saturday, february 11, 2017

www.thehindu.in ● Regd. DL(ND)-11/6110/2006-07-08 ● RNI No. TNENG/2012/49940 ● ISSN 0971 - 751X ● Vol. 7 ● No. 36 ● CITY EDITION ● 24 Pages ● Rs. 8.00 Printed at , , Bengaluru, Hyderabad, , Noida, Visakhapatnam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Vijayawada, Mangaluru, Tiruchirapalli, , Hubballi, Mohali, Allahabad, Malappuram and

Modi mocks Rahul, Rapists should be is in talks with Trump backs ‘One Akhilesh over tortured, says Union U.S. on visa issue: China’ policy in alliance in U.P. Minister Uma Bharti Ravi Shankar Prasad first call with Xi Page 13 Page 12 Page 17 Page 16 • • BRIEFLY Ansari warns of public Swamy gets time to TN Governor likely to await prove Aircel charge despair fuelled by inequality NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday gave BJP leader Subramanian Swamy two weeks Gap between rich and to place “concrete” material to SC ruling in Sasikala case poor is not narrowing, prima facie prove that the he says at The Huddle former Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, ignored Foreign Not being an Expulsions galore SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) regulations by clearing MLA is seen as a as factions await BENGALURU: Vice-President the proposal in the Aircel-Maxis ‘restrictive’ factor Hamid Ansari on Friday deal in 2006 without having it Governor’s call called attention to the in- vetted by a Cabinet Committee. to her swearing-in SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT creasing economic inequal- ½ NEWS | PAGE 12 S. VIJAY KUMAR ity worldwide, particularly CHENNAI: Friday saw rival in India with all its social and Court upholds freeze CHENNAI: Rival factions of the factions of the AIADMK political consequences, and on Trump’s travel ban AIADMK, led by interim expelling party presidium noted that protest move- general secretary V.K. chairman E. ments globally are being WASHINGTON: A U.S. appeals Sasikala and Chief Minister Madhusudhanan and fuelled by public despair. Vice-President Hamid Ansari at the inaugural session of court upheld a nationwide stay O. Panneerselvam, may have interim general secretary Delivering the inaugural The Huddle in Bengaluru on Friday. — PHOTO: K. MURALI KUMAR on the travel ban imposed by to wait longer for Governor V.K. Sasikala, respectively, address, titled ‘Living in Feb- President Donald Trump on Ch. Vidyasagar Rao to decide in a bid to assert control rile Times’, at The Huddle, a to act; and calls for oppor- people from seven Muslim- on their claims of majority over the party even as they three-day conclave of ideas, tunities that give individuals majority countries. Mr. Trump support in the Assembly. GATHERING SUPPORT: O. Panneerselvam with party workers and hoped to get the coveted he said, “We need to ask the freedom to pursue a life has said the decision is The Governor, in his assess- the public at his residence in Chennai. — PHOTO: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM call from the Raj Bhavan to ourselves some uncomfort- of their own choosing to be “disgraceful.” ment of the situation, has in- prove their strength in the able questions. Can we just equalised.” He linked such a ½ WORLD | PAGE 16 dicated that he is inclined to member of the Legislature of as a Chief Minister or a Min- Assembly. accept the growing insular- compact back to the Pre- wait till the Supreme Court the State shall at the expira- ister as the case may be, to Prominent leader from ity, intolerance and amble to the Constitution Agency to integrate delivers its verdict on the ap- tion of that period cease to continue in oice, without western , K.A. discrimination?” and cited the World Eco- defence acquisitions peals in the disproportionate be a Minister.” getting elected within a Sengottaiyan, was Noting that the gap nomic Forum’s Global Risk assets cases against Ms. period of six months.” appointed the presidium between the rich and poor Report of 2017 to frame the NEW DELHI: The Centre plans to Sasikala. Not an enabling clause: SC Sources said in the back- chairman of the AIADMK shows no sign of narrowing, dangers of failing to bridge set up an agency to integrate Noting that Ms. Sasikala is However, the Supreme drop of the Supreme Court (Sasikala) faction. Mr. Ansari suggested that the income inequality: the rise of and streamline the arduous not a member of the As- Court had in a judgment — indicating that it would de- The day began with Ms. situation demands impa- populism. In India, he poin- process of defence acquisitions. sembly, the Governor has ap- B.R. Kapoor Vs State of liver the judgement in the as- Sasikala announcing the tience with business-as- ted out, the richest 1% have A committee submitted a report parently been advised to Tamil Nadu and Others, sets case against Ms. Sasikala expulsion of Mr. usual development policies. claim to 60% of the country’s on how to set up the body to consider this as a “restrict- September 2001 — held: soon, the Governor was Madhusudhanan, who on “Perhaps the time has come,” wealth, and the bottom 50% Manohar Parrikar on Thursday. ive” factor in swearing her in “Article 164 (4) is not a wondering whether she Thursday switched he said, “to move the devel- to 2%. “Rising inequality is “The aim is not to create as CM. source of power or an en- would be able to contest an loyalties to Chief Minister opment discourse beyond seen as a contributing cause another bureaucracy. The DPO Technically, there is no bar abling provision for appoint- election as legislator within O. Panneerselvam. the current discussion of for the rise of authoritarian will be a vertical under the on a non-legislator to be ment of a non-legislator as a six months (should she be She also removed him outcomes and opportunities. leaders, often with a divisive Defence Ministry,” sources said. sworn in as Minister. Article Minister even for a short convicted). from the primary A conceptual framework is agenda fuelled by sectarian- ½ NEWS | PAGE 12 164 (4) of the Constitution duration. It is actually in the membership of the party. provided by Amartya Sen ism, xenophobia and nation- merely states: “A Minister nature of disqualification or ½ SHADOW OF DOUBT and others who see human alism,” he said. METROPLUS MELANGE who for any period of six restriction for a non-mem- CONSTRAINS DECISION; SC ½ EC URGED NOT TO capabilities as the capacity 4 Pages consecutive months is not a ber, who has been appointed REFUSES HEARING | PAGE 9 RECOGNISE SASIKALA | PAGE 9 and freedom to choose and ½ CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Four in a row Muslims in a dilemma In Haryana district, no toilet, no marriage ASHOK KUMAR ana, Himachal Pradesh, Pun- as U.P. votes in Phase I jab and , said NUH (HARYANA): If you don’t open defecation was not al- OMAR RASHID have a toilet you can’t get lowed in Islam and that the married. More than 1,200 religion had always emphas- AGRA/FIROZABAD: “Mulayam Imams from 110 villages in ised the importance of Singh said all those living in Punhana block of Nuh dis- cleanliness. riot camps in Muzafarnagar trict in Haryana took this de- The lack of toilets is par- are conspirators. He is your cision on Thursday to check ticularly acute in Nuh. Of the political enemy...” the music open defecation. 317 village panchayats in the system at Nadar Baksh mar- Brides and grooms be- district, only 170 have been ket blares out a recorded longing to these villages oicially declared open de- speech of AIMIM chief have to produce a certificate fecation free, according to Asaduddin Owaisi. from their village sarpanch, District Information and The dense Muslim local- verifying that they have a toi- BOLD DECISION: A meeting of Imams in progress in Nuh, Public Relations oicer Dal- ity, in the heart of Firozabad’s AIMIM workers campaigning let at their home. Haryana, on Thursday. - PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT bir Singh. Mr Singh said ef- famous glass bangle bazaar, for their candidate in Failure to produce the cer- forts were being made to en- is gripped by the day’s afair Firozabad. — PHOTO: RAJEEV BHATT tificate will mean the local ing of music at weddings. have to produce a certificate courage people to build — Athesham Ali Babar, the Imam will not solemnise the by the sarpanch before the toilets and the Haryana Gov- AIMIM candidate is cam- tricts on Saturday. Most of marriage. Certificate from sarpanch wedding,” Jamiat leader ernment was also ofering paigning. the constituencies going to The meeting, convened by “The Imam will solemnise Maulana Yahya Karimi told financial aid to families be- After some fiery speeches the polls fall in the commun- the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, the marriage only after the . low the poverty line for the and sloganeering, the public ally sensitive Western U.P. also decided to ban the con- two families meet these con- Mr. Karimi, the president purpose. meeting concludes; young including the riot-hit areas of sumption of liquor and play- ditions. The families will of the organisation in Hary- ½ CONTINUED ON | PAGE 12 Muslim boys rush from the Muzafarnagar-Shamli. mohalla to grab whatever “Bahut dekh liya SP aur they can take home — the BSP; iss baar apne bhai ko HC allows BSF most sought after items were vote denge (Enough of SP green and white kites, the AI- and BSP; this time I will vote jawan’s wife MIM symbol. for our brother),” quips Meanwhile, the enthusi- young Osama, as he heads to meet him astic supporters carry Babar back to his bangle shop after on their shoulders away from attending the AIMIM rally. STAFF REPORTER RECORD KNOCK: Virat Kohli scored 204 on the second the pandal, shouting slogans. day of the Test against Bangladesh in Hyderabad on Firozabad votes on Saturday. NEW DELHI: After the Delhi Friday. He surpassed Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid to Uttar Pradesh will see the ½ CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 High Court’s intervention on become the first batsman to score double centuries in first phase of Assembly elec- ½ AS UNPREDICTABLE AS Friday, the wife of BSF jawan four successive series. — PHOTO: K.R. DEEPAK (REPORTS ON PAGE 18) tions for 73 seats in 15 dis- IT GETS | EDITORIAL Tej Bahadur Yadav, who had uploaded videos complain- ing about poor rations, will be able to meet him at his bat- talion at Samba in Jammu Shatabdi trains show of the colours of ability and Kashmir and spend two nights there as the Centre Paintings by disabled artists will be put up on coaches on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line said it had no objection to their meeting. VEDIKA CHAUBEY [IMFPA].” The pictures displayed in the coaches Plea in court MUMBAI: Soon, if you are are not originals but high- Apprehending that Mr. Ya- travelling on one of India’s quality digital prints dav’s life was under threat express trains, you may purchased from IMFPA at and that he had been de- have an alternative to prices starting from ₨1000, tained at some undisclosed looking out of the window depending on the canvas location, his wife Sharmila or at your phone screen: size. The prints bear the had moved a habeas corpus you can appreciate some name of the artist and a petition in the High Court, very special art. small message alongside. praying that he be produced These are paintings “This is for the first time before the court. made by disabled artists that our paintings will be Ms. Sharmila said that she using brushes held with showcased in railway had not been able to contact their feet or mouths. coaches,” Paresh Padia, her husband, and the family The railway coaches will FOOTPRINTS ON RAILS: A painting on a compartment of the Senior Manager, IMFPA, had no clue where he was. show of the prints of Shatabdi Express. —PHOTO: VIVEK BENDRE said. “We have given over The meeting was sched- acrylic and oil paintings 100 paintings now in the uled after a Bench, headed by depicting station scenes, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Railway Manager, WR, first phase.” Justice G.S. Sistani, pulled up natural scenery, Jawaharlal Shatabdi Express. The plan said, “Our intention is to He said IMFPA has the Centre. Nehru and Mahatma is to extend it to other make the journey for around 25 artistes creating “A wife has been appre- Gandhi. Shatabdi, Rajdhani and passengers more the paintings, which are hending that her husband is Western Railway has Duronto trains. If interesting and at the same sold for anything between missing. She has made re- launched the project with passengers appreciate the time collaborate for a ₨40,000 to several lakhs. quests to be able to meet him. around 40 paintings in the art, the scheme will find a cause. In this case, our The artists are happy to Why are your oicers so in- First Class compartments place in other trains. association is with the earn more, and recognise sensitive. You must ensure — seven chair cars and one Speaking to The Hindu, Indian Mouth and Foot that their work reaches a that the wife meets him.” executive chair car — of Mukul Jain, Divisional Painting Artistes wider audience. ½ CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI 2 | CITY THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

Ola, Uber drivers protest low fares Sisodia files RTI on Centre’s ad policy Calling all readers to connect with us for all things Delhi at With hundreds of drivers protesting against Ola and Uber The Deputy Chief Minister has sought details of the DELHI twitter - @DelhiConnect for unfair pricing and “inhuman” working conditions, Centre’s policy for advertising initiatives like ‘Make in www.facebook.com/NewDelhiConnect Delhiites faced a tough time booking a ride on Friday Page 4 India’ on social media Page 5 CONNECT

Trip down memory lane in vintage cars

AYAN SHARMA

NEW DELHI: As many as 100 vin- tage cars dating back to the pre-World War I era are ex- pected to roll down the streets of the Capital next weekend as part of the sev- enth edition of the 21 Gun Sa- lute International Vintage Car Rally.

Car race on Feb 19 The rally, which will be held on February 17 and 18, will be followed by a vintage car race at the Buddh Inter- national Circuit in Greater Noida on February 19, said Madan Mohan, chairman and managing trustee of the 21 Gun Salute Heritage and Cultural Trust. “With nearly 100 hand- picked vintage and classic cars from India, Germany, ON A ROLL: The seventh edition of the 21 Gun Salute International Vintage Car Rally will be France, United States, Italy organised from February 17 to 19. PHOTO: V. SUDERSHAN

and the United Kingdom, Gate where newly-restored Further, Mr. Mohan added Among the cars on this year’s rally will be vintage cars will be on dis- that after Delhi, the plan was display will be the grander than previous edi- play. to expand the event to other Rolls-Royce Silver tions. The vision is to place Among the cars on display parts of India by 2019. Be- India as a world-class global will be the Rolls-Royce Sil- sides a rally that will cover Ghost from 1911, motoring tourism destina- ver Ghost from 1911, Rolls- the heritage circuit — in- Rolls-Royce Phantom tion,” said Mr. Mohan. Royce Phantom 5 from 1967, cluding Agra, Jaipur, Bik- 5 from 1967 and the the Moon from 1922, and the aner, Jaisalmer and Barmer Restored cars on display Cadillac V12 from 1933. — a vintage car museum has Moon from 1922 The three-day event will Apart from this, 25 motor- also been planned for Guru- also include a show at India cycles will also be on display. gram in 2020. First-of-its-kind Braille atlas launched

BINDU SHAJAN PERAPPADAN government intended to give some free copies to institutes NEW DELHI: The Ministry of teaching visually impaired Science and Technology has students. come up with a comprehens- ive Braille atlas to help the Tactile maps nearly 50 lakh visually-chal- The maps are embossed lenged people in the country, with simple lines and point especially students. symbols while the area cov- Each atlas, which will cost erage is easily distinguish- nearly ₨600, will include 20 able in terms of shapes and maps on diferent themes — textures. The NATMO, physical, socio-economic, meanwhile, was awarded by river system, crop pattern, Prime Minister Narendra natural vegetation, cultural, Modi at this year’s Indian Sci- metropolitan areas, and ence Congress held at roads and railways. TAKING AN INITIATIVE: A visually-challenged person reads from Tirupati. It has also prepared the Braille atlas as Union Minister Harsh Vardhan looks on, in Braille maps for West Bengal Attention to detail the Capital on Friday. PHOTO : R. V. MOORTHY and Meghalaya in Bengali “This is the first time that a and English, respectively. comprehensive atlas has tional Atlas and Thematic developed silk-screen paint- Also, the institute has also been prepared for the visu- Mapping Organisation ing technology, the atlas was been asked to come up with ally-challenged with atten- (NATMO), Kolkata,” said released by Union Minister State maps in English and re- tion to minute details. The at- Tapti Banerjee, NATMO for Science and Technology gional languages by Assam, las has been developed in director. Harsh Vardhan on Friday. Ac- Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Hindi and English by the Na- Made using indigenously cording to Mr. Vardhan, the and Gujarat. CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI | THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 CITY 3 DELHI Feb 11, Sat Feb 12, Sun Feb 13, Mon RISE 07 03 SET 18 08 RISE 07 02 SET 18 09 RISE 07 01 SET 18 10 RISE 18 36 SET 07 04 RISE 19 35 SET 07 47 RISE 20 32 SET 08 26

Polygraph test No kidding SC extends ban on firecracker sale plea gross misuse Orders pollution panel to prepare inventory of existing firecrackers, suggest measures for disposal of law: Tytler NIRNIMESH KUMAR LEGAL CORRESPONDENT The ban was imposed NEW DELHI: Terming the CBI NEW DELHI: The Supreme on the basis of plea to conduct a polygraph Court on Friday extended its a petition filed last test in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots November 2016 ban on the year by three case “a gross misuse of law”, sale and stockpiling of fire- Congress leader Jagdish crackers in Delhi-NCR des- children after Diwali Tytler on Friday submitted pite pleas made by traders to before a court here that no modify the order. weddings and festivals if the reason had been given to A Bench of Justices Madan cause was urgent and en- subject him to the B. Lokur and P.C. Pant fur- tailed the larger public good. examination. ther directed the Central The ban was imposed on Mr. Tytler said this in an Pollution Control Board the basis of a petition filed application filed through his REALITY CHECK: A girl sells balloons at an intersection in (CPCB) to prepare an in- last year by three Delhi chil- lawyer. He did not appear be- New Delhi on Friday. PHOTO: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR ventory of existing firecrack- dren immediately after fore the court as directed. ers with traders and suggest Diwali. His lawyer further said that measures for their disposal. the plea for lie detector test The Bench refused a sug- ‘Children sufering’ had been sought with mala gestion by traders to allow Arjun Gopal, Aarav fide intention. them to sell their existing Bhandari and Zoya Rao Alleged arms dealer Ab- Absconding convict stock outside Delhi-NCR. Bhasin, represented by hishek Verma appeared be- “You cannot be allowed to senior advocate K.K. fore the court in person and sell or dispose of the stock in Venugopal and advocate Go- submitted that he stood by held with firearms Bombay or elsewhere and pal Sankaranarayanan, had his statement recorded by create pollution,” the Bench told the Supreme Court how the CBI and was ready to join STAFF REPORTER said. 40% children in Delhi the investigation. sufered from respiratory NEW DELHI: A life convict, who ‘Right to clean air’ PLEA DISMISSED: The court refused a suggestion by traders to allow them to sell their existing diseases. They said children ‘No reason for test’ had been absconding, was ar- In November last year, the stock outside Delhi-NCR. FILE PHOTO: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA sufer the most and their He also alleged that the in- rested by the Special Cell in court had sent a clear mes- battle to breathe gets vestigating agency had not north-east Delhi’s Shahdara sage that religious and wed- Moved by the everyday ation was indeed “grave” for the “burning of money”, the tougher with the poisonous cited any reason to conduct on Thursday. A loaded .32 ding celebrations took despair of children, women drastic action to check the Supreme Court had held up- tang of Diwali firecrackers the test on him. However, he calibre pistol and 50 live cart- second place to the basic and the elderly in a city rising pollution graph. held the government’s au- remaining in the air even ofered to record his state- ridges were seized from him, fundamental right to breathe choked by smog, the Su- Having once compared thority to intervene in days after the festivities are ment before a Metropolitan the police said. clean air. preme Court said the situ- bursting of firecrackers as people’s right to celebrate over. Magistrate as well. Pankaj was convicted in a Pankaj was convicted in a murder case registered at the murder case in 2012. Anand Vihar police station in PHOTO: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT 2012, said DCP (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah. Thursday, when a team led by Minors lead police to cabbies During his stay in jail, he ACP Lalit Mohan Negi and Taekwondo players accuse came in contact with hard- Inspector Bhushan Azad core criminals, said the DCP. learnt that Pankaj would be who molested schoolgirls He came out of jail in 2014 going to Shahdara’s Bihari coach of sexual harassment during the pendency of his Colony to meet an associate. STAFF REPORTER case the girls boarded the On Thursday, when the appeal in the Delhi High A trap was laid, and the STAFF REPORTER drink. police. cabs, they would touch them drivers started trailing the Court and allegedly joined convict was nabbed around According to the The victims claimed NEW DELHI: Two minor sisters inappropriately and trouble siblings, the police intercep- the Kamal Kumar alias Billa 5:15 p.m., the DCP said. NEW DELHI: Two female police, the girls did not Sharma had also targeted helped the police in arresting them,” said a senior police ted them near the Pandav gang, who had rivalry with Pankaj and his associ- national-level taekwondo take the risk of filing a other girls. two cab drivers who al- oicer. Nagar market. Kamaljeet alias Bittu gang ates— Sandeep, Rahul and players from Jharkhand complaint in Jharkhand legedly sexually abused Over the last few days, the The accused tried to es- over cable business. Chetram— were first arres- on Friday approached the as they feared the Case registered schoolgirls on the pretext of accused allegedly started fol- cape, but were chased and ted in a case where they Delhi Commission For “political connections” of On Friday, the DCW ofering them a lift. lowing the two siblings— caught. Praveen and Dheeraj Police on the lookout murdered a staf member of a Women (DCW) accusing the accused. helped the duo to file a The accused, identified as aged 8 and 10. The sisters have been booked under the “Inputs were being re- bar in east Delhi’s Karkar- their coach of sexually complaint at the Kamla Praveen and Dheeraj, then told their parents about Protection of Children from ceived since mid-January dooma, said the police. harassing them for ‘Victims blackmailed’ Market police station, worked as drivers with two the issue and how many of Sexual Ofence (POCSO) that Pankaj and his gang were “several years”. Sharma had also been following which a zero prominent app-based ser- their schoolmates had been Act and relevant sections of planning to murder Bittu,” Criminal record The victims alleged allegedly threatening the FIR was registered, the vice providers. The police subjected to similar the IPC. Further investiga- said the DCP. Since then, the Pankaj is a proclaimed of- that Sanjay Sharma, who girls to upload their police said. said they would lie in wait for treatment. tion is underway. police had been on his fender in a murder case re- is associated with the compromising videos and The matter was also potential victims outside a The siblings are scheduled lookout. gistered at the Karawal Nagar Jharkhand Taekwondo pictures on the Internet, forwarded to the school in east Delhi’s Pandav Caught red-handed to be honoured by Omvir The breakthrough came on police station. Association, raped them because of which they Jharkhand Police for Nagar on a daily basis. The parents informed the Singh, Deputy Commis- by ofering them a spiked had not approached the further action. “The accused would ofer police, who decided to catch sioner of Police (East), at a lifts to girls in their cabs. In the accused red-handed. ceremony. DELHI TODAY Two contract killers arrested Cops crack down on STAFF REPORTER Talk: Poetry Reading and Appreciation: “The Full Moon Night”, at Casuarina Hall, India Habitat Centre (IHC), 7 p.m. NEW DELHI: An uncle-nephew two snatchers’ gangs Music: Sitar recital by Pt. Hem Hazarika, duo of contract killers was Subhankar Hazarika and Supratik Sengupta, arrested by the Special Cell STAFF REPORTER committing the crimes, along with Sourabh Goho on tabla, at The Stein on Thursday, five months said the police. Auditorium, IHC, 7 p.m Music: “Vasantotsav”, classical vocal recital by after they allegedly gunned NEW DELHI: Two gangs of “On Thursday, Ash Kokab Rashid, violin solo by Ustad Aleem Khan, down a man in east Delhi’s alleged snatchers who Mohammad and Jakir and ghazals and bandishes by Shakeel Ahmed, at Harsh Vihar. used high-speed bikes Hussain snatched the Meghdoot Theatre, Rabindra Bhavan, Coperni- Identified as Durgesh to strike at will and mobile phone of a man cus Marg, Mandi House, 5 p.m. (28) and his uncle, Vishan were involved in over a in Adarsh Nagar. Exhibition: “The Eternal Waiting”, a show of bronze sculptures, at Gallery Art Positive, alias Bane Singh (25), the dozen cases were Constable Sombir, who F-213/B, Old M.B. Road, Lado Sarai, 11 a.m. - 7 two had murdered one IN POLICE NET: The accused had allegedly gunned down a busted in north-west happened to witness p.m. Shakir as per a contract man in east Delhi last year. PHOTOS: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Delhi on Thursday. the incident, gave the Exhibition: “Unison”, a group art show of paint- worth ₨7 lakh last October, The accused have duo a chase and nabbed ings, sculptures and photography, at Artizen Art Gallery, Pearey Bhavan, 2, Bahadur Shah Za- said Pramod Singh Kush- Shakir, who was to receive Rajesh Kumar was also been identified as Ash them,” said Milind far Marg, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. wah, DCP (Special Cell). some money from formed to the accused,” the Mohammad, Jakir Mahadeo Dumbere, Photography: “Enigma - Street stories of “The accused were hired someone in Delhi. DCP said. Hussain, Ravi, DCP (north west). Delhi”, a photography show, atIHC, 11 a.m. - 7 by one Shaukat and one Ja- On reaching Delhi, ac- The breakthrough came Shubham, Chintu and The police p.m. fru, both residents of cording to Hakim, two on Thursday, when the po- Pawan. subsequently arrested Screening: Of Japanese animation film “5 cm per second”, with English subtitles, at The Japan Shakir’s village in Mathura. people met them at the lice received an input that Ravi and one of his Foundation, 5A, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar IV, 2 Earlier, too, Shaukat and his Kashmere Gate metro sta- the accused would be going Juveniles held juvenile associates who p.m. family had roped in con- tion. Shakir introduced one to the Loni roundabout. A Two juveniles were later led the police to (Mail your listings for this column at tract killers to murder the of them as Bane Singh. The trap was laid, and the duo allegedly also involved Shubham, Chintu and [email protected]) victim’s cousin,” said the latter then took the duo to was arrested. in the incidents Pawan. DCP. the scene of crime, where reported from areas he allegedly shot Shakir Firearms seized such as Adarsh Nagar, Lure of luxury Cops on the trail dead. Hakim managed to A .315 bore country- Rohini, K.N. Katju The DCP said the Shakir’s body was found escape. made pistol, a .32 bore Marg and Model Town. accused took to crime in Harsh Vihar on October “A cash reward of sophisticated pistol and six to support their 27, 2016. Investigation led ₨50,000 was declared on live cartridges were seized Hot chase luxurious lifestyle and the police to one Hakim, a the heads of the accused from them, the police said, The gangs used used to steal two- resident of Shakir's village, when no clue came by. A adding that Durgesh was high-speed bikes such wheelers for the who identified his body team consisting of ACP involved in five other cases as the FZ Yamaha and purpose of using them and told the police that he Lalit Mohan Negi and In- of heinous crime and the Pulsar 220 cc in for subsequent crimes. had come to Delhi with spectors Sanjay Gupta and Vishan in two. Man tweets on poor road, cops answer with lathis

PURUSHARTH ARADHAK nobody had been hurt,” “The police did not stop Later, Senior Superin- Mr. Srivastava said. there. They forced me to tendent of Police, Gautam NOIDA: Tweeting about a Twitter is a Shocked by the re- write an apology letter Budh Nagar, Dharmender civic problem can land sponse, the victim stating that my tweet had Yadav, contacted the vic- you in trouble. This is platform where tweeted, “@javeeddgpup been fake,” Mr. Srivastava tim and ordered a probe what happened to Noida- anybody can raise @Uppolice @noidapolice said. The apology letter into the matter. based Shivansh Srivastava 8 accidents in line bt no re- was later shared on the “Twitter is a platform when he tweeted to the UP any issue. Not sponse from local police. Noida police’s Twitter ac- where anybody can raise DGP about the poor con- allowing that will Called thrice to #Dial100 count, the victim further any issue. Not allowing dition of a road here. In- discourage people rv waiting for tragedy?” claimed. that will discourage stead of acting upon the The UP Police then people from fighting situation, the police al- from fighting asked for Mr. Srivastava’s Help at hand against atrocities. For a legedly thrashed him for against atrocities contact. “Through some UP po- democratic country like raising a “false alarm”. licemen, I got in touch India, it will be a danger- Mr. Srivastava, who has ‘Forced to apologise’ with the UP Police PRO, ous trend,” the victim been a social activist since of January 27 when he saw “Within minutes, a Sub- Atul Srivastav. Mr. added. the age of 16, claimed he a bike skidding near the Inspector, identified as Srivastav intervened in the was also forced to write an Barola crossing. Vijender Bhadana, matter and helped me to Probe ordered apology letter. “I rushed to help the reached the spot and star- get out of the police net. Mr. Yadav told The rider. More motorbikes ted beating me. I was then Even when I was leaving Hindu that a probe into the Police inaction alleged were also skidding on the taken to the Sector 49 po- the police station, the po- matter had been ordered . Sharing his experience, same stretch. When I lice station, where they licemen threatened me “ASP Gaurav Grover is Mr. Srivastava said he was called the police, they re- threatened to implicate with dire consequences if conducting the investiga- returning home from sponded by saying that no me in an Arms Act case,” I shared the incident with tion. Proceedings are on,” Noida Phase 2 on the night action was required as the victim said. anybody,” the victim said. Mr. Yadav said.

Published by N. Ram at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002 and Printed by S. Ramanujam at HT Media Ltd. Plot No. 8, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida Distt. Gautam Budh Nagar, U.P. 201306, on behalf of KASTURI & SONS LTD., Chennai-600002. Editor: Mukund Padmanabhan (Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act).

