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Delhi Violence : A story of politics, police and riot
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Dear Readers,
I sincerely appreciate that you have chosen India Unbound as your social media outlet together, we truly showcase the public press partnership and “Power of the Press”. I welcome you to read our pages. After more than a decade of exciting deliberation filled with countless brain storming sessions, creative ideas conversations and future planning discussions, I feel delighted to present our readers the latest March 2020 Issue. We have included as a cover story “Delhi violence: A story of politics, police and riot-ready mob”. After more than 59 people died and over 150 got injured in communal clashes that broke out in North East Delhi early this week, senior political leaders have spoken out. In focus of their statements was blame-game rather than confidence-building measures. 3 days after communal violence first broke out in Delhi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi demanded resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah saying he is responsible for current situation in Delhi. Addressing a press conference after holding an emergency sitting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Sonia Gandhi posed five questions to the Narendra Modi government of the Centre and the Arvind Kejriwal government of Delhi holding both responsible for the communal violence in Delhi. We have also highlited the issue of “ Coronavirus : Delhi man tests positive, total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rise to 73” As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases reached 31 in India after a Delhi man with a history of traveling to Thailand and Malaysia tested positive on Friday, researchers say they have identified a protein present in the human body which is important for the entry of the novel coronavirus into lung cells, an advance that may lead to a novel drug target for preventing the deadly disease. The Union Health Ministry has asked states to set up rapid response teams at the district, village and block levels as cases of community transmission of the disease have been observed. In this cluster containment approach, rapid response teams consisting of health officials are to promptly check and sensitize every household within 3-kilometre-radius of the infected person’s house and all those who have come in contact with the individual, health ministry officials said. In this issue we have coverd special story “Nirbhaya rapists to hang on Poonam Pandey 20 March at 5.30 am, fresh death warrant issued for 4 convicts”.Four Group Editor men convicted of gangraping a Delhi physiotherapy intern, Nirbhaya, in INDIA UNBOUND December 2012 will hang at 5.30 am on 20 March, a Delhi court ruled on Thursday. Their execution has already been deferred three times. The most recent date set for their hanging was 3 March, but one of them, [email protected] Pawan Gupta, filed a mercy plea the day before. And like the three other [email protected] convicts’ mercy petitions, his was rejected. www.indiaunboundmag.com The Delhi government then asked for a fresh date for the convicts’ www.indiaunbound.news execution, saying all their legal remedies had been exhaused. The lawyer for the convicts, AP Singh, argued that orders shouldn’t be The views mentioned in all the articles passed today. He asked the court for time to ask Pawan Gupta whether he are of the author only. Data and Charts, wanted to move the Supreme Court to challenge the President’s decision if used, in the article have been sourced to reject his plea.\Speaking to reporters later, he decried what he called a from available information and have “judicial killing”.Meanwhile, Nirbhaya’s mother, Asha Devi, said she hoped not been authenticated by any staturtory 20 March would be the final execution date. authority. The author and India Unbound We have also covered regular sections and important happenings do not claim it to be accurate nor accept in Politics, Business, Fashion, Entertainment, Beauty, Auto, Gadget, any responsiblity for the same. Education, Science and other subjects. Your advice & suggestions are most welcome. Keep writing us for the betterment of our society & Nation in The views constitute only the opinions the public interest at large. and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to Happy Holi & Gudi Padwa. be followed by the reader. Happy Reading!
3 | India Unbound | DEJANUCEARMbYe 2018r 2017 India Unbound | march 2020 | 3 Vol XI Issue i, march 2020 content8 11 14
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08 politics NEWS ■ JNPT highlights the ■ Delhi Violence : A story of politics, importance of DPD and police and riot DPE to the delegates....
26 BUSINESS NEWS 14 nATIONAL NEWS 22 ■ Coronavirus : Delhi man tests ■ Yes Bank Crisis positive, total number of confirmed Noose tightens around Rana COVID-19 cases rise to 73 Kapoor and kin ■ Woman Activist Urges UN To ■ SBI takes BIG decision Declare 20 March As No Minimum Balance ‘Rape Prevention Day’ required for Savings Account
31 GLOBAL NEWS 17 stATE NEWS ■ Israel orders 14-day 26 ■ Maharashtra Budget Brings Focus self-quarantine for anyone on Bal Thackeray’s Nativism Plank, entering country.... But There’s a Catch in the Agenda ■ Abdullah inaugurates self ■ Yogi Adityanath Government as Afghanistan president as Not To Take Down Hoardings, To Ashraf Ghani swears-in as Challenge High Court Order president for second term ■ Shivraj Singh Chouhan Not Interested In Toppling Madhya 36 SCIENCE Pradesh Government ■ First human ancestors to leave Africa died out in Java, 22 city NEWS scientists say 31 ■ MNS Sets Up Shadow Maharashtra 36 Cabinet Raj’s Son Gets Uddhav- Aaditya Portfolios mode ■ No Need To Discuss CAA, NPR In Maharashtra... ■ Holi 2020: Mumbaikars Burn Coronasur Effigy During ‘Holika ....
4 | India Unbound | march 2020 India Unbound{Z~©ÝY ^maV, {Zînj I~a & its Team wishing Everyone Happy Holi
[email protected], [email protected] Poonam Pandey www.indiaunboundmag.in India UnboundGroup | march Editor2020 | 5 content Vol XI Issue i, march 2020
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8 India Unbound, April 2015 8 India Unbound, April 2015 India Unbound | march 2020 | 7 Politics Delhi Violence : A story of politics, police and riot
Poonam Pandey
After more than 59 people died and over 150 got injured in communal clashes that broke out in North East Delhi early this week, senior political leaders have spoken out. In focus of their statements was blame-game rather than confidence-building measures. Three days after communal violence first broke out in Delhi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi demanded resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah saying he is responsible for current situation in Delhi.
Addressing a press conference after Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his holding an emergency sitting of the and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, 61 MLAs. Congress Working Committee (CWC), Sonia Gandhi said it was “shocking”. Sonia Gandhi’s somewhat delayed Sonia Gandhi posed five questions to The Congress said it had sought press conference had an impact. the Narendra Modi government of time to meet President Kovind who Minutes after her outbursts against the the Centre and the Arvind Kejriwal expressed his unavailability. Now, the government, Prime Minister Narendra government of Delhi holding both party would be undertaking a march to Modi took to Twitter and appealed for responsible for the communal violence the President over Delhi violence. The peace and brotherhood in Delhi. in Delhi. Congress, however, did not announce Putting out two posts on Twitter, POLITICS that a similar march would be taken PM Modi said, “Had an extensive To a question about “deafening out in riot-affected areas a suggestion review on the situation prevailing in silence” of Prime Minister Narendra that Sonia Gandhi offered to Delhi various parts of Delhi. Police and other
8 | India Unbound | march 2020 both the NPR and the NRC. But it did not have much impact on the protesters, who continued with their demand that the CAA should be withdrawn. The government refused. The deadlock continued with no active and effective channel of communication between the protesters and the government. The Opposition parties either played “safe” or declared support to the protesters without making efforts to defuse the situation through back-channel parliamentary processes. POLICE The central government limited its role to policing, in which the Delhi Police proved ineffective due to lack of adequate experience and necessary guidance. Police either launched a agencies are working on the ground to East Delhi. Clashes broke out. ensure peace and normalcy.” Earlier during Delhi Assembly “Peace and harmony are central election campaign, BJP leaders to our ethos. I appeal to my sisters Parvesh Verma and Anuragh and brothers of Delhi to maintain Thakur made statements that peace and brotherhood at all times. were provocative and the Election It is important that there is calm and Commission punished them with normalcy is restored at the earliest,” periodic ban on electioneering by the PM Modi wrote further. two leaders. Soon after Union Law Minister Ravi The anti-CAA protests began in Shankar Prasad said, “It is shameful for mid-December with the amended a party like the Congress to have made citizenship law being linked to update crackdown in overreaction or preferred these comments. I condemn it.” of the National Population Register to keep its hands clean. His cabinet colleague Prakash (NPR) and preparation of the National In the process, the police suffered Javadekar said, “At such times all Register of Citizens (NRC). The loss not only of personnel in death and parties should ensure that peace is narrative that troubled many was that injuries but also of credibility. Reports maintained. Blaming the government the combination of the three CAA, NPR quoting both sides of rioters in the instead is dirty politics. Politicising this and NRC was aimed at one particular North East Delhi say people have less violence is wrong.” community. trust in Delhi Police’s ability to deal They were responding to Sonia The government came out with with the current communal situation. Gandhi’s charge in which she said, clarification and even made visible Rioters including those brandishing “There is a well-planned conspiracy climbdown from its earlier position on gun in front of Delhi Police personnel behind the continuous traumatic accidents that have been happening since last Sunday. The country saw this conspiracy during the Delhi elections as well.” GENESIS, AS SONIA READ IT “Many BJP leaders have been spreading an atmosphere of fear and hate by making inflammatory speeches. A similar statement was given by a BJP leader too,” said Sonia Gandhi without taking names of BJP leaders Kapil Mishra, Parvesh Verma and Anuragh Thakur. Kapil Mishra had threatened to “come out on the roads” and “will not listen to you [the police]” if the Delhi Police failed to remove anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protesters from Jafrabad and Chand Bagh in North
India Unbound | march 2020 | 9 reflected how the city’s police force of people takes all decisions of their which also includes the right to be has taken a hit on its credibility and lives, for their families and also elects heard. With protest against the CAA authority. In a number of videos, doing governments every five years for the going unheard at the government’s end, rounds on social media, rioters can be overall progress of the country. protesters were getting increasingly seen pelting the other group with stones The same lot also knows how to frustrated. The other side was equally from the side where police are present. evade taxes and take advantage of rules frustrated with the anti-CAA protest Rioters of any kind and police cannot be and laws. The rioters come from the for causing whatever inconvenience or appear to be on the same side. same society of people who evade tax, to their daily lives, over controversial RIOT-READY MOB break rules and elect governments. and objectionable suggestions made by The common refrain in Delhi They cannot be so gullible as to respond some of the participants and believing violence has been that provocative to calls made by some politicians who the government that the new law was statements made by some politicians might have won or lost an election. not against Indian citizens. incited people for violence. This A sizeable number of people are Simply put, the riot-ready mobs assertion gives a clean chit at least already communal and riot-ready. This were ready on both sides. When both relatively -- to rioters pinning the blame mob is like a bomb waiting to be set kinds of rioters hit the roads, police on the leaders who allegedly made hate off. In Delhi, the protest against the appeared a loser and politics the speeches. CAA was primarily led by people of one winner. This may not paint the full picture particular religious community. of communal violence. The same lot To protest is a fundamental right Delhi Riots : Toddler separated in violence reunited with family “During the stone pelting and the police after he was informed by a violence, we found this child near volunteer that his grandchild had been the Medina mosque. She had a head located. injury and she was crying,” Mr Alam He said the toddler was named told. Safiya and that she was living with He said he took her along when his him because her parents Javir and family sought refuge in a shelter home Zulekha, who are daily wage workers, in another locality. were working on a drainage project in After the child’s story was covered another part of the city. by the press, the Delhi Commission for Mohammad Haroon said he Women (DCW) formed a team which got separated from the child on 24 went door-to-door in and around the February while trying to escape the area; they even made announcements riots. from the mosque where the toddler The police handed over the toddler
Media reported that a Muslim family who were fleeing the riots had found her near a mosque. Her family came forward to claim her after volunteers scoured the area. Riots broke out in north-east Delhi after clashes between protesters for and against a controversial citizenship law turned violent. The riots were centred around Muslim-majority neighbourhoods, including Maujpur, Mustafabad, Jaffrabad and Shiv Vihar. Mohammad Saood Alam and his was found. to her parents after they produced her wife were fleeing Shiv Vihar when they The child’s grandfather, immunisation records to prove that spotted the toddler. Mohammad Haroon, approached she was their child.
