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Vol. 15 Issue 32 Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 $1 www.thesouthasianinsider. com, [email protected]

STORY

ON page 30

WhyWhy IndianIndian mediamedia can’tcan’t STORY emulateemulate thethe USUS ON page 18 mediamedia

STORY

ON page NASA Wowed With Mars landing 18 26/11: We are The healthiest nations in the world: Report of 149 countries better prepared (Insider Bureau): The world's healthiest and unhealthiest countries have been revealed in a global league table.Singapore topped the charts of 149 countries followed by Luxembourg, while the bottom ten consisted solely of African nations. The UK, US and Australia did not feature in the top ten, according to the research by the Legatum Institute.Experts have today warned health improvements are starting to 'flat-line' - despite advances in recent decades.The STORY report, published today, ON page judged countries 19 (Contd on Page 19) Low Cost Insurance *Business *Liability *Disability *Workers Comp. *E & O *Auto *Home

Tel :917-612-3158 (See Full Page Advt. on Page 32) Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 COMMUNITY 2 150 Years of Mahatma Gandhi Celebration on Capitol Hill

New York (By Our Staff Reporter) Representatives of the partner Embassy of India, as part of the Indian-American community two-year celebrations marking organizations - Dr. Bharat Barai, the 150th birth anniversary of Srimati Karuna from the Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi, came Memorial Center, Ms. Amy together with various Indian- Hariani of the US-India Business American community Council, Mr. Bhupesh Mehta from organizations, to celebrate the Jain International Trade 150 Years of Mahatma Organization, Mr. Nissim Gandhi on Capitol Hill on Reuben Assistant Director at November 27, 2018. The the American Jewish event began with lighting of Committee and Ms. Mansi ceremonial lamp 'Diya' Patel from Indiaspora also followed by remarks by addressed the gathering. Ambassador Navtej Sarna, The event was well-attended by Members of Congress - Members of Congress, Representatives Ami Bera(D- Congressional staff, Indian- CA), David Schweikert(R-AZ), American community and Raja Krishnamoorthi(D-Il). representatives from the media. Upset Hindus urge Nordstrom to withdraw Lord Shiva vase & apologize (Seattle) By our staff reporter- Upset Zed, who is President of Universal attempts at trivializing it hurt the Hindus are urging Seattle Society of Hinduism, also urged followers, Zed added. headquartered luxury department Nordstrom Co-Presidents—Blake W. Shiva Ceramic Vase, described on stores chain Nordstrom for immediate Nordstrom, Peter E. Nordstrom, Erik Nordstrom website as— “this curvy, withdrawal of erect penis shaped vase B. Nordstrom—to offer a formal iconic vase in blush-pink ceramic named after Hindu deity Shiva; calling apology. makes a marvelous showcase for a it highly inappropriate. Hinduism was the oldest and third spray of blooms.”, was priced at $600. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a largest religion of the world with about Lord Shiva, along with Lord Brahma statement in Nevada today, said that 1.1 billion adherents and a rich and Lord Vishnu, forms the great triad Lord Shiva and Shivalinga were highly philosophical thought and it should not of Hindu deities. There are about three revered in Hinduism and were meant be taken frivolously. Symbols of any million Hindus in USA. to be worshipped in temples or home faith, larger or smaller, should not be Publicly traded Nordstrom, Inc.; with shrines and not used as a vase for mishandled, Rajan Zed noted. 380 stores in 40 states, Canada and holding cut flowers, which might end Zed further said that such trivialization Puerto Rico; and serving 96 countries up as a decoration in toilet/bathroom/ of Hindu deity was disturbing to the online through Nordstrom.com; etc. Inappropriate usage of Hindu Hindus world over. Hindus were for free claims to be “a leading fashion retailer deities or concepts or symbols for artistic expression and speech as offering compelling clothing, shoes “Fashion changes. Shopping commercial or other agenda was not much as anybody else if not more. But and accessories for men, women and changes. Our commitment to happy okay as it hurts the devotees. faith was something sacred and children”. Founded in 1901, it states: customers doesn't.” Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 3 Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 4 Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 5 Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 OP-ED 6 Jaitley has restored the equilibrium between the government and RBI Jaitley has shown the necessary determination and ability to reduce fiscal deficit from minus 4.48% in 2013 to minus 3.53% in 2017. He said, publicly, on 24 November, “We don’t need any extra funds from any other institution to finance our fiscal deficit...I don’t need it.” But economic growth, he added, must not be stalled by restricting credit and liquidity. Success, as the saying potential dilution of RBI’s stability while keeping in goes, has a thousand “independence” as mind the objective of fathers and failure “potentially catastrophic” growth”. languishes as an orphan. the stage seemed set for Ideally one should not be But in contemporary media an extended confrontation at the cost of the other. And it is the problem which between RBI and this is where the Modi feeds frenetic headlines government over enhanced government’s track record, while the solution, or liquidity for the small and managed by its finance resolution, merely gets a medium sector, a key minister, became a passing nod before the focus point of Prime persuasive part of the collective rush to the next Minister Narendra Modi’s administration argument. tangle.The deft, cool and vision for higher economic By 2013 inflation had coordinated manner in growth.RBI seemed to spiralled to 10.92%. This which finance minister prefer a more conservative was whittled to 6.37% in Arun Jaitley finessed and view of its autonomy and 2014, 5.88% in 2015, and then defused what could mandate, arguing that 4.97% in 2017. In other on the eve of an election is fiscal deficit...I don’t need debate. The Congress, have blown up into the “price stability” was its words, inflation control has a trifle absurd. it.” But economic growth, which seems to be in crisis of this winter, with primary concern and that been one of the great Similarly, Jaitley has he added, must not be autocue mood, reacting debris flying into the next fiscal prudence required a success stories of this shown the necessary stalled by restricting credit first and thinking later, general election, has leash on its massive administration. A careful determination and ability to and liquidity.Public life is decided to become a thereby received less reserves, currently circa Rs government rather than a reduce fiscal deficit from what it says on the tin: champion of RBI credit than it merited. 9.59 lakh crore. RBI’s role profligate one was asking minus 4.48% in 2013 to public. Jaitley knew that it “independence”.One The omens were not happy. in curbing inflation is well for greater liquidity. To minus 3.53% in 2017. He was not enough to win his serious problem that has When Viral Acharya, known, not least because imply that the prime said, publicly, on November case in the framework of arisen has been propelled deputy governor of the it reminds us of it so often. minister or the finance 24 , “We don’t need any power. He also had to win by what should be called a Reserve Bank of India, lit a But its mandate is more minister would damage extra funds from any other the argument in the slow transference of fuse by describing any than that: “to maintain price such hard-won credibility institution to finance our roofless arena of political meaning. To fix the unemployment problem, India must strengthen the manufacturing sector

Efforts to reduce the trade deficits must correct the imbalance between domestic absorption and domestic production; and manufacturing-led growth can ensure this

The Labour Bureau’s last the UR for those who are become an engine of job strong multiplier effect, household survey (2015- not literate and are literate creation. Unlike other manufacturing has the 16) reports India’s below primary level was countries at similar levels potential to generate faster unemployment rate at less than 1% in 2015-16. of development, India has growth of employment in the 3.6% (by the Usual A further disaggregated achieved spectacular organised sector than the Principal Subsidiary Status analysis of UR by age and growth rates without services sector. Apart from definition), a figure lower educational qualification witnessing growth of its generating direct than that of several shows that UR for youth manufacturing sector. The employment, rapid advanced economies. So with graduate degrees and share of manufacturing in manufacturing growth drives why are jobs such a hot postgraduate and above GDP and employment has rapid growth of employment button issue?Dig a bit degrees was close to remained virtually stagnant at in other sectors too, as the deeper and startling facts 30%. These statistics 15% and 12% respectively production processes in emerge. An examination of reflect that India’s youth, over the past three decades. manufacturing increase the services) that has led to that automation and unemployment rates (UR) and the educated ones in The rapid service-led growth demand for raw materials, unsustainably large trade robotics will spell the end across different age groups particular, face a serious experience over the last energy, construction and deficits. Services exports of manufacturing jobs. shows that UR for the youth employment crisis — a decade has lent credence to services from a broad array simply cannot finance the While it is true that workers (age group 15-29 years) predicament that is only the belief that not only has of supplying industries. required goods imports. A are likely to be displaced stood at 10.3%, likely to exacerbate as the India leapfrogged the phase Additionally, manufacturing country cannot trade by technological changes, considerably higher than young population gets of manufacturing-led activity raises growth of services for most of its goods. it is also true that several that for the older job more educated. India’s development and set out its non traded services Efforts to reduce the trade new tasks and occupations seekers (30-59 years) at educated aspirational own idiosyncratic path of through the income effect. deficits must correct this will emerge, thereby 1%. Additionally, detailed youth are seeking well structural transformation, but The India Employment imbalance between domestic creating a reinstatement analysis of the UR across paying productive jobs also that the idea of Report (2016) identifies absorption and domestic effect. Importantly, in different educational commensurate with their manufacturing-led growth is another compelling reason production; and developing countries such categories shows that the educational qualifications. obsolete . This could not be for making a transition from manufacturing-led growth as India, where labour UR increases with So where will these further from the truth. service-led growth to can ensure this. As India’s costs are still relatively low educational qualifications. productive jobs come Manufacturing generates the manufacturing-led growth. trade and current account and there are significant The UR for those with from?India’s inability to strongest forward and Services-led growth has deficit widens, this issue financial costs associated with graduate and post create productive jobs for backward linkages across created a large imbalance becomes more pertinent adopting and implementing graduate (and above) its rapidly rising young other sectors of the economy, between domestic than ever before. There new technologies, the pace of degrees was significantly workforce stems largely which are important absorption (requiring mainly are many who argue that automation is likely to be high at 13.7% and 12.5% from the failure of its transmission links to growth goods) and domestic India has missed the slower than in the advanced respectively. In contrast, manufacturing sector to and job creation. With a production (of mainly manufacturing bus and world. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 EDITORIAL 7 The Election Commission can only be a neutral umpire The BJP?must not allow the festering Political parties across the the five weeks of polling in There was another ‘non- board have one mantra 2009. Similarly, over force’ option that had been once elections are 51,000 still cameras were tried and tested to good Ayodhya issue to get out of hand declared: winnability. also employed to effect. In the commission, 2018 isn’t 1992, but it’s During my years in the photograph all those who we called it “vulnerability hard to ignore the Election Commission, I entered ‘sensitive’ polling mapping”. Its genesis was significant intensification in asked many leaders why stations. This as follows. During the clamour for a Ram temple they gave tickets to comprehensive record of course of our preparations at Ayodhya over the past contestants with criminal events was used as for the Assembly election few months. A big show of antecedents and did not evidence in the event of any in UP in 2007, our officials strength by the Vishwa prefer clean candidates. election petition that was reported that there were Hindu Parishad, the They would avoid my filed. The Returning several pockets of persons Rashtriya Swayamsevak question or say they would Officers/ District that were ‘unable’ to vote Sangh affiliate in Ayodhya be prepared to discuss it Magistrates were made to in earlier elections. We on November 25 is to be after elections were over. ensure that all films or dispatched observers to followed by another event According to the figures photographic evidence find out why. The reason in the capital on November soft-Hindutva . Other brought upon the court to compiled by the remained safe in their actually stared us in the 9. From the RSS to the parties, barring the All India push the case to after the Association of Democratic protective custody for six face, but we had not VHP to even the Shiv Sena, Masjlis-e-Ittehadul 2019 Lok Sabha election. Reforms (ADR), the months after the election. recognised it. It was various groups and parties Muslimeen, have also Meanwhile, the Uttar ongoing elections display Nor was this all. We also caused thus. The locality have become aggressive in steered clear of the issue. Pradesh state and the the same trend. Criminality devised a new strategy of in question often belonged their assertions that a There are reports now that central government (both among candidates placing ‘micro observers’ at to scheduled caste temple has to be built. some Muslims have BJP ones) have to ensure continues in the elections ‘very sensitive’ polling dwellers. The polling The Bharatiya Janata started moving out of that as much as they underway in five states. stations, where candidates station was often at the Party’s President Amit Ayodhya. There has also support the cause of a ADR has compiled figures apprehended that there other end of the village or Shah has said his party will been a lot of talk about how Ram temple, they have to for three. In Chhatisgarh, may be trouble. These in another village. Since wait for the Supreme the temple has divine ensure that law and order 130 candidates of 1079 micro observers were they had to walk through Court’s January hearing sanction and will come up is maintained. For the face criminal cases, of placed under the charge of upper caste areas, they but that it would have built irrespective of what the BJP, this is a real test. whom 90 have been senior Observers. It may be were often intimidated on a temple in Ayodhya long Supreme Court rules. The temple is an emotive involved in heinous crimes. recalled that the Observers, the way. We prepared a ago if it had its way. The The Supreme Court will issue with a large cohort In Madhya Pradesh, 41% senior officials of the rank of survey in the run up to the Shiv Sena, the BJP’s hear the case as a title of its constituents. Yet, of recontesting Congress Joint secretary to the Assembly election and fractious alliance partner, dispute, which is as it if it pushes an ordinance candidates and 71% of Government of India, were first found that about 25000 has said that the outcome should be, but its decision at this stage, it would BJP face criminal cases. In deployed by TN Seshan. For hamlets, or parts of them, of the 2019 elections to hear the case in January just be giving opponents Mizoram, 4% of the the 2009 general elections, were not casting their hinges on the building of (and not October as it was a convenient political candidates have declared almost 2000 observers were votes. the temple. And RSS chief supposed to) has, in some handle to beat it with. For their criminal cases, of posted on duty almost one We had the two choices. Mohan Bhagwat has said ways, resulted in all parties now, all it can do is hope which half are for serious month before election day. The first was to relocate the the time for patience is concerned upping the ante. that the clamour for a offences. Micro-observers were junior existing polling station to over. Indeed, even the Prime temple does not get out When I was CEC, in government servants usually a more central spot. But a The Congress, for its part, Minister, in an election of hand and that the preparation for the 2009 drawn from the state (but not shift required the approval has been soft pedalling the campaign meeting, alleged court resolves the issue general elections, the from the districts where the of all in the fray. The second issue with its embrace of that pressure is being soon. commission established a elections were taking place). was to allow the poll station number of ‘non force’ steps They were stationed at a to remain, and instead to create a level playing single (or a small cluster) of create an “auxiliary” station field, and keep violence and booths, for the entire duration on the doorstep of the intimidation at bay. Not all of polling day, where the “deprived” areas. This is candidates belonged to commission apprehended what we did. Many established political parties that there may be violence or families voted without fear ISSN No. 1554 06X that had electoral large scale impersonation or for the first time in years. Editor in Chief & Publisher : machines backing them. some other equally disturbing We perfected this. By the Sharanjit Singh Thind Independent candidates, development. Observers are 2009 general elections, we Editor (Political Affairs-India) : too, required the protection invariably drawn from other put up over 100,000 Aruna Singh of the commission. states and, therefore, have no auxiliary stations Chief Photographer : Vijay Shah Special Correspondent : These included a first time local ties. We employed over throughout the country. It Photographers: Hamad Gagandeep Singh (INDIA) use of extensive 2000 observers and over created a quiet revolution. Editorial Intern: Roubin Singh Thind Web Coordinator : Harpreet Singh videography. Whichever 50000 micro-observers during The commission tries hard candidate, irrespective of the polls. If 2009 was deemed to level the playing field, by A Publication of Media Partners Capital, Inc. party, pointed to polling both nationally and upholding the Model Code stations where they internationally as a peaceful of Conduct as a fair umpire REGD & MAILING OFFICE : harboured fears of election, then these were should. It has tried over long intimidation or trouble, the some of the contributing years to ban criminality from P.O Box 7005 Hicksville New York 11801 commission reviewed the factors. the electoral maidan, but that ground situation. If they Importantly, these requires laws to be amended. Phone: 917 612 3158 TelFax : 516 342 1076 were categorised as measures undertaken Only Parliament can do that. [email protected], [email protected] “sensitive”, we provided continue to be maintained Till that happens, the www.thesouthasianinsider.com video cameras to record the by the commission. commission had been Disclaimer The South Asian Insider is a weekly newspaper published every week by The South Asian Insider. It's available in entire polling process on Political parties and successful in outlawing community & religious centers, ethnic grocery stores and also available by mail, email & online to subscribers. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various writers, authors and forum participants in The South Asian Insider do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints polling day. Over 80,000 candidates alike are erstwhile practices of booth of the Editor. All advertisers advertising in The South Asian Insider assume responsibility for accuracy of their advertisements. 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We are in the business of selling space and claims made by the advertisers are not authenticated or confirmed by an independent source Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 OPINION 8 The John Chau episode shows India’s internal security is porous The ease with which US evangelist John A Chau evaded onshore and offshore checks is shocking sThe unlawful, and fatal, peaceful, self-contented world of a refugee father who fled China expedition of a young American might have exposed the during the Cultural Revolution and evangelist adventurer to a remote Sentinelese — with no resistance converted to Christianity in the island that is home to the world’s to outsiders’ common diseases US, Chau described in his notes last known pre-Neolithic tribe has and already on the brink of how he hid from Indian coastal highlighted India’s lax internal extinction — to deadly patrols under cover of darkness security controls and the threat pathogens. One crazed man’s to make his criminal forays into to endangered indigenous conduct may have put an entire an island forbidden even to communities from interlopers. tribe’s survival at risk. Indians and Indian forces. The episode also casts an On his first intrusion into their The ease with which he broke unflattering light on the ministry North Sentinel Island, the Indian laws and evaded onshore After the ravages of British Chau, instead of applying for a of home affairs (MHA), which, to Sentinelese, setting an example and offshore checks is a sad colonial rule, when the missionary visa, abused India’s cover up its lapses, has sought for the so-called civilised world, commentary on India’s internal archipelago’s aboriginal e-visa on arrival system for to obscure the truth. did not subject Chau to Abu security. The Andaman and communities were tourists by hiding his real Although lionised as a martyr in Ghraib-style torture or even Nicobar (A&N) chain is a critical systematically decimated, only purpose. He neither registered the US evangelical media, John detain him. Yet, undeterred by asset for India’s national some tribes still survive. But their with the Foreigners Regional Allen Chau was a wilful intruder. the tribe’s warning not to return, security. Located just northwest member numbers are dwindling. Registration Office nor sought the He trespassed on a prohibited a recalcitrant Chau over the next of the Malacca Strait, the For example, the Jarawas, one mandatory permission under the island to impose his religion on two days repeatedly came back archipelago offers India control of of the first tribes to fall prey to separate aborigine and forest a tiny, highly endangered tribe to the island, disparaging it as a chokepoint that is China’s British excesses, are vanishing, protection laws before whose seclusion and privacy are “Satan’s last stronghold”, greatest maritime vulnerability. in an example of how contact with undertaking a mission he plotted legally protected. Worse still, his according to his own diary notes, A&N is also home to some of the outsiders can doom an through previous A&N visits. Yet, repeated intrusions into their released by his mother. The son world’s most endangered tribes. indigenous community. in isolated but militarily sensitive Madhya Pradesh assembly election 2018: Will corruption, rural anger hurt BJP in the state?