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI 4 | CITY THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 Ola, Uber drivers protest low fares Property tax waiver, other Commuters left stranded, fuming; drivers demand hike in pricing; bigger strike planned for Monday sops in north civic budget

SOUMYA PILLAI DAMINI NATH

NEW DELHI: With hundreds of NEW DELHI: A property tax drivers protesting against waiver for owners of small Ola and Uber for unfair pri- houses, insurance for rick- cing and “inhuman” working shaw pullers, a new old-age conditions, Delhiites faced a home and an eight-storey tough time booking a ride on parking lot were among the Friday. And the situation announcements made by the may get worse in the coming North Delhi Municipal Cor- few days. poration on Friday as a part Over 400 drivers gathered of its budget for 2017-18. at Jantar Mantar to demand With elections to the mu- that the app-based taxi ser- nicipal corporations expec- vices increase the fare from ted in April, the budget was the current ₨6 per km. full of announcements that They also demanded re- would please voters. While laxation in work hours and presenting the budget, accident insurance. Leader of the House Vijay The drivers said that if the Prakash Pandey also hit out demands are not met, a big- against the Aam Aadmi Party ger strike would be held on (AAP) government as well as Monday and no cabs would the Opposition Congress. be allowed to ply on Delhi- NCR routes. ‘AAP withholding funds’ Referring to the financial matters were in court. with a capacity to hold 900 Wider agitation crisis that had plagued the He said the Delhi Develop- cars will also be developed at Along with Ola and Uber corporation, Mr. Pandey said ment Authority owed the Rajendra Nagar, said Mr. drivers, the city’s kaali-peeli that the AAP government corporation ₨800 crore and Pandey. taxis, tourist cabs and auto SPEEDBUMP: Drivers protest against Ola and Uber at Jantar Mantar on Friday. PHOTO: R.V. MOORTHY was responsible for with- had so far paid only ₨80 rickshaws will also stay of holding funds. crore, but the case was May spend ₨7,200 crore the roads on Monday. ive cars on loans and also Mr. Pandey said that the pending in the High Court. While the estimated in- “We have been protesting have to pay 25% as commis- corporation had lost almost come and expenditure were against the inhuman ways in sion to these cab companies. ₨1,000 crore from 2012-13 till ‘Crowd pleasers’ yet to be finalised, as per the which Ola and Uber operate What will we be left with us October 2016 due to the de- In the budget, Mr. Pandey budget presented by the and treat their drivers. They at the end of the day,” said crease in transfer duty rates said that the residential Commissioner, the corpora- are running nothing short of Kamal Rathore, treasurer of from 5% to 3% by the govern- properties up to 26 square tion is expected to spend a slave business. We have in- SDA. ment and demanded that the metres in size and properties ₨7,199.60 crore in 2017-18. cluded auto unions also in A few senior members of AAP should release this owned by people aged 85 The Leader of the Opposi- the strike,” said Sanjay Sam- the association have also sat amount as arrears. years and above would be ex- tion Mukesh Goel said the rat from the Delhi Taxi on hunger strikes till the Responding to allegations empted from property tax. budget presented by Mr. Transport Association. fares are revised. “We do not by the Opposition Congress An insurance scheme for Pandey was “unrealistic” Ola and Uber services want to cause any inconveni- that the corporation had rickshaw pullers above 21 and only focused on the up- were severely hit throughout ence to the public, but we failed to increase revenue, years of age and in “good coming polls. Friday. also have our families to Mr. Pandey said external health” would also be imple- “When there is no money On Uber’s mobile app, feed,” Mr. Rathore said. factors had played a role in mented in 2017-18. to pay staf on time, how will cabs were not available for some cases. For instance, The existing insurance all these promises be ful- most part of the day; and on ‘Isolated incident’ when it came to pending cover for students of muni- filled? The budget was Though Ola refused to property tax and service cipal schools would be in- purely an attempt to garner comment on the strike and charge on government agen- creased from ₨50,000 each to votes, without looking at the the efect on their services, cies, Mr. Pandey said the ₨1 lakh. A new parking lot reality,” said Mr. Goel. Ola, services were limited. journey,” said Shahid Sid- over 2,000 drivers registered Uber issued a statement call- We have been Because of the limited num- dique, a banker. with it, said that they were ing it an “isolated incident”. protesting against ber of cabs, the aggregators Commuters also vented demanding the bare min- “A small group of people enforced high surge prices their frustration on social imum from the aggregators are disrupting Uber service the inhuman ways in for every ride. media. “Can’t find any cabs. and the government. in parts of Delhi, and there Ex-Mayor slams ‘corruption’; which Ola and Uber Stuck for 30mts at Vasant have been isolated reports of operate and treat Surge pricing Kunj. Where are all the ‘Fare too less’ threats and intimidation. We “I generally take the cab cabs?” (sic) tweeted Rajesh “We do not have unreas- are working hard to ensure Cong walks out during budget their drivers. from Greater Kailash to Con- Khera. onable demands. Our fares reliable rides are available They are running naught Place and it costs me Members of Sarvodaya are even less than auto rick- for everyone and we can STAFF REPORTER Mr. Pandey said that all without the Opposition in ₨150. Today, I waited for 15 Driver Association (SDA), shaws. Autos charge ₨8 per keep the city moving. We call the schools of the the House,” said Mr. Goel. nothing short of a minutes to get a cab and an association of cab drivers km and to take a cab, passen- on authorities to ensure the NEW DEHI: The budget corporation had desks for slave business when I finally got one, I paid that organised Friday’s gers only have to pay ₨6 per safety of riders and drivers,” session of the North Delhi students, to which ‘BJP against BJP’ ₨259. It’s barely a 15-minute protests and claims to have km. We have bought expens- the statement read. Municipal Corporation on Congress councillor from Later in the meeting, BJP Friday saw heated Alipur, Aruna , said councillor and former exchanges between the that there were two schools Mayor Yogender ruling-BJP and the in her ward where students Chandolia raised Solar plant inaugurated Opposition as well as still sat on the floor. allegations of corruption. allegations of corruption At this, the BJP He said that the contract levelled by a BJP councillor councillors asked the to outsource the working at President’s Estate and former Mayor. Opposition to leave if they of the Shehnai Banquet High drama prevailed as didn’t like what they were Hall, which is in the STAFF REPORTER print by 316 metric tonne, as the Leader of the House hearing. process of being leased, per a statement by TPDDL. Vijay Prakash Pandey was mired in irregularities. NEW DELHI: President Pranab presented the budget for A first for the House Reacting to this, Mr. Mukherjee on Friday inaug- Seven plants 2017-18: the last one for the Amid the commotion, Goel said that the internal urated a solar power plant at Under phase one of the current term. the House was adjourned diferences within the BJP the President’s Estate that is project, seven plants have As Mr. Pandey was — a first for the budget had spilled out on to the expected to power 650 homes been installed at Rajendra speaking about the session. floor of the House. for a period of 25 years. Prasad Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, achievements of the “The behaviour of the “The BJP is trying to The plant, with a capacity the market, the museum, MT corporation in the BJP forced us to walk out silence us for long, but now of 668 kilowatt peak (KWp), Garage, the sewage treatment education sector, several and boycott the budget even their own councillors has been set up by Tata Power plant, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Congress councillors session. For the first time, are raising the same Delhi Distribution Ltd. (TP- Cultural Centre and the Pres- interjected. the budget was passed concerns,” said Mr. Goel. DDL) and Rural Electrifica- ident’s Motor Garage. PERSPECTIVE: Congress V-P Rahul Gandhi and former PM Manmohan Singh at the release of former tion Corporation. In phase two of the project, Minister P. Chidambaram’s book ‘Fearless in Opposition’. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and It is expected to generate another 500 KWp plant CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury were also present at the event on Friday. PHOTO: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA 0.95 million units annually would be installed at the and reduce the carbon foot- estate. High Court tells Rai presents report card ‘Need fearless, united Opposition’ govt to recreate STAFF REPORTER followed by a panel discus- that on the first day after of his four departments SDMC to set up solar sion that had Bihar Chief coming to power, the NDA Shahjahanabad NEW DELHI: “Through 2015 and Minister Nitish Kumar, Gen- announced that they wanted STAFF REPORTER 2016 I have found that there eral Secretary of the CPI(M) to create a “Congress Mukt in virtual world power plant in Ferozpur is too much fear in this coun- Sitaram Yechury, and former Bharat” and since then the NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party try. Institutions fear author- Union Minister Kapil Sibal relationship had soured. AKANKSHA JAIN (AAP) Minister Gopal Rai on STAFF REPORTER would generate revenue ity, individuals fear retribu- join the author. Friday presented a report from rent and sale of power. tion, Dalits live in fear, Demonetisation discussed NEW DELHI: Upset with the card of the accomplishments NEW DELHI: Using land that had The SDMC and PTC will minorities live in fear, stu- ‘Need opposition unity’ On demonetisation, which poor pace of work on Shah- of the four departments that been lying vacant for years, each invest about ₨1.5 crore dent activists live in fear.” The panellists said that In- is extensively covered in the jahanabad Redevelopment have been under his wing for the South Delhi Municipal each, with the rest of the es- “Those who need to be in dia needed “opposition book, Mr. Kumar slammed or the beautification of two years now. Mr. Rai said Corporation on Friday timated ₨11.87 crore cost be- the forefront, in the need to unity” to counter the Centre the initiative — a departure Chandni Chowk, which has that around 90% of the tar- signed an MoU with PTC In- ing paid by a special purpose be fearless, are those in the and that the Opposition from his initial stance of sup- missed several deadlines, gets set has been achieved. dia Limited, a private-public- vehicle. The solar power Opposition because that will should be guided by its own porting the move. the Delhi High Court on Fri- partnership firm dealing in plant will work for 25 years, ensure a democracy,” said agenda instead of reacting to The Bihar Chief Minister day proposed that if nothing Two years in power Gopal Rai holds the portfolios power trading, to set up a 2.5 giving the SDMC ₨7.27 lakh former Finance Minister P. the government’s agenda. said that the government had is happening on the ground, The AAP is about to com- of labour, irrigation and flood, MW solar power plant on its per year in rent alone. Chidambaram at the launch On why the opposition, in- shifted goal posts by divert- then the Delhi government plete two years in power and development, and general land in Ferozpur village. Mr. Goel added that the of his book Fearless in cluding the Congress, and ing the attention away from should recreate the glory of on the occasion of the administration. FILE PHOTO The SDMC owns 9.42 acre power could be sold to the Opposition. the government have had a “bringing back black money” Old Delhi in the virtual second anniversary on Tues- of land in the village. Delhi Metro and malls in The book launch at Teen total breakdown in conversa- to “developing a cash-less world, which will at least day, Deputy Chief Minister Centre has not cleared sev- The SDMC said the plant Faridabad. Murti Bhawan on Friday was tion, Mr. Chidambaram said economy”. promote tourism. Manish Sisodia, along with eral bills. The Minimum his other Ministerial col- Wages Bill, which is expec- Easier and cheaper leagues, will present a com- ted to be cleared by the end “Why can't you recreate a prehensive report card about of this month, will ensure city of Shahajahanabad vir- the government’s achieve- that labourers get proper Noida authorities tell firms to give staf time of to vote tually. Why can’t you do that ments since February 2015. wages for their work,” the PURUSHARTH ARADHAK participation, all factories who cast their vote. because real life requires re- Mr. Rai holds the portfo- Minister added. and oices have been asked moval of people, but doing it lios of labour, irrigation and Of the 18 schemes for the NOIDA/GHAZIABAD: With nearly to give time to their Initiative virtually does not and would flood, development, and gen- welfare of construction 2.6 crore people in 73 employees so they can vote. “We are going to cost much less,” said a eral administration. workers, seven have been constituencies of western We have appealed for leave introduce flexible timing Bench of Justices B. D. After listing out the implemented by the Labour Uttar Pradesh eligible to with salary. At the same for our employees on Ahmed and Ashutosh achievements, Mr. Rai ex- Department. To curb graft, vote on Saturday in the first time we have also asked the voting day. The employee Kumar. pressed displeasure over the the government has also in- of the seven phases of the employers to check the can reach oice after The Bench said that such Centre’s “delay” in giving its troduced online registration high-stake Assembly finger of the employee post casting his vote. But they a step would promote tour- nod to various proposed le- of industries, Mr. Rai said. elections, the district voting to avoid misuse of will have to show the ink ism and bring in funds for gislations, including Min- magistrates in UP-NCR holiday or timing relief for mark, else they will have to the redevelopment project, imum Wages Bill and Work- Online records have asked all oices and voting,” Gautam Budh take a salary cut,” said a top which has missed several ing Journalists Bill. The Minister also said that factories to give their Nagar district magistrate N. HR executive of a software deadlines and is facing many the General Administration employees some time of so P. Singh said. company, which has oices impediments. Helpline for labourers Department has decided to they can vote. GETTING READY: An election official checks an Electronic in Noida and Gurgaon. It also remarked that oi- “The Labour Department make online all records of Activity at real estate Flexible timing, holiday Voting Machine in Ghaziabad on Friday. PHOTO: AFP “We have directed our cials might be motivated to has issued a helpline 155214, freedom fighters and mar- sites too will come to a “Our labour department HR team to check the beautify Chandni Chowk which has been extremely tyrs by setting up a dedicate standstill in western UP as will keep an eye on the then legal action will be inked finger post voting,” fingers of all employees to faster when they see the helpful for labourers. Due to website. the Developers Association factories and oices to initiated. The employers Mr. Singh said. Some ensure that they use the day beautiful virtual images. setting up of fast track “Apart from this, we also (CREDAI) has declared ensure that time is given for will be booked under the industrial bodies in UP- to cast their vote and not The court was hearing courts, the government has have plans to convert all Saturday a holiday. voting. If any factory or IPC. To enjoy paid holiday NCR are not only ofering a treat it as a mere holiday,” several petitions relating to been able to provide time- wholesale mandis (markets) “To increase voting company refuses to give or flexible timing, the holiday, but also incentives, said Manoj Gaur, president Chandni Chowk Redevlop- bound rulings to labourers,” into e-mandis in order to percentage and public time to their employees, employee has to show his such as bonus pay, to those of CREDAI (NCR). ment plan and easing con- Mr. Rai said. cater to traders and curb cor- gestion in the Walled City. “It is unfortunate that the ruption,” Mr. Rai said. CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI | THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 CITY/STATE 5

HC’s prayer tips to Kalkaji temple Sisodia files RTI on Centre’s ad policy AKANKSHA JAIN where two single-person The cheque would be queues are permitted and post-dated, Sat Dev’s NEW DELHI: “Priests ought each devotee is permitted counsel B. L. Wali said. Deputy CM says he took this route after Centre ‘unleashed the CBI’ against the AAP dispensation not to obstruct an unobstructed darshan,” A settlement was communication between said Justice Midha. arrived at after the high STAFF REPORTER Meanwhile, Chief Minis- devotees and God,” said The court said that the court pulled up both ter Arvind Kejriwal who is the Delhi High Court on Jhandewalan temple had parties on Wednesday for NEW DELHI: Deputy Chief Min- I want to know undergoing naturopathy Friday as it suggested separate queues for making a “joke of the ister Manish Sisodia has treatment in Bengaluru, measures to manage the devotees. deity”. The court had also filed an RTI application what process the tweeted, “Manish awarded heavy footfall at the The court proposed the suggested appointing a with the Information Cell of Centre follows in contracts like the PMO did Kalkaji temple. suggestions while hearing court oicer to collect all the Prime Minister’s Oice, for digital campaign. Modi Justice J. R. Midha an appeal moved by the oferings and distribute it seeking details of the advertising its ji, if you’re getting Manish suggested a “systematic priest of the temple, Sat based on the court’s Centre’s policy for advert- campaigns like Make probed by the CBI, a CBI in- arrangement” for darshan Dev, seeking to restrain his decision. ising initiatives like the in India, Narendra vestigation should also be based on the lines of two widow sisters from ‘Narendra Modi app’ and ordered into this issue Jhandewalan temple in performing and Structural changes? ‘Make in India’ on social Modi app. Whose [sic].” Karol Bagh and the collecting oferings. The As the court asked the media. credit limit has been shrine. parties have now arrived parties to consider making used in putting up Asks for details of Jan letter at a settlement where the structural changes to ease CBI probe on Mr. Sisodia had earlier Systematic darshan priest would give a cheque darshan, it was informed Mr. Sisodia said he filed these ads? written to the Prime Minis- “The court is of the view of ₨6 lakh each to both his that arrangements of the RTI application after the ter’s Principal Secretary that the daily darshan of sisters as share of the darshan were looked after Modi government un- Nripendra Misra on January devotees should be oferings collected during by the local police station. leashed the Central Bureau these ads? Because, when 27, seeking details of the managed in a systematic the sewa bari from The court has now asked of Investigation (CBI) we connect with people it is process of payments made manner as in other February 7 to March 7. the SHO (Kalkaji) to be against the Delhi govern- dubbed corruption, but for social media campaigns temples, for example in Also, the women will present at the next ment. Last month, the CBI when Modiji does Mann Ki for various Centre-run Vaishno Devi shrine continue to perform puja. hearing. had registered a prelimin- Baat it is projected as patri- schemes. ary enquiry against him in otism,” Mr. Sisodia said. Through the RTI applica- connection with alleged ir- tion, which has been ad- regularities in the AAP gov- ‘Everyone is aware’ dressed to the Central Pub- ernment’s social media Asked whether he was lic Information Oicer of campaign ‘Talk to AK’. hopeful of getting any re- the PMO, Mr. Sisodia has “I want to know what pro- sponse, he claimed that sought information on ac- cess the Centre follows in “everyone was aware” why FRESH ATTACK: Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia after filing tion taken on his letter ad- advertising its campaigns information on Mr. Modi’s the RTI application on Friday. PHOTO: PTI dressed to Mr. Mishra, be- like Make in India, Naren- higher education degrees sides copies of file notings, dra Modi app, Start Up India has not been shared yet. Modi has the CBI, we have share all information that correspondence and other and Digital India on social “In the same way, if they RTI. They use the CBI to we get with the public,” the documents relating to the media. Whose credit limit have anything to hide in this take our files, while we will Deputy Chief Minister an- handling of the letter dated has been used in putting up case, they will do so. If Mr. use RTI to do so. We will nounced. January 27.

DCW notice to More to mutation row than meets the eye police, FRRO ASHOK KUMAR is disputed between the Order cancelling the mutations and hence, the Municipal Corporation of orders of the latter need to STAFF REPORTER GURUGRAM: An order Gurugram and a private mutation of 400-acre be challenged. The MCG cancelling the mutation of firm. “Mutation was carried municipal land in has secured stay on the NEW DELHI: The Delhi Commis- 400-acre municipal out in violation of orders of Gurugram has mutation order and issued sion for Women (DCW) has corporation land in Gwal two Financial notices to over 200 issued notices to the Delhi Pahari has kicked up a Commissioner Revenue kicked up a storm individuals to vacate the Police and the Foreigner Re- controversy even though a (FCR) as well as the civil land. gional Registration Oice section of revenue oicials court. Hence this mutation The decision was seen by Sources in Chandigarh (FRRO) in connection with believe that the order of the no. 3249, its process and many as “favouring” the hinted that there was more complaints regarding deten- former Deputy procedure are all void ab private firm. Some revenue to the controversy than met tion of foreign nationals at a Commissioner, Gurugram, initio,” said the order by oicials, however, said the the eye. According to them, beggar home. T.L. Satyaprakash, had not Mr. Satyaprakash. It further order was based on facts the controversy is an DCW chairperson Swati changed the real ownership said that mutation had presented. outcome of a tug-of-war Maliwal had conducted a of the land and the matter is nothing to do with the land among bureaucrats as not surprise inspection at the being “blown out of title and “quashing it on the Stay on order all are happy with the beggar home in Nirmal Ch- proportion”. basis of its legal validity will MCG Commissioner V. elevation of Mr. haya Complex last month. Mr. Satyaprakash passed neither change the Uma Shankar claimed that Satyaprakash as Director, “We have received serious the order last month possession nor alienate the the orders of the FCRs and Town and Country complaints from two ladies declaring as “illegal” the land from the real Mr. Satyaprakash were with Planning, which is — one from Afghanistan and mutation of the land, which ownership”. respect to diferent considered a plum post. another from Nigeria,” a DCW oicial said.

CM ND-ND YK | NOIDA/DELHI 6 STATE THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

JNUTA meets President STAFF REPORTER ‘Court can’t regulate probe’ NEW DELHI: A delegation of nine teachers from the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ As- A suspect in Najeeb’s case moves HC against its order to conduct polygraph test sociation (JNUTA) met President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday. STAFF REPORTER During the hearing, the court The JNUTA has appealed to him to inter- expressed its displeasure over vene in his capacity as Visitor against the NEW DELHI: One of the nine JNU the progress made in the case. massive seat cut and change of admission pro- students suspected in the case “The student had gone miss- cedure of the university, according to a UGC pertaining to missing student ing in October (2016), it is Feb- notification of May 2016. Najeeb Ahmed on Friday sub- ruary now. Nearly four months The JNUTA said: “The President gave us a mitted before the Delhi High have gone by and none of the patient hearing. We apprised him of the latest Court that the court cannot leads are going anywhere. We developments.” Some students, meanwhile, regulate the direction of police asked for polygraph test as the continued the protest at the Administration investigation. other leads have not yielded Block on the campus, refusing to vacate till the Sunil Pratap, one of the sus- any results,” it said. V-C gives them a hearing. pects allegedly involved in a STILL FIGHTING: Najeeb’s mother Fatima Nafees. PHOTO: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR brawl with Najeeb, told a Bench Why feel cornered? headed by Justice G.S. Sistani The Bench said that the po- that the court cannot regulate lice had not taken the suspec- Najeeb’s mother, JNU the probe by asking the police ted students to the police sta- to conduct lie-detector test on tion for months after Najeeb them and also challenged the went missing, which is not usu- students booked in UP notices sent by the probe ally the case. agency. “If the roommate of the miss- STAFF REPORTER ating Section 144, which is in He also challenged a notice ing student has been asked to force in view of the upcoming issued to him by the Delhi Po- undergo a lie detector test, then MEERUT: The Uttar Pradesh Po- Assembly polls. lice to appear before the trial logically why not those stu- lice have booked Fatima “These people had organised court on Friday itself to give dents with whom he (Najeeb) Nafees, the mother of Najeeb a march without taking proper consent for lie detector test. had a scule,” it asked. Ahmad, and several JNU stu- permission from the authorit- His counsel said he was ag- “We are not saying that just dents for “violating” Section ies. A case has been filed grieved by the language used in because they had a scule with 144 while taking out a march on against them for violating Sec- the notice. him, they have done anything Wednesday in Badaun without tion 144,”said Lokendra Pal to him. Why should they feel proper permission. Singh, the Inspector of Kotwali ‘Student can refuse’ cornered? The students of JNU along police station. The Bench said that if the “You can go today. If you with Najeeb’s family were par- Ms. Nafees had written to student does not want to un- want to say yes, say yes. If you ticipating in “Insaaf March” in the Delhi Police last month dergo lie detector test, he can want to say no, say no. Don’t be Badaun, demanding that the complaining about the “inhu- refuse to do so. But in the in- apprehensive. Law is open for missing student be located and man raids” on the houses of Na- stant case, “the students should you. Don’t be over-sensitive,” justice be done to him and his jeeb’s relatives in Badaun. assist the police by coming for- the Bench said and listed the family. Najeeb, who belongs to ward voluntarily and joining matter for hearing on February Vaidotola locality in Badaun, the probe”. 13. It also said that the court was ‘No permission taken’ was pursuing MSc (Biotechno- The court, however, ad- not monitoring the investiga- The Kotwali police station of logy) at JNU before he al- journed the hearing as the mat- tion as was being feared by the Badaun booked Ms. Nafees, legedly went missing from the ter was to come up before the students and it was only giving JNUSU president Mohit campus a day after a scule Patiala House Courts too. suggestions to find out Najeeb. Pandey and 150 others for viol- with some ABVP members.

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI | THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 NORTHERN REGION 7

Bengal budget Bihar Opposition demands works to ease Jat leaders to meet Haryana action in paper leak scam impact of note ban

AMARNATH TEWARY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT government panel today PATNA: Amid allegations that KOLKATA: Demonetisation and Ministers, legislators and its impact dominated West Agitation enters 13th day; situation remains peaceful bureaucrats of the State are Bengal’s 2017-18 budget linked to the Bihar Staf Se- presented by Finance Minis- CHANDIGARH: Members of the servation among other lection Commission (BSSC) ter Amit Mitra on Friday and All India Jat Aarakshan issues in the State. question paper leak scam, sought to maintain the tradi- Sangharsh Samiti, which is Situation remained peace- the Opposition parties on tion of a limited deficit spearheading the ongoing jat ful in the State as on the 13th Friday demanded that the budget with emphasis on re- quota stir in Haryana, will day of agitation. State government reveal forms in tax administration. meet representatives of the The main opposition party their names and take action Mr Mitra said the State’s government-appointed com- in Haryana- INLD, has against them. growth rate may be hemmed mittee on Saturday in Pan- openly come out in support Oicial sources told The in to 9.3 per cent due to de- ipat for talks, even as the agit- of the agitating Jats this time. Hindu that the prime ac- monetisation. “This govern- ation entered its 13th day on During the fresh round of cused in the scam, BSSC sec- ment is facing a very serious friday. agitation, the protesters have retary Parmeshwar Ram who Policemen push back AISA activists who protested against problem firstly due to the im- “We will hold a meeting been staging dharnas at vari- had been arrested and sent to the leak of a question paper of Bihar Staff Selection pact of autocratic decision of with the members of the gov- ous places in the State amid jail, had revealed the names Commission, in Patna on Friday. - PHOTO: PTI demonetisation by the Cent- ernment committee led by Members of the Jat community holding a protest demanding elaborate security arrange- of 36 persons, including ral government and secondly the Chief Secretary at Pan- reservation in OBC quota near Dwarka Expressway in ments. The call for the fresh seven Ministers and nine Meanwhile, a picture of spokesperson Danish the huge debt burden left ipat tomorrow(Saturday) to Gurugram on Friday. PHOTO: PTI stir was given by certain jat bureaucrats, alleging that former Bihar Chief Minister Rizwan demanded that the over by the previous govern- hold discussion on our de- outfits, especially those ow- they “put pressure” on him Jitan Ram Manjhi with Mr. State government disclose ment.” The budget has pro- mands,” AIJASS president Malik asserted while adding jured while taking part in the ing allegiance to AIJASS. for jobs in the government. Ramashish Rai has gone viral the names of politicians and posed a ₨64,733 crore plan Yash Pal Malik said on that there had been agree- stir. There is also a demand Chief Minister Manohar He wanted the oicials to on social media. Mr. Rai, a bureaucrats ‘involved’ in the outlay for 2017-18. Friday. ments with the State govern- of action against BJP MP Lal Khattar had earlier said take action against these top typist in the State IT depart- paper leak scam. “The total debt burden Mr. Malik said it will be the ment on Jat demands thrice from Kurukshetra Raj Kumar the government had accep- politicians and bureaucrats ment also runs the AVN Meanwhile, a TV sting op- will increase from ₨40,000 first meeting between the in the past. Saini for his alleged anti-Jat ted the demand of Jats for and he himself was “just School in Patna. “He is also eration revealed another ‘job crore this fiscal to ₨47,000 representatives of AIJASS Besides seeking quota in rants. giving jobs to the next of kin small fry” in the multi-crore involved in two other scams. scam’ for the fourth grade crores in 2017-18,” Dr. Mitra and the government ever education and government The Khattar government of those who had lost their scam, sources said. There is a vigilance probe positions in the lower courts said. since the protest was jobs, the demands of the Jats this week formed a five- lives during the agitation last Meanwhile, State BJP on,” said Patna Senior Super- across the State. A woman, The budget allocated ₨250 launched in the State. include the release of those member committee, headed year. leader Sushil Kumar Modi al- intendent of Police, Manu claiming to be general sec- crore for extending one-time “While bringing their pro- jailed during last year’s agita- by Chief Secretary D. S. Paramilitary forces have leged that the other accused Maharaj, heading the SIT retary of a ruling party’s grants to skilled workers, posal, the committee should tion, withdrawal of cases Dhesi, to hold talks with Jat been deployed in sensitive now in jail, Ramashish Rai – probing the BSSC paper leak. minority cell, is shown strik- who the Minister said, have come with an open mind to slapped during the protest leaders to consider their de- areas, while the state police who runs a school in Patna Mr. Manjhi has denied his ing a deal of ‘five lakh’ with returned to the State due to resolve our issue which has and government jobs for the mands and resolve the prob- is maintaining a strict from where the BSSC ques- links with Mr. Ramashish Rai an aspiring candidate of demonetisation. Another been pending for long,” Mr. kin of those killed and in- lems of those agitating for re- vigil.-PTI tion paper was first leaked saying hundreds of people Darbhanga district for the ₨100 crore has been reserved on January 5 – had put up bail meet him daily and take pho- job of a fourth grade em- for afected farmers. for RJD chief Lalu Prasad in tographs with him. “I don’t ployee in the civil court. The The budget has allocated one of the fodder scam cases. know him. I can’t even recog- police in Darbhanga lodged ₨12,864. 6 crore for panchayat FIR filed in “Will the government in- nise him”, said Mr. Manjhi, an FIR against the woman, and rural development, mak- Boat tragedy: report says terrogate Lalu Prasad,” asked president of the Hindustani Hameeda Ashgar, at the La- ing it one of the highest alloc- ‘graveyard Mr. Modi. Awam Morcha. HAM heriasarai police station. ations in recent times. Bihar oicials unprepared demolition’ case AMARNATH TEWARY Standard safety process oicials of the two adjoining PEERZADA ASHIQ districts — Patna and Saran, PATNA: The two-member com- were ignored with the report said. The report SRINAGAR: The police have mittee probing the reasons disaster relief teams has also indicted the Saran lodged a First Information for the Patna boat tragedy in and magistrates missing district administration for its Report in an alleged case of mid-January, in which 24 grave lapses the deployment demolition of a graveyard in people drowned, submitted on duty of police personnel at the Jammu’s Samba district. its report to the government event organised in their area. Auqaf Islamia Committee on Friday. magistrates oicially de- Sources in the government member Raj Muhammad al- According to sources, ployed at the venue to ensure told The Hindu that action leged that a Block Develop- while pointing to grave ad- compliance of standard oper- would be taken soon against ment Oicer in Samba had ministrative lapses, the in- ating procedures and take those oicials whose lapses demolished the graveyard “at quiry committee, comprising quick decisions in case of any have been found in the probe. the behest of a local leader” a State energy secretary emergency, only 14 were However, recently, the Op- few days back. Pratyay Amrit and Deputy In- found on duty by the inquiry position BJP leaders had “Locals and Auqaf Minis- spector General of Police, committee. charged the State govern- ter Farooq Andrabi met Chief Patna zone, Shalin, said there The report further said that ment with delaying the sub- Minister Mehbooba Mufti. It was no coordination between boats ferrying people from mission of the inquiry com- was on her directions that the Saran administration and the other side of the river to mittee report. Director General of Police the State Tourism Depart- Patna were unregulated and Altogether 24 passengers, S.P. Vaid filed an FIR against ment in planning and execu- overloaded as no one from including some children, the Revenue Department of- tion of the programme. Large the district administration were drowned to death when ficials,” Mr. Muhammad said. crowds had gathered for the was present to enforce basic the over crowded boat had Locals allege that scores of kite festival, organised by the safety regulations. In 2011, the capsized in the river Ganga graves were damaged in the Tourism Department on the State disaster management while they were returning to drive by the district adminis- occasion of Makar Sankranti, body had formulated model Patna from participating in tration. A particular com- on the other bank of the boat rules calling on district the kite festival organized to munity has been demanding Ganga in neighbouring Saran authorities to regulate them. celebrate Makar Sankranti that the graveyard be turned district. The report, submit- festival on the other side of into a playing field. However, ted to State chief secretary Tourism Dept flayed the river on January 14. Aquaf Islamia claim the Anjani Kumar Singh, has also The report has also come Videos of the tragedy re- graveyard is with them since said that though a team of the down on the State Tourism vealed that the over crowded 1985 and “was notified by the State Disaster Relief Force Department. Despite being boat had started sinking soon revenue department.” was to be deployed at the the organiser of the kite fest- after it left the river bank but The Aquaf Islamia claim venue, it was not there when ival, the department even did the rescue team had reached the graveyard is spread on 60 the tragedy struck. Out of 38 not call a joint meeting of the the spot quite late. kanals (7.5 acres) of land. “Of 60 kanals, 20 kanals has been encroached by locals and the existing graveyard is con- fined to only 40 kanals where Leopards caught in Sariska to a proposal is being pushed to construct a playground,” said another member of the be kept under observation Aquaf Islamia.

