23–29 august 2020 | Vol.11 Issue 33 | new delhi | rs. 30.00

3 5 7 Some Bengal P aak IB bl mes Time for Nambi Villages Hindu girls’ Narayanan stepping out, issue fatwa on poverty for Scientists’ TV, music Protection Act My father is my conversion inspiration: Bobby Deol

THEAO PL PR BLEM Use of military in disputes causing economic shock in China Under the prodding of the generals within the Central Military Commission, China has brushed aside the lawful claims over territories and waters of countries ranging from Vietnam to the Philippines to India. CCP more and more adopt- by China. The country was giving leeway to the military ippines to India. Although far such as Pakistan. As a conse- access each other’s facilities waters of the region. Such Madhav Nalapat ing policies favoured by the developed into an economic has been strengthened under from the shores of the Peo- quence, even so pro-China a may be an idea whose time projects need to be resumed NEW DELHI PLA rather than the other superpower by Deng Xiaop- General Secretary Xi Jinping, ple’s Republic of China, the leader as President Rodrigo has come. Similar treaties with protection ensured by he founder of the way around. The conse- ing, who never repeated the who took over the leadership entirety of the South China Duterte of the Philippines could be signed by Vietnam the Quad fleet present in the People’s Republic of quence of the adoption of the decision made in 1979 to of the party and the country Sea is being claimed by Bei- has ensured that his Navy later, with the US and Aus- waters. TChina, Mao Zedong, short-term and aggressive use the military to try and in 2012. Under the prodding jing, with artificial islands join the RIMPAC exercises tralia in the first instance. It was US President Donald was clear that the (Chinese stance favoured by the PLA settle a dispute, this time of the generals within the getting constructed and this year, while Vietnam is Across the South China Sea, J. Trump who fired the first Communist) Party controlled generals towards ASEAN, with Vietnam. The People’s Central Military Commission, military outposts set up to en- reviewing its policy of not this PLA-inspired policy has salvo against the CCP policy the gun (i.e. the armed forces). India, Taiwan and even the Liberation Army (PLA) had China has brushed aside the force a claim set aside by UN permitting linkages with resulted in a stoppage of sev- of the gun controlling the pol- Over the past 16 years, this US has resulted in a coming its reins loosened during the lawful claims over territories bodies and almost the whole foreign militaries. eral projects of ASEAN and icy of the party, by initiating dictum seems to have stead- together of these countries period in office of Hu Jintao and waters of countries rang- of the international commu- A treaty between India and other countries to exploit a trade war in 2017 that has ily been reversed, with the in the face of such behaviour (2002-12), and this policy of ing from Vietnam to the Phil- nity, barring a few countries Vietnam for both militaries to the mineral wealth of the fP05 top of saturday CONFUSION PERSISTS QUESTION OF SURVIVAL Islamic State Rahul Gandhi will End of loan operative not be Congress moratorium looms, held in Delhi with IEDs president adds to Covid woes NEW DELHI: A suspected ISIS app other than Zoom for the operative, who was arrested by P ankaj Vohra possible meeting. As per CMIE, over 18.9 million people the Special Cell of Delhi Police new delhi The confusion over the have lost their jobs in the last six months. with Improvised Explosive De- It is virtually certain that leadership role remains vices (IEDs) from Dhaula Kuan Rahul Gandhi will not be unresolved as there have their jobs in this pandemic. here, was on Saturday sent to Dibyendu Mondal eight-day police custody by a returning as Congress presi- been voices from amongst New Delhi Rahul Das, who worked at court here. The accused was dent in the near future and elected members to look for a multinational company in presented at the house of Chief attempts are being made to a non-Gandhi alternative. The temporary respite pro- Gurgaon, has recently been Metropolitan Magistrate Pawan Singh Rajawat, who allowed ensure that interim presi- Although Priyanka Gandhi vided by the Reserve Bank of laid off by his employer who the Special Cell to question dent, Sonia Gandhi contin- Vadra had endorsed the de- India (RBI) in terms of mora- cited the economic slow- the accused for a period of ues as the overall in-charge mand to have a non-Gandhi torium on EMIs against term down caused by Covid-19 as eight days, court sources said. unless a suitable replace- as the party president last loan is coming to an end on the reason. The suspected ISIS operative ment can be found. year soon after Rahul re- 31 August and this, coupled Das told The Sunday Guard- was arrested with IEDs after an exchange of fire at Dhaula A meeting of the Congress signed, yet her position on with the soaring unemploy- ian that in the first week of Kuan here earlier on Saturday. Working Committee, which her earlier stand remains ment rate across the country, July, he was asked to resign Search operations are under- was to be held on Saturday, unclear given the present is causing tremendous pres- by the HR department of his way at several locations in the but was deferred fearing a political scenario. sure on small traders, busi- company within 24 hours, national capital. clash between the seniors The differences between nessmen and those in the since the company was “re- and juniors, is now likely the seniors and juniors have salaried class who have lost fP17 India rejects to be held on Monday or resurfaced after MPs said China-Pak Tuesday. A functionary of to be close to Rahul Gandhi SAFETY Concerns the party contacted several openly accused members of statement senior leaders on Saturday the Manmohan Singh gov- Fit as a fiddle on Kashmir to ascertain their availabil- ernment to be responsible ity for these two days and for the decline of the party. People exercise in a park, amidst the spread of Covid-19 Students worried NEW DELHI: India on Saturday asked them to download an fP17 in Mumbai, on Thursday. REUTERS/Hemanshi Kamani categorically rejected the refer- ence of Jammu and Kashmir in as SC nixes plea to a joint statement of China and S MOOTH DIStriBUTION Pakistan and asked the coun- Series on Kashmir postpone JEE, NEET tries not to interfere in matters that are internal affairs of New The Sunday Guardian brings to its Delhi. Reiterating its concerns Shaily Mishra over the China Pakistan ‘Centre ready as India’s Covid readers an unconventional account New Delhi year with 93.8%, told The Economic Corridor, New Delhi of Kashmir by filmmaker and author Sunday Guardian that even said that it opposes actions by Shiv Kunal Verma. The author of the Students appearing for JEE after precautionary meas- “other countries” that change vaccine may arrive early’ highly acclaimed, 1962: The War That and NEET examinations ures were announced be- the status quo in Pakistan- see no end to their tensions, fore conducting the BEd occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Wasn’t and The Long Road to Siachen: The The Ministry Of External Affairs’ who should get the vaccine first Covid-19 met representatives of Question Why takes us into the back al- caused first by the Covi-19 entrance examination in Navtan Kumar statement comes a day after once it is ready. There appears to leading domestic manufactur- leys of history and based on established pandemic wreaking havoc Agra, a surge of 38 fresh New Delhi China told Pakistan that it be a general consensus that the ers, including Serum Institute historical facts and his own personal on their future plans, cou- cases were reported after opposes any “unilateral” action The Centre is ready for the smooth frontline workers should get it of India (Pune), Bharat Biotech experiences, weaves together not just a pled with the constant fear 20,000 students appeared that complicates the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. distribution of Covid-19 vaccine in first. Deliberations are also on, on (Hyderabad) and Zydus Cadila picture of what has been happening in of getting infected while ap- for the examination. case it is ready before December. whether the elderly people should (Ahmedabad) this week, to take the disturbed state, now a union territo- pearing for entrance exami- On 22 July, five of more Although Health Minister Harsh get it or those with co-morbidities inputs about the present stage of ry, but also how things can and should nations. Students as well than 88,000 students, Centre asks Vardhan has said that India’s first or the people placed in socio-eco- various candidate vaccines as well pan out. Having lived in Srinagar in the as parents have multiple who took up the Kerala states not vaccine would be available by the nomic disadvantages and whose as their expectations from the gov- early part of his career where he recon- concerns related to proxim- Engineering Architecture to restrict end of 2020, sources said the vac- immunity has been weakened due ernment. noitred and opened old routes between ity or otherwise of the ex- Medical (KEAM) exami- cine may be ready earlier. to poverty and malnutrition. The meeting was chaired by Niti the Valley and Zanskar/Ladakh for amination centre, adequate nation, tested positive for inter-state Sources said the government While the government is holding Aayog member V.K. Paul and co- Tiger Tops Mountain Travel, he also adherence to standard op- Covid-19. “Looking at how movement does not want to waste any time meetings with representatives of chaired by Union Health Secretary spent a lot of time in areas that are in the erating procedures (SOPs), poorly SOPs are being in starting its distribution in case the vaccine manufacturers, it is Rajesh Bhushan. The meeting was news today as his father was then com- and the fate of students who implemented in all exami- NEW DELHI: Union Home the vaccine is ready early. “There- also developing an Electronic Vac- also attended by representatives manding a brigade in Eastern Ladakh. might get infected during nation centres, postpone- Secretary Ajay Bhalla has fore, we have to make sure that cine Intelligence Network (eVIN), of Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Subsequently, working with the armed the examination. ment would have been written to all Chief Secretaries, every system and strategy is well an innovative technological solu- (Pune) and Biological E (Hyder- forces and otherwise, he has exten- The Supreme Court re- better,” said Aditi Yadav, a requesting them not to impose restrictions on inter-state and in place so that distribution work tion aimed at strengthening im- bad). The panel asked them about sively filmed in the remotest corners of cently refused to defer the 97% scorer from Ghaziabad, intra-state movement of per- starts immediately after the go- munization supply chain systems their production capacity and the region. Starting today, this series of National Eligibility cum who has been taking coach- sons and goods and services ahead is given by the scientists,” across the country. This strong whether they need any kind of as- articles brings to the fore the ground re- Entrance Test (NEET) and ing for JEE. and to follow MHA guidelines. said a source, adding “there is platform has the potential to be sistance from the government. ality and historical facts that need to be JEE (Main) examinations. This year, the JEE Mains The letter was written after it was found that some states a possibility of the vaccine be- leveraged for the new Covid-19 This was the second meeting of underscored especially by the younger Gaurav Vats, a student admit card includes an have imposed restrictions at ing ready in the next four to six vaccine, as and when it is available. the committee. The first meeting generation of Indians, both inside and from Sonipat who suc- advisory and certain in- the local level and were stop- weeks”. The National Expert Group was held last week. outside the region. See Page 6. cessfully passed CBSE structions, like carrying a ping such movement. Deliberations are going on, on on Vaccine Administration for fP17 Class 12 examinations this fP17 the sunday guardian 23 – 29 augsut 2020 2 nation new delhi www.sundayguardianlive.com

ANTI-INCUMBENCY EMOTIONAL ISSUE? Rajput’s death With Yashwant as guide, Chirag unites Bihar politicians explores political arena ahead of polls Sinha is keen that an alliance is struck between RJD ‘Rajput’s death would not have turned into a big issue if there and Chirag Paswan’s LJP, now in NDA. were no polls in the state.’

Nitish Kumar, on one hand, LJP’s hold over the Dalit vot- BJP leader who is the district tions—pandemic and floods are going to finalise, is going Abhinandan Mishra Abhinandan Mishra New Delhi New Delhi and seeking more seats from ers in the state has now con- in-charge, said. have taken a toll. How can we to be 100-100-43 in the 243 the BJP, on the other. siderably shrunk than what LJP national spokesperson go to the voters in these times Assembly seats. However, that ormer senior BJP On 27 June, Sinha, in Patna it was in the past and now his Sanjay Saraf, while speaking and ask them to come out and arrangement might change if leader and Union min- had announced the formation party’s sway was only limited to The Sunday Guardian, con- vote?” he said in a view that is the BJP decides to include the Fister Yashwant Sinha of a new political front com- to the Paswan voters. tinued the party’s stance of at- totally opposite to the BJP and Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Hindu- is playing the role of a senior prising like-minded leaders According to sources, Pas- tacking Nitish Kumar and said JDU, who want elections to be stani Avam Morcha (HAM) mentor for Bihar based anti- who are now “independent”. wan feels that if the LJP does that the party’s “expectations” held on the scheduled time. into the NDA. Manjhi on Fri- BJP parties and guiding them He has also been pushing for not contest on a “respectable” should be met (with regards to According to Saraf, the party day announced that he was to stitch a stronger alliance to postponement of the polls number of seats this time, ir- seat sharing) or else the party was not engaged in any alli- leaving the Grand Alliance. take on the BJP-led NDA in due to Covid-19, a demand respective of the alliance it is would be forced to decide the ance talks with the RJD. In a scenario where HAM the forthcoming Assembly that Chirag Paswan, too, has a part of, it will have to pay a future course of action. “There is no talk going on with is included in the NDA, it is elections. been making. big political price for it in the “For us, the NDA means RJD regarding an alliance, we likely to get 7-10 seats which As per Sinha’s reading, The Sunday Guardian near future. BJP. There are other parties are happy wherever we are. will leave LJP with 33-35 seats the Nitish Kumar-led NDA reached out to Sinha for a Paswan, on many occasions (referring to the JDU) which But our expectation should be to contest on. alliance is facing massive comment from his side, but in the recent past, has spoken have joined the NDA after us, met. This time, things won’t Manjji’s induction into the anti-incumbency which has no response was received out against Nitish Kumar who they are not original members be like last time where they NDA is also being seen as a become more prominent due till the time the story went is technically the leader of of the NDA. Chirag Paswan told us these are the 40 seats “replacement” or a “safety Sushant Singh Rajput to the “mishandling” of the to print. the NDA in the state. These has been raising valid issues you will contest. This time, we net” for LJP, if it decides to Covid-19 crisis and the flood Multiple leaders across the anti-Nitish Kumar statements, which have been appreciated will decide where we want to join the Grand Alliance at the The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in the recent past, situation in the state. This, ac- BJP and RJD, who spoke to have however, been dubbed by the PM and Home minister, contest from or else, we will last moment. The RJD’s poll has taken up three high-profile cases that had its origin in Bi- cording to Sinha, has bright- The Sunday Guardian, con- by the Bihar-based JDU and but the same issues have upset see, our parliamentary board momentum, meanwhile, has har, apart from the recent case of the unnatural death of actor ened the chance of the Grand firmed that talks between BJP leaders as an “election re- the CM. Why? This is wrong. will decide (the next step). We got a massive boost after party Sushant Singh Rajput. The first such high-profile case that it Alliance that is composed of Paswan and Tejashwi, lated rhetoric” that happens Chirag Paswan is only raising have seven MP s. JDU only has president, Lalu Yadav, who is took up was the June 2012 murder of the chief of Ranvir Sena RJD, Congress and other re- through mutual friends like in every election to seek more the issues that are related to two MPs despite contesting on incarcerated in Ranchi, is now chief, Brahmeshwar Mukhiya, in Arrah. Then came the Sep- gional parties. Sinha, have been going on for number of seats. “The LJP has the well-being of Bihari resi- 25 Lok Sabha seats. Look at able to directly communicate tember 2012 kidnapping of a 14-year-old minor girl, Navruna Sinha, who till recently the last few weeks. One of the a history of making all kinds dents, in and outside Bihar, the strike rate and decide who with Tejashwi on issues re- Chakravorty, from Muzaffarpur. In August 2017, the CBI was was camping in Patna and offers on the table, these lead- of noise before the elections. who are facing problems due has better following over the lated to election management asked to investigate the Srijan corruption case where multiple presiding over meets which ers claimed, was that of Chi- Is Chirag Paswan willing to to Covid-19. He has become voters. We will not contest on due to a favourable govern- leaders from the ruling parties had, allegedly, siphoned off crore were attended by different rag Paswan being offered the sacrifice his father’s chair the face of the youths in Bihar just 35 seats,” he said. The LJP ment in the state. Lalu Yadav of rupees. leaders from the RJD and deputy CM chair if the Grand in the Union Cabinet for 10 and there is nothing wrong had contested on 75 seats in has also been religiously in- As of today, more than eight years later, the killers of Mukhiya LJP, is keen that an alliance Alliance comes to power. extra seats that he might get when he says that there is no the 2010 polls and on 42 seats teracting with senior party are still free, there is no trace of Chakravorty nor does the agency is struck between the RJD Paswan, according to these from the RJD. He is not going employment opportunity in in the 2015 polls. leaders and loyalists who had know the whereabouts of the main accused in the Srijan case, and the LJP, whose leader, leaders, feels that the BJP has anywhere. They might be the state and that no hospi- As per Patna-based BJP gone away from the RJD after Indu Gupta. Chirag Paswan, is doing his given undue importance to communicating with the RJD, tals have been built in the last leaders, the likely composition Lalu Yadav was sent to prison “No one, neither the politicians, nor the top bosses, are in- best to get out of his father’s the Nitish Kumar-led JDU but at the end, they will stay five years. The situation right of seat arrangements that the for fodder scam, and bringing terested in these cases now,” a CBI officer, who was based in shadow by way of attacking in the NDA due to which the in the NDA,” a Bihar-based now is not conducive for elec- three parties (BJP, JDU, LJP) them into the party fold. Bihar till very recently, said when reached for the present status of these cases. All these cases had generated the same level of MODIFICATIONS noise, if not more, by the politicians and leaders as is being army hospital generated in the case of Rajput, when they had first come to light. Considering the poor track record of the agency to get Pranab Mukherjee deeply into the truth of these three cases, that have/had led to major Parliament session will see political debates in the state, the insistence of the Bihar leaders, comatose, vital parameters cutting across party lines, for a CBI probe in the death of Rajput is tied to the forthcoming state Assembly elections. Covid-related safety measures stable Patna-based political experts said that the death of Rajput had NEW DELHI: Former become an important issue for Bihar-based politicians because n avtan kumar their phones and arrange- or on alternate days. There du had a meeting with Lok President Pranab Mukherjee of two reasons: it had turned/was turned into an emotive issue new delhi ments will be made for is also the possibility of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on 17 is deeply comatose and is of “Bihar’s Asmita (pride)”, and secondly, Rajput belonged to screening and sanitization. Sabha meetings to be held in July to discuss arrangements being treated for respiratory the numerically weak but financially and socially strong Ra- The upcoming monsoon ses- Parliamentary Affairs Min- the morning and Rajya Sabha to be made for the Parliament infection, according to the jput community which enjoys even more clout in the present sion of Parliament, likely to ister Pralhad Joshi visited the in the afternoon. Both cham- session. Some MPs had ex- Army Research and Referral NDA government. start from the second week chambers of both the Lok bers and galleries can be used pressed apprehensions about (R&R) Hospital on Saturday. The Rajputs constitute just 5% of the electorate, but dominate of September, may see several Sabha and Rajya Sabha this to accommodate members attending the Parliament The hospital said that in approximately 50 of the 243 Assembly seats in the state. As new features in the wake of week to review the prepara- while following physical dis- proceedings in the wake of Mukherjee’s vital param- of today, there are six Rajput MPs from Bihar and 22 Rajput Covid-19 pandemic. Though tions for the session and the tancing norms. Sources said increasing Covid-19 cases. eters have not changed, add- MLAs in the state Assembly. JDU state chief Bashistha Narain all precautions will be taken, modifications made. no guests will be allowed in They had expressed their ing that his vital parameters Singh is a Rajput. all members of Parliament Though no date has been fi- this session and there will be opinion to hold the session are stable and he continues The former President In an interview to The Sunday Guardian earlier this week, had tested positive for will have to follow Covid-19 nalised yet for the start of the restricted entry for media. through videoconferencing. to be on ventilatory support. Covid-19 and undergone BJP national general secretary and state in-charge, Bhupender protocols. Sources said the session, sources said the ses- The last budget session had However, source said there “The condition of former surgery for a brain Yadav, had stated that the death of Rajput was not an election is- clot at Army Hospital secretariat has been directed sion may begin in the second ended on 23 March. As per are constraints regarding president Pranab Mukherjee (R&R) on 10 August. sue, but an emotional issue for the “crores of people of the state”. to put in place large display week of September. Normally, precedent, Parliament ses- voting, adjournments etc. remains unchanged this On Thursday, the Army However, the fact that the BJP had not missed the political screens, consoles, special there is a 14-day gap between sion needs to be held before The members will be allot- morning. He is deeply co- Hospital had reported a dividends that this “emotional issue” can generate, was evi- slight improvement in his cables between the two House the announcement and com- the end of six months from ted seats in various places matose and is being treated respiratory parameters. dent when Yadav attacked the Maharashtra government for chambers and ultraviolet ger- mencement of the Parliament the last session. Thus, the based on the respective for respiratory infection. His “botching” the investigation into Rajput’s death. “This was a micidal irradiation to prevent session. monsoon session has to be strength of the political par- vital parameters are stable botched investigation by the Maharashtra government, which infections, besides separating In order to maintain physi- held before 23 September. ties. Besides the PM and lead- and he continues to be on ventilatory support,” the update has looked motivated too. Bihari babu Shatrughan Sinha’s si- the galleries with polycarbon- cal distancing, a new sitting The budget session had to er of the Opposition, seats in from the hospital read. lence on the issue is also baffling. He is part of the Congress ate sheets. plan is expected for both the be curtailed in view of the the Rajya Sabha chamber will Yesterday too, the hospital had said the medical condition and Congress is part of the Maharashtra government. What All parliamentarians will Houses, sources said. There is Covid-19 pandemic. also be allotted to former PMs of former President Pranab Mukherjee remains the same stops him from raising questions on the numerous loopholes be required to have Aarogya also no clarity on whether the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Manmohan Singh and H.D. and he continues to be on ventilatory support. in the probe?” Yadav told The Sunday Guardian. Setu mobile application on two Houses will meet daily Vice President Venkaiah Nai- Deve Gowda. A Patna-based political observer said: “There is no doubt that the NDA is going to make the death of Rajput an election TICO KETS FOR L CALS issue. It will claim credit for the CBI inquiry and it will attack the Opposition by claiming that it did not want a CBI inquiry. The introduction of Devendra Fadnavis into Bihar elections, AAP to contest Uttarakhand polls based on Delhi model too, is part of the same political strategy. Bihar DGP Guptesh- war Pandey has given a sign of things to come by the way he within the next 10 days, from Uttarakhand are given 62% of the respondents said came back to their villages. We will create world-class welcomed the CBI inquiry. Imagine a state DGP stating that he dibyendu mondal New Delhi there would be a reshuffle of importance and all tickets are that yes AAP should contest They have spoken about the schools and medical facili- was elated that an inquiry from a high- profile case has been the AAP’s Uttarakhand unit given to local leaders of Ut- elections as they are fed up Delhi model to their neigh- ties in Uttarakhand like our taken away from him and given to another agency. Just like The Aam Aadmi Party keeping in mind the party’s tarakhand. with the Congress and the bours and friends in the government has done in the politicians, the DGP, too, is looking at his political future (AAP), which earlier this decision to contest the elec- AAP’s Uttarakhand in- BJP governments. They state. This is why an over- Delhi. The people of Uttara- once he retires in February 2021.” It is pertinent to mention week announced to contest tions there. The present charge and MLA from San- have seen both these par- whelming majority of the khand will not have to go to that Pandey had submitted his VRS in 2009 itself to fight the all the seats from the hill AAP’s convener for Uttara- gam Vihar in Delhi, Dinesh ties in governance for 20 people now want a change,” other states for treatment or general elections on a BJP ticket from Buxar seat. However, he state of Uttarakhand in the khand is S.S. Kaler, who is Mohaniya, who is also cur- years now and they want a Mohaniya said. for schooling. The state also missed the party ticket at the last moment and was allowed to Assembly polls due in Febru- also likely to be changed. rently touring Uttarakhand, change,” Mohaniya said. The AAP has promised has abundance of natural join back the service after nearly nine months of submitting ary 2022, has already begun The AAP has already ap- told The Sunday Guard- He further added that Utta- that if the party wins the resources; if our government his VRS. Not just the ruling NDA and the present DGP, even preparations for the same in pointed two prabharis (in- ian over telephone that the rakhand being close to Delhi, Uttarakhand election, they is elected, we will tap into the Opposition parties led by leader of Opposition Tejashwi full swing. charge) for each of the 13 AAP came to the decision of people from the hill state will create employment for these resources and provide Yadav, has welcomed the CBI inquiry and claimed that he was According to party sources, districts in Uttarakhand. The contesting the Uttarakhand have heard and read about the people of Uttarakhand the youth of Uttarakhand among the first leaders who had sought a CBI inquiry into the the AAP has already dis- party is also in the process elections after a lot of repre- the Delhi model that AAP in their home state as more employment in their own case. “No party wants to miss out on any political issue in this patched a team from Delhi to of recruiting volunteers and sentation was made to Delhi has created in the national than 4 to 5 lakh people have state.” Mohaniya told this election which is becoming increasingly difficult to predict. It Uttarakhand on Thursday to have opened registrations in Chief Minister and AAP capital, which is why they to venture out of their state newspaper. will be not an exaggeration to say that Rajput’s death would take stock of how the party’s the state. The AAP has said national convener Arvind want to see an AAP govern- in search of work. The party Uttarakhand is currently not have turned into such a big issue if the elections were not situation on the ground is. that they are going to focus Kejriwal from the people of ment in their state also. has also promised to create ruled by the Trivendra Singh scheduled in the state right now,” a Rajya Sabha MP said. Till recently, the AAP state on booth wise recruitment Uttarakhand, requesting “A lot of people from Ut- mohalla clinic type “gram” Rawat-led BJP government. unit of Uttarakhand was of volunteers and create a him to contest the state As- tarakhand come to work clinics in every village as, ac- The Uttarakhand Assembly almost a defunct state unit cadre for AAP volunteers in sembly elections. or study in Delhi, they are cording to the party, the state has 70 seats and the AAP which did not have much the state. “After a lot of people came aware of the good work that lacks basic medical facilities is likely to contest all the 70 of activities going on in the Party sources also told to Arvindji requesting him the party has done in Delhi. in the villages of the hill state. seats. The AAP had earlier 21°c | 5°c 22°c | 6°c 21°c | 8°c 22°c | 8°c 21°c | 7°c 21°c | 8°c 21°c | 8°c state. The Sunday Guardian that to contest elections there, And the sentiments for AAP “Schools and medical fa- contested from Uttarakhand Highly placed sources in keeping in mind their ear- we conducted a survey on have grown manifold during cilities that the Delhi gov- in the 2014 Lok Sabha elec- 5 km/h nw 2 km/h nw 0 km/h nw 2 km/h nw 2 km/h nw 3 km/h Nw 6 km/h sw the AAP also confirmed to lier mistakes, the AAP will whether we should contest the period of lockdown and ernment has made is talked tions, but was not able to win 07:13 AM 07:13 am 07:13 am 07:14 am 07:14 am 07:14 am 07:14 am The Sunday Guardian that now ensure that local leaders elections there or not and when migrant labourers about across the country. a single seat from the state. 17:33 PM 17:34 PM 17:35 PM 17:35 PM 17:36 PM 17:37 PM 17:38 PM the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 new delhi nation 3 www.sundayguardianlive.com

