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Prime Minister Lauds the efforts of India’s Space Scientists

News Intervention Bureau
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Prime Minister Lauds the efforts of India’s Space Scientists

Even as the Chandrayan 2 Mission lost its communication with the Control Centre at the ISRO headquarters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was witnessing the descent of the Chandrayan 2 along with the ISRO Scientists at Bengaluru said “India is proud of our scientists! They’ve given their best and have always made India proud. These are moments to be courageous, and courageous we will be!”

In a personalized effort to boost the morale of the scientists, Prime Minister said “The country is with you, I am with you. The effort was worth it and so was the journey “

“You are those people who work for Mother India’s victory and struggle for it and have a grit and determination to make her proud. “

“I could feel and sense your despondency and emotions last night. I was amongst you when the communication from the Vehicle was lost. There are several unanswered questions but I am sure you would find the answers. I know there was hard work behind.”

“We might have faced a small setback in our journey but this would not let down our zeal and enthusiasm to achieve our goals”

Our resolve strengthens now.

“The whole nation was awake last night in solidarity with our scientist sisters and brothers. We came very close to the surface of the moon and that effort is highly laudable. “

“We are proud of our space programme and scientists, their hard work and determination has ensured a better life not only for our citizens but also other nations. It is their outcome of their innovative zeal that several people got better quality of life including better health care and education.”

“India knows that there would be many more proud moments to rejoice.”

“When it comes to space programme the best is yet to come.”

“There are new frontiers to discover and new places to go. We will rise to the occasion and scale newer heights of success. “

“To our scientists I want to say, India is with you. True to your nature, you ventured into a place where no one had never gone before.”

 “You have gone as close as you could. I can proudly say the effort was worth it and so was the journey

Our team worked hard and travelled far, and those teachings will always remain with us”

“The learning from today will get us a stronger and better tomorrow”

“I thank the families of our space scientists. Their silent but valuable support remains a major strength in our effort.”

“Sisters and brothers, resilience and tenacity are centre to India’s ethos. In our glorious history we may have faced moments that could have crushed us but we never gave up. This is the reason our civilization stands tall.”

In our glorious history we may have faced moments that could have crushed us but we never gave up. This is the reason our civilization stands tall.”

 “We have made historical achievements. I know that ISRO also does not failures to let it down”

“There will be a new dawn and a better tomorrow. Without worrying about results we go ahead and that is our history.”

I have confidence in you. Your dreams are higher than mine. And I am fully confident on your hopes.

I am meeting you to get inspiration from you. You are a sea of inspiration and a living evidence of inspiration

I congratulate you all and wish you all the best in your endeavours.

Negative reviews fail to dent Saaho’s box office collections; Crosses 370 Cr

News Intervention Bureau
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Negative reviews fail to dent Saaho’s box office collections; Crosses 370 Cr

Despite widespread criticism, multilingual film Saaho continues to mint money at the box office. The film has currently crossed Rs. 350 crore worldwide. One of the major reasons for the film’s success is that is has been a trilingual release. It was shot simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

The Hindi version of Prabhas starrer has earned Rs 116.03 crore. Saaho makers UV Creations on Friday took to Twitter to share, “Setting Box Office on Fire #Saaho collects whopping 370 Cr+ gross & Counting in 7 days worldwide!” Taran Adarsh shared on Twitter, “#Saaho has an excellent Week 1… Is the fourth highest *Week 1* grosser of 2019… Fri 24.40 cr, Sat 25.20 cr, Sun 29.48 cr, Mon 14.20 cr, Tue 9.10 cr, Wed 6.90 cr, Thu 6.75 cr. Total: ₹ 116.03 cr Nett BOC. #India biz. #Hindi version.”

Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor are riding the high tide with their first project together. Celebrating the achievement Prabhas took to Instagram to thank fans. In the post, he stated, “This film is what it is because of the sheer appreciation and incredible response you all have given. Lots of love to you all!”