MOHAMMED IQBAL Children had reportedly latest incidents resulting in stopped going to schools out the deaths of two women. SC penalises RJD JAIPUR: Two leopards caught of fear. Such an exercise formed a by the forest authorities in The Forest Department part of “active management” MLA for wasting the Sariska Tiger Reserve deployed 40 cages to trap leo- of the tiger reserve to main- situated in the Alwar district pards and used goats as bait. tain ecological balance of court’s time of Rajasthan, following their On Thursday, when a female wildlife, he said. attacks on the villagers resid- leopard tried to attack a goat, Distraught by the constant LEGAL CORRESPONDENT ing in the peripheral areas of a team of forest oicials tran- attacks of leopards on cattle the national park, will be kept quillised the big cat and and human beings, villagers NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court under observation in the caged it. Another leopard, a had formed squads to secure on Friday ordered RJD MLA Jaipur Zoo before they are re- male, which was found protection during the day Ravindra Singh to pay a fine of leased back into the wild. nearby in an injured condi- time. The villages witnessing ₨10 lakh for challenging a Patna The residents of half-a- tion, was also caught. man-animal conflict in the High Court order dismissing dozen villages in the area region include Bhal, his claims about the veracity of were living in fear following ‘Active management’ Kadalanka, Pratapgarh, Sur- an article published in a ver- the death of four persons in Sariska Tiger Reserve’s jagarh, Todi, Pawatsar, Kyaru nacular magazine over two leopard attacks over the last Field Director R.S. and Jhiri. decades ago. six months. One of the two Shekhawat told The Hindu Leopards used to roam “We fail to understand why leopards trapped on on Friday that the two leo- freely in the core area of the he approached this court even Thursday had killed two wo- pards had been shifted to the Sariska Tiger Reserve till a though the high court order men and injured a dozen oth- Jaipur Zoo, where they would few years ago, when tigers was explicit and clear. Being a ers in their agricultural field be treated by veterinarians had become extinct. After people’s representative he (Mr. earlier this week. and observed for a few days. the re-introduction of tigers Singh) can’t be expected to The situation became so “A decision to release them by airlifting them, mainly misuse the jurisdiction of the serious that the district ad- back into the forest will be from the Ranthambhore Na- court. The petition is dis- ministration had to make an- taken after considering all as- tional Park, leopards were missed with cost of ₨10 lakh,” nouncements in the villages pects,” he said. deterred from their free the Supreme Court Bench led asking people to stay indoors Mr. Shekhawat said forest movement and they gradu- by Chief Justice of India J.S. for their safety during the authorities had no option but ally retreated to the peri- Khehar observed in a short or- morning and evening hours. to catch the leopards after the pheral areas of the park. der.

Pulse bufer stock crosses 10-lakh mark

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

CHANDIGARH: The bufer stock of pulses, created to stabilise the spiralling prices in the do- mestic market, has crossed the 10-lakh mark as against the tar- get of 20 lakh tonnes. At a meeting of the Inter- Ministerial Committee on prices and availability of select essential commodities, it was disclosed that a bufer stock of 10 lakh tonnes of pulses was created for the first time.

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI 8 | SOUTH THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 Women’s quota takes centre stage Karnataka Minister requests Venkaiah Naidu says NDA will get Bill passed once it gets a majority in the Rajya Sabha CJ to reconsider HC circular B.S. SATISH KUMAR Judges were barred STAFF REPORTER Dalai Lama said women had from sharing the a special role in society. “My BENGALURU: Karnataka Law VIJAYAWADA: The National Wo- first teacher of my practice Minister T.B. Jayachandra dais with MLAs men’s Parliament (NWP), a of love and compassion is my met Chief Justice Subhro during inauguration three-day event being organ- mother. So, all of us have re- Kamal Mukherjee on ised by the Andhra Pradesh ceived maximum afection Thursday and appealed to of court buildings Assembly with the theme from mother.” him to reconsider the High “Empowering women — Court’s circular, barring attending a recent pro- strengthening democracy,” Seven plenary sessions judges from sharing the dais gramme to mark the inaug- began at the Pavitra Bangladesh Parliament with elected representatives uration of a court building, Sangamam (confluence of Speaker Shirin Sharmin during the inauguration of despite the circular. Some of Godavari and Krishna Chaudhury, Puducherry court buildings. the legislators even deman- rivers), near here, on Friday. Lieutenant Governor Kiran Not content with this, ded that the government Over 10,000 women deleg- Bedi, Sri Lankan Professor MLAs, who earlier described stop providing financial ates, including MPs, MLAs and wife of Sri Lanka Prime the circular as an ‘insult’ to grants to courts. and those who have excelled Minister Maithree Wick- the legislature, insisted in the T.B. Jayachandra However, Mr. Jayachandra in diferent walks of life from remesinghe, Gandhian Ela Assembly on Friday that Mr. made it clear to them that it across the country and Bhatt, actress Manisha Koir- Jayachandra should have as- the legislature’s sentiments was the Constitutional re- abroad, are attending the POWER POINT: Participants at the inaugural of the National Women’s Parliament at Pavitra ala, MIT Group of Institu- serted the rights of the legis- to him. sponsibility of any State to conclave. Sangamam, near Vijayawada, on Friday. — PHOTO: CH.VIJAYA BHASKAR tions vice-president Rahul lature rather than make a re- Several legislators, includ- provide infrastructure facil- The Women’s Reservation Karad and others spoke. quest to reconsider the ing BJP member C.T. Ravi, ity to courts. Also, the gov- Bill occupied centre stage “Prime Minister Narendra kaiah Naidu said. Recalling direction till we achieve 33% There will be seven plen- circular. described the circular as a ernment had the responsibil- with Union Urban Develop- Modi has this in mind and that the Telugu Desam Party reservation for women and ary sessions at the event, “breach of privilege” granted ity of preventing any friction ment Minister M. Venkaiah the day is not far of when (TDP) was a pioneer in ex- our fight should continue till with discussions on subjects Summon HC registrar to legislators and the pro- between the legislature and Naidu and Chief Minister N. Parliament will pass the Bill tending reservation to wo- we achieve the goal,” he said. such as socio-political chal- The MLAs demanded that tocol adopted by the govern- the judiciary. Chandrababu Naidu batting providing women reserva- men in the political arena, The Bill was passed in the lenges in women’s em- instead of making a ‘request’, ment that local legislators He pacified the legislators for reservation of one-third tion through consensus. Mr. Chandrababu Naidu Rajya Sabha in 2010 but it powerment, status and de- the legislature should sum- should preside over oicial by asking them to wait for seats in the Lok Sabha and Once we [NDA] get majority stressed the need for passing lapsed following the dissolu- cision-making, building own mon the Registrar of the programmes in their juris- the court to respond to his the State Assemblies for in the Rajya Sabha, we will the Bill in Parliament. “This tion of the 15th Lok Sabha. identity and vision for the High Court to the House, by diction. They also took ex- request to reconsider the women. get the Bill passed,” Mr. Ven- meeting should give a new Buddhist spiritual leader future. issuing a notice, and convey ception to Mr. Jayachandra circular. Sudha Murthy has her Parent alleges child shamed in A game with a diference gives gender neutrality a kick-of task cut out at TTD Bengaluru school Men, women and transgenders take part in football tournament hosted by Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad G.P. SHUKLA ABDUL LATHEEF NAHA out. The Women Soccer the people of Malappuram. TANU KULKARNI Academy, Vallikkunnu, the “We should demolish TIRUMALA: The appointment of MALAPPURAM: Malappuram Women’s Academy, gender biases built up over Infosys Foundation chair- BENGALURU: A parent took to became a champion on Kozhikode; the Students time in our society,” said person Sudha Narayana social media to highlight the Friday when it hosted an FT, Thutha, and the Abdul Gafoor, a teacher Murthy as a member of the physical and mental abuse unusual football match that Kadathanad Raja Academy and an avid football lover. Tirumala Tirupati Dev- that was meted out to her was witnessed by a fielded teams with seven asthanams Trust Board is be- five-year-old child at a cheering crowd. women, three men, and one Women victorious ing seen as an initiative that private ICSE school in It was a balmy afternoon, transgender in each team. When the Women’s will bolster the image of the Bengaluru. and women, men, and Academy, Kozhikode, lifted board. The mother alleged that transgenders played the Lower count of men the championship, beating The nomination of Ms. Sudha Narayana Murthy the teacher would punish the game as a team, an event The number of men was the Vallikkunnu team 3-1, Murthy, a prolific writer, boys by forcefully pulling seen as major progress in a reduced to three in a 11- the crowd was jubilant. philanthropist, and member crores had led to criticism down their pants. town usually considered to member team because of “It’s a celebration of not of public health care initiat- that the board had become a Her daughter was al- be orthodox. the power play involved. just football, but of gender ives of the Gates Foundation, rehabilitation centre for the legedly shamed by the re- When men were given neutrality,” said Mr. Sreejit. meets the long-standing de- politically unemployed. moval of her undergarments, Science and sport fixed positions of full back, The KSSP started its mand that only iconic per- Ms. Murthy has her task while being allowed to keep The gender neutral CHAMPIONS ALL: It is a day of action at a gender neutral half-back, and forward, gender neutral football sonalities with a religious cut out as her predecessors her skirt on. football tournament was football match in Malappuram on Friday. — PHOTO: SAKEER HUSSAIN women and transgenders campaign in Kasaragod. It bent of mind be nominated such as C. Anna Rao, indus- While the child’s class organised by the youth enjoyed freedom of got faster acceptance in to the board. trialist from Coimbatore teacher denied these allega- wing of the Kerala Sastra in the sporting arena. viewing galleries too are positions on the field. Malappuram, where The arrest of the former Rajeswari Ramakrishnan, tions, the Karnataka State Sahitya Parishad (KSSP). “Gender diferences male centric,” said K. Although the organisers football is a passion. board member and industri- and industrialist-turned- Commission for Protection The Yuva Samiti chose the begin to show up in Sreejit, a worker of the feared opposition from The organisers said the alist, J. Sekhar Reddy, in politician D.K. Adikeasavulu of Child Rights issued a no- format to bring about a playfields even before the Yuva Samiti. Four teams conservative quarters, they next round of the game, December in connection Naidu had made sterling tice to the management of change in gender attitudes child is 10 years old. Like comprising women, men, were surprised to see an which is gaining popularity, with the seizure of new cur- contributions to the the school after it received a and the strong biases seen these playgrounds, our and transgenders fought it enthusiastic response from would be in Palakkad. rency notes worth several institution. complaint from the mother.

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI | THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 NATION 9

SC refuses Media fellowship hearing on plea Not forced to stay at resort: AIADMK MLAs for reporting to stay Sasikala’s With entry restricted by party supporters, MLAs in small groups said they had come on their own on tuberculosis swearing-in DEEPU SEBASTIAN EDMOND taker Chief Minister for his the party,” he said. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT stay at the resort. “I was at With the MLAs declaring KRISHNADAS RAJAGOPAL KANCHEEPURAM: Twelve MLAs, the MLA Hostel. The CM their location, the Additional NEW DELHI: The National Me- supporting V.K. Sasikala’s summoned me and I felt that Public Prosecutor’s claim be- dia Fellowship for Reporting NEW DELHI: Refusing to judi- bid to be Tamil Nadu Chief it was a threat. Frustrated, I fore the court earlier in the on Tuberculosis is now ac- cially intervene in the in- Minister, interacted with decided to come here,” he day that he did not know cepting application for the ternal party politics of Tamil journalists on Friday at a re- said, holding up his mobile their whereabouts was ex- fourth edition of the REACH Nadu, the Supreme Court on sort 80 km from Chennai, phone. The first set of MLAs posed. During the day, AI- Lilly MDR-TB partnership. Friday declined to urgently claiming they were there on emerged around noon after ADMK leaders visited the re- The last date to apply for the hear a petition seeking a stay their own free will. AIADMK supporters had a sort in their oicial cars: fellowship is February 20, order on Ms. Sasikala’s The interactions took brief altercation with report- Ministers Edappadi K. Palan- 2017. swearing-in ceremony as the place outside the Golden Bay ers who tried to reach the re- isamy, C. Vijayabaskar, The fellowship is intended new Chief Minister. Resort at Koovathur of the sort’s gate. There was an- Dindigul Sreenivasan and for English and Hindi journ- A Bench led by Chief East Coast Road, where the other tense moment when Sellur K. Raju were seen go- alists to undertake research Justice of India J.S. Khehar MLAs have been se- A small road leading to the resort at Koovathur saw a flurry of activity, with many AIADMK local youth protested at the ing in and out of the resort. on tuberculosis-related is- refused advocate G.S. Mani’s questered since Wednesday leaders and Ministers visiting the MLAs on Friday. — PHOTO: D. GOPALAKRISHNAN restrictions on the road. Within minutes of his ap- sues at the national level. plea in a petition filed by night. Journalists have been pointment as presidium It is expected that the work Chennai resident Senthil Ku- denied access to the resort by Chief Minister O. Pan- threatened and said he was 129, fell silent after Peram- Ministers’ visit chairman of the AIADMK, published by the Fellow will mar. by a handful of AIADMK neerselvam. “It was this same all for the AIADMK’s interim balur MLA Ilambai R. Three MLAs from Erode K.A. Sengottaiyan was seen highlight a national-level is- Though this may be con- supporters, who have Madhusudhanan who general secretary’s elevation Tamilselvan — standing next district came out about 30 visiting the resort. A second, sue related to tuberculosis strued as a fillip to Ms. blocked the only access road presided over the meeting in as CM. “Our Ministers are to him — told him to do so. minutes after the first group but smaller, group of MLAs is and potentially have policy- Sasikala’s campaign, the to the resort, about a kilo- which ‘Chinnamma’ was where they want to be of MLA Geeta said she had did. Tirupur South legislator reportedly lodged at a resort level implications for TB court has simply signalled metre from its entrance. elected on the 5th of this their free will. We are paying switched of her mobile S. Gunasekaran, whose wife in Kunnathur, 15 km from the care and control in India. that it would not interfere The legislators emerged month. It was a unanimous for our stay with our own phone after receiving threat- and son were later allowed Golden Bay Resort. The REACH was established in with Tamil Nadu Governor from the resort twice around decision. Why did OPS have money. There are no restric- ening calls. She held her into the resort, was their group at Koovathur seemed 1999 in response to the C. Vidyasagar Rao’s constitu- noon, in groups of nine and a change of heart within 48 tions on meeting us,” he said. phone in front of her spokesperson. “This trip was to be preparing for the long rolling out of the Revised Na- tional discretion to decide three, all essentially saying hours? Who is behind him,” When asked how many throughout to prove that she not organised by anyone. We haul: at least three vehicles tional TB Control Program who — Sasikala or O. Pan- the same thing about the cur- asked Kattumannarkoil MLA MLAs were at the resort now, was in possession of it. were talking to each other carrying kitchen equipment in Tamil Nadu. It has been a neerselvam — should have rent political turmoil, ques- N. Murugumaran. He in- Mr. Murugumaran, who Sholingur MLA N.G. and thought this would be a were seen going towards the key partner and leader in the the reins of the State. tioning the sudden rebellion sisted that he was not being began by saying there were Parthiban blamed the care- good strategy to strengthen resort. fight against the disease. In tit-for-tat expulsions, Sasikala, Shadow of doubt constrains Governor’s decision G.K. Reddy

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT by Mr. Panneerselvam, elect- Mr. Panneerselvam is con- Memorial Award Madhusudhanan jostle for control ing her as the AIADMK Le- tinuing as caretaker Chief CHENNAI: In his report to the gislature Party leader. The Minister, pending alternative for Karan Thapar SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Ex-Union Minister of ted as per party by-laws. Centre on the rival claims of resolution itself was moved arrangements. So Raj Bhavan The Panneerselvam fac- AIADMK factions, Tamil after Mr. Panneerselvam’s feels that “there is no vacuum SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu State for Petroleum tion attracted the support of Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyas- resignation was submitted to and hence there is no need for Public Prosecutor who on E. Ponnusamy has former Union Minister of agar Rao has taken into ac- the Governor last Sunday. But being unduly alarmed.” NEW DELHI: Senior journalist Thursday had claimed that State for Petroleum E. Pon- count the Supreme Court now, the CM had submitted The Governor sees no and television commentator 130 MLAs, whose support extended support to nusamy, who had switched judgment that Article 164 (4) that he was coerced to sign threat to the law and order Karan Thapar will be con- the Sasikala faction of the CM Panneerselvam from the PMK to the AI- is not a source of power or an the resignation letter and has situation now. He is learnt to ferred the G.K. Reddy Me- AIADMK claimed to have, ADMK. enabling provision for ap- Ch. Vidyasagar Rao requested the Governor to be of the view that the morial National Award 2016 were residing at the MLAs’ Earlier in the day, party pointment of a non-legislator rescind action taken thereon. present political situation is for excellence in journalism. hostel, did a volte face and presidium chairman E. Stalin for floor test as a Minister even for a short government. But the impend- due to the internal afairs of Congress President Sonia informed the Madras High Madhusudhanan was ex- Meanwhile, Leader of Op- duration, sources said. ing verdict has led to an un- Meets oicials the ruling party. “Mr. Rao Gandhi will present the Court on Friday that they pelled from the party by Ms. position M.K. Stalin met According to one source, certainty on whether Ms “The Governor is also con- does not want to take sides award to Mr. Thapar at an were staying elsewhere. Sasikala. He struck back by Governor Ch. Vidyasagar the Governor was of the view Sasikala would eventually cerned about certain allega- with any party. He wants to be event, which will be presided Amid allegations that announcing that the latter Rao and urged him to ensure that “Even when there is an qualify to become an MLA. tions of MLAs being confined guided only by constitutional over by veteran leader Dr. some legislators were being has been removed as interim that a floor test is conducted iota of doubt about the ability “Mr. Rao has been advised and possibilities of horse provisions and their inter- Karan Singh, who is the confined at a private resort general secretary of the in the Legislative Assembly of the person to get elected to to wait for a few days so that a trading,” a source said. Mr. pretations in case laws,” a award committee’s chair- in Koovathur near Chennai party, a post to which she to ensure that a stable gov- Assembly within six months, clear picture emerges en- Rao had on Friday held meet- source said. man. The award carries a against their will, the court was “appointed” in late ernment was in place. Article 164 (4) has to be inter- abling him to discharge his ings with Chief Secretary Meanwhile, referring to cash prize of ₨5 lakh, a gold sought a report from the December 2016. Late in the evening, Ms. preted as a restriction/ dis- duties in accordance with the Girija Vaidyanathan, Director certain media reports that medal and a special trophy. State. This prompted the In the evening, he de- Sasikala told her supporters qualification as contained in letter and spirit of the Consti- General of Police T.K. Ra- said the Governor had sent a Mr. Thapar is the presid- Sasikala camp to selectively clared that he had written to there was no cause for the interpretation of the Su- tution,” a source said. jendran and Chennai Com- report to the Centre, the Raj ent of ITV, a production produce before journalists the Election Commission of worry. “With all your co- preme Court verdict.” Besides, the Raj Bhavan felt missioner of Police S. George Bhavan in a late night release house that makes pro- nearly a dozen MLAs – in India not to recognise her operation, this movement The Governor was bound that a peculiar situation had and instructed them to verify denied that Mr. Rao had “sent grammes for the BBC, separate batches and under appointment as general sec- will grow much more, So, by the Constitution to satisfy arisen as Ms. Sasikala had the allegations and ensure any report either to the Min- Doordarshan and Channel watchful eyes – outside the retary, since she had not you need to worry for any- himself that a person staking submitted a resolution, ori- that the MLAs were acting as istry of Home Afairs or to the News Asia. He is currently resort. served the party as a mem- thing. We shall wait for Gov- claim would form a stable ginally proposed and signed per their free will. President of India.” associated with India Today. In another development, ber continuously for five ernor to protect the Indian former Minister and sitting years as per the AIADMK’s Constitution and demo- MLA Shunmugananthan, bylaws. cracy.” She said a good news who is with the Chief Minis- Ms. Sasikala was expelled would be expected soon. ter, submitted a complaint at from the party by the late Addressing the media, Mr. the City Police Commission- Jayalalithaa in 2011 and re- Panneerselvam too assured erate seeking action against admitted after a few months. his supporters that they will those illegally confining He said soon a new general get to hear the good news MLAs. secretary would be appoin- soon.

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI 10 | EDITORIAL THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 Looking beyond our own species Tamil Nadu’s new jallikattu law presents complex constitutional issues on how we treat animals. It raises more questions than answers, some of which are likely to be at the core of the Supreme Court’s consideration