10 | India Unbound | march 2020 How Indian Journalists were attacked during Delhi Violence
Attacks on reporters during attacks on reporters covering the riots at the time. violence that has claimed 59 lives - and censorship of critical content The state erupted in violence when highlight growing risk to journalists in in the aftermath of the violence - a train filled with Hindu pilgrims was India. Journalists in India say attacks are signs of growing intolerance for attacked by a group of Muslims and on the media during last week’s deadly independent reporting in India under caught fire, burning 60 Hindus to anti-Muslim violence in the capital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s death. In retaliation, more than 1,000 New Delhi, show deteriorating press Hindu nationalist-led government. people, mostly Muslims, were killed in freedom in the South Asian nation. A reporter Chattopadhyay told, as the state. One reporter was shot and survived, he reached the scene of the riots, a man Modi was accused of tacit support another had his teeth knocked out, and approached him, offering to put a tilak, for the rampage against Muslims many more said Hindus demanded a mark indicating a person is Hindu, and was even banned by the US proof of religion, and tried to keep on his forehead. from travelling there, though he them from documenting vandalism The man said it would make his was ultimately cleared by a court of and violence that included people work easier. Chattopadhyay refused, wrongdoing and the travel ban was attacking one another with axes, but later, after he rushed to take lifted. swords, metal pipes and guns. pictures of a building on fire, he was ‘Journalists as part of the Authorities have yet to provide approached by a group demanding problem’ an official account of what sparked to know whether he was Hindu Modi’s supporters saw the the 72-hour clash that left 59 people or Muslim, threatening to remove international criticism of him and dead and hundreds wounded, though his pants to check whether he was pinned the blame for it on journalists tensions between Hindus and Muslims circumcised per the Muslim custom. and other critics, a feeling that have been building for months over “I folded my hands and pleaded continues, said Ashutosh Varshney, a a new citizenship law. Nor have they with them to let me go, saying I was a professor at Brown University and an addressed journalists’ allegations that lowly photographer,” Chattopadhyay expert on India’s history of riots. they were singled out by groups of recalled. “Since 2002, Hindu nationalists Hindus. He noted that while journalists in have looked at journalists as part of the The violence was triggered after India have always been targeted for problem,” Varshney said. a series of hate speeches by ruling their work, under Modi “the attackers He said Modi and his followers Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, are much more open, furious and believe “critical media” is interfering some of whom warned Muslims to fearless”. with their plans to build a Hindu state. wind down peaceful sit-ins in the Similar demands for proof of Kuldeep Dhatwalia, a government capital or face their supporters’ ire. religion were made during the 2002 spokesman and director of the federal Censorship of critical content riots in Gujarat, Modi’s home state and Press Information Bureau, said he was But experts and journalists say the where he was the chief elected official not “aware of any complaints about India Unbound | march 2020 | 11 press access”. This, Suhail said, is why he had to standing on an overpass on February “It is not correct to link conditions leave his job at a news organisation 25, using their cellphones to capture of journalists for coverage of different in New Delhi. “I can’t publish this a group of Hindus tearing down the incidents at different places,” he said. cartoon,” he said. “I am also afraid that walls of a Muslim graveyard. One of Modi supporters have already if I go back to India they will throw me the vandals spotted him and grabbed attacked critical commentary of last in jail, because this is no big deal for him by the collar, calling the others to week’s violence that saw extensive them.” join. damage to Muslim lives, properties ‘Polarised crowd’ The blows came hard and fast as and mosques. Mir Suhail, a Kashmiri Hotstar, India’s largest video the group chanted pro-Hindu slogans. cartoonist in New York, adapted a streaming platform, also removed an Gunasekar’s colleague Saurabh news photograph taken during the episode of the American show Last Shukla ran his aid. Shukla showed the riots of a Muslim man crouched in Week Tonight With John Oliver that attackers the prayer beads hanging supplication, his traditional garb poked fun at Modi’s mega-rally with from his neck and shouted that he was splattered with blood, with a white- President Donald Trump, who made a high-caste Hindu. bearded man on his back practising his first official visit to India last week. “I had to play that card or else yoga poses. The comedian also criticised the Indian they would have killed him. They Suhail had superimposed a government’s response to the violence were about to throw him over the stretching Modi from a video of his in New Delhi. Ministry of Information (overpass),” Shukla said. morning yoga exercise routine that the and Broadcasting spokesman Saurabh The group made Gunasekar unlock prime minister posted online in 2018 Singh said the government “had his phone and delete the videos he and was seen by millions of Indians. nothing to do with” the censorship of had recorded. “There are no more Suhail’s animation was retweeted the cartoon and episode. journalists here, only nationalists and praised, but also condemned. Arvind Gunasekar, a reporter for and anti-nationalists, according to By, a day after the violence came New Delhi Television News, is unable our government,” he said. “And such to an end, Instagram, Facebook to work until after he has surgery to identities are passed all the way down and Twitter had removed Suhail’s repair his jaw, which was shattered and we are ending up as victims at the cartoon, saying it violated community during the riots. hands of the polarised crowd.” standards on hate speech. He and his colleagues were Delhi Violence : IB staffer Ankit Sharma’s murder could have been pre-planned, probe finds out The ongoing investigation into the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) staffer Ankit Sharma during North East Delhi clashes on February 25 has revealed that it might be pre-planned and not a random act of violence. Before dumping his body in a drain in Delhi’s Chand Bagh area from where it was fished out later, the attackers might have brutalised him The police probe points towards pre-mediated murder as Sharma was stripped and tortured before being murdered. The IB officer returned from office around 5 pm on February 25 and ventured out with his friends. He and his friends were on one side of the bridge when stone-pelting began from the other side. He was reportedly “Multiple abrasion.. deep cut…by looking for him as he did not return last seen in this chaos as he was sharp edge objects”. after a few hours. dragged on to the other side. The panel of doctors who conducted “We also went to the GTB and Lok Ankit Sharma’s post-mortem the post-mortem examination said Nayak hospitals to check whether he report Sharma was brutally stabbed. was admitted, but could not find him,” Sharma’s post mortem report The victim’s father said his son his father said, “we got information revealed that the 26-year-old was returned from work in the evening that his body was lying inside the stabbed multiple times in the mayhem between 5.00-5.30 pm and left again Chand Bagh drain. We never thought on the ill-fated day. Sharma had joined to assess the situation outside. that he will be killed”. the IB in 2017. His family members started The autopsy report stated,
12 | India Unbound | march 2020 Constable Ratan Lal died of bullet injury not stone-pelting, says autopsy report
Delhi Police head constable Ratan while also pelting stones at rival Lal, who died during the clashes groups. in northeast Delhi’s Gokalpuri on Initially it was believed Ratan Monday, died of bullet injuries, his Lal had died in such an incident of autopsy report has confirmed now. stone-pelting. Earlier, initial reports had said Ratan Lal, a head constable Ratan Lal died of head injuries attached to the office of the ACP received during stone-pelting in the Gokalpuri, was killed. Several violent clashes between two groups police personnel, including Deputy in the area. Commissioner of Police (DCP), According to the autopsy report, Shahdara, Amit Sharma, were a bullet was found stuck in his body. injured while trying to quell the The bullet entered his body through protests. the left shoulder and went up to the A protester was also seen right shoulder, resulting in his death. threatening a Delhi Police officer The bullet was removed during with a gun in his hand. He shot 8 autopsy. rounds in the air. The clashes in northeast Delhi At least 59 people have been turned violent at a time when US killed in the violent clashes in Delhi President Donald Trump landed in that have continued. The rampage Delhi. Fierce clashes broke out in went on for over 3 days straight several parts of the national capital while situation in northeast Delhi as mobs set fire to houses, shops, continues to remain tense. petrol pumps and public property
India Unbound | march 2020 | 13 National News Coronavirus Delhi man tests positive, total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rise to 73
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases reached 73 in India after a Delhi man with a history of traveling to Thailand and Malaysia tested positive, researchers say they have identified a protein present in the human body which is important for the entry of the novel coronavirus into lung cells, an advance that may lead to a novel drug target for preventing the deadly disease.
