All English Editorial 06.08.2020 PDF

��
�
��
��
��

��
��
��
��
�
�
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
� ��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��

��
��
��
� ��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
� ��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
� ��
��
��

��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
12 THURSDAY, 6 AUGUST 2020
NEW DELHI VIEWS
OUR VIEW MY VIEW | HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE

PTI
The sorry spectacle that Sushant

Singh Rajput’s death has become
Anchors on TV shouldn’t be like all-knowing seers pronouncing verdicts on matters beyond their ken
warning. Mood swings do not take place speak to trained psychologists; some
at precise, predictable intervals. need medication to address chemical
We still know little about depression imbalances.
as an illness. Each individual who makes And yet, sometimes the pain is so
the journey out of it has his or her own unbearable that the individual feels that
path. Some emerge weakened; some are the only way out is to walk away from
constantly aware depression can strike life. A few moments later, they would
again when least expected. The dark- have regretted the choice, but the
ness is suffocating; worldly joys mean moment passes.
SALIL TRIPATHI nothing. Telling affected individuals Suicide or murder (and I am not here
is a writer based in New York. Read Salil’s about all the great things in their lives to speculate), Rajput’s death has other
previous Mint columns at means little. Fame, fortune, good looks, victims. In The Ground Beneath Her Feet,
www.livemint.com/saliltripathi pleasant and loving family and friends, Salman Rushdie wrote: “Murder is a
none of that is sufficient to cast aside the crime of violence against the murdered
An Ayodhya of antiquity
dark shadow on the mind. The mind person. Suicide is a crime of violence
cannot think of other things; the heart against those who remain alive.” That
W
e do not know what led to gets drawn in one direction. may sound harsh to the person who has
actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s It leads to silence, to loneliness. Yes, gone, as if the blame is theirs—that’s not
tragic death. The initial some people appear morose, in a the point; it recognises the pain of survi-
may brighten our future account suggested that the actor took
his own life. Some question that
account, hinting at darker conspiracies.
Investigators alone can reveal more, and
dishevelled state; some people dress
more extravagantly and look outwardly
buoyant and cheerful, concealing the
sadness within. Others can try but can
vors. The one who has gone is not a
criminal—she or he is a victim too. But it
reveals that those who grieve bear the
consequences. They do get angry. They
I hope they will, so that those who loved neither understand the pain nor relieve do wish they could have prevented it.
him get closure. The rest is conjecture. it; they can listen and care. But in many Was there one thing they could have
The consecration ceremony for a Ram temple in Ayodhya marked the end of a movement But lurid videos are seen on social societies, speaking about it or admitting said or done? They won’t know; the one
media, where anonymous individuals to it is seen as a sign of weakness, and in who has gone does not know either.
that led the BJP’s ascent to power. Now the party must devote itself to peace and prosperity speak with great certainty, violating the some instances even as a moral failing. There is rarely one explanation for the
dignity of the dead, turning viewers into “Pick yourself up”, “lift yourself by the tragedy, and often there’s none—a note,
voyeurs, or amateur sleuths, as if they bootstraps”, “think of all the great if left behind, means little. It is human to
were solving a puzzle. things you have in your life”, “stop wal- seek explanations. Rajput’s family’s
P
rime Minister Narendra Modi government seems to have taken up the Social media has its own rules that lowing in self-pity”—are only some of anger is understandable; their desire for
described it as an “emotional project as a matter of priority. Work starts right stretch civility, but what’s grossly irre- the tone-deaf, unhelpful, apparently justice, for a rationale, is genuine. They
sponsible is how some apparently pro- well-meaning remarks depressed indi- deserve compassion, support and com-
moment for the entire country” away and the monument is expected to be fessional news channels and their rat- viduals are used to hearing. It is a dia- fort. But placing microphones in front
when he laid the first brick on ready for devotees in three years. This seems ings-chasing anchors have behaved, logue in different languages, not a dia- of them, encouraging them to believe
Wednesday for the construction of timed for the 2024 general election. To the play-acting as psychologists, overstep- logue of the deaf, for the deaf can get all manner of narratives, is callous.
a Ram temple in Ayodhya. It was the extent that it will allow the BJP to declare ping their role as journalists. In one their meaning across without a spoken The media’s role is to witness, to
end of a long wait, he said. Indeed, it was an fulfilment of a focal item on its electoral mani- show, they questioned expert views on language. Here, sounds are noisy; the report, to interpret, but not act as an
bipolarity as they repeatedly showed a depressed individual prefers silence. omniscient oracle—it is to help make
occasion of high significance in the arc of festos down the years, it is likely to aid the video clip in which an exuberant Rajput Some remain unable to articulate their sense of situations by letting experts
Indian history since independence. The site party’s re-election campaign. Its association says something about “forty-five”. The pain, even to those close to them, and speak. This requires anchors to be
consecration ceremony was the climactic with the temple is evident even to millennial context-less video has the actor sitting some are simply unwilling to do so and humble and not all-knowing seers pro-
point of a socio-religious movement that voters, who may or may not be acquainted with in a family garden, and the anchors hide their vulnerability. Physical pain is nouncing verdicts on matters beyond
altered Indian politics and catapulted the its origins. Many early champions of the cause conclude that Rajput does not “look” visible; mental pain is not. their range of knowledge and ability to
depressed. It shows their profound Yes, exercise helps release endor- grasp. If they do have face-reading
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to political were conspicuous by their absence at Wednes- ignorance of and insensitivity toward phins, which lift one’s mood; yes, skills, here’s a suggestion—that they
prominence. A little over three decades after day’s ritual. Party patriarch L.K. Advani, who mental illness. Leave aside the fact that breathing deeply helps take the mind audition to be face-readers for Sima
the party launched an agitation for the Ram led a chariot rally from Somnath to Ayodhya in the video was taken months before Raj- away from the chaos within; and yes, Taparia in Season 2 of Indian Match-
temple, it now commands a parliamentary the early 1990s and set the stage for dramatic put’s death, it is worth noting that our eating healthy food is always good. making, where at least they will be
majority unseen since the mid-1980s. The spot events to follow, skipped the event on account minds work in mysterious ways, and These are necessary but may not be trying to bring people together, and
they can take sudden turns without any sufficient. Some of the affected need to not feast on lives torn apart.
once had a 16th century mosque that was razed of his advancing age and risk of covid expo-
illegally in 1992 by a mob mobilized on the sure. Murli Manohar Joshi, another leader of
claim that it stood on the ruins of an ancient the agitation, was not present either. Nor was
temple built to mark the deity’s birthplace. Kalyan Singh, who was Uttar Pradesh’s chief
While Hindu-Muslim relations were ruptured minister when the mosque was demolished.
by the dispute, the passions stirred by those But then, the party has always considered the
events have long subsided. A referral of the temple a mission greater than the individuals www.livemint.com New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh*, Pune* Monday, August 9, 2010 Vol.4 No.188 Rs. 3.00 32
20 PAGES
+ 12 PAGES FDI REPORT
case to the law has had a role in this, as also a involved. The judiciary’s stamp of approval SPECIAL REPORT: HowIndia is
faring on the FDI front >S1-12
CAPITAL CALCULUS: The Congress and
India’s tryst with destiny >4
dedication of our collective energies towards was accompanied by directives on how it EXCLUSIVE PARTNER
MARK TO MARKET: Reliance Industries
increases its bets on shale gas >14
WSJ: Saudi Arabia, Research In Motion
reach deal >17
economic growth as a way to achieve a better would be built, which appeared to grant it the
SENSEX 18,143.99 ® NIFTY 5,439.25 ® DOLLAR Rs46.15 ® EURO Rs61.29 ® GOLD Rs18,150 ® OIL $80.55 ®
ASHESH SHAH/MINT
Those that are

PUBLIC HOLDING QUICK EDIT
Govt plans to exempt Hurd
quality of life for everyone. The title suit of the status of a public project. PSUs from 25% norm
mentality
T here are two ways in
which one can react
to news of HP CEO
economic with the truth

Mark Hurd’s exit over a
relationship with a
government wouldn’t sell any
Ayodhya site has been settled in favour of a As construction gets underway, gladdening
DEGREES OF DILUTION marketing contractor that
more shares in the firm until flouted the company’s
Some prominent public and private firms that need to dilute promoters' stake. 2014, according to the firm’s em- business standards. One
(in %) ployees and trade union leaders is to see it as a misdeed
Public shareholding Need to divest who attended the meeting. by the CEO of a large US
Hindustan Copper 0.41 24.59 “He (Mukherjee) assured us at corporation and bemoan
that meeting that as long as the the American way. The
NMDC 10.00 15.00 UPA (United Progressive Alli- second is to see it as a
ance) was in power, it wouldn’t misdeed by the CEO of a
14.78
unavoidably become
Power Finance Corp 10.22 Under criticism: Sebi chairman C.B. Bhave.
temple by the judiciary. The challenges of the hearts of millions who longed for a Ram
go beyond 10% disinvestment,” large US corporation and
said M.K. Pandhe, a politburo celebrate the standards
12.70
In the eye of the storm
Jaiprakash Power ventures 12.30
member of the Communist Party of governance that
National Aluminium Co 12.85 12.15 of India (Marxist) and general made him quit for a
secretary of its labour arm Cen- transgression involving, if
Power Grid Corp of India 13.64 11.36 tre for Indian Trade Unions news reports are to be
Steel Authority of India 14.18 10.82

(Citu).
Mint could not reach out to
Mukherjee’s office over the
S ecurities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) chairman C.B.
Bhave is in the eye of a storm, facing attacks from detractors
who perceive him to have been weakened by Sebi’s defeat in its
believed, $20,000. This
newspaper cannot
remember the last time a
Reliance Power 15.22 9.78
growth, though, still need to be addressed. temple on this hallowed site, the BJP leader-
weekend. turf war with the insurance industry watchdog. The mutual fund CEO of an Indian firm
Asked about the development, left over a sum as
NTPC 15.50 9.50 industry is baying for his blood for abolishing the entry load that
extravagant in giving
disinvestment secretary Sumit insignificant. Indeed, it
Essar Shipping Ports and Logistics Bose said he was not aware of has taken away the commissions of distributors, and the MCX cannot remember the
16.29 8.71 the government’s plan to exempt Stock Exchange Ltd has dragged the capital markets regulator to last time the CEO of an
Source: BSE PSUs from the public sharehold- court seeking legal intervention on its application for permission Indian firm quit over
ing norm. to serve as a platform for trading in equities. Bhave, whose anything. Of course,
Large PSUs may not dia’s economic growth and pro- Citu still opposes disinvest-
three-year term comes to an end in February, is not throwing in there was Satyam’s
be required to adhere mote better price discovery. ment because “once it starts it
the towel, showing no signs of being either vulnerable or
Ramalinga Raju. News of
Last November, the Supreme Court awarded ship would do well to use the pride generated
Under the norms, all listed goes on step by step”, according l’affaire Raju broke well
to the norm at least companies need to dilute at least to Pandhe. “I reminded him accommodative, as most professionals tend to be when they before that of l’affaire
until 2014; Coal India 5% every year until public hold- (Mukherjee) that Indira Gandhi approach the end of their tenure. Tamal Bandyopadhyay Madoff. While the latter
ing in them reaches 25%. (then prime minister) had at the is in jail, serving his time,
likely to be exempted takes a close look at the controversies that surround Bhave.
the wrong impression.

For a new listing, if post-issue time of nationalization of Coal the former is in a
capital is at least Rs4,000 crore at India in 1973 told the nation See Pages 6-7 hospital, preparing for a
B Y R OMITA D ATTA & the offer price, a firm has the op- from the floor of Parliament that trial that is overdue.
A NIRUDH L ASKAR tion to restrict public sharehold- the company would not be disin-
························· ing to 10% during the issue. Sub- vested,” Pandhe added. “He
COUNTERING CONCERNS
the contested 2.77 acres of land in Ayodhya to to promote an era of communal amity. All
KOLKATA/MUMBAI sequently, the company would (Mukherjee) didn’t reply.”
I n a significant move that

would quell concerns of the
market being hit by a flood of
share sales by large public sector
have to add public shareholding
of at least 5% every year.
CIL, Hindustan Copper Ltd,
Steel Authority of India Ltd,
At present, most firms dilute
just 10% stake and their shares
tend to trade at a premium.
“If the public shareholding in
Tata Motors set to launch the
undertakings (PSUs), the Union
government plans to exempt the
state-owned firms from the 25%
public shareholding norm.
MMTC Ltd and Power Grid
Corp. of India Ltd are planning
public issues during the year as
part of the government’s asset
a listed company falls below 25%
at any time, such companies
shall bring the public sharehold-
ing to 25% within a maximum
first TV commercial for Nano RAMESH PATHANIA/MINT
Hindu litigants on the basis of what it called a through the ages, peace has been found to
At a recent meeting on the im- divestment programme. period of 12 months from the B Y G OURI S HAH &
minent initial public offering of The government intends to date of such fall,” the finance S HALLY S ETH
Coal India Ltd (CIL), finance raise at least Rs40,000 crore ministry said on 4 June. ·························
minister Pranab Mukherjee said through divestment this year. So Market experts have been con- MUMBAI
large PSUs will not be required to

adhere to the norm at least until
2014, according to two govern-
far, it has raised close to Rs2,000
crore by selling stakes in SJVN
Ltd and Engineers India Ltd.
cerned that the decision could
flood the capital markets with
public share offer.
F or one of the most talked
about cars of recent times,
Tata Motors Ltd’s Nano has
ment officials familiar with the One of the officials cited above According to a recent research maintained a remarkably low
MA RTI N UZOC HU K WU U GWU

development. said CIL and Hindustan Copper report by rating agency Crisil profile since its commercial
“preponderance of probabilities” that it was precede prosperity, almost as a precondition.

On 4 June, the government are likely to be exempted from Ltd, at least 179 listed companies launch in March last year.
amended the Securities Contract complying with the 25% mini- have less than 25% public hold- But with the company’s
(Regulations) Act rules by order- mum public shareholding norm. ing. Of the total of 247 Central Sanand plant in Gujarat now
ing all listed companies to lower “The government is likely to Public Sector Enterprises (CPS- cranking out one Nano every
their promoter holdings in a allow companies such as Coal Es) and subsidiaries of CPSEs, minute, and prior delivery
phased manner until a mini- India and Hindustan Copper to only 47 are listed and 45 of these commitments close to being
mum of 25% stake is held by to remain listed with only 10% pub- constitute 24% of the total mar- met, Tata Motors is set to
the public. The objective was to lic holding. Private companies ket capitalisation of 4,898 com- launch the first television com-
enhance opportunities for com- that are not able to comply panies listed on the Bombay mercial plugging the world’s
under Hindu occupation for a longer period in As forces, the two can also be mutually rein-
mon investors to benefit from In- would have to buy out minority Stock Exchange (BSE). cheapest car.
shareholders and delist,” said In addition, 27 public sector The television campaign will
the official who didn’t want to be banks, along with their subsidi- invite consumers to experi- Sales push: A person test-drives the Tata Nano in New Delhi.
named. aries and six state-level public ence the Nano and attempt to The commercial is expected to start airing this September.
CIL, set for the largest public enterprises, account for 6% of alleviate concerns about fea-
offering ever by an Indian com- the total market capitalization of tures such as safety, speed, is to urge people to go out Can.”
pany, is expected to file its draft BSE. mileage and space, among there and experience the car “The idea is that it breaks
red herring prospectus with the All PSUs collectively account other things, says Nisha Sing- and decide for themselves,” through any barrier,” said a
Securities and Exchange Board for 30.7% of the total market cap- hania, executive vice-presi- she says. person familiar with the cam-
history than Muslim. It allotted a separate plot forcing. As covid-19 takes its toll on our well-
of India (Sebi), the capital mar- italization of BSE or Rs18.64 tril- dent for Rediffusion Dentsu The Tata Nano was perhaps, paign, who did not want to be
ket regulator, on Monday. The lion, according to www.bsep- Young and Rubicam Pvt. Ltd, says Singhania, the very first identified.
company is expected to mention su.com, a website dedicated to which is handling the creative car that consumers booked The commercial is expected
under the risk factors in the pro- government-owned listed firms. advertising account for the without a test drive. The only to start airing on television this
spectus that it may not be able to The market capitalization of Nano. interaction that consumers September in time for the fes-
comply with the 25% minimum state-owned firms may drop “We did do a lot of research had with the car was to see it tive season. It was shot around
free float norm, according to in- substantially following the re- and spoke to consumers. parked in malls and show- the Nashik countryside in
vestment bankers who did not quirement to lift public share- That’s when we realized that rooms. Maharashtra by advertising
want to be named. holding in all listed firms to 25%, the people the car had been The television commercial film-maker Kunal Kapoor of
of land to rebuild the mosque. With the decks being, it’s all the more important to devote
At a recent meeting with CIL’s experts have said. made for, had not had a will have the same positioning Adfilm Valas.
trade unions, Mukherjee said the romita.d@livemint.com chance to experience it…they as the print campaign that was Kapoor is known for his
were just going by hearsay. So, launched early this month
Mint is also available for Rs5.50 with Hindustan Times under a combo offer the objective of the campaign with the tag line “Now You TURN TO PAGE 2®
thus cleared for a Ram temple, the BJP-led ourselves to India’s economic emergence.
GUEST VIEW
India’s inflation outlook isn’t as benign as it may seem

ward trend at -22.18%. Four items have been inflationary risk, rather than a decline in category. With demand falling under India’s ing fiscal 2020-21 as banks continue to be
TULSI JAYAKUMAR above the 6% mark, including meat and fish inflation. Tight financial conditions may lockdown, most firms would have sold their risk averse, despite RBI and government
(12.54%), pulses and products (6.62%), pan, have both an accentuating and mitigating products and services at deep discounts, measures to ease credit availability. This is
tobacco and intoxicants (6.91%), and per- effect on inflation. Inflation may get exacer- leading to a steep fall in prices. This may not reflected in the higher funds maintained by
sonal care and effects (6.11%). Overall CPI bated if credit-constrained firms increase sustain. Rather, constraints posed by cash banks with RBI than statutory liquidity ratio
headline inflation was just 0.93%. their markups in order to protect their cash flows and the lack of availability of labour rules require, as also the higher credit
H
ow would covid, which has driven Has the decline in demand imposed by the flows; it may get attenuated if such and key raw materials may exacerbate sup- spreads for most borrowers. An industry
commodity and oil prices lower and lockdown over much of the past six-month depressed financial condi- ply side pressures, leading report forecast bank credit growth to be at a
deeply affected the labour market, period resulted in the fall of inflation below tions affect aggregate to a steep rise in prices in multi-decadal low of 0-1%. Such lack of
affect inflation? One would expect inflation the 2% mark, even as the year-on-year num- demand by lowering Inflationary most sectors. credit growth may affect price levels either
to be well within limits, if not actually slip ber suggests high inflation? How does one investment and hence con- Global oil prices, while way. However, the lower resulting invest-
into the deflationary zone. Yet, India’s infla- make sense of these differing numbers and sumption, and thereby risks amid currently low, may witness ment needs to be balanced against the rise in
tion numbers for June suggest that it has what does the future hold for us? price levels. Finally, the a reversal in trend as the government spending that will be needed to
breached the upper tolerance limit of 6% set Going by a recent study (https:// effect of exchange rate vol-
India’s covid global economy starts get the economy back on its growth path. An
is professor of economics at SP
out by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The reported 6.09% headline inflation is
www.bis.org/publ/bisbull28.pdf) of the impact
of covid-19 on inflation risks in 43 countries,
atility is six times more pro-
nounced in EMEs than in
crisis are hard to moving towards recovery,
with tremendous energy
expanding fiscal deficit would generate
inflationary pressures.
Jain Institute of Management
and Research, Mumbai.
driven by high year-on-year protein infla-
tion, especially meat and fish at 16.22% and
including 31 emerging market economies
(EMEs), it appears that India’s experience of
advanced economies (AEs),
reflecting the higher pass-
assess but they and financial resources
required for such a revival.
However, it is exchange rate depreciation
and its high pass-through which is likely to
pulses at 16.68%, resulting in a food inflation higher inflation amid covid is actually repre- through of exchange rate must not be Oil and gas companies in have a significant impact on inflation. The
of 7.29%. In June 2020, the prices of pan, sentative of that of most EMEs. It identifies to inflation in EMEs. March 2020 had Indian rupee had depreciated 6% by July
tobacco and intoxicants were up 9.7%, and falling output, oil prices, financial conditions We may consider supply underestimated announced a 25% cut in since the beginning of the year, and this was
personal care and effects, 12.43%, compared and exchange rates as the variables most chain disruptions to be an aggregate spending due to significantly greater than most other Asian
to the same period the previous year. likely to impact inflation risks. important factor in shap- international price wars currencies.
However, such inflation data appears to Falling output in EMEs, it was found, is ing inflation in the Indian context. In the and falling demand due to covid-19. With While it is the growth consideration that
present a completely different picture if we associated with an increase in the upside agricultural sector, in particular, the lack of major oil companies abandoning or defer- takes centre-stage currently, India may wit-
study the monthly change in the consumer risks of inflation, as borne out by historical a well-developed supply chain, including ring their major projects in the context of ness another round of stagflation. Policy-
price index (CPI) over the six-month period data for the past three decades. The impact warehousing facilities, to store and carry huge losses in the wake of covid, supply-side makers would need to address the multiple
of January to June 2020. During this period, of falling oil prices on inflation forecasts has produce to markets during covid may have constraints will bite, pushing oil prices explanatory variables of inflation, even as
food and beverages witnessed a -0.26% infla- been found to be only marginal, with the pri- been responsible for the slump in vegetable higher in the future. they address the growth challenge.
tion rate, with vegetables leading the down- mary effect being a reduction in an upside and egg prices, as also that of the overall food Bank credit is likely to be constrained dur- These are the author’s personal views
VIEWS THURSDAY, 6 AUGUST 2020
NEW DELHI 13
THEIR VIEW M I N T C U R AT O R
Coronavirus and the rising value

of relying upon common sense
As we learn more about covid-19, the flexibility of social norms could serve us better than heavy-handed application of laws
AP
Satellite images have revealed new penguin colonies. ISTOCKPHOTO
The world has more penguins than we thought
S atellite images have revealed 11 previously unknown emperor penguin colonies

in Antarctica, boosting the number of known colonies of the imperilled birds
by 20%. The discoveries were made by spotting the distinctive red-brown guano
patches the birds leave on the ice. The finds were made possible by higher-resolu-
KAUSHIK BASU tion images from a new satellite, as previous scans were unable to pick up smaller
is professor of economics at Cornell University colonies. Two of the colonies were a particular surprise. They were found far from
and nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings the coast, living on sea ice that is anchored to grounded icebergs, a location never
Institution. seen before. The new colonies are thought to number a few hundred penguins
each, which is smaller than average, so the discoveries increase the total population
of emperor penguins by a smaller proportion of about 5-10%.
The Guardian
A
s the covid-19 pandemic rages on, Razing old buildings isn’t environment-friendly
our understanding of it is improving.
Through a combination of epidemi-
ology and physics—including
knowledge of the virus’s character
F ootage of buildings being flattened in a noisy demolition may be a popular fea-
ture of local TV news reports, but architects say such structures should be pro-
tected—to fight climate change. They say property owners should be incentivised
and how aerosols float in the air—we to upgrade draughty buildings, not just knock them down. That is because so much
are learning more about how the microbe infects carbon is emitted by creating the steel, cement and bricks for new buildings. The
new hosts. campaign by the Architects’ Journal is backed by 14 Stirling Prize winners. In the
This understanding is fuelling hopes that we past, there was a lot of debate about whether it was better for the climate to demol-
will soon be able to counter the pandemic more ish an old energy-hungry building and build a well-insulated replacement. But this
effectively. But it has also led to some contentious is now widely considered a serious mistake because of the amount of carbon emit-
exchanges regarding the social sciences and the ted during the construction of the new building.
interaction between social norms and the law. BBC
Ever since the pandemic began to spread
beyond Wuhan and around the world, there has
been an increasingly acrimonious debate regard- Privacy settings could render covid apps futile
ing which preventive measures should be decreed
by government and enforced by public officials
and the police, and which should be promoted as
social norms. Unfortunately, this debate has
E urope’s experiment in using technology to fight coronavirus has achieved some
early successes... Yet most European countries so far lack solid evidence that
their apps... are actually alerting people who may have caught the disease before
become so polarized that people are immediately they can infect others. The reason? Design choices made by governments and their
classified as right-wing or left-wing depending on app developers to protect people’s privacy. In many of the 11 European territories
their view. Because people often do not like to be using architecture designed by Alphabet’s Google and Apple, apps have been made
categorized in this way, and certainly not wrongly, to be ‘blind’ to warnings of potential exposure to covid-19 flowing through the sys-
many are reluctant to express themselves on this tem. In Switzerland, for example, the Federal Office of Public Health acknowledged
important question. that “the effectiveness of the SwissCovid App is difficult to measure because of the
In fact, on many coronavirus-related matters, we ‘privacy by design’”.
need enforceable laws. Especially in the early days Reuters
of the pandemic, when people understood little
about the virus, treating public-health measures as
matters of personal choice was folly. Because some would result in wasted space behind each car. for you to wear a mask. But if you are walking alone No escape from pandemic horrors at weddings
people decided to gather in large groups and not What happens in the absence of legal regulation on a beach, you have every reason not to wear one.
wear face masks, the disease became widespread in
some countries, with Brazil under President Jair
Bolsonaro and the United States under President
is far better. There is a norm whereby three or four
cars cross in one direction, and then the drivers
behind them stop, allowing three or four cars to
It is also reasonable not to wear a face mask in the
company of people with whom you cohabit, given
the likelihood that either all or none of you have
W edding planners, photographers and other bridal vendors who make the
magic happen have a heap of new worries in the middle of the pandemic:
no-mask weddings, rising guest counts and venues not following the rules. Now
Donald Trump being prime examples. come from the other side. Because the norm, the virus. that weddings have slowly cranked up under a patchwork of ever-shifting state and
But it would be equally dangerous to swing to unlike a law, is flexible, you might, if you are in a As we learn more about covid-19, we will develop local restrictions, horror stories from vendors are rolling in. Many are desperate
the other extreme and make governments solely hurry, decide to cross the bridge as the fifth or sixth better rules for ourselves. But two caveats are in to work after the coronavirus put an abrupt end to their incomes and feel compelled
responsible for changing our behaviour. Auto- car, delaying those waiting on the other side by a order. First, many epidemiological studies warn to put on their masks, grab their cameras and hope for the best. No-mask weddings,
cratic regimes, in particular, are liable to use the few seconds. that, for certain findings, causality has not yet been no social distancing, dance floors prohibited in many states have been the talk of
pandemic as a pretext to arrest opponents and As we understand more about covid-19 and how established. In fact, we can never establish causal- online groups for vendors around the country. “People have worked in venues out-
silence dissent. Further, excessive government the virus spreads, we can decide when we should ity definitively. We must regard all such claims right looking the other way on masks and size,” said photographer Susan Stripling.
control is often the first step toward crony capital- socially distance ourselves, and by how much. The with a dose of scepticism and the awareness that AP
ism, whereby a few big firms use the levers of state six-foot (1.8-metre) rule may need to be interpreted we may revise them later.
power to stifle competition and repress wages. flexibly. For example, if you are talking to a much This is another reason to prefer the greater flexi-
Social norms are often more effective than gov- taller person, or someone who holds their chin bility of social norms to the heavy hand of the law. Robots that even Luddites can’t seem to resist
ernment mandates, because they allow a degree of very high, you may need to move back an extra foot For example, we now know that up to 40% of people
flexibility that statutes cannot provide. In Ithaca,
for example, there is a bridge on Forest Home Drive
that has featured in studies of games and social
in order to allow any infected aerosol to complete
its arcing journey from face to floor.
What we need are guidelines with an articu-
infected with coronavirus are asymptomatic. In
societies where only some people wear masks, the
share of asymptomatic carriers could be as high as
T he Neo is a four-foot-tall, 1,000-pound robot floor scrubber... Since its intro-
duction in 2016, Neo’s sales have roughly doubled each year, said Faizan
Sheikh, the chief executive and a co-founder of Avidbots, the Canadian start-up that
norms, including in William Ferguson’s book lated rationale, so that people can adjust their 90%, as happened during one outbreak in Oregon. created the robot. This year, demand has shot up 100% just since the pandemic-in-
Collective Action and Exchange. The bridge is so behaviour to the context. In a widely cited recent If they are not wearing a mask, their lack of symp- duced shutdown in March. Suddenly, the need for thorough, reliable and frequent
narrow that cars can pass only in one direction. paper, for example, the University of California, toms puts us off guard, implying that wearing a cleaning is front and centre... Indeed, cleaning robots are having a moment in com-
Regulating the traffic flow by law might entail San Francisco’s Monica Gandhi and her co-au- mask may indirectly cause covid-19 to spread more. mercial real estate. Their creators are promoting the machines as cost-effective
making it a one-way bridge, or requiring cars to thors show that face masks not only protect others This is of course not an argument for disregard- solutions to the cleaning challenges posed by the pandemic. They can be put to
travel from left to right in the morning and right from your covid-19 germs, should you be carrying ing masks. Rather, it is a reminder that all ideas, frequent use without requiring more paid labour hours, they are always compliant,
to left in the evening. Or the law might require them, but also protect you from other people who whether rooted in folklore or science, must be and some can provide the data to prove that they have scoured every inch assigned.
drivers to alternate, with one crossing from left to may be infected. combined with common sense to optimize our The New York Times
right and the next in the opposite direction, which There is thus both a social and a selfish reason behaviour. ©2020/PROJECT SYNDICATE
THEIR VIEW
Our education policy may falter on ‘executive overload’

sourced relative to their responsibilities”. incentive system, one which makes the are welcome in a country of such ethno-lin- lal Nehru University, even as concerns
DEEPANSHU MOHAN This may be caused by a shortage or misal- implementation process a “win-win” for both guistic diversity and social fragmentation. remain of unequal access to quality educa-
location of public resources, and is empiri- the executive and intended beneficiaries. But what remains to be seen is the govern- tion, given India’s sharp socio-economic dis-
cally shown to have two key sub-features: a) For better implementation, the politics of ment’s effort in achieving these goals. Its parities, which have been worsened by the
officials with fewer resources are worse off in “ambition” in designing public policy should track record over the last six years doesn’t covid pandemic.
implementing rural development schemes; be aligned with a progressive implementa- inspire much confidence. While projecting The new policy also needs close scrutiny
A
s a well-known columnist recently b) fewer resources are provided to adminis- tion roadmap embedded in the design, like a vision of easier educational rules, it seems with respect to its implications for “margin-
remarked, “One of the besetting sins trative units where the political responsibil- a GPS navigation map, for to have acted contrarily. alized” and socially-excluded groups. As
of policymaking has always been an ity for implementation is less clear. As a executive agencies to fol- The setting up of a national Professor Kumkum Roy recently noted with
excess of ambition. Policy is only rarely writ- result, policy outcomes get influenced by low, and a feedback system Lofty Indian higher education body respect to “reservation” in academic institu-
ten for the actual constraints of implementa- weak state capacity and a disastrous imple- in place for better compli- makes one wonder if the tions, “Reservation, necessary but not suffi-
tion in Indian context.” I have for long mentation of what the State envisaged. ance. Else, any policy will goals are often NEP’s new measures would cient, is the bare minimum required in terms
argued that our public policy ecosystem suf- In the context of the recently approved exist just as “ink on paper”, become tools for the exer- of affirmative action in the highly differenti-
fers from a chronic “implementation curse”. National Education Policy (NEP), which has as Kaushik Basu puts it.
left unfulfilled cise of greater political con- ated socio-economic milieu in which we
is associate professor of
This ailment, right since independence,
has been caused by an interplay of many fac-
received praise for envisioning a holistic,
multi-layered system of learning, adopting
What we often see is a
“political” blame game
because of weak trol over universities. The
National Research Fund
exist. And the silence of the document on
this issue is troubling, to say the least…”
economics at OP Jindal Global
University
tors: a shortage of allocated public resources,
the poor monitoring and analytical capacity
a localized linguistic approach, and making
an overarching attempt to overhaul the bro-
among parties and Union,
state and local govern-
executional could also become a tool for
ideological impositions on
While immediate excitement over and
praise for the government’s plan to overhaul
of implementation processes, differing ken education system, what’s missing is this ments, combined with a capacity at the educational institutions. India’s education system may be welcomed,
political motives across governance systems, underlying reality of India’s ruptured imple- relative subjugation of the The NEP’s call for 6% of the underlying ability of the state to actually
delays in the disbursement of funds, and a mentation and state-executive capacity. agency and financial prior- ground level gross domestic product implement what it wishes to do and demon-
“bureaucratic overload”. It isn’t as if there is a behavioural problem ities for implementers and equivalent of annual strate effective executive capacity warrants
The last term is a concept explained of weak executive intent. Rather, it’s the frag- other stakeholders that are expenditure on (higher) circumspection. It might be a good idea to
recently in a paper by Aditya Dasgupta and mentation of State authority, poor accounta- rarely made part of the policy-designing education sounds a bit too ambitious, as have independent policy assessments every
Devesh Kapur. They argue, at least in the bility, and an under-allocation of desired process. nothing in the past six years of fiscal map- year to understand the specific ailments
context to rural India, that most government financial resources that weaken the State’s The NEP offers a promising landscape to ping indicates that the government wished afflicting the executive’s policy implementa-
programmes fail on the ground because of executive capacity. This might hold true for address the ills of our education system. to increase public spending on it. In fact, its tion at the ground level.
poor implementation by bureaucrats. the NEP too. Apart from bureaucrats, other Adopting multidisciplinary, flexible learn- priority has seemed the opposite, of rampant Else, a belated recognition of an “execu-
Bureaucratic overload takes place when stakeholders, say the teachers, administra- ing with “easier” evaluation systems and privatization of education and fund reduc- tive overload”, among other chronic ail-
“local bureaucrats remain heavily under-re- tors and students need to work under a better providing a more diverse linguistic exposure tion for public institutions such as Jawahar- ments, may be inevitable.
>
OPINION 11
STAY INFORMED THROUGH THE DAY @ WWW.BUSINESS-STANDARD.COM
Volume XXIV Number 245