thesis: that basic principles of ethical beha- was because the statute was repugnant to SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 viour called for an end to the causing of the PCA Act. SUHRITH avoidable sufering to animals. Singer ar- PARTHASARATHY gues against what he describes as species- State vs Centre ism, or the idea that human animals, simply Under India’s constitutional structure, by virtue of being human, possess a greater both the Central and State governments can As unpredictable Do animals have rights? If so, how are these claim over moral rights than non-human an- make laws on animal cruelty, but if the lat- rights to be administered, and against whom imals do. Animals too, much like human be- ter’s statute is contrary to the former’s, such as it gets can they be enforced? If not, do human be- ings, can sufer and feel pain, and, therefore, an act must secure the President’s assent. ings nonetheless owe an obligation to treat to treat humans as somehow special is akin, And this is precisely the approach adopted ndia’s most populous State finally goes to the animals with care and compassion? Are any he says, to making classifications based on, by Tamil Nadu in enacting its law last polls today, beginning a seven-phase process of these responsibilities inalienable, and to say, race or sex. month. This statute, which secured the that starts from the western fringe of Uttar what extent can our Constitution be exten- Singer’s arguments can be best under- President’s assent on January 31, amends the Pradesh. In this first phase, 73 Assembly con- ded to include within its mandate a binding stood through an example he provides. “If I PCA Act and creates a specific exception for I duty to ensure the safety and security of an- give a horse a hard slap across its rump with jallikattu. This means that the petitioners in stituencies in 15 districts of western Uttar Pradesh imals? my open hand, the horse may start, but it the Supreme Court have to do more than will elect their legislators in what is clearly the Some of these questions are likely to be at presumably feels little pain,” he writes in his just show that the PCA Act stands violated most diversely contested region of the State, the the core of the Supreme Court’s considera- book. “…If I slap a baby in the same way, by jallikattu; they would have to prove that only one in which all four parties/fronts, the Bhar- tion, when it hears arguments on the validity however, the baby will cry and presumably its practice infracts at least one of the funda- atiya Janata Party, the Samajwadi Party-Congress, of Tamil Nadu’s new law that permits the does feel pain, for its skin is more sensitive. mental rights guaranteed by the Constitu- the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Rashtriya Lok Dal, practice of jallikattu in the State. Despite the So it is worse to slap a baby than a horse, if tion. fancy their chances. That they all see themselves to court’s judgment in 2014, in Animal Welfare both slaps are administered with equal This threshold ought to prove hard to be firmly in the hunt indicates the change in west- Board of India v A. Nagaraja, where it force. But there must be some kind of meet. The Constitution’s framers, after all, ern U.P. since the 2014 general election when the struck down an earlier efort to legalise blow…that would cause the horse as much never intended to guarantee to animals any BJP registered its biggest margins of leads in As- jallikattu, its verdict on the fresh challenge is pain as we cause a baby by slapping it with fundamental rights, and, what’s more, the anything but inevitable. The new law our hand.” bare text of the document hardly permits sembly segments. Then, riots in Muzafarnagar and presents distinct and complex constitu- If it’s wrong to inflict that much pain on a such a reading. To follow the path set in A. Shamli districts in 2013 had resulted in communal tional problems, and the questions it raises baby, Singer says, there’s simply no good Nagaraja would require, therefore, a gar- polarisation in the BJP’s favour, supplementing the don’t have easy answers. The petitioners have to do more reason to inflict an equivalent amount of gantuan leap in constitutional interpreta- Narendra Modi wave in the State: the BJP alliance To overcome these hurdles, the Supreme than showing the PCA Act stands pain on a horse. To consider otherwise is, in tion; it would necessitate a specific holding netted 73 of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats. But two Court may well have to resort to making his belief, to act as a speciesist. Now, his in- that an animal is a legal person. years is a long time in politics, and issues such as substantial incursions into a law-making violated by jallikattu; they will terpretations have opponents at both ends Such a conclusion may be philosophically the demonetisation, the performance of Chief Min- role, at the potential cost of endangering its have to prove that it infracts at of the spectrum. At one extreme end are ar- justifiable. Indeed, some scholars such as ister Akhilesh Yadav, and BSP leader Mayawati’s re- proper place in India’s constitutional struc- least one fundamental right guments that treat animals as property, as Steven Wise, an American lawyer, have liance on a new samikaran (caste-religion arith- ture. But whichever way the decision goes, if capable of being freely exploited by humans made precisely such an argument. In his the present dispute shows us anything, it is for selfish purposes; at the other — and book, Rattling the Cage, Wise enlists a metic) have all changed the nature of the campaign. this: that the existing legal regime governing major test — is the growth of this feeling and these represent more compelling argu- whole list of artificial entities that are con- This time, reports suggest that many in the animal welfare in India is woefully inad- practice of compassion.” ments — are the writings of those such as sidered legal persons: corporations, ships, landed peasantry among Jats are looking again at equate and too easily malleable to accord Ultimately Nehru requested Arundale to the American philosopher Tom Regan. In partnerships, governments, and so forth. He the RLD, which till not long ago had been staring at animals even a reasonable guarantee of dig- withdraw her bill, assuring her that his gov- his definitive 1983 book, The Case for An- also points to Indian examples, including a a political decline, as a viable choice. Despite a rel- nity and respect. What we need today, there- ernment would establish a committee to imal Rights, Regan argues that animals, at Supreme Court decision that held that the atively favourable monsoon and a better agrarian fore, is a more sustained and more intellec- study the subject thoroughly, promising to least sentient ones, possess basic moral holy book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth harvest, farmers are now less well-disposed to- tually rigorous debate on how best to introduce appropriate legislation at a future rights, since they possess an inherent value, Sahib, was a juristic person, as too to the ex- wards the BJP following the demonetisation. The improve the welfare of our animals. date. However, in 1960, when the Prevention much like humans. ample of Hindu idols that are considered of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act) was Therefore, a recognition of their rights re- juristic entities. But if Wise’s argument were BSP has struck a chord with its traditional support Rukmini Arundale’s eforts base among Dalits and has fielded a large number enacted, some of the fundamental tenets of quires us to fundamentally change the way to be extended to the level of constitutional The movement in India for better animal Arundale’s bill were missing — for example, we treat them. Some might view Regan’s ar- interpretation, were we to treat animals as of Muslim candidates to consolidate support protection laws began soon after Independ- the law created a blanket exception for ex- guments as taking things a step too far. If we our equals under Article 14, for instance, the among the minorities. The SP-Congress alliance ence. Influenced by the ideologies of the periments conducted on animals with a were to see rights as concomitant with re- anomalies that this would result in are seeks to ride a wave of positive support for Chief Theosophical Society, the acclaimed dancer view to securing medical advancement. But sponsibilities, for instance, the question that enormous: not only would this render the Minister Akhilesh Yadav after his combat with Rukmini Devi Arundale, then a nominated notwithstanding those misgivings, the PCA begs asking is this: how do we impose duties jallikattu law unconstitutional, it would also party elders. The BJP has its task cut out to retain its member of the Rajya Sabha, introduced a Act, owing largely to Arundale, was still on animals? open a Pandora’s box where a whole host of support here, with the efects of the demonetisa- private bill in 1952 that intended to replace ahead of its times, in that it was based on an This conflict, on the true nature of animal otherwise acceptable activities may come tion hurting traders too. But Mr. Modi’s appeal is the existing colonial era statute of 1890. “Of underlying belief that it was morally wrong rights, will likely be at the heart of the argu- under challenge. But, equally, were the court still strong, especially among the younger voters. course, it is as well for us, absolutely right for humans to inflict unnecessary pain on ments to be advanced by both those for and to reject the petitioner’s argument, it would The party has tried to use dog-whistle politics — for us, to consider the question of prevent- animals. against the new jallikattu law. Although the only serve to highlight the hollowness of the ing any cruelty to animals, not only because When, 15 years later, the Australian utilit- Supreme Court, in A. Nagaraja, appeared to present animal welfare regime, where a talking of an “anti-Romeo campaign”, for example, of the animals themselves but much more arian philosopher Peter Singer first pub- suggest that animals possess a right to life, simple legislative amendment is suicient as a softer version of its earlier “love jihad” mobil- so… because of the human beings involved lished his seminal book, Animal Liberation, much like that guaranteed to human beings to topple the core values that ought to un- isation — as a polarising tactic, but it is not clear if in it,” said Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, generally considered the foundational work under Article 21 of the Constitution, the derpin a moral society, in which animals are that will pay of. A more sound strategy has been its in response to her bill. “…I entirely behind the modern animal welfare move- primary reason for the court striking down treated with care and compassion. reliance on the non-Yadav Other Backward Classes agree…that one test of civilisation — a very ment, his arguments were built on a similar Tamil Nadu’s 2009 law regulating jallikattu to take on the identity politics of the BSP and the SP. Best practices elsewhere All said, the political landscape in western U.P. re- CARTOONSCAPE The German example might provide us mains dynamic, making predictions risky. How- with some solutions. In 2002, Germany ever, as in the past, the very specific issues of west- amended its Constitution to specifically ern U.P. may well influence the rest of the State. mandate the state to legislate and protect animal rights within the framework of the constitutional order. This has meant that the federal constitutional court in Germany now has to weigh the dignity of animals against other liberties such as the right to Israel’s continuing freely practise religion or the right to con- duct of medical research. Therefore, now, any legislative exception to animal rights — land grab whether this involves slaughtering for food, he passage of legislation by Israel that or the use of animals for producing dairy — would legalise nearly 4,000 Jewish settler would have to be narrowly tailored, ensur- ing that animals’ welfare is protected to the homes on private Palestinian lands in the greatest extent possible. TWest Bank flies in the face of interna- It’s clear that we need something similar tional law and norms. That the vote comes weeks in India to make rights of animals more un- after the UN Security Council demanded that Is- assailable. For a long time, as Martha Nuss- rael stop all settlement activity in the Occupied baum, an American philosopher, has ob- Territories, and an international conference atten- served, the pursuit of global justice has ded by more than 70 countries urged both sides in required the inclusion of many people that the conflict to resume talks, shows Israel’s disreg- were previously excluded as “fully equal ard for international opinion and institutions. The subjects of justice”: the poor, ethnic, reli- legislation allows the Israeli government to expro- gious and racial minorities, women, the dis- abled, and immigrants, among others. There priate private Palestinian land if the land-owners is, as she says, no obvious reason why we are unknown. If known, they will be compensated ought not to look beyond these barriers of in cash or kind. However, the legislation, which for our own species. For to continue to subject the first time since the annexation of East Jerus- animals to the disdainful whims of human alem seeks to extend Israeli law to the West Bank, behaviour is to ignore the basic entitlements can be overturned by the judiciary. Israel’s Attor- of justice. ney-General has said he wouldn’t defend the bill in Suhrith Parthasarathy is an advocate practising at the the high court as it is “unconstitutional and violates Madras High Court. international law”. However, this is unlikely to stop the ideology-driven settler movement and the gov- ernment of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu LETTERS TO THE EDITOR from taking more Palestinian land. Since Israel oc- cupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem five dec- Letters emailed to [email protected] must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials. ades ago, about 140 settlements have been built in Palestinian territories that house more than Afraid of helping experiences. Most people have lost You just have to keep ‘ABC’ in mind legislator in the State ever since ironical that the Congress party, 600,000 Jews. Despite frequent international criti- the sense of enjoying nature when — clear the airway, restore breathing Nagaland attained Statehood in 1963. which has used strong language in cism, successive governments have thrown their The inability to take the initiative they visit a park or a garden as they and restore proper circulation by Between 1969 and 2008, women have the past against the BJP and the weight behind the settlement lobby. Mr. Netan- while in a crowd and its relation with are so engrossed in taking stopping bleeding. But before hardly made a mark in politics due to Prime Minister in Parliament — the yahu, who is dependent on the right-wing coalition one’s education has an interesting photographs. It is the same even starting ‘ABC’, the person must electoral vagaries. Crushing societal “dog” remark is one example — is parties for his government’s survival, has played correlation (“The temptation to go when we go to a place of worship. check whether the victim has prejudices and gender now upset after a mild jibe. Former viral”, Feb.10). To put it crudely, the Scores of people can be seen sufered any neck or spine injury.We discrimination against women, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is along. Last month, his government approved plans more educated you are, the more out engrossed taking selfies instead of must all be aware of the “Golden therefore, assumes particular no doubt a distinguished politician for 2,500 new settler homes in the West Bank. of place you feel in a crowd, soaking in the spiritual ambience. Hour”, when the chances of saving a significance in Nagaland. but he should have shed his stoic Israel still says it is committed to the two-state especially in small towns, paralysing Though the government is doing a person’s life are bright. Ganapathi Bhat, silence when the UPA was solution. But how will the two-state solution stay your ability to take the initiative. lot to promote the Good Samaritan K.M.K. Murthy, Akola, Maharashtra consumed by scandals. relevant if it continues to grab Palestinian land Filming a person’s or a living being’s law, people need to change the way Secunderabad S. Srinivasan, where an independent Palestinian state is sup- final moments seems heartless, but they think. In this, law enforcement Civility in Parliament Bengaluru posed to come up? The Netanyahu government has it seems to be the trend, an example agencies need to lend a helping Rights for Naga women shown no particular interest in resuming negoti- being the case of a dying dolphin calf hand. Congressmen have mastered the art Pakistan’s ‘crackdown’ ations, while its right-wing allies are boasting of ex- where people were taking selfies Duppali Rahul Yadav, Tribal women have been working of holding Parliament to ransom instead of putting it back in the Mahbubnagar, Telangana alongside men at home and outside. many a time for frivolous reasons The arrest of Jamaat-ud-Dawa leader panding Israeli sovereignty to “Judea and Samaria”, ocean. To now try and deny them their (“Rumpus over PM’s raincoat jibe”, Hafiz Saeed, while welcome, seems the biblical names for the West Bank. And now Is- In a way, videos have some value — Even if someone is willing to take electoral right reflects the failure of Feb.10). The allusion the Prime to be a result of Pakistan’s raeli authorities feel emboldened by the election of as evidence for the police. Therefore the injured person to a hospital, the the State government (Editorial — Minister made can be understood by desperation to avoid sanctions being Donald Trump as U.S. President. He has promised they can be utilised by the police time-consuming procedures “Bowing down to patriarchy”, most people. In fact, Mr. Modi’s imposed by the Trump to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerus- who should also ensure that a Good involved leave one exasperated. Feb.10). Urban Local Bodies have comments are mild when compared administration as well as “Chinese alem, a disputed city, slammed the Obama adminis- Samaritan is not harassed. Legislation alone cannot bring about functioned smoothly without any to the strong language the Congress pressure” to get their house in order tration for not using its veto powers in the UNSC Felicitation of Good Samaritans by social change. The act will gain fuss. Rather than have civil society has used in the past. (“An eyewash or a turning point?” over the settlement resolution in December 2016, the local police and NGOs can help acceptance if the authorities or women rights groups demand B.S. Jayaraman, Feb.10). There is enough on Hafiz and even praised the controversial security wall Is- build confidence as well. complete formalities quickly instead airmative action favouring women, Coimbatore Saeed in the dossiers submitted by rael has built through Palestinian lands. Mr. Netan- Arjun Gopal, of using the situation as a medium to the State government should take it India to convict him for the 26/11 Bengaluru exhibit their might over the ordinary upon itself to lead from the front. Some readers (Letters, Feb.10) are attacks. It is in Pakistan’s interest to yahu, facing pressure from coalition partners, may citizen. Shivam Dwivedi, out of touch with reality. Anyone incarcerate Hafiz Saeed as he is also be hoping to continue the status quo of occupation, Man has lost the human touch with Maria George, Lucknow who watches parliamentary sessions alleged to be involved in propagating provided Mr. Trump ofers the protection to Tel the advent of technology. It has Thrissur which are telecast will have a fair radical Islamism. At the moment, the Aviv that he promised during the campaign. That become fashionable to go on a Reservation for women in Nagaland idea of the way in which members of arrest appears to be an eyewash. would make peace yet more distant in West Asia. videoshooting spree unmindful of One can still help an accident victim is crucial for their empowerment the Congress party conduct Akshay Viswanathan, the sufering an accident victim even before an ambulance arrives. because there has been no woman themselves in Parliament. It is Thiruvananthapuram

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI | THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 GROUND ZERO 11

Reluctant mothers Crushing poverty is forcing under-age girls from six districts in Hyderabad-Karnataka into ILLUSTRATION: DEEPAK HARICHANDAN early marriage and motherhood. Kumar Buradikatti reports on a childhood cut short

he baby on Bharati’s lap could poverty in the region. Savita, a 23-year- Fatima, who keeps a watch on her chil- has been prevented,” says Fatima whose was in the evening and I slept through easily pass of for her kid old Dalit woman in Shah Bazar colony dren keeps playing outside the shed. tone lowers with sadness. It is a mystery it,” she says with a wry smile. Not inter- brother. The sari and full in Kalaburagi, is already a mother of They gave little thought to the con- as to what happens to these young girls. ested in dissecting her past, her life’s Tsleeve blouse failing to make three. Sixth of seven siblings, she dis- sequences of what is called ‘Gujjar ki The CWC members say these girls mission is now to ensure her children her appear any older than she really is. continued schooling after Class 7 due to Shadi’. The tradition of suitors buying double up as agricultural labourers, and do not go to sleep hungry. Sitting in the small anganwadi centre in acute poverty and was “convinced” to out young girls from depressed com- are sometimes even forced into In the Dande household in the same an urban slum with a fancy name, Dubai get married to a man 12 years her senior. munities had survived through decades prostitution. area, there is pervasive gloom. The son- Colony, in Kalaburagi town, Karnataka, “I don’t know whether it was right or and there was little reason for the Fatima and Mehabub remain fortu- in-law Sharanappa died in a road acci- she narrates how she got married and wrong to get married when I did. We are daughter to disagree with her parents. nate, however, that they were let of dent in Bidar eight months ago. His ended up with a child when most of just moving on,” she says stoically, as The wedding was fixed, the arrange- with a warning, and all they had to do bride, 17-year-old Vishala, is pregnant her friends have just about finished her children aged between 5 years and ments made. And then, members of the was sign an undertaking that they will and is counting the days for the delivery schooling. seven months play around her. local Child Welfare Committee (CWC), wait till their daughter turns 18 before of her baby. “I will stay here till my par- Bharati is the eldest child in a police and civil society members she is married. ents are alive. Nobody knows what will landless family that migrated from ‘Safety’ leads to abuse swooped in to shut the programmes Thirty-eight-year-old Mariyamma is happen to me later,” she says. Gayatri Savalagi, an arid village a few kilo- The growing agrarian crisis is render- down. “Others had got their daughters in jail for giving in to a similar proposal David, who lives close to the Dande metres from the district headquar- ing a large number of rural population married in the same way. But, only ours for her 15-year-old daughter. Her hus- family, is less articulate; perhaps she is ters to Kalaburagi city in North jobless every year. The handful of in- band died six years ago, leaving her to too caught up with making ends meet. Karnataka about 15 years ago in search dustries in the urban centres within the bring up six children alone — the Married at 12, a dozen years ago, she lost of work. Her father became an electri- region are unable to accommodate the youngest 6 years — on her meagre earn- her husband five years ago. She has cian and mother a construction worker. army of unskilled rural labour. As a res- ings as a construction labourer. three children, the eldest 10. The area in which she lived and contin- ult, farmers in distress migrate to The appearance of a “family” from ues to live in — is a warren of houses, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad Gujarat carrying a proposal seemed to Shattered dreams open drains, narrow lanes and where and other faraway places to find work be a solution for the anxiety of her Many of these girls were hoping to pigs forage through dirt — enough in- in the burgeoning construction sec- daughter’s marriage. The setting up of complete their education and eventu- dication that migration did little to im- tor. They feel “safer” getting their the wedding in November saw oicials ally find jobs, when the harsh reality prove the fortunes of the family. daughters married before migrating descend on their slum in Bapunagar in crushed them for good. Rashmi at Ramji With four children to take care of, the rather than leave them behind or take Kalaburagi, and she was whisked away Nagar in Kalaburagi was planning on father was keen to shed the responsibil- them into the big bad cities. to Central Jail on the outskirts of the city becoming a schoolteacher, but ended ity of his firstborn as soon as he had Ironically, such marriages which under the Immoral Traic (Prevention) up a mother before she could even fin- some money to arrange for her mar- were meant to provide “safety” to the Act. ish schooling. “My father was ill and my riage. Before she turned 17 she was mar- girls have more often than not left these Her children are now housed in the mother’s earnings were never enough. I ried to a relative and became a mother young brides and mothers vulnerable to Girls’ home, and for the past three left school after class 8 to start working. within a year. “My husband Nagaraj is various forms of abuse. The desperation months, they have not seen their Two years later I got married,” she says. also young. His aging mother wanted a six districts of Hyderabad-Karnataka in of poverty has also spawned practices mother. “She did this for our good. Despite their dismal lives, not all of woman to take care of the household,” northern Karnataka have delivered ba- like “Gujjar ki shadi” where underage Please get her out of jail,” weeps her 15- them have given up on the future. Bhar- she says. bies before they turned 19 in govern- brides are “bought” into Gujarat. The year-old daughter at the Girls’ Home. ati hopes to continue her education The consent of the girl was clearly not ment hospitals. The number is much modus operandi is simple: a group of With the trial yet to gather steam, her from where she left of. She dreams of even a consideration, given the “neces- larger if deliveries in private establish- people from Gujarat — with female pleas for a “new life” are bound to echo doing a computer course once she stops sity” of the two families. Hesitating to ments and non-institutional deliveries, members and even kids — posing as emptily. breastfeeding her child, probably in a give it the tag of a “forced” marriage, still rampant here, are taken into family approach poor, ignorant and illit- Vittal Chikani, a CWC member in the year. She believes that learning to oper- Bharati says, brushing away her tears, account. erate parents in the region through me- district, says that the ‘Gujjar ki Shadi’ of- ate the computer is her ticket to a job “My parents convinced me it was neces- “I will say for every reported teenage diators and “make an ofer of marriage” ten comes as a panacea to the poverty and a better life. “My husband, a con- sary because we were really poor. I had pregnancy and delivery, there are a hun- to young girls against payment to the engulfing these families. Amounts ran- struction labourer, earns ₨250 a day. He to accept.” dred unreported ones,” says Kavita parents. The first such incident sur- ging from ₨15,000 to ₨1 lakh are enough doesn’t have a problem if I study and Hushare, a Dalit leader and women’s faced three years ago, and the problem to coax parents into agreeing — even if find a job,” she says with a faint hint of a Six districts, one story rights activist in Bidar. Oicials do not continues to persist despite intensified their daughters are under-aged. smile. Bharati’s is not an isolated case in the contest her. “We have statistics saying vigilance by law enforcement agencies. Many of these weddings go un- Rashmi is determined that her chil- blighted Hyderabad-Karnataka districts there are around 125 underage deliver- noticed, and Jagathi would have been dren do not go through what she did. “I of North Karnataka (Kalaburagi, Ballari, ies in Bidar district last year. I am not A wedding is fixed bonded in marriage if not for a chance have sufered enough. I will not let his- Raichur, Bidar, Koppal and Yadgir), a re- surprised if there are 125 such deliveries Take, for instance, the case of the 17- tip-of. In June 2015, she was married of tory repeat itself,’’ she says. gion marked by arid farms, harsh sum- in each of the primary health centres year-old daughter of Fatima and Meha- to a Gujarati man by her single mother Accepting the possibility of underre- mers and sparse rains and poverty. So- that cater to a population of 20,000,” bub in Sedam, a city where the coarse struggling to sustain them. The mar- porting of child marriages by the vic- cial and economic backwardness here says a senior oicer in the Health and locally-sourced Shahabad stone is riage happened at the house. It was a tims or authorities, for various reasons, has resulted in thousands like Bharati Family Welfare Department. smoothened into floor tiles. Their fam- simple afair. No dowry was exchanged. Mr. Biswas is of the view that the incid- being pushed into marriage, and sub- Amlan Aditya Biswas, Regional Com- ily of seven children lives in a ten-feet- Jagathi would have left for Gujarat al- ences of child marriages have fallen sequently, underage pregnancies. Child missioner of Kalaburagi division, who by-ten-feet tin shed near one such unit. most immediately if the Gujarati family compared to the past due to increasing marriage is more a norm than an aberra- oversees the six districts of the region, Fatima has not gone to work for a had not stayed back searching for an- awareness and developmental initiat- tion in Hyderabad-Karnataka marked does not dispute the high percentage of week now, after a heavy stone slab fell other bride for the younger one in the ives. “Even if the number of reported by persistent poverty, migration be- child marriage in the region as com- on her feet. This week, she will not get group. It was during this period that the cases is smaller, it is a matter of grave cause of agrarian crisis, lack of educa- pared to the rest of the State attributing paid; her husband will take home ₨500 CWC was informed. Houses in Ram- concern. We will continue to remain fo- tion and awareness. None of the six dis- the problem to historical backwardness for a week’s work — not enough to re- nagar in Gujarat and Kalaburagi were cussed on the issue and oicials of de- tricts in the region matches the State — both economic and cultural. duce the ₨1 lakh debt owed to their raided. Now, Jagathi stays in the Girls’ partments concerned will jointly work literacy average of 75.60%. Of the seven “The problems of child marriages and employer. Home while her mother is behind bars. towards eradicating them,” he says. He districts that are at the bottom of State’s underage deliveries are serious in Hy- But debt is a constant companion, and “I just want to stay with my mother. adds that institutions such as the child literacy grid, five are from this region. derabad-Karnataka as the region is eco- it is perhaps this that forced their hand There is no one who can get her re- helpline, district child protection com- The D.M. Nanjundappa-headed High nomically and culturally backward. — and they found themselves on the leased,” she says. mittees and designated child welfare of- Power Committee on Redressal of Re- Some studies like the human develop- wrong side of the law — in November Unlike Fatima’s daughter, Alina, a ficers, who are duty bound to protect gional Imbalances constituted by the ment index and the multi sectoral devel- last year. With no money to pay for Dalit in Yakatapur in Bidar district and children in distress, are in place. government of Karnataka, says 21 of 31 opment programme background paper dowry, they believed their eldest daugh- mother of three, was not rescued by any- “Whenever such incidents occur, of- taluks in the region were most back- have indicated the low levels of health ter who is 17, would never marry. Three one. Though not married of to an un- ficers and civil society members of ward in 2002. According to the Centre and education indices for the region. months ago, a relative, who works in known man and whisked of to an un- child welfare committees rush to the for Multi Disciplinary Development Re- Among these is the tradition of getting Gujarat, brought them an ofer they known destination, her husband spot and counsel the parents. School search, Dharwad, that studied develop- girls married before 18. The State gov- found diicult to refuse: a suitor from deserted her, leaving her to take care of headmasters and Panchayat oicers ment status by using similar data and ernment is committed to reversing such Gujarat, willing to get married not just two children. Married when she was in have been requested to inform the com- methodology adopted by the Najund- trends through development schemes, for free, but by paying the parents’ a Class 8 (approximately 14), she now mittees about possible underage mar- appa panel, 23 taluks of the 31 taluks awareness programmes on one hand, seemingly handsome amount. lives in a hut outside her brother’s house riages,” he says. were most backward in 2014. and regulatory measures on the other,” “We are struggling to survive. When and goes to work in the fields, with her This is corroborated by data from the he told The Hindu. the ofer came, we thought it was god- two younger children in tow. The eldest With inputs from Rishikesh Bahadur Desai in Bidar, Ravikumar Naraboli in Yadgir and M. Ahiraj in Ballari. Department of Health and Family Wel- One stumbles upon stories similar to send. My daughter accepted the pro- daughter attends the village anganwadi. Names of the girls have been changed to protect fare. In 2016 alone, over 1,600 girls in the that of Bharati in every pocket of posal when we told her about it,” says “I don’t even remember the wedding. It their identities. CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI 12 | NEWS THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