14 | India Unbound | march 2020 The Union Health Ministry has asked states to set up rapid response teams at the district, village and block levels as cases of community transmission of the disease have been observed. In this cluster containment approach, rapid response teams consisting of health officials are to promptly check and sensitize every household within 3-kilometre-radius of the infected person’s house and all those who have come in contact with the individual, health ministry officials said. In Delhi, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with private hospitals to assess the preparedness in dealing with coronavirus. He met Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain and civic body officials urging them to augment facilities of isolation wards in hospitals if cases of COVID-19 continue to rise. The Ministry of External Affairs has said that arrangements are being made to facilitate the return of 2,000 stranded Indians from Iran in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak through normal aviation channels. MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar confirmed that so far there are no Indians infected with the virus in Iran. He added that the Indian Embassies across the world are on the job wherever there has been an outbreak of coronavirus. As far as the
operating between Indian and Iran at trace people who came in contact with present. There was no need to panic, the Paytm employee from Gurugram said Jaishankar, adding that tourists who tested positive for coronavirus. would be able to leave once flight A senior Delhi health department services resume. official was quoted as saying that of Regarding the preparedness the 91 people with whom the Paytm to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak, employee had come in contact with in MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar Gurgaon, 17 are from Delhi. informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was himself monitoring the situation and personally taking a lot of interest Indian Embassy in Iran is concerned, in the preparedness of India to deal he said it was broadcasting regular with the situation. Kumar said that a updates and continued to be in touch group of ministers is holding regular with all the Indians in that country, meetings, and both the Ministry including fishermen. of External Affairs and Ministry of Earlier, External Affairs Minister Health are involved in it. The Indian S Jaishankar had said that an Indian Embassies across the world were on medical team was reaching Iran to set the job wherever multiple coronavirus up its first clinic at Qom by the evening cases have been detected and 24/7 to start screening for coronavirus. He networks have been opened for people informed that the Iranian tourists in to connect to them, Kumar added. India had arrived before coronavirus In Delhi, authorities ordered the outbreak and there is no provision immediate closure of primary schools for them to return as no flights are until March 31 and launched efforts to
India Unbound | march 2020 | 15 Woman Activist Urges UN To Declare 20 March As ‘Rape Prevention Day’ As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases reached 59 in India after a Delhi man with a history of traveling to Thailand and Malaysia tested positive on Friday, researchers say they have identified a protein present in the human body which is important for the entry of the novel coronavirus into lung cells, an advance that may lead to a novel drug target for preventing the deadly disease.
A woman activist has written to the United Nations seeking that March 20, 2020, the day when the convicts in the Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case are scheduled to be hanged, be designated as ‘Rape Prevention Day’. In her letter, Yogita Bhayana said this will help sensitise people towards the cause of women’s security. “Declaring 20 March as ‘Rape Prevention Day’ shall help every Indian to understand what Nirbhaya and their family had make women feel safe and help them A 23-year-old physiotherapy endured, and reaffirm their vow to the lead a life full of respect and security at intern, who came to be known as vision of a rape-free India. the grassroots level. ‘Nirbhaya’ (fearless), was gang-raped “This shall mark as a strong step A Delhi court on Thursday fixed and brutalised in a moving bus in south towards social justice and will have a March 20 as the date for the execution Delhi by six persons, including the four huge impact on Indian society. The of the four convicts in the Nirbhaya convicts and a juvenile, on December date of execution should not be seen as case -- Mukesh Kumar Singh (32), 16, 2012. She had died after a fortnight. an end to a case, but mark a new era in Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) One of the accused persons, Ram Singh, India,” the letter stated. Bhayana, who and Akshay Kumar Singh (31). This allegedly committed suicide in the runs an NGO, People Against Rapes in is the fourth time that death warrants Tihar Jail. The juvenile was convicted India (PARI), said the government is have been issued. The earlier three had and released from a reformation home doing its job by making laws to prevent to deferred pending the exhaustion of after serving a three-year term. rapes but more efforts are needed to legal remedies by the convicts. 16 | India Unbound | march 2020 State news
Maharashtra Budget Brings Focus on Bal Thackeray’s Nativism Plank, But There’s a Catch in the Agenda It has been repeated ad nauseam that the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)-Congress led ‘Maha Vikas Aghadi’ government in Maharashtra is an alliance of disparate, unlikely partners. As the largest party in the government, the Shiv Sena, whose president Uddhav Thackeray has made a maiden transition into electoral politics as Maharashtra’s chief minister, has a lot to gain or lose in this situation.
The Shiv Sena is all the more cagey Hence, the Maha Vikas Aghadi making all out efforts to encourage when confronted with a political seems to have fallen back on an old development of new industries in the and social reality — the rising wave trick — using one thorn to extricate state. However, at the same time, it is of majoritarian assertion due to another. The government seems to also the policy of the state government controversies such as the Citizenship be using an agenda of nativism and to give priority to the local candidates Amendment Act (CAA) and National linguistic assertion to counter the (sic) for jobs in these industries. Register of Citizens (NRC). BJP’s hyper-nationalist plank. The Government intends to make a This polarisation and consolidation which incidentally marked the comprehensive law in this regard by may work to the favour of estranged regime’s 100 days in office, deputy correcting the flaws in the existing ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief minister and finance minister policy,” said Pawar in his budget but has led to trepidation in the Ajit Pawar presented the government’s speech. ranks of the Shiv Sena, which has first budget. This budget has promised Jobs for sons of soil is an old espoused Hindutva more militantly a law to ensure that locals gets priority demand of the Shiv Sena, which in Maharashtra, thanks to its rough- in employment in the private sector. was launched in 1966 with this and-ready character. “The state government is agenda. The Shiv Sena’s birth was the
India Unbound | march 2020 | 17 culmination of a campaign launched for access to jobs and resources will central government to the state. by the late party chief Bal Thackeray intensify. This was affecting the spending on and his younger brother Shrikant in Maharashtra, the most urbanised developmental works in Maharashtra. their cartoon weekly ‘Marmik’ against and industrialised state in India, is However, there is a catch in the Maharashtrians being deprived of also expected to grow at a slower Maha Vikas Aghadi’s nativist agenda. livelihood opportunities. The party 5.7 per cent in 2019-20. But, this is The Shiv Sena, and later, the MNS, sought locals get preference in at least marginally better than the Indian have traditionally charged that the 80 per cent jobs in industries and the economy (5 per cent). influx of economic migrants from private sector. While Uddhav and Pawar have northern, Hindi-speaking states have After its launch in 2006, the refused to comment on the nature of deprived local Maharashtrians of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena the new law, opposition leaders such employment opportunities, especially (MNS), which is headed by Uddhav’s as former finance minister Sudhir in the burgeoning informal sector. estranged cousin Raj, put the Shiv Mungantiwar note that the budget These migrants stand an economic Sena on the back foot for a while by has reiterated an existing provision. advantage and hence, work at cheaper taking on this plank. Maharashtra has an estimated 2 crore rates. Successive state governments have unemployed. The Congress, and to a lesser been issuing notifications from time The state government has also extent, the NCP, rely on the North to time to ensure the implementation made it clear that it may not hesitate Indian votes, which are significant of the 80 per cent jobs for locals rule. to lock horns with the Centre. in areas like Mumbai and the larger Though the first notification to ensure In his budget speech, Pawar, Mumbai Metropolitan Region priority to locals (a person domiciled who is seen as the alpha male of the (MMR). Since 2014, this cohort has in Maharashtra for 15 years) in 80 per government due to his upfront nature migrated to the BJP. The Congress, cent jobs dates back to 1964, there is and caustic tongue, has charged that which once had strong pockets of near unanimity that implementation Maharashtra’s share in central taxes support in these communities, is eager on the ground is tardy. The state has reduced from Rs 44,672 crore to regain its position. also lacks an enabling mechanism to to Rs 36,220 crore in the revised Hence, the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s ensure that the norm is implemented. estimates for 2019-20. Therefore, the policy focus on nativism may have to With the economic downturn amount that the state would get from walk the jagged edge to ensure that hitting home hard — around 14,787 the central government has decreased it does not degenerate into a local industrial employees in Maharashtra by Rs 8,453 crore. version of xenophobia due to the have lost their jobs in 2017-18, the Pawar also said there is a delay competing forces involved. fiscal after the demonetisation of high- in devolution of Goods and Services value currency notes — competition Tax (GST) compensation from the 18 | India Unbound | march 2020 Yogi Adityanath Government Not To Take Down Hoardings, To Challenge High Court Order
Vibhanshu The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has not removed the controversial hoardings, naming and shaming those accused of violence during protests against the citizenship laws, despite the high court order. Sources said that the Chief Minister has asked the law officials to prepare a petition challenging the high court order. The petition would be filed later this week.