UNDER TMC’s WATCH Some Bengal Villages COOLBREEZE By Priya Sahgal issue fatwa on TV, music The Purposeful Mistake Will Jyotiraditya Scindia get his ministerial berth anytime The minority dominated villages have set up kangaroo courts. soon? According to BJP sources, he will have to first prove himself in the state byelections for the 22 rebel MLAs Dibyendu Mondal had come from outside collected earlier as a form of that joined the Congress along with him. The elections to New Delhi back to their villages. They fine has been used for buy- these have to be held before 23 September. Sources also were gambling and play- ing office supplies. indicate that in all probability Scindia may not get a Cabinet t least three minority ing carrom all through the The Sunday Guardian also berth but a Minister of State with Independent Charge, dominated villages day since they had no work. contacted the SDO (Sub- which is a post he has held earlier in the Congress as well. Ain the Murshidabad They were also consuming Divisional Officer) Jangi- But those watching this space missed a very interesting district of West Bengal have alcohol openly around the pur, Gandharava Rathore, development during the Rajya Sabha polls that took place initiated unprecedented village which was disturb- who decided to evade and in June recently. This saw cross-voting from the BJP social policing measures ing the sanctity of the vil- not answer the questions camp for Congress nominee Digvijaya Singh. Only, and by issuing fatwa against lage. The tea shops were asked on the legal validity this is interesting, the MLA who voted for Digvijaya was watching television, listen- loudly playing music and of such a court and fatwa Gopilal Jatav, who comes from Scindia’s own stronghold ing to music, playing carrom had become a place for gos- in the area. Asked what the Guna from where he is the MLA. For the record, Jatav The fatwa list and (right) the board, using cell phones, area where the villages are sip and adda for the people district administration has has said that he is a loyal BJP worker and he voted for playing games on computer located. of the village. Kids were get- been doing to ensure that Digvijaya by “mistake”. But given the fact that there is a or purchasing lottery tickets and fine that the kangaroo from the fine, all those who been put up across these vil- ting distracted and this has law is not taken in their own strong resentment against the turncoats who have joined and even selling or consum- court will inflict on the vio- have been caught indulging lages and announcements been done to issue warning hands by anyone, the SDO the BJP along with Scindia, there is a very real fear that ing alcohol. lators of the fatwa in these themselves in such prohib- over loudspeakers were and scare these miscreants. decided to disconnect the in the coming bypolls there may be more Jatavs who will The minority dominated villages. ited activities would also be made in the villages. They There is nothing wrong in call without responding to rather support the opposition than make the “mistake” of villages of Adwaita Nagar, According to the list, punished. The punishment, have also said that the com- it.” the questions. allowing a usurper to succeed in their own turf. So, Scindia Vasaipaikar and another watching television, lis- as per the fatwa, includes mittee has also brought in a Asked why music and The Bengal BJP has, how- does have a fight on his hands, but the fight will be more neighbouring village in the tening to music on mobile holding their ears and doing scheme where an informer television was not being al- ever, lashed out at the TMC from within the ranks, than outside. And we still don’t know same vicinity have set up phone or on computer, sit-ups in front of the whole who informs the committee lowed to be watched in the for supporting and allow- exactly what the state CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan feels kangaroo courts in their would invite a fine of Rs village for smaller “crimes” about anyone indulging in village, Abdur Rauf said, “It ing such fatwas to be givn about Scindia making a lateral entry into his party. locality with the help of re- 1,000 on the violators, while like listening to music or these prohibited activities is because we do not want to under their leadership. The ligious leaders under the playing carrom would lead playing games like carrom, like watching TV or listen- disturb the peace of the vil- BJP district president of banner of Samaj Sanskar to a fine of Rs 500. while for drinking and ing to music even in their lage. Villagers and locals are Murshidabad North, Sujit MUKUL WASNIK, THE (Social Reforms) Committee The list also mentions that gambling, the punishment homes, would be rewarded happy with the decision.” Das, told The Sunday Guard- which will keep a watch on drinking and selling of al- that has been prescribed by the committee members. Rauf has also confirmed ian, “The TMC has made DARK HORSE? the locals in the villages and cohol has been prohibited includes holding their ears These gram panchayats of that at least 7 to 8 people Bengal into a Talibani state ensure that no one indulges in their villages and anyone and roaming around the en- these villages are controlled have also been punished where the rule of law has These days, the Congress is doing what it is best at—no, in any of the prohibited ac- caught selling or drinking tire village, asking for par- by the ruling Trinamool by the kangaroo court that been thrown out of the win- not opposing but speculating as to who will be the next tivities. alcohol would have to shell don from the elders of the Congress (TMC) and The was held earlier this week, dow. The villages where Congress chief. Will Rahul Gandhi take the onus or will The committee is headed out a fine of Rs 7,000 and village. Sunday Guardian spoke to where the non-abiders of such fatwa have been given stick to his plans of appointing a non Gandhi (as he had by Azharul Sheikh who is Rs 2,000 respectively. The The Sunday Guardian has the Panchayat Pradhan Ab- the fatwa were made to do out are all controlled by the stated last year)? The publication of a recent book on Gen the secretary of the com- committee has also banned spoken to some residents of dur Rauf from the TMC who sit-ups and were told to TMC and their panchayat Next leaders carrying an interview with Priyanka Gandhi mittee. The committee has gambling in the village and these villages in Murshid- finds nothing wrong in the hold their ears and plead pradhans are in full support Vadra has only added to the speculation that this is on the other members including has mentioned that anyone abad district over telephone fatwa issued by the “leaders” sorry for their “wrongful” of this. The TMC wants to cards, only there is a catch. According to party sources, the Maulvi, the Imam and found indulging in this ac- and all of them confirmed of the villages. act. turn Bengal into Pakistan. this interview is not a recent one and could date back to other heads of the villages. tivity would be charged a that such diktat has been is- Abdur Rauf said, “There However, Rauf said that We are going to give a writ- last year, during the gap when Rahul had resigned and The committee has pre- fine of Rs 7,000. sued in their village. was a lot of nuisance that they have stopped collect- ten complaint against this Sonia Gandhi had not yet taken charge. A lot has changed scribed a list mentioning Not only this, the fatwa Villagers also said that was going on in the villages, ing money as fine from the illegal fatwa to the district since then and this includes a more pro-active Rahul, as the quantum of punishment also mentions that apart posters and banners had especially after the migrants people now and the money administration.” well as the positioning of some of his key aides in positions of power. This includes Ajay Maken’s elevation as party AT PARTY MEETS general secretary, Rajasthan, the return of Sachin Pilot orchestrated by Rahul and Priyanka, and others such as K.C. Venugopal, Sushmita Dev, Randeep Surjewala, Rajeev Satav getting more vocal at party fora, while Jitin Prasada Rahul vents anger over in-house turf war has launched an ambitious plan to bring back the Brahmin vote in UP. All this is very well, but what if Rahul decides he Congress government fall fault with him. Even, some of the Congress will be keenly P. Chidambaram, Anand Rahul Gandhi will be able needs to appoint a proxy? Who would he choose? It seems AJIT MAINDOLA New Delhi in Madhya Pradesh. Again, them have deserted the party watched from that point of Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Manish to answer this question and in this race, Mukul Wasnik is emerging as the front runner. Congress insiders were be- regardless of Rahul Gandhi’s view. In fact, Rahul Gandhi Tewary, Shashi Tharoor, Mil- perhaps he will answer at the He is a former IYC President and so is not someone who Rahul Gandhi is an angry hind destabilising the gov- reliance on them. Some still is unable to take tough deci- ind Deora, Jatin Prasad and right time. Another reason has had positions handed to him on a platter, is not overtly young man these days. The ernment in Rajasthan. Rahul continue to be in the Con- sions due to his mother Sonia R.P.N. Singh are some of the why Rahul Gandhi is unhap- confrontationist or ambitious to be a threat to either the Old former Congress boss gets Gandhi has now run out of gress, joining the chorus with Gandhi’s intervention. As a leaders who Rahul Gandhi py with leaders is that most of or the Young Guard. In fact, being middle aged (politically angry at the drop of a hat patience when his own peo- oldies against Rahul Gandhi result, certain decisions are is said to be unhappy with. them do not join him in assail- speaking) he neatly fits into the middle path that appeases these days. His anger is jus- ple are targeting him. How at times. taken in the Congress which The Congress MP is getting ing Prime Minister Narendra all and threatens none. Well, that’s a criterion by itself. tified too. His own people are can Rahul Gandhi be a mute The in-house tension and don’t have Rahul Gandhi’s along well with Ashok Gehlot, Modi. Randeep Singh Surjew- exasperating him by way of spectator to old guards meet- turf war are reasons enough stamp of approval. Bhupesh Baghel, Amarinder ala did what Rahul Gandhi one conduct or the other. It ing Sonia Gandhi with their for Rahul Gandhi to be un- Apart from veterans whose Singh and Narayanasamy. He wanted by showing no mercy Rajmohan Gandhi to was in 2013 when the en- grievances? Some of them are happy and disappointed. conduct has been a cause of ir- trusts Kamal Nath in MP. in attacking the PM. However, tire country witnessed the even writing to the Congress In the last fortnight, Rahul ritation for the Gandhi scion, Former MP chief minister Surjewala could not be picked the Rescue Gandhi scion seething with interim chief targeting Rahul Gandhi has been targeted in youngsters like Jyotiraditya Digvivjay Singh is trying to be for general secretary post. anger and venting it on the Gandhi for one reason or the CWC meeting and in a par- Scindia and Sachin Pilot, too, in Rahul Gandhi’s good book, Ajay Maken stole the march If you look at any Congress leader’s Twitter post recently then UPA government pub- other. All this is not going ley of Rajya Sabha members have added to Rahul Gandhi’s but his tricks don’t seem to be over him for reasons Rahul you will see a retweet of a recent article penned by licly. He had then ripped up down well with the ex-boss convened by Sonia Gandhi. headache. Scindia ruined the working for now. Rahul Gan- Gandhi may not like. Maken Rajmohan Gandhi in defence of Rahul Gandhi. It’s the ordinance cleared by the of the party. What Rahul Gan- By expressing his displeasure Kamal Nath government in dhi is said to have no problem had gone abroad when he interesting because in the article he takes on not a BJP IT Manmohan Singh Cabinet to dhi takes note of is that most over such behaviour of old- MP, Sachin Pilot pushed the with Ahmed Patel, Ghulam was supposed to fight elec- cell troll, but someone who is known to lean more towards “save convicted lawmakers”. of these leaders are the ones ies, Rahul Gandhi has given a Ashok Gehlot government to Nabi Azad, Mallikarjuna tions here. He used to be at the left of centre than the right. Rajmohan Gandhi takes Rahul Gandhi is angry who enjoyed power and held strong message as well. Now, the verge of collapse. How- Kharge, AK Antony, Motilal loggerheads with then chief issue with historian Ramchandra Guha’s take on Rahul again. He has expressed his plum ministerial posts during he is sure that there cannot ever, Gehlot managed to save Vora and Mukul Wasnik. minister and later Delhi Con- Gandhi, where the latter had argued why he thought Rahul anger to the extent of aggres- 10 years of the UPA govern- be repetition of these episodes his government. But all that The new CWC will have the gress president Sheila Dikshit. should not be positioned as the Congress alternative to sive outburst in the party ment. What happened then? in the next meeting after the annoyed Rahul Gandhi too imprint of Rahul Gandhi and But still, he was picked for a Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It’s interesting because meetings on several occa- Didn’t they have any problem terse message has been given. much. Veterans without mass his anger will get reflected in key role in the Congress. Be it has been a while since a cogent defence of Rahul has sions. His own party leaders with Rahul Gandhi then? The Congress Working Com- base targeting Rahul Gandhi its composition. Will many of that as it may, the fact is that been made (for reasons that perhaps the Congress leader are making him exasperated What hurts Rahul Gandhi mittee meeting will be held on is something that led to the old guards be then dropped? Rahul Gandhi is angry with is as much to be blamed as the media), but Gandhi does these days. It was none else more is that some youngsters, 24 August. The meeting of the ex-party chief’s outbursts. This question is being raised lots of old guards and some make a strong attempt at doing so in a spirit which brings than insiders who made the who he relied on, are finding top decision-making body of Former finance minister in Congress circles. But only of youngsters. back some sense of a debate on social media, which is normally riddled with cheap pot-shots on both sides. Such BUDGET & FUNDING as the recent comments about Home Minister Amit Shah’s hospitalisation, or more recently jokes about the basement car park of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Gurgaon apartment being flooded by the recent rains. Surely when neither the ‘States reluctant to share details on anti-trafficking units’ Covid nor the economic crisis is over, there are far more important issues to be discussed than either of the above well as the level of utilisation basis from FY 2010-11 till 76.17% utilisation of funds Affairs, issued funds for the local police never did. Meet- two. As for the leadership crisis in Congress, that remains Shaily Mishra new delhi of those funds for the same FY 2018-19, as well as levels issued for the set-up of AH- set-up of AHTUs and state/ ings were on time and spaced a perennial whipping horse, for journalists and trolls alike. time period. of utilisation of the same. It TUs respectively. UT Home Departments do out, so that she could prepare And, as mentioned earlier, a chunk of the blame for the A study spearheaded by As a part of this study, was observed that Arunachal This comes in the backdrop not provide any funding for herself. The local police had latter lies with the Congress itself. Sanjog, a technical resource RTIs were filed in 33 states Pradesh was the only state of an advisory issued by the the same in any jurisdiction.” made her feel like a criminal, organisation, and Tafteesh, and Union Territories by five that had a separate budget Ministry of Home Affairs, Asma Mollya, member she said. a coalition of lawyers, activ- lawyers and only 10 states re- allocation for intelligence asking all the states and UTs of Utthan and a commu- Kaushik Gupta, advocate, ists, social workers and sur- sponded to the information on and research. to set up new AHTUs and nity leader in ILFAT (Indian Calcutta High Court, also top of saturday vivor leaders, on assessing budget and funding. Even out According to this study, upgrade the existing ones Leadership Forum Against heading the legal team of the operational competence of these 10 states, Himachal Uttarakhand and Nagaland through Rs 100 crore that Trafficking), who herself is Tafteesh, said, “I find that complaint lodged of Anti-Human Trafficking Pradesh, Haryana and Chhat- were the only states that has been allocated from the a survivor and had been res- officers from local police sta- Units (AHTUs) across India tisgarh provided incomplete claimed 100% utilisation Nirbhaya Fund in this regard. cued in 2011, said that the tions are unable to conduct Threao t to bl w up Rafale has unveiled that states are information that only con- of funds issued for the set- Speaking to The Sunday local police were rude to her robust investigations and the reluctant to share informa- sisted of funds allocated and up of AHTUs, followed by Guardian, Pompi Banerjee, and only agreed to record the same cases, when transferred air base in Ambala tion regarding the amount did not cover the utilisation Kerala and Mizoram with a psychologist and researcher statement after intervention to AHTUs, have a much bet- CHANDIGARH: A letter to blow up the Indian Air Force sta- of funds allocated by the of the same. 99.90%. The lowest percent- at Sanjog and a member of by a local NGO. It was when ter impact and help in pros- tion in Ambala, Haryana, where the first batch of five Rafale Home Department of the The RTI also asked whether age of funds utilisation was Tafteesh, said: “AHTUs are her case was transferred to ecution. I can’t say if AHTU aircraft are stationed, was received by authorities, police state governments and the AHTUs have been allocated in Arunachal Pradesh, where never really the agenda of the AHTU that the investiga- officers are better trained or said on Saturday. The letter was received on Friday after Ministry of Home Affairs for any budget for the purpose only 33.3% of the budget for political parties in elections, tion was done promptly and more skilled, but prima facie, which the authorities lodged a complaint with the nearby the formation and functioning of collecting intelligence and intelligence and research was that is part of the reason why efficiently, using descriptions they have the time, resources police station, a police official said. As a precaution and to of AHTUs, in the state from conducting research on hu- utilised. Tamil Nadu and Bi- only the Central government, and sketches to identify the and systemic support to do a ensure safety, security has been beefed up at the Ambala FY 2010-11 till FY 2018-19, as man trafficking on an annual har claimed 92.49% and through the Ministry of Home accused; something that the diligent job.” station, he added. ians the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 4 nation new delhi www.sundayguardianlive.com eye on South ‘MANLINESS’ Rama Krishna Sangem Fissures appear in AIADMK, NEP is ok for southern BJP ties in Tamil Nadu states, except Parties spar over move to prohibit celebrations of Vinayaka Chathurthi in pandemic. Dinakaran somewhat side- even shunted out its state “manliness” as it was “hiding a tweet and go hiding have serting that his government Santosh Kumar lined, the Centre had made president Tamilisai Sounda- behind the saree for the last manliness?” Jayakumar was only following Madras for Tamil Nadu New Delhi all the right moves to make rarajan who had been at log- thirty years”. It was clearly countered. Jayakumar also High Court strictures. The CM Edappadi Palaniswamy isn’t ready olitically, this Vinay- life easy for Palaniswami gerheads with the AIADMK a dig, if not an insult, to the hit out against the current court on Wednesday had re- aka Chathurthi has and company. The central leadership. All this had given AIADMK leadership and a state BJP leadership, saying fused to pass an order on the to hand over political ammunition Pturned out to be not BJP leadership had even the impression that every- clear reference to the late J. that all of them had at one festivities, contending that to the Opposition ahead of polls. very auspicious for the BJP helped patch up the differ- thing was fine with both Jayalalithaa who had led the time or other used to “queue the state had already put a in Tamil Nadu. This south- ences between the Chief the parties as they cruise party for over three decades. in front of someone’s house” ban on such festivities in the The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, approved by ern Dravidian state has been Minister and the immediate towards the Assembly elec- Quite naturally, any adverse in Pose Gardens not long light of the alarming spread the Union Cabinet on 29 July, has been broadly welcomed under Narendra Modi-Amit aspirant to his chair, O. Pan- tions slated May 2021. comments about Amma ago, an obvious reference to of coronavirus which has by the southern states, albeit with some objections, but the Shah combine’s radar ever neerselvam. But fissures have now ap- are unacceptable to AIAD- the late Jalayalithaa’s resi- already claimed over 6,200 one state which vehemently opposed it is Tamil Nadu. Even since the untimely demise of Though it was not clear peared in their relationship MK even if her memory is dence which is now being lives in the state. The enthusi- among the northern states, political divide appears to be a ruling AIADMK supremo whether the rank and file following the state govern- slowly fading in the minds converted into a museum. asm shown by the BJP in the major factor behind opposing the policy that was adopted J. Jayalalithaa. The ruling was in agreement of the ment’s decision to prohibit of the people of the state. Raja and his state party case of Ganesha may not be by the country after a gap of four decades. party at the Centre had to a current AIADMK leader- public celebrations of Vinay- State Fisheries Minister D. chief L. Murugan continued very fruitful for the party po- The states which are under the rule of Opposition parties, very large extent partially ship’s alliance with BJP, the aka Chathurthi in the light of Jayakumar joined the issue to argue that if the state gov- litically. Covid or no Covid, as especially where Assembly elections are in the near future, succeeded in its efforts to get two gave the impression of the widespread Coronavirus with Raja. He tweeted with ernment could keep liquor the Assembly elections near, are foremost in objecting to some provisions of the policy, a toe hold in the state with a smooth working relation- outbreak in the state. The a hidden warning to BJP. shops open, why it could not the AIADMK leadership is while others have almost endorsed it with some tinkering. its alliance with the leader- ship, despite differences over BJP, as usual, did not want “AIADMK is very much a allow Vinayaka Chathurthi waiting for any opportunity As education is a subject of the Concurrent List in the Con- ship that had emerged to contentious issues that mat- to lose an opportunity to ap- manly party, ours is a manly festivities. to distance itself from the stitution, wholehearted cooperation from states is essential control AIADMK after the ter to the heart of the state pease its Hindu vote bank government too. Do not rub Incidentally, Vinayaka Cha- ruling party at the Centre for NEP for its nationwide implementation. departure of Amma. The such as the issue of “impo- as well as make use of the us the wrong way.” thurthi had never been cel- which is still finding it dif- If we closely observe the objections raised by Tamil Nadu, BJP central leadership had in sition” of Hindi. That the occasion to flaunt its grow- He did not stop there. Re- ebrated with much fanfare ficult to get acceptability for which will go to Assembly elections in April or May 2021, the past two years given the AIADMK under the leader- ing strength, whatever it calling an incident from compared to Deepavali in the its ideology in the state. The the political compulsions of the ruling AIADMK seem to impression that the Edap- ship of Palaniswami lacked may be, in the state. So BJP’s the past in which Raja had state where because of Dra- sooner the state BJP leader- be behind them. Prominent among the objections is the padi Palaniswami govern- in the art of governance national secretary H. Raja blamed his Twitter admin vidian influence, there is not ship understands this reality, state’s opposition to Hindi as one of the three languages in ment in the state is obliged to was a matter of concern, it started it all with a tweet. He after a tweet from him trig- much scope for celebrations the better for the party pros- the school education. The NEP recommends the three-lan- them in hanging on to power, was somehow able to carry wrote that the neighbouring gered a controversy result- and festivities in the name of pects in Tamil Nadu which guage formula, though the mother tongue is preferred for given the dissension within on with a bit of help from Karnataka government had ing in Raja offering an apol- Hindu gods and goddesses is still under the sway of the early schooling. the party after the death of its Delhi. Or, the BJP had suc- allowed public processions ogy before the Madras High as is the case in north India. Dravidian parties, something Immediately after the policy was announced, Chief Min- charismatic leader. With the ceeded in creating an image and celebrations in that state Court. “All of you know This is something which the which even new contend- ister Edappadi Palaniswamy (EPS) has made it clear that biggest contender to Jayala- that the state government for the festival as it is a “mas- about Raja. We have already BJP is hoping to change. Chief ers to power such as Kamal Tamil Nadu won’t implement this three-language formula lithaa’s legacy, V.K. Sasikala, was obliged to it for its con- culine” one compared to seen his greatness and man- Minister Palaniswami tried Haasan and Rajinikanth have as prescribed by the new policy. He wrote a letter to Prime in prison and her nephew tinuance in power. The party the AIADMK which lacked liness...Do people who post to bring about truce by as- come to accept. Minister Narendra Modi on 26June 2019 opposing im- position of Hindi on Tamil Nadu as the compulsory third ON 30 OCTOBER CYBE R BULLYING? language in schools. EPS also opposed promotion of San- skrit in NEP. Not just EPS’ AIADMK, but other Dravidian parties like DMK and PMK, too, protested the NEP for its thrust on the three-language formula, which recommends Surya’s Soorarai Pottru to premiere Dozens delete the state’s official language that is Tamil, English and Hindi. Surprisingly, the Congress, which at one time pushed hard for Hindi in Tamil Nadu, is muted in its opinion, while the directly on Amazon Prime accounts after BJP is the lone party which backed the NEP. A closer analysis of developments show that people of against them. Earlier, theatre needed to bring back audi- MUGILAN CHANDRAKUMAR Tamil Nadu were not all that opposed to Hindi as a lan- owners have already raised ences to theatres and moves CHENNAI cyber police guage. They may have opposed its forcible imposition, but objection to the release of the like opting for OTT will not never hated Hindi as a language of learning or knowledge. Tamil star Surya’s Soorarai Jyothika starred “Ponmagal help them in anyway. In fact, the Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha that was Pottru will be premiered di- Vandhal” and announced Industry insider and pro- crackdown founded in 1918 in Madras, had the full blessings of Mahat- rectly on Amazon Prime on that they will not allow the ducer Dhanajeyan said that ma Gandhi and evoked good response from people of then 30 October, making it the release of any movies from 2020 has become a game- Noor-ul-Qamrain Madras presidency. the first big-budget movie in the actor Sivakumar’s fam- changer as it has opened up Srinagar During the freedom A closer analysis of Tamil Nadu to take the OTT ily in theaters hereafter. a new avenue even to the struggle days, the Sabha developments shows that route. Surya made the an- Speaking to The Sunday producers and added that While cyber police officials claim that they have questioned a was a rallying point for na- people of Tamil Nadu were nouncement regarding the Guardian, Tamil Nadu The- when there is no guarantee lot of youth in the past two weeks for “cyber bullying”, many tionalism and patriotism. not all that opposed to Hindi release of his long-awaited ater Association members when the theatres will open, political leaders and activists have accused the J&K administra- Mahatma Gandhi and his as a language. They may Soorarai Pottru as the uncer- said they feel let down by ac- OTT has given an escape tion of pushing youth to the wall and not allowing them even to son, Devadoss Gandhi, led have opposed its forcible tainty over the reopening of The poster of the film. tor Surya’s decision, as it will route to the small producers write about their feelings on different social media platforms. it from the front for long. imposition, but never theatres looms large. state, many big budget mov- not help them during a tough as it helps them to minimise Cyber police have been questioning a lot of youths and many The Sabha grew in size and hated Hindi as a language The movie is inspired by ie producers have pushed time like this. Theatre owner financial loses. of them have deleted their accounts after “interaction with stature over the years and of learning or knowledge. the life of Captain Gopinath, their movie releases for Subramaniam said they are Actor Surya, in his state- police, warning them not to repeat such offending comments became an institution of na- In fact, the Dakshin Bharat a retired Army captain who Diwali, though there is no facing uncertainty as there is ment, said that he has been anymore”. Reports said that in the recent past, cyber police of tional importance through a Hindi Prachar Sabha went on to create the low cost guarantee that the theaters no guarantee when theatres forced to take this decision as Srinagar have identified more than 300 accounts which were parliamentary Act in 1964. that was founded in 1918 airline carrier Deccan. The will open by then. Theatre will be allowed to open and a producer to save the interest indulging in hate posts and “cyber bullying”. Of course, precisely during in Madras, had the full movie, which is scheduled associations in Tamil Nadu even if allowed, there is no of the people who are associ- SP Cyber Police who are heading the Srinagar operations the time, Tamil Nadu wit- blessings of Mahatma for release on 30 October, is have always objected even to assurance that people will ated with him in the movie told the media that they have been able to identify all such nessed a violent anti-Hindi Gandhi and evoked good a multilingual directed by the the parallel release of movies turn up to theatres to watch and also it is his responsibil- anti-social elements and all of them would be summoned for agitation. Later, then Chief response from people of Sudha Kongara. in OTT platforms as such a movies as they have to follow ity to ensure the movie gets questioning and police will try to investigate the motivation Minister C.N. Annadurai, then Madras presidency. As theaters are shut for move adversely affects their several physical distanc- released at the right time as it behind such posts. According to police, many of them deac- a founding leader of DMK, more than 150 days due to industry, but the Covid situ- ing norms. He added that a involves the hard work of sev- tivated their accounts, but they were able to trace them and moved a resolution in the state legislative Assembly op- the Covid situation in the ation has turned the tables strong line-up of movies is eral artistes and technicians. most of them would be questioned and even booked if found posing imposition of Hindi and sticking to a two-language guilty for any charges under cyber laws. formula—Tamil and English—on 23 January 1968. Again, a ‘ POLITICAL STRUGGLE’ Cyber police acted after receiving a lot of complaints from similar resolution was moved by then CM M.G. Ramachan- many people, including from political circles, complaining of dran who founded his AIADMK after breaking away from targeted harassment and threats. Cyber police have decided to DMK, in the Assembly on 13November 1986. CM EPS, in his act as they fear that if such groups were allowed to operate on last year’s letter to the PM, reminded that Tamil Nadu had Restore Article 370, release different social media platforms from Kashmir valley, it can be always stuck to two languages, Tamil and English, and that a threat to peace in future. While the police claimed that it was any change in this would be opposed tooth and nail. “coordinated online attack and not on political lines”, many Obviously, EPS appears perturbed by the possible impact Mehbooba: Farooq Abdullah political parties have said that most of the educated youth, of Opposition onslaught on NEP on his party prospects in including professionals, were forced to delete their accounts next year’s Assembly elections. Though AIADMK has been launched for the restoration Abdullah of the joint declara- that when the Election Com- due to the coercion of cyber police. Prominent faces of the Noor-ul-Qamrain an ally of BJP-led government at the Centre, the CM cannot Srinagar of special status of J&K and tion to fight as one unit for the mission announces poll dates civil society of Kashmir, including Khurram Parvaiz, told the afford to keep mum on a sensitive issue like Hindi imposi- called it the only core issue for restoration of Article 370 and in the Union Territory of media that police at the instance of the government were trying tion. He is not ready to hand over political ammunition to Insiders in the National the mainstream political par- stand by the people of Jammu Jammu and Kashmir, all these to assert a particular brand of politics by force in Kashmir. the Opposition ahead of elections. Conference (NC) have said ties of Jammu and Kashmir. and Kashmir. Mehbooba mainstream political leaders Iltija Mufti, who is handling the twitter account of her We should not forget that only last year, the Union Cabinet that they will, after a lot of Earlier, two senior leaders of Mufti had reportedly con- of Kashmir “will come out like jailed mother Mehbooba Mufti, reacted to the cyber police had sanctioned four Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) where Hin- interactions, take a final stand National Conference and PDP veyed her displeasure at the frogs”. NC leaders said that action in a series of tweets and accused the Srinagar cyber di is taught along with Tamil and English, after a gap of four on how to go for “political told this reporter that Farooq utterances of Omar Abdullah in-person meetings with police cell of forcing opinionated Kashmiri youths to delete years. While three of them were set up by the Centre, the struggle” for the restoration of Abdullah assured Mehbooba that restoration of statehood party leaders on Thursday their accounts on twitter. “Curious case of K twitter. Young, fourth one, in Tirupur district, was sponsored by the state Article 370. Dr Farooq Abdul- Mufti and other mainstream could be a starting point to go and Friday are purely to get educated & opinionated Kashmiris on Twitter have suddenly government. In fact, Tamil Nadu has 42 KVs, with 70,000 lah has said that the only core political leaders that he will ahead with political activities the feedback from the party disappeared from the platform. Apparently, most male us- students, out of 1,300 KVs with 13 lakh intake in India. issue was how to fight for the stand by the August 4, 2019 here. Omar Abdullah later cadre on how to proceed and ers were summoned by the notorious Cyber Cell in Srinagar, On the contrary, Karnataka, which, too, takes pride in su- restoration of Article 370 and joint declaration, known as changed his stance and said indicated that after these in- forced to delete their accounts & sign ‘bonds’ promising premacy of its official language, Kannada, is all set to roll out release of incarcerated PDP “Gupkar Declaration”, of all that a section of the media teractions, there would be ‘good behaviour’,” said one of the posts of Iltija Mufti on her NEP with some minor changes from the current academic chief Mehbooba Mufti. Abdul- mainstream political parties was trying to quote him out of meetings held with the rest mother’s account. year. Karnataka’s BJP education minister S. Suresh Kumar lah also admitted that he was at his residence at Gupkar context, while he even wrote of political parties in Kashmir, Cyber police chief of Srinagar has already told the media has said that it would be called the Karnataka Education in constant touch with her. road. That meeting was at- an article in a national daily including PDP and Congress. that all the allegations like that of “thought policing” of Kash- Policy. Kerala, led by the Left front government has some Talking to media persons at tended by all mainstream on the same lines of restora- “We will be the leading party miri youth is baseless. In a series of tweets from Mehbooba procedural issues, but is ready to implement NEP from the his Gupkar residence after the political parties of Kashmir, tion of statehood. BJP leaders to fight for the restoration of Mufti’s account, Iltija Mufti said that basically the J&K ad- next year. The governments in two Telugu speaking states— first in-person meeting with including J&K Congress, PDP, recently said that statehood Article 370 through all legal ministration was trying to assert the “fake narrative” of nor- Telangana and Andhra Pradesh—too have no major objec- his senior party leaders, in- and the Sajad Lone-led PC, would be restored only when and democratic means and we malcy instead of accepting the ground realities of Kashmir. tions and are ready to implement NEP, possibly from 2021. cluding two sitting MPs, he along with dozens of other the last gun in Kashmir falls are waiting for the release of She claimed that cyber police have even called many women Of course, they have some issues like funds for breakfast for said that it was the first inter- political organisations. silent. Another BJP leader Mehbooba Mufti to have an and they have even told them through their employers that children, increased enrolment and teacher education etc, action with party colleagues These two leaders said that called the joint political dec- all-party meeting to chalk out they should delete the accounts or face the law. “Surely a but the TRS and YSR Congress governments in these states and indicated that a collective, Mehbooba Mufti, through her laration as “Gupkar Gang our future strategy,” Farooq cowardly tactic to blackmail women,” she said in one of the have welcomed the spirit of NEP 2020. democratic struggle would be emissaries, reminded Farooq Declaration ‘’ and claimed Abdullah told reporters. tweets. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 new delhi india & the world 5 www.sundayguardianlive.com

BILATERAL TIES 11-A P GE ‘SECRET’ REPORT Pak IB blames talks on third foundational Hindu girls’ stepping out, military pact with U.S. soon poverty for A country needs to sign three pacts to get cutting-edge weapons from the US. conversion Navtan Kumar State for Political Affairs rity, and the global response tions systems from the US. to use each other’s facilities Washington DC in Decem- New Delhi David Hale and Indian For- to the Covid-19 pandemic, BECA, according to experts, and establish procedures of ber last year. Though BECA eign Secretary Harsh Vard- according to a statement by will allow India to use US easier access to supplies and could not be signed, the two ‘Hindu girls go out for study and jobs he issue of the pend- han Shringla held virtual the US State Department. expertise on geospatial in- services required by them. countries signed the Indus- and fall in love with Muslim boys’. ing third foun- talks recently during which India has already signed telligence and enhance mili- Soon after the visit of US trial Security Annex, which Tdational military the two sides discussed bi- the Logistics Exchange tary accuracy of automated President Donald Trump to will facilitate collaboration Abhinandan Mishra pact—Basic Exchange and lateral cooperation on a full Memorandum of Agree- hardware systems and India, a meeting was held in between defence industries New Delhi Cooperation Agreement for range of international issues ment (LEMOA) with the weapons like cruise, ballis- Washington DC in March in of the two countries by sup- The Pakistani Intelligence Bureau (IB) has blamed Hindu Geo-spatial Cooperation and reaffirmed their com- US and Communications tic missiles and drones. which it was decided to start porting the secure transfer girls’ conduct of going out to study and work and their pov- (BECA)—with the United mitment to work towards Compatibility and Security The COMCASA allows drafting the BECA. Howev- of key information and tech- erty-ridden background for the increasing numbers of them States, which is expected to ensuring a “free, open, Agreement (COMCASA). the US to transfer commu- er, there was no substantial nology. The 2+2 Dialogue converting to Islam and getting married to Muslims. give a boost to the country’s peaceful and prosperous” However, it is yet to sign nication equipment to In- progress due to the Covid-19 was created by Prime Min- This has been revealed in an 11-page “secret” report titled defence system and counter Indo-Pacific. the third—Basic Exchange dia which facilitates secure pandemic. However, the ister Narendra Modi and US “trend of conversion of Hindu girls into Islam”, of Pakistan’s the Russia-China-Pakistan The two officers also dis- and Cooperation Agree- transmission of data and re- issue may be discussed at President Donald Trump as Intelligence Bureau’s Karachi office, that was prepared on 30 axis, may come up for dis- cussed the ongoing threats ment for Geo-spatial Coop- al-time information between the highest level during the the first, in India’s case, with July. While giving the names and other details of the Hindu cussion during the “US- to the rules-based interna- eration (BECA). A country the armed forces of the two “US-India 2+2 Ministerial any country, to provide a girls who have converted to Islam, it has claimed that all these India 2+2 Ministerial Dia- tional order, bilateral and needs to sign these three countries. The LEMOA, on Dialogue” later this year. positive and forward-look- marriages have happened with the consent of the boy and logue” later this year. multilateral diplomatic co- pacts to obtain cutting-edge the other hand, allows In- The previous 2+2 Dialogue ing vision for our strategic the girl and that this is happening because Hindus girls are US Under Secretary of operation, maritime secu- weapons and communica- dian and US defence forces (the second one) was held in partnership. “going out for study and for jobs and falling in love with Mus- lim boys”. The report has also stated that these marriages are MASSIVE SHIFT happening because the “Hindu girls who come from poverty ridden background get into marriage with Muslim boys and embrace Islam to change their lives”. The report has been prepared under the supervision of China factor makes Oz adopt ‘deterrent’ defence policy Shahid Hussain Mahessar, a 1974 born official, who is pres- ently posted as a deputy Director in the IB. The report— ‘Australia rejigs defence policy to counter China’s rising expansionism, while India refrains from taking on China’. rather than suggesting ways to stop these marriages despite giving examples of how such marriages are happening un- Abhinandan Mishra “Japan, India, the Republic China will now go back from talks that have taken place, der the shadow of gun-totting muscleman owing their alle- New Delhi of Korea, the countries of the grey areas which it is oc- without any outcome, be- giance to local Islamic religious figures—in its recommen- South-East Asia, Indonesia, cupying now. tween the two countries dations has stated that the district administration should On 1 July, while releasing Malaysia, Singapore, Viet- “For us, it will continue to after the clashes started tak- make committee of both the parties (Hindu and Muslim) the “2020 Defence Strategic nam and the Pacific all have remain a grey area or an area ing place between the two for settlement of new converts (Hindu girls), minorities’ Update”, Australian Prime agency, choices to make, which we used to dominate, armies from the last week of body should be formed so that the “child” parents (Hindu Minister Scott Morrison parts to play and of course, but the truth on the ground April. parents) can meet their kids before they get married off and signaled a massive change so does Australia,” he stated. is that now they are occupy- On Thursday, members protection should be provided by government to all those in Australia’s defence policy He did not elaborate on ing these grey areas and they of the Working Mechanism who want to embrace Islam. which is being seen by ex- what were the choices that have shown no signs of mov- for Consultation & Coor- The report has stated that religious heads of a Muslim perts in New Delhi as the he was referring to, but the ing back to pre-May days. As dination on India-China shrine, Bharchundi Sharif, near Daharki, Sindh province first step towards the trans- underlying message that it the military and diplomatic Border Affairs (WMCC), have converted more Hindu girls compared to other dis- formation of the Australian was about how to stop Chi- talks continue, they might go from both the sides, met to tricts, and that is due to their militant supports to the new Defence Force from a largely na’s expansionism is clear back from a few points, but discuss how to resolve the converts. defensive force to a deterrent from the reading of the 60- that too seems very unlikely issue. The meeting, as was In what can be seen as an illustration of the mass conver- File photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping with Australian Prime force, which, as Morrison plus page document and the Minister Scott Morrison. now. It is time to accept that expected, ended without sion of Hindu community girls that have taken place in Pak- himself hinted, was due to almost 5,600 words speech the old status quo has now any concrete commitments. istan in the recent past, either voluntarily or involuntarily, the China factor. that Morrison gave. released a revamped defence China, yet it has come out changed,” an official said. This was the fourth such the report has further stated that in district Ghotki, out of Morrison, who took over This bold move by Austra- policy that clearly says that and publicly stated that it is This assessment gains meeting. Apart from the the 58 new converts, 35 are girls, in district Sukkur, 22 out of as the Prime Minister less lia to counter China’s rising they know who their enemy revising its defence policy to strength as it has now WMCC meet, five rounds the 57 new converts are girls and in district Khairpur, 20 out than two years ago, while expansionism has given is and that they are ready counter China. What have emerged that the People’s of commander-level meet- of the 43 new converts are girls. All these districts are part of releasing the country’s de- the island country the first to tackle it. Our diplomats, we done?” a senior govern- Liberation Army (PLA) ings, multiple division and the Sindh region. fence policy for the coming mover’s advantage which is on the other hand, are still ment official said, adding is laying optic fibre cables brigade commander level The fact that hashtag “sindhrejectsforcedconversion” years, stated that the Indo- likely, in the coming years, to scared to pronounce ‘China’ that the last time a high- at some of the ‘grey areas’ meetings, two meetings of trended on social media site Twitter recently has caused a Pacific region has become help it emerge as the fulcrum at the public forum. Even ranking individual in the which its forces had started the Indian Ambassador to lot of worry among the Pakistan IB officials who believe that the “epicenter of a rising of anti-China movement in post Galwan, the words Indian government who occupying post May. “Why China with senior officials this trending, as per the report, was done by Indian agencies strategic competition” and the Pacific region, a position from our diplomats were spoke out against China was would they lay cables at a and an interaction between to highlight the conversions. the “largely benign security which, topic watchers say, not strong enough. On one the then defence minister place which they feel that the two Special Representa- The Pakistani IB was reportedly asked to prepare a environment” that Australia was for India’s taking. hand, we say that we are the George Fernandes, who in they will have to leave in the tives have also taken place ground report after a string of cases of abduction and force- has enjoyed all these years, “We have missed out on leading regional power of the 1998 had called China India’s coming days? Their intent in the last three months. ful conversion of Hindu girls by armed men had come to has gone. substantial strategic advan- region, but then when the enemy number 1. is clear. They do not plan to “Some pull backs at a few light in the last few months, including that of 15-year-old Morrison, without nam- tages due to the ‘respect for chance comes to transform The understanding among vacate the grey area,” the of- points had taken place in Suntara Kohli, 19-year-old Bhagwati Kohli, 19-year-old Ai- ing China, made it clear that China’ which our diplomats words into action, we prefer the people who are keeping a ficial said. the second week of July. sha Megwad, 24-year-old Priyanka Kumari and that of the the rest of the countries in still have, which is now being maintaining the status quo. watch on the current India- That the talks have be- Nothing much has hap- marriage of a 14-year-old Hindu girl from Thari Mirwah the region, including India, perceived, maybe rightly so, Australia did not have any China border issue is that it come a fruitless exercise is pened after that,” an official town in April and her marriage to a 40-year-old Moham- will have choices to make. as our timidity. Australia has direct confrontation with was “highly unlikely” that evident from the number of said. mad Aachar Darejo.