FROM PAGE ONE Muslims in a dilemma A shot in the arm for defence acquisition Govt. moots new procurement body as U.P. goes to polls to simplify the purchase procedure SAAB ofers Maritime Less than 30 metres away hammad Sharif (64) who from the spot, at Aqeel sells tin boxes. DINAKAR PERI to all defence capital pro- Gripen to Indian Navy Ahmed’s bangle shop, the Samshul, 32, who sells curements, has been modi- AIMIM is dismissed as a readymade clothes, in NEW DELHI: The government fied several times to bring in SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT there is no flying prototype non-entity. In great con- neighbouring Hajipura, plans to set up a Defence transparency and speed up yet. “We have a certified trast, Ahmed supports the close to a Dalit locality, Procurement Organisation acquisitions but it continues NEW DELHI: Swedish aircraft design for the Gripen-M. We SP-Congress alliance. says the SP neglects (DPO) to integrate and to be lengthy and manufacturer SAAB plans to have to now go into proto- “Akhilesh Yadav’s work Muslim areas. streamline the long and ar- complicated. ofer the maritime variant of type building now,” he stated. speaks...look at the Ex- “Under the BSP, roads duous process of defence Observing that the main its Gripen single engine pressway. This is not Muz- were laid in our areas. SP acquisitions. motive of the procurement fighter jet in response to the Specific requirements afarnagar, there is no com- only betrays us,” he says. A government appointed process should be to create Navy’s tender for 57 carrier- The aircraft is capable of munal tension here,” says Sharif is also enthused to committee, headed by an engine of growth, sources based aircraft. both Catapult Assisted Take- Ahmed. His mother is also vote for the BSP candidate former Director of Indian In- said: “In the present system The proposed Defence Procurement Organisation will Last month, the govern- Of But Arrested Recovery enamoured of the widow as he belongs to his caste, stitute of Management (IIM) the focus on development is function under the Ministry of Defence. — FILE PHOTO ment had issued a Request (CATOBAR) and Short Take- pension scheme of the SP. the Sheikh. The SP’s Azim Lucknow, Dr. Pritam Singh, low key while production for Information (RFI) “to Of But Arrested Recovery Ahmed, however, Ali is a Pathan. has submitted a report on the process is mostly with the cycle, the Cabinet Commit- from the earlier ₨1,000 crore. procure approximately 57 (STOBAR) operations, Mr. grudgingly admits that “15 Though there are over a modalities of setting up the Defence Public Sector Un- tee on Security (CCS), The Defence Secretary too Multi-Role Carrier Borne Ogilvy said. This is a require- per cent of Muslims” will lakh Muslims in this seat, DPO to Defence Minister dertakings (DPSU). There is chaired by the Prime Minis- has now been given financial Fighters (MRCBF) for the ment specified by the Navy. vote for AIMIM. they appear split in Manohar Parrikar on no match between the cap- ter earlier this week, has in- powers upto ₨500 crore to aircraft carriers of the Indian In addition, the Gripen-M If you think Muslims opinion. Thursday. abilities of the two.” creased the financial powers clear deals. This ensures that Navy.” has a small footprint similar here were split between The community fears “The aim is not to create “The report has just been of the Defence Minister. a major chunk of the pro- “Gripen is in the process of to that of a Sea Harrier, which the SP and AIMIM, drive that like in the last elec- another bureaucracy. The submitted and is being stud- In the past, the Defence curements are approved responding to the RFI for he said means “a full squad- down two kilometres to tions this internal division DPO will be a vertical under ied. The time frame is about Minister was entitled to within the Ministries, maritime aircraft,” Tony ron can easily embark on a Ramgad Jatavpuri. could benefit the BJP. the Defence Ministry and 2-3 years for the structures to clear deals up to ₨500 crore, sources said. About 70% of Ogilvy, Head of Marketing of medium sized aircraft Muslims here say they will In 2012, the Bharatiya the philosophy is to integrate fall in place,” sources stated. which has now gone up to the deals by number are be- Gripen Maritime, said on carrier.” vote the BSP. “Khalid Janata Party’s Manish As- the processes,” defence ₨2,000 crore Jointly, the Fin- low ₨3,000 crore. So now Friday. The RFI did not specify if [Naseer] sahib (BSP can- iza had defeated the SP’s sources said on Friday. More power ance Minister, the Defence only deals of ₨3,000 crore The maritime variant of the Navy wants a single or didate) is a good man. He Azim Ali by just 2,000 The Defence Procure- In a related move to Minister can approve pro- and above would go to the Gripen is based on the latest twin engine aircraft leaving will win, he has the Dalit votes, while the BSP’s ment Process, which applies shorten the procurement jects up to ₨3,000 crore, up CCS for approval. Gripen-E variant, however the contest open. vote to support his per- Khalid Naseer got a re- sonal image,” says Mo- spectable 51,790. Rapists should be tortured BSF jawan’s wife Swamy gets 2 weeks to prove allowed to meet him in front of victims, says Uma ‘Chidambaram flouted law’ MOHAMMAD ALI At this, Additional Solicitor statement made by Mr. Jain. KRISHNADAS RAJAGOPAL of the proposal before the General Sanjay Jain said the Pursuant to this order, FIPB. He needs to know,” Dr. MEERUT: Senior Bharatiya NEW DELHI: petition was frivolous. Ms. Sharmila would be The Supreme Swamy responded. Janata Party (BJP) leader The ASG said Mr. Yadav leaving for Jammu on Sat- Court on Friday gave BJP “That he is supposed to Uma Bharti created a huge had not been arrested but urday and return on Tues- leader Subramanian Swamy have known is quite another controversy when she re- simply moved from his day. The matter will now two weeks to place ‘concrete’ thing... What material do you vealed that she had rapists earlier 29th battalion to the come up on Wednesday. material to prima facie prove have to show that he knew? tortured and asked victims 80th battalion within During the hearing, the that former Finance Minister What is the material you to watch while she was the Jammu. Bench posed some search- P. Chidambaram ignored have placed before us to chief minister of Madhya There was no objection ing questions to the Centre Foreign Investment Promo- prove his knowledge?” Chief Pradesh. to a meeting between hus- and even told it that “if tion Board (FIPB) regula- Justice Khehar asked. While addressing a rally in band and wife and arrange- there is nothing to hide” tions by clearing the foreign Subramanian Swamy “Fact of the matter is no Agra, she raised the issue of ments could also be made then it must state on oath investment proposal in the Minister can claim he did not the Bulandhahr gang rape for her overnight stay at that Mr. Yadav was not un- Aircel-Maxis deal in 2006 the Aircel-Maxis deal, he know... The matter is before and said, “Rapists should be Union Minister Uma Bharti at an election rally in Pilibhit, Samba where he was pos- der arrest and he was not without first having it vetted said, was worth about ₨3,500 the Central Bureau of Invest- tortured in front of the vic- Uttar Pradesh, on Friday.— PHOTO: PTI ted now. being punished for upload- by the Cabinet Committee crore or $800 million. How- igation, they have examined tims until they beg for their “Respondent [Centre] ing those videos. on Economic Afairs ever, Mr. Chidambaram it and had filed sealed cover lives. When I was the chief their skin, especially on their ted to the torture of rapists would have no objection in The ASG placed before (CCEA). granted FIPB approval reports before this court in minister, I got it done.” wounds, till they scream and on grounds of violation of case the wife were to meet the Bench a call chart Arguing before a Bench without sending it to the 2015. The CBI should now Ms. Bharti, who is Union beg for forgiveness. This is human rights, she had said the husband at the 88th Bn showing Mr. Yadav was in led by Chief Justice of India CCEA. tell this court what progress Water Resources Minister, what I had done when I was that rapists have no human BSF at Samba. He [ASG] conversation with his wife J.S. Khehar, Dr. Swamy con- “Was he [the former Fin- has been made,” Dr. Swamy provided graphic details on the CM,” she said. Ms. Bharti, rights. “I told the police of- further submits that upon from January 26 to Febru- tended that the CCEA ance Minister] aware of the submitted. how rapists should be tor- who is in the news for her in- ficer that people who behave her arrival, she should ap- ary 7 and that it was a frivol- should give the thumbs up to fact that the deal was [worth] “You have to give us con- tured. “Rapists should be temperate remarks, was the like danav (demons) do not proach the commandant ous petition. any foreign investment pro- over ₨600 crore and he had to crete material that he was hung upside down. They CM of Madhya Pradesh from deserve human rights. Their 80th Bn who would be in- Mr. Yadav had said he posal worth over ₨600 crore, send it to the CCEA?” Chief privy... you have to prove should be beaten till their 2003 to 2004. heads should be cut of like formed in advance. “He has had been calling from the before the FIPB nod is Justice Khehar asked. your allegation with con- skin comes of. Also, salt and She went on to say how, Ravana’s,” she told the gath- no objection if she stays mobile phone of a third per- granted. “He was the Finance Min- crete material,” Chief Justice chilly should be rubbed on when a police oicer objec- ering in Agra. overnight for two days,” the son as his phone had been The total transactions in ister. There is a presentation Khehar told Dr. Swamy. Bench ordered, upon the seized. Local BJP leaders No toilet, no marriage Centre says ‘no’ to All quiet on this front news broadcast via FM implicated in in Haryana’s Nuh Kutch sex racket LEGAL CORRESPONDENT content put out by them, it The Jamiat said the man- also call upon leaders of added. MAHESH LANGA datory conditions for wed- other religious groups to NEW DELHI: Giving news broad- There are 281 private FM dings would soon be exten- join hands with them in cast rights to private FM ra- channels in 84 cities. Though AHMEDABAD: The Kutch sex ded to the entire district of their campaign against li- dio operators and com- the government had permit- racket involving the alleged Nuh and Muslim-inhabited quor consumption and munity radio stations run by ted 519 organisations to oper- gang rape of a 23-year-old areas of Haryana, Ra- open defecation. NGOs will be an open invita- ate community radio sta- woman by Bharatiya Janata jasthan, Himachal Pradesh tion for anti-national and tions in India, only 201 Party (BJP) leaders is turning and Punjab. “Not confined to any radical elements located organisations have actually out to be a large-scale flesh “We hope Imams outside religion” “within the country” to operationalised them. trade with more than 35 wo- Punhaha in Nuh will follow “The issues of liquor propagate their vested in- “Unfettered freedom to men reportedly lured into this. We will also hold consumption and open de- terests and agenda to the community radio and private prostitution by local busi- meetings in Nuh and the fecation are not confined to masses, the government told FM radio operators in put- nessmen and politicians. other Muslim-inhabited any religion. None of the re- the Supreme Court. ting out news bulletins and/ As per the latest details areas in North India to ligions, especially Islam, al- An aidavit filed by the or current afairs pro- given by the victim in an ai- make these conditions lows consumption of li- Centre in the Supreme Court grammes may be detri- davit, more than 35 college- mandatory. Later, it might quor. We hope to win the favoured news on radio to mental to national interest going girls and young wo- be extended to the entire support of the leaders of continue to be the “exclusive and it may be prudent to al- men were lured by the ac- country,” Mr. Karimi said. other religions as well,” he preserve” of the national low community radio oper- cused in their flesh trade said. broadcaster Prasar Bharati’s ators to only broadcast AIR’s racket in the district. Meetings Former district council- All India Radio (AIR). news,” the government The victim has named He said the Jamiat’s sec- lor and social activist Mo- Handing over the rights to submitted. nine persons in her com- retary-general and former hammad Younus Alvi wel- private FM operators and The government was re- plaint filed with the police Rajya Sabha MP, Maulana comed the decision saying community radio stations sponding to the Supreme while narrating details of the Mahmood Madani, would that liquor consumption run by NGOs and “other Court on the prohibition on modus operandi adopted by HIGH ALERT: hold meetings across the had increased manifold in small organisations” will FM radio stations and com- A securityman keeps vigil in Srinagar on Friday. Authorities imposed the accused to lure young country against consump- Nuh over the past decade pose a national security risk, munity radios from airing restrictions in parts of the city to prevent a protest march called by separatists to the women by ofering them jobs tion of liquor. and this would help curb the government said. There their own news and current office of United Nations Military Observer Group. — PHOTO: PTI and their subsequent sexual Mr. Karimi said he would the menace. is no mechanism to monitor afairs bulletins. exploitation. The sex racket involving four local BJP leaders, who have been suspended by the ‘U.S. wants Government appoints Ex-soldier of Govt. sets up inter-departmental task party after their names figured in the First Informa- Indian soldiers China leaves for tion Report (FIR), has put Directors for 10 IIMs force to crack down on benami firms the ruling party in a fix ahead in Afghanistan’ Beijing today of the Assembly polls sched- SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT All appointments are on DEVESH K. PANDEY As many as 559 earthing black money, the uled to be held later this year. KALLOL BHATTACHERJEE contractual basis for a period SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Prime Minister’s Oice on On Thursday, rattled by AHMEDABAD: The Centre on of five years or till the incum- NEW DELHI: A task force com- beneficiaries, who Friday held a meeting with the involvement of its cadres NEW DELHI: The United States Friday appointed directors bents attain 65 years, NEW DELHI: A Chinese soldier prising members of various laundered ₨3,900 top functionaries of the de- in the flesh trade, the State wants India to provide sol- in 10 Indian Institutes of whichever is earlier. who has been living in India regulatory Ministries and partments concerned to re- government and the ruling diers to fight terrorism in Management (IIMs). Among Shailendra Singh and since 1963 will finally return enforcement agencies has crore, have already view the functioning of shell party appeared on damage Afghanistan, Shalabh Kumar, them is IIM , Dheeraj Sharma will head home to Beijing on Saturday been set up on Prime Minis- been identified companies. The move comes control mode with the Min- who heads the Republican where Prof. G. Raghuram of the IIMs in Ranchi and Ro- morning, oicial sources at ter Narendra Modi’s direc- days after the government, ister of State for Home Pra- Hindu Coalition (RHC), said IIM Ahmedabad has been htak. the Ministry of External Af- tions for a major crackdown Amendment Act against the during a small sample ana- dipsinh Jadeja assuring that on Friday. appointed director. Bharat Bhasker has been fairs said. on shell companies, which shell companies, freeze their lysis of such companies, “nobody found involved in Mr. Kumar said India and The orders were issued by named director of IIM- As a special gesture of In- are used for large-scale accounts and strike of the found that ₨1,238 crore in the act will be spared” while the U.S. should join hands to the Department of Personnel Raipur. Mahadeo Prasad dia-China harmony, Rajya money laundering and tax names of dormant compan- cash was deposited in these slamming the Opposition fight radical Islamic terror- and Training (DoPT) after Jaiswal will be the head in Sabha member and head of evasion. About 560 benefi- ies. Disciplinary action will entities during the Novem- parties, the Congress and the ism and dismissed concerns the Appointments Commit- Sambalpur, L.S. Murty in the Parliamentarians Group ciaries, who laundered be initiated against profes- ber-December period, after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for about the H-1B visa as “spec- tee of the Cabinet (ACC) Nagpur, Prof. Ganesan Kan- on India-China Friendship ₨3,900 crore, and 54 sionals abetting the compan- demonetisation. giving political colour to the ulation.” headed by Prime Minister nabiran in Bodhgaya, Prof. Tarun Vijay will see him of chartered accountants, who ies and entry operators, who The Serious Fraud Invest- case. Narendra Modi cleared the Neelu Rohmetra in Sirmaur at the Indira Gandhi Interna- were involved in the racket, are used to launder unac- igation Oice filed criminal The Congress and AAP Joint fight names. Of the 20 IIMs in the (Himachal Pradesh), tional Airport. have already been identified. counted-for incomes into prosecutions for cheating have alleged that “big “It will be nice if Indian country, 13 have been head- Chandrasekhar Mylavarapu The task force has been the banking system for pro- the national exchequer after names” of the ruling party soldiers could be there to less for several months. in Vishakapatnam and Bhi- Imprisoned in 1969 constituted under the co- jecting them as white money. a probe against the entry op- are involved and demanded a support U.S. forces in places Prof. Raghuram has been a maraya Metri in Tiruchirap- Wang Qi was arrested in chairmanship of the Rev- There are about 15 lakh re- erators running a group of 49 judicial inquiry and court- like Afghanistan. It is my faculty member at IIM- palli. 1963, a year after he strayed enue Secretary and the Cor- gistered companies in India shell companies and other monitored probe. feeling that the Donald Ahmedabad since 1985. He The order stated that the into India during the India- porate Afairs Secretary to and only 6 lakh of them file proprietorship concerns. The BJP has also dis- Trump administration wants was the Dean (Faculty) there appointments at Bodhgaya, China war. monitor the actions taken by their annual returns, raising “It has been found that 559 missed the allegation that as India to partner counter ter- from September 2013 to Sirmaur, Vishakapatnam, He was imprisoned in 1969 various agencies. suspicion that a large num- beneficiaries laundered many as 35 girls were ror operations in Afgh- December 2015. He now re- , Nagpur and and was shifted to Tirodi vil- ber of these companies are money to the extent of ₨3,900 provided identity cards as anistan,” said Mr. Kumar, em- places Sushil Vachani, whose Sambalpur would be subject lage in Madhya Pradesh Under stringent Act indulging in financial crore with the help of 54 pro- BJP workers to escape the phasising that these were his resignation from the post of to the outcome of a writ peti- where he married a local wo- The agencies will invoke irregularities. fessionals, who have been police, as several such cards personal observations as the director, IIM Bangalore, has tion filed in the Delhi High man and settled there ever the stringent Benami Trans- In the first major post-de- identified,” said an oicial were circulated on social leader of the RHC. been accepted by the Centre. Court. since. actions (Prohibition) monetisation move for un- statement. media platforms in Kutch.

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI ELECTIONWATCH | THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 UTTAR PRADESH, UTTARAKHAND, PUNJAB, MANIPUR, GOA 13

POLLDIARY First phase of polling in U.P. today Rawat questions Modi on Twitter DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat Most of the constituencies fall in the communally sensitive areas and cities which are still on the boil took to Twitter on Friday to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Why have you [Mr. Modi] not apologised to the people of Uttarakhand MOHAMMAD ALI and get sugarcane arrears for getting the State under President’s Rule [last paid within two weeks of year]?” Mr. Rawat asked on Twitter. Taking a jibe at MEERUT: It’s a crucial day for coming to power in the State. the infighting in the Uttarakhand BJP, especially Uttar Pradesh politics on The first phase would also with many BJP leaders claiming to be the chief Saturday as the State will see be crucial for BSP supremo ministerial candidate, Mr. the first phase of Assembly Mayawati who tried to ex- Rawat asked Mr. Modi to clarify elections in 73 seats in 15 periment yet again with the who the BJP chief ministerial districts. Dalit-Muslim combination candidate was. Mr. Rawat also Most of the constituencies by fielding the largest num- questioned Mr. Modi’s claim going to the polls fall in the ber of Muslim candidates that he would give the State a communally sensitive west- while being assured of get- corruption-free government. ern U.P., including the riot- ting the consolidated Jatav “How will you give a corruption- hit areas of Muzafarnagar- votes for the party. free, clean government to Shamli and cities which con- A major thrust of Ms. May- Uttarakhand while depending on corrupt turncoats tinue to be on the boil and awati’s campaign, besides [who are BJP’s candidates from various seats]?” see repeated communal highlighting the SP’s “failure the post stated. — Staff Reporter to maintain law and order FOCUS and allow thousands of com- IN munal riots in the State”, is BSP aided BJP by diverting votes in 2014: Akhilesh that only she can “prevent clashes like Meerut, Kairana, the BJP from coming to PILIBHIT: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Mathura, Agra, Bulandshahr power in the State.” Yadav on Friday claimed that the BSP had diverted and Aligarh. The SP-Congress alliance its votes in favour of the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha Saturday will also be the has projected the “vikas (de- polls. “The BSP could not get even a single seat in ultimate test of political velopment)” aspect of the the last Lok Sabha elections strategies adopted by the Akhilesh Yadav government (and) when the matter was BJP, BSP, SP-Congress alli- and highlighted the negat- looked into in depth it was found ance and the RLD to woo the ives and ill-efects of demon- that in many seats, the BSP had voters. etisation and the troubles it got its votes transferred in favour The BJP had won just 11 of has given to the common of the BJP,” he said at an election the 73 seats in the last As- Hindutva and development Narendra Modi, the star The BJP fielded its ing turned into Kashmir” al- public. meeting here. “The BSP chief sembly polls, but in the 2014 through promises such as campaigner of the BJP, has Hindutva face, Yogi legedly by forcing the The alliance has tried to [Mayawati] has formed Lok Sabha elections, it saw a shutting down of mechan- been harping on the “deteri- Adityanath, as its cam- Hindus to migrate from dif- woo Muslim voters by re- government three times with the BJP in the past complete swing in its favour ised slaughter houses, form- orating law and order in paigner who repeatedly ferent towns. peatedly projecting itself as and this time round too they are looking for such a and won all 15 seats from the ing “anti-exodus task force” Akhilesh raj, lack of safety talked about alleged “victim- The party has tried to woo the only political formation possibility and so their leader is out to mislead the 15 districts. to stop alleged “departure of for women, and failure of the isation” of the Hindus. In all the farmers, who form the which can stop the BJP. The people, especially Muslims, so as to divide their Hindus from Kairana”, form- government to do enough for his election meetings in biggest vote bank in the SP-Congress joint rallies saw vote to help the BJP,” he said. “If the voters fall for Hindutva & development ing “anti-romeo” squads and farmers and youths”, the western U.P., Mr. Adityanath agrarian region, by prom- display of camaraderie such tactics, the BJP could once again help the This time the BJP is trying promising to build the Ram other party leaders have said that western U.P., where ising to waive loans of small between Congress vice- BSP form its government herer,” he said. — PTI to appeal to Hindu voters by temple. been making news with their Muslims constitute 25 per farmers, implement several president Rahul Gandhi and ofering a mixture of While Prime Minister controversial statements. cent of the population, is “be- lucrative schemes for them SP’s chief Akhilesh Yadav. ‘Special magistrates must handle poll disputes’

NEW DELHI: As electioneering in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Manipur reaches its crescendo, No more statues, vows Mayawati as fight gets tougher the Parliamentary Committee on Law has asked the government to deploy special prosecutors and SMITA GUPTA for traders and a commission who have shown up are magistrates to handle cases of electoral disputes to look into their problems; Muslims. so that they are settled in a time-bound manner. In MORADABAD:As frenzied cries and a commitment to post Hasan Ali, who is standing its latest report tabled in Parliament on Thursday, of “Chalega hathi uregi women government ser- alone outside, says the vast the Committee recommended that “cases dhool, na chalegi cycle na vants in the same place as majority of Muslims is root- registered during the [election] period be handled rahega phool” [Elephant will their husbands. The biggest ing for the SP. This is re- by special prosecutors and magistrates in a time march ahead, neither cycle cheers are reserved for her peated by Muslims in vil- bound manner”. The Election Commission has told will run nor flower will promise to restore land pat- lages in the vicinity, too. the committee that it bloom], rent the air, Bahujan tas to the landless “whose supports the Samaj Party (BSP) supremo land has been unlawfully ‘Dalits not safe under BJP’ recommendation. “All cases Mayawati’s helicopter grabbed during the SP re- With an eye to her core of electoral offences should touches down at Mangupur gime, and to punish the vote, some of which strayed be vigorously pursued and on the outskirts of guilty”. to the BJP in the Lok Sabha taken to their logical Moradabad. She climbs on to The reason for the lack of polls of 2014, Ms. Mayawati conclusion...,” the poll panel the stage to a rapturous enthusiasm about issues re- talks of Rohith Vemula’s sui- said in the report. — PTI reception. lating to Muslims becomes cide in Hyderababd and the ILLUSTRATIONS: SATHEESH VELLINEZHI Ms. Mayawati takes the apparent from the audience. killing of Dalits in Una, Gu- microphone and, within Even though the BSP has jarat, stressing, “Dalits and Not a single vote to BJP, Imam tells people minutes, gets down to busi- given six of the 10 Assembly MBCs (Most Backward ness: wooing the Muslims seats in the minority-domin- Classes) are not safe under a KOLKATA: The Imam of Tipu without whose support her ated Moradabad-Amroha BJP regime.” Sultan Mosque, Syed bid to return as chief minis- belt to Muslims, there are She is also clearly aware of Mohammad Nurur ter for another term will re- very few members of the the sort of criticism that her Barkati, on Friday appealed to main unfulfilled. FINDING A BASE: Supporters waving to BSP supremo Mayawati as her helicopter leaves after a community in this vast sea of political rivals have been lev- the people to support the “The Samajwadi Party rally on the outskirts of Moradabad city, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday. — PHOTO: SANDEEP SAXENA surging humanity. elling at her. In her speech, SP-Congress alliance, (SP) presides over an an- Outside the venue is a she says, “I want to make it accusing the BJP and the RSS archic, lawless jungle raj in she stresses: “Mulayam and keep the BJP out.” The poll promises seem to get. small group of Muslims: all clear that if I come to power, of trying to win the election which women are unsafe and Singh’s love for his son has BJP is “interfering in per- These include putting the of them the BSP’s workers of then I will not erect any more through their “dirty politics”. the poor are oppressed,” she humiliated Shivpal Yadav. sonal laws”, she continues, SP’s ‘mafia’ behind bars; se- many years’ standing. One of statues — because that task “Election in Uttar Pradesh is very important and I says, adding, “Remember The two factions will cut into referring to the party’s ef- curity for young women; them, Mushtaqeem is finished.” Clearly, from appeal to all my Muslim and secular Hindu Muzafarnagar (where each other’s votes. So I urge forts to put the Uniform Civil providing a mid-day meal of Quereshi, indignantly says now on, portraits of Dalit brothers and sisters in U.P. not to cast a single vote Muslims took the brunt of the minorities not to vote for Code and the triple talaq is- milk, eggs, fruit and biscuits that all Muslims do not ne- heroes — Jyotiba Phule, to the BJP,” Barkati told reporters here at the communal riots in 2013) and the SP as they will help the sue on the electoral agenda. for schoolchildren “instead cessarily wear caps or grow Narayan Guru, Shauji Maha- mosque. Describing the RSS and the BJP as the Dadri (where a Muslim was BJP to win. The SP base vote of the rubbish doled out beards. raj, B.R. Ambedkar and Kan- “enemy” of the Muslims, the Imam said the lynched to death for al- of Yadavs is divided whereas Popular poll promises now”; better prices for crops; But a rough estimate shiram — and the sale of “people must not forget that the RSS and the BJP legedly possessing beef).” the BSP base vote of Dalits is But none of these issues bank loan waivers up to ₨1 would suggest that no more Dalit literature at rally ven- had demolished the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya”. The SP is a divided house, intact. So vote for the BSP seem to get the traction her lakh for farmers; protection than around 10% of those ues will suice. “Modi is spoiling the country the same way as [U.S. President Donald] Trump is doing to America,” he said. — PTI

‘Not out batsman’ battles Save U.P. from the two Maoists call for poll boycott in Uttarakhand ALMORA: Suspected Maoists painted slogans in ‘Dilli-wale baba’ in Uttarakhand Someshwar in Almora on Friday calling for boycott families, Modi tells voters of the February 15 Assembly elections in KAVITA UPADHYAY Uttarakhand. Posters, banners and painted slogans ‘One destroyed the were found at various places in HARIDWAR RURAL/KICHHA: The State and the other and around Someshwar in the fight in Uttarakhand is looted the country morning asking the public to between Prime Minister for the last 70 years’ “shun the polls and start a civil Narendra Modi, the ‘Dilli- war”, SSP Almora Dilip Singh wale baba’, and himself, a MOHAMMAD ALI Kanwar said. Slogans in red paint ‘not out batsman’, and posters were found on walls at the Inter according to Chief MEERUT: In his fourth election Minister Harish Rawat. rally in Uttar Pradesh since College, Chaunda village and the Kailika temple Mr. Rawat, who is the the Model Code of Conduct along with other public places in Chaunda. These Congress’ chief ministerial was announced, Prime Min- were being removed, he said. candidate, is contesting the ister Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a rally in Haridwar, On February 2, suspected Maoists torched an official’s vehicle and pasted posters near Dhari in upcoming polls from two slammed the Akhilesh Yadav Uttarakhand on Friday. — PHOTO: VIRENDER SINGH NEGI constituencies in the government for not “provid- Ninital district threatening to disrupt the polls in plains of the State — ing safety to honest citizens Uttarakhand. — PTI Haridwar Rural in the and women” and for not do- ‘Uttarakhand, a 16-year-old Haridwar district and ing enough for farmers. Kichha in the Udham Mr. Modi, who was speak- Singh Nagar district, both ing in Bijnor a day before the in need of proper guidance’ TONGUE AND CHEEK ‘VIP seats’ now. Dalit women in Haridwar Rural’s Bhogpur village say their first phase of elections in the “The BJP is contesting vote is for the party that will provide job opportunities to State on Saturday, strongly STAFF REPORTER BJP. “The years between 16 Surendra the polls on Modiji’s name. their family members.— PHOTO: KAVITA UPADHYAY attacked the Congress- and 21 are vital for each Woh kehete hain Modiji Samajwadi Party alliance. He DEHRADUN: Comparing individual,” said Mr. Modi, savarenge Uttarakhand ki Yatishvaranand, they sitting BJP MLA, Rajesh said the State needed to be Uttarakhand to a 16-year- addressing a rally in tasveer (the BJP says Mr. could still vote in the Shukla. “That the BSP does saved from two families, one old that was in need of Haridwar. “Parents take Modi will improve name of Modi.” not have a Muslim of which had destroyed the “proper guidance,” Prime special care of their child Uttarakhand). It means the candidate will benefit Mr. State and the other had Minister Narendra Modi during this period since it is BJP has no local leader in ‘BJP divides, we unite’ Rawat as a large looted the country for the said on Friday that the State these years that decide their Uttarakhand to represent Addressing a mixed percentage of Muslim last 70 years. must “overthrow the child’s future… Uttarakhand the party,” Mr. Rawat said crowd of Dalits, Muslims votes will now go to him,” “So just imagine what the tainted [Harish Rawat] too is a 16-year-old [the recently, while addressing and upper-caste Hindus, says C.P. Ahikari of Kichha. two families will do to Uttar government” in the coming State was formed in the year an election rally in the Mr. Rawat said, “Woh Kichha has over 1,19,000 Pradesh now that they have elections and “prosper” 2000] and is in dire need of Bhogpur village, which todne wale log hain aur voters. The seat has 34,000 come together,” said the under the guidance of the proper guidance.” falls under the Haridwar ham jodne wale log hain Muslim voters and 19,000 Prime Minister, drawing Rural seat. (the BJP divides and the Dalit voters. cheers from the crowd. In Haridwar Rural, Mr Congress unites).” Calling himself a “not Bijnor last year, Mr. Modi president Rahul Gandhi, Mr. Rawat is faced with the Haridwar Rural has out batsman”, Mr. Rawat BJP workers harassed said: “Just before the elec- Modi said: “There is a Con- tough task of contesting over 1,20,000 voters, of said in Bhogpur that he Mr. Modi also accused the tions, the Akhilesh Yadav gress leader who is known against a sitting BJP MLA which 33,000 voters are was not as “miraculous” as Akhilesh Yadav government government made a list of for his childish acts. Even Swami Yatishvaranand. Muslim and 24,000 voters the “Dilli-wale baba” and of “misusing power and ar- people who could stand senior Congress leaders Beer Saini from Shahpur, are Dalits. The Dalit and would make no promise to resting innocent BJP work- against the goondaraj of his used to keep a distance from which falls under the Muslim votes will fill the bank accounts of ers”. Without mentioning government and booked him. You will find the largest Haridwar Rural, said, decide the winner from the villagers with ₨15 lakh the name of Aishwarya them under false cases. The number of jokes if you “There is a Modi wave in the seat. but, “I have a roadmap for Chaudhary, the BJP worker State government which has google his name. Now I fail to No, not fourth phase, this is the third phase, they are the area. If the BJP voters In Kichha, the contest is Haridwar Rural… My only who was arrested for al- been misusing power will be understand why Akilesh Ya- are unhappy with between Mr. Rawat and a dharma is development...” swearing at each other. They will come to blows in legedly triggering a com- exposed on March 11.” dav has allied with such a the fourth. munal riot in Peda village of Mocking Congress vice- person.” CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI 14 | THE HUDDLE THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017

FROM THE No Great Game, it’s just a play for peace WINGS

Hamid Karzai prescribes India joining the One Belt, One Road inititative to carve out a win-win situation for all

SUHASINI HAIDAR Morning ritual BENGALURU: Calling for a stronger While leaving the venue, Reports of Day role for India in regional peace America has led anti-terror and Vice-President Hamid One of The given the “confusing” signals from peacekeeping eforts since it de- Ansari recollected an Hindu’s thought the United States, Afghanistan’s feated the Taliban regime in 2001, anecdote. He said one day, conclave in former President Hamid Karzai and denotes a move towards Russia an old friend called and Bengaluru says there is a need for a “strategic and China, which have not been asked him what he was arc” in South Asia. major players in Afghanistan since doing. And he replied, “I am Speaking at The Hindu’s first the 1980s. doing what any good The Huddle conclave here on Fri- Muslim should be doing day, Mr. Karzai drew out the con- Immediate neighbours first thing in the morning — tours of the arc for security in the “Russia and China are not in reading The Hindu." region, which would run from Iran South Asia. But they are our imme- to Russia and China, and have India diate neighbours. Their actions im- as the “lynchpin” of South Asia. pact us, and ours them. If we are “The United States, at the able to incorporate them in a virtu- present juncture, is sending out sig- ous arc, if we throw our weight be- nals of confusion, arbitrariness, hind resolving any bilateral hurdles even distress,” warned Mr. Karzai within this arc that distort relation- in his keynote address, titled “Stra- ships, then we may be well on our tegic arc for South Asia: Why we way to taking meaningful steps need it.” forward.” In particular, Mr. Karzai said that India must consider joining the China One Belt One Road (OBOR) Past matters project, which if combined with Minister of State for “But it [U.S.] is still the world’s New Delhi’s Afghanistan-Iran tri- Commerce and Industry single most powerful country, cap- lateral project for the Chabahar Nirmala Sitharaman was able of more destruction than any port to link them, would be what he asked by a journalist if she other power, should it be led that called a “win-win” situation for all. grew up in Bengaluru. She way in its anxiety,” he added. said ‘no’. Then the journalist In the question-and-answer ses- Blocking Beijing asked if it was Hyderabad. sion that followed, he said there are India has resisted calls from She again said ‘no’, and hopes that the new U.S. President Beijing to connect about 10,000 km emphatically replied, Donald Trump would improve ties of highways across Asia and Tiruchi; She then added that with Russia which in turn would STRATEGIC VISION: Former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, being greeted by N. Ram, Chairman of Kasturi and Europe so far, objecting to the Hyderabad happened after benefit Afghanistan. Sons Ltd., at The Huddle in Bengaluru on Friday. — PHOTO: K. MURALI KUMAR China-Pakistan Economic Cor- marriage. ridor that runs through Kashmir Policy revision the people of Pakistan, but its milit- zai’s comments come a day after tee meeting in Washington, indic- and Gilgit-Baltistan. “With Calling for a revision in the U.S.’s ary supports terrorists and extrem- the Commander for U.S. and inter- ating a possibly tougher strategy Pakistan blocking India’s access to Pakistan policy, Mr. Karzai said ists across the border from us. The national forces in Afghanistan, with Islamabad. Afghanistan and Central Asia, Washington must persuade U.S. must stop this,” he said. He be- General John Nicholson, called for Mr. Karzai’s call signals a shift OBOR and Chabahar projects are Pakistan to end its “policy of safe lieved “Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif a “holistic review” of U.S. relations from the U.S.-centric security the only alternative for India,” Mr. havens to terrorist groups”. “I love wants peace with India.” Mr. Kar- with Pakistan at a Senate commit- structure for Afghanistan, where Karzai said.

