How nutritious is your diet?

Page 27 Voice of South Asian Community Since March 2002 Vol. 16 Issue 12 Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 $ 1 www.thesouthasianinsider.com

A Global Recession is Almost Here A global recession may be coming a lot sooner than anyone thought. Fears of another global recession grew this week when a reliable economic indicator suggested the U.S. may be heading toward an economic slowdown. But it’s not limited to the U.S. Countries like Germany, China, UK, Italy and Japan with some of the biggest economies in the world appear to be teetering on the brink of a recession. (SAI Bureau) New York: Economic output in Ger- excesses to unwind, as it was in Decision Economics, said that if “I think the trade thing is a Warning signs pointing to a deep- many, the world’s fourth-largest the mid-2000s with the housing corporate earnings slip, that could big policy error,” Mr. Sinai said. ening global economic slow- economy, contracted in the sec- boom or the late 1990s with tech- lead to less investment and then He agrees with President Trump down—and the risk of recession— ond quarter, according to a re- stock gains. Because of that, less hiring, creating a self-fulfill- that China hasn’t been playing are flashing more brightly. “I think port Wednesday, while a report some economists said any down- ing process of contraction. Mr. by the rules of global trade and the trade war, it affects companies on factory output in China, the turn might be mild. Sinai has nudged his recession needs to be confronted. But he in the U.S., but it affects people second-largest economy, came Many past recessions were risk estimate up for the first time said the tariffs the U.S. is using outside — the countries outside in lower than expected. traced to high interest rates insti- in years. against China are hurting back the U.S. a lot more, especially “It’s almost like we’re start- tuted by the Federal Reserve, as Already, both corporate earn- home. “There has got to be a smaller countries outside the ing to see a textbook version of in the early 1980s; to bubbles ings and investment are sliding. better way to do it,” he said. U.S,” St. Louis Federal Reserve a pre-recessionary period,” bursting such as the dot-com bust U.S. corporate profits before The Fed cut short-term inter- President James Bullard told FOX Nicholas Akins, chief executive of 2000 and 2001; to financial in- taxes were down 2.2% in the first est rates in July, partly in re- Business on Thursday. of Ohio-based American Elec- stabilities as in 2007, 2008 and quarter compared with a year ear- sponse to slower global growth, Many of the biggest troubles tric Power Co. , said in an inter- 2009; or some combination of the lier, according to the Commerce and investors widely expect it to are showing up overseas. But view Wednesday. The company above. Department. And U.S. business continue with rate reductions. stock and bond markets are sig- provides electricity to industrial, Some experts predict that if a investment fell at a 0.6% annual Lower rates could help spur in- naling that the threat of a down- commercial and residential cus- recession comes, this time it will rate in the second quarter, after vestment and spending by en- turn is spreading to the U.S., the tomers in 11 states. be driven by lower business in- achieving quarterly growth rates couraging households and busi- world’s largest economy, now in The good news is that the vestment. exceeding 8% in late 2017 and ness to borrow more. its longest expansion on record. U.S. isn’t confronted with severe Allen Sinai, a forecaster at early 2018. (Contd on page 19) Home Business Auto NLIGHT INSURANCE Insurance (A Division of Nlight Financial LLC) (See Full Page Advt. on Page 17) Call : 917-612-3158 Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 COMMUNITY 2 Indian flag hoisting at Hicksville, Long Island

Indian flag hoisting at Hicksville Community Center with South Asian Advisory Board and TOB Officials. IDA USA Post Parade Gala held Those who attended included Town of Oyester Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino , Laura Maier Vicki Walsh Rose Walker Lionel Chitty Brian Nevin Jim McCaffrey Deepak BansalJay Singh (Jasbir) (IDP Parade President) Sharanjit Singh Thind (Former Human Rights Commisioner) Steve Labriola Jeff Pravato Laura Schaefer MOHINDER Taneja Bobby K. Kalotee Shan Shaheen Angel Cepeda Nipun IDP USA organized Post GALA Dinner for India Day Parade on 5th August, Marwaha for beautiful rendition of 2019 at a beautiful place The Standard At North Shore Synagogue at Syosset. American National Anthem Beena Program was very well organized by the committee and stared at 6:30 p.m. and Kothari Nisha Diler And Kiran Gupta ended at 11:30 p.m. There were four Honorees Mr. Naveen C. Shah (Jewel of and group for Indian National Anthem India, USA), Mr. Chintu Patel (Jewel of India, USA), Mrs. RanjuNarang (Lifetime Paresh B Shah Amita Karwal Achievement), Ranju& Ravi Batra (Life time Achievement), and were awarded NYSACOC and all who attended with plaque by IDP committee. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 COMMUNITY 3 South Asian Indians gathered to celebrate the 73rd Anniversary of India’s Independence Day in Hicksville New York

(By our Staff Reporter)- Under the Oyster Bay Joseph Saladino, Beena Kothari, Mukesh Modi and tricolor umbrellas sponsored by dances by children and students banner of India Day Parade USA Supervisor of Hempstead Laura other Committee members Mohinder Singh Miglani of Aero of local dance schools performed the entire community of South Gillen, Legislators Laura Schaefer Mohinder Taneja, Bina Sabapathy, World marked Patel Brothers at the beginning and other Asian Indians gathered to celebrate and Rose Marie Walker, Minority Shashi Malik, Gautam Sanghvi to parking grounds. It was a sight celebrities were invited to perform the 73rd Anniversary of India's Affairs E D Farrah Mozawalla, name a few for the inauguration and to see as the parade later got on stage after the parade reached Independence Day in Hicksville Suffolk County Human Rights initiation of the parade at Patel flagged off with countless E Barclays Street. Bollywood New York. Parade's slogan this Commissioner and 3 times Past Brothers. Satbir Bedi was the MC organizations from long island singer Mr. Deepak Kumar of year was Jai Jawan- Jai Kisan to President of IDP Beena Kothari, for the day. Breakfast was hosted displaying pride and honor with Satellite India and Punjabi stage salute our soldiers and farmers and Nassau Human Rights by Patel Brothers and HAB Bank marching groups and tricolor artist and singer Ms. Pooja had to celebrate the community, unity, Commissioner Zahid Syed and before the flag off. decorated festive floats sponsored the crowd cheering, taking videos heritage and cultural diversity of others along with the President The South Asian Community has by local organizations. The parade and pictures and joining the mood. South Asian Indians. of the parade Mr. Jasbir (Jay) become an integral part and was led by IDP USA Indian National A fashion Show by Nishi Behl and IDP USA organized the 7th Parade Singh, Mr. Kamlesh C Mehta, changed the face of Long island Flag bearers, Grand Marshalls and sponsored by Bhavna Sharma of in Hicksville NY on August 4th, and several community leaders and made Hicksville a prominent, the IDP USA Committee in the Sarashiva gave a special romantic 2019 starting from Patel Brothers and invited guest Ms. Arti Patel, ever developing multicultural biggest float in the parade as touch to the stage with upbeat music on Broadway and ending with Co-Chief Executive Officer at home for all Indians sharing pride, lead. The flowers were showered and beautiful clothes and festivities at E Barclays Street. Vass Pipe & Steel Co. Mr. Sunil passion, presence and social by helicopter on the full parade glamourous ladies. They had celebrity Grand Jain, Mrs. Chanchal Shah, who is bond as patriotic American which mesmerized the local BMW SUV sponsored by Mr. Marshalls, Honorable Consul the mother of Navika Group chief Indians. community and all Indian Naveen Shah of Navika Capital was General of India in New York Mr. Naveen Shah, Advisors on stage, A beautiful warm day with the Community. the super prize of the raffle which Sandeep Chakravorty, Bollywood Indu Jaiswal, Sir Peter Beddah, whole crowd holding India's Flag At festivity grounds cultural had several other prizes Actor Raj Kummar Rao, Mr. Naveen Shah - Navika Capital, Businessman Mr. Chintu Patel, distinguished Elected Officials Congressman Tom Suozzi and from Nassau and Suffolk NY State Senators Kevin Thomas and Senator Anna Kaplan, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Supervisor of North Hempstead Judy Bosworth, Supervisor of Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 SOUTH ASIA 4 Pakistan's response to Kashmir is only helping Modi. It should stay out of this (News Agencies)- which no Pakistani wedding is agree with the prime minister's Pakistan has been in a state of complete) has been banned from handling of Kashmir. apoplectic hysteria ever since domestic screens. First, there is the mystery of why India scrapped Article 370, a part Pakistan has painted itself into Pakistan would get so publicly of the Indian constitution that a corner, with no road map to agitated over a provision of the gave constitutional autonomy to make its way back. It says it will Indian constitution. For decades, Jammu and Kashmir. Prime reconsider the decision to its deep state has run "training Minister Imran Khan has downgrade diplomatic ties if India camps" for Kashmiri militant compared Indian Prime Minister reverts its Kashmir move. Since groups like the Hizbul Narendra Modi and his that is not about to happen - Mujahideen and nurtured terrorist government to Hitler and Nazism short of a legal ruling by India's groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and has spoken, entirely without Supreme Court - how will and the Jaish-e-Mohammed. evidence or context, of an Pakistan backpedal its way from Before 9/11, when the world was "impending genocide." A minister the dead end? still more indulgent of such in his cabinet has even gone so Its response has been knee-jerk, nomenclatures, Pakistan called far as to call for a mutiny in the unfathomable - and, above all, them "freedom fighters." Kashmir negotiated its - should be looked at through the Indian army. ironic. Every outburst and flailing Pakistan's entire Kashmir policy accession to India. Is Pakistan prism of the same constitutional The hyperbole has been against India only validates the is based on the patronage of really fighting for Indian framework. accompanied by drastic action: Modi government and rallies those who want secession from constitutionalism? In that case, Global Opinions India's envoy to Pakistan has Indian public opinion behind it. In India and are prepared to kill or even the parts of the erstwhile Pakistan's response to Kashmir been sent home; diplomatic other words, while claiming to die for it. That it is now tying itself kingdom that it holds in its is only helping Modi. It should relations have been downgraded; lash out at him, Pakistan is only in knots over Article 370 would control since its raiders invaded stay out of this. Prime Minister trade, such it was, has been making Modi look better, even mean that it intrinsically accepts India in 1947 - the area that India Imran Khan of Pakistan in halted; and Bollywood (without among those Indians who do not the terms on which Jammu and calls Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Washington in July. India-China Ties Have Global Dimensions, Must Respect Each Other's Core Concerns: Jaishankar

depth talks with his counterpart order, he said India and China of how much our two cultures of Wang Yi on the entire gamut of need to enhance communication civilisations have affected each the India-China ties. and coordination to contribute to other," Jaishankar said, During his visit, he also met world peace, stability and underlining that "promoting a Chinese Vice President Wang development. greater awareness of that Qishan, a close confidant of The two countries should find history" through more cultural President Xi Jinping. stronger areas of convergence, exchanges is an important task As the two largest developing respect each other's core for the two countries. countries and emerging concerns, find ways of managing India and China have agreed to economies, cooperation differences and keep a strategic establish a high-level people-to- between India and China is of view of the direction of bilateral people exchanges mechanism in great importance to the world, ties, he said. April last year and the first Jaishankar told state-run Xinhua The minister said the two meeting was held in New Delhi news agency here in an interview neighbours have a long history in December. on Sunday. that goes back to thousands of Describing the move as "taking (News Agencies)- India relationship between the two "Our relationship is so big that it years and the two countries' the bilateral relationship from the and China should find stronger Asian giants has become "so is no longer a bilateral civilisations are among the oldest narrow diplomatic field to a larger convergences, respect each big" that it has acquired a "global relationship. It has global that represent two pillars of the societal interaction", Jaishankar other's core concerns and dimension". dimensions," the report quoted civilisation of the East. said the more people of the two manage differences, External Jaishankar, who concluded his Jaishankar as saying. "A lot of people, including young nations interact face-to-face, the Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has three-day visit to Beijing on Describing the world as "more people of both countries, really more their sense of relating to said as he underlined that the Monday, held extensive and in- multi-polar" with changing global don't have a good understanding each other will grow. Pakistan's Imran Khan faces limited options on Kashmir (News Agencies)- As days. "Narendra Modi has Khan's heated rhetoric highlights Pakistanis. But New Delhi's services to India. In fiery tweets, Pakistani anger mounts over an committed a strategic blunder - the challenges Islamabad faces nullification of the territory's legal Mr Khan has accused Mr Indian clampdown on Kashmir, he has played his last card," Mr in placating the Pakistani public, autonomy - and the opening of Modi's government of seeking Imran Khan, the cricket-star- Khan said of his Indian after New Delhi revoked Jammu its long-closed property market to "change [ the] demography turned-prime-minister, boarded counterpart in remarks and Kashmir's right to make its to outsiders - has effectively of Kashmir through ethnic a helicopter for the picturesque broadcast on Pakistani own laws, and brought the buried Islamabad's moribund cleansing". But for all the sabre- Himalayan region that both New television. "This will prove to be erstwhile kingdom under its dream of a Kashmiri plebiscite rattling, analysts say Islamabad Delhi and Islamabad claim as a mistake for Modi, as he has direct control. The Pakistani to determine the future of the has little international sympathy their own. In the small town of internationalised Kashmir. Now leader is "caught between a rock region. India has defended its and few strategic options. "Imran Muzaffarabad, which was people globally will learn about and a hard place", said a senior severance of Kashmir's Khan recognises he has a very overrun by Pakistani irregulars Kashmir." His fiery denunciation leader of Mr Khan's ruling communication links, restrictions weak hand," said Ashley Tellis, in October 1947 and has been of neighbouring India - and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. on public movement and detentions a senior fellow at the Carnegie controlled by Islamabad ever hints about the risks of war - For decades, Pakistan's political of hundreds of Kashmiri leaders as Endowment for International since, Mr Khan vowed to came after Pakistan on Tuesday and military elite have promoted necessary precautions to prevent Peace. "A lot of what they are support Kashmiris' quest for urged the UN Security Council the idea that the breathtakingly troublemakers from stoking doing now is an exercise in self-determination, and angrily to meet to discuss New Delhi's beautiful Kashmir Valley, with its potentially deadly violence. For its public diplomacy. These guys denounced India for its decision on August to scrap Muslim majority, rightfully part, Islamabad has downgraded are realistic enough to know that repressive lockdown of the Kashmir's longstanding legal belongs to them - an article of diplomatic relations with New Delhi, nothing is going to change on Kashmir Valley over the past 10 autonomy. But, if anything, Mr faith for many ordinary and suspended bus and train the ground." Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 ADVERTISEMENT 5 Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 EDITORIAL 6 Govt’s shift in nuclear posture Kashmir: Play cards right The world has decided to wait and watch shows this is a new New Delhi when it comes to Kashmir. A good chunk Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail is a concern, but the Indian of the international system could even be move is diplomatically questionable, strategically unsound. said to be paying no attention. Pakistan's hopes of creating a global storm over the n what would be considered a signal Enter Narendra Modi. Witness the Indian government's ending of Jammu and moment in the evolution of India’s “surgical strike” of 2016, or the Kashmir's special status have fallen flat. nuclear weapons policy, defence Balakot air strike of February 2019. I China, unsurprisingly, has made the most minister Rajnath Singh said, and then A duel is the subject of all strategy, noise but most of it has been about tweeted, on Friday, that while New the great Prussian military thinker Ladakh. Now even President Donald Delhi remains committed to nuclear no- Carl von Clausewitz once told us. Trump's mediation offer is reportedly "off first-use (NFU) till “today”; what the This one, between Pakistan’s perfidy the table". The United Nations Security country may or may not do tomorrow and Indian prevarication, was of half- Council told Islamabad it would not allow is a different story. finished businesses, New Delhi a discussion on Kashmir. The Islamic international acceptance of events is This is not the first time that the having neither deterred nor cautioned world has been silent. The overwhelming because Kashmir is relatively quiet. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the generals in Rawalpindi about its sense: a world that has other priorities, While odd protests can be expected, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cast intentions. Simply put: We were not does not see Pakistan as a credible bloodshed should be avoided as much grave doubts over India’s NFU duelling with a state, but with a complainant and is prepared to take the as possible as that, more than anything commitment since it is has been in shadow, whose threats and Modi government at its word when it says else, could swing the international power. Recall the then defence minister entreaties came simultaneously. both democracy and statehood will be mood from passivity to activism. The Manohar Parrikar’s 2017 musings at a That suite of cards finally stands restored. government must not lose sight of the book launch, where he refused to flipped today. There has been ample evidence that the need to lift prohibitory orders at the first accept why India as a “responsible” The fear of annihilation, and world long ago become tired of Kashmir opportune moment and initiate Kashmir nuclear power would bind itself to an blackmail, is not one-sided, the Modi and largely endorsed India's view that this along the complex path to new NFU posture, though he later claimed government seems to be re-assuring was a bilateral concern. Pakistan's own elections and statehood as soon as this was his “personal view”. Could us.Do we have what it needs to follow brinkmanship has steadily undermined possible. Holding to these Singh’s statement then indicate a through this? As a specialist on the credibility of its own arguments, requirements will be made doubly further shift in this direction? nuclear weapons, I have two thoughts whether through its support for terrorist difficulty by Rawalpindi's recognition This chipping away at India’s nuclear- on this. A “first use posture” requires activity or its willingness to provoke border that violence is the best method to weapons use posture is strategically a hair-trigger alert, the ability to strike wars a la Kargil. The decline in militancy undermine the Modi programme. unsound and diplomatically the enemy’s missile before it can do in the Kashmir Valley from its height in Terrorist activity, Line of Control questionable. It plays into the hands the same to us. It requires the ability the late 1980s and the contemporaneous fireworks and the funding of mobs are of Pakistan, which has forever sought to have 24/7 nuclear bombers in the rise in India's economic and strategic all expected. India should begin the a notional parity with India in terms of sky, much like how things were significance has made it all that much process of vaccinating world opinion to intransigent nuclear behaviour; it between the US and the Soviet Union harder for Pakistan to find an external this likelihood even as it continues to provides no additional security to this during the Cold War. It requires the audience. This was evident in the wrestle with how to ease the Valley country in so far as what our nuclear ability — when it comes to Pakistan aftermath of India's airstrike on Balakot. back to a state of quasi normalcy. India deterrent already fetches; and it alarms — to take out mobile batteries of The lack of sympathy for a Pakistan that took two decades to persuade the world China — the fact that this happened Pakistani Haft missiles in the event had, ultimately, been bombed on its own to treat Kashmir as a bilateral issue. If hours before Beijing was scheduled to of a war, knowing well that we are soil, was striking. it plays it cards right today, it can open an “informal consultation” about the ones staring at a nuclear war. New Delhi cannot afford to rest on its ensure Kashmir is treated as a Kashmir at the United Nations Security At the same time, it requires courage laurels. Quite a bit of the present domestic issue within two years. Council is hard to miss. This also arms and moral certitude which I am not critics of India’s nuclear-weapons so sure we possess as a nation. We policy (including in the United States). remain uncertain about who we are, It is also timed with a nation facing a who we consider our enemies, and serious internal security challenge, what price we are willing to bear to with the defence minister’s statement know both. It is, and this is a coming just 11 days after breaking the reminder of the early days of the Cold ISSN No. 1554 06X state of Jammu and Kashmir into two War in the United States, a comfort Union territories in the middle of a to fight knowing you may not see Editor in Chief & Publisher : rather unprecedented security another day. Sharanjit Singh Thind Editor (Political Affairs-India) : crackdown. While the defence The defence minister is one of Aruna Singh minister’s posture may or may not have the most thoughtful members of the anything to do with the ongoing crisis Union Cabinet — his statement, thus, Chief Photographer : Vijay Shah Special Correspondent : in Kashmir, one thing is clear. This is, is no accident. It is neither Photographers: Hamad Gagandeep Singh (INDIA) indeed, a new New Delhi. braggadocio nor a threat, simply an Editorial Intern: Roubin Singh Thind Web Coordinator : Harpreet Singh Pakistan’s facilitation of jihadists under expression of a nation tired of all time- the cover of its nuclear umbrella has worn certitudes. The matter at the end A Publication of Media Partners Capital, Inc. been a long-standing concern to India. is not a technical clarification of a By introducing battlefield nukes, weapon’s use — and nuclear bombs REGD & MAILING OFFICE : Rawalpindi felt it foreclosed Indian are weapons, no matter what people P.O Box 7005 Hicksville New York 11801 conventional military options as may have told you. It is of a young Kashmir (and Mumbai) bled. At the nation, looking beyond. Nuclear same time, Delhi sought to ever expand weapons policy, as the defence Phone: 917 612 3158 TelFax : 516 342 1076 its options in fits and starts. It never minister obliquely reminded us in his [email protected], [email protected] www.thesouthasianinsider.com quite mustered the courage to do what tweet, is not static, subject to some many thought — and still think — was/ unknown shibboleth. It reflects us, as the Disclaimer The South Asian Insider is a weekly newspaper published every week by The South Asian Insider. It's available in community & religious centers, ethnic grocery stores and also available by mail, email & online to subscribers. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints is needed: Teach the Islamic Republic existential deterrent, binding our lives to expressed by the various writers, authors and forum participants in The South Asian Insider do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Editor. All advertisers advertising in The South Asian Insider assume responsibility for accuracy of their advertisements. The South Asian Insider of Pakistan a hard lesson. those we thought were different. and/or people associated with it are not responsible for any claims made by the advertisers and don't endorse any product or services advertised in The South Asian Insider. We strongly urge consulting your lawyer before buying/contracting /hiring through the ads published in the newspaper. We are in the business of selling space and claims made by the advertisers are not authenticated or confirmed by an independent source Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 OP-ED 7 The secret to BJP's 'all are welcome' mode The lesson that Modi delivered to the BJP in 2013 remained an effective tool for the party's during the 2019 parliamentary polls and, even, afterwards.

