. classes get alienated. Even on of such politics, or, just now, appears firmly with the party. It brought immense dividends This macro-politics is the contentious issue of beef- opportunistic celebration. Rahul The fate of secular politics in India, initially. But it does not explain accompanied with a continuous eating, the BJP has shown Gandhi's tweet trying to seek today more than ever, depends on the current dominance of the simmering of religious remarkable tactical flexibility in some sort of self-righteous, even whether or not its practitioners BJP. Nor will it guarantee that polarisation, something Sajjan states such as Kerala, where a metaphysical, solace by can explain its raison d'être to the its fortunes remain intact. Kumar and Sudha Pai have large number of Hindus are beef- portraying Ram as opposed to Hindus. None of the mainstream Political Hindutva, like all described in detail in their book, eaters. The Opposition, the politics of hate and injustice political players are even trying to political ideologies, will need to Everyday Communalism: Riots meanwhile, has singularly failed fits the first category. The do that. To be sure, there has keep renewing its ideological in Contemporary Uttar Pradesh. to counter this politics because Communist Party of India been a fourth kind of reaction as hegemony. It has so far The BJP has been shrewd in its methods are confused and (Marxist)'s statement lamenting well; largely from civil society managed this: The Ram temple utilising each of these issues to half-hearted. For example, the that the bhoomi pujan should not voices. It paints August 5 as an movement in the 1990s, impart dynamism to political secular camp could have have been made into a political apocalyptic event of sorts, when politicisation of the surgical Hindutva, and prevent it from resorted to an intelligent-yet- event fits the second category. constitutional ideas have been strikes and Balakot attacks becoming an ossified project. The peaceful symbolism to organise Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's destroyed forever. Irrespective of against Pakistan before the so-called love jihad and cow a protest on August 5. Rahul-Priyanka Deliver A Big Win; What They Must Do Next probably was a combination of with the BJP, I was inspired purchasing of MLAs with the two. Whatever it was, it whenever I heard them exhort offers of obscene amounts of failed. party workers - "Kamal grows dirty money and I owe an explanation here for in keechad (dirty water), and quarantining them in five- using the term 'Operation Mal', yet remains clean. Similarly, star resorts has become the instead of 'Operation Kamal' to our political life must remain new normal. However, the describe the BJP's despicable clean even though we are Congress leadership cannot designs to steal the people's working in an environment become complacent after its mandates in states where it that is highly corrupt and success in this internal lost assembly elections, dirty." Furthermore, conflict-resolution. "Where Madhya Pradesh being the Vajpayee and Advani, along is leadership in the latest example. In Hindi and in with other opposition Congress? It has simply many other Indian languages, leaders, often slammed the evaporated." This was the 'mal' means muck. In the then ruling party, the public perception when the context of our discussion, it Congress, for misusing the Modi-Shah skullduggery Sudheendra Kulkarni colleagues, both old and young, connotes how the BJP, whose governor's office for partisan toppled the Congress-led Operation Mal' by the in their reconciliatory efforts to party symbol is 'Kamal' (lotus), gains. For obvious reasons, governments in Karnataka BJP has flopped in Rajasthan. convince Sachin Pilot into a 'ghar has used the muck of money Narendra Modi and Amit and Madhya Pradesh and Democracy has won a small wapasi'. muscle and misused the power Shah have never repeated installed BJP governments in victory in India's largest state, Pilot was a rising young star in of democratic institutions, this principled exhortation. Goa and some other states giving a boost to the Congress the Congress before he including that of pliant state How can they, when their even though it lacked party's hopes of a nationwide thoughtlessly raised the banner governors, to dislodge non- stated goal is to make India popular mandate. There was revival. For this, the credit of revolt against the Chief BJP governments and install "Congress-mukt"? And to be growing unease even within should go mainly to the Minister to whom he was its own.The BJP's top fair to them, when have they the rank and file of the decisive action by the two Deputy. Whether the revolt was leaders in the bygone era, ever claimed they are Congress because of two leaders who now command the at the bidding of the top national Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal committed to doing politics in consecutive debacles in highest degree of support leadership of the BJP, or the BJP Krishna Advani, used to take ethical ways? Pilot's parliamentary elections, followed within the party - the brother- exploited his revolt to mount yet pride in saying they chose homecoming has ended yet by a prolonged and debilitating sister duo of Rahul Gandhi and another "Operation Mal' to topple the lotus as their party another sordid episode in uncertainty over who will succeed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. They the government led by Ashok symbol for a deliberate India's malfunctioning the ailing Sonia Gandhi as party were ably assisted by party Gehlot, is not fully known. It reason. During my years democracy in which the president. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 PERSPECTIVE 18 In Xi Vs World, Sharpest Swing In Policy Toward China From India Gerry Shih the Chinese Communist Party. neutral tack toward China until Taiwan - Hours before And as Xi surveys the geopolitical recently - said establishing an midnight on New Year's Eve, landscape closer to home, he is alliance with like-minded Chinese leader Xi Jinping encountering not a circle of friends countries in the Indo-Pacific was predicted his nation could not but the emerging outlines of an a "critical priority" and conceded only attain new heights of adversarial bloc. the "previously inconceivable" domestic prosperity in 2020 but Xi's push to quell Hong Kong with possibility of war in Asia. Later also claim victories in a national security law this this year, Australia is expected diplomacy. summer drew joint condemnation to join India, Japan and the "We have friends in every corner from Western countries, including United States in joint naval of the world," Xi told his nation several that suspended exercises aimed at countering in a televised speech. extradition treaties or trading China, an idea India previously Now, after six tumultuous privileges with the city. His ruled out as too provocative. months for Chinese foreign repression of ethnic minorities in All told, China's diplomatic policy and one devastating the Xinjiang region continues to horizons have darkened I would call a 'latent alliance.' " seize territory or geopolitical pandemic, China's most draw global censure. A deadly dramatically since January, The question now is whether this advantage under the cover of the crucial relationship - with border skirmish in June prompted when Xi was nearing a "phase loose grouping of countries with coronavirus pandemic - as some Washington - has reached its India to boot scores of Chinese one" trade truce with President similar attitudes toward China senior U.S. officials, including lowest ebb in half a century after apps out of its technology market Donald Trump and planning to will cement into something more. Pompeo, have repeatedly the Trump administration and dispatch 30,000 additional woo Japan and the European The answer will probably be argued. shuttered a Chinese consulate troops to the Himalayan region, Union - two counterweights to shaped by domestic politics, Rather, they say, China's refusal in Houston, imposed sanctions where they remain at an impasse Washington - in separate state especially in the United States, to back down on external on China's TikTok and WeChat with Chinese forces. visits this year. Both trips have Wang said. disputes large and small stems apps, and coaxed Britain to Increased Chinese incursions into been quietly shelved. "China and everyone else is from a sense of political ban Huawei maritime territory also claimed by "Given China's expanding waiting to see what happens in insecurity and economic telecommunications Southeast Asian countries, security sphere, its strategy for November" in the U.S. pressure at home, and the need equipment. Taiwan and Japan have prompted economic and technology presidential election, he said. to display strength in line with In a series of four speeches this warnings from regional officials leadership, a trend toward "Would a Biden victory change the image Xi has crafted for summer capped by a July 23 about the potential for a serious conflict with its neighbors and things? If Trump is reelected, China and for himself - a mirror call by Secretary of State Mike military clash. Since July, Chinese the U.S. was inevitable," said could he hold together this image, in some ways, of an Pompeo for an "alliance of territorial disputes have even Wang Ting-yu, a lawmaker who alliance? Would he want to?" American president who has democracies" against broken out with tiny Bhutan and sits on Taiwan's foreign affairs - - - In Asian capitals and railed against China on the authoritarian China, senior U.S. Tajikistan. and national defense committee. Washington, officials and campaign trail while officials declared the United This week Scott Morrison, the "But nobody saw these conflicts analysts say China's conflicts do struggling to contain the States in deeply ideological, prime minister of Australia - a coming together so abruptly in not necessarily represent a coronavirus and unemployment even existential, conflict with country that, like India, sought a 2020. China is now facing what grand, calculated scheme to at home. Lord Ram And The India-China Face-Off - by Rajmohan Gandhi oppressions continued. Even Far more important, however, than pluralism. Mr. Modi seems to so, the world seemed far more Indian democracy's appeal to the dismiss the realities that comfortable with a loud, oft- world, or to the people of China, scream off India's map. chaotic, democratic India than was the strength that a pluralist Muslim-majority Kashmir, with a more productive yet democracy brought to India. bordering both China and uniform China where dissenters Hierarchies and oppressions Pakistan, occupies the north of could not speak, and where notwithstanding, Adivasis, India. Sikh-majority Punjab sits governments could not be voted castes "low" and "high", and on India's western boundary. out. Not only was the world more Dalits could feel that India was Christians constitute either a at ease with a democratic India, theirs. And all in India - Muslims, majority or a strong minority in there were indications that the Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, the eastern border states of people of China were curious Zoroastrians, Jews, atheists, Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya, about India's freedoms. At least whatever - could imagine that in equally crucial Kerala on India's to a few in China, India's modern India belonged as much to them southern extremity, and in Goa, Rajmohan Gandh refreshed by free debate, experiment in democracy as to the Hindu majority. small in size but known well to the Until recent years, it competition among political seemed to recall an ancient Now, almost precisely when whole world. And Tamil Nadu's seemed that any clear edge that parties, and new governments. period when ideas travelled from India's equation with China has sharp opposition to religious India possessed over China was Nationally and globally, India to China. In the world, reached its most testing point in majoritarianism has a long and in ideology. Economically, democracy gave India immense India's appeal was particularly decades, we witness profoundly powerful history. China was much stronger. advantages. Benefits that accrue strong for nations containing disturbing signals that threaten Taking India as a whole, a Militarily, although India's when journalists, writers, poets, diverse populations. Often run by Indian solidarity. By involving policy of humiliating 200 capabilities along the professors and film-makers are dictators who play on the himself as Prime Minister with million Muslims, disregarding Himalayas had greatly improved unfettered, when independent civil strength or numbers of a single the formal commencement of Sikhs, frightening Christians and during the post-1962 decades, servants direct investigative tribe, sect or ethnic group, such the construction of a Ram unsettling large numbers of China seemed to possess a agencies, and when judges can nations were interested in Mandir in Ayodhya, Narendra Hindus who prize equality is much larger array of resources. punish the powerful. spectacularly varied India. If India Modi has declared the Hindu- hardly the way to unite a However, as against an evidently The actualization of these could be governed ness of the Indian state and people for any long-drawn totalitarian China, India was democratic ideals was limited. In democratically and without one struck at Indian society's contest with China. For all its democratic. Whereas China particular, our political democracy community bossing over the cohesion. The question goes strategic value, a distant Quad was stifled by one-party rule, was slow to translate into social rest, there was hope for other beyond the constitutional cannot be a substitute for India was being constantly democracy. Hierarchies and heterogenous lands. principles of secularism and Indian cohesion. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 SOUTH ASIA 19 India, Nepal to discuss projects amid tensions The joint oversight mechanism, which was launched in 2016 bridges, integrated border check issue should not overshadow posts, energy, irrigation, and our entire bilateral relations...We and reviews progress in bilateral projects, is scheduled to post-earthquake reconstruction. believe in constructive hold a meeting on August 17, people familiar with The border row erupted late last engagement, and the upcoming developments said on condition of anonymity. year after Nepal objected to the meeting is just one positive step inclusion of the Kalapani region, towards that end," he added. which is claimed by Kathmandu, In recent weeks, the two in a new map showing the union countries have also engaged in territory of Ladakh that was a war of words over the origins issued by India. The row was of historic figures such as Lord exacerbated in May, when India Ram and Gautam Buddha. opened a new road to the Nepal on Sunday responded to Lipulekh region on the border external affairs minister S with Tibet, as this area, too, is Jaishankar's remarks that claimed by Nepal. Gautam Buddha was one of the Nepal responded by issuing a two greatest Indians for people new map that showed Kalapani, around the world by saying Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, historical and archaeological which are all controlled by India, evidence shows the founder of as part of Nepalese territory. Buddhism was born in Nepalese Kathmandu also said New Delhi territory. India clarified that has not responded to several Jaishankar had referred to the requests for talks on the border shared heritage of the two issue, though India said a countries. meeting couldn't be arranged Last month, Prime Minister KP (News Agencies)- An India-Nepal condition of anonymity. person. because of the Covid-19 Sharma Oli sparked a body overseeing the The meeting between Indian A second person described the pandemic. controversy with his remarks implementation of development envoy Vinay Mohan Kwatra and scheduled meeting of the Nepal's foreign minister that the "real" Ayodhya is in projects funded by New Delhi is Nepal's foreign secretary, mechanism as "part of regular Pradeep Gyawali told The Nepal and that Lord Ram was set to meet in Kathmandu next Shanker Das Bairagi, who interaction between India and Kathmandu Post on Tuesday: Nepalese. He also said Nepal week, the first high-level contact jointly chair the mechanism, is Nepal". He added, "This oversight "We don't have alternatives to had "become a victim of cultural between the two sides since ties being seen by some quarters in mechanism was set up in 2016 talks...We can't hold our entire encroachment" and its history were hit by a border row that Kathmandu as a positive to review ongoing bilateral ties hostage to the differences was manipulated. Following erupted last year. development after the border economic and development over the boundary issue." protests in India, the Nepal The joint oversight mechanism, row took relations to a new low. projects and meets on a periodic Gyawali said Nepal is confident government clarified Oli's which was launched in 2016 and "The mechanism will only focus basis."During its seventh meeting its partnership with India will remarks were "not linked to reviews progress in bilateral on the implementation of India- in July last year, the mechanism move in a positive direction. any political subject" and there projects, is scheduled to hold a funded projects in Nepal. reviewed the implementation of "For the time being, the was "no intention...to hurt the meeting on August 17, people However, it could help break the projects such as cross-border rail boundary issues can be feeling and sentiment of familiar with developments said on logjam in relations," said a links, petroleum pipelines, roads, isolated...Differences over one anyone". The Rajapaksas cement power in Sri Lanka Their win was inevitable, but the impact is worrying

refrain from communal e-Mohammed (JeM), an Bharatiya Janata Party incitement." outlawed outfit. (BJP) was constructing the He added, "While this is not a In a statement issued on Ram temple as part of an surprising stance from a nation Wednesday, Pakistan's agenda "of converting India that practices cross-border Foreign Office had said: "The into a 'Hindu Rashtra' ". It terrorism and denies its own flawed judgement of the Indian criticised the haste in starting minorities their religious rights, Supreme Court paving the construction of the temple such comments are way for construction of the amid the coronavirus disease nevertheless deeply regrettable." temple not only reflected the (Covid-19) pandemic and the The development came against preponderance of faith over controversy over the (News Agencies)- New Delhi on temple and described the the backdrop of Pakistan justice but also the growing Citizenship (Amendment) Thursday rejected Islamabad's judgement by India's Supreme mounting a campaign on the majoritarianism in today's Act (CAA), 2019, and the condemnation of the Court (SC) that paved the way Kashmir issue on the first India, where minorities, National Register of construction of the Ram Mandir for the construction as anniversary (August 5) of India's particularly Muslims and their Citizens (NRC), as well as at Ayodhya, with the ministry of "flawed". move to scrap the special status places of worship, are measures that "demonised, external affairs (MEA) saying Responding to these remarks, of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and increasingly under attack." dispossessed, marginalised Pakistan should not interfere MEA spokesperson Anurag to split the erstwhile state into The statement said the and subjected" Muslims to in India's internal affairs and Srivastava said: "We have two union territories (UTs). Organisation of Islamic targeted violence. It also refrain from "communal seen the press statement by India-Pakistan ties have been at Cooperation (OIC) had criticised what it described incitement". the Islamic Republic of an all-time low since last year's passed resolutions as India's "systematic human Pakistan's foreign ministry Pakistan on a matter internal to stand-off over Pulwama terror condemning the demolition rights violations" in J&K and a had on Wednesday India. It should desist from attack on February 14 blamed of the Babri mosque in "design to change the condemned the building of the interfering in India's affairs and on the Pakistan-based Jaish- Ayodhya and the ruling demography" of the region. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 20 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 21 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 22 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 US & THE WORLD 23 Ilhan Omar beats primary challenger in Minnesota Jamie Dimon: The stock market She once suggested that pro-Israel doesn't reflect Americans' pain lawmakers had dual allegiance to both (News Agencies)-The stock market's these things we will have a far more the U.S. and Israel, and that Israel had huge run-up in recent months doesn't just society," Dimon told Romans. "hypnotized the world." capture everyday Americans' pain. Dimon, along with City University of Throughout the campaign, Melton- That's why the government and Big New York Chancellor Félix Matos Meaux presented himself as a unifier Business should act to help ease the Rodriguez, spoke with Romans last who could build consensus in Congress. burden on the least fortunate, said week about the launch of the New He cast Omar as an out-of-touch JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO Jamie York Jobs CEO Council, a coalition politician more interested in social Dimon, in an interview with CNN of 27 business leaders that is media spats than delivering for her Business. pledging to hire 100,000 New constituents. "When you have 13 million people Yorkers by 2030 and provide (News Agencies)-Rep. Ilhan Omar (D- Pro-Israel interests funneled money toward out of work, and you've got people apprenticeships for 25,000 CUNY Minn.) on Tuesday fought off a well-funded Melton-Meaux, who raised a staggering suffering and small business students. primary challenger who accused her of $3.2 million in the second quarter. He used suffering, that's far more important Dimon is one of the council's co- pursuing a national profile at the expense the windfall to outspend Omar on the air by than the vicissitudes of Wall Street," chairs, along with EY global of her Minneapolis district. a 2 to 1 margin. A top spending super PAC, Dimon told CNN's Christine Romans. chairman and CEO Carmine Di Omar defeated local lawyer Antone Melton- with ties to a pro-Israel group, kicked in $1.5 "That's what we should worry about." Sibio, IBM (IBM) CEO Arvind Meaux, who was backed by pro-Israel million on TV ads to boost Omar. Dimon said businesses must do more Krishna, McKinsey and Company interests angered by the freshman The congresswoman's win is all the more to help low-income and minority global managing partner Kevin lawmaker's rhetoric and foreign policy impressive considering she was left largely Americans. That's why he joined a new Sneader and Accenture (ACN) CEO stances. Omar led by about 17 points when unprotected by progressive groups who fixed initiative to work with educational Julie Sweet. The goal of the council, The Associated Press called the primary on helping fellow "Squad" member, Rep. institutions and nonprofits in the New according to Matos Rodriguez, is for the safe Democratic seat. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), in her primary last York area to provide more job to build new connections for his One of four minority congresswomen week. opportunities for Black, Latinx and school's students - many of whom elected in 2018 known as the "Squad," "Ilhan Omar has fought for her constituents Asian workers. He said that are the first in the family to go to Omar gained national attention for her with courage and a positive progressive government alone cannot solve college. "The idea is to build new Twitter clashes with President Donald vision," Justice Democrats Executive society's biggest problems. networks," Matos Rodriguez said. Trump. She became a prominent voice in Director Alex Rojas said in a statement. "The pace is quick, the world has "That internship is going to be the the progressive movement, but drew "Despite all the manufactured hype and become more complex, and these beginning of those building of criticism over her comments on Israel that money spent attacking them, the Squad is problems of education, and jobs, networks. And then everybody's going some deemed anti-Semitic. winning, it's growing, and is here to stay." infrastructure, immigration, if you fixed to see what kind of talent there is."