CHART 1
Configuring India’s
MUMBAI | THURSDAY, 6 AUGUST 2020
OPERATOR REVENUES
Beyond Ayodhya ($ billion) 50
40
BJP must now move on and build an inclusive India
digital ecosystem 30
20
A
decades-old dispute and the fight by the Sangh Parivar was finally 10
settled when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone 0
for a Ram temple at Ayodhya on the site of the Babri Masjid, which Policies must favour consortiums of local players 2006‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 Est ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 Est
‘15 ‘20
was destroyed in 1992. Inevitably, the event has been an opportunity Source: 2006-20014: IBEF ‘16-19: IBEF 2020: Various
T
for triumphal celebration by those who subscribe to the brand of religious major- wo developments highlight the need for gov- Barring additional charges, government revenues
ernment to sponsor consortiums to build reflect this decline, leaving these lingering questions:
itarianism. In that context, the prime minister’s speech at the inaugural ceremony
India’s digital ecosystem: n Does the declining trend serve the public interest?
CHART 2
partially reflected this understanding. When Mr Modi said a grand temple would
now be built for “our Ram Lalla, who has been living under a tent for many
n Facebook’s announcement in April to invest $5.7 n What is the opportunity cost of disruption and dep- TELECOM AUCTION FEES FOREGONE VS
billion in Reliance Jio was momentous. In a slowing rivation of services?
years”, chants of “Jai Siya Ram” reverberated in the air. He was, however, bang economy, Reliance Industries raised an incredible $20 A third issue requires action: How do we improve LICENCE FEES + SPECTRUM CHARGES
on when he said, “Social harmony was the core principle of Lord Ram’s govern- billion with a cascade of foreign investments com- our digital prospects? Note that government collec- Auction fees vs Actual revenue ~ crore (million x 10)
ance. The construction of the Ram temple is an instrument to unite the country.” bined with a rights issue. This “consortium” makes tions from licence fees and spectrum charges rose Auction fees foregone 2,00,000
This was an important message, more so when it comes from a politician who Reliance debt-free, besides providing the capital and steadily from FY2004, so that cumulative revenues Cumulative fees foregone
Government revenues 1,60,000
was powered to India’s prime ministership on the back of his championship of capacity to dominate communications in India. far exceeded auction fees foregone (Chart 2). Cumulative government revenues
this key element of the Hindutva agenda. n India’s digital ecosystem’s dependence on China Corporate taxes were in addition to this. 1,20,000
Together with the near-nationwide ban on cow slaughter, the reading down and on increasing imports under- Thereafter, government collec- 80,000
lines the imperative for corporate tions flattened, then declined (bar-
of Articles 370 and 35A, which gave Jammu & Kashmir, India’s only Muslim-major- 40,000
India to come together in a national ring retrospective charges), as did
ity state, its special status, and the banning of triple talaq, the building of the endeavour that must succeed. taxes. This calls for policy interven- 0
temple allows Mr Modi to claim success for several significant Hindutva projects tion to enhance services, thereby 1999-00 2014-15
in his six years in power. Now that these have been realised, it is critical that the The Jio factor increasing revenues and govern- Source: details at https://organizing-india.blogspot.com/
2020/01/save-telecom-with-reprise-of-ntp-99.html
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliates follow through on the prime minister’s Overwhelming dominance rarely ment collections. Straightforward
words with deeds that genuinely reflect the values of social harmony and unity. benefits the public interest, even if adoption of global norms for wireless of those who want to rewrite history, which treat the
Both for the BJP and the freelance elements that comprise the Sangh Parivar, the pricing starts incredibly low. in 60GHz, 70-80GHz (V-band and E- government — whoever is in power — as the
the building of the temple and the creation of a new township around it offer a Developed markets frown on band) and unused UHF (500- colonial/feudal overlord, and the people as serfs with
unique opportunity to jettison cynical vote bank politics and embrace meaningful monopolistic dominance, despite 700MHz) restricted to operator use a vote, whose weaknesses can be pandered to for elec-
reconciliation. India has many pressing issues to tackle, and it is imperative that there being giants such as Microsoft, SHYAM PONAPPA will help.2 So will giving up the farce toral victory. This imposes a zero-sum framework—
Google, Apple, Amazon, and of reviving BSNL/MTNL, including the government versus the rest (Us versus Them).
the national effort should be focused on binding everyone together to fight the
Facebook.1 the hopelessly snaggled VRS, and In reality, the situation need not be zero-sum, as
real economic and social problems. With gross domestic product projected to Discounting tall talk, India’s communications sec- the botched tenders (‘Most of it to Huawei?’ ‘No, evidenced by past service growth and government
shrink drastically for the first time in four decades, the prime minister urgently tor now has these upbeat expectations, along with a Ericsson and Nokia.’ ‘Alright, 10 per cent to domestic collections through revenue sharing, compared with
needs to focus on ensuring that millions of Indians who have lost their jobs as a slew of old negatives, particularly the debt- and tax- suppliers.’ ‘No, all of it to domestic suppliers…’). what might have been if auction fees were enforced:
result of a national lockdown induced by the pandemic do not slip back into burdened, fragmented other operators together with Bankruptcies and no services.
poverty. The challenge will be greater because some of the earlier decisions such recalcitrant policies. Government-imposed charges Competition for services The prerequisites are (a) policies framed to provide
as demonetisation and the hasty implementation of the goods and services tax and tax battles of our operators, rendering them A way to nurture balanced competition in services is access to local manufacturers and service providers
had slowed economic growth, which resulted in higher unemployment even unable to compete. for the government to create a consortium with a conforming to WTO requirements; (b) their market
before the pandemic struck. How have Jio’s moves affected the public interest? minority anchor, bringing financial, technological, access through continuing orders; (c) their collabo-
With both benefits and detriments. The negative fall- and delivery capability to compete with Jio’s dom- ration to supply, install, and facilitate operations and
Therefore, it is important that the focus should now be on containing the
out from sectoral debt from auctions and crippling inant platform. maintenance of requisite equipment.
pandemic and enabling a sustainable economic recovery. In the given context, it government levies, and a price war, has been unsus- Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani If these were made possible, domestic suppliers
is axiomatic that social and communal harmony is vital if Mr Modi wants to tainably low tariffs. A positive effect is that data traffic calls for doing away with 2G; Airtel Chairman Sunil could meet a significant share of India’s communica-
make India a magnet for domestic and foreign investment that will enable higher increased greatly because of the low tariffs. Yet, the Mittal calls for supportive policies, and repudiating tions needs. This requires emulating the Huawei
sustainable economic growth for an extended period and lift people from poverty. results are damaging: For service providers because old battles such as contention over the adjusted gross model — easier said than done!3
To achieve this, however, the political discourse has to rise above narrow major- of insufficient profits, for the market because it con- revenue (a 15-year battle won in lower courts, lost in The Union and state governments need to under-
itarian ideas as too much Hindu triumphalism and politicisation of religious strains quality and growth, and, therefore, for con- the Supreme Court), and reducing exorbitant charges. stand these components, and execute them from a
differences will disrupt internal social cohesion and unity. Ayodhya offers the sumers in the short and long run. Service levels are The government can change policies to achieve these. national perspective, without bombastic rhetoric, pol-
ruling party an excellent opportunity to move on and build an inclusive and compromised by resource constraints (dropped calls, It can stop predatory practices, and facilitate this con- iticking, fund-raising for elections, and so on. Policies
slow speeds), and because of under-served customers sortium. BSNL/MTNL can be genuinely supported must incentivise coordinated action; orders have to
prosperous India.
— both in existing and the unserved markets in India. to be the government anchor in the consortium with be winnable by including criteria for development of
Data traffic may have increased simply because more a minority stake, with golden-share national security, domestic capacity to conform to the World Trade
people watch more rubbish in video form, whereas public- and minority-interest responsibilities through Organization rules; and execution has to be first rate
Self-reliance in defence service providers need the wherewithal to invest, to appropriate legislation. Airtel could be the lead, with
improve and extend coverage, as well as to design others participating, including foreign players.
(on time, high quality). Digital communications will
drive many aspects of all sectors. Our policy-makers
constructive educational, skill-building, medical serv- must stop dithering and help us prepare effectively.
Military must partner industry to create domestic solutions ices, and other enhanced interactive services for users’ Equipment consortium
genuine benefit. In that sense, traffic as a measure of Fragmented suppliers and system integrators also shyamponappa@gmail.com
T
he defence ministry released, in successive weeks, the drafts of a new user benefits can cut both ways. need a consortium for collaboration. While multina- 1. For issues about competition laws in India, see: https://scroll.in
Defence Acquisition Policy (DAP-2020) and a new Defence Production Apart from data, two other aspects merit consid- tional vendors dominate, dependence on imports and /article/960676/analysis-reliance-jio-facebook-deal-highlights
and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP-2020). The two are together eration: Operator revenues, and government collec- China is untenable for our increasing and strategic -indias-need-to-revisit-competition-regulations
intended to promote the design, development, and manufacture of tions (licence fees, auction charges, and taxes). requirements. Absent enabling policies, Indian man- 2. https://organizing-india.blogspot.com/2020/03/indias-self-
home-grown weapons platforms to boost the indigenous content of all weaponry Operator revenues grew strongly from mid-2003 ufacturers have to succeed offshore to sell within the goal-in-telecom.html
the military uses and defence exports to provide business for domestic defence through FY2012, flattened for five years (FY2013-17), country. Why do such things happen? Many reasons, 3. http://organizing-india.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-huawei-
producers. The DPEPP-2020 targets the production of ~1.75 trillion ($25 billion) then declined after FY2017 (see Chart 1). starting with the holdover of colonial mindsets even pointer.html
in aerospace and defence goods and services by 2025. Of that, ~35,000 crore ($5
The race to zero

billion) worth of equipment is to be exported — a pledge that Prime Minister
Narendra Modi earlier made at the Defexpo 2020 in February.
Since current defence production amounts to about ~70,000 crore, achieving
the DPEPP-2020 target requires India’s aerospace and defence industry to double
T OUTLOOK FOR SOLAR AND WIND

he power demand outlook remains muted as and that is what Australia proposes to do. It fast-
domestic sales over the coming five years and more than triple exports from the economies are going through deep recessions tracked an ambitious A$22 billion ($16 billion) plan
current levels of about ~11,000 crore. While these targets are ambitious, there is caused by the pandemic. That has not, last week to export power from a giant solar farm in n Solar capacity added n Wind capacity
some welcome scaling down from the previous 2018 policy, which stipulated however, stopped the march of green power. Or pre- the country’s north to Southeast Asia via undersea added onshore and offshore (gigawatts)
that India must enter the world’s top five defence producers and become self- vented new sustainability commitments by corporate cable. The status recognises the “strategic signifi-
118
145
leaders, with Reliance Industries the latest to reveal cance” of the project, which is expected to inject bil-
sufficient by 2025 in building the country’s requirements for fighter aircraft, hel- 108
111
plans to go “net-zero”. lions of dollars into the economy and create thousands
99
icopters, warships, tanks, missile systems, gun systems, and small arms and
A few key announcements capture the trends of of jobs, Angus Taylor, Australia’s minister for energy
78
ammunition. Instead of this, the proposed policy plans to notify a negative list
75
the moment: and emissions reduction, said.
58
63
61
56
of weapons and platforms, the import of which would be embargoed with effect
54
50
Resilient clean power investments: Investment Green hydrogen: Cheap green power can enable
52
from a specified year. However, a clause in the policy allows the military the in new renewable energy capacity remained resilient green mobility on the one hand, and green hydrogen
wiggle room to continue importing weaponry it deems essential. in the first half of the year, according on the other. To fully decarbonise
Achieving these domestic production targets will require the military to to the latest update from the world economy, it is likely that
stop insisting on imported, state-of-the-art weaponry, and, instead, partner BloombergNEF, rising 5 per cent to a clean molecule will be needed, 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020* 2021*
domestic industry in creating alternatives here. Home-grown solutions are avail- $132 billion. Though investment in and hydrogen is well placed to play Source: BloombergNEF estimates assuming a multi-wave
able in the Tejas fighter aircraft, Arjun tank, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun, solar, onshore wind and biomass this role, according to pandemic situation
declined, there was a big jump in off- BloombergNEF. It can be produced
Pinaka rocket launchers, and tactical missiles such as Nag, Astra, and Akash. In
shore wind financing. by using electricity to split water in transportation fuels with clean electricity and
successfully building ballistic missiles like the Agni series, the Defence Research Against an investment of $32 bil- an electrolyser. If the electricity hydrogen…We will build an optimal mix of reliable,
& Development Organisation has proved its capability to deliver cutting-edge lion in offshore wind in the whole of used is renewable, the hydrogen is clean and affordable energy with hydrogen, wind,
strategic systems. The three services must accept domestic weaponry into service, 2019, the total in the first half of the referred to as green, or renewable, solar, fuel cells and battery.”
and then partner industry in improving it into world-class systems. year was $35 billion, with as many as hydrogen. Microsoft announced a carbon-negative ambition
Since the current defence capital budget is just about ~1.19 trillion and only 28 offshore wind farms finalised. The European Commission earlier this year. It aims to reach this goal by 2030 and
These included the largest ever, the
VANDANA GOMBAR announced a hydrogen strategy last “remove from the environment more carbon than we
a limited raise is realistically possible, exports must be increased for absorbing
~1.75 trillion worth of defence production. The government has already taken 1.5 gigawatts Vattenfall Hollandse month involving an estimated have emitted since our founding by 2050.”
some steps: Defence attaches in Indian embassies abroad have been charged Zuid array off the coast of the Netherlands, costing investment of ^470 billion (over $500 billion) by 2030. The software giant is also one of the founding
with exploring export opportunities. A liberalised trade environment has been an estimated $3.9 billion, plus the UK’s 1.1 gigawatts It aims at three things: members of the “Transform to Net-Zero” initiative
SSE Seagreen project and the 600 megawatts CIP n Green hydrogen production launched last month to help the movement to net-
created for defence exports by obtaining Indian entry into three of the four global
Changfang Xidao farms off Taiwan. n Manufacture and installation of electrolysers zero. Wipro is one of the nine founding members,
export control regimes: The Missile Technology Control Regime, the Wassenaar China remained the largest clean energy investor, n A euro-denominated market for green hydrogen along with Nike, Starbucks, Danone, Mercedes-Benz
Arrangement, and the Australia Group. Entry into the fourth — the Nuclear accounting for almost a third of global investment in Europe’s plan to be a net-zero greenhouse gas and Unilever.
Suppliers Group — could soon happen. Friendly foreign countries such as the first half of 2020. emissions economy by 2050 will require the use of One way to move towards net-zero is buying
Myanmar, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka have been offered “credit lines” for pur- Even cheaper solar: There was a fresh record for hydrogen in hard-to-abate sectors like steel and heavy green power. Microsoft is one of the top buyers of
chasing Indian defence equipment. A nodal agency, the Indigenous Defence the cheapest solar project, with the Emirates Water transport. It has, therefore, decided to take the lead renewable power globally. Last month also saw the
Equipment Exporters Association, was set up last year for processing defence and Electricity company awarding the contract for on hydrogen. The bulk of the proposed investment largest-ever corporate green power purchase deal,
export inquiries from prospective customers across the globe. Finally, boosting the 2-gigawatts Al-Dhafra plant at just 1.35 US cents will be used to build 80-120 gigawatts of solar and with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
defence production requires production to switch from low-value items to build- per kWh. There are questions around this tariff — wind capacity, which will be harnessed to produce Company (TSMC) signing a power purchase agree-
mainly around what incentives have been included green hydrogen. ment to buy the entire output of Orsted’s 920 mega-
ing high-value combat platforms such as aircraft, helicopters, tanks, air defence
to enable this — but there are many in the industry Corporate India and net-zero: In July, Reliance watts offshore wind farm. TSMC is Apple’s main
systems, and warships. Not only would this raise the value of domestic defence who see it as one step closer to the 1-cent-tariff mile- Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani talked about chip-making partner.
production but also provide a stamp of Indian military approval to encourage stone. The project will be commissioned in 2022. becoming the “world’s leading new energy and new
potential foreign buyers. Countries with more sunlight and more space can materials company”, in addition to announcing a net- The writer is editor – global policy for BloombergNEF. She
export power to countries not similarly advantaged, zero-carbon ambition. He also said: “We will replace can be reached at vgombar@bloomberg.net
The eye of the beholder Ms Dhar reveals that this essay is

part of the collection because it “uses a
Dalit feminist lens to shed light on the
romantic experiences of Dalit women
around how online dating is breaking
social barriers in India since most
Indians “still legitimize their unions
based on caste markers, such as
have put this as the first entry on my
CV. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem
to count for much, not in the
professional world where love is pretty
remaining frameworks to make meaning Radha-Krishna, Urdu love poetry, who have to bear the double burden of surnames, localities, dialects, parents’ useless, and increasingly not in
and find purpose. songs of separation, single women and caste and gender.” Ms Dhanaraj does a jobs, religion, economic status, political relationships either, where things
Love is not a Word: The Culture and self-love, the Kama Sutra, same-sex commendable job of challenging the and pop culture idols, food choices, besides love decide the fate of
Politics of Desire is a collection of 12 love, and the so-called love jihad. If you assumption that love is simply a private ideology, and skin colour.” She also romantic relationships. And as I
essays edited by Debotri Dhar, who are looking for variety, you will find it matter between two argues that the found, it also doesn’t count if the
teaches Women’s Studies at the here. If you seek fresh perspectives, this individuals who care LOVE IS NOT A liberal feminist object of one’s affection is a non-
BOOK REVIEW University of Michigan in the United book might be a bit disappointing. about each other. A WORD discourse around human,” she says.
States. Her anthology brings together The one essay that really stands out former partner of sexual agency, Ms Roy writes with humour and
CHINTAN GIRISH MODI writing by Alka Pande, Christina for me in this whole book is “Swipe Me hers ended their Author: polyamory, casual emotion about how she found herself
Dhanaraj, Didier Coste, Makarand R. Left, I’m Dalit”, written by relationship because Debotri Dhar sex, open rejecting “the botanist or
(Editor)
W
hy would you want to read a Paranjape, Malashri Lal, Mehr Afshan Ms Dhanaraj. She says, “After many his parents could not relationships is environmentalist’s investigative
book about love? Do you care to Farooqi, Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, relationships, I’ve now come to realise accept the fact that Publisher: predominantly led curiosity about plants.” Her intention
learn from people who can Parvati Sharma, Rakhshanda Jalil, that not only can caste play a role in she was Dalit. Speaking Tiger by “women from was clear and focused. She wanted to
theorise about this subject? Are you Sumana Roy, Zafar Anjum, and herself. determining the success of one’s Another person told upper-caste/ learn how to show love to plants. She
Pages: 232
trying to be a better lover? Do you think People have been writing about love romantic pursuit, it can also shape her that his family bourgeoise writes, “It is amazing that there really is
that life has passed you by, and you for centuries, so it is perhaps difficult one’s competence, desirability, and might approve if she Price: ~399 locations” and “it no way — no methodology, no ritual—
haven’t found your beloved yet? Are you for writers to come up with something confidence within a relationship. And did not “behave like a could potentially be of demonstrating one’s love to a
simply curious about the intense, new to say and for an editor to curate all love, contrary to what we have been Dalit”. If love is not willing to cut exploitative for Dalit women.” favourite, a beloved, tree...I realised
abiding human need to love and be of it in radically inventive ways. There is taught, may not be the most sacred of through this deep-seated prejudice, is it The other memorable essay in this that I was in love not with one tree but
loved? Here’s my reason: In a pandemic- a tendency to fall back on familiar all feelings, insulated from the world really the redemptive force it is book is Sumana Roy’s “How to Write a with several, perhaps in love with all the
stricken world that heightens the tropes, ideas and texts. This volume and pure in its expression; it is a choice supposed to be? Love Letter to a Tree”. Being a lover, trees there were. Do you realise what
awareness of impermanence and suffers this weakness as well. There are that we make based on who we are and Ms Dhanaraj’s essay makes an she says, is one of her primary that made me in terms of a human
uncertainty, love might be one of the few essays about arranged marriage, where we come from.” impact because she questions the hype identities. “In an alternate world, I’d equivalent?”
10 hindustantimes HIN DUSTA N TIMES, N EW D E LHI
T HURSDAY, A UGUST 06, 2 02 0
E STA B L I S H E D I N 1 9 24
comment
§
A ‘generational J&K: A year of hope and despair
catastrophe’ Compensate citizens for economic loss; restore
statehood; allow 4G services; release prisoners
However, we must now look realistically
to the future. The first requirement is the
resumption of normal political activity. This
will necessarily involve a fresh unbiased
delimitation based on the 2011 Census, fol-
The UN’s warning is timely. KARAN

to become a UT, the response in J&K was very
different. For Kashmiris, who took pride in
lowed by elections to the state assembly as
may be decided by the Election Commission.
SINGH their special status, and were pressing for The delimitation should include allotting
Pay heed to education more autonomy and nursing unrealistic
expectations, to have not only lost that status
additional seats due to the hundreds of thou-
sands of refugees in the Jammu region who
but also been reduced to a UT and virtually remained disenfranchised. It is also neces-
O
n August 4, the United Nations (UN) released the locked down for almost a whole year along sary for political parties to start functioning
secretary-general’s policy brief on the impact of with the closure of educational institutions again. The BJP is already active, but the Con-
has been traumatic. In Jammu, the move was gress must get its act together. The two main
Covid-19 on the world’s education system. The pol-
T
he creation of the state of Jammu generally welcomed as it was around the regional parties — the National Congress
icy brief points to the fact that the closure of schools and Kashmir by my ancestor country. To be fair, this policy had been on and the Peoples Democratic Party — would
Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846 the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s agenda be well advised to restart political activities
and other learning spaces have impacted 94% of the was a significant geopolitical for many years, though no one expected the in light of the new realities. Some recent
world’s student population (up to 99% event in the subcontinent. It dramatic manner in which it was imple- statements seem to indicate that mature ele-
in low and lower-middle income coun- ourtake resulted in the extension and
consolidation of the northern borders of
India all the way up to Central Asia (Gilgit-
mented.
The restoration of full statehood for J&K is
a demand from both the regions. There is no
n The restructuring promised enhanced
economic development. But the people
have suffered massive financial losses PTI
ments are beginning to come to terms with
the changed situation. In this context, the
restoration of full Internet services, which
tries). It suggests that despite the deliv-
Baltistan) and Tibet (Ladakh). These Dogra reason why the erstwhile state should be the Supreme Court itself has favoured, will
ery of lessons by radio, TV and online, and efforts of teachers and campaigns involved the heavy sacrifice of demoted to the category of a UT, which is have been rendered unemployed. Horticul- be an important step towards normalisation,
lives but finally resulted in the creation of the looked upon as a humiliation. The restora- ture has also suffered and there has been a as will be the release of political prisoners.
parents, many students still do not have access to education. It Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the largest tion should also involve a structure that sharp drop in the export of apples from the A year later, the disappearance of J&K and
highlights how learners with disabilities, those from margina- princely state in India. This multi-regional, ensures for the first time a fair distribution of Valley. The cancellation of the Amarnath its replacement by two Union territories
multilinguistic, multi-religious and multi- political, financial and administrative Yatra in Kashmir and the Mata Vaishno Devi presents a mixed picture of hope and despair,
lised communities, displaced and refugee students, and those in cultural state finally disappeared a year ago. authority between the J&K regions. The Yatra in Jammu has also caused extensive expectation and disappointment. Prime Min-
remote areas are at highest risk of being left behind. And it warns It is important to understand that J&K was expensive and obsolete darbar move can be unemployment and commercial losses. The ister Narendra Modi has often reiterated his
a unique state which encompassed far-flung dispensed with, and a new structure put in first task before the government, which is determination to further the welfare of the
that the knock-on effects on child nutrition, child marriage and areas that had not previously been adminis- place that ensures undisturbed year-round now directly administering the state, there- people of the erstwhile state. He and the home
gender equality could be enormous. The cumulative impact of all tered by India. The end of the state a year ago, administration to both the regions. Domicili- fore, must be to compensate for these mas- minister must now personally ensure that
therefore, had significant geopolitical impli- ary provisions for safeguarding public sive losses without delay. It is only once the this is achieved.
these on children may lead to a “generational catastrophe” that cations. These involve Gilgit-Baltistan, appointments and purchase of land by non- financial distress has been contained that The state administration needs to be far
which we lost in 1947 along with Pakistan-oc- residents should be adopted on the same lines economic development can begin and inves- more proactive than it is, and once the politi-
could waste human potential, undermine decades of progress,
cupied J&K as well as Aksai Chin, which we as in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and tors will feel secure enough to start putting cal process starts, we hope to see the situa-
and exacerbate entrenched inequalities. This is not good news lost in 1952, and the Saksham valley, which Uttarakhand. money into new projects. Ladakh has also tion return to fresh stability. Then, the peo-
has been handed over to China by Pakistan. The restructuring promised enhanced been badly hit by the drop in tourism. The ple of the erstwhile state can finally embark
for any nation, more so for those in the low and lower-middle Although these areas were not after 1947 economic development to both regions and disturbing influx of Chinese troops, which on a new chapter of welfare and all-round
income segments such as India. According to Unesco, nearly 321 under Indian administration, the dismant- has raised high expectations. But the state has been pushed back by our security forces, development.
ling of the state into two Union Territories and its people have suffered massive finan- continues to be a source of deep national con-
million Indian children have been at home since March-end. (UTs) seems to have disturbed both our cial losses over the last year. Tourism, which cern, especially to the people of Ladakh. Karan Singh is a senior politician and the son of
There is no clarity on when schools will reopen. neighbours. is the mainstay of the Kashmiri economy, has While the official claim is that militancy has former J&K ruler Maharaj Hari Singh. He has been a
Internally, while the Ladakhis welcomed totally collapsed as a result of which thou- decreased over the last year, militant attacks member of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha
In the last few decades, especially since the enactment of the the realisation of their long-standing desire sands of people involved in the tourism trade still occur from time to time. The views expressed are personal
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009,
India has seen a surge in school enrolments and infrastructure
development in the primary and secondary segments. But the
learning outcomes have not kept pace. The pandemic has now
socialcurrents
To win the trust of the
exacerbated this existing challenge. In addition, the extended
ABHINAV PRAKASH SINGH
people of J&K, trust them
period of closure means students don’t have access to midday
meals; and with parental incomes under strain, there could be a
spike in drop-out rates, especially among girls.
Ayodhya marks the Democracy and secularism must become real for the
While the focus must be now be ensuring the safety of stu-
dents, teachers and staff, and putting in place protocols for
twilight of the first Republic Indian citizens of J&K and Ladakh. This is the way out
WAJAHAT
roads await maintenance for years includ-
ing vital link roads along the Line of Control.
school reopening, there has to be an extensive assessment of the Hindu nationalism has been the bedrock of the Indian HABIBULLAH A Forum for Human Rights in Jammu
and Kashmir constituted by retired justices
learning loss and well-thought-out plans to bridge the learning State and polity. Nehruvian secularism was the fringe of the Supreme Court and the high courts,
gap, and schemes to retain students. This entails tweaking the ex-civil servants, former senior defence per-
T
he last time a temple existed in Ayo- ment of uniformity in temple laws and even sonnel, academics and campaigners for
syllabus and changing pedagogy. This forced break must also be dhya, Krishnadevaraya was harmonised rituals and continues to inter- human rights recently released its first
used to align the sector to the National Education Policy (NEP), emperor in the South ruling over the vene in Hindu social and religious matters report, Jammu and Kashmir: The Impact
D
Vijayanagara empire, Nuno da with popular legitimacy. At the same time, it ifferent sections of Indians hold of Lockdowns on Human Rights covering
which was released last week, especially to its foundational Cunha was governor of Portuguese India, has left Islam outside its ambit in the guise of sharply divided views about the the year following August 5, 2019. Their find-
learning goals. Last but not least, governments will have to Spanish conquistadors were setting foot in minority rights and freedom of religion. The developments of August 5, 2019, in ings: One, the absolute priority given to
Texas, and Suleiman the Magnificent was Indian state intensified the historical process the erstwhile state of Jammu and counter-insurgency has brought across-the-
arrange for funds required for the sector. This will be a challenge inaugurating the era of Ottoman supremacy of Hindu consolidation even as Nehruvian Kashmir (J&K). Were these, in fact, as many board violations of human rights and
post-Covid-19, but starving the education sector of finances will in West Asia. elites denied that India is a Hindu polity Indians believe, simply a consummation of increased terrorist activity. Two, in the 11
With the bhoomi pujan on August 5, the above all. a process initiated by the state’s accession to months of lockdown, the public saw inces-
be irresponsible, for it is crucial to meeting India’s development long saga of struggle of a people has come to Hindu nationalism has never been fringe; India upon Independence, which had left it sant harassment through closures, barri-
an end. This day falls on the first anniversary it is Nehruvian secularism that was the with a special status? After all, Article 370 cades, checkpoints and suspension of com-
goals and creating an inclusive society.
of the full constitutional integration of fringe. And with the fall of the old English- was titled “Temporary Provisions”. Or was munication, crippling public health, with
Jammu and Kashmir to India, making it a speaking elites, the system they created is it, as several other Indians including Kash- pervasive post-traumatic stress disorder
§
symbolic date in post-colonial India. This is also collapsing along with accompanying miris see it, a repudiation of a commitment even among children. Three, education
the twilight of the first Republic. myths like Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb and Hin- guaranteed by the Constitution, the abroga- flounders at every level with the limiting of
Pakistan’s cartographic The first Republic was founded on the

myth of a secular-socialist India supposedly
born out of the anti-colonial struggle. How-
du-Muslim unity.
The fact is that Hindus and Muslims lived
together, but separately. And they share a
tion of which has betrayed even a semblance
of the freedom that the state was promised?
The personnel appointed to administer
networks to 2G thereby making online
classes dysfunctional, in violation of the
constitutional right to education. Four, com-
absurdity ever, the Indian freedom movement was

always a Hindu movement. From its origin,
symbolism, language, and support base, it
was the continuation of a Hindu resurgence
violent and cataclysmic past with each other,
which has never been put to rest.
Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb was an urban-feu-
dal construct with no serious takers outside
the two new Union territories (UTs) are,
without a doubt, of great merit. The officer
chosen as lieutenant governor (LG) of the
UT of Ladakh was Chief Information Com-
merce and industry have suffered massive
losses. Tourism and cottage industries, reli-
ant on 4G networks, are out of business.
Local employment is at a standstill.
The new map shows shallowness and already underway, but which was disrupted
by the British conquest. The coming together
a limited circle. In villages, whatever unity
existed was because the caste identities of
missioner of India who has accepted a demo-
tion in status in the service of the nation. But
Five, journalists have faced harassment
with recourse taken even to the Unlawful
weakness. It has no legitimacy of various pagan traditions in the Indian sub-
continent under the umbrella of Hinduism is
both Hindu and Muslims dominated instead
of religious identities or because Hindu con-
Ladakh is left with a makeshift administra-
tion, without a recruitment agency to fill
Activities (Prevention) Act. Six, the military
presence has been accentuated.
a long-drawn-out process. But it began to verts to Islam maintained earlier customs gazetted posts, no formal bank and locked in After August 5, 2019, the Concerned Citi-
T
he Imran Khan government has issued a map that consolidate as a unified political entity in the and old social links with Hindus like com- a dispute over the location of its headquar- zens Group, of which I am a member, made
shows the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir and the colonial era in the form of Hindutva. The Hin- mon gotra and caste. But all that evaporated ters — Muslim-majority Kargil or Buddhist- two visits to Kashmir on September 17-18,
dutva concept is driven by an attempt by the quickly with the Islamic revivalist move- majority Leh in what is a Muslim-majority 2019 and November 22-26, 2019. In our state-
former Gujarati princely state of Junagadh as Paki- older pagan traditions, united by a dharmic ments such as the Tabligh and pan-Islamism UT. Although in contrast, the officer ment of May 20, 2020, we said that J&K has
stani territory. Such maps were common in the 1950s. framework and intertwined by puranas, from 19th century onwards. It never takes appointed LG for J&K is a bureaucrat of the continued in a social, economic, political
myths and folklore, to navigate the modern much for Hindu-Muslim riots to erupt. There Gujarat cadre, he is assisted by an array of and communication lockdown since August
Over time, Junagadh was largely dropped, but Survey of Paki- political and intellectual landscape domi- was nothing surprising about the anti-Citi- advisers of outstanding reputation. The 5, 2019, now doubly reinforced by the pan-
stan maps have shown the border running south of Jammu. nated by nations and nation-states. zenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests administration won approbation for the effi- demic. “Senior political leaders,” we wrote,
Hindutva is not Hinduism. Hindutva is a and widespread riots. As political communi- ciency with which it arranged testing mate- “including a former chief minister, continue
The map has kept the self-determination flag flying by print- Hindu political response to political Islam ties, Hindus and Muslims have hardly ever rials on the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak to be in detention, in several cases under the
and Western imperialism. It seeks to forge agreed on the big questions of the day. and the return of students stranded abroad draconian Public Safety Act. Meanwhile,
ing across Kashmir that its future will be “decided” under the
Hindus into a modern nation and create a What we are witnessing today is twilight of and also migrant labour. But the virus’ there are attempts to incubate artificial
relevant United Nations resolutions. Curiously, the border powerful industrial State that can put an end the first Republic. The Bharatiya Janata spread has been exacerbated by the import political processes — through village and
to centuries of persecution that accelerated Party (BJP) is but a modern vehicle of the his- of migrant workers to work with the public local body elections and facilitating the
between this fictional Greater Pakistan and China is a “frontier sharply over the past 100 years when the Hin- torical process of the rise of the Hindu rash- works department. Many of them have launch of a new political party. However,
undefined” — something not reflected in Beijing’s maps. du-Sikh presence was expunged in large tra. In the north, Jammu and Kashmir is tested positive. Many young people are out these processes have failed to fill the politi-
swaths of the Indian subcontinent. fully integrated. In the south, Dravidianism on the streets of Srinagar without any form cal vacuum.”
Ancient maps have some use in territorial disputes, over- India’s freedom struggle was guided by the is melting away. In the east, Bengal is turning of protection despite government advice. Following the August 5, 2019 decision,
night ones produced by a weak government have none. Mr vision of Hindu nationalism and not by con- saffron. In the west, secular parties must ally In the Rajya Sabha debate on the J&K there have been discussions in the US Con-
stitutional patriotism. The Congress brand with a local Hindutva party to survive. The Reorganisation Bill 2019, reading down Arti- gress, the European Union parliament, the
Khan issued the map one year after the amendment of Article of nationalism was but a subset of this political debate has decisively shifted from cle 370 of the Constitution, home minister UN Security Council and statements by the
370. One of the policy shifts explicit in India’s decision was that broader Hindu nationalism with the Con- the pseudo- secular paradigm to the Hindu- Amit Shah said the state’s special status was UN Human Rights Commission on Kashmir.
gress itself as the pre-eminent Hindu party. pseudo Hindu one. The Ram mandir is the root cause of corruption. But a year since Many security analysts believe that J&K’s
the future of this part of Kashmir would no longer be negotiated The Muslim question forced the Congress to reborn. The CAA is the law. The National Article 370 was abrogated, a long-time cam- change in constitutional status has brought
adopt a more tempered language and sym- Population Register is underway. And the paigner for the right to information, good about the Chinese intrusion into Ladakh.
with Islamabad. Pakistan has spent the past year trying to
bolism later and to weave the myth of Hindu- National Register of Citizens will happen governance and transparency in the J&K But while many residents protest that their
argue it is essential to the issue. Initially, it turned to the inter- Muslim unity. But it failed to prevent the Par- sooner or later. Although history is never lin- government, Raja Muzaffar Bhat, found that lands have been occupied by China, the
tition of India. The Congress was taken over ear, it is time to face the truth: Hindu nation- corruption remains pervasive. Union government has maintained a degree
national community to get some support. When that failed, it by Left-leaning secular denialists under Jaw- alism has always been the bedrock of the The Centre has been busy in enacting leg- of ambiguity on the issue.
resumed shelling across the Line of Control and supporting ter- aharlal Nehru who, instead of confronting Indian State and polity. However, as we wit- islation such as the domicile law and the UT Where do we go from here? For residents
reality, pretended it did not exist. ness the rise of a new republic, the question government in issuing sanctions. Five medi- of J&K and Ladakh, democracy and secular-
rorism. That Mr Khan’s government has now been reduced to After centuries, Hindus were the domi- which we must ask is what its shape will be? cal colleges, including two All India Insti- ism must be real as they have been for all
printing pieces of coloured paper should be seen as further evi- nant power. Despite self-denial, the post-co- Is becoming a Hindu State India’s destiny? tutes of Medical Science, have been inaugu- other Indians by making them participants
lonial State was essentially a Hindu State. There are no clear answers given the lack rated and colleges of nursing sanctioned. in governance. The government knows this,
dence that Pakistan has been reduced to a cipher as far as Kash- The misleading secular-communal debate of precedent, barring a few instances such as Announcements are regularly made of the which accounts for its abortive efforts to
mir is concerned. Nepal, Pakistan and others have recently blinded us to the obvious; the Republic of the Vijayanagara empire. LG sanctioning a host of hydel projects in institute panchayat raj. But gestures will
India is a Hindu reformist State. It abolished Even the Hindutva movement has con- the power-deficit state, which nonetheless not do. The country must place its trust in its
turned to cartography to provoke the Indian government. But the caste system, integrated and Sanskrit- cerned itself with the Hindu rashtra and not is a major contributor to the national power own people if it expects their trust in return.
ised the Dalits and large sections of tribals, Hindu rajya. grid. Long-pending road construction has Wajahat Habibullah is a former IAS officer of the
drawn ink lines are not even credible statements. They show
codified Hindu social laws, revived classical been approved. But educational institutions J&K cadre, India’s first Chief Information
shallowness of thought and, most crucially, weakness at home. and folk art forms and replaced Urdu-Per- Abhinav Prakash Singh is an remain shut with no provision for distance Commissioner (2005-10) and author of
sian with Hindi and native languages, con- assistant professor at SRCC, Delhi University learning except in a single school in Pul- My Kashmir: The Dying of the Light
trolled Hindu temples, introduced an ele- The views expressed are personal wama. Power and water supply are fitful; The views expressed are personal
R. N. I. No. 503/1957 ● Postal Reg. No. DL(ND)-11/6058/2018-19-20 ‘Licensed to post without prepayment’ LICENCE No. U(C)-113/2006-08, Air surcharge: Raipur and beyond by Rail or Road - Re 5/-, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Hyderabad, Khajuraho, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and beyond by Rail or Road - Rs. 10/-;
Printed & Published by DINESH MITTAL (Interim) for and on behalf of HT Media Ltd. 18-20, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110001 and printed at HT Media Ltd. Presses at Plot No.-8, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida, Distt. Gautam Budh Nagar. (UP). Pin-201306,
Board: (011)23361234 ● Editorial: (011)66561234 Extn. 1254, 1268 ● Circulation: (011)66561111 ● Advertising: (011)66561389 ● Fax: (011)66561270.
Editor: KUNAL PRADHAN

HIN DUSTA N T IMES, N EW D E LH I
T HURSDAY, A UGUST 06 , 2 02 0 hindustantimes 11
sp t g t
htspotlight 1 YEAR OF ARTICLE 370 MOVE
Milestones since 2019

AUG 5: J&K’s special status AUG 10: NC moves Supreme students turn Rajasthan also killed.
2020
JAN 10: SC directs weekly FEB 12: 25 envoys and deputy MAR 14: person living there for 15
nullification of under Article 370 revoked in

the Rajya Sabha after a
resolution was passed and
Court against Centre’s move.
AUG 19: Government opens
primary schools but no
up in Kashmir.
OCT 10: For the
first time since
OCT 29: Five non-locals
from Bengal killed in
Kulgam
review of the ban on
internet services in J&K.
JAN 24: J&K administration
chiefs of missions visit J&K
to assess ground situation.
The delegation calls on
Bukhari
holds
meeting with
years to get domicile
certificate.
MAR 22: Baramulla deputy
Article 370 the state bifurcated into
two Union territories under
the J&K Re-Organisation Bill.
students turn up for classes.
SEP 5: All landlines restored
August 5, some
Kashmir leaders
released.
OCT 29: 27-member
European Union delegation
announces restoration of low
speed mobile internet (2G)
and fixed line connectivity in
government to remove
remaining restrictions in
Kashmir.
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and Union
home minister Amit Shah in
commissioner GN Ittoo
issues first domicile
certificate to Aaliya Farooq, a
visits Kashmir.
On August 5, a year ago, the Centre ■ Restrictions imposed in and restrictions removed
but spontaneous shutdown OCT 14: Postpaid mobile all districts with access to a MAR 5: Broadband service
Delhi. Demands restoration resident of Sopore.
J&K; internet, mobile and OCT 31: J&K ceases to be a of statehood, safeguarding
revoked Article 370 that conferred landline communication continues in Kashmir. services back in J&K. state and becomes two
white list of around 301
websites.
restored, access to social
media allowed.
domicile rights and release JUL 17: J&K govt approves
special status to Jammu and Kashmir. suspended. Union Territories, Jammu of political prisoners. regulating the construction
SEP 17: NC leader Farooq OCT 14: Truck driver from
Abdullah slapped with Rajasthan killed in Shopian, and Kashmir and Ladakh. FEB 5: Former chief MAR 8: Former J&K finance in strategic areas by
A timeline of important events: AUG 6: Lok Sabha also passes ministers Omar minister and PDP leader
MAR 15: Farooq Abdullah’s amending the Control of
the resolution and the Bill. Public Safety Act (PSA), the driver was there to fetch OCT 31: GC Murmu takes oath detention under PSA
Abdullah and Syed Altaf Bukhari, along Building Operations Act,
becoming the first former fruit from apple dealers. as the first Lt governor of revoked.
AUG 9: Protests Mehbooba Mufti with 20 former ministers and 1988, and J&K Development
CM to be booked under PSA. OCT 16: Punjab fruit trader the Union Territory of J&K.
break out booked under legislators, forms Apni Party MAR 24: Omar released after Act, 1970, to provide for the
in parts SEP 29: Schedule for BDC killed and another labourer DEC 27: Mobile internet PSA. to strive for restoring PSA is revoked. special dispensation to carry
of elections announced. from Chhattisgarh killed. services restored in Kargil, a statehood and for out construction in strategic
Two non-local truckers from MAR 31: Centre defines new
Srinagar. part of the UTof Ladakh. safeguarding domicile rights. areas.
OCT 9: Colleges open, but no domicile rules for J&K. Any
A year on, normalcy yet to return

RESTRICTIONS Large parts of Srinagar cordoned off with barbed wire on first anniversary of
Habeas corpus to 4G
also filed before the SC against deten-
nullification of Article 370; former CM Abdullah says meeting of mainstream leaders foiled tion of individuals. Four such petitions:
Mir Ehsan and Omar Abdullah: Former J&K chief