Though Saaho is enjoying a good earning, the film’s story has been criticized by many for being dull and to be fuelled only by action sequences. Critics have pointed out weak story and a confusing screenplay, making it exhausting to watch the film.

Meanwhile, Director Sujeeth, in his Instagram post, asked the audience to give Saaho a second chance.

He wrote, “Made my first short film when I was 17 years old. No money, No team but had lot of support from Orkut and family. I edited, shot and directed 90% of my short films. I learned from my mistakes and criticism was always like extra boost for my journey. Travelled very long way and faced many hurdles but never gave up. TODAY MANY PEOPLE saw SAAHO – some expected more from it, but many loved it! Thanks to all for watching the movie 🙂 Please watch it again if you missed anything. I am sure you’ll enjoy even more. #Saaho.

Remove restrictions, but strengthen security in Kashmir

Dr Simrit Kahlon
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Remove restrictions, but strengthen security in Kashmir

A month has gone by since the process of reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir was initiated in the Indian parliament and the legislation passed with a vast majority. Nothing has changed on ground since the decision is to be implemented on October 31, 2019. The matter, however, has elicited considerable reactions from various quarters at the local, national and international levels.

The prediction of widespread unrest in the state, especially in Kashmir Valley, has come to a naught. It seems that the people had anticipated that something of this sort would happen, revocation of Article 370 being an election promise of the ruling NDA dispensation. The people of Kashmir have a long term plan that revolves around getting financial and other benefits from the government instead of following the path of agitation. 

It is also quite obvious that the people are quite happy at the prospect of ridding themselves of the local leadership that is restricted to a few families of the Kashmir region. The space is now open for new leaders. They, however, will need to be honest, accountable and responsible if they wish to survive. The people are unlikely to repeat the mistakes of the past.  

New Delhi, on its part, is determined to weed out corruption from the state. The conduct of Panchayat and local bodies’ elections to ensure devolution of power at the grass roots and direct transfer of subsidies and aid to the beneficiaries are two major steps taken in this direction. Good governance will be the predominant buzz word in the “Naya (new) Jammu and Kashmir.”

At the national level, the decision created a frenzy, as was expected. Political parties, media houses, non-government organisations, intellectual circles fell over each other to get their voices heard. Quite clearly lots of “lobby fees” exchanged hands and, on this basis, positions and postures were adopted. The vituperative rhetoric against the move failed to break the resolve of the government, nor could it gain public support.

Now the inevitable “Kashmir fatigue” has set in. The so-called liberals have excused themselves from their pay masters with a “we tried our best” narrative. Political parties that depend on mindless opposition to survive are looking for other matters to hound the government with. For them, the “economic recession” narrative has come up as an apt alternative to keep their trade going and they have taken to it like fish takes to water. Kashmir stands relegated to the deep recesses of public memory.

The international community has, since long, decided to desist from wasting valuable diplomatic time and money on the flips flops that mark the Kashmir imbroglio. They were quick to term it as an “internal issue” and move on without getting engaged. Even US President Donald Trump has realised that he had created a problem for himself by offering to “mediate on the Kashmir issue” and has extricated himself from the mess.

The worst affected by the course of events is the political leadership of Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan is in a very difficult situation indeed. He has built his political career on anti-India, pro-Kashmir rhetoric and now holds his position only on the goodwill of the Pak Army, which in turn, owes its survival to the “K” issue. Imran Khan needs to do something fast but is terribly devoid of options. He has received no assistance from the international community except some good words from China; he is not in a position to influence Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get some concessions; he cannot get into open conflict against India due to financial and military wherewithal constraints. In frustration, Imran Khan is making wild statements ranging from threat of nuclear war to downright knee-bent requests to start a dialogue process. It seems that Imran Khan will be the only casualty in the script being played out in Kashmir.

It is time for the government of India to pragmatically reassess the situation and carry out policy corrections in wake of the developing circumstances. Security should continue to remain centre stage in the evolving policy; local terrorism needs to be contained and eradicated in the shortest period of time. Pakistani attempts to increase the threshold of terrorism by infiltrating trained cadre and warlike stores, especially rifles and ammunition, has to be nipped in the bud. Effective counter-terrorism operations in the hinterland and counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control, therefore, should be at the crux of the government’s policy.