Happy Happy Independence Independence day day Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 US & THE WORLD 26 Court orders Uber, Lyft to reclassify drivers as employees in California

(News Agencies)-Uber and Lyft business practices to conform effect on January 1, were ordered by a California court to California law without companies must prove on Monday to reclassify their causing widespread adverse workers are free from drivers in the state as employees, effects on their drivers." company control and perform marking the latest escalation in In response to the order, Lyft work outside the usual an ongoing legal battle over a new spokesperson Julie Wood said, course of the company's law impacting much of the on- "drivers do not want to be business in order to classify demand economy. employees, full stop." workers as independent The companies will have 10 days "We'll immediately appeal this contractors rather than before the order takes effect to ruling and continue to fight for employees. allow for an appeal, according to their independence. Ultimately, The lawsuit accuses Uber and a copy of the ruling from San we believe this issue will be Lyft of depriving workers of Francisco Superior Court judge decided by California voters protections, including a Ethan Schulman. Uber and Lyft and that they will side with minimum wage, overtime, cash for benefits such as health maintenance. Last week, the currently treat their drivers as drivers," Wood said in a paid sick leave, and insurance or paid time off. "Uber California's Labor Commissioner's independent contractors. statement provided to CNN unemployment insurance, is ready, right now, to pay more Office filed lawsuits against Uber The mounting legal pressure to Business. that they would be entitled to to give drivers new benefits and and Lyft for allegedly committing reclassify their workers in the Representatives for Uber did as employees. Uber, Lyft and protections," he wrote. "But wage theft by misclassifying their state comes at an uncertain not immediately respond to a DoorDash have each put $30 America needs to change the on-demand workers as time for both companies. Uber request for comment. million behind a ballot status quo to protect all workers, independent contractors instead (UBER) and Lyft (LYFT) Monday's order comes after initiative, with additional not just one type of work." of employees."The vast majority continue to grapple with the California Attorney General support from Instacart and The AB-5 law has long been of drivers want to work pandemic, which significantly Xavier Becerra and a coalition Postmates, which Uber viewed as a potential existential independently, and we've already cut demand for their core ride- of city attorneys filed for a recently agreed to acquire. If threat to many gig economy made significant changes to our hailing businesses. Both preliminary injunction in late passed, it would exempt companies like Uber and Lyft, app to ensure that remains the companies have undergone June to force the two ride- them from the AB-5 law, but which built up their businesses case under California law," said layoffs and have long histories hailing companies to comply offer drivers some benefits. in large part by treating workers an Uber spokesperson in a of steep losses. with the California law known On Monday, The New York as independent contractors statement last week. "When According to the court ruling, as AB-5. The injunction was Times published an op-ed from rather than employees. In over 3 million Californians are "now, when Defendant's part of a lawsuit filed in May Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi addition to not receiving certain without a job, our elected leaders ridership is at an all-time low, that alleges the companies are asking states to pass new laws employee protections, drivers should be focused on creating may be the best time (or the misclassifying their workers in requiring gig economy also pay their own expenses, work, not trying to shut down an least worst time) for violation of the law. companies to establish benefits including gas and vehicle entire industry." Defendants to change their Under the law, which went into funds that would give workers

Happy Independence day

Happy Happy Independence Independence day day Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 US & THE WORLD 27 Food bank doles out tons of food as Texans, like many Americans, fight to feed themselves (News Agencies)- American people in line, roughly three Agriculture requires food bank food insecurity is an under-told hours before volunteers began recipients to fill out a short form, story amid the coronavirus giving out boxes. He has two with one blank asking their pandemic, but as more people children to feed, he said, but current income, Hawthorne find themselves unemployed or work has been drying up. explained. underemployed, it's a reality with "It means a lot. It's a little bit of "We've seen a lot of zeros," she which too many are grappling. help. I think it's going to help us said. "Food is one of those items At the North Texas Food Bank a lot," he said. "My wife is sick that is easy to cut from a budget. in Plano, government relations right now, but not with the virus, You've got to make your mortgage director Valerie Hawthorne sees so that's why I'm here." payments. You've got to make up close the toll Covid-19 has Another Dallas resident, that car payment, so food taken on the 13 counties it Pauletta Johnson, who relies on becomes a choice for a lot of serves, and she's working to fixed income to help care for her families." worked late into the night to work and doesn't get back keep food on tables. On grandchildren, joined Ferrazas in Along with dairy and produce, Monday as a fleet of trucks until dinnertime. Even after she Tuesday, she and about 100 line before dawn. recipients also get boxes packed carrying thousands of boxes gets home, she is on the phone volunteers handed out much- "It helps feed the grandkids," she with canned goods, noodles, descended on a barren Dallas and on her computer, looking needed grub at Fair Park in said. "I don't have the money to spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, parking lot. concerned. During this Dallas, where they hoped to help buy some of the things that I rice, trail mix and even a few "These distributions truly reveal pandemic it has been hard to out about 2,000 households, or need to get." recipes for those who aren't so what the need is and how many stay sane," the youngster about 8,000 people. 'We've seen a lot of zeros' culinarily inclined, she said. A of our community members are wrote. "I'm sad that not being It's a new way of giving for the The food bank's latest handout family of four was taking home just one paycheck away from able to find food is really food bank, but it's the fourth time at Fair Park comes after many 100 pounds of food Tuesday, she hunger," she said. "We know stressful for people right now, since the pandemic that Americans lost their $600-a- said. that the need is out there. We but I'm also happy that the North volunteers have doled out food week unemployment benefit in Close to 10,000 boxes will be know that it's great." Texas Food Bank is helping as at Fair Park, the last time July. Food bank officials targeted handed out by day's end, In April, Hawthorne's daughter, many people as they can." A coming in May. Since then, August, Hawthorne said, Hawthorne said. Any leftover Lily, 11, wrote a blog post about problem across the country conditions in Texas -- like the because they knew there'd be a boxes will be distributed to her own struggles and confusion Last month, the US Census rest of the country -- have gotten dip in families' incomes, and food partner agencies' food pantries, during the pandemic, and about Bureau published polling worse, Hawthorne said. stamp benefits tend to run out she said. how her mother had taken off her showing almost 30 million Nationwide, tens of millions are early in the month. Since March, Lately, the North Texas Food government relations hat to help Americans (about 12% of the struggling to feed themselves. more than 3 million Texans have Bank has been distributing a with a mobile pantry effort. 249 million respondents) said Handyman Arthur Ferrazas of filed unemployment claims. million pounds of food a week. "She leaves the house almost they did not have enough to eat Dallas was one of the first The US Department of Hawthorne and the volunteers every morning at 5:30 a.m. to go at some point before July 21. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 28 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 US & THE WORLD 29 Breaking down the executive actions Trump signed on coronavirus relief the as much as $400 additional extra cost. Because Congress has not benefit each person may be able If a state says that it does not authorized an extension of extra to receive weekly in additional have the funds or does want to federal unemployment aid. On top of that, a state must enter into the agreement with the assistance, the state will have agree to enter into this financial federal government, the to set up an entirely new system agreement with the federal unemployed person in that state to deliver the additional aid. government for any unemployed receives zero dollars in extra "The state has to enter an person living there to get any of federal benefits (they would still agreement saying not only can the additional benefits. receive the normal state they pay the benefit, but that On Sunday night, Trump said he unemployment insurance). they have some ability to was open to allowing people to In fact, states have asked administer the benefit," said get the enhanced benefit without Congress to provide them with Michelle Evermore, an states picking up some of the an additional $500 billion to help unemployment expert at the (News Agencies)-With stimulus as an action providing "an cost. He said it was possible that shore up their budgets, which National Employment Law talks stalled, President Donald additional or extra $400 a week the federal government could pick have been crushed by the loss Project. Trump announced he would go and expanded benefits." up the entire cost if governors of tax revenue amid the Building a brand new program around Congress to deliver aid to But in reality, the additional make a request. pandemic. This has been one of could take states months to Americans affected by the unemployment aid is more "We have a system where we can the main points of contention accomplish, Evermore said. She pandemic. complicated than the White do 100% or we can do 75%, they between Democrats, who want added Trump needed to do it this But a close read of the actual text House acknowledged and pay 25, and it will depend on the to allocate additional aid, and way because "in order for states of executive actions he signed experts say it may not help a lot state," he said to reporters before Republicans, who don't want to to administer a benefit it has to Saturday suggests that even if of the unemployed. returning to the White House bail out what they say are badly be authorized by Congress, so they are deemed constitutional, Under the previous from his resort in New Jersey. managed states. they can't use their they will not quickly deliver the unemployment benefit passed "And they will make a The millions of Americans who've administrative systems to pay a aid Trump promised. They may by Congress, millions of application. We will look at it, and filed for jobless benefits also benefit that hasn't been not deliver much at all. Americans received an additional we'll make a decision." have drained several states' authorized by Congress." Here's a breakdown of the blanket $600 a week from the States are in dire financial straits. unemployment benefits trust Few will be helped. Evermore, actions, the many strings federal government on top of their Many states have already asked funds. Already, 10 states have one of the nation's leading attached and questions about state unemployment benefits. the federal government for major borrowed nearly $20 billion from experts on unemployment, told what they actually accomplish. States have to chip in. Now, under financial help. Several experts the Treasury Department to CNN she considered the Unemployment benefits Trump's measure, the federal told CNN there are major cover their share of payments, chances of this effort helping Trump described the government is requiring states to questions about how many which typically last 26 weeks. many of the newly unemployed memorandum signed Saturday pick up the tab for 25% ($100) of states may be able to afford the Requires a new system. due to Covid-19 "low." Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 CONTD 30 Picking Kamala Harris makes history, but will it make a difference in November? Commentators weigh in earnest and fair: Trying to record as a tough public of votes necessary to be the minted campaign duo as out of on Joe Biden's selection of Sen. accuse her of being pro- prosecutor. But that prosecutorial nominee herself. step with the Black community's Kamala Harris for his running incarceration will sound like background deals a devastating Harris was the safe choice for a current calls for police and mate. The views expressed in nonsense to most voters. blow to President Donald campaign that is playing it safe. criminal justice reform. this commentary are their own. She is fearsome in debate and Trump's efforts to claim the The Biden camp thinks it is It's clear the Trump campaign will Kamala Harris is a veteran comfortable on television, two Democrats are soft on crime. sitting on a lead so it took the use Harris's prosecutorial record campaigner who has made skills that will come in handy in Ignore the sexists. They already safest route - a basically vetted and Biden's sponsorship of the history, over and over: First a race that will largely be fought accused her of being "too person who will neither help nor infamous 1994 crime bill as woman district attorney of San on small screens rather than at ambitious." Feel free to laugh at hurt the Democratic campaign. wedge issues to depress the Francisco, first woman attorney huge outdoor rallies. that charge: What politician is Most research shows that VP black vote in crucial swing general of California, first Indian- Errol Louis is the host of "Inside not ambitious? What Senator is choices rarely make a difference. states. Harris and Biden must be American elected to the US City Hall," a nightly political show not ambitious? Name one person Harris probably won't, either. Her fully prepared to assuage any Senate and only the second on NY1, a New York all-news who has run for high office who home state is safely Democratic. voter concerns those issues may Black woman senator. After a channel. did aspire to have an impact, even Her primary campaign shows cause. They can't afford to make convention vote that is really a Frida Ghitis: A running mate to to change the world. How many she's not a great fundraiser. Her the same mistakes Hillary formality, she'll be the first inspire even RepublicansJoe in Congress have dreamed of the politics - liberal with more than a Clinton's campaign made in woman of color named to a major- Biden made precisely the right presidency? hint of authoritarianism (think of 2016. party national ticket. choice with Sen. Kamala Harris, Some thought Biden would rule her attempts to get Donald As the country continues to reel Harris brings Biden a direct link a passionate, eloquent, inspiring her out because she hit him too Trump banned from Twitter) from the tragic impact of a deadly to the party's African-American figure with the potential to do hard during the presidential sprinkled in for good measure - pandemic, economic distress base, reflecting his team's everything a presidential debates. But Biden was probably fit well on a national ticket and racial division, the American strategy of generating candidate needs from his running impressed. Kamala is a brilliant trending hard towards both. people now have a clear choice excitement and high turnout in mate. debater, a fighter. She can spar Scott Jennings, a CNN in this 2020 presidential election. Black communities. Four years To make his decision Biden, the with the best of them. She contributor, is a former special Unlike Trump, Biden is ago, the Democratic ticket lost former vice president and soon- delicately shredded Justice Brett assistant to President George competent, compassionate and Michigan, Wisconsin and to-be Democratic nominee, had Kavanaugh with her questioning W. Bush and a former campaign battle tested through tragedy. Pennsylvania -- and with them, to contend with competing during his confirmation hearings. adviser to Sen. Mitch McConnell. With Harris at his side as a happy the White House -- by a scant demands. Pick someone who The debate with Vice President He is a partner at RunSwitch warrior with a powerful personal 80,000 votes. could help him win the election Mike Pence will be must-see TV. Public Relations in Louisville, story of her own, the contrast As operatives pointed out at the through campaigning prowess, or Democrats, as if they needed Kentucky. Follow him on Twitter couldn't be any starker. Biden- time, slightly higher Black voter someone who can help him more motivation than getting rid @ScottJenningsKY. Harris is everything Trump-Pence turnout in Detroit, Milwaukee and govern and is ready to take over of Trump, will rally behind her. Tara Setmayer: Biden-Harris is is not. Philadelphia would have brought if needed? Someone who would And those Republicans the best choice for disaffected Despite the policy differences victory to the Democrats. The energize progressive Democrats, questioning their party's choice conservativesFrom the beginning many of us disaffected party is taking no chances this or someone who could appeal to -- except for the most sexist and of his campaign, Joe Biden has conservatives may have, the time: Biden's headquarters is in the party's centrists? Someone racist among them -- will find it made it clear that we are in a fight Biden-Harris ticket presents the Philadelphia and the Democratic who would boost turnout among tempting to back Team Biden- for the soul of America. He best prescription to defeat the convention, pre-coronavirus, was Democrats, or someone who can Harris 2020. needed to find a partner in that existential threat Trump poses to supposed to take place in lure disaffected Republicans? Frida Ghitis, a former CNN fight -- now he has California Sen. our democratic norms, Milwaukee. The choice was obvious. As if by producer and correspondent, is Kamala Harris. institutions and ideals come Nov. Harris also brings a connection magic, Harris manages to meet a world affairs columnist. She is Throughout his career, Biden's 3. to a politically potent, largely all those seemingly-conflicting a frequent opinion contributor to most trusted advisers have been Tara Setmayer is a former GOP overlooked Indian-American qualifications. CNN, a contributing columnist to smart, strong women, from his communications director, host of community that has produced She is a centrist, like Biden. They The Washington Post and a wife Dr. Jill Biden to his sister the "Honestly Speaking with successful candidates share an overall philosophy, columnist for World Politics Valerie Biden Owens, who has Tara" podcast, a Harvard Institute throughout the nation. Bobby which is the most important Review. Follow her on Twitter played a central role in every of Politics 2020 Resident Fellow Jindal and Nikki Haley were both criterion for choosing a potential @fridaghitis. campaign throughout her and a CNN political contributor. elected Republican governors of successor. But most left-of- Scott Jennings: The problem brother's political career. She is a senior adviser to the Louisiana and South Carolina, center progressives, despite with choosing Kamala Harris It shouldn't come as much of a Lincoln Project. Follow her on respectively, and the current some inevitable complaints, will When I think of Kamala Harris, a surprise that Biden would choose Twitter @tarasetmayer. mayors of Hoboken, New Jersey, find her an irresistible choice. comment about her by an African a woman who exhibits those David Gergen: Picking Harris Anaheim, California, San She is a woman of color, with American voter in Michigan same characteristics as his shows Biden's good judgment Antonio, Texas are all of Indian roots in Africa, India, the sticks with me: "She's fake. running mate. Harris's prowess In selecting the first woman of descent. If elected, Harris would Caribbean. Her mother was born She's phony. She's not one of us. as a formidable questioner and color to serve on a national ticket, be the most prominent and in India, her father in Jamaica. She built a political career by debater should send chills down Joe Biden has not only made an powerful representative of this That means she is an American over-prosecuting Black kids," Vice President Mike Pence's historic choice, but also made an community. through and through; like pretty Brandi Neal, an employee at spine. The vice presidential important and wise choice for the At a time when demands for much all of us the product of Detroit City Hall, told Politico. debate in the fall is going to be future of the presidency. racial justice and inclusion are immigration. That sentiment may explain why must-see television. Biden found several qualities in surging, Harris can speak with She would become the first Senator Harris' presidential Although Harris' prosecutorial Kamala Harris that made her an experience and authority about woman vice president and she campaign was a short ride. skills have served her well in the appealing selection. He made balancing the need for change also has a very good shot at In my view, several primary rivals political arena, her record as a clear from the start, for example, with the core requirement of becoming president, not only like Bernie Sanders outlasted her prosecutor could also become a that he wanted a running mate maintaining public safety. because of Biden's age, but because their authenticity was liability. Within minutes of who would be a trustworthy Attacks from leftist activists on because she is now the perceived to be far greater. But Biden's historic announcement, partner in the West Wing - a veep her record as a tough prosecutor automatic choice for his winning the vote of one person - the Trump campaign and their whose working relationship would will likely fall flat. Harris comes successor. Joe Biden, in this case - was surrogates telegraphed their resemble the one he had with across in public as pleasant, Some will object to her track easier than winning the millions attack strategy against the newly President Barack Obama. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 CONTD 31 How China gamed the multilateral trading system It is also worth noting that Taiwan of China, such an undertaking countries led by the US was also (Trade Related Intellectual services, it is the same story: has been a full member of the WTO alone was not considered that economic liberalisation in Property Rights) Agreement of the domestic company Huawei from 2002 onwards with the enough for two reasons: one, China will inevitably, over time, the WTO; and is ubiquitous. appellation: Separate Customs there was lack of trust between lead to democratic change. o Reduce and/or eliminate The two areas of real concern Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, the major players of WTO led Keeping the above in mind, a subsidies to State-Owned are IPRs and SOEs. In both Kinmen and Matsu or quite simply by the US on the one hand and special Protocol of Accession Enterprises (SOEs) and a pledge these crucial areas, US and "Chinese Taipei". China on the other; two, the " was signed between the WTO by China that SOEs will run on some other key WTO players But it is mainland China's journey a commercial basis. are furious about Chinese non- in the GATT and subsequently the On the all-important aspect of compliance with the Protocol WTO that should interest all of us. transparency and uniform of Accession. In the case of Every country that desires application of law, it is well IPRs, the Americans have long membership of the WTO has to known that the Chinese trade complained about forced conduct what is known as policy regime is characterised by technology transfer and IP "accession" negotiations. remarkable opacity. For theft by China. These are well Essentially, it means that the instance, China has not provided detailed in the US Section 301 applicant country has to a full and complete list of report on China. Perhaps the painstakingly negotiate with each subsides provided by the Federal most disturbing thing from a and every WTO member on its government let alone those free market perspective is the trade concessions with regard to provided by its provincial role of state-owned Goods, Services and Intellectual governments. On trade in enterprises in China's trade Property Rights. The decision to services, it is well known that policy. There is evidence that admit a country to the WTO is not China does not allow foreign between 2001 and 2003 there just based on trade issues alone; payment companies such as was some effort by China to it is also enormously political. The hybrid state capitalist" model Membership and China in Mastercard and Visa and reduce the role of SOEs in the period of accession negotiations followed by China was not 2001.The main obligations for instead favours China Union economy. But there is for countries usually ranges from something the WTO Rules were China in this Agreement were: Pay which dominates the incontrovertible evidence that 4 to 5 years. In China's case, the framed for. The decision to o In the case of domestic laws, domestic market. Chinese over the last five years, the role period of accession lasted nearly admit China was based on the regulations and administrative banking sector is pretty much of SOEs has increased 15 years. China, having been an following assumptions: procedures, the Agreement closed to foreign players too. significantly in the Chinese observer in the GATT from 1986, o It was better to have a country enjoins transparency, uniform Again, in the case of the economy. became a full member of WTO at like China within the system application of law and judicial digital and data economy, The above outlines the classic the Doha Ministerial Conference in rather than without; review; the Chinese strategy is the saga of how China has gamed 2001. o Membership of the WTO o China to be treated as a non- same: disallow foreign the multilateral trading system Normally, when a country joins the would enable China to shed the market economy for fifteen companies such as Google, for its own benefit. It is now safe WTO, it must ensure the "hybrid state capitalist" model years; Amazon, Twitter, Facebook to conclude that the original conformity of its laws, regulations and become an open free o China to fully liberalise trade etc and allow Alibaba and assumptions about China's and administrative procedures with market economy; and in services in due course; Tencent to dominate the entry into the WTO were its WTO obligations. In the case o The political reasoning of o Full compliance with TRIPS market. With Telecom fundamentally flawed. Pence tells Harris he looks forwards to VP debate: 'I'll see you in Salt Lake City'