THE PLA PROBLEM Use of military in disputes causing economic shock in China continued to the vast amounts of data to the Chinese economy has by acting as channels for the Among the most conse- enjoyed in policymaking cir- the Commanding Officer of Chinese apps. since then. The needed for AI to develop. been the ordered decoupling takeover of markets in India quential decisions taken by cles in India thus far. In the a battalion, it became dif- Prime Minister Narendra next major salvo Just as an app can shoot up, of supply chains from within by Chinese substitutes, but the CCP on the advice of the years ahead, the ignoring of ficult for such interests to Modi has sought to ensure was fired this year it can crash in a short time, the PRC, with manufactur- this policy is becoming more PLA has been the manner the interests and sensibili- continue to act as facilitators that the process of decision- by Prime Minister Narendra as AOL or Mindspace have ing units and offices relo- difficult under the watchful in which GHQ Rawalpindi ties of India in PRC dealings of PRC dominance in the making in government pass Modi of India. This was the shown. TikTok is seeking to cating to other countries at eye of Prime Minister Modi. has been encouraged and with Pakistan will be judged Indian market of the same through far fewer (and more Apps Ban, in which 49 Chi- cobble together some cash a steady and growing pace. In China itself, not only were empowered to carry out co- among the most consequen- brands that are assisting transparent) processes than nese apps were barred from from potential buyers in the At the same time, increased foreign competitors barred vert and other acts against tial mistakes made by the GHQ Rawalpindi establish has been the case thus far. the Indian market. At that US and India, but given the barriers are being placed on from entry, but a few “na- India. This when access to CCP in its external policies. control over restive popula- Whether it be in the pro- time, it had been estimated toxicity associated with the imports from China, many tional champions” were the Indian market is crucial Whether it be Xiaomi, tions in PoK and in parts of cessing of passports or in the that the ban could shave off brand, it would be risky for on national security con- identified in key sectors and for China to maintain a high Huawei or TikTok, users Pakistan such as the Pash- postal department, PM Modi hundreds of billions of dol- corporates in the US or India cerns triggered by the ag- discreetly given assistance. growth rate, besides prevail will have almost all her or tun territories, Sindh and has overseen a revolution in lars from the value of Chi- to effect such a rescue of the gressive stance taken by the As a consequence, whether over competitors in fields his activities tracked by the Balochistan. India needs transparency, with citizens nese corporates, and this is brand. As for WeChat, if it PLA in theatres in South, it be ByteDance or Hua- such as AI and telecom. remote controller, which to ban any company from able to track deliveries and what is happening. The US were banned in the US and Southeast and East Asia. wei, such enterprises have Earlier policy of delinking is why a ban on 5G, for ex- any country that invested the rate of progress of re- has followed, and additional in other countries, Chinese Although China itself has become global giants, and commerce from the bound- ample, would have a severe in PoK from accessing the quests made to government steps may get taken on the users would need to shift to long kept away outside were on the cusp of eclips- ary issue was reversed by effect on the ability of re- Indian market, and such a departments. Such changes same lines as already active other means of communica- apps from entering its own ing their European and US Prime Minister Modi, who mote controllers to monitor move has long been neces- are essential for the presence in India, such as barring Chi- tion, and as a consequence, market, Beijing reacted very competitors when PLA ad- made it clear that any coun- activity in third countries. sary. The CCP was under of too many layers and opac- nese firms from accessing authorities in China would sharply to India and the US venturism caused the brakes try trifling with the territo- Given that India, Japan, the notice for quite a while that ity in processes makes it eas- US capital markets or even need to lift the domestic ban following its own example, to be applied on commerce rial integrity of India cannot EU and the US are targets its policy of following the ier for hostile players to sub- the banking system. The on applications such as Face- worried that countries in from China in several mar- expect to be allowed to rake of the PLA and its allies, the lead of the PLA in foreign vert a few of those involved Apps Ban has the potential book, Twitter or WhatsApp, Europe such as Germany kets. WeChat listens to every in tens of billions of dollars national security case for policy would cause severe and cause either wrong de- to sharply limit the growth so that their citizens can con- that have hitherto been conversation made through in profits from consumers in banning such access is over- blowback on commerce, cisions to be taken or right of Artificial Intelligence verse with those from other very respectful of Beijing’s it, just as Alipay or Huawei this country. Several domes- whelming, except that the but such warnings were decisions to get blocked. A (AI) skills in the PRC, given countries, especially in the commands may stop such collects data that is invalu- tic lines of manufacture have business lobbies that have ignored. The consequence policy integrating geopolitics that users create more users, major democracies. Should automatic acquiescence. In able in the development of been destroyed or are close fattened on their role as has been a US-India led with commerce and securi- brand exposure generates such bans remain in place the Indo-Pacific, Australia AI, a field where China is al- to collapse because of the purveyors of Chinese sub- counterattack on expan- ty would ensure that India more exposure, and con- within the PRC, communi- has been the most notable ready the global champion. dumping of Chinese prod- stitutes to domestic prod- sionist policies through the move into the high growth tents spawn fresh content in cations between China and in putting security before Almost all communication ucts and services by busi- ucts were effective for years “soft underbelly of the croc- stage during Modi 2.0. The an unprecedented manner. many other countries would commerce so far as relations between overseas custom- nesspersons who care little in preventing security con- odile”, which is commerce. catalyst for this has been the The rapid growth in user be substantially affected in with China are concerned. In ers and PRC suppliers gets for India’s security and are cerns from interfering with Prime Minister Modi has PLA, which by its aggressive and value terms of TikTok a world that is increasingly India, over the years, several done on WeChat, hence the focused only on their foreign their moneymaking. Once been acknowledged as the behaviour has alerted coun- or WeChat in just a few following India’s lead in ban- businesspersons have made deadly effect on the econo- bank accounts. The Galwan on 15 June the PLA took the global leader in the coun- tries across the world to the years shows the potency of ning Chinese apps. Among huge amounts of profit my of a ban by countries on clash put an end to the free lives of 20 gallant soldiers of termoves against intrusive risks of being dependent on such instruments of access the heaviest long-term blows (much of it located abroad) the use of the application. ride that such elements have the Indian Army including and (till recently) dominant PRC-based supply chains. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 6 covert new delhi www.sundayguardianlive.com

MAYHEM Nights without End: Four days with the Hizbul Mujahideen ‘What can we do sir? There is truth in what you say, but they are the ones holding the guns,’ was the refrain from ordinary Kashmiris about the terrorists. the Associated Press. Making bald head, whose voice I rec- 10 Bihar, Colonel Harsh Udai dren’s temples to force them with the Army and the IAF Shiv Kunal Verma Singh Gaur, had been killed at to go with them, the wailing, New Delhi me even more uncomfortable ognised as the one that told extensively (and the Navy, I was a 9 mm Beretta tucked me to start walking, intro- Bazipura on 29 November in a the breast beating, the misery, might add) during peacetime, t the away in the waistband of duced himself as the “Peer” fire-fight. He was a brave sol- the terror…and the constant it seemed the logical thing to Lal my trousers, with two fully and for the next four days he dier who led from the front, lament, “kya karen janaab, do. As things panned out, I ABa- loaded magazines. The pistol was rarely more than two feet and as luck would have it, he unke haath mein AK hai” be- was cleared to fly in helicop- hadur Shas- was a last minute addition away from me. was the first casualty the bat- came a blur in my mind. We ters with the rider that a se- tri National to my gear, handed to me by A young girl, her head cov- talion suffered. A la Galwan, were also hiding from Army nior officer must accompany Academy for an Army colonel after I had ered in a floral hijab, handed the Biharis went berserk over patrols, sometimes in lofts, me. As a result, I spent a lot of Administration in Mus- got out of his Army jonga at me a cup of tea that I grate- the next few days, tracking sometimes in dark chambers time with Major General V.S. soorie, my film Kashmir: Milestone 7. “It’s a captured fully accepted. Then the down and killing some of dug below the floor boards. Budhwar, GOC 3 Infantry Di- Baramula to Kargil was being weapon,” he had said, “throw “Peer” started to introduce the hard core militants. The This was rural Kashmir and vision, and he in turn had to screened on the very day the it away if you don’t need it.” the others, starting with one noose tightening around him, the horror was endless. Un- buzz around the countryside Government of India decided Before I could protest, he had man who had a pock-marked REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTO: People look at the damaged house a senior commander started able to charge my batteries, I with the doors removed from to nullify Article 370 and re- driven away. He had spent face and obviously was their where Hizbul Mujahideen Commander-in-Chief, Riyaz Naikoo negotiating his own surren- kept shooting little snippets. the Army Aviation Cheetahs constitute the state of Jammu the daylight hours trying to kingpin. Meet Lieutenant was killed in an encounter with Army personnel at Beighpora der with the Intelligence guys. so that I could film unhin- in Pulwama district of south Kashmir in May. ANI and Kashmir into two union convince me not to accept General so-and-so… [I didn’t But before he surrendered, TAKING ON THE dered. A loose unofficial territories. Twenty years af- the Hizbul Mujahideen’s of- catch his name, but I think he monologue…“Hindustan ki ha- they were just fixatedly look- someone suggested maybe NARRATIVE OF HATE system evolved where vari- ter the film had been made, I fer to film with them, but the said Saibuddin or something kumat (Government of India)” ing at me. he could let me cross over How exactly I got back to the ous channels were given foot- couldn’t help but think how meeting had been arranged like that… “yeh yeha ke army was getting it in the neck in How and when this fin- and film the HM in action. Army’s side I don’t remem- age of the fighting, the only little things had changed and and though I was terrified at commander hain… inhone army lavish doses, so was the BSF ished, I don’t remember, but I was somewhere near Kup- ber. I was told to discard my condition put to them being how relevant it was even then. one level, I had decided to go ka teen head shot kiya hai… aur and the Army, who accord- as I was leaving the mosque wara when the Chief of Staff phiran and start walking and don’t use terms like “Indian After the film was over I was ahead with the rendezvous. baiaasi aurto ka balatkar kiya ing to the “Peer” believed in walking a step behind the 15 Corps called and said, “Are was quickly intercepted and Occupied Kashmir”, etc. Even asked my opinion on the lat- “You’re crazy,” had been his hai (he is the local army com- the mantra, if it moves, rape “Peer”, an old man with cat- you willing to go across? We whisked away in a vehicle. that seemed like a big achieve- est developments. Good, mantra. At that moment I mander and he has shot in the it! The red recording light aract in his one eye stopped can arrange it!” That night I was with 13 Ku- ment at the time. bad, only time would tell, I guess I agreed with him. head three army personnel was blinking, but this pro- me by tugging at my phiran. During those four days, I maon, my feet in hot water, Eventually, we decided answered, but one thing was It was so cold there was no and raped eighty-two wom- paganda stuff was getting on “Hum kya karen janaab,” he kept probing, trying to un- my hands shaking with what that the story of Kargil made for sure—the status quo had ambient sound, no crickets, en)]. I couldn’t believe my my nerves. I got two or three said loudly and clearly, he derstand why young men I had seen. Everything was a little sense without telling the been broken where day in no cicadas, not even a whis- ears! I stopped the “Peer” quick shots of old men, the then let his gaze travel to the in their early twenties could blur after that…the moment post-Independent history of and day out, year after year, it per. An hour seemed to be a and asked, “Can I film the stubble on their chins white, armed men around me, “aap be enticed to live a life that I took off from Srinagar for Kashmir. This allowed us to had been the same story. In a lifetime and then out of no- introduction?” Amazingly, listening and nodding in rapt ki baat sach hai, lehkin inke haath would sooner or later meet Delhi, it felt as if I had crawled use all the footage that I had scenario where positions had where someone had grabbed he said yes, so I put the cam- attention. I stopped filming mein AK hain (What can we a violent end. Religion? Not out of my shell as a new me. shot first with the IAF in 1992 hardened over the years, each both my arms and a sack was era on the tripod and started and did something very do sir? There is truth in what particularly, though on the It was all so unreal…a differ- and then painstakingly in De- generation was growing up put over my head. A voice told rolling… the introduction was stupid—I interrupted the you say, but they are the ones face of it all the superficial ent world which was hard to cember-January 1994-95. The influenced by the narrative me to start walking, and with repeated while pock-marked “Peer” and asked him for holding the guns).” The entire trappings were visible. Ide- comprehend…and yet, there film began with some of the it was fed. A lot of it was per- two men holding me I was grinned hideously. the mike. I think he was a bit congregation behind the old ology? Apart from the local was the film. Neatly labelled scenes that we had shot with haps coloured by individual frog marched roughly along. I had to conserve battery so taken aback, for this was not man nodded their heads in politics of the immediate area tapes…thirty-four days of the HM during those tumul- experiences, but some core First I tried to count…twenty- I was filming selectively. I was in the script, but he gave me agreement. The “Peer” said they were in, they seemed to hard shooting. tuous days when explosions issues that were factual and five steps to the right…fifteen asked to sit and make myself the microphone. I probably nothing, just turned and have little idea or interest in The Army chief, General in downtown Srinagar were not disputable would never to the left, but it was useless, comfortable and drink my didn’t need it, but it gave me walked away and I followed the larger picture. Econom- Shankar Roy Chaudhuri saw so common place that they change. The film brought so I gave up within the first tea. Then the “Peer” said in the authority to speak. “How him. ics? Perhaps in the case of the tapes, so did the Prime hardly turned heads any- back a tsunami of memories, minute itself. We must have his soft voice, “Kunal saab, aap many of you believe this non- At this point of time we a few. The majority seemed Minister, Narasimha Rao. Lt more. The final film, screened for that had been the reality been walking like that for half woh pistaul ko side mein rakh do. sense?” I asked. were six years into the reign to be there simply because it Gen Padmanabhan was the after the war for Bill Clinton then, and it was perhaps even an hour, though I suspected Chub rahi hogi (why don’t you No one said anything, they of terror, part of Op TOPAC, was perhaps the only way to DGMI (later chief) and we and his entourage, had served now much the same at the we were still pretty close to put the pistol away? It must were all watching me. At one unleashed by General Zia- protect their own families. screened the four tapes shot its purpose then. Today, in a grassroots. where I had originally been be poking you).” All the men level I was scared and my ul-Haq, his master plan And of course the language with the HM, unedited, to a far more complex and tech- picked up. We went up a stair- in the room, obviously in on voice sounded as if my throat based on the principle that of the gun, which gave them select group of ambassadors savvy world, the propagated REIGN OF TERROR way, and finally the sack was the joke, burst out laughing. needed lubrication, but then to wrest control of Kashmir, unbridled power. It seemed and military attaches and edi- narrative continues to distort It was three in the morning yanked off my head and my It would transpire later that I started to tell them what I Pakistan must make India incredible that this motley tors. The Times of India, which issues and the threat has in- on a pitch black January night arms freed. they had been observing me knew was the background bleed by a thousand cuts. As crowd and others like them was writing sanctimonious creased exponentially, with in 1995, the temperature was The room was carpeted with the whole time with a night to Pakistan’s invasion, the time passed, I got to know could hold a state to ransom! editorials about the Army China also openly entering further plummeting and the mattresses and it had about vision device. They were loot and the mass murders the band of chaps around After their ham handed at- raping people, suddenly the fray in Kashmir. It is, sides of the road had over a dozen men, all wearing the better equipped than most in Baramula, the abduction me reasonably well. They tempt to blame the Army for changed its tune. And yet, therefore, time for us to re- ten feet of snow. Wearing a trademark phirans looking Infantry units, even their of women by the tribal lash- all thought I was a part of the the rapes and the loot, the HM we sat with that footage, not visit certain key issues in the straw-coloured phiran over at me. Each man had an AK- communication systems were kars, the Deed of Accession, Western media and they obvi- guys didn’t even bother with knowing exactly how to use it. next few weeks to understand my jacket I had a Canon video 47, those who had come in superior. the fighting at Shalateng, ously had their instructions keeping up that pretence. The Then Kargil happened, four what exactly happened in camera with four spare bat- with me were holding theirs, In the morning we went Patan, Baramula and Uri. to ensure I wasn’t harmed. next 72 hours were crazy… years later. I shot that too, Jammu and Kashmir. teries, a small tripod, half a while those who were sitting into a mosque. All the men- Even the guys with the guns I wasn’t then aware of the gun fights, killings, dragging again often wondering “what Shiv Kunal Verma is the author dozen tapes and a slightly there from before had their folk from the village were standing at the windows were back room deal that had got screaming women out of their the hell am I doing here?” I of “1962: The War That Wasn’t” damaged ten-year old iden- weapons by their side. A sitting inside. Armed with a listening. But no one was re- me into their midst, but I got homes, holding pistols and had no official position, but and “The Long Road to Siachen: tity card that said I was from mild-mannered man with a mike, the “Peer” started his acting, no nods of the head… to know the story later. CO carbines against their chil- since I had been filming The Question Why”.

The TRAIL Beyond Magnitsky: Britain, the Subcontinent and Dirty Money Britain’s National Crime Agency can claim some successes against money of questionable provenance from the Indian subcontinent.

P aul StOTT generals from Myanmar, the United States used Mag- sanctioned. and welfare systems, the employees, will have proved extradition relationship with London and two North Korean or- nitsky legislation to list for- In 2019, US Britain’s National Crime creation of fake employees a tempting feast to those Pakistan or Bangladesh, in- ganisations. In declaring an mer Karachi police chief Rao Agency can claim some and benefit claimants, and criminals used to gorging deed British diplomats have The Council important post-Brexit inter- Anwar for his alleged role used Magnitsky successes against money of what is known as carousel at the British taxpayer’s ex- even stated that they do not of the Euro- vention on the global stage, in over 400 extra-judicial legislation to list questionable provenance or MTIC (Missing Trader In- pense. Arrests have already seek such arrangements pean Union the Foreign Secretary, Domi- killings in Pakistan, often from the Indian subcon- tra Community Fraud). This begun of gangs registering with the latter. Whilst oc- has begun nic Raab, was pictured with targeted at the Muttahida former Karachi tinent. In December 2019, is a bogus trade between fake employees or making casional extraditions from the process members of Mr Magnitsky’s Quami Movement (MQM). Pakistani property tycoon two companies, where one multiple benefit claims in Pakistan to Britain have oc- to develop a family, and Bill Browder, a Curiously, Rao is not one of police chief Rao Malik Riaz Hussain, owner charges Value Added Tax periods where civil servants curred, they tend to be in European Magnitsky Act. former investor in Russia the 49 names on the British Anwar for his of Bahria Town develop- (VAT) but never pays it to the were overwhelmed with high profile cases after sus- This follows similar legisla- who has become a tireless list, despite press reports ments, one of Pakistan’s big- government, whilst the sec- paperwork. For a minority tained diplomacy. In 2018 a tion in the United States and opponent of the Putin re- of his frequent travel out- alleged role in over gest private sector employ- ond then re-claims it from of offenders, the knowledge Bangladeshi visa scam op- United Kingdom, restrict- gime. side of Pakistan and busi- 400 extra-judicial ers, handed over the keys to HMRC. From such simple they can leave the country erating in London saw £13 ing the freedom of move- There are objections to ness interests overseas. As his £50 million Hyde Park frauds, millionaires have if investigated or charged, million in fraudulent claims ment of those involved in acts which function in this further proscriptions have killings in Pakistan. mansion, as part of a deal been created. An investi- reuniting with family net- to HMRC, with five men, in- human rights abuses and way. These are arguably been indicated by Dominic which saw him give up £190 gation entitled Operation works and ill-gotten gains cluding a law student, jailed corruption, and freezing political as much as judicial Raab, the question of which universities, tourist attrac- million in assets to the UK Vex discovered the scale of in the Gulf and Indian sub- for a total of 31 years. By the their assets which are often processes, lacking the usual politicians, security figures tions, shopping and sporting authorities. This money will frauds running since the continent forms a particular time of the judge’s sentenc- held in or transferred via weight of evidence required and businessmen from the venues also ensure the wives then be transferred to the 1990s. Sums in the billions backdrop to their offend- ing, however, three of the western banking systems. to convict someone in a Indian subcontinent will be and families of kleptocrats of Pakistani government. Inter- were being transferred to ing—they know they have five defendants had left the Named after a Russian op- court of law. Senior figures sanctioned becomes more every political stripe are ca- estingly, press reports in that the Indian subcontinent, somewhere to run to, where country, with warrants is- ponent of corruption, Ser- in friendly nations accused acute. tered for. Britain’s resident country accuse Bahria Town the Gulf and Hong Kong, a there is very little chance of sued for their arrest. gei Magnitsky, who died in of human rights abuses or diaspora communities also of using police officers under percentage of which is be- being caught. The Magnitsky Act offers a 2009 after mistreatment in corruption (and they do ex- WHY LONDON ensure long- and short-term the control of Rao Anwar, to lieved to have helped fund Without punishment, possible tool going forward. a Russian prison, the first ist) are unlikely to appear. MATTERS visitors may remain insu- intimidate opponents. Al-Qaeda. Much of the detail crime flourishes. Britain has But the challenge of dealing Magnitsky Act was signed Whilst Saudi intelligence of- An important financial lated in their comfort zones. A second challenge for the of these court cases remains extradition arrangements with crime, human rights vi- by President Barack Obama ficers are listed for Khashog- centre, London offers a ha- For justice and human rights British authorities involves subject to reporting restric- with India, although hardly olations and terrorism in the in 2012. gi’s murder, the country’s de ven for overseas investors, to prevail over corruption money flowing in the oppo- tions. satisfactory, as the case of intersection between Britain The UK Act saw its initial facto leader, Prince Moham- with banking, financial and and intimidation, Britain site direction—from London Tiger Hanif demonstrates. and the Indian subcontinent, wave of sanctions this sum- med bin Salman, is not. The property services that make requires the will to disrupt to South Asia. This pivots on FUTURE CHALLENGES Wanted for 1993 bomb blasts continues. mer. Alongside 25 Russians, British government has no the United Kingdom’s capital this cosy scene. There are the sustained defrauding of The British government’s in Surat, in May it was an- Dr Paul Stott is a writer and and 20 Saudis allegedly wish to destroy diplomatic the global city par excellence. plenty of others who can, Her Majesties Revenue and generous response to Cov- nounced Britain had refused commentator based in the involved in the murder of relations with Saudi Arabia Linguistic convenience, re- and should, join Rao An- Customs (HMRC). Frauds id19, in terms of supporting a request for his extradition United Kingdom. He tweets @ Jamal Khashoggi, were two over Khashoggi. In 2019, spected private schools and war on any list of those to be centre around the visa, tax businesses and furloughing to India. There is no formal MrPaulStott the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 new delhi covert 7 www.sundayguardianlive.com

pre-empt Time for Nambi Narayanan Scientists’ Protection Act This is needed to prevent what happened to Nambi and so many others, who suffered professional deaths, actual deaths, or death by character assassination using fake allegations from happening to other scientists.

Sunil Chacko morning of 24 January 1966. the government will natu- leading allegations. portance, the SCT, needs a communist nation sup- Tokyo Five years later, Dr Vikram rally be compelled to take urgent and high-level pro- posedly inimical to private Sarabhai, who then headed it up for adoption with its WHY THE NEED FOR tection from what appear investment since 1949, and n his the Indian Space Research own text, given the extent SUCH AN ACT? to be concerted, malicious from which nation the vast darkest Organization (ISRO), was of public support that the The ISRO fake spy case attacks. Coronary artery majority of overseas Chi- Iphase in “found dead” in a guest issue has. This is to prevent was able to delay India’s stents alone command a nese had fled to avoid per- detention, house in scenic Kovalam, any police officer or indeed cryogenic engine by at least $15 billion global market at secution, historically, that Dr Nambi Trivandrum, located on a any miscreant from seeking 15 years, thereby losing present and it is dominated same overseas Chinese com- Narayanan then-isolated stretch near to destroy scientists on the ground in the global race to by just a few countries. SCT munity became convinced was forced to stand continu- the beach. Nambi was at his verge of breakthrough dis- cost-effectively launch sat- has already released a stent of the change in the PRC’s ously for 30 hours without peak productive age of 53 coveries, inventions, who ellites, tiny, small and large. graft for aortic aneurysm, economic policies during food or water till he col- when the professional death are contributing actively to The global space economy and has 40 years of experi- the paramount leader Deng lapsed, all the while yelled at for him was manufactured; the national interest. is worth about $500 billion, ence with specialized ma- Xiaoping-regime even in the and insulted as a “traitor”, in and when they died, Bhabha growing around 8% annu- terials combinations such late 1970s, and they became addition to beatings on the was 56 and Sarabhai was FAKE ALLEGATIONS ally, with satellite launches as Nickel-Titanium alloy strident advocates and par- head, neck and torso. That 52, and at the time, India ARE A FORM OF and related commercial en- scaffolding, thereby signal- ticipants in investment. A meets every textbook defini- was very close to becoming EXTORTION deavours constituting 75% ling its promise if supported similar transformation in tion of torture. No police of- a world space and nuclear Section 383 of the Indian of it. The Colorado-based rather than wrecked, with thinking by overseas Indi- ficer who participated in, or power, certainly catapult- Penal Code defines extor- Space Foundation estimates the medical needs oppor- ans and other well-wishers had vicarious responsibility ing into every criteria of P-5 tion as “Whoever inten- it to become an annual $1 tunities being so diverse, of India, including Angel for, the torture to manufac- members of the UNSC, since tionally puts any person trillion global space econo- even for oesophageal stents. Venture Capitalists, now en- ture fake evidence to de- at the time in the late 1960s in fear of any injury to that Dr Nambi Narayanan my in the next two decades. Further, SCT is led by the sconced in multiple poten- stroy Dr Nambi, and those and early 1970s, no country person, or to any other, and There was no one to exercise Department of Science and tial investor-corporations involved in perpetuating outside the P-5 had those thereby dishonestly induces Thus, while there are clear are taken under media proper geo-economic and Technology’s first woman around the world is essen- the multiple investigations, capabilities. Many other the person so put in fear to provisions in the IPC for and social media pressure, geo-political oversight over director, an internationally tial—and that can only be seemingly endlessly, in an scientists were also dying deliver to any person any punishing those who level those properly schooled in the actions of those police acclaimed movement disor- ensured by extensive grant- attempt to “use allegations mysterious deaths for de- property, or valuable secu- fake allegations for personal science and technology, fo- officers who tortured Nambi der specialist in neurology, ing of operational autonomy as a substitute for evidence” cades more until India’s first rity or anything signed or gain or other ulterior mo- rensic accounting and other in 1994 using the fake case, who has led the building of to national institutions, has been convicted of any professor of geopolitics, ap- sealed which may be con- tives, otherwise described objective measures can ap- and no one to link those ac- 37 essential medical devices not bureaucratic attempts offence yet. Dr Nambi has pointed by Manipal Univer- verted into a valuable secu- as camouflaged extortion, ply their minds in manu- tions to Atmanirbhar or the projects, including her own at stifling control as is still been honoured by the Gov- sity, connected the dots and rity, commits ‘extortion’.” those provisions are rarely factured-sensational cases human rights of a leading project of developing India’s happening, including by the ernment of India with the showed how those “myster- Professional death is indeed applied rigorously. It is im- just like Nambi’s and opine scientist. The stark question first Deep Brain Stimula- Department of Science and Padma Bhushan, and by the ies” were not so mysterious grievous hurt. Section 386 of portant to apply the IPC whether there is any basis before us is whether in fact tion system in combination Technology’s recent actions Government of Kerala with after all. Thereafter, there the Indian Penal Code (IPC) provisions with alacrity in fact to proceed against the the situation has remained with the Bhabha Atomic Re- over the autonomous insti- Rs 1.3 cr compensation, and has been a lull in actual states that “Whoever com- especially in cases where scientist. India’s fledgling unchanged even after the search Centre. tution of national impor- additional exonerations by deaths. But now it appears mits extortion by putting vital national interests are mediation and arbitration passage of nearly 20 years tance, the SCT. courts. But Nambi will nev- to be deaths by character any person in fear of death threatened by frivolous industry would also receive since then. AUTONOMY IS Protections to scientists er get back those lost years, assassination using fake al- or of grievous hurt to that charges made and magni- a boost in the process. Even The medical devices in- ESSENTIAL FOR and core national scientific not to mention the path- legations, even on incidents person or to any other, shall fied by paid-media purely today, much of the arbitra- dustry has similar potential INVESTMENT interests should be ensured breaking work of his that that happened prior to the be punished with imprison- for creating a sensational tion in Asia is concentrated in an ageing world. Already, CONFIDENCE through the passage, soon- meant more to him than his incumbent being in office, ment of either description case out of nothing, as hap- in Singapore, because of the global market is well Ensuring autonomy so that est, in Modi 2.0 of the Dr life. being used against him/her. for a term which may ex- pened in the Nambi case, past lack of confidence in above $200 billion, with the collaborations can be speed- Nambi Narayanan Scien- To prevent what happened tend to ten years, and shall and by irresponsible usage the snail-like processes in current Indian market being ily effectuated to show a dif- tists’ Protection Act. MYSTERIOUS AND to Nambi and so many oth- also be liable to fine”. Amaz- of social media as is happen- India. $5 billion (Rs 35,000 crore) ference of the “New India” Dr Sunil Chacko holds degrees NOT-SO-MYSTERIOUS ers who suffered profes- ingly, even lawyers are uti- ing today. In the Nambi case, The recent Kerala High growing by about 20% an- from the very old variety of in medicine (Kerala), public DEATHS sional deaths, actual deaths, lised to convey the threats of the then-Kerala government Court quashing/removal nually, 75% of which are endless ruminations over health (Harvard) and an MBA The then-head of India’s or deaths by character as- launching fake allegations was also forced to resign in (vacation) of a lower Tribu- imports. If “Make in India” dusty files, is also equally (Columbia). He was Assistant nuclear program, Dr Homi sassination using fake alle- and cases, while claiming the process amidst infight- nal’s stay on the Sree Chitra and Atmanirbhar Bharat essential to give confidence Director of Harvard Universi- Bhabha, was among the gations from happening to that the advice is for the sci- ing in the national political Tirunal Institute for Medi- have to make a difference, to foreign and domestic in- ty’s Intl. Commission on Health 117 passengers and crew other scientists, it is time for entist’s own good to resign party that was at its helm. cal Sciences and Technology just as ISRO was protected vestors, including non-resi- Research, served in the Execu- who all died on Air India the Dr Nambi Narayanan rather than face those long- The components of the (SCT) Director case that has especially following the dent Indians and PIOs. It is tive Office of the World Bank Kanchenjunga that “ac- Scientists’ Protection Act. drawn-out proceedings as a Act should include media- been highlighted in these fake Nambi case, so too the worth remembering that de- Group, and has been a faculty cidentally flew” into Mont Any Member of Parliament result of the manufactured tion and arbitration, so that columns is another example pioneering medical devices spite the People’s Republic member in the US, Canada, Ja- Blanc in Switzerland on the can introduce this bill and allegations. before capricious actions linked to a torrent of mis- institution of national im- of China (PRC) having been pan and India.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN Health-care in the midst of a global pandemic Patients in need of critical care for cancer, aneurysms or other life threatening conditions are staying away from hospitals. Even potential life saving treatment is put off, often creating avoidable complications.

Covid-19 has affected us in son duo, Amitabh and Ab- the hospital. He emphasised all relied on the advanced and medical advancements. Ruchi Ghanashyam New Delhi multiple ways. The most ob- hishek Bachchan. that this was vital not only but affordable healthcare The estimated impact of vious is the immediate fall- The abiding images of this for the safety of the patients, available in India. Visitors massive operating losses Recently, I out for people who contract pandemic remain that of but also that of doctors, from various parts of the and additional investments participated the dreaded disease. Self PPE clad medical profes- nurses, paramedics and oth- globe, including the devel- could cripple this sector un- in a sympo- isolation or quarantine is sionals, overflowing hos- er hospital staff working at oped world visit India to less there is some liquidity sium organ- the least of its consequenc- pitals, with patients on the the hospital on a daily basis. avail of world class modern infusion into the sector, in- ised by a UK es, even though frightening floor and masked people on Despite our apprehen- medical treatments as well direct and direct tax bene- based NGO, enough by itself. The dis- the streets. With social dis- sions, my mother was taken as for rejuvenation through fits, and fixed cost subsidies Our NHS Our Concern, ease can lead to hospitali- tancing being a new expres- to Apollo hospital. The hos- traditional medical practices from the government to ad- with the PHD Chamber of sation; days, weeks or even sion in our vocabulary, we pital allowed in only one especially Ayurveda. Avail- dress the disruption. A ro- Commerce and Industry on months in ICU; and even have learnt to fear other hu- person with the patient. Sa- ability of skilled medical bust plan for strengthening Healthonomics that high- long term complications. man beings, staying at least nitisers were readily avail- professionals in what is be- the existing public sector lighted the adverse impact The dire medical and finan- six feet away from others! It able. Doctors and staff were come known as the “Phar- health services is also de- of Covid-19 pandemic on the cial consequences are not is this fear that keeps people sympathetic. She was given macy of the World”, with sirable. An additional chal- A health worker takes a selfie with other staff inside the premises private healthcare sector: the norm; they happen in a at home even when they are of newly opened Covid-19 block with 110 beds at NRS Medical a Covid test along with other ease of communication and lenge for policymakers and a 70-80% drop in footfall small percentage of cases. in need of urgent medical College and Kospital, in Kolkata on Tuesday. ANI blood tests required by the tourism options have made healthcare professionals is and test volumes and 50- A large number of patients attention. The European doctor. We were told that India one of the world’s to allay the fear of hospitals 70% drop in revenue. Some recover in a week, not much Society of Cardiology (ESC) off, often creating avoidable sound report showed need no patient is admitted to the most popular medical tour- pervading our societies, small hospitals and nursing worse off than a common carried out an extensive complications. Coronavirus for medical intervention. We hospital without it. Follow- ism destinations. The medi- without undermining the homes, especially in Tier flu. The most celebrated worldwide survey and re- is supposedly more deadly approached a doctor friend ing necessary examinations, cal tourism industry, which need for continuing precau- II and Tier III cities, have patients initially were in the ported in June that heart at- for the elderly and those at Apollo hospital in New she was operated upon the was worth about US $3 bil- tions. been forced to shut their UK. The 71-year-old heir ap- tack patients seeking urgent with co-morbidities, a term Delhi, who felt that surgery next day and discharged a lion, was estimated by some As we live with precau- operations due to dried up parent to the British throne, hospital care had dropped that we have suddenly be- was required. We had faith day later. Simultaneously, to grow to US $9 billion in tions during this pandemic, cash flows. Private hospitals Prince Charles, came out by more than 50% during come familiar with. It is also in his ability and sincerity, my father too required medi- 2020. However, following it is useful to remember that and nursing homes which of self-isolation seven days the Covid-19 outbreak. An the same category of people but could not overcome the cal attention. With the help the arrival of Covid-19 Pan- regular life at hospitals has constitute more than 60% after he was confirmed to Indian Express report of 13 that require critical care for fear of hospitals in the midst of the hospital administra- demic, flight bans and travel been going on, though at a of beds, 60% of in-patients have tested positive for coro- July indicated that the num- the very same co-morbidi- of the Covid-19 pandemic. tion, his tests were clubbed restrictions, this entire sec- slower pace. Children are and 80% of doctors in In- navirus. UK’s Health Secre- ber of living liver and kidney ties. A surgery would require a with my mother’s admission tor is badly affected, not un- being born, critical care dia, are expected to witness tary, Matt Hancock, also transplants in Delhi during We went through this fear stay at the hospital and for a to the hospital. We are now like other tourism related and other urgent require- short term operating losses returned to the frontline in April and June came down and churning in our family person of advanced age, the reassured that the urgent activities. ments are also being seen to the tune of Rs 14,000 cr a week’s time. UK’s most fa- to 50 and 30, respectively too. For the last few months, risk seemed enormous. The medical needs of both my The capital-intensive hos- to. While remaining cau- to Rs 24,000 cr for a quar- mous Covid-19 patient was from the normal of 100-120 my elderly mother had been doctor had a long and pa- elderly parents have been pital sector is constrained tious and following proto- ter. Due to Covid-19, they Prime Minister Boris John- and 250, respectively. Pa- complaining of abdominal tient conversation with us attended to. with liquidity. Enormous cols, we should be mindful have had to invest heavily son, who took six weeks to tients in need of critical care pain. After much prevari- over telephone, explained Over the years, India has capital expenditure is re- not to let paranoia take us in manpower, equipment, recover, following a lot of for cancer, aneurysms or cation, my father got an ap- the measures that the Apollo become a hub for medical quired to build a speciality over. A balanced outlook is consumables and other struggle by his doctors and other life threatening condi- pointment for an ultrasound hospital has taken to segre- tourism or medical value hospital and regular infu- difficult, but necessary. resources to ensure pre- medical staff. In India too, tions are staying away from at the nearby JP hospital. gate Covid-19 patients from travel. Countries in our sion of capital is needed to Ruchi Ghanashyam is a former paredness for safety in their we have avidly followed the hospitals. Even potential He was reassured by lack others and detailed the sa- neighbourhood, West and keep it abreast of the fast Indian High Commissioner to healthcare facilities. recovery of the father and life saving treatment is put of crowds there. The ultra- nitisation undertaken by Central Asia and Africa have paced global technological the UK. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 8 covert new delhi www.sundayguardianlive.com

RAM JANMABHOOMI Was Ayodhya unlocking a ‘balancing act’ for Shah Bano reversal? Former Rajiv Gandhi aide Wajahat Habibullah’s book suggests Arun Nehru acted sans the then PM’s nod.