Fortunately, the Indian Army is well poised and confident of playing out this role to the hilt. In a recent press conference, the General Officer Commanding at the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said that two Pakistani nationals have been captured and many more killed while attempting infiltration. This has come as a morale booster and has sent a clear message to Pakistan that it will not succeed in its nefarious designs.

With a tight grip on the terrorist activities the centre can look at easing the restrictions soonest. It is appreciated that the government wishes to showcase this changeover as having been conducted without a single casualty, but, this requirement also needs to be balanced with the negative fallout of the discomfort being faced by the people. The opening up of movement and landline facility has greatly eased the situation; it has also indicated that a surging disruption and agitation is not likely. Under the circumstances, confinement and checks, especially curbs on communication can be done away with since they are causing avoidable friction and abrasiveness. It may be better to open up, allow the few disruptive incidents that are inevitable to take place and get it over with. The leadership that is known to create dissension can be kept under detention.

It is very clear that the changed status in Jammu and Kashmir is there to stay and the same has been accepted by the people. The next step should be to ensure that it accrues to the people the peace and prosperity that they crave for. Only then will it be accepted as a good and positive move.

India Pavilion at 44th Toronto International Film Festival 2019 Inaugurated

News Intervention Bureau
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India Pavilion at 44th Toronto International Film Festival 2019 Inaugurated

High Commissioner of India to Canada Vikas Swarup recently inaugurated the India Pavilion at the 44th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2019. The Inauguration of India Pavilion at TIFF 2019 will provide a platform to showcase Indian Cinema in the overseas market and facilitate new business opportunities.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is participating at the ‘Toronto International Film Festival’ from 5-15 September 2019 in Toronto, Canada. The Indian Delegation includes Chaitanya Prasad, Additional Director General, Directorate of Film Festivals and Dhanpreet Kaur, Deputy Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

A key highlight of the inauguration related to the Golden Jubilee Edition of IFFI to be held in Goa later this year. IFFI 2019 poster and brochure were also released. Participants evinced keen interest regarding the various programming verticals, retrospectives, masterclasses, & in-conversation sessions in the Festival. A number of them expressed their keenness to come to Goa as Cine Appreciators & participants for the technical sessions to be held in IFFI.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Swarup said, “Indian movies have created new benchmark in film making globally. Every Film Festival today acknowledges the enormous potential of India’s soft Power. TIFF provides the ideal platform for the global outreach of the 50th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2019. Film-makers of the Global Film Fraternity have got an opportunity to understand the key elements of the Festival and the impact of the Indian Cinema on film making globally.”

Around 60 eminent personalities from the Film-making sector & Film Festivals, participated at the Inauguration Ceremony of the India Pavilion. Some of the eminent persons present included Geoff Macnaughton, Director of Industry, Toronto International Film Festival; Hannah Fisher, Senior International Program Consultant, Heartland Film Festival, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Roger Nair, CEO, Lionheart Production House;  Jana Wolff, Head – Marketing, European Film Market; Brittany Allan, Senior Coordinator – Industry, Toronto International Film Festival among others.

Discussions were held on a wide range of topics which included Participation in the Golden Jubilee edition of IFFI, 2019 including details regarding the nature of the programming during the Festival. A number of participants showed keen interest in understanding the policy framework on matters related to Co-production Agreements and Ease of Doing Business in the domain of Indian Media & Entertainment Industry. Stakeholders were also informed about the initiatives undertaken by the Government related to Single Window Clearance for filming in India. 

Sports and Religion: A New Challenge?

Annie Sugier
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Sports and Religion: A New Challenge?

Annie Sugier, president of the League of International Women’s Law, calls upon the Organizing Committee of the Paris Olympics 2024 to strictly apply the letter of Olympic Charter. She is ably supported by several eminent personalities and associations in her tribune to the “World”. 