It was a bright sunny delivered to the BJP in First, the ruling party wants morning in the winter of 2013 remained an effective to keep alive the buzz 2013 when Narendra Modi, tool for the party's during around the BJP with then prime ministerial the 2019 parliamentary influential personalities candidate of the BJP, told polls and, even, afterwards. joining the party. Being in his party leaders what was Three months into Modi's and returning to power has missing in the campaign for return as the Prime its own risks, the gravest 2014 national election. Minister with greater of them being that the party "During Atal BiharI numbers has seen the BJP may slip into an 'inactive' Vajpayee's days in power, going for targeted hunting mode. The strategy is to we used to hear that so in states where it aims to keep the cadre energized and so has joined the BJP," leave a bolder footprint. with small doses of Modi told a small group of People have changed party enthusiasm that emanates well. An impressive show in tactical and strategic move with the BJP made it the BJP leaders over a cup of affiliations in West Bengal, from a sentiment that BJP the Lok Sabha election in of the BJP is intended to biggest opposition party in tea. "We haven't heard any Maharashtra, Haryana, has not reached its prime states such as West leave a deep psychological the hill state. The desertion such news in last 10 Andhra Pradesh, and remains an attractive Bengal and Telangana, and impact on its rivals who in the Congress camp has years." Telangana and the destination for many the BJP's ability to survive are already down after a helped the BJP create a Over the next several northeast. Many others people, including sworn a a Samajwadi Party- drubbing in the narrative that the principal weeks, Bollywood crossed over to the political enemies. This is Bahujan Samaj Party parliamentary election. opposition is in complete personalities, bureaucrats, treasury benches in the tactical. alliance in Uttar Pradesh, The vertical split in the disarray. political rivals, poets and Rajya Sabha, the upper Second, every joining adds has attracted several rival parliamentary party of The big challenge before others joined the BJP, house of Parliament, where muscle to the BJP's leaders who switched Telugu Desam Party the opposition parties is to creating a buzz around the the BJP lacks a majority. structure. This is a loyalties for a secured prompted its chief N not only to regroup party that finally stormed What has the BJP tried to strategic move to import future. In return, the BJP Chandrababu Naidu to themselves but also find a into Raisina Hills, giving achieve with such tactics. talent in areas where the benefits from the critical cut short his trip abroad counter to the three- India its first majority The answer has three BJP lacks it. The tactic to mass these leaders bring and return. The merger of pronged attack from the government after 1989. angles - strategical, create buzz around the in. 10 out of 13 MLAs of the BJP. It will be easier said The lesson that Modi tactical and psychological. party helps this strategy as Third, and the last, the Sikkim Democratic Front than done. Pakistan continues to seek outside mediation on Kashmir as rebuffs pile up Only China, among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has responded harshly to the change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir Joanna Wronecka and Kashmir. The chief of That was on Sunday, the handed over a copy of a Pakistani diplomacy day before he called letter Qureshi had written to underlined the lack of legal Czaputowicz.Only China, UN secretary-general legitimacy for the status among the five permanent Antonio Guterres. change and the difficult members of the UN Pakistan's appeal to both situation of the local Security Council, has the UN secretary general population. He expressed responded harshly to the and the UNSC chair now his hope that the situation change in the status of the stand rejected by both. in Kashmir would be the state of Jammu and Guterres, in fact, raised the subject of discussion at Kashmir and because, Pakistan continues to seek traction so far as call. As a rotating UNSC Simla Agreement of 1972 in the UNSC, which Poland among other reasons, it third-party mediation and demonstrated Monday chair for August, the his response, pointing to an chairs in August." believes itself to be a intervention on Kashmir when the Polish foreign minister added, "Poland undertaking from India and Pakistan's frustration at stakeholder on account of despite repeated rebuffs, minister Jacek would closely monitor Pakistan as part of that these continued rebuffs areas of the state it with Poland, the current Czaputowicz summarily developments in the region pact to resolve all their was voiced eloquently by grabbed after the 1962 war. president of UN Security rejected a direct appeal for and maintain regular disputes bilaterally. Qureshi at a recent news Russia, also a P-5 country, Council, being the latest. a UNSC discussion of the contact with the partners." But Pakistan plowed on. conference in Pakistan. has in fact supported India Pakistan's ambassador to Kashmir developments Qureshi's direct and The Polish foreign ministry "Giving vent to emotions is on the status change, and the United States appealed made to him by Pakistan's personal appeal to his said that in the Monday easy and raising objections said last weekend, "We for American intervention in Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Polish counterpart followed phone call, which was is much easier. However, it proceed from fact that the an op-ed and interview in a a phone call. outreach to the Poland initiated by Pakistan, is difficult to understand changes associated with leading news publication, "The dispute between the permanent mission to the Qureshi "presented the issue and move forward. the change in the status of seeking to transactionally countries could only be United Nations in New York Pakistan's negative They are not waiting for you the state of Jammu and leverage its continued solved through dialogue, as last week in which position on the decision with garlands in their Kashmir and its division cooperation in the also called for by the Pakistani Permanent adopted by India's hands. Any members out into two union territories are Afghanistan peace European Union," the Representative Maleeha parliament on August 5 to of the P-5 nations can be carried out within the process. Polish foreign ministry said Lodhi met Polish change the status of the a hurdle... Do not live in the framework of the Constitution These efforts have found no in a readout of their phone Permanent Representative state of Jammu and fools' paradise." of the Republic of India." Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 OPINION 8 The supremacy of the Indian State and Parliament are usually attributed to climate development was seen in the about heavy rainfall in the states, change, there is no point blaming floods of Mumbai (2005 and Maharashtra and Karnataka merely that phenomenon any 2017), Uttarakhand (2013), failed to release water from the more for the fallout; instead, it's Srinagar (2014), Chennai dams on time. An August 2019 best to accept such extreme (2015), and Kerala (2018). As report, Krishna Basin Floods in climate episodes as the new for how plastic increases the Maharashtra - Karnataka: How normal and find out ways to threat of floods, one needs to just dams harming rather than minimise their impact . see the photograph from helping of the South Asia One of the key reasons why Palakkad, Kerala, that went viral Network on Dams, Rivers, and floods have a devastating last week. The photograph People has said that the dam impact on cities and towns is showed an area in the district full operators could have acted because the excess water of plastic bottles and other waste prudently by releasing the dam does not have enough space materials that were brought back water in July. The report further Climate change is the new killed, and 1.2 million affected in to drain. This is because the by the floods. While many cities says that the government hasn't normal these five states. According to the stormwater channels are have banned plastic, the learned any lessons from the After the devastating floods in weather website, El Dorado, out clogged with plastic, and implementation of the law has past incidents and that the Bihar and Assam, it's now the of the 15 places that have water sinks, such as been very weak. capacity of the catchment areas turn of five other states - Gujarat, received most rainfall across the wetlands, floodplains, or The recent round of floods has to hold and absorb and store the Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, globe in the last 24 hours riverbeds have been destroyed also raised questions about dam rainwater is reducing with time. and Uttarakhand - to be battered (Sunday-Monday), eight are in by encroachments and management in India. This issue All these issues need to be by unrelenting rain and floods. At India. While such extreme excessive construction. The has come to the fore after reports tackled if India wants to weather least 200 people have been weather conditions these days impact of such unplanned said that despite early warnings the climate storm. Not Just J&K, Even Congress Lost Its 'Special Status' in Opposition Within 48 Hours The Gandhi family appears to be president. Day by day, things are in the House. Many expected The Congress failed to mobilise were getting worse day by day. losing its grip on the party with drifting with the party workers him to speak on Prime Minister the opposition parties on For instance, many MPs did not the continuing delay in choosing confused and the leaders having Narendra Modi's bold move to important legislations, resulting know what the party line was a successor to Rahul Gandhi. no clue about what the Gandhi scrap provisions of the in the government getting away even on Article 370. When The party has been headless for family is thinking about the controversial Article 370. Instead, with even difficult legislations like Congress leader Ghulam Nabi more than two-and-a-half leadership. State-level leaders, he was seen sitting in the House RTI amendments and Triple Talaq Azad opposed the scrapping of months. In the meantime though, particularly in poll-bound states in his seat in the second row, bill as well as scrapping special J&K special status with a fiery the Congress Working like Maharashtra, Haryana and surfing his mobile phone. He took status to Jammu and Kashmir. speech, there were others who Committee, the highest policy- Jharkhand, are at their wits' end to Twitter to criticise Modi on There was division in the wanted to support the making body of the party met on how to fight elections and win Kashmir. His critics say that he opposition ranks, which the BJP measure.Similarly in the Lok twice -- once to finalise about when the party has no leadership speaks more outside Parliament utilised to the full extent and the Sabha, party leader Adhir Rajiv Gandhi's 75th birth in the state. than inside. Congress remained isolated in Ranjan Chowdhury left the anniversary celebrations and on Though Sonia Gandhi is the The just-concluded Parliament the House along with some Gandhis red-faced while Tuesday about coming up with chairperson of the Congress session also showed that the smaller parties. No doubt Sonia speaking on the Kashmir issue the party' stand on the scrapping Parliamentary Party, the just- Gandhi family grip is loosening Gandhi called a meeting of by asking, "If Indira Gandhi did of provisions in Article 370 and concluded Parliament session in both the Houses and as is its opposition leaders, but could not the Shimla agreement and Article 35A, and the bifurcation proved that the Congress has lost standing in the Opposition. The unite the opposition on issues. Vajpayee did the Lahore of Jammu and Kashmir. the plot. Rahul Gandhi continues Congress MPs had no clue on Even within the party, murmurs agreement, then how is Article There seems to be no hurry in to be taking selective decisions, many controversial issues, which are increasing with even senior 370 an internal issue?" while the choosing the next Congress but did not play any active role were discussed in the House. leaders admitting that things party had an opposite view. Naya Kashmir: It's not a new idea After his government voided the erstwhile state of J&K. As we status by accepting more Article 370, Prime Minister ponder how these arrangements provisions of the Indian Narendra Modi said that "a new will work out, it may be useful to Constitution (including Article age has begun in Jammu- look back to Indira Gandhi's 356, which caters for President's Kashmir and Ladakh". In fact, attempt at a new beginning. rule) and amending the state's the quest for a new beginning "We will build a new Kashmir, constitution to convert the is not all that novel in the history quickly if you help, slowly if you elected Sadr-e-Riyasat into a of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). don't, but build it we will!" Prime governor appointed by the central Indira Gandhi, too, wanted to Minister Indira Gandhi had said government. Following assembly alter the status quo in Kashmir. while addressing a public rally in elections in 1967, Sadiq returned In explaining its decision to Srinagar in June 1970. Indeed, with a comfortable majority. New abolish the special status of important changes were already Delhi was poised to tighten its Jammu and Kashmir, the Modi underway. grip over the state. government has emphasised Then J&K chief minister, GM Yet the government struggled to IK Gujral, to mobilise The central challenge, however, the developmental and political Sadiq, had been in office since create jobs or promote investments in the state. But was posed by the stalwart leader benefits that are expected to 1964. A year into his tenure, he investments in Kashmir. Sadiq Gujral reported that industries of Kashmiris: Sheikh Abdullah. flow from these arrangements. had merged his splinter group, noted that the educated young were not prepared to invest in a Although Abdullah had been in These moves have indeed the Democratic National people of the state were conflict zone and the best he and out of prison since his wrought a radical change in the Conference, with the Congress. increasingly drawn to the could do was to get two public dismissal and arrest in 1953, his constitutional relationship What's more, Sadiq had enabled secessionist groups. Indira sector units to open factories in standing in the Kashmir Valley between the Indian Union and the erosion of the state's special Gandhi deputed her confidante, the state. was unrivalled. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 VIEW POINT 9 After Centre scraps Art 370, Shyama Prasad Mookerjee resurfaces in Bengal

Shyama PrasadMookerjee is being hailed in pamphlets and newspaper columns in his home state where, in the recent decades, he found mention mostly in political speeches, plaques, road signs and books.