Shubhabrata Bhattacharya appointed India’s first Chief Rajiv regime he was made New Delhi Information Commissioner minister of state in the Home in 2004. His proximity to Ministry and charged with as the Nehru-Gandhi family Internal Security. He was notwithstanding, those in unceremoniously dropped in W the know say Habibullah was November 1986 and Habibul- Prime Minis- not a key player in the Rajiv lah’s narrative suggests that ter Rajiv Gan- regime to have had access to the decision on unlocking in dhi oblivious all decision making. Ayodhya was responsible for to the decision of opening The sequence of events his downfall. In October, he the lock of the Ram Janmab- leading to the opening of lock had suffered a heart attack hoomi temple at the erstwhile is well chronicled. The lock and had gone to Kashmir to Babri Masjid site? Retired bu- was put in 1949. A prolonged recuperate. On his return he reaucrat and Nehru-Gandhi litigation ensued. In 1986, be- was ousted. Rajiv Gandhi. Wajahat Habibullah. family confidant, Wajahat fore giving his order for open- Those in the know of the Habibullah has quoted a ing the lock, the District Judge happenings in the inner bypoll, which ensued in 1988, in which Quattrochhi was a conversation with Rajiv Gan- of Faizabad summoned both circle of those days say that catapulted V.P. Singh as the regular invitee. Arun Nehru’s dhi in September 1986 in his the District Magistrate and Arun Nehru’s views on national alternative, who caution to his cousin on this forthcoming memoir, My Superintendent of Police of Ayodhya and even on re- ousted the Rajiv regime in score was not appreciated. Years with Rajiv Gandhi: Tri- Faizabad to ascertain if open- moval of Article 370 were no 1989). Insiders say Arun Ne- Observers say that the dif- umph and Tragedy, to suggest ing the lock posed a law and secret. Vijay Dhar, who was hru’s spouse, Subhadra, and ferences which cropped up that the then PM felt that his order problem. On their an- Rajiv Gandhi’s first political Arun Singh’s spouse, Nina, between President Giani cousin Arun Nehru (internal swering in the negative, the aide in 1981, recalls a con- had developed differences Zail Singh and Prime Min- security minister in 1986) and judge pronounced his order versation between the Rajiv with Sonia Gandhi, which ister Rajiv Gandhi were ac- political advisor M.L. Fotedar on 1 February 1986. The lock Gandhi and Arun Nehru in ultimately reflected in chasm centuated by a light banter by A digital billboard displays the proposed model of Ayodhya’s Ram temple on the occasion of the had taken the decision, which was cut open (as keys were foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Mandir, at Times Square in New York on 5 August. ANI August 1985 where Dhar between friends. Giani which was carried as a he was unaware of. The book untraceable) within an hour was present. Arun Nehru A factor which is often tale. Commenting on Quat- is expected to be in the mar- of the judgement. Anticipat- against the decision to reverse Jan Morcha, which acted as known. She had cordiality had pleaded for the removal overlooked is that post Sanjay trochhi’s visits to PM House, ket by October. A preview of ing the crucial court order, the progressive Supreme the fulcrum of the 1989 defeat with the family of Kamala of Article 370 and given his Gandhi, when Rajiv Gandhi which had fortified security the book has been accessed Union Internal Security Min- Court order in the Shah of the Congress.) Nehru: she made her Mami, assessment that it will not became the heir apparent, the cover post Indira Gandhi’s by Sonia Gandhi’s biogra- ister Arun Nehru and Uttar Bano case through legisla- Arun Nehru’s great grand- Shiela Kaul, minister.) Af- create a law and order prob- name of Italian business ex- assassination, Giani is said pher, journalist Rasheed Pradesh Chief Minister Vir tion had said in an interview father and Rajiv Gandhi’s ter he won Rae Bareli as the lem in J&K. (He was perhaps ecutive Ottavio Quattrochhi to have commented, “Andar Kidwai, in which Habibul- Bahadur Singh were present a year back that unlocking great grandfather, Moti- “family nominee”, Arun Ne- prophetic, when eventually started figuring in controver- Italian, bahar battalion”. lah quotes Rajiv Gandhi as in Faizabad that day and they Babri was a “balancing act” lal Nehru, were brothers. hru was given an office in 12 370 went, 34 Augusts later, sies. The first one was in 1980 In his tome, Prince, Niccolo saying, “I knew nothing of oversaw the lock opening in to assuage the feelings of the He was born in April 1944 Wellington Crescent (now his assessment was valid.) itself when the Thal Vaishet Machiavelli has observed that this development till I was the presence of Doordarshan Hindus after the Rajiv regime and was four months older Mother Teresa Crescent), the Rajiv Gandhi was astound- fertiliser technology deal while the ruler (“Prince”) sits told of it after the orders had cameras (there were no other succumbed to the demands of than Rajiv Gandhi. A suc- house to which the Nehru- ed and later had confided to was inked. This was raised atop a hill and has a 360-de- been passed and executed”. news channels in 1986) and hardliner Muslims on Shah cessful corporate honcho, Gandhi family had moved Dhar that he was not sure if by K.P. Unnikrishnan in the gree view from the highlands, Habibullah suggests that the the event was covered on Bano. The decision to reverse who worked with Jenson & while they were not entitled opening the lock and remov- Lok Sabha, who cited govern- his subjects and advisors can decision to remove Arun Ne- national TV. If Habibullah’s Shah Bano was announced Nicholson, Arun Nehru was to live in 1, Safdarjung Road, ing 370 would be peaceful ment files. A CBI probe was only give inputs from their hru from the Union Cabinet apprehension is correct, then on 15 January 1986 and a fort- handpicked by Indira Gan- the Prime Minister’s House exercise. ordered on the “leakage” (it limited vision from below. emanated from this chasm. the first head to roll should night later, on 1 February the dhi to contest the Rae Bareli as Congress had lost power. While Arun Nehru was is still gathering dust). The Wajahat Habibullah has A 1968 batch IAS officer have been that of V.N. Gadgil, lock was prized open. “The seat, which she vacated in He occupied the room once pushed out of the Rajiv re- Estimates Committee of the given an honest interpreta- of Jammu & Kashmir cadre, the I&B Minister, who had al- removal of the lock practi- 1980 as she had also been occupied by Sanjay Gandhi gime, Arun Singh, the Doon 7th Lok Sabha had wryly tion from his vision level. Habibullah was a schoolmate lowed the national telecast. cally accepted the disputed elected from Medak. He was in that house—perhaps a classmate whom Rajiv Gan- stated that “superior extra- Old Nehru-Gandhi family of Rajiv Gandhi. He was a Di- The Rajiv regime had started structure as a temple”, Arif selected as he was one of the symbolic gesture by Indira dhi had commandeered from technical considerations” observers say that from In- rector in the Prime Minister’s the telecast of Ramayan and Mohammed Khan observed. very few members of the Ne- Gandhi. the corporate world (he was had influenced Thal Vaishet dira Gandhi days the family Office in the Rajiv era. Later Mahabharat on Doordar- (Arif Mohammed Khan and hru clan who had maintained After Indira Gandhi’s as- a Reckitt & Coleman top decision. Quattrochi’s name has functioned in “compart- he held several crucial ap- shan.TV content was closely Arun Nehru quit Congress cordial relations with Indira sassination, Arun Nehru honcho) for his core team had figured in Bofors as well. ments”—knowledge and pointments both in Jammu monitored. after leaving the Rajiv Cabi- Gandhi. (Her acrimony with was widely believed to have also quit his ministership in Rasheed Kidwai has men- insights being shared on a and Kashmir and at the Kerala Governor Arif Mo- net and joined hands with Nehru’s sister Vijayalakshmi been the patron of those who the wake of Bofors. Amitabh tioned in his books that there “need to know” basis and Centre. He was CEO of Rajiv hammed Khan, who had quit another Rajiv team ren- Pandit and other members engineered violence and the Bachchan, another buddy, were Sunday brunches host- work assigned on fulfilment Gandhi Foundation and was the Rajiv Cabinet in protest egade, V.P. Singh, to launch of the Nehru clan was well consequential riots. In the quit his Lok Sabha seat (the ed in the lawns of PM House criterion.

COMMON SENSE Red light for red light areas in the time of Covid creates controversy The relationship of casual, commercial sex to an extremely infective infectious disease like Covid-19 cannot be underestimated.

mercial sex to an extremely sheer common sense. projections based on arbi- and its state subsidiaries as rehabilitated the exploited majority there after sexual it is in the public domain, Rami Chhabra infective infectious disease But interestingly, the study trary estimates and assump- silos of great influence, di- seller (rapidly adopted by assaults, broken and rav- readily accessible, includ- New Delhi like Covid-19 cannot be un- has stirred a hornets’ nest tions—then also backed by verting health officials time many other countries) was aged, the majority as minors. ing all data generated from Leading epi- derestimated. among a clutch of former bu- huge donor funds—for the and resources to this one debunked here, while the Instead the HIV/AIDs pan- the study with its code avail- demiologists, The study rightly argues reaucrats and activists who HIV/AIDS pandemic hys- disease at the cost of all else. Dutch, German, Australian demic solidified and “digni- able on a link openly given medical sci- that operational RLAS would have written to the US uni- terically unfolding 20-25 Considerable funds were and Thai models that legal- fied” this despicable colonial of the GitHub repository. By entists and rapidly become hot spots— versities demanding a with- years ago. also placed outside public ized/or otherwise encour- legacy, increasing numbers, contrast I accessed the volu- research- not punning but in Covid drawal of the study. They The lead signatories accountability systems to aged commercial sex were decreasing age at entry with minous HIV/AIDS research ers from the zoning terms—because while have queried its estimates helmed the very organiza- richly fund newly created touted as the great success the aged discarded after use conducted at the Indian tax- public health institutions of social distancing is an essen- and assumptions; protested tion—NACO (some others affiliations comprised solely stories. The Covid-19 pan- like refuse. Today as Covid-19 payers’ expense only through two leading US universities, tial tenet of Covid-19 preven- its release without prior peer grew from HIV/AIDS proj- of those with high risk sex demic that has cleared the brings the issue full circle it one of the first Right to In- Yale and Harvard, recently tion sexual activity by its very review (authors’ self declara- ects)—that created a knee behaviour, seeding socially skies of pollution has also is ironic to see the HIV/AIDS formation applications filed put out a mathematically nature precludes it. RLAs tion); accused non transpar- jerk reaction across the range destructive change unthink- reversed this other seemingly band rising up to cry foul. under the Act. That’s another modelled study that high- have concentrations of “sex ency of research methodol- of the political spectrum able till then in socially con- irreversible phenomenon. The sex industry ranks whole story—suffice here to lights the critical importance workers”, “vulnerable to high ogy; non response to multiple in India. Efforts to legalise servative India. As the Yale/Harvard study with arms and drugs as a say that the mathematical of the continuing closure of rates of infectious disease requests to see findings and brothels did not take off but Those of us who worked now documents, Nether- huge multi-billion dollar models on which the entire Red Light Areas (RLAs) in transmission, experience decried their direct reach widespread legitimization of on these issues then and op- lands, once the leader of the enterprise with its tentacles edifice of HIV/AIDS preven- India to contain Covid-19 particularly high rates of to policymakers and media RLAs and the commercial posed such mindless strat- legalised sex trade move- in many businesses. Huge tion was constructed was so cases, limit hospital load asymptomatic transmission bypassing civil society or- sex phenomenon was se- egies tooth and nail were ment, has opened Amster- vested interests will not al- false that the actual numbers and reduce deaths. The of infection, a notable compo- ganisations. They have raised cured; the euphemism “sex marginalised. Prostitution dam but not reopened its low sex slavery and pornog- were less than half the HIV study predicts “a significant nent of Covid-19, because of considerable hue and cry in work” for commercial sex increased by leaps and brothels; nor have its co fol- raphy to be eliminated even prevalence touted to corner increase in the surge in Co- the high number of daily con- the media. exploitation popularized and bounds and brothels flared lowers Germany and Aus- in civilised modern existence. huge funds that denied other vid-19 cases, hospitalizations tacts. (Japan has just placed Why there must be inter- the formulation “sex worker up along the highways of tralia; the latter has now also Unfortunately, the HIV/ health priorities, just to bring and deaths in India if RLAs “sex workers” in the highest mediaries to process infor- rights” championed as hu- the country as truck driv- banned strip clubs and sole AIDS pandemic served as a down its incidence from a are not closed post lockdown, risk category for contracting mation to political leaders man rights instead of human ers got special projects to sex operators. Covid-19 has convenient respectable ve- non-existent high level. So which could overwhelm the the virus—the only other and public is a question rights violations. Strident, co- facilitate “safe” sexual activ- brought in its wake a chance hicle that could co-opt large much for a biased lobby’s medical system, economy “profession” on par with worth asking these protes- ordinated effort by Western ity and petrol pumps and to reassess and rectify havoc sections of civil society, aca- militant demand for “due and country.” Comparing medical workers’ risks.) Ad- tors who, unfortunately, do donors for an “enabling envi- roadside dhabas lost their created by that other media demia, media and of course procedures” and “credible reopening and an extended ditionally, as commercial sex have enough clout with the ronment” for commercial sex embarrassment to become stormed global pandemic. politicians into another way report”. closure of RLAs, they project buyers include truck driv- US universities to have elicit- and a condom and STD drug condom depot holders. (Ar- What are these RLAs in of thinking, conflating these But ignore the maths; com- reduction by 32-60% of cu- ers and migrant labour as ed a prompt assurance to re- protected “safe sex” national ticles, research documents India? Nothing but a colo- anti social activities with mon sense arguments are mulative Covid-19 case load known major user categories, view the study. Whatever the strategy for HIV/AIDS pre- and TV programmes still nial legacy created by the personal freedoms, freedom sufficient so that Covid-19 and 44-67% of Covid-19 re- the potential for widespread outcome of that review, it is vention ensured multimillion exist to bear out the veracity British by chalking off areas of expression and human numbers don’t become more lated deaths at the peak of the Covid-19 transmission into also necessary that the pub- dollars poured into projects of what is said here.) in towns for their Tommies rights. Whatever its other monstrous and some good epidemic. Extended closure other geographical areas is lic knows that this protest is that built the profile of “sex as The widespread official le- to be able to enjoy medi- mal-consequences, Covid-19 yet flows from having gone could also serve to delay the axiomatic. The study points being shepherded by a lobby work” and “workers’ rights”; gitimisation of prostitution cally checked “safe” native offers a second chance to put through this havoc. peak by 8-23 days. the way forward with struc- far from unbiased. The lead the cookie cut creation at and deliberate ambiguity women. Independent India right the damage of that HIV/ Rami Chhabra is a media vet- While the projections tured financial support and signatories/spokespersons Sonagachi in Kolkata hailed created about the laws of the should have long closed these AIDS legacy. eran, who pioneered the first may be overly dramatic, for alternative employment to are ex bureaucrats who ar- as a global icon. land greatly accelerated the cesspools of female sexual Finally, contrary to what feminist columns in the national mathematical models cannot reintegrate the displaced. rived at some eminence only HIV/AIDs prevention strat- numbers of those selling sex. exploitation with adequate former heads of Naco pub- press. She has served the country be the best predictors of hu- Unexceptional logic with because of their very ready egies destroyed such public Efforts for India to emulate funding to provide alterna- licise about lack of trans- in various capacities, including man reality, the acute causal empathy. The damaging po- acceptance of very flawed health systems as still existed the excellent Swedish model tives to the poverty stricken parency/accessibility of the in GoI and as Member, National relationship of casual, com- tential of operating RLAs is mathematically modelled then by the creation of NACO that penalized the buyer but exploited women—the vast present Yale/Harvard study Population Commission. V09v

Commentthe sunday guardian &| 23 – 29 august 2020analysis | new delhi www.sundayguardianlive.com opinion I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted, and behold, service of the was joy. week Rabindranath Tagore

editorial PICK OF POST NOVEMBER THE WEEK It’s Time for a Women power de facto alliance

Sharon Karaine, member with U.S. of Team Lioness, an Now that Joe Biden has been nominated the Presidential all-female Kenyan candidate of the Democratic Party, and is all set to take ranger unit, is welcomed on President Donald Trump, the question uppermost on by Maasai women as the minds of foreign policy observers in India is which she arrives home from way India-US relations will be headed post 3 November, once the election results are announced. In case Biden Risa camp, where she emerges victorious—there is a possibility of that hap- stayed due to Covid-19 pening—will there be continuity of Trump’s policies, in outbreak, within the terms of clearly identifying China as the biggest threat to the civilized world? This is important, for in identifying Olgulului conservancy in this “half the battle” is won, something India’s foreign Amboseli, Kenya on policy mandarins are yet to do, in spite of China proving 8 August. Picture to be the eternal thorn on India’s side. The rest of the released on Friday. policy, including the focus on the Indo-Pacific is likely to flow from there, as has been the case with the Don- REUTERS/Njeri Mwangi ald Trump administration. There is cause for concern regarding this as Biden’s foreign policy focus seems to have been on the Atlantic and the Nato, with Russia as the centre of the geopolitical pivot, when the balance of power has clearly shifted to the Indo-Pacific and China. In fact, it is said that even President Barack Obama’s INDIA’S POTENTIAL “pivot to Asia” was half-hearted and US’ engagement with China continued in the hope that it would make China a responsible power. But that was not to be and in this respect 2012 proved to be a watershed year for the world, as it was in 2012 that Xi Jinping became the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and subsequently, in 2013 the President of China. Modi 2.0 moving Over the course of the next eight years, he has not only established his firm control on the CCP and the govern- ment and military but has also got himself anointed as the “President for Life”. And now that the gloves are off, the world is witnessing with shock a revanchist, malign power trying to upset the global order by browbeat- towards 21st century ing smaller nations into submission, using aggression to try and make examples out of neighbours, trying to undermine democracies in an attempt to justify to its own people authoritarianism as the best form of gover- nance, and so on and so forth. Competing with the US for superpower status would have been legitimate, but methods and mindset for the singular lack of moral compass at the heart of the Chinese bid to be numero uno. After all, till date the Trusting civil society rather than only civil service, and devolving of powers rather CCP has not been able to prove that it did not unleash the coronavirus on an unsuspecting world by deliber- than concentrating them are needed for unleashing the potential of the economy. ately suppressing information—in an apparent bid to bring parity between itself and the US, by wrecking perhaps because of—the fact over the present educational China. Prime Minister Modi middle class is shrinking the economy of the US and the rest of the world. What- that he had not previously doctrines. Similar is the case has by both word and deed rather than growing, and if ever John Bolton might have written about President served in the Central gov- with the agricultural mar- conveyed to such captains incomes are getting more Trump trying to cut a deal with the Chinese to ensure ernment before taking charge keting reforms brought into of industry that they need rather than less unequal, he gets re-elected, leaving aside the bit about Trump’s roots of power as Prime Minister on 26 May effect in Modi 2.0, which to stop using money made even relatively small doles instinct for self-preservation, the fact is the incumbent 2014, Modi established close overall gives promise of not or borrowed from India to of food and cash to the very US President must be commended for clearly identify- relationships with several just incremental but rapid re- create jobs and wealth for poor cannot be maintained ing China as a clear and present danger and formulating m.d. nalapat world leaders, including form. Should a telecom policy foreign countries, except in for very long. Unlocking the his policies to counter that threat. In a world that has Vladimir Putin in Russia, designed to enhance internet the rare cases where such potential of India is impos- been ravaged by the coronavirus, the global mood has Shinzo Abe in Japan and Da- coverage and speeds be added external sources of supply are sible unless the propensity decidedly turned against China. In the US too, public vid Cameron in the UK. After on to a program of giving ac- impossible to dispense with. of corrupt officials to block mood is such that no President can afford to befriend bested Hillary Clinton to the Cameron unwisely resigned, cess to that medium to those The ease of imports in place genuine businesspersons in China and get away with it; only the tone and tenor may shock of chancelleries across Teresa May took over as thus far excluded, the coun- of local materials and manu- favour of cronies bloated by vary between whoever is President. In short, China is the world. During the 2016 PM, and her lack of warmth try would accelerate its trans- factures has created a waste- favours gets blocked. Such a forcing the world towards a bipolar construct of US vs elections, there was a small towards India affected rela- formation into a more mod- land within India for much of process needs to accelerate China. Multipolarities work inside that bipolarity. The group of enthusiasts from the tions with the third-largest ern economy where much of small and medium industry, during Modi 2.0. US realises this. But does India? It is surprising that Indian-American community English-speaking country the population is empowered and this needs to get reversed The Prime Minister has at a time when both contenders to the US President’s who worked tirelessly for the in the world in terms of the by new technologies that so that the fast-multiplying been clear that he would like post, one of them a sitting President, are clearly siding victory of the Republican number of those speaking the unlock stores of knowledge. youth of India have jobs to see systems and processes with India against China, are talking about a defining nominee, and their number international link language, China barred the most deadly that give them the dignity of in India enter the 21st century partnership with India, at a time when China’s aggres- expanded substantially after after the US and India. competitors to local competi- an adequate income. Small rather than remain tethered sion against India is inviting bipartisan condemnation Trump became President. In India, although the tors in software and ensured and medium industry is the to the 19th and the 20th, as in the US Congress, at such a time, mandarins are still hroughout the closing During the campaign this southern and northeastern through policy the growth foundation on which large in- much of the governance speaking in terms of “non alignment”, now known as months of 2015 going year, this group is keeping states are seen as the re- of national champions that dustry can grow, something mechanism presently is. “multipolarity”. In this multipolar world view of India’s Tinto most of the next up a barrage of attacks on Joe doubt of the international rivalled banned items such that the USSR-focused Lu- Trusting civil society rather foreign policy establishment, Russia still has primacy, year, suggestions were made Biden and Kamala Harris to link language, the reality is as Facebook, Google and tyens Zone planners forgot. than only the civil service, even though its closeness to China—either out of com- from the Republican side that the delight of the China and that it is the Hindi-speaking Twitter. By blocking Chinese Since 2011, after the abuse of and devolving of powers pulsion or by choice—should have raised several red Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Pakistan embassies. Should states where the drive to learn apps and possibly other tele- the economy by UPA 1.0 and rather than concentrating flags by now. Also some are still hoping that China will meet Donald J. Trump during the Democrats win on 3 English is strongest. Among com products (including 5G beyond, the animal spirits them are needed for un- realise the potential of a robust India-China relation- one of the former’s visits to November 2020, the many those fluent in the language and handsets), Modi 2.0 is that are needed for boosting leashing the potential of the ship and mend its ways—something that has not hap- the US. Such a meeting never abusive comments made by are Prime Minister Modi creating the conditions for the rate of growth to double economy. Doing such will pened in 70 years, and is unlikely to happen in the next took place, and in not meet- more than a few India-loving himself and BJP president Indian champions to grow. digits have been absent. among other things ensure 70. And even it happens in the future, the present is all ing the Republican nominee Trump backers on Biden and J.P. Nadda. Although news These may not be those who Where it was the accelerator that banks in India lend to about the threat that Chinese expansionism poses to the while he was on the campaign Harris would have done no reports speak of the New are masters of profiting from that needed to be pressed, potentially successful busi- world—to India specifically. This is not the time to stay trail, Abe was not alone. Ja- favours for the world’s most Education Policy as being the intersection of politics, of- Mint Road and North Block, nesses rather than store in “non aligned”. Being in the US bloc does not mean sac- pan regards the alliance with populous democracy, just as toxic to English, the reality ficialdom and business, but by instinct, reached out for the RBI moneys given to rificing India’s “strategic autonomy” and becoming a US the US as the cornerstone of in 2016 those who ignored is different. The importance others who rely not on con- the brakes, and the impact them during Modi 1.0. Those satellite. The aim should be a robust partnership with its foreign and security pol- Trump and placed all their of that language not just in tacts but on innovation. It is of this on the economy has who have long had faith in the US, with an adequate amount of give and take. The icy, and yet never once did bets on Hillary Clinton did education but in opening up noteworthy that some of the been substantial. Any rate of Narendra Modi are looking Indo-Pacific plays an important role in this partnership. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a disservice to India. Fortu- opportunities in both India as largest enterprises in India growth below 9% annually forward to the unbinding of This is the region where the focus will be in the foresee- meet Trump. That is until 8 nately, Prime Minister Nar- well as in many parts of the have prospered not through ought to be unacceptable to procedures in several fields, able future, whoever be the next US President, Trump November 2016, when soon endra Modi soon became best world has been recognised growing the domestic pro- those in government who in the manner that has been or Biden. Hence, India will have to decide on a de facto afterwards he rushed to New friends with Donald Trump, in the NEP, which may have duction base but in import- are dealing with policy, as witnessed in some, such as alliance with the US, post November, whoever might be York to personally congratu- just as he had been with its setbacks, but is overall a ing foreign equipment and this is the minimum needed agricultural marketing and the next US President. late the billionaire who had Barack Obama. Despite—or considerable improvement supplies, principally from to ensure social justice. If the education. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 10 comment analysis new delhi & www.sundayguardianlive.com

UNCERTAIN TIMES Centenary Modern School, Welcome to post Wuhan Delhi’s pride world disorder between us The 21st century is facing triple crises and China is pankaj vohra the common factor underlying all three. The story that did the rounds military needs to test its new boomerang as they fall prey technology, maritime, space game in the Indo-Pacific. in Delhi’s social circles last capabilities and war-fighting to intervention by external and cyber domains. A clash The intense jockeying for year was that the reason doctrines. Chairman Xi is forces to influence and shape of values and visions is on. influence and forward pres- why India, despite being hot beholden to “wolf warrior” domestic political outcomes On one hand is the Sino- ence amongst major mari- favourites, did not win the opinion generals and admirals who to advance their own vested centric BRI vision of a world time powers over control of 2019 Cricket World Cup in are itching for a fight to give interests. Nepal and Sri Lan- based on power-and-hierar- ports, logistical facilities, and England, was because it did a bloody nose to one of Chi- ka are two prime examples. chy. On other side is the law- other pieces of critical infra- not have a Modernite in the Mohan Malik na’s weaker neighbours, and Economic engagement and-order based Free and structure along the vital sea team. The reference was to thus herald China’s arrival with revisionist powers like Open Indo-Pacific vision. lanes will create new fric- both the 1983 and 2011 cricket as a powerful military pow- China has strategic conse- Western, Japanese and tion points. Armed with the teams, when the country had er. Col Qiao Liang, a military quences and causes domestic other multinational cor- world’s largest naval fleet, emerged victorious; Kirti Azad, a former student of Modern caused empires to falter and theorist and co-author of political reverberations. Just porations will reduce their China seems determined to School, Barakhamba Road was a member of the squad under founder. Unrestricted Warfare (1999), as industrialising European dependence on China to become a resident power in Kapil Dev and later it was Gautam Gambhir, many years his At any rate, China’s econ- recently opined: “…we must powers’ quest for resources, avoid the collateral dam- the Indian Ocean and be- junior in the same alma mater, who played a stellar role in the omy is particularly suscep- strike quickly and contain markets and bases led to the age. China’s mercantilism, yond, just as Britain, France finals against Sri Lanka, scoring 97 runs, at the Wankhede tible to declines in foreign the scale in a small and mid- colonisation of Asia, Africa its worldwide quest for re- and the US became resident Stadium. Of course, this observation was made in lighter vein, investment, technology sized war aimed at causing and Latin America in the sources, markets and bases, powers in the 19th and 20th yet the fact of the matter is, that the iconic institution’s con- controls, and export mar- pain to our opponents and 18th and 19th centuries, and attempts to carve out a centuries. If India backs off tribution to the nation has been immense, virtually in every kets. Tokyo and Washington hence gaining respect via China’s quest for overseas Sino-sphere of influence will or acquiesces in any confron- sphere. Although it may sound strange that a Dipsite (alumnus are now providing financial small wars.” resources, markets, and now face intense opposition tation with Beijing either in of Delhi Public School) like myself, has chosen to write about incentives to shift manufac- Xi seems in a rush to realise bases now poses challenges from the United States, and the Himalayas or in the In- our archrival, but factually speaking, Modern School is one of turing out of China. A pro- his “Chinese Dream” and to the sovereignty and inde- its allies and partners. dian Ocean, the littoral states the most acclaimed schools in India. Another reason for me longed economic slowdown lock in China’s geostrategic pendence of small and weak The world is now transi- on its periphery will quietly to take this up as a topic is, that Covid-19 has overshadowed he world is faced with caused by the pandemic, and geo-economic gains. Bei- states. Beijing is increasingly tioning from globalisation slide into China’s orbit and every landmark event and it is extremely unfortunate that triple crises—geopo- war or natural disasters, po- jing’s aggressive posturing is using its economic heft to to regionalisation of trade. a new Sinocentric order the centenary celebrations of this extraordinary school have Tlitical power shifts, tentially made worse by the aimed at subduing an age- influence other countries’ Rival trading and technology would emerge in the region. literally been relegated to the background. global health crisis and eco- “Chiexit” (the exodus of mul- ing Japan, exposing limits to domestic politics and shape blocs will emerge in the era As partnerships and alle- Modern School perhaps is the only school in the country that nomic depression. China is tinational corporations from America’s declining power foreign policy behaviour in of regulated or “guided glo- giances among states shift, to begin with, provided education which furnished indigenous the common factor under- China), could even threaten and diminishing India in the its favour. Small states can- balization” where national new strategic balances, new content, while competing with what were hailed as the most lying all three. These crises the stability of China’s one- eyes of the world—as a pre- not say “no” to China owing governments would try to institutions, and new norms coveted schools such as Doon School and Mayo College. It would collectively shape party regime. lude to establishing China’s to heavy indebtedness to regulate the flow of goods, will emerge. A multilayered is also an institution which, during its initial years, received world politics, restructure Some China-experts may global supremacy. Not sur- Beijing and “elite capture” services, finance and labour complex web of security patronage from national heroes—Mahatma Gandhi, Jawa- global supply chains and write treatises justifying the prisingly, Beijing’s attempts (Beijing bankrolls election in strategic sectors to safe- partnerships is emerging harlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore—amongst many salient bring an end to unregulated rationale behind China’s to establish a Sino-centric campaigns of major politi- guard nation interests. As in the Indo-Pacific. Pres- others. There is a running collage of historic photographs of globalisation. The contours predatory predilections, but order are opposed by the cal parties, scholarships for economic issues get mired in sure will grow to reform these luminaries that are displayed in the main reception area, of the post-Wuhan world Beijing is motivated by baser Quadrilateral grouping of elites’ children, lavish gifts, domestic politics, trade and old institutions (such as the retelling its notable sojourn. order are yet to take shape, instincts: larger territory, ab- democracies (comprising the military exchanges, arms technology would become United Nations, the World Founded by Lala Raghubir Singh, the school came into ex- but it is likely to be as divided solute power, and obeisance United States, Japan, India sales, and high visibility in- contentious and explosive Health Organisation, the istence soon after the British shifted their capital to Delhi. Its and a bifurcated world as from all. As China’s power and Australia) and others frastructure projects). issues. Economic polarisa- World Trade Organisation), red brick structure, which was later replicated by the Lady the post-World War II world has grown, Beijing’s vision whose interests lie in keep- Despite their proclivity for tion will sharpen political and form new ones. A case in Irwin College, a short distance away, represented the archi- was. has evolved from a multi- ing the Indo-Pacific multi- hedging, small countries will differences. point is an informal US-led tecture and design of certain parts of the city, resplendently The Covid-19 has served to polar world to a bipolar one polar where Chinese power find their room for manoeu- Tech wars over artificial grouping, dubbed the “Quad developed by the British. A near-identical architectonic plan accelerate the breakdown of Plus”, to coordinate their was duplicated at Irwin (LNJPN) hospital. The school, over the post-World War II inter- China’s recent actions have given responses to the pandemic time, became synonymous with a learning experience which national order. We are enter- that includes India, Japan, provided an amalgamation of both modern and traditional ing Cold War 2.0 with eyes rise to historic fears about the Middle Australia, Vietnam, South methods. Kamala Bose—one of the longest serving princi- wide open, not sleep walking Kingdom’s “insatiable lust for territory” Korea and New Zealand. pals—diligently ensured that the foundation of the institution into it, as some would argue. The G-7 is likely to turn into would be steadfastly strong. Her enduring work was later The vast Indo-Pacific region and its image as a perennial “creeping D-10 (i.e., a concert of ten consolidated by M.N. Kapoor, who was a legendary principal, from the Western Pacific to democracies), and the Quad other than Din Dayal of DPS, Mathura Road, and the two, while the Western Indian Ocean aggressor”. Given its staunch into iQuad (inclusive Quad). heading different institutions, were clear-cut adversaries, but is now the “ground zero” of anti-colonialism, India cannot The BRICS (Brazil, Rus- pursued a common goal of imparting the best possible educa- this new Cold War 2.0. sia, India, China and South tion available to their students, particularly those from middle Every crisis has winners endorse Chairman Xi’s vision based on the Africa grouping) might fall class backgrounds. Modern School was at its zenith in the and losers. China certainly 11th century tributary system, 15th century apart and be replaced by 1960s and 1970s, when for 17 consecutive years it received the emerged as a winner from what Sushant Sareen calls a Jai Pataka for its all-round excellence in the field of academics, the 9/11 terrorist attacks and maritime expansion, 18th century territorial PRIC (the Pakistan-Russia- sports and extracurricular activities. Top theatre and sports the 2008 global financial Iran-China axis). personalities were brought on board to confer special training crisis. The world’s worst This 4 March 2020 photo shows workers in protective suits taking expansion, 19th century mercantilism In short, the next 10 to 20 in extracurricular activities. Distinguished theatre personali- pandemic will also have part in the disinfection of Huanan seafood market, where the years in the Indo-Pacific are ties—Om and Sudha Shivpuri—were amongst eminent artistes novel coronavirus is believed to have first surfaced, in Wuhan, and 20th century gunboat diplomacy. winners and losers. There China. REUTERS/ANI fraught with risks and chal- who were on the staff. are two possible scenarios. lenges. This is where some Like every renowned institution, Modern School has also Either China would emerge and then to a unipolar Sino- is balanced by continued vre severely constricted, and intelligence, big data, ro- of the world’s most power- produced leaders in practically every sphere. Some of the from the triple crises— centric order underpinned US power and presence and navigating troubled waters botics, biotech, 5/6G would ful states are on the look-out pronounced names in journalism—Khushwant Singh, Arun power shifts, pandemic and by Chairman Xi Jinping’s those of other Asian states. extremely difficult due to the result in a bifurcation of the for small and middle powers Shourie, Shubhabrata Bhattacharya and Barkha Dutt—were all economic recession—as a imperial BRI overreach. The vastness of the Indo- triple crises of the early 21st global economy or usher in to forge new alliances, estab- students of these haloed halls. Illustrious filmmaker, Shekhar relatively more powerful Beijing’s growing might has Pacific makes it inherently century. Significantly, the “One World, Two Systems”. lish pliant regimes to gain Kapoor and noted bureaucrat, Amitabh Kant, Supreme Court country than others (e.g., strengthened the hold of multipolar and naturally re- pressure to pick sides would Two separate blocs—driven access to resources, markets Judge, Justice Arjun Sikri, former NSD director Anuradha the United States, Europe traditional notions of hege- sistant to Beijing’s design to come more from Beijing than primarily by national secu- and bases, while perceiving Kapoor, are alumni. and India); or, China would mony, territorial expansion, turn it into a unipolar Sino- Washington. Much like non- rity concerns, not merely peer competitors with hos- Over a period of time, the school has introduced many in- emerge as a bruised and Han supremacy and tribu- sphere of influence. Most violence, the Chinese mind economic or commercial in- tility and engaging in arms novative ideas. Some years back, a CDLS (Community De- much weakened power in tary relationships. countries want to profit from cannot fathom the notion of terests—would create a frag- races. Map making seems velopment Leadership Summit) programme, where foreign a post-Wuhan world that is Manufacturing disputes China, even though they do nonalignment. As Yan Xue- mented, bifurcated world of to be the new fad in Asia. students conglomerate from various parts of the world, became multipolar but fragmented where none exists is an old not see the “China Model” as tong, a prominent Chinese conflicting visions and com- Following China’s example, an initiative, which was replicated by several schools. Every with a more regulated type tactic. China’s new territo- politically or culturally at- strategic thinker, points peting rule sets in politics, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghani- year, the CDLS would present a different theme turning into of “guided globalisation”. rial claims on tiny Bhutan’s tractive. Even small and poor out: “Nonalignment has a economy, technology, and in stan and others are keen to the focal point of a symbiotic interaction amongst students, As for Beijing’s One Belt eastern border illustrate the countries are jealous of their Cold War mentality, while maritime, space and cyber re-draw their boundaries besides acquainting their foreign guests to the Indian way of One Road (OBOR), re- point. Beijing’s strategic op- sovereignty. forming alliances is simply domains. from the Durand Line to the life. The CDLS was jointly formulated by teachers and stu- named Belt and Road Ini- portunism and attempts to Historically, small states human nature since ancient The forces of geopolitics, Nine-Dash Line. For China’s dents—under the keen-eyed guidance of the former Chairman, tiative (BRI), megaproject, shift the territorial status quo are the first to experience times.” Already, China’s ideology, nationalism, eco- neighbours that have unre- Ashok Pratap Singh, whose family has, since its inception, the pandemic-induced eco- amidst a global pandemic all the impact of major shifts economic embrace has had nomic and technological solved territorial disputes nurtured the institution. nomic shock throws a huge along its periphery have re- in global geopolitics. Usu- troubling, unsettling conse- competition will strain re- and alliances with Beijing’s Modern School opened its gates, so as to accommodate more spanner in the works as the inforced historic fears about ally “the bit players” on the quences for foreign policy lations amongst nations. enemies, this is the decade students into its fold, by creating branches in Vasant Vihar and world rethinks its economic the Middle Kingdom’s “in- periphery of rising powers, and domestic politics in the Countries—big and small— of living dangerously. With Kondli, near the Delhi-Haryana border. It has plans to expand dependence on China. Even satiable lust for territory” they play a disproportionate Solomon Islands, Malaysia, will be forced to choose Cold War 2.0 intensifying, to other cities as well. The RS Modern School at Humayun before the pandemic, the Belt and its image as a perennial role in triggering crises and Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, sides. Fence sitting will be- revanchist and irredentist Road, is the cradle, with the majority of pupils at Barakhamba and Road projects had lost “creeping aggressor”. Given wars, especially at turning Sri Lanka, the Maldives and come difficult. To avoid co- tendencies growing, and ma- Road spending their primary years there. sheen. Chinese investments its staunch anti-colonialism, points during power tran- Kenya. ercion or collateral damage, jor economies decoupling, In October, the centenary celebrations would come to an seemed to generate as much India cannot endorse Chair- sitions. More often than All this will lead to a bi- most countries would pre- the outbreak of a conflict end, and but of course, the pandemic has deprived the school ill will as goodwill. Whether man Xi’s vision based on the not, small states’ attempts furcated world of clashing fer to trade with economies either in the disputed Hima- from holding the deserved mega show. Old boys and girls have Beijing can now deliver on 11th century tributary sys- to extract benefits by play- visions and competing rule where interests and values layas and/or in the Western been waiting for a befitting function to mark the occasion, and the projects will depend tem, 15th century maritime ing one off against another sets: in politics, economy, converge. This will have the Pacific cannot be ruled out. are but obviously disappointed that a muted show would be on China’s own economic expansion, 18th century ter- effect of locking them into Welcome to the post-Wuhan unfair to the legacy of this institution. Prof Rakesh Batabyal recovery. The pressure to ritorial expansion, 19th cen- China’s mercantilism, its worldwide quest for long-term political relation- world disorder. of Jawaharlal Nehru University has meticulously compiled a provide debt relief by either tury mercantilism and 20th ships with technology pro- Mohan Malik is a Sinologist and history of the school; the book shall be released to coincide reducing loan interest rates century gunboat diplomacy. resources, markets and bases, and attempts viders from one or the other visiting fellow at the NESA Cen- with the Founder’s Day Event. or suspending interest pay- Beijing also has a history of to carve out a Sino-sphere of influence bloc. ter for Strategic Studies. He is In fact, the next four years are of immense relevance, so far ments for Myanmar, Cam- engaging in brinkmanship The contest for the alle- the editor of Maritime Security as the capital is concerned. After Modern School, in 2022, bodia, Pakistan, Djibouti, and lashing out at neigh- will now face intense opposition from the giance of small island states in the Indo-Pacific and author of Delhi University would be also celebrating its centenary. The Sri Lanka, or Kenya would bours in times of domestic from Samoa and Solomon China and India: Great Power concept for the event has been visualised by Prof Sydney Re- take its toll on China’s fis- crises. Historically, no coun- United States, and its allies and partners. Islands in the Pacific to Sri Rivals. An earlier abridged ver- beiro, Dean of Alumni Affairs. In 2024, the Hindustan Times, cal situation. History shows try has spent so much for so Lanka and the Seychelles in sion appeared in The Strategist. the only premier paper identified with the Freedom Struggle, that grandiose infrastruc- long on its military and not the Indian Ocean is part of The views expressed in this ar- would also be a centenarian. However, 2020, despite all odds, ture schemes have often gone to war. The Chinese a bigger geopolitical power ticle are his own. belongs to Modern School. Between us. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 new delhi comment analysis 11 www.sundayguardianlive.com &