The Allahabad High Court, interference in privacy’. had said that the government’s Asking the government to move to display photographs remove the posters “forthwith”, and personal details of the court had asked it to submit the accused on roadside a compliance report to the hoardings was ‘an unwarranted registrar general by 16 March.
India Unbound | march 2020 | 19 Shalabh Mani Tripathi, media advisor were not concerned to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with the validity of said, “We are examining the Allahabad the compensation, but High Court order. It is being examined ‘to the act against the on what basis the order was passed to disclosure of personal remove the posters. Our experts are details of the accused examining it.” persons’. He further said, “The government Pulling up the will decide what option to go for. state government, the The Chief Minister has to take the court, in its judgment, decision... But it is a fact that none had said the issue in of the people, who damaged public question was ‘not about properties, will be spared.” Another personal injury’ to the media adviser, Mritunjay Kumar, in persons named, but also a tweet, said, “The high court order the ‘injury caused to the on removing the posters of the rioters precious constitutional should be understood in the right value and its shameless perspective. depiction by the Only their poster can be removed, administration’. The not the cases filed against them.” hoardings - in which 57 Admitting that the court is ‘above alleged protesters were all’, he spoke of ‘many options’. The asked to pay for damage state government had questioned the to public property of the 22 people who died in the grounds of the High Court taking up and warned of property attachment countrywide protests were from the the matter, contending that the court in case of non-compliance -- were state. After the violent protests, Yogi had ‘erred in invoking public interest put up in various parts of the state Adityanath had spoken of ‘badla’ jurisdiction’. In response, the judges capital on the instructions of the Chief (revenge) against the protesters, who had said, ‘Courts are meant to impart Minister, sources said. Uttar Pradesh have been ‘captured in video and justice and no court can shut its eyes had witnessed violent protests against CCTV footage’. if a public injustice is happening the contentious citizenship law in just before it’. The judges said they December last year and a majority
20 | India Unbound | march 2020 Shivraj Singh Chouhan Not Interested In Toppling Madhya Pradesh Government Senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that the ongoing political crisis in Madhya Pradesh is the internal matter of the Congress party and BJP is not at all interested in toppling the government. When asked about the political crisis in the state, Chouhan said, “We have nothing to do with this. This is Congress’ internal matter and I would not like to comment on it. We had said on the first day that we are not interested in bringing down the government.” Around 20 Cabinet ministers in Madhya Pradesh tendered their resignation to Chief Minister Kamal Nath late night on Monday. The Chief Minister has accepted their resignations and is likely to reconstitute the cabinet. Earlier, several Congress leaders, including Digvijaya Singh, had accused the BJP of horse-trading and conspiring to bring down the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh. India Unbound | march 2020 | 21 city news MNS Sets Up Shadow Maharashtra Cabinet Raj’s Son Gets Uddhav-Aaditya Portfolios
Lakhan Chadiwal The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena announced a ‘shadow cabinet’ for the state, giving the ‘tourism portfolio’ to chief Raj Thackeray’s son Amit, in the process pitting him against state Tourism minister and cousin Aaditya Thackeray.
Amit’s name as shadow tourism minister, and ‘law and judiciary minister’. which pits the youngster against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, was announced at the party’s 14 Foundation Day here by Raj Thackeray. The rivalry between Raj and Uddhav was part of the state’s political grapevine when the former was with the Sena, and out in the open when he walked to form the MNS on March 9, 2006. The shadow cabinet, a legacy of British parliamentary politics, comprises a team of senior spokespeople chosen by the leader of the opposition to mirror the cabinet in government. Each member of the shadow cabinet is appointed to lead on a specific policy area for their party and to question and challenge their counterpart in the Cabinet. In this way, the official opposition seeks to present itself as an alternative government-in-waiting.
22 | India Unbound | march 2020 No Need To Discuss CAA, NPR In Maharashtra Assembly, Says Ashok Chavan Maharashtra cabinet minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan said that there is no need to discuss the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Population Register (NPR) in the state Assembly.
“I personally feel CAA, NPR is in the state Assembly against CAA in anti-CAA rallies,” Fadnavis said. the law of central government. So, no and NPR. Meanwhile, former chief “Whereas CM Uddhav Thackeray need to discuss this in Maharashtra minister and Leader of Opposition supported CAA several times and Assembly... The Chief Minister will Devendra Fadnavis said that there said that there won’t be any problems look into it and take a decision, is a lot of confusion in Maharashtra caused by CAA in the state. There is whatever is best,” Chavan said. Chavan because different party leaders and a lot of confusion among the leaders, added that there is no rift within Maha ministers of the MVA government are and people of Maharashtra need to Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of Shiv Sena, giving contradictory statements about have clarity on it. So, we are of the NCP and Congress. the CAA. view that this government must clear “All three parties are of the same “This shall be cleared through their stand on the floor of the house view that the law, which is not in the a discussion of what exactly is the about what exactly is their view on interest of the nation and the state, view of MVA government about the CAA,” he added. won’t be implemented. The Chief CAA. Some ministers of the MVA Several non-BJP ruled states have Minister has also cleared his stand government are openly saying that passed an anti-CAA resolution in their already,” Chavan said. they won’t support CAA and they state assemblies. Earlier, the Congress demanded want to bring a resolution in the house that there should be resolution passed against it. Some are even participating India Unbound | march 2020 | 23 city news JNPT highlights the importance of DPD and DPE to the delegates from Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Lakhan Chadiwal Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) hosted delegates from the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) with an objective to facilitate a dialogue with the end customers to showcase the various EODB initiatives taken by Port which will significantly benefit in their overall logistics cost reduction.
Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, and Direct Port Entry (DPE). DPD JNPT has also introduced Direct Dy Chairman, JNPT addressed the has benefitted the trade as there is Port Entry (DPE), a facility created delegates and encouraged to use this prompt and timely delivery leading exclusively for exporters to bring in opportunity to understand the overall to reduction in inventory costs; the export containers directly to port port operations and the initiatives saving in transportation costs; saving instead of routing it through CFS. undertaken by the Port for the benefit in handling and storage charges This is saving time of about 1-2 days of the Trade. He also urged them to at warehouse and reduction in which in turn is enabling savings in share their feedback and suggestions dwell time for containerized cargo. cost of Rs. 2,000 per TEU. in the overall improvement of port This tactical initiative is making a To further aid the trade and operations. A detailed presentation significant impact on the end users by provide quick solutions to customers, was given to the delegates highlighting enabling savings in cost ranging from numerous measures have been strategic initiatives undertaken by Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 20,000 per TEU and taken to help the port authorities port like Direct Port Delivery (DPD) time saving ranging from 5-7 days. match global trends in the maritime
24 | India Unbound | march 2020 sector, apart from reducing cost. container handling Port in India The Port has also introduced Inter accounting for around 52% of the total Terminal movement of Tractor containerised cargo volume, across the Trailers (ITT) and ITRHO which has major ports of India. Commissioned further streamlined the movement on 26th May 1989, in less than three of containers between the terminals. decades of its operations, JNPT This has helped in reduction of overall has transformed from a bulk-cargo Import Dwell Time by 32.8% from terminal to become the premier 55.55 hours (Apr-Jan 2019) to 37.33 container port in the country. Ranked hours from April-Jan 2020. This 28th among the top 100 Container system has resulted in the following Ports in the world, JNPT is connected benefits to transporters/users like to over 200 ports in the world. Turnaround time of trucks is reduced, Currently JNPT operates five thereby increasing number of trips container terminals: the Jawaharlal between CFSs and Port terminals. Nehru Port Container Terminal Cost of handling is reduced and hence, (JNPCT), the Nhava Sheva more containers can be moved in less International Container Terminal time. This also helps in optimal use of PCS 1X and the Terminal Operating (NSICT), the Gateway Terminals the TTs thereby easing traffic on the System which has added to the ease in India Pvt. Ltd. (GTIPL), Nhava Sheva JNPT approach roads. doing business with the Port. International Gateway Terminal The delegates were also apprised The session concluded with a (NSIGT) and the newly commissioned about the various tech-based initiatives port visit where the delegates saw Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals like E-form 13/Form 11, JNPT mobile the available infrastructure and the Private Limited (BMCTPL). The app, RFID-based terminal Automated ongoing capacity building projects Port also has a Shallow Water Berth Gate System (AGS), RFID-based contributing towards the overall for general cargo and another Liquid container tracking system by maritime trade. Cargo Terminal which is managed by DMICDC (for the first time in India), About JNPT: BPCL-IOCL consortium. e-Delivery of orders, upgradation of The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust the port community system (PCS) to (JNPT) at Navi Mumbai is the biggest India Unbound | march 2020 | 25 Business News YES BANK CRISIS Noose tightens around Rana Kapoor and kin
The Central Bureau of Investigation conducted raids at seven locations in connection with the FIR lodged against Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor and others, officials said. Sources say the raids are being conducted at premises linked to Kapoor, DHFL, RKW developers and Doit Urban Ventures Pvt Ltd. DHFL Bandra office in Mumbai is also being raided, according to Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. The CBI on Monday also issued lookout circulars against seven individuals accused in the crisis, including Kapoor and his family members.