Three days after the Centre and passersby. Parliament ordered provincial scrapped Jammu and Kashmir's As the social media is getting elections in 1937. Mookerjee special status under Article 370, clouded with conflicting opinions, eventually became the finance a far-Right group in Bengal, Hindu Mookerjee and his critics appear minister of the Bengal province Samhati, began collecting to be silently resurfacing in public in 1941 in Fazlul Huq's short- signatures from people at 40 space in his home state where, lived Progressive Coalition railway stations for a petition to in the recent decades, he found government. became president of the Hindu prominent Muslim League leader ask the Centre to rename mention mostly in political The real conversation starter in Mahasabha after two years, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy to Kolkata's Sealdah station after speeches, plaques, road signs Bengal is the fact that in the succeeding Savarkar. In 1946, have an undivided free state of Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, the and books. intervening years Mookerjee while he was still leading the Bengal.Suhrawardy had two founder president of the Surprisingly, most Bengalis embraced the Hindu Mahasabha party, Mookerjee demanded major handicaps. Hindus Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the seem to remember the son of the headed by V D Savarkar and took Bengal to be divided in such a accused him of masterminding forerunner of the BJP. legendary jusrist and educator part in the party's 1939 Calcutta way that Muslim-dominated areas the 1946 killings and his plan did "Only now we are discussing Sir Asutosh Mookerjee as a session. This made Mookerjee remained in the proposed state not clarify how the state he had how Shyama Prasad vehemently brilliant student who acquired a target of the communists and of East Pakistan (now proposed would be part of the opposed a separate constitution several university degrees in a section of Congress leaders for Bangladesh). The August 1946 Commonwealth. Mookerjee for Kashmir and died in the state quick succession, followed the the rest of his life although he communal riots in Noakhali (now succeeded and West Bengal while in detention. But people footsteps of his father and became a member of the in Bangladesh) and Kolkata was born out of the Partition. have forgotten that West Bengal became the vice-chancellor of Constituent Assembly in 1946 claimed more than a thousand This part of Bengal's history has would not have come into Calcutta University when he was and served as minister in lives. When Viceroy Lord now come under maximum existence without his struggle. only 33. Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet after Mountbatten was overseeing the focus. Singha Bahini, another We want Seladah station to be Mookerjee started his political Independence. Partition in 1947, Mookerjee Hindutva group has launched named after him since a large career as a Congress legislator Mookerjee was reported to have wrote to him, saying Bengal must a video depicting the life of number of Hindu refugees from in 1929 but left the party a year said at a public meeting in 1941 be divided even if India was not Gopal Chandra Mukherjee East Pakistan arrived here," later when it boycotted the that if Muslims wanted a state of and opposed a proposal from who armed and led Hindus members of the Hindutva group legislature. He continued as an their own they would have to leave Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's against the Muslims of were heard telling passengers independent. The British India lock, stock and barrel. He elder brother Sarat Bose and Kolkata in 1946. Maharashtra tried to get optics right, bumbled its way through flood crisis

From day one, the Fadnavis government has, in a bid to get the optics right, stumbled from one mistake to another over the flood situation in the state. For the first time also, the BJP's and Chief Minister Fadnavis' otherwise astute political management has gone awry.

Opposition, a readymade issue larger administration and political commentator Prakash to hit the government with ahead governance deficit of this Bal.A senior bureaucrat also told of the assembly polls in October. government. HT that trust deficit between the The many controversies include The BJP-led government, chief minister and some of his among others, insensitive footage perhaps, started tackling the cabinet colleagues as well as of senior water resources disaster on the wrong foot. officials also may have minister Girish Mahajan taking Devendra Fadnavis was busy with contributed to the state's poor As the water started trauma of floods - losing their smiling selfies while sitting in a his Mahajanadesh Yatra - to seek handling of the floods. receding from one of homes, belongings and loved boat amid rescue operations, people's blessings ahead of "As revenue minister, Maharashtra's worst-affected ones - by the district disbursing food packets with assembly polls - in Vidarbha when Chandrakant Patil should have districts Kolhapur, the district administration is the latest in a stickers of Fadnavis and other the first spell of bad news came handled the situation from day administration imposed orders series of controversies that the BJP politicians, issuing orders in. By the time Fadnavis called one especially because prohibiting public gathering of four Devendra Fadnavis-led that compensation be only given off his Yatra last Wednesday and Fadnavis was away. But, the CM or more persons here. The government has courted while to those whose homes have been came around to review the flood appointed Sena minister Eknath orders were issued by district tackling the floods in Western under water for two days etc. situation from Mantralaya, the Shinde when he was in the yatra administration on Monday to Maharashtra. The orders were In Sangli, even as floods wrecked rescue operations already to handle co-ordination," the ostensibly avoid confusion and withdrawn on Tuesday. havoc, the guardian minister appeared to have been delayed bureaucrat added. But, he chaos during rehabilitation work. From day one, the Fadnavis Subhash Deshmukh was away by a day. "For starters, the explained, district collectors and The Opposition, however, termed government has, in a bid to get in Pune conducting the party's government did not take this divisional commissioner report to the prohibition orders as the optics right, stumbled from organisational workshops. situation seriously. The local revenue minister Patil, not draconian with the Nationalist one mistake to another over the The nearly week-long floods in officials underestimated the Shinde. CM's close aide Girish Congress Party (NCP) flood situation in the state. western Maharashtra have left extent of the floods and the right Mahajan, who was asked to co- comparing the BJP-led For the first time also, the BJP's over 40 dead and about 5 lakh information did not reach the top ordinate rescue efforts instead of government with that of General and Chief Minister Fadnavis' displaced mainly in the two brass. Neither the chief minister focusing on backroom job, chose Dyer of the Jallianwalla Bagh otherwise astute political districts of Kolhapur and Sangli, not his senior ministers reacted to go and be a part of the rescue infamy.The prohibition orders on management has gone awry and 370 km from Mumbai.But the soon enough. The delayed to get footage," added the a populace that has suffered delivered to a defeated controversies also point to the response angered people," said bureaucrat. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 ADVERTISEMENT 10 Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 ADVERTISEMENT 11 Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 INDIA-CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 Priyanka's 'Aide' Booked for Assaulting Journalist During Visit to Sonbhadra The journalist covering the Congress leader's visit for a regional TV channel had complained that her personal secretary Sandeep Singh had assaulted and threatened him.

(News Agencies)- The Congress leader's visit for a Minister Yogi Adityanath's media police have lodged an FIR against regional TV channel had advisor on Wednesday asked an aide of Priyanka Gandhi complained that her personal her not to shed crocodile tears, Vadra after a journalist secretary Sandeep Singh had echoing the remarks made by complained that he was assaulted and threatened him. UP Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh assaulted during the Congress A purported video of the aide Sharma. leader's visit to the village where misbehaving with a journalist The spokesperson blamed the 10 people were shot dead last during her visit had also surfaced Congress for the land dispute month. on social media. over which the killings took place. A day after the Congress general It showed the reporter asking the "Your party MLC Maheshwar incident and no Goonda act has Congress leader's husband. secretary visited Umbha village Congress leader a question on Prasad Narain Singh constituted been invoked against anyone. On Tuesday, the media advisor in Sonbhadra district, the state the scrapping of special status Adarsh Krishi Sahkari Samiti, For hiding the sins of the had on Tuesday tagged the video government on Wednesday also for Jammu and Kashmir under Umbha with 12 of his relatives Congress, don't distort facts," he which showed the journalist accused her of distorting facts. Article 370. He was pushed back and usurped 1300 bigha land,'' said. being pushed by the man Ghorawal police station in-charge and an argument started. Mirtyunjay Kumar tweeted in Chief Minister Adityanath himself described as Priyanka Gandhi's C P Pandey confirmed that an The aide is heard accusing the Hindi. has announced that land rights aide. FIR has been filed based on the reporter of being pro-BJP and Stop shedding fake and crocodile will be given to the poor, he "Priyanka Gandhiji, please stop journalist Nitish Kumar Pandey's asking questions for money at tears and seek pardon from the added. the theatrics of wiping the tears complaint. the behest of that party. victims," he added. "The job of grabbing land cannot of the poor," he had then tweeted. The journalist covering the Attacking Priyanka Gandhi, Chief He said the Congress leader be done better than by you He asked where were those who should update her information as (Congress) and if you don't claim to be on the side of press a police outpost has already been believe it, you can ask Robert freedom when Gandhi's 2 policemen posed as Maoists to loot set up in Umbha village. Vadra," Kumar said, in an secretary misbehaved with a "No case has been lodged apparent reference to journalist, and she did not say people in Bastar, arrested: Cops against any villager after the accusations faced by the anything to him.

Two policemen and a civilian from the accused. disguised as Maoists were The accused were also involved arrested on Wednesday in in setting ablaze a bus on August Chhattisgarh for looting traders 12 and looting the passengers. and passengers in Narayanpur "We started investigating the district. Another policeman, also case and found some mobile part of the gang, is on the run locations in Kondagaon. We and police are raiding various raided several spots and arrested spots to nab him. the accused constable and one The accused constables, Hirdu civilian in the case," said SP Ram Kumeti and Madhav Narayanpur Mohit Garg. Kuldeep, were arrested along with "They use to stop the traders one civilian Dolendera Kumeti. coming from Bazars of jungles The third one, Omkar Kumeti is and greet them with 'Laal Salaam' on run. All the accused are from and then used to loot the money. Kondagaon district and were They told the traders that they active in the Bastar region for last are facing financial crisis due to one month. demonetisation hence they need The police in Narayanpur said that money," said the SP. the accused were involved in more "Most of the people who were than six cases of loot in the looted by these constables did region and in all of them they not report to the police out of fear. looted the residents and traders They did loot in Bastar district on by posing as Maoist leaders. Two August 5 and got about Rs weapons, mobiles and a 18,000. Then we sensed that a motorbike were also recovered gang is operating," the SP added. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 INDIA-CURRENT AFFAIRS 13 Chinese Influence on Southeast Asia began with 'Boots of Soldiers', India's with Monks, Says Ram Madhav The BJP general secretary said former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao should be credited with formulating the 'Look East Policy' in the early 1990s and engaging with the region. (News Agencies)- was the soldiers who travelled to and Nalanda, ancient India Chinese influence over those lands first, followed by the attracted many students from Southeast Asia began with traders. It was the boots of the the ASEAN region. "boots of soldiers", while India's soldiers on the soil that took the He said today the trade initial connect with the region Chinese influence to these between ASEAN countries and was through its monks, senior lands," he said at the seminar India stands at around USD 90 BJP leader Ram Madhav said on 'India and Southeast Asia: The billion. on Wednesday. Cultural Connect'. The recent relationship with the Speaking at a seminar here, "That was followed by trade, region, he noted, has also Madhav stressed that culture commerce and other contact with evolved around migration of and religion have been the major those lands. The result was that Indian labourers to some of know whether we should bilateral relations has to be aspect of ties between India and the Chinese influence remained these countries during the consider this relationship as appreciated first by India before Southeast Asia, but due to the limited to the areas where their British regime as tree plantation something which state should embarking on strengthening "problem of secularist agenda", army could reach, for example workers or as mining workers. invest, our state has to remain cultural ties with countries. India could not decide on how north Vietnam. Whereas in our He said countries like secular," Madhav said. He said after Prime Minister to use these tools effectively for case, it was the priests and the Myanmar and Malaysia have a The BJP leader said said the Bali Narendra Modi took over, a diplomacy. monks who travelled first, good number of Indian origin government in Indonesia had decision was taken to make The BJP general secretary said followed by the traders, sailors, population. sought Indian support for culture as one of the five pillars former prime minister P V and others," he added. "Major aspect of this teachers in the areas of astrology of diplomacy. Narasimha Rao should be Recalling the historical links with relationship has been cultural and temple architecture some Listing out the steps taken by credited with formulating the the region, Madhav said there was and religion... we never decades back but bureaucracy India to increase cultural ties with 'Look East Policy' in the early major trade activity between the recognised importance of these was in a state of confusion. the region, Vikram Doraiswami, 1990s and engaging with the Guptas and Cholas, whose reign things... whether culture and The idea was that these were not Joint Secretary (Bangladesh, region. spanned between the 3rd C and religion can become tools of our "secular sciences", he said. Bali Myanmar and Indo-Pacific "A major difference existed 5th C AD and 8th C and 12 C AD diplomacy has never been fully has considerable Hindu divisions), Ministry of External between the two efforts (of respectively, and the present day explored. population.Madhav said culture Affairs, said in October, a India's and China's), migrations. ASEAN region. "We had this problem of as an important tool in civilisational connect conference In the case of the Chinese, it With seats of learning at Sanchi secularist agenda. We do not diplomacy, in building strong is being organised in Hanoi. Playing God: 400-year-old Japan Temple Puts Faith in Robot Priest to 'Hot-wire' Interest in Buddhism The android Kannon preaches sermons at Kodaiji temple in Kyoto, and its human colleagues predict that with artificial intelligence it could one day acquire unlimited wisdom.

(News Agencies)- A wisdom to help people overcome lifted straight out of a dystopian 400-year-old temple in Japan is even the most difficult troubles. Hollywood sci-fi thriller. attempting to hot-wire interest in It's changing Buddhism," added Developed at a cost of almost Buddhism with a robotic priest it Goto. $1m in a joint project between believes will change the face of The adult-sized robot began the Zen temple and renowned the religion -- despite critics service earlier this year and is robotics professor Hiroshi comparing the android to able to move its torso, arms and Ishiguro at Osaka University, "Frankenstein's monster." head. the humanoid -- called Mindar - temple is a place for funerals or help."The pious droid delivers The android Kannon, based on But only its hands, face and - teaches about compassion weddings," he said, trying to sermons from the Heart Sutras the Buddhist deity of mercy, shoulders are covered in silicone and of the dangers of desire, explain the disconnect with in Japanese, with translations in preaches sermons at Kodaiji to replicate human skin. anger and ego. religion. English and Chinese projected temple in Kyoto, and its human Clasping its hands together in "You cling to a sense of selfish "It might be difficult to relate to onto a screen for foreign visitors. colleagues predict that with prayer and speaking in soothing ego," it warns worshippers. fuddy-duddy priests like me, but "The goal of Buddhism is to ease artificial intelligence it could one tones, the rest of the droid's "Worldly desires are nothing hopefully the robot is a fun way suffering," said Goto. "Modern day acquire unlimited wisdom. mechanical parts are clearly other than a mind lost at sea." to bridge that gap. We want society brings other kinds of "This robot will never die, it will visible. No 'fuddy-duddy' priest people to see the robot and think stress, but the goal hasn't really just keep updating itself and Wiring and blinking lights fill the With religion's influence on daily about the essence of Buddhism." changed for over 2,000 years." evolving," priest Tensho Goto told cranial cavity of its open-top head life flat-lining in Japan, Goto Goto insisted, however, that A recent Osaka University survey AFP. and snake around its gender- hopes Kodaiji's robot priest will Mindar was no gimmick to boost showed a wide range of feedback "That's the beauty of a robot. It neutral, aluminium body. be able to reach younger income from tourists. from those who have seen the can store knowledge forever and A tiny video camera installed in generations in a way traditional "This robot teaches us ways to android at work, with many limitlessly. the left eye completes an eerie, monks can't. overcome pain," he said. "It is expressing surprise at how "With AI we hope it will grow in cyborg-like frame seemingly "Young people probably think a here to save anyone who seeks "human" it looked. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 INDIA-CURRENT AFFAIRS 14 Sacred Games: Anger Still Bubbling in Delhi Locality After Temple Razing While Politics Takes Centre Stage