The 2013 Madhya Pradesh might not happen.Arithmetic development is a common view elections were part of the poll- shows that the Congress has a across the state.These two cycle which marked the lot of ground to make up vis-à- factors not withstanding, the BJP beginning of the Modi wave. The vis the BJP. The latter won 165 will do well not to be complacent. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) got seats in the 2013 elections, with There is a broad narrative among two-thirds majority in the state. an extraordinary strike rate of voters, Congress and BJP That is not the case anymore. 72%. The average vote share of supporters alike, that the BJP Takkar (contest) has replaced the BJP was 45% compared to government has been infiltrated hawa (wave) as the one-word 36% for the Congress.Shivraj by highly corrupt and non- descriptor for the November 28 Singh Chouhan is also relying on performing local actors including election. However, most BJP positive chemistry. Entrenched MLAs. Shivraj agar jaroori hai to workers we spoke to in Madhya memories of poor provision of vidhayak majboori hai (The MLA Pradesh are confident that the public goods such as electricity is a compromise, if you want to what was seen in Gujarat, is likely Even in MP, the BJP has had a party will be able to pull off a and roads under the Digvijaya see Shivraj as the chief minister) to add to the headwinds from better foothold in urban seats. Gujarat-2017 like performance, Singh-led Congress government is the common narrative among local level anti-incumbency for Statistics provided by the Trivedi where the BJP’s seats came between 1998 and 2003 continue BJP workers across the state. the ruling party. In Gujarat, 2017, Centre for Political Data (TCPD) down but the party retained its to haunt the opposition. Even That the BJP has dropped 53 of the Congress actually won a at Ashoka University, show that majority, in Madhya Pradesh Congress supporters across the its sitting MLAs (from a house of majority in rural areas, winning the BJP had a strike rate of 93% 2018. There are good reasons, states agreed that Singh’s tenure 230) this time corroborates this 67 out of the 126 rural seats in in urban seats in Madhya Pradesh rooted in both arithmetic and was a disaster for the party. That narrative. Widespread rural the state. It was urban seats compared to just 69% in rural seats chemistry, why this might or 15 years of BJP rule have led to distress in the state, similar to which saved the BJP in the state. in the 2013 elections. India needs a renewed debate on federalism The controversy surrounding framework through which Centre- elections as if they were governor, charged with mediating about India’s federal architecture Governor Satyapal Malik’s decision state relations are negotiated. choosing their prime minister; in the federal bargain, have become and its ability to keep New Delhi’s to dissolve the Jammu and Kashmir The BJPs emergence as the the 1990s, voters began to vote an important instrument through centralising impulses in check. assembly — the dubious reasoning dominant single party in 2014 and for the Lok Sabha as if they were which this goal of recentralisation Adopted in the aftermath of Partition, offered and the many questions this its subsequent consolidation of choosing their chief minister. is being fulfilled. From Delhi to our federal system is designed to raised about New Delhi’s role political power across India, after With state dynamics dominating Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand have a strong centre or “quasi federal” (including Tuesday’s revelations that decades of coalition national politics, power, too, and now J&K, the office of the character where the Centre has the decision was made to avoid governments and regionalisation shifted away from Delhi. governor is being routinely used wide-ranging powers including the interference from New Delhi) — of politics, marked a turning point 2014 marked the first reversal of to impose New Delhi’s political imposition of President’s Rule (PR). raises important questions about in India’s federal trajectory. Since this trend. In these past four will and encroach on state While necessary in 1947, this quasi the evolving nature of Centre-state the 1990s, regional political years, the BJP has actively autonomy. It isn’t just the BJP. federal character has proved limited relations and the dangers of the parties began to play a significant sought to use its dominance in The precedent was set by the in its ability to curtail Central Modi government’s deep centrist role in reshaping India’s federal Delhi to recentralise political Congress, which missed no overreach, especially with single bias. It also highlights the urgent character. As Yogendra Yadav discourse and reassert New opportunity to use the office of party dominant national need for a renewed political debate argued, voters in the 1970s and Delhi’s power. Constitutional the governor for political gains. governments, highlighting the on federalism and the institutional 1980s voted in the assembly authorities, in particular the This raises a critical question urgency of reform. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 9 Vijay Mallya is ready to pay his dues, lawyer tells PMLA court Vijay Mallya — who is currently in London— has so far neither appeared in court, nor submitted any undertaking indicating he would join the process of law in India, the ED’s counsel, DP Singh, told the court. Vijay Mallya is willing to sign con- clare Mallya a fugitive economic Mallya’s lawyer, Amit Desai, how- sent terms with the Indian gov- offender and confiscate his prop- ever argued that confiscating ernment about paying his dues erties in India. properties would not help authori- to creditors, the businessman’s Mallya — who is currently in Lon- ties, as the properties would all lawyer told a special Prevention don — has so far neither ap- end up in the consolidated funds of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) peared in court, nor submitted of the government, and no one court on Thursday. any undertaking indicating he would have a claim over The PMLA court began hearing a would join the process of law in them.“The rights of creditors plea by the Enforcement Direc- India, the ED’s counsel, DP would go. Further, all the pro- torate (ED), which wants to de- Singh, told the court. ceedings before various forums Anti-Sterlite protests: CBI books unnamed

TN cops, officials for conspiracy, dacoity and tribunals initiated by banks ED wants to confiscate the prop- (Insider Bureau): The Central Bureau of Inves- the state’s inaction against the police.The CBI and the accused, over the rights erties. tigation (CBI) on Thursday filed its second has slapped charges of criminal conspiracy, to the properties, would also be But, Desai pointed out that the First Information Report (FIR) against uniden- robbery, dacoity and disobeying the law to infructuous,” said Desai, add- act doesn’t apply to Mallya. “The tified police and revenue department officials cause injury against the unidentified police ing that the creditors and other confiscation will be in retrospect. in connection with the May 22 firing on anti- and revenue department officials allegedly re- interested parties would be In general law, the properties of Sterlite protestors in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi sponsible for the firing.The case has been reg- made to “run pillar to post to an accused are confiscated only district. As many as 13 people were killed in the istered on the basis of the CPI (Marxist) district claim their money ”. after he is held guilty of the crime. firing on residents protesting against the proposed secretary K Arjunan’s complaint. “Perusal of writ- expansion of a Sterlite copper plant over pollution ten complaint dated May 29, 2018, discloses prima ED’s counsel, Singh, however Here, under this law, Mallya has concerns. The first FIR in the case was regis- facie commission of offence...by unknown per- clarified that the centre only not even been tried, not a single tered on October 8. HT has seen the FIR, which sons and public servants from police and revenue becomes an administrator of witness has been examined, and was filed following the Madras HC’s August department,” the FIR said.The 13 people were the assets, according to the we are jumping to attach his prop- 14 order asking the CBI to probe the firing killed when the police fired on the protestors on rules of the Fugitive Economic erties,” Desai argued. “What if, within four months. The court had questioned the 100th day of protests seeking plant’s closure. Offenders’ Act, under which the tomorrow, Mallya is acquitted?” Government can’t remove CBI chief midterm, Alok Verma tells court The case in the Supreme the former’s responsibility argued that the transfer Court over the government was to only recommend a should not have happened divesting Central Bureau of suitable candidate with the without consulting the com- Investigation (CBI) director final appointment being mittee. Responding to a Alok Verma of his powers made by the government. query from Justice KM Jo- saw arguments on Thurs- “The committee selects a seph on whether the com- day between the petitioners group of candidates for the mittee should be involved (including Verma) and the appointment of director of even if the “CBI director is government (represented CBI, and puts it up before caught red-handed” , by the attorney general) on the government. Then it is Nariman said that should the scope of powers of the the government which ap- be the case.Verma and his selection committee that points the right candidate deputy at the agency, spe- appoints the CBI chief and out of these; selection does cial director Rakesh whether divesting the CBI not mean appointment,” Asthana, were both divested chief of his powers was tan- Venugopal said. of their powers on the night tamount to transferring him. Fali S Nariman, who ap- of October 23 after an Defending the government’s peared for Verma, said, internecine battle between decision, attorney general “The legal provision dealing the two threw the agency KK Venugopal said that with conditions and terms into chaos. After Verma the central government was of service of CBI director contested this legally, the the appointing authority in mandates that any such Supreme Court asked the the case of the CBI direc- move can only be made Central Vigilance Commis- tor and it was not incum- with the approval of the sion, which was probing a bent upon it to consult the selection committee. complaint against Verma selection committee con- How could the govern- by Asthana, to complete sisting of the Prime Minis- ment divest Alok Verma this within two weeks. ter, the leader of Opposition of his powers without The attorney general also and the Chief Justice of In- convening the said that Verma re- dia (CJI) before divesting committee’s meeting? If mained the CBI director: him of powers. Drawing a this is allowed, what hap- “Verma stays in the distinction between the pens to the autonomy and house marked for the CBI roles played by the selec- independence of CBI.” Se- director and also enjoys tion committee and the ap- nior advocate Dushyant all the perks associated pointing authority, Dave representing Com- with his position, so where Venugopal contended that mon Cause, an NGO, also is the question of transfer?”. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 10 Pak Army chief’s handshake with pro-Khalistan leader at Kartarpur corridor event triggers row Indian officials refused to formally comment on it, but said this was part of a game being played by Pakistan and rued that a religious occasion of such significance was being “manipulated” for such a purpose. Pakistan on Wednesday the venue irrespective of Punjab province was Pannun told Hindustan Times justified its army chief Gen identity”.On Twitter, the attended by federal and that the opening of the corridor Qamar Javed Bajwa military’s media wing provincial ministers and will allow the group access to greeting pro-Khalistan spokesperson, Major foreign dignitaries. a much larger number of leader Gopal Singh Chawla General Asif Ghafoor, said: In Canada, the pro- pilgrims from India at Kartarpur on the sidelines of the “Indian media taking a Khalistan group, Sikhs for Sahib than would be possible Kartarpur corridor myopic view is selectively Justice (SFJ), has at the more distant Nankana groundbreaking ceremony showing Mr Gopal Chawla announced that it plans to Sahib. after a video emerged of the meeting COAS. Army Chief hold a convention to “Because now they have given two men shaking hands. met all guests at the venue espouse the secessionist access, people will come to Nanak.Read: Kartarpur Lahore will “coordinate” Chawla, known to be one irrespective of identity. A 2020 Referendum Kartarpur Sahib. They will event a showcase for registration of “voters” for of the main propagators of peace initiative should not campaign, announced in not be allowed to visit Navjot Sidhu-Imran Khan the non-binding referendum the Sikh movement that be subjected to London in August this Nankana Sahib so we will bromance Indian officials on creating a separate seeks a separate propaganda.”Chawla is a year, at Kartarpur Sahib in have to do the convention refused to formally nation of Khalistan. SFJ homeland for the senior leader of the Pakistan if the proposed at Kartarpur Sahib,” comment on this latest also plans to sponsor and community, has earlier Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara corridor for Sikh pilgrims Pannun said. In case the provocative move by host 10,000 Sikhs from stopped Indian diplomats Prabhandak Committee between India and corridor is not open, SFJ will SFJ, but said this was Punjab at the convention to from visiting a gurudwara in (PSGPC), and he was Pakistan is functional by revert to the original plan part of a game being “be educated and informed Lahore. He is believed to invited to all events involving then.While the original plan of holding the convention played by Pakistan and about Sikhs’ right to self- have ties to terrorist Hafiz the Sikh community, a was to hold a major event at at Nanakana Sahib.The rued that a religious determination under the UN Saeed, who is wanted in Pakistani official told news Nankana Sahib, the convention is being timed occasion of such Charter and Conventions” India. A spokesperson for agency Press Trust of India. birthplace of Guru Nanak, the to coincide with the 550th significance was being and to serve as the Pakistan army said The groundbreaking founder of Sikhism, SFJ’s birth anniversary “manipulated” for such a “ambassadors” for the Bajwa “met all guests at ceremony in Pakistan’s legal advisor Gurpatwant celebrations of Guru purpose. SFJ’s office in separatist referendum. Pakistan using hybrid warfare against India: Army chief General Bipin Rawat Bipin Rawat said the whole world was aware that terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were being run by government agencies to cause disruptions in India and that all terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir was state sponsored. On a day Pakistan Kargil war. world was aware that support from local Prime Minister Imran Khan Delivering the 9th YB terror camps in population and made a pitch for peace Chavan Memorial Lecture Pakistan-occupied infrastructure. “War is with India, army chief at the Institute of Defence Kashmir were being run waged without declaring it, General Bipin Rawat said Studies and Analyses on by government agencies fought with proxies in that Pakistan has used Addressing the Challenges to cause disruptions in collusion.” “hybrid warfare” against of Hybrid Conflict in the 21st India and that all General Bipin Rawat India since Independence Century, Rawat said each terrorism in Jammu and said hybrid operations last and continues to do so. act of cowardice in Jammu Kashmir was state for a long time and the prime technological Responding to a He cited the use of and Kashmir would be sponsored. intent is to maintain advancements have added question on whether irregulars by the responded to with vigour He said hybrid deniability and that was greater asymmetry to India should go in for an Pakistani army in 1947- and no sacrifice made by warfare was well- what India was witnessing hybrid warfare. Irregulars offensive hybrid war, 48, 1965 and, most soldiers would go in vain. sequenced and in Kashmir. can surprise conventional General Bipin Rawat said, recently, in the 1999 Rawat said the whole organised, and focused on “In the 21st century forces with hi-tech gadgets “The stone that is thrown and weapons such as up comes and falls on your rockets, surface-to-air head…What happens to India, UK to remain important partners post-Brexit: Indian envoy missiles, sophisticated those people (the non- communication systems state actors) after the end (News Agencies)The India-Britain partnership will partners,” she said in her keynote address on the topic and near-instant reach state has been achieved?” remain strong irrespective of the direction the ongoing of ‘Indo-UK Collaboration: Opportunities and back to their state Rawat advocated a Brexit negotiations take, India’s new High Challenges’.The UK is set to exit the European Union sponsors,” he said. calibrated offensive and Commissioner to the UK, Ruchi on March 29, 2019. Lawmakers will He said small but defensive hybrid warfare Ghanshayam, has said.In one of her debate Prime Minister Theresa tech-s1avvy teams with strategy. first addresses on the bilateral May’s Brexit deal in Parliament on intimate local knowledge Rawat said the partnership since taking charge at December 11.“The relationship is and support could cause Pakistani military enjoyed the Indian High Commission in both special and deep. One of our big disruptions. supremacy in the London last week, Ghanshayam told greatest strengths is familiarity with Underlining the risks country’s internal affairs. a gathering organised by the Indian one another. But the risk of familiarity of using hybrid warfare, “This means they can use Professionals Forum (IPF) at is that we must guard against he said instigators ran all governmental agencies Chatham House that it was important that familiarity complacency. We must remain conscious of the need the risk of losing control in coordination against us does not lead to complacency in the relationship.“The not to be complacent,” the Indian envoy said.The IPF, of the choreographed whenever they feel like. India-UK partnership is very old, it has stood the test a non-profit think tank for Indian diaspora-related policy plan and that states Therefore, this hybrid of time and whatever happens to this Brexit process, advocacy and a members’ club launched last year, practicing this often fall warfare is likely to endure whichever way it turns out, I have absolutely no doubt followed up the keynote address with a focus on the victims to these same just remaining below the in my mind that India and the UK will remain important prospects of India-UK collaboration in the health care sector. tactics. conventional threshold.” Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 11 Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 Imran Khan politicising ‘pious’ event, says govt on Pak PM’s Kartarpur pitch Imran Khan said it would be “madness” for the two nuclear-armed countries to think of war and that India and Pakistan should emulate the example of France and Germany, which came together in a union after wars and bloodshed. Pakistan’s civilian and military the presence of Pakistan Army won’t be able to move forward till leadership are united in desiring chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. they break the chains of the past. better relations with India al- Punjab state minister Navjot Citing the example of France and though Kashmir remains the key Sidhu, to whom Bajwa first spoke Germany coming together after issue between the two sides, about the Kartarpur corridor in fighting many wars, he said: “If Prime Minister Imran Khan said August, and Badal also ad- these countries can make a tance from the border. Kashmir, an official Indian on Wednesday, cautioning that dressed the gathering. union, why can’t we?” The distance between Dera Baba spokesperson said: “It is deeply war between the two nuclear- “Today in Pakistan, the prime Khan also reiterated a pledge he Nanak and Kartatpur is about 4 regrettable that the Prime Minis- armed neighbours was simply minister, my party, all other po- had made in his first speech af- km though the circular route ter of Pakistan chose to politicise not an option . litical parties, the army and all ter winning Pakistan’s general planned for the corridor means it the pious occasion meant to Addressing a gathering that in- institutions are on the same page. election - that his country will will have a total length of about 7 realise the long pending demand cluded Indian ministers Harsimrat We want to move forward, we take two steps of friendship for km. of the Sikh community to develop Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh want a civilised relationship with every one step taken by India. Hundreds of Indian Sikh pilgrims a Kartarpur corridor by making Puri after the groundbreaking India,” Khan said in Urdu. The leadership in both countries were part of the gathering, and unwarranted references to ceremony for the Pakistani sec- “We have one issue, and that is needs strength, determination Khan said, “If I had to explain the Jammu and Kashmir, which is an tion of the Kartarpur corridor, Kashmir. You tell me, humans and a big vision to take things joy on your faces to my Muslim integral and inalienable part of Khan said “determined leader- have reached the moon. Which forward. “When there is determi- brothers and sisters, I would say India.“Pakistan is reminded that ship” is needed in both countries issue can’t be solved by nation, nothing is it’s like being 4 km from Medina it must fulfil its international obli- to settle the Kashmir issue. humans?...We only need deter- impossible...The people want (the city in Saudi Arabia where gations and take effective and In India, meanwhile, an official mined leadership on both sides peace and the leadership on both Prophet Mohammed is buried) credible action to stop providing spokesperson took exception to of the border,” he said. sides have to be on the same and not being able to go in, and shelter and all kinds of support what he described as an attempt Khan, who didn’t mention his In- page,” he said. One reason for then you’re allowed to go in.” to cross-border terrorism from ter- by Khan to politicise “a pious dian counterpart in his speech, wanting better ties with India is Khan pledged that all facilities at ritories under its control,” the occasion” with his mention of questioned the criticism fellow the poverty in the region, he said, Kartarpur will be in place for the spokesperson added.When Kashmir. Chief of army staff Gen- cricketer-turned-politician Sidhu adding: “A lot of poverty can be 550th birth anniversary of Guru asked whether the corridor was eral Bipin Rawat said the had faced in India after attending ended rapidly if the borders are Nanak in 2019.Sidhu said Guru a sign of peace between India and Kartarpur corridor should be seen his swearing-in ceremony in opened and trade starts.” Nanak’s philosophy was based Pakistan, General Rawat told re- in isolation.Khan also said it August.“He (Sidhu) was talking The corridor will connect Dera on brotherhood and ending divi- porters : “Kartarpur should be would be “madness” for the two of friendship between two coun- Baba Nanak in India and the sions. Badal, who became emo- seen in isolation. Do not link it to nuclear-armed countries to think tries that are nuclear-armed. We Kartarpur Gurdwara, built at the tional during her speech, said the anything else.” He spoke after of war and that India and Paki- both have atomic weapons and site in Pakistan where Guru “peace corridor” will remove bit- delivering the 9th Y B Chavan stan should emulate the example there can’t be a war. It is mad- Nanak died, and allow visa-free terness between the two coun- Memorial lecture in Delhi.“The of France and Germany, which ness to think of war between two visits by Indian pilgrims. Pakistan tries. “If the Berlin Wall can fall, whole world is aware that terror came together in a union after countries that have atomic weap- will build a bridge over the Ravi hatred and mistrust between In- camps in Pakistan-occupied wars and bloodshed. The Paki- ons. Only a foolish individual can River as part of the corridor and dia and Pakistan can be over- Kashmir are being run by govern- stani premier made the pitch for think anyone can win a nuclear create a border terminal, accom- come in the name of Guru mental agencies that also plan peace and better relations with war, everyone will lose,” he added. modation for pilgrims and other Nanak,” she said. In response to disruptions in India,” the army India after the groundbreaking in India and Pakistan, Khan said, facilities at Kartarpur, a short dis- queries on Khan’s reference to chief said. 44 violations by foreigners in Andamans; visit to North Sentinel island may soon be prohibited without permit