CBI filed an FIR on 7 March (Criminal Conspiracy), 420 (Cheating) According to CBI’s FIR, “Rana against Kapoor, then CEO of Yes of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) along Kapoor entered into a criminal Bank, Doit Urban Ventures (company with Section 7, 12 & 13 of Prevention of conspiracy with Kapil Wadhawan and linked to Kapoor family), DHFL, Corruption Act. The Economic Offence others for extending financial assistance Kapil Wadhawan (promoter of DHFL) Wing (1) of CBI has lodged the FIR in to DHFL by Yes Bank Limited in lieu of and others under Sections 120 (B) New Delhi. substantial undue benefits to himself
26 | India Unbound | march 2020 and his family members through the named as accused by the CBI. secretary for 15 years. companies held by them. During April According to the FIR, during the He also told ED that a loan of to June 2018, Yes Bank invested Rs month of April to June 2018, Yes Bank Rs 750 crore was granted to Belief 3,700 crore in short term debentures Limited invested Rs 3,700 crore in Realtors (Rs 450 crore out of this loan of DHFL. Simultaneously, Wadhawan the short term debentures of DHFL. was ultimately transferred by Belief paid Rs 600 crore to Kapoor and his “Simultaneously, Kapil Wadhawan Realtors to DHFL). family members in the garb of a loan of paid a kickback of Rs 600 crore to Rana He claims that he was asked by Rs 600 crore given by DHFL to DOIT Kapoor and his family members in the Congress leader Milind Deora to buy Urban Ventures Pvt Limited (A Rana garb of builder loan of Rs 600 crore MF Husain’s painting of Rajiv Gandhi. Kapoor Group Company).” given by M/s DHFL (in which Kapil He was never interested in buying the The ED is also expected to record Wadhawan is a promoter director) to painting. statements of suspects in the case. M/s DOIT Urban Ventures (India) When ED asked her about Rs 600 These locations were earlier raided by Private Limited, a wholly-owned crore received by Doit Urban Ventures the ED. The ED has taken cognisance subsidiary of M/s RAB Enterprises Pvt Ltd, she told ED that she has never of CBI’s FIR and has lodged a money- (India) Private Limited in which Bindu interacted with DHFL officials or laundering case against Kapoor. Kapoor, wife of Rana Kapoor is a Kapil Wadhawan. The communication Sources said that the CBI is also in director and 100% shareholder,” reads with DHFL was through the personal touch with the finance ministry, the the FIR. secretary of her father (Rana Kapoor’s RBI and other government agencies Further, the CBI claims in the FIR assistant and employee of Yes Bank) in connection with the case. Kapoor, that the daughters of Rana Kapoor are She also told ED that in addition to who was placed under arrest at 3 am 100% shareholders of DOIT Urban the properties mortgaged, she had also on Sunday under the provision of the Ventures (India) Private limited given her personal guarantee to DHFL. Prevention of PMLA has been sent to through M/s Morgan Credits Private The primary basis of personal guarantee ED’s custody till March 11. Limited. was her 33.33% shareholding in The Central Bureau of Investigation We purchased debentures worth Morgan Credits Private Limited and (CBI) has named the entire family Rs 3,000 crore from DHFL and a loan value of unutilised business held under of Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor as of Rs 600 crore against properties Morgan Credit Private Limited. accused in its case filed in connection was sanctioned to DUVPL by DHFL She maintains that she is not aware with Yes Bank crisis. According to the in August 2018. I believe that the of Rs 600 crore loan given to the FIR, a copy of which is available, Rana property mortgaged and securities and company where she is a director and Kapoor’s wife, Bindu Kapoor, and monetisation of various investment of she has never interacted with anyone in daughters - Radha, Roshni and Rakhee DOIT would be able to cover the loan this regard. - have been named as accused in the risk and repayment of the loan on case. A total of 12 accused have been the due date. Lata Dave has been my
India Unbound | march 2020 | 27 Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor’s daughters confuse with yes and no claims on DHFL loans
The Central Bureau of Investigation receiving a sum of Rs 600 crores from Kapoor (CBI) on Monday issued lookout DHFL by claiming that she never During the interrogation, Yes Bank circulars against seven individuals interacted with DHFL officials or founder Rana Kapoor told sleuths that accused in the Yes Bank crisis, including Kapil Wadhawan. The communication the bank purchased debentures worth founder Rana Kapoor and his family with DHFL was through the father’s Rs 3,000 crores from DHFL and a loan members. Kapoor was arrested by the personal secretary, said Radha Kapoor of Rs 600 crores against properties Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Khanna. was sanctioned to DUVPL by DHFL early hours of and his daughter stopped Radha also told ED that in addition in August 2018. “I believed that the from boarding a flight to London from to the properties mortgaged, she had property mortgaged and securities and the Mumbai International Airport on also given her personal guarantee to monetisation of various investment of the same day. DHFL in the form of her 33.33 per DoIt Urban Ventures would be able to On 8 March, the CBI registered an cent shares in Morgan Credits Private cover the loan risk and repayment of FIR against Rana Kapoor followed by Limited and the value of unutilised the loan on the due date. Lata Dave has the ED which decided to file an ECIR business held under Morgan Credit been my secretary for 15 years,” Rana against him on the same day. Others Private Limited. In 2019, Radha sold Kapoor told officials. mentioned in the FIR and ECIR are all the shares and the proceeds were A former Bank of America executive Kapil Wadhawan of Dewan Housing used for repayment of debt borrowing who founded Yes Bank in 2004, Rana Finance Limited (DHFL) and DoIt of mutual funds and subsequently, Kapoor also told ED that a loan of Rs Infra Ventures Ltd, a company owned Morgan Credits Private Limited, ended 750 crore was granted to Belief Realtors by one of Rana Kapoor’s daughters. up owning nil shares in Yes Bank. that was ultimately transferred by The ED has been questioning Rana Unaware of Rs 600 crore loan: Belief Realtors to DHFL. Kapoor and his family members under Roshni Kapoor On questions related to the MF section 50 of the Prevention of Money Rana’s daughter Roshni Kapoor, Husain portrait of former prime Laundering Act (PMLA). also a director in DoIt Urban Ventures minister Rajiv Gandhi he purchased Never interacted with DHFL told investigators that she is unaware from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for a sum officials personally: Radha Kapoor of the Rs 600 crore loans given to of Rs 2 crores, Rana Kapoor said that Khanna the company by DHFL. “I have never he was asked about the painting by In her statement to the ED, interacted with anyone in this regard,” Milind Deora. “I was never interested Rana’s daughter Radha Kapoor said Roshni Kapoor. in buying the painting,” said Kapoor. Khanna responded to the question of Believed that collateral would cover her company DoIt Urban Ventures loan risk of DoIt Urban Ventures: Rana 28 | India Unbound | march 2020 Priyanka’s letter confirms sale of Rajiv Gandhi portrait by MF Husain to Yes Bank’s Rana Kapoor for Rs 2 crore A letter written by Priyanka Gandhi the cheque of Rs 2 crore which was with the painting which Yes Bank Vadra to Yes Bank’s founder Rana made in the name of Priyanka Gandhi founder Rana Kapoor bought from Kapoor on 4 June, 2010, confirming Vadra to purchase the painting. ED Priyanka Gandhi, officials said. the sale of Rajeev Gandhi’s painting for sources claim that the painting was No one knows the actual cost of Rs 2 crore has sparked a controversy. the property of Congress party and not painting but still Rana Kapoor bought The letter, a copy of which is available. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The ED also this for Rs 2 crore. Every amount Rana reads, Thank you for purchasing claims that the money Rana Kapoor Kapoor has invested in properties is the portrait of my father, Shri Rajiv paid to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is the proceed of a crime and so is the Gandhi painted by Shri MF Hussain the money he generated through the Rs 2 crore which was used to buy this which was presented to him in 1985 proceeds of crime. painting, said a source. at the ceremony of Congress Party’s Rana Kapoor bought the painting Sources also claim that Rana centenary celebrations and is present after a letter from Congress leader Kapoor has over 40 exquisite paintings in my ownership and possession. Milind Deora dated May 1, 2010. In in his possession. While buying the Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has further the letter by Deora, a copy of which is portraits, he secured certificates from written in the letter, I acknowledge available with India Today, he wrote, experts for the valuation but no such receipt of a letter dated June 3, 2010, as regarding the painting of Mr Rajiv certificate was obtained from an well as your payment by cheque dated Gandhi, that you express a desire to expert for the painting he bought from June 3, 2010, drawn on your HSBC purchase, I would suggest that you Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. account of Rs 2 crore, representing write to Mrs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Sources say ED has already full and final payment toward subject directly, outlining your interest. questioned Rana Kapoor in connection painting. The Enforcement Directorate has with the painting. Is also in possession of a copy of started an investigation in connection India Unbound | march 2020 | 29 SBI takes BIG decision No Minimum Balance required for Savings Account
The State Bank of India (SBI) customers need to maintain an average Interest Rate on SBI savings Wednesday brought massive news monthly balance of Rs 3000, Rs 2000 account reduced to flat 3% per year for its 44.51 crore savings bank (SB) and Rs 1000 in metro, semi-urban and In another key decision, the SBI account holders. In a big decision rural areas respectively. SBI used to rationalised its interest rate on savings towards “Customer First Approach”, impose a penalty of Rs 5 to Rs 15 plus bank accounts to a flat 3 per cent per India’s largest public lender, the SBI taxes on non-maintenance of average annum. “Bank has also rationalised decided to bring relief to its savings monthly balance. interest rate on SB Account to a flat 3 account holders by waiving off the The decision also means that SBI % p.a. for all buckets,” it said. requirement for maintaining minimum will not be charging you for failing to Currently, the interest rate on SB balance in SB accounts. In another maintain the Average Monthly Balance accounts is 3.25 per cent for deposits major relief to its crores of customers, (AMB) for all SB accounts. “The charges up to Rs 1 lakh in SB accounts, and 3 the SBI said it has waived off SMS on maintaining AMB are now waived per cent for deposits above Rs 1 lakh. Charges. off on all 44.51 crore SBI savings bank Currently, SBI savings bank account accounts,” it said. 30 | India Unbound | march 2020 Global News Israel orders 14-day self-quarantine for anyone entering country would affect 3 lakh people
Modi Israel will require anyone arriving from overseas to self-quarantine for 14 days as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. With 42 confirmed cases of the virus, Israel has already taken some tough counter-measures, forcing visitors from many countries in Asia and Europe into home isolation. The virus has hit travel and trade, with tourism in particular expected to suffer.