(News Agencies)- A large numbers; all were equipped "We were shouting, we were cocktail of anguish and anger is with firepower. Some of us crying, but they heard none of brewing in Delhi's Tughlakabad women who worked in the temple our voices," said another area. "This act is a devious plan entered through another route at volunteer. "We saw our temple by the central government to around 4.30pm. Unaware of what being reduced to ruins in front of further marginalise the Dalits," was to come, we began our eyes. And then they pushed said a resident of the preparations for the langar us out of the compound," she neighbourhood who, like many (communal meal) and even got added.According to the women others from the locality, did not together for a satsang (sacred who were arrested, the police wish to disclose his name. gathering)," she told News18. "snuck us out of a back route and Men and women rushed out of "Brick by brick the structure was dumped us inside a bus". One their homes in Tughlakabad demolished while a sea of of them said the bus was when a mason, on orders of the worshippers witnessed it. But, strategically parked in such a way police, began sealing shut the before they (central government that in the event of arrests it main entrance to the historic Shri and police) did it, they shattered remained sequestered from the Guru Ravidas temple on August our sense of belief."According to place of action and went Delhi Development Authority. The belt' mentioned, said a top 9. The Delhi Development folklore, poet-saint, social unnoticed by all. Another DDA argued that the holy site member of the temple Authority, a central government reformer and spiritual figure Guru volunteer said they were forced was unlawfully built inside committee. "The matter then is agency, was carrying out the Ravidas visited the sacred place to sit in the bus for two hours. forestland which falls under about how law has failed its action following orders from the around 1509 during the reign of "After the demolition of the the 'green belt' (a government people and history has become Supreme Court to pull down the Sikandar Lodhi. His followers temple, the police slipped us out designation aimed at retaining irrelevant," he told News18. structure on a petition against formed the Ravidassia religion, a quietly. All of us went to jail that wild or agricultural land According to him, the temple alleged encroachment. spin-off from Sikhism, in the 21st night - for the first time - adjoining urban areas), while was inaugurated by the-then A volunteer at the shrine recalled century.By dawn on August 10, protecting our belief," she added. the Samiti cried foul over railways minister, Jagjivan Ram, that fateful evening with marked the entire temple area was Legal BattleThe Supreme Court historical negligence and under the Congress government distress. "The police began sealed shut. Authorities had even order for demolition of the temple documentation. on March 1, 1959, four years sealing the main gate of the arrested 10 protesting women came after a long-drawn legal However, when the top court before the DDA was officially temple at around 4pm. Male and who, locals said, had never been battle between the Guru Ravidas directed that the temple be razed formed in 1963 (it was created in female officers were present in near a police station before. Jayanti Samaroh Samiti and the on August 9, nowhere was 'green 1957). Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 INDIA-CURRENT AFFAIRS 15 Madhya Pradesh Police Arrests Arms Dealer for Plotting Against Senior State Leaders The police however claimed that the arrested criminal Haider Ali had said something regarding the 'said assassination plot' to his friend Arif but both had consumed drugs and could not substantiate what they had discussed that day (News Agencies)- After the arrested criminal Haider Ali of the state including a former the arrest of Burdwan blast had said something regarding the Chief Minister. accused from Indore days ago, 'said assassination plot' to his The Special Task Force (STF) MP police has arrested a friend Arif but both had consumed had given an input regarding criminal charged with dealing in drugs and could not substantiate possible involvement of Haidar in illegal arms. The accused was what they had discussed that day. illicit arms trade. Later in a joint also said to be plotting to Reports also said that the operation, we arrested him on eliminate senior leaders of accused during a chat with his Wednesday, Deputy Inspector Madhya Pradesh. friend had revealed the plan of General of Police Bhopal The police however claimed that eliminating three senior leaders Irashad Wali told media. On being asked about the Nitish Felicitates Farmers who Discovered a leaders the criminal was plotting against, the DIG claimed that Suspected Meteorite Recently in Madhubani during integration the hardened criminal accepted saying few been kept for public display. things to his friend Arif but he details after quizzing the two Shaikh was hiding in the city The trio had discovered the couldn't recall as he had criminals, so taking any names while working as a labourer. object, which looks like an consumed drugs. won't be appropriate," said the Madhya Pradesh is turning into ordinary piece of rock but Arif who was also arrested by the senior cop on the suspected a safe haven for wanted has magnetic properties, at police couldn't recall the plan, leader to be targeted.On Aug 11, criminals. Saurabh Shukla, a their village Mahadeva in claimed the DIG. the National Investigation Agency native of Sidhi in MP is accused Laukahi police station area "The plot to kill leaders had also had arrested Jahirul Shaikh, an of raising funds for terror outfit of Madhubani district on come to our knowledge but as accused in Burdwan blast case Lashkar-e-Toiba was arrested in July 22. The object was we could not substantiate the of West Bengal, from Indore. July. extracted from a five feet deep hole in the ground after (News Agencies)- Three the trio rushed to the spot hearing Bihar farmers, who had recently a loud thud. The district officials discovered a suspected were informed about the discovery meteorite while working in the following which the suspected fields at their village, were on meteorite was brought to the Wednesday felicitated here by state capital and kept at the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. museum. Rajkumar Prasad, Bihari A cherished project of the Chief Yadav and Rajkumar Khatwe Minister who is known to have were presented with a keen interest in archaeology Angavastram and mementos by and many other branches of the Chief Minister at the Bihar science, the Bihar Museum was Museum where the celestial thrown open to the public on object,weighing 13 kgs, has Gandhi Jayanti two years ago. Restrictions in Jammu Lifted, Curbs to Continue in Some Places in Kashmir, Says J&K ADG (News Agencies)- Restrictions imposed in Jammu have been completely lifted but curbs will continue in some places in Kashmir for a while longer, a senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer said on Wednesday. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is totally under control and there have been no major injuries to They will continue in some places anyone, Additional Director of Kashmir for sometime," he said General of Police Munir Khan at a press conference here. said. There have been only a few pellet "Restrictions imposed in Jammu injuries that have been treated, he have been completely removed. said. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 ADVERTISEMENT 16 Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 ADVERTISEMENT 17 Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 COND 18 Narendra Modi and Amit Shah Tick Another Box in BJP Manifesto With Kashmir Move. What's Next? and bold and innovative decision- of its Rajya Sabha MP and sparked by Kashmiri sub- constitutional amendment). emerged from his mentor's making. The move also chief whip Bhubaneshwar nationalists and the diplomatic As for containing dissent, the shadow and may well become a showcases the Congress' utter Kalita. Other Congressmen, too, repercussions vis-à-vis China and precise administrative contender in future. helplessness in the face of the admitted to being on board with Pakistan. mechanism that will be instituted For now, the message to the BJP's determination to carry the government's decision, albeit In addition, the fallout in the to govern J&K and Ladakh is not electorate is that the Modi-Shah forward its agenda and gives off the record. global media may well be yet known. But the precautionary partnership has the potential for pause even to those who are The timing for the dramatic step radioactive; while Indian measures, such as enhancing transformative change. They are optimistic about the party's is perfect: the US is inclined to a intellectuals have described the military presence in the Valley determined to break the shackles revival. Conversely, it may open hands-off approach, the NDA is move as 'repressive' and a failure and jailing political leaders, of status quo-ism and shape a face-saving doorway for the in its honeymoon phase, the of democracy, the western media indicates that the Union 'NayaIndia'. Gandhis to return and take Opposition is at its weakest and is predicting an escalation in government means business. Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee charge of the flailing party. most divided, the Supreme Court violence. This was not an off-the-cuff had once considered the Never has the Congress is manifestly not in an activist Insofar as the legality is decision. Extensive preparations, trifurcation of J&K, but backed off missed former president Sonia mode and the electorate needs concerned, the ball is squarely legal and military, were made, in the absence of a majority. The Gandhi more, for in the a confidence booster in the face in the apex court. It has the although very few individuals were Modi-Shah duo faces no such absence of a unifying force, of a failing economy. power of judicial review and can privy to them. hurdles and is unafraid of the Opposition took diametric Already, the positives are being strike down the J&K The result: yet another box in the controversy and undeterred by views. The Congress is in celebrated in and outside the Restructuring Act (once it BJP's election manifesto has 'what ifs'. near-isolation, with Kashmir Valley. Kashmiri women receives presidential assent) if it been ticked. Triple Talaq is a The PM's visceral understanding ideologically contiguous are thrilled with the restoration of deems fit. decisive step towards a Uniform of human behaviour renders him parties like the AAP, TDP, BSP, their rights to property, while real The Supreme Court has already Civil Code, Jammu & Kashmir's a master of Game Theory as BJP and YSR Congress openly estate in the newly formed been hearing petitions against special status is history. Next applied to politics (the study of backing the NDA and others Union Territory looks forward Article 370 and, in April of 2018, up, presumably, is the Ram strategy, decisions and taking the line of least resistance to an unprecedented boom ruled that the provision had Temple at Ayodhya. outcomes in competitive by staging a walkout. Having felt and businessmen anticipate a acquired "permanent" status. A significant aspect of the situations). This enables him to the public pulse, they could not flood of investment. The However, that didn't stop the decision is that it puts Home repeatedly confound his critics by be seen to stand against the negatives have to do with the Union government from declaring Minister Amit Shah front and taking hair-raising and seemingly move. Even within the Congress, legality of abrogating it "inoperative" (as opposed to centre. Hard-edged, foolhardy decisions, which opinion is sharply divided, as provisions in articles 370 and eliminating it outright, which uncompromising and ruthless enhance rather than diminish his evidenced by the resignation 35A, the potential for bloodshed would have needed a though he may be, he has popularity. 5 of the world's biggest economies are at risk of recession

China's massive economy its expectations for 2020 to 3.5%. for the German economy," said deal to protect trade on October Storm clouds is growing at the slowest pace Investors are increasingly Carsten Brzeski, chief 31, a recession would likely be Shearing argues that some of the in nearly three decades as the worried. The bond market is economist in Germany at the unavoidable. In Italy, weak gloom and doom is unjustified. country wages a prolonged trade flashing warning signs and more Dutch bank ING. productivity, high youth At a global level, he says, war with the United States, which than a third of asset managers While fears of a chaotic Brexit unemployment, huge debt and spending by companies on will impose new taxes on surveyed by Bank of America are helping to drag down the political turmoil are to blame for assets such as equipment have Chinese exports in September expect a global recession in the German economy, that issue is its continued malaise. Investment stabilized. The labor market is and December. next 12 months. causing the most pain in the has dropped in Mexico and the resilient. "While there are "The common feature is the 5 economies at risk United Kingdom, where the country's services sector is under pockets of extreme weakness in weak global backdrop," said Neil Germany relies heavily on economy is shrinking for the first pressure. Brazil, the largest the world economy - particularly Shearing, group chief economist exporters that sell a time since 2012. economy in Latin America, is in manufacturing - other parts are at Capital Economics. disproportionate amount of goods The British economy should suffering from weak industrial holding up relatively well," he The International Monetary Fund to China and the United States. rebound in the third quarter and production and high said. "All of this is consistent with last month cut its forecast for Lackluster global auto sales have avoid an immediate recession. unemployment. Data due in the our view that global growth is global growth this year to 3.2%, also hit its carmakers. But if Prime Minister Boris coming weeks will confirm slowing rather than collapsing. the weakest rate of expansion "Today's GDP report definitely Johnson pulls the country out of whether it has fallen into Yet he also points to three big since 2009. It also downgraded marks the end of a golden decade the European Union without a recession. risks. The first is the trade war. If Beijing and Washington IAF Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, Captured by Pak, to continue to ratchet tensions higher, business confidence Be Awarded Vir Chakra on Independence Day could plummet. The International shot down in a dogfight with celebrities and the general related injuries and is likely to Pakistan escalated after Monetary Fund has warned that Pakistani jets during the aerial public. Vir Chakra is India's undergo a series of tests in Indian fighters bombed terror growth in 2020 would be slashed combat. Before his jet was hit, third-highest wartime the coming months at the group Jaish-e-Mohammed's by half a percentage point if the he downed an F-16 fighter of gallantry award, after the Bengaluru-based Institute of biggest training camp near dispute escalates further. Pakistan. Varthaman was Param Vir Chakra and the Aerospace Medicine that Balakot, deep inside Another big risk is that central released on the night of March Maha Vir Chakra. The will have to give him final Pakistan on February 26. banks fail to act, causing a 1 by Pakistan after being held Mirage pilots struck targets clearance for flying again, Pakistan retaliated by negative reaction in financial captive for more than 60 in Balakot with Israeli-origin sources said. He was earlier attempting to target Indian markets that feeds through to the hours. Spice 2000 bombs with posted at the Srinagar air military installations the real economy. The US Federal After he was captured, penetrator warheads that base with the air force's No next day. Reserve cut rates last month for Varthaman showed immense allowed them to pierce 51 squadron, also known as The Indian strike on the JeM the first time in 11 years, and the courage and grace in handling through the rooftops before 'Sword Arms', but was then camp came 12 days after European Central Bank has hinted the most testing exploding inside to cause shifted to another base a few the terror outfit claimed that it will unleash more stimulus in circumstances. His valiance maximum damage. months ago for security responsibility for a suicide September. Pressure is building on was praised by politicians, Varthaman is currently reasons. attack on a CRPF convoy in China to cut its main interest rate strategic affairs experts, recovering from ejection- Tensions between India and Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers. for the first time in four years. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 FROM FRONT PAGE 19 “I think that the U.S. economy sales have risen modestly this year week, the UK announced nega- rallies to prepare for the next re- which lost 800 points as it declined has enough strength to avoid [a despite higher prices for new ve- tive GDP growth for the past quar- cession and raise cash before a 3% on Wednesday, edging up 99 recession],” Janet Yellen, the hicles. He said his customers ap- ter. This week, it's Germany an- major market downturn does un- points by the close of trading and former Fed chairwoman, said in a pear unfazed, in large part because nouncing shrinking GDP with its fold. But global economic data the S&P 500, which fell 2.9% on taped interview to be aired Friday interest rates remain low, making 10-year bond hitting a record suggests a global recession may Wednesday, rising 0.2%. on Fox Business Network’s “WSJ it easy for households to borrow for negative 0.62% yield. Then there's come a lot sooner than anyone US markets were buoyed by at Large.” “But the odds have new cars. “Even though the aver- Europe seeing negative industrial anticipated. consumer spending figures re- clearly risen and they are higher age transaction price has gone up, production, and China announcing And this reveals an uncomfort- leased on Thursday that showed than I’m frankly comfortable with.” most consumers look at their bud- its lowest industrial production able truth: We've never faced a re- Americans spending more at re- One big factor behind the lat- gets and can see that they can af- growth in 17 years. cession with so much debt and so tail stores and restaurants in July, est troubles is a downturn in glo- ford an automobile or a truck that’s The collapse in global bond little Fed ammunition available and in a sign that consumer confidence bal trade. The duties have driven a little more expensive today than yields has been a theme since with negative rates still in effect in remains positive, despite falling up the price of hundreds of billions it was a year ago,” he said. October of last year, with 10-year many countries. There's no business confidence. of dollars in goods made by the CHINA AND GERMANY US Treasury bonds dropping to playbook for this. Historic data Retail sales in the US rose a world’s two largest economies, hit- On Wednesday, bad news 1.6% from their October 2018 high may be of little predictive use. healthy 0.7% last month after a ting farmers, manufacturers, retail- came from China and Germany — of 3.23%. Now that the two-year/ sudden end to the trade deal 0.3% gain in June, the commerce ers and others. For export-depen- Beijing’s industrial output fell to a 10-year Treasury yield curve has may be imperative — without it we department said. Walmart, the dent economies like China and 17-year low, and the latter revealed inverted, the recession alarm bells don't have much time before the world’s largest retailer and a bell- Germany, trade disruptions mean its export-led economy shrunk 0.1 are ringing. Why? Because every next recession begins. wether of US retail confidence, re- immediate trouble. The U.S. is less percent in the spring — pushed single recession in the past 45 A dash to safety meant the US ported sales gains, lifted in part by dependent on exports, somewhat markets down globally. In part, the years has seen a yield curve in- bond yield curve inverted for the brisk online grocery deliveries. insulating its economy. turbulence has been driven by the version preceding it. History sug- second day running. Not since The retail figures may allay Still, because American multi- year-long trade a New Window. gests that on average a recession 2007 has the 10-year Treasury some concerns about the poten- nationals have spent the past two between the U.S. and China, which begins 22 months after a yield bond traded at a lower interest rate tial for a recession that would end decades building vast global sup- is impacting the global exchange curve inversion. It's not until about than two-year loans, indicating that the 10-year US recovery, the long- ply networks, uncertainty about of goods and hurting some coun- 18 months after an inversion that investors believe a US recession est on record. Consumer spend- trade and the changing cost of tries’ exports. Meanwhile, growth the stock market turns negative. is imminent. Gold, which has ral- ing makes up the bulk of US eco- doing business are leading to trepi- has essentially stopped in Italy. At Yet Bank of America Merril lied when worries about the global nomic growth and consumers have dation about investment. the end of 2018, strapped with debt Lynch numbers indicate that we economy have grown, also proved been carrying the world’s largest Analysts have been peppering and high unemployment, it slipped have less time. For the 10 yield attractive, adding 40 cents to economy recently amid worries U.S. business executives—espe- into recession, lagging behind the curve inversions since 1956, the $1,528.20 per ounce. that businesses will pull back on cially manufacturers—in confer- other members of the European S&P 500 peaked within approxi- While the economic news was their spending because of all the ence calls in recent weeks about Union. It has since recovered. mately three months of the inver- universally bad earlier in the week, uncertainty created by the trade whether they see activity soften- UNITED KINGDOM sion six times. Following the other with figures showing Germany war. ing and are prepared for a down- A third European country, and four, the S&P 500 took 11 to 22 heading into recession and China Other economies are slowing turn. a backbone of the 28-member bloc, months to peak. slowing faster than expected, the as the dispute between the US and “It’s no secret that, given the is also struggling economically. Twenty-two months of growth latest figures from the US released China puts the brakes on manu- level of uncertainty right now around The United Kingdom is inching vs. three months? That's quite a on Thursday contained enough facturers around the world. Mar- [a] number of issues globally that— closer to a recession. In the sec- big gap. Both of these historical good news to lift investors. Al- kets have been hit by weak data from the standpoint of business ond quarter, its economy con- studies suggest there is room for though US industrial production from China and Germany this tentativeness that we’re certainly tracted for the first time — a side- markets to make new highs in the shrank last month and jobless ben- week, driven by poor industrial seeing more of that right now,” E. effect of the possibility of a “no-deal” next few months. In fact, one can efits claims rose, they were offset numbers, while the threat of a no- Scott Santi, chief executive of Illi- Brexit in the upcoming months. imagine several scenarios on how by strong consumer spending in deal Brexit also threatens to de- nois Toolworks Inc., a Glenview, Ill., JAPAN these new highs could come the world’s largest economy. stabilize the global economy fur- manufacturer, said when asked Japan also faces the possibil- about. The mixed messages from the ther. about recession risks in a call last ity of a slowdown, or recession, Central banks could embark US economy appeared to Despite the strong US data on week. In a Wall Street Journal poll amid a nasty trade fight with South on emergency interest rate cuts strengthen the stance of analysts Thursday, the yield curve inversion released last week, economists on Korea. and reintroduce quantitative eas- who dismissed concerns of an has disturbed investors, nonethe- average saw a 33.6% probability In April, the International Mon- ing programs to force more cash imminent recession. Andrew less, because such a bond mar- of a recession in the next 12 etary Fund cut its global growth into equities again. A sudden end Feltus, high yield co-director at the ket move has presaged every US months, up from 30.1% in July and outlook to the lowest pace since to a trade war, with an attempt to Boston-based investment manager recession in the past 50 years. the highest level in the Journal sur- the financial crisis began 12 years save face by both sides, could Amundi Pioneer, said the corpo- “The countdown to a recession has vey going back to 2011. The aver- ago. “This is a delicate moment” certainly spark a sustained global rate sector in the US was growing just started,” said Hussein Sayed, age probability was 18.3% a year for the global economy, the IMF’s relief rally that may end up avert- strongly but the worrying signs of the chief market strategist at ago. chief economist warned during a ing or delaying a recession. In- weak growth could be found in a FXTM, a currency trading platform. But with unemployment low, press conference, citing precarious deed, the Trump administration, broader global slowdown. Fiona Cincotta, a senior ana- incomes rising and household sav- trade negotiations between the U.S. eager to avoid a recession ahead “The US is still in pretty good lyst at City Index, which bets on ing rates higher than in the late and China, as well as uncertainty of the 2020 election, may find it- shape but the rest of the world is market movements, said: “The fact 1990s or mid-2000s, many con- surrounding Britain’s planned de- self in a position to end the trade teetering,” he said. US investors is that no one actually knows what sumers are in better shape to parture from the European Union, war sooner rather than later. But paused for breath on Thursday af- is next for the markets. However, weather a storm. which is slated to happen in Octo- the administration is still faced with ter the midweek sell-off, with the the signs flashing from the markets For now, slow growth is the ber. On Tuesday, equity markets several historic miscalculations of Dow Jones Industrial Average, are not great.” concern of many analysts. Fore- across the globe jumped at the its own making. The massive tax casting firm Macroeconomic Ad- news that the Trump administration cuts of 2017 have produced little visers estimates the economy is would delay some of the new tariffs in the form of growth other than a Trek undertaken by PM on Man vs Wild growing at a 1.7% annual rate in on China it had announced earlier temporary sugar high. Growth is the current quarter, well below the this month. But just one day later, slowing. Long gone are the prom- show to be developed as 'Modi trail' 3% rate the Trump administration global stock markets sold off hard ises of 4% GDP growth. In fact, "The visitors of the park would surely be excited to visit the Modi has said it hopes to achieve in the due to ever-weakening economic growth is looking to drop below 2% Trail also. The move will make it more popular which is already long run. An economy expanding data in Europe and Asia and fur- in lieu of a trade deal. The only world famous for its rich wildlife, especially the tigers." at a sub-2% rate is prone to de- ther yield curve inversions. thing that has been growing are Earlier on Tuesday evening, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat scend into negative territory in the Call it a major hangover. The deficits, which are on pace to hit face of an unforeseen shock. But reversal in tariffs did not come from $1 trillion this year already. All of also congratulated PM Modi for the Man Vs Wild episode shot in the domestic economy—largely a position of strength. It came as a these are signs that the risk of a state's Jim Corbett National Park. driven by consumers, rather than result of global economic reality global recession is a clear and "The episode was seen by people of more than 150 countries. That exporters—might be able to carry sinking in and crushing US mar- present danger. means they are now aware of the popular park. It has helped in the day. kets. This is a very tricky environ- increasing its popularity across the world," he said. Michael Uffner, chief executive Turns out trade wars are not ment for investors to navigate He further added, "Also, after this show, it would attract more tourists of AutoTeam Delaware, which easy to win and the global growth through. History suggests there is and visitors towards it which in turn would help in generating owns three car dealerships, said picture is not looking good. Last time to take advantage of future employment for the residents of the area. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 FROM FRONT PAGE 20 Dow tumbles 800 points after bond market flashes a recession warning The Dow fell 800 points are riskier assets that tend to Wednesday after the bond be more volatile during market, for the first time in over economic slowdowns. a decade, flashed a warning Here's what this all means: signal that has an eerily accurate Normally, long-term bonds pay track record for predicting out more than short-term recessions. bonds because investors Here's what happened: The 10- demand to be paid more to tie year Treasury bondyield fell up their money for a long time. below 1.6% Wednesday But that key "yield curve" morning, dropping just below inverted on Wednesday. That the yield of the 2-year means investors are nervous Treasury bond. It marked the about the near-term prospects first time since 2007 that 10- for the US economy. Bonds year bond yields fell below 2- and yields trade in opposite year yields. directions, so yields sink US stocks fell as investors when investors buy bonds. sold stock in companies and Part of the yield curve has moved it into bonds. The Dow been inverted for several (INDU) fell as many as 808 months. In March, the yield points and was nearly 3.1% on the 3-month Treasury bill lower at the close. The broader rose above the rate on the 10- S&P 500 (SPX) closed down year Treasury note for the first 2.9% and the Nasdaq (COMP) time since 2007. It inverted sank 3% Wednesday. It was again on July 24 and has now, we see few signs of danger with the Dow plunging and rising collapse. The S&P 500 has ahead," said John Lynch, LPL more than 350 points in each rallied 22% on average between Research chief investment session this week. But the yield the first time a yield curve inverts strategist, in a blog post. curve inversion doesn't mean the and the start of a recession, Stocks have grown volatile lately, stock market is about to Lynch noted.