Matter of Foundation LET’S REMEMBER NEP: Importance of mother tongue and boys complete free, equi- taught through the medium of Thinking of Tagore table and quality primary and English. They could elaborate secondary education lead- on issues, making use of com- ing to relevant and effective plex sentences, which showed opinion learning outcomes” by 2030. originality and better under- this August Target 4.5 says it is important standing of Science concepts”. to “eliminate gender dispari- The use of mother tongue in M. Jagadesh Kumar ties in education and ensure early education or even later On 7 August 1941, Rabindranath Tagore equal access to all levels of on, will also promote the pro- education...for the vulnerable, duction of educational mate- passed away in Calcutta at the age of 80. including persons with dis- rials and books in local lan- in opinions, in morals and in abilities, indigenous peoples guages. If suitable efforts are ister of State for Steel. I re- age. The Millennium City of intellect”. and children in vulnerable made in finding local words quested a meeting with the Gurugram’s infrastructure When we lament why we situations”. for the English counterparts formidable Chief Minister could not cope with flood- have become imitators of There is increasingly cor- for translation and if support in Hyderabad. He invited ing following the very heavy western intellectual and sci- roborating research evidence is provided to train the teach- as i please me for lunch at his residence. rainfall on Wednesday. This entific approaches, rather in support of imparting ear- ers to teach in local languages, He did not live in the official was not a good example of than be original innovators ly education in the mother it will also help in preserving residence of the Chief Minis- Atmanirbhar Bharat. Guru- and knowledge creators, tongue. Howard Brabyn, those local languages. K. Natwar Singh ter. His own house was huge. gram is supposed be a model among other reasons, we also writing in UNESCO Courier, Some people seem to suggest Everything about Garu Rama city. In reality, it is a munici- need to examine if excessive cites an important discovery erroneously that if children Rao was huge. Our silver thalis pal nightmare. Even in dry dependence by generations of made by Professor Tadanobu are not taught in English, it had a dozen dishes. The Chief weather the roads within the Mother tongue is generally teachers and students on Eng- Tsunoda of the Medical and would lead to lack of oppor- history. Minister kept goading me, city are in a deplorable state. understood as the language lish as a language of instruc- Dental University at Tokyo, tunities. But it is well known The third memorable Au- “Minister, don’t be shy, eat, The poor, as usual, suffer the a child acquires through her tion in colleges and universi- a leading figure in brain re- that inequity in society is a gust date is the 7th. On that day eat”. His own appetite was most. Their thatched homes parents and people around ties has led to this undesirable search. After 15 years of re- result of various other fac- in 1941, Rabindranath Tagore gargantuan. He was a won- are washed away, their tiny her or the language of the situation. search on how the mother tors and is not dependent passed away in Calcutta at the derful host. homes are in waist deep sew- locality where the school is Nearly 100 years ago, writ- tongue can affect our brain, on proficiency in English. age of 80. This anniversary After lunch he asked me age water. The powers that be located. Therefore, the NEP’s ing in Young India (1921), Professor Tsunoda conclud- In the top ten countries with too was ignored. However, what he could do for me. I don’t seem to care. Has the recommendation rightly Mahatma Gandhi said: “The ed: I believe that the mother the largest number of Nobel “Jana Gana Mana” will live reminded him of his pro- Haryana government held states that “wherever pos- foreign medium has caused tongue differentiates the prizes, early education and for ever. nouncement about only anyone responsible? How sible, the medium of instruc- brain fag, put an undue strain way in which people receive, in many of these countries Why I have mentioned Andhraites being given jobs many concerned officials have tion until at least Grade 5, but upon nerves of our children, process, feel and understand even university education, Rabindranath Tagore is be- at Vizag. I said this would not been suspended? preferably till Grade 8 and be- made them crammers and sounds from the external is imparted in their mother cause I am reading, The Ma- be possible. “Why not?”, he This monsoon misery is yond, will be the home lan- imitators, unfitted them for environment. The mother tongue. Not imparting their hatma and the Poet. The book asked. I said under the Con- not confined to the National guage/mother-tongue/local original work and thought, tongue is closely related to the education in English has not hat August is a month is compiled and edited by stitution any Indian could Capital Region. It is an an- language/regional language”. and disabled them for fil- development of the emotional deprived them to be highly of historic importance Sabyasachi Bhattacharya. get a job in any part of the nual all India phenomenon. The use of English as a lan- trating their learning to the mechanism in the brain”. creative. In spite of cogent Tfor the country is a Here we read the Gandhi- country. Besides, the Vizag At this rate, the target of a $5 guage of instruction goes back family or the masses. The Carole Benson of Columbia arguments and supporting cliché. All clichés cannot be Tagore correspondence plant would supply steel to trillion economy must remain to our colonial past. This is foreign medium has made University, an authority on research, some opponents thrown into the dustbin. The between 1915 and 1941. The the whole country, not only a dream. best illustrated in the words of our children practically for- international and compara- argue in favour of English as Independence of India on 15 book is a treasure trove. to Andhra. The financial *** Charles Grant of the East In- eigners in their own land. It tive education, sums up the a language of instruction to August 1947 was among the *** contribution of Andhra for At the Democratic Party’s dia Company who proclaimed is the greatest tragedy of the research in this area: “The the detriment of the creative seminal events of the 20th A few days back Madhya its construction is minimal. convention at Delaware, the more than 200 years ago that existing system.” Language more highly developed the and cognitive advancement of century. It heralded the begin- Pradesh Chief Minister Eventually he conceded. Clintons, the Obamas let “The Hindus would, in time, provides us with a sense of be- first language skills, the bet- our children particularly from ning of the end of colonialism. Shivraj Singh Chouhan an- Sportingly he said, “Min- President Donald Trump have become teachers of English longing and imposing English ter the results in the second the disadvantaged sections. It freed hundreds of millions nounced that henceforth, ister, you win. Now let me it. Former President Barack themselves; and the employ- at an early age will affect the language, because language We certainly do not want the of our people from an unjust, government jobs in MP would show you my house.” Garu Obama called Mr Trump in- ment of our language in public self-esteem of students as they and cognition in the second children of the disadvantage undemocratic, arbitrary rule go only to Madhya Pradeshis. Rama Rao was not only Chief competent and narcissistic, business, for which every po- traverse from known experi- build on the first.” She further sections to become further by the United Kingdom. This reminded me of the an- Minister, he was looked upon who was treating the Presi- litical reason remains in full ences to explore the unknown adds: “Decades of research disadvantaged by preventing India’s freedom movement nouncement made by Chief by the people of Andhra as a dency “as one more reality force, would, in the course of territories of knowledge. demonstrate that the use of a them from becoming creative, was unique. It was led by a Minister N.T. Rama Rao of semi-God. show”. “Trump hasn’t grown another generation, make it In 1953, UNESCO suggested dominant language as the me- innovative and confident by man, who even today is re- Andhra in the mid 1980s. *** into the job because he can’t. very general throughout the that “Every effort should be dium of instruction negatively learning through their moth- vered throughout the world. Only Andhraites would be It happens every time dur- The consequences of that fail- country.” made to provide education affects learners’ ability to both er tongue. Apprehensions Gandhi was one of the great- employed in Vizagapatam ing the monsoon, yet nothing ure are severe…” Mrs Michelle The colonial masters also in the mother tongue”. As re- learn that language and access about introducing mother est Indians of all time. His Steel Plant. I was then Min- is done to improve the drain- Obama said, “Work hard for had great contempt towards cently as in 2016, as part of the the wider curriculum.” An- tongue in early education memory may be fading, but what you want in life. Your Indian languages, as illus- Global Education Monitoring other research study, points are completely tenuous and not his luminescent charac- word is your bond; you do trated by what Macaulay said Report, UNESCO again out- out Carole Benson, found seem to be driven primar- ter and thought. Even at the what you say you are going in British Parliament in 1835: lined that “To be taught in that “learners developed ily by dogmatic motives. We convention of the Democratic to do. You treat people with who could deny that a single a language other than one’s high self-esteem and better certainly do not belittle the Party his name was invoked. dignity and respect, even if you shelf of a good European Li- own has a negative effect on confidence as they partici- importance of English as a 8 August 1942 is also a date don’t know them and even if brary was worth the whole learning.” pated in classroom activities language of communication. to remember. On that memo- you don’t agree with them.” native literature of India and Experts also cite further two in their own language. They English can always be learnt rable day, Mahatma Gandhi Former Presidents Jimmy Arabia? On another occa- targets from the Sustainable were spontaneous in re- in the later years of education launched the “Quit India” Carter (now 95) and Bill Clin- sion, Macaulay asserted that Development Goals (SDGs) sponding to teachers’ ques- since it is required to enable movement. Yet no reference ton were just as critical. the introduction of English that necessitate the need for tions and they could express one for carrying out matters was made to it on its 78th an- President Trump’s troubles among Indian masses had the instruction in the mother themselves clearly in their in a wider world. niversary in the media. I don’t mount. His once powerful potential to produce a “class of tongue in early childhood. mother tongue. Their written Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar recall any one in the Congress chief political adviser, Steve persons, Indian in blood and As per target 4.1 of SDGs, we work made more sense than is Vice-chancellor, Jawaharlal party re-calling the day. Why? Bannon has been arrested in colour, but English in tastes, need to “ensure that all girls their counterparts who were Nehru University. Because we are indifferent to Rabindranath Tagore with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Connecticut for fraud.

Editorial director Prof. M.D. Nalapat People Of The Sacred Books Managing Editor Pankaj Vohra Editor Hinduism islam sikhism christianity Joyeeta Basu Printed and Published by Buddhi Yoga, the Divine Food Camel’s shadow New beginning Rakesh Sharma for and on By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan By Davinder P.S. Sandhu behalf of MJP Media Pvt Ltd. mental gym: Part 1 with Jesus Printed at: By Prarthna Saran Jesus Christ once said: ‘Man cannot live by bread alone.’ The Eighth Teacher, Guru Harikrishan, was all but By Rev. Dr. Richard Howell Good Morning India (Matthew 4:4) What Jesus meant was that material eight years in age. One day, he was in congregation Media Pvt. Ltd, Everyone today is crazy about physical health and provision does not suffice. All bread does is sustain when the local priest also arrived. The priest was a Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus, over a fellowship Khasra No. 39, Village Basai Brahuddin Nagar, Gautam building muscle strength. This lopsided effort, while us physically. Further to this, one needs divine provi- great interpreter of the veda texts, and his prowess meal, shed light on his life as never before. He realised Buddha Nagar, Noida, strengthening the body, totally neglects the major part sion, or spiritual food. Without receiving such food, was well known. On seeing the priest, the Guru said. the graciousness of Jesus to come to his home, and Uttar Pradesh, (U.P.-201301). , the Mind! Krishna is the progenitor of the phrase, the individual cannot develop his or her personality. “Oh look, a camel has arrived!” The priest was very he repented from his egocentric search for identity, The Editorial offices: Buddhi Yoga,a set of mental exercises to strengthen In this world, everything has two distinct sides to upset, but some in the congregation calmed him by security, and prosperity, apart from the loving God 275 Captain Gaur Marg the mind from victimisation by frustrating disappoint- it: the material and the spiritual. You must be able to pointing out that the Guru was only a child. The priest who created him. Didn’t Jesus teach all who followed Sriniwaspuri Okhla ments and scorching sorrows hurled by life. extract the spiritual content from the material things wanted an apology, but the Guru gently repeated his him, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, New Delhi - 110065 Yoga is not just physical asanas (poses and stretches). which surround you and, to this end, you must de- earlier observation. On being asked to explain, he gave and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. Mumbai Office: Juhu Hotel, Asanas are just one part of the eight parts listed by velop your mind to effectively do so. Only then will you a simple answer. If one were to take physically heavy 6:33)? This was the first stage of Zacchaeus’ walk with Juhu Tara Road, Santa Patanjali in his ‘Ashtanga Yoga’. These if performed be able to garner spiritual or divine food. If material texts of knowledge from one place to another, what Christ and fellow people. Cruz-West, Mumbai-400049. regularly lead slowly and steadily to the goal , Sama- food maintains your physical health, then the divine would you do? Load them on a donkey, observed the In order to continue to grow, all of us must go through Chandigarh Office: SCO-7, dhi. Patanjali lists 63 kinds of Yogas in his treatise. content of material things develops your personality devotees. “If the texts were even heavier, then what is a period or periods of transformation. Such transfor- Sector 17-E, Chandigarh- The word Yoga or Yoke both mean to join and have along spiritual lines. While physical food gives you to be done?” asked the Guru. Get a bigger animal, like mation occurs when the light of God’s Word dawns 160017 the same etymological root. The question is “Join what physical health, spiritual food maintains the health the camel, the devotees replied. “The priest carries upon us and the Spirit of God whispers with a still RNI registration NO. with what?”. We long for a release from a sense of of the non-physical part of your personality. his knowledge of the vedas just like camel. The books small voice. Our faith journey, remember, is an open- DELENG/2010/31355 limitation to a sense of complete freedom. Yoga means For example, let us consider water, which is a combi- carried in his head are many, but it is more like a great ended adventure with the God of holy love. We are on Postal Regn no. to join the (Jeeva) individualised ego, with (Brahman) nation of two gases—hydrogen and oxygen. Although weight on his body. Instead, it is important to distil holy ground in conversation with God as we joyously DL(S) -17/3366/2013-15 the all pervading consciousness, the finite with the it is made up of two material elements, when it enters the knowledge in the vedas, and this important part walk in step with the Spirit. For Subscriptions and infinite. So we are continuously struggling to break out the human body, it becomes assimilated in it, thus is missing,” said the Guru. The priest was therefore Each stage of our journey requires metanoia; a turn Circulation Complaints of our chains and breath the air of complete freedom. giving it vital assistance in maintaining its functions. more of a camel. My teacher would say that a person around or change of our minds. The pattern of trans- Contact: Sadly, whatever you achieve or gain is still quantifiable When you discover this affinity between water and who pursues knowledge like a camel can also be seen formation involves at least some measure of suffering. DELHI and whatever you become is still one more limited your body, you provide yourself with spiritual food for as somebody chasing their own shadow; the more you Some part of us has to die if we are ever to grow in Mahesh Chandra Saxena thing! thought, leading to the realization and appreciation of run towards your shadow, the further it moves. This grace, Jesus said, “Truly, truly I tell you, unless a kernel Mobile:+ 91 9911825289 CHANDIGARH Interestingly, there are no two entities to be joined, God’s wisdom, in that He created water – a combina- endeavor will be never complete, for the more you of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only Contact: Suman Singh like one hand to another. You cannot ‘join ‘ the Finite to tion of chemicals – in such a way that it is completely know, the more there is to know. a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” Mobile: + 919555309181 the Infinite! There is no process. It is a realisation that compatible with our body. Discoveries of this kind, If only we could reverse our direction, and start facing (John 12:24). There is probably someone we need to you already are the ‘Infinite’. One attains this through made by observing the various material objects and the source of all knowledge and light, that great Truth, forgive and reconcile with or someone with whom we For All Advertising Queries the practise of Patanjali’s Ashtanga yoga(eight steps). events around you and then extracting the spiritual by whatever name we may call Him. We will not need can share the story of God’s love in Jesus. We can be Contact: Suman Singh Mobile: + 919555309181 certain that our heavenly Father will bring discipline It is the mere realisation that ‘I myself am the com- content from them, will give you unlimited solace and to chase our shadow; to the contrary, our shadow will E-mail: pleteness that I sought!’ The relieved waker when he contentment. now chase us. The Guru Granth guides us: into our lives to make us more fruitful; it is necessary suman.singh realises that he was /is no dream-beggar, but a King! Extracting the spiritual content from material things Those who read the Vedas, and argue and debate without for growth to take place. @sunday-guardian.com This realisation is the goal (Yoga) and the mental and will give you the spiritual food to enable you to develop the Lord, lose their honor. Jesus told the multitude of crowds and religious lead- ISN 0976 - 0008 physical training required to ramp up to this perfec- yourself as a spiritual person. If your earnest desire is True is the True Guru, and True His Word; in the Guru’s ers, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you tion is also called (Yoga) the means to attain it. to live your life as a spiritual person, you must learn Sanctuary, one is saved. (pg 683) free” (John 8:32). There is a deep relationship between

Prarthna Saran, President Delhi Chinmaya Mission. the art of such extraction. This first appeared on 19 august, 2018. The writer could not write this week due truth and life. Zacchaeus had met Jesus, and the truth Email: [email protected] www.cpsglobal.org to unavoidable circumstances. His latest column will appear soon. set him free on journey of abundant life with Jesus. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 12 comment analysis new delhi & www.sundayguardianlive.com

START OF THE FUTURE Resurgent India, 1947 to 2020 Incipient nationalist movements are gradually gathering steam to reverse impacts of past setbacks.

ndia that is Bharat is an into being from the Shakti this period saw a major de- lowed, the government’s Op- has achieved considerable skills by making samosas idea since time immemo- of all the millions of gods as- parture from the ideals that eration Flood led to a rapid progress in almost all fields, and tweeted its pictures tag- Irial. It is much beyond sembled in one mass of force fuelled the fire of freedom increase in milk produc- despite many policy mis- ging Indian Prime Minister. mundane aspects; it’s a spiri- and welded into unity. The movement. Our post-Inde- tion. Self-sufficiency in the steps and lack of direction India’s democracy is anoth- tual idea that seeks to realise Shakti we call India, Bha- pendence leaders deluded opinion dairy sector was achieved on the part of our rulers. In- er aspect: while most other knowledge—the ultimate wani Bharati, is the living us into believing that some entirely through the coop- dia has emerged as a major decolonised countries failed truth. Bharat was the reposi- unity of the Shaktis” of 130 imported ideas would solve erative movement, which player in the global arena go- to sustain democracy, India tory of all knowledge. Bharat crore people. Drawing from all our social, economic and j. Nandakumar has spread to more than 12 ing by material indicators as has emerged as the largest gave the world the powerful these ideas, Deendayal-ji political problems. More- million dairy farmers across economic growth, military democracy in the world. Its concept of Dharma. Dharma formulated the political ide- over, efforts were made to the country. Decades later, expansion or demographic conduct of elections contin- means that which holds us ology of Ekatma Manavavad graft these ideas—socialism, Amul, the brand started evolution. Besides being ues to surprise the world. together. In this strife-torn (Integral Humanism). secularism, communalism, Nehru’s policy focusing by cooperative farmers in a major economic power, It shows the resilience of world, this universal con- The period of 1947 to 2020 liberalism and globaliza- on industrialization had ad- Anand, remains a market India is globally acknowl- Indians. The stability of In- cept can provide permanent is just a blip in the vast land- tion, to name a few—into the versely affected the agricul- leader. edged as a soft superpower, dia’s democracy over more peace and brotherhood scape of our history. Yet, it is national psyche, causing di- ture sector. The agriculture However, that departure thanks to its culture, food, than 60 years, especially in among the peoples of the an important period, since sastrous outcomes. outlay was nearly halved to was short-lived. Indira Gan- music, science and technol- a neighbourhood rife with world. for the first time in our his- 14% in the Second Plan. As a dhi, who succeeded Shastri, ogy and films. Its Diaspora ethnic conflicts, has demon- tory after Shivaji’s glori- SOCIALISM result, food shortages wors- aggressively pursued the is the most successful eth- strated that unity in diversity NATIONALIST SPIRIT ous period, the incipient Kautilya’s Arthsastra ac- ened, and inflation spiked. socialist model of economic nic group across the globe. was possible in a democratic We Hindus don’t believe in nationalist movements of knowledges and emphasises The government had no governance. She nation- It is an asset for diplomacy. format and there could be an Revolution—for Revolution this country are gradually the need of “labh”, profit for other option but to Import alised banks and brought Indians settled abroad as- institutional alternative to means a violent break from gathering steam to reverse sustenance of a business en- of food grains. This depleted many industries under price similate easily with that Western political systems. the past. It is a Western con- the impacts of the setbacks terprise. Profit, according to precious foreign exchange control. Corruption touched country’s domestic culture While minorities are perse- cept. We believe in Evolu- suffered in the past, which Indian Dharmasastras, is a the Marxist view of profit reserves. new highs during this pe- and population. Indians cuted in neighbouring coun- tion. Evolution means cycles saw waves of conquests and legitimate return for taking as exploitation. During the Nehru’s policies dealt a ma- riod. To please the Commu- spread across Fiji, Malay- tries, India has given them of rebirth—from lower truth slavery that weakened the risk in business. That means socialist period between jor blow to India’s economic nists, the Indira Gandhi gov- sia, Mauritius, South Africa more rights than the major- to the higher truth. Our great enshrined cultural concepts “higher the risk, higher the 1950 and 1990, successive growth. In 1962, taking ad- ernment included the words and Trinidad have emerged ity. India’s highly qualified nation has been striving to be which our civilisation up- profit” was an accepted governments delegitimized vantage of India’s economic “Socialism” and “Secular- as the most politically and professionals are leading reborn for more than a thou- held. norm. profit and brought dozens of weaknesses and military ism” in the Preamble of the economically successful major corporations in the sand years. The effort for Resurgence It is often said that India industries under price con- unpreparedness, China Constitution. group in those countries. world. Its own IT firms such However, something was of the idea of Bharat that is was the brightest jewel in trol. Thus, socialist policies attacked India. However, Although India liberalized In Western countries also, as Infosys and Wipro, the wanting in us which im- India was enshrined in polit- the British crown. But when destroyed India’s industry. after the demise of Nehru, its economy, an earnest ef- Indians have emerged as the achievements of other mul- peded India’s resurgence. ical movement spearheaded they left, it was one of the Prof. Donald R Davis, Jr says there was a rethinking in fort to include Swadeshi val- most successful immigrant tinational companies such as According to Sri Aurobin- by leaders like Gandhiji and poorest in the world. For a “Licence Raj” was an aberra- the Congress. After becom- ues in economic governance group. The educated Indian- the Tata Group and the Re- do, those were Bhakti and Tilak for the liberation of the nation whose economy was tion to the generally liberal ing Prime Minister in 1964, was initiated only during the American community has liance Group; and the now Shakti. He identified these nation from British rule. For devastated by the British im- ethos of Indian history. Lal Bahadur Shastri made a NDA 1 led by Atal Bihari Va- played an important role in global reputation of the Indi- two aspects as the most im- these nationalists, indepen- perialists—India’s share of On the socialist pattern, In- departure from Centralised jpayee. The relentless cam- improving Indo-US relations an Institute of Management portant requirements for dence and resurgence were world income shrank from dia set up the Planning Com- planning and price controls. paigns by Swadeshi Jagaran by lobbying American politi- (IIM) and Indian Institute of India’s resurgence. He says: two sides of the same coin. 22.6% in 1700 to 3.8% in mission in 1950 to oversee He renewed focus on agri- Manch and other organisa- cians and by giving a positive Technology (IIT) have con- “Bhakti is the leaping flame, Tilak wanted to build a na- 1952—their exit would have the entire range of planning, culture, accepted a larger tions played a major role. image of India to the Ameri- tributed to the development Shakti is the fuel. If the fuel is tion that drew its strength provided an opportunity to including resource alloca- role for private enterprise But overhauling the whole can public. of a new image of India as an scanty, how long can the fire from its inner spiritual re- turn the clock back. tion, implementation and and foreign investment, and economic paradigm seemed With China falling out of economic powerhouse. endure?...India’s soul must sources and Hindu ideals. Although Britain left be- appraisal of five-year plans. trimmed the erstwhile Plan- impossible. However, the favour in the wake of the However, while the gov- become, as it was in the old He says: “During the Vedic hind a de-industrialised In- Many economists warned ning Commission’s role. He NDA government led by Covid pandemic, India has ernment of the day and the times, like the surges, vast, times India was a self-con- dia, with its people reeling that the second five-year successfully led India during Narendra Modi has shown emerged as the most dynam- majority of people continue puissant, calm or turbulent tained country. It was united under abject poverty and plan’s dependence on deficit the war with Pakistan. a genuine desire to make ic alternative to Western cul- to promote its good image, at will, an ocean of action or as a great nation. That unity economic hopelessness, our financing to promote “heavy India launched the Green this happen. His campaigns tural values. India produces a section of political parties, of force.” has disappeared bringing rulers could have used it as industrialisation” was invit- Revolution to ensure food to make India “Atmanirb- around 1,000 movies. Its including the Left, are try- Sri Aurobindo further on us great degradation and an opportunity to build a for- ing trouble. A year after the security. Following the suc- har” and “Vocal for Local” movies are popular across ing to damage India’s repu- explains our concept of the it becomes the duty of the midable nation. On the other plan period began India cess of the Green Revolution, display the collective aspira- the world. Yoga, Sanskrit tation. The Tukde-Tukde nation. “For, what is a na- leaders to revive that union.” hand, Jawaharlal Nehru ad- faced an external payments Shastri turned his attention tion of a nation that wants to and spirituality are some of gang, Islamists and Leftists tion? What is our mother- Hence, for the nationalists, opted the socialist model crisis. to the dairy sector, particu- spread its wings and reclaim India’s most powerful ex- try to create a discordant country? It is not a piece of the roadmap for the resur- of economic governance, The Second Five-Year Plan larly the cooperative move- its position as the “Sone ki ports to the world. note in the national dis- earth, nor a figure of speech, gence was clear and unam- ignoring the advice of stal- and the Industrial Policy ment in Gujarat’s Anand, Chidiya” of the world. Indian cuisines and its course. In this context, it is nor a fiction of the mind. It is biguous. Swadeshi for them warts like Sardar Patel and Resolution 1956 paved the led by Verghese Kurien. He spices have earned a space important for all Bharatvasis a mighty Shakti, composed was much more than a politi- C. Rajagopalachari. Nehru way for the development of helped Kaira District Co- INDIA’S EMERGENCE in the hearts of people to do their bit to enhance the of the Shaktis of all the mil- cal slogan aimed at achieving once told India’s eminent the public sector and ush- operative Milk Producers’ AS A ‘SOFT across the world through image of the country. lions of units that make up social, economic, cultural industrialist J.R.D. Tata: ered in the licence Raj. This Union Ltd expand its work, SUPERPOWER’ their stomachs. Recently, Nandakumar is an RSS ideo- the nation, just as Bhawani and spiritual resurgence. “Jeh, profit is a dirty word.” triggered growth of corrup- ushering in the White Revo- It cannot be disputed that the Australian Prime Min- logue and All India Convenor Mahisha Mardini sprang However, unfortunately Nehru was influenced by tion in the country. lution. In the years that fol- during this period, India ister displayed his culinary of Prajna Pravah. Part 2 Pushing the pedal on universal health care in India A rare silver lining of the on- nicipal and local bodies that ers. The “family floater” size fits all approach for dif- school also be made man- best of private initiatives and going Covid-19 pandemic is have had to bear the brunt idea would be retained but ferent geographical pockets. datory and enforced across managerial abilities with the attention it has forced to of this health crisis appear also feature a “cross-risk There are numerous exam- all states. In fact, the first the government support of addressing the public health unanimous in their realisa- pool” to make this viable for ples of effective implemen- degree, viz MBBS, should land, finance and regula- issues. Besides, plugging the tion that proactively looking insurance providers. The opinion tation that could be emulat- be conferred only at the end tory clearances. In fact, to immediate perceived gaps after the physical well-being move would significantly ex- ed. Thailand, for example, of rural service including to attract private resources in to check the spread of the of their constituents is no pand coverage from the 125 has effectively run commu- students intending to join the creation of rural health virus and provide medical- longer optional. mn people currently with a Ajay Dua nity financed and managed post graduate courses at infrastructure, particularly succour to those affected, the The Prime Minister Jan health insurance—70 to 80 drug banks in rural areas, home or abroad. curative, a Viability Gap health-emergency at hand Aryogya Yojana (PMJAY), million by employer sup- while in poor countries of Though health outcomes Funding mechanism can has caused policymakers to announced by Prime Minis- ported health insurance and Central America, villagers are the result of an interac- be introduced. Having seen sit up and internalize how ter Narendra Modi on Inde- the rest through retail mar- to get a greater share of the regularly “donate” their la- tion of several variables, success in creating physical vulnerable a quarter of In- pendence Day, 2018, and the ket bought private schemes. devolved tax–revenue, all bour to build local health, augmenting the physical infrastructure for transpor- dia’s population living on the Ayushman Bharat insurance The demand-side mea- states must commit to spend water and sanitation in- health infrastructure is a tation and highway build- margin is. For the first time, scheme formulated along- sures initiated under PMJAY, successively for the next 3 frastructure. Each public good starting point. Within ing, there is little reason universal health care is be- side , are two new structures however, take care of only years, 50% more on health health facility must have an 3 years, the national goal such collaborative arrange- ing rightly described as what created to help universalise the affordability aspect and than in the preceding year, executive committee with should be to create one PHC ments would not be as help- Prof Vikram Patel of Har- health care. A staggering have done precious little to while the Central govern- an elected local pubic repre- or wellness centre with 5 to ful in basic healthcare. vard Medical School calls “a 100 mn families, or 500 augment the thin and creak- ment abets this amount sentative as chairperson and 10 emergency beds in every The proposed Central system which all people, rich mn beneficiaries—mainly ing health and medical infra- by matching the aggregate the sarpanchs of the serving gram panchayat, one 50- scheme of a national digi- and poor, those in power and the poor—are to be insured structure. At just 5 hospital level of state-spend. With villages/councillors of city bed rural hospital in every tal health card that would those who are powerless, can by the National Health Au- beds per 1,000 people and 7 such an approach, the total wards as members. Besides taluka/tehsil headquarter digitise every citizen’s per- rely on to be given care with thority for annual hospitali- physicians and 17 nurses per public health expenditure, bringing local knowledge and all the existing 1,003 sonal medical records, and the same quality regardless sation expenses up to Rs 5 10,000 people—compared standard drugs to dispense. within say three years or to the diagnosis of ailments, district level hospitals be- connect diagnostic centres, of their station in society”. lakhs with a “family floater” to a global average of 13.9 Just last week, PM Narendra 2023-24, could be grown to this would help incorporate ing turned into 200 bedded medical institutions, is a Equally important, there is concept that has no cap on and 28.6, respectively—the Modi, realising this inad- a somewhat respectable 3% in the treatment the proven tertiary hospitals operat- desirable step. Portability now widespread acknowl- the number or age of fam- need to significantly grow equacy on the “supply side”, of GDP. In addition, we must medical practices. ing on referral basis. These of medical records would edgment that public-fund- ily members within a group. these numbers is stark. Even spoke in his Independence revisit the entire framework The change in approach of changes would quadruple initially pose challenges, ing of health care is grossly Reportedly, 107 mn eligible these few are highly skewed Day speech about setting up of how healthcare in India health care can be institu- the number of public fa- but this is a needed develop- inadequate with, in 2019- people have been provided towards metro areas, leav- 150,000 village-level health is funded and managed; tionalised with each medical cilities from the present ment to cut costs, save time 20, just 0.32% of GDP by assistance at affiliated hos- ing the villagers who need and wellness centres (13,000 this will require innovative college in the country being 30,000 and double the beds of medical practitioners the Centre and 0.9% by the pitals, mostly private. the services more vulner- of which were operation- solutions that undoubtedly formally assigned to take in them from the existing 8 and keep records of treat- states going towards health. The Ayushman Bharat able. As Paul Farmer, a well alised between January and put public funding and the care of an identified rural lakh. The emphasis, how- ment besides ushering in Since health is Constitu- scheme may soon be extend- known medical anthropolo- July 2020) and highlighted governments at the centre, or urban district by special- ever, has to be on provision greater responsibility in use tionally a state subject, the ed to include 450 mn middle gist reminds us, “Excellence that the country’s medical but usher in greater roles for ising in their health issues of adequate staff and medi- of drugs and medical pro- Fifteenth Finance Commis- class citizens, at present not without equity looms as the colleges had enrolled an ad- the community and private and regularly training the cal equipment rather than cedures—a critical step in sion, which was ready with eligible under PMJAY, on a chief human rights dilemma ditional 45,000 students for sector. manpower serving them. building of structures per our move forward towards its final report, has withheld “self-pay” basis. The Union of healthcare in the 21st cen- MBBS and post graduate The local communities, In addition, all the medical se. health for all. it to revisit its recommen- Government would subsi- tury.” courses. who are the most impor- students must be required Simultaneously, the Cen- Dr Ajay Dua, a former Union dations. While the Union dise the insurance premium Currently, there are about No doubt these are right tant stakeholders, should to work in rural PHCs for a tre and States must evolve Secretary and DG, ESIC, had Government has recently by a third, in order to make it 30,000 primary health cen- steps but governments be given a formal role in full semester as part of their Public Private Partnership specialised in Health Care & cut spending by all minis- affordable to those just above tres (including community must commit to appreciably management of PHCS and academic curriculum. Com- models of managing dispen- Management at London School tries other than health and the poverty line and who are health centres) but most are increase spending on the rural hospitals. Prevalent pulsory working in rural saries, wellness centres and of Politics &Economics. defence, there is increasing neither covered by the exist- poorly equipped, run with- expansion of healthcare in- local conditions—economic, dispensaries and hospitals rural hospitals set up with This is the second of a two-part pressure for more meaning- ing government schemes out a qualified doctor and do frastructure. Once facilitated social and cultural—would for two years, after graduat- government funding. Op- article. The first part was pub- ful intervention. States, mu- nor through their employ- not regularly keep even the by the Finance Commission necessitate not having a one ing from any Indian medical tions include combining the lished on 16 August 2020. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 new delhi legally speaking 13 www.sundayguardianlive.com