The interference of religion in sports is undoubtedly a current issue that is embarrassing both for public authorities as well as for sports leaders. A revealing example: The actions of “civil disobedience” in a Grenoble public swimming pool by some fifteen burkini-clad women, claiming the right to swim there in ultra-modest bathing suits. This was formally forbidden by the bylaws.

Reacting to this situation, the environmental mayor of Grenoble calls on the President of the Republic to decide: “Does the government want public swimming pools to be, like schools, sanctuaries protected from religions, and thus with an attitude contrary to the present position of national institutions such as the Observatory of Laicity (secularism) and the Defender of Rights?”

Similarly, the reporters of the Parliamentary mission on “public services, faced with radicalization,” mention a proposal inspired by the French Law forbidding religious symbols in public schools: “…there might be therein a line of approach even if the possibilities for regulating religious behavior (even ostensible) seem limited in privatized sports structures (…)”.

The terms of the debate are thus set: On the one hand, an official vision of Laicity (a form of secularism with narrow vision), on the other, the promotion of an educational value of sport allowing more strict rules. 

Reasserting the boundaries of laicity (secularism), guides have been developed to help supervisors manage such conflicts. The UFOLEP (the first multi-sport federation in France) published “the C.O.D.E. of sport and laicity“, followed by the Ministry of Sports, with its “Laicity and religion in sports“.

Impotence dominates

From the start, the Ministry of Sports states: “The ambition of this guide is to demonstrate that the expression of religion and laicity (secularism) are not, in themselves, incompatible in the field of sports“. The UFOLEP is even more specific; it quotes Pierre Tournemire, an administrator of the Ligue de l’Enseignement (League of Education): “Our society is multicultural sustainably. Identity claims or religious practices must be legitimately expressed in the public space without constraint or suspicion, only on the conditions specified for public space”.

These guides propose a simple message: Laicity (secularism) applies only to professionals in the status of public officials. Where practicing religious people are concerned, their freedom to show their convictions and beliefs must be protected on the condition that public order is not affected. The authors immediately add that the idea of public order must be dealt with carefully, since “it might hide a potential discrimination for a religious purpose”. This caveat ignores the fact that the religious motivation itself masks sexist discrimination.

In short, there’s a serious lack of any political analysis of the societal functions of sport, and what dominates is impotence. Should we really accept that?

Nicolas Cadène, General Rapporteur of the above mentioned Observatory of Laicity in an intervention annexed to the Sports Ministry’s guide, reasserts the limits of Laicity (secularism), but proposes an interesting solution: “Here, in reality, it is not laicity (secularism) that is concerned.  Forbidding proselytism stems from the values of sport, recalled in particular in Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter as well as in Law 4 of the FIFA, concerning football”.

This view is consonant with the Belgian association, the Brussels Wallonie Panathlon, the armed branch of the Belgian Olympic Movement for ethics in sport. On the initiative of its President, Philippe Houssiaux, three symposia were organised with representatives of sports, religions and laicity (secularism), which resulted in the declaration: “Sport, the Spirit of Humanity” where primary element is the following: “Whereas each person engaging in sport possesses their own rich values and philosophies of life or of belonging, he/she accepts that once they cross the threshold or enter the sporting arena, they will agree, with no exceptions, to adopt and conform to the rules of sport in the widest sense, without promoting their philosophical convictions in an ostentatious or intolerant fashion, in any way whatsoever.”

With this same concern in mind, the League of Women’s International Rights, supported by over 100 organisations and more than 360 personalities, appealed to the Organising Committee of the 2024 Paris Games (COJO) demanding the application of the Olympic Charter and punishments for failures to comply.  Among the offenders are Iran and Saudi Arabia, both of which submit their women athletes to strict sexual apartheid (participation only in such disciplines judged to be “Quranic”, bodies covered from head to toe and “women only” sports). Because these Games are mirrors of our societies, Paris must be exemplary. Let us recall that over 50 metropolises in the world upheld our candidacy saying that: “Paris has the necessary assets and the will to give a new vigour to Olympic values”. If Paris refuses to apply the Olympic Charter to sex-based discrimination in the same way that it has in the past applied it to racial discrimination, then its inconsistency, far from being a protection against discrimination will become an egregious example of it. 