the worst day for stocks of remained negative. But 2019. Wednesday marked the first CNN Business' Fear and time in over a decade that the Greed Index signaled "main" yield curve - the 2-year / investors were extremely 10-year ratio - had inverted. fearful. The VIX (VIX)volatility That spooked Wall Street, index spiked 27%. because an inversion of the 2/10 Investors are on edge because curve has preceded every the German economy shrank recession in modern history. That in the second quarter, and the doesn't mean a recession is US-China trade war still looms imminent, however: The Great large over markets despite the Recession started nearly two latest truce. Industrial years after the December 2005 production in China grew at yield-curve inversion. the weakest rate in 17 years William Foster, Moody's lead US in July. analyst, predicts the US As the global economy economy will avoid a recession sputters, investors are plowing in 2019 and in 2020, despite the money into long-term US yield curve inversion's warning bonds. The 30-year Treasury sign. He expects growth to slow yield fell to 2.03%, the lowest in the second half this year into rate on record. 2020. Government bonds - The US economy remains particularly US Treasuries - strong: Unemployment is are classic "safe-haven" historically low, consumer assets that investors like to spending is booming, and the hold in their portfolios when financial system is healthy. they're nervous about the "Even though we're discouraged economy. Stocks, by contrast, by the yield curve's shape right FROM FRONT PAGE Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 21 German economy shrinks as 'golden decade' comes to an end Germany's economy trade dispute. Weak global months in a row. That's a shrank in the second auto sales have also hit the huge problem for German quarter as global country's carmakers, and carmakers such as BMW uncertainty and the trade fears of a disorderly Brexit (BAMXF), Daimler (DDAIF) war took a toll on its remain a drag. and Volkswagen (VLKAF), manufacturers. A challenging backdrop which have come to GDP for the three months The German economy has depend on the world's ended June contracted helped support growth in largest market for vehicles. 0.1% compared to the Europe following the global It's particularly damaging previous quarter, in line with financial crisis. at a moment when analyst expectations. But industrial output for Germany's automakers That's down from 0.4% June dropped over 5% have to make big growth in the first three compared to the previous investments to build months of the year. year. And the ZEW cleaner cars, said Oliver "Today's GDP report indicator of economic Rakau, chief German definitely marks the end of sentiment for August economist at Oxford a golden decade for the plunged sharply, hitting its Economics. German economy," said lowest level since Throw Brexit into the mix, Carsten Brzeski, chief December 2011. and the outlook for economist in Germany at Brzeski said the uncertain Germany's economy looks case for the German German economy is sides look no closer to the Dutch bank ING. climate was a top negative grim. Even so, Rakau said government to spend more teetering on the edge of striking a deal that would The world's fourth largest factor. "Increased he expects a return to to stimulate the economy recession," said Andrew eliminate existing tariffs. economy, and Europe's uncertainty, rather than "modest" growth in the next year, Rakau said. But Kenningham, chief Europe A fresh round of taxes on biggest, has been hit by direct effects from the trade current quarter, helped by that's far from a sure bet in economist at Capital Chinese exports is still what analysts have conflicts, have dented "resilient" domestic a country that's notoriously Economics. set to go into effect in described as a "perfect sentiment and hence demand. wary about borrowing. The Trump administration September. storm" of negative factors. economic activity," he said. "The main question really The government could face said Monday it would delay Germany's contracting Germany relies heavily on Another core issue is the is how exports and more pressure to intervene tariffs on some consumer economy also bolsters exporters that sell a large global decline in demand industry are going to fare," if the trade war between goods exported from the case for the amount of goods to China for autos - especially in he said. the United States and China, including cell European Central Bank and the United States, China, where new car What happens next China drags on. phones, toys and video to take action when it which are locked in a bitter sales have dropped 13 The weak data bolsters the "The bottom line is that the game consoles. But both meets in September. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 INTERVIEW 22 ‘Articles 370, 35(A) were like chains… let’s give development a chance’: PM Narendra Modi