Ravi Krishnan Khajuria minister Omar Abdullah’s detention
n letters@hindustantimes.com
SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Most residents

of Srinagar and rural districts in
services: Pleas in SC was challenged in February by his sister
Sara Abdullah Pilot. The top court on
February 14 issued notice to the J&K
administration but the petition became
the Kashmir valley stayed Murali Krishnan stitution. The petitioners included edi- infructuous (pointless) after Abdullah
indoors on Wednesday, the first n letters@hindustantimes.com tor of Kashmir Times newspaper, Anu- was released on March 24.
anniversary of the revocation of radha Bhasin, and Congress leader
Jammu and Kashmir’s special NEWDELHI:August 5 marks the first anni- Ghulam Nabi Azad. Mehbooba Mufti: Iltija Mufti , the
status, as security forces kept a versary of the effective abrogation of A three-judge top court bench compris- daughter of former CM Mehbooba Mufti
high profile,clamped restrictions Article 370 of the Constitution that con- ing justices NV Ramana, R Subhash Reddy challenged Mufti’s detention under the
on public movement, blocking ferred special status on Jammu & Kash- and BR Gavai heard the case and ruled on stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) Act,
many roads with concertina mir (J&K) and the reorganisation of the January 10 that all restrictive orders saying that it was based on vague and
wire, and thwarted a meeting of state into two Union territories. Numer- should be reviewed by the government. slanderous grounds that demonstrated
mainstream political parties. ous petitions have been filed in the Importantly, it held that freedom of personal and political bias against her.
Although no curfew had been Supreme Court against the changes. speech and expression and freedom to In her petition, Iltija Mufti said that the
enforced at any place in the val- Here is a look at where those cases stand. carry on trade or profession through the February 5 order shifting her mother
ley, only people with special internet was a fundamental right under from preventive custody to detention
passes were permitted to move on CHALLENGE TO REVOCATION Article 19 of the Constitution and any under the PSA was based on a dossier pre-
the roads. The streets of Srinagar OF ARTICLE 370 order suspending internet services can be pared by the superintendent of police,
were deserted and the police At least 23 petitions are pending before only for a temporary duration and not for Srinagar, replete with personal remarks
and Central Reserve Police Force the Supreme Court challenging the Cen- an indefinite period. Such orders should and in bad taste. The court issued notice to
reinforced their presence to tre’s decision to end the special status of indicate the reasons for the necessity of the Centre on February 26 but the matter
implement restrictions, ostensi- J&K by revoking the article. These peti- such a shutdown and they should be put in has not been heard after that.
bly because of the Covid-19 n A CRPF officer stands guard at an empty square during a lockdown on the first anniversary of the tions were heard in December 2019 and the public domain, the court ruled.
outbreak . revocation of Article 370 in Srinagar on Wednesday. REUTERS January 2020 by a five- judge constitution While the court did say that prohibi- Saifuddin Soz: This would be the most
Lal Chowk, the business nerve bench headed by justice NV Ramana. tions on free speech and movement will be noteworthy of all the Habeas Corpus
centre of Srinagar, was also this is Gupkar road today- police allowed,” Tarigami said. sion of education and employ- Certain intervenors in the case then violative of fundamental rights, it did not pleas from J&K in Supreme Court.
closed, with barbed wire and bar- vehicles opposite our gates, con- The Congress party said an ment opportunities and advance- requested that the case be referred to a strike down such prohibitions. Instead, it Congress leader and former union
ricades erected to prevent entry certina wire strung across the “undeclared curfew” had been ment of women’s rights. larger bench. This, they argued, was asked the government itself to review such minister Saifuddin Soz’s detention was
into the neighbourhood. road at regular intervals & no clamped in the whole of Kashmir “A transformation is under- because two earlier SC judgments, Prem restrictions. The practical impact of this challenge before the Supreme Court on
Police vehicles fitted with pub- vehicles allowed. My father had and alleged that several Congress way in Jammu & Kashmir and in Nath Kaul (1959) and Sampat Prakash judgment was little although the govern- June 1 by his wife Mumtazunnisa Soz.
lic address systems went around called a meeting of leaders of leaders in the had been arrested Ladakh,” Jaishankar wrote. (1968), are in conflict with regard to the ment subsequently eased many restric- Soz, an octogenarian, has been under
Srinagar soon after daybreak, mainstream parties to deliberate or detained. The BJP’s Kashmir unit on scope and intent of Article 370 and tions in the Valley. detention since August 5, 2019.
announcing the imposition of on the current situation.’’ “This is despite the fact that Wednesday celebrated the first whether the provision was intended to be When the petition came up for hearing
restrictions for combating the ‘’Clearly the meeting is not Congress had announced that no anniversary of the revocation of a temporary or a permanent one. Since PLEA FOR RESTORATION OF 4G on June 8, the SC sought the response of
spread of Covid-19. “There is a being allowed to go ahead. The physical protest would be held special status of Jammu and both those judgments were delivered by SERVICES the Centre and J&K. The Centre filed an
ban on assembly of more than BJP gets to announce a 15-day cel- except our democratic protest Kashmir. benches of five judges, the intervenors A petition was filed before the SC in April affidavit in July stating that Soz was
three persons and people are ebration to mark 5th August & a against the Centre’s actions “There used to be stone pelting asked the court to refer the issue to a challenging the order issued by J&K never under detention and the petition
requested not to violate the law handful of us aren’t allowed to which continues since August 5 during encounters, that has bench of seven or more judges. administration in March restricting the was frivolous. It was stated that Soz has
and stay indoors,” the police said. meet in my father’s lawn. So last year and the online campaign stopped. There used to be ISIS The central government and the internet speed in mobile data to 2G. The been given security personnel for his pro-
On August 5 a year ago, the much for BJP national leaders is going on in a peaceful manner,” flag, Pakistani flag...that has Union territory of J&K opposed the ref- petition by the NGO, Foundation for tection and he is free to go anywhere.
Centre pushed through key con- wondering why there is no politi- said Ravinder Sharma, chief stopped. That is what we are cele- erence and submitted that there was no Media Professionals, prayed that 4G The SC disposed of the case on July 29
stitutional changes to revoke cal activity,’’ he added. spokesperson of the Jammu and brating,” BJP leader Altaf Tha- conflict between the two judgments. internet services be restored in J&K tak- after recording the centre’s stance. There
Article 370 that had conferred Peoples Democratic Party Kashmir unit of the Congress. kur told reporters at the party The Constitution bench heard the ing into account the Covid -19 pandemic. was a twist in the tale as Soz was captured
special status on Jammu and leader and Rajya Sabha member office in Jawahar Nagar. parties with regard to the reference and The Supreme Court, in a judgment on video by TV channels stating that he
Kashmir and Article 35A that Fayaz Mir told reporters that he TRANSFORMATION The constitutional changes delivered its verdict on this limited delivered on May 11, refrained from pass- was under house arrest. Interestingly, the
allowed its legislature to define was not allowed by the security The government said last year were accompanied by a security aspect on March 2. It declined to refer the ing directions to restore 4G mobile inter- order passed by the Supreme Court on
permanent residents for whom forces to move towards the house that the constitutional changes crackdown to forestall protests matter to a larger bench. The case has net services in J&K, instead constituting July 29 disposing of the petition is yet to be
government jobs and property of Farooq Abdullah. would give the people of Jammu against the moves. Hundreds of not been heard after that. a special committee to take a call on the uploaded on the website of the court.
ownership were reserved. The Communist Party of India and Kashmir access to the bene- mainstream and separatist politi- issue and examine the necessity to allow
state of Jammu and Kashmir was (Marxist) general secretary, fits of affirmative action available cians were taken into preventive PETITIONS AGAINST LOCKDOWN faster internet in certain areas of the Mian Abdul Qayoom: President of the
bifurcated into two Union territo- Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, to the people of the rest of India detention and telecom services The abrogation of Article 370 was newly formed UT. Subsequently, a con- J&K high court bar association, Mian
ries, J&K and Ladakh. who lives close to the house of and bring faster development to restricted. accompanied by a total shutdown of tempt of court petition was filed by the Abdul Qayoom was detained on August
The main road leading Farooq Abdullah in government the state. On Wednesday, exter- Ishfaq Ahmad, a Kashmir Uni- Kashmir to forestall protests. Tele- petitioner in June pointing out that no 5, 2019 under the PSA. He was subse-
towards the house of Srinagar accommodation, said the gates to nal affairs minister S. Jaishankar versity student said that Kash- phone lines, mobile communication and action had been taken yet to comply with quently shifted to Agra the same month
MP and National Conference the Abdullah/or his own resi- said both Union territories were miri people will never forget what internet services were stopped and the SC’s judgment. The Centre told the SC and then to Tihar jail in January 2020.
president Farooq Abdullah on dence had been locked. being transformed. happened to them on this day last restrictions imposed on the press and that a special committee was constituted Qayoom’s plea challenging his deten-
Gupkar road was blocked by the “Lockdowns as celebrations On the microblogging site year. “The pain could be seen in transport within the valley. to review restrictions on mobile internet tion was turned down by the J&K high
police and no one was allowed on and lies as defences have been the Twitter, Jaishankar highlighted every house old here; whether A slew of petitions were filed before in J&K and it decided against offering any court on May 29. The high court held
the road. Abdullah had called a hall mark of the last year. Today, the application of progressive young or old, they feel they have the SC challenging such restrictions, relaxation for the time being. The case is that Qayoom’s ideology was like a live
meeting of mainstream leaders at political leaders were supposed to laws, delivery of social justice, lost their identity,’’ Ahmad said. which the petitioners argued were in due to come up for hearing on August 7. volcano. Qayoom then appealed to the
his house. meet at Dr Farooq Abdullah’s res- empowerment of vulnerable sec- The day passed peacefully. IGP violation of their fundamental right to top court. A three-judge bench ordered
Former J&K chief minister idence to discuss the political tions and economic development Vijay Kumar said: “A grenade speech and expression and the right to HABEAS CORPUS PETITIONS Qayoom’s release on July 29 after the
and his son, Omar Abdullah, challenges region is facing. But projects as part of the transfor- was hurled which caused no dam- move freely under Article 19 of the Con- Various Habeas Corpus petitions were central government agreed to it.
wrote on Twitter: ‘’One year on, unfortunately, we were not mation.He also listed the expan- age.”
PA K T R I E S T O R A I S E K A S H M I R I S S U E
J&K decision a strategic Land rights, lack of jobs still haunt 2 regions
Mir Ehsan her detention extended by three assembly to define permanent
n letters@hindustantimes.com more months on July 31. residents of J&K. “Earlier, it was
blunder for India: Imran SRINAGAR/KREERI: In the pictur-

esque village of Kreeri in north
Kashmir’s Baramulla district,
“Last time when I spoke, I was
detained for a year and continue
to remain under house arrest.
The situation is as fragile as it was
India, Pakistan, and the people of
Kashmir that were party to the
dispute, now there is China also.
This is what BJP has done to
Imtiaz Ahmad [German Chancellor Angela] block development council chair- always. People are sad. There is J&K,” he said and vowed to fight
n letters@hindustantimes.com Merkel, [UK Prime Minister] man Sofi Ghulam Mohiuddin is at complete silence in Kashmir par- the case in the Supreme Court.
Boris Johnson, [French Presi- home listening attentively to the ticularly in South Kashmir,” said China has opposed the Indian
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Min- dent Emmanuel] Macron, grievances of a group of people. PDP youth wing president, Wah- moves in J&K.
ister Imran Khan said on explained to them, made them The 55-year-old, who joined the eed Ur Rehman Parra. Parra The business community also
Wednesday his Indian counter- understand,” he said. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in called the silence “negative peace feels aggrieved. Chairman of the
part Narendra Modi’s action to “Today, Modi is exposed in 2014 after spending three decades which is enforced by fear.” Kashmir Chamber of Industries,
scrap the special status of J&K front of the world, the biggest as a National Conference (NC) “There is the absence of poli- Sheikh Ashiq, said: ‘’Forget
was a “strategic blunder” based result of which is that people are activist, says that political work- tics and dissent is criminal- about development, our survival
on four miscalculations. [now] looking towards [the situa- ers like him have been “empow- ised...Cases against media, main- is at stake. We have lost ~40,000
Addressing a special session of tion in] Kashmir. India is now in a ered” by the BJP’s sidelining of stream people, and sidelining of crores. The employers here have
the legislative assembly of Paki- blind alley and there’s no way out old political faces and “dynasts” n Police screening commuters in Srinagar. WASEEM ANDRABI/HT locals in the system have further turned unemployed,’’ he said.
stan-occupied Kashmir in Muzaf- from this situation,” he said. over the past year. People who see gripped us with insecurity,” he Even ordinary people nurse a
farabad on the first anniversary n Imran Khan Explaining the reasoning the BJP as a communal entity do stream politicians have been from south Kashmir, who was the said. “BJP deleted our 70 years of sense of disenchantment.
of India’s action, Khan said the behind the new map of Pakistan, question him for joining the sidelined, and many are still first to challenge the revocation investment in peace, democracy, “People here are seething in
first mistaken assumption was to day after Islamabad issued a new Khan said he wanted to show to party, he says, but calls it “fake under house arrest. of Article 370 that conferred spe- and changed definitions of anger and can erupt any time as
expand his Hindu vote base by political map that depicted the the world Kashmir is a disputed propaganda.” Even Syed Altaf Bukhari, the cial status on J&K, said the democracy across India.” they feel they have been pushed
revoking Kashmir’s status. The Indian union territories of area. “We have said at every “Villagers come to me with chief of the fledgling Jammu and admission of the petition by the Sofi Yusuf of the BJP said the to the wall and robbed of every-
second assumption, he said, was Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh forum the Kashmir issue should hope and I try to get their work Kashmir Apni Party, which was Supreme Court had sent a mes- party had only fulfilled its years- thing ,” said lawyer Mudasir Naq-
that Pakistan would remain quiet and parts of Gujarat state as Paki- be resolved according to resolu- done. For workers like me, the conceived as an alternative to the sage that opponents of the move old promise by revoking Article ashband.
“because we were trying to stani territories. tions passed by the UN Security [effective] abrogation of special Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had a strong case. 370. “Due to restrictions and now Opinion in the Ladakh region
become friends with them”. The India had dismissed the map as Council and we have written this status was the biggest achieve- and the NC, is complaining. “One year has passed and from Covid-19, development could not appears divided with many in
third assumption was the world an “exercise in political absurd- on the map as well,” he said. ment, which opened the doors for “We were promised that abro- one lockdown to another lock- take place but now things have Muslim-majority Kargil seeking
would stay silent because other ity” with no legal backing. He announced his government us and development of pancha- gation of Article 370 would bring down which the people have started moving up and many to be a part of a J&K state. The
countries want to use India to Khan told his audience that his will confer its highest civilian yats,” Sofi says, taking notes from massive development, employ- faced... the Centre should read developmental projects are being sentiment appears to finds no
counter China, he added. The government had reacted strongly award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on his visitors as four armed police ment opportunities, industriali- the writing on the wall and undo completed,” Sofi said. “Leaders of traction in the predominantly
fourth miscalculation, he said, to India’s actions last year. “The Kashmiri separatist leader Syed guards keep watch on the road zation, and an influx of tourists. what has been done to J&K. The other parties should come for- Buddhist Leh. Both regions have
was that India thought it would be UN discussed the Kashmir issue Ali Shah Geelani. leading to his house. One year down the line, nothing people are silent but they have ward to accelerate the process.” common concerns about their
able to crush the Kashmiris by thrice during the last year for the Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign A year after Parliament has happened,” said Bukhari, a not reconciled [with the deci- rights to land and jobs.
posting hundreds of thousands of first time since 1965. It also pub- ministry clarified that the new pushed through constitutional former minister. “The economy sion],” Masoodi said. SENSE OF ALIENATION “We never demanded a UT
troops in the Kashmir Valley and lished two reports on human map reaffirmed the country’s changes that divested Jammu & has gone from bad to worse, the Muzaffar Shah, vice president of [Union Territory]. We were and
then change the region’s demog- rights abuses in...Kashmir,” he commitment to finding a solution Kashmir of its special status and tourism sector is in shambles and NEGATIVE PEACE the Awami National Conference, will remain against the abroga-
raphy. All these assumptions had said.He said he personally spoke to the Kashmir through “the real- bifurcated the state into two there is nobody on the ground to Most PDP leaders, including said not only the Kashmir Valley, tion of the special status and
proved wrong, Khan said. to world leaders about the issue. ization of the Kashmiris’ inalien- Union territories, J&K and hear the voices of people. party president and former chief but even the Jammu region and bifurcation of the state. Today
There was no immediate reac- “I explained to [US President able right to self-determination Ladakh, people associated with Bureaucracy is unresponsive, minister Mehbooba Mufti, are Ladakh want the return of Article people in Ladakh have no land
tion from the Indian side to Donald] Trump twice how Kash- through a free and impartial pleb- the BJP have a new sense of indifferent, and insensitive.” under detention. Mufti, detained 370 and Article 35A, which and job security,” said Sajjad
Khan’s comments, which came a mir was a flashpoint. I talked to iscite” under the UN. empowerment. Other main- Hasnain Masoodi, the NC MP under the Public Safety Act, had allowed the erstwhile state Kargili, a social activist in Kargil.
XXCE
The significance of the bhoomi pujan is being understated

T
THURSDAY 6 AUGUST 2020 VOL. XXXIX NO. 31 Hour of triumph
BELLS TOLL
O SWAPAN DASGUPTA
ne of my earliest memories of outright BJP victory in the Uttar Pradesh as-
the Ram Janmabhoomi move- sembly. It was the control of the state govern-
ment dates back to a few ment in Lucknow that set the stage for the kar
I
n his address on the occasion of the bhoomi months before the general surprise. Within two days, the party presi- seva of December 6, 1992, that culminated in
pujan at the soon-to-be-built Ram temple in election of 1989 that led to the dent, L.K. Advani, arrived at a temple behind the total demolition of the Babri shrine.
Ayodhya, the prime minister, Narendra Modi, defeat of Rajiv Gandhi. In the months preced- Delhi’s Khan Market and undertook a shila Those witnessing the telecast of the bhoo-
made an important point. The edifice, Mr Modi ing the election, Vishwanath Pratap Singh puja. The message was clear: on the question mi pujan for the Supreme Court-approved
had emerged as the symbol of the fight against of the Ram temple, the BJP would not yield. Ram temple may be struck by the fact that the
said, must be built amidst a shared feeling of broth- corruption, symbolized by the commissions In the end, the general election was fought undeniable religiosity of the Ram bhakts isn’t
erhood. Curiously, an objective assessment of the paid to middlemen involved in India’s pur- with the Janata Dal and the BJP avoiding tri- matched by a corresponding sense of militan-
resolution of the Ram temple issue — the legal case chase of artillery guns from a Swedish arma- angular contests in most of northern, central cy, the likes of which were witnessed in the
had dragged on for decades, accompanied by ments company. At the centre of the election and western India — an arrangement that kar seva of October 1990 and December 1992.
widening fissures in India’s body politic — would calculations of the non-Congress parties was contributed immeasurably to the Congress The subsuming of raw passion and anger by
the question of Opposition unity. It was con- losing its majority in the Lok Sabha and V.P. pageantry — the bhoomi pujan will, in effect,
reveal that amity was rare, almost absent, among
ventional wisdom at the time that if the Oppo- Singh becoming prime minister. The BJP’s be a victory celebration — didn’t happen
the contesting parties. One possible reason for this sition parties could put aside their other dif- tally rose from 2 to 85. merely because the final victory was a negoti-
absence of fraternity can be attributed to what took ferences and proffer a single candidate As a supporting party, the BJP continued ated settlement within the parameters of the
place on that dark afternoon of December 6, 1992. against the Congress in the constituencies, to put pressure on the Janata Dal-led govern- Constitution. It was the culmination of a post-
The demolition of the Babri Masjid, supposedly in Rajiv Gandhi would find it extremely difficult ment to facilitate temple construction. While 1994 strategic shift.
an orchestrated attempt by vigilantes, brought to repeat his resounding victory in 1984. The V.P. Singh kept up the pretence of negotia-
A
atmosphere of Lutyens’ Delhi resonated with tions, Muslim pressure resulted in at least two fter the demolition of the disputed
down with it the foundational vision of the republic intrigue and half-baked information. Janata Dal chief ministers — Mulayam Singh shrine in 1992, the entire Establish-
that was once committed to protect the principle of Among the many obstacles to Opposition Yadav in Uttar Pradesh and Lalu Prasad in ment of India, including the judiciary,
secularism. The mandir’s adherents have, time unity was the issue of the Bharatiya Janata Bihar — mounting countervailing pressure to trained its guns on the BJP and the wider
and again, drawn attention to the Supreme Court’s Party’s participation in the project. The issue stand firm and not yield ground to the Ram sangh parivar. Although the ban on the
order that removed the hurdles on the path of tem- was much more than the secular-communal bhakts. This was the period that saw Ayodhya Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh couldn’t
schism that was a contributory factor in the occupy the centre-stage of a furious debate all stand judicial scrutiny, there was a definite
ple construction at the site of the mosque. The judg-
break-up of the Janata Party in 1979. In June over the country that drew the middle classes feeling within the saffron leadership that the
ment, it must be admitted, was unanimous. But the 1989, at its national executive meeting in into the battle. It created the perfect setting for Ayodhya movement was in danger of spin-
unanimous verdict notwithstanding, the court had Palampur (Himachal Pradesh), the BJP had Advani to warn of the “greatest mass move- was seriously underestimated by the metro- ning out of control and being taken over by the
been forced to acknowledge that the wanton de- taken the momentous decision to formally en- ment” in India and announce an innovative politan elite that still clung on to its faith in extremists. With political power at the Centre
struction and desecration of the mosque were in- dorse the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s move- plan to undertake a rath yatra from the Som- what can loosely be called the Nehruvian con- and the states now a real possibility and the
fringements of the law. ment for building a Ram temple on the site of a nath temple in Gujarat to Ayodhya where the sensus. A large section of this elite pinned Congress no longer in a hegemonic position, a
16th century Mughal shrine — the Babri kar seva for the temple would start. their hopes on the Congress returning to calculated decision appears to have been
The rule of law has been brought under duress, Masjid — in Ayodhya. More to the point, the It is sometimes difficult for those who did- power and restoring stability. On its part, the taken to lower the temperature of Hindu dis-
repeatedly, on account of the pursuit of a dangero- VHP, with the participation of local BJP units, n’t experience the events from mid-1990 to the fractured remnants of the Janata Dal, with quiet and direct it towards the quest for politi-
us politics of conflagration. It cannot be denied that had launched a programme to despatch con- end of 1993 to gauge the headiness, emotional the encouragement of Left intellectuals, en- cal power. The process was uneven and even
the saga of the temple dedicated to one of India’s secrated bricks to Ayodhya for the proposed turbulence and even the violence that marked tertained the belief that the parallel furore met with some resistance within the larger
temple. There were reports from all over the transformation of the Ayodhya movement over reservations for other backward classes parivar but the change was discernible when
most revered deities has been marked not by con- India, and even overseas, of Ramshila pujas in into a defining, inflection point in India’s re- would witness an intra-Hindu clash between the focus of the Ayodhya movement shifted
sensus but, sadly, by division and conflict. Faith — villages and towns. In some places, the occa- cent history. There were times it seemed that Mandal and kamandal and undermine the from mass mobilization to securing either a
it should reside in the personal sphere — assumed sion had also triggered Hindu-Muslim clash- India would be engulfed by a civil war and Ayodhya movement’s claims of Hindu unity. negotiated settlement or a judicial victory.
a contorted, ominous shape once it was dragged out es. Consequently, there was intense pressure even by a mass uprising that would transform Some of these calculations were over- The attempts at a negotiated settlement with
into the public space. The Bharatiya Janata Party on the newly formed Janata Dal to keep its dis- the fundamental character of the Republic. turned by the tragic assassination of Rajiv Muslim bodies were always difficult and
and the sangh parivar have shown an unmatched tance from the BJP to avoid the loss of Muslim Future historians who care to look beyond the Gandhi in the middle of the election cam- ended abruptly after the BJP was voted out of
support. To complicate matters further, there accounts in newspapers published from paign. It is impossible to accurately gauge the power in 2004. Thereafter, the real challenge
energy when it comes to transforming faith into po- were reports of the Congress playing footsie urban centres will be struck by the parallel, impact of the resulting sympathy vote for the was to get the Supreme Court to hear the case
litical capital. But other parties, including its prin- with the VHP over a proposed shilanyas of the subterranean narrative centred on folk songs Congress. My own estimates are that had it with a sense of urgency and deliver its judg-
cipal opponent, have not always resisted the temp- temple. that were widely distributed in the form of not been for the assassination, the results ment.
tation to follow suit. An inclusive, accommodating It was at this juncture that V.P. Singh cassettes and pravachans in hugely-attended would have broadly replicated the outcome of Wednesday afternoon’s bhoomi pujan
nation has lost out in the process, as it lies besieged made it clear to the BJP that there could be no village sabhas by itinerant sadhus and sad- the 1996 general election. However, despite marks a huge Hindu victory whose larger sig-
question of any electoral understanding un- hvis where the theme of honouring Lord Ram the post-assassination recovery of Congress nificance is being understated. Perhaps the
by the forces of sectarianism. One way of redemp- less it distanced itself from the VHP. The at the very place he was born would resonate. fortunes, especially in Maharashtra, neither full realization will unfold when the actual
tion — perhaps the only way — would be to reclaim BJP’s response to this threat took everyone by The emotional fervour of the mobilization sympathy nor Mandal was able to prevent an temple is finally inaugurated.
Ram as an emblem of unity. Not the hegemonic
unity that the BJP dreams of but the unity that is
The information pandemic

achieved by the seamless cohesion of multiple iden-
tities and beliefs, a trait synonymous with Old
India. Hopefully, this is the model of fusion that po-
litical leaders have in mind when they say that
T ADITYASHARMA
Ram belongs to everyone. A shared, consensual he conscience of India has been shaken flow of correct information are not a priority of
ownership, and not majoritarian chest-thumping, by issues pertaining to caste, religion this government was established when it ar-
is the best guarantee for brotherhood. and ethnicity as well as by stories of gued in the Supreme Court that the media can
war, economic distress and injustice on sever- ries of the Partition, wars or famines, the mi- formation. only publish the ‘official’ account on the coron-
al occasions. Truths were once informed by ac- grants’ exodus and the government’s chi- Economists at the University of Chicago, avirus.
AN EPIPHANY counts in radio broadcasts, television bul-

letins and headlines the morning after. But the
onset of a global health crisis in the digital age
canery would haunt India’s conscience.
But the pandemic has had worrying impli-
cations for some of our fundamental freedoms,
having studied the conservative American
news channel, Fox News, argue that there is a
price to be paid for ignoring the truths about a
What is causing the information overload
in India? Misleading information is perhaps
the answer. It has compromised the search for
I
n a recent conversation with Rahul Gandhi, has changed all this. Today, people are being including the right to information, the right to pandemic on television: among other things, it quality information amidst the noise and the
the Nobel laureate, Muhammad Yunus, subjected to a targeted media and their unre- expression and assembly as well as the right to slows down viewers’ behavioural response to confusion. It has also challenged the culture of
stressed the importance of recognizing infor- lenting information. There is thus a flood of in- health and justice. Mass surveillance tech- the coronavirus. A study in the Harvard comprehension by cluttering the media. The
formation on the Covid-19 pandemic. But the nologies and mandatory contact tracing dur- Kennedy School Misinformation Review CoronavirusFactsAlliance at the Poynter In-
mal sector workers and giving them greater priv- best among us are struggling to filter and as- ing lockdowns have placed civil liberties at echoes this finding; higher exposure to chan- stitute has listed over 1,200 fact-checks carried
ileges and rights. Many of these workers are mi- sess this information given our limited indi- stake, while falsehood, hatred and stigma on nels like Fox News, it says, increases belief in out in India over the past few months of the
grants who left their villages to seek a better life in vidual competency in data literacy. We the airwaves have infected our judgment. For conspiracy theories about the virus. It must be pandemic; this figure is the highest in the
the urban sectors of the economy. An overwhelm- are trying — ineptly — to navigate through instance, during the Tablighi Jamaat contro- mentioned that in India, the coverage of the world. Racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia
ing majority of them have no security of employ- this information deluge, pushing journalists to versy, the media had chosen to tune their pandemic in several national and regional frequently feature in these false narratives, so
explain data to readers and viewers, who are prime time debates to the ‘irresponsibility’ of news channels was tainted with communal much so that the Unesco is now concerned
ment, disengagement privileges, provident fund,
consuming news at an unprecedented scale. Muslims in spreading the virus and endorsed undertones. about the production, transmission and recep-
health insurance, the maximum hours of work, The appetite for more information has communal remarks instead of broadcasting Access to verifiable information completion of viral false news.
ration cards; some do not even have voter cards or seemingly expanded, if not advanced, our abil- useful information during a health crisis. This ments the right to the freedom of expression We appear to be caught in an ‘information
proof of citizenship. Little wonder then that these ity to recognize contradictions in the mes- misdemeanor stopped after governments and while misleading information, or the absence turmoil’. This new normal should force us to
people are invisible in the glittering lights of a sages. Distressed migrant workers were leaders of Gulf nations called out the Islamo- of information, heightens the risks to public consider a new digital template of producing
shining India. The coronavirus pandemic has among the first to realize that they had been phobic hate speeches, forcing the prime minis- health. Strikingly, a survey of State Informa- and consuming information and data. The dis-
tricked. Many of them had taken the road after ter to tweet that Covid-19 does not discrimi- tion Commissions, bodies established under semination of incorrect information and the
suddenly revealed the faces the nation does not waiting for the government to offer help. A nate among race, religion, colour and so on. the Right to Information Act, found that all but discouragement of good journalism are not in
want to see. Millions of them emerged on the high- large section of expelled labourers was lied to Disinformation and fake news in the media are one of the 29 Information Commissions were our best interests. We must attempt to reduce
ways of the nation like a large festering sore. when the government suspended labour impeding access to reliable information. We shut down during the first two phases of the the demands on our time and efforts spent in
Migrant workers constitute only a part of in- rights in their states. Unlike the fading memo- are thus facing a parallel pandemic of poor in- lockdown. That transparency and the free accessing reliable information.
formal sector workers. Mr Yunus is correct in
pointing out that it would be a folly to return to a
business-as-usual model after the pandemic pe- note that most afflicted politi- over government facilities the system and work towards gather in large crowds and
ters out. This is thus a wonderful opportunity to cians sought treatment at for treatment. This has justly overcoming them. attend social events. Could
reset the economy and society so that unemploy- some of the top ranked pri- led to the Opposition ques- not the bhoomi pujan have
vate hospitals in the country tioning the reasons behind Venu G.S., been held virtually? At this
ment is minimal and incomes fair and adequate
whereas ordinary citizens the decision. Kollam, Kerala time of unprecedented crisis,
for dignified living for all. India’s informal sector have been left at the mercy of This preference for pri- the safety of the people must
is large and unorganized, leaving room for sys- government hospitals which vate hospitals, however, ■ Sir — It is unfortunate take precedence.
tematic exploitation of workers, many of whom are struggling to provide brings into sharp focus the that the Union home minis-
are children. In the absence of comprehensive basic treatment. Does this unfortunate reality of the ter, Amit Shah, has tested S.K. Choudhury,
data about its size, occupational distribution or then indicate that the minis- country’s public healthcare positive for Covid-19 and Bangalore
ters themselves do not have system. It seems that few pol- has been hospitalized. Shah
contribution to the economy, the informal sector much faith in the treatment icy makers trust government had taken part in a cabinet ■ Sir — The coronavirus
remains a poorly understood and grossly neglect- and care provided by the gov- institutions. Their choices in meeting last week which crisis in India — it is one of
ed area for policymakers. While the government ernment hospitals? this hour of need will either was attended by other the worst affected countries
estimates the size to be about 93 per cent of the If that is so, then the in- strengthen or diminish pub- ministers, including the in the world — has now
labour force, the Niti Aayog says it is around 85 evitable conclusion is that lic trust in government hos- prime minister, Narendra reached the highest echelons
the lives of politicians are pitals. Politicians must un- Modi. Considering the rapid of government with the
per cent. There are a few laws covering migrant
considered to be more pre- derstand that public hospi- spread of the disease, was it a Union home minister, Amit
Unlikely outcome
and informal sector workers, but most of the po- cious than those of ordinary tals require the patronage of good idea for the prime min- Shah, contracting the dis-
tential beneficiaries are not even registered as people. Had the political lead- those in power to survive. If ister to attend the bhoomi ease. However, his decision
part of the workforce. Hence their rights are easi- ers been admitted to state- the hospitals are indeed not pujan ceremony for laying to opt for private treatment
ly ignored. This also helps producers and busi- ■ Sir — Experts are of the opinion that the decision taken by run hospitals, it would have sufficiently equipped, then the foundation stone of the at the Medanta hospital over
nesses since wages are kept low and worker bene- the Donald Trump administration to prevent the hiring of for- strengthened the faith of citi- the government must ac- Ram temple in Ayodhya? the All India Institute of Med-
eign workers will hurt the American economy far more than zens in these institutions. Ir- knowledge the deficiencies of While people have been as- ical Sciences in Delhi has
fits are not paid. The largest number of informal it will affect Indians, and might push the Indian technology respective of the quality of sured that all social distanc- raised eyebrows. Does it
workers on daily oral contracts is in the agricul- sector to finally start building at home. While this is encour- treatment, the middle class ing norms had been main- mean that even AIIMS,
tural sector. Now, with many migrants returning aging, one wonders about the likelihood of this scenario given and the poor cannot afford to tained at the cabinet meeting, which is considered to be one
home to their villages, the pressure on this sector that all industries have shrunk on account of the pandemic. It pay the exorbitant bills contact tracing is still one of of the finest medical institu-
has increased with higher unemployment or is possible that in the absence of a US work permit, Indians racked up by private hospi- the primary ways of restrict- tes in the country, is not
might search for jobs in places that are still welcoming immi- tals and have no choice but to ing the transmission of the equipped enough to properly
more underemployment. Able-bodied workers
grants — such as Canada — rather than pin their hopes on the depend on state-run health- coronavirus. As such, the treat Covid-19 patients? If
are not working to the full extent of their capabili- development of the Indian technology sector. care institutes. prime minister should have that is so, then there is little
ties, but rather sharing available jobs. These peo- ideally quarantined himself hope for ordinary people to
ple can no longer be ignored or forgotten. The Ananya Saha, Tharcius S. Fernando, for the required period of survive this pandemic.
least the government can do is to ensure that all New Delhi Chennai time.
workers are registered and receive the existing Questions had been Rohan Datta,
benefits the laws of the nation provide for. Rather curious tive”, Aug 3). Others who
have tested positive include
■ Sir — Many politicians, in-
cluding ministers at the Cen-
raised earlier over whether it
is a good idea to hold such a
Calcutta
■ Sir — It is unfortunate that the governor of Tamil Nadu, tre and the states, have tested large religious assembly at ▼
many politicians have tested Banwarilal Purohit, as well positive for Covid-19. Howev- this time. The participation
SCRIPSI positive for the novel coron-
avirus, with the Union home
as the chief minister of Kar-
nataka, B.S. Yediyurappa.
er, several, including Amit
Shah — he has been admitted
of political leaders in such
events will send the wrong
Letters should be sent to:
T
6 Prafulla Sarkar Street,
Everybody’s shaking in his boots, so don’t be bluffed. minister, Amit Shah, being While we wish them a speedy to the Medanta hospital — message to the masses who Calcutta 700001
the latest (“Shah tests posi- recovery, it is interesting to chose private institutions Curious choice might deem it acceptable to ttedit@abpmail.com
KURT VONNEGUT
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�� (Sonam Wangchuk is a famous
�� Indian engineer, innovator and
�� education reformist and founder
�� member of HIAL. He is also the
�� founding-director of the Students'
�� Educational and Cultural
�� Movement of Ladakh)
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�� (The author is Union Minister
�� for Education in Government of
�� India)
��
THE SIKH TIMES EDITORIAL New Delhi, Thursday, 6 August, 2020 6
What is decaf
coffee, know how
How many generations went to dream of Ram temple,
much more today's generation is indeed fortunate
beneficial it is than Many centuries later, a dream is going to come true for
which millions of people spent their lives and millions of
Lord Rama at that place. After this, by the order of
Allahabad High Court, in 2003, the Government sent a
people laid down their lives just to see that a grand Ram team of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
normal coffee? temple will be built in Ayodhya one day. Today's
generation is very fortunate to have the privilege of The souls of thousands of such
archaeological experts to excavate the place, so that the
evidence of the temple or mosque could be found. The
seeing the construction of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi ASI in its report indicated the presence of a 10th-
temple. Today's generation can proudly say that we have devotees, who laid down their lives century temple under the disputed Babri Masjid. But
seen every brick in the grand Ram temple. It is most Muslim groups rejected the report.
fortunate that today's generation can say that we have in the Ram temple movement, must On September 30, 2010, three judges of the special bench,
seen our adorable Ram seated in a grand Ram temple
from the temple of tents. No one knows how many be feeling proud and happy in Justice SU Khan, Justice Sudhir Aggarwal and Justice
Dharamvir Sharma, gave a majority decision and
generations would have struggled to see this day and not
many Ram devotees have shed their blood. Today it
heaven today. Due to the sacrifices divided the disputed site into three parts by the
Lucknow bench of the High Court regarding the
seems as if Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shri Ram is
returning to his home after completing his exile. The
of such devotees, we are getting to disputed case. The judgment said that the disputed site
is the birthplace of Lord Rama and ordered not to
proposed Sri Ram Janmabhoomi temple construction see this happy day. remove the idols of Ramlala from there. Out of which it
land Pujan on 05 August 2020 will involve only a few was decided to give one third part to the Hindus
prominent people due to the Corona epidemic. representing Ramlala seated for the Ram temple and
The presence of common people in this land one third to the Nirmohi Akhara and also to give one
worship program is prohibited due to Corona third to the Sunni Waqf Board. In this judgment, 2.7
epidemic. Of course, people could not witness acres of land having disputed site has been divided
this momentous and proud moment, but Rama is into three parts, in the judgment, but an important
eternal and eternal and Ram devotees of the confirmation by the court which was made in its
whole world are accommodated in Rama, so decision was about the birth place of Lord Shri Ram
If you are also a coffee lover and are afraid of wherever they are, they will participate in this Chandra ji, in which It was said that the disputed site is
consuming too much caffeine, then you can use program. For Ram devotees, there is the feeling the birthplace of Lord Rama and the biggest thing in
decaf coffee. Decaf coffee (decaffeinated and joy of building a grand Ram temple more the judgment was that the disputed mosque built by
coffee) may be the best option for you. It is a than being involved in the Bhoomi Poojan the Mughal emperor Babur was against Islamic law
simple coffee but it does not contain caffeine. program. Because only the construction of the and was not in conformity with Islamic values. This
Decaf coffee is the full name decaffeinated grand Ram temple will free us from the stigma of decision was the biggest happy day for the hurt
coffee. hundreds of years of slavery. Hindus for centuries. The court may not have ordered
This coffee is made with coffee beans. Of this, 97 Lord Shri Ram Chandra Ji is the ideal man and the the construction of a Ram temple at that place in this
percent of the caffeine is removed. The caffeine presiding deity of all Sanatan Dharma. Lord judgment, but this decision brought respect to the
Rama has been given the paramount position in sentiments of Hindus and their long struggle for
is removed from this coffee by several Sanatan Dharma. For many centuries, it was a centuries. But some parties did not accept this
processes, the main process of which uses water, matter of great sorrow and shame that Lord Rama, who last hundreds of years. This site was first disputed decision and the matter went to the Supreme Court. In a
carbon dioxide and organic solvents. Coffee should have had a grand Ram temple in his birthplace between Hindus and Muslims in 1853. In view of this similar sequence, on November 9, 2020, a 5-judge special
seeds are first washed in solvent until caffeine is Ayodhya, had to fight for his existence there for many dispute, in 1859, the British asked Muslims to use the bench headed by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
released from them.The solvent is also removed centuries. Ramjanmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya is a inner part and Hindus for the Namaz in 1859, and the Ranjan Gogoi unanimously ruled that the disputed land in
from the coffee after caffeine is released. political, historical and socio-religious dispute, which is a British rule barred the entry of Hindus in the inner part by Ayodhya is owned by Ramlala.The special bench of 5
Caffeine can also be extracted through carbon hundreds of years old dispute. The basic issue of this an iron siege. From here the matter was further judges of the court (Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice
dioxide. This process is also known as Swiss dispute is about the birthplace of the Hindu presiding complicated by the British. The belief and sentiments of Sharad Arvind Bobde, Justice Dhananjay Yashwant
water process. Decaf coffee seems like a simple deity Lord Shri Ram Chandra Ji and the condition of the Hindus were hurt by this. From here the matter got Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Abdul
coffee but does not contain caffeine. During the Babri Masjid. Apart from this, the reason for the dispute entangled and the dispute between Hindus and Muslims Nazir), within three months, told the temple within three
was that the Hindu temple at that place was demolished or about this site widened. In 1949, a statue of Lord Rama months that the Ramlala was entitled to the disputed land
caffeine removal process, the coffee color may was placed in the inner part. Seeing increasing tension and
change slightly. a mosque was built or the temple was converted into a in Ayodhya. He also ordered a trust for construction. After
mosque. If we go to the root of this dispute, it starts from dispute between Hindus and Muslims, the then Nehru 40 days of continuous hearing, the Supreme Court
How much caffeine does decaf coffee contain? the Mughal period. government got its gate locked. In 1986, Faizabad District delivered the historic verdict, ending the centuries-old
(How much caffeine is in decaf coffee) Judge ordered the opening of the said site for the worship dispute and paving the way for the construction of the
The most important role in this dispute has been the foreign
This coffee is not completely caffeine free. There invader Zahir ud-din Muhammad Babur, who was the of Hindus. The Muslim community constituted the Babri Ram temple in Ayodhya. Along with this, the Supreme
is also a lot of caffeine in it. Some studies have founder of the Mughal dynasty in India. The mosque was Masjid Action Committee to protest against this. After Court said in its decision that the Sunni Waqf Board
proven that a cup of this coffee contains 3 mg of built on the birthplace of Ram in 1528 by Babar's Mughal this, karsevaks demolished the disputed Babri Masjid on should be given 5 acres of space for construction of
caffeine. If we talk about simple coffee, then one commander Mirbaki. Which was named Babri Masjid. 06 December 1992 in spite of police resistance, due to the mosque somewhere in Ayodhya itself. This decision of
cup of it contains 70 to 140 mg of caffeine. A According to the Hindu mythological Ramayana and question mark on the birth place of their favorite deity the Supreme Court was a very historic decision. All the
small amount of caffeine is also found in decaf Ramcharit Manas, Lord Rama was born here. Ram Shri Ram Chandra Ji for centuries and in the presence of countrymen welcomed the Supreme Court's decision in a
coffee. Janmabhoomi has been the cause of controversy for the millions of angry Hindu society. And installed the idol of peaceful and cordial manner.
Decaf coffee is loaded with antioxidants and
nutrition (Decaf Coffee is loaded with Editorial
antioxidants)
Coffee is not as harmful as we think it is. Withdrawal of Articles 370 and 35-A from Jammu and Kashmir should be an observation of what we found lost
Antioxidants and nutrients are found in plenty in
it. Decaf coffee also contains as many anti- Jammu and Kashmir is going to India that has a special had no hearing, should be
oxidants as an ordinary coffee. This coffee may �Of course have a year free from the
tightness of 35-A with the
significance. To mislead
the country and the world,
intensified. This was because the
mainstream political parties also
have 15 percent less anti-oxidants. This happens
during the caffeine removal process. Kashmir is nutritious Article 370 of there was a lot of mention used to ignore these neglected
injustice and separatism. On of Jamuriyat and humanity classes and at the same time satisfy
These anti-oxidants protect you from radicals that
are harmful to your body. Through these radicals
on the right this occasion, it should not along with Kashmiriyat, the anti-Pakistan and separatist
you get protection from many diseases like heart track but it only be seen what was but it was stolen that why elements.
achieved during this time, there is no place for That is why separatism took the form
disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
In addition to anti-oxidants, decaf coffee also
has a long but also what other steps Kashmiri Pandits in the of a business there. Along with
contains very few nutritional elements. By way to go. need to be taken to streamline
this new union territory. This
Kashmir Valley and why
there are jihadi acts like
ending this business completely,
there is a dire need to rein in the
drinking a cup of this coffee, you get 2.4 percent
magnesium, 4.8 percent potassium and 2.5
There is a should also be assessed in the Islamic State. In progress? remaining terror in Kashmir. This
percent niacin and vitamin B3. dire need to context of Ladakh created by take time to improve.
the Union Territory along with This is indicated by sporadic terrorist
Until Kashmiri Pandits are
able to return to the valley and live
need will be met when further
pressure will be put on Pakistan,
Advantages of decaffeinated coffee
This coffee does not contain caffeine so it is
rein in the Jammu and Kashmir. It is not attacks, and secondly, with the there without any fear, it will be which is openly advocating
completely safe and beneficial for your health. remaining denied that a lot has changed in
these two Union Territories in the
detention of many leaders.
Generally, these are the leaders who
difficult to say that the situation in
Kashmir has become normal. In
terrorism. Pakistan has been
isolated internationally due to its
This coffee protects us from various diseases like
cancer, diabetes and heart diseases.
terror in last one year, but in the last three directly or indirectly advocated order to fix the situation in antics, but its terrorist activities are
decades, the situation there and
This coffee is also very beneficial for our skin. It Kashmir. especially in the Kashmir Valley
separatism and gave the illusion
that pseudo-Kashmiriyat is under
Kashmir, the work of
mainstreaming those sections
still going on. No doubt Kashmir is
on the right track, but it has a long
also has some anti-aging properties which are has become so bad that they will the guise that Kashmir is a part of which are either neglected or which way to go.
beneficial in keeping your skin soft and young.
Many attempts were made to disrupt the