Also, sports must be governed by the same rule for all. Only thus will sports remain a space for learning the respect of the one Olympic rule.

The tribune was first published in French in the newspaper Le Monde. Given below is the link to the tribune and in it the first 380 signatories of the Paris 2024 petition

LeMonde.fr/idees/article

Noose tightens around ‘Kingpin’ Chidambaram

Prashant Patel Umrao
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Noose tightens around ‘Kingpin’ Chidambaram

The corruption cases involving senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, who is also a sitting member of the Rajya sabha and influential member of Congress Working Committee (CWC) have been in the limelight ever since CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and ED (Enforcement Directorate) officials arrested him from his residence on August 21 night. In a dramatic turn of events CBI officials had to scale the walls of Chidambaram’s Jor Bagh residence to arrest him as he made himself unavailable for the first 27 hours after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by Delhi High Court saying that the INX media case was a “classic case of money laundering” and the facts prima facie reveal that Chidambaram is the kingpin and the key conspirator in the case.

Chidambaram is facing charges of corruption in a 2007-08 case related to FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) approval for foreign funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore. CBI is probing corruption angle in the INX Media case and ED is investigating charges of money laundering.

Background

CBI in its probe found that there were irregularities in the grant of FIPB clearance of INX Media. INX Media was owned by media entrepreneurs Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani Mukerjea who are currently in a Mumbai jail for killing Sheena Bora, Indrani Mukerjea’s daughter from her ex-husband. In March 2007, INX Media had approached the finance ministry for issuing 14.98 lakh equity shares and 31.22 lakh convertible non-cumulative redeemable preference shares. Each share was to be priced at Rs 10 a piece and was to be owned by three non-resident investors under the FDI norms. The finance ministry approved the request in May 2007. Back then Chidambaram was the finance minister. This implied that INX Media was allowed to receive foreign fund of Rs 4.62 crore. But the company went on to receive foreign funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore from three Mauritius-based firms. INX Media also invested money in INX News which is another violation of the FIPB order. Thus this media group managed to flout the conditional FIPB approval and received foreign funds of Rs 305 crore against the approved inflow of Rs 4.62 crore. CBI probe reveals that the foreign firms bought each share for Rs 862.31 that was at a price more than 86 times of the face value.

His son, Karti Chidambaram, is also accused in this case as he is the founder director of Chess Management Services — the company which was engaged by INX Media to settle the matter amicably with finance ministry when income tax department, ED and financial intelligence unit raised questions and sought clarification from INX media.

Karti is said to have used his influences in his father’s ministry in 2008 to favour INX Media, and P Chidambaram was party to all this fraud. This has been backed by a statement from Indrani Mukerjea, who has turned approver in this matter on July 4 this year. Indrani Mukerjea has said it clearly that INX Media got a favourable deal after she had a meeting with P Chidambaram seeking FIPB clearance in 2008.

The Questions

In his defence, Chidambaram has said that FIPB decisions were taken by Finance Ministry officials and the FIPB. Now the question arises as to why the board members and ministry officials would have a soft corner for INX Media group without any motive. Were they bribed? Were they pressurised by the then finance minister P Chidambaram? Or Chidambaram simply connived with them? In either of the case, it points to culpability of the then finance minister Chidambaram.

CBI even called Sindhushree Khullar, former CEO Niti Aayog, to confront her with Chidambaram to cross check his claim. Khullar was additional secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs when Chidambaram was finance minister.

Definitely there are layers and layers of concealing and involvement of the then finance minister which cannot be denied outright. But Chidambaram and his son have accused government of running a vilification campaign against them to demonize and humiliate them. Karti called it a political witch hunt and went on to say that outrageous media leaks are the preferred tactics of Enforcement Directorate. P Chidambaram too has been evasive and non-cooperative in his replies during his questioning and has even objected to ED handing over the investigation material to the court in a sealed cover.