It’s fundamental Anti defection law and the Indian voter Prior to 1985, the shaky foundations of state governments was riddled by the Aayaram-Gayaram brand of politics where elected legislators thought nothing of switching allegiance for personal or political benefit.

and the moment opportunity to the coming into force of tional challenge tothe Tenth tious to intervene, judicial oath to bear true faith and al- depend upon the goodwill presents, the practice of horse the Tenth Schedule,Speakers Schedule, the two dissenting inroads into the functioning legiance to the Constitution. of functionaries under the tradingbegins,as defectors were known to get embroiled Judges of the Supreme Court of the Tenth Schedule have While framing the Consti- Constitution. Yet the hu- are usually rewarded with in controversies with allega- had reminded us that the increased,though limited tution, concerns were also man element in exercise of opinion positions or perquisites, ex- tions of partisan behaviour of framers of the Constitution to grounds such as lack of raised about the indepen- unregulated discretionary posing the dark side of our Speakers. Evenin interpret- had consciously kept the of- jurisdiction, illegality, mala dence of Governors appoint- powers and mere reliance on democracy, and the ethical ing and applying the anti- fice of the Speaker away from fides, failure to give hearing ed at the pleasure of the Pres- the supposed good sense of Ketaki Goswami & limits of representation in defection law, the conduct of election disputes and ques- and perversity. Yet the pat- ident and apprehensions constitutional functionaries Sidharth Luthra our representative democ- Speakers is invariably called tions of disqualification and, tern and manner in which were voiced that the Centre has not proved adequate to racy. into question. Verdicts by that by making the Speaker governments are shaken or might try and do mischief deal with defection,the bane Prior to 1985, the shaky Speakerson defectionswhich the final arbiter of disputes brought down remains the via such functionaries in the of electoral politics. foundations of State govern- should be prompt, often take or defection, likelihood of same, irrespectiveof who is provinces. Governors were As we await the outcome ments wasriddled by the days to months,exposing the bias could not be ruled out. at the helm at the Centre.The to be ornamental heads, yet of the Rajasthan imbroglio AayaramGayaram brand of un-workability of the anti - Yet our law makers chose to loser is the voter who finds the prophesy of mischief by of dissent and rehabilitation politics where elected leg- defection law in the absence ignore past incidents where his elected representative/s the Centrehas been repeat- of a section of the Congress, islators thought nothing of any timelines. the role and conduct of enjoying the perks of the edly witnessed over the past Prof Shibban Lal Saxena’s of switching allegiance for There have been consistent Speakers had been subject- post in a luxurious resort many decades in the wanton words in the Constitutent personal or political benefit. questions raised on the effi- ed to no confidence motions and also otherwise re- destruction of State govern- Assembly come to mind – In its original form (1985), cacy of the Anti-Defection and the office of the Speaker warded for bringing down ments, which are not aligned “Democratic trends are like a the Tenth Schedule of the In- Law since its introduction. has repeatedly been dragged governments. The Anti- to the political party holding wild beast. Say what you will, dian Constitution dealt with Recently in January 2020, to court. Defection Law in its cur- power at the Centre. democracy goes by the whims both splits and mergers but while referring a matter re- Whether it is Telangana rent form has proved to be Whether it be the office and fancies of parties and the in 2004, the provision on lating to Manipur legislators (2016), Arunachal Pradesh woefully inadequate and of the Governor, Speaker masses. There must be some ‘splits’ was omitted and what to a Constitution Bench, the (2016), Telangana (2018 & ineffective in achieving the or the President, these can- such machinery which will keep remained was protection to Supreme Court recommend- 2019), Sikkim (2019) or Goa key objective of preventing not be instruments of de- this wild beast under control.” efections have haunt- yond and de hors ideological legislators whose original ed that the Tenth Schedule (2019), the Tenth Schedule political instability and rid- establishing democratically It is time for Parliament to ed Indian polity for dissent.With the increase in political party merged with needs serious re-working. and the disqualification rules ding the polity of quid-pro- elected governments. As our have a hard relook at the 10th Dover severaldecades. coalition governments, the another party with not less Theneed for a re-think on framed by different legisla- quo deals. constitutional functionaries Schedule and reframe it with Between 1967 and 1972, from frequency of new alliances than 2/3rd of members of the whether disqualification pe- tures have not proved to be When the Constitution was let matters slip between the guidelinesand timelines for amongst 4,000 members of began,not on ideological legislative party agreeing to titions ought to be entrusted a hindrance to our elected framed, there was a belief cracks, governments don’t the Speakers and the Gover- the Lok Sabha and the State basis, but purely as power the merger. to theSpeaker as a quasi- representatives in either that our constitutional func- just fall but are brought nors, so as to ensure stability and Union Territory Legisla- sharing arrangements. Under the Tenth Schedule, judicial authority,given that bringing down a government tionaries should have the down, leading to cynicism and efficiency in governance tive Assemblies, there were Random defections by the Speaker acts as an arbi- de facto or de jure the Speaker or defecting and reaping the powers and be bound with in the hearts of citizens who —a right which is funda- nearly 2,000 cases of defec- legislators motivated by the ter to determine whether a owes allegiance to the ruling benefits of such actions. conventions as were preva- having participated in the mental to the voter. tion back and forth. By late lure of positions of power split or merger was taking partyand that there isa need Since then, Courts have been lent in the United Kingdom. electoral process find the Ketaki Goswami is an advocate March 1971,nearly half of and authorityconstitute a place under Clause 6 and to to decide defection matters approached repeatedly to While such noble thoughts spirit of the Constitution practicing at the Delhi High the legislators had changed fraudon the electorate and a determine whether defection swiftly, independently and complain about the conduct defined the spirit in which violated and their franchise Court and Supreme Court, Sr. party affiliations and sever- breach their commitment to had taken place or not. Un- impartially. of Speakers, who have added the Constitution was framed, wasted. Adv. Siddharth Luthra has almore than once. Defections the voter while seeking elec- like the United Kingdom, in Manipur has been a hotbed elasticity to the limits of the the reality is different and Addressing the Consti- served as the Additional Solici- have invariably been amply tion.Post electoral victory, India,Speakers do not resign of Tenth Schedule challeng- Tenth Schedule where there the spirit of the Constitu- tutent Assembly in May tor General (ASG) of India. He rewarded and demonstrate there is little, if no account- from their party upon being es. In 1992,inKihotoHollohan, should have been none. tion is not given due respect 1949, Dr. Ambedkar believed practices at the Supreme Court forces at play,which are be- ability vis-à-vis the voter, elected to the post. Even prior while considering a constitu- While Courts are cau- by those who have taken an that we (India) will have to and Delhi High Court.

matter of justice Algebra of Article 142 of Constitution and Section 406 of CrPC: A tale of two provisions in Rhea’s transfer petition before SC only be consistent with the funda- mental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, but it cannot even be inconsistent with the substan- tive provisions of the relevant opinion statutory laws.” Thus, it is prima facie clear that an order passed under Hardik Gautam Article 142 cannot violate an express statutory provision. This view was approved by the same learned Judge of the Constitution of India is in Naresh Shridhar Mira- a discretionary power which jkar v. State of Maharashtra allows the Supreme Court, in (AIR 1967 SC 1) which was the exercise of its jurisdiction, decided by a Nine Judges to pass such decree or make Bench of the Supreme Sushant Singh Rajput. Supreme Court of India. Rhea Chakraborty. such order as is necessary Court. While it was decided for doing complete justice in that no enactment made by but the Supreme Court does Chakraborty before the Su- in law, more particularly Act (Mohd. Anis v. Union of sions. Such a step of putting any cause or matter pending the legislature can limit or not resort to it in direct con- preme Court, the Court ad- the Code of Criminal Pro- India, [1994 Supp. (1) SCC limitation on itself is only to before it. This power is given restrict the constitutional frontation with any express dressed one of issue where- cedure, 1973, which gives 145]. Although in Rhea restrict its inherent power to the Supreme Court to meet power of the Supreme statuary provision unless it in she sought for transfer of power to the Supreme Court Chakraborty’s case, the FIR vested under Article 142. the contours of justice and it Court under Article 142, is the need of the hour. Thus, investigation from Patna to to transfer the investigation was registered in Patna, Bi- However, in absence of any is unfettered by any other law the Court must take into there exist no straightjacket Mumbai under Section 406 in a case, the Court is com- har and the Bihar govern- provision addressing the is- The recent judgment of the in India. Although this power consideration the statutory guidelines or directions as of the Criminal Procedure petent enough to invoke its ment has given its consent sue between the parties, the Supreme Court in the case of being extraordinary, which provisions regulating the to when and how powers Code, 1973. Section 406 inherent power enshrined for the CBI to investigate the Supreme Court steps in as late Bollywood actor Sushant should be exercised spar- matter in dispute, as was under Article 142 should be deals with the power of the under Article 142 to transfer case. a guardian and guarantor Singh Rajput has now taken a ingly under rare and extreme held in the case of Delhi Ju- invoked, but the Supreme Supreme Court to transfer the investigation the CBI. of constitutional rights and different turn in terms of in- circumstance, the Supreme dicial Service Assn. v. State of Court, over a period of time, cases and appeals from one The Court relied upon the Conclusion render complete justice by vestigation. The single bench Court, over a period of time, Gujarat, [(1991) 4 SCC 406]. has evolved certain limita- High Court to another High ratio laid down in K.V. Ra- The jurisprudence behind invoking its power vested of Justice Hrishikesh Roy vide to meet the ends of justice, has In other words, it can be tions on its undefined and Court or from a Criminal jendran v. Superintendent of insertion of Section 142 in under Article 142. Thus, in judgment dated 19.08.2020, frequently resorted to Article very well inferred that the uncatalogued powers, and Court subordinate to one Police, CBCID, Chennai & Ors. the Indian Constitution is to Rhea Chakraborty’s case, has taken the investigation 142 in order to do complete Supreme Court invokes its this power is not exercised High Court to another Crim- [(2013) 12 SCC 480], where- prevent the miscarriage of the Court was not hesitant from the clutches of Bihar justice between the parties. power under Article 142 unless it becomes absolutely inal Court of equal or supe- in it was held that transfer of justice to the parties before while invoking its power to and Maharashtra Police and The rigmarole regarding in cases where the existing necessary in the interest of rior jurisdiction subordi- investigation must be in rare the Court. It was included complete justice and trans- transferred it to the Central whether an order made un- provisions do not provide meting out complete justice. nate to another High Court, and exceptional cases in or- considering the paramount ferred the investigation to Bureau of Investigation (CBI) der Article 142, being a con- any effective and appropri- It is also pertinent to note to meet the ends of justice. der to do complete justice importance of justice to CBI. Recently, in the highly by exercising the power con- stitutional provision, could ate remedy and it is usually that the High Courts and The Supreme Court while between the parties and to be delivered to the parties debated judgment on Ram ferred to the Supreme Court override express statutory not appropriate to invoke the Tribunal do not have any delivering the judgment and instil straight confidence in by protecting their rights Janm Bhoomi also, the power under Article 142 of the provision, was settled in Prem the power under Article 142 power that is analogous to taking into consideration the public mind. guaranteed by the Con- under Article 142 was in- Constitution of India. (Rhea Chand v. Excise Commr., U.P. where there is an existing this power conferred to the the law laid in Ram Chander It is also important to take stitution. While doing so, voked, making it first such Chakraborty v. State of Bihar, (AIR 1963 SC 996). The Su- provision in law which can Supreme Court. Singh Sagar and Anr. v. State note of at this juncture, the the Supreme Court is not case where the said power Transfer Petition (Crl.) No. preme Court while answering address the issue between of Tamil Nadu, [(1978) 2 SCC Supreme Court, being a bound to consider any stat- was invoked for a civil dis- 225 of 2020). this issue in negative, speak- the parties in an adequate Power under 35], held that the contour of constitutional court, can utory provision. However, pute over an immovable ing through Gajendragadkar manner and do complete Article 142 and power under Section 406 is direct the CBI to investigate the Court, through practice, property that involved pri- Article 142 of the J., has categorically held that: justice. At the same time, Section 406 Cr.P.C. only restricted to transfer of into an offence even without refrains itself from interfer- vate parties. Constitution of “An order which this Court can being a constitutional pro- vis-à-vis transfer cases and appeals and not the consent of State govern- ing with issues which could Hardik Gautam is an advocate India make in order to do complete jus- vision, Article 142 can over- of investigation investigation. ment, avoiding the rigors be effectively dealt with by practising at the Supreme Court The power under Article 142 tice between the parties, must not ride any statutory provision, In the petition filed by Rhea Since there is no provision of Section 6 of the DSPE existing statutory provi- of India. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 14 world new delhi www.sundayguardianlive.com

Deep divide eXCLUSIVE 13 keys spell Tr ump vs Biden: Poll-pot doom for Trump: Allan starts simmering in US Lichtman The sound bites coming from both political camps are sure to make the run-up to The American professor who has never got a US Presidential election wrong, the election intense and gripping, including to the extent of more ‘personal abuses’. spoke exclusively to The Sunday Guardian.

he be able to strike the right tions. We saw a glimpse White—who view these astated by the virus. amnesty for ‘illegals’ and Maneesh Pandeya chord again as he did in of that in 2016. This time changes as a threat to their Secondly, he came to the open borders; an attack on 2016 with his nationalist it is no better, particularly livelihoods and way of life.” defence of his running police that invites urban He’s the astrologer for the US Presi- rants? in the backdrop of “Black Biden, who along with mate as he took on Trump violence and anarchy.” dents. Meet Professor Allan Licht- We will have to wait and Lives Matter”. Will that be his running mate Harris, on the latter’s recent at- Axelrod sums up pointing man of the American University in watch, but the sound bites a fight for space between appeared for his first inter- tacks against her. President to where the polls will head. Washington DC. He’s a historian by Maneesh Pandeya coming from both politi- the natives and the immi- view going on air on ABC Trump has reportedly re- “These are the jagged fault profession, but predicts the future cal camps—Democrats and grants again? We will see News on Sunday, chose the ferred to Harris as “nasty”, lines of American politics: of American Presidents. He’s been ove Republicans—are sure to that soon. exact lines that rightly con- a sort of a “mad woman”, a a rising number of young doing it since the days of President him make the run-up to the Let’s read between the nect to his political constit- “disaster”, the “meanest”, people, racial minorities Ronald Reagan in the early 1980s Lor election intense and grip- fine lines being printed in uency, including the Left- “most horrible”, “most dis- and college-educated White and never got it wrong. So correct hate him, ping, including to the ex- American media. As Da- Liberals and immigrants, respectful of anybody in voters versus those who are his readings into US Presidents’ Donald tent of more “personal vid Axelrod, a senior CNN as he made a direct attack the US Senate”. To these view the cultural and social tenures that he can even predict im- Allan Lichtman Trump abuses”, up to the final test political commentator on Trump and his Presi- charges of Trump, Biden changes proudly displayed peachment. He did it for President makes of the people’s vote on 3 No- and host of The Axe Files, dency. was quick to respond: at the Democratic National Donald Trump and it happened. A Democrat by political af- the maximum buzz. And vember. wrote in his latest column Talking to ABC World “The idea that he would Convention this week as a filiation, Prof Lichtman predicted Trump’s victory in 2016, but he makes it the most when As an outsider watch- titled, “Biden has to beware News Tonight anchor David say something like that. No threat.” his 13 wonder keys, which hold the future of every incoming he is fighting elections. We ing the US elections and what Trump has in store.” Muir, Biden took Trump President—no President President Trump has al- US President, are not signalling the same for the incumbent all saw that in 2016 when reporting on that first in Axelord was senior adviser straight on his opponent’s has ever said anything like ready dubbed Biden’s “life- President at the White House. he became the Presiden- 2016 and now in 2020, I am to President Barack Obama “questionable handling of that. No President’s ever time speech at the DNC” as What would be for Trump in 2020? Not the same as in 2016, tial candidate of “minority compelled to often draw and chief strategist for the coronavirus pandemic”. used those words.” By say- the “waste of four hours”, say the keys of Prof Lichtman. For this very prediction, at least of voters”, mostly Whites. parallels with India’s high- 2008 and 2012 Obama Apart from the American ing that, Biden cored his but in contrast, he reacted three months before the 3 November polls, by someone who In 2020, set against the voltage, loud poll frenzy presidential campaigns. media “baying for Trump’s points among women and with a subdued and suc- has never gone wrong since 1984, has made Prof Lichtman backdrop of the corona on the streets. America’s is The CNN’s political com- blood on his ‘poor corona the two most vital ethnic cinct tweet, terming the the US media’s most hunted profile since August. pandemic’s deadly effect no different. If in India, it mentator wrote that the crisis handling’,” the citi- races in the US polls—In- former Vice President’s Professor Lichtman spoke exclusively to The Sunday Guard- on America and Ameri- is caste, pampering Dalits Democrats made the right zens too are divided on the dian American and Afro- address as “just words”. ian, perhaps the first Indian media to have interviewed to get cans, the threat of China, and minorities, to wooing noise. Stemming gun con- real results, despite the American, the twin lineage Trump tweeted: “In 47 the suspense of the “13 keys” decoded. Over the past four de- a dipping economy, soar- the youth for jobs, in Amer- trol, immigrants’ cause, much talked about stimu- Harris shares and brings a years, Joe did none of the cades, his system has accurately called presidential victors, ing unemployment and ica, it is securing the racial climate change and many lus packages and cash in- huge difference to VP Biden things of which he now from Ronald Reagan in 1984 to Donald Trump in 2016. “This the threat of fast losing the ethnic diversity (choosing other things, including the centives doled out by Presi- campaign. speaks. He will never time it’s not Mr Trump,” he told The Sunday Guardian. Excerpts: “democratic fabric of the Kamala Harris is Demo- show of America’s diversity dent Trump. Biden made He talked on racial con- change, just words!” Per- Q: In 2016, you predicted for Donald Trump, this time you are not US”—racial diversity and crats’ way of correcting that and inclusiveness in poli- it straight: “Would shut it flicts as he mentioned the haps, there is more in store for him, your comments on will he, won’t he or will he pull up in the immigrants’ inclusiveness picture), immigrants’ pro- tics by nominating a can- down; I would listen to the clashes in Charlottesville, in the days to come and the last hours as in 2016? in America’s growth—the tections, jobs for all, includ- didate fo Vice President, scientists.” Biden also criti- Virginia, in 2017. media will make the most A: At the end of 2019, although I had not yet made a prediction, 3 November election will be ing foreigners and echoing who touted her lineage as cised what he argued was But as Axelrod points of those speeches and war Trump was down four keys, two short of a predicting defeat. no less than that. loud the high ideals of the the daughter of Jamaican the “fundamental flaw” of out, this faces the test from of words between the two Since then, he has lost three additional keys, for a total of seven The National Conventions Constitution about demo- and Indian immigrants and the Trump administration’s the other side. Hinting at camps. negative keys, one more than is necessary to predict his defeat. have set the tone already cratic freedom and rights spoke of the ideal of racial response to the coronavirus a possible Trump’s tough But most awaited is what The three additional keys that Trump lost in 2020 are: short and after the Democrats’ to minorities and women. It reconciliation and John pandemic, that the nation and “inciting” response President Trump will be term economy, long-term economy, and social unrest. Never high-pitched anti-Trump all sounds the same. Lewis’ vision of the “be- cannot begin to recover ec- coming on Monday from spewing against his rival before in the history of the United States has the party holding rant to woo the maximum But what makes it dif- loved community.” He said: onomically until the virus the National Republican Biden to connect to his the White House suffered such a sudden, dramatic reversal voters to their side, it is up ferent is to witness a new “Taken separately, you will and public health emergen- Convention, the CNN com- “All-Whites American Vote of fortune in just a few months. These keys represent the big to President Trump and America and if we are to find a majority of Ameri- cy is under control. “I will mentator warns: “What Bank” in Monday’s conven- picture of presidential politics and are not likely to change the Republicans to get back believe the reports, inter- cans are in favor of many be prepared to do whatever may seem like a humane, tion. prior to November. The prediction is firm.” the most to their side in views and the columns in of the ideals Democrats it takes to save lives because common sense agenda to America is in for a real Q: What is the key to decode “your 13 keys”? Please simplify that the name of “America for US’s reputed media, we promoted last night…But we cannot get the country most Americans, this week poll-pot simmering. Time for readers. Americans” and “White have to wait to see which President Donald Trump moving, until we control the will be cast by Trump and to see it before it boils down A: My system is not based on the polls but gauges the strength nationalism”, which is si- way the “subtle current of won the 2016 election by virus,” Biden said, realising the Republicans as noth- to the final results for the and performance of the party holding the White House. It lently creeping into Ameri- American neo-nationalism energizing a minority of fully what will connect in- ing more than job-crushing next White House on 3 No- ignores the polls, the pundits, or the day-to-day events of the can social mentality. Will will swing” in these elec- voters—most of whom are stantly to the millions dev- environmental regulations; vember. campaign. The basic insight behind the keys is that presi- dential elections are votes up or down on the strength and performance of the party holding the White House. Governing, GONAL E DIGIT not campaigning, counts in presidential contests. Unlike most prediction systems, the keys model relies on an index rather than a regression-based method. The keys are 13 diagnostic questions that are stated as propositions that favour re-election DNC 2020: Democrats give a now or never call of the incumbent party. When five or fewer of these proposi- tions are false (i.e., turned against the party holding the White What the DNC 2020 showed was a Democratic Party united in its disdain and disapproval of the Trump presidency. House), that party wins another term in office. When six or more are false, the challenging party wins. Monish Tourangbam & particularly the younger to public healthcare. “In the society and economy might We must elect Joe Biden,” perience in public service, Q: What is going against President Trump this time? Is it bad stars Arvind Kumar ones, to vote and not stay depths of the Covid-19 pan- give more ammunition for Harris underscored. on domestic and foreign as astrologers see or are real facts and opinion going to affect his away from an election that demic, President Trump them to do so. Trump’s clarion call for policy, and his personal prospects this time? will be fought to “redeem and the Republican Party The law and order fiasco putting “America First” and journey of resilience and A: Trump’s own failures to deal with the pandemic and the the soul of America”. “This are trying to tear health that broke out across the “Making America Great empathy in times of crisis. cries for social and racial justice cost him the three additional campaign isn’t just about care away from millions of country following the death Again” has been a fodder The DNC focused on call- keys outlined above that are responsible for predicting his winning votes. It’s about people who depend on it of George Floyd, has re- for attack from the Demo- ing out American voters, defeat. He acknowledged my prediction of his victory in 2016. winning the heart and, for survival. Democrats will opened the Pandora’s Box cratic Party, particularly on to vote, come what may, He wrote me a note on the copy of the September 23, 2016 The coronavirus pandemic yes, the soul of America,” not allow that to happen. of complex race relations, how his presidency has nei- to elect a leader who will Washington Post interview in which I predicted his win. The has affected all walks of life Biden said in his speech at We will not rest until every an Achilles’ heel of Ameri- ther made the US tougher heal an American scarred note said, “Professor—Congrats—good call” and was signed across the world beyond the DNC. Therefore, as the American can access qual- can society and democracy. in front of adversaries, nor by poor leadership from Donald J. Trump. However, he did not understand the deeper anyone’s imagination, and Democratic Party sees it, ity health care and afford- The nomination of Kamala taken the country closer to the White House in the last meaning of the keys, that it is governing, not campaigning, the campaign for the US the United States has been able prescription drugs,” Harris, a woman of Jamai- allies and partners, when four years. Now that Joe that counts in presidential elections. As a result he failed to presidential election 2020 rudderless in both domes- the 2020 Democratic Party can-American and Indian it was required the most. Biden and Kamala Har- deal substantively with the challenges of 2020, but reverted is no exception. The sight of tic and foreign policy issues platform contended. roots, has given a whole Underlining the forces of ris are official nominees of to his 2016 playbook and thought he could talk his way out presidential and vice presi- in four years of the Trump In every election season, new dimension to the role American values and de- the Democratic Party for of them. It didn’t work. dential nominees of the presidency. The clarion the health of the US econo- mocracy, the Democratic the presidential election in Q: Any anecdotal references and memories linked to your predictions Democratic Party, Joe Biden call of the DNC was for the my has remained an over- Party has confronted the November, it will be per- on the US presidential elections? and Kamala Harris, speak- American electorate to help riding topic of attacks and Trump administration for tinent to wait and watch A: In 1982, after I published my prediction of a Ronald Reagan ing not to a huge cheering put someone at the White counter-attacks from both failing to seek good counsel, how the Biden-Harris duo victory in 1984, I was invited to the White House by Lee Atwa- crowd, but to digital screens House, who is ready to lead the parties. From debates and squandering America’s will go beyond attack- ter, the President’s political director. After spending the day showing people virtually from day one, and will keep on indicators of America’s time tested trust with its al- ing the Trump presidency there he looked me in the eye and asked, “What would happen rooting for the Biden-Harris “America and Americans performance in the global lies. The Democratic plat- and present more concrete if Ronald Regan didn’t run again in 1984?” I told him that the ticket, epitomised the ex- First” in real. economy, creating and sus- form, countering Trump’s proposals as to how they Republicans would go from 3 keys down and a predicted win traordinary times ahead. Given the raging impact taining jobs for Americans, foreign policy record, said, intend to be different and to 6 keys down and a predicted defeat, because they would Political heavyweights of of the pandemic that con- to rising income inequal- “Democrats will lead with put “America First” for real. lose the internal party contest key, the incumbency key, and the Democratic Party, in- tinues to kill and infect ity and the issue of taxing that gender and race have diplomacy as our tool of Whether the United States the incumbent charisma key. Atwater looked me in the eye cluding former Presidents a huge section of the US the wealthy, both the par- played in US electoral poli- first resort and mobilize needs a change of guard at and said, “Thank you so much, Professor Lichtman,” and the Barack Obama and Bill population, the DNC chose ties will leave no stones tics. Coming four years after our allies and partners to the White House will very rest is history. Clinton, former presiden- to put front and centre how unturned to prove their Hillary’s run for the presi- meet the tests none of us can much depend on how the In 1991, after the Gulf War, George H.W. Bush’s approval rating tial nominee and Secretary Trump administration’s worth and disprove the dency and the recurring meeton our own.” What the confidence is built in the hit a record 90 per cent. No prominent Democrat wanted to of State Hillary Clinton and mishandling of the coro- other’s. This time around, element of race tensions in DNC 2020 showed, more minds of the people on the take him on in the election of 1992. However, I wrote at the time former First Lady Michelle navirus pandemic had cost economy as an electoral is- American society, the 2020 than anything else, was a overall governance issues that based on the keys, Bush would be a one-term President. Obama spoke, emphatically American lives and liveli- sue has gained new lofty election will add more chap- Democratic Party, united in and making America again None of the big shots listened. But, I got a call from Gay Goss, supporting the Biden-Har- hood. Inclusive access to heights because of the way ters to these unresolved is- its disdain and disapproval a respectable power in the the special assistant to Governor Bill Clinton in Arkansas. ris team, and accusing the quality affordable health- the pandemic has led to sues, and Harris emphati- of the Trump’s presidency international system. She asked if I was serious that Bush could be beaten in 1992. current incumbent Presi- care has been a recurring never imagined lockdowns cally raised it when she said, and a “now nor never” at- Monish Tourangbam is an I said that I was serious and sent Clinton a copy of my book dent Donald Trump’s lack issue of division and polari- and shutdowns of busi- “And let’s be clear—there is titude to defeating Trump’s Assistant Professor (Senior and a memo—and the rest is history. of leadership in times when sation in American politics, nesses in US history. As no vaccine for racism. We’ve presidential run. As Biden Scale) and Arvind Kumar is Q: How you get your predictions right? Do you feel that it may go it is most needed. If there and the DNC clearly em- the DNC made it clear, the gotta do the work.” “We said, “United we can, and Professor at the Department of wrong? was one thing that ani- phasised the centrality of Democratic Party will ex- must elect a President...who will, overcome this season Geopolitics and International A: I stand by my prediction. However, two things outside the mated the Democratic Na- healthcare issue, more par- cavate the weakest spots will bring all of us together, of darkness in America.” Relations, Manipal Academy realm of any prediction model worry me this year. One is the tional Convention (DNC), ticularly in the time of the of the Trump’s presidency, black, white, Latino, Asian, The DNC focused on show- of Higher Education (MAHE), suppression of the vote, so we won’t have a free and fair elec- it was a “now or never” pandemic that has further and the wide scale impact of indigenous, to achieve the casing presidential nominee Manipal. Both specialise in tion. The other is Russian intervention, which Trump will call to all American voters, exposed the unequal access the pandemic on American future we collectively want. Joe Biden’s long years of ex- American Studies. again welcome and exploit. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 new delhi world 15 www.sundayguardianlive.com