PM Narendra Modi said that from children's safety to ensured the country is now Earlier governments too had Chandrayaan-II, from action against corruption to freeing ready to take off, powered by the given a thought to reforming this Muslim women from the scourge of Triple Talaq, from Kashmir aspirations of the people. The first sector but could not go through session of the 17th Lok Sabha with it. We decided to go through to Kisan, we have shown what a resolute government with a has been a record-creating one - with it because this is not a strong mandate of the people can achieve. it was the most productive matter that can be taken lightly, session since 1952. This is not as it concerns the health of our a minor achievement but, in my people and future of our youth. view, a historic turn for the better So, we set up an expert group to and one which will make our look into what is plaguing it. The Parliament much more expert group studied the system responsive to the needs and carefully and brought out the aspirations of the people. Many problems and improvement momentous initiatives have been areas. It is based on the taken such as pension schemes suggestions from experts that we for farmers and traders, reform of came to the current bill. the medical sector, important Why is there so many amendments in the Insolvency hullabaloos about the bill and Bankruptcy code, beginning then? of labour reforms I could go on The National Medical and on. But the gist of the matter Commission is a far-reaching is that when the intentions are reform in this space and seeks right, there is clarity of purpose to correct the prevalent and implementation, and there is problems. It contains multiple people's support, then there's no reforms that curb avenues of (News Agencies)- In the first 75 should we think your Ministry for a mission mode and limit to what we can do. corruption and boost days of Prime Minister Narendra government is any different? integrated approach to improve There has been some noise transparency.At a time when Modi's second term, the We have set an unprecedented water supply and augment water on the medical reforms front nations are looking at India to government has acted on some pace within just the first few days conservation. from various quarters. Do you power the next wave of growth in of the most crucial issues like of our government. What we have Did the unprecedented think the changes you have the world, we realise that this can abrogation of Article 370 in been able to achieve is the result mandate help you firm up brought in are well thought happen only with a healthy Jammu and Kashmir and carving of 'Spasht Neeti, Sahi Disha your commitment to the through? populace. Freeing the poor from out two Union Territories from it. (Right Intentions, Clear Policy)'. people of India with an When we formed the government the vicious cycle of poverty that In a record-setting session of In just the first 75 days of our unstinting resolve that reform in 2014, there were many lack of health perpetuates is very Parliament, Modi government government, a lot has happened. has to percolate down? And concerns about the existing important. The NMC serves this managed to clear several laws. From children's safety to you have used your political system of medical education. purpose well too. It will ensure Speaking to news agency IANS, Chandrayaan-II, from action heft by going beyond the Earlier, courts have used strong transparency, accountability and the prime minister said that the against corruption to freeing executive and using the words for the institution quality in the governance of government's achievements are Muslim women from the scourge mandate in the legislature? overseeing medical education in medical education in the country. the result of "Spasht Neeti, Sahi of Triple Talaq, from Kashmir to In a way, it is also the result of India, calling it a "den of It aims to lessen the burden on Disha (Right Intentions, Clear Kisan, we have shown what a the government coming back with corruption". A parliamentary students, increase the number of Policy)". resolute government with a strong a stronger mandate. What we committee did rigorous study and medical seats and reduce cost You complete 75 days of your mandate of the people can were able to achieve in the first took a very dull view of the state of medical education. This government today. Every achieve. We have taken a head- 75 days was the outcome of the of affairs in medical education. It means more talented youth can government passes through start in tackling the most robust base we were able to build pointed out mismanagement, take up medicine as a profession such milestone numbers and pressing issue of our times, with in the last 5 years. Hundreds of lack of transparency and and this will help us increase the talks about steps taken. Why the formation of Jal Shakti reforms in the last 5 years have arbitrariness. number of medical professionals. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 INTERVIEW 23 Ayushman Bharat is bringing Universities have been granted going to the police station would decades clearly could not fulfill But aren't there concerns about a revolution in the autonomy. These universities will think whether he will get justice people's aspirations. Citizens about democracy? Will the healthcare sector. It is increasing remain within the ambit of UGC and similarly a person buying were kept away from the fruits of voice of the people of awareness as well as but will have the freedom to start something from the market will development. The greatest Kashmir be heard? affordability of quality healthcare, new courses, off campus fear adulteration. casualty was the lack of any Kashmir has never witnessed especially in tier-2 and tier-3 centres, skill development We decided, right from day one, proper economic avenues to such a strong commitment in towns. We are also working to courses, research parks and any to attack the menace of increase earnings. Our approach favour of democracy. Remember ensure that there is at least one other new academic programs. corruption. Someone had to is different- instead of the vicious the turnout during the Panchayat medical college between every 3 They will also have the freedom make a start somewhere, we cycle of poverty, the people need elections? The people voted in districts. With rising awareness to hire foreign faculty, enrol decided to do this, without caring more economic opportunities. large numbers and did not get about healthcare, rising incomes foreign students, give incentive- for political consequences. The What is your message for the cowed down by bullying. In and greater focus on aspirational based emoluments to the faculty, results show that we are people of J&K in the new November and December of goals among people, we will enter into academic succeeding. Not only is dispensation, unshackled and 2018, there were 35,000 need thousands and thousands collaborations and run open corruption coming down, but unfettered to reap the future Sarpanches elected and the of doctors to fulfil the demand, distance learning programmes. trust in society is increasing. The of reform in India, one replete turnout in the Panchayat especially in rural and rurban Progress has been also made in number of people filing income with jobs and a better life? elections was a record 74 per areas. The NMC seeks to taking forward the mission of tax returns almost doubled in the For years, intimidation ruled the cent. There was no violence address these issues for a better National Education Policy. The last 5 years. We have roost. Let us now give during the Panchayat elections. outcome for all stakeholders. first draft of National Education systematically clamped down on development a chance. My Not a drop of blood was shed in You must have also read that the Policy (NEP) got lakhs of inputs corruption and made tax filing and sisters and brothers of Jammu, poll violence. This, when the main academic year 2019-20 will see and suggestions right from the refund process online. Already, Kashmir and Ladakh always parties there were lukewarm to the biggest addition of medical block and panchayat level. refunds are being credited wanted a better future for them this entire exercise. It is very seats in government colleges in Looking at the response and the directly to bank accounts of but Article 370 did not enable it. satisfying that now Panchayats a single year with the creation of interest of various stakeholders, income-tax payers, without any There was injustice against are back at the forefront of around 2 dozen new government the committee went for another human intervention. women and children, ST as well furthering development and medical colleges. Our roadmap round of consultations. Going a few steps further, we aim as SC communities. And, most human empowerment. is clear ? a transparent, The latest draft of the Education to make faceless assessment of importantly, the innovative zeal of Imagine, for so many years those accessible and affordable Policy, drawn after such income tax return a reality. This the people of Jammu, Kashmir in power did not find it prudent to medical education system extensive consultations, has would be a game-changer in and Ladakh was not harnessed. work towards strengthening leading to better healthcare again been put in the public ushering a new era of Now, from BPOs to startups, Panchayats. And remember, outcomes. domain for a final round of inputs. transparency in the tax system. from food processing to tourism, they gave great sermons on Education is critical for a All stakeholders in education the We are firm in our commitment many industries can avail democracy but the words never young nation. However, in the states, parents, teachers, that neither will we allow investment and create led to action. It surprised and conversations surrounding students, counselors, have been corruption nor will we tolerate any opportunities for the local youth. saddened me that 73 rd your government, education heard a multiple number of times. form of undue harassment. Education and skill development Amendment did not apply to seems missing. What is the Our focus is that the National Hence, we took tough steps and will also bloom. I want to clearly Jammu and Kashmir. How could government doing on this? Education Policy should be compulsorily retired some tax assure my sisters and brothers such injustice be tolerated? It Education is not just critical but driven by educationists, experts officials in the last few weeks. In of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh was in the last few years that the most important component and stakeholders so that it does the previous term also, hundreds that these regions will develop as Panchayats in Jammu and in the overall spectrum of skilled not remain a policy but is adopted of government officials were per the wishes of local people, Kashmir got more powers to human resource for a technology- in practice at the earliest. India removed from service when there their dreams and ambitions. The work towards people's progress oriented, inclusive, people- with its huge demographic were reasons to do so. We have growth of these regions will first and various subjects transferred centric and people-driven growth dividend, has the potential to also leveraged the power of and foremost be powered by to Panchayats under the 73 rd model. It not only has to the become a leading knowledge technology through DBT which those belonging to these regions. amendment were transferred to potential to positively transform economy in the world. has resulted in a savings of more Articles 370 and 35(A) were like Panchayats of Jammu and lives but also has a bearing on A couple of important than Rs 1.4 lakh crore. chains that kept people tied. Kashmir. the future of the nation. decisions related to Your decision on Article 370 These chains are now broken, Now, I have requested the We are working on all aspects corruption sent shock waves has been welcomed by many people have been unshackled Honourable Governor to work of education. At the school level, in the bureaucracy what and also been opposed by a from such dominance and they towards organising Block special focus is being paid to message were you intending few. There seems to be an will now shape their own destiny. Panchayat elections too. improving quality of education, to send? uneasy calm at the moment. Those who are opposing the Recently, the Jammu and improving learning outcomes, Since India's independence, one Why do you think the people decisions on Jammu and Kashmir administration did the giving a boost to innovation and of the biggest things holding us of J&K will stand with you? Kashmir should answer one 'Back to Village' programme, scientific temper, improving back was corruption. Corruption Please see the list of people who basic question- what is their where the entire government infrastructure, using technology spared no one, neither the rich have opposed the decisions defence for Articles 370 and machinery went to the people to improve understanding among nor the poor. People resorted to about Kashmir- the usual vested 35(A) remaining? They would instead of vice versa. They went the students. We are trying to corruption either due to some interest groups, political have no answer to this question. just to mitigate people's leverage technology like Artificial greed or to make a quick buck dynasties, those who And, these are the same people problems. The common citizens Intelligence, Machine Learning to or due to some compulsion. But sympathise with terror and some who are used to protesting when appreciated the programme. The improve school education. even these people wanted friends in the Opposition. it comes to anything that helps results of these efforts are for all In higher education, we are corruption to stop. The question The people of India, irrespective common people. There is a to see. Swachh Bharat, rural constantly striving to increase in everyone's mind was that who of what their political preference project to provide water to electrification and other such seats, increase presence of will start the fight against is, have supported the steps people, they will oppose it. There initiatives are reaching the premier institutions across the corruption and from where. The taken in Jammu, Kashmir and is a railway track being built, they grassroots. This is what country, give more autonomy to fight against corruption always Ladakh. This is about the nation, will oppose that. Their heart only democracy truly is. In any case, institutions, and while boosting had the support of people, media, not politics. The people of India beats for Maoists and terrorists I have assured people that research and innovation. We set institutions, because everyone are seeing that tough but who have only bullied common elections in Jammu, Kashmir will up a Higher Education Financing agreed that corruption was a essential decisions that were citizens. continue and it is the people of Agency (HEFA) with an aim to major obstacle in India's earlier assumed to be impossible Today, every Indian is fully these regions only who will provide funds upto Rs one lakh development journey. And this are becoming a reality. It is now standing with the people of represent the larger public. Yes, crore by 2022. Rs 21,000 crore was not only an issue related to clear to everyone how Articles Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh those who ruled Kashmir thinking has already been sanctioned till money. Corruption eroded trust 370 and 35(A) fully isolated and I am confident they will stand it is their divine right to do so will now. 60 Higher Educational in the society, be it a government Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. with us in the aim to boost dislike democratisation and Institutions, including 52 office or the market. A person The status quo of seven long development and bring peace. peddle incorrect narratives. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 SPECIAL REPORT 24 What's next for Kashmir? Concerns on 3 key issues mark local discourse Since the early hours of August 5, politics has been operating in a vacuum in the Valley - with three former CMs, prominent leaders of the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, and at least 500 political workers detained.

Two events six months apart ninth day on Tuesday, there is have shaken Nazir Ahmad much consternation about what Magrey’s life: The suicide lies ahead for the Valley’s five bombing on February 14 that million people on three fronts - killed 40 paramilitary troopers politics, economy and security. barely 100 metres from his two- POLITICS storey house overlooking the Since the early hours of August Jhelum; and the revoking of 5, politics has been operating in Article 370, which granted a vacuum in the Valley - with special status to Jammu & three former chief ministers, Kashmir, on August 5. prominent leaders of the National used to carry India’s flag in the requesting anonymity. “The operations by increasing The bomb attack - he initially Conference (NC) and the Valley, their space has been restrictions are there for a troop-to-ground density and thought it was a plane crash - Peoples Democratic Party squeezed,” said Altaf Hussain, specific purpose and they are imposing restrictions, said blew out his windows and shook (PDP), and at least 500 political a Srinagar-based political likely to stay in place for as long former Northern Army the frame of his house, bringing workers detained at unspecified commentator. as required if it helps saves lives,” commander Lieutenant General the spectre of terror to his locations. But among many What is adding to this sentiment he said. BS Jaswal (retd). “How long will doorstep. He was questioned by locals, there is little sympathy is the widely held view that the But security experts worry that the restrictions last? No one can the local police and the National for mainstream politicians, who redrawing of constituency this is not a sustainable long term crystal gaze. The government will Investigation Agency (NIA) after are seen to have failed to boundaries - necessitated arrangement. have to recalibrate its strategy the strike that brought India and safeguard Kashmir’s interests. because the erstwhile state will “For how long can you keep the based on how the situation Pakistan to the brink of war. “These politicians have failed us, be broken up into two Union restrictions imposed? They will unfolds in Kashmir,” he said. Territories, Jammu & Kashmir have to be lifted at some stage. Jaswal cautioned against a surge with a legislative assembly and The security establishment must in militancy in the coming Ladakh without one - may hurt prepare for the worst-case months for two reasons: Pakistan Muslim-majority Kashmir, which scenario. The most important will definitely not want Kashmir currently holds 46 of 87 seats, thing will be how mass protests to be stable and political leaders compared to 37 in Hindu are handled because such with vested interests will make dominated Jammu. “This is a protests are bound to happen,” sure that the dissatisfaction ploy to hurt our autonomy and said Lieutenant General DS arising from the removal of Article power,” said Muzaffar Wani, a Hooda (retd), a former Northern 370 accrues. resident of Anantnag. “The NC Army commander. ECONOMY PDP have no credibility The challenge before the security Kashmir has a home-grown anymore,” said Mukammal Wani forces once the restrictions are network of industrialists and in Pulwama. lifted and communications are businesses that mushroomed The nullification of Article 370, betrayed us. What was their Mohsin Alam Bhat, executive restored will be stiff, given the owing to special privileges for too, ratcheted up bilateral use?” asked Bashir Ahmed, a director of the Center for Public mood of local people. “What you local residents on property, land tensions. But Magray fears it can businessman in Anantnag Interest Law at the Jindal Global are seeing now is government and setting up factories and have very personal ramifications: district’s Bijbehara town, Law School, said mainstream action, a clampdown on our industrial units - as part of a the pulverisation of his fledging considered a stronghold of the parties understood that Article freedom. What will follow is a broader bouquet of autonomy timber business and the Mufti party that controls the PDP. 370, and its existence, was key full-fledged public agitation. that was accorded to the region bottoming out of the local Other voices in Pulwama and to their relevance in the Valley. This is the lull before the until last week. But now, many economy that has the potential Awantipora underlined “A lot will depend on what the storm,” said Pervez Yaqoob, a residents fear that local wealth to hurt young men and women disappointment in elected Supreme Court finally decides,” college student in Anantnag will flow out of the Valley. like his son, who is pursuing an leadership and growing support he added. town. For example, Magray thinks he undergraduate degree in for “Azaadi”. SECURITY There has been no significant will find it tough to compete with business administration. The biggest mass protest since The nerve centre of the Indian backlash so far as the Indian businesses with superior “I fear that in 20 years big India clamped curfew-like government’s security response government has denied supply chains and facilities, and industries will take over my restrictions last week in old in the Valley is Srinagar’s “troublemakers” space for their lower rates. business by procuring cheaper Srinagar’s Soura last Friday had Badami Bagh Cantonment, the raw material from India and people chanting Azadi slogans, army’s heavily guarded selling at lower rates. And, if there waving black flags and shouting headquarters of the 15 Corps is increased competition for jobs, “India go back” - and the where officials say there is no it will only increase sentiment is carried by a section fixed time frame for the despondency among young boys of those aligned with the communications blackout and like my son. It may trigger a administration. “My job is to movement restrictions. “It is spike in militancy,” he said, follow orders and I am doing that. important for the Kashmiris to venting his disappointment with But that doesn’t mean I am not realise that the abrogation of the mainstream politicians from angry or hurt. Kashmir doesn’t Article 370 is irreversible. Our the Valley who failed to secure seem like ours anymore,” said deployment across the Valley the “gift” of Article 370. a J&K police constable on has inherent flexibility to deal As Kashmir reels from an condition of anonymity. with all possible scenarios,” a unprecedented lockdown for a “The move has hurt those who senior army officer said, Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 BUSINESS 25 After $140 billion wipeout, China's two largest companies bid for comeback Alibaba and Tencent's businesses are largely domestic, having little to do with the US or trade. Tencent is back on track after a horrendous 2018, with revenue growth projected to rebound to 27% in the June quarter thanks to hits like Peacekeeper Elite and durable titles like Honour of Kings. the US or trade. Tencent is back strong quarter when it reports on the areas where Alibaba is on track after a horrendous Thursday. The e-commerce giant struggling. Alibaba's Ele.me's 2018, with revenue growth is weighing a secondary listing market share may have lost projected to rebound to 27% in in Hong Kong that could raise as another 2 percentage points in the June quarter thanks to hits much as $20 billion, though the food delivery to 36% in the like Peacekeeper Elite and target is in flux. Shares are down second quarter compared with durable titles like Honour of by about 12% over the last year, three months ago, according to China's two largest companies Trump's administration slapped Kings. Alibaba, coming off a while its price to earnings ratio, David Dai, a Hong Kong-based have lost a combined $140 billion restrictions on Chinese national record June online promotional based on financial estimates for Bernstein analyst. in market value since the champion Huawei Technologies blitz, is expected to report the next 12 months, is about 24, The worst seems to be behind escalation of the trade war in Co., drawing the ire of Beijing. revenue growth of 38%. compared with Amazon's roughly for Tencent, which reports on May. As Alibaba Group Holding The Hong Kong benchmark has 'Despite growth concerns, a few 70. Wednesday. After a year of not Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. slid more than 10%, with the two China internet companies have Raising capital could help being able to monetize its most report earnings this week back- giants dropping by similar performed quite well recently, replenish ammunition for the e- popular gaming genre, the social to-back, they'll try to show the amounts. especially in e-commerce and commerce giant, currently media giant has finally won punishment is overdone. Yet Alibaba and Tencent's gaming,' said Jerry Liu, a Hong engaged in a cash burning battle regulatory approval to make The brutal market selloff began businesses are largely Kong-based analyst at UBS. for on-demand and food delivery money from its latest title, three months ago as Donald domestic, having little to do with Alibaba, in particular, needs a services with Meituan. It's one of Peacekeeper Elite. Amazon nears deal for up to 10% of India's second-largest retailer Amazon has been acquiring tiny stakes in other Indian brick-and-mortar chains such as Shoppers Stop Ltd. and a grocery chain from the Aditya Birla Group in the past couple of years. Amazon.com Inc. is in to buy more shares from Kishore Discussions are yet to be late-stage talks to acquire as Biyani, Future Retail's founder finalized, and the deal could still much as 10% of India's Future and chairman. falter or be delayed. Retail Ltd., people familiar with The deal with the Mumbai-based Representatives for parent the negotiations said, as the U.S. company, which operates its company Future Group and company moves to bolster its flagship "Big Bazaar" grocery Amazon in India said they don't brick-and-mortar presence in one store chain, will give Amazon comment on market of the world's fastest-growing more exposure to the business speculation. of Mukesh Ambani, Asia's richest such as Shoppers Stop Ltd. and retail markets. after it bought Whole Foods Last Market man, that plans to combine the a grocery chain from the Aditya India's No. 2 retailer by turnover, Market Inc. for $13.7 billion in The potential deal underlines the online and offline retail formats in Birla Group in the past couple Future is seeking a valuation of 2017 and secured a foothold in American online giant's India. Walmart, which spent $16 of years. That's on top of directly about 20 billion rupees ($281 the U.S. food retailing segment. ambitions to dominate the last billion last year to acquire Indian plowing in $5.5 billion into its million) from Amazon for the The proposed investment in sizable market yet to be conquered e-tailer Flipkart Online Services own operations in a bid to grab stake, according to the people, Future Retail offers some by large networks of hypermarkets Pvt. Ltd., has a local unit that is a bigger slice of India's modern who asked not to be identified as parallels, enabling Amazon to tap and supermarkets, after losing allowed to sell goods to smaller retail market which, according to the discussions are private. The into India's rising demand for ground in China. It'll also give the grocery stores but not directly to consultant Technopak Advisors, sale is likely to be routed through household products and home- Jeff Bezos-controlled firm an consumers.Amazon has been will more than double to $188 a holding company, they said, delivered fresh produce and edge over rival Walmart Inc. and acquiring tiny stakes in other billion by 2023, up from $79 and will give Amazon the option vegetables. the planned e-commerce venture Indian brick-and-mortar chains billion last year. Realty firm Jaypee fined Rs 14 cr for imposing arbitrary conditions on buyers The Competition who alleged that conditions collecting money/charges from Commission of India (CCI) has imposed by JAL were arbitrary the buyers without delivering the imposed a penalty of Rs 13.82 and heavily tilted in favour of it," residential/dwelling unit on time, crore on Jaiprakash Associates an official statement said. adding additional construction Limited (JAL) for abusing its Based on the investigation, the and amending /altering the dominant position in the market Commission found that the layout plans, imposition of of independent residential units standard terms and conditions various charges, right to raise such as villas, estate homes in imposed by JAL were one-sided finance from any bank/financial their integrated township through and couched in a manner so as institution/body corporate unfair and discriminatory to unilaterally favour itself and be without consulting buyers was conditions on the allottees in unfavourable to the consumers, held to be abusive," it said. Wish Town, Jaypee Greens it said. Therefore, the Commission imposed a penalty of Rs. 13.82 from sale of independent project, in Noida and Greater " Moreover, terms were vague concluded such conduct of JAL crore (Rupees Thirteen Crore residential units in the relevant Noida. and did not confer any to be in violation of Section Eighty Two Lakh) on JAL, it said. market. Besides, a cease and "The final order was passed on substantive rights on the buyers. 4(2)(a)(i) of the Act, it added. The penalty was calculated @ 5% desist order has also been an information filed by a buyer The conduct of JAL, such as Resultantly, the Commission of the average revenue of JAL issued to JAL. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 BUSINESS 26 RIL unveils blockbuster $15 billion Aramco deal 42nd AGM Reliance Industries to sell 20% in refining, chemicals business in a bid to become a zero-debt firm in next 18 months