How were the anomalies detected

In January 2008, the financial intelligence unit of the finance ministry found an anomaly in money flow from three Mauritius-based firms into a media venture called INX Media. As it involved foreign funds, the Income Tax Department in Mumbai forwarded this case to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which began probing the flow of funds to see if money was laundered. The ED investigation pointed towards large scale corruption with involvement of powerful people. The ED then referred the matter to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which registered an FIR in INX Media case on May 15, 2017. Last year, ED too lodged a separate case of money laundering. Chidambaram has been booked under Sections 420 and 120B of IPC (Indian Penal Code) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. His son, Karti was also arrested by the CBI on Feb 28, 2018 for 12 days. Last year in May Chidambaram had moved to the courts seeking interim protection fearing arrest in the case, and had been enjoying interim protection against arrest for the past 13 to 15 months. The big point is that no common man enjoys such protection for so long. And still he cries vendetta politics.

Probe findings

In its probe against Chidambaram in money laundering case, ED found that financial intelligence unit has given specific inputs that former finance minister and his co-conspirators had accounts or valuable properties in Argentina, Austria, British Virgin Islands, France, Greece, Malaysia, Monaco, Philippines, Singapore, South  Africa, Spain and Sri Lanka. ED also told the Supreme Court that persons with “close” links to Chidambaram had set up a web of shell companies in India and abroad to launder money. The shell companies have been created so as to make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track the money trail. According to the ED, accounts of one of the shell companies has been closed and another account has been opened by a co-conspirator. All this to fool the agencies. Chidambaram and his co-conspirators have changed the share holding pattern of shell companies and have made changes in directors so as to distance himself and his family from the money already laundered and invested. ED claims that 17 benami foreign bank accounts have been found through which money is laundered.

The ED in its response to the apex court said that it has found, “Two individuals ….acted as agents of Chidambaram and interacted with the parties applying for FIPB approval including INX Media as well as collected the proceeds of crimes on behalf of/at the behest of petitioner- accused”. CBI sought Chidambaram’s custodial remand only after the triple test of flight risk, non-cooperation and tampering got satisfied. According to ED, Chidambaram and his co-conspirators not only tampered with the documents but also influenced the witnesses.

The father-son duo are also facing charges in another case of controversial FIPB clearance of Rs 3,500 crore which is related to Aircel-Maxis deal of 2006. Only the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs was empowered to clear it but P Chidambaram, one of the most powerful ministers in erstwhile UPA government Okayed it in his capacity as finance minister as his own son was party to it. The ED is also probing money laundering angle in the Aircel-Maxis deal.

With the ongoing probe by CBI and ED, it is sure that what has so far been seen is just the tip of iceberg. Much will be revealed in the upcoming days.

New Motor Vehicles Act provides for very strict penalties

Shivaji Sarkar
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New Motor Vehicles Act provides for very strict penalties

The new Motor Vehicles Act laws that came into effect from September 1, 2019 are draconian in nature, to say the least. The automobile industry is in the midst of a crisis, and the new law may be a severe deterrent to its progress. While, some provisions of the law like enhancement of compensation for road victims, protecting good samaritans, fixing responsibility of contractors and road safety boards are in public interest, but many other provisions are quite cumbersome. Why a fine of Rs 100 to Rs 500 has to be increased ten-fold? The rationale has neither been explained nor have the social conditions been taken into account.

The new law has peculiar provisions like penalizing guardians of juveniles and even putting them in jail, cancellation of registration and suspension of driving licence. These are not only superfluous but also against the basic concept of empowering citizens. These apart, it would mostly be used as coercive extortive tactics by the law-enforcement agencies. Instead of solving the problem, it adds to it.