The Restricted Area Permit a report of the Andaman and that as many as 44 incidents of (RAP), which forbids people from Nicobar islands administration on violation of rules and regulations visiting prohibited locations with- the incident, a home ministry of- by foreign tourists have taken out permission, may be reim- ficial said. place in the Andamans in the re- posed in the North Sentinel is- A worst-case scenario would be cent past.However, none of these land where an American was reimposition of the RAP in the incidents are related to the RAP, killed by members of a highly pro- North Sentinel island along with another official said. tected and reclusive tribe, officials a few other islets, the official Meanwhile, a delegation of the said Wednesday. The central said.The North Sentinel island is NCST, headed by its chairman government has also found that one of 29 islands in the Nand Kumar Sai will visit the 44 incidents of violation of rules Andamans where till June foreign- Andamans on December 4 to and regulations, other than RAP, ers had to take special permis- take stock of the situation there by foreigners have taken place in sion -- the RAP -- before being arising after the killing of Chau. the Andaman and Nicobar islands allowed to visit them. The home ministry has also sub- For this, the local fishermen were timings and place to meet each in the recent past, even as a del- Even though RAP was withdrawn, mitted a report to the NCST on paid around Rs 25,000 by Chau. other between the shoreline and egation of the National Commis- any tourist is required to take the incident, the official said.The Chau and the team had started their high sea fishing area. sion for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) permission from the forest depart- police said the slain American on November 14 around 8 PM for In the morning of November 17, will visit the union territory on ment and the administration of had enlisted the help of a local the North Sentinel Island and they saw a dead person being December 4 to assess the situa- the Andamans as it is protected electronics engineer and water reached there by midnight. buried at the shore which from tion arising after the killing of John under two other acts -- protection sports service provider and hired The next day, he moved to shore the silhouette of the body, cloth- Allen Chau by the Sentinelese of aboriginal people and forest five fishermen to evade the patrol- using his kayak which he towed ing and circumstances appeared tribes a couple of weeks ago. acts. ling teams of police, Coast Guard with the fishing boat. After drop- to be the body of Chau, the po- The Home Ministry has received The home ministry has also found and Navy to approach the island. ping him, the fishermen fixed their lice said. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 13 Kartarpur event a showcase for Navjot Sidhu-Imran Khan bromance Punjab state minister Navjot Bajwa first spoke of Pakistan’s Singh Sidhu was clearly the man plans to open a corridor to of the match at the Kartarpur Gurdwara when he met groundbreaking ceremony here Sidhu at Khan’s swearing-in in for the Kartarpur corridor on August, but the former cricketer Wednesday, faced criti- with Prime Min- cism on ister Imran Khan his return joking the former to India for cricketer would having easily win if he hugged contested elec- the Paki- tions in Paki- stan Army stan. chief. Sidhu was at Khan’s side along Pakistan’s religious affairs min- with Indian ministers Harsimrat ister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri referred Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh to the “historic hug” in his speech Puri, with Pakistan Army chief and said: “If there were more such Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa stand- hugs, a lot of our problems would ing behind, as the premier inau- be solved.”Sidhu, clad in a purple gurated work on the corridor. turban and matching kurta, was Sidhu later sat beside Khan and effusive in his praise of Khan in a said he was inspired by the let me tell you one thing -- from lems, Khan said there were two foreign minister Shah Mahmood speech peppered with several verses recited by Sidhu. “I was what I’ve been seeing since yes- types of politicians -- those with Qureshi at a public gathering, Punjabi couplets and passages affected by what Sidhu said. I terday, you can come and con- big visions who take chances and sharing smiles and pleasantries. from the Guru Granth Sahib. didn’t know he knows so much test elections here in Pakistan those who are scared and wor- Several speakers referred to “When the history of the about Sufi poetry,” he said. and you will win, especially in ried about vote banks. “I hope that Sidhu and every mention drew Kartarpur corridor is written, the Khan also joked about Sidhu’s Punjab,” he said. we will not have to wait till Sidhu loud cheers from the audience, name of Imran Khan will be writ- electoral prospects in the coun- Referring to the need for strong becomes prime minister to have which included a large number of ten on the first page and in the try. “What crime did Sidhu com- and determined leadership in In- friendship between India and Pa- Indian and Pakistani Sikhs. first line.”During his speech, Khan mit by coming here? And Sidhu, dia and Pakistan to resolve prob- kistan,” he said to loud laughter. Threat of transfer remains, it’s not in one’s hands: J&K governor Satya Pal Malik Satya Pal Malik said he was in Madhya Pradesh and was down with fever for the past two days. “But in politics, fever or injury is not taken note of and I returned to be part of this function which was very important for me, given the stature of the departed leader,” he said. Amid a ranging controversy over its charge he was under pressure ence led by Lone which claimed his remarks on dissolving the to put in place a “BJP-supported the support of the BJP and 18 Jammu and Kashmir assembly, government”. legislators from other parties. Governor Satya Pal Malik has Though there was no reaction During a pre-convocation aca- said the threat of transfer remains from the Centre or the BJP to the demic conclave of ITM University as it is not in one’s hands. claim made by Malik, who said in Gwalior, he said, “Delhi ki taraf At a function organised to pay history would have remembered dekhta toh muje Lone ki sarkar tributes to Congress leader and him as a “dishonest man” if he banana padhti aur mein ithihas former minister Girdhari Lal Dogra had asked People’s Conference mein ek bayiman aadmi ke tor on his 31st death anniversary leader Lone to form the govern- pe jana jata...(Had I looked to whatever I did, was right,” he said lapse of the PDP-BJP coalition here on Tuesday, he mentioned ment, the chiefs of Peoples Delhi, I would have had to install in his address after noted journal- government after the saffron about the threat of transfer. Democratic Party and National a government led by Lone, and ist Ravish Kumar had pointed out party withdrew support. The “Girdhari Lal ji dedicated his life Conference --Mehbooba Mufti history would have remembered in his speech about faulty fax state assembly was also to the cause of the poor. As long and Omar Abdullah-- me as a dishonest man).” “There- machine. kept in suspended animation as I am here, I will definitely come complimented the governor for fore, I ended up the matter. Who- Governor’s rule was clamped in so that political parties could to pay my tributes to him... It not taking “instructions” from soever wants to scold, can do so the state on June 19 for a six- explore the possibility of form- (transfer) is not in one’s hands. I Delhi thereby stopping the instal- now but I am convinced that month period following the col- ing a new government. will not lose my job but the threat lation of a government of the “BJP of transfer remains,” he said. and its proxies”. Mamata a threat to national security, used Maoists to win power: BJP The transfer remark by the gov- However, Lone claimed misrep- ernor drew chuckles from the resentation of facts and gross Bengal chief minister Mamata the sake of Bengal but for India,” people will know how Maoist audience. distortion of “certain events” and Banerjee is a threat to national Vijayvargiya alleged while talking leader Kishenji was killed,” he Malik said he was in Madhya said “We remain committed to security because she shelters to reporters on the sidelines of a added.Maoist commander Pradesh and was down with fe- offering an alternative to the tra- infiltrators who smuggle arms, party meeting in Midnapore town, Koteswara Rao, popularly known ver for the past two days. “But in ditional political system of exploi- drugs and fake currency into the about 150 km to the west of as Kishenji, was killed in an politics, fever or injury is not taken tation, arrogance, entitlement and country, BJP national general Kolkata.“We have proof of her encounter with the police in West note of and I returned to be part blackmail and will leave no stone secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya links with Maoists whom she Midnapore district on November of this function which was very unturned to rid the state of the alleged on Thursday.“Bengal is used to come to power. We will 14, 2011, months after Banerjee important for me, given the stat- tyranny of dynastic misrule and a safe haven for infiltrators who make it public at the right time. came to power overthrowing the ure of the departed leader,” he despotism”. Malik had abruptly smuggle in weapons, narcotics She used the Maoists and later Marxists.The Trinamool said. dissolved the Jammu and Kash- and fake Indian currency notes killed them,” he said in response Congress reacted promptly. “As Malik at another event on Satur- mir Assembly last week after the to destroy the nation. Mamata to Banerjee’s allegation that BJP our chief minister, Mamata day had said had he “looked to PDP staked claim to form a gov- Delhi”, he would have had to in- ernment with the backing of rival Banerjee uses them as vote is bringing in Maoists from Banerjee, has already become stall a government led by Sajad NC and the Congress. This was bank. She is a threat to national neighbouring Jharkhand to attack the leading face of the opposition Lone, a claim which the opposi- followed by another bid from the security and needs to be her party workers. “When we against anti-people policies of tion said on Tuesday vindicated two-member People’s Confer- dislodged from power not just for make the evidences public, BJP and the Union government. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 14 Rajasthan assembly elections 2018: Mumbai businessman throws his hat in ring in Sikar Rajasthan assembly elections 2018: After unsuccessfully seeking a ticket from Congress, Wahid Chowhan will contest as a candidate of the newly launched Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, started by BJP rebel and independent MLA from Khinswar, Hanuman Beniwal. A quiet town on the na- to these parts. He started their boys are not as tional highway connect- a school for girls in his qualified as girls.” ing Agra and Bikaner, home town back in the This is Chowhan’s sec- Sikar is known for its 1990s. ond bid to contest the 19th century temples Now called the Excel- polls. He fought the 2013 and forts, Shekhawati- lence Knowledge City for election on Nationalist style frescoes, and for Girls, and located on a Congress Party ticket, the past few decades, six hectare campus, it but lost. “It is different Wahid Chowhan. offers free education, in- equation this time. I am The 69-year-old busi- cluding books and uni- getting the support of nessman who was born forms, from nursery to Jats this time. They in Sikar, and is settled in graduation. It draws stu- voted for the BJP in the Mumbai, is known as a dents from both, Muslim last election,” Chowhan social reformer. This and Hindu communities. said. election season, he is Chowhan claims to have Jaipur based senior jour- also a poll hopeful. worked as a mason in nalist and political ana- After unsuccessfully Mumbai fixing roofs to lyst Narayan Bareth said seeking a ticket from fund his education. He that Chowhan is well- Congress, Chowhan will started out as a busi- know across faiths for his contest as a candidate nessman selling PVC work. “He has consider- of the newly launched pipes, and bought real able following (because Rashtriya Loktantrik estate in both, Mumbai of his work with) girl stu- Party, started by and Goa. “But I was al- dents. He is contesting Bharatiya Janta Party ways keen to return to from a new party so its (BJP) rebel and indepen- my roots and do some- electoral impact cannot dent MLA from Khinswar, thing for people in Sikar,” be assessed, but he is Hanuman Beniwal. Chowhan said. definitely creating a A?charismatic Jat leader, He sold a hotel that he buzz.” Beniwal has made alli- owned in Goa, in 1997, “He has a pleasant per- ances with parties, in- to raise funds for the sonality, and he doesn’t cluding Ghanshyam school. “Bringing Muslim scare any community,” Tiwari’s Bharat Vahini girls to school was diffi- Rajendra Rathore, a busi- Party to field 40 candi- cult. I was accused of nessman in Sikar town, dates in Rajasthan’s 200 spoiling them, and our added. assembly seats. culture,” Chowhan said. Beniwal was travelling Chowhan is no stranger “Today, people complain and could not speak de- spite attempts to contact him. Jat, Muslim and Sched- uled Castes together constitute about 1.7 lakh of Sikar’s total electorate size of nearly 2.7 lakh. The area has 15,000 Rajputs, while Brahmins and Baniya are around 25,000 in number. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 INDIA CURRENT AFFAIRS 15 Arun Jaitley, P Chidambaram spar over GDP revision The Central Statistics Office (CSO) estimated that India’s GDP grew by 8.5 per cent in the financial year 2010-11 (April 2010 to March 2011) and not at 10.3 per cent as previously estimated. Finance minister Arun way growth in gross do- basis which improved the Jaitley on Thursday mestic product, or the growth estimate in the sprang to the defence of value of economic out- last two years of the UPA revised data showing put, is calculated. Government somewhat economic growth under For the last two years downgraded it in the ear- the National Democratic of the Congress-led lier years. Those who Alliance (NDA) govern- UPA regime, in 2012- took after the new series ment had outpaced the 13, and 2013-14, in 2015 now consider the rate of expansion during growth was revised up- new series to be a the previous United Pro- wards, from 4.7% to an “hatchet job” and a “bad gressive Alliance (UPA) eventual 5.5% and from joke”. What humours regime after his prede- 5% to 6.4%, respec- some when data shows cessor P Chidambaram tively. an upward trend de- NITI Aayog of doing a Through more tweets, polls showed India’s eco- slammed the new num- Chidambaram said presses them if it moves “hatchet job” by revis- Kumar also stressed nomic growth probably bers as “a joke, bad joke then that the new data in the reverse direction,” ing down the economic that NITI Aayog uses moderated to 7.4% in the and worse than a bad establishes the fact Jaitley wrote. He de- growth figures during data extensively for mak- July-September quarter, joke.” that UPA had suc- fended the CSO, saying the UPA’s two terms. ing logical policy recom- weakening just as the Meanwhile,ceeded in reviving the it had always functioned “Now that Niti Aayog mendations and the data Bharatiya Janata Party Chidambaram’s chal- economy before it objectively and main- has done the hatchet is always based on as- gets set for general elec- lenge to NITI Aayog’s bowed out of power in tained an arms-length job, it is time to wind sessment and quality tions due next year. That vice-chairman Rajiv 2014.Data released on distance from the finance up the utterly worth- checks by eminent stat- pace is still faster than Kumar to debate the Wednesday, almost ministry.”No one in India less body,” he said. isticians. China’s, but a comedown amended data, which four years after India has ever imputed mo- “I wonder if Niti Aayog Kumar later told PTI that from the more than two- was released at a moved to a new way of tives to the CSO. The Vice Chairman Rajiv Niti Aayog had provided year high of 8.2% set in press conference on calculating GDP, sooner the Congress Kumar will agree to a a platform to experts and the June quarter and Wednesday by the fed- showed the compound Party realises that its debate on the data than statisticians to examine some economists fore- eral policy think tank annual growth rate in policy paralysis telling journalists that GDP back-series data. see the slowdown con- and the Central Statis- GDP at market prices pushed India into the their questions are “un- “GDP back-series data is tinuing though to the tics Office, was ac- (2011-12 series) under Fragile 5, the better it deserving of an an- a technical thing, it has election at least. cepted by the latter. the Narendra Modi gov- will be for the Party and swer,” Chidambaram a huge macroeconomic “The economy is likely to “Data based on facts ernment was 7.3% be- its leadership.” tweeted. impact, so we have done slow down in the sec- and on the best global tween 2014-15 and Fragile Five is a term Kumar responded to it in a more macroeco- ond half of the current practices is rejected 2017-18, higher than coined by Morgan the challenge on Thurs- nomic manner,” he said, fiscal year (ending in by the (Congress) the 6.7% and 6.4% in Stanley for Brazil, India, day. “...challenge ac- adding that he was March),” A. Prasanna, Party because it takes the two terms of the Indonesia, South Africa, cepted. Let’s discuss deeply pained by people chief economist at away the last of its sur- UPA under Manmohan and Turkey in 2013, when & dissect back series who had politicised the ICICI Securities Pri- viving arguments (that) Singh. “ Obviously, their currencies depreci- data. I gave 3 hrs of data. mary Dealership in “my GDP growth was when the new (GDP) ated rapidly. detailed interview yes- On comments made by Mumbai said. higher than yours,” series is in place, it Jaitley told reporters terday & it is somewhat the former finance minis- Prasanna was cau- Jaitley wrote in a has to be used as a later that the new “data disingenuous of you to ter, Kumar said: tiously optimistic about Facebook blog titled basis for backward re- is realistic. It is not fic- say that I asked the “Chidambaram has done the outlook, but much ‘When The Data vision. So what was re- tional. And this formula media to not ask ques- a great disfavour to offic- would depend on the Speaks.’ vised from the year (of calculating tions. Do give more co- ers of the CSO. CSO of- election outcome. “Any Jaitley noted that 2011-12 onwards is GDP?growth) is globally herent reasons for ur ficials have done an signs of political uncer- Chidambaram had in now being revised from more comparable.” difficulty with new amazingly technically tainty could affect mar- 2015 welcomed 2004-05. Chidambaram, on data,” Kumar wrote in a detailed exercise”. ket and business sen- changes effected in the Consequently, the same Wednesday, accused tweet. Meanwhile, a Reuters timent,” he said. JD(S)-Congress to discuss Karnataka cabinet expansion in Dec 3 meeting The Congress offered Janata Dal (Secular)’s HD Kumaraswamy the chief ministerial post despite winning 80 seats. Kumaraswamy’s party could manage just 37.