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is Reliance for a 20% stake in oil- network of fuel retail outlets last in the process of selling a 20% tochemicals division at an week. stake in the company's flagship enterprise value of $75 billion for Ambani is aiming to slash RIL's chemicals and refining business the O2C division, which will be ballooning debt after spending as to Saudi Aramco in a deal valued demerged into a separate much as $50 billion to propel its at $15 billion, as the Indian subsidiary in the next five years," telecom business to the top company seeks to cut its Ambani told shareholders. position in India within three massive debt and secure an In addition to the stake sale to years of starting operations, continuous crude oil supply to liabilities rose to $65 billion as assured supply of crude oil to its Aramco, RIL will raise $1 billion surpassing Bharti Airtel Ltd and RIL's twin refineries but also bring of March 31 from $19 billion at refineries. from BP Plc, which will acquire Vodafone Idea Ltd. in pricing advantages and give the end of March 2015, resulting Chairman Mukesh Ambani, a 49% stake in RIL's petro- As part of the proposed deal, RIL cushion from the uncertain in interest cost rising almost Asia's richest man, announced retailing business for Rs.7,000 Saudi Aramco will also supply global crude oil market," an fourfold to $4 billion during the the proposed transaction at the crore, said Ambani. 500,000 barrels per day of crude analyst with a domestic period. company's 42nd annual general The investments are subject to oil on a long-term basis to RIL's brokerage said on condition of "This programme to meeting on Monday, although due diligence, definitive Jamnagar refinery. anonymity. aggressively pursue the terms of the deal have not agreements, regulatory and Saudi Aramco, the most "For Saudi Aramco, this deal deleveraging in businesses and been finalized. other approvals, Ambani said, profitable company in the world, gives a much sought-after emerge as a zerodebt company The deal, which values the oilto- adding that the Saudi Aramco controls the world's second- foothold in India, the third-largest in the next 18 months will chemicals (O2C) business at partnership will cover all of RIL's largest proven crude reserves at consumer of crude oil in the strengthen the consolidated $75 billion, is part of a plan to refining and petrochemicals more than 270 billion barrels, and world." balance sheet leading to strong make RIL a zero-debt company assets, including its 51% stake the partnership will go a long way The proposed deal, once valuation rerating of the stock," in the next 18 months, Ambani in the fuel retailing joint venture in insulating RIL from any future completed, is expected to said Ajay Bodke, chief said in a speech at the annual with BP. oil shocks and volatility in crude significantly improve RIL's debt executive officer of portfolio meeting. RIL and BP announced a joint prices, said industry experts. profile. management services at "Saudi Aramco will invest in venture to open a nationwide "This deal could not only ensure The company's total financial Prabhudas Lilladher. India never sold foreign debt.Its first attempt is failing "The biggest benefit of the thin end of the wedge. domestic product. The plan. Borrowing from sale is the confidence that Once we see that it has federal government spends overseas will not only it signals to the world at become very successful, about 20% of its annual increase the risk of higher large about India being we might keep on doing it budget servicing domestic inflation and currency confident of opening its and get into pressure debt. volatility, but also boost economy," said Duvvuri situations needlessly." All of that means former debt costs on dollar bonds Subbarao, a former While India has enjoyed central bank officials and a when the rupee weakens, governor of the Reserve average annual growth of key political ally of Prime they argued. Bank of India. "But the fear 7.5% in the past decade, Minister Narendra Modi The rupee has depreciated and concern that strike me it has a combined fiscal have spent the past weeks in seven of the past 10 India's foray into together an array of are that this will become a deficit of about 8% of gross criticizing the debt sale years. international debt markets opponents arguing that may consist of little more currency volatility and FTC Obtains Telemarketing Injunctions against Recidivist Do Not Call than sound and fury, as the elevated debt costs would nation struggles to shed ruin the country. Violators Jasjit “Jay” Gotra and His Company, Alliance Security Inc. decades of trepidation "India has a historical Defendants responsible for more than one million illegal calls about borrowing in foreign aversion to issuing in (By our staff reporter) Washington Alliance installed home security The U.S. District Court for the District currencies. foreign currency, and this D.C.: The Federal Trade Commission systems, and its employees allegedly of Massachusetts has now issued A fanfare announcement in has been institutionalized the July budget has been over time," said Bryan obtained a stipulated final order that made outbound calls to solicit the sale orders against Alliance and Gotra. The followed by the removal of Carter, London-based head permanently bans Alliance Security of the systems and associated stipulated final order against Alliance, the official driving the sale, of emerging-market debt at Inc. from telemarketing. The FTC also security monitoring services. Gotra to which it has agreed, resolves the objections from the Prime BNP Paribas Asset obtained a preliminary injunction and Alliance (then known as Versatile FTC’s allegations against the Minister's office, and finally Management. barring Alliance’s founder and CEO, Marketing Solutions, Inc.), previously company. The order permanently bans an admission fromFinance Policymakers "see it as an Jasit “Jay” Gotra, from telemarketing settled similar FTC allegations against the company from all telemarketing Minister Nirmala unnecessary risk to open until the final resolution of the case them in a 2014 court order. and from obtaining or using consumer Sitharaman that no work up to foreign capital flows against him. Gotra is the sole The 2018 complaint alleges that credit reports without written has been done on the and subject themselves to remaining defendant in a 2018 FTC Alliance and Gotra never complied with authorization. It also prohibits Alliance mooted $10 billion offering. the mercy and whims of case against Alliance, Gotra, and their the 2014 court order. Instead, Alliance from misrepresenting its affiliation or India's first venture into the international investors." telemarketers for calling more than and Gotra violated the TSR again by association with other alarm overseas bond market The fear is that India may one million consumers whose making one million additional illegal companies, and imposes a would shift part of its 7- tread the well-worn paths trillion-rupee ($100 billion) of other developing numbers are on the National Do Not calls. The complaint also alleges that suspended $9,845,021 judgment borrowing abroad, and countries such as Call (DNC) Registry. Alliance and Gotra obtained against the company, based upon its enable it tap a wider pool Argentina and Greece who According to the FTC’s complaint, consumers’ credit scores without inability to pay. The judgment will of funds. But fears that it were saddled with sizable Alliance and Gotra are repeat violators consumers’ knowledge or permission, become due in full if it is later may increase the nation's foreign borrowings after of the Telemarketing Sales Rule and without having a permissible determined that Alliance reliance on foreign they failed to balance their (TSR), which prohibits calls to purpose, in violation of the Fair Credit misrepresented its financial condition borrowing has brought budgets. numbers on the DNC Registry. Reporting Act. to the Commission. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 HEALTH 27 HowHow nutritiousnutritious isis youryour diet?diet? Maintaining a good diet and keeping a check one, you might want to consider If you use other fitness apps GOQii, a fitness tracker that is already to track your runs or on your nutritional intake is easy now with backed by an ecosystem of workouts, you should look at nutritionists, personal trainers, apps like Lose It!, Lifesum, cools apps and gadgets and wellness experts. GOQii MyFitnessPal, or MyNetDiary aims to tap the otherwise which sync with RunKeeper, meaningless stream of data that Endomondo, Strava, et al as well fitness wearables throw at you as Apple HealthKit, Google Fit, and make it useful for you via and Samsung Health. intervention of qualified experts LifeSum is actually very good remotely. and includes meal plans for An easy way to get started with several popular diets like keto, diet management is via low carb, and others. You can smartphone apps that help you also try MyNetDiary if you want with logging your food intake and to keep a track of things like your keeping a tab on your diet, with blood glucose, heart rate, additional features like cholesterol, and more. customized diet plans, nutrition MyFitnessPal is one of the more charts, weight tracking, et al. popular and older ones in this Calorie Counter by FatSecret is segment and is easily one of the a basic, and completely free, most well-rounded fitness and dietary diary to keep a record of nutrition app. the food that you eat and the There's also HealthifyMe calories that you burn. It also which is quite popular in India features a diet calendar and a since as a homegrown service, reference guide to check it has the broadest catalogue nutritional value of a variety of of Indian food items. foods. Then there's Fooducate These apps also connect to One of the key factors researched crash diet programs, or similar wearables, you can that goes beyond diet and weight your Fitbit, Misfit, and Garmin of staying healthy is maintaining but thankfully, like with most keep a tab on your calorie count loss management by not just wearables so that your a good diet and keeping a check things these days, there are by logging your food intake on counting your calories but also workouts and everything else on your nutritional intake. smarter and seamless ways to their companion apps. But that's helping you analyze the value of are also integrated for Most people just focus on their go about it now. that. the calories consumed to comprehensive health workout routines or opt for self- If you use a Fitbit or Apple Watch If you are in the market for a new improve your diet. management. New drug to treat deadliest TB approved by US drug regulator Pretamonid, a novel compound developed by the non- profit organization TB Alliance, was approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on August 14. The US drug regulator Antifungal Drugs (LPAD The three-drug regimen has approved a new tuberculosis pathway) as part of a three-drug, consisting of bedaquiline, (TB) drug for treating hard-to-treat six-month, all-oral regimen for the pretomanid and linezolid - drug-resistant TB that makes the treatment of people with XDR-TB collectively referred to as the treatment regimen shorter and or MDR-TB, who are treatment- BPaL regimen - was studied in simpler. intolerant or non-responsive. the pivotal Nix-TB trial across Pretamonid, a novel compound The LPAD pathway was three sites in South Africa. The developed by the non-profit established by FDA as a tool to trial enrolled 109 people with organization TB Alliance, was encourage further development of XDR-TB and also MDR-TB. some involving daily injections, patients could also access it. approved by the US Food & Drug antibacterial and antifungal drugs Nix-TB data demonstrated a for 18 months or longer. "As the third new drug developed Administration (FDA) on August to treat serious, life-threatening successful outcome in 95 of the "Until very recently, people for TB in over half a century, and 14. infections that affect a limited first 107 patients after six months infected with highly drug-resistant the first to be developed as part TB is the leading infectious population of patients with unmet of treatment with BPaL and six TB had poor treatment options of a ready-to-use treatment cause of death worldwide, killing needs. months of post-treatment follow- and a poor prognosis," said Dr. regimen, pretomanid's approval at least 1.6 million people "FDA approval of this treatment up. For two patients, treatment Francesca Conradie, principal represents another potent tool for annually. There are more than represents a victory for the people was extended to nine months. investigator of the Nix-TB trial. tackling difficult-to-treat drug- half a million cases of multi drug- suffering from these highly drug- TB, in all forms, is treated with "This new regimen provides hope resistant forms of TB," said resistant TB (MDR-TB) annually, resistant forms of the world's a combination of drugs; the most with 9 out of 10 patients achieving Médecins Sans Frontières with about 6% of those cases deadliest infectious disease," drug-sensitive forms of TB culture negative status at 6 (MSF), in a statement. being extensively drug-resistant said Mel Spigelman, MD, require six months of treatment months post-treatment with this "However, it must be made TB (XDR-TB) cases. India president and CEO of TB using four anti-TB drugs. short, all-oral regimen." affordable to everyone who needs accounts for nearly a quarter of Alliance. "The associated novel Treatment of XDR-TB or MDR- The drug is likely to be available it, especially considering the the global TB cases. regimen will hopefully provide a TB takes longer and is more in the US markets by the end of substantial taxpayer and The new drug was approved shorter, more easily manageable expensive, with patients 2019. philanthropic contributions that under the Limited Population and highly efficacious treatment currently taking a combination TB activists want the drug to be went into its development," it Pathway for Antibacterial and for those in need." of as many as eight antibiotics, made affordable so that poor added. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 FASHION & TRENDS 28 From suits, to pink, to anti-fits, here's a complete sibling style swap guide Raksha Bandhan 2019: This Raksha Bandhan, we show you how siblings can share each other’s wardrobe and create stylish looks to give off a cool androgynous vibe.