path of Hindus during 500 years of struggle.
for the awakening of India's slavery society. When society. The Left, the so-called Secular and
On 6 December 1992, it Shri Ram felt that now Leela had to be given a new
form and to make Navilavas, he abandoned the
Congress, tried their best to create this diabolical
atmosphere in India. In fact, the Babri demolition
appears that all the tarpaulin and headed towards the new building.
Hohi Soi Jo Rama Rakhi Rakha
was Ram Kaj, an opportunity to destroy the cow,
the erasure of five hundred years of frustration,
Rambhaktas involved in To promote logic
As you say, Japan Harinama.
depression and stigma. Whatever adverse,
favorable adverse remarks were made by the court
Babri demolition were Goddess Sati where Lord Sukhdhama from 6 December 1992 to 9 October 2019 on the
Babri demolition, we Hindus of this nation should
I can say from my own experience that if there had not
directly and indirectly been a heroic incident of December 6 in history, then
neither remember nor forget them. I think all the
judicial comments on Babri demolition will be
there could not have been a rational decision on
involved in the demolition of November 9, 2019. Also it has to be said that on
cleared by our society in due course. There will be
an omnipresent churning which will establish the
December 6, 1992, all the Rambhaktas involved in
the godless monkeys Babri demolition in Ayodhya were directly and
essence of this discourse. Ramakaj is the first duty
of every citizen in a society which has considered
indirectly involved in the soul of the apes like Devas took place across the country and the world after the
engaged in the construction engaged in the construction of Rameswaram Ramsetu Babri demolition, a famous writer ever wrote that that Shri Ram as his ancestor, his kutumbapati, his father,
his lord, his ethicist and his ideal. Undoubtedly the
on that day. Squirrels, Nal, Neel, Jambavant, Sugriva, discussion was very frightening. The entire Indian and
of Rameswaram Ramsetu on Angad, Hanuman, including Bhaiya Lakshmana and global media had done a lot of immoral, unrestrained temple construction is Ramkaj and the demolition of
Babri was also Ramkaj.
Shriram were present there as volunteers and were and unnecessary babbling. Indian secular widows
that day in Ayodhya. writing the story of the birth of a new era with their were mourning and from the BBC to the New York If society, country and the world thinks that the
construction of Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya is the last
own hands. Times, Mirror, Washington Post, Economic Times,
etc. were saying the same as what Pakistan's "The Ramkaj, then it thinks wrong. You should not worry, I
Goswami was moving forward saying these words of am not talking about Mathura, Kashi etc. Mathura
First any Lord Dhanush Tankora. Ripu Dal Deaf Tulsidas every volunteer: Dan" was saying. The Time magazine had written that
"the holy work is destroying peace in India." Time also Kashi is a social work in itself that will take the form of
Fearless Sun Sora. Tie a cuttings yellow tape. a proper campaign when the time comes; I am
After nearly five hundred years of continuous, bitter and Please bow your head to the balm. published a story titled "Rage of Ram" at that time.
Research papers such as Ayodhya and the Politics of discussing here that the person who has been putting a
fervent struggle, the first stone to be built on the Peet jagya upbeet hailed. stigma on our forehead for five hundred years will not
Ramlala Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya is to be laid on 5 India's Secularism: A Double-Standards Discourse
Nakh Sikh Manju Mahachhabi Chhaye were also published from the University of California. end with the mere construction of a temple. To end this
August. Those who can peep within time know that the Tarkas and Pitambara are tied at the waist. The arrows in stigma, we have to raise a broad discourse against the
process of temple construction started on the day of 6 In this entire discussion, the only thing emphasized
the hands and the bow on the shoulders and the yellow was that the Supreme Court of India has declared the conspiracy and shameful discourse of the five hundred
December 1992, the day the Babri structure was yagnopaveet are graceful. From Nakhra to Shikha, all years in our society. The temple is gross but the
removed from the land of India. From Babri structure demolition of the structure illegal. After the Babri
the parts are beautiful, they have great beauty and they demolition, such writings were sponsored across the extensive discussion of the temple is a divine thought.
to grand construction, this development and ascension are walking together. We have to work to establish this divine idea so that we
is all destined and Ramcharit Leela. Shri Ram wanted country to create an atmosphere of intense self-
Lanka Dahan, sorry, in the context of the discussion that aggression, sorrow, frustration and regret in Hindu can make our future generations self-confident.
to allow his birthplace to be occupied by the terrorists
4 EDIT ��
Ayodhya, Amaravati, dation stone. No one questions if a Prime Minister or

a Chief Minister participates in Christmas celebra-
Lagnam. While it is certainly a matter for celebration,
one also needs to ponder over the rituals like carrying
75TH ANNIVERSARY OF BOMBINGS
OF HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI
holy water and mud
tions or attends Iftar parties or even host Iftar parties. holy water and mud. Is it just a matter of ritual or does
That is called secularism. But if he goes to lay founda- it have any sanctity? Does it purify the land where it
tion stone for a Hindu temple, he becomes communal. is sprinkled? This question arises because similar ex-
This is rather unfortunate. Why can’t political parties ercise was made regarding Amravati as well. Soil and
A ugust 5 is certainly a historic day as the long-cher-

ished dream of the majority of people of India
who wanted to see a grand temple of Lord Rama at
and leaders feel that this could usher in a new chapter
and ensure greater bonding between the Hindus and
Muslims and become another step towards territorial
water from 16,000 villages in the State and prominent
pilgrim centres in the country were brought to the
capital region to be used in the construction of the
Ayodhya would soon become a reality. Of course, this integrity of nation. It is not Modi as individual who capital city. The idea is to promote a sense of belong-
issue had been mired in several controversies for the has gone to lay the foundation stone, but it is the Prime ingness among the people, it was claimed. It was the
past three decades and witnessed a long-drawn battle. Minister of India. The objections raised by politicians same Narendra Modi who laid the foundation stone
It was also the main agenda on which the BJP fought against Modi’s foundation stone is nothing but pseudo for the new capital of Andhra Pradesh at Uddan-
several elections and is likely to be used by the BJP secularism. As part of Hindu tradition, water and earth darayunipalem village in Guntur district. Modi said
during the next elections as well. was collected from the “thousands of holy rivers and this symbolism had the message that Delhi would be
The positive sign in this matter is that the minori- shrines” across the country. The earth and water came working with AP at every step to make sure the growth
TIME TO END THE

ties who fought legal battle finally decided to accept from Nagpur, the birthplace of the Rashtriya Swayam- of the capital and State takes place properly. Amaravati
the decision of the apex court. A Muslim leader of Fiz- sevak Sangh (RSS); from Kashi, the birthplace of Sant will be a benchmark for the development of new cities.
abad, who was one of the main contestants against Ravidasji; the Maharshi Valmiki Ashram at Sitamarhi, Andhra Pradesh is taking up a new initiative on Vijaya
the construction of temple on the land where Babri Bihar; Kachargad in Gondia District in Vidarbha (Ma- Dasami of building a new capital at the place where
Masjid was demolished showed magnanimity by ac-
cepting the invitation for the foundation stone cere-
mony and said that perhaps Lord Rama himself
harashtra); Ramrekhadham of Jharkhand; Tantya
Bheel’s holy land in Madhya Pradesh; Shri Harmandir
Sahib (Golden Temple) of Amritsar; Mhow, the birth-
in history it commanded respect for its culture.
Though Modi said Amaravati was truly people's capi-
tal, the issue has now landed into legal controversies
NUCLEAR MENACE
wanted him to participate in it. This indicates the place of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar; the Jain Lal Mandir and the fate of about 30,000 farmers is hanging in bal-
unity in diversity and the bonding between the people in Delhi and the Valmiki Temple in Delhi, where Ma- ance. The only di�erence between Ayodhya and Ama- ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
of the country. hatma Gandhi lived for 72 days. There is also a con- ravati is that the legal complications regarding Ayod-
There has also been an unnecessary controversy
that the Prime Minister should not go for laying foun-
troversy over the Muhurtam for laying foundation
stone. It is said that on Wednesday there is no Abhijit
hya are over while Amaravati farmers are still fighting
for their rights. T his month marks the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, when humanity learned of the devas-
tation a single nuclear bomb can unleash. The lingering su�ering
caused to the survivors, the hibakusha, should give us daily motivation
to eliminate all nuclear arms. They have shared their stories so the
PART- II horror experienced by Hiroshima and Nagasaki will never be forgot-
ten. Yet the nuclear threat is growing once more.
A web of agreements and instruments has been constructed to
Budding bureaucrat’s dates with disasters

prevent the use of these uniquely destructive weapons and ultimately
to eliminate them. But that framework has idled for decades and is
starting to erode. The potential that nuclear weapons will be used –
intentionally, accidentally or as a result of miscalculation – is dan-
gerously high.
tance provided by the TRC Fuelled by mounting international tensions and the dissolution
TALKING OF should be used to leverage insti- of trust, relations between countries that possess nuclear weapons
tutional finance. She was recep- are devolving into dangerous and destabilising confrontations. As
MANY THINGS tive to the idea and a project was governments lean heavily on nuclear weapons for security, politicians
drawn up for supplying mecha- are trading heated rhetoric about their possible use and devoting
nised boats at the rate of five vast sums of money to improving their lethality, money that would
families for each unit to help the be much better spent on peaceful, sustainable development.
a�ected fishermen rehabilitate For decades, nuclear testing led to horrific human and environ-
themselves and find remunera- mental consequences. This relic of a former age should be confined
tive livelihoods. Necessary sup- there forever. Only a legally-binding, verifiable prohibition on all nu-
porting infrastructure such as clear testing can achieve this.
purchase arrangements by the �� The Comprehensive Nuclear-
Andhra Pradesh Fisheries Cor- Test-Ban Treaty has proven its
poration (APFC), refrigerated �� worth, yet some States have
Dr Mohan Kanda transport and marketing, once �� still to sign or ratify the treaty,
T
again by the APFC, were also �� preventing it from fulfilling its
hat was when the Gover- worked out. It was a very sensi- �� full potential as an essential el-
nor thought of establish- ble and well thought out
ing an organisation in the arrangement, although, over
�� ement in the framework to
eliminate nuclear weapons.
Raj Bhavan, not merely for the time, the whole scheme was un- �� Along with climate change,
post -cyclone activities currently fortunately diverted by the �� nuclear weapons represent an
on, but also generally to take up Sarpanch of the village to his �� existential threat to our soci-
rural development activities. The personal benefit. I came to know �� eties. Most of the roughly
idea was that the autonomous of that because I grew suspicious 13,000 nuclear arms currently
body would also be able to lever- of the regular reports received It was a common practice in the Ministry of Agriculture to ask a Joint �� in global arsenals are vastly
age institutional finance. Dr B from the district and the banks Secretary to lead an inter-ministerial Central team to assess damages and to �� more destructive than the
Venkatappaiah, the legendary that repayments were regular �� bombs dropped on Hiroshima
civil servant who had played a and prompt. That should not recommend assistance whenever a natural calamity occurred in a State and
�� and Nagasaki. Any use would
historical role in the process of normally have been the case that State (or Union Territory) requested for Central assistance. Following a precipitate a humanitarian dis-
�� aster
revamping and resurrecting the when poor fishermen were in- cloudburst that had caused extensive damage in Kinnaur district of Himachal �� tions.
of unimaginable propor-
rural credit sector in India, sug- volved, and the activity was sea-
gested the name ‘Chetana’ for sonal and risky. Further investi- Pradesh, I was asked to lead such a team. Upon reaching the village, one �� It is time to return to the
the proposed organisation. One gations revealed that the found that the whole habitation had been razed to the ground. A sudden, �� shared understanding that a
of the significant activities with Sarpanch had actually taken on intense and short-lived cloudburst at the top of a nearby hill had caused the �� nuclear war cannot be won and
which nascent ‘Chetana’ started the management of all the boats must not be fought, to the col-
its life was the organisation of a in the village using the fisher- formation of a massive body which hurled down and hit the village. Houses, �� lective agreement that we
workshop in rural development men, in e�ect, as workers! Given offices and even the electric substation had all been completely flattened or �� should work towards a world
attended by such distinguished the arrangements we had al- washed away. And there were practically no survivors. It was a heartrending �� free of nuclear weapons, and to
luminaries as Dr Y Nayudamma ready put in place and the econ- �� the spirit of cooperation that
and Dr V Kurien. I was given the omy of scale his ingenious plan scene. But one had one’s duty to do. After the visit was over, we went back to enabled historic progress to-
privilege and honour of editing o�ered, no wonder everything the guest house as a team, sat down, finished the report and recommended a �� wards their elimination.
the proceedings thereof in a book was working out well! generous quantum of assistance to be given by the government of India �� The United States and the
named ‘The Tinctured Canvas’ After a two-year stint in Raj �� Russian Federation, as the pos-
(the name was actually suggested Bhavan, I was posted as Collector sessors of some 90 per cent of
by Dr Nayudamma), which was of Krishna district where, again, turned to the conditions in the lead such a team. Upon reaching the district was experiencing se- nuclear weapons, are expected to lead the way. The “New START”
very graciously published by through an organisation, I had State. When the Chief Secretary the village one found that the vere drought conditions. The treaty retains verifiable caps. Its extension for five years would buy
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. started there (known as ‘Anve- asked whether I was quite com- whole habitation had been razed then Chief Minister, P V time to negotiate new agreements, including by potentially bringing
The organisation soon started shana’), and I continued my as- fortable with the idea of going to the ground. A sudden, intense Narasimha Rao had come on a in other countries possessing nuclear weapons.
to function actively and took up sociation with ‘Chetana’. away in the prevailing situation, and short-lived cloudburst at the visit. And, by the time the Chief Next year, the United Nations will host the Review Conference of
important relief and rehabilita- It was nearly ten years later I promptly changed my mind, top of a nearby hill had caused Minister could undertake the in- the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), one
tion activities especially in Gun- that I resumed my contact with cancelled the programme, and the formation of a massive body spection of the a�ected areas, of the most successful international security agreements. It contains
tur district. Substantial assis- the field of disaster management started in the right earnest to get which hurled down and hit the pouring rain greeted him! A typ- the only treaty-based commitments undertaken by the five largest
tance had also been received (except for the occasions when I busy with the drought relief ac- village. Houses, o�ces and even ical example of how delayed VIP nuclear-armed countries to pursue the elimination of nuclear
from the Tata Relief Committee was asked to accompany Central tivities. the electric substation had all visits turn infructuous, if not al- weapons and imposes verifiable obligations not to acquire or develop
(TRC) of which Mrs Mool- teams sent to the State in the It was a common practice in been completely flattened or most farcical! nuclear weapons. Its near universal membership means the vast ma-
gaonkar was the Chairman. I ac- wake of disasters). I was the Sec- the Ministry of Agriculture to ask washed away. And there were The rain, in itself, was not un- jority of the international community is bound by these commit-
companied her and her team on retary, Agriculture and Corpora- a Joint Secretary to lead an in- practically no survivors. It was a welcome as the monsoon season ments. The NPT Review Conference is an opportunity to stem the
a visit to the a�ected areas of tion, in 1989, when a severe ter-ministerial Central team to heartrending scene. But one had had begun by then. In a manner erosion of the international nuclear order.
Guntur district. Mrs Mool- drought occurred in the State. By assess damages and to recom- one’s duty to do. After the visit of speaking, Narasimha Rao was Fortunately, most United Nations Member States remain com-
gaonkar, initially, was in a bit of then, all arrangements had al- mend assistance whenever a nat- was over, we went back to the like a modern day ‘Bhagiratha’ of mitted to the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. This is reflected
a hurry to firm up the plan of ac- ready been put in place for me to ural calamity occurred in the guest house as a team, sat down, Hindu mythology, who had in the 122 countries that supported the adoption of the Treaty on
tion. Upon finding that her plan go for a very attractive scholar- State and that State (or Union finished the report and recom- brought the river Ganges down the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. They understand that the con-
would have meant large invest- ship in Harvard University. Territory) requested for Central mended a generous quantum of to earth! sequences of any use of nuclear arms would be catastrophic. We can-
ments on a small number of ac- When I met Jayabharat Reddy, assistance. Following a cloud- assistance to be given by the gov- (Concluded) not risk another Hiroshima or Nagasaki or worse. As we reflect on
tivities, and even that very capi- Chief Secretary at that time, to burst that had caused extensive ernment of India. (The writer is former Chief the su�ering of the hibakusha, let us view this tragedy as a rallying
tal intensive, I made a bold take leave of him on the eve of damage in Kinnaur district of Hi- Senior colleague Valliappan Secretary, Government of cry for humanity and recommit to a world free of nuclear weapons.
suggestion to her that the assis- my departure, the discussion machal Pradesh, I was asked to was the Collector of Chittoor and Andhra Pradesh) (The writer is Secretary-General, United Nations Organisatioin)
Temple in Ayodhya, a colossal LETTERS compassion. I feel privileged to be born in this era and exist
on this historic day. Never in my life, I felt so devout and
banks of the River Sarayu - which he described as the fulfilment
of an inter-generational dream - blurring the distinction be-
waste of money to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among attendees. The cer-
elated. It is a collective e�ort of each and every person who
fought for this day. Beside the grand Ram Temple, I request
tween a Hindu nationalist acting as the Prime Minister and
the Prime Minister acting as a Hindu nationalist. The messag-
T he government of India has determined to invest crores

of rupees for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya,
which is welcomed by the Hindu fanatics. It shows that the
emony was presided over by our Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and
other o�cials participated in limited number. The Chief Min-
the Centre to build a memorial for all Kar Sevaks who were
martyred in the struggle for Ram Mandir including the victims
of Godhra train massacre, as a mark of gratitude and grief.
ing at Ayodhya was that it was a political victory for the Hindu
right. But actually, it was a Pyrrhic victory. The Bhoomi Pujan
passed o� as a purely Hindu religious event and not as a cross-
Central government is favourable towards the Hindus. One isters of all States were also invited to this grandeur. It all India is witnessing a historic event as the struggle of over 500 religious or cross-cultural event to hail it as a herald of civi-
may doubt whether it will come forward to construct happened because of the Modi governance and by the trust years has now paid o�. lizational renewal. Hindu revivalists are insistent on creating
churches, masjids, etc. I strongly feel that instead of wasting of Indians on Modi's decisions. The construction of Lord Ravi Teja Kathuripalli, Hyderabad a false equivalence between Hindu nationalism and Indian na-
public money on traditional activities, the Central govern- Rama temple in Ayodhya is a great honour for every Hindu is tionalism. It is a pointless exercise because India is disparate
ment should establish some industries where a number of who tirelessly fighting on the issue of Babri Masjid case nearly in its races and religions, heterogeneous and culturally com-
people can be employed. It is unwise on our part to make for the past two centuries. Many governments were involved IV posite and its defining characteristic is “unity in diversity”.
money using religion which resulted in many casualties over
the controversy of Babri Masjid and Ram Janmabhoomi. The
valuable time of the honourable courts was squandered to
in the dispute, but they had not resolved the issue. When the
Modi government came into power, it has taken historical
decisions like abrogation of Article 370, the National Educa-
T he foundation laying ceremony for a grand Ram temple
at Ayodhya ended decades of ill-will between the two
largest communities of India, Hindus and Muslims. Also, the
One monolithic ideology or culture cannot subsume other ide-
ologies or cultures. India is a secular democracy for any party
or leader to make use of superiority in numbers to bring religion
give the final verdict. The exchequer of the government will tion Policy 2020 etc. Modi is a people's leader and is trans- political parties must desist from playing vote bank politics into statecraft or lend the polity a religious hue. Ours is a deeply
become empty if holy shrines of all religions are being erected parent in discharging his duties. He is always ready to do any- on this issue anymore. Muslim community would do well to religious country in which religion and culture are inextricably
here and there besides o�ering freebies to win the vote bank. thing for the nation. India has good alliances with other emulate Iqbal Ansari, the litigant in the Ayodhya title dispute intertwined. But it cannot sanction or justify the encroachment
I pray to the government that the constitutional matters nations because of his foreign visits. Many big countries like case, who said that he accepted the invitation from Ram Jan- of religion into politics or the tapping of religious identity for
should be scrupulously followed without giving special im- USA, France, Japan and Russia came forward to help us when mabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust and attended the ground- political ends. Those who exult at the construction of an im-
portance to one particular religion. Let free education and we were facing bad times. We also have strong military rela- breaking ceremony keeping decades of fight for the land be- posing and magnificent three-storey temple in full architectural
free health facilities be provided to the poorer sections of so- tionships with other countries. He also urged us to strive hind him. Casting aspersions on the Supreme Court grandeur at Ayodhya should ask themselves if they are not
ciety so that poverty can be driven out of our country. The hardly for the welfare of our nation. I personally believe in Judgment in this case would not serve the purpose of com- morally obliged to spare a thought to the deep hurt caused to
policies of the government should be productive to fulfil the Modi that he will always make our India proud by his deci- munal harmony of India. The ruling BJP too must move on Indian Muslims and heal it. That the temple will transform
constitutional values. sions in the future. and focus on other important issues ailing the country. Ayodhya into a popular tourist destination and boost the econ-
Tulluri Venkateswarlu, Chirala, Prakasam dt, AP Subbaiah Vankaraju, Lakshmipalem, Kadapa Dr N Rathan Prasad Reddy, Hanamkonda omy is only a footnote. Most importantly, India should stay
secular, pluralist and humanistic.
G David Milton, Maruthancode, TN
II III V
T he 'Bhumi Pujan' of Ayodhya was held on Wednesday
with full glory, and o�cials have taken stringent measures G ot goosebumps after seeing the Bhoomi Pujan of Ram
Mandir at Ayodhya. Lord Ram treated everyone with P rime Minister Narendra Modi performed Bhoomi Pujan
for the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya on the thehansreader@gmail.com
10 EDIT
THE FREE PRESSJOURNAL
MUMBAI | THURSDAY | AUGUST 6, 2020
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The real question of life after death isn't
whether or not it exists, but even if it does what problem this really
solves.
— Ludwig Wittgenstein
SINCE 1928
Rama — integral across the

length and breadth of India
FOUNDER EDITOR: S SADANAND
ALL EYES ON CBI IN

SUSHANT DEATH CASE
T Insight
he tussle between the Mumbai police and mas it describes are universal and eter- Feminist views on Sita abound, for ex-
the Bihar police on the events leading to the nal and the ethical system it propounds ample. The symbolic value of the Ram
mysterious death of actor Sushant Singh is the fountainhead of our values. As Janmabhoomi Temple is likewise a
Rajput in Mumbai on July 14 has led the Centre to Bhavdeep Kang Deen Dayal Upadhyaya said, a nation is
much more than mere geographical
matter of perspective.
Historians have pointed out that exca-
accept the Bihar government’s plea for handing boundaries. A nation is its people, vations at Ayodhya show that it was not
over the probe in this high-profile case to the Cen- bound together by shared values and settled on any scale before the 5th cen-
R
tral Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This is just as enditions of the Ramayana of addition and expansion is said to traditions. In that respect, Ram—the tury BCE and thus, it cannot claim to be
abound. One might say there are have continued as late as the 12th cen- Maryada Purushottam or ideal human Hinduism's most sacred space. The size
well because rumours and theories have abound-
as many versions as there are tury AD. Lord Rama being—unites all Indians, quite as of Ayodhya as given in the Ramayana,
ed on the death which the Mumbai police had de- narrators, giving rise to the rich narra- From the original Sanskrit, it was much as the belief in the doctrine of they point out, is exaggeratedly larger
scribed as ‘suicide’ but which was discounted by tive tradition known as Ram Katha. translated and disseminated in virtual- emerges karma and transmigration of the soul. than any of the urban settlements of
the police in Bihar which was the actor’s home Each language in India, each region and ly all local languages. It was accessible from these It can easily be said that no other work the time—or so archaeological evidence
state. Evidently, the Mumbai police was under caste group, has its own and unique ver- to all, regardless of caste and gender, in history has been as influential in suggests. Some even suggest that the
sion. As historian R S Sharma ob- unlike the scriptures. Around the mid- myriad every sphere of human life, including worship of Rama cannot be traced to
pressure from some quarters to soft pedal inves-
tigations into the involvement of some individu-
served, the ancient epic was “studied dle of the second millennium CE, the tellings and governance. (Even today, 'Ram-Ram' is a antiquity and is a more recent phenom-
with the same zeal and devotion in the Vaisnhavite poet-saint Tulsidas wrote popular form of greeting and the dead enon, perhaps no more than a thousand
als who had a vested interest in Sushant’s end. land of Tamils as in the intellectual cir- his Ramacharitmanas in Awadhi, a ver- re-tellings as take their final journey to the sound of years old.
While the involvement of some people from the cles of Banaras and Taxila”.
Thus, Lord Rama is everywhere—in-
sion that was to achieve widespread
popularity and give rise to the Ramlila
not just the 'Ram naam satya hai'.) From the Ra-
mayana arises the concept of Ram Ra-
But literary sources and tradition
have it that Ayodhya was the birthplace
film world is suspected, there is also the possibil- ideal human,
voked in daily greetings and in death, in tradition, the theatrical re-enactment of jya. The purpose of any form of gov- and the seat of Lord Rama. That shared
ity of a young and very influential politician in
the sordid drama that led to Sushant’s demise. It
art and sculpture, in classical and popu-
lar music, comic books and cartoons,
the story of Lord Ram. It is this re-
telling that we most often see and hear.
the ernment is to usher in Ram Rajya, a
state where justice and truth prevail
faith is enough. The question of
whether or not he is a historical figure
is apparently the fear of the beans being spilled teleplays and street theatre. We find him But, as said earlier, each group or sub- embodiment and the needs of the people are para- is meaningless. He is king, warrior,
in the reliefs at Angkor Vat, the pagodas group continues to have its own ver- mount. It is a template for good gover- saint and deity, but most of all, he is an
that attempts were being made to prevent the case
in Myanmar, the folk plays of Indonesia sion. Lord Rama is not confined to any of nance and the standard against which embodiment of virtue. Ayodhya itself is
from going into the hands of the CBI. But the and in temples across India. He knits to- one, or even several regions—he is in truthfulness, all governments are measured. a kind of Jerusalem, part of the pil-
pressure of public outrage over the circum- gether a land as diverse as the colours of every corner of India. Rama is therefore a pan-Indian figure, grim's circuit for Jains and Buddhists
stances of Sushant’s death fuelled by some TV the rainbow. He is a symbol of cultural Lord Rama emerges from these myri- empathy, a potent cultural icon integral to widely as well. We can no more question
channels was so overpowering that the Central values and ideas, the substance of ad tellings and re-tellings as not just the virtue and differing communities and societies whether it is indeed Ram Janmabhoomi
which remains the same across India. ideal human, the embodiment of truth- across the length and breadth of India. than we can deny that Buddha or Ma-
government was forced to act. self-control,
That his name was on the lips of the fulness, empathy, virtue and self-con- The temple to Lord Rama at Ayodhya, as havira sojourned there.
With heightened public interest in the case, the
CBI needs to rise above all inducements and
great unifier, Mahatma Gandhi, when
he shuffled off the mortal coil is only
trol, but as an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The very act of reciting or hearing a
but as an Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, is
a symbol of unity and national identity.
The very fact that the Ram Janmab-
hoomi movement gathered the kind of
threats in unveiling the real story. That the Bihar natural. recitation of the Ramayana yields spe- avatar of Yes, it can be read as civilisational re- force it did, galvanising people through-
police has also been hot on the case has produced The Ramayana is said to have been
composed 2,500 years ago (around the
cial rewards, bringing one closer to at-
taining the supreme brahmana. To
Lord Vishnu. assertion, but it is also an assertion of
common faith, convictions and values.
out the country, is evidence of a pre-ex-
isting, live and profound connection
many contradictions between the two versions 5th century BCE) by the great Sanskrit Rama are dedicated the adoring verses The Ramayana offers something for with Lord Rama. He is woven into the
which must be reconciled or laid bare with evi- poet, Valmiki, who must have drawn on sung by Bhakti saints. everyone and each person takes away warp and weft of our lives.
dence. Take the case of Rhea Chakraborty, existing historical accounts, legends On the surface a classic hero tale, at its from it what she or he wants or needs to.
Sushant’s Bollywood friend who lived in with and intellectual traditions. He is be- heart the Ramayana is an inquiry into Ravana varies from tale to tale, as do The writer is a senior journalist with 35
lieved to have composed 6,000 verses. the nature of dharma, how it orders the most of the characters. Modern Indian years of experience in working with major
Gradually, through successive stages, it universe and society and the place of writers in English, too, have taken up newspapers and magazines. She is now an
expanded to 24,000 verses. The process the individual in both. The moral dilem- the tale, with their own perspectives. independent writer and author.
ONE FLEW OVER THE NEST schools in israel LETTERS

THURSDAY’S SWIPE TO THE
“When COVID subsided, Israel reopened its schools. It didn’t go well. ‘
A cautionary experience. If community numbers are low it is “an illusion” revealed only when schools are opened without strict planning EDITOR
and adherence.
Rick MacDonald, Paediatrician
Great showman
Imran Khan, the Pakistan
Israel reopened everything else at the same time. Meanwhile, 21 other countries have reopened schools and not had outbreaks. So, you're Premier appears to be out
quite right, government policy does need to be right! But the focus on Israel tends to be misleading. to make an Oli (K P
Tom Anderson Sharma Oli, the Nepalese
PM). Like the latter who
Israel's positivity rate was 1.4% when they reopened schools. They had less than 100 new cases/day (we have 200-400/day in NYC). Within
a month there were 1,000 cases in schools & by the end of July new daily cases had hit 2,000. doctored maps to show
Jen Roesch, NYC-based writer Indian territories as
Nepal's the other day, now
Israel: Yeah, the lack of social distancing combined with big classes and few mask-wearers did us in. the Pakistan PM is out to
US: Yeah so we’re not going to enforce mask requirements or give our schools the tools they need to social distance and have smaller classes. redraw Pakistan maps
Solomon Rajput, Med Student showing not only Gilgit as
their territory but even the
Sir Creek and Junagadh
down in Gujarat as their
territories. Next in his
Protesters demonstrate against Maharashtra government Subsidies weaken farmers. They are bad in principle and dangerous in precedent. cartographic design could
be showing territories
Maha milk muddle: Subsidies to bankrupt

further south, that is,
him and left his house a few days before Sushant Lakshadivu and Sri Lanka
was allegedly found hanging from the ceiling of as belonging to Pakistan.
his bedroom. While the Mumbai police seems to The man appears to be
clear Rhea, the Bihar cops suspect virtually that quite a great dreamer and
an entertainer.
she was the centrepiece in the whole drama lead-
farmers who produce milk. They have ensured that the milk cooperative R N Shanbhag
ing to Sushant’s death. There are contradictions movement—represented by the likes of NDDB and GCMMF(AMUL)—does
too in the versions of the two police forces in re- not succeed in this state. The numbers show it (see table). That is why the
gard to Rhea’s meddling in Sushant’s manage- share of milk procurement and milk marketing in Maharashtra is lower than A new dawn
ment of finances and in her siphoning off a size- in any region in India. In fact, milk marketing under the cooperative move- United India is the most
ment did reasonably well from 2000 to 2010. But then the state milk brand Ma- urgent need of the hour to
able part of Sushant’s finances to her accounts. hanand got bushwhacked, and private producers (read distributors) took cen- face the challenges posed
Another aspect that the CBI investigation would
need to focus on is whether there is any link be-
tween the purported suicide of Sushant’s aide
Policy Watch tre stage.
As these columns have pointed out earlier, subsidies distort the market. They
promote the inefficient. That is why the milk subsidy being demanded is bad
by beleaguered neighbours
and for a strong economy.
This mandir will change
in principle and dangerous in precedent. the entire landscape of the
Disha Salian a few days before his death and his R N Bhaskar But it is possible that the state will buckle. The Rs 10 a litre subsidy for milk country. It will also
own. There is speculation too on a party which will mean an addition outgo of Rs 1,200 crore annually. transform UP into the
F
suspectedly had a link to the deaths of Disha and or the past fortnight, Maharashtra’s milk producers have been staging Clearly, the clout that sugar cooperative politicians wield is immense. Most greatest pilgrimage and
then Sushant and at which there was the claimed protests on the roads. On several occasions, they highlighted their griev- of them belong to the NCP and Congress which is propping up the present gov- tourist spot. Billions of
presence of a young Maharashtra politician. ances by pouring out thousands of litres of milk onto the streets. Their ernment in power. Over the years they have ensured that the clout of the sug- people from all over the
clamour: we want the government to subsidise milk prices by Rs 10 a litre ar cooperatives continues to increase. This has been at the cost of the rest of world will throng to visit
There are imponderables even on the extent of in- (https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/relief-package-for-milk-producers- the farming community in the state, and even other regions beyond the this beautiful and unique
volvement of Bollywood in the deaths of Disha in-the-pipeline). Marathwada region. The biggest casualty has been the Vidarbha region which monument, only of its kind
Salian and Sushant. Did the likes of Karan Johar The reason: the government insists that they pay farmers at least Rs 25 per has been deprived of water and faces crippling economic growth. in the world boosting the
and Mahesh Bhatt have some role in driving litre for milk. Gujarat pays a lot more for cow’s milk, while for buffalo’s milk, Thus, despite water scarcity, this lobby has increased sugarcane output, as tourism and economy. It
the price could go up to Rs 50 a litre, depending on fat content. The milk pro- well as the area under sugarcane under cultivation over the last three decades. will herald a new era of
Sushant to commit suicide? Was Sushant a victim
ducers (actually, distributors) say that they can pay only Rs 15 a litre. They Not surprisingly, Maharashtra accounts for just 20% of its cultivable area be- unity, peace, cohesion and
of the ‘outsider’ syndrome in so far as Sushant want the difference as a subsidy. ing under irrigation, compared to 80% in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh and co-existence. It will also
was looked upon as an outsider in Bollywood who Their demands, however, overlook a simple point. When Gujarat can afford equally impressive numbers in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. imbibe and inspire the
needed to be jettisoned? There are questions be- to pay higher prices to farmers without any subsidy from the government, Had the bureaucracy been independent, or the judiciary more willing, such young generation about the
ing raised about the manner in which why can’t Maharashtra? Even private sector producers like Hatsun and Nes- a subsidy could have been blocked through three moves. virtues of Lord Ram and
tle do so without any government subsidy. Why should Maharashtra’s pro- First, the courts could actually prohibit the state from granting this subsidy, sanatana dharma. Our
favouritism runs deep in the film world and the ducers be given special treatment? as it would be iniquitous to other stakeholders in the state. heartiest greetings and best
hounding that outsiders have to face in the film It is worth remembering that the late Dr. Verghese Kurien made the milk in- Second, they could ask the state to pass orders to impose a “counter-vailing” wishes for this historic
business. dustry vibrant because he was opposed to all subsidies. He was convinced that import duty of Rs 5 or more for milk coming from states like Karnataka, where golden day.
While it is true that cut-throat competition and the farmer ought to be self-sufficient. Subsidies, said Kurien, weaken farmers, too a subsidy is being paid. One state’s subsidy cannot be allowed to ruin the B L Tekriwal
not strengthen them. Market mechanisms make them stronger. economics of another state.
petty jealousies abound in the film world, the CBI
Kurien’s cornerstone, however, was that the farmer must be the biggest ben- Third, the courts could compel it to ask sugar cooperatives to restate their
investigations must also focus on this aspect to re- eficiary of the milk produced. Thus, in Gujarat, a farmer gets over 80% of the books by showing the profits made by their privately held distilleries, pharma Establish harmony
veal how it actually plays out. The murky goings- market price of milk. In Maharashtra, he gets barely 50%. companies and dairy businesses. That would immediately make the sugar co- Ref: Not a day of
on in Bollywood have financial irregularities knit This is even though the end price a customer pays is almost the same across operatives profitable, obviating the need for subsidies. Else, the courts could majoritarian triumphalism,
into them which need to be probed thoroughly. India. As former Maharashtra state agriculture minister, Anil Bonde, admit- mandate a higher selling price for molasses, so that the profits remain on the please; August 5, 2020. It is
ted, “While a farmer is paid Rs 15 or Rs 16 per litre for milk today, consumers books of the cooperatives. hard not to see the
Some guidelines need to be framed by the apex are still paying Rs 40 to 48 per litre. The difference of Rs 24 to 26 per litre is But the fact is that the present government is vulnerable. symbolism and significance
court or any relevant court on how police investi- pocketed by both cooperative unions and private dairy companies.” of the day of the bhoomi
gators from other states ought to be treated. In the The fact is that Maharashtra’s milk distributors have a stranglehold over the The writer is consulting editor with FPJ. pujan of the Ram mandir.
Sushant case, the manner in which the police par- While this is the
culmination of a long
ty from Bihar was treated by the Mumbai police
cherished dream of crores
has been adversely commented upon. Going by of devotees all over the
reports, the head of the Bihar police team was world, some are
forced into quarantine, preventing him from go- unfortunately viewing it as
ing ahead with investigations on grounds that he a harbinger of a Hindu
Rashtra. Invitation to the
needed to be sheltered from coronavirus is seem- Muslim litigant for the
ingly flawed and has been criticised by the court. ceremony is a welcome
All in all, the CBI probe should be swift and con- step. Many such initiatives
clusive if the reputation of this investigation and should be taken to assuage
Muslim sentiment. The
probe body is not to be seen as compromised. The
biggest problem is that we
truth in the 34-year-old Sushant’s death must are ready to do anything for
come out so that public faith in the CBI is re- our religion except live by
stored. its principles and
commandments!
Anthony Henriques
Letters to the editor should be sent to: The Free Press Journal, Free Press House, Free Press Journal Marg, 215 Nariman Point, Mumbai. 400021; Fax: 22874688, e-mail: mail@fpj.co.in; Type letter, leave space, write your views and name. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
06 NEW DELHI, THURSDAY 06 AUGUST 2020 Vol. CXXXXXI 185
Incorporating and directly descended