A meeting of Karnataka’s The Congress offered will also discuss appoint- It includes Kumaraswamy, ruling Janata Dal (Secu- Janata Dal (Secular)’s ments of chairpersons for deputy chief minister G lar)-Congress coalition HD Kumaraswamy the different state boards. Parameshwara and coordination committee chief ministerial post de- A media report on Congress’s Karnataka in- will be held in Bengaluru spite winning 80 seats. Wednesday claiming that charge, KC Venugopal. on December 3 to dis- Kumaraswamy’s party Kumaraswamy will step Janata Dal (Secular)’s cuss the possible cabi- could manage just 37. down on health grounds Kunwar Danish Ali is the net expansion in the The expansion is ex- had triggered panic panel’s convener. state. pected to take place af- among his supporters. “I have convened the meet- The coalition government ter the completion of the The chief minister’s office ing of the coordination com- was formed even as the assembly elections in and Kumaraswamy have mittee on December 3 to Bharatiya Janata Party Madhya Pradesh, since refuted the report. discuss the cabinet expan- bly session has been also Karnataka’s second capi- emerged as the single Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Congress legislature party sion and the appointments called in Belagavi in north- tal. An assembly complex largest party with 104 Telangana and Mizoram leader and former chief min- of heads of different ern Karnataka from Decem- was inaugurated there for seats in a 224 member on December 11. ister Siddaramaiah heads boards,” Ali said. ber 10. Belagavi is pro- the purpose in October state assembly in May. The five-member panel the panel. A 10-day Karnataka assem- posed to be made 2012. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 US & WORLD 16

Nancy Pelosi moves one step closer to being speaker again as House Democrats nominate her to take over the gavel in January – but there's still one more vote to go Nancy Pelosi was nominated by faced a simple 'yes' or 'no' United States Congress to fellow Democrats to be House choice. work, Democrats and Repub- speaker on Wednesday, but she A sign of the party's mood licans, on their behalf to make still faces a showdown vote when emerged early as the House their life better,' he said after- the full House convenes in Janu- Democrats elected Rep. ward. ary. Hakeem Jeffries of New York Democrats voted to return their Pelosi entered the closed-door as caucus chairman, elevating entire top leadership team, in- caucus election in an unusual po- the charismatic 48-year-old cluding Rep. Steny Hoyer of sition – running unopposed for the from the Congressional Black Maryland in the No. 2 spot as nomination despite the clamor by Caucus as a new generation majority leader and Rep. Jim some Democrats for new leader- of leaders pushes to the fore- Clyburn of South Carolina in ship. The lopsided 203-32 tally front. the No. 3 spot as whip. They showed both the weakness of His slim victory in that race, were running unopposed. her opposition but also the 123-113, over veteran Rep. 'The caucus is coming to- challenges ahead. Barbara Lee of California, an- gether,' Clyburn said. The California Democrat has other influential member of the In a letter to colleagues ahead been deftly picking off oppo- Black Caucus, offered a win- of voting, Pelosi gave a nod nents - including nine who an- dow into the shifting land- to those clamoring for nounced their support as vot- scape. change. ing was underway – a trend \Flanked by top progressive 'We all agree that history is she'll need to accelerate to leaders, Lee made her pitch in a hurry, and we need to reach the 218-vote threshold during the closed session, accelerate the pace of withholding their support as claim the speaker's job, which for election when Democrats drawing on the record number change in Congress,' she they pushed for rules she held from 2007 to 2011, be- take control of the chamber in of women, including minority wrote, noting the 'historic' changes to allow a more fore the GOP took back the ma- the new year. women, who ran for office and class of new first-term law- open legislative process. jority. 'Are there dissenters? Yes,' are entering the new Con- makers, the largest since But another group against her, 'You can't beat someone with the California Democrat told re- gress. Watergate, who led Demo- led by Rep. Seth Moulton of no one,' said Rep.-elect porters as the ballots were The majority, though, went to crats to the majority in the Massachusetts, Rep. Tim Jahana Hayes, D-Conn. She being counted. 'But I expect to Jeffries who used his midterm election. Ryan of Ohio and Rep. said she came to Washington have a powerful vote going for- speech to remind Demo- Pelosi's opponents had Kathleen Rice of New York, left eager to hear from colleagues ward.' crats of their core accom- pledged to usher in a new the leader's office empty-handed. and 'hopeful that many candi- Pelosi was nominated by Rep. plishments – from passage era for Democrats. But one They asked Pelosi to publicly re- dates would step up to the Joe Kennedy of Massachu- of the Civil Rights Act to the by one, the powerful Califor- lease her plans to transition out plate.' But 'the only person that setts, with no fewer than eight Affordable Care Act – before nia congresswoman picked of leadership before the end of the declared their intentions, colleagues seconding the pivoting to his vision for the off the would-be challengers next term in 2020. She declined, spoke to me about their vision choice, including Rep. John future. and smoothed skeptics. they said. and asked me for my vote is Lewis of Georgia, the civil 'I'm focused on standing up Ahead of voting Wednesday, 'There has to be some succes- Nancy Pelosi.' rights leader, and three newly for everyone – white, black, a deal was reached with the sion plan,' Rice said. Pelosi still lacks the votes elected lawmakers. Latino, Asian, Native Ameri- Problem Solvers Caucus, a For now, there was no one will- she'll need in January, when As House Democrats met in can – every single American bipartisan group whose nine ing, or able, to mount a serious the new Congress convenes, private in the Capitol, they deserves us, here in the Democratic members were campaign against her bid to re- to ascend to the post. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 US & WORLD 17 US $5 mn award for the 26/11 attackers is tokenism India tried and hanged Ajmal Kasab. The US can and must push Pakistan to take tougher measures. Mr Pompeo said. He called upon terror strikes. the LeT through the planning. all countries (Pakistan in India would also have shared the Surely, America remembers that particular) to “uphold their UN detailed interrogation report of it had also issued a $10-million Security Council obligations to Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist bounty for Saeed in 2012. No one implement sanctions against the who was caught alive in Mumbai. needs reminding that not only terrorists responsible for this That, too, is proof of individuals does the LeT founder continue to atrocity, including Lashkar-e- and organisations responsible for roam free; he also continues to Tayba (LeT) and its affiliates”. the attack. Both Headley and threaten India and the US. Why does the US need to offer a Kasab have, in fact, corroborated It is indeed an “affront to the reward for information that is each other on two important families of the victims”, as already in the public domain? All aspects of 26/11.One, that every Pompeo said, that the trial in that Washington needs to do is major action of the LeT is Pakistan has become a sham. to go through the detailed executed only after the approval Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi, the LeT’s US secretary of state, Mike strikes. The announcement interrogation reports of one of its of its founder, Hafiz Saeed. military commander, who was Pompeo, urged Pakistan to take came on the eve of the 10th own citizens. Pakistan-born Headley told the FBI and the NIA arrested soon after 26/11, not action against those responsible anniversary of the assault, which American terrorist, David that Saeed knew about the only fathered a child while in jail; for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, left 166, including six Americans, Coleman Headley, who admitted Mumbai attacks and that the he is now also out on bail.The while also announcing a $5- dead. to visiting Mumbai at least seven operation was launched only fresh reward of $5 million is mere million reward for any information “It is an affront to the families of times to videograph the targets after his approval. Kasab, too, tokenism, and it is 10 years too leading to the arrest or conviction the victims that after 10 years, that were chosen for the final has detailed how Saeed late. India tried and hanged in any country of any individual those who planned the Mumbai assault, has given the names of supervised weapons training and Kasab. The US can — and must who committed, conspired, aided attack have still not been all those who committed, complimented him for his aim. — push Pakistan to take tougher or abetted the audacious terror convicted for their involvement,” conspired, aided and abetted the Two, both said the ISI handheld measures. Trump’s tirade against Pakistan could be a result of China’s growing global ambitions Much could still change, depending on whether the US proceeds with its foolish gambit of making peace with the Taliban to ensure Trump’s objective of exiting Afghanistan. But Pakistan’s days of being a dishonest broker in similar undertakings in the past, may be ending. If you’re known by the company Assembly, and they range from you keep, Islamabad has China to those in Central America excellent companions, in the and Africa, as well as America’s sense of earning a Twitter tirade allies of the pre-Trump era, like from the 45th president of the Germany, France and the United Oval Office, he has acted in in local politics from Australia to figure, as it does periodically to United States. Countries that Kingdom. culling aid to Islamabad. For Canada and even the US has curtail criticism, but the wares it have been abused by Donald Unlike the others, though, years, India has complained added to the simmering disquiet had peddled so successfully for Trump on social media could Pakistan has often been in about this form of bribe to keep caused by the Belt and Road decades may finally be reaching easily make for a quorum in the Trump’s sights, from before he Rawalpindi’s generals behaviour Initiative and internal quashing of their expiry date. United Nations General became president. Once in the merely bad, rather than worse, human rights the way only an Much could still change, but Washington always retorted autocracy can accomplish.In depending on whether the US that New Delhi shouldn’t view that Western capitals, Pakistan is, proceeds with its foolish gambit as a zero sum game. Well, the for obvious reasons, being viewed of making peace with the Taliban sums involved were humongous, as a client state of China. to ensure Trump’s objective of by Trump’s reckoning, $33 billion Which, in itself, is an ironic exiting Afghanistan. But over 15 years. position for Islamabad. It once Pakistan’s days of being a While traditional allies of the US operated in just that capacity vis- dishonest broker in similar may have distanced themselves à-vis the US as Afghanistan undertakings in the past may be from many of Trump’s tactics, became a theatre in the 1980s ending. Even if there are periods Pakistan may not get a pass. for the Cold War going hot, by of renewed patronage, the And the reason is that Islamabad proxy. Decades later, it’s process of the country turning is being judged by the company Beijing’s baby and China just collateral damage in the 21st it’s keeping on a different front: doesn’t have the kind of influence century version of the Cold War China. The West increasingly the US possesses to insulate appears irreversible. recognises that Beijing’s global Pakistan.Pakistan’s Prime Although the American President ambitions and territorial greed Minister Imran Khan may protest is apt to change his mind as often outweigh the trade potential it being made a scapegoat, as he disses CNN, this may presents, particularly as its especially after it played its usual finally be when the Twitter tiger’s economy sputters. Its meddling hand of offering up an Al Qaeda snarl may not be lacking teeth. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 CONTD 18 Why Indian media can’t emulate the US media