Khichdi, curry leaves ‘Indian’ at heart Chairman, Kasturi and Sons and the veritable Ltd., N. Ram, pointed out that former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai has lived in India, knows Babel called India Hindi, is a vegetarian, and has never held a gun in his How to balance being both life. Indian and foreign? It is a Who’s a sceptic? route many have taken, People are confused traversing many pitfalls between having skepticism and being suspicious. A sceptic wont accept CINTHYA ANAND anything without the needed examination. A BENGALURU: When Jonathan Gil suspicious person has Harris flew to India after taking in India,” she said. Being Indian already made conclusions Hindi lessons in America, he did gave her the temerity to explore about everything without not expect to find he had learnt a Indian cooking and, as a young examining it fully. — Jaggi “Hindi” no one in the country girl, to teach her neighbours how Vasudev spoke. to cook with curry leaves. “I “I went to a man on the street would never have been able to and asked, Kripaya bataaye, vish- write a book on spices had I not wavidyala ka pustakalaya ka- crossed oceans and cultures,” she haan hai? [Please tell me, where is explained. the library of the university], and For Mr. Travelli, who is married INDIA STORY: Mukund Padmanaban, Editor, The Hindu, greeting Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister for State for the response I got was ‘Eh?’,” he to a Bengali and settled in New Commerce and Industry, at The Huddle in Bengaluru on Friday. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairperson and MD, told the audience at a session on Delhi, the challenge is to raise his Biocon, is seen.— PHOTO: K. MURALI KUMAR “Global Desi: On being both for- son without falling into the eign and Indian” at The Huddle bubble expatriates often live in. “I here on Friday. It was only later that he was introduced to the liv- ing language which was a khichdi The ‘manufacturing’ toolbox mix of Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Bho- jpuri and English. want him to go to an Indian While Mr. Harris, Dean of Aca- school, and not one of the interna- demic Afairs at Ashoka Univer- tional schools, so that he grows up to tune up the economy sity, eventually learnt a more as an Indian, speaking the lan- “useful” Hindi from guage of the street.” Nirmala Sitharaman says a constant engagement with these films, Padma Lakshmi, actor and sectors. model, took the reverse route — Dialect debate ‘Make in India’ aims at It is risky for any government to having grown up in America and During the Q&A round, N. pushing the sector’s share rely on just one segment to raise Europe, she became a symbol of Ram, Chairman, Kasturi and Sons the GDP, and hence manufacturing the “exotic Indian” to the West. Ltd., had a question for Mr. Harris to a quarter of the GDP should be given a push, she said. The two global citizens, along on the various forms of English he There are huge opportunities for with Alex Travelli, India corres- had encountered in the country. Indian businesses in the domestic pondent of The Economist, joined Mr. Harris replied that there were SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT market. in a conversation with Veena two ways of looking at English In reply to Ms. Mazumdar Venugopal, Editor of BLink, on spoken in India. “One is that it is BENGALURU: The ambitious “Make in Shaw’s observation on changes in what being a “global desi” something brought by the British India” project is aimed at attracting the employment landscape entailed. that Indians need to give up. An- more investments into manufac- brought about by increased auto- unleash its full potential because of other is to see it as one of the turing, irrespective of whether the mation, Ms. Sitharaman spoke of a variety of complex regulations, Anchor to a culture many Indian languages.” money comes from foreign or In- the emergence of the new-collared Ms. Sitharaman said the govern- For Ms. Lakshmi, her biggest Pointing out that English too dian investors, Union Minister of workers, alongside blue- and ment was doing its best to address anchor to her culture was the fre- was born of the confluence of State for Commerce and Industry white-collared ones. these issues. quent trips she took as a child to many languages, he said, “For this Nirmala Sitharaman says. “While we need to ready On the electronics sector, she India. “From age five to 17, I spent reason I consider English a funda- At The Huddle session on “Can ourselves to this new world of auto- said the government was looking at three out of 12 months of the year mentally Indian language.” we ever make enough In India?” the scenario of many hardware here on Friday, she said the govern- companies showing interest in ment expected more from India moving manufacturing to India. Inc. “We want them to commit The fact that many States were in a more. There is a lot of scope for mation, I believe there is still de- healthy competition with one an- making in India, and much more,” mand for the traditional kinds of other to attract investment was a she said. jobs in India,” she said. good sign. Ms. Sitharaman said the govern- She referred to the systemic an- Stressing that the government ment was working on removing omaly that made apples and wheat had not given up on the land ac- bottlenecks for Indian manufactur- imported from Australia cheaper quisition Bill, the Minister said ers by simplifying regulations. The than Indian produce. A similar much of the land acquired for set- “Make in India” programme was problem existed in electronics — ting up special economic zones aimed at reviving the manufactur- importing the full product was was not being used for the primary ing sector, so that its contribution more cost beneficial than import- purpose. to the GDP went up to 20 to 25 per ing the parts. “We are addressing To a question on whether India cent from the the 13 to 15 per cent these issues,” she said. could impose curbs on imports currently. She lauded the contributions of from China to correct the trade im- In conversation with Kiran Ma- the pharmaceutical sector, saying balance with that country, the Min- zumdar Shaw, chairman and man- many foreign countries depended ister said, “We can stop something aging director of Biocon, the Minis- on India for their pharmaceutical if some standards have been viol- ter said the government had a needs. ated, but not because people are Padma Lakshmi, author and model, with Jonathan Gil Harris and Alex three-stage plan: identify the sec- When Ms. Mazumdar Shaw said buying it because it’s cost Travelli during a session on “Global Desi: On being both foreign and The Huddle — PHOTO : K. MURALI KUMAR tors; simplify regulations; and have the pharma segment was unable to competitive.” Indian” at in Bengaluru on Friday. CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI | THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 THE HUDDLE 15

Return to the core values of FROM PAGE ONE Why confidence is a stupid Public despair journalism: Media veterans fuelling protest, thing and ignorance is bliss The newspaper industry populism: Ansari has to reinvent itself in the Rising inequality results in conflict, and threatens the Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev age of instant news, and stability of democracies. journalists need to have a Surveying protests explains shades of worldwide such as the secularism and the strong dialogue with readers Occupy Movement and the Arab Spring, he highlighted spirit of enquiry in India SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT the Naxalite issue: “The growing threat of left VEENA VENUGOPAL BENGALURU: Returning to the core val- extremism, which has been ues of journalism and maintaining repeatedly acknowledged as BENGALURU: “Secular means, in my credibility are the only ways to en- the gravest security threat to opinion, that you are not screwed sure that people keep their faith in [the] Indian state, has its up in your head,” Sadhguru Jaggi the media, said panellists at the ses- roots in economic Vasudev said at The Huddle here sion on “Shooting the messenger: found a solution to it,” he said. Stat- deprivation and inequality on Friday. In a session titled “The Media bashing in today's age.” ing that the subscription numbers in access to resources.” sacred and the secular: Are the Speaking at The Huddle 2017, do not have anything to do with Rethink trickle down two irreconcilable”, Vasudev held which kicked of in Bengaluru on trust, he said: “We [media] face a forth about the actual meaning of Friday, Mahfuz Anam, Editor, The serious existential question. We Calling for equity in what’s sacred and what’s secular. THUS SPAKE THE GURU: Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev at Daily Star of Bangladesh, said the need to look at our future and eco- development, Mr. Ansari “When you interpret it in a per- The Huddle in Bengaluru on Friday. — PHOTO : K. MURALI KUMAR media “partly deserves” the bash- nomics. We need to decide whether cautioned against writing of sonal context, secularism is being ing it gets, having shifted from its we continue to adhere to the ideals inequity as an “inconvenient inclusive. If you understand secu- confident. Confidence is a very traditional core values of public that make the institution of press.” truth” in the quest for a larism as a political party, then stupid thing. If you have clarity service. The present age of shifting He pointed out that until the 90s “shining future”. you are wrong,” he said. you will find your way through tides in journalism needs a dia- readers were paying for much of He counselled a rethink Arundhati Subramanium, poet many things. If you have confid- logue between “journalists who the content, but the media aban- on the trickle-down model and writer, was in conversation ence without clarity you’ll blun- need freedom and owners who doned it in favour of cross-subsidy of growth, and cost-benefit with Vasudev. The founder of the der your way through many need profit”, to bring a fair balance, by advertisers. “The press took a analysis of the Isha Foundation defined sacred as things,” he said. he said. Journalists also need to conscious decision to stop catering environmental impact of a spirit of seeking knowledge and have a dialogue with readers and to the reader. The moment we in- “our material progress” – as the truth. “Our knowledge is such Trek to Tibet introspect on themselves, he ad- vited the advertiser to cross-sub- well as an appraisal of a small thing, but our ignorance is However, the tendency in India sidise the cost for the reader, we al- India’s investments in boundless,” he said. “It is better to is to seek clarity. The Indian spirit lowed the advertiser to take over human capital and public identify with the ignorant than the of enquiry is rather strong. To il- the editorial content.” He also un- goods. knowledgeable, because know- lustrate, Vasudev recounted a scriptures are not the places to derlined the need to identify difer- Equity is integral to ledge implies a boundary. Seeking story of a trek that he was on in look for solutions, Vasudev said. ded. The newspaper industry can ent strands of the media — televi- justice and fairness, he said, is a consequence, not a choice. Tibet. There was a big bunch of “The scriptures don’t come from a reinvent itself by analysing and sion, print and internet —and not and went on to ask the However, now there is neither people from all over the world in time when there was a printing contextualising in the present confuse the strength or credibility ‘uncomfortable question’: courage nor a commitment to press and everyone could read scenario where news is available of one for the other. “Are conflicts and human know, just to conclude.” and write. It came from a time instantly on the Internet. In a mar- sufering the new normal? Over 50 or so minutes, Vasudev when most people didn’t and the ketplace where NGOs, business Much ‘delight’ To what extent are they dealt with the banal and the tran- few who did wrote down houses and politicians control the John Yearwood, Executive Board induced by failed ventures scendental with ease, coating it in his group. At one point, an Indian whatever they thought was wis- media, authentic media will sur- Chairman, International Press In- in [the] quest for humour — being flippant and who lives in the United States, dom. Over time, this one book be- vive, he said. stitute, responding to a question by unrealisable utopias?” deep all at once. Vasudev left the asked a question. “That question came 80 books. Then someone Mr. Ravi on American President Post-truth era audience of believers and sceptics takes over eight minutes. It’s a wrote a commentary about it. Question of trust Donald Trump calling journalists both amused and thoughtful. question within a question within That is how the scriptures grew. He was responding to issues dishonest, said that many leaders Earlier having made a Describing the diference a question. The Indians are sitting There is some nugget of wisdom raised by N. Ravi, Director, Kasturi around the world have taken on the passing reference to the age between belief and confidence, nonchalantly, but the others were here and there, but if you really & Sons Ltd, who moderated the media before, but never anyone of “post-truths” and Vasudev said, “Believing is con- bewildered. I said don’t worry, asked three questions, 90% of the session and posed questions on is- with “such delight.” “alternate facts”, Mr. venient, because when you be- this is an Indian question!” world’s scriptures would collapse. sues of “trust and credibility” in the “Our deep concern is that going Ansari’s was in total a plea to lieve you will become confident. “Maybe some people are trying I am unpopular among Hindus, media today. During the conversa- forward we will see some of his see the complete picture: Confident without clarity is a dis- to manage the questions. It’s a Muslims and Christians because tion, Mr. Ravi also raised issues of supporters taking out angst against not just the rising incomes aster. There is too much of this problem. When you don’t have an- this is what I believe. The thing is, accuracy, sensationalism, blurring the media, not just on social media of many, but also the rising disaster happening in this world. swers, you don’t like questions. when something goes wrong in of lines between news and opinion, but physical attacks. We will be inequality in wealth and Because you can shout a slogan Whenever in the past someone people’s lives, they find a little guy loss of objectivity, overdependence watching it very closely. He [Mr. income; not just the number and become very confident even has asked questions, especially re- and blame him. If big things go on advertising and amplifying a Trump] is someone who loves dis- of people lifted out of abject if you can’t see a thing. There is no ligious question, usually the ques- wrong in their lives, they blame minor issue to make it a full-blown ruption, and he will try to disrupt poverty, but also “the substitute for clarity. Clarity tioner dies. That’s a convenient the big guy up there [God]. This conflict — all of which have af- media business.” Mr. Yearwood, majority of people on the means a constant pursuit, but con- way of answering a question. guy (points at self) has been miss- fected the media. however, said that there was a planet today… in countries fidence is a closure. It may give People must understand that a ing for a long time. Only when this Ravindra Kumar, Editor of The heart-warming trend of more where economic disparities you the advantage of looking question is just a tool to drill guy [the self] comes in can some- Statesman, said media-bashing is people turning to media to know are bigger than they were a smart in front of other people, but deeper.” There is an impulse to thing sacred happen,” Vasudev neither new nor should it surprise the truth because of the trust and generation ago.” the most idiotic are always very turn to the past for answers. The concluded. anyone. “By now we should have respect they repose in the media.

ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI 16 | WORLD THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 China buoyant after Trump’s U-turn Judiciary keeps U.S. President Xi Jinping appreciates U.S. counterpart’s gesture to uphold the ‘one-China’ policy President on a tight leash

ATUL ANEJA trade,” Wang Yiwei, pro- VARGHESE K. GEORGE fessor of international stud- ‘Israel settlement BEIJING: The endorsement by ies at Renmin University, WASHINGTON: A U.S. appeals U.S. President Donald told The Hindu. growth not court upheld a nationwide Trump of the one-China China’s Foreign Ministry stay on the travel ban im- policy during a telephone spokesperson Lu Kang said good for peace’ posed by the Trump admin- conversation with his on Friday China and the U.S. istration on people from Chinese counterpart Xi Jin- were discussing the early JERUSALEM: U.S. President Donald seven Muslim-majority ping has cleared the air for a convening of a possible Trump does not believe Israeli countries, while asserting substantive dialogue meeting of the two settlement growth in Palestinian the judicial power to review between Washington and Presidents. territories is “good for peace,” he decisions made by the exec- Beijing that is likely to re-rail told a newspaper on Friday, in his utive on national security ties between the world’s two Bilateral meeting most direct comments on the matters. (From left) Judges Richard Clifton, William Canby and Michelle largest economies. “The leaders of the coun- matter since inauguration. The three-judge panel did Friedland of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, A White House statement tries expect the meeting to In the interview published in not rule on the merits of the who refused to restore the order on the travel ban. — PHOTO: AFP said Mr. Trump and Presid- take place soon. The sides Hebrew by the Israel Hayom executive order that im- ent Xi spoke at length on the maintain close working con- newspaper, Mr. Trump also said posed the travel ban, but ac- stand on constitutional mer- government appeal, four phone on Thursday night. tacts on the top-level inter- he was thinking “seriously” about knowledged the arguments its, in order to be allowed its judges have ruled against the “President Trump agreed, at action between the two BACKING OFF: China was angered by earlier remarks of moving the U.S. embassy in Israel brought against it, including enforcement immediately. order — two of them appoin- the request of President Xi, countries,” the spokesperson President Donald Trump questioning Beijing’s sovereignty to Jerusalem, a move fiercely the fact that President Don- The court held that the ted by Republican Presid- to honour our ‘one-China’ said. over Taiwan under the one-China policy. — PHOTO: AP opposed by the Palestinians. ald Trump had earlier talked “government has not shown ents and the other two by policy,” the statement said. Following the telephone Speaking to the newspaper about barring Muslims from a likelihood of success on the Democratic Presidents. The White House described conversation, a statement by ahead of Israeli Prime Minister entering the country. “…the merits of its appeal.” The the call as “extremely the spokesman for Taiwan Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to public has a powerful in- government also failed to Next option cordial.” President Tsai Ing-wen Iranians march against Trump Washington next week, Mr. terest in national security support its claim that not im- In response to the order, China had been angered stated that it was in Taiwan’s Trump was quoted as saying he and in the ability of an elec- posing a travel ban could Mr. Trump tweeted in all by earlier remarks by Mr. interest to maintain good re- TEHRAN: Millions of turnout is a response to was “not someone who believes ted President to enact cause immediate problems, capitals: “See you in court.” Trump, questioning Beijing’s lations with both the U.S. Iranians marched on the false remarks by the new that advancing settlements is policies... the public also has the court stated. The government can sovereignty over Taiwan un- and China. A separate state- anniversary of the 1979 rulers in the White good for peace.” an interest in free flow of The executive order had either appeal to the full panel der the one-China principle. ment by China’s Foreign Islamic revolution on House and the people are The international community travel, in avoiding separation indefinitely barred admis- of judges in the 9th Circuit “By mentioning the need for Ministry said President Xi Friday in what the telling the world that the considers settlements in the of families, and in freedom sion of refugees from Syria, that heard the case or move a constructive relationship appreciated Mr. Trump for President described as a Iranian people must be occupied West Bank and east from discrimination,” the and banned travel from the the Supreme Court. Both op- with China and upholding upholding the one-China response to the new U.S. spoken to with respect,” Jerusalem illegal and says they judges said, rejecting an ap- seven countries for 90 days. tions are fraught, but the the one-China principle, policy. “I believe the U.S. and administration. Mr. Rouhani said. risk destroying hopes for peace. peal from the administration It also suspended the U.S President also has the option which is fundamental to China are cooperative part- President Hassan U.S. President Donald Donald Trump’s to reinstate the ban which refugee admissions pro- of issuing a fresh executive China, President Trump has ners, and through joint ef- Rouhani joined hundreds Trump has taken an administration, however, has was suspended by a federal gramme for 120 days. The order, accounting for the shown that we can now forts, we can push bilateral of thousands at an increasingly strident line been largely silent as Israel has judge in Washington State. court upheld the lower court concerns raised by the judi- move to discuss other issues relations to a historic new anniversary march towards Iran since taking announced more than 6,000 new The onus was on the gov- stay on the order in its en- ciary. A detailed response concerning the two coun- high,” the statement quoted through the capital. “This oice last month. — AFP homes in settlements in recent ernment to show that its ex- tirety, nationwide. from the administration is tries such as currency and Mr. Xi as saying. weeks. — AFP ecutive order is likely to With the rejection of the awaited late on Friday.

Erdogan approves Class dismissed! referendum on reforms ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday approved holding a national referendum on con- stitutional reforms that would usher in a powerful presidency, a change he has strongly advocated. Mr. Erdogan signed of on the bill, paving the way for the country’s electoral board to set a date for the referen- dum, likely to be April 26. The bill envisions granting the oice of the presidency — currently a largely cere- monial position — the power to appoint government min- isters and senior oicials, dissolve parliament, declare states of emergency, issue decrees and appoint half of the members in the country’s highest judicial body. The proposed changes were backed by a majority of law- makers in the assembly but failed to clear the threshold TIME TO HEAD HOME: Schoolchildren play outside their classrooms in Karo, North Sumatra, on Friday as the Sinabung needed to come into force volcano spews thick volcanic ash. Many residents in the area have been forced to relocate to other villages. — PHOTO: AFP without a public vote. — AP Russia hand suspected Bannon takes the fight to the in cyberattack on doorstep of Pope Francis

Italian Foreign Ministry JASON HOROWITZ

STEPHANIE KIRCHGAESSNER Govt. says it lasted ROME: When Steve Bannon more than four was still heading Breitbart ROME: Russia is suspected by News, he went to the Vatican Italian oicials of being be- months last year, but to cover the canonisation of hind a sustained hacking at- no classified e-mails John Paul II and make some tack against the Italian For- friends. High on his list of eign Ministry last year that were compromised people to meet was Amer- compromised e-mail com- ican cardinal Raymond munications and lasted for Rome about meetings with Burke, who had openly many months before it was foreign oicials, were af- clashed with Pope Francis. detected, according to fected by the malware attack. In one of his antecham- BATTLING THE HOLY FATHER: Many in the Roman Catholic Church people familiar with the But the government oicial bers, Cardinal Burke and Mr. share Steve Bannon’s suspicion of Pope Francis as a matter. said sensitive information Bannon — who is now U.S. misguided, and probably socialist, pontiff. — PHOTO: REUTERS An Italian government of- had not been compromised President Donald Trump’s ficial confirmed that the at- because it would also have adviser — bonded over their directly in Mr. Bannon, some from Los Angeles, Mr. Ban- tack hit the Foreign Ministry been encrypted. shared world view. They saw self-described “Rad Trads” non, a Catholic, held forth last spring and lasted for The oicial did not con- Islam as threatening to over- — or radical traditionalists against rampant secularisa- more than four months but firm that Moscow was be- run a prostrate West — see an alternative leader tion, the existential threat of did not infiltrate an encryp- hind the attack. But two weakened by the erosion of who will stand up for tradi- Islam, and a capitalism that ted system used for classi- other people with know- traditional Christian values. tional Christian values and had drifted from the moral fied communications. ledge of the attack said the “When you recognise against Muslim interlopers. foundations of Christianity. Paolo Gentiloni, the Italian Russian state was believed to someone who has sacrificed “There are huge areas Mr. Bannon has main- Prime Minister who was have been behind it. The in order to remain true to his where we and the Pope do tained e-mail contact with serving as Foreign Minister hacking is now the subject of principles and who is fight- overlap, and as a loyal Cath- Cardinal Burke, according to at the time, was not afected an inquiry by the chief pro- ing the same kind of battles olic, I don’t want to spend my Mr. Harnwell. And another by the hack, according to the secutor in Rome. in the cultural arena, I’m not life fighting against the Pope person with knowledge of oicial, who said Mr. Genti- The oicial said that after surprised there is a meeting on issues where I won’t Mr. Bannon’s outreach said loni avoided using e-mail the attack was discovered, of hearts,” said Benjamin change his mind,” Mr. Harn- the White House oicial is while he was Foreign the Ministry modified its on- Harnwell, a confidant of Car- well said over a lunch of can- personally calling his con- Minister. line “architecture” and intro- dinal Burke who arranged nelloni. “Far more valuable tacts in Rome for thoughts The Foreign Ministry’s duced new instruments to the 2014 meeting. for me would be spend time on who should be the Trump “field oices,” including for- enhance internal security. — Just as Mr. Bannon has working constructively with administration’s ambassador eign embassies and staf (c) Guardian News & Media connected with far-right Steve Bannon.” He made it to the Holy See. members who report back to Ltd, 2017 parties threatening to topple clear he was speaking for During Mr. Bannon’s April governments throughout himself, not for the Institute 2014 trip he courted Edward Western Europe, he has also for Human Dignity, a conser- Pentin, a leading conservat- made common cause with vative Catholic group that he ive Vatican reporter, as a po- ‘Talks to decide U.S. n-pact’s future’ elements in the Catholic founded, and insisted that he tential correspondent in Church who oppose the dir- shared the Pope’s goals of en- Rome for Breitbart. MOSCOW: The possibility of and require negotiations. ection Pope Francis is taking suring peace and ending “He really seemed to get extending a pivotal Russia- Mr. Peskov pointed to a them. Many share Mr. Ban- poverty, just not his ideas on the battles the church needs U.S. arms control pact is to “certain break in dialogue on non’s suspicion of the Pope how to achieve it. to fight,” said Mr. Pentin, au- be discussed in prospective strategic security issues” as a dangerously misguided, thor of a book asserting that talks with Washington, the during the Obama adminis- and probably socialist, Existential threat Pope Francis and his sup- Kremlin said on Friday. tration, and said Moscow pontif. Until now, Pope Mr. Bannon publicly artic- porters railroaded oppon- President Vladimir Putin’s and Washington now need Francis has marginalised or ulated his worldview in re- ents. Chief among those spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, “an update of information demoted the traditionalists, marks a few months after his battles, Mr. Pentin said, was said the prospects of extend- and positions.” notably Cardinal Burke, car- meeting with Mr. Burke, at a Bannon’s focus on counter- ing the New START Treaty The Kremlin has wel- rying out an inclusive agenda Vatican conference organ- ing a “cultural Marxism” that that is set to expire in 2021 comed President Donald on migration, climate change ised by Mr. Harnwell’s had seeped into the church. will “depend on the position Trump’s promise to mend and poverty. institute. — The New York Times of our American partners” the broken ties. — AP In Mr. Trump, and more Speaking via video feed News Service

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI | THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 BUSINESS 17 Value of mobile handsets produced in India SENSEX GOLD RUPEE BRENT OIL increased by 185% to ₨54,000 crore in 2015-16 10-02-2017 28,334 10-02-2017 29,500 10-02-2017 66.88 10-02-2017 56.67 4 400 0.03 1.08 Ravi Shankar Prasad, IT Minister 09-02-2017 28,330 points 09-02-2017 29,900 ₨/10gms 09-02-2017 66.85 ₨/$ 09-02-2017 55.59 $/bbl