from THE FRIEND OF INDIA - Founded 1818
Bapus Nai Talim A MEMBER
OF THE
ASIAN VOICES
Literacy is not the end of education nor even the beginning. It is only one of the means
Unfair crackdown by which man and woman can be educated. Literacy itself is no education. I would therefore Is Cambodias
I n cracking down on Al-Jazeera and two local
broadcasters for the airing of a documentary that
highlighted the plight of illegal workers in
Malaysia during the Covid lockdown, the Southeast
begin the child education by teaching it a useful handicraft and enabling it to produce
from the moment it begins its training. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
education system
failing its people?
E
* Education should develop
A
Asian country may have reacted with greater indig- ducation, like family, human values in the child. high rate of grade repetition,
nation than it is entitled to. The action by Malaysia’s marriage, religion, law * Education should create use- school dropout and low student
government follows the airing of a documentary last and politics is one of the ful, responsible and dynamic cit- achievement plague the Cam-
month called “Locked Up in Malaysia’s Lockdown” most important institu- izens. By education all the hid- bodian education system.
that focused on the plight of undocumented work- tions of society which plays a piv- den powers of child should devel- Hong Menea The Kingdom’s edu-
ers detained during raids in areas under tight con- otal role in maintaining and dev- op according to the community cation system needs to grow its people
tainment measures and that of migrant workers. The eloping the social system. Gandhi of which he is an integral part. but some flaws might stifle? this
Malaysian government described the documentary used to say: ‘We will know what * Education should achieve the growth.
type of education to provide if we harmonious development of Coming from the Khmer Rouge
as inaccurate and unfair, and promptly launched a know what type of society we wa- child’s body, mind. heart and occupation, with the loss of many
manhunt for a Bangladeshi worker who was espe- nt.’ Education is a vital sub-sys- soul. scholars and academicians and a col-
cially critical of the authorities. He was arrested on tem of the social system because * All education should be lapsed government, the education sys-
25 July and his work permit revoked, and Malaysia it improves personal lives and imparted through some produc- tem had to be reconstructed from
announced that he would both be deported and helps society to run smoothly. tive craft or industry and a useful scratch ~ one that will chart the course
never again allowed to enter the country. Before the Mahatma Gandhi’s ideal correlation should be established of the Kingdom.
arrest, his photograph, name and address were society of the first order is a com- with industry. The industry Nearly 30 years after the first elec-
splashed across media, a step Human Rights Watch pletely rural society in a state of should be such that the child is tion, Cambodia continues to grapple
said placed him at great risk in an environmental pure anarchy, in which there is a able to achieve gainful work with the system which has seen a
hostile to migrant workers. As the rights body noted, more or less complete absence experience through practical high number of school dropouts,
not only of the state, government, work. grade repetitions and low student
“The government’s action sends a chilling message parliament and political parties, * Education should be made self- achievement.
to the country’s many migrant workers: If you want but also of all complicated ma- supporting thorough productive The outcome is symptomatic of
to stay in Malaysia, don’t speak up no matter how chinery, advanced science and work. Education should lead to weak direction and policies stemming
badly you have been treated.” Any lingering doubts technology, modern education, economic independence and from flip-flopping goals dictated by
anyone might have had on Malaysia’s message were labour-capital and peasant-land- self–reliance for livelihood. donors, alleged Cambodian Indepen-
laid to rest by a statement of the country’s Immi- lord conflict, and of such social Bapu’s Nai Talim seems to dent Teachers’ Association (Cita) pres-
gration chief who “strongly” warned migrants to “be evils as casteism, untouchability be job-centered, value-based and ident Ouk Chhayavy.
careful” or risk losing their work permits. and communalism. The horizon- British India. Although he never Phoenix Settlement. He gradually mass-oriented. He firmly believ- “It is compounded by poverty and
There are more than 2.2 million registered for- tal organization of the society wrote a lengthy book, most of his tried to give a comprehensive ed that separation of learning lack of morale among students who
rests on oceanic circles of indep- important writings on education education to students there by from labour results in social cannot afford the corruption and
eign workers in Malaysia, mostly from Indonesia, endent and interdependent vil- have been compiled and edited means of simple physical work. injustice. So besides learning of favouritism (practiced by teachers) in
Nepal and Bangladesh. There are in addition many lages, and the vertical organisati- by Bharatan Kumarappa in two He did not send his own sons to three R’s: Reading, writing and school.
undocumented workers who slip through the cracks on on varna or the four-fold books., Basic Education (1951) college; he had to be very patient (A)’rithmetic in school, Gandhi We need reform,” she said. Count-
of the country’s immigration checkpoints. As job hereditary occupational division and Towards New Education with his wife and other members insisted on the development and less reports and studies on the educa-
layoffs began to pinch during the economic slow- without any social, or for that (1953). of the family who were not happy proficiency of three H’s: Hand, tion system over the years show
down following the virus outbreak, many matter, economic inequality Gandhi was a moral idealist. with his experiment. But like a Heart and Head. The scheme of how the segment is steeped in struc-
Malaysians turned their ire on these workers. They involved. Economic relations in His philosophy of education is a courageous scientist, he was bent New Education would also tural problems, not just involving stu-
were accused of both spreading the virus, and of this society are harmonized and harmonious blending of Ideal- on implementing his ideas of include ‘the elementary princi- dent performances but also school
“stealing” jobs from locals hit by the epidemic. equalized through the institution ism, Naturalism and Pragmatism. basic education and bringing ples of sanitation, hygiene, nutri- systems and apathetic teaching
of Trusteeship. Idealism is the base of Gandhi’s about a revolution in educational tion,’ besides ‘compulsory physi- behaviour.
Already, there are reports that many migrant workers
Gandhi’s conception of the philosophy whereas Naturalism methods. However, most of his cal training through musical It is definitely a dilemma which
have lost their jobs; some are going hungry and have ultimate values of non-violence, and Pragmatism facilitated the many experiments and reflec- drill.’ The aim of Nai Talim was to the Ministry of Education, Youth and
been evicted from even their cramped quarters freedom and equality shall also translation of philosophy into tions finally led to his Wardha develop the integrated personali- Sport also noticed in 2018, saying that
which in any event were breeding grounds for the be realized. The society that he practice. If one asks about the Scheme of Education, formulated ty of the child. His educational Cambodia is facing a learning crisis
virus to spread. Al Jazeera is under investigation for visualized was named as Sarvo- purpose of educa- at the educational scheme was nationalistic in set- which requires ‘immediate yet vision-
sedition and for violation of the country’s immigra- daya (equal and full development tion, the question conference held on ting, idealistic in nature; prag- ary and systemic solutions’.
tion laws but has staunchly defended itself saying its of all), or Poorna Swaraj (compl- could be answered October 22-23, matic on the one hand while This, despite its success in raising
report was accurate. Malaysia’s conduct is in sharp ete independence for all) or Ram appropriately in the 1937 at Wardha. social in purpose and spiritual in student enrolment based on the fact
contrast to that of Singapore, which too had report- Raj (The Kingdom of Heaven). words of Gandhi:… ‘ And this became intent on the other. It was also an
ed multiple virus outbreaks from quarters occupied The first-order ideal society, Education for life, known as the Nai essential instrument for materi-
as a rule, is to be approached education through Talim or New Edu- alizing his dream of Sarvodaya
by migrant workers. The smaller country confronted through the practical or second- life, and education cation of Gandhi. Samaj in which the vertical and
the outbreak as a public health emergency and order ideal society by a process throughout life.’ In The most empha- horizontal distance between peo- that nearly every child can attend pri-
avoided stigmatisation of the workers, while simul- of successive approximation. various formula- sized part of New ple is reduced to a minimum. mary school, the ministry said in a
taneously launching measures to ensure that the Gandhi’s conception of practical tions, he presented Education is Gand- However, there is a feeling 2018 report entitled Education in
standard of living in workers’ dormitories was or second-order ideal society was the goal of educa- JAYDEV hi’s Basic Educa- that Gandhi was against research, Cambodia: Findings from Cambodia’s
JANA
improved. Malaysia would do well to remember that based on his Constructive Pro- tion as character- tion that focus on higher education, etc. But Gand- experience in PISA-D (Programme
while workers migrate to a foreign land in search of gramme. The programme had building that focus- The writer is a retired the eight years of hi had specific ideas about for International Student Assessment
IAS officer
opportunity, they also fulfil a need that the local been developed by him since es on the deve- elementary educa- research, higher education and for development), jointly produced
work force finds difficult to meet in normal circum- 1922 when, after suspension of lopment of courage, tion. New Educa- the accumulation of knowledge. with the Organisation for Economic
the Non-cooperation movement, strength, fearless- tion is an essential In Gandhi’s scheme, higher edu- Cooperation and Development
stances. Allowing workers to be ill-treated, as
he retired from active politics for ness, virtue, and the ability to component of Gandhi’s famous cation performs the essential fu- (OECD).
alleged, and then stifling criticism does not solve about eight years and devoted engage in selfless work directed Constructive Programme that nction of providing training and “Cambodian education has been
the problem. himself to the organisation and at moral and spiritual aims. presents his positive moral and properly motivating human po- characterised as the education utterly
Covid and fraud implementation of a programme

of constructive work. He wrote
As Gandhi was more a moral spiritual vision for an indepen-
idealist than an academician so dent India.Indeed, Gandhi’s Nai
his reflection on education did Talim killed three birds with one
wer for national needs and there
was an urgent need for purposive
expansion of such education.
in need of reforms to revive from the
high rate of grade repetition, school
T
regularly in Young India and Har- dropout and low student achieve-
he arrest of an American this week for using ijan on constructive works. not emphasise intellectual devel- stone. First, the pupil would learn Gandhi was not the first in ment,” the ministry said.
Covid-19 relief funds to purchase a Lam- However, in 1941, Gandhi opment, but rather primacy and and then use his knowledge to the matter of Nai Tamil model For Chhayavy, the problem itself
borghini car costing a reported $233,337 (Rs first presented his concrete pro- goal of developed human beings pay for his education. Secondly, education, for many others is due to the government’s constantly
1.74 crore) showcases how even adversity is trans- gramme for the benefit of the as moral beings. He emphasised the pupil would be employable before him had thought along changing direction since the fall of the
formed into opportunity by the unscrupulous. The members of the Congress in the on the centrality of work, voca- as soon as he finished the first similar lines though they had not Khmer Rouge in the 1980s. “In the
form of a booklet entitled Con- tional training, productive man- level of education, and he would gone as far as him in experiment- beginning, it wanted to achieve quality
victim of the fraud in this case was the US govern-
structive Programme: Its Mean- ual labour, the focus on real not find himself unfit for employ- ing with it. In the past, many wise in education but donors wanted 100
ment and the arrested man is alleged to have filed ing and Place. He revised it in needs and simple living, devel- ment like boys and girls of the men applied their minds to the per cent passing rate, so tutoring com-
five applications under the Federal Paycheck Pro- 1945, and in the following year he opment of non-violent relations, present age. Thirdly, the pupil subject of education of the body menced privately.
tection Program to different banks, claiming that he added one more item to it, name- greater emphasis on moral devel- would acquire a meaningful edu- and of the heart and this signifi- “Later, the government changed
employed dozens of people. Two banks deposited ly, ‘improvement of cattle’. In the opment and a holistic approach cation and knowledge, which cant education was through its goal to ensuring quality but many
money into his account, a sum of about S1.7 million Gandhian constructive pro- that involved the integrated would remain with him through- labour. For example, Karl Marx, couldn’t keep up, so they failed result-
in all, with which the man is alleged to have gone on gramme, the most important ele- training of body, mind, and spirit. out his life and enrich his life in in his book Das Kapital, indicated ing in grade repetitions. Then, the gov-
a spending spree, buying in addition to the luxury ment was his scheme of educa- In his words: ‘I hold that true all respects. However, the basic education through the medium ernment returned to pushing for 100
car, a pick-up truck, a Rolex watch, a lease for a lux- tion, which in the words of education of the intellectual can principles of Nai Talim are: of work as the only system of per cent passing rate.
ury apartment and liquor, besides entertaining him- Acharya Kriplani, ‘… is the coping only come through a proper exer- * From seven to fourteen years education of the future. Even ear- As of now, nothing is clear. It is
stone of Gandhi’s social and cise and training of the bodily of age, education of each child lier, Robert Owen had said the based on what the donor wants
self at strip clubs. But it isn’t governments alone that political edifice.’ organs, e,g, hands, feet, eyes, should be free, compulsory and same thing. However, in the depending on the (financing) package,
are vulnerable. Highlighting the vulnerability of peo- Gandhi wrote extensively ears, nose etc.’ universal. It is limited to primary words of a 19th Century English not on our vision,” she said.
ple to fraud, the consulting firm KPMG put out an about education. His writings Throughout his adult life, and junior stages only. writer, James Froude: ‘The knowl- It does not help that Cambodia
advisory recently telling Indians how to be cautious include hundreds of pages of cri- Gandhi was involved in innova- * The medium of instruction edge which a man can use is the only allocates around two per cent of
about fraud. The report highlighted several areas of tiques of the evils and deficien- tive and sometimes controversial should be mother-tongue. only real knowledge, the only gross domestic product (GDP) to the
possible fraud that individuals and businesses need cies of British and other modern educational experiments and he * Mere literacy cannot be equat- knowledge which has life and Education Ministry compared to
to be careful about ~ sales and distribution, covering educational models. His contri- learnt from their successes and ed with education. Education growth in it and converts itself its military budget, although expendi-
artificial inflation of prices and sale of damaged, bution to education is unique in failures. His quest for a truly sen- should employ some craft as a into practical power. The rest ture has grown an average of 16.7
expired or counterfeit products; fake online sales; the sense that he made the first sible education system dates medium of education so that the hangs like dust about the brain, per cent between 2016 and 2019, said
attempt to develop an indige- back to 1904 when he set up the child gains economic self–relia- and dies like rain-drop off the the Parliamentary Institution of
kickbacks to ensure procurement of products hit by
nous scheme of education in Tolstoy Farm in South Africa’s nce for life. stone.’ Cambodia.
lockdowns or import restrictions; cyber frauds due
to increased remote working, and reduced focus on
compliance that triggers contravention of laws. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@thestatesman.com
Many other kinds of fraud have also been reported
in the country, and among the most pernicious is POLICY ANALYSED
the misuse of the Loan Moratorium scheme under
the guise of which scamsters elicit banking details of
Punjab must act to it. It must strain every
sinew to act against this
ple divert their attention
from the disease and make
appear childish and non-
sensical. It is true some-
SIR, I refer to ‘Miles to go...’ (The
Statesman, August 4) by Mr
the victim. Not even the PMCares Fund has been SIR, This refers to your the taverns in the border menace which not only life easier. The rest of the times social ostracism Devendra Saksena on NEP 2020.
spared, and there are reports of identical IDs having editorial ‘Not unexpect- states where it is compara- causes loss of revenue but world may get some plus compels a man to take re- His erudite article analyses the
ed’(04 August). The deaths tively cheaper. For the saps the energy of society. points to convey to the course to self medication. nitty gritty of the new policy. He
been created by fraudsters to attract digital pay- caused by consumption of same reason, cheap liquor Yours, etc., Tarsem Singh, people of their country as A renowned virologist has rightly urged not to abolish
ments. Europol has identified several risks, which it spurious liquor are really is often smuggled from Mahilpur, 4 August. they would also feel that has said there is no specif- the standalone centres of excel-
says are illustrative and not comprehensive. Besides tragic. Needless to men- these states. when the killer virus can- ic medicine for the disease lence and advocates for more
bogus websites and fake apps, the European police tion that influential politi- As the liquor mafia is BE PHILOSOPHICAL not be driven away by and that patients are treat- budgetary allocation on educa-
organisation has cautioned against fake investment cal leaders, the police and well connected, bootleg- SIR, I refer to your editori- physical force, it may be ed on a case to case basis. tion to at least 6 per cent of GDP.
opportunities that are related to Covid-19 and excise officers are respon- ging is thrives. It is evident al in The Statesman (2 good to remain strong During March-April, when The infrastructural development
“money muling”, whereby fake healthcare organi- sible for this horrific hap- from the fact that speake- August) captioned ‘When mentally and deal with the the virus started to spread and recruitment of better teach-
sations and NGOs employ people to canvass dona- pening. This tragedy is nei- asies are conveniently death is life’ which is as problem as it appears. A Hydroxycholoroquine ers at basic level particularly for
tions against a commission. Sadly, authorities in ther the first nor the last located on all the high- philosophical as the words philosophical approach to became unavailable in the rural India are to be prioritised.
such. ways passing through Pun- of the Brazilian President life at times helps to market. This caused We have come across children
India do not appear to have done enough to caution Bootlegging is very jab. Unfortunately, the Jair Bolsonaro who is said bypass problems. inconvenience to many from poor families who study up
citizens about this new class of crime. Except for a common in Punjab. Daily Punjab government is not to have told his country- Yours, etc., AK Deb patients of rheumatism as to Class nine, but are unable to
short slide on its website warning people against wagers and farm workers rising to the challenge of men to be bold enough to Biswas, Hooghly, 2 July. it is basically an anti- read or write in their mother
revealing bank card numbers, verification codes and opt for hooch because it is dealing with this menace face the Corona pandemic rheumatic drug. Tablets tongue because of abolition of
PIN numbers, the nodal Ministry of Consumer cheap. They also frequent for the reasons best known and not to be affraid of NO SELF-MEDICATION were unnecessarily being examination system. The exam
Affairs appears to have gone into hibernation during death which may occur at SIR, This refers to your stored by people in antici- system reintroduced in NEP 2020
the crisis. Certainly, there is little evidence that the any point of time. report ‘Self medication pation of the disease. This in a phased manner is most wel-
ministry is aware of the phenomenon of Covid It is not that he told with borrowed prescrip- is really not acceptable in a come. The new system also
frauds or has taken any steps to curb them. Indeed, his people to surrender to tions adding to Covid cri- civilized society. Those brings hope for parity with inter-
the virus, to abandon sis’ (3 August). At a time who indulge in self med- national norms. Let us hope that
the last press release disclosed on the ministry’s
treatment if required but when coronavirus is affe- ication harm themselves with some modifications the pol-
website was issued in January 2019, which tells its to take it as a challenge cting lives and has thrown and society. It is time to icy will be accepted by states cut-
own tale. As people reel under the onslaught of an and not to die before the a serious challenge to the say no to self-medication. ting across political lines.
unprecedented economic slump, with incomes actual death. Such a stand medical fraternity, attem- Yours, etc., Dilip Kumar Yours, etc., Basudeb dutta,
compromised and savings depleted, it is important on the part of the Brazilian pts to arrest the disease Sengupta, Santipur, 4 August.
for the Government to take measures to protect President will help his peo- through self- medication Kolkata, 4 August.
NEW DELHI, THURSDAY 06 AUGUST 2020 07
TARINI MEHTA
I
s development to mean that the life Development must 100 YEARS AGO
not devalue life

and health of people does not
matter and that the environment
OCCASIONAL NOTE
is valued in terms of what can be The tenants of the Calcutta Port Com-
extracted from it or how it can be used missioners along the Strand Road find
as an industrial dumping ground? themselves outside the scope of the Rent
The rhetoric, oft-repeated in pol- Act because of the way in which the def-
icy documents, is that the Govern- inition of the word “premises” was
ment of India is committed to sus- altered during the passage of that mea-
tainable development – which by its sure through the Bengal Legislative
definition would integrate environ- Council. They are in a peculiar position.
mental, social and economic con- What they hold from the Commission-
cerns into the development frame- ers is the bare land, on monthly tenan-
work. The pathway of development cies which have existed so many years
that has been adopted, however, is that the holdings might be regarded, to
quite the opposite, as evidenced by all intents and purposes, as permanent.
the recently released Draft EIA Notifi- The tenants have put up their own
cation. buildings, and many of them have let
This is the latest in a series of out part of these buildings to sub-ten-
measures that have been initiated ants. The sub-tenants are protected by
over the past decade to reduce the the Rent Act, but the original tenants
scope and effectiveness of Environ- who hold the bare land are left out in
mental Impact Assessments, one of the cold. They have been paying rent for
the primary tools for the achievement the land at the rate of Rs 20 per cottah.
of sustainable development, environ- The Commissioners have raised this
mental democracy and good gover- rent to Rs 40 per cottah, and the tenants
nance. EIAs, which ensure that indus- are naturally dismayed. They are willing
tries are set up on the basis of strong to pay a ten per cent increase, or even
environmental standards and checks, more, but the doubling of the rental is
are steadily being set aside in favour regarded as extortionate. A deputation
of a regime where more and more to the Vice-Chairman of the Commis-
industries can operate without hav- sioners received a sympathetic hearing,
ing to take the environment into and came away with some hope that the
account, nor people’s life and health. monthly tenancies might be converted
By greatly reducing the number into leases for a longer period; but they
of projects that will require EIAs, the failed to obtain any reduction of the
Draft Notification is moving India enhanced rent. That the Port Commis-
away from globally-recognised stan- sioners would deal with their tenants in
dards of environmental governance any profiteering spirit, however, is hard-
and norms of International Environ- AFP ly imaginable.
mental Law. What is more, it is an as the environment is the basis of sur- Government in the case of projects most biodiverse regions, such as in their lives. The company, LG Poly-
attack on environmental democracy. vival and access to all that is neces- involving ‘strategic considerations.’ All the Northeast. Some border projects mers, had been operating without an NEWS ITEMS
A mark of progression in civilisa- sary for staying alive and living a pro- that has been revealed about this cat- are also transboundary projects or environmental clearance, with the
tional development, environmental
democracy is an expression of the
ductive life. Basic needs form the
basis of human rights and those same
egory is that it involves projects in
addition to those ‘concerning nation-
have transboundary impacts, for
which international law requires
consent of the State Pollution Control
Board. It thus continued to operate OIL WORKERS'
acknowledgment of the human-envi-
ronment connection and the need,
needs make a healthy environment
vital for human rights, and thereby
al defence and security’ (Section 14 e,
Draft Notification, March 2020). Con-
Environmental Impact Assessments;
consultations with affected popula-
close to areas with a dense population
without any environmental safeguards DISPUTES
therefore, for people to have the right make the environment a necessary sidering the vagueness of the term tions is a key part of this. and checks. It is, in fact, one of the Madras, Aug 5
to participate in decisions that impact arena for public participation. and the discretion given to the Gov- The International Court of Justice many companies that had applied for The court of enquiry’s decision in the
the environment and thereby their By limiting public participation ernment, one wonders how far the has, in fact, affirmed that Environ- an Environmental Clearance when the dispute of the kerosene oil and petrol
lives. This, in fact, is the foundation in Environmental Impact Assess- term will be extended. Would mental Impact Assessments are a government announced in 2017 that workmen attached to the Burma Oil
of democracy itself. The word ‘democ- ments and excluding altogether a hydropower projects that the Govern- requirement under general interna- ‘post facto’ or post-operational Envi- Company, Standard Oil Company is
racy’, i.e. rule by the people, originates number of industrial and development is keen to promote be consid- tional law, where there is a risk that a ronmental Clearances would be published today. The court has referred
from the Greek word demos meaning ment activities from the EIA process, ered ‘strategic’? Would trans-bound- proposed industrial activity could granted. the recognition of their union, etc., to
all citizens living in a particular city- the Draft Notification is weakening ary projects be categorised as such? have a significant adverse impact in What kind of future is India head- the Capital and Labour Committee to
state and kratos meaning rule or environmental democracy and Furthermore, when classified in this a transboundary context. ing towards with a governance frame- decide. Regarding the rates of wages the
power. At its heart, it is a means of hurtling India down a pathway of manner, access to information about The legalisation of a system of work where people’s health and wel- Court decided that the net minimum
allowing people to participate in deci- unsustainable development. these projects would be denied to the poor environmental standards will not fare is endangered, and where the wages should be increased by fifty per
sions and activities that have a bear- What is more, through vaguely public; knowledge regarding the envi- only further the degradation of the environment, the very basis of sur- cent, an addition to thirty-seven and a
ing on their lives. Choice, inclusion, worded provisions, the Draft Notifi- ronmental and social impacts would environment, it will also give rise to vival, is destroyed? For whom is this half per cent rise allowance. As regards
having a voice, equality are all aspects cation gives wide discretion to the in effect be hidden. more tragedies such as the recent gas development? the overtime work, the court accepted
of this. Government to exempt further pro- Roads and pipelines in border leak in Vishakhapatnam where eight the employers’ proposal to give half time
Indeed, environmental democra- jects from having to conduct Environ- areas will also not require public con- hundred people had to be rushed to The writer is Assistant Professor and Assistant ordinary rates for night work and ordi-
Dean of Student Affairs, Jindal School of
cy is a natural progression of democ- mental Impact Assessments. Leeway sultations. The definition of a border various hospitals after inhaling toxic Environment and Sustainability, O.P. Jindal nary rates at other times. As regards
racy, justice, as well as human rights, has also been given to the Central area, however, covers some of the styrene vapours and twelve people lost Global University, India. strike pay, the court are not prepared to
recommend strike pay by employer
since in other countries strike pay is
The risk to Himalayan glaciers