Even today all over the country, millions of impounded vehicles are parked at every police station. These have become junks. Neither the owner is prepared to take these back nor can authorities dispose it off being case properties. These are tremendous wastage of wealth. The law has not respected the concept that a car is a private property and the state cannot on any ground except severe criminal culpability impound it. Moreover impounding of vehicles only compounds the problem. Unnecessary provisions need to be scrapped.

Then levying fines for over speeding have been increased to Rs 1000 to Rs 2000. It is too heavy. Most drivers are fined for driving 2 to 4 km above the 50 km limit. This should better be given up as in normal circumstances even a speed of 80 km is safe. It has not taken into account that modern vehicles zoom to 70/80 km even without pressing the accelerator. Rash driving is a different issue. It entails a fine of Rs 5000. But would that stop it? It has been observed that rash drivers often skip notice and not prosecuted. But a sober one crossing the limit by a km is penalized. Jumping a signal costs Rs 5000.

Another problem is with the insurance. As per law it is already a compulsion. The new provisions have not taken into account that insurance charges have been increased manifold. Higher the charges higher would be default. The rates must be affordable and the law must ensure it.

Overall, the basic tenet of the law is not adhered to while drafting and enacting this law. Mere inducing fear among people by imposition of severe penalties is not a solution. It does not reduce incidence of violation but empowers the enforcers to coerce and extort. The law is apparently a creation of such people.

While enacting this kind of law one forgets the adage that more stringent a law more is the corruption. The powerful are not subjected to law. They skip with their clout. Others skip it if they can grease the palms. But could any lawmaker tell the nation how many have the capacity to pay a fine of Rs 10,000 or more?

Entire effort seems to be revenue realization for an administration that is crying hoarse of its increasing expenses and shortfall in revenue. The practice is to extort the maximum from the common man even to his ruin. This is a prescription for disaster.  

The country forgets that one improper environmental dictum ushered by the National Green Tribunals of junking ten-year-old working vehicles is playing havoc. The NGT’s quixotic order has put a brake on car sales, new and old. Many had alleged that the NGT had issued such orders to boost car sales. It is also an example of NGT’s concern for the environment! It does not apparently know that manufacturing a new car is more polluting than the one in use. The US and the West encourages buying one-year old cars and pushes resale as a new car pollutes more and allows these to ply for 40 years. The resale industry is in jeopardy here. Since resale is difficult, new car sales are affected. The reduced demand is affecting the automobile sector. Sales have come down drastically by over 30 percent or more. The new MV Act would add to the problem.

The new law seems to create more problems than solving it. The law that was aimed at weeding out corruption and improving road safety is likely to do the contrary. The Yamuna-type expressways are badly designed where tyre bursts are common due to faulty grid-marks. The loops are also inappropriate. But instead of the road operator, drivers are being penalized.

Let the nation and the lawmakers rethink. It calls for immediate review of the law. Like the Delhi rent control act that was passed over decades ago in a jiffy, it needs reconsideration. The new law needs to be sent back to the standing committee for detailed review. It should also follow a public debate. The need is for a simpler law imposing more responsibility and least fear. Such laws should not be designed for revenue generation.

Statehood of J&K to be restored as soon as the situation warrants: Amit Shah

News Intervention Bureau
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Statehood of J&K to be restored as soon as the situation warrants: Amit Shah

Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah recently met three different groups of representatives from Jammu and Kashmir. Shah clarified that the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir would be restored as soon as the situation warrants, and asked the representatives to not believe any rumours.

This was his first meeting with the representatives of sarpanches from various districts of Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370. He also met representatives of fruit growers, agricultural markets and some members of local horticulture associations. He also met the representatives of the community of people displaced in the partition.

Shah informed the delegation of sarpanches that henceforth the provisions of the 73rd and 74th  Constitutional Amendment Acts would be applicable to Jammu and Kashmir and this would serve to empower local governance and panchayati Raj institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.

On the issue of mobile connectivity and restoration of communications, the Union Home minister said that the issue would be expedited and that a solution would be found as quickly as possible. Greeting the sarpanches, Shah hailed them as the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir and said that it would be their responsibility to ensure that the benefits of various government schemes would reach the correct beneficiaries and that an atmosphere of peace and prosperity is maintained. Shah promised to begin recruitment for various government jobs at the earliest and said that the government would ensure merit-based recruitment of at least five aspirants from each village.