To some this may be a response to Gauri Lankesh’s lamentable conclusion but it’s killing are two. also God’s own truth. Of course, Justice Katju’s second argument our profession can boast of some is that newspaper proprietors are journalists who, at the cost of unwilling to stand up to their happiness or security, will government pressure. They stand up for their principles and inevitably “kowtow”. More often refuse to bend, but they are rare. than not, this is because they Last week Justice Markandey have other businesses to protect. Katju answered a question that They know governments can be has frequently been put to me. vicious and vengeful and they Actually it’s one that a lot of want to avoid provoking them. people have started to ask: ‘Is However, I believe there’s a the Indian media capable of further, deeper and more standing up to Prime Minister comprehensive reason why the Modi in the same way that the Indian media is unlikely to American media has stood up to emulate the American. It’s not President Trump?’ because individual journalists – Justice Katju’s answer was no. I indeed, the vast majority of them Individual American journalists survivors and we need to carry ones.Yet this will change and it believe he’s correct but I don’t – are willing to toe the have the financial wherewithal to on living. In fact, this is true of already is. The initial response believe his reasons go far governments line (although a few stand up for their principles and many Indian professions but it to the Emergency was the first enough. There’s a better and sadly are) and do not recognise their conscience. We don’t, can create a poignant moral example. Bofors and the reaction more convincing argument he’s the need to stand firm. It’s which is why we’re forced to dilemma for journalists. to the Anti-Defamation Bill was overlooked.Justice Katju’s because they lack economic compromise. There are, of course, other another. Arguably the opposition answer rests on two arguments. security. If you challenge the To some this may be a failings that come in the way of to Hindutva and its champions is First, he believes public opinion government you run the risk of lamentable conclusion but it’s the Indian media standing up to a third.What Justice Katju didn’t is not mature and independent losing your job. Yet for many this also God’s own truth. Of course, authority. But these aren’t unique ask is how would our courts enough to stand up to supreme is not just their livelihood but the our profession can boast of some to India. You’ll find them respond if the government’s authorities such as the prime anchor of their (and sometimes journalists who, at the cost of everywhere. Some journalists behaviour is legally challenged minister. At such moments it their families) existence. If their happiness or security, will seek to be friends of the powerful, by journalists. I’d like to believe buckles and gives way. This is standing up to the government stand up for their principles and others allow their personal our judges will be no different to often true though there have been means risking your security most refuse to bend, but they are rare. prejudices to determine their their American counterparts. instances when public opinion people would think carefully and They’re men and women of decisions and some are looking Justice Katju would know better has been firm and resolute. The decide against it.This is where exceptional character. The for favours that could advance but on this, alas, he was silent. I Nirbhaya rape case and the the American media differs. majority of us are different. We’re their career or even launch new wonder why? NASA wowed with Mars landing, but InSight's just getting started Following a dramatic touchdown Monday, a new robot on the Red Planet has unfurled its solar arrays and is ready to get down to business. Two days after landing still remarkable photo, then and allowing for a detailed survey on Mars, the NASA InSight delivering a clear image of its of that red ground to determine lander is powered up, its solar landing site and beginning to the best place to set down the arrays are working and it's unfurl its solar arrays. instruments. Next, the robotic already sending back selfies. The solar arrays will be critical arm will position InSight's NASA pulled off its eighth landing to ensuring InSight can actually seismometer, called SEIS of a spacecraft on the surface of carry out its mission to explore (Seismic Experiment for Interior the Red Planet as the world the interior of Mars, listen for Structure), and put a wind and watched on Monday, but had to "Marsquakes" and figure out how thermal shield on top of it. With the mission could begin in March understand not just Mars, but wait hours to learn if its power many meteorites batter the Red SEIS in place, next up will be 2019. "Landing was thrilling, Earth and other planets. While system was functioning. Planet. the probes and "mole" that will but I'm looking forward to the evidence from the early years "The InSight team can rest a little "With the arrays providing the dig as deep as 16 feet (4.9 drilling," InSight principal after Earth's formation has been easier ... now that we know the energy we need to start the cool meters) into the planet to investigator Bruce Banerdt erased by processes like spacecraft solar arrays are science operations, we are well measure internal temperature said in a statement. Once weather and plate tectonics, deployed and recharging the on our way to thoroughly and to study Mars' guts. InSight's instruments are set those processes seem to be less batteries," Tom Hoffman, investigate what's inside of Mars Elizabeth Barrett, who heads up, they could return data for active on Mars. InSight's project manager at for the very first time," Hoffman InSight's instrument quite some time."We should "On Mars, all those things that NASA's Jet Propulsion said following the landing. operations, told reporters be listening for Marsquakes were formed [early] are still frozen Laboratory, said in a statement. The mission teams now will go Monday that the process of for at least two years, and we in place," Banerdt said during But flipping the switch is just the over a checklist to make sure the setting the instruments on the hope considerably longer," Tom Monday's press conference. beginning. lander, its on-board robotic arm ground alone will take two to Pike of Imperial College London, Unlike its rover cousins, InSight The first few things the InSight and all its science instruments three months, followed by who was part of the team that will be stuck in place, but it lander did after its hot and are in good health. The dust another month or two to drill designed the seismometer, said stands to be very active in harrowing six-minute descent covers will come off its two and begin getting science data in a statement. shaping our understanding of through the Martian atmosphere cameras, clearing up the gritty back.When it all comes Banerdt says the broader goal Mars and the rest of the universe. included snapping a dusty but view seen in InSight's first photo together, the science portion of of InSight is to better Stay tuned. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 CONTD 19 10 years after 26/11: We are better prepared India and Indians felt the then, several technologies have of the attacks succeed; the latter 26/11 terror attacks in a way they become better, and also needs to have just a fraction of had felt no attack before that. In accessible to terror groups. The their attempts succeed. The 26/ one part, this had to do with the use of drones for such attacks, 11 attackers took the sea route; sheer brazenness of the attack. for instance, is a worrying and not surprisingly, the Indian Coast In another, it had to do with the frightening prospect. Nor have Guard has significantly targets. And in still another, it was the motives for terror attacks strengthened its overall because almost all of it played dissipated in the past 10 years. presence, and especially that in out live on 24x7 news television. Pakistan continues to foster and the Western region, where the As unfair as it is to compare support terror groups targeting number of ships in its fleet has tragedies, this was India’s own India, and even those directly increased from 74 in 2008 to 134 9/11, and the images of the Taj involved in the 26/11 attacks currently. Mahal hotel burning were seared continue to thrive in that country. India’s coastal areas, including across the collective psyche of Back then, ISIS wasn’t the force those near big cities (both the nation. it is now. Put simply, the motives Chennai and Mumbai are on the On that front, there is better A recent audit by the NSG of the As India remembers the 10th remain (and have only become coast and have busy and news. The first responders are preparedness of these anniversary of 26/11 — it is an stronger), as do the threats strategically import ports) are always likely to be the local law specialised units in dealing with attack the nation, its leaders, and (which have only increased), and better protected now than they enforcement agencies. The 2008 such attacks has found that its people would do well to never the limits of possibility for such were in 2008, but they are not attacks revealed that they were seven states (Andhra Pradesh, forget — three questions need to attacks have expanded. entirely safe (and perhaps, never woefully equipped, and trained. Telangana, Maharashtra, be addressed. The second question is about will be). For instance, not all That has improved now — from Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and One, whether another attack of whether such attacks can be small boats have been fitted, as flak vests to automatic rifles and Karnataka) are ready, while this scale and magnitude can be prevented. No country can claim had been suggested after 26/11, machine guns to even RPGs in almost all others are not (the mounted against targets across to possess the ability to prevent with tracking and communication some cases, local police NSG has ranked their the country. The simple answer all terror strikes. True, many are equipment. Still, the Coastal departments are now better preparedness “average” or is yes. The 26/11 attacks, which foiled, but one in 10, 20, perhaps Surveillance Network envisaged equipped than they were in 2008. “below average”). As for the happened a decade ago, were even 100 succeed. The odds are after 26/11 is at least partly in Many of them also have NSG itself, the delay in both not particularly sophisticated stacked against the defenders place, although Mumbai police’s specialised commando forces. taking the decision to send from the point of view of weaponry and in favour of the perpetrators. own coastal police stations are Maharashtra, for instance, the unit, and the further delay or the modus operandi. Since The former have to ensure none nowhere near capable of doing has its own elite unit, Force in its actual deployment cost what they are expected to. At a One. India dearly in the 26/11 more macro level, the Natgrid, The National Security Guard attacks. Since then, India has conceptualised as a sort of (NSG) has been training some worked on putting in place a national intelligence database, of these units and also better (and faster) decision and which was to connect 21 conducting drills for them, making process and also existing security databases, is in although it is worrying (and worked to create regional a state of suspended perhaps, a sign of inadequate deployment centres for the animation.The answer to this planning) that many of the new NSG. The country’s security question is therefore: not all. commando units set up by police forces, then, can be expected The third is about the departments to handle 26/11 to respond faster and better to responsiveness and response of kind of situations have seen no an attack than they did that the country’s security agencies. action at all. day in November 10 years ago. The healthiest nations in the world: Report of 149 countries reveals Singapore tops the charts (and the UK, US and Australia aren’t even in the top 10) on their healthcare and Norway all also featured in Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, systems, level of disease, the top ten. Sierra Leone, Niger and Uganda obesity rates and other The quality of life of people in tow. measures.The annual globally is rising but the gaps 'Having risen strongly at the prosperity index breaks down between the best and worst is beginning of the last decade, the best and worst places to wider than ever, experts warn, world health is now beginning to live around the world for nine showing huge inequalities in flat-line,' said the report. categories in total. One health, finance, politics, 'The long-term trends of rising life category is health. Australia education and safety and expectancy and increased was the best performing of the security. On the entire index, the access to basic sanitation major Western countries, UK was rated the seventh most continue, particularly ranking 12th, according to the successful country in the world. noticeable in the Asia-Pacific research by the London-based But health is the country's region. education charity.It was then achilles heel. 'But these effects have been offset followed by New Zealand (17th) The US also struggled to do well by more people reporting health Canada (21st), the UK (26th) in the health category, which was problems and higher reported and the US (35th). its second worst performing area incidences of sadness and worry.' Japan featured in the top ten – after safety and security in The ranking was produced by obesity and diabetes. the quality of sanitation facilities. healthiest countries, as did which it ranked 43rd. measuring life and death-related And it also took into account Big movers include Zimbabwe, Qatar, Hong Kong and the The Central African Republic factors like life expectancy, feelings of joy, sadness, and which had the biggest increase United Arab Emirates (UAE). fared worst, with Chad, Guinea, perceptions of health problems, worry, people's satisfaction with in life expectancy, with it rising Switzerland, Austria, Sweden Madagascar, Benin, Democratic vaccination rates, tuberculosis, their country's healthcare, and 15 years in the last decade. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 ADVERTISMENT 20 Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 US & WORLD 21 Khashoggi murder: US Senate passes measure to end support for Saudi-led coalition in Yemen The measures passed 63-37 in a Republican-controlled chamber with the back- ing of some of President Trump’s key allies, who have felt frustrated by what they is the president’s willingness to overlook the role played by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Agencies):US Senate pissed.” Senator Lindsey in Sweden. Republicans handed President Graham, a Republican who is a Asked about the CIA’s Donald Trump a stinging rebuke close adviser to Trump, said to assessment that Crown Prince Wednesday for his handling of reporters after the vote. “The way Mohammad had ordered the the murder of a Saudi journalist the administration has handled killing, Pompeo said, “I do believe when they voted to pass a it is not acceptable.” He had I’ve read every piece of congressional measure to end earlier planned to vote against the intelligence. Unless it’s come in US support for Saudi-backed resolution. in the last few hours, I think I military coalition in Yemen. The vote took place after a have read it all. There is no direct The measures passed 63-37 in closed-door briefing by reporting connecting the crown a Republican-controlled chamber secretaries of state and defense prince to the order to murder with the backing of some of Mike Pompeo and James Mattis, Jamal Khashoggi.” President Trump’s key allies, who failed to convince the Senators had wanted to hear who have felt frustrated by what lawmakers. Pompeo told CIA director Gina Haspel at they is the president’s reporters after the briefing that the the hearing but the White willingness to overlook the role resolution was “poorly timed” and House chose to send only lawmakers on the agency’s president’s desk for enactment, played by Saudi Crown Prince passing it at time “undermines” Pompeo and Matties. The spy assessment. neither of those two remaining Mohammad bin Salman in the the fragile peace talks, between agency has disputed claims But this resolution, which seeks stages is likely. Its passage in murder of journalist Jamal Saudi backed coalition forces that the director was asked not to end the war under War Powers the senate would be a rebuke of Khashoggi. battling Iranian-supported Houthi to go to the hearing, and that she Act, must pass the House of the president and of ties with the “I changed my mind because I’m rebels, that are to start shortly has indeed briefed some Representative to arrive at the Saudis, and no more. Bareilly’s ‘Bolt’ sprints past odds but official apathy still a hurdle Deaf and mute by birth, Mehtab Hussain, in his 30s, is an athlete of international repute and has won a number of national and international tournaments, including Asia Pacific Deaf Games.

Mehtab Hussain, a daily wager daughter was already at a meat factory in Bareilly, suffering from hearing and is locally famous as ‘Bolt’— speech impairment, we did the last name of Jamaican not take long to understand sprinter and nine-time that Hussain was also Olympic gold medallist Usain suffering from the same Bolt – for his athletic prowess. problem. He was only three Deaf and mute by birth, then.” Hussain, in his 30s, is an “His behaviour was very much athlete of international repute like his sister. He hardly and has won a number of responded to any sound,” she national and international recalls. Hussain is the tournaments, including Asia youngest among three Pacific Deaf Games. brothers and a sister. Soon However, his sporting talent after Hussain’s birth, his Faizabad and stood first. state and 19 national entry in several international and achievements have father Latafat Hussain, a “I couldn’t believe that I had athletic meets. championships but his failed to fetch him a job and teacher at a primary school, overpowered all the other In 2000, he was informed by financial condition did not the fame he deserves, passed away. athletes there,” says Hussain, AISCD that he has been permit him. thanks to official apathy. However, Ashraf Jahan didn’t using sign language.Winning selected in the 6th Asia Showing letters from the Despite overcoming his lose hope and got Hussain the championship fetched him Pacific for Deaf, to be held in council, Hussain says he got physical disability, financial admitted to a school for entry to national-level Taiwan. calls from Australia, Italy, constraints have forced him differently-abled students in championship and he became “I had to sell a piece of land for Kuwait, Canada and work at a local meat factory Bareilly where he showed much a member of the All-India Rs 50,000 to bear the expenses. Turkey but could not go to support his family in interest in athletics. Sports Council for Deaf Representatives of the council there for the want of Chak Mehmood area of “During his school days, he never (AISCD), the apex body for assured us that the money we money. Bareilly. hired a rickshaw or public sports for the deaf. spent would be reimbursed but “I don’t have any problem Gritty to the core, Hussain transport to reach his school “I participated in national level they did not keep their word,” in playing providing I get still wakes up at 4am and which was 7 kms away. He athletic meet in West Bengal Ashraf Jahan says. help from the government, runs at least 10km a day to always preferred to go by foot. in 1995 and won the 400- Hussain, who was the only which seems to be a keep himself fit as he never Once he bought me a present metre relay. I was on cloud player from the state to distant dream,” says knows when his financial from the money I gave him for nine. This was what I wanted,” participate in the event, Hussain. In the hope of condition permits him to conveyance,” she recalls. says Hussain. The period from bagged third position in playing for his state and participate in sporting After winning innumerable 1995-2000 proved to be the 5000-metre race. Later, country again, Hussain still events. interschool athletic golden one for Hussain as Hussain received several continues to practice daily Hussain’s mother Ashraf championships, he participated during this time he calls from the council before leaving for his 12-hour Jahan says, “As my in state-level championship in participated in about 22 informing him about his shift in the meat factory. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 SOUTH ASIA 22 Bangladesh to eject safety inspectors brought in after Rana Plaza disaster

high court to cease Accord-Alliance.” concerns the closure of operations by the end of But technical experts, as the Accord’s local office November over concerns it well as some major could spark protests and was not undergoing brands, say it is far from activism in the west that sufficient government ready to do so. “The would taint their scrutiny. government, with the Bangladesh operations. Rob Wayss, the executive support of the ILO and “Activism in key market director of the Accord, said others, has been building countries could make the he was “guardedly up its capacity for some Bangladesh brand toxic to optimistic” the Bangladesh time, but it would still be a consumers in spite of the government would ask the challenge to take over the tremendous improvements high court to allow it stay extra number of factories in that we have achieved in in the country. “We’re such a short period of recent years,” wrote Luis An international by the initiative still in were killed in the deadliest hopeful but not certain the time,” said Tuomo Gonzaga, Esprit’s head of inspection regime put in need of urgent safety manufacturing accident government will make a Poutiainen, the ILO’s global supply, in the letter place after the collapse upgrades – including ever. Unions called it a submission to the court,” director in Bangladesh. “It to suppliers. of a Bangladesh garment more than half without “mass industrial homicide”. he said.If the Accord is would not be in the He also flagged the 180 factory killed more than adequate fire alarm Along with the second forced to leave on Friday, interests of the industry for brands who are signed up 1,100 people will be systems.Both Esprit and agreement, the Alliance for it would have to continue that to happen.” the Accord would come forced to leave the H&M have said the closure Bangladesh Worker monitoring factories by Activist groups have under pressure to withdraw country on Friday, with of the Accord’s Dhaka Safety, the Accord has pairing with international questioned if the business from factories activists warning of office would be premature. overseen dramatic safety engineering firms to send government can ever who have failed to “profound and lasting” “Rather than making the improvements in more than inspectors in and out of the adequately inspect the undertake sufficient safety consequences for worker work easier [it] would make 2,300 of Bangladesh’s country – significantly factories, citing the fact repairs. “The uncertainty safety. our jobs more difficult,” garment factories, slowing and limiting the many garment involved would be bad for A restraining order Esprit said in a letter to its identifying and helping to fix scope of work that is manufacturers also sit in everyone,” he wrote. imposed by the Bangladeshi suppliers. more well over 100,000 already years behind parliament, and that the But Rubana Huq, whose Bangladesh high court “If the Bangladesh safety issues in the past schedule. industry makes up 82% of Mohammadi Group is one will come into force on 30 government is reckless five years. The Bangladesh the country’s exports and of the country’s largest November, forcing the enough to close the Though around half the government has been therefore wields manufacturers, told the Accord for Fire and Accord’s Dhaka office, the factories that make up pushing to be allowed to extraordinary clout. Guardian she thought it Building Safety in damage to the country’s $29bn industry are not take over the inspection of “The government of was unlikely any brands Bangladesh to close its garment industry will be covered by either the around 1,650 factories Bangladesh has failed to would leave the country Dhaka office, limiting its profound and lasting,” said agreement, deaths across covered by the Accord. provide any evidence over the decision, at least ability to inspect Scott Nova, the executive the sector have fallen in the The government says its that domestic in the short term. thousands of factories director of the Worker past five years from about industry has now become institutions have the “Since Bangladesh is now supplying clothes for Rights Consortium, an 71 per year to 17, safer than those of its technical capacity and the only manufacturing hub brands including H&M, independent labour group. according to research from competitors in Vietnam, the political will to that offers brands a much Esprit and Primark. The Accord is one of the New York University’s Stern China and India, and perform inspections and higher degree of [safety] The European parliament two major international Centre. control must be handed ensure remediation,” compliance, sourcing has expressed “serious safety agreements that The initial five-year terms of back. “We are a self- said Christie Miedema, a from Bangladesh will go concern” at the prospect were established after the the two safety regimes respecting nation,” the spokeswoman for the on,” she said. “No brand of the Accord being collapse of the Rana Plaza expired this year. The Bangladesh commerce Clean Clothes campaign, which sources ejected from complex on the outskirts of Accord negotiated an minister, Tofail Ahmed, said an alliance of labour substantially from Bangladesh, with around Dhaka in April 2013. An extension to 2021, but was earlier this year. “There’s unions and NGOs. Bangladesh can afford to 1,450 factories covered estimated 1,134 workers ordered by the Bangladesh no more need for the Brands have raised shift quantities overnight.” India offers Maldives $1bn in loans to help repay China debt