Senior IAS oicer India in talks Demonetisation hits Ajay Tyagi named SBI net more than doubles with U.S. on H-1B factory output in Dec. SEBI chairman issue, says Prasad SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT a 1.8% contraction in Octo- ber 2016, 0.67% growth in SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI: Industrial produc- September preceded by two on low base, stake sale in JV tion contracted 0.4% year- months of contraction in July MUMBAI: Senior bureaucrat NEW DELHI: Electronics and In- on-year in December 2016 and August, two months of Ajay Tyagi has been appoin- Asset quality remains stable, bank rules out interest rate cut formation Technology Min- due to a decline in capital growth in May and June and ted as the new chairman of ister Ravi Shankar Prasad on and consumer items output a contraction of 1.35% in the Securities and Exchange SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT working very hard but we Friday said the government as well as impact of demon- April. In the April-Decem- Board of India (SEBI) for a don’t know if they will come is in talks with the Trump ad- etisation. According to the ber 2016 period this fiscal, period of five years. He will MUMBAI: State Bank of India’s in this quarter or maybe slip ministration on the H-1B visa data released on Friday, man- IIP rose marginally by 0.3% replace U.K. Sinha whose standalone net profit rose over to the next year.” issue and is hopeful of find- ufacturing output shrank 2% against a 3.2% increase in the term ends on March 1. 134% to ₨2,610 crore for the ing a solution soon. while mining and electricity year-earlier period. “The Appointments Com- third quarter ended Decem- No rate cuts “Indian IT industry has registered positive growth of In terms of industries, 17 mittee of the Cabinet has ap- ber due to a lower base (in Ms. Bhattacharya ruled raised some concerns. We’re 5.2% and 6.3% in December out of the 22 industry groups proved the appointment of the same quarter in the pre- out any further reduction in coordinating with the Min- 2016. The data comes despite in the manufacturing sector Shri Ajay Tyagi... to the post vious year) and a share sale lending rates even as Re- istry of External Afairs, a low base in December 2015. had registered negative of Chairman, Securities & in its life insurance joint serve Bank of India governor which, in turn, is in touch growth in December 2016. Exchange Board of India for venture. Urjit Patel on February 8 said with their counterpart in the Negative growth The industry group ‘Oice, a period not exceeding 5 The asset quality of the banks still had scope to cut U.S. on the visa issue,” the “We were expecting a neg- accounting and computing years or till the age of 65 country’s largest lender re- rates. minister said. Ministry oi- ative growth (in December machinery’registered the years or until further orders, mained stable as gross non- “Since March 2015, we cials are in talks with the in- 2016) due to the demonetisa- highest negative growth of whichever is the earliest,” an performing assets moved up have reduced interest rates dustry, he said. He also spoke tion exercise. In January 2017, 23.9% followed by (-) 22.9% oicial statement said. marginally to ₨1.08 lakh crore from 10% to 8%, which is 200 to IT veteran Mr. N.R. Naray- the IIP is expected to be in in ‘Other transport equip- Mr. Sinha became the SEBI which was 7.23% of the gross bps. RBI has reduced repo ana Murthy, besides industry the negative growth territory ment’ and (-) 14.4% in ‘Lug- chairman in February 2011 advances as compared with rate by 175 bps. I do not see body Nasscom, on the issue. or it may be marginally posit- gage, handbags, saddlery, and has twice been given an 7.14% at the end of Septem- any possibility of interest The comments come a day ive,” said Soumya Kanti harness and footwear; tan- extension after his initial ber. Slippages were con- rate cut immediately,” Ms. after Commerce and In- Ghosh, chief economic ad- ning and dressing of leather tenure of three years ended tained at about ₨10,000 crore Bhattacharya said. dustry Minister Nirmala viser, State Bank of India. products’. ‘Basic metals’ had in 2014. during the quarter. Loan loss The lender – which repor- Sitharaman met top govern- “Investor sentiment has shown the highest positive Mr. Tyagi is currently an provisions dropped, albeit ted 3.03% net interest margin ment oicials, including IT been weak even before de- growth of 11.1% followed by additional secretary in the marginally, to ₨7,245 crore. during the third quarter as Secretary Aruna Sundarara- monetisation and it contin- 9.8% in ‘Radio, TV and com- Department of Economic Af- The lender’s profit was compared with 3.05% in the jan, Telecom Secretary J.S. ues to be weak,” he said. munication equipment and fairs, handling the capital boosted by selling a part of immediately previous Deepak and NITI Aayog In December 2015, the In- apparatus’ and 3% in ‘Coke, market division that deals its stake in the life insurance quarter and 3.22% in the Oct- CEO Amitabh Kant.Repres- dex of Industrial Production refined petroleum products with the primary and sec- joint venture, SBI Life Insur- Dec quarter of last year — entatives from Nasscom, the (IIP) with base 2004-05 had and nuclear fuel’. ondary markets along with ance, to private equity firms said there would be a further CII and FICCI also attended. contracted 0.91%. The over- institutions such as the Se- for ₨1,755 crore. dip in margins by 5-6 bps in “In the meeting, some all industrial output per- Capital goods decline curities Appellate Tribunal. “The entire amount we re- the fourth quarter. people mentioned the cur- formance in December 2016 “Capital goods have been Mr. Tyagi was the chairman ceived from the life insur- The sharp lending rate cut rent issue such as increase in was much lower than the declining throughout the of the finance ministry-ap- ance stake sale was used for is expected to improve loan visa fees etc, while others 5.71% growth seen in Novem- year reflecting a fall in cap- pointed panel which mon- provision for standard re- growth only marginally as flagged the general trend ber 2016, the fastest pace in 13 ital formation. Low capacity itored the merger of the For- structured advances, where SBI expects to end the year that there is increasing pro- months, largely on account utilisation has already ward Markets Commission we have made higher provi- with 6.5% credit growth – tectionism... and what of a low base efect. pushed down demand for (FMC) with the SEBI. sioning,” Arundhati Bhat- slightly higher than Decem- should be India’s strategic While basic goods output fresh investment. Fall in con- tacharya, chairman, SBI said ber figures which are at 4%, response in such a scenario,” registered a growth of 5.3% in sumer goods growth will fur- during the earnings confer- COLLATERAL BENEFIT: Demonetisation helped the bank to open year-on-year. The bank ex- Ms. Sundararajan said. December 2016, capital and ther depress conditions,” ac- Exchange Rates ence call. The bank has in- about 1 crore new accounts during the quarter. — FILE PHOTO pects 11% loan growth in the India should have a coher- intermediate goods produc- cording to CARE Ratings. Indicative direct rates in rupees a unit creased its provision cover- next financial year. ent response, she added. tion shrunk 3% and 1.2% re- “... we expect growth for except yen at 4 p.m on February 10 age ratio to 62.87% from Costs rose 16.5% to ₨4,733 rency withdrawal as the Asked about Apple, which spectively. Consumer dur- the year to be marginally TT TT 62.12% in September. crore – one reason for this share of CASA went up by BNP Cardif is looking to manufacture in ables and non-durables positive between 1-2% com- Currencies Buying Selling SBI managing director B. was a four-fold increase in 385 bps to 46.55%. (100 bps = 1 The SBI chairman said India, Ms. Sundararajan said output contracted 10.3% and pared with our earlier call of U.S. Dollar 66.68 67.00 Sriram said that these extra cheque book requests, Ms. percentage point.) Savings that BNP Cardif, the French that the firm had asked for a 5% respectively. 3-4%. We believe that it Euro 70.97 71.31 provisions could come Bhattacharya said. On the account deposits showed a financial group which is its favourable duty regime so as There has been a yo-yoing would take at least a quarter Pound Sterling 83.27 83.68 handy if the provision re- other hand, demonetisation robust growth of 35% during partner in the life insurance to profitably manufacture in of IIP growth numbers on a to move back to normal,” it Jap Yen (100 Units) 58.75 59.03 quirement goes up in the also helped the bank to open the quarter. space, will not raise its stake India. “Exactly how favour- monthly basis this fiscal with said. Chinese Yuan 9.69 9.74 coming quarters due to the about one crore new ac- On NPAs, Ms. Bhat- from the present 26%. SBI able it should be, needs to be Swiss Franc 66.53 66.85 ageing of non-performing counts during the quarter, tacharya said that she had Life Insurance, which is seen,” according to her. Singapore Dollar 46.92 47.15 assets. which is close to one lakh ac- been hopeful that the resolu- planning an IPO, will start On the sale of refurbished Australian Dollar 50.96 51.21 counts per day on average, tion of stressed assets would the process in the next fiscal handsets, she added that as Canadian Dollar 50.72 50.97 Trading gains help Overhead costs she said. begin in the December year. In December, SBI Life long as Apple exported these Swedish Kroner 7.48 7.52 The bank has seen higher Its current and savings ac- quarter. “However, demon- sold 3.9% stake to PE firms Danish Kroner 9.55 9.59 handsets from India, the gov- New Zealand Dollar 47.88 48.11 overhead costs in the Octo- count (CASA) deposits also etisation has actually put us KKR & Co and Temasek ernment did not have an BoB make profit in Q3 Hongkong Dollar 8.59 8.64 ber-December quarter. got a boost due to the cur- back by a quarter. So, we are Holdings of Singapore. issue. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Malaysian Ringgit 15.00 15.09 quarter while provisions for Kuwaiti Dinar 217.26 219.74 bad loans declined by 74% to UAE Dirham 18.15 18.24 MUMBAI: State-run lender ₨1,638 crore. Fresh slippages Bahraini Dinar 176.82 177.76 Solar tarifs hit record low Bank of Baroda reported a were ₨3,027 crore compared Qatari Riyal 18.36 18.37 April-Jan. direct tax revenue up 10.8% net profit of ₨253 crore for to ₨15,603 crore year ago in Saudi Riyal 17.83 17.84 the quarter ended December the year-earlier period. Omani Riyal 173.19 174.11 of ₨2.97/unit in auction SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT tax collection growth. policy advisor at EY India 2016 aided by lower provi- “We gave a guidance of Source:Indian Bank During January 2017 itself, said the numbers indicate a sioning and gains from trad- ₨15,000 crore slippages for SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT solar tarif bids at record low NEW DELHI: Direct tax collec- net indirect tax collections slowdown in the economy ing. It reported a loss of the current financial year. of ₨ 2.97/unit,” tweeted Piy- tions rose 10.8% in the April- grew 16.9% compared with and in industrial production, ₨3,342 crore in the year- We are not changing our Bullion Rates NEW DELHI: Solar tarifs hit a re- ush Goyal, Minister of New January period to ₨5.82 lakh the corresponding month in particular. earlier period. guidance,” said P.S. Jayaku- February 10 rates in rupees with cord low of ₨2.97 per unit on and Renewable Energy. crore compared with the last year. However, this is far “Excise duty collection Trading profits rose 190% mar, chief executive and previous rates in brackets Friday following the comple- However, Jaideep Ma- same period a year earlier, of- slower than the 26.9% growth is much less than last to ₨839 crore during the managing director. Chennai tion of bids for three 250 MW laviya, Secretary General, ficial data showed. growth seen in January 2016. year. The growth rate in Bar Silver (1 kg) 42,365 (42,775) units of Madhya Pradesh’s Solar Thermal Federation of Net indirect tax collec- The growth rate in net col- January has even fallen be- Retail (1 g) 45.30 (45.80) Rewa Solar Power plant. India, said that the problem tions in the same period lection for customs, central low the average growth rate 24 ct gold (10 g) 29,460 (29,820) Mahindra Renewables lay with the piled up invent- grew 23.9% to ₨7.03 lakh excise and service tax was for the year so far. It is indic- 22 ct gold (1 g) 2,799 (2,835) won Unit 1 at a price of ₨2.979 ory in a ‘neighbouring coun- crore. While excise duty col- 10.1%, 26.3% and 9.4% re- ative of a declining trend.” Delhi per unit, ACME won Unit 2 try’ that was sold at low lections made up the bulk of spectively during January, Excise duty collection grew Silver 42,250 (42,740) at ₨2.970 per unit and Solen- prices to Indian firms. “If this indirect tax collections compared to the same month 44% in January 2015, far more Standard Gold 29,500 (29,900) berg Power won Unit 3 at continues, then prices can growth, personal income tax last year. robust than the 26.3% seen Sovereign 24,400 (24,500) ₨2.974 per unit. “First year fall even further.” collections bolstered direct D.K. Srivastava, chief this January. No impropriety in Bansal’s severance package, says law firm

STAFF REPORTER

CHENNAI/BENGALURU: An inde- pendent law firm, which in- vestigated the issue of sever- ance package given to Infosys’ former chief finan- cial oicer Rajiv Bansal, found no impropriety, ac- cording to sources familiar with the development. The independent law firm’s investigation came GAINING SUPPORT: Investor OppenheimerFunds has come out in after a whistle-blower raised support of Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka. — FILE PHOTO the issue, the sources said. “You may say it was a gen- from Infosys, it was learnt. “We would strongly en- erous move. But this is not Sources said enough dis- courage the Board of Direct- unusual in the U.S. context,” closures had been made suo ors to restrain divisions in a legal expert, who declined moto on the issue at appro- the firm and contain inap- to be named, said. priate platforms. propriate interventions by Sources suggested the mu- Meanwhile, Oppen- non-executive founders. Let tually agreed amount has not heimerFunds, the third- Vishal do what he was hired been paid in full to Mr. largest institutional investor to do, without distractions. Bansal as the company was in the company and inde- And appraise him on his ef- probing “some negligence” pendent director Kiran Ma- forts,” it said. on his part. Sources in the zumdar-Shaw, also Biocon Ms. Mazumdar-Shaw said top management indicated chairperson, came out in there had been no breach in there was no lack of engage- support of the company and governance issues in the ment with the founders. the board. Oppenheimer- commpany. “There may be Nevertheless, the manage- Funds wrote an open letter judgement calls on which we ment had to keep in mind the to the board supporting the difer with the promoters but interest of all the sharehold- management led by CEO I think over time we will try ers, sources said. The CEO Vishal Sikka. In the letter, and see how we can allay compensation, referred to as Justin Leverenz, portfolio these concerns that the pro- an ‘old issue of April 2016’ by manager, Oppenheimer De- moters have in terms of the sources, was cleared by close veloping Markets Fund- way the board conducts to 98% of the shareholders, ,wrote, “As large, long-term itself.” they said. investors in Infosys, we want Meanwhile, in televised to express our support for comments, former CFO of ‘Compatibility issues’ the management team of Dr. Infosys, V. Balakrishnan re- A series of compatibility Vishal Sikka. There have portedly said, “The chair- issues at the top manage- been loud, cancerous ru- man should step down and ment level led to a mutually mours of intervention by an interim chairman appoin- agreed separation agree- non-executive founders in ted. If needed, the board ment to release Mr. Bansal the management team.” should be reconstituted.”

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI 18 | SPORT THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 Telecast schedule Never over until it’s over Best in the world India vs Bangladesh: One-off Test: STAR Sports 1, 3 & HD 1, 3, 9.30 a.m.; La Liga: Sony Six & Sony It’s never over. We cannot behave like that. It’s hard not to respect what he’s done, especially on Six HD, 5.30 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m. & 1.30 a.m. (Sunday); EPL: SS Select HD 1, 5.45 p.m., 8.15 p.m. & Even if you think it is, I don’t. We cannot even home soil over there and it’s hard not to think ‘this is 10.45 p.m.; HIL: STAR Sports 2, 3 & HD 2, 3, 7 p.m.; Fed Cup: Neo Sports, 7.30 p.m.; Bundesliga: SS Ī think like that — Arsene Wenger believes Ī Virat Kohli, he’s probably the best player in the world at Select HD 2, 7.45 p.m. & 10.45 p.m.; Serie A: Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD, 1.30 a.m. (Sunday); NBA: that his team can claw back and challenge for the moment.’ — Rookie Australia leg-spinner Mitchell Sony Six & Sony Six HD, 3.30 a.m. (Sunday) the title Swepson Kohli’s record double, Saha’s century bury Bangladesh CRICKET / The Indian skipper is the first batsman to score double hundreds in four consecutive Test series

A. JOSEPH ANTONY in 2013 and halted the endeav- wake. With the demeanour of southpaw through square perils from the pitch and an at- our a minute short of 11 hours a batting bully, out to brow- arched a bit in the air. Short- tack that posed no serious HYDERABAD: Virat Kohli grew in at 687 for six. Synonyms for beat the bowling, he stepped cover Mehedi Hasan leapt to threat. stature as a latter day batting landmark ran out when India out to Kamrul Islam, showing his left to intercept the hit, R. Ashwin’s exit, caught in Colossus if not as contempor- rustled up its third total top- scant regard for his slingshots. gripping the ball without let- the slips by Soumya Sarkar of ary cricket’s milestone man. ping 600 on the trot. So was he severe on Shakib, ting go as he descended. Mehedi was but a minor span- Shortly after lunch on the The visitors sufered an the opposition’s most ner in the works. second day of the one-of Test early setback when opener seasoned spinner. Winning an appeal Saha, his comrade in the between India and Soumya Sarkar was caught be- Rahane may not have struck India’s DRS appeal against middle, had survived a stump- Bangladesh, the Indian skip- hind by Saha of Umesh Yadav the rich vein of his partner but umpire Joel Wilson adjudging ing earlier and made the most per surpassed the Don (Brad- and closed the day at 41 for more than did his bit to perk up Kohli lbw was upheld. After of that escape. man) himself and another of one. the run-rate, 11 boundaries ad- lunch, with his side in the pink Partnerships of 50 and 100 the game’s icons, Rahul Bangladesh’s bowlers found orning his 133-ball 82. For the of health, India’s armband- seemed passé as the push for a Dravid. it hard to rein in a rampaging fourth wicket, the meticulous wearer may have let his hair total, titanic in size continued, Kohli’s double century at Kohli and the first hour be- Mumbai bat had added 222 down a bit. the host touching 620 for six the Rajiv Gandhi international stowed no favours on them. with his captain. Against a flatter and per- by tea. stadium on Friday was his The Delhi dasher’s 150 went haps faster Taijul twirler, Not much after India fourth in as many series, ec- hand in hand with the side’s Rahane dumbstruck Kohli’s late cut was a tad be- crossed 650, Tamim advan- lipsing the three recorded by 400 a little over half an hour As the track took turn, hind in its appointment with cing from long of spilt a the aforementioned legends. into the new day. Taijul Islam added a few more the ball. It breached his de- straight forward catch from The innings’ fourth century With a raised bat he briefly revs to his tweaking. If Rahane fences and pounded his pad Ravindra Jadeja. The Sauras- came from Wriddhiman Saha, acknowledged the cheers and was foxed by the finger spin- pretty perpendicular to the htra strongman slammed a six, while Ajinkya Rahane missed went back to the business he’s ner, he was a shade dumb- stumps. a feat replicated by Saha who one when he fell 18 short. The best known for. struck by what followed. India’s batting prospered, soared to his second century venue proved a happy hunting Before long, Virender Se- The attempt to swat the passing the 500 mark, free of with the stroke. ground for the home side, as it hwag’s over-a-decade-old re- overshadowed Australia’s all- cord of 1105 runs, the highest in time high here of 503 recorded a home season, lay in Kohli’s

SOARING HIGH: Virat Kohli continued from where he had left off on Thursday and tormented Bangladesh’s bowling. — PHOTO: K.R. DEEPAK Sharjeel, Khalid ‘Selection clarity helped’ CoA keen to study Big Three model Aizawl downs provisionally G. VISWANATH and, England, South Africa, ICC’s special Working Group, Churchill V.V. S UBRAHMANYAM Zimbabwe and the West In- have rejected the 2014 resolu- suspended MUMBAI: A copy of the Memor- dies. tion. AIZAWL: Aizawl FC fought back HYDERABAD: Wicketkeeper- andum of Understanding Fundamentally, the 2014 to beat Churchill Brothers of KARACHI: Pakistan cricketers batsman Wriddhiman Saha (MoU) signed by the then PCB stand RSM did not start with the Goa 3-1 in an I-League match at Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif said his second Test hundred Board of Control for Cricket Those who have had access usual practice of paying for the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here were, on Friday, provisionally was a special one, considering in India (BCCI) Secretary to the document, aver that the expenditure and as Limaye on Friday. suspended by the Pakistan that he is playing just his 21st Sanjay Patel and the Pakistan PCB agreed to the Big Three said in an interview to this The result: Aizwal FC 3 Cricket Board (PCB) on cor- match. Cricket Board (PCB) repres- governance model and also newspaper: “It was of reven- (Lalramchullova, 62, Kamo 69, ruption charges and sent back Returning to the side after entative Najam Sethi at the the new Revenue Sharing ues, not revenues minus Nongkhlaw 77og) bt Churchill 1 (An- home from Dubai, where they an injury-enforced absence, ICC Board meeting in Singa- Model (RSM) after being expenses.’’ sumana Kromah 33). — PTI were competing in the Saha said the clarity of the pore in February 2014 is with promised a dozen extra home Those in the business of ac- Pakistan Super League T20. team-management’s commu- Vikram Limaye, a member of internationals. counting processes say: “This The PCB said the two play- nication had helped greatly. “If the Committee of Adminis- The PCB and other full itself is flawed.’’ ers had been suspended as part you are clearly told that as and trators (CoA) who attended members, except the archi- The BCCI CEO Rahul Johri of an ongoing investigation when you recover you will be the ICC Board meeting in tects of the constitutional did not respond to an SMS into an international syndicate back in the team, the indi- Dubai recently. changes and financials, BCCI, query as to whether the BCCI which is believed to be at- vidual gets more motivated The CoA will have an op- CA and ECB, had an idea of is in possession of the nine tempting to corrupt the PSL and that reflects in your per- portunity to see the BCCI- how the RSM was calculated; original MoUs on the basis of which kicked of Thursday. formance,” he said. PCB MoU when they meet in near about 22% of the ICC’s which a Future Tours Pro- Opener Sharjeel recently Saha said his replacement, New Delhi on February 17; gross annual revenue was ap- gramme (FTP) for 2014-19 toured New Zealand and Aus- Parthiv Patel, had done well, quite obviously the CoA portioned to the BCCI and was agreed upon, and is being tralia with the Pakistan team, but “maybe, after my double in would be keen to see the 10% to the other nine full followed. and is the only player to have the Irani Trophy, the selectors MoUs signed with the cricket members. A formal FTP for the bilat- scored a century in the PSL took a decision which every- Boards of Bangladesh, Sri After two years the CA and eral series though is yet to be eliminator last year. one needed to accept”. Lanka, Australia, New Zeal- ECB, being part of the current signed. Both the players were rep- He rated the Bangladesh at- resenting defending champion tack more challenging than JOINING THE PARTY: Wriddhiman Saha got himself a Islamabad United. Gujarat’s in that Irani Trophy well-deserved hundred. — PHOTO: K.R. DEEPAK The PCB said Sharjeel and match. “But, my approach was Khalid will remain suspended the same in both the matches. an lbw decision, Saha recalled problem, if you again get a Success in India will give from all cricket. — PTI Initially, I got a chance but im- that the skipper thought he chance, hit it. He always gives portantly I carried on with was out. “But, I told him that he you confidence.” positive intent,” he said. had probably stretched his ‘all-time great’ status: Smith Saha also made an interest- front foot. Hopefully, the im- ‘We can fight back’ Korea tops ing comparison between Fri- pact would be outside the line For his part, Bangladesh of- MELBOURNE: Australia captain Absolutely a huge tick. A lot of day’s century and his pair of and the ball had spun. It might spinner Mehedi Hasan felt Steve Smith clearly under- people have written us of. We medals table fifties against New Zealand be missing the leg-stump, I that his team could still fight stands the significance of the aren’t really thinking of res- earlier in the season. “Defin- felt. So, he took the call and back. “We scored close to 600 upcoming tour of India as he ults. We just need to get our NEW DELHI: Korea topped the itely, I value my half-centuries was successful,” he said. against New Zealand recently said success in the four-Test processes right.” medals tally in the 37th Sak- against New Zealand more be- Why did Kohli not refer the and so we have the confidence series against Virat Kohli and Regarded as one of the best sham Asian Track Cycling cause my team needed the decision when he was eventu- that we can make a match of his men can make his side “one players of spin in the Aus- Championship held at the contribution then and the ally dismissed? Saha said the it,” Mehedi said. of the all-time greats”. tralian team, the right-handed Cycling Velodrome here on quality of the bowling was also captain was 100 per cent sure “Fielding lapses are part and “If you do well in India, this batsman said if Australia was Friday. good,” he remarked. he was out. “He didn’t take a parcel of the game. We have to will give you massive credit. to succeed in India, he has to Korea bagged nine gold, 13 Saha revealed that batting chance and saved a DRS for move on. It is a huge learning This tour can get you to the score big runs. “I generally am silver and eight bronze medals coach Sanjay Bangar advised the team,” he added. experience for all the bowlers status of one of the all-time a good player of spin. at while China was next with him during the tea-break to On batting with Kohli, the to bowl against some of the greats,” Smith said. “Yep, if I “I have my plans that I stick eight gold, three silver and play straight and then hit out ’keeper said, “He always tells best batsmen in the world,” he can have a big series, then we to and understand what works three bronze medals. as he needed 17 runs to reach you to play your natural game. said. “Yes, watching these are well on the way to doing and what doesn’t I can’t be India took the 11th slot with a triple-figures. “I just followed If you feel you can hit the ball, great players like Kohli on TV well in this series. content on little hundreds if I tally of two bronze medals. his advice and am glad with go for it. That’s why I tried and then bowling to them is a “A win on this tour would be got there. It’s about scoring big The results: Men Juniors (Fi- my efort,” he added. playing that shot [referring to diferent kind of experience. A huge with the the Ashes com- ones,” Smith was quoted as nals): Sprint: 1. Kaito Kajihara (Jpn), Asked about Virat Kohli’s the missed stumping chance], huge learning curve for all of ing. If there is a tied series, that saying in The Sydney Morning 2. Shinji Nakano (Jpn), 3. Hyunoh successful challenge against but Virat said that it’s not a us indeed,” he said. would be a huge tick for you! Herald — PTI Steve Smith. — PHOTO: AFP Park (Kor). Omnium: 1. Logan Shtein (Kaz) 137 pts, 2. Ghalehsefidi Jamshidan HOCKEY INDIA LEAGUE (Iri) 128 pts, 3. Muhammad Nur Ai- man Rosli (Mas) 111 pts; Madison 50Km: 1. Kor 86 pts, 2. Kaz 80 pts, 3. Jpn 69 pts. Peillat’s last-gasp goal keeps UP Wizards in the race Men Elite (Finals): Sprint: 1. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT three extra points to the op- keeper Andrew Charter. UPW open play. At the other end, PR Mumbai in a crucial clash that Mohd Azizulhasni Awang (Mas), 2. position and kept kept it from was the first of the mark with Sreejesh did the same for may well decide its continu- Tomoyuki Kawabata (Jpn), 3. Yuta LUCKNOW: A successful referral climbing to the top of the lead- captain VR Raghunath scoring UPW, clearing attempts from ation in the race for a semi- Wakimoto (Jpn). as the hooter went, a penalty erboard and becoming the first from a penalty corner in the Aran Zalewski and Dharamvir finals spot. Women Juniors (Finals): Keirin: corner and Gonzalo Peillat fi- team to all but seal a spot in the 15th minute. Seconds later, KL Singh to deny KL. A win for Mumbai, already 1. Chao Yue Shen (Chn), 2. Anas- nally coming good when it last four. Though UPW re- skipper Moritz Fuerste lev- It took a long aerial scoop in sitting pretty on top of the tassiya Shapovalova (Kaz), 3. Jia mattered the most helped Ut- mains at the bottom of the elled in similar fashion and the last two seconds and Pra- table, would mean the team Fang Hu (Chn). tar Pradesh Wizards to stay in table for now with KL placed then put his team ahead deep Mor's unnecessary tack- would most likely advance to Women Elite (Finals): Keirin: 1. the race for a semifinal spot second, the gap is narrowed. through another PC. ling of the ball that looked to its first ever semifinal in five Lee Wai Sze (Hkg), 2. Hyejin Lee after drawing 2-2 against Playing its first home game Akashdeep Singh, Raman- be going out the backline for editions. (Kor), 3. Kayono Maedo (Jpn); Kalinga Lancers here on Fri- of the Hockey India League deep Singh, Wouter Jolie were UPW to seek a foul and level The result: Uttar Pradesh Wiz- Madison 30Km: 1. Hong Kong. 2. day. All four goals came of this season, UPW was all-out all guilty of missing easy scores. ards 2 (VR Raghunath 1 PC, Gonzalo Korea. — Special penalty corners. attacking but was thwarted re- chances even as Charter en- On Saturday, Jaypee Punjab Peillat 1 PC) drew with Kalinga Lan- Correspondent More importantly, it denied peatedly by Kalinga goal- sured nothing went past him in Warriors takes on Dabang cers 2 (Moritz Fuerste 2 PCs).

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI | THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 SPORT 19