“Anyone who arrives in Israel from Israelis returning to the country. From West Bank have also been hit by the abroad will enter a 14-day isolation,” Thursday, any non-Israelis seeking to virus, reporting 25 confirmed cases. Netanyahu said in a video statement. enter the country will have to prove The Palestinian Authority (PA) has He said the new measures would be in they have the means to self-quarantine, turned foreigners away at checkpoints effect for two weeks initially. the officials said. and ordered schools and national parks “This is a difficult decision. But it Israeli media said the latest closed. is essential for safeguarding public measure would mean quarantine for The PA said it was barring health, and public health comes first.” some 300,000 citizens in a country of Palestinians from travelling to Government officials said the order around 9 million. neighbouring Jordan through the would come into force immediately for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied Israeli-controlled Allenby Bridge
India Unbound | march 2020 | 31 crossing, with immediate effect. of supplies. home from the Holy Land after they Foreigners would still be allowed to Israeli public broadcaster Kan were cleared in a coronavirus scare, the leave and all entries allowed, the PA said the quarantine restrictions mayor of the Palestinian town where said. were even affecting the country’s they had been quarantined said. Israeli officials had no immediate comment on the Allenby measures. Uncertainty in Israel about the impact of the new measures hit Tel Aviv’s blue-chip stock index and the broader TA-125 which were both down around 6.5%. The shekel, which peaked against the dollar in mid-February at 3.416, was trading. Israel’s central bank has said it did not expect a major economic impact if the virus was halted in the coming months, but that it was ready to use monetary policy tools whenever necessary should conditions worsen. Netanyahu invited the media to a video conference he held with leaders of Italy, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Cyprus to intelligence service. Kan said, without The group, from the 3 Circle Church discuss cooperation on the crisis. citing sources, that returning Mossad in Fairhope, Alabama, was placed in Among his proposals was to regularly operatives had been ordered to stay at quarantine at the Angel Hotel in Beit disinfect select airports in Europe to home for two weeks. Jala after several hotel staff there tested help preserve international deliveries Thirteen Americans were heading positive.
32 | India Unbound | march 2020 Abdullah inaugurates self as Afghanistan president as Ashraf Ghani swears-in as president for second term
A At Abdullah’s inauguration, aired on private Tolo TV, among those present were so-called “jihadi’ commanders, who were among those who allied with the U.S.-led coalition to topple the Taliban in 2001. Those commanders also participated in the brutal civil war of the 1990s, raising fears that the divisions among Afghan leaders could lead to violence.
When Washington and the Taliban from Afghanistan will be linked to becomes president, complicating insurgents signed their accord on the Taliban keeping their counter- negotiations to break the stalemate Feb. 29, the next crucial step was that terrorism promises, but not to the being conducted Khalilzad. The dueling Afghans would sit down and negotiate success of talks between the Taliban inaugurations took place despite last- a road map for their country’s future. and the Afghan government. minute shuttle diplomacy by Khalilzad, They are looking to hammer out such Afghanistan’s election commission who reportedly went back and forth thorny issues as women’s rights, free has declared incumbent President between the two Afghan rivals into the speech and the fate of tens of thousands Ashraf Ghani as the winner of early hours. of armed men on both sides of the 18- September’s vote. His former partner A senior member of Abdullah’s year war. Those negotiations were set in a unity government, chief executive team, Basir Salangi, told local Afghan to be held in Oslo. Abdullah, as well as the election channel Tolo TV that the U.S. peace But the dispute between the top two complaints commission say the results envoy has asked both sides to delay candidates in last year’s presidential are fraught with irregularities. As their inaugurations for three days election over who actually won means a result, both Ghani and Abdullah to sort out the stalemate. Abdullah the Afghan government side appears declared themselves winners. reportedly said he was ready, but would unable to present a united front. The The two candidates are also backed go ahead with his ceremony if Ghani U.S. has said its troop withdrawal by warlords who have a stake in who refused to postpone. India Unbound | march 2020 | 33 Taliban spokesman Zabihullah have already served their sentences. same time, Ghani’s in the presidential Mujahed, in response to questions Pompeo called on all sides get on with palace and Abdullah’s next door in the from The Associated Press, said late talks about the country’s future. Sapedar Palace, both packed with each Sunday that the Taliban were still fghanistan’s rival leaders were rival’s supporters. Even as Ghani was committed to the deal, but said the each sworn in as president in separate winding up his thank you speech, rocket dueling presidential inaugurations are ceremonies, throwing plans for fire could be heard. The rockets landed not good for the Afghan nation.” negotiations with the Taliban into near the presidential palace, rattling Until now the Taliban have refused chaos and creating a dilemma for the some of those attending even as Ghani to sit with Ghani’s government. There United States as it figures out how to urged them to stay. The perpetrators of was no immediate comment from move its peace deal with the Taliban the fire were not immediately known, the Taliban. As well as competing forward. but the scene hiked worries that the candidates, Khalilzad still has to get The U.S.-Taliban deal signed heightening split in Afghanistan’s some agreement on a prisoner release, just over a week ago was touted as leadership may lead to violence, either which was supposed to be settled before Washington’s effort to end 18 years of internally or with Taliban insurgents. the intra-Afghan negotiations could war in Afghanistan and was seen by In a sign of international support begin. The peace deal signed by the many Afghans as the best opportunity for Ghani, his ceremony aired on state U.S. and Taliban said 5,000 Taliban yet for bringing an end to relentless TV was attended by Washington’s prisoners and up to 1,000 captives from wars. But President Ashraf Ghani, peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, the government side would be freed as who was declared the winner of last Gen. Austin S. Miller, the head of a goodwill gesture ahead of the talks. September’s election, and his rival U.S. forces in Afghanistan, as well Ghani had previously said he won’t Abdullah Abdullah, who charged fraud as a number of foreign dignitaries release the Taliban prisoners, even as in the vote along with the elections including the U.S. Embassy’s charge U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo complaints commission, have refused d’affaires and Tadamichi Yamamoto, called on all sides to stop posturing to settle their differences. the U.N. Secretary General’s personal and free their prisoners, some of whom The two ceremonies were held at the representative to Afghanistan.
34 | India Unbound | march 2020 Statement shows ownership and other particular about newspaper(India Unbound) to be published in the first issue every year after last day of February.
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Address : Office No. 401/ 402, Bldg. No. 86, Happy Home Estate-II, Poonam Sagar, Mira Road (E), Dist. Thane - 401107
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Address : Office No. 401/ 402, Bldg. No. 86, Happy Home Estate-II, Poonam Sagar, Mira Road (E), Dist. Thane - 401107
Editor’s Name : Poonam Nityanand Pandey
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India Unbound | march 2020 | 35 SCIENCE First human ancestors to leave Africa died out in Java, scientists say
he last known resting place of Homo erectus, one of the most successful Thuman ancestors and the first to walk fully upright, has been traced to a floodplain near the longest river on the Indonesian island of Java.