to iron out the details the islands.Negotiations stability." Nasheed's Maldivian before Maldivian President appear to be going well. There is no official data Democratic Party, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Maldivian Foreign Minister available on the Maldives' unseated Yameen in an who took office on Nov. 17, Abdulla Shahid and Indian debt to China. "From the election in September. He visits India in December. External Affairs Minister information I have, the debt is now cultivating closer Under Solih's predecessor, Sushma Swaraj agreed to to China alone is $3 ties with India, and plans Abdulla Yameen, the cooperate on economic billion," which the to revise a free trade Maldives borrowed heavily and security issues at a government will work to pay agreement signed with from China to build bridges Monday meeting in New off while developing the China under Yameen last and housing as part of Delhi. country, former President year. India is considering Maldives, offering low- Beijing's Belt and Road Abdulla "reiterated that the Mohamed Nasheed told India is currently advancing providing up to $1 billion in interest loans over several infrastructure initiative. government of Maldives will reporters early this month. a vision for a "Free and loans to the Maldives to installments in exchange Yameen was even believed be sensitive towards Nasheed, now a close aide Open Indo-Pacific" along help it pay down its debt for stronger security ties, to have handed over some India's security and to Solih, believes it would with Japan, the U.S. and to China, but only if the including the permanent islands to China. strategic concerns," the be impossible to repay this Australia, while the U.S. island nation agrees to deployment of Indian India, which sees the Indian Foreign Ministry from the national coffers has announced its own distance itself from Beijing, military personnel in the Indian Ocean as its own said in a statement, alone. The Maldives infrastructure investments Indian government sources island nation, according to backyard, is alarmed by adding that India supports collects less than $1 billion in Asia to balance China's said. the sources. the possibility that China the Maldives "in ensuring in taxes a year. growing influence in the India is in talks with the The countries are expected could build naval bases on fiscal and budgetary Solih, a veteran member of region. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 SOUTH ASIA 23 The attack on China’s consulate is more about Balochistan India has joined other terrorism, or even China’s Baloch. Two, the Baloch countries in condemning controversial China- nationalist narrative the militant attack on the Pakistan Economic today merges Chinese consulate in Corridor. The source of the resentment against Karachi. New Delhi has problem is Islamabad’s Islamabad with the termed it as a terror attack. decades of repression and massive Chinese However, the Baloch marginalisation of the economic presence in Liberation Army (BLA), Baloch. Balochistan is their province. The which has claimed credit experiencing its fifth Chinese mining and for the attack, is not wave of rebellion against infrastructure projects recognised as a terrorist the Pakistani government are portrayed as a new may eventually colour the CPEC’s total outlay is the Baloch a greater say in organisation by India. The since Independence. The effort to deprive the future nature of the conflict. being spent in Balochistan. how and where outside BLA had recently present rebellion has Baloch of their natural With Balochistan also This may prove to be the investments take place. attempted to blow up a been no more successful resource wealth and flood becoming a battleground for case, but so long as There is no sign that sort busload of Chinese than any previous their province with the dirty trick departments thousands of Chinese of empowerment is on workers. Other Baloch insurgency. However outsiders. There is truth of Saudi Arabia, workers and Pakistani the cards. Which is why groups have also targeted there are three new in both these claims, Afghanistan and Iran, soldiers are the human the Chinese should brace the increasing Chinese elements to the Baloch enough to make it ideological extremism will face of the corridor it will themselves for a presence in their province. rebellion that should be difficult for the Chinese to become increasingly be seen as instrument of backlash that will The rival Baloch Liberation noted. One, the claim otherwise. Finally, important. oppression. A become increasingly Front, for example, has insurgency has though the mainstream China has claimed its sustainable solution violent and, eventually, carried out attacks against expanded in terms of its Baloch insurgent groups investments will help make would be for Beijing to extract a human cost a number of Chinese tribal base but also retain a secular nationalist the Baloch and their persuade Islamabad to Beijing may find construction projects. begun attracting a new outlook, some have province more prosperous. provide Balochistan greater unpalatable for its own The real issue is not urbanised, de-tribalised become Islamicised and Almost two-thirds of the political autonomy, giving public. "Army, Parties On Same Page, Want Civilised Ties With India": Imran Khan nuclear war. Hatred will The Pakistan Prime to come here with the take us nowhere," he said. Minister also spoke in message of peace and Referring to Kashmir, he defence of Punjab love? You will see Sidhu's cited the example of Minister Navjot Singh message of love triumph in France and Germany, Sidhu, who had faced the end, but I only hope we which were on opposite criticism in India for don't have to wait for him sides of the battleground accepting the invite to the to be elected India's Prime during the Second World groundbreaking Minister before the two War, to make his case ceremony. "What is the countries become friends," for peace. crime of a man who wants he said. Ravindra Wijeguneratne: Sri Lanka defence chief held over murders (Agencies):Sri Lanka's top Three warrants for his is accused of protecting military officer has been arrest were issued in early was detained in August. remanded in custody, November, but it took the The bodies of the 11 young accused of covering up civil admiral until now to present men, most of them Tamils, (Agencies):Pakistan Prime not interested in peace... I Kashmir which is an war-era murders. himself before the have never been found. Minister Imran Khan today am telling you that I, the integral and inalienable part Chief of Defence Staff magistrates court, dressed Police have previously said said that his government PM, our party, other of India," the Foreign Ravindra Wijeguneratne in his military uniform and in court most of the and army both want a political parties, our army - Ministry tweeted. appeared in court after flanked by navy officers and abductions took place in "civilised relationship" with - we are all on the same In a grand ceremony warrants for his arrest were supporters.His application Colombo in 2008-09, and India, and claimed that the page in wanting to attended by two Indian issued.Prosecutors say he for bail was rejected. were an attempt to extort Kashmir dispute can be establish a civilised ministers and his cricket protected the main Several journalists say they ransom by a group led by resolved only through talks relationship with India," Mr compatriot Navjot Singh suspect, a naval were attacked while some navy officers. and a healthy respect for Khan said. Sidhu, Imran Khan devoted intelligence officer who covering proceedings.ens The 26-year civil war left at humanity. "We have one His reference to Kashmir much of his speech in allegedly murdered 11 of thousands of Tamils - least 100,000 people dead issue - Kashmir. Why can't has upset New Delhi. "It is making a case for peace young men in the final and the rebel leadership - on both sides of the we resolve this one issue? deeply regrettable that the and "moving beyond blame stages of the conflict with were killed at the end of conflict. The Tamil Tigers It needs will," the cricketer- Prime Minister of Pakistan games and scoring separatist Tamil rebels in the conflict, in which both said they were fighting for turned-politician said at the chose to politicise the pious brownie points". 2008-9.The officer is in sides were accused of a homeland for minority launch of the Kartarpur occasion meant to realise Only "bewakoof (fools)" custody. Admiral atrocities. Tamils in northern Sri corridor between the two the long pending demand of would speak of war Wijeguneratne denies the Human rights groups Lanka.There are still no countries. the Sikh community to between two nuclear allegations.The court in the have long called for confirmed figures for tens "Whenever I travelled to develop a Kartarpur corridor powers like India and capital, Colombo, prosecutions, but there of thousands of civilian India, people would tell me by making unwarranted Pakistan, he said. remanded him in custody have been none so far. deaths in the last months that the Pakistan army is reference to Jammu and "Everybody loses in a until 5 Decem The naval officer the admiral of battle. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 US & WORLD 24 There is no attempt to hide': Ivanka Trump defends use of private email

President’s daughter denies comparisons with Hillary Clinton’s use of a private server: ‘My emails have not been deleted’ Ivanka Trump has defended her use “There’s no equivalency to what my could relate to government work, you of a personal email account for father’s spoken about.” simply just forward it to your government business when she On the Clinton case, Ivanka Trump government account so it can be became an adviser in her father’s said: “There were mass deletions archived.” Ivanka Trump also said she White House. after a subpoena was issued. My has no fear of legal liability for herself “All of my emails are stored and emails have not been deleted. Nor or her family from the investigation preserved. There were no deletions. was there anything of substance, by special counsel Robert Mueller There is no attempt to hide,” Donald nothing confidential that was within into Russian interference in the 2016 Trump’s daughter told ABC News them. So there’s no connection election and allegations of collusion in an interview aired on Wednesday between the two things.” with Moscow by the Trump morning. Trump insists daughter Republicans and Democrats in campaign. Ivanka's private email use for work Congress have requested information “I know the facts as they relate to was 'very innocent' Ivanka Trump from the White House to determine me and my family, and so I have reportedly used her personal whether the first daughter complied nothing to be concerned about,” she account up to 100 times in 2017 to with federal record keeping laws. said. Trump said the investigation contact other Trump administration Investigations into Clinton’s use of should be allowed to run its course, officials. The news drew immediate private email dogged her presidential but echoed her father’s view that it comparisons with Hillary Clinton’s campaign and are believed to have has gone on long enough. use of a private server as secretary contributed to her losing the 2016 “I think it should reach its conclusion. of state, which still prompts Donald election after she was admonished I think it’s been a long time that this Trump’s supporters to chant “lock by the FBI. Donald Trump has also has been ongoing, but I want it to be her up” at rallies. The president defended his daughter’s use of done in a way in which nobody could apparently wanted Clinton personal email, saying all her question that it was hurried or prosecuted after he took the White messages have been logged as rushed,” she said. “And I think after House. presidential records. this long period of time, we’re well But on Wednesday Ivanka Trump Ivanka Trump said in the interview beyond that point, so I think it insisted there was no comparison that her email use violated no absolutely should reach its between the two cases. “In my rules.“There is no restriction of using conclusion.” This despite experts’ case, all of my emails are on the personal email,” she said. “In fact, views that for an investigation of this White House server. There’s no we’re instructed that if we receive an depth and scope, Mueller is moving intent to circumvent,” she told ABC. email to our personal account that very quickly. OnceOnce feted,feted, SaudiSaudi crowncrown princeprince facesfaces coldcold shouldershoulder abroadabroad Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been on an Arab tour before he attends the Group also included close allies of 20 summit in Argentina on Friday, where he faces world leaders who have strongly Bahrain and Egypt as well as condemned Jamal Khashoggi’s killing last month in the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate. Tunisia. An image of the laughter-filled encounter at the relationships with allies. “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last question is who among global Sunday was dubbed by a leaders will agree to stand with conservative Spanish daily as him publicly,” said H.A. Hellyer, “the photo of shame”. a senior fellow at the Atlantic But the 33-year-old Council and the Royal United prince, widely known as MBS, Services Institute in London.“I used the regional tour as suspect his appearances will something of a victory lap be carefully staged to avoid after US President Donald embarrassment.” The prince Trump -- who has praised faces the grim prospect of Saudi Arabia as a “truly being treated as an “outcast” spectacular ally” -- threw his by some leaders at the two- weight behind him.Trump’s day G-20 summit, said emphatic support came Bessma Momani, a professor despite the Central at Canada’s University of Intelligence Agency’s reported Waterloo. “Group photos may assessment that the prince -- be unavoidable, but liberal who controls all major levers democratic leaders from of power in the Saudi countries such as Germany government -- was behind the Once feted on the world stage, tour before he attends the The country’s de facto and Canada will not want to be killing. “It should come as no Saudi Arabia’s powerful crown Group of 20 summit in ruler has brushed aside the seen shaking his hand,” surprise that allies like Trump, prince faces the cold shoulder Argentina on Friday, where he international pressure, Momani said.Former Spanish China’s Xi (Jinping) and abroad as he struggles to faces world leaders who have attempting to use the King Juan Carlos faced Russia’s (Vladimir) Putin will shrug off the lingering stigma strongly condemned Jamal overseas visits -- followed by scathing domestic criticism have no qualms in signalling that of a critical journalist’s murder. Khashoggi’s killing last month a whirlwind domestic tour -- to over his handshake with the they are absolutely fine to Prince Mohammed bin in the kingdom’s Istanbul shore up his tarnished prince in Abu Dhabi, his first continue doing business with Salman has been on an Arab consulate. reputation and reinforce stop in a regional tour which MBS,” said Momani. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 SPECIAL FEATURE 25 The opening of the Kartarpur corridor is a positive step If it was offended by the scaled-down participation, Pakistan did not show; it welcomed India’s response. As Guru Nanak said: Everything happens by God’s grace. Instances of promises made to devotees for whom it has been him Islamabad’s and delivered are rare in the a case of so near yet so far. Of willingness to open the mostly fraught India-Pakistan as much satisfaction is the fact corridor to Kartarpur. That relations. Much of the last seven that the corridor entente has partisan political play has decades since Partition has happened in the run-up to the since translated into a race been a story of zero-sum games 550th birthday of the first Sikh for claiming credit. The that have kept us apart. In that Guru. For his part, Pakistan NDA, of which the Akali Dal limited sense, the agreement to Prime Minister, Imran Khan, took is a part, wants to show itself as to associate both with the faithful Hardeep Puri. They’re both have a corridor linking a personal interest in meeting the the deliverer of the long-pending who are hopeful as also sharing Sikhs, the latter a former Gurdaspur’s Dera Baba Nanak Sikh demand after Navjot Sidhu Sikh demand. There were the sceptics’ fears that diplomat. As the one who first to Kartarpur Sahib is a welcome attended his swearing-in embarrassing moments for the Islamabad’s gesture could be a pushed the corridor proposal, augury. The 16th century shrine ceremony in Islamabad. Both Dal and the Congress at ploy to revive the Khalistan Mr Sidhu won’t be on the in what is now Pakistan’s practising politicians now, their Monday’s ground breaking movement.The Centre’s official delegation. He will Narowal district was where the friendship goes back to their ceremony performed by vice- response to Mr Khan’s invitation travel to Pakistan as Mr founder of the Sikh faith, Guru cricketing days.Mr Sidhu earned president, Venkaiah Naidu, and hasn’t been any different. Khan’s friend. If it was Nanak, breathed his last. goodwill in Pakistan but faced Punjab chief minister, Amarinder External affairs minister, Sushma offended by the scaled-down Located four kilometres flak at home for attending Mr Singh. But Amarinder Singh, Swaraj opted out, citing prior participation, Pakistan did not away on the banks of the River Khan’s inaugural; more so for the invited by the Pakistan prime engagements. But two junior show; it welcomed India’s Ravi, the revered shrine is visible hug he got and gave to minister, refused to attend a central ministers will travel to response. As Guru Nanak said: from the Indian side. If all goes Pakistan’s army chief, Qamar similar ceremony across the Pakistan: the Akali Dal’s Everything happens by God’s well, it will be easily accessible Javed Bajwa, who conveyed to border. By so deciding, he sought Harsimrat Kaur and the BJP’s grace. Pakistan must be held accountable for its actions While India under PM Modi has made it a policy not to talk to Islamabad till it dismantles the existing terror network, it is time that countries which are victims of Pakistan’s terror franchise form a coalition to combat this menace Hafeez Saeed, Masood Azhar and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Dawood Ibrahim continuing to be After the 2016 Uri attack, National poster boys in Pakistan. Investigating Agency (NIA) sleuths discovered that LeT issues Despite the fact that LeT runs standardised shoes, water eight terrorist training camps in bottles, GPS and weapons to all Pakistan Occupied Kashmir its cadre as if it were functioning (PoK) and two in Khyber as a division of the Pakistani Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), the global Army. terrorist group, with ties to Al The LeT was declared a Qaeda and with the goal of an proscribed terrorist organisation Islamic Caliphate, has morphed by the US (2001), the UK (2001), into a mainstream political party India (2002), Pakistan (2002), in Pakistan — despite Australia (2002), and its leaders international condemnation and Saeed, 26/11 mastermind, Zaki possible black-listing by the Lakhvi, Haji Mohammed Ashraf Financial Action Task Force. and Mahmoud Bahaziq declared The LeT today is a Pakistani brand global terrorists after the Mumbai with global labels such as Jamaat- attacks. Saeed carries a $10 ud-Dawa, Muslim Milli League, million US bounty on his head Tehreek-e-Azaadi Jammu and since April 2012. On April 3, the In the run-up to the 2014 general emanated mostly from Pakistan, Uri and Pathankot terror strikes Kashmir (TAJK), Falah-e- US named Milli Muslim League elections, Ajit Doval, who would the document recalled the virtually forcing the Modi Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) and Al and TAJK as Foreign Terrorist go on to become candidate savagery of the 26/11 Mumbai government to go to war against Muhammadia Students (AMS). It Organizations (FTO) with MML’s Narendra Modi’s National Security massacre which left 166 Indians, Islamabad. still runs terror training courses leader, Saifullah Khalid, being Advisor after the latter was Americans and Israelis dead and There is no denying that the terror with degrees by the name of designated a global elected — Doval was then at a around304seriously injured as 10 threat has greatly diminished basic Daura-e-Aam, weaponised terrorist.Despite all these think-tank the Vivekananda Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) during the Modi regime, Daura-e-Khaas and advanced honorifics, Saeed is a toast of International Foundation — wrote fidayeen, or suicide attackers, considering no less than 1,000 Daura-e-Lashkar for global terror Pakistani military commanders. a 25-page document called mowed downinnocents in innocents lost their lives from recruits. So far in 2018, Indian Ministers of the present Imran “National Security Vision” that Mumbai’s Fort area in 2008. Ten 2005-2014 in at least 25 major security forces have killed at least Khan regime have no qualms in talked about comprehensive years later, the answer to the strikes outside Jammu and 24 terrorists affiliated to LeT sharing the stage with him. The national will and framed a strategy question of whether India has Kashmir and the northeast. But outfits.The group runs an 26/11 masterminds and handlers, called “defensive offence” to been able to neutralise the it is also a fact that the Indian industrial scale jihadist factory including those from Pakistani prevent Pakistan-based terrorist Pakistan-based LeT or Jaish-e- state has not been able to with no less than 20 launching Inter-Services Intelligence, are still groups from targeting India. Mohammed threat is a effectively address the threat pads along India’s 814-kilometre at large, plotting more terror Stating that the threat of terrorism straightforward no with the 2016 posed by these groups with Line of Control (LoC) with conspiracies against India. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 HEALTH & FITNESS 26 Why Raw Honey and Not Just Honey?