infamous Zany conspiracists propel Trump’s Republican Party to a new low Marjorie Greene does not only confine herself to rants and disparaging remarks against Jews, Blacks and Muslims, she is also an adherent of QAnon, a group of conspiracy theorists who believe Donald Trump leads a righteous campaign to rid the deep state of left-wingers. mirers, among whom was are simply madcap and lions of people paid atten- peared this year, a series of up in places like Austria, correct. John Dobson President Donald Trump. harmless. But today some tion to these websites and ideas began burbling within Denmark, Hungary, Po- It’s now abundantly clear ntil “Congratulations to future are dangerously gaining could see in real time how the QAnon community that land, Russia and Israel. In from his catalogue of tweets last Republican Star Marjorie traction amid the current the core premises of Piz- the coronavirus might not Germany, a group of QAnon that Donald Trump is a rac- U Taylor Greene on a big Con- pandemic and fraught po- zagate were being recycled, be real. If it was real, then members asked for Trump ist and conspiracy-mon- week, few gressional primary win in litical and social climate. revised and re-interpreted. it had been created by the to come and liberate them ger in his own right. Last had heard Georgia”, he tweeted. “Mar- According to June’s Pew These people could be se- “deep state”, the star cham- from the German deep state. Wednesday, he “claimed” at of Marjo- jorie is strong on everything Research Centre Survey, duced into believing that ber of government officials There is a small but growing a press conference that he rie Taylor Greene, even in and never gives up—a real a quarter of US adults be- ary Clinton, the favourite a secretive and untouch- and other elite figures who QAnon community in India. “doesn’t know much about America. Then on 11 Au- winner.” Earlier, Trump had lieve there is some truth in to win the presidential elec- able cabal existed, learning secretly run the world. Greene’s recent success QAnon”, but that he under- gust she won the Republi- yet again revealed his own the conspiracy theory that tion a month later, was run- about its fictional malign Moreover, the hysteria sur- in Georgia is creating a real stands its supporter “like can nomination for the 14th sexist/racist problem when powerful people intention- ning a child sex ring in the intentions and ties to the rounding the pandemic was headache for the Republican me very much, which I ap- congressional district in the he called the Indo/African/ ally planned the coronavi- basement of a Washington left-wing Democrats, with part of a plot to hurt the Party’s elite, who fear that preciate. These are people rural north-western part of American running mate of rus outbreak. Five per cent pizza restaurant. Fundrais- its “bloodlust and moral Trump re-election chances the image of their party is who love our country.” With Georgia, where the Repub- Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, “a of the survey respondents ers for the Trump campaign degeneracy”. More impor- and that the media elites suffering as a result. “If she’s these words from Trump, licans normally weigh the mad, angry woman”, while said that it is definitely true. took up this crazy theory tantly, they could also learn were cheering the death toll. the future of the Republican how can Republican lead- votes rather than count questioning her legitimacy Fuelled by uncertainty and (the restaurant in question about a small, but swell- Some of these ideas made Party we’re in trouble”, said ers rebuke or even criticise them, such is their domi- to run for office because of anxiety, the current health didn’t even have a base- ing band of underground their way onto Fox News Republican Congressman those supporters of QAnon, nance. In just 10 weeks, her birth. crisis has created the perfect ment), which soon advanced American patriots, Donald and into the President’s Riggleman, calling QAnon who insist that Trump is the Greene will be facing the But Marjorie Greene does backdrop for the spread of from the trollish corners of Trump supporters, who public utterances. Accord- the “gonorrhoea of con- saviour of the nation? The Democratic candidate in not only confine herself to disinformation, which has the internet, to the more were fighting back to make ing to the New York Times, spiracy theories”. Other top of the Republican Party an election where her pre- rants and disparaging re- real-world consequences, accessible precincts, such “America Great Again”. QA- as of late last year even Republican members of worry that the ticket of Joe decessor won more than marks against Jews, Blacks particularly when it leads as Twitter and YouTube, non was born. before today’s pandemic, Congress have denounced Biden and Kamala Harris is 76% of the votes, making and Muslims, she is also an to civil unrest, paranoia claiming that the emails QAnon is derived from Trump had retweeted ac- Greene for her “disgusting as mainstream and moder- her a shoe-in for Congress. adherent of QAnon, a group and distrust. Promoted by were proof of ritualistic a mysterious figure “Q”, counts focusing on con- and vile comments”, but ate as you can get, and that So why has this future law- of conspiracy theorists who Donald Trump, America’s child abuse. The conspiracy posting anonymously on the spiracy theories, including House Republican Minority Fox News can bellow all day maker suddenly become believe Donald Trump leads hyper-partisan politics is theorists claimed that the internet. “Q” comes from those of QAnon, on at least Leader Kevin McCarthy has long that they are lackeys of famous, or to put it bluntly, a righteous campaign to rid especially susceptible to the words “pizza” and “pasta” the name of the security 145 occasions. been accused of “not lifting Bernie Sanders and the ex- infamous? the deep state of left-wing- spread of bizarre conspir- should be interpreted as clearance for access to top In case you think QAnon is a finger” to block her elec- treme left-wing, but it’s sim- Greene has amassed tens ers. She has applauded this acy theories and the rising code words for “little girls” secret information, while confined to America, think tion. The left-wing media ply not credible. of thousands of followers whacky movement, saying popularity of groups such and “little boys”. Facing le- Anon is short for “anony- again. QAnon has spread watchdog, Media Matters By contrast, the Republi- on social media, where she that QAnon is a “once-in-a- as QAnon. gal action, the owner of the mous”. QAnon doesn’t like a virus to most parts of for America, recently found can Party, which has moved often posts videos of herself lifetime opportunity to take So how did QAnon take off conspiracy-theory website, have a physical location, the world. A recent analy- that 53 Republican congres- to the far-right under Don- speaking directly into the this global cabal of Satan- and what do its followers re- who also hosts an affiliated but has an infrastructure, sis showed that there were sional candidates, some of ald Trump and supported camera, videos which have worshipping paedophiles ally believe in? radio show, later backed a literature, a growing body 179 groups on Facebook whom have a real chance of by QAnon, isn’t just cater- helped propel her popular- out, and I think we have the Although shrouded in away and apologised for of adherents, and a great with more than 1.4 million success in November, have ing to extremists – it’s led by ity with her base; a base of President to do it”. mystery, QAnon’s birth is promoting Pizzagate. deal of merchandising. For members, and although promoted QAnon this year. one. A new low in the Party racists, anti-Semites and American history is lit- linked to the “Pizzagate” The damage was done, but QAnon, every contradiction Facebook removed a small NBC News recently “joked” has been reached. those with anti-Muslim tered with conspiracy theo- scandal which arose from now a new opportunity for can be explained away and number of QAnon pages in that Congress could soon John Dobson is a former Brit- views. Following her se- ries, which have taken off emails made public by conspiracists suddenly ap- no form of argument can April, the conspiracy is still have a “QAnon caucus”, ish diplomat and worked in UK lection, Greene received exponentially since the ar- WikiLeaks in October 2016. peared. Backers of Donald prevail against it. When growing on the platform. and many Republicans are Prime Minister John Major’s praise from her many ad- rival of social media. Most These claimed that Hill- Trump realised that mil- the fearsome new virus ap- Large groups have sprung terrified that NBC might be office between 1995 and 1998. a-level fiasco outside politics poisoned? UK’s education circus Kremlin critic antonia filmer Navalny flown to london

The country is experiencing German hospital; in a fine fiasco around exam results, first the A-level con- ‘worrying’ condition fusion and the blame game variety show prompted ac- BERLIN: Gravely ill Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was cusations of incompetence; evacuated to Germany for medical treatment on Saturday, then another government flown out of the Siberian city of Omsk in an ambulance U-turn over GCSC results, aircraft and taken to a hospital in Berlin. in that students will receive There was no word yet from the Charite hospital on his teacher predicted grades not condition but the founder of the activist group that ar- the algorithm standardised ranged the flight called Navalny’s health condition “very grades. Even under pres- Boris Johnson worrying”. sure Gavin Williamson has A long-time opponent of President Vladimir Putin and not offered to resign, nor has organisation that claims “to Office’s performance and campaigner against corruption, Navalny collapsed on a Boris Johnson demanded he understand and influence its relationship with other A man wears a protective face mask on a street, amid the spread of the Covid-19, in plane on Thursday after drinking tea that his allies be- resign. Williamson posed public opinion through re- Whitehall ministries. Here’s Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday. REUTERS lieve was laced with poison. Medical staff at the hospital in for an interview behind his search and targeted commu- why https://www.ft.com/ Omsk said on Friday evening, after clearing Navalny to be desk which displayed his nication”, some folks there content/5eeab074-9de8- flown out, that he was in an induced coma and his life was red book and a whip, a pos- are old associates of Gove 45e5-9749-86898a089a69 hope? not in immediate danger. sibly an intimidating refer- and Cummings. Johnson has a magnificent The air ambulance, arranged by the Cinema for Peace ence to the time as govern- Matt Hancock, health reputation for having been a China approves human testing for Foundation, flew to Berlin’s Tegel airport early on Satur- ment whip (2016-2017) he secretary, announced that first class Mayor of London day and Navalny, 44, was rushed to the Charite hospital was the keeper of scandals Public Health England is but a wobbly reputation as coronavirus vaccine grown in insect cells complex. The hospital said in a statement it would provide and secrets (https://www. going to be re-invented Foreign Secretary, conser- an update about his condition and further treatment once sundayguardianlive.com/ as The National Institute vatives and red wall voters BEIJING: China has approved human testing for a potential coronavirus vaccine culti- tests have been completed and after consulting with his world/11533-spiderman- for Health Protection, it is hoped for the first mani- vated within insect cells, local government in the southwestern city of Chengdu said on family. It added this could take some time. “His health con- gavin-unpopular-choice- arguable if this is part of the festation to be repeated as Saturday. dition is very worrying,” Cinema for Peace founder Jaka uk-defence). blame game variety show, as Prime Minister. China is in a global race to develop cost-effective vaccines to curb the Covid-19 pan- Bizilj told reporters outside the hospital. “Public First” bypassed a quangos seem to exist to pass What effect has this had? demic. Using insect cells to grow proteins for the coronavirus vaccine - a first in China “We got a very clear message from the doctors that if there competitive tender under the buck and avoid account- After the exams results ca- - could speed up large-scale production, the city government of Chengdu said in a notice had not been an emergency landing in Omsk, he would “emergency regulations”, ability. This time folks hope sino and opposition leader on social media WeChat. The vaccine, developed by West China Hospital of Sichuan Uni- have died,” said Bizilj, adding that it would be up to doctors it seems the work involved that the new NIHP will have Keir Starmer’s forensic versity in Chengdu, has received approval from the National Medical Products Adminis- and Navalny’s family to provide further information on his was top line reporting on the extravagant funding and a questioning, YouGov re- tration to enter a clinical trial, the notice said. When tested on monkeys, the vaccine was condition. Bizilj, a Slovenian-born activist and filmmaker, same day from focus groups. suitably experienced team. ports that the Tory lead fell shown to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections with no obvious side-effects, the notice added. was earlier quoted by Bild tabloid as saying Navalny’s con- Inspite of circa twenty Tory Nigel Farage is reporting 2 points and for the first Chinese scientists are already leading work on at least eight other potential coronavirus dition was stable during the flight and after landing. MP’s and a few Select Com- daily on the Channel situa- time polled Sir Keir ahead vaccines that have entered different stages of clinical trials. Foreign players, including Kira Yarmysh, Navalny’s spokeswoman, said on Twitter mittees raising concerns, tion, Priti Patel has yet to get of Johnson as “best PM”. Germany’s BioNTech and Inovio Pharma in the United States, have also cooperated with that “This is another proof that nothing was preventing Na- the department of educa- a handle on immigration; it Incompetence is the buzz- local firms to test their experimental vaccines in China. reuters valny from being transported, and it was necessary to do so tion and Ofqual- the exams seems Patel talks tough but word of the week, reshuffle as early as possible.” regulator- had four months does not deliver action and rumours persists but are murder German doctors flew to Russia on Friday to evacuate Na- to prepare for the exam re- now a young Sudanese man unfulfilled. Optimists think valny at the request of his wife and allies who said that the sults moment but their per- has drowned falling off a sto- the government and exist- Female protest leader gunned down in hospital treating him was badly equipped. But there was formance has been manqué, len toy boat, his friend who ing cabinet might muddle then a delay flying him out as the Omsk hospital initially and it is the students who could swim survived. through till after UK finally Iraq’s Basra said his condition meant he could not travel. have suffered tremendous The Financial Times has and completely Brexits at The Omsk doctors later said they had no objections after uncertainty and anxiety. As just announced that Lord the end of 2020, but wheth- BASRA: A female activist was killed on Wednesday and three others wounded when the German doctors deemed him fit for travel. Navalny’s it turns out there is some Francis Maude a former er this will be on popular unidentified gunmen opened fire on their car in the southern Iraqi city of Basra, security wife, Yulia, sent a letter to the Kremlin directly appealing for cronyistic handwriting of Cabinet Office minister and terms remains to be seen, a and health sources told Reuters. It was the third incident this week in which gunmen it to intervene and grant permission for him to be allowed to Michael Gove and Dominic a favourite of David Camer- few Brexiteers dread a more targeted an anti-government political activist, after one activist was killed and four others be flown out. Navalny’s allies have said they feared authori- Cummings in this education on, at the request of Michael palatable repackaging of had their car fired upon in a separate incident. reuters ties in Russia might try to cover up clues as to how he fell ill. circus; Public First is a small Gove will review the Cabinet Theresa May’s Deal. reuters V16v businessguardian the sunday guardian | 23 – 29 august 2020 | new delhi www.sundayguardianlive.com

INFRA DIPLOMACY India searching for ‘model infrastructure’ ambition The government has already identified 7,000 projects in different sectors that would be a part of the NIP.

the Narendra Modi govern- identified 7,000 projects in velopment being a common China Connect policy to avoid stage, it must re-evaluate the growth and helping diversify ment has brought about a different sectors that would area of interest. Additionally, antagonizing its powerful strategic advantages of such the supply chain networks. radical change in India’s be a part of the NIP and plans India’s growing engagement neighbour. But the policy has a proposition. For one, linking However, for this, India must foreign policy vision: “to be to invest Rs 110 lakh crore in with the Quad partners (US, seemingly not paid dividends, India’s infrastructure initia- actively move away from its opinion a leading power, rather than the project which is being Japan and Australia) amidst nor has it been equally bal- tives with the BDN can give protectionist economic ten- just a balancing power”, as Dr envisaged as a mix of private China’s increasing aggression, anced. India’s infrastructure India a much- needed mul- dencies. According to the S. Jaishankar (then Foreign and public money. Also, PM places joint infrastructure diplomacy efforts have been tilateral impetus and signify Property Rights Alliance’s J agannath Panda Secretary) had remarked. Modi announced the plans ventures in the Indo-Pacific further limited by its economic India’s earnest interest in im- 2019 trade barrier Index, India Modi has also made con- of initiating comprehensive as a key area of coopera- slowdown in the last couple proving ties with the region. tops the list in restrictions on certed diplomatic efforts to and integrated domestic in- tion. In fact, the topic was a of years and its pressing do- This, in turn, can exemplify services that prevent foreign gain a more significant say frastructure where the roads, prominent part of the agenda mestic concerns, such as the India’s strategic standing businesses from operating in diplomacy”, infrastructure in global forums and seek to railways, airports and ports at the Quad consultations in situation in Kashmir and the in the Indian Ocean Region the country. In the post-Covid, development has emerged as a play a greater leadership role would be complementary to Bangkok and New York last Citizenship Amendment Act (IOR) and help New Delhi post-Galwan period, when critical avenue for strengthen- in the Indo-Pacific. Through each other to create a “model year, the first India-Japan 2+2 (CAA) protests. Even though achieve its regional security India is already working to- ing political partnerships in this unique brand of “Modi infrastructure”. Moreover, he Ministerial Consultations in New Delhi has continually ex- ambitions. For instance, the wards self-reliance through response to the new regional diplomacy”, India has focused stated the need for enhanced November 2019, and most pressed its desire to expand BDN can provide a pathway its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self- and global security environ- on building deeper diplomatic, border and coastal infrastruc- recently, the India-Australia its role in the Southeast Asian for increased synergy with the Reliant India), India must ment. The Asian Development cultural, and security ties with ture in India to ensure the Virtual Leaders’ Summit in region, it has not clearly de- Quad and the “Quad Plus” set look towards a makeover in Bank (ADB), in 2017 estimated key allies in the Indo-Pacific, security of the country. Fur- June 2020. Such collabora- lineated the ambit of its role. of countries such as Vietnam, India’s restrictive FDI poli- that Asia’s infrastructure such as through the Quadrilat- thermore, keeping with this tions have validated India’s The Modi government’s deci- South Korea, New Zealand, cies to reach the potential of needs require a US$26 tril- eral Security Dialogue (Quad) infrastructure development efforts in the region and sion not to join the Regional Brazil and Israel. Moreover, it its infrastructural connectivity lion investment (until 2030) to and “Quad Plus” narrative plan, India has initiated sev- boosted its image as a global Comprehensive Economic opens possibilities to explore and attract companies that are maintain the economic growth that is fast emerging. At the eral new connectivity projects leader. Furthering India’s in- Partnership (RCEP) is a case cooperation in providing In- leaving China. Therefore, as s part of India’s de- momentum. The situation ar- same time, India has turned in the Indo-Pacific and sought frastructural diplomacy under in point. do-Pacific countries with an India looks towards realising velopment efforts, riving out of the coronavirus inwards and begun investing to build closer ties with the the aegis of Quad will also al- India’s Indo-Pacific policy alternative to China’s Health its global foreign policy ambi- ANew Delhi has been pandemic will exacerbate in its own connectivity- fo- ASEAN countries. Through low New Delhi to strengthen has also lacked a coherent Silk Road initiative post the tions in the rapidly changing increasingly investing in this figure and highlight the cused and Indo-Pacific cen- the Forum for India-Pacific its bilateral ties while covering vision and primarily been pandemic. In other words, geopolitical environment of connectivity projects, a case need for sustainable, diverse tred initiatives like Sagarmala, Islands Cooperation, India a variety of connectivity sec- reactive, which has resulted Asia’s stressed infrastructure the post-pandemic world, in- in point being the Rs 1,224 connectivity networks, par- Cotton Routes, Bharatmala has allocated to the Pacific tors ranging from digital to in India being seen as a self- post Covid-19 can provide In- frastructure diplomacy can crore first ever undersea op- ticularly with the realisation and the vision of Security and Small Islands Developing maritime to economic. This serving country rather than dia with a diplomatic pretext emerge as an effective tool tical fibre project connecting of over-dependency on Chi- Growth for All in the Region States (PSIDS) a grant of synergy will enable India to one pushing towards regional for participating in the plat- for New Delhi. Connectivity Chennai and the Andaman nese manufacturing and the (SAGAR). Subsequently, as US$12 million “towards im- reach the full potential of its development. However, this form without appearing bla- projects can not only revamp and Nicobar Islands that breakdown of global supply propounded by PM Modi plementation of high impact “Global Strategic Partnership” could change with India’s tantly anti-China. Even if In- India’s slumping economy but Prime Minister Narendra chains. during his Independence Day developmental project in the with the US, “Comprehensive prospective involvement in dia decides against joining the also enhance its footprint in Modi inaugurated last week. It So, how can infrastructure address on 15 August 2020, area of their choice” and a line Strategic Partnership” with joint infrastructure initia- BDN, it must create some form the Indo-Pacific as a leader is vital for India’s geo-strategic translate into a foreign policy the government is planning of credit of about US$150 mil- Australia and “Special Stra- tives through platforms like of deeper engagement with the through inclusive regional needs that this focus on infra- tool that furthers India’s stra- the ambitious National In- lion for “undertaking solar, tegic and Global Partnership” the Blue Dot Network (BDN)— network. The BDN, which development. structure development within tegic goals and interests in a frastructure Pipeline (NIP)- renewable energy and climate- with Japan. Notwithstanding the so-called alternative to aims to bring together pub- Dr Jagannath Panda is a Re- its borders translates to the rapidly changing geopolitical announced in December 2019 related projects”. these efforts, India’s close geo- China’s flagship infrastructure lic, private, and civil society search Fellow and Centre Co- region as it looks at expanding environment? And, what to bolster investments in the India’s outreach is not re- graphical proximity to China scheme, the Belt and Road Ini- sectors, can help strengthen ordinator for East Asia at the its outreach in the Indo-Pacif- steps must India’s infra- infrastructure sector, to play stricted to the Indo-Pacific constrains its diplomatic out- tiative (BRI). Although New India’s infrastructure financ- Manohar Parrikar Institute for ic. As Indo-Pacific partners structural diplomacy take to a key role in helping the In- either. It has expanded bi- reach. Until now, India has Delhi has so far refrained from ing and attract more foreign Defence Studies and Analyses, look towards strategically achieve its regional objectives dian economy recover from lateral and multilateral ties had to maintain a balancing committing to the US-Japan- direct investment, thereby New Delhi. Dr Panda is Series enhancing cross-border and rising ambitions? Since the Covid-19 pandemic. with the European Union act: enhancing ties with stra- Australia led BDN framework, creating employment oppor- Editor for “Routledge Studies on cooperation through “soft stepping into power in 2014, The government has already states—infrastructure de- tegic allies while pursuing a which is still at a nascent tunities, boosting economic Think Asia”.

suppressed demand ANALYS TS BULLISH Saudi Aramco continues to explore Kaveri Seeds stock may rise its India investment plan over 30% in next two quarters agriculture related company remains interested in all its ues to battle the coronavirus in India, the worlds third big- as well get its investment oil and well appreciated by SUBHASH NARAYAN NEW DELHI Indian investment plan and pandemic. gest oil consumer. marketing and retailing in the analysts and fund managers will give appropriate updates “Aramco continues to ex- There have been govern- country. The oil giant is also taking stock in most of their portfolios. The world’s largest oil com- soon. This would include pro- plore potential growth op- ment-to-government discus- exploring options to put some The company posted strong pany Aramco remains com- posed $15 billion investment portunities in Asia including sions for Aramco to pick up of its oil in India’s strategic oil operational performance mitted on its investment plan in RIL’s refinery and chemi- India,” the company said in entire government’s stake in reserve. Despite the concerns rajiv kapoor with robust sales growth in India, including a $15 bil- cals business. an e-mail reply. state-run refiner Bharat Pe- for the oil market, analysts at 14.64%, while EBIDA lion deal with Reliance Indus- Doubts were raised about “We are still engaging in troleum Corporation Ltd. have said Aramco was better margins stood at 39.88% for tries, even though Covid-19 investment plan of Saudi discussions with Reliance This would give the Saudi prepared to weather market of the country’s popula- Q1FY21. The earnings per pandemic has made life dif- Aramco after the oil giant Industries and will make entity presence in vast Indian volatility, owing to its size and tion with the government share registered a growth ficult for oil companies with reported a 50 per cent fall in appropriate updates as and retail market with huge po- scale, its low cost of produc- targeting food production of 36.57% to Rs 49.67 for suppressed demand and fall- net income for the first half of when necessary,” it added. tential for growth. tion and solid free cash flow of 292 million tonnes. India the period ended June 2020 ing oil prices and wide scale its financial year, reflecting a Apart from the Reliance Indian government is also generation in a weak oil price is also the second largest compared to Rs 36.37 for the erosion in valuations. devastating year for oil mar- deal, Saudi Aramco has ex- looking at Aramco’s invest- environment. This is good fruit producer in the world. same period of the last fis- Replying to a query from kets and the global economy pressed its desire to partici- ment in $60 billion oil refin- news for its investment plan The organic food segment cal. The company reported IANS, Aramco said that it at large as the world contin- pate in several other ventures ery proposed in Maharashtra for Asia. IANS in India is expected to grow in its quarterly investor pre- The Indian food indus- at a CAGR of 10% and reach sentation that timely rains Vision Summit 2020 try is creating immense the Rs 75,000 crore mark increased early sowing of value addition, particularly by 2025 .The government cotton, maize and rice along within the food process- in its turn has also intro- with proactive planning ing industry on the back of duced a slew of measures helping in increased sales. ‘Electronics production, exports to huge potential for future and benefits like introduc- On a consolidated basis, growth. The Indian food ing the Pradhan Mantri net sales and profit after tax and grocery market is sixth Samman Nidhi Yojana in stood at Rs 719 crore and grow massively in the next 4-5 years’ largest in the world with Budget 2020 under which a Rs 295 crore respectively for retail accounting for 70% of minimum fixed pension of Q1FY21 as against Rs 627 IANS Summit 2020 organised by the pandemic, we came out lakh crore and the exports care for all, education for the total sales. The Indian Rs 3,000 is to be provided crore and Rs 229 crore re- NEW DELHI the India Electronics and with schemes that were to be more than 8 lakh crore all” among others, for the food processing industry to the eligible small and spectively for Q1FY20. Bro- Semiconductor Associa- made available from April during this period,” he add- country. accounts for 32% of the marginal farmers on attain- kers and analysts are bullish With the government’s tion (IESA), he also noted 2 and in June, we opened for ed. “We should synergise and country’s total food market ing the age of 60 years. The on Kaveri Seeds. The stock push for electronics manu- that the government has applications. The responses According to Satya Gup- collaborate towards the and is ranked fifth in terms Agriculture Export Policy currently hovering around facturing, India is likely received good interest from met our expectation - in ta, IESA Chairman and goal of creating an ‘Elec- of production, consumption approved by the government Rs 605 can appreciate by to produce 11.5 lakh crore several players under the fact, it was higher than CEO of Seedeyas Inno- tronics Products Nation’ and exports. It contributes aims to increase India’s more than 30% in the next more electronic products in production linked incentive what we had expected at the vation, electronics is the and make India the global around 8.80% and 8.39% agricultural exports to $60 two quarters on the back the next four to five years (PLI) scheme. inception of the scheme,” most important and key powerhouse for electronics of Gross Value Added (GVA) billion by 2022 and $100 of stellar performance and and exports will be over “We have been making Sawhney said. tool for inclusive growth and semiconductors. The in Manufacturing and Ag- billion in the next few years fund buying by institutional 8 lakh crore, according to efforts to grow the entire “Over the next 4-5 years’ and semiconductors is the concrete sentiment to inno- riculture respectively, 13% with a stable trade policy investors in their respective Union Electronics and In- ecosystem. Last year, we time, we expect the incre- greatest enabler of prosper- vate, deliver and compete of India’s exports and 6% of regime. India is expected to portfolios. formation Technology Sec- were able to bring out the mental production, over ity, achieving the long cher- should become the mantra total industrial investment. achieve the ambitious goal Rajiv Kapoor is a share broker, retary Ajay Sawhney. National Policy on Elec- and above the base year ished goals of “doubling for building a self-reliant Agriculture is the primary of doubling farm income certified mutual fund expert and Speaking at the Vision tronics 2019. Even during 2019-20, to be around 11.5 income of farmers, health- nation,” Gupta said. source of livelihood for half by 2022. Kaveri Seeds is an MDRT insurance agent. the sunday guardian 23–29 august 2020 new delhi the big story 17 www.sundayguardianlive.com

CONFUSION PERSISTS NOT HAPPY L-G wants prompt public Rahul Gandhi will not redressal system in J&K Directs officers to mitigate public suffering at the earliest.

be Congress president Noor-ul-Qamrain Srinagar This view made across the board is to Lieutenant-Governor Manoj is not shared by have a session of the AICC Sinha has launched a public any of the seniors to both elect a new president contact programme in the and the inability and members of the Con- Union Territory of Jammu of the party to expand its gress Working Committee. and Kashmir and held meet- base and absence of appeal The party has communicat- ings at Reasi and Jammu on amongst the new voters is ed to the Election Commis- Thursday and Friday re- being cited as the reason for sion that for the time being spectively. Reports said that the defeat. The other factor Sonia Gandhi shall continue he expressed dismay over is the perceived tilt of the as the party chief. the handling of issues of the party towards the minorities. Sources said that Rahul public by the officers. He has Informed sources said Gandhi was reluctant to as- directed the officers to miti- Manoj Sinha that a search had begun for sume the leadership role in gate public suffering at the a candidate who could be a formal capacity, but wants earliest. Manoj Sinha decided to meet their problems in the past 13 acceptable to all factions. In his men to be appointed in Official spokesman after the KCCI delegation for first- months. They said that even this context, Rajasthan Chief key positions so that he can the meeting at Jammu said: hand appraisal of the issues the power amnesty scheme Minister, Ashok Gehlot’s continue to take decisions “People should not be kept and problems of the busi- was not being extended de- Rahul Gandhi name is doing the rounds. without having any account- waiting for basic services like ness community in Srinagar. spite continuous lockdown. The rationale behind this C.P. Joshi’s name is being Captain Amarinder Singh, cadres over a period of time, ability. The recent example category certificate, domicile According to official One of the KCCI members is that Gehlot as general mentioned as a person who Kamal Nath and Bhupinder he is considered to be the of Ajay Maken replacing certificate, etc, which can be spokesman of the J&K gov- said that on the spot, during secretary in charge of or- could probably get the high Singh Hooda. Amarinder most suitable man. Avinash Pande in Rajasthan issued promptly. Further, re- ernment, Manoj Sinha said the meeting, the L-G extend- ganisation was close to Ra- command’s nod. has already made it known Hooda is a mass leader, as the general secretary in- dressal of public grievances the event proved to be gain- ed the last date for availing of hul Gandhi and also enjoys The twist in the tale is that that he is not keen for the job who comes from a tradi- charge is being cited in party should not be merely paper ful for the trade bodies as benefits under the scheme proximity to Ahmed Patel, Gehlot, left to himself, would and wants Sonia Gandhi to tional Congress family. He circles. work. Rather, the public important decisions were up to 30 September. Sonia Gandhi’s principal not be interested in coming continue. has proved himself to be The course which Con- should feel that their griev- made, including framing of KCCI president Sheikh adviser. The plan could be to Delhi and thus the uncer- Kamal Nath is busy with a perceptive and mature gress politics takes would be ances are redressed in a time- a committee to make an as- Ashiq Hussian told media to get him out of Rajasthan tainty would persist. Other the Madhya Pradesh bye- leader and is regarded very determined after the proba- bound manner.” sessment of the overall eco- after the meeting that the to placate Sachin Pilot and names that could be ac- lections, but given his vast highly by his supporters and ble CWC meeting early next After recent media reports nomic scenario and propose L-G has assured them of re- have a neutral CM there ceptable for the position of electoral experience and a his colleagues. week. Till then confusion quoting Kashmir Chamber fresh measures to ensure its dressal of all grievances and instead. Assembly Speaker, the party chief are those of connect with the Congress The demand that is being persists. of Commerce and Industry revival, extension of power has told them that he will try (KCCI) that the government amnesty scheme and tak- to sort out all the issues re- SMOOTH DISTRIBUTION was responsible for devastat- ing a holistic view of policy/ lating to prominent business ing the economy in Kashmir guidelines for registration, sectors, including industries, and questioning the wisdom renewal/operation of house hospitality, handicrafts sec- ‘Cy entre read as India’s Covid vaccine may arrive early’ of the administration, espe- boats. The government said tor, houseboats, tourism, cially in Srinagar, in keeping that the committee would private schools, apple cold Talking mothers against vaccine keeping by training them on Covid-19 material supplies, al expert group on vaccine a lockdown for Covid-19 for be headed by Advisor to the storage, and budding entre- about the eVIN, preventable diseases”. eVIN. Nearly 23,900 elec- ensure availability and raise administration for Covid-19. five long months, new L-G Lt Governor, Kewal Kumar preneurs. an official said According to information tronic temperature loggers alerts in case of shortage of The purpose of the group, Manoj Sinha responded Sharma, and consists of the Earlier, the KCCI had the network is provided by the Ministry of have been installed on vac- 81 essential drugs and equip- he said, is to keep India in positively and met the del- financial commissioner, fi- stated that losses were pil- being implemented under Health and Family Welfare, cine cold chain equipment ment. the forefront of any ongoing egation of KCCI, assuring nance department, commis- ing up in Kashmir and due the National Health Mis- the eVIN has reached 32 for accurate temperature The Ministry of External efforts worldwide to inno- them of financial package sioner secretary, industries to two clampdowns, so far, sion (NHM) by the Ministry states and Union Territo- review of vaccines in storage. Affairs (MEA), on the other vate, prepare, produce and within a time limit. and commerce department, the losses have crossed Rs of Health and Family Wel- ries (UTs) and will soon be To support the Govern- hand, said with its inputs launch candidate vaccines Jammu and Kashmir Lieu- secretary, tourism and chair- 40,000 crore. Trade bodies fare, which aims to provide rolled out in the remaining ment of India’s efforts to and support, the National to deal with the Covid-19 tenant Governor Manoj Sin- man J&K Bank. Direction in Kashmir have recently real-time information on states and UTs of Anda- combat Covid-19, eVIN India Expert Group on Vaccine pandemic, for India and for ha, after meeting Kashmir was given to submit a report said that losses due to the vaccine stocks and flows, man & Nicobar Islands, is helping the state/UT gov- Administration for Covid-19 the world. Chamber of Commerce and by 1 September 2020. Covid-19 lockdown alone and storage temperatures Chandigarh, Ladakh and ernments monitor the sup- will help Indian firms in- “Through the inputs and Industry (KCCI) delegation, The L-G directed the com- for five months running have across all cold chain points Sikkim. At present, 23,507 ply chain of Covid response terested in any candidate support of MEA, this expert announced a committee mittee to “work out mo- reached Rs 20,000 crore. in the country. This robust cold chain points across 585 material. Since April 2020, vaccines, and facilitate the group will help connect In- to work out modalities for dalities for economic revival KCCI office bearers told the system has been used with districts of 22 states and two eight states (Tripura, Naga- process of ensuring that rel- dian companies which are the economic revival of the and propose measures for media that during the inter- the requisite customization UTs routinely use the eVIN land, Manipur, Meghalaya, evant testing data is made interested in any candidate Union Territory and extend extending the much-needed action with L-G Manoj Sinha, during the Covid pandemic technology for efficient vac- Arunachal Pradesh, Harya- available to India’s regula- vaccines, and facilitate the support to its business com- support to the business com- they presented him all the for ensuring continuation of cine logistics management. na, Punjab and Maharash- tory agencies. process of ensuring that the munity. munity”. comprehensive reports sub- the essential immunization Over 41,420 vaccine cold tra) are using the eVIN appli- MEA spokesperson Anu- relevant testing data is made According to the Raj Bha- The KCCI delegation told mitted by them to the Central services and “protecting chain handlers have been in- cation with 100% adherence rag Srivastava said the gov- available to our regulatory wan sources, soon after the the L-G how the administra- government in the past 13 our children and pregnant troduced for digital record- rate to track state specific ernment has set up a nation- agencies,” Srivastava said. media reports appeared, tion has ignored them and months.