The representatives of fruit growers expressed their concern regarding the possibility of unsold and wasted produce.  Shah reassured them by saying that the government is in touch with concerned agencies to resolve the issue. He noted that with the abrogation of Article 370, the benefits of various government schemes like PM Fasal Bima Yojana would reach all farmers of Jammu and Kashmir now.

He reassured the representatives that nobody’s land would be taken away and government land would be used for the establishment of industries, hospitals and educational institutions. This would not only create employment opportunities for the locals but also enhance tax revenues for the state, which in turn would be used for the welfare of the people.

Shah said that it was essential to change the atmosphere and bring the people of Jammu and Kashmir to mainstream. He promised to begin the process of Block level elections as quickly as possible. He told the representatives that your fight is against terrorism, as is ours, hence we should ensure an atmosphere of peace in Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.

Home Minister also met the representatives of the displaced people who had initially registered in various stages of India but later settled in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah assured them that they are being considered for inclusion in the scheme under which displaced families registered in Jammu and Kashmir are given financial assistance.

IAF inducts eight Apache multi-role combat helicopters

News Intervention Bureau
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IAF inducts eight Apache multi-role combat helicopters

Indian Air Force now has one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, AH-64E Apache. Eight US-made Apache stealth attack helicopters were inducted into the Indian Air Force on Tuesday, significantly boosting the force’s firepower capability at a time India faces complex security challenges including cross border terrorism.

The eight helicopters, manufactured by aerospace major Boeing, were part of a multi-billion dollar deal India struck with the US for 22 Apache AH-64E choppers nearly four years ago. The choppers are customised to suit IAF’s future requirements.

In a brief address after induction of the fleet, Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said procurement of choppers with latest technology was a “significant step” towards modernisation of the IAF.

“The Apache helicopters will enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF,” he said at this strategically located air-base, adding that the fleet will be deployed in India’s western region.

The Apaches also have a fully integrated digital cockpit which enhances its mission performance. It is uniquely suited for reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, and lethal attack across myriad environments without reconfiguration

In a statement, Boeing said India is the 16th nation to procure the Apache, and that it is receiving the most advanced variant, of the chopper.

“Boeing is committed to supporting the modernisation requirements of the Indian armed forces and maintaining them to be mission-ready,” said Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India.

“We are confident that the Apaches will be an indispensable asset to the Indian Air Force. We will continue our efforts to deliver advanced capabilities to India’s defence forces,” added Gupte.

The IAF chief said the Apache helicopters will replace the ageing Mi-35 fleet of the IAF and the last batch of the choppers will be delivered by March 2020.

The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters.

Additionally, the Defence Ministry in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army. This will be its first fleet of attack choppers.

Dharmendra Pradhan reaches out to steel trade unions, calls for collaborative efforts

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Dharmendra Pradhan reaches out to steel trade unions, calls for collaborative efforts

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum and Steel met trade union leaders of the steel sector on Tuesday to discuss an array of issues that included labour welfare, manpower succession planning, skill development, safety and wage revision, among several others. Pradhan stressed for the collaborative efforts of management and workmen towards achieving high performance while balancing workmen’s interests.

Union Minister Pradhan said that all payments made to permanent workmen as well as to the contract workmen must be done through digital means to ensure transparency. He further added that civic amenities at townships must match those of a smart city.  The minister also said that medical facilities being provided by SAIL will continue and will be modernized. He also added that enhancing cost efficiency and labour welfare are not mutually exclusive goals and will be pursued simultaneously. 

Trade union leaders thanked Pradhan and expressed their happiness at minister’s outreach efforts towards workmen. Last month Union Minister Pradhan had visited SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant and mines in Jharkhand and had interacted with the employees. Meeting witnessed exchange of positive and constructive dialogue towards strengthening participative culture in the steel industry.

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