This is not too difficult to understand as the word 'raw' clearly indicates being 'uncooked'. Sonia Sharma, Certified Nutritionist and Founder of Nature Organic who sources raw honey from the I love honey. The kind that is Himalayan foothills tells me that worth relishing. Bursting with honey in its raw state still has the caramel notes or honey which essential prana or life force which has dark, smoky overtones and is found in every other raw food. even the one with a floral finish. "According to Ayurveda, it is The flavours are heavenly more this energy that gives raw honey like a sweet boon. But you may its intense flavour. It is the purest not feel the same way, if you've form of nectar that has come out been picking up the ordinary jar of the flowers and is just so potent. of honey that lines grocery You'll know the difference when and package and gives the liquid that we cannot control. We add honey. During crystallization the shelves. Such a pity. you taste it. It leaves a slight tingle a cleaner and smoother finish but nothing to it – no artificial flavours glucose sugar in honey The buzz about bees in your throat unlike regular honey a lot is lost in the process. Honey or synthetic sugar. In fact, the separates from the water and Honey is nature's most which has no flavour or texture and is made up of more than 70% farmers having been eating turns into white crystals because interesting sweetener and true is plain sweet. In the Charaka sugars, less than 20% water and unfiltered honey for years now but it is an over-saturated sugar honey will always surprise you Samhita, an ancient text on trace minerals. Think about it - that is little understood by the solution. The process of with its scent, taste and colour Ayurveda, it has been written that Honey travels from the farms to the public. Sadly, the only qualities of crystallization is known to which reflect the flora from where raw honey which has been aged middlemen to one factory for honey that we refer to is that it preserve certain characteristics the bees collect their nectar. The for a year has amazing therapeutic processing and then another should be smooth, shiny and of your honey like flavour and beauty of it is that the result is and detoxifying properties. The factory for packaging and by the sweet. But, that's not the case quality. “People believe that always up to nature and more natural nutrients are known to time it reaches the stores all that and when commercial honey looks crystallized honey has gone bad so, when bees are allowed to rejuvenate the cells in the body. A is left are glucose and fructose and tastes the same each time, it but honey never expires. If it is express the uniqueness of their lot of scientific studies have shown plus added preservatives and raises doubts because it is far from stored in a cool and dry place, it surroundings in honey. For that applying heat to raw foods stabilizers. The same old story of what raw, natural honey would be,” will naturally crystallize in a few instance, the flavour of honey changes their molecular structure big business interests making it says Manav. months. Just place the jar in hot collected from bee boxes on a and in the process they may lose hard to maintain quality may leave Unfiltered raw honey, which water for a few minutes and it will mustard plantation will be very this life force," she explains. a bad taste in the mouth. you get directly from the bee farm, regain its original texture. The different from the robust wild In its pure form, raw honey “It was about four years ago that does contain fine crystals and one that doesn't may have forest honey extracted from contains all the enzymes, a person from Noida shared with flecks of bee pollen, honeycomb chemicals to increase its shelf natural hives. But a lot of the antioxidants and minerals most of me that he sells low-quality honey bits and even broken bee wing life or the one that crystallizes flavour and quality of honey which are destroyed on being for Rs. 15 per kg to certain brands fragments since it is extracted and partially at the bottom may be depends on how carefully it is treated with heat and more often that use it to mix with their product cleaned by hand. It is cloudier, has adulterated,' adds Manav. handled after being procured. than not, replaced with synthetic to increase the volume and reduce high levels of antioxidants and The recent controversies are What is so special about material to undertake mass the price. Thereafter, I visited the crystallizes to a thick consistency a reflection of how food-safety raw honey? production and give it a shelf life. forests in Uttaranchal where a very soon. Raw honey is alkaline procedures unfold in India and Raw honey is the most Many of the beautiful, golden family of farmers have been in nature (unlike processed that adulteration is common. original sweet liquid you will find. bottles sitting on supermarket involved in bee-keeping for honey) which simply means that Honey can be easily adulterated It is collected fresh after being shelves contain commercial generations and witnessed how it does not ferment in the stomach with glucose solution or high- produced by honeybees with the honey that has been pasteurized real honey is made. You are not and can be used neutralize acid fructose corn syrup and nectar they sip from flower (heated at about 70 degree allowed inside the forest to prevent indigestion. ingredients you may never know. blossoms. It is unheated, Celsius followed by rapid cooling). any form of contamination, but I Back in the 1800s, honey It's best to do your due diligence unpasteurized and unprocessed. This makes it easy to filter, handle have been told by the farmers that came in a comb packed in a before buying and not always they place the bee hive in a wooden box. Honey stored in the trust what you see. A simple trick spinning container and while it honeycomb was the purest, that I use to check the quality of spins the honey falls off the comb rawest form of honey. And there honey is to put some in a glass and sticks to the walls from where was no other alternative. As time of water. Pure honey should it is scooped and delivered to us,” went by, several things changed. remain solid and not dissolve shares Manav Chaddha, Co- Food safety laws were tightened when submerged in water. Founder, Organica. and the natural honey that people Well-known raw food guru The thing about honest, real had been eating for so many years David Wolfe, in his book – honey is that it not really ‘pure' was not considered safe anymore. ‘Superfoods: The Food and literally. “The raw honey that we Unfortunately, we lost a real treat. Medicine of the Future', talks source from the forest is filtered Today, suppliers of raw honey, about raw honey being ‘nature's manually and no machinery or heat keeping the needs and health of richest source of live healing is used at any step. This is why the consumers in mind, may only enzymes and that it increases you may find bee pollen or some warm it slightly to allow the honey reflexes, mental alertness and fibers still in our honey but they to flow for bottling and filter it to even IQ!' He suggests that all don't really pose a problem to your remove the unwanted particles. honeys should be eaten raw as health and also the colour or Crystallization is a good cooked honey has no enzymes texture may be slightly different thing and wherever possible select every time because honey is The crystallization of honey is organic honey packaged in obtained through a natural process actually a trait of pure, natural glass. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 HEALTH & FITNESS 27 New cases of HIV rise Stay Healthy And Super Fit With in Eastern Europe, decline in the West Dried Fruits And These Healthy Bars Almost 160,000 people were Dried fruits contain little to no fat. They also contain significant calories per diagnosed in Europe with the human immunodeficiency virus serving, making them a natural source of energy for athletes. They are also a good (HIV), which causes AIDS, according to data from the supplement for people seeking to gain weight in a healthy way. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and movement, skin health, hair control, the World Health Organization’s cancer fighting properties, improving bone (WHO) regional office for Europe. health, improved vision, easing digestion and fighting anaemia to name a few. Many More than 130,000 people were of the dry fruits are low in glycemic index, newly diagnosed with HIV last year in and so, they help slow release of energy Eastern Europe, the highest rate ever and control blood sugar. for the region, while the number of new Because most of the water is cases in Western Europe declined, extracted from fruits, their nutrients are global public health experts said on condensed into a small package. Dried Wednesday. European Union and fruits like apricots, raisins, prunes and figs European Economic Area countries saw contain high amounts of beta carotene, a reduction in 2017 rates, mainly driven vitamin E, niacin, iron, magnesium, by a 20% drop since 2015 among men potassium and calcium. Dried fruits who have sex with men. That left contain little to no fat. They also contain Europe’s overall increasing trend less significant calories per serving, making steep than previously. them a natural source of energy for All told, almost 160,000 people were athletes. They are also a good supplement diagnosed in Europe with the human As healthy living has become a fresh counterparts. for people seeking to gain weight in a immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which catchword these days, people have taken These help in various ways like healthy way.Dried fruits like apricots, causes AIDS, according to data from the to eating dried fruits and health bars. increase of good cholesterol, reduction in raisins, prunes and figs contain high European Centre for Disease Prevention Experts say these can give natural bad cholesterol, maintaining blood amounts of beta carotene, vitamin E, and Control (ECDC) and the World nutrients. V.V. Mani, Director, Operations, pressure , blood sugar control, thyroid niacin, iron, magnesium, potassium and Health Organization’s (WHO) regional Unibic, and Suhasni Sampath, Co- control, improving heart function, bowel calcium. office for Europe. “It’s hard to talk about Founder, Yoga Bars, explain how dry fruits good news in the face of another year and nuts used in health snack bars help of unacceptably high numbers of people the cause of healthy living: infected with HIV,” said Zsuzsanna Dried fruits generally contain more Jakab, director of the WHO regional fiber than the same-sized serving of their office. Calling on governments and fresh counterparts. Fiber helps in keeping health officials to recognise the your digestive system running smoothly. seriousness of the situation, she urged The various dry fruits are packed them: “Scale up your response now.”The naturally with a mix of nutritional elements United Nations AIDS agency UNAIDS like potassium, calcium, magnesium, warned in July that complacency was zinc, iron, carotenoids, antioxidants, starting to stall the fight against the vitamins, dietary fiber, flavonoids, global epidemic, with the pace of selenium and more apart from the good progress not matching what is needed. quality fat and protein that these Some 37 million people worldwide are provide.Dried fruits generally contain more infected with HIV. fiber than the same-sized serving of their Obese children more likely to develop asthma than kids of a healthy weight, warns study Parents, please take note. Your child’s weight plays an important role in determining his or her asthma risk. Obese or overweight children are at an increased risk of asthma, a new study has found. US Researchers say it is likely to develop the lung asthma is among the most researchers possible that weight gain is fuelling condition than children of a prevalent childhood conditions reviewed de- the rise in childhood asthma. healthy weight. The findings and comes at a high cost to identified Researchers discovered that suggest that the incidence of an patients, families and the greater data of obese youngsters were more asthma diagnosis among children health system,” said co-author patients with obesity Terri Finkel from Nemours aged two to wasChildren’s Hospital in Orlando. 17 without a significantly “There are few preventable risk history of higher than in factors to reduce the incidence of asthma, those in a asthma, but our data show that receiving normal weight reducing the onset of childhood care from six paediatric academic obesity among children with range and that obesity could significantly lower medical centres between 2009 asthma appears to increase 23-27% of new the public health burden of and 2015. Overweight or obese disease severity. Being asthma cases asthma,” Finkel added.For the patients were matched with overweight was identified as a were directly study published in the journal normal weight patients of the modest risk factor for asthma, and attributable to Paediatrics, the research team same age, gender, race, ethnicity, the association was diminished obesity. analysed medical records of more insurance type and location of when the most stringent definition “Paediatric than 500,000 children. The care. The researchers found that of asthma was used. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 LIFE STYLE 28 How Priyanka Chopra played hide and seek with fashion

Ahead of the Priyanka Chopra-Nick Jonas unconventional looks and her edgy was rarely experimented with as the volume wedding, we look at the actress’s style personality that wanted more than just was a safe bet compared to going in a evolution. She became the champion of commercial hits and sharing screen space different direction with that sharp face and adaptability when it came to diction, style with the big guns in Bollywood. Farhan gorgeous eyes.Amid the Bollywood galore, and the craft. She knows she is sexy and Akhtar’s Don (2006) came out, she came her first single ‘In my City’ in 2012 and we know it too now. The real Priyanka close to playing Roma, a woman with a Exotic in 2013, the world saw the Priyanka Chopra has finally spoken. plan, played perfectly by 80s diva Zeenat Chopra the way she wanted to be seen. Over a period of time, Priyanka Chopra Aman. The role was strong, over-sensitive Free-spirited, over-ambitious and desirable. discovered fashion and fashion discovered yet a well-adjusted character. With Madhur her. When a young, shy PeeCee Bhandarkar’s Fashion (2008) and represented India for Miss World 2000, the Karan Johar’s Dostana (2008), we saw a confidence and attitude was noticed more different side of PeeCee where she not only than what she was wearing and how much owned the movie as a performer but also she knew about style. That confidence and nailed it as a stylemaker.With films like attitude never left her and over the years, Siddharth Anand’s Anjaana Anjaani, and she is one of those few Indian actresses Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kaminey (2009) and who tried to reinvent herself rather than Saat Khoon Maaf (2011) we were bound fading away in the crowd of actresses who to believe in her and especially, the spunk gave up after a point of time and convinced that she has and how she pulled it off. In themselves to be plus one in a big budget the sequel to the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer, film. Don 2 (2011), Priyanka dazzled the Now, let’s go down memory lane and revisit audience with her sexy demeanour and how it all began for Priyanka Chopra. Her action sequences. Priyanka had arrived body had the barbie-like perfection but she by then and she clearly had a plan. A plan was clearly meant to more than a to survive, a plan to matter. showpiece on and off-screen. In her first As she started to embrace who she is on release Andaaz (2003), she was seen as screen, Priyanka Chopra had also begun a flamboyant, spoilt rich girl who wanted to embrace how she wanted to dress. to own everything she ever wanted. Her PeeCee always had a spectacular body body language was wild and she also and that face was not traditionally beautiful crossed all the levels of overacting but, but it had lots of charm and character. The that’s what who she is till date - a go- hunger for more and more was visible in getter. A series of releases post that, those persistent eyes. She gradually Priyanka was mostly seen as someone moved on from bandage dresses, corsets who brings the commercial value to a film and off-shoulder patterns to silhouettes that rather than owning it as an actress. complimented her edgy personality. Not While many directors tried to make her that they looked bad on her, but she was look like a typical Indian girl, many failed mostly styled keeping her body in mind to appreciate and recognise her and not her personality. Her barbie-like hair Sara Ali Khan looks as beautiful as Kareena Kapoor in matching Raw Mango suit Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sara Ali Khan took twinning to a whole new level with their shiny outfits. Kareena or Sara, whose brocade look from Raw Mango do you love more?