SAFETY CONCERNS QUESTION OF SURVIVAL Students worried as SC nixes plea to postpone JEE, NEET End of loan moratorium looms, transpar- ent ballpoint pen, additional photo- adds to Covid woes graphs, personal hand sanitizer and trans- arranging was already reduced dur- sion of the period of morato- parent water bottle, which costs”. “The com- ing the period of lockdown rium as it has become a ques- were earlier provided at pany where I had since there was hardly any tion of their survival. the examination centre. been working for work. But now with no job A senior multinational Besides the advisory, the the last three years, took and having to pay credit company employee has had admit card also has a self- just a five-minute call and a card bills and personal loan to take a 40% salary cut declaration form, asking 24 hours’ notice to ask me to amounts, I am really wor- and has a huge home loan for the student’s travel his- leave. I had recently bought ried about how I am going over his head. He told The tory, symptoms of Covid-19 a new home against a loan to do it. I desperately need a Sunday Guardian, “I would if any or if the student had and I have no clue how I am job. I don’t come from a very like to make one request to come into possible contact going to repay that loan for wealthy family.” the government and any with any Covid-19 positive the next few months since There are thousands of decision-making authority patient in the last 14 days. I will have no salary. The people like Rahul Das and to please consider the salary Speaking to The Sunday aminations have no assur- vicinity of their locality, it’s moratorium also comes to Sivesh across the country cut and joblessness of the Guardian, Saumya Sriv- ance of this being foolproof. a sign of great relief and for an end this month.” who have lost their jobs middle-class people. We buy astava from Delhi who “The lockdown came sud- the others, this is a cause for Sivesh, a budding lawyer during the last few months homes with our very hard- scored 93.6% in Class 12 denly and we had to come major concern. in his early 20s who was and there are lakhs of people earned money and we do not board examinations said: back home from Kota. Here, A petition was filed by Ad- working at a law firm in whose salaries have been cut want to face the wrath of the “If a student gets Covid, not at my home in Bihar, it took vocate Alakh Alok Srivas- Mumbai, was also asked by their employers owing to banks because of no fault of only the student, but his or a long while to get back to tava on behalf of 11 students to leave in July by his em- the Covid-19 pandemic. ours. I have a home loan and her family will also suffer our regular routine. A lot from 11 states on 6 August ployer since his law firm According to the CMIE two little children; where the consequences. Also, of disturbance was also arguing that the decision was “restructuring” their (a private think tank on stands at around 9%. for the loan moratorium as would I go if I am unable to there is no official notice because we didn’t have a to hold JEE through on- work force and had no work economic affairs) data re- Apprehending the eco- banks and other lending pay two EMIs? My salary on retest or rescheduling teacher to clear our doubts,” line mode and the NEET during the period of the lock- leased recently, more than nomic situation across the institutions have expressed has been cut almost to half, for those students who will said Shiwani Madhesia, through offline mode in down. 18.9 million people belong- country, the Government their concern about a cash and God knows when the have missed their examina- who has been preparing centres across India was a Sivesh said he has a loan ing to the salaried class and of India and the RBI had crunch to the RBI. situation will normalise. The tions because of Covid.” She for NEET. sore violation of the funda- which he was paying in the organised sector have announced a moratorium According to a leading government should help us, believes that uncertainty Rashika Kumari, a medi- mental right to life of lakhs small installments, but with lost their jobs in the last six on all loans and credit card lending agency Finway’s the honest taxpayers.” around the examination cal aspirant hailing from of affected students. The the job gone and the mora- months. In July alone, more payments for a period of data, more than 46% of According to sources, the dates has made preparation Siwan in Bihar told this cor- petitioner has said: “The torium coming to an end, he than 5 million jobs were lost three months starting from the total borrowers had re- RBI is considering some sort amid this pandemic stress- respondent: “I had to come Prime Minister has said a is finding it difficult to even and a CMIE report says, “the March, when the pandemic quested for a moratorium on of a relief to be extended to ful and frustrating at times. home due to the pandemic vaccine is on the way. Let sustain himself in a city like plight of salaried employees had hit the country. The loan their EMIs and most of these people who have lost their Private colleges like VIT and amidst this, I lost one us wait for that...” The Mumbai, leave alone pay in- has worsened since the lock- moratorium was further ex- requests had come from the jobs during the pandemic and SRM have cancelled of my family members. The court responded to this on stallments. down has begun”. tended for a period of three salaried class. period and were regularly their entrance examina- situation was very gloomy 18 August by pointing out Sivesh told this corre- The rate of unemployment more months in May this With job losses and salary paying their EMIs till 1 tions and are considering for me. Also, I live in a joint that the question of a vac- spondent, “I was just asked has also been growing sig- year, and for which the time cuts hitting the salaried class March 2020. But the RBI is scores in Class 12 for admis- family and there is never a cine’s likeliness should be to resign without giving nificantly in the organised period is coming to an end the hardest at this time, what unlikely to consider any re- sion to the new academic conducive environment to left to the experts and the any reason. They just said sector. The CMIE report on 31 August. most people who have lost lief for people who have had year. Other colleges that are study.” For students whose court had no intention of that the company is cut- says that the current unem- The RBI is unlikely to ex- their jobs or have got a salary to take a salary cut during taking online entrance ex- examination centre is in the entering that domain. ting down costs. Our salary ployment rate in the country tend any further deadline cut want is a further exten- the pandemic period. 23-29 august 2020

My father is my inspiration: Bobby Deol Being the son of legendary actor Dharmendra may not have put pressure on him but Bobby hasn’t had an easy journey in Bollywood. In a conversation with G20, he talks about his latest venture into the OTT platform.

LATHA SRINIVASAN

ou’re back on the small screen. How Yexcited are you about ‘Class of 83’ and overshadowed or influenced your role as cop Dean Vi- by my parents. Definitely, my jay Singh? father is a legend and I wish A: I’m really excited to offi- I could match up to half of cially be on OTT on Netflix what he has achieved in his and play Dean Vijay Singh lifetime. He’s my inspiration in ‘Class of 83’. It’s one of the and has always had the ‘never most exciting characters I’ve give up’ attitude. So I’ll never got to play after many years give up in my life. A moment of searching for something came when I did but now I’ve so interesting. Really looking realised my mistakes and this forward to August 21 when new chapter in my life is go- it comes out and I hope eve- ing to be a very exciting one. rybody likes it. I have a great I’m really looking forward to feeling about it and I’m sure any career now. everybody’s going to enjoy this film. I am always nerv- Q. Do you think OTT plat- ous about the day my film forms will give you more releases. It’s like waiting to opportunities in the com- see what marks you get after ing days? an exam. A: I do believe I’ll get more opportunities on OTT plat- Q. How different is Vijay forms because it has given Singh from the other cops Bobby Deol. an opportunity with Netflix you played so far? to play a character which is A: Well, my character in this A: Post the slump, I worked tunity to work on the OTT A: I never looked into all totally different from my im- film is very different from in a lot of big budget films platform and that also with these facts; I always believed age. I’m sure that after peo- any of the other cops I’ve and that I think kick-started Netflix. I was always open I had a different identity. ple watch ‘Class of 83’ they played before. The character my whole career gain. It was to this idea and I think I’m But while working in this would think of making me is very real and it was inter- great working with Salman excited about this part of my industry, I realised they do part of scripts with charac- esting to play a cop who is Khan in ‘Race 3’ and Akshay journey in my career. compare you with your fa- ters that are totally different real but it was more inter- Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh ther and your brother. But I from my image. It has given esting because it was about a on, the cops I’ve played have real that it really connects very different from anything and everyone in ‘Housefull Q. People talk about how never let that take away my a lot of opportunities to so person’s journey from being been larger-than-life char- with people watching it. In else I’ve done before. 4’. I believe that work only star kids are lucky. But has desire or made me give up. I many people. There’s a lot a family man who’s a cop and acters. Dean Vijay Singh is everybody’s life there comes attracts work and I think being Dharmendra’s son always thought I would make of work that’s coming and how he dedicates his life to a real cop who comes across a moment where you sud- Q. Post a career slump, how that just gave a momentum constantly put pressure on my own identity which I did. I want to be focussed and duty and how he has to fight moments in his life where denly become that hero for do you feel getting back in to my career and I was glad you to excel as an actor and Eventually, I kept on doing persistent and just keep at- against the system. Earlier heroism comes but it’s so that moment. It’s something front of the camera? that I was getting an oppor- succeed? work as Bobby Deol and not tracting work. Actor who left a high-profile job in Army to pursue his childhood dream Mohammed Ali Shah’s work in the filmHaider was well received and appreciated. Tigmanshu Dhulia, after watching his performance in the Vishal Bhardwaj flick, signed him right away for a major role inYaara.

In fact, he earned his role I immediately sought a five- Peerzada Muzamil do the dishes, cook and serve role can lead to a big role. It New Delhi food in the mess. is a dream role for me since it as an Army officer in Vishal minute appointment with “To believe that I am Jasjit, is a role which helped me to Bhardwaj’s Haider because Vishal Bhardwaj and he was Actor Mohammed Ali Shah I entered into his realms as satiate my creative thirst as of the time he has spent in profoundly impressed,” said has acted in critically ac- profoundly as I could. Sikhs an actor because the role is serving the nation. Moreo- Shah. claimed films like Sriram do not smoke, and I am a very contrary to my person- ver, Shah comes from a hard- Apart from acting, Ma- Raghavan’s Agent Vinod, chain smoker, hence I quit ality,” said Shah. core theatre background and jor Mohommed Ali Shah is Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider, smoking. I learned Punjabi Shah has served the Indian has performed in the plays a renowned motivational and Tigmanshu Dhulia’s language, even though that Army and has been guard- like Shakespear’s Hamlet speaker who holds the re- Yaara. Shah, who is also the was not the requirement. I ing the national frontiers at (from which the film Haider cord of giving the highest nephew of legendary actor learned to tie the turban,” the Indo- Pak border for two is adopted). Hence, Bhard- number of Ted Talks across Naseeruddin Shah, is often says Shah, who has formerly years in the terror-stricken waj, feeling that Shah was the world. “It is a delight to hailed for delving into his been a veteran of the Indian union territory of Jammu the realistic and deserving be able to affect and touch roles with profound ap- army. and Kashmir for two years character for the film, was millions of lives positively in proaches. His work in film Haider and has also fought the in- motivated to sign him right the right direction and is the In his recent flick Yaara, was very well received and surgency in the Northeast for away. most gratifying feeling one shah plays the role of a CBI appreciated. Tigmanshu three long years. Shah feels “I kept my eyes and ears can ever have. Today, amid officer. To delve into the Dhulia, after watching that his time in the Army has open to the films being the pandemic, I have been character of Joint Director Shah’s brilliant performance given him an upper-hand in made at that time. The mo- extremely busy giving back CBI, Jasjit Singh, he spent a in the Vishal Bhardwaj’s performing his roles in flicks ment I got to know of Vishal to back motivational webi- month in the Golden Temple flick, signed him right away like Haider and Virodh. Bhardwaj wanting to make nars and online storytell- in Amritsar and performed for a major role in film Yaara. “It was good enough ex- a film in Kashmir based on ing sessions. It gives me a numerous services there. “I shall always be very perience. I tried to recreate Hamlet, it was common sense of satisfaction that I As a devout Sikh, he used to grateful to Tigmanshu the kind of experience I had sense that no film in Kash- can make positive differ- prepare the firewood for the Dhulia for signing me up for while serving in the Army,” mir is complete without the ences in people’s lives,” cookhouse, chop vegetables, Yaara. Sometimes a small said Shah, Major Mohammed Ali Shah. mention of the Army there. concluded Shah. the sunday guardian 20: supplement to the sunday guardian | 23-29 august 2020 | new delhi Guardian 20 19 Swati Mohan: The Cosmic Genius The proverbial scientist’s work in being a part of designing and developing the Perseverance is now on course to define the Mars exploration.

Suruchi Kapur-Gomes Mars 2020 Perseverance he is the proverbial rocket It is not just this ability to see, compare and land that Swati along scientist. Swati Mohan, with the team designed that sets Perseverance apart from the earlier Sthe Mars 2020 Guidance, missions. Navigation, and Controls Op- The mission sees another Indian Bob Balaram, a graduate from erations Lead at Jet Propulsion IIT-Madras as chief engineer for the Ingenuity helicopter, the first Laboratory in Cape Canaveral aircraft to fly in a controlled way on another planet. is relieved. The team completed It has a technology demonstration — a proof-of-concept experi- the successful launch of the ment — called MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Mars 2020 Perseverance on July Experiment). This instrument will produce oxygen from Mars’ 30, 2020 at NASA, and also fin- carbon dioxide atmosphere, demonstrating a way that future ex- ished its first manoeuvre in outer plorers might produce oxygen for rocket propellant as well as for space on August 14. Swati’s work breathing. in being a part of designing and The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) instru- developing Perseverance is now ment suite will also be key for future human exploration, provid- Swati Mohan. on course to define Mars explora- ing information about the current weather and climate. tion, with four more manoeuvres Radar can tell you how far above gone through three full rehears- The Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent and Landing In- and many turns scheduled before the ground you are, so it allows a als, including one where we prac- strumentation 2 (MEDLI2) package, a next-generation version of its much-anticipated February 18, safe landing. It is similar to hold- ticed for multiple complications. what flew on the Mars Science Laboratory mission that delivered 2021 landing on the Red Planet. ing out your hands and stopping For the launch itself, most of the the Curiosity rover, will help human exploration, too, providing Mohan who is at the crux of when your hands touch some- work is done by the launch vehi- cruise to Mars, we have about doubtedly immeasurable in its data about the entry and descent of the spacecraft through the Perseverance, the centerpiece of thing. By using a camera, Terrain cle team, so our job at JPL mission five course-correction manoeu- learning curve for Swati. “The atmosphere. NASA’s $2.7 billion Mars 2020 Relative Navigation allows Perse- control only starts once we get a vres to complete to aim towards biggest lesson I learned was that The Perseverance rover itself has 19 cameras that will deliver im- mission designed this “seeing and verance to ‘see’ where it is, so it signal from the spacecraft after Mars, and a handful of turns in simple is best. Complexity makes ages of the landscape in breathtaking detail. listening” rover. About her role, can not only land safely, but also launch. Once we got data, I could order to keep the vehicle oriented comprehension hard, and opens The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission is part of a larger Swati Mohan says, “The GN&C at a specifically selected place. It verify that GN&C hardware was with its solar arrays to the sun the door for issues to hide in the program that includes missions to the Moon to prepare for human subsystem is the ‘eyes and ears’ allows the rover to land with its working correctly, and the space- and antenna pointed at Earth. We cracks of what can’t be under- exploration of the Red Planet. of the spacecraft. During the eyes open. During descent, while craft was safe and healthy, that perform regular checkouts of all stood. We strove to have clean You can follow Perseverance at https://twitter.com/NASAPer- cruise phase, our job is to figure on parachute, Perseverance will was a big relief,” says the space hardware to ensure everything understandable interfaces, so severe out how we are oriented, ensure take pictures of the ground and scientist. is healthy and ready for landing that we could break up the large the spacecraft is pointed correctly compare these images to a map of The Mars robotic rover land- day,” explains Mohan, who did complex problem into smaller Swati has grasped with immense every year there,” reveals Swati. in space (solar arrays to sun, an- Mars. By identifying features in ing is termed as ‘Seven Minutes her PhD at Massachusetts Insti- manageable ones,” she adds. passion and dedication, yet she is And that is not all, as like any tenna to Earth), and manoeuvre common between the images and of Terror.’ The JPL engineer ex- tute of Technology in aerospace, As the Mars rover cruises, is grounded even in the heights of big Indian family, hers is close the spacecraft to get it where we the map, it can determine where plains, “Entry, descent, and land- aeronautical and astronautical seven months a long wait? Swati space exploration. knit. “I do have a lot of extended want to go. During EDL, GN&C it is on Mars, thus it finds the saf- ing is often referred to as ‘seven engineering, and then was a PhD clarifies, “Mars 2020 has one of Before the Mars 2020 Mission, family (cousins, aunts and un- determines the position of the est spot it can reach by looking it minutes of terror’ as it takes seven student at MIT Space Systems the shortest cruise times to Mars. Mohan worked on Cassini, the cles) still in Bangalore, and other spacecraft and commands ma- up in a pre-generated ‘Safe Tar- minutes to get from the top of Laboratory. As a result, we have to squeeze in mission to Saturn and GRAIL, parts of India,” adds this mother noeuvres to help it land safely. As gets Map,’ and aims for that spot,” the Martian atmosphere to the Interestingly, the maps – the all the different calibrations and the mission to the Moon. “Cas- of two daughters. operations lead, I am the primary she explains. ground. During this time, there onboard the TRN system will checkouts into a shorter time pe- sini was exciting as it was a flag- Married, Swati’s husband San- point of communication between For a girl who wanted to be a are so many changes and com- compare its imagery to precisely riod. It’s still fairly busy, so I have ship mission to Saturn. I got to thosh is a pediatric infectious the GN&C subsystem and the rest pediatrician growing up, space mands that need to occur in exact aligned maps quite like GPS, only been keeping my head down and work on it during the year when disease doctor and a microbiolo- of the project, responsible for has been her clarion call. Ever sequence, with millisecond preci- these will map the Mars surface. focusing on the next major thing Cassini reached Saturn, and re- gist, and his family is also from training the GN&C team, sched- since physics ignited a fire, this sion. Any one action that doesn’t “The comparison of the imagery at a time.” leased the Huygens probe. There Bengaluru. uling mission control staffing, as MIT and Cornell alumni was happen correctly can potentially to onboard maps is like look- When not keeping an eagle eye were exciting new images com- For any space aficionado, the well as policies and procedures in hooked. “I wanted to be a pedia- lead to Perseverance crashing on ing for street signs, then finding on Perseverance, or deep in cali- ing down every day. The GRAIL contemplation of unearthing a the mission control room.” trician until I was 16-years-old. I the surface, and the loss of the those streets on your maps. Once brations, she is also the manager mission was exciting as it was the new planet and finding signs Perseverance seeks to find signs was always interested in space, whole mission. The time is takes you know where you are, you can of Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s first pair spacecraft to be flown of microbial life is exhilarating of ancient Mars life inside the but I didn’t know about oppor- for light/information to travel decide where to go and how to get Small Satellite Dynamics Test- in formation around a planetary indeed. For Swati too, this par- 28-mile-wide (45 km) Jezero Cra- tunities to turn this interest into from Mars to Earth on the day there,” she adds. bed. “My colleague and I founded body that is not Earth. It was ticular thought has captivated her ter, which once hosted a lake and a career. At 16, I took my first of landing is about 11 minutes. the lab about seven years ago to challenging and fun to move both since childhood. In fact, one Wil- river delta. physics class. I was lucky enough So, the operations team on Earth The beginnings support the development and spacecrafts in perfect unison to liam Shatner aka James T Kirk of Swatiis entrenched deep into to have a great teacher, and every- cannot do anything to help or fix Swati joined the Mars 2020 Per- testing of CubeSat, and small get to the lunar orbit that the sci- Star Trek absorbed that little girl’s manoeuvreing the trajectory. thing was so understandable and issues, because by the time they severance mission in 2013 when satellites at JPL. We have even ence needed,” says Mohan. mind! “I remember watching my The Bengaluru-born girl who easy. That was when I considered receive information of something her supervisors apprised her of designed our own Star Field first episode of Star Trek at the age migrated with her parents to the engineering, to pursue space,” going wrong, Perseverance would an opportunity. “I joined with Simulator to provide a realistic The Indian and of nine, and seeing the beautiful US when she was just a year old, Swati recalls. have crashed on the ground (or the intent of learning as much as space environment for star track- Bengaluru connection depictions of the new regions of has been at the heart of the mis- Innumerable calculations not) already.” possible by seeing this mission ers. Most of the JPL missions use With a strong connection with the universe that they were explor- sion, in design and development connecting with millisecond Given the extremely exacting through all development and our facility to do functional and Bengaluru, Swati has been com- ing. I remember thinking, ‘I want of rover that is more advanced precision seamlessly, Swati has and irrevocable nature of the operational phases,” she recalls. phasing testing of the GN&C ing to India at least every three to to do that. I want to find new and than Curiosity. Its new Terrain a single-minded focus on the mission, with seven months from Complicated formulas and hardware prior to integration five years. “I was born in Banga- beautiful places in the universe. Relative Navigation System al- course now. Yet, there were some touch down, work is on rigor- equations are the holy grail of into the CubeSat.” lore, but moved to the United The vastness of space holds so lows it to be the first rover to land nerves too. “Before the launch, I ously. “Right now, the operations every space exploration. Land- Being at the crux of space ex- States when I was a year old. much knowledge that we have with open eyes. “Previous mis- was nervous, but felt prepared. team is flying the spacecraft to ing on the Jezero Crater to find ploration is an exciting and in- My parents still have a house in only begun to learn.” And Perse- sions have relied on radar to land. By the time of launch, we had Mars. During the seven-month ancient, microbiotic life, is un- vigorating endeavour, one that Bangalore, and spend a part of verance, it seems will get her there. Migrant Pain My father, reeking of sweat and liquor Paryushan: An annual deep cleaning Beat up my mother and my sisters Reserving just a shove for me As I was his son, a boy, the eldest born He threw my mother on the stringed cot programme for body and soul Home was that space where violence reigned Was the house owner keeping a watch Paryushan means to know yourself, hark back to your spirit and evolve. It brings in a time for spiritual awareness Over all of us? We knew by cleaning the negativities. The festival lasts 8-10 days depending on the two different sects of Jainism. The difficulty of earning enough So that fear of hunger of the morrow scripture, Kalpa Sutra. an inhouse celebration dur- Mital Khona Kaul Left us, at least in our dreams Paryushan : The word Par- ing Covid times. Sermons My sisters were married off, yushan is derived from were broadcasted on Zoom, Carefully matching the gothras Six million Jains world “Pari” means to recollect Youtube. Scholars made And little else, but they had learned well over observed the festival yourself and “Vasan” means discourse of Pratikaman By my mother›s side of Paryushan digitally last at a place; Overall it means available to all on Google One of my brothers-in-law is called week or will do it this week to know yourself, hark back Drive.. It felt like Paraspa- ‹Na Mard› derisively by his people depending on their sect of to your spirit and evolve. ropagraho Jivanam - all life For he never raised his hand on his wife Jainism. What is this fer- It brings in a time for spir- is bound together by mutual Even after the third daughter was born vour? itual awareness, making up support and interdepend- I was taken from that hut of pain Jainism is a transtheis- and cleaning the negativi- ence. For me, a working By my uncle, to a place miles away tic religion of self-help, sym- ties, which is in the form of mother of two girls, this was We live under tarpaulin sheets biosis and serenity. It does karma gets collected on our a brilliant opportunity to Draped over those incomplete not believe in a boon-giver soul. The festival lasts eight soak into spirituality over- Concrete rooms we ourselves built God who will fulfil your to ten days depending on the coming the barriers of dis- Some of us cook our traditional food wishes. The only reason 2 different sects of Jainism. tance and time. I feel grate- When we pull on hookahs, why we follow any ritual Origin of Paryushan: Jain ful. Sharing couple of bottles of bootleg in Jain dharm is for Moksh Scriptures specify the start Life’s ultimate aim is not Liquor and singing songs about a home (Liberation). Nothing else! of this Solemn Festival of ing them. Hence religious review activities of the past on religious obligations like the pursuit of materialism Which never was, but something we call Not for health or wealth or Paryushan within 50 days monks would settle at one year in light of the teachings non-violence in thought, but the attainment of Nir- For lack of a better word, home progeny. In fact, we believe after the first rainfall. Eve- place in this season. This of Jainism. They resolve to speech and action; collective vana with peaceful coexist- Our grandmother never sang that the tirthankar deities in ry year it falls in August provided the householders lead a spiritually cleaner life introspection (PRATIKRA- ence. While Jainism’s his- She chewed tobacco and talked to God Derasar (Jain temples) have or September depending with an opportunity to gain ahead. MAN), exchange of For- tory dates back to the sixth Hacked out phlegm or cursed my mother already attained Moksh ex- on the occurrence of Shra- a deeper insight of Jainism How is Paryushan cel- giveness (KSHAMPANA), century BCE, its primary We send a little money intermittently hibiting a trail for us to fol- van Vad ( Krishna) 12th or from them. ebrated? The word festival auctions centred around principles point toward In Amma›s name, which the postman low. 13th in Almanac. Its origin is Why celebrate Pary- brings thought of revelry religious activities to raise ethical commitments to Handed over to father, filching Hence is the emphasis of rooted in the agrarian life- ushan? Even if we make for most. However Jains funds are all characteristics nonviolence, pluralism, and A few rupees as baksheesh self-efforts to emancipa- style where villagers would a sincere attempt to live celebrate Paryushan with of this festival. Jains invest ecological wholeness. They Thank Providence I am a what they call a migrant tion. Jain ethics prescribe take a break from their ag- within the Matrix of high increased ritual obser- resources to avoid injury to are deeply relevant to the Cast out of a cruel society detailed and definite codes ricultural work after the moral standards, we make vance and participation, any living being. contemporary challenges of Into a harsh one, which I can navigate both for the householder monsoon rains and har- mistake under the influence particularly in sermons, Paryushan 2020: Reli- the twenty-first century. With my labour skills and and the monks. Paryushan vest. Rainy Roads would be of our egos, giving into the meditation and fasting. gious leaders reminded Mital is a management consult- An adroit ability to throttle memory is a part of the code of con- tricky to travel and increase complexities and hardships Public recitation of the people that adapatibility ant with a learner’s soul and a Together with its plaintive twin, nostalgia. — Lakshmi Bayi duct for monks in the last in insects would make it dif- of life. Jains take a break Kalpa-sūtra, fasting and re- and abiding Law is natural flare for research. She loves to section of the sacred Jain ficult to travel without kill- from the routine life and stricted eating, greater focus to Jains. They appealed for Live and Let Live. the sunday guardian 23 – 29 august 2020 20 the week new delhi www.sundayguardianlive.com

most expensive no yachT seizure in this divorce battle

DUBAI: Dubai’s highest court has rejected an appeal by the ex-wife of a Russian billionaire to seize a £350 million ($460 million)superyacht in one of the world’s costliest divorce battles, a court ruling last week said. The Dubai Court of Cassa- tion rejected an appeal by Tatiana Akhmedova, ex- wife of oil and gas billion- aire Farkhad Akhmedov, to seize the yacht as part of a 453 million pound divorce bill imposed by London’s High Court. The vessel, the M.V. Luna, was built for Rus- sian billionaire Roman Abramovich before Akhm- edov bought it in 2014. It has at least nine decks, space for 50 crew, two helipads, a vast swim- ming pool and a mini submarine. The yacht is at the centre of one of the largest divorce settle- ments in legal history. London’s High Court in 2016 ordered Akhmedov Colour as you like to pay about 40% of his fortune to former wife Clowns of the circus Krone joke around in the circus’ own car wash to bring joy to the people, as the circus is not allowed to perform due to the Covid-19 Akhmedova. outbreak, in Munich, Germany on Thursday. Reuters amid covid gloom BTS pins freedom ‘SAIL-IN’ CINEMA T O LURE CUSTOMERS IN GOOD FAITH FISH hope on Nigerian lesbian floating cinema Taylor Swift donates film to go online to for coronaviruS BOWL $30,000 to student’s dynamite SCREENS SEOL: South Korean boy avoid censorship safe viewing UK college fund band BTS said on Friday they hoped their new LAGOS: Two young women fill the screen, reclining on a bed, TEL AVIV: Movie-goers boarded boats floating on the in bar LONDON: Taylor Swift has donated more than 23,000 digital single “Dynamite” talking about their hope of having children. They are protag- shimmering waters of a Tel Aviv lake on Thursday for a test pounds ($30,000) to a Portuguese student living in Britain refreshes fans and helps onists in a new Nigerian film called “Ife” depicting their love screening at Israel’s first “sail-in” cinema. TOKYO: A bar in Tokyo’s after she spotted an online page seeking donations to them recharge their bat- story. The topic is controversial in Nigeria, where same-sex With indoor film theatres shut because of coronavirus re- upscale Ginza district help her fund a maths degree at university. teries as they cope with relationships are theoretically punishable by up to 14 years strictions, Tel Aviv municipality launched the floating cinema has installed fish bowl- The Grammy-winning artist said she had been inspired the novel coronavirus in prison. Producer Pamela Adie said “Ife” - which means to allow residents to catch a movie in the open air while still like screens designed to by Vitoria Mario’s drive and dedication as she sought to pandemic. “love” in the Yoruba language widely spoken in southwest keeping a safe distance from each other. protect against coronavirus raise 40,000 pounds to cover accommodation and living The seven-member Nigeria - would be released online to avoid any possible The floating cinema provided seating aboard 70 pedal transmission, aiming to costs while she studied maths at the University of War- group is at the forefront move by censors to ban it. “I really feel that the censors and rowing boats set in the Yarkon Park lake, two metres lure back clients wick. of South Korean pop board is playing a big part in stopping these kinds of stories apart to maintain social distancing, Tel Aviv municipality worried about the risks of Mario, who said she had arrived in Britain unable to music and has helped from coming to the big screen... and it is just really stifling said. Covid-19 pandemic that speak English four years ago, wrote on her fundraising win K-pop fans around creativity,” said Adie, who declined to provide a release date. Two films will be screened every evening during the has wreaked havoc on a page that she had achieved top grades in her school-leav- the world since their 2013 A trailer released online in July shows the women discuss- last week of August, the mu0nicipality said. Thursday’s global level. ing exams and had been provisionally offered a place at debut. ing their love and, as one character phrased it, the fear of screening, attended by about 200 people, was a pilot event The Jazz Lounge En Warwick. However she was not eligible for loans or grants The young group being forced to choose between your family and happiness. which featured the family comedy “Paddington 2”. “It was Counter bar reopened due to her migration status and her family were not in members said in a “The role of film is not to say ‘this is right, or not’. I think an amazing evening. Great to see a cinema corona-style. in late June, having shut a financial position to support her. She said her family livestreamed news that the role of film, and a filmmaker, is to portray reality as We had an amazing time. The whole family enjoyed it. Good down for several weeks always believed that if you can get a university education conference ahead of the it is,” said Adie. Nobody has yet been convicted under the law move Tel Aviv,” said Galia Resnick, 42, a high-tech worker after the government in the UK, you “will be set apart for life”. release of “Dynamite” banning same-sex relationships, which came into effect in from Tel Aviv. declared a nationwide “My name is Vitoria Mario, and I am a young Black that they hoped the song 2014. But the case of 47 men charged last year with public After successfully containing the coronavirus in May, state of emergency in 18-year-old with a dream,” she wrote on gofundme. would give their fans the displays of affection is being closely watched. Many people in Israel has been grappling with a second wave of infections April. “Though my story is not unique, my dream of becoming a same surge of energy it Nigeria are socially conservative and some religious groups and has reported almost 100,000 COVID-19 cases in total But with revenues mathematician is not only a chance at social mobility for had given them. brand same-sex relationships as a corrupting import. and 795 deaths. down 70% to 80% my family and I, but to inspire people who have been in compared with pre- similar positions to aspire to be the best version of them- pandemic levels, the selves and strive for their dreams despite gender/racial bar decided to step inequality, immigration issues and financial barriers.” Tenet earns critical Broadway’s Tony up efforts to ensure cus- FREEZE tomers feel safer. “If we FRAME don’t take firm steps we MONSTER EATS MONSTER praise as U.S. awards to HAVE A wouldn’t be responding to customers’ requests. And they wouldn’t visit Fossil reveals cinemas reopen digital ceremony us because they’re wor- ried,” said manager LOS ANGELES: Director Christopher Nolan’s new thriller NEW YORK: The Tony awards, the annual honors celebrat- Katsutoshi Iwazaki. doubly fatal Triassic “Tenet” received warm reviews on Friday as US cinema ing the best in Broadway The conical, clear chains reopened with industry-wide safety measures aimed theater, will be announced acrylic screens - which at reassuring audiences during a pandemic. “Tenet” is the during a digital ceremony were demonstrated to encounter first big-budget movie from a major Hollywood studio to this fall, organizers said in Reuters by bar staff on a head to theaters since the coronavirus outbreak shuttered a statement on Friday. The recent visit - hang from WASHINGTON: In a warm shallow sea about 240 million theaters around the world in March. Tonys had been sched- the ceiling and envelop years ago in what is now southwestern China, a large dol- Ticket sales for the film from AT&T Inc’s Warner Bros will uled for June but were the customers’ head phin-like marine reptile attacked and swallowed an almost be closely watched as a gauge of how many people will leave postponed indefinitely due and shoulders, acting as equally big lizard-like marine reptile in a savage encounter their homes to go to the movies. The film opens in 70 coun- to the coronavirus pan- a barrier between them that left both beasts dead. Scientists on Thursday described tries starting on 26 Aug and in the United States on 3 Sept. demic. Broadway theaters and other drinkers, as a fossil unearthed in China’s Guizhou Province that reveals “Tenet” got an 87% approval rate on review aggregator went dark in March and well as servers. this Triassic Period drama in exceptional detail and changes website Rotten Tomatoes, although critics said its time- are scheduled to remain Employees said they, the understanding of “megapredation” in prehistoric seas. bending plot was so contorted, it was hard to follow at times. closed through the rest of the year. too, felt more protected. While it long has been presumed that large apex predators Star John David Washington plays a CIA operative re- “Though unprecedented events cut the Broadway “I can’t talk to them preyed upon other big animals - megapredation is defined cruited to help the shadowy Tenet organization that is trying season short, it was a year full of extraordinary (customers) safely if as feeding on prey of human size or larger - the Chinese fos- to stop an apocalyptic event. The Times of London called the work that deserves to be recognized,” said Broadway there’s a risk of drop- sil represents the first direct evidence of it, as demonstrated 2.5-hour film a “globetrotting, jaw-dropping and delightfully League President Charlotte St. Martin and Heather Hitch- let infection. But I feel by a prehistoric animal’s stomach contents. The fossil shows convoluted big-screen blockbuster” and added “Cinema, ens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing. The very safe now with this the skeleton of a 15-foot-long (5 meters) Guizhouichthyo- finally, has returned.” Tony Awards for plays, musicals, directors and performers measure,” said 27 year- saurus, a type of marine reptile called an ichthyosaur. Its The New York Times said the movie was enjoyable and “re- are regarded as the highest honors in the American theater old staff member Mako body design married elements of a dolphin and a tiger shark assuringly massive in every way as a piece of movie-making world. Organizers did not announce an exact date for the fall Aoki. though it lacked a dorsal fin, also boasting four strong flip- shot across multiple global locations.” ceremony. pers and a mouth full of powerful but blunt teeth.