relaxed fit linen pants for a comfy monochromatic. look. Think pink Power of a suit Men are wearing pink like never If you are in a mood to rock a before. Make a cool statement pantsuit, you don't necessarily with this colour. Your sister's need to buy one. Raid your sheer pink shacket can be a part brother's closet and pick a of your wardrobe. Style it with a coloured suit. Wearing it without white tee. Girls can look for a a shirt or top underneath or a boxy and oversized blazer from knotted shirt is the cool way to their brother's closet for that go about it for girls. From slouchy, anti-fit look. Team the snakeskin print to zebra print, jacket with drawstring pants. Remember raiding your sibling's options abound for stylish men. Coloured jackets can keep the closet as a kid? Your brother's Guys can take a break from quirk element intact. distressed denims were your those boring plain suits and pull Handy handloom favourite and you would make it off a printed one picked from their Have you ever thought of wearing look sassier by teaming with sister's closet. your brother's kurta-pajama set? pussy bow shirts. While sisters Traditional twist If not then you should give it a had a lot of options to choose Dhoti may be a tricky outfit to try. While the silhouette is very from when they browsed through pull off, but it's undoubtedly the boxy, you can add that extra their brother's wardrobe, boys coolest. You don't really need to quirk by rolling up your sleeves couldn't explore much from their buy a dhoti if you are planning and unbuttoning few buttons from sister's collection. But with to wear it for any occasion. Your the top. androgyny foraying in fashion and sister's sari can be of great help. Patiala pyjamas are not just girls investing in pantsuits, Choose the sari colour meant for women. They look like kimonos and oversized shirts, creatively. You can either do harem pants which are unisex. boys can now make the most of colour-blocking, tonal dressing You can wear your sister's their sister's closet. With smart (dress up head to toe in the Patiala salwar with a trendy styling and the right mix and same tone) or go blazer to look spiffy. match, you can cement your style credentials. Why not have some fun and experiment like you have never done before this Raksha Bandhan. Flower power Every stylish guy owns a few floral shirts. Florals for men are a rage in the fashion world, globally. You can borrow your brother's floral shirt and style it with a slip dress. A neatly done top bun with wet strands on the forehead goes well with this look. Guys can also celebrate flower power by opting for their sister's floral hoodie and teaming it with Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 MOVIE REVIEW 29 Sacred Games 2 review Addictive and aggressive, Netflix India's greatest show finds Nawazuddin Siddiqui in nuclear form Sacred Games season 2 review: Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Pankaj Tripathi's Netflix India show is even bet- ter than season one. Rating: 4.5/5. Sacred Games Season 2 a swagger that could put even timelines, and is a brand new Cast - Saif Ali Khan, Ganesh Gaitonde to shame - a addition, not to be found in the Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj sign of confidence for a show that book, neither in flesh nor as a Tripathi, Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir is equally adept at 'dialoguebaazi' facsimile. While on paper she is Shorey and quoting the Epic of to Guruji what Maa Anand Sheela Rating - 4.5/5 Gilgamesh. There is, in fact, a was to Rajneesh, there is Unfolding like a pulpy retelling scene that combines both, and perhaps more to her than meets of a mythological epic, the perfectly captures the essence of the eye. There is, of course, a second season of Netflix's season two."What do we learn reason why the show is invoking crippling realisation that he isn't Vikram Chandra's source novel Sacred Games is a more from Gilgamesh?" Kalki the Epic of Gilgamesh. In addition the 'sarva shaktishaali eklauta to draw from. In the book, complex experience than the Koechlin's character, Batya to being perhaps the oldest bhagwan' that he thought he was. Gaitonde literally finds himself at first, without ever compromising Abelman, asks a bunch of surviving work of literature, whose He is stripped of his power; his sea. It is in Kenya that the always on the populism that made it devotees. Met not with raised themes are just as relevant today vast empire, built off the back of agnostic Gaitonde is offered his such a phenomenon in the first hands but with devout silence, as they were thousands of years violence and vengeance, has first whiff of faith. Of course, he place. It is dense without ever Batya proceeds to answer her ago, it is also a giant metaphor been wrenched from his hands. is no stranger to the divisive feeling overwhelming, own question. "The pursuit of for the journey on which the But most distressingly for him, power of religion - like season controversial but never sleazy; power and control is as futile as formidable gangster Ganesh he has been uprooted from his one, fear-mongering is an a thoroughly entertaining the pursuit of immortality." Her Gaitonde finds himself. When we beloved Bombay and sent to the important theme this time around example of a television series manner isn't all that different from saw him last, he was breaking faraway shores of Mombasa, as well - but this is certainly the operating at the peak of its that of her former mentor, Pankaj out of a jail. Having suffered Kenya, with not even his buddy first time he is seeing religion potential. Three episodes of Tripathi's Guruji, who speaks with terribly during his stay, he Bunty by his side. This is one of through the prism of a vulnerable Sacred Games 2 were provided the mellifluous musicality of emerges into the sunlight in the the many examples of how man, looking, like everyone else, for preview -- make of that what Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, first episode of Sacred Games showrunner Vikramaditya for a crutch to rely upon. And like you will -- and this should be read peppering his sermons with the 2, lit by the fire of revenge. The Motwane is continuing the any spiritual leader worth his salt, as a review of those three occasional smutty word.She's an new season finds Gaitonde in process of deviating from the Guruji lures him into his world like episodes only.Sacred Games, enigmatic woman who appears in direct confrontation with his own text, perhaps in preparation of a a saucy seductress beckoning a right out of the gate, returns with both the Gaitonde and the Sartaj legend, having come to the future in which he doesn't have bereaved businessman. Jabariya Jodi movie review Sidharth Malhotra, Parineeti Chopra film has a serious case of identity crisis Jabariya Jodi movie review: Like Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra's characters, this film can't make up its mind whether it wants to be a social satire, a love story or a masala entertainer. might look at it as 'samaj seva' 'Bomb' for her feistiness and favourite Bollywood couturier of but his wannabe politician dad quick temper, she is okay if the day and organise some (played by a poker-faced Jaaved consent doesn't factor into it. clothes for her that real people Jaaferi) charges a fancy dime for Abhay and Babli meet and the wear! it. He also holds his son's film soon goes off the rails. He is The film gets its zing from the strings. clear that 'kursi', and not 'bistar' language that you'd only hear in Sidharth's Abhay has his modus is what he is aiming for. He also this part of India. Raaj operandi and life sorted. He believes he is his philandering Shandilya's dialogues give the wants to be an MLA come father's son. So, no marriage for film its few hilarious moments as Jabariya Jodi coupling can do to a man, a election time, and goes about him. She is happy to leave her Jaaferi explains why Audis are Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, woman and the society. disrupting Valentine's Day future in his inept hands after her better than a Mercedes: "Usme Parineeti Chopra, Sanjay Instead, Jabariya Jodi celebrations and offering the own clumsy attempt at 'pakadwa teen taala hota hai, ye chaar Mishra, Jaaved Jaaferi, regurgitates the boy-meets-girl, option of 'shaadi aur shraadh' to vivaah'. choodi waali hai. Isme zyaada Aparshakti Khurana, Chandan boy is not sure that he should suitable boys. Other than for him, Both Parineeti and Sidharth look hai," or a man complaining about Roy Sanyal marry girl, boy realises at the marriage seems to be the end- too urban to fit into the milieu. paan: "Ye paan banaye ho ya Director: Prashant Singh absolute last moment that he all and be-all for everyone else, Despite the loud shirts and Japan banaye ho?" Sanjay Rating: 1.5/5 needs to say 'I do' trope, which including the women who are aviator shades and an attempt at Mishra as Parineeti's father, Jabariya Jodi could have been a is all set in a kind of antiseptic marrying men who are crying getting his Bihari accent right, it Duniyaram, and Neeraj Sood as lot of things; a scathing Bihar that could only exist in Film while taking 'pheras', their is hard to buy Sidharth as a his world-wise sidekick chew up indictment of the evil of dowry, a City, Mumbai. parents, and film's leading lady, Baahubali. The spunky Parineeti the scenery. Chandan Roy social drama on the novel but Sidharth Malhotra is the local Babli (Parineeti Chopra). also pales into her one- Sanyal as Sidharth's confidante illegal solution to that ill which tough - Baahubali, if you will - A firebrand and a rebel in all other dimensional role. You only Guddu also adds to the film's only a state as 'jugaadu' as Bihar whose idea of social service is aspects, Babli wants to remember her hair in an atrocious credibility. However, it is could have come up with - to marry off deserving women to eventually get married because, shade of red, her green eyeliner Aparshakti Khurana who is the pakadwa vivaah - or a satire unsuspecting men whose family well, that is what women do. A and her penchant for crop tops. collateral damage of the Jabariya about what such a forced wants half of Bihar as dowry. He woman who has been branded Somebody please find the Jodi enterprise. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 ENTERTAINMENT 30 Aishwarya Rai-Abhishek, Amitabh Bachchan-Jaya, Aaradhya pose for rare family pic after Raksha Bandhan celebrations with Shweta Aishwarya Rai and Aaradhya Bachchan celebrated Raksha Bandhan at the Bachchan household as well as at her mother's home

The Bachchan family Aishwarya shared other celebrated Raksha Bandhan pictures in which Aaradhya with great enthusiasm on posed with Agastya and elder Thursday. Aishwarya Rai took to cousin, Navya Naveli Nanda Instagram to share a bunch of (Shweta's daughter). pictures from her rakhi Aishwarya also shared many celebrations with daughter pictures from rakhi Aaradhya at her mom as well. celebrations at her mother's In one of the pictures, home. One picture shows Aaradhya can be seen Aishwarya with her brother applying a tika on her cousin, Aditya. In another, Aaradhya Agastya Nanda's forehead stands with Aditya's two sons. (son of Shweta Bachchan In a third picture, Aishwarya's Nanda) as Aishwarya looks sister-in-law Srima does a ritual daughter Naina. Naina is niece Aaradhya in several posts. in London, Soha Ali Khan on. Agastya has all attention with the entire family sitting married to Rang De Basanti actor Both Aishwarya and Shweta had shared a throwback picture from his attention on his little together. In many pictures Kunal Kapoor. He also wished his shared one photo each with their last year's celebration. Sara Ali cousin as she does the ritual. posted by Aishwarya, she is other sisters, Namrata and respective brothers. Khan, too, is away in Thailand, Wearing a cream lehenga- wishing all on Raksha Bandhan. Nilima, on the occasion. We don't Rakhi was celebrated with great shooting for her next with Varun choli with a striking red Sharing two pictures, she wrote see them in the picture. fervour by many other celebrities Dhawan, a remake of '90s hit dupatta, Aaradhya cuts a 'mine'. Shweta also shared many as well. Actor Alia Bhatt tied rakhi Coolie No 1. On the occasion, pretty picture. Both Abhishek Bachchan, too, shared pictures with her parents, Amitabh on the wrist of filmmaker Karan she shared an adorable picture Aishwarya and Agastya are a picture with his sisters -- and Jaya Bachchan, children -- Johar's son Yash and both with her brother, around the time seen twinning with Aaradhya Shweta and Amitabh Navya and Agastya -- cousin, posted pictures. As Kareena when he was just a few months in cream-coloured outfits. Bachchan's brother, Ajitabh's Naina, brother Abhishek and Kapoor and her son Taimur are old. John Abraham says Batla House cuts won't affect story, but film will be delayed in some centres John Abraham is happy that also. I don't think we fall in that was overjoyed that the film will Batla House will not miss its bracket. That's what democracy release on August 15 as planned Independence Day release date is about -- if you have a point of though there will be some delay. with the Delhi High Court giving view and want to raise a "The courts had directed us to it a go ahead with some changes. question, you must. It's make five cuts which we have The filmmakers and an Ariz Khan, absolutely OK," he said. done. From evening till early this an accused in the 2008 John said since the film deals morning, we have been making encounter case, reached a with a contentious topic, those those cuts. The prints have been consensus on the changes. involved in its making should be sent out. In some centres in the Khan was earlier seeking the available to answer the rest of India, the prints will reach postponement of the release of questions of the public. by 3pm, evening or even late at the film on the grounds that it "If people want to question us, night. As a result there will be would affect his trial. we should be ready with some cities where it'll take time Abraham, speaking at a press answers. I wouldn't look at for the prints to reach. We just meet after the order on Tuesday, myself or us as the victim here... want people to bear with us. We presenting in any way. "We have has been sentenced to life said some people complain Every time we say, 'we are being have tried our best to send this seen it from before and after. imprisonment in the Batla about movies being a soft target victimised', it doesn't happen like to everyone in time but there will From a normal audience point of House case and has but that thought never crossed this, it isn't that bad. Except for be some centres which won't view, it shouldn't make that big a challenged the verdict in the his mind. faceless trolls on social media. open till Thursday evening," difference. I'm not worried," the High Court. Both Khan and "There are responsible Besides that everything is fine," Advani said. actor said. The postponement of Ahmad are also facing trial in filmmakers but some of them, I he said. John said the cuts have not the film's release was also the 2008 Delhi serial bomb must say, aren't very responsible Director Nikkhil Advani said he affected the story they are sought by Shahzad Ahmed, who blasts case. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 ENTERTAINMENT 31 Megan Barton Hanson shows off her toned physique in a white bikini As she hits the beach in Crete after confirming romance with Demi Sims Megan Barton Hanson's settled down in the shade during surrounding Megan and Demi's successful quest for love took a short break away from her busy romance began swirling when a rather welcome detour as she work commitments in the UK. they left ITV's annual summer let her hair down during a recent Megan confirmed her relationship party hand in hand in July. The trip to Greece. with The Only Way Is Essex star pair - who both recently came out The Celebs Go Dating star Demi after attending the Celebs as bisexual - and are said to be caught the eye in a simple Go Dating wrap party in August. the 'real deal' and couldn't resist white bikini after stepping out Giving the crowd a treat, the pair packing on the PDA at the star- for a coastal walk on the were filmed 'snogging like studded bash.A source said at picturesque island of Crete, teenagers' beneath a heart the time: 'Megan and Demi met shortly before filming shaped balloon arch. on the show and have been commitments for the reality A source told The Sun: 'Megan dating ever since. It's really show came to an end. and Demi are really happy serious. They like each other a Revealing her nicely toned together and a proper good lot and it's the real deal. physique, Megan, 25, looked match. 'At the party they couldn't 'Of course it's not the ideal beach ready as she made her keep their hands off each other scenario for the Celebs Go Dating way towards a waiting sun- and were snogging like bosses as the celebrities aren't lounger. teenagers. They made it official meant to date each other, but it's The reality star was without new last night and picked each other happened and they're not hiding girlfriend Demi Sims as she and not their dates.' Rumours it.' Earlier this month, Megan was asked about her budding relationship with Demi during an appearance on ITV's Loose Women. She explained to the panel: 'We were just holding hands on a night out. She was pulling me along, I had one too many by that point.' However she remained coy over who she was dating as she told Andrea McLean: 'It's gone really, really well. I'm dating someone from the show. I've dated both men and women on the show.' Asked if she still talks to her ex-boyfriend Wes Nelson, 21, the reality star responded: 'No that was a lifetime ago, I'm a different person now.' The Lion King India box office: Disney blockbuster makes Rs 150 crore, is 7th biggest film of 2019 Disney's The Lion King remake has crossed the Rs 150 crore mark in India, making it the seventh biggest film of 2019.

Disney's remake of The Lion King second highest Hollywood classified as an animated film has crossed the Rs 150 crore earner in India this year, behind because of its state-of-the-art mark at the India box office. The Avengers: Endgame, which has photorealistic technology. It has film made over Rs 6 crore in its grossed over Rs 400 crore, and overtaken the $1.2 billion Frozen fourth weekend, taking its nett is the biggest film of the year. to claim the title. Director Jon total to Rs 150.09 crore. Its gross Worldwide, The Lion King has Favreau's previous film, the live- earnings in India stand at Rs 178 made over $1.3 billion, making action/animation hybrid, The crore. it the highest grossing animated Jungle Book, concluded its Trade analyst Taran Adarsh film of all time, as well as the worldwide run with just under $1 shared the figures on Twitter on highest grossing film in Disney's billion. It made almost Rs 200 strategy for The Lion King, Simba. The original English Monday. He wrote that the film slate of remakes, which also crore in India, thanks to the getting actor Shah Rukh Khan to version features the voices of crossed the Rs 150 crore includes the billion-dollar story's familiarity among local voice Mufasa in the Hindi dub Donald Glover, Beyonce, Seth milestone on its 24th day of success, Aladdin. audiences. version of the film, alongside his Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor and release. The Lion King is the The Lion King has been Disney utilised a similar release real-life son Aryan, who voiced others. Friday 16 August to 23 August 2019 NEWS THIS WEEK 32 Trek undertaken by PM on Man vs Wild Narendra Modi and Amit Shah Tick Another Box in show to be developed as 'Modi trail' BJP Manifesto With Kashmir Move. What's Next?

(News Agencies) - The Uttarakhand tourism department, in an effort to attract more tourists, would develop the trekking route taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and adventurer Bear Grylls as Modi Trail, said officials of tourism department on Tuesday evening. The trekking route in the famous national park was the one which was visited by PM Modi and Grylls during the shoot of Discovery channel's popular TV show Man Vs Wild. The episode was telecast on August 12. "The trek where PM Modi and Grylls visited during the episode inside Jim Corbett National Park would be developed as Modi Trail. The trekking route will be publicised as a separate identity in the famous national park," said Satpal Maharaj, minister of (News Agencies) - Prime Kashmir's statehood gives the BJP endorsement for highly contentious tourism, Uttarakhand while speaking to Minister Narendra Modi has pulled an edge in the upcoming Assembly policies is the PM's speciality. mediapersons on it. He added, "During the off a major political coup in effectively elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Defanging Article 370 is one such episode, PM Modi displayed courage in the scrapping provisions of Articles 370 Haryana, Delhi and Arunachal counterintuitive measure and wilderness of the park. The trekking route would and 35A. The widespread support Pradesh, while dealing a critical blow demonstrates his appetite for big help in attracting more tourists and wildlife for the suspension of Jammu & to the Congress.Winning public risks, enthusiasts towards it." Cond Page on 18 Cond Page on 19 5 of the world's biggest IAF Pilot Abhinandan 12 Snake Charmers Called to UP Jail After Varthaman, Captured by Pak, to economies are at risk of recession Be Awarded Vir Chakra on Snake Bite Three Prisoners, One Dead Independence Day

(News Agencies) -Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who (News Agencies) - Five big contraction - and its economy became the face of the tense economies are at risk of is expected to remain weak this military confrontation between recession. It won't take much to year. And data suggest that India and Pakistan, will be push them over the edge. Brazil slipped into recession in awarded the Vir Chakra, the The British economy shrunk in the second quarter. coveted wartime gallantry medal, the second quarter, and growth Germany, Britain, Italy, Brazil for shooting down a Pakistani F- flat lined in Italy. Data published and Mexico each rank among 16 during a dogfight over the Line (News Agencies) - Three Kumar, were admitted to the Wednesday show Germany's the world's largest 20 of Control on February 27. prisoners in the Lucknow hospital and are now better. economy, the world's fourth economies. Singapore and Hong Earlier, reports said the five district jail were bitten by Jailor Satish Chandra said that largest, contracted in the three Kong, which are smaller but still Mirage-2000 fighter aces, who snakes that had entered the more than 12 snake charmers months to June. "The bottom line serve as vital hubs for finance and dropped precision bombs on the premises following water- were called in on Tuesday is that the German economy is trade, are also suffering. terror camps of the Jaish-e- logging in the area after the who caught four snakes from teetering on the edge of While growth has been dragged Mohammed, are also likely to be city was lashed by rain for the jail premises. recession," said Andrew lower in each country by a felicitated with the Vayu Sena two days. The new district jail in Kenningham, chief Europe specific cocktail of factors, a Medal for gallantry. The snakes bit three inmates Lucknow is located on the economist at Capital global manufacturing slump and Varthaman was captured by the on Monday, one of whom, outskirts of the city and is Economics.Mexico just dodged a sharp drop in business Pakistani Army on February 27 Babbu, later died. He was surrounded by fields where a a recession- usually defined as confidence have made matters after his MiG-21 Bison jet was serving a life sentence. large number of snakes can be two consecutive quarters of worse. Cond Page on 18 Cond Page on 18 The other two, Dilip and Raj seen.