It’s been a busy few days for Sara kurta and cigarette-shaped With her down-to-earth Ali Khan. The budding actor is trousers set from Raw Mango, demeanour and girl-next-door from Raw Mango. She paired her separates do the talking. Sara’s showing off her fashion flair in Sara handled herself with as charm, Sara makes everything brown and gold brocade kurta with simple hair and make-up helped head-turning looks, while much finesse and grace as any she wears look effortless and a pair of brown cropped pants and balance the glamour of her Raw promoting her debut film, seasoned celebrity. She fabulous at the same time, while gold juttis from Fizzy Goblet. Like mango design. While she wore Kedarnath with actor Sushant accessorised her regal midnight Kareena proves being a modern Sara, Kareena too opted to let go glossy nude lips, unlike Kareena, Singh Rajput. Instead of slipping blue outfit with Jadau chandbalis style icon is all about taking off a dupatta to help keep the Sara left her hair open.While into sleek short dresses or from Amrapali Jewels:Sara has fashion risks. Yet both Sara and focus on her high-shine outfit. To there’s no doubt that both ladies exaggerated wide-legged pants, spoken on multiple occasions Kareena have stepped out in finish, the star went with nude look incredible, what isn’t so clear Sara continues to put on a stylish about how close she is to her almost identical Raw Mango lips, soft smoky eyes and swept is which star wore Raw Mango display with her exciting ethnic father, actor Saif Ali Khan’s ensembles. In May, while her hair back in a loose low best. Do you prefer the relaxed Indian looks. On Tuesday, Sara second wife, Kareena Kapoor promoting her film Veere Di ponytail with soft waves.Sara took vibe in the brown and gold suit again proved she has a penchant Khan. But it’s hard to imagine two Wedding, Kareena packed an her styling cues from Kareena and Kareena wore, or Sara’s for traditional Indian ensembles. women with personal styles more extremely glamorous wardrobe, kept the rest of her look simple sophisticated, polished head-to- Wearing an unexpected brocade different then Sara and Kareena. which included a pretty kurta set to let the bold hue of her brocade toe brocade version? Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 29 Les Moonves was fired this year for ‘forcing Showgirls actress to perform oral sex on him’ in 1995 Bobbie Phillips told The New York Times that Les Moonves forced her to perform oral sex on him during a 1995 meeting her and his other clients on CBS. The CBS board realized - af- The New Yorker called to fact He also said that one day af- ter learning that Moonves tried to check a story that contained on- ter she met Moonves, Dauer in- find Phillips a job - that they the-record allegations from six formed Phillips that the executive needed to remove Moonves from new women. The board realized had called to say he had lined up his position according to at that time there was no way to Les Moonves lost his job af- does not deny that the sex act producers interested in meeting emails that were seen by the let Moonves leave with any ter it was discovered he tried to took place.The two were inter- the woman.Phillips broke down Times, but were still prepared money until the investigation was stop a woman from sharing pos- rupted halfway through when in tears and refused according to to let him leave with half of his complete, and voted to terminate sible allegations of sexual mis- Moonves received a phone call, Dauer, saying she never wanted $180 million severance pack- his employment on the Sunday, conduct by giving her a role on a at which point Phillips said she to see Moonves again or meet age. A deal was put in place just hours after The New Yorker CBS series, reports The New fled from the office. with any of the producers. that would pay Moonves out published its story. York Times. 'I felt my blood rushing in my Then, a year ago, word got the rest of the money if an in- Some had hoped that vote Bobbie Phillips was trying to body,' said Phillips. out about a possible piece being vestigation cleared him, and a could have come before the re- break into the industry back in 'I was vibrating. I can still feel written about Moonves past, and new release announcing the de- lease of the story, but there was 1995 when she met Moonves at it.' She then recalled grabbing a ther CBS head allegedly grew cision was being drafted when not enough time. his office to discuss possible baseball bat in the corner of the concerned that Phillips would be work, a fact that both parties and room, saying: 'All I could think the focus. Once the CBS board Phillips' agent acknowledge to be was that I wanted to use the base- learned that Moonves offered true. ball bat to knock his head off.' Phillips work to stay silent he was Halfway through that meeting, Moonves began to worry booted, and now Phillips has also Phillips claims that Moonves ex- about the incident approximately filed a $15 million lawsuit. In ad- posed himself and said 'look how a year ago according to Phillips' dition to trying to silence her, hard you make me.' agent Marv Dauer, and became Phillips is accusing Moonves of That is when he allegedly increasingly concerned over defaming her by stating the en- forced himself into her mouth, time. 'If Bobbie talks, I'm, finished,' counter was consensual. stating: 'Be my girlfriend and I’ll he wrote in a text to Dauer. Dauer Moonves 'reopened these put you on any show.' is upfront about the fact that he wounds, causing medical injuries Moonves denies ever forcing used his knowledge of the Phillips and effectively ending her acting Phillips to perform oral sex, but scandal to try and get work for career' said Phillips' lawyer. Bhaiaji Superhit movie review Sunny Deol rocks a surprisingly fun film Bhaiaji Superhit That approach is taken by many In the film’s first action sequence Director - Neeraj Pathak a deafening film about machismo he throws a spectacular double- Cast - Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, and item numbers, but Bhaiaji punch wearing a tender coconut Ameesha Patel, Arshad Warsi, Superhit crucially knows how silly on each hand like a green Shreyas Talpade it is, and celebrates it. Unlike a boxing glove — I promise you this Rating - 3/5 Dabanng or Rowdy Rathore or is unforgettable, and should be There is an adage about Hindi Singham that amp up the immortalised as a GIF — and films — made popular by melodrama and pretend their later there are times he slaps producers and publicists of said hackneyed rape/revenge plots other characters so hard he films — that entertaining movies actually matter, this film revels in nearly loses his own balance. require the viewer to ‘leave their its lunacy and piles cliché on top Yet that smile remains dashing brains at home.’ It is an of cliché. Director Neerraj Pathak and that charm easy, so it’s fun infuriating line meant to justify not knows he’s making a spoof, and to watch Deol as the titular only broad buffoonery, but plot- Sunny Deol is in on the joke. Bhaiaji who likes smashing holes and lazy writing, as Those films literally exist to make anything in earshot, brings down filmmakers blame the audience the hero look good, whereas here buildings with a click of a for thinking when they should Deol clowns around, draped in ballpoint pen and wants to win merely roll over and be tickled. technicolor velvet as if styled by his pretty wife back at all costs. Bhaiaji Superhit addresses this Ranveer Singh. (Plus, unlike This aforementioned wife, played line of thought with an early obscenely expensive fittingly by Preity Zinta, wants movie made about his romance. the name-dropping filmmaker scene where Sunny Deol tosses monstrosities like Ghajini and also to return at all costs but It’s all tomfoolery, narrated by the who — very realistically — goes a brain into the air and smashes Wanted, this is clearly less wants her husband to jump inimitable Vijay Raaz and out of his way on the sets to it with his infamous hand. Leave wasteful.) through tighter hoops first, which starring gifted comic actors like make sure the film’s writer your brains behind, this film Much of the credit goes to Deol’s leads Bhaiaji to kidnap an Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjai Mishra doesn’t make money or get any threatens, or else… preposterously infectious smile. opportunistic filmmaker to get a and Arshad Warsi. Warsi plays credit. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 30 It may not be smooth sailing for Rajinikanth’s ‘2.0’ movie 2.0’s trailer hasn’t really generated the buzz it should have, and the movie hasn’t made massive profits with the sale of ancillary rights before its release

New Delhi: At a budget of ?510 Rakesh Gowthaman, managing the Baahubali franchise may be crore, Rajinikanth’s science fic- director of Vettri Theatres in inevitable, those two films came tion movie 2.0 is easily the most Chennai. within two years of each other, expensive Indian film till date. But “That film was high on star unlike 2.0 that comes eight years ogy for audiences to view the wards. the S. Shankar directed venture value with Rajinikanth and after Enthiran. VFX-heavy film in full glory.“I “It’s too early to say if the that hits theatres Thursday after Aishwarya Rai coming together. “The burden of Baahubali’s in- think audiences are intelligent film will ultimately recover its much delay is unlikely to have it Plus, Rajni was in the best phase vestment was borne by two mov- enough to see how the film is investment, the opening cer- easy. of his career then whereas his ies, not one. Plus, that was a pushing the envelope in terms tainly will not cover and the For one, after the failure of recent films haven’t really fared more conventional genre—my- of production values,” said film content has to speak. But at Yash Raj Films’ action adventure well and his entry into politics thology, tradition and family val- distributor and exhibitor Thugs of Hindostan, euphoria hasn’t been accepted whole- ues,” said Atul Mohan, editor of Akshaye Rathi who ex- around the idea of the big-screen heartedly either,” added the trade trade magazine Complete Cin- pects Rs20 crore from the spectacle has taken a beating. expert quoted above. ema. Hindi version of the film on “Thugs was the biggest offering Clearly, 2.0’s content will have Lyca did not respond to Mint’s day one and about Rs55- of the year with Aamir Khan and to speak for itself. The film’s queries, but industry experts 60 crore from the Tamil Amitabh Bachchan coming to- trailer hasn’t really generated the point out that the company is not version. “Plus, the pres- gether, and the fact that it was a buzz it should have, and, contrary marketing the film aggressively. ence of Akshay Kumar Diwali release from YRF, one of to reports, the movie hasn’t made Apart from a trailer launch, online (as the antagonist) en- the biggest banners. This clearly massive profits with the sale of contests, poster releases, in-cin- sures that it caters equally proves audiences are in no mood ancillary rights before its release. ema, print and television adver- to the north and south.” to spend money on a bad film, While the satellite TV rights have tising and a singular interview Gowthaman added no matter whom it comes from,” gone to the Zee Network for ?110 with Rajinikanth on Zee Tamil for the lukewarm buzz said a trade expert on condition crore, about ?80 crore has come Diwali, the campaign has been around the movie of anonymity. from Karan Johar’s Dharma Pro- low key. may work for it in While YRF has recovered its ductions for distribution rights of To be sure, there is much go- the long run. At investment for Thugs of Hindostan the Hindi version. ing for the movie. Siddharth least in Tamil from ancillary rights, theatre own- Producers Lyca Productions Bhardwaj, chief marketing officer Nadu, which is ers have incurred losses as the- are still in the process of selling and head of enterprise sales, Rajinikanth’s atrical business did not match distribution rights for other lan- UFO Moviez India Ltd, said Lyca mainstay, it is expectations, said the trade ex- guages, but trade experts say is targeting a screen count higher the first wide pert. YRF got exhibitors to pay a that all put together, pre-release than the 6,500 notched up by solo release minimum guarantee of nearly revenue will not exceed ?250 Baahubali 2: The Conclusion in since Vijay’s ?15-16 crore (per theatre) before crore. That leaves more than half 2017 in India alone, the highest Sarkar that release and the earnings of the the investment still to be recov- for an Indian film so far. came for Diwali film have resulted in a 60-70% ered. The movie will not only have Overseas too, 2.0 should take and will enjoy loss for them. to cross at least ?100 crore on up around 2,000 screens, an un- an uninter- “The buzz around 2.0 is not day one but sustain thereafter to precedented number. Lyca is rupted two to as high as Enthiran (the first in- break-even. also encouraging theatre owners three-week stalment released in 2010),” said Also while comparisons with to opt for upgraded 3D technol- window after- Priyanka Chopra, Sophie Turner look great in traditional Indian suits at family puja Priyanka Chopra and Nick kurta, paired cream pyjamas.You Jonas kicked off their exciting wed- were probably expecting the ding weekend with a dinner party groom’s family to wear something in Mumbai on Monday. And on traditional Indian for the lavish wed- Wednesday the soon-to-be married ding festivities in Jodhpur between couple and their family and friends on November 29 and December 2. all gathered to celebrate their up- But for the puja, not only Nick, coming nuptials with a traditional even Sophie and Joe surprised ev- puja at the Mumbai home of and his fiancé Sophie Turner. eryone by wearing ethnic Indian Priyanka’s mother, Dr. Madhu Priyanka completed the ensemble outfits. While Sophie rocked a red Chopra. Priyanka, who wore a with statement sunglasses, shoul- suit embellished with beads and heavily embellished sky blue suit, der-grazing earrings and, of course, embroidery with a bright yellow was spotted entering her mother’s the Tiffany & Co. diamond that Nick dupatta, Joe and Nick wore coordi- home for the puja, while mingling proposed with. Meanwhile, Nick was nating blue and pink kurta pyjama with her Nick’s brother Joe Jonas spotted in an embroidered pink sets for the special occasion: Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 31 Kedarnath : A Riveting Story of Love, Courage & Fate Releasing worldwide on 7th December 2018 through Packyourbag Films Deep in the valleys of the screen Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajput), a reserved and reticent Himalayas lies the abode of Lord who made his debut 5 years ago Pithoo (porter) helps pilgrims Shiva, the Kedarnath Temple. A in Abhishek Kapoor’s multi- make an arduous journey up- juxtaposition between tranquillity award-winning film Kai Poi Che, wards to the temple town. His and uncertainty, Kedarnath has and debutant Sara Ali Khan. With world turns around when he withstood the test of time. Now her charming demeanour and ar- meets the beautiful and rebellious RSVP Movies brings to audi- resting screen presence, Sara Ali Mukku (Sara Ali Khan) who draws to survive against the elements populated radio airwaves with ences worldwide a cinematic en- Khan is poised to make a stellar him into a whirlwind of intense and face the ultimate test of their melodious hits like the foot-tap- semble of love, courage and fate debut in Kedarnath. The lead stars love. As their relationship grows love. The anticipation around ping, wedding dance track with their forthcoming co-produc- are joined by a strong supporting closer along the journey, they Kedarnath’s release is height- ‘Sweetheart’, the a powerful de- tion KEDARNATH, a potent com- cast comprising Nitish face many obstacles, including ened following the overwhelming votional song ‘Namo, Namo’ and bination of love and religion, of Bharadwaj, Alka Amin, Sonali familial disapproval and contrast- response it’s trailer garnered, the innocent love song passion and spirituality, releas- Sachdev, Pooja Gor and Nishant ing backgrounds. Their love story supported by an unanimous en- ‘Qaafirana’. ing in cinemas on 7th December Dahiya. is intertwined with the devastat- dorsement from audiences world- Kedarnath promises to trans- 2018 through Packyourbag The film is set on a 14- ing Uttarakhand floods of 2013, wide on Sushant and Sara’s on- port audiences on a romantic Films. kilometre pilgrimage from Gauri which took the lives of several screen chemistry. The films’ journey filled with sacrifice, heart- Directed by acclaimed direc- Kund to Kedarnath, the 2000- thousand habitants and devas- songs, which have been penned warming moments and emotions tor Abhishek Kapoor (Rock On!!!), year-old holy temple of Lord Shiva. tated the region. In the wake of by Amitabh Bhattacharya and which evoke a willingness to do KEDARNATH brings together on Mansoor (Sushant Singh the atrocity, the couple are forced directed by Amit Trivedi, have also anything and everything for love. Youtube Original Award Winning Documentary ‘The Price of Free Premiers on Soulpancake’s Youtube Channel YouTube Original documentary The dation. See Official YouTube blog post SoulPancake and the 100 Million Price of Free launches TODAY Novem- here. Campaign’s Global Day of Action on Nov ber 27, 2018 free for fans around the world Mr. Satyarthi states, “The film is a 14, the campaign will provide audiences on SoulPancake’s YouTube Channel. humble tribute to my colleagues across the U.S. and worldwide with an From YouTube, Participant Media and Dhoomdas, Adarsh Kishore and Kalu opportunity to understand and reflect on Concordia Studio, the award-winning film Kumar, who sacrificed their lives in the why millions of children are trapped in child follows Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash line of duty without demur, selflessly fight- labor and slavery providing pathways for Satyarthi and his team of leaders around ing for children’s rights till their last breath. those audiences to invest, advocate and the world through gripping secret raids and I call upon everyone to watch this film and lead change in their community and quests for missing children. work with us in creating a world where all around the world. ‘The Price of Free’ The Price of Free amplifies the voice children are free, healthy, safe and edu- comes from rising director Derek Doneen of Kailash Satyarthi, a tireless global child cated.” and is produced by Davis Guggenheim rights activist, to accelerate the reach and Co-produced and co-financed by Par- (“An Inconvenient Truth”, “He Named Me impact of his efforts to end child slavery. ticipant Media and Concordia Studio, the Malala”) and Sarah Anthony and co- The launch coincides with film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film produced by Purnima Raghunath. Ex- #GivingTuesday, where YouTube Creators Festival, where it won the U.S. Documen- ecutive Producers include Jeff Skoll, Jay Shetty and Kati Morton will join the tary Grand Jury Prize. Working with part- Diane Weyermann, Elise Pearlstein, campaign to help raise money in support ners YouTube, Participant, Concordia, the Laurene Powell Jobs, Shannon Dill of the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foun- Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, and Jonathan Silberberg. Bharat: Seen Katrina Kaif's New Look Yet 'You're Killing Us,' Says The Internet Katrina Kaif just dropped an oh- curly hair as the stars' complete looks Bharat look is killing us." so-amazing photo of herself from were not revealed)? For the new Check out Katrina's viral post what appears to be the sets of Bharat photo, Katrina opted for a simple cap- here, which garnered over 6 lakh likes on Instagram and netizens just can't tion - she simply added the danc- in just 4 hours!Katrina Kaif and keep calm. That's because Katrina ing girl emoji. While Katrina Kaif Salman Khan are currently shooting offered a proper glimpse of her new is painting Instagram red, her fans for Bharat in New Delhi, where the look, which she had teased in her pre- are busy approving her look for team landed on Saturday. Costume vious Instagram post. In the photo, Bharat. Nitya Mehra, who directed designer Ashley Rebello also shared Katrina sports curly hair as she Katrina Kaif in Baar Baar Dekho, a new photo of Salman Khan from the poses for the click - we got glimpses wrote: "Just return to us like this sets while just a few hours after that, of this new look of hers a few times only," while casting director a new photo of Katrina arrived on her in the past. Remember the viral photo Shanoo Sharma added: "I love it". Instagram.Ahead of the national capi- of Salman Khan and Katrina and the "You are totally slaying it with that tal, the film's team were busy with brand new poster of Bharat, also fea- hairstyle," read a comment while an- the Jalandhar schedule, where the turing the two (you can only see her other added: "You are a dream. This Wagah Border was recreated. Saturday 1 December to 07 December 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 32