paid by unions and not by the employee.
ticular rely on glacier melt water to glaciologists to measure changes in
buffer seasonal droughts before the
summer monsoon. These countries
glacier volume over a 40-year period.
This revealed that nearly all
BANK OF BOMBAY
are rapidly industrialising and Himalayan glaciers were shrinking at a Bombay, Aug 5
generally oppose limiting their carbon similar rate. Presiding over the annual general meet-
emissions. New research shows that the rate ing of the Bank of Bombay, Mr. S.J.
After the IPCC report, the Indian at which glacier ice is lost from the Gillun gave an account of the trade of
government acted quickly to suppress Himalaya has doubled in the last 20 India with foreign countries. He said in
panic with a controversial discussion years and is similar to the rate of ice the past year imports and exports
paper presenting selective evidence loss globally. Although extreme alti- exceeded in value all previous records.
showing that glaciers in northern India tudes were thought to protect glaciers Although trade had not reverted to pre-
and Pakistan were stable or even from climate change, we now know war channels, owing to the crippled
expanding. However, the Karakoram that high mountains are warming condition of European countries, our
glaciers in question benefit from twice as fast as the rest of the planet. turnover with the British Empire had
greater winter snowfall and cooler The proliferation of data allowed increased, and the United States had
summers as a result of global heating. glaciologists to train computer mod- become as important a customer now
How persistent this Karakoram anom- els to project how glaciers will change as Japan. In spite of the difficulties that
aly will be remains unknown. in the future. These models tell us cotton mills on this side had to contend
Glaciologists were left wondering that between one-third and one-half with namely, insufficiency of rolling
what the fate of Himalayan glaciers of glacier ice in the Himalaya will be stock, precarious supply of coal, and the
would be. Little research was being lost by 2100. If we don’t act to keep difficulty of replacing old machinery, the
done and data was scarce. Problems climate change within the ambitious textile industry had a very prosperous
with accessing remote, high-elevation Paris Agreement target of 1.5? then year, and the outlook was promising.
glaciers in politically unstable regions two-thirds will be lost in the same
iStock
deterred fieldwork. Civil war in Nepal,
the Taliban in Pakistan and suspicion
period.
While the weakening of the sum-
BENGAL COUNCIL
ANN ROWAN by the year 2035. the Himalayan meltdown date from an of foreign scientists in China and India mer monsoon and atmospheric pol- Dacca, Aug 5
The scandal sparked a flurry of interview in New Scientist. That inter- made these mountains difficult places lution affect glacier life expectancy, ris- A meeting of the Bengal Legislative Coun-
I
n the world of glaciology, the year new research, including my own, and view quoted speculation by an Indian to work. ing global temperatures are causing cil was held yesterday in the Council
2007 would go down in history. It we can now see that some Himalayan glaciologist, who apparently misquot- Field observations and surveys Himalayan glaciers to shrink. These Chamber, new Government House,
was the year a seemingly small glaciers will survive into the next cen- ed another scientist’s work predicting suggested that glaciers had not notice- predictions are bad news for the one Dacca, His Excellency Lord Ronaldshay
error in a major international report tury. The latest data tells us that if we glaciers worldwide would shrink by 80 ably changed. Glaciologists soon billion people who depend on glacier- presiding. There were several absentees
heralded huge changes in our under- reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, per cent by 2350. realised that changes in ice volume fed rivers for water in spring at the among the non-official members, while
standing of what was happening to the then between one-third and one-half The IPCC did eventually apologise were hidden by rock debris on the sur- start of the agricultural season. the visitors gallery was crowded with a
Himalayan glaciers. of glacier ice will be lost by 2100. If not, for their failure to identify this error. faces of many large glaciers. So mea- As glaciers decline, droughts are large number of spectators. In all 112
Just one year after Al Gore’s docu- and we carry on with business as Although embarrassing, it did not surements of changes in glacier area becoming more frequent before the questions were put and answered. These
mentary An Inconvenient Truth usual, then two-thirds of Himalayan undermine their core conclusions. The were misleading and concealed the summer rains, putting intense stress comprised 24 starred, and 88 un-starred
sparked conversations about anthro- glaciers will vanish by the end of this IPCC undertook to improve their peer- scale of ice loss. on populations in southern and cen- questions. The number of resolutions on
pogenic (human-made) global warm- century. review process before their next report Then, in the early 2010s, rapid tral Asia. Governments, including the agenda was seven, of which five were
ing, the Intergovernmental Panel on But how did such an error come in 2013. advances in satellite Earth observation India’s, have now recognised the scale accounted for by Babu Akhil Chandra
Climate Change (IPCC) published its to be presented as fact by a world- The Himalayas are sacred moun- technology and declassification of of the problem. To avoid a humanitar- Dutta, and two by Babu Sarat Chandra
4th Assessment Report. This state-of- leading scientific organisation? This is tains. Their name in Sanskrit means Cold War satellite photographs opened ian crisis, the world must keep global Chakravarty. Sir Charles Stevenson Moore
the-science summary was the gold a tale of repetitions and an apparently “abode of snow”. But glaciers are a a window into these remote moun- heating within a range that will limit presented the report of the Select Com-
standard to inform the world about unintended typo lending credibility to political issue in central Asia. Glacier- tains. The scale of glacier change glacier loss. mittee on the Bengal Alluvial Lands Bill,
climate change. The report contained an unfounded statement. The IPCC fed rivers provide water to over a bil- across the Himalayas could be seen for 1920, and moved for leave to introduce a
The writer is Ice and Climate Research Fellow,
one small but serious error – that all quoted a report from the World lion people for food production and the first time. University of Sheffield. This article was Bill to amend the Calcutta Port Act, 1890.
glaciers in the Himalayas would vanish Wildlife Foundation, which had taken hydropower. India and Nepal in par- The new satellite data allowed published on www.theconversation.com
PARLIAMENT AND
CROSSWORD NO 28035
THE HUNTER
DEBATE
YESTERDAY'S SOLUTION ACROSS and write one's name (6) DOWN lavishly, but only after On behalf of the Western India Liberal
17 Scheme to cut precious fasting initially (6)
6 Fuel talk of avoiding
stone in multiple layers (6)
1 Little fish flipping bit
14 Reputation turning into Association, Sir Dinshaw Wacha has sent
loud row (8)
20 Old coin displayed by
children (8)
a tricky issue (9) a lengthy cable to Parliament to consid-
9 A position where ball 2 Secret papers
stops following
gallery in empty salver (6)
suppressed by hospital
16 Person developing plot er and deal with the true issues involved
22 Unable to pass time in heartlessly rearranged in the Hunter report in the spirit of calm
attempt? (6) study (6)
debauched broadcast (8)
10 By playing three of
surroundings (8)
3 Ill-informed rating
18 Assuming success and lofty statesmanship. The Associa-
diamonds one indicated
24 False reports of isolated
managed to convey
brought about out-and- tion says the cable was sent specially to
support (6) negative response (8)
11 Lack support to carry
people in the main
4 Trained killer helping to
out gains (8) Parliament, firstly because of the com-
wanting independence (8) 19 Treating only one side ing debate in both Houses, and second-
gun around (8) make bureaucrat
26 Boy's best friend to stop of evidence is bad? (6)
12 Prisoner's means of
working, packing
terrified (6)
21 Game in second half of ly because of the public utterances of
communication
nothing and going on
5 High toll can end in
June isn't shot (6) some European organisations in India,
curtailed by mourning (4)
committee's
vaca tion (6)
7 Decoration America
23 Nice lady cooked cakes and their supporters in England, with
27 I regularly disobey in the morning (6) regard to the cruel excesses committed
conclusion (8) awarded to President
guards close to second 25 Characters imprisoned
13 Distribute Remain flyers
home (6)
finally includes
in dismal tower (4) at Amritsar. Those utterances evidently
on a regular basis (6)
28 Prevailing wisdom in
servicemen (9) aimed at rousing racial feelings and
15 Standard space to print 8 When one might eat
anthropological circles (8) obscuring the real issues which are writ
plain on the face of the report. The Asso-
ciation earnestly hopes the plain and
NOTE: Figures in parentheses denote the number of letters in the words required. (By arrangement with The Independent, London) momentous issues will in no way be
obscured during the debate.
^_]X^]
=4F34;78kC7DAB30H k0D6DBC %!!
%
gggTQY\i`Y_ÛUbS_]
UPRTQ^^ZR^\SPX[h_X^]TTak /CWT3PX[h?X^]TTak X]bcPVaP\R^\SPX[h_X^]TTa
)URP,VUDHOWR,QGLD
A2A6CH:E9A2DD:@?
?`hAR\Z_^RahRc
,PUDQ.KDQUHOHDVHVDUELWUDU\PDSDEVRUELQJ.DVKPLUSRVVLEO\DW
&KLQD¶VEHKHVW%XWWKHUHZRQ¶WEHWDNHUV
(
YHU\ERG\NQRZVWKDW3DNLVWDQQHYHUPLVVHVDQ
RSSRUWXQLW\WRLQWHUQDWLRQDOLVHWKH.DVKPLULVVXH
EXWWKH´FU\ZROIµVFUHDPVPDNHIRUVXFKDWLUHG
1X[PcTaP[aT[PcX^]bPaT]^fSTT_T]X]VX\_PRcX]VWd\P][XeTbPccWTQPbXR
DQGZDVWHGGLSORPDWLFPRYHWKDWWKH\GRQ·WPDNHQHZV
DWDOO<HWLWFRXOGQRWKDYHOHWWKHDQQLYHUVDU\RIWKHDEUR
[TeT[0UcTaPVaXRd[cdaTXcXbbWPaTS2>E83 (\P]PVT\T]c_a^c^R^[b
JDWLRQRI$UWLFOHJRSDVWZLWKRXWPDNLQJVRPHQRLVH
6R LW UHOHDVHG D QHZ PDS RI 3DNLVWDQ LQFRUSRUDWLQJ
.DVKPLUSDUWVRI/DGDNKDQG-XQDJDGKLQ*XMDUDWLQD
QDNHGGLVSOD\RILWVWHUULWRULDODPELWLRQVDQGKLJKO\ZLVK
IXOWKLQNLQJ,QGLDKDVULJKWO\FDOOHGWKHYDFXRXVDQGXQL
ODWHUDOGHFODUDWLRQWKDWLVQRWEDFNHGE\DQ\FUHGLEOHUHD
VRQLQJVXSSRUWJURXSVKLVWRULFDOUHDVRQLQJRUOHJDOYDOLG
LW\DVD´SROLWLFDODEVXUGLW\µ:RUVHWKHFKDOOHQJHWRRXUJOREDOO\DFFHSWHGVRYHUHLJQW\ 79<14 2>74=
FDPHIURPQRQHRWKHUWKDQ3DNLVWDQ3ULPH0LQLVWHU,PUDQ.KDQZKRFLWHGWKHHQGRUVH
PHQWRIKLV&DELQHWWKH2SSRVLWLRQDQGDQXQQDPHG.DVKPLULOHDGHUVKLSDVWKHUDWLRQDOH special flight
IRUWKHQHZPDS%XWLWZDVZKDW3DNLVWDQ·V)RUHLJQ0LQLVWHU6KDK0HKPRRG4XUHVKL
VDLGWKDWVKRZVWKLVFDUWRJUDSKLFRIIHQVLYHWREHDSDUWRIDODUJHUSDWWHUQDQGQRWMXVW
3DNLVWDQ·VLQGHSHQGHQWPRYH´7KHQHZPDSVKRZV.DVKPLUVKDUHVDFOHDUERUGHUZLWK
&KLQDµKHVDLGDFOHDULQGLFDWLRQWKDWOLNH1HSDOWKLVDWWHPSWWRUHGUDZERXQGDULHVZDV
PDGHDW&KLQD·VEHKHVWDQGXQGHUOLQHVRXUHDVWHUQQHLJKERXU·VGHVLUHIRUVWUDWHJLFFRQ
A equipped with med-
ical equipment and
advanced techno-
logical treatments
for Coronavirus flew to India
from Tel Aviv last week. Also on
board were defence and securi-
WLJXLW\LQWKHUHJLRQWKDQ3DNLVWDQ·VDQ\UHDOFRQFHUQIRU.DVKPLU:KLOH,QGLDLVILUPRQ ty experts as well as Israeli
&KLQHVHZLWKGUDZDOIURPHDVWHUQ/DGDNKWKDWVHHPVWRKDYHGULYHQDZHGJHLQWKHLUJUHDWHU diplomats returning to their
embassies and consulates in the
SODQWRFRQWUROWKH.DUDNRUDPE\VTXHH]LQJXVZLWKVDODPLVOLFLQJ3DNLVWDQ·VPDSFODLPV region. The Israeli team will join
DUHFOHDUO\LQWHQGHGWRZDUQXVRIDWZRIURQWRIIHQVLYH:LWKWKH&KLQHVHUHOXFWDQWWRSXOO hands with researchers in India
EDFNIURPFODLPHGVSXUVDQGULGJHOLQHVLQ/DGDNK,QGLDLVORRNLQJDWDORQJKDXORIYLJLO to develop a rapid testing solu-
DQGDOHUWQHVVWKLVZLQWHU&KLQDMXVWZDQWVWRH[KDXVWRXUFDSDFLWLHVDWWKHKHLJKWVE\RSHQ tion for COVID-19. Dozens of
sophisticated ventilators, which
LQJXSDVHFRQGIODVKSRLQW-XVWODVWPRQWK3DNLVWDQKDGPRYHGDOPRVWVROGLHUV were loaded onto the special
WRWKH/LQHRI&RQWURO/R&WRPDWFK&KLQHVHGHSOR\PHQWRQWKH/LQHRI$FWXDO&RQWURO flight before take-off, made the
/$&6WUDQJHO\LWKDGQ·WSRVLWLRQHGVXFKWURRSVHYHQDIWHUWKH%DODNRWDLUVWULNHV7KH name of the mission that much
more meaningful: Breathing
VLPXOWDQHRXVEXLOGXSDORQJWKHERUGHUDQG3DNLVWDQ·VUHQHZHGSXVKRQLQILOWUDWLRQDUH Space.
FOHDUO\LQWHQGHGWRVWUHWFKRXUUHVRXUFHVWKLQDQGZHDUXVRXWVRWKDWERWKFRXOGPDQDJH Israel went out of its way to
VRPHWHUULWRULDOJUDEVLQWKHSURFHVV,IUHFHQWUHSRUWVDUHWREHEHOLHYHGWKHQWKH&KLQHVH approve the export and transfer
of these ventilators to India,
DUHQRORQJHUVKDGRZER[LQJ-XVWOLNHLQ1HSDOWKHLURIILFLDOVKDYHKDGDVHULHVRIPHHW while both countries continue to
LQJVZLWK3DNLVWDQLRQHVRQ*LOJLW%DOWLVWDQ&KLQDLVDOVRHQFRXUDJLQJ3DNLVWDQWRUHYLYH fight against the spread of the
WKHGHIXQFWWHUURULVWQHWZRUNRI$O%DGUWKDWZDVRQFHDFWLYHLQ.DVKPLU'HEWWUDSSHGE\ virus. Israel’s exceptional gesture
was a welcome “thank you” to
WKH&KLQD3DNLVWDQ(FRQRPLF&RUULGRU&3(&ZLWKLWVHFRQRP\LQWKHGROGUXPVDQGKHDY India, which just a few months
LO\GHSHQGHQWRQERUURZLQJVDQGEDLORXWV3DNLVWDQLVEXWDSDZQLQ&KLQD·VJDPHSODQ ago sent medicine and other
7KHK\SHUEROLFFODLPVRI,PUDQ.KDQDUHOHVVVSRQWDQHRXVDQGPRUHLQDOLJQPHQWZLWK essential diagnostic equipment,
in severe global shortage at the Minister Rajnath Singh, over 70,000 in 2018. Israel-India relationship has
WKHJUDQGLORTXHQWGHFODUDWLRQVRIWKH&KLQHVHGUHDP time, to Israel. In this way, expressing hope that the strong One of India’s most critical permeated all elements of
2IFRXUVH.KDQLVDOVRORRNLQJDWH[WUDFWLQJVRPHKRPHDGYDQWDJHVZLWKWKLVPRYH Israel and India successfully bilateral ties between the two national security challenges is Indian society, including that of
+HZDQWVKLVFRQVWLWXHQWVWRNQRZWKDWKHKDVQRWORVWWKHOHDGHUVKLSRIWKH.DVKPLUFDXVH transformed this unprecedent- countries would contribute sig- the provision of food security the 650 million Indian citizens
ed global pandemic into an nificantly to the global efforts to its immense population. who make a living from agri-
DOWKRXJKKLVUHSHDWHGDWWHPSWVWRUDLVHWKHFKDQJHLQLWVVWDWXVDWVHYHUDOLQWHUQDWLRQDOIRUD
KDYHQRWJRWDQ\WUDFWLRQRYHUWKHODVW\HDU$W&KLQD·VLQVLVWHQFHWKH81KHOGDFORVHG
opportunity to assist one anoth-
er and enhance their relations.
in combating the COVID-19
pandemic. These are just some A4;0C8>=B Israel’s Foreign Ministry has
consistently invested a tenth of
culture and who represent half
of the workforce in India.
GRRUPHHWLQJRQ$UWLFOHODVW$XJXVWEXWVWRSSHGVKRUWRIFHQVXULQJ,QGLDDQGGHVFULEHG The Israel-India relation- of the indicators of the surge 14CF44=C74CF> the Agency for International Israel’s contributions have
.DVKPLUDQLQWHUQDOLVVXHZLWKLQ,QGLD·VFRQVWLWXWLRQDOVSDFH$WRQHWLPHKHKLPVHOIKDG ship has improved dramatical-
ly over the past several years. It’s
that has occurred in relations
between the two countries 3>=³C9DBC4G8BC Development’s (MASHAV)
budget into India for several
also risen to prominence in
fields ranging from health,
FRQFHGHGJURXQGVD\LQJKHZDVQ·WEHLQJDEOHWRWXUQWKHWLGHRILQWHUQDWLRQDORSLQLRQEHFDXVH hard to believe that just three since diplomatic ties were fully 14CF44= years now. This has financed security, industry and more.
,QGLDZDVDÓDUJHPDUNHWµ6RKHQHHGHGWRVKRZKHVWLOOPHDQVEXVLQHVV6HFRQGE\ decades ago, Indian passports established in 1992.
6>E4A=<4=CB1DC the establishment of more than Most critical on our shared
LQYROYLQJ7XUNH\LQLWVFULWLFLVPRI,QGLD.KDQZDQWVWRVWDNHKLVFODLPWROHDGHUVKLSRID were valid “for every country This upward trend has 28 “Excellency Centres” across agenda, however, is water and
QHR,VODPLFD[LVLQYROYLQJ3DNLVWDQ7XUNH\DQG0DOD\VLD7KLVLVHYLGHQWIURPWKH3DNLVWDQ
except Israel.” Today, India has
become one of our most signif-
yielded success in other fields
as well. Although it’s difficult to
0;B>14CF44= the many States that make up
India. These centres serve as
Israel is uniquely placed to pro-
vide solutions to the critical
*RYHUQPHQW·VLQIRUPDWLRQFDPSDLJQHQFRXUDJLQJERWK&KLQDDQG7XUNH\WRLVVXHDQWL icant friendships in the Asian imagine direct flights while B>284C84BC74 agricultural “demonstration” water shortage issue that India
,QGLDVWDWHPHQWVDQGWZHHWV,WLVWU\LQJWRJHW.DVKPLUXQGHUWKHEDQQHURISDQ,VODPLVP region. The scope of mutual
trade between the two countries
living under the cloud of
COVID-19, Air India’s direct
8BA04;8=380 farms, introducing Israeli
experts and innovative Israeli
faces. Both countries share a
deep and mutual appreciation
0RVWVLJQLILFDQWO\WKH86LVQRZPRUHDQDOO\RI,QGLDWRKXPRXULW6RLWLVQRZOHIWWR has grown from approximately flight between New Delhi and A4;0C8>=B78?70B technologies to Indian farmers. for the benefits that their joint
3DNLVWDQWRGHYLVHLWVRZQH[SRUWDEOH.DVKPLUVWUDWHJ\7KLVLVRQHRIWKHUHDVRQVZK\ $200 million in 1992 to some $4
billion in 2018.
Tel Aviv, inaugurated two years
ago, minimises flight duration
?4A<40C430;; During his last visit to
India in January 2018, Prime
collaboration brings them at
the community level.
WKH*RYHUQPHQWPXVWPDNHHIIRUWVIRUDFLYLOLQWHJUDWLRQRI.DVKPLUOHVWWKHSHUFHLYHGDOLHQ 4;4<4=CB>5
Since former Prime by flying over Saudi Arabia. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Under the leadership of
DWLRQEHFRPHVDIHUWLOHJURXQGIRU3DNLVWDQWRLPSOHPHQWDQHZVHSDUDWLVWDJHQGD$OUHDG\
WKH.DVKPLUL\RXWKZKRKDYHEHHQPRUHLQWHUDFWLYHZLWKPDLQVWUHDPGLVFRXUVHEHFDXVH
Minister Ariel Sharon’s first his-
toric visit to India in 2003,
This contributes towards the
normalisation of Israel’s ties
8=380=B>284CH escorted Prime Minister
Narendra Modi to his home
Narendra Modi, India is
assuming its role as a regional
RISXUVXLQJKLJKHUHGXFDWLRQDQGMREVDFURVVWKHFRXQWU\DUHVHQVLQJDFRQVSLUDF\WR Israeli and Indian Presidents, with the Arab world and as 8=2;D38=6C70C>5 State of Gujarat. In an excep- and world power and our
NHHSWKHPRXWZLWKFRQWLQXHGFXUIHZVDQGLQWHUQHWEDQV7KHUHPXVWEHSROLWLFDOHQJDJH
Prime Ministers and Foreign
Ministers have enjoyed a host of
such, assists Israel in achieving
its strategic goal of improving C74%$<8;;8>= tionally moving moment, hun-
dreds of farmers rushed to
diplomacy has succeeded in
showing India the many advan-
PHQWZLWKSHRSOH·VUHSUHVHQWDWLYHVDVFRQILQHPHQWLVRQO\PDNLQJWKHPPDUW\UVEHIRUH bilateral visits and discussions. its relations with the region. 8=380=28C8I4=B meet them and share their tages that can come from
ORFDOVZKHQWKH\FRXOGEHXVHGDVDVVHWVWRSXVKJRYHUQDQFH7KHJURXQGVLWXDWLRQZLOO One of the first discussions
Foreign Minister Gabi
Other flights — El Al to
Mumbai, Arkia flights to Goa F7>A4?A4B4=C personal stories. One after
another, they recounted how
strengthening its ties with
Israel. The Foreign Ministry is
EHFKDRWLFRUQHJDWLYHEXWRQHKDVWRZRUNWKURXJKLWUDWKHUWKDQULVN3DNLVWDQZKLSSLQJ Ashkenazi held upon entering and Cochin — are an impor- 70;5>5C74 their fields’ crop yields had determined to cultivating its
XSLWVDJHQGDDWRXUH[SHQVH,ILQGHHGWKH*RYHUQPHQWZDQWVWRSXEOLFLVHQRUPDOF\WKHQ
LWVKRXOGWDNHDVWHSIRUZDUGQRPDWWHUZKDWWKHULVNV2UHOVHWKHSROLWLFDOHFRQRP\RI
his new role was with his Indian
counterpart, Minister of
tant bridge between Israel and
India. This bridge is further F>A:5>A24 improved by a hundred per
cent following their training at
ties with India to ensure that
our relations continue to thrive
.DVKPLUFRXOGMXVWGULIWDZD\
External Affairs S Jaishankar.
Israel’s Alternate Prime
strengthened by a visa relief
policy for Indian citizens,
8=8=380 Israel’s Excellence Centres.
Relations between Israel
in the future.
(The writer is Deputy
Minister and Minister of which saw the number of and India clearly don’t just Director General for Asia and
4]`dfcVW`cDfdYR_e
Defence, Benny Gantz, too, had Indian tourists visiting Israel exist between Governments the Pacific at the Israeli Ministry
a word with Indian Defence grow from 16,000 in 2000 to but also between societies. The of Foreign Affairs)
$VFRSVELFNHUSROLWLFLDQVMXPSLQDQGWKH&%,WDNHVXSWKHSUREH B>D=318C4
LQWRKLVGHDWKSRLQWVFRULQJGLPVWKHWDOHQWKHZDV CWTS^âbÛcWTUX[\X]Sdbcah^_T]TSUâ 2WX]PU^[[^fbR[^bT[hcWTbXcdPcX^]X] CWT?aX\T<X]XbcTaWPbeX^[PcTS
2
YHUDPRQWKLQWR%ROO\ZRRGDFWRU6XVKDQW6LQJK \TbX\_[hQTRPdbTÛ\hbda]P\T8c cWT:PbW\XaaTVX^]2WX]P³b_^bXcX^]^] cWT^PcWÛÛUXRTQh[PhX]VcWT
f^d[SQTRaX\X]P[c^ST]hcWPc1dcêTa cWT:PbW\XaXbbdTXbR[TPaP]S U^d]SPcX^]bc^]TÛAP\<P]SXa
5DMSXW·VGHDWKFRQVSLUDF\WKHRULHVVXUURXQGLQJ cWThTPab8[TPa]TScWPccWX]VbPaT R^]bXbcT]cCWXbXbbdTXbPSXb_dcT CWXbXbcWTSPhÛcWTSTUTPcÛ
LWKDYHUHIXVHGWRGLHGRZQ'LGWKHJLIWHGWDOHQW SXUUTaT]cX]CP\X[P]SCT[dVdRX]T\P [TUcêTaUa^\WXbcâhQTcfTT] ST\^RaPRhP]SbTRd[PaXb\P]S
ZLWKHUDZD\WUDXPDWLVHGDQGGHSUHVVHG":DVKHSXVKHG fWT]R^\_PaTSc^1^[[hf^^S ?PZXbcP]P]S8]SXP bdRRTbbÛ7X]SdceP
DELWWRRKDUGRYHUWKHHGJHE\%ROO\ZRRG·VLQFHVWXRXV 0Rcâ 2WX]TbTb_^ZTb_Tab^] 08<8<RWXTU
FOLTXHV":DVKHEODFNPDLOHGDQGWKUHDWHQHGDERXWKLV ¯BWadcX7PPbP] ¯FP]VFT]QX] ¯0bPSdSSX]>fPXbX
ILQDQFHVE\JLUOIULHQG5KHD&KDNUDERUW\RUZDVKHH[SORLW
HGE\VRPHPRQH\ODXQGHULQJJDQJ"6XFKKDVEHHQ ;4CC4AB C>C74438C>A
WKHXQHQGLQJYROOH\RITXHVWLRQVWKDWKHFRQWLQXHVWR
GRPLQDWHQHZVF\FOHVGHVSLWHWKHSDQGHPLF1RZWKH
Dbe]`Q^TfYcQ`_\YdYSc
activists remain in detention;
CdY\\Q\_^WgQid_W_ there’s a complete absence of a
6XSUHPH&RXUWZKHUH5KHDKDGSHWLWLRQHGDJDLQVWKHU political process; no access to
YLFWLPLVDWLRQE\WKHDFWRU·VIDPLO\KDVWDNHQQRWHVHHN B?aTbXST]c3^]P[SCad\_WPb^]RTPVPX]cPa
D
Sir — This refers to the edito- Internet and mobile connectiv-
LQJDQLPSDUWLDODQGFRPSUHKHQVLYHSUREHIROORZLQJZKLFKWKH&%,KDVWDNHQLWXS6DGO\ rial, “Forlorn hopes” (August VTccTSX\\XVaP]cbX]QdX[SX]VP]PcXeXbc_XcRWUâ ity. Meanwhile, civil and demo-
5). Automobile sales in July cWTT[TRcX^]b7Xb[PcTbcR[P\_S^f]QPab7 1 cratic rights of the people
DQGLQDSSURSULDWHO\6XVKDQWKDVEHHQLFRQLVHGE\KLVGHDWKWKDQKLVOLIH·VZRUNDQGIRU offered hope that an econom- eXbPW^[STabUa^\_PacXRX_PcX]VX]UTSTaP[6êTa]\T]c remain stamped out.
KLVVDNHLWLVLPSHUDWLYHWKHWUXWKFRPHVRXWDQGWKHUHLVFORVXUH6RWKDWKHLVQRWGHILQHG ic recovery is nearing. As R^]caPRcb6a^fX]Vd]T\_[^h\T]cP\^]V0\TaXRP]b The suspension of the
E\WKHKD]HRIWKHXQGHUEHOO\EXWE\KLVDFKLHYHPHQWV)RUKLVVDNHZHPXVWNQRZLILW compared to June, there has aP\_P]cX]cT[[TRcdP[_[PVXPaXb\P]S]PcX^]P[bTRdaXch Internet has impacted educa-
been a substantial improve- PaTcWTRXcTSaTPb^]bUâcWT[PcTbc\êTCWXbâSTa tion and health. The continued
ZDVVXLFLGHRUPXUGHUVRWKDWZHFDQUHVWRUHKLVGLJQLW\DQGSHDFH)RUKLVVDNHZH ment in car sales in July. It was [XZTcWTTPa[XTa^]TbPUUTRcb8]SXP]bcWT\^bc4eTa detention of political leaders is
PXVWNQRZKRZVHULRXVZDVKHDYLFWLPRIPHQWDOGHSUHVVLRQDVWKDWEHFRPHVDPDODLVH heartening to see that manu- bX]RTWXbPbRT]SP]RhX]! %Cad\_WPbQTT]PccPRZ only an indication that there is
RIDJHQHUDWLRQXQGHUH[WUHPHSUHVVXUHRISHUIRUPDQFHDQGH[SHFWDWLRQ0RVWLPSRUWDQW facturers such as Maruti X]VcWTSXeTabXchQPbTSUPQaXRÛ0\TaXRP]b^RXTch7Xb no space for opinion or dissent
O\WKHEODPHJDPHVDQGQHHGOHVVSROLWLFNLQJLQKLVQDPHPXVWVWRSULJKWQRZ Suzuki and Tata Motors have [PcTbcRP]PaSPVPX]bccWTX\\XVaP]cbXbX][X]TfXcWWXb in India’s democracy.
seen higher car sales. However, _Pa^RWXP[Xb\8cP[[QTVP]^]0_aX[!!fWT]cWTXbbdP]RT Shariq Alavi
+DUGO\DQ\ERG\FDXJKWLQWKHQHSRWLVPVOXJIHVWLQWKHILOPLQGXVWU\KDGEHHQDURXQG unless other car manufactur- ÛUP\X[hQPbTSVaTT]RPaSbfPb_dc^]W^[ScX[[cWT Lucknow
WRKHOSKLPRUNQRZKLPEHWWHUZKHQKHQHHGHGWKHP7KHWXUIZDUEHWZHHQWKH0XPEDL ers, like Ashok Leyland and hTPaT]SCWT]X]9d]TWTWP[cTScWT_a^RTbbX]VÛ X]Vc^cWT]PcXeXb\P]SFWXcTbd_aT\PRXbc_aXSTXb
DQG%LKDUSROLFHERWKRIZKLFKDUHFRQGXFWLQJSDUDOOHOLQYHVWLJDWLRQVKDVWXUQHGWKHSUREH Bajaj Auto, too, start showing eXbPbcêPaX^dbRPcTVâXTbÛbZX[[TS_aÛTbbX^]P[b _aê^ZX]VP]P]cXX\\XVaPcX^]bT]cX\T]cX]cWTDB
positive results, we should not X]R[dSX]V7 17TU^[[^fTSXcd_fXcWP]^cWTaSaP 7TWPbaT_TPcTS[hQTT]R^]eThX]Vc^WXbe^cTabcWPc 6QYb`b_RU
LQWRDJDPHRIRQHXSPDQVKLSWKDQDERXWDVVHVVLQJWKHIDFWVRIWKHFDVH7KH%LKDUSROLFH assume that we have reached R^]XP]TgTRdcXeTâSTaX]9d[hcWPccWaTPcT]TScWTbcd 0\TaXRPXbUâ0\TaXRP]bP]ScWPccWTh]TTSc^QaX]V
VHHPVWREHDFWLQJDWWKHEHKHVWRI6XVKDQW·VSROLWLFDOO\FRQQHFWHGIDPLO\DQGUDLVLQJTXHV pre-COVID days of sales. ST]cbW^[SX]V5 P]S< eXbPbfXcWST_âcPcX^]cWdb WX\QPRZc^cWTFWXcT7^dbT;Xcc[TS^TbCad\_aTP[XbT Sir — The probe into
WLRQVZKLFKWKH0XPEDLSROLFHVKRXOGKDYHWDNHQQRWHRIUDWKHUWKDQGLVPLVVLQJWKHPDV We need to factor in one YT^_PaSXbX]VcWTUdcdaTÛP\X[[X^]ÛcWT\Cad\_WPS cWPcXcXbcWTX\\XVaP]cbfW^WPeT\PSTcWTDBfWPc Bollywood actor Sushant Singh
critical factor which is that due c^ a^[[ QPRZ WXb X[[R^]RTXeTS SXZcPc Pb 7PaePaS P]S Xc Xb c^SPh 1T Xc Rd[cdaT TR^]^\h Ud]SP\T]cP[ Rajput’s death is going on for
DFRHUFLYHWDFWLF%RWKVKRXOGEHH[FKDQJLQJQRWHVDQGLQIRUPDWLRQWRFOHDUWKHKD]HRI to the pandemic, there is and <PbbPRWdbTccb8]bcXcdcTÛCTRW]^[^VhfT]cc^R^dac aTbTPaRW X]eT]cX^]b â X]]êPcX^]b cWTh WPeT the past 40 days and has left two
VSHFXODWLRQ2WKHUZLVHWKHELFNHULQJLVRQO\HPDFLDWLQJWKHPDQGHURGLQJSXEOLFWUXVW there will still be a shift in the PVPX]bcXcCW^dVWcWTR^]caêTabXP[âSTaXbfXcWSaPf] T]aXRWTS Q^cW 0\TaXRP] b^RXTch P]S TR^]^\h States — Bihar and
%XWUHSUHKHQVLEO\LW·VWKHSROLWLFLDQVDFURVVWKHGLYLGHLQ%LKDUZKRDUHKHOOEHQWRQPDN thought process of buyers, at hTc X]cTa]PcX^]P[ bcdST]cb³ aXVWc c^ bcdSh X] cWT DB CW^dVW X[[TVP[ X\\XVaP]cb ]TTS c^ QT RdaQTS cWT Maharashtra — warring during
least for some time until things aT\PX]b_aTRPaX^db[hUaPVX[T0]S]^ffTWPeTcWXb RaPRZS^f]^][TVXcX\PcT\XVaPcX^]P\^d]cbc^]TVPc the pandemic. Now that the
LQJMXVWLFHIRUWKH´VRQRIWKHVRLOµDQHOHFWRUDOLVVXHZKHQWKH\KDYHKDGQRDFWLYHDVVR normalise. Yet people are QP]^]P[[^ccX]VUTSTaP[6êTa]\T]cR^]caPRcbc^7 X]VP[[cWPc0\TaXRPWPbP[fPhbbc^^SUâ case will be handed over to the
FLDWLRQZLWKKLP6XFKZDVWKHSUHVVXUHIURPWKH2SSRVLWLRQZLWKLWVOHDGHU7HMDVZL<DGDY avoiding the use of the public 1Pb_XaP]cb B:?aPQWPZPa Central Bureau of Investigation
OHDGLQJDQDOOSDUW\GHPDQGWRWUHDWLWDVDQDWLRQDOLVVXHWKDW&KLHI0LQLVWHU1LWLVK.XPDU transport system and are CWXbXbP]T[TRcX^]hTPaP]SCad\_Qh_P]STa 6dadVaP\ (CBI), a fair probe must bring
instead using two-wheelers or closure to what has become a
KDGWRUHFRPPHQGD&%,SUREHLQWRKLVGHDWK4XHVWLRQLVZKHWKHUWKH\ZRXOGVWRSDW pre-owned cars. The Indian needless mess.
WKDWRUNHHSWKHEDOOUROOLQJLIWKHILQGLQJVDUHQRWWRWKHLUOLNLQJ7KHUHIRUHJLYHQWKHSROLW automobile sector is on a slow status of Jammu & Kashmir but The Government’s promise MN Musaeed
LFDODQGUHJLRQDOVHQVLWLYLWLHVLQYROYHGWKHUHLVWKLVOLQJHULQJIHDUWKDW6XVKDQW·VFDVHOLNH road to partial recovery but 6Q\cU`b_]YcUc New Delhi’s intent to establish that such a decision would Mumbai
there’s a long way to go. peace and create economic usher in economic develop-
WKDWRIWKH$UXVKLPXUGHUFDVHDQG-HVVLFD/DO·VEHIRUHLWFRXOGGUDJRQIRU\HDUV$QG Bal Govind Sir — It has been a year since development in the Valley has ment has not been successful. BT]Shh^daUUTTSQPRZcc^)
LILQGHHGZHORVWKLPWRGHSUHVVLRQWKHQWKDWLVWKHELJJHVWFDVXDOW\RIWKLVGHEDWH Noida the abrogation of the special not yielded concrete results. Most political leaders and [TccTabc^_X^]TTa/V\PX[R^\
P]P[hbXb
=4F34;78kC7DAB30H k0D6DBC %!!
gggTQY\i`Y_ÛUbS_] &
58ABC2>;D<=
BYWXd]_fUc @?9>D2>D=C4A@?9>D
_^bUcUQbSX
8=3808B4<>C8>=0;C>30H0B342034B>5F08C70E4 <A?A8<4<8=8BC4A80<0;B>4<>C8>=0;
4=3432A>A4BF>=C14;84E4C70CC74H70E4B44= C>30H1420DB40<>B@D4BC>>3
C78B30H8=>DA;854C8<4 C74A45>A#$H40AB
CWT=PcX^]P[4SdRPcX^]?^[XRh!!
°?A8<4<8=8BC4A °08<8<;4034A
WPbcaXTSc^QP[P]RTT`dXchP]STgRT[[T]RT
=0A4=3A0<>38 0B03D338=>F08B8
X]cWTR^d]cah³bWXVWTaTSdRPcX^]bTRcâ
3RZHUOHVVSRZHUVHFWRU
32 B70A<0 7KHPXFKWRXWHGSRZHUUHIRUPVKDYHQRWWDNHQRIIDVQHWDVUHPDLQLQHOHFWLRQPRGH$VD
+ UHVXOWLQGXVWULHVFRQWLQXHWRSD\KLJKWDULIIDQGGLVFRPVFRQWLQXHWRUHSRUWORVVHV
LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ+(LVHOLWLVWE\QDWXUHDQGLWLVDOVRQRWIUHH
6RRQO\WKHEHVWDQGWKRVHZKRFDQEDJDVFKRODUVKLSRUSD\
DUHDEOHWRSXUVXHLW7KH1DWLRQDO(GXFDWLRQ3ROLF\1(3
KDVWULHGWREDODQFHHTXLW\DQGH[FHOOHQFH$VRIWKHSDUWLFL
SDWLRQRIOHDUQHUVZDVSHUFHQWZKLFKWKH1(3LQWHQGVWRLQFUHDVH
WRSHUFHQWE\7KHSROLF\KDVSUHVHQWHGDQHODERUDWHURDG
PDSZKLFKUHIOHFWVWKHGHWHUPLQDWLRQRIWKH*RYHUQPHQWWRDWWDLQWKLV
JRDO2QHRIWKHPDMRUVWUHQJWKVRIWKH1(3LVWKDWLWLVDFFHSWDEOH
WRDOOWKHVXSSRUWHUVRIWKH*RYHUQPHQWDQGWKH2SSRVLWLRQDOLNH
7KHPRVWVDOLHQWIHDWXUHRIWKH1(3LVLWVHPSKDVLVRQUHVHDUFKOHDG
LQJWRNQRZOHGJHFUHDWLRQLQDOOGLVFLSOLQHV6DGO\LQRXUXQLYHUVL
WLHVUHVHDUFKZDVLJQRUHGLQWKHQDPHRIVHUYLQJWKHODUJHQXPEHU
RIGHJUHHVHHNHUVDWWKHXQGHUJUDGXDWHOHYHO7KHSROLF\SURPRWHV
UHVHDUFKZLWKRXWORVLQJVLJKWRIWKHWHDFKLQJFRPSRQHQW,WSURSRV
EDD1=6D?C0
HVWRHVWDEOLVKD1DWLRQDO5HVHDUFK)RXQGDWLRQ15)WKDWZLOOSUR
PRWHGLOLJHQWLQGLYLGXDOVDQGLQVWLWXWLRQVLQUHVHDUFKDQGZHHGRXW nder the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
WKRVHZKRVTXDQGHUUHVHDUFKIXQGV7KHSROLF\KDVGUDZQDYHU\
FOHDUURDGPDSIRUWHDFKLQJFROOHJHVDQGUHVHDUFKXQLYHUVLWLHVZKLFK
ZLOOLQWKHORQJUXQSXVKDOOLQWREHFRPLQJWHDFKLQJFXPUHVHDUFK
U scheme unveiled in May, Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman had promised a special
loan of C90,000 crore to fledgling power distribu-
LQVWLWXWLRQV tion companies (discoms) to enable them to clear
7KH1(3VHHNVWRUHVWUXFWXUHKLJKHUHGXFDWLRQDQGZDQWVWKH their dues to independent power producers (IPPs)
and generators in the public sector viz. National
H[LVWLQJWKUHH\HDUXQGHUJUDGXDWHSURJUDPPHWREHUHSODFHGE\D Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and so on,
IRXU\HDUGHJUHHRQH7KHODVW\HDUVKDOOEHDVXEVWLWXWHIRUWKHH[LVW subject to their implementing certain reforms. The
LQJ0DVWHU·VSURJUDPPH*UDGXDWHVFDQJRIRUHLWKHUGRFWRUDOVWXG Government is now keen on hiking the loan amount
LHVRUWHDFKLQJDIWHUWKHIRXU\HDUGHJUHHFRXUVH7KLVZDVGRQHDV to C1,25,000 crore and relaxing reform conditions.
WKHUHZDVDIHHOLQJWKDWWKHH[LVWLQJ0DVWHU·VGHJUHHSURJUDPPHGLG This is not the first time that discoms are in dire
QRWKDYHPXFKUHOHYDQFH$OVRDVLPLODUVWUXFWXUHH[LVWVLQDODUJH financial straits and the Government has bailed them
QXPEHURIGHYHORSHGFRXQWULHVDQGSUHPLHULQVWLWXWLRQV6RZK\LV out, subject to their implementing reforms. Since
WKHIRXU\HDUGHJUHHQHFHVVDU\",QHGXFDWLRQHYHU\GURSRXWZKR 2000, three such bailouts were granted, the latest
31C8B0
OHDYHVWKHV\VWHPZLWKRXWDFTXLULQJDFHUWLILFDWHGLSORPDRUDGHJUHH being in 2015 under the Ujwal Discom Assurance
Yojana (UDAY) which condoned their whopping CA0=B5>A<0C8E4
LVNQRZQDV´ZDVWDJHµ7RPLQLPLVHWKLV´ZDVWDJHµWKH1(3KDV
debt of about C4,00,000 crore. Each time, a promise A45>A<D=34A8C
PDGHWKHSURYLVLRQRIDZDUGLQJDFHUWLILFDWHWRWKRVHZKRZLVKWR was extracted from them and their owners (State BD1B83H8B68E4=
H[LWDIWHURQH\HDUDGLSORPDWRWKRVHZKROHDYHDIWHUWZR\HDUVDQG Government) for carrying out reforms, only to be 38A42C;HC>C74
DGHJUHHWRWKRVHZKRFRPSOHWHIRXU\HDUVRIVWXGLHV7KLVZLOOPLQ flouted with impunity. 14=458280A84B
LPLVHZDVWDJHDVWKRVHZLWKDFHUWLILFDWHRUDGLSORPDFDQEHFRQ From time to time, our policy makers have 4E4=0BC0A8558B
VLGHUHGIRUDMRE6WXGHQWVZKRZDQWWRSXUVXHGRFWRUDOVWXGLHVFDQ harped on reforming Power Purchase Agreements <0A:4C
GR VR VWUDLJKWDZD\ DIWHU WKH FRXUVH DV WKH QHHG IRU D 0DVWHU LQ (PPAs); introducing “open access”; making the tar- 34C4A<8=438C
3KLORVRSK\KDVEHHQGRQHDZD\ZLWK iff-setting process transparent and reducing cross- F8;;5>BC4A
7KH1(3LVDSSDUHQWO\FRQVFLRXVRIWKHSDWKHWLFVWDWHRIWHDFKHU subsidy; Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT); trading in
2><?4C8C8>=
HGXFDWLRQFROOHJHVZKLFKDUHDSSUR[LPDWHO\LQQXPEHU+LJKHU electricity; increase in share of renewals and so on.
In each of these reform measures, two objectives res- 8<?A>E4
HGXFDWLRQLQVWLWXWLRQV+(,VZKLFKRIIHURQO\DVLQJOHSURJUDPPH 4558284=2H decision was challenged by IPPs in
onate. These are: Electricity supply to consumers at ly directed the CERC “to amend the PPAs agreements (very likely), the tariff charge-
DQGKDYHIHZHUWKDQVWXGHQWVZLOOEHPHUJHGZLWKPXOWLGLVFL affordable rates and making discoms “viable.” Yet, A43D242>BC Andhra Pradesh High Court (APHC). In to enable pass-through of fuel price esca- able from consumers would be C9.8 per
SOLQDU\LQVWLWXWLRQV7KHSROLF\DOVRVXJJHVWVWKDWWKHH[LVWLQJ1DWLRQDO what we see on ground zero, is just the opposite. 4;8<8=0C4C745C its order of September 2019, the APHC lation subject to a cap”. In short, the lower unit. This is bizarre.
&RXQFLOIRU7HDFKHU(GXFDWLRQ1&7(EHPHUJHGZLWKWKH8QLYHUVLW\ A PPA is a contract between an IPP and a dis- 0=30D6<4=C struck down the State’s order on review- tariff advantage emanating from the Reducing cross-subsidy by lowering
*UDQWV&RPPLVVLRQ8*&7KRXJKWKHLPSRUWDQFHRIWHDFKHUHGX com which lays down terms of electricity purchase A4E4=D4C78B8B ing/renegotiating PPAs and asked the AP TBCB concept, that was promised on sup- charges from industries and businesses
FDWLRQKDVEHHQHPSKDVLVHGE\DOOFRPPLVVLRQVVLQFH,QGHSHQGHQFH by the latter from the former, including tariff which C74<>BC?>C4=C Electricity Regulatory Commission plies all through the life of these UMPPs, (under the ‘New Tariff Policy’ in the works,
DQGEHIRUHWKHHVWDEOLVKPHQWRI1&7(LQKDVQRWEHHQDEOH is subject to approval by the State Electricity F0H>5<0:8=6 (APERC) to decide on the matter. During was taken away. For all future projects, the discoms can recover only up to 15 per cent
WRIXOILOH[SHFWDWLRQV+HQFHLWVPHUJHUZLWKWKH8*&LVDZHOFRPH Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). Nearly 86 per ?>F4A the interim period, it directed the discoms Government excluded fuel costs from the of under-recovered power supply cost
PRYH$UHPDUNDEOHSURSRVDORIWKHSROLF\LVWRVHHVFKRROHGXFD cent of power is sold through long-term PPAs. Of
055>A301;4C> to pay these plants at a provisional rate of bidding process, which is a “pass-through.” from other consumers) is theoretical, to
WLRQDQGKLJKHUHGXFDWLRQLQFRQWLQXXP,WKDVWDNHQFRJQLVDQFHRI the balance, 10 per cent is covered under short-term C2.43 per unit. Meanwhile, the State This means that whenever there is a hike say the least. This connects with the larg-
agreements and four per cent sold on trading plat- 2>=BD<4AB>= Government has asked APERC to levy in fuel cost, discoms have to pay more. er issue of State Governments forcing dis-
WKHUROHWKHODWWHUPXVWSOD\LQWKHGHYHORSPHQWRIVFKRROHGXFDWLRQ C74>=470=30=3 transmission and distribution charges for
forms. The policy of “open access” under the coms to charge less from poor households
DQGKRZERWKPXVWIXQFWLRQLQV\QHUJ\,WVD\VÍDFXOW\GHYHORSPHQW Discoms purchase power from IPPs/NTPC <0:8=638B2><B wheeling power for these plants, which sell amended Electricity Act (2003) allows and farmers and revenue loss arising from
IRUWKHKLJKHUHGXFDWLRQV\VWHPDQGVXSSRUWWRVFKRROHGXFDWLRQµ besides their own generating stations and sell to con- E801;4>=C74 power directly to industrial consumers bulk consumers (those with consumption large-scale theft and underbilling. As
ZLOOEHHPSKDVLVHG sumers. While sale to poor households and farm- >C74A1>C7C74 through the “open access” mechanism. greater than one MW) to choose their sup- long as status quo continues in all these
7KH1(3WKURXJKYDULRXVSURSRVDOVKDVLQGXFHGFRPSHWLWLRQ ers is normally made at subsidised rates/free, i.e. D?00=3=30 These charges include C3 per unit wheel- plier. This enables a consumer to draw areas, it won’t be possible to reduce tariff
DQGSURPRWLRQWKURXJKSHHUUHYLHZ,WKDVVXJJHVWHGYLVLEOHWUDQV below the cost of purchase, wheeling and distribu- A468<4B70E4 ing, C1.5 per unit cross-subsidy and C0.5 electricity directly from an IPP who on supplies to industries and businesses.
SDUHQWRXWFRPHVWKURXJKULJRURXVSURFHVVHV$WWDLQLQJH[FHOOHQFH tion, the charges for industries and businesses are <034C0;;2;08<B per unit as distribution charge. Ultimately, offers lower tariff. The SERC is expected DBT is a transformative reform.
WKURXJKFRPSHWLWLRQFDQEHWKHRQO\PDQWUDIRUHGXFDWLRQZKLFKWKLV much higher than the cost of supply. Put simply, the 8=C78BA460A3 the cost to consumers will be C7.43 per to exercise regulatory oversight and Under it, subsidy is given directly to the
SROLF\KDVFOHDUO\UHIOHFWHG*OREDOO\UHZDUGDQGSXQLVKPHQWIRUJRRG tariff policy uses excess payments by the latter to
1DC=>=470B unit. What is given from one hand is being ensure that the correct tariff is charged. But beneficiaries even as tariff is market-deter-
DQGSRRUUHVHDUFKKDYHEHHQWKHQRUPEXWRXUUHVHDUFKIXQGLQJKDV cross-subsidise the former. taken away from the other. another provision in the Act requires him mined. It will foster competition, improve
The discoms are expected to sign PPAs with F0;:43C74C0;: At another extreme, IPPs had agreed to pay an “open Access Surcharge (OAS)” efficiency, reduce cost, eliminate theft and
QRWEHHQOLQNHGZLWKJRRGRXWSXW7KH1(3FOHDUO\UHIOHFWVLWVLQWHQ
WLRQWRLQGXFHULJRXULQUHVHDUFKDQGSURPRWHJRRGUHVHDUFKHUVDQG those IPPs who can deliver power at the lowest pos- to charge low tariff, using the tariff-based to the discom s/he wants to leave. augment revenue. This is the most potent
sible tariff (in fact, the Central Government runs sev- competitive bidding (TBCB) method. The State Governments fix the sur- way of making power affordable to con-
LQVWLWXWLRQV ,W SURSRVHV WR ÚHFRJQLVH RXWVWDQGLQJ UHVHDUFK DQG eral schemes which help IPPs to reduce the cost of Under the long-term PPAs signed by Tata charge at a level so as to ensure that post- sumers on the one hand and making dis-
SURJUHVVDFKLHYHGYLD15)IXQGLQJPHQWRULQJDFURVVVXEMHFWVWKURXJK generation, say by lowering the cost of fuel such as Power Limited (TPL) and Adani Power switch, the effective cost to the consumer coms viable on the other. Both the UPA
SUL]HVDQGVSHFLDOVHPLQDUVUHFRJQLVLQJWKHZRUNRIWKHUHVHDUFKHUVµ coal or gas and so on) with the sole objective of mak- Limited (APL) for their Ultra Mega viz. tariff charged by new supplier plus and NDA regimes have made tall claims
,QVWLWXWLRQVDQGDFDGHPLFVFDQQRWDWWDLQH[FHOOHQFHLQLVRODWLRQ%\ ing it affordable to consumers. Unfortunately, the Power Projects (UMPP) in Gujarat, these OAS is higher than what he pays to the in this regard but none has walked the talk.
SXWWLQJRXULQVWLWXWLRQVDQGDFDGHPLFVLQFRPSHWLWLRQZLWKLQWKHQDWLRQ reality is far from it. Let us look at a few examples. companies had committed to sell at the discom. In other words, the levy of sur- Opening of power exchanges for
RUDEURDGZHZRXOGWHQGWRJDLQ:LWKWKLVLQYLHZWKH1(3KDVDGYR In Andhra Pradesh (AP), promoters of 139 rate of C2.26 per unit and C2.35 per unit charge (embedded in the Act itself) kills trading is a good move enabling price dis-
FDWHGLQYLWLQJIRUHLJQLQVWLWXWLRQVWRVHWXSFDPSXVHVLQ,QGLD6RPH power plants based on solar and wind energy (aggre- for supplies to discoms in the State. Both the very soul of the “open access” policy. covery and may help some consumers get
KDYHFULWLFLVHGWKLVUHFRPPHQGDWLRQEXWWKH\DUHXQDZDUHRIWKHIDFW gate capacity 8,000 mega watt or MW) had signed are based on coal. The OAS was meant to be temporary — attractive price for their needs. However,
WKDW,QGLDLVVLJQDWRU\WRWKH*HQHUDO$JUHHPHQWRQ7UDGHDQG6HUYLFHV agreements with the discoms during 2014-19 In 2012, TPL/APL petitioned the to be reduced over a period of time — but given that electricity traded on the
DQGZHKDYHQRRSWLRQEXWWRRSHQRXUHGXFDWLRQVHFWRUWRIRUHLJQ under the erstwhile dispensation led by Central Electricity Regulatory States continue to use this as an instrument exchange is a miniscule four per cent of
Chandrababu Naidu. Apart from being environ- Commission (CERC) seeking “compen- to shield discoms. In the above example, the total, this hardly makes an impact on
DJHQFLHVDQGQDWLRQV ment-friendly, the other advantage of buying elec- satory tariff.” They argued that following even as discoms in Andhra Pradesh are the overall scenario.
0DQ\QHZERGLHVDUHSURSRVHGOLNHWKH1DWLRQDO+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ tricity from these sources was the low cost of sup- an order of the Indonesian Government now required to pay IPPs at a lower rate None of the power reforms has taken
5HJXODWRU\$XWKRULW\*HQHUDO(GXFDWLRQ&RXQFLO+LJKHU(GXFDWLRQ ply, about C2.43 per unit, which was nearly half of in September 2011, fixing a minimum of C2.43 per unit under orders from the off as our netas remain in election mode
*UDQWV&RPPLVVLRQDQGVRRQZLWKWKHFOHDULQWHQWLRQRIGHFHQWUDOLVHG the cost of sourcing it from thermal power plants. export price (MEP) of coal, they were APHC, consumers won’t get this benefit perennially and are unable to do all that
EXWFRRUGLQDWHGGHFLVLRQPDNLQJ8QLYHUVLWLHVH[FHORQO\ZKHQWKH\ Yet, under the PPAs, the discoms had agreed to pay forced to pay more, which should be com- as the State gears up to collect the OAS of is needed to make them work. Till they
KDYHDXWRQRP\DQGDEOHOHDGHUVKLS$PDMRUGUDZEDFNRIRXUXQL IPPs C4.8 per unit i.e. almost double. pensated. This was allowed by the CERC C1.5 per unit (besides C3 per unit wheel- can deliver on their promises, industries
YHUVLWLHVKDVEHHQSRRUOHDGHUVKLS:HZLOOKDYHWRUHWKLQNWKHUROH The new Government, led by YS Jaganmohan in February 2014 and confirmed by the ing charge and C0.5/unit as distribution will continue to pay high tariff and dis-
RIWKH*RYHUQPHQWDQGWKHVHERGLHVLQLQVWLWXWLRQVWRKHOSWKHPIXQF Reddy, set up a high-level committee in early July, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) charge). In case the APHC decides in coms will continue to make losses.
WLRQDXWRQRPRXVO\DQGDOVRLGHQWLI\DFDGHPLFOHDGHUVWRUXQWKHP 2019 to review those agreements, citing malprac- in December 2016. The Supreme Court, favour of IPPs, requiring discoms to pay (The writer is a New Delhi-based pol-
7KHZULWHULVDSURIHVVRURIHGXFDWLRQ,*128 tices with a mandate to bring down the tariff. The (SC) after initially rejecting the claim, final- at the rate of C4.8 per unit as per original icy analyst)
(QGWKHDQQXDOIORRGRIPRQVRRQZRHV 5>A486=4H4
8KYZUXOTMZNKMXKKTIU\KXMO\OTMXO\KXYHGIQZNKOXLRUUJVRGOTYGTJ]GZKXNGX\KYZOTMGXKZNKUTR_]G_ZUVXUZKIZ[YLXUSJK\GYZGZOUT
aged the roof of a hospital in Bareilly absorb flood waters. In 2015, well-known river expert
and flooded a Coronavirus ward as Similarly, roads and buildings and convenor of the Barh Mukti
patients watched in horror. Flood constructed in flood-prone areas Abhiyan, Dr Dinesh Mishra, had
waters reached the COVID-19 ward increase the danger of floods, includ- suggested to the Central Government
of Osmania Hospital in Hyderabad, ing inundation and erosion. Plus, that it control unchecked urban devel-
too. deforestation in the green belt caus- opment and remove obstacles to river 148ADC³B1;0BC>5
Parts of Kerala and Karnataka are es landslides which results in rivers and flood water flow. This would
also witnessing floods and on the changing course and flooding villages. ensure that the flood waters were 8=2><?4C4=24
;1EC81< :8B7>A4 western coast, massive overflows are Floods used to happen earlier, too, spread thin over a larger area and for 1hP[[P__TPaP]RTbcWT1TXadc
being reported from certain parts of but because there were miles of forests a shorter duration. This would ensure
Maharashtra and Gujarat. However, in on the slopes between the hills and the that they could spread rich silt on the _âcSXbPbcTaSXS]^cX]e^[eT
n most parts of the world, the rain the entire country, the States of Bihar plains, their effect was not as devas- banks and the floodplains, recharge cWTdbdP[bdb_TRcb¯
I brings with it relief and joy.
However, in India, the monsoon
season brings with it a host of prob-
and Assam are the worst-hit so far.
The situation is grim in Bihar as
waters from overflowing rivers, most-
Assam is in a similar condition
and the floods have affected more
than 56 lakh people in 30 of the 33 dis-
year after year. The answer is unthink-
ing and unchecked development,
without any environmental concerns.
tating as it is now and their duration
used to be shorter too. Plus, as the
flood waters carry nutrients and sed-
the water table and fill up and clean
the water bodies in their path.
Even though the Government
7TiQ^[[PWcTaaâXbcbâ
BhaXPCWTcadcWbTT\bc^QT
Q^cWSd[[TaP]S\âT
lems. For instance, a three-hour ly those originating in Nepal, inundat- tricts of the State, claiming 110 lives. The fact remains that changes in land iments, which they deposit on flood accepted the importance of Mishra’s
downpour on July 19 in the national ed large parts of the State, leaving over More than 2.6 lakh hectares of the use associated with urban develop- plains, enriching the soil, farmers recommendations, nothing has been SXbcdaQX]V)3TRPSTbÛa^cPc
Capital resulted in serious flooding on 55 lakh residents of over 1,000 villages total crop area have been affected and ment affect flooding in many ways. would wait for them. Yet another done to implement them and year TeTah[TeT[Û;TQP]^]³b
the city’s streets, particularly under the affected. Till date, 4.18 lakh people the Kaziranga National Park is inun- Removing vegetation and soil, grad- advantage of floods is that they after year the nation continues to suf- X]bcXcdcX^]bSTbca^hTS
Minto Road bridge and caused the have been evacuated and 23 teams of dated, too, killing over 100 animals in ing the land surface and constructing recharge the water table, ponds and fer from the effects of devastating 1TXadc³b_âc8cXb_aTRXbT[h
death of a mini-truck driver by the National Disaster Response Force the sanctuary. Though now the drainage networks increase runoff to other water bodies and flush out accu- floods. Restoring the green cover, giv-
drowning. The State administration and some of the State Disaster Brahmaputra and its tributaries have rivers and streams after a heavy mulated organic and chemical sub- ing rivers back their floodplains and cWTQP]P[XchQTWX]ScWT
actually had to remove a Delhi Response Force have been pressed started receding, 7,000 people are still downpour. As a result, the peak dis- stances brought by untreated drainage water harvesting are the only effective Tg_[^bX^]cWPcRP_cdaTbcWT
Transport Corporation (DTC) bus into service. However, the in relief camps and nearly four lakh charge volume and the frequency of water from farmlands and untreated methods to protect us. If we choose _PacXRd[Pa_d]XbW\T]cP]S
and the mini-truck along with other Government of Bihar is preparing for people in 19 districts have been floods increase in nearby streams and effluents from factories. They restore to ignore conventional wisdom, we Wd\X[XPcX^]WTP_TS^]
smaller vehicles submerged in the Assembly elections while the people affected. Given the massive destruc- rivers. Changes to channels of rivers the ecological health of stagnant will continue to suffer. ;TQP]^]
water that had collected under the are suffering from heavy rains and tion, it is time to introspect why we and streams during urban develop- rivers and streams by diluting them (The writer is a social activist and
bridge. In Uttar Pradesh, rain dam- floods. have to go through punishing floods ment can limit their capacity to and providing clean water. author) CWT=HC TSXcâXP[
EDIT
THE ASIAN AGE | THURSDAY | 6 AUGUST 2020 | NEW DELHI
pg 5
6 AUGUST 2020
Ditching secular legacy