Aditi Ashok RACING in 22nd place Gurbaj eyes comeback Turf Star may score an encore VICTORIA (AUSTRALIA): Aditi BENGALURU: Turf Star, who main- P.P. Dhebe 55, 10. Campfire (5) A. 9. Aayan (12) P. Surya 53.5, 10. Alex- 57.5, 5. Super Strong (1) R. Manish Ashok carded a flawless one- HOCKEY / Midfielder banking on his HIL performances tains form, may score an encore in the Imran Khan 54.5, 11. Dontworry- andrite (1) P.P. Dhebe 53, 11. Em- 57.5, 6. Goodwill Warrior (3) Sunil monday (2) I. Chisty 54 and 12. Re- peror Cruise (2) Md. Hesnain 53 Samson 56.5, 7. Happy Hours (11) S. under 72 to stay bogey-free UTHRA GANESAN Bangalore Winter Million (1,200m), the feature event of the races to be mington Steel (4) Nazerul Alam and 12. Virat (6) I. Chisty 50. Shareef 55, 8. Indian Brahmos (6) through 36 holes but the In- held here on Saturday (Feb. 11). 53.5. 1. Integrated, 2. Rafa, 3. Aayan P.S. Chouhan 55, 9. Indian Legend dian golfer still slipped from CHANDIGARH: From being out of 1. Winsomeness, 2. Karod Pati, (4) A. Ramu 55, 10. Able Master (7) False rails will be declared on the 5 the overnight 13th to 22nd after the national team for more race day. 3. Campfire BANGALORE WINTER Jagadeesh 54, 11. King Smile (2) K. MILLION (1,200m), 3-y-o, Mukesh 53.5 and 12. Boysterous (9) the third round of the Oates 3 than a year to becoming the 1 GUMBAZ PLATE (Div. I), (Terms), 4-15: 1. Turf Star (4) Suraj Vinod Shinde 52.5. Vic Open here on Friday. GUMBAZ PLATE (Div. II), (1,400m), rated 15 to 35, 3-15: 1. Girl highest paid Indian in the (1,400m), rated 15 to 35, 2-15 p.m.: 1. Narredu 57, 2. Air Of Distinction 1. Indian Brahmos, 2. Bazinga, Also making the 36-hole cut Hockey India League (HIL) With Pearl (3) A. Imran Khan 60, 2. (1) P.S. Chouhan 53, 3. Habanero 3. Massive Dynamics Buscadero (11) R. Marshall 60, 2. Export Quality (7) D. Patel 58.5, 3. was another Indian, Vani Ka- this season, Gurbaj Singh’s life Jersey Beauty (5) R. Girish 59.5, 3. (2) Jagadeesh 53, 4. Psychic War- Heaven And Earth (12) Srinath rior (3) I. Chisty 53 and 5. Star Lord 8 GAGANACHUKKI PLATE poor in 46th place. — PTI has come a full circle. As the Fine Barristor (3) K. Mukesh 59, 4. 58.5, 4. Nyssa (6) Nazerul Alam Early Bird (4) I. Chisty 58.5, 5. Mys- (5) P.P. Dhebe 53. (1,200m), rated 15 to 35, 5-y-o & former India midfielder hopes 58.5, 5. Jack Of Hearts (11) P.P. 1. Turf Star, 2. Habanero over, 5-45: 1. Thundersquall (10) I. tical Shadow (2) Sahanawaz 58.5, 6. Dhebe 58, 6. Call Me Maybe (1) R. to make his performances with One To Note (10) Anjar Alam 58.5, 7. 6 Chisty 60, 2. Amazing Desire (4) Girish 57.5, 7. Jayadratha (4) I. MELKOTE PLATE Adarsh 59.5, 3. What A Nice Man Ranchi Rays count for a return Happy Dancing (1) M. Naveen 57.5, Chisty 57, 8. Anemos (8) Jagadeesh (2,000m), rated 45 to 65, 4-45: 1. Ex- 8. Helios (9) Praveen Shinde 57.5, 9. (8) Suraj Narredu 59, 4. Just Fab- Simran, Miguel to national reckoning, he 56.5, 9. Bluebird (10) Tauseef 56, 10. emplar (1) I. Chisty 60, 2. Czar Rule ulous (11) Antony Raj 58.5, 5. Blaz- Queenofgoodtimes (7) Raja Rao Secret Prayer (9) Praveen Shinde (4) R. Manish 59, 2. Masada (5) spoke to The Hindu about his 57.5, 10. Rocket Punch (6) A. Imran ing Faith (6) Rayan Ahmed 58, 6. on song 56, 11. Moon Blink (5) Sahanawaz Jagadeesh 59, 4. Back Of Beyond Rare And Famous (7) P.P. Dhebe expectations from the league Khan 56.5 and 11. Kudla Punch (8) 55.5 and 12. My King (2) K. Mukesh (8) Antony Raj 58.5, 5. Legacy Md. Hesnain 54.5. 58, 7. Shivalik Girl (9) K. Mukesh and his satisfaction with his 55. Dream (7) Srinath 58.5, 6. Fresh 58, 8. Indian Fury (1) P.S. Chouhan NEW DELHI: Simran Shergill and game so far: 1. Buscadero, 2. Early Bird, 3. 1. Girl With Pearl, 2. Jayad- Start (6) A. Imran Khan 58, 7. 57.5, 9. Groovy Moves (2) A. Ramu Miguel Saravia scored all the Fine Barristor ratha, 3. Heaven And Earth Balian (2) David Allan 57.5 and 8. 57, 10. One Man Show (5) Raja Rao How does it feel to come back Amazing Skill (3) Suraj Narredu goals as Jindal Panther pipped 2 4 54.5, 11. Irish Prince (12) Md. and compete with and against TIPTUR PLATE (1,600m), CHATRAPATHI CUP 56.5. Hesnain 54 and 12. Red Admiral (3) Sahgal Stud 9-8 in a league the world’s top players? rated 00 to 20, 2-45: 1. Kings Kid (3) (1,400m), rated 60 & above, 3-45: 1. 1. Masada, 2. Legacy Dream, 3. Sahanawaz 53. match of the Sawai Man Singh A. Ramu 60, 2. Winsomeness (8) Integrated (7) Srinath 60, 2. Ayr- Amazing Skill I missed hockey for more Sahanawaz 60, 3. Simple Sum (1) ton (3) Antony Raj 59, 3. Taqdeer 1. What A Nice Man, 2. Indian Gold Vase eight-goal polo Fury, 3. Thundersquall than a year. I wasn’t there in Jagadeesh 59.5, 4. Winter Bloom Ka Badshah (8) Sahanawaz 56.5, 4. 7 M.G. KADALI MEMORIAL tournament at the Army Day’s best: Buscadero HIL last season but I watched (10) P. Surya 59.5, 5. Karod Pati (6) Seven Of Hearts (4) Darshan 56, 5. PLATE (1,400m), rated 30 to 50, 5- Equestrian Centre, Delhi Can- Srinath 58, 6. Angelic Love (7) Bonfire (9) K. Mukesh 55.5, 6. Shiv- y-o & over, 5-15: 1. Bazinga (8) I. Double: Girl With Pearl - the games closely. I also saw Masada tonment, on Friday. Rayan Ahmed 57, 7. Claire (11) M. alik Fire (11) Janardhan P 54.5, 7. Chisty 60, 2. Expert (10) Praveen all the international matches Prabhakaran 55.5, 8. Jeyem’s Spirit Rafa (5) P.S. Chouhan 54, 8. Sum- Shinde 60, 3. Massive Dynamics Jkt: 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8; Tr (i): 3, 4 and 5; In another match, Sona Polo and followed all tournaments. (9) Adarsh 55.5, 9. Super Glow (12) mer Dawn (10) Ramesh Kumar 54, (5) Srinath 59, 4. J Gatsby (12) Mark (ii): 6, 7 and 8. pipped Rajnigandha Achiev- But now, playing against the ers 7-6. best, it’s a great feeling. With The last league match will the top stars in our team and be between Rajnigandha Prakash puts against us, there is a great un- Achievers and 61st Cavalry on NEW-FOUND CONFIDENCE: Gurbaj Singh, who has been out of the Jersey Wonder wins main event derstanding and it’s fun. It is a Saturday. Indian team for more than a year, is hoping to make the most India in final diferent game at the top level BENGALURU: Jersey Wonder (S. John Lnk. 1m 07.73s. Rs. 50 (w), 16, 14 and Royal Serenity (R. Manish) 4. Not The top two teams from the of his stint with Ranchi Rays. — PHOTO: AKHILESH KUMAR up) won the Stayers Trail Stakes, 22 (p), SHP: Rs. 45, FP: Rs. 145, Q: Rs. run: Saga. 1-1/2, 3-1/4 and Lnk. 1m and the HIL is like any world league phase will meet in the the chief event of the races held here 55, Trinella: Rs. 503 and Rs. 274, Ex- 13.44s. Rs. 84 (w), 18, 24 and 28 (p), HYDERABAD: India eased into the level tournament so I am en- on Friday (Feb. 10). The winner is acta: Rs. 2,067 and Rs. 809. Favour- SHP: Rs. 57, FP: Rs. 423, Q: Rs. 208, final on Sunday at the Jaipur just try to stick to the plan and coach and the selectors but I final of the T20 World Cup for joying it a lot. owned by Mr. Ananth Iyengar & Mr. ite: Mauritania. Owners: Five Stars Trinella: Rs. 3,700 and Rs. 1,737, Ex- Polo ground. make sure it’s executed suc- want to showcase my best Jairam G. Kimmane and trained by Shipping Co. Pvt. Ltd. rep. by Mr. & acta: Rs. 15,526 and Rs. 9,981. Favour- the Blind, defeating Sri Lanka The results (league): Jindal Pan- How did you keep yourself fit cessfully on the field. here. The HIL is a great plat- Prasanna Kumar. Mrs. K.N. Dhunjibhoy and Mr. & ite: Fjord. Owner: Ms. S. Rohini by 10 wickets here on Friday. ther 9 (Simran Shergill 5, Miguel while being out of the national There are a lot of youngsters form to compete against the The results: Mrs. Z.K. Dhunjibhoy & Mr. Vispi R. Iyengar. Trainer: Neil Darashah. Chasing 175 for victory in team? 1. DODDABALLAPUR Patel. Trainer: S. Attaollahi. Saravia 4) bt Sahgal Stud 8 (Gaurav now in all the teams and doing best in the world and I am 7. DHARMASTHALA the first semifinal, India rode I stayed focused and kept PLATE (1,200m), rated 00 to 20, 4. MANASA SAROVARA on a century from J. Prakash to Sahgal 5, Siddhant Sharma 3). well. How do you see the next hopeful a good performance 5-y-o & over: El Matador (K. TROPHY (Div. I), (1,200m), rated PLATE (1,400m), rated 15 to 35, 6- Sona Polo 7 (Samir Suhag 3, Abhi- training hard and anything crop of Indian players? here will be recognised. Mukesh) 1, Oriental Belle (I. Chisty) 45 to 65: Amazing Redd (P.P. y-o & over: Wild Wild Angels cross the line in 13 overs. 2, Shivalik Boy (Srinath) 3 and Re- Dhebe) 1, Cool Baby (M. Naveen) 2, (P.P. Dhebe) 1, Little Love (Suraj Pakistan will meet England manyu Pathak 3, Dhananjay Singh) new or interesting I saw in I think the best thing to hap- Do you think the youngsters Narredu) 2, Tea Wid Me (Chetan world hockey, I incorporated verberating (Janardhan P) 4. Not Top Striker (K. Mukesh) 3 and in the second semifinal in bt Rajnigandha Achievers 6 pen was winning the junior are ready to step up the senior run: Sea Of Stars. 1-3/4, 1 and 2-1/2. Noble Flaire (P. Trevor) 4. 1-1/4, 1/2 Gowda) 3 and Atlantic City (A. (Dhruvpal Godara 5, Padmanabh in my training. That helped me World Cup. The players are all level? 1m 15.47s. Rs. 49 (w), 18, 33 and 16 (p), and 1-1/4. 1m 13.41s. Rs. 84 (w), 25, 21 Ramu) 4. 1, Nose and 3/4. 1m 27.44s. Bengaluru on Saturday. The fi- not just learn new things but SHP: Rs. 94, FP: Rs. 468, Q: Rs. 237, and 47 (p), SHP: Rs. 62, FP: Rs. 816, Rs. 26 (w), 15, 20 and 27 (p), SHP: Rs. nal will be played at the M. Singh). — Sports Bureau very good and the competition Every player goes through 54, FP: Rs. 143, Q: Rs. 78, Trinella: Rs. also stay updated with the will now become more intense Trinella: Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 323, Ex- Q: Rs. 343, Trinella: Rs. 5,456 and Rs. Chinnaswamy Stadium on stages of development. I have acta: Rs. 2,429 and Rs. 1,656. Favour- 2,672, Exacta: Rs. 19,652 and Rs. 5,615. 448 and Rs. 210, Exacta: Rs. 3,153 and latest in world hockey. I con- between the juniors and seni- played 10 years for India and Favourite: Noble Flaire. Owner: Mr. Rs. 2,139. Favourite: Wild Wild An- Sunday. ite: Shivalik Boy. Owner: Mr. A. The scores: Sri Lanka 174 in 19.2 tinued doing my best, making ors, the gap has reduced a lot. been through camps, test Wajid. Trainer: Mahmood Khan. Lokesh N. Trainer: Kishan Thomas. gels. Owner: Mrs. Malathi N. Ven- kataswamy. Trainer: B. Prithviraj. overs (Suranga Sampath 49, Priyanshi to take sure that even if I wasn’t play- It’s good for the players, matches, exposure tours, ma- 2. OCTOGONAL PLATE 5. STAYERS TRAIL STAKES Chandana Deshapriya 42) lost to In- ing at the top level, my training everyone will put more efort jor tournaments. All that (1,600m), rated 15 to 35: Tanoura (2,400m), 4-y-o & over (Terms): 8. MANASA SAROVARA (Jagadeesh) 1, Safron Intense Jersey Wonder (S. John) 1, dia 175 for no loss in 13 overs (J. on Sandeepti intensity didn’t come down now to improve their game, counts a lot. Playing 100-200 TROPHY (Div. II), (1,200m), rated (Rayan Ahmed) 2, Erstklassig Cameron (P. Trevor) 2, Booker 45 to 65: Dream Star (Rayan Prakash 115 n.o., Ajay Kumar Reddy and the benefits of that are and it’s good for hockey to international matches is not (Srinath) 3 and Elegant Star (K. Jones (David Allan) 3 and Tintin- Ahmed) 1, Havelock Princess (P. 51 n.o.). CHANDIGARH: Priyanshi Sankesh now visible. have a larger pool of players to easy, it makes a lot of difer- Mukesh) 4. Not run: Beyond Reach. nabulation (P.S. Chouhan) 4. 1-1/4, Trevor) 2, Reference (Suraj What exactly is your role with 6-1/4, 3-1/2 and 1-1/2. 1m 39.27s. Rs. 1-1/2 and 10. 2m 31.24s. Rs. 87 (w), 22, Narredu) 3 and Hector (Jagadeesh) beat second seed Sudipta Sen- choose from. ence. The youngsters are ex- 210 (w), 50 and 65 (p), SHP: Rs. 125, 14 and 14 (p), SHP: Rs. 43, FP: Rs. 426, the team as a senior player? 4. 1, Nose and 3/4. 1m 13.25s. Rs. 214 thil 6-1, 6-4 to make the girls’ fi- What are your targets from cited, talented and after win- FP: Rs. 991, Q: Rs. 581, Trinella: Rs. Q: Rs. 211, Trinella: Rs. 673 and Rs. (w), 28, 17 and 12 (p), SHP: Rs. 38, FP: nal of the Road to Wimbledon When we are defending, this HIL? How hopeful are you ning the World Cup they are 1,696 and Rs. 472, Exacta: Rs. 18,979 282, Exacta: Rs. 2,967 and Rs. 1,565. Rs. 952, Q: Rs. 304, Trinella: Rs. 1,778 AITA National ranking un- of making a comeback to the and Rs. 4,066. Favourite: Erstklassig. Favourite: Booker Jones. Owners: and Rs. 631, Exacta: Rs. 26,111 and Rs. first and foremost I have to also very confident. But they Owner: Mighty Heart Racing Syn- Mr. Ananth Iyengar & Mr. Jairam G. der-14 tournament at national side? 14,920. Favourite: Reference. clinches title shore up the defence. But then, need to develop that experi- dicate. Trainer: Neil Darashah. Kimmane. Trainer: Prasanna Owner: Mr. Ravindran T.C. Trainer: the CLTA Complex on Friday. my natural style is attacking The first is to do my best for ence and that will happen 3. FEBRUARY PLATE Kumar. S. Britto. In the final, Priyanshi will hockey, so the second role is to the team and repay the fran- when they come into the (1,100m), maiden 3-y-o only 6. SURESH KUMAR play top seed and champion of go ahead whenever I can and chise’s faith in me. Then, of senior camp, play at home and (Terms): Malawi (P. Trevor) 1, SHARMA MEMORIAL PLATE Jackpot: Rs. 5,84,157 (carried Mauritania (David Allan) 2, Good (1,200m), rated 30 to 50: Natanza over); Runner-up: Rs. 10,431 (24 the last event in Bengaluru, help the forwards and set them course, is the India camp — abroad and only that can help Earth (Srinath) 3 and Dont Dilly (Jagadeesh) 1, Siyouni (Neeraj) 2, tkts.); Treble (i): Rs. 5,004 (four Sandeepti Singh Rao. up for goals. Other than that, I that decision will be up to the them get better as players. Dally (Jagadeesh) 4. 2-1/4, Nose and Paradiso (Rayan Ahmed) 3 and tkts.); (ii): Rs. 6,470 (six tkts.). In the boys section, Ajay Malik and Krishan Hooda set up another title clash, as they CRICKET TENNIS had done in Bengaluru. Both Ajay Malik and Sandeepti Singh Rao also won the doubles titles with Sushant Pridhvi Raj shines for Andhra Ramkumar loses in second round Dabas and Sudipta Senthil VIZIANAGARAM: Andhra, after re- vantage after bundling out the between Kathan Patel (34 bat- SAN FRANCISCO: Ramkumar quarterfinals: & Divij Jonas Luetjen (Ger) & Nicolaas Vishnu Vardhan. — FILE PHOTO respectively. stricting Himachal Pradesh to visitor for 161 and ended the ting) and Raxlee Taylor (32 Ramanathan was beaten 6-1, 7- Sharan w/o Dustin Brown (Ger) & Scholtz (RSA) bt Chandril Sood & The results: 127 in 37.1 overs, was 114 for six day comfortably at 74 for two. batting) saw Gujarat end the 6(1) by fifth seed Henri Laak- Karen Khachanov (Rus). Lakshit Sood 7-6(4), 6-4; Pre- NUMALIGARH (ASSAM): Vishnu Boys (semifinals): Ajay Malik bt in 50 overs at close on the first day on a high note. sonen of Switzerland in the $540,000 ATP event, Quito, quarterfinals: Chandril Sood & Lak- Vardhan beat his teammate shit Sood bt Frederico Ferreira Silva from Oil and Natural Gas Cor- Udit Gogoi 6-3, 6-1; Krishan Hooda bt day of the Col. C.K. Nayudu Early strikes The scores: second round of the $100,000 Ecuador: Doubles: Pre-quarterfi- Sushant Dabas 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. Trophy (under-23) quarterfi- Electing to bat, Kerala was Challenger tennis tournament nals: Nicholas Monroe (USA) & (Por) & Zdenek Kolar (Cze) 6-4, 6-2. poration Yuki Bhambri 6-2, 6-2 Doubles (final): Ajay Malik & nals at the Dr. P.V.J. Raju ACA rattled by early strikes from At Vizianagaram: Himachal Pra- here. (Nzl) bt Sergio Galdos to clinch the men’s title in the desh 127 in 37.1 overs (Nakul Sharma $15,000 ITF men, : Sushant Dabas bt Krishan Hooda & sports complex here on Friday. medium-pacer Naman Patel. Purav Raja and , (Per) & Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan 7-6 Petroleum Sports Promotion 40, Pridhvi Raj five for 40, K.V. Sasik- Quarterfinals: Karunuday Singh Dhruv Tangri 6-3, 6-4. Pridhvi Raj’s spell of five for 40 Sanju V. Samson (81) held the the doubles finalists at the (5), 7-6(8). Board inter-unit tennis cham- anth three for 37) vs. Andhra 114 for w/o Enzo Couacaud (Fra); Pre- Girls (semifinals): Sandeepti was the highlight of the day. innings together and figured in Chennai Open, made the semi- $100,000 Challenger men, San pionship, which concluded in six in 50 overs (Jayawardhan 55 n.o.). quarterfinals: Karunuday Singh bt Singh Rao bt Srujana Rayarala 6-2, 7- a 63-run second-wicket stand finals of the €540,310 ATP Francisco: Second round: Henri Soichiro Moritani (Jpn) 6-4, 6-3. here on Friday. 6(5); Priyanshi Sankesh bt Sudipta Gujarat in command with Vishnu N. Babu (21). At Valsad: Kerala 161 in 52.5 overs event in Montpellier, France. Laaksonen (Sui) bt Ramkumar The results (finals): Senthil 6-1, 6-4. At Valsad, host Gujarat was However, Kerala lost the (Sanju V. Samson 81, Naman Patel The results: €540,310 ATP Ramanathan 6-1, 7-6(1); First round: Doubles: Quarterfinals: Kelsey Men: Singles: Vishnu Vardhan bt Doubles (final): Sandeepti Singh in command against Kerala at last seven wickets for just 51 four for 32, H.P. Patel three for 39) vs. event, Montpellier, France: bt Marcos stevvenson (Can) & Karunuday Yuki Bhambri 6-2, 6-2. Rao & Sudipta Senthil bt Srujana Ra- the end of the opening day’s runs as it collapsed from 110 for Gujarat 74 for two in 31 overs (Kathan Doubles: Quarterfinals: Purav Raja Giron (USA) 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Singh bt Christian Alvin Edison & Ar- Doubles: Vinod Sridhar & Vijay yarala & Mushrath Anjum 6-1, 6-4. — play at the Sardar Patel sta- three to 161. An unbeaten 53- Patel 34 batting, Raxlee Taylor 32 & Divij Sharan bt Malek Jaziri (Tun) & $15,000 ITF men, Sharm El ief Rahman (Ina) 6-3, 7-6(4). — Kannan bt Jitendra Sharma & Rupesh Special Correspondent dium. Gujarat wrested the ad- run third wicket stand batting). — Sports Bureau Albano Olivetti (Fra) 6-4, 6-2; Pre- Sheikh: Doubles: Quarterfinals: Sports Bureau Kumar 6-2, 6-3. — Sports Bureau GENERAL Mritunjay and Kabir Indian girls avoid Mission 11 million initiative launched enter final relegation play-of SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT In an event in which the oi- motor skills, learn life lessons transform this passion into cial mascot of the Under-17 in team work and cultivate something more concrete. KATHMANDU: The top two seeds 6-4, 6-4; Kabir Manrai bt Piyush ASTANA (KAZAKHSTAN): Karman for a berth in the World NEW DELHI: The Mission 11 mil- World Cup was also launched, sportsman spirit. This is a mission to connect in the boys’ event, Mritunjay Surendra Salekar 6-1, 6-1. Girls: Kaur Thandi won her singles Group-1 play-of, while Philip- lion, a football initiative aimed the football drive was made to There will be seminars for with these kids, to change Badola and Kabir Manrai, set Vaidehi Chaudhari bt Yujiao Che and doubles matches to help pines will play Thailand in the towards taking the game to cater to the interest of foot- teachers, school activities and football and sports in India up a title clash in the ITF (Chn) 6-1, 6-3; Minggiao Yang (Chn) India tame Philippines 2-1 in relegation play-of from which 12,000 schools in 37 cities ball-loving students with football festivals till Septem- forever”, said Goel. Grade-5 junior tennis tourna- bt Shivani Ingle 7-6(3), 6-1. the last league match of the Fed the loser would move to across the country, was set matches on smaller grounds ber, as a prelude to the Un- He also stressed on the at- ment here on Friday. Doubles: Finals: Boys: Gunjan Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 Group-2 in the region. rolling by Union Sports Minis- between four- or five-a-side der-17 World Cup scheduled tempts made towards devel- The girls’ top seed Vaidehi Jadhav & Atharva Sharma bt Pengyu women’s tennis tournament The results (league): India bt ter Vijay Goel and All India teams. to be staged in October. oping a sports culture in the Chaudhari sailed into the final Lu & Guangsen Wen (Chn) 6-4, 7-6 here on Friday. The first vic- Philippines 2-1 (Karman Kaur Thandi Football Federation (AIFF) Through the project, school “There is a lot of interest in country with projects like Kh- and will face Minggiao Yang of (2). Girls: Chunxi guo (Chn) & Punnin tory after defeats against Japan bt Khim Iglupas 6-1, 6-4; Ankita Raina president Praful Patel at the children will be encouraged to the sport among the young- elo India that gave everyone a China who beat Shivani Ingle. Kovapitukted (Tha) bt Na Dong & and China helped India avoid lost to Katharina Lehnert 3-6, 4-6; Nehru Stadium here on play football regularly and sters and they are very pas- chance to play the game they The results: Semifinals: Boys: Minggiao Yang (Chn) 6-2, 6-4. — the relegation play-of. Karman & Ankita bt Iglupas & Lehnert Friday. gain healthy habits, finetune sionate about it. We want to liked. Mritunjay Badola bt Atharva Sharma Sports Bureau Kazakhstan will play Japan 6-4, 7-5). — Sports Bureau

CM ND-ND YK NOIDA/DELHI 20 | LIFE THE HINDU SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2017 400 whales stranded on New Zealand coast Telling tales in Udaipur NASA may send rover to Jupiter’s moon More than 400 whales were stranded on a New Writers, storytellers and puppeteers from across NASA is considering a plan to send a robotic lander Zealand beach and about three-quarters of them the globe will seek to revive the oral tradition of to Jupiter’s icy moon Europa to explore if alien life have died in spite of rescue efforts on Friday. storytelling at a three-day festival in Udaipur. is present in the ocean beneath its frozen surface.

Waking up to the role Valentine’s day special: Pompeii to STAR TREK of toxins in causing Madhuri grooves with Alia and Varun ctor Nene has stepped in to litchi mystery disease unveil House of the Chaste Lovers teach the steps to dance number Tamma ATamma to actors Alia Bhatt and Varun R. PRASAD Virologist Jacob John Dhawan. Varun and Alia are gearing up for the The 1,500-sq.m. site remains well preserved even after nearly 2,000 years release of the recreated version of the song from CHENNAI: Evidence has has said that the POMPEII (ITALY): The lava may Ms. Mattelone said, adding the 1989 Madhuri-starrer Thanedaar. emerged that as late as NCDC and CDC have have cooled nearly 2,000 that the unfortunate four- The new version will feature in the forthcoming March 2014, researchers not given due credit years ago but Pompeii is a legged creatures were “in an film . On Friday, Alia shared from Delhi’s National Centre hot destination this excellent state of the video on Twitter. Produced by Hiroo Yash for Disease Control, India for his research Valentine’s day with a spe- conservation”. Johar and Karan Johar under Dharma (NCDC) and Centres for cial opening of the excep- The complex was first ex- Productions and presented by Fox Star Disease Control and Preven- tion MCPG toxin. But two tionally preserved House of plored in 1912, unveiling a Studios, the film is set to hit the screens tion, Atlanta (CDC) were in months after Dr. T. Jacob the Chaste Lovers. balcony later damaged by Al- on March 10. — IANS the dark about the possible John, a virologist who was This rich baker’s dwelling, lied bombs in the Second role of a toxin present in lit- earlier attached to the Chris- complete with garden, World War. It was not until chi in causing illness in chil- tian Medical College (CMC), stables, mill and a sumptu- 1982 that serious digs began. George Clooney and Amal expecting twins dren in Muzafarpur, Bihar. Vellore, and his team, pub- ous fresco of a tender kiss, They ran until 2004 and the Scientists from the NCDC lished a paper on May 10 in stands on via dell’Ab- site opened briefly in 2010, eorge Clooney and and the CDC had published a the journal Current Science bondanza, the once-bustling only to close again. his wife Amal are paper on January 30 in the hypothesising that MCPG in thoroughfare of this ancient “We are opening it for Gexpecting twins, journal Lancet Global litchi may be causing the ill- Roman city. It also boasts the Saint Valentine’s because we actor Matt Damon has Health where they state that ness, an article in the July- skeletons of fossils of mules wanted the public to be able said, adding he was so consumption of litchi, which September 2014 newsletter caught in the 79AD eruption to get in before we close the thrilled for the high-profile has the methylenecyclopro- cites the possible role of of Mount Vesuvius. site to refurbish the roof and couple that he “almost pylglycine (MCPG) toxin, MCPG. The article is written Shortly before the dra- supporting structure,” said started crying” when he and skipping the evening by Dr. Srikantiah and Aakash matic events of 79 CE, main- Michele Granatiero, the pro- found out last fall. meal, result in very low Shrivastava, who is the first tenance work was under way ject’s head architect. Damon told Entertainment blood glucose levels (less author of the January 30 Lan- on a hydraulic network here. “It is an opportunity to Tonight Canada that than 70 mg/dL) and acute en- cet paper. Behind the stable lies the create an architectural, Clooney, 55, told him the cephalopathy and causes The 2014 article says: “One House of the Painters at OLD LOVE: A fresco with a couple kissing in the House of the structural and technological news while they were death in many cases. specific hypothesis gener- Work, where interior decor- Chaste Lovers at the archaeological site of Pompeii, near work of great impact,” he filming a movie, and that his wife Amal Clooney, 39, was about eight weeks pregnant at the ated from the 2013 findings ators were halfway through Naples in Italy. — PHOTO: AFP said. Early papers included the potential pres- sprucing up a room when the Pompeii, the second most time. “I’m like, ‘Are you out of your mind? Don’t tell anybody else, It has now come to light ence of a toxin (MCPG) with volcano erupted, as well as a After February 14, it bread. Next to the triclinium visited attraction in Italy don’t tell anybody else, I mean, don’t you know the12-week rule?’ Of that an article in NCDC’s hypoglycaemic activity that garden which is being re-cre- sits the bakery, with its after the Colosseum in course he doesn’t,” Damon said, laughing. July-September 2013 news- is found in the litchi seed.” ated exactly as it was thanks will close its doors stones used to ground the Rome, with a record 3.2 mil- “Then four weeks later, ‘I’m like, ‘We’re good right, we’re good,’ so letter and a March 2014 They also cite MCPG’s “po- to archaeo-botanists. again for a four-year, grain and a large oven where lion visitors in 2016, has been I’m thrilled for him.” The pregnancy is the first for the Clooneys, who presentation (Summary of tential” to cause acute hy- The sudden interruption multi-million euro flat, round loaves were pre- plagued in recent years by a were married in a lavish Italian wedding ceremony in 2014 after a 2013 investigation on acute poglycaemia and encephalo- left the small paintings in- pared and sold at a little shop series of collapses due to whirlwind romance. — Reuters encephalopathy outbreak) pathy in animals, akin to complete of which the pre- restoration project next door. lack of maintenance and bad made on behalf of the ackee poisoning seen in the paratory drawings had been weather. NCDC-CDC surveillance Caribbean. completed. “There is the archaeolo- At a standstill The rusting poles holding Begum Jaan to hit the screens on April 14 team about the litchi mystery Incidentally, all the details The presence of numerous gical heritage — the houses Just inside the shop’s door- up the walls at the House of ctor Vidya Balan has announced that disease do not make any about MCPG toxin men- cups still full of pigments and frescoes — as well as the way are the scribbled run- the Chaste Lovers will be re- her film Begum Jaan will release on mention of MCPG toxin tioned by the Lancet authors which the artist was using traces of the eruption, the ning tabs of customers who placed with a few external AApril 14. The 38-year-old star took to present in litchi and its pos- in the 2014 newsletter article would seem to prove that the volcanic deposits. Then still owe the baker money for braces and dozens of under- Twitter to share the first poster of the film. sible role in causing illness. have already been stated in work was abandoned in a there are the conservation bread they likely munched ground struts. “14th April it is,” Vidya captioned the image. The article in the newsletter the May 2014 paper by Dr. hurry. Visitors will be able to problems; roofing, escarp- on with dried fruits and Visitors will explore the The film is the Hindi adaptation of Bengali is written by Dr. Padmini John and Dr. Mukul Das from snatch a rare glimpse of the ments, preserving the fres- olives sold at the food stall site from a new raised walk- movie Rajkahini, helmed by acclaimed Srikantiah of CDC Atlanta the Indian Institute of Toxic- 1500-sq.m site this weekend. coes,” she said. opposite. way under an aluminium and filmmaker Srijit Mukherji. and the corresponding au- ology Research, Lucknow. After February 14, it will The kiss decorates one of The stone mill was driven plexi-glass roof. The story revolves around the thor of the Lancet paper. “This fits with my assess- close its doors again for a the walls of the triclinium, by six mules and a donkey Those lucky enough to get madam of a brothel essayed by According to the article in ment that they got the idea four-year restoration as part the small dining room where kept in the stable — and in now will tour in groups of Balan. Earlier, Mukherji had the July-September 2013 from us,” says Dr. John, who of a multi-million euro Pom- ancient Romans would have trapped inside when the up to 20 around an enchant- tweeted a photo of Vidya with newsletter, the focus of the feels that due credit has not peii preservation project. lounged on couches to eat molten rock and ash hit. ing area with mosaics of col- , revealing that the investigation during May- been given to his team for the “The complex encapsu- and drink. “They were analysed by an oured marble, storerooms of legendary singer will lend her July 2013 was on the role of research. lates both the beauty and the Whether the menu was archaeo-zoologist: they suf- ceramic pots and frescoes of voice for a song in the film. The several viruses. Dr. Srikantiah and Dr. challenges of Pompeii,” said cheese and honey or focated, all apart from one birds, plants and one of the film also stars Naseeruddin Shah Even the March 2014 Shrivastava did not respond archaeologist Alberta dormice, it will have been ac- killed by a blow to the head softest smooches of the Ro- and Gauhar Khan in key roles. — PTI presentation does not men- to emails sent by The Hindu. Mattelone. companied by freshly baked as the building collapsed,” man era. — AFP

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