A dozen partial skulls and two shinbones, discovered in a bonebed near the Solo river in the 1930s, but never reliably dated, have now been placed at between 108,000 and 117,000 years old after a comprehensive survey of the site. The age of the remains marks Central Java as Homo erectus’s final stand, and confirms the species as the longest surviving human ancestor by far, its presence stretching across the evolutionary tree for about 1.8m years. “This is the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils at a single site in the world and dating it has always been important,” said Russell Ciochon, an anthropologist at the University of Iowa. “This was a very long-lived species and we have now nailed the date of their last appearance.” Homo erectus racked up a score of firsts. It was the first of our predecessors to have modern human-like body proportions, and may have been the first to cook food. The species emerged in Africa nearly 2m years ago and became the first to leave the continent, spreading across Asia and down into Indonesia. It hung on in Java 36 | India Unbound | March 2020 long after it had vanished elsewhere. The bones belong to a haul of 25,000 mostly animal fossils that were unearthed by Dutch geologists as they excavated the Ngandong terrace, a floodplain along the Solo, between 1931 and 1933. The bones became lodged in the floodplain after being washed downriver, but how the individuals died is unknown. Scientists have long tried to date the site, but have come up with wildly different estimates from 27,000 to half a million years old. With staff from the Institute of Technology in Bandung, Indonesia, the research team spent 16 years dating the site with a panoply of modern techniques. Their work was aided by the grandchildren of one of the Dutch geologists, who provided maps and journals that, once translated into English, pointed to the location of the original bonebed. Writing in the journal Nature, the scientists describe how they worked out the age of the Homo erectus fossils by dating the landscape and new animal fossils excavated from the Ngandong terrace. They dated stalagmites in the caves of nearby mountains to show that the mountains themselves rose up at least half a million years ago and diverted the Solo into the Kendeng hills where the Ngandong terrace sits. Further dating revealed that the Ngandong terrace itself formed between 140,000 and 92,000 years ago. Finally, the researchers located the original bone bed and dug up hundreds more fossils. None belonged to Homo erectus, but rather a smattering of animals from the Ngandong tiger to water buffalo and elephants. The work produced 52 new dates may have mingled with the enigmatic realisation that around 100,000 years for the different parts of the site, Denisovans, an early human known ago, there existed at least seven or eight which Richard Bailey, a researcher at from the cold caves of Siberia, which different hominin species including our Oxford, fed into a computer model. may have reached south-east Asia. own, Homo sapiens. From this complex This weighted the dates according bush of ancestors only one species to the uncertainties of the different The dating shows that Homo emerged, our own, which finally arrived techniques and came up with a final erectus finally went extinct on Java in Java 35,000 years after the last age range for the fossils. when the environment grew warmer and the woodland was replaced by known appearance of Homo erectus.” “Knowing when a species was alive rainforest. But John Hawks, an anthropologist and when they eventually died out is at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, important for understanding where Josephine Joordens, a paleoecologist raised doubts about the identity of the they sit in the evolutionary tree, who at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center fossils. “The question I’m asking is why they interacted with, and why they in Leiden, said it was an “impressive” should we think that these fossils are became extinct,” said Kira Westaway, piece of work. “It’s an important result Homo erectus?” he said. “It’s hard for who co-led the study at Macquarie because it nails down the time span of me to see a population of fossils from University in Sydney. this highly successful, cosmopolitan and long-lasting species,” she said. Java 120,000 years ago and not assume Given the age of the remains, Homo they were probably Denisovan.” erectus did not overlap with Homo Mark Maslin, a researcher at sapiens. But the prehistoric species UCL, said: “Even more exciting is the India Unbound | march 2020 | 37 TRAVEL Malaysia
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It’s known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers such as the iconic, 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers.
Poonam Pandey
3838 | Ind | Indiai aUnbo Unboundund | march | march 2020 2020 < Kuala Lumpur You’ll most likely fly into Kuala Lumpur when traveling to Malaysia, so this one’s a no-brainer. But unlike some other big cities in Asia where travelers arrive and get out of town as soon as possible, Kuala Lumpur is a worthwhile destination of its own. The mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influence means you’ll have no shortage of culinary exploits in Malaysia’s capital city. The cultural diversity is a big part of KL’s allure. Take a short walk or jump on the extensive train network and you can see the delights of numerous cultures. Kuala Lumpur has no shortage of unique neighborhoods to explore. Interesting sights such as the Petronas Towers, the Perdana Lake Gardens, and the Menara KL Tower provide plenty of enjoyable distractions before you head farther afield in Malaysia. < Melaka A quaint city with an abundance of breathtaking sights and rich heritage, Malacca is easy to get around on foot or trishaw to explore the many places that make it unique. As the unofficial historic capital of Malaysia, Malacca’s most prominent contribution to the Malaysian cultural landscape is the Baba- Nyonya or Peranakan culture. Possessing an eclectic blend of customs, traditions, food and lifestyle, the Peranakan still thrives in Malacca with a mix of old and new with historical buildings standing side by side with ultra modern shopping centres. From Ayer Keroh’s lush greenery to the Malacca City’s urban landscape, we have found our top ten places in Malacca that no visitor should leave out on their travel itinerary.
India Unbound | march 2020| 39 < Penang Malaysians are proud of their big island on the west coast — and they should be! The colonial city of Georgetown was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has plenty to offer in the way of museums, a seaside fort, historic homes, and most importantly, a famous street-food scene. Numerous artists have left their marks in the form of murals along the streets of Georgetown. Cafes, shops, and things to do can be found dotted throughout. Penang is considered one of the best places in Southeast Asia to sample delicious street food of all types. The waterfront esplanade known as Gurney Drive in Penang is lined with stalls and eateries for trying local Malay, Chinese, and Indian treats, among others.
< The Perhentian Islands Backpackers and budget travelers love Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands, especially Perhentian Kecil — the smaller of the two islands — where fine sand and excellent snorkeling/diving fill the day before parties start at night. Nearby Perhentian Besar — the big island — caters more to families, couples, and travelers who are willing to spend more to enjoy the blue water and skip some of the partying. Regardless of the island you choose, getting to the Perhentians requires taking a speedboat. There are a few challenges for setting up shop on the islands. The Perhentian Islands are very seasonal. Accommodation can be difficult to find on Perhentian Kecil in July, the peak month, but the islands are mostly empty during the winter months due to rain and stormy seas. 40 | India Unbound | march 2020 < Malacca A quaint city with an abundance of breathtaking sights and rich heritage, Malacca is easy to get around on foot or trishaw to explore the many places that make it unique. As the unofficial historic capital of Malaysia, Malacca’s most prominent contribution to the Malaysian cultural landscape is the Baba-Nyonya or Peranakan culture. Possessing an eclectic blend of customs, traditions, food and lifestyle, the Peranakan still thrives in Malacca with a mix of old and new with historical buildings standing side by side with ultra modern shopping centres. From Ayer Keroh’s lush greenery to the Malacca City’s urban landscape. < Langkawi Island – Land Of Azure Waters The archipelago of Langkawi sits in the Andaman Sea, close to the Malaysian-Thai border. Pulau Langkawi is the largest island of the archipelago and has some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia. The island’s famed aquatic life and its idyllic isolated location mean it is a perfect place to relax in the peace and quiet and enjoy life under the Malaysian sun. on the south coast, to explore Langkawi’s many beautiful tropical beaches. Most of the beaches are situated along the northern and western coasts of the island. Choose between developed and isolated beaches. Pantai Centang offers amenities including restaurants, pubs and beer gardens, while Pantai Kok is sheltered by mountains and forests. If you want to experience the best of both worlds, visit Datai Beach to experience an age-old forest surrounding five-star resorts, spas and of course the white-sand beach. Explore the azure waters with paddleboats and snorkels, which are available for rent. Langkawi also offers many magnificent diving opportunities. Join a dive tour and visit underwater coral reefs teeming with wildlife such as lobsters, barracudas and black-tip reef sharks. Just an hour away from Langkawi Island, Pulau Payar Marine Park is one of the more popular dive sites, but many of the beaches are often completely isolated. Rent a sailing boat and explore one of these untouched beaches at your own pace. The island is also famous for its duty-free shopping and fine dining. Langkawi’s ethnic diversity means that there is a wide variety of foods to choose from. The main settlement of Kuah offers cuisine from all over Asia, including Indian, Thai and Chinese. You can also try a local Malay restaurant or sample some of the delicious local seafood.
India Unbound | march 2020| 41 < Selangor Selangor actually describes Malaysia’s most developed and populated state that leads up to Kuala Lumpur’s urban sprawl. Here you’ll find a Formula One racetrack, the National Zoo of Malaysia, and enormous theme parks including an indoor snow park. Selangor is busy and booming; shopping malls sprawl in many directions. When you can’t possibly shop anymore, head to the nearby Genting Highlands — Malaysia’s version of Vegas perched on top of a mountain. The First World Hotel and Plaza is the world’s largest hotel with 7,351 rooms and a theme park. But Selangor isn’t just about concrete and glowing signs: The famous Batu Caves there are a Hindu shrine with the largest statue of Lord Murugan (the god of war) in the world. The Batu Caves draw large crowds, especially during the Thaipusam holiday.