Subhani
won’t protect Congress
P
olitical expediency cannot be blamed for All India Congress
Committee general secretary Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra’s volunteer-
ing to pledge her support to the Ram temple project in Ayodhya and
calling it a symbol of national unity. Even political novices are
aware of the energy and efforts Hindutva forces have spent for the project,
and the blood of innocent people they caused to spill across the nation after
Lal Krishna Advani mounted the “Ramrath” in the 1990s. Even a distant
observer of Nehruvian legacy, leave alone his political heirs, will not miss
the objection the first Prime Minister of India raised when President
Rajendra Prasad chose to attend the consecration of the renovated
Somnath temple in Gujarat, for the celebration of a community is right-
fully theirs, not of a secular state nor its head. That the temple is coming
up on a spot where Babri Masjid once stood, and the apex court had sanc-
tioned its construction there only after calling the vandalism at the
Masjid, including damage done to it in 1934, placing of idols under its cen-
tral dome in 1949 and its destruction in 1992, “egregious violations of rule
LETTERS
Puja at Ayodhya: Modi’s
of law”, would have been reason enough
for the Congress leader to hold back her
Ms Vadra and those in horses, instead of joining forces with
the Congress who smart those who are out to display “triumphal-
at being not invited for ist bigotry”, as another senior Congress
UNLIKELY UNITY
the programme in leader Shashi Tharoor would put it.
Just like M.A. Jinnah’s
bid to seal BJP’s future?

Protagonists of the Indian National
Ayodhya owe the people Congress, save Pandit Nehru, have dis-
an explanation how their played a congenital tragic flaw when they pious call of equality for
interpretation of were told to act on the contentious all citizens, irrespective
national unity as seen in Ayodhya issue, and Ms Gandhi can be of religion, cannot bear
the Ayodhya project seen as no exception. Rajiv Gandhi, then
Prime Minister and Congress president, Did the BJP ever fought two general elec- fruit in neighbouring
squares with the ‘the did it twice: in 1986 when he ordered dare fight an tions in 2014 and 2019 Pakistan the foundations
ideals Lord Ram opening of the locks of the disputed site under the redoubtable
epitomises’ which his grandfather had shut down and Parsa election on the
Ayodhya issue? It
Hindutva icon, Mr Modi. of which are laid on reli-
gious acrimony, so also
Venkateshwar
then allowing the shilanyas in 1989. P.V. But it still did not dare
Narasimha Rao, then Prime Minister and Congress president, watched in did not because its fight the election on the
the Ram temple, built on
silence when karsevaks razed the minarets in 1992. The Congress’
attempts were clearly to hunt with the hounds and run with the hare, but Rao Jr leaders, including
Atal Behari
issue of the temple in
Ayodhya. It can be the land where an eight
it failed, miserably and naturally. The party that had placed itself at the argued that the BJP lead- century old mosque
secular liberal side of the polity lost pathetically when it chose to run the Vajpayee and Lal ers displayed sufficient
rightist course, for the people had a better lineup to represent that ideolo- Krishna Advani, political savvy in keep- once stood, whose
I
gy to opt for. t will be futile to Prime Minister did not were not too sure ing silent on the temple demolition caused pain
Ms Vadra and those in the Congress who smart at being not invited for bewail the violation want to dilute the issue, along with that of
the programme in Ayodhya owe the people an explanation how their inter- of secularism with “Hindu civilisation and
that it would pay the abrogation of Article to our Muslim brethren
pretation of national unity as seen in the Ayodhya project squares with the Prime Minister culture” line of his argu- dividends 370 in Jammu and and threatened to erase
“the ideals Lord Ram epitomises: justice for all, righteous conduct, fair- Narendra Modi par- ment. Kashmir. They were not their identity, would not
ness and firmness in all dealings, moral rectitude and courage”, as Shashi ticipating in the “bhoomi The dispute was settled whether they would be
Tharoor would put it. It is time the Congress realised that secularism is pujan” of the Ram in favour of the Hindu ple, between state and able to romp home based lead to unity and amity
not a standalone idea; it’s very much part of a larger project which seeks Mandir a little after side by the Supreme religion. on these two evocative for all. It is especially
to recognise every human being shorn of all the artificial classifications Wednesday noon. Court and not by the As Mr Modi and his col- questions. Mr Amit
such as caste, religion, sex, region and so on. The party has to make a Secularism has been Narendra Modi govern- leagues project them- Shah, when he was in ironical to hear leaders
choice whether it sides with that grand project. Otherwise, the bhajans squarely checkmated ment. The BJP leaders selves to be admirers of charge of the BJP’s elec- like L.K. Advani say it
heard at Ayodhya could be the requiem for the grand old party of Indian time and again from the know that they cannot the Constitution as the tion campaign in Uttar will lead to “exclusion of
politics as well. 1989 Lok Sabha election take credit for what the supreme philosophy of Pradesh in 2014 and as
onwards. The question court had done, because Dr B.R. Ambedkar, they president of the party in none”, since Mr Advani
now is how this would if they were to do it that are keen to maintain the 2019, followed the rule- it was who pioneered
benefit the future of the would mean that the fictional distance book as it were. He said
the start of the whole
IPL must drop China firms BJP and Mr Modi him-
self.
Will Wednesday’s cere-
Modi government had
influenced or arm-twist-
ed the highest court in
between the government
and the Hindu faith. Mr
Modi might have partici-
that the Ayodhya issue
had to be settled either
through mutual consent
episode.
Kajal Chatterjee
T
he IPL will have to look for a title sponsor now that the Chinese mony ensure that the the land. But the non- pated in the temple ritual between the two commu-
mobile phone maker Vivo is pulling out of the 2020 season. Otto BJP and Mr Modi will government trust set up like a believer — and he nities —the Hindus and Kolkata
Bismarck said, “Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable,’’ return to power in 2024? to build the temple as has every right to do so Muslims — or through
and Indian cricket seems to have taken to that path of reconciling com- The BJP and Mr Modi mandated by the court as a private citizen — but the court’s decision.
peting interests. To say politics and sport must be kept separate is idealis-
tic but it hardly applies to the current situation in which each Indian is
would like to believe that
it will, and they have
was handpicked by the
BJP, as is evident in the
he did not keep it as an
affair in the private
Neither he nor his party
said that if they get a par-
TRUST KASHMIRIS
sacrificing a lot in the time of the pandemic. Furthermore, he is sacrific- taken all the pains to choice of the former prin- sphere of Hindus, liamentary majority, APROPOS THE EDITORIAL,
ing a lot in terms of nationalistic pride when the dragon is breathing fire prove that the temple cipal secretary to Prime whether they are in they would bring in the “Repression, mistrust rule Valley 1
on the border. China is, in fact, an aggressor now occupying chunks of was now happening Minister Modi as head of India or abroad. The necessary legislation to yr later” (5 August), the double lock-
Indian territories across the LAC. because the party had the panel of the temple Prime Minister seemed enable the construction down, complete absence of a political
Globally, pro sport sees itself as an entertainment industry and cricket fought for it, turned a construction committee, to have got carried away of the temple. process, and the new definitions for
in India is very much in that category. But it was extremely poor form on local property dispute in and to express their grat- by the emotion of the The sense of triumph of the eligibility for domicile in J&K
the part of a cash-rich league run by the BCCI to be seen to be so willing to obscure Ayodhya into a itude to the BJP and the moment and said the Hindu nationalism is have not won the government any
accommodate Chinese sponsors on the premise that they are long term political issue of national Prime Minister, the temple marks a happy unmistakable, and it is friends among the people. Silencing
supporters who should be retained because, come what may, the show importance. But he did members of the trust moment nationally and useful to remember that Kashmiris cannot be the strategy of
must go on. Not just Vivo, but Paytm, Alibaba and many others support- not say any of this in his asked Mr Modi to be the globally. Of course, he since the fall of the a democratic India. The need of the
ing the eight teams are also part of the game. The league must drop all of address to the limited chief guest at the stone- meant Hindus. He spoke Soviet Union in 1991, reli- hour is to win the hearts of
them and not wait conveniently for Chinese sponsors to walk out on their gathering at the Ram laying ceremony. as Prime Minister and gion has been the defin- Kashmiris and only trust begets
own. Janmabhoomi site after The BJP government in for the nation, and he ing characteristic of trust in return. Trust Kashmiris.
TV rights and sponsorships drive the engine of modern sport more than the foundation stone-lay- Uttar Pradesh under seemed to genuinely national politics in many Sankar Paul
spectators and jingoism. The IPL, an international smorgasbord barring ing ceremony. chief minister Yogi believe that Ram as a countries, in Russia and Chakdaha, West Bengal
only players from Pakistan, is more a medium of tribal loyalties than flag- He waxed eloquent Adityanath had walked national symbol was Turkey, and also partial-
waving nationalism. Even so, the IPL has to behave responsibly and about the Ram of the extra mile to conduct acceptable to the follow- ly in the United States of
always in the larger national interest. Sacrificing a little money is the
least it can do now. The BCCI is morally obliged to filter out all Chinese
Valmiki and Tulsi, of
Kabir and Nanak, of
the temple construction
ceremony to make the
ers of all religions in the
country. But he would
Donald Trump. India is
following a global trend.
TIPPING POINT?
companies from the forthcoming IPL edition lest it be seen as a selfish Mahatma Gandhi, bold declaration that this not want to say it The question is to see THE “BHOOMIPUJAN” for the Ram
beast uncaring of the national mood when India is facing a Chinese threat. though he deftly inserted was a BJP event and that because then he would how it will play itself out temple in Ayodhya, done by Prime
the Hindutva narrative the temple trust was lose the Hindu base of his because the politics of Minister Narendra Modi during the
of undoing a historical almost like a fig leaf to party, and neither he nor religion is generally serious Covid-19 situation amid a col-
injustice, which was a keep the separation the party can afford to do based on hatred. It is lapse of the Indian economy with
THE ASIAN AGE half-truth. He tried to between the BJP’s Modi so. sure to come in the way China and Pakistan threatening the
project Ram as the sym- government and the tem- Did the BJP ever dare of India’s economic borders, is worrying, more so
T. VENKATRAM REDDY bol of national culture, of fight an election on the progress and social well- because the people seem to be lap-
Editor in Chief inclusiveness and Ayodhya issue? It did not being. Mr Modi wants ping up this gimmick of his for
modernity. But it was because its leaders, modernism as well as hoped-for benefits in the afterlife.
Printer & Publisher: K. SUDHAKAR
Will Wednesday’s including Atal Behari divisive religious nation-
THE ASIAN AGE offices are located at: simply rhetoric in the They seem to be enjoying this break
New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Centre, 219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi-110002. Phone:
service of BJP politics. ceremony ensure Vajpayee and Lal alism. But history shows from the coronavirus anxiety. But
(011) 23211124.
Mumbai: Sigma House, # 43, Ground Floor, R. A. Kidwai Marg, Near Wadala Rly Station, Wadala (West), Mumbai - He was careful enough to that the BJP and Krishna Advani, were that religion is beautiful not all people are fooled. If the econo-
400 031 Phone (022) 24195301 Fax (022) 24195347 avoid mentioning the Mr Modi will return not too sure that it would and sublime if it is not my takes a turn for the worse, will
Kolkata: 4th Floor, Chowdhury Building, 8/1A Little Russel Street, Kolkata 700 071. Phone: (033) 2289 0676/77 Fax other part of the to power in 2024? pay dividends. Despite made a national political this event spell the beginning of the
(033) 2289 0686 Ayodhya settlement as the 1990 rath yatra of Mr issue. However, the BJP end of the BJP?
Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office in the United Kingdom
directed by the Supreme The BJP and Mr Advani, the party did not has chosen, like many Bhagwan Thadani
Air surcharge for Kathmandu and J&K `1
Published and Printed on behalf of and for Court in its November Modi would like to gain much in the 1991 others elsewhere, to Mumbai
◗ Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited, Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Centre, 2019 ruling — the allot- believe that it will, Lok Sabha election, nor make it a national issue.
219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi 110 002 at BFL Infotech Ltd., C-9, Sector-III, Noida -201301. ment of land for Muslims and they have did it forge far ahead in
◗ Mumbai: Dangat Media Pvt Ltd, Plot No 22, Digha MIDC, TTC Industrial Estate Area, Vishnu Nagar, Digha, to build a mosque in the the 1996, 1998 and 1999 The writer is a
Navi Mumbai-400708.
place of the Babri Masjid taken the pains to general elections. After Delhi-based Every Monday the best letter of
◗ Kolkata: Satyajug Employees Cooperative Industrial Society Ltd, 13/A, Prafulla Sarkar Street, Kolkata 700 072.
◗ London: Quickmarsh Ltd, 8th Floor, Block 2, Elizabeth House, 39 York Road, London, SE1 7NQ. that stood at the temple prove... the party the defeats in 2004 and commentator and the week wins `500. Email:
RNI Registration number: 57290/94 Postal registration numbers: DL(S)-05/4189/15-17 site. Obviously, the had fought for it... 2009, the party again analyst asianage.letters@gmail.com.
T
he mainstream media ing. In 2019, for the first time, digi- that the others must exist on suf- Indians died fighting to defend in ments. Automobile and two-wheel-
refers to the established tal jumped over print in India, and ferance and have to be tolerated. 1962. But we are being regaled with er sales in India have been declin-
houses of journalism, most- by a lot. Digital got 27 per cent of Of course this has happened hand shlokas about the landing of five ing year-on-year for 18 of the last 19
ly newspapers but to some advertising money spent in India, in hand with a change in the politi- warplanes. Are they going to be months. Commercial vehicle sales
extent also television. Newer while print got 22 per cent. cal language and narrative of the used to kick the invader out? No, have not grown since Prime
sources of media like websites or Television remained number one State in India. During the Congress the story is merely that they have Minister Narendra Modi took
apps that don’t have a physical at 43 per cent, but both TV and period, whether or not you agreed arrived. office in 2014, meaning that indus-
Aakar Patel presence in the form of a printed
product or broadcast channel are
print were expected to shrink fur-
ther in 2020 and give up share to
with the party, the fact is that the
tone and tenor was inclusive. It
Last Saturday brought the news
that there was 70 per cent more
trial growth has been hammered.
But the media is focused on the
not yet thought to be mainstream digital. The Covid crisis has accel- was not trying to divide Indians on demand for MNREGA work in July suicide of one young man. The mis-
media even though some of them erated this process. the basis of the background they 2020 than July 2019. More than use by the Prime Minister’s Office
have quite a deep presence. In We should understand that “digi- were born into. three crore households had asked of the Enforcement Directorate
India, websites like The Wire and tal” means essentially two compa- The BJP exists precisely because for it, meaning that at least 15 crore even in this matter is not a problem
Scroll have been around for about a nies, Google and Facebook, which it was successful at mobilising on Indians were dependent on it. or issue of concern. The story is
How the media, decade or so and have large reader-

ships.
However, these new places don’t
now take more advertising money
in India than the Times of India or
Hindustan Times or any other
the basis of division. It has nothing
else that is markedly different from
any other party except the fact that
Another piece of news was that the
government was considering
extending the “moratorium” on
that people of one religion have
captured
industry.
the entertainment
like politics, has have the size of reporting resources

that the mainstream media does.
And at least so far, they haven’t
been able to fill the space that the
large Indian newspaper. This
process will continue, and newspa-
pers will continue to fade away.
This trend is visible and is happen-
it is willing to be openly bigoted.
This view is now mainstream and
acceptable in the media. It’s accept-
able to blame one religion for
defaulting loans. Companies had
been allowed to skip EMIs on their
term loans and individuals with
house and automobile loans had
A decade ago, even though that
sentiment might have been felt in
large parts of the media, it was not
expressed. There was a reserve and
become bigoted mainstream media is rapidly giv-

ing up.
The media space in India is fund-
ing before our eyes.
There is a second trend that is
also visible and has also come
spreading a virus that has infected
the entire world. It is fine to look
away when members of another
also been given this opportunity to
not pay now and pay with more
interest later.
there was a culture that adhered to
the principles enshrined in the
Constitution. That we were a
and intolerant ed primarily by advertising. The

reader or viewer pays very little by
way of subscription and our news-
papers are the cheapest in the
before our eyes. It’s that the media
has taken a majoritarian, Hindutva
edge. What is meant by Hindutva
or majoritarianism? The idea that
religion go ahead with their events
despite the same threat of spread.
The media can look away today
from the government’s failures at
The finance minister said it was
possible this facility would be
extended because of demand from
some sectors that were still, four
diverse and secular nation. That
has ended now in politics, and it
has ended in the media too.
world. But the share of print in the one part of society is privileged and the actual business of governance. months after the lockdown began, Aakar Patel is a senior journalist
overall advertising pie is shrink- entitled to primacy. Conversely, The enemy occupies land that 3,000 unable to make their regular pay- and columnist
2 AHMEDABAD THURSDAY 6/08/2020
Editorial
From
Editor’s Waking up in a puddle of sweat and fear?
Desk By Dr. Payal Sharma
While the world is still
memory processing and
consolidation. It also reflects
one’s predominant mood,
ing with scores of patients
with varying complications
due to the contraction of
sleep is restorative, rejuve-
nating our neurons, while in
REM sleep our brain is fo-
Nine reasons why we
are having such dreams?
Given the symptoms of
ment from drugs can initiate
vivid dreams, often night-
mares.
battling the Covid-19 pan- thoughts and stress of the virus. cused on consolidating quarandreams, let’s under- Health disorders - In line
demic, as people stay at course. Several people wake Do dreams and halluci- memories. stand the possible reasons with stress/ anxiety, several
home and away from each up and have no idea what nations occur in certain Are dreams just a pat- why you may be experienc- other mental health condi-
other - many are suffering they had dreamed, while stages of sleep? tern of thinking in a muling such dreams: tions including depression
from what can be termed as other times, they can closely There are several stages tiple biochemical state? Change in the sleeping and schizophrenia are asso-
‘Quarandreams. recall the dreams because within one night’s sleep. When one sleeps, their pattern - For many people, ciated with vivid dreams.
A step at a time In the midst of this pan-

demic the reports of those
experiencing ‘super-vivid
they were too intense.These
are known as vivid dreams.
Hypnagogic hallucina-
First of all, we get drowsy.
Our brain activity begins to
lull and we move quickly
brain is still active, but their
thoughts or dreams often
make little or no sense. This
sleep pattern has changed
drastically - they are sleep-
ing at irregular times; binge-
Early pregnancy - As
pregnancy impacts changes
in hormone levels of one’s
dreams’ has surged dramati- tions are imagined sensa- into light, then deep sleep - may be because the emo- watching web series late in body, sleep, pregnant
The Oxford vaccine has sparked much cally. People are also claim- tions that seem very real. these three stages together tional centers of the brain the night; continuing office women can experience
hope, but it’s too early to pronounce ing that they are now recall-
ing their dreams in detail
They occur as a per-
son is falling asleep,
work till late
night; waking
vivid dreams, during the
early days of their preg-
victory against the coronavirus and that the effects of these and are also re- up late; snooz- nancy.
It is heartening that the Pune-based Serum Insti- dreams have taken a toll on ferred to as sleep ing alarms as This pandemic has in-
tute of India has received the country’s top drug their mental health. hallucinations. there’s no rush creased a lot of worries of
regulator’s approval to conduct late-stage human tri- Clinically, this mental Stress and anxiety to reach offices, uncertainty about illness,
als for the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine can- state is common in humans during this pan- and sleeping worries about our health
didate. The vaccine has shown encouraging results in in the backdrop of cata- demic have infor longer and health of our dear ones,
early trials. Its mild side effects augur a safe vaccine. strophic situations which creased the cases hours than financial issues, job-related
But scientists have rightly advised the tempering of have impacted them socio- of hallucinations usual. It affects worries, restrictions of
hope with caution: Large-scale trials are required to economically and psycho- during sleep. the balance of movement, lesser options
ascertain if the vaccine actually protects against the logically across geographies What are su- NREM and REM for recreational activities,
pathogen. in the world. Many doctors per-vivid dreams? sleep pattern, and reduced social interac-
The immune system has two ways to defend the have deemed the dreams As previously which in turn tion with friends and rela-
body against pathogens like the coronavirus — by prevailing during the earlier stated, stress and increases the tives, which in turn has in-
producing antibodies that disable an infectious agent pandemics as well, like the anxiety during this time spent of creased negative thinking
and by manufacturing T cells that have a long memory one we are currently faced pandemic has in- sleep during that reflects in the back-
of such agents. Early research has suggested that an- with. creased the cases REM phase of ground of our dreams.
tibodies fade away within months of contracting the From apocalyptic to of hallucinations sleep - increas- How to overcome it?
coronavirus. However, a robust T cell response can pre- mundane, since the onset of during sleep, ing dreams and Pivoting onto an exact
vent the infection from recurring. The Oxford- the coronavirus pandemic, people are increas- more remem- cause of vivid dreams is
AstraZeneca vaccine is designed to trigger both kinds reportedly many adults and ingly consulting bered dreams. however difficult and hence
of reactions. But we do not know how protective the children are suffering from doctors to explain Stress - it is assumed that the
memory in the T cells, induced by the vaccine, will be intense dreams, nightmares ‘weird’ or ‘bizarre’ Emotions have dreams will go away with
against the coronavirus. Moreover, the trials were con- and hallucinations. The dreams that they major roles in the time. However, seeking
ducted on volunteers aged 18-55. The efficacy of the common symptoms of this are facing these our dreams. medical treatment and
vaccine in older, and more vulnerable, people is still is waking up in a pool of days. It can range different are what’s known as non- trigger dreams, rather than This pandemic has in- lifestyle modifications are
not known. sweat, fear and anxious feel- from person to person rapid eye movement (non- the logical regions. While we creased the emotional is- suggested if dreams are
According to the WHO, more than 150 vaccine can- ing - often triggered by wherein a non-healthcare REM) sleep. After around an think of sleep as a time for sues including stress and causing emotional distress
didates are undergoing trials in different parts of the nightmares. These dreams professional could be hour’s sleep, we move into recharging the body, the also the sensitivity of many or physical problems.
world. Three of them — the Oxford vaccine, the vac- include themes of being dreaming of being held hos- rapid eye movement (REM) brain is actually quite active people. So not surprisingly, One can follow some
cine being developed by the pharma major Moderna hospitalised with poor tage in a closed dark room sleep. Both REM and non- during sleep - dreaming. more people are reporting common treatments for
in the US and the candidate of the Chinese firm, healthcare services, loss of by an invisible enemy (in REM sleep are vital for the Our dreams can be soothing vivid dreams. vivid dreams like:
Sinovac Biotech — have reached the third stage.These job, loss of family members, this case the coronavirus) brain - any disruption to ei- or scary, mysterious or help- Sleeping during the Try to maintain the same
tests are usually the most extensive before a vaccine caught amid natural disas- which could be triggered ther has been observed to ful, and realistic or day/ longer naps/ naps at sleep routine. Get up at the
is given regulatory approval. The Oxford vaccine, for ters, etc. due to the fact that they are affect mood and memory in fantastical. wrong times - During the same time and sleep at the
instance, was administered to a little more than 1,000 ‘Quarandreams’ are staying at home to keep particular - and we cycle be- People are most likely to day there is more REM sleep same time every day.
people in the initial trials. It will reportedly be tested widely described, through themselves at bay from con- tween the two several times remember the last dream than NREM increasing more Practice bathing with
on more than 30,000 people in different parts of the social media channels as su- tracting the virus or from during the course of the they’ve had in their sleep vivid dreams more during warm water before going to
world — 1,600 of them in India — in the final phase. per-vivid dreams which spreading it further on. night. About 25 per cent of cycle. But it’s possible to re- day. Medications - Some bed. Avoid tea, caffeine dur-
The US FDA lists more than 20 cases where the results have caught the attention of In the case of healthcare an adult’s night of sleep is member a vivid dream long medications reportedly in- ing late evenings. Use the
of the Phase 3 trials diverged from the initial tests. psychiatrists as scores of in- workers, they might be spent in REM cycles. The av- after it’s occurred if it duce vivid dreams. The bed only for sleeping and
Moreover, though vaccine research has made enor- dividuals seek help. dreaming of prolonged erage adult should get be- seemed very intense as the medications include beta- not for any other purpose
mous progress from the 1950s, when thousands of Why are we collectively hours spent at the hospitals tween seven and nine hours brain is operating at a much blockers, antidepressants, such as watching movies;
children developed a milder form of polio after being as a human being going treating the patients, to of sleep per night for opti- more emotional level than Parkinson’s disease drugs, working on a laptop, eating
inoculated, there are reasons to be cautious even af- through it? those of unable to contain mal health. While we don’t when you’re awake, your blood pressure medications, snacks, etc.
ter a COVID vaccine enters the market. In 1999, a There is still inconclusive the virus from spreading to yet fully understand exactly brain may make connec- etc. (Dr Payal Sharma
rotavirus vaccine had to be recalled after it caused data about what is the pur- other people within the pre- what happens in our brains tions regarding your feel- Substance abuse - Over Kamath is an eminent Psy-
adverse reactions. It would also be worth remember- pose of dreams in human bi- mises, which could be trig- while we sleep, our current ings that your conscious self consumption of alcohol, chiatrist from Mumbai)
ing that flu viruses mutate. We are still some way away ology, but it’s linked with gered by the stress of deal- best theory is that non- REM wouldn’t make. drugs, or sudden retrench- —IANS
from victory against the coronavirus.
Patients with auto-immune diseases Harnessing edu-tech for unprivileged children duringorganisation pandemic focusses on
In most of the rural and erations due to COVID-19. It must be put into place and performing consistently low
should stay connected with their doctor urban low-income commu- did bring about a significant field workers’ insights and on these worksheets,” he parent involvement for bet-
nities, non-profit volunteers loss, especially to those chil- experiences should drive shared. ter outcomes in children’s
Ahmedabad, ing. In case of emergencies, conditionsare advised to — mostly students or young dren whose only source of the new pedagogy,” he said. Saarthi is working with education.
In these most one should visit the nearby not let the disease interfere professionals who give few knowledge were these Arora’s venture, Saarthi, about 5,000 parents across According to UNICEF, at
unpreceded times of Covid- hospitals with necessary with their recovery process hours each week to teach groups or individuals. which used to engage chil- Delhi, Haryana and least 40 million children
19, Dr. Sapan Pandya, a re- safety measures in place and have a holistic outlook voluntarily — play a signifi- “I believe that in such a dren in fun learning through Uttarakhand with a high worldwide, of which nearly
nowned rheumatologist in and follow treating in disease management. cant role in delivering qual- landscape, all such bodies “activity boxes” delivered to daily response rate.“Parents 22 million are from South
Ahmedabad and Secretary rheumatologists’ advice.” Ankylosing Spondyli- ity education to children; and individuals must try to them, and tracking progress like that they don’t need to Asia, have missed out on
of Indian Rheumatology As- Most patients are pre- tis: but as the COVID-19 danger come up with models that via a network of commu- have a smartphone for early childhood education
sociation (IRA)/Medical ex- scribed immuno- · Early morning pain looms large and on-ground suit the current situation.. nity-based women (‘rela- hours for this intervention in their critical pre-school
perts highlighted the im- suppressants, which could and stiffness in the lower activities stay put, the ben- Even though education is tionship managers’), has and that there is someone year as COVID-19 shuttered
portance of incorporating increase their chances of back that lasts over 45 min- efits underprivileged chil- one of the worst affected adapted his model of learn- who checks their child’s childcare and early educa-
safety measures while visit- contracting an infection. utes dren derived from these sectors by the pandemic, it ing for Covid times. work every evening and tion facilities.
ing clinics and hospitals for However, doctors strongly · Back pain or stiffness classes has run dry, notes an is also the sector that holds “Now, our relationship gives them “Early childhood can be
necessary treatment proce- advice not to discontinue or in the joints that persists education expert. the key to moving past this managers recruit kids who appropriatefeedback. We determined as the most im-
dures and consultations. change medication, and over 90 days even with Ankit Arora, a former and creating a better world. are given a diagnostic test to plan to launch this in rural portant part of a child’s life.
People living with auto- continue with regular con- medication ‘Teach for India’ fellow and The field workers are closest help us gauge their level of villages in Madhya Pradesh 85 per cent of cognitive de-
immune conditions such as sultations with your doctor. · Sudden shooting ed-tech entrepreneur, who to the ground reality and learning. We allot suitable in the next month.” velopment of the brain hap-
ankylosing spondylitis and Patients are advised to pain in the back, joints, hips started Saarthi, told IANSlife: understand thechallenges worksheets to these kids In most cases of low-in- pens at this age. Pre-school
psoriatic arthritis are more adhere to social distancing and thighs “These volunteers are in- of delivering education via that are sent to their come communities, parents years are formative years of
prone to contract the virus norms with all safety mea- Psoriatic Arthritis: volved in either directly online or offline medium. parent’s mobile phones have the determination and a child’s life wherein they
than someone with bal- sures, while visiting hospi- · Often preceded by teaching with the child or in We should use their experi- early in the morning every ability, but lack motivation require guidance. We have
anced immunity. Living with tals and clinics. One should psoriasis but not necessary providing resources, run- ence and knowledge to cre- day. Parents copy down the to get actively involved in to come together to ex-
excruciating back pain and not neglect or delay treat- · Form of inflamma- ning centers, coaching par- ate instructional worksheets in the child’s their kids’ education, added change best practices
joint pain, fusion of spinal or ment, due to the fear of con- tory arthritis causing swell- ents etc. The field workers or programmes that benefit all notebook and by evening, the expert who has worked amongst organisations and
peripheral bones and added tracting the virus. ing in fingers, toes, knees on-ground workers form the children without dis- the parents send a picture of for Central Square Founda- countries to formulate a ho-
mental burden of COVID-19, Elderly patients are ad- and spine, including joint the backbone of criminating on the basis of the completed worksheet to tion, a philanthropic invest- listic strategy to reach out to
may lead to flare-ups and vised to be particularly care- pain and stiffness anyorganisation. Various who has access to technol- the RM, who enters the ment organisation where millions of children in South
further deterioration of the ful during these times as · About 30 percent of groups and volunteers that ogy or not. Neglecting edu- scores of the kids in our sys- he managed research and Asia and the world,” he con-
condition. they are more prone to people who have psoriasis were active before the cation is not feasible. Hence, tem. We do plan out an in- investments for the Educa- cluded.
Rheumatologists urge health complications. They may develop psoriatic ar- lockdown had to cease op- new models of teaching tervention if a child is seen tion Technology vertical. His —IANS
that despite the current situ- must exercise regularly in thritis.
ation, it is crucial for patients their homes, practice social
to not let the lockdown distancing, wear masks,
7 tips to defuse family conflict during Covid-19