BIDEN VP FINALISTS PRAISE right - is why I'm choosing her. Biden's VP candidate was Trump people are preparing all of the candidates throughout the KAMALA HARRIS There is no door Kamala won't announced. "She was they can to throw at her, but you race, saying that "he didn't see Critics and supporters believe she knock on, no stone she'll leave extraordinarily nasty to Judge cannot have a better person to anybody" including Biden or Sen. will be a tough opponent on the unturned, if it means making Kavanaugh." throw it at - that it will bounce off Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., that debate stage in October. life better -- for the people," "She was nasty to a level that her like it didn't mean anything could beat Trump after a debate "She will give Vice President Biden said in his was just a horrible thing, the way because she's been in tough in January. The vice presidential Pence a very, very, very bad announcement regarding his she treated now-Justice fights before." Sharpton's words debate is expected to be held on evening on that debate because pick for VP. Kavanaugh, and I won't forget come after his severe criticism Oct. 7 in Salt Lake City. she's a great debater. She knows "If I were Donald Trump and Mr. that soon," Trump said. what she's about," Rev. Al Pence, I would be ready for a "She was very, very nasty. She Sharpton said on MSNBC real battle now," Sharpton said was probably nastier than even Independence Day Tuesday. "I think Joe Biden could Tuesday. Pocahontas to Joe Biden," have chosen someone else, but President Trump has already Trump added, referring to Sen. ceremony to be low-key he couldn't have chose anyone ramped up his aggressive Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who better." rhetoric and honed in on Harris' has endorsed Biden and voiced affair at Wagah Border "She's tough, she's thorough, and hard prosecutorial style from her support for Harris as vice security purpose. No sweets have been exchanged she's ready," Sharpton added. the debate stage to the Senate president. between India and Pakistan since the 2019 Pulwama terror Harris, who has developed a floor, referring to her as "nasty" But not everyone is convinced attack. However, there is no final word if Indian soldiers reputation for her "tenacity" and - a word he used to criticize that Trump's notoriously "nasty" will exchange sweets with their Pakistani counterparts on "fighting tooth and nail," was Hillary Clinton in the 2016 behavior will affect Harris' ability August 15. Speaking about this, a BSF officer said the selected by Biden Tuesday - citing presidential race. "I've been to debate Pence or drive attention ball is in Pakistan's court. "Since they celebrate their her tough qualities as his watching her for a long time. I on the campaign trail. Independence Day ahead of India (on August 14), it will reasoning behind his decision. was a little surprised," Trump "I don't think that you could have largely depend on Pakistan's gesture. BSF will take a call "Her record of accomplishment - said in a Tuesday briefing, his a tougher opponent," Sharpton following it." The Home Ministry advisory for Independence fighting tooth and nail for what's first public appearance after added Tuesday. "I know the Day celebrations emphasises on avoiding crowds. INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 SPECIAL FEATURE 32 For the Mahatma, the meaning of Independence, nation and religion

But why should they interfere with In Calcutta, a big Muslim message, hone do kharab (There those who wish to worship them? delegation urged him to stay on is no message, let it be kharab)." These incidents are a blot on the in the city to help quell the riot- On August 14, there was a name of Islam." like situation there. He agreed change in atmosphere - for the The fires having been doused, if on two conditions: One, those better, it seemed. This day being not extinguished, in East Bengal Muslims in Calcutta urging him his last in office, premier HS , he left on March 3, 1947 to the to work for peace in the city Suhrawardy sought and got the "opposite theatre" - Bihar. In the must do what they can to privilege of driving Gandhi around village of Bir, he learnt of the ensure the safety of Hindus in parts of the city to see the eager brutalities visited on innocent Noakhali. Two, he would live in anticipation of Independence, the Muslims. Speaking to a gathering a Muslim locality in the city departure of the last British in that village, he could barely where Hindus must ensure the governor, the induction of the first control his fury. "I wish to ask you, safety of its Muslim residents. Indian governor and the Congress how could you live to see an old Hydari Manzil in the Beliaghata government headed by PC Independence - his goal of Bihar. Biharis have behaved as woman of 110 butchered before suburb of Calcutta was Ghosh. decades - was round the corner. cowards. If the Biharis wanted to your eyes ? I will not rest nor let identified. And then a message did come. As was Partition, an anathema. retaliate they could have gone to others rest. I will wander all over "It was a very shabby house," It was in the shape of a reflection. But the mayhem and murder, Noakhali and died to a man". on foot and ask the skeletons Manu Gandhi records, "without "Tomorrow we will be free from presaging those two events, Two deputations met him the what happened. There is such a any sort of facility…open on all bondage to the British, but from were all around him when, late next day - the first, Muslim, fire raging in me that I will know sides…only one latrine…every midnight tonight Hindustan will be in the night of November 6, 1946 maintaining that no disturbances no peace till I have found a solution inch of the place covered with broken into two pieces. So , Mahatma Gandhi reached had taken place at Chandpur and for all this ." dust and muddied by tomorrow will be both a day of Chandpur by ferry. He was to stay the second, Hindu, seeking As steps towards the transfer of rain…Only one available room rejoicing and mourning". a full four months in the stream- police and military protection. power to the two dominions began where everybody and everything For him, August 15 1947 was a washed wetlands of Noakhali, Addressing a gathering of some taking final shape, Gandhi had to be accommodated day to fast. Too much was East Bengal, heeding to calls 15,000, mainly Muslims, at remained firmly away from all of including Bapu himself…" gnawing at his heart. And he from brutalised Hindus. Chandpur that evening, he said, that. His feet took him where his An officer of the information recalled his son-like secretary No sooner did he reach that first " I have heard of forcible heart said he should be - among department met him on August Mahadev Desai who had died on stop in the tour came news of conversions, forcible feeding of the victims of the trauma 9 and asked him for a message that day, in 1942. Thousands Muslims in Bihar having been beef, abductions and forcible surrounding the change. And, in to the nation on August 15. flocked to his Beliaghata counter-attacked, mercilessly. marriages, not to talk about early August, he went back to Gandhi declined to give one. The room. These included the Grieved and ashamed, Gandhi murders, arson and loot. People Bengal from Bihar. His specific officer persisted, "It will look new ministers to whom he said : said, "The Independence of India have broken idols. Muslims do intention was to return to the still- kharab if you do not". Gandhi "Do not fall prey to lure of is today at stake in Bengal and not worship idols. Neither do I. smarting Noakhali. replied, "Hai nahin koyi wealth". Envisioning a self-reliant and science-driven India While behaviour, drugs and vaccine will give an exit from the disease, strive for a new route to recovery, prosperity SARS-Coronavirus-2 has spread engineers, our industry, our and livelihood back, and not Covid-19 like a stone-hopping farmers, all came together to be numbed into inaction, across the pond of earth. Not only make extraordinary products for waiting for a miracle to lead has the disease wreaked havoc on our people and the medical us out. In truth, that the health and livelihood of the system, defying broken global miracle is here and it is all most vulnerable, the supply chains. of us. We have learnt much consequential damage to the From within government at about the virus and we need world's economy and morale has every level, and at every level in to learn a lot more. But, been immense. Lives and families the bureaucracy, there was and some conclusions from are in disarray. The stress and the is an unflinching commitment science are very persuasive. effect on mental health are not to to deal with each aspect of this Following them, we can crush the be underestimated. pandemic. These are virus and get our lives back. Mask On Independence day, as we look extraordinary times where up properly when in company. It was 1918, three years after he seemed immutable only a year back from January 30, when the decisions, based on complex Observe hygiene. Keep a returned to India from South ago. The global braid of politics, first case was reported in India, to and multifarious inputs, have distance from others, and as Africa. Mahatma Gandhi thought economics, dominance and the present, we need to grasp to be taken each day, much as feasible, stay in he had a mild case of dysentery relationships were all knotted three strings - acknowledge accepted by all each day, ventilated spaces. These are while in Ahmedabad. Tempted by together in a way that seemed citizens with pride, grasp the way and then implemented. All of simple to say but often hard to an offer of kheer made by impossible to redo. out of this pandemic, and take a this under the relentless, do. Yet, we must keep at it. These Kasturba, he went on to be In December 2019, all this new path - to create a new braid eagle-eyed, and critical acts effectively decrease the severely affected. "This was changed. A spillover occurred. A that will hold India and the world watch of the media, of spread of the virus. External help sufficient invitation to the angel virus, normally resident in bats together in a more just way. intellectuals, and of is also at hand. Through the of death," he later wrote in infected a human, in Wuhan, To anyone unfamiliar with India, it disease-analysts; all efforts of scientists, we are Experiments with Truth. What China. Often, the story would would seem extraordinary how all necessary and natural getting better and faster Gandhi had was a gastric version have ended there. The human of India observed lockdowns from feedback in a diagnostics tests. In the of the infamous Spanish flu, a would recover and all would be the first one onwards. Next, our democracy.Now, as we go near future, we will have access pandemic that devastated the well. This time, the virus had the doctors, nurses and hospitals two-thirds of the way to inexpensive and frequent tests, world towards the end of the ability to infect another human worked relentlessly. Our through this nightmare allowing us to carry on with our World War I, a gripping story told from its first human host and then administrators from the smallest year, it is more necessary activities more efficiently than we in Laura Spinney's The Pale others. If the 1918 flu pandemic towns to the big metros have also than ever to wake up, take could in the early stages of the Rider. The state of the world spread like ripples in a pond, the not rested. Our scientists and charge and wrest our lives pandemic. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL FEATURE 33 'India Can Give Befitting Response To Any Attempt Of Aggression': President Kovind On I-Day Eve President Ram Nath Kovind paid tributes to the 'martyrs of Galwan Valley' in his speech on Independence Day eve. He also lauded the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as 'a moment of pride for all'.

In a veiled message to China Touching upon the COVID-19 together against the greatest amid the border standoff, pandemic, Kovind said the challenge(COVID-19) before President Ram Nath Kovind on nation is indebted to doctors, humanity, some in our Friday asserted that while India nurses and other health neighbourhood tried to carry believes in peace it is also workers who have been out their misadventure of capable of giving a befitting continuously on the forefront of expansion." He saluted the response to any attempt of the fight against the disease brave soldiers who laid down aggression as he said "some which has disrupted all their lives defending the in our neighbourhood" tried to activities world over and taken country's borders. "Those carry out "misadventure of a huge toll. worthy sons of 'Bharat Mata' expansion". He also complimented the lived and died for national pride. response to any attempt of 5. "People of the country In his address to the nation on Modi government, noting it is The entire nation salutes the aggression. We are proud of maintained restraint and the eve of the 74th very reassuring to note that the martyrs of Galwan Valley. the members of our Armed patience for a long time and Independence Day, Kovind Centre while anticipating the Every Indian feels grateful to Forces, paramilitary forces and reposed unflinching trust in the also spoke about the tremendous challenge their family members," he police personnel who protect the judicial system. The issue of 'Aatmanirbhar' initiative responded effectively and well said. Twenty personnel of the borders, and ensure our internal Ram Janmabhoomi was launched by Prime Minister in time. "For a country so vast Indian army were killed during security." resolved through judicial Narendra Modi and allayed and diverse with high clashes with the Chinese PLA The President also said process. " All concerned parties fears of foreign investors saying population density, meeting in Galwan Valley in eastern construction of the temple at Shri and the people respectfully India's self-reliance means this challenge requires super- Ladakh on June 15. "Their Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya accepted the verdict of the being self-sufficient without human efforts." bravery in combat has "was indeed a moment of pride Supreme Court and displayed alienating or creating distance Without taking China's name, demonstrated that while we for all". Prime Minister Modi before the world, Indian ethos from the world, with which it the President said "while the believe in peace, we are also performed the 'Bhoomi Pujan' of peace, non-violence, love would continue to engage. world community needs to fight capable of giving a befitting for the Ram temple on August and harmony, he said. From Ayodhya to Mumbai and back In 2020, go back to the riots and violence of 1992-93. There has been no closure, no justice violence spread to the suburbs. offices had been burnt down. occurred in those months that For the next three months, More than 1,000 people died in has never quite healed. Twenty- Mumbai would be shaken out Mumbai's twin riots and blasts, eight years later, the wheel has of its cosmopolitan illusions. A a majority of them faceless, come full circle. Here we are riot that began in December innocent citizens targeted for in a new, distinctly polarised between the police and angry their religious identity. India, where majoritarian Muslim groups would transform In late 1993, as an eyewitness politics is now mainstream, in January into aggressive to the carnage, I deposed where the lines between street mobilisation by militant before the Justice Srikrishna secular and communal, law In television newsrooms, somnolent newspaper office in Hindu outfits and culminate in Commission that was and illegality have been the Ram mandir bhoomi pujan Mumbai seemed another March 1993 in serial blasts appointed to inquire into the conveniently erased. The Shiv on August 5 was a grand universe away from the triggered by the Dawood Mumbai violence. The cross- Sena, whose leader Bal spectacle where a religious happenings in the temple town. Ibrahim-led underworld. examination went on for three Thackeray claimed in 1992 to epic met a modern-day political It was only late evening as the For an archetypal south days. A tough Shiv Sena lawyer be "proud of his boys" for their supremo. As multiple cameras images of the demolition were Mumbai child of relative and Member of Parliament role in the demolition, is now tracked every move of Prime telecast on BBC that there was privilege, the riots and terror (MP), Adhik Shirodkar, was the party in power in Minister (PM)?Narendra Modi a marked shift in mood. That attack were a wake-up call. unbending in his interrogation. Maharashtra with the with breathless excitement, I night, we got the first reports Under the city of gold lurked At the Mumbai reporting team Congress as a junior ally. The must confess to switching off of stone-throwing near Minara an underbelly of grime, an of The Times of India, we even Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), from the frenzy. My mind masjid in the congested by- overcrowded metropolis that compiled a book, When for which the Ayodhya instead was rewinding to lanes of Bhendi Bazaar. A was sitting on a combustible Bombay Burned, detailing the movement was the passport to another big news day. For long police wireless van had been tinderbox. The Babri demolition chain of bloody events that political influence, is now the before August 5, 2020, there attacked by a mob: The men had exposed Mumbai's fault- had traumatised the city. country's dominant political was December 6, 1992. in khakhi were seen as a lines and left the city at the Publishing was still in infancy formation. Narendra Modi who It was a Sunday and I was symbol of government authority mercy of resentful Muslim and only around 1,000 copies earned his spurs while playing a cricket match in the which had failed to protect the groups, Shiv Sena storm of the book were printed. It organising the 1990 Ram genteel environs of the Bombay mosque. By midnight, there troopers, underworld gangs was easily the most Janmabhoomi rath yatra that Gymkhana when the news was visible tension in the air. and a partisan police force. harrowing, gut-wrenching gained momentum and trickled in around noon that the Policemen were patrolling the Outside my south Mumbai year in my professional life - a eventually led to the Babri masjid had been streets even as the stone- comfort zone, I was exposed city that I loved dearly had masjid'sdemolition is now demolished in Ayodhya. throwing continued in some to another Mumbai. We met been scarred, perhaps forever. the country's all-powerful Abandoning the game mid-way, parts. The next day, the local dozens of families who were Mumbai was sharply divided on leader. The Indian Muslim is I rushed to work. This was a Muslim League called a bandh, caught in the crossfire, forced communal lines. A Hindu- a fearful, marginal voice, pre-24x7 breaking news and a curfew was declared in to abandon their homes and Muslim physical and ghettoised and demonised television era and our central Mumbai even as the flee, others whose shops and psychological fracture as the permanent other. INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 SPECIAL FEATURE 34

WhatWhat isis thethe significancesignificance ofof IndependenceIndependence dayday inin IndiaIndia

The republic of World War II. The India gained its independence British government end from the rule of the British on 15 announced, during the early today a period of ill August 1947. Since then every 1947, that they intend to transfer fortune, and India discovers central cities year, 15th August is celebrated power to the Indians by the herself again." of India, kite flying is celebrated masses. Nehru's message to the as the Independence Day in India month of June 1948. This Independence day Celebrations as an event associated with the nation on the Independence Day to commemorate its freedom approaching independence could in India Independence Day. People was delivered on the brink of from the 200-year-old British not decrease the Hindu-Muslim Every year, India's Independence symbolise their patriotism midnight of the 14 August 1947. government. For India, 15th violence in Bengal and Punjab. Day is celebrated on this day by towards the country with the use The speech focussed on various August is a day of her re-birth, a This led to Louis Mountbatten, all the proud Indians. 15th of national flags of different sizes. topics related to India and the new start. At the midnight of 15 the then Viceroy of India to August is observed as a They decorate their cloths, cars, freedom that she had achieved August 1947, the British rulers propone the power hand-over national holiday household, etc. with the tricolour from the shackles of British handed the country back to its date, owing to the fact that the throughout flag. The Indians in various parts colonial rule. The speech also Indian leaders, ending a unprepared British army could not of the world also celebrate the encouraged and inspired the remarkable struggle that lasted cope with the increased violence Independence Day with parades countrymen to wake from the years. It was 15 August 1947, the in the country. In the month of and pageants. Several cities in long slumber and take steps for historic date, on which sovereign June in 1947, the prominent the United States have declared the upliftment and development India's first Prime Minister Pandit Indian leaders like Pandit 15 August as 'India Day'. of India. Jawaharlal Nehru unfolded the Jawaharlal Nehru, Almost every school, Jawaharlal Nehru's tricolour flag of the nation on the Mohammed Ali college, university and independence speech aimed at glorious Red Fort. The day is Jinnah, Abul government motivating the general masses significant in the history of India Kalam Azad, organization hoist the at building a new India. The as bringing an end to the British Master Tara national flag on 15 speech aimed at boosting the colonial rule in India. Singh and B. R. August. Nowadays, people for working harder and History of 15th August Ambedkar many housing with real zeal and enthusiasm In 1757, after the British victory agreed for a complexes, clubs, to make India the numero uno in the Battle of Plassey, the rule partition of India societies, group of nation in the world. There were of East India Company started along religious friends, etc. even observe certain social evils that were in India. By 1858, the British outline. the flag-hoisting dominant in the Indian society Crown had assumed control over Millions of people ceremony within their in the form of illiteracy, India. The situation after World belonging to premises with ease, poverty, ignorance, poor health War I was marked with different religious joy and honesty. This conditions and many more in suppressive and exploitative laws groups tramped across the just shows the togetherness of pre-independent India. The by the British. This led to newly drawn border to find places t h e country. Though, local Indians, who never forget to pay message propagated for the revolutionary calls for to reside. This took away around governments conduct the a tribute to their ancestors who eradication of these social evils independence, and sparked the 250,000 to 500,000 lives. Finally, ceremony of flag hoisting all over sacrificed their life for the and to make India a prospering phase of non-violent and non- at midnight of 15 August 1947, India, the venue of main betterment of the country. nation. The message of the first cooperation movements followed Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru celebration is the Red Fort in the Nehru's Speech on Prime Minister of independent by the civil disobedience proclaimed India's independence capital city New Delhi in India. Independence Day India, Jawaharlal Nehru, also movement. by reading out his famous The celebration starts every year Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime requested the people of the The enduring leader and a speech known as "Tryst with with the unfurling of the Minister of independent India, country to actively participate in national symbol for all these destiny". During this speech, tricoloured national flag by the was a man, who could influence the process of nation-building. He movements was Mohandas Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said Prime Minister of the nation, the masses with his oration. He also urged the people to have and Karamchand Gandhi- the Father "Long years ago we made a tryst followed by a televised speech. was an immensely learned man show confidence in the national of the Nation. The next decades with destiny, and now the time The speech generally reflects the and could feel the pulse of the leaders of the country, who were were marked with constant comes when we will redeem our present condition of the nation masses. Nehru's Message to the bestowed with the duty of struggles between the Indians pledge, not wholly or in full along with the achievements in Nation on the Independence Day carrying the nation forward. The and the British for freedom. Many measure, but very substantially. the previous year and the future was delivered on the brink of concept of equality was also movements and acts were carried At the stroke of the midnight development plans. A tribute is midnight of the 14th of August, emphasized in the independence out by the Indian National hour, when the world sleeps, India even paid by the Prime Minister 1947 Independence Day Speech speech made by Jawaharlal Congress, freedom fighters and will awake to life and freedom. A to freedom fighters of India by by Jawahar Lal Nehru Nehru. The Father of the Nation, the people of India. moment comes, which comes, declaring the day as a national Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Mahatma Gandhi, also finds In the year 1946, the Labour but rarely in history, when we holiday. Post the flag-hoisting Minister of independent India, reference in the speech made by government, the exchequer of step out from the old to the new, ceremony, patriotic programs by was a man, who could influence Nehru. Britain thought of ending their rule when an age ends and when the children from schools based in the masses with his oration. He He also pays homage to the over India because of their soul of a nation, long different states is one of the main was an immensely learned man various freedom fighters, who exhaustion of capital post the suppressed, finds utterance. We attractions. In northern and and could feel the pulse of the had sacrificed their lives for the Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 FRONT PAGE FEATURE 35 The Rise of Kamala Harris Kamala Harris is a sitting U.S. senator who was vetted during the primaries, the daughter of immigrants and the first black woman and Indian-American on a major-party ticket. She thus satisfies the basic requirements of a vice-presidential choice: First do no harm, and second pick up what you can. Three salient points: She rose far fast. She was sworn into the Senate in January 2017. She went national early and quickly, like Barack Obama, who’d also been in the Senate less than two years when he began running for president. (Her pre- Senate background includes more-impressive offices, notably California attorney general.) She is a woman of the left who entered the law not as a defense attorney but as a instead she met Donald. They and a family friend named engaging me in conversation “You can want the police to stop prosecutor. This hurt her in the married, had two children and Henry. “Any time someone had and telling me that it made crime in your neighborhood and Democratic primaries, where divorced. a problem . . . the first thing them proud to see me as a also want them to stop using she was called a cop, but will When Kamala Harris was a you’d hear was, ‘Call Henry, call young black woman working in excessive force,” she writes. help her in the general election toddler, her parents brought her Sherman. They’ll know what to public service.” She never got “You can want them to hunt with centrists and moderates. to civil-rights marches. “I have do.’ . . . I wanted to be the one over how they made her feel. down a killer on your streets and She is an excellent performer young memories of a sea of people called.” Then on to San Francisco’s UC also want them to stop using of politics. Like Bill Clinton she legs moving about,” she writes. For college she chose Justice Hastings law school. She was racial profiling. You can believe enjoys and has a talent for the Her mother liked to tell a story. Marshall’s alma mater, mortified at failing the bar in . . . accountability, especially necessary artifice. She takes Once Kamala was fussing in her historically black Howard exam—you get the impression for serious criminals, and also obvious pleasure in stroller, and Mrs. Harris leaned University in Washington, it was her first failure; she oppose unjust incarceration.” campaigning—making down and asked, “What do you founded just after the Civil War always aced the test. She In the primaries we saw that speeches, waving, laughing, want?” “ ‘Fweedom!’ I yelled and rich with legacy. passed on the second try, when she changes her stands pressing the flesh. In back.” Her first day on campus she joined the local prosecutor’s it tends to be politically committee hearings she cocks The general atmosphere was thought, “This is heaven.” She’d office. She had to defend her convenient, slowly her brow in the closeup to show ’60s Berkeley—diverse, full of hang out with other students in choice to family and friends. acknowledged and poorly skepticism. Her glamour, and passion, consumed by identity the campus’s central lawn: “On She is tough and seems explained. There are signals of her consciousness of it, were politics and debates about any given day, you could stand sincere in her writing on her seeing policy as an external vivid enough to be spoofed by liberation. in the middle of the Yard and early days up against sexual thing, not an outgrowth of one’s Maya Rudolph on “Saturday They took periodic trips to India. see, on your right, young predators and other violent own belief structure, and things Night Live.” “My mother, grandparents, dancers practicing their steps criminals. can change. Reading her 2019 aunts, and uncle instilled us or musicians playing She is extremely interesting In the book we get a sense of autobiography, “The Truths We with pride in our South Asian instruments. Look to your left when writing about real things. gusto. She admires toughness. Hold: An American Journey,” it roots. . . . We were raised with and there were briefcase-toting She talks about how hard it was She is a natural pol. She was occurs to you that what she’s a strong awareness of and students strolling out of the to put grade-school victims on bred to achieve in an really bringing Joe Biden is the appreciation for Indian culture.” business school, and medical the stand to testify to their aspirational immigrant things she doesn’t say and the (India looks to be an students in their white coats, sexual abuse, and teenagers environment. She loves to stories she doesn’t tell on the increasingly important ally as heading back to the lab. . . . who’d been virtually abandoned compete. trail. America’s relationship with That was the beauty of Howard. into an inadequate foster-care She is warm, humorous. Like She was born and raised in a China deteriorates. If Biden- Every signal told students that system. She didn’t see most of the men around her in climate of liberal activism in Harris wins and her background we could do anything.” prosecutors as oppressors: “I politics, she enjoys being Oakland and Berkeley, Calif., in is helpful, good.) She ran for student office, had found my calling.” There are important. She isn’t the 1960s and ’70s. Her father, She went to ballet class, sang joined the debate team, plenty of cases in which embarrassed by attention. Donald Harris, born in Jamaica in the choir in the 23rd Avenue pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, the prosecutors have used their Again, she has risen far fast. in 1938, was a student there Church of God, went to a black powerhouse sorority founded in office as “an instrument of She ran nationally for the first and went on to be an economics cultural center called Rainbow 1908. Expect to see its colors, injustice.” But “I knew the time this year, in the professor at Stanford. Her Sign on Thursdays. She saw pink and green, at campaign history of brave prosecutors Democratic primary. It didn’t mother, Shyamala, was born in Rep. Shirley Chisholm speak events this year. who went after the Ku Klux Klan end well; she dropped out before southern India, graduated from and was electrified. She was a tour guide at the in the South” and “corrupt the first vote. the University of Delhi at 19, and By the time Ms. Harris U.S. Bureau of Engraving and politicians and corporate She is running for the second earned a doctorate at the graduated high school she Printing. Once she bumped into polluters.” It was the attorney time now. The tough learn a lot University of California, wanted to become a lawyer like the great actors Ruby Dee and general who sent officials to from defeat, but most Berkeley. Shyamala, who died her heroes Thurgood Marshall Ossie Davis waiting for a VIP protect the Freedom Riders in politicians find it hard to change in 2009, was expected to return and Constance Baker Motley. tour. “They projected an aura . 1961. “I was going to be a their moves. home for an arranged marriage; Also like her Uncle Sherman . . they made a special point of prosecutor in my own image.” This is going to be interesting. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 FRONT PAGE FEATURE 36

Trump slammed for not rejecting conspiracy theory Kamala Harris is ineligible for vice presidency Biden campaign calls Trump comments 'abhorrent' President Trump would not "I have no idea if that's right," abhorrent, that as Trump Thursday morning, hours Congress that (the 14th) reject a conspiracy theory Trump said. "I would have makes a fool of himself before Trump was asked amendment that would cover Thursday that Kamala Harris assumed the Democrats straining to distract the about it at the White House. people not just born to is ineligible to serve as vice would have checked that out American people from the And in an interview American citizens but born on president because her before she gets chosen to run horrific toll of his failed Wednesday on Fox News' American soil." parents were born outside the as vice president." coronavirus response that his "Special Report," Trump The question is not even United States. The president then said: campaign and their allies would adviser and son-in-law Jared considered complex, Asked about the unfounded "You're saying that she resort to wretched, Kushner declined to according to constitution and widely refuted claims doesn't qualify because she demonstrably false lies in their comment on it. lawyers. during a press briefing at the wasn't born in this country?" pathetic desperation." "I haven't seen that. I haven't "Full stop, end of story, White House, Trump The reporter corrected the Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., seen the op-ed. So I'll reserve period, exclamation point," responded, "I heard it today president to say Harris was on Friday also tweeted they judgment on that until I know said Jessica Levinson, a that she doesn't meet the born in the United States, but while he disagrees with Harris more about it," he said. professor at Loyola Law requirements" before adding, the issue involves the on "plenty of issues," there is On Friday, Kushner told "CBS School. "I have no idea if that's right." birthplace of her parents. "no issue as to whether or not This Morning" he has no A Congressional Research Harris is a United States "I don't know about it," Trump she is an American citizen. reason to believe she's not Service report from 2011 drew citizen born in California in said. "I just heard about it. I'll She was born in the United eligible, while disputing the a similar conclusion on the 1964, making her eligible to take a look." States in 1964 to parents who notion Trump was promoting matter, noting that while legal serve as president or vice Joe Biden's presidential were legally present. Under the theory. issues have been raised for president under the campaign condemned the the Constitution and Supreme Eastman, in the column, cited those born outside the Constitution. president over the remarks, Court precedent, she is 14th Amendment language country to U.S. citizens, However, a professor of law at referencing Trump's past unequivocally an American that citizens are those born "eligibility of native born U.S. Chapman University, John C. involvement elevating false citizen." Questions were also or naturalized in the U.S. citizens has been settled law Eastman, wrote a piece for claims that former President raised, and largely resolved, "and subject to the for more than a century." Newsweek this week after she Barack Obama may not have over the eligibility in past jurisdiction thereof," before The report stated: "The weight was named to the Democratic been born in the United presidential races of Sen. Ted calling into question Harris' of legal and historical authority ticket questioning whether States. Cruz, born in Canada, and the parents' status at the time of indicates that the term 'natural Harris is a "natural born "Donald Trump was the late Sen. John McCain, born in her birth. born' citizen would mean a citizen" because her mother national leader of the the Panama Canal Zone when Other academics rejected person who is entitled to U.S. was born in India and her grotesque, racist birther it was under U.S. control. Eastman's argument. The citizenship 'by birth' or 'at birth,' father was born in Jamaica. movement with respect to Others involved in the question of her parents' either by being born 'in' the During the Thursday press President Obama and has president's administration and birthplace is irrelevant, said United States and under its briefing, Trump appeared to sought to fuel racism and tear campaign also have either Christopher Kelley, a political jurisdiction, even those born to fuel the argument by touting our nation apart on every spread the claim or declined science professor at Miami alien parents; by being born the author's credentials, single day of his presidency," to reject it. University in Ohio. abroad to U.S. citizen-parents; saying, "And by the way, the Biden rapid response director The president's reelection "No, there's no question or by being born in other lawyer that wrote that piece Andrew Bates told Fox News campaign's senior lawyer, about it," he said. "It's been situations meeting legal is a very highly qualified, very in a statement. "So it's Jenna Ellis, shared the recognized since the people requirements for U.S. talented lawyer." unsurprising, but no less controversial column on drafted it back in the 39th citizenship 'at birth.'" Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 FRONT PAGE FEATURE 37 DNC on Joe Biden’s VP Selection of Kamala Harris DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement after Joe Biden announced his selection of Kamala Harris as his vice presidential running mate: “Kamala Harris is an necessary experience to economy and restore the as importantly, Senator extraordinary leader. And confront the biggest threats soul of our nation. And she Harris will continue to show she’s going to make an facing our nation at home will make history as the generations of young extraordinary vice and abroad. From fighting first woman, first African women, particularly young president. Throughout her big oil, to taking on the gun American, and first Indian women of color, that there career, Senator Harris has lobby, to going after big American to serve as our is no height to which they championed working banks, Kamala Harris is nation’s vice president. cannot aspire. Together, families and helped us afraid of no one. Her “Joe Biden approached this Joe Biden and Kamala build a better nation for all leadership as California’s decision with the same Harris are Donald Trump – no matter what you look attorney general and in the care and sound judgement and Mike Pence’s worst like, where you come from, U.S. Senate has made our he’ll show as president. He nightmare. They are who you love, or how you country stronger. She knows Kamala Harris is going to win this pray. Through her service shares the values of Joe ready for this job on day election, end this on the Senate Intelligence Biden and Democrats one, and he knows she has pandemic, and build a and Judiciary Committees, across the country who the empathy, experience, brighter future for all she has amassed the want to rebuild our and character to lead. Just Americans.” Why Kamala Harris won the VP contest It is a measure of these extraordinary 2016 helped doom Hillary Clinton in her with incoming criticism from the media Harris played up her own experience as times that Joe Biden's historic choice race against Donald Trump. and opponents, she understands the a child who benefited from busing, for vice president was also the most Harris is a charismatic and telegenic pace and nature of it, which will only briefly vaulted her to the top echelon of conventional. politician. And as a US intensify in a fall race candidates in polling. It also was a In choosing Kamala Harris, Biden senator and recent against Trump. One of source of friction with Biden and his selected the candidate who had been presidential candidate, the principal tasks of a family that could have upended his the frontrunner among political Harris also meets running mate is to play choice. In the end, Biden seriously handicappers and betting markets for another important test a lead role in bringing the considered others but returned to Harris months. The senator from California for Biden. People case against the other as the "do no harm" candidate, unlikely fulfills Biden's pledge to name a woman familiar with research ticket, particularly in the to thrill or outrage many. She may not and responds to the expectation that the campaign undertook vice-presidential debate. seem the most comfortable fit as a he would pick the first woman of color to inform its decision A former prosecutor, governing partner, a quality Biden said ever to serve on a national ticket. told me voters viewed Harris is known as a he was seeking, but Harris was Pressure to make such a choice has her as among the most fierce interrogator on viewed as the safest pick to win in been building since the killing of George qualified to be president Capitol Hill and proved November. By naming her, Biden Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis on Day One -- a key positive, given herself, at times, to be a sharp- likely also has set the dynamics police officer triggered nationwide Biden's status as potentially the oldest edged debater during the campaign. for the 2024 election, not just the protests over racial inequity. And beyond politician to ever serve as president. She Biden knows this well. He famously current one. The former Vice the historic nature of Harris' selection, is also familiar with the maelstrom of a was her target in the first primary President has not said he would many supporters argued that the national campaign, having spent a year debate 14 months ago, when she stand down after one term, though presence of a person of color on the running for president, albeit theatrically confronted him over his given the fact that he would be 81 by ticket was necessary to motivate Black unsuccessfully. Though she was at position on mandatory school busing the next election, it is widely assumed voters. Tepid turnout by Black voters in times less than sure-footed in dealing in the 1970s. That exchange, in which he would not run. Indians must remember that Harris is not Indian Kamala Harris is partly of Indian descent, a punch. “I think he came to the states.Through all that, Harris will find the not wholly. But most of us in India would conclusion that he should pick a Black time and opportunity to signal her Indian- do well to remember that she is running woman,” Harry Reid, a former top US ness, insist people who have known her for an election in the United States (US), Senate Democrat, told the New York for years. And that will invariably be a not in India. This is a crucial difference to Times. “They are our most loyal voters reference to her mother, Shyamala keep in mind when commentaries will and I think that the Black women of Gopalan, a breast cancer researcher, who begin to be written that she is not owning America deserved a Black vice- passed away in 2009. Harris often tweets her Indian-ness enough. I know, because presidential candidate.” It’s an electoral pictures of her mother to mark special I wrote once that Harris needed to compulsion, plainly. And Indians — and occasions and milestones in her life. embrace her Indian heritage more. I still Indian Americans, specifically — should Never her father, Donald Jasper Harris, a most unpredictable election yet, she stand by that. But I am not the one running set aside for now their expectations of Stanford professor. Appearing with Biden might become the first woman vice- for vice-president. Harris will run as a seeing Harris be more Indian. It will not for the first time after being named his president, of whichever party, colour or Black woman. That’s the key reason why be easy because as electioneering gets running mate, Harris spoke of her mixed ethnic origin. Gopalan, a diminutive the presumptive Democratic presidential underway, Harris will be all Black. The heritage. She dwelt most expansively and woman from Chennai, who studied at nominee, Joe Biden, picked her, apart Biden campaign will deploy her as their feelingly, however, on her mother, for Lady Irwin College in Delhi before heading from her other obviously stellar chief conduit to African American voters, inspiring her to a life in public service, out to the US, will remain Harris’s abiding qualifications such as being a US senator, the country’s second-largest voting bloc. which would land her a place in history link to India, though Harris still can’t make former attorney-general of the largest They will be critical in the key swing books, as the first Black woman on a a dosa, as she confessed to Mindy American state, relatively younger age states of Florida, Arizona, Pennsylvania, presidential ticket. Kaling in a video they shot months — 55 to Biden’s 77 — and, for a vice- Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia and On November 3, or whenever the results before. But she deserves a break, from presidential nominee, an ability to throw vulnerable Republican-ruled are declared in what is likely to be the some of us. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 FRONT PAGE FEATURE 38 KamalaKamalaKamala Harris HarrisHarris Is IsIs Joe JoeJoe Biden's Biden'sBiden's Pick PickPick For ForFor USUSUS Vice ViceVice Presidential PresidentialPresidential Candidate CandidateCandidate

Biden's announcement, made in a text and tweet, aligns him with a former presidential rival whose most electric campaign performance came when she criticized his record on school integration during a debate.

Presumptive Democratic far been largely unsuccessful he didn't. a seeming dig at President dropped out in early December, presidential nominee Joe Biden when waged against Biden "My advice was sought," said Donald Trump. citing financial problems. on Tuesday picked Sen. alone. Harris, 55, is the daughter Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., a "Joe Biden nailed this decision," Harris and Biden have known Kamala Harris, D-Calif., as his of Indian and Jamaican top Biden ally who had urged him Obama said in a statement. "By each other for several years, running mate, a historic decision immigrants. The first-term to pick a Black woman and said choosing Senator Kamala Harris and as the former vice president that elevates the first Black senator previously served as San that Biden called him Tuesday as America's next vice noted in his announcement, woman and first Asian American Francisco district attorney and morning to inform him of the president, he's underscored his Harris worked closely with Beau woman to run for vice president California attorney general. She decision. own judgment and character. Biden when both served as at a moment when the country developed a close friendship with "I talked to him [Biden] over the Reality shows us that these attorneys general. is grappling with its racial past Biden's late son Beau, a past several days more than I attributes are not optional in a That made it all the more and future. relationship that Biden said he talked to him all year," he said. president." shocking to Biden and his team Biden's announcement, made in reflected upon in making his The months-long process before Harris's prosecutorial record has when, at the first Democratic a text and tweet, aligns him with decision. the decision included vetting drawn attacks from party liberals, primary debate last year, Harris a former presidential rival whose The move puts Biden, who served nearly a dozen women as who have criticized her past went after Biden for his nostalgic most electric campaign as vice president to the nation's potential nominees. Biden on stances as too harsh and talk about working with two performance came when she first Black president, in a Tuesday informed some of the contend that her record does not segregationist senators. criticized his record on school history-making role in naming others that they were not chosen. meet a moment when police "It was hurtful to hear you talk integration during a debate. Harris as the first woman of color Former Obama national security misconduct has rocketed into the about the reputations of two The decision is the most nominated for the position. He adviser Susan Rice, who was national conversation. United States senators who consequential of Biden's also has pledged, if elected, to among the finalists, quickly put But Harris also has built a built their reputations and career presidential campaign and has name a Black woman to the out a statement congratulating reputation in Washington as a on the segregation of race in this major implications not only for Supreme Court. Harris."Senator Harris is a sharp questioner in Senate country," Harris said during the the November election but for the While Harris, who dropped out tenacious and trailblazing leader hearings, particularly of Trump debate. She also took Biden to future of the Democratic Party. of the Democratic presidential who will make a great partner on administration nominees. She task for his opposition to Biden, 78 years old by primary in December, was an the campaign trail," Rice wrote. has been a forceful advocate for mandatory busing.On the Inauguration Day, would be the early front-runner in the vice- "I am confident that Biden-Harris Black families during the novel debate stage, she described a oldest president ever and has presidential sweepstakes, there will prove to be a winning ticket." coronavirus pandemic, and she little girl who had benefited from said he considers himself "a were still lingering concerns Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., who helped draft a bill ending qualified her city's busing program. "And transition candidate." The about the sting of the debate was also under serious immunity for police. Some of that little girl was me," she said. choice places Harris, who was moment on her chances - until consideration, reflected on the those who were skeptical of her Within hours, her campaign was a more vibrant and energetic Tuesday afternoon."Joe Biden historic nature of the pick. "To during her campaign have selling shirts emblazoned with presence on the campaign trail here. Big news: I've chosen see a Black woman nominated softened their views of her in the words and a childhood but was also at times Kamala Harris as my running for the first time reaffirms my faith recent months. Harris kicked off picture of Harris. Biden's wife, unsteady,at the forefront of the mate," Biden wrote in an email that in America, there is a place her presidential campaign little Jill, has described that moment party's future as, potentially, the to supporters. "Together, with for every person to succeed no more than two years after joining as being "like a punch to the first woman vice president. you, we're going to beat Trump." matter who they are or where the Senate, with an electrifying gut." But Biden prides himself Harris will now become a vessel The pick followed a final public they come from," she said. Top Oakland, Calif., rally that drew on not carrying and grudge and for Democratic hopes for a push from Black activists, party leaders, including the 2016 more than 22,000 supporters. since then, the two have publicly diverse party empowered by athletes and actors who urged nominee Hillary Clinton and But she struggled to define made up, with Harris acting as women, as well as for Biden to pick a Black woman - former president Barack Obama, herself to voters, shifting from a surrogate for Biden and Republican attempts to funnel a and threatened that his publicly rallied around the new one message to the next. She appearing with him and his wife barrage of attacks that have so candidacy would be doomed if Biden-Harris ticket - Obama with failed to take off in the polls and in campaign events. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 FRONT PAGE FEATURE 39 Kamala Harris checks the boxes for Biden, but does she help the ticket?

George Floyd, perhaps he was "racist policies," which isn't Biden. She didn't just whack him bowing to Democratic realpolitik. precisely true. What is true, as with a one-liner; she hammered The Trump campaign, of course, McDaniel mentioned, that him for pushing limits on busing has already started unloading on Harris favored abolishing in the 1970s-busing that she Harris, and her record as private health insurance benefited from as a little girl. She California attorney general, and (through Medicare for All), but also slammed him for defending district attorney before that, will as with all No. 2 picks, her segregationist senators. It was provide opponents with plenty of platform will now be that of the a body blow. ammunition. But while she may person at the top of the ticket. How did Biden pick her when he be portrayed as too passive about It's a reminder as well that placed such a high premium on police brutality, she can't be Harris will now be proclaimed compatibility, given his painted as soft on crime. by the press to be the front- experience with Barack Obama? The Kamala brand is an interesting runner for the 2024 Democratic Biden says he doesn't hold one, since she is the daughter of nomination, as well as a grudges, and Kamala was close When push came to shove, Joe her warm views of Fidel Castro. Jamaican and Indian parents, possible president if Biden to his late son Beau. Biden went with the obvious Susan Rice was nationally along with, as of this afternoon, doesn't finish his term. In cold political terms, what does choice, even though she spent known, but she had never run for the first black woman on a major- Watching a parade of guests she bring to the ticket beyond their first debate beating up on dogcatcher, and Biden didn't party ticket. on MSNBC deliver gushing being a telegenic presence? him. need a foreign policy specialist. With her prosecutorial bent, Harris praise of Harris, with no Biden was already going to win For all the last-minute media As for others like Gretchen is well suited to the running mention of a single liability, California. Certainly, there will speculation, the breathless Whitmer, I never thought the mate's traditional role of attack makes clear that Biden's be more excitement in the reports about whose stock was Michigan governor, whose dog. And she'll be attacked back. choice is a popular one on the black community. She will be rising or falling, Kamala Harris handling of the coronavirus has RNC Chairwoman Ronna left. more tightly scripted than she was the finalist with the fewest been controversial, had a chance. McDaniel quickly put out a Some Fox conservatives, by was as a White House negatives. And the main reason is that she statement that Biden has contrast, suggested that Biden contender. Perhaps, since It's true that the senator's is white. As the countdown chosen "the person who would really didn't pick her, but bowed Biden is leading in the polls, presidential campaign was a neared, many prominent African- actually be in charge the next to the party's consensus, and he was looking for someone colossal bust, a mismanaged Americans made clear that four years." That dovetails with joked that least Harris can who was steady enough that mess, but it made her a national Biden would play a heavy price if the president's argument that the complete a sentence. she simply wouldn't hurt his name, one who had been through he picked a woman who was not 77-year-old nominee is out of it If Harris's aggressive style, chances. at least an intensive round of a woman of color. That felt like a and a captive of his party's uber- often on display in Senate Biden's choice may or may not media scrutiny. That wasn't true racial demand, but in the wake liberal wing. hearings, will now be employed matter much in the long run, but of Karen Bass, whose chances of the nationwide protests and And a Trump campaign ad says against Trump, it was only last one thing no one can deny: the faded when the press reported on violence sparked by the killing of Harris had attacked Biden for year that she used it against pick was historic. Biden picks Kamala Harris as VP nominee Harris, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, was the wire-to-wire frontrunner for Biden's No. 2 job. Joe Biden has selected spent his life fighting for us. And term governing partner. Harris as America's next vice people in her hometown of Kamala Harris to be his running as president, he'll build an Harris, 55, has also built a president," Obama added, Oakland, Calif. But even as she mate, elevating a charismatic America that lives up to our personal rapport with Biden, and Biden "has underscored his displayed flashes of brilliance as blue-state senator, former ideals. I'm honored to join him as she was close with his late son own judgment and character. a candidate - including the clash prosecutor and onetime 2020 our party's nominee for Vice Beau, a fellow former state Reality shows us that these with Biden in the Miami debate, primary rival who has built a President, and do what it takes attorney general. But Harris had attributes are not optional in a which temporarily boosted her in reputation as an unyielding to make him our Commander-in- to survive concerns inside the president."Harris has faced polls and helped her raise antagonist of the Trump Chief."Harris will be the first Biden campaign about whether persistent criticism for her millions of dollars - Harris administration. woman, the first Asian American she could be a trusted partner in prosecutorial record, including struggled with consistency and Harris, the daughter of and the first Black vice president the job, after a bitter primary clash concerns she was too cautious see-sawed between health care immigrants from Jamaica and if elected. And Biden's barrier- and a searing debate broadside by to lead on sweeping changes. policies.Harris' campaign India, was the wire-to-wire breaking pick comes at a time Harris strained relationships Her embrace in recent years of unraveled under the weight of a frontrunner for Biden's No. 2 job. of racial reckoning in the country, between their allies. far-reaching changes has won confusing message and an Her experience as a battle-tested plunging one of the best-known Biden nodded at Harris' over some skeptics, and she unclear chain of command atop presidential candidate, her efforts women of color in politics into a relationship with his son in helped steer Democratic efforts her staff, ending in mutiny amid leading major law enforcement contest against President announcing his selection Tuesday. to pass police reform this late-fall layoffs. She flatlined into offices and her political track Donald Trump, who has stoked "I watched as they took on the big summer. A child of the Civil the low-single digits before record of three election wins in racial divisions from the White banks, lifted up working people, Rights Movement, whose dropping out before the Iowa California helped her overcome a House and on the campaign trail. and protected women and kids parents were active in 1960s caucuses.The Trump campaign crowded list of contenders. Biden prioritized choosing a from abuse," he said of the pair. "I marches, Harris joined Black wasted no time knocking her as "I have the great honor to running mate with whom he was was proud then, and I'm proud now Lives Matter demonstrations "phony Kamala" and casting announce that I've picked "simpatico," as he frequently to have her as my partner in this this summer. Harris as a liberal Trojan horse @KamalaHarris - a fearless said, and his monthslong search campaign." In the Senate, Harris' must-see taking advantage of an aging fighter for the little guy, and one narrowed the list to a handful of Biden "nailed the decision" for cross-examinations of candidate in a statement and of the country's finest public women the campaign believed running mate in picking Harris, Republican witnesses in digital ad released on the servants - as my running mate," could help energize Democrats former President Barack Obama hearings helped elevate her president's Twitter feed shortly Biden wrote in a tweet Tuesday. in the homestretch of the said in a statement, calling the national profile. She was after the news became public. In her own tweet, Harris called campaign. In Harris, Biden is selection of a vice presidential considered a top-tier Harris, the ad says, attacked joining Biden's ticket an honor. hoping to combine both of his nominee "the first important presidential contender when Biden "for racist policies" during Biden, she wrote, "can unify the priorities, finding a thrilling decision a president makes." she launched her campaign last her White House bid while American people because he's campaigner as well as a long- By choosing Senator Kamala year before more than 22,000 "rushing to the radical left." Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 FRONT PAGE FEATURE 40

unintended, effect of suggesting that only modest, self-effacing women are fit for the role -- a notion that afflicts Black women, especially. Elsewhere in the Politico story, a Harris ally pointed out that the senator is "often more comfortable talking up others rather than herself." In its own way, the remark was a quiet "corrective" for Harris' straight talk and general refusal to shrink her ambitions. Such warping of ambition and nitpicking are virtually nonexistent when men vie for political office. Harris, then, will have to do two things under the microscope if she becomes vice president. She'll have to serve as representation for those Kamala Harris' balancing act voters who seldom see themselves reflected in the No one said that being the reflects its base, and even President Al Gore, told The supporter and donor, according upper echelons of power, and do vice president would be easy. But transform what power looks like. Atlantic's Christian Paz in July. to Politico. Harris was work that will be much more as Joe Biden's lieutenant, (Biden himself has said that he'd "There's just no chance that responding to a question about than representational -- and that California Sen. Kamala Harris be a "bridge" to a new the person who he picks is not how she had shellacked the will surely test whether her party would be faced with a uniquely "generation of leaders.") a consequential vice president or former vice president during the can leave certain prejudices in challenging balancing act: In particular, the message consequential historical figure. June 2019 Democratic debate, the past. pioneering the Democratic Party that a Vice President Harris They just will be," Feldman and Dodd wasn't a fan of Harris' None of this is to minimize into the future -- while navigating would send to Black women, added. answer, shorn of shame. the undeniable thrill of Biden's the party leadership's retrograde long the most reliable and For all that potential, though, In the other direction, Dodd historic announcement. mores. committed Democratic voters, is Harris, in all likelihood, would advocated for California Rep. After all, as Harris tweeted "If I'm elected president, my nothing to sneeze at. have to grapple with age-old, Karen Bass, who also was on Tuesday: "Black women Cabinet, my administration will "Black women are sick and gendered thinking, including among the contenders for vice and women of color have long look like the country, and I tired of being considered the within her party. Already, there president, because he viewed been underrepresented in commit that I will, in fact, pick a backbone of the Democratic have been previews of the shape her as "a loyal No. 2." elected office and in November woman to be vice president." Party," Karen Finney, a that this thinking could take. The vice presidency is an we have an opportunity to change When Biden said these words Democratic strategist, recently "She laughed and said, inherently deferential office. But that."Rather, it's to acknowledge during the CNN-Univision debate told Errin Haines of The 19th, a 'That's politics.' She had no the aforementioned comments, that if Biden and Harris win in in March, many people took new nonprofit newsroom that remorse," former Connecticut and the tut-tutting over 2018 November, the latter will be in a notice. focuses on the junctures of Sen. Chris Dodd, who was part Georgia gubernatorial candidate far more treacherous position. Before Biden announced gender and politics. "We want of Biden's vice presidential Stacey Abrams' swaggering, But then, Black women Harris as his running mate on to be recognized as leaders. We search committee, told a Biden have had the queasy, if always are. Tuesday, only two women had want all the things. We're due." ever been vice presidential Notably, it's very likely that Kamala Harris is Named Joe Biden's Running Mate, nominees for a major American Harris' power would be more party: then-Alaska Gov. Sarah than just representational. If First Black Woman, Indian-American to Run for VP Palin in 2008 and New York Rep. Biden wins in November, he'll Joe Biden named California Democratic primary who is Americans protest racism and Geraldine Ferraro in 1984. inherit a country beleaguered by Senator Kamala Harris as his familiar with the unique rigor of a police brutality. Biden's statement in March, several crucial issues: a running mate on Tuesday, national campaign. Harris, a 55- Trump's uneven handling of then, evoked what had become pandemic that President Donald making history by selecting the year-old first-term senator, is the crises has given Biden an something of an inescapable Trump has actively made worse, first Black woman to compete on also one of the party's most opening, and he enters the fall buzzword during the 2020 a recession that's the deepest a major party's presidential ticket prominent figures and quickly campaign in strong position Democratic race: on record since the Great and acknowledging the vital role became a top contender for the against the president. In adding representation. And indeed, Depression and systemic racism Black voters will play in his bid No. 2 spot after her own White Harris to the ticket, he can point Biden's right-hand woman would in policing and beyond. to defeat President Donald House campaign ended. to her relatively centrist record have important representational Which means that Harris, Trump. "I have the great honor Harris, who is also Indian on issues such as health care value. too, would likely assume a lot of to announce that I've picked American, joins Biden in the and her background in law Following a primary season responsibility in the White @KamalaHarris - a fearless 2020 race at a moment of enforcement in the nation's that began with the most diverse House. fighter for the little guy, and one unprecedented national crisis. largest state. Harris' record as slate of candidates in American "History tells us that of the country's finest public The coronavirus pandemic has California attorney general and history but then predictably consequential presidents and servants - as my running mate," claimed the lives of more than district attorney in San contracted toward straightness vice presidents come out at Biden tweeted. In a text 150,000 people in the U.S., far Francisco was heavily and whiteness and maleness, a times where they're tested and message to supporters, Biden more than the toll experienced scrutinized during the Black and South Asian woman tried, and I can't imagine a period said, "Together, with you, we're in other countries. Business Democratic primary and turned as vice president would signal of time where the president and going to beat Trump." Harris and closures and disruptions off some liberals and younger that, at least in some ways, vice president are going to be Biden plan to deliver remarks resulting from the pandemic have Black voters who saw her as out times are changing. She may gin tested more than in January Wednesday in Wilmington. caused an economic collapse. of step on issues of systemic up enthusiasm for a party whose 2021," Michael Feldman, who In choosing Harris, Biden is Unrest, meanwhile, has racism in the legal system and top brass rarely meaningfully was a senior adviser to Vice embracing a former rival from the emerged across the country as police brutality. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 FRONT PAGE FEATURE 41 'India is the Oldest Democracy...That's Part of My Background': Kamala Harris Says Roots Shaped Her Kamala Harris is a lot of surface again in the coming firsts. Besides being the first months. Harris' rise as the Black woman on a major party's daughter of immigrants -- one presidential ticket, she's also from Jamaica, one from India -- the first Indian American. Her serves a powerful counter- mother, Shyamala Gopalan, narrative to President Donald was born in Chennai and Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric immigrated to the US to attend and policies. a doctoral program at UC Q) Aziz Haniffa: What did Berkeley. Like Barack Obama, your mom instill in you, in terms a mixed-race heritage has of culture and heritage? allowed Harris to connect Kamala Harris: My mother across identities and reach was very proud of her Indian multiple audiences and voting heritage and taught us, me and blocs. my sister Maya, to share in the To understand what today's post in India that was like the retired and lived in Besant of influence on what I do announcement means to this Nagar, in what was then called today and who I am. community, I turned to the best Madras. Indian Roots: Kamala source I know on Indian He would take walks every Harris, back row, left. From left: Americans and politics: Aziz morning along the beach with her grandmother Rajam Haniffa. his buddies who were all retired Gopalan, grandfather P.V. Haniffa was executive editor government officials and they Gopalan and sister, Maya and a chief correspondent of would talk about politics, Harris. Front row: Maya's India Abroad, an ethnic about how corruption must be daughter, Meena, left, and newspaper for our community fought and about justice. Harris' cousin Sharada that shuttered just a few months They would laugh and voice Balachandran Orihuela. ago, due to advertising and opinions and argue, and AH: Would it be true to say Covid-19 strains. those conversations, even then that the roots of your civil He sent me an August 26, more than their actions, rights activism began with those 2009, interview he did with had such a strong influence walks on the beach with your Harris and gave me permission on me in terms in terms of grandfather, as much as in your to excerpt portions. It's pride about our culture. We learning to be responsible, parents' involvement in the civil headlined, "Kamala Devi Harris: used to go back to India every secretary of state position in to be honest, and to have rights movement in the US during The 'female Obama' and it couple of years. One of the this country. My grandfather was integrity. When we think their student days at the University discusses her campaign for most influential people in my one of the original Independence about it, India is the oldest of California? California attorney general." life, in addition to my mother, fighters in India, and some of my democracy in the world -- so KH: It is important to not say The piece highlights the role was my grandfather P V fondest memories from that is part of my one thing to the exclusion of the of her Indian identity, sure to Gopalan, who actually held a childhood were walking along background, and without other, because I don't feel the need the beach with him after he question has had a great deal to do that. Running mates don't usually matter. Kamala Harris might. For months, Joe Biden had decades of government work, recent months. And Biden, who The upsides of Harris were very little of Biden - mostly from little imperative to do anything remains less sharply defined to will turn 78 on Nov. 20, has obvious. An experienced, his house, where he has been other than watch Donald Trump voters than previous presidential referred to himself as a center-left politician, her secluded because of the self-immolate.But with his nominees. And the rush to test "transition candidate," putting presence on the ticket will serve coronavirus - was going well for selection of a running mate on the theory that Harris might more weight on Harris, who ran to reinforce Biden's own him. Nothing that Trump threw Tuesday, Biden now has a matter is opening a critical new for president last year and is moderate credentials - and, at Biden appeared to stick, and ticket. And Republicans have a stage in the campaign. "Look widely expected to run again. after she lacerated him in a Biden has been running ahead new line of attack. Suddenly, it's back four years ago, people had For voters, said Link, the vice debate last year, add dimension consistently in national and not just Biden and Trump. The a pretty clear view of Hillary presidential selection "will help to his reputation for empathy most swing state polls. Now, selection of Kamala Harris, said Clinton - it wasn't always define Biden in many ways." In and consensus-seeking. At 55, with Trump's window for turning Jeff Roe, the prominent positive," said Jeff Link, a picking Harris, Biden went with the California senator balances his campaign around rapidly Republican strategist who was veteran Democratic strategist the vice presidential prospect the ticket with youth. A historic closing, Republicans at least Sen. Ted Cruz's chief strategist who has studied voters who widely regarded as his safest selection who would become see an opening, hopeful that in 2018, "puts their campaign flipped from Barack Obama to choice. The animus toward the first Black vice president if "Biden-Harris" may prove and direction of the party in Trump in 2016. "So, Tim Kaine's Trump on the left enabled Biden elected, she is a capable weaker than Biden alone. play."Vice presidential attributes never rose to the level to bring progressive Democrats debater who Democrats expect Within minutes of the selection, contenders do not have a rich of their information about into his campaign largely on his will excoriate Trump in her the Trump campaign released a history of altering the course of Hillary." But Biden is another own terms - it did not require a debate Oct. 7 with Vice statement depicting Harris as an election. But Republican story. Whole swaths of voters more liberal running mate, such President Mike Pence. And she "phony Kamala" - a striver who and Democratic political know little more about him than as Sen. Elizabeth Warren or will raise money. But any would overlook her past professionals alike believe that he was Obama's vice Rep. Karen Bass. Protests change in the direction of the criticism of Biden and her Harris' selection may carry president, according to Link and surrounding the death of George campaign is a source of own record as a prosecutor "to more weight this year. That is other Democrats who have Floyd heightened the imperative uneasiness for Democrats. The appease the anti-police because Biden, despite conducted focus groups in to select a Black woman. phase of the election that saw extremists" on the left. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 BUSINESS 42 Derailment of small business rescue clouds U.S. recovery The collapse of pandemic relief negotiations has brought complications for the massive emergency lending program.

(News Agencies)-The businesses to have the loans The delay is all the more Paycheck Protection Program, forgiven. Now many lenders are dismaying for small businesses which has kept millions of small waiting to see whether a deal can because overhauling the businesses afloat during the be salvaged before they start the Paycheck Protection Program is pandemic, is in limbo, creating a process. The stalemate is one of the least controversial new source of uncertainty for the creating more doubts for small components of economic relief country's economic recovery. business owners as they try to legislation that lawmakers are The collapse of pandemic navigate the program and avoid considering. relief negotiations has brought being stuck paying back loans While congressional leaders complications for the massive they expected to be forgiven. and Trump administration officials emergency lending program, "It is frustrating, knowing the have been at odds over which shut down on Saturday to benefit this could have for many unemployment insurance and aid new loans after doling out more small business owners who are to states, Democrats have than $520 billion in funds, leaving waiting to apply for forgiveness," signaled support for a plan offered banks and borrowers unsure of said Holly Wade, director of by Senate Small Business Chair how to proceed with a key phase research and policy analysis at Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) that would that might streamline the adjust their business operations, of the rescue. the National Federation of restart the PPP, allow forgiveness process," Bank of the it would be better to apply for Before talks between Independent Business, which businesses to apply for second West Vice Chairman Cynthia forgiveness when it's available," congressional Democrats and the advocates for small businesses loans and reduce paperwork Blankenship said. said Wade with the small White House fell apart, there was in Washington. requirements for loan forgiveness The ability to apply for loan business association. clear bipartisan support emerging The confusion is the latest applications. Simplifying the forgiveness is critical for The banks taking more time for revamping the program, which example of lenders and forgiveness process is a top businesses that are trying to plan include some of the nation's offers government-backed small borrowers being left in the dark priority for banking industry and operate through the largest - JPMorgan Chase, Bank business loans that can be about how to proceed with the lobbyists in economic relief pandemic. Because the loans of America, Wells Fargo, U.S. forgiven if employers maintain Paycheck Protection Program, negotiations. were intended to avert layoffs, Bank and PNC. their payroll. One major revision after suffering through a chaotic Now, banks are trying to employers are bound by rules U.S. Bank spokesperson would make it easier to convert launch dogged by incomplete decide how quickly to begin requiring them to maintain their Greg Vadala said the lender the smallest loans - those for guidance from the Trump accepting loan forgiveness payroll in exchange for not having expects that many small $150,000 or less, which account administration and SBA applications from millions of to pay back the funds. businesses will wait to apply, for most of the program's volume technology glitches. borrowers. Some banks are Scratch, a loan-servicing firm, "allowing time for additional - into outright grants, making life "While some of our members discouraging clients from rushing said when it recently made SBA guidance and potential easier for both borrowers and are currently taking forgiveness to file their applications even applications available to an initial moves by Congress to lenders. applications, many are awaiting though the SBA began accepting pool of borrowers that close to streamline the forgiveness But the negotiations stalled congressional action to simplify them from lenders Monday. one-third of them completed the process." The bank is testing just as the Small Business the forgiveness process," said "We are encouraging our forms within the first week. its systems and processes Administration this week began Consumer Bankers Association customers to wait for any "If they want to be free and with a small number of accepting applications for spokesperson Allison Heimberg. possible congressional action clear of how they might need to customers. Sebi pulls up Kirloskar's promoters for fraud In a showcause notice to the six promoters of KBL and two others, Sebi alleged that the promoter group was aware of the precarious financial condition of KBL when these shares were sold, committing a fraud on minority shareholders of Kirloskar Industries. The promoter group on 6 thus, were duty-bound to check deteriorated on all aspects. It October 2010 sold 10.72 million if the decision to buy those had also written off a loan shares of KBL worth Rs 275 shares were in the interest of amount of Rs 300 crore due crore in the company to the firm and its stakeholders. from its wholly owned Kirloskar Industries. Further, these directors, by subsidiary, Kirloskar The markets regulator has inducing Kirloskar Industries to Construction and Engineers charged the individual buy shares of KBL, allowed the Ltd, Sebi observed. promoters of KBL and two six individual promoters to dump A spokesperson for (News Agencies)-The was aware of the precarious others under Sebi (Prohibition their shares of KBL into promoters of Kirloskar markets regulator has charged financial condition of KBL when of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Kirloskar Industries. Industries said: "We reject any some of the promoters of these shares were sold, Practices relating to Securities According to the showcause suggestion of wrongdoing and Kirloskar Brothers Ltd (KBL) committing a fraud on minority Market) regulations, 2003. The notice, Sebi during the course refute these allegations. The with fraud in a decade-old case shareholders of Kirloskar regulator alleged that Gautam of investigation had sought sale of shares (in 2010) was of the promoter group selling a Industries. The notice, reviewed Kulkarni, Rahul Kirloskar, Atul information from Kirloskar completed in line with the 13.5% stake in the then ailing by Mint, was sent in December Kirloskar, Alpana Kirloskar, Industries whether it was aware applicable laws, appropriate company to Kirloskar Industries 2019. Jyotsna Kulkarni and Arti of KBL's financial position in stock exchange disclosures Ltd, harming the interests of "Sebi's assessment is that Kirloskar were the direct 2009 and 2010 before it arrived and necessary regulatory pre- minority investors. the ill-gotten gains in the beneficiaries of the sale. at a decision to buy its shares. clearances. We continue to In a showcause notice to the transaction could be in excess Sebi observed in the notice Kirloskar Industries replied that cooperate fully with Sebi in six promoters of KBL and two of Rs 350 crore, which includes that four out of the five directors it had only considered the relation to its ongoing enquiries others, the Securities the value of the sale transaction of Kirloskar Industries were growth and profitability of KBL. and remain confident of our Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and profit," said a person with aware of the deteriorating The financial position of KBL position." A spokesperson for said that the promoter group direct knowledge of the matter. financial position of KBL and, as of September 2010 had KBL declined to comment. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 BUSINESS 43 Insurer ICICI Lombard in talks to buy Bharti AXA ICICI Lombard, which has an 8.4% market share and is owned 51.89% by ICICI Bank Ltd, underwrote a gross premium of Rs 3,302.19 crore in the June quarter, 5.3% less than the same period last year. (News Agencies)-ICICI Lombard a weakness in the overall "The two companies are still in General Insurance Co. Ltd, industry. Bharti AXA General, in discussion and the plan is that India's largest private non-life comparison, recorded a 12% ICICI Lombard will acquire the insurer, is in advanced year-on-year drop in gross entire stake of both Bharti discussions to acquire Bharti premium to Rs 508.93 crore Enterprises and AXA. Bharti AXA General Insurance Co. Ltd during the quarter. AXA has a much smaller and merge the insurance assets The acquisition plans come at business, but the two of the two companies, said two a time when the general companies are willing for the people aware of the talks. insurance industry is reeling due merger. The pricing has not Both companies are negotiating to the disruption caused by the been finalised yet," said the the valuation of Bharti AXA, the Covid-19 pandemic and the first person. people said, requesting economic slowdown. Bharti Enterprises currently anonymity. The existing 25 general insurers owns 51% in Bharti AXA time in Bharti AXA Life person. ICICI Lombard, which has an (excluding standalone health General, while its France- Insurance and Bharti AXA According to industry 8.4% market share and is insurers) saw a 6% drop in based JV partner AXA has 49%. General Insurance were estimates, Bharti AXA has a owned 51.89% by ICICI Bank premium in the June quarter due To be sure, Bharti Enterprises inconclusive. market value of about ?2,800 Ltd, underwrote a gross to a steep slowdown in sales of has been trying to exit its "There are two more general crore. ICICI Lombard is premium of Rs 3,302.19 crore non-life policies in the wake of financial services business insurance companies with valued at ?62,827 crore. in the June quarter, 5.3% less a prolonged lockdown that led since long. In 2016, Bharti's whom ICICI Lombard is in Emails sent to ICICI Lombard than the same period last year. to a temporary halt in most talks with Reliance Industries talks with for similar and Bharti Axa General This was, however, in line with commercial activities. Ltd to sell its 74% stake at the acquisitions," said the first remained unanswered. I-T dept raids Chinese firms for money laundering, hawala Around half a dozen more of his associates, who were helping him in money laundering and hawala transactions, were also identified. (News Agencies)-The Income identified as an individual identified using the hawala route. A Tax department on Tuesday as Charlie Peng, a Chinese subsidiary of a Chinese raided certain Chinese national living on a fake Indian company was identified and individuals and Indian passport in Manipur for the past its role is being investigated, professionals allegedly involved six years. the officials added. in money laundering and hawala Around half a dozen more of his Peng's Chinese name was transactions, officials said. associates, who were helping him identified as Luo Sang. The The I-T department said it found in money laundering and hawala Enforcement Directorate (ED) that more than 40 bank accounts transactions, were also identified. is likely to be roped in for were created in India, which were People in the IT department and money laundering involved in money laundering and (CBDT) statement said. linked to several shell finance ministry, familiar with the investigations and Central hawala transactions through "A subsidiary of Chinese companies, in which raids, said Peng was taking Bureau of Investigation (CBI) series of shell entities, a search company and its related transactions worth Rs 1,000 the help of some Indian may be asked to probe if a larger action was mounted at various concerns have taken over ~100 crore were done over a period of chartered accountants and nexus is suspected. premises of these Chinese crore bogus advances from shell time. bank officials for alleged illegal "Based on credible information entities, their close confederates entities for opening businesses Officials familiar with the probe financial transactions through that few Chinese individuals and and couple of bank employees," of retail showrooms in India,"the said the main suspect was shell companies and was also their Indian associates were a Central Board of Direct Taxes statement said. Aramco still aims for $15 billion deal with India's Reliance A deal with India's Reliance update our shareholders in due Mumbai on Monday, paring its would help the world's biggest course." gain this year to 41%. Aramco crude exporter join the ranks of A deal could be finalized rose 0.2% to 33.10 riyals in the top oil refiners and chemical around the first quarter of next Riyadh. makers. State-owned Aramco, year, according to Deven Aramco reported on Sunday that which bought chemical firm Choksey, managing director at second-quarter net income was Saudi Basic Industries Corp. for KR Choksey Investment down almost 75% from a year $70 billion this year, is already Managers Pvt. in Mumbai. earlier. The coronavirus a major supplier of crude to India, Aramco will win twice over, he pandemic halted travel and while Reliance sells petroleum said. business, slashing demand for products such as gasoline to "It will get an assured crude and fuel. After the (News Agencies)-Saudi Aramco Reliance's shares fell in mid-July the kingdom. consumer for its hydrocarbon Organization of Petroleum said it's still working on a deal to after Chairman Mukesh Ambani "We are still in discussion resources, while becoming a Exporting Countries cut buy a $15 billion stake in said a transaction had been with Reliance," Aramco Chief 20% partner in a ready-made production, Brent prices Reliance Industries Ltd.'s refining delayed "due to unforeseen Executive Officer Amin business of developing a value- rebounded from a low of about and chemicals business, even as circumstances in the energy Nasser said on a call with added chain in specialty $16 a barrel in April to nearly $45, lower oil prices force it to slash market and the Covid-19 reporters on Sunday. "The chemicals," Choksey said. though they're still down 32% other investments. situation." work is still on. We will Reliance's stock fell 1.3% in this year. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 HEALTH 44 HowHow nutritiousnutritious isis youryour diet?diet? Maintaining a good diet and keeping a check one, you might want to consider If you use other fitness apps GOQii, a fitness tracker that is already to track your runs or on your nutritional intake is easy now with backed by an ecosystem of workouts, you should look at nutritionists, personal trainers, apps like Lose It!, Lifesum, cools apps and gadgets and wellness experts. GOQii MyFitnessPal, or MyNetDiary aims to tap the otherwise which sync with RunKeeper, meaningless stream of data that Endomondo, Strava, et al as well fitness wearables throw at you as Apple HealthKit, Google Fit, and make it useful for you via and Samsung Health. intervention of qualified experts LifeSum is actually very good remotely. and includes meal plans for An easy way to get started with several popular diets like keto, diet management is via low carb, and others. You can smartphone apps that help you also try MyNetDiary if you want with logging your food intake and to keep a track of things like your keeping a tab on your diet, with blood glucose, heart rate, additional features like cholesterol, and more. customized diet plans, nutrition MyFitnessPal is one of the more charts, weight tracking, et al. popular and older ones in this Calorie Counter by FatSecret is segment and is easily one of the a basic, and completely free, most well-rounded fitness and dietary diary to keep a record of nutrition app. the food that you eat and the There's also HealthifyMe calories that you burn. It also which is quite popular in India features a diet calendar and a since as a homegrown service, reference guide to check it has the broadest catalogue nutritional value of a variety of of Indian food items. foods. Then there's Fooducate These apps also connect to One of the key factors researched crash diet programs, or similar wearables, you can that goes beyond diet and weight your Fitbit, Misfit, and Garmin of staying healthy is maintaining but thankfully, like with most keep a tab on your calorie count loss management by not just wearables so that your a good diet and keeping a check things these days, there are by logging your food intake on counting your calories but also workouts and everything else on your nutritional intake. smarter and seamless ways to their companion apps. But that's helping you analyze the value of are also integrated for Most people just focus on their go about it now. that. the calories consumed to comprehensive health workout routines or opt for self- If you use a Fitbit or Apple Watch If you are in the market for a new improve your diet. management. New drug to treat deadliest TB approved by US drug regulator Pretamonid, a novel compound developed by the non- profit organization TB Alliance, was approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on August 14. The US drug regulator Antifungal Drugs (LPAD The three-drug regimen has approved a new tuberculosis pathway) as part of a three-drug, consisting of bedaquiline, (TB) drug for treating hard-to-treat six-month, all-oral regimen for the pretomanid and linezolid - drug-resistant TB that makes the treatment of people with XDR-TB collectively referred to as the treatment regimen shorter and or MDR-TB, who are treatment- BPaL regimen - was studied in simpler. intolerant or non-responsive. the pivotal Nix-TB trial across Pretamonid, a novel compound The LPAD pathway was three sites in South Africa. The developed by the non-profit established by FDA as a tool to trial enrolled 109 people with organization TB Alliance, was encourage further development of XDR-TB and also MDR-TB. some involving daily injections, patients could also access it. approved by the US Food & Drug antibacterial and antifungal drugs Nix-TB data demonstrated a for 18 months or longer. "As the third new drug developed Administration (FDA) on August to treat serious, life-threatening successful outcome in 95 of the "Until very recently, people for TB in over half a century, and 14. infections that affect a limited first 107 patients after six months infected with highly drug-resistant the first to be developed as part TB is the leading infectious population of patients with unmet of treatment with BPaL and six TB had poor treatment options of a ready-to-use treatment cause of death worldwide, killing needs. months of post-treatment follow- and a poor prognosis," said Dr. regimen, pretomanid's approval at least 1.6 million people "FDA approval of this treatment up. For two patients, treatment Francesca Conradie, principal represents another potent tool for annually. There are more than represents a victory for the people was extended to nine months. investigator of the Nix-TB trial. tackling difficult-to-treat drug- half a million cases of multi drug- suffering from these highly drug- TB, in all forms, is treated with "This new regimen provides hope resistant forms of TB," said resistant TB (MDR-TB) annually, resistant forms of the world's a combination of drugs; the most with 9 out of 10 patients achieving Médecins Sans Frontières with about 6% of those cases deadliest infectious disease," drug-sensitive forms of TB culture negative status at 6 (MSF), in a statement. being extensively drug-resistant said Mel Spigelman, MD, require six months of treatment months post-treatment with this "However, it must be made TB (XDR-TB) cases. India president and CEO of TB using four anti-TB drugs. short, all-oral regimen." affordable to everyone who needs accounts for nearly a quarter of Alliance. "The associated novel Treatment of XDR-TB or MDR- The drug is likely to be available it, especially considering the the global TB cases. regimen will hopefully provide a TB takes longer and is more in the US markets by the end of substantial taxpayer and The new drug was approved shorter, more easily manageable expensive, with patients 2019. philanthropic contributions that under the Limited Population and highly efficacious treatment currently taking a combination TB activists want the drug to be went into its development," it Pathway for Antibacterial and for those in need." of as many as eight antibiotics, made affordable so that poor added. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 ENTERTAINMENT 45 Gunjan Saxena The Kargil Girl movie review: Janhvi Kapoor busts boys locker room in new Netflix film Gunjan Saxena The Kargil Girl movie review: Janhvi Kapoor and Pankaj Tripathi's film is a refreshing change of pace for war films in India, which have forever been defined by whatever JP Dutta does.

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl her father, played by the great These early scenes unfold at a Director - Sharan Sharma Pankaj Tripathi, tells her in an clip, providing just enough Cast - Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj excellent scene in the film's final context for us to care about Tripathi, Angad Bedi, Vineet act, when Gunjan, having nearly Gunjan and her difficult journey. Kumar Singh, Manav Vij given up on her dreams of But every time she overcomes an Janhvi Kapoor plays the ultimate becoming a pilot, returns home. obstacle - Gunjan in the film is outsider in Gunjan Saxena: The Tripathi, playing perhaps the gifted to a fault - she is faced with Kargil Girl, a biopic of the Indian most tender character of his a new one. Her joy at being Air Force's first female combat career - Gunjan's dad reminded admitted into the air force pilot, out on Netflix on me of Kumud Mishra's equally academy is short-lived, because in a later scene. "Main yahan skilled, even within the realms of Wednesday. It isn't as slickly virtuous character in Thappad - it is here that she truly helicopter udaane aayi hoon ya fiction.There is no obstacle made as Uri: The Surgical is the heart and soul of the film. experiences sexism. She helicopter uthaane?" she says. Gunjan can't cross by simply Strike, but refreshingly, neither From an early age, Gunjan's misses training because the But Janhvi, most certainly, is tapping into her reserve of are its politics as problematic. father, an army officer, was the base doesn't have a place for her expected to do the heavy lifting. strength. And there is no narrative Gunjan Saxena doesn't only one who supported her to change into overalls. She is Like Gunjan, it seems as if the problem that Sharma, who is subscribe to the hyper- dream of becoming a pilot. forced to relieve herself in a men's young actor is aware that she making his directorial debut here, nationalism that recent Indian Despite topping her class in washroom because there isn't must work harder than others to can't solve with a montage, or war films have so proudly worn school, she frets about telling her one for women. Nearly all of her prove herself. She brings a sense with the help of an overbearing on their chest. Instead, director parents that her future lies not in fellow cadets refuse to participate of discomfort to her performance background score. He structures Sharan Sharma has chosen to some man's kitchen, but in the in sorties with her, for fear of in the air force scenes, which I'd the film almost like a superhero explore a wholly different, but skies. The moment when she being outclassed. And her like to believe is deliberate. In any origin story. Gunjan suffers equally thorny topic: feminism. breaks the news to her folks could superior (an irredeemable man case, it works. It's not easy hardships despite her obvious In our country, the idea of equal almost be mistaken for her played by Vineet Kumar Singh) playing a person who's talents, but she develops her opportunity is seen as a threat coming out as gay - there is subjects her to further indignity massively proficient at her job, skills patiently, until she is called by those in positions of power. gossip among the relatives, her by ordering her to arm-wrestle and still so doubtful of her own upon to unleash her powers in Which is why there is a systemic brother adopts the 'log kya another cadet, displaying the potential.Gunjan in the film is battle. By writing Gunjan as effort to maintain the status quo. kahenge' attitude, and Gunjan's sort of narrow-minded male what many might describe as a someone whose first love isn't Gunjan Saxena, solely on the mother even proposes visiting an mentality that the film repeatedly Mary Sue -- a slightly outdated serving their country, but flying, strength of her convictions, astrologer for advice on how to calls out. She loses, of course, term used to describe a Sharma offers a new perspective chose to break it. "Pinjra tod," 'cure' her. but has the spirit to confront him character who is implausibly on uber-patriotic war movies. Raat Akeli Hai movie review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui's knives are out in Netflix's nail-biting murder mystery Pradesh family is found dead in blank canvas. His sincerity is casting, Trehan is aware that he his bedroom, Jatil is sent to unquestionable, even in the face must not fall into the same trap investigate. Affecting the of corruption and red-tape. At that has consumed earlier dignified manner of Hercule every turn, he is met with hurdles, murder mysteries: telegraphing Poirot and Benoit Blanc, he sometimes in the form of his the identity of the killer by hiring paces about the house, uncooperative superior, and on an actor who sticks out like a observing the crime scene with other occasions a local politician South Delhi boy in a Gurugram clinical passivity and sizing up known as Munna Raja. Like the bar. Even Knives Out, a film with each member of the family. It is recent series Paatal Lok, Raat which Raat Akeli Hai shares its soon clear to Jatil (and us) that Akeli Hai also subscribes to the DNA, couldn't avoid this. The they are all hiding something; age-old cinematic trope that for a moment Chris Evans stepped up they all have reasons to kill the crime to be solved, the detective in the second half, you knew old man. Having understood this, must first be suspended from duty. something was up. But by Director - Honey Trehan rush to tell its story, and earns Jatil gathers the family in the Trehan does the intelligent thing casting actors of equal skill and Cast - Nawazuddin Siddiqui, its daunting two-and-a-half hour courtyard and says, almost as a and surrounds himself with popularity to play the members Radhika Apte, Tigmanshu runtime - deviating from the threat, "Aap sabko hum ek baat impeccably talented artists on his of Raghuveer Singh's family, as Dhulia, Shweta Tripathi, Shivani primary plot when it wants to, bata rahe hain. Yahan jo kaand first film. Everyone, from Nawaz a viewer, you're constantly Raghuvanshi, Nishant Dahiya, and fleshing out its archetypal hue hai na, hum karenge uski and the ensemble - Shweta guessing, and mostly guessing Ila Arun, Swanand Kirkire, Aditya characters with care. jaanch." And once again, Tripathi and Tigmanshu Dhulia are wrong. Unfortunately for Raat Srivastava The 'chhuris' are out Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as Nawazuddin rises above his standouts - to the Akeli Hai, it arrives mere months in Raat Akeli Hai, a homegrown Inspector Jatil Yadav, would be diminutive physical stature to cinematographer Pankaj Kumar after director Rian Johnson's murder mystery on Netflix that glad to ditch the gangster garb deliver a performance that (Talvar, Tumbbad) and writer Oscar nominated film, which doubles as an impressive for a cop's khaki, if only to positively demands attention. Smita Singh (Sacred Games), raised the bar considerably for directorial debut for Bollywood reprimand journalists who keep Jatil is an interesting character, appear to be working in locked room murder mysteries, casting director Honey Trehan. asking him if he's been typecast. given a chip on his shoulder by comfortable collaboration to serve and will, at least for the time It's the rare mainstream Indian When Raghuveer Singh, the rich Nawaz. In the tradition of fine a shared vision. Perhaps being, be considered the film that doesn't seem to be in a patriarch of a landowning Uttar fictional detectives, he is quite the because of his experience in benchmark for this sort of story. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 TRAVEL 46 ExploringExploring GalleGalle A European city in Sri Lanka

Dutch. Its wall or Asian city, Galle has no If you are feeling up for a treasure enclave brims shortage of things to do and see. hunt, explore the underground with attractions Here are a few of the highlights. tunnels running from here to the and surrounds Galle Fort Hotel Governor's House. three sides of the Pop past the 18th century Galle The 18-metre high Galle ocean. Here you Fort Hotel. You won't be Lighthouse stands tall on the can take in disappointed. Originally, a Dutch eastern end of the Fort. It was beautiful mansion and warehouse, today built in 1939 by the British. If you panoramic views it is a sought-after hotel boasting would like to see some of the peninsula the finest examples of Dutch spectacular views of both the and the sandy Architecture of its kind. The ocean and the land, climb to the beaches. grand Palladian colonnade and top. It is also the very first Essentially it is a the ceremonial arch at the lighthouse ever built in Sri Lanka. 90-hectare town entrance will take your breath Once you have explored the that falls within a away.What's more, UNESCO town's inner fortified walls, head larger new city. has referred to this as a to the fish market that can be A step into Sri Lanka's past It's a world within a world. Its Architecturally, it is genius. A masterpiece of Cultural Heritage found just outside the fort's main Step back into Sri Lanka's exotic quaint streets are representative storm water drainage system and conservation. By the same entrance. Rows of fishermen will past when visiting the ancient of a living museum, still busting was introduced 200 years ago to token, they have awarded the be pulling in with their fresh coastal town of Galle. This with life millennia later, thus prevent flooding in the fort. hotel the Asia Pacific Heritage produce from the day. The European walled enclave along receiving World Heritage Status The fort itself even withstood the Award of Distinction for its area is a delight for fish lovers. the South Coast of Sri Lanka will by UNESCO. Ancient mosques, 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, authenticity and historical Museums and mansionsGalle evoke within you a frozen in time churches, grand mansions, whereas a few other buildings value.Dutch Reformed Church has a few notable museums. nostalgia. meditative temples and sadly suffered losses. & The Governor's House The Galle National Museum, Artists, writers, photographers museums are hidden away Flag Rock, once the The Dutch Reformed Church found in the oldest Dutch building and designers alike have been within the coral and granite Portuguese bastion is the built in 1754 houses houses in the fort, displays a few seduced by Galle's ambience for walls of the 16th-century ultimate sunset point. It can many antiquities that when interesting archaeological and centuries. Its Portuguese, Dutch Dutch fort.Stylish cafes, be found at the southernmost visiting will merit an hour and anthropological objects that and British colonial past, offers quirky boutiques and end of the Fort. Its not a half of you time. Within, you give insight into cultures everything a historical European impeccably restored hotels uncommon to find locals here, will find a hexagonal shaped and rituals of the Southern city will offer, amidst its genuine dot its narrow cobble stone leaping into the water off the orthodox pulpit, a first of its kind Region. Sri Lankan charm. streets still bearing their rocks.To commemorate the in Sri Lanka.Engraved What's more, you can even As a matter of fact, it is a perfect original names. Portuguese, a coat-of-arms tombstones line the floors, and see some of the equipment the example of European The Fort is the slow beating heart emblem can be found on in the large tablets dedicated to British Dutch used to build their architectural styles mixed in with of Galle's history. entrance with a rooster standing settlers can be found on the vessels back in the day, as South Asian traditions. A true The Fort Galle's core is the 300 upon a rocky perch. walls. The organ loft once held a well as the Dutch soldiers atmosphere of the past. year old Fort built in 1663 by the What to see Like any European cumbrous Dutch organ. weapons and uniforms. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 ENTERTAINMENT 47 Kick 2: Jacqueline Fernandez to star opposite Salman Khan Producer Warda Nadiadwala announced on Tuesday that Jacqueline Fernandez will play the female lead opposite Salman Khan in his next film, Kick 2. acqueline Fernandez got another reason to will be playing the lead role in Kick 2, the name of the celebrate on her birthday on Tuesday (August 11) as female lead was not revealed. In January, Kick 2 producer Warda Nadiadwala announced that the Mrs director Sajid Nadiadwala had told PTI, "We are yet Serial Killer actress will play the female lead opposite to lock the female co-star, post which we will start Salman Khan in his next film, Kick 2. The producer working on the shoot dates. Kick 2 will happen in took to social media to make the announcement. December 2021. I am in a process to finish writing Jacqueline turned 35 yesterday. the script." Sharing a montage video featuring Jacqueline Earlier in the day, Salman Khan also took to social Fernandez, Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala, media to wish Jacqueline a happy birthday. Warda Nadiadwala wrote, "Here is your BIRTHDAY Sharing a photo of himself with the actress, he GIFT that will be remembered Forever! wrote, "Happy bday Jacky . . Wish u all d @Asli_Jacqueline overjoyed to FORMALLY announce happiness @jacquelinef143 (sic)." that #SajidNadiadwala locked the script at 4 am this Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez morning & has written an exceptional role for you! earlier shared screen space in Kick, which @BeingSalmanKhan's #Kick2 rolling soon Welcome released in 2014. Directed by Sajid Back! @NGEMovies (sic)." Nadiadwala, it was the official Hindi remake While it was earlier announced that Salman Khan of Telugu film of the same name. Actor Antonio Banderas announces being Covid-19 positive on his 60th birthday Spanish actor Antonio he had reached 60 "full of desire Banderas, star of The Mask of and aspirations". Zorro and dozens of other films, Quiero contaros lo siguiente... announced on Monday, his 60th pic.twitter.com/u579iBVLM0 birthday, that he had tested - Antonio Banderas positive for COVID-19 and was (@antoniobanderas) August 10, in quarantine. 2020 "I'd like to add that I'm feeling Banderas said he would use his relatively well, just a bit more time in quarantine to read, write, tired than usual, and confident possible," he said in a birthday rest and make plans for the that I will recover as soon as message on Twitter, adding that future. On Chris Hemsworth's birthday, the emotional Sanjay Dutt diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer reason behind why he named his daughter India Sanjay Dutt has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The actor had announced a short break from work earlier on Tuesday for a 'medical treatment'. Actor Sanjay Dutt has been detected with stage four lung cancer, said sources at Lilavati hospital who are not authorised to talk to the media. The actor, who was rushed to the hospital on Saturday after he complained of breathlessness, was discharged on Monday. The actor's oxygen level was Chris Hemsworth's The actor has since spoken fluctuating between 90-92% relationship with India goes about the country on several when he was admitted. He was back well beyond the time he occasions, especially after he immediately tested for Covid-19 visited the country to shoot his shot Extraction in Ahmedabad through rapid antigen kit. But as film Extraction. India is the and Mumbai. "I love the place per the sources, the test result confidentiality. this ? name of the Australian actor's and the people," he said at a didn't show any presence of the On Tuesday, Sanjay had - adhyayan summan daughter, and there's a story press event, "Shooting there... pathogen of the virus. Later, it announced that he was taking a (@AdhyayanSsuman) August behind it. There were thousands of people was reported that he has develop 'short break' from work for 'some 11, 2020 Hemsworth, who turns 37 on on the streets every day and I fluid in his chest. medical treatment'. "Hi friends, I Among those who tweeted about August 11, is married to model have never experienced that on His diagnosis revealed that he am taking a short break from Sanjay was actor Adhyayan and actor Elsa Pataky, who set. It was sort of intimidating was suffering from stage four lung work for some medical Suman who tweeted, "Sanju sir spent a lot of time in India. as it was exciting because cancer. "When he was taken to treatment." The Khalnaayak diagnosed with lung cancer :( While promoting his film Men there were so many people." the hospital, he was low on actor further said "My family and #sanjaydutt get well soon sir in Black: International in 2019, He added, "I have such oxygen saturation. But when his friends are with me and I urge my Folded hands this year why u the actor told IANS, "My wife pleasant memories of people Covid-19 report came negative, well-wishers not to worry or doing this?" spent lot of time in India and and interactions there, and a he run cancer analysis and it unnecessarily speculate. With On August 8, the Munnabhai that was where the name lot of enthusiasm and came positive," said a source your love and good wishes, I will MBBS actor issued a statement originally came from." Besides positivity. There was real from the hospital. When be back soon!" on Twitter assuring his followers India Rose, Hemsworth and excitement for us shooting contacted his treating doctor, Dr Sanju sir diagnosed with lung that he is "doing well" and his Pataky have two more children there. We had never shot there Jalil Parker, refused to make any cancer :( #sanjaydutt get well reports for Covid-19 were - Sasha and Tristan. before. comment on it citing patient soon sir ?? this year why u doing negative. Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 48

See Full page Voice of South Asian Community Since March 2002 advt on P : 10 Vol. 19 Issue 24 Friday 14 August to 21 August 2020 $1 www.thesouthasianinsider.com How China gamed the Picking Kamala Harris makes history multilateral trading system But will it make a difference in November?

(News Agencies)- China, which was a founding member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1948, pulled out of it in 1950 for political reasons. By the time the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations was launched in 1986, China became an "observer" of GATT with the express purpose of re-joining t2he multilateral trading system. Interestingly, Hong Kong acquired membership of GATT as a separate (Story on customs territory in 1986 and to this day enjoys full membership of the World Trade Organization Page 30) (WTO) as "Hong Kong, China". (Contd on page 31) Pence tells Harris he looks Independence Day ceremony to be low-key affair at Wagah Border forwards to VP debate: 'I'll see (News Agencies)- The has been closed for visitors since during the ceremony on you in Salt Lake City' Independence Day ceremony at the March this year just before the Independence Day." Khaira added Wagah-Attari Border will be a low-key nationwide lockdown was announced that Amritsar had been a red zone and affair this time due to the the district administration wants coronavirus pandemic. The to avoid public gatherings so Border Security Force (BSF) that Covid-19 does not spread has held a series of meetings further. "Not just the Wagah- with the Amritsar district Atari Border, Independence day administration to char out ceremony in the district will also modalities. In the meetings, the be a low-key affair with no guard BSF and local administration of honour or elaborate decided that visitors will not be ceremony," he said. On August (News Agencies)-Vice President Mike Pence allowed to witness the parade 15, the Border Security Force received word that Sen. Kamala Harris had been on August 15 this year. (BSF) will organise a 19-minute selected as Joe Biden's running mate as he Speaking to India Today TV, an officer to contain the spread of the viral ceremony seeing participation of 16 headed to an event in Arizona Tuesday -- and privy to the meeting said the decision infection. Deputy Commissioner BSF personnel. This will be followed said he's looking forward to debating her this was taken since social congregations Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Khaira, by a closing ceremony and lowering October in Utah. are not allowed at present due to the said, "As per government's advisory the national flag. Apart from this, a "On the way here I learned that Joe Biden named pandemic. "We will only have men in on Covid-19, congregations are to be BSF company has been deployed at his running mate," Pence said to a rally in Mesa, uniform wearing masks and gloves," avoided. Hence, visitors and border outposts and surrounding Ariz., followed by boos from the crowd. the officer said. The Wagah Border spectators will not be entertained at areas for (Contd on page 31 "As you all know, Joe Biden and the Democratic Party have been overtaken by the radical left. So given their promises of higher taxes, open borders, socialized medicine, and abortion on demand, it's no surprise that he chose Senator Harris," Pence said. "So my message to the Democratic nominee for vice president: Congratulations. I'll see you in Salt Lake City," Pence told the crowd of Trump supporters. (Contd on page 31)