< Sipadan Island When you’re ready to be wooed by nature, the abundance of fireflies along the river in Kuala Selangor is a dazzling spectacle worth seeing! Having a diverse marine life, Sipadan Island is an abode of natural beauty and stunning landscapes. Apart from being the most common diving spot, Sipadan regularly features in the world’s top 10 diving spots, bringing up the competition with the famous Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. This rich ecosystem has voluminous species of fishes, aquatic animals, and coral reefs. Although Sipadan, allures the people to visit, is not easily accessible for tourist visits. Only if you get a diving permit, then you are all good to visit this captivating world. However, if you fail to visit Sipadan, then the surrounding islands of Mabul and Kapalai (of Malaysia) stands up as the alternative destination. Sipadan is some 45-50 minutes boat ride from these two islands. The permit for your trip to Sipadan can be cataloged into 2 main classifications – one being a diver’s permit, while the other being a non-diver’s permit. Diver’s permit might be hard to get since there is a limit to have only 120 divers per day diving in the waters of Sipadan. The other permit, however, might be obtainable, which will keep in mind of your stay at the island. The longer you wish you to stay, more is the chance to get a permit. 42 | India Unbound | march 2020 < Redang Island The Redang Island is a cluster of 9 islands that form this unique locale for a day tour from the mainland. The Rendang Island Marine Park located near Terengganu State is among the most exciting Malaysia tourist attractions. Tucked near the Perhentian Islands, this charming archipelago attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers who are more into a luxurious holiday than backpacking. Find some of the best hotels and resorts in Malaysia on these islands for a lavish holiday experience. Other than luxury and great views, Redang’s thriving diving scene also makes it one of the most amazing tourist places in Malaysia. Pulau Tioman Pulau Tioman (Tioman Island), situated on the southeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia, quietly lures travelers from both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Although it’s not a small island when compared side by side with some of Southeast Asia’s other islands, Tioman holds plenty of appeal, especially for people who chase marine life for fun. You don’t come to Tioman for a good cappuccino or spa treatment or even decent food. You come to join the giant barracudas on their hunt. Lightly developed beaches are scattered around the coast separated by serious jungle. Harassment by monkeys and python spottings are somewhat common, as is duty-free beer at 50 cents per can. (Same as far away Langkawi, Tioman Island is designated as a duty-free island.) Like other islands that require some effort to reach, Pulau Tioman rewards visitors with that rough-and-tumble tropical island feel.
India Unbound | march 2020| 43 44 | India Unbound | march 2020 Suresh Shukla
Hyundai gave us a glimpse of what the now and gets a coupe-like design new generation i20 will look like by putting because of the sharply-styled C-pillar out some sketches of the car. Now ahead of The rear section shows some the massive its global debut at the 2020 Geneva Motor new wraparound LED taillights on the new Show, pictures of the new-gen model have generation Hyundai i20 with a massive he new- leaked and those give us a peek into what diffuser integrated into the bumper and a generation exactly the car will look like. The i20 has been heavily styled boot-lid. The images also Hyundai a strong seller for the company, not only in reveal a dual-tone finish with the blacked- T India but globally and the new-generation out roof and ORVMs on the hatchback. i20 sports model promises to offer more in terms of The interior on the new generation a massive looks, technology and driver engagement. Hyundai i20 hasn’t been revealed yet but The new generation Hyundai Creta the hatchback is expected to receive a cascading grille has finally made its India debut at the complete overhaul with the dual 10.25-inch at the front with 2020 Auto Expo and the car looks digital screens for the instrument console large air intakes radically new over the predecessor, and infotainment system. The cabin will while sporting larger proportions, new level up in terms of build quality and the at either end. features and new powertrain options. features as well, and expect the car to The headlamps The New-Gen Hyundai i20 will make its wireless charging, BlueLink connected tech, global debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2020 leather seats and more. Expect Hyundai look sharp The new-generation Hyundai i20 sports to liberate more room in the cabin as and they look a massive cascading grille at the front well with the new model that will improve with large air intakes at either end. The legroom and shoulder room in the cabin. identical to the headlamps look sharp and they look identical Engine options too are yet to be revealed new Sonata in to the new Sonata in terms of design. and the Euro-spec version is expected to terms of design. There’s the signature LED DRLs while the get the new 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, bonnet gets a number of muscular elements. along with the existing naturally-aspirated The sharply-styled C-pillar with coupe- engines on offer. Complete details on the like roofline gives it a more streamlined powertrain is expected when the model appearance, and it does look like a hot hatch. arrives at Geneva. New-Gen Hyundai i20 looks longer
46 | India Unbound | march 2020 Lakhan Chadiwal Bajaj Auto launches Husqvarna Bikes ajaj Auto on February 25 announced prices of the Husqvarna twins in India – Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250 – with introductory prices Bstarting at Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Swedish premium motorcycle maximum power of 30ps. for style and don’t want a compromise brand, which is one of the oldest It has a lightweight steel trellis frame between performance and elegant motorcycle brands in the world, is for responsive handling, WP APEX design. We look forward to see part of the KTM Group and has been suspension with upside down forks, Husqvarna replicate the success brought to India by Bajaj Auto to Bosch Dual Channel ABS system, of KTM motorcycles by targeting complement the KTM range of bikes. LED headlight and taillight, 17” cast a different and a complementary Husqvarna Motorcycles will be sold aluminium wheels. The bikes weigh consumer segment”, added Sharma. from the KTM showrooms, which have 153 and 154 kg and has a fuel tank Bajaj Auto through its Probiking been upgraded to sell both KTM and capacity of 9.5 litres. business unit launched KTM Husqvarna brands. Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, motorcycles in India in 2012. KTM has From early next month, the Husqvarna Bajaj Auto said “The premium sold over 250,000 units since launch. twins will be available at 100 motorcycle segment has seen a Last year, India became the largest showrooms across 45 cities. Over strong growth in India over the last market for KTM globally and in return the next five months the footprint five years of almost 19 percent CAGR, helped KTM become the World’s will expand to almost 400 KTM with two broad classes of motorcycles number 1 premium performance showrooms across 275 towns. - sporty high-performance motorcycles motorcycle brand by volume. Bajaj The 250 cc machines feature a fuel and lifestyle motorcycles with limited Auto plans to replicate the success of injected, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, performance.” KTM with Husqvarna motorcycles by 4-stroke DOHC engine that produces “The Husqvarnas are meant for targeting the lifestyle segment. punchy torque. The two Husqvarnas progressive riders who have an sport 248.8cc engines generating evolved taste, a strong appreciation India Unbound | march 2020 | 47 Gadgets
Skagen Falster 3 Smartwatch launched in India
Purvaja ubbed as Skagen Falster 3, the smartwatch comes with a price tag of Rs 21,995 and Dit is available for purchase from leading retail stores across the country. Skagen in partnership with X by Kygo has announced the launch of its latest smartwatch in India. Dubbed as Skagen Falster 3, the smartwatch comes with a price tag of Rs 21,995 and it is available for purchase from leading retail stores across the country.
The Falster 3 will sport four styles inclusive of a The Skagen Falster 3 smartwatch comes with Tiles that limited edition style designed in partnership with provide information at a glance. One can swipe left to access X by KYGO brand. The smartwatch comes with a quick actions and information. One can fitness goals, start speaker, meaning that users can take calls on their a workout, know where you need to be next, plan ahead smartwatch. The speaker is swim-proof and it comes with the latest forecast, check heart rate, follow the latest with a microphone through which one can interact with breaking headlines, and even set a timer. The smarwatch Google Assistant. One can also play music directly on the comes with 8GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM. It smartwatch. The smartwatch runs on Wear OS by Google. also features Cardiogram, which visualizes heart rate data The company claims that the smartwatch comes with into interactive charts that can be tagged with activities Extended Battery mode where users can extend to from your day, helping users identify what could contribute multiple days on a single charge. The ‘Daily Mode’ allows to spikes and dips in their heart rate. The smarwatch also users to experience most features enabled, such as an features heart rate tracking, untethered GPS, NFC for always-on screen. ‘Custom Mode’ allows users to easily Google Pay, and Rapid Charging. It comes with 42mm case manage battery optimization settings themselves. Then and it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 there is ‘Time-Only Mode’ that provides additional platform. The smartwatch is compatible with both iOS and hours when the watch has a low battery. Advertisement Android platforms. 48 | India Unbound | march 2020 WiFi Light Bulb Security Camera ecurity cameras can come in handy Sduring many scenarios, especially when you have children running around your home while you’re gone. Unfortunately, in most situations, being able to see the camera renders them useless. If I were planning to do something I wasn’t supposed to and I could see the camera, I would just simply avoid it. That’s just one of the many scenarios where having hidden cameras can come in handy.
Santosh Naik
Cameras can also be a great way to check in on someone. For senior citizens living on their own, it’s always a good idea to have some type of alert pendant that sends for help in an emergency, but what if they lose consciousness and can’t trigger an alert? Putting up some light bulb cameras in common living areas is a great way to check in on them but it is important to try and find the best light bulbs.If you do need cameras in your home, there really isn’t a more convenient way to install them than by screwing in a light bulb, otherwise known as light bulb security cameras. It’s no wonder that these bulbs are growing in popularity. But as always, with the growing demand, more and more companies are producing WiFi light bulb cameras. So what is the best light bulbs?Features to Consider < Panoramic View Having a security camera wouldn’t be much use if you could only see small sections of a room at a time. Fortunately, 360° panoramic cameras are pretty common these days and have changed security cameras forever. Gone are the days where cameras had to pan back and forth, creating blind spots.