hinder their recovery. maintain hand hygiene, take
Dr.Sapan Pandya, Secretary, intervention from another
Indian Rheumatology Asso- family member for replen-
ciation (IRA) said, “Psoriatic ishing resources and gro-
arthritis and ankylosing cery shopping etc. It is of ut- By Kuhoo Gupta gling with these worries, way each member thinks tures offer potent healing throat chakra respectively. see the magic!
spondylitis are not low im- most importance to follow stressors and uncertainties. and relates to oneselves, and such acts go a long way. This will help in dealing with ‘Apaan Mudra’ to re-
munity conditions but are precautionary measures New Delhi, Frequent, hostile conflict, others and the environment It is the absence of cruelty, the current situation. You move the toxic energy from
rather altered immunity anywhere they go. Despite the country be- along with increased uncer- around him or her. intentional hurtfulness and can also use crystals like the body - both physical and
conditions. They happen Even in these unprec- ing in Unlock 3.0, social dis- tainty and financial burden Several factors, includ- ill will that is referred to as green aventurine, rose emotional. Ten minutes in
because cells of the immune edented times, psoriatic ar- tancing norms, lockdown has lowered the window of ing the nature of a parent’s loving-compassion. quartz, blue lace agate, lapis the morning and ten min-
system attack the host tis- thritis and ankylosing imposed protocols and tolerance within families. relationship, clash of per- Zibu symbol for inner to aid healing of these utes in the evening is a
sues themselves. Hence, it is spondylitis can be best home sheltering have awk- Many spouses are bick- sonalities, events (divorce, peace - Use Zibu symbol for chakras. good.
crucial to keep the symp- managed with consulting wardly exacerbated the ering as old wounds fewer death, unemployment), cul- inner peace in different Holistic Environment Lastly, it is imperative to
toms of these conditions doctors. There is a need to freedom, routine and re- and children are struggling ture and ethnicity (including ways to be at peace with the for Communication - not feel guilty about the lack
under control and should understand that halting the sponsibilities within house- with behaviour typified by beliefs about gender roles), ongoing situation. You can Smudge the home with of congruence between the
not stop the medications treatment due to the ongo- holds of many estranged belittlement, domination, influence the energy dy- draw it on your body, you sage or any sacred herb. You expectations of family roles,
entirely. We advise patients ing pandemic is not a solu- family members. lies and control. They are namics, due to which we can meditate upon it, you can also burn cowdung finding time for oneself and
to consult doctors tele- tion as this may increase the Owing to an alarming propelled to experience become vulnerable to nega- can draw it many times on a cakes to purify the energy of doing things that make us
phonically or via video severity of the existing auto- surge in Covid-19 cases, dysfunctional and strained tive consequences due to notepad and focus on it.You your home. Burning Cam- happy; because if we are not
channels for follow up or immune condition.People there are still millions of family interactions, day in emotional energy imbal- can keep it pasted on your phor is another great for the at peace inside, everything
even new complaints aris- living with these families and households and day out, without the so- ance within the members at wall, you can energiSe your same. Keep rock salt in cor- in our environment will
around India who are strug- lace of distraction and lack home. drinking water with the ners of your home and leave seem to be in a state of ca-
of distance for relaxation. Here are some tips to symbol’s energy - just get it for 2-3 days & then flush it tastrophe. And when we
Where once many of us defuse conflicts and mani- creative on how to use it. away. Rock salt absorbs have no control over the
could walk away from fest preserve relationships ‘Listening’ to heal - At negative energy. Crystals are context, what we can
household tension, we are at home. its root, listening is the act of great to raise the energies of change is only ‘ourselves’,
now obliged to stay within Conditioning mecha- consciously hearing and at- your home. our ‘thoughts’ and our ‘en-
the same walls. Emotions nism “Verbal Compassion” - tempting to comprehend You can use black tour- ergy patterns’!
are running high, argu- Verbal compassion is a posi- the problem of another per- maline or black obsidian to The sooner you de-esca-
ments are exploding and tive verbal energy imbibes son. Listening is an under- protect your house from all late a fight and work on bal-
the confusion continues the use of words that are rated art, the most beautiful four corners. Hang or put ancing real energies, the
with each other’s flaws, warm and those that help part of it is that it can heal selenite in your home space sooner you can begin work-
which leads to self-destruc- nurture and encourage the person whom you are to invite divine positive ening on real solutions which
tive and defeating loved ones to do better and listening to. ergy. Rose quartz and am- involve both engaging fam-
behaviours. be more optimistic when At times, it’s the best gift! ethyst are great to invite ily members in the same
With the ongoing pan- they are with you. Such The unconditional way of peace and love in the home positive energy system and
demic, heightened anxiety words help your loved ones listening to children or energy. changing the energy sys-
and stress in general means to grow and flourish. spouses raises the energy of E m b e d d i n g tem as per the preference to
that emotions and anger Verbal Compassion empathy which has the ‘ho’oponopono’- A tradi- better accommodate their
aren’t being processed in opens up the Heart Chakra power to make them feel tional Hawaiian healing needs.
the same way because there or Anahata Chakra and em- about themselves. I consider method for relationships, The balancing of energy
is a greater degree of vari- powers the crown chakra or it a meditative form by forgiveness and love. Family will make you strive and
ability in how multifaceted sahasrara chakra, the seat of which they vent out what’s members can also practice help you to create an envi-
energies are interacting and Divine Love. Verbal Compas- been making them feel aw- this simple yet powerful ronment in which everyone
behaving within the homes. sion opens up the Heart ful. It could be anything. ritual called Ho’oponopono. feels safe, heard, loved and
These energy interactions Chakra or Anahata Chakra Fettling communica- One can do this every night respected. Such households
form the core of our family and empowers the crown tion by healing your heart before sleeping. Just say this are often characterized by
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan releasing a book on the Malabar Rebellion dynamics. Each family mem- chakra or sahasrara chakra, and throat chakra - Chant to the divine power - “I am low conflict, high levels of
of 1921 authored by Higher Education Minister K T Jaleel and presented a copy to ber has a unique set of en- the seat of Divine Love. the mantras ‘YAM’ and‘HUM’ sorry”, “Please forgive me”, support and open commu-
acclaimed film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, in Thiruvananthapuram. ergy codings that affects the Compassion words and ges- to heal your heart and “Thank you”,“I love you”. And nication.
Pages   
    Help Options SOut
ections InDate View   
Search
Tiles Replica Digest
Tools
Updates
Times Nation
India And The Emerging
Pages
World
Pages   
    Help Options SOut
ections InDate View   
Search
Tiles Replica Digest
Tools
Updates
The Edit Page

Ho-Hum About Health at Our Peril
Pages
06 OPINION THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | THURSDAY | 6 AUGUST 2020
No more than dummy PM

THE TRIBUNE established in 1881
Imran Khan may pretend to be in charge, but even foreign policy is not in his hands
lows after poorly planned American
withdrawal is a return to civil war in
Afghanistan, as the Taliban are not
Pak desperation given to sharing power with others.

Moreover, the Taliban are not trusted
by the non-Pashtun population.
Map mischief gives India fresh ammo against neighbour It is evident that the army is deter-
P
mined to cut an obviously incompetent
AKISTAN has given vent to its frustration through a series of G PARTHASARATHY
Imran to size. The high-profile former
provocative steps coinciding with the first anniversary of the CHANCELLOR, JAMMU CENTRAL UNIVERSITY army spokesman Lt Gen Asim Saleem
reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir and the abrogation of & FORMER HIGH COMMISSIONER TO PAKISTAN Bajwa has now been appointed as
Article 370. Earlier this week, Pakistan released a territorially mislead- Imran’s special assistant for informa-
W
ing map that included the former princely states of Junagadh HENEVER I analyse the tion and broadcasting. He is now
(Gujarat) and J&K, with Prime Minister Imran Khan calling it ‘the policies of PM Imran Imran’s de facto spokesman. He has
most historic day in Pakistan’s history’ and claiming that the map Khan, my mind goes also been appointed chairman of CPEC
represented the aspirations of the whole nation and all its political par- back to meeting Imran, authority. In short, he not only speaks
ties. The move predictably drew a sharp reaction from New Delhi, the cricketer, when I was India’s Con- for the government, but also controls
which dubbed it an ‘exercise in political absurdity’. Pakistan had sul General in Karachi in 1982. I had the massive funds flowing into the proj-
already laid bare its sinister moves by announcing that August 5 hosted a reception for the visiting AT MERCY: A protege of the army, Imran Khan will be discarded when it so chooses. ect. There are reports suggesting that
would be observed as ‘Day of Exploitation’, even as the Imran Khan Indian cricket team led by Sunil Bajwa was appointed after Xi Jinping
Gavaskar. Members of the Pakistan indicated that he was not satisfied with
government again failed to persuade the UN Security Council to come
cricket team also attended the recep-
Under such circumstances, it may be worthwhile to open Pakistani decision-making in CPEC.
out with a resolution on Kashmir despite having China on its side.
The insistence on holding the Assembly elections in the disputed and
tion. The Consul General’s residence a channel of communication with the Pakistan army. It The marginalisation of Imran and
was located opposite the residence of the civilian government is evident in
long-suffering region of Gilgit-Baltistan, and that too amid the Covid-19 Benazir Bhutto. She was then under may not yield anything, but a dialogue has its own utility. other areas also. The army now plays
pandemic, is another instance of Pakistan’s duplicity. The country’s arrest, ordered by military ruler, Gen a decisive role in the National Com-
credibility has for long been under a cloud due to its continued support Zia-ul-Haq. (Dawood Ibrahim now mand and Operations Centre headed
to terrorist organisations. In June, the Financial Action Task Force lives royally in the nearby Defence Imran’s politics was moulded by one of bones about his backing for Islamist by the federal planning minister. The
(FATF), the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, Housing Society). Imran devastated the founding members of his Tehreeq- militancy. He even described Osama executive head of the command cen-
had decided to keep Pakistan on the grey list as Islamabad failed to check our batting in that series. Gavaskar e-Insaf Party, Lt Gen Hamid Gul, who bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 tre, Lt Gen Hamood Uz Zahman
the flow of money to groups such as Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e- and Mohinder Amarnath were among was a hardcore Islamist and a former strikes on New York, as a ‘martyr’. Khan, is an air defence officer. Mean-
Mohammed. With the prospect of being downgraded to the black list the few batsmen who read and played Director General of the ISI. Gul played While he may pretend to be in charge while, the National Locust Control
looming large, Pakistan recently passed two Bills in another half-heart- Imran’s devastating reverse swing a key role in backing militants in of foreign policy, it is the army chief Centre is headed by another Lt Gen.
ed attempt to fulfil the FATF’s requirements. The implementation of consistently and confidently. Afghanistan. He also backed militancy Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, who calls the Imran, a long-term protege of the
Karachi was a cosmopolitan city, in Punjab and J&K. Imran was voted to shots. Bajwa actively participated in Pakistan army, has become the
such laws in the past, however, has left a lot to be desired.
where one could chat with Pakistani power with the backing of the military efforts for President Trump to end US army’s puppet. He will be discarded
Pakistan’s latest transgression comes less than two months after
friends over drinks. I asked a friendly establishment and the ISI, who were combat operations in Afghanistan, when the army so chooses. The Chi-
Nepal’s Parliament made a constitutional amendment to ‘update’ the Pakistani commentator what moti- finding that PM Nawaz Sharif was try- before the US presidential elections. nese have known this for years. They
country’s new political map which incorporated three strategically impor- vated Imran to bowl with such ven- ing to act independently on relations When Imran met Trump in July last are reconciled to the fact that civilian
tant Indian areas. These brazen actions by India’s neighbours smack of om. I was told that when Imran was with India and Afghanistan. year, he became the first Pakistan PM leaders like Imran are dispensable.
Chinese connivance in the backdrop of the LAC standoff. India needs to asked why he bowled with such fire While his predecessors looked the who was accompanied by his army India is right in not rushing into a
firmly refute such ridiculous claims and reassert its territorial sovereign- against India, he replied: ‘I do not other way, as the ISI backed the Hur- chief for a White House meeting with formal dialogue with Imran. He is
ty. Proactive diplomacy is a must to call the bluff of China and its pawns. regard it as a game. I think of Kash- riyat and militant groups in J&K, the President. The public profile of not only pathologically anti-Indian,
mir and regard it as a jihad.’ Imran’s Imran made no secret about his kin- Bajwa, whose tenure was extended by but also is merely a front for the Pak-
reverse swing came into play, prima- ship with the Taliban, Hurriyat, and three years, till 2022, has risen steadily. istan army. In these circumstances,
rily after lunch and tea breaks, when militant Islamic groups, like the LeT. It The army now directly calls the shots it may be worthwhile to open an
Corona count the ball was in the pockets of Pak-

istani umpires! Scratching one side of
the ball was known to make it swing.
is not surprising that he is now set on
conferring Pakistan’s highest civilian
honour, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on
on developments in Afghanistan after
Bajwa made an impromptu visit to
Kabul and met President Ashraf
unannounced and appropriate chan-
nel of communications with the Pak-
istan army. One cannot realistically
Keep focus on extra caution, reducing risk factor Gavaskar and others had noted this. Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Shah Gee- Ghani on June 9. The visit was at the expect much to emerge from such a
Pakistan has produced great fast lani. India had political space in the behest of US special envoy Zalmay back channel, especially given ten-
C
ORONAVIRUS statistics are dismal most of the times, not so bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar You- past for contacts at the highest levels Khalilzad. Diplomatic practices and sions in the Kashmir valley and
bleak once in a while. The new normal of 50,000-plus additional nis and Shoaib Akhtar, who played in Pakistan. Pakistani prime ministers pretences have now been discarded. It Ladakh, but a ‘back channel’ for
cases on a daily basis has the country on the edge. Comfort can tough and hard. But unlike Imran, they kept contacts open with their Indian is Bajwa and not Imran who leads the communication, or dialogue, has its
be drawn from the fatality rate dropping to 2.1 per cent, the lowest since never treated the game as a ‘jihad’. counterparts. We are now dealing with effort for Trump on troop withdrawal. own utility, even in difficult times,
the lockdown in March, but the death count nearing 40,000 is disheart- They were friendly to Indian players. a Pakistani leader who makes no It matters little to Trump if what fol- and particularly during tensions.
ening. An encouraging development for Punjab is that it is registering
the lowest Covid-positive rate — considered a major indicator of a
state’s response — of 3.1 per cent, against the national average of 8.89.
The dispiriting bit is the sudden spike in the state. In two weeks, around
200 deaths and 8,000 cases have been reported. The surge has led to sus-
pension of all elective surgeries in government hospitals for 15 days. Sanjay Jain
Who is to tell who is an animal!nisms of animals are also better nised form of treatment for diseases suaded by her crying, which resembles
Punjab needs to be extra vigilant as reports suggest that almost half evolved compared to humans, as they like autism and mood and move- the sound of a lion cub. Mark Twain
T
the people testing positive are aged between 21 and 40 years, attributed HE recent death of a pregnant have to face the most uncongenial of ment disorders. In France, a horse observed, ‘If you pick up a starving
to more mobility for employment purposes. This age-group would com- elephant in Kerala after being the circumstances for survival. The named ‘Peyo’ is known to be an dog and make him prosperous, he will
prise roughly one-third of the state’s population by next year. Sadly, fed an explosive-stuffed science of cognitive ethology lets us excellent such ‘therapist’. It is not bite you. This is the principal differ-
the message that caution is the name of the game has not been digest- pineapple proved to be yet another learn about the fascinating world of allowed to visit hospitals with its ence between a dog and man.’
ed despite repeated appeals. An astounding 3.5 lakh people being fined example of how humans have a lot to animal minds. For example, it reveals owner. It communicates with the ail- In the traditions of Bharat, animals
and 1,500 being booked for not wearing a mask is a frightening level of learn from animals. It brought forth how jellyfish uses its creativity to nav- ing and makes them feel better. have always been treated as compan-
negligence. With gyms opening, citizen-backed campaigns have to be convincingly how wildly humans can igate swamps; how bees use their Feline purring vibrations have also ions with whom we share the earth
activated for more responsible behaviour. The numbers will increase, act and how humanly animals can intelligence in flying the shortest dis- been found useful in treating sever- and from whom we can learn a lot to
but the risk and volume can certainly be reduced. behave. Despite being in intense tance between flowers, and how birds al human diseases. Babies who live evolve better. This is evident from
pain, the elephant travelled for about use their smartness in feigning injury with pets during their first six many of the yogasanas that are
In Haryana, an RTI query has led to revelation of a disturbing Covid-
20 days without food, and without to deceive predators. Birds are even months have better immunity derived from animal poses. Many
related figure: a 46 per cent rise in the number of deaths of infants
harming anyone, before breathing known to share information with oth- against allergies and asthma. birds and animals, as vehicles of gods
between April and June compared to 2019. Restricted access to health her last in the Velliyar river. In her er birds, recognise human faces and There are several amazing incidents and goddesses, symbolise power,
services during the initial phases of the lockdown has been cited as the death, she conveyed a strong lesson avoid those humans who chase them. of how household pets have rescued grace, beauty, dignity and wisdom.
reason. The overall deaths in the state rose by over 2 per cent despite far about how even the worst kind of vio- Crows, like Einsteins among birds, do their owners in various ways, such as Symbols of 17 out of the 24 Jain
less road accidents. OPDs were reopened only following directives in lence can be answered through non- many brainy tasks, including the alerting them to house fires or even Tirthankaras are animals or birds.
mid-April. The pandemic is unsparing, its effects are all-pervasive. Pub- violence and austerity. well-known trick of raising the water sniffing out cancer. In 2005, a 12-year- Spiritualist Anthony D Williams has
lic health and public minding its health should remain the focal points. There are myriad such examples of level by dropping pebbles into it! old Kenyan girl was rescued by lions rightly observed, ‘We have more to
animals outwitting humans by their Animals have great therapeutic from kidnappers. Lion experts said it learn from animals than animals
wisdom. The natural defence mecha- value, too. Horse therapy is a recog- was possible that the lions were dis- have to learn from us.’
❝ ❞
thought for the day letters to the editor
No power was total, no power permanent, no power Now for Ram rajya release all political prisoners, start the being the biggest party in the country. ing to fit into the British period army
absolute. — Justina Chen The absence of a couple of leading process of holding free and fair elec- SANJIV SHARMA, PRAGPUR classification gets reflected not only
faces of a struggle for the past three tions and restore statehood. A soft in one’s personal elevation, but also
decades notwithstanding, the bhoo- approach will win the confidence of Don’t deserve relief the actual quality of conditions of
mi pujan ceremony for the construc- the people as well as the interna- The SC had directed Airtel to pay addi- one’s area of operation, and the over-
on this day...100 years ago tion of the Ram temple has, at last, tional community. tional cess, but unable to pay, it has all condition of the organisation if one
been accomplished amid all reli- DS KANG, HOSHIARPUR approached the Centre, DoT and the heads it. Given the ever-increasing
gious, political and social rituals. SC to reconsider the same, and also number of organisations and institu-
Now, let us hope that the imagina- Glorifying addiction seek permission to pay the cess in tions regressing quality-wise, the
tive wish of Ram rajya comes true, Many have lost their lives due to the many instalments, otherwise, the review of the British period classifica-
where merit, truthfulness, justice consumption of spurious alcohol in company may be liquidated. This tion assumes significance. Punjab
lahore, friday,august 6, 1920
for all, equality among all sections of Punjab. Alcohol is considered an issue is applicable to various other that has come to pass as a laggard
society, irrespective of caste, class, integral part of Punjabi culture, and companies that are facing financial state, needs to reorient its 3.15 lakh
An Incorrect Statement. creed, religion, gender etc, prevail. is also a major contributor to rev- hardships. If the government bails employees to restore its premier posi-
ONE statement made by Mr. Montagu in his speech is so incorrect and KK SOOD, NANGAL enue. Addiction to anything is bad, them out, it will put a burden on the tion in terms of pre-Independence
without foundation that it is really astonishing how he could have been and the same goes for alcohol, yet exchequer. When these companies are classification. The police and paramil-
led to make it. “Nobody ever suggested,” he said, “no Indian has Soft touch must our songs — Punjabi as well as Bol- in huge profits, they do not pay any- itary forces can also try it out.
suggested, as far as I know, no reputable Indian has suggested, any Since the reorganisation of J&K and lywood — glorify its consumption as thing extra to the government. Why JAGVINDER SINGH BRAR, PATIALA
punishment, any vindictiveness or anything more than the repudiation the abrogation of its special status, a habit and as an antidote to mis- should the government consider any
of the principles upon which General Dyer acted.” Now, this is not there have been conflicting claims eries. What we see and listen to, kind of relief for them? It is against Unfair to employees
merely not true, but is the exact reverse of the truth. Every Indian who about economic development, infra- whether it is good or bad, always has public interest. Their management is Apropos of ‘Revenue dips, govt holds
has had anything to say on the subject, every reputable Indian certainly, structure, democracy, freedom, rights, an impact, more so on teenagers. fully responsible for their working. up staff salary’ (Aug 4), employees
has insisted that suitable punishment be inflicted upon the offending job opportunities and eradication of MANDEEP KAUR, JALANDHAR CEOs draw huge salaries. The govern- have to bear the brunt of inefficient
officers, not as matter of vindictiveness, of course, but as the one corruption ( ‘J&K, a year later’ and ‘A ment should not consider their appeal. planning of the state Finance Ministry.
definite and unmistakable way of repudiating the principles on which case of hits and misses’, Aug 5). Lone sane voice DEEPAK SARAF, RAMPURA PHUL GST refund not released by the Centre
Dyer and others acted, and also as the only sure method of preventing a Undoubtedly, the overall security Refer to former Himachal CM Shanta and non-tax revenue falling because of
recurrence of similar atrocities in future. Mr. Montagu’s conception of environment has improved with the Kumar’s advice to his party to not Careerist bureaucrats lockdown is not the concern of employ-
“reputable Indians” must be very peculiar, if it excludes the whole body scale of terrorist violence and civilian deviate from value-based politics (Aug The write-up ‘Travails of a staff offi- ees. It is the duty of the government to
of Indian journalists with the single exception of the editor of Indian deaths declining drastically, but the 4); he seems particularly concerned cer’ (The Sunday Tribune, Aug 2) plan for such exigencies. Employees
Mirror, the whole body of Congressman Commissioners, every public government still faces the formidable about the machinations in destabilis- raises some significant questions. should get their dues in time, just like
body of any importance in the country, including such bodies as the challenge of emotional integration of ing the Rajasthan government. His is Given the specific requirements of MLAs and ministers get theirs without
Bombay Presidency Association and the Indian Association of Calcutta, the Kashmiri people. Restrictions on a sane, but lone voice in the BJP in the staff/field postings, an intelligent offi- delay. The state FM’s statement that he
and lastly the whole body of Moderates, with the possible exception of a Internet services, suppression of dis- state. Leaders of his ilk are not many. cer adapts faster to new persons and has written to the Union FM will not
few Knights and neo-moderates. All of them have, with one voice, urged senting voices and detention of politi- The BJP has shunned the principles situations to build confidence-inspir- suffice. It will not fill the bellies of the
that the offending officers should not only be punished but should in cal leaders are the main irritants. The that made it ‘a party with a differing relations and reputation. Whether families of the employees.
some cases be made examples of, so that no officers in their position government should immediately ence’. That is the price it is paying for one is lazy, intelligent or hard work- RAJ KUMAR KAPOOR, ROPAR
may ever again dare to act in the way they did. Mr. Montagu has no
excuse for being ignorant of this patent fact. Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com
THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | THURSDAY | 6 AUGUST 2020 OPED 07
Reach out to those who feel ‘wronged’ in J&K

inducted. The situation remained state. Juxtapose that with a sense of
under complete control. Terrorist ‘special status’ accorded by Articles
activities were almost absent. 370 and 35A and the difference in the
As people slowly began coming to emotional state becomes clear.
terms with the changed situation, Against such a backdrop, it is easy to
the rage too began to cool down, understand how the idea of ‘Azadi’
though the feeling of humiliation at took root in the Valley. Interestingly,
being reduced to a UT remained. even within the Valley, that kind of
LT GEN VG PATANKAR (RETD)
The administration, meanwhile, was thought process is largely to be
FORMER ARMY CORPS COMMANDER, J&K able to slowly start unfolding a plan found in the urban or semi-urban
in a graduated manner. areas. In mofussil areas, particularly
A
SK a cross-section of the peo- Some impressions created out of areas close to the Line of Control
ple from different regions hearsay have been found to be with- (LoC), people are more concerned
of Jammu and Kashmir out basis. For instance, it was widely about their day-to-day problems and
about the historic develop- believed that an attempt was being less about ‘exclusivity’.
ment that took place on August 5 made to alter the demography of the How does the ordinary citizen view
last year, changing its geography UTs and that anyone could now buy the situation? Ordinary people in
and political status, and you will land there. Not only was that found to the Kashmir valley still feel
most likely get a mixed response. be unsubstantiated, but also, in fact, ‘wronged’. Whether that feeling is
While the reaction of the people in thousands of legitimate residents justified or not, the UT administra-
the Kashmir valley was one of shock who were denied domicile rights ear- tion should go the extra mile to
and disbelief, in Jammu division, it lier were now being given it. ensure that all people perceive its
swung between euphoria and confu- The development package of Rs BUILD TRUST: The J&K administration should go the extra mile to ensure that all people perceive its actions as well-intended. actions as well-intended and meant
sion. The people of Ladakh were in a 80,000 crore announced by the Prime to improve the quality of their lives.
celebratory mood, while those in
Kargil were apprehensive.
Minister in November 2015 comprised
a number of ambitious projects. They
The perspectives of the panchayats, bringing in greater
accountability and austerity in public
could be considered in segments. It
took nearly three months for both
Generation of employment by filling
thousands of vacancies should be
The ordinary people were not sure were moving at a slow pace till June people of the Valley and spending, curbing corruption and the new entities to establish them- undertaken with complete trans-
what it meant and went along with 2018 when President’s rule was estab- restoring gender rights and those of selves fully. It is to the credit of the parency and urgency.
what the more vocal were saying. In lished in J&K. In the past two years,
those from the Jammu area weaker sections of society. Work is also governments at the Centre and the It will help assuage hurt feelings
the Valley, the sentiment was more the completed projects have gone up differ. These are not just being taken up to develop roads to UTs that they appeared to have had and build bridges of trust between
strident, along with a feeling of from seven to 17. Projects vital for the connect with all villages and to ensure a roadmap in place at the very outset the government and citizens. The UT
despondency and betrayal. improvement of strategic infrastruc- regional or ethnic differences, piped water supply to them. Various which was set into motion by the end administration will also be seen as
In the Jammu region, there was ture have been expedited and are like- small and large projects are expected of 2019. It was barely in operation for not being remotely controlled by the
wider acceptance of the new reality, ly to be completed in the next 12-18
but also emotional. Srinagar to create a large number of job oppor- about three months when Covid-19 Central government. Empowerment
but also the lurking fear of a ‘cultural months. They include a new tunnel at has historically been the seat tunities throughout the UTs. struck. After March-end this year, of panchayats where the people have
invasion’ from the rest of the country. Banihal and the world’s highest rail- The process of repealing of archaic the implementation of the plan has the opportunity to participate in gov-
The first task for the newly consti- way bridge over the Chenab river, of power. Juxtapose that with laws and simplifying rules for the been hampered all over the country erning themselves should receive
tuted administration of the Union Ter-
ritory (UT) was to prevent the break-
which when completed by December
2022 will connect Kashmir by rail to
the sense of ‘special status’ issuance of domicile certificates in a
time-bound manner have been equally
and the UTs are no exception.
The perspective of the people of the
priority. It will also help build a new
generation of political leadership
down of law and order and a likelihood the rest of the country. A number of accorded by Articles 370 progressive steps taken by the UT Valley and those from the Jammu area from the grassroots.
of mayhem. It did so effectively by power projects have also been placed authorities. It would help various cate- differ. These are not just regional or A mindset built over the centuries
imposing curfew-like restrictions and on fast track for completion next year. and 35A, and the difference gories of people, like Kashmiri ethnic differences, but also emotional. and vitiated by Pakistan over three
ensuring that they were strictly
enforced by deploying additional
On the socio-economic front, too,
some actions have been initiated.
in the emotional state migrants, refugees from West Pakistan
and safai karamcharis, among others.
Srinagar has historically been the seat
of power and the Valley the focal point
decades will take longer than a year
to change, but a change for the bet-
police force that had already been They include the empowerment of becomes clear. For better appreciation, the review of political activity of the erstwhile ter has certainly begun.
Tap tech giants to bridge digital divide in education

T
HE chief executives of the left rudderless without any teaching Indigenously made smartphones
world’s four most powerful tech facilities for months on end now. or tablets could be mass produced
companies were grilled recently Tragic stories have surfaced of and provided to all students of gov-
by the US lawmakers on a wide children and even parents commit- ernment schools. This would not
range of issues, ranging from competi- ting suicide because they could not only provide students with the
tion to alleged theft of data by China. afford to buy smartphones. Volun- much-needed devices, but also give
Apple, Facebook, Google’s parent com- tary organisations and individuals a fillip to indigenous smartphone
pany Alphabet and Amazon had to face a have begun drives to provide com- production, a cause close to this
SUSHMA RAMACHANDRAN
barrage of questions that could ultimate- puters and televisions to children in government’s heart.
SENIOR FINANCIAL JOURNALIST ly decide the future course of monopoly many parts of the country. But this could take a while and
laws in the US. Simultaneously, Aus- An initiative has even been fail to solve the immediate crisis
tralia has laid down regulations to launched to provide used devices to facing the country’s students.
ensure that tech giants will have to pay the needy students. The fact is that Another option could be to open the
Tech giants are raking in for the use of news from media outlets. this is just not enough to cover the schools gradually, keeping social
profits even during the Both developments are of immense rel- millions of children who need to use distancing norms in place.
evance in India as these same compa- online education. Official data says And finally, the third and most
pandemic. Let them use nies dominate the digital arena here. there are over 35 crore students in the attractive option could be to tap the
Even as Big Tech is facing poten- country, but no data is available to deep pockets of the tech giants that
their enormous resources tial curbs, these entities are also show how many have access to digital are raking in profits right now
to provide tech-based seeing a huge surge in growth and HUGE GAINS: In the April-June quarter, Amazon’s profits rose by 40 per cent, devices or the Internet. during the pandemic. Let them use
profitability — at a time when the Facebook’s by 98 per cent, Apple’s by 12 per cent and Alphabet’s by three per cent. A study done by an NGO of over their enormous resources to provide
solutions to the millions of global economy is facing severe dis- 40,000 children, covering 23 states tech-based solutions to the millions
ruptions owing to the pandemic. and mortar retail outlets has slowed lockdown period. Fantasy sports in April, found that about 56 per of underprivileged children who
underprivileged children Amazon’s profits, for instance, rose down. Other streaming and OTT apps are expected to see a spurt as cent children did not have smart- cannot access any form of education
who cannot access any by 40 per cent in the April-June quar- platforms have also got a boost glob- soon as the IPL is revived. The digi- phones. Apart from the devices, the right now. The fact is, unless the dig-
ter. Over the same period, Facebook’s ally and in this country. tal arena, thus, continues to thrive other issue was connectivity prob- ital divide is bridged, there will be a
form of education right profits spiked by an unreal 98 per This has altered the established at a time when the global Covid out- lems with the Internet. long-term, adverse impact on these
now. Unless the digital cent, while Apple recorded a 12 per
cent growth. Alphabet was relatively a
advertising-cum-subscription model,
with ad revenues dipping and sub-
break has threatened the very exis-
tence of traditional businesses.
The Kerala government has tried
to overcome this problem by offer-
young students. The prosperity of the
tech giants is growing owing to their
divide is bridged, there will laggard with three per cent profit, but scribers rapidly growing. Some A parallel occurrence to the growth ing classes on television. But this access to the Indian market.
revenue increased by 13 per cent. media reports say subscribers have of tech giants has been a widening of approach has a lacuna as there is It is thus entirely in the fitness of
be a long-term, adverse In contrast, the world economy is set risen by as much as 60 per cent ever the digital divide in this country. This no possibility of an interaction things that they join hands with
impact on these young to contract by as much as five per cent
during 2020. The divergence is
since the pandemic began.
The top player in the Indian mar-
has followed a shift to online educa-
tion after the schools closed down all
with the students.
With online education likely to
policymakers here to provide a con-
crete solution to the digital divide
students. The prosperity of because the consumption of online ket currently is the Disney-Hotstar over the country since the lockdown remain a reality for some more time, at this critical juncture.
content has risen exponentially while brand with an estimated eight mil- was imposed at the end of March. it is time to adopt innovative solu- The government needs to open a
the tech giants is growing the overall demand for other products lion subscribers followed by Amazon Children with access to devices like tions to ensure that millions of chil- dialogue with Big Tech companies
owing to their access to has fallen precipitously.
Amazon has benefited not just
Prime, SonyLiv, Netflix and Voot as
well as a host of others.
smartphones, tablets, computers or
even televisions, have been able to
dren do not lag behind their more
affluent peers. One way could be to
and try to solve this problem with
their help. Otherwise, the prolonged
the Indian market. from its Prime Video content but The other gainers in the digital utilise the new mode of teaching. copy the model of universal health- break in the educational process
also from the ease of online deliver- space are gaming apps which have Others, including the urban poor and care and adopt the slogan of univer- could have profound ramifications
ies at a time when buying from brick seen an enormous growth during the those in rural areas, have simply been sal smartphones for schoolchildren. for the youth of the country.
quick crossword su do ku calendar forecast

ACROSS AUGUST 6, 2020, THURSDAY SUNSET: THURSDAY 19:13 HRS
1 Fall asleep (3,3)
4 Job very easily done (8) 2 7 ■ Vikrami Samvat 2077 SUNRISE: FRIDAY 05:44 HRS
9 Mythical female warrior (6) ■ Shaka Samvat 1942
10 Ornamental wrist chain (8)
12 A pack animal (4)
13 Domineering (5)
6 1 8 4 ■ Shravan Shaka
■ Shravan Parvishte
15
22
Sunny Partly Cloudy Cloudy
CITY MAX
Rainy
MIN
Foggy
14 Bondsman (4)
■ Hijari 1441
17 An alternative choice (6,6)
20 Be the decisive factor (3,3,6) 4 7 6 5 9 2 ■ Krishna Paksha Tithi 3, up to 12:15 am
Chandigarh
New Delhi
35
36
29
29
23 Uppermost point (4) ■ Atiganda Yoga up to 5:21 am
24 Type of oar (5) Amritsar 35 28
25 Capital of Peru (4)
28 Biased (8) 7 4 8 9 ■ Shatbhisha Nakshatra up to 11:18 am
■ Moon in Aquarius sign

Bathinda 38 29
29 Annoy persistently (6) Jalandhar 36 29
30 Greed for gain (8)
31 Capital of Germany (6)
DOWN
6 5 3 7 YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION
Ludhiana
Bhiwani
36
36
29
29
1 Close call (4,4) 1 2 3 4 9 8 6 5 7
Hisar 37 29
2 Impasse (8)
3 Total failure (4) 1 2 6 4 8 6 4 5 7 3 9 2 1 Sirsa 38 30
5 Wholeheartedly (12) Dharamsala 29 19
7 9 5 6 1 2 4 3 8
6 An unsophisticated
provincial (4)
7 Fusillade (6) 7 5 1 3 2 8 9 5 7 8 6 1 3 4 2
Manali
Shimla
25
24
11
17
8 Approve formally (6) 6 4 8 3 2 5 7 1 9 Srinagar 33 19
11 Nationwide (5-2-5)
15 Up to the time of (5)
16 Light meal (5)
9 4 3 5 3 1 2 9 4 7 5 8 6 Jammu 34 26
Kargil 25 15
YESTERDAY ’ S SOLUTION 18 Everything considered (3,2,3) 2 8 6 7 3 4 1 9 5
Across: 1 Orbit, 4 On paper, 8 Gnu, 9 Tall story, 10 Albumen, 11 Excel, 13 Droopy, 15
Assume, 18 Order, 19 Guarded, 21 Hush money, 23 Tar, 24 Rapidly, 25 Title.
19 Politically motivated killer (8)
21 Destitute person (6) 6 9 4 7 1 2 5 9 8 6 3
Leh
Dehradun
31
33
19
24
22 Be of good heart (4,2)
Down: 1 On guard, 2 Blue blood, 3 Totem, 4 Oblong, 5 Possess, 6 Pro, 7 Royal, 12 Coup 26 Silvery white metal (4) 5 3 9 1 8 6 2 7 4 Mussoorie 25 18
d’etat, 14 Pyramid, 16 Endorse, 17 Agency, 18 Other, 20 As yet, 22 Sap. 27 Counterfeit (4) V EASY TEMPERATURE IN OC

All English Editorial 06.08.2020 PDF

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

All English Editorial 06.08.2020 PDF

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

���������������������

��� ��������� ���� ��� ������� ����� �� ������� �� �����

����� ��� ��������� ������ �����

�� ��� ������ �������� ��������� ����� �������� ��� �� ������

� �� ���� ���� ���������

��� ����� ����

��� ������ �� ������� ������ ��� ���������

�� � ��������� ��� ������ �������� ��������� ������ �� ����

����� ���������� �� ��� ������� �� ��� ������

����� ���� �� �������� �� ���� �� ���� �� ������� ��������

��� ������������ �� �������� ������ �

��������� ������ �� ����

����������� �� ��� ������ ��������������� ����� �� � ���������

�������������� ������������ ��������������

��������� ������� ������� �

����� ������ �� ��� ����������� �� �����

� �� ��� ��� ��� �

OUR VIEW MY VIEW | HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE

The sorry spectacle that Sushant

Those that are

Govt plans to exempt Hurd

economic with the truth

Steel Authority of India 14.18 10.82

the wrong impression.

I n a significant move that

large PSUs will not be required to

MA RTI N UZOC HU K WU U GWU

“preponderance of probabilities” that it was precede prosperity, almost as a precondition.

India’s inflation outlook isn’t as benign as it may seem

Coronavirus and the rising value

Satellite images have revealed new penguin colonies. ISTOCKPHOTO

The world has more penguins than we thought

S atellite images have revealed 11 previously unknown emperor penguin colonies

Our education policy may falter on ‘executive overload’

Volume XXIV Number 245

The race to zero

T OUTLOOK FOR SOLAR AND WIND

the moment: and emissions reduction, said.

The eye of the beholder Ms Dhar reveals that this essay is

The UN’s warning is timely. KARAN

Pakistan’s cartographic The first Republic was founded on the

absurdity ever, the Indian freedom movement was

Editor: KUNAL PRADHAN

Milestones since 2019

nullification of under Article 370 revoked in

A year on, normalcy yet to return

Mir Ehsan and Omar Abdullah: Former J&K chief

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Most residents

blunder for India: Imran SRINAGAR/KREERI: In the pictur-

The significance of the bhoomi pujan is being understated

The information pandemic

AN EPIPHANY counts in radio broadcasts, television bul-

Many attempts were made to disrupt the

Ayodhya, Amaravati, dation stone. No one questions if a Prime Minister or

A ugust 5 is certainly a historic day as the long-cher-

TIME TO END THE

Budding bureaucrat’s dates with disasters

T he government of India has determined to invest crores

Rama — integral across the

ALL EYES ON CBI IN

ONE FLEW OVER THE NEST schools in israel LETTERS

Maha milk muddle: Subsidies to bankrupt

Incorporating and directly descended

��

��

��

